Tag Archives: Ann Chernow

Roundup: Fire Chief, Longshore Inn, Drugs …

Michael Kronick will retire as chief of the Westport Fire Department, effective May 15.

He’ll continue working though, with the state of Connecticut.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says, “I appreciate that Chief Kronick has provided ample time with this announcement so that we may insure a smooth, seamless and professional transition at the Fire Department. 

“The town of Westport and its residents have been very fortunate to be the beneficiaries of Mike’s expertise and dedication for many years. On behalf of the citizens of Westport, his fellow employees, and his firefighting colleagues, I am grateful for Mike’s longstanding and dedicated service to our community. I wish him much success in his future endeavors.”

Westport Fire Chief Michael Kronick.

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What’s happening with the Inn at Longshore?

In this week’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker talks about the new lease modification with Longshore Hospitality LLC.  — and the long-needed updated.

Click below to listen, courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston:

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In a quick and quiet meeting yesterday, the ad hoc committee reviewing a resident’s complaint about 3 books in the Staples High School library formally approved a recommendation to the Superintendent: Keep them on the shelves.

The vote yesterday reflected the 3 votes — all unanimous — that the board took earlier this month.

The committee thanked assistant superintendent of schools Anthony Buono for writing the report, and the community for their support of its work.

The next step: superintendent of schools will read the report, and make a recommendation to the Board of Education.

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Sunday’s “06880” featured Dodie Pettit.

The longtime Westporter was an original “Phantom of the Opera” cast member. That night, she and a dozen others who inaugurated the show were to be honored at the final — and 13,981st — performance.

It was as spectacular an evening as the 35-year musical deserved. There were plenty of bows, by many of the people on stage, and behind the scenes, who made “Phantom” such a wonderful experience.

Here’s one video. Dodie strides proudly into the spotlight around the 1:35 mark, with Sarah Brightman, to well-deserved applause.

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Work has begun Work has begun at West Parish and Hillandale Roads for the installation of a 4-way intersection.

The Department of Public Works is handling the much-needed, long-awaited job.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Department of Public Works)

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Got drugs?

This Saturday (April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center), the Westport Police Department partners with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, for the 24th annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Residents are asked to look in medicine cabinets and drawers for medications that are no longer needed, or out of date. The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.

Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites cannot accept illicit drugs, needles or sharps; only pills or patches.

Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, with caps tightly sealed.

Vape pens with removable batteries can be disposed of at the take-back site. Vape pens without removable batteries are not accepted.

A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of Westport police headquarters. Prescription drugs can be disposed of any time there. Click here for more information.

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Staples High’s April Students of the Month are seniors Tyler Darden and Charlotte Gurley, juniors Jonathan Dionne and Cade McGrath, and sophomores Jonah Bernstein and Vivian Shamie.

They have been honored for helping make the school a welcoming place for their peers and teachers. Principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together.”

Students of the Month (from left): Jonathan Dionne, Cade McGrath, Jonah Bernstein, Vivian Shamie, Charlotte Gurley, Tyler Darden.

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More Staples news:

Seniors Jason Capozucca and Zoe Finger were honored recently at the 28th annual High School Arts Awards by the Connecticut Association of Schools, for their outstanding ability. Staff members selected Zoe for visual art, and Jason for music.

From left: art teacher Carla Eichler, Zoe Finger, Jason Capozucca, principal Stafford Thomas.

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Here’s a great idea: a fundraiser where your checkbook stays home.

In fact, you go home with a check in your pocket.

Just look at home for gold.

It may be in the form of broken chains or bracelets, old school rings, watches, earrings, jewelry you never wear — even dental gold.

Bring all the gold you can find to William Raveis Real Estate (47 Riverside Avenue) this Thursday, Friday or Saturday (April 20-22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

“Bob the Gold Man” will buy it, and hand you a check.

Then, over 60% of whatever profits are made after the refining process will be donated in your name to the Damon Runyon Foundation and the Dana Farber Cancer Center.

Reservations are preferred (click here), but walk-ins are accepted. Appointments are every 30 minutes.

Questions? Email Beverly.Walsh@raveis.com.

If you’ve got gold ingots lying around, bring them in too.

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Going down today: The small Cape at 330 Compo Road South.

