Tag Archives: Mark Yurkiw

Roundup: Kickoff To Summer, Walk Across America, Osprey Question …

Posted on June 7, 2026 | 1 comment

The Parks & Recreation Department’s “Kickoff to Summer” — postponed from last month by rain — is back on the calendar.

The event is this Saturday (June 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The family fun day includes food trucks, touch-a-truck, bounce houses, climbing walls, face painting, raffle prizes and more.

Parks & Rec officials will be on hand, with information about many programs and services.

In addition, the new mural — hung recently on the side wall of The Sandbar concession stand — will be unveiled (10 a.m.). Staples student Luke Bernier is the artist; the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Artists Collective of Westport helped make it happen.

Attendees must have a beach sticker to park. Walk-ins are welcome! And of course: no dogs.

Fun at last year’s Kickoff to Summer. (Photo/Katherine Phelps)

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Speaking of kicking off summer: Staples High School’s annual Pops Concert did that Friday night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Now the outdoor pavilion is in full swing. A host of free concerts come this month. They include:

Click any link above for free tickets, and more information.

Coming this month, to the Levitt Pavilion.

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Yesterday was quite successful, for 2 Staples High School sports teams.

Bruce Schlegelmilch’s grand slam keyed a 13-2 victory over Norwalk, in the baseball state tournament quarterfinal.

Coach Jack McFarland’s Wreckers, now 17-7, move on to the state semifinals. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe on Tuesday, at a site and time to be determined.

The boys lacrosse team downed Wilton 10-6, in their state tourney quarterfinal.

That vaults coach Will Koshansky’s squad into their 4th state semifinal in 5 years. Seeded 5th, they meet #1 seed New Canaan on Tuesday, at a site and time to be announced.

Both teams are 17-4. Although the Rams are ranked first, Staples has defeated them 3 times this year. The most recent win came in a nail-biting FCIAC final.

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Lachat Farm’s first Farmers Market is Friday, June 26 (4 to 8 p.m.).

The Weston spot offers a wide array of local vendors — and live music, with the Snake Skin Boots Band.

Many guests buy dinner from the tents and food trucks, plus beverages from the Barn Bar.

New vendors this year include Agape Premium (olive oils), Anchored Homestead (small batch seasonings) and  Celtic Cottage (organic breads, scones and treats).

Redding Knives returns too — for sharpening during shopping. 

Here is the full list of vendors:

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Craig Ferguson is nearly at the end of his Tartan Trek.

The Scotsman is walking over 3,200 miles across the US. He started in Los Angeles.

Over 100 days later, he’ll finish in Boston — just in time for  Scotland’s opening World Cup match. (Next Saturday, June 13, vs. Haiti. It’s actually in Foxboro, 29 miles away. That’s okay — there are buses and trains.)

Fellow Scot David Lyons — now a Westport resident — has been following online. But he did not know that Ferguson’s route would take him through Westport.

Or that they’d meet.

But Lyons was drinking beer with a friend at Little Barn around 5 p.m. Friday, when the intrepid walker walked past.

Lyons rushed out. They chatted. And he made a donation. (The trek is a fundraiser (and awareness-raiser) for Scottish Action for Mental Health.

“Tartan Trekker” Craig Ferguson (right, obviously) and David Lyons.

Ferguson had walked 25 miles that day, with another 9 to go. The day before, he’d met the “real” Craig Ferguson (former “Late Late Show” host) in Central Park.

Click here to learn more about Ferguson and the Tartan Trek — and to donate. Click here or below to watch a YouTube video.

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Another international-comes-to-Westport story: New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Tyler Hicks took a break from documenting the Ukraine war Thursday night.

He was at the Westport Library, for the opening reception of the Artists Collective of Westport’s summer exhibits, “American Journeys” and “Piece by Pieces.” His sister Darcy Hicks is a Collective member.

He posed (below) with artist Mark Yurkiw. The Westporter has been very active in Ukraine relief efforts.

Photo Mark Yurkiw and Tyler Hicks, NYT photogarapher, taking a break from documenting the Ukraine war To attend a Art fundraiser at Westport Library last night.

PS- There is a musical fundraiser for Ridgefield Responds & UAI this Sunday in Easton

Tyler Hicks (left) and Mark Yurkiw.

