Lynsey Addario — the 1991 Staples High School Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist — is usually behind the camera.
Now the BBC has turned its lens on her. The international describes her this way, for its profile of her:
“She took the defining picture of Putin’s war so far: a family killed by Russian troops as they tried to flee to safety. The US photojournalist Lynsey Addario has reported from almost every major conflict in the 21st century, and now she is on the ground in Ukraine, documenting suspected war crimes.
“Lynsey Addario — who reported on the Taliban before most of the western world knew who they were — has borne witness to war, humanitarian disaster and the worst effects of climate change. She has been kidnapped three times, but still keeps returning to conflict zones. Mark Coles profiles the award-winning photographer whose images continue to make the front pages.”
Click here for this in-depth look at a true Westport — and international — hero. (With a bonus: interviews with her mother Camille, and older sisters Lauren, Lisa and Leslie.)
Congratulations to the Staples boys indoor track sprint medley relay team.
They finished 6th in the US last night, at the national high school meet in the New York Armory.
Samir Mott (200 meter leg), David Sedrak (200), Bruno Guiduli (400) and Jalen St. Fort (800) roared to a 3:35.43. That earns them All-American status — and fame that will last far beyond that very fast race.
Indoor track All-Americans (from left): Samir Mott, David Sedrak, Bruno Guiduli, Jalen St. Fort. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
In 2018, freshman Corey Hausman died in a skateboarding accident at the University of Colorado. A varsity skier and track athlete, he had graduated from Staples High School just 3 month earlier.
At its banquet last week, the Staples ski team inaugurated the Corey Hausman Award. It will be presented each year to the senior racer who best epitomizes his special spirit, through a love for skiing, the desire to improve, a willingness to work and the ability to inspire others.
Olivia Marshall was the first recipient. Corey’s family presented the award, with coaches Rebecca Anderson-Furlong and Tom Owen.
Corey’s memory continues to be honored through College911.net and the College Safety Coalition. Both projects — initiated by the Hausman family — help make the college experience as safe as possible for everyone. (Hat tip: Michelle Howard)
From left: Coach Tom Owen, Olivia Marshall, Coach Rebecca Anderson-Furlong, Corey’s parents Nanette and Joel Hausman, and Corey’s good friend Michael Valarie.
It was standing room only at Betsy Pollak’s bird feeder. This impressive “pecking order” makes for quite a “Westport … (okay, Weston) … Naturally” photo.
And finally … Bobbie Nelson — Willie’s sister, his longtime pianist and an important influence on him — died Thursday in Austin. She was 91. (Click here for a full obituary.)
Comments Off on Roundup: Lynsey Addario, Track All-Americans, Martha Stewart …
“06880” has reported on a bill proposed in the General Assembly. If passed, HB 5429 would allow up to 15 housing units per acre within a half-mile radius of Westport’s 2 train stations.
How far is half a mile? Here are maps:
(Map by Danielle Dobin, courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
(Map by Matthew Mandell)
A Zoom hearing on the bill is set for Monday (March 14, 10 a.m.). Residents wishing to testify must register by 3 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). Send a brief email to PDtestimony@cga.ct.gov. Reference Bill #5429, and include your name and town.
Congratulations to Stephen Perrine. The Westport author’s new book, “The Whole Body Reset: Your Weight-Loss Plan for a Flat Belly, Optimum Health & a Body You’ll Love at Midlife and Beyond,” debuted at #2 on the New York Times’ “Advice, How-to and Miscellaneous” best seller list.
Yesterday’s “Roundup” item about Wakeman Town Farm’s project to send medical supplies to Ukraine did not include an important link: how to order those supplies through Amazon. Click here to see what’s needed.
You can have them sent to WTF, Lachat Town Farm in Weston or Ambler Farm in Wilton — or drop them off at any of those 3 sites yourself. More instructions are at the top of the Amazon link. Deadline is 1 p.m. next Saturday, March 18.
