Westporters of all ages celebrated the season Friday, at Wakeman Town Farm’s annual holiday tree lighting.
The event included Staples High School’s jazz duo, On the Count of Two; musicians from Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary Schools; Staples band members, and goodies from The Granola Bar and Sweet P Bakery.
The main attraction saw 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Bill Constantino — a Wakeman family member — keep a generations-old tradition alive.
Many attendees donated diapers, toys and food, for neighbors in need.
And finally … Harry Chapin was born on this date, in 1942. The singer-songwriter/philanthropist and hunger activist died in an automobile accident on the Long Island Expressway. He was 38.
(Harry kept the change. If you’ve got any spare change hanging around, we’re happy to have it too. Just click here, and you’ll support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
There is no better sign of spring than the return of the Westport Farmers’ Market.
The annual rite is set for next Thursday (May 8). It runs every Thursday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot near Jesup Road.
WFM will hand out free packets, to “sow the seeds of another incredible season.”
“As we begin this season, we’re not just putting up tents. We’re planting ideas, nurturing community, and growing a better food system,” says executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.
The 2025 Farmers’ Market includes:
Over 50 local farms and vendors, committed to sustainabie practices and “real food.”
Non-profit partners, with informational tables, giveaways and more.
Cooking demonstrations, a revamped recipe program, kids’ events and community talks.
Live music.
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A cellphone-free Staples has been talked about for a while.
On Tuesday, the public gets its say.
A special Board of Education meeting (May 6, 7:30 p.m., Coleytown Middle School auditorium) has one agenda item: “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Free Initiative at SHS.”
The meeting notice adds: “The Westport Public Schools invite your feedback on making Staples High School a phone free school.”
Cellphone holders may be a thing of the past, if the devices are banned throughout the day at Staples High School.
Speaking of Staples: On Monday, TEAM Westport announced the 4 winners of its 12th annual Teen Diversity Writing Contest.
As reported on “06880,” the quartet — Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Souleye Kebe and Sienna Tzou — wrote about their identities with tremendous insight, depth, honesty and clarity.
They also delivered their essays powerfully, and passionately.
Click below to view their presentations. Their personal readings give even greater meaning to their compelling words.
Read to Grow celebrated 25 years of providing books to Connecticut’s babies and children last night, with a great gala at the Westport Library.
Host Ian O’Malley — the well-known Westport realtor and New York radio personality — and other speakers described the impact the program has had on hundreds of thousands of youngsters, and their parents. A flagship program is the gift of baby books and early literacy information to nearly every new mother in Connecticut.
Zucca Gastrobar’s superb catering, and silent auction items featuring (among others) Ron Darling and the Doobie Brothers added to the fun.
Also last night: A large crowd welcomed Alex Lehr to Westport.
His Post Road store — American Colors by Henry Lehr — opened in December. But the ribbon cutting for the shop, which features casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing for men and women, a collection of vintage belts, and much more — was yesterday.
American Colors marks a return to Westport for the Lehr family. Alex’s father, Henry, operated a very successful and much-loved women’s store around the corner on Main Street for decades.
Cutting the ribbon (from left): 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Alex Lehr, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, brand strategist Jay Norris.
Yesterday’s “Westport in Focus” newsletter from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker included information about the Conservation Department.
She notes their “fascinating presentation about Westport’s natural habitats – vernal pools. They are a delicate habitat pressed by multiple stressors, yet home to a surprising array of life. Species such as fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs call these places home and struggle to live anywhere else.
“Westport is lucky to contain hundreds of vernal pools, ranging from under 100 square feet to over a few thousand.”
“06880” readers learned last week that Dave Briggs nominated me for the #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge. The videos bring awareness to, and raise funds for, youth mental health.
I was honored to be dunked (click here to see), and promptly nominated Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Foti Koskinas.
The entire board of the non-profit center for prevention and counseling accepted.
Coincidentally, PD was kicking off their New York Marathon journey the same day. Runners Gianna Affi, Cam Gaylord and Brian McGarvey will run to raise money for the organizaton. They joined Jen in dousing board members with frigid water.
Positive Directions paid it forward. They nominated Rhone, who is helping make the marathon “a huge splash” (including outfitting the runners in training and at the race), plus mental performance coach Rhodie Lorenz, who is inspiring the runners as they train.
