Burton Grad — a pioneering figure in the computer software industry — died peacefully at his Westport home on June 3. He was 97.
Burt Grad, 1959.
In 1954, while working for General Electric, Burt was one of the original programmers for the first commercial computer, Univac 1. He helped write the first production and inventory control programs, and his work helped shape the future of business and academic computing.
During the 1960s he contributed to both scientific and application programming at IBM. He was a key member of the Unbundling Task Force in 1969, which led to the ascendancy of software applications.
Burt later served as a development director for various industries. He had initial responsibility for IBM’s influential CICS (Customer Information Control System), which remains in use today.
In 1978 Burt launched a consulting firm, where he continued to shape the software industry through strategic planning and valuation studies for software and services companies. He was a leader in industry organizations, particularly ADAPSO (later ITAA), where he played a vital role from the early 1970s.
In 2000 he co-founded the Software History Center, to preserve the history of the software computing industry he helped build. It later merged with the Computer History Museum.
Until his death, Burt edited articles on the software origins of the CAD/CAM industry for the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing.
Burt Grad, at work.
In addition, in his “late retirement” he spent 10 years as CFO for the life insurance and estate planning firm American Business, reporting to the CEO: his son Alan. (Alan notes that it was not always clear which one was the boss.)
Burt spent much of his childhood in Washington. He helped in the family dry cleaning business, until he went off to college at age 16.
Burt graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he met and married Pauline Mennen Sonenshine. They raised 5 children in Tarrytown, New York.
For 25 years Burt was a vocal and involved member of the community. He was integral in building affordable housing, and advocating for civil rights.
In 2001 Burt married Carol Anne Ances, at an outdoor ceremony in the Berkshires. They enjoyed the next 25 years in Westport, along with summers in the Berkshires and winters on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Burt Grad
In addition to storied career in the software industry, Burt had many wide-ranging hobbies. Tennis was foremost. He was an avid baseball fan, and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle daily.
He loved reading detective novels, modern world history, and political biographies. He followed domestic and international news closely, and held strong opinions about almost everything.
Burt is survived by his wife Carol Anne Ances; children Carol (Michael) Abedon, Andrew (Janet Singer) Grad, Alan (Ellen) Grad, Bryan (Debra) Grad and Elissa (Narayan Kaimal) Grad, and nearly 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Burt’s memory may be made to the Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043.
(In 2022, “06880” profiled Burt Grad. Click here to read that story, including his insights into computers then, today, and in the future.)
A bipartisan group of Westport town officials has urged Governor Ned Lamont to veto HB 5002.
The controversial omnibus housing bill would “pose real risks to both local governance and the broader state economy,” the 9 elected leaders say. Areas of concern range from parking and potential as-of-right conversion of all commercially zoned properties to residences, to a provision allowing courts to require municipalities to pay developers’ legal fees.
The signers — including Republican 1st Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, plus Board of Finance vice chair Michael Keller; Democratic 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin, Planning & Zoning chair Paul Lebowitz and vice chair Neil Cohn, and Board of Finance chair Lee Caney, plus non-partisan Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Wieser and deputy moderator Lauren Karpf — note that Westport has taken “meaningful, proactive steps to expand access to housing”; established an Affordable Housing Fund of over $1 million, and maintained a homeless shelter downtown.
HB 5002 was passed by both General Assembly houses. Lamont has not yet decided whether to sign or veto it, or allow it to pass into law without his signature.
It’s one of Staples High School’s newest — and best — traditions.
A couple of days before graduation, seniors visit the 5 elementary schools where they started their Westport education years ago.
Wearing caps and gowns, they greet “old” teachers (and classrooms). Youngsters watch reverently, and begin thinking of their own futures.
The photo below, from yesterday’s event at Saugatuck Elementary School, shows the many soon-to-be grads from Staples — plus 4 classmates who graduated the other day from Greens Farms Academy grads — along with SES mascot Saugy the Seal.
Several dozen other seniors headed back to Long Lots Elementary.
A couple of years from now though, returning students from that school will not recognize their alma mater.
