Last week’s Unsung Heroes were the hundreds of volunteers — Westport Rotary Club members, and those with no connection at all — who made this year’s LobsterFest a $400,000 success.
This week, we broaden our lens. September and October are prime fundraising season. The Westport Country Playhouse, Earthplace, Sunrise Rotary Club, Wakeman Town Farm — they, and many other very worthy organizations, host galas, bashes, fests and more.
The venues are different: indoors, outdoors, on-site and off.
The goals are similar: to raise money for their own operations, and/or to help others.
Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest is one of many fall fundraisers.
There are so many moving parts: finding sponsors, and donors for raffles and auctions (silent and live). Lining up entertainment. Arranging for food and drinks. Selling tickets. Decorations, set-up and check-in. Making everyone feel welcome, and important. Following up, and thanking everyone else profusely.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, with invitations to great causes. It’s simple to pick one or two, write a check, go and have a good time.
It’s really, really hard to put on an event that showcases a non-profit’s work, stands out in a crowd, provides an evening of fun, and brings in the people and funds needed to keep the organization relevant and solvent.
To all those who toil behind the scenes, helping to ensure that good works get done well: You are this week’s Unsung Heroes.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
This Saturday’s “Meet Your RTM Candidates” event (October 4, 10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library) is a great chance to, well, meet the men and women competing in your district for a Representative Town Meeting seat.
The RTM is our town’s legislative body. They are the final officials to sign off on budgets, and — at times — controversial issues.
Bring the kids! The event includes coffee, donuts, snacks, and art activities for youngsters. It’s co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”
But that’s not the only event going on Saturday morning at the Library.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Westport Volunteer Fair takes place in the Trefz Forum.
Dozens of local nonprofit organizations will have information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.
It’s a fantastic way for adults — and teens — to find out how to put their talents and energy to great use. There is an organization for every interest.
Come for the RTM event. Stay for the Volunteer Fair. See you there!
The scene at last year’s Volunteer Fair. (Photo/Molly Alger)
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Also at the Library: The next 2 Common Ground Initiatives.
They’re both opportunities for positive, productive conversations on how we move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and tackle challenging and controversial issues.
This coming Monday (October 6, 7 p.m.), Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva and Daniel Kelly — authors of Somebody Should Do Something— will paint a picture of how social change happens, one choice at a time.
With moderator Sharon Suchotliff, the panel will delve into a novel and scientific approach to create transformative social change — and the surprising ways that each of us can help make a real difference. Click here for more information.
On October 14, “From Division to Unity: Lessons in Bridging Divides” (7 p.m.) features a panel of national experts in business, sports, and the military. They’ll share how they’ve navigated complex divisions, to lead diverse teams toward common goals.
The panel includes:
Bonnie Hammer, Retired vice chair, NBC Universal
Mel Raines, CEO, Indiana Pacers (NBA)
Steve Parrish, retired senior vice president, Altria Group
Tony La Russa, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball manager
General William Welch, US Air Force general (retired)
The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Allen Hilton, executive director of the House United Movement and consulting theologian at Greens Farms Church. Click here for more information.
Preliminary work has begun for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The former Long Lots Preserve — developed a few years ago, adjacent to the Community Gardens — will be used as a staging area for construction equipment. When the school is completed, the land will be converted to an athletic field.
A new Japanese restaurant has opened quietly in Westport.
Omakase — in the small plaza next to Dunville’s, on Saugatuck Avenue. The name refers to a series of small dishes of the chef’s choosing.
Jessica Ryan reports in CTBites that 10 sit at an open counter, watching Chef Edwin work. “He slices, dices and molds while offering entertaining and informative explanations about the fish, the flavors and his techniques.”
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop today (Tuesday, September 30, 6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
From 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Westport police officers will be hanging out at the downtown Starbucks.
There are no speeches; there is no agenda. Just a chance to sit and chat about Westport, ask questions, and discuss anything and everything, over coffee.
Green’s Farms Church’s 12th annual Service Sunday was, as always, devoted to hands-on projects with partners in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport.
After a send-off service, congregants put their faith into action on projects like landscaping, cemetery restoration, classroom makeovers, music at an assisted living community, and community-resource organization.
