Tag Archives: Debra Kandrak

Roundup: Flood Help Needed, Historic Homes Tour Tickets, Special Westport Art …

Posted on October 26, 2026 | 3 comments

FLOOD FOLLOW-UP: LONGTIME WESTPORTER, CIVIC VOLUNTEER NEEDS HELP

Debra Kandrak has done a lot for Westport.

In 2019, she started a campaign to “paint the town yellow.” Every fall, she encourages residents, businesses and non-profits to plant daffodils.

Every spring, we reap the spectacularly beautiful result. (Click here for our most recent “06880” photos.)

Now, Debra needs our help.

The September 13 rain bomb damaged her home, and destroyed 3-room rental unit in her lower level. It supplements her income. Health issues limit her ability to work.

It was the first water intrusion she’d ever had, in 28 years here.

Debra says, “I am 70 years old and trying to manage this on my own. It has become a nightmare, and an expense I was not prepared for.” Insurance (of course) does not cover her losses.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help. Click here to donate, and more information.

September 13 flooding, at Debra Kandrak’s home.

last call: tickets for “historic homes of 06880” tour

Tickets are almost all gone for the 4th annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

This Sunday’s (November 1) event — produced in collaboration with the great KMS Team at Compass crew — is our biggest yet.

There are 5 homes — one more than usual — and we’ve added an extra hour (12 to 4 p.m.).

This year’s homes are spectacular. Each is historic, and retains its original look and feel; all have been adapted thoughtfully and beautifully, for today’s lifestyle.

They include:

  • The 100-year-old stone residence, with renovated gardens, ponds and fountains, at 50 Sylvan Road North (former home of actor Frank Gorshin, The Riddler on “Batman”)
  • “9 Hearths” (actually 11), owned by former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nearby, at 56 Sylvan Road North
  • 50 Turkey Hill North, the much-admired former inn and tavern across from St. Luke Church, owned for over a century by the Burr and Banks families
  • 311 Greens Farms Road, one of the oldest homes in Westport; featuring original flooring and beams, with a complementary addition
  • 217 Compo Road South, an 1855 Victorian farmhouse and carriage house that epitomize thoughtful renovation, with history at the forefront.

To order tickets, click here. For more information on each home, click here.

50 Turkey Hill Road North

SAVE THE DATE: HOLIDAY STROLL SET FOR DECEMBER 5

Speaking of “06880” community events: Our 6th annual Holiday Stroll is set for Saturday, December 5.

Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s become one of our town’s most beloved traditions.

From 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street, Elm and Church Streets are filled with holiday fun.

Staples Orphenians and a string ensemble play. There’s a DJ too, plus Santa Claus, face painting, a photo booth and much more.

Merchants and restaurants offer special promotions (including freebies). Vendors and non-profits fill the streets. PopUp Bagels will be there too, celebrating their opening in Westport.

It’s the second night of Hanukkah — so there will be a menorah lighting, with our friends from Chabad of Westport.

There’s something for everyone. See you at the Holiday Stroll, December 5!

PS: Local businesses: Click here to participate.

Tons of action, at last year’s Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)

special westport art on sale for holidays

Speaking of the holidays: Here is perhaps the coolest, most “Westport” gift of the year.

Westport River Gallery has commissioned a special digital work: “Westport USA.”

Several artists have collaborated on a piece that blends iconic locations of yesteryear, with some of our town’s most recognizable names: Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward, Anne Hathaway, Patty Hearst, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Neil Sedaka, Michael Bolton, Norman Rockwell, Liz Taylor (with her home), Don Imus, Christopher Lloyd, Phil Donahue & Marlo Thomas.

The price is just $49, unframed. Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934 to order.

“Westport USA”

 

wwpt: #1 in the NATION!

Congratulations to WWPT!

The Staples radio station — 90.3 FM, but you should already have it on your pre-sets — was named the Best High School Station in the country this past weekend.

For the second straight year.

The honor came at the John Drury High School Radio Awards in Chicago.

In addition, Thomas Scott was named Broadcaster of the Year.

Dylan Robbin — who, we are proud to say, is a member of “06880”‘s board of directors — was a finalist for Broadcaster of the Year. He also took 2nd place with Thomas and Charlie Curran for Best Underwriting or Commercial (for Gaetano’s Deli), and 5th for Best Sportscast.

Declan Jandora was a finalist for Broadcaster of the Year. In addition, he placed third for Best DJ.

