In the nearly 4 years since Russia’s invasion, Mark Yurkiw has worked to help Ukraine.
The Westport artist — whose parents emigrated to the US from there in 1949, and whose first language was Ukrainian — has raised funds; collected medical equipment, generators, tools, other supplies, clothes and toys, and kept the country’s plight front and center.
His newest project is ambitious. And artistic.
A well-known Taiwanese artist wants to help. He understands that Taiwan may be the next Ukraine.
Chuang Chih Hui, whose work is exhibited around the world, donated his $15,000 “Winged” sculpture to help fund shipping a 40-foot container of medical equipment to Kharkiv, Ukraine.
The sculpture will go to the first person to donate $7,500, to cover the cost the shipment.
“Winged” (center), and Chuang Chih Hui’s other works.
“Winged” is on display through January 15 at the Senior Center. After that date, it can be seen by appointment; text 646-873-0050.
Yurkiw hopes to fund a second container of medical equipment too. For that, he is looking for additional donors, of any amount. “Every $10 saves a life,” Yurkiw says.
There’s an incentive to donate. Chuang Chih Hui has 2 other sculptures — “Symbiosis” and “Cycle” — worth $16,000 and $10,000 respectively. Both are shown above.
Yurkiw says, “If we raise enough with small donations to pay the artist full price, I will raffle off one or both. I’m certain he would donate back at least 1/3 of what we collect.”
To purchase “Winged,” or donate a smaller amount for a second shipping container and the raffle, email mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”
Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.
Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.
Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.
“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.
“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).
“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)
“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”
Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.
=================================================
There is need in Westport too.
The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.
Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.
Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)
=================================================
Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.
Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.
The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.
In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).
Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.
Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.
The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.
Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.
Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.
Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.
The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.
They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.
The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.
The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”
In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.
The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.
The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.
The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.
Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.
=================================================
Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.
There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.
Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.
They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.
Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.
Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.
To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.
Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.
The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.
“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.
The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”
And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):
(Here’s “06880”‘s dream: That everyone who enjoys our hyper-local blog — and has the means to — chips in by clicking here to support our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)
Posted onMarch 22, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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)
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)
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
=================================================
“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!
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.
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
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!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
The Board of Finance begins its review of 2 proposed 2025-26 budgets on March 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on Cablevision Channel 79, and westportct.gov).
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer the Westport Public Schools budget.
Click here to view Tooker’s proposed budget. Click here for Scarice and Goldstein’s proposed budget.
The band — including Staples High School grads Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs — were “how you told a stranger about rock ‘n’ roll,” raved young music critic Jon Landau.
They tore up Boston and New York, were signed by Epic Records, appeared on “Ed Sullivan” and “Hullabaloo” — and, in 1966, were an opening act on the Beatles’ last tour.
Then — on the brink, perhaps, of superstardom — the Remains broke up.
The Remains, back in the day.
Their story was told off-Broadway. Now they’re the stars of a PBS documentary.
“America’s Lost Band”captures the group on its return to Los Angeles, for the first time in 40 years. It shows the bond between 4 close friends, and the power of music that united them, decades after comingthisclose to the top.
The documentary was adapted from a feature-length film that played at film festivals 15 years ago. It was never released publicly, due to licensing costs and rights issues.
The film was produced by Fred Cantor. The 1971 Staples High School graduate — a longtime Remains fan and chronicler — previously produced “The High School That Rocked!,” about bands like the Doors, Yardbirds and Cream who played at Staples. It was the only documentary short at the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Film Series.
“Lost Band” was directed by Michael Stich, longtime director of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
It will premiere on Connecticut’s PBS station, CPTV on April 7 (9:30 p.m.), and stream nationwide on CPTV’s platforms.
The checks have been cashed. The food has been distributed.
And Earth Animal thanks everyone who contributed to the Post Road store’s holiday Mitten Project.
The pet supply store raised an astonishing $75,737 to combat food insecurity in Connecticut.
The money came from sales at Earth Animal, participation in Shop & Give events hosted by the local business community, private donations, and contributions from customers.
Earth Animal Ventures, based in Southport, matched every dollar raised.
=================================================
Staples High School students struck gold (and silver, and bronze) at the Connecticut STEM Fair.
Under the mentorship of teacher Amy Parent, young researchers presented innovative work across multiple categories at the virtual event earlier this month.
