Imagine looking at a social media post with a portrait painted decades ago, and the comment: “This is Muffet Shayon. Does anyone know her?” …
… and realizing she’s your sister.
And that for decades, your family had no idea where the painting was.
The other day Diana Shayon was stunned to see that image, and question, on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page.
Local artist Peter Barlow had painted Diana when she was a 5-year-old Westport child, as well as her 3-year-old sister Muffet.
The Shayons had Diana’s portrait. But they never knew what happened to Muffet’s.
Muffet’s portrait.
It ended up in an attic in the Pawcatuck home of Peter Barlow. The longtime Westport artist and photographer moved to the eastern Connecticut town a couple of decades ago. He died in August, at 95.
But Peter did not paint Muffet’s portrait.
It was the work of his mother, Dorothy Hope Smith. A portraitist specializing in children, she had a studio on Sylvan Road North.
Peter’s father, Perry Barlow, was an artist too: a prolific cover illustrator and cartoonist for The New Yorker.
Peter’s daughter, Dorrie Barlow Thomas, found Muffet’s painting while cleaning out her father’s home. Figuring it was a long shot, she posted a photo of the painting, and her query, on Facebook.
Peter Barlow
A friend saw it, and contacted Diana. The friend was right: It was Diana’s sister.
Diana went online. Eventually, she discovered Peter Barlow — and his grandmother, and daughter — through a story.
An “06880” story.
Diana contacted Dorrie. A few days later, they headed to her Stonington home, to pick up the painting.
Sadly, Muffet will never see it. She died 3 years ago.
But Diana is giving it to her niece — Muffet’s daughter.
Decades later, Muffet’s portrait has found a home.
Dorothy Hope Smith’s “Gerber baby” sketch.
(“06880” covers Westport’s arts scene, history, and intriguing people. Sometimes — like today — they all intersect. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The doors to its many departments don’t have to be.
Thanks to a challenge from the Personnel Department, a spirit of decoration — and friendly competition — can be seen on all 3 floors of the municipal building.
We’re not picking favorites. (We don’t want any of our sources to clam up.)
But here’s a sampling of what you’ll see at Town Hall this week.
Except for Thursday. Our hard-working town employees get that one day off.
The “Human Services Express” included a train — and music.
Shellfish Commission
The Tax Assessors’ office went with a Hanukkah theme.
Selectman’s office.
The Finance Department asks a simple question.
Planning & Zoning: colorful and proud.
Registrar of Voters.
Town Clerk: Here comes Santa Claus. Or someone.
Tax Collector
Historic District Commission has 3 more properties to consider.
Personnel
Bonus decoration: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s official portrait.
The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.
The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.
Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.
The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.
The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.
Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)
And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.
Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.
They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.
They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.
Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.
The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.
The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.
“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”
Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.
Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Brian Claar
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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.
They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.
“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”
Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.
And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):
(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Back to Bike Westport: Don’t forget their Bridge to Bridge Walk tomorrow (Sunday, 9 a.m.). Residents and all candidates are invited to meet at the Westport Library. Everyone will walk over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, turn left on Riverside Avenue, and head to the other (Cribari) Bridge, in Saugatuck.
There are still a few opportunities between now and November 4 to talk hear candidates for various offices. The schedule is below. NOTE: Registration is required for several events.
Select Board Candidates Debate: October 21, 12 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
A Seat at the Selectman’s Table: October 21, 6 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by Westport Library Common Ground Initiative. Registration required; click here.
A Conversation with Board of Education Candidates: October 22, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall. Co-sponsored by League of Women Voters Westport and “06880.” Register: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
A Conversation with Planning & Zoning Commission Candidates: October 23; 7 p.m. Senior Center. Co-sponsored by League of Women Voters Westport and “06880.” Register: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
Candidates Debates: Board of Education, Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Assessment Appeals, Board of Finance: October 27, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
Candidates Debate: 1st Selectman and Planning & Zoning Commission: October 28, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
The next Public Works and Westport Police Traffic and Pedestrian Safety update session is Thursday (October 23, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
It includes news about the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force’s progress, and input from on traffic safety concerns in area neighborhoods.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force.
