Tag Archives: Green’s Farms Congregational Church

Roundup: Daylight Savings Time, Staples Spelling Bee, OKO Special Menu …

Posted on March 8, 2025 | 2 comments

The Westport Fire Department responded yesterday afternoon to a house fire on Tarone Drive. One resident was injured, and taken to Norwalk Hospital.

The WPD reminds everyone to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.

Dayling Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Move your clocks forward one hour! Whenever you change your clocks, remember to change your batteries!

================================================

More than half a century after graduating from Staples High School, I made my Players debut.

I was a guest speller last night in their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

It was short-lived. I got knocked out on my first word: kumis. As I sure as heck did not know, the fermented milk drink from Central and East Asia is spelled not with a “c,” but with a “k.” (It’s also known as koumis or kumyz, neither of which I would have gotten either.)

Yours truly being given a loser’s prize by Mitch Mahoney (Yusef Abdallah), after failing in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

My fellow guest spellers — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and Bedford Acting Group director Ryan Smith — lasted longer than I did.

Neither of them won, either. (Spoiler alert: No guest speller has ever won, in the history of the Broadway show. It’s rigged!)

“Older” spellers (from left) Stafford Thomas, Dan Woog, Jen Tooker and Ryan Smith, on stage with the Staples cast, who are much better spellers (and actors).

But boy, did we have fun. Thank you, Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long, for the invitation. And great job Players, making us all feel welcome!

The show continues today (Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Leaf Coneybear (Cooper Gusick, center) entertains Staples principal Stafford Thomas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. (All photos/Kerry Long)

==================================================

Chef Brian Lewis — whose OKO and The Cottage are Westport favorites — was recently named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award (“Best Chef Northeast” category).

Now he’s introducing a new dining experience.

The OKO-KASE menu includes Popcorn Dashi Lions Mane, Hokkaido Uni, Osetra Caviar, Bread and Butter Lobster, Passion Fruit and Stracciatella
Black Truffle Chawanmushi.

That’s followed by a selection of nigiri sushi, hand rolls, and flavorful dishes like Chili-Lime King Crab Hand Roll, St. Canut Pork Belly with Walnut Miso and Fermented Apple Butter, and Yuzu White Chocolate Huckleberry Kiss.

The price is $200 per guest; $75 sake pairing per guest. Reservations (203-557-8404) require 48-hour notice, and a $50 deposit per guest. 

Westport escaped major damage in yesterday’s high winds.

==================================================

Residents of Hickory Drive were not as lucky, however. Power went out when a tree took down live wires.

(Photo/Ron Poserina)

Winds continue today, 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40. The temperature will be in the mid 40s.

The week ahead looks good. Tuesday could see 60 degrees.

=================================================

Last year, Rach’s Hope Walk the Extra Mile raised more than $20,000. The funds helped the non-profit that supports families with critically ill children in the ICU with an additional 100 nights of hotel stays, so parents can rest and recharge while staying close to their kids.

Rach’s Hope — which honors Rachel Doran, the Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior, who died after developin a rare reaction to common medications — is getting ready for their 6th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala.

(Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.)

The date is Saturday, March 29 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield). Click here for tickets.

Festivities include an open bar with Tito’s cocktails, beer, wine and prosecco; heavy appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering; live music kicked off by Westport’s own Michael Cantor and Frog Salon, plus Rach’s Hope’s signature band, Ellis Island — and live and silent auctions too.

Enjoying a previous Rach’s Hope gala.

==================================================

Congratulations to Tucker Eklund!

The Staples High School freshman was the only 9th grader in the entire country  to win the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy annual Civics Challenge His entry was Crafting Change: The Art of Lawmaking in Congress.

The Civics Challenge is a very competitive national contest open to students in grades 6 through 12. Participants demonstrate civics knowledge through essays, short videos or original songs.

Tucker — one of just 10 winners nationwide — earned a $500 prize.

And the admiration of everyone who mourns the loss of civics education in America today.

==================================================

Speaking of education: Adam Shapiro recently spent 2 days at Greens Farms Academy.

The noted actor (“The Bear,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Waitress”) was the school’s 2025 Hartwell Visiting Artist.

Shapiro presented at student assemblies, delivered a keynote to parents on “Cultivating Creativity,” coached the Middle School cast of “Frozen Jr.,” and shared his stories and advice about building a career in the arts.

Click here to read more about Shapiro’s visit. Click below for a highlight reel:

==================================================

Speaking of school: Congratulations too to Weston High School’s robotics team!

They won the engineering design Innovate Champion Award at the state robotics championship recently.

That earned them a spot at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas in May. Good luck to the squad: Emily Arias, Angela Zhao, Joshua Miranda and Cooper Schleef.

==================================================

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong — an early opponent, with counterparts across the country, of some of President Trump’s first funding cuts — is the guest at the Democratic Women of Westport’s annual Souper Luncheon.

The event is March 28 (11:30 a.m.). The DWW invites the public to join the AG, and learn more about his work on behalf of state residents. To RSVP, email dww06880@gmail.com.

On April 22, the Democratic Women sponsor a forum with Yale Law School professor Paul Kahn, author of Democracy in Our America: Can We Still Govern Ourselves? He’ll be joined in conversation by the Representative Town Meeting’s current and former moderators, Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

================================================

Saugatuck Congregational Church host’s Connecticut’s first “Music for Food” concert (March 16, 3 p.m.), with classical pianist Emma Tahmizian.

The Bulgarian musician debuted internationally at age 11, at a concert series in Moscow. She has performed and recorded regularly, since winning the 1977 Robert Schumann Competition.

The event is free, but donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit Homes with Hope, to support area residents facing food insecurity.

Emma Tahmizian

================================================

The Gallery @ Green’s Farms Church welcomes photographer Sally Harris, and her latest work: “The Colors and Culture of Oaxaca.”