On March 23 (7:30 p.m.), Temple Israel hosts a community conversation. Rabbi Michael Friedman and interfaith clergy colleagues will moderate a discussion and brainstorming session. It’s co-hosted by Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission, and features chair Danielle Dobin and P&Z director Mary Young.
Organizers call it “an introduction to planning for affordability, and an opportunity for public feedback on how to diversify housing in a way that works for Westport.”
Among Westport’s affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village. Explore other options at Temple Israel on March 23.
Need a feel-good story? Check out this News12 clip on Darien High School boys basketball manager Tripp Lyons.
He’s non-verbal, with a disability that requires the use of a wheelchair. But he fires up the Blue Wave players, and they love him. The other day — on Senior Night — he hit the court with his teammates.
What makes this “06880”-worthy — besides the fact that we need something uplifting these days — is that Darien’s opponent that day was Staples. The Wreckers were as excited as the Wavers to see Tripp with the ball.
Like many Americans, Nate Gibbons is watching the price of gas rise.
As Westport’s fire marshal, he’s concerned about more than the economic cost.
“A few residents have resorted to gasoline hoarding. People are taking any and every container to the pump and filling it up,” he says.
Fuels like gasoline and diesel are flammable. The cans to store small fuel quantities are metal or special red plastic, have safety nozzles, and can be effectively sealed against leaking vapors, which can ignite if they find a source of ignition.
“You’ve seen them around and probably have one or two in your garage. It’s what they are designed for, safe storage of flammable liquids,” he says.
The Westport Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to put fuel only in rated, fuel containers. If you need to stockpile fuel, invest in the correct gas storage containers. Store fuel outside your living area, and never in a basement. Transfer fuel using safety nozzles that shut off automatically in the event of a slip or a drop. Always use funnels to minimize the risk of a spill.
Food is more expensive too. That may be why donations to Homes with Hope’s pantry have dropped off. Of course, rising food prices mean more people are going hungry than before.
A special food drive runs from today through Tuesday (March 15th). Items can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road, behind Barnes & Noble and next to Don Memo.
Most-needed items include pasta sauces, canned meats, soups and stews, canned vegetables (other than beans!), hot and cold cereal, peanut butter and jelly, mac and cheese, oatmeal and mayonnaise.
The bar is high for entitled parking photos. “06880” no longer runs drivers who take up 2 spaces. The limit for hogging more than your own is now 3.
This driver managed that feat. Sure, it’s subtle — a few inches over a couple of lines. But very cleverly, he (or she, though I doubt it) managed to make sure that no one came close to this precious Pacifica Limited.
(PS: Don’t say “the cops should ticket it!” It’s a private lot.)
As we stumble toward spring, it’s time to “run” some news from the Joggers Club.
If you sign up for The Minute Man 10k, you get a free Build-up Series training run. Each week is progressively longer (and you’re rewarded after each run with coffee, water, bagels and muffins).
The series starts and ends at Compo Beach. The route is the same roads as the Minute Man 10k. It starts at 8 a.m.: April 9 (3 miles), April 16 (4 miles), April 23 (5 miles), April 30 (race day!).
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The Joggers Club also sponsors a club for youngsters grades kindergarten through 8th. The goals are form, endurance and (most important) fun.
The program is run by elite athletes, every Sunday from April 3 to May 29 (2 to 3:15 p.m., Staples High School track. Its $49 for Joggers Club members, $99 for non-members.
The club also offers a great social run series: 42 weeks of enjoyable group running. Click on TheJoggersClub.com,or follow on Instagram: @TheJoggersClub.ct.
Longtime Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club member and volunteer David Bate died Monday in Fairfield, with his family by his side. He was 78.
The Birmingham, England native graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Aston University there. He joined Jaguar Rover, and moved to the US in 1965.
David stayed with Jaguar for nearly 25 years, retiring as national technical service manager at their US headquarters in New Jersey. He later founded EnviroSolutions, a distributor of environmentally safe cleaning products. He spent the remainder of his career traveling the country, brokering private sales of classic cars.