Kudos to advisor Geno Heiter, and the entire staff at The Best High School Radio Station in the US.

WWPT-FM advisor Geno Heiter (left) with Declan Jandora, Thomas Scott and Dylan Robbin — and their awards. 

CYBERSECURITY: 3 WAYS TO STAY SAFE

“06880” has posted several pieces recently about cybersecurity. (Reminder: We were hacked — big time — a few weeks ago.)

Each time, we’ve sung the praises of tech god Sam Disraelly.

Now, have a chance to learn how to prevent damage by bad guys — and to meet Sam, one of the real good guys.

The event is tomorrow (Tuesday, October 27, 6 p.m., VFW Post 399). It’s hosted by (of all groups) the Wilton Drum Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (who only had to worry about Benedict Arnold).

But that’s not all.

Soon, Sam will team up with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, for a pair of Verso University “Lunch and Learn” sessions at the Westport Library.

Both are at noon, on November 13 and December 11. The first topic is “AI for Small Businesses“; the second builds on that one, for “Next Steps” (though previous attendance is not required).

No technical background required. The Library says: “Bring your lunch, your questions, and a real task you’d like help with.”

Sam Disraelly

LUX BOND & GREEN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Lux Bond & Green celebrated 30 years in Westport Saturday.

The Brooks Corner (Main and Elm Streets) location was the second, for the 128-year-old, 5th generation, family owned and operated business.

To celebrate 3 decades here, all month long they’ll donate proceeds from all watch batteries, sizing and jewelry cleaning to Swim Across The Sound. For customers who mention Swim Across the Sound, a percentage of that sale will also benefit the non-profit.

LBG partner Roberto Coin also turns 30 this year. The store celebrates with 2 trunk shows. A percentage sales will benefit Connecticut Food Share.

On November 1, Lux Bond & Green will donate another month of watch sizing, batteries and jewelry cleaning to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Mentioning the non-profit during any purchase will generate a donation too.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie reads a proclamation. Store and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce officials listen.

 

winslow park animal hospital celebrates halloween

As it does for (nearly) every holiday, Winslow Park Animal Hospital offers special decorations.

Drivers stuck at the Playhouse Square light — or waiting to turn into the Westport Country Playhouse (aka Winslow Park) parking lot — are enjoying the Halloween fun.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

go big or go home: entitled parking edition

Speaking of Playhouse Square: We offer this photo, without comment.

Feel free to add your own.

(Photo/Dave Matlow)

PINKALICIOUS DAY AT THE GREEN

October is orange, for Halloween. Jesup Green is, well, green.

But pink was the predominant color yesterday there. “Pinkalicious” author (and Westport resident) Victoria Kann read from (and signed) her new book, “Snickerdoodle.” Trick or treating followed.

Victoria Kann and friend. (Photo/Susan Garment)

 

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY

Fall foliage continues to amaze and inspire us.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is from Lansdowne Condominiums.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … on this date in 1825, the Erie Canal opened. For the first time, Lake Erie had direct access to the Hudson River — and beyond.

(With the Stroll and special art, “06880” is ready for the holidays. If we’re on your gift list, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. What a way to start the season — thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Real estate, Staples HS

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Roundup: Main Street PopUp, “Day In The Life” Photos, Paint The Town Yellow …

Posted on September 8, 2026 | 5 comments

Word on the street — Main Street, that is — is that PopUp bagels will move into the space recently vacated by Cold Fusion. An early 2027 opening is planned.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the business Adam Goldberg began on a whim during COVID.

PopUp Bagels has exploded, with locations nationwide and awards from — it doesn’t get better than this — Brooklyn BagelFest.

We were sorry to see a great gelato place melt away. But when this bagel shop pops up — permanently — it will be the toast of the town.

Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Organizers rolled the dice for Sunday’s “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.

Would people want to participate? Would they actually upload photos? Would there be a good range and variety of images?

They needn’t have worried. 545 photos were submitted, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (Actually, the first one came in at 6:13 a.m. — so that’s an average of about 1 every 2 minutes.)

They showed everything: Westport people, places, pets, kids, activities, sports — you name it. Photographers were out there morning, afternoon, and late at night. Thanks to all who participated.

“A Day in the Life” was a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.” We’ll share the photos soon, in a variety of ways.

Meanwhile, here’s one that wasn’t submitted. But it epitomizes the day.