William Boberski captured first place in the Health and Medical Science category (completed projects), for research on diet composition’s effects on lifespan and colorectal cancer progression, using the Drosophila midgut model.
In the same category (for research proposals), Alexis Krenzer placed first for her plan to study curcumin’s potential role in epidermal growth factor driven cancers using C. elegans.
Ezra Schwartz took third, for his proposal on improving glenoid labral tear diagnosis through deep learning applications.
Jonathan Dobin-Smith snagged first place in the Environmental category, for a proposal to mitigate CO2 emissions through bio-concrete development using Cupriavidus necator.
William Kwong tied for second, with research on using curcumin to protect against microplastic damage in C. elegans.
Kendra Chen presented compelling research on generating biofuels from Connecticut microalgae, using bicarbonate as a carbon source.
The STEM Fair drew more than 250 student researchers, and as many judges from science and technology professions.
CT Stem Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. They are always looking for volunteers, including fair judges. Click here for more information.
Seniors Aviva Ross and Amire Williams, juniors Benjamin Peterson and Emmett Zahler, sophomore Giselle Colon and freshman Noa Katz are Staples High School’s February Students of the Month.
Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the school community: kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who make Staples the special place it is.”
From left: Emmett Zahler, Aviva Ross, Amire Williams, Noa Katz,, Giselle Colon, Benjamin Peterson.
=================================================
Of the many fundraisers at Sherwood Island State Park, STAR’s Walk & Roll is one of Westport’s favorites.
The non-profit supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. This year’s event — bringing together people of all ages and abilities (the “roll” refers to the many attendees in wheelchairs) — is May 4. Money raised helps STAR continue providing essential programs and services.
For this year’s 20th annual event, STAR invites artists, designers and other creative types design the logo. The winning entry will be featured on t-shirts and promotional materials.
Contestants must take a guided tour of STAR’s Norwalk headquarters to gain inspiration and insight into STAR’s mission. Email kguthrie@starct.org to schedule a visit, or more information. The deadline is March 7.
Today, Yurkiw and his fellow volunteers will ship another container. This one is filled with $250,000 worth of used medical equipment, from a nursing home in Wilton.
They’re also raising another $8,000, to cover the costs of whatever they can’t ship today.
To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.
Mark Yurkiw has not forgotten his Ukrainian roots.
=================================================
Caribbean mountain folk music, bluegrass, country and gospel come together March 1, at Voices Cafe.
And it’s all in one show.
Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo highlight the 8 p.m. concert, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport. The band includes guitar, drums, sax, bass and cuarto.
Voices Cafe offers tables or individual seating. Coffee and sweets are vailable for purchase; guests can bring their own beverages and snacks. Cconcerts support social justice programs in the area.
Tickets are $25 each. Click here for more information.
And back story. She writes: “It’s morning. I lie in bed wrapped snug as a mummy in my quilt. I can see through the slit of space between the window and the shade that the leaves on the rhododendron bush outside are curled as tight as a Cuban cigar against the frigid polar air. Maybe I’ll stay in bed for a while. Maybe I’ll fall back asleep.
“But no. I spot 2 invading stink bugs, seeking indoor warmth — one clinging with all six legs to the TV screen, perhaps remembering the heat of last night’s news; the other snug as a bug on the the rug.
“Oh wee beasties, innocent intruders, I should feel sorry for you. You mean no harm. Like me, you only want to be warm.
“And you don’t even stink until I squish you.”
Stink bug, before squishing. (Photo/Mary-Lou Weisman)
And finally … on this date in 1878, the first telephone directory was issued. The city: New Haven, Connecticut.
(“You can keep the dime,” Jim Croce sings. Or, you can give it — and any other amount — to “06880,” to help support this hyper-local blog. Please click here. And thank you!)
Tickets are selling fast for Fashionably Westport — the February 28 benefit for Homes with Hope featuring a runway show from many of the town’s mot sophisticated retailers. Models are local friends and celebrities.
But there’s a way to score preferred admission seats.
Just follow @westportdowntownofficial on Instagram (the Westort Downtown Association is the event’s sponsor); follow @davebriggstv (Westport’s own Dave Briggs is co-emcee, with fellow resident Alisyn Camerota); then tag 2 friends in the comments section on Briggs’ Instagram (who would enjoy the show too).
The winner will be chosen at random February 22. They’ll enjoy guaranteed seating with a full view of the stage, open bar, light fare from from chef Claudia Fascenell, and a VIP gift bag.