David was a member of Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for over 40 years, and served as chairman of the racing committee for 6. An accomplished sailor, he competed often. He completed the Marion Bermuda Race 4 times, and the Caribbean 1500. He also earned his US Coast Guard 6-Pack Captain’s License.
Summer weekends were spent with his family, trimming the sails of their Cal 39 “Scimitar” on Long Island Sound. He was also an avid classic car enthusiast, and specifically loved the AC Cobra. Music, photography, motorcycles and golf were other favorite pastimes, as was socializing with his many friends.
David is survived by his wife of 43 years, Patrice Choquette Bate; daughter Jennifer Bate Orgera (Theodore), and grandchildren Theodore Jr. and Chloe.
A private celebration of his life will be held later.
The deli just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge opened its 9th location Monday, on the 86th Street/2nd Avenue Q line subway station platform in New York.
Upper East Side Patch reports: “Eager customers gave the business a warm welcome, lining up to buy hot coffee, nitro cold brew, bagels and pastries from a booth that had previously been home to a standard newspapers-and-coffee kiosk.
“‘People are so excited to have something before they hop on the train,” said Kathryn Greaves, Winfield Street’s district manager.”
In the works: coffee stands at the 72nd Street and 96th Street Q line stations.
So commuters can get their first coffee of the day here on the way to the train, then a second one on their way to work.
Winfield Street was in Westport, long before New York City.
Opening day is near for the Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 season — the 92nd, in its storied history.
The curtain rises on the 3-time Tony Award-winning musical “Next to Normal,” on April 5.
The multi-racial cast is headed by Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Tony winner for his portrayal of Angel in “Rent”) and Darlesia Cearcy, (Erzulie in the Tony-winning revival of “Once on This Island”).
One of the longest-running Westport Library language groups, they’ve just celebrated their 10-year anniversary.
They got their start — and are still supported by — Israelis in CT. The non-profit social organization provides native speakers, who offer help and guidance to people of all level who want to practice and improve their Hebrew proficiency. The group meets twice a month, all year round.
Some members have participated the entire time, including facilitators Susan Cutler and Charles Halasz; Hebrew mavens Moshe Berman and Israelis-in-CT president Relly Coleman, and Sue Collin.
Before Covid pushed everyone onto Zoom, they were joined by Young Israeli Emissaries, who helped with ever-evolving Israeli slang.
One benefit of the virtual format: reuniting with members who had moved away. They, and newcomers, now participate from across the US and Canada, South America, Europe, Africa — and of course Israel.
Newcomers — from beginners to native speakers are welcome. For information, emailisraelisinct@hotmail.com or call 203-226-8739.
A pre-COVID meeting of the Hebrew Conversation Group.
Millie Hardy’s death last week devastated her many Minute Men Cleaners customers. They adored her — and were honored to call her a friend.
Now they’re helping the woman who spent over 50 years of her life helping them.
A GoFundMe campaign is raising money for her funeral, and to honor her. Click here for details, and to donate.
Millie Hardy
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Lynsey Addario’s photo of the Ukrainian family killed by a Russian mortar attack has stunned the world, since it was published on Sunday by the New York Times.
That one photograph by the 1991 Staples High School graduate — a Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur fellow — has captured the horrors of the invasion like no other. It has been the focus of worldwide television reports, and been reposted on social media around the world.
But who were the people murdered, as they tried to escape the shelling? Yesterday, the Times told us. The riveting story describes the lives of a mother, her 18-year-old son, 9-year-old daughter, and the church volunteer with them.
Her husband was in another part of Ukraine, tending to his mother who has COVID.
Click here to read about the 4 people Lynsey captured for posterity — and the loved ones they left behind.
The photograph that shocked the world. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)
And finally … speaking of peace: Here’s a great video from Playing for Change. The multimedia project — which weaves together musicians from around the globe, playing familiar songs in incredible harmony — posted “Peace Train” last September.
