Imagine looking at a social media post with a portrait painted decades ago, and the comment: “This is Muffet Shayon. Does anyone know her?” …
… and realizing she’s your sister.
And that for decades, your family had no idea where the painting was.
The other day Diana Shayon was stunned to see that image, and question, on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page.
Local artist Peter Barlow had painted Diana when she was a 5-year-old Westport child, as well as her 3-year-old sister Muffet.
The Shayons had Diana’s portrait. But they never knew what happened to Muffet’s.
Muffet’s portrait.
It ended up in an attic in the Pawcatuck home of Peter Barlow. The longtime Westport artist and photographer moved to the eastern Connecticut town a couple of decades ago. He died in August, at 95.
But Peter did not paint Muffet’s portrait.
It was the work of his mother, Dorothy Hope Smith. A portraitist specializing in children, she had a studio on Sylvan Road North.
Peter’s father, Perry Barlow, was an artist too: a prolific cover illustrator and cartoonist for The New Yorker.
Peter’s daughter, Dorrie Barlow Thomas, found Muffet’s painting while cleaning out her father’s home. Figuring it was a long shot, she posted a photo of the painting, and her query, on Facebook.
Peter Barlow
A friend saw it, and contacted Diana. The friend was right: It was Diana’s sister.
Diana went online. Eventually, she discovered Peter Barlow — and his grandmother, and daughter — through a story.
An “06880” story.
Diana contacted Dorrie. A few days later, they headed to her Stonington home, to pick up the painting.
Sadly, Muffet will never see it. She died 3 years ago.
But Diana is giving it to her niece — Muffet’s daughter.
Decades later, Muffet’s portrait has found a home.
Dorothy Hope Smith’s “Gerber baby” sketch.
(“06880” covers Westport’s arts scene, history, and intriguing people. Sometimes — like today — they all intersect. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Westporters have long admired the classic New England home-and-attached-barn on Hillandale Road, just down the hill from Green’s Farms Church.
Now House & Garden readers around the world can enjoy it too.
Anne Hardy — who with her husband Jim transformed the home, linking a former blacksmith’s forge to a 19th-century wagon barn — has written about the project for the magazine (which she once served as decorating editor).
Anne — a Staples High School graduate — describes how her years in London influenced the home’s design (with great help from architect Deirdre O’Farrelly). She details the family’s Christmas (and Boxing Day) preparations in the warm, welcoming space.
An “Everything Must Go!” sale is set for today (Tuesday, 4 to 7 p.m.).
Champagnes, spirits, and their carefully curated selection of wines will all be sold — at 30% below Basso’s cost.
Stock up for the holidays! (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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Speaking of restaurants: Dandelion — the hot new spot in the Delamar Westport — celebrates the season with some big events.
On Christmas Eve, a holiday-inspired à la carte lunch (noon to 2:30 p.m.) is followed by à la carte dinner service (5 to 10 p.m.), highlighting Christmas selections.
Christmas day brings a 3-course prix fixe menu (noon to 6:30 p.m.). Click here for reservations, or call 203-266-3111.
New Year’s Eve features DJ Omary. From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., he’ll spin Afro-house, traditional rhythms, and familiar favorites. Click here for tickets.
Among the appropriations up for approval on the Board of Finance January 7 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium):
$330,000 to address an IT storage replacement initiative.
$815,000 for Town Hall ADA improvements.
$275,000 for an ADA-accessible ramp between the Imperial Avenue parking lot and the Levitt Pavilion lot.
$31,500 for emergency elevator repair at Town Hall.
$65,027.49 for a 2024 Chevrolet work truck to replace a 2008 model; the same amount for a dump truck, to replace one from 1999.
The Board of Finance will meet in Town Hall, to make the building more accessible.
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That’s a short meeting, compared to what the Board of Education has planned.
They’ll meet at Saugatuck Congregational Church on January 9, starting at 8:30 a.m.
