It’s one thing for high school students to connect with Shakespeare.
Some do. An inspiring teacher or formative experience can help them understand the timeless appeal of The Bard’s explorations of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery.
It’s another thing entirely for third graders to get it.
But students at Edison Elementary School in Bridgeport are fortunate to have Chris Cormier as a teacher.
And Chris is fortunate to have connected with Diane Lowman.
Diane Lowman
For many years, Lowman — Westport’s first-ever poet laureate, who earned a master’s degree in Shakespeare studies through the University of Birmingham (in Stratford-upon-Avon) — has collaborated with “Mr. C,” and the Edison students.
She visits regularly, teaching them the ins and outs of the world’s most famous playwright. They are always eager to learn.
Earlier this year, Lowman contacted Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long. Could the high school’s prestigious drama group help the Edison youngsters learn a bit more about Shakespeare?
Timing is everything, as we know from “Julius Caesar.”
Roth’s Theater III advanced acting class had been working on scenes from “Macbeth.”
So one morning this month, the Bridgeport boys and girls arrived excitedly at Staples.
They played a concentration game with Roth and the class. They talked about the Shakespeare plays they had studied.
Getting to know each other. Staples Players director David Roth is at left. Edison School teacher Chris Cormier is 6th from right.
They watched Roth’s class perform 2 “Macbeth” scenes. Afterward, the Edison children asked questions, about the play and theater in general.
A scene from “Macbeth,” with Cat Betit and Will McCrea.
Then — with everyone sitting on the Black Box floor — they enjoyed pizza and juice boxes.
A post-play treat.
Roth and Long were amazed at how much the youngsters knew, after just an hour a week with Cormier and Lowman.
“They asked great questions,” Long says. “They really understood what they were talking about, and raised questions about themes of the play.”
“It’s incredibly gratifying for this Shakespeare nerd to see the kids respond so positively, and make so many connections with The Bard,” Lowman adds.
“Having David, his students and Kerry bring this to life was such a treat. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and an annual tradition.”
Learning together: Mikey Winkler and 3rd graders.
Roth and Long asked Lowman if she could do something similar, for more classs. Cormier said he’d help.
As for Cormier himself: Edison Elementary School has no budget to support trips like the one to Staples.
The cost for a bus is not insignificant. Students sold ice cream at Friday lunches for $1 each, but that did not cover the entire transportation and food bill. Cormier made up the difference.
“I know that Westport could easily pitch in,” Long says.
She and Roth have created a GoFundMe page, for donations.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, or just want to help a group of Bridgeport kids expand their horizons, click here.
Because, as we all know, “Fortune reigns in gifts of the world.”
Theatre III and Edison Park students, with their teachers. (All photos/Kerry Long)
Last week’s announcement that artwork posted on our online gallery is for sale was greeted with excitement — by art-lovers and artists alike.
If an artist wishes to sell a piece, there’s a link in the caption. Clicking it brings up an email to the artist. Buyers arrange the purchase — price, original or print, framed or unframed, shipping or pickup, etc. — directly with the artist. Happy shopping!
Meanwhile, a reminder about our works: We invite submissions from all “06880” readers. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Assumption Sunday” (Duane Cohen; For sale — click here)
“An Early Walk in Spring” (Peter Barlow)
“Ground Control to Major Levon” (Patricia McMahon — For sale; click here)
“Norwalk Lighthouse” (Eric Bosch — For sale; click here)
“Spring Flower Collage” — using PhotoTangler app (Amy Schneider)
“Wildflowers” — digital art (Ken Runkel — For sale; click here)
“Happy Easter” (Ellen Wentworth)
“A Lifetime of Memories … Find the Heart” — acrylic and charcoal on canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw)
With little heat — but plenty of enthusiasm — the Board of Selectwomen voted unanimously yesterday to accept the Parks & Recreation Department’s proposal to add 2 portable fire pits to Compo’s South Beach this summer.
