But 3 years earlier — on April 12, 1961 — another iconic activist spoke at the same synagogue.
During Black History Month, we recall James Baldwin’s lecture. This information comes from a story on the writer’s Connecticut decade (1954-63) by Andrew Lopez, a research support Librarian at Connecticut College. He writes:
The public lecture on the “Negro mood” was organized by Marjorie Koster Beinfield and other members of the synagogue’s social action committee.
James Baldwin, in his Connecticut days.
Marjorie and her husband, Malcolm Beinfield, were involved in many causes promoting equal rights and social justice in the early 1960s.
Their daughter, Harriet Beinfield, was 14 years old at the time and remembers Baldwin’s talk, and asking him how he tolerated white people.
She recalls with admiration his generosity in responding to her.
Malcolm Beinfield, a longtime Westport physician and surgeon, had done his medical residency at Harlem Hospital in the 1940s – the same hospital where Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924.
Lopez also notes that Baldwin wrote much of his historic essays “The Fire Next Time” at the home of his agent, Robert Park Mills, in Norwalk.
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The Beinfield family, not long before James Baldwin’s Westport visit.
Amanda Doyle and her daughter Niamh are probably not the only 2 Westporters at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Amanda and Niamh Doyle, at the Olympics.
But Amanda is probably the only one who posted a video that went viral.
Her clip from the US-Switzerland women’s ice hockey game — of the entire arena singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” — racked up over a million views and 71,000-plus likes, in just one day.
It looks like a great moment. And Amanda’s comment about the true spirit of the Olympics — uniting “beyond borders, languages and differences” — is pure gold.
PS: The hockey game was especially fun for Niamh. She goes to Coleytown Middle School, and plays for the Shoreline Sharks.
PPS: The US won, 5-0.
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Dominique Johnson is running for re-election.
The 143rd District state representative — serving parts of Westport and Norwalk — and deputy majority leader says she is not taking donations from lobbyists.
The veteran theater educator and director, Staples High School graduate, Emergency Medical Service leader and all-around good guy will be honored May 17.
Schoke Jewish Family Service will present him with its Community Service Award.
JFS says, “With more than 30 years of experience across the arts and public safety, he brings a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service to every role he undertakes.
Frimmer is deputy chief of Weston Volunteer EMS, and a tactical emergency casualty care and EMS Instructor.
He served on the board of Temple Israel, and is on its Security Committee. During the pandemic, he was the congregation’s COVID response point person.
Frimmer was a producer of “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and is on the producing team for “The Hunger Games” in London. He has earned kudos for his work as director of Coleytown Middle School’s Company drama program.
He serves on the board of the Westport Country Playhouse, and co-chairs its Development Committee. He holds master’s degrees in teaching and educational theatre from NYU.
A reminder: WestportREADS’ keystone conversation is this Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m.)
Eiren Caffall — author of this year’s selection, “All the Water in the World” — chats with Catherine Shen, host of Connecticut Public Radio’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live, about Caffall’s thriller about a flooded future, and a family fighting not to be drowned by a changing world. Click here for more information.
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We’ve posted photos of horses at Sherwood Island State Park before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But the images never get old. Here’s a shot from yesterday:
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An overflow crowd filled Assumption Church yesterday, to say goodbye to Pete Romano. He was a lifelong parishioner of the church around the corner from his Saugatuck roots.
The Staples High School graduate, generous philanthropist, and avid volunteer with organizations ranging from Westport PAL and Al’s Angels to Festival Italiano and Wakeman Town Farm was remembered for his willingness to help everyone, his strong friendships, and his ability to own any room he walked into.
Saugatuck and Westport were common themes at the service. Pete’s LandTech civil engineering firm is located just down the street from Assumption.
If you don’t — but would like to, in 2027 — check out “Sips & Sparks.”
The speed dating event is set for Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m., The Clubhouse). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.
It’s advertised for singles in their 30s and 40s. But, organizers say, “if you’re slightly outside this range but feel you’d connect well with this group, you’re welcome to join.”
Another social event is geared to the LGBTQ (and allies!)
Westport Pride hosts their second Happy Hour of the year on March 5 (6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club).
Organizers say, “We believe Pride isn’t just a month — it’s a year-round movement rooted in visibility, connection and care.” Click here for more information.
Volunteers will score submitted manuscripts. The best-reviewed books advance to a panel of judges, who will select the winner.
Click here for more information. (Westport residents only, please!)