Last night, the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a new 8-24 plan for construction of a new Long Lots. That was a major hurdle on the road to a modern, $100+ million building.
The process continues tonight, with meetings of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Education and Finance Committees (Tuesday, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively; both in Town Hall Room 201).
Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance meets to okay the project. Final approval could come Thursday (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) from the full RTM.
The new Long Lots Elementary School.
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A few hours after the looking-back elementary schools event, seniors gazed forward.
Staples Tuition Grants handed out $400,000 in scholarships, to 102 recipients. (Some are already in college, and have received previous grants.) They’re attending 71 schools.
Marcus Harper — father of Max Harper, a ’25 member who died in an accident last September — spoke about a new initiative: the Live Life to the Max Award. It helps students suffering from ADHD.
Galen Blumenthal — a 2008 recipient, and former Staples Player and Student Assembly member — described his journey from the University of Texas to his return to Westport, as a management consultant. He urged the recipients to never be afraid to ask for help, and to always give back.
He’s doing that himself. Galen just joined the Staples Tuition Grants board.
Some of the 2025 Staples Tuition Grants honorees. (Photo/Rebecca Mace)
The swimmer — the best in Staples High School history, and perhaps the state — just swam the 4th fastest time in the US for the 50 free (24.62), in the 17-18 age group.
That’d faster than the time posted by the current world record holder, Gretchen Walsh (now 22), when she competed in the event at that age.
Annam is also the only 18-and-under swimmer to compete in the women’s 50 meter freestyle final at the 2025 U.S. Championships. And: She earned a spot on the World Junior team, and will compete in Romania this summer.
But wait — there’s more!
Annam also co-chairs the Westport Youth Commission.
And she is secretary of Staples’ Teen Awareness Group.
It should be no surprise to anyone that she will swim for Stanford University this fall.
And go far beyond that, in life.
Annam Olasewere
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“John Proctor is the Villain” — produced by Westporter Eric Falkenstein, and co-produced by residents Ben Frimmer and Ari Benmosche — did not win a Tony on Sunday for Best New Play.
But our town was well represented on the Radio City Music Hall stage anyway.
Staples High School graduate Justin Paul and his writing partner (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) joined Marc Shaiman and Scott Witman to write the award show’s opening number (performed by host Cynthia Erivo). Click below to see:
Speaking of “John Proctor”: Westport resident and veteran TV journalist Anne Craig interviewed Ben Frimmer — the Staples High graduate/Coleytown Middle School theater teacher/director mentioned in the item above — about his involvement as a producer.
He too has a Justin Paul connection. Click below or below to learn more.
Speaking of plays: Staples Players’ recent presentation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was a powerful staging of the inspiring story drawn from the writings of the German teenager, who for nearly 2 years hid from Nazi with her family and others, in a small annex behind an Amsterdam warehouse wall.
It was, audiences agreed, a show that is important to be seen by young students — particularly in these times.
Fortunately, it was.
The high school drama troupe gave 3 special performances during school hours. The result: every Westport Public Schools 8th grader saw the show, for free.
Those youngsters also met Andy Sarkany. The 89-year-old Hungary native immigrated to the US. He earned master’s degrees in math and computer science, worked for McDonnell Douglas and IBM, and has spent the past decade speaking to students about his experiences during the Holocaust, livng under the brutal Soviet regime, and finding a home in this country.
Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen says that the Players’ show “brought real emotional depth to what students have been exploring in the Human Rights Unit.”
Janna Sirowich, Coleytown Middle School principal, adds, “It aligns perfectly with our curriculum. But more importantly it provides our students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on history, empathy, and resilience.”
Andy Sarkeny, on the “Anne Frank” set, talks with 8th graders. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Speaking of theater: Last night’s Westport Country Playhouse script in hand reading of “The Shark is Broken” offered a clever, behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Jaws.” The groundbreaking film is now 50 years old.
From left: Actors Ciaran Byrne, Patrick Halley, Seth Andrew Bridges, Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage director Faith Sandberg. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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An update on HB5002, the controversial omnibus housing bill passed by the state General Assembly last week:
Though it has been sent to Governor Lamont — and he was widely expected to sign it — he has not yet done so.
