Reaching the United States as refugees is a daunting task.
Getting resettled after arrival can be just as difficult.
For nearly 10 years, the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee has offered life-changing help. They have resettled Afghan and Syrian families in East Norwalk, Black Rock and Stratford.
Assistance includes finding housing, furnishings and clothing; arranging healthcare, language and driving lessons, school registrations and job interviews; providing transportation, emotional support, and much more.
One of the resettled Syrian families …
The volunteers are as diverse as the men, women and children they help. The county-wide coalition includes Westport’s Temple Israel, The Community Synagogue and Green’s Farms Congregational Church, along with First Church Congregational of Fairfield, and Norwalk’s Al Madany Center.
The families they aid gain a foothold in the area, and take the first steps toward achieving the American Dream. It’s a runway to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, full assimilation.
They return value to the community through cultural enrichment, diversity and economic growth.
… and the other.
But IIRC volunteers gain something too: the chance to work with others they might not otherwise meet, and the opportunity to pay forward the assistance that they, or their relatives, may once have received.
John McGeehan has been involved with the IIRC since its inception. He has seen the public perception of refugees shift, from sympathy to suspicion.
“Refugees are people who have been invited here. They’re thoroughly vetted by the State Department.”
“But at the national level, refugees are being conflated with all immigrants as ‘all bad,'” he says.
“That flies in the face of our heritage, as a nation of immigrants. America’s formal refugee resettlement program was the biggest in the world.”
Resettling a refugee family takes an enormous amount of time and effort (as well as money).
Last fall — after resettling an Afghan family of 11 — the IIRC was not ready to aid another one. But when the Trump administration suddenly defunded Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, a well-respected Connecticut non-profit — and placed an indefinite pause on refugee arrivals affecting more than 1,600 Afghans with flight tickets in hand, plus over 40,000 Afghans already approved for visas — IIRC decided to take on an Afghan family of 8 that IRIS had been working with.
An Afghan father and daughter, resettled in Connecticut.
“All that’s left is community involvement,” says McGeehan.
“Thirty seconds after I wrote to all the clergy” proposing to welcome the new Afghan family, he notes, “Rabbi Friedman said: ‘We’re in!'”
Temple Israel’s involvement has been significant.
So are the rewards.
A Syrian man — part of the first family the temple helped — has become an imam leading Norwalk’s mosque, Rabbi Friedman says proudly.
A “refugee Shabbat” has become a cherished tradition. Resettled Afghans and Syrians join other IIRC congregations in a night of prayer and sharing.
“This is the fulfillment of a number of Jewish principles and values,” the rabbi says. “It is an important part of who we are, and what we do.”
“All of the families in our temple came as immigrants. Often, they fled persecution. They found freedom and opportunity in the United States. It’s our responsibility to help others travel the same journey. Passover reinforces that narrative.”
He also praises the interfaith component of the IIRC, and the work of its lay volunteers. “This is what their Jewish or Christian values impel them to do.”
Through the IIRC, McGeehan says, “I and many others have become part of refugees’ families.
“We’ve met volunteers from other towns, and other faiths.
“We’ve gained an intimate understanding of our shared humanity. It really is true that ‘there but for the grace of God …”
The IIRC says, “The US has a long tradition of resettling refugees, rooted in inspiring generosity and the immigrant roots of each one of our citizens.
“There is no better way to contribute to our national self-interest and, at the same time, answer God’s call to give fearlessly.”
But, they note, their work extends beyond religion.
“Whether you see this as God’s work, or the nation’s work, the need is great. Helping to change the life of another helps repair the world.”
(To donate to the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee’s fund for the Afghan family. click here. For more information on the IIRC, click here.)
That’s as regular a headline as “New York Giants lose.”
Law enforcement has served 4 warrants since December 2023 — including twice in the past 2 months — after complaints of non-licensed cannabis sales, and selling to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.
“We report every incident to the state. But they, and the Department of Consumer Protection, say they can’t do anything.”
Koskinas will meet with Representative Town Meeting leaders next week. He hopes the RTM can draft an ordinance to take action against a store, after a certain number of violations.
The chief also spoke with the Aspetuck Health District. They were sympathetic, but could not find language to make repeated arrests a public health issue.
“They pay fines,” Koskinas says of the Savvy Smoker, which seems to be living up to its name. “But they keep on going.”
Today is the beginning of Passover. Next Sunday is Easter.
And this past week marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
It’s a tholiday tradition to visit civil service offices, meet the executive officers, and give thanks and appreciation for the contributions and services they provide.
