The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the retirement of minister of music Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson this Saturday, with — appropriately — concert of his works.
The November 16 (7 p.m.) event features the New York-based Choral Chameleon ensemble. A reception follows the free concert.
Thompson is stepping down, after more than 46 years with the UU church. What began as a part-time position conducting a single choir blossomed into a full-time role, conducting 8 choirs across 2 weekly services.
He holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, and a doctorate from the University of Hartford.
For nearly 5 decades Thompson has guided hundreds of children and adults through choir, offering both musical training and spiritual mentorship.
During his tenure Thompson has composed numerous works for youth, adult and bell choirs. “Celtic Noel” was written for choir, Uilleann pipes, harp and tin whistle. “Seeking Home” is a 12-movement piece for choir, guitars and native flutes, dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women.
But the tide was plenty high yesterday morning, at Compo Beach.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Good thing the weather is nice!
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A few seats remain for Coleytown Middle School’s fall musical review.
“Raise Your Voice” features 15 songs from “Into the Woods,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Oliver!,” to “Mary Poppins,” “Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Legally Blonde” and more.
Performances are Thursday, November 21 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 22 (7 p.m). Click here; then search for “Coleytown.”
Coleytown Middle School students raise their voices. (Photo/Clair Benmosche)
Westport Country Playhouse has named new members to its Theatre Council. The advocacy group supports the artistic and community-building mission of the historic theatre, now in its 93rd year.
The volunteer group is guided by Playhouse trustee Ben Frimmer. Members include Ari Benmosche, Carin Freidag, Ivy Kramer-Gosseen, Jeff Gurner, Kerri Joller, Diana Mashia, Carolina Mata, Rachel Rosado Murray, Rabbi Zachary A. Plesent, Sara Robbin, Elizabeth Salem, Meredith Walker and Claire Wilkes.
Ben Frimmer leads the Westport Country Playhouse Theatre Council.
Long time Westport realtor-artist — and now writer — Jo Ann Miller, is out with her third book.
“Echo Bunker” follows protagonist Abbey Lane, who deals with corruption and collusion at the World Bank with kickbacks to bureaucrats and politicians.
BookList says: “Fast paced plot with spicy dialogue. While an ‘airplane book,’ a reader cannot wait until lift off.” It’s available on Amazon by Thanksgiving.
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This handsome guy posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature in Eric Roth’s Dogwood Lane front yard.
“Didn’t even flinch,” Eric reports.
Why should he? They were here first.
(Photo/Eric Roth)
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And finally … on this day in 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman begins his famous “March to the Sea.”
Operating without supply lines, and lasting through December 21, his troops moved from Atlanta to Savannah. They destroyed military targets, along with industry, infrastructure and civilian property. The Confederacy’s economy and transportation networks were disrupted, helping lead to surrender in April 1865.
(As the photo above shows, the buck stops here — in Westport. Specifically, at “06880.” If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, and have a buck or two to help support us, please click here. Thank you!)
This month, there are many somethings. For example:
Election Day Art Recess Camp (November 5): A creative day, for nursery school to 1st graders (9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.), or kindergartners through 5th graders (9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
East Coast Contemporary Ballet: (November 8, 7:30 p.m.): Pieces from 2019 onward, a new version of “Deconstructed,” and a world premiere.
Lunchtime Sound Bath Meditation with Hummingbird Healing Center (November 13, 12:30-1:30 p.m.).
Holiday Marketplace (November 15-16, noon-4 p.m.): Local artisans and vendors offer unique items.
Fall and Holiday Prep Workshops (various dates): Hands-on classes in basket weaving and ceramic multi-bowl building.
Click here for registration, and more information.
Meanwhile, Saugatuck Congregational Church has some interesting events too:
Drum Circle: A Journey for the Spirit(November 10, 3 p.m.): Drum to a common rhythm; tune in to yourself and others. Guided by an elder from Ecuador. No experience necessary. Bring a percussion instrument if you have one. Suggested donation: $10
Violins of Hope (November 17, 10:00 a.m.): Working with the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, Saugatuck Church hosts a violin and cello of Violins of Hope, visit during the worship service. The instruments belonged to Jews before and during the Holocaust. The service includes performances by Amelie Bazile (Staples High School), Hannah Alexander (Western Connecticut State University) and our SCC director of music ministries Dr. Liang-Fang Chang.
