Bruce Beinfield — a 1970 Staples High School graduate and noted architect, who designed many iconic local homes and buildings — died last Friday. He was 73, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The son of Marjorie and Dr. Malcolm Beinfield, a renowned surgeon, he was raised in Westport, then headed west. Bruce graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder, then earned a master’s of architecture with honors from the University of Colorado – Denver.
It was there that he discovered how architecture could channel and create emotional energy; where he obtained a Colorado ID that he carried in his wallet until his last day, and where he became a lifetime Colorado Buffs fan.
In 1983 Bruce and his wife Kathleen moved to Rowayton. That same year, he founded Beinfield Architecture.
Bruce Beinfield
His obituary says, “He devoted his life to harnessing architecture to make a positive impact on his community. He did not design merely for convenience or efficiency, but for people and context, using architecture to honor the traditions, rituals and mythology of a place.”
Norwalk, particularly Rowayton and South Norwalk, was the greatest beneficiary of his vision. Most recently, he dedicated his efforts to redesigning Darien’s Corbin District.
Bruce designed hundreds of homes, offices, apartment buildings and museums. Beinfield Architecture has received more than 100 design awards, including 44 AIA awards. He drew and designed nearly to the end of his life, includng the conversion of The Mill, on Richmondville Avenue, into condominiums.
His family says, “He was funny, creative, expansive and he always thought for himself. He was often a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He loved Pink Floyd, clams and rare cheeseburgers. He loved his family, gardening, nature, his home, his rituals and the life he built for himself. His work will forever be his greatest passion, and the world is more beautiful because of it.”
Bruce is survived by his wife Carol; children Alex, Carolyn and Suzanne, and their spouses; 7 grandchildren; sisters Harriet and Liz; his first wife, Kathleen; and a beloved community of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Lynn.
A memorial service will be held at The Platform SoNo on July 20th (4 p.m.)
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out; your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags —email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. tonight (the end of the fireworks show).
Enjoy the show! Then share it with all the rest of us. Thank you!
A great shot from last year. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved a proposal by Chris Tait and Andrew Colabella to name the pickleball courts there in honor of Tom Lowrie.
It’s a fitting tribute to the man who has done more to promote the sport in Westport than anyone.
And who turns 97 tomorrow. Happy birthday, and congratulations, Tom!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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The Planning & Zoning Commission begins its 65-day deliberation period of The Hamlet at Saugatuck this Monday (July 7, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s a work session. The public can observe, but not participate.
Hamlet’s 65-day period begins.
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Alicia Murphy is making the most of her summer internship with Wakeman Town Farm.
A rising senior at the University of Mary Washington, she is majoring in environmental science. Her concentration is in sustainability and soil science.
Growing up in a small town in rural Indiana, Alicia received an extensive agricultural education throughout high school. But she realized how destructive and unsustainable traditional farming practices really are.
At WTF she developed an interest in the newest garden. Recently reclaimed as a part of the farm, the land has suffered a significant degree of soil compaction and topsoil degradation, making it difficult for plants to thrive.
Alicia’s goal is to create a plan for sustainable, long-lasting remediation.
On July 16 (2 p.m., Tim’s Kitchen), she’ll describe her summer work, soil restoration, small-scale sustainable practices, and solutions for compacted and depleted farmland. The public is invited.
Mike Borchetta — a 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died recently. He was 84.
According to Nashville Post, his resume in Los Angeles and Nashville included stints as president of Lofton Creek Records, Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury, Philips Records and Rebel Engine.
As vice president of promotion at Curb Records from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, Borchetta played a key role in signing of Tim McGraw.
Much earlier, as a Staples student, he brought Bo Diddley, Harvey & the Moonglows and Dave “Baby” Cortez to town.
Borchetta and his wife Martha also bred and trained thoroughbred horses. He is survived too by his children Scott, Adelle, Chris and Angela, all of whom are in the music industry. Scott started his own label — and discovered a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Details for a service have not yet been announced.
Mike Borchetta
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from hen-pecked Greens Farms:
And finally … in honor of Mike Borchetta (obituary above):
(Today is hump day. And fireworks day. And — as always — a day to support “06880,” your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
There will be no referendum on Long Lots Elementary School.
Toni Simonetti had 14 days to collect 2,015 signatures — 10% of all eligible voters in the most recent election. She hoped to slash the proposed $103,190,124 expenditure for a new school to $90 million.
Yesterday was the petition deadline. Only 71 signatures were turned in. The drive was 1,944 signatures short.
Planning will proceed for a new Long Lots, without a referendum.
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Good news!
The most recent bacteria tests for Compo and Burying Hill came back negative yesterday. The beaches have reopened.
Whew!
Everyone back in the water! (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Tickets are selling well for Wednesday’s fireworks show at Compo Beach — aka Westport’s Best Party of the Year. Only a small number remain.
A few residents have asked about this year’s price increase, the first in several years.