CT Mirror reports that after heated opposition to the bill this weekend, the governor may call a special session, for revisions. Click here for the full story.
Governor Lamont — shown here at the Westport Library — has not yet signed the housing bill. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Peonies look beautiful all the time.
But they’re especially lovely when tinged with raindrops, as in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image:
And finally … Sly Stone, who the New York Times calls an “influential, eccentric and preternaturally rhythmic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose run of hits in the late 1960s and early ’70s with his band the Family Stone could be dance anthems, political documents or both,” died yesterday in Los Angeles.
He was 82, and had battled lung disease and other health issues.
Sly & the Family Stone played 2 memorable concerts in Westport, a month apart.
On May 25, 1968 — a year after their debut “Dance to the Music” rocketed them to the top — they played at a “sock hop,” in the Staples High School gym.
On June 25 that same year, they were on stage at the Longshore Inn. I had finished 9th grade at Long Lots Junior High the week before. A couple of friends and I snuck into the ballroom (it wasn’t hard).
I’ve seen plenty of concerts since then. I’ve never been closer at one to a mega-star — or been to a show with more raw energy, power and life.
(From Broadway to Westport — and everywhere else — readers rely on “06880” for all the local news, features and music. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Mystic Bowie may not be as well known globally as Keith Richards and José Feliciano.
But — like those fellow Weston residents — his musical chops are very impressive.
And the story of how the reggae singer ended up living in, and loving, the quiet rural community is even more interesting than the Rolling Stones and “Feliz Navidad” artists’.
Mystic Bowie
Bowie performed as a child throughout the Caribbean. After college he moved to Florida, but quickly realized it was not for him. It was hotter and more humid than his native Jamaica; it lacked mountains, but had plenty of snakes and alligators.
He relocated to New York. Island Records got him an apartment on 91st Street and 1st Avenue. The city was not for him either. Traffic, horns and noise made it tough to sleep.
Bowie was dating a woman from Weston. She suggested he move there.
He fell in love with the town. To his surprise, it and nearby Westport were filled with musicians: Richards, Feliciano, Meat Loaf, Nile Rodgers.
And — even more surprising — Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth lived nearby.
Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, back in the day.
He’d first met the Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club stars as a 14-year-old, at the Nassau resort owned by Island Records’ founder Chris Blackwell.
Then, in 1992 — soon after moving to Weston — he was asked to perform at Tramps in New York. All he knew was that the house band loved reggae. He was given an address — 10 minutes away, on the Fairfield/Westport border — to meet 2 of the members.
To his astonishment, they were Frantz and Weymouth. They’d been to Jamaica, and had many reggae musician friends in common.
Bowie sang with them, as a guest. When Tom Tom Club singer Charles Pettigrew was diagnosed with cancer, he asked Bowie to take over.
They’ve been together ever since, as partners and friends.
Frantz and Weymouth have shown him “the utmost love and respect,” Bowie says. “They’re so authentic in their music, and open-minded. They brought me into something, and I’m very grateful for it.”
Click above for a 2010 Tom Tom Club “NPR Tiny Desk Concert,” with Mystic Bowie.
Weston “is very private,” Bowie says. “There’s all the space you need for tranquility, and to compose, write or paint.”
When he needs “a town,” he heads to Westport — sometimes by bike.
On June 27 he’ll head there again. So will hundreds of others.
That night, the Westport Library and DinkinEsh Presents host a reggae dance party. The headliner: Bowie’s Talking Dreads.
The cleverly named band — formed in 2015– reimagines classic Talking Heads songs, through roots reggae, ska and lovers rock. New wave classics like “Psycho Killer” and “Burning Down the House” are transformed into Caribbean bangers.
He’s played at the Levitt Pavilion, as well as 2 drive-in concerts at the Imperial Avenue parking lot during COVID (and, a couple of years later, at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center 100th anniversary).
But this will be Bowie’s first appearance at the nearby Library.