Among the efforts:
Bridgeport Rescue Mission: lawn/garden work, and cleaning service trucks.
Residence at Westport: music performance led by the church’s music team.
A Westporter and educator for over 43 years in the Catholic school system, she had a remarkable impact on students and families. She helped countless elementary and middle schoolers grow and learn.
Now she’s earned more kudos.
On Saturday Maureen received the St. Augustine Medal of Honor, on behalf of The Catholic Academy of Stamford. It was awarded for her “dedication, service and commitment to Catholic education.”
As we get ready to turn the page to October, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights one of the first trees in town to show its fall colors. Ed Simek spotted it, on Treadwell Avenue.
More wood: Westport’s Tree Board is ready to welcome October.
Or, as they call it, “Oaktober.”
Their annual celebration by that name is set for Saturday, O(ak)ctober 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jesup Green.
They’ll hand out oak tubelings. Kids can get their faces painted, paint pumpkins, and meet some Earthplace creatures. Halloween costumes are welcome.
The event is sponsored by the Westport Book Shop and Earthplace.
Oaktober, 2024: Tree Board members Dick Stein (left) and Ed Picard.
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Cancer has touched Ella Cohen and Charlotte Booth’s families.
But the Staples High School seniors don’t sit around and mourn.
They created Cuddles for Courage. The mission is to bring comfort and joy to children fighting cancer — one cuddle at a time.
Last year they sponsored a holiday toy drive, collecting gifts for children at Yale New Haven Hospital.
This summer they became a nonprofit.
Now Cuddles for Courage is an official Staples club. They just launched Courage Kits: care packages for kids undergoing cancer treatment.
Each kit includes books and activities, to make treatment days a little easier. They’ll be donated through the club’s new partnership with CT Children’s in Westport.
This winter there will be another toy drive for Yale New Haven Hospital.
Ella and Charlotte invite interested Westporters to follow them on Instagram
(@cuddles.for.courage), and visit cuddlesforcourage.org to get involved.
Wreathing for Community — an initiative of Westport resident Faith Sargent — transforms donated faux florals into handcrafted wreaths and gifts for neighbors, local organizations and community projects.
This year, Faith leads a special effort to create and deliver 50 winter wreaths — one for every front door at Open Doors Shelter’s affordable housing units in Norwalk. Delivery is the first week of December.
Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport will generously sponsor 20 wreaths. But more support is needed to reach the goal of 50.
Residents can get involved in several ways:
Join a Wreath-Making Day at Faith’s home (late October/early November).
Donate a 16-18″ wreath base (grapevine or green pine, available at Amazon, Michael’s or Hobby Lobby).
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport gets ready for the Jewish High Holidays with a guest preacher.
And a baritone singer.
Rev. Ana Levy-Lyons leads this Sunday’s service (September 21, 10 a.m.)., with a sermon titled “Forgiveness is Divine.” Spencer Reichman is the musical guest.
Currently a rabbinical student in the Jewish Renewal movement, Rev. Levy-Lyons is UU minister. She has served UU congregations for almost 20 years, including 12 as senior minister of First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn.
Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal, non-dogmatic religious community open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport chalice. (Photo/David Vita)
Also this Sunday: Rev. Dr. Steven Savides leads his first service as Saugatuck Congregational Church’s new settled minister. The special day (September 21) begins at 10 a.m.
Pastor Steven is also an educator and former journalist. He has served UCC congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.
He earned a Ph.D. in peace studies and theology from Notre Dame University, and a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained in 2006.
Westport resident Grant Patrick died September 14, of cardiac arrest. He was 70 years old.
The Pittsburgh native graduated from Amherst College, and earned an MBA from Columbia University’s School of International Affairs.
His career in finance included roles at Paine Webber, Whitehead Mann, Citigroup and Napier Park Global Capital, where he worked until his retirement in March.
For over 45 years Grant was a member of the University Glee Club of New York City. He never missed a performance or a post-rehearsal gathering.