Westport PAL — the longtime co-sponsor, and beneficiary of the fundraiser — explains that costs have risen dramatically for everything: the barge, insurance, and the fireworks themselves.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein generously underwrite part of the costs, as they’ve done for years. Without their help, PAL would net only about $2,000.
Proceeds helps fund PAL programs that serve programs that serve thousands of youngsters each year, plus the Longshore skating rink and college scholarships. Click here to learn more about PAL.
Tickets (cash or check) are available at the Parks & Recreation Commission office at Longshore (near the golf course first tee) during office hours, and any time at the Westport police station on Jesup Road.
Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
Our second “06880” Instagram Live yesterday was certainly lively.
Dave Briggs and Dan Woog explored the “Don’t Kill the Old Mill” campaign, in support of Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
And we did it from the communal table, inside the very popular Hillspoint Road spot.
We were joined by several OMG notables, including owner Graziano Ricco of Romanacci’s; Jim Hood and Ian Warburg of the non-profit Soundview Empowerment Alliance, owner of the 106-year-old building, Matthew Mandell of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Tait, an Old Mill neighbor and staunch supporter.
They explained what OMG means to the neighborhood. We took questions from viewers too.
The Levitt Pavilion offers 2 free shows, and 1 other, this weekend.
The Tom Petty Project kicks things off tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.). All free tickets have been claimed, but returned tickets will be redistributed at the box office before the show.
A few tickets are still available, at various prices, for tomorrow’s Disco Biscuits cconcert (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.).
Artemis takes the stage Sunday (7 p.m.), for a free show.
Edwin A. Audley — a former Westport Police captain, and founder of the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — died last month in Winter Haven, Florida. He was 87.
The Westport native graduated from Staples High School in 1955. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1958, then joined the Army Reserves as a senior aircraft mechanic until 1962.
Ed joined the Westport Police Department in 1961. He was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, inspector, then captain in 1990. He retired in 1993.
Ed founded the WVEMS in 1979. He became an Emergency Medical Technician instructor in 1987.
In Florida, Ed was president of the Winter Haven Rose Society.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; brother Harry Audley (Pat), daughters Kimberly, Susan Palmer (Mark) and Victoria; 4 grandchildren, 5 great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 12 (Assumption Church, 10 a.m.).
Click here to leave online condolences. Donations can be made to the Edwin Audley Scholarship Fund, c/o Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, 50 Jesup Rd. Westport, CT 06880.
Ed Audley
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Former Westporter Priscilla Boyle died last Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.
She graduated from Lesley College, then taught kindergarten in Watertown, Massachusetts for 9 years before marrying Charles Boyle in 1958. They moved to Westport in 1963, and raised 3 children here.
Priscilla was involved with tennis, the Weston Field Club and bridge.
She was an active member of Assumption Church for over 6 decades. She shared her faith through Eucharistic Ministry, prayer groups, book clubs and as a catechism teacher, with a special dedication to preparing children for their First Communion.
Later, Priscilla became a welcoming presence at the Westport YMCA as a receptionist.
Priscilla was predeceased by her husband and her siblings Mary Alice Connolly, James W. Scanlan, Anne T. “Nancy” Batal and Francis V. Scanlan. al.
She is survived by her children Charles “Chip,” Susan Improta (Paul), and Elizabeth Boyle; grandsons Kenneth and Philip Improta, sister-in-law Alice Scanlan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at Assumption Church on July 15 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations in Priscilla’s memory may be made to Smile Train.
Priscilla Boyle
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June is ending the way it began: with plenty of colors.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” yellow-and-green scene is from Whitney Street.
And finally … Mick Ralphs — the Mott the Hoople and Bad Company guitarist/ songwriter — died. He was 81, and had bedridden after suffering a stroke in 2016. Click here for a full obituary.
(You’re in good company if you support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribute. Please click here. And thank you!)
Hmmm…what’s a good 97th birthday gift for a longtime Westporter?
How about having the Compo Beach pickleball courts named in your honor?!
That very appropriate idea is edging closer to reality.
Last week, the Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved the idea of honoring Tom Lowrie. The man who has done more than anyone else to promote the sport in Westport stepped down as the town’s “Pickleball Ambassador” in April.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen gave the resolution their unanimous okay too.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Parks & Recreation Committee considers the idea — co-sponsored by Andrew Colabella and Chris Tait — tonight (6 p.m., Zoom).
If they approve it — and it would require a stunning kind of stupid not to — the item moves on to the full RTM, this coming Tuesday (July 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
That would be well deserved.
And perfect timing.
Tom Lowrie turns 97 years young on July 3 — the very next day.
Westport’s Sidewalk Sale. has something for everyone.
Including retailers who don’t have a sidewalk downtown.
The popular Westport Downtown Association event — set for tomorrow (Friday) through Sunday on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square — also features booths for men’s and women’s apparel stores that are located outside the area.
There are other vendors too. Like Huntington Learning Center, which offers a chance to win a free academic evalatuion.
