From pencil and crayon drawing and pouring oil/acrylic mix, to a digital creation in photorealistic style, this week’s online art gallery showcases many genres.
We always 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.
“Hole Card” — pencil and crayon drawing (Ann Chernow)
“Sunset Bay” — digital creation in a photorealistic style (Ken Runkel)
“Sailing at Dusk” (Tom Doran)
“Dogs Are Colored Blind” (Spanky Giddings III)
“Please Don’t Bite My Head Off” — Norway (Lauri Weiser)
“Oiled, Bound, Rubbed, and Smoked — One of the 50 Shades of Chicken” (Mike Hibbard)
“Aging Factory, Afternoon Sun” (Peter Barlow)
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
“Longshore” (Rowene Weems)
“Itch” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Ye Olde Sherwood Island Environs Map” (Steve Stein)
Untitled — Photographer Amy Unikewicz writes: :I snapped these pictures just as the rain stopped, while managing produce donations at the Westport Community Gardens. Walking through the garden paths felt like walking on a sponge. With every step, my boots sunk into the wood chipped pathways after the site absorbed several inches of rainfall.”
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
She told “06880”: “I was asked by a member of the public if I was endorsing Camilo Riano. And I responded no, I am not endorsing him. That’s all I said.”
Others stayed home for the virtual Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on the future of Longshore — including the gardens, a new baseball diamond and the controversial siting of new pickleball courts. (They were disappointed. A “technical problem” ended the once-rescheduled meeting once it was clear it could not begin.)
The best time was had by the sold-out crowd at the Levitt Pavilion. Max Weinberg — longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band — brought his “Jukebox” show (with 300 songs that each audience picks) to the banks of the Saugatuck River.
The weather was beautiful. They played for 2 1/2 hours.
And at the end, he invited the audience up on stage, to join the fun.
Max Weinberg and friends, on stage at the Levitt. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Speaking of fun: In preparation for the Compo Beach playground renovation, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is looking for ideas.
A planning survey has been sent to Westport and Weston residents. The goal is to “improve the structure, visibility and accessibility” of the popular site, and to add new features.
The project is a partnership with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League.
Click here for the survey. It will be live through October 30. For project updates, on Instagram, follow @compobeachplay.
Compo Beach playground.
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Speaking of the beach: As the Hillspoint Road streetscape has changed over the years, there has been one constant: #246.
The tiny wooden shotgun house has stood — if not tall, then proudly — as all its neighbors have been torn down and replaced by far larger homes.
The end is in sight, though, for the 2-bedroom, 1-bath, 695-square foot house that sold last year for $1.5 million.
As the piece noted, our 7-decade relationship began in the aftermath of World War II. Two Westport soldiers — gun sergeant Bob Loomis and heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through the Normandy town, just 25 miles from Utah Beach, on their way to Belgium.
Alert reader Mary Manning sent this welcome news along: Clay Chalfant still lives in Westport.
He and his wife Mary are in Greens Farms. In February, they’ll celebrate his 100th birthday.
Best (and early) wishes, sir!
And thank you, all those years ago, for helping begin a transatlantic friendship that flourishes still.
From left: Clay and Mary Chalfant, with then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between September 27 and October 4.
A 27-year-old man was charged with disorderly conduct, assault, threatening and strangulation, after a domestic violence argument about a cell phone. He punched, pushed and choked the victim. After leaving, he threatened harm if police were notified.
A 57-year-old woman was charged with disorderly conduct, after arguing with a family member. The victim was assaulted, and injured during a fall.
A 28-year-old woman was charged with driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1-car crash on Sylvan Road North.
A 34-year-old man was charged with burglary and larceny, after taking keys, checks and paperwork from Westport Auto Craft. Mamaroneck police arrested him during a burglary the same day, and found the items from Westport in his possession.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Larceny: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Earth Animal has a long history with both CT Foodshare and the Mitten Project. Together, they tackle food insecurity.
Once again this year, the Post Road East store will match every dollar donated.
Last year, Earth Animal raised $53,000. This year’s goal: $60K.
CT Foodshare sources healthy food donations from the food industry, retail stores, farms, and generous donors. They are donated through a network of over 480 food pantries, community kitchens and meal programs.
The first part of the fund drive is “Pumpkins for Good.” Locally grown pumpkins and gourds will be sold all this month at Earth Animal.
During the holiday season, the store will sell ornaments, handmade mittens and dog treat Advent calendars. They’ll sponsor other fundraisers too. Stop in to Earth Animal to learn more.
