Roundup: Assistant Attorney, Affordable Art, Career Coach

Posted on April 7, 2026 | Leave a comment

When Westport’s new assistant town attorney begins work in June, she won’t need a lesson in local government.

Candice Savin is a familiar face. From 2021-25, she was our 3rd selectwoman. Before that she served on the Board of Education, including 2 years as chair.

She will work with town attorney Ira Bloom and his colleagues at Berchem Moses. She succeeds Eileen Lavigne, who will retire on June 5.

Savin is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and earned a law degree at Duke University.

She has been a board member at The Conservative Synagogue and the Westport chapter of Hadassah. Since 2012, she has co-chaired the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.

Candice Savin

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“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.

Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — are on display Thursday, April 23 (4 to 7 p.m.), and Friday and Saturday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Burroughs says that by featuring smaller, original works across an array of styles and media, the show offers buyers affordable, local pieces.

Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.

Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.

This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.

The opening reception (April 23) features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin, playing on the Woman’s Club piano.

Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.

To see a PDF catalogue (including measurements, media and prices) before the show, email DorothyECurran@aol.com; put “Art Show Catalogue” in the header.

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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (April 9), for a session on “Computer Basics.”

It returns May 21, covering “Tips for Resume & Cover Letter,” and June 19 (Intro to Excel).

There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.

The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.

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Speaking of the Library: Staples Players’ first-ever collaboration with that institution — a staged reading of the whimsical, funny and poignant show “Almost, Maine” — drew a large crowd last night.

And because this was both Players and the Library — neither of whom do things halfway — it ended with a Q-and-A led by playwright John Cariani.

Playwright John Cariani (standing), Staples Players co-director David Roth, and the cast of “Almost, Maine.” (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Uni K Wax is opening its first Connecticut location in Playhouse Square tomorrow (Wednesday) — and “06880” readers can snag a deal.

The studio — with all-natural ingredients and “elevated hygiene practices, including individual wax warmers for every service” — offers 50% off their first wax, to anyone using the code 06880Blog.

Click here or follow on Instagram for information about services, opening offers, and memberships.

Wax treat.

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Jazz vocalist Alma Micic first came to Jazz at the Post as part of her guitarist husband Rale Micic’s ensemble. She rocked it.

This Thursday (April 9, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7), she returns — and shares the stage with him.

They’re joined by bassist Peter Slavov and drummer Jason Tiemann. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The life of Adé Van Duyn — the artist, educator and longtime Westporter who died in October at 98 –will be celebrated this Saturday (April 11, 11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International.

Adé Van Duyn.

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Tidal flats are ready to burst out with spring colors, in today’s brown-but-not-for-long “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Loretta Hallock)

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And finally … on this date in 1862, the Union Army defeated the Confederates  near Shiloh, Tennessee.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on donations from readers like you. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Corky Laing’s Cowbells Clang Here Saturday

Posted on April 7, 2026 | 1 comment

They may be the most famous cowbells in history.

Corky Laing’s clanging introduction to “Mississippi Queen” — Mountain’s biggest hit — still resonates, 56 years later.

The band — which included legendary musicians Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi — broke up in 1972. They reunited periodically over the years, for projects and tours.

Corky Laing (2nd from left), and the band.

Laing continued to play percussion. He’s recorded with Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), even Bo Diddley. (In fact, he got his start as a pre-teen, when the famed Ink Spots needed a drummer during a musicians’ strike.)

But he has never forgotten his Mountain days. This Saturday (April 11, 7 p.m.), “Mississippi Queen” — and other hits, including “Long Red” and “Nantucket Sleighride” — will ring out at the VFW.

Gary Shure’s 10$GrandBand offers a tribute to the band.

And Corky Laing himself will sit in, as a guest drummer.

Corky Laing (Photo copyright Joachim Jüttner)

It is far from his first time in Westport.

He lived here for a decade, from 1982 to ’92.

While here he invited Levon Helm, Felix Cavaliere, the Chambers Brothers and fellow Westporter Meat Loaf to play with him at the Levitt Pavilion. He jammed with bands at local clubs and bars.

He hung out often at the Compo Beach home of music executive Terry Coen, and his music-loving wife Gail.

Laing also befriended Harvey Skolnick, owner of the Liquor Locker. During the busy holidays Laing delivered wine for him, to customers like Paul Newman and Diana Ross.

The Liquor Locker. Corky Laing was a famous “employee.”

The other day, Laing recalled his years here with joy. He first came during a snowstorm, when the town was a “winter wonderland.”

He needed a check cashed. Skolnick did it, no questions asked. Laing thought this must be quite a town.

Not long after, he moved to Crescent Road.

