Sherry Jagerson’s memorial service last weekend was an upbeat, uplifting afternoon.
The longtime Westporter — who died earlier this month at 80 — was remembered for her vibrant, can-do, do-it-yourself spirit, and for the many environmental and humanitarian projects she threw herself into, at home and around the world.
Now, she may be memorialized here for decades to come.
Andrew Colabella and Matthew Mandell have started a petition to rename the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve on Hillspoint Road “Sherry Jagerson Preserve.”
One view of Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve … (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
The petition says: “This preserve exists as it is today because of the environmental love and care of Sherry Jagerson.”
In 2009 she — along with Wendy Crowther and Liz Milwe, and Westport’s Parks & Recreation maintenance division — excavated the property, built up the land, and installed a boat launch, saltwater natural plants, and accessible walkways with benches.
Colabella credits Jagerson’s “vision and hard work” from 2009 onward with the preserve’s current look and appeal.
… and another. (Photo/Bobbi Essagof)
Jagerson could be memorialized for many things. She was a steward for Nash Pond, where she lived. She led one of the first initiatives to ban plastic bags in the country. She created the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helped found the Westbridge Coalition, was a founding board member for United with Kenya, and served on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
But naming a wonderful piece of town property “Sherry Jagerson Preserve” is especially fitting.
Sherry Jagerson at Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)
Here’s one more story. Last Sunday — the day after her memorial service — Jagerson’s son, 2 daughters, grandchildren and friends gathered at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.
They spent the better part of a day weeding, cleaning and planting. As they did, they felt her spirit everywhere.
(The request to rename the property “Sherry Jagerson Park” will go to the Board of Selectwomen. If okayed, it heads to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval. Click here to see and sign the petition.)
Sherry Jagerson’s family and friends at the preserve last Sunday …
… with a pause for a group shot. (Photo/Jen Tooker)
Sherry Jagerson was also an accomplished sailor and racer. She founded a business that taught women how to sail.
We welcome a record-setting number of works in this week’s online art gallery.
Many of them are nature- and beach-related. Plenty are photos, too.
Not a lot of abstract art this week.
That’s the thing about this gallery: The exhibits change, every week.
But o 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.
“Flowers at Bryant Park” (Laurie Sorensen)
“The Little Pine Tree That Could” (Dorrie Barlow Thomas)
“Garden Gate” — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)
“Forsythia” (Kathleen Burke)
“Untidaled” (Michael Tomashefsky)
“Beach Sand” (Richard Fogel)
“Remember” (Cohl Katz)
“Driftwood Pier” (Bruce Borner)
Untitled (Andrew Colabella)
“Kite Flying at Burying Hill” (Duane Cohen)
Untitled — Point by the cannons (Steve Moen)
“Beachside Abstract” — digital composite (Ken Runkel)
Untitled (Aerin Lichtman, 12 years old)
“An Easter Island Statue in Connecticut?” Photographer Peter Barlow says, “This one, likely a reproduction, is in Stoney Creek and looks out to the Thimble Islands.”
“Amazing” (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“After Charing Cross” (Tom Doran)
“Distortion on Delancey” (Patricia McMahon)
“Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do Unto You” (Mike Hibbard)
“The Beachcomber” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Never Again” — artist Steve Stein shows “the different stars used to mark Jewish citizens in each country the Nazis took over during World War II. May 5 and 6 was Yom HaShoah (Day of Remembrance) for the 6 million who died during the Shoah (Holocaust). May 12 and 13 are Yom HaZikaron (Official Israel Memorial Day) for fallen soldiers in 9 wars. May 14 is Yom Ha’atzmaut (76th Israel Independence Day, after a 4000-year history in the land).
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking plans are moving forward.
On March 6 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Flood & Erosion Control Board meets to consider the 2 riverside lots.
Forty-two additional spots are proposed for the Jesup Green (lower Westport Library) parking area. Work includes restriping, minor grading, the removal and relocation of some trees, and a new retaining wall.
The new spaces will replace those lost in the Parker Harding renovation, as it is brought into compliance with ADA and safety standards.
The site plan is below. For a larger version, and other material related to the Jesup and Parker Harding lot project, click here.