It’s an all-day work session, to review superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
The public is invited. Bring your lunch!
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A few weeks ago, superintendent Scarice participated in a podcast focused on the Westport Public Schools’ strategic plan, specifically its work being “AI-powered and human-centered.”
Looking for a kids’ activity over the holiday break?
The Westport Garden Club is partnering with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, town poet laureate and Westport Library to sponsor a youth poetry contest.
Affiliated with the National Garden Club, it’s open to all in kindergarten through 12th grade: public and private schools, home-schooled, special education and English as a Second Language students.
This is the fourth year the WGC is sponsoring the event. Past winners have advanced to state, regional and national levels.
And finally … speaking of Christmas or New Year’s at Dandelion:
(As you make holiday plans — and plan your year-end giving — please consider “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365, but we rely on reader support. Just click here. Thank you!)
This holiday, kids are surrounded by AI-enabled toys, high-tech devices, and the newest fads and trends.
Reading can seem like an old-fashioned, outdated activity.
The Westport Library thinks others.
They’ve just rolled out a Children’s Winter Reading Program (and a companion Adult Winter Reading Challenge). But are designed to showcase the joys of the written word.
Now through February 23, the Children’s Winter Reading Program invites readers and non-readers alike to warm up with a good book. Open to all children and families, the program is wide-ranging: reading independently, being read to, even deciphering the cereal box at breakfast. Any child can participate, in any way.
Reading is tracked by minutes. Youngsters can log time spent reading novels, picture books, comics, newspapers, magazines and more.
They can also include time spent listening to stories read aloud by caregivers, librarians, or teachers. Creativity counts!
After signing up online, participants can visit the Library to receive an activity sheet and 9 color-coded stickers. Completing 10 activities earns a book from the Library’s prize cart. Every additional 50 minutes of reading unlocks more stickers that will contribute to a community artwork display at the Library.
Children who read 500 minutes can take home another book of their choice.
The Library’s reference team has put together 10 categories designed to spark curiosity, and encourage exploration across genres. The categories will be revealed tomorrow.
There are only 2 rules: Each category can only be used once, and each book counts toward a single category. Readers can log their completed books online and track their progress on the challenge leaderboard.
Last winter’s challenge brought 44 readers who read 272 books. Nearly 1/3 completed all 10 challenges.
She works with children ages 3 to 10 and their families, helping them understand the root of challenging behaviors, build confidence, strengthen executive functioning skills, and support social-emotional development — all in a practical, play-based way. The goal is to help family life feel a bit more connected and harmonious.
This winter break she’s offering workshops for children ages 5 to 9. With routines disrupted and energy running high, the workshops focus on social-emotional learning and executive functioning. She helps kids stay regulated, and gives parents a little extra support.
Each workshop blends movement, games, imagination and teamwork.
The recent death of May Britt — the former wife of Sammy Davis, Jr. — at 91 got Adam Stolpen thinking about our “06880” tagline: “Where Westport meets the world.”
The couple married in November 1960. The Guardian says, “At the time, interracial marriage was banned in the majority of US states. The couple received negative press, harassment and death threats.”
So where did they honeymoon?
Westport. Stolpen writes, “For years the Westport Country Playhouse had rented the Frazier Peters house at 1 Spring Hill Road over the summer as a perk for celebrities staring in their productions.
“I was told by someone whose family rented the guest cottage on the grounds that one night neighbors called the Westport Police to complain about noise coming from a party at the house.
“His parents went to the place to see what the trouble was. They found someone playing a piano, as Davis and other celebrities were dancing and singing for each other.
“Needless to say, when Westport’s finest saw the gathering they just said ‘party on.” Davis and Britt did so, for days more.”
Sammy Davis Jr. and May Britt.
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Longtime Westport and Weston resident Dr. Stephen Eliot died Thursday.
He practiced psychotherapy locally for 50 years, and was a supervisor with the Psychoanalytic Association of Westchester Center for the Study of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy.
