Roundup: George Washington’s Bible, Rotary $$$, Gray’s Creek …

Posted on May 19, 2024 | 6 comments

A true piece of American history came to Westport yesterday.

The Bible George Washington used when he was sworn in as our nation’s first president — on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City — was on display, at Temple Masonic Lodge #65. That’s the building on the Post Road East/Imperial Avenue corner, shared with Harding Funeral Home.

The occasion was the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Westport Masons’ chapter.

White-gloved Masons guard the famous Bible, as Westporters watch at a respectful distance.

The Bible — which was also used at the inaugurations of 4 other presidents, and at Washington’s funeral — is owned by St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1 in New York.

They display it occasionally around the country, but this is its first visit to Connecticut.

Washington was a Mason. So were other famous Americans, including Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Connecticut native Nathan Hale.

(Photos/Frank Rosen)

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A quick “pup-up” reminder: Westport’s annual Dog Festival takes place today (Sunday) at Winslow Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contests, vendors, food trucks — and plenty of room for dogs to meet and greet — are part of the day. Arf!

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Westport Rotary Club awarded $200,000 in grants to 41 area non-profits.

Who got all that largesse?

After School and Summer School Programs 

  1.   Connect Us – Bridgeport
  2.   Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders – Bridgeport
  3.   Earthplace – Westport
  4.   Builders Beyond Borders – Westport
  5.   Westport Department of Human Services – Westport
  6.   Horizons at Notre Dame – Bridgeport
  7.   Horizons at Greens Farms Academy – Bridgeport
  8.   Horizons at Norwalk Community College – Norwalk
  9.   The Carver – Norwalk
  10. Urban Impact of Black Rock – Bridgeport
  11. Westport Country Playhouse – Westport
  12. First Serve Bridgeport – Bridgeport

Services for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities 

  1. Westport Book Sales Ventures – Westport
  2. CLASP Homes – Westport
  3. My Team Triumph – Westport
  4. St. Catherine Center for Special Needs – Fairfield
  5. Club 203 – Westport
  6. Team Woofgang & Co. – Bridgeport

Services to Address Homelessness and Food Insecurity 

  1. Homes with Hope – Westport
  2. Homes for the Brave – Bridgeport
  3. Off The Streets – Bridgeport
  4. Open Doors CT – Norwalk
  5. Food Rescue US – Stamford

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Primarily for Children 

  1. Positive Directions – Westport
  2. Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center – Norwalk
  3. Kids in Crisis – Greenwich

K-12 Formal Education for Children from Low Income Families 

  1. Park City Prep Charter School – Bridgeport
  2. Adam J. Lewis Academy – Bridgeport
  3. A Better Chance – Westport

Services for Low Income Adults, Primarily Immigrants 

  1. Mercy Learning Center – Bridgeport
  2. Caroline House – Bridgeport
  3. Burroughs Community Center – Bridgeport
  4. CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants – Bridgeport

College Scholarships for Students in Need 

  1. Staples Tuition Grants – Westport
  2. Norwalk Housing Foundation – Norwalk
  3. The Susan Fund – Westport

Services for Domestic Violence Victims 

  1. Domestic Violence Crisis Center – Stamford

Emergency Medical Services 

  1. Westport VEMS – Westport

Legal; Services for Children from Low Income Families 

  1. Center for Children’s Advocacy – Bridgeport

Services to Address Recidivism 

  1. HomeBridge Ventures – Bridgeport

Activities for Seniors 

  1. Friends of the Westport Senior Center – Westport

The next time you see info on a Rotary Club fundraiser: Keep this list in mind.

And buy a ticket!

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For nearly a decade, Alan Sterling’s “Gloria” oyster boat was moored in Gray’s Creek.

After spending its final months disintegrating on shore — washed up on a bank during a storm — it was demolished and removed last week.

Here’s a view of Gray’s Creek today:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It looks serene and lovely.

But without Gloria, it’s just not the same.

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“The Outsider” is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.