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Speaking of the Library: Memoirist/essayist/critic Claire Dederer is the lastest addition to VersoFest.
She takes the Westport Library Saturday stage Saturday, March 28 (1 p.m.), chatting with journalist Hilarie M. Sheets.
Dederer’s most recent book — “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma” — examines what happens when good art (writing, painting, film) is made by bad people.
Click here for information on Dederer’s talk. Click here for full details on VersoFest 2026, including appearances by Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, Susanna Hoffs, The Thing and more.
Speaking of music: Jazz pianist (and Westport native) Jeff Franzel has toured with legends like Les Brown and The Hues Corporation, and accompanied Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mel Tormé. He’s a Grammy-nominated star.
Jeff’s new trio has performed at clubs like The Bitter End. On February 28 (2 p.m.), they’ll be live — and free — at the Pequot Library.
Also appearing: Eva Slossberg, the Staples High School senior who has who has just been accepted into the Clive Davis School at NYU Tisch. Click here for more information.
Jeff Franzel
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It’s a longtime Westport question: How dressed up should I get for a fundraiser?
Here’s one you don’t have to worry about.
Rach’s Hope PJ Gala returns for a 7th year on March 28 (7 p.m., Fairfield Theater Company).
As the many attendees at the popular event have learned: It’s all about pajama chic.
Rach’s Hope hich honors Rachel Doran, a Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior who died after developing a rare reaction to common medications. A Staples Players costume designer, she had already founded a pajama company. (That’s the PJ connection!)
The evening includes live music by Michael Cantor of Frog Salon and Fairfield’s favorite band Ellis Island, great appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering, an open bar, and live and silent auction experiences.
Funds raised support families with children facing extended ICU stays.
This pajama-chic evening blends cocktails, music, and meaning to raise critical funds for families with children facing extended ICU stays — a lasting legacy, created lovingly Rachel’s family and friends. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rachel Doran
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Temperatures are slowly rising.
But the effects of the recent 2-week freeze remain.
This boat — at a private dock on Harbor Road, in Saugatuck Shores — did not make it. All that can be seen now is the flying bridge.
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
The good news: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s today, the high 30s tomorrow. Nighttime lows will be just below freezing.
Break out the sunscreen!
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“06880” gives a V-Day shout-out to the Learning Community Day School.
The pre-school staff began yesterday’s professional development day by creating valentines for folks at Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, and the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
HB 8002 is law. What does it mean for affordable housing in Westport?
Homes with Hope’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council took a deep dive into that topic yesterday, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.
The legislation — signed last year by Governor Lamont — expands fair rent commissions, eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units, and requires towns to create housing growth plans,
State Senator Ceci Maher and Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg provided insights into policy and practical implications for municipalities and housing advocates alike.
Other participants included 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Craig Schiavone, Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and Board of Education members Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan.
Also in attendance: Amanda Sayegh of the Westport Housing Authority, Ralph Yearwood and Kate Weber from the Affordable Housing Committee, and Homes with Hope’s emeritus board chair John Walsh and board chair Becky Martin.
The Advisory Council plans a follow-up session to support Westport, as it approaches deadlines, and works to expand affordable housing.
Listening and learning, at yesterday’s Homes with Hope affordable housing event.
New York Times readers are familiar with Lynsey Addario’s photos of wars, famines and other humanitarian crises in troubled places like the Middle East and Africa.
The 1991 Staples high School graduate has earned a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship for her work.
She turns her camera less frequently on the US.
But when she does, the results are equally compelling.
Addario’s latest photos accompany Nicholas Kristof’s long story on how 3 states that traditionally lag in education ratings — Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi — have found success in elementary schools, raising reading scores and reversing chronic absenteeism. (It’s a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing human support and minimizing technology.)
Click here for the story, and Addario’s photos of American students, working hard to succeed. (Hat tip: Jonathan Berg)
Learning to read. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
Speaking of elementary schools (but closer to home): The Long Lots Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall room 201).
The agenda includes a project update, public comment, and a work session to review interior finishes and details.
Tonight’s discussion focuses on what’s inside the new school.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has long been at the forefront of social justice issues.
This Saturday (February 14, 4 p.m.), they invited “all who need and want to be together to share songs of spirit and freedom during this trying time in our nation’s history” to a sing-along.
The “guides” are singer/songwriter Bethany Yarrow (daughter of Peter Yarrow, Peter, Paul & Mary), and musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb.
UU Westport says: “Many members have been inspired by the resistance singing coming out of Minneapolis. We open our sanctuary to offer the same opportunity to share our collective strength and commitment together.
