Posted onAugust 9, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #278
Perhaps we’ve had a woodcarving before, in one of our 277 previous online art galleries.
Or maybe not.
Either way, today’s submission underlines one of the goals of this weekly feature: to highlight the many and varied works of “06880” readers.
No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Nebraska Field Flying Trout” — digital illustration/composite (Ken Runkel — Available for sale; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Showers” (Bruce Borner)
“Looking Up” (Karen Weingarten)
“Journey to the East” — Photographer Jerry Kuyper explains, “This is our backyard on Rayfield Road. For over 10 years, I have been maintaining a 90 foot circumference ‘Circle of Life.’ About 5 years ago I added cairns marking the center and N, S, E, W directions.”
“Pond” — digital print (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Trolley Folly” (Peter Barlow)
Untitled — woodcarving (Steven Kulla)
“White Collar” — 20″ x 16″ oil on canvas (Werner Liepolt — Available for purchase; click here)
“The Cannondale Station” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
“Our Relationship is on the Rocks!” (mike Hibbard)
“Princess Tang” — pencil on paper (William Fellah)
“I’m at Compo — Just Look for the Blue Swim Cap!” — pencil and watrcolor (Steve Stein)
“Not Happy” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onAugust 9, 2025|Comments Off on Office Evolution Offers Flexible Space, Community — And Coffee
Happy International Coworking Day!
I should add — as we often do around holidays now — “to those who celebrate.”
And while this might not be Easter, Passover or Ramadan, there are plenty of coworkers in America.
And — this being Westport, where “work” often means “an office,” rather than a field or factory floor — coworkers are everywhere.
(NOTE: Coworkers are different from “co-workers.” The latter refers to colleagues at a company or business. The former — who we celebrate today — are people from different firms, or solo practitioners, who share a common space.
That space can be Starbucks or the Library. But even though both have 2 key work components — tables and coffee — they’re not specifically designed for coworking.
Located in the Post Road office building across from Fire Department headquarters, it was the first flexible workspace in Westport. It features open spaces, private offices, conference rooms, a receptionist, mail plans and more.
Others coworking spaces followed.
A conference room is open to coworkers of all ages.
Laura Kaufman is the Westport franchisee. She opened in 2019.
In the 6 years since, Office Evolution has evolved. Her original customers were “solopreneurs”: therapists, accountants and the like.
They wanted a place to see clients that was more professional than home, but less expensive than their own office. Access to copiers (and a high-end coffee machine) were added perks.
Durng COVID, many therapists migrated to Zoom. Some still see some clients online; others have returned to Kaufman’s coworking space.
But a large new group of workers — attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs — have discovered the benefits of a flexible office.
Office Evolution includes coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and private offices (above), with a variety of plans and prices.
They’re men and women who once commuted 5 days a week to New York, Stamford or elsewhere. Now they work several days remotely. But that does not necessarily mean “from home.”
Additionally, large companies use Office Evolution as an address for their “Connecticut location.” Their executives can book conference rooms, at reasonable rates.
“You don’t need a long-term lease, or deal with a landlord,” Kaufman notes.
“We provide internet, WiFi, and a receptionist who greets your clients and escorts them to you.”
Laura Kaufman (right) and receptionist Lindy Steinorth.
Plus, that high-end touch-screen coffemaker that “no law firm would buy.”
Writers appreciate coworking too. “We offer a change of environment. Maybe they just need a new window to look out of. Or a cup of coffee.”
Coworking also offers community. Office Evolution hosted a “member appreciation lunch” to celebrate International Coworking Day. There are Super Bowl pools (“as if everyone were working for the same company,” Kaufman says).
And Kaufman makes it a point to introduce people who may have something in common, either professionally or personally.
Coworking is popular nationally. But it is “having a moment” in suburbs like Westport, Kaufman says.
And that “moment” will continue to grow.
“My kids are in their 20s,” says Kaufman. “Their generation is very interested in quality of life and flexibility.
“They’re happy to be in an office 2 or 3 days a week, interacting with people. But they have no patience for commuting far.
“Coworking will be their expectation — and where they find community.”
Right now, she adds, “Westport is a 30-plus community. As soon as people start families, they move to the suburbs. We reap the benefit.”