Wakeman Town Farm and Patagonia are partnering to show short film about how food connects to climate change. “Unbroken Ground” screens on October 23 (7:30 p.m., WTF Tim’s Kitchen).
After the film, Ellie Angerame od Green Village Initiative leads a discussion on how a community can make a positive impact.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Westport Book Shop’s October guest artists are Jane Lubin and Toby Michaels. Both are survivors of the disease.
A reception is set for October 18 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Their art is on display at the Jesup Avenue store through through October 31. All work is available for purchase. To learn more about Toby and Jane, click here.
Jane Lubin and Toby Michaels, at the Westport Book Shop.
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It’s a cappella for all! (And for a great cause too.)
The Princeton Nassoons sing at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport October 18 (7 p.m.). The Beachside Express is their excellent opening act.
Admission is free. But voluntary donations support UU’s social justice partner, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
The Nassoons are one of the country’s oldest collegiate singing groups. And the vocal coach for Beachside Express — Greens Farms Academy’s elite group — is Mike Costantino, a longtime UU Westport member.
With so much controversy in Westport — the Community Gardens, the meaning of “shall,” Board of Education candidates and more — now is a good time to take a deep breath, step back, and admire what we have in Westport.
Nancy Lally’s “Westport … Naturally” photo for today is a great place to start.
And finally … the songs in the photo of Max Weinberg’s Jukebox show (story above) is just a sampling of the 300 he offered last night to Levitt Pavilion concert-goers.
Here, for your listening/dancing/air guitar pleasure, are 3 of them:
(Whew! There sure is a lot going on in Westport. And “06880” covers it all. If you believe in local journalism, please support this hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
The rainbow crosswalk at Jesup Road and Taylor Place — installed temporarily in June, for Pride Month — is showing signs of wear.
So on Monday, October 2 — the start of LGBTQ History Month — a new, permanent rainbow crosswalk will take its place.
And the official dedication is at 1 p.m. on October 11: National Coming Out Day.
The project — developed by Westport Pride, paid for by private donations, and supported by the Board of Selectwomen and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich — promotes diversity, inclusion and acceptance in the community.
Nearly 40 individuals, families and businesses from all walks of life contributed funds.
The design and colors– created by Westport Pride founder Brian McGunagle — symbolize “the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community,” he says.
“It adds a vibrant touch to our town’s streetscape, but also serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance, unity, and love. We believe it will be a source of pride and inspiration for all Westport residents.”
Dr. Nikki Gorman — who helped sponsor the original temporary rainbow crosswalk, as well as the new permanent one — also took part in the first installation in June.
The Westport Book Shop is just a few yards from the crosswalk.
This Saturday (October 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon), they partner with Earthplace and the Westport Tree Board for their 3rd annual Family Fun + Halloween Pumpkin Painting Project.
It’s a morning of crafts, guest animals from Earthplace, and giveaways from the Tree Board. Michael Zenetti will read from his book “The Sloth and His Friends.” Halloween costumes are optional, but encouraged.
RSVP to the Book Shop: 203-349-5141.
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EcoFest — Westport’s sustainable holiday celebration — is set for November 11, at Staples High School.
The sponsors — the school’s Zero Waste Committee — invites all organizations, businesses, artists, crafters and sustainable groups to participate.
A wide variety of exhibitors are welcome. Click here to register. The deadline is October 31.
MyTeamTriumph — whose volunteers help youth, adults and veterans with disabilities to participate in triathlons and road races — is a great non-profit.
Their fundraiser will be a great one too.
“Stories of Triumph & Inclusion” (November 2,6:15 p.m., Westport Library), will feature Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman. He also won the Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perserverance.
The evening includes inspiration from other athletes with disabilities, raffles, drinks, and catering by Marcia Selden.
Click here for tickets and more information, including sponsorships.
My Team Triumph, at the Westport Triathlon.
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MoCA Westport’s MoCA Westport’s annual benefit — held last night — was called The Surrealist Soiree.
It featured imaginative décor, avant-garde performers. a DJ, delicious food from Marcia Selden, Spencer Heyfron‘s surreal photo sessions, never-before-seen works by Purvis Young — and this:
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Rain and high tides combined to close Burying Hill Beach yesterday.
Ed Simek got this far — and no further — as he snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
“Five Mile River, Rowayton/Darien” (Kathleen Burke)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“Dark Times” (Jo Ann Miller)
“Ridgeline” — digital image (Ken Runkel)
Untitled — Norway (Lauri Weiser)
“Coral Head Sculpture.” Artist Dorothy Robertshaw explains: “Thanks to Nancy Breakstone’s generosity and sharing her coral and shell collection, I created Jimmy Durante, Mr. Potato Head, Harry… and I think he looks like Bert from Sesame Street. His frame is a refurbished broken clock.”