His family says, “Grant had no time for pretense, didn’t care much for material things, and never took himself too seriously. He was defined by an uncommon ability to find happiness in life’s quiet corners: tending his garden, making chutney and giving it away, chopping wood, walking his dog Stella, and sitting at Compo Beach with family and friends, debating the topics of the day with his baseball cap pulled low. Perhaps most emphatically, Grant was a man who believed in doing the right thing, even when no one was watching.”
He is survived by his wife Susan Terry, his sons Morgan and Will, and his siblings George and Nancy. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at Christ & Holy Trinity Church on October 4, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grant’s honor to Music on the Hill CT.
And finally … the porcelain berries above remind us of our favorite Berry:
(You never can tell what you’ll find on “06880.” But that’s part of the fun. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or anything else in this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
And residents continue to rashly leave their keys in unlocked cars.
Three vehicles were reported stolen between September 9 and yesterday. That makes 51 incidents since January 1.
Thefts occur in parking lots, and private driveways.
Westport Police say: “Under no circumstances should a vehicle ever be left unattended and running, unlocked with the keys inside it, or with valuables left in plain view.
“Unfortunately, nearly all stolen vehicle and vehicle burglary reports involve an unsecured car with keys immediately accessible.”
This is not the first time “06880” has conveyed this message from the WPD. It’s probably not even the 50th time.
We hope it’s the last. But we won’t hold our breath.
There will be many opportunities this fall to hear — and question — candidates for 1st selectperson.
Some will be general sessions. Others — like the one sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace — have a narrower focus.
The October 6 event (6:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) centers on the environment. All 3 candidates — Don O’Day, Kevin Christie and David Rosenwaks — will participate.
Topics include clean energy initiatives; waste reduction strategies; climate resiliency planning, and Westport’s long-term sustainability goals.
Following the moderated discussion, attendees can continue the conversation informally at Emmy Squared. Click here to submit questions.
StoryFest — The Westport Library’s annual literary festival — kicks off its 8th year by celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
It includes a book launch for “We Survived the Night,”a memoir by noted filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat.
He will be joined by Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, for a keynote conversation on October 13 (7 p.m.).
The event comes the day before the book’s official release.
Tickets are $30, and include a copy of the memoir. (The price is the same for 1 or 2 seats, and 1 book). A signing follows the talk.
StoryFest — the largest literary festival in Connecticut — draws scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers and fans each year. With an interdisciplinary career that defies creative boundaries, NoiseCat’s work aligns with the mission: a celebration of storytelling in all forms, across all types of media.
NoiseCat’s journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post and The New Yorker. In 2021 he was named to Time Magazine’s “100 Next List of Emerging Leaders.”
His film “Sugarcane” was nominated for an Academy Award. It follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school NoiseCat’s family was sent to in British Columbia.
StoryFest runs from October 13 to 20. It opens with NoiseCat’s book launch, and ends with a 10th anniversary celebration of Shonda Rhimes’memoirYear of Yes.
The Board of Finance holds a special Zoom meeting today at 4:30 p.m., with one item on the agenda: the Hook’d on the Sound concession lease, at Compo Beach.
The public notice says the BOF anticipates discussing this in executive session.
This year, Hook’d rebranded itself as Bluestone.
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Speaking of the shoreline: Work has begun to renovate the tidal gates and pedestrian bridges at Sherwood Mill Pond, leading to Compo Cove.
Equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot, in the Old Mill lot, and at the garages on the Mill Pond.
The job is expected to be completed next May.
Compared to the Post Road East project, that’s warp speed.
Equipment at the Old Mill garages. (Photo/Tammy Murray)
Jazz at the Post’s September “Piano Madness” continues on Thursday (September 18), with David Hazeltine.
Called “the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time,” he has 35 CDs as a leader, and hundreds more as a sideman.
He’s joined by trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
And finally … in honor of the Board of Finance’s upcoming discussion of the Hook’d contract:
(Another day, another Roundup packed with news you can use. It’s one of the many “06880” features we provide, several times a day. If you like even part of what we do, please support our work. Thanks!)
Signs are everywhere in Westport — and I’m not even talking about political ones.
Sandwich boards advertising nearby busineses are overrunning our sidewalks, encroaching on doorways and stairs. (Don’t believe me? Check out 180 Post Road East, across from Casa Me.)