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Speaking of making the town better: The next clean-up — organized by Andrew Colabella, and hosted by Michele Harding and her group — takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 1 p.m.).
Everyone is invited. Meet at 55-57 Greens Farms Road (the office building next to Assumption Cemetery). Bring bags and trash pickers. Gloves are mandatory.
And thank you to all!
A previous trash pick-up, near the Greens Farms office building.
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It’s a delicate dance, combining comedy with homelessness.
But for 18 years, Homes with Hope has done it well. Last night, they did it again — perfectly.
The 18th annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” — a gala fundraiser, highlighted by a comedian — raised over $250,000, at Fairfield University’s sold-out Quick Center.
Raucous laughter, thanks to Tom Papa’s on-target show, was balanced with the sobering mission of the non-profit: to address homelessness and hunger, in Westport and surrounding towns.
Tom Papa, on stage.
Before Papa took the (hilarious) stage, HwH CEO and president Helen McAlinden made 2 announcements.
The organization’s mentoring program will now be named in honor of Carol Randel, the longtime and well-loved board member.
And John Walsh — chair emeritus — was recognized for his 30 years of service. He received a commendation from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. Governor Ned Lamont declared yesterday “John Walsh Day” in Connecticut.
A special screening of the documentary “Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues” was followed by a concert featuring songs from the film.
Legendary bluesman James Montgomery produced the film. His famed James Montgomery Blues Band performed the post-film concert.
They were joined by Saturday Night Live “Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman, saxophonist Crispin Cioe (a Westport resident who has played with the Rolling Stones and J Geils Band), and other guests.
Speaking of music legends: Longtime Westporter Harvey Brooks checks in from Jerusalem, where he and his wife Bonnie Behar Brooks now live.
The legendary bassist — who played with some of the most iconic musicians of the 1960s and ’70s (Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Miles Davis and, perhaps most memorably, Bob Dylan on songs like “Like a Rolling Stone” — is still going strong.
He’s just published a new book: “Lessons: Bass Lines, Sessions, and On the Road Stories.”
In addition to teaching how to play the electric bass, Brooks offers transcriptions (charts) of some of his most outstanding recordings. They’re woven with personal accounts of life as a professional musician.
Now, she’s published a book. She describes “Don’t Tell My Mom That I Love Her” as: “Think Judy Blume’s Margaret meets early Carrie Bradshaw: same inquisitive insight, different shoes. A funny, tender story about mothers, daughters, and the complicated love that connects them as they navigate the messy magical dance of growing up — together.”
The lighthearted story took 10 years to write. Thom Fiffer and Julia Bobkoff of Westport-based Christmas Lake Creative helped Barnett finalize it.
First Folk Sunday has waited a long time to pay tribute to Peter, Paul & Mary.
November 2 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club) is the perfect time, organizers say. It comes 2 days before Election Day. The timing “reminds everyone that democracy is pro-active and participatory, just like the music gifted to us by Peter, Paul & Mary.”
Suzanne Sheridan and Matt Livigni take on the multiple PP&M identities, in this special show.
Audience members are encouraged to sing along with well-known songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “If I Had a Hammer,” “Puff the Magic Dragon” and more.
In addition to the $20 ticket, Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu. Doors open at noon; music begins at 12:30. Click here for tickes, and more information. For more information call 203-984-7562.
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The final United Methodist Church Jazz Vespers of the year takes place on Sunday (October 19, 4 p.m.; free will offering).
Pianist Jen Allen joins bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber, for an uplifting service of music and word. Fellowship will follow the service.
Music director John Hoddinott — a young, talented classical and jazz guitarist—continues to bring dynamic music to the church and community. As the photo below shows: All are welcome.
There’s always something going on at the Senior Center.
And always something to see.
Right now, it’s Peter Gold’s woodturning exhibit.