No, not the Broadway musical based on the coming-of-age novel of the same name.

“The Outsider” — written by Paul Slade Smith and directed by Mark Shanahan — is the next “Script in Hand” offering.

It’s set for Monday, June 10 (7 p.m.).

This “Outsider” is “a timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

“Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive chief of staff, Ned seems destined to fail.

“But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for … the worst candidate to ever run for office.”

All seats are $30. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Michael Friedman’s great Church Lane pop-up shop — featuring his very cool, very close-up and personal photos of rock stars like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, The Band, Paul Butterfield, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Winter — after next weekend.

They’re open noon to 6 Friday through Sunday, and by appointment (203-247-6869).

Now is the time to put in special orders. There’s 20% off any image, of any size (with still time to frame before Father’s Day).

And there’s 25% off framed prints currently on display.

Friedman’s shop was a perfect place where rock met pop(up). Be sure to check it out, before it checks out.

Mick Jagger (Photo copyright Michael Friedman)

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Weston High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian are not just the top 2 students in the Class of 2024.

They’re also close, longtime friends.

Valedictorian Sophie Rutkowski has dedicated herself to science research. She presented her work to the North American Black Fly Association,  and studied endometrial cancer.

She also did independent study on Eastern European literature,

Musically, Sophie finds joy playing the flute and piccolo. Her groups include Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz and Pit Orchestra. She is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and Music Mentors.

Other volunteer efforts include National Honor Society, Lachat Town Farm, and Weston High swim team community service.

Sophie is also an AP Scholar with Distinction, and has won the University of Michigan Book Award, rhe Marie Curie Award, and is part of the National Junior Classical League Latin Honor Society.

This fall, she will attend Columbia University.

Salutatorian Natasha Jain has lived in Weston since 1st grade. She is a member of the WHS Green Team and Fighting Against Climate Injustice. She has competed in mock trial competitions since middle school, and helps coach the junior mock trial team at Weston Middle School.

Natasha plays the clarinet in the  Wind Ensemble, and piano outside of school.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.

Natasha is also an accomplished dancer in the Indian classical form of Bharatanatyam. She recently performed a 3-hour on-stage solo dance in front of a large audience.

Natasha will attend Tufts University, and plans to major in neuroscience.

Natasha Jain and Sophie Rutkowski

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Homeowners may not know that cash discounts are available not only at gas stations, but also (in a somewhat bigger transaction) real estate.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say: “A study of over 2 million sales from across the country during 1980 – 2017 revealed that, on average, mortgage buyers paid 11% more than cash buyers. A more recent study of data through 2021 pegged the premium at 8%.

Locally, over the past 12 months, more than half (50.4%) of Westport real estate transactions were recorded as cash sales.

Mortgages and closing costs can mount up. In fact, New York has a graduated mortgage tax, tacking on an additional 2% or so to record mortgages on city purchases.

Click here to read more about borrowing and closing fees, including a comparison between Connecticut and New York.

The asking price for this 5-bedroom, 9-bathroom, 7,435-square foot house on 2.51 acres at oddly named Pan Handle Lane is $5,499 million. The mortgage is estimated at $38,730 a month. There may be a cash discount.

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If you’re headed to today’s Dog Festival at Winslow Park, take a detour before or after to the Shell station across from the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot entrance.

The Staples High School wrestling team is running a fundraising car wash, from noon to 3 p.m.

Who knows? They might even rinse off your pooch.

They can wrestle — and wash your car!

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We are surrounded by so much greenery, we don’t always appreciate it.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio does. Her shot of Vista Terrace, inside Longshore — today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — reminds us that all around town, we are surrounded by beauty.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … in honor of “The Outsider,” coming soon to the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(If it’s happening in Westport, “06880” will tell you about it. Please tell us you appreciate our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!) 

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[OPINION] EVs, Hybrids, Our Future — And Our Kids’

Posted on May 19, 2024 | 16 comments

Clarence Hayes joined Westport’s Representative Town Meeting in 2023. He serves on its Long Range Planning, Environment, Transit and IT committees.

