Every week is different, here in our online art gallery. Nature — and nature-ish — works highlight this one.
Remember: This is your feature. 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.
“Gracious Grace Salmon” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Under the Sea” — encaustic wax small series (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Below the Surface” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
“Early Morning on the Grand Jette” — oil on linen, 24×30 (Joanne Leaman — Available for purchase; click here)
“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” — analog collage (Amy Schneider)
Photographer Mike Hibbard asks, “Does this country believe in strength, freedom, and independence for everyone? Is this land for all of you and me?”
“Clownin’ Around” (Martin Ripchick)
“Help — Is it a Flower or a Weed?” (Steve Stein)
“Beating the Heat” (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!)
On Wednesday, our Roundup reported that a couple of days earlier, a Westporter had found a large, heavy sign at Schlaet’s Point. It honored a dog, and had apparently been placed on Cockenoe Island. The man who found it figured it floated away during last weekend’s storm.
He hauled it to the benches near where Soundview Drive meets Hillspoint and South Compo Roads. He hoped someone connected to the sign would see the “06880” item.
Someone did!
Yesterday, the Bell family wrote, “To the reader who found Ollie’s sign: From the bottom of our hearts, our utmost gratitude for spotting and then dragging our memorial to the top of the beach.
“Oliver enjoyed all things Westport and for the sign to float from Cockenoe to Compo Beach, another favorite Ollie place, is nothing short of a miracle. If it wasn’t for ‘06880,’ we would have never known!
“When we picked our memorial up last evening, we stood in awe at the stones – even a purple gemstone – that were perfectly placed on top in his honor.
So to those who read Ollie’s’ memorial and placed stones – purple and plain – on top, and to the ‘06880’ reader who gave it a second home, Oliver’s story of life in Westport truly has a perfect epilogue. He couldn’t have lived in a better place.”
That’s the whole idea of this blog: to bring our community together, in ways both planned and serendipitous.
To our readers and neighbors: Keep doing good things, no matter how small.
Your deeds can ripple far and wide. Even beyond Cockenoe Island.
Westport’s newest outdoor artwork is already drawing attention — and praise.
“The Couple” was installed this week at Riverside Park. It was donated to the town by longtime Westporter, arts patron and philanthropistSusan Malloy, who died in 2015, at 91. Sculptor William King died the same year, at 90.
For 10 years, “The Couple” lived at Earthplace. Malloy’s family, and the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, felt it would be more visible and accessible on Riverside Avenue.
Malloy’s granddaughter Meredith, son Timon, and niece Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler made the conservation and relocation of the sculpture possible. The Parks & Recreation Department helped with the installation.
Sheffer said, “I love the idea of weddings in front of ‘The Couple.'” A public dedication of the sculpture will take place in October.
If you have an inefficient — but still working — dehumidifier, Eversource will recycle it, at no cost. Plus, you’ll get $30 bck.
The date is tomorrow (Saturday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Home Depot, 90 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull). Click here to register.(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
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Last night’s free Levitt Pavilion concert, featuring Borboletta’s tribute to Santana, has been rescheduled to September 17. Click here for details.
The rest of the weekend lineup remains the same (and sounds like fun):
Tonight (Friday, August 21): The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (7 p.m.; tickets)
Saturday, August 22: Frank Mastrone & Friends (7:30 p.m.; free)
Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).
Speaking of music: Sure, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition is 3 months away.
But — as the name says — it’s an international event. So the Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut wants you to know about it now.
Plus, this year marks the 50th annual showcase of virtuosity, artistry and musical expression.
Three exceptional pianists from across the globe have been chosen to compete. The winner receives $20,000, and a solo recital engagement. Second and third prizes are $10,000 and $5,00o respectively.
This year’s finalists are Matthew Figel, Juhee Lim, Daria Podorozhnova. They hail from the US, South Korea and Russia, respectively.
And finally … on this date in 1959, President Eisenhower signed an executive order proclaiming Hawaii the 50th state.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Wherever you are — here, Hawaii, or any other spot — if you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
“Young Shoots” may be the most underrated contest name we’ve ever heard.
