Betty Lou Cummings — a personal and political dynamo who in more than 4 decades in Westport made her formidable mark on nearly every aspect of local life — died Friday night.
She was 90 years old. She and her husband, former IBM executive Tom Cummings, celebrated their 66th anniversary last month.
Betty Lou and Tom Cummings at their 66th wedding anniversary last month.
If there was a job in Westport that needed doing, Betty Lou did it.
She served as second selectwoman, with 1st Selectman Joe Arcudi. (An ardent Republican, she later switched parties and became an equally committed Democrat.) She was also elected to the Representative Town Meeting.
Betty Lou Cummings, outside her home in 2020.
A longtime member of Friends of the Senior Center, she was one of that institution’s staunchest advocates. For years she helped organize an annual Super Bowl party there, complete with Staples High School cheerleaders.
(She had a special fondness for cheer. In 1954, while a student at Michigan State University, she became one of the first female cheerleaders in the entire Big 10.)
Betty Lou founded the Apple Festival. For 20 years she ran the annual autumn event, a fundraiser for CLASP that drew thousands to Staples High School.
Betty Lou Cummings, at the Apple Festival.
She was a lead organizer and fundraiser for 2 Westport Library projects: the Riverwalk along the Saugatuck River, and the River of Names tile mural, which hung in the lower lobby of the building, before renovation.
Betty Lou served on committees celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Staples High School in 1984, and the 50th anniversary of the town’s purchase of Cockenoe Island (2017). She helped organize Westport’s “Random Acts of Kindness Days,” too.
Betty Lou was a proud resident of Saugatuck Shores. She spent 20 years fighting for sewers for the neighborhood.
And every May for decades, Betty Lou took her place in front of Town Hall. She was an ever-smiling judge for the Memorial Day parade.
Betty Lou Cummings, at the 2023 Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
A full obituary will be forthcoming, with information on services and donations in her name.
(In 2011, Betty Lou Cummings recorded a video for the Michigan State University Alumni Association. She talked about her cheerleading experience there. Click below to see.)
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
And Westport wants to make everyone aware.
A “Let’s Talk About Disability” forum (October 22, 12 p.m., Westport Library) highlights the 2024 theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All.”
Local businesses, employers and community members are invited to the noontime event, to explore and improve their capacity to hire and support the local workforce.
The program is a “shame-free exploration of attitudinal barriers, and creates a new perspective on the unique abilities and advantages of working with persons with disabilities.”
The Porch at Christie’s is a local leader in hiring people with disabilities.
This is hardly a one-off event.
Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities sponsors an ongoing “Employment is for Everyone” initiative.
The goal is to provide education and awareness, through tools and guidance, to employers and employees, to find circumstances where both can thrive.
Westport Human Services director Elaine Daignault notes, “too often employers are hesitant to hire due to self-limiting perceptions, and fear or concerns over their capacity to provide ongoing support for employees with disabilities within their organizations.”
The Porch at Christie’s, Stop & Shop and Westport Book Shop are 3 local businesses that employ people with disabilities, and embrace an inclusive culture. That is part of Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s mission statement too.
According to an Accenture study, “companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in the workforce have outperformed their peers, improved productivity and increased innovation while enhancing their business’ reputation.”
Daignault adds, “people with disabilities are capable, creative, and eager to work, adding value, promoting teamwork, and spreading joy to employees and customers.”
The October 22 Library workshop is “a great first step in opening doors of opportunity for businesses and potential employees with disabilities who will enhance the vibe in any place of business.”
Everyone has fun at Club 203’s Thanksgiving party.
Employment is not the only area in which Westport addresses the needs and opportunities of people with disabilities.
Non-profits like CLASP, STAR Lighting the Way and Abilis provide assistance for a wide range of ages.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA and Westport Little League Challenger program offer recreational programs.
Club203 is Westport’s social club for people with disabilities. Their monthly events are enthusiastically supported by many businesses and non-profits.
There is housing at, among other sites, a recently converted home on Riverside Avenue, and transportation alternatives through the Westport Transit District.
Of course, there is also the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities. For more information, click here or call the Department of Human Services: 203-341-1050.
Sigrid Schultz has been remembered — belatedly — in her longtime hometown of Westport, with a parking lot named in her honor.
But there is a lot more to her story than that.
