“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
MoCA\CT’s 250th anniversary exhibit, “Looking for History,” is thought-provoking, masterful — and kind of stressful.
The Newtown Turnpike museum chose 3 accomplished artists for the show: Michael Borders, Ellen Harvey and Rick Shaefer. (Should it matter that Harvey is British, and Shaefer grew up in Europe?) Borders’ exhibit arrives August 13.
According to the website, the exhibit “challenges the traditional American narrative. Rather than a purely celebratory look at the American past, this show is a striking reflection on memory, loss, and community identity.”
I agree: It’s more striking than celebratory.
Rick Shaefer at MoCA\CT, with one of his works. (Photo/Hanyue Wang)
It’s also an interesting exercise in opposing dialogues about toxic nostalgia.
According to Harvey, “nostalgia can be flattened and used to manipulate people.” The happy memories of a privileged few is harmful when propagandized to a larger society.
In Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” exhibit, over 300 of her vintage postcard-like paintings are pieced together like a quilt. Each pays homage to someone’s favorite place that no longer exists.
These are not simply happy recollections. They are deliberate antidotes to toxic nostalgia.
Harvey believes that “nostalgia belongs to everyone,” and everyone deserves a special memory of their own.
While she embraces the positivity of nostalgia, Shaefer’s adjoining exhibit, “Colossi,” forces us to confront the toxic underbelly.
With political overtones, frenzied lines and sly wit, “Colossi” is thrilling in its scope and detail. The brutalist images mix cultures, temporalities, historic tropes and deities.
“The New Colossus” depicts a group of white older men (using likenesses of titans Walt Disney, Robert Moses and Albert Speer) consulting specs for an enormous wall amid a mass of construction equipment, airplanes, and swirling … angels?
Rick Shaefer’s “The New Colossus.”
MoCA\CT executive director Robin Jaffee Frank says, “So you’ve got to ask yourself: What’s the purpose of the wall? Who are we walling in? Who are we walling out?” It seems the answer to the latter is everybody but white men.
Alongside Shaefer’s canvas monuments to industry and power are massive drawings of refugees, seething with urgency and trepidation. These desperate and doomed figures will certainly be denied entrance to the titan’s wall. and the privileged narrative within.
Yes, it was fun locating Harvey’s Westport paintings: The Remarkable Book Shop, Cedar Brook Café, Bloodroot and Allen’s Clam House. I got a kick out of someone pointing out Shaefer’s own image in one of his works.
But I’m a fun seeker. And that’s not always the point.
Ellen Harvey’s “Remarkable Book Shop.”
(Robin Moyer Chung covers culture for “06880.” If you enjoy her work — or anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Compo will never be as crowded as it is for the fireworks.
But don’t count out today.
Between the actual July 4th holiday and the heat, Westport’s flagship beach will see plenty of action.
By 8:30 this morning, South Beach — the area with grills and tables — was already nearly full.
(Photo/Karen Como)
Remember: Unlike the fireworks, there is no reserving spots. You can’t put your stuff down on a picnic table, then head home for a few hours and expect it to be yours when you return.
Play fair! Think of others! It says “No Reserving Tables” right there ON the tables!
Meanwhile, today’s temperature is expected to be a little better than yesterday, with a high of “only” 94.
Tomorrow, it drops to 84.
And on Monday — are you sitting down? — the high is forecast to be just a frigid 79.
Just in time for America’s birthday, the Westport Library’s Verso Studios has produced a song tribute: “Hey Hey Hey Happy 250th Birthday USA.”
The uplifting, non-political tune’s lyrics, music and vibe were all created by Verso Studios advisory board member Les Dinkin. He worked with studio producer Travis Bell to polish the song, through dozens of iterations.
They used Verso’s free media resources, including AI toolkits. Click here to listen.
The cover of the Library’s semiquincentennial record.
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Pete Ratkiewich’s long tenure as Public Works director was supposed to end yesterday.
But the job is 24/7/365. In his final hours, he had to deal with an important issue: Both transfer station compactors went down, with electrical problems.
That could have been disastrous. The July 4 holiday weekend brings major trash.
The situation was so dire, one refuse company emailed its customers that because the town could not work on repairs until Monday — and did not know how long it would take — that the company would not pick up trash on Monday, and would adjust its schedule accordingly.
No worries!
At 6:55 a.m. today, Ratkiewich emailed “06880”: “We did have to close early yesterday. We were able to get one compactor working again by the end of the day, so we will be open again on Monday.”