It is — er, was — one of the few small houses on the right-side stretch of the road, between Bradley Street and Soundview Drive, as you head toward the water.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Another house that bit the dust: the one on the first Roseville Road curve coming from the Post Road, just beyond “Little Toot” illustrator Hardie Gramatky’s former home (#60) on the right.

Like Hardie’s — which is still standing — it was a handsome house.

Today, all that remains is this:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Something different is on tap, at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.

Musicians and music lovers will celebrate the music of one of the greatest jazz drummers and bandleaders ever: Art Blakey.

Known as “Buhaina” or “Bu,” he is the father of hard bop. He produced and developed more jazz talent than any other leader of his era. His Jazz Messengers band was the Ivy League of jazz finishing schools,

This week (April 20, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) — Part I of the tribute — features an all-star lineup playing classics from his Blue Note recordings of the 1960s.

Musicians include Jazz Messengers alum Steve Davis and Essiet Essiet (trombone and vocals/guitar, respectively), Bill Mobley (trumpet), Michael Cochrane (piano), Steve Johns (drums) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxes).

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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On Sunday, Westport artist Ann Chernow joined printmaker James Reed for the opening of “Collaboration 2020 Encore” at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk.

The exhibit addresses the alchemy of printmaking as it relates to prints of Pablo Picasso. Chernow and Reed combined their knowledge and experience to produce a complex series of lithographs, replicating the famed artist’s imagery.

It runs through May 21. (Hat tip: Ann Chernow)

Print by Ann Chernow.

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This was the view at Longshore on Sunday.

I wanted to be sure to post it quickly, as a “Westport … Naturally” feature. Every day during springtime here, the view and the colors change.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … on this day in 1775, Paul Revere (and other riders) warned the Massachusetts countryside of British troop movements. The Battle of Lexington and Concord was about to begin.

(From gold to drugs, today’s Roundup keeps you on top of the Westport news. And we do it every day. Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

 

Online Art Gallery #137

What? No Thanksgiving art?!

We’ll manage.

And as you scroll through this week’s art gallery, remember to give thanks to all the artists — here in Westport, and in our broader “06880” online community, who share their work with us.

After all: This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

Untitled – watercolor and pen (Jude Siegel)

“Here Comes the Sun, In About an Hour” (Jerry Kuyper)

“Autumn” (Linda Doyle)

Untitled (Michael Chait)

“Compo Beach Ornament” — ,mixed media. Artist Peter Barlow explains: “At least 12 of these spires once adorned the brick bathhouses. After this one was knocked over in a 1950 hurricane, the town tore down all of them.”

“Three Modiglianis” (Tom Doran)

Untitled (Ann Chernow)

“The World’s Most Important Job” (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Karen Weingarten)

“Bridgeport Mansion 1891” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Gone But Not Forgotten” (Molly Alger)

“Neighborhood Watch Creature” (Mike Hibbard)

(Enjoying our weekly art galleries? Please consider clicking here, to help support “06880.” Thank you!)

Roundup: Vote, Vets, Arline Gertzoff …

For the past 2 elections, Mark Yurkiw’s artwork (below) offered a reminder on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge of upcoming votes.

Tomorrow is Election Day. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. To find out where you vote, click here.

Connecticut voters will cast ballots for state legislators, governor and US senator. There’s also a referendum question: Should the state constitution be amended, to give the General Assembly the option to allow early voting?

A “yes” vote on this one seems like a non-partisan no-brainer. Right now, only 4 states — Connecticut, New Hampshire, Alabama and Mississippi — do not permit voting before Election Day.

(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

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Veterans Day is a quasi-holiday. There are a few official closures, but mostly it’s business as usual. Veterans Day.

But if you can, make time this Friday (November 11) for the annual Town Hall ceremony.

The Community Band plays patriotic songs at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. — the time the armistice ending World War I took effect — the program honoring all veterans begins.

Veterans of Foreign War Post 399, American Legion Post 63, town officials, veterans and a Staples High School student speaker will all take part.

Proud veterans at the 2018 ceremony. (Photo copyright/Ted Horowitz)

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Four Westport Police Department members were promoted last week to new ranks.

Congratulations to Sergeants Daniel Paz and Howard Simpson, Lieutenant Serenity Dobson and Captain David Wolf.

And thanks, of course, for your service.

