A town resident for nearly 50 years, he was a familiar presence at Winslow Park, and Compo and Old Mill Beaches — biking, running, walking a dog, planting a tree and chatting.
Many other Westporters knew Lowrie’s work, if not his name. He spent years — independently, and with a disregard for rules — creating and maintaining a series of walking trails at Winslow Park. (He got Lyme disease in the process.) Everyone who walks in the Winslow woods owes him a debt of gratitude.
Lowrie died April 8 at Norwalk Hospital, of complications of pneumonia. He was 87.
Lowrie Gibb with Rosie, at Winslow Park. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Lowrie — known also for his vintage Volvo station wagons and idiosyncratic attire — had roots on the New Jersey shore. But he had a keen appreciation for Westport’s location at the juncture of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound. He admired the town’s waterways, and outdoor amenities.
Lowrie explored his native Rumson, New Jersey Lowrie by bike. He learned to sail there too.
Later in Westport, he delighted in a wooden Lightning sailboat — like those of his youth — that he found for sale. He kept it at Compo Beach, maintained it meticulously, and took friends and family for frequent jaunts on the Sound.
He also enjoyed rowing, sculling and paddling.
A multi-sport athlete, Lowrie was especially recognized as a skier. He learned at an early age in Stowe, Vermont with his father and 2 brothers. He pursued other winter sports, like skating and pond hockey, in New Jersey.
There was a 2-year adventure in Half Moon Bay, California during World War II, while Lowrie’s father, a Navy captain, served in the Pacific.
In 1951 Lowrie’s family moved to a dairy farm in Weybridge, Vermont. His father, Arthur Gibb, served in the Vermont House of Representatives and Senate.
A Republican and staunch environmentalist, Arthur chaired the commission that created Act 250 — the strictest environmental protection law in the nation at the time. Senator Gibb also played in important role in Vermont’s no-billboard law, and the introduction of recycling. His father’s environmentalism had a strong influence on Lowrie.
Lowrie Gibb helped create and maintain many walking paths at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Lowrie attended local public schools, then Mount Hermon. At Middlebury College he studied history, and competed in giant slalom, slalom, the 50-meter jump and Nordic.
He trained in the western US and South America, and tried out for the 1960 Olympic team in Nordic.
After college Lowrie married and started a family. They lived in Stowe and Manchester, Vermont where he taught school.
In 1967 the Gibbs moved to Westport. He chose the town carefully, for its waterfront, public access to recreational spaces, and excellent schools. He loved Westport, and often said it had more to offer than any place else in the world.
During snowstorms, Lowrie would wax his children’s skis. They’d go out at night, before the streets were plowed.
Lowrie was passionate about land use, with a special interest in integrating nature into communities. He was always on the lookout for a good spot for a pocket park, a tree or a trail.
For some years he worked in real estate development. But his commitment to using land to serve a public need for open space and recreation found its ultimate expression later, and on a smaller scale.
Lowrie Gibb
He might have become a landscape architect, like one of his grandfathers who designed urban parks. But he always preferred an unconventional path.
Lowrie loved trees — especially elms, for their majestic canopied crowns. Lamenting their destruction by disease, he planted 30 saplings of Liberty elm, a resistant strain, in his backyard.
When the trees were big enough, he re-planted them all around Westport. (Like his creation of the Winslow trails, this too was illegal.)
Today those elms can be seen across from Town Hall and the Seabury Center, in the median off I-95 Exit 18, in an Ambler Road back yard, and many other places.
Lowrie was a longtime regular at Longshore’s Westport PAL rink, figure skating with grace and ease. As recently as last month, at 87, he made a track and skied in his backyard.
When there was no snow or ice, he ran at Compo Beach and Grace Salmon Park.
Lowrie is survived by his daughters, Cynthia and Rebecca.
Contributions in his memory can be made to the charities he supported — the Humane Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Best Friends Sanctuary in Utah, and St. Jude’s.
Cynthia and Rebecca suggest also “continuing his work at Winslow Park, picking up trash, clearing branches from trails, and caring for it like your own yard.”
Joy Harmon died Tuesday at her Los Angeles home. She was 87.
Hers is not a household name.
She was Groucho Marx’s assistant on a 1961 game show, and appeared in classic ’60s-era TV: “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “My Three Sons,” “Gidget,” “Batman,” “Bewitched,” “The Monkees” and “The Odd Couple.”
But those were not her most famous roles.
It was a brief — but memorable — appearance in “Cool Hand Luke” that seared her into the American (male) consciousness.
Harmon was, in the Hollywood Reporter‘s words, “the young woman who provocatively washes a car with lots of soapy water as overheated prisoners in the chain gang look on.”
Still, it’s not that scene — with, of course, Westport’s own Paul Newman in the title role — that earns her an “06880” obituary.
She was also a Staples High School graduate.