He enjoyed playing basketball, baseball, tennis and ping pong, and was a noted youth coach with the Westport Soccer Association. He was also an avid fisherman, who knew every part of Long Island Sound.
Steve is survived by his wife Suzanne; sons Peter (Lana) and Andrew (Sammantha), and daughter Megan (Alex), and grandchildren Clara, Paulina, Hazel, Zoey, Clay, April and Alec.
Funeral services are set for noon today (Sunday) at Temple Israel. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Anti-Defamation League, Temple Israel, or Save the Sound.
And finally … speaking of Sammy Davis Jr., there’s “Candy Man.”
FULL DISCLOSURE: I hate this song. It is on my list of Top 10 Worst Songs of All Time — right down there with “Honey,” and the Christmas kid with his shoes.
(Sure, you can give “06880” candy. Or wine. But we really prefer a tax-deductible contribution, to support our work. Just click here. Thank you — and happy holidays!)
Marina Drasnin teaches skating, at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore, with head coach Mar Jennings. She is also a talented photographer. She shares these photos, of one of her favorite spots in town.
One of the many fun features of last Saturday’s Holiday Stroll was the collection box at Savvy + Grace for kids’ letters to Santa.
(SPOILER ALERT: If you are 8 years old or younger, and/or still believe in Santa Claus, stop reading now!)
Santa — aka as “I,” aka as Dan Woog, founder of “06880” which co-sponsored the Stroll with the Westport Downtown Association — already responded to those dozens of letters.
At least, to the ones that included addresses. And the ones I could read and/or understand. Don’t they teach handwriting and spelling in kindergarten anymore?
Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton, with her Santa letter box at the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)
So what do kids want in 2025, an era in which toddlers play with iPads, Disney owns marketing rights to the entire planet, and toys now come equipped with AI “brains”?
Lots of Legos. Roller skates. Stuffed animals. Skateboards. Nerf guns.
Those are the kinds of things Santa/I can relate to. At a time when he/I think the world has gone cuckoo, and his elves are threatening to unionize, we give a sigh of relief that at least some Westport kids are still, well, kids.
Need proof? Here’s a particularly thorough one. I like Mateo’s clarity (including “I want my games digital”).
“Ill be okay if I dont get everything” was a particularly nice touch.
Of course, other letters gave him/me pause.
One letter writer requested “an orange jeep, vacation to London, hand warmers and gummi bears.” (Perhaps this was not written by a 6-year-old. One clue: It was signed “MaryAnne.” Today’s kids do not have normal names. Brooklyn, Serafina, Kierra, Vienna, yeah. But not MaryAnne.)
Then there’s Xander. (Great name!) In addition to a sweatshirt with a Ram truck, and a “cool bracelet,” he asked for “a good day with my family.” Well done, kid!
And someone who didn’t sign his or her name, but asked for “health for my grandparents, myself and my friend Itty Bitty” — very sweet. Though Santa/I wonder why he didn’t include his parents. There wasn’t a word count on the form.
But this one really tugged at the heartstrings:
Santa can’t fulfill every wish. But that’s a window into what is on at least one child’s mind this season.
We’ll end with Sophia. She asks for a lot, from an iPhone (if possible 🙂 ) and 3D printer, to manga, bubble products, and popcorn and snow cone machines.
Santa/yours truly would need a special sack for her house alone.
But there — nestled between croissant jellycat and baking supplies — is “world peace” 🙂
Thanks, Sophie. Santa (and I) will see what we can do.
(So what does “06880” wish for? We don’t need Legos or Jellycats. We would love world peace. But if you really want to get us something, please click here to support this blog. Ho ho ho!)
Staples Orphenians are synonymous with the holiday season.
The high school’s elite a cappella group — fresh off performances at Radio City Music Hall and Westport’s Holiday Stroll — have added another date to their crowded calendar.
And it’s a chance to not only hear their great caroling, but to shop for gifts from local vendors too.
