Tag Archives: Faith Sargent

Roundup: Organic Market, Hook’d, Community Care …

Posted on January 15, 2026 | 19 comments

No, The Organic Market has not closed.

They’ve just changed owners.

Westport’s favorite — well, organic market — is healthier than ever.

The new owners — longtime chef Talin Bozuklu and her partner Mary Tas — share the same values, and commitment to quality and wellness, as Maggie and Charles Vosgueritchian, who retired after 38 years.

And of the owners before that — Sally Simmons and Beverly Marshall — who founded the Playhouse Square institution nearly half a century ago.

Organic Market owners Talin Bozuklu and Mary Tas.

Yesterday, manager Yeraz Bozuklu — Talin’s daughter — showed off some of the updates.

The front of the market has been opened up. They’ve gotten rid of plastic in the produce section, and are reducing — on the way to eliminating — aluminum in the hot foods section.

The new owners gave the market a deep scrubbing last weekend. They reorganized certain sections. The juice bar board will be updated, to “fit the vibe.” Other small touches are on the way.

But, Yeraz emphasizes, all the food — and the staff — remain the same.

“The Organic Market has been special to customers, and the community, for so long,” Yeraz says. “We know how important that is, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.”

PS: The Organic Market is the first retail outlet in the country selling House of Yes, the protein bars for youngsters (and everyone else) created by Westporters Sarit and Michael Lewis (profiled earlier this month on “06880”). Until now, all sales have been online only.

Yeraz Bozuklu, with a photo of the 3 sets of Organic Market owners.

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Speaking of food: It’s official.

Last Friday, the Select Board approved a settlement between the town and Hook’d on the Sound.

The much-maligned Compo Beach, Longshore Pavilion and Longshore halfway house concessionaire’s lease has been terminated early.

Parks & Recreation Department Erik Barbieri will be seeking a new operator. He hopes to have one in place by this spring.

But if not, no one will go hungry — perhaps thanks to food trucks, if necessary.

The door has been closed on Hook’d. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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The close cooperation between Westport’s Police Department and Department of Human Services is about to get even closer.

A new Community Care Unit has been created. It’s led by Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson and Officer Ruta Pratt.

Since the fall, the pair have tracked the increasing volume and complexity of calls involving people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises.

The new CCY aligns police responses with established Human Services referrals, follow-up, and care coordination processes.

It enhances the WPD’s ability to identify people who may benefit from additional support, and helps connect them to Human Services and community resources. They include mental health care, addiction services, and other social service interventions.

While Police and Human Services have collaborated for decades, the CCU formalizes and expands this partnership by clarifying roles and strengthening follow-through.

Police officers remain focused on managing immediate safety concerns, while Human Services leads resource navigation, referral and ongoing engagement.

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Former 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has dropped her campaign to become Connecticut’s governor.

But the newest Republican candidate also has Westport ties.

Former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey — now a Greenwich resident — told the Stamford Town Committee last night that she’s in the race, CT Mirror reports. She has not yet registered officially.

McCaughey was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Westport, Wikipedia says. She is 77 years old.

Her father Albert was “a factory janitor (who) did maintenance and later engineering work at a nail clipper factory.

Wikipedia adds: “McCaughey attended public schools in Westport through the 10th grade. After receiving a scholarship, she transferred to a private Massachusetts boarding school, the Mary A. Burnham School, for her last two years of high school, rarely visiting home, then or during her college years.”

Click here for the full CT Mirror story.

Betsy McCaughey (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

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The Parks & Recreation Commission’s January 21 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201) has a full agenda.

Among the topics:

  • Longshore Capital Improvement Plan (maintenance facility update)
  • Proposed golf cart fee changes
  • Allowing the sale of alcohol at the Longshore golf course
  • Adding 2 more firepit rentals at Compo Beach
  • Proposed change requiring parking emblems at Canal Beach
  • Proposed fee changes for summer camps.

Canal Beach: Westport’s smallest. (Photo/Gene Borio)

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Westporters already know and love Faith Sargent for her high tea parties, her Wreathing for Community (through which donated florals are transformed into wreaths, given away to spread cheer). and Faith’s Cottage Kitchen (a licensed home bakery offering small-batch breads, brownies, marshmallows and seasonal treats).

Now she’s launched “Treat Tuesday”: a community initiative to spread sweetness around town.

Each Tuesday, she brings homemade treats to a town office or local nonprofit. “It’s a simple way to say thank you,” Faith says.