The annual Westport Farmers’ Market event offers ribbons, prestige — and cash prizes — for images taken there, by young photographers in 3 age groups (5-9 years old, 10-14 and 15-18).
So: They’re young shooters, shooting (among other things) produce with shoots.
Yesterday’s weekly market honored the winners of the 14th annual contest. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are below.
A new prize — the “06880 Honor Award” — was given. Rising 1st grader Ziggy White earned the inaugural honor. “06880” founder and executive editor said his shot — which also won first prize in the 5-9-year-old division — “captured the essence of the Westport Farmers’ Market. It shows its appeal to all ages, along with the wonders, colors and joy” that draw hundreds of people to the Imperial Avenue parking lot every year.
Also cited: Juliana Rosenoer. This is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. One of her photos showed a WFM vendor hefting a pair of cucumbers, like weights.
(Photo/Juliana Roseoer)
Yesterday’s ceremony was overseen by Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall, and contest organizers Anne Burmeister and Miggs Burroughs. Badass Bagels — a regular WFM presence — provided treats.
(“06880” reports regularly on the environment, arts, young people — and, like today, their intersections. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).
Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.
Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)
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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).
Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.
Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.
Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.
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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).
The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.
The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.
The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.
The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .
Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.
They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.
So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.
The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.
Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.
The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.
The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.
On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.
The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.
Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.
A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Improper use of markers: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
(Photo/John Karrel)
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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):
(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!)
Sarah Lyle is a rising junior at Staples High School. The Troop 139 member is working on her Eagle Scout project.
It may be one of the most important in Westport Scout history.
Collaborating with Westport EMS — where she is an emergency medical responder — Sarah is cataloguing the location of every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in town.
You’ve seen them at Winslow Park, Compo Beach, schools and athletic fields. AEDs help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, when minutes matter.
With the help of volunteers, Sarah will visit known AED locations, take photos, and add them to a digital map.
Tatiana will personally manage the funds, and work with trusted friends and contacts in Colombia to purchase and distribute supplies where they are needed most. ‘
A small part of the devastation from the Colombia earthquake.
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Westporters know how talented our neighbor Kelli O’Hara is.
But how about her daughter, Charlotte Naughton?
The 12-year-old Bedford Middle School student joined her Grammy-winning Broadway actor mother at an outdoor festival this weekend in Kingston, New York that brought the audience to tears.
Other featured performers included Audra McDonald, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Anthony Rapp.
Click here or below, for Kelli and Charlotte’s stunning “Both Sides Now” duet.
Of course, Charlotte has great genes. Her grandfather is James Naughton, the Tony Award-winning actor. Her father Greg Naughton leads the Sweet Remains. And her brother Owen is a noted Staples High School musician. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
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Speaking of entertainers: Grammy-nominated country/soul singer Maggie Rose’s new record, “Half Moon,” is out.
It’s got 2 Westport connections.
Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Judd Fuller plays bass. And it was produced by Daniel Tashian. The son of Staples grads Barry and Holly Tashian (he fronted the Remains, then played with the Flying Burrito Brothers and Emmy Lou Harris; Barry and Holly later performed as a bluegrass duo).
The recent “06880” story about dogs on Westport athletic fields — they’re not allowed, in case you missed it — got an “06880” reader thinking about a similar prohibition on Cockenoe Island.
However, judging by the state of a sign on the town-owned isle a mile off Compo Beach, plenty of visitors may not even know.
Fortunately, other signs — warning about bird nesting areas — are in much better shape.
What better way to start the “Westport … Naturally” week than with this photo of an Eastern giant swallowtail.
Our superb nature photographer — and local expert on all creatures that fly, leap, run and creep — says it is the largest butterfly species in North America.
And finally … on this date in 1969, Woodstock came to a close. Among the most memorable performances:
Jimi Hendrix played his iconic “Star-Spangled Banner” on the final morning, August 18.
(Woodstock is just a memory. But “06880” is here — live and in person — every day, since 2009. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, and our musical detours, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The “No Dogs on Sports Fields” signs around town are often ignored.
But $77 fines might start getting some owners’ attention.
The Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Animal Control advise the public that they’ll stringently enforce the ordinance in the weeks ahead.