James Delorey says, “My family and many friends spent much of Sunday at Old Mill Beach.

“We went to the sandbar party at low tide, walking to some of the far out ‘islands,’ making sand castles, exploring the jetty, finding clams and crabs, and devouring pizza from Old Mill Grocery. What a day!

“A recurring conversation was how lucky and grateful we are to live in this beautiful town. Then, just before 5 p.m., people started calling out to alert everyone on the beach: a rainbow!

“In this photo, a dad quickly gathers 3 boys for a quick photo. You never know how long a miracle like that will last!”

(Photo/James Delorey)

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Meanwhile, the day after the “Day in the Life” continued sunnily.

And Westporters continued to send in photos.

Here are a few scenes, from Labor Day at Compo Beach:

(All photos copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

It was also the last day for lifeguards, at the Longshore pool:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Looking for some way to participate in “4 Days of Service” — the town-wide initiative from today through Friday that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of so many after 9/11, through service, compassion and generosity?

Paint the town yellow!

Seven years ago, Debra Kandrak had an idea: Every autumn, Westporters should plant daffodils.

Every spring, they bloom.

And — thanks to Debra, and so many volunteer gardeners — every year our town looks more and more beautiful.

This year, Debra is adding a twist: black-eyed Susans. That will keep the yellow theme going from spring to late fall.

“Like daffodils, once you plant black eyed Susans they continue to grow forever with very little effort,” Debra says. “They’ll be here for decades to come.”

Westporters have planted daffodils everywhere: in front yards, on the sides of streets, traffic islands … you name it. Anywhere you can think of: Paint the town even more yellow!

(For more information on Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — including many other ways to help —  click here.)

Daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery. (Photo/Alina Damian)

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The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life says: “We’ve been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram’s horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana.

“The Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the sound of the Shofar is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.”

They blow the Shofar this Sunday (September 13, 5 p.m., Riverside Park). The public is invited.

Shofar

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Spotted lanternflies are back — with a vengeance.

They’d look pretty interesting, if they weren’t so gross and obnoxious.

They’re everywhere. Including this one that Pam Docters “spotted” this weekend, on the fountain at Baron’s South:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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After nearly 4 years, Hummingbird Healing Center is closing.

Lisa Pak — owner of the 2nd floor Main Street “transformation through sound” spot — writes: “As we approach our final days at the Hummingbird Healing Center, I wanted to express how serving this incredible community over the past four years has truly been the privilege and honor of a lifetime.

While this chapter is coming to a close, my healing work as a sound practitioner is gratefully expanding. I will be offering private and corporate sound healing sessions in the area and will keep you all posted.”

They’re open through Sunday (September 13). Lisa hopes to clear out all tables, chairs, shelving, sound healing instruments, meditation cushions, decorations — even plants. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Lisa Pak, with her great river view.

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Hard to believe that the Class of 2006 — the first to graduate from the “new building” — is gearing up for their 20th reunion.

The time-sure-flies event is October 3 (8 to 11 p.m.), at Little Barn. Or, as they remember it, Swanky Frank’s and Woody’s.

Click here to register, and for more information.

This building was brand new, when the Class of 2026 graduated. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject is looking a bit chippy, no?

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … on this date in 1966, “Star Trek” debuted on NBC.

(Space may be the final frontier. But “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Like the starship Enterprise, we take you to unexpected places every day. Please click here to support our journey. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Longshore, religion

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Daffodil-ightful!

Posted on April 12, 2026 | Comments Off on Daffodil-ightful!

Seven years ago, Westport resident Debra Kandrak had an idea: Paint the town yellow.

Today, her one-woman crusade pays off beautifully.

Every autumn, she uses a wide variety of outlets — social media, emails, “06880” — to encourage Westporters to plant daffodils.

She brings her message to friends, strangers, businesses, and town organizations and committees. Her message is simple: Plant bulbs.

Every spring around this time, we are blessed with the results of her — and their — work.

Once again, the gorgeous yellow flowers are everywhere.

From neighborhoods like Greens Farms to the Westport Library, around mailboxes and street signs, by the Cribari Bridge, in traffic islands and at the entrances to Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools, Debra’s yeowoman efforts pay off for all of us.

As perennials, each year brings more and more explosions of color.

And every spring, Debra says, she finds flowers in areas she had not seen before. Here’s what she found today:

One stretch of Morningside Drive South …

… and another.