“Many people are searching for ways to channel their feelings, and build connections and hope through music and song. This community gathering shares the collective message of sadness and vulnerability, and, importantly, of solidarity, strength, courage, resistance, and purpose.”
All ages and faith traditions are welcome. No music experience is necessary. For more information, click here.
Everyone needs a blowout. (Well, my hair would not qualify. But you get the idea.)
Here’s a blowout bonanza: now through February 28, Bianca Bazante — The Artist Loft’s owner and creative director Bianca Bazante offers $100 off her signature Brazilian Blowouts.
Bianca — whose mother operated a salon in Westport — learned her trade in New York. In 2020, after giving birth to twin boys Jagger and Bryceson, she moved back and opened The Artist Loft.
Bianca is also the author of “The Curly Hair Crew,” which teaches children to embrace curls with no boundaries.
For more information, and to book appointments, click here. For her Instagram page, click here.
Pianist David Morgan headlines Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 12, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
An area resident, he has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV, and TV shows.
Readers have sent in plenty of photos of frozen beaches, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Here’s one from often-overlooked Canal Beach. Sprite Island is in the distance.
(Photo/Lynn Flint)
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And finally … in honor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s upcoming sing-along, may we suggest:
(Every day since 2009, “06880” has offered all the news that Westport needs. Well, a lot of it anyway. If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
She has created beautiful, wonderful chocolates. She has provided opportunities through them to thank teachers, first responders and many others, and to raise funds for children in need.
“I lost my father to inoperable brain cancer when I was just 21. Nearly 4 years ago, I flew to India in the middle of the holiday season to be with my mother in India after a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, my older brother is battling cancer. I barely know anyone who isn’t in some way affected by the ravages of this disease.
“A few years back I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s — not for attention, but in quiet solidarity with children fighting cancer.
“Today, my daughter is raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for the Cure in Chicago. Inspired by her act, I just signed up for the Cycle for the Cure ride happening tomorrow (Saturday) at Equinox in Darien.
“As Le Rouge prepares to say goodbye to the town I have called home for over 2 decades, I would like to reach out my community — our community that always shows up and rallies when it really matters.
“I need your help to turn this moment of saying goodbye into something bigger: action, gratitude, and giving back. 10% of February sales at Le Rouge are always donated to charity — this year, to a cause that is deeply personal to me. If you’re able to support or share my fundraising effort, it would mean a great deal.
A new Emergency Medical Technician course begins later this month.
The class begins February 25, and runs through June 22. It meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6;30 to 9:30 p.m., with occasional lab work on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Instructions include traumatic injury management; breathing, cardiac, mental health and pediatric emergencies; childbirth and OB/GYN; EMS operations, and mass casualty incident response.
provides students with the skills to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care for those who are sick or injured. The program meets State of Connecticut guidelines for EMT certification upon successful completion of exams.
Students who pass the exams will earn Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician certification, and be able to join Westport Emergency Medical Services. and the ability to join WVEMS.
In addition, WVEMS is offering a free “Stop the Bleed” class. It’s Thursday, February 12 (7 to 8:45 p.m.).
The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is bleeding. The session helps turn bystanders into immediate responders, for emergencies at home or work, or on the road. Click here for details, and registration.
Westport resident Susan Filan — a former prosecutor and MSNBC senior legal analyst — trades the courtroom for a church on Sunday.
She’ll be a special guest at the Saugatuck Congregational Church 10 a.m. worship service. Filan will speak about transformation, purpose, and clarity in moments of disruption.
After decades working in high-pressure legal environments, a near-fatal accident in 2022 upended her legal career.
It sparked a profound wake-up call, reshaping how she understood success, identity, and what truly matters. Today, she brings that experience into conversations about reinvention, meaning, and rebuilding from the inside out.
The public is invited to the service.
Susan Filan
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Love was in the air Wednesday night, at the VFW.
Post 399 hosted Club203 — our town’s social club for adults with disabilities — for their monthly event.
DJ Lev provided the music. Planet Pizza donated pies, and Mo\CA CT helped with great heart creations.
There were smiles all around … and love was in the air.
Club203 member Dylan Curran (left) and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado enjoy the evening.
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Speaking of the VFW: Sure, next Friday is the 13th.
But you’re in luck, if you head to Post 399. Laughing Gas Comedy and The City’s Backyard Podcast return, after very successful past shows.