The pits — available for use byWestport residents only, for $150 from 4 to 10 p.m. every day except the fireworks and July 4 — are an added amenity, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. Several area towns already offer them.
Westport’s Police and Fire Departments fully back the proposal. The fire pits will be monitored by Parks & Rec employees, who will be trained in their use. When the beach closes they’ll be extinguished, and moved to a locked site.
For more details on the Compo fire pits, click here.
First run in 2014 to raise money — over $200 million! — for ALS research, it’s resurfaced in 2025 as a fundraiser for Active Minds, a national youth mental health nonprofit.
Since the first bucket was poured on March 31, it’s collected over $300,000.
It swept through Staples High School. Then I got swept up in it.
Dave Briggs — the TV journalist who contributes great video reels to “06880” — nominated me.
On Tuesday (yeah, I waited a day until it got warm), I took the challenge.
And then I passed on the challenge to 3 other Westporters: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
I don’t mess around. Check out the video below (or click here):
Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella offers a list of spots around town that could use a bit (or a bit more) of tidying up.
They include:
Elaine Road
Greens Farms train station embankment
Greens Farms corridor
Sherwood Island Connector corridor
Merritt Parkway exit 42 Park & Ride
Longshore parking lot F (coastline)
Saugatuck train station parking lot 4
Sipperly Hill Road
Ford Road
Bottom of Clapboard Hill at Greens Farms
Riverside Avenue
Andrew adds: “In addition to these places, anywhere else that needs clean-up is great.
“If you see an area that is unsafe and unreachable due to lack of buffer from the road, or on a blind curve, call the Public Works Department: 203-341-1120.”
Cleaning up Elaine Road (near the Saugatuck River boat launch, animal control headquarters and sewage treatment plant), 2024.
The auction for A Better Chance of Westport’s Dream Event gala (Saturday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.) is live. All funds support the non-profit’s work, offering educational opportunities and more in Westport to teenage boys from underserved communities. Click here.
A few tickets to the event — which includes excellent food and drinks, inspiring speeches from the scholars, and a chance to meet some very cool present and past ABC folks — are still available. Click here to purchase.
The 2021 Staples High School graduate — and within-a-month University of Michigan alum — made his Broadway debut last night in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
Reviews were mixed, for the “prequel” to the hit Netflix series. Among the critics who raved: Emlyn Travis, of Entertainment Weekly: “Immersive, heartfelt, and exhilarating, ‘First Shadow’ is a must-see spectacle for the Stranger Things obsessive as much as it is for the theater aficionado who wants to see the medium pushed to new heights.”
Jamie Mann with his parents, Jill Johnson Mann and Ben Mann, at Tavern on the Green Tuesday night.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 16 and 23.
A 38-year-old Westport man was charged with voyeurism, after a complaint about a hidden camera placed in a shared bathroom of an apartment. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
A 35-year-old Stamford man was charged with failure to respond to a payable violation, after a traffic stop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 21 citations
Distracted driving: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Speeding: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Driving while texting (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Yale University Law School professor Paul Kahn’s recent book, “Democracy in Our America,” focuses on what happens when national politics enters a small Connecticut town.
It’s not about Westport — but it could be.
On Tuesday night, the Democratic Women of Westport hosted Kahn at the Westport Woman’s Club.
A full crowd listened intently to his insights. The event included Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller — present and former RTM moderators — and was led by Board of Finance member Allyson Stollenwerck.
Saving democracy, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photo/Andrew Colebella)
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The Westport Rotary Club learned all about the Norwalk Art Space on Tuesday.
Duvian Montoya and AnnaDea Chavez spokek about the non-profit, located in a former West Avenue church, which provides free art education to underserved youth.
It also offers free studio space to adult artists, in exchange for teaching classes to youngsters. Last year, there were over 70 classes.
A gourmet café is run by Bill Taibe, of Whelk, Don Memo and Kawa Ni fame.
