A few years earlier she started a memory garden on her property, in honor of loved ones lost.
Daffodils were among the first to bloom, each spring. The yellow bulbs are beautiful — and a welcome sign that new life everywhere is about to explode.
Debra already had hundreds of the flowers. She knew and loved Willowbrook Cemetery’s display on Main Street too.
But she wanted to see thousands more, all over town. And fall was the right time to plant them.
She started a campaign, called “Paint the Town Yellow.” With support from “06880,” she asked residents, business owners and town officials to participate.
They did — in spades.
Every spring since, Westport has been awash in daffodils. Seeing them on roadsides, in front of businesses, and nearly everywhere else, we can’t help but smile.
Debra does too. And she thinks of her memory garden.
Last September, when Staples High School senior Max Harper died, Debra suggested that daffodils be planted in his memory.
Half a year later, we see the fruits of their labors. New daffodils are joining older perennials, to the joy of us all.
Near the Longshore golf course 1st tee.
In front of the Parks & Recreation office, also at Longshore.
Grace Salmon Park …
… and nearby, on Compo Road South.
North Avenue, across from Staples. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
One view of Willowbrook Cemetery, off Main Street … (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
(As Debra Kandrak and many others paint the town yellow, please click here to send some green to “06880.” Your donation helps us spring ahead, in our daily coverage of Westport. Thank you!)
Judge Alan Nevas — member of a prominent Westport family, a towering presence in Connecticut legal circles for over half a century, and a 3-term member of the state House of Representatives — died yesterday at his home here surrounded by his family, after a brief struggle with lymphoma. He was 97.
Nevas was born in Norwalk. He was a 1945 graduate of Stamford High School, and was later inducted into its Hall of Fame.
He received a BA from Syracuse University in 1949, and a Bachelor of Laws from New York University School 2 years later.
He was in private practice in Westport from 1951 to 1981, except for 3 years in the Army as a sergeant first class (1952 to ’54).
Judge Alan Nevas
Inspired by a visit to Westport by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the summer of 1964, Nevas traveled to Mississippi to represent, pro bono, civil rights activists who had been arrested.
He was elected to the Westport Board of Finance, serving one term as chair. He was elected 3 times to the Connecticut House of Representatives. He served from 1971 to 1977, including 2 terms as a deputy leader.
Nevas was also a justice of the peace in Westport from 1976 to 1981. He served on the boards of numerous organizations that were important to him, including Norwalk Hospital and the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield.
In 1981, President Reagan appointed Nevas as US Attorney for the District of Connecticut. He served until 1985, when Reagan named him to the US District Court for the District of Connecticut.
After confirmation by the US Senate he served until his retirement in 2009, having assumed senior status in 1997. During his tenure, his colleagues elected him as president of the Federal Judges Association.
Following retirement from the federal bench, Judge Nevas once again entered private practice, primarily as a highly sought after arbitrator and mediator.
Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell selected him to chair the state’s investigation into causes of the deadly 2010 explosion at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown, and to chair the committee that allocated $7.7 million in funds to families impacted by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown.
Judge Nevas was a lifelong fan of the New York Giants, through good and mostly bad times. He and his wife Janet were world travelers, visiting all 7 continents. They enjoyed socializing with their many friends, trips to Manhattan for dining and culture, and summers on Martha’s Vineyard with their extended family.
In 2021, at 93, he was the oldest runner among nearly 1,200 in the traditional Chilmark Road Race on Martha’s Vineyard. He completed the hilly 3.1-mile course, in hot weather, in 1:08.37.6.
Judge Alan Nevas (Photo courtesy of WestportNow)
Nevas was married to Janet for nearly 66 years. They met in 1958 when he saw her across the room at a resort in New Hampshire, and asked her to dance.
