Tag Archives: Judy Michaelis

Westport artist Mark Yurkiw has created over 2,000 “story-telling sculptures” during his 50-year career.

They’ve been seen on TV, films and billboards, and in magazines and newspapers.

Several are now on display at the Senior Center. They make visitors engage, think and smile.

But they do a lot more too. All are available for purchase.

Donations will help ship another 40-foot container of medical equipment to Ukraine. This is the 6th time Yurkiw has done this, for his country of ancestry.

The equipment is in a warehouse, waiting for $7,800 to be raised. In addition to sculpture sales at the Senior Center, tax-deductible contributions can be made by clicking here. Include the words “For shipping” with donations.

But that’s not all.

Yurkiw is also collecting generators, chain saws and tools for auto repairs. All are also desperately needed in Ukraine.

They can be dropped off by the garage doors at 190 Cross Highway. To arrange pickup, call 646-873-0050.

Mark Yurkiw’s Senior Center sculptures.

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Over 200 Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and guests, heard US Representative Jim Himes address many important issues on Thursday.

Among the topics: tariffs, international relations, US support of Ukraine, the Mideast, Social Security, Medicare, the balance of power between the 3 branches of governmentn and much more.

Click below, to hear our congressman’s take on the world.

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The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday (March 27) has been canceled.

The only agenda item was a continuation of the discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

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Yesterday, “06880” reported on the decision by Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo to replace the handsome metal Block “S” honor — the highest honor for any Wrecker, awarded to 2 athletes on every varsity team, for over 70 years — with much less expensive, generic plaques.

The story included a photo of a typical Block “S”:

But it did not show the replacement. For comparison, here is what athletes this year receive:

Sarullo responded to “06880” yesterday. He said, “The decision was made last summer. I did not hear any complaints until this week.

“We are talking to the company that makes the Block ‘S’ awards, to see how creative we can be.”

Addressing public concerns about the change, he added, “We are not taking this lightly. I hope everyone will be patient. We’ll see what we can do.”

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Sushi Jin is ready to rock Westport.

The new restaurant — with a Main Street address, but whose main entrance is off Elm Street, opposite Serena & Lily — was packed, for a special soft opening party last night.

Hosted by Judy Michaelis, the Coldwell Banker realtor, as a benefit for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, the handsome new space drew raves from guests (and a number of off-duty EMTs).

WVEMS deputy director Marc Hartog and his granddaughter enjoy Sushi Jin. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)

The sushi, dumplings and other menu items, well-stocked bar, and warm, welcoming Japanese-style decor have all the markings of the town’s newest hot spot.

Sushi Jin chefs at work. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The official opening is tomorrow (Sunday).

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Meanwhile, around the corner at Bedford Square, The Blondinit Israeli restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Shabbat candle lighting ceremony.

Families wait for candle lighting at The Blondinit. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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A national audience knows Craig Melvin as the new host of NBC’s “Today” show.

Westporters know him as a youth basketball coach, and an owner of the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 3 p.m.), he’ll step onto the Norwalk Concert Hall stage. He’ll narrate the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” The work closes with the famous words: “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Also on the bill: “American in Paris, “Afro-American Symphony,” “Barber of Seville Overture” and more. Click here for more details.

Craig Melvin

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“Southern Fried” — the best in classic rock, blues and R&B — takes over the VFW tonight (March 22, 7 p.m. doors opoen, music at 8 p.m.).

Matt Zako and Barn Brew Co. promise “a night of great tunes, cold drinks, and fun with friends.”

Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 at the door.

Plus: The first draft beer is free. Now that’s Southern hospitality!

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For 14 years, longtime Westporter Peter Bradeen and his son Peter Jr. have jumped into Long Island Sound long before the rest of us. His other sons, Ethan and Luke, are regulars too.

They’ve joined a fundraiser for Connecticut Special Olympics. More than 12,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports, and participate in 4 annual state games.

This year’s event is April 6 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield).To help Peter Jr. reach his goal, click here.

The Bradeen family, and friends.

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In the wake of a second discovery of a swastika in a Weston school, 2 Westport rabbis, and the pastors of 2 Weston churches, issued this statement:

“Echoing the words used by Weston Board of Education chair Steve Ezzes in his recent message, we too are ‘full of sadness and frustration’ at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.

“Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.

“Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.

“We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.

“As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.

“In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.

“We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.

“We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.

“Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.”

L’shalom — in peace,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue

In Solidarity,
Rev. Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Rev. Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church

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In a few days, Willowbrook Cemetery will be awash in daffodils. It’s one of Westport’s annual delights.

But there’s always something interesting to see, at the large graveyard off Main Street.

The other day, JC Martin spotted this, outside a mausoleum:

(Photo/JC Martin)

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Dick Wingate sends along today’s “Westport (and Weston) … Naturally” photo, and asks: “Which one isn’t real?”

(Photo/Dick Wingate)

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And finally … Stephen Sondheim was born on this date, 95 years ago. He died in 2021 — 71 years after spending the summer as an apprentice at the Westport Country Playhouse.

There are so many great songs to choose from. Here are 3 — all starting with his initials, “S.”

(“Isn’t it rich …” Hey, we couldn’t resist using that line to remind readers that “06880” relies on your support. Please click here to help us continue our work. No clowning around. Thank you!)