Tag Archives: Greens Farms Church

Roundup: Politics & Volunteers, Education & Environment …

Posted on September 30, 2025 | 8 comments

This Saturday’s “Meet Your RTM Candidates” event (October 4, 10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library) is a great chance to, well, meet the men and women competing in your district for a Representative Town Meeting seat.

The RTM is our town’s legislative body. They are the final officials to sign off on budgets, and — at times — controversial issues.

Bring the kids! The event includes coffee, donuts, snacks, and art activities for youngsters. It’s co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”

But that’s not the only event going on Saturday morning at the Library.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Westport Volunteer Fair takes place in the Trefz Forum.

Dozens of local nonprofit organizations will have information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.

It’s a fantastic way for adults — and teens — to find out how to put their talents and energy to great use. There is an organization for every interest.

Come for the RTM event. Stay for the Volunteer Fair. See you there!

The scene at last year’s Volunteer Fair. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Also at the Library: The next 2 Common Ground Initiatives.

They’re both opportunities for positive, productive conversations on how we move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and tackle challenging and controversial issues.

This coming Monday (October 6, 7 p.m.), Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva and Daniel Kelly — authors of Somebody Should Do Something — will paint a picture of how social change happens, one choice at a time.

With moderator Sharon Suchotliff, the panel will delve into a novel and scientific approach to create transformative social change — and the surprising ways that each of us can help make a real difference. Click here for more information.

On October 14, “From Division to Unity: Lessons in Bridging Divides” (7 p.m.) features a panel of national experts in business, sports, and the military. They’ll share how they’ve navigated complex divisions, to lead diverse teams toward common goals.

The panel includes:

  • Bonnie Hammer, Retired vice chair, NBC Universal
  • Mel Raines, CEO, Indiana Pacers (NBA)
  • Steve Parrish, retired senior vice president, Altria Group
  • Tony La Russa, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball manager
  • Lindsay Czarniak, Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster
  • General William Welch, US Air Force general (retired)

The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Allen Hilton, executive director of the House United Movement and consulting theologian at Greens Farms Church. Click here for more information.

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Preliminary work has begun for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

The former Long Lots Preserve — developed a few years ago, adjacent to the Community Gardens — will be used as a staging area for construction equipment. When the school is completed, the land will be converted to an athletic field.

This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Robert Steven Williams)

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A new Japanese restaurant has opened quietly in Westport.

Omakase — in the small plaza next to Dunville’s, on Saugatuck Avenue. The name refers to a series of small dishes of the chef’s choosing.

Jessica Ryan reports in CTBites that 10 sit at an open counter, watching Chef Edwin work. “He slices, dices and molds while offering entertaining and informative explanations about the fish, the flavors and his techniques.”

There are seatings at 5, 7 and 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. A typical meal features 16 courses, and is $185 per person. Click here for the full CTBites story.  Click here for the Omakase website.

Chef Edwin at Omakase. (Photo courtesy of CTBites)

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Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?

As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop today (Tuesday, September 30, 6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.

The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.

Riverside Park (Photo/Pam Docters)

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Speaking of Parks & Rec: Less than 24 hours remain until Yogi Bear (below) and his friends can once again romp on the Compo Beach sand.

Dogs are permitted — in leashed and off-leash areas, marked by signs — from October 1 through March 31.

Arf!

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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Tomorrow is also the day for “Coffee with a Cop.”

From 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Westport police officers will be hanging out at the downtown Starbucks.

There are no speeches; there is no agenda. Just a chance to sit and chat about Westport, ask questions, and discuss anything and everything, over coffee.

And maybe donuts?

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This is prime fundraising/gala season, for Westport non-profits.

Some are held indoors. Others are outside, under a tent.

Only one is almost completely outdoors. It’s also the only one we know of with both a fire pit and mechanical bull.

The event is Earthplace’s “Woodside Bash.” It’s this Saturday (October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.).

Also included: an open bar, harvest dinner, and live band.

A few tickets remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

The Earthplace Woodside Bash.

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Also this Saturday: classic jazz and funk from Vibe Cartel, featuring Scott Chamberland on sax. The band was formerly known as Southern Fried.

It’s at VFW Post 399. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 8. The VFW has a light bar menu, and full bar. Beers are $8 for this event.

Tickets are $15 online; $20 at the door. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Green’s Farms Church’s 12th annual Service Sunday was, as always, devoted to hands-on projects with partners in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport.

