Category Archives: Obituaries

Roundup: Long Lots Meetings, Coyote Warnings, Taste Of Westport Tickets …

Posted on May 29, 2025 | 6 comments

The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.

A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.

Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.

That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.

Westport Animal Control advises:

  • Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
  • While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
  • Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
  • If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
  • A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
  • Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
  • Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
  • Coyotes can be active day or night.

Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.

But they do pose risks to pets.

Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)

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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.

“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.

This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.

Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.

And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …

The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.

The few remaining tickets are available here.

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The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.

But occasionally, work is done.

Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:

(Photo/Michael Calise)

Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”

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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:

He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.

“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”

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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.

Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”

The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)

Tickets ($50, including 3 alcohol tickets; $40 without the tickets) are available here.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.

A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Driving while texting: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.

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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.

The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.

“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”

Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.

A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).

Cantor Richard Silverman

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … uh oh.

In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.

Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.

The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.

We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)

(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!) 

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Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Local politics, Obituaries, Police

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Remembering Carol Randel

Posted on May 26, 2025 | 8 comments

Carol Randel — a longtime Westporter, college professor and noted local volunteer — died last night, surrounded by her family.

She was  74, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 5 years ago.

Carol grew up in Stamford. She graduated from New York University, with majors in English and education.

She and her future husband Jim met as teenagers in summer camp. They married in 1970, and moved to Westport 6 years later.

Carol began teaching as an adjunct English professor at Norwalk Commnity College when her children were teens. When a full-time position became available, her supervisor recommended her for the job. She did not have the requisite master’s degree. Her supervisor held the position whle Carol taught during the day, and earned her master’s degree at night.

She eventually became a full-time professor, and got tenure. She retired in 2016.

At NCC, Carol incorporated and ran the national “First Year Experience program. She believed strongly in its effectiveness, which helps students transition from high school to college through mentorship, tutoring, discussions, clubs, activites and more.

She particularly appreciated how the curriculum offerd support to students from less fortunate backgrounds, those struggling with academics, and non-native speakers.

Carol Randel

Carol’s volunteer efforts spanned a wide range of organizations and causes, from education and homelessness to the arts, and impacted countless lives.

Her positions included president of both the PTA Council and Kings Highway Elementary School; chair of the townwide School Art Committee; member of the town’s diversity committee; head of fundraising for Toquet Hall; board of directors member and newsletter editor for A Better Chance of Westport; publicity chair for Near & Far Aid, and most recently, board of directors member for Homes with Hope.

Carol was also a columnist for the Westport News and Fairpress. She was an avid reader and loved to write, often working on multiple novels at a time.

Carol was an enthusiastic member of the Saugatuck Rowing Club, where she had a very successful career on the water for over 25 years. She had never considered herself an athlete until she began rowing. She served as commodore of the SRC from 2007-08. Her rowing friends, competitions and the club meant a great deal to her.

Carol Randel at the Head of the Charles regatta. This photo was taken 2 years after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her boat won an age group goal medal.

Carol and her husband Jim raised 4 children, all of whom went through the Westport public schools.

She is survived by her husband Jim; children Zack (Sarah), Becky (Charlie Manuel), Eli (Kiley), and Phoebe (Shaun Donnelly); granchildren Thea, Helen and Franny Randel; Max and Benny Manuel; Quinn and MacKenzie Randel, and Tommy and Josie Donnelly; sisters Lynn Manheim, Anne Leepson and Joanie Ornstein; sister- and brother-in law Susan and Kevin Denny, and brothers-in-law David Randel and Gene Manheim.

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Homes with Hope.

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Roundup: Ben Casparius, Dmitry Kamensky, Tom Lowrie …

Posted on May 25, 2025 | 7 comments

The last time we checked in with Ben Casparius, he had just earned himself a World Series ring.

It was a storybook finish for the 2017 Staples High School graduate. In just 2 months, he moved from the minor leagues to an important role in the Los Angeles’ drive to the championship.

What’s next for the pitcher? Perhaps League Rookie of the Year.

At least, that’s what the (somewhat biased) TrueBlueLA.com website thinks.

They say: “The season is only about 1/3 complete, so there’s plenty of time remaining. But in terms of NL Rookie of the Year, Ben Casparius has pitched himself firmly into the discussion.”

The reliever threw 3 scoreless innings Friday against the New York Mets, striking out 6 of the 10 batters he faced.

Three days earlier he got the final out of the 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, protecting a 1-run edge with the bases loaded.

TrueBlueLA notes: “Stephen Nelson on the Dodgers radio broadcast said something to the effect of any National League Rookie of the Year poll that doesn’t include Casparius is invalid. He’s right.”

Casparius has a 2.94 ERA, with 38 strikeouts and only 6 walks.

Read the full TrueBlueLA.com story here. (Hat tip: Michael Kodama)

Ben Casparius

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Westport and Ukraine have a strong relationship.

Thanks to our sister city of Lyman — a town now just 7 miles from the Russian front — residents and town officials have felt connected to the entire war-torn nation.

Ken Bernhard and Larry Weisman’s relationship goes back even further.

Nearly a decade ago, Bernhard — an attorney, former state representative, and civic volunteer for many causes — taught a class in Ukraine on US constitutional law.

Over the years, he and fellow Westport attorney Lawrence Weisman continued to work with Professor Dmitry Kamensky via Zoom. They spoke to his Ukrainian law students about the American legal system, and the current state of affairs here.

Professor Kamensky has been in the US since April. He’s lectured at several universities, and visited the US Military Academy at West Point.

On Friday, he met a small group of Westporters at Weisman’s home.

Professor Kamensky spoke candidly about the war’s effects on his country, his university and students, and his own wife and young children. It was a first-hand look at a life that includes nightly attacks, daily uncertain, and people who — despite all the devastation — strive to lead as normal lives as they can.

