After a decade at the helm, Tony McDowell is stepping down as executive director of the vibrant non-profit environmental and educational center.
He’ll transition into a volunteer role on the capital campaign committee, and work on improvement projects. Until a successor is chosen, he’ll stay on — and then work with the new director, to ensure a smooth handover.
Tony McDowell
McDowell’s leadership has “brought Earthplace into an exciting new chapter, leaving the organization in an incredibly strong position,” says board chair Mo Tooker.
“Under his guidance, Earthplace has experienced tremendous growth, both in financial health and programming.”
Among McDowell’s accomplishments:
The preschool and summer camp now accommodate working parents, with full-time programs for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
Nature-based school programs include over 4,000 youngsters from Norwalk and Bridgeport.
Earthplace campers enjoy a downpour. (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)
Harbor Watch has come under the Earthplace umbrella. Environmental scientists expand their reach with water quality monitoring from Stamford to Milford, and lead the Long Island Sound Pathogen Monitoring Network with a testing lab and research teams stationed at Earthplace.
Facility upgrades include a new amphitheater, Harbor Watch lab and research vessel, pond teaching platform, and interpretive signs for visitors to 84 acres of walking trails.
Operating revenue has more than doubled in 10 years. Cash reserves have more than quadrupled.
McDowell’s new focus will be on fundraising, donor stewardship, and program and exhibit development for a new environmental science center.
“I am proud of all we’ve accomplished over the past ten years, and I am confident that Earthplace is in a strong position for continued success,” he says.
“I look forward to supporting the organization’s next chapter, focusing on the capital projects and fundraising that will help us continue to thrive.”
For more information about Earthplace, click here. For more information about the executive director search, and to nominate candidates, email s.pollmann@earthplace.org.
A small section of Earthplace’s 82 acres. (Photos/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
With snow predicted tomorrow (Thursday), the Westport Farmers’ Market has canceled this week’s session.
“This decision is incredibly difficult to make,” director Lori Cochran says. “We understand the negative impact it has on our vendors and yoru kitchens.
“Be we need to put the safety of our vendors and you foremost.”
Operation Warm Hug — the Farmers’ Market coat drive — will take place next Thursday (February 13).
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Still on: tomorrow’s open house charrette, to view and discuss plans for Westport’s proposed public safety complex (Thursday, February 6; 7 p.m., Senior Center).
The project — involving the Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services — is in the conceptual and feasibility stage.
An architectural presentation will be followed by discussions and feedback opportunities.
Ever wished you could snag an invite to Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak’s house?
I’ve never gotten one. But thanks to the New York Times, I — and anyone else on the planet with internet — can check out a few highlights.
“At Home with Craig Melvin” shows a few rooms. The new NBC “Today” host reveals how the family landed in Westport (it was midway between New York and Bristol, Connecticut, where she works for ESPN), and near a train station.
He talks about their strong relationship with the town (youth sports coaching, PTA, etc.).
And he shows off his grandmother’s beloved chair, and his own candle-making equipment.
Click here for a tour of Craig and Lindsay’s home. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Craig Melvin’s chair, vinyl and more. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)
Club203 celebrated Valentine’s Day early last night.
With a bit of mini-golf.
At their monthly party — hosted by MoCA CT — members made their own golf visors, played a few rounds, enjoyed sweet treats, and mixed and mingled at high-top tables. was treated to some Valentine Birdie Fun tonight – when Mini Golf Party Events brought the party to us at MOCA-CT!”
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our team of volunteers,” says Club203 co-founder Stacie Curran.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Fun for all: Club203 at MoCA CT.
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Earthplace is ready for the rest of winter.
And spring.
Upcoming at the non-profit science, conservation and education center:
Woodland Egg Hunt: (April 18 & 19; hourly slots from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.; $25 per child): A nature hunt for eggs, meet a live rabbit (and egg-laying animals), and create spring-themed crafts.
Toast to the Trees: Afternoon Beer Tasting and Kids Activities
(April 26, 4 to 6 p.m.; $35 adults 21+; $15 child). Arbor Day special. Explore the trails while sipping craft vrews. Kids have fun too. End with beer, food trucks, lawn games and a campfire with s’mores.