The co-chair of the Westport Transit District (and Representative Town Meeting member) is also an accomplished artisan.
He began only 7 years ago. Peter works primarily with found wood, mostly from Westport, gathered when people take down trees or they come down in storms.
He cuts the logs on a bandsaw to create turning blanks — blocks of wood prepared for shaping on a lathe. Once dried — which can take several years — he turns the blanks into compelling objects.
“Sometimes my vision prevails,” Peter says. “Sometimes the wood wins. Each piece is a unique creation.”
Peter Gold’s Senior Center exhibit. (Photo/Dick Lowenstein)
Club203 had a “spook-tacular” time Thursday evening, at Earthplace.
Members of Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities enjoyed “tree trunks full” of candy (courtesy of the New York Yankeees), pumpkin decorating with MoCA CT, and dancing to thrillers with Marca.
Earthplace volunteers were the “magic potion,” ensuring the event’s success.
Smiles (and costumes) tell the Club203 story. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
And finally … Ace Frehley — the original lead guitarist of Kiss — died Thursday in Morristown, New Jersey. of complications from a recent fall. He was 74.
(You can rock and roll all night. You can party every day. But every once in a while, you really should support “06880.” Please click here to show us some love. Thank you all!)
Bratwurst, sausages, pretzels, pizza, beer and other beverages — plus live music, and a fantastic view of the river — was on tap yesterday, at The Bridge at Saugatuck.
The riverside restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with an Oktoberfest celebration that drew hundreds of Westporters, of all ages.
Here’s to many more!
The Bridge at Saugatuck is the wurst. And the best!
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One more Oktoberfest scene — at another restaurant — from a typical fall Saturday afternoon in Westport:
(Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)
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Today (Sunday) is the date for the Levitt Pavilion’s rescheduled Mihali festival.
The Twiddle co-founder returns to Westport with his “reggae, roots rock and riverside vibes” — and full band.
He’s joined by progressive funk powerhouse Night Zero. The event begins with local high octane jam rock band Residual Groove making their Levitt debut.
Just across the river from the Levitt, there’s always something interesting at Michael Chait’s studio.
Next up at the 11 Riverside Avenue 2nd floor space: Explore how graphic design shapes American culture, and learn how to incorporate creativity into your journaling (October 15, 6:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Michael Chait
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Totney Benson spotted this guy supervising part of the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gate renovation project.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
“I hope it’s not a harbinger of how long it will take to complete,” she says.
The recent “Shank it & Serve it For Shea fundraiser, at Birchwood Country Club. raised $80,00.
Combined with last year’s event — plus 3 “Shake it For Shea” galas — the total amount raised for research to find better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for Long QT Syndrome is over $1.4 million.
In Long QT, the heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. Patients like Shea Greenfield are at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Congratulations to Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, for their unstinting efforts on behalf of Long QT Syndrome sufferers, and their families, everywhere.
Westport resident Marcia Marshall died peacefully on September 24. She was 86.
The Bridgeport native graduated from Southern Connecticut State College.
Marcia was a retired customer service representative from People’s Bank. She was a ballet dancer in her youth, and appreciated music, dance and theater throughout her life.
She was a voracious reader, and loved crossword puzzles and spending time with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Marshall. She is survived by their daughters Marykate Marshall, Anne Eszlari (Edward) and Susan Marshall, and grandchildren Jessica and Thomas Gladu; Jeffrey, Shannon and Eric Eszlari; and Nicholas and Christopher Dostilio; great-grandchildren Isabella, Aidan and Liam, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral is set for September 30 (10 a.m., Assumption Church) for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road, The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on September 29 from 4-7 p.m. Condolences may be left online at http://www.hardingfuneral.com. Contribution in memory of Marcia in lieu flowers may be made to Westport Volunteer EMS.
Marcia Marshall
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Richard Fogel spotted — and captured — today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, in the Hillspoint area.