Wednesday’s “06880” story — about the partnership between Staples High School drama teacher David Roth’s directing class, Westport’s Shakespeare scholar Diane Lowman and Bridgeport’s Edison Elementary School, to bring the Bard to young students — struck a chord.
Within a day, $2,125 had been raised to help fund more Bridgeport classes take part in the future. Roth and Lowman are grateful for readers’ generosity.
The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter. The club empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safery schools.
In February, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature.
Yesterday, SB 1216 passed through the Senate. It calls for the installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time
State Senator Ceci Maher — who worked closely with the Staples students — praised Elijah and Zander in her social media posts. Click here to see.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photos may be the last from the now-closed Community Gardens. As “06880” reported yesterday, the 20-year-old site will at some point be the staging area for construction of the new Long Lots elementary School. Later, an athletic field will be built on the site.
And finally … Today is the birthday of Manfred von Richthofen. The German World War I pilot was born in 1892. He was killed over France in 1918, age 25.
·(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It’s one thing for high school students to connect with Shakespeare.
Some do. An inspiring teacher or formative experience can help them understand the timeless appeal of The Bard’s explorations of life, love, death, revenge, grief, jealousy, murder, magic and mystery.
It’s another thing entirely for third graders to get it.
But students at Edison Elementary School in Bridgeport are fortunate to have Chris Cormier as a teacher.
And Chris is fortunate to have connected with Diane Lowman.
Diane Lowman
For many years, Lowman — Westport’s first-ever poet laureate, who earned a master’s degree in Shakespeare studies through the University of Birmingham (in Stratford-upon-Avon) — has collaborated with “Mr. C,” and the Edison students.
She visits regularly, teaching them the ins and outs of the world’s most famous playwright. They are always eager to learn.
Earlier this year, Lowman contacted Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long. Could the high school’s prestigious drama group help the Edison youngsters learn a bit more about Shakespeare?
Timing is everything, as we know from “Julius Caesar.”
Roth’s Theater III advanced acting class had been working on scenes from “Macbeth.”
So one morning this month, the Bridgeport boys and girls arrived excitedly at Staples.
They played a concentration game with Roth and the class. They talked about the Shakespeare plays they had studied.
Getting to know each other. Staples Players director David Roth is at left. Edison School teacher Chris Cormier is 6th from right.
They watched Roth’s class perform 2 “Macbeth” scenes. Afterward, the Edison children asked questions, about the play and theater in general.
A scene from “Macbeth,” with Cat Betit and Will McCrea.
Then — with everyone sitting on the Black Box floor — they enjoyed pizza and juice boxes.
A post-play treat.
Roth and Long were amazed at how much the youngsters knew, after just an hour a week with Cormier and Lowman.
“They asked great questions,” Long says. “They really understood what they were talking about, and raised questions about themes of the play.”
“It’s incredibly gratifying for this Shakespeare nerd to see the kids respond so positively, and make so many connections with The Bard,” Lowman adds.
“Having David, his students and Kerry bring this to life was such a treat. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and an annual tradition.”
Learning together: Mikey Winkler and 3rd graders.
Roth and Long asked Lowman if she could do something similar, for more classs. Cormier said he’d help.
As for Cormier himself: Edison Elementary School has no budget to support trips like the one to Staples.
The cost for a bus is not insignificant. Students sold ice cream at Friday lunches for $1 each, but that did not cover the entire transportation and food bill. Cormier made up the difference.
“I know that Westport could easily pitch in,” Long says.
She and Roth have created a GoFundMe page, for donations.
Whether you’re a Shakespeare fan, or just want to help a group of Bridgeport kids expand their horizons, click here.
Because, as we all know, “Fortune reigns in gifts of the world.”
Theatre III and Edison Park students, with their teachers. (All photos/Kerry Long)
In just 2 years, Club203 has earned a cherished spot among Westport’s non-profits.
Part of Westport’s Department of Human Services, and the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities, the organization provides monthly social gatherings for adults with disabilities.
Now, Club203 has earned a $10,000 check.
The Westport Woman’s Club presented the Ruegg Grant on Monday. It’s one of the ways the WWC gives back to the community, by funding projects focused on social services, health, safety, arts and education. The grants were established by former club member Lea Ruegg.