This is nothing like Canada, where Laing grew up thinking he’d be a teacher. But playing with the Ink Spots — watching people looking up at “this little Jewish kid behind 4 beautiful Black guys, and smiling” — hooked him on performing.

He began playing loud — including timbales, which are now back in vogue, thanks to Bad Bunny — because he wanted to have a good time.

As for the cowbells to “Mississippi Queen”: that was just the way Laing counted the band in, when Mountain recorded it.

As engineers mixed the music, they decided to leave it — “for now.”

Meanwhile, Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies were recording next door. Laing had met him through the Montreal music scene, so he invited him to hear the tape.

Hendrix sat behind the board. At the end he just said, “Cool. Love the cowbell.”

The rest is history.

Corky Laing today, Mountain, Jimi Hendrix and an image of the era.

And the history continues Saturday.

The gig came about through Matt Zako, the local music promoter who has a mutual friend of Laing’s.

When Zako explained the venue, Laing was all in.

“Veterans are great guys,” he says. Back in his Mountain days, they worked in a VFW hall on Nantucket.

One of Westport’s best concert venues.

He’s excited to play with Shure, and the 10$Grand Band. “They sound great, and the set list is really good,” Laing says.

He no longer lives in Westport. But life continues to be good.

“Every day, I wake up. And every day, I play the drums,” Laing says.

On Saturday, he’ll do it again, back in his former town.

And with the most famous cowbells in music history.

Tickets are just $20. Click here to purchase.

FUN FACT: In 1969 — shortly after Mountain played at Woodstock — drummer N.D. Smart was replaced by Corky Laing. Three years earlier, Smart had replaced Chip Damiani as drummer for the Remains — the band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs — on their US tour with the Beatles.

(“06880” often covers Westport’s entertainment scene. And the town’s history — plus much, much more. If you like stories like this, please click here to support our work. Rock on!)

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Pic Of The Day #3274

Posted on April 6, 2026 | 1 comment

Ned Dimes Marina (Photo/John Maloney)

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Happy 75th Birthday, Lloyd Allen!

Posted on April 6, 2026 | 9 comments

You never know where a conversation with Lloyd Allen will go.

The other day I stopped in at Double L Market, to pick up their trademark box of fruit.

The longtime owner of the beloved Post Road East fruit stand-and-much-more was in an expansive mood. He had a strong case of spring fever — exactly what someone whose life revolves around the seasons should have.

Lloyd Allen, at Double L Market.

Lloyd talked nostalgically of his original farm stand, where Kings Highway North runs into the Post Road.

He told me that Paul Newman loved loved LOVED Double L’s honeydews.

Of course, Lloyd is much more than just a fruit and vegetable vendor. He is pursuing multiple avenues on stage and through the media. The Westport Library has been a great partner throughout, he said.

Lloyd has always felt close to the people of Westport. He thrives on the town’s vitality, energy and charm. To give back, he hopes to build a stage of giant iPhones — the theme of a play he’s written — on the side of Double L Market, so he can workshop scenes. (Michael Calise, his landlord, is okay with it, Lloyd said.)

Then he showed me early signs of spring: fiddlehead ferns, spring garlic
and early onions. (All are from the West Coast, alas.)

Double L bounty, spring 2021.

Today — April 6 — Lloyd turns 75. He is filled with gratitude for Gianna. They love each other’s company; they collaborate, and respect each other greatly.

Then Lloyd backtracked 40 years. He talked about how the seasonality of his early roadside stand gave him time with his kids, in their early years.

He might soon take a few days with Gianna, just the two of them, to get away and ponder next moves.

Lloyd still has a whole lot to get done.

But for now: Happy 75th birthday, Lloyd.

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And may the rains fall soft upon your fields.

We all love — and need — all that you offer all of us!

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“Then & Now”: #7

Posted on April 6, 2026 | 6 comments

Our drive down memory lane — specifically, past homes that have since passed into history — and a second drive by the houses that replaced them — continues this week.

“06880” photographer Dave Matlow has many photos in his archives. He’s been curious as to what’s taken their place. This week, he explores 4 more.

Rayfield Road, October 2004 …

… and March 2026.

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Salem Road, June 2019 …

… and March 2026.

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Pumpkin Hill, July 2010 …

… and March 2026.

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Meadowbrook Lane, April 2005 …

… and March 2026.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.)

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Roundup: Shoah Memorial, Quiet Library, Easter Service …

Posted on April 6, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Shoah Memorial — an inspiring sculpture honoring the bravery of 4 women in the face of Nazi horrors — comes to Fairfield University in July.

The Westport Library offers a companion program. They say:

“In an era of rising division, how do we transform the lessons of the past into a shield for the future? Join us for an exclusive first look at the Shoah Memorial, a landmark project coming to Fairfield that seeks to honor history while actively stemming the tide of hate. Discover how this local initiative aims to make a global impact.”