And finally … in honor of both the new Compo Beach fire pits, and the new/old ice bucket challenge (stories above):
(Compo, cops, Broadway — just another day in Westport. But there’s always something different in our “06880” Roundup. If you like this daily dose of town news, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Just a few days after Passover, the Israeli flag that hung outside Mark Scheck’s house was torn down .
All that remains of the flag.
Mark says 2 new flags will go back up. Along with a security camera.
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Another day, another rescue by Peter Reid.
Julie Loparo sends this latest story, about Westport’s animal control officer:
“At a time when local wildlife are dealing with the effect of habitat destruction due to rampant and unchecked clear cutting of trees and demolition of green space, it is not surprising that our wildlife mothers need to think outside of the box for safe lodging.
“Last week Peter (who wears another hat as intake director for Wildlife in Crisis) received a call from a resident. She calmly said there was an opossum residing in her home.
“Officer Reid responded quickly. He found the opossum — a mother with a full pouch of babies — taking a respite in the home owner’s cat tree.
“Officer Reid safely and humanely moved entire cat tree outside, and placed water and opossum nutrition near it.
“By the next morning, the mother opossum had found a new — hopefully safe — spot for shelter.
“We thank the local resident for not panicking, and instead of calling a ‘pest control’ service, contacting Animal Control Officer Reid. We also thank him too, for once again providing another wildlife rescue.
“Of course, we would be remiss not to thank our friend the opossum, who single-handedly (or single-pawedly) can devour 5,000 ticks a year, while acting as a natural pest controller in our yarda.
“Like mother opossum, we humans have to think outside the box sometimes, to live peacefully and humanely with our wildlife friends.”
Two follow-ups to yesterday’s Roundup item on the striking art print recently posted on the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.
Stacy Bass reports that the artist is Julie Headland.
It’s part of the Westporter’s “I’m Fine” project. Julie explains on her website:
“In early 2020 the world was succumbing to a pandemic, and my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends and neighbors continually checked in and kindly asked: ‘How are you?’
“I was numb, and typically answered: ‘I’m fine.”
“One day as the words left my mouth, I had an epiphany. My world was collapsing, but the brave little girl inside knew she must overcome and survive.
“Thus, the I’M FINE Project was born. The little girl in each piece inspires us to take heart and overcome the world.
“In time these playful parodies gave rise to both public and private comments by strangers expressing their own personal struggles. That is when I realized the I’M FINE Project was also a way to amuse and encourage others who were suffering.
“I am deeply aware of the pain and struggle in the world, and I do not wish to make light of suffering. But I have an optimistic aesthetic, which I am keen to convey with as much wit and whimsy as I can muster.”
Meanwhile, evidence that Headland’s work is truly Westport-based comes from a close-up photo, of the larger work.
Matt Murray’s image shows clearly something many viewers may have missed:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Speaking of Compo Beach: A new memorial there honors Max Harper. The Staples High School senior died in September.
Visitors to the stone — located near the cannons, not far from where a memorial service drew hundreds of classmates and friends last fall — have left rocks, flowers, a baseball hat and more, as tributes.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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Speaking still of Compo: There are plenty of less permanent sights on and offshore, too.
You might see a proposal or wedding. A pop-up water polo practice. Rupert Murdoch’s old yacht.
And, this past weekend, a guy shucking oysters for 2 women, at a working bar.
Lynda Bluestein’s legendary life has been captured in a documentary.
“Other Side” tells the story of the last months of her life. The longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member won a landmark legal case allowing her, as an out-of-state resident to take advantage of Vermont’s medical aid in dying law.
The film will be shown at the Westport Library on June 29 (1:30 p.m.). Seating is limited. Click here to register.
Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Road South, near Longshore, and writes: “While big bursts of color from the cherry trees, dogwoods and forsythias grab all the attention, I love the smaller flowers in all their glory.”
And finally … I had never heard of Mac Gayden before yesterday.
But the musician — who died on Wednesday in Nashville at 83, from complications of Parkinson’s — had an intriguing resume.
