Category Archives: Arts

Roundup: Drew & Leo, Police & Fire Dispatch, Honey Cakes & Latkes …

Posted on March 1, 2023 | 5 comments

Yesterday marked the first snow day of the year.

For many youngsters, that was a chance to play. For older folks, it meant the chore of shoveling.

But all kids did not play, and all adults did not shovel. Let alert “06880” reader Bill Hall tell this tale:

“Imagine my septuagenarian joy yesterday morning when I heard a knock on my front door. Two young neighbor lads, ages 8 and 11, were there with shovels in hand.

“They said they would help shovel the heavy, wet snow — a frequent widow maker. I welcomed their offer. They went to it right away. clearing a walk ramp, paths to cars, accumulated snow from limbs of bushes and more. Their industry is to be admired.

“I remember thinking years ago, ‘where are the young folks who used to come to mow lawns and shovel snow?’ That breed seemed to have vanished.

“But not completely. Apparently there are still some ambitious young folks who offer their youthful strength (and charm).

“I asked before they started what their charge would be. They shyly said, ‘I don’t know, 5 or 10 dollars.’ I said, “you’re on!”

It was a joy to see them work so hard and fast. It was an equal joy first to meet these young lads, and see their joy upon completing my requests and receiving their cash. No Venmo here.

“Many years ago when I was a student at the University of Michigan, I sang a song in a musical with the lyric, ‘Where Is America, what has become of her? What strange place do I see?’

“I saw a glimpse of some good ol’ American and altruistic values today embodied in 2 boys, Drew and Leo. Thank you. guys!”

Drew and Leo, hard at work. (Photo/Bill Hall)

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Beginning today, Westport Emergency Services dispatch moves from Westport Police and Fire headquarters to Fairfield County Regional Dispatch. 

This joint venture between Westport and Fairfield has been in the works for several years. Fairfield moved its dispatch to the combined center at Sacred Heart University a year ago.

Westport residents will not see any change in service. All calls will be routed to FCRD, to be handled by civilian call takers and dispatchers.

Westport’s knowledgeable, expert civilian dispatchers possess have moved to the new center.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas says, “We expect to provide better service to Fairfield and Westport, with better access to public safety in one combined dispatch center. Our officers, firefighters and emergency telecommunicators working in conjunction with each other, in one center, will enhance the level of service provided to our communities.” 

 Fire Chief Michael Kronick adds, “At the FCRD, there will be a call taker and a dispatcher to help expedite dispatch efforts to handle emergency situations more effectively. The FCRD includes built-in redundancy and an extra level of back-up to keep emergency communications operational should the need arise.”   

 

The Police Department’s non-emergency phone number remains the same: (203) 341-6000. 911 is still the emergency number. And every firehouse has an outside phone to report emergencies.

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“Honey Cake & Latkes: How Food Memories Nourish the Soul” is the heart-warming title of an important upcoming event (March 16, 7 p.m., Chabad of Westport).

Westport food writer Liz Rueven and Dr. Maria Zalewska — executive director of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation — join Holocaust survivors Tova Friedman and Eugene Ginter.

They’ll provide a deep look into a collection of heirloom recipes from concentration camp survivors.

Noshes will be served and the (more than a) cookbook, “Honey Cake and Latkes,” will be available for purchase.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required (click here).

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Author and historian Richard DeLuca brings his illustrated lecture “Motion: Transportation, Climate Change and Big History” to the Weston History & Culture Center on March 26 (4:30 p.m.; free for members, $5 for non-members).

DeLuca will discuss 4 centuries of transportation history in Connecticut — from stagecoaches to interstates — and how that story has led to our current environmental crisis.

This event is part of the closing reception for the exhibition “The Curious Case of Eleven O’clock Road: How Weston Got Its Place Names.” It’s open every Thursday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m., through March 26,

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MoCA Westport’s next exhibit — “Rainbow in the Dark” — features German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle.

He is known for foil and strip paintings, and sculptures. Remnants of consumer society, discarded materials, and symbols of urbanity and industrial change play a central role in his works.

This exhibition includes neon installations, foil works, 2 vases in Reyle’s signature Fat Lava style, straw bale sculptures, a new collection of abstract photography, and a video.

The show is on view from March 19 through May 28. An opening reception is set for Saturday, March 18 (6 to 8 p.m.).

Untitled — Anselm Reyle (Photo/Matthias Kolb)

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Gold Coast Connect’s popular networking event returns to Westport.

Nômade restaurant’s back patio is the site (March 28, 6 to 9 p.m.) for food, a cash bar, and music by DJ Mo. All businesses are welcome.

Click here for tickets ($40) and more information.

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The BackCountry Jazz BeBoppers headline the next Voices Café concert. The energetic student ensemble comes to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport on Saturday, March 11 (8 p.m.).

As always at Voices, there is café-style seating at tables, or individual seating. Concert-goers bring their own snacks and beverages and food, or buy snacks there.

General admission is $25 per person; livestream is also available. Students can use Coupon Code “jazzstudent” for discounts. Click here for tickets and more information.

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Thomas “Bo” Hickey — the legendary athlete and coach who died Tuesday at 77 — is best remembered as a football, basketball, baseball and track star at Stamford Catholic High School, Denver Broncos running back, and a state champion football and boys ice hockey coach at New Canaan High.