And Salon Nash. Owner Felicia Catale will provide haircuts for men and women ($35). Children’s cuts are just $20.
TAP Strength has launched a new program, with a special niche.
Designed specifically for teens and young adults who are neurodivergent, it focuses on building strength, improving posture and boosting confidence — all in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.
Led by Certified Personal Trainers who hold Autism Exercise Specialist credentials through the American College of Sports Medicine, the program’s expert coaching and personalized support help each participant move better, feel stronger, and thrive — physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Highlights include:
Body Awareness Assessments
Functional Fitness and Breathwork
Posture and Movement Education
Mindfulness and Confidence Strategies
1-on-1 or Small Group Sessions
Parent Stacie Curran says, “My son Dylan has been training at TAP for years. His body awareness, posture and confidence have all improved tremendously. He absolutely loves the TAP trainers. It’s a consistently fun, positive environment where he feels seen and supported.”
Southern Fried brings their “hot and crispy classic rock, blues and R&B” to the Weston History & Culture Center this Sunday (5:30 p.m.).
The outdoor show is part of their Music at the Barn summer series. Bring a lawn chair, BYOB and picnic (no food truck). Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for others; children 12 and under free.
Other Music at the Barn concerts are July 27, August 3 and September 7 (1 p.m.).
The Weston History & Culture Center also offers interactive tours of historic Coley House, and information about the forgotten village of Valley Forge, the Weston Meteorite, and the history of ragtime dance. Click here for more information.
The Westport Woman’s Club is looking for a very organized person to serve as office manager. Qualifications include strong experience in Microsoft Office and proficiency with QuickBooks Online or similar accounting skills; the ability to multitask, and good people skills to interact with members and the public.
Hoursare weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Send resumes to wwc@westportwomansclub.org.
A great place to work.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between June 18 and 25.
A 35-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny, after a complaint was made about construction work that had not been completed, despite being paid $20,500.
A 45-year-old Southbury man was charged with reckless driving. At 6:40 a.m. on May 27, an off-duty officer wintessed a driver passing vehicles in no passing zones, and at stop sign. Once at work, he identified the operator, who agreed to come to the Westport police station to be issued a misdemeanor summons. He failed to appear, and a warrant was issued.
A 38-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order, following a domestic violence investigation.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Disorderly conduct: 2 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Following too closely: 2
Burglary: 1
Larceny: 1
Interfering with an emergency call: 1
Transporting a chld without restraints: 1
Assault on an elderly victim: 1
Face protection/motorcycle: 1
Operating a motorcycle without insurance: 1
Operating a motorcycle without endorsement: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1.
Put your kid in a car seat. Or get a ticket.
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Longtime Westport resident Agnes Davis died on June 17 in Florida — what would have been her late husband Bob’s 97th birthday. She was 102.
After graduating from high school in Pennsylvania at 16, she went to business school, then returned to Republic Steel as a proud, ahead-of-her-time career woman.
Her brother’s roommate, Bob, proposed to her on their first date. Though 6 years older, she accepted. They moved to Westport in 1965, where they raised 5 children.
Agnes was active in the Newcomers Club, Westport Garden Club, Westport Woman’s Club, and a gourmet group. She volunteered with the Saugatuck Elementary School PTA and as a Cub Scout den mother, and played Mrs. Claus to Bob’s Santa Claus at Perkin Elmer.
Agnes started a 15-year volunteer stint at Norwalk Hospital at age 75. Channel 12 honored her as a Hometown Hero, for her dedication.
Agnes worked at Nancy Strong’s Slimnastics and Hastings Real Estate before moving to Beijing in 1983 at age 61, after Bob accepted a job at Perkin Elmer’s China office. She embraced the Chinese society, culture and people, and traveled alone multiple times across China for work. Her thousands of photographs recorded everyday Chinese life and children.
In 1985 Agnes and Bob returned from China, then moved to Uberlingen, Germany in 1989. They traveled extensively in Europe. She self-published a book about her China experience. Years later, Agnes found a copy at the Westport Library Book Sale.
Back in Westport, she entertained over 600 visitors from 46 countries.
Agnes and Bob bought a home in The Villages, Florida in 2011, and moved their fulltime. He died in 2021.
Agnes is survived by her children Ed (Linda) of Hollister, California, Nancy Shwartz of Danbury, Mary Lou of The Villages, John (Ellen) of Raleigh, and Rick (Beth) of Newtown; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; her sisters Delores Allick of Palm Springs, California and Eileen Novak of California, Pennsylvania. Agnes was predeceased by her sister, Lenora Zanolli, brother- law George Paler, and son-in-law, Jeff Shwartz.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Norwalk Hospital or the Westport Woman’s Club. A celebration of Agnes and Bob’s lives will be held at the Westport Country Playhouse in late August.