After Tuesday’s “06880” Roundup report that Dunville’s closed suddenly last week, several readers noted that the Riverside Avenue’s Facebook page said: “Hi everybody, we’ll be closed for a little spring cleaning and then some vacation until Friday, March 1st. BRB!”
The post was accompanied by a photo of a Jimmy Buffett-style beach scene.
Usually, owners howl directly when I get something wrong. I reached out to Dunville’s owner before posting the story, but still have not heard back from him, or any representative.
Meanwhile, rumors are rampant in town that the popular, 40-year-old bar has been, or will be, bought by Little Pub.
I contacted the Little Pub owner for comment, but also did not hear back.
Dunville’s
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Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs are now viewable online (click here).
There are 2 online registration dates.
Tuesday, March 5 (9 a.m.) if for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.
Wednesday, March 6 (9 a.m.) is for all other spring and summer programs. Registration also continues for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.
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.
You may not write “West Side Story,” “Gypsy” or “Into the Woods.” But — if you are at least 20 years old — you can do what Sondheim did when he was at Williams College: become a Westport Country Playhouse intern.
Applications are open through March 8 for the Joanne Woodward Internship Program. Interns work closely with Playhouse staff each summer — as they’ve done ever since the 1940s.
Opportunities are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and community engagement. Interns also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including Playhouse staffers, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.
This year’s program runs from May 28 through July 31. The stipend is $630 per week. Housing is provided, if needed. For more information and to apply, click here.
Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).
And Dasha Horton, Natalie Glidden and Sean Fitzpatrick are ready.
On February 24 and March 2 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), they’ll talk about tapping and producing syrup, answer questions about how to tap trees at home, and show off WTF’s homestead-sized evaporator.
They’re all-weather farmers. Soo they’ll also answer questions about summer gardens.
The Maple Sugaring Days are free; go any time during the 2 sessions.
People of all ages love maple syrup — and making it.
And finally … Jimmy Van Eaton, Jerry Lee Lewis’ pounding drummer on “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” died earlier this month in Alabama, of kidney complications. He was 86.
But yours probably paled in comparison with the one Andrew Colabella attended.
The Westport Representative Town Meeting member headed to Washington, and a special Supreme Court gathering in their East Conference Room.
He and his date, Viviana Vasiu, hung out with the justices.
And sang Christmas carols led by a great tenor (Chief Justice John Roberts), a gifted alto (Justice Amy Coney Barrett), and some of the high court’s most interesting colleagues and friends.
Andrew calls himself Viviana’s “very lucky” date. She is one of 4 fellows selected each year for a prestigious fellowship program created by former Chief Justice Warren Burger.
Andrew Colabella and Viviana Vasiu, at the Supreme Court party.
This was the fellowship’s first holiday party since 2020.
“I was walking among the brightest and most successful law and policy makers, in the last great cathedral of the United States,” Andrew reports.
All of the justices were “very friendly and warm. They conversed with everyone.”
He says that Viviana is “proof that the American Dream still exists.” She came to the US at 18 from Eastern Europe. After starting at a community college, she graduated at the top of her class at both Stetson University and its law school. He calls himself “her biggest supporter and fan.”
As for Chief Justice Roberts’ excellent singing voice: “He killed it,” Andrew says.
Chief Justice John Roberts leads the caroling. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Can we get $3,348?
That’s all that’s needed for Westport to reach its goal of $60,000. With just $3,348, we can fund two wood pellet machines — and provide heat, all winter long, to 2,000 residents of our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
Two anonymous gifts — and many smaller ones — have brought us thisclose to the end of our holiday fund drive.
One donation of $30 can help one family through the long winter. $300 can help 10 families. One gift of $3,000 will put us almost over the top.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Christmas is still 6 days away. We’re sure your tree looks gorgeous.
But a few days after that, you’ll start thinking about how to get rid of it.
As they do every year, Scout Troops 39 and 139 can help.
Their annual Christmas tree pickup is January 6. Just fill out this form.
Then put your tree by your mailbox by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. The suggested donation is $20 per tree (though you can of course give more!). Put it in an envelope (cash or check made payable to “Troop 39”); tape it to you front door.