Westport Woman’s Club, Club203 and Human Services Department officials (from left): Vera Rhimes, Erin Gensel-Cancro, Nancy Austin, Virginia Ferrari, Sharuna Mahesh, Stacie Curran, Audrey Rabinowitz, Elaine Daignault.
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Elvis is in the building!
Well, he will be on December 20 (7:15 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).
As for Elvis, who has been dead for nearly 50 years: The evening is called “Blue Christmas with ‘The King.'”
It’s a tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll icon, including his Top 40 hits, along with his Christmas songs.
Tickets are $35 ($30 for VFW members), and include a buffet. Click here, or call 302-312-3774.
An even more dead legend — William Shakespeare — is in the news too.
Diane Lowman has joined Shakespeare Birthplace America’s board of directors.
An essayist, memoirist, poet and Shakespeare scholar, she served as Westport’s first poet laureate (2019-22).
Lowman’s first memoir, “Nothing But Blue,” chronicled her experiences aboard a German container ship during college. Her latest, “The Undiscovered Country: Seeing Myself Through Shakespeare’s Eyes,” narrates her journey of self-discovery through the lens of Shakespeare’s works.
Lowman earned an MA in Shakespeare studies from the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute (2017), an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a BA in economics from Middlebury College. She teaches writing, Shakespeare, and yoga/mediation, and divides her time between Westport and Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.
Diane Lowman with her favorite author, at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Having a high school All-American athlete is a feather in any program’s cap.
Staples High School has not one, but two, this year.
Senior Annabel Edwards and junior Natalie Chudowsky were named to the 63-person United Soccer Coaches All-America squad. Both play midfield.
Chudowsky is one of only 4 girls — and the only 11th grader — to be named to the team for the third time. She has been an All-American since freshman year. She is also a regular call-up for US national youth team camps.
Edwards will play soccer at the University of Chicago next fall. Chudowsky has already committed to Duke University, beginning in 2026.
Edwards and Chudowsky will be honored next month, at the United Soccer Coaches convention in Chicago.
Speaking of sports: Rugby and football are very popular. But many parents have safety concerns.
This winter, Westport PAL will offer tackle and fitness winter clinics. The goal is to prepare 5th through 8th graders in Fairfield County to feel safe, confident and effective in tackle situations.
The focus is on development of core fitness, stamina, strength and skill.
Coaches include an international jiu-jitsu professor, a former US national team rugby player, and college football athletes.
PAL officials say, “Although no contact sport is entirely without risk, substantial evidence demonstrates that removing the head from direct contact significantly reduces the potential for harm.
“In recent years, both collegiate and NFL teams have increasingly adopted ‘rugby tackle’ techniques to protect athletes. We believe youth athletes deserve the same skill level of protection.
Click here for information on dates, location, fees, registration and more.
Proper technique minimizes injuries.
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Just in time for the 12 Days of Christmas: 11 Artist of Connecticut, at Picture This/Nylen Gallery (772 Post Road East).
And instead of 5 golden rings: 5 are from Westport: Nina Bentley (assemblage and prints), Linn Cassetta (mixed media on wood), Gali Katz (etchings), Judy Katz (porcelain vessels) and Tom Kretsch (photography).
Another — Marjorie Sopkin — grew up here.
An opening reception is set for this Friday (December 13, 5 to 7 p.m.). The show runs through January 11. The show is curated by John Bygott.
The Westport Astronomical Society free lecture series continues December 17 (8 p.m.), with a special free classroom lecture.
Dr. Debra Wallace — deputy branch chief for astrophysics at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center — will join remotely. Her topic is pretty big: “Exploring the Vast Cosmic Structures of the Universe.” Click here for more information.
It’s also the WAS Pre-Winter Solstice Holiday Party.
Santa has his eye on the universe.
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A pair of speakers from the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants addressed yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.
They described the work of the 105-year-old non-profit. Through offices in Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury, they provide legal aid, educational programs and social services for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking and torture. They also teach job placement skills and financial literacy.
Susan Schnitzer, president and CEO of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, and Deo Byakisaka, assistant director of refugee services, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Amy Swanson sent this image yesterday, with a seasonally appropriate note: ”
(Photo/Siobhan Crise)
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Staples High School Class of 1988 graduate William Westcott died suddenly on December 2.
