Missed the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidates debates for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Education and Board of Finance?
No problem! They’re archived. Watch them now (or any time before November 7).
Just click here. www.westportct.gov. Scroll down; then click on “Watch Meetings.” Scroll all the way to the bottom; click on “Other Meetings and Events.”
Listen. Learn. Then vote!
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates, at last week’s League of Women Voters debate.
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Two dozen Westporters — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — were among the 200 guests at last night’s United Nations reception for a ground-breaking arts exhibition.
The display — in the main lobby — depicts Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion.” His 30 lenticular photos show local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name.
Nearby is fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw’s Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).
The Westporters’ work takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.
Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.
The display is open to the public weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 20.
Miggs Burroughs with one of his 30 lenticular images. This one is of his son Brady. (Photo/Helen Klisser During)
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are helping with VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 40th straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive.
The event is next Wednesday (October 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Riverside Avenue).
Everyone eligible to donate blood is welcome. Pre-registration helps with scheduling; click here, and use the sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.
This year, as many as 40 million Americans will face hunger. One third of college students will be food insecure. While millions go hungry, America’s food system allows over 100 billion pounds of food to go to waste annually.
On November 14 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), the Westport Farmers’ Market, Wakeman Town Farm, Sustainable Westport and Food Rescue US-Fairfield County present a free screening of “Abundance: The Farmlink Story.”
The award-winning documentary explores youth-led solutions to food insecurity and wasted food. All are welcome — especially students.
There is a reception before the film. After, there’s a panel discussion with local food system leaders and experts, moderated by Chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave executive chair.
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Longtime Westporter Angelo Rotella Sr, died October 7, with his family by his side. He was 72.
A native of Sersale, Italy, he moved to Norwalk at age 9. Angelo graduated from JM Wright Technical School. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Marylee Denke.
Throughout more than 50 years together, their family says, “Angelo and Marylee’s homes were filled with love and life (and tons of wall paper). Despite taking care of family, friends and a variety of pets, there was always room in their home for everyone.”
Angelo’s favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, gardening and fishing. He quickly became the Wii bowling champion in his family.
His family adds, “Angelo was a great listener. When he spoke, he offered sound advice coupled with wisdom and compassion.
“Angelo wasn’t afraid to try new things, get dirty, or work hard.” He started his career as a mason, then worked for the town of Westport at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. For years, he celebrated his love for the water by working the night shift at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. Angelo retired in 2017, after 27 years of dedication.
He is survived by his wife Marylee; children Dawn, Angelo Jr. and Lisa; grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and sister Josephine Mercurio.
Calling hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home today (Wednesday, October 18, 4 to 8 p.m. Mass will be held tomorrow (Thursday, October 19, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wittingham Cancer Center.
And finally … on this day in 1967, 66-year-old Louis Armstrong released “What a Wonderful World.” It went to #1 in the UK, but nowhere in the US. The president of ABC Records disliked the song, and refused to promote it.
Armstrong died 4 years later. Finally, in 1988 — when used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” — it found American success. In 1999, Armstrong’s recording was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.
(Good morning, Westport! We hope you’re enjoying another “06880” post. If so, please consider a contribution to support your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)
The Small Car Company’s annual Air-Cooled Charity Car Show on Veterans Green.
The event raised funds and awareness for 2 non-profits: Northeast Community Cycles (which provides bikes free of charge to underprivileged children) and the Bikeport Co-Op (a program where youth earn bikes by attending bike safety and maintenance courses, and performing volunteer hours with local organizations).
The show featured dozens of vintage Porsches, Volkswagens, Corvairs and other rare and special air-cooled cars and motorcycles from around the tri-state area.
Among the air-cooled vehicles on display at Veterans Green. (Photo/Sarathi Roy)
Meanwhile, adjacent to the Artists Collective of Westport trunk show in the Taylor parking lot, Earthplace naturalist Rachel Grella showed off a ball python, on Jesup Green. Its audience had a variety of reactions.
For this week’s 3 candidate debates, questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Questions should be emailed to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage Wednesday (October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.
A reminder: Beginning next Monday (October 15), gas-powered leaf blowers are allowed every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except holidays.
Property owners are responsible for informing landscapers who work on their property.
Homeowners doing their own yard work have extended hours: weekdays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Beginning May 15, no gas-powered leaf blowers will be allowed through October 15, except in specific situations (for example a health or safety emergency, or storm cleanup).