After a send-off service, congregants put their faith into action on projects like landscaping, cemetery restoration, classroom makeovers, music at an assisted living community, and community-resource organization.

Among the efforts:

  • Bridgeport Rescue Mission: lawn/garden work, and cleaning service trucks.
  • Residence at Westport: music performance led by the church’s music team.
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Center: landscaping/planting, refinishing swing set.
  • Colonial Cemetery, Westport: headstone restoration and clean-up.
  • Mercy Learning Center: photo collage project and framing.
  • Open Doors Shelter: bike tune-ups, neighborhood cleanup, Community Closet organizing.
  • Pivot Ministries: painting, flooring, classroom fixes.
  • Recovery Community Development: construction-style service project.

One of many projects — this one at Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

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In 2020, Maureen Belford was an “06880” Unsung Hero.

A Westporter and educator for over 43 years in the Catholic school system, she had a remarkable impact on students and families. She helped countless elementary and middle schoolers grow and learn.

Now she’s earned more kudos.

On Saturday Maureen received the St. Augustine Medal of Honor, on behalf of The Catholic Academy of Stamford. It was awarded for her “dedication, service and commitment to Catholic education.”

Congratulations, Maureen! (Hat tip: Madeline Bayliss)

Maureen Belford

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As we get ready to turn the page to October, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights one of the first trees in town to show its fall colors. Ed Simek spotted it, on Treadwell Avenue.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … in honor of tomorrow’s Coffee with a Cop (story above):

(October will bring dogs on the beach, gorgeous foliage, and the final quarter of the year. It’s a great time to support “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: WPD Leaf Blower, Shonda Rhimes, Winfield Street Deli …

Posted on June 11, 2024 | 15 comments

When the Representative Town Meeting banned gas-powered leaf blowers between May 15 and October 15, they exempted town departments.

But the Westport Police decided not to break the general law.

They use a fully electric blower, in and around the train stations (which the WPD oversees).

“It completely meets our needs,” says Chief Foti Koskinas. “Our use is intermittent. The battery life allows us to complete a job.

“It’s quiet. And it doesn’t interfere with the busy train station, with people waiting for trains, with restaurants close by.”

Police Department employee Jose Rodriguez, with his electric leaf blower.

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Coming attraction: Shonda Rhimes — and her film “Black Barbie” — at the Westport Library.

The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident brings her latest project to the Trefz Forum next Monday (June 17), for a special screening.

The documentary will be shown at 6 p.m. A Q-and-A with Rhimes follows.

“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix on Juneteenth. It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.

The film explores the history of Black dolls, their impact on civil rights and Black entrepreneurship, and the significant role of imaginative play in shaping children’s identity. It includes celebrity and fan reflections on the impact of the doll.

All tickets have been distributed. Click here to join the waitlist.

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Winfield Street Italian Deli has closed.

The Post Road West coffee-and-more spot — just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, for decades earlier the site of Art’s Deli — opened several years ago.

Owner Breno Donatti tells “06880”: “Thank you to the incredible community in Westport. We hope to be back in the future. We will dearly miss our regulars. We will focus on the other stores in Stamford, New York City and Croton for now.”

The Manhattan locations are on 86th and 72nd Streets.

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Underwear doesn’t weigh a lot.

Just imagine 125 pounds of it. That’s well over 1,020 pairs

They — along with dozens of bras, men’s t-shirts and socks — were donated by generous Westporters in less than 2 hours Saturday.

Marcy Sansolo headed up the collection, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Lisa Marriott, and many others, lent their hands.

Two days later — yesterday — all those much-needed items were delivered to the Open Doors Shelter in Norwalk.

Missed out on Saturday? Want to donate or volunteer? Opoen Doors can always use help. Click here for details.

Lisa Marriott (left) and an Open Doors volunteer, with some of yesterday’s donations.

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Father’s Day is Sunday. Time to dunk dad!

The day before — Saturday, June 15 (4 to 6 p.m.), Pivot Ministries celebrates “Cool Dads Day” at Green’s Farms Church.

There’s a tank, to dunk your dad (or for him to do the honors on his kids). Plus basketball and cornhole challenges, and burgers and dogs. The Pivot Men’s Choir will sing.

The event is free, and the public is invited. Donations are welcome, to benefit Pivot Ministries. They’ve been returning addicted men to their families in Bridgeport, for 54 years.

Supporting them is a slam dunk.