Saugatuck Concert Series: (November 17, 3 p.m.): Rolf Schulte (violin) and Kayoung An (piano). Free; donations are welcome.
The Westport Country Playhouse’s “Script in Hand” season continues November 18 (7 p.m.) with a new play: “A Danger to Yourself and Others.”
It’s a “farcical look at navigating life with anxiety” — which we all seem to need right now. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Matt Panos sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, with this comment:
“I’ve never submitted a picture before, but then again I don’t live in Westport anymore.
“I was back in town for Staples High School’s Class of 1974 50th reunion. It was fabulous: ~120 classmates, of which about 117 do not live in Westport, descended upon our former hometown.
“As I headed back to Arizona, I took one last drive around and just had to snap a few photos. No trees in Phoenix like this one on Old Hill Road! It was a great weekend of memories.”
Dick Fincher — a longtime Westporter with a quiet passion for the town, and who served it in roles ranging from Tree Board chair, and Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member to Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman — died on Monday. He was 86.
His family says:
The Fincher family lost their hero on October 28. Richard “Dick” Fincher enjoyed 86 wonderous trips around the sun.
The Indiana sand dunes, on the shores of Lake Michigan, were his playground.
Raised by 2 adoring uncles and a fiercely protective grandmother. All provided love, strength and a strong set of values, while at the same time imbuing Dick with a lifetime love of all things natural.
High school was spent at Benlippen in Asheville, North Carolina, where he excelled both academically and in sports. Dick was offered a basketball scholarship by Indiana State, and a soccer scholarship to Wheaton College in Illinois.
Wheaton won out. Dick played soccer, and captained his team to an NCAA championship his senior year.
Their first night at Wheaton, Dick met Dorothy “Dottie” Skeoch at a freshman mixer. Their friendship extended into an adventurous 63-year marriage.
Dick Fincher
An ROTC commitment took Dick and Dottie to Fort Lee, Virginia for a Quartermaster School assignment. There, among other commitments, Dick was asked to form and coach the post soccer team.
After completing his military assignment, Dick joined Continental Can Company. For the next 20 years he saw the world.
He then founded his own consulting and recruiting company, which lasted for the next 20 years.
Upon retirement, unable to sit in a hammock, Dick began carving and hand painting cedar fishing lures, which he sold from the Caribbean to Hawaii.
In 1969, this became Dick’s town. He immersed himself in everything Westport.
In addition to Earthplace, the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, Staples Tuition Grants, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Dick could be found on the sidelines cheering Staples High School soccer games, and attending town meetings where he believed he could make a difference.
Dick Fincher, at the entrance to the Wadsworth Arboretum (corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane).
His Old Hill neighborhood became his world. He championed formation of the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, monitored cars speeding through stop signs, gave advice, cared for folks in dark clothes walking the narrow streets, and worked endless hours in his yard, sharing the abundance of his garden with neighbors.
Seeing and visiting with neighbors, feeding his many birds, sitting on his front porch or strolling with his dog Gunner were the highlights of his day.
Summers found Dick captaining his boat on Long Island Sound, fishing for stripers and blues, and running lobster pots with his boys.
In his wake he leaves Dottie, his beloved sons Rick, Doug (Tracy) and Scott (Julie), 10 adored grandchildren (with a great-grandchild on the way), and many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved.
A celebratory service is planned for Christ & Holy Trinity Church on December 28.
When Erika Brunwasser, her husband and 2 young girls moved to Westport in 2019, they were attracted by all the usual amenities: schools, beaches, the Library and more.
But Erika was looking for something else: a Jewish community.
She’d grown up in Cleveland, surrounded by other Jews. Her large family, there included her grandfather and his 2 brothers, all Holocaust survivors.
Erika found it difficult to get acclimated here, and make friends. There was no central meeting place, like a JCC. COVID hit, increasing her isolation.
Then came an “aha!” moment: a Facebook page
Erika — whose day job is associate regional director for ADL Connecticut — created “Jewish Westport” that first pandemic month, in March of 2020. She invited the “40 or so” people she knew to follow it.
Today, there are 1,600.
Erika Brunwasser’s Passover message.