Cocktails & Clams Fundraiser: Sunset Evening on the Sound (May 31, 5 to 7 p.m.). Harbor Watch benefit, at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Unlimited raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live band and silent auction.
Moth Ball (June 21, 8 to 11 p.m.). Observe nocturnal insects while sipping cocktails. Costumes are optional.
Click here for more information, including tickets.
Arbor Day at Earthplace.
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Gang of Four kicks off its farewell tour on April 18, at the Westport Library.
The pioneering band served a forerunner of the post-punk movement, fusing outspoken political messages with intense, percussive live set.
Tickets for the concert — an extension of VersoFest 2025 — are $55. Click here to purchase.
Tim “Journeys by DJ” Fielding, the founder of Brainiak Records, will spin tracks before the show.
Singer Jon King will be in the Trefz Forum earlier in the day for a conversation with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (and Fairfield resident) Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club) about his new book, To Hell with Poverty!: A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four.”
The Staples boys basketball team rebounded (ho ho) from a rare loss to #1 St. Bernard’s on Saturday, with a 57-41 win over highly touted Fairfield Ludlowe, in Westport.
“06880” photographer/Staples sophomore Ryan Allen captured this great photo, of senior co-captain Charlie Bowman:
Posted onJanuary 29, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Paul Shaffer, Christine Ohlman, Laddie Lawrence …
For half a century, Paul Shaffer has entertained America. .
On April 6 (11 a.m.), the legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer and David Letterman’s musical director will entertain a few hundred guests, at the Westport Library.
Shaffer’s special mix of music, comedy and entertainment will be on display, as a special attraction for the VersoFest Oral History Podcast. He will also perform on the piano.
He’ll speak with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. She will host the conversation fresh off her Library appearance for her annual Winter Dance Party with her band, Rebel Montez.
The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase.
Shaffer and Ohlman’s appearance is just one of many highlights, during VersoFest’s 4 days of music, media and creatvity, from April 3 to 6. For more information, click here.
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting this Friday (9 a.m.). Staples High School boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos is appealing the non-renewal of his contract.
The meeting will be held in Rooms 307/309 at Town Hall.
Staples High School boys tennis coach Kris Hrisovulos
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Everyone needs a warm hug.
Thursday, February 6 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) marks the Westport Farmers’ Market’s annual Operation Warm Hug.
There, at their Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center winter home, they’ll collect lightly used coats, hats, mittens, sweaters and sweatshirts, to share with nOURish in Bridgeport.
Longtime — very longtime — Staples High School track coach Laddie Lawrence has a new project.
He’s collaborating with former runner (and later coaching colleague) Amanda Parrish Morgan on a book about his life.
It includes his youth and career as a star Wrecker runner himself, his career, his athletes, his relationships with the town and the running community, and much more.
Amanda hopes that many people who know Laddie will contribute stories about him. Humorous, serious, inspirational — all are welcome.
Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to seniors Alessandro Alderucci, Alexa Fass and Maxwll Manchester; juniors Susan Monaghan and Ella Slade, and freshmen Edison Kousky and Anita Vinokur.
They’re the school’s Students of the Month.
The honor recognizes students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers.
Principal Stafford Thomas calls them “the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
From left: Maxwell Manchester, Alessandro Alderucci, Alexa Fass, Edison Kousky, Susan Monaghan, Anita Vinokur, Ella Slade.
February is the shortest month (fortunately). But at Earthplace, it’s packed with activities. Among them:
“Family Campfire: National Bird Feeding Month” (February 8, 1 to 2:30 p.m.): Marshmallows, animals, guided activities and more.
“Bluebird Houses” (February 9, 1 to 3 p.m.): Build a nest box to have ready for spring; designed for school-aged children with caregivers to do togther.
“Snow Moon Hike” (February 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.): A guided hike along trails in a full moon; listen for owls, and pick out constellations.
“Craft and Sip: Pressed Flower Candle Holders” (February 13, 6 to 8 p.m.); Bring drinks and snacks, then join friends to create a simple craft.
“Maple Sugar Magic” (February 23, 1 to 3 p.m.): Help tap a tree, then sample maple goodies around a campfire.
“Wild Roots: Conserving Genetic Diversity with Native Plants” (February 27, 7 to 8 p.m.)
