Category Archives: Arts

Roundup: Sustainable Westport Candidate Survey, Bridge Slide, Sharks! …

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 15 comments

Sustainable Westport — the town’s non-profit advisory environmental committee — recently surveyed all candidates running for the Representative Town Meeting, Board of Education, Board of Finance and Planning & Zoning Commission.

36% of candidates responded. Click here to view their answers.

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Last weekend’s first “bridge slide” — replacement of the I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge, with resultant closures and diversions of the highway — went smoothly.

Until Sunday afternoon.

The second (and final) slide is set for next weekend. It begins at 8 p.m. Friday, November 3, and is scheduled to end at 6 a.m. Monday, November 6.

Last weekend’s work ended sooner than expected. Fingers crossed …

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On Wednesday (November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance holds a public meeting.

Most items are routine: financial reports, status updates, appropriation requests.

Tucked into the agenda — #4, of 8 items — is “Long Lots Building Project (Discussion only).”

The meeting will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov. Meeting materials will be available there too.

The Board of Finance will discuss the Long Lots Elementary School project on Wednesday. It faces further review from other town bodies too.

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Wednesday’s Roundup included a plea from a reader to golfers to stop chipping balls into water. She recently fished over 100 out of Long Island Sound, at Burying Hill Beach.

Yesterday brought a different kind of fish to the same beach.

Three baby sharks washed ashore. Nicholas Eisenberger — who sent along this photo from his Greens Farms neighbor, Margaret Schwabe — wonders if this is very normal, somewhat normal, or quite unusual.

Marine biologists: Click “Comments” below!

Sharks, at Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)

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Speaking of beaches: The raising and moving of the 1917 house on Compo Cove continues to fascinate everyone who lives at or walks by Old Mill Beach.

Here’s a photo from yesterday:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is all about healthy eating.

As part of their mission, next Thursday’s market (November 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot) includes a Health & Wellness event.

Dharma Massage will discuss the value of massage, and provide 10-minute chair sessions. Zion Physical Therapy will teach shoppers proper stretching plans.  Pause + Purpose has teamed up with GWell to offer Gu Shaw treatments, and will speak to the benefits of meditation.

In addition, Mae Farrell — head of WFM’s”Get Growing” program — will show attendees — including children — how to make healing bath salts.

And nutrition and recipe expert Terry Walters will share recipes and answer questions on how to best nurture bodies with healthy food.

All that is in addition to the usual vendors — and healthy food.

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Three new exhibits have been unveiled at the Westport Library.

Suzanne Benton’s “All About Color” is featured in the Sheffer Gallery. Norm Siegel’s “Visual Curiosities” is in the South Gallery, while “Showtime!” — a series of selections from the Westport Public Art Collections — can be seen in the Jesup Gallery.

They run through January 8, 2024. Each includes a special artist reception: November 1 for Benton, November 8 for Showtime!, and November 20 for Siegel. The Benton and Siegel events include artists’ talks.

From left: “Yanone C” by Hiromitsu Takahashi, courtesy WestPAC; “Tilted Finish” by Norm Siegel; “Continuum” by Suzanne Benton.

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With rain predicted tomorrow, La Plage has postponed its Patio Closing party.

The Inn at Longshore restaurant begins winter hours this week. They’ll be open Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday, through April.

Beginning Wednesday (November 1), they’ll offer a 5-course tasting menu for $85. A wine pairing menu will also be available. 

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends, Chocolatieree reminds “06880” readers of their fundraiser.

They created a “Save the Tatas” collection. 50% of all sales will be donated to Pink Aid Westport.

The collection includes a $20 ruby (pink) chocolate tata pop, and 6 pink heart palettes in dark chocolate.

The collection can be ordered (and shipped) through their website, and can be shipped or picked up at their Church Lane shop.

There is also an option for the chocolates to be sent to a location like a cancer center or food insecurity site. Click here to see.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature wanders over the border, to Weston.