For the first couple of years, the questions and comments were run-of-the-mill: “Where can I get kosher brisket for the holiday?” “What’s the best Jewish preschool?” “Where can I go for Shabbat?”
Then came October 7, 2023.
Hamas’ horrific attack on Israel — exactly one year ago today — turned Erika’s Facebook page into much more of what she had envisioned: a source of support and information, along with practical advice.
Before Hanukkah, a Weston woman wrote that she felt lonely. Her non-Jewish friends did not understand her anxiety and fear.
Out of that post grew a menorah lighting at Weston Field Club. Over 100 people attended.
“Jewish Westport” became a place, Erika says, where “someone could ask how to address an antisemitic incident, and know that it was a safe space. She wouldn’t get pushback.”
Erika and Jenna Guja, who helps run the page, vet new members carefully, ensuring they are Jewish, have Jewish family members, or a tie to the community (like working at a temple).
“It’s not that we’re exclusive,” Erika explains. “But we really want to make sure this is a safe place.”
Jenna Guja and Erika Brunwasser, at a rally for Israel on Jesup Green.
Since October 7, she has learned — through her Facebook page, and by living in Westport — that the Jewish community she yearned for does exist.
It’s there in our 4 temples, as well as in the many other people who are not affiliated, or involved in activities.
“People want to engage,” she says. “They realize they need each other.”
For example, last week, a “Jewish Westport” member offered to deliver Rosh Hashanah dinners to anyone who wanted them.
When she first launched the Facebook page, a friend asked, “Why do we need this? What’s wrong with Westport Front Porch?” — a popular spot for discussions about all things local.
“This is by and for Jewish people, and Jewish life and community,” Erika answered.
Yet she was not satisfied with her own answer. Now — in the year after October 7 — she sees proof of how “Jewish Westport” differs from “Westport Front Porch.”
Today her friend laughs about her question, Erika notes.
Scott Sharkey — who owns EveryHomeShouldHaveAChallah.com — often posts on “Jewish Westport.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see the way the world reacted to Israel’s self-defense,” Erika adds.
“No one wants war. But no one wants terrorism either. It gets exhausting trying to explain that, and defend Israel’s right to self-defense. On the Facebook page, no one has to do it.”
In real life — beyond Facebook — the town of Westport has been “amazingly supportive” of its Jewish residents after the Hamas attack, Erika says.
“I feel very lucky to live here. At ADL I see antisemitism — and racism and other hate incidents — around the state.
“Westport is not immune, or perfect. But neighbors, non-Jewish friends and (1st Selectwoman) Jen Tooker have been great. (Police Chief) Foti Koskinas is an amazing ally. Seeing Israeli flags all around town is very comforting.”
When a flag on her lawn was desecrated, a non-Jewish neighbor offered to put one on his own, in solidarity.
Erika Brunwasser, with her defaced Israeli flag.
Back on Facebook, Erika hopes to see more events created, more holiday celebrations planned, more friendships made.
“Jewish Westport” is thriving — both in cyberspace, and in our community. Erika Brunwasser has done quite a mitzvah.
(To learn more about the “Jewish Westport” page, message Erika Brunwasser via Facebook.)
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette on October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).
Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.
Meanwhile, the next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety public meeting is October 17 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Police and other officials will present the results of the safety action plan survey, and offer updates on road, traffic and pedestrian initiatives.
Traffic safety map, showing residents’ input and ideas.
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Yesterday, “06880” reported that Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young is retiring, effective Friday.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker praised Young for her 22 years of “outstanding service to our community. We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s unwavering dedication throughout her tenure, which has greatly contributed to the growth and development of Westport. Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Mary and wishing her the very best as she embarks on her next journey.”
Young’s position will be filled by deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie.
Tooker said, “Michelle has served the Town of Westport as a planner for over 20 years, working with all aspects of land use planning with a special concentration in environmental issues.
“She became a licensed Professional Planner as qualified by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2006. In 2020, she was qualified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be a Certified Floodplain Manager.” (Click here for an “06880” story on that achievement.)
“Michelle has excelled in a variety of roles, and steadily advanced within the department…. I am excited to see her lead the department with the same professionalism and expertise that she has always demonstrated.”
Amanda Trianovich, current town planner, will take Perillie’s place as deputy director.
Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy is helping support victims of Hurricane Helene.