Property owners should inform landscapers now, so they can plan to buy any necessary equipment before May 15. (Hat tip: Kristin Schneeman)
Lauren Bullock recently resigned, after teaching for 16 years in the Westport Public Schools.
But she had another career too. She wrote, directed and produced a short film, “Tough Love.” It’s been nominated for Excellence in Directing and Outstanding Lead Actress awards by the 2023 Pitch to Screen Festival.
“A young, attractive bartender is crazed by a traumatic childhood after the death of her father. Constantly questioning her self-worth and duplicity, Lana struggles to find love as she seeks affection from strangers. She is burdened by the remnants of patriarchy, religion, and bad choices as she is faced with her own reflection. Lana must look in the mirror and confront her past in order to move on.”
It’s available for public viewing online for 4 days only (October 12-16); click here for details. It then moves to the big screen, at Manhattan’s Dolby Theater, on October 20.
Half of the film was shot in and around Westport last spring. A few local actors were in the cast.
Winners of festival awards will be determined by viewers’ votes.
Click here for the Bullock Productions website. Click below for the “Tough Love” trailer.
A Senior Center audience of over 120 attendees was entertained yesterday by the Gramercy Brass Orchestra.
The invitation came from Senior Center board member Molly Alger. She was on the Gramercy Board for 20 years, before moving from New York to Westport.
Her son Jason was a student at the United Nations International School, where orchestra leader/trumpeter John Henry Lambert taught — and took private lessons from him too.
Gramercy Brass Orchestra at the Senior Center. Leader John Henry Lambert is at far right. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Canal Road, on Saugatuck Shores. Humans have made their mark there — but it’s still filled with natural wonders.
A couple of readers thought the type size on the new app was difficult to read.
So developer Joshua Jordan went to work. He added the ability to increase type size — and/or the spacing between lines — in the easiest possible way.
There’s now an “eyeball” icon on the top right of any story you read (see image below). Just click it, and adjust the type size and spacing. It stays there automatically, every time you visit.
The eyeball icon.
If you’ve got the app, it should have automatically updated to include the new feature. If it did not, click “Updates” in your app store. The “06880” app is available for both iOS and Android phones.
Thanks again to Joshua, for taking time out of his busy schedule as a Staples High School senior to add this feature.
It was standing room only yesterday afternoon, for Patty Haberstroh‘s memorial service at The Inn at Longshore.
The longtime Department of Human Services social worker/former PTA Council president/Staples Building Committee member/beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, confidante was remember warmly, personally, insightfully and laughingly by her husband Charlie, 3 sons, daughter, grandchildren, neurologist and minister.
Videos of Patty accepting an award from a national ALS organization — midway through the disease that ultimately took her life this summer — and of the Haberstroh family’s “ALS Pepper Challenge” that raised over $1 million for research added extra spice to the afternoon.
People of all ages came from near and far to honor Patty. She got a sendoff worthy of her wonderfulness.
Patty Haberstroh’s children address the SRO crowd at yesterday’s Inn at Longshore memorial service. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest is always a highlight of late summer/early fall.
This year’s event — set for Saturday (September 23, 3 to 7 p.m.) — is even more highlight-y than most.
It’s also the kickoff for Rotary’s Centennial Project: a rehab of the Compo Beach playground, in partnership with the Westport Young Woman’s League and town of Westport.
The ginormous fundraiser — the biggest 1-day Rotary event in New England — sold out just 4 days after tickets went on sale, in July.
It’s an enormous effort. Volunteers — Westport Rotary members, and others — feed 2,000 people, in 4 hours.
This year’s LobsterFest includes many new activities for the 400-plus youngsters who will attend. For the first time, a “kids’ meal” food truck will be on site.
Over the last 12 years, the event has raised $1.5 million. Over $1 million has been reinvested in local and regional program, while $350,000 has supported international humanitarian projects, mostly in Central America and Africa.
This year, $100,000 will go toward the playground project.
Planning has already begun. The organizing committee is looking for volunteers (click here to help).
LobsterFest also kicks off 2 weeks in which the public can provide input on features they love and want to keep, those that are not great and could be replaced, and new elements they’d like to see.
The data will then be analyzed and sent to Play By Design. They’ll generate a preliminary design, which will be revealed to Westport at the end of October. Click here to provide input on the redesign.
Everyone loves the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest.
One of the best — and most underrated — is Saturday, September 30 (7 to 10 p.m.). Earthplace’s “Woodside Bash” includes an open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, music by Pimpinella, and a mechanical bull (with a prize for the longest time on it). It’s all under the stars (with, of course, a tent).