The show runs from March 14 to May 14. An opening reception is March 14 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information, click here.

Sally Harris’ Oaxaca art.

==================================================

Speaking of art: Brian Whelan’s work is always a highlight of our “06880” online gallery.

Now it’s on view at Trinity Church Wall Street, in New York.

“Holy City” is a series inspired by medieval artwork, contemporary expressionism, and Whelan’s Catholic roots. blending the temporal and the spiritual.

The 9-panel painting at the center of the exhibit depicts Christianity, Islam and Judaism existing in harmony, with houses of worship supporting and uplifting one another.

The exhibit is open through March 18. Click here for more information.

Brian Whelan, with his “Holy City” works.

==================================================

Speaking still of the arts: A large crowd learned a lot at Thursday’s Malloy Fund for the Arts’ presentation “Reimagined: Westport as an Arts Town, Past, Present and Future.”

Actor James Naughton moderated a panel, with Miggs Burroughs, Melissa Newman and Meloday James.

Ann Sheffer — a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist (and donor Susan Malloy’s niece), whose family’s contributions helped shape Westport’s cultural fabric — also spoke.

If you missed it: no worries. Just click below, to see the entire event.

==================================================

The Westport Astronomical Society will be open from 1 a.m. to 3:40 a.m. (weather permitting) on March 14, to observe the total lunar eclipse.

In other WAS news, the next free online lecture features Sarah Elizabeth McCandless. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory navigation engineer discusses “Exploring an Icy World with Europa Clipper.”

The March 18 (8 p.m.) event will livestreamed on YouTube, and also on Zoom. Click here for more Westport Astronomical Society details.

Total lunar eclipse. (Images courtesy of WAS member Michael Southam).

=================================================

Dogs are one of the most natural parts of Westport.

And most beloved.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature reminds us that man’s best friend has 23 more days to enjoy Compo Beach, before summer rules begin.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

=================================================

And finally … in  honor of Staples Players’ spring production (story above):

(How do you spell “support for ‘06880’”? C-l-i-c-k h-e-r-e! Also: T-h-a-n-k y-o-u!)

 

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Restaurants, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Joy To The (Westport) World

Posted on December 23, 2024 | 3 comments

2024 has been quite a year.

From the fractured national political landscape to fraught local controversies, folks are on edge.

But hey — it’s the holidays!

Let’s put aside our differences. Let’s slow down. Let’s appreciate, with delight and gratefulness, all the brightness in our lives.

Including our neighbors, who go out of their way to light up the lives of all who pass by.

Whatever their views, on whatever we will argue about after the new year.

West Parish Road (Photo/Kristen Habacht)

North Avenue, across from Staples High School. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

Timber Lane. off Roseville Road. (Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

A special message, on Compo Road North. (Photo/Eric Bosch)

This 18th-century one-horse open sleigh was a gift from A.E. Hotchner’s wife, when Rick Benson bought the author’s family home. Rick restored it to its present 21st-century beauty. It’s parked now on Compo Hill. (Photo/Rick Benson)

Green’s Farms Congregational Church. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Main Street. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Vani Court, off Compo Road South. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Bridge Street (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Hillandale Road. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

 

3 Comments

Posted in Downtown, religion, Westport life

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: DPIC Charette, Traffic Safety Meeting, Hurricane Helene Help …

Posted on October 4, 2024 | 1 comment

Got an idea for downtown?

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette on October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).

Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.

Maps and displays will help guide discussions.

==================================================

Meanwhile, the next Traffic and Pedestrian Safety public meeting is October 17 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Police and other officials will present the results of the safety action plan survey, and offer updates on road, traffic and pedestrian initiatives.

Traffic safety map, showing residents’ input and ideas.

================================================

Yesterday, “06880” reported that Planning & Zoning Department director Mary Young is retiring, effective Friday.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker praised Young for her 22 years of “outstanding service to our community. We are incredibly grateful for Mary’s unwavering dedication throughout her tenure, which has greatly contributed to the growth and development of Westport. Please join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to Mary and wishing her the very best as she embarks on her next journey.”

Young’s position will be filled by deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie.

Tooker said, “Michelle has served the Town of Westport as a planner for over 20 years, working with all aspects of land use planning with a special concentration in environmental issues.

“She became a licensed Professional Planner as qualified by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 2006. In 2020, she was qualified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be a Certified Floodplain Manager.” (Click here for an “06880” story on that achievement.)

“Michelle has excelled in a variety of roles, and steadily advanced within the department…. I am excited to see her lead the department with the same professionalism and expertise that she has always demonstrated.”

Amanda Trianovich, current town planner, will take Perillie’s place as deputy director.

Michelle Perillie

==================================================

Gymnastics & Cheerleading Academy is helping support victims of Hurricane Helene.

And they need our help.

Donations can be dropped off at:

  • Alina’s Cakes & Cookies, 1252 Post Road East
  • Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Road, Weston
  • GCA, 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield (Sportsplex)
  • 277 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk
  • Sacred Heart University, inside the Church of the Holy Spirit, 5151 Park Ave, Fairfield.

Items needed include:

  • Non-perishable foods
  • Sports drinks (powdered packets)
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Hydration packs (powder form)
  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toiletries
  • Diapers (children & adults)
  • Baby formula
  • Pet food (dog & cat)
  • Bug spray, sunscreen, hand sanitizer
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Manual can openers
  • Heavy-duty work gloves
  • Trash bags (13-gallon or contractor)
  • Socks and underwear (new, in packages)
  • Sanitizer wipes
  • Plastic utensils
  • Baby wipes

Teens interested in volunteering should email Hannah.YasmineEvans@gmail.com.

Businesses and individuals who would like to become drop-off locations should email Kami.evans@icloud.com or call 203-212-9910.

Hurricane Helene has left a path of devastation.

=================================================

“The Apprentice” — the movie written by Westport native Gabriel Sherman, exploring a young Donald Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn — has gotten a lot of buzz recently.

