If you couldn’t find something to do in Westport today, you just weren’t trying.
Downtown pulsed with the energy of thousands of Westporters and visitors, of all ages.
The Sunrise Rotary Club sponsored their annual Great Duck Race and Family Faire, on Jesup Green.
The race offered a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize, among others. The fair offered games for kids, vendors for adults, and food for all.
Meanwhile, the 60th annual jUNe Day offered dozens of United Nations families a chance to enjoy a Westport experience, at Longshore, Compo Beach, Wakeman Town Farm, Earthplace and more.
The day began on Jesup Green — at the start of the Family Faire — with welcomes from dignitaries (including Westporter Aye-Aye Thant, daughter of former UN Secretary General U Thant), food, and a chance to mix and mingle.
Getting away from the UN, for a day in an American suburb.
A few steps away on Main Street and nearby, the Westport Downtown Association’s Sidewalk Sale offered bargains from merchants — some of whose stores are not downtown — along with (hey, why not?) haircuts right there on the street.
The Sidewalk Sale continues today (Saturday) until 5 p.m. It’s on again tomorrow (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plenty of shoppers outside Vineyard Vines.
There’s always something happening in Westport. Today, there just happened to be a bit more than usual.
Little girl, big duck.
Felicia Catale offers a sidewalk service.
Sunrise Rotarians are feeling ducky.
You’ve heard of touch-a-truck events. At the Family Faire, kids could touch — and get into — a Westport cop car.
The United Nations soccer team, before heading off to play. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Miggs Burroughs created today’s jUNe Day globe. “06880”‘s Dan Woog supports it. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
Citing the need for “buy-in” from local communities — and acknowledging fierce opposition from suburban communities and Republican legislators — Governor Lamont vetoed HB 5002 yesterday.
The omnibus housing legislation — passed nearly 3 weeks ago — would have dramatically changed the ability of local governments to impose zoning restrictions.
Non-partisan groups like the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and Connecticut Council of Small Towns, along with bipartisan leaders from towns including Westport, urged the governor to veto the bill.
Lamont previously supported the bill. He called his veto “reluctant.”
Last September, Governor Lamont spoke at the opening of 122 Wilton Road, where Homes with Hope sponsors 19 units of affordable housing. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
The Soundview Summer Stroll returns soon, for a second great year!
Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 27.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event — presented by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — will once again close Soundview Drive to vehicles.
The beach exit road will be transformed into a pedestrian-only party.
Like last year’s initial Stroll, the road will be filled with music (4 bands), kids’ activities (games, face painting, photo booth and more), food, and a fun community vibe.
More details will be announced soon. See you at the Stroll!
Last year’s Soundview Stroll. (Photos/Benji Porosoff)
The popular Westport Downtown Association event takes place this Friday through Sunday (June 27-29), on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square. Other retailers beyond downtown will also provide discounts.
It’s 3 days of open-air shopping, community fun (and plenty of bargains).
PS: The weather this weekend will not be as hot as today!
================================================
And another long and important Westport tradition continues this Saturday (June 28).
The 60th annual jUNe Day celebration brings 30 guests from the United Nations to town.
The day-long event — coordinated by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and town officials — begins with opening ceremonies (10:30 a.m., Jesup Green).
It includes a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and brief remarks, by UN Under Secretary-General Christian Saunders.
Then, UN families will head off to swim at Compo Beach, play tennis and golf at Longshore, visit Earthplace, tour Wakeman Town Farm, and walk and shop downtown. Many may stay for the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race and family fair, also at Jesup Green.
jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut. The Post Road bridge was named in her honor — and on Saturday, the flags of many of the UN’s 193 member nations will fly on the span.
A few volunteers are still needed. Email Andreasusa@yahoo.com, or call 203-526-3275. For more information on the jUNe Day, call 203-454-7685.
Every jUNe Day, the flags of member nations fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)
================================================
It was the hottest ticket in town — literally.
The Westport Country Playhouse air conditioning faltered. But Justin Paul — the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriter (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) and Staples Class of 2003 graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek delivered a rousing benefit show.
They — and their Broadway musical guests and backup musicians — were drenched in sweat from the opening bars of the first song, “Waving Through a Window.” (The fundraiser was called “Waving Through Westport.”)
Their “fans” in the audience fanned themselves with programs.
But Pasek & Paul showed why they are not only great songwriters — but great showmen as well.