In addition, Earthplace offers full- and half-day Vacation Day Camps over winter break (February 17-21). The theme is “Food Preservation with Natural Cooking.”
Click here for details, on the Earthplace website.
Questions? For nature programs and events, email v.swain@earthplace.org. For Vacation Day Camp, email s.bell@earthplace.org.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Betty Lou Cummings’ passing. Westport has lost an exceptional member of our community, and she will always hold a place alongside the great contributors to our town. Her cheer, her infectious happiness, and her love of life and community were unmatched. She will be remembered and appreciated forever.
Betty Lou’s involvement and generous commitment to Westport was unquestioned and steadfast, beginning with her participation in the resistance to having a nuclear power plant built on Cockenoe Island. She was one of the leaders of that movement. Today we have Betty Lou, among others, to thank for helping to maintain the natural beauty of that town asset.
She was a pioneer in female representation in Westport. After she served roles as second selectwoman and as an RTM member, she continued to actively and passionately champion for programs and civic issues that affected the entire community.
This included, but certainly was not limited to, volunteering and fundraising for the Westport Library and the Westport Center for Senior Activities, and organizing events for CLASP Homes. For decades, and with an enthusiasm that was unrivaled, Betty Lou proudly judged the Memorial Day parade floats and organized Super Bowl parties at the Senior Center.
I have so many personal fond memories of Betty Lou at many of these special events. With her pom-poms and pigtails, she unabashedly exuded joy. I so enjoyed her laughter and her company, but mostly, I respected her ability to engage everyone and make an entire room a bit brighter with her presence.
The town of Westport has been fortunate to have had Betty Lou as one of its leading citizens. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the many residents whose lives she enhanced and touched.
Betty Lou Cummings and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Bridgewater is cutting 7% of its workforce.
That’s about 90 employees, out of the 1,200 or so at the company’s Nyala Farm headquarters adjacent to I-95 Exit 18.
The firm — one of the largest hedge funds in the world — once had 2 sites in Westport. The other was in the Glendinning building on Weston Road.
An office on Fifth Avenue, to “complement” the one here, will open this winter.
Click here for details, and for more Wakeman Town Farm activities.
Wakeman Town Farm alpaca mug.
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Earthplace Summer Camp registration is now open.
Youngsters of all abilities ages 2-15 are welcome to enjoy nature-based activities, and experience over 50 “animal ambassadors.” There are weekly sessions, from mid-June through mid-August.
Click here for more information. Questions? Email summercamp@earthplace.org.
Having fun at Earthplace summer camp. (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)
Many times, the Westport Astronomical Society’s lecture series guests appear via Zoom, from around the galaxy (or at least the planet)
On January 21 (8 p.m.), the WAS welcomes their own board member Dr. Kevin Green, to the observatory classroom.
The University of New Haven Physics Department member will discuss the ongoing work of observing asteroids at WAS, and surrounding telescopes. The talk includes short presentations from his team of young, talented observers.
Dr. Green spearheads observations of asteroid occultations at the Westport Astronomical Society and University of New Haven, among others.
For those who can’t be there live, the talk will be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom.
Dr. Kevin Green
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As the nation focuses its attention on Washington — in the aftermath of the January 6 insurrection, and the inauguration on January 20 of Donald Trump — the National Mall plays a prominent role.
Who knew there are stables there?
And if you did know, it’s unlikely you realized they were designed by a Westport architect.
In early 1976, in preparation for the Bicentennial, a small group of simple wooden stalls were erected for horses of the US Park Police. Though designed to be temporary, they have been used ever since.
A few years ago, a new building was constructed with stables and support spaces, administrative facilities, and a public information and education gallery. The public can now see the police horses in their stalls, and in paddocks in front.
It was designed by Tasos Kokoris. For many years, he has lived and worked in town.
Add that to your list of “must-sees,” the next time you’re in our nation’s capital. (Hat tip: Morgan Mermagen)
Tasos Kokoris’ horse stables, on the National Mall.
Judith Voss — a Westport resident for 50 years — died December 16. She was 83.
The Wisconsin native was valedictorian of her high school class in 1959. After earning a BA in education from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh, Judy taught middle school English in suburban Milwaukee.