The youngest of 6 children, he studied fine art at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by an apprenticeship under his mentor, the artist Mike Skop.
Bill then became a marketing and business strategist, for over 30 years.
After moving to New York City he met his wife, Jill. They raised their family in Tribeca.
His family says, “He was generous to a fault and for anyone who needed help, never a question asked. He was a fixer in every sense of the word. He had a creative superpower, a natural knack for building and a work ethic bar none.”
Bill loved road trips, vacation adventures, cookouts with family and friends, sailing, history and movies.
His desire to share with his children the values of small-town life led to their first summer place in Old Saybrook. Bill transformed a little bungalow into a comfortable weekend cottage, with room for kids and guests.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jill Cunniffe; children Greta, Finn and Luke Westcott of New York, and Old Saybrook, and siblings Mitch of Fort Myers, Florida, Wendy of Litchfield, Annie MacPhail of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Mary Thomajan of Belmont, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews, and his terrier Norman. He was predeceased by his brother Mike.
And finally … in honor of Elvis’ December 20 concert at the VFW (story above):
(We’ll have a blue Christmas, if you take “06880” for granted. We rely on the generous support of readers. Please click here to make an end-of-year, tax deductible contribution. Thank you!)
A fresh take on still life and a local haiku highlight this week’s online art gallery.
As we say every week: No matter what subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Last Harvest” (Jay Walshon)
Untitled — artist Kathleen Burke says of this golden crowned kinglet: “They nest in tall pine, spruce or coniferous trees, and hang upside down looking for insects. One used to visit my studio window. This tiny bird weighs about 5 grams, the same as two pennies.”
“Turbulence” — acrylic pour (Amy Schneider)
“Easterly Winds” — acrylic impasto on textured canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
Untitled — photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Don’t stand behind a road sign during hunting season in Alaska! Target practice for shooting bear, caribou, elk, moose, muskox, mountain goat and Dali sheep.”
“Shapes” (Peter Barlow)
“Sailing Off Compo — All Winners!” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Homestead” (Lawrence Weisman)
Untitled (Diane Lowman)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
There is a back story to yesterday’s post about the “stakeout” at the Compo Beach fireworks: the large section of sand marked off by stakes and ropes.
Just before 7:30 p.m. last night — as crowds swelled — I received this email:
“I was involved in the group that staked out a portion of the beach today. It clearly looks bad, and I guess we should have thought of another way to handle it.
“Some members of my church are bringing 30 men from the Pivot House substance abuse program in Bridgeport to Compo for the fireworks. We wanted them to have a nice night out, and to know that there are people supporting them.
“We had a cookout at the church prior to the show, and wanted to make sure we had a large enough space so they could all be together, and frankly insulated from the amount of drinking that will be going on around them.
“While the stakes were overly aggressive, I wanted you to know it was coming from a good place.”
All’s well that ends well. Next year, they’ll put up several signs noting exactly why the area was staked out.
And no one else will copy the idea for family and friends.
Meanwhile, in one of the most astonishing (and under-appreciated) vanishing acts of the year, Westport’s Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments worked (once again) through the night to turn last night’s massive bash into this morning’s pristine beach. Gone, miraculously, are (literally) tons of trash.
When the final firework faded (and the barge fire was doused), thousands of partyers headed to their cars. They left behind all the remains of picnics, barbecues and open bars, plus countless chairs, tables, towels, and probably a random kid or two.
Let’s hear it for all the men and women we never saw, who made sure that when the sun came up, not a trace of last night remained!
Compo Beach, 8 a.m. this morning. Party? What party? (Photo/Karen Como)
One of the great parts (among many) of last night’s show was the scene along Soundview Drive.
Closed to vehicles, the waterfront road became a party promenade.
People of all ages strolled up and down, greeting friends and enjoying the views. A marching band strutted; music blared from house parties; vendors sold sparklers.
Kids rode bikes and scooters. Police officers chatted with teenagers. It was like Venice Beach in California, without the body builders.
So I’ll resurrect the idea I throw out every year, which never goes anywhere: Why do we do this only once a year?
How about 2 or 3 other dates each summer? Pick a few Sundays. Close down Soundview. Bring in a band or two, maybe some jugglers and clowns too.
Okay, Parks & Rec, police and selectwomen. Let the good times roll!
