Roundup: Shake It For Shea, Spring For Abilis, Drew Angus In Concert …

Posted on April 13, 2025 | 3 comments

Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.

Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.

There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.

Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.

In 2023, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. They raised an eye-popping $290,000 for Dr. Ackerman’s lab. 

Last year’s event was even bigger: $440,000.

This year, they’re shooting for half a million.

The 3rd annual Shake It For Shea gala is May 8 (7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). There’s live entertainment by the Bobby Attiko Band, delicious food and drinks, a night of dancing, and much more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A much older — and also very important — non-profit is Abilis

For nearly 75 years, they’ve provided services and support for individuals of all ages with special needs and disabilities. Today they serve over 800 people, and their families.

Abilis sponsors residential homes in Westport, and run REACH and LEAP support programs here too.

Abilis also works with employers in the area, including the Westport Book Shop and Westport Library.

The upcoming Spring for Abilis gala (May 17, Greenwich Country Club) features emcee Billy Blanks Jr., music by ETA, dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and a chance to purchase much-needed items for Abilis’ programs like diapers, books, and educational games. The event is co-chaired by Gena Mann of Weston.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The next local appearance for 2007 Staples High School graduate Drew Angus — whose fans include Jennifer Lopez, Elton John and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson — is April 25 (SHU Community Theater, Fairfield).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Drew Angus

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Gilbert Maurer — a former Westporter, former chief operating officer of Hearst, and trustee of the trust established by William Randolph Hearst — died April 6 at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. He was 96.

“Gil Maurer lived a remarkable life,” says Steven Swartz, Hearst president and CEO. “He helped build the modern Hearst corporation and kept working on it until the day he died. He was an artist, a civic leader, a savvy investor and philanthropist, and with his wife Ann he built a great family and found time to travel the world many times over.

As COO, Maurer was instrumental in Hearst’s diversification into broadcast and digital media, and other business ventures. As president of Hearst Magazines for 14 years, ad revenues more than quadrupled. He helped the company invest in Lifetime, A&E, History and ESPN.

He was instrumental in hiring Norman Foster to design Hearst Tower in 1999 — a move that changed both New York City’s skyline and the image of Hearst itself.

Descended from artist Alfred Maurer, he and his wife of 69 years, Ann, created the Maurer Family Foundation to support the arts in America.

Maurer was a trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art, serving as president of the board from 1993 to 1998. He was also a trustee and director of the Norton Museum of Art in Palm Beach, a member of the Dean’s Council at the Yale School of Architecture, an overseer of the California Institute of the Arts,  member of the Greater New York advisory board of The Salvation Army, a member of the board of nanagers of the New York Botanical Gardens, chair of the board of visitors of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, and member of the board of visitors to the art museums at Harvard.

His daughter Meredith Hutchison says that Westport was a special place for her parents. Her father walked often at Compo Beach, dressed nicely with a hat and cane.

An artist himself, Gilbert Maurer painted this Hillspoint Road scene.

Maurer was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his children Christopher, David, Peter, Jonathan and Meredith, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held in Palm Beach and New York City. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Norton Museum, The Society of the Four Arts, the Whitney Museum of American Art and Yale School of Architecture.

Gilbert Maurer

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The cormorants are back at Burying Hill Beach — and Johanna Keyser Rossi photographed these 2, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” made its world premiere in Dublin. Hallelujah!

(Go ahead — click to watch the video above. It’s a beautiful 2 1/2 hours. Then, if you get a chance, please click here to support “06880.” One day, 2 important clicks. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Obituaries

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State DOT Promises Action On Residents’ Clear-Cutting Concerns

Posted on April 13, 2025 | 11 comments

Stina Sternberg Snow lives on Hillandale Road, not far from the Sherwood Island Connector.

Which means: not far from the clear-cutting done by the state Department of Transportation, as part of construction of a new building at their maintenance facility behind Walgreens.

Stina and her husband Matt have been in touch with the DOT. Here’s their report after a conversation with project engineer Matt Easdon.

One view of the clear-cutting at the state DOT maintenance facility (Sherwood Island Connector is on the left) …

Stina reports: “It’s clear from the way Easdon (and Scott Adkins, the District 3 engineer to whom the baton will now be passed as the project moves to the construction phase) have responded to us that they’re open to input.”