And they need our help.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, 1252 Post Road East
Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Road, Weston
GCA, 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield (Sportsplex)
277 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk
Sacred Heart University, inside the Church of the Holy Spirit, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield.
Items needed include:
Non-perishable foods
Sports drinks (powdered packets)
Cleaning supplies
Hydration packs (powder form)
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries
Diapers (children & adults)
Baby formula
Pet food (dog & cat)
Bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products
Manual can openers
Heavy-duty work gloves
Trash bags (13-gallon or contractor)
Socks and underwear (new, in packages)
Sanitizer wipes
Plastic utensils
Baby wipes
Teens interested in volunteering should email Hannah.YasmineEvans@gmail.com.
Businesses and individuals who would like to become drop-off locations should email Kami.evans@icloud.com or call 203-212-9910.
Hurricane Helene has left a path of devastation.
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“The Apprentice” — the movie written by Westport native Gabriel Sherman, exploring a young Donald Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn — has gotten a lot of buzz recently.
Now — a few days before its October 11 release – you can hear about it directly from Sherman himself.
He was interviewed recently by David Remnick, for a New Yorker podcast. Click here to listen.
Gabriel Sherman
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When the Survivor Rowing Network andHead of the Charles host the first Survivor Row on October 19 — celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the Saugatuck Survive-Oars will be there.
And they’ll compete in their new pink boat.
Eleven 8+s of cancer survivors — women and men — from 15 rowing clubs have entered the race, from as far as Italy and France.
The Saugatuck Survive-Oars is our local breast cancer survivor rowing organization, based out of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Amy Bauer calls it “a life-changing organization and experience for many women in various states of treatment and recovery. Through the generosity of the SRC, the Survive-Oars is in its seventh year. They provide instruction and opportunities to learn and row.
“Its impact cannot be overstated for the benefits of health, camaraderie and support.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Saugatuck Survive-Oars are participating in the Pink the Boathouse Challenge. proceeds will help maintain and grow the Survive-Oar program.
Speaking of breast cancer: Sorelle Gallery’s online art sale includes original works by over 70 artists in 4 price categories: $2500, $2000, $1500, and $750 and under.
The event opens at 7 p.m. on October 23, and ends 7 p.m. on October 25. Click here to browse, and add to your wishlist.
It’s for a good cause, too. 5% of proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
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Though all of us face obstacles, some of us are better problem solvers than others.
Want to improve that skill? Mike Hibbard — co-author of “Thinking it Through: Coaching Students to be Problem Solvers” — offers a breakfast presentation on the topic tomorrow (Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston).
Now retired, Hibbard has taught creative and critical thinking throughout his career.
And finally … as you get ready to offer your thoughts on our next downtown ideas:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news you can use. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A packed house at Fairfield University enjoyed Dustin Nickerson’s great routine. They also went about the serious work of raising money to continue Homes with Hope’s mission to fight homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
Dustin Nickerson, at the Quick Center Saturday night. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
There was great applause when Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden discussed the Wilton Road apartments.
The evening also honored Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno. She has supported Homes with Hopes’ Gillespie Center and Project Return renovations, as well as the Wilton Road purchase.
Nickerson, and all who worked on the event provided a great win-win Saturday night: for those who need shelter, and those who help provide it.
From left: Angel Bruno, Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno, comedian Dustin Nickerson, Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden.
About 80 people — and a large number of animals — gathered on the Saugatuck Congregational Church’s front lawn yesterday, for the annual Blessing of the Animals service.
In addition to the human and other participants, several animal-related local organizations took part.
Interim pastor Rev. Kari Nicwander offered the blessings.
Rev. Kari Nicewander (right), blessing some dogs. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Tracy Porosoff is a great “06880” photographer.
Yesterday, she volunteered with The Community Synagogue’s “Reverse Tashlikh” project, cleaning the Longshore shoreline.
She and others were struck by the number of golf balls in the grass below the driving range.
She wonders: “Can the town erect better barriers to keep golf balls from getting into Long Island Sound?”
A few of the many Longshore golf balls. (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg. He writes:
“The common eastern bumblebee mates at the end of summer, and hibernates over the winter. They have a queen, and live in colonies of 300 to 500 bees.
“They learn to solve problems, and can recognize and remember human faces. Of course, they are excellent pollinators. They are particularly effective with tomato plants, employing a technique called ‘buzz pollination.’
