In the nearly 4 years since Russia’s invasion, Mark Yurkiw has worked to help Ukraine.
The Westport artist — whose parents emigrated to the US from there in 1949, and whose first language was Ukrainian — has raised funds; collected medical equipment, generators, tools, other supplies, clothes and toys, and kept the country’s plight front and center.
His newest project is ambitious. And artistic.
A well-known Taiwanese artist wants to help. He understands that Taiwan may be the next Ukraine.
Chuang Chih Hui, whose work is exhibited around the world, donated his $15,000 “Winged” sculpture to help fund shipping a 40-foot container of medical equipment to Kharkiv, Ukraine.
The sculpture will go to the first person to donate $7,500, to cover the cost the shipment.
“Winged” (center), and Chuang Chih Hui’s other works.
“Winged” is on display through January 15 at the Senior Center. After that date, it can be seen by appointment; text 646-873-0050.
Yurkiw hopes to fund a second container of medical equipment too. For that, he is looking for additional donors, of any amount. “Every $10 saves a life,” Yurkiw says.
There’s an incentive to donate. Chuang Chih Hui has 2 other sculptures — “Symbiosis” and “Cycle” — worth $16,000 and $10,000 respectively. Both are shown above.
Yurkiw says, “If we raise enough with small donations to pay the artist full price, I will raffle off one or both. I’m certain he would donate back at least 1/3 of what we collect.”
To purchase “Winged,” or donate a smaller amount for a second shipping container and the raffle, email mark.think3d@gmail.com.
He’s a gifted artist, graphic designer and photographer. He designed a Time magazine cover and a US postage stamp, while still in his 20s.
The son of a noted illustrator, he’s a Staples High School graduate who has spent his career in Westport. He serves corporate clients, but never says no to pro bono work on behalf of local causes. He’s designed logos, posters and promotional materials for a host of organizations.
Miggs created the Westport town flag — and the lenticular photos that grace 2 important spots: the “Tunnel of Love” between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza, and Saugatuck train station.
Downtown Tunnel of Love (Photo/Susan Leone)
He’s a founder of — and a guiding force behind — the Artists Collective of Westport. And you see him every Memorial Day, as our very own living, breathing Minute Man.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
He’s an all-around great, giving guy.
And today, Miggs Burroughs turns 80 years old.
Happy birthday, Miggs! Thanks for all you have done — and continue to do — for Westport, and beyond. Here’s to many years of health, happiness, creativity and coolness. (Hat tip: Carmine Picarello)
Justin Paul’s experience in Staples Players — the high school’s award-winning drama program — was foundational to his award-winning career that followed.
The 2003 graduate and his songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, created “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.” They’re the youngest EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winners ever.
High school theater changes many more lives than Paul’s, of course. Wauwatosa (Wisconsin) High just became the first school troupe anywhere to stage “Dear Evan Hansen.”
This weekend, “CBS Saturday Morning” highlighted the production. Included in the story was an interview with Paul and Pasek — and a touching scene of the duo telling the 17-year-old star to “break an arm” (IYKYK). Click here or below to see.
There’s also a link to a full, longer interview with Paul and Pasek. It’s well worth the 38 minutes — excellent questions, and insightful responses (particularly about the importance of high school theater). Click here or below to see. (Hat tip: John Dodig)
The honor recognizes “leadership, innovation, and measurable impact across the radio industry.”
The recognition follows Connoisseur’s acquisition of Alpha Media’s assets, a move that propelled them into the top 10 US radio operators by revenue.
“The spirit of entrepreneurism is alive in the radio industry,” Warshaw Radio Ink interview. “We have pep in our step.”
Radio Ink president and publisher Deborah Parenti calls Warshaw “a risk taker and visionary.”
Editor-in-chief Cameron Coats says that in 2025 Warshaw combined “vision, discipline, and belief in what local radio can still achieve.”
Jeff Warshaw at his desk, overlooking Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Staples High School Class of 1998 graduate Sage Hammond died peacefully on Friday.
She attended the School of Visual Arts, where she deepened her lifelong love of fashion, design and visual expression.