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Westport students have won 6 Access Awareness Awards.

The annual contest — sponsored by the Area 9 Cable Council and Altice — recognizes student productions broadcast on Altice’s educational access Channel 78 during the school year.

The winners are:

  • “KHS Buddy Bench” (1st place, Elementary School PSA). Brayden Levy, Shane Warshaw, Alexander Wilson and Jude Hix’s instructor was Tara Doyle, technology teacher at Kings Highway.
  • “Women’s History Month: Community Highlight” (1st place, Elementary School General Interest Story). KHS students Harper Bell and Madeline Olsen were also taught by Doyle.
  • “Stress” (2nd place, High School PSA). Jack Schwartz, Allison Cancro, Pranav Pothukuchi and Sanchit were supported by Nicole Moeller, co-librarian at Staples High School.
  • “On the Wreckord: Inklings: World Language Week” (2nd place, High School School News Story. Mary Elizabeth Fulco teaches Advanced Journalism, the course that produces Inklings.
  • “Cheetah Vision Special: Women’s History Community Highlight” (2nd place, Elementary School General Interest Story). Jack Bell and Sable Shurman, KHS students, were also taught by Doyle.
  • “Inklings On the Wreckord” (3rd place, High School News Show).

Congratulations to all the young media stars, and their teachers.

Jack Schwartz, with his Eddy.

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Westport’s own Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, June 13; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

The popular vocalist is joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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It’s been a long process for Evergreen Parkway.

Earlier this year, they got new sewer lines.

Today — after all that digging — the road was paved.

Once again, everything on the street is “flush.”

Almost done! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, this guy seems to have a question about the chicken wings.

Or maybe he had an issue at the pump.

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … Jacques Cousteau was born on this date, in 1910. The French biologist and author co-invented the first successful open-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) — also called the Aqua-Lung — which he used to make some of the first underwater documentary films.

He died in 1997, age 89.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Longshore, Police, Staples HS

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Historic District Honors Non-Teardowns Of The Day

Posted on May 5, 2023 | 15 comments

Westport is a town filled with — and known for — teardowns. Thankfully, some building owners invest time, energy, care, concern — and money — to preserve our history.

Last night at Town Hall, the Westport Historic District Commission honored the men and women who persevere, to preserve.

WHD Preservation Awards went to the owners of 6 private homes, 2 neighborhood restaurants, an office and a church.

Kudos to:

8 Mayflower parkway

Built in 1926, and distinguished by a classically inspired portico, 8 Mayflower Parkway (off Compo Road South) was saved from demolition by David Vynerib, founder and principal of CCO Habitats. His extensive renovation restored the home to its prior glory.

19 SOUNDVIEW DRIVE

The “Stevens Cottage” was built in 1920, and is part of the Compo-Owenoke Historic District. Blanca and Sunil Hirani purchased it in 2020 — just before it was torn down — and then enhanced the entire streetscape of the beach exit road.

21 danbury avenue

Another home in the Compo-Owenoke Historic District, this bungalow was built in 1922 by Gertrude May Allen. It was bought in 2019 by Julie and John Headland, who preserved it in the midst of other teardowns in the area.

35 POST ROAD WEST

Built in 1825, the Davis Taylor House was a single-family residence that evolved into a multi-family dwelling from the 1920s through ’60s. Today the Federal style structure is home to Peter Cadoux Architects, who faithfully restored it as their office.

39 CROSS HIGHWAY

The original house was built in 1772 by Phineas Chapman, a Connecticut Militia lieutenant. It burned in 1877 and was rebuilt by his grandson, Charles Chapman. It remained in the family until 1927, when his last descendant died. It later served as a nursery school. Designated as a local historic property by Deborah Howland and her son Galen Murray in 2018, new owners Amy Gay and Matthew Burrows recently completed an extensive renovation of the property on a very visible road.

71 HILLANDALE ROAD

Green’s Farms Congregational Church was established in 1711, when Westport was part of Fairfield. A meetinghouse was raised near what is now the Sherwood Island Connector commuter parking lot. The church’s 3rd building was constructed in 1853, on Hillandale. It expanded in phases. In 2019 — with the structure needing major renovation — the congregation quickly raised funds to repair the original foundation, restore the steeple and overhaul the organ. Click here for a full story.