She survives him, as do their children, Andrew (Jodie) Nevas of Westport, Debra Nevas (Jonathan Abrams) of Short Hills, New Jersey, and Nathaniel (Leslie Radel) of Wilton. He is also survived by grandchildren Zachary, Chloe, Maxwell and Adam Nevas, and Alexa and Seth Abrams; sister Dorothy Freedman of Westport, sister-in-law Judith Broudy; nieces and nephews Janet Freedman, Susan Filan, Ellen Wilner, Joshua Broudy and Matthew Broudy, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Charles Broudy and Frederick Freedman.
Funeral services will take place at Temple Israel on Tuesday (April 22, 10 a.m. (livestreamed at tiwestport.org), followed by burial at the Independent Hebrew Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.
Not all of them fly from nautical-looking masts, though.
One that does is at Sconset Square. I guess the “sea” theme comes from its Nantucket-sounding name, a replacement for the original Sherwood Square (which honored one of Westport’s more notable seafaring families, who may or may not have once sailed to Sconset).
Morley Boyd, Andrew Colabella, Tom Feeley and Sal Liccione were the readers who got last week’s Photo Challenge — a shot of that flag — correct. (Click here to see.)
Morley and Sal live nearby. They see it every day.
Andrew is everywhere in Westport. He sees it every day too, I’m sure.
Tom Feeley lives in Florida. But he knows his onions. And his Sherwoods, and Sconsets.
Congratulations to all.
Here is today’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Meanwhile, nearby, Banksy — or someone like him — has come to Westport.
An intriguing bit of street art — more aptly, “boardwalk art” — appeared recently, at the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.
Print at the lifeguard shack. (Hat tip and photo/Andrew Colabella)
No one seems to know who is behind the print. But it sure adds color and interest, a few weeks before the guards arrive.
Meanwhile, a few yards away, a number of fence pickets — relics of the previous playground renovation — remain. They’ve been offered to families and organizations who bought them, to help fund the 2009 rebuild.
The 2025 re-do begins tomorrow. New pickets are part of the project. They may be available to donors in the 2040s.
But — on the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord — over 100 people gathered at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. As with the earlier demonstration, they held signs decrying a number of actions by the Trump administration.
Once again, many — but not all — drivers honked in support.
Another protest is planned next Saturday.
(Photos/Adam Stolpen)
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David Pogue left Westport last year, for Bedford, New York.
But he’s back (almost) for the 4th annual Norwalk Earth Day Festival.
The “CBS Sunday Morning”/PBS “Nova”/New York Times tech writer (and much more) returns on April 26 (11 a.m., Mill Hill Historic Park), for a talk on “Climate Hope.”
Organizers promise “10 surprising reasons for hope,” and 10 impactful actions anyone can take to help protect our planet. Click here for tickets.
The event, on the Norwalk Green, also includes vendors, healing arts, kids’ activities, a labyrinth, picnic grove, tree planting, “trashion” show and beer garden. Click here for more information.
Speaking of the environment: Weston’s EcoFest is set for May 4 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lachat Town Farm).
The day of environmental service, celebration and education includes community members, local businesses and organizations, showcasing sustainable products and initiatives.
There’s live music by high school bands; food trucks and vendors; family-friendly games and activities; mini-speaking series on topics like pollinator planting, eco-gardening, electrified lawn care and recycling, plus a live animal presentation.
There’s also a bottle and can drive,with raffle (marking Weston’s collection of its millionth bottle and can). Every 25 redeemable containers offers a chance to win $250.
Speaking (still) of the environment: Westport’s Shellfish Commission takes care of the land, as well as the water.
The other day, members Jamie Walsh and Jesse Harte, plus former Conservation Department director Alicia Mozian and interested Westporter Heather Walklet collected 5 large bags of trash — plus assorted large sections of styrofoam — at Longshore’s Hendricks Point.
Jamie Walsh, Alicia Mozian and Heather Walklet, picking up our trash.
It’s an annual clean-up for them.
And an annual reminder to Westporters: Pick up your own trash, please! That’s not the Shellfish Commission’s job!