It’s definitely worth the trip, for this shot:

(Photo/Pat Weist)

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And finally … well, you knew this was coming:

(Where else but “06880” can you learn where candidates stand on the environment, AND be warned about sharks? Please click here to help us continue covering all this stuff. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics

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Online Art Gallery #185

Posted on October 28, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #185

Good morning! Our gallery is open.

Come on in … and please submit your work, too.

We welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited (no, urged) to contribute.

“🙏🏼peace” — Artist Dorothy Robertshaw says, “A tear and 🙏🏼 💙praying for hope and peace in this world 🌎💙”

“The 18 x 22 Bug Painting” — colored ink and black enamel. Artist Peter Barlow says, “The painting is displayed on our porch every Halloween, where this street gets over 400 kids. The rest of the year it is at the top of the cellar stairs.”

“Psychedelic Bison” — acrylic painting. Artist Michael Cohen says this was inspired by a recent trip to Yellowstone National Park.

“Hope Springs” — acrylic, oil pasted and acrylic markers on canvas board (Valerie Fishcel)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

Untitled — acrylic painting (Lis Hisgen)

“Early Morning” — digital abstract. Artist Ken Runkel explains, “This is a contemporary interpretation of several early 20th century Cubist artists. The sunrise is about to crest the horizon against the early morning sky, and is reflected in the foreground of a suggested body of water. As with all abstracts. the viewer is encouraged to see and create their own narrative. My primary goal is to strike an emotional chord…to create a feeling with my work.”

“Lobster Landing” — Clinton, Connecticut, watercolor and pen (Kevin McCaul)

“Sunny Sides” (Mike Hibbard)

“Flat Out” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Let’s Dress Up as Dogs!” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)

 

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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What’s Next For The Arts? TEA Talkers Tell.

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 2 comments

A week from tomorrow, Westporters have a chance to look back in history.

Or forward, to a very uncertain future.

Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) is the day for our “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. It features 4 great properties, all from the 1700s: 6 Old Hill Road, 39 Cross Highway, 190 Cross Highway, and 29 North Avenue. Click here for details.

But this story isn’t about that.

November 5 is also the day for Westport’s  annual TEA Talk (2 p.m., Westport Library).

The acronym stands for Thinkers, Educators and Artists. Sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, and based on the one-letter-off TED Talks, it’s a chance for artists to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year, a panel of experts will use live and interactive demonstrations to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts education, music and art. The title is: “What’s Next for the Arts?” 

The TEA Talk features a diverse, “A” list of panelists.

Brian Keane in his home studio.

Brian Keane is a 1971 Staples High School graduate, and Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer/musician. He has composed music for hundreds of films and television shows, working with directors like Ken Burns, and produced over 100 albums.

He is leasing thousands of his compositions in a computerized music library to major entertainment companies, utilizing AI for metadata searches.

Steve Zimmerman is the Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator. He faces daily challenges creating curriculum that respects art making, with the abundant available AI resources

Liz Leggett is an artist and arts consultant. She currently advises a tech company experimenting with AI-generated art, design and architecture.

“Robot Painting at an Easel” (Prompt by Eric Griffith; Generated on Midjourney)

“As AI becomes more prevalent in everything we do, there are questions we must answer,” says Shobana Mani, moderator of the panel and WAAC co-chair. “Does AI pose an existential risk to arts makers? And how does AI affect the ‘process’ of making art?”

Panelists will discuss those questions, and many more.

An audience Q-and-Q (and refreshments) will follow the TEA Talk. Admission is free. Click here to register.

(All “06880” stories are certified created by human beings, not AI. To support our people-produced blog, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Library, technology

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Cecily Anderson’s “Westport Things”

Posted on October 25, 2023 | 22 comments

The other day, Cecily Anderson saw a social media post asking for illustrations of “Westport things.”

Inspired, she quickly came up with a list of possible subjects.

Then she went to work.

“I didn’t try to exclude anything or anyone,” Cecily says. “This was just stream of consciousness.”

Cecily is an artist-educator. She’s worked at Bedford Middle School since 2002. In 2013, she was named Westport’s Teacher of the Year. She moved to Westport in 2018.