The Westport Police Department promotion ceremony. From left: Sgt. Daniel Paz, Sgt. Howard Simpson, Lt. Serenity Dobson, Capt. David Wolf, Deputy Chief Samuel Arciola, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Chief Foti Koskinas, Captain Eric Woods. (Photo and hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

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Friends and admirers of Arline Gertzoff are invited to a ceremony honoring her life this Saturday (November 12, 2:30 p.m., Town Hall).

The longtime jUNe Day hospitality chair, poll worker, RTM member, Democratic Town Committee activist and proud Staples High School graduate died in September, of esophageal cancer. She was 76.

Arline Gertzoff, at the Grand Canyon.

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William “Willie P.” Patterson died last month.

He was well-known in the Westport hospitality family, and a consummate professional. He served for many years at Mario’s, DeRosa’s, Viva Zapata and the Inn at Longshore, among others.

A friend says: “His wry sense of humor, kindness and cheeky smile were just a few of the things we loved about him. Many were lucky enough to know him well and call him a dear friend, but Willie was really a friend to all  he met.”

At his request, there will be no funeral. Instead, friends are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday (November 13, Black Duck Café, noon to 4 p.m.).

Light food will be served, with a cash bar. Friends can bring pictures or stories to share.Digital photos for a slide show can be emailed to williepics2022@gmail.com.

“Willie P” Patterson

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Westporters know her as Julie DeLoyd. To her music fans, she is simply Julie Loyd.

By either name, she’s ready to record her 7th album — the first full-length one since 2008.

A lot has happened in that time, and she has 10 songs to share about it. The album goes back to her acoustic roots, with guitar, banjo, cello, upright bass, accordion and more.

“It’s earthy and honest,” Julie says. “I’m sharing stories from own family, about my friends, about love, about ambition.  It’s an album that I couldn’t have written 15 years ago.

She’s funding much of it herself. But she’s started a $10,000 Kickstarter project to help cover studio and producer time, musicians, traveling to Nashville, graphic design and manufacture, and publicity.

Click here for more information, and to contribute.

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Ann Chernow has been an important part of Westport’s arts scene for decades.

But she’s not just ours. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Brooklyn Museum, DeJong Musem, National University of Taiwan, el Aviv Museum  Coupozoulos Museum in Athens and many others.

Now she’s got a new website. Click here to see her work. Click below for an intriguing interview, with Miggs Burroughs.

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Felice Pagliuso — well known to generations of Compo Barber Shop customers — died Thursday, surrounded by hsis family. The Norwalk resident was 73.

He was born in Calabria, and emigrated from Italy in 1971 with his wife. They began their new life in the US, and started a family.

Felice spent 47 years at Compo Barber Shop. When it closed, he moved nearby to Westport Hair &Co. He took great pride in his work, and earned rewards for his men’s hair styling.

Felice’s happiest role in life was being a grandfather. He found joy in family dinners, walks by the beach and playing Italian cards. He loved classical music and enjoyed going to Italian concerts.

Felice is survived by his wife of 52 years, Palma Torcasio Pagliuso; daughter Giovanna Pagliuso (Alex) Apazidis and son Antonio Pagliuso (fiancée Chrisavgi Sourgoutsis); grandsons Nikolaos and Anthony Felice Apazidis; brother Francesco Pagliuso, and several nieces and nephews. Felice was pre-deceased by his brother Antonio, sister Caterina and nephew Gianfranco Pagliuso.  

Calling hours are today (Monday, November 7, 4 to 8 p.m., Raymond Funeral Home. 5 East Wall Street, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Tuesday, November 8, 10 a.m. at St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlin Place Norwalk. Entombment will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Felice Pagliuso

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The Westport Library is a hive of activity.

It’s also a literal hive — well, right near it, anyway.

Anne Pfeiffer spotted this the other day. It’s just right for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Anne Pfeiffer)

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And finally … happy 79th birthday to Joni Mitchell!

Roundup: Ignazio’s Pizza, Grace Salmon Park, Cribari Bridge …

In May, “06880” reported that Ignazio’s was looking for a new owner.

The asking price was $275,000. Rent is $8,000 a month.

The restaurant in the former Bertucci’s space is now closed. Tables and chairs are stacked outside, and lights are off inside.

A phone call brings this cheery-sounding message: “Hi! You’ve reached Pizza Life, formerly Ignazio’s. We are remodeling, and will be back soon!”