Serving as the Chicago Tribune’s Berlin bureau chief from 1926 to 1941, Schultz masked her intense loathing for the Nazis in order to cultivate contacts at the highest level of the Third Reich. Among her many accomplishments, Schultz interviewed Adolf Hitler several times. She also fearlessly cast a barb at Hermann Göring for his failed attempt to have her arrested.
She boldly covered the persecution of Jews, was one of the first to report on abuses at the German concentration camps, and was once called “Hitler’s greatest enemy.”
Yet for all her accomplishments, Schultz’s story is largely untold.
Vanessa Johnston is working on a documentary film about her. It will explore her extraordinary career, from her heady days as a young reporter covering the Weimar Republic, to her writing in secret under an alias to avoid Nazi censors, on through her anguish at seeing the Buchenwald concentration camp, then her relatively obscure life in Westport.
Tomorrow (Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture), Johnston will preview her unfinished film. There’s a talkback with the producer, and a look at a one-night-only display of artifacts owned by Schultz.
Click here for tickets ($5 for members, $10 for non-members). Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, programs and research.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 51st straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive honors lance corporal Charles Rochlin, of the Marine Corps.
The 2003 Staples High School graduate spent 7 months in Iraq. He was on leave in Westport when he died in an automobile accident.
The blood drive is this Friday (September 20, noon to 5 p.m.).
Click here for an appointment; use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. You can also call 800-733-2767.
CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 2-3. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.
Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.
All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.
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The one good thing that has come out of the death of Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — is Rach’s Hope.
The non-profit provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care.
Well, there’s one other good thing: community participating in “Walk the Extra Mile … for Rach’s Hope.”
The 4th annual event is Sunday, October 6 (Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina, 3 p.m.).
The day includes community spirit, fresh air, a fun beach walk, live music by Ellis Island Acoustic, the Pizza Pie Wagon truck, wine and beer courtesy of Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and Rach’s signature black and white cookies.
All are welcome. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rachel Doran
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A clarification on yesterday’s Roundup post about CLASP’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit (October 18, Fairfield Theatre Company).
Band Central — the great entertainment — is not “the CLASP house group.”
Band Central is made up of very talented professional musicians. At different times, members have played with very high-powered groups — including the Rolling Stones.
Band Central was created to unite a community of non-profits, musicians, donors, and audience members through themed music concerts. They’ve raised $6 million for over 60 Fairfield County organizations, and produced more than 150 events.
The October 18 show will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.
Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.
Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).
A clinical psychiatrist at the Yale Department of Psychology with a private practice, she spoke about her work as lead psychologist at Mountain Seed Foundation. It provides healing camps in places like the Austrian Alps for veterans of foreign wars who are suffering from trauma or war loss, and their families.
The week-long program includes physical activities like mountain climbing, zip lining, nature walks and art therapy.
Amit Oren (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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On Sunday night, Alex Sherman was walking his dog near Compo Road South.
Alex got to hear Peter Frampton’s concert (for free).
Plus, he spotted this cool-looking owl on Baker Street. It’s a great image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in the midst of one of the most polarized times in American history, today is National Respect Day.
(If you respect “06880” — or even just like it a little bit — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
If you think this harvest moon is particularly stirring: You’re not alone.
Saugatuck Church invites the community to “celebrate the harvest and abundance, while drumming to the full moon’s energy and its strong pull of the tide.”
The Harvest Moon Drum Circle is tomorrow (Wednesday, September 18, 7 to 9 p.m., Compo Beach cannons).
Attendees are encouraged to bring a drum or percussion instrument. Tell the gate attendant you are with the church. Rain location: Hoskins Hall, at Saugatuck Church.
Band Central — the CLASP house group, specializing in classic tunes — headlines the non-profit’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit.
The October 18 show (Fairfield Theatre Company) will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.
Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.
Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).
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Wakeman Town Farm is a place for everyone. And that means everybody.
The environmental center has just announced a farmer program for neuro-diverse children.
Designed for youngsters of all abilities, the farm-based program offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity and learning, in a natural setting.
Wakeman Town Farm provides a safe, welcoming environment where kids can connect with animals, engage in gardening activities, and explore the outdoors at their own pace.
The staff is trained to support neuro-diverse learners
There are 2 age groups: 3-10, and 11 and up. Activities like feeding animals, planting seeds and observing nature are outdoors, and tailored to accommodate various sensory, social and communication styles.