Click here for tickets to Fashionably Westport, and more information.
Dave Briggs, Fashionably Westport co-emcee
=================================================
Thirty years before her death this past August, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, former Westport townwide coordinator of English Lisabeth Comm wrote a book.
Her husband, fellow Staples High School educator Frank Corbo, discoveed the nearly completed manuscript in a storage unit. He edited it, and has published it as a tribute to her life and work.
“Myths, Mothers, and Mirrors: Split Images of Women in Literature” employs feminist literary criticism to examine how cultural imperatives have shaped the role and image of women in Western literary tradition.
By analyzing patriarchal child-rearing practices, literary traditions rooted in Greek mythology and the Judeo-Christian Bible, and the portrayal of women as objects of the male gaze, Comm showed how feminist psychoanalytic theory can deepen understanding of women’s roles in life and literature.
She applied feminist criticism to popular high school and undergraduate works like “The Scarlet Letter,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Pride and Prejudice,” as well more contemporary novels including “Surfacing,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and “Beloved,” along with modern female poets.
This Sunday’s Westport Country Playhouse Symposium — “Planting Our Gardens – A Conversation about Growing Stronger Together” — explores themes of inclusivity, respect and equity.
The February 23 event follows the matinee performance of “Native Gardens” — a comedy about neighbors from different cultures who clash over the property line that separates their gardens.
Guest speakers are Lee Goldstein, Westport Board of Education, who will discuss the work being done by No Place for Hate, an ADL program to improve school climate, and Linedy Genao, “Native Gardens” cast member who was the first Latina performer to originate the leading role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical.
Inspired by the production of “Native Gardens,” the symposium will examine “better understanding in shared spaces.”
The Symposium begins are 4:30 p.m., following the 3 p.m. show. The discussion is free, and open to the public.
For tickets to “Native Gardens,” and more information, click here.
This Sunday (10 a.m., Sherwood Island Main Pavilion), Friends of Sherwood Island invites the public to join Weston photographer Alison Wachstein. She’ll help guests learn how to create inspiring landscapes, sharp nature closeups and beautiful portraits, all on a smartphone.
The event is free; donations to benefit the Friends’ garden team are welcome.
Capturing nature with a cellphone, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Becky Keeler)
Seen at Trader Joe’s, and posted here with absolutely no editorial comment of any kind:
=================================================
On Tuesday — with the war in Ukraine once again in the headlines — Westporter Mark Yurkiw addressed the Westport Rotary Club.
The artist — who is of Ukrainian descent — visited the war-ravaged country most recently in October.
He traveled up to 18 hours a day around the nation, recording and listening to people’s stories to help spread the word about the realities of the war with Russia.
His message to the Rotarians was that supplies of all kinds are urgently needed. “These are people like you and me,” he said.
“They are working, trying to live their lives while under threat of bombing and suffering from the tragic loss of life. They are constantly trying to build graves fast enough to bury the slain.”
Yurkiw works with Ridgefield Responds, to collect equipment and medical supplies. He ships them to Ukraine, where they help save lives of civilians, and Ukrainian — and occasionally Russian soldiers.
They also collect financial donations. It costs $8,000 to ship a 40-foot container to Ukraine.
Yurkiw noted that he (and Ridgefield Responds) could not do what they do without the help of Ukraine Aid International. That’s the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.
Mark Yurkiw shows a slide of devastation in Ukraine, at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites the public to a jazz vespers music and word service with vocalist/composer Sabth Perez on March 2 (4 p.m.; free will offering). UMC Westport-Weston church at 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 12 and 19.
A 23-year-old Fairfield man was charged with breach of peace, stalking and harassment, after a complainant said her ex-boyfriend parked near her place of work and tried to engage her in conversation — as he had done since their breakup last May. She said he followed her vehicle, flashing his lights and following very closely. He was released on $25,000 bond.
A 53-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening. A woman said they are going through a divorce, and he made statements during an argument that caused her to fear for her life. He was released on $15,000 bond.
Westport Police alos issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Disorderly ocnduct: 2
Driving while texting: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
===========================================
Clouds frame the waters near Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina, and Owenoke beyond it, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured (and frigid) photo.
In 2001, Mark Yurkiw was commissioned to create an egg sculpture. It would be part of the annual White House Easter Egg roll.