Cecily is multi-talented. She sings soprano with the Fairfield County Chorale, and leads her daughter’s Webelo troop.

Four photos from her series “Domesticated” are currently yfeatured at Silvermine Art Gallery. Yesterday, she presented an artist talk there.

This morning, enjoy Cecily’s great, diverse bunch of Westport places and “things.”

But if you were going to create your own — assuming you have Cecily’s talent and eye — what else would you include? Click “Comments” below.

(To buy a print of Cecily’s “Westport Things,” click here. To see more of her work, check out her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cecilyisanartist/) 

(“06880” is your source for all “things” Westport. But we rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Missing Boaters, Sakura Trees, I-95 Bridge …

Posted on October 24, 2023 | 8 comments

Westport Police offer this update on the vessel that sank near Cockenoe Island on Sunday:

Just before noon yesterday, they located the boat near buoy #2. The search for 2  missing boaters continued all day — even as the WPD was dealing with a major incident involving 2 stolen vehicles, and the arrests of 9 suspects.

At 4:30 p.m., the Westport Police Marine Division was notified of a body in the water approximately 3 miles northeast of the sunken boat. A Bridgeport Fire boat was first on scene, and recovered the body from the Sound.

At Bridgeport Harbor they were met by Westport Police, Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office, and the family of the victim. He is 38-year-old Juan Gabriel Valle Pineda of Spring Valley, New York.

His body was taken to the office of the chief medical examiner for an autopsy.  Westport Police extend their sympathies to this family, and hope to recover the second missing person. That search was suspended last night, at 9 p.m.

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It’s been a while since the weeping cherry blossom trees in front of Sakura were in the news.

No news is good news.

After being slated for destruction during the Post Road renovation project, it appears they’ve been saved.

Sakura blossoms (Photo/Bob Mitchell)

Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member whose initial involvement helped draw attention to the plight of the beloved cherry blossoms — passes along word from Joseph Sorcinelli, construction project engineer for the state Department of Transportation.

The trees may still be pruned, for utility clearance. There is also a concern involving the planned sidewalk elevation, and the pine tree on the property just west of the Sakura driveway.

But it does appear that — as noted during discussions in March, with town officials, the property owner and restaurant owner, Earthplace, Connecticut DOT and Eversource — the icons will remain.

That’s good news indeed.

And next spring, the only weeping will be the trees’.

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The long-anticipated traffic-opalypse — resulting from the “bridge slide” replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue — did not take place until Sunday afternoon.

Here’s what it looked like at dusk:

(Photo/Ward French)

The new span sat lonely and still unopened. Meanwhile, southbound drivers sat.

Or took alternate routes, everywhere in Westport.

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Meanwhile, kudos to all who made the “slide” happen.

AI Engineers (who probably named their firm long before ChatGPT was a thing) posted this on LinkedIn:

“Major milestone on I-95 [sic] in Norwalk, CT! This past weekend, our talented team oversaw the first successful Accelerated Bridge Slide for the project. As the prime consultant, AI Engineers is not only committed to the safety and efficiency of the construction, but we’re also keen on sharing our knowledge. Our engineers have crafted an animation to demonstrate this innovative slide in action.

“Balancing the bustling traffic of I-95 in Norwalk, minimizing the impact to neighboring communities in Norwalk and Westport, and adhering to precise schedules – notably the season-specific bridge slide – demands careful planning and flexibility.

“Proud to be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring better and safer roads for everyone!

Additionally, a big shoutout to Connecticut Department of Transportation, and Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. for executing the slide to perfection!”

AII Engineers’s LinkedIn post includes an animation, to show how the “slide” worked. Click here to see. (Hat tip: Neil Brickley)

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It’s (almost) that most wonderful time of year.

Stew Leonard’s 32nd annual Hanukkah menorah lighting celebration is set for Thursday, December 7 (5 p.m.).

Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht of Beth Israel Chabad will light an 18-foot menorah. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, holiday songs and pre-packaged kosher refreshments. Hot potato latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt will be distributed to all.

The 2021 menorah lighting at Stew Leonard’s

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David Berkman sold out his first “Jazz at the Post” shows.