“Aerin’s Thermal” — Steve Stein says: “Thiswas done by our 12-year-old grand child. Thermal art is done on a thermoluminescent screen, It is evanescent, and has to be done quickly before it fades away forever (unless granddad takes a screen shot!).”
“Waiting #3” (Lawrence Weisman)
Photographer Mike Hibbard’s caption: “Okay, they’re watching the elephants. You grab the lunch bags, and I’ll meet you in the trees.”
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
But forget “The Gray Flannel Suit,” “The Swimmer” and “The Stepford Wives.”
My favorite is “Below Surface.”
The 20-minute documentary focuses on an unlikely subject: the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s AquaFit program.
Yet thanks to Patty Kondub — the energetic, creative and much-loved instructor who is the heart and soul of both the program and the film — the camaraderie, joy and, yes, life-saving experience that is AquaFit come vividly to life.
Dick Rauh — 96 years young — describes what the class has done for him. So do others, of many ages and from 4 continents. Patty melds them all into a young-feeling, tight-knit group that fulfills the Y’s dual mission of promoting healthy living and creating community.
AquaFit helped Patty herself through a dark time of her life, which she describes movingly.
But “Below Surface” is bright and alive — just like those morning classes. The cinematography makes it shine.
The film has been screened at festivals around the country, and won the “Next Great Filmmaker Award” at the Berkshires International Film Festival. It will be shown October 19 (noon, New Haven Public Library) at the New Haven Documentary Film Festival.
Now through October 1, you can watch it for free, thanks to the virtual World Peace Film Festival. Just click here.
It will be the most uplifting 19 minutes of your week.
(For the “06880” back story on “Below Surface,” click here.)
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The start of tomorrow’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been changed.
The new time is 6 p.m. (it was originally 6:30). That’s Thursday, September 28, in Town Hall Room 201/201A.
It’s a 6 p.m. start tomorrow for the Long Lots School Building Committee.
“People have the legal right to access state waters and fish for Blue Crab. The taking of Blue Crab requires no license, and there is no daily limit during the open season from May1 – November 30. The Conservation Office does not regulate the taking of crabs from the pond. The Sherwood Mill Pond Advisory Committee and the Shellfish Commission do not have authority to restrict the crabbing either.
“To clarify, this does not mean the Town has ignored the public requests for checking the crabbing. In fact, the Westport Police Department have conducted more than 50 patrols of Sherwood Mill Pond this summer. They have interacted with the individuals who are crabbing, they have actively provided education, and they have checked the catches to ensure proper measurements are being followed.
“The officers have used Infrared cameras to confirm that individuals were taking crabs and that any clams they have seen were dumped. They have worked individually and in conjunction with CT DEEP Encon Police. Officers have been proactive in responding to calls and will continue to provide our Town with this response.
“We want to inform the public that over 70 parking tickets have been issued along Hillspoint Road and the Old Mill parking lot in the last few weeks. One night alone had over 30 parking tickets issued. The Police Department will continue their oversight, including adding additional tactics in the future, to ensure that the laws are followed.”
For several years, Saugatuck Rowing Club has commemorated loved ones lost to breast cancer — and raised funds for survivors — by turning the Saugatuck River pink.
Literally.
Names are read aloud, and rose petals scattered into the Saugatuck River. They’re then swept out to sea.
This year’s “River of Roses” charity soirée is set for Sunday (October 1, 1 to 4 p.m.; ceremony at 3).
The $75 ticket includes (of course) rosé cocktails, raw bar, charcuterie, lobster and pumpkin bisque, clam chowder, apple crisp, Donut Crazy and a cash bar, plus live music by Fake ID.
Proceeds support SurviveOAR, the empowering, supportive community that provides mental, physical and emotional healing to women with breast cancer after traditional treatment ends.
Six members will be compete in Head of the Charles race next month.
Click here for tickets, or to buy roses ($25 each). Click below, for highlights of the 2019 event.
Parents of children with special needs have plenty to think about.
Including finances.
Westporter Kimberly Greenberg — a Morgan Stanley vice president — leads a free breakfast seminar for parents and caregivers, called “Protecting the Future for Your Child With Special Needs.”