The Westport artist’s 4-foot tall egg — called “Re-birth of a Nation” –replicated the Capitol dome, in extraordinary detail. It was exhibited at the White House.
When The Egg was brought to the Senate chamber, it got 256 signatures. Then a senator announced he was switching parties. In the tumult that followed, Mark was whisked away.
“Re-birth of a Nation” (Mark Yurkiw)
Then came 9/11. The Egg was moved to a secure facility outside of Washington, because someone noticed it resembled the original H-bomb in size and shape.
“That was a shame,” Mark says, “because it was supposed to be aucitioned off at a White House breakfast for cancer research.”
The sculpture is now in Westport.
After January 6, 2021 Mark used Sacred Heart University’s $30,000 scanner to digitize his large egg, to 3D print iterations.
He created a tilted version with scaffolding, and called it “January 6,” to commemorate the catastrophic event.
“January 6” (Mark Yurkiw)
But Mark was hesitant to show the sculpture publicly. He did not want to throw fuel on the already blazing fire.
“I design ideas that can be interpreted from all sides of an issue, to stimulate discussion of difficult and differing opinions and ideas,” he says.
Now that January 6 is “in the history books to be judged,” he is ready to show it.
The large “Re-birth of a Nation” was first displayed in Westport at Mark’s “Words Matter” show in October 2019, at the Pop’t Art gallery he owned at the corner of Post Road East and Main Street.
The January 6 sculpture ws first exhibited at Bridgeport’s Knowlton Gallery this past October. It too now resides in Westport.
Mark Yurkiw, at home in Westport. (Photo/Tomoko Meth)
Because art is both timely and timeless, Jimmy Carter’s death got Mark thinking.
A year before he entered hospice care, the former president wrote his final New York Times opinion essay.
In it, he looked back on the January 6 Capitol riot, and explained why he was so worried about American democracy.
Carter’s fears did not come to pass. But Yurkiw wants the former president’s message — and his own, democratically inspired art — to be shared with the “06880” community.
One year ago, a violent mob, guided by unscrupulous politicians, stormed the Capitol and almost succeeded in preventing the democratic transfer of power. All four of us former presidents condemned their actions and affirmed the legitimacy of the 2020 election. There followed a brief hope that the insurrection would shock the nation into addressing the toxic polarization that threatens our democracy.
However, one year on, promoters of the lie that the election was stolen have taken over one political party and stoked distrust in our electoral systems. These forces exert power and influence through relentless disinformation, which continues to turn Americans against Americans. According to the Survey Center on American Life, 36 percent of Americans — almost 100 million adults across the political spectrum — agree that “the traditional American way of life is disappearing so fast that we may have to use force to save it.” The Washington Post recently reported that roughly 40 percent of Republicans believe that violent action against the government is sometimes justified.
Politicians in my home state of Georgia, as well as in others, such as Texas and Florida, have leveraged the distrust they have created to enact laws that empower partisan legislatures to intervene in election processes. They seek to win by any means, and many Americans are being persuaded to think and act likewise, threatening to collapse the foundations of our security and democracy with breathtaking speed. I now fear that what we have fought so hard to achieve globally — the right to free, fair elections, unhindered by strongman politicians who seek nothing more than to grow their own power — has become dangerously fragile at home.
(“06880” often covers art, and politcs — and occasionally, their intersection. There’s always a Westport angle. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)
VersoFest 2025 has announced its first big names — and they are Very Big.
Singer/songwriter and National Book Award winner Patti Smith kicks off the 4th annual music and media festival on Thursday, April 3.
Henry Rollins, frontman of the seminal hardcore punk band Black Flag and noted writer and spoken word artist, will be in conversation on Saturday, April 5.
Legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer and David Letterman musical director Paul Shaffer appears on Sunday, April 6, with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.
Tickets for all 3 events — and much more — go on sale later this month. More guests will be announced soon. Click here for full VersoFest information.
From left: Paul Shaffer, Patti Smith, Henry Rollins.
Michael West has resigned as Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent. On January 13, he joins Ridgefield Parks & Recreation as assistant director.
“It has been an honor to serve the town of Westport and its incredible community,” West — who came here nearly 4 years ago — says.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the relationships I’ve built over the years. While I will miss Westport, I’m excited for this next chapter in Ridgefield and the opportunity to continue growing.”
Among his many projects, he told “06880” he is proudest of being part of the improvements at Riverside Park.