Soundview Avenue — without vehicles — was a place to see, and be seen. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
There may have been 15,000 people at the Compo fireworks last night.
But dozens of others opted instead for MoCA Westport.
They enjoyed the less crowded but equally exciting opening reception for the summer exhibition, “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse.” It explores how female artists use textiles to subvert the social expectation of crafting by lambasting this soft medium with political and social awareness.
The museum will hold free “Cocktails & Conversations” events on select Thursday evenings, featuring speakers relevant to the exhibition. Free gallery tours will also be available. Click here for details.
Shelly McCoy writes on her interactive piece, “We The People.” Musem-goers are invited to write their own thoughts and feelings about the US and its politics, in red and blue crayons. (Photo/Leslie LaSala)
After 3 years Westport’s first poet laureate, Diane Meyer Lowman, has passed her pen along. Newly appointed laureate Jessie Noyes McEntee has taken over.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker paid tribute to Diane and her contributions, in a Westport Library event on Wednesday.
Poet laureates Diane Lowman (left) and Jessie McEntee on the Library screen, and the crowd after the ceremony. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Sunday marked a milestone: The Susan Fund has now distributed more than $2 million in scholarships to area students diagnosed with cancer. For the 3rd year in a row, this disbursement ($99,500, to 23 recipients) set a record.
The Fund honors Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer before starting college at Colgate University. Her mother, Fund founder and chair Ann Lloyd, served as MC for this year’s ceremony.
Thanks to all who sent fireworks-and-more shots yesterday. I’m sorry I could not use them all.
But before we go, here’s one I just got, from a true pro — Ted Horowitz. It’s not from Compo Beach, though. He captured the view from Harbor Road perfctly.
Here’s news both bittersweet and great:
After 3 years, Westport has a new poet laureate.
Hopefully, she’s a better poet than I am.
Diane Lowman’s 3 years as Westport’s poet-in-residence ends June 30. She’ll pass the torch — or pen, or computer keyboard or whatever — next Wednesday (June 29), at a noontime Westport Library ceremony.
Our new poet laureate is Jessica Noyes McEntee. Her 2-year term begins July 1.
McEntee, her husband, 2 young children (now teenagers) and pets moved into a historic Westport house in 2013. She is active in the community, serving on the boards of the Westport Young Woman’s League and Save Westport Now.
She’s also a working poet. Her debut chapbook, Jackie O. Suffers Two Husbands & Other Poems, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2019. She’s taught at Westport Writers’ Workshop since 2015,
Poet laureate-designee Jessica Noyes McEntee.
Poet laureate is not a full-time gig. McEntee works in marketing for the Pequot Library in Southport. The Amherst College graduate was previously an editor at John Wiley & Sons.
The Westport Arts Advisory Committee oversaw the selection process of the new laureate. Applicants met with a selection committee that included members of the WAAC, Westport Public Schools and the Westport Library. McEntee was officially appointed by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
As Westport’s first poet laureate, her predecessor Lowman enriched town meetings, collaborated with schools, and ran workshops for the Senior Center. She recited original haikus at many local events, including the dedication of the reimagined Library in 2019.
Forget 1st selectwoman. Who cares about superintendent of schools?
The real cool job is … Westport’s poet laureate.
The position comes vacant July 1. Diane Lowman — our first (and so far only) town poet completes her term June 30.
During her tenure, she recited and curated poetry at town ceremonies and events, schools, Senior Center, Library and arts events.
Diane was particularly creative during the pandemic, launching a lawn sign campaign to help raise spirits.
Haiku, by Westport poet laureate Diane Lowman
Westport’s poet laureate serves as an ambassador for both the town and the literary form, helping continue our vibrant literary history.
Specifically, the poet laureate:
Promotes poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment for local residents.
Participates in Connecticut Poet Laureate group programs throughout the state.
Expands access to, and creates connection through, poetry.
Elevates awareness of and appreciation for all forms of poetry.
Advocates for poetry, literature and the arts.
Contributes to the town’s literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.
The First Selectwoman’s office appoints the poet laureate. The Westport Arts Advisory Committee administers the program.
Diane Meyer Lowman with her haiku, at the Westport Book Shop.
Candidates should be 21 years of age or older, live in Westport, and have a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience. They must be comfortable with public speaking, and willing to work collaboratively with the school district, Library and other cultural organizations to develop and present poetry-related activities and events.