161 cross highway

The Masiello family opened Christie’s Country Store in 1926, to sell produce grown on their nearby farm. They gave up farming in the late 1940s, but continued the business and added a gazebo moved from Redding Road. In 1958 the market was enlarged. It has gone through various incarnations — including, briefly, a dry cleaner’s — but longtime owner Tim Purcell renovated it. It now houses the popular Porch @ Christie’s restaurant.

163 CROSS HIGHWAY

This property, built by James Masiello in 1922 for his wife Mary, has been in the family for over 100 years. The Colonia Revival home has been lovingly conserved by Jean Masiello.

222 HILLSPOINT ROAD

Built in 1919, this is the oldest continually operating retail and food store in Westport. Designed as a small market to serve the area around Old Mill Beach, it was known variously as “Old Mill Grocery,” “Kenny’s,” “Elvira’s” and “Joey’s by the Shore.” A year ago, when sale to a residential developer seemed imminent, a group of residents formed the Soundview Empowerment Alliance. They saved it from destruction, renovated it, and turned it once again into a beloved “Old Mill Grocery & Deli.” Click here for a full story.

276 MAIN STREET

The Patrick Rice House (aka the Gray-Coley House and the Lamar Webb House) is one of the finest examples of Italianate style in Westport. Believed to be built in 1869, it is part of the Gorham Avenue Historic District. It has been lovingly maintained by a long history of owners. Current stewards Kristin Schneeman and Ezra Greenberg have meticulously maintained the property since buying it in 2011.

The Historic District Commission is chaired by Grayson Braun. She and Donna Douglass wrote all the narratives for the awards. Bill Harris donated the printing of the programs for the ceremony through his organization, the Army Aviation Associated of America.

The awards were organized by coordinator Donna Douglass; former member and house researcher Bob Weingarten; former chair and current member Bill Harris, who donated the printing of the programs through his Army Aviation Association of America, and HDC members Scott Springer, Wendy Van Wie, Martha Eidman and Elizabeth  Bolognino. 

(Westport’s history — and real estate — are among the most popular topics on “06880.” Please click here to support the work of your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Real estate, religion

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Roundup: Lynsey Addario, Dracula, Tornadoes …

Posted on February 18, 2022 | 5 comments

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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted Tyler Hicks’ haunting photos from Ukraine.

But he’s not the only New York Times photographer shooting images in that threatened nation.

He’s not even the only one who is a Staples High School graduate.

Hick’s colleague Lynsey Addario — who graduated 3 years after Hicks, in 1991, and is both a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner — has contributed her own important work.

This one shows — and humanizes — embattled Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Ukraine president Volodomyr Zelensky (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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Wednesday’s “Fall in Love with Westport” event was a great success.

A number of new neighbors joined “old timers” at Greens Farms Church. They shared tips and stories about life in this town. Just as importantly, they connected around kids, previous residences and similar needs.

It was a diverse crowd, with an international flavor. They plan to get together again soon.

If you missed the event and want to know more, email office@greensfarmschurch. All are welcome — church membership is not required!

“Fall in Love with Westport” at Greens Farms Church.

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On Halloween I was honored to hear the world premiere of “Dracula: The Covenant.” That’s the musical project Westporter Dodie Pettit worked on for years with her husband, the late Broadway star Kevin Gray. (It was in the works long before a similar show with the same name flopped.)

With help from husband Rex Fowler — with whom she performs, as Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — Dodie completed the project.

Now it’s on Spotify and other digital media. CDs will arrive soon. To download and listen now to this enthralling work, click here.


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In the wake of December’s devastating Kentucky tornadoes, Westporter Steve Crowley and his sons organized a fundraiser downtown.

Governor Andy Beshear recently thanked Crowley for both the money donated, and the specially designed t-shirts created for and sent to affected families.

Beshear also cited the “love and support” of donors, noting “we can come together in troubling times and give a lift to our friends and neighbors. In Kentucky we say ‘we will get through this, we’ll get through this together.’ Thank you for caring and contributing in our time of need.”

Steve Crowley (right) and sons sold t-shirts downtown.

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Edward Thompson is the beloved minister of music at Westport’s Unitarian Church.

He does far more than pick songs and direct the choir. He’s a working composer. On Saturday, February 26 (8 p.m., Unitarian Church of Westport), New York’s Choral Chameleon offers the world premiere of his 12-movement choral piece “Step into the Night.” A jazz quartet will join the voices.

Thompson wrote the work in response to situations like the pandemic, filled with isolation and fear. It includes elements of both the classical tradition and jazz.