Westporters who discover coworking spaces like Office Evolution appreciate the opportunity to interact across age groups and professions. “It’s a nice, organic way to live and work,” Kaufman says.
Younger people are not surprised to find a coworking space in Westport. Older ones sometimes are.
“They come in and say ‘Wow, what a great idea!’ — as if I thought of it,” she laughs. “I’m happy to execute on someone else’s idea.”
(“06880” often covers Westport’s local businesses — and local trends. If you enjoy learning about your town through stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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Kristin Ryan Beirne — a superb Staples High School athlete, and a highly respected longtime Bedford Middle School teacher — died Saturday, after a long illness. The Southport resident was 47.
Born in Norwalk in 1978, Kristin was a member of Staples’ Class of 1996. A star on the soccer and basketball teams, she received the prestigious Albie Loeffler Scholarship, awarded for academic excellence, athletic achievement, integrity and strong family values.
Kristin played Division I soccer at the College of William & Mary. She earned All-Conference honors, and set a school record for most games played (93, including 89 starts). Her 1997 team was inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kristin Ryan Beirne
Kristin began teaching physical education in Virginia, before returning to Connecticut in 2002.
Over her 23-year career at Bedford, she touched thousands of lives through her work in the classroom, and interscholastic and intramural coaching. She also volunteered with the Westport Soccer Association.
In 2015, Kristin was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Kristin enjoyed summer days at Longshore, Compo and Southport beaches, and winter days ice skating and skiing at Mohawk and Killington.
Kristin was predeceased by her father James Ryan. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Beirne; children Alexandra and son, Grayson; her mother, Joan Ryan; siblings, Kim (Bill) Constantino and Kellie (Paul) Ouimette, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (August 10, 2 to 6 p.m.,Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). A memorial Mass will take place August 11 (11 a.m., St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield). To leave online condolences, click here.
In the summer of 2020, Westport was in a dark place.
COVID ravaged the country. Thousands of people died each day. We wore masks, and kept 6 feet apart as much as possible. Most entertainment venues were closed. Parks & Rec had removed the grills from Compo Beach.
Then came literal darkness.
On August 4, Hurricane Isaias roared through town. Power was out for over 5,600 customers.
Grove Point Road (Photo/John Kantor)
Without air conditioning or internet, Westporters gathered — socially distanced, of course — all around Jesup Green, to use the Library’s Wifi.
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
It took over a week for some residents to get back to what, in the summer of 2020, passed for normal.
The National Guard rolled in. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Today, it all seems like decades ago.
But anyone who lived through that summer will never forget it.
Hales Road. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Saugatuck Shores (Photo/News12 Connecticut)
Richmondville Avenue.
Saugatuck Avenue.
Compo Beach kayaks (Photo/Sandra Long)
Several days later, on Charcoal Hill Road. (Photo/Pat Blaufuss)
A welcome sight — finally.
Longshore golf course. (Photo/Brian Sikorski)
Pumpkin Hill Road at Colony Road, a few days later. (Photo/Christie Stanger)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Westport’s ever-expanding outdoor art collection dedicates its newest addition on August 13 (5 p.m., Eloise Ray Park: Riverside Avenue at Lincoln Street),
It’s a celebration of Marc Zaref’s “Enso: The Magic of Every Moment.” The sculptor will be there, to explain the piece and his process.
Aarriving here after a 2-year solo exhibit at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, it was installed yesterday.
“Enso” is the 4th sculpture that the Westport Arts Advisory Committee has installed in Westport parks since last year. The Parks and Recreation Department have helped with the initiative.
“Enso” by Marc Zaref, at Eloise Ray Park.
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There’s always something going on on Church Lane.
Last night, it was another Wednesday of free music:
Then yesterday, Dairy Boy promoted its “lifestyle brand” that “blends New England charm with modern fashion,” with an old-fashioned ice cream giveaway.
IYKYK.
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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Speaking of music: Borboletta brought their high-energy Santana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night. A large crowd rocked the amphitheater.
(Photo/Sean Bernand)
The Levitt and the band collaborated on a limited run of t-shirts. They’ll be sold at the box office throughout the weekend (while they last).
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The weekend schedule includes:
Tonight (Friday): Lulada Club: New York City’s All women Salsa Orchestra (free; dance lesson and dance party, 7 p.m.; show, 7:30).
