Seven years ago, Westport resident Debra Kandrak had an idea: Paint the town yellow.
Today, her one-woman crusade pays off beautifully.
Every autumn, she uses a wide variety of outlets — social media, emails, “06880” — to encourage Westporters to plant daffodils.
She brings her message to friends, strangers, businesses, and town organizations and committees. Her message is simple: Plant bulbs.
Every spring around this time, we are blessed with the results of her — and their — work.
Once again, the gorgeous yellow flowers are everywhere.
From neighborhoods like Greens Farms to the Westport Library, around mailboxes and street signs, by the Cribari Bridge, in traffic islands and at the entrances to Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools, Debra’s yeowoman efforts pay off for all of us.
As perennials, each year brings more and more explosions of color.
And every spring, Debra says, she finds flowers in areas she had not seen before. Here’s what she found today:
One stretch of Morningside Drive South …
… and another.
Lansdowne Condominiums, Post Road East.
Hillandale Road
Green’s Farms Church.
Compo Beach
Charcoal Hill Road. (All photos/Debra Kandrak)
Of course, daffodils bloomed even before Debra’s crusade.
The flowers lining the front of Willowbrook Cemetery on Main Street have delighted everyone passing by for years.
Here’s a bonus photo, from Claudia Sherwood Servidio:
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
We’re happy to feature more spring-in-Westport photos. Email them to 06880blog@gmail.com.
After the winter we’ve had, it’s time to celebrate a new season!
(“06880” regularly features Westport’s beauty — in words and images. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Shoah Memorial — an inspiring sculpture honoring the bravery of 4 women in the face of Nazi horrors — comes to Fairfield University in July.
The Westport Library offers a companion program. They say:
“In an era of rising division, how do we transform the lessons of the past into a shield for the future? Join us for an exclusive first look at the Shoah Memorial, a landmark project coming to Fairfield that seeks to honor history while actively stemming the tide of hate. Discover how this local initiative aims to make a global impact.”
A special event — postponed from January by snow — is set for this Sunday (April 12, 2 p.m., Trefz Forum
It includes a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion featuring Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.
The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots” sculpture in Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.
Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.
Anyone who was at VersoFest — or any other Trefz Forum concert — knows how loud the place gets.
But every once in a while, the volume is turned down.
This Saturday (April 11) is one of those days.
From 1 to 5 p.m., a traditional, tranquil atmosphere will be encouraged library-wide.
Residents can bring their current read, or borrow something new. Find a cozy corner, enjoy some wordless picture books in the Children’s Library, or participate in quiet, all-ages crafting at a build-your-own bookmark station.
The event is part of the Library’s We Read initiative.
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Back to the noisy Library: Supper & Soul returns May 2.
Vanessa Collier — an international touring blues artist — returns also. She played the second Supper & Soul, in in 2018.
The Supper & Soul series, presented by The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Library, returns this spring with Vanessa Collier, an international touring and multi-nominee for Best Blues Artist. Vanessa returns to Westport for an encore Supper & Soul show having played the second one back in 2018.
A $90 ticket to the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Blondinit, Capuli, Emmy Squared, Finalmente, Il Pastaficio, Massi Co, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Walrus Alley and Yuzo Sushi.
Concert-only tickets are available for $35.
Dinner is at 6 p.m. The show starts at 8. After the concert, a ticket is good for happy hour pricing on drinks at any participating restaurant.
Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service included 3 pastors.
All are new to town. It was the first sunrise service here for all 3.
Pastor Jinho Choi (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston), Rev. Sophie Beal (Greens Farms Congregational Church) and Rev. Dr. Steven Savides, (Saugatuck Congregational Church) led worship together.
Rick Benson carefully tended the fire. It was definitely not his first sunrise beach service.
From left: Rev. Sophie Beal, Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides, Pastor Jinho Choi.
Former Westporters Kent and Pegi Bernard died, following an automobile accident last May at their second home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Pegi died on impact. She was 73. Kent fought for 10 months before succumbing to his injuries on March 20. He was 75. They were married for 49 years.
Kent moved with his parents to Westport from New York when he was 9. A few years later he was accepted by Juilliard for opera. But allergies sent him on a different path: to Colgate University, and a career in law.
Pegi’s military family moved often. In Virginia, she pursued her equestrian dreams. She was jumping at near Olympic levels, but suffered an ankle injry.