And finally … Robert “Rabbit” Jaramillo died last month in Colorado, of congestive heart failure. He was 78.
His band, Cannibal & the Headhunters, were one-hit wonders with “Land of 1,000 Dances.” They performed with the Temptations, Righteous Brothers, Marvin Gaye and the Rolling Stones. The Beatles asked them to be an opening act for their second US tour.
But they never had another hit. Jaramillo became a railroad signal maintainer, and sang gospel in his Pentecostal church. Click here for his fascinating obituary.
(“06880” is not a one-hit wonder. We’re here every day — 24/7/365 — and we have been, since 2009. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Eight months after his contract was not renewed, former Staples High School boys soccer freshman coach Chris O’Dell will finally receive a hearing.
The Board of Education meets this Friday (9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), to consider his appeal.
In addition to serving nearly 20 years as a freshman and assistant coach, O’Dell is a former Staples captain. He played on the state champion 1993 squad.
O’Dell says, “I am asking and expecting that Board members Lee Goldstein and Dorrie Horden recuse themselves from my hearing. They each have a relationship with the family behind the allegations. It obviously renders them incapable of making an impartial decision in my case.
“I am also asking that Kevin Christie not recuse himself from my hearing. I have only met him once, for 2 minutes at a social function. There is absolutely no reason for Mr. Christie to recuse himself from my hearing.”
O’Dell says, “I look forward to this opportunity to clear my name.” In addition to coaching, he owns The O’Dell Group, a design-build collaborative specializing in residential construction.
Chris O’Dell
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The Westport Library’s Verso University — a series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures — opens soon, for the fall “semester.”
A special symposium — “AI and Us” — explores the implications of artificial intelligence across legal, civic, creative, business, healthcare and technological spheres. Multiple perspectives range from policymakers and technologists to journalists and academics. It’s set for Saturday, October 11 (12 noon to 5:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and to register.
Other courses include:
“Astrology for the Advanced Beginner” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, September 11, 2 to 3 pm).
“Ask a Pediatric Specialist” (3 monthly sessions starting Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Grace Farms Art and Architecture Tour” (September 17, 12:45 to 2 p.m.).
“Kickoff to Fall: Happy Hour Cooking Class” (September 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
“Visual Storytelling: Develop Your Photographic Vision” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, October 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Endless Summer/Forever Friends/Long Live the Arts” — an evening of art, music, food and beverages, and intriguing conversation, all benefiting MoCA CT — is set for Saturday, September 20.
Board members celebrated Tony McDowell’s retirement as Earthplace executive director this past weekend, at Compo Beach.
The popular administrator stepped down recently, after 12 years at the helm of the environmental and sustainability non-profit.
Earthplace board chair Mo Tooker (far right) reads a proclamation for the town of Westport. Tony McDowell is 2nd from right. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Speaking of shoreline celebrations: The Compo Beach Improvement Association held their annual block party yesterday evening.
The weather cleared, and dozens of families celebrated the end of summer (and a bit of quiet to their neighborhood). Old Mill Grocery & Deli — an around-the-corner favorite — catered.
Adults chatted. Kids played. Dogs roamed.
And this scene caught “06880” photographer Laurie Sorensen’s eye:
Heavy equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot. That’s a staging area for renovation of the tidal gates and pedestrian paths at Sherwood Mill Pond, near Compo Cove.
But before the machines could get going last week, there was one special task: moving the sun.
Always-observant Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from the Westport Library Riverwalk. She writes:
“This is a first for me: seeing a turtle come out of the water at very low tide, looking in the mud for food. He was eating either a marine worm or a small fish.”
And finally … speaking of turtles, Mark Volman — co-founder of the pop group with that name — died Friday in Nashville. He was 78, and had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2000. Click here for a full obituary.
Our “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”
It’s a lot better than some others (Google’s “Don’t be evil,” perhaps?)
As anyone reading this blog — or traveling the world — knows, Westport connections pop up everywhere.
