Tag Archives: Artists Collective of Westport

Roundup: Antisemitism Forum, Capital Spending, Staples Insta …

Posted on March 13, 2024 | 1 comment

Tonight is the night for a forum on “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel).

The event — including educators, clergy and community leaders — will provide an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in public schools. A Q-and-A session will follow.

Originally scheduled for February, the forum was postponed by snow.

Click here to attend in person (pre-registration is required). Click here to watch via livestream. Click here to watch via livestream.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School Model UN Club.

Inklings reports that 16 delegates attended the recent National High School Model UN Conference in New York.

Staples delegates represented South Africa in 8 committees, debating topics like healthcare and renewable energy.

Club president Tucker Peters and vice president Jameson Russell were given the Commission on Science and Technology for Development’s Awards of Distinction, the highest possible award.

Alessandra Spadea, Jori Altman, Mia Bomback and Graysen Peters earned Awards of Merit for their contributions in the UN Human Rights Council and International Organization for Migration, respectively.

Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon received Awards of Excellence for the Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice.

Staples’ Model UN Club, at the real UN. (Photo/Mia Bomback)

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Speaking of Staples: What does the world see when they think of our high school?

If they’re one of the 83,000 followers of “thekingof5thave” — actually, Nicholas Pinsker — this is what they saw:

He’s not a Staples graduate. So how well — or poorly — did he describe our high school? Click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Donna O’Donnell)

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From a quick glance at this photo, it looks like just some guy playing piano at last night’s Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery opening party.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

But look closely. “That guy” is Mark Naftalin. A spectacularly talented keyboardist, he played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band — and was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

It did not take long for the large crowd to realize they were in the presence of greatness — musically, as well as artistically.

Attendees of all ages gathered around the piano, as the famed Westport resident played blues, boogie-woogie, and lots more — just like he was back on stage at Monterey.

Mark Naftalin: a master at work. (Photo/Tomoko Meth)

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The Gaelic American Club is in Fairfield.

But plenty of Westporters are members of the 75-year-old organization.

And sure, they’ll all be there this St. Patrick’s weekend to celebrate.

You’re invited too!

From Friday to Sunday (March 15-17; $10 non-members), Irish and non-Irish alike* will enjoy live music from a pipe band, with step dancers; corned beef sandwiches and more.

Click here for details.

*But isn’t everyone Irish on St. Patrick’s Day?

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As our national mental health crisis escalates, TAP Strength — the individualized coaching center in downtown Westport — is offering an intriguing discussion.

“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” features a discussion with Jennifer Boyd, a  physician assistant, ecopsychologist and Reiki master. TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro will moderate.

The event is March 26 (6-7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). Proceeds from the suggested $25 donation will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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Westporter Atara Nova’s unique “Cosmic Misfit” concert and one-woman show of all original music heads to Newtown’s Sticks & Stones Farms this Saturday (March 16, 7 p.m.).

Organizers say: “As the music from pulsating beats to haunting melodies unfold, you’ll embark on a journey woven with intricately layered harmonies and rhythms, each reflecting a chapter of Atara’s profound inner quest.

“The music tells a story of Wetiko, a deadly virus of the mind, and one celestial being’s quest to heal herself and her community.”

Tickets are $22 (sliding scale available). Click here to buy, and for information.

PS: If you haven’t heard of Atara Nova, you may know her as Atara Horrigan.

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We can never have enough dogs in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Ellen Wentworth captions this: “Ever feel this way?”

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And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, last night’s featured musician at the Artists’ Collective of Westport gallery opening (story above):

 (Today — as every day — “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” But we couldn’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you very much!) 

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Posted in Arts, Economy, Entertainment, religion, Staples HS

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Roundup: Beach Sticker Sales, Saugatuck Apartments, Leonard Everett Fisher Memorial …

Posted on March 6, 2024 | 6 comments

It’s a sure sign of summer: Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.

Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Weston begin online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13. A limit of 450 will be sold.

If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.

After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.

Office hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

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Construction will begin soon on Summit Saugatuck’s 157-unit housing complex, on Hiawatha Lane Extension.

But residents of the neighborhood got a bit of relief recently, when plans for a 5-story, 42-unit affordable housing development nearby were withdrawn.

Cathy Walsh, applicant for the project and former Planning and Zoning Commission chair, withdrew the application last month, CT Insider reports.

However, the reprieve may be temporary. She said that she and Faustina Zucaro — owner of the property — will resubmit it later. Further details on the withdrawal or new submission were not available. Click here for the full story.

Plans for this 5-story, 42-unit housing complex have been withdrawn.

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Many readers have asked about funeral services for Leonard Everett Fisher. The noted illustrator, longtime Westport volunteer and World War II veteran died last weekend, at 99.

His family says there will be no immediate service. However, they look forward to a public celebration of his life life close to or on his 100th birthday in June.

“06880” will provide details when they are finalized.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Connecticut’s presidential primary election is April 2.

But with the state finally embracing early voting, Westporters have 4 options besides that date to vote.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The only polling place is Town Hall. Do not go to your regular poll location!

Town Hall is open for early voting on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, March 26-30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (though not Good Friday, March 29), and on April 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For information regarding the primary, including how to vote by absentee ballot, click here.

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WestportMoms’ 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt is so big, there will be 2 of them.

The Saturday, March 23 event at Long Lots Elementary School (11:45 a.m. for ages 2-5; 12:30 p.m., kids 6+) includes art projects, cookie decorating, prizes, face painting, food trucks, games and more.

Bring the whole family, tell your friends, and come have fun with us!

Tickets are $20 per family. Click here to purchase.

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In 2005 I wrote and published “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education.”

1,000 copies of the 390-page history of the school were printed. All sold, but a second printing was not financially viable.

From time to time, they show up on eBay. They usually cost about $75. (The original was $20.)

But the other day, proud 1992 Staples grad Evan Stein spotted a copy with an eye-popping price: $288.99.

“It must be autographed,” he said.

I’m not sure how the seller came up with that figure. But it’s perfect for anyone who would never pay $289 for a history of a high school.

The cheap edition of my Staples history book is in the upper left corner on eBay. The deluxe one is at the right.

FUN STAPLES HISTORY FACTOIDS:

  • The first graduating class was just 6 students. All were girls.
  • Wilbur Cross — future Yale professor, Connecticut governor and parkway namesake — was the second principal of Staples High School.
  • In the 1930s, Staples sponsored 2 rifle teams: one for boys, one for girls.
  • In 1954, Staples was the first Connecticut school to offer an Advanced Placement (AP) class.
  • In the 1970s, Staples was a national Ultimate Frisbee leader.
  • In 2001, senior Mariangela won both the Siemens Westinghouse Science and Technology Competition and the Intel Science Talent Search. Each carried a $100,000 scholarship prize.

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Speaking of Staples: The high school has announced the names of its 20 high honors graduates, in the Class of 2024.

They are the seniors whose academic grade point average is in the top 4% of the class.

The high honors students will be celebrated this spring, at a special dinner at the school. They are:

Front row, from left: Connor Ng, Ellen Ou, Kaitlyn Seo, Kathryn Asiel, Defne Merih, Gabriela de Brito, Leigh Foran, Emerson Briggs, Neva Mermagen, Mabel Propper. Back row: Peter Loranger, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, Dyan Fiore, Courtlyn Crombie, Elizabeth Turner, Jeremy Rosenkranz, Eitan Eiger, Jameson Russell,  Andrew Berkowitz.