Her obituary says, “Smart and sassy, Sage lived her life on her own terms. She was known for her quick wit, an exceptional sense of style, and a natural talent for both fashion and interior design. Wherever she lived, she created spaces that reflected her bold taste and creative eye.
“Sage was also a gifted cook who loved sharing gourmet meals with friends, and turning ordinary gatherings into memorable occasions. She loved animals deeply, particularly cats, and over her lifetime shared her heart and home with many.
“Despite her own struggles, Sage had an instinctive ability to lift others up, often making people laugh when they needed it most. Her humor, warmth, and authenticity left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
“Sage lived boldly, loved deeply, and never believed in dull moments—she wouldn’t want one now.”
She was predeceased by her grandfather, Larry Racies. She is survived by her mother, Robin Hammond; father Jon Hammond; sister Gabriele Hammond (Bradley Topar); nephew Oliver and grandmother Gail Williams.
A celebration of Sage’s life will be held at a later date.
Posted onJanuary 3, 2026|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #299
Sure, it’s already the new year.
But holiday themes linger.
That’s fine. In the art world — at least, in our online gallery version of it — there are no rules.
Just submit your work — whatever it is.
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Longshore Gazebo” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Holiday Candle” (John Maloney)
“Year Turns | Sun Rises” (Jerry Kuyper)
“Where Have All The Starfish Gone?” — 39 x 27 oil painted; real starfish with Compo Beach horseshoe crabs; mounted on painted plaster, covering a framed wooden panel (Eric Bosch — Available for purchase; click here)
“Some Assembly Required. Batteries Not Included” — composited digital illustration (Ken Runkel — Available for purchase; click here)
“Elijah Kellogg Church Christmas Eve” (Bonnie Scott Connolly)
“It’s Back to the Snow Globe After Christmas” (Caroline Howe)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Yellow and Pink” (Dayle Brownstein)
“Murphy” — watercolor (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Low Poly Wildlife” — digital art (Alexander Cavallo — One River Art student)
“Bow Wow! Hot Chilly Cupcakes?” (Mike Hibbard)
“Cat’s Meow” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Riverside From Imperial Avenue” — pencil and charcoal (Steve Stein)
“Waif” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Peter” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Only a few spots remain for one of the greatest offers of the new (or any) year: Scout Troops 39 and 139’s pick-up and (sustainable) removal of your once-beautiful, now dried-out Christmas tree.
It’s a win-win-win: convenient and affordable pick-up for residents; free mulch and conservation material for the town — and the only fundraiser of the year for the Scouts.
The event is all day, on January 10. Troops will pick up over 800 trees, in every neighborhood.
The suggested donation of $25 per tree — less than most services — helps fund a full year of Scout meetings, experiences and gear.
Sure, it’s New Year’s Day. There’s snow on the ground. We’ve got 79 days left till spring arrives.
But it’s not too early to think about golf.
The waitlist for the Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association opens tomorrow (Friday, January 2).
Membership offers access to league play, tournaments and skill‑building opportunities. This year, the League expands from 130 members to 135. Information for the waitlist and the forms can be found on the League’s website
Actress/dancer/choreographer/Kennedy Center Honors winner for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture Carmen de Lavallade died Monday in New Jersey. She was 94.
For many years, she was associated with and married to Tony Award-winning actor/dancer/director Geoffrey Holder.
Yesterday, “06880” reader Karen Brailsford learned that the couple were married on June 26, 1955 at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception followed at the Westport estate of actress/producer Lucille Lortel.
Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade, after their wedding at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. (Photos/Saul Mauriber via the Beinecke digital collection /Yale University)
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between December 23 and 30.
A 30-year-old Norwalk man was charged with larceny, attempt to commit larceny, payment of less than $500 using a revoked/stolen credit card, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a March credit card fraud report, with multiple purchases made at Home Depots in multiple states. The suspect was someone the victim previously employed as a contractor. He was unable to post bonds of $240,000.
A 29-year-old New York City man was charged with failure to appear, after being arrested on an unrelated matter in New York. He was unable to post bond of $150,000.
A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a verbal disturbance. He was unable to post $5,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Disorderly conduct: 1 citation
Breach of peace: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1.
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Canada geese often act like they own our beach.