The program promotes social interaction, emotional regulation and physical activity, while nurturing a love for nature.
There are 4 Saturday morning sessions, from October 5 through 26. The fee is $180.
Each attendee needs an adult buddy (18+) — a parent, paraprofessional, babysitter, grandparent, or someone else who knows the child well and can support them as an instructor leads the program.
Wakeman Town Farm animal ambassador Judy Panzer and special education professional Leann Duggan helped develop the curriculum and activities for the program.
As CEO of New York Road Runners, Westporter Rob Simmelkjaer is closely associated with the New York Marathon.
But on September 29, he’ll be in Germany, running the Berlin Marathon.
Across the ocean though, his heart will be here. He’s running fo NYRR Team for Kids, the premier charity of New York Road Runners and the New York Marathon.
Since its inception in 2002, NYRR Team for Kids has raised more than $110 million, in a variety of races. Rob’s personal goal is $10,000.
The Funds serve nearly 200,000 youngsters locally and nationally, through NYRR’s free youth running programs.
For more information, and to donate to Rob’s team, click here.
Rob Simmelkjaer
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Many Westporters shop at The Pantry, on the Post Road in Fairfield.
There was a fire there yesterday. All food was thrown out or given away, to churches and Operation Hope.
Owners hope to reopen soon. (Hat tip: Mary Condon)
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The Girl-Power Squash program — an introductory program for kids — got off to a rousing start on Sunday.
All 20 spots were taken, at Intensity Squash.
The program continues for the next 11 Sundays.
A similar one is planned for winter.
Westport elementary school girls, with former Staples High School boys squash coach Eddie O’Rourke (top left) and, in the front row (7th-9th from left), Staples players Rhiya Anand, Rebecca Schachter and Sophie Smith.
Longtime Westport resident Tommy Greenwald and his son Charlie’s “Beginning Reader” series for children ages 5-8 began with a hit.
The first book — “The Rescues Finding Home,” about 2 shelter dogs awaiting adoption was named a 2023 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year.
The second in the series — “The Rescues Best Day Ever” — is published today. It’s about 3 new adventures with adopted pet friends Moose, Bear and Tiger. Click here for details.
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Longtime Westport resident Joyce Netherton died peacefully last week at Norwalk Hospital, of natural causes. She was 86.
She graduated as salutatorian of Henry Clay High School in Lexington, Kentucky. At the University of Kentucky she continued to play violin and was in Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in only 2 1/2 years.
She met Elliott, her husband of 58 years, there. After living in Louisville they moved to Westport in 1973, with their 3 children.
Joyce was an avid tennis player. When her children were older, she became a computer programmer analyst with AC Neilsen and Dun & Bradstreet, rising quickly to management positions.
After retirement she served in numerous local leadership roles, for the Westport Woman’s Club, League of Women Voters, Medical Serve Corps and Staples Tuition Grants. Treasurer was her favorite.
An enthusiastic reader, she was a devoted supporter of the Westport Library.
Joyce was known for her sewing skills. She created clothes and household items for her family, and even made her own wedding gown.
She and Elliott enjoyed trips in their motor home, visiting nearly all 50 states. After retiring, they traveled with friends around the world.
Joyce is survived by daughter Cynthia Lipe (Joe) of Point Blank, Texas; son Hank (Wendy) of Woodland Park, Colorado; grandchildren Kelly (Richard) Deleon, Tracy (Dustin) Bowling, Jonathan Lipe, Miranda (Jerek) Bickford, Mallory (Austin) Nuss, Henry (Candis) Netherton and Wyatt Netherton; and great-grandchildren Lillian and Mason Sarvis, McKenzie, Victoria and Aubrey Deleon, Eleanor, Abigail and Caroline Bowling, Brynley and Emmit Nuss, Conall and Roderick Bickford.
She is also survived by her brother David Beals, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Elliott, daughter and son-in-law Paige and Tom Totilo, and brothers Ralph and Philip Beals.
Services will be held outside at the Memorial Garden of Christ & Holy Trinity Church on Friday, September 27 (11 a.m.). Her ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden during the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Westport Library or Westport Woman’s Club.
Joyce Netherton
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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, taken at the Senior Center, and explains:
“With summer’s end, and fewer and fewer flowers, the bees are looking to stock up for winter. They’re finding the flowers with the most nectar and pollen.”