All trees will be mulched into wood chips, and donated to the town for landscaping projects. Funds raised help pay for Scout activities all year long, and for chipping expenses.
NOTE: Scouts cannot take wreaths or garlands. The wires ruin tree chippers.
A raucous home crowd cheered on the Staples High School boys basketball team last night, as they started on the road to their 2nd straight state championship appearance by dominating Newtown, 73-57.
Dozens of young Westport PAL players were in the packed stands. They got an extra-special treat when Larry Johnson — the former New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets player — joined them.
At halftime, they swamped the ex-pro with autograph requests. Smiling, he signed every one — including a paper towel.
Larry Johnson, and young fans. (Photo/Lisa Newman)
“Sheppy” has worked at The Home Cook on Saugatuck Avenue for almost 3 years. He’s a key member of the “heat and eat” food service.
After a recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, an infection in his foot required amputation. Owner Stephanie Berghoff organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with Sheppy’s significant medical bills.
Brian Marsella returns to Westport, for this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 21, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Called “a psychedelic Art Tatum,” the pianist has toured the world. Now he’s back wit bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg Wall.
All wowed the Jazz at the Post crowd, earlier this fall.
There’s a $15 music charge. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella writes:
On January 1, Westport’s single-use plastics ordinance becomes law.
Single-use plastic items such as straws, stirrers, plates, cups, to-go containers, and all expanded polystyrene products will be banned from distribution to patrons at food establishments in town. (Plastic straws will still be available to people who are handicapped, disabled, or suffer from an illness whose effects are eased by the use of a plastic straw).
The RTM’s objective was to reduce our carbon footprint and lead by example for other municipalities, reduce frivolously distributed products, expand inventory lifespan of products for food establishments, and reduce expenses.
The process began in May 2019, when the RTM unanimously passed a single-use plastic ban on food establishments. We are leading 46 other states, along with cities in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. Our intent was to lead with perseverance, ease, and informative alternatives to make the transition smooth.
Andrew Colabella (right) is interviewed about Westport’s single-use plastics ban.
Some plastic products will not be covered under this ordinance, such as lids and utensils. There are no readily available, cost-effective alternatives.
This allows food establishments to explore on their own, and implement their own best practices toward sustainability.
Establishments throughout town have already started switching over. However, all establishments have leftover product that they are allowed to use past January 1.
It would be inappropriate to force establishments to throw out products that can still be used. Please be patient and respectful as we all work together to make the transition.
The transition will take time. There is a form that any food establishment can use to be granted time to transition. Most have already done so.
A lot of franchises have already introduced innovative products in the holiday season.
Some newer products look and feel like plastic. They’re not. They are a polylactic acid (PLA) material that is a plant/leaf-associated product that, when disposed of properly, breaks down quickly leaving no harmful traces behind.
If disposed of improperly, it will biodegrade and have no adverse effect on the environment.
Unlike plastic it contains no benzene or styrene, which are carcinogenic products. It is made from a renewable resource, not petroleum-based like plastic.
We are fortunate to live in state where landfills no longer exist for solid waste. Our solid waste is transported to Bridgeport, where it is burned to generate electricity through a turbine system, converting smoke into steam and one ton of soot a year.
Out of 78 million metric tons of plastic produced yearly, only 14% is recycled. At one time countries like China, India, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia purchased our plastic recyclables. These created floating garbage islands.
Single-use plastics are seldom recycled.
Westport has always led the East Coast in the fight against harmful products for consumers. Our town advocates for education, innovation, safety, and reducing waste fiscally and physically.
I extend a big thank you on behalf of my co-sponsors, P3, the Conservation Commission, Sustainable Westport, the selectwomen’s office, Nick Bamonte, town operations director Tom Kiely, and the Aspetuck Health District for supporting and implementing real legislation in action.
For more information on the Westport legislation, click here.
(“06880” covers Westport politics, the environment — and their intersection — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) does not always agree on everything.
That’s the messy part of democracy.
But this morning, members were unanimous: The Minute Man Monument needs more tulips. RTM member Andrew Colabella writes:
Last year, 100 tulips were planted by the Minute Man statue, as part of a beautification project.
The results were eye-popping, colorful and bountiful in beauty.