Six years later, on a blind date, she met her future husband Ted, who had just finished law school and would soon be drafted into the Army.
After their wedding in 1968 Ted returned to Heidelberg, Germany where he was stationed. After finishing teaching for the school year, Judy joined. She saved love letters from their time apart.
After returning to the US in 1970, the couple lived in Milwaukee and Indianapolis. They settled in Westport in 1974.
Judy was an avid tennis player, and became a bridge bronze lifetime master. She also took great joy from cooking, baking, gardening, and looking after her home.
Other pastimes included running, yoga and The New York Times crossword puzzles. A voracious reader, Judy was an enthusiastic supporter of the Westport Public Library.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Trista Soh (Edward), and granddaughters Evelyn and Madeline. Her husband Ted died in 2020.
And finally … Peter Yarrow — one-third of the legendary Peter, Paul & Mary trio — died yesterday in New York. He was 86, and suffered from bladder cancer.
Mary Travers — the golden-voiced contralto, with several ties to Westport — died in 2009, in Danbury.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, features, photos, and so much more — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
Speaking of the holiday: If it’s New Year’s, it must be SyFy’s annual “Twilight Zone” marathon.
The annual event — an homage to the show and its creator, former Westporter Rod Serling — begins at 1 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). It runs through 3:30 a.m. Thursday.
Click here for the full schedule. Looking for “A Stop at Willoughby” — the episode that includes a commuter heading to Westport, who never quite makes it?
It airs at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1.
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Experience Camps — the Westport-based national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver — hosts a New Year’s Day Polar Plunge (January 1, 10 a.m., Compo Beach).
The event ceelbrates the opening of their newest location. It will be at KenMont and KenWood Camp in Kent, Connecticut (August 18-23).
The weather should be much warmer then.
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Friends of Sherwood Island welcome New Year’s with a beach walk.
Everyone — “official” Friends members and not; children, and dogs on short leashes — is invited to meet in front of the Nature Center at 11 a.m. on Wednesday (January 1). Follow signs to East Beach.
Start the new year at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Susan Leone)
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Hungry to learn more about where your food comes from?
The Westport Farmers’ Market co-hosts the Fairfield County premiere of “Food & Country” — Ruth Reichl’s award-winning documentary about our food supply — next Sunday (January 5, 4:30 p.m., FTC Warehouse).
An extra course: Reichl (former New York Times food critic, and editor of Gourmet magazine) will be at the screening. After, she’ll join 2 other culinary icons to talk about the fim, and answer questions from the audience.
Panelists include Michel Nischan and Ed Levine.
Nischan is a 4-time James Beard Award-winning chef, who has spent over 40 years advocating for a more healthful, sustainable food system. He worked with Paul Newman to help low-income families access fresh fruits and vegetables (now a permanent part of the federal farm bill). Nischan and Newman also co-founded The Dressing Room, the popular restaurant next to the Westport Country Playhouse.
Levine is the host and creator of the “Special Sauce” podcast, and a 3-time James Beard Award winner.
Yesterday’s New York Times Styles section included a story on “Knitting with Dog Hair.”
The popular “lighthearted yet serious instructional book on the quirky craft that shows how to collect dog fuzz and spin, dye and knit with the yarn known as chiengora” has just been reissued in a revised 30th anniversary edition.
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that author Kendall Crolius — now 70 years old — grew up in Westport.
Linda Smith calls her “the favorite child I babysat for 66 years ago.” The Croliuses lived on Cavalry Road, and Linda says that 4-year-old Kendall explained to her the difference between Cavalry and Calvary.”
But free s’mores — compliments of Nômade — were on the menu yesterday, outside the Main Street restaurant in front of Savvy + Grace.
The marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate have been one of the most popular items the last 2 years, at the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Yesterday’s fog elicited several “Westport … Naturally” photos.
Andrew Fishman captured this scene on Larch Tree Lane, off Cavalry Road.
There’s not much time left to get in your car, drive somewhere, buy stuff, wrap it, deliver it, and hope that the recipient enjoys it.
Or, alternatively, to shop online, and hope that — thanks to our complex delivery system — someone else will deliver it wherever it needs to go, while you hope the recipient enjoys it.