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More Staples news: The boys golf team hopes to organizes an alumni golf outing in mid to late July, with an informal tailgate to follow.

Interested Staples golf alums should email the current coaches: Pcaligiure@westportps.org and  dmaxwell@westportps.org.

You can follow Staples boys golf on Instagram (@staplesboysgolf).

Staples boys golf team.

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More sports news:

Williams College is going to the NCAA D-III men’s basketball round of 16.

And they’re headed to Greensboro, North Carolina thanks to a Greens Farms Academy graduate.

Cole Prowitt-Smith finished a driving, double-clutch layup with less than 1 second to go last weekend, leading the Ephs to a dramatic 79-77 win at #5 Oswego State. It capped a 27-point night for the 6-4 senior. (His father, Scott Smith, writes frequently for “06880” on environmental issues.)

Williams faces Christopher Newport University on Friday.

Cole Prowitt-Smith

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Westport is proud of its rainbow crosswalk, on Jesup Road at Taylor Place.

Now, to make the area even more colorful, Westport Pride — the town’s LGBTQ organization — has joined the Parks & Recreation Department’s Adopt-a-Spot program.

Partnering with Tuliptree Site Design, a gay-owned, Norwalk-based design firm, Westport Pride is installing a pollinator pathway garden along the 100-foot Jesup Road median.

The garden will include native wildflowers, adding both color and a a habitat for native species downtown. Flowers will include daffodils, lupine, coneflower, primrose, coreopsis, spiked gayfeather, cornflower, daisies, poppy, phlox, butterfly milkweed and yarrow. The design will also incorporate spring bulbs

Planting was completed on Monday.

Tuliptree design director Michael Mushak and Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, at the rainbow crosswalk and pollinator pathway.

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If you haven’t been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery, you’re missing great shows.

The next one is March 13-17 (1 to 5 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn).

The opening reception — always packed and buzzing — is March 12 (6 to 8 p.m.). Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Mark Naftalin will entertain on piano.

An artists’ talk is set for March 17 (4 p.m.).

Participating artists include Trace Burroughs, Linn Cassetta, Beatrice delPerugia, Charles Douthat, Cecilia Moy Fradet, Ronnie Gold, Ning Jia, David Stephen Johnson, Maj Kalfus, Karen Kalkstein, Robert Meyer and Jen Williams.

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“Footloose The Musical” dances onto the Coleytown Middle School stage next month Tickets for the Coleytown Company show go on sale Friday.

The show — a stage and screen favorite for its celebration of youth, forgiveness and the power of music — is set for Friday, April 5 (7 p.m.), Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m. and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, April 7 (1 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a pileated woodpecker. Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted him hard at work, outside the Senior Center:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Today in 1836, a 13-day siege by an army of 3,000 Mexican troops ended when 187 Texas volunteers defending the Alamo were killed. The fort was captured.

(“06880” is your hyper-local, reader-supported blog. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Real estate, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Kidnapping Rant, Lyman Aid, Menorah Lighting …

Posted on December 6, 2023 | 29 comments

For several weeks, small posters with photos of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas have hung on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

That triggered one Norwalk resident.

The woman, whose social media handle is “Best of CT Moms” — definitely not to be confused with “Moms of Westport” — posted a video story on Instagram.

Admitting it would be “an unpopular opinion,” she said: “I do not like all the kidnapped signs all over Westport. There’s nobody here who has been kidnapped that we can actually find.”

Should there be one side of the bridge with Israelis, and one side with Palestinians, she asked, “and you choose which side to walk on?”

She continued: “What was the goal? To let people know people were kidnapped? I feel like everyone knows.”

Or perhaps to let people know that antisemitism exists? “We know as Jews people are antisemitic,” she said. “I don’t need to be reminded. It’s not positive.”

She said that protecting her own mental health was important, so she stays away from the news. But, she concluded, “I don’t need news. I can drive through Westport and see all the kidnapped people.

“It’s too much. It’s too much. It’s too much.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Screenshot of “Best of CT Moms”

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In just 24 hours, Westport passed the halfway mark in its drive to provide heat to 2,000 residents in our Ukraine sister city this winter.

“06880” announced yesterday a $60,000 goal for Lyman. That would cover 2 wood pellet machines. Each heats 1,000 homes — a dire need, in the 2nd winter after Russia’s invasion.

An anonymous donor kick-started the campaign, with a $30,000 donation. Within an hour, another anonymous Westporter contributed $10,000.

Combined with $6,300 more from individual residents, we’re less than $15,000 away from funding both wood pellet heating machines.

Come on, Westport. We can finish this today — and have the machines delivered, up and running by Christmas. Ukrainine Aid International — the non-profit created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — will handle all details.

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!

Wood pellet heating machine.

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Westport’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting is set for Monday (December 11), at 5 p.m. in front of Anthropologie, where the Post Road meets Church Lane and Main Street.

The public is invited.

The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)

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Interested in learning how to make your home more energy efficient? Want to help Westport reach our goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050?

Sustainable Westport offers a “Going Geothermal” session. It provides information, resources — and confidence — to kick off an energy-saving home improvement project.

A panel of energy professionals — and Westporters who have actually been through the process — will lead a conversation, and answer questions. The event is next Tuesday (December 12, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here to register, and for more information.

Going geothermal.

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It’s all 12s for the Artists Collective of Westport.

Their 12″x12″ small works holiday show kicks off in the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn next Tuesday: 12/12. The reception (not 12 noon, but rather 6 to 8 p.m.) includes food, music and wine. “Affordable artwork” will be available, in a variety of mediums.

The show continues December 13 to 17, from 2 to 6 p.m.

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Last year, Julie Buoy Whamond threw a dance party. She raised over $4,500 for Westport’s Warm-Up Fund.

This year, she’s aiming for more.

Her “Girls Nite Dance Party” next Wednesday (December 13, 7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall) includes a DJ and dancing.

“Bring a drink and snack to share,” Julie says. “Holiday attire encouraged!”

There’s a $35 donation to attend. Venmo @Julie-Whamond. Questions? Email Whamondjoy@gmail.com.

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The Westport Rotary Club is a longtime supporter of Mercy Learning Center.

Yesterday, Mercy’s new president and CEO Lindsay Wyman told members the many ways in which the Bridgeport non-profit educates women, in turn helping families overcome poverty.

Mercy’s holistic support services include adult education, English instruction — plus full infant and toddler care, and an early childhood education program.

Since opening in 1987, over 16,500 women have been helped. Many earn GEDs and citizenship. Volunteer tutors and childcare givers are always needed, Wyman said.

Mercy Learning Center CEO Lindsay Wyman. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Elton John loves Drew Angus.

The mega-popular knighted singer — who has sold over 300 million records worldwide — recently posted an Instagram of his reactions to a couple of other versions of his double platinum 1973 hit “Step Into Christmas.”

Among the songs he liked: the one by 2007 Staples High School graduate Angus.

Check it out below. Drew appears twice: first in a circular frame, wearing crazy glasses; then performing, in a red flannel shirt.