Blooming tulips.
This year, I decided to expand to 300 tulips.
Many hands made the work lighter, and smarter.
Top: Jimmy Izzo hangs with the Minute Man. Fellow RTM members include (middle, from left): Nancy Kail, Harris Falk, Seth Braunstein. Front: Don O’Day, Andrew Colabella, Kristin Mott Purcell.
The group came armed with shovels, a cordless drill, and donuts.
It was great to see families that biked, drove or walked by. A father and 3 children stopped, and asked to take part. Don O’Day lent a hand (below).
They asked about the history of the Minute Man statue, then posed with H. Daniel Webster’s 1910 sculpture.
With so much help, the work did not take long.
(All photos courtesy of Andrew Colabella)
The 300 tulips from Colorblends in Bridgeport came directly from the Netherlands. They were harvested this past summer.
Westport Hardware donated a bag of grass seed for top dressing, while Thomas Kerrigan of Kerrigan Industries provided a mixture of topsoil and compost.
I want to thank this group of green thumb enthusiasts and caring individuals for helping continue a vision I had a long time ago. It is finally coming to life.
His frequent comments and fine photographs add greatly to this blog. An RTM member, he’s active all over town: helping save the Sakura trees. Seeing the recent stolen vehicle police pursuit through town, and reporting on it. Helping a resident cut through red tape at the state Department of Transportation.
The other day, Andrew took a half hour out of his busy day to chat at the Westport Library. We spoke about his love for this town; why he stayed here, when so many fellow Staples High School graduates leave; his work on the Westport PAL board; is favorite spots, and his favorite people, and much more.
Click below, to learn more about one of our most interesting neighbors.
Westport Police offer this update on the vessel that sank near Cockenoe Island on Sunday:
Just before noon yesterday, they located the boat near buoy #2. The search for 2 missing boaters continued all day — even as the WPD was dealing with a major incident involving 2 stolen vehicles, and the arrests of 9 suspects.
At 4:30 p.m., the Westport Police Marine Division was notified of a body in the water approximately 3 miles northeast of the sunken boat. A Bridgeport Fire boat was first on scene, and recovered the body from the Sound.
At Bridgeport Harbor they were met by Westport Police, Connecticut Medical Examiner’s Office, and the family of the victim. He is 38-year-old Juan Gabriel Valle Pineda of Spring Valley, New York.
His body was taken to the office of the chief medical examiner for an autopsy. Westport Police extend their sympathies to this family, and hope to recover the second missing person. That search was suspended last night, at 9 p.m.
It’s been a while since the weeping cherry blossom trees in front of Sakura were in the news.
No news is good news.
After being slated for destruction during the Post Road renovation project, it appears they’ve been saved.
Sakura blossoms (Photo/Bob Mitchell)
Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member whose initial involvement helped draw attention to the plight of the beloved cherry blossoms — passes along word from Joseph Sorcinelli, construction project engineer for the state Department of Transportation.
The trees may still be pruned, for utility clearance. There is also a concern involving the planned sidewalk elevation, and the pine tree on the property just west of the Sakura driveway.
But it does appear that — as noted during discussions in March, with town officials, the property owner and restaurant owner, Earthplace, Connecticut DOT and Eversource — the icons will remain.
That’s good news indeed.
And next spring, the only weeping will be the trees’.
The long-anticipated traffic-opalypse — resulting from the “bridge slide” replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue — did not take place until Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what it looked like at dusk:
(Photo/Ward French)
The new span sat lonely and still unopened. Meanwhile, southbound drivers sat.
Meanwhile, kudos to all who made the “slide” happen.
AI Engineers (who probably named their firm long before ChatGPT was a thing) posted this on LinkedIn:
“Major milestone on I-95 [sic] in Norwalk, CT! This past weekend, our talented team oversaw the first successful Accelerated Bridge Slide for the project. As the prime consultant, AI Engineers is not only committed to the safety and efficiency of the construction, but we’re also keen on sharing our knowledge. Our engineers have crafted an animation to demonstrate this innovative slide in action.
“Balancing the bustling traffic of I-95 in Norwalk, minimizing the impact to neighboring communities in Norwalk and Westport, and adhering to precise schedules – notably the season-specific bridge slide – demands careful planning and flexibility.