It was well before Russia invaded Ukraine. But the message is even more relevant today.
Spoiler alert: There’s a great appearance near the end by Yusuf/Cat Stevens himself.
Over the past 2 years, the restaurant industry has been rocked by COVID. Amid all the bad news, one bright spot was the rise — and popularity — of outdoor dining.
This Monday (March 14, 7 p.m. Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission meets to consider permanent outdoor eating regulations.
Under new state legislation, the P&Z can determine the size of an outdoor dining area, when it can operate, and what public safety protections are needed.
Planning and Zoning Department director Mary Young says, “The Planning & Zoning Commission looks forward to hearing from food establishment owners to help set reasonable standards, allowing the Restaurant Renaissance in Westport to continue and provide safe and secure dining options for patrons under the ‘New-Normal’ conditions.”’
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell predicts, “some restaurants are going to love this. Some are not going to like it at all. It depends on whether you have the land, an amenable landlord, a parking lot to use or a town road to be able to do it. The Chamber sees both sides to this.”
Monday’s public hearing will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov, and on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020. Comments can be sent to the meeting to PandZ@westportct.gov. Click here for the full text amendment.
Lynsey Addario’s photo last Sunday — of a family killed by a Russian mortar attack — horrified the world.
Yesterday, the New York Times photojournalist — a Pulitzer Prize winner, and 1991 Staples High School graduate — spoke compellingly about that image, and the events surrounding.
In an in-depth interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper — at 3:30 a.m. Ukraine time — Lynsey talked spoke of her surreal feelings as she realized the Russians were targeting civilians. With mortars whizzing just 30 feet away, she witnessed the killings.
Cooper asked her thoughts as she took her photos. She felt she had to document the event for the world. With a 10-year-old of her own, she had to maintain her professionalism — even as she noticed the family’s luggage lying next to them.
She also talked about her feelings afterward, and what it’s like to witness such scenes over and over again.
It was excellent journalism from Anderson Cooper — and one more reason to pray for Lynsey’s safety, and that of everyone in Ukraine.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Lynsey’s photo was also featured on “60 Minutes” this past Sunday. Scott Pelley used it to frame that night’s Ukraine story. Click here for the link. (Hat tips: Susan Woog Wagner and Hedi Lieberman)
A bright young man from Westport
Who really cares about transport,
Said to get to the train,
Wheels2U is a gain!
It’s like your own private escort!
Okay, it’s not Keats. It’s not even Ogden Nash. But it’s a good way to introduce the Westport Transit District’s limerick contest.
The goal is to raise awareness of Wheels2U Westport, the on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service.
The top 7 entries win gift certificates to Westport restaurants of their choice, ranging from $100 to $25.
Want some info before writing your poem? WTD director Peter Gold calls Wheels2U “easy, inexpensive and convenient. It comes when you call it, picks you up at your door, and takes you right to the platform at the Westport and Greens Farms stations. No more walks from the parking lots in the cold and dark. And it’s a greener way to get to the train.”
Westport residents use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., almost anywhere in town. Pickups should be requested 20 minutes before you would normally leave to drive to the station. The fare is just $2, when paid with the Wheels2U app.
The contest is open to all Westport residents. Enter as often as you like. Email entries to pgold@westportct.gov no later than March 25. Put “Limerick Contest” in the subject line, and include your name, address, and email. Click here for the full rules.
The group — whose lead guitarist is 1997 Staples High School graduate (and former soccer star) Brad Tursi — was named Group of the Year at Monday’s ACM ceremony in Las Vegas.
It was the 5th consecutive year they’ve won country music’s top prize.
Their acceptance speech included a tribute to the citizens of Ukraine. (Hat tip: Tricia Freeman)
Old Dominion, at the CMA Awards. Staples grad Brad Tursi is on the far right.
Speaking of music: Every month, Billy Joel sells out Madison Square Garden. Now his music is coming to the Levitt Pavilion!
Yeah, read that sentence again. “His music” — not the Piano Man himself.