And speaking of environmental cleanups: Sustainable Westport invites volunteers to help along the Longshore waterfront and surrounding areas next Saturday (April 26, 2 to 4 p.m.; meet at the pavilion).
It’s part of the town-wide Earth Day clean-up, organized by the Parks & Recreation Department. Click here to volunteer.
Last year’s Longshore coastal cleanup. (Photo/Brandon Malin)
Camp season is creeping — okay, zooming — up on parents.
Some kids love sports. Others are passionate about arts.
For STEM-minded boys and girls in grades 1-8, there’s a week-long Daley Genius STEM Camp (June 25 to July 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Content Studio, 20 Saugatuck Avenue, next to the Goddard School).
There are several “free libraries” around town: small structures (and one “bookcycle”) that offer books to anyone who wants them. (Or, of course, wants to donate volumes to them.)
Most patrons are people walking or biking by.
There is one at the corner of Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South. Neighbor Bob Weingarten sees plenty of pedestrians look at the kiosk. However, he says, until the other day he had never seen someone stop their car, and browse.
The concert by pianists Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church — postponed earlier this month — has been rescheduled for April 27 (4 p.m.).
The Y’s Men of Westport & Weston co-sponsor the free event, on the church’s Steinway grand piano.
Longtime Westport resident Jeanne Nylen died April 15. She had suffered a stroke 2 weeks earlier.
The Fairfield native and Wheaton College graduate married Samuel Nylen in 1962. They moved here 2 years later.
Jeanne served as a Girl Scout leader, Nature Center docent, teacher’s assistant, and head of the Hillspoint Elementary School PTA.
Later, she pursued her passion for exploring by becoming a travel agent with Westport Travel, and visiting Hong Kong, Morocco, the Arctic Circle, and much of Europe.
After Sam died in 1999, Jeanne opened her home to visiting Chinese teachers. She hosted 8, through a Staples High School program.
In retirement Jeanne cared for her grandchildren, and enjoyed the theater, symphony and opera, her book group, and tennis. She was also a decades-long member of the Green’s Farms Congregational Church.
Jeanne is survived by her daughter Wendy (James Hopkins) of Bridgeport; step-grandson Samuel Hopkins (Krissy) and 2 great-grandchildren of South Glastonbury, and son Toby (Gail) of Sutton, Massachusetts, and grandchildren Dallas, Victoria and Sam Nylen.
A memorial service will be held later.
Jeanne Nylen
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It’s that time of year: American oystercatchers have returned to the eastern end of Compo’s South Beach, to nest.
Once again, that area has been roped off, to provide the shorebirds the space and quiet they need to breed.
Matt Murray spotted these important signs, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … well, you knew this was coming, right?
(Happy Easter, to all who celebrate! And whether you do or not, feel free to click here, to fill our basket with a joy. And also a contribution to “06880.” Thank you all!)
As has been done for 2 millennia, this sacred day is celebrated very close to Passover.
And this year, Ramadan ended just a few days ago.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam — along with nearly every other religion — share certain tenets.
All honor charity, justice, compassion and respect.
Followers are called to help their fellow human beings. They are commanded to live lives of kindness, seeking truth, love, mercy and forgiveness.
Many other people, with no religious affiliation, believe in these values too.
Today, our planet is in a precarious place. Our nation faces existential threats.
Even here in Westport — a place of beauty, wonder and privilege — we find ourselves fearful and argumentative.
At this holiday time, some may find inspiration or solace in the sermons of a pastor, rabbi or imam. Some may read with renewed interest the words in the Bible, Torah or Quran.
Some may simply revel in the changing of the seasons, finding hope in the daffodils, forsythia and willows bursting with new life all around us.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
No one knows what lies ahead. But each of us has something — religious teachings, the lessons of history, and/or a personal set of values and beliefs — to guide us.
We only have one town, one country, one Earth.
Whatever our religious beliefs — or even if we have none at all — let’s treat everyone, and everything, with charity, justice, compassion and respect.
Amen.