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news, events and competely random stuff. If you enjoy this daily feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Citing the need for “buy-in” from local communities — and acknowledging fierce opposition from suburban communities and Republican legislators — Governor Lamont vetoed HB 5002 yesterday.
The omnibus housing legislation — passed nearly 3 weeks ago — would have dramatically changed the ability of local governments to impose zoning restrictions.
Non-partisan groups like the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and Connecticut Council of Small Towns, along with bipartisan leaders from towns including Westport, urged the governor to veto the bill.
Lamont previously supported the bill. He called his veto “reluctant.”
Last September, Governor Lamont spoke at the opening of 122 Wilton Road, where Homes with Hope sponsors 19 units of affordable housing. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Soundview Summer Stroll returns soon, for a second great year!
Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 27.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event — presented by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — will once again close Soundview Drive to vehicles.
The beach exit road will be transformed into a pedestrian-only party.
Like last year’s initial Stroll, the road will be filled with music (4 bands), kids’ activities (games, face painting, photo booth and more), food, and a fun community vibe.
More details will be announced soon. See you at the Stroll!
Last year’s Soundview Stroll. (Photos/Benji Porosoff)
The popular Westport Downtown Association event takes place this Friday through Sunday (June 27-29), on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square. Other retailers beyond downtown will also provide discounts.
It’s 3 days of open-air shopping, community fun (and plenty of bargains).
PS: The weather this weekend will not be as hot as today!
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And another long and important Westport tradition continues this Saturday (June 28).
The 60th annual jUNe Day celebration brings 30 guests from the United Nations to town.
The day-long event — coordinated by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and town officials — begins with opening ceremonies (10:30 a.m., Jesup Green).
It includes a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and brief remarks, by UN Under Secretary-General Christian Saunders.
Then, UN families will head off to swim at Compo Beach, play tennis and golf at Longshore, visit Earthplace, tour Wakeman Town Farm, and walk and shop downtown. Many may stay for the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race and family fair, also at Jesup Green.
jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut. The Post Road bridge was named in her honor — and on Saturday, the flags of many of the UN’s 193 member nations will fly on the span.
A few volunteers are still needed. Email Andreasusa@yahoo.com, or call 203-526-3275. For more information on the jUNe Day, call 203-454-7685.
Every jUNe Day, the flags of member nations fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)
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It was the hottest ticket in town — literally.
The Westport Country Playhouse air conditioning faltered. But Justin Paul — the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriter (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) and Staples Class of 2003 graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek delivered a rousing benefit show.
They — and their Broadway musical guests and backup musicians — were drenched in sweat from the opening bars of the first song, “Waving Through a Window.” (The fundraiser was called “Waving Through Westport.”)
Their “fans” in the audience fanned themselves with programs.
But Pasek & Paul showed why they are not only great songwriters — but great showmen as well.
The duo gave plenty of props to Paul’s home town. It was the latest magical night, in the Playhouse’s proud 95-year history.
Front, from left: Justin Paul, Benj Pasek and Alex Newell, at the Westport Country Playhouse. Paul and Pasek took off their jackets soon after the show began. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Youth Commission members solicit businesses downtown.
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A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last month — is set for this Sunday (June 29, 4 p.m.). The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
One other tribute to a beloved Westporter: A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on Saturday (June 28, 1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Due to the extreme heat advisory, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion concert — Suzanne Sheridan & Friends — has been postponed. The new date is August 12.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Adam Nussbaum — the jazz drummer who grew up in Norwalk, won a Grammy, and has played with artists like Gil Evans and Stan Getz — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (June 26, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by bassist Jay Anderson, pianist Rob Aries and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets.
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Former Westporter Patricia Anne (White) Dunn died June 20, in North Carolina. She was 82.
She attended Westport schools, then earned a BA in English and world religions from the University of Miami. She was a former board chair of the North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of Ameirca, and served on the board of directors of the Charlotte Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by her love and caregiver Sean Lowther; son Christopher Lee (LaDonna) of Mobile, Alabama; brother F. Terrence White (Dena) of Pembroke Pines, Florida; sister Meeche White of Leavenworth, Washington; 2 grandchildren, and members of the Lowther family.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America or Kappa Kappa Gamma Education Foundation, 6640 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, Dublin, OH 43017.
Patty Anne Dunn
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is our first two-fer.
We’ve gotten some good egret submissions lately.
Here’s a solo bird, at Deadman Brook …
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
… and a flock, from Judy Point near Saugatuck Shores:
And finally … happy 80th birthday to Colin Blunstone. He was the lead singer/ guitarist/songwriter for The Zombies. They’re in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but remain one of the most underrated of all British Invasion groups.
(It’s the time of the season. And time to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Don’t tell us no! Please click here. We thank you!)
Dave Briggs and I teamed up yesterday, for our first-ever Instagram Live chat.
It’s an important one. We chatted with Martin Purcell, one of the ROAN Ventures developers about their Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
We invited questions from viewers, and asked some of our own. They included traffic, employee parking, height and density — and who exactly ROAN Ventures is.