He co-wrote “Everlasting Love” — a Top 40 hit in 4 straight decades — and played guitar on Bob Dylan’s “Absolutely Sweet Marie.” Click here for his obituary.
(Please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. You’ll absolutely have our everlasting love. Thank you!)
Meanwhile, nearby, Banksy — or someone like him — has come to Westport.
An intriguing bit of street art — more aptly, “boardwalk art” — appeared recently, at the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.
Print at the lifeguard shack. (Hat tip and photo/Andrew Colabella)
No one seems to know who is behind the print. But it sure adds color and interest, a few weeks before the guards arrive.
Meanwhile, a few yards away, a number of fence pickets — relics of the previous playground renovation — remain. They’ve been offered to families and organizations who bought them, to help fund the 2009 rebuild.
The 2025 re-do begins tomorrow. New pickets are part of the project. They may be available to donors in the 2040s.
But — on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord — over 100 people gathered at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. As with the earlier demonstration, they held signs decrying a number of actions by the Trump administration.
Once again, many — but not all — drivers honked in support.
Another protest is planned next Saturday.
(Photos/Adam Stolpen)
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David Pogue left Westport last year, for Bedford, New York.
But he’s back (almost) for the 4th annual Norwalk Earth Day Festival.
The “CBS Sunday Morning”/PBS “Nova”/New York Times tech writer (and much more) returns on April 26 (11 a.m., Mill Hill Historic Park), for a talk on “Climate Hope.”
Organizers promise “10 surprising reasons for hope,” and 10 impactful actions anyone can take to help protect our planet. Click here for tickets.
The event, on the Norwalk Green, also includes vendors, healing arts, kids’ activities, a labyrinth, picnic grove, tree planting, “trashion” show and beer garden. Click here for more information.
Speaking of the environment: Weston’s EcoFest is set for May 4 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lachat Town Farm).
The day of environmental service, celebration and education includes community members, local businesses and organizations, showcasing sustainable products and initiatives.
There’s live music by high school bands; food trucks and vendors; family-friendly games and activities; mini-speaking series on topics like pollinator planting, eco-gardening, electrified lawn care and recycling, plus a live animal presentation.
There’s also a bottle and can drive,with raffle (marking Weston’s collection of its millionth bottle and can). Every 25 redeemable containers offers a chance to win $250.
Speaking (still) of the environment: Westport’s Shellfish Commission takes care of the land, as well as the water.
The other day, members Jamie Walsh and Jesse Harte, plus former Conservation Department director Alicia Mozian and interested Westporter Heather Walklet collected 5 large bags of trash — plus assorted large sections of styrofoam — at Longshore’s Hendricks Point.
Jamie Walsh, Alicia Mozian and Heather Walklet, picking up our trash.
It’s an annual clean-up for them.
And an annual reminder to Westporters: Pick up your own trash, please! That’s not the Shellfish Commission’s job!
And speaking of environmental cleanups: Sustainable Westport invites volunteers to help along the Longshore waterfront and surrounding areas next Saturday (April 26, 2 to 4 p.m.; meet at the pavilion).
It’s part of the town-wide Earth Day clean-up, organized by the Parks & Recreation Department. Click here to volunteer.
Last year’s Longshore coastal cleanup. (Photo/Brandon Malin)
Camp season is creeping — okay, zooming — up on parents.
Some kids love sports. Others are passionate about arts.
For STEM-minded boys and girls in grades 1-8, there’s a week-long Daley Genius STEM Camp (June 25 to July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Content Studio, 20 Saugatuck Avenue, next to the Goddard School).
There are several “free libraries” around town: small structures (and one “bookcycle”) that offer books to anyone who wants them. (Or, of course, wants to donate volumes to them.)
Most patrons are people walking or biking by.
There is one at the corner of Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South. Neighbor Bob Weingarten sees plenty of pedestrians look at the kiosk. However, he says, until the other day he had never seen someone stop their car, and browse.
The concert by pianists Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church — postponed earlier this month — has been rescheduled for April 27 (4 p.m.).
