Tag Archives: Marigny-le-Lezon

Roundup: Lyman Gifts, Wakeman Town Farm Programs, WPA Mural …

Posted on December 30, 2025 | 4 comments

For more than a decade after World War II, Westporters sent Christmas gifts to children in our sister city of Marigny-le-Lozon, France.

In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly 4 years ago, our friends in Marigny suggested we both aid another town there.

With help from Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — we now have a third sister city: Lyman.

Westporters have provided over $300,000 in contributions, which has paid for trash trucks, wood pellet stoves, building supplies, gifts, and much more. We’ve also sent electronic and other much-needed equipment to Lyman, which is very close to the front lines in the Donetsk region.

Meanwhile, for the third Christmas in a row, Marigny residents have sent presents to Lyman’s youngsters.

This year, UAI delivered 288 gifts to the town’s boys and girls. Many are spread across the country, evacuated to safety.

Nikita Shcherinskiy — UAI’s director of logistics) — reports, “their genuine smiles and heartwarming moments are always so touching. A big thank you to everyone who participated in this initiative, and in distributing gifts to children who need them so much today.”

The need for monetary donations to Lyman continues to be great. Just click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo).

Lyman children with gifts from Marigny-le-Louzon. (Photo courtesy of Ukraine Aid International)

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A new year brings new programs to Wakeman Town Farm.

It begins with “Drop-In Little Farmers” sessions (January 7 and 9), where an adult and youngster hang out with alpacas, sheep, ducks and more.

An adaptive music/movement program — “Joyful Jitterbugs” — is designed for kids ages 3-7, with a caregiver.

Elementary schoolers can enjoy a January 19 MLK Day Camp; a Winter Farm Program with authentic farming experiences; a one-day after-school Chinese cooking class, and 2 weekly Kids’ Culinary Class series.

For adults, WTF offers a Winter Seed Sowing class, Whole Foods Healthy Cooking class, Thai Curry class, a romantic Valentine’s dinner with wine pairings, and a Choosing the Best Garden Tools class, before the garden season begins.

Click here for details, and more information. 

Little kids love going outdoors, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Where Westport Meets the World, random real estate category:

Joseph Deshane lived in central Connecticut for 15 years. He moved away in 1989.

He has no real connection to Westport. But he recently bought a home in Illinois. Possessions were included.

When he moved in, he found a metal cabinet in the cellar. Inside was a commemorative plate:

(Photo/Joseph Deshane)

His curiosity piqued, Joseph read the inscription on the bank. He learned it was part of 2 large murals, painted by local artist Robert Lambdin for the Westport Bank & Trust Company.

For decades they hung inside. When Patagonia took over — after WB&T had been absorbed by a series of larger banks — they retained the twin works.

The clothing store is now gone too. But the new tenants — Compass Real Estate — will keep the murals, when they move in soon. They’re large, historic, interesting, valuable — and a great way for potential home buyers to learn about Westport’s arts heritage.

Nearly a thousand miles away, Joseph learned details of the plate he found in his new cellar.

Much of the information came from “06880.” Which is why he sent us this very cool photo, and the equally intriguing back story.

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Yesterday’s fog inspired many Westport photographers.

Among them: Nancy Breakstone. She contributes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — the Library, looking ghostly by the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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And finally …

And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.

It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:

((There are just 2 days left, to make a 2025 tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Environment, Local business, Politics

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Westport’s Ukrainian Sister City Under Siege

Posted on September 22, 2025 | 3 comments

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the world reacted with horror.

Westport reacted with donations: money, vital goods, help for children, and much more.

Spurred by brothers Brian Mayer and Marshall — Westport natives who founded Ukraine Aid International, a boots-on-the-ground non-profit that delivered needed supplies quickly and efficiently, in the most affected parts of the country — we became the first town in Connecticut to form a sister city relationship with Ukraine.

We were joined by Marigny-le-Lozon, our French sister city for 80 years, since the end of World War II.