Eleven years before that legendary film, her 1956 yearbook writeup hinted at things to come. (She was just 16 when she graduated. She skipped 2 grades during Westport elementary school.)
Yet her time in the limelight did not last long.
After being a “pin-up girl” in the late 1960s and early ’70s, Harmon retired from acting, married and had a family.
Baking was always a favorite pastime. She started Aunt Joy’s Cakes, and ran a wholesale bakery in Burbank, California.
Joy Harmon, in a screenshot from a video about Aunt Joy’s Cakes.
Westporters recall 1950s Staples graduates Mariette Hartley and Christopher Lloyd, who went on to movie and TV fame. We claim Michael Douglas too, even though he was shipped off to boarding school after Bedford Junior High.
We never remembered Joy Harmon.
Though — as Paul Newman and the other men working on the chain gang quickly realized — it was hard to forget her. (Hat tip: Christian Hunter)
So how did Joy Harmon’s most famous role come about?
The Hollywood Reporter says: In an interview with author Tom Lisanti for his 2007 book Glamour Girls of Sixties Hollywood, Harmon said her agent told her that she should wear a bikini to her “Cool Hand Luke” audition for Newman and director Stuart Rosenberg, so she did.
“I remember Paul Newman said to me, ‘Gosh, you have the bluest eyes!’ she recalled.
‘They just talked to me, and that was it. It was a small part with no lines, but I wanted to work with Newman, so when they offered it to me I accepted.”
In her scene in the 1967 film, Harmon, in a tattered housedress, turns on the portable radio and washes a 1941 DeSoto under a hot sun as if she’s making love to a man. (George Kennedy’s character imagines her name is Lucille.)
Joy Harmon, in “Cool Hand Luke.” (Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter)
“Stuart was very specific and knew exactly what he wanted,” she told Lisanti. “I guess you can tell that by the way the scene comes off — but I didn’t realize it. And I don’t think I even realized it right after I did it.
“There were a lot of things he made me do a certain way — soaping the windows, holding the hose — that had a two-way meaning. He would tell me to look different ways, and we kept shooting it over and over again. I just figured I was washing the car. I’ve always been naïve and innocent. I was acting and not trying to be sexy.
“I never had any inclination that this would be such a memorable role. Except for being in a movie with Paul Newman, I never expected this part to be so notable and get the reaction it did. After seeing it at the premiere, I was a bit embarrassed. Of all the things I’ve done, people know me most from this film.”
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Longtime Westport resident Bette Hahner died peacefully on March at her home in Chatham, Massachusetts. She was 84.
The New York City native and her husband Jeff spent 28 enjoyable years here. In 2000, they retired and moved to Cape Cod.
Bette loved entertaining and gardening. In Westport she enjoyed throwing clambakes, corporate picnics and dinners for friends and neighbors.
In Chatham, in addition to many hours in her home gardens, she managed luncheons and events for the Chatham Garden Club, Monomoy Yacht Club, Chatham-Harwich Newcomers Club, CONCH and Friends of the Eldredge Library.
She recruited many member to the Garden Club. People loved working with her.
Bette worked seasonally for 15 years in the Chatham permit/sticker office, and knew nearly everyone in town. She then worked at the Freedom Ferry in Harwich Port, as a friendly face in the ticket office. For many years she also sold buttons at First Night Chatham headquarters.
Bette was a past president of the Chatham Garden Club, a board member of the Friends of the Eldredge Public Library, and active on the First Night Chatham Committee. In 2025 she was named grand marshal of Chatham’s July 4th parade.
She is survived by Jeff, her husband of 64 years, and son Tim of Bloomington, Minnesota. She also leaves her dog Emmie.
The family requests that donations be made in her name to the Chatham Garden Club.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday (April 18, 2 p.m.) at the First Congregational Church of Chatham.
Bette Hahner
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And finally … on this date in 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage in Warm Springs, Georgia. He was 63, and in his 4th term.
Woody Guthrie wrote “Dear Mrs. Roosevelt,” in the style of many tribute letters the public wrote to the first lady after his death. There are 15 verses; at the end of each, Guthrie says, “This world was lucky to see him born.”
Guthrie never recorded the song. But Bob Dylan — an acolyte — found it, and rescued it from obscurity. He and The Band performed it at a Carnegie Hall Guthrie tribute concert in 1968. He has never played it since.
(Spring is here! But before you go outside to romp, please take a few seconds to click here, and support your hyper-local blog. That helps keep “06880” alive, through every season of the year. Thank you!)
Longtime Westport resident and active civic volunteer Joan Nathan died peacefully on April 2. She was 97.
The Trenton, New Jersey native earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Bryn Mawr College, and a master’s in educational psychology from Columbia University. She met her husband Marvin in New York City. They married in 1951, and moved with their 4 children to Westport in 1964.