Meanwhile, Ignazio’s’ website — still live — promises a new location, coming soon to Mystic. The original location was in Brooklyn.

Iganzio’s opened in Westport in November 2019, just 4 months before COVID struck.

Ignazio’s, this week. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Grace Salmon Park is one of Westport’s most beautiful — and underrated — places to relax.

Yesterday, it was a classroom.

University of Connecticut master gardeners (and Westport residents) Monica Buesser, Alice Ely and Nathalie Fonteyne  conducted an invasive plant workshop. It was sponsored by the Westport Garden Club.

Sixteen participants learned about the park’s top 15 invasive plants. They then broke into 4 groups, each canvasing a quarter of the site — and found several different invasives.

The next step: using the data to apply for a grant for removal of invasives from Grace Salmon.

Buesser — the conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club —  plans to be at Grace Salmon Park every Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. (weather permitting). She invites everyone interested in weeding or learning more about the park’s plants to join her.

“You can’t miss me. I wear overalls!” she says.

Grace Salmon Park is a beautiful spot. Like many in Westport, however, it is home to several invasive species. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Seen on the Town of Westport’s Instagram:

The Public Works Department was out in force on Bridge Street. Workers cut back branches and brush that had encroached on the pedestrian walkway leading to Saugatuck.

It won’t make your drive over the Cribari Bridge any quicker. But it’s sure a boon to the many bikers, joggers and walkers who love the view.

(Photo courtesy of Department of Public Works)

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Three Westport non-profits have received CT Humanities grants:

  • United Nations Association Southwestern Connecticut, Westport: $4,980, for “When the Stars are Scattered” author/illustrator visits.
  • Westport Country Playhouse: $14,750 for the production of “From the Mississippi Delta” this coming October.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture: $4,074 for “Saugatuck Stories: Walking Tour Exploring Diverse Experiences.”

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Sure, NASA is excited about the James Webb Space Telescope.

But the Westport Astronomical Society has Cal Powell.

The former WAS president hosts the “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party” on Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.).

Cal received his first meteorite in 2010, as a going-away gift from WAS. He started collecting them a few years later. His collection of nearly 400 specimens covers most meteorite classifications.

Cal will his present his extensive personal meteorite collection, and introduce Stefan Nicolescu with rare samples from Yale’s Peabody Museum. The WAS adds: “Bring your own meteorites and assemble your meteorwrongs!” Click here for more information.

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Noted local artists Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow hosted the third and final noir film last night, on the Westport Library’s large Trefz Forum screen.

“Nightmare Alley” was part of the series accompanying the artists’ “Double Indemnity” art exhibit, in the Library’s Sheffer Gallery. It runs through August 6.

Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is as delectable as it gets: raspberries, straight from Lauri Weiser’s back yard.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Lauri Weiser’s photo (above) reminds us of …

(If you enjoy the daily Roundup, please support “06880.” Click here to donate.)

Roundup: Hook’d (Of Course), Saugatuck River Bridge, Entertainment …

A bit of good news from Hook’d!

They’ve finally posted their hours of operation on their door. They say they open at 11 a.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. weekends. They’re open until 8 p.m. 7 nights a week.

See you there!

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Unfortunately, that’s not the only Hook’d-related news today.

A reader writes: “A quick Google search of (concessionaire) Upsilon Ventures and (owner) Itai Shoffman uncovers all sorts of stuff, like unpaid taxes.”

Attached was a link to Southern District of New York District Court judgment in “United States of America v. Itai Shoffman.” He was held liable for $201,659.73 in unpaid federal income taxes for 2007 and ’08, plus interest.

The judgment was dated February 12, 2021 — nearly one year after he and Upsilon were awarded the concession contract for Compo Beach and Longshore.

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The Onion is known for repeating the same post-mass murder headline, month after tragic month: “‘No Way to Prevent This,’ Says Only Nation Where This Regularly Happens.”

Westport’s repeated headline is this: “Truck Stuck Under Saugatuck River Railroad Bridge.”

It happened again yesterday morning. A driver ignored the warning sign — “Clearance: 10 Feet, 11 Inches,” and plowed underneath.

As usual, the bridge won.