This year’s signature cocktail is a spiced apple cider margarita.
They include beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries; live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub; a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; pumpkin and apple giveaways; food trucks, and vendors like Savvy + Grace.
Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.
It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport is chockablock with organizations that change lives. “06880” reports often on them.
But we’ve never mentioned PEO. That’s because until yesterday, we’d never heard of it.
That’s amazing. It’s been around for over 150 years.
Philanthropic Educational Organization was created in 1869 in Iowa to offer more educational opportunities to women. There are now 225,000 members in 6,000 chapters in the US and Canada.
Over the years, PEO has provided over $398 million in financial assistance through direct scholarships and special projects to more than 110,00 women worldwide.
The local chapter – Chapter B CT — created its own scholarship fund last year in honor of the chapter’s 80th anniversary. They’ll award a scholarship to a female high school senior beginning next spring.
Young women with a successful academic record and financial need can apply here. Click here for the Chapter B CT website — designed by Miggs Burroughs — which includes donation information and details on other scholarships.
For more information, email chapter president Angela Wormser at aworm@aol.com, or scholarship chair Priscilla Long at pal9948@aol.com.
Her Time is a Bridgeport-based social justice program that serves women and children impacted by incarceration.
The women were either formerly incarcerated, or work multiple jobs and carry the loads their spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends and children left behind during incarceration.
On September 30, 2 powerful contemporary folk artists — Abbie Gardner and Tracy Grammer — will bring their energy and positive vibes to Voices Café (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 8 p.m.). All proceeds benefit Her Time.
Voices Café offers tables and individual seats. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy a snack from their sweet treats table. Groups of 4 or more can reserve table space. General admission: $25 per person.
Drummer Joe Farnsworth wowed the crowd at his first Westport appearance.
He returns this Thursday to Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.). He’ll be joined by bassist Brandi Disterheft, pianist Caelan Cardello, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … happy birthday to Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.
The Chic front man/3-time Grammy Award-winning/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee/ “We Are Family” songwriter-producer has played at the Levitt Pavilion, helped out the Library, and contributed to the Saugatuck Shores vibe.
He’s 71 today. Here’s to many, many more!
(Nile Rodgers is a local guy. And “06880” is Westport’s favorite source for local news. Thanks for clicking here, and supporting your hyper-local blog.)
The rainbow crosswalk installed near Jesup Green at the start of Pride Month was temporary.
As colorful as it was, it quickly showed the effects of downtown traffic.
Now, a permanent rainbow crosswalk is in the works.
The Board of Selectwomen gramted approval in June. Materials and installation will be funded completely by private donations. The town will handle maintenance.
Designed by Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, the crosswalk will consist of 21 panels. They include the transgender, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) and intersex communities.
It is made of a DecoMark, a durable thermoplastic material heat fused to the pavement. It has been used on all new Westport crosswalks, with a life expectancy of up to 10 years.
The temporary crosswalk was paid for by Dr. Nikki Gorman, Galia Gichon and members of Westport’s LGBTQ+ community.
The permanent crosswalk costs $32,500 for materials, labor and installation. Westport Pride hopes to install it by National Coming Out Day (October 11).
A fund drive has so far paid for 12 of the 21 panels. Just $14,500 remains to be raised.
Panel sponsors ($1,500) can have their name or business featured on a plaque near the crosswalk, and on the Westport Pride website.
All donations are welcome. Other donors will be recognized on the website too. Click here for more information, and to donate.
The temporary rainbow crosswalk, at its June installation.
“My amazing hairdresser at Salon 293 East was at the Westport Post Office Friday, filling out forms. She left her bag on the window ledge behind her.
“Someone may have thought they grabbed her wallet, but in fact it was her case of tools.
“She had some cash and checks zipped inside from her morning clients. While she doesn’t expect to get the money back, her tools are her livelihood. She needs them desperately.
“It’s unlikely that anyone who took them reads your blog. But maybe someone saw someone take the money, and discard the case somewhere.
“If so, it can be left on the bench outside the salon with no questions asked, or anonymously dropped in the Westport Library mailbox.”
The Binky Griptite Super Soul Revue roared onto the Levitt Pavilion stage last night.
A large crowd started dancing with the first number, and did not stop.
The legendary Binky brought his “A” team last night. He’s on the right in the photo below.
With him (from left): Fred Thomas, principal bassist with James Brown’s band for over 3 decades, and Carlton Jumel Smith, a singer/songwriter/producer/ actor who portrayed James Brown in the 1999 film “Liberty Heights.”