Now — a few days before its October 11 release – you can hear about it directly from Sherman himself.

He was interviewed recently by David Remnick, for a New Yorker podcast. Click here to listen.

Gabriel Sherman

===============================================

When the Survivor Rowing Network and Head of the Charles host the first Survivor Row on October 19 — celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the Saugatuck Survive-Oars will be there.

And they’ll compete in their new pink boat.

Eleven 8+s of cancer survivors — women and men — from 15 rowing clubs have entered the race, from as far as Italy and France.

The Saugatuck Survive-Oars is our local breast cancer survivor rowing organization, based out of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Amy Bauer calls it “a life-changing organization and experience for many women in various states of treatment and recovery. Through the generosity of the SRC, the Survive-Oars is in its seventh year. They provide instruction and opportunities to learn and row.

“Its impact cannot be overstated for the benefits of health, camaraderie and support.”

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Saugatuck Survive-Oars are participating in the Pink the Boathouse Challenge. proceeds will help maintain and grow the Survive-Oar program.

Click here to donate, and for more information.

Saugatuck Survive-Oars.

=================================================

Last week marked Green’s Farms Church’s annual Service Sunday.

Families work on special projects, with 8 Fairfield County outreach partners.

Several volunteers …

The church supports those organizations all year. But this is the day the entire congregation is directly involved.

… and the entire Green’s Farms Church. (Photos/Julien Jarry)

==================================================

Speaking of breast cancer: Sorelle Gallery’s online art sale includes original works by over 70 artists in 4  price categories: $2500, $2000, $1500, and $750 and under.

The event opens at 7 p.m. on October 23, and ends 7 p.m. on October 25. Click here to browse, and add to your wishlist.

It’s for a good cause, too. 5% of proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

===============================================

Though all of us face obstacles, some of us are better problem solvers than others.

Want to improve that skill? Mike Hibbard — co-author of “Thinking it Through: Coaching Students to be Problem Solvers” — offers a breakfast presentation on the topic tomorrow (Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston).

Now retired, Hibbard has taught creative and critical thinking throughout his career.

Mike Hibbard

==================================================

The Westport Book Shop’s October Artist of the Month is Jeffrey Earls. His abstract works are on display at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for October 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Jeffrey Earls

=================================================

Johanna Keyser Rossi describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“Fall is here, and we see changes all around. It’s nice to see that roses are still getting  ready to bloom.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

And finally … as you get ready to offer your thoughts on our next downtown ideas:

(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news you can use. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Local business, Local politics, Politics, religion

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Sakura Trees, Senator Blumenthal, Tesla Cybertruck …

Posted on April 20, 2024 | 13 comments

A year ago, 2 beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees outside Sakura were slated to be cut down.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation wanted them gone, for sidewalk installation and lane expansion as part of the Post Road renovation project.

Representative Town Meeting member galvanized local politicians and others in support of the beloved trees.

Public Works Department, RTM, Westport Tree Board and Earthplace officials, plus Sakura’s owner and landowner, met with representatives from DOT and Eversource. The trees were saved.

This week, they were at peak blossom.

Present and former members of the RTM headed to Sakura, to honor the occasion.

Every Westporter who drives past the restaurant thanks them for their efforts.

FUN FACT: “Sakura” means “cherry blossom” in Japanese.

Standing at Sakura (from left): RTM members Harris Falk, Claudia Shaum, Andrew Colabella, Matthew Mandell, Don O’Day. Not pictured, but important to the effort: Louis Mall, Jay Keenan, Julie Whamond, Chris Tait, Seth Braunstein and Jimmy Izzo.

==================================================

Senator Richard Blumenthal was supposed to address the Sunrise Rotary Club in person at 8 a.m. yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.

However, the Senate schedule kept him in Washington.

No problem! Rotary member Mark Mathias used his technical know-how to set up a remote appearance.

At 8:00 sharp, Blumenthal appeared on-screen. An audience of 80 people — members of both Westport Rotary Clubs, and guests — heard his takes on a variety of issues, including the need for quick approval of military aid to Ukraine.

Senator Blumenthal addresses Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

The Tesla Cybertruck that has drawn plenty of attention in Westport may be off the road for a while.

Tesla has recalled all 3,878 of the vehicles it produced from November 13 to December 4. An accelerator pedal can stick, leading to accidents. The cause for the defect was soap used as a lubricant at the Austin factory. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman) 

Tesla Cybertruck, last week on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Karen Como)

==================================================

Today’s trivia: Knights of Columbus Council 3688 sponsor their 2nd annual Trivia Night next Saturday (April 27, 6 p.m., Assumption Church).

Prizes are not trivial: $250 first place; $150 restaurant gift card 2nd place. There are wine raffles, plus a silent auction, music and refreshments.

Tams can include up to 3 people. Categories include history, science, health and the Bible.

Tickets are $40; proceeds go to charity. Click here to purchase.

================================================

MoCA Westport’s next open mic night is this Friday (April 26, 6:30 p.m.). It features acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry.

The public is invited to participate, or attend.

The event is free for members to watch or participate. General admission is $10; participation fee is $5. Click here for tickets.

Questions? Email isabelle@mocawestport.org.

==============================================

Last week, “06880” posted a delicious story on Mary Lou Roels.

The Westporter has developed a great business making (very) fresh jams and preserves.

Mary Lou is also an excellent artist.

She took a break yesterday from the kitchen. On a whim, she headed to Playhouse Square.

There — on the sidewalk outside the post office — she went to work:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Whatever she does, Mary Lou always manages to make it a fruitful day.

=================================================

Speaking of artists:  Herm Freeman — the Westport Book Shop’s artist exhibitor for February, whose works have been exhibited throughout the US and Europe for over 40 years — is one of 2 local artists whose “Kaleidoscope Eyes” show at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport has an artists’ reception today (Saturday, April 20, 3 to 6 p.m., 893 Clinton Avenue).