“Just the e-mails and calls they’ve received over the last 3 days have resulted in orders for new design changes to be added to the plans. It’s clear they hadn’t thought of repopulating trees before.”

Stina says she and her neighbors have learned that the construction phase of the new DOT maintenance facility — “essentially a garage for the state’s snow plows and maintenance trucks — the same function this property has held for 60+ years” — will start this summer, and last until the spring of 2027.

The number of trucks housed there now will not increase, but the new main building will be 3 times larger than the current one. It will include offices, and sit closer to the Sherwood Island Connector.

Stina also says that DOT has been told by the town that the east side of the lot (near West Parish Road) is “hands off for now,” because of the possibility of building affordable housing there.

Stina also says that the DOT originally looked for other parts of Westport for  new facility — to not disrupt a residential area — but no land was available.

… and another, from Hillandale Lane. (Photos/Matt Snow)

Easdon told Stina that all the trees and brush along the connector and Hillandale Road were removed now — though construction is months away — and done quickly to avoid disrupting wildlife nesting season. That was recommended by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which has been consulted on the project.

Stina adds, “They claim to be very open to collaborating with town residents to help make the new facility as undisruptive as possible, and to listen our input when it comes to the tree situation.

“It’s obviously too late for the latter, but because we’ve reached out with our complaints over the last few days, Easdon’s team has already asked the agronomy side of their planning team to work on adding new trees (probably arbor vitae) along the Hillandale Road and Sherwood Island Connector sides to the plans.

An “official” pre-construction meeting, with everyone involved in the project, is set for New Haven next Wednesday (April 16).

The meeting is not open to the public, but Easdon told Stina “they will add a discussion about the community pushback and planting new trees. He will hopefully have drawings to share with us of what the whole project will look like” a few days later.

Stina passes along these emails —

  • matthew.easdon@ct.gov
  • Scott.Adkins@ct.gov

and a link to a petition to restore the trees.

(If it happens in Westport — or to Westport — you’ll read about it on “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Places, Politics, Transportation

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Pics Of The Day #2915

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 1 comment

Willowbrook Cemetery: The view from Main Street …

… and a close-up (Photos/Andrew Colabella)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Savvy Smoker, Ramadan, Gatsby …

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 15 comments

Savvy Smoker was busted this week.

That’s as regular a headline as “New York Giants lose.”

Law enforcement has served 4 warrants since December 2023 — including twice in the past 2 months — after complaints of non-licensed cannabis sales, and selling to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.

So why hasn’t the store been shut down?

“Its frustrating,” Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas acknowledges.

“We report every incident to the state. But they, and the Department of Consumer Protection, say they can’t do anything.”

Koskinas will meet with Representative Town Meeting leaders next week. He hopes the RTM can draft an ordinance to take action against a store, after a certain number of violations.

The chief also spoke with the Aspetuck Health District. They were sympathetic, but could not find language to make repeated arrests a public health issue.

“They pay fines,” Koskinas says of the Savvy Smoker, which seems to be living up to its name. “But they keep on going.”

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Today is the beginning of Passover. Next Sunday is Easter.

And this past week marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

It’s a tholiday tradition to visit civil service offices, meet the executive officers, and give thanks and appreciation for the contributions and services they provide.

Members of the Ismaili Muslim community gave Eid al-Fitr gifts of appreciation to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Nick Marsan, for their efforts on behalf of the Ismaili Muslim community and the people of Westport.

Town officials, with representatives of the Ismaili Muslim community.

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Happy 100th birthday, “Great Gatsby”!

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel — hailed as “the Sistine Chapel of American literature” — was published a century ago this week.

In its honor, the Boston Globe has looked back at the author, and his muse.

The path leads to Westport.

Taking note of the work of Robert Steven Williams and Richard Webb — Westporters who have written and made a film about the possible role our town played in inspired some of the characters and scenes — the Globe says:

When Fitzgerald arrived in Westport in May of 1920, both he and it were entering new eras. He was newly married and on honeymoon with Zelda, a vivacious 19-year-old Alabaman who later became a writer as well. Westport, meanwhile, was leaving its agricultural roots behind and becoming a more industrialized, suburban enclave that parades of wealthy New Yorkers, Bostonians, and other city dwellers took the train to visit. Artists like the Fitzgeralds, priced out of more established communities like Greenwich, came too.