The Y’s Men of Westport & Weston co-sponsor the free event, on the church’s Steinway grand piano.
Longtime Westport resident Jeanne Nylen died April 15. She had suffered a stroke 2 weeks earlier.
The Fairfield native and Wheaton College graduate married Samuel Nylen in 1962. They moved here 2 years later.
Jeanne served as a Girl Scout leader, Nature Center docent, teacher’s assistant, and head of the Hillspoint Elementary School PTA.
Later, she pursued her passion for exploring by becoming a travel agent with Westport Travel, and visiting Hong Kong, Morocco, the Arctic Circle, and much of Europe.
After Sam died in 1999, Jeanne opened her home to visiting Chinese teachers. She hosted 8, through a Staples High School program.
In retirement Jeanne cared for her grandchildren, and enjoyed the theater, symphony and opera, her book group, and tennis. She was also a decades-long member of the Green’s Farms Congregational Church.
Jeanne is survived by her daughter Wendy (James Hopkins) of Bridgeport; step-grandson Samuel Hopkins (Krissy) and 2 great-grandchildren of South Glastonbury, and son Toby (Gail) of Sutton, Massachusetts, and grandchildren Dallas, Victoria and Sam Nylen.
A memorial service will be held later.
Jeanne Nylen
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It’s that time of year: American oystercatchers have returned to the eastern end of Compo’s South Beach, to nest.
Once again, that area has been roped off, to provide the shorebirds the space and quiet they need to breed.
Matt Murray spotted these important signs, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … well, you knew this was coming, right?
(Happy Easter, to all who celebrate! And whether you do or not, feel free to click here, to fill our basket with a joy. And also a contribution to “06880.” Thank you all!)
In the 5 years since we started our online art gallery — in the first month of the pandemic, so artists could share their work, and “06880” readers would feel less isolated — many have wondered if they could any works were for sale.
Starting today, they are.
Artists who wish to sell their pieces will let me know. I’ll add a link to the caption. Clicking the link brings up an email to the artist. Potential buyers can arrange the purchase — price, original or print, framed or unframed, shipping or pickup, etc. — directly with the artist.
It’s that simple!
Of course, artists can also send buyers info on their other work.
Artists will give “06880” a 25% commission. It’s a win-win-win: for our online gallery artists, our readers, and us. Happy shopping!
Meanwhile, a reminder about our works: We invite submissions from all “06880” readers. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.]
“When Lightning Strikes” (Patricia McMahon) – For sale; click here
Perhaps the surest sign yet that no matter what happens in the rest of the world, there is still much to celebrate, is this: The Westport Farmers’ Market returns May 8.
Vendors of all kinds — fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, ice cream, organic pet food — share the Imperial Avenue parking lot every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with musicians, non-profits, and thousands of Westporters looking for healthy food, fun and community. The season runs through November 13.
Click here for more information, and to sign up for Instagram and email alerts.
Residents near the state Department of Transportation facility on Post Road East and the Sherwood Island Connector are still reeling from last week’s clear-cutting of dozens of trees.
The work was done in preparation for construction next winter of a new maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
A 40-year resident of West Parish Road writes: “We expect a certain amount of noise, etc, from the DOT facility.
“But the increase in activity with the new construction is tenfold. I truly hope that the state will do the right thing, and plant some trees or put up some other type of sight/sound barrier, so we don’t have to suffer quite as much during the construction (which I understand will take years).
“Regardless of the fact that the state can act independently, it behooves the town to work with the state to request some relief — now — for neighbors whose front lawns look out on the DOT lot.
A few trees remain on town property. But this is the view from West Parish Road of the Department of Transportation maintenance facility, after the removal of many trees from state property.
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The RTM Environment and Health & Human Services Committees meet jointly on May 13 (7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
There is one agenda item: “discussion about artificial turf ordinance.”
The Laddie Lawrence Track, at Paul Lane Field.