Good Friday sunrise, Saugatuck Shores (Photo/Matt Fortuna)
The Compo Beach playground rebuild begins Monday. It continues through next weekend.
Volunteers are still needed. Spots are available for skilled and unskilled workers, and kids’ zone helpers. Click here for more information, and to pick your slot.
This was the scene during the 1989 Compo Beach playground construction. Will you be there in 2025?
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Sure, the Post Road construction project won’t be done until 2049.
But new traffic lights — shrouded in black for months — are new operational.
Check out these at Hillspoint Road:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
Will they help as we navigate past all those barrels, in seemingly randomly striped lanes?
We would ask someone working on the project. But they haven’t been seen since 1978.
Speaking of Hillspoint: That road, between Soundview Drive and Old Mill, may be the most popular walking route in Westport.
The sidewalk gets plenty of use. It’s also exposed to salt air, and pounded by occasional rough waves, so it’s gotten pretty beat up.
Repair work is being done now. It will be ready soon, for many more years of scenic strolling.
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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VersoFest is over.
But the music continues at the Westport Library.
Gang of Four vocalist/founding member Jon King took to the Trefz Forum stage yesterday. He talked about his new memoir, “To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four” with Chris Frantz, drummer for Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club.
Jon King and Chris Frantz, in conversation.
After a break, Gang of Four kicked off their farewell tour with a special concert.
Another Big Name is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
And it’s almost sold out.
Humorist David Sedaris shares a slew of clever, compelling stories — about, perhaps, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, obsessive behaviors, and his life in North Carolina, New York, England and France — on May 19 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a new music director.
Whether leading youth choirs or directing adult ensembles, Micah Krajca’s goal is to make music accessible, engaging, and rewarding for all singers. He plans to open up his adult and youth choirs to community members.
He says, “Whether you’re a seasoned singer or just looking to try something new, you’re welcome to join us. Our choirs are fun, supportive groups. The singers love performing diverse and engaging repertoire.”
Along with his new position, Micah directs the Greenwich A Cappella High School Ensemble, and is a baritone with the Empire City Men’s Chorus and Choral Chameleon Ensemble.
To learn more about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation or its music program, click here or email micah@uuwestport.org.
Micah Krajca
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Alice Crowther died peacefully on March 18, after a long and graceful life. She was 97, and lived in Westport for 33 before moving to Fairfield.
The Queens native graduated from Green Mountain Junior College in Vermont. After attending secretarial school, she met her future husband, Bill Crowther.
They married in 1948. Both commuted from Port Washington into Manhattan to work in advertising.
After 6 years in Young & Rubicam’s TV/film department, she took time off to raise 3 daughters.
Soon after moving to Westport in 1971, Alice began volunteering at Connecticut Renaissance, a local drug treatment, prevention and education program based in town. Based on her skills and organizational abilities, she was hired as office manager. She stepped down in 1978, but continued to advise on special projects.
In 1982 Alice turned her love of dancing into her next part-time career. She was certified as an aerobic dance instructor at the Westport YMCA. For 8 years she taught classes to older adults. In 1990 she remained with the Fun Fitness Company when they opened their own facility.
In later decades Alice returned to volunteer work. Organizations included Save Our Strays, Fairfield’s Grasmere adult day care, and Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport.
Her family says, “as the matriarch of her extended family, her stories were cherished by all. Her sense of humor was often unexpected, disarming and adorable. Even the caregivers who helped Alice in the last few years of her life fell in love with her resilience, acceptance, willingness to always try her best, and her gentle, sweet nature.”
Alice is survived by her daughters Wendy Crowther (Teri), Tracey Maya (Christopher), Kim Manning (Jim), and grandchildren Hadley, Alison, James and Spencer. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 2018, a few months shy of their 70th anniversary.
A memorial service is set for Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport on April 26 (11 a.m).
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature goes indoors. But the “natural” theme includes Laureen Haynes’ Easter egg designs.
One is a hive with bees and a daisy. The other shows a butterfly and bunny. “A pollinator path of chocolate?” she asks.