He recently retired from a career in information technology. His final position was senior vice president of global networks at Bank of America.

Clarence Hayes

Clarence has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren (2 are at Kings Highway Elementary School). 

An avid amateur naturalist and walker, he is concerned about the future of the planet — and the environment’s effects on Westport.

He sent this to “06880” in an attempt to join his efforts with “other like- minded residents, to nudge Westport at least a tiny bit towards more environmentally friendly policies and outcomes.” Clarence writes:

As part of my volunteer work in support of the RTM Long Range Planning Committee, I am looking into ways to establish metrics on Westport’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

The first area I analyzed was cars. There is a good data source: the town’s motor vehicle Grand List.

I compared the 2018 and 2023 Lists to determine the level and trend in GHG emissions, and to understand buying habits.

8.6 % of Westport vehicles are low emission hybrid or electric, which is slightly above average for the US. However, Westport has 2.3 cars per household — more than the national average of 2.1.

The latest amenity: a 4-car garage.

And Westport has a higher proportion of large luxury cars and SUVs. This more than offsets the benefit of the higher percentage of hybrids and EVs.

The emissions of the average Westport car are those of a Ford Mustang, Jeep Cherokee or Audi A6: nothing special.

(Click here to look up your car’s emissions.)

Two-thirds of all motor vehicles in Westport were replaced in the last 5 years. Excluding new registrations due to changes in residence, Westporters made 13,591 purchases in this period – 10 cars every business day, non-stop.

And only 1 out of 10 buyers chose a low emission hybrid or electric vehicle.

Our decisions have impact.

  • 2023 was the hottest year since records have been kept. The first 4 months of 2024 are the hottest January  to April ever recorded — exceeding 2023.
  • From January through April, CO2 concentrations increased at a faster rate than they have in the first 4 months of any year since the start of accurate CO2 measurement in the 1950s.
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change objective set in 2015 of limiting global warming to 1.5C degrees was breached in 2023.

Westport is among the world’s top climate polluters – higher even than Qatar!

The chart below shows per capita tons of CO2 equivalent per year.

Westport can do better.

Your next car is an easy way to make a difference.

You now have far more choices. There is an EV or hybrid for every need, from a single person driving only locally, to a family with 3 kids and a dog that goes up to Vermont every weekend to ski.

Do you really need a Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon or Chevy Suburban? Will your teenager be emotionally crippled if they don’t get a Jeep Wrangler?

The latest safety research shows that the high hoods of these big vehicles directly correlates with an increase in pedestrian deaths – the opposite of the “Safe Streets and Roads for All” program that our town touts.

Plenty of 7-seaters which are lighter, less polluting, and safer for our streets. Get your teenager a used Nissan Leaf, and make the EV a new status symbol at Staples.

If you want to show off with the biggest, coolest, most expensive car on your block, you can do so in a less polluting manner. You have options!

Mom, 3 kids and a dog can go electric. Be the first on your block — or with a plug-in hybrid.

So, please: With your next car, make a difference … for the climate, and your grandchildren.

(If you have questions, or would like a copy of the data and analysis, email chayes@westportct.gov.)

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PS: Though what I’ve written above is not the most climate-friendly approach, it is better than nothing.

However, it does not take into account:

  • Upstream emissions: CO2 emissions from electricity generation, and the extraction/refining of petroleum.
  • Manufacture/materials: CO2 emissions from energy consumed in the extraction of materials and manufacture of new cars.

What you should really do to help the climate:

Keep the old car – or buy a used hybrid or EV.

If you have a gas car in good running condition, don’t get rid of it. Take good care of it and keep it as long as possible.

The manufacture of a new car creates CO2 emissions typically equal to at least 50% of the lifetime tailpipe emissions of the car. The longer you keep it, the greater the amortization of those emissions, and the lower total impact to the atmosphere over time.