Members of the Ismaili Muslim community gave Eid al-Fitr gifts of appreciation to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Nick Marsan, for their efforts on behalf of the Ismaili Muslim community and the people of Westport.
Town officials, with representatives of the Ismaili Muslim community.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel — hailed as “the Sistine Chapel of American literature” — was published a century ago this week.
In its honor, the Boston Globe has looked back at the author, and his muse.
The path leads to Westport.
Taking note of the work of Robert Steven Williams and Richard Webb — Westporters who have written and made a film about the possible role our town played in inspired some of the characters and scenes — the Globe says:
When Fitzgerald arrived in Westport in May of 1920, both he and it were entering new eras. He was newly married and on honeymoon with Zelda, a vivacious 19-year-old Alabaman who later became a writer as well. Westport, meanwhile, was leaving its agricultural roots behind and becoming a more industrialized, suburban enclave that parades of wealthy New Yorkers, Bostonians, and other city dwellers took the train to visit. Artists like the Fitzgeralds, priced out of more established communities like Greenwich, came too.
At the time, Westport was practically lawless. The town’s police had little interest in enforcing Prohibition and bootleggers smuggling Canadian liquor criss-crossed Long Island Sound. The Fitzgeralds drank heavily at speakeasies, skinny dipped, and partied on the beach. “It was a bit like the Wild West,” said Robert Steven Williams, a Westport resident and one of the filmmakers behind “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story,” a 2020 documentary.
Click here for the full Boston Globe article. (Hat tips: Fred Cantor, Gwen Tutun)
Speaking of important novels: As a student at Staples High School, Shelley Fisher’s most memorable assignment came from English teacher Tony Arciola: a paper on how Mark Twain used irony to attack racism in “Huckleberry Finn.”
She became a member of Yale’s first graduating class to include women. She earned a doctorate in American studies, and — as a professor of English at Stanford — Shelley Fisher Fishkin is now one of the nation’s foremost Twain scholars.
Her newest book — to be published Tuesday — is “Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn’s Comrades.” It explores the influence of the enslaved made on his young white companion.
Press materials call Jim “a highly polarizing figure: hH is viewed as an emblem both of Twain’s alleged racism and of his opposition to racism; a diminished character inflected by minstrelsy and a powerful challenge to minstrel stereotypes; a reason for banning ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and a reason for teaching it; an embarrassment and a source of pride for Black readers.”
Fishkin explores Twain’s portrayal of him, as well as Jim’s “afterlife” in film, translation, and classrooms today. “The result is Jim as we have never seen him before — a fresh and compelling portrait of one of the most memorable Black characters in American fiction.” Click here to order, and for more information. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
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Speaking of Staples: Ben Casparius made his Major League Baseball debut last season.
Cooper Boardman made it Thursday night.
Casparius — a 2017 Wrecker grad — did it on the mound, for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Boardman’s achievement was in the broadcast booth.
The 2017 Staples and 2021 Syracuse University grad called his first major league game, for the Boston Red Sox’s WEEI radio network. He’s doing all 3 games of the series in Chicago, against the White Sox.
According to the Ruden Report, which broke the story, Boardman has been broadcasting Boston’s AAA Worcester games since 2021. He has also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, working college basketball, softball and lacrosse.
Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards. Click here for the WEEI Tweet.
Cooper Boardman
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Speaking still of Staples: Democracy is not dead.
Every spring and fall, Westport’s League of Women Voters registers new voters at Staples High School.
This week, they enrolled 39 seniors, in both parties. They handed out about 20 applications to others.
The new voters’ first chance will come this November, in local elections.
Every year, Earthplace’s water quality research program hosts a “Cocktails & Clams” fundraiser.
Every year, it sells out.
This year’s event is May 31 (5 to 7 p.m., Copps Island Oysters).
As always, the draw is an unlimited raw bar with fresh oysters and clams, canapés, drinks and live music, at the scenic Norwalk Harbor venue.
All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s science education programs. Faced with significant federal funding cuts, this year’s gala is crucial to empower local youth as future environmental stewards.
To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation, click here.
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Party planning is stressful.
Marinda Freeman can help. The former executive director of Martha Stewart Catering will discuss her new book, “Everything is an Event,” on May 2 (4 p.m., Westport Library).
A Q-and-A and signing session will follow. Registration is $5. Attendees receive a 25% book discount. Click here for more information.
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One of the joys of this time of year is the return of chirping birds.
