In an age in which anyone with a computer can create digital graphics for posters, invitations, and anything else, letterpress might seem anachronistic.
But Shannon Vindiola has more work than she can handle.
From her Yozo Studio on Kings Highway South– surrounded by vintage machines — she painstakingly sets type by hand. Then, using a hard raised image under pressure, she prints a wide variety of handsome items.
Stationery, envelopes, Christmas cards, and everything wedding-related — from save-the-date cards and printed vows to seating placards and menus — are her stock in trade.
The rise of do-it-yourself design lets us all pretend we’re graphic artists. We think we know fonts.
But we are to Shannon what comic sans is to calligraphy.
Shannon Vindiola, surrounded by samples of her work. (Photo/Tadd Myers)
The Dallas native pivoted to fine arts when she tired of her work in advertising. A grad school professor at the University of North Texas suggested she take a bookmaking class.
Shannon fell in love with letterpress printing. The process is both historic (dating back to the Gutenberg Bible and colonial newspapers) and tactile (a chest holds dozens of font trays, in a variety of sizes).
A small portion of Shannon Vindiola’s font tray. At the top, she holds the type for “Dan Woog.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
She had always enjoyed making invitations and cards, as a hobby. Now she could print them.
Every day is different. Her work ranges from weddings and stationery to business cards (yes, people still use them — primarily creative types, like architects).
Shannon enjoys the process of working with clients. Many have a vague idea of what they want. She shows them shapes, colors, fonts, different types of paper, then provides at least 3 options to choose from.
A few of Shannon Vindiola’s creations. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Letterpress involves more than printing. She is a stickler for kerning — the spacing between letters — and pays attention to details like envelope liners.
She’ll seal envelopes herself, and if necessary take them to the Port Chester post office. (Sometimes local post offices follow her request to hand-cancel wedding invitations; she doesn’t always trust them though, and tries to avoid canceling machines. The PO just over the border always hand cancels.)
In her 7 years in Westport — they moved here for her husband’s job — Shannon has made a great word-of-mouth name for herself. She’s often asked to donate (and always says yes) to fundraisers and local store events.
Letterpress is not cheap. It’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and maintaining her 1950s and ’60s-era machines is expensive.
Shannon Vindiola, with one of her vintage machines. (Photo/Tadd Myers)
But she loves seeing the physical result of her work. And her clients love feeling the heft of the paper, and the inked indentations in her creations.
Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer program offerings are now online. There are 2 registration dates.
Registration is now open for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, March 6) for all other spring and summer programs.
If a program is full, names can be added to the waitlist. There is no charge at that time.
Parents should click here to access their account.
Log into your profile and choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. This brings you to the “My Family Members” page. Click on the first name in the column. In “Family Member Information,” verify date of birth, and make sure that children’s grades are correct (it is the grade going into as of September 2024). Hit “Save” at the bottom. Complete the process for every family member.
For address changes, email recreation@westportct.gov. For problems, including inability to log in to your account, email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer Learning Clubs integrate math, literacy and STEAM activities into a thematic approach. Each class blends inquiry, design, research, writing, and the arts.
Taught by certified teachers, the program melds traditional academic activities into a project-based learning experience and student-driven study. The Library offers 3 sessions for students entering 1st through 8th grades.
Starting June 25 and running until August 14, weekly sessions include plant science, collage and mosaic, poetry, environmental sciences, paper and print making, music, and edible science.
In addition to Camp Explore and the Summer Learning Clubs, the Children’s Library’s early literacy programming will continue throughout the summer. For details, click here.
Camp Explore and the Summer Learning Clubs are sponsored by Roz and Bud Siegel.
Painter, poet, writer, actor, playwright and arts educator Iyaba Ibo Mondingo will teacher sculpture this summer.
Staples High School Class of 2016 graduate Gillian Rozynek is the Queen of Charcuterie.
During a college semester in Madrid, she was intrigued by the combination of meats, cheeses and sides — and the way people ate them communally, and on the go.
When the pandemic struck, Gillian spent the summer of 2020 participating in Boston College’s summer accelerator program.
She launched Kured as a build-your-own charcuterie delivery startup in Boston. Now there’s a second location, in Greenwich Village.
Yesterday, Kellyu Clarkson interviewed Gillian on her NBC show. She described Kured as “the Chipotle of Charcuterie” — and announced that Pilot Pen was giving Gillian $1,000.