But this is no tribute band. It’s Mike Del Guidice & Big Shot. He tours all over the world with Billy Joel. His band performs astonishing renditions of those songs, plus others by Elton John, the Beatles and other beloved artists.
The concert is Friday, May 20 (7:30 p.m.). Levitt Pavilion member pre-sales start today (Wednesday, March 9, noon). Click here to become a member. Sales to the general public start Friday (March 11, 10 a.m.).
On April 7, some of Westport’s best chefs will leave their kitchens. They’ll head to Aitoro’s, the great appliance store just over the Norwalk line. There — amid high-end appliances — they’ll offer great food for a good cause.
It’s a benefit for the Make-a-Wish Connecticut chapter. The nonprofit helps fulfill the dreams of critically ill children.
Among the celebrity chefs: Bill Taibe (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo); Matt Storch (Match Burger Lobster, Match Restaurant), Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café, Amis Trattoria), Robin Selden (Marcia Selden and Naked Fig Catering), Dan Kardo (Oar & Oak), and Christian Petroni (Food Network star).
Tickets include samplings, and complimentary beer and wine. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Bill Webster sends today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” photo, and adds:
“People often hear the tom turkey gobbling on spring mornings, but seldom do you get a chance to see a wild turkey strut. The turkey strut is an incredible courtship display that is intended to attract hens and display dominance.”
Michael Gordon has ended his campaign for Connecticut’s 26th District State Senate seat.
The former Westport Board of Education chair says: “After diving in a few weeks ago, I’ve come to realize that I can’t juggle effectively the multiple demands of family, work and this campaign/the State Senate.
“The simple truth is that I thought I could do all of it at a high level, but I’ve learned that I can’t. I was excited both to campaign and to serve, but I’m also clear that now is not the right time if I want to do the job well.
“I want to thank our wonderful friends for their enormous outpouring of support, kindness and offers of help. I also want to thank the many kind and wise new friends I’ve made throughout the 26th District. I wish Ceci Maher and Ken Bernhard the best of luck, and I look forward to supporting our nominee this fall.”
The Westport Public Schools’ STEM program is robust. But for students who even more science, technology, engineering and math, Staples High School’s STEM Club is perfect.
For 6 years, one of their signature projects is a STEM Journal. Published 2 to 3 times a year, and packed with information on everything from the environment and medicine to astrophysics and psychology, it’s a great outlet for teenagers who love both research, and writing about it.
Its model is the journals published by universities and research institutions. Most of those have editorial boards — experts who review articles, provide advice and assist editors.
Staples’ STEM Journal wants to improve their scientific credibility, and link students with professionals. So they’re putting out a call for editorial board members. Interested in joining? Click here for more information.
But you don’t have to be an editorial board member to help the STEM Club. They need funds to publish print editions. To contribute, click here.
And to read any of the 11 STEM Journal issues published so far, click here.
Growing up in Westport, so close to the water — and years in Boy Scouts — influenced and inspired David Stalling’s love for and desire to protect wildlife and wild places.
The 1979 Staples High School graduate — and former Force Recon Marine — now lives in Montana. Now he’s got an even deeper understanding of life, and what it means to be part of the natural world. He’s thought often about grizzly bears and wolves, and the need for complete and balanced ecosystems.
The other day, he was a guest on the “All Things Wolf and Wild” podcast. He discussed Western wildlife — but also his youth back East. Click here for the fascinating episode.
Paul Delano describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:
“These very small crocuses are in my yard, looking toward Newtown Turnpike. You have to be almost on top of them to see them. I love putting crocuses in the grass because they are little surprise gems that are up and gone by the time grass needs to be mowed.”
Growing up in Westport with 9 brothers and sisters, Elaine Daignault learned to thrive with a lot of activity.
That served her well in her current position: director of Westport’s Human Services Department.
Her office serves older folks (Senior Center), teens and tweens (Toquet Hall, Youth Commission), families in need, those with mental health and substance issues — and their families and loved ones. Her staff touches just about everyone in town.