She graduated from the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute in 1973, while also a student at LeMoyne College in New York.
It was less than 40 miles from (then all-male) Colgate. On a trip to LeMoyne, Kent met Pegi.
Kent graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1975. Pegi joined him after she graduated. They were married that August.
In 1980 they, and their young son Adam, moved to Kent’s hometown of Westport.
Kent joined the legal division of Pfizer Inc., and spent his career there. He retired as vice president and assistant general counsel in 2007.
The family was diehard New York Mets fans. Kent and Adam traveled to half the Major League Baseball stadiums.
When Adam began taking martial arts classes, Kent and Pegi joined. They became 3 of the highest ranking black belts in Connecticut.
After Kent retired from Pfizer he joined Fordham University School of Law as an adjunct professor. He spent a decade teaching and mentoring future leaders.
Kent and Pegi supported many charitable organizations. A scholarship at Fairfield College Preparatory School is in the family name, and Pegi was on the advisory board at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding.
They are survived by their son Adam, and a Norwegian forest cat named Bragi.
And finally … a toast to our Westport Library, which can be both quiet (item above) and loud (VersoFest): Shhhh … boom!
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“Primary Trust” — the next Westport Country Playhouse production, about change, friendship, quiet courage and mai tais — opens April 14.
As always, the Playhouse has planned special several events. They include:
Taste of Tuesday (April 14, 6 p.m.): Season ticket holders enjoy snacks, beverages, and casual pre-show conversation.
PRIDE Night (April 16): A pre-show gathering for the LGBTQ+ community.
Opening Night (April 18): A post-show reception, open to all ticket holders.
Sunday Symposium (April 19, after the 3 p.m. matinee): Panel discussion and Q&A about community, isolation and behavioral health with artistic director Mark Shanahan, Rev. Richard Williams of Pivot Ministries, and a representative of Silver Hill Hospital.
Taste of Tuesday Wine Tasting (April 21): Pre-show sampling of wines from The Grapevine, with snacks.
Together at the Table (April 26, $15): Families and groups enjoy a communal pizza lunch and discussion of the play before the matinee show.
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Rev. Frank Hall — minister emeritus at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport — died Tuesday, with his wife Lory Nurenberg by his side. He was 85.
A celebration of his life will be held at the congregation on Sunday, May 3 (2 p.m.).
In 2013, when Rev. Hall retired, “06880” honored him with the story below.
As a teenager growing up near Boston, Frank Hall thought about being a minister.
Only one thing stopped him: He didn’t believe in certain things. Like the Apostles’ Creed. Or the virgin birth.
“A lot of those ideas had to be metaphors, right?” he says.
But while teaching at Wellesley High School from 1962 to ’69, and being drawn into the anti-war movement, Frank also became a Unitarian Church youth group advisor.
Frank Hall today.
His beard and activism as a draft counselor landed him in some trouble with school administrators. A minister who helped mediate the dispute told Frank, “You should be a minister.”
“I don’t believe in God!” he replied.
That seemed perfect for Unitarians. During 3 years at Boston University School of Theology he also served as assistant minister of a small, socially active congregation. Noam Chomsky was a member.
He was called to Attleboro, where he spent 12 happy years as senior minister. In 1984 the Westport Unitarian Church contacted him. Frank was not interested in leaving, but one Sunday afternoon he drove down, by himself.
He found an open door. A lifelong poetry lover, he stood at the pulpit in the stunning building surrounded by woods, and recited lines from Emerson and Whitman.
“I felt an amazing sense that this is where I should be,” he recalls.
He’s been here ever since.
This Sunday (June 9) Frank Hall delivers his last sermon. He’ll be feted the following Sunday (June 16). Then the 73-year-old retires — though he has no plans to leave Westport.
Frank Hall, in the place he feels he was “meant to be.” (Photo by Erik Trautmann/The Hour)
He looks back on 3 decades of association with “an amazing group of people in this church.” He has felt warmly welcomed — despite what may be a unique admission from a minister.
“I make no apologies for my theology, or lack of it,” Frank says. “I could be who I am here.” His was a ministry of poetry, he says.
“It hasn’t always been easy,” Frank admits. “This is not Kansas anymore. Fairfield County is not New England. It’s New York.” For a lifelong Bay Stater — the 3rd of 9 children, and son of a roofer — that took some getting used to.