Saturday: Adrian Quesada’s Boleros Psicodélicos (free; 7:30 p.m.).
Sunday: The Wood Brothers, with Mason Via (ticket purchase; 6 p.m.).
But athletes are deep into training. And Positive Directions is busily promoting it.
Westport’s prevention, counseling and peer supports center for individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders will benefit from the fundraising of 3 local runners.
Cam Gaylord, Brian McGarvey and Gianna Affi have set goals of raising $3,000 each for the non-profit. Click here to read their stories — and donate.
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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the winners of Westort Country Playhouse’s 2nd annual golf tournament, held recently at Birchwood Country Club.
They’re shown below: Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson, Alex Krug and Justin Brunwasser.
Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to our young neighbors to the east.
The Fairfield National 12U All-Star Little League team won the state championship. Now they’re competing in the Metro Section for a spot as one of 10 US teams in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that outfielder/pitcher Ben Herbst is the grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben is the younger son of David Herbst (Staples High School Class of 1992), and the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96).
The Metro Section championship game, against New York, is today at 7 p.m. It will be played in Bristol, Connecticut, and televised by the big network right down the road: ESPN.
Speaking of kids: Adam J. Lewis Academy — the life-changing Bridgeport school co-founded by Westporter Julie Mombelloo — had quite a year.
Their first-ever class of 6th graders moved into a sparkling new facility, complete with STEAM lab and maker space.
Music Theatre of Connecticut helped stage 2 big productions.
Now, as teachers prepare to welcome pre-K through 7th graders, they’re sharing an important wish list.
From arts and science equipment to books, calculators and many other classoom needs — the kind available without a second thought in a district like Westport — each request is important. Amazon gift cards are welcome too.
Click here for the full list. All items can be shipped directly to Adam J. Lewis Academy, 500 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Westport native Sherri Manuel died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday. She was 52
She graduated with typical excitement and enthusiasm from Staples High School and Camp Hill Soltane in Pennsylvania, a program for adults with intellectual differences. S
She had a successful career at Village Market in Wilton for over 25 years.
Sherri enjoyed many activities and field trips with Star Inc. of Norwalk, a full and active social life with Our Vision of Westport, and an independent residential lifestyle provided by CLASP Homes of Westport.
Sherri was an accomplished Special Olympian, earning many medals. Her greatest achievement was a gold medal winner in equestrian riding.
Highlights of Sherri’s life include a cover story in Westport Magazine (“A Day in the Life of Sherri Manuel”), being a runway model for CLASP Homes fundraisers, and the opportunity to meet her hero, Micheal J. Fox, at a show taping, which resulted in a long friendship.
Her family says, “Above all else, Sherri brought joy, happiness and humor to all who knew her.”
She is survived by her parents, Tom and Julie McNamee, siblings Charlie (Becky), sister Christina Parker (Dan Parker) and Mandy, nephews Max, Benny, Bennett, Logan, John and Elliot, niece Morgan, stepbrothers Ryan McNamee (Taylor), Andrew McNamee (Stephanie), nephews Logan, John and Elliot, and many friends from CLASP Homes, Star Inc. and Our Vision.
A wake will be held tomorrow (Saturday August 9, 2 to 6 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield).
And finally … in honor of Dairy Boy’s popup yesterday on Church Lane (story above):
(No milk today. But donations are always accepted at “06880,” to keep this hyper-local blog healthy and strong. Please click here. We appreciate your help!)
Posted onAugust 8, 2025|Comments Off on Connecticut/Donetsk “Sister State” Alliance Signed. Westport/Lyman Led The Way.
Governor Ned Lamont and Governor Vadym Filashkin, his counterpart in Ukraine’s Donestk oblast, signed a historic “sister state” agreement yesterday.
No other US state has a relationship with an oblast in a war-ravaged section of that country.
And it all started in Westport.
Brian and Marshall Mayer — brothers who grew up here — created Ukraine Aid International, shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion.
The non-profit quickly earned a reputation for its ability to deliver much-needed supplies — food, medical and communications equipment, pellet-burning stoves, water filtration devices and more — directly where it is needed.