At the time, Westport was practically lawless. The town’s police had little interest in enforcing Prohibition and bootleggers smuggling Canadian liquor criss-crossed Long Island Sound. The Fitzgeralds drank heavily at speakeasies, skinny dipped, and partied on the beach. “It was a bit like the Wild West,” said Robert Steven Williams, a Westport resident and one of the filmmakers behind “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story,” a 2020 documentary.

Click here for the full Boston Globe article. (Hat tips: Fred Cantor, Gwen Tutun)

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Speaking of important novels: As a student at Staples High School, Shelley Fisher’s most memorable assignment came from English teacher Tony Arciola: a paper on how Mark Twain used irony to attack racism in “Huckleberry Finn.”

She became a member of Yale’s first graduating class to include women. She earned a doctorate in American studies, and — as a professor of English at Stanford — Shelley Fisher Fishkin is now one of the nation’s foremost Twain scholars.

Her newest book — to be published Tuesday — is “Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn’s Comrades.” It explores the influence of the enslaved made on his young white companion.

Press materials call Jim “a highly polarizing figure: hH is viewed as an emblem both of Twain’s alleged racism and of his opposition to racism; a diminished character inflected by minstrelsy and a powerful challenge to minstrel stereotypes; a reason for banning ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and a reason for teaching it; an embarrassment and a source of pride for Black readers.”

Fishkin explores Twain’s portrayal of him, as well as Jim’s “afterlife” in film, translation, and classrooms today. “The result is Jim as we have never seen him before — a fresh and compelling portrait of one of the most memorable Black characters in American fiction.” Click here to order, and for more information. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

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Speaking of Staples: Ben Casparius made his Major League Baseball debut last season.

Cooper Boardman made it Thursday night.

Casparius — a 2017 Wrecker grad — did it on the mound, for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Boardman’s achievement was in the broadcast booth.

The 2017 Staples and 2021 Syracuse University grad called his first major league game, for the Boston Red Sox’s WEEI radio network. He’s doing all 3 games of the series in Chicago, against the White Sox.

According to the Ruden Report, which broke the story, Boardman has been broadcasting Boston’s AAA Worcester games since 2021. He has also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, working college basketball, softball and lacrosse.

Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards. Click here for the WEEI Tweet.

Cooper Boardman

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Speaking still of Staples: Democracy is not dead.

Every spring and fall, Westport’s League of Women Voters registers new voters at Staples High School.

This week, they enrolled 39 seniors, in both parties. They handed out about 20 applications to others.

The new voters’ first chance will come this November, in local elections.

Westport’s newest voters, at Staples High School.

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Harbor Watch knows their people.

Every year, Earthplace’s water quality research program hosts a “Cocktails & Clams” fundraiser.

Every year, it sells out.

This year’s event is May 31 (5 to 7 p.m., Copps Island Oysters).

As always, the draw is an unlimited raw bar with fresh oysters and clams, canapés, drinks and live music, at the scenic Norwalk Harbor venue.

All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s science education programs. Faced with significant federal funding cuts, this year’s gala is crucial to empower local youth as future environmental stewards.

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation, click here.

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Party planning is stressful.

Marinda Freeman can help. The former executive director of Martha Stewart Catering will discuss her new book, “Everything is an Event,” on May 2 (4 p.m., Westport Library).

A Q-and-A and signing session will follow. Registration is $5. Attendees receive a 25% book discount. Click here for more information.

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One of the joys of this time of year is the return of chirping birds.

This blue jay hung out at Richard Fogel’s feeder — and posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … you may have figured this one was coming, based on the photo above.

Or not.

(Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald — today, Westport meets the world AND some literary superstars. Just another “06880” day. If you enjoy Roundups like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Police, religion, Sports, Staples HS

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Online Art Gallery #261

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 4 comments

Welcome to another colorful, topical and timeless week of our online art gallery.

As always, we invite submissions from all “06880” readers (and siblings). No matter 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.

This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.

Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Branching Out” (Patricia McMahon)

“Purple Spring Flowers” (Karen Weingarten)

Untitled – From the edge of the fields at Greenwich Audubon Center (Kathleen Burke)

Untitled (Duane Cohen)

“Green Fishing Boat” — digital composition (Ken Runkel)

“Old Mill Low Tide” — oil on canvas (Werner Liepolt)

“Is it Winter or is it Spring?” — oil on aluminum (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk” (Tom Doran)

“Found Art” — outside Westport Library (Jonathan Alloy)

“Circles and Angles and Snowfall in a Mirror” (Peter Barlow)

Pile of puppies dreaming of pulling a sled in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, 938 miles Anchorage to Nome, Alaska (Mike Hibbard)

“A Candle in the Window” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Still on the Drawing Board” (Aerin Lichtman, age 11)

“Blue or Red State — The Tax Man is Coming!” (Steve Stein)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Public Gets First Long Lots Look

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 12 comments

The new Long Lots Elementary School will look nothing like the old one.

That was one takeaway from Thursday night’s “reveal.”

More than 2 dozen residents jammed a Town Hall conference room, to watch the Planning & Zoning Commission examine the Long Lots School Building Committee’s plan for 127,000-square foot, $100 million structure. It would be built approximately where the current upper baseball diamond lies.

Planning & Zoning Commission and Long Lots School Building Committee members meet at the conference table, as spectators fill the Town Hall room. (Photo/Toni Simonetti)

Among the features: peaked New England-style roofs, a stream near the entrance, and a courtyard.

Three views (from top): from the east (Hyde Lane), south and north.

What’s missing is a site for the new gardens, which would be displaced by a new athletic field. Without that — promised in the previous 8-24 plan — P&Z approval is in doubt.

A site for the gardens could ultimately be found on the Hyde Lane property, which also includes parking. If there is a new garden site elsewhere, a revised 8-24 may be required.

The proposed new school. From the left (south) to the right (north): athletic field, parking, school, lower athletic fields. Hyde Lane is at the bottom (east).

The courtyard (shown above) is envisioned as a place for outdoor classes and other gatherings. It will also provide natural light for the building.

(“06880” reports regularly on education, town politics, their intersection, and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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Pic Of The Day #2914

Posted on April 11, 2025 | 2 comments

Final Touch Cleaners (Photo/Tammy Barry)

2 Comments

Posted in Local business, Pic of the Day

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Friday Flashback #445

Posted on April 11, 2025 | 11 comments

Most Friday Flashbacks have back stories.

This does not.

At least, not yet.

The other day, this photo appeared on Facebook:

(Photo courtesy of Paul Ehrismann)

There was no other information. Nothing about when the shot was taken, or where exactly near Compo Beach the inn was located.

I’ve never heard of it. (The Compo Beach Inn is not to be confused with the Compo Inn, a larger structure that stood for many years at the corner of Post Road West and Ludlow Road.)

I found nothing online — just the same photo, on eBay.

If you know anything about the Compo Beach Inn, click “Comments” below.

Bonus points to anyone who actually went inside.

(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!)

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Posted in Beach, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: Construction Update: Connector, Post Road West, Hiawatha Lane, Hamlet …

Posted on April 11, 2025 | 7 comments

Thousands of drivers on the Sherwood Island Connector have been stunned at the extent and speed of clear-cutting around the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility behind Walgreens.

Residents of the area — especially around Hillandale Road — are horrified. They wonder what will happen now that dozens of noise-shielding trees are gone.

One view, with the Sherwood Island Connector on the left …

The work occurred quickly, soon after permission was granted to construct a new building at the site.

Former Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin notes: “Sadly, state owned land is not subject to local zoning laws in Connecticut. The state is immune from following local zoning laws, and often does not notify the town of work.

“Connecticut communities really only exercise control over town-owned land. The state can do anything it wants essentially with this lot — and all the train parking lots too.”

… and another, from Hillandale Road. (Photos/Matt Snow)

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In June of 2021, years of controversy and lawsuits ended when — after long negotiations between the Planning & Zoning Commission, the developer and neighbors — the P&Z voted 5-0 to allow an apartment complex between Lincoln and Cross Streets, off Post Road West.

The proposed 6-story, 81-unit development was scaled back to 68 units. It was redesigned almost completely, eliminating a section that would tower over homes on Riverside Avenue. Fire safety and parking concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of Westport’s fire marshal.

And the developer would include 30% affordable housing.