Afteward, he wrote to those met, “I am incredibly grateful for all the support, empathy and kindness that you share with the people of Ukraine. Even more so, with the people in Lyman and other eastern Ukrainian towns, which now face the war carnage daily.

“Thank you all for being with us on this incredibly  hard path to freedom and European future. Your dedication, your involvement, your encouragement have no borders. I felt it with my heart today and this is something I will share with my people upon my return home soon.”

A reminder about Westport’s sister city of Lyman: Our connection began through Ukraine Aid International, the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.

They’re supporting 2 camps this summer in the Carpathian Mountains. It’s a chance for Lyman’s displaced children to reconnect with their former schoolmates.

The 10-day July session for 40 youngsters is fully funded. UAI is raising $10,000 for the August camp.All donations are welcome here. (Under “Designation,” select “Westport” from the dropdown menu.)

Let’s do, this Westport!

Professor Dmitry Kamensky (right), with Westporers on Friday.

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Plenty of Westporters are attending college reunions this month.

But Tom Lowrie may be the only one going to his 75th.

The longtime Westporter — who stepped down earlier this month as our town’s pickleball ambassador — attended that landmark event yesterday, at Princeton University.

Not only that: With his daughter Anne, he took part in the school’s “P-rade.”

Tom was joined by 5 others, from the Princeton Class of 1950.

They hope to see each other again, at the 80th reunion.

Tom Lowrie, enjoying his 75th reunion.

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Sixty protesters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday, in another Saturday protest against President Trump and his administration.

Ages ranged from 26 to 92. One Tesla driver gave the crowd the finger, but other cars honked in support.

Canine protestor on the Ruth Steinkruas Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Pam Docters)

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A couple of miles away, the first beach weekend was a bit chilly. Early in the morning — before families arrived for the Parks & Recreation Department “Kickoff to Summer” and dedication of the new Compo Beach playground — a lone swimmer got ready to take the plunge.

(Photo/Missy Greenberg)

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“Pig Party” —  Jo Ann Miller’s new book — has just been published.

Carl Addison Swanson provides background: “In 1962, the men of the University of Texas voted famed singer-student Janis Joplin as the ‘ugliest man on campus.’ While the university and Janis were not pleased, the news of the pig party spread fast. Soon, such parties were being held at schools across the country.

“It took the ERA movement to eradicate the ugly practice.  This book is a work of fiction.” Click here for the Amazon link.

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Lifelonng Westport resident Malcolm Watson, Jr. died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was 76.

He graduated from Staples High School in 1967, and worked for Nash Engineering in South Norwalk. He served in the Navy in Vietnam during the war, and marched every Memorial Day in the Westport parade.

He owned Nielsen’s Wood Arts, a furniture refinishing business where he performed meticulous antique furniture restoration.

An avid swimmer and sailor, he was a member of the “High Tide Club,” swimming at Burying Hill Beach nearly year round.

He was a member of the Norwalk River Rowing Club, and served as a mentor for generations of younger rowers. He competed as a rower and coxswain all over the East Coast, including the famed Head of the Charles race in Boston.

He is survived by wife Roseann, daughter Amanda (Nathan), son Malcolm III, grandchildren Conrad and Rosie, brother Elmer Sniffen (Patricia), sister Nancy Sniffen, and sister-in-law Kathleen Carusone

A memorial service will be held on June 11, (11 a.m., Burying Hill Beach). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization of your choice.

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Westport continues to look gorgeous this spring — even near the transfer station.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” view shows the colorful scene between the Public Works headquarters parking lot and the Sherwood Island Connector.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of Tom Lowrie’s 75th reunion (story above):

(If Ben Casparius becomes Rookie of the Year, you heard it first here. You hear a LOT of things here first, right? If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Obituaries, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: James Comey, Lynsey Addario, Staples Kids …

Posted on May 19, 2025 | 23 comments

James Comey is in the news again — a lot.

The former Westport resident and FBI director is being investigated by the Secret Service. His new book, “FDR Drive” — a legal thriller and exploration of political extremism — will be published tomorrow.

Meanwhile, 2 other Westporters — TV journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs — taped a fascinating interview with him, for their “Sanity” podcast.

They talked about Comey’s viral “86-47 post,” the Trump administration, right wing outrage, extremism, the FBI, the Supreme Court, the 2016 election, and much more. 

Including Westport.

Comey reveals what he’d say to Hillary Clinton, if they bumped into each other at Viva Zapata (one of his favorite restaurants). And he adds that his next book will include a scene there.

Listen to the “Sanity” podcast with James Comey here.

Screenshot from the “Sanity” podcast (from left): Dave Briggs, Alisyn Camerota, James Comey.

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As the world focuses on Gaza and Ukraine, another humanitarian crisis continues — with much less attention — in Sudan and Chad.

New York Times Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur “genius grant” recipient (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario is making sure it’s not completely forgotten.

Her photo essay in The Atlantic — “The Crisis of American Leadership Reaches an Empty Desert” — shines a heart-wrenching light on this other humanitarian disaster.

Lynsey’s photos and text are available here (paywall). (Hat tip: Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Sudanese refugees in the hot sun near a United Nations truck. (Photo copyright Lynsey Addario for The Atlantic)

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The Westport Library Spring Book Sale would not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers.

Among them on Saturday: 2 Jenns (below):

(Photo/John Karrel)

The Book Sale continues today (Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library logo bag for $10, or your own equivalent bag for $8; individual books half price).

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Westport PAL awarded 8 college scholarships last week, to Staples seniors who will graduate next month.

Honorees included Chloe Barnes, Katie Fitzgerald, Aiden Goldenberg, Rachel Pontoriero, Lily Rimm, Eva Sladek, Edward Van der Merwe and Olivia Zhou.