Her early career years were spent at Sears Roebuck as director of personnel testing. She resumed her vocation in 1970 with Westport’s Youth Adult Council, as director of job and volunteer placement.
Joan nurtured deep connections with friends and family which she nurtured throughout her life. She spent long, happy pre-computer hours on the pool deck at the Westport YMCA during swim meets; grilling hot dogs at the Little League concession stand; cheering from the hill at Staples soccer games and at Water Rats and Staples swim meets — plus hours of driving to every event her kids took part in up and down the East Coast, with her golden retriever Curry (and then Charlie) by her side.
On a 40th anniversary trip to Copenhagen, Marv died of a heart attack. With formidable inner strength and calm, Joan began a new chapter rebuilding her life in Westport.
Joan Nathan
An early member of Y’s Women, she soon became treasurer. She also produced their newsletter, and explored many interests through the group.
Her community at Winslow Park, growing family and friends bolstered her strength. Her dedication to women’s health and reproductive rights — a steadfast commitment to the legacy of her mother, a pioneering obstetrician/gynecologist — carried her through challenging times, and formed the foundation of her new life.
In her work and in parenthood, Joan’s ability to listen in earnest; her deep capacity for care; her emphasis on individual agency, and her genuine curiosity about people and their stories were all constants. She cared first and foremost about the worth and dignity of all.
She will be remembered by her children and grandchildren as someone who leaned into life with an open heart and an inquisitive mind – qualities that led to her lifelong love of the arts, travel, politics, and the New York Times crossword puzzle. Her continuous evolution in thoughts, ideas, perspectives and taste made her a wise confidante across generations.
Joan is survived by her children Ellen, Barbara (Chris), Rob and John (Ruby), and grandchildren Stacey, Tara, Misty, Jonathan, June and Frances.
In accordance with Joan’s wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to plannedparenthood.org. or a charity of choice supporting women’s health and reproductive rights.
With over 1,000 votes cast, the winners of the Great Westport Sandwich Contestare …
Best Chicken Sandwich: Garelick & Herbs
Best Steak Sandwich: Nômade
Best Combo Sandwich: A & S Fine Foods
Best Vegetarian Sandwich:Nômade
Best Club Sandwich: The Clubhouse
Best Pressed Sandwich: The Granola Bar
Best Breakfast Sandwich: The Granola Bar
Best Wrap Sandwich: Kabab & Hummus House
Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich: Rizzuto’s
Best NY Deli Sandwich:Gold’s Delicatessen
Honorable mentions go to Calise’s Market and Outpost Pizza in the Best Chicken category.
The contest was organized by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship from the law firm Bercham Moses.
The winners (clockwise from top left): The Clubhouse, The Granola Bar, Kabab & Hummus House, A & S Fine Foods, Gold’s Delicatessen, Nômade, Rizzuto’s, Garelick & Herbs.
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Earthplace celebrates 2 milestones soon: the 40th anniversary of Harbor Watch, and the 15th anniversary of “Cocktails & Clams.”
The fundraiser is set for June 6 (5 to 7 p.m.), at Copps Island Oysters, Norwalk.
The location is fitting. Proceeds will help modernize the water quality lab at Harbor Watch, Earthplace’s Long Island Sound program. They’ll also provide hands-on training for student interns, and will support ongoing water monitoring.
Guests will enjoy an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, plus a live band and silent auction.
The Westport Senior Center kicks it off on May 1 (1 p.m.), with a special event featuring Melissa Bernstein.
The co-founder of Melissa & Doug Toys will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about her personal journey through anxiety and depression.
She’ll discuss the tools and insights that helped guide her back into the light, and what she has discovered about finding purpose and meaning along the way.
Melissa is the author of “Lifelines” and “The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Crafting Your Authentic Recipe for Success.” She also curated a collection of stress-relief tools inspired by her own life experiences, available at Lifelines.com.
The event is open to Senior Center members, and anyone 60 or older.
Melissa Bernstein
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Among the agenda items for today’s Board of Selectpersons agenda (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium): acceptance of $20,000 from Sustainable Westport, for the purchase and installation of 2 ADA-compliant water filling stations.
They’ll replace the current fountains at Compo Beach and Winslow Park
A plaque on the Winslow Park water filling station will honor the memory of Sherry Jagerson. The longtime environmental activist died in 2024.
Sherry Jagerson
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The Blight Prevention Board meets tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Zoom).
They’ll continue their discussion of 20 Center Street, and address 3 new properties:
Westport resident Carole Williams died Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 86.
A longtime customer service manager at Pepperidge Farm, she was known for her dedication and care. After retiring she worked for the town of Westport, at the Fire and Building Departments.
She was an avid traveler, and also enjoyed both playing tennis and shopping.
She is survived by her daughter Kim Thibodeau, grandson Michael Thibodeau, sister Phyllis Denke, brother Samuel (Sandy) Anastasia Jr. .