Are they legal?
Kind of.
Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie notes that all merchants in non-residential districts are permitted one temporary, free-standing portable sign.
But a zoning permit is required, and it must be renewed annually.
In addition:
Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground.
Signs must be self-supporting/portable, or hung on the façade of the tenant’s building. Signs cannot be attached to an immovable object like a structure, utility or light pole or fence.
Signs must be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high as measured from the ground — including borders or supports. A sign hanging on a building façade can be no larger than 24 inches wide by 36 inches high, may only be one-sided, and hung flush to the building. Signs on façades must not be more than 7 feet above the ground, as measured to the top of the sign.
Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
The sign must be a framed chalk board or eraser board. All wording must be hand drawn.
Signs must be located on the property of the business that has put out the sign. The name of the establishment must appear on or be affixed to the sign. Signs may not be located in parking spaces.
Signs must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
Signs may not have lights, be lighted, or have any moving parts
To obtain a permit, merchants must set up an account here. Scaled drawings showing the proposed sign, and a survey or site plan of the property are required.
If approved, an assigned number sticker must be attached to the sign. The annual permit cost is $100.
Questions? Email mperillie@westportct.gov.
This sign probably complies with all the rules — except it does not have the business’ name. It was for Bottlerock, which has since closed. And did they apply for a $100 permit?
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There’s a lot going on at Earthplace.
Beginning tonight.
At 7 p.m. today (Thursday), a Zoom lecture with Q-and-A explores “Remarkable Raptors & Their Highways in the Sky.” As hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures migrate soon, learn more about these birds of prey.
Also ahead:
“Sound Bath with Abbey Chase Yoga” (September 18, 6 to 7:15 p.m.; $35, adult+).
“Plein Air Painting on the Trails” (September 20, 10 a.m. to noon; $10 suggested donation).
“Pick Your Own Bouquet” (September 21, 11 a.m. to noon; $25 members, $35 non-members).
“Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall” (September 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; $10 members, $12 non-members).
“Woodside Bash” (October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125)
Speaking of the environment: “Yes, In My Back Yard!”
That’s the name of the next Aspetuck Land Trust Lunch & Learn webinar.
The September 18 Zoom (12 to 1:30 p.m.). features restoration ecologist Meghan Noe Fellows, discussing Miaywaki-style mini-forests at scale. She’s installed over 150 of them.
Mini-forests are dense plantings of native plants, trees, and shrubs. They increase biodiversity, provide bird and insect habitat, and (ahem) block out unsightly neighbors.
Among the interesting agendas for upcoming meetings:
Parks & Recreation Commission (September 17, 7:30 p.m., Zoom). Topics include the Longshore capital improvement plan (maintenance facility update), and an update on the parks master plan.
The Board of Education’s Finance & Facilities Committee meets today (Thursday, September 11, 11 a.m., Town Hall auditorium). They’ll review the capital improvement plan and proposed project, and hear a status report on the Staples High School auditorium and fieldhouse floor renovations, girls team room, pool scoreboard, and the Staples athletic fields master plan.
Westport Parks & Rec will be involved in upcoming improvements at Longshore and Staples High School.
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Congratulations to Owen Goldfarb, Nathaniel Greely, Jay Hari, Isabel Jo, Dylan O’Brien, Julian Saraf, Matthew Tybur!
The 7 Staples High School seniors are semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Nationwide, 16,000 semifinalists — fewer than 1% of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam — will compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.
From left: Isabel Jo, Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Matthew Tybur, Owen Goldfarb, Julian Saraf, Dylan O’Brien, Jay Hari, Nathaniel Greeley.
Westport Police made one custodial arrest between September 3 and 9. A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, theft of a marker plate, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance and with a suspended driver’s license, illegal window tinting and violation f probation. He was held on a $61,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 29 citations
Driving while texting: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Improper use of markers: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Speeding in a school zone: 2
Speeding: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Improper turns: 2
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to wear seat belt: 1
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor is illegal.
Dr. Amanda Posner, a well-known pediatrician, died August 28 in Westport, surrounded by her closest friends and family. She was 43.