Not in the summer, guys.
But in winter — when no one is watching, except “Westport … Naturally” photographer David Cross — well, maybe they do.
And finally … January is named after Janus. The Roman god of beginnings is often depicted with two faces. One looks back to the past; the other, forward to the future.
Posted onDecember 30, 2025|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung
This is Robin Moyer Chung’s second time on our “06880” podcast.
I interviewed her a couple of years ago, as editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine.
Now she’s back — as “06880”‘s culture correspondent.
The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about all things cultural. The Westport Country Playhouse, Mo\CA, Staples Players — you name it, Robin knows it.
We talked too about our reputation as an “arts town.” Is it still true? Where do all the new arrivals fit in? What’s ahead?
Click here or below, for our very cultured conversation.
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly 4 years ago, our friends in Marigny suggested we both aid another town there.
With help from Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — we now have a third sister city: Lyman.
Westporters have provided over $300,000 in contributions, which has paid for trash trucks, wood pellet stoves, building supplies, gifts, and much more. We’ve also sent electronic and other much-needed equipment to Lyman, which is very close to the front lines in the Donetsk region.
Meanwhile, for the third Christmas in a row, Marigny residents have sent presents to Lyman’s youngsters.
This year, UAI delivered 288 gifts to the town’s boys and girls. Many are spread across the country, evacuated to safety.
Nikita Shcherinskiy — UAI’s director of logistics) — reports, “their genuine smiles and heartwarming moments are always so touching. A big thank you to everyone who participated in this initiative, and in distributing gifts to children who need them so much today.”
The need for monetary donations to Lyman continues to be great. Just click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo).
Lyman children with gifts from Marigny-le-Louzon. (Photo courtesy of Ukraine Aid International)
A new year brings new programs to Wakeman Town Farm.
It begins with “Drop-In Little Farmers” sessions (January 7 and 9), where an adult and youngster hang out with alpacas, sheep, ducks and more.
An adaptive music/movement program — “Joyful Jitterbugs” — is designed for kids ages 3-7, with a caregiver.
Elementary schoolers can enjoy a January 19 MLK Day Camp; a Winter Farm Program with authentic farming experiences; a one-day after-school Chinese cooking class, and 2 weekly Kids’ Culinary Class series.
For adults, WTF offers a Winter Seed Sowing class, Whole Foods Healthy Cooking class, Thai Curry class, a romantic Valentine’s dinner with wine pairings, and a Choosing the Best Garden Tools class, before the garden season begins.
Little kids love going outdoors, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Where Westport Meets the World, random real estate category:
Joseph Deshane lived in central Connecticut for 15 years. He moved away in 1989.
He has no real connection to Westport. But he recently bought a home in Illinois. Possessions were included.
When he moved in, he found a metal cabinet in the cellar. Inside was a commemorative plate:
(Photo/Joseph Deshane)
His curiosity piqued, Joseph read the inscription on the bank. He learned it was part of 2 large murals, painted by local artist Robert Lambdin for the Westport Bank & Trust Company.
For decades they hung inside. When Patagonia took over — after WB&T had been absorbed by a series of larger banks — they retained the twin works.
The clothing store is now gone too. But the new tenants — Compass Real Estate — will keep the murals, when they move in soon. They’re large, historic, interesting, valuable — and a great way for potential home buyers to learn about Westport’s arts heritage.
Nearly a thousand miles away, Joseph learned details of the plate he found in his new cellar.
Much of the information came from “06880.” Which is why he sent us this very cool photo, and the equally intriguing back story.
And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.
It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:
With 2025 now almost finished
365 days diminished
Some goals achieved; some (sadly) dashed
Some bills came due; some checks were cashed
We’re older now by near a year
And closer to our end, I fear
Our thoughts turn this morning to “auld lang syne”
A phrase I’m sure that once was fine
Though what it means I have no clue
So let’s move on, and give our due
To folks in town who merit praise
(And probably too, a nice fat raise).
We say congrats to our selectmen
Led most ably by Christie (Kevin)
With help from Wistreich and O’Day
All chosen the electoral way
“Selectmen,” though, sounds anachronistic
It doesn’t take a seer or mystic
To divine that all of them ain’t male
But let’s not gnash our teeth, or wail
We only need to change one word
And presto: Hail, our new Select Board!