But Ann Humphrey’s story is one of the most amazing. She writes:
A woman from Exeter, New Hampshire traveled to rural Kelseyville, California (population 3,300) for a Buddhist retreat.
While there she suffered a medical problem, requiring a visit to the Sutter Hospital emergency room in nearby Lakeport (population 5,100).
She was cared for by a physician who works primarily in San Fransisco and Santa Rosa, but occasionally covers shifts at the more remote location.
Sutter is a 25-bed community hospital in Lakeport, California.
The woman was worried. So beyond the exams and testing, the doctor engaged her in a friendly chat.
They discovered they are from the same town, nearly 3,000 miles away, and graduated from the same high school. Beyond the doctor’s care and warmth, the woman was calmed by the joy of that remarkable coincidence.
Fortunately, the tests and exams found nothing troubling. The woman felt better.
She called the Buddhist center. A man who lives there offered to pick her up.
On the call, she shared the story of the connection — without mentioning where. They marveled at such a small-world happenstance.
The man arrived at the hospital, where the woman waited near the entrance.
Her doctor was there too. His shift was over, and he was leaving.
From left: Sheila Groonell, Pete Humphrey, Dr. Stephen Cady.
The woman introduced the two men. “And to think we both went to Staples!” she said.
The man from the Buddhist center was astonished, stunned and delighted.
He too grew up in Westport. And he too is a Staples alum.
Had the woman not mentioned her school, that remarkable second coincidence would never have been made.
The woman is Sheila Groonell: Class of 1965.
Dr. Stephen Cady was a member of Staples’ Class of 1980. The man from the Buddhist center is Pete Humphrey, Staples ’79.
Great karma!
(If “06880” helps you feel connected, we hope you feel inspired to support our work. Please click here to help, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Many Staples High School students have interesting summer gigs.
Take Nolan Francis. The rising senior worked at Yale University’s Choate Lab, researching a rare skin condition called ichthyosis, or epidermal differentiation disorder (EDD). It can lead to fatal heart disease, or a significant decline in quality of life.
Recent cuts to the National Institutes of Health have “pushed the possibility of a cure from the near future to a far-fetched aspiration,” Nolan says.
A labmate, 2nd-year medical student Devin Seli, is affected by EDD. Twice a week, he swims with a triathlon group at Compo Beach.
So Nolan, Devin and a few others from the lab decided to raise awareness — and funds.
All donations will go to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, which bridges the financial gap for people with the disorder. FIRST has also awarded millions of dollars in research grants to laboratories.
PS: Here’s a bit more about Nolan, a definite rising star. His work in Staples’ Scientific Research Program earned him 4th place at the state High School Science Symposium. He also received the International Society for In Vitro Biology award at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair.
He is on Staples’ STEM Journal editorial board, and is the incoming vice president of the Sciene National Honors Society. He’s also an AP Scholar with Distinction, and founded the current iteration of Staples’ National English Honor Society.
He has volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Catheterization Lab, and was a counselor at Camp Discovery, for children unable to attend mainstream sleepaway camps due to medical conditions.
He plays violin in the Symphonic Orchestra. He was the first-ever junior to be captain of Staples’ boys swim team. He received the inaugural Junior Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete banquet. And he’s been involved with the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Special Olympics swim program since 2018.
For well over a quarter of that time — 14 years — Hal Shupack served on the board of the non-profit, dedicating to ending homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
On Friday, the Gillespie Center’s courtyard was named for the longtime Weston resident. A former 1st Selectman, he died in 2020, at 84.
Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden said that from her first days “he took me under his wing, showed me around Weston, and taught me everything I know about the town. His knowledge, kindness, and deep-rooted commitment to the community were inspiring, and contagious.
“Hal lived his values every day, whether through his leadership as first selectman, his tireless work on countless boards and committees, or his long-standing dedication to Homes with Hope. His warmth, his wit, and his deep care for people made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
Several dozen guests — including members of Shupack’s family — attended the ceremony.