She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2004 with a BA in religion and theater. She earned an MD from Columbia University in 2012, and completed her pediatrics residency at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in 2015. She was admired for her skill, compassion and warmth.
Amanda’ was also a talented performer. She acted and sang in productions at Dartmouth and with the Bard Hall Players at Columbia, after appearing off-Broadway as a teenager and acting in the films “Welcome to the Dollhouse” and “The Door in the Floor.”
Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 33, Amanda defied her illness for more than a decade, living fully and serving as an example to friends and family. She later joined the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) in CA and the Norfield Children’s Center in CT.
In 2016, Amanda married Ben Neumann. Their son Andrew was the true love of Amanda’s life.
Amanda is survived by her husband Ben, son Andrew, parents Dr. Amy Newburger and Dr. Lawrence Posner of Westport, and her brother Dr. Russell Posner (Dr. Melissa Posner_ of Darien.
A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on September 14 at Norfield Church in Weston. To honor Amanda’s lasting impact, her family is establishing an endowed professorship in the Division of General Pediatrics at UCSF.
Dr. Amanda Posner
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As summer wanes, Tomoko Meth caught this colorful “Westport … Naturally” scene at Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s beautiful Cross Highway home.
And finally … once you saw the “signs” story, you knew this was coming:
(All the signs point this way: to the donation page for “06880.” Hey, this stuff doesn’t post itself. We need our readers — aka “your” — help. Thanks for tossing a few bucks our way!)
Eight months after his contract was not renewed, former Staples High School boys soccer freshman coach Chris O’Dell will finally receive a hearing.
The Board of Education meets this Friday (9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), to consider his appeal.
In addition to serving nearly 20 years as a freshman and assistant coach, O’Dell is a former Staples captain. He played on the state champion 1993 squad.
O’Dell says, “I am asking and expecting that Board members Lee Goldstein and Dorrie Horden recuse themselves from my hearing. They each have a relationship with the family behind the allegations. It obviously renders them incapable of making an impartial decision in my case.
“I am also asking that Kevin Christie not recuse himself from my hearing. I have only met him once, for 2 minutes at a social function. There is absolutely no reason for Mr. Christie to recuse himself from my hearing.”
O’Dell says, “I look forward to this opportunity to clear my name.” In addition to coaching, he owns The O’Dell Group, a design-build collaborative specializing in residential construction.
Chris O’Dell
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The Westport Library’s Verso University — a series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures — opens soon, for the fall “semester.”
A special symposium — “AI and Us” — explores the implications of artificial intelligence across legal, civic, creative, business, healthcare and technological spheres. Multiple perspectives range from policymakers and technologists to journalists and academics. It’s set for Saturday, October 11 (12 noon to 5:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and to register.
Other courses include:
“Astrology for the Advanced Beginner” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, September 11, 2 to 3 pm).
“Ask a Pediatric Specialist” (3 monthly sessions starting Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Grace Farms Art and Architecture Tour” (September 17, 12:45 to 2 p.m.).
“Kickoff to Fall: Happy Hour Cooking Class” (September 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
“Visual Storytelling: Develop Your Photographic Vision” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, October 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Endless Summer/Forever Friends/Long Live the Arts” — an evening of art, music, food and beverages, and intriguing conversation, all benefiting MoCA CT — is set for Saturday, September 20.
Board members celebrated Tony McDowell’s retirement as Earthplace executive director this past weekend, at Compo Beach.
The popular administrator stepped down recently, after 12 years at the helm of the environmental and sustainability non-profit.
Earthplace board chair Mo Tooker (far right) reads a proclamation for the town of Westport. Tony McDowell is 2nd from right. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Speaking of shoreline celebrations: The Compo Beach Improvement Association held their annual block party yesterday evening.
The weather cleared, and dozens of families celebrated the end of summer (and a bit of quiet to their neighborhood). Old Mill Grocery & Deli — an around-the-corner favorite — catered.
Adults chatted. Kids played. Dogs roamed.
And this scene caught “06880” photographer Laurie Sorensen’s eye:
Heavy equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot. That’s a staging area for renovation of the tidal gates and pedestrian paths at Sherwood Mill Pond, near Compo Cove.
But before the machines could get going last week, there was one special task: moving the sun.