Yesterday at the Saugatuck Avenue railroad bridge. Similar scenes are repeated regularly. (Photo/David Stone)

Readers always offer suggestions, such as better warnings for truckers (particularly those coming off I-95 Exit 17 eastbound, and not paying attention).

The bridge itself can’t be raised. But what will happen to Northeast corridor train traffic if repeated accidents make it structurally unsound?

Meanwhile, every time a truck driver misses or ignores the warning sign, we all smack our heads in disbelief.

And take a detour.

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The magnificent Steinway piano — formerly at New York’s Village Gate jazz club — has not been played since the day before COVID struck Westport.

But tomorrow (Thursday, July 7, VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), Janice Friedman joins “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall. She’ll play it again, at “Jazz at the Post.”

There are 2 sets: 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The cover is just $10; there’s also dinner from 6:30 on, with chef Derek Furino. Reservations are “strongly recommended” via email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

Before COVID, the Steinway piano was played at 323 restaurant.

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If jazz is not your thing, what about art?

“Double Indemnity” — the Westport Library show of work by Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow, based on the noir classic — continues tomorrow and the following Thursday (July 7 and 14).

Both artist will be at the gallery, from 6 p.m. on. At 7, films will be shown on the Library’s big screen: “Detour” this week, “Nightmare Alley” next.

Popcorn and other goodies are available too.

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Meanwhile, just added for Friday, at the Levitt Pavilion:

Hayley Jane & The Primates combine Americana, soul and rock & roll. They bring a powerful vocal range, vibrant dance choreography and explosive energy. The opening act is One Time Weekend.

Click here for free tickets.

Hayley Jane & the Primates.

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Michael Wolfe has no idea who put a sign up on Marion Road this morning.

But, Michael says, “he’s clearly on a quest to spread the word/embarrass Denise on her birthday. Might as well help the cause!”

(Photo/Michael Wolfe)

So: Happy Birthday, Denise, from all your friends at “06880.”

But don’t worry … we won’t tell anyone else 🙂

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Every day, there’s family fun at Wakeman Town Farm.

But this Saturday (July 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), it’s an official, capitalized Family Fun Day.

Kids of all ages can visit feed animals, plant sunflower seeds, and enjoy music from the School of Rock Fairfield. Food and drink for purchase includes ice cream, smoothies, iced coffee, lemonade and wood-fired pizza.

The schedule:

  • 11 to 2:45: Animal visits; reading room
  • 11 to 12:30: Buzzin’ Bees Craft
  • 11:30 to 12:45: Seed planting
  • 11:30 to 2:30: Pizza
  • 12 to 2: Ice cream
  • 12:30 to 2: Face painting
  • 1 to 2:45: Flight of the Butterflies Craft
  • 1 to 3: Music from the School of Rock House Band
  • 1:15 to 2:45: Farm Olympics.

Click here for advance tickets. Walk-ins are welcome too.

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There’s a lot going on at Earthplace, too.

Canoe paddles along the Saugatuck River — in search of egrets, osprey, ducks, shorebirds and much more — are set for this Saturday (July 9, 10 a.m. to noon); Friday, August 12; Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, October 16. Click here for reservations and more information.

Family campfires, with (of course) roasting marshmallows — plus meet an animal ambassador, and enjoy s’mores and a guided activity. There is a different theme for each campfire. Each family has their own picnic table. Dates are July 15, September 16, October 21, November 26 and December 21. Click here for details.

Meanwhile, admission to the Earthplace Museum is free through September 5, for Connecticut residents age 18 and under, and one adult caregiver. Support comes from Connecticut Humanities, the Department of Economic and Community Development Office of the Arts, and ARPA.

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George Billis Gallery — now in a new location, 180 Post Road East — hosts an opening reception tomorrow (July 7, 5 to 8 p.m.).

“Ride the Wave” features 8 women artists, including Westporter Dale Najarian.

“Southampton Coastline” — oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)

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Round Pond is one of Westport’s most historic (and overlooked) sites.

Located near the Longshore entrance road — and across the street from the house F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald rented in 1920 — it was where social reformer Lillian Wald lived for many years. Eleanor Roosevelt was a frequent guest.

These days, it’s better known as a winter skating spot.

A small sign now notes its name. It’s in keeping with the beauty of the place — and a great image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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Never heard of Hayley Jane & the Primates — this Friday’s Levitt Pavilion band (story above)?

Neither have I.