Financial experts will share first-hand experiences on October 3 (9:30 a.m., STAR, 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk_. Tours of the renovated STAR center, including the new assistive technology lab and lending library, are also available.
To reserve a spot, or for more information, email ahenry@starct.org.
This event has flown under the radar. But it’s an important one.
Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 10 a.m., Westport Library), Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Ronald Welch and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will recognize the service of Westport veterans who served during the Vietnam War era.
There will be a color guard, national anthem, and more.
Staples High School graduate Tim Barmmer was killed in Vietnam. He is memorialized at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s Jenna Baumblatt has been named Connecticut’s 2023 EMS Youth Corps Member of the Year.
The 18-year-old joined WVEMS as an Emergency Medical Responder 4 years ago, and is now an Emergency Medical Technician. She also serves on the WVEMS board of directors.
EMS runs deep in her family. Her dad Rick is a WVEMS staff paramedic; her mom Lynn is a paramedic at Norwalk Hospital EMS, and her brother James is an EMT in Bridgeport.
WVEMS president Michael Burns calls Jenna “an amazing person and caregiver who maintains multiple jobs, in addition to her volunteer service. She is an amazing asset!”
Jenna Baumblatt
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Pam Rouleau is running a fundraiser with Nuvance Health for the Integrative Medicine Department at the Smilow Breast Cancer Center.
She photographed 13 people who have battled cancer — or still are — and depicted them along with their stories of survivorship.
Several members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s “SurviveOARS” team are included. Rouleau is a Survive-OARS rower too.
A reception is set for October 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the State Capitol in Hartford. It will then be on view through October 30. Click here for details.
Kimberly Wilson, Westport resident and Saugatuck SurviveOARS member.
Grammy Award-winning pianist Dave Kikoski headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, September 28, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Kikoski is known for his adept post-bop style and spontaneous swinging play. He has worked with artists like Roy Haynes, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Bob Berg, Michael and Randy Brecker, Chris Potter and others.
He’ll be joined by bassist Yuriy Galkin, drummer Vinnie Sperazza and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Enjoy a trivia night — virtually, and for a great cause.
Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m.), Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County hosts “Quiz for a Cause.” All proceeds support arts education for children, primarily those with special needs.
First prize is 2 round trip airline tickets, from Avelo Airlines. Second prize is a gift from Westporter Christian Siriano’s The Collective West. Third prize is 5 private music lessons at Neighborhood Studios.
Participants are asked for a minimum donation of $45. Click here to register, and for more information.
Maintenance and upkeep of Baron’s South has gone to the birds.
So it’s not surprising that a flock of turkeys has taken over Golden Shadows, the “mansion” once occupied by Baron Walter Langen von Langendorff and his wife.
Morley Boyd spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … today is the 120th anniversary of “the wreck of the old 97.” The mail train crash was not the worst rail disaster ever — though 11 people died, and 7 more were injured — but it lives on, thanks to folks like Johnny Cash.
(“06880” loves delivering news like today’s lead story, about Patty Kondub’s AquaFit movie. If you love the news “06880” delivers, please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)
Igor Pikayzen — Westport’s favorite home-grown violinist — kicks off this year’s Suzuki Music School’s Pillow Concert Series (October 1, 246 Post Road East, lower level; bring a pillow to sit on).
All 5 performances features superb local artists.
The 2005 Staples High School graduate went to Juilliard, then earned a master’s degree and artist’s diploma from Yale University and a doctor of musical arts at the CUNY Graduate Center.
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He’s appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across 4 continents. He has played Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, Le Teatro Sant-Cugat in Barcelona and Cadogan Hall in London; his live performances and recordings have been broadcast on WQXR, and around the globe. He’s won numerous competitions too.
Families and students attend free. as part of Suzuki’s community outreach programs. The goal of the series is for student musicians to hear exceptionally accomplished musicians. For more information, click here.
Speaking of music: There was a nearly full house yesterday at Saugatuck Congregational Church. Full house at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Alex Beyer — winner of the Queen Elizabeth, US Chopin and Dublin International Piano Competitions, now a US Navy pilot stationed in Norfolk — performed works by Mendelssohn, Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Bartok and Prokofiev.
A Q-and-A session, and masterclass with young musicians, followed the concert.
Alex Beyer performs at Saugatuck Church. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting this Tuesday September 26, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A ).
The agenda includes 15 minutes of public comment and/or questions regarding the feasibility study project, followed by a work session with the design team for project status updates, review and discussion. The public can attend the work session, but not participate.
The Long Lots School Building Committee will continue to discuss plans at its Tuesday meeting.