The duo gave plenty of props to Paul’s home town. It was the latest magical night, in the Playhouse’s proud 95-year history.
Front, from left: Justin Paul, Benj Pasek and Alex Newell, at the Westport Country Playhouse. Paul and Pasek took off their jackets soon after the show began. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Youth Commission members solicit businesses downtown.
=================================================
A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last month — is set for this Sunday (June 29, 4 p.m.). The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
One other tribute to a beloved Westporter: A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on Saturday (June 28, 1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
==============================================
Due to the extreme heat advisory, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion concert — Suzanne Sheridan & Friends — has been postponed. The new date is August 12.
Suzanne Sheridan
================================================
Adam Nussbaum — the jazz drummer who grew up in Norwalk, won a Grammy, and has played with artists like Gil Evans and Stan Getz — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (June 26, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by bassist Jay Anderson, pianist Rob Aries and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets.
=================================================
Former Westporter Patricia Anne (White) Dunn died June 20, in North Carolina. She was 82.
She attended Westport schools, then earned a BA in English and world religions from the University of Miami. She was a former board chair of the North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of Ameirca, and served on the board of directors of the Charlotte Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by her love and caregiver Sean Lowther; son Christopher Lee (LaDonna) of Mobile, Alabama; brother F. Terrence White (Dena) of Pembroke Pines, Florida; sister Meeche White of Leavenworth, Washington; 2 grandchildren, and members of the Lowther family.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America or Kappa Kappa Gamma Education Foundation, 6640 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, Dublin, OH 43017.
Patty Anne Dunn
===========================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is our first two-fer.
We’ve gotten some good egret submissions lately.
Here’s a solo bird, at Deadman Brook …
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
… and a flock, from Judy Point near Saugatuck Shores:
And finally … happy 80th birthday to Colin Blunstone. He was the lead singer/ guitarist/songwriter for The Zombies. They’re in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but remain one of the most underrated of all British Invasion groups.
(It’s the time of the season. And time to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Don’t tell us no! Please click here. We thank you!)
Every June since the 1950s — just a few years after the United Nations moved into its New York headquarters, and spurred by the work of UN advocate/ secretary to Eleanor Roosevelt/Westport resident Ruth Steinkraus Cohen — we have welcomed ambassadors, government officials and staff members to town.
On a (hopefully beautiful) early summer Saturday, we offer hospitality and friendship. There’s a breakfast and low-key greeting ceremony. Then our guests, their families and volunteer hosts spend the day in a variety of ways: at the beach, Earthplace or Wakeman Town Farm; playing golf, tennis or soccer; shopping, dining and relaxing.
Through the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the end of colonialism and the rise of new global powers, the tradition has endured.
It’s one of those things that makes our suburban community different from many others.
jUNe Day flags fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. It’s named for the founder of the annual Westport event.
They were fully respectful. They were totally silent.
But their t-shirts, signs and flyers sent a message. They were angry about the UN’s “egregious bias against Israel, and the fact that our tax dollars are being used to host representatives of the United Nations, particularly this year, after the horrific events of October 7, and the consistently glaring antisemitic/anti-Israel efforts to delegitimize the only Jewish state.”
They cited many other reasons why they believe they UN has become “a highly politically divisive organization.” Inviting employees here, they said, “is simply no longer acceptable to us….We are all for international hospitality, but we should be hosting an organization that stands for universal equality for all.”
jUNe Day protestors, on Jesup Green. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Bill Hass disagrees.
As president of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut — the organizer, with Westport officials and volunteers, of jUNe Day — he firmly believes in the organization’s mission.
And he wants our town’s tradition to continue.
Hass told “06880”: “For nearly 60 years, Westport has supported jUNe Day as an opportunity for Westporters to offer hospitality and friendship to UN staff and delegates.
“This derives from a recognition that the United Nations is the only organization created to maintain global peace and security in which nearly all the countries of the world are represented. In a world of deeply divergent interests, it is essential that lines of communication be kept open concerning current conflicts and other global challenges. And, in this age of nuclear weapons, global peace is not only a lofty ideal, it is critical for the survival of the human race.
“Westport is a welcoming and diverse community with many residents also having lived and worked abroad. Many here realize that what affects those halfway around the world can also impact us.