I have a 22-year old gas car. I maintain it well, and I only drive locally. Manufacturing a new car creates a huge new injection of CO2, vs. the much smaller repeat incremental CO2 from my driving.

Buy the minimum needed.

Whatever you do buy new, fit it to your real transport needs — and keep it as light as possible. For example:

  • The Rivian EV creates 122 gmCO2/mile in “upstream emissions” —  the same as a Volvo SUV hybrid. The Nissan Leaf EV creates only 88 gmCO2/mile in upstream emissions.
  • The Rivian weighs 7068 pounds, versus 3509 for a Nissan Leaf –  double the emission impact from manufacture.

(“06880” wants to ensure an environmentally sound future for Westport — and a financially sound one for our hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Nissan Leaf.

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Pic Of The Day #2587

Posted on May 18, 2024 | 9 comments

Saugatuck River, from Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Roundup: Pops Concert, Long Island Sound, Adopt A Kitten …

Posted on May 18, 2024 | 2 comments

Westport’s great end-of-school-year/start-of-summer tradition — Staples High School’s Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion — is back!

This year’s show is Friday, June 7 (lawn opens at 6 p.m.; concert at 7; BYO chair; food trucks on site). The always sold-out event features the Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble, Orphenians, Choralaires and other small group ensembles.

Once again, media personality David Pogue will serve as the warm, welcoming emcee.

Tickets are free, but a suggested donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to offset the production costs.

Tickets are available at staplesmusic.org beginning next Wednesday, May 29 at 9 a.m.: first-come, first-served! In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be performed in the Staples High School auditorium at 70 North Avenue, where tickets will be honored.

This year’s graphic was designed by Staples senior Shivali Kanthan. 

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Which Westport beach is the best? We can debate that all summer long.

Of course, there are many ways to define “best.”

But if you’re looking at water quality alone, Save the Sound has an answer.

It’s Burying Hill Beach.

Their grades — based on 2023 date from 197 public and private beaches, in Connecticut and New York — gave an A+ to the small Greens Farms spot.

Compo Beach and Sherwood Island State Park both earned a B+.

Click here for an interactive map of those and other Long Island Sound beaches.

Burying Hill: #1 for water quality in Westport. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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Since they began in 2007, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates has watched with dismay as the number of abandoned animals her grows.

Recently, a little puppy was left in a shopping bag near the Volvo dealership.

WASA brought it up to date on vet care. After an adoption process involving an application, meet and greets and a home visit, it was adopted by a loving family.

On Wednesday, WASA was notified of 3 kittens abandoned in a box at the transfer station. They were kept safe there by long-time employee Bud Valiante.

WASA arrived quickly. The kittens were examined, vaccinated, treated for tick infestations, and are now in the care of a skilled and wonderful WASA volunteer.

They are about six weeks old, and doing very well

Interested adopters should call WASA (203-557-0361), or email wasa1@optonline.net.

To make a donation so WASA can continue its important work, click here.

3 kittens need adoptive families.

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There are many important days on the Westport Rotary Club calendar.

But this past Tuesday was extra special. Members handed checks to Fairfield County charities they support.

Nearly 100 people attended the luncheon, at which 41 non-profits received a total of $200,000.

That’s a Westport Rotary Club record. Congratulations to the hard-working members — and the recipients.

Rotary Club members and recipients. (Photo/Peter DePalo)

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Over 4,000 teams from more than 50 countries competed in the recent Wharton Investment Competition, sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania.

Using an online stock market simulator, they learn about strategy building, teamwork, communication, risk, diversification, company and industry analysis, and many other aspects of investing.

Upholding Westport’s hedge fund “capital” reputation, the Staples High School team placed second.

Congratulations to the young financiers (names in caption below):

From left: Eli Lesser, director, Wharton Global Youth Program; Andrew Rebello and Srish Popuri, Staples co-presidents; Alex Sod, founder; Mack Haymond, Henry Watson, Will Boberski, Sam Rossoni.