But his coaching career began at Staples High School, as an assistant under Paul Lane. Rams coach Lou Marinelli hired him away in 1980, and the pair went on to win 8 state and 4 FCIAC titles. Hickey was an assistant for 31 years, but his value to NCHS was immeasurable.

His 20-year hockey head coaching record includes 10 FCIAC and 1 state crown.

Bo Hickey, during his induction into the FCIAC Hall of Fame. (Photo/John Nash)

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“Westport … Naturally” frequently features deer photos.

It’s been a while though since we saw one in the snow.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped this shot yesterday, at (appropriately) Earthplace.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … in honor of MoCA’s upcoming exhibition of Anselm Reyle’s work (story above):

(You call 911 for emergencies. And you depend on “06880” for the basics. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, History, religion, Restaurants, Sports, Transportation

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Online Art Gallery #150

Posted on February 25, 2023 | 1 comment

We’re on a roll!

This week brings another online art gallery, filled with a wide variety of mediums, colors, themes and more.

As always:

Remember: This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

“Octopus’s Garden” — acrylic abstract (Patricia McMahon)

Untitled. Artist Anne Bernier says: “A little delayed from Valentine’s. 💖
Who needs Hallmark when you can make your own cards?”

“Seaweed” (Lis Hisgen)

Untitled (Mona Brown)

“1947 WDX Dodge Power Wagon” (Peter Barlow)

“Boats in Dry Dock” (Kathleen Burke)

Photographer Laurie Sorensen says: “This photo was taken at Mohonk Mountain House stables in New Paltz, New York. Haven’t we all had days when this sign might be appropriate?!”

“Strange Roommates” (Patricia Driscoll)

“Acrylic Pour” (Amy Schneider)

Everglades picture digitally made into a watercolor (Diane Yormark)

“Did You Think You Could Improve on the Chagall Levi Window?” (Steve Stein)

“Day Laborer” (Lawrence Weisman)

Artist Roseann Spengler writes: “Although this is not horticulture, it is nature. I was inspired to do something after listening to Dick Rauh’s incredible talk at the library.”

(Every Saturday, “06880” proudly showcases our many talented artist/readers. Contributions keep this blog going. Please click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Ukraine, Sound Barriers, Trash …

Posted on February 24, 2023 | 6 comments

Save the date: Sunday, July 9.

The Ukrainian American Club of Southport — adjacent to the I-95 northbound entrance ramp — is the site of a “thank you” party for Westport’s help with our new sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

In 3 weeks, we raised $252,000. Funds have paid for building materials, communication equipment, trash and police trucks, meals, holiday gifts and more.

The July 9 event will be a day of music, food and fellowship. There will be plenty of opportunities to donate too — the need in Lyman is ongoing — but all are welcome.

More details coming soon.

Slava Ukraini!

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The New York Times marked today’s 1-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine with a retrospective of photos — and the memories of the men and women who took them.

Two Staples High School graduates — both Pulitzer Prize winners — are included.

Lynsey Addario (Staples ’91) stunned the world with this photo, in March:

(Photo/Lynsey Addario for New York Times)

She says:

In war, anything can change in a moment. Leading up to this photograph, mothers were running with their children from the Irpin bridge across my viewfinder toward the relative safety of Kyiv. Mortar rounds were coming in, urgency was in everyone’s step. Pink and blue puffy coats passed with rolling luggage. Surely the Russians wouldn’t target a civilian evacuation route?

But each round came a little closer, bracketing onto desperate people fleeing for their lives. And then I saw a flash, heard the crash and felt the impact from a wave of air being compressed in an explosion that smashed into our bodies as we dived for cover.

The aftermath will stay with me forever. When we stood up, my neck was sprayed with gravel. I asked my colleague Andriy if I was bleeding. “No,” he said. It was dusty and chaotic. We couldn’t see across to the other side of the street, so we didn’t know that a mother, her two children and a church volunteer had been killed. Somehow, we had been spared.

Tyler Hicks (Staples ’88) took this image in November:

(Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)

He writes:

Bakhmut, in the eastern Donbas region, began last year as the home of about 70,000 people. Over the year of war, I’ve watched the fighting chew this city apart, as both sides have thrown masses of troops and weaponry into desperate attempts to control it.

In the earlier months it was always tense, but there were still civilians on the streets; Ukrainians, particularly in the east, have learned to live in the shadow of war. On this visit, it had reached a clear turning point in its militarization.

This armored vehicle passed me as I was leaving a military hospital, and the faces of the soldiers seemed to represent what has taken shape in the city’s shell: a relentless determination to fight.

Click here for all the Times photos, and photographers’ comments.

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Want to sound off on sound barriers?

This Monday, (February 27, 11 a.m.), the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee holds a public hearing on Bill #6745. The proposed legislation addresses a statewide plan for the installation of sound barriers. (Click here for the full bill.)

To register to speak about the proposal, click click here. To submit written testimony about it, click here. To watch the hearing, click here. (Hat tip: State Senator Tony Hwang)

Sound barrier under construction on I-95 in Darien.

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Last week’s trash pick-up at Westport Animal Control was successful.