Another meeting of note: The Joint Committee of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will hold a public Zoom meeting on October 3 (7 p.m.). to review and comment on the proposed redevelopment of Parker Harding Plaza.
The notice says, “Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
Meanwhile, in the other direction, Old Dominion ripped it up at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
The multi-award-winning Nashville-based band is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Brad Tursi. Westporters know him as a 1997 graduate of Staples High School — and a former soccer star for the state finalist Wreckers.
Brad Tursi (left) with Old Dominion at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Tom Scarice)
Here’s a truly cool event: Small Car Company’s annual Air-Cooled Charity Car Show on October 8 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans Green; free, and family-friendly).
It’s a benefit to raise funds and awareness for 2 non-profits: Northeast Community Cycles (which provides bikes free of charge to underprivileged children) and the Bikeport Co-Op (a program where youth earn bikes by attending bike safety and maintenance courses, and performing volunteer hours with local organizations).
The show features dozens of vintage Porsches, Volkswagens, Corvairs and other rare and special air-cooled cars and motorcycles from around the tri-state area.
In conjunction with the classic car show, Small Car Company has partnered with Westport’s Total Training & Endurance for a bike tour, starting and finishing at Veterans Green. The $40 per rider cost includes a post-ride meal. Funds benefit Northeast Community Cycles and Bikeport Co-Op.
Small Car Company does other good work too — for example, hosting students who attend skilled trade auto-technology schools in a “Mentors & Motors” program during the show.
Students meet and learn from experienced mentors from many sectors of the automotive industry, including historic restoration, modern production automotive repair, sales, design, and photography.
The Gridiron Club has announced its 2023 inductees for the Staples High School Wall of Fame.
Congratulations to former players DJ Stefkovich (2006), Brian Levine (’06), Josh Kozel (’08), Matt Kelly (’09), Rob Gau (’11), James Frusciante (’13), Joey Zelkowitz (’13), Declan O’Keefe, plus Staples assistant principal James Farnen and Westport PAL football president and former PAL coach Carmen Roda.
Congratulations to all! The ceremony takes place November 3, at halftime of the Wreckers’ game against Trumbull.
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Speaking of sports: The 10th annual Westport Police Benevolent Association Golf Tournament is October 23, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
It’s a scramble format. Funds raised go to college scholarships for PBA members, as well as 2 to Staples High seniors who will pursue degrees in law enforcement.
The day includes raffles, and prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, closest to line, and the winning foursome.
Checks ($250 for one participant, $1,000 for a foursome) can be sent to Westport PBA Scholarship Fund, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Call 203-803-0215, or email jlauria@westportct.gov.
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Eleven Staples High School seniors have qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Congratulations to Emerson Briggs, Leigh Foran, Dania Hemdan, Peter Loranger, Ellen Ou, Surya Rao, Jameson Russell, Ella Tobben, Elizabeth Turner, Darren T Weng and Gabriel Weng.
Fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.5 million students who took the PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam will compete for 7,140 National Merit scholarships, worth more than $28 million.
National Merit semifinalists (from left): Leigh Foran, Emerson Briggs, Elizabeth Turner, Peter Loranger, Dania Hemdan, Jameson Russell, Surya Rao, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, Ellen Ou. Missing: Ella Tobben.
On Thursday, the former Bridgewater CEO announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania US Senate seat held by Democrat Bob Casey.
The Republican — born and raised near Pittsburgh — laid out his bona fides as a “7th-generation Pennsylvanian.”
But he also maintains a home on Beachside Avenue. And, critics say, that’s where he spends most of his time.
On Monday, as he sought the endorse of Doug Mastriano — the losing gubernatorial nominee last fall, who had considered a Senate run himself — flight records show that a plane co-owned by McCormick flew from Bridgeport to Harrisburg at 8:28 a.m. It returned to Connecticut that afternoon.
Click here for the Politico story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Sorelle Gallery’s next exhibition, “A Million Possibilities,” features new works by Connecticut artist Sofie Swann. It opens Friday (September 29), with a reception no Saturday (September 30, 3 to 5 p.m.).
Born in Iran, Swann’s abstract paintings are centered around her emotional response to experiences and memories, particularly her struggle to find a place to call home after being forced to leave Iran and immigrate to the US. For more information, click here.
Artwork by Sofie Swann.
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Jay Babina earned “06880” fame as the founder/curator/mastermind of the great, creative and very wide-ranging Westport Tech Museum.