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Kings Highway Elementary School officially opened its Outdoor Learning Center yesterday.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice joined principal Tracey Carbone, vice principals Catherine Carmona and Jame’el Lawrence, PTA presidents Denise Acampora and Arielle Leighton, and past PTA president Jeni Bianco, for the ceremony.

The Outdoor Learning Center will be used for activities like reading, morning meetings, writing, snack breaks and more.

Students enjoy the Kings Highway Outdoor Learning Center.

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Congratulations too to the recipients of a Westport Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction. It goes to a Saugatuck Shores home damaged by a tornado in 2020, and rebuilt for resilience and sustainability.

The project team includes lead Patricia Miller of Residential Design; Marc and Joseph Fuscaldo of Fuscaldo Builders, and smart home designer Barry Reiner of InnerSpace Electronics.

The award, given by the town and Sustainable Westport, recognizes residential and commercial projects that make significant contributions to sustainability, and Westport’s future as a net zero community.

Click here for details of the Saugatuck Shores project.

To nominate a project for the Green Building Award, click here.

To learn more about how to make homes more sustainable, click here, then follow the link to “Guidance for Applicants.”

Celebrating the Green Building Award, on Saugatuck Shores.

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This spring, the Westport Transit District updated its Wheels2U app. Users who downloaded it before March 26 need to update it. New riders are encouraged to download it now.

To thank everyone for downloading or updating, rides on Wheels2U are free for all riders next week (Monday through Friday, May 20-24). The normal $2 fare will be waived.

Click here for a link to the app, and more information.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and between 4 9:30 p.m. for rides between the Westport or Greens Farms train platform and their front door. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before you would normally leave to drive to the station.

Wheels2U

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For underserved people with writing talent, finding resources is no laughing matter.

But “Lit & Wit” is. The comedy night fundraiser is a Westport Writers’ Workshop initiative to raise funds for pro bono writing workshops in underserved communities.

The brainchild of WWW writers Aline Weiller and Alyssa Katz, plus WEstport comedian Jerry Kuyper, it’s set for June 6  (7 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club).

Tickets are $55. More than a dozen top comedians will entertain guests (see below). The evening also includes snacks, a food truck (starting at 6 p.m.), cash bar, comedy trivia for prizes, and door prize gift basket. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Meanwhile, things were in a bit of a pickle yesterday, outside the rear entrance to Rye Ridge Deli:

The mess was cleaned up quickly, before birds or other animals could dine.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from busily traveled Riverside Avenue, near Sylvan Lane.

We should all slow down and enjoy the beautiful scene.

Even though the impatient drivers behind us might not appreciate that.

(Photo/Dan Souza)

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And finally … Perry Como was born on this date, in 1912. He sold over 100 million records worldwide, and hosted a weekly musical variety television show, during a 50-plus-year career. He died in 2001, age 88.

(It’s the weekend, but “06880” never rests. Here’s another information-filled Roundup If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, Teenagers, Transportation

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Online Art Gallery #214

Posted on May 18, 2024 | 5 comments

Springtime colors once again fill our online art gallery.

So do works from a Westport beach, to New Orleans, to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

No matter what your theme or medium — 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.

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Reborn” (Karen Weingarten)

“Colors of Spring” (Sandy Rothenberg)

Untitled (Diane Yormark)

“Spring on the Sound” (Duane Cohen)

“The Bougainvillea on the Wall” — Marseille artist JP Courchia (at the Westport River Gallery) 

“City Life” (Valerie Fischel)

“New England Graduation” (Peter Barlow)

“Saguaro Sunset” — Ken Runkel says, “This is from a new collection I’ve started I call the ‘Southwest Series,’ a tie to the portion of my life growing up in Arizona. This digital painting looks west over the Valley of The Sun, with city lights reflecting against the mountains. Sharing it ‘in situ’ helps people envision how something can look in their home (even if it’s not a Westport styled one).”