But there’s still more to do be done on Elaine Road (Compo Road South, between I-95 and the train tracks).

Elaine Road serves as the entrance to the water sewage treatment plant, and public access for boat and kayak launches, along with Animal Control. It attracts plenty of I-95 trash too, from vehicles and their irresponsible drivers and passengers.

All volunteers are welcome on March 5 (11 a.m.). Bring garbage bags, and dress appropriately.

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Elaine Road.

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Speaking of pitching in: Yesterday was Police Chief Foti Koskinas’ birthday.

Westport’s top cop leads a department of 64 uniformed officers. In his spare time, he pitches in wherever he can around town.

Here’s a typical shot: Police Chief Koskinas helping clean garbage from the I-95 hill, in Saugatuck. It was Sunday — his day off. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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The Y’s Women had a 2-fer yesterday. They enjoyed a pair of Westport treasures: the Westport Public Art Collections and MoCA.

The women enjoyed a private tour of the museum’s current exhibition, “Paul Camacho: El Ritmo y La Unidad” (which closes Sunday). Camacho was active in Westport’s art life in the 1960s and ’70s.

MoCA also shows 20 other abstractionists, including Alexander Calder and Robert Motherwell. All are from WestPAC’s holdings of more than 1,800 works.

Because most of their art is in schools and town buildings — not always available to the public — the Y’s Women were thrilled to see so many outstanding works. (Hat tip: Jilda Manikas)

Y’s Women at MoCA. (Photo/Leslie LaSala)

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Also yesterday: Dr. Winston Allen drew a large crowd to the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

The longtime Westport resident spoke about — and signed — his new book,  “I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”

Dr. Winston Allen, last night at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Sorelle Gallery’s first “On View” feature of the year opens March 3. Artists Ned Martin and Pete Sack will be showcased on the main wall of the Church Lane gallery, through March 25.

Both artists create abstracted work with an emphasis on color and geometric design elements.

To learn more about the artists and the show, click here.

Hanging the Sorelle Gallery show.

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Speaking of art: George Billis Gallery may have moved to Fairfield (1700 Post Road). B

But the upcoming spring show is true to its Westport roots.

Local resident Dala Najarian is one of the 8 featured artists — and it was curated by fellow Westporter Amy Zoller.

Najarian works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, mixed media and oils. A passionate photographer, her Shadow Series merges the realistic quality of a photo with the abstract translation of a scene, to depict a dreamlike painting.

The opening is March 2 (5 to 8 p.m.). It runs through April 16.

“Jewel Shadows” — oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)

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It may not have been a long, brutal winter. (Sorry, Buffalo and Minnesota.)

But, like clockwork, we’re headed toward that ugliest time of the year: the not-quite-end-of-winter-but-not-yet-start-of-spring.

Still, there’s a certain kind of stark beauty to the season. Frank Sisson captured this “Westport … Naturally” scene at Winslow Park:

(Photo/Frank Sisson)

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And finally … today is both Rupert Holmes’ 76th birthday, and World Bartender Day. So of course:

(If you like pina coladas — drink up! If you like “06880” — please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Police

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Roundup: Parker Harding, Longshore, Speakeasy …

Posted on February 23, 2023 | 8 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s project has begun.

Public Works Department employees assisted town engineers and Langan consultants yesterday, as they dug test pits for the renovation.

Site work downtown. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)

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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting next Thursday (March 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

The one agenda item is the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

Longshore Club Park

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Looking for a historic speakeasy in Westport, featuring jazz, food, drink and gambling?

Head to the Suzuki Music School in Colonial Green on March 4 (7 p.m.). The basement will be transformed into the type of illicit space F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald knew well from their time here.

The Rich Goldstein Trio and Joe Carter Trio will perform. Tickets ($125) include food and drink, and $25 of (charity) gambling chips. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Proceeds benefit the Suzuki Music Schools, and Westport Museum of History & Culture.

The evening marks the mid-event of the 2023 Connecticut Guitar Festival. Opening night at MoCA Westport (Friday, March 3) features  classical guitarist Rene Izquierdo and  contemporary Guitarist Jordan Dodson.

The Saturday daytime lineup includes education for young and old guitar students at MoCA: master classes, lectures, an open mic and a 3 p.m. showcase concert by the Yale Guitars.

The Guitar Festival ends Sunday at MoCA with a free children’s pillow concert headed by festival artistic director Mak Grgic, and an honors concert of young area students.

Click here for full details of the Connecticut Guitar Festival.

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Westport Police report 2 custodial arrests between February 16 and 22.

One followed a report that a family member was acting erratically. During a mental health emergency, a Westport resident swung at officers, causing minor injuries. He was charged with 2 counts of assault on a public safety employee.

The other arrest was for failure to appear.

The Police Department is still unable to report information on traffic and other citations.

One arrest last week was for failure to appear for a court date.

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Wheels2U’s on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service is free tomorrow (Friday, February 24).

The normal fee to and from the Westport and Greens Farms stations is $2.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., for rides between either train platform and their front door. Pickups for trips to the stations should be requested 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, including how to download the Wheels2U app and book a ride, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

Wheels2U.

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A Westport woman is having a hard time finding a handyman.

The work involves basic repairs, including painting, screens and other things.