Last week she delivered Neapolitan marshmallow brownies to Town Hall. This week she brought homemade marshmallows to the fire station.

Do you have a place to recommend? Text Faith: 603-219-2773.

She may be overwhelmed with requests. So: Keep the faith!

(And thank you!)

Town Hall treats!

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For more than 4 decades, The Susan Fund has provided college scholarships to Fairfield Country residents who have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and attend (or plan to) enroll in an institution of higher learning.

The Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.

Applications for the 2026 school year are open now, through April 1. To apply or to learn more about the Susan Fund, click here.

The 2025 Susan Fund awardees.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests, between January 7 and 13.

A 25-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with the illegal sale/manufacture of cannabis. His arrest followed multiple complaints about illegal marijuana sales at Savvy Smoker. In April, Westport Police and the state Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division executed a search warrant, and seized various types of illegal marijuana and THC-containing products. He was held on a $150,000 bond.

A 51-year-old Stamford man was charged with larceny, following a complaint that he was paid $3,250 as a contractor for work that was never performed. He attempted to make restitution with a check that was returned due to insufficient funds. He was released on a $7,500 bond.

A 25-year-old Bronx man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $15,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Texting while driving: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to renew license: 1
  • Unsafe passing: 1
  • Defective windshield: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Scene of the crime.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from a wintry Compo Beach.

They show some very unnatural tire tracks.

No problem — the sand grooming machine will be there in 4 months!

(Photo/Jeanette Moore)

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And finally … in honor of the end of a not-great chapter in beach concession history:

(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you enjoy this daily feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Police, Politics

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Roundup: Post Road Log Pile, Tree Board’s Oaktober, Cuddles For Courage …

Posted on September 19, 2025 | 10 comments

Residents’ long concerns about the enormous Post Road log pile — just across Roseville Road from McDonald’s — may soon be over.

On September 29 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will consider 2 items.

The first is basic: authorization of excavation and fill, at a private home.

The second is much more interesting: a request to construct a professional office building, with parking, at 715 Post Road East.

That’s the site of the infamous, towering, probably-safe-but-precarious-looking wood pile.

The public is invited to “log” on.

The wood pile, at 715 Post Road East.

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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.

Cuddles for Courage, with care packages.

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Speaking (still, amazingly) of the holidays:

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).
  • Donate wreath hangers (50 are needed).

click here for the Amazon wish list. Interested in volunteering or donating supplies? Email FaithASargent@gmail.com.

Faith Sargent, with fall wreaths.

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It’s time to get Wilde at the Westport Country Playhouse.

“The Importance of Being Earnest” — Oscar Wilde’s timeless comedy — makes its WCP debut on October 28. It runs through November 15.

Tickets start at $50. Click here to purchase.

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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)

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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.

Rev. Dr. Steven Savides

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Caravan of Thieves brings their renowned harmonies to Voices Café October 4 (8 p.m.).

It’s a return appearance. This time they’ll be joined by Staples graduated Dan Asher on bass. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Caravan of Thievs.

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.

Grant Patrick

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Porcelain berries make their first-ever appearance in a “Westport … Naturally” feature today:

(Photo/Jonathan Rosenoer)

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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!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics, Obituaries, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Downtown Meeting, Well Water, Chartwells Food …

Posted on August 20, 2024 | 3 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting this Thursday (August 22, 8:30 a.m., Zoom).

The agenda item is: “To take such action as the meeting may determine, to review with the Director of Public Works the RFP submission for Public Engagement and the current in-progress RFP for Parking Structure Feasibility, and to make recommendations. This will be a work session of the DPIC, and no public comment will be taken.”

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Following recent rains, Mark Cooper — director of the Aspetuck Health District — notes that users of private wells that might have been flooded should evaluate their water before using.

Wells located in pits or low-lying areas subject to flooding, should be disinfected, then tested prior to consumption or use. Wells that are not tightly capped might be contaminated by sediment and flood water.

Do not assume that water from a flooded well is safe to drink. If there is any discoloration and/or odor coming from water out of a faucet, or flood waters overtopped the well casing, the well should be inspected by a professional to make sure there is no damage to the well casing or electrical wire going to the pump, prior to disinfection.

After disinfection, pump the water until it runs clear to get rid of any groundwater. Use a hose connected to an outside faucet so the flushed water flows to a nearby drainageway rather than into your septic system or public sewer.

