We all know the internet is awash in misinformation, disinformation and lies.
But still, we watch videos filled with outlandish content, and nod along.
Yup, we say. Weird. Who knew?
But when that content hits close to home — say, our very own town — we sit up and say, Hey! That’s BS! What a crock!
Still, plenty of people outside, say, 06880 might believe it.
An Instagram Reel from the Sad Money podcast (tagline: “Money Never Weeps,” by Stephen Sihelnik and Alex Payne), is making the cyber rounds.
Alex Payne and Stephen Sihelnik.
It’s a mishmash of the fantastic and the bizarre, with just enough threads of reality to make it believable.
And because Stephen sounds so sure of himself — and Alex throws in a few affirming “Wow”s — you would think that:
Westport only exists because up until the 1960s, the “constitution” in Greenwich — “the rich town you really want to live in” — said that “you could not sell your home to Jews.”
But because so many New York Jews wanted to live in the suburbs, they bought a “farm town” and made their own “Jewish town.”
Which is why Westport is now 90% Jewish.
And how about our Chabad? The host — who has been there “a couple of times” — describes it: 4 stories, “palatial,” with a garden and a “mile-long driveway.”
The actual Chabad of Westport: the former 3 Bears Inn.
Posted 3 days ago, it’s already amassed over 21,000 “likes.”
The nearly 600 comments — about religion, economics, farmland and more — are just as fascinating.
One woman — calling herself a 4th generation Westporter — says that her great-grandmother was respoonsible for making sure an antisemitic “gentleman’s agreement” was not established here, during a secret real estate meeting.
Another writes: “A girl I went to elementary school with would have birthday parties at her grandparents huge house, with an amazing pool, tennis court, etc, and they were, in fact, Jewish!”
We all know not to go down internet rabbit holes. But if you insist, click here or below to see the Instagram reel.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s most recent newsletter, “Westport in Focus,” has hit email inboxes all over town.
Among the items: a call for volunteers for town boards and commissions.
She writes: “Over the past few years, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore has spent considerable time meeting with and recommending eligible residents for appointments to non-elected town boards, Committees and commissions. Many people have heeded the call for civic involvement, and we are very appreciative of their efforts. These volunteers are making a difference in your community!
“The work of filling these positions is ongoing. Opportunities remain that may be of interest to those with unique skill sets, life or professional experience. This includes those with architectural experience for possible appointments to the Historic District Commission, or perhaps a background in building or engineering for the Building Maintenance Committee or the Public Site and Building Commission.
“Other agencies, such as the Parks Advisory Committee, Racquets Advisory Committee, Human Services Commission, Flood & Erosion Control Board (alternates), and Tree Board are for those seeking an opportunity to volunteer, listen, and learn about town operations and how they may contribute in an advisory capacity.
“You must be a registered voter to be considered. Please submit an interest form (click here) and discover how you may volunteer to serve Westport. You will find it very rewarding, I’m sure!”
The Flood & Erosion Control Board plays an important role in Westport life. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
On Friday night, former CNN TV journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs emceed Fashionably Westport, the Westport Downtown Association’s fun fundraiser for Homes with Hope, at the Westport Library.
Just moments before though, they were back in breaking news anchor mode. The pair — who recently began a joint podcast series — used the Library’s Verso Studios facilities to interview Ian Bremmer.
They asked the founder and president of Eurasia Group — a highly regarded political risk research and consulting firm — about that afternoon’s global alliance-shaking meeting in the Oval Office between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.
The interview was almost as stunning as the presidents’ session.
“This was probably the worst day for the world since 9/11,” Bremmer began.
It marked “a catacylsmic shift in the Western order … a core break.”
Bremmer noted that the US has been the only NATO nation ever to invoke Article 5 — the principle that says if one member country is attacked, all other members will defend it.
“America’s allies now look at us and say, ‘We don’t feel we have a trusted ally,'” Bremmer added.
Cabaret Olé — the fundaiser for Staples High School’s Orphenians trip to Spain, with performances by that elite a cappella ensemble, and highly regarded VOCES8 — just got even more special.
Mary Kate Morrissey — lead in Broadway’s “Wicked” — and Dan Micciche, the show’s music director and conductor — will also perform at the March 30 event (6 p.m. Christ & Holy Trinity Church).
Morrissey spent a decade touring 92 cities with “Wicked,” “Mean Girls” and “Hair,” before making her Broadway debut in Wicked in 2023. Micciche has been with the show for over a decade, including national and international tours.
He will coach the Orphenians on their song with Morrissey.
Cabaret Olé includes tapas and other light bites, and a silent auction. Funds raised go to both the Spain Choral Festival and the VOCES8 Foundation.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Monday, March 3, noon) at www,Orphenians.com.
Mindy Wolkstein’s husband died recently, from complications of dementia.
During his illness, ElderHouse Adult Day Center in Norwalk took great care of him.
For 48 years they have provided care for many others too, while giving caregivers much-needed breaks.