All proceeds from PAL’s golf event go to the scholarship fund. The 63rd Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament is set for September 8, at Longshore.

The shotgun start is followed by cocktails, dinner, raffles and prizes. Registration and more information is available here.

Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (far left), with scholarship honorees.

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More awards: On Friday, the Sunrise Rotary Club gave Paul Harris Awards — one of the highest honors the international service organization can give — to 16 people.

Recipients included Charlie Adams, Daniel Ambruso, Brien Cartagena, Sister Maureen Fleming, William R. Harris Jr., Jay B. Paretzky, Vincent Penna Sr., Anna Rycenga, Frankie Smith, Anne Lowrie, Ines SaCouto Curwen, Tomas SaCouto Curwen, Susan Hawley, Jonathan Hendrickson, Matthew Hendrickson and Robert Rubenstein.

 

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Meanwhile, both Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club participated in Saturday’s international Epic Day of Service.

Among the projects: Sunrise Rotarians helped out at the Open Doors shelter in Norwalk. “What a great feeling to give back,” says volunteer Alma Sarelli.

Volunteers at Norwalk’s Open Doors shelter.

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Yesterday’s “Day of Champions” raised $175,000 for Westport-based Experience Camps — the non-profit that runs summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.

“06880” ran a few photos yesterday. Here are some great bonus shots:

(All photos/Kerry Long)

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There’s plenty of great fresh produce at the Westport Farmer’s Market.

And plenty that if not sold, would be wasted.

Food Rescue rescues food. They work with restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores, to pick up unused, perishable meat, fruit, vegetables and more, and deliver it to food pantries and homeless shelters.

Every week, Farmers’ Market vendors donate food that is still fresh, delicious and healthy but unsold. It would go to compost or into the waste stream — but instead it is distributed it neighbors in need, including the Gillespie Center (around the corner from the WFM), and Fridegeport in Bridgeport.

The program is funded through donations and grants.  The Westport Farmers Market continues every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), through November.

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More than 3 years ago, “06880” profiled Matt Yemma.

The 2002 Staples High School graduate had just started his own crypto PR firm.

He’s now launched Endeavor Communications. The agency provides media guidance to clients in financial and professional services, fintech, real estate, advertising, adtech, and climate services.

Already they’ve held Qualitative Brokers, a fintech firm that creates algorithms for advanced execution trading, leading to Deutsche Borse scquiring a majority stake. And 427, a tech company that analyzes and predicts climate risk for governments and private businesses, which led to an acquisition by Moody’s.

Matt Yemma

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Longtime Westport resident Esther Brodie died peacefully in her home of 71 years on Thursday. She was 98.

She and her husband Richard built their Burr Farms Road home largely by hand, in 1954 and ’55.

A Bronx native, her parents were recent immigrants. Born during Purim, she was named for the holiday’s heroine queen.

After graduating from Hunter College, where she competed on the diving team, she taught physical education at Taft High School in the Bronx. She met her future husband at Camp Berkshire.

Their son Scott was in the first kindergarten class at Burr Farms Elementary, a few yards from their home. In 1962 Esther returned to teaching phys. ed., in New Canaan. She earned a master’s degree and 6th-year certificate in counseling. She taught for 3 decades, including some children of former students.

Esther served as president of the local chapter of Hadassah, and was active in the Temple Israel sisterhood. Her avocations included modern dance, tennis and meditation. She attended concerts in the area, and enjoyed Broadway shows.

For over 3 decades, Esther was a senior staff member at Camp Berkshire. When it closed in the 1980s, she and Richard built a vacation home on the lake. They spent every summer and frequent Thanksgivings there.

After retiring Esther studied piano, participated in a labyrinth project for women in prison, and volunteered for the census. She joined the Y’s Women investment club, and greeted new residents to her road with welcome gifts.

Esther is survived by her sons Scott (Susan) and Bruce Marie), grandchildren Joshua, Emma, Melissa, Clara and Ben, and their respective spouses and companions Hilary, Kevin, David, Mariah and Claudia.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the Hunter College Foundation.

Esther Brodie

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It’s been a crazy month. There’s a lot coming up.

But the star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature has not a care in the world.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s Experience Camp “Day of Champions” (story above):

(Be a champ! Support “06880”! Please click here! Thank you!)

 

 

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Roundup: Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Board Of Ed Agenda, Senator Blumenthal …

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 5 comments

A well-known and longtime Westporter will lead the Memorial Day parade as grand marshal: Judge Edward Karazin.

Shortly after marrying in 1965, he joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a MACV advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport.

He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades

Judge Karazin has also been a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.

The Memorial Day parade is May 26. It begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue, continues on Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue to Main Street, and ends at Parker Harding Plaza.

A special program begins immediately after the parade, at Veteran Green across from Town Hall.

Judge Edward Karazin

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The Board of Education meets tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria).

Among the key agenda items: a recommendation from superintendent Thomas Scarice on smartphones and wearable technology, and a redistricting update.

The meeting begins with 15 minutes of comment by the public, on non-agenda items.


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The Sanity Podcast — Westport journalist Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerata’s extremely educational and entertaining podcast — dropped its most sizzling episode ever this week.

Senator Richard Blumenthal came to the Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue. He said that “no other scandal in American history” compares to President Trump’s crypto dealings, meme coin scams, and foreign cash grabs.

“Is America sliding into autocracy?” Dave and Alisyn ask. “Discover how $300 million was made in 100 days, and what Congress refuses to stop.”

The Sanity podcast is available here, as well as on Spotify and iTunes. Or you can click below:

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Mr. Pickleball is hanging up his racquet.

At the age of 96, Tom Lowrieis resigning as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.