This blue jay hung out at Richard Fogel’s feeder — and posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … you may have figured this one was coming, based on the photo above.
Or not.
(Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald — today, Westport meets the world AND some literary superstars. Just another “06880” day. If you enjoy Roundups like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Here’s a high five to Coleytown Middle School student Madden Orlovsky.
On Wednesday he celebrated World Autism Day by covering the ESPN studio with his artwork.
Madden Orlovsky and his dad at ESPN, with Madden’s artwork.
It was a truly special day — for Madden, his father Dan (a noted ESPN personality), Dan’s studio colleagues, and tens of millions of viewers and social media followers.
Click here for a great Twitter/X post. Former Westporter Mike Greenberg called it “the best show ever.”
Screenshot of Madden Orlovsky, his father Dan, and the ESPN crew.
The network’s 28 million Instagram followers loved Madden too. Click here or below.
Finally, click here to watch Dan talk about the day with Pat McAfee. (Hat tips: Dave Briggs, Beth Cody, Jeff Mitchell)
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Save a Life Day is Wednesday (April 9).
In Westport, that’s more than a proclamation.
At 7 p.m. (Town Hall), Aspetuck Health District and Positive Directions invites residents to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Narcan to save a life.
An important related event is National Drug Take-Back Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
In addition, Westport and Weston Police Departments have medication disposal safety boxes in their lobbies. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safe disposal of prescription drugs.
And in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, on Monday (April 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Westport Prevention Coalition hosts a virtual community discussion: “Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol.”
Panelists will share perspectives as a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. Click here to register.
Wakeman Town Farm and Sustainable Westport honor Earth Day together.
Their April 26 “Spring Garden Fest” event includes a workshop on growing dahlias, a talk about sustainable garden practices and choosing the best pollinator plants for your garden, a demonstration of battery-charged garden tools, and a free native “seed bomb” from Terrain. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, do you love vegetables? Want to plan a garden? But have no clue how to begin?
If you can wait till May 5 (7 p.m.), check out Wakeman Town Farm’s “Wild About Veggies” workshop. Click here for more information, and to register.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets this Thursday (April 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall Rooms 201/201A).
There is 1 agenda item: “Discussion of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School submitted by the Long Lots School Building Committee to receive feedback on site design at 13 Hyde Lane.”
The public may observe, but not participate. Written public comments prior to the meeting will be accepted. Click here for the “Contact” page on the town website.
A very preliminary drawing of the new Long Lots Elementary School was shown at the “State of the Town” meeting this winter.
ADL Connecticut, Temple Israel, TCS, Chabad of Westport, the Fairfield Jewish Advocacy Coalition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Beth El Norwalk are joining together to sponsor please join us for a screening of the documentary “October 8.”
The April 17 event (6:30 p.m., Westport Library) will be followed by a talkback and Q-and-A with the production team.
The documentary explores the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and America streets beginning the day after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas.
The film also “uncovers how, over decades, Hamas created sophisticated networks in America to permeate US institutions and examines the tsunami of online antisemitism, propaganda and disinformation unleashed by Iran, China and Russia — with the sole purpose of dividing American society.”
There are also 2 screenings at the AMC Royale in Norwalk, on April 8 (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.). Click here for details.
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The curtain rises tonight on the Coleytown Company production of “Matilda The Musical.” A few seats remain for this weekend’s 4 performances of the Roald Dahl-inspired show.
Coleytown Company promises “colorful characters, rousing songs, and an inspiring storyline.” The show will entertain audiences of all ages — especially elementary school, with its “relatable and magical” story.
Shows tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a multi-generational Passover Seder potluck on April 19 (5:30 p.m.).
Passover honors the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. At a Seder, families, friends and strangers remember the Exodus through stories, music and ritual foods.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation evokes the spirit of many different religions, and celebrates various traditions. Everyone, of all ages, is invited to this Seder. The only requirement is to pre-register, by clicking here.
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Last Sunday’s Westport Swim Club meet at Staples High School drew 50 swimmers, and over spectators.
It was a fun, productive event — complete with cowbells and pizza — for youngsters who had been working on their strokes, with old friends and new ones.
Click here to learn more about the Westport Swim Club.
Westport Swim Club youngsters and coaches.
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How do you move an asteroid?
If anyone knows, it’s Nancy Chabot.
On April 15 (8 p.m.; Zoom and YouTube), the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s planetary chief scientist tells the Westport Astronomical Society about the Double Asteroid Redirection Test: the first mission to move an asteroid.