When it was being renovated, he and producer Rob Fraboni — also a Weston resident, who worked with Bob Dylan, the Band, Eric Clapton and the Stones, and who as vice president of Island Records oversaw the remastering of the entire Bob Marley catalog — hung out at what became Verso Studios.
“We brought Jamaican food and Caribbean vibes,” Bowie says. “So I’m personally invested in it.” It is now, he says proudly, “The world’s loudest library.”
Mystic Bowie, doing what he loves best.
Reggae may not seem like a genre associated with Weston or Westport. But, Bowie notes, “it’s a blessing to the world. I’ve traveled a lot. Wherever reggae is played, people dance and bop their heads.”
The lyrics are important too — especially now. Reggae is “spiritual, a fight against negativity. It makes you happy.”
Bowie’s high-energy shows are “exercises in disguise. You don’t even realize it.” Concert-goers should “come prepared to dance.”
Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner last night was — as always — a highlight of graduation week.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo and coaches presented plaques to one senior from each varsity sport. They were honored for their achievements beyond the field, court, track or pool. They were leaders in the classroom too, and the community.
Each answered one question about their academic interests, passions and hobbies. Those ranged from cancer research with fruit flies to ballroom dancing; from using a 3D printer to create prosthetic limbs, to gardening.
There are 40 varsity sports at Staples. Fall honorees were Sawyer Dalzell, Annabel Edwards, Tyla Ozgen, Perrin Root, Samantha Sandrew, Megan Sargent, Danielle Schwartz, Leo Skatoff, Aidan Stubbs, Grace Zhang and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.
Winter sports honorees were Sofia Alarcon-Frias, Alessandro Alderucci, Rhiya Anand, Will Boberski, Audrey Curtis, Josh Ginsburg, Alexandra Hackett, Ella Harrington, Alexis Krenzer, Cooper Paul, Katherine Phelps, Tyler Signorile, Adam Udell, Evan Wallitt and Ben Zwick.
Spring sports honorees were Mark Adipietro, Nina Bowens, Ben Cukier, Shreyas Gorre, Madeline Hendley, Nate Hordon, Sophia Novello, Rachel Pontoriero, Cameron Prior, Vivian Shamie, Ryan Tzou, Edward van der Merwe and Sadie Vincini.
Sarullo handed out other awards too. The athletic department’s top 2 honors — the Thomas DeHuff and Jinny Parker Awards — went to Jake Goldshore and Addison Coughlin, respectively.
Laddie Lawrence Foundation scholarships of $7,000 each were presented to Sam Rondon, Preston Sirok and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.
Nolan Francis won the Junior Leadership Award.
FCIAC Life Teammate Awards went to Brian Divino and Molly Whittle.
Prepzone founder Steve Divino and longtime trainer Corey Iamonico received Staples Athletics Appreciation Awards.
Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo, and trainer Corey Iamonico. (Photo/Michelle Garrity)
Speaking of sports: James Delorey sends this “love letter to Westport Little League”:
“On Saturday, the Westport Little League presented Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Awards in each of the league’s 4 divisions. What a beautiful day!
“Players nominate the teammate they believe exemplifies sportsmanship and effort to improve. The coaches say the kids ‘get it,’ and always seem to nominate players who, like Perrin, may not the star players but support their teammates and do their best to improve their game.
“Seven years ago this month — even before Perrin’s funeral had taken place — Westport Little League held a moving celebration of his life. They retired his Cubs #5 on the wall of Kowalsky Field, where he played his last game days before, and announced their intention to make sure players and their families remembered him and his spirit.
“Every year we hear from the Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award nominees, and the winners and their families, about how much this award means to them.
“Yesterday Perrin’s sisters Mireille and Elodie got to celebrate with some of the nominees and winners — including one who lives on our road and who never met Perrin — and hear how Perrin’s memory is now a meaningful part of their lives. Tears now as I write.
“Our family is so grateful to Westport Little League and to the players, coaches and families who join, give, volunteer, and do their best to build a community of good. Play ball!”