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Just in time for the 90-degree weekend, the crane involved in the Ned Dimes renovation project is gone. Much of the work has been completed.

Several readers asked “06880” what happened to the osprey nest, which the raptors built at the top of the crane.

We’re not sure. So we asked ChatGPT. It replied that ospreys are protected under the Migratory Bird Species Act.

“An active osprey nest (with eggs or chicks, or sometimes a nesting pair actively using it) is generally protected under federal law. Construction companies often must coordinate with wildlife agencies before moving a crane, removing a nest, or continuing activities that could cause nest failure.

“However, cranes create a common and well-recognized conflict with osprey nesting. In many cases, project owners work with agencies such as the US” Fish and Wildlife Service or state wildlife authorities to:

  • Delay certain activities until nesting is complete.
  • Obtain permits where available.
  • Install alternative nesting platforms nearby.
  • Remove nests before the breeding season begins, when allowed.

“For Connecticut specifically, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may also be involved because state protections can apply in addition to federal law.

“The key facts would be:

  1. Was the nest occupied by osprey at the time?
  2. Were there eggs or chicks?
  3. Was the nest removed, or was construction simply taking place nearby?
  4. Did the construction company have approval or guidance from wildlife authorities?”

Retaining wall work, on Compo Beach Road. (Photo/Totney Benson)

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The temperature was near 90 yesterday.

But it’s still early June. The water has not yet warmed up.

So while there was a good crowd at Sherwood Island State Park yesterday, only a few brave souls went into the water.

And those who did, did not venture far.

Here’s the view from Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Exactly 100 years ago yesterday, Agatha Christie published what the British Crime Writers’ Association called the greatest crime novel ever written: “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”

To celebrate — and promote their upcoming production of the show by the same name — the Westport Country Playhouse has a special anniversary offer.

From now through Friday (June 12), anyone making a $100 donation to the Playhouse will get a free ticket to the play. (Limit 10 tickets per household.)

“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” — adapted and directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan — runs July 14 through August 1. Click here for information on the promotion, and more.

 

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Westport’s 2 candidates running for statewide office — John Bolton (attorney general) and Jen Tooker (comptroller) joined fellow Republican Ryan Fazio (governor) in Stratford today.

The campaign season has begun. Bolton and Tooker are stumping — sometimes separately, sometimes together — around the state. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

From left in Stratford: John Bolton, Ryan Fazio, Troy Gargiulo (state representative candidate), Jen Tooker.

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If it’s beach season there must be … rabbits?

You won’t see this guy at Compo. But there he was the other day, enjoying the grass and scenery at Burying Hill.

He paused just long enough to pose for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … of course, there is no better song to celebrate Colin Ferguson’s 3,200-mile walk than this, from his fellow Scots:

(Westport, Weston, Scotland, Ukraine … “06880” is definitely where Westport meets the world. Please click here, to help us continue on this great journey together. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Dog Questions, Rotary Service, Free Concert …

Posted on May 17, 2026 | 1 comment

There are many attractions at today’s Dog Festival (Winslow Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.): competitions, Police K-9 presentations, an obstacle course, kids’ activities, food trucks and more.

Among the “more”: Cat Malkin offers a live animal communication demo (11 to 11:45 a.m.). The first 12 dogs get one live question answered on the spot.

Not sure what you can ask you dog? Check out her free guide: Top 10 Questions Your Dog Wants You To Ask.

A reminder: This year the entrance fee is cashless: credit card and Apple Pay only ($10 per person, $30 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children).

Yogi Bear says, “C’mon down to the Dog Festival!”

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Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs joined others throughout the world yesterday, in their annual “Epic Day of Service.”

Here in town, Westport Rotary installed a peace pole at the Compo Playground along with 53 new donor-engraved pickets.

Rotarians at Compo Beach playground.

Meanwhile, Sunrise Rotarians collected 282 bags of food and personal hygiene items — and $692 in cash and checks — at Stop & Shop for the Homes with Hope pantry. Other members added plantings and mulch at the Gillespie Center homeless shelter, also run by HwH.

Sunrise Rotary Club, at the Gillespie Center.