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Tonight (Sunday) it’s a different genre. The Americana-style North Country Band makes its Levitt debut, at 7 p.m.
After Staples High School, 2010 graduate Nadia Waski earned a master’s degree in archaelogoy.
On October 12 (6 p.m.), Earthplace welcome her to its International Archaeology Day celebration. Her lecture is “In the Ground, On Your Mind: A Discussion on Cultural Resource Management.”
Nadia will be on familiar turf. Back in the day, she attended the Earthplace nursery school.
Click here for details, and registration (limited to 100 people).
The on-scene investigation of the “untimely death” of a 56-year-old woman — found yesterday at 11 a.m. — was completed at 12:45 this morning by the Westport Police Detective Bureau, assisted by the Connecticut State Police Major Crime unit. The investigation remains active.
The woman was identified as Jennifer Lindstrom, of 3 Oak Ridge Park. Westport Police responded to the residence after a housekeeper found her unresponsive at the bottom of a staircase leading to the basement.
Among the hidden-in-plain-sight treasures of Westport: Frazier Forman Peters houses.
Between 1924 and 1936, the architect designed and built over 40 distinctive stone homes in Westport (and more in surrounding towns).
On November 5 Histoury — a non-profit dedicated to significant buildings — offers a bus tour of 20 Frazier Forman Peters houses. Experts will offer commentary on their designs and histories. Several interior tours will be included.
Tickets are $75 for adults, $49 for students. Click here to purchase. For more information on Frazier Forman Peters, click here.
A Frazier Forman Peters house on Riverview Road with fieldstone facades, slate roof and copper gutters.
Here’s our first Halloween-related story of the year. (No, it is not Dunkin’s pumpkin lineup — although it is already available.)
This is about CLASP‘s “Rockin’ Halloween Bash.” Set for October 20 (Fairfield Theatre Company), it features lite bits from Little Pub, and live music from Band Central — the popular group made up of clients at the organization providing group homes and other services for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
The 6th annual Westport Library event — the largest literary event in Connecticut — has just secured Stephen Graham Jones as moderator for the keynote conversation with Neil Gaiman.
Tickets are available starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 22. Click here to order. The event is free, but seats are limited.
In addition, Eric LaRocca will cap a full day of Saturday events with a staged reading of his new play, “Gentle Hacksaw.”
Tickets for LaRocca are $20, and are available now. They include a reception with StoryFest authors, small bites and a cash bar.
From left: Stephen Graham Jones, Neil Gaiman, Eric LaRocca.
A bit earlier than October — Sunday, August 27 — MoCA sponsors “Kaleidoscope,” a 1-day exhibition featuring works from MoCA Gives Back Healing Arts, as well as Camp MoCA Westport participants. Food trucks will be on site.
Oliver Bub is rowing his boat — all the way to Serbia.
Or at least, in the Balkan country.
The Staples High School 2014 Biology Student of the Year is part of the men’s eight team that will represent the US at the World Rowing Championships next month in Belgrade. He was an alternate on last year’s squad.
The 6-6, 205-pound Dartmouth College graduate was Saugatuck Rowing Club’s 2015 Most Valuable Oarsman. He lives now in Oakland, and rows for the California Rowing Club. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)
“Monarchs in Motion” — a free September 7 (6 p.m.) event at Earthplace — does not refer to King Charles’ recent ascension to the throne.
It’s about “understanding how insect movement and dispersal ecology informs conservation planning.” Speaker Dr. Kelsey Fisher is an “insect movement ecologist.”
There is space for 100 people. Click here to register, and for more information.
Earlier this month, the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club honored 34 members with Paul Harris Society awards.
They’re presented to Rotarians who give $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. New fellows include Holly McCarthy, Mike Hibbard, Gail Lavielle, Jeff Cohen, Helen Garten, Anil Nair, Liz Wong, Tim Wetmore, Jacquie Masumian, Karen Klein, Jen Tooker, Bruce Paul, Ron Holtz, Yvonne Senturia and Barbara Levy.
Those honored for donating $2,000 were Tom Ayres, Jane Ross, Linda Bruce, Eileen Flug, George Masumian, Mark Mathias and Carole Rubenstein.
Donors at the $3,000 level were Bill Harmer, Ann Lloyd, Steve Violette, Joe Renzulli and Arnold K. Wolgast.
Sheilan Keenan contributed $4,000; Hal Levy and Rick Jaffe gave $5,000; Bob Galan, $6,000; Brian Strong and Arlo Ellison, $8,000, and — topping the Paul Harris Society list — Eric Zielinski and Martin Burger, at $9,000.