As Parks & Rec staff prepare the fields for the school year, they’ve found what one town official calls “an incredible amount of dog poop.” It’s especially bad at Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School.
Animal control officer Peter Reid explains: “People can walk dogs on the walkways, but must have verbal or physical control of the dogs. I’ve seen quite a few dogs that stay right at their owner’s side, and those are fine.
“Specifically at Wakeman, people can walk dogs along the perimeter, but the dogs should be leashed. We can’t have dogs romping on the fields anymore, given the large percentage of owners that are not picking up after themselves.”
“And the outfield at the baseball field is part of a playing field. Some walkers were treating that like part of the perimeter.”
We’ve been blessed with several days of spectacular weather.
Yesterday was another perfect day at the beach.
Just another August Saturday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Thirsty visitors enjoyed dirty sodas. The non-alcoholic beverages are made by adding flavored syrups, fruit purees, cream or half-and-half, and a fruit garnish.
Three girls — Madeline, Olivia and Zoey — have created a business called (of course) Cherry on Top. They drew a great crowd (including lifeguards, who got freebies).
The girls …
Cherry on Top will be back the weekend of August 29.
… and their menu. (Photos/Jessica Eno)
That was not the only vendor yesterday. These young entrepreneurs sold ice pops (and did not care if you had no cash):
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Meanwhile, on South Beach, there was this wedding (or reception — hard to tell, since we were not invited):
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
The couple rolled the dice — weather-wise — for this one, and won.
Let’s hope the rest of their marriage sails as smoothly, too.
Over near the cannons, Staples High School’s Classes of 1969 through ’74 gathered for a day-long reunion.
It was a chance to hang with old friends — and meet new ones. Everyone may not have been at school together, but when you’re in your late-60s to mid-70s, you’re all basically the same age.
And hey — those are the same numbers as the graduation years themselves.
Freaky!
Looking good, more than 55 yeas later! (Photo/Susan Garment)
Finally, not far away, these gulls gathered.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
They were either chatting, waiting to pounce the moment a bit of food was left ungarded.
Or they were imitating the chairs that humans plop down every year, saving space for the Independence Day fireworks.
Next weekend (August 22-23, 1 to 6 p.m.), you can see a wide variety of his images — up close, personal, and much larger than on a screen. The venue is his 11 Riverside Avenue studio, near the Post Road West corner.
The show will feature new works, ready to hang. His style includes photographs that resemble paintings, and photographic wall clocks.
Guest photographer David Stone, also a Westport resident, will contribute recent works.
It’s celebrated every August 16, to commemorate the anniversary of the first vertical loop roller coaster patent (issued to Edwin Prescott in 1898 — but you knew that, right?
As we do nearly every week, we again welcome new artists to our online gallery.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or first-timer — and whether you’re an accomplished artist or one just starting out: We want you.
This is your feature. 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.
“Free the Foot Bridge!” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
“For Mom, Great pond, Falmouth, MA” — oil on canvas, 24 x 36 (Cathy Kim Walker)
“Serene Takeoff” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Woodside Avenue” (John Maloney)
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
“Floral Forest” — acrylic pouring with fine point illustrator accent pen (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Cupcakes — Baked and Crocheted” (Rebecca Stein Richards)
Untitled — collage, white/black pen (Toby Michaels — Available for purchase; click here)
“Brinna” — silverpoint on prepared linen, 10 x 8 (Werner Liepolt)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Path to our vacation cottage: Be on the lookout for Alligators and rabies infected Monkeys. Even worse, we are in a dead zone – no TV or cellphones!”
“Osprey Soaring Over Compo” — watercolor and pencil (Steve Stein)
“Server” (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!)
As families prepare for the school year, Westport’s Department of Human Services sees an increased need for assistance from local families.
And an urgent need for community donations to ensure that every child begins the school year with the supplies and resources they need to succeed.
Human Services seeks donations of new school supplies, backpacks, Walmart gift cards, and monetary contributions to support local children and families.
Needed items include new notebooks, folders, binders, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, markers, glue sticks, scissors, highlighters, calculators and other classroom supplies.
Gift cards may be dropped off at Human Services in Town Hall.
Monetary donations may be made by check payable to Westport Human Services (110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880). or online (select “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program”).
