Longtime Westporter Barbara Bernstein taught art to special education students at Coleytown Elementary School for many years. She died in 2021, at 85.
But her art lives on. Her paintings are on display at Art Place (70 Sanford Street, Fairfield) every afternoon through January 29, from noon to 5 p.m. It’s the same door as the Fairfield Theater Company box office.
It’s a beautiful memorial show — well worth the trip on a winter’s day. (Hat tip: Jo Ann Davidson)
In the fall of 2020, Westport writer Ruth Shalit Barrett wrote a long article for The Atlantic about crazy, college-focused Fairfield County niche youth sports, like fencing, crew, squash, lacrosse. It created an immediate, intense buzz.
It created even more buzz when the magazine appended an extraordinary 800-word correction. Then they retracted the entire piece. (Click here to read why.)
Now Barrett and her story are back in the news. She’s suing The Atlantic for $1 million. She clams the editor’s note and retraction “destroyed her reputation and career.”
The suit was filed in Washington, DC Federal Court. Click here for details. (Hat tips: Mark Potts and Jeff Mitchell)
Ruth Shalit Barrett (Photo/Robertson Barrett, courtesy of Washington Post)
Westport’s wildlife has a way of naturally protecting itself. Can you find the hawk in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, taken by Pam Kesselman in last week’s snowstorm?
And finally … Marilyn Bergman died Saturday in Los Angeles, at 93. You may not know her names, but you sure know the lyrics she wrote. They include “The Way We Were,” “The Windmills of Your Mind,” and the theme songs of “Maude and “Good Times,” among many others. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
“06880” gave the wrong date yesterday for the 42nd annual Compo Beach Point to Point Swim. The correct date is Sunday, July 18.
The rest of the story was correct. Its a ton of fun — and a key fundraiser for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.
There are awards for the top 3 male and female finishers, and t-shirts for all. To register, click here. For more information email jrojas@wesetporty.org, or call 203-226-8981, ext. 139.
On Monday night I drove on Hillspoint Road, from the Post Road to the Mill Pond. Just before 10 p.m., I saw 3 separate groups of 2 or 3 teens (or “tweens”) on bikes with no lights heading north, probably from the beach.
It was scary! I want parents to know: Please set your kids’ bikes up with lights. A set of rechargeable white front headlight and red taillight can be ordered through Amazon for under $20. A priceless investment! (Most safety-conscious bicyclists use strobing lights in broad daylight to increase visibility and safety.)
Just a moment of driver inattention or distraction could have tragic consequences. Parents need to know the dangers their kids are facing!
Got a question, complaint or (even) praise for Jim Himes? Tell him in person.
Our congressman holds a “town hall”-style meeting at the Westport Library on Saturday, July 17 (11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.). Seating is limited; click here to register.
Congressman Jim Himes, at a previous “town hall” meeting at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of politics: As one of the youngest state politicians in the country, 2014 Staples High School graduate (and state senator) Will Haskell often gets calls from students and recent graduates. They ask how to run for office.
He doesn’t have all the answers. But he’s put his thoughts together in a new Simon & Schuster book. “100,000 First Bosses: My Unlikely Path as a 22-Year-Old Lawmaker” describes his 2018 campaign, and first year in the Connecticut Senate.
Haskell’s book goes on sale in January. It’s available for pre-sale now. Click here to order, and for more information.
Beechwood Arts’ most popular annual event returns August 1 (2 to 6 p.m.).
The grounds at 52 Weston Road will be open. That’s fitting. This year’s theme is “Opening Up.” It’s Beechwood’s first full, in-person arts immersion experience since fall of 2019.
The event marks Beechwood’s 10th year. Favorite musical artists from the past will be on hand; there are special arts installations too, along with spontaneous community performances, an outdoor artist market and sculptures, all on Beechwood’s beautiful property.
Artists and performers are welcome to share their talents. Click here for tickets, and more information on how to take part.
The Westport Police has joined the Gillespie Center food pantry drive.
Now through August, residents can drop items off at the Gillespie Center courtyard (behind Don Memo restaurant, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays), or the Westport Police Department lobby, across from the Gillespie Center men’s shelter on Jesup Road (any time, 24/7).
Non-perishable items needed include canned meats, tuna, salmon, Spam, pasta sauces, hot and cold cereals, canned fruits and soups, peanut butter, jelly, pasta, mac and cheese, paper goods and reusable bags.
Questions? Call 203-226-3426, or email info@hwhct.org.
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Maya Konig and Kathy Belzer met when their children were in Westport preschool. During the pandemic, they tried to think positively. Their combined love for exploring, experiencing and finding beauty in simple things led them to create Local Luxe Co.
It’s a “gift-giving company.” They source local products from artisans and “emerging makers” throughout the Northeast, and offer them online in seasonal collections. Options include real estate broker closing gifts, and corporate and special events.
Products include environmentally friendly beach bags made from oyster traps, home accessories, eco-friendly wellness and beauty products for adults and tweens, and snacks and drinks.
Among their local partners: The Two-Oh-Three, Allison Daniels Designs, Laurel & Vine and Rustic Ridge.
A portion of proceeds will be given to Breathe4ALS, the foundation started by Westporters Jonathan and Iris Greenfield. (Click here for the Local Luxe Co. website.)
Noted artist Barbara Bernstein died last month, from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. She was 86.
A colorist whose work evokes the legacy of the French Impressionists, she produced landscapes and interiors in both oils and watercolors. She was a founding member of Art/Place Gallery.
Barbara participated in more than 200 group and national juried shows, and won more than 40 awards. She was a juried artists member of the Connecticut Watercolor Society, Connecticut Women Artists and the New Haven Paint and Clay Club. Her works are in the collections of General Electric Corp. the town of Westport and many others.
Passionate about art and education, she received two graduate degrees, in teaching and education. She taught art in the Westport school system for many years.
Barbara was also known for her commitment to social justice. She participated in the 1963 March on Washington, and protested the wars in Vietnam and Iraq in weekly vigils. She was arrested for civil disobedience while protesting the mining of Haiphong Harbor and escalation of the war in Vietnam.
Barbara was also passionate about travel, often bringing her sketchbooks and watercolors on diverse treks. She traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and New Zealand.
Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Albert and sister Alice. She is survived by her husband Joseph; children Eric, Sara and David; 2 nephews and many cousins.
Services are private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Planned Parenthood or the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. For information or to sign an online register, click here.
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