Tessie DeMattia — a chef who worked for over 40 years with her brother Frank DeMace, the founder of Mario’s Place — died Tuesday.
Tessie is survived by her daughter, Linda Voulgarakis (John) of West Haven; son James of Dummerston, Vermont; grandchildren Dawn Blinn, Libby Mazzella, David Aronson, Nikki Voulgarakis and Harry Voulgarakis, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband Liberty Michael DeMattia, she was predeceased by her daughter Sandra Blinn; siblings Dominick, Frank, Michael and Joseph DeMace and Marie Wallacem and granddaughter Jacqueline Perez.
A funeral service will be tomorrow (Friday, August 18, 11 a.m., Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, Fairfield). Friends may greet her family one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.
The large one in front of Stop & Shop — among the last survivors in Westport — was taken down a few days ago.
The removal was part of the Post Road improvement project.
We all know the gorgeous specimen on Long Lots Road. Where else in town can we see a majestic elm? Click “Comments,” with your favorite. (Hat tip: Nate Gibbons)
Sixteen members of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew left yesterday to fight wildfires in Montana. They flew from Bradley International Airport, on a multi-week deployment.
Among them: 2 former Westport Fire Department chiefs, Michael Kronick and Andrew Kingsbury.
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary meeting highlighted the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. President/CEO Susan Schnitzer and associate director Deo Byakisaka discussed their 105-year-old organization, which offers services, advocacy, and social, educational and life skills programming for refugees, immigrants, survivors of human trafficking and torture, and unaccompanied minors.
Deo described his own journey as a refugee, and his successful integration into the local community.
He left the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003 because of war, persecution and violence. He and his family spent 11 years in a resettlement camp in Uganda before arriving in Bridgeport in 2014.
CIRI helped him establish a productive life for himself and his children. He now gives back, working in refugee services at CIRI.
Deo Byakisaka, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.
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Fishermen are known for telling tall tales.
If these guys tell you they can walk on water: Don’t believe them.
(Photo/Jim Hood)
They were actually at the end of the Schlaet’s Point jetty, at Hillspoint Road and Soundview Drive, during high tide yesterday.
The best weekend on the Earthplace calendar returns soon.
It kicks off Saturday, September 30 (7 to 10 p.m.), with the “Woodside Bash.” There’s an open bar, fire pit, music by Pimpinella, and a mechanical bull. Click here for tickets.
The next day is for families. The Fall Festival (Sunday, October 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a climbing wall, apple slingshot, donut on a string, pumpkin bowling, hayrides, a corn pool and more. Click here for tickets.
It’s been a while since the Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series offered a good, old-fashioned romantic comedy.
But that’s next. “Maytag Virgin” takes the stage on August 21 (7 p.m.).
Script in Hand curator Mark Shanahan says, “I know our audience will fall in love with these wonderful characters as Jack and Lizzy meditate on life, love, and joys of folding laundry.”
For more information, including tickets, click here.
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The Abraham Accords, Iran appeasement, food inflation, security concerns, immigration, New York real estate — that’s a lot to cover.
But Avi Kaner did, in a wide-ranging interview with WABC radio’s Suzanne Miller.
Westporters know Avi as a former Board of Finance chair, and 2nd Selectman.
He was on the air though as co-owner of New York’s Morton Williams supermarket chain.
A software glitch deleted all emails sent to me yesterday (Friday), between 1 and 5 p.m. If you emailed me then for any reason, please send it along: 06880blog@gmail.com. Thank you!
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Last Sunday’s LymanAID event was a thank-you to Westporters. This winter, hundreds of residents donated $252,000 to our sister city in Ukraine. The money paid for building materials, generators, communications equipment, police and trash vehicles, bulletproof vests, meals and more for the town.
In addition to food, music and kids’ activities, LymanAID also featured opportunities to continue support our sister city.
Attendees did just that. Over $43,000 was raised. That brings Westport’s contributions to Lyman to nearly $300,000.
The funds — and the equipment and material delivered by Ukraine Aid International — is greatly appreciated. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas visited Lyman this spring, and were thanked continually by residents and officials for Westport’s help.
(Donations are still welcome — and crucial. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)
Lyman Mayor Aleksander Zhuravlov spoke by video to LymanAID attendees on Sunday — just hours after his town was attacked by Russian artillery. Seven civilians were killed.
Are you in favor of closing Soundview Drive to vehicles one or more times during the summer, for strolling, music, food, face painting — a street party, in other words?