Bill Hass speaks at this year’s jUNe Day welcoming ceremony. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker is seated at left. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“In 1962, the world came very close to experiencing the terror of nuclear war during the Cuban missile crisis. At that time, the UN Security Council and Secretary-General U Thant provided a breathing space that made it possible for the Soviet Union and the United States to step back from the brink of disaster and allow back channel and other quiet diplomacy to resolve the crisis.”
(Thant’s daughter Aye-Aye is a longtime Westport resident.)
“We sometimes hear that the UN is doing nothing, but the Secretary-General’s use of quiet diplomacy is an essential tool for helping to resolve difficult situations and crises.
“Earlier in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Secretary-General quietly negotiated an agreement to permit the export of Ukrainian grain to countries in desperate need. Also, a multitude of UN agencies maintain peace in areas attempting to recover from conflict, provide disaster relief, and address key global issues such as climate change, immigration and the plight of refugees.
“Expenses for jUNe Day are borne by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut, the UN Staff Union and modest reservation fees. We are very grateful to the town for opening many of our recreational facilities to UN guests as well as the Wakeman Town Farm, and for the warm welcome extended by our First Selectwoman. Earthplace is also much appreciated as a favorite destination of our guests.
“Our jUNe volunteers observed that UN guests who represented so many member states deeply appreciated Westport’s hospitality, and noted the right of people to protest peacefully.
Enjoying jUNe Day at Jesup Green, not far from the protest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“It is important to acknowledge the concerns of those who protested on jUNe Day. Some even may have relatives or friends who were killed or injured on October 7, or at other times in Israel’s history.
“On October 7, 2023, in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned ‘in the strongest terms the attack by Hamas against Israeli towns.’ He also extended his ‘deepest condolences to the families of the victims” and called for “the immediate release of all the abducted persons.’ Finally, he stressed that ‘violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiations leading to a two-State solution can peace be achieved.'”
“Some Westport protestors alleged bias by the UN against Israel. It is important to distinguish between the UN organization and the position of some of its member countries.
“The Secretary-General and the staff are required by the principles of the UN Charter to treat Israel and, indeed all UN member countries, with dignity and respect and without discrimination. There exists honest disagreement on many issues related to this conflict. It is a disservice to the UN to construe its disagreement with some of the policy choices of the government of Israel as antisemitic.”
A couple of hundred United Nations employees — staff members and their families (with an occasional ambassador) — come from New York, by train or bus.
jUNe Day guests, enjoying a Jesup Green Breakfast.
They’re welcomed at a brief breakfast, by town officials. A message from the Secretary-General is read.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (seated, left) waits to give jUNe Day greetings. At the podium is Bill Hass, United Nations Association Southwest Connecticut chapter president.
Then they head out, with local volunteers, to experience a summer day in the suburbs. They’re invited to Longshore, Compo, Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm. They swim, play tennis and golf and soccer, shop and eat.
It’s a well-oiled machine.
Today, for perhaps the first time ever, a bit of politics intruded.
Over 150 residents partnered with the Connecticut chapter of #EndJewHatred to organize a protest.
It was silent, out of respect for the town and Great Duck Race activities, going on simultaneously.
Part of this morning’s crowd at Jesup Green.
The event began at the Westport Woman’s Club parking lot, with prayers for the hostages and Israeli Defense Forces.
Holding signs and wearing t-shirts, protestors then walked a short distance to Jesup Green.
Organizers told “06880”: “We are Westporters. We are Westport neighbors who support the town’s economy.
“We are Jews. Maybe some of us are non-Jews.
“We are Zionists.
“We are parents. Maybe some of us have college students who face extreme antisemitism on their campuses.
“We are angry about the UN’s egregious bias against Israel, and the fact that our tax dollars are being used to host representatives of the United Nations, particularly this year, after the horrific events of October 7, and the consistently glaring antisemitic/anti-Israel efforts to delegitimize the only Jewish state.”
Celia Kaner Offir (left) and Elise Meyer. In Israel, Celia met the father of the 2 kidnapped brothers, whose faces are on her poster.
They said that the UN has “done nothing to release the remaining 116 hostages, representing 54 different countries— not just Israel — over the last 9 months.
“The UN was silent on the rape and sexual violence used against Israeli women on October 7 for months.
“Staffers of the UN agency of UNRWA were directly involved in the October 7 Hamas attack and subsequent murder and kidnapping of Israelis.
“The UN will still not condemn Hamas using its name.
“The UN singles out Israel with resolution after resolution while countries like North Korea and Iran are barely sanctioned.”