That’s one more reason to thank you for your service, Pete. Thanks too to everyone at Public Works.
Now everyone can go back to celebrating America’s birthday.
And making trash. (Hat tip: Seth Schachter)
Back in action! (Photo/David Meth)
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It’s bad enough that FIFA has stripped stadiums of the names of all corporations that are not official World Cup sponsors.
MetLife is (through the finals there July 19) “New York New Jersey Stadium.” Levi’s is “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.” Gillette is “Boston Stadium” — though it’s 30 miles from Foxboro.
But that pales in comparison to the new sign on the old Carvel.
But this season, the Staples Football Wall of Fame welcomes new members.
The Gridiron Club is seeking nominations for the prestigious honor. The deadline is July 31. The ceremony takes place September 10, at halftime of the home opener against Westhill.
To be considered, players must have graduated at least 10 years ago. Areas of distinction include on-field excellence, post-high school athletic achievement, program impact and legacy, current program involvement, and character and integrity.
Coaches, staff or community members who significantly impacted the Wreckers’ success and culture can also be nominated.
To make nominations, or for more information, email Gridiron Club board member Doug Pardon: DP@brigadecapital.com.
And finally … there are so many patriotic songs we could pick from.
This — from Phil Ochs — is one of my favorites.
And its words are as insightful and important as they were 60 years ago.
(America draws its strength from its people. “06880” relies on our readers. If you value local media, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Sure, it’s America’s birthday. But our online art gallery is open.
And there are plenty of patriotic-themed works. Before your barbecues and other festivities, feel free to wander through and enjoy.
We invite you to join us as artists, too. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Westport in July” — oil on linen (Cindy Wagner; on view at Westport Library; Available for purchase — click here)
“Went to Melissa & Doug’s PAL Fireworks” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Ondee” — signed/numbered serigraph, 22×17, ornately framed 38×32 (Erte — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Flamingos From a Different Perspective?” (Mike Hibbard)
“Scold” (Lawrence Weisman)
“The Many Faces of Our Laila” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
The Clubhouse has been Westport’s go-to spot, for many World Cup matches.
For something different for today’s Argentina-Cape Verde game (Friday, 6 p.m.), consider a watch party in Stamford — hosted by Congressman Jim Himes.
The Round of 32 event is at Third Place by Half Full Brewery. Fans of both teams — and the USA — are welcome. So are all Democrats, Republicans, independents — and everyone else.
What do freedom, faith, hope and responsibility mean, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary?
Weston’s Norfield Congregational Church invites everyone to participate in a 4-week sermon series exploring those questions.
“A New Birth of Freedom: America at 250 — Beautiful. Broken. Beloved. Becoming” begins this Sunday (July 5, 10 a.m.). Through scripture, reflection and honest conversation, the series examines how people of faith can engage the nation’s milestone with gratitude, humility, courage and hope.
Senior minister Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilson says, “This is not a partisan series. It is a Gospel series. We are not gathering around a flag, but around Christ’s table. Our goal is to explore what faithful citizenship and Christian hope look like in a complex and changing world.”
The series will be complemented by special musical offerings from American composers and hymn writers. For more information, click here.
Also in the spirit of our semiquincentennial: The Westport Garden Club invites the community to a free “American Spirit 250” event.
The patriotic exhibition — a gift to the the town — showcases the talents of club members through horticulture and floral design, and educational displays.
The National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show is set for the Westport Library on July 11 (noon to 5 p.m.) and July 12 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The Westport Garden Club began celebrating America 250 in April, placing floral displays placed town. They’ll continue the effort on patriotic dates through the rest of the year.
Westport Garden Club members Louise Demakis, Janet Wolgast and Joanne Heller.
As always, the Parks & Recreation Department did a spectacular job — not just with last night’s fireworks, but the cleanup that followed too.
Working through the night, after 10,000 guests left, they made sure that Compo Beach was pristine for the holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, the dozens of very important port-a-potties were trucked away. They too will be cleaned, and ready for whatever comes next.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
PS: More props to Parks & Rec, for keeping the bathrooms by the lifeguard shack open. In years past, they were inexplicably closed during the biggest night of the year.
Local artist Tammy Winser is this month’s Westport Book Shop artist exhibitor.
Her whimsical “So They Say” collection combines acrylic and collage, celebrating animals with human expressions and personalities. Winser’s thought-provoking works capture the humor and absurdity of everyday life.
An artist reception is set for July 16 (6 p.m.). The exhibit will be open during business hours throughout July, with all work available for purchase.