Or do you think that’s a terrible idea?
Either way: “06880” wants your opinions.
Two days remain for our survey. It’s quick, easy — and important.
ll Westporters are encouraged to take the (anonymous) survey. One question asks where you live. Residents of the beach area are especially encouraged to respond.
Please click here to respond, before 11:59 p.m. Saturday.
Soundview Avenue (without vehicles) is a place to see, and be seen. But right now it’s only on Fireworks Day. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between July 5 and 12.
Shoplifting at Ulta Beauty led to charges of organized retail theft, larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny against one woman.
A man who damaged 6 vehicles at the Saugatuck train station — including broken windshield wipers and side mirrors — was charged with criminal mischief.
A traffic stop initiated after an officer observed a vehicle without a license plate resulted in charges of operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of markers, violation of readable plates, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and resisting arrest/interfering with an officer.
After officers disabled a stolen vehicle with drop sticks, one of four youths was found to have brass knuckles. He was arrested for illegal possession of a weapon.
An arrest was made for disorderly conduct, following an investigation of a domestic violence incident.
The following citations were also issued:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Speeding: 3
Distracted driving: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
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A few years ago, Earthplace lost its longtime supplier of donated raptor food.
Now every year, they need to raise $24,000 to feed Artemis, Chatty, Marble and their friends who found a home there.
Several generous donors recently pledged to match up to $10,000. So between now and July 31, tax-deductible gifts are doubled.
Reaching that goal would feed all their raptors, for a year. Click here to donate.
Speaking of birds: The other day, Johanna Keyser Rossi was walking behind the police station.
She heard a bird. Looking up, she spotted a fake owl on the top of a pole, with a nest next to it. “It didn’t seem to scare off this black bird,” she says.
The fake owl is in the center of the photo. The real bird is at top. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
“There must be a story behind this fake owl,” she adds. “Maybe it discourages the osprey from nesting?”
Got an answer (or an idea)? Click “Comments” below.
Speaking of wildlife: Westport has plenty of deer. It’s far better to see them here — as a “Westport … Naturally” feature — than eating your bushes or leaping out into the road.
Here is a fawn that recently claimed Jerry Kuyper’s yard as its own:
And finally … today is the birthday of Woody Guthrie. He was born in 1912, and died just 55 years later, from Huntington’s disease. But in between he redefined American music, both artistically and politically.
In 1954, he wrote “Old Man Trump.” It describes the racist housing practices of his landlord, Fred Trump — Donald’s father.
I suppose
Old Man Trump knows
Just how much
Racial Hate
He stirred up
In the bloodpot of human hearts
When he drawed
That color line
Here at his Beach Haven family project.
Guthrie never recorded the song. But, according to Wikipedia, in January 2016 Will Kaufman, a Guthrie scholar and professor of American literature and culture, found the handwritten lyrics at the Woody Guthrie Archives in Tulsa.
(This land is your land. And this blog is your blog. But it needs your support! Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
An SRO crowd got an up-close, personal and emotional view of Westport’s sister city relationship yesterday.
CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota moderated a discussion with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas about their recent trip to Lyman, Ukraine.
As she’s done with world leaders and A-list celebrities, she asked incisive questions, and helped them describe the welter of emotions they felt before, during and after their journey, including the danger, war-torn conditions and dire circumstances of its people.
Tooker and Koskinas emphasized the great appreciation expressed by Lyman residents for Wstport’s support.
Audience members added their own questions too. Brian Mayer — co-founder of Ukraine Aid International — noted the many ways in which people can continue to help.
The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. (Hat tip: Dick Kalt)
Alisyn Camerota.
From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, CNN’s Alisyn Camerota. On the left is the Lyman flag; on the right, its Westport counterpart. (Photos/Ted Horowitz)
Speaking of Lyman: All Westporters are invited to Sunday’s free party in celebration of Lyman.
The event (July 9, 1 p.m. to dusk) is at the Ukrainian-American Club on the Post Road in Southport (just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp).
The event includes a giant raffle; food, beer, wine and soft drinks; music from the Mike McGovern Band; a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen. Senator Richard Blumenthal will be there, in person.
To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.
Yesterday, the Tree Board announced that today’s special meeting, to observe the condition of trees at Parker Harding Plaza, has been canceled.
Earlier this week, the Flood & Erosion Control Board canceled its Parker Harding agenda item.
Both came in the wake of 1st Selectman Jen Tooker’s announcement that for now, discussion by town boards, committees and commissions regarding the current proposal to reconfigure the downtown parking lot will be postponed.