Click here for Gillian’s fun segment. (Hat tip: Julie Whamond)
Screen shot of Gillian Rozynek, on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Charlie Capalbo’s battle with lymphoma and leukemia inspired countless people, locally and across the nation.
The 2017 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School — and grandson of noted Westport writer Ina Chadwick — was a 3-time recipient of cells from his brother Will. The procedure helped Charlie live a few extra years, before he died in 2022.
To help cancer research — and because Charlie was a passionate hockey goalie — his friends and family have a special “Capalbo Strong” Night this Saturday (March 9, 7 p.m., Total Mortgage Arena, Bridgeport), when the Bridgeport Islanders host the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Tickets are just $24.24. Each ticket includes a donation to the Jimmy Fund via Capalbo Strong; free parking; an Islanders hat, and a 15% concessions discount.
There’s also a National Marrow Donor Program drive. Everyone ages 18 to 35 is encouraged to visit the Harbor Club at the arena, to register with NMDP.
How important is bone marrow registration? Last year, as an Albertus Magnus College senior, Will Capalbo ran a drive with his lacrosse team. Out of 65 registrations, they’ve already had 3 matches and 2 donations.
C-SPAN’s Student Cam contest is looking for the best student documentary in the country. The 15 finalists include one produced at Weston High School.
Nate Colman and Jonah Rothlein’s film “Innocents Held Hostage” tells the story of Morad Tahbaz, a Weston resident held captive in an Iranian prison for 6 years.
The film explores Morad’s harrowing experience, and examines the strained relations between the US and Iran. It includes interviews with New York Times journalist Michael Shear, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, and Tahbaz.
Through March 10, the film is part of a “fan favorite vote.” Click below to see the full 14-minute documentary.
“06880” readers know Ken Runkel from his spectacular photos in our Saturday morning online art gallery.
This Thursday (March 7, 5 to 8 p.m.), you can enjoying them in sizes much larger than a computer or phone screen.
Serendipity Labs (55 Post Road West) hosts an art reception for his new exhibit, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. It’s free; register by email at concierge.westport@serendipitylabs.com.
“Spy Balloons” (Ken Runkel)
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Young piano wizard Caelan Cardello first played Jazz at the Post last year. He blew everyone away.
This Thursday he and 2 other young musicians — bassist Mikey Migliore and drummer Aaron Seeber — join veteran saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, to kick off March (Jazz) Madness.
There are 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover charge is $20 ($15 for students and veterans). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
The other day, “06880” ran a photo of a license plate propped up against the flag pole at the Westport post office.
It’s gone now. Randi Mondshine reclaimed it, and put it back on her car.
I’d like to say “06880” is responsible for the happy ending. But we’re not: when the plate went missing, she realized it must have been knocked off when she parked in a snow bank in the lot.
However, “06880” does figure into the story. The day she retrieved it, Randi was reading our “Roundup.”
There was a photo of her license plate, propped against a tree.
She thanks the Good Samaritan who found it, and placed it in a spot where it could easily be seen. By the owner, and a blogger.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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On Sunday, the “06880” Roundup included a photo of a plastic bin filled with tennis balls.
Vuori put them by the drinking fountain at Winslow Park, for dogs to snag and play with.
The idea was a winner. Just a day later, they were nearly all gone.
Soon — as Vuori’s sign recommends — the bin itself will be ready for re-use.
Are you ready for Solar Cycle 25, and NASA’s Heliophysics Big Year/
The Westport Astronomical Society is.
Their free online lecture series continues March 19 (8 p.m.), with Dr. Lisa Upton of the Southwest Research Institute.
She’ll discuss how the solar cycle compares to the prediction she shared with the WAS in 2021, and what we can expect from the sun over the next few years.
On a gray day, Gray’s Creek at low tide is a great subject for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Astronomical Society event, I wanted to post a “sun” song.
I could have chosen a squintillion. “Here Comes the Sun”? “House of the Rising Sun”? “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”?
Nah.
I had to go with the simplest title: “The Sun.”
But wait! There’s more!
This song — which 99% of “06880” readers have never heard of — is by a Yonkers-based band called The Chain Reaction.
Staples High School concert-goers from the 1960s know where this is heading.
In 1966, they opened for the Yardbirds — with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck — in our own auditorium.