There are 4 artificial turf fields in Westport: Paul Lane (above) and Jinny Parker Fields at Staples, Wakeman adjacent to Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
Speaking of sports: Fleet Feet’s Westport United Youth Track program is a new offering, for boys in girls in grades 1-8.
The series is led by Jesse McCray and Dave Wright, Staples High head and assistant track and field coaches. Staples athletes will assist.
McCray and Wright say, “Most youth sports require running, so this is a great way to give your child a head start on the correct fundamentals of running.”
It runs (ho ho) Sundays (11 a.m. to noon, Staples High School), from May 4 through June 15.
The cost is $160. Click here to register, and for more information.
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Speaking (still) of sports: Club203’s next event is all about fitness.
Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities meets April 26 at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Activities include basketball, pickleball, swimming, and (as always) art with MoCA CT. Healthy snacks will keep everyone energized. Click here for more information.
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American Colors by Henry Lehr — the flagship store run by the famed women’s wear retailer son Alex — opened just before the holidays.
Westporters who remember Henry Lehr from his 40 years on Main Street flocked to the new 66 Post Road East location, just around the corner from the legendary spot.
Now American Colors and Alex are ready for their grand opening event. It’s set for May 1 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), with light bites, drinks, gifts, raffles and music.
“Westport has always held a special place in my heart,” Alex says.
“Opening American Colors here is my way of reconnecting with the loyal customers who have supported the Henry Lehr brand for decades, and introducing our unique apparel and accessories to the new wave of residents who have moved to Connecticut in recent years.”
Click here for more information, from “06880” last December.
Lifelong resident and 1971 Staples High School graduate Kelley Spearen died last year.
But his sculptures live on, all over the area.
It is rumored he created a “guitar” work for Keith Richards, at the Rolling Stones star’s Weston home.
Five of Spearen’s works were purchased by the Swanson family, and decorate their backyard.
After 71 years in town, they’re moving to a Virginia ranch. The sculptures need a new home.
One is below. The others are equally intriguing. If interested — or to learn more — email 06880blog@gmail.com.
One of 5 Kelly Spearen sculptures, at the Swanson home.
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Want to play around with the Playhouse?
The 2nd annual Westport Country Playhouse golf fundraiser is July 21 (Birchwood Country Club).
The day includes morning and afternoon shotgun starts (9 holes in the morning or afternoon, or both), prizes, swag, food and more.
Email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org to get on the invitation list, receive updates, and/or learn about sponsorship and auction opportunities.
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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar explores how to create and manage landscapes for native bees.
Pollinator conservationist Heather Holm hosts the April 24 (12 to 1:30 p.m.) Zoom. It’s free to ALT members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register.
(Photo/Jen Greely)
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This morning’s “06880” lead story featured Westport Pride, the town’s LGBTQ organization founded 5 years ago, and led passionately since, by Brian McGunagle.
The piece did not describe his life beyond the group. Here’s a rundown.
After a career in IT project management and business operatios — with, among others, investment banks and hedge funds — McGunagle began studying for the Episcopalian priesthood.
He put that on hold when his second son was born 3 years ago.
At the same time, he joined a tech startup that, he says, “did not start up.”
Finding less and less joy in that work, he has now pivoted to a new business.
Just Call Brian is a suite of home services. They include:
Maintenance and prevention
Handyman home repairs
Home monitoring and watching
Internet security for families.
For more information click here; email CallBrianCT@gmail.com, or call 203-429-4286.
Brian McGunagle
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Today’s quite colorful and very vernal “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken on Roseville Road.
But you can see beauties like these blooming all over town.
And finally … On this day in 1775 — exactly 250 years ago — the British Army headed up the Charles River, to destroy patriots’ militia supplies. Paul Revere — an officer and silversmith — rode through the countryside, shouting warnings.
He was not the only one to do so. But he’s the guy we remember.
(Back in 1775 it was “one if by land! Two if by sea!” Today it’s “please click here to support your hyper-local blog.” Sure, this is important. But we wouldn’t be here without Paul Revere. Thanks!)
Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. That’s 55,000 that land in incinerators and landfills each day.
But up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushions, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.
Sustainable Westport can help. They’ll host a free mattress/ box spring recycling event on Saturday, April 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).
Dry and unsoiled mattresses and box springs are welcome. Please do not bring those that are damaged, wet, or contaminated (bed bugs, etc.).
If you can’t bring your mattress or box spring, Westport Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to sign up.
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Supper & Soul — the great Westport Chamber of Commerce meal-and-music event — returns Saturday, May 3.
Green River — the Creedence Clearwater Revival/John Fogerty tribute show — takes center stage at the Westport Library at 8 p.m.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. An $85 Supper & Soul ticket includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.
After the concert, show your ticket at any participating restaurant, for happy hour pricing on drinks.
Concert-only tickets are $30. Click here to purchase.
Participating restaurants include Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Gogi, and Walrus Alley.
But it’s not far away — 3 East Avenue in Norwalk, just down the hill from Stew Leonard’s, and to the right at the light.
Plus, it’s the artistry of Jalna Jaeger, a 1971 Staples High School graduate.
“Everyone is invited to stop by!” she says.
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Alvin Ailey is coming to the Westport Country Playhouose.
“Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” takes the stage on May 1 (7 p.m.)
The program features the premiere of “Down the Rabbit Hole,” inspired by the “Matrix” film series exploring the relationship between humans and technology; Alvin Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, and Baye & Asa’s “John 4:20,” an “explosive adrenaline rush.”
Tickets are $75, $80. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Westport Transit Director Peter Gold writes: “Westport is in danger of losing the Wheels2U shuttle yet again.
“The Board of Finance once again voted at its March meeting to eliminate all funding for Wheels2U, the WTD’s door-to-train station on-demand commuter shuttle. This will effectively shut down the service as of June 30. (The door-to- door service for the elderly and persons with disabilities will not be affected.)
“The Finance and Transit Committees of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) meet on April 21 and April 22, respectively, to make recommendations to the full RTM regarding the budget for Wheels2U.
“The full RTM meets May 2 to vote on restoring funding to keep the shuttle running for another year.
“Please send an email to the RTM (RTM-DL@Westportct.gov) urging the RTM to restore the budget and keep the shuttle alive.
“Wheels2U provided over 20,362 rides to and from Westport’s 2 train stations to more than 1,230 people since the start of the current fiscal year on July 1, 2024, with 2,590 rides to and from Westport’s train stations in March alone.
“Wheels2U supports Westport residents and businesses and aids economic development by providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way for Westport commuters, reverse commuters and others to link their homes, their employers, and downtown to the train stations.
“It takes a vote of 70% of RTM members present and voting at a meeting to override the Board of Finance and restore the funding for Wheels2U. Every bit of support matters.”
Rhododendrons — their beauty, history and landscape use at Blau House & Gardens — are on display at a special May 18 event (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at Wakeman Town Farm).
The day includes a box lunch, and guided tour of Blau House, Westport’s hidden gem off Bayberry Lane. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rhododedrons at Blau House & Gardens.
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Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport will be part of ARTWorks Gallery’s “Been There” show. It opens April 26 (5 to 7 p.m., 60 East Avenue, Norwalk).
The final day — May 18 — includes a 4 p.m. artists’ walk and talk, at the closing reception.
“Tuesday” — mixed media (Barbara Ringer)
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1975 Staples High School graduate Naomi Schalit and her husband John Christe — co-founders of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting — were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame last month.
They were honored at the Portland event for their commitment to investigative journalism and public service.
Maine Governor Janet Mills attended the event, to show her support for Schalit and Christie. Speaking of the 1st Amendment, she said, “When it goes, we won’t even know that it’s gone because you won’t be there to report it.” (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)
And finally … on this date in 1943, Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the hallucinogenic effects of the research drug LSD. He took the drug intentionally 3 days later.