She’s not on Facebook (the usual place to search for such things), and has had no luck finding one on her own. If you know of a good handyman — or you are one yourself — click “Comments” below.

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Many Westporters are away this week, for the public schools’ winter break.

These guys stuck around, and posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Liza Emilio)

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And finally … you knew this was coming, right?

(“06880” is your non-profit, hyperlocal blog. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here for details. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Transportation

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“Twelfth Night” Composer Jams With Staples Players

Posted on February 23, 2023 | 1 comment

Sure, “Twelfth Night” is Shakespeare.

But Staples Players’ productions always come with a twist. Next month’s show by the award-winning high school troupe is a catchy, contemporary musical version of the Bard’s romantic comedy.

They’ve been excited about it, ever since rehearsals began.

Last week, they got an added jolt: Composer Shaina Taub came to the Staples stage, to chat — and sing — with the cast.

The visit started as a shot in the dark. Co-director Kerry Long reached out on Instagram, noting that Taub’s friend Justin Paul — composer of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” — is a Players alum.

Taub’s schedule is packed, but she graciously agreed to visit.

Shaina Taub (front row, center, hands clasped) enjoys a sing-along with Players. Andrew Maskoff is at the piano. (Photo/Kerry Long)

The Westport teens related to her stories about growing up as a musical theater kid in Vermont. She described the importance of her extended theater family at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, and the daunting task of writing an adaptation of Shakespeare after a call from the Public Theater.

Long and co-director David Roth led a Q-and-A session. A question about her writing process brought this advice about getting something — anything — down: “A C+ song on paper is better than an A+ song that hasn’t been written.”

Then the real fun began: a sing-along around the piano.

“There’s something amazing for theater kids to sing songs with the person who wrote them,” Long says.

“Our students are obsessed with the music. They all the know the words to every song, even if they don’t sing it in the show.”

Shaina Taub (left) with Sophia Betit. The senior plays Feste in “Twelfth Night” — the role Taub originated in her own show at the Public Theater. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Taub is now an accomplished composer and actor. But she went right back into “theater kid” mode, singing and bopping joyfully with the young cast.

It was a magical 90 minutes.

Then — the moment it was over — rehearsal began.

Shaina Taub could surely relate.

(Staples Players perform “Twelfth Night” at 7:30 p.m. on March 17, 18, 24 and 25, and 3 p.m. on March 19 and 25. Click here for tickets, and more information. Hat tip: Jill Johnson Mann)

(Staples Players is where teenagers meet Shakespeare — and Shaina Taub. “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and you read all about it. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Lyman Delivery, Sherwood Island Plantings, Psychic Show …

Posted on February 22, 2023 | 1 comment

It’s much colder in Lyman, Ukraine than Westport, Connecticut.

But hearts in our sister city have been warmed by gifts this winter. The latest delivery is good news for hundreds of freezing bodies.

A 20-ton truck headed out yesterday to the town in the Donbas. It was filled with construction material, to shore up 6 apartment blocks devastated during 5 months of Russian occupation.

Residents have been living in basements. Soon, the rebuilding of those apartments can begin.

Ukraine Aid International and Alex21 — Westport’s partners on the ground — also delivered armored vests for utility workers. That will enable them to work more safely, restoring power in areas still under attack by the invaders.

The construction material and armored vests were paid for by Westporters. During the holiday season, our town raised $252,000 to aid our sister city. More projects are in the works.

Click below for a video showing delivery of the building materials and armored gear.

Tax-deductible donations can still be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit co-founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer. Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here). 

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Tomorrow (Thursday, February 23) is Fairfield County Giving Day.

Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is raising funds for their garden team. They’ll plant natives in their Pollinator Garden, and the East Beach dunes. Among them: seaside goldenrod, switchgrass, rose mallow, maritime marsh elder, Virginia rose, blue-flowered spiderwort, yarrow, white heath aster, pink-flowered showy tick-trefoil (pea family), thin-leaved sunflower, boneset, New England blazing star and marsh fleabane.

The dune restoration will be extended with 150 feet of American beach grass, 12 feet wide. They’ll add 12 red maple, white oak and pitch pine trees in the picnic area.

The goal is $1,700. To donate, click here, or send a check to: Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, PO Box 544, Westport, CT 06881. Memo line: “Giving Day 0- Garden Team.”

Westporters Orna Stern and Debbie Ritter — members of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park garden team — planting a red maple tree. It will one day shade East Beach picnic areas.

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This event happens on April Fools’ Day.

But I am not making this up. I’m just paraphrasing (and quoting) a press release.

“Celebrity psychic medium Karyn Reece” comes to Child’s Pose Yoga (8 Church Street, April 1 7:30 p.m.) for “the most coveted event this spring that has everyone talking.”

During the “intimate VIP evening (guests will) be given the opportunity to connect with their past loved ones and hear about their future through live audience-style readings with Reece. She will allow ‘the other side’ to guide her around the room as she gives inspiring and specifically detailed personalized messages of healing and hope to some lucky winners in attendance.”

But wait! There’s more! Attendees will enjoy “exceptional food and spirits” (ho ho), “delectable desserts,” and gift bags too.