But wait! There’s more!
The Chain Reaction’s lead singer was Steve Tallarico. He later changed it to Steve Tyler. Yep, that Steve Tyler — the Aerosmith guy.
But wait! There’s even more!
That Yardbirds gig at Staples was a pivotal moment in young Steve’s career. It inspired him to have a career in music.
In 1995, he told that story when Aerosmith inducted Led Zeppelin in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
It’s played on an endless loop there ever since. Listen below:
And now, without further ado: The Chain Reaction’s “The Sun.” Co-written by a very young Steve Tallarico.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Steve Tyler. If you enjoy our musical selections (or anything else on this hyper-local blog), please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Opened in 1976 as Jr’s Hot Dog Stand, the small Riverside Avenue restaurant changed little over the decades.
Sure, the menu expanded a bit from hot dogs. It was rebranded as Jr’s Deli & Grill.
But there was little need to do much different. A steady stream of customers — landscapers and contractors; workers from nearby office and medical buildings, and a body shop; Assumption Church priests; Staples High School students; firefighters and cops; moms with strollers; commuters headed to the train — all made it part of their routine.
Jr’s Deli & Grill, on Riverside Avenue.
The food and camaraderie kept them coming back.
Not the décor.
But now — 48 years later — Jr’s has a new look.
Owner Vincent Promuto has added some healthy items. He’s spruced up the interior.
And he’s taking advantage of the patio in back, which offers a spectacular view of the Saugatuck River.
The other day Vincent — who established the Sunset Grille in Norwalk, and now owns Valentino’s restaurant there — chatted about the changes.
Vincent Promuto takes care of 2 loyal Staples High customers.
It was almost 3 p.m. — closing time, for the breakfast-and-lunch-only spot.
As a pair of Staples students chowed down, Vincent showed off the renovations.
New floors and tables, and a bright paint job takes Jr’s “out of the ’70s vibe,” he says.
Additional menu options — a Riverside Wrap. avocado toast, a chopped Italian combo — have been enthusiastically welcomed.
Popular items like The Rose, Super Mario and OG Chopped of course remain.
Patty, in the new interior.
New customers are finding Jr’s, he notes. Some are new arrivals in Westport.
Others happen upon it on a stroll along on the river. The newly renovated Riverside Park, not far away near the split at Saugatuck Avenue, has added foot traffic as people discover the walkway on the water.
Jr’s also does a robust catering business. A food truck is available for private events (and can be seen at places like the Dog Festival and Slice of Saugatuck).
It’s easy to miss Jr’s Deli & Grille. The exterior is nondescript; there is no big sign or cute logo.
But for nearly half a century, those in the know have kept coming back.
Now it’s time for everyone else to discover the secret.
(Jr’s Deli & Grille is open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for Jr’s Instagram.)
Frankie, at the grill. (All photos/Dan Woog)
(“06880” is your place to learn about new businesses, old ones — and those that are old/new. We rely on reader support to keep going. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thanks!)
Rob Fraboni, Dick Kalt, Crispin Cioe, Miggs Burroughs, Johnny Montagnese, Michael Friedman, Rusty Ford, Jonathan Moorehead and Dick Wingate are all local residents.
And each one has a wealth of stories about the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
They’ll tell those tales — about what went on on stage, and off — this Wednesday (March 6, 7 p.m.) at Friedman’s pop-up gallery, 31 Church Lane.
(He’s the photographer who found a trove of images — lost for 50 years — and turned them into a book.)
There will be wine, beer, snacks — and tons of stories about Dylan, The Band, Springsteen, Joplin, The Beach Boys, The Stones, and many more.
In all the excitement over the Staples High School boys basketball and girls ice hockey teams, let’s not forget the Staples Fencing Club.
Senior Max Piterbarg won 1st place in his division, and 4 teammates medaled at the Connecticut State Individual Fencing Championship on Saturday in North Haven.
Piterbarg, Peter Loranger and Eric Wilson will compete in the state men’s foil team champions for the third consecutive year, next weekend in Clinton.
Westporter Delphine de Vore — the volunteer coach — leads the co-ed club team. It began 3 years ago. Fencers of all skill levels are welcome; no prior experience or equipment required.