The Staples High School team of Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques recently placed first in the Connecticut Debate Association’s state finals (novice division).
Coach John Bengston’s sophomore squad won all 4 rounds, in the 40-team event. their coach.
Please find attached a photo (photo by Lucy Basso ’27) of the team from left: Debate Coach and Social Studies Teacher John Bengston, Alexia Damian ’27 and Sophie Jacques ’27
Staples debate team coach John Bengston, with Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques.
The Weston High School junior recently led a drive that distributed over 12,000 pounds of food to more than 1,300 underserved residents in Florida.
He rallied his peers to join the effort. Click here for his inspiring blog post.
The project was part of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which fights food insecurity.. Bruce serves on the junior advisory board, and leads the partners and sponsors team.
Bruce is also an Eagle Scout with Troop 788 in Weston, a member of the National Honor Society, a Congressional Award gold nedalist, and a 4-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
He also serves as presidenet of WHS’ HOSA Club, secretary general of Model UN, and vice president of the American Heroes Club. And … Bruce is also a black belt in kung fu.
Bruce Matos, helping fight food insecurity.
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Speaking of Weston: The town’sCommission for the Arts and Friends of the Weston Library invite artists to submit up to 3 works. They’ll be considered for the Weston Connections Art Exhibit, set for the Library in July.
Artists (age 14 or older) must have a “connection” to Weston — a local subject matter, current or former resident, or work or volunteer there. Click here for details.
Every year, “06880” runs photos of American oystercatchers at Compo Beach.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows one at Burying Hill Beach.
It’s a beauty.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Photographer Lou Weinberg says: “Whenever I see these beautiful birds, it gives me hope the environment still has some sustaining power. Nature wins!
“The American oystercatcher subsists primarily on shellfish. They live in a narrow ecological zone consisting of salt marshes and barrier beaches.
“According to the American Oystercatcher Working Group, threats to these native coastal birds include direct loss of habitat from coastal development and expanding human recreational activity, elevated predation from predator populations augmented by human activities, loss of primary food sources by: pollution, decline in water quality, restricted groundwater flow, disease, invasive exotic marine organisms, and (of course) effects of global climate change, particularly sea level rise eliminating small isolated islands used for nesting and roosting.”
And finally … in honor of Coleytown Company’s big show this weekend (story above):
(Did you have a good week? Did you learn anything from “06880”? If so, please consider clicking here to support our work. We could not do all this stuff without you. Thanks for your help!)
Chris Swan reports that 3 osprey nest platforms are back in operation, with pairs in evidence over the weekend.
He spotted them on New Creek, in the Burying Hill Beach marsh adjacent to Beachside Common homes; directly behind the Sherwood Island Nature Center along the tidal estuary that forms the state park’s northern boundary, and in the marsh grass on the eastern shore of Sherwood Mill Pond, a couple of hundred feet north of Compo Cove.
Chris has not yet seen activity on the marsh grass at the end of Grove Point Road, on a peninsula opposite the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection air quality shack on Sherwood Island.
New Creek osprey platform. (Photo/Chris Swan)
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Will national politics damage Westport’s local governance traditions?
That’s a question the Democratic Women of Westport will ask — and hope to answer — at an April 22 forum (7 p.m., Westport Women’s Club).
Speaker Paul Kahn is a professor at Yale School, and author of “Democracy in America: Can We Still Govern Ourselves?” He has studied the effect first hand, in his own Connecticut town.
Kahn’s talk will be followed by a panel discussion with current Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Weiser, and his predecessor Velma Heller.
The public — Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters — is welcome. If you’ve got a question for the panel, or to RSVP, email DWW06880@gmail.com
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Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerota have done it again.
The Wesrporters — experienced journalists who have just launched “Sanity,” a national podcast on a wide array of important topics — sat down the other day with Craig Carton.
The Fox Sports and WFAN host has been open about how his gambling addiction led to a prison term for securities fraud.
With March Madness in full swing, Carton is a timely guest. Americans will bet $3 billion on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
A not-insignificant amount of that money is wagered (and lost) by teenagers.
Carton gave Briggs and Camerota an eye-opening look at America’s gambling culture, and its impact on adolescents.
He provides strong advice, too. It begins with: Don’t let your kid use your account.
Click below to see the episode. Click here to listen on Spotify.
Not the one that keeps the high school safe from hackers, intruders and other bad actors. (Though they do a very good job of it.)