Always-observant Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from the Westport Library Riverwalk. She writes:
“This is a first for me: seeing a turtle come out of the water at very low tide, looking in the mud for food. He was eating either a marine worm or a small fish.”
And finally … speaking of turtles, Mark Volman — co-founder of the pop group with that name — died Friday in Nashville. He was 78, and had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2000. Click here for a full obituary.
It’s not easy to become a Westport Emergency Medical Technician.
But there may be no better way to serve your community.
The opportunity to be part of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — and offer assistance, reassurance, even life-saving care — to relatives, friends, neighbors and strangers — is enriching and fulfilling.
And astonishingly important.
Orientation for the next class begins August 28.
The class runs from September 9 through December 18. Lectures are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Labs are on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On August 24, Langner — the son of founders Lawrence Langner and Armine Marshall — turns 99.
He has known the Playhouse all of his — and its life.
His most recent visit was in 2023. He celebrated the first (and only) Literary Landmark dedication in Connecticut, with 2 younger generations of Langners.
Birthday cards and letters can be sent to Philip Langer, 135 Central Park West, Suite 4S, New York, New York 10023.
Philip Langner (front) with family members and (far left and right, respectively) Westport Library director Bill Harmer and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Literary Landmark dedication. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Community Volunteer Day (Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; free). Help remove invasive plants, and tend to the trails.
Nature Theater: A Harvest Homecoming(Sunday, September 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; adults $20, children 4-17 $10; under 3 free). “Who Are We Kiddin’?” returns with an outdoor experience for kids.
Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall (Sunday, September 28; 1 to 2:30 p.m.); $12; $10 for members). Leanr to safely and sustainably enjoy goods from the woods.
Woodside Bash (Saturday, October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125).
Fall Festival(Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: $40, $12 and $8). Obstacle course, hay rides, corn pool, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling, animal encounters, brids of prey, apple slingshot, hay search, donut on a string, food trucks and more.
Mini Clubs(Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 3-6; $105; $90 for members). Explore bugs, birds and tracking.
Free Range Kids (Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; ages 4-11)
Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-2)
Natue Art Club (Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 3-6).
Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 6-12).
Junior Staff (Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m.; one Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; grades 7-12).
Kids’ Night Out: An Earthplace Campout (Friday, September 19, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; $60; members $50).
Vacation Day Camp(Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Election Day).
One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
This weekend marks the 56th anniversary of Woodstock.
And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.
The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.
This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.
And it’s not some outtakes, added later.
This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.
Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.
As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.
And thousands of others, who wish they were. (Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)
The connections to the Fairfield National team — currently tearing up their bracket at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — keep coming.
In addition to Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap — all with parents who are Staples High School graduates (click here, then scroll down), there is Tommy D’Amura.
The winning pitcher in relief in Friday night’s 5-1 win against Honolulu is the son of Westport Police Department Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, and Greens Farms Elementary School psychologist Katie D’Amura.
It’s almost as if Fairfield is a home town team.
They advance to tomorrow’s winner’s bracket game (Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN), against Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Let’s go, Fairfield!
Tommy D’Amura, at the end of Fairfield’s game against Honolulu. (Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball & Softball)
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In the midst of her move to Bermuda, longtime Westporter Jo Ann Miller has published her 5th novel: “The Devil Dog Brat.”
It’s about a “military brat” who gets involved in the disappearance of her best friend. Human trafficking is suspected.
“Military brats,” who undergo constant transfers of a military parent, consider the term a badge of dedication and patriotism.
Miller, the daughter of the late Lt. General Thomas H. Miller (USMC), attended 4 different high schools.
“The Devil Dog Brat” — part of the Abbey Lane series — will be available Labor Day, on Amazon.
And finally … as for Woodstock (story above): There were a lot of great performances there (and some pretty poor ones too). Here are 3 of the most legendary:
(A ticket to Woodstock cost $18 in 1969. Tons of people got in free, of course. “06880” is the same way: You can enjoy our blog without supporting us, but we hope you will. Please click here. Thank you!)
Every Saturday morning at 11, a group gathers on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to protest President Trump’s actions and policies.
Sometimes the crowd is large. Other times, there are just a few.