The other day, Elaine sat down on the Westport Library Trefz Forum stage. We talked about what Human Services does, how they do it, why it’s important — and the Westport that many of us never see.
Business owners: The luck of the Irish may be with you this St. Patrick’s Day.
Business Networking International’s Westport chapter is holding a “Virtual Visitors Day” (March 17, 7:30 to 9 a.m.).
They’re looking for new members in these areas: security, HVAC, solar, photographer, caterer, bakery, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company, travel tours, auto repair, and dry cleaner/tailor/shoe repair.
The Westport BNI Group has 48 members. Membership is structured to allow only 1 person per profession in each chapter. For example, the local group already has 1 landscaper, 1 realtor and 1 chiropractor.
Meetings are held weekly and referrals are exchanged in a structured manner.
Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids — the Westport-based children’s haircut franchise — has long given back to worthy organizations. Each child gets a token to put in a box for a charity of their choice.
All boxes are now changed to Ukraine relief. All Sharkey’s franchises can choose any 2 Ukraine-related charities that touch them the most.
The Westport location — the busiest of all 100-plus locations in the world — is at 1568 Post Road East, just east of ASF.
Congratulations to the Coleytown Middle School Math Club!
Ten students participated in the Southwestern Connecticut “Mathcounts” competitions. Vikram Sarkar, Ayush Rudra and Adan Wang finished in the Top 10 (#1, 4 and 10), and qualify for the state event as individual competitors. That’s the highest number of qualifiers for any Fairfield County school. The top 4 finishers at the state level advance to the national contest.
There was also a team competition. CMS’ Team A (Adan, Ayush, Vikram and Owen Wood) came in first in that category, by a wide margin. Bedford Middle School was third.
Other Coleytown competitors include Akil Arvind, Anit Arvind, Justin Jendrock, Sarah Lyle, Charlie McGillion-Moore and Mateo Riero.
Lynsey Addario’s dramatic images from Ukraine have enraged the world.
But the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer — 1991 Staples High School graduate — was working on another project, before the Russian invasion.
Her photos illustrate an in-depth Atlantic story on Mohammed bin Salman, the astonishingly wealthy and equally mysterious crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of defense of Saudi Arabia. Click here for the long, but very intriguing, story (and photos.) (Hat tip: Dave Lowrie)
Mohammed bin Salman (center), with members of the Saudi royal family. (PHoto/Lynsey Addario for The Atlantic)
Dominick “Babe” DeMace died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday. He was 90 years old.
Born in 1932 to Josephine and Pasquale DeMace in Westport, and raised here, he served as an Army corporal in Trieste from 1952 to 1954.
After his discharge he met his future wife, Margaret Labbance, when she moved in across the street.
Dominick DeMace
He spent his career as a well-respected union electrician. He was a 3rd-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Norwalk.
On Saturdays he ushered at Assumption Church’s evening mass, then visited his brother Frank’s restaurant, Mario’s. He was well known there, helping in any capacity.
Family was most important to Babe. He was generous, both in his trade and in his personal life. There was nothing he could not fix. His family says, “His Italian heritage meant he was an authority on cooking and consuming delicious meals. He worked hard to provide for his family and will be remembered for his loyalty and loving nature.”
He was predeceased by his sister Marie Wallace and brothers Michael, Joseph and Frank DeMace. He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Margaret, sister Theresa (Tess) DeMattia, children David, Danielle Yingling and Dominick (Joanne), grandchildren Stephanie Fagan (Joseph), Christina Bierwirth, Natalie, Emily, Elisabeth and Eric DeMace, great-grandchildren Connor and Devin Fagan and Andrew Bierwirth, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive relatives and friends tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Assumption Church on Wednesday (March 9, 10 a.m.). Burial with full military honors will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery in Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to Saint Jude.