They’ve been around a while, apparently. Here’s a 2015 clip, from Bridgeport’s Gathering of the Vibes festival:

(If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please consider donating to “06880.” We are completely reader-supported! Click here to help.)

MoCA’s Westport Art Show Ends Saturday

Last summer, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and MoCA Westport began work on the first in an annual exhibition drawn from the Westport Public Art Collections.

The inaugural show — “The Westport Idea” — opened in January. It ends this Saturday (March 12). WAAC chair Nancy Diamond writes:

In 1968 Ann Chernow moved from New York to Westport, where her art school friend and future husband Burt Chernow already lived. Ann had no idea there were artists in Westport; she was looking for a good school system for her children.

She also did not know that since 1964, Burt had been collecting works from his artist friends and colleagues to create the Westport Schools Permanent Collection.

“Burt’s dream was to make fine art a daily part of students’ lives,” Ann says. He was an artist himself and a teacher at Greens Farm Elementary School. With no assistance and no budget, Burt began the collection that has grown to more than 2000 works today.

Walking around the Gallery at MoCA, Ann is flooded with memories.

Standing before a colorful painting (Boy’s Head, 1964) by modernist painter Paul Camacho, Ann recalls. “Burt, our children and I were good friends with Paul and his family.” WestPAC now has more than 30 of Paul’s works. Three are on exhibit at MoCA.

“Boy’s Head” (Paul Camacho)

Of her own work in the gallery, (Hercules, 1976), Ann explains, “It’s the only silk screen I’ve ever done. It turned out I was allergic to the materials.”

The piece is based on Bette Davis. When the legendary actress (and Westport resident) heard Ann was working on it, she visited the studio to check up on it.

Ann Chernow with “Hercules” (top).

Ann is riveted by Laszlo Moholy-Nagy’s crayon and pastel work, Chalk Composition (1946). “One day Baroness Hilla von Rebay, who was instrumental in developing the Guggenheim Museum, called Burt,” she says.

“Hilla asked whether he could stop by her Greens Farms home and possibly fix some paintings she had that were practically ruined. When he got there, Burt found this Maholy-Nagy, as well as a Kandinsky, rolled up on the windowsill.

“They were badly creased. Burt brought them home and flattened them, but you can still see the wrinkles behind the glass.

Photographer Larry Silver arrived in Westport a few years after Ann. When he got out of his car in 1973, he says, “I looked around and all I saw were pictures. The sky, the grass, the trees. I hadn’t even seen the water, but everything was a picture waiting for me to shoot.”

That day he and his wife Gloria found the least expensive house they could afford. He pulled out a check that he had received from a recent advertising campaign and handed it to the broker. “She probably was surprised when it didn’t bounce,” he says.

In 1996 he was invited by the Chinese city of Yangzou (now Westport’s sister city) to photograph their lifestyle. Six Dancers shows 6 deaf girls from the School for Blind and Deaf. They danced for us to a song called Mother, if I could only hear Your Voice Just Once. Larry says, “We all teared up. To do a portrait of the girls, I had to design this photo so each of the 6 faces were important.”

In 2021, Larry donated 30 compelling black and white photographs of his China trip to WestPAC.

Hanging below Larry’s photo at MoCa is a work by Bridgeport photographer Adger Cowans (Three Shadows, 1968). Larry met him 3 years ago. “His is a wonderful picture, reminiscent of the 1960’s styles of life in the streets. It’s beautifully designed.”

Larry Silver with Adger Cowans’ photo (top).

Larry had similar praise for Westport photographer Jerri Graham (Sisters, 2020). “This also is a beautifully designed, well-done picture. The girls look so carefree dancing, even wearing their COVID masks.”

In 2000, Westport’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Lynsey Addario made her first trip to Afghanistan to document the lives of women living under the Taliban. She returned there almost annually until 2014.

A Girl Visits a Shiite Shrine (2008) shows a young woman defiantly not wearing a veil. “The girl is centered in the picture and your eye goes right to her,” Larrysays. “It’s really good.”

Lynsey donated 33 images from her Afghanistan series to WestPAC in 2021.

The works of these Westport artists, as well as of their friends and colleagues, are on exhibit at MoCA in The Westport Idea through Saturday March 12. Click here for more information.

0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 65 Gallery

Everyone was out this week celebrating the arrival of beautiful weather, and the “reopening” of Westport.