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Speaking of Homes with Hope: They were surprised — and gratified — last week, when the Bedford Middle School Art Collective stopped by.

The youngsters dropped off a check for $452.88, for the food pantry. They raised the funds with artwork, including tote bags, t-shirts, pins and mini-prints.

Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden gives thanks to the BMS art Collective for “leading by example, and showing what it looks like to give back.”

Bedford Middle School Art Collective, at the food pantry.

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There’s always something going on downtown.

But a free lunchtime concert may be a first.

Christ & Holy Trinity Church invites everyone to their grass courtyard at noon on Friday, May 29.

The band called Picnic on the Fourth of July will play a mix of folk, rock, bluegrass, gospel and jazz.

Bring a lunch, or pick something up from a nearby café or restaurant. See you there — indoors if rain!

Picnic on the Fourth of July band.

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Six Staples High School seniors received Westport PAL scholarships, in a ceremony last week.

The awardees, their intended colleges and majors, are:

  • Rory Benton (McGill University, physical and health education)
  • Tristan Benton (University of Colorado, undetermined)
  • Michael Brennan (Syracuse University, sports media/journalism/communications)
  • Matty Corrigan (James Madison University, finance)
  • Chaz Darby (Boston College, business)
  • Blanka Solowinska (undecided, nursing)

Congratulations to all!

Corporal Craig Bergamo, Westport PAL president (3rd from left) with (from left): Matty Corrigan, Rory Benton, Michael Brennan, Tristan Benton, Blanka Solowinska, Chaz Darby.

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This morning’s “06880” provided an update on the dire conditions in Lyman, Ukraine.

Since 2022, local residents have provided over $300,000 in aid — along with vital communications equipment, vehicles and more, to Westport’s sister city, via Ukraine Aid International.

Meanwhile, there’s another help effort underway here too.

Ever since the Russian invasion, Mark Yurkiw — a Westport artist with Ukrainian heritage — has collected medical equipment for the beleaguered nation.

This week, he shipped another 40-foot container overseas.

To help, or for more information, email mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Loading medical supplies for Ukraine.

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Longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Elaine Arnow died peacefully at home on Friday. She was 96.

Born to parents who emigrated from Hungary and Russia, she graduated as salutatorian from Norwalk High School.

Music was a lifelong passion. She began playing violin with the Norwalk Symphony while a teenager, and continued performing with them into her 90s.

After Danbury Teachers College, Elaine earned a master’s degree from Columbia University. She was a music teacher in the Westport and Weston public schools, as well as Temple Israel religious school. For many years, she performed in the temple’s High Holiday services ensembles.

Elaine began a second career in real estate, spending more than 40 years with William Raveis.

She was an elected member of Westport’s Board of Assessment Appeals for many terms. She also worked for over 10 years as office administrator in Ernie’s dental practice in Norwalk.

Elaine was active in the Democratic Women of Westport, and earned its 2014 Silver Donkey award. Participating in the Memorial Day parade was another tradition she cherished.

She cherished Westport, Compo Beach, tennis, ping pong, and paddling friends and family around the pond in the canoe.

In her later years Elaine found great joy in her biweekly duets and music appreciation sessions with Jane Jessup, who accompanied her on piano. She remained active at the Westport Senior Center, and at home online in musical memory classes.

Her family thanks the loving care, kindness and wonderful meals provided by her devoted caregivers, Manana and Lela, and their husbands. The family is also deeply grateful to Norma and Arquimedes for years of involvement.

Elaine is survived by her 5 children Sherry (Jeff) of Shavertown, Pennsylvania; Hilary (Mark) of Westport; Jonathan (Linda) of Lexington, Massachusetts; David (Debbie) of Austin, Texas, and Meredith (John) of Asheville, North Carolina; grandchildren Adam, Stefanie, Sam, Jesse, Haley, Alexander, Samantha, Hannah, Thomas, Ansley, Beck, Crawford, Quinn and Wilson; 7 great- grandchildren, and brother Charles Walkoff (Tammy) of Port St. Lucie, Florida. She was predeceased by her husband Ernie, and brother Richard Walkoff.