Sure, the year brings challenges new
Along with the ones old, tried and true
Like what to do with the bridge Cribari
A span that has been used to carry
Cars and light trucks — no eighteen-wheelers
Though now state pooh-bahs put out feelers
To build a replacement — wider, higher
An idea some locals fear is dire
The process may drag on for years
Cue agita, angst, frustration, fears.
And though the Hamlet plan is dead
Another may rise there soon, instead
Affordable housing? An 8-30g?
More retail? More restaurants? We wait to see
What some developer has up his sleeve
With a vision, a dream, in which to believe
For a sliver, a slice of old Saugatuck
Let’s hope we don’t say, “What the f—?”
To all board chairs: Goldstein and Dobin,
Lebowitz, Ezzes et al, we’re hopin’
That instead of blather, bitching, moaning
And meetings filled with speakers droning
That we all act like family: sisters and brothers
(And adults like adults: fathers and mothers)
Show civil discourse, speak with respect
Despite ideas we must reject
Let’s not be filled with bombast and bile
Come on, you guys! At least, try to smile!
To schools superintendent Tom Scarice
We wish you a year filled with peace
May classes proceed without buzzing phones
And hordes of kids busting teaches’ stones
With their pleas, “pretty please, are Air Pods fine?
I’ll be quiet, I promise. I won’t ever whine.”
Let’s shout to the rafters our thanks for the wonders
Of all our spectacular, great first responders
Police, EMS, and (for sure) firefighters
Whatever the need, they pull all-nighters
We hope too that Christmas was merry
For new parks director, Eric Barbieri
He’s taken over with insight and smarts
Its programs, its staff – all its many parts
He’s learned about every Rec cranny and nook
And – hosannas will ring! – he will give Hook’d the hook.
We cannot forget all our organizations
And volunteers who, with hard work and patience
Keep us warm and inspired, healthy and fed
Offering food pantries, hot meals, a bed
At the top of the list is the great Homes with Hope
But so many others groups help us to cope
Like VFW Post 3-Nine-Nine
Where everyone’s welcome to drink and to dine
And American Legion – that’s Post 63
Plus of course their great female auxiliary.
ABC gives young scholars A (Much) Better Chance
The Woman’s Club offers plenty of grants
Westport Pride (for the LGBTQ-plus crowd)
Westport10, for Black men, active and proud
Start-up Westport, our entrepreneurs’ hub
And for disabled adults, there’s the 203 Club
Town Farm, Farmers’ Market and (forget not) Earthplace
Fill the very important green-eco- town space
Along with Sustainable Westport, we add
If we’ve forgotten some others – well sorry, our bad.
The Playhouse has been here for (it’s true!) 90 years
Its shows and productions still draw (mostly) cheers
Huzzahs too to the Levitt, our favorite pavilion
For all those free evenings – Bravo! Thanks a million
A few yards away, ‘cross a shared parking lot
Stands a building that helps make Westport so hot
Our library is books, sure, but also much more
It’s concerts, it’s artwork, it’s programs galore
You can meet there and make things, and even record
Your own podcast or music – you’ll never be bored.
Let’s raise now our glasses, and toast all our teachers
Rabbis and imams, pastors and preachers
Custodians, paras, bus drivers and cooks
Tutors and tweeters (but not DC crooks)
Mommies and daddies and day care magicians
Dentists and vets and our favorite physicians
The heroes who gave us our “great generation”
And today’s servicemembers: our grand veneration
Young people and teens: the hope for tomorrow
Though today we pass on a world brimming with sorrow.
We’re nearing the end of this holiday poem
Hailing the wonders that make our town “home”
So let’s cram in as many more as we can
Of all of these others, we are a huge fan:
Downtown merchants, like Savvy + Grace
Old Mill Grocery & Deli – we must save that place!
All of our realtors (like KMS Team)
The YMCA – livin’ the dream
Restaurants galore, like Pook’s Jeera Thai
The great Dylan Curran – we all love that guy.