In less than a month at Christmastime 2022, Westport raised over $250,000. Our friends in Lyman received (literally) tons of desperately needed goods.

Ukraine Aid International delivered communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, bulletproof vests for utility workers, and portable heaters. Funds from “06880” readers also paid for repairs to hundreds of apartments, plus meals, children’s gifts and more.

Holiday meals in Lyman, 2022.

A second effort brought in over $60,000, for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provided heat all winter long, to 1,000 Lyman residents.

Last year’s holiday drive helped send children from the town to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. Scattered around the country after evacuations, they reunited with friends and teachers.

For 10 days in winter and summer they hiked, played sports, did crafts and art therapy, enjoyed music, watchd movies, and had game nights.

They also took classes, and studied. Through Starlink, they talked to their parents online.

More than three years in, the war in Ukraine has faded from the headlines. But conditions in our sister city are more dire than ever.

Last week, UAI officials spoke with Lyman mayor Oleksander Zhuravliov. His update was both sobering and inspiring.

The town — in the Donetsk region — remains on the front line.

Drones, artillery and glide bombs strike daily. Civilians — elderly families, cars on the road, even mobile shops — are constantly targeted. Six fire trucks and a water carrier have been destroyed.

One scene of recent damage in Lyman …

Yet against all odds, 6,000 residents remain.

Children have been evacuated. Emergency crews and ordinary citizens hold the line.

It’s difficult. Just days ago, during the distribution of pensions in a nearby village, Russian shelling killed 24 elderly residents, and wounded 19 more.

… and another.

To keep Lyman’s community together, a new sister city partnership with Kremenchuk is underway.

The city has set aside 3 large buildings. They’ll be repurposed as housing for displaced families and the elderly; a rehabilitation hub for veterans, and a  medical and social center for children

The project ensures that Lyman’s people remain connected and cared for, until they can return home.

Westport’s donated trash trucks helped restore life after de-occupation, and have been pulled away further from the front lines.

The UAI pellet production line that keeps residents warm in winter may need to be moved again, so it continues to provide heat for the people of Lyman and Donetsk Oblast.

Grateful for a portable stove.

UAI is in constant contact with Lyman leadership, offering aid and support after every devastating attack.

Lyman feels emptier with its children spread across safer regions of Ukraine. But even in exile, they continue their studies online. They proudly report they have already earned 13 national medals.

For the past 3 Christmases, UAI has brought presents to the children of Lyman, in partnership with Westport and Marigny.

This year the tradition will continue, with gifts distributed across Ukraine.

Contributions made now will help immeasurably. Click here to donate online, and for information on checks, Venmo, Patreon and wire transfer.

Under the “Support for” dropdown menu. choose “Lyman.”

Ukraine Aid International — and our friends in our sister city of Lyman — thank you!

 

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Posted in Categories, Politics

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Roundup: Marigny, Lyman, Polar Plunge …

Posted on December 25, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Marigny, Lyman, Polar Plunge …

For the second year in a row, our friends in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine have enjoyed a better Christmas, thanks to the generosity of our friends in our other sister city: Marigny-Le-Lozon, France.

In the years following World War II, Westporters sent hundreds of holiday gifts to the boys and girls of the small Normandy town. They never forgot Westport. (The name lives on, in a plaza, pharmacy and Town Hall meeting room.)

Two years ago, our Marigny amis suggested we both help another war-torn town, 80 years later.

Since then, Lyman — in the Donetsk region, not far from invading Russian troops — has received much-needed support from Westport and Marigny.

The most recent gifts were to 500 youngsters, many of whom have been forced from their homes. Thanks to Marigny, they will still have Christmas.

Plans are underway for the children of Lyman to correspond with their counterparts in France.

Of course, the need for help in Lyman remains great. Westporters are now raising funds to send students there to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They’ll reunite with friends, while teachers and counselors help them feel like kids again.

To donate, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

Christmas in Ukraine.

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The long-range forecast predicts a temperature of 47 on New Year’s Day.

And rain.