For more information about the flooding of private wells and clean-up, click here.

Well, well, well …

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Chartwells — the Westport Public School’s food service provider — has raised the standard meal rates at all levels by 45 cents. The increase is due primarily to rising food costs.

The new rates are elementary schools, $2.90; middle schools, $3.15; high school, $3.25.

Elementary and middle school meal prices last changed in the 2015-16 school year. Staples’ last price increase was in 2013-14.

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Five new Westport Fire Department recruits will be sworn in tomorrow (Wednesday, August 21, 3 p.m., Town Hall auditorium): Peter Crosley, Kyle Sanzo, Ryan Colon, Lamont Bagley and Marco Monteiro.

The public is invited, to welcome them into the Westport Fire family.

New Westport firefighters. 

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Wreaths: They’re not just for Christmas.

Faith Sargent’s Wreathing for Community project brings people together through the art of giving.

The groups collects donations of high-quality faux florals, ribbons and other wreath-making materials from the local residents and businesses.

The materials are transformed into beautiful wreaths and decorative items like centerpieces. They’re donated to community members in Westport, and organizations in Fairfield County.

Those groups can use the wreaths for fundraising activities or as gifts to volunteers. Either way, it’s a cycle of giving that benefits both donors and recipients.

If you’d like to donate materials, or your organization would like a handmade wreath for a fundraising event, click here. Follow the instructions to join the Wreathing for Community group on Facebook.

You can also follow Wreathing for Community on social media.

Faith Sargent, with fall creations.

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Registration is now open for Wakeman Town Farm’s youth programs this fall. Ages range from infants to teens.

Offerings include Little Farmers, Curious Sprouts, Fantastic Farmhands, and a Green Teen Club.

Youngsters have fun learning about nature through organic gardening, crafting, seed-to-plate cooking classes, and interactive lessons — plus caring for chickens, alpacas, sheep and playful goats.

Spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. Click here for details, and registration information.

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“06880” has chronicled Ben Casparius’ rise, from AAA Oklahoma City, to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ MLB team.

The 2017 Staples High School graduate and state champion baseball player joined the club in St. Louis on Sunday. Before the game, he was joined on the Busch Stadium field with his father Phil, mother Stacey and sister Cate.

Congrats, Ben. Here’s to a great career in the big leagues.

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Matt Murray spotted this unusual scene yesterday, at Compo’s South Beach.

It looks like quite a grilling session.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Recent weather kept most Westporters from the beach last weekend.

But Compo Beach gulls were as happy as clams, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.

(Photo/Cynthia Nigro)

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And finally … following up on the need to check your well for contamination after all the recent rain:

 (“06880” is your hyper-local blog — your source for news, events, opinions, and much more, 24/7/365. We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Downtown, Education, Environment

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Roundup: Burger Winners, Rizzuto’s Cops, 5 Little Pigs’ BBQ …

Posted on April 6, 2024 | 10 comments

And the envelopes, please …

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has stopped eating, and counted over 1,000 votes. The winners of their Great Burger Contest are:

  • Best Classic Burger – Shake Shack
  • Best Cheeseburger – Viva Zapata
  • Best Gourmet Burger – Nômade
  • Best Veggie Burger – The Black Duck
  • Best Non-Beef Burger – Match Burger Lobster
  • Best Slider Burger – The Black Duck

Two winners repeated from the first burger competition in 2019. Viva Zapata and Match Burger Lobster both won again, but this year in different categories.

Next year, the Chamber sponsors the Great Westport Soup Contest. The prior one (2020) was suspended due to Covid.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell congratulates (clockwise from top): Shake Shack, Match Burger Lobster, Nômade, Black Duck and Viva Zapata.

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It was the Spin Doctors’ turn to rock VersoFest last night.

(Photo/Dick Wingate)

The long-running alt band did not disappoint the sold out Westport Library crowd.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

The 5-day music/media/and more event wraps up this weekend. Today’s highlights include a conversation between Doors drummer John Densmore and CNN’s Alisyn Camerota; a session with WFUV’s Paul Cavalconte, and a workshop called “Pitch Your Podcast.”

Click here for a full schedule of today’s and tomorrow’s VersoFest.

 

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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On Thursday night, Rizzuto’s swarmed with cops.

And everyone was happy.

Over a dozen of Westport’s finest joined the restaurant’s wait staff (off duty, of course). They served, poured drinks — and encouraged customers to leave extra tips.