Reece “has been featured on TLC, Discovery, Lifetime, The CW, FYI, Travel Channel and A&E. She is also the go-to psychic medium for celebrities on Bravo. She has worked with some of the world’s most A-list celebrities and brands including Deux Moi, Reebok, Kyle Richards, Leah Remini, Margaret Josephs, entrepreneurs, and media who featured her as one of the most accurate psychics with over 98% accuracy per reading (average psychics being only 50%).”

Tickets are just $200 per person (non-refundable or transferable). For reservations, call 716-580-2520 or email karyn@karynreece.com.

The press release concludes: “Reece is ready, spirit is ready, but the real question is, are you ready for a spring night like none other?”

No foolin’!

Karyn Reece

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Noya — the fine jewelry design store on Riverside Avenue, just off Post Road West — is helping victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

100% of proceeds of their “friendship bracelet” will aid those devastated by the disaster. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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If you’ve never been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibit: What a shame.

If you have, you’ll know to mark March 1 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn) for hors d’oeuvres, wine, great conversation, and of course a diverse array of art by talented Collective members.

Then on March 5 (5 p.m.), several artists will talk about their process and answer questions about their work and careers.

The show runs March 2-5 (2 to 6 p.m.). Artists exhibiting include Nina Bentley, Suzanne Benton, Eric Chiang, Lynne Knobel, Joanie Landau, Susan Murray, Dale Najarian, Judy Noel, Julie O’Connor, Eileen Panepinto, Gay Schempp, Renee Santhouse, Joan Wheeler and Marc Zaref.

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Choral Chameleon’s previous 2 appearances at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport were great success.

The New York-based group returns this Saturday (February 25, 7:30 p.m.). Their “Music for Chameleons” concert — part of their 15th anniversary tour — is a “thought-provoking narrative on the ever-changing landscape for the world, and the power of human beings to have meaningful discourse and invoke transformation.”

They’ll include music by di Lasso, Pulenc, Nobuaki, Rimmer, Trmbore, Jamiroquai and Janet Jackson, plus premiers from Choral Chameleon Institute composers inspired by a Truman Capote short story.

Tickets are available online and at the door ($20 each). To learn more about Choral Chameleon, click here.

Choral Chameleons

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Dr. Arthur Brovender, a longtime Westporter, died peacefully at his Boca Raton, Florida home on Saturday. He was 92 years old.

The Bronx native earned a BA with Phi Beta Kappa honors from New York University in 1952. He received a medical degree with distinction from L’Université Libre de Bruxelles 6 years later.

He completed his internship in general surgery at Norwalk Hospital. Arthur then specialized in orthopedic surgery, finishing his surgical residency in New York.

In 1962, during his children’s surgical residency at The House of St. Giles the Cripple in Brooklyn, he met his future wife, Paula on a blind date. They were married for 59 years.

Throughout his medical career, he held many memberships as a Fellow in medical societies (International College of Surgeons, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, New York Academy of Medicine, American College of Surgeons and the American Geriatrics Society) and was a Charter Member of the Eastern Orthopaedic Association. He was a regent in the State of Connecticut International College of Surgeons, and president of the Norwalk Medical Society. He taught at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Police and Fire Departments in Westport and Norwalk.

In 1963 Arthur opened a private practice and joined the medical staff at Norwalk Hospital. At the same time proudly served in the Army Reserves, rising to captain. He served as the chief of orthopaedics at Norwalk Hospital from 1981-1985.

He enjoyed playing golf and tennis, skiing, hunting and fishing. He was an avid photographer and history buff, and enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Arthur took classes throughout his life.

His religious observance was important. Heserved as president of Temple Shalom in Norwalk from 1976-1979.

After retiring from his private practice of 37 years in 2000, he continued to provide medical service to the Social Security Administration as an independent medical expert on orthopedic cases throughout the United States.

For the last 20 years he enjoyed retirement at Boca West Country Club, where he served on the Board of Governors and numerous committees. He made many wonderful new friends in Florida.

Arthur was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Stanley (Patricia) Brovender. In addition to his wife, Arthur is survived by his children Leslie Serena and Lisa (Arthur) Hayes; grandchildren and step-grandchildren Max, Malisia, Rebecca, Olivia, William and James; niece, Dana Parillo, and nephews Matthew and David Brovender.

Funeral services will be held this Friday (February 24, 1 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk). Burial will follow at the Temple Israel Cemetery behind Beth Israel Cemetery in Norwalk. The family will sit shiva on Saturday (6 to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.)

Donations in Arthur’s name can be made to Temple Shalom or the Anti-Defamation League.

Dr. Arthur Brovender

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A flock of turkeys lives in the woods behind St Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services on Long Lots Road.

They’re a relatively new addition to local wildlife — and an interesting subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of celebrity medium Karyn Reece’s April 1 appearance here:

(You don’t need a crystal ball to know that a non-profit like “06880” relies on support from readers. Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, religion

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Online Art Gallery #149

Posted on February 18, 2023 | 2 comments

This week — as we near our 150th online art gallery — our “06880” artist/readers set a new record.

With 16 submissions, this is the most number of works we’ve run since the feature began. (It started early in the pandemic, as an outlet for everyone stuck at home.)

Thanks to all who participated this week — regulars and newcomers.