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Speaking of entertainment: In a few minutes (10 a.m.), Westporter Rex Fowler — half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — will be live on Rob Silber’s “Rock Therapy” show on WPKN-FM.

Rex will discuss his new memoir, and play a few songs mentioned in it. Click here, then click on the “Listen” link — or tune in to 89.5.

Aztec Two-Step 2.0: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.

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Following up on yesterday’s announcement about makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West), which is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Senior Center:

Owner Felicia Nash will also give a free blowout for contributions to Ukraine Aid International’s sister city fund (click here; then click the “I want to support” box; select “Westport — Lyman Sister City”).

Salon Nash owner Felicia Catale.

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Robert Bernstein — a noted educator, and Westport resident for 55 years — died yesterday morning, surrounded by his family. He was 94. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.

Born in the Bronx, the third of 3 boys, he earned BA and MA degrees from Brooklyn College. He served in Korea as Sergeant First Class with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division, then joined the pre-doctoral program at Teachers’ College, Columbia University.

Bob’s soulmate and life partner was Barbara (Bobbie) Grishman (Bobbie). They raised 3 children: Lydia, Doug and Brian.

Bob began his teaching career in elementary schools in New York City and Westchester County. After an administrative internship, he accepted a principalship in Wilmington, Delaware.

In 1968, Bob found a perfect fit as principal of Redding Elementary School. The family moved to Westport.

Bob was the beloved principal of Redding Elementary for 25 years, dedicating himself to facilitating the growth of children and teachers and profoundly impacting the community. After retirement, he held 4 interim principalships.

Bob also taught adult education in New York City and Westchester County, and ESL with Norwalk Community College and Literacy Volunteers in Danbury. He was a member of the board and served as president of the Elementary/Middle School Principal Association of Connecticut.

Bob was a longtime member of the Y’s Men of Westport Weston and Temple Israel. He loved opera and the symphony, enjoyed playing tennis and ping pong, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Spending time at Compo Beach remained his favorite activity.

His family says, “Bob was the consummate gentleman, treating every person with kindness, respect, and dignity. We will carry forward his most enduring and endearing quality; a belief in every person’s goodness and their capacity to grow.”

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bobbie, their children Lydia, Doug (and Melissa) and Brian (and Lauren), his grandchildren Miriam, Brendan, Ilana, Jessica (Graham), Audrey, Cayla, Sydelle, Esther and Nate; brother-in-law Hank Grishman (Jill), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Jason.

Bob’s service will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Thursday, December 7, 1 p.m.). Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Norwalk.

Shiva will be held at the home of Bob and Bobbie’s home on December 7 immediately following the burial, and Friday, December 8  (1 to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, December 9 (7 to 9 p.m.; service at 7:30).

Bob’s favorite educational and cultural arts charities were: A Better Chance of Westport (PO Box 2153, Westport, CT 06881) and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (391 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06608).


Bob Bernstein

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The other day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature showed a swarm of blackbirds.

Here’s a similar shot, from elsewhere in Westport. Once again, there are far more than 4 and 20.

Fortunately, they’re not baked in a pie.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … speaking of “Step Into Christmas” (story above): Here are the 2 versions mentioned. Enjoy (and “the admission’s free…”):

(Drew Angus and Sir Elton John both urge you to support “06880.” Just make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Obituaries, religion

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Roundup: Change Your Clocks, Get A Free Tutor, Order A Pie …

Posted on November 4, 2023 | 2 comments

Tonight is the night we turn our clocks back one hour, to “standard time.” (Though with Daylight Savings Time now in place for nearly 8 months, isn’t that the “standard”?)

The good news: We get an extra hour of sleep.

The bad news: We get an extra hour of all that “traffic-gedddon,” during the I-95 bridge slide.

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Speaking of this weekend’s bridgework, here’s a photo from this morning:

 

(Photo/Frank Rosen)

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Sure, you can pay big buck$ for tutors.

You can also get one for free.

From now through December 21, then starting again after midterms in January, the Westport Library is teaming with Staples High School students on a “near-peer” tutoring program.

The program — held in the Children’s Library — features Staples students tutoring middle school and elementary schoolers in subjects including English, math, science, social studies, programming and Mandarin

The drop-in program runs between 4 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tutor availability is posted weekly. Click here for the schedule.

All tutors are past participants, or received a letter of recommendation from a current or previous teacher.

Adults with students under the age of 12 must stay in the Children’s Library during the session.

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Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away. Pie time!

Wakeman Town Farm’s 4th annual Pie Sale is on. They’ve partnered with Earth Animal’s Mitten project initiative, to raise funds for Connecticut Food Share.

Oronoque Farms is baking apple and blueberry pies (traditional and crumb; served at room temperature or slightly warmed), as well as Pumpkin Pies (frozen and ready to bake; instructions provided).

Orders close November 17. Pick-ups are Tuesday, November 21 (4 to 7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Click here to order, and for more information.

Blueberry crumb pie.

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Westport Transit District director Peter Gold reminds residents:

Many people know about the Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U service from their front door to the Westport and Greens Farms train stations. Less well known are services for the elderly and people with a disability.

The WTD provides an in-town service for the elderly and people with a disability, and a town-to-town service for people with a disability. Like Wheels2U, both services use handicap accessible vans.

The in-town service takes anyone with a disability, and anyone age 65 or over (whether or not they have a disability), anywhere within Westport, for $3.50. Rides must be booked a day in advance. Personal care assistants accompanying an elderly passenger or a passenger with a disability ride free.

The town-to-town service takes anyone with a disability to destinations in Norwalk, Wilton, Weston, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich. The fare is $3.50 each time a town border is crossed. (For example, a ride within Westport is $3.50; a ride to Darien is $10.50). Again, personal care assistants accompanying a passenger with a disability ride free.

Click here for more information, including how to book and pay for rides. Click here for information on Wheels2U.

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Dionne Pia is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for November. She exhibits 2 large-school paintings: “Brave New World” and “Galaxy.”

She earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. She also studied Russian icon painting, and landscape graphics. Dionne is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport.  Her work has been exhibited in many shows throughout Connecticut.

Both works are available for purchase.

Dionne Pia, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Sustainable Westport’s second Residential Energy Learning series focuses on solar energy. “Everything Solar” is set for the Westport Library on November 7 (6:30 p.m., reception, 6:45 presentation and Q-and-A).

Westport architect John Rountree and Nathan Hernandez, solar consultant, will discuss how to transition your home or business to solar energy. They’ll cover  solar panels, installation companies, design considerations, the expected ROI, and financing options (with federal and state incentives).

Westporter Dan Schlesinger will talk about his recent process of going solar.

Sustainable Westport requests pre-registration; click here.

Sustainable Westport offers all the solar tips under the sun.

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Hey, theater people:

The next Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” play reading is a comedy — called “Theatre People” (November 13, 7 p.m.).

It’s an adaptation of Ferenc Molnár’s classic farce, “Play at the Castle,” about a Newport mansion populated with characters in love with theater.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Rodolfo Soto returns to the Westport Country Playhouse.

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It’s the lecture you’ve been waiting for!

Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues November 21 (8 p.m.) with Dr. Slava Turyshev. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory research scientist will discuss “Imaging and Spectroscopy of Exoplanets Using Solar Gravitational Lensing.”

Click here for more information. Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.

Dr. Slava Turyshev

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It’s Saturday — and it’s not raining!

Enjoy the fall foliage — like this “Westport … Naturally” scene, at Winslow Park — while it lasts!

(Photo/Patricia McMahon0

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And finally … one more reminder about tonight:

(Hmmm … what to do with those extra 60 minutes? So many possibilities … including making a donation to “06880.” It’s easy — just click here. Thank you very much!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Halloween Window Painting, Uncorked Wine, $10,000 Grants …

Posted on September 22, 2023 | 2 comments

It’s b-a-a-a-a-c-k!

The annual Halloween window painting contest returns Saturday, October 28.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is looking for painters for the popular event. It’s open to elementary and middle school children, with 6 winners in 3 different categories earning gift certificates to Saugatuck Sweets.

Last year, 105 kids painted 65 windows throughout town, individually or in teams. Click here to sign up, and for more information.

But that’s not all.

That night (October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), the Chamber presents a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.

Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.

Tickets are $35. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Halloween window painting collage.

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Like a fine wine, Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Uncorked” fundraiser gets better with age.

This year’s event (october 12, 6 to 9 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) will once again feature extraordinary vintages from the Fine Wine Company of Westport. Cory D’Addario will carefully choose 100 wines for tasting.

She is committed to sustainable, organic or bio-dynamic practices, and looks for integrity from the vineyard and supplier to the store. Passed hors d’oeuvres, creative charcuterie and carving stations will be paired with the wines.

Funds raised benefit the many charities supported by Sunrise Rotary. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Festive crowds, great food and excellent wines, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary’s Uncorked event.

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Less than one month remains to get $10,000.

Applications for the Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grants close October 20.

The grants, established in 1995 by former member Lea Ruegg, are awarded to non-profit projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.

Recent Ruegg Grant beneficiaries include the Westport Astronomical Society, Project Return, Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm. Proposals should be high-profile initiatives that make a meaningful difference in Westport. Click here for the application form. 

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Rain and wind are likely tomorrow.

Stay dry and warm — and learn about dozens of opportunities — at the volunteer fair in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.

Co-hosted by the town and League of Women Voters (Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it’s a chance to check out over 2 dozen community organizations. Each will have a staff member to provide information and answer questions.

Participating groups include: A Better Chance of Westport; AWARE; Center for Senior Activities; Club 203; Earthplace; FCJazz; Food Rescue; Friends of Sherwood Island; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Levitt Pavilion; Staples Tuition Grants; Sunrise Rotary Club; TEAM Westport; Town of Westport; Verso Studios; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Wakeman Town Farm; Westport Book Shop; Westport Community Theatre; Westport Country Playhouse; Westport Emergency Medical Services; Westport League of Women Voters; Westport Library; Westport Permanent Art Collections; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Westport Woman’s Club; Westport Young Woman’s League; Westport-Weston CERT; Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Every year AWARE partners with a different organization, getting to know their work and helping wherever they can. Last year’s partner was Her Time, which serves women affected by incarceration. AWARE is one of many groups at tomorrow’s volunteer fair.

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Austin Hatch has an incredible story.

After surviving a plane crash that killed his mother and siblings years earlier, he was critically injured in — and the sole survivor of — a second crash that claimed the lives of his father and stepmother.

His road to recovery — capped by playing basketball for his mother’s alma mater, the University of Michigan — is both astonishing and inspiring.

He’ll tell it next Friday (September 29, 7:30 p.m.) at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Saugatuck Financial is sponsoring the event. They’ve made a few seats available, to friends of “06880.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

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When was the last time you went to a real trunk show?

On October 1, you can. On October 1, over 35 Artists Collective of Westport members will (Westport Library lower parking lot, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), will literally open the trunks of their cars to offer works for viewing and sales.

Okay, some may have vans, but still …

Prices range from $25 to $1,500; most are under $100. They’re bargains — and you can meet the artists too.

Participating artists include Elisa Keogh, Deborah Bohren, Beatrice delPerugia, Nina Bentley, Marc Zaref, Louise Cadoux, Dionne Pia,  Holly Hawthorn, Rosalind Shaffer, Maryann Neilson, Julie Leff, Lisa Silberman, Dolores Santiliquido, Fruma Markowitz, George Radwan, Ronnie Gold, Jean Krasno, Jocelyn Baran, Cecilia Moy, Susan Fehlinger, Dorothy Robertshaw, Cindy Wagner, Robin Babbin, Michael Brennecke, Susan Murray, Debbie Smith, Rebecca Fuchs, Elizabeth DeVoll, Janine Brown, Leonor Dao Turut, Hernan Garcia, Carla Goldberg, Barbara Ringer, Jane Fleischne and Maj Kalfus.

Jazz/pop singer Melissa Newman is an added attraction.

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Many Westporters volunteer at Mercy Learning Center.

They help provide literacy and life skills training to women in need. They’ll be at the non-profit’s annual fundraiser October 1 (Shorehaven Golf Club, Norwalk, 5 to 8 p.m.), and encourage many others to join them.

The evening of cocktails, tastings and a live auction is a chance to learn more about this wonderful organization. New president and CEO Lindsay Wyman will be introduced too. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Westport resident Mitchell Green pleaded guilty this week to wire fraud charges in Newark.

He stole more than $2 million by selling Champagne and cognac at artificially inflated wholesale prices. He also got kickbacks on the transaction, which led to litigation by a company owned by 50 Cent.

“Though he was supposed to negotiate the best deal possible for his employer, Green set up secret side deals to inflate what his employer paid so that he could reap millions of dollars in kickbacks,” said Philip Sellinger, US attorney for the District of New Jersey. “Companies must be able to rely on the integrity of their agents to conduct business.”

Green faces up to 20 years in prison, plus a large fine. He will be sentenced in January. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

50 Cent

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Want to buy a lighthouse?

A Westport resident did.

He bid $360,000, and won the Penfield Lighthouse off Fairfield.

The property contains a 51-foot tall octagonal light house built in 1874, and a 2-story, 1,568- square foot keepers’ quarters. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The bidder is remaining anonymous for now. Still ahead is final approval by the General Services Administration, then negotiations with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on the long-term lease.

The bidders will then form a steering committee of local stakeholders, to figure out how best to embrace this offshore treasure. They hope to open it to the broader community for education, events and more.

“06880” will follow this lighthouse story to the end. It’s a beacon of hope for all.

Penfield Lighthouse

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Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker was Rotary International’s Celeste Herbert. She noted that the group’s contributions to the Rotary Foundation help it impact communities around the world, in areas like education and literacy; economic development; maternal and child health; peace building and conflict prevention; water, sanitation and hygiene; the environment, and disease prevention and treatment.

Herbert praised Westport Rotary for their “audacity” in addressing important issues, and believing they can make a difference.

Celeste Herbert at the Westport Rotary Club.

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It’s mid-September — past the Levitt Pavilion’s traditional closing date — but the outdoor entertainment venue continues to rock.

Last night’s attraction was Borboletta. The Santana tribute band drew a summer-like large crowd.