A Requiem Mass will be held at Assumption Church on Friday (April 10, 10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.
Carole Williams
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Longtime Westporter Dick Alley sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: Schlaet’s Point, at low tide in early spring.
And finally … in honor of Earthplace’s “Clams & Cocktails” fundraiser, benefiting Harbor Watch — harborside, at Copps Island Oysters (story above):
(From the environment and entertainment to the Senior Center and beach, if it’s happening in Westport you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers’ support; please click here to help. Thank you!)
The Shoah Memorial — an inspiring sculpture honoring the bravery of 4 women in the face of Nazi horrors — comes to Fairfield University in July.
The Westport Library offers a companion program. They say:
“In an era of rising division, how do we transform the lessons of the past into a shield for the future? Join us for an exclusive first look at the Shoah Memorial, a landmark project coming to Fairfield that seeks to honor history while actively stemming the tide of hate. Discover how this local initiative aims to make a global impact.”
A special event — postponed from January by snow — is set for this Sunday (April 12, 2 p.m., Trefz Forum
It includes a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion featuring Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.
The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots” sculpture in Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.
Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.
Anyone who was at VersoFest — or any other Trefz Forum concert — knows how loud the place gets.
But every once in a while, the volume is turned down.
This Saturday (April 11) is one of those days.
From 1 to 5 p.m., a traditional, tranquil atmosphere will be encouraged library-wide.
Residents can bring their current read, or borrow something new. Find a cozy corner, enjoy some wordless picture books in the Children’s Library, or participate in quiet, all-ages crafting at a build-your-own bookmark station.
The event is part of the Library’s We Read initiative.
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Back to the noisy Library: Supper & Soul returns May 2.
Vanessa Collier — an international touring blues artist — returns also. She played the second Supper & Soul, in in 2018.
The Supper & Soul series, presented by The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Library, returns this spring with Vanessa Collier, an international touring and multi-nominee for Best Blues Artist. Vanessa returns to Westport for an encore Supper & Soul show having played the second one back in 2018.
A $90 ticket to the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Blondinit, Capuli, Emmy Squared, Finalmente, Il Pastaficio, Massi Co, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Walrus Alley and Yuzo Sushi.
Concert-only tickets are available for $35.
Dinner is at 6 p.m. The show starts at 8. After the concert, a ticket is good for happy hour pricing on drinks at any participating restaurant.
Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service included 3 pastors.
All are new to town. It was the first sunrise service here for all 3.
Pastor Jinho Choi (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston), Rev. Sophie Beal (Greens Farms Congregational Church) and Rev. Dr. Steven Savides, (Saugatuck Congregational Church) led worship together.
Rick Benson carefully tended the fire. It was definitely not his first sunrise beach service.
From left: Rev. Sophie Beal, Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides, Pastor Jinho Choi.
Former Westporters Kent and Pegi Bernard died, following an automobile accident last May at their second home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Pegi died on impact. She was 73. Kent fought for 10 months before succumbing to his injuries on March 20. He was 75. They were married for 49 years.
Kent moved with his parents to Westport from New York when he was 9. A few years later he was accepted by Juilliard for opera. But allergies sent him on a different path: to Colgate University, and a career in law.
Pegi’s military family moved often. In Virginia, she pursued her equestrian dreams. She was jumping at near Olympic levels, but suffered an ankle injry.
She graduated from the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute in 1973, while also a student at LeMoyne College in New York.
It was less than 40 miles from (then all-male) Colgate. On a trip to LeMoyne, Kent met Pegi.
Kent graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1975. Pegi joined him after she graduated. They were married that August.
In 1980 they, and their young son Adam, moved to Kent’s hometown of Westport.
Kent joined the legal division of Pfizer Inc., and spent his career there. He retired as vice president and assistant general counsel in 2007.
The family was diehard New York Mets fans. Kent and Adam traveled to half the Major League Baseball stadiums.
When Adam began taking martial arts classes, Kent and Pegi joined. They became 3 of the highest ranking black belts in Connecticut.
After Kent retired from Pfizer he joined Fordham University School of Law as an adjunct professor. He spent a decade teaching and mentoring future leaders.
Kent and Pegi supported many charitable organizations. A scholarship at Fairfield College Preparatory School is in the family name, and Pegi was on the advisory board at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding.
They are survived by their son Adam, and a Norwegian forest cat named Bragi.
And finally … a toast to our Westport Library, which can be both quiet (item above) and loud (VersoFest): Shhhh … boom!
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Rev. Frank Hall — minister emeritus at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport — died Tuesday, with his wife Lory Nurenberg by his side. He was 85.
A celebration of his life will be held at the congregation on Sunday, May 3 (2 p.m.).
In 2013, when Rev. Hall retired, “06880” honored him with the story below.
As a teenager growing up near Boston, Frank Hall thought about being a minister.