But he brought a sense of stability to the church on Lyons Plains Road, he says. He did it by being “spiritual, without the theological baggage that goes along with that. Most clergy don’t like to hear ‘I’m spiritual, but not religious’ — that’s not a good customer — but spirituality can be expressed in many ways. Books and music, for instance.”
Frank says the Westport Unitarian Church’s sanctuary — with its physical connection to the outdoors — is another expression of spirituality.
Westport’s Unitarian Church.
The sanctuary was the site of Westport’s 1st gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies, during Frank’s 1st year here in 1984. He is proud of his role in making the Unitarian Church a welcoming place for the LGBT community.
He is proud too of the congregation’s growth. During his tenure the church introduced a 2nd Sunday service, and hired full-time religious education, music and social justice directors, as well as a paid youth advisor. Nine members of the church have moved from the pews into ministry.
During his ministry, Frank held dozens of 6-week sessions with small groups. They talked about spiritual journeys. Frank’s journeys also took concrete form: He took 29 “coming-of-age groups” (14-year-olds) to Boston, touring important sites in and around the birthplace of Unitarianism.
He cherishes his friendship — and regular meetings — with other clergy. “We’re a real support group for each other,” he notes. “We’re on the liberal spectrum, but they say I’m off the spectrum.”
Frank’s community involvement included the formation of the local A Better Chance house. He is also on the board of Temenos Institute.
Retirement will include spending time with his wife Lory, a hospice worker. He also hopes to publish.
Frank Hall’s home, for 30 years. (Photo/Nancy Burton)
“I’ve written 1,000 sermons, but I’ve never published anything,” Frank says. He’s eager too to revisit the 4 journals he filled during a 5-month sabbatical, 20 years ago. He drove across the country by himself, in a VW Vanagon, enjoying detailed conversations with many people he met. He envisions a book that’s “not just a travelogue, but an inner journey.”
Five years ago, Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He wanted to work 5 more years. His neurologist said, “No problem.”
“It’s worked out,” Frank says. “I feel blessed by my work. I feel blessed, as Robert Frost wrote, that I could unite my vocation and my avocation.
“It’s been a great run. A great trip. Now I’m ready to start a new chapter.”
Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.
We’ve had a classic New England winter.
Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.
Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.
It arrives Friday, meteorologically.
It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.
The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.
Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.
So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?
The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.
There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.
We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.
Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.
Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.
Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.
That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.
There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.
Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.
But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.
We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).
We soon may be.
I feel that ice is slowly melting …
We’re all ready to head outdoors.
Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.
A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).
At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.
Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.
Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.
Spring returns soon to Westport.
All is not right with our town, or the world.
But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.
Here comes the sun … it’s all right.
(“06880” covers everything under the Westport sun. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
George Washington visited Westport (then part of Norwalk) at least 3 times.
In 1780 he is said to have discussed war strategy with the Marquis de Lafayette and Comte de Rochambeau at the Disbrow Tavern (where Christ & Holy Trinity Church is today). He returned twice in 1789 as president, coming and going on an inspection tour of the Northeast. He spent 1 night at the Marvin Tavern — located on the Post Road, opposite King’s Highway South — but did not have a bang-up time. In his diary, he called it “not a good house.”
A plaque commemorating one of those visits — dedicated in 1932, on the bicentennial of the Father of Our Country’s birth — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
I was pretty sure at least a few readers would guess the wrong tavern: Marvin’s “not good” one.
But every one who knew it was a tavern nailed it. The old Disbrow site is where the plaque rests — 246 years after Washington’s visit, and 94 years after it was dedicated.
Congratulations to Todd Ehrlich, Pat Saviano, Andrew Colabella, Morley Boyd, Seth Schachter, Wendy Schaefer, John Lisée, Amy Schaefer, Jonathan McClure, Janet Navon and Matt McGrath. You know your history!
But do you know the site of another historical marker? This one is not Washington-related. It’s from 1806 — 7 years after he died.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.
Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.
The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18.
Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.
The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.
Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.
Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.
As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”
She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.
“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”
Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.
This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.
Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.
Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.
But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”
The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.
Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.
Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.
Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.
Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.
The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.
There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).
Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.
Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).
Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.
100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance
New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.
Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi
Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.
The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.
The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.
Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).
The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.
The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong). Click here for more information.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.
Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.
Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.
To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.
They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”
The opening act is Magoo.
The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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