The warm temperature is good news for Polar Plungers. The rain — hey, when you jump in Long Island Sound on January 1, you’ll get wet anyway.

The Polar Plunge — set for 11 a.m. New Year’s Day, at Compo Beach — is Abilis’ annual fundraiser.

For 74 years, the non-profit has provided programs and services for children and adults of all abilities from birth throughout their lives, with day, transition, employment and residential programs.

The “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge will raise funds for Abilis’ Gardens & Gifts Shop. Located in Greenwich, it provides retail job skills training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

For more information about Abilis’ Compo Beach Polar Plunge, and to register, click here.

Freezin’ for a reason, on January 1, 2024.

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Another great organization is Catch a Lift. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

For the past decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift. Residents have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club.

The vets give plenty back in return — as role models, and  serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

Catch a Lift has completed another successful, important year. Whether you’ve been involved with them or not, you’ll find the video of this year’s 10th annual event — held on the September 11 weekend at the Patterson Club — very inspiring.

Then click below, for the 2024 Catch a Lift highlight reel:

To learn more about Catch a Lift — including how to donate — click here. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)

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Getting back to cold weather sports:

Bob Weingartens spotted this scene during yesterday morning’s brief snowfall, on Hillandale Road:

He writes: “Teens are never cold. But I was.”

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often includes beach scenes and/or dogs. One canine in particular — Patricia McMahon’s Levon — is a regular subject.

Reindeer: never.

Of course, there’s a first time for everything …

(Photo collage/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … if it’s Christmas, it’s time for the Greatest Christmas Song Ever.

Of course, it comes courtesy of our good friend and neighbor José Feliciano.

It’s unclear in the video below who is having more fun: the audience or José.

But who cares? Feliz Navidad indeed!

Comments Off on Roundup: Marigny, Lyman, Polar Plunge …

Posted in Beach, Children, Politics, Teenagers, Weather

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Roundup: Sister Cities’ Goal, Saturday’s Stroll, Wreckers Roll …

Posted on December 4, 2024 | 1 comment

Nearly 80 years ago, Westport’s sister city relationship with Marigny, France began with Christmas gifts.

Westporters donated, then shipped dozens of presents, for youngsters in the Normandy town that was just beginning to recover from World War II.

The tradition continued for years. The boys and girls who received those gifts — now in their 80s — have never forgotten Westport’s generosity.

Now Marigny is paying it forward. For the second year in a row, they have collected, and shipped, Christmas gifts for children in Lyman, Ukraine. That’s the sister city that Marigny and Westport now share.

They’ll add others — a total of 500 — for other youngsters in Kharkiv and surrounding towns, which like Lyman have been devastated by Russia’s invasion.

Gifts galore, in Marigny.

This Saturday, Marigny residents are invited to a “symbolic send-off ceremony” of the presents.

Donors, partners and friends of the Westport-Marigny-Le-Lozon-Lyman Association, and the Rotary Clubs of the Manche region, will be there. They’ve been working on this project all year long.

The ceremony takes place in one of the central squares in the village: “Place Westport.”

Meanwhile, don’t forget: Westport is helping Lyman this holiday season too.

We’re raising $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years. That will pay for them — scattered now, as they have been evacuated from their homes — to get together, with friends, teachers and counselors, at a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains.

To help, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

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Ho ho ho!

Look who’s promoting this Saturday’s “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.

Click below to see. Then click here for full details on the festive, family-friendly event.

See you on Main Street, from 5 to 7 p.m.!

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The Staples High School football team rolled to a 42-6 victory over Manchester  last night, in the quarterfinals of the state Class “LL” (extra large schools) tournament.

There #2-ranked Wreckers move on to the semifinals on Sunday. They’ll face #3 Greenwich at 12:30 p.m. That contest, like yesterday’s, will be played at home.

The Cardinals are familiar with Paul Lane Field. Just lat week, on Thanksgiving Day, the Westporters trounced them, 27-0.

The No. 2 Staples football team put together a dominant effort in the state Class LL quarterfinals Tuesday, clobbering No. 7 Manchester 42-6.