Meanwhile, the Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets July 22 (6 p.m.).
This month’s discussion focuses on stories by American writers, about conversations:
“Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut,” by J.D. Salinger
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” by Raymond Carver
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank,” by Nathan Englander
Space is limited. To register, call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Tammy Winser
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The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is seeking candidates to fill the District 7 vacancy created by the death of Jack Klinge.
No political party affiliation is required. as Westport’s RTM is a nonpartisan legislative body. Interested District 7 representatives can submit a resume and brief statement of intent to town clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton (jdunkerton@westportct.gov) by July 20.
On the one hand, Staples Players’ summer productions had an advantage: Young actors could concentrate on their show without the distractions of school.
On the other hand, directors David Roth and Kerry Long had much less time to pull everything — acting, choreography, staging, sets, costumes, music — together.
The results were (of course) off-the-charts smashes.
Previous Players’ “nutshells” — highlight reels, compiled lovingly by former Staple High media teacher Jim Honeycutt, who taped all the shows — featured “Les Misérables” and “Rent.
This week it’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” from the summer of 2011. Click here or below to see.
In the 15 years since the show, many of the actors have gone on to careers in entertainment. Among them:
Johnny Shea(Jesus) is a New York based actor. He has appeared in “Spring Awakening” and “Peter Pan” and more, at Goodspeed, Shakespeare Theater Chicago, Portland Stage Company and others.
Clay Singer (Judas) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).
Max Samuels(Pilate, Thaddeus) is a stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”
Audrey Twitchell (Annas) has appeared in many commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006 she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.” She lives and works in New York City.
Charlie Greenwald (Priest 3, Nathaniel, Tribe, Guard) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the Academy Award-winning film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” (2018).
Matthew Van Gessel (Matthew) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
Michelle Pauker (Mary Magdalene, Tribe) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On July 5, her band Back to the Garden 1969 will perform at the Levitt Pavilion.
If it’s (almost) the beginning of July, it’s time for … taxes.
Most Westporters received their new real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes, plus any sanitary sewer use and assessment charges, yesterday. They’ll be available online too, beginning tomorrow (Wednesday).
First quarter payments are due July 1. Fortunately, we’ve got until August 3 to pay them, without penalty. Late fees are 1.5% per month.
Payments may be made by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at www.westportct.gov. The tax collector’s PO box has been closed, but checks made payable to “Town of Westport” can be mailed to Tax Collector, Room 109, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Payment can also be made in person (Town Hall Room 109), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Speaking of the beginning of July: Westport’s annual fireworks display is Thursday (July 2).
Just a few tickets remain for the town’s biggest and best bash of the year.
The pyrotechnics begin just after 9 p.m., at Compo Beach. But hours earlier, residents begin partying — eating, playing, strolling, meeting friends and strangers. They keep going all night long.
The event is sponsored by longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department.
This year they promise new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
You need a ticket to park at the beach. Thanks to the Bernsteins, every purchase includes a “FlowArt Guided Art Pad” — custom-designed for Westport.
Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships serving thousands of youngsters. The few remaining tickets are available at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (24 hours a day) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Speaking of the fireworks … Seen on social media, and posted without comment:
“Looking for someone to set up a group of beach chairs early in the morning this Thursday July 2nd at Compo. Please DM me if you are interested or have a college kid home for the summer who would be! Thank you.”
As a heat wave settles in, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday an hour earlier than usual (9 a.m.), and close promptly an hour earlier too (1 p.m.). Vendors who can set up by 9 will do so. Some may arrive later.
Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, in the cooler morning hours.
The heat wave will send droves of Westporters onto (hopefully cooler) Long Island Sound.
Here’s an important reminder from Michelle Larson. She went boating yesterday, and writes: “We picked up at least a dozen Mylar balloons between Compo and Peck’s Ledge. Most are Father’s Day, Graduation Day and a few red and blue stars.
“Might be a good reminder on tying tight and disposing of properly. Or better yet: Just don’t buy balloons!”
Reagan Larson, age 9, with her bounty of balloons.
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As The Inn at Longshore and La Plage restaurant get set to reopen (soon!), they’re looking to fill positions, of all kinds.
A job fair will be held on-site today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday), from noon to 6 p.m.
Questions? Email mryan@innatlongshore.com.
Putting the finishing touches on The Inn at Longshore.
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“Bernstein’s Wall” — Westport filmmaker Doug Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa’s documentary about Leonard Bernstein — earned rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival, then at its theatrical premieres in New York and Los Angeles.