Elaine’s funeral will be held at 1 p.m. today (Sunday) at Temple Israel. Click here for the livestream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Musical Memory Care or the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

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Michelle Pommier — a 1966 Staples High School graduate and former model who opened the first modeling agency in Miami Beach’s South Beach, then built an agency with over 800 models and clients around the world — died last month. She was 78, and had been diagnosed with cancer.

A Westport native, she attended Bay Path College with plans to become a teacher. But as a freshman, Glamour magazine featured her as a “best-dressed college student.” She began modeling full time.

She signed with Ford Models, and quickly made her mark. She traveled the globe in her 20s and 30s. She appeared on the cover of Town & Country and Harper’s Bazaar, and was featured in Virginia Slims’ “You’ve come a long way, baby” ad campaign.

Michele Pommier, featured in a 1970s ad.

Living in Miami in the late 1970s, Pommier quit modeling to open her own agency. She encouraged art directors from around the world to use Miami Beach — beautiful and cost-effective — as a shooting location. Her models included Christy Turlington, Charlize Theron and Catherin Zeta-Jones.

She is survived by her husband, Peter Diel, son David Diel, daughter Jacqueline Pommier Diel, and sisters Monica Kravitt and Denise Johnson.

Donations in her memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, South Beach Cats and the Miami Beach Community Cat Program.

Michele Pommier

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Most Westporters hope that construction at Ned Dimes Marina ends soon, so we can enjoy another relaxing summer.

These 2 don’t mind at all.

Lou Weinberg is one of our favorite “Westport … Naturally” photographers. This shot is different than usual. But, as he is fond of saying: “Nature wins!”

(Photo/Lou Weinnberg)

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And finally … in honor of today’s Dog Festival (story above):

(Don’t dog us! “06880” is here for you — 24/7/365. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution, and be our best doggone friend. Thank you!) 

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Online Art Gallery #318

Posted on May 16, 2026 | 3 comments

From a 7-year-old art student to 70-plus-year-old artists, today’s online art gallery has — as usual — something for everyone.

That’s how we roll.

No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

Untitled (Duane Cohen, who suggests readers download this for free)

“Waiting for the Sun” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“A Moon Beam Lit Proposal” — oil on line (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)

“The Transition of Seasons” — collage mix media, assemblage, reversed, pouring and bits of nature (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Blueberries” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)

“How’da Like Them Apples?” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“The Beetle” (Katie Costanzo, age 7, One River Art student)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for sale; click here)

“Blush on the Horizon” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

Photographer Mike Hibbard says: “This group of women and children follow the Masai warriors. The men’s long, iron spears are razor sharp. Lions keep their distance!”

“A Rare Fire Dragon” — watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Ripvanwrinkle” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“Gen Z Chic”

(Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #316

Posted on May 2, 2026 | 6 comments

Each week, some art in our online gallery is for sale.

Some is not.

But this week, for the first time, an artist makes an offer.

Miggs Burroughs — the Westport native and longtime graphic designer who has created (among many others ) a US postage stamp, Time magazine cover and the Westport town flag — invites anyone to download his submission today.

You can save it to your desktop, share it with others, post on social media … whatever works for you. It’s his gift to our readers — and it leads this week’s gallery offerings.

Meanwhile: No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

Artist Miggs Burroughs says, “I took some liberties with the new passport design to take effect this summer. Anyone can download this for free, drag it onto their desktop, and share as they see fit.”

“My Big Brother Playing ‘Wipeout'” (Eric Bosch)

“Another Juicy Fruit” (Lucy Johnson)

“Red Outbuildings Down the Hill at the Audubon” (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)

“2 Thoroughbreds” — ballpoint ink on paper (Bill Fellah)

“Metamorphosis” — impasto metallic acrylic on canvas board (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Fray and Function” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“My Medications Are a Thing of Beauty” (Steve Stein)

“Come on, Slowpoke! I Told You to Pack Light. But You Brought Evrything Including the Kitchen Sink in Your Backpack!” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“Feeding the Birds” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #315

Posted on April 25, 2026 | 1 comment

Noted Westport photographer Michael Chait joins our online gallery this week.

We welcome him — and all other artists.