Quarterback Neil Weil (9 of 18 completions for 155 yards; 3 touchdowns), Shane Sandrew (2 touchdowns), Anthony Armentano (2 TDs) and Nathan Smith (1 TD) keyed the decisive win.

Nathan Smith, in action against Greenwich last week. (Photo/Douglas Healey)

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Last night, Westport’s Town Representative Meeting celebrated its 75th anniversary with speeches, cake, and a commemorative booklet.

But the legislative body is also looking forward.

Their page on the town website has been updated. Gone is the dull, bureaucratic look. It’s now livelier — at least, in the confines of what a municipal website should look like. (Click here to see.)

A header shows members marching proudly (and non-partisanly) in the Memorial Day. Photos liven up the links, to pages like FAQs, Members, District Map and Minutes.

There’s even a link to that new 75th anniversary brochure.

Screenshot of the new town website RTM page.

PS: Planning way ahead: The RTM invites all Westporters to a “Community Conversation,” with members.

Mark the date: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2 p.m. at the Westport Library.

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Also last night: A large crowd celebrated the release of Alison Milwe Grace’s new book, “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate,” last night at Wakeman Town Farm.

The energetic, talented owner of AMG Catering & Events greeted her fans and friends. She answered questions from her aunt, longtime Westporter Liz Milwe.

And, of course, she made sure her guests were well fed.

Alison Milwe Grace, her book and her chacuterie. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Easton Road was closed in both directions between Bayberry Lane and Sturges Highway this morning.

A large tree fell on a pickup truck, blocking both lanes. The driver was hospitalized.

A state crew was on the scene, cleaning debris.

(Hat tip and photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Holiday Festival this Sunday (December 8, 1 to 4 p.m.) will benefit the Survive-Oars, the great program that helps breast cancer survivors heal and find community on and off the water.

The afternoon features live music, mulled wine, spiked warm cider, fire pits, s’mores, a raw bar, charcuterie, hot cocoa, dunkable grilled cheese and tomato soup, and a cash bar.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there (1 to 2:30 p.m.).

Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Al’s Angels.

Tickets are $50 (tax-deductible) — and kids are free. Click here for tickets.

Saugatuck Survive-Oars

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Also this Sunday: The Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Winter Choral Concert (December 8, 7 p.m.)

Two favorite groups — the Staples Orphenians and Dartmouth Brovertones — perform classic pop tunes, and Christmas favorites. Admission is free.

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“Broadway’s Bad Boys” invade the Westport Country Playhouse next month, for 5 performances (January 23-26).

They’ll showcase many of the good songs that villains sing. There’s “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and the Beast,” even a little Harold Hill.

Click here for dates, tickets and more information.

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The plantings up and down Soundview Drive — courtesy of the Compo Beach Improvement Association — delight beachgoers every spring and summer.

But they have a special beauty now, as winter nears. Celia Campbell-Mohn captured their late-fall look, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash recorded together at the Sun Record Studios in Memphis. It was the only time the “Million Dollar Quartet” played together, and was entirely unplanned.

(We’re not asking for a million dollars [though we wouldn’t turn it down.] But we hope you appreciate “06880” enough to toss a few coins, or whatever feels right, our way. Just click here — thanks!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Our Sister City Holiday Gift: Send Lyman’s Kids To Camp!

Posted on November 25, 2024 | 2 comments

Two years ago, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Westporters opened their hearts — and wallets — to help our new sister city of Lyman.

We raised over $250,000, in less than a month. Thanks to Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground, get-stuff-done non-profit created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — our friends in the war-torn nation received (literally) tons of desperately needed goods.

UAI delivered communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, bulletproof vests for utility workers, and portable heaters. Funds from “06880” readers also paid for repairs to hundreds of apartments, plus meals, children’s gifts and more.

Christmas in Lyman 2022, with a bit of help from Westport.

Last year, Westport raised over $60,000, for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provided heat, all winter long, to 1,000 Lyman residents.