Remember: This is your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

“Happy Hearts Day” (Rowene Weems

“Neurographic Heart” (Amy Schneider)

“Foggy Compo Companionship” (Andrew Colabella)

“Hugs to Westport” (Mona Brown)

Fairfield Furniture Store — now National Hall, 1970s (Diane Van Gelder, Staples High School Class of 1970)

“The Black Pearl” — mixed media (Peter Barlow)

Untitled — taken from a boat off the Napali Coast on Kauai, Hawaii (Robert Augustyn)

“Clouds or Waves?” (Pam Kesselman)

“Is This Seat Taken?” Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “This friendly spirit rides the train between Cusco, Peru and Machu Picchu.”

“Oui @ One River” (Jonathan Alloy)

“I See the Light!” (Linda Sugarman)

“Ceramic Pitcher in Blue Rutile” (Diane Yormark)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

“A Small Barn” (Steve Stein)

“Mystery Balloon” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Fly Me to the Moon” (Karen Weingarten)

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Roundup: Valentine’s Sand, MoCA Music, Aspetuck’s Digital Hike …

Posted on February 15, 2023 | 1 comment

Some folks expressed their Valentine’s love yesterday with flowers. Others used chocolate.

One intrepid person took to the sand:

(Photo/Rachel Rothman-Cohen)

So the very romantic (and real) question remains: Which of these 3 expressions of love — flowers, chocolate or a heart in the sand — lasts longest?

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MoCA Westport’s 2023 Music at MoCA Concert Series features a diverse line-up: 10 jazz, world music, folk and classical performances.

Collaborations include Jazz at Lincoln Center, East Coast Contemporary Ballet and the Charles Ives Music Festival.

The schedule  (all concerts begin at 7 p.m.):

  • Saturday, February 18: Talisk (Scottish folk)
  • Friday, April 21, 2023: Eddie Barbash (jazz)
  • Friday, April 28: Cuatro Puntos: Contemporary Ukrainian Composers (classical)
  • Friday, May 12: Ameen Mokdad’s “The Curve” with Cuatro Puntos (classical)
  • Saturday, May 20: A Tribute to Joni Mitchell by Michelle Pauker
  • Saturday, June 10: Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist: Vanisha Gould Quartet (jazz)
  • Saturday, July 8, 2023: Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist: Summer Carmargo (jazz)
  • Tuesday, August 8, 2023: Charles Ives Music Festival: “(Re)Imagine, an Evening of Engaging Chamber Music: (Classical)
  • Saturday, October 14: “Desde Adentro – From Within” by East Coast Contemporary Ballet, Alturas Duo and Callisto Quartet (dance)
  • Saturday, November 18: Artem Kuznetsov – 2022 Heida Laureate (classical)

Click here for tickets and more information, or call  203-222-7070.

Michelle Pauker — a star last year — returns in 2023 to MoCA. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Westport Fire Department is always training.

Yesterday’s session: positioning the ladder truck, and rescuing someone from a window.

Firefighters did not have to go far. They did it right outside headquarters, on the Post Road.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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A “digital hike” seems oxymoronic (and not particularly daunting, or fun).

But Aspetuck Land Trust is offering one on March 15 (noon), and it’s both educational and, yes, fun.

Land protection specialist Adam Goodwin will help attendees learn about open space, land in our region, and the green space that is the “lungs of Fairfield County.” The focus will be on Aspetuck’s preserves and trails, and how they connect the region.

Click here to register for the “Lunch & Learn” websinar.

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In 1929, the Westport Garden Club was among 31 charter members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut in April 1929.

Beginning in 1982, the Federation has hosted a flower and garden show in Hartford. For this year’s event (February 23-26, Connecticut Convention Center), club members Kara McKenna Wong and Kelle Ruden will enter floral designs as novice designers.

They’ll also be preparing for the Westport Garden Club’s 100th anniversary show next year. Kara and Kelle will work at the Hartford show as horticulture volunteers, learning the flower show ropes. Club members will travel to Hartford, to cheer them on.

At the show, they can also visit Kerstin Rao. The Westport artist/ calligrapher/former Bedford Middle School teacher will exhibit her Vivid Cottage stationery.

The Connecticut Flower & Garden Show includes 23 live gardens and landscape exhibits; over 12,000 square feet of design, horticulture, botanical arts and a photography competition; over 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations, and hundreds of booths.

Click here for more details on the show.

A few of Kerstin Warner Rao’s flower-themed greeting cards.

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The Westport Transit District celebrates Presidents Day with free Wheels2U on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service this Friday and next (February 17 and 24).

The normal fee to and from the Westport and Greens Farms stations is $2.

WTD director Peter Gold hopes riders will take advantage of the free service to head to New York for a staycation, shopping, museum or Broadway visit — or traveling between Westport and the city for work.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., for rides between either train platform and their front door. Pickups for trips to the stations should be requested 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, including how to download the Wheels2U app and book a ride, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

Wheels2U.

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Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand reading of Theresa Rebeck’s thriller “Mauritius” (March 13, 7 p.m.) has a special twist.

It’s directed by the playwright herself.

Rebeck has written for stage, film, TV and novels. Her 4 Broadway plays make her the most Broadway-produced female playwright in recent years.