To give back, Mindy joined their board of directors. Now, she’s spreading the word about an upcoming Elderhouse benefit.
“Night at the Aquarium” (April 3, Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk) features hors d’oeuvres, dinner, drinks and an auction.
The evening will also honor the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Program. Led by Susan Wilchinsky, it has engaged hundreds of students in service to ElderHouse for over 25 years. Students meet weekly at the Norwalk adult day center.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and more, click here.
Speaking of Greens Farms Academy: Their Dragonoid team recently completed a very impressive robotics competition season.
They earned several engineering and programming awards, showcasing their skills at the State Championship, held at Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena.
The Middle School team, Dragonoid Mechanics finished second overall. They also received the Create Award, for innovative problem-solving.
The Upper School team, the Dragonoid Brawlers, demonstrated adaptability and resilience, fine-tuning their robot under pressure. Earlier in the season they received a Judges’ Award, for dedication and ingenuity.
Greens Farms Academy Dragonoids Middle School robotics team. From left: Ben Kiev, Cooper Mleczko, Will Manes, Liam Haverstick, Mackenzie Bloom.
In 2021, Anjali McCormick was named CEO of the Westport Weston Family YMCA. She came from New Jersey, where she served as senior vice president and chief operating officer with the Summit Area YMCA.
McCormick left Westport this past August, after navigating the local Y through COVID, and celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Now she’s back in the Garden State — at the same Summit Y. She returns as interim CEO of its 4 branches on March 10.
Board chair Maria Brugg says, “Her extensive leadership experience, deep knowledge of the larger Summit area, and business acumen as a graduate of Harvard University with an MBA from New York University will help us forge new paths during this transitional period for our nearly 140-year history.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
Anjali McCormick, at the Westport YMCA. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
Sorelle Gallery’s new show, “Refraction,” features abstract watercolor paintings by Connecticut artist Nealy Hauschildt.
It opens next Saturday (March 8), with a reception andn artist meet-and-greet from 2 to 4 p.m. Click here for more details.
That’s the class — sponsored by Little Gan — Chabad of Westport’s pre-school — to help parents and caregivers support their baby’s physical development (ages 0 to 6 months), through fun activities led by a pediatric physical therapist.
The sessions emphasize the important of “tummy time,” with exercises to build strength, balance and coordination.
The class runs from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Mondays, from March 31 to June 2.
Click here for more information, or email jewishwestport.com/grownupandme.
Looking for tummy time.
=================================================
Slowly warming temperatures have drawn residents to our beaches — including, in this “Westport …Naturally” photo, Sherwood Island State Park.
Today’s high temperature will struggle to reach freezing. By Tuesday, it will be back near 50. Welcome to March!
And finally … in honor of Tummy Time, the program for infants’ parents and caregivers (story above):
(“06880” echoes 1st Selectwoman Tooker’s call to get involved. Our suggestion: Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to this hyper-local blog. And then, yeah, join a board. It’s all good.)
A pair of Saturday Father’s Forums — places for fathers to talk about parenting challenges and strategies — are set for January 25 and February 22. Both are from 9 to 10 a.m., at Toquet Hall.
They’ll be led by Vince Benevento, founder and CEO of Westport’s Causeway Collaborative. The forums are sponsored by Westport Together. For more information, click here.
Father and son.
================================================
It’s purely coincidental — given the recent tragedy in Los Angeles — but the current exhibition at MoCA CT is called “On Fire.”
Curated by Ive Covaci, Anne Boberski, and the Westport Public Art Collections Committee, it includes over 75 works in a variety of media.
The exhibit explores the ways in which artists from the 1930s to today have envisioned and responded to the interrelationships of energy, infrastructure and the environment.
This 4th annual exhibition by WestPAC at MoCA is inspired by 8 paintings, “The Evolution of Heat,” created by Ralph Boyer in 1934 for the old Staples High School as part of a WPA project.
The paintings usually hang at Westport’s central fire station, so this is a rare opportunity to see them in a museum setting.
Contemporary works — including scenes of local bridges, waterways and infrastructure — ask visitors to consider the past and imagine the future of our community.
The gallery is open Thursdays (4 to 8 p.m.), and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (noon to 4 p.m.). The exhibit runs through March 2.
Upcoming programs include:
January 23 (5 p.m.): Exhibition tour with curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci, co-chairs of the WestPAC Committee.
February 27 (6 p.m.): Community conversation: “Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment,” moderated by Ive Covaci.
=================================================
Pamela Rae Schuller — a “comedian, speaker and advocate who brings a unique perspective to inclusion through humor and storytelling” — will be here on February 6 (7:30 p.m., Chabad of Westport).
A recent photo of a Cybertruck parked in a handicap spot at the Westporot Weston Family YMCA — without a visible sticker — brought this comment from the owner:
“I have Parkinson’s and a handicap sticker from CT for more than 2 years.”