But for nearly 4 years — after dilapidated housing was torn down — the land stood vacant.

Finally — following a change in ownership — the project has begun.

Enough new residents have come to town — and enough older ones have forgotten about the controversy — that almost daily, someone emails “06880” wondering about the construction.

The first element to go up — elevator shafts — made it look particularly spooky.

Lighthouse Living — the developer — did not respond to repeated emailed requests for comment. 

Reached by phone, a representative in the leasing department said there would be studios, and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. She thinks occupancy is about a year away.

Apartment construction, from Post Road West. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of new developments: After hackers disrupted, and ultimately canceled, Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, there was talk that the Hamlet at Saugatuck application —  next on the agenda — would be added to the P&Z’s next session.

But the agenda for that meeting (April 21, 6 p.m., virtual at www.westportct.gov), does not include the controversial project.

Commissioners will discuss an indoor racquet sport facility at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, a modification of the site plan for 785 Post Road East (behind New Country Toyota), and an application to continue parking school buses for 2 more years at Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and Bedford Middle School.

The P&Z had already planned for public input into the Hamlet proposal at its April 28 meeting. That agenda has not yet been published.

And the Hamlet will be discussed at the Architectural Review Board meeting. It’s set for April 22 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).

Bus parking is on the April 21 P&Z agenda.

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Speaking still of developments: The land proposed for Summit Saugatuck’s new 157-unit housing complex on Hiawatha Lane Extension was clear-cut yesterday.

Carolanne Curry — a longtime opponent, and founder of the Save Our Saugatuck group that battled unsuccessfully against the development for nearly a decade — says, “There was no notice from anyone, or the town, that action has begun again.”

Cleared land, on Hiawatha Lane Extension. (Photo/Carolanne Curry)

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What does Stew Leonard Jr. worry about most?

Avocados and tequila.

Those are 2 products he can’t get anywhere else in the world. And they’ll be hit hard, if President Trump follows through on his threatened tariffs.

Yesterday, he entire country — at least, those who listen to NPR’s “Morning Edition” — heard the Westport native, and 2nd-generation CEO of the eponymous tri-state grocery store chain, discuss the impact of tariffs on his customers, his employees, and Stew Leonard’s’ bottom line.

Click here, to read and/or hear the interview.

Stew Leonard Jr. (Photo courtesy/Westchester Magazine)

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The first of 3 public workshops for the Westport Parks Master Plan is set for April 24 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Residents can meet the consultants, learn more about the planning process, and offer feedback. 

The presentation will be available within a week, on the Parks & Recreation Department website. Additional workshops will be held in the summer and fall.

Changes may be coming to Longshore.

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The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Paris.”

The “fierce, funny and subtle look at working-class America” is set for Monday, (April 14, 7 p.m.).

Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator Mark Shanahan calls it “a powerful, beautifully written play about the deep need to be seen, tackling issues of race, commerce, community, and invisibility in a small town workplace.”

The play is about one of the only Black people in Paris, Vermont. When she is hired at a store off the interstate selling everything from baby carrots to lawnmowers, she understands a new kind of isolation. “Paris” offers insights into invisibility, low pay, and how it feels to work on your feet 10 hours a day.

Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more details click here.

Hillary Fisher plays the lead role in “Paris.”

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The Weston Volunteer Fire Department is buying $215,000 worth of PFAS-free turnout gear.

Funds come entirely through their Benevolent Fund, which is supported by private donations.

PFAS are man-made chemicals that were used to make gear resistant to heat and water. Eesearch now shows that these “forever chemicals” build up in the body. They are linked to serious health concerns like cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems.

For more information about the Weston Volunteer Fire Department or the current initiative, email contactus@wvfd.com.

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Our long wait is open.

At last, Westport will have its 9,294th nail spa.

The confusingly named Monday Nail Spa — which will be open more than 1 day per week — is now open.

It replaces Massage Envy. Perhaps Monday’s slogan should be: “Can’t get a massage? At least get your nails done!”

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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The latest addition to the Levitt Pavilion summer calendar: The Wood Brothers.

The noted roots music band — hailed as “freethinking songwriters, road warriors and community builders” — come to town on August 10. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. today (Friday).  Click here to purchase, and for more details.

The Wood Brothers

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Andrew Neilly, Jr. — former president and CEO of the book publisher John Wiley & Sons — died peacefully on February 4 at his Weston, Connecticut home. He was 101.