Patrons obeyed. When the night was over, they’d raised over $4,000 for Special Olympics Connecticut.

Which just proves: We have the best police force, restaurants and diners around!

From left: Det. Erin Shaw, Sgt. Richard Bagley, Officer Melissa Bike, Lt. Eric Woods, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Officer Greg Gunter, Lt. Sereniti Dobson, Cpl. Brendan Fearon, Cpl. Rachel Hall, Officer Ryan Kardamis, Sgt. Dan Paz. Other WPD “waiters” are not pictured.

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The agenda for the Board of Selectwomen’s Wednesday meeting (April 10, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) is filled with the usual: acceptance of gifts, approval of contracts, actions taken as the Water Pollution Control Authority.

But there’s also this: updating the “Parks & Recreation Department rules and regulations to include: “Recreational facilities located on Board of Education grounds are not accessible to those who are not students, staff or invited guests between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on school days.”

The vote follows the unanimous approval of the new regulation last week, by the Parks & Recreation Commission.

Board of Selectwomen (from left): Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin.

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Yesterday’s “Friday Flashback” featured a postcard of “The Five Little Pigs.” It was (presumably) a restaurant that no one in Westport seemed to recall.

Both Peter Gold and Neil Brickley sleuthed out the back side of the postcard, on eBay.

Here’s what it showed:

Yum!

Meanwhile, Jack Whittle searched through the 1931 Westport Directory. He found “5 Little Pigs Tea Room (Mrs. Lillian Hawley) E State n Colonial Rd GF.”

A Sanborn Map confirmed it was right where The Flower Basket is today (next to Stiles Market) — exactly where I guessed it might be, based on the shape of the buildings.

Mystery solved. Too bad we can’t go back in time, and taste some of “the only place in the east where this delicious BARBECUE” is served.

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In 2018, Connecticut restricted the use of insecticides called neonicotinoids (“neonics”). This class of chemicals is very harmful to pollinators. They include midacloprid, cothianidin, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid and dinotefuran.

On Household Hazardous Waste Day (April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station parking lot), residents can safely dispose of any neonicotinoids containing insecticides.

Click here for a full list of products containing these chemicals.

Bring this stuff next Saturday, on Household Hazardous Waste Day.

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Last month, Faith Sargent started The Whimsical Redhead. She makes wreaths, swags, centerpieces, garlands, showroom tree decorating, etc).

She’ll also teach wreath-making classes. The first is May 1.

Faith would like to start crafting items like wreaths, centerpieces and wall hangings to donate to fundraisers like silent auctions for schools and non-profits.

She hopes that “06880” readers with faux florals, nice wired ribbon, fake wreaths that need refreshing, lightweight planters, baskets, wooden candle holders or other items that would work as centerpieces (and are too nice to toss out) will give them to her, to “recycle.”

They would not be resold; they’re all for donations to charitable functions.

If you’ve got items, please send photos to whimsicalredheadcrafts@gmail.com. And if you’ve got a fundraiser and would like an item from Faith, use that email too.

A Faith Sargent creation.

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Staples High School’s April Students of the Month are  seniors David Nivia and Caroline Roschen, juniors Kate Banks and Noah Wolff, sophomore Mia Moore and freshman Sadie McEntee.

Students of the month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are 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.”

“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.”

 Staples’ April Students of the Month. From left: Noah Wolff, Kate Banks, David Nivia, Mia Moore, Caroline Roschen, Sadie McEntee.

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“Footloose” — Coleytown Company’s spring production — is not just another “middle school show.”

With high-quality sets, costumes, lighting — and of course choreography and acting — it’s a full-scale musical. Performances are set for 1 and 7 p.m. today (Saturday), and 1 p.m. tomorrow (Sunday). Click here for tickets.

(Photos/Ariane Trimichat)

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The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four” (Monday, April 15, 7 p.m.).

The new comedy features Mary Testa — 3-time Tony nominee for “On the Town,” “42nd Street,” and “Oklahoma!,” and Robert Sella (“Flying Over Sunset,” “Sylvia,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”).

The play is about a party boy who avoids intimacy at all costs. and a jaded, wise-cracking office worker who still harbors dreams of becoming an artist. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship at work, they are forced to learn what it means to open up to someone else, and how to take a long, hard, messy look at oneself in the mirror.

Tickets are $30. For tickets and more details, click here.