A special event — postponed from January by snow — is set for this Sunday (April 12, 2 p.m., Trefz Forum

It includes a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion featuring Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.

The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots” sculpture in Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.

Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.

Click here for more information on Sunday’s free Westport Library program.

Shoah Memorial

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Meanwhile, in other Westport Library news:

Anyone who was at VersoFest — or any other Trefz Forum concert — knows how loud the place gets.

But every once in a while, the volume is turned down.

This Saturday (April 11) is one of those days.

From 1 to 5 p.m., a traditional, tranquil atmosphere will be encouraged library-wide.

Residents can bring their current read, or borrow something new. Find a cozy corner, enjoy some wordless picture books in the Children’s Library, or participate in quiet, all-ages crafting at a build-your-own bookmark station.

The event is part of the Library’s We Read initiative.

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Back to the noisy Library: Supper & Soul returns May 2.

Vanessa Collier — an international touring blues artist — returns also. She played the second Supper & Soul, in in 2018.

The Supper & Soul series, presented by The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Library, returns this spring with Vanessa Collier, an international touring and multi-nominee for Best Blues Artist. Vanessa returns to Westport for an encore Supper & Soul show having played the second one back in 2018.

A $90 ticket to the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.

Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Blondinit, Capuli, Emmy Squared, Finalmente, Il Pastaficio, Massi Co, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Walrus Alley and Yuzo Sushi.

Concert-only tickets are available for $35.

Dinner is at 6 p.m. The show starts at 8. After the concert, a ticket is good for happy hour pricing on drinks at any participating restaurant.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

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Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service included 3 pastors.

All are new to town. It was the first sunrise service here for all 3.

Pastor Jinho Choi (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston), Rev. Sophie Beal (Greens Farms Congregational Church) and Rev. Dr. Steven Savides, (Saugatuck Congregational Church) led worship together.

Rick Benson carefully tended the fire. It was definitely not his first sunrise beach service.

From left: Rev. Sophie Beal, Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides, Pastor Jinho Choi.

 

Sunrise service (without the sun) …

… and the clergy, with the fire.

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Former Westporters Kent and Pegi Bernard died, following an automobile accident last May at their second home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Pegi died on impact. She was 73. Kent fought for 10 months before succumbing to his injuries on March 20. He was 75. They were married for 49 years.

Kent moved with his parents to Westport from New York when he was 9. A few years later he was accepted by Juilliard for opera. But allergies sent him on a different path: to Colgate University, and a career in law.

Pegi’s military family moved often. In Virginia, she pursued her equestrian dreams. She was jumping at near Olympic levels, but suffered an ankle injry.

She graduated from the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute in 1973, while also a student at LeMoyne College in New York.

It was less than 40 miles from (then all-male) Colgate. On a trip to LeMoyne, Kent met Pegi.

Kent graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1975. Pegi joined him after she graduated. They were married that August.

In 1980 they, and their young son Adam, moved to Kent’s hometown of Westport.

Kent joined the legal division of Pfizer Inc., and spent his career there. He retired as vice president and assistant general counsel in 2007.

The family was diehard New York Mets fans. Kent and Adam traveled to half the Major League Baseball stadiums.

When Adam began taking martial arts classes, Kent and Pegi joined. They became 3 of the highest ranking black belts in Connecticut.

After Kent retired from Pfizer he joined Fordham University School of Law as an adjunct professor. He spent a decade teaching and mentoring future leaders.

Kent and Pegi supported many charitable organizations. A scholarship at Fairfield College Preparatory School is in the family name, and Pegi was on the advisory board at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding.

They are survived by their son Adam, and a Norwegian forest cat named Bragi.

Kent and Pegi Bernard, with their son Adam.

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No, it’s was not lit up by a bright sun.

But the forsythia that bloomed over the weekend is a welcome sight.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from Compo Road South, is replicated all over town.

And there might be hope for that sunshine. The weather is expected to be good all week long, though temperatures will struggle to get out of the 40s.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … a toast to our Westport Library, which can be both quiet (item above) and loud (VersoFest): Shhhh … boom!

(It’s the start of another week … and that means plenty of “06880” stories, features, photos and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Kathleen Featherston: Parkinson’s Positivity And Joy

Posted on April 6, 2026 | 3 comments

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.

A red tulip is used as a symbol of hope and strength, for those living with the disease.

It is also the theme of a small book, with a big heart.

“The Little Parkinson’s Book of Positivity and Joy” was written by Westport Weston Family YMCA member Kathleen Featherston. It was featured on the Michael J. Fox Foundation website, and will be showcased next month at the World Parkinson’s Congress in Phoenix.

It describes her deeply personal, inspiring journey through life with Parkinson’s. It’s one not of despair, but resilience, grace, and a profound appreciation for life’s simplest blessings.