Human Services also seeks financial support for its Afterschool Program, for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. It is a safe, supportive environment where children receive homework assistance, participate in enriching activities, build friendships, and develop important social and emotional skills.
Elaine Daignault, Human Services director, says, “Our residents have always demonstrated extraordinary compassion and generosity. Every backpack, gift card, school supply and financial contribution helps ease the burden on families and gives children the tools they need for a successful school year.”
(Both the Back-to-School and Afterschool Programs are 100% funded by community donations and contributions. To donate or learn more click here, call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov
Every student needs a backpack.
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Speaking of children: The Westport Public Schools and Westport Weston Family YMCA are coordinating before- and after-school care for children in grades K-5.
The program offers STEM exploration, art, outdoor play, social-emotional learning, homework help and more. Flexible scheduling (2 to 5 days per week) is available.
Students in the Westport and Weston school districts are eligible for the after-school program (3 to 6 p.m.). The 7:30 to 9 a.m. before-school sessions are for Westport only. Transportation to and from schools is included.
MoCA\CT re-opens today. The new exhibit — “Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — is a large-scale mural. Its 8 panels represent each of the state’s counties.
The impressive work joins Rick Shaefer’s “Colossi.” Both shows — part of the exhibition “Looking for History,” are on view through November 15. For more information, click here.
The best views of yesterday’s solar eclipse were in northern Europe.
But Franco Fellah made the most of it, at the Westport Astronomical Society’s Bayberry Lane observatory.
He sends this image, at the maximum point — approximately 35%, at 1:54 p.m. He notes, “These views of the sun are in what is called ‘white Light,’ visible to the human eye.”
(Photo/Franco Fellah)
Meanwhile — because “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world” — there was indeed a reader who traveled to Spain, in part for the eclipse.
Chris Grimm was near Burgos yesterday. He sends this image:
Craig Melvin and and Lindsay Dzarniak’s support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is strong and deep.
It continues next month. The Westport TV personalities are again hosting the Bottoms Up Invitational: a concert at Fairfield Theatre Company (Sunday, September 13, 5 p.m.) and celebrity golf tournament (Monday, September 14, Shorehaven Golf Club, Norwalk).
Melvin — co-host of “The Today Show,” sits on the Alliance’s board of directors. His brother died of colon cancer at 43 years old.
We’re not sure why folks leave food out like this:
(Photo/Laurie Weiser)
It’s hard enough keeping the birds away when there are people nearby.
When you leave it out in the open — well, FAFO.
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As obnoxious as gulls are, they’re not as gross and destructive as spotted lanternflies. (Though to be fair, the insects do not swoop down and take ice cream out of your hand.)
Another lanternfly infestation has begun. We’re not sure what this contraption — “spotted” outside the Westport Library — is.
Westport Police made 7 custodial arrests between July 29 and August 7.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with 5 counts of risk of injury to a child, interfering with an officer, disorderly conduct, 7 counts of violation of a protective order, assault, strangulation and unlawful restraint, after officers responded to a disturbance at a local residence. He had his hands around a victim’s throat, and refused officers’ command to disengage. He then physically resisted attempts to handcuff him. Five juveniles were present. All, and the victim, were protected parties by court order. He was unable to post a $150,000 bond.
A 36-year-old Hampton, New Hampshire man was charged with disorderly conduct, 6 counts of violation of a criminal protective order, and 7 counts of failure to appear, following an investigation into a June incident at the Delamar Hotel. A guest complained to staff about a loud argument in an adjacent room that turned physical. He left prior to officers’ arrival. Computer checks showed the victim had 6 court orders of protection. He was unable to post a $225,000 bond.
A 32-year-old Yonkers man was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and risk of injury to a child, following an investigation into a theft of $3,157 worth of items from Ulta Beauty by someone accompanied by a young juvenile and an infant in a stroller. He was unable to post a $60,000 bond.
A 29-year-old North Bergen, New Jersey man was charged with larceny and identify theft, following an investigation into a May complaint that a personal check for $,608.34 had been intercepted, endorsed and cashed by an unknown party. He was identified, turned himself in, and released on a $5,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Woodbridge man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a February shoplifting incident of more than $297 worth of Ensure packages at Walgreens. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond.