The lineup includes Davin, Paul Taro, Autumn Harvist and Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako is the host.
Speaking of ice: Today’s frozen “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of many scenes like this, all over town. This one is at Susan Alintoff’s Old Hill home.
And finally … Chuck Negron — a founding member of Three Dog Night — died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83, and suffered from pulmonary disease and heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.
Maine’s license plates say “Vacationland.” Many Westporters ski, hike and sail there. Some have summer homes in the Pine Tree State.
Over the past few years, several well-known neighbors have moved there. Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents moved into the state too.
To get a first-hand feel for what’s happening, “06880” contacted former Nutmeggers, now Mainers. Two replied, from very different parts of the state.
Rev. Alison Patton spent 11 years as pastor of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She left in 2023, to lead First Congregational Church, UCC in South Portland. She writes:
It has been an intense couple of weeks, although there has been a marked decrease in verified reports of ICE activity since the snowstorm.
Rev. Alison Patton
We are weary of being constantly vigilant, and of pivoting daily to show up how and where we are needed. Still, Greater Portland communities have done amazing things in response to this invasion by ICE.
Our immigrant neighbors remain frightened, Many have been sheltering at home for weeks, afraid to leave to shop, go to school, work or attend church.
Members at First Congregational Church, UCC, along with countless other volunteers around greater Portland have been shopping and delivering groceries, accompanying children to and from school, and doing what we can to lend our support.
I have a list of 30 members and friends in our congregation who signed up to be on call to offer support to immigrant neighbors. On Sunday morning I posted grocery lists for 4 immigrant families that are sheltering in place — including families 2 towns away. Volunteers signed up within 15 minutes, to shop and deliver to all 4.
Our neighbors have reason to be afraid. We have observed that ICE is targeting our immigrant neighbors based on their skin color, not on any evidence of criminal activity. Those detained in our area include immigrants in the asylum process, immigrants with green cards and naturalized citizens.
I am beyond impressed with this community, where people are showing up for each other, protesting, organizing teams to monitor and verify ICE activity, and ramping up mutual aid efforts.
I am also grateful to be part of a strong and engaged multi-faith clergy group that is collaborating to look after immigrant neighbors, and to oppose ICE presence:
We have been holding a weekly vigil outside the Cumberland County Jail, where we have exchanged letters with many of the approximate 30 women who were detained there until recently.
Just last week they were relocated in the middle of the night, following a press conference by the Portland sheriff, in which he criticized ICE for detaining one of his own corrections officers — a man who had been thoroughly vetted for his job, and had no criminal record.
At the request of the owner, we have been standing outside the apparel factory American Roots twice a day, in shifts, to make it safer for over 50 immigrant workers — all with legal documentation — to come to work.
Maine residents outside American Roots. (Photo/Alison Patton)
Several of my colleagues gathered outside Senator Susan Collins’ office last Tuesday, to put pressure on her to deny further funding for ICE. Nine of them were arrested.
My colleagues and I were among hundreds of clergy who signed onto this open letter, opposing ICE presence in our state
We are routinely sharing information and resources, to do what we can to protect our neighbors.
I’ve been getting lots of calls from folks looking for ways to help. Last week, one of those calls came from a Staples graduate who grew up at Greens Farms Congregational Church, and now lives down the street from my church in South Portland.
Thanks for reaching out. If people ask what they can do, they can donate to local aid organizations, including Project Home (providing emergency rent assistance for those who have lost income due to detention of a family member or fear of going to work) and ILAP, which provides legal assistance for immigrants.
Folks can also put pressure on elected officials to stop funding ICE.
Chip Stephens is a native Westporter. A 1973 graduate of Staples High School, he left the Planning & Zoning Commission in 2021 to become CEO — that’s “code enforcement officers” — of 2 towns 20 miles northwest of Augusta. He is also the plumbing inspector, local health official and a firefighter. He lives in Readfield, where he long had a part-time home.
Chip Stephens
Stephens’ service in Westport includes chairing the Village District Regulation Committee and Superstorm Sandy Recovery Regulation Committee. In Westport he helped preserve Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall), Cockenoe Island, and open space. He also coached Staples wrestling, and PAL football, basketball and baseball.
Stephens tells “06880” that most ICE enforcement is n the major cities — specifically Portland and Lewiston (home of Bates College, and a large population from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, other African nations and Afghanistan).
“This is an interesting state,” he says. “The northern region is much more conservative than the bigger cities and college towns.”