“Angkor Wat Temple, Cambodia” (Katie Augustyn)

“Royal Street French Quarter, New Orleans” (Brue Borner)

“This is a Zero Sum Game. I Win, and You Lose!” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled (Tom Doran)

“Eclipsing” (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“A View of an American Prairie” (Steve Stein)

“Getting Up” (Lawrence Weisman)

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

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Staples Grad Guides Jewish Students

Posted on May 18, 2024 | 2 comments

As colleges nationwide grapple with protests over the Israel-Hamas war, the timing of Sam Joustra’s book is coincidental.

But it couldn’t be better.

Sam Joustra, at her Staples graduation.

The 2007 Staples High  School graduate has just written a free online guide. It’s called “Finding the Best-Fit College for Jewish Students: Determining the Right College Fit and Finding a Community of Like-Minded Peers from a Shared Faith Background.”

Sam knows the scene. After Goucher College, she worked for 10 years in admissions at Hampshire College, Vanderbilt University (where she earned a master’s of higher education administration), and the University of Michigan.

In 2021 she joined Collegewise. She now applies her experience on the other side of the desk, helping students navigate the admissions process.

Sam spent the last year researching and preparing her guide.

It is not designed to be a social or political commentary. But, Sam says, antisemitism has been on the rise for years. She believes it is important to share a resource that offers support and advice for Jewish students during this chapter of their lives.

Sam’s guide includes considerations students may have when looking for ways to find Jewish community on campus, and resources to help in their search process.

She cites examples from a variety of colleges. Hillel is featured prominently, but she cites other resources.

There is no one way to be Jewish, and no one way to approach the search process as a Jewish student, Sam notes.

Her guide is not about finding the “right” Jewish experience on a college campus. Instead, Sam hopes to empower students and families to reflect on what matters most to them in what they want their college experience to look like, then use resources that will help them find answers to their questions.

(To download Sam Joustra’s guide, click here.)

(“06880” often highlights the interesting career paths and lives of Staples graduates. If you enjoy these types of stories, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2586

Posted on May 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2586

Westport Country Playhouse (Photo/Judith Katz)

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Friday Flashback #399

Posted on May 17, 2024 | 9 comments

It was a fun tradition, while it lasted.

In 2017, Bernard Izzo Jr. — “Butchie” — of Izzo’s Landscaping had a contract with the town to plant trees around Westport.

He placed one on the spit of land at the far end of South Beach, jutting into Ned Dimes Marina.

It died.

Whimsically — and at his own expense — he replaced it with a palm tree.

He figured it would last through the summer heat. In the fall, he’d replace it with an appropriate tree.

The 2017 palm tree. (Photo/Susan Saracena)

The lighthearted gesture did not have Parks & Recreation Department approval. They were not amused.

But the public was. Dozens of readers commented enthusiastically on “06880.”

Quickly, Parks and Rec embraced — metaphorically, anyway — the unusual tree.

It remained there, loved and admired and frequently photographed, until it was removed for the winter.

(Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)

The next year, the palm tree — or more likely, a relative — was back on the sand. Once again, beachgoers and boaters enjoyed a little bit of tropics right here in New England.

In the fall of 2018, the palm tree was gone — south? — for the winter.

It never returned.

For Westporters who remember the palm tree, it’s hard to believe that was 6 years ago.

For everyone who arrived since then, it may be hard to picture a palm tree at Compo Beach.

Here’s one more photo:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

(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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Roundup: Gloria, StoryFest, Downtown Parking …

Posted on May 17, 2024 | 2 comments

Gloria is gone.

The oyster boat — lovingly cared for by Alan Sterling during his long life, then a Gray’s Creek icon for years after the oysterman’s death, before falling victim to weather and age — was dismantled and removed yesterday.

It had been cast up on land during a very high tide a few months ago.

Nothing remains of Gloria today.

Except many, many memories.

Sic transit gloria mundi.

Gloria, in better days. (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)

Gloria, after being washed ashore. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

The final journey, in a flatbed truck. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for June 24 (3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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From its start as “Saugatuck StoryFest,” the Westport Library’s annual literary festival has grown rapidly.