“Proud to be at the forefront of innovation, ensuring better and safer roads for everyone!
Stew Leonard’s 32nd annual Hanukkah menorah lighting celebration is set for Thursday, December 7 (5 p.m.).
Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht of Beth Israel Chabad will light an 18-foot menorah. Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, holiday songs and pre-packaged kosher refreshments. Hot potato latkes, dreidels and chocolate gelt will be distributed to all.
The 2021 menorah lighting at Stew Leonard’s
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David Berkman sold out his first “Jazz at the Post” shows.
This Thursday (October 26, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover charge), he’s back for more.
He’s joined by Dayna Stephens, an exciting saxophonist and one of Greg Wall’s favorites. (“The Jazz Rabbi” — who will play too — is no slouch on sax himself.)
Rounding out the quintet are bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Curtis Nowosad.
Reservations are strongly encouraged: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Lynn Flint’s special 1-day estate show, to benefit Bridgeport artists in need of help with rent, food, fuel and materials, is this Thursday (October 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1 Belaire Drive on Saugatuck Avenue near the Norwalk border).
A few of the many items available at the estate sale to benefit Bridgeport artists.
And finally … in honor of the good news from Sakura (story above):
(Let “06880” be the first to wish you a Happy Hanukkah! And let us remind you for the umpteenth time: Westport’s hyper-local blog relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Nearly every evening, Andrew Colabella heads to Compo Beach to enjoy the sunset.
Even the drive there is calming. But on Sunday, as he turned onto Bradley Street, he saw something unusual.
There — at the stop sign midway to Compo Beach Road — he noticed a number of large canvases, spread throughout a backyard.
Was someone moving in? Moving out? Was it a private outdoor pop-up art show?
He stopped to see.
A man sat in back by a table, looking at his phone. Andrew stood at the edge of the lawn, mesmerized by the abstract art and abundant colors.
“Hello,” the man said gently.
Andrew asked if he could wander around. He usually saw art like this peering through windows, walking or driving by a home. He’d never seen it spread out across a lawn.
Warmly and eagerly, the man told Andrew about his art.
His name is David Johnson. He spent his life working in advertising, in Chicago.
His friend, a sculptor, had a studio with a little corner for an easel and canvases. David discovered a waye to express his creativity in a form other than advertising.
With a dream and a vision, his images bled on to the canvas from his soaked paintbrush.
His friend and other artists were taken aback by his talent, a gift he had not known he had.
They urged him, “get a gallery! Rent one out, host a show, sell it — show it!”
David asked, “How?”
With a bit of support from friends, his art was showcased. It is now bought around the country.
David’s wife, Holly Jaffe Johnson — fashionable, warm and energetic — greeted me — invited me into their house.
The Von Castelberg Cottage was once a little brown home. It’s now been restored and revitalized, with Norman Rockwell-esque charm.
They moved here in 2019. Andrew began telling them about Westport’s history — a refuge for the wealthy, but also a home for creative artists from around the world.
David and Holly have a deep appreciation for Westport’s past. Andrew puts them “in the same category as those artists — and more importantly, with those who moved to town with a deep love, passion and understanding of Westport, what it is and what it means.
“They improved and respected its history, but also shared their artistic gift.”
Andrew calls the event “an impromptu, amazing greeting and conversation with an Odysseus sirens-like calling, but through visual stimulation and colorful abstract canvases that called me to trespass into a midsummer night’s dream of bountiful color.”
Andrew realized he must not be the only person who noticed the art.
David and Holly told him that 3 pieces had just sold. They were making their way to fellow Westporter — and artist in his own way — Christian Soriano.
“Always keep your eye out in Westport,” Andrew says.
“The legacy and gifts of our artists could be right behind your fence, down the street — or on your way to the beach.”
(All photos/Andrew Colabella)
(“06880” covers Compo Beach, the arts — and everything else going on in town — 24/7/365. Please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
The other day, Andrew Colabella put out a social media plea.
The Representative Town Meeting member asked for donations of perennial plants, to spruce up the plaque on Compo Beach Road, opposite Quentin Road.