The new ambassador — selected by USA Pickleball — is Brandon Osterhout. A native Westporter, Staples High School graduate and local business owner, he is as active a player has Tom has been for years.

Brandon will continue to promote the sport, through tournaments, social events, exhibitions, and new courts.

“Thank you for your years of friendship, and your shared love of pickleball,” Tom says. “You will still see me around the courts, waving from the sidelines.”

Thanks for all your service, Tom. This would not be a pickleball paradise without you!

Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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Westport has plenty of talented young artists.

But they get lots of help from their art teachers. And those instructors are very talented too.

The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition features work from educators across the district, including Stephanie Sileo, Mark DeRosa, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper, Cecily Anderson, Carla Eichler, Cameryn Robinson, Denise Cuccia, Angela Simpson, and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

The exhibition runs May 12–23 at One River School of Art + Design. A reception is set for Friday (May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited. More information on the exhibit is available here.

(Paula Morgan)

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Seen downtown: L’Occitane on Main Street is closed for renovations. They’ll reopen later this month.

Meanwhile, around the corner on Church Lane, Fig Linens is closing. “Everything must go,” the sign says.

(Hat tip and photos/Sal Liccione)

Just a few yards away, Mrs. London’s finished with her/its loadout. The final day was Sunday. New York-based Maman takeks over soon.

The final item in the truck: the cappuccino machine.

(Hat tip and photo/Matt Murray)

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It’s cool that Leo is the first American pope.

But he’s from Chicago — 840 miles from here. We can’t really claim him as one of our own.

Still, he’s got at least one connection to this area. Check out Pope Leo XIV singing “Feliz Navidad” — the jangly, popular, not-very-religious-at-all Christmas tune written and performed by Weston’s own José Feliciano.

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Andrew Wilk is a Big Name in entertainment.

The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.

He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

This Saturday (May 17), Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.

The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”

Tickets and more information are available here.

Andrew Wilk with one of his Emmys, at his Lincoln Center office.

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Pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 15, VFW Post 399, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows, dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).

He’ll be joined by trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall. Tickets are available here.

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Steven Lewine died peacefully on April 13. He was 67, and had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease just 10 days earlier, and spent that time surrounded by his many loved ones.

At age 15, the Great Neck, Long Island native was hit by a truck while walking to school. Hespent several weeks in a full body cast. Doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck. He often referred back to this experience to tap into a deep well of resilience and optimism.

He became the first person in his family to go to college. Steve studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, earning 2 master’s degrees. He married Blandine in 1984. He had a career in investment banking, working across Latin America and spending 5 years in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2013 he married Julie. He built a second career as a financial advisort. In 2021 he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him.

He was passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized fundraising and service trips to schools and nonprofit organizations in Latin America.

Steve is survived by his wife Julie; their children Chris (Natalie), Nico (Pallavi), Gabby (Jimmy), Cara Miller (Cory) and Cody Wright (Laura), and grandchildren Leonardo, Jaya, Isabelle, and Owen, and siblings Julie, Bob and Barbara. Steve was also a father figure to his late brother Danny’s eldest daughter Patricia (Jason), and counted her daughter Rosalie among his grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for May 29 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). with a celebration of life to follow that day from 5-7 p.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the CJD Foundation.

Steve Lewine

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shows a rhododendron. Photographer Bob Weingarten notes that it flowers from the bottom up.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Happy National Night Shift Workers Day!

(“06880” works 24/7 — including the night shift — to bring you all of Westport’s news, events, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Obituaries

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Roundup: My Mistakes, Canal Park’s Egrets, Compo’s Hook’d …

Posted on May 9, 2025 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup included 2 dumb errors.

The 9th annual Dog Festival is Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park). I said it was this Sunday; it’s actually a week later. Learn more here.

I also forgot to include the link to Staples High School student Jonathan Dobin-Smith’s powerful (and successful) plea at the Representative Town Meeting, to restore $25,000 to the Earthplace budget. Here is the speech; if it doesn’t start there, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

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Save the date. The always popular Staples Pops Concert is June 6 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

Free tickets are snapped up quickly. Watch this space for info (coming soon!) on how to snag yours.

Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association invites local businesses to buy ads in the program book.

Contributions cover Pops Concert expenses, and help provide resources all year lon for over 400 students in the music program. For details, email  staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.

There’s always a full house for the Staples Pops Concert. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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More SHS news: Kids in pre-K through grade 5 are too young to benefit from Staples Tuition Grants.

But they’re old enough to help raise funds, for the organization that since 1943 has helped tens of thousands of SHS graduates attend college.

The 2nd annual Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 18 (8 to 9:30 a.m., Staples’ Loeffler Field). Registration is $25; visit @STGFUNRUN on Instagram.

The morning includes games, face painting, snacks, and a kids’ run. It’s organized by juniors Will Briggs and Alexis Krenzer.

Last year alone, STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students. To learn more, visit www.staplestuitiongrants.org.

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The weather has been off and on.

But Hook’d is on.

The Compo concessionaire has opened for another season. Let’s hope for many good beach days ahead.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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“Egrets” have come to Canal Green.

That’s the name of Westport’s newest outdoor artwork.

On Wednesday, the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch joined 3 other sculptures recently placed in town parks by the Westport Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department.

Bloch is nationally known as a pioneer in laser-cut stainless steel sculpture

A celebration — including a short talk by the artist, a tribute by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch and refreshments — is set for May 31 (4 p.m.). Canal Park is at the interseection of Kings Highway North and Canal Street, just east of the Willows Medical Center.

“Egrets” at Canal Green.

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Longtime Westporter and musician Roger Kaufman’s forays into musical history have entertained and educated audiences for years.

He’s back on May 29 (7:30 p.m., The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company).