Only one thing stopped him: He didn’t believe in certain things. Like the Apostles’ Creed. Or the virgin birth.
“A lot of those ideas had to be metaphors, right?” he says.
But while teaching at Wellesley High School from 1962 to ’69, and being drawn into the anti-war movement, Frank also became a Unitarian Church youth group advisor.
Frank Hall today.
His beard and activism as a draft counselor landed him in some trouble with school administrators. A minister who helped mediate the dispute told Frank, “You should be a minister.”
“I don’t believe in God!” he replied.
That seemed perfect for Unitarians. During 3 years at Boston University School of Theology he also served as assistant minister of a small, socially active congregation. Noam Chomsky was a member.
He was called to Attleboro, where he spent 12 happy years as senior minister. In 1984 the Westport Unitarian Church contacted him. Frank was not interested in leaving, but one Sunday afternoon he drove down, by himself.
He found an open door. A lifelong poetry lover, he stood at the pulpit in the stunning building surrounded by woods, and recited lines from Emerson and Whitman.
“I felt an amazing sense that this is where I should be,” he recalls.
He’s been here ever since.
This Sunday (June 9) Frank Hall delivers his last sermon. He’ll be feted the following Sunday (June 16). Then the 73-year-old retires — though he has no plans to leave Westport.
Frank Hall, in the place he feels he was “meant to be.” (Photo by Erik Trautmann/The Hour)
He looks back on 3 decades of association with “an amazing group of people in this church.” He has felt warmly welcomed — despite what may be a unique admission from a minister.
“I make no apologies for my theology, or lack of it,” Frank says. “I could be who I am here.” His was a ministry of poetry, he says.
“It hasn’t always been easy,” Frank admits. “This is not Kansas anymore. Fairfield County is not New England. It’s New York.” For a lifelong Bay Stater — the 3rd of 9 children, and son of a roofer — that took some getting used to.
But he brought a sense of stability to the church on Lyons Plains Road, he says. He did it by being “spiritual, without the theological baggage that goes along with that. Most clergy don’t like to hear ‘I’m spiritual, but not religious’ — that’s not a good customer — but spirituality can be expressed in many ways. Books and music, for instance.”
Frank says the Westport Unitarian Church’s sanctuary — with its physical connection to the outdoors — is another expression of spirituality.
Westport’s Unitarian Church.
The sanctuary was the site of Westport’s 1st gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies, during Frank’s 1st year here in 1984. He is proud of his role in making the Unitarian Church a welcoming place for the LGBT community.
He is proud too of the congregation’s growth. During his tenure the church introduced a 2nd Sunday service, and hired full-time religious education, music and social justice directors, as well as a paid youth advisor. Nine members of the church have moved from the pews into ministry.
During his ministry, Frank held dozens of 6-week sessions with small groups. They talked about spiritual journeys. Frank’s journeys also took concrete form: He took 29 “coming-of-age groups” (14-year-olds) to Boston, touring important sites in and around the birthplace of Unitarianism.
He cherishes his friendship — and regular meetings — with other clergy. “We’re a real support group for each other,” he notes. “We’re on the liberal spectrum, but they say I’m off the spectrum.”
Frank’s community involvement included the formation of the local A Better Chance house. He is also on the board of Temenos Institute.
Retirement will include spending time with his wife Lory, a hospice worker. He also hopes to publish.
Frank Hall’s home, for 30 years. (Photo/Nancy Burton)
“I’ve written 1,000 sermons, but I’ve never published anything,” Frank says. He’s eager too to revisit the 4 journals he filled during a 5-month sabbatical, 20 years ago. He drove across the country by himself, in a VW Vanagon, enjoying detailed conversations with many people he met. He envisions a book that’s “not just a travelogue, but an inner journey.”
Five years ago, Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He wanted to work 5 more years. His neurologist said, “No problem.”
“It’s worked out,” Frank says. “I feel blessed by my work. I feel blessed, as Robert Frost wrote, that I could unite my vocation and my avocation.
“It’s been a great run. A great trip. Now I’m ready to start a new chapter.”
With temperatures in the 20s this morning, few people were thinking about the beach.
Except for non-residents hoping to buy one of the 450 beach stickers available to anyone living outside of Westport and Weston.
They went on sale at 9 a.m. today. By 7:15, a small crowd had already formed outside the Parks & Recreation Department office at Longshore.
(Photo/Carm Roda)
Sales to Westport and Weston residents — with no limit — begin tomorrow (Thursday), at 9 a.m. Click here for fees.
If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.
If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.
Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.
The Board of Finance’s next “office hours” — open times at which residents can chat with a member about questions or concerns — are tomorrow (Thursday).
There are 2 sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — at the Westport Library’s Room 213.
Last month’s office hours drew a diverse crowd — including 2 Staples High School students, doing a civics project.
“We had very productive conversations,” says BOF member Allyson Stollenwerck.