No — this cybersecurity team is the one composed of students. And — out in the open — they recently took part in the prestigious Lockheed Martin CyberQuest Competition, at Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford.
Hundreds of students attempt to solve cybersecurity challenges designed by Lockheed Martin cybersecurity engineers.
The “Capture the Flag” format includes multi-step intrusion scenarios, steganography, reverse engineering, full OS hacks, packet capture, web exploits, social engineering, and cybersecurity awareness.
Staples was the youngest team there. And the only one new to the event.
No problem!
After 3 hours of vigorous hacking they piled up 2,150 points. They won by a massive 400 points, bringing the coveted CyberQuest belt to Westport.
And Jacek Nieweglowski was named Best Coach of the competition.
Congratulations to Jacek, and team members Ignacy Nieweglowski, Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen and Ezra Schwartz.
Sounds like you could show Mike Waltz and Pete Hegseth a thing or two.
From left: Rohan Sarren, Ezra Schwartz, Sahil Vora Ignacy Nieweglowski,
Last week, “06880” featured Lynsey Addario’s page 1 New York Times photo, from Ukraine.
The 1991 Staples High graduate is a Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant” photojournalist, who has shot images from wars and danger spots around the world.
But Westporters don’t need to read the Times to see her work.
A collection of stunning images of Afghan women is on display at the Senior Center.
Titled “Veiled Rebellion,” they were donated by Addario to the Westport Public Art Collections. Their provenance is impressive: They were first exhibted at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, in 2012.
The text accompanying the photos is from a National Geographic story, written by Addario in 2012.
Additional images from “Veiled Rebellion” are on display at the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Jeff Jacobs)
Chabad of Westport hosts Glenn Cohen — a hostage debrief team leader, and former Mossad chief psychologist — for a “Candid Conversation” on April 23 (7:30 p.m.).
He’ll discuss the release of hostages from Hamas captivity, including first hand insights into what the captives endured and how they coped, while debunking common myths about captivity.
Noted jazz trumpeter Alex Norris headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, April 3; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
He’s joined by bassist Joris Teepe, pianist Greg Murphy, drummer Steve Johns, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.
Whenever he offers a nature photograph for our “Westport … Naturally” feature, we’re all a winner.
Today he sends an American pussy willow, and a friend.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Lou explains: “A very early bloomer, it provides native bees, honeybees and other pollinators with critical late winter/early spring energy, in the form of nectar and pollen.
“What appears to be oversized saddlebags are pollen sacks that the bees bring back to the hive to share.
“These pictures were taken at the Long Lots Preserve, surrounding the Westport Community Gardens on Hyde Lane. In addition to pussy willow, dozens of other native trees, shrubs and wildflowers have been planted to support this very successful environmental rehabilitation project.
“The Long Lots Preserve is a model for what can be done in any neglected green open space. It is a tremendous hands-on environmental educational resource.”
(“06880” — your 24/7/365, hyper-local blog — relies on reader support. That’s no joke! If you enjoy our work — and even if we fooled you this morning — please click here to help. Thank you!)
Dozens of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” marches are planned for this Saturday (April 5).
One is planned for Westport. The event, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown, starts at 11 a.m.
Organizers say: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Westport is fighting back!
“They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
“On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
They add: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”
The walkthrough of the potential site for a combined Police/Fire/EMS public safety complex on the Sherwood Island Connector — scheduled for this Thursday, April 3 — has been canceled.
A new date will be announced soon.
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The thermometer hit 77 degrees yesterday, around 3 p.m. Compo Beach was — naturally — packed.
Barely 2 hours later, it plummeted to 49.
The exiting traffic on Hillspoint Road reminded Andrew Colabella of July.
“You’d think the fireworks just ended, and everyone was heading home,” he says.
The Economist’s “Plot Twist” is a weekly newsletter about culture.
Normally, their story about Shonda Rhimes — “The Small Screen’s Biggest Hitmaker” — would not be “06880”-worthy.
Our talented, famous neighbor gets plenty of press. Probably daily.
But this paragraph, by deputy culture editor Rachel Lloyd, caught our eye:
Arranging an interview with a Hollywood bigwig … can be tricky. Usually there is an endless back-and-forth with wary publicists who want to vet all your questions. To my surprise, finding a time to meet Ms Rhimes was easy; no one tried to dictate what I could and could not ask. Ms Rhimes and I met a few weeks ago in a library near her home in Connecticut.
We all know “Ms. Rhimes” has been a huge supporter of the Westport Library.