“These bumblebees hibernate in the ground, making green open spaces incredibly valuable to their survival.
“This picture was taken in the Long Lots Preserve surrounding the Westport Community Gardens, a particularly biodiverse, and very green, open space.”
And finally … Kris Kristofferson, the introspective singer/songwriter (and Rhodes scholar) whose songs were hits for dozens of artists — died yesterday on Maui, Hawaii. He was 88.
There are way too many Westport restaurants to cram into one week.
So the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Restaurant Week will be two.
It runs Sunday, September 29 through Sunday, October 13. (So, to be technical, it actually spans two months)..
The 2024 event features 20 venues, offering a variety of prix fixe meals to suit any interest and pocketbook. They range from one end of Westport, and Saugatuck, all the way to an honorary spot in Southport.
Some restaurants offer just lunch, others just dinner. Many serve both.
Here are the participating restaurants. Click on any link below for specific details.
Each year, the Staples High School PTA sponsors a Back to School Night Food Drive to support the Westport Woman’s Club.
From 2020 to mid-2024, the WWC has provided 1,094 bags of food in response to 124 anonymous requests, benefiting 345 people through the Westport Department of Human Services.
This year, the PTA invites parents, teachers and community members — both from Staples and beyond— to participate.
There’s an easy way to participate — right now. Just click here to shop through the Amazon food drive registry. Donations will be delivered directly to the Westport Woman’s Club.
But hurry! The registry is open only through Monday (September 30).
Peter Hirst and Ethan Gallogly have 2 things in common: They live out West, and have hiked the John Muir Trail.
And they’re both Staples High School graduates, 15 years apart (1968 and ’83, respectively).
They met and bonded over their shared love for the beauty, challenge and history of the 211-mile trail, which stretches along the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US.
Hirst — a longtime “06880” reader — wants others to read Gallogly’s book. After an eclectic career, he wrote a novel called, simply, “The Trail.”
It combines trail lore, humor and philosophy. Using characters he’s met on his own hikes, and including 43 maps, Gallogly writes about overcoming loss, and ultimately, transformation.
“Recreation is ‘re-creation,'” Gallogly observes.
It’s a book, he says, for “any outdoor enthusiast, and anyone going through stress, grief or problems.”
For years, the United Methodist Church of Westport has joined the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, to help settle newcomers to the area.
Among their work: buying comforters for every new neighbor they settle.
This Sunday (September 29), they’ll raise funds for that project.
First, at 4 p.m., is an uplifting Jazz Vespers service of music and word. Andrew Wilcox and Trio’s music includes original pieces and hymn reflections. Interspersed with the music will be prayers and scripture readings — “a peaceful and meditative end to the weekend,” says Rev. Heather Sinclair.
That’s followed at 5 by a pasta supper.
Everyone is invited. “Pay what you wish: $5, $20, $50 or more,” UMC says. “It all goes to our CIRI apartment set-up team.”
If you think this harvest moon is particularly stirring: You’re not alone.
Saugatuck Church invites the community to “celebrate the harvest and abundance, while drumming to the full moon’s energy and its strong pull of the tide.”
The Harvest Moon Drum Circle is tomorrow (Wednesday, September 18, 7 to 9 p.m., Compo Beach cannons).
Attendees are encouraged to bring a drum or percussion instrument. Tell the gate attendant you are with the church. Rain location: Hoskins Hall, at Saugatuck Church.
Band Central — the CLASP house group, specializing in classic tunes — headlines the non-profit’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit.
The October 18 show (Fairfield Theatre Company) will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.
Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.
Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).
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Wakeman Town Farm is a place for everyone. And that means everybody.
The environmental center has just announced a farmer program for neuro-diverse children.
Designed for youngsters of all abilities, the farm-based program offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity and learning, in a natural setting.
Wakeman Town Farm provides a safe, welcoming environment where kids can connect with animals, engage in gardening activities, and explore the outdoors at their own pace.
The staff is trained to support neuro-diverse learners
There are 2 age groups: 3-10, and 11 and up. Activities like feeding animals, planting seeds and observing nature are outdoors, and tailored to accommodate various sensory, social and communication styles.
The program promotes social interaction, emotional regulation and physical activity, while nurturing a love for nature.