=============================================
Right before the snow, Anne Bernier snapped this shot of Deadman Brook, near the Levitt Pavilion and Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“I thought it beautifully encapsulated these cold, bright, winter days in Westport,” she says.
It does — which is why it’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of the 2 events happening simultaneously today, along with the Westport Together event on January 25 (story above):
(Sure, it’s a holiday. But in the nearly 16 years since “06880” began, we haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Today, a group of mothers offers a shout-out to their children’s “amazing preschool”: the Little Gan at Chabad of Westport.
They were all in the first class there, after moving here during the pandemic. In June, their kids will be Littlel Gan’s first-ever preschool graduates.
Those members of the “founding families” want to share their experience. They write:
There’s a hidden gem here in Westport that many people don’t know about.
During the pandemic, a group of visionary educators recognized that as more New Yorkers sought refuge in Westport, the need for additional nursery schools would only grow.
Chabad of Westport had the space — and the heart — to create something special for these families. That’s when the Little Gan was born.
From day one, we have been lucky to be a part of this magical place. Today, we want to thank the entire team who has played such an integral role in raising our children.
We are deeply grateful to the staff for recognizing that nursery school is not just about academics. It’s also about creating a community that feels like family.
The way you’ve helped us raise our children, while also educating and supporting us as parents, has been invaluable.
The school’s approach, which includes occupational therapists, speech therapists and child psychologists, ensures that every child thrives in their own way.
We can’t express enough how much we appreciate the dedication you show in meeting each child’s individual needs.
Your sensory and playrooms provide a nurturing space for every child to grow at their own pace. The details, the commitment—you truly go above and beyond.
To the faculty: We are speechless. What you do every day feels like magic. Even though we see it, we still can’t quite figure out how you manage to make learning so fun, so engaging, and so meaningful.
You spoke to us about independence, about setting the bar high, about the importance of checking on milestones. You promised us you would create lifelong learners, laying the strongest foundation for reading, writing and STEM.
At the time, we didn’t fully grasp what that meant or why it mattered. Now, as we reach the 4s and watch our children learning to read, write, think critically and explore math in ways we never imagined, we get it.
We are blown away by how far they’ve come. We never want to leave. And for those of you who will be part of pre-K, we admit: We feel a little jealous!
For those whose time here is nearing its end, we want to extend our deepest thanks to our unsung heroes. You are truly our dream team. Our hearts are already heavy at the thought of saying goodbye to this magical place.
With deep gratitude,
Members of the Little Gan founding families
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
As pressure mounts on young athletes to be more competitive than ever, Sebastian Little says: Enough!
The leadership coach — who works with clients in MLB, the NBA and NHL, and is in his 3rd year as Yale University football’s performance coach — will speak on a Westport Public Schools and Westport Together panel called “For the Love of the Game: How Parents Can Promote Successful Athletes on and Off the Field.”
The session — for parents and coaches — will offer insights and strategies into “balancing competition with compassion and growth with enjoyment.”
The event is on Tuesday, March 5 (7 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium). Click here to register.
Speaking of sports: The Staples boys basketball team is in the FCIAC (league) final for the 2nd time in 2 years tonight.
The #4-seed Wreckers — fresh off Tuesday’s huge upset over #1 Ridgefield — are playing for the championship for the 2nd straight year. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at Wilton High, against Trumbull.
Staples fell to Danbury in last year’s title match (and then went on a great run, to the state Division II final).
But it’s been a while since the Westporters last won the FCIAC crown. 61 years, in fact. Their first — and only — league championship came in 1963.
Charlie Scott — Staples’ talented senior video producer/WWPT-FM announcer — has created another superb pump-up video. Click below to see:
Last night’s winds knocked out power in a few areas of Westport and Weston.
Trees and wires were down at 15 Partrick Road, 119 Hillandale Road and 30 Prospect Road.
Outages affected the Greens Farms and Wilton Road neighborhoods.
At 8:30 a.m., 78 Westport customers (0.61%) were without power. There were 105 outages (2.66%) in Weston. The total number statewide was 3,399 (0.26%).
Wires down at South Morningside Drive and Hillandale Road. At 8:30 a.m., crews were on the scene. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Dara Horn forcefully addressed the recent rise of antisemitism last night, at Chabad of Westport.
Dara Horn — author of “People Love Dead Jews” — headlined the event, part of Chabad’s Critical Conversations series. Nearly 200 people attended.
“People ask: Are Jews a race, a religion, or a nationality? she said.
“Jews existed before these structures existed. What is clear is Jewish civilization is indigenous to the land of Israel. It’s not a political statement. It’s fact.
“People want to erase Jewish culture, but instead that is exactly what needs to be explained and taught to ensure its survival.”
Dara Horn, at Chabad of Westport. (Photo and hat tip/Matthew Mandell)
Her fans know here as Jean Louisa Kelly. Her Westport neighbors and friends call her Jean Pitaro.