As our sister city prepares for a third winter of war, it’s time once again for Westporters to help.

This year, it’s all about the kids.

Hundreds of Lyman youngsters have been evacuated from the eastern town, which endures regular shelling from Russian forces.

Those children’s lives — uprooted, uncertain, perilous — are unimaginable to us.

But there is one bright spot: a camp called Karabin.

Photos for this story show children from Siversk, Ukraine at the Karabin camp. It’s Weston’s sister city — and our neighbors have already sponsorsed 4 camps for Siversk’s kids.

Located in the western Carpathian Mountains, it’s a place where Lyman’s children — now spread all across the country — can reunite with their friends and teachers.

For 10 days at a time, in winter and summer, they hike, play sports, do crafts and art therapy, enjoy music, watch movies, and have game nights.

Play time at Karabin … 

They also take classes, and study. Through Starlink, they can talk to their parents online.

… and study time …

Two chefs prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a tea time and nightly snack.

… and meal time.

It’s a tiny bit of normalcy, for boys and girls whose lives have been brutally upended.

It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.

How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy a respite from the terrors of the past nearly 3 years? 

Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker knows the importance of this fund drive.

She says, “Our sister city relationship with Lyman is 2 years old, and the conflict is nearing 3 years.

“Investing in infrastructure has been our focus, as the leaders of Lyman (the mayor and police chief, who we communicate with regularly) have identified that as the priority.

“However, I now feel it is time to pivot and focus on the kids. The stark reality of war has altered life for everyone, and especially for the children of Lyman.”

Though Westport and Lyman have been sister cities for less than 3 years, our town’s tradition of helping war-ravaged children at holiday time dates back nearly 8 decades.

For many years after World War II, we sent Christmas gifts to youngsters in our first sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon.

Those children are now in their 80s. They’ve never forgotten our town’s generosity. Now, Marigny is helping Lyman too. This year and last, they’ve sent hundreds of gifts to our shared sister city.

Our $56,000 goal should be easily reachable. It’s about $2 for every Westport resident.

Let’s all get involved. Talk to your kids. Ask them if they’re willing to forgo one gift this season, and donate the money to someone their age in Lyman.

It takes a village to help a village. Thank you, Westport, for making this a memorable winter for the boys and girls who have fled the only village they knew. They now have a chance to get together, see their friends, and — for the first time in a long while — smile.

Please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please note that it is for “Westport-Lyman.”

Relaxing in Karabin’s hot tub. A bit of normalcy, in a war-torn land.

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Posted in Children, Politics, Teenagers

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D-Day + 80 Years: Westport And Marigny, Together Again

Posted on June 6, 2024 | 13 comments

As the anniversary of D-Day approached, Westporters Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond visited France.

It was much more than an ordinary journey. They write:

Eighty years to the day have passed since Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, launching a 2 1/2-month operation to liberate France from 5 years of Nazi occupation.

American soldiers move through the ruins of Marigny, 1944.

For Marigny-le-Luzon the “débarquement” (as the French call the landing), remains fresh, in part because of a remarkable bond of friendship with the town of Westport.

Devastated in World War II, this would become Place de Westport.

Two years after the war, Staples High School French teacher Charlotte MacLear visited this small town of 2,700, and asked what she could do.

Staples French teacher Charlotte MacLear, with her Sorbonne diploma.

Over the next 15 years, Westporters helped Marigny rebuild. They funded construction of the school cafeteria, destroyed in the fighting. They restored the stained glass windows of the Gothic church.

Ruins of Marigny’s Sainte-Pierre Church.

They sent Christmas presents to the town’s children, every year for 15 years.

A few of those children met us this week in the Place de Westport, Marigny’s main square.  They took us to the Mairie, the town hall, where the council chamber is named for Charlotte MacLear.

The walls of the chamber have only two decorations: a portrait of French President Emmanuel Macron, and Charlotte MacLear’s signature.

In the corner, a glass case contains some of the gifts sent by Westporters: a doll carriage, ruler, board game, and a small horse received by one of our hosts.