Click here or below to view the Insta Live. NOTE: It took a couple of minutes at the beginning for Martin to join the call. Indulge us as Dave and I fill dead air.
Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (June 18, 7:30 p.m., Zoom) will, as is customary, hear reports from the Golf, Racquets and Parks Advisory Committees.
But 2 special agenda items will honor longtime local volunteers.
Commissioners will hear a request to install a plaque at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve commemorating Sherry Jagerson. The environmental activist, who died last year at 80, played a key role in creating the small park on Hillspoint Road, following the demolition of Allen’s Clam House.
Sherry Jagerson, at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)
They will also discuss a request to name the Compo Beach pickleball courts in honor of Tom Lowrie. The 96-year-old stepped down last month as the town’s “pickleball ambassador.” But he is still a strong advocate for the sport he helped popularize here in town.
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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From 5-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house.
Before this month’s event they posed for Pride, with shirts that say “Proud to Care for Every Color of the Rainbow!”
Standing (from left): Genna Harrison, Dr. Stephen Grevious, Dr. Neysa McDonald, Dr. Nikki Gorman, Ashley Dushin. Front: Caleigh Porter (holding Dogtor Bill), Magali Sánchez, Taína Mercado, Evelyn Anderson (yellow shirt).
A 29-year-old East Orange, New Jersey man was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, fugitive from justice and failure to appear, following a 2019 investigation into the passage of fake $100 bills. He was unablel to post $130,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations, between June 4-11:
Texting while driving: 6 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
“06880” reported recently that Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon. He was 73. Here is his full obituary.
At Staples Wheeler captained the track and cross country teams, setting numerous school records.
At Duke University he won numerous Atlantic Coast Conference indoor and outdoor championships, and earned multiple All-American honors.
Wheeler set several Duke individual and relay team records, including the distance medley relay and 4 x mile relay.
In 1974 he became only the 67th athletes in the US to run a sub-4;00 mile.
Wheeler earned a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University in 1978, and began a 4-decade career in city and county administration.
He served as county administrator for Clackamas County, Oregon, and city manager for Tualatin and Hood River. He retired in 2018.
Wheeler was married to Nancy Newton, the current city manager of Springfield, Oregon. They shared a deep commitment to public service and civic leadership.
Wheeler was predeceased by his his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Nancy Newton; his mother, Mary L. Reyen; his brother Warren; his children Jeffrey Wheeler (Emily, and grandson Tucker); niece Gwendolyn and nephew Owen Wheeler, and their mother Haynie Wheeler; niece Lauren Wheeler, and her mother Jeannine Wheeler. He is also remembered with respect by his former wife, Pat Wheeler.
Donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Springfield Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 55, Springfield, OR 97477.
Steve Wheeler
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Village Pediatrics — mentioned in an item above — is popular with kids and parents.
And wildlife.
This guy popped up recently on the “Storywalk” — the children’s illustrations that line the walkway on the Saugatuck River, just outside the doctors’ office.
The photo comes from Dr. Nikki Gorman. She founded the practice — and finds time to take “Westport … Naturally” images like this.
And finally … James Lowe is nowhere near as famous as Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, 2 music legends who died this week.
But as the frontman for the Electric Prunes, Lowe — who died last month in California, at 82 — will be remembered by garage band fans for this hit:
(When was the last time you thought of the Electric Prunes? And when was the last time you supported “06880,” your hyper-local blog? To answer the second question, click here. Thanks!)
Burton Grad — a pioneering figure in the computer software industry — died peacefully at his Westport home on June 3. He was 97.
Burt Grad, 1959.
In 1954, while working for General Electric, Burt was one of the original programmers for the first commercial computer, Univac 1. He helped write the first production and inventory control programs, and his work helped shape the future of business and academic computing.
During the 1960s he contributed to both scientific and application programming at IBM. He was a key member of the Unbundling Task Force in 1969, which led to the ascendancy of software applications.
Burt later served as a development director for various industries. He had initial responsibility for IBM’s influential CICS (Customer Information Control System), which remains in use today.
In 1978 Burt launched a consulting firm, where he continued to shape the software industry through strategic planning and valuation studies for software and services companies. He was a leader in industry organizations, particularly ADAPSO (later ITAA), where he played a vital role from the early 1970s.
In 2000 he co-founded the Software History Center, to preserve the history of the software computing industry he helped build. It later merged with the Computer History Museum.
Until his death, Burt edited articles on the software origins of the CAD/CAM industry for the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing.
Burt Grad, at work.
In addition, in his “late retirement” he spent 10 years as CFO for the life insurance and estate planning firm American Business, reporting to the CEO: his son Alan. (Alan notes that it was not always clear which one was the boss.)
Burt spent much of his childhood in Washington. He helped in the family dry cleaning business, until he went off to college at age 16.
Burt graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he met and married Pauline Mennen Sonenshine. They raised 5 children in Tarrytown, New York.