Kathleen Featherston, with her book.

Kathleen’s diagnosis in 2021 changed her life. But instead of retreating into fear and uncertainty, she made a choice to look up.

She laced up boxing gloves — literally — at the Westport Y. Their Parkinson’s program includes boxing, dance and speech classes.

Kathleen discovered that physical movement could be both medicine and metaphor. Each punch thrown, each round survived, was a declaration: “I am still here. I am still fighting. I am still full of joy.”

Kathleen Featherston fights against Parkinson’s.

From that spirit, her book was born. It is not a clinical guide or a sympathy card. Instead, it is “a companion — a tiny book full of enormous light, for anyone who needs a reminder that joy waits in the small moments.”

“The Little Parkinson’s Book of Positivity and Joy” can be purchased on Kathleen’s website, Amazon, The Post (1799 Post Road East) and CoCo & Company in Southport.

All proceeds go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Parkinson’s Body and Mind — a local non-profit that has partnered with the Westport Y’s Parkinson’s program.

The Y and Parkinson’s Body & Mind are teaming up once again for the Michael J. Fox Unity Walk in New York, April 25.

Contact the Y to join the walk, and raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. (Hat tip: Bob Levy)

(“06880” regularly highlights Westporters doing remarkable things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3273

Posted on April 5, 2026 | 1 comment

One view of Sherwood Mill Pond …  (Photo/Pam Docters)

… and another (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)

 

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Photo Challenge #588

Posted on April 5, 2026 | 6 comments

Back in the day, model trains ran on small tracks above the tables at Dunville’s.

It wasn’t random. The popular restaurant/bar sits a few yards from the Saugatuck train station.

Times change. Dunville’s is now Little Pub. The model trains are gone.

But a sign — “Beware of the Trains” — remains.

It sits above the kitchen door.

It seems — judging by the responses to last week’s Photo Challenge — to be little noticed. Only 3 readers — Richard Stein, Andrew Colabella and Dave Eason — knew the answer.

And many who do notice it may not appreciate why it’s there.

But Richard, Andrew and Dave are townies. IYKYK.

This week’s Photo Challenge may be tough too. But it sure is appropriate for spring.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Scott Smith)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Easter Joy …

Posted on April 5, 2026 | 2 comments

Gruel Britannia made sure that Easter was joyful, for families shopping at Homes with Hope’s food pantry.

The popular Cross Highway spot donated Cadbury Easter eggs — the best, as anyone who has had them knows — for clients.

“Scott and Karen are so generous,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden, referring to Gruel Britannia’s owners and operators.

“And the kids were so happy!”

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Meanwhile, early today, worshipers gathered at Compo Beach for the annual sunrise service.

The air was chilly. But they were warmed by the promise of the holiday, the fellowship of faith — and a fire.

(Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

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“Primary Trust” — the next Westport Country Playhouse production, about change, friendship, quiet courage and mai tais — opens April 14.

As always, the Playhouse has planned special several events. They include:

Taste of Tuesday (April 14, 6 p.m.): Season ticket holders enjoy snacks, beverages, and casual pre-show conversation.

PRIDE Night (April 16): A pre-show gathering for the LGBTQ+ community.

Opening Night (April 18): A post-show reception, open to all ticket holders.

Sunday Symposium (April 19, after the 3 p.m. matinee): Panel discussion and Q&A about community, isolation and behavioral health with artistic director Mark Shanahan, Rev. Richard Williams of Pivot Ministries, and a representative of Silver Hill Hospital.

Taste of Tuesday Wine Tasting (April 21): Pre-show sampling of wines from The Grapevine, with snacks.

Together at the Table (April 26, $15): Families and groups enjoy a communal pizza lunch and discussion of the play before the matinee show.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Are you ready for Mothers Day?

The Westport Book Shop is. They’re celebrating with a card, featuring artwork from their talented employees.

Just click here. Choose your donation amount, and who it’s from and to. They’ll do the rest.

Westport Book Shop Mothers Day card.

More news from the Westport Book Shop: Their Short Story Club meets April 22 (6 p.m.).

This month’s selections are by Irish authors:

  • “As Kingfishers Catch Fire” by Colum McCann
  • “Foster” by Claire Keegan
  • “The Piano Teacher’s Pupil” by William Trevor.

To register, call 203-349-5141 or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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Hey, at least yesterday morning was nice.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped this shot for our “Westport … Naturally” feature, on a long walk through Longshore.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

The week ahead looks up and down. The temperature will drop to 29 on Tuesday night, then rise to 66 by Friday.

Welcome to springtime in New England!

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And finally … happy Easter, to all who celebrate!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — weekdays, weekends and  holidays, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our efforts, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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