Today he returns as a contributing photographer for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 28.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular event. It’s open to elementary and middle school children, with 6 winners in 3 different categories earning gift certificates to Saugatuck Sweets.
Last year, 105 kids painted 65 windows throughout town, individually or in teams. Click here to sign up, and for more information.
But that’s not all.
That night (October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), the Chamber presents a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.
Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.
Tickets are $35. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Like a fine wine, Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Uncorked” fundraiser gets better with age.
This year’s event (october 12, 6 to 9 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) will once again feature extraordinary vintages from the Fine Wine Company of Westport. Cory D’Addario will carefully choose 100 wines for tasting.
She is committed to sustainable, organic or bio-dynamic practices, and looks for integrity from the vineyard and supplier to the store. Passed hors d’oeuvres, creative charcuterie and carving stations will be paired with the wines.
Funds raised benefit the many charities supported by Sunrise Rotary. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Festive crowds, great food and excellent wines, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary’s Uncorked event.
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Less than one month remains to get $10,000.
Applications for the Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grants close October 20.
The grants, established in 1995 by former member Lea Ruegg, are awarded to non-profit projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.
Recent Ruegg Grant beneficiaries include the Westport Astronomical Society, Project Return, Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm. Proposals should be high-profile initiatives that make a meaningful difference in Westport. Click here for the application form.
Stay dry and warm — and learn about dozens of opportunities — at the volunteer fair in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
Co-hosted by the town and League of Women Voters (Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it’s a chance to check out over 2 dozen community organizations. Each will have a staff member to provide information and answer questions.
Participating groups include: A Better Chance of Westport; AWARE; Center for Senior Activities; Club 203; Earthplace; FCJazz; Food Rescue; Friends of Sherwood Island; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Levitt Pavilion; Staples Tuition Grants; Sunrise Rotary Club; TEAM Westport; Town of Westport; Verso Studios; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Wakeman Town Farm; Westport Book Shop; Westport Community Theatre; Westport Country Playhouse; Westport Emergency Medical Services; Westport League of Women Voters; Westport Library; Westport Permanent Art Collections; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Westport Woman’s Club; Westport Young Woman’s League; Westport-Weston CERT; Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Every year AWARE partners with a different organization, getting to know their work and helping wherever they can. Last year’s partner was Her Time, which serves women affected by incarceration. AWARE is one of many groups at tomorrow’s volunteer fair.
After surviving a plane crash that killed his mother and siblings years earlier, he was critically injured in — and the sole survivor of — a second crash that claimed the lives of his father and stepmother.
His road to recovery — capped by playing basketball for his mother’s alma mater, the University of Michigan — is both astonishing and inspiring.
He’ll tell it next Friday (September 29, 7:30 p.m.) at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Saugatuck Financial is sponsoring the event. They’ve made a few seats available, to friends of “06880.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
When was the last time you went to a real trunk show?
On October 1, you can. On October 1, over 35 Artists Collective of Westport members will (Westport Library lower parking lot, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), will literally open the trunks of their cars to offer works for viewing and sales.
Okay, some may have vans, but still …
Prices range from $25 to $1,500; most are under $100. They’re bargains — and you can meet the artists too.
Participating artists include Elisa Keogh, Deborah Bohren, Beatrice delPerugia, Nina Bentley, Marc Zaref, Louise Cadoux, Dionne Pia, Holly Hawthorn, Rosalind Shaffer, Maryann Neilson, Julie Leff, Lisa Silberman, Dolores Santiliquido, Fruma Markowitz, George Radwan, Ronnie Gold, Jean Krasno, Jocelyn Baran, Cecilia Moy, Susan Fehlinger, Dorothy Robertshaw, Cindy Wagner, Robin Babbin, Michael Brennecke, Susan Murray, Debbie Smith, Rebecca Fuchs, Elizabeth DeVoll, Janine Brown, Leonor Dao Turut, Hernan Garcia, Carla Goldberg, Barbara Ringer, Jane Fleischne and Maj Kalfus.
Jazz/pop singer Melissa Newman is an added attraction.
Many Westporters volunteer at Mercy Learning Center.
They help provide literacy and life skills training to women in need. They’ll be at the non-profit’s annual fundraiser October 1 (Shorehaven Golf Club, Norwalk, 5 to 8 p.m.), and encourage many others to join them.
The evening of cocktails, tastings and a live auction is a chance to learn more about this wonderful organization. New president and CEO Lindsay Wyman will be introduced too. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport resident Mitchell Green pleaded guilty this week to wire fraud charges in Newark.