There are 4 Saturday morning sessions, from October 5 through 26. The fee is $180.
Each attendee needs an adult buddy (18+) — a parent, paraprofessional, babysitter, grandparent, or someone else who knows the child well and can support them as an instructor leads the program.
Wakeman Town Farm animal ambassador Judy Panzer and special education professional Leann Duggan helped develop the curriculum and activities for the program.
As CEO of New York Road Runners, Westporter Rob Simmelkjaer is closely associated with the New York Marathon.
But on September 29, he’ll be in Germany, running the Berlin Marathon.
Across the ocean though, his heart will be here. He’s running fo NYRR Team for Kids, the premier charity of New York Road Runners and the New York Marathon.
Since its inception in 2002, NYRR Team for Kids has raised more than $110 million, in a variety of races. Rob’s personal goal is $10,000.
The Funds serve nearly 200,000 youngsters locally and nationally, through NYRR’s free youth running programs.
For more information, and to donate to Rob’s team, click here.
Rob Simmelkjaer
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Many Westporters shop at The Pantry, on the Post Road in Fairfield.
There was a fire there yesterday. All food was thrown out or given away, to churches and Operation Hope.
Owners hope to reopen soon. (Hat tip: Mary Condon)
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The Girl-Power Squash program — an introductory program for kids — got off to a rousing start on Sunday.
All 20 spots were taken, at Intensity Squash.
The program continues for the next 11 Sundays.
A similar one is planned for winter.
Westport elementary school girls, with former Staples High School boys squash coach Eddie O’Rourke (top left) and, in the front row (7th-9th from left), Staples players Rhiya Anand, Rebecca Schachter and Sophie Smith.
Longtime Westport resident Tommy Greenwald and his son Charlie’s “Beginning Reader” series for children ages 5-8 began with a hit.
The first book — “The Rescues Finding Home,” about 2 shelter dogs awaiting adoption was named a 2023 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
The second in the series — “The Rescues Best Day Ever” — is published today. It’s about 3 new adventures with adopted pet friends Moose, Bear and Tiger. Click here for details.
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Longtime Westport resident Joyce Netherton died peacefully last week at Norwalk Hospital, of natural causes. She was 86.
She graduated as salutatorian of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. At the University of Kentucky she continued to play violin and was in Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in only 2 1/2 years.
She met Elliott, her husband of 58 years, there. After living in Louisville they moved to Westport in 1973, with their 3 children.
Joyce was an avid tennis player. When her children were older, she became a computer programmer analyst with AC Neilsen and Dun & Bradstreet, rising quickly to management positions.
After retirement she served in numerous local leadership roles, for the Westport Woman’s Club, League of Women Voters, Medical Serve Corps and Staples Tuition Grants. Treasurer was her favorite.
An enthusiastic reader, she was a devoted supporter of the Westport Library.
Joyce was known for her sewing skills. She created clothes and household items for her family, and even made her own wedding gown.
She and Elliott enjoyed trips in their motor home, visiting nearly all 50 states. After retiring, they traveled with friends around the world.
Joyce is survived by daughter Cynthia Lipe (Joe) of Point Blank, Texas; son Hank (Wendy) of Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren Kelly (Richard) Deleon, Tracy (Dustin) Bowling, Jonathan Lipe, Miranda (Jerek) Bickford, Mallory (Austin) Nuss, Henry (Candis) Netherton and Wyatt Netherton; and great-grandchildren Lillian and Mason Sarvis, McKenzie, Victoria and Aubrey Deleon, Eleanor, Abigail and Caroline Bowling, Brynley and Emmit Nuss, Conall and Roderick Bickford.
She is also survived by her brother David Beals, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Elliott, daughter and son-in-law Paige and Tom Totilo, and brothers Ralph and Philip Beals.
Services will be held outside at the Memorial Garden of Christ & Holy Trinity Church on Friday, September 27 (11 a.m.). Her ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden during the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Westport Library or Westport Woman’s Club.
Joyce Netherton
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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, taken at the Senior Center, and explains:
“With summer’s end, and fewer and fewer flowers, the bees are looking to stock up for winter. They’re finding the flowers with the most nectar and pollen.”
A Westport woman faced a scary situation yesterday morning.
Working out at a fitness center in Southport, a heavy metal bar slammed down on the back of her head as she changed weights.