It’s nice to know that — just like the rest of us who are not world famous, and/or will never be interviewed by The Economist — she too “takes a meeting” at the Library. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)
In January, Shonda Rhimes hosted a Martin Luther King Day conversation with Trey Ellis at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“Theatre People” — the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-25 season — opened officially last night.
The audience responded appreciately to the fast-paced comedy. Directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan, it runs through April 12. Click here for tickets, and more details.
“Theatre People” cast take their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Tomorrow is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Yesterday, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosted an event, with speakers, a panel and a potluck dinner.
The keynote was delivered by Rev. Aaron Miller, of the Metropolitan Community Church in Hartford.
It was a homecoming of sorts, he told the audience. He grew up in Weston, and was part of Staples High School’s last graduating class (1970) to include students from that town.
He transitioned 17 years ago. He said that ever since, his life has been authentic, and filled with joy.
Rev. Aaron Miller
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There are few birds more handsome than an egret.
The other day, one enjoyed a Westport amenity: the Longshore golf course. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s brief flirtation with summertime:
(You can’t always count on the weather. But you can always rely on “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365. We’re your hot spot for cool stories. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
We all know the internet is awash in misinformation, disinformation and lies.
But still, we watch videos filled with outlandish content, and nod along.
Yup, we say. Weird. Who knew?
But when that content hits close to home — say, our very own town — we sit up and say, Hey! That’s BS! What a crock!
Still, plenty of people outside, say, 06880 might believe it.
An Instagram Reel from the Sad Money podcast (tagline: “Money Never Weeps,” by Stephen Sihelnik and Alex Payne), is making the cyber rounds.
Alex Payne and Stephen Sihelnik.
It’s a mishmash of the fantastic and the bizarre, with just enough threads of reality to make it believable.
And because Stephen sounds so sure of himself — and Alex throws in a few affirming “Wow”s — you would think that:
Westport only exists because up until the 1960s, the “constitution” in Greenwich — “the rich town you really want to live in” — said that “you could not sell your home to Jews.”
But because so many New York Jews wanted to live in the suburbs, they bought a “farm town” and made their own “Jewish town.”
Which is why Westport is now 90% Jewish.
And how about our Chabad? The host — who has been there “a couple of times” — describes it: 4 stories, “palatial,” with a garden and a “mile-long driveway.”
The actual Chabad of Westport: the former 3 Bears Inn.
Posted 3 days ago, it’s already amassed over 21,000 “likes.”
The nearly 600 comments — about religion, economics, farmland and more — are just as fascinating.
One woman — calling herself a 4th generation Westporter — says that her great-grandmother was respoonsible for making sure an antisemitic “gentleman’s agreement” was not established here, during a secret real estate meeting.
Another writes: “A girl I went to elementary school with would have birthday parties at her grandparents huge house, with an amazing pool, tennis court, etc, and they were, in fact, Jewish!”
We all know not to go down internet rabbit holes. But if you insist, click here or below to see the Instagram reel.
Posted onMarch 22, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
Westport artist Mark Yurkiw has created over 2,000 “story-telling sculptures” during his 50-year career.
They’ve been seen on TV, films and billboards, and in magazines and newspapers.
Several are now on display at the Senior Center. They make visitors engage, think and smile.
But they do a lot more too. All are available for purchase.
Donations will help ship another 40-foot container of medical equipment to Ukraine. This is the 6th time Yurkiw has done this, for his country of ancestry.
The equipment is in a warehouse, waiting for $7,800 to be raised. In addition to sculpture sales at the Senior Center, tax-deductible contributions can be made by clicking here. Include the words “For shipping” with donations.
But that’s not all.
Yurkiw is also collecting generators, chain saws and tools for auto repairs. All are also desperately needed in Ukraine.
They can be dropped off by the garage doors at 190 Cross Highway. To arrange pickup, call 646-873-0050.
Over 200 Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and guests, heard US Representative Jim Himes address many important issues on Thursday.
Among the topics: tariffs, international relations, US support of Ukraine, the Mideast, Social Security, Medicare, the balance of power between the 3 branches of governmentn and much more.
Click below, to hear our congressman’s take on the world.
Yesterday, “06880” reported on the decision by Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo to replace the handsome metal Block “S” honor — the highest honor for any Wrecker, awarded to 2 athletes on every varsity team, for over 70 years — with much less expensive, generic plaques.
The story included a photo of a typical Block “S”:
But it did not show the replacement. For comparison, here is what athletes this year receive:
Sarullo responded to “06880” yesterday. He said, “The decision was made last summer. I did not hear any complaints until this week.
