50 years ago tomorrow — November 12, 1973 — Time magazine published their first editorial ever. It called for the resignation of President Nixon.
The cover read “Nixon’s Jury: The People.” It showed 12 people, in various stages of contemplation about the Watergate scandal-engulfed chief executive.
That cover was drawn by Miggs Burroughs.
He was just 27 years old. Less than a decade earlier, he’d graduated from Staples High School.
“It was not my proudest moment artistically,” he recalled yesterday.
Because of an extremely tight deadline, he worked in the Time/Life office. Staffers ordered paint and supplies from the Arthur Brown Art Store nearby.
Then they stood over Miggs — with the doors barred — until he was done.
Because of its historical significance — it was the magazine’s first editorial, after all, the magazine is now in the Smithsonian Museum.
“Not the best looking jury ever convened,” Miggs added.
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As temperatures drop, the Westport Fire Department has partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission for a “Share the Warmth” coat drive.
New or gently used (and clean) winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and snowsuits can be dropped off at Fire headquarters (515 Post Road East), the Senior Center and Town Hall through December 15.
Several schools will have collection boxes at their entrances, too.
Westport firefighters will sort and transport the items to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
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The Secretary of the State’s office has released official turnout results for Tuesday’s election.
In Westport, 45.6% of eligible voters cast ballots. That’s up from 43.1% in 2021 — the last town-wide election (although that also included state-wide races, like governor and the General Assembly).
Throughout Connecticut, turnout was 33.3% — exactly one-third of eligible voters.
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Last month, Westporter Walter Fischel was evacuated from Ashkelon, Israel, where he had lived and worked for 9 months. Because there was so much uncertainty around when and if he would return to work, he decided to travel.
Last week he landed in South Africa to visit friends. On his way to meet them, he was carjacked and shot in the face.
Though he will make a full recovery, his passport, phone and credit cards were stolen.
He got a new passport and should be well enough to travel next week, but his accounts have been frozen since the robbery and he is unable to book a flight home.
All funds raised will go directly to Fischel, to assist with travel, medical expenses, and living expenses for him and his family.
Click here for the GoFundMe page.
Walter Fischel
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Linda Doyle writes:
“Back in the spring I bought some pre-cut butternut squash from Trader Joe’s. At the bottom of the tray I found 1 seed, and put it in water.
“It sprouted, so I stuck it into a small pot with soil. It turned into a little plant.
“Thrilled to see the growth, I stuck it in the ground. Amazingly, that 1 seed became a huge vine over 25 feet long!
“My daughter Mikayla and I tended to it all summer. We just harvested 5 beautiful monster-sized butternut squashes. Never underestimate the power of one small seed!”
Mikayla and Linda Doyle, and their butternut squashes.
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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “fall lunch and learn” webinar could not be more timely.
Arborist Chris Teter discusses fall foliage (Friday, November 17, noon to 1:30 p.m.). He’ll explain the biology of leaves on trees and shrubs in autumn, highlight their significance in the ecosystem, then connect it to urban and suburban settings.
He’ll also provide information on how to use leaves to enhance both beauty and ecological value.
Click here to learn more, and register.
Just another fall day, at Staples High School. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
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Speaking of foliage: Todd Suchotliff’s shot of the Longshore entrance road on Tuesday is today’s very worthy “Westport … Naturally” image:
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And finally … in honor of Miggs Burrough’s Time magazine cover, 50 years ago tomorrow (story above):
(From Watergate to winter coats, butternut squash to fall foliage, “06880” is your place for hyper-local news. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Ariana Napier’s Bridgeport Rescue Mission food drive continues. Her goal is to collect 1,000 pounds of good each week.