Discussion of the Parker Harding Plaza reconfiguration plan has been postponed. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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In the midst of its $2 million, dire straits fundraising drive, the Westport Country Playhouse offers free guided tours of the historic theater.
Time slots are 10:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Saturdays: July 17, 22 and 24, and August 5 and 7. Click here to reserve a spot.
Tours are led by Bruce Miller. The Playhouse archivist is filled with astonishing stories and amazing facts. One example: how the Playhouse inspired the creation of “Oklahoma!” and “My Fair Lady.”
Participants will explore backstage, the green room, dressing rooms, the scene shop and wardrobe room, and see posters, photos, costumes and set models.
They’ll stand on the same stage that hosted Gene Wilder, James Earl Jones, Jane Fonda, Eartha Kitt, Paul Newman, Kelli O’Hara and Patti LuPone.
Private group tours are also available. Email Kelly Richards Mikolasy, house and events manager: krichards@westportplayhouse.org.
Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage.
It’s hard to come up with a new event. It’s harder still to pick out a clever name.
Earthplace has done both.
Their “Moth Ball” is set for July 14 (8 to 11 p.m.).
The public is invited to the free event. Adults and children will gave in the picnic grove for moth-themed cocktails (“mothtails”) and mocktails, plus a costume contest.
Prizes will be awarded for Best Caterpillar, Most Realistic, Best Couple/Group, Best Makeup, Funniest and Best Overall.
Everyone then heads to outdoor viewing areas for “lightsheeting.” Also called “mothing,” it involves setting up a light and providing a surface for moths and other flying insects to land on.
Earthplace naturalists Victor DeMasi and Lukas Kerasus will describe the moth species found at Earthplace. Click here to register, and for more information.
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The last time we checked in with Aiden Schachter, the rising Staples High School senior and wrestler had a thriving business, creating and selling LED lightclouds.
He’s always had his head in the clouds. Long before Aiden got involved in LED lights, he wanted to fly.
From a flight simulator in 7th grade, he advanced to lessons. On his 16th birthday in March 2022, he soloed.
Now — after studying hard for the oral, written and check ride tests — Aiden is officially a pilot.
He got his license yesterday. The test — oral, written and in the air performing landings, takeoffs, maneuvers, emergency prep for landing at unplanned locations and more — lasted nearly 5 hours.
Congratulations, Aiden. The sky’s the limit for you!
On Wednesday, Westport-based Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. announced the closing of its upsized initial public offering of 3,900,000 shares of common stock. The price was $5 per share.
Intensity — headquartered on Wilton Road, across from Bartaco — is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies designed to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers.
In connection with the offering, its common stock began trading on Nasdaq on June 30, under the symbol “INTS.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
And finally … speaking of Earthplace’s upcoming event:
(Every day, the “06880” Roundup rounds up all kinds of stuff — info you didn’t even know you needed to know. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport’s Independence Day fireworks come early this year.
The best party in town is set for Thursday, June 29. The site — as always — is Compo Beach.
The Westport Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation do the heavy lifting. The event is sponsored — once again — by longtime Westport residents (and veteran fireworks goers) Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
“This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” they say.
Ticket sales begin on June 1 at the Westport Police station (50 Jesup Road) and Parks & Recreation office (in Longshore Park).
Tickets ($50 per car) are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs serving thousands of youngsters.
Middle row: Craig Bergamo, Westport PAL president hands Doug Bernstein the first fireworks ticket. Enjoying the Compo Beach scene are (front, left to right): Parks & Rec director Jen Fava, PAL fireworks chair Emma Rojas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Melissa Bernstein. Top: Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Police Chief Foti Koskinas. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Perfect weather drew a large crowd to yesterday’s Westport Farmers’ Market.
Several new vendors, plenty of old favorites, and fresh food, herbs and more make this the most exciting year yet, for the 18-year-old institution.
It runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Imperial Avenue parking lot, through mid-November.
Among the attractions yesterday in the photo below: samples from Alma Mexican food, dished out by their Staples High School interns (from left): Whitman Teplica, Cole Lieberman, Ben Douglas and (preparing a tostada) Steve Divino.
The baseball star — who led his 2013 team to the Little League World Series championship game, then was a 4-year Staples High School starter who paced his 2019 team to the FCIAC championship, and was named Gatorade State Player of the Year — just graduated from Duke University.
Before he did, he capped off his Blue Devil baseball career (during Asian American Heritage Month) with a story for the Duke athletic department. He wrote eloquently about how his heritage shaped his life — both athletically and musically.