“Mauritius” is a thriller. It’s also infused with wicked humor.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Theresa Rebeck

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Westport resident Dr. John J. Williams died peacefully last week.

A graduate of St. Peter’s College, Georgetown Medical School and Fordham Law School. he was a decorated combat veteran who served in Vietnam as a surgeon.

He trained as a urologist, and was on the faculty at Cornell. He was also a member of the Connecticut Bar. John and his family split their time between New York City and Westport.

He is survived by his children John (Chie), Paul (Leslie) and Valerie (Gary); grandchildren Owen, Sachi, Charlie, Harry, Luke and Johnny; brother Robert and sister Kathy Dalton. He was predeceased by his wife Jean.

Visitation is today (Wednesday, February 15, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral mass will be held tomorrow (Thursday, February 16, 10 a.m., St Luke Church).

Dr. John Williams

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Nothing says “Westport … Naturally” more than an early sign of spring.

Bob Weingarten spotted these optimistic shoots, on Hillandale Road.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … on this day in 1764, what became the city of St. Louis was established in what was then Spanish Louisiana.

(From here to St. Louis — and far beyond — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here, to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

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VersoFest Schedule: Get Ready To Rock (And Rap) (And Dance)

Posted on February 15, 2023 | 2 comments

When organizers brought everyone from Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Joe Cocker to Joan Baez, Ravi Shankar and Sha Na Na to Woodstock, the world thought that was very cool.

The Westport Library’s 2nd annual VersoFest won’t feature skinny dipping, bad acid and mud.

But the 4-day event promises a lineup at least as broad as Woodstock’s, plus panels, workshops and other events about an across a wide array of media and platforms. It’s our town’s special festival — 2023-style.

Running from March 30 through April 2, VersoFest ncludes Sunflower Bean and the Smithereens; androgynous rock fashion, and hip hop’s 50th anniversary, and something for both Deadheads and gearheads.

Last year’s inaugural event drew thousands to the Library’s Trefz Forum, and meeting rooms throughout the building. This year’s VersoFest — named for Verso Studios, the state-of-the-art media facility — builds on that creative start.

Sunflower Bean kicks it all off on Thursday, March 30. Hot off headlining at South by Southwest, they’ll follow Americana opening act Amilia K Spicer, and vinyl DJ Miriam Linna.

On Friday, the Smithereens — featuring Marshall Crenshaw — keep VersoFest’s energy sky-high.

Saturday and Sunday are jammed with panel and workshop programming. Highlights a keynote conversation. Steve Lillywhite — whose producing credits include the Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, U2, the Dave Matthews Band and Phish — will chat with Chris Frantz, co-founder of both Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.

Earlier in the day, Steven Van Zandt’s educational foundation, TeachRock, offers a presentation on the Dead’s 3-story, 28,800-watt hot-rodded PA system. (Anthony Coscia’s scale model recreation will also play music throughout VersoFest.)

Anthony Coscis with his Wall of Sound.

New York Times trend reporter Rachel Felder will host a panel on “Evolving Rock Fashion: From Marianne Faithfull to Debbie Harry to Lizzo.

Artist Dylan Hundley moderates a photography panel that includes Westport native Michael Friedman, whose “lost negatives” from the 1960s form the basis of a stunning upcoming book.

Saturday night showcases “Laser Stranger Things” and “Laser Floyd” shows. Both feature music of Netflix’s “Stranger Things” series, and the music of Pink Floyd.

Alice Cooper fans get a two-er: an exhibition of costumes, props, instruments, unpublished photos and more on Saturday and Sunday, plus a screening of the documentary “Live from the Astroturf” (and a Q-and-A and book signing with bassist Dennis Dunaway, on Sunday. (His Blue Coupe group, with Joe and Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult, play a pre-VersoFest fundraiser March 10.)

Norton Records co-founder Miriam Linna — whose roots in rock, garage, punk and R&B run deep — is the subject of a Music Oral History with Beehive Queen and “Saturday Night Live” singer Christine Ohlman (returning after her memorable 2022 VersoFest appearance).

Christine Ohlman

Early Sunday evening half a century of hip hop is celebrated with a Legends Beats and Grooves block (scratch DJ demonstrations and discussions).

All day Sunday, vinyl dealers will sell and trade their records. All weekend long, workshops cover topics like “Writing for Independent Film,” “TV/Media Production,” “Podcast, Streaming and Radio,” and “The Business of Music.”

Concerts and workshops are ticketed events; panels and keynotes are free.

A cash bar will be available all 4 nights of the festival. Food trucks in the parking lot will augment the Library Café. VersoFest concerts are co-produced with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

And remember that memorable scene in “Woodstock,” with the guy who was cleaning Port-a-Sans?

All Westport Library bathrooms will be open — and cleaned regularly — during VersoFest.

(Click here (and see below) for the full schedule, and ticket information.)

(“06880” rocks Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Valentine’s Candy, Collective’s Art, Spirit Shop’s Whiskey Barrels …

Posted on February 14, 2023 | 15 comments

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Today’s sweet Westport connection comes from reader Deb Rosenfield. She writes:

“Did you ever wonder where all those heart boxes for candy came from?

“My grandfather, Louis Rosenfield, developed the manufacturing process for them. He first made them for Barracini and Loft’s.