The other — Cris Dam — has produced the show.

They invite interested Westporters to stop by. “There’s tons of art, and thousands of tulips. It’s great family fun!” Herm says.

“Kaleidoscope” art

==================================================

Judging by the number of emails I get, Westporters are increasingly concerned about the number — and weight — of wires strung between utility poles.

They serve a variety of purposes: electricity, telephone, cable. But apparently it’s  lot easier to string new ones than replace outdated ones. There are a lot up there.

Alert “06880” reader Bob Weingarten spotted a utility worker yesterday, on Post Road East by Stop & Shop. Bob writes: “He must be wondering, which one do I connect?!”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a fierce one.

Anita Tucker Smith writes: “Our wooded yard on Roseville Road has a lot of daily wildlife visitors. But this one is special.

“We first spotted footprints in the 6-inch snow a few weeks ago. We then saw him 6 feet from our front door a few weeks later. We were all startled, and he zipped away.

“I finally managed a few pictures Saturday afternoon as we glanced out the living room windows, just before heading out to dinner.”

(Photo/Anita Tucker Smith)

==============================================

And finally … since today is 4/20:

(On 4/20 — and every other day of the year — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. And every day, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

13 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Politics, Restaurants, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Scott Smith: Meeting House Musings

Posted on March 19, 2024 | 14 comments

The other day, alert and longtime “06880” reader Scott Smith tromped around one of Westport’s most historic sites: the “Meeting House” land, where the original Green’s Farms Congregational Church was located. It was there that the West Parish of Fairfield grew and flourished, on its own.

Today the site is off the Sherwood Island Connector, just beyond the I-95 commuter parking lot.

This 1933 map of Greens Farms by George Jennings shows the meeting house across from the burial ground near Greens Farms Road, West Parish Road and Center Street.

Digging into the subject, Scott found that — years ago — a plan was developed by Westport’s Historic District Commission to create an interpretive trail there.

“Like so many other well-intentioned local improvement schemes, it is just gathering dust in some Town Hall office,” Scott laments.

A vision of a possible “West Parish Meeting House” Historic Site, from the Historic District Commission brochure.

“But maybe 06880 readers will be as curious about the site’s potential as I am.”

Scott writes:

For all the chest-thumping we Westporters do about our rich history and vaunted sense of “place,” I find it odd that so little attention is paid to the earliest traces of our beginnings.

I’m talking about the West Parish Meeting House that was constructed in 1737 at what is now the corner of Greens Farms Road and the Sherwood Island Connector, opposite the Colonial Cemetery established even earlier.

Though it was erected nearly a century after the 5 Bankside Farmers and their families first settled on the fertile coastal upland between Sasco and New Creek in 1648, this ground and its forgotten structure seem to be regarded as the foundational heart of our community.

Some years ago, I tried to explore the setting with my then-young son. We parked in the commuter lot and hiked over to the field where I’d heard the Meeting House once stood, until it was burned by the retreating British in 1779.

I don’t know what I was thinking. Maybe I thought we’d stumble upon the charred remains of the foundation, or kick up an old glass bottle or shard of a clay jug.

We didn’t make it far, defeated by swampy marshland and thick brambles.

Which is why I was intrigued to see the other day that the overgrown field has been bushwhacked back to stubble.

The entrance to the Meeting House site …

I pulled my car off to the side of the road near a gate of the enclosing stone wall, and wandered across the 5.9-acre property. Squat concrete posts, 2 feet high and set about 30 paces apart, mark 4 corners, likely of the original structure.

… and one of the concrete posts. (Photos/Scott Smith)

What I also see in this empty lot is a blank slate to recreate something new. Perhaps it’s an interpretive trail that explains more of the history of these colonial settlers, ideally including stories of the native inhabitants they replaced (sometimes by force). Their absence from our collective memory is even more stark.

To quote the town of Westport website:

By the time of widespread European contact in the early 1600s, the Algonquian tradition characterized Fairfield County. The Westport area was further defined as the Paugussett/Pootatuck group, though there were many dialects and sub-groups …

The Uncowa occupied territory west of the Pequonnock to Southport. The Sasqua occupied lands about the Great Swamp and Sasco Creek. The Maxumux occupied the lands west of Sasco Creek to Compo, extending inland to the Aspetuck River. The Compaw occupied the lands between Compo and the Saugatuck River. West of the Saugatuck were the Norwalk people. North, along the Aspetuck River, were the Aspetuck.

One of the very few reminders of the first residents of this area is Machamux Park, on Greens Farms Road near I-95. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

That’s a lot of people, and a lot to unpack. Perhaps the Meeting House is the place to do it, paying appropriate homage to all who lived and met here long ago.

I’m a big fan of Westport’s open spaces and pocket parks. A model for a reimagined Meeting House Historic Site would be the Mill Pond Preserve, with its native plantings, benches, and signage displaying historic and wildlife information. It was designed and built by a volunteer committee that still actively maintains it.

Details of the proposed plan.

As it always comes down to parking, there would be plenty for school groups and others at the Meeting House if the state lends access to the commuter lot.

Wouldn’t that be a fitting future for one of Westport’s oldest past places?

(The Historic Site was designated as a State Archaeological Preserve in 2010. Details about the original building are found in this Westport Historic District Commission brochure. A fuller preservation and cultural landscape assessment plan may be found here.)

The Historic District Commission’s proposed “ghost structure.”

(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog. We cover our town’s present, future — and past. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

14 Comments

Posted in History, religion

Tagged , , , , ,

Pic Of The Day #2502

Posted on February 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2502

Tonight’s sunset over Green’s Farms Church (Photo/David Kinyon)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2502

Posted in Pic of the Day, religion

Tagged

Roundup: Slice Is On, Dogs Are Out, Bitcoin Is Back …

Posted on September 30, 2023 | 1 comment

Forget yesterday’s weather. And this morning’s.