Professional and amateur; no matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

“NYC Newsstand Circa 1977 — Lexington Avenue & 53rd Street” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)

“It Dawned on Me” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Really Big Rudbeckia” — watercolor on Arches paper, 16.5 x 11.5 (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)

 

“My Little Pony” — acrylic and resin, 24 x 36 (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Butterflies Are Free” — doodling of color with 3D butterflies (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Night Guard” — abstract (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“PSOS” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Lucky Me! 46 Years Ago She Said ‘Yes!'” — watercolor black paint on paper (Eric Bosch)

“Strong, Handsome, and Friendly with Great Vibrations – His Entourage Also Enjoys the Music and More!” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled  (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“And We Were Told Everything is Under Control!” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)

“Conversation” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Sissy” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #314

Posted on April 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

We’ve got a record 19 pieces in this week’s online art gallery.

Many are for sale. Browse — enjoy — and buy!

And next week, you too can be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

“Imagine” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Pussy Willows” (Bonnie Connolly)

“In Bloom” (John Maloney)

“Lexi” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

“We the People” — collage acrylic pouring (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for purchase — click here)

“Dots” — pastels/gouache (Toby Michaels — Available for purchase; click here)

“Juicy Fruit” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)

“Floating Serenade” — original signed mixed media on paper, 14 x 11 (J. Haffey Jr.; Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Saugatuck Riverline” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled — watercolor on paper, 9 x 11 (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)

“Rustic Cottage for Sale or Rent. Convenient Transportation to and from the City” (Mike Hibbard)

“Harvey” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Kemosabe” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“Rick” — graphite ink on tinted paper (Werner Liepolt)

“Great-Grandfather Bosch” — pencil sketch (Eric Bosch)

“Grief” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Have We Seen the Last Snowstorm of 2026?” — graphite pencil on blue paper (Steve Stein)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Rainbow, Website Redesign, Wars …

Posted on April 16, 2026 | 6 comments

We seldom start the Roundup with a photo.

But this one — by longtime Westporter and internationally known artist Larry Silver — showing yesterday’s rainbow over kids playing at the Compo Beach playground is too good to pass up.

(Photo/Larry Silver)

Today may not be great beach weather: partly cloudy.

But the temperature will be in the mid-80s.

We’ll take it.

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The town of Westport website is very functional. There’s tons of information on departments, commissions, permits, beaches, affordable housing, etc., etc., etc.

It’s where you go to access livestreams of meetings, get voter information, find emails and phone numbers of town officials, etc., etc., etc.

The website has been tweaked over the years. There have been incremental improvements.

But things are not always where you’d think they’d be. There are inconsistencies. It can be clunky. And no one has ever called it “pretty.”

That may change.

Officials are seeking “proposals for Municipal Website Redesign.”

Bids are open through 11 a.m. April 2026, in the Finance Office at Town Hall.

Click here for the RFP documents.

Partial screenshot of the http://www.westportct.gov home page.

Now, if there could be an RFP to redesign the town of Westport’s “W” logo (at the top of the graphic above).

Or just go back to the old one …

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Speaking of government: Congressman Jim Himes will speak — and take questions — this Saturday (April 18, 8:30 a.m.), at Weston’s Norfield Congregational Church.

The event is sponsored by the Weston Kiwanis Club.

Congressman Jim Himes

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On Saturday, “06880” announced the 7th edition of Soles4Souls.

The project — organized by Ken Bernhard, Ted Freedman and Rick Jaffe — encourages Westporters to check their closets, and donate new or slightly worn shoes. The non-profit keeps shoes out of landfills, provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in places of poverty.

Collection boxes are in place at Town Hall and the Senior Center.

Westport definitely has a soul.

In just 3 days beginning Monday, over 150 pairs have been collected.

That’s outstanding generosity.

And it’s just the start.

The collection boxes will be at Town Hall and the Senior Center through the first week in May.

That’s plenty of time for many more residents to help many more souls, with soles.

Donations at the Senior Center. From left: director Wendy Petty, Meghan Tapley, Nicole Rolnick ,,,

… and at Town Hall, Paul Byson.

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The Westport Country Playhouse has announced 2 new shows for kids, and the May Script in Hand play reading.

“Pinkalicious” (June 7, 1 and 4 p.m.) is perfect for kindergartners through 2nd graders.