Of course — this being poetry — the position is honorary and non-compensated. The term runs for 2 years.
Click here for the application packet. The deadline is April 15. Questions? Email waac@westportct.gov,with the subject line “Poet.”
United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has awarded the town of Westport $2,000. The funds — and a supply of KN95 masks — support residents impacted by COVID, along with a supply of KN95 protective face masks.
This is the third round of United Way grants to help during the pandemic. It brings to 6,500 the number of masks donated to residents. A previous award of gift cards helped ease the way for struggling residents.
United Way has also helped area agencies, including Homes with Hope, during COVID.
It’s not great haiku. But that’s what’s happening February 28 (7 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.
Westport’s own Diane Lowman (aka Dustin’s mother) will help you learn to write concisely and beautifully — well, at least more beautifully than my effort. The Farm will serve as inspiration. Click here for details and registration.
Fans of Mark Twain and/or music will enjoy the Westport Library’s February 27 event.
Westport composer Barbara Backlar Reis will present songs and commentary from her original collaboration “My Millionaire.” The musical is based on Twain’s short story, “The Million Pound Bank Note.”
The show explores the themes of money and power and how people behave toward those who possess them. Click here for details, and registration.
The family of Roberta Eggart writes that their “proud stage manager, assistant to Michael Sottile, writer, dancer, sister, mother of 3, widow, comedy texter, giver of gift cards to strangers and collector of stray humans, died peacefully on January 26 at the age of doesn’t matter. She will be missed by all who interacted with her.”
She lived in Westport for 3 decades, and knew nearly everyone. She is survived by her children Kat, Casey and Jesse Eggart, and grandson Kai.
Kat calls her mother “one of a kind, and a huge influence in so many people’s lives. She loved to dance, sing and write. She was the best stage manager in the world, and the coolest mom in town!”
The family adds, “A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Light a candle and wish her well. That’s how she rolled.”
Nancy Prevo Andersen — believed to be the last surviving member of Staples High School’s Class of 1941 — died recently in Texas. She was 98 years old.
A noted illustrator and artist who showed frequently in the Southwest and Mexico, she was married to Bill Andersen (Staples ’42). Nancy’s father-in-law, Einar Andersen — longtime president of Westport Bank & Trust — helped put together financing for the town’s purchase of Longshore in 1959.
Nancy and Bill had 4 children: Nonnie, Lee, Diane and BJ. Further details on survivors and services were unavailable. (Hat tips: Carl Addison Swanson, Tom Allen)
Dustin Lowman and Julie Blitzer met at a Westport Little League field.
There — as Dustin coached Julie’s son’s team of young boys — he and she talked about death.
We all experience loss — but we seldom know how to deal with it. Julie — who has been trained by the Grief Recovery Institute — shows us how, with insight, wisdom and compassion.
Dustin is still in his 20s. A 2011 Staples High School graduate, he’s now a freelance writer and musician. Most people his age, doing what he’s doing, don’t think about loss and grief.
But he immediately got what Julie said.
“The general perception of grief is that it’s unpleasant,” Dustin notes. “It actually gives you a chance to reflect, and go inward. If you face it head on, it doesn’t have to be negative.”
Julie Blitzer
When Julie encourages people to tell stories and share memories during the grieving process, she says, it inevitably leads to lightness and laughter. It’s fulfilling, offering opportunities to share, connect, and appreciate life.
“Looking at the monster under the bed makes it less scary — especially when you do it with others,” adds Diane Lowman. She’s Dustin’s mother, and Westport’s poet laureate.
On February 2 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), Diane and Julie team up to offer a free workshop at the Westport Library.
Through writing and mindfulness exercises, “Exploring Grief, Mortality and Vitality” will help participants address the 4 aspects of the human experience –mental, physical, emotional and spiritual — in order to gain a life-affirming perspective about death.
“You don’t have to be grieving to find a benefit” from their session, Diane explains. It’s designed for anyone who wants to lead “a more vital life,” and be prepared for loss whenever it arises.
“The biggest pain point is unresolved grief,” Diane says.
“If we can be more mindful of grief during life, we can lessen that pain.”
(For more information, and to register for “Grief, Mortality and Vitality,” click here. For Julie Blitzer’s website, click here.)
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