It’s now the largest annual such even in Connecticut, and one of the biggest in the Northeast.

The 7th edition — set for Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22 — will be the most genre-spanning of all.

Headliners include author/essayist/editor Roxane Gay (Bad Feminist, Difficult Women), best-selling writer Christopher Golden (Hellboy, The House of Last Resort), and award-winning author Claire Messud (The Emperor’s Children, This Strange Eventful History).

This year’s StoryFest features a special tribute to the Publishers Weekly editor (and Westport Library friend) Sybil Steinberg, who died earlier this year, and a PitchFest workshop.

Other authors scheduled to appear are Kerstin Bakis, Julia Bartz, Clay Chapman, May Cobb, Rachel Harrison, Isi Hendrix, Don P. Hooper, Gabino Iglesias, Hal Johnson, Chris Knapp, Ryan La Sala, Josh Malerman, GennaRose Nethercott, Anna Noyes, Courtney Preiss, Oliver Radclyffe, Ainissa Ramirez, Shannon C.F. Rogers, Hugh Ryan, Peng Shepherd, and Diana Sussman.

Jennifer Baker will conduct a live recording of her podcast, Minorities in Publishing, while editor Ellen Datlow returns to the Library’s Trefz Forum for a panel discussion with authors from her latest anthology.

Additional attendees will be announced throughout the summer.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

StoryFest headliners (from left): Claire Messud, Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden.

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Looking for a place to park downtown?

“06880” can’t get you an exact spot. But we can point you in the right direction.

So can signs like these:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Clicking on the QR code brings up the Discover Westport page, with maps and statistics on 20 downtown parking lots.

Some — like the Senior Center — might be off most people’s radars. But there’s plenty of good information.

And the drone photos are pretty cool.

PS: If you don’t want to bother with the QR code, just click here.

Taylor Place parking lot, by Jesup Green.

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The line of march is set, for the Memorial Day parade (Monday, May 27, 9 a.m.).

Westporters know this is a community highlight of the year. If you’ve never been: Don’t miss it. Find a spot along the route — from Saugatuck Avenue on Riverside Avenue, right on the Post Road, left on Myrtle Avenue — and enjoy the music of marching bands, the fun of tons of kids, the spirit of civic groups, and a salute to first responders and (of course) our veterans.

Be sure to stick around for the half-hour ceremony on Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. It’s meaningful and important. The speeches are brief, but the service is inspiring.

The parade includes:

Connecticut Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
Westport Police Department
Westport Volunteer EMS
Westport-Weston CERT
Grand Marshal Charles P. Lamb

Dignitaries: Selectwomen, RTM members
Westport Community Band
Connecticut Veterans Honor Guard
August Matthias Post 63 – American Legion & Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 – Veterans of Foreign Wars, with VFW Auxiliary 399 Westport Float
Scouts BSA Westport

Nash Drum Corps
Westport Fire Department
Y’s Men of Westport/Weston
League of Women Voters
Staples High School Marching Band
Staples High School Cheerleaders
Westport Library
Girl Scouts of Westport
Westport PAL
Westport Soccer
Westport Little League
Coleytown/Bedford Combined Middle School Bands
Westport Woman’s Club
St. Paul Christian School

CLUB203
My Team Triumph
Knights of Columbus – Westport
Westport Rotary Club
Suzuki Music School
Westport Pride
United Methodist Church of Westport-Weston
Builders Beyond Boarders
Westport Garden Club
Westport Sunrise Rotary
Westport Transit District
Col. John Chester Fife & Drum Corps
Westport Weston Family YMCA
Masonic Lodge
Junior Colonial Fife & Drum Corps of Westbrook, CT

A small part of the 2023 Memorial Day parade (Photo/Charlie Scott)

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Igor Pikayzen — Westport’s favorite home-grown violinist — brings his Festival Edelio back to his hometown.

This summer’s 2 concerts have something for everyone: the defiance of Shostakovich, charm of Saint-Saëns, joy of Gershwin, beauty of Brahms and more.