The site is the burial ground for Colonial patriots, killed in the Battle of Compo Hill as they ambushed British redcoats on their way back to their ships, after marching to an arsenal in Danbury.
Gardener/landscaper Sue Goldman offered 4 hydrangeas and 2 astilbes.RTM member Kristin Mott Purcell provided 2 hostas.
Andrew supplied the mulch, and the volunteer digging and planting.
PS: Andrew is applying for a grant and funding to locate the exact grave sites. Older photos would help. If you’ve got any, email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
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A sold-out Levitt Pavilion rocked last night, to the music of Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers.
Bruce Hornsby (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
It was a paid-ticket event. But this week — as the Levitt has done for nearly half a century — they’ll sponsor several very cool (and free) shows.
Tonight (Sunday, July 2, 7 p.m.), Eight to the Bar brings their American roots music to the stage.
Celebrate July 4th (Tuesday, 7 p.m.) with the Jacob Jolliff Band, featuring some of the country’s top mandolinists.
Suzi Shelton headlines Wednesday’s Children’s Series (July 5, 7 p.m.).
It’s Americana rock on Thursday (July 6, 7 p.m.), with Chris and Marc Douglas Berardo.
Former Coasters lead singer Early Clover pays tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more on Friday (July 7, 7:30 p.m.).
Internationally known (and Levitt favorites) Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — featuring Westport’s own Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit — take the stage Saturday (July 8, 7:30 p.m.), for what is always a memorable show.
The week winds up next Sunday (July 9, 7 p.m.) with Charles Taylor & Uptown Swing.
All shows are free, but tickets are required. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Just one week remains before Westport celebrates our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine with a huge — and free — town-wide party.
Next Sunday (July 9, 1 p.m. to dusk), everyone is invited to the Ukrainian-American Club in Southport (just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp).
The family-friendly event features food, beer, wine and soft drinks; music from the Mike McGovern Band, and more. It’s a way to thank Westporters for their $252,000 in donations last winter. Funds paid for building supplies, communications equipment, trash and garbage trucks, and hot meals.
But whether you contributed or not: Come celebrate Lyman, and learn more about our friends in that war-torn nation.
There will be opportunities to help too: a raffle, treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen.
VIP tickets ($350) include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.
VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all benefits above, plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Zhuravlov.
To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.
Westport Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 has hosted Red Cross blood drives for 36 straight months. The collections have benefited thousands of people. One donation can save 3 lives.
The most recent event, on Friday, was sponsored by the Goddard School, a few yards away from the VFW on Saugatuck Avenue.
The next drive is July 19. Click here, then search for “vfwwestport” for more information, and to sign up.
At Friday’s VFW blood drive (from left): Phil Delgado, VFW Post 399 quartermaster, sponsor Kristen Bodenstein of Westport Goddard School, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Frank Veno, VFW Post 399 commander.
Westport Pride has joined 3 dozen community organizations in Connecticut and New York in condemning Friday’s Supreme Court ruling. By a 6-3 margin, justices sided with a Christian graphic designer who refused to create wedding websites for gay or lesbian couples.
The joint statement says:
“The highest Court set a chilling precedent that entities serving the public can pick and choose who they serve and deny services to queer customers. What’s more, it comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack by legislators across the country.
“We, the LGBTQ+ leaders across New York and Connecticut see this decision as a dangerous step on an already roughly paved path towards fascism and the undoing of great gains we’ve made towards equality and justice for all. Freedom of expression should not be used to discriminate, especially against those most marginalized historically.
“We believe that our towns, cities, and country are stronger when we embrace the diversity of our communities and when we can live free from the fear of discrimination or attack.
“We call on all businesses to disavow the Court’s validation of discrimination and pledge to serve LGBTQ+ and all customers. We ask you to stand with us and staunchly against hate in all forms.”
And finally … before Bruce Hornsby formed the Noisemakers (story above), his band was The Range.
His song “The Way It Is” — a social commentary song about civil rights — reached the #1 spot in 1986.
(From Lyman, Ukraine to the Levitt Pavilion, “06880” keeps you in the loop about all things Westport-related. Please click here to help us keep doing it. Thank you!)
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