AA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Rivington Hall (holding plaque), with fellow AA Division nominees, Perrin’s father James, and sisters Mireille and Elodie Delorey. (Photo/Adam Hall)
Presentation to AAA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Benjamin Gionfriddo. (Photo/Brian Marcucio )
A Division nominees with Perrin’s friend, Staples High School junior Harrison Sydor. Finnegan McDuffie (not pictured) was the A Division winner. Other nominees were (from left) James Ettinger, Patrick Downing, Kyle McInerny and Colton Galati. Also not shown: Royal Anderson. (Photo/Brian Marcucio)
Majors Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Sam Katz. (Photo/Bill Ryan)
One of the founding members of the all-female Troop 139, just finishing her junior year at Staples, she had her Eagle Court of Honor yesterday.
Jordan’s parents are heavily involved in scouting. Katherine O’Brien served as Troop 139 scoutmaster for many years, while her father Andy O’Brien is scoutmaster of Troop 36 (where Jordan’s 2 brothers are also Scouts.)
Jordan O’Brien (center) and her family. (Hat tip and photo/Maggie Gomez)
Werner Liepolt says: “Respect your local snapping turtle” — especially during egg laying season. “She can easily snap off a finger, or a dog’s nosy nose.”
He “snapped” today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo on Green Acre Lane.
Lou Weinberg is chair of the Westport Community Gardens, and director of the Long Lots Preserve. He writes:
To the parents and teachers (and kids!) at Long Lots Elementary School, and to the rest of our fine community:
I believe it is time to move on, and build a new school at Long Lots without any further delay.
I am a recently retired, former public school teacher. I understand the value of education. I spent 2 decades promoting that philosophy to a couple of thousand students.
Lou Weinberg spent 2 decades in front of a classroom. Not long ago, he addressed the Westport Rotary Club.
I loved teaching, and I think I was pretty darned good at it. That’s what my students and most of their parents have told me. I’ve had a mutually positive relationship with the vast majority of kids I have shared a classroom with.
I worked in a school that had constant leaks, mold, and no air conditioning on the second floor, under a black tar flat roof.
Broken floor tiles were a constant issue. Bathroom sinks and urinals leaked. Concrete stairways outside the school were severely dilapidated. The list is a lot longer, but you get the picture.
I want you to hear this from me.
I firmly believe that a new school is severely needed at Long Lots. I know it should be done as expeditiously and as economically as possible.
I want the children in this town to have the best education, from the best teachers, that they possibly can. No doubt that is currently the case, and will be the case, for as long as there are schools in this district.
I am blown away by elementary school teachers, who serve many different bosses (including the little ones in the classroom) every single day, fielding hundreds of different requests, problems and issues, while preparing and delivering instruction on several different subjects, in several different ways. I know it helps exponentially to have the right environment in which to perfect their craft.
I completely understand the needs of students served by Stepping Stones too. I have had hundreds of students in my career with different and special needs, requiring differentiated instruction and a whole lot of love. Places like Stepping Stones are worth their weight in gold to the students they serve, their parents and ultimately, to the community they live in.
The original Long Lots Junior High School opened in the mid-1950s.
Of course I have advocated for preserving and protecting the Westport Community Gardens, the Long Lots Preserve, and the green open space adjacent to the school.
My advocacy has never been about opposing the creation of a new school. I believe that the school construction should have begun already, and that the process should have included consideration for the gardens and preserve.
Unfortunately, it did not.
This statement should not be taken to mean that I and the many people in town who support having a community garden, preserve and green open space are giving up on our request that an equitable site for a new garden be found.
I have the utmost confidence in Paul Leibowitz, and the rest of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s thoughtful and diligent work on this issue. They will render a decision, and we will all move forward.
I believe it is time to move on and build a new school at Long Lots without any further delay.
Thank you for reading this.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
Of course Pat Saviano knew last week’s Photo Challenge.
As she noted, it showed the “view from the bridge on South Sylvan, across from Saviano Lane.”
Susan Garment’s photo — of a lazy stream, a swan, lush fiolage and a pergola — looked like it was taken in a quiet part of Westport. (Click here to see.)