From left: Olivia Zhou, 5th place women’s foil; Eva Slossberg, 5th, women’s epee; Tisha Darmawan, women’s epee; Eric Wilson, 7th, men’s foil; Vasco Peixoto, men’s saber; Max Piterbarg, 1st, men’s foil; Peter Loranger, 3rd, men’s foil; Aidan Goldberg, men’s Foil; Coach Delphine de Vore. Not pictured: Robert Stanton, men’s epee.
Speaking of sports: The Staples boys basketball team welcomed youth players to the gym yesterday, for a day of fun.
Future Wreckers watched the varsity practice, before Thursday night’s state tournament opening game; participated in a shooting clinic, and heard about what’s ahead when they’re ready for the big time.
Staples basketball players and coaches — and the next generation.
The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945.
This Saturday (March 9, 1 p.m.), VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 salutes that decisive Pacific victory by hosting Iwo Jima Association of America Lt. Col. Art Sifuentes, USMC (retired).
Organizers invite the community to come together to honor the brave Marines and Navy men who fought, and displayed extraordinary valor and resilience, on that island.
A small trash pick-up is set for next Sunday (March 10, 11 a.m.) at Sipperley’s Hill Road (connecting Ford Road and Weston Road). It’s sponsored by VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, and Sons of the American Legion.
Volunteers can park on the road and gather garbage, from top to bottom. Bring your own trash bags, dress warmly, and wear gloves and boots.
Questions? Email Andrew Colabella: acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
On February 3, New York Times crossword editor entertained a packed Westport Library crowd with his usual wit, puzzles and games, at the 25th annual Crossword Contest.
The next day, he had a stroke.
Yesterday, Will shared a health update at the end of NPR’s Sunday Puzzle. He usually hosts the show.
He said he is recovering, and will be back soon.
Will’s many fans around the world — and especially here in Westport — wish him a speedy recovery.
Will Shortz, interviewing contest champion Glenn Ryan last month. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport resident and longtime Westport Emergency Services volunteer Stewart Reifler died peacefully last Wednesday. He was 69.
The Poughkeepsie native attended McGill University, and graduated from Bard College with a degree in literature. He then graduated magna cum laude from New York Law School, where he received the Law Review Award for Outstanding Editorial Contribution.
Steward became a partner in the law firm of Vedder Price, heading the firm’s executive compensation practice group in its New York office. He edited several editions of the Compensation Committee Handbook.
Stewart was active in many area non-profits. Most recently, he was an active duty EMT with Westport Volunteer EMS, and a member of its board of directors as treasurer.
He was named EMT of the Year in 2 consecutive years. He co-authoring WVEMS’ bylaws and policies, ran their annual fundraiser, and was a regular on the Wednesday morning ambulance crew.
Before becoming an EMT, Stewart was a trustee of the Westport Library. He also served as commodore, treasurer, and member of the Board of Governors of the Minuteman Yacht Club. He enjoyed spending time at the Ned Dimes Marina, and on Long Island Sound with friends.
Outside of Westport he was a board member of the American Friends of the Franco-American Institute, serving as secretary and treasurer.
His passion for skydiving began in college. After a 25-year break, he picked it back up later in life. He completed over 300 solo jumps.
He also enjoyed summer trips to Tanglewood. His most recent hobby was target shooting, with pistols and rifles. He became an expert in gun safety.
He is survived by his son Jonathan Reifler (Kara Popowich), 2 grandchildren, and his sisters and their spouses, Ellen Reifler (Mark Messenger) and Sylvia Reifler (Chris Christensen). He is also survived by his former wife, Sheryl Vos.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westport Volunteer EMS. To read more about the importance of WVEMS, and their need for funds, click here.
And finally … if you thought today’s featured song would reference Michael Friedman’s upcoming pop-up rock tales event (story above) — specifically, Levon Helm — you’re right!
(Sure, this morning’s lead story was our annual put-out-our-tin-cup request for contributions. Hope you don’t mind this gentle reminder. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
If “06880” were a girl, this would be our quinceañera.
We’re not, of course. We’re Westport’s hyper-local blog.
But today we’re 15 years old.
And though a blog is not a human being*, this one is as close to a living, breathing part of our town as any pixels can be.
Every day since early March of 2009, we’ve provided you with stories and photos about Westport.
Breaking news, upcoming events, history, features, opinions, personalities, organizations, arts, sports, businesses, restaurants, real estate, trends — it’s all here.