“The preposterous false charges of genocide against Israel are meritless, counterproductive and hypocritical.”
(All photos/Dan Woog)
Organizers added, “we understand that jUNe day has gone on here for 50-plus years.
“We understand that in its inception, it was not meant to be a political statement or event. However, today, the UN is a highly politically divisive organization, and inviting their employees to our town for a day in the sun is simply no longer acceptable to us.
“Sometimes the status quo needs to change. Just because we’ve operated one way for 50 years, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate going forward.
“We are all for international hospitality, but we should be hosting an organization that stands for universal equality for all.”
A reminder: the family-friendly, fun Westport Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race event begins at 10 a.m. today on Jesup Green, and runs until 2 p.m. The ducks themselves cascade down a chute at 1 p.m. Raffle tickets — with a top prize of $5,000, and many others — will be available there.
Also at 10:30 a.m. today on Jesup Green: a brief welcoming ceremony for our 200 United Nations guests. Before heading off for a day of recreation, shopping and (if the sun comes out) beach activities, they will be greeted officially. The public is invited.
And of course all day long, the Westport Downtown Association sidewalk sale rocks Main Street and environs.
jUNe Day flags on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Nancy Lally)
Lulada Club: NYC’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra got the women — and men — dancing last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The free weekend entertainment continues tonight (Saturday), with blues trio Buffalo Nichols (7:30 p.m.), and tomorrow (Sunday), with the NYC Ska Orchestra (7 p.m.).
The (somewhat) new Ethan Allen Design Center in the Fresh Foods shopping plaza chose 10 members of the Artists Collective of Westport to exhibit their work for a month.
The art will be displayed throughout the separate room settings, on the walls and easels. The intiative originated with EA’s design director, Westporter, Melissa Mack.
A reception is set for July 9 (5 to 7:30 p.m.).
=================================================
Several osprey pairs continue to enjoy Westport. Betsy Kravitz spotted 2 in one day.
One was at the Saugatuck train station, where the nest is atop a trestle.
The other was our town’s most visible, with its very large nest between Fresh Market and Terrain. She snapped this photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” series:
And finally … today is the first day of the Tour de France.
The 111th edition begins in Florence, Italy, and ends in Nice, France, on July 21. The race will not finish in Paris for the first time ever, because of preparations for the Olympics.
(Happy jUNe Day! “06880” accepts currencies from around the world. Dollars, euros, yuans, rials, dinars … we honor it all. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog, Thank you!)
In addition to the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jesup Green; the race begins at 1), we’ll play host to the 59th annual jUNe Day.
300 guests — UN staffers and their families, from around the world — will spend the day here.
They’ll get breakfast and a gift at Jesup Green in the morning. There’s a brief welcoming ceremony. Then they’re free to take part in the Great Duck Race; shop downtown; join hosts for tennis, golf or swimming at Longshore; tour Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm, and of course enjoy Compo Beach.
There’s also a soccer game (UN team vs. Westport Knights) at PJ Romano Field (11:30 a.m.).
FUN FACT: jUNe Day was a special project of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut. Every year, flags of our UN guests and other countries flew on the Post Road bridge.
Now, the bridge from which those flags will fly is named in her honor.
Jay Schadler is a veteran journalist, photographer and artist. He has traveled the world as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV, Bravo, Discovery and more.
Now he’s launching a new podcast at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios.
And he wants us to be a part of it.
“Turning Point with Jay Schadler” debuts later this year. It will focus on the life transitions — big and small, subtle and monumental — of Westporters of all stripes.
Each podcast will focus on a different story. Schadler will interview the guests.
Right now, he’s searching for great personal stories. He wants to hear about life transitions: a career change, new discovery, a challenge faced or a hurdle overcome.
The story can be ongoing — a struggle that continues. He’s looking for soaring triumphs and bitter disappointments. ents, most soaring triumphs, and more.
If interested, click here; scroll down, then fill out the form.
Sunday worship at Compo Beach returns this Sunday (June 30, 8:30 a.m., near the cannons). Saugatuck Congregational Church will lead the service.
It continues every Sunday through August 18. Green’s Farms Congregational Church, the United Methodist Church of Westport-Weston and Norfield Congregational Church will rotate with Saugatuck as hosts each week.
All are welcome. A beach sticker is not necessary; tell the gate attendant that you’re there for the church service.
The dress code is casual; flip flops and nice shorts are fine. Bring your own beach chair!