The room with Charlotte MacLear’s signature, and a display case of Westport memorabilia.

The gratitude of the citizens of Marigny is on display everywhere.  Throughout town, the American flag flies.

In the town library, a thick binder contains the history of our relationship. It includes pictures of Charlotte MacLear, and of children receiving gifts from the mayor at the time, plus lists of the Westport and Marigny exchange students who visited each other over the years.

In the restored church we visited the colorful 18 stained glass windows that were restored “grace à Westport,” as our hosts told us.

Each window contains an inscription in lead: “Don de la ville de Westport, Etats-Unis d’Amérique” (“Given by the town of Westport, United States of America”).

Inscription in the Marigny church.

On the edge of Marigny we found a large stone, dedicated to 3,070 American soldiers temporarily buried in Marigny before being moved to the American cemetery at Omaha Beach.

The monument to 3,070 American soldiers buried in Marigny, before being moved to the American cemetery at Omaha Beach.

Our hosts had prepared a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which we placed at the foot of the monument.

Before leaving Marigny, Nancy and I presented to Deputy Mayor Huguette Masson several books by Dan Woog and Woody Klein about the history of Westport, and one from the Westport Permanent Art Collections; caps and medals from the Westport Police Department courtesy of Chief Foti Koskinas, and Westport memorabilia sent by First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Members of the Marigny-Westport Association, wearing their new Westport police caps. From left: Huguette Besson, Marie Charles, Marcelle Bleas-Franke, Cecile Turgid, Bernadette Hommet.

We were given, in turn, a book for the Westport Library written by René Gautier, the town’s passionate historian. We visited him in the France-USA Memorial Hospital in St. Lô, where he has been undergoing medical tests.

Jeff Mayer and Nancy Diamond visited Marigny historian René Gautier at the France-USA Memorial Hospital in St. Lo, where he is having tests.  They presented him with gifts from Westport.

We were also presented with caps bearing the names of Westport, Marigny and Lyman, the Ukrainian town that Westport and Marigny have supported since 2022.

As one of our hosts observed, the fight for liberty does not end.

Westport Pharmacie on the Place Westport. Note the street sign on the corner.

Window of the Westport Pharmacie, with a display of memorabilia from World War II and the liberation of Marigny on July 17, 1944. (All photos courtesy of Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond)

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Posted in History, Looking back

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Roundup: D-Day, Civil War, Staples Baseball …

Posted on June 2, 2024 | 6 comments

Westport’s relationship with our sister city of Marigny-le-Louzon, France was forged in the aftermath of World War II.

But it began soon after D-Day in 1944. Westporter Bob Loomis — a gun sergeant — was in the Normandy town, just 25 miles from Utah Beach.

A couple of weeks later another Westporter — heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through Marigny with his company on their way to Belgium.

When the war ended, Charlotte MacLear — head of the French department at Staples High School, and a graduate of prestigious Sorbonne Université — sparked a campaign to “officially adopt Marigny” and help its recovery.

Our town sent clothes, money and Christmas gifts, thanks to fundraising that included selling toys and buckets with designs painted by Westport artists.

In return, Marigny created the “Westport School Canteen,” and named the town’s largest square “Place Westport.” MacLear visited our sister town 3 times. Each time, she was honored and adored.

That friendship remains strong. In 2020, Marigny officials named a room in their Town Hall for MacLear.

This week, Westporters Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond are visiting, sending our greetings, and giving gifts from our town.

This morning — 4 days, before the anniversary of D-Day — René Gautier wrote to “06880.”

As a child, he received some of those presents from Westport. He has been stalwart in maintaining our friendship ever since. René said:

As part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the landing and the liberation of Normandy — but also for the future! — we would like to know, to honor their graves, if soldiers from Westport or the surrounding area were killed in the fighting of 1944 and buried in one of the US cemeteries in Normandy.

Our association will undertake to symbolically decorate this grave with flowers.

What a generous, beautiful offer.