It may be Westport’s best culinary event of the year.
The 17th annual “Taste of Westport” sold out quicker than ever this spring. Last night, hundreds of residents packed the Inn at Longshore, to enjoy food and drinks from more than 2 dozen restaurants and vendors — plus bid on an enormous silent auction, and buy raffle tickets.
It was all for a great cause: CLASP, the Westport-based organization serving adults with autism and developmental disabilities throughout Fairfield County.
The Inn went all out making it a special night. So did a host of groups that supported the Taste of Westport.
Special appreciation goes to the staffs who kept the treats coming all night:
Artisan
Boathouse Restaurant
Black Bear Wines & Spirits
Bridgewater Chocolate
Cold Fusion Gelato & Sorbet
DeTapas
5th Estate Distillery
Gruel Brittania
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse
Grumpy Dumpling Co.
Freisenet Mionetto
Isla & Co.
Little Pub
La Plage
Leven(thal) Bakery
Mrs. London’s Artisan Bakery
Magic Pie Co.
NewSylum Brewing
Nðmade
Nordic Fish
Rive Bistro
Rizzuto’s
Romanacci Pizza Bar
Post Oak Barbecue Co.
Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant
Sono1420 American Craft Distillers
Tarantino Restaurant
Walrus Alley
A small part of the large Taste of Westport crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos sent this email yesterday:
“Dear Subscribers and Donors –
“Thank you for your continued support during my 15 years with the Playhouse. Because I value the relationship we have, I wanted personally to inform you, before it is announced to the press tomorrow, that I will be leaving the Playhouse in January 2024.
“The pandemic, though challenging and globally tragic, also proved positive — for me — in many ways.
“While working tirelessly to sustain the Playhouse during this period of extreme uncertainty, I was also relieved of the burdens, excitement, and anxiety of producing and directing. I began to sense another way of living my life now. Though staff, trustees, and I worked diligently to keep the Playhouse functioning during 2 difficult years, the pandemic’s exigencies allowed me to spend more time at home with my husband Jerry, and to experience new-found quotidian joy: taking long daily walks, listening to more music, reading for hours a day, investing in our home, and taking care of an aging, beloved dog.
“The racial reckoning that awakened our country also had a profound, transformative effect on my feelings about how and why we make theater now. And I realized I’d need time to take the advice of 2 formidable female friends who insisted I create a new artistic challenge for myself. That project has begun but needs my full attention. And so after some thoughtful times over the holidays, last January 15 I felt the time had come to exercise the clause in my contract that allows me to leave upon 12 months’ notice.
“During my 15 seasons at this historic theater, I worked hard to raise its already formidable artistic standards as much as possible through my collaboration with some truly world class American theater artists. I sought to bring a wider range of voices to our stage in the most physically beautiful productions our budgets allowed. I took special pleasure in investing in the work of Black, Latinx, and AAPI artists, bringing the voices of many marginalized communities to our stage.
“And it’s been a real joy working with our amazing staff over the years, people who realized dreams and met goals, especially our Associate Producer/Director of Production David Dreyfoos, without whom the above — and so much else — would have been impossible. I’ll really miss them. I especially look forward to working with them all closely as I direct the upcoming production Dial M For Murder. I hope that you will join me during the run and celebrate all the wonderful memories we have made here, at the Playhouse.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between May 3 and 10.
One was for domestic violence, following an incident at a local business.
Another arrest was for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to drive in the proper lane, after a head-on collision on Compo Road South.
The third was for violation of home improvement requirements, when a non-licensed contractor did not complete work.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic regulations: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to display license plates: 1
Improper use of license plates: 1
Failure to renew driver’s license: 1
Every contractor in the state must have one of these.
Their newest K-9, Brute, just received a Kevlar bullet-resistant vest
The donation came from Responder Wellness, a non-profit that provides equipment and wellness services to first responders.
Brute, his bullet-resistant vest, his handlers and donors.
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Kai Ross is a star on the Staples High School water polo team.
His star now shines a bit brighter: He’s just been named to the USA Water Polo national youth team.
The 6-6, 248-pound center competes in San Diego this weekend, then heads back to California for the US men’s senior nationals in July.
He has had several college scholarship offers. But he’s young — not yet 18 — so he’ll take a gap year after graduating next month. He’ll likely spend the fall with a California club, then head to Spain, Italy or Croatia to play in the spring.
