After 38 years of nourishing Westport, Organic Market owners Maggie and Charles Vosgueritchian are retiring.
But the Playhouse Square mainstay’s many fans should not worry. The new owners — chef Talin and her partner Mary — share the same values, and commitment to quality and wellness.
They will continue the Organic Market’s mission, while bringing fresh ideas to the new chapter.
“We’re honored to continue the legacy that Maggie and Charles built,” Talin and Mary say.
“Our goal is to preserve everything the community loves about The Organic Market, while expanding on its vision of healthy, sustainable living.”
The health food store and café specializes in organic groceries, fresh juices and homemade meals.
The Vosgueritchians — who are retiring — bought the business in 1987. The transition takes place January 2.
“We are deeply grateful for the support of our loyal customers, our wonderful staff, and the Westport community that has grown with us through the years,” Maggie says.
“It has been an honor to serve this town, and to share in so many moments of connection, nourishment and joy.”
She and Charles look forward to sharing memories with customers through the holidays.
In a dark time, the third annual event for Jewish women to celebrate Hanukkah together was, like the Festival of Lights itself, a warm, bright spot.
Over 70 women gathered at The Blondinit on Tuesday. Rabbi Shira Sklar led the candle lighting. A raffle of an Israeli wine tasting, donated by Blondinit owner Inda Sale, raised funds for Enosh, the largest mental health organization in Israel supporting the hostages, families and victims of the October 7 massacre.
The event — organized by Charlene Zeiberg, Carolyn Cohen and Stephanie Feingold — grew out of an anonymous post on social media 2 years ago, asking how to make connections with other Jewish women. The result was a Hanukkah gathering: a space to connect, find comfort, and share the hope of the holiday.
Hanukkah gathering. Blondinit owner Inda Sale is in front, 2nd from right.
Green’s Farms Church celebrates the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany with a special artist’s reception this Friday (December 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
The evening features “The Light Shines in the Darkness.” Katie Nelson Troyer’s paintings explore “illumination, movement, and the quiet power of spiritual encounter.”
The reception includes refreshments and live music from Katie and her husband Scott.
Paintings by Katie Nelson Troyer
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Westport Police did not make any custodial arrests between December 10 and 16.
They issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 10 citations
Failure to grant right of way: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension (alcohol): 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.
And finally … on this date in 1892 — just in time for Christmas — Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Among Westport’s many holiday traditions, none is more beloved than the Candlelight Concert.
For 85 years — ever since 1941, a few days after Pearl Harbor — the Staples High School music department’s gift to the town has thrilled and inspired audiences.
Musicians — singers, and orchestra and band memories — cherish it as one of the highlights of their school lives. Many return as alumni, to bask in its magic.
Two women — now in their 80s — traveled from Oklahoma for last weekend’s Candlelight. Decades after graduating, in 1961 and ’63, they smiled with joy through the traditional “Sing We Noel” processional, the “Hallelujah Chorus” finale with dozens of alumni joining the stage, and so much in between: the beautiful Jewish tune “Al Shlosha”; the percussive Nigerian song “Ogo ni fun Oluwa”; a haunting rendition of “Stille Nacht”; complex works by Prokofiev, Rutter and Tchaikovsky; creative student ensembles, and more.
It was one of the best Candlelight Concerts ever — a high bar, indeed.
But few members of the appreciative audiences knew what it took to produce this year’s show.
Though they worked since school began, Candlelight preparations never really begin until Staples Players’ fall show ends.
This year’s production — “Les Misérables” — was an especially enormous undertaking. Many of the actors are also singers; all the music teachers played in the pit orchestra.
The final curtain fell just 19 days before the first concert.
Exhilarated but exhausted, they pivoted immediately to Candlelight.
And — because of the way the calendar fell this year — they had one less week than usual to do it.
Meanwhile, Orphenians — one of the concert’s centerpieces — entered their busiest time of the year. They sing at the Town Hall tree lighting, Holiday Stroll, and for organizations all over Westport.
Every adult and young person involved in Candlelight was pulled a thousand different ways, these past few weeks.
But they — along with others who handled sound and lighting, plus tremendous volunteers from the Staples Music Parents Association — pulled together.
I can’t imagine the effort it took. I do know that for all who were fortunate enough to be there, the results were well worth it.
So to townwide arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman; directors Jeri Brima, Carrie Mascaro, Kevin Mazzarella, Lauren Pine, Caitlin Serpliss and Mary Gardner; every young musician, and everyone else who had a hand in the 2025 Candlelight Concert: Bravo!
You are this week’s Unsung Heroes.