“Speaking of Music Presents Road Trip to the 5Ms” includes both a presentation and live music.

Author/bassist/Fairfield University Professor Brian Q. Torff opens, with a talk on “Race and Music of the Deep South.

Then comes a 90-minute show by the Old School Revue All-Stars with the Saugatuck Horns, with kick-ass guest vocalists Audrey Martells, Tiffany T’Zelle, Billy Cliff and Billy Genuario.

They’ll perform a great collection of classic soul and R&B tunes, from the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon and Motown.

The Old School Revue musicians have performed or recorded with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones.

I saw their previous show, in August. I give “the 5 Ms” 5 stars. Learn more about the show here.

Old School Revue All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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A large, curious crowd turned out yesterday, for an “Alternative Device Fair” at the Westport Library.

The event — sponsored by OK to Delay, the group supporting parents who delay giving their children smartphones — featured vendors selling products with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions.

Among the companies represented: Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, Dumb Wireless and Light and Tin Can.

Alternative Device Fair at Westport Library.

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Also yesterday at the Library: Over 50 people helped Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich launch their campaign for the Board of Selectmen yesterday.

The crowd included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Senator Ceci Maher, and former state senator Will Haskell.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich (center), with supporters. 

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One more event yesterday worth (very much) noting: On the company’s “Red Day” of service, agents with Keller Williams Realty’s Westport office filled 900 bags of healthy food, for Filling in the Blanks.

The Norwalk non-profit fights childhood hunger — which provides weekend meals to kids in need — has just opened a pantry at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.

Keller Williams agents, “filling in the blanks.”

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The Y’s Women have a special guest on Monday — and the public is invited.

Fiona Davis — author of 8 historical fiction novels set in iconic New York buildings, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library and Dakota — will discuss fascinating stories behind those landmarks, with veteran broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota.

The event is May 12 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Church). Non-Y’s Women (and men) can register by email: jildam00@yahoo.com

Fiona Davis

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Speaking of authors: Like any writer (and performance artist), Anya Liftig has seen her share of rejection letters.

Like perhaps no other, she has turned them into a book.

The 1995 Staples graduate — and author of “Holler Rat,” a memoir of her unique youth, balancing her lives in privileged Westport and the hollows of Kentucky — just published “Rejection/Ambition: A 25 Year Performance.”

Both a performance document and text work, it is culled from a quarter century’s “copious collection” of rejection letters.

Anya says, “Read from the Ambition side, it is clear-eyed in its determination for artistic recognition. Read from the Rejection side, it is a text about failure, mistakes, and confusion.”

You can purchase “Rejection/Ambition”on her website.

Anya Liftig (Photo/Stephen Dennett)

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The Green’s Farms Association welcomes a special guest to their annual meeting next Wednesday (May 14, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

Outgoing police chief Foti Koskinas will speak. Important topics for the neighborhood group include a police/fire/EMS facility proposed for the Sherwood Island Connector, and traffic.

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Westport native and lifelong resident Loretta Pastore died peacefully on Monday. She was 65.

Like her mother and daughters, she was a Staples graduate. Her family says, “she was known for her kindness, generosity, grace, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.”

Loretta is survived by her sister, Annmarie Pastore Santolini (Tim); daughters Isabella and Gabriella Mikaiel; best friend, ex-husband and father of her children George Mikaiel, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday (May 12, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Pastime Club (59 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to plant a tree in Loretta’s memory at Compo Beach, one of her favorite places. Donate to that fund here.

Loretta Pastore

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Whitmal Cooper sent a photo, with the caption: “Brant geese on the way to the Arctic at Compo”:

(Photo by Norm)

Who knew that’s where they’re headed?

But I do know it makes a very cool “Westport … Naturally” image.

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to the one and only Billy Joel!

(And so it goes … one more week of “06880” in the books. Thanks for being part of our online community, every day. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

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Alan Nevas: A Friend’s Son Remembers

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 11 comments

Douglass Davidoff writes:

I am in tears for our loss of Judge Alan Nevas. I did not know him well, and yet Alan has been a constant positive presence in my life for most of my 67 years, ever since my parents moved to Westport in 1959 when I was 2 years old.

My father, Jerry Davidoff (1926-2009), was 2 years older than Alan. From the moment my dad set up a law office on Church Lane in downtown Westport in 1959 he had a deep respect, admiration and collegial attitude about Alan Nevas.

Back during the 1960s there were only about 30 attorneys in Westport. They all knew each other. Dad talked about his colleagues often at the dinner table, so we learned about people like Ned Dimes, Steve Tate, Ed Capasse, Larry Weisman and Alan Nevas.

I think Alan and my father had a similar approach to the practice of law in Westport. They were also politically competitive. Alan was a Republican at a time when Republicans ran things in Westport, and Dad was a Democrat working to win elections whenever possible. They liked each other a lot, and I think they stayed out of each other‘s way in politics.

Alan Nevas

Dad ran for the Connecticut House of Representatives and lost. He later served on the Westport Board of Education and Representative Town Meeting. Alan won local elections. He served on the Board of Finance, and represented Westport in the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Since Dad has been dead for 16 years, I don’t think there’s any harm in reporting for posterity that he tried a couple of times to secure a state judgeship during the years that Democrats ran things at the State Capitol. Dad did not succeed in this dream — a disappointment.

But Alan succeeded in the same pursuit. He served his state and his nation as the US attorney for Connecticut, and then as a federal judge. Every single one of us is better off for Alan‘s contribution to jurisprudence in Connecticut and the nation.

That’s not me talking. That’s my father Jerry talking through me, to remember his friend.