It felt like a bat smashed into her. She fell to the ground in pain.
But no one stopped to help. Not anyone exercising nearby; not one trainer.
She stumbled downstairs, only to be told at the front desk: “Sorry, the ice machine is broken. And there’s no first aid kit.” They offered her a seat, if she wanted.
One kind woman took a can from the drink cooler, and put it on her head.
The woman who was hurt wondered described the incident on social media, and wondered: Should she let it go, or pursue it with management?
Over 70 people replied. They offered smart suggestions — document everything; consult an attorney; ask for security camera footage; cancel your membership — as well as the most immediate advice: Go to a hospital! Get yourself checked out! You probably have a concussion.
Most impressive: 2 people offered to drive her to the hospital.
She replied that her husband was on top of things. But what a great thing to hear: that 2 complete strangers were willing to drop everything, and help.
That’s the upside of what could have been a very bad outcome.
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Gregg Jacobs reports:
“The boardwalk/bridge over the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond started sagging a few days ago.
“As a result, Mill Pond was drained so the town could inspect the pilings. Several of them have rotted and are completely gone.
“Town employees inspecting it said it will need to be closed in the near future so they can install temporary supports, until the town finds the money to install new pilings and supports.”
Rotted pilings (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)
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Here’s a sight you don’t see every day:
(Photo/Stephen O’Shea)
Stephen O’Shea spotted this dolphin about 50 yards from the Compo Beach Hillspoint Road jetty, around 5:45 p.m. Saturday night.
Did anyone else see this cool-looking visitor?
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Here’s another animal story.
On Saturday, Westport animal control officer Peter Reid received a call from a resident about a mother cat and several kittens trapped in a storm drain at the entrance to a Post Road business.
He called the local cat rescue group to no avail.
Next was Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. Two volunteers found the mother and at least 3 kittens looking up at us from the bottom of the storm drain.
The heavy grate covering the drain prompted WASA to contact Police/Fire dispatch for assistance. Firefighter Eric La Riviere (a cat owner) and Chris Carroll of Engine Company #5 arrived quickly and removed the grate.
But the cats scurried further back into the drain pipe, which empties into a 12-foot well filled with water.
Peter Reid entered the storm drain. He could not see the feline family.
From left: Peter Reid, Eric La Riviere, Chris Carroll.
WASA is not a cat rescue organization. They do not have a variety of cat trap sizes, and this area is not large enough for a standard cat have-a-heart trap. The grate also presents an issue.
They wondered if a temporary cover or coned area could work.
After the grate was replaced, and the Fire Department and Animal Control left, the kittens came out to eat the canned food placed below by WASA.
Yesterday, WASA volunteers returned to the site. Jennifer Petrosinelli helped coordinate Fire Department help lifting and replacing the grates.
Traps were set, but none of the 5 kittens went in. WASA will try again this week, joined by cat-catching professionals from Animals in Distress in Wilton.
The rain is concerning because the kittens are too small to climb out of the drain but too big to be carried out by the mother cat. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)
Cat, underneath grate.
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Tom Chapin comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 22 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The singer/songwriter/storyteller headlines a “Family Fun Day.” Also on the bill: a bounce house, ice cream truck and face painting.
And … it’s all free!
Homes with Hope is a co-sponsor of the event.
Tom Chapin
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Whether you’re involved in youth sports as an athlete, coach or parent, or you’re just setting off fireworks (see photo below): clean up after yourselves!
The collage is from Wakeman Field. But it could be any facility in Westport.
(Photos/Richard Fogel)
Trash cans are there for a reason.
And if they’re not nearby, pick up what you brought, and dispose of it at home.
I mean, come on. Respect your town, and everyone else.
This is as basic as it gets.
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Bob Weingarten writes: “On Sunday morning I found that a large tree limb had fallen, and considered how to remove it.
“But a short time later I saw a deer eating its leaves. I hoped that deer would eat it all, but it was too large.”
He calls the photo: “Nature taking care of nature.”
I call it: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … happy 76th birthday to Valerie Simpson.
Our former Cross Highway neighbor was known — with her husband Nick Ashford — as both a stellar songwriter team, and a hit performing duo.
(From dolphins and deer to one of our favorite duos, “06880” covers all of Westport — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
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