Marshall Mayer (left), and Donetsk Governor Vadim Filashkin.
Soon — with the backing of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — Westport and Lyman, Ukraine became sister cities.
The Donetsk town is close to Russian front. Generous Westporters raised $250,000 for Lyman during the 2022 holiday season. The funds provided shelter, warmth and water.
Another $50,000 was raised the following spring. Tooker and then-Police Chief Foti Koskinas visited their counterparts in Lyman, raising spirits there and driving home the urgent need for help here.
A recent fundraising effort helped send Lyman youngsters to a therapy camp in the Carpathian Mountains.
An apartment building in Lyman.
Westport’s other sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, added important aid too. The French village has shared a relationship with our town since World War II.
After the Westport-Lyman relationship, Ukraine Aid International helped 6 other Connecticut towns and cities establish sister city friendships.
Lamont’s proclamation binds our state with their oblast.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and John Larson, State Senator Ceci Maher, 1st Selectman Tooker, UAI president Katya Wauchope and UAI executive director Marshall Mayer were all on the call with Lamont yesterday.
Governor Lamont (top row, right), Senator Blumenthal (bottom row, left), and others on yesterday’s Zoom call.
“Westport led the charge,” Marshall Mayer told “06880” yesterday. “Then other cities and towns came together.” Together, over $2.5 million — all in private donations — has been raised in Connecticut for Donetsk since the invasion began.
UAI notes, “What began as a local movement of compassion has grown into an enduring public partnership rooted in solidarity, resilience, and shared democratic values.”
The “sister state” agreement will promote cooperation at the state and local levels — including both public and private groups — in areas like healthcare, education, culture and sports.
With the partnership in place, Ukraine Aid International has turned to 2 immediate needs.
They’re raising $40,000 for a large water filtration system for Kramatorsk, Stamford’s sister city. It will help the entire region — including a hospital that serves Lyman.
They hope to secure a vital MRI machine too. Any “06880” reader with access to one — perhaps through connections in the healthcare industry — can email marshall@ukraineaidinternational.org.
Meanwhile UAI is also seeking a “sister state coordinator,” to help with fundraising, collections and more. If interested in the paid position, email Marshall Mayer at the address above.
Westport’s interesting race for 1st selectman just got even more intriguing.
David Rosenwaks will be the town’s first-ever Independent Party-endorsed candidate. Having secured more than enough signatures, he’ll have his own line on the November 4 ballot.
He joins Democratic-endorsed Kevin Christie, and Don O’Day, the Republican-endorsed candidate who is now unaffiliated.
Rosenwaks, 48, spent 25 years as an unaffiliated voter. He became a Democrat less than a year ago, but is now joining the Independent Party.
David Rosenwaks
Party politics is one of the reasons Rosenwaks is running for the town’s top job. A first-term member of the non-partisan Representative Town Meeting, he says, “I want to change the tenor of town government. As an Independent, I’ll answer to one entity: Westport and its citizens.
“A lot of decisions have been made before weighing all views. A lot of people feel unheard and undervalued.”
Rosenwaks envisions a return to former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell’s “Brown Bag Lunches.” A member of the RTM’s Information Technology Committee, he also hopes to “modernize and digitize” the town’s technology system.
Rosenwaks and his wife, actor Liz Fye, moved to Westport from New York at the beginning of COVID. They felt “blessed” by the school system, Library, beaches and rich arts heritage.
Rosenwaks dove into all aspects of the town. He attended commission and TEAM Westport meetings, Westport Library events, the Senior Center, the Westport Country Playhouse and more. He is a member of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, joined the Citizens Police Academy, served on the PTA Council in a technology role, and coached recreation soccer.
“I learned a lot from the people who have been here for years,” Rosenwaks said. “They helped me understand how this town grew and evolved into what it is now.”
At the same time, he says, “Westport is at an inflection point. The average age is 39 to 45, depending on the data you use. We’re ready for the next evolution of the town. I’m confident I can be the bridge between those who have been here for decades, and the more recent arrivals.”
His RTM District 6 race was very competitive: 7 candidates for 4 seats. He knocked on 700 doors, and heard a diversity of viewpoints on a variety of topics.
David Rosenwaks
In the past 5 years, Westport has grappled with some major controversies.