Speaking of Parks & Rec: the long-range plan to upgrade Longshore moves slowly forward.
On Wednesday (January 8, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance will be asked to approve — among other items — $222,000 for “architectural study, schematic design, land-use permitting, and preparation of an opinion of probable cost,” for a new maintenance facility there.
The current one — between the golf course, road and tennis courts, near the La Plage parking lot — would be demolished, to allow space for more racquet courts.
Four new courts would replace the maintenance facility, during renovations to Longshore.
The piece noted that a few employees of downtown businesses and restaurants drop garbage bags next to the compactor, rather than lifting the lid and tossing them in. (A sign instructs them to open it up.)
Often, the Westport Downtown Association says, the compactor has plenty of room. Sometimes, it’s empty.
This was the scene again yesterday:
(Photo/Shawn Kapitan)
The WDA’s Shawn Kapitan reports: “I just cleaned up another trash pile. The compactor’s intake hopper was completely empty, and was working fine.
“Whoever dumped this trash didn’t even bother to open the door and simply look inside. All the trash that was just on the ground, fit in the compactor with room to spare.”
=================================================
If you haven’t been there yet, you will be.
You or someone in your family needs a wheelchair, for a few days only. Or someone you know had hip surgery, and is looking for a temporary shower chair or portable chair ramp.
As a trained occupational therapist, Pippa Bell Ader appreciates the value of maximizing independence.
And as a longtime environmentalist (she’s a Sustainable Westport leader), she is distressed that so much medical equipment is used for a short time, then thrown out.
Which are 2 reasons she is excited about Wheel It Forward. The local nonprofit lends out equipment.
The event is next Wednesday (January 8, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Everyone is welcome — even if you have not read the book. Click here to RSVP.
Anna Mae Wong and Vincent Price, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
==============================================
Mark Yurkiw knows a thing or two about bringing compasssion to the world.
The Westport artist does that regularly, through his art.
On January 15 (2:30 p.m.), “Bringing Compassion to the World” is the topic of Yurkiw’s Senior Center talk.
He recently returned from 3 weeks in Ukraine. He brought medical supplies to the war-torn nation.
The trip brought an invitation to exhibit in Kyiv in 2026.
The mission was part of a larger global initiative to bring compassion to the world through art, actions and words.
Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs recently exhibited “Signs of Compassion” at United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibit will travel to Taiwan, then throughout Asia.
At the Senior Center, Yurkiw will present a slide show about his efforts in Ukrain, then answer questions from the audience.
Mark Yurkiw, with Ukrainian artwork at his Westport home.
Fleet Feet is more than just a running store in the Fresh Market plaza.
Among their offerings:
Group training: Led by New York Road Runners coaches, in partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA. A great option for running with others, and working with a variety of coaches. Meet-ups are Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. Also ncluded: Wednesday evening strength classes at the Y.
Individual coaching: One-on-one guidance. and someone to hold you accountable for training. Customizable for all levels of runners.
Zoomerangs Kids Running: Returning in April. Youngsters learn the fundamentals of running, from warming up to running form, with creative drills and surprises. 6 weeks; meets Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Staples High School outdoor track.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between December 25 and January 1.
A 26-year-old Bronx man was charged with forgery and criminal impersonation, following a report by a resident about a scam where iPhones were scheduled for delivery. The suspect had fraudulent driver’s licenses, one of which was in the name of the complainant.
Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2 citations
Failure to renew registration: 2
Speeding: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commissions regulations: 1
Some people wait at the DMV for driver’s licenses. Criminals forge them.
=================================================
There is no admission fee at Sherwood Island State Park for vehicles with Connecticut license plates.
Also free: anyone arriving on horseback.
Becky Keeler captured this scene on New Year’s Eve, for our ever-intriguing “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of Patti Smith’s upcoming appearance at the Westport Library’s VersoFest (story above):
(Because “06880” relies on reader support, we’re including this donation link. Please click here to show a little love to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
It’s been nearly 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine.
The brutal war has been pushed off the front pages. Westporters — who have contributed over $300,000 to our sister city, Lyman — are thinking about other things: Israel and Gaza, Harris and Trump, gardens and parking lots.
But Ukraine is never far from Mark Yurkiw’s mind.
The Westport artist’s parents emigrated to the US from there, in 1949. They had spent years in displaced persons’ tent camps.