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In the wake of yesterday’s earthquake, Bob Weingarten writes:

“While in Japan, we were provided with this Earthquake Kit by our employer (IBM). It contains a first aid kit, radio, flashlight, batteries, crackers, blanket, etc. We still have it in our basement here.”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Longtime Westport resident Tom Seligson died yesterday at his home in Deep River, with his wife Susan and daughter Justine at his side. He was 78.

His family moved from New York’s Upper West Side to the Old Hill section of Westport in the early 1950s. He attended Westport schools through 9th grade, then went to Phillips Academy–Andover. He ran cross country and excelled at other sports, as well as academically. He served as the Class of 1964 secretary for 15 years following graduation.

Tom graduated from Columbia University with a BA in political science in 1968.

After many years in Manhattan, Tom moved back to Westport. He and his family lived at Compo Beach for 23 years.

He wrote 6 books (fiction and non-fiction), one of which became the foundation for a major movie and its sequels. As an executive producer at CBS News, he produced hundreds of shows, winning 3 Emmy Awards. He was also a print journalist, with bylines in major magazines.

Whenever Tom was asked what he did, he talked about a young man on death row for whom he advocated. It was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

Tom scuba dove around the world, climbed mountains from the Dolomites to the Andes, and rode wild mustangs in Wyoming. He enjoyed tennis, cycling, skiing, hiking, and tookk up boxing to counter the effects of Parkinson’s disease.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan; daughter Justine of London; sister Dr. Jane Sillman (Dr. Fred Sillman) of Cambridge, Massachusetts; twin brother Dr. Robert Seligson of Manhattan; nephew Eric Sillman Dr. Rebecca Johansson Locke) of Brookline, Massachusetts; niece, Kathy Sillman (Ray Lewis) of Newton, Massachusetts; nieces, nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

Details for a celebration of Tom’s life will take place on a date to be announced.

Tom Seligson

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Spring is ready to, well, spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” view of Grace Salmon Park.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s big geological news:

(Life is unpredictable, as we learned yesterday. But you can always rely on “06880.” We rely, meanwhile, on readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Obituaries, Police, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Sound App, Y’s Men, More

Posted on January 17, 2021 | 8 comments

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There’s an app for everything. Including remote audience and applause sounds.

Westporters Mark and Faith Sargent have developed iCrowd. It allows anyone — by themselves, or with just a couple of people — to make the same crowd sounds as if they were attending an event in, well, a crowd.

You can applaud with different levels of enthusiasm, boo, groan or make other crowd sounds.

The sounds selected by all of the users are transmitted to the cloud, then combined using the Sargents’ proprietary algorithm to form an aggregate crowd noise, which is transmitted back to each user.

Each user hears a combination of the sound they selected, and the combined crowd sound.

The crowd sound can be played over speakers where the event is taking place, so athletes, performers or others can hear the sound of the remote audience.

There’s also a chat for each event. So members of the remote audience can comment on the sound — or anything else — in real time.

The possibilities are endless. It’s great for sports events, plays and music performances (even those done virtually, like Facebook Live), or a TV show watch party. Politicians can use it for speeches too. Family members celebrating an online birthday can add applause and cheers when the cake is cut. Office workers can react to the boss’ presentation.

And if COVID knocks out our annual “06880” party again this summer, we can use iCrowd to make some noise.

To learn more, click here.

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The Y’s men continue to hike — COVID, age, and gray skies be damned.

On Friday, a group of septuagenarians covered 14,500 steps and over 6 miles, despite the weather.

They were socially distant, of course. But close enough to talk about the coronavirus vaccine, and how to get it.

Interesting in joining the hiking group? Email mhehen@gmail.com.

From left: Brian Fradet, Peter Eyes, Mike Johnston, Sal Mollica, Chris Lewis. (Photo/Michael Hehenberger)

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And finally … Howard Johnson died last week in Harlem, following a long illness. He was 79.

A tuba player (among other instruments) and arranger, his work transcended jazz, rock and pop.

He played with Charles Mingus and McCoy Tyner; contributed arrangements and horn parts for John Lennon and Taj Mahal, but was best known as an original member of the “Saturday Night Live” band.

And you’ve gotta Howard Johnson’s joyful work with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream.”

FUN FACT: It was written in 1927 by Howard Johnson — but a different Howard Johnson. And neither of those 2 are related to the Howard Johnson who later created the restaurant franchise that boasted 28 flavors of — yes — ice cream.

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