Today’s Slice of Saugatuck is on! The weather prediction is for clearing this afternoon:

Come out from indoors! Enjoy the rest of the day in Saugatuck. There’s food, fun, kids’ activities, and 7 bands.

It’s starts at 2 p.m., and runs until 5. Click here for more information.

 

Members of Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs) braved the rain to help set up for the Slice of Saugatuck.

=================================================

Tomorrow is October 1. Which means that from Sunday through March 31:

  • Dogs are prohibited from the Compo Beach Pavilion, playground and walkways.
  • All dogs must be leashed in all areas, except the designated off-leash area south of the Pavilion, including South Beach.
  • You are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.

Violators will be fined $77.

In addition, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava notes that animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at all times.

As of October 1, dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach. It’s okay, Yogi – you can go in! (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

=================================================

Tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine includes a long story on Josh Koskoff. The 3rd-generation lawyer — and longtime Westporter — is profiled for his lawsuits against companies that make assault rifles.

Author Michael Steinberger notes that he grew up a year behind Koskoff here, though they cannot recall ever talking.

Click here for the full, fascinating piece.

Josh Koskoff

=================================================

In May, the Westport Police Detective Bureau initiated an investigation after a victim reported they had fallen for an elaborate financial scam.

In January, the victim was convinced to move money from a retirement account into a “Kraken” cryptocurrency account. Between January and March, over $3 million worth of Bitcoin was withdrawn and transferred to cryptocurrency wallets the victim did not control.

Working with the State Police Organized Crime Task Force, Westport detectives tracked the transactions and froze all accounts associated with the scam.

The investigation led to individuals in Pakistan. Although arrests are highly unlikely, Westport detectives recovered $3.2 million, which was returned to the victim.

==================================================

Last weekend, Peter Swift wrote an “06880 Opinion” piece about the wetlands, watershed and retention pond near Muddy Brook, by Long Lots Elementary School.

This was the scene yesterday in back of the school, by Bauer Place Extension. The retention pond overflowed, in the heavy rain.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

==================================================

The other day, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston hosted legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

On Monday (October 2), their guest will discuss a different kind of “court.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong comes to the Westport Library at 7 p.m.

His talk is called

“From Bierbaum to the Sacklers: How Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Looks Out for Connecticut Citizens.” Just this week, Connecticut joined federal regulators and 16 other states in suing Amazon over allegations that the e-commerce giant took advantage of its market dominance to inflate prices, overcharge sellers and suppress competition.

Tong will talk about the collapse of Joseph Bierbaum’s for-profit colleges, Stone Academy and Paier School of Art, as well as the cooperative, multi-state effort to hold the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma accountable for their actions.

The event is open to the public.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

=================================================

The next Friday the 13th comes just weeks before Halloween. The best way to celebrate? With Fireside Mystery Theatre at the Westport Library.

At 6:30 p.m., the award-winning audio theater production company premiers “Nightfall on the Nutmeg State.” The 4 pieces were written especially for the Library.

The troupe’s actors will read live on stage, in full costume, each in front of a mic with script in hand.

The live performance will be recorded and later featured on Fireside Mystery Theatre’s podcast feed, which has reached millions of listeners around the world. It bridges the gap between the Golden Age of Radio and the podcast era.

Tickets are $20. The event is a warmup to StoryFest, the annual literary festival. It runs October 20-22, featuring Neil Gaiman, Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and many more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

==================================================

The other day, Carolyn Wilkinson noticed something was wrong.

The iconic sign — “Bridge Square, Saugatuck, Conn.”  is gone.

It hung there for over 50 years, Carolyn said.

Hey, it was nice while it lasted.

(Photo/Izzy Sareen for Inklings)

==============================================

Each year around this time, Green’s Farms Church members fan out in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport, to work on Service Day projects with partners.

Last Sunday they did landscaping, kitchen clean-up, carpentry, community closet organization, and many other tasks, alongside Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, Open Doors Shelter, Pivot Ministries, Recovery Community Development and Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

As the photo below shows, there were plenty of them. And they spanned all ages.

Green’s Farms Church Service Day volunteers.

==================================================

Mark Shanahan does not take over as Westport Country Playhouse artistic director until next year.

But he’s written, and will direct, “A Sherlock Carol,” Set for December 19-23, it brings characters from Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle together in a story of intrigue and suspense (plus holiday cheer).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

================================================

The Longshore Ladies 9 Holers held their annual charity event Thursday, in support of the Westport Woman’s Club food closet.

They collected a trunk full of food items — and collected $1,200 in donations.

That’s quite a day. Hardly “par for the course.”

Longshore ladies golf food for the pantry.

==================================================

Boygenius — a hot band on a nationwide tour — played at New Haven’s Westville Music Bowl on Thursday.

The opening act was Palehound. Guitarist/vocalist El Kempner graduated from Staples High School in 2010.

Palehound at Westville Music Bowl. (Photo and hat tip/Larry Perlstein)

==================================================

Larry Kastriner died September 14. He was 92, and lived in Westport for 52 years.

He was born in what was Czechoslovakia to Hungarian parents. He emigrated with them in 1940 to Bridgeport, where where he excelled in academics and competed for the high school swim team.

Larry received a full scholarship to Columbia University. He majored in chemical engineering and was a varsity swimmer. He then earned a master’s degree, and pivoted to patent law.

Newly married to Mary Tydor, Larry attended George Washington University Law School evenings while working full time at the US Patent and Trademark Office. He also clerked at the Court of Customs & Patent Appeals.

Following the birth of their daughter, Marianne, he and Mary moved to Yonkers. He began his career at Union Carbide as a patent attorney.  A second daughter, Susan was born. The family moved to Westport in 1965, where they had their third daughter, Cathryn.