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 19 and 26.
A 49-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy), evading responsibility and following too closely, following a 7 p.m. hit-and-run accident at Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South.
A 47-year-old Leigh Acres, Florida woman was arrest for assault and criminal mischief, following a complaint of domestic violence. The complainant said that the woman, an ex-spouse was waiting for them on the street, then began assaulting them and throwing their cellphone on the ground.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Driving while texting: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch — the daughter of Levitt Pavilion benefactors Mortimer and Mimi Levitt, who spent summers in Westport, and served for a decade as head of the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, died in her Los Angeles home on May 26. She was 72, and suffered from ovarian cancer.
Liz studied music history at Scripps College. Following graduation in 1974 she was hired by Elektra/Asylum, Bearsville and ABC Records, where she worked with artists including Chaka Khan, Stephen Bishop and Tom Petty.
As a philanthropist she supported a wide range of nonprofits dedicated to music, the arts and social justice.
As president of the Levitt Foundation she championed its mission to strengthen the social fabric of communities and foster equity, diversity and inclusion, through free outdoor concerts attended by more than 800,000 people each year, in more than 50 cities across the US.
Liz also served on the boards of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Joffrey Ballet, Center Dance Arts, and My Friend’s Place.
In 2018, the Liberty Hill Foundation honored Liz with a lifetime achievement award alongside Congressman John Lewis. She gave a memorable speech about the power of music and performing arts in community-building. (
And finally … speaking of the US Postal Service (story above):
(Sure, “06880” appreciates readers’ donations. But you don’t have to rely on the US mail. There’s Venmo, PayPal, Zelle too. Please click here for options. And thank you!)
last week’s Photo Challenge was posted 2 days before UN Day.
The image showed United Nations headquarters, taken decades ago. (Click here to see.)
That was easy. The hard part was figuring out where in Westport it hangs.
I did not give credit to the reader who sent it in: Lisa Wexler.
That might have given the answer away. She’s Westport and Weston’s probate judge. She’s also host of a popular daily interview show on WICC.
You can see the UN photo not in her radio studio. But it is very visible to anyone entering Room 102 at Town Hall: The Probate Court hearing room.
Susan Iseman knew exactly where. Barbara Sherburne guessed “somewhere in Town Hall.”
I also noted that the photo was personally autographed. Susan nailed it: U Thant,
The third secretary-general of the United Nations signed it on June 28, 1969, in honor of jUNe Day. It was a gift to the town of Westport.
We’re back to 2023 for this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
(Thanks for playing our weekly Photo Challenge. To help support this, and every other “06880” feature, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
There is only 1 discussion item on Monday’s Board of Education agenda (June 26, 5 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria): redistricting.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present the topic. No materials are yet available on the town website.
The meeting can be viewed on Optimum Channel 78, and by livestream here.
Population shifts have made Long Lots the largest elementary school in town. As work moves forward on renovations or a new school on the site, redistricting may also be on the table.
=================================================
Every June, more than 40,000 ham radio operators across the continent set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate science, skill and service.
“Field Day” — an annual event since 1933 — combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Club K1WAS celebrates Field Day this weekend. They’ll contact as many stations as possible on the 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 Meter HF bands today (Saturday, June 24, 2 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, June 25, 5 p.m.) at their ham shack (classroom) at the Observatory on Bayberry Lane.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 is ready for their 50th reunion.
They’ll celebrate Friday, October 6 at 2 familiar spots: the Black Duck and Viva Zapata. Saturday, October 7 includes a golf outing and 1 p.m. party at Compo Beach. On Sunday, October 8 they’ll enjoy a 4 p.m. cocktail party at Bridgeport’s Fayerweather Yacht Club.
Email alisonhealy@yahoo.com, or click here for the Facebook page, for more details,
Staples High School looked like this, back in 1973. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
And finally …. Sheldon Harnick, the lyricist of Broadway smash hits like “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Fiorello!,” died yesterday in Manhattan. He was 99. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
It looks like a simple legal notice. But it’s a big step.
The first agenda item for the July 5 Flood & Erosion Control Board reads:
Parker Harding Plaza / WPL-11724-23; Application of Keith S. Wilberg, Town Engineer, on behalf of the Town of Westport, to revise the existing roadway and parking lot, build sidewalks, a riverfront boardwalk, and park areas, and to relocate trash and recycling dumpsters. The proposed activity is within the WPL area of the Saugatuck River.