“He, his brother and cousin started a paper box/container company called Miro Container in the 1920s in Brooklyn. They were known for their high-end set-up boxes (not folding), such as the outer ones that hold large portfolios of prints by artists like Edward Hopper and Andrew Wyeth, candy boxes, etc.

“They also designed and made the boxes for Ideal Toys (I had the original prototype for the game Mouse Trap as a kid, and one of the original Betsy Wetsy dolls). They also made Dixie cups for the US military during World War II.”

“One more Westport connection: Miro Container made the boxes for Evyan — the perfume company owned by Walter Langer von Langendorff.” (He’s the “baron” who owned the property now named “Baron’s South.”)

Louis Rosenfield’s 1952 patent for a heart-shaped candy box.

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The Westport Artists’ Collective has a collection of upcoming events.

A members’ exhibit reception at Gordon Fine Arts Gallery, 1701 Post Road East (this Saturday, February 18, 4 p.m.; show runs through March 19) will be followed by:

  • A pop-up show (Westport Playhouse barn, reception March 1, 6 to 8 p.m.; show runs through March 5, 2 to 6 p.m.)
  • A “Music to our Eyes” show at the Westport Library (March 8, 6 to 8 p.m.), with  a “Piece by Piece” reveal March 8 (6:30 p.m.).

Click here for more information.

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Seen around Redcoat Road yesterday:

(Photo/D. Sweet)

Be careful out there! (Hat tip: Nancy Beard)

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Greens Farms Spirit Shop is auctioning off 20 whiskey barrels.

Unfortunately, they’re empty. Fortunately, they’re great for indoor or outdoor decor — or for aging beer or other spirits.

Even more fortunately, all proceeds benefit Connecticut Greyhound Adoption. They’re a nonprofit organization that finds loving homes for retired racing greyhounds, while offering pre- and post-adoption support to facilitate the transition from track to home.

Click here for details, and to bid. The auction ends this Thursday, at 9 p.m.

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The relatively warm, very snowless winter continues to draw swimmers to Compo Beach.

Six women waded into the water yesterday — joining a steady stream of fearless, cold-but-not-frozen folks over the past few weeks.

Today’s forecast calls for sun, a high of 52, and winds of 5-10 mph. Everyone down to the shore!

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Last September, “06880” reported on Mark Perlman.

The longtime Westporter had just published his first historical novel — in French.

No US publisher was interested in his story weaving together the Jazz Age, romance, murder, World Wars I and II and the rise of fascism.

Perlman persevered. He found a French company that bought the rights, translated it, and published “Le Soldat Involontaire” in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada.

The other day, “The Reluctant Soldier” was finally published in English.

Alert “06880” reader Tom Carey calls it “compelling. While there are a slew of novels about World War II, Mark’s book spans a longer time frame and is told from the point of view of an African American.”

Tom knew Mark from their previous service together, on Westport’s Conservation Commission. “In addition to his writing skills, he has a fantastic sense of humor,” Tom says.

But, he adds, he was halfway through the book before he realized he knew the author.

Click here to order, and for more information.

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Thursday’s Jazz at the Post features pianist Janice Friedman.

She tours internationally, is in demand at the best New York venues, and is very popular around here too.

Friedman has played with Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” wall — founder of the weekly series, at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 — since the 1980s.

They will be joined by Boots Maleson and Tim Horner. The duo first played with Wall in the 1970s, in Boston.

This Thursday’s (February 16) sets begin at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Victoria Cerra Vebell — an illustrator, author, art professor and former Westport resident — died peacefully on January 29 in Hamden, after a brief illness. She was 70.

The daughter of Edward and Elsa Vebell, the New York City native grew up in Westport. She lived in New York, Austin, Tucson, Washington, Connecticut and — for 22 years — New Haven, where she was very involved in the community. She helping save her local park from developers, while also organizing holiday art projects and games inside the park for neighborhood families.

Vicki was a widely admired illustrator who worked in publishing, editorial and advertising art for 38 years. She worked in a variety of formats but specialized in paperback book covers. Her work won awards from the Society of Illustrators.

Vicki was also an assistant professor of art at Pratt Institute for 22 years, and taught online for the Academy Art Institute University in California. She had a vibrant, passionate personality and was loved and respected by her students. She was known and appreciated for her teaching skills that enabled students to “learn to see,” and create quality art.

Vicki was classically trained in both drawing and painting, earning a B.F.A. from Philadelphia College of Art, and M.F.A. from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University.

Vicki wrote illustrated the best-selling textbook “Exploring the Basics of Drawing” (2004).

Vicki was an accomplished fencer; a lover of classical music, good wine, food, and her cats Stella and Freddie.

She  is survived by her sisters Renee Vebell (Jeff Cohen) of New Hampshire, Andra Vebell (Larry Hoy) of Westport, cousin Elsa Calderon Thomas, and nephews Jason Cohen, Dylan Hoy and Colin Hoy.

Vicki Vebell

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Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina gets a lot of “06880” photographic love.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature takes a different perspective: the one at Owenoke Park.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … I could only find 4,285,996,018 songs about love, to celebrate Valentine’s Day today.

Here are 3 of my favorites. What are yours? Click “Comments” below.

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