Borboletta at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Goose H290 has been hanging around Westport for several years.

Time for his/her/its closeup on “Westport … Naturally”:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … happy birthday to Andrea Bocelli. The Italian tenor was born on this day 65 years ago.

(This story is filled with news you can use. So is every Roundup. Supporting “06880” means you appreciate our local focus. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Patagonia, Police Scam, Heat Pumps …

Posted on September 16, 2023 | 9 comments

One of Westport’s most iconic locations will soon have a new tenant.

A “For Lease” sign on Patagonia leads to this listing for 87 Post Road East — the 1909 Westport Bank & Trust building that’s now home to the clothing chain:

Located at the intersection of Westport’s busiest retail corridor of Main St, Post Rd and Church Lane, this landmark building is a standout location visible from all points that vehicle and pedestrian traffic enter the downtown. Located adjacent to Urban Outfitters and across from Anthropologie and Barnes & Noble. Space consists of 6,200 SF on grade on Post Rd, with and additional 1,650 SF of retail on lower level, accessed internally from selling floor. Historic charm abounds with high ceilings, and 10′ Palladian windows!

It’s a 5-year lease. Rental rate and type are negotiable.

(Photo and hat tip/Eric Grossberg)

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Several residents got phone calls yesterday from 203-341-6000: the Westport Police Department non-emergency number.

Someone claiming to be from the WPD told whoever answered that they were being called on a recorded line, and had missed a court subpoena.  The citizens recognized the calls as scams, and contacted the department.

The Police say, “We believe the end goal of these calls was to have the recipient send money or gift card information as payment for a fine or to avoid arrest. The Westport Police Department does not accept payment for any services, fees, etc. over the phone.

“Residents should hang up and contact our non-emergency number if they ever have a question regarding the legitimacy of a call from someone identifying themselves as a member of the Westport Police Department.”

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Sustainable Westport is launching a 3-part energy learning series. The programs will bring together experts with Westport residents who have upgraded their homes with heat pumps/solar/geothermal.

The sessions (reception at 6:30 p.m.; presentation and Q-and-A, 7 p.m.) include:

  • All About Heat Pumps: October 3 (Click here to register)
  • Everything Solar: November 7
  • Going Geothermal: December 5

 

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A ground-breaking exhibit at United Nations headquarters, featuring Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — opens next month.

The 2 works will be displayed on and next to a 102-foot curved wall.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

This is also the first time that Connecticut artists are featured at the UN.

The exhibit was made possible by individual donors. “06880” helped raise $18,000 fpr producing, printing and mounting the 30 large lenticular images; materials for the “prayer wheel” sculpture, and security for the reception (a UN requirement).

It is open to the public from October 10 to November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Miggs Burroughs’ lenticular images on the , and Mark Yurkiw’s Braille wheel (right).

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The other day, the  Greens Farms Garden Club celebrated their third fruitful Growing for Good Project.

Thirteen harvests from Wakeman Town Farm and Prospect Gardens were delivered to Mercy Learning Center. The first was 17 pounds in June; by this month, the harvest was 75 pounds.

Members fought pests, protected their crops, fertilized vegetables, and plowed through the hot summer to produce the produce.

From left: Greens Farm Garden Club  member Chen Yang, president Maybette Waldron, Prospect Gardens landscape designer Cindy Shumate, 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Growing for Good chair Jacque O’Brien.

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This is the 29th year for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County.

At least one participant has been involved with every one.

Denise Lucarelli says: “29 years ago, I was assisting at the front desk when the phone rang. The young lady began to explain that she was from the American Cancer Society, and they were sponsoring a new walk in Westport.

“I stopped her and said we would be glad to participate, since we are a radiology practice and early detection does save lives. She was amazed, and thought it would be much harder to convince me.

“We both laughed. Since that cold call, Advanced Radiology’s physicians, staff and family members have attended this vital and awesome walk every year.”

The walk draw approximately 5,000 walkers annually to Sherwood Island State Park in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Participants include healthcare systems, youth organizations, local and national businesses, and community teams (often honoring or memorializing survivors).

This year’s event is on Sunday, October 15 (9 a.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.

The American Cancer Society also sponsors a Men Wear Pink campaign. Participants are asked to raise at least $2,500; wear pink every day in October, and raise awareness through social networks. Click here for more information.

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The Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a family event celebrating the strengths of children with learning and attention differences.

This year’s walk — the 4th annual — will include volunteers tossing colored powder as participants stroll by.

It’s set for October 1 (noon to 3 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park).

Children will also enjoy critters from Stamford Museum & Nature Center, bridge building with 3DuxDesign’s Team STEAM, Sasco River Center sensory stations, glitter tattoos, crafts, photo booth, lawn games, refreshments, ice cream and more.

Parents and caregivers will learn about resources, and experience community.

Children’s author Sivan Hong will read from her “Super Fun Day” books. Also planned: a youth chorus performance and youth speaker.

Participants walk the 2-mile route along Long Island Sound at their own pace. Registration fees are $15; $10 for children ages 6 -12; free for 5 and under. Strollers are welcome. For information and registration, click here. 

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Westport Tilt Parenting is a support group for parents of neurodivergent children.

They’ve partnered with the Westport Library to host Debbie Reber. The educator, author and advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent youngsters will speak at the Library on November 28 (7 p.m.).

Her topic: “Understanding and Embracing Differently Wired Kids.”

Westport Tilt Parenting says that at least 1 in 5 youths are in some way neurodivergent (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, gifted, sensory issues, anxiety and more).

However, they are often misunderstood. Current support strategies may be misguided; their strengths and gifts can be overlooked.

All parents of neurodiverse and neurotypical children are invited, as are teachers, administrators and interested others. Click here for more information. To learn more about Westport Tilt Parenting, email  alexandre.acupuncture@gmail.com.

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Comic art, deconstructed case-bound book boards, and visual mixed media all grace the walls of The Westport Library gallery spaces this fall. Local featured artists include Marc Zaref, Niki Ketchman, Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.

Coinciding with the Neil Gaiman StoryFest keynote conversation (Friday, October 20) is the visual companion in the Sheffer Gallery, “Panels & Gutters: The Comic Art of Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.”

The exhibition celebrates the form storytelling in comic art featuring MacColl’s and McCann’s illustrations with added panels demonstrating their conceptual and technical process. The graduates of Staples High School and Rhode Island School of Design are navigating the art scene with great success.

The opening reception and artist talk (Thursday, October 19; reception 6 p.m.; artist talk, 7 p.m.) will reunite MacColl and McCann reuniting their former art teacher, Katherine Ross.

“Cascade 2023,” by multidisciplinary artist Zaref, features an installation of recycled, deconstructed case-bound book boards.

The South Gallery hosts Ketchman’s “Resinations,” with mixed media resin visual works.

Rounding out the Library’s art activity is the Westport Artists Collective Affordable Art Trunk Show and Sale. It’s Sunday, October 1 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Library lower parking lot).

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Forty Collective members will display their work out of their car trunks. All art is for sale, at affordable prices. ‘

A new family planning book by Westporter Dr. Mark Leondires goes on sale November 14.

“Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception” covers the complex medical and emotional considerations of becoming a parent, from choices (egg, sperm or embryo donation), through selecting a donor, through dealing with the ethical and practical dilemmas of parenthood.