For 25 years Burt was a vocal and involved member of the community. He was integral in building affordable housing, and advocating for civil rights.
In 2001 Burt married Carol Anne Ances, at an outdoor ceremony in the Berkshires. They enjoyed the next 25 years in Westport, along with summers in the Berkshires and winters on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Burt Grad
In addition to storied career in the software industry, Burt had many wide-ranging hobbies. Tennis was foremost. He was an avid baseball fan, and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle daily.
He loved reading detective novels, modern world history, and political biographies. He followed domestic and international news closely, and held strong opinions about almost everything.
Burt is survived by his wife Carol Anne Ances; children Carol (Michael) Abedon, Andrew (Janet Singer) Grad, Alan (Ellen) Grad, Bryan (Debra) Grad and Elissa (Narayan Kaimal) Grad, and nearly 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Burt’s memory may be made to the Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043.
(In 2022, “06880” profiled Burt Grad. Click here to read that story, including his insights into computers then, today, and in the future.)
Members of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 know the importance of displaying the American flag.
And disposing of it properly.
That got a bit easier yesterday. Will Bernard donated a handcrafted US flag retirement drop box to the Riverside Avenue post. It’s part of his Scout Troop 39 Eagle Scout project.
The custom-built box offers a respectful way for anyone to retire worn and weathered US flags.
VFW Post 399 conducts ceremonial flag retirements throughout the year. Each flag is respectfully and properly disposed of, in accordance with the American Flag Code.
Will Bernard and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, with Will’s US flag retirement drop box.
Over 250 people honored 2 non-profits last week: Circle of Care and Project Morry.
The event was held by !mpaCT – a group of mostly Westport residents who raise money and awareness for local charities primarily focused on helping children.
!mpaCT was formed in 2017 by parents of children at TCS Preschool. They wanted their youngsters to learn empathy and the importance of volunteering,” says co-founder Eric Ritter.
Each year they select 1 or 2 charities, which receives 100% of the funds raised at a gala. That’s $100,000 to $200,000 each time.
Also raised: awareness. Attendees learn about each organization’s impact — and needs.
Circle of Care provides financial, emotional and practical support to children with cancer and their families. They have helped over 3,800 area families with programs like day-of-diagnosis care bags, dream room makeovers and non-medical financial assistance.
Project Morry empowers young children from under-resourced communities in the tri-state area through comprehensive academic enrichment and educational programs, summer learning, life-changing camp experiences, and one-on-one mentoring. Over 255 children have graduated from their programs.
Congratulations to the Rangers — Westport Little League Majors champions. They beat the Mets in the big title game.
From left: Kneeling: Blake Stuart, Cole Stanger, Christian Jo. Middle row: Akash Mattoo, John Conry, Jack Kingsley, Ashton Rubin, Justin Mastrocciolo, Cameron Gregory. Coaches: Kelly Stuart, Ken Stanger, James Kingsley, Scott Mastrocciolo.
Spotted at Sherwood Mill Pond, on the way to Compo Cove:
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
There must be a back story. If you know it, please click “Comments” below.
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Longtime Westporter Patricia Lewis died last Sunday at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. She was 88.
The Bridgeport native was married to Raymond H. Lewis for 50 years, before his death in 2008.
She had a long career in marketing, and enjoyed her time as a technical writer.
While raising her children and working, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University.
Patricia loved traveling, and cooking for her family.
Survivors include her son Vernon (Lynn) of Trumbull; daughter Lisa Setian (Steve) of Harwichport, Massachusetts; grandchildren Christopher, Cassidy, Taylor, Jeremy and Melany; great-grandchild Tyson, and daughter-in-law Leslie Fairbaugh. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Stephen and sister Barbara Money.
The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Tuesday (June 10, 10 a.m.). A funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Patricia Lewis
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is one of our best — and coolest — ever.
Photographer Lou Weinberg writes: “Pollination is awesome…and essential.
“This photo is of one of Connecticut’s native bees, taking time to clean its antenna while gathering pollen from, and pollinating, a Lupine flower.
“Bee antenna perform the critical sensory functions of touch, smell, taste, and even hearing. They also help with navigation, orientation, communication, detecting carbon dioxide, and building honeycomb. There are over 300 different species of native bees in Connecticut.
“The sharp spike on the flower, called the ‘keel,’ is exposed when the bee lands on the bottom petal of the flower. The keel houses both the male and female parts of the flower.
“You can tell this bee has been gathering for a while, because of the large yellow/gold pollen sacks on its back legs.”
Possible thunderstorms have moved tomorrow’s Pops Concert from outdoors to inside.
The Staples High School Music Department says: “We continue to prioritize the safety of all students, staff and audience members. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for pre-concert acts. The concert will begin at 7. We look forward to sharing an ‘Evening at the Movies’ with you.”
The decision had to be made early, because setting up a concert of the Pops’ scope and scale takes time (and different equipment, dependng on the venue).