The Orphenians Holiday Market is next Tuesday (December 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).
Along with shopping and songs (including a sing-along, sponsored by Mitchells of Westport), enjoy seasonal treats and festive foods from The Granola Bar, Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci, and Ed’s Fusion.
Click here for tickets. Proceeds help fund performance and travel opportunities throughout the year.
Direct from Radio City and the “06880” Holiday Stroll: Staples Orphenians.
Vaccines are all over the news. The most recent headlines involve hepatitis B, for newborns.
Village Pediatrics strongly recommends protecting newborns, with the inoculation.
Dr. Nicole Gorman and her colleagues say:
“Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause lifelong liver disease, liver cancer, and even death. Newborns are especially vulnerable. If exposed, 9 out of 10 infants will develop chronic infection. The birth dose provides protection right away, before any potential exposures occur.
“It’s also important to know that a negative Hep B test in the mother does not guarantee a baby won’t be exposed. In fact, up to 50% of hepatitis B cases in children have no known source.
“This happens because the virus can survive on surfaces for up to 7 days, meaning exposure can occur in unexpected ways — from contact with caregivers, household items, or environments outside the hospital.
“This vaccine has been used safely for decades. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and all major medical organizations. Giving it shortly after birth is the most effective way to prevent infection.
“We encourage all families to include the Hep B birth dose in their baby’s routine care.”
Dr. Nikki notes, “I was always struck by the statistic that 50% of children who get Hep B can’t trace the source. Everyone should elect for this vaccine in the hospital at birth.”
Dr. Stephen Grevious adds, “Once someone has it, it can’t be eliminated.”
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have announced the winners of their photo contest. It was open to members, their wives, and Senior Center participants.
Here are the first place honorees, followed by the runners-up, in all 8 categories:
Architecture: Alan Zimbard, Holly Betts
Critter: Robert Pravder, Bob Weingarten
General: Lee Walther, Jean-Piere Montillier
Landscape: Jean-Piere Montillier, Ed Simek
Manipulated: Susan Garment, Jeffrey Rothman
Nature: Jeffrey Rothman, Greg Battersby
Portrait: Lee Walther, Karen Harman
Waterscape: Michael Hehenberger, Jeffrey Rothman.
Those images — and all others that were entered — are now on display at the Senior Center.
Susan Garment won 1st place in the “Manipulate” category for “Trafalgar Square in the Rain.”
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Check out the newest addition at Sherwood Mill Pond:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
No, it’s not new affordable housing.
It’s an office and storage area for workers on the tidal gates and pedestrian path renovation project.
But if it was housing — those are quite some water views.
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Everyone loves Christmas decorations.
Even those who don’t celebrate the holiday.
Celia Campbell-Mohn captured this cute image, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally …on this date in 1864, Major General William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union Army troops reached the outer Confederate defenses of Savannah, Georgia.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where history lives on. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — including our music — or any other part of “06880,” please click here to support us. Thanks!)
As the weather cools down, Wakeman Town Farm heats up.
On the calendar:
“Wreath-making Class” (December 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). Create a custom wreath using local berries and natural materials. Beginners to seasoned crafters welcome.
“Warm Bites for Cold Nights”(Grades 2-6; 2 different 5-week sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in January): Hearty, hands-on dishes, with kids-safe techniques.
“Winter Cooking for the Minis” (Grades K-2; 6 Monday sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in December):
“Frosty Bites and Holiday Treats Cooking Class for Kids” (Ages 6-12; December 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
“Warm & Cozy Winter Desserts”baking class (adults; December 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m.). For beginning to intermediate bakers; BYOB.
And on January 24, the Sweet Remains take the stage.
Greg Naughton’s folk-rock trio — with their acoustic sound, 3-part harmonies and 65 million Spotify streams — performs January 24 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s Jewish Business Network hosts Melissa Bernstein — the co-founder of legendary toy company Melissa & Doug, and the wellness brand Lifelines — for a celebration of her new book, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship.”