Several talented artists will join the 2005 Staples High School graduate (who went on to Juilliard, then earned a master’s degree from Yale, and a doctor of musical arts at CUNY).

Concerts are June 9 and 16 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). There is a wine reception after each. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Igor Pikayzen

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Judge Frederick Freedman died peacefully at his Westport home on Wednesday. He was 95. .

Born in Bridgeport, he moved with his parents to London for several years, but they returned to the US just before World War II. He Freedman graduated from Bassick High School, and earned a BA from the University of Connecticut, then a law degree from Yale in 1954.

He was a first lieutenant in the Air Force JAG during the Vietnam War.

He practiced law with Brody and Brody, P.C. until 1981 when Governor O’Neill appointed him to the Connecticut Superior Court bench.

In 1992 Judge Freedman was appointed to the Connecticut Appellate Court by Governor Lowell Weicker. He served as chief administrative judge, senior judge judge trial referee.

He retired from the bench in 2012, after 30 years. He then became counsel at Halloran & Sage’s Westport office.

He loved spending time with his family, traveling, good food, reading, playing golf, dogs, and a great joke.

His family says, “Judge Freedman was an honorable, impeccable man, honest, loyal, fair, with a sweet, tender, gentle disposition, and a brilliant mind. He was known for his exceptional sense of humor and his dignity, his fastidious attention to detail, and his wonderful taste in clothes.”

Judge Freedman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (née Nevas) of Westport; his children Janet Freedman of Westport; Susan (Rev. Dr. Mark L. Heilshorn) Filan of Newtown, and Ellen (Steven) Nevas Freedman Wilner of New York City, and grandchildren, Eric (Dayane) Zimmerman, Mee Mee and Hallie Filan of Newtown, and Samantha and Kasey Wilner of New York City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hon. Alan H. and Janet Nevas of Westport, and nieces and nephews Andrew (Jodie) Nevas, Dr. Debra (Dr. Jonathan Abrams) Nevas and, and Nathaniel (Leslie Radel) Nevas.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (May 21, 9:30 a.m., Temple Israel). Burial will follow at Independent Hebrew Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yale Law School Fund, Financial Aid/Career Options Assistance Program.

Judge Frederick Freedman

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Have you ever heard of a lesser yellowlegs?

I hadn’t.

Whether you’re a birder or not, Paul Delano’s submission for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows us all its fragile beauty.

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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And finally … on this day in 1971, “Godspell” opened at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre. It became the third-longest-running off-Broadway production of its day.

(Day by day, “06880” brings you news, events and more — all Westport, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Set A “Trap”

Posted on May 17, 2024 | Comments Off on Staples Players Set A “Trap”

You never know what you’ll get, at a Staples Players Black Box production.

In years past the award-winning, near-professional high school drama troupe has ended the season with a thought-provoking production of “Twelve Angry Men,” a stirring “Diary of Anne Frank,” and a frightening “Lord of the Flies.”

This month though, you really won’t know what you’ll get.

Players’ next Black Box offering is “Trap.” If you’ve never heard of it — well, that’s the whole point.

The brainchild of Moises Kaufman’s Tectonic Theater Project — which also created “The Laramie Project,” a two-time Black Box offering — “Trap” is an entirely new type of show.

Imagine that over this past February break, several Staples Players traveled to Maine to investigate a very strange occurrence at a school play. They interviewed witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and others, to put together this production.

Finley Chevrier (back) and Ben Herrera, in “Trap.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

It’s Players’ first-ever “horror thriller” show, says longtime director David Roth.

Though reluctant to offer more details, Roth notes that it will be staged in the round, adding another element of surprise.

The cast of 22 includes several actors in multiple roles. It’s the final Players production for several seniors, adding a layer of poignancy.

“Come ready to be scared — and have fun,” Roth says.

(“Trap is recommended for ages 10 and older. Shows are May 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and May 25 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets.)

(“06880” covers Staples Players — and just about everything else happening at our high school. Plus everywhere else in town. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

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