Rosenwaks — a Long Lots Elementary School parent — was disturbed by the overcrowding and neglect at his children’s school. At the same time, he says, “the Community Gardeners should have been handled differently. They deserved a more honest approach up front.”
Redistricting 30 children “across the river, at 2 of the worst times of day” was an example of decisions being made “piecemeal, not holistically,” he says.
Rosenwaks was also disturbed at the Board of Education’s handling of Staples High’s soccer coaches.
“Over 100 kids sat in Town Hall for 14 hours,” he says. “Their voices were not heard. They were disilliulsioned. That’s a problem for their future, and the future of the town.”
As for the Hamlet, he says, “the majority of people in Westport want some development. But not to the extent of what was proposed. How did we get here, held hostage by a developer that doesn’t connect with what most people want?”
after graduating from Dartmouth College, Rosenwaks joined Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup as an investment banker.
He then co-founded a multi-billion dollar asset management firm, StoneCastle Partners. After selling it a decade later he pivoted to singing, songwriting and art collecting.
He’s recorded with Paul Shaffer and Phil Ramone. Rosenwaks’ original music has appeared in independent films. He headlined shows at the Public Theater, Joe’s Pub, and BB King’s.
Now, he says, “I spend most of my time dedicated to the town.”
Which brings him back to the reason he is running.
“I want what’s best for my family, my neighbors, and the town of Westport,” Rosenwaks says.
“I want everyone to feel involved. Whether it’s Jesup Green or a parking lot, every decision should be about what’s best for Westport.”
To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
He submitted 132.
Now he awaits official certification, from the Independent Party.
He is running solo for the top spot. According to the Town Charter, if a person elected 1st selectman “has not been nominated by political party, the 2 defeated chandidates for First Selectman having the high number of votes shall be elected Selectman.”
It is unclear if that means the 2nd and 3rd selectmen would be the 2 other candidates for that position (Christie and O’Day, in whichever order they finish), or if the candidates of the runner-up party with the most runner-up votes would serve as 2nd and 3rd selectpersons, respectively (Christie and Amy Wistreich, or O’Day and Andrea Moore).
Either way, Rosenwaks says, “I will be happy to work with any combinatiion of ‘defeated candidates. Leadership comes from the top.”
Make way for “The Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity.”
ROAN Ventures – the developer of the Hamlet residential/hotel/retail/event space project, whose application was denied last month by the Planning & Zoning Commission – is moving forward with an 8-30g proposal.
The plan includes 400 to 500 residential units, in the same general Saugatuck footprint as the Hamlet site. As an 8-30g, 30% would be deemed “affordable” under a state formula.
ROAN hopes to file its new application by the end of the month.
The 8-30g application will be as controversial as The Hamlet. Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation gives municipalities little say in areas like density, parking, public amenities, walkability and waterfront access.
An earlier sketch of a possible 8-30g housing development in Saugatuck. Railroad Place is at the bottom, and bisects the buildings at the left and center; Luciano Park is the green area at top left. Riverside Avenue runs to the right of the building on the right.
In a statement, ROAN calls the Hamlet denial “a significant missed opportunity for Westport.” As a result, the developer has shifted to another use for the site.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) upheld the original P&Z text amendment by a 33-1 vote, ROAN notes, “citing the possibility of a state-mandated affordable housing development” if they did not affirm the rezoning.
Chris Smith, zoning attorney for ROAN, says the developer is “very disappointed with the Commission’s denial of the Hamlet, especially after working with the Commission and town over a long period of time.
“However, my client understands that Westport has been receptive to residential communities with housing opportunity components in the past.”
ROAN “looks forward to working with the Commission and town in moving forward with a comprehensive proposal that promotes housing opportunities for the citizens of Westport in the Saugatuck neighborhood,” Smith adds.
The P&Z’s denial vote “triggered significant interest from many developers who were following the special permit process,” ROAN tells “06880.”
“At the moment the plan is for ROAN to develop the property, potentially with some partners who have shown interest in the new business plan.”
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
“Architectural plans were created to integrate seamlessly with Westport’s charm, and contribute to local economic growth and modernized infrastructure.”
“06880” is reaching out to town officials for comments on the Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity plan, and the Superior Court appeal.
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To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