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Also tomorrow: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas continues the “Your State, Your Business” speaker series.
She’ll speak at the Westport Library (Thursday, 11 a.m.). Thomas will describe her wide-ranging job, followed by a discussion and Q-and-A.
The 3-part series — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — kicked off with state comptroller Sean Scanlon. It concludes April 2, with Attorney General William Tong.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas
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A reader writes: “I attended Coleytown Elementary School during the 1976 bicentennial year. We buried time capsules there, but I don’t know exactly where (I recall a ceremony by a flagpole in front of the school).
“I’m guessing they’re still buried. I reached out to the school, and am waiting to hear back.
“It would be interesting to see these time capsules opened and shared, if at all feasible.”
So, “06880” has 2 thoughts:
Does anyone remember the Coleytown El time capsules — specifically, where they were buried?
How about any other time capsules in town?
The 250th anniversary of our nation seems like a good time to unearth them.
If you have any ideas, now is the “time” to share them. Please click “Comments” below.
Coleytown Elementary School. Is there a time capsule there?
The Staples High School girls basketball fell 5 points short of the state championship game last night.
The #3-seeded Wreckers fell 67-62 to #10 Bristol Central, at Bethel High.
Staples finishes 23-4. Two of those losses were to Greenwich, including the FCIAC championship.
Staples coach Tommy Sparks told The Ruden Report, “We’re obviously proud of the fight. We were down a few times in the game where it looked like it could have been over, but the girls continued to execute, the girls continued to defend. It was a pleasure just to watch the resilience and the growth from these girls throughout the season. Obviously, it was a special season for us.” Click here for the full Ruden Report story (paywall).
On Monday, the Wrecker boys basketball team advanced to their final. Ranked first in Division I, they’ll seek their first state crown since 1937 this Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun, against #2 West Haven.
Staples 2026 girls basketball team.
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MoCA\CT’s celebration of “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — the title of their current exhibition — continues with a “community conversation” March 26 (5:30 p.m.).
Exhibit co-curator Ive Covaci leads a panel of noted musicians, artists, educators and scholars in an exploration of how jazz and blues continue to inspire creativity across art forms — and within our own community.
Panelists include: Brian Torff (bassist, composer and Fairfield University music professor; Dr. Richard Epstein (vice president, Jazz Society of Fairfield County and longtime WPKN host); Kevin Mazzarella (Staples High School band director and trumpeter), and Caitlin von Schmidt (musician, graphic designer, and daughter of artist Eric von Schmidt, whose works are the foundation of the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.
Three generations of Westport Pardons — former Fordham University Gaelic Society president Ed, son Chris and grandson Conor — enjoyed yesterday’s parade in New York.
And we’re sure Conor’s teacher will “pardon” him for taking an afternoon off to salute his heritage!
Staples High School Class of 1994 graduate Lisa Bastoni was featured at First Folk Sunday in 2024. She returns October 4.
In the meantime, she’s written “There Are No Kings in America.” Suzanne Sheridan — founder of First Folk Sunday — will perform Lisa’s song at the “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green (March 28). Suzanne Sheridan at the NO KINGS Rally at Jesup Green on Saturday March 28.
PS: Creativity runs in Lisa’s family. She’s the granddaughter of noted Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel.
Faherty honors World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday (March 21) with a special Sweet P Bakery pop-up event.
From noon to 2 p.m. at the Main Street store, Sweet P founder Andrea Pecoriello and baker Charlie Biondo will serve some of their favorite goods, for purchase.
The bakery’s mission is to provide training and employment for adults with disabilities.
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Westporters know Frank Murgalo as “Santa Claus” at our annual Holiday Stroll (Shhhh … don’t tell the kids!)
He’s also a Marine Corps veteran, who donates time and energy to many excellent causes.
Now — at 82 — he’s written a memoir.
“My Mid-Life Crisis at 82: A Life of Mischief, Mayhem and Making It Work…” chronicles his wild, adventurous life. He’s been an auditor, fishmonger, actor and stand-up comedian. He writes about stopping Super Bowl XVII, being tackled by the FBI, and outwitting the State Department — all with an inspiring message of resilience, risk and laughter.
On April 7 (2:45 p.m.), Frank gives a book talk at the Senior Center. It’s free, but register for a seat: 203-341-5099.
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On Sunday business owners, building managers and tenants of Riverside Corners Westport gathered at Arezzo Ristorante to honor the life of Alon Panovka.
The longtime building owner and supporter of the arts died recently.
Although Alon lived in Atlanta, he spent significant time in the area. In addition to the property at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue, he owned the former post office building on Post Road East, which he redeveloped.
Known by many tenants for his thoughtful stewardship and quiet generosity, Alon also helped launch The Norwalk Art Space, which offers free art and music education to underserved youth.