Lansdowne Condominiums, Post Road East.

Hillandale Road

Green’s Farms Church.

Compo Beach

Charcoal Hill Road. (All photos/Debra Kandrak)

 

Of course, daffodils bloomed even before Debra’s crusade.

The flowers lining the front of Willowbrook Cemetery on Main Street have delighted everyone passing by for years.

Here’s a bonus photo, from Claudia Sherwood Servidio:

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

We’re happy to feature more spring-in-Westport photos. Email them to 06880blog@gmail.com.

After the winter we’ve had, it’s time to celebrate a new season!

(“06880” regularly features Westport’s beauty — in words and images. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Painting The Town Yellower Than Ever

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 3 comments

In October of 2019, Debra Kandrak had an idea.

A few years earlier she started a memory garden on her property, in honor of loved ones lost.

Daffodils were among the first to bloom, each spring. The yellow bulbs are beautiful — and a welcome sign that new life everywhere is about to explode.

Debra already had hundreds of the flowers. She knew and loved Willowbrook Cemetery’s display on Main Street too.

Willowbrook Cemetery daffodils (Photo/Alina Damian)

But she wanted to see thousands more, all over town. And fall was the right time to plant them.

She started a campaign, called “Paint the Town Yellow.” With support from “06880,” she asked residents, business owners and town officials to participate.

They did — in spades.

Every spring since, Westport has been awash in daffodils. Seeing them on roadsides, in front of businesses, and nearly everywhere else, we can’t help but smile.

Debra does too. And she thinks of her memory garden.

Last September, when Staples High School senior Max Harper died, Debra suggested that daffodils be planted in his memory.

Half a year later, we see the fruits of their labors. New daffodils are joining older perennials, to the joy of us all.

Near the Longshore golf course 1st tee.

In front of the Parks & Recreation office, also at Longshore.

Grace Salmon Park …

… and nearby, on Compo Road South.

North Avenue, across from Staples. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

One view of Willowbrook Cemetery, off Main Street … (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

… and another. (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Prospect Road, at Greens Farms Road.

Hillspoint Road.

Riverside Avenue. (All photos/Debra Kandrak, unless otherwise noted)

(As Debra Kandrak and many others paint the town yellow, please click here to send some green to “06880.” Your donation helps us spring ahead, in our daily coverage of Westport. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Longshore

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Painting The Town Yellow!

Posted on April 16, 2024 | 5 comments

Debra Kandrak’s one-woman crusade to paint the town yellow is paying off beautifully.

Every autumn for 5 years, she has used a wide variety of outlets — social media, emails, and of course “06880” — to encourage Westporters to plant daffodils.

She brings her message to friends, strangers, town organizations and committees and businesses.

Her ask is simple: “Paint the Town Yellow.”

Every spring around this time, we are blessed with the results of her — and their — work.

This year, the gorgeous yellow flowers are everywhere.

From neighborhoods like Greens Farms to the Westport Library, around mailboxes and street signs, by the Cribari Bridge, in traffic islands and at the entrances to Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools, Debra’s yeowoman efforts pay off for all of us.

As perennials, each year brings more and more explosions of color. Here are just a few examples of Debra’s efforts:

Debra Kandrak’s driveway, in Greens Farms

Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane

Assumption Church 

Saugatuck Elementary School

Adams Academy

Long Lots Road at Morningside Drive North

Parent Child Center, Hillspoint Road

Roseville Road

Exxon gas station, Post Road and Maple Lane South

Hockanum Road

Debra Kandrak’s own traffic island: Greens Farms and Prospect Roads (All photos/Debra Kandrak)

(“06880” is often inspired by Westport’s beauty. If you’re inspired by our hyper-local blog, please click here to contribute. Thank you!)

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Roundup: 9/11, Daffodils, Rach’s Hope …

Posted on September 11, 2023 | 3 comments

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.

In the days and weeks afterward, many Westporters offered help, in many ways. Among them: Westport Police officers Richard Failla, Phil Reisteri and Manny Sylvia.

Today, we remember their service, all those who lost their lives that day, and all those who continue to suffer, more than 2 decades later.

From left: Richard Failla, Phil Restieri and Manny Sylvia.

Manny Sylvia and Phil Restieri. (Photos courtesy of Andrew Colabella)

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Debra Kandrak’s one-woman crusade to paint the town yellow has paid off handsomely.