This Thursday (October 26, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge), he’s back for more.

He’s joined by Dayna Stephens, an exciting saxophonist and one of Greg Wall’s favorites. (“The Jazz Rabbi” — who will play too — is no slouch on sax himself.)

Rounding out the quintet are bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Curtis Nowosad.

Reservations are strongly encouraged: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Lynn Flint’s special 1-day estate show, to benefit Bridgeport artists in need of help with rent, food, fuel and materials, is this Thursday (October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1 Belaire Drive on Saugatuck Avenue near the Norwalk border).

A few of the many items available at the estate sale to benefit Bridgeport artists.

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“Westport … Naturally” has featured many of our town’s most interesting creatures.

Today we introduce a short-tailed weasel, last seen at the Westport Community Gardens.

Hey, guy!

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of the good news from Sakura (story above):

(Let “06880” be the first to wish you a Happy Hanukkah! And let us remind you for the umpteenth time: Westport’s hyper-local blog relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Police, religion, Restaurants, Transportation

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Online Art Gallery #184

Posted on October 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #184

Today our online art gallery welcomes another new artist: Jude Siegel. The subject — a frog — is also a first for this Saturday morning feature.

As we do each week, we welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited (no, urged) to contribute.

“Falling Leaves” (Karen Weingarten)

“Frog Caprice” — watercolor and ink on old sheet music (Jude Siegel)

“Beaching Escape” (Tom Doran)

“Net Effect” (Amy Schneider)

“Thumbs Up” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick)

“Where Do I Go For My COVID and Flu Shot?” (Steve Stein)

“Old Compo Basin, circa 1968” (Kathleen Burke)

“Laser Sailing” — Photographer Peter Barlow explains, “The sailboat called a Laser was designed in 1969 by the late Bruce Kirby, a friend of mine who lived in Rowayton. There are now 230,000 Lasers in the world.”

“Mommy, I’m Scared! (How Far Have We Evolved?)” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled — Photographer Dorothy Robertshaw says, “At this trying time thinking of love and world peace 💙💙💙 The best place to be is at the beach❤️”

Untitled — Photographer Jerry Kuyper says, “Yesterday, after stretching on the deck, I was lying on my back looking up. I saw these clouds floating by. I was mesmerized by the levels, dimension, and movement. And I thought, ‘what a wonderful world we live in.'”

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: LWV Debate Archives, UN Exhibit, VFW Blood Drive …

Posted on October 18, 2023 | 3 comments

Missed the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidates debates for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Education and Board of Finance?

No problem! They’re archived. Watch them now (or any time before November 7).

Just click here.  www.westportct.gov. Scroll down; then click on “Watch Meetings.” Scroll all the way to the bottom; click on “Other Meetings and Events.”

Listen. Learn. Then vote!

Planning & Zoning Commission candidates, at last week’s League of Women Voters debate.

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Two dozen Westporters — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — were among the 200 guests at last night’s United Nations reception for a ground-breaking arts exhibition.

The display — in the main lobby — depicts Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion.” His 30 lenticular photos show local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name.

Nearby is fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw’s Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).

The Westporters’ work takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

The display is open to the public weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 20.

Miggs Burroughs with one of his 30 lenticular images. This one is of his son Brady. (Photo/Helen Klisser During)

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are helping with VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 40th straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive.

The event is next Wednesday (October 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Riverside Avenue).

Everyone eligible to donate blood is welcome. Pre-registration helps with scheduling; click here, and use the sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

The site of next week’s blood drive.

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Sure, you can carve a pumpkin at home.

But why not do it with others?

This Saturday (October 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon), Earthplace sponsors “hassle-free pumpkin decorating and carving.”

They supply all the necessary supplies.

And they take care of clean-up.

You get all that — plus one carving pumpkin — for just $15. (That’s for one entire table.) Click here for reservations.

PS: You can buy more pumpkins for a suggested donation of $5 each. Or bring your own.

Questions? Email v.swain@earthplace.org.

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Speaking of Halloween … Ed Simek spotted this “Driveway of the Dead” on Long Lots Road, near the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

Trick or treat!