“We are talking to the company that makes the Block ‘S’ awards, to see how creative we can be.”
Addressing public concerns about the change, he added, “We are not taking this lightly. I hope everyone will be patient. We’ll see what we can do.”
The new restaurant — with a Main Street address, but whose main entrance is off Elm Street, opposite Serena & Lily — was packed, for a special soft opening party last night.
WVEMS deputy director Marc Hartog and his granddaughter enjoy Sushi Jin. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)
The sushi, dumplings and other menu items, well-stocked bar, and warm, welcoming Japanese-style decor have all the markings of the town’s newest hot spot.
Sushi Jin chefs at work. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The official opening is tomorrow (Sunday).
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, around the corner at Bedford Square, The Blondinit Israeli restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Shabbat candle lighting ceremony.
Families wait for candle lighting at The Blondinit. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A national audience knows Craig Melvin as the new host of NBC’s “Today” show.
Westporters know him as a youth basketball coach, and an owner of the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
Tomorrow (Sunday, 3 p.m.), he’ll step onto the Norwalk Concert Hall stage. He’ll narrate the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” The work closes with the famous words: “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Also on the bill: “American in Paris, “Afro-American Symphony,” “Barber of Seville Overture” and more. Click here for more details.
Craig Melvin
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“Southern Fried” — the best in classic rock, blues and R&B — takes over the VFW tonight (March 22, 7 p.m. doors opoen, music at 8 p.m.).
Matt Zako and Barn Brew Co. promise “a night of great tunes, cold drinks, and fun with friends.”
Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 at the door.
Plus: The first draft beer is free. Now that’s Southern hospitality!
For 14 years, longtime Westporter Peter Bradeen and his son Peter Jr. have jumped into Long Island Sound long before the rest of us. His other sons, Ethan and Luke, are regulars too.
They’ve joined a fundraiser for Connecticut Special Olympics. More than 12,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports, and participate in 4 annual state games.
This year’s event is April 6 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield).To help Peter Jr. reach his goal, click here.
In the wake of a second discovery of a swastika in a Weston school, 2 Westport rabbis, and the pastors of 2 Weston churches, issued this statement:
“Echoing the words used by Weston Board of Education chair Steve Ezzes in his recent message, we too are ‘full of sadness and frustration’ at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.
“Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.
“Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.
“We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.
“As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.
“In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.
“We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.
“We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.
“Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.”
L’shalom — in peace,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue
In Solidarity,
Rev. Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Rev. Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church
And finally … Stephen Sondheim was born on this date, 95 years ago. He died in 2021 — 71 years after spending the summer as an apprentice at the Westport Country Playhouse.
There are so many great songs to choose from. Here are 3 — all starting with his initials, “S.”
(“Isn’t it rich …” Hey, we couldn’t resist using that line to remind readers that “06880” relies on your support. Please click here to help us continue our work. No clowning around. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
Westport is one of the few towns left in Connecticut with a Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
It’s our legislative branch. They pass budgets, enact ordinances, hear appeals, and do much more that impacts our daily lives.
You may know something about the RTM. You may know very little, or nothing at all.
This Sunday (March 23, 2 p.m., Westport Library), you can learn much more. A community conversation — with long-time RTM members, and newer ones — will cover what they do, how they do it, and why you should care.
Here are some reasons why I care about this event: The RTM is important. it’s been around for 75 years. Members are a diverse, interesting and hard-working group.
And the theme for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade float contest is … “Remember and Honor.”
Certificates will be awarded for Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and Best Overall Float.
I’m going way out on a limb here, but I predict the Best Overall Float winner will be … the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
Just a hunch.
The Memorial Day parade begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26. It runs from Saugatuck Elementary School, up Riverside Avenue, across the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge and onto Myrtle Avenue. It ends with a brief but moving ceremony at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.
If you are new to Westport, and/or haven’t been to the parade: Mark it down on your calendar. It’s one of the best events in town.
Plus, if you have a kid involved in any activity at all, you have to go. They’re in it.
The Y’s Men ALWAYS win. This was their 2021 float. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Looking for a way for your 6th or 7th grader to participate in March Madness — without betting?
The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosts a special event tomorrow (Friday, March 21, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.), in the gym.
Organized by junior board members, it includes basketball games, pizza, and a fun, social atmosphere.
Games are 3-v-3. Register with your onw team (limit: one travel player per team!), or sign up individually to be placed on a team. Entry fee is $25 for Y members and non-members alike.