Tickets are $25 each, available online and at the door.

Edward Thompson

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There is always something new at Finding Westport.

Jillian Elder has just added t-shirts (short and long sleeve), tanks, hoodies, tumblers, totes and mugs with 2 designs: the Minute Man in an “Interstate” crest (click here to see and order) and “I Really Miss Westport” (click here).

New “Finding Westport” designs.

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Alison Milwe Grace wears two toques. She’s a highly regarded culinary teacher at Staples High School. And her AMG Catering offers not just food for every event, but cooking classes.

Now she’s a television star. News12 Connecticut is featuring her, offering 5 favorite recipes, like honey-glazed chicken thighs and mussels with garlic toast. Click here to see (and then cook!).

Screenshot of Alison Milwe Grace.

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There’s a moose on the Sherwood Island Connector.

At least, it looked like that to Katja Gabrielson. When she posted this image — which I’m stealing as the “Westport … Naturally” image today — on Facebook, many users chimed in that they thought exactly the same thing.

Longtime “06880” readers George, Bev and Jeff Bullwinkel were not available for comment.

(Photo/Katja Gabrielson)

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And finally … because this is (as you know) National Condom Week:

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Politics, religion

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Next Week, Newcomers Fall In Love With Westport

Posted on February 12, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s been more than 30 years since Diane Parrish was a young mother in Lausanne, Switzerland.

But she still remembers how hard it was moving to a new city for her husband’s job, and how grateful she was for a “Welcome to Lausanne” program at the Commonwealth American Woman’s Club there. She met other women, and learned everything from where to get the best tea, to why the government mandated a specific type of trash bag.

Diane Parrish

Diane moved to Westport more than 30 years ago. She’s very involved in the community, including Greens Farms Church. Recently — speaking with other women about the difficulty of moving here, particularly during a pandemic — she remembered “Welcome to Lausanne.”

Which is why she’s helping organize “Fall in Love With Westport.” The event is next Wednesday (February 16, 10 a.m. Greens Farms Church),

The open house — with coffee, light bites, and childcare — promises “local insight on everything there is to love about Westport.” That ranges from the best food, cultural activities, kids’ camps and recreation (and the best way to sign up for popular programs), to the difference between the transfer station (aka “the dump”) on the Sherwood Island Connector and the yard waste facility on Bayberry Lane.

Diane will be joined by other women who have learned the tricks and quirks of this town. It’s “stuff you wouldn’t find by Googling ‘best pizza,'” she promises.

It’s also a way for people who have felt isolated by the pandemic to meet others. “It’s hard moving to a new community,” Diane notes. “I can’t imagine what it’s like to come here when buildings are closed, and everyone wears masks.”

She and fellow organizers emailed everyone who bought property here within the past 2 years. But all Westporters are welcome. You don’t need to be a newcomer to learn. Or offer suggestions.

Only one topic is off the table: shortcuts for drivers.

Unlike other questions and tips about Westport, there are “waze’ to learn those.

(Registration is requested, to plan for food and childcare; email office@greensfarmschurch.org. Park in the rear lot of Greens Farms Church, 71 Hillandale Road; enter through the back door.)

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Posted in religion, Westport life

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Roundup: Hideaway Trees, Snow, Greens Farms Church …

Posted on December 24, 2021 | 3 comments

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SIR Development’s Rob Haroun responds to yesterday’s photo of trees that were recently cut on Hideaway Lane, off Hillspoint Road. He says:

“The 7 or 8 trees, most of which are on town property as shown in the Google Earth photo and acknowledged by the Westport tree warden, were all posted for removal. No one objected.

“After the requisite period of time and with permission from the tree warden, the trees were removed, some by the town. This was due to the extreme hazard to walkers and vehicles and the lack of maintenance over many years both by the town and the prior owner of 149 Hillspoint.

“The Google Earth photo (below) shows how the trees in the background leaned perilously over Hillspoint Road. Even though most of them were town trees, the tree warden requires replacement trees, from the town-approved list, which will be planted in the fall.

“Additionally, the ‘after’ photo (below) was not taken from the same vantage point as the Google Earth photo, as it does not show the remaining trees on both the left and right sides of Hideaway Lane.”

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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It was just a dusting. But this morning’s early, gentle snowfall gave a bit of a boost to the feeling of Christmas.

With so many Westporters hunkered down — quarantining, awaiting test results, anxious — this wintry weather may not be all that we asked for.