Every day. Multiple times a day.
Plus the opportunity to comment on anything and everything we post.
“06880” is truly a town-wide project. But everyone everywhere — former Westporters, future residents, folks with only a casual connection — is welcome in our online community.
This space is truly “Where Westport meets the world.”
But this would not be “06880” without your support.
We need your photos. Your story ideas. Your comments.
And of course, your financial commitment.
For 15 years, production of “06880” has been pretty much a one-man band.
Since that first post, back in the 2nd month of the 1st Obama administration, I have not missed a day.
I’m 15! Well, at least my blog is .. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
I spend 8 or so hours, every day, on every aspect of this blog.
I conduct interviews and research. I take and edit photos. I moderate the comments (165,000-plus, and counting), which is almost a full-time job itself.
I answer every email.
And of course, I write or edit every story.
This is my full-time job. But in addition to my salary, “06880” has other expenses: our app, web hosting, software, writing help, the Holiday Stroll, the summer party, and a few new ideas we’ll roll out this year.
Which brings us to our annual appeal.
As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, we offer tax-deductibility to the extent allowed by law. In addition to individual contributions, we can accept corporate matching funds, and foundation grants.
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
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Some 15-year-olds forget to write thank-you notes after their quinceañeras. We promise we won’t.
Thank you!
*Neither are frozen embryos. But let’s not go there today.
Leonard Everett Fisher died this weekend. The noted artist/illustrator, longtime civic volunteer, and one of our last remaining World War II veterans was 4 months shy of his 100th birthday.
He was a Westport icon.
A supremely talentedartist/illustrator, he designed 10 US postage stamps. He illustrated 250 books for young readers, and his works hang in the collections of the Smithsonian, Library of Congress, New York Public Library, Yale Art Gallery and New Britain Museum of Art.
Fisher created over 700 paintings and 6,000 scratch boards. He’s listed as one of the 2000 Outstanding Artists and Designers of the 20th Century.
At the 2022 Memorial Day parade, Leonard Everett Fisher was a month shy of his 98th birthday. His uniform still fit. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Decades earlier, between 1942 and ’46, he was a topographical mapmaker. He planned, edited and produced maps for campaigns in Italy, France, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the aborted invasion and occupation of Japan.
In 2013 Fisher served as grand marshal of Westport’s Memorial Day parade. He was a proud participant too in Bedford Middle School’s Memorial Day assemblies.
Leonard Everett Fisher at Westport’s 2017 Memorial Day celebration.
More than 70 years after the war, his contributions finally drew national attention.
In 2018 PBS aired “GI Jews: Jewish Americans in World War II.” Fisher was one of the interviews.
He was in good company. Henry Kissinger, Mel Brooks and other Jewish Americans — some famous, others unknown — shared their experience as part of the 550,000 men and women who fought for their nation, struggled with antisemitism in their ranks, and emerged transformed, to fight for equality and justice at home.
In June of 2019, when Fisher turned 95, the Westport Arts Center invited his friends, fans and family members to celebrate.
It was a fitting tribute. Fisher was a founding member, past president, and current WAC board member.
Leonard Everett Fisher at the Westport Arts Center, for his 95th birthday.
Fisher saw the WAC through many incarnations, from an itinerant organization to its home at the then-closed Greens Farms Elementary School, to its later spot on Riverside Avenue.
Fisher was also a moving force at the Westport Library. He served 3 terms as president, and helped plan the building, on landfill near the Levitt Pavilion.
When he was 93 years young, he turned his attention to a new project: a Westport Artists Museum at Golden Shadows, Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s former home at Baron’s South.
For a variety of political reasons, the museum was not built. But, Fisher said at the time, “So long as I put one foot in front of the other, this gives me energy and excitement,” he says.
Today, Westport mourns the passing of Leonard Everett Fisher — war hero, honored artist, neighbor and friend.
For an inspiring 30-minute video interview with Fisher, click here.
Back in the day, stone markers were used to delineate boundaries.
One — on the Westport/Norwalk line — can still be seen off Post Road West, near A&S.
It’s hard to spot. It was also the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Only 2 readers correctly identified the site: Brian Taylor (who knew where, but note what, it was), and (of course) Andrew Colabella, who knew both.
Today’s Photo Challenge is one that many more people may be familiar with. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click Comments below.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else on “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here for details. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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