(“06880” does not endorse hallucinogenic drugs. We do, however, fully support you clicking here, to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you for joining us on this trip.)
Welcome to another colorful, topical and timeless week of our online art gallery.
As always, we invite submissions from all “06880” readers (and siblings). No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Branching Out” (Patricia McMahon)
“Purple Spring Flowers” (Karen Weingarten)
Untitled – From the edge of the fields at Greenwich Audubon Center (Kathleen Burke)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
“Green Fishing Boat” — digital composition (Ken Runkel)
“Old Mill Low Tide” — oil on canvas (Werner Liepolt)
“Is it Winter or is it Spring?” — oil on aluminum (Dorothy Robertshaw)
Posted onApril 9, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
One of this year’s VersoFest highlights was a compelling panel discussion, honoring the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album.
Arlen Schumer (art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine dedicated to Springsteen’s life and music) and Dick Wingate (former music industry senior executive who managed Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town”) moderated the event, with Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and co-producer of “Born to Run”; Michael Pillot, former Columbia Records promotions director; Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, and Kenneth Womack, co-author of “Bruce Songs.”
When Congressman Jim Himes visited the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston last week, the traditional opening Pledge of Allegiance included a preamble written by and delivered by US Navy veteran (and Staples High School graduate) John Brandt.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe — Wakeman Town Farm leaders for over 12 years — updated the Westport Rotary Club on the continuing evolution of the Cross Highway sustainability and education center.
Among the topics: The planned major addition of a barn. So far, $150,000 has been raised for construction.
Other updates included activities for families and children: vegetable gardens, workshops, camps, youth programs and more.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Inam — the artists specializing in forests, rivers and changing seasons — will greet visitors to Clarendon Fine Art on April 26 (6 to 8 p.m.).
The gallery will cover sales tax for all purchases made at the event.
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Former Westporter Susan Reeves died peacefully in Niantic on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 94.
She attended Gettysburg College, where she was Homecoming Queen as a freshman and met her future husband, Donal. They married in 1951 and settled in Westport. For 50 years they connected with nature there, and raised 3 daughters.
Sue was active in the Westport Garden Club, and built lifelong friendships there. She was president from 1977 to 1979. She cared for cemeteries and public gardens,tended tomato starts in preparation for the annual Plant Sale, and hosting tea parties for Garden Club friends.
She was proud of her involvement developing Grace Salmon Park, and the restoration of Adams Academy.
Sue excelled at flower arranging, acrylic painting, sewing and quilting. The results were shared with family, including quilts for weddings, graduations and births.
Sue and Don also enjoyed skiing and boating (on their 38-foot powerboat “Susan”) with their family. Each summer culminated in a month with longtime friends on Martha’s Vineyard.
As she aged, kayaking became a way to connect with the water. At 90 she purchased her first kayak. At 91 she kayaked in the Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands with her daughter.
Susan is survived by her daughters Linda Morrissey (Kevin), Donna Abbott (Ted) and Lisa Zenner (John); grandchildren Kaylin, Kyle, Lindsay, Greg, Thomas and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren Bryce, Tucker, Caleb, Maverick, Lily, Lydia, Isla, Teddy and Lucy. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Donal.
Her family thanks caregivers Ann Marie, Taylor, Lynne, Elizabeth, Jessica and Terri; her trainer Axel, who kept her physically strong enough to adventure in her 90’s; the team at VITAS Hospice, and pastor Ben of Christ Presbyterian Church.
Celebrations of life will take place in June. Donations in Susan’s memory can be directed to Christ Presbyterian Church, PO Box 543, Niantic, CT 06357.
Susan Reeves
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from behind the police station.
Johanna Keyser Rossi writes: “I’ve seen these swans attempting to build a nest there. It’s not an ideal place — not much foliage to hide in.”
And finally … Clem Burke, “whose energetic, versatile drumming provided the beat for the band Blondie as it churned out post-punk, disco and rock hits” (says the New York Times), died on Sunday. He was 70, and had battled cancer.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else we publish, several times a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
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