Yesterday, they were joined by Richard Blumenthal. Connecticut’s senior senator did not make a formal address. But he spoke individually with all the attendees.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
And a certificate is needed to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut waters.
A state Safe Boating Certificate course is set for August 18 and 20 (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.), at VFW Post 399.
Instructor Barry Natale — a retired US Coast Guard chief boatswain mate — has plenty of search and rescue experience on Long Island Sound, and beyond.
The cost is $25. Email barry@soundnavigation.com, or call 203-219-3688, to register.
Peaceful — but you need a certificate. (Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of the water: Results are in from last Sunday’s 46th annual Point to Point swim.
The mile-long open water Compo Beach race supports the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.
Maegan Grisanti (age 16) earned first place in the Female Division, with an impressive time of 18:01. She was followed by Katharine Radvile (42, 22:57) and Diane Benke (52, 23:09).
In the Male Division, Gregory Pinchbeck (16) took first place in 18:23, ahead of by Joseph Benz (35, 18:58) and Luke McGuinn (14, 19:08). Click here for full results.
MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that helps people with special needs compete in events like this — supported 5 swimmers.
MyTeam Triumph volunteers, with Point to Point swimmers.
Speaking of the environment, Marisa Zer writes: “Spotted lanternfly babies are everywhere. But we have a weapon to fight them!
“A rechargeable handheld vacuum is less than $25 on Amazon. You just suck them up, dump them all in a bag and step it.
“It’s fun to see how many you can catch. Addictive even. Imagine if we all had this weapon, what kind of dent we could put in the population.
“At least until they are too big to suck up.”
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Speaking still of the environment, Scott Smith writes:
It’s shedding season for our local sycamore trees, Platanus occidentalis — the largest native hardwood in the Eastern US.
I have 2 big ones in my Westport yard, and the bark is raining down upon the ground in large sheaves. Must be the heat.
Sycamore shedding. (Photo/Scott Smith)
This habit of shedding bark like skin after a bad sunburn makes the trees especially well suited to urban life, explains Jonathan Drori, author of “Around the World in 80 Trees.”
“Its bark is brittle and, because it cannot adapt to the growth of the trunk and branches underneath, it drops it off in flakes. The bark is dotted with tiny pores, a millimeter or two across, called lenticels, which allow the exchange of gases.”
The tree’s ability to slough off a layer of soot and grime that it has removed from the atmosphere helps it thrive in polluted air — and keeps us living in its shade that much healthier. Trees are gloriously messy things!
W. Reuter — a self-taught marquetry artist specializing in original all-natural, often multi-media wood veneer picture displays — will be at the Westport River Gallery August 3 (1 p.m.).
The public is invited to meet him, and learn about his art. Each work takes several months to create.
And finally … speaking about the VFW’s safe boating course (item above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use, and random stuff you’d never have thought of. If you enjoy this daily “06880” feature, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Journalist/photographer/artist/Westporter Jay Schadler spent over 3 decades as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has also been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.
Now, as a podcaster partnered with Verso Studios at the Westport Library, he uses intimate interviews to tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.
One of the mosot compelling features Doug and Patti Brill. With honesty, insight and compassion — and a bit of humor, too — they describe the world they’ve lived in for the past 20 years.
One day, Doug lost his ability to remember anything for more than 48 hours.
Many Westporters know Doug and Patti Brill. Some know the outlines of their story. Very few understand its depth. Click here to listen.
Doug and Patti Brill (far left and right, respectively), smile often. But the reality of their life is no laughing matter.
Westporters have plenty of used musical instruments, hanging around their homes.
Young musicians in Ecuador could sure use them.
From now through August 1, the Westport Rotary Club is collecting them. They’ll be sent to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador on August 3.
Instruments can be left at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church office, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions? Email peter.helt51@gmail.com, or call 203-295-5060.
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Dark Star Orchestra brought the Grateful Dead’s music — still quite alive — to the Levitt Pavilion yesterday, to a packed lawn. In the past 25 years, they’ve performed over 3,100 shows.
The band recreated the August 5, ,1974 Philadelphia show.