Jerry Davidoff and his wife Denny.  (Photo/copyright Nancy Pierce)

For me, one episode stands out. About 7 years ago, when I began researching my family history on Ancestry.com, I found a news clipping from the Westport correspondent for the Bridgeport Post-Telegram providing a report on the spring 1969 Vietnam War protest in Westport. This was a day of events, when people gathered together to protest our government’s war in Southeast Asia.

I was a student at Long Lots Junior High School. Students at Staples High School secured permission from the principal and superintendent to march from Staples to the afternoon protest in downtown Westport, at the corner of State Street (Post Road East) and Main Street.

No such permission was granted to junior high school students. But there were hundreds of like-minded junior high school students, so just before the event the principals and the superintendent acquiesced and sanctioned marches to downtown by students from Long Lots, Coleytown and Bedford Junior Highs.

In splendid weather we converged on downtown, where many hundreds of adults also gathered. From the steps of the old YMCA (now Anthropologie), there were speakers arrayed against the war. A keynote address was given by a member of Congress, recruited to come to Westport to speak against the war.

 

A view from the steps of the YMCA (now Anthropologie) of the Vietnam protest downtown. Photo/Adrian Hlynka)

That night, in what became one of my strongest memories growing up in Westport, about 500 townspeople crowded into the sanctuary at The Unitarian Church in Westport for a candlelight vigil. The names of 500 Connecticut military war dead were read aloud.

After each small batch of names was read aloud in the darkened sanctuary, another row of townspeople in the pews was invited to light their candles. Slowly, the sanctuary became illuminated by candlelight. Paul Newman spoke, and we all know how rare it was for Paul Newman to speak publicly in Westport.

What I learned only recently from that newspaper clipping is that this day of townwide protest and prayer was the deep planning work of Alan Nevas and my father, along with a strong group of lawyers, physicians and clergy in the town.

They organized the program for the protest downtown. They organized the vigil that night. They were from the tight-knit group of local professional leaders in Westport — people like Drs. Jack Schiller and Paul Beres; clergy like the Revs. Ed Lane of the Unitarian Church, Ted Hoskins of the Saugatuck Congregational Church and Rabbi Byron T. Rubenstein of Temple Israel — and attorneys like Alan Nevas and my dad.

When I came across these names in the Bridgeport paper, none meant more to me than to see that Alan Nevas had collaborated with my dad on this effort.

Alan Nevas (Photo courtesy of WestportNow)

If he were alive today at age 99, my dad would be weeping for the loss of his friend, his admired colleague for 4 decades in the practice of law and service to clients and to justice in Westport and Connecticut, a man aligned with the opposite party but so closely aligned with my dad in core values and mutual respect for the law, and for the town and its citizens whom they both loved with so much heart.

Alan Nevas was a pillar of our community. As I said much earlier, I did not know him well but he was such a treasured friend and colleague for my dad that it is hard to describe what a strong presence Alan was nonetheless for me.

My prayers today and during services tomorrow are for the Nevas family, and for the cause of justice in Westport, in Connecticut, and in the federal courts of the United States, now and forever more.

Goodbye, Alan. Farewell.

—

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Posted in Looking back, Obituaries

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Remembering Judge Alan Nevas

Posted on April 20, 2025 | 5 comments

Judge Alan Nevas — member of a prominent Westport family, a towering presence in Connecticut legal circles for over half a century, and a 3-term member of the state House of Representatives — died yesterday at his home here surrounded by his family, after a brief struggle with lymphoma. He was 97.

Nevas was born in Norwalk. He was a 1945 graduate of Stamford High School, and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame.

He received a BA from Syracuse University in 1949, and a Bachelor of Laws from New York University School 2 years later.

He was in private practice in Westport from 1951 to 1981, except for 3 years in the Army as a sergeant first class (1952 to ’54). 

Judge Alan Nevas

Inspired by a visit to Westport by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the summer of 1964, Nevas traveled to Mississippi to represent, pro bono, civil rights activists who had been arrested. 

He was elected to the Westport Board of Finance, serving one term as chair. He was elected 3 times to the Connecticut House of Representatives. He served from 1971 to 1977, including 2 terms as a deputy leader.

Nevas was also a justice of the peace in Westport from 1976 to 1981. He served on the boards of numerous organizations that were important to him, including Norwalk Hospital and the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield.

In 1981, President Reagan appointed Nevas as US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. He served until 1985, when Reagan named him to the US District Court for the District of Connecticut. 

After confirmation by the US Senate he served until his retirement in 2009, having assumed senior status in 1997. During his tenure, his colleagues elected him as president of the Federal Judges Association.

Following retirement from the federal bench, Judge Nevas once again entered private practice, primarily as a highly sought after arbitrator and mediator.

Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell selected him to chair the state’s investigation into causes of the deadly 2010 explosion at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown, and to chair the committee that allocated $7.7 million in funds to families impacted by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown.

Judge Nevas was a lifelong fan of the New York Giants, through good and mostly bad times. He and his wife Janet were world travelers, visiting all 7 continents.  They enjoyed socializing with their many friends, trips to Manhattan for dining and culture, and summers on Martha’s Vineyard with their extended family.

In 2021, at 93, he was the oldest runner among nearly 1,200 in the traditional Chilmark Road Race on Martha’s Vineyard. He completed the hilly 3.1-mile course, in hot weather, in 1:08.37.6.

Judge Alan Nevas (Photo courtesy of WestportNow)

Nevas was married to Janet for nearly 66 years. They met in 1958 when he saw her across the room at a resort in New Hampshire, and asked her to dance. 

She survives him, as do their children, Andrew (Jodie) Nevas of Westport, Debra Nevas (Jonathan Abrams) of Short Hills, New Jersey, and Nathaniel (Leslie Radel) of Wilton. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary, Chloe, Maxwell and Adam Nevas, and Alexa and Seth Abrams; sister Dorothy Freedman of Westport, sister-in-law Judith Broudy; nieces and nephews Janet Freedman, Susan Filan, Ellen Wilner, Joshua Broudy and Matthew Broudy, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Charles Broudy and Frederick Freedman.