Last week the Westporter — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and many others — jammed with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin at the Westport Woman’s Club art show.
On May 19 (6:30 p.m.), his latest project is unveiled at the Westport Library.
For the past decade he’s been co-producing a documentary film (with Westport director Larry Locke called “Heaven Stood Still: The Incarnations of Willy DeVille.”
Cioe performed with singer/songwriter DeVille often in the 1980s, on tours and festivals in Europe and US.
DeVille (né Billy Borsey) grew up in Stamford, where he led teenage bands. After England and San Francisco, he landed in New York in the mid-’70s with his band Mink DeVille, at the newly opened CBGB. He had a solo career from the ’80s until he died in 2009, at 59.
DeVille is one of the greatest “lost” artist in pop music history. Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Tom Waits, Boz Skaggs and Southside Johnny all cite him as a revered influence.
The film reflects his music and troubled life in detail. It includes interviews with Ben E. King, Chris Frantz, and J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf.
The May 19 showing is free; click here to register. It will be followed by a Q&A monitored by Cioe, with Chris Frantz, and writers Nick Flynn and John Eskow.
Speaking of sounds: The Westport School of Music introduces listeners to the music and culture of India and Iraq this Saturday (May 13, 1 p.m., MoCA Westport).
The free concert features violinist Ameen Modad, who hid for 2 years and composed music secretly while Iraq was controlled by ISIS, and tabla player Nilanjan Bhowmik and his wife Dipita Chakraborty, a soprano. The couple will share stories and perform poems set to music by Nobel Prize-winning poet Tagore.
Wakeman Town Farm announced a 5-session A Child’s Pose yoga class on Saturday mornings, for youngsters 1 1/2 to 5 years old.
“Partner poses will strengthen and soothe both child and their grownup,” WTF says. Click here for more details, and to register.
Also at the Farm, and for kids: weekday afternoon “animal socials.”
Youngsters can snuggle, hold, brush and watch goats and lambs play.
It’s suitable for all ages; tickets required for anyone over the age of 1. Click here to select a date, register, and learn more.
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Westporter Lewis Goldman died Tuesday, at home. He was 93 years old.
He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and earned degrees from City College of New York and Brooklyn Law School. During the Korean War, he served in the Army.
His family describes Lew as “a sweet, brilliant man, with a wicked sense of humor and a deep passion for learning.
He is survived by his wife Hedda; daughters Melissa of New York City and Amy of Novato, California; son David (Margo) of Santa Monica, California, and grandchildren Morgan Chapman, Andrew Goldman, and Alexa Goldman).
The family wishes thanks Karen Whittington, John Pounds, and others who cared for Lew in recent years.
A private burial took place at Temple Israel Cemetery. To share a condolence message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Posted onMay 13, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: Ice Cream, Dog Fest, Plant Sale …
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!
The Porch @ Christie’s ice cream hut opens today, next to the popular Cross Highway deli/coffee shop. They’ll serve from 2 to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, noon to 5 p.m. weekends, all spring and summer long.
The Porch uses J Foster local small batch ice cream. Dairy-free sorbet is also available.
Can’t get to today’s Westport Garden Club plant sale on Jesup Green? (There’s still time: It ends at 1:30 p.m.). Forgot or otherwise missed it? Or maybe you just can’t get enough plants.
You’re in luck. Greens Farms Garden Club follows with their own plant sale and garden boutique tomorrow (Saturday, May 14). It’s 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sherman Green in Fairfield.
I don’t know of any plant sales on Sunday. Maybe you can spend the day planting.
Not long ago, Westport Police participated in the state’s distracted driving campaign. They nabbed dozens of drivers.
Now it’s time to buckle up.
They’re joining the state Department of Transportation “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Officers will be vigorously enforcing seat belt laws, for drivers and passengers.
Connecticut law requires that drivers and passengers in the front seat, regardless of the age, as well as all children under 16 anywhere in a vehicle, to wear seat belts. Fines start at $92 for the first offense. For more information, click here.
Westport resident Aiden Rourke has been selected as one of 8 Lawrenceville School Heely Scholars for the 2022-23 school year.
The honor goes to rising 5th formers who demonstrate a keen interest and ability in American history.
Heely Scholars will spend 2 weeks this summer exploring World War II material in the school’s archives. In the fall they will take an advanced research seminar.