The winning team can choose a charity to receive a donation from the proceeds.
If you haven’t been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up exhibit:
What are you waiting for?
Here’s your chance.
On April 2 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn), they’ll host a reception for their next show.
On tap: hors d’oeuvres, wine, conversation, and beauty provided by 12 artists: Tom Berntsen, Louise Cadoux, Leonor Dao, Yuko Ike, Natasha Karpinskaia, Constance Manna, Dionne Pia, Dorothy Robertshaw, Norm Siegel, Marlene Siff, Debbie Smith and Elizabeth White.
Guitarist Bill Bickford will provide the music. He has played or recorded with jazz greats Joe Bowe, Mose Allison, Donald Byrd and Maceo Parker.
The exhibit runs April 3-6 (12 to 4 p.m.). An artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on April 6 will cover the creative process.
United Methodist Church hosts 2 events for the public next month. One is for kids, the other for adults.
An Easter Egg hunt (for youngsters up to age 10) is April 5 (2 p.m.). It’s free, but donations of non-perishable food for local pantries are welcome.
The Legacy String Quartet performs April 13 (2 p.m.). The suggested donation is $20.
The 2023 Easter Egg Hunt at the United Methodist Church.
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In 2018, Connecticut became one of the first states to restrict the use of insecticides called neonicotinoids. This class of chemicals is very harmful to pollinators.
The Public Works Department encourages residents to take advantage of Household Hazardous Waste Day (Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station parking lot), to dispose of any insecticides with neonicotinoid.
Products that contain these chemicals (see label) may be disposed of on April 5:
Imidacloprid
Clothianidin
Thiamethoxam
Acetamiprid
Dinotefuran
For a complete list of products containing neonicotinoids, click here.
Save pollinators! Dispose of neonicotinoids! (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
On the first day of spring, one more sign that summer is near:
In honor of the 50th anniversary of “Jaws,” the Westport Country Playhouse will screen that ground-breaking film.
The June 2 (7 p.m.) event includes an exploration of hidden details and behind-the-scenes stories before the showing, and a conversation after about how it became one of the greatest films of all time.
Tickets are $25 ($15 for Encore Club members). Click here to reserve, and for more information.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between March 11 and 19. One — reported earlier — involved the sale of illegal sale/manufacture of cannabis, at Savvy Smoker.
A 59-year-old Westport woman was charged with larceny, after she was observed filling up a Stop & Shop grocery cart, then leaving without paying. A wintess recorded her license plate, while parked in the fire lane. She ws released after postin a $10,000 bond.
A 26-year-old Stratford woman was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of a personal ID information device, and identity theft, following the theft of 2 checks from a mailbox. He was released after posting a $35,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Failure to renew registration: 5
Failure to obey stop sign: 5
Speeding: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive in the propero lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to display license plate: 1
The fine in Connecticut for passing a standing school bus is $450 for the first offense. Fines then rise to $500 to $1,000, with the possibility of 30 days in jail. (Photo/Christie Stanger)
The long-awaited season arrived officially at 5:01 this morning.
(Spring, summer, fall, winter — “06880” is here for you. We’re your 24/7/365, hyper-local source for news, events, opinions, photos, and more. Thanks for clicking here to support our work!)
This afternoon’s “Snowmen of Love” project — a ringing response to the antisemitic snowman discovered Sunday at Newman Poses Preserve — drew a spirited, creative, all-ages crowd to Saugatuck Congregational Church.
“06880” photographer Ryan Allen was there too. The Staples High School sophomore captured all the joy and fun of the day.
Despite just a couple of hours’ notice — and in the middle of a busy weekday afternoon — many Westporters showed up today, on the Saugatuck Congregational Church lawn.
Some were congregants; others were not. Some were in the prime of their snowman-making days; others were well past.
All went to work, turning last night’s snowfall into an even prettier site: “Snowmen of Love.”
That’s the name Rev. Kari Nicewander gave to a quickly conceived project.
The goal was to counter Sunday’s snowman of hate: a crude representation of Adolf Hitler — complete with swastika, mustache, and outstretched arm salute — at Newman Poses Preserve.
They had fun. They worked together. They drank hot chocolate.
And they sent a message to everyone passing by, on Post Road East: Our snowmen have hearts.
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“All of the families in our temple came as immigrants. Often, they fled persecution. They found freedom and opportunity in the United States. It’s our responsibility to help others travel the same journey. Passover reinforces that narrative.”
