As the Westport Farmers’ Market gets back to its regular schedule — every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — director Lori Cochran-Dougall offers some new year’s challenges. They include:
- Shop creatively: Expand your palette by buying one new thing each visit.
- Spend your money with intention: Support local farms and makers.
- Cook from scratch: Connect with your food by cooking meals.
- Seek connection: Learn more about your farmers and makers; know who grows your food.
- Share the love: Bring a friend to the market.
In addition, the Saturday market — a big hit over the holidays — returns in February and February 7 (also 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
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Speaking of food: For a small restaurant, Jeera Thai sure attracts some Big Names.
A number of famous people — actors and others — love the very authentic Thai spot on Post Road East, opposite Design Within Reach. (“06880” readers know it’s one of my favorite restaurants too.)
Owner Luna does not boast about her clientele. She respects her diners’ privacy.
But she was particularly pleased the other day, when the Korean-born Kristen Kish — the Top Chef winner and TV host, who appeared on Selena Gomez’s own show — showed up for delicious Thai food.
Kristen was not disappointed. She had a great meal. Just like everyone else at Jeera Thai every time, too.
Kristen Kish (left) and Luna, at Jeera Thai.
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Speaking of celebrities: Michael Rapaport may be running for mayor.
Of New York.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the actor/comedian/podcaster’s
“opposition to New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has become so total, that he’s decided to run to replace him.”
Of course, Mamdani is less than a week into his 4-year term. The next election is not till 2029.
Also of course, Rapaport lives in Westport.
On the other hand, he may still have an apartment in the city.
And he may be registered to vote there. His name does not appear on the Westport voter list. (Hat tip: Richard Fogel. Click here for the full EW story.)
Mayor Rapaport?
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Mar Jennings is another celebrity.
On May 22 (Sacred Heart University Community Theatre), the Westport-based lfestyle expert/TV host/author offers a powerful, and deeply personal, new production.
And 100% of ticket proceeds will go the Center for Family Justice, to support survivors of domestic violence, abuse and trauma.
Jennings uses storytelling, human and honesty to share a journey of resilience, reinvention and hope.
“The show is about survival, compassion, and the belief that no one should walk through darkness alone,” he says.
“If sharing my story helps even one person feel less isolated or more empowered, then this entire project has fulfilled its purpose.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Mar Jennings
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The James Webb Space Telescope has had an amazing journey so far.
But you just have to travel as far as your favorite device, to learn all about it.
Naveen Vetcha — aerosciences team lead at Amentum Space Exploration Division at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama — explores and explains the Webb telescope’s findings and impacts, on the Westport Astronomical Society’s next free online science lecture.
It’s January 20 (8 p.m.; click here for YouTube; click here for Zoom).
Image from the James Webb Space Telescope.
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Longtime Westport resident John Allen died from complications of a traumatic brain injury on January 2. He was 61 years old.
He earned a dual degree in philosophy and Spanish, summa cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame (where he swam and played water polo), and a juris doctor with high honors from Columbia University. He later engaged in a published debate with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
John was an avid reader, particularly of world literature, and a lover of the arts. He was fluent in 4 languages.
John’s family says, “he was a committed Catholic who lived his life on the principles of self-sacrifice, forgiveness, kindness, and patience with all. He enlivened family life with faith, intellect, and eccentric humor. John loved the Mets, summers at the beach in Cape Cod, the Grateful Dead, lively intellectual discussion, singing and playing his guitar, learning everything he could, but most of all his family.”
He is survived by his wife Ursula; son Gerard and daughter Isabel; sister Barbara Ender (Robert) of North Haledon, New Jersey; brothers Tom (Sue) of Hollis, New Hampshire, and Pat (Eleyena)of Harriman, New York; (Elevena); nephews and nieces Brian, Colleen, Elizabeth, Tommy, Max, Angie, Gracie, August, Pattie and Liam; grand-niece Addie, and in-laws Bernadette, Ed (Lu), Bobby (Mary), and Emmett St. John (Padra), and their children Missy, Jackie, Caroline, Eddie and Owen.
A wake is set for today (Wednesday, January 7, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home), with a Mass of Christian burial tomorrow (Thursday, January 8, 10:30 a.m., Assumption Church). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Seeds of Love (Semillas de Amor), the orphanage in Guatemala from which John’s daughter Isabel was adopted.
John Allen
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Irene D’Amico, the wife of Peter D’Amico for 60 years, died peacefully on January 2. She was 94.
Born in Sweden, she came to the US in 1962 for a short visit. But she met Peter through a friend. They built their dream house on a Westport hill, and moved in on their wedding day. Friends and family were always välkommen there.
Irene was a registered nurse in Sweden, but always had a passion for interior design. While serving as office manager for the family businesses, she launched her own store, Irene Decorating, in Westport. She enjoyed many years serving a wide range of clientele.
In her spare time, she was devoted to her beautiful flowers and gardens. She loved animals, particularly the many dogs and cats she and Peter raised and adored. Irene enjoyed traveling, and visited her native Sweden every year.
Irene and her husband supported many organizations, especially those related to children.
In addition to her husband, Peter, Irene is survived by a nephew and cousin in Sweden; brother-in-law Anthony D’Amico of Westport; sister-in-law Geraldine Stauss of Fairfield; 17 nieces and nephews, and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
The family thanks the staff at Waveny LifeCare Network in New Canaan — including the director, nurses, social workers, chaplain and aides — for the exceptional care, kindness and love they provided to Irene.
A celebration of life is set for Friday (January 9, 11 a.m., St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Norwalk), followed by a luncheon in her honor at the St. Ann Club in Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Waveny LifeCare Network, 3 Farm Road, New Canaan, CT 06840.
Irene D’Amico
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a scene many residents can relate to this season.
But it takes a pro like Jerry Kuyper to capture it like this:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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And finally … on this date in 1904, the distress signal “CQD” was established for ships in distress. It was replaced 2 years later by …
(SOS! “06880” relies on reader support! Please click here to contribute! CQD! Thank you!)