If you know of any American soldiers from Fairfield County who are buried in a US cemetery in Normandy, email 06880blog@gmail.com.

We will let René, and all our friends in Marigny, know.

They will do the rest.

Marigny and Westport are united in red, white and blue.

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Here is another conflict: “Civil War.”

The film that debuted Number 1 at the box office last month follows 4 journalists on a road trip from New York to Washington, as society collapses.

Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, a photojournalist determined to interview the president in the midst of chaos.

How well — or poorly — does the movie depict wartime reporting?

Lynsey Addario knows. The 1991 Staples High School graduate, and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photojournalist, has covered the war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.

This week, “On the Media”‘s Brooke Gladstone interviews her about her real-life experiences, and the fictional “Civil War.” Click here to listen.

Lynsey Addario

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Kai Nee’s 15-strikeout, 2-hit, complete game pitching performance paced the Staples baseball team to a 7-0 shutout of Newtown yesterday, in the CIAC “LL” (extra large schools) state tournament quarterfinals.

The 19th-seeded Wreckers advance to Tuesday’s semifinal, at a site and time to be determined.

Their foe is familiar: Fairfield Warde. The Mustangs are ranked second in the state tourney.

(Collage courtesy of Staples baseball)

 

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An “06880” reader was intrigued — and perhaps bored — by the name of this business in Westfair Center, across from Stop & Shop:

It is pretty generic.

Kind of like calling a place “Food Restaurant.” Or “Book Store.”

Come to think of it, “Stop & Shop” isn’t that compelling a name either.

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And hey: Music & Arts is hardly a whiz-bang moniker.

For a few years, there’s been a Compo Shopping Center site for the franchise, which (surprise!) offers lessons, and sells and rents instruments.

Now they’ve closed. They’re referring customers to their Fairfield location. (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)

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Meanwhile, Les Dinkin checks in with this photo that could be tongue-in-cheek.

Except it isn’t:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA does a lot of things right.

Including making feel-good videos.

Longtime Westporters Bob and Doree Levy are featured in a recent reel, explaining how much they enjoy the Wilton Road facility.

Doree does Aquafit. Bob helps out at a class for Parkinson’s patients. Together, they donated the “alligator” that spouts water at the kids’ splash pool.

The Y epitomizes the Three Musketeers’ motto: “All for one, one for all,” Bob says.

And, Doree adds — referring to the Y’s original acronym — “I’m not young. I’m not a man. I’m not Christian.”

But, she notes, today’s Westport YMCA is all about community and inclusion.

Click below for the video:

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Printmaking and a garden tour.

Those 2 activities seldom go together. But they’re the dual focus of a July 14 event.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. that day, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking and Blau House & Gardens sponsors “Printmaking in the Garden.”

Suitable for all levels and ages, it’s just $10. That includes a garden tour and materials.

Guests can collect botanical materials for a Gelli plate printmaking activity. Staff and volunteers with the Center will guide participants in creating artwork using leaves, petals, twigs and more from the inspiring landscape.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Printmaking at Blau Gardens.

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Summer means shopping — and theater.

From 1 to 5:30 p.m. on June 21 — the day after this year’s solstice — J. McLaughlin and the Westport Country Playhouse collaborate on an afternoon of sips and shopping.

15% of all sales will benefit the Playhouse.

Can’t make it that day to Compo Acres Shopping Center? Call the store (475-284-2495) to place an order.

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Pippa Bell Ader offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. She writes:

The Old Hill albino deer was spotted recently on Wright Street. It has grown quite a bit since I last saw it.”

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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And finally … Marvin Hamlisch was born on this date in 1944.

The composer/conductor he is one of few people ever to achieve an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony).

He died in 2012, age 68.

In addition to the 2 memorable songs below — from “The Sting” (starring Westporter Paul Newman) and “A Chorus Line” — he wrote the score to “The Swimmer,” the movie filmed largely in Westport in 1966.

(“06880” is one singular sensation. We entertain [and inform, and educate] our readers several times a day. But we need your help. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Arts, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Happy 100th, Clayton Chalfant!