Whatever name she goes by, Jean is featured at the Westport Country Playhouse’s first Mic in Hand of 2024. She takes the stage April 4 (7 p.m.).
Jean’s stage and screen credits include the original Broadway cast of “Into the Woods,: and the movies “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “Uncle Buck” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Her uplifting show will be a journey through her life in and out of show business, with songs from “Gypsy,” “The Fantasticks,” “Next to Normal” and “Company.”
All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and learn more. Proceeds benefit education programming at the Playhouse.
Also new at the Playhouse: the first Barnstormer event.
It’s “Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile” (April 21, 7 p.m.).
Broadway veteran Talman portrayed Taylor’s daughter on Broadway in “The Little Foxes,” beginning a lifelong friendship.
This show is an evening of story and song about Ann and Elizabeth’s bond.
All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and learn more.
Called “Jewels of Westport,” they visit the hidden — or at least lesser-known — gems of our town.
On Tuesday they toured Westport Public Art Collections’ Town Hall display.
Overall, WestPAC’s collection includes over 2,000 artistic treasures. Many are in schools, where they are enjoyed by students and staff, yet often unseen by the public.
But how many of us walk by all the art on the Town Hall walls, without giving it a second glance?
The Y’s Women Town Hall tour was led by WestPAC co-president Anne Boberski. It was “eye-opening,” for sure.
Anne Boberski leads the Y’s Women Westport Permanent Art Collections tour in Town Hall.
Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between February 21 and 28.
One — reported earlier — was for larceny, in connection with the theft of 5 Israel flag yard signs in December.
One was for larceny, illegal use of a credit card, identity theft, criminal impersonation and forgery, following a February 7 complaint that a mailed check was stolen, altered from $830 to $18,300 and deposited.
A woman was arrested for criminal attempt at larceny, identity theft and forgery, after a complaint in April 2022 that a check had been stolen from a US Postal Service box on Myrtle Avenue, altered from $250 to $4,300, and attempted to be cashed.
Another woman was arrested for criminal attempt at larceny, larceny and identity theft, following a complaint in January that a check had been stolen, altered and cashed.
A man was arrested after he and a juvenile shoplifted $492 worth of groceries from Stop & Shop. They were found with the bags at the HomeGoods bus stop. The man was charged with larceny, criminal impersonation and failure to appear. The juvenile was issued a summons and released.
One woman was arrested for failure to appear.
Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Kicking + Screening is a film festival dedicated solely to soccer. (Now do you get the clever name?)
It returns next month for its 15th year in New York. But it’s very much a Westport production.
Current Westport resident Rachel Markus co-founded Kicking + Screening in 2009, with former professional player Greg Lalas.
Always an avid fan (and a ruthless striker), Rachel studied film at New York University. She has worked in the film industry for over 2 decades.
The other local connection: This year’s festival will be held at Football Cafe, the Lower East Side “soccer cultural center” founded by Kyle Martino.
He’s the 1999 Staples graduate — and former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team player and NBC Sports Premier League broadcaster. Kyle is now a soccer analyst with Warner Brothers Discovery Sports.
The 2024 festival lineup — 11 features and shorts, plus panels, special guests and more from March 14 to 16 — includes Eric Cantona’s Manchester United biography, “The United Way.” Click here for more information, and tickets.
Norwalk Hospital — once independent, now part of Nuvance Health — may soon become part of a larger group.
Nuvance — owner of 4 Connecticut hospitals, and 3 in New York — plans to merge with Northwell Health. They are New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with more than 81,000 employees.
Together, the companies will own 28 hospitals, and more than 1,000 other care sites.
In 2019, Ruth Sherman was an “06880” Unsung Hero of the Week.
At 79 years old, she had just returned from a 100-mile spiritual trek in Spain.
We hailed her for her civic work — teaching exercise and fitness at the Westport Weston Family Y, Senior Center and Arthritis Foundation family aquatics program.
We noted that every day for 50 years — in all kinds of weather — Ruth walked from Hillspoint Road to the top of Compo Hill.
She’s now in her mid-80s. And she’s still walking.
Tammy Barry spotted her yesterday. The weather was meh, but there was Ruth, getting in her (many) steps.
Tammy writes: “Ruth walks in rainy, snowy, and sunny weather. What a beautiful woman, on the inside and out!
“She is an inspiration and role model for us all. She told me she wakes up every day and never has a complaint— it’s not allowed. Keep on moving and grooving. Ruth!”
Tammy sent a great photo too.
So — apropos of nothing, and everything — here’s another “06880” to the indefatigable, wonderful Ruth Sherman!
And finally … do you know how hard it is to find a leap year song?!
I’ve spent my February 29 searching the internet. This will have to do.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We cover news, events, businesses, restaurants, sports, trends, history and more — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
What do you want — or not want — in the Compo Beach playground renovation project?
All Westporters are invited to an open house this Saturday (January 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., Bedford Middle School cafeteria).