Every autumn for 4 years, she has encouraged Westporters to plant daffodils.

Her message to friends, strangers, town organizations, committees and businesses is simple: “Paint the Town Yellow.”

Every spring, her work brightens our town. Tens of thousands of daffodils bloom, all over Westport.

Daffodils on the Sherwood Island Connector …

Well, it’s fall again.

Debra says: “All of this is possible because all of you made it happen. This little idea of mine has brought the community together in such a positive way. When you hear all the negative news, it’s so nice to see that if you have an idea and put it out to social media, you can make things happen. Getting others involved creates a real sense of  community. We can all use a little positivity.

“Get your family, friends and neighbors involved. Have a ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ party! Get your children involved too. In the spring, show them the beautiful daffodils that they planted.

“Plant more daffodils! You can never have too many daffodils!”

PS: They are very hardy. And deer resistant!

Questions? Email Debra.Kandrak@Raveis.com.

… and Prospect Road.

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Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.

On Sunday, October 22 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 3rd annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.

It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer from Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and special Rach’s Hope swag.

Click here to buy adult and student tickets.

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Staples High School Class of 1975 graduate Doug Davidoff lived in Indianapolis from 1983 to 2006. He was a reporter for the Indianapolis News, a public relations consultant, and communications director for the Indiana Housing Finance Authority and the Indiana Democratic Party. He now lives in Bridgeport, where he is a public relations and editorial consultant.

Yesterday, his op-ed piece was printed in the Indianapolis Star. It’s a remembrance  of his work for Governor Frank L. O’Bannon, who died in office 20 years ago, age 73.

Davidoff was communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party in 2000. O’Bannon’s re-election that year marked the last time a Democrat governed the Hoosier State.

Davidoff’s piece explains why he thinks Americans need more people like Frank O’Bannon in office today. Click here to read. 

Doug Davidoff

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos are beautiful. Some are just pretty, or nice.

Occasionally, they show a side of nature that is stunning, though we’d prefer not to see it up close.

While walking his dog near Greens Farms Elementary School, Bob Weingarten spotted this enormous wasp nest.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

It’s a good thing most kids don’t walk to school these days.

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And finally … as we honor today the nearly 3,000 people murdered on September 11, 2001, those of us who were alive recall the awful days and weeks that followed.

Music helped soothe our sorrow. These 2 songs will always remind me of that terrible time, and the many friends and strangers we lost.

(“06880 is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you.)

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Posted in Environment, History, Police, Politics

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Painting The Town Yellow

Posted on April 17, 2023 | 3 comments

Debra Kandrak’s one-woman crusade to paint the town yellow is paying off beautifully.

Every autumn for 4 years, she has used a wide variety of outlets — social media, emails, and of course “06880” — to encourage Westporters to plant daffodils.

She brings her message to friends, strangers, town organizations and committees and businesses.

Her ask is simple: “Paint the Town Yellow.”

Every spring around this time, we are blessed with the results of her — and their — work.

This year, the gorgeous yellow flowers are everywhere.

From neighborhoods like Greens Farms to the Westport Library, around mailboxes and street signs, by the Cribari Bridge, in traffic islands and at the entrances to Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools, Debra’s yeowoman efforts pay off for all of us.

As perennials, each year brings more and more explosions of color. Here are just a few examples of Debra’s efforts:

Near the police station.

Jesup Road

Imperial Avenue.

Compo Beach.

Sherwood Island Connector.

Weston Road, near Cross Highway.

Nevada Hitchcock Garden, Weston Road and Cross Highway.

Debra Kandrak’s adopt-a-spot, on Prospect Road and Greens Farms Road.

Debra Kandrak’s own Greens Farms barn …

… and her garden.

(“06880” is often inspired by Westport’s beauty. If you’re inspired by our hyper-local blog, please click here to contribute. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Motorcycles, Daffodils, Kelli O’Hara …

Posted on September 12, 2022 | 1 comment

For 21 years, Stacie Curran and friends have ridden in the CT United Ride. The largest motorcycle ride in Connecticut pays tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11.

Yesterday’s event took place on the actual date: September 11. Before the start at Sherwood Island, the group met at Stacie’s house:

The entire group — hundreds strong — gathered at the state park:

(Photo/Tom Lowrie)

Soon — with a police escort from several towns — they headed onto I-95. Their route of remembrance took them to Exit 17, Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road, and through 8 other Fairfield County towns.

(Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)

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Every year, the arrival of spring in Westport is heralded by the “Daffodil Mile” — the long, winding rows of daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery on Main Street.

Daffodil Mile, at Willowbrook Cemetery … (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

For the past few years, daffodils have also bloomed throughout the rest of Westport. On Prospect Road, in Saugatuck, in traffic islands everywhere, the week of yellow flowers brings smiles to Westporters sick and tired of snow and slush.

Greens Farms Road, at Prospect Road.

Those daffodils don’t just fall from the sky (to mix metaphors). They’re the product of plenty of planning — and planting.

“Paint the Town Yellow” is a project begun 4 years ago by Debra Kandrak. This fall — prime daffodil-planting time — she encourages everyone, of all ages, to plant “around our neighborhoods, around street signs, mailbox posts, in front of your business, in front of the Police and Fire Departments.” She’d love for schools to be involved too.

This year’s theme is “plant in memory of a loved one lost.”

The easiest way to plant, Debra says, is to dig a trench and pop the bulbs in (pointy side up). Costco sells 50 bulbs for $13.99.

After you plant, email the location to debra.kandrak@raveis.com. She’ll come around next spring, and take photos.

Which, of course, she will share with “06880.”

So get going. Spring is only 7 months away.

Daffodil bulbs from Costco. (Photo/Debra Kandrak)

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The New York Times says that this November’s Metropolitan Opera staged premiere of “The Hours” is “New York City’s opera event of the fall.”

In addition to renowned soprano Renée Fleming, it stars Kelli O’Hara. The Times calls the Westport resident “a Tony Award-decorated musical theater actress with opera bona fides (even at the Met, where she was a standout as Despina in Mozart’s ‘Così Fan Tutte’).”

That’s part of the intro to an interview published yesterday with Fleming, O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato.

Click here for the full (and very interesting) piece.

Kelli O’Hara (Photo/Thea Traff for New York Times)

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Every Staples High School reunion is a cause for celebration and remembrance.

COVID caused the Class of 1980 to wait an extra 2 years to gather for their 40th. But as they got together last month (and shook their heads that they’re all now 60 years old, or about to be) they turned their thoughts to classmate Susan Lloyd.

The popular, always-active native Westporter was diagnosed with cancer as a senior. She passed away while at Colgate University. Her parents and friends created the Susan Fund in her honor. For 4 decades, it has provided important educational scholarships to Fairfield County students diagnosed with cancer.

Ten years ago, the reunion class raised $2,300 for the Susan Fund. This year, they contributed $5,500.

Kelly Frey Pollard — Susan’s good friend, and a Susan Fund board member — created a beautiful display, with letters from classmates to Susan and her family during her battle with cancer. Classmates were encouraged to take their letters home, as mementoes.

Over 130 alumni attended the reunion. A 45th is planned for 2025 — with another contribution to the Susan Fund. To find out, more follow the “Staples Class 1980” Facebook page, or email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com,

The Class of 1980 display, of cards and letters sent to Susan Lloyd.

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The Westport Woman’s Club big clothing tag sale is next month. They’re getting ready — which means, they need items to sell.

Tax-deductible donations of new or gently-worn women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, handbags, scarves, hats and jewelry, can be dropped off weekdays (9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.) at the WWC (44 Imperial Avenue).

Funds raised from this clothing tag sale support the town food closet, local charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.

The clothing tag sale is set for October 28-29 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and October 30 (noon to 3 p.m.). For more information, call 203-227-4240 or email  wwc@westportwomansclub.org.

Westport Woman’s Club tag sale.

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Longtime Westporter Geoffrey Hooper died last week. He was 87 years old.

He was born in Victoria, British Columbia. After serving in the Canadian Air Force he met his first wife, Jeannette Lauzon, and moved to Connecticut to work for his father-in-law at Stamford Typesetting Corporation. In 1976 he bought the company with a partner, Frank DeBartolo.

At Stamford Type Geoff was a force to be reckoned with as a typesetter, salesman, accountant, proofreader and generous employer. He loved taking clients out charter fishing from Old Saybrook, and delivering bags of bluefish fillets to clients and friends. As the business changed from linotype to computers to desktop publishing and scanning, he kept up with all the new technologies.

When his children were growing up in Westport, Geoff was active in the Westport Community Theater and other acting groups. 