While walking his little coton dog down Burr School Road this week, Gregg Tenser saw a feathered friend take a close look back. Gregg wondered if he was sizing up the dog for breakfast.
Here’s a great “Westport … Naturally” shot of an intense look, from a perch in a tree.
Drew Friedman was a pillar of downtown Westport. A major landowner, a founder of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association and landlord of restaurants like Onion Alley, Bobby Q’s and Acqua, he influenced much of Main Street.
His holdings once included the original Westport Public Library building on the Post Road between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza (now Starbucks and Freshii). He also owned Post Road property beyond downtown. And was a presence in Weston too, as the owner of Cobb’s Mill Inn.
He died in February 2016, at 86.
Drew Friedman and his wife Laura Papallo Friedman, at Cobb’s Mill Inn. (Photo/Patricia Gay)
Friedman’s former business partner Nick Visconti asked artist/photographer Miggs Burroughs — whose “Tunnel Vision” project is installed next to and across from some of Friedman’s former properties — and Visconti’s sister Louise Fusco to join him on the foundation board.
Their mission is to give $50,000 a year to one or more worthy artists and/or arts organizations and activities in Westport or Weston.
Nick Visconti, MIggs Burroughs and Louise Fusco announce the fulfillment of Drew Friedman’s dream.
So far, money has gone to Homes With Hope, CLASP Homes, the Westport Arts Center and Westport Historical Society. It will help fund art classes and activities for under-served students and young adults. This spring, an art exhibit will showcase all their work.
In addition, the foundation will award 2 scholarships, of $7,500 each, so high school students with need can attend an arts college, or art classes at a community college.
A special gala at the Westport Woman’s Club on May 17 will celebrate the arts program — and artists’ — great accomplishments.
Though not an artist himself, Friedman married one. His wife Bobbie created memorable works of art on canvas, and in clay and bronze, in a beautiful studio he built at their Westport home.
Now Bobby Q’s, Acqua and Cobb’s Mill are all gone.
So are Drew and Bobbie Friedman.
But thanks to his generosity and foresight, the arts — and artists — in Westport and Weston will live on for years.
(Candidates for Drew Friedman Community Arts Center scholarships should click here for more information.)
Tracy Flood grew up on South Compo Road — just down the street from CLASP’s Pine Drive house.
The raised ranch is home to 6 women — members of the long-time, low key organization that provides family environments for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
CLASP’s Pine Drive home.
As a grad student in 1984, Tracy began working weekends at Pine Street. What started as a short-term job turned into a passion — and her calling.
Like many CLASP folks, she found an extended family among colleagues and residents.
Shortly after Tracy began her Pine Street job, her mother died. The residents swarmed her with hugs, and told her how beautiful she was. Their support helped her through a very tough time.
Tracy realized that being part of the CLASP family meant not only giving love, but receiving it back in volumes.
CLASP residents on a baseball outing.
More than 30 years later, Tracy is president of CLASP. The organization has grown to include 13 group homes. Four are in Westport: Pine Drive, Weston Road, Kings Highway and Sturges Highway. Residents — some of whom have lived there for decades — are deeply rooted in the community. They work, shop and play here, leading full, productive lives.
CLASP is one of those local organizations most Westporters are only vaguely aware of. Many don’t even know that the big spring event they always see signs for — A Taste of Westport — is CLASP’s major fundraiser.
It’s one you can really dig your teeth into.
Many of Westport’s finest restaurants offer specialty dishes. You can sample wine, beer and specialty cocktails — and end with dessert from Le Rouge Chocolates.
There’s music too, plus a silent auction.
All money raised goes directly to the residents. So they can continue to thrive — and give back the love they receive, to CLASP staffers and the entire community.
(A Taste of Westport is set for Thursday, May 4, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Westport Inn. Participating restaurants and vendors include Amis, Black Bear Wines & Spirits, Bobby Q’s Cue & Co., Da Pietro’s, Dough & Co., El Segundo, Garelick & Herbs, Geronimo, Greens Farms Spirit Shop, Harvest, Hummock Island Oysters, Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti, Little Pub, Matsu Sushi, Mionetto Prosecco, Pane e Bene, Pearl at Longshore, Rive Bistro, Tacos Mexico, Tarantino Restaurant, The Spread and Washington Prime. Click here for tickets and more information.
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