Although this week, “unsung” is definitely not the right world to use!
From left: Carrie Mascaro, Caitlin Serpliss, Kevin Mazzarella, Jeri Brima, Lauren Pine. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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The Board of Selectmen invites all residents to join them for an informal community conversation this afternoon (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
It’s the first in an ongoing series. The goal is to provide “an open, welcoming space for residents to stop by, ask questions, share thoughts, and raise topics of interest related to town government.”
Speaking of local businesses, Chris Grimm writes: “You would think, given that their clients are largely sick and old, Walgreens would clear their parking lot of snow.”
The Artists Collective of Westport’s 12×12 Holiday Exhibit opened last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse barn.
Interestingly, all works are 12×12. And all are for sale, just in time for the holidays.
The show runs through Sunday (December 21, noon to 4 p.m.).
Admiring some of the dozens of 12×12 pieces.
The pianist at last night’s Artists Collective opening was not some random guy. It was Mark Naftalin: founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and Westport resident. (Photos/Susan Garment)
Like many trail and ultra runners, Jes Parker loves and appreciates the outdoors.
Yet, she knows, runners often engage in behaviors that are not exactly environmentally sound.
Long distance runners, for example, experiment often with gear. Before finding what’s comfortable or works well, they’ve missed return dates, snagged the fabric or others made items non-returnable.
But wait! Don’t throw them out!
Jes — a Westport resident — is building a business that keeps trail running goods, and other running synthetics, out of landfills.
At the same time, it makes the sport more accessible.
Take2Trail — Parker’s brainstorm (and a great, clever name) — buys those items. She then resells them, at a deep discount.
Parker knows that buying and selling on internet peer-to-peer sites can be unfulfilling. Items are strategically photographed to hide warts; they’re not always delivered; meet-up exchanges fall through.
People hyper-focused on their fitness, family — and full-time jobs — don’t have the time or patience to jump through hoops to keep things out of landfills (or even take them to Goodwill).
Take2Trail a great idea. Fleet Foot owner Dave Wright has helped too, donating some return inventory and other sunk cost items.
The 2022 Staples High School graduate, and current senior soccer player at Johns Hopkins University, has been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America team.
Coleman — a neuroscience major with a 3.95 GPA — is also an All-Centennial Conference 2nd team pick.
He was named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works team for fall sports, for his efforts as president and fundraising chair of Baltimore Scores in STEM. The mentorship program supports local youth pursuing STEM education.
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Staples High School Class of 1963 graduate Sam Pair has published “Le Yankee Noir: The Power of Acceptance.”
The write-up on Amazon says: “In the global aviation industry, where building cross-cultural relationships is essential, cultural gaps and accepting others unlike ourselves remain issues.
“A veteran aerospace engineer with vast experience with inter-cultural bridge building, Samuel E. Pair has created a book that illuminates the value of acceptance and its influence on creating the climate for building trusting cross-cultural relationships.
“The culmination of a frustrating career journey — still healing after multiple rejections to his quest to enter a prominent management development program, an African American aerospace engineer is surprisingly summoned to the south of France in 1994 by French aircraft industry leaders.
“Tasked with managing the oversight of the recovery of a floundering new jet propulsion program for intensely anticipated jet liners, his reflection on the experiences of interacting with French and other nationalities on-site, explores the power of mutual acceptance and its influence on inspiring, motivating and propelling him through a myriad of formidable issues and a life threating condition.
“While ruminating about the significant events and consequential happenings during this twelve-year period, he is drawn to the factors that promoted his transformation, the ability to build relational bridges over cultural divides and contributed to his success. He shares them in this book.”
And finally … in honor (sort of) of Jes Parker’s excellent idea for reusing running gear:
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If you dine in Saugatuck this Saturday, don’t be surprised if carolers come to your table.
You can even book a reservation, to make sure your evening is merry and bright.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Saugatuck Caroling Crawl is set for December 20 (6 to 8 p.m.).
Staples High School’s elite Orphenians will sing a medley of songs, at 14 venues.
They begin at the Boathouse (Saugatuck Rowing Club), before heading to The Bridge, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck.
Then it’s off to the train station, and Tarantino, Blu Olive and Romanacci. The final destinations are Riko’s Pizza, Zucca Gastrobar, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Little Pub @Dunville’s.
Joyeux Noël. And bon appétit!
Staples Orphenians: stars of the Saugatuck Caroling Crawl.
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Meanwhile, what will you do after Christmas?
Specifically, how will you get rid of that beautiful (but dried-out) tree — in an environmentally responsible way?
Scout Troops 39 and 139 will do it for you. 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.