Our town’s non-profit environmental education and advocacy organization notes that the holidays are a time of “joy, togetherness — and a lot of waste.”
The average household generates 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and the New Year than at other times of the year. (And as we all know, Westport households are far from “average.”)
Many people feel forced to choose between holiday cheer and sustainable practices, Sustainable Westport says.
But there are alternatives.
They share some ideas to reduce waste, and make the holidays more eco-friendly.
Susatainable Westport’s first recommendation is: “Stop buying more stuff!”
It’s important not only for the planet, they say, but for our own mental health.
Instead, they suggest, share or give “experiences. Meaningful moments and connections are what the holidays are truly about. Plus, by keeping gifts local, you can reduce your environmental impact and help promote our local economy.”
In the spirit of giving, Sustainable Westport shares a few “experiential ideas”:
Take advantage of our arts and cultural scene. Give a MoCA CT membership, and check out an exhibit there. Or catch a show at the Westport Country Playhouse
Sign up for a cooking class or attend a gourmet dinner at Wakeman Town Farm
Make a donation in a friend’s or family member’s name to the Westport Library
Purchase a gift certificate to one of Westport’s great restaurants.
This winter, give the gift of entertainment at the Westporot Country Playhouse.
“The holidays are a time to come together, not consume more,” Sustainable Westport says.
“We hope these ideas help you celebrate the season in a way that’s kinder to the planet — and your spirit.”
Their New Year’s resolution: Offering more tips in 2025.
(“06880” uses no trees or gas to deliver news and ideas, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our sustainable work, please make a tax-deductible gift by clicking here. Thank you!)
Andrew Colabella reports: “Over the last 2 years, a group of volunteers from the Representative Town Meeting planted 500 tulips. Most were at the Minute Man monument.
“In late spring, a landscaper mistook the stems there for weeds. Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent Michael West was upset, and wanted to make up for it.”
Colabella requested 500 tulip bulbs as replacements. West, and Parks & Rec’s Jamie Boone and Rick Giunta, surprised him with 1,500.
The other day,Colabella and several fellow RTM members planted the bulbs at the Minute Man, and other spots in town like the Compo Beach entrance and Compo cemetery.
In addition, each RTM member who planted tulips took bulbs to plant in a public spot of their choice — without telling the others where it is.
We won’t see the results of their work until spring. But it will be fun to discover, and beautiful to see.
Planting tulips at the Minute Man monument. Front row (from left): Nancy Kail, Kristin Mott Purcell. Rear: Melissa Levy, Andrew Colabella, Don O’Day.
Planting bulbs at Compo Beach. RTM members Claudia Shaum and Julie Whamond flank Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd.
Looking for non-shopping activities over Thanksgiving? Got relatives from out of town, who want to do something Westport-special?
Earthplace is your place.
Their Story and Animal program, Birds of Prey feeding, “Saturdays at Earthplace” and Winged Wonders program are all intriguing. And Earthplace trails and 62-acre sanctuary are open to the public, from dawn to dusk.
The Story and Animal program (Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; age 5 and under) includes an animal-themed story, and an “encounter” with an Animal Hall resident.
Birds of Prey Feeding (daily, 11 a.m.; all ages), includes information about birds’ eating habits and behaviors.
Saturdays at Earthplace (November 30, noon; all ages; parent or caregiver must be present) is a nature-based arts and crafts activity.
Winged Wonders (December 1, 1 p.m.) is a bird-on-glove demonstration, to learn about raptors. This Sunday features Earthplace’s barred owl, Moody.
Also, starting Sunday, Earthplace participates in Westport Moms’ first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt The “Earthplace Elf” will hide somewhere indoors, for one week. Spot it between December 1 and 8, and win a prize.
For more information on Earthplace and its programs, click here.
An Earthplace Winged Wonders demonstration.
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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, November 26, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes a project update; work session to review progress on schematic plans, and public comment.
Long Lots School Building Committee, in a meeting last year.
As part of the Cross Highway Traffic Improvement project between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, the Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge.
The existing bridge is in bad shape, and cannot be modified to include the new sidewalk proposed for the corridor.
Construction is proposed for 2025. The goal is to replace the bridge during the summer, when school is not in session.
The town has submitted applications to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for an 8-24.