Stephanie Phillips was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club.
The district governor applauded members for their leadership in categories including foundation giving and membership growth, and their energy supporting community initiatives.
That good work was clear, as Rotary Club members supported the Westport Fire Department’s winter clothing drive.
Stephanie Phillips, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Sure, it’s almost Thanksgiving. But fall foliage continues to hang on in Westport … and to awe us.
We give thanks for this spectacular scene on Highland Road — and to JD Dworkow, for capturing it as today’s “Westport … Naturally feature photo.
And finally … on this date in 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph: a machine that could record and play sound.
On this same date in 1959, disc jockey Alan Freed — the man who popularized the term “rock and roll” — was fired by New York’s WABC radio. He was alleged to have participated in a payola scandal.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source of news, events, photos and much more — 24/7/365. These Roundup songs are icing on the cake. If you enjoy any of it, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Raising a child today is challenging. It is especially so when that youngster has special needs.
Ali Wachtel moved to Westport nearly 8 years ago. Today, she shares an inspiring story about her son Nate, and the Westport Public Schools. She writes:
When I moved here in December of 2017, I did not know how lucky I was. My son Nate was 18 months old.
I knew in my bones that he was autistic. What I did not know was that I had just moved to a town that could, and would, support him.
On Nate’s 3rd birthday, he had his very first day at Stepping Stones Preschool.
Nate’s first year at Stepping Stones.
Nate was not just mildly affected. He was non-verbal.
I was not sure he would ever be able to communicate with us in the way every parent dreams. As I was new to the world of special education, the team at Stepping Stones walked me through every step of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process.
Together we crafted a strategy for Nate to develop the necessary skills to access the academic curriculum.
Nate and his mother, Ali Wachtel, as she read to his Stepping Stones class …
Three years later, Nate graduated and moved on to Long Lots Elementary. To my delight, he matriculated into the general ed classroom. A dream of mine had come to fruition.
Nate still required a great deal of support. He is in the IR (Intensive Resource) program, which means he has 1-to-1 paraprofessional support. He is pulled out for reading, writing and math support to this day, in addition to participating in social skill building groups.
There is not a single area in which Nate does not require support. But it is all given to him.
I am writing this not solely as a co-chair of the Westport Special Education PTA, nor as an advocate for children who receive SpEd services, but as a proud parent.
Like so many I navigated this process, armed with little if any information or insight, and terrified that this outcome would never be an option for my child.
Yet 5 years later, on October 17, my incredible young boy was invited to return to Stepping Stones preschool to read aloud in his former teacher’s class.
… and Nate in October, reading to another Stepping Stones class. (Photos/Andy Fleischman)
This has, in no small way, been made possible by Westport’s dedicated educators.
My son who walked into Stepping Stones 7 years ago without the ability to speak, returned a confident 4th grade reader who shared his experiences in the Westport school system with a group of 5-year-old pre-school students.
To say this moment was the honor of my life is an understatement. It is all thanks to our good fortune in having moved to the town of Westport.
So thank you Westport, for granting me my annual birthday wish and prayer that one day my child would be able to express himself.
(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)
WestportMoms is our town’s go-to multi-platform site for all things kid-related.
Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post are on top of every event and trend.
But in addition to informing, they inspire. Their Halloween message last year was particularly note-worthy. A year later, their words are well worth repeating. They said:
This Halloween, a lot of little people will visit your home. Please be accepting!
The child who grabs more than 1 piece of candy may have poor fine motor skills.
The child who takes forever to pick out 1 piece may have motor planning issues.
The child who does not say “trick or treat!” or “thank you” may be non-verbal.
The child who looks disappointed when they see your bowl might have an allergy.
The child who isn’t wearing a costume at all may have a sensory issue or autism.
That “big” boy may appear to be an adult, but may be developmentally delayed.
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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