Leondires is the founder and medical director of Illume Fertility. For more information and to pre-order, click here.

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Butterflies are free.

And at Burying Hill Beach, they don’t have to worry about fences.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this monarch flitting about yesterday. It did not land, but she “captured” it for posterity — or at least, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … his name was not well known, but he “entertained” millions of music fans.

Bobby Schiffman, who led Harlem’s Apollo Theater in the 1960s and early ’70s, when it became a storied venue — died last week in Florida. He was 94. Click here for a full (and fascinating) obituary.

And — though after Schiffman’s time — here is Weston’s own Keith Richards, playing at the Apollo too:

(“06880” is truly “Where Westport (and Weston) meet the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Small Plane, Car Thefts …

Posted on August 26, 2023 | 6 comments

One of the highlights of my summer was a Saturday morning flight over Westport, with 17-year-old pilot Aiden Schachter.

The Staples High School rising (in more ways than one) senior has been very busy, since earning his (flying) license in June.

The other day, he took his father Seth on a tour of New York City.

This young man is clearly going places.

Aiden and Seth Schachter.

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Hard to believe, but we still have to repeat this.

An “06880” reader writes: “I have heard of 3 instances in the last day of Westporters having their cars stolen from out of their garages during the day, or while on vacation, with keys or credit cards left in the car.

“Readers should take care and lock their cars.”

Absolutely. Whether you’re parked at home or somewhere else, do not leave valuables in your car. Take your keys and/or fob with you. 

Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Again. And again. And again.

Take it with you!

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The Artists’ Collective of Westport sponsors regular pop-up exhibits.

Each includes a variety of artists, genres and styles. Each is special.

The next one is September 7-10 (2 to 6 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn). An opening reception (with food, wine, conversations with artists, and Chris Coogan on piano) is September 6 (6 to 8 p.m.).

There’s an artists’ talk on September 10 (5 p.m.).

Participating artists include Ann Brecher-Bogart, Janine Brown, Randijane Davis, Susan Fehlinger, Susanne Keany, Emily Laux, Mary Jo McGonagle, Toby Michaels, Jay Petrow, Diane Pollack, Kim Porio, Mark Schiff, Kris Toohey  and Cynthia Whalen.

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Betty Dorfman died peacefully at Meadow Ridge in Redding on Tuesday. She was 101 years old.

Westporters with long memories remember her as part of the family that owned the Connecticut Yankee — a clothing store where ASF Sports is now. But there’s much more to her life.

The Brooklyn native was raised by a father who was left an invalid after World War I, and a strong mother who ensured her children the finest educational opportunities.

Betty graduated from City College of New York with a BA in business administration in 1941. She added an MS in 1945.

She married college sweetheart Arnold Dorfman in 1942. While Arnold served in the US Army during World War II, Betty taught high school. After the war they moved around for Arnold’s retail business, and began to raise daughters Merle and Wendy.

The family moved to Westport in 1955, where they opened their Connecticut Yankee store. Betty worked alongside Arnold there. So did her mother Estelle, who had then moved to Westport as well.

Betty became active in the Temple Israel Sisterhood, and served as president of the Fairfield County chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women.

After the Connecticut Yankee closed, she earned a 6th year professional diploma in education. She joined the University of Bridgeport as associate professor of secretarial studies in 1964.

Her career at UB was long and successful. Betty established and directed the nation’s first university-level word-processing major. She shared her expertise with educators, publishers, and executives from around the country.

Betty was a stickler for the English language. She insisted that all secretarial students learned traditional English grammar and punctuation, and later taught journalistic style and usage to students in the Mass Communications Department.

Upon retirement in 1985, Betty was named associate professor emeritus by the UB Board of Trustees. Arnold suffered a serious stroke the following year, and she spent the next 6 years as caregiver. He died in 1992.

During the next 2 decades Betty was an active member of Y’s Women, including co-chair of Trips and Travel for 10 years. She organized day trips and some European excursions with co-chair Dorothy Coen.

She enjoyed playing bridge and taking classes at the Senior Center. Betty also had a rewarding 10-year relationship with fellow Westporter Max Levinson. They had been couples friends for years. Max’s wife Eve had died a year after Arnold.

Betty moved to independent living at Meadow Ridge in 2012, where she remained active as chair of the Activities Committee. She moved into assisted living/memory care there in 2018.

Betty received wonderful care from Meadow Ridge and from her private part-time aide, Andrea Roudenis.

Betty is survived by daughters Merle Spiegel and Wendy Roberts; granddaughters Kate Rosewood (Rich), Jenn Roberts Ma (Roger), and Amanda Pierson (Gene), and great-grandchildren Vanessa and Fiona Rosewood, Owen Ma, and Robbie and Bennett Pierson.

Her family says, “Betty was beloved for her sharp wit, deep intellectual curiosity, kindness, fierce loyalty to friends and family, and impeccable elegance. She was a true force of nature.”

 

Betty Dorfman

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Spotted lanternflies continue to be spotted in Westport.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows this one, at Jilda Manikas’ house.

Notifications of sightings should be emailed to ReportsSLF@ct.gov. Their website for more information is https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly

 

(Photo/Jilda Manikas)

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And finally … in honor of Aidan and Seth Schachter’s flight (story above):

(New York is an amazing place. But Westport has something the Big Apple doesn’t: “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Art In The (Community) Garden

Posted on August 6, 2023 | 18 comments

Dozens of Westporters of all ages flocked to the Community Gardens yesterday.

Gardeners, artists and art-lovers alike celebrated the Gardens’ 20th anniversary with an “Art in the Gardens” event.

In collaboration with the Artists Collective of Westport, they created art in the 100-plot garden itself, and the adjoining Long Lots Preserve.

Community Gardens director Lou Weinberg calls it “a smashing success. People seeing this for the first time really get that ‘Oh, wow!’ reaction.

“It’s a pleasure to show them what we’ve created here. We are proud to share these 2 fabric-of-the-community, environmental and educational assets.”

Next up: a Westport Community Gardens pop-up (August 27, 1 p.m.).

(All photos/Lou Weinberg)

Community Gardens members Pam Barkentin and Karen LaCosta coordinated the event, with help from Miggs Burroughs of the Westport Artists Collective.

(“06880” covers Westport’s arts and environmental news — and much more — regularly. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Rainbows, Community Gardens, Septic Trucks …

Posted on July 28, 2023 | 7 comments

Yesterday’s brief but heavy rain inspired several “06880” photographers.

Here’s what they saw:

Clouds roll in over Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Eileen Lavigne Flug)

Rain over  Sherwood Mill Pond … (Photo/Matt Murray)

… and Longshore. (Photo/Tanya Sprague LaClair)

Rainbow at the YMCA … (Photo/Hana Jones)

… and at Wakeman Field. (Photo/Luca Caniato)

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Last night’s rain also forced the cancellation of the Levitt Pavilion’s headline act, Theo Kandell. It’s been rescheduled for Saturday, August 5.

But to show his appreciation for everyone who stayed despite the downpour, he serenaded them with 3 acoustic songs on the upper terrace.

The opening act — Staples High School graduate Michael Cantor and his band — was delayed. But they eventually played, to great applause.