Alon Panovka gathering, at Arezzo. (Hat tip and photo/Ken Warren)
Longtime Westport resident Dominick Boccanfuso died Saturday. He was 86.
The New York native moved here with his family in 1949. A proud Merchant Marine officer, Dominick was licensed to pilot vessels up to 100 gross tons. He had a lifelong passion for boating and fishing, and shared that love with family and friends.
An entrepreneur from a young age, Dominick began his career at 18, opening his first gas station with his brothers, Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo.
Their drive extended beyond business, ultimately leading them to build one of the fastest race cars in its class. Dominick led this effort, designing and rebuilding the car’s power plant each week to ensure it consistently ran down the track with fresh power — a testament to his ambition and mechanical skill.
In 1970 Dominick and his brothers founded Boccanfuso Bros., which quickly became a staple in the Westport community. It reflected their honesty, fairness, dedication, work ethic and strong family values.
Dominick was deeply committed to giving back. For over a decade, he sponsored Westport boys and girls Little League baseball teams. He served as a volunteer firefighter from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and was a dedicated usher at Assumption Church during holidays. He and his nephew Giuseppe also supported the Swim Across the Sound cancer benefit by escorting participants on their boat.
Beginning in 1982, Dominick spent winters in Hallandale, Florida, with his mother Anna, participating in fundraising efforts at St. Matthew’s Church. He continued this tradition until 2006, following her passing.
He is survived by Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso III, Zhanna Boccanfuso, Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso IV, Victoria I. Boccanfuso, and Valerie I. Boccanfuso; his sister Sophia Freitag; nieces Mary, Anna, Angel, Ann Marie, Jo-Anne, Roselyn, Annie, Pamela Jo, Anna Maria, and their spouses; nephews Giuseppe D. and Crescienzo J., Billy and Joseph Oboy, Vincent and Joseph DiMeglio, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo, and sisters Carmela B. Oboy and Mary DiMeglio.
Visitation will be held this Friday (March 20, 4-8 p.m. Harding Funeral Home). Funeral services will take place Saturday (March 21, 9 a.m., Assumption Church), followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
Janet Francis Filling — a longtime director of the American Red Cross Westport chapter, who went on to hold important positions at the state and national levels — died peacefully at her home on February 12. She was 91.
A New York native who cherished her Flag Day birthday, Janet graduated from Trinity College in Washington, DC.
She began her advertising career during Madison Avenue’s heyday. She married Jim Filling in 1963, and had a son, Greg. The family moved to Westport, which became Janet’s home for nearly 40 years.
Janet Filling
She built a wide circle of friends and professional relationships, through her work in education, publishing and advertising at organizations throughout Fairfield County, and her membership in the Weston Field Club.
Janet found her true calling when she joined the Westport-Weston Chapter of the American Red Cross, eventually serving as its executive director. She combined a deep commitment to community service with a great ability to bring people together through warmth, loyalty and positive energy.
She was a tireless advocate for the Westport-Weston community and took great pride in supporting its residents and institutions.
Janet was a devoted caregiver to Jim during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease, before his death in 1996.
She continued her Red Cross leadership for another decade, becoming involved at the state and national levels and participating in service trips to China and Honduras.
After retiring Janet returned to Manhattan for 7 years, embracing the city’s many offerings and remaining a constant, loving presence in her grandchildren’s early lives.
Janet moved back to Westport in 2013, and into memory care 10 years later. She remained deeply connected to and engaged, attending social, cultural and family events. She made frequent visits to friends in New York, Cape Cod and Italy, and continued to enjoy travel with her family throughout Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.
Despite the challenges of dementia in her final years, Janet maintained a spirit of gratitude and joy.
She is survived by her son Greg (Kristin), grandchildren Jessie and Ryan, sister Charlotte Lent, and niece Diane Lent-Tucker. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Barbara and Muriel Francis.
The undefeated Staples boys basketball team was tested by Ridgefield last night.
But the #1-seeded Wreckers — talented, tough, defensive-minded and driven — pulled away late. Their 62-48 win over #3 Ridgefield at Fairfield University earned them their second straight FCIAC (league) championship.
It cements their spot in the school’s storied sports history. Before last year, Staples’ previous FCIAC title was in 1963.
Sam Clachko — the senior and one of the Wreckers’ best basketball players ever — was named Most Valuable Player. It was a fitting FCIAC finish, after missing last year’s championship with a broken wrist.
Clachko finished with 13 points. Mason Tobias had 14, Austin Heyer 12, Matty Corrigan 11 and Dhilan Lowman 7.
The blue-and-whites — now 23-0 — head to the state tournament. They’ll chase their first title there since 1937.
The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.
But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”
They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.
On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.
The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.
It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.
The Westport Conservation Department, Shellfish Commission and Sustainable Westport are hosting a community conversation about PFAS — the synthetics known as “forever chemicals” — in Connecticut’s coastal waters, and their effect on pollution and climate change.