The music department and AV tech crew will work until midning tonight setting up the auditorium, to be ready for Friday morning’s run-through with sstudents.
The Staples auditorium’s sound and lighting replacement is long overdue. Without a working system, the school relies on rented equipment.
Despite the challenges, the hundreds of talented students and their remarkable teachers put on an excellent concert — no matter where the music comes from.
Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association has arranged for Romanacci to help feed the hungry audience.
Romanacci is donating a portion of proceeds to the Staples music program. Mangia!
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The Community Gardens have garnered the most publicity from environmentalists, during debates over the new Long Lots Elementary School.
But another casualty is 25 to 30 trees. They’ll be removed, “06880” reader Margaret Freeman says, when the parking lot is reconfigured. She sent this collage:
(Photos/Margaret Freeman)
She says they were planted when the school was built in the mid-1950s, as a junior high.
And “they’re in swales, to collect water.” Each tree absorbs about 750 gallons a year, she says, citing the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
“With the water issues well documented to the north and south of the site and the removal of the Community Gardens, this is cause for concern,” Margaret adds.
“This doesn’t have to happen. The lot could be ‘reconfigured’ to save the trees. It’s not too late.”
NOTE: Last night, both the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board gave their okays for the new school plans.
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Tonight’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) begins with recognition of the PTA co-presidents, Student BOE representatives Souleye Kebe and Calum Madigan, and 19 Westport Public Schools retirees: Valerie Babich, Judy Bachman, Anthony Buono, Peter Caligiure, Shauna Flaherty, James Forgey, Jane Garard, Frances Geraci, Suzanne Levasseur, Susan McCarthy, Karen McCormick, Joyce McNiff, Stephen Rexford, Mary Scaife, Anne Sheffer, Carolyn Siclari, Debra Spath, Maureen Vergato and Humphrey Wong.
After a reception, and public comments on non-agenda items, there are 3 seemingly quick agenda items: the 2025-26 school lunch program, approval of ’25-26 tuition rates, and authorization for the superintendent of schools to sign contracts.
Among this year’s retirees: assistant superintendent Anthony Buono.
Longshore Sailing School takes its maritime responsibilities seriously.
Beyond providing instruction for all ages — and rentals — they help keep the shoreline clean.
As they’ve done for many years, on June 14 they’ll lead a coastal cleanup kayaking event.
From 9:30 to 11 a.m., people can take a kayak for free to clean up the shoreline and Saugatuck River. There is plenty of debris. Longshore Sailing will supply buckets.
Here is the sign-up link. Click through to reserve a single or double kayak on the 14th at 9:30; then enter the code “cleanup” before adding to cart to delete the cost.
Among the debris from last year’s Longshore Sailing School clean-up: golf balls, from the nearby driving range.
Meet local self-help author (“Unapologetic Success” and business coach Shawniel Chamanlal (June 7, 3 p.m.)
Artist of the month: Erin Nazzaro (reception June 18, 6 p.m.); exhibit up all month.
2 raffles. There’s a prize for kids (4 lessons at the Stewie the Duck Swim School, plus a gift basket), and for adults (a sealed copy of “The New Yorker in Westport,” by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley. Tickets are available at the store.
Short Story Book Club (June 19, 6 p.m.): Special Juneteenth stories: “King of the Bingo Game” by Ralph Ellison, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, “The Last Days of Rodney” by Tracey Rose Peyton. Registration is required: call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Erin Nazzaro
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The Cottage has always featured locally sourced food.
Its 10th-anniversary tasting menu highlights “under-appreciated seafood.” Among the menu’s highlights is a freshly caught eel, sourced locally in collaboration with Hunter Peterson of the Saugatuck Oyster Company.
Peterson’s year-round guided shell fishing tours on Long Island Sound teach participants to identify and safely harvest offerings like eastern oysters, quahogs, surf clams and slipper limpets, while addressing invasive threats such as Asian shore crabs.
Each experience concludes on the beach, where he shucks oysters and transforms slipper limpets into a delicacy with a blowtorch and herb butter.
“Working with overlooked seafood allows us to tell a deeper story about the ocean’s natural rhythms,” says Cottage chef Brian Lewis. “By embracing what’s abundant and underutilized, we create dishes that surprise, delight, and honor the ecosystem that sustains us.”
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Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport are heading north.
They’re painters, photographers and sculptors. They approach their themes in different ways.
But the women — Janine Brown, Louise Cadoux, Leonor Dao, Susan Fehlinger, Rebecca Fuchs, Fruma Markowitz, Barbara Ryan and Lisa Silberman — have found common threads.
The show — at A Mano Gallery in Torrington — is a testament to their work (and made possible by a Don Long Grant). After an opening reception on June 13 (6 p.m.), the exhibit runs through June 27.
Art by Leonor Dao.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 28 and June 4.