Upon completion of the Public Hearing, and time permitting, the members of the Board will have an open discussion reviewing the boards efforts to assist The Town of Westport in controlling flood and erosion. The open discussion will include the members of the Board with the opportunity to express their thoughts and recommendations on what can and should be done to help The Town of Westport further control flooding and erosion.
Sounds like an important meeting. It will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link. The meeting ID is 813 1215 9695; the passcode is 236833. The phone-in number is 646-876-9923.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board will discuss plans for Parker Harding Plaza on July 5.
LymanAID — the huge July 9 partycelebrating Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine — just got a big boost.
It came from our friends in Marigny, France — our first sister city, and the impetus for our relationship with Lyman.
Sunday, July 9 is LymanAID (1 to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American club — just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp in Southport).
The food, drinks, music and other entertainment is free. But there will be plenty of chances — raffles, Yankee auction, plant sale, book pulls, etc. — to help the men, women and children of Lyman.
Several of those auction items come from our Marigny amis. They include:
3 copies of “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche” — a 700-page book, with a special inscription
3 sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-Le-Lozon/Lyman
1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados” — a drink enjoyed by American GIs in Marigny, during World War II.
To RSVP for free admission, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.
And to our friends in Marigny, who will be with us in spirit: Merci!
The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.
Speaking of autographs at the Library: Fairfield County basketball fans are already excited about Chris Paul’s upcoming event there.
Now there’s another reason to head to the Trefz Forum next Tuesday (June 27, 8 p.m.). After his discussion about his life and new memoir with journalist, Fox Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak (she’ll be live; he’s remote), and questions from the audience, copies of his book “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court” will be on sale.
And they’re all autographed.
The free event will be livestreamed and recorded as part of Czarniak’s podcast, “Lunch with Lindsay.”
Click here to register for a seat at the Library event. “61” can be ordered through the same link.
That means the flags of dozens of United Nations countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge.
Early today, town crews were replacing the dozens of American flags on the span.
It’s a small gesture of welcome. But it’s been part of our town’s tradition, for over 60 years.
Getting ready, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
=================================================
A reader told me there’s a “For Lease” sign outside Ulta Beauty & Hair Salon.
Does this mean they’re closing? I called to find out.
The very long phone message (including “curbside pick-up hours” — does anyone really still do “contactless” shopping?) finally gave me 2 options: Press 1 to make an appointment; press 4 (!) for all other inquiries.
I pressed 4. “Nothing was selected,” the voice said, and sent me back to the long message.
I listened again to all the shopping hours, plus curbside pickup. This time I pressed 1.
“Nothing was selected,” the voice said again. Again, I was sent back to the start.
So they may be closing. Or maybe not.
I couldn’t find out. Perhaps everyone was in back, dealing with shoplifters.
Two local residents were honored last week, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s 57th annual meeting.
Bill Kutik of Westport was named Conservationist of the Year, for saving a key property in the 705-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve from development. (It is now called the Bill Kutik Honey Hill Preserve.)
Kutik has been an ALT member since 1999. The first editor of Backpacker magazine, a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and technology impresario, he has written for the Boston Globe, New York Daily News and New York Times. He is a hiker and trail steward, and has donated hundreds of hours to the Land Trust, as an editor and writer.
Michelle Fracasso is the Native Landscaper of the Year. She has planted hundreds of pollinator-friendly plants and shrubs, attracting bees, butterflies and birds (100% pesticide-free).
Fracasso is a long-time supporter of Fairfield County farms. Her own — Wells Hill — is the last working family farm with livestock in Weston. She has been active with Aspetuck Land Trust’s farmland initiatives, and a volunteer and advisor for their homeowner engagement program and native plant sales.
Charly Bliss has a new single. “You Don’t Even Know Me Anymore” is the band’s first new song since 2019.
What makes that “06880”-worthy is that Charly Bliss is an all-Staples group. Eva Hendricks (lead vocals, guitar), her brother Sam (drums), lead guitarist Spencer Fox and bassist Dan Shure all graduated from the high school.
The new single “celebrates personal growth,” says Rolling Stone.
Eva Hendricks “looks back on a bad breakup that left her wrecked and realizes she doesn’t feel the same as she once did. Instead, she has come to realize that the person she cried over doesn’t know her the way she thought they did.”
Click here for the full Rolling Stone story. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