He stole more than $2 million by selling Champagne and cognac at artificially inflated wholesale prices. He also got kickbacks on the transaction, which led to litigation by a company owned by 50 Cent.
“Though he was supposed to negotiate the best deal possible for his employer, Green set up secret side deals to inflate what his employer paid so that he could reap millions of dollars in kickbacks,” said Philip Sellinger, US attorney for the District of New Jersey. “Companies must be able to rely on the integrity of their agents to conduct business.”
Green faces up to 20 years in prison, plus a large fine. He will be sentenced in January. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
The property contains a 51-foot tall octagonal light house built in 1874, and a 2-story, 1,568- square foot keepers’ quarters. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bidder is remaining anonymous for now. Still ahead is final approval by the General Services Administration, then negotiations with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the long-term lease.
The bidders will then form a steering committee of local stakeholders, to figure out how best to embrace this offshore treasure. They hope to open it to the broader community for education, events and more.
“06880” will follow this lighthouse story to the end. It’s a beacon of hope for all.
Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker was Rotary International’s Celeste Herbert. She noted that the group’s contributions to the Rotary Foundation help it impact communities around the world, in areas like education and literacy; economic development; maternal and child health; peace building and conflict prevention; water, sanitation and hygiene; the environment, and disease prevention and treatment.
Herbert praised Westport Rotary for their “audacity” in addressing important issues, and believing they can make a difference.
And finally … happy birthday to Andrea Bocelli. The Italian tenor was born on this day 65 years ago.
(This story is filled with news you can use. So is every Roundup. Supporting “06880” means you appreciate our local focus. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
One of Westport’s most iconic locations will soon have a new tenant.
A “For Lease” sign on Patagonia leads to this listing for 87 Post Road East — the 1909 Westport Bank & Trust building that’s now home to the clothing chain:
Located at the intersection of Westport’s busiest retail corridor of Main St, Post Rd and Church Lane, this landmark building is a standout location visible from all points that vehicle and pedestrian traffic enter the downtown. Located adjacent to Urban Outfitters and across from Anthropologie and Barnes & Noble. Space consists of 6,200 SF on grade on Post Rd, with and additional 1,650 SF of retail on lower level, accessed internally from selling floor. Historic charm abounds with high ceilings, and 10′ Palladian windows!
It’s a 5-year lease. Rental rate and type are negotiable.
Several residents got phone calls yesterday from 203-341-6000: the Westport Police Department non-emergency number.
Someone claiming to be from the WPD told whoever answered that they were being called on a recorded line, and had missed a court subpoena. The citizens recognized the calls as scams, and contacted the department.
The Police say, “We believe the end goal of these calls was to have the recipient send money or gift card information as payment for a fine or to avoid arrest. The Westport Police Department does not accept payment for any services, fees, etc. over the phone.
“Residents should hang up and contact our non-emergency number if they ever have a question regarding the legitimacy of a call from someone identifying themselves as a member of the Westport Police Department.”
Sustainable Westport is launching a 3-part energy learning series. The programs will bring together experts with Westport residents who have upgraded their homes with heat pumps/solar/geothermal.
The sessions (reception at 6:30 p.m.; presentation and Q-and-A, 7 p.m.) include:
All About Heat Pumps: October 3 (Click here to register)
Everything Solar: November 7
Going Geothermal: December 5
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A ground-breaking exhibit at United Nations headquarters, featuring Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — opens next month.
The 2 works will be displayed on and next to a 102-foot curved wall.
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.
This is also the first time that Connecticut artists are featured at the UN.
The exhibit was made possible by individual donors. “06880” helped raise $18,000 fpr producing, printing and mounting the 30 large lenticular images; materials for the “prayer wheel” sculpture, and security for the reception (a UN requirement).
It is open to the public from October 10 to November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Miggs Burroughs’ lenticular images on the , and Mark Yurkiw’s Braille wheel (right).
The other day, the Greens Farms Garden Club celebrated their third fruitful Growing for Good Project.
Thirteen harvests from Wakeman Town Farm and Prospect Gardens were delivered to Mercy Learning Center. The first was 17 pounds in June; by this month, the harvest was 75 pounds.
Members fought pests, protected their crops, fertilized vegetables, and plowed through the hot summer to produce the produce.
From left: Greens Farm Garden Club member Chen Yang, president Maybette Waldron, Prospect Gardens landscape designer Cindy Shumate, 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Growing for Good chair Jacque O’Brien.
This is the 29th year for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County.
At least one participant has been involved with every one.