Well, almost everyone.

A few folks had time to send submissions to our weekly art gallery.

We want more! Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture — send it in!

We are particularly interested in student submissions, and readers who have not submitted before.

Some of you are professional artists; most are amateurs. Experience does not matter! Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Juneteenth” (Amy Schneider)

“Trees and Stream” (Frances Overley Ryan, age 9, Greens Farms Elementary School)

Untitled (Lauri Weiser)

“Open Sesame” lithograph (Artist Ann Chernow says “because everything is opening up!”

“Abstract Movement” (Karen Weingarten)

“The Elephant in the Room” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Evelyn Overley Ryan, age 11, rising Bedford Middle School 6th grader)

0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 52 Gallery

Ta-da! We did it!

Today, “06880” celebrates one full year of our Saturday morning art gallery.

In those first frightening days of the pandemic, I put out the call: Create art. Then send it in. A welcome tradition was born.

It was a way for artists and photographers to work through so many jumbled emotions. It was a way too for readers around the world to appreciate our artists, without the galleries and shows they always relied on.

In the beginning, work was entirely COVID-related. Oils, lithographs, sketches, photos, crafts — they showed masks, isolation, hearts. They evoked fear, uncertainty, hope.

Over time, other themes emerged. The summer’s Black Lives Movement sparked a new type of art — and a familiar welter of mixed emotions.

Gradually, our gallery changed. Nature emerged. Traditional scenes reappeared. Whimsy popped up.

Coincidentally, 12 artists contributed works to this week’s anniversary gallery. That’s one for every month we’ve endured.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s hope it’s not an onrushing train.

Meanwhile, our “06880” art gallery will continue. As always, we welcome whatever form suits your mood. You don’t have to be a pro, or even experienced. Send it all!

Student submissions of all ages are especially welcome. So are artists who have not submitted before.

Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Spring Has Sprung” (Amy Schneider0

“I See the Light at the End of the Storm” (Ellen Wentworth)

“St. Patrick and the Wolfhounds” (Brian Whelan)

Untitled (Werner Liepolt)

“Crocuses, Bee and Shadow” (Elena Nasereddin)

“Betrothed in the Time of COVID” (Diane Yormark)

“Done! Who’s Pouring?” (Patricia Duesy)

“Rites of Spring” (Ellin Spadone)

Lithograph artist Ann Chernow says, “If you wear a mask even if you are vaccinated, you’ll have ‘Sweet Dreams, Baby’!”

Untitled (Pam Kesselman)

“Wash Day” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Sunset” (Karen Weingarten)

 

0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 43 Gallery

Art makes us think. This week, we’ve had plenty to think about.

Recent and ongoing national events influenced this week’s art gallery — both subtly and unsubtly.

Each week, “06880” highlights works from local artists. You don’t have to be a pro, or even experienced. We want it all!

Art should be inspired by, relevant to, or somehow, in some way, connected to our current lives. Student submissions of all ages are especially welcome.

Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Our Divided Nation” (Amy Schneider)

“Homework” (Jo Ann Davidson)

“COVID Still Life” (Molly Alger — she made the hat)

Untitled (Greg Puhy)

“Sand Fish at Compo Beach” (Karen Weingarten)

“The View From My Couch” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Just a Little Pinch … Saves Lives” (Ellin Spadone)

“Trying to Stay Positive” (Roseann Spengler)

Untitled lithograph (Ann Chernow)

 

0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 37 Gallery

Compo Beach on Thanksgiving, a Christmas scene — we’re in the holiday mood this week.

As we’ve done every week since the pandemic struck last spring, we highlight submissions from all artists. You don’t have to be a pro, or even experienced. We want it all!

Works should be inspired by, relevant to, or somehow, in some way, connected to our current lives. Student art of all ages is especially welcome.

Email dwoog@optonline.net, to share your work with the world.

“Shop Local, Curbside and Inside” (Ellin Spadone)

“Canine Zoom Call” (Amy Schneider)

“Blood Moon” (Lisa Seidenberg)

“Trouble,” lithograph from stone (Ann Chernow)

“Two Whales Passing By” (Carole Chinn Mariani)

Untitled (Allegra Bockhaus, age 13)

“Customer Relations” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Thanksgiving at Compo Beach, 2020” (Karen Weingarten)