Laureen — the owner of Chocalatieree downtown — sold out of them yesterday. Hey: There’s always next year!
(Photo/Laureen Haynes)
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And finally … Nino Tempo — the saxophonist/singer whose career included big band jazz, rock and funk (and collaborations with Benny Goodman, Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra) — died April 10 in West Hollywood. He was 90.
(Jolantha says: “Don’t be a pig! Stop hogging all of ‘06880’ for yourself, without giving back. Click here to support Westport and Weston’s hyper-local blog.” “06880” says: “Thank you, Jolantha!”
In the 5 years since we started our online art gallery — in the first month of the pandemic, so artists could share their work, and “06880” readers would feel less isolated — many have wondered if they could any works were for sale.
Starting today, they are.
Artists who wish to sell their pieces will let me know. I’ll add a link to the caption. Clicking the link brings up an email to the artist. Potential buyers can arrange the purchase — price, original or print, framed or unframed, shipping or pickup, etc. — directly with the artist.
It’s that simple!
Of course, artists can also send buyers info on their other work.
Artists will give “06880” a 25% commission. It’s a win-win-win: for our online gallery artists, our readers, and us. Happy shopping!
Meanwhile, a reminder about our works: We invite submissions from all “06880” readers. 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.]
“When Lightning Strikes” (Patricia McMahon) – For sale; click here
Natalia Frias-Staheli had given up hope of playing cestoball, a team sport popular in her native Argentina.
A Westport resident since 2018, she knew the odds of finding a team — or even a game — were small.
But something different happened. She found a sport — and a team and community — that rivaled her beloved cestoball, right here in Westport.
It’s called netball.
Girls growing up in the UK, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other Commonwealth (or former Commonwealth) countries know netball well.
Most other people on the planet have never heard of it.
Netball is a bit like basketball. Key differences include:
• 7 players on each team
• The hoop has no backboard
• The court is zoned, and players’ jerseys show where they can play.
Most importantly, dribbling is not allowed. Netball is a catch-and-pass game — at high speed.
Netball action.
Netball arrived in Westport (not a Commonwealth community) through Suzanne Slade.
A lifelong player, the England native has lived here since 2019. She played in New Haven, but the club closed during COVID.
In early 2023, Suzanne and a few avid teammates revived it. Connecticut Netball now represents the state.
One netball team photo …
“I couldn’t not play, and I knew there were people out there who are just as passionate as me,” she says.
“The beauty of the game, and the club, attracts people like Natalia who are totally new to the sport. They’re now addicted.
“Beyond competitiveness and fitness, we focus on building connections, fostering friendships, and having fun,” says Natalia, the former cestoball player. “I love it.”
… and another.
The local connection is especially strong for Suzanne and Natalia: Connecticut Netball trains at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The women come from 10 nations, on 5 continents. Their ages range from 20 to 60.
Connecticut Netball has traveled to New York, Washington, Montreal and the US Open Netball Championships for games and tournaments, including against international clubs.
Suzanne’s passion and advocacy — including in underserved communities — were recognized with a presentation at 2024 US Open in Phoenix.
Suzanne Slade, with her Advocate of the Year award.
She is visiting Fairfield County middle schools this spring, to introduce the game to physical education teachers. This summer, she’ll launch a youth program.
Training is free for Westport Y members. The club keeps costs down, to minimize financial hurdles for players. .
“It’s really important to the club that anyone who wants to play, can,” says Suzanne.
“This is about building a community around the joy of playing a sport.”
Game on!
(To learn more about netball — including “New to Netball Nights” — click on the Facebook page; follow on Instagram: @connecticut_netball, or email connecticutnetball@gmail.com. For updates on youth netball, click here.
(Hat tip: Siobhan Crise)
(Here at “06880,” we learn something new about Westport every day. We hope our readers do too. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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Followers are called to help their fellow human beings. They are commanded to live lives of kindness, seeking truth, love, mercy and forgiveness.