Click here for Chad’s insightful, introspective story. (Hat tip: Steve McCoy)
This Sunday (May 21), the Bloomin’ Metric Bicycle Tour roars through town.
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., riders will head out from Sherwood Island State Park. There are 4 distances — 25, 40, 75 and 100 kilometers — and 4 different routes.
So be aware: There will be even more bike riders than usual, all over town.
The Westport Library unveils 3 new exhibitions for spring. They highlight the work of Connecticut artists Nancy Moore and Charles Douthat, and “the art of the album” with a display related to the Chicago blues.
All three exhibits run through August 8: Moore’s “Women Telling Stories” in the Sheffer Gallery, Douthat’s “Three Seasons” in the South Gallery, and “Chicago Blues” in the Jesup Gallery.
An event and reception June 4 (2 to 4 p.m.) celebrates the exhibit with a talk between Moore and noted Westport artist Miggs Burroughs at 3.
Douthat comes to the Library June 14 (6 p.m.) for a reception and talk with Burroughs.
Chicago Blues features albums from the collection of Westporters Ellen and Mark Naftalin, the American blues keyboardist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 2015. It includes album covers of important original blues musicians.
Click here for more information on the artists and exhibits.
The Black Duck women-in-the-men’s-bathroom-photo story continues to have, um, legs.
In the wake of yesterday’s story — in which Duck founder and former owner Pete Aitkin gave the back story — Brad French sent “06880” a photo of himself with Mary Scully, one of the 2 lovely bartenders.
It was taken at Compo Beach.
And what happened to the great-looking couple?
They got married.
The story continues …
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Coming up at Earthplace:
Wildflower ID: Stroll through the gardens and meadow with a naturalist. (Sunday, May 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10 per person; register here).
Family Campfire: Earthplace provides the marshmallows and s’mores; bring your own sticks. Meet an animal ambassador; participate in a guided activity. (Friday, June 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., member families $30, non-member families $40; register here).
Foraging 101: An Earthplace naturalist leads an introductory class on sustainable foraging for wild salad greens and pungent ingredients, including a walk. (Sunday, June 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10 person; register here).
Group Canoe Paddle: Search the Saugatuck River for egrets, ospreys, ducks, shorebirds and more. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices are included. One canoe each trip is reserved for participants and families with special needs. (Sunday, June 18, 2 time slots: 10 a.m. to noon, and 2-4 p.m.; click here for fees and more details, including scholarships for income-eligible residents).
Adult Crafting Night: Bring your adult beverages; use natural crafting materials guided by staff. Unwind while creating beautiful decorations or useful health and beauty products to take home. (Thursday, June 29, 6 to 8 p.m.; $45 per adult member; $50 per adult non-member; register here).
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is ready for their first Holi Color Festival.
People of all backgrounds are invited to the traditional Indian celebration of colors and unity, It’s Saturday, June 3 (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mahackeno Outdooro Center).
Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over bad, the arrival of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all.
The event features activities for all ages, including color play (throwing non-toxic organic colors), BollyX (a Bollywood-style dance class), traditional Indian food, henna, face painting and bounce house.
Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick grew up in India, and has fond memories of playing Holi as a child.
She says, “This celebration unites people with different beliefs, cultural traditions and experiences in the vibrant colors of friendship, renewal and acceptance. At the Y we believe in creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. We invite everyone to join us as we strengthen the bonds that make our community truly exceptional.”
Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar invites the public to their grand opening May 25 (772 Post Road East, 3 p.m.).
From May 22-26, they offer:
● $19.99 blowouts for first time clients
● $20 off any color service
● $10 off haircuts
● $89 blowout and makeup
● 20% off hair extensions.
Owner Carrie Steele — a Greenwich teacher — offers 20% of all services to teachers, every day.
Moxie is a full-service hair salon. They have 17 locations in the tri-state area.
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Lynroy Henry — former assistant track coach at Staples High School — is still working with kids.
He sends word that the Open Doors Foundation is collecting donations for its summer camp.
Items needed are bikes, used sneakers, Mead notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers, backpacks, laptops and electronics.
Donations can be dropped off at 10 Bay Street, by June 4.
Items can also be picked up weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Questions? Email lynroyhenry@gmail.com, or call 203-919-0921.
And finally … on this day in 1895, José Marti — the Cuban poet, philosopher, essayist, journalist, translator, professor and publisher, who helped liberate his country from Spain — was killed by Spanish troops. He was 42 years old.
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