Play by Design, an offshoot of the original playground design company, is leading this project. Lisa Deshano will present the preliminary designs. A Q-and-A session and comments from key committee members follows.
The renovation is the centennial project of the Westport Rotary Club, which constructed the original playground in 1986 and subsequent renovation in 2006. Both were done in conjunction with the Westport Young Woman’s League.
The Compo Beach playground is quiet in winter. Soon — with community input — it will be hopping again. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
Clarence Hayes saw this morning’s “06880” post by Scott Smith — about clear-cutting trees before building new, large homes — and immediately thought of Newtown Turnpike.
He sent this photo, calling it “a perfect picture to illustrate mindless cutting for the convenience of a developer.”
(Photo/Clarence Hayes)
================================================
Each year, Milford‘s Foran High School wrestling team chooses a charity to support. This year they selected Rach’s Hope — the non-profit that honors the memory of the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication.
Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care
The Foran wrestlers helped at the annual Walk for Rach’s Hope at Compo Beach in October. They sold t-shirts with the tagline “We Choose Hope,” which they designed.
Last week, they dedicated their home opening match to Rach’s Hope. The gym was filled with supporters.
Team captains eloquently shared the story and mission of Rach’s Hope — and then presented Rachel’s parents, Alan and Lisa, with a $5,000 check.
“The love and support in the gym from spectators and the team were palpable,” says Lisa.
“The wrestlers wore Rach’s Hope singlets with pride. It was an extraordinary event.
“What an incredibly warm group of high school students. They are not only dedicated and empathic to both their sport and our cause, but the effort they put into raising funds for Rach’s Hope was over the top.”
Next up for Rach’s Hope: the 5th annual PJ Gala (FTC in Fairfield). Click here for tickets. Click here to learn more about Rach’s Hope.
The Foran High School wrestling team. The backs of their shirts say, “We Choose Hope.”
COQODAQ — a new fried chicken “concept” — opened recently in the heart of New York’s Flatiron district. Mayor Eric Adams cut the ribbon, and Busta Rhymes delivered a surprise performance.
The “06880” connection: Staples High School graduate and returned-to-Westport resident Jacqueline Broder Hensel is a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management, which developed COQODAQ.
turned the space that once housed Rocco DiSpirito’s reality-TV restaurant into a glittering room dedicated to the veneration of this humble bird: A series of luminescent golden arches form a nave under which two banks of booths scallop out, and the walls are covered in a dermis of subtly textured golden panels.
“We wanted to create a cathedral of fried chicken,” (award-winning restaurateur Simon) Kim says.
=================================================
Westport Writers’ Workshop picked the perfect spot for their 3rd annual Pitch & Publish Conference (March 16): the Westport Library.
The event is aimed at anyone seeking a literary agent, hoping to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents and editors. T
Keynote speaker Leigh Stein is a fiction writer, poet and memoirist.
The conference begins Friday, March 15 with a welcome party at WWW (25 Sylvan Lane), followed by Saturday’s panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party.
New this year: Each agent will read 5 pages of a writer’s work (in addition to their query letter); a mini “practice your pitch” session, and a catered lunch.
The after-party is at Basso.
Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted); tickets for the conference plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each before February 9, $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.
Longtime Westport resident Nancy Wilder died peacefully on January 6. She was 95.
A 1949 Mt. Holyoke College graduate, she remained active throughout her life keeping alumnae connected with each other, and the school.
Nancy was married to Milo Wilder for over 50 years. They had 2 sons, Sandy and Scott (“Hoover”). Scott died in 2008, after becoming a quadriplegic in 1974. They joyfully cared for him all those years until Milo’s death 2000. She then selflessly cared for him alone for the rest of his life. Sandy now lives in the St. Louis area. Nancy lived in Westport for the last 67 years.
Nancy is survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Duncan Wilder, Holly Wilder, Katharine Burgdorff Tyler, Lauren Burgdorff Frederick, and Douglas James Burgdorff.
Nancy was very active in her boys’ education, serving on many PTA boards and traveling often to watch their sports events from childhood through college. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, although she did bookkeping for her husband’s company for many years.
Nancy adored her many golden retrievers and cats, was an active boater with her husband, and played tennis weekly with many good friends for much of her adult life. She loved watching tennis, golf, the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut women’s basketball.
Her (and her family’s) favorite place is Southwest Harbor, Maine. She went there every summer of her life. She met her husband-to-be there, and has ancestors in the region dating to the 1600s. She felt especially grateful that she got to spend all of July and August there last summer. Her favorite activity was visiting with family on the deck, looking out at Norwood Cove, the Causeway Club, and the mountains of Acadia National Park.
Nancy loved to do jigsaw puzzles, read, and visit with family She had a special knack for helping people feel deeply valued and appreciated independent of their age, like a cheerleader of the soul.
She had many friends she kept in touch with. After Scott’s death, many of his friends adopted her as their “second mom.”
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held March 2 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
As winter weather finally sets in this week, Pam Docters captured this “Westport … Naturally” image.