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Fred Cantor left the crowded main roads of Westport yesterday for what he thought was less crowded Spicer Road.

Traffic there was backed up too — by a school bus.

As the bus stopped e-v-e-r-y f-e-w f-e-e-t, Fred worried he’d be late for a dental appointment.

Then the bus driver pulled to the side of the road. He waved the cars behind him to pass.

“I know it’s just a small event in the bigger scheme of things,” Fred says.

“But nevertheless I thought this courtesy should be recognized.”

Consider it done.

And consider it a great gesture for other drivers to emulate.

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This year, as many as 40 million Americans will face hunger. One third of college students will be food insecure. While millions go hungry, America’s food system allows over 100 billion pounds of food to go to waste annually.

On November 14 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), the Westport Farmers’ Market, Wakeman Town Farm, Sustainable Westport and Food Rescue US-Fairfield County present a free screening of “Abundance: The Farmlink Story.”

The award-winning documentary explores youth-led solutions to food insecurity and wasted food. All are welcome — especially students.

There is a reception before the film. After, there’s a panel discussion with local food system leaders and experts, moderated by Chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave executive chair.

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Longtime Westporter Angelo Rotella Sr, died October 7, with his family by his side. He was 72.

A native of Sersale, Italy, he moved to Norwalk at age 9. Angelo graduated from JM Wright Technical School. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Marylee Denke.

Throughout more than 50 years together, their family says, “Angelo and Marylee’s homes were filled with love and life (and tons of wall paper). Despite taking care of family, friends and a variety of pets, there was always room in their home for everyone.”

Angelo’s favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, gardening and fishing. He quickly became the Wii bowling champion in his family.

His family adds, “Angelo was a great listener. When he spoke, he offered sound advice coupled with wisdom and compassion.

“Angelo wasn’t afraid to try new things, get dirty, or work hard.” He started his career as a mason, then worked for the town of Westport at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. For years, he celebrated his love for the water by working the night shift at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. Angelo retired in 2017, after 27 years of dedication.

He is survived by his wife Marylee; children Dawn, Angelo Jr. and Lisa; grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and sister Josephine Mercurio.

Calling hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home today (Wednesday, October 18, 4 to 8 p.m. Mass will be held tomorrow (Thursday, October 19, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wittingham Cancer Center.

Angelo Rotella

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Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a hobbit entrance.

Seen at Haskins Preserve, which is a magical place of its own.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1967, 66-year-old Louis Armstrong released “What a Wonderful World.” It went to #1 in the UK, but nowhere in the US. The president of ABC Records disliked the song, and refused to promote it.

Armstrong died 4 years later. Finally, in 1988 — when used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” — it found American success. In 1999, Armstrong’s recording was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

(Good morning, Westport! We hope you’re enjoying another “06880” post. If so, please consider a contribution to support your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Israel Support, I-95 Detours, Aid In Dying Legislation …

Posted on October 14, 2023 | 23 comments

Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.

She said then:

The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.

I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.

Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.

We are with you, Israel.

She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:

TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.

On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S.  against the rising  scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.

Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal  — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)

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Plan ahead!

The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.

In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17  entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.

The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.

For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.

The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.

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For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.

On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.

“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.

Click here for more information, and to register.

James Naughton

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“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.

Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.

This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.

Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.

Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.

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Speaking of Halloween:

This is the coven, at the corner of Hillandale and West Parish Roads:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.

On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.

Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.

RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.

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Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:

That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.

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Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.

They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.

Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.

This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.

Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?

To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?

Dot and Gordon Hall (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.

Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.

It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson

The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).

The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.

“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.

It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.

His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”

Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.

After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.

“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”

In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.

A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).

Ty Guarente

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Today is not much of a beach day.

But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.

The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.

Here are just 3 of their classics:

(It’s your thing … do what you want to do! But please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Environment, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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Online Art Gallery #183

Posted on October 14, 2023 | 1 comment

Timely world events and timeless nature share space in this week’s online art gallery.

As we do each week, we welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited (no, urged) to contribute.