Stephens does not hear a lot of talk about immigration — or the ICE raids — in his area. What there is, he says, tends to be “I’m sick of seeing this on the news.”
Of course, politics is unavoidable. There is a wide-open governor’s race. Most candidates are Democrats. Stephens knows Republican Bobby Charles — a former naval intelligence officer, assistant Secretary of State and official in the George W. Bush White House. Charles’ platform includes support for ICE.
Still, Stephens says, immigration enforcement “is not issue #1, unless you live in Portland. It’s tiring people out, and I don’t think it’s helping the cause. A lot of people are just turning off their TVs. They’re numb to it.”
Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.
First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.
“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.
“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”
Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.
In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.
Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.
“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”
He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.
Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)
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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):
Screen time survey
Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
Approval of proposed budget.
Coleytown Elementary School.
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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.
Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.
Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.
Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.
On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.
Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.
But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.
The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.
Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.
Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)
Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!
One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.
Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.
Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.
The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.
This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.
A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.
In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.
He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.
Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.
Leon Bernard
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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.
Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.
Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:
And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.
Holding candles, singing “This Little Light of Mine,” and gathering in solidarity with the people of Minnesota, a few dozen frigid yet determined residents gathered on the steps of the Saugatuck Congregational Church tonight, for a vigil.
All residents, of all faiths — and none — were welcomed by the church, and the vigil’s organizers.
Tonight (Friday, 6:30 p.m), a candlelight “solidarity vigil” is planned, by Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Everyone — all towns, all religions — is invited to join, on the front stops. Bring candles, if possible.
The vigil will last half an hour. The church will be open, for attendees who wish to place candles in the windows.
Saugatuck Congregational Church (Photo/Jonathan Prager)
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The Flowerfall — the beloved Post Road East shop that for years has provided Westporters with beautiful floral arrangements for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, funerals, and many other occasions (plus countless boutonnieres and wrist corsages for proms) — has closed.
Stacy Bass sends along this announcement, posted on social media: “Cyrus & Julie have retired. Thank you for your patronage, and for choosing us. It has been a pleasure. The shop is closed.”
A dozen years ago, “06880” gave a shout-out to Cyrus. In the Comments section, Kim Crowther Manning described her first encounter with him:
“What a wonderful, kind, generous and talented man Cyrus is! I will never go to any other florist ever again…. He is a true artist.
“He was hard at work, surrounded by bits of stems, leaves and heads of flowers, scissors, hot glue and wire. He told me at first that he wouldn’t have the time to create a corsage for me, but then had his son (I think it’s his son?) show me an extra one he had made that was in a box in the refrigerated room behind is workstation which was stacked with probably 30 other boxes of corsages and boutonnières waiting for pick-up. Even that room was like a museum full of his beautiful work.
“I joked that if I bought this corsage it would be the most expensive corsage ever, considering that I had already spent $30 on another one elsewhere. With that Cyrus said “oh, I can’t let you do that” and took $5 off his price.
“I was ready to buy it as is and leave him to his work, but he took it out of the box and began walking around the shop looking for flowers he could add to match my son’s prom date’s dress. He brought the corsage and the other flowers he chose back to his workstation and began to recreate the corsage, turning what was already a work of art into a masterpiece!
“While he worked we chatted about his shop and his clients. It was very easy to see his passion for his work. He told me he hadn’t slept the night before because he was worrying about how he would get everything done – he puts so much care into each piece he creates that it takes time and he gets overwhelmed sometimes.
“But he wasn’t complaining. He said, ‘this is how I know things are good – when I can’t sleep I know I’m doing well.'”
Speaking yet again of the weather: This igloo on Tamarac Road caught several “06880” readers’ eyes:
(Photo/Tom Cook)
At first glance, it looks like a clever, creative use of time and energy.
But we also wonder about its adherence to town regulations.
Is it a legal ADU, or some other type of structure? Does it have the required building permits? Is it within the proper setback? Was a wetlands study conducted? Has the fire marshal checked it for exits? Is it ADA-compliant? Might it be considered a blight property?
So many questions … so few answers …
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Speaking (still!) of the weather: With daytime temperatures far below freezing, last Sunday’s snow ain’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
(Nor will they. Today’s high is predicted to be 20. Tonight’s low will be … are you ready? … 1 degree.)
Readers continue to sent photo of their (least) favorite piles. This one’s at Saugatuck Elementary School:
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I am beyond impressed with this community, where people are showing up for each other, protesting, organizing teams to monitor and verify ICE activity, and ramping up mutual aid efforts.