A 26-year-old Fairfield woman and a 28-year-old Bridgeport man were charged with larceny, robbery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes after a robbery at Westport Hardware. After the woman allegedly stole 2 power tools, she told an employee in the parking lot that she had a knife and the man in the car had a gun. She was charged with threatening, too. Both were held on $75,000 bonds.
A 52-year-old Philadelphia woman was charged with larceny, payment card fraud, payment card theft, identify theft, and conspiracy, following an investigation into a 2018 incident in which a wallet was stolen from a patron at Panera Bread. The suspect was transported to Westport from a prison in Allentown, Pennsylvania, after law enforcement information sharing.
A 39-year-old Westport man was charged with possession of a controlled substance and criminal trespass, after being in Terrain in violation of a trespass warning. During the arrest, he admitted to possessing Xanax and Oxycodone.
A 46-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, after an investigation into the theft of meat and seafood from Stop & Shop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 13 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
Failure to obey stop sign: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
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Staples High School Class of 1992 graduate Scott Cussimano died April 28. He was 51, and lived in Seattle.
Scott earned a BA in philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He pursued an MBA at the University of Washington, blending philosophical insight with business acumen. His business career included positions at Microsoft and Oracle. He recently established his own company, focusing on global quality-of-life initiatives.
Scott loved surfing in California and Mexico, playing frisbee with his dog, and traveling to foreign cities.
He is survived by his father, Patrick, sister Gail Cussimano, brother Erik (Margo Friedman), Cussimano and sister-in-law Margo Friedman, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Sissel Dreyer Cussimano.
Scott’s ashes will be scattered along the coastal waters of Santa Barbara, a place he loved.
A celebration of life takes place tomorrow (Friday, June 5, 11 a.m.; Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). Friends can greet the family at 10:30 a.m. cClick here to send online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sierra Club.
Scott Cussimano
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Another “Westport … Naturally” feature, another coyote.
This one was spotted enjoying Susan Garment’s Pequot Trail garden.
Stay safe out there!
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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And finally … thinking about the first item above:
(It’s hard to keep up with everything happening in town. We hope “06880” helps. And to help us keep solvent, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)
Peter Bennett — one of Staples High School’s most legendary teachers, who shaped thousands of lives during a 33-year career as a social studies teacher — died May 19, in Virginia. He was 88, and had suffered a short period of declining health.
Fittingly for a lover of history, he was born on July 4, 1936, in Providence. His father was The Right Rev. Granville Gaylord Bennett, the 8th Episcopal bishop of Rhode Island.
He graduated from Amherst College in 1958, then earned graduate certification in secondary education at Wesleyan University.
He served 2 terms in the Connecticut National Guard, as a corporal.
Peter married Ellen Duckworth in 1958. They enjoyed more than 66 years of teaching and exploring the world together.
At Staples, Peter was an early proponent, and elected member, of the Staples Governing Board, That innovative group — comprised of administrators, teachers and students — made nearly all decisions for the school in the 1970s, except for personnel and funding.
Former colleague Phil Woodruff — himself a legendary social studies teacher — called Peter “scholarly, thoughtful and precise — an artist of the blackboard. He truly cared about kids, and they knew it. He had the same high standards for himself and the youngsters.”
Peter Bennett
In addition to teaching, Peter wrote a 57-page teachers’ manual for the US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, called “What Happened on Lexington Green.” He continued to lecture and speak on many topics throughout his retirement.
A particular focus of his teaching was about India, Asia, China and Japan. He was associated with the Asia Society in New York City. As ambassadors for Air India, he and Ellen gave workshops for travel agents, sharing their first-hand experiences and enthusiasm for the country.
Peter took his family to New Delhi for his sabbatical year in 1977-78. He and Ellen returned several times, to visit friends made there.
After retiring from teaching, he lived Virginia for almost 30 years — first in Williamsburg, then in a retirement community in Irvington.
Peter and Ellen continued to travel in retirement. They saw the Great Wall of China, and visited Tibet, France, England, New Zealand and the Panama Canal.
A former baseball, football and basketball player, he was also an accomplished golfer, with single-digit handicap. In Virginia he enjoyed lawn bowling, and played in competitive tournaments.
A self-taught guitar player, Peter also enjoyed the banjo, and tried the sitar. He spent many retirement years in barbershop groups. He and Ellen also sang together in the Chesapeake Chorale.
The Episcopal church was a constant in Peter’s life. In Connecticut, he served on the Southport Trinity Church vestry.
Peter’s is survived by his wife Ellen; children: Jennifer Richard Ruth), Jonathan (Susanna Breese) and Joshua Corrette-Bennett (Stephanie Corrette-Bennett); grandchildren Madeline and Dove Corrette-Bennett; nephew, Robert Gwin III and family, and the families of his half-sister, Virginia-Moulds. He was predeceased by his half sisters Elizabeth Gwin and Virginia Moulds.
A service was held at Grace Episcopal Church in Kilmarnock, Virginia. He was held in the Grace Episcopal Church cemetery.
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