Meetings of those groups are December 4, 11 and 16, respectively. Meeting materials are or will be available on the town’s website for each board.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.
Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook.
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Achtung!
Staples High School German students did more than just showcase their skills and knowledge at the recent University of Connecticut German Quiz Bowl, competing against other high school German programs.
They finished Nummer Eins — Number One!
In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops. They also learned about job prospects with over 150 German companies operating in Connecticut. (Since 2019, Germany has been Connecticut’s number one business partner.)
Staples German students, at the University of Connecticut.
Speaking of school: Last week, Greens Farms Academy broke ground for it new Athletics and Wellness Center.
The 30,000-square foot facility — set to open in the spring of 2026 — will
include 2 full-size basketball courts, 2 wrestling rooms, 2 squash courts with viewing galleries, a fitness center and training room.
It follows the expansion of Lower School facilities, including a new dining and student commons and a renovated assembly room, which opened last year.
The projects are funded through GFA’s Centennial Campaign, which will officially launch next fall 2025 as the school nears its 100th anniversary.
A model of Greens Farms Academy’s Athletics & Wellness Center.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Thanksgiving a day early.
This year’s weekly musical treat is tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27; VFW Post 399), instead of the traditional Thursday.
Bassist Fima Ephrom headlines. He’s joined by his First Light Band: guitarists Idan Morim and Tim Jago, keyboardist William Evans, drummer Ben Silashi and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
And finally … Tina Turner was born on this date, in 1939. After a dynamic musical career, first with her husband Ike and then as a solo artist, she died last year, at 83.
(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …
Dick Fincher — a longtime Westporter with a quiet passion for the town, and who served it in roles ranging from Tree Board chair, and Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member to Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman — died on Monday. He was 86.
His family says:
The Fincher family lost their hero on October 28. Richard “Dick” Fincher enjoyed 86 wonderous trips around the sun.
The Indiana sand dunes, on the shores of Lake Michigan, were his playground.
Raised by 2 adoring uncles and a fiercely protective grandmother. All provided love, strength and a strong set of values, while at the same time imbuing Dick with a lifetime love of all things natural.
High school was spent at Benlippen in Asheville, North Carolina, where he excelled both academically and in sports. Dick was offered a basketball scholarship by Indiana State, and a soccer scholarship to Wheaton College in Illinois.
Wheaton won out. Dick played soccer, and captained his team to an NCAA championship his senior year.
Their first night at Wheaton, Dick met Dorothy “Dottie” Skeoch at a freshman mixer. Their friendship extended into an adventurous 63-year marriage.
Dick Fincher
An ROTC commitment took Dick and Dottie to Fort Lee, Virginia for a Quartermaster School assignment. There, among other commitments, Dick was asked to form and coach the post soccer team.
After completing his military assignment, Dick joined Continental Can Company. For the next 20 years he saw the world.
He then founded his own consulting and recruiting company, which lasted for the next 20 years.
Upon retirement, unable to sit in a hammock, Dick began carving and hand painting cedar fishing lures, which he sold from the Caribbean to Hawaii.
In 1969, this became Dick’s town. He immersed himself in everything Westport.
In addition to Earthplace, the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, Staples Tuition Grants, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church, Dick could be found on the sidelines cheering Staples High School soccer games, and attending town meetings where he believed he could make a difference.
Dick Fincher, at the entrance to the Wadsworth Arboretum (corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane).
His Old Hill neighborhood became his world. He championed formation of the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, monitored cars speeding through stop signs, gave advice, cared for folks in dark clothes walking the narrow streets, and worked endless hours in his yard, sharing the abundance of his garden with neighbors.
Seeing and visiting with neighbors, feeding his many birds, sitting on his front porch or strolling with his dog Gunner were the highlights of his day.
Summers found Dick captaining his boat on Long Island Sound, fishing for stripers and blues, and running lobster pots with his boys.
In his wake he leaves Dottie, his beloved sons Rick, Doug (Tracy) and Scott (Julie), 10 adored grandchildren (with a great-grandchild on the way), and many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved.
A celebratory service is planned for Christ & Holy Trinity Church on December 28.
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McDowell’s new focus will be on fundraising, donor stewardship, and program and exhibit development for a new environmental science center.
But there are alternatives.