“Mutts Gone Nuts” (June 21, 4 p.m.) features 6 amazingly talented canines. The cast includes a Guinness World Record holder, an “America’s Got Talent” favorite, and other dogs that dance, prance, flip, and skip.

The Script in Hand reading (May 4, 7 p.m.) is “One Slight Hitch” by Lewis Black — yes, that Lewis Black.

He’s written “a farce that feels both wildly entertaining and all too familiar to anyone who’s ever navigated family, love, or the chaos of a wedding day.”

Click here for details, tickets, and more information on other Westport Country Playhouse offerings.

Pinkalicious

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The Revolutionary War returns!

On May 16 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the 5th Connecticut Regiment will stage an encampment, at the Weston History & Culture Center.

The day — part of Weston’s America 250 celebration — includes soldier drills, a kids’ musket march, blacksmithing, weaving, wool spinning, woodworking, cooking demonstrations and fashions.

Even a Revolutionary War surgeon.

All events are free. For more information, click here. 

Preparing for the children’s musket march. (Photo/5th CT Regiment)

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As fighting in Ukraine rages, 2 events will focus on that long-running war. Donations for relief efforts through Ridgefield Responds will be gladly accepted.

“Words From the Front” (Sunday, April 19, 2:30 p.m., Easton Library) is a staged reading of a play by Nancy Herman an Lynda Sorensen. It uses the actual  voices of Americans, Ukrainians and Russians, in correspondence.

The following Sunday, also in Easton (April 26, 4 to 6 p.m., Masonic Lodge, 200 Center Street), “A Taste of Ukraine” — organized by Westport artist Mark Yurkiw — includes pierogi, desserts, and an art sale.

Yurkiw — who has collected medical supplies for Ukraine — will give an overview of the crisis, and discuss his own and other aid efforts. There is a suggested donation of $30, with seating limited to 50 people.

Mark Yurkiw

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Cybersecurity fraud was the talk of the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.

Fortunately, it hadn’t happened — at least, not to the club itself.

But a pair of financial crimes specialists — Westport Police Department Sergeant James Baker and Detective 1st Class Marc Heinmiller — shared their expertise.

Baker said the most common types of crypto-crimes include financial account takeovers), investment scams, ransomware, dark markets (human and narcotics trafficking), and money laundering.

Heinmiller cited “bad actors,” including Russian ransomware groups, North Korean hackers, drug cartels and global scam organizations.

Detective Marc Heinmiller. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 8 and 14.

A 55-year-old Westport man was charged with electronic stalking of a domestic partner. In September a victim found an electronic tracking device in the trunk of their car. An investigation identified the suspect, who denied intentionally placing it there. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 38-year-old Waterbury woman was charged with assault, following an investigation into a 2023 incident at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health Services. The victim said there was no provocation, but the assault included repeated strikes to the head using both fists and knees, and continued after the victim became unconscious. She was unable to post a $75,000 bond.

As the monthlong state crackdown on texting while driving continued, Westport Police issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 47 citations
  • Distracted driving: 11
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 10
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Drinking while driving: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license after 60 days: 1

Illegal!

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This week’s very warm and wonderful weather has brought great crowds to Compo. (They’d be greater still if most of the town was not far away, for the schools’ spring break.)

But, as this gull proves in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the beach still belongs to him and his fine feathered friends.

They can fly all over the place. They can swoop down and take your food.

And they can sit and hang out wherever they please.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming production of “Pinkalicious”:

(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. We’ll be in the pink!)

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Online Art Gallery #312

Posted on April 4, 2026 | Leave a comment

Happy Easter! Welcome to the start of the baseball season! It’s spring!

Those are some of the themes in today’s online art gallery.

Along with, as always, other works that are harder to categorize, but sure to delight, provoke and inspire all who wander through.

As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

“Guardian Angel Comforting Jesus” — oil on canvas (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)

“Longshore Marina” (Patricia McMahon; Available for purchase; click here)

“Old Mill Plein Air” (Werner Liepolt)

“Stacked for the Season” (Nancy Breakstone; Available for purchase; click here)

“Sea Shell From Compo” (John Maloney)

“Auntie’s Patch of Heaven” — acrylic on canvas, 20 x 24 (Gert; Available for purchase; click here)

“