Theo Kandell’s “private” set on the Levitt terrace. (Photo and hat tip/ Matthew Mandell)

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The Westport Community Gardens near Long Lots Elementary School is 20 years old.

The town’s arts heritage stretches back 100 years.

On Saturday, August 5 (all day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), the Gardens celebrate that arts legacy.

“Art in the Garden” is a day of enjoying the natural beauty of the Gardens — and a chance for everyone to make art, or take photos, there.

The event is a collaboration with the Artists Collective of Westport.

Children are welcome. For more information on the Westport Community Gardens, click here.

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Every year the Westport Police Department, in conjunction with the Public Works Department and Aspetuck Health District, conducts a safety inspection of garbage and septic vehicles that do business in town.

This week, it took place at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Approximately 70 trucks passed the inspection, allowing them to use town facilities.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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A few hours ago — at 2 a.m., to be exact — Westporter John Sharian began running the Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

His goal is to raise awareness of —  and donations for — Frontline Healing Foundation. The non-profit supports the unmet addiction and PTSD needs of servicemembers.

The 30-mile loop includes 10,000 feet of vertical elevation.

This is not part of a large event. It’s Sharian’s solo desire to highlight the  foundation’s work, and the many people they heal.

His goal is $10,000. Click here now — as he’s in the mountains — to help.

PS: This is not Sharian’s first rodeo (or run). Last year he completed the Presidential Peaks solo.

John Sharian

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Businessman/private equity manager/former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is a longtime Beachside Avenue resident.

He did not get to be a billionaire by passing up investment opportunties.

In 2021 he paid $17.5 million for a 20-acre property — with a century-old home, boathouse, pool and pool house, tennis court and more, just around the corner in Fairfield. Like his Westport property, it’s right on the water.

The property had been abandoned. Taxes were nearly $600,000 a year. (“Could you imagine?” Lasry said.)

So — to preserve its history, and keep it from condominium-minded developers — he subdivided it into 7 plots. He built a private road, and remodeled the main house. It’s 18,000 square feet, with a 6-car garage.

It just sold for $9.375 million, to a trust related to actor Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”).

The 1923 Tudor boathouse, meanwhile, sold for $8 million.

Lasry’s daughter Emma spent $5 million for a vacant parcel. Four more parcels remain, listed at $4.5 million to $7.5 million.

That info, and more — including the history of the previously abandoned multi-million-dollar house, and photos of the renovation — are part of a Wall Street Journal story. Click here to read it. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Marc Lasry’s 20-acre Fairfield property, with its main house (left-center) and boathouse. (Photo/Borgatta for Wall Street Journal)

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Bridgeport’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater has become one of the most popular music venues in the state.

Just this year it’s hosted the Beach Boys, Temptations, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, the Four Tops, Rod Stewart, Jackson Browne, Santana and more.

On August 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Howard Saffan — owner, developer and president — offers an insider’s look at the entertainment facility.

He’ll describe how he converted a traditional stadium into a noted amphitheater, and a performance home to superstars.

Wine and cheese will be served. The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

An audience Q-and-A will follow Saffan’s presentation. Here’s my question: “Is it difficult to market a performance space in Bridgeport that has ‘Hartford’ in its name?”

The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (in Bridgeport).

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After interviewing 9 candidates, the Democratic Town Committee has recommended Jeff Hammer to complete the Board of Finance position being vacated by Nancie Dupier. The long-time member is moving out of town.

Hammer is also recommended to run with Danielle Dobin this fall, for the BOF.

Hammer has spent 35 years in finance He has spent the past 4 1/2 years on Westport’s Pension Investment Committee.

The full DTC will vote on the recommendation next Monday (7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link). Registered Democrats may nominate other candidates from the floor.

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Jerry Kuyper spotted — and photographed — today’s “06880” subject in the back yard of his Rayfield Road home.

Recent rains have “created a good environment for growth,” he notes.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Judge Kevin O’Grady, formerly of Westport and Weston, died peacefully at the Jewish Senior Services facility in Bridgeport, after a long illness. Surrounded by his family, he was 76.

Kevin grew up in Manhattan and Westport, including summers at Old Mill Beach. He graduated from Fairfield Prep as a Merit Scholarship finalist. After graduating from Southampton College he spent 4 years traveling the world in the Merchant Marines. He then continued his education, graduating cum laude from Boston University School of Law.

He shared an office with Tony Slez in Westport, where he practiced for many years. In 1999 Kevin was elected probate judge for Westport and Weston. He served for most of 4 terms, until his retirement in 2013.

His family said he was “treasured for his humor, warmth and answers on all questions about plants, cars, home improvement and the law.’

Kevin is survived by his son Sean (Heather) and their children Molly and Dylan O’Grady of Northford, Connecticut; son TJ (Jenny) and their children Max and Isaac of Lutherville, Maryland; brothers Terence (Jenny) of Sandy Hook, and Martin (Julie) of Westport; nephews Terence O’Grady (Nancy) of Sandy Hook, John O’Grady (Christine) of Sandy Hook; Robert O’Grady (Natalia) of Vero Beach, Florida; niece Katherine Stromsky (Joseph) of Sandy Hook; niece Tara O’Grady of Jensen Beach, Florida; nephew Liam O’Grady of Westport; first wife Maureen; ex-wife Helen Fischer; stepdaughters Alison (Tobin), Nina (Liz) and Lauren (Katie) Lebwohl; grandchildren Levi, Josie, Theo and George of Madison, Wisconsin. as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his psister-in-law Jennifer (Skemp) O’Grady of Sandy Hook; cousin Mary Agatha (O’Grady) and her husband Patrick Savage of Toronto; and Father Martin O’Grady of Kinvara, Ireland.

Kevin will be buried along with other family at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Friends and family may call at the Harding Funeral Home August 3 (4 to 8 p.m.) A funeral <ass will be held at Assumption Church on August 4 (10 a.m.), with a graveside service at 11:15 a.m. The family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation.

Judge Kevin O’Grady

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And finally … in honor of Jerry Kuyper’s photo (above):

(Feed your head! And feed “06880”! Please click here to contribute. Thank you.)

.

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Roundup: STEM Journal, Rainbow Crosswalk, Pop-up Art …

Posted on May 25, 2023 | 10 comments

STEM Journal features an intriguing and diverse array of science-related articles. Topics include the space station, Alzheimer’s, impulsivity, molecular medicine, Conway’s Game of Life, neuromodulation and gene therapy, spina bifida, the philosophical and psychological impacts of music in America, the water crisis and forever chemicals.

Impressive stuff.

Even more impressive: It’s the Staples STEM Journal.

Led by editor-in-chief Will Boberski, layout editor Sam Zwick-Lavinsky and faculty advisor Amy Parent, the publication is completely researched and written by students.

The spring issue is online. Click here to see the remarkable scope and breadth of these teenagers’ work.

But the Staples STEM Journal does not stop there.

They recently hosted a series of presentations by scientific researchers throughout the state. Topics ranged from deer population management to quantum physics and genomic sequencing.

They’re always looking for interesting contacts. So, “06880” readers: If you work in STEM and want to speak with the Journal students this fall, email Will  (wb1003566@students.westportps.org) or Amy at (aparent@westportps.org).