At Staples High School, the 1976 graduate was very involved with Players. He then co-founded a theater company in Massachusetts, and produced, directed and acted in an Equity troupe before retiring a year ago.
Mark Shanahan — now the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director — was a good friend of Kopko’s company; he directed, wrote and acted in many productions.
Kopko worked at the Playhouse while growing up. He always dreamed of performing on the legendary stage, but never got the chance.
His daughter is now an actor. She lives in Los Angeles, and over the years has worked with Shanahan.
Kopko was in the audience Sunday — proud of his daughter Alexandra, his friend Mark Shanahan, and the Playhouse where it all began.
Michael and Alexandra Kopko, at her Playhouse dressing room.
But that’s not all.
Kopko’s nostalgic weekend began the night before. He attended a caroling party — an annual tradition for over 40 years — hosted by Staples grads and musicians Brad Peterson (SHS ’75) and his wife Abby Anderson Peterson (’76).
A number of former Players and Orphenians were there — including the Petersons’ children Katie, Sarah and Scott. All are Staples grads too (2000, ’04 and ’12, respectively).
“Old” Orphenians. Brad Peterson is front right; Abby Peterson holds the candle.
Also this past weekend: the first snowfall of the season.
Did you notice how quickly and well the streets were plowed?
Maybe not. But Wendy Kleros and Claudia Coplen — co-chairs of the Westport Commission for Senior Services — did. They write:
“We extend our gratitude and appreciation to the entire Department of Public Works eam for their outstanding work clearing the roads and public parking lots.
“Their diligence and responsiveness make a meaningful difference for our community each and every day, particularly at the Senior Center, where safe and timely access is essential.
“Because of their efforts, older adults, staff, and visitors arrived safely and continued their daily routines without disruption. That kind of reliability brings real peace of mind, and reflects a deep commitment to public service.
“Their behind-the-scenes work often goes unnoticed. But its impact is felt by everyone, especially our senior residents who depend on clear, accessible pathways.
“We thank them for their professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to keeping Westport safe and moving forward, no matter the conditions.”
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (December 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also at the VFW (as it is every Thursday): Jazz at the Post.
This week, guitarist Kenny Wessel — for years a key member of Ornette Coleman’s band, and now a Westport favorite and frequent collaborator with saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — headlines the 2 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Also sitting in: bassist Boots Maleson and drummer Mike Campenni.
Longtime Westport resident Margery Silk died peacefully on Friday, at home. She turned 101 just 3 days earlier.
A third generation Californian — her great-grandparents founded the railroad and lumber town of Truckee in 1863 — she was valedictorian of her 1941 class at South Pasadena/San Marino High School.
Margery began her studies at Stanford University, then earned an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a master’s in art history from NYU.
She met her future husband — New Zealander and Life magazine photographer George Silk — while skiing at Stowe, Vermont.
Margery traveled the world pursuing her interests in art, architecture, birds and other animals, music and culinary pursuits.
Margery was a member of the Westport Garden Club, Bronx Botanical Gardens, the Bronx Zoo, and local tennis and bridge groups. At Cedar Point Yacht Club she crewed for her husband.
She was also active in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Aspetuck Land Trust (founding member), Friends of Sherwood Island, and Connecticut Audubon Society.
Her family calls Margery “that lady in tennis shoes and tennis skirt who came of age in the 1960s and ’70s, and who championed the ‘good fights’ by writing letters in many directions.” She helped lead the charge to defeat a plan to build a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island, in the 1960s.
Margery is survived by her children Stuart Silk, Georgiana Silk, and Shelley Silk
Wehrly and their spouses; grandchildren: Michael and Alexis Silk; Bryan, Kate
and Alexander Liggett, and Stuart Wehrly, Liza Wehrly Andrews and Christopher Wehrly and their spouses, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Posted onDecember 15, 2025|Comments Off on MoCA’s New Director: A Familiar Name
The Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut (MoCA\CT) searched far and wide for a new executive director.
They found her right in their back yard.
Dr. Robin Jaffee Frank — a “cultural visionary,” with decades of museum, academic and public engagement experience, and a longtime Westport resident — takes over on January 1.
MoCA\CT says, “Dr. Frank’s appointment ushers in a new chapter of strategic focus, creative momentum and bold artistic ambition. She will guide the museum into its next phase with a focus on curatorial excellence, operational strength, greater visibility, and deeper community engagement.
MoCA board of directors president Jodi Felton calls Frank “an innovative leader whose strategic expertise will position the museum for long-term success. Her arrival marks the start of a dynamic new era for the institution and the communities we serve.”