In fact, it’s near one of the busiest roads in town: Riverside Avenue. But it’s a local treasure, and plenty of readers knew exactly where it was.
Along with Pat Saviano (and Cheryl Saviano Petrone), they include Andrew Colabella, Seth Schachter, J. Scott Broder, Jonathan McClure, Pete Powell, Michael Calise, Marcia K. Falk, Peter Barlow, Robin Jaffee Frank, Rachel Halperin, Darcy Sledge and Brooks Sumberg.
Now on to this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
Members of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 know the importance of displaying the American flag.
And disposing of it properly.
That got a bit easier yesterday. Will Bernard donated a handcrafted US flag retirement drop box to the Riverside Avenue post. It’s part of his Scout Troop 39 Eagle Scout project.
The custom-built box offers a respectful way for anyone to retire worn and weathered US flags.
VFW Post 399 conducts ceremonial flag retirements throughout the year. Each flag is respectfully and properly disposed of, in accordance with the American Flag Code.
Will Bernard and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, with Will’s US flag retirement drop box.
Over 250 people honored 2 non-profits last week: Circle of Care and Project Morry.
The event was held by !mpaCT – a group of mostly Westport residents who raise money and awareness for local charities primarily focused on helping children.
!mpaCT was formed in 2017 by parents of children at TCS Preschool. They wanted their youngsters to learn empathy and the importance of volunteering,” says co-founder Eric Ritter.
Each year they select 1 or 2 charities, which receives 100% of the funds raised at a gala. That’s $100,000 to $200,000 each time.
Also raised: awareness. Attendees learn about each organization’s impact — and needs.
Circle of Care provides financial, emotional and practical support to children with cancer and their families. They have helped over 3,800 area families with programs like day-of-diagnosis care bags, dream room makeovers and non-medical financial assistance.
Project Morry empowers young children from under-resourced communities in the tri-state area through comprehensive academic enrichment and educational programs, summer learning, life-changing camp experiences, and one-on-one mentoring. Over 255 children have graduated from their programs.
Congratulations to the Rangers — Westport Little League Majors champions. They beat the Mets in the big title game.
From left: Kneeling: Blake Stuart, Cole Stanger, Christian Jo. Middle row: Akash Mattoo, John Conry, Jack Kingsley, Ashton Rubin, Justin Mastrocciolo, Cameron Gregory. Coaches: Kelly Stuart, Ken Stanger, James Kingsley, Scott Mastrocciolo.
Spotted at Sherwood Mill Pond, on the way to Compo Cove:
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
There must be a back story. If you know it, please click “Comments” below.
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Longtime Westporter Patricia Lewis died last Sunday at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. She was 88.
The Bridgeport native was married to Raymond H. Lewis for 50 years, before his death in 2008.
She had a long career in marketing, and enjoyed her time as a technical writer.
While raising her children and working, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University.
Patricia loved traveling, and cooking for her family.
Survivors include her son Vernon (Lynn) of Trumbull; daughter Lisa Setian (Steve) of Harwichport, Massachusetts; grandchildren Christopher, Cassidy, Taylor, Jeremy and Melany; great-grandchild Tyson, and daughter-in-law Leslie Fairbaugh. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Stephen and sister Barbara Money.
The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Tuesday (June 10, 10 a.m.). A funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Patricia Lewis
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is one of our best — and coolest — ever.
Photographer Lou Weinberg writes: “Pollination is awesome…and essential.
“This photo is of one of Connecticut’s native bees, taking time to clean its antenna while gathering pollen from, and pollinating, a Lupine flower.
“Bee antenna perform the critical sensory functions of touch, smell, taste, and even hearing. They also help with navigation, orientation, communication, detecting carbon dioxide, and building honeycomb. There are over 300 different species of native bees in Connecticut.
“The sharp spike on the flower, called the ‘keel,’ is exposed when the bee lands on the bottom petal of the flower. The keel houses both the male and female parts of the flower.
“You can tell this bee has been gathering for a while, because of the large yellow/gold pollen sacks on its back legs.”
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