Posted on February 21, 2024 | 17 comments

In mid-20th century Westport, the name Clayton Chalfant was a familiar one.

A heavy machine gunner who landed at Omaha Beach shortly after D-Day, he helped establish our town’s sister city relationship with Marigny, a Normandy town he had passed through.

Nearly 80 years later, the two towns’ ties remain strong.

So does Chalfant. Today, he celebrates his 100th birthday.

Two views of Clayton Chalfant.

He’s not a Westport native — but he comes close. Soon after his February 21, 1924 birth in Killingly, Connecticut, his family moved to Westport.

They lived on Compo Road and in an apartment on Main Street (possibly above the original Klein’s store) before settling in a home on Kings Highway.

Chalfant attended Westport schools. He spent his youth playing sports, and hanging out at the Gault sandpit on Imperial Avenue, the YMCA, Compo Beach and Nash’s Pond.

The family survived the Great Depression. His father Russ held multiple jobs to keep the family fed and sheltered. It was not easy.

As a teen Chalfant worked in a Main Street bakery, making doughnuts. Their sweet smell still lingers in his memory.

When World War II broke out, his older brother Jim served as a medic. But Clayton was too young for the draft.

Heavy machine gunner Clayton Chalfant.

He and a few of his Westport pals, including Bob Saxonmeyer, went to the Navy recruitment office. Chalfant was turned away, but his patriotism, sense of honor and duty to serve the nation never waned.

He joined the Army in January, 1943, and headed to basic training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts.

Assigned to the 486th Anti-aircraft Battalion, his unit landed on Omaha Beach on June 21, 1944. He was a heavy machine gunner on a half-track mobile unit, protecting aircraft.

The amount of precision and detail communicated among forces is astonishing, considering the limited technology available.

Chalfant served in 5 battle campaigns: Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe.

He has not been forgotten. The consulate general recently invited him to be France’s guest at the 80th celebration of D-Day this June, in honor of his service to their nation.

Twice in Europe — once at the beginning of his tour, then toward the end — Chalfant had a reunion with his brother. The meetings buoyed their spirits, and strengthened their resolve.

In 2004, as parade grand marshal, Clayton Chalfant proudly delivered Westport’s Memorial Day address. (Photo courtesy of WestportNow.com)

Chalfant enjoyed creative writing. During the war a battalion committee created a yearbook about their experiences. Chalfant contributed a futuristic view of the men after the war.

His creative flair later evolved into a long love of painting, sculpting and sketching.

Chalfant attended his first Catholic Mass during the war. He converted to the faith upon his discharge, and received all of his sacraments at Assumption Church.

He is now a parishioner at St. Luke. He considers faith to be paramount in living a joyful and generous life.

Clayton and Mary Chalfant, with then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe.

Also back in Westport, Chalfant started a discussion group of World War II servicemembers.

When Staples French Department chair Charlotte MacLear wanted to form a sister city relationship, it was Chalfant (and gun sergeant Bob Loomis) — both of whom had passed through Marigny, just 25 miles from Utah Beach — who made the connection with that town.

For more than a decade, Westporters sent holiday gifts, clothes and food to Marigny residents.

In return, they created a Westport School Canteen, and named their largest square “Place Westport.”

In June 1994 — as part of the 50th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy — Marigny officials invited 3 Westport middle school students and 2 Westport veterans to stay in the homes of residents. They visited “Westport Gift Shop” and “Pharmacie Westport.”

Nearly half a century earlier, through his brother’s wife Florence, Chalftant had met the love of his life, Mary Speer. On April 10, they’ll celebrate their 76th anniversary. They have 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren (so far).

And today, Chalfant celebrates his century birthday today with many of those family members. They are proud to call him husband, dad, grandpa and Pop Pop.

And “06880” is proud to wish “Happy 100th Birthday” to Clayton Chalfant: war hero, longtime Westporter, and — today — our newest centenarian.

17 Comments

Posted in History, Looking back

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