Dr. Robin Jaffee Frank
Dr. Frank is no stranger to the Newtown Turnpike institution. She served on its Visual Arts Advisory Committee.
She previously served as chief curator and curator of American art at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and as a curator at the Yale University Art Gallery. She led exhibitions, managed large curatorial teams, and collaborated with educators, designers, conservators and librarians.
Her award-winning book “Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008” led to an exhibition that traveled nationally, increased attendance and membership at the Wadsworth Atheneum, and garnered strong grant support, including special designations from the National Endowment for the Humanities for its commitment to inclusion, diversity and public engagement.
Dr. Frank has also taught at the Cooper Union, curated exhibitions and guided programs for the New York Historical Society and Silvermine Arts Center, organized exhibitions at museums throughout the US, lectured extensively, and published widely on American visual culture and its intersections with contemporary issues.
MoCA\CT’s striking building, on Newtown Turnpike.
“MoCA\CT is at a pivotal transitional moment, and I am honored to help shape its future,” says Dr. Frank.
“The Museum has extraordinary potential — to spark dialogue, expand access to the arts, and bring people together. I look forward to collaborating with the board, advisory committees, my new colleagues, and especially the community to build a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable future for this remarkable institution.”
Acting executive director Pamela Hovland will continue to serve on the board, chair the Visual Arts Advisory Committee, and direct the museum’s visual brand identity.
Tom Kretsch is a longtime Westport, a retired teacher — and a noted photographer. He writes:
The warmth of the holiday spirit was alive and well in Branson Hall at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church last Wednesday evening.
Festive decorated tables, a tasty dinner, a large assortment of home-baked desserts, holiday music drifting through the air, and of course the arrival of Santa Claus for young ones.
The occasion was Homes with Hope‘s annual holiday party for the many people blessed to have the help and services of this fabulous organization.
In addition to Gillespie Shelter for men and Hoskins Place for women, they offer affordable housing for those in need, meals, a food pantry, counseling, tutoring and so much more.
It was a joy to be there as a guest and a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, which had organized a special “Art from the Heart” project. Through donations by members, every family at the party could choose a piece through a free raffle.
As dinner wound down, it was time for folks to choose their favorites. Everyone had time to view the art beforehand.
Admiring art, before the raffle.
Watching all this evolve was heartwarming. A mother and daughter chose a piece of gorgeous mystical flowers.
A man dressed in holiday clothing chose a stunning portrait of a horse. He held it, then raised it over his head as if he had just won the Super Bowl, singing out in glee.
I walked up to a woman who had chosen one of my photographs, a huge Ferris wheel taken in Wildwood, New Jersey. I introduced myself and told her a little about the image. She was so pleased, and asked to have a picture taken of us.
Tom Kretsch’s Ferris wheel photo.
Ken Runkel, an artist who donated a piece, also spoke with the people who had chosen his. He too was touched by the warmth and gratitude of the recipients.
And so, it went on until the last piece was taken.
As many were gathered by the piano singing holiday songs, I chatted with Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes with Hope. With her sweet Irish accent and always positive spirit, she is a dynamic and charismatic leader.
As we talked, she told me in a whisper that one of the people who had gotten a photograph said to her, “I wish I had a wall to put it on.”
I almost couldn’t comprehend what I had just heard. Is this possible? Here in Westport, someone does not have a wall of their own to put a picture up. He has no personal space.
That touched the core of my being.
Art can do so much for a person — whether making it or looking at it. It can help comfort, soothe, inspire, create, think, imagine, hope, change, care, heal and smile.
The Artists Collective of Westport made a nice step toward bringing art into people’s lives who might not have the means to purchase it through its holiday “Art from the Heart” project.
The next morning Helen took me on a tour of the Gillespie Center. She showed me the fantastic food pantry, and all the facilities of the recently renovated center. I had not been there in a while.
As we walked through the men’s shelter, I passed several of the beds. Lying on them were the pieces of art they received the night before.
I am sure the wish for a “wall of their own” was also in their thoughts.
Phil Ochs wrote a song some years ago, called “There but for Fortune.” It speaks to the fragility of life:
I’ll show you a young man with so many reasons why
And there but for fortune go you or I, you and I.
As we look at our walls, may we all remember our own good fortune.
A few more images, from this weekend’s spectacular Candlelight Concert.
The concert begins.
The view from the stage, before the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
Alumni join current singers for the finale. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The audience rises, as the orchestra, band and choral groups — joined by alumni singers — perform the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Jennifer Petrosinelli)
A little more brass and percussion in “Sing We Noel.”