(Photo/Carleigh Welsh)
Matthew Mandell reports there were 3 Representative Town Meeting members there: himself, Karen Kramer, and Jack Klinge — the longest-serving rep, who when voting to approve the Long Lots Elementary School appropriation, quoted the lyrics “What a long strange trip it’s been.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Jerry Kuyper left moments before the end. He captured this colorful shot from the Imperial Avenue parking lot bridge:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
This week’s shows are all free:
Tuesday, July 22: Sierra Hull (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 23: Fyütch & Aura V (Children’s Series; 7 p.m.)
Thursday, July 24: The Moonrise Cartel (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, July 25: Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks (7:30 p.m.).
But Compo Beachgoers were treated to a fun little rainbow last night:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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Earthplace is in the early stages of a capital campagn to renovate and modernize their building, and add a second floor for a science and environmental center.
The Greens Farms Garden Club is helping, with a big donation.
The two non-profits — with complementary missions — have a long relatinship. They began working together in 1977.
(From left): Wynn Hermann, Earthplace committee chair; Tony McDowell, former Earthplace director; Jacque O’Brien, Greens Farms Garden Club president.
Staples High School graduate Geoffrey Kneisel died unexpectedly July 1, with his wife and mother by his side.
AFter graduating from Skidmore College, Geoff spent his entire working career at AmeriCares. He loved his job, his business associates, and the travel experiences related to bringing aid to needy nations throughout the world.
In 2021 Geoff and his wife Sara moved to Castine, Maine, where he had spent many summers. He also loved Nantucked and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.
Geoff was most at home on the water, often with his wife and daughters, fishing, skimboarding or enjoying nature. He cared deeply about the environment and the welfare of the world.
In addition to his wife of 23 years, Sara Byun, and his mother, Mary Clayson, he is survived by his daughters Annabelle and Amelie; siblings Lindsay Kneisel Gagnon of Essex, Massachusetts and David of Westport, and aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Frank, and aunt Ginny Kneisel.
Contributions in Geoff’s memory may be made to The Hatch Community Youth Fund, P.O. Box 195, Castine, ME 04421. A celebration of Geoff’s life will be held at a date to be announced.
And finally … on this date in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Ten others have followed. The last 2 — Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt — made the journey in 1972.
(If you click here to support “06880,” we will love you to the moon and back. You can’t ask for more than that. Thank you!)
Amee Borys — a longtime Earthplace professional — is the new leader of Westport’s nature education and conservation non-profit.
The first female to head Earthplace in its 65-year history — including its previous incarnations as The Nature Center and the Mid-Fairfield County Youth Museum — she begins her role as executive director today.
Borys served as Earthplace’s director of early childhood education from 2015 to 2023, after stints as assistant director of Earthplace preschool, summer camp counselor and classroom teacher.
She was instrumental in expanding Earthplace’s offerings, including establishing the After School Enrichment Program, Nest Infant and Toddler Program, and Little Wreckers classroom at Staples High School.
Borys’ Earthplace connection began nearly 2 decades ago, as a parent. Her 2 children attended Earthplace preschool, after-school programs, and summer camps. Their early experiences inspired them to pursue careers in environmental biology and science education.
New Earthplace executive director Amee Borys (right) and her predecessor, Tony McDowell.
The new executive director replaces Tony McDowell. He announced his retirement earlier this year, after more than a decade at the helm.
“I’m honored to follow in Tony’s footsteps,” Borys says. “His dedication to Earthplace laid a strong foundation, and I’m excited to build on that legacy in the years ahead.”
Borys holds a 6th-year certificate in educational leadership. Earthplace says, “Her background in strategic planning, program development and community engagement, combined with her passion for environmental education and commitment to inclusive programming, makes her the ideal leader to further Earthplace’s mission, and strengthen its role as a vital environmental and educational resource for the region.
“Under Tony’s leadership, Earthplace has seen remarkable growth in both financial stability and program offerings,” adds Mo Tooker, chair of the Earthplace board of directors. “Amee is eager to advance the Earthplace vision with her deep expertise and passion.”
McDowell says, “I am confident that Earthplace is in a strong position for continued success under Amee’s leadership. I look forward to supporting the next chapter by focusing on capital projects and the fundraising efforts that will allow us to grow our impact.”
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