As a teenager during World War II, Mark’s mother was enslaved. For almost 50 years, the United Nations paid slave labor reparations to her.
Mark Yurkiw
Mark was born in New York, but his first language is Ukrainian. He has followed the news from his parents’ homeland closely, and fearfully. He knows its history well.
Mark has been a driving force in local efforts to raise funds, clothes, toys — and awareness — for Lyman, and the nation.
On October 15, he will travel again to Ukraine. He has 3 objectives.
One is very specific. The country needs more chest compression bandages. They are vital to save the lives of people suffering gunshot wounds.
Christine Antal — who grew up in Westport — and her husband Mark organized a team of former Green Berets who deliver bandages to the front lines, and teaches soldiers how to use them.
Mark asks for donation, so he can deliver as many bandages as possible. There is a discounted price of $10 each, for orders of 100.
Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — accepts donations for those bandages.
Click here. Then, under the “Designation” drop-down menu, select “Medicine & Medical Equipment.”
“Every $10 saves a life,” Mark notes. “Every $1,000 buys a bundle that saves 100 lives.”
His second objective involves a meeting with Ukrainian Postmaster General Igor Smolyansky.
Mark will present him and his team with an artifact from the “Titanic” movie: a miniature lifeboat, created for the filming.
Smolyansky — a Georgetown University graduate — has “transformed the Ukrainian post office,” Mark says.
“He has turned the culture of postal workers into a true civil service organization.
“They deliver lifesaving medicine, equipment, food and pension checks to those who are unable to get out of harms way.”
He also delivers something no other post Office has ever done: hope.
“Since the invasion, he and his team have chronicled in a series of stamps events of the war in a way never done before,” Mark explains.
Those stamps have become world renowned, and sought after by collectors to raise money for Ukraine.
A few of the many Ukrainian stamps.
The stamp that inspired Mark to bring the Titanic lifeboat was “The Bombing of the Crimean Bridge” — designed even before it was bombed.
Smolyansky used the iconography of the Titanic movie. The stamp was released the day the bridge was destroyed.
Mark will present the lifeboat, with this message: “You and your team are the lifeboat for Ukraine.”
Mark has installed an exhibit about the Ukrainian stamps at the Westport Senior Center. It will be up all month long.
And — tying those 2 objectives together — donations to purchase bandages can be dropped off at the Senior Center.
Ukraine exhibit, at the Westport Senior Center.
Mark’s third goal is to meet with many of the old and new friends and organizations he has been in touch with since the invasion began. He hopes to meet with the Ukraine Aid International team on the ground too.
Mark will spend 3 weeks in Ukraine. He will travel with the best wishes of Westporters, who have supported our sister of Lyman so generously and well.
And, Mark reminds “06880” readers once again, the need to help the entire nation is still strong.
This week marks one of the most historic moments in our town’s history.
At dusk on April 25, 1777, 26 ships carrying 2,000 British troops under the direction of General William Tryon — a force larger than at Lexington or Concord — landed at Compo Beach.
Tory loyalists planned to guide them up Compo Road to Cross Highway, across to Redding Road, then north through Redding and Bethel to Danbury, where they would burn a major munitions depot.
Patriots fired a few shots at the corner of the Post Road and Compo, but the British marched on. In Danbury they destroyed the Continental Army’s munitions, then headed back toward their waiting ships at Compo.
Hastily assembled patriot forces fought them in the fierce Battle of Ridgefield. Led by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold — not yet a traitor — and outnumbered 3 to 1, the patriots deployed a strategy of selective engagement.
British forces landed at Compo Beach, marched to Danbury, returned south and — after the Battle of Compo Hill — retreated to Long Island.
The next day — April 28, 1777 — patriots tried to capture the Redcoats at a bridge across the Saugatuck River. That forced the soldiers to march 2 miles north, and swim across.
Meanwhile, marksmen waited on Compo Hill (the current site of Minuteman Hill road).
Twenty colonials were killed, and between 40 and 80 wounded when the British made a shoulder to shoulder charge with fixed bayonets — but, wearing everyday work clothes and using hunting guns or pistols, they gave the Redcoats a fight.
It was reported that resistance here was more severe than at Lexington and Concord.
Graves of some of the patriots who fell that day lie along Compo Beach Road, just past the Minuteman statue. British soldiers are buried across Gray’s Creek, by the Longshore golf course.