Funeral services will take place at Temple Israel on Tuesday (April 22, 10 a.m. (livestreamed at tiwestport.org), followed by burial at the Independent Hebrew Cemetery in Norwalk.  For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Contributions in Judge Nevas’ memory may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Mozaic Senior Life or the Westport Library.

5 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Obituaries, Politics

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Roundup: Sunrise Service, Beach Art, Climate Hope …

Posted on April 20, 2025 | 17 comments

Over 100 people celebrated Easter this morning, with a traditional sunrise service at Compo Beach.

Here’s to a wonderful day, to all who celebrate.

(Photo/Rick Benson)

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Meanwhile, nearby, Banksy — or someone like him — has come to Westport.

An intriguing bit of street art — more aptly, “boardwalk art” — appeared recently, at the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.

Print at the lifeguard shack. (Hat tip and photo/Andrew Colabella)

No one seems to know who is behind the print. But it sure adds color and interest, a few weeks before the guards arrive.

Meanwhile, a few yards away, a number of fence pickets — relics of the previous playground renovation — remain. They’ve been offered to families and organizations who bought them, to help fund the 2009 rebuild.

The 2025 re-do begins tomorrow. New pickets are part of the project. They may be available to donors in the 2040s.

(Photo/John McCarthy)

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Yesterday’s protest was not as large as the one 2 weekends ago.

But — on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord — over 100 people gathered at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. As with the earlier demonstration, they held signs decrying a number of actions by the Trump administration.

Once again, many — but not all — drivers honked in support.

Another protest is planned next Saturday.

(Photos/Adam Stolpen)

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David Pogue left Westport last year, for Bedford, New York.

But he’s back (almost) for the 4th annual Norwalk Earth Day Festival.

The “CBS Sunday Morning”/PBS “Nova”/New York Times tech writer (and much more) returns on April 26 (11 a.m., Mill Hill Historic Park), for a talk on “Climate Hope.”

Organizers promise “10 surprising reasons for hope,” and 10 impactful actions anyone can take to help protect our planet. Click here for tickets.

The event, on the Norwalk Green, also includes vendors, healing arts, kids’ activities, a labyrinth, picnic grove, tree planting, “trashion” show and beer garden. Click here for more information.

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Speaking of the environment: Weston’s EcoFest is set for May 4 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lachat Town Farm).

The day of environmental service, celebration and education includes community members, local businesses and organizations, showcasing sustainable products and initiatives.

There’s live music by high school bands; food trucks and vendors; family-friendly games and activities; mini-speaking series on topics like pollinator planting, eco-gardening, electrified lawn care and recycling, plus a live animal presentation.

There’s also a bottle and can drive,with raffle (marking Weston’s collection of its millionth bottle and can). Every 25 redeemable containers offers a chance to win $250.

Click here for all EcoFest details.

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Speaking (still) of the environment: Westport’s Shellfish Commission takes care of the land, as well as the water.

The other day, members Jamie Walsh and Jesse Harte, plus former Conservation Department director Alicia Mozian and interested Westporter Heather Walklet collected 5 large bags of trash — plus assorted large sections of styrofoam — at Longshore’s Hendricks Point.

Jamie Walsh, Alicia Mozian and Heather Walklet, picking up our trash.

It’s an annual clean-up for them.

And an annual reminder to Westporters: Pick up your own trash, please! That’s not the Shellfish Commission’s job!

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And speaking of environmental cleanups: Sustainable Westport invites volunteers to help along the Longshore waterfront and surrounding areas next Saturday (April 26, 2 to 4 p.m.; meet at the pavilion).

It’s part of the town-wide Earth Day clean-up, organized by the Parks & Recreation Department. Click here to volunteer.

Last year’s Longshore coastal cleanup. (Photo/Brandon Malin)

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Camp season is creeping — okay, zooming — up on parents.

Some kids love sports. Others are passionate about arts.

For STEM-minded boys and girls in grades 1-8, there’s a week-long Daley Genius STEM Camp (June 25 to July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Content Studio, 20 Saugatuck Avenue, next to the Goddard School).

Click here for more information.

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There are several “free libraries” around town: small structures (and one “bookcycle”) that offer books to anyone who wants them. (Or, of course, wants to donate volumes to them.)

Most patrons are people walking or biking by.

There is one at the corner of Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South. Neighbor Bob Weingarten sees plenty of pedestrians look at the kiosk. However, he says, until the other day he had never seen someone stop their car, and browse.

He was so intrigued, he took this photo:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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The concert by pianists Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church — postponed earlier this month — has been rescheduled for April 27 (4 p.m.).

The Y’s Men of Westport & Weston co-sponsor the free event, on the church’s Steinway grand piano.

Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor

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Longtime Westport resident Jeanne Nylen died April 15. She had suffered a stroke 2 weeks earlier.

The Fairfield native and Wheaton College graduate married Samuel Nylen in 1962. They moved here 2 years later.

Jeanne served as a Girl Scout leader, Nature Center docent, teacher’s assistant, and head of the Hillspoint Elementary School PTA.

Later, she pursued her passion for exploring by becoming a travel agent with Westport Travel, and visiting Hong Kong, Morocco, the Arctic Circle, and much of Europe.

After Sam died in 1999, Jeanne opened her home to visiting Chinese teachers. She hosted 8, through a Staples High School program.

In retirement Jeanne cared for her grandchildren, and enjoyed the theater, symphony and opera, her book group, and tennis. She was also a decades-long member of the Green’s Farms Congregational Church.