The Baltimore native joined the Army in World War II. He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1947.

He was hired that year by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in 1947. He married Janet  Dayton. They raised their family in Weston, and lived there for over 60 years.

In 1971 Andrew became the first non-family member to be named president of Wiley. In 1979 he was named CEO. He served as vice chairman of the trustees until his retirement in 1995.

He entertained many well-known authors and publishers in Weston, where they discussed the role they should play in advancing education across the globe.

Andrew was elected chair of the Association of American Publishers, and president of the International Publishers Association — the first American to hold that position.

He was a trustee of the University of Rochester for many years. He and Janet established a deanship, and a lecture series that draws a diverse range of authors  On March 6, flags were lowered to half-staff at the university, in his  honor.

Andrew was a longtime member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. He was on several boards, and served as a deacon. He worked with Rev. Theodore Hoskins to establish Hoskins Place, an emergency shelter for women, and with Dr. James Gillespie to establish the Gillespie Center, an emergency shelter for men.

He loved painting watercolors, and studied under Charles Reid at the Silvermine Arts Center. His paintings were exhibited in many shows.

He is survived by Janet, his wife of 76; children Susan, Thomas (Jennifer) and Sarah (Carlos Paulino), 3 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 21 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Homes with Hope or Saugatuck Congregational Church.

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The killdeers are back. And Johanna Keyser Rossi captured this one — with her camera — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … happy 93rd birthday to Joel Grey!

(Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! We hope you enjoy “06880.” And if you don’t know: We rely on reader donations. Please click here to support our work. Danke! Merci! Thank you!)

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Posted in Longshore, Obituaries, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Rent Too Damn High? Westporters Have An Option

Posted on April 11, 2025 | 13 comments

Jimmy McMillan ran for mayor of New York twice, on the Rent is Too Damn High Party.

But if he lived in Westport, and did not like what his landlord charged, he would not have to run for first selectman.

He could complain to the Fair Rent Commission.

If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone.

Westport’s newest board was established recently, after a state law was changed to mandate a fair rent commission in any municipality with at least 25,000 residents. (Previously, it was limited to large cities.)

Westport’s population of 27,000+ includes new apartments …

The Commission is just getting organized. The state statute says at least one member must be a tenant, and one a landlord.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker appointed 5 members: Adrienne Durkin, William Hickson, Tanya Kaur, Marisa Manley and Theresa Miles.

They had their first organizational meeting this week. Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug helped members understand the ordinance, their roles, and how to hear complaints.

The Commission deals with renters of both apartments and single-family homes. Seasonal rentals (for example, those for just the summer) are excluded.

Michele Onofrio is the Fair Rent Commission administrator. A longtime employee of the town’s Building Department (and administrator of Westport’s Blight Prevention Board), she will receive complaints from tenants about their rent.

Tenants can complain about a rent increase they believe is unfair; a charge for utilities or services that used to be included in the rent; or unsafe or unhealthy conditions that may violate housing, fire or health codes.

Tenants do not need a written lease to complain. They also do not need a lawyer.

… and older ones. A 2-bedroom, 1,000-square foot unit on Franklin Street (above) is listed for $2,300 a month.

Onofrio will then attempt to resolve the issue, with the tenant and landlord. If she cannot, the commission will hear the case.

The law lists 13 factors to be considered when determining fair rent. They include rents charged for similar apartments or houses; health and safety; services supplied by the landlord (utilities, furnishings, etc.); the landlord’s taxes and other expenses; the tenant’s income; previous rent raises, and more.

After a hearing, the commission can decide that the rent is fair, and order the tenant to pay.

The commission can also determine that the increase is unfair, and set it at a fair level and order the landlord to accept it; decide that the increase must be phased in gradually, or delay an increase until repairs are made to fix code violations.

No complaints have been made yet.

Jimmy McMillan: Are you listening?

(For more information on the Fair Rent Commission — including a tenant complaint form — click here. You can also email fair-rent@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5024.)

Single-family homes are also available. This 3-bedroom, 1,634-square foot house rents for $7,850 a month.

(No other media outlet knows — or covers — Westport like “06880.” But we can’t do it without reader support. You can make a tax-deductibe contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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