The free event is March 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Marine environmentalist Dick Harris will examine the persistence of PFAS chemicals in aquatic environments, their movement through waterways, and emerging challenges facing coastal communities.
The search is on for a new Westport Transit District co-director.
In the upcoming 4-year term, the Transit District co-director will be expected to:
Maintain safe and dependable daily operations
Strengthen financial management and long-term planning
Pursue state and federal funding opportunities
Enhance community engagement and rider experience
Advance sustainability and environmental initiatives
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will conduct a comprehensive process to identify qualified candidates. A background in strategic planning, budgeting and regulatory compliance is highly desirable. Eligible candidates must be registered voters in Westport.
Applications will be accepted through March. The 4-year term will begin in May.
Interested candidates for this volunteer position should email a resume and/or statement of interest, including contact information, to mlevy@westportct.gov. For more information about Westport Transit services, click here.
The Westport Swim Club does a great job preparing youngsters for the Staples High School swim team.
But the Wreckers also sponsor a dive team. To stock that pipeline, the WSC has created a new Westport Dive Club.
It’s the first — and only — springboard diving program in town.
Coach Grace Slama — who also serves as Staples’ boys and girls dive coach — is a former Taiwanese national diver, and NCAA Division I All-America.
No experience is necessary. Diving is a great activity for any child who loves gymnastics, parkour, trampolining, skateboarding, snowboarding — or any other sport!
Meanwhile, Westport Swim Club continues to grow. Over 76 boys and girls are on the roster.
They now call themselves the WSC Whale Sharks. Here’s the great back story:
Staples co-captain Charlotte Roberts began with WSC. At a recent team event, the coaches held a backstroke rock-painting contest.
Charlotte’s whale shark design won. WSC has adopted it as their new identity. It symbolizes a swimmer’s journey from youth program to high school leadership.
Registration for the Westport Swim Club and Westport Dive Club opens March 11, on the Parks & Recreation Department website.
But here’s a screenshot of a harrowing one, sent by Susan Garment.
Huge sheets of ice are falling from a Morningside Drive roof. Just moments earlier, a woman — shown walking gingerly on her driveway — walked underneath that roof.
Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (March 8, 3 p.m.). Pianist/composer Dr. Hayk Arsenyan will perform Chopin’s “24 Preludes,” and selections from Rachmaninoff’s “Op. 32 Preludes.”
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 25 and March 3.
A 50-year-old Pleasantville, New York woman was charged with 2 counts of assault of an elderly person, 2 counts of 2nd degree assault, failure to appear and failure to comply with fingerprinting requirements, following an investigation into a July incident in a Westport home.
Police and Emergency Medical Services found 3 patients experiencing the same symptoms. They were transported to a hospital, and all recovered. A relative was found to be linked to prescription medication, which was present in a communal water container.
The woman was held on a $1.01 million bond.
A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with assault of a pregnant woman, criminal attempt at strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct, following a domestic argument that turned physical. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Unsafe passing: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Failure to remove snow/ice: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Articles obstructing view: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
It’s illegal to drive with an obstructed view — front or rear.
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Longtime Westporter, noted writer and civic volunteer Gloria Stashower died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.
She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1950, the year she married Mike Stashower, her husband of 72 years.
While raising 3 children she earned a master’s degree in English from Hunter College, pursued various civic endeavors and began work as a freelance writer.
The Stashowers settled in Westport in 1970. Gloria embarked on a career in corporate communications, working for CIT Financial Corporation and IBM.
After retirement she continued to take freelance assignments, and immersed herself in community activities. They ranged from the League of Women Voters and Democratic Town Committee to the boards of the Westport Arts Center, Senior Center, Westport Library and Y’s Women (serving as president of the last 2).
She loved books, theater, movies, politics and travel.
Gloria was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her children, Susan (Paul), Debby (Michael) and Jon (Allison); grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew, and great-granddaughter Greer.
A private graveside service will be held, followed by shiva for family and friends at Gloria’s home on Friday (March 6, 2 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Westport Library.
Gloria Stashower
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Lynn Flint offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story.
(Photo/Lynn Flint)
This swan plopped itself down on Canal Street, in Saugatuck Shores. Lynn blocked the road, until Animal Control arrived.
Lynn’s neighbor Glenn Ferrari got there first. He got out of the car, and said that the swan always sleeps in the road.
Glenn clapped his hands, and said “Get out of here!”
The swan stood up, walked down to the edge of the water, jumped in and swam away.
Animal Control came a few minutes later. They thanked Lynn for helping out.
And said they’d just responded to a similar call near the Library: another swan, not budging, in the middle of the road.
And finally … on this day in 1963, country music stars Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and their pilot were killed in a plane crash in Tennessee.
(Another day, another “06880” Roundup chock full o’ stuff. If you appreciate this feature — or anything else we offer — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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