Well, my “06880” blog is, anyway. It’s 13 years old — and, since that first story back in 2009, I have not missed a day of posting. That’s over 14,000 stories, on everything from COVID, trees and hurricanes to Unsung Heroes, Pics of the Day and entitled drivers.
I couldn’t do it without you. Which is why today, I ask for your help.
This man is smiling, because he loves publishing “06880.” (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
I’m honored to publish “06880.” I love telling our town’s stories; shining a light on the men, women, children, institutions, businesses and history that make us who we are; creating a sense of community for newcomers, oldtimers, ex-pats and anyone else who ever wandered through this fascinating place.
But those stories don’t magically land in your inbox, or on this site.
I conduct interviews and research. I take, find and edit photos. I moderate the comments (140,000 now, and counting). I answer every email.
All that takes 6 to 8 hours a day. So on this one day, I hope you’ll give back.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting “06880. Click here for details (via credit card, Venmo, check or PayPal) — or scroll to the bottom.
Am I worth $1 a month? $5 a week? Perhaps (my choice!) $1 a day. Choose whatever amount you’re comfortable with. It’s greatly appreciated!
I hope that if “06880” has ever:
Made you laugh, cry, think or wonder
Spurred you to attend an event, read book, try a restaurant or patronize a store
Help you meet a neighbor or stranger, or connect with a friend
Kept you up to date on a blizzard, hurricane, windstorm or power outage
Connected you to your new home town (or the place you grew up in)
Alerted you to a new housing or zoning development
Provided a forum to rant about an issue, rave about a place, or complain about me
Galvanized you to support a cause
Publicized your event, book, appearance or concert
Published your photo
Honored someone you loved or admired
Saved you time or money
Opened a window on Westport’s history, helped you think about its future, or made you look at someone or something in a new way
Inspired you
Made you say “Wow!” (or “Holy F—!”)
you will consider tossing something my way.
“06880” offers many unique perspectives on our town. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography
Thanks for 13 great years. (How many teenagers say that?!) I’ll keep doing what I do (unless no one contributes). I’ll still answer every email.
That’s the “06880” way. I look forward to the coming year with excitement, gratitude and joy.
PS: While “06880” is now a non-profit — allowing us to sponsor events like the Holiday Stroll, educational workshops and more — our tax-exempt status has not yet been approved. When (and if) it is, it may be applied retroactively.
PPS: “06880” has 12,000 daily (free!) subscribers. Another 6,000 to 8,000 readers check in each day, without subscribing. I love you all. But only a small percentage contribute. I’m just sayin’…
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took an even more horrific turn today.
Lynsey Addario — the 1991 Staples High School Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer — reports with words and images that “a Russian force advancing on Kyiv fired mortar shells … at a battered bridge used by evacuees fleeing the fighting.”
The attack sent “panicked civilians running, kicking up a cloud of dust and leaving three members of a family dead on the pavement.”
Addario’s photo showed that haunting scene.
Ukrainian soldiers trying to save the father of a family of 4 — the only one at that moment who still had a pulse — moments after being hit by a mortar while trying to flee Irpin, near Kyiv, today. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)
Addario’s report continued:
Crowds of hundreds have clustered around the damaged bridge over the Irpin River since Saturday. Ukrainian forces had blown up the bridge earlier to slow the Russian advance. Only a dozen or so Ukrainian soldiers were in the immediate area of the bridge on Sunday, not fighting but helping carry civilians’ luggage and children.
To cross a hundred yards or so of exposed street on the side of the bridge closer to Kyiv, people seeking to flee to the capital formed small groups and made a run for it together. Soldiers ran out, picked up children or luggage, and ran for cover behind a cinder block wall.
The mortar shells fell first 100 or so yards from the bridge, then shifted in a series of thunderous blasts into a section of street where people were fleeing.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Ernest Lorimer)
Every day brings new, grim news from Ukraine. The New York Times photos of Staples High School graduates Lynsey Addario (1991) and Tyler Hicks (1988) are crucial for bringing the horrors of the Russian invasion to the rest of the world.