“Under Attack” (Amy Schneider)

“Levon” — acrylic resin abstract wood canvas (Patricia McMahon)

“Fall is Here; The Sun is Brightly Shining” —
encaustic wax painting burnished with shellac (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Signal Flags 01” — abstract art with a strong Mondrian influence (Ken Runkel)

“Evan Harding Park at Longshore” — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)

“Fishing Boat Nellie at Sunset” (Peter Barlow)

“Sidelined” (Lawrence Weisman)

“South Bank of the Arno River” (Kathleen Burke)

“New Bridge” (Karen Weingarten)

“Who You Calling a Frogmouth?” (Mike Hibbard)

“Fleeting Fall” (Jerry Kuyper)

Suzanne Casey says: “I came out of needlepoint retirement to make this stocking for my brother’s first grandchild. (My brother is Michael Wheatall, Staples High School Class of 1979.) I also made them for all of my children, nieces and nephews when they were born — but the last of those was 20 years ago.”

“A Golem of War, Now loose in Israel and Ukraine.” Artist Steve Stein explains: “A golem, according to Hebrew legend, is a mass of clay magically given life. It can be a force for good or more often a force of evil, war and mindless destruction.”

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Traffic Meeting, Uncorked, Roy Wood Jr. ,,,

Posted on October 13, 2023 | 9 comments

Remember those 9 neighborhood meetings held last year about traffic?

And the report that followed, this past February?

On October 26 (7 p.m., Town Hal auditorium), the town hosts a “Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Update Session.”

On hand will be staff members knowledgeable about traffic management, roadway conditions, engineering, possible speed calming solutions, and the regulations and oversight authority of the town.

Public Works, Planning & Zoning and Public Safety Departments will update the public on progress made. Residents can also provide input on areas of concern.

RTM member Kristin Schneeman addressed a 2022 traffic and safety meeting. Next to her were fellow RTM reps Lori Church, Nancy Kail and Sal Liccione.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary has 2 signature events each year.

The Great Duck Race is for kids and families.

The Westport Uncorked wine tasting is for adults.

The 21-plus (mostly a bit older) crowd turned out in force last night. The Inn at Longshore was filled with wines of a wide variety of vintages and vineyards. There was plenty of tasting, plenty of buying — and plenty of money raised for the many good works Sunrise Rotary does, locally and much further afield.

Everything, in other words, was ducky.

A small portion of the large crowd at Sunrise Rotary’s Inn at Westport “Uncorked” wine tasting. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Saturday’s “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” benefit at Fairfield University’s Quick Center is sold out.

But the headliner — comedian Roy Wood Jr. — is still working hard to make it a success.

He came to Westport yesterday to see what the fundraiser is all about. He toured the Gillespie men’s shelter, the Hoskins Place women’s shelter, met the clients and staff, and had lunch with the board.

Roy Wood Jr.’s job is to make people laugh. He’s done it as a correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, and as MC of last spring’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

But he saw first-hand the very serious, even life-changing work that everyone associated with Homes with Hope does, 24/7/365.

He’s sure to give a shout-out to them all Saturday night.

Along with plenty of jokes.

Roy Wood Jr. (back row, center) with Homes with Hope board and staff.

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The Blondinit — the new Israeli restaurant — has not yet opened on Church Lane.

But as they prepare to welcome diners, owners Solomon and Inda Sade are thinking of the beleaguered nation.

They show their solidarity, loud and clear:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between October 4 and 11.

They issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1

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An incorrect date was given yesterday for Lynn Flint’s 1-day art show, to benefit Bridgeport artists in need of help with rent, food, fuel and materials.

.It’s Thursday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.

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It took several years of work, Stan Witkow says. But he finally has a tomato and garlic harvest.

And today he shares it “06880,” as our “Westport … Naturally” feature of the day.

(Photo/Stan Witkow)

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And finally … in honor of Roy Wood Jr., and his appearance tomorrow’s “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” fundraiser:

(Every day — we hope — “06880” makes you laugh, cry, think and act. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Local politics, Police, Restaurants, Transportation

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