After retiring in 2008 he spent most of his time at his favorite place: home. Geoff was a talented gardener who always grew too many seedlings, but was happy to share them with family and friends. He enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, theatergoing, and the YMCA’s water aerobics classes.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzy; his brother Murray (Barbara); his children and their partners Debbie (Norman), Lynne (Gary), Geoff Jr. (Susan) and Kenneth (Kim); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother- and sister-in-law, Ken Solomon and Janice Lakey, and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause of your choice.

Geoff Hooper, in the water.

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Last March, 3 dolphins hung out for a few days in Bermuda Lagoon, by Saugatuck Shores.

Westport architect Peter Cadoux did not see them. In all his years has boating on Long Island Sound, in fact, he has not seen a single dolphin.

Yesterday he made up for that. Peter was awed by a pod of about 100 dolphins, cavorting a couple of miles off Smithtown Bay. That’s almost directly across the water from Westport.

Here’s a close-up, for today’s fascinating “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photos/Peter Cadoux)

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And finally … in honor of the pod of dolphins, last seen frolicking in Long Island Sound:

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(Without “06880,” would you know there were dolphins right off our coast? Please click here, to help us continue to bring you all the stories of where Westport meets the world.)

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It’s That Time Again: Paint The Town Yellow!

Posted on October 6, 2021 | 4 comments

It’s early October. Fall will soon hit full force, with a spectacular array of colors. It’s Westport’s most gorgeous time of year — rivaled only by spring, 6 months from now.

As the leaves turn, Debra Kandrak is thinking about daffodils.

It’s time, she says, to “paint the town yellow.”

Rotary at Church Lane and Myrtle Avenue (Photo/Dan Woog)

Kandrak is the woman behind the town’s 4th annual daffodil-planting project. Her efforts over the past 3 years have resulted in an explosion of flowers, from neighborhoods like Greens Farms to the Westport Library, Cribari Bridge, traffic island and the entrances to Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools.

Groups like the Westport Garden Club and National Charity League have helped. But Kandrak is the driving force, helping the project, um, flower.

Willowbrook Cemetery daffodils (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

This year’s theme is “In Memory of a Loved One Lost.” Kandrak encourages Westporters to plant flowers to honor those who died in the pandemic — or any other time.

Kandrak also hopes to plant a Memory Garden for Layla Malon, the young child killed last June. She is looking for ideas for an appropriate site.

Meanwhile, she urges Westporters to plant daffodils wherever they can. Sites include roadsides in front of homes, around mailboxes and street signs, in front of businesses, or anywhere else needing a pop of color.

(Photo/Scott Smith)

Kandrak’s goal is for Westport to have an annual Daffodil Festival, like Nantucket’s.

For now, please email debra.kandrak@raveis.com. Let her know where you’ve planted your flowers. Next spring — just 6 months from now — she’ll take a photo.

Sherwood Island Connector, at the Post Road. (Photos courtesy of Debra Kandrak)

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Daffodils Thrill

Posted on April 6, 2021 | 5 comments

After last fall’s 2nd annual “Paint the Town Yellow” campaign, organizers were pleased.

All over Westporter, groups and individual gardeners had planted daffodils.

Now — as the bulbs sprout — they are really happy.

So are the rest of us — even those who don’t realize where so many beautiful flowers came from.

Prospect Road — with 7,000 daffodils — is particularly gorgeous. Melissa and John Ceriale invite anyone to clip a bouquet in front of #11, 13, 21 and 25, to give to someone who has been bullied — or stopped a bully. (Please take them from the road only — not the garden beyond the stone wall!)

Prospect Road

Also last fall, the National Charity League placed daffodils around the trees at the entrance to Staples High School.

Staples High School

Nearby, parents and children planted them in front of then Bedford Middle School entry drive too.

Bedford Middle School

The Westport Garden Club put daffodils around the Westport Library. “Paint the Town Yellow” organizer Debra Kandrak did the same in front of the pine trees along the William F. Cribari Bridge.

William F. Cribari Bridge

Other residents planted in front of their homes and around their neighborhood.

One Greens Farms scene …

… and another.

“Everywhere I drive, I see a burst of yellow. It makes me smile!” Debra says.

She wonders if one day Westport could have a Daffodil Festival.

Why not? It would sure make other towns green with envy.

Greens Farms Road, at Prospect …

… and the Sherwood Island Connector. (All photos/Debra Kandrak)

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