Jeanne is survived by her daughter Wendy (James Hopkins) of Bridgeport; step-grandson Samuel Hopkins (Krissy) and 2 great-grandchildren of South Glastonbury, and son Toby (Gail) of Sutton, Massachusetts, and grandchildren Dallas, Victoria and Sam Nylen.

A memorial service will be held later.

Jeanne Nylen

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It’s that time of year: American oystercatchers have returned to the eastern end of Compo’s South Beach, to nest.

Once again, that area has been roped off, to provide the shorebirds the space and quiet they need to breed.

Matt Murray spotted these important signs, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … well, you knew this was coming, right?

(Happy Easter, to all who celebrate! And whether you do or not, feel free to click here, to fill our basket with a joy. And also a contribution to “06880.” Thank you all!)

17 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Education, Environment, Longshore, Obituaries, Politics, Weston

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Roundup: Playground Volunteers Needed, Traffic Lights Operating, David Sedaris Coming …

Posted on April 19, 2025 | 2 comments

The Compo Beach playground rebuild begins Monday. It continues through next weekend.

Volunteers are still needed. Spots are available for skilled and unskilled workers, and kids’ zone helpers. Click here for more information, and to pick your slot.

This was the scene during the 1989 Compo Beach playground construction. Will you be there in 2025?

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Sure, the Post Road construction project won’t be done until 2049.

But new traffic lights — shrouded in black for months — are new operational.

Check out these at Hillspoint Road:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Will they help as we navigate past all those barrels, in seemingly randomly striped lanes?

We would ask someone working on the project. But they haven’t been seen since 1978.

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Speaking of Hillspoint: That road, between Soundview Drive and Old Mill, may be the most popular walking route in Westport.

The sidewalk gets plenty of use. It’s also exposed to salt air, and pounded by occasional rough waves, so it’s gotten pretty beat up.

Repair work is being done now. It will be ready soon, for many more years of scenic strolling.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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VersoFest is over.

But the music continues at the Westport Library.

Gang of Four vocalist/founding member Jon King took to the Trefz Forum stage yesterday. He talked about his new memoir, “To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four” with Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.

Jon King and Chris Frantz, in conversation. 

After a break, Gang of Four kicked off their farewell tour with a special concert.

(Photos/DinkinESH Fotographix)

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Another Big Name is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.

And it’s almost sold out.

Humorist David Sedaris shares a slew of clever, compelling stories — about, perhaps, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, obsessive behaviors, and his life in North Carolina, New York, England and France — on May 19 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

David Sedaris

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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — wishes everyone a Happy Easter.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

She also hopes she does not end up as someone’s holiday ham.

Of course, there’s little chance that will happen.

Jolantha is a sculpture, not an actual porker.

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a new music director.

Whether leading youth choirs or directing adult ensembles, Micah Krajca’s goal is to make music accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all singers. He plans to open up his adult and youth choirs to community members.

He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, you’re welcome to join us. Our choirs are fun, supportive groups. The singers love performing diverse and engaging repertoire.”

Along with his new position, Micah directs the Greenwich A Cappella High School Ensemble, and is a baritone with the Empire City Men’s Chorus and Choral Chameleon Ensemble.

To learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation or its music program, click here or email micah@uuwestport.org.

Micah Krajca

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Alice Crowther died peacefully on March 18, after a long and graceful life. She was 97, and lived in Westport for 33 before moving to Fairfield.

The Queens native graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Vermont. After attending secretarial school, she met her future husband, Bill Crowther.

They married in 1948. Both commuted from Port Washington into Manhattan to work in advertising.

After 6 years in Young & Rubicam’s TV/film department, she took time off to raise 3 daughters.

Soon after moving to Westport in 1971, Alice began volunteering at Connecticut Renaissance, a local drug treatment, prevention and education program based in town. Based on her skills and organizational abilities, she was hired as office manager. She stepped down in 1978, but continued to advise on special projects.

In 1982 Alice turned her love of dancing into her next part-time career. She was certified as an aerobic dance instructor at the Westport YMCA. For 8 years she taught classes to older adults. In 1990 she remained with the Fun Fitness Company when they opened their own facility.

In later decades Alice returned to volunteer work. Organizations included Save Our Strays, Fairfield’s Grasmere adult day care, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport.

Her family says, “as the matriarch of her extended family, her stories were cherished by all. Her sense of humor was often unexpected, disarming and adorable. Even the caregivers who helped Alice in the last few years of her life fell in love with her resilience, acceptance, willingness to always try her best, and her gentle, sweet nature.”

Alice is survived by her daughters Wendy Crowther (Teri), Tracey Maya (Christopher), Kim Manning (Jim), and grandchildren Hadley, Alison, James and Spencer. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2018, a few months shy of their 70th anniversary.

A memorial service is set for Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport on April 26 (11 a.m).

Donations in Alice’s memory can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which provided many services to the family.

Alice Crowther

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature goes indoors. But the “natural” theme includes Laureen Haynes’ Easter egg designs.

One is a hive with bees and a daisy. The other shows a butterfly and bunny. “A pollinator path of chocolate?” she asks.

Laureen — the owner of Chocalatieree downtown — sold out of them yesterday. Hey: There’s always next year!

(Photo/Laureen Haynes)

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And finally … Nino Tempo — the saxophonist/singer whose career included big band jazz, rock and funk (and collaborations with Benny Goodman, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra) — died April 10 in West Hollywood. He was 90.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Jolantha says: “Don’t be a pig! Stop hogging all of ‘06880’ for yourself, without giving back. Click here to support Westport and Weston’s hyper-local blog.” “06880” says: “Thank you, Jolantha!”

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Posted in Beach, Library, Local business, Obituaries, religion, Transportation, Weston, Westport Country Playhouse

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