Classical works, longtime favorites, plus selections from around the world, played and sung with skill, passion and joy.
Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — the first of 3 weekend shows — thrilled and inspired a full house last night.
As always, it was the Music Department’s gift to the town.
As always, it was the greatest gift of the holiday season.
“06880” photographer Lynn Untermeyer Miller — a former Candlelight Concert performer herself — shares these images, from a night of wonder.
Staples Class of 1961 graduate Lucy Weberling (above) and her sister Janet (SHS ’63) traveled from Oklahoma, just for this year’s Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Longtime Candlelight stalwarts: former Staples principal John Dodig, and Jackie-of-all-trades Alice Addicks.
Directors (from left) Carrie Mascaro (orchestra), Caitlin Serpliss an Kevin Mazzarella (band), Jeri Brima (orchestra) and Lauren Pine (choral), after the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
(All photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller unless otherwise noted)
Winter and water highlight this week’s online art gallery.
And, of course, several other random themes. Taken together, all make for another intriguing Saturday session.
Thanks, as always, to all our artists. 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.
“Children Reading by Firelight” (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)
Untitled — watercolor and colored pencil (Frazer Benton, One River student)
“Burying Hill Kingfisher” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
“Mill Pond Buoy” (John Maloney)
“Wakeman Town Farm” (Dayle Brownstein)
“Grand Central, NYC” — oil on canvas, 30×40 (R. Castellon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sun Rise” — acrylic (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Snow’s Gonna Fall and the Frost Gonna Bite” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Last Full Moon of 2025” (Karen Weingarten)
“A Little Wispy” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Surfside Beach, Outside Miami” (Wendy Levy)
“Bowl of Winesaps” — oil on panel, 11×14 (Werner Liepolt — Available for purchase; click here)
“Grace” (Bill Fellah — Available for purchase; click here)
“Wreath” (Jalna Jaeger)
“Snowy Hoops” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
A funeral Mass will be held Friday (December 12, 11 .m., Assumption Church).
Al Fiore
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Frank Pepe’s pizzas are coming to Westport.
The iconic New Haven restaurant will open its 18th location this summer. The Italian apizza place takes over the spot previously occupied by an Indian eatery, The Naan.
It’s a full circle moment. Before The Naan and Kibberia (Mediterranean), the first tenant in the space was John’s Best Pizza.
The closest Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana right now is in Fairfield. There are 7 in Connecticut, with others in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida.
The Pop Shop holiday market returns Saturday to the Westport Museum for History & Culture (December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Among the items sold by the 25 vendors: global accessories and gifts, vintage jewelry with a modern twist, antique treasures, women’s clothing, treats for dogs, and tableware.
The Honey Bee Flower Truck will be there too, with wreaths, winter arrangements and holiday botanicals.
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Alert “06880” reader Rick Leonard noticed some changes at Fred’s Car Wash, just over the line in Southport.
A full dumpster and cones in the parking lot; vacuum hoses pulled.
He dug a bit, and learned that Fred’s is becoming Russell Speeder’s. That’s similar to transformation of the one just over the other line, on Westport Ave in Norwalk.
The deadline for submissions to Mo\CA CT’s high school art show has been extended. The new final date is February 13.
The 11th annual high school exhibition is “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.” It coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”
The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.
Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Speaking of the VFW: This week’s Jazz at the Post (December 11) there features guitarist Ed Cherry. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until shortly before Gillespie’s death in 1993, winning a Grammy together for “Live at Royal Festival Hall.
Cherry will be joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and Jason Tiemann.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Guest chef Dan Frye serves a buffet with chicken piccata, seared tuna, broccoli, rice and dessert starting at 7. Click here for tickets.
Longtime local orthodontist Dr. Steven Scher died at his Weston home, with his wife Susan at his side. He was 82. .
The Brooklyn native graduated from Brooklyn College. He served 2 years in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then earned his orthodontic certificate from New York University, graduating at the top of his class.
He opened a practice in Westport where, his family says, “he touched the hearts and teeth of countless members of the community.”
Steven loved tennis, golf, skiing the Rocky Mountains, and vacationing in the sun — all with his family. He was a fixture at the sports events of his children and grandchildren.
Steven is survived by his wife Susan; their children Peter (Lesley) and Alexander (Dylan); his children Jon (Robyn) and Lara (Mike) from his first marriage to Joan; sister, Gloria (Gerald, and grandchildren Scarlett, Brooke, Jordan, Jake and Astrid.
A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.). Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Steven Scher
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Baby, it’s cold outside.
That includes Winslow Park.
But at least in “Westport … Naturally” image, the sun is shining.
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