And hey – thanks a lot to Westport’s other news source
The Journal (we check it daily, of course).
Now finally, a hat tip to all of our readers
Some just moved here; some are town leaders
Some comment often; most, never at all
Some email us daily; some text or call
Some suggest stories; some like to complain
Some think our town’s sunny; some just see the rain
But all are important; you’re the reason we post
Without you, this blog would soon be just toast
So to all of you out in the “06880” sphere
Here’s wishing you all a spectacular year
May two-thousand-and-two-six be a small bit of heaven
And let’s pray we all make it to year ‘27.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was touted as a way to relieve taxes.
However, according to DataHaven — a non-profit that collects data on “well-being, equity and quality of life” in Connecticut — it will have “unequal effects on American families, and will contribute to income and wealth inequality.”
They cite the Congressional Budget Office, which says the bill will increase after-tax earnings for households at the top of the income distribution, while negatively impacting households in the bottom fifth.
Weighing the positive effects of reduced taxes against the costs of reductions in Medicaid and SNAP, DataHaven says that statewide, “much of the tax relief from (the bill) will go to high-income households in southwest Connecticut.”
Taken as a whole, Westporters will reap $121 million in benefits from the bill, according to DataHaven.
The top 25% of households (based on income) will receive $73.5 million in benefits. The middle 50% will get $46.7 million, while the bottom 25% will see $789,000.
Meanwhile, just 2 towns over, Bridgeport — with a population 6 times ours — will see a total benefit of $60.3 million. Of that, $60.7 million will accrue to the top 25%, and $13.7 million to the middle 50%.
The bottom quarter of Bridgeport’s households, however, will lose $14.1 million, DataHaven says.
Berthold Nebel was one of Westport’s earliest artists.
Born in Switzerland in 1889, he came to the US with his parents when he was 1.
He was hired as noted sculptor James Earle Fraser’s studio assistant in Gramercy Park. Nebel moved to Westport in 1930, on the advice of Fraser, and bought a 9-acre piece of land on Roseville Road, with a farmhouse on it.
Nebel soon built an artist studio much like Fraser’s. He lived and worked there with his family, until his death in 1964.
Here, he worked on commissions that included 2 sets of bronze doors for the Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of the National Geographic Society.
Among Nebel’s other works: a statue of Confederate General Joseph Wheeler for the rotunda of the US Capitol, and another of General John Sedgwick for the state Capitol in Hartford.
Now — as his family prepares to put the studio on the market — his granddaughter Maria Nebel White Keogh writes that the family has finally found a home for “Wrestlers,” Nebel’s Rodin-inspired sculpture created during World War I as his thesis at the Academy in Rome.
It’s being donated to the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts in Old Lyme. Other important figurative works are displayed there too.
While the work is a donation, transporting and installing the work will cost up to $25,000.
Lyme Academy is soliciting donations, for that project and the sculpture’s care and maintenance. Click here for details.
And finally … on this date in 1831, Charles Darwin began his journey on HMS Beagle. Along the way, he formulated his theory of evolution.
(Since 2009, “06880” has evolved. But we haven’t changed our mission: serving the community 24/7/365. And as always, we rely on readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Welcome to this holiday edition of our online art gallery.
Christmas may be over, but winter is not. Our “06880” artists have been as busy as Santa’s elves, with both themes.
And of course, much more.
Remember: This is your gallery. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“The Boy on the Bike” — acrylic aluminum, 9×14 (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
Decorated sea shell (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Main Street, Vinalhaven, Maine” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
“Walk at Bedford Middle School” (Dayle Brownstein)
Untitled — watercolor paper collage (Nate Vandenberg — One River Art student)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Rectangles of colored fabric printed with symbols, mantras and prayers that are spread by the wind to benefit all living beings by promoting peace, happiness and good fortune. Let’s all be kinder and more respectful to one another in 2026!”
“Savaged Firebird Grace” –Hand-drawn clothing construction design art process (Megan Grace Greenlee)
“Iris” — digital drawing (Bill Fellah)
“Samurai” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Getting Ready for the New Year and the 06880.org Art Column” (Steve Stein)
“Levon and Santa: 2 Legends” (Patricia McMahon)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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