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Speaking of Staples: Students Ryan Sunjka, Jack Schwartz, Jackson Tracey and Lucy Barney are members of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital junior board.

Last week, they organized a fundraising competition at Row House. Teams of 3 vied to row the farthest on erg machines, in 30 minutes. The goal was $10,000.

The teens blew past that mark. They raised $15,000 for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.

They thank all who helped. And “06880” thanks Ryan, Jack, Jackson and Lucy, for all they do to help others.

From left: Jackson Tracey, Jack Schwartz, Elijah de Brito (competitor), Ryan Sunjka, Henry Hoeffner (behind Ryan; Weston High School and board member); Blake O’Looney (Pierrepont School and board member); Lucy Barney.

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Westport Police report 1 custodial arrest between May 17 and 24. A man was charged with disorderly conduct, violation of a standing criminal protective order, and threatening (2nd degree), following a domestic violence incident.

Police also gave the following citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 13 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to register commercial vehicle: 1.

Each window in Connecticut that has tint applied (other than factory- tinted) must have a certification label in the lower left corner. Who knew?

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Westport’s downtown is about to get a bit more colorful.

The Board of Selectwomen voted 3-0 yesterday to approve a rainbow crosswalk at Taylor Place and Jesup Road, by Green & Tonic. Avisual celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month, it will be installed adjacent to Jesup Green, where Westport’s Pride celebration takes place June 4 (1 to 3 p.m.).

The design will incorporate the colors of the Pride flag. It’s planned to be in place all month. Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich will review it after the first week, to ensure the materials are holding up.

At the Board of Selectwomen meeting yesterday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker expressed hope that the rainbow crosswalk could become permanent, as part of the refurbishment of downtown.

Westport joins a host of North American cities and towns with rainbow crosswalks, including Ames, Iowa; Athens, Georgia; Atlanta; Birmingham, Alabama; Bozeman, Montana; Colorado Springs; Covington, Kentuckyl Cupertino, California; Dallas; Great Barrington, Massachusetts; Juneau, Alaska; Key West, Florida; Lethbridge, Alberta; Long Beach, California; Memphis; Miami Beach; Minneapolis; Newport, Rhode Island; Ottawa; Philadelphia; Plymouth, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Provincetown, Massachusetts; Salmon Arm, British Columbia; San Diego; San Francisco; Seattle; Vancouver; Swift Current, Saskatchewan; West Hollywood, California; Westfield, New Jersey; Windsor, Ontario and Woburn, Massachusetts.

Rainbow crosswalk in Kennebunkport, Maine.

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They’re b-a-a-a-c-k!

Five lifeguard chairs have been moved from winter storage to the Compo Beach sand.

Lifeguard service begins Memorial Day (Monday, May 29), and continues through Labor Day. A guard will be at Burying Hill Beach too.

One more sign that — the still-60s temperatures notwithstanding — summer is almost here.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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The Art Collective of Westport’s pop-up shows are always fun.

At the next one — in addition to food, wine, and great conversation with the 11 artists — you can also win an original painting by Kat Evans (value: $900).

Just leave your name and email at the opening reception (June 6, 6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn), or from June 7-10 (6 to 10 p.m.). There is also an artists’ talk Sunday, June 10 at 4:30.

Besides Evans, artists participating in the show are Sue Benton, Zvi Goldman, MaryEllen Hendricks, Judy Katz, Niki Ketchman, Michael Ledner, Jane Lubin, Katherine Ross, Greg Ziebell and Florence Zolan.

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Update on the l-o-o-o-n-g odyssey of the Bayberry Lane bridge project.

Yesterday, Westport Department of Public Works engineer Keith Wilberg sent this email to “Bayberry Lane Bridge residents”:

“The contractor installing the guide rail has hit ledge when installing a few of the posts. We need approvals from the sttate Department of Transportation to revise the installation procedure of the few posts, as they are paying the bulk of the construction costs.

“I find this infuriating, as I have been promising you that the bridge and road will be opening up as of April. Needless to say, I am not happy with the contractor.

“In the meantime the contractor, having little work to do to complete the project, has not scheduled or sent any workers to the site, as there is little (short of the guiderail) left to do. So you are correct that there has been no activity on site for far too many days.

“The town has proposed a solution to the contractor whereby they will install concrete jersey barriers behind the guiderail in the areas where they are having problems with the posts, thus enabling us to open the road to traffic by Friday afternoon. They have agreed to this.

There will be some small amount of incidental clean up to do, but in short, this should get the road open by Friday and finalize the project.

“I appreciate your patience with all of this, and please know that no one wants this bridge open more than I do.”

Bayberry Lane bridge, last November. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

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Four days after the fun-filled Day of Champions, donations for Experience Camps continue to roll in.

The tally raised so far is over $244,000. That will fund summer camp for over 1,200 youngsters, who have lost a parent or sibling.

Congratulations to the QBack Kings. They led all 20 teams in fundraising, with a whopping total of $39,510!

Seen Sunday, at the Day of Champions.

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Run — don’t walk — to Weston’s 29th annual Memorial Day Weekend 5K.

Sponsored by the Weston High School PTO, it’s the only USATF-certified road race course in the town.

Runners of every category are joined by joggers, walkers and baby strollers. There are trophies, a Kids’ Fun Run, obstacle course, food truck and more.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Longtime Westport resident Janice Dean died yesterday. She was 88.

She and her husband Evan Dean moved from Alton, Illinois to Rochester, New York, and then Westport while raising 8 children.

At age 46, Janice decided to pursue higher education at Sacred Heart University. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration, graduating magna cum laude in 1983.

She obtained her real estate license, and managed Scott Associates in Darien for many years. She proudly led them in the transition to computerization.

In retirement, Janice and Evan traveled extensively, frequented New York City, and played golf and bridge. Janice achieved Bronze Life Master in the American Contract Bridge League in 2016.

At 85 Janice took up chess. She displayed her competitive spirit by effortlessly defeating her children and grandchildren.

Janice Dean was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Evan, and her daughter Jennifer Dean Burke. She is survived by her childrenMark (Jaime), Christopher (Carline), Jayne (Gaetano Albani), Eric, Mary Ann (Mark Lindwall), David and Thomas (Andrea), 19 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday (May 26, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. Click here to leave condolences.

Janice Dean

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This bicycle isn’t going anywhere, from its spot on Sylvan Road South.

But it — and its flowers — caught the eye of Anne Bernier. It’s a well-composed, colorful, and very intriguing “Westport … Naturally” shot.

(Photo/Anne Bernier)

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And finally … Tina Turner died yesterday, at her home in Switzerland. She was 83, and had suffered from complications of a stroke and kidney disease.

But in her prime, she was amazing. The New York Times — not a source for hyperbole — called her “the earthshaking soul singer whose rasping vocals, sexual magnetism and explosive energy made her an unforgettable live performer and one of the most successful recording artists of all time.” (Click here for a full obituary.)

That was all on display one spring weekend, when I saw her at Brown University. She was still with Ike (she left her abusive, cocaine-addicted husband in 1976 with, the Times says,”36 cents and a Mobil gasoline card in her pocket”). I have never forgotten that night.

(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

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