But it’s just what we need.

Harvest Commons, earlier today. (Photo/Peter Swift)

Meanwhile, look closely at Pam Kesselman’s photo:

(Photo/Pam Kessselman)

There are 2 hearts.

Coincidence? Or the magic of Christmas?

Who cares?! Enjoy!

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It’s hardly a surprise that Tyler Hicks and Lynsey Addario — Staples High School’s 2 Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers — have images in this year’s “Year in Pictures” supplement.

Tyler’s was taken on July 12 in Herat, Afghanistan.

(Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)

Tyler says: “This photograph was taken at a checkpoint where Afghan police were inspecting vehicles arriving from nearby Taliban controlled villages. As cars were stopped and checked I turned and saw that a family who was fleeing that area was packed into a car with a girl looking out the back window, back toward where they had come from. I could see the concern in her face and to me that’s what stood out about this moment.

“Although only one person is seen in this photograph, her face says everything about what was soon to come. You can always tell what’s coming by the mood of the population. There was an urgency among the people that was obvious. This is when it became clear to me that there would be no turning back the events that followed.”

Lynsey’s photo was shot on October 26 in Paliau, South Sudan.

(Photo/Lynsey Addario for New York times)

She says: “I was traveling with UNICEF through this very flooded area of South Sudan. It was the first time people had been given masks and they were trying them on. There is so much flooding, malaria, hunger. Covid is not first and foremost on peoples’ minds.”

Congratulations to Tyler and Lynsey, on their superb images. Let’s hope they’ll be able to capture more pleasant and peaceful scenes for the 2022 Year in Pictures.

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If you’re heading to tonight’s Christmas Eve services at Greens Farms Church: you’ll need to register in advance (click here). COVID restrictions will keep each service — at 4:30, 6 and 9 p.m. — below the 180-seat meetinghouse capacity.

Each service will last about 30 minutes, and include opportunities for participation by children. All services feature candlelight, too.

Masks are required in the meetinghouse. Congregants are asked to arrive early, for check-in.

Greens Farms Congregational Church (Photo/Candace Dohn Banks)

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Dozens of Westporters took time from hectic last-minute shopping yesterday, to contribute toys, books, coats and fundsto OneWestport’s collection. All donations will be given to Person to Person, the Fairfield County organization serving needing families.

James Dobin-Smith — founder of Staples High School’s OneWestport Club — says, “We were overwhelmed by how many people showed up. A 1st grader named George Gitto used the allowance he had saved up for months to buy picture books to donate from Barnes & Noble. We even got a cash donation from England!

“Thank you, everyone. We can’t wait to deliver the gifts on Christmas Eve!”

Congratulations to club members Dobin Smith, Caroline Caggiano, Isabelle Ormsby, Ian Patton, Cooper Sadler and Melanie Stanger.

OneWestport Club members with donations (from left): Melanie Stanger (with the two stuffed animals) and Ian Patton, Isabelle Ormsby, Cooper Sadler & me. Caroline Caggiano also volunteered but isn’t pictured.

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Remember Carlson & Gailmor?

Probably not. But read on.

More than 55 years after graduating from Staples, Rob Carlson still writes and records music. He’s better than ever. And he’s doing it with great local talent.

His latest effort was assembled over the last 3 years. With some new and some new recordings of older songs, it’s called simply “Rob Carlson.” It’s typically eclectic: folk, rock, jazz, pop, Americana, R&B, comedy and reggae.

COVID enabled Rob to record with other non-gigging greats like Westport session guitarist Jeff Southworth, jazz keyboardist Chris Coogan, and old friends like Jon Gailmor.

Yes — the legendary Carlson & Gailmor duo, whose long-out-of-print Polydor record is one of the all-time, hard-to-believe-it-never-made-it great records — is back together for a bit.

“Rob Carlson” is on Spotify, YouTube and other streaming services. The CD or tracks can be bought at Rob’s Online Store, or downloaded from Bandcamp.com. Find out more about the songs and artists by clicking here.

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This month, the Greens Farms Garden Club’s annual wreath-making workshop and lunch was special. They surprised long-time member Mary Lou McGuire with a Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut life membership.

She was cited for her many years of service, depth of experience, and breadth of talents in chairing and serving on almost all positions in the club.

All wreaths made by club members were donated to local non-profit groups.