Now — finally — it will be screened locally.
The one-night-only event is July 9 (7 p.m., SHU Community Theatre, Fairfield).
Extra special highlight: Tirola and Bernstein’s daughter Jamie will take part in a post-show talkback, moderated by longtime film critic (and Westporter) Susan Granger.
“Bernstein’s Wall” traces the composer/conductor’s lifelong struggle to create social change and bring people together through his work.
While towering over the worlds of classical music, Broadway, television and culture, he advocated for progressive political change. He lent his name to numerous causes and groups, at great personal risk.
The film captures the sweeping arc of Bernstein’s life, sharing his private thoughts about America, politics, race, family, media, sex and religion. Click here to purchase tickets.(Hat tips: Fred Cantor and Caroline Owens)
Nina Bentley — the very creative, always whimsical Westport artist — is featured all month in a Senior Center art show. The title is “I Do, Or Maybe Not.”
Thirty pieces of art — some including her trademark typewriter — are on display during operating hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The other day, Michael Chait snapped this intriguing view of the downtown Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
No, the town has not put the iconic span up for sponsorship.
That’s just a (very long) truck crossing the bridge.
Although, come to think of it, maybe a corporate sponsor for that other bridge over the Saugatuck River could fund its renovation, without surrendering to the state …
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There is always something special to see at Sherwood Mill Pond.
Judith Katz captured extra-special light the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … David Clayton-Thomas, “a homeless Toronto runaway who learned guitar in prison and went on to become the lead singer of the gritty, blues-inspired band Blood, Sweat & Tears,” died Wednesday in Toronto. He was 84.
A few more days remain in Westport’s Patriotic Home Décor Contest. The community celebration honors America’s 250th anniversary.
The idea is to decorate your home in red, white and blue — flags, bunting, lights, flowers, window displays, lawn décor, or any other creative expression of patriotic pride.
The contest is open to all Westport residents. Displays should be completed by July 5.
The winner receives a parking pass for the 2027 Westport PAL Fireworks — our 251st anniversary — including reserved VIP parking.
For more information and to submit an entry, click here.
We’re not sure if this house on Bradley Street at Compo Road South is part of the Patriotic Home Décor Contest. If it’s not, it should be. (Photo/Ed Simek)
Meanwhile, VFW Post 399 hosted a “Westport 250” picnic yesterday.
They — and American Legion Post 63 — welcomed 100-plus veterans, their families and community members to a “Spirit of America” celebration.
Celebrating at the VFW (from left): Buyile Rani, VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, Frank Veno and Patty Kondub,
.“America’s 250th Birthday reminds us of the sacrifices made throughout our nation’s history and the importance of the freedoms we enjoy today,” says VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado.
“Together, we and all our volunteers proudly honored America’s past while looking forward to its future.”
Thanks to both great groups, for kicking America’s birthday week off in style.
The Kondub family was out in force yesterday. Nancy Kondub Harris and her brother John Kondub greeted guests — and Patty Kondub took their photo.
Speaking of the Levitt: Last night was extra special.
Wynton Marsalis brought his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the riverside theater. He’s the latest in a 50-plus-years list of stars to entertain here, under the — well, stars.
One view of the Lincoln Center Orchestra … (Photo/Susan Garment)
We wondered if the town could get rid of at least some of the irrelevant, superfluous, outdated and/or idiotic ones that seem to be everywhere.
One reader noted that some signs — the ones that say “Construction Ahead” (even when there is none) — are the responsibility of the state. He provided a couple of helpful contacts there: Sal.Hussein@ct.gov and Elona.Coppola@ct.gov.
He also sent his own “favorite” sign, from Easton Road near the Merritt Parkway:
No, you’re not missing anything. That’s what it looks like.
The state Department of Transportation told the reader it would be taken care of — 2 years ago.
He’s still waiting.
FUN FACT: This stands at about the same spot where, for many years, a sign gave the distance to “Upper Stepney.”
No one here could figure out why, of all the places to travel to, that was singled out.
Part of the puzzlement also came because very few people had any idea where it is. (Part of Monroe, thank you.)
We wondered too: Was there a sign in Upper Stepney, noting the distance to Westport?
First Folk Sunday — the 1st-Sunday-of-the-month afternoon folk series — begins its 4th season this week (July 5, 12:30 p.m. Saugatuck Rowing Club).