It shows the Saugatuck River downtown, looking toward Gorham Island. For the first time in a while: brrrrrr. (With apologies to our friends in Buffalo, where it actually is cold.)
And finally … it’s a short hop from COCODAQ (story above) to “06880.” Welcome to Westport (or at least, our hyper-local blog), Busta Rhymes!
(To honor Busta Rhymes’ first appearance in our “06880” pages, please click here. You can donate in honor of anyone else on earth there too. Thank you!)
One of the first compelling events of the new year is set for next Wednesday (January 10, 7:30 p.m.).
Chabad of Westport sponsors an evening of hope and inspiration. Esther Basch — the Honey Girl of Auschwitz — will tell her gripping story of survival and resilience. At 95, she is one of the world’s few remaining Auschwitz survivors.
Esther was transported to the death camp on her 16th birthday in a cattle car. she later faced a death march to the Salzwedel concentration Camp, where she was liberated by American soldiers in April 1945.
Despite the horrors she experienced, Esther’s unshakable faith and universal love for humankind helped her survive, then motivated her to share her story globally.
The event is part of Chabad’s new “Critical Conversation Series,” addressing contemporary Jewish and timely issues.
The RTM Long Range Planning Committee takes its charge seriously.
On the agenda for its next meeting (January 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201): “Overview of climate change and how it will affect Westport.”
In the past few years we’ve seen heavier rains and stronger winds than usual. That leads to greater flooding.
Still to come: rising sea levels. And who knows what else.
Hopefully, the RTM — and other town bodies — will help us be ready.
Parker Harding Plaza, in October. (Photo/Eliza Barr)
=================================================
Speaking of climate: Whatever snow we get this weekend probably won’t be enough to snowshoe in. The 3 sets that Earthplace rents ($10 an hour) will have to wait.
But the non-profit science, conservation and education center offers plenty more too, for children, teenagers, adults and families.
Their seasonal program guide includes information on their naturalist programs and events, plus camp offerings. Click here to view and register. Some sessions start next week.
A muffed punt with less than a minute to go almost cost Michigan its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama on New Year’s Day.
But the play — involving Wolverine punt returner Jake Thaw, the 2020 Staples High School graduate who made the most of his walk-on success at UM — was described this way in yesterday’s Detroit Free Press: “Those on the outside saw a senior making a near-catastrophic play.
“Those on the inside saw a game-saving play that propelled U-M to the national championship game.”
In a conference call previewing next Monday’s title clash with Washington (January 8, 7:30 p.m., ESPN), quarterback J.J. McCarthy said: “I think it was tremendous the way (Thaw) handled the situation.
“The way he handled it and not freaking out once the ball was going towards the end zone and accidentally kicking it or muffing it again and making sure he didn’t fumble it when he got hit by those three guys.
“There’s a lot of good that he did in that scary situation that I feel like needs to be appreciated, and that’s just a testament to our training and the mindset that we’ve forged over the last year.” (Click here for the full Free Press story. Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
Jake Thaw, just before fielding Alabama’s punt on Monday.
Lifelong Westporter Mary Ann Andronaco died December 31 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 76.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, she worked at Morehouse Barlow in Norwalk, where she met her husband Joseph of 46 years.
She also enjoyed teaching religious education for many years at Assumption parish.
Mary Ann was a breast cancer survivor for over 30 years, and supported the Sherwood Island walk.
She is survived by her husband; daughters Toni-Ann, Tracey, Meghan Terwilliger (Christopher), and beloved dogs Molly and Cammie.
She was preceded by aunts, uncles, and pets Tabby, Rory and Maggie.
A funeral will be held Monday, January 8 (Assumption Church, 11 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
And finally … on this day in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge.
When it was completed 4 years later, it was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world,
Local connection: Richie Havens gave several concerts here, in venues like the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Arts Center. Memorably, he filled in for the Blues Project at Staples High School, when the band was tied up for several extra hours in a New York recording studio.
(Every day, “06880” offers an intriguing mix of stories of our town’s past, present and future. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
A sign on the door of the clothing and outdoor gear retailer smack in the middle of downtown says: “Thank you, Westport, for letting us be a part of the neighborhood for the last 18 years. It’s been an honor to call this community home.”
Patagonia products can still be found at their wholesale partner, ASF Sports & Outdoors.
Meanwhile, we could make the snarky remark that the valuable property could be replaced by a bank.
Except that’s what it was, for its first 8 or so decades of existence. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Only 23 shopping days until it’s “Pata-gone-ia.”
=================================================
Looking for a good read (or holiday gift)?
Westport’s own Jo Ann Miller and Carl Addison Swanson’s “A Marathon of Changes” was called “a very interesting and motivating book for the new year,” by BookList.
Jo Ann — daughter of famed fighter pilot Thomas H. Miller. and goddaughter of astronaut John Glenn (who wrote the foreward) — grew up amid constant change, and in the shadow of the Marine Corps.