We all know on some level how dangerous it is for those two, and so many others. But now Katie Couric brings the reality of their situation into our own, comfortable lives.
She conducts an astonishing interview with Lynsey — who, in the opening moments from Kyiv, moves into the bathroom, and dons a flak jacket and helmet, as sirens go off.
Couric’s questions are probing. Lynsey’s answers are insightful. This is must-see journalism, from two pros. (Hat tip: Susan Woog Wagner)
Speaking of Ukraine: Westport’s rally in support of that invaded nation is set for this Saturday (11 a.m., Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Post Road bridge). It’s scheduled to run until 12:30 p.m.
Anyone wishing to continue their support can head a couple of miles east, to Southport.
The Ukrainian American Club (279 King’s Drive, near I-95 and the Metro-North station) is sponsoring its own Saturday rally. It starts at 1 p.m.
Attendees are asked to bring signs, musical instruments, balloons, flowers, and anything else that will help spread the message of freedom, unity and democracy. For further information, speaker, or donation inquiries, call 203-259-2913.
Speaking of Saturday’s Westport rally: one of the organizers, Stephan Taranko, donated 3 exquisite Ukrainian hand-embroidered shirts, similar to the ones worn by the Dumka Choir when they performed last week on “Saturday Night Live.”
They’ll be part of a silent auction at the Westport event. A QR code will be available to help with the bidding.
And more on Ukraine: Dori Bomback and Teri Jaffe’s ThingsILove203 — which curates, then sells (duh) things they love — is holding a pop-up sale at MoCA Westport his Sunday (March 6, noon to 4 p.m.).
They carry several Ukrainian lines. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Crisis Relief Fund.
“06880” does not cover a lot of Norwalk news. But we do mention Stew Leonard’s from time to time, because, well, Stew’s.
Looks like the Westport-born food store will have some competition
Wegmans is opening its first Connecticut location — municipal approval, and construction, pending.
The site is nearly 11 acres of land off Connecticut Avenue, near I-95. The property is occupied now by MBI, which would move to new office space.
Wegmans is a 105-year-old, 106-store supermarket chain in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and North Carolina that draws raves from customers.
But will they have Santa, a menorah, and Christmas trees?
Thelma and Marge — Nigerian dwarf goats — are having babies, at the Cross Highway sustainability center.
They’re due in a month. Laura Miller, of InDorasKitchen.com, has shared them with WTF. She’ll also offer classes in goat dairy, milking and cheese making, soap making, goat anatomy and husbandry, blacksmithing, cheese and balsamic Pairings, and more..
With the babies’ arrival, Westporters can learn about goat anatomy, reproduction, animal husbandry, milking, and caring for kids (the goat kind). WTF will also offer opportunities to learn how to make goat soap and cheese.
Class offerings for adults and (human) kids will be posted online.
Thelma and Marge (or perhaps Marge and Thelma) at WTF. (Photo/Anne Burmeister)
Divorce is stressful. But in addition to lawyers, women going through the process can also support each other.
Next Wednesday (March 9, 7 p.m. Hayvn co-working space, 320 Boston Post Road, Darien), they’ll get together at an an event called “Insider Tips from Divorce Attorneys.” It’s sponsored by the law firm Ferry & Battey, and one of the panelists is Janet Battey of Westport. Click here for tickets and more information.
Westport-based Connectalent co-founders Runa Knapp and Jasmine Silver discuss the future of work, workplace re-entry, job skills needed tomorrow and more. The March 15 event (7:30 p.m., Weston Field Club), is sponsored by the Weston Women’s League.
An added attraction: photographer Whitnee Schulman will offer headshots for attendees.
And finally … on this date in 1849, the territory of Minnesota was created.
I’m not sure why the (Westport-based) Wiggins Sisters never made it nationally. They are one of my favorite duos of all time. Their harmonies are beautiful; their lyrics are insightful — and they are wonderful, genuine women.
If you’ve never heard them (and also, if you have), enjoy “Minnesota.”
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