Larry enjoyed a long and successful career with Union Carbide (later Praxair) as chief patent counsel.

The family was very involved in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Westport. He served on the Board of Tax Review and was a dedicated member of the YMCA, where he swam and played volleyball. He was a regular attendee at Y’s Men events.

He and Mary spent many evenings walking on the beach or watching the sunset, socializing with friends, and swimming, sailing and playing tennis at Longshore.

While working full time, Larry also taught patent law at the Pace University Law School, as an adjunct professor.  In retirement Larry enjoyed gardening, sculpting, and spending winters at the condo that he and Mary owned in Longboat Key, FL.

Larry and Mary moved to Rockville, Maryland in 2017, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary; daughters Marianne (Dean) Schwanke, Susan (Andrew) Lawrence, and Cathy Kastriner, and grandchildren Billy and Matthew Schwanke, Anna Lawrence, and Sophie and Kel Kastriner.

A celebration of life will be held October 14 in Rockville. Larry’s ashes will be interred at the Unitarian Church in Westport in connection with a service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Larry’s memory may donate to the organization of their choice, or plant a tree in his memory.

Larry Kastriner

=============================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the force of nature.

It’s Deadman Brook, yesterday:

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

==================================================

And finally … today is the birthday of Frankie Lymon.

The soprano lead singer of the Teenagers was born in Washington Heights in 1942. He died 25 years later, of a heroin overdose.

In between, he made this masterpiece:

(Don’t be a fool! Please help support “06880”: your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Environment, Library, Longshore, Obituaries, Police, religion, Saugatuck, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Fireworks Tickets, Duck Race, Levitt Pavilion …

Posted on June 25, 2023 | 10 comments

Tickets are going fast for the greatest party in town: the Independence Day fireworks.

They’re early this year: this Thursday (June 29). As always, Compo Beach is the place to be.

The event is sponsored — once again — by longtime Westport residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein. Their generosity allows Westport PAL to benefit from ticket sales — and run programs and offer scholarships impacting thousands of kids.

Tickets ($50 per car) can be bought at the Westport Police station (50 Jesup Road) and Parks & Recreation office (in Longshore Park), during business hours.

They’re first-come, first-served. And no one gets into Compo without one.

The greatest party in town. (Photo/David Squires)

=======================================================

Yesterday’s s Great Duck Race was a huge success. Attendees — win or lose — had tons of fun. The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club put on another successful event. And the many non-profits that will benefit from the fundraiser will be thrilled.

But there were smaller moments to celebrate too. Here’s one.

Jo Luciano grew up in Westport. She now lives in Florida, but had a special reason to donate to the Duck fundraiser: Her father — Police Chief Sam Luciano — died suddenly in 1970. The Westport Rotary Club generously paid for her, and her sister Carol’s, college educations.

Jo had trouble making the online donation. She found the address for the Rotary Club — but it was “Westport Rotary,” not the “Sunrise Rotary” that puts on the event.

No problem. Leslie Roberts of Westport Rotary forwarded Jo’s email to the Sunrise club.

Problem solved! Jo bought 3 ducks.

But there’s also this Westport-is-really-just-a-small-town postscript: Sunrise Rotary past president Rick Jaffe told Jo: “I live on the other side of the train station from Luciano Park. I take my grandchildren there whenever they visit.”

That’s right: the small park in Saugatuck is named for Jo’s father, the late police chief.

It’s great that Jo still feels connected to Westport. And that Rick now feels a bit more connected to Luciano Park.

Here’sPolice another Great Duck Race story: At the end of a very busy day, Dave Hoffman of the Makin’ Waves food truck had one coconut shrimp left.

He knew Sunrise Rotarian Sheila Keenan loves it. So he walked it across the street, and presented it to an equally exhausted — but very grateful — Sheila.

Dave Hoffman, Sheila Keenan and the coconut shrimp. (Photo and hat tip/Richard Jaffe)

==================================================

Also last night: the Levitt Pavilion’s Michael Franti and Phillip Phillips show.

The sold-out event had everyone dancing.

Except one dog, who wished he was.

(Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

==================================================

Meanwhile, this morning — at the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. — 21 teenagers and 6 adult leaders left Saugatuck Congregational Church, for their annual youth mission trip.

This year’s destination: Washington state. They’ll help with flood recovery, and work with families in need.

Previous mission trips have included Colorado, Arizona, Maine, Alabama, Puerto Rico, and Cuba.

Saugatuck Church youth group. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

Green’s Farms Congregational Church’s youth group left this weekend too, on their mission.

They’re headed to Tennessee.

Green’s Farms Church youth group.

==================================================

Check out the eyes on this “Westport … Naturally” Compo Beach cormorant!

Colorful, beautiful, piercing — and very, very fierce.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1876, the 2-day Battle of the Little Bighorn began. It was an overwhelming victory for the combined Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, and a humiliating defeat for the US Army’s 7th Cavalry. Five of their 12 companies were wiped out; General George Armstrong Custer was killed, along with 2 brothers, a nephew and a brother-in-law.

10 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, religion, Westport life

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: AI, Free Haircuts, Change For Lyman …

Posted on May 27, 2023 | 1 comment

David Pogue’s talk the other day about the potential and perils of artificial intelligence had everyone who saw it, well, talking.

Now the Westport Library — which hosted the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston event — has posted it online.

Whether you’re excited or ambivalent about the future of AI — or don’t know what to think — click below.

It may be one of the most important hours you’ll spend as a human being.

==================================================

Yesterday’s announcement of LymanAID — the July 9 event thanking Westporters for their support of our sister city in Ukraine, and kicking off the next phase of help — created plenty of excitement.

And it brought a great offer from Felicia Catale. She’s not even waiting until July.

Felicia — the owner of Salon Nash, on Post Road West — is offering free haircuts on any Monday in June, for anyone who donates at least $60 to Lyman.

Those cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for a lot more than that.

Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).

Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Be sure to bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!

Felicia Catale

=============================================

Speaking of LymanAID: Staples High School sophomore Sam Rossoni is doing his part to help too.

It’s a big one.

He’s joined with Connie Caruso and a few other volunteers to run “Change for Ukraine: Making a Difference, One Cent at a Time.”

They bought boxes of plastic jars, and are distributing them to businesses, organizations and locations throughout Westport and nearby towns.

They in turn will give jars to individuals or families. Staples students can pick up jars at school.

Between now and early July, participants will try to fill each jar with bills, change and checks (payable to “Ukraine Aid International”). Each holds about $65 worth of coins.

Anyone who fills up a jar will have their lid entered into a raffle. One lid will be selected at random, during the July 9 LymanAID event. The winner gets a $1,000 cash prize.

Want a jar? Or want to contribute? Call or text Sam Rossoni: 917-535-0327.

Collection jars for Lyman.

================================================

One of the most dangerous intersections in town just got a bit safer.

Two new stop signs have been added to the north and south sides of West Parish and Hillandale Roads.

Previously, there were — confusingly — only 2 signs. Now drivers coming from all 4 directions must stop.

New north side stop sign on West Parish Road. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)

==================================================

Speaking of accidents: There was a bad-looking one yesterday at the Long Lots Road/North Avenue intersection.

I’m surprised there aren’t more. Between the volume of traffic, the 3-way stop that includes a dip in the road, 2 options southbound from North Avenue and westbound on Long Lots, plus the tempting roll-through-the-stop-sign-and-take-a-right from Long Lots, it’s (as the saying goes) “an accident waiting to happen.”

=================================================

It’s more than a Teardown of the Day. Call this the Teardown of the Season.

Demolition has begun on the old Westport Inn. The 120-room Post Road East property — first built in 1960 as the New Englander Motel — is being developed by Delamar into an 85-unit boutique hotel.

Upgrades include less building and site coverage, and more green areas.

Delamar owns popular hotels in Southport, Greenwich, West Hartford and Traverse City, Michigan. A couple of miles from the old Westport Inn, they’re also redeveloping the Inn at Longshore.

The demolished front section of the Westport Inn. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

As Westport prepares for Memorial Day, our beloved Minute Man is ready.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

But those American flags didn’t fall out of the sky.

Kudos to Westport Hardware for their donation.

And to Andrew Colabella, who has placed them at the base every year since 2008.

=================================================

Another Memorial Day weekend tradition:

This morning, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 placed American flags on veterans’ graves, at cemeteries around Westport.

This was the scene at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church Upper Burial Ground:

(Photo/MaryAnn Meyer)

=================================================

“Below Surface” — the 19-minute documentary short film highlighting Patty Kondub’s life-changing Westport Weston Family YMCA Aquafit class — has earned raves. And awards.

On June 9 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special screening.

After the show, Patty joins the movie’s producers for a panel discussion. Tracey Knight Narang — a Tony Award-winning producer, and a playwright — moderates.

Admission is free. Click here to register.

=================================================

Just a few days after another “06880” report on another delay in the ongoing saga of the Bayberry Lane bridge …

… it’s open!

Andrew Colabella was there early yesterday morning, to see the finishing touches put on the long-running project — and to (happily and helpfully) move the “Road Closed” sign out of the way.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

Sotheby’s auction of a vast collection of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s personal belongings — from chairs and rugs to a “White Stag Speedo Leisure Tennis Suit Worn by Newman” — has begun.

“A Life & Legacy: The Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman Collection” is live through June 12. Click here to bid.

Or just gawk. (Hat tip: Debbie O’Malley and Bill Kutik)

This photo of Paul Newman and fellow Westporter Michael Brockman at the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona race is valued at $800 to $1,200. Bidding starts at $200.

==================================================

Comp Beach lifeguards return on Monday (Memorial Day).

But at least one was in the guard shack yesterday. Among the duties: updating the popular informational/inspirational sign, for the 2023 season.

(Photo/Karen Como)

===============================================

The newest member of Westport’s deer community poses for its first “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Scott Weiner)

==================================================

And finally … Ed Ames, whose long career stretched from lead singer of the Ames Brothers, to Fess Parker’s Native American companion on “Daniel Boone,” died last Sunday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.

Click here for a full obituary. And click not just on 2 of his most memorable songs, but on one of the most famous moments ever in Johnny Carson history. (Watch to the end!)

(Sure, it’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” is still at work, bringing you all the information you need about Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Library, Transportation, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Patti LuPone, Easter Eggs, Crime …

Posted on March 23, 2023 | 2 comments

Patti LuPone is coming to Westport.

The 3-time Tony Award winner brings her “Don’t Monkey with Broadway” show to the Westport Country Playhouse. The special event is June 15 (8 p.m.).

It’s an appropriate concert for the 91-year-old stage. LuPone explores classic Broadway tunes by Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin.

In between, she describes her life-long love affair with Broadway, and the unpredictability of the Great White Way.

Tickets are $250, $150 and $75. All audience members are invited to a post-performance party. Click here to purchase.

==================================================

After an eggs-ceptional first year, Westport Moms’ 2nd annual Easter egg hunt is back. The magic is set for this Sunday (March 26), at the Long Lots Elementary School playground.

They learned a couple of lessons. They pre-stuffed eggs with toys — not candy — and will offer 2 different hunts. Ages 2-5 begin at 11:30 a.m.; kids 6 and up begin at 12:15 p.m. 

Also on hand: food trucks, sweet treats, entertainment (dance party, sports games, art projects, make your own cookie, balloon twisting, face painting) — and of course the Easter Bunny.

Eggs-tra special: 40 gold eggs with gift cards to the Toy Post.

Westport Moms know that Easter is not until April 9. But with spring sports and the upcoming school break, they’re getting a (bunny-hop) jump on things.

The cost is $20 per family. Click here for tickets.