After emerging as a beautiful young career woman, the stress of work and life took its toll on her personality as well as her body. Faced with obesity, draining work demands and horrid tragic events in her past, she decided to change her life.
The culmination was the 2006 Marine Corps Marathon. The book follows her through each mile, as she reflects on the demands of the race as well as the remembrances of her past.
The book deals with the loneliness of obesity, the challenge of gastric bypass surgery, the tragedy of life and death, the intimate anger of rape, and finally the joy of financial freedom and newfound love. Click here to purchase.
The death yesterday of Sandra Day O’Connor brought tributes to the first female Supreme Court justice from around the country.
Westporter Howard Matson remembered a dinner he hosted for her 9 years ago, at New York’s Union League Club.
“She was very gracious,” he told “06880.”
“She spoke at length about her years after leaving the Supreme Court. Her favorite project was a curriculum developed to teach civics online to students. Justice O’Connor felt that there was a profound lack of understanding of the American government structure.”
Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and Howard Matson.
================================================
Before you know it, Christmas will be here.
And the kids will be out of school.
MoCA Westport can help!
Their winter recess Art Camp for Kids runs December 18-22 and 26-29.
Morning sessions (9;30 to 11:30 a.m.) are for nursery schoolers and kindergartners. Participants must be “fully potty trained.”
Full-day sessions (9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) are for kindergartners through 2nd graders.
One of the first compelling events of the new year is January 10.
Chabad of Westport sponsors an evening of hope and inspiration (7:30 p.m.). Esther Basch — the Honey Girl of Auschwitz — will tell her gripping story of survival and resilience. At 95, she is one of the world’s few remaining Auschwitz survivors.
Esther was transported to the death camp on her 16th birthday in a cattle car. she later faced a death march to the Salzwedel concentration Camp, where she was liberated by American soldiers in April 1945.
Despite the horrors she experienced, Esther’s unshakable faith and universal love for humankind helped her survive, then motivated her to share her story globally.
The event is part of Chabad’s new “Critical Conversation Series,” addressing contemporary Jewish and timely issues.
And finally … On this date in 1942, a Manhattan Project team led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first artificial self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.
(Only 23 shopping days left at Patagonia. But you can make a donation to “06880′ any time. Just click here. Thank you!)
Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.
Last year, for the first time, Westport joined in.
We’ll do it again this year.
The date is December 16. The time is noon. The cemetery is Assumption, on Greens Farms Road.
It wouldn’t have happened without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center fitness instructor (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.
As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.
Click here to sponsor a wreath. To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com. You can also email her to volunteer to mark graves before December 17, and place them on that date.
SPECIAL NOTE: On today — Giving Tuesday — $5 of every $17 wreath this year is donated back to the Westport VFW.
For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Marianas Islands (Saipan).
He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.
“There are over 350 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”
The Westport Department of Human Services’ Warm-Up Fund helps households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months.
It’s especially welcome as the cost of food, housing — and heating bills — all rise.
Tax-deductible donations to the Westport Warm-Up Fund can be made online (click here, then scroll down), or by mail to Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880
Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.
All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)
Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.
They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 2 and 3), from 8 a.m. to noon.
(From left): Alex, Chloe and Daisy Hackett, with a few of their many donations.
You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.
So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!
For more information about this amazing organization, click below:
Chabad of Westport launches its new speaker series, “Critical Conversations,” with a big name.
Former Israeli Minister of Justice and Interior Ayelet Shaked comes to the Newtown Turnpike center this Thursday (November 30, 7:30 p.m.).
Shaked is a prominent political figure, known for her dedication to Israel. Her insights and perspectives on the complexities of the region are especially meaningful in the wake of last month’s terror attack by Hamas on the nation.
A Q-and-A session will follow Shaked’s presentation. For more information and reservations, click here.
MoCA Westport’s first-ever Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) promises “a delightful day of luxury holiday shopping and art exploration.” It’s December 9 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA’s Newtown Turnpike campus.
Attendees can also enjoy the current Purvis Young exhibition (and treats from the Cowabunga Food Truck).
Admission to the Artisan Marketplace is included in the $10 gallery admission fee. Admission is free for MoCA members.
Artisans include:
Mediterranean Botanicals
Hudson & King Jewelry
Bedford Embroidery
Camille & Co.
COG (Jen Cogliantry Design)
Shawls by Sonika
Jennifer Hoertz Millinery
Tocco Studio
hipV Modern Vintage Jewelry
Lucy Curran Party
Runo Store
Ellis Sant’Andrea Fine Art
Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates
ARRA
SantM
KVO Collections
===============================================
Westport’s PTA Cultural Arts group is bringing Matthew “Magic Morgan” to all the elementary schools this week.
He and his wife Liliana — deaf magicians from Wisconsin — perform around the world. In addition to magic, students learn some American Sign Language.
Matt and Liliana will also perform for the public at Westport Town Hall tomorrow evening (Wednesday, November 29, 6 p.m.). Admission is $10.