A 40-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and risk of injury to a child, following a physical disturbance at which a juvenile was present. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
A 62-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a verbal argument. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 20 citations
Failure to renew registration: 10
Failure to obey stop sign: 6
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to grant half the highway: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
This may be the site of the most shoplifting incidents in Westport. Perpetrators are often caught.
Staples High School Class of 2007 graduate, track athlete and former lifeguard Emily Langham Delangue died peacefully in her sleep on August 6.
She attended Washington University in St. Louis, first studying at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts before moving to the Olin Business School where she earned a BS in Business Administration in 2011. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, serving as rush chair her senior year.
After graduation, Emily began a career in advertising, at Discovery Communications and several agencies.
She married Clément Delangue in 2018, in Dourdan, France. They divorced amicably in 2023.
Emily moved to San Diego that year. She enrolled in a master’s program in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University, with plans to graduate this December.
She became a therapy trainee at Steppingstone of San Diego, a non-profit.
Emily was deeply involved in the 12-step program, where she found a meaningful and important community. She had nearly two years of sobriety when she passed away, an accomplishment of which she was very proud.
Her family says, “She was a remarkably talented and accomplished person with a rare ability to immerse herself in whatever captured her fancy. She played classical piano, painted vivid still-lifes and self portraits, created extraordinary works of food art, read tarot cards, and crafted whimsical floral displays. She also had a distinctive flair for fashion.
Emily pursued her too short life fully, embracing countless adventures. Those who knew and loved her often called her a wildflower — free-spirited, unconventional and beautifully her own.”
She is survived by her parents, Dana and Jim Langham; her brothers Wes (fiancée Emma Peters), and Jeremy (Madi Fogarty); grandmother Emilia; uncles Donald, Daniel (Chris Vatis), Douglas, David (Katie),Max (Sue) and Sam (Lauren); aunt Luann Jacobs (Matthew); many cousins, and her cat Eddie.
A celebration of Emily’s life will be held September 5 (11 a.m., Nordike Funeral Home, Carlyle Illinois). The service will be livestreamed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steppingstone of San Diego.
Emily Langham Delangue
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American oystercatchers are enjoying Burying Hill Beach.
Seth Schachter sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and this info.
“I believe these birds lay their eggs directly on the shore, typically above high tide line. They make a shallow dent in the sand or shell beds. They don’t build a nest out of twigs or grass. Or maybe these guys are just looking for food.
:These are protected birds as well as being designated ‘species of high conservation concern’ by the US Shorebird Conservation Plan. They’re beautiful to see, regardless.”
And finally … on this date in 1918, Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the US Marine Corps. She was 30 years old, and signed on as a reservist.
At the end of World War I the Marines (and all services) began to disenroll women from active service. They were allowed to join permanently as regular, active duty members beginning in 1948.
Beginning in 2016, military combat jobs became open to female Marines, permitting service in frontline infantry and combat roles.
There’s nothing like a leisurely Saturday stroll through our online art gallery.
And — depending on where you live — it may even be air-conditioned!
Remember: This is your feature. 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.
“06880 Moon Rising” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
“Goatee” (Patricia McMahon — Available for sale; click here)
Untitled (Katie Costanza — 14-year-old One River Art student)
“Leaf on Chrome Door Knob” (John Maloney)
“Swallowtail Butterfly” (Laurie Sorensen)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker)
“Three Dancing Starfish” (Eric Bosch)
“Mystic Area Sea March” — oil on canvas, 24 x 36 (Miceli — Available for sale; click here)
“Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island” (Dorrie Thomas)
“Summer Fête” — acrylic on canvas, 20 x 30 (Joanne Leaman — Available for purchase; click here)
“The Compo Cove Homes Seen From Fiona’s Disappearing Island” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)
“Wild Flowers” — Impasto metallic paints, embellished with gold leaf on grass cloth with woven gold strands (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
Mike Hibbard says, “Can’t that burglar read the sign, ‘Beware of Dog’? He is going to be limping for a long time!”
Untitled (Martin Ripchick)
“Nice Weather for Ducks” (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!)
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