Though Tryon returned to burn Norwalk and Fairfield, never again during the American Revolution did British troops venture inland in Connecticut.
The next time you pass the Minute Man, think about the Battle of Compo Hill. That’s the reason our Minuteman stands guard, facing Compo Road.
Like his fellow patriots 247 years ago, he’s ready to give the Brits his best shot.
The Minuteman statue today.
This important anniversary often passes without much recognition.
Every so often though, the town pays attention.
That was the case in 1977. Westport saluted the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Compo Hill with a special postcard:
Alert “06880” reader Mark Yurkiw — who lives on Cross Highway, directly on the path the Redcoats took (and whose former home next door bears a hole left by a musket ball) — sent the bicentennial souvenir along.
Fittingly, one of the stamps depicts George Washington.
That was 47 years ago.
Time to start planning our 250th-anniversary celebration of the Battle of Compo Hill, 3 years from now.
(Friday Flashback is a weekly “06880” feature. If you enjoy it — or anything else on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJanuary 18, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: De Tapas, Warming Centers, Trash Pickup …
De Tapas is closing.
The Spanish gastrobar on the Post Road next to Design Within Reach will serve its last meal on Sunday, January 28.
Owner Carlos Pia opened right after COVID, 2 winters ago. The restaurant was a leap of faith, after a career in corporate America. Click here for his compelling back story.
Then go say goodbye, and thank him for enhancing our dining scene.
Westport residents facing hardships due to the cold weather should contact Human Services for assistance: 203-341-1050 weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Just in time for the new year: Westport’s trash pickups begin again.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized the first 2024 session for Winslow Park. It’s this Sunday (January 21, 11 a.m.).
Volunteers will pick up garbage, and remove hazards from the walking paths. All are welcome. Dress warmly and appropriately!
A little snow should not deter Sunday’s trash pickup at Winslow Park.
================================================
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 10 and 17.
A woman was arrested for larceny and identity theft, after a complaint that 9 checks had been stolen and fraudulently deposited into a bank account.
A man was arrested for identity theft and forgery, plus criminal attempts to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after a check for $249.65 was stolen, altered and deposited in the amount of $17,262.37.
A man was arrested for violation of a protective order and assault on an elderly victim, following a domestic disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Speeding: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
For over a month last fall, an exhibition by 2 Westport artists enthralled visitors to the United Nations lobby.
Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Mark Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — were displayed on a 102-foot curved wall.
On Tuesday, the two men described their accomplishment — the first-ever UN exhibit not sponsored by a member nation — at the Westport Rotary Club’s weekly lunch.
Their next project: sending the exhibit to venues around the world.
Mark Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs, at the Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Speaking of art: Longtime Staples High School teacher and mixed media artist Camille Eskell is featured in a new exhibit — (Re) Work it!: Women Artists on Women’s Labor,” at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury.
The show explores the many types of labor that women are often expected to manage – caring for their family, participating in the labor force, negotiating beauty standards, handling emotional labor and more.
A reception for the 30 artists is set for January 21 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The show runs through May 19. For more information, click here. To learn more about Eskell, click here.
Four of the 6 new members of the Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees are from Westport or Weston
Dave Altman is a principal for Bernstein Private Wealth Management.
Ben Frimmer is a theater arts educator with over 30 years’ experience, and the director of Coleytown Company. He produced the Playhouse fundraiser “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends with Kelli O’Hara & James Naughton,” and will produce and direct “Voices for Volunteers of Fairfield County” on January 24.
Anne Keefe has served the Playhouse in many capacities since 1973, including associate and co-artistic director with Joanne Woodward. She initiated and curated the Script In Hand series. Formerly she stage managed at Long Wharf Theatre, McCarter Theatre in Princeton, New Jersey, and on Broadway, and served previously on the Playhouse board.
Jonathan Levy is a Westport native, and an attorney who built a venture capital business.
Speaking of the Playhouse: Nearly everyone knows the name Vince Lombardi. The Super Bowl trophy is named for the legendary football coach.
Now you can learn the story behind that name.
The Broadway play — based on the book “When Pride Still Mattered,” by David Maraniss — kicks off the Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand series on February 5 (7 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets ($30).
Following up on October’s Westport Library presentation on helping families and communities prepare for emergencies, Voices Center for Resilience offers a free webinar.
“The Ripple Effect of Trauma” (January 23, 7 p.m.) explores how children experience tragedy, including building resilience.
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.