The Hot Club of Black Rock is the headliner, paying homage to legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt. The group specializes in jazz manouche (gypsy jazz) and “hot swing,” popularized in 1920s and ’30s Paris.
Suzanne Sheridan will be back for all shows, starting August 2. The Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu at each show.
Speaking of singing: A Cappella Central — the summer singing camp for students entering grades 3 to 12 — has just signed another star instructor.
Broadway performer Mia Gentile — a 2007 Staples High School graduate — returns home this summer.
From August 17 to 22 she’ll lead a masterclass, offer individual and group feedback, and host a Q-and-A.
The “Kinky Boots” star will also take the sage alongside campers in the final concert (and perform solo selections of her own). The Westport community is invited to the show.
Mia was recently seen on the Metropolitan Opera House stage with Sting and Shaggy in Sting’s musical “The Last Ship.”
Also teaching a masterclass: former Staples choral director Luke Rosenberg. Other teachers include Gedalia Penner-Robinson of The Community Synagogue, Sara Hoefer (Fairfield Ludlowe High School) and Will Mandelbaum (Wilton High).
The camp is run by Danielle Merlis — a Staples graduate, performer, film composer and founder of The Cello Camp — and Robert Kwan, an organist, pianist, choir director, piano instructor, and former Staples accompanist.
For the 2nd year in a row, a pair of barn swallows made a nest at Tricia Summers’ home, above her security camera.
Four babies have now hatched. The parents take good care of them. They have learned that the humans coming and going past the door (including Amazon delivery people) are harmless.
Tricia sends along this photo — an intriguing candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … the upcoming Levitt Pavilion concert featuring Early Clover (item above) sent us down a YouTube rabbit hole. Here’s what we found:
(What’s going on? Just the usual: 24/7/365 coverage of everything Westport, on “06880.” We hope what’s also going on is our readers clicking here, to support our work. Thanks — see you at the Levitt!)
If there’s one thing that unites Westporters today, it’s the past.
From this blog’s “Friday Flashback” and “Then & Now” teardown features, to comments from readers, we think of our town in terms of landmarks that no longer exist.
Relative newcomers do it too. In just the past couple of days, I’ve heard folks lament the loss of Saugatuck Sweets and Carvel. (No one mentioned Savvy Smoker. Go figure.)
(Photo/Jennifer Izzo)
This summer, MoCA\CT examines the past.
And Westporters are invited to play a key, fun — and very interactive — role.
Inspired by the new exhibit “Looking for History,” featuring Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” — with themes of memory, loss and place — a special program on July 16 will look at our own history.
Harvey created 4 new paintings, based on local submissions: The Remarkable Book Shop, Cedar Brook Café, Bloodroot and Allen’s Clam House. They’ll serve as starting points for a broader community dialogue.
The Remarkable Book Shop
On July 16 (at MoCA\CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike), “06880” founder Dan Woog will chat with Harvey, and Westport preservationist Ed Gerber. We’ll talk about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places. It’s called “The CORA Foundation Community Conversation with Ellen Harvey + Dan Woog.”
And we’ll include your favorites. Or the ones you miss the most.
We want you to submit your choices in any or all of 4 categories:
Gone Too Soon
Place You Thought Would Last Forever
What a Cool Hangout!
Just One More Bite.
Email your choices (and, if you’d like, a story to go with them) to 06880blog@gmail.com.
At the end of the evening the audience will vote, to crown one favorite missed location.
Yesterday, Westport celebrated the annual Great Duck Race.
The Sunrise Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser drew its usual big crowd to Jesup Green.
The weather was not great. But it was perfect for ducks — the actual ones, if not the thousands of plastic guys who poured down a Westport Fire Department chute, then bobbed along to the finish line.
The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, for Sunrise Rotary’s charitable projects.
(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
jUNe Day visitors get in on the fun. (Photo courtesy of James Delorey)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie (lower left, with microphone) narrates the Great Duck Race. (Photo/Joel Treisman)
One of hundreds of ducks. Who knows how he did? (Photo courtesy of James Delorey)
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Also yesterday (as noted above): For the 61st year in a row, Westport welcomed United Nations personnel to Westport.
A welcoming jUNe Day ceremony on Jesup Green was followed by a soccer match; tennis and golf at Longshore; visits to Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm; the sidewalk sale, and of course the Westport Rotary Club Great Duck Race.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie and United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut president Bill Hass (below) greeted the guests.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie and United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut’s Bill Hass. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A reminder: Kick off the 4th of July/fireworks week — and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a party today (Sunday) at VFW Post 399.