He’s best known as the founder of Motown Records. But he’s also a songwriter (“Lonely Teardrops,” “Shop Around,” “Do You Love Me,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC.”)
He was the mastermind behind groups like the Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.
For several decades, Motown was was the highest-earning Black-owned business.
(“06880” is here for you this holiday season — and 24/7/365. Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
And one of Westport’s most big-hearted restaurants is helping.
Jimmy Nuzzo — known to many as “DJ Jimmy Jams” — was born with a congenital heart defect. After open-heart surgery at age 7, he lived a healthy life for years. He owns Dance to the Music Entertainment, and is a loving husband and father.
Now he needs a new heart — and liver.
Jimmy Nuzzo (3rd from left), with his family.
On Sunday, August 28 (4 to 7 p.m.), Tutti’s on Riverside Avenue is offering a $25 penne with meatball dinner — large enough to feed 2 people. It’s to-go (and cash) only. 100% of the proceeds go to help Jimmy.
Chabad of Westport hosts “Kugel with a Twist” (September 7, 7 p.m.).
The Nosher editor Shannon Sarna Goldberg and Connecticut food blogger Liz Arronson Rueven will chat about modern takes on Jewish comfort food.
It’s free, and open to the community. However, attendees are asked to bring one kosher item (dried fruit, raisins, dates, nuts, tomato/spaghetti sauce, cereals, oatmeal, jelly, canned tuna, ketch, mustard, mayo, vegetable/corn oil) to stock Chabad’s mobile kosher food pantry, to arrive this fall.
Anyone donating $180 to held fight food insecurity will receive a signed copy of Sarna’s “Modern Jewish Comfort Food.”
Longtime Westporters Carl Addison Swanson and his editor Jo Ann Miller have just published their 54th book,
It details Swanson’s experiences — some fictional — during his 1969 Vietnam tour. tour.
“365 Days and a Wake-up” is “not your normal war novel with blood, guts and gore,” Swanson says.
“I was watching ‘M*A*S*H,’ the movie, on late night TV, and remembered some of the humorous things, amidst the insanity, of events which occurred. I attempted to capture them.”
Swanson, known for his fast-paced, plot-driven narratives as well as his prolific publications, owns a Bermuda publishing house, and is a senior editor at a national magazine.
“365 Days” is available Labor Day. The hardback version follows in mid-October. Click here to order. Click here for Swanson’s website.
The actor/car racer/philanthropist died in 2008, but his life in Westport with Joanne Woodward is featured in the CNN/HBO film “The Last Movie Stars.”
Arthur Klausner sends along a recent Tweet that “stars” Newman’s friend, Robert Redford. In the clip from 1980, the former Weston resident recalls a long-running practical joke the two men played on each other, involving melted-own automobiles and their homes.
The Levitt Pavilion has just added a new ticketed show.
Orebolo — featuring Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach and Jeff Arevalo of Goose — take the stage on September 7 (7 p.m.).
The trio has built a national following nationwide. Formed during the initial COVID surge, they shared a home. They learned new covers, and explored Goose’s deep catalog acoustically.
Tickets are $15 (members) and $18 (non-members, plus a $2 facility fee). Member pre-sale is active now; public tickets are available Monday (August 22) at noon. Click here to order, and for more information.
Orebolo
In other Levitt news, an opening band has been added to this Sunday’s (August 21, 6:30 p.m.) Allison Russell ticketed show.
She hand-picked Bailen, after opening with them at the Edmonton Folk Fest. Children under 12 are free (with an adult in the BYO-lawn chair section).
As for Allison: she released a new single yesterday, featuring Brandi Carlile:
Also this weekend: a pair of Friends of Sherwood Island State Park programs.
Tomorrow (August 20, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.), 2 interns with a big net will set up on the beach across from the Nature Center. They’ll show how many creatures they can pull out of Long Island Sound.
On Sunday (August 21, 2 to 3:30 p.m.), butterfly expert Michele Sorensen will lead a walk. She’ll start at the Nature Center porch, then explore nearby gardens and dunes for a variety of species. Buckeyes, swallowtails, sulphurs, fritillaries, monarchs, skippers and pearl crescents are all possible. It’s suitable for ages 5 and up.
Native Westporter and Pepperidge Farm manager Agnes “Aggie” Veno died peacefully last week, with her family by her side. She was 67.
Aggie was passionate about arts and crafts, and participated in craft fairs throughout Fairfield County. She was especially good at crocheting. She was also an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed gatherings with her extended family.
She was an avid volunteer at St. Luke Church too.
She is survived by her mother Marie, sister Joann (Steve) Porch, godson Nicholas Vena, Jr., and many cousins, including Sadye Bella Bustillo, who had a special place in her heart. In addition to her father Andrew, she was predeceased by her brother, Andrew J. Veno, Jr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held today (Friday, August 19, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in Greens Farms.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