Greens Farms Garden Club past [resident Ann Watkins, current president Kathy Mitchell, and Mary Lou McGuire

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Friends and relatives of Kuti Zeeva gathered last Sunday for a memorial soccer game, at PJ Romano Field.

Zeevi — a stalwart member of the Late Knights men’s soccer team, and a popular jeweler in town — was killed 10 years ago this month, in a robbery at his Compo Shopping Center store.

Regular and former players joined younger ones — including Kuti’s 10-year-old grandson — for soccer and stories. He lives on in the hearts of many. (Hat tip: Alex Anvari)

Celebrating Kuti Zeevi’s life last Sunday.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo offers a bit of needed whimsy. It’s on Ferry Lane East, off South Compo.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … if you never heard Carlson & Gailmor sing together in their all-too-brief heyday time together after Staples, you missed some beautiful music.

Here — thanks to the magic of the interwebs — they live again.

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Real estate, religion, Sports, Staples HS

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Historic Church Offers COVID Reflections

Posted on May 22, 2020 | 2 comments

In the 309 years since its founding, Green’s Farms Church has seen a lot.

In 1779 the British burned its meetinghouse and parsonage. The current, handsome building on Hillandale Road — the 4th in the church’s history — has been there since 1853.

Green’s Farms Congregational Church

Over those 3 centuries, clergy and worshipers have weathered wars, snowstorms and hurricanes. The steeple blew down; the lights have gone out. Disease has ravaged the congregation — including the infamous influenza pandemic of 1918-20.

The latest calamity is one shared by the world: the coronavirus. To meet the moment, the church that began 78 years before the United States was born — and 124 before Westport became a town — has turned to a 21st century tool: an online journal.

An opening shot from the Green’s Farms Church’s online journal.

Two dozen people contributed insights, including church officials and congregants. They range from young families to members in their 80s. Some have been members for 50 years; others, just a few months.

All responded to the question: “What have you learned from the lockdown?”

This is not a seat-of-the-pants, let’s-fill-some-pages project. After a description of GFC’s early response to the crisis — a drive-thru food drive, YouTube Easter service, Zoom confirmation classes — the graphically gorgeous journal gets into some very impressive reflections.

Some of the musings delve into God and religion. Others do not. Some answer the prompt through a cosmic lens. Others speak of loved ones. All are wise, honest and personal.

None are quick sound bites. Each is several paragraphs long. Clearly, everyone crafted responses with care, and respect for the reader. (Big props to the copy editor, too!)

Rev. Jeff Rider notes that “being present doesn’t require being in person.” Others wrote of new principles, hope, and feeling like Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day.”

Rev. Jeff Rider’s reflections.

Taken together, says church operations director Claire England, the journal reflects “a diversity in life experience, and in how we all experience this period differently.”

However, “all are aware of how fortunate we are if we have shelter and family to call upon, and how important it is for the church to support not only each other, but the many who are suffering around us.” The church, she notes, has stepped up its outreach sharply.

What’s online now is the first version. “That’s the way most of us are getting information and staying in community at the moment,” England says. But she’s turning it into a book, which can live much longer than pixels.

And will be available 309 years from now, for the Green’s Farms Church of 2329.

(Click here for the Green’s Farms Church Coronavirus Journal.)

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Posted in Environment, People, religion

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Rick Benson To The Rescue

Posted on March 10, 2017 | 6 comments

Two days ago, I posted a piece about the missing Rotary Club sign on Wilton Road. I described Rick Benson — the member helping replace it — as “the guy you call on whenever something needs doing.”

I wasn’t kidding.

Almost instantly, I got an email from Claire England, operations director at Greens Farms Church.

She said:

Last week one of the 4 finials on the steeple blew down during that gusty wind.

Thanks to Rick, it’s now safe again. He removed the rotten finials. We’ll cap the spots where they stood while we consider whether/how to replace them. The church looks as beautiful as ever.

I was very glad to see Rick and the crew working with him safely back on the ground at the end of it. Definitive proof that being a church trustee is not just a desk job.

Rick Benson (right) in action.

That’s not the first time the steeple needed attention. In the mid-1800s — when the church was already 150 years old — it fell.

In 1950, a hurricane that killed 2 Westporters toppled it again. The steeple spent 2 months on the front lawn, before being hoisted back into place.

Of course, back then Rick Benson was not around to help.

Then again, there was no YouTube either:

(Hat tip: Kara Sullivan)

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Posted in Organizations, People, religion

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