=================================================

Westport Police report 7 custodial arrests between March 15-22

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, illegal carry of a firearm while under the influence, operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, misuse of registration marker plate, insufficient motor vehicle insurance (following a traffic stop on Post Road East for registration credentials that did not match the vehicle
  • Forgery (creating and selling fraudulent Texas license plates and paperwork)
  • Larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny (after shoplifting from Ulta Beauty in February, of merchandise with a GPS tracking device)
  • Disorderly conduct (2 people, both for domestic violence incidents)
  • Violation of parole, 2 counts (following a traffic stop)
  • Failure to appear (after a traffic stop).

The police reporting system still does not include citations.

The only legitimate Texas license plates are those issued by the Lone Star State.

==================================================

Speaking of crime:

The Westport Library is hosting “United Against Hate: Identifying, Reporting and Preventing Hate Crimes.” The interactive learning program focuses on the difference between a hate incident and a hate crime. Participants will learn who to contact when an incident occurs, and why reporting is important.

The event is set for next Tuesday (March 28; 6 p.m. reception, 6:30 program).  Registration is required; click here.

“United Against Hate” is held in collaboration with the US Attorney’s Office, Westport PRIDE, Westport and Norwalk chiefs of police, and the Connecticut State Police’s Hate Crimes Unit.

==================================================

Four years after being halted due to permit violations, construction has begun again at 233 Hillspoint Road.

Scaffolding surrounds the chimney, at the site of what was once Positano restaurant. Since 2019, it’s been a blue-swaddled eyesore near Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

==================================================

As the Staples High School boys basketball team continues to bask in the glow of the Wreckers’ best season since 1937 — they reached the finals of both the state and FCIAC tournaments — former player Chuck Haberstroh sends along a reminder that the crew was destined for stardom from a young age.

Seven years ago, 6 members of this year’s squad were part of the undefeated Westport PAL Blue team. They were champions of both the Fairfield County Basketball League regular season, and postseason tourney.

The 2016 Westport PAL basketball team (top row, from left): Coach Drew Carothers, Henry Levin. Jack Watkins, Will Holleman, Cameron Lyons, Chris Zajac, Gavin Rothenberg. Bottom: Noah Ambrifi. Cody Sale, Gavin Murphy, Charlie Honig. Ty Levine. Holleman, Zajac, Rothenberg, Sale, Honig and Levine went on to play for Staples.

==================================================

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts 2 great activities this weekend.

Hone your Jeopardy skills at Trivia Night tomorrow (Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m.). Everyone is welcome (adult-supervised childcare available).

The annual Spring Choral Concert presents “Sondheim” at the church’s Sunday service (March 26, 10 a.m.). The choir will sing several works, offering attendees a look at their own lives and relationships. Chris Beaurline, Mike Costantino and Marcella Calabi are guest singers. The public is invited.

Stephen Sondheim will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation on Sunday — well, his songs will be, anyway.

==================================================

Y’s Men of Westport and Weston and guests enjoyed a tour of the Housatonic Art Museum this week.

There were a couple of local connections, on the Housatonic Community College campus. The museum’s Burt Chernow Galleries are named for the longtime artist, teacher and founding member of the Westport Arts Center. Chernow also played a key role in establishing the Housatonic collection of modern art.

And included in the permanent collection: 2 pieces by Westport artist, Staples High School graduate and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs.

Y’s Men member and event organizer Jay Dirnberger welcomes the group at the Housatonic Art Museum. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

Speaking of art:

MoCA Westport invites anyone interested in learning more about art collecting to a discussion that demystifies buying and collecting.

Panelists include Takako Nagasawa (Phillips Auction House), Diana Mashia (Founder and CEO, Invest In Her Art) and Elizabeth Gorayeb (executive Director, Wildenstein Plattner Institute).

The event is March 30 (6 to 7 p.m.). Participants can explore MoCA’s current exhibition, and buy drinks or cocktails. It’s free for members, $10 for non-members.

==================================================

College students are invited to apply for a very cool local internship.

Vanish Media Systems — the Post Road showroom for huge TV screens, which innovatively disappear into custom-built cabinets and other furniture — is looking for 2 talented and energetic interns.

Skills needed are product design and engineering, digital marketing and social media, creativity, website design, e-commerce and easy relationships with people.

To apply, send a resume, plus 5 sentences explaining Vanish Media Systems products, and how you’d market them, to hello@vanishmediasystems.com. To learn more about Mark Motyl’s Westport-based company, click here.

A room with water views on Beachside Avenue becomes a screening center, with a Vanish Media system.

==================================================

La Plage — the popular Longshore restaurant — offers a special 3-course prix fixe Easter menu on Sunday, April 9 (noon to 7 p.m.). Click here to see how chef Frederic Kieffer showcases the flavors of spring.

The cost is $85 per person; $45 for children under 12. For reservations, click here for reservations, email laplagewestport.com, or call 203-684-6232.

PS: For information on a variety of Westport restaurants, click on our “Restaurants” at the top of the page (or click here).

=================================================

Green’s Farms Church will livestream this Sunday’s 4 p.m. Duruflé Requiem Memorial Concert, honoring the life of longtime organist Rick Tripodi.

Click here to see. The concert will also be recorded, and available at that link.

The restored Green’s Farms Church organ.

 ==================================================

Signs of spring are everywhere. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a few of them, at Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

==================================================

And finally … Bobbi Kelly Ercoline — the 20-year-old woman whose photo, wrapped in a blanket with her boyfriend of 2 months (and then, for 54 years, her husband) became a symbol of Woodstock when it became the cover for the album that was the movie soundtrack of the same name — died Sunday.

She was 73 years old. (Click here for a full obituary. Hat tip: Matt Murray)

Bobbi and Nick Ercoline, well more than 10 Years After Woodstock.

(From Westport to Woodstock, “06880” has got you covered. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Police, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,