Denise Lucarelli says: “29 years ago, I was assisting at the front desk when the phone rang. The young lady began to explain that she was from the American Cancer Society, and they were sponsoring a new walk in Westport.
“I stopped her and said we would be glad to participate, since we are a radiology practice and early detection does save lives. She was amazed, and thought it would be much harder to convince me.
“We both laughed. Since that cold call, Advanced Radiology’s physicians, staff and family members have attended this vital and awesome walk every year.”
The walk draw approximately 5,000 walkers annually to Sherwood Island State Park in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Participants include healthcare systems, youth organizations, local and national businesses, and community teams (often honoring or memorializing survivors).
This year’s event is on Sunday, October 15 (9 a.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.
The American Cancer Society also sponsors a Men Wear Pink campaign. Participants are asked to raise at least $2,500; wear pink every day in October, and raise awareness through social networks. Click here for more information.
The Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a family event celebrating the strengths of children with learning and attention differences.
This year’s walk — the 4th annual — will include volunteers tossing colored powder as participants stroll by.
It’s set for October 1 (noon to 3 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park).
Children will also enjoy critters from Stamford Museum & Nature Center, bridge building with 3DuxDesign’s Team STEAM, Sasco River Center sensory stations, glitter tattoos, crafts, photo booth, lawn games, refreshments, ice cream and more.
Parents and caregivers will learn about resources, and experience community.
Children’s author Sivan Hong will read from her “Super Fun Day” books. Also planned: a youth chorus performance and youth speaker.
Participants walk the 2-mile route along Long Island Sound at their own pace. Registration fees are $15; $10 for children ages 6 -12; free for 5 and under. Strollers are welcome. For information and registration, click here.
Westport Tilt Parenting is a support group for parents of neurodivergent children.
They’ve partnered with the Westport Library to host Debbie Reber. The educator, author and advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent youngsters will speak at the Library on November 28 (7 p.m.).
Her topic: “Understanding and Embracing Differently Wired Kids.”
Westport Tilt Parenting says that at least 1 in 5 youths are in some way neurodivergent (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, gifted, sensory issues, anxiety and more).
However, they are often misunderstood. Current support strategies may be misguided; their strengths and gifts can be overlooked.
All parents of neurodiverse and neurotypical children are invited, as are teachers, administrators and interested others. Click here for more information. To learn more about Westport Tilt Parenting, email alexandre.acupuncture@gmail.com.
Comic art, deconstructed case-bound book boards, and visual mixed media all grace the walls of The Westport Library gallery spaces this fall. Local featured artists include Marc Zaref, Niki Ketchman, Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.
Coinciding with the Neil Gaiman StoryFest keynote conversation (Friday, October 20) is the visual companion in the Sheffer Gallery, “Panels & Gutters: The Comic Art of Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.”
The exhibition celebrates the form storytelling in comic art featuring MacColl’s and McCann’s illustrations with added panels demonstrating their conceptual and technical process. The graduates of Staples High School and Rhode Island School of Design are navigating the art scene with great success.
The opening reception and artist talk (Thursday, October 19; reception 6 p.m.; artist talk, 7 p.m.) will reunite MacColl and McCann reuniting their former art teacher, Katherine Ross.
“Cascade 2023,” by multidisciplinary artist Zaref, features an installation of recycled, deconstructed case-bound book boards.
The South Gallery hosts Ketchman’s “Resinations,” with mixed media resin visual works.
Rounding out the Library’s art activity is the Westport Artists Collective Affordable Art Trunk Show and Sale. It’s Sunday, October 1 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Library lower parking lot).
Forty Collective members will display their work out of their car trunks. All art is for sale, at affordable prices. ‘
A new family planning book by Westporter Dr. Mark Leondires goes on sale November 14.
“Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception” covers the complex medical and emotional considerations of becoming a parent, from choices (egg, sperm or embryo donation), through selecting a donor, through dealing with the ethical and practical dilemmas of parenthood.
Leondires is the founder and medical director of Illume Fertility. For more information and to pre-order, click here.
And at Burying Hill Beach, they don’t have to worry about fences.
Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this monarch flitting about yesterday. It did not land, but she “captured” it for posterity — or at least, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … his name was not well known, but he “entertained” millions of music fans.
Bobby Schiffman, who led Harlem’s Apollo Theater in the 1960s and early ’70s, when it became a storied venue — died last week in Florida. He was 94. Click here for a full (and fascinating) obituary.
And — though after Schiffman’s time — here is Weston’s own Keith Richards, playing at the Apollo too:
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Untitled (Cohl Katz)