Since opening last month, Gruel Brittania has become one of Westport’s favorite restaurants.
The Cross Highway parking lot is often full. Occasionally, customers park on nearby Vineyard Lane.
Yesterday, this driver did not want to walk the extra 50 steps. He (or she) planted his (or her) car smack in the middle of the exit:
(Photo/Andrew Bangser)
To be clear: That white vehicle is blocking the exit (and a couple of cars on the right).
That empty space next to it? That’s a legit parking space.
I’m sure the Brits have a better word than we do for “entitled jerk.”
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Speaking of confusion: Signs have been placed on downtown streets, indicating new parking rules.
On-street limits have been lowered from 3 hours to 2. (They remain 3 hours in downtown parking lots.)
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
There’s just one problem: The sign says enforcement begins at 7 a.m. Notices from the town — and the Board of Selectwomen vote — is for 8 a.m.
“06880” reached out to town officials for clarification. We have not yet heard back.
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Tickets are on sale now Westoberfest.
The 8th annual festival — sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association — rolls into town October 4 (noon to 6 p.m.).
On tap: family activities, craft beers, live music, vendors, food, contests — and a few surprises.
Organized in collaboration with The Grapevine and Castle Wine & Spirits, everyone with access to the beer tasting tent receives a free tasting glass and koozie.
There are several ticket options including with or without admission to the beer tasting tent. Seniors and children 4-12 years old get special rates; children under 4 are free. Click here for details, and to purchase.
For the past 24 years, Westporter Ellen Bowen has joined her brother David Paine’s non profit, 911Day, to honor the victims, heroes and first responders of that tragedy.
It’s a day of remembrance — and service.
What began as a small project — painting a teachers’ lounge in a school in lower Manhattan — has grown to an initiative in 21 cities.
30,000 volunteers pack over 9 million meals– in one day — for food banks and pantries.
This year for the first time, the Meal Pack program comes to Connecticut.
Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena and 9/11 Day seek volunteer teams (6 members and more) from companies and businesses, to 2 spend 2 hours packing meals.
Ellen says, “This is an inspiring and rewarding way to spend a couple of hours giving back — just like we all tried to do on that tragic day 24 years ago.”
Paul Scheulefe is a Boston-area native. He lives there now.
But he spent 25 years in Weston. He commuted to New York; after retiring, he taught English at Brunswick Academy and Fairfield Country Day School. he also coached lacrosse, and founded the Weston Lacrosse Club.
He honed his writing skills at the Westport Writers’ Workshop. He’s just published his first novel, “Damaged Goods.” Set during the financial crisis of 2008, it’s about a high-powered Wall Street trader’s existential crisis after learning he is the custodian of his estranged late sister’s frozen eggs.
Of special interest to “06880” readers (who Scheufele hopes will become “Damaged Goods” readers: The story is set in Westport.
Feedback to his “family drama” book — part of the Ann Patchett/Jodi Picoult genre — has been excellent, he says. Click here to buy.
James Lovell — the commander of the Apollo 13 spacecraft whose return to Earth following a massive explosion as it neared the moon in 1970 captivated the world (and, later, movie audiences in “Apollo 13”) — died Thursday. He was 97.
Richard Wiese — a longtime Weston resident, and president of The Explorers Club — knew Lovell.
He says, “Although Jim stopped traveling to space decades ago, he continued to be an inspiration to people young and old by encouraging their interest in science, and leading by his own example – one must be bold to turn the impossible into reality.
“Captain Lovell’s life and legacy are in keeping with the highest traditions of The Explorers Club. For those of us who knew him, Jim was a humble, down-to-earth friend. Legends aren’t only made in space — sometimes, they’re made in the way they treat people here on Earth.”
James Lovell (left) and Richard Wiese, Explorers Club president.
And finally … in honor of the gorgeous sturgeon moon (photo above):
(A beautiful moon, a beautiful weekend day, a beautiful “06880” online community … we are blessed. Enjoy the first two. And if you enjoy this blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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