Together with American Legion Post 63, they’re throwing a picnic from noon to 4 p.m.
There’s (of course) burgers and dogs, music, community spirt — and it’s a chance to support our veterans.
Happy birthday, America! And thanks, VFW and American Legion!
Want to learn more about Westport beaches’ current and future conditions, upcoming regulatory requirements, and an engineering firm’s beach resiliency planning studies?
The Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public forum on July 13 (6:30 p.m., Zoom). Compo, Old Mill, Burying Hill and Canal Beaches are all part of the plan.
Speaking of beaches: Westporter Doug Bowen caught this 40-inch striped bass (below) the other day.
Unfortunately, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection requires all striped bass be thrown back if smaller than 28 inches — or larger than 31.
So there was no fresh catch dinner at the Bowens’ But there was a great fish tale to tell.
MoCA\CT’s new exhibit, “Looking for History,” opened Thursday to a large, appreciative crowd.
Artists Rick Shaefer and Ellen Harvey — whose works launched the exhibition — spoke with guests about the themes of the show.
On view through November 15, 2026, “Looking for History” invites visitors to move between distinct yet interconnected perspectives.
Rick Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist is featured through August 2, followed by Michael Borders’ Connecticut Industry (August 13 toNovember 15).
Throughout the run MoCA\CT will host community conversations, studio visits, film screenings and hands-on workshops.
Enjoying the MoCA exhibit. (Photo/Hanyue Wang for MoCA\CT).
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Speaking of history: Nearly 50 local artists will help the Weston Commission for the Arts celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Their exhibit is on view at the Weston Library from July 3 through 31.
A reception is set for July 8 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
Meanwhile, artist Cindy Wagner offers 2 free classes next month: July 11 (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.), children 8 and older can learn still life drawing.
On July 18 (10 a.m. to noon) Wagner leads an adult still life calss.
As the curtain gets ready to rise July 14 on “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” Westporters may see a life-size, die-cut Hercule Poirot figure around town.
Recently, Christie’s legendary detective visited the Westport Rotary Club’s Sunny the Duck:
Poirot was also spotted downtown:
Channeling Dame Christie, he was especially excited to see the Union Jack outside Stephen Kempson London. Of course, he had to pop in to say hello to the custom tailor:
The other day, the Vartuli|Jabick Team of Keller Williams Luxury
Westport hosted “Where Art Meets Connection,” at Clarendon Fine Art.
But the evening was about more than networking over artwork.
The event helped support Real Food CT. The non-profit connects
farms with food pantries throughout Connecticut, helping provide
fresh, locally grown food to families experiencing food insecurity.
Positive Directions — the Westport non-profit focused on mental health, substance prevention and peer support — is searching for a Building Resilient Youth and Communities program coordinator.
The full-time position is part of a 5-year project that aims to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use among Westport youth.
Positive Directions is also hiring a part-time youth peer advocate. The position (for someone ages 16 to 24) is for someone to serve as a role model and advocate, providing peer education and awareness.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Margaret Watt: mwatt@positivedirections.org. Questions can be addressed to that email address too.
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Laurie Sorensen offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story:
“This mourning dove perched on our stone wall Friday afternoon. I’m not sure why. It stayed there for a few hours, then flew away at sundown.”
And finally … on this date in 1838, Victoria was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days is the 2nd longest in history. Queen Elizabeth II served 7 years longer.
(We probably won’t be around as long as Queen Victoria. Or Queen Elizabeth II. But we’re here now — and we have been, every day since 2009. To help keep up going, please click here. Thank you!)
Our last online art gallery before America’s actual 250th birthday — next Saturday is July 4th! — begins with a red-white-and-blue celebration from internationally known 3D pop artist Charles Fazzino.
His original signed and numbered work is available at Westport River Gallery, at Riverside Avenue and Post Road West.
But there’s plenty of other work too, including local scenes by local artists.
All are — as always — welcome. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“250th” (Charles Fazzino — Available for purchase; click here)
“My Papa, Franco” (Bill Fellah)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Leslie, and Her Mom Annie on a Portugal Street Corner” (Eric Bosch)
“Old Bikes, New Stories” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Pretty in Pink” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)
“Big Pine Tree at Longshore” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)
“Reflective Chaos” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“A New Galaxy” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Roses Are Red, and Violets Are Violet!” — pen and watercolor crayon (Steve Stein)
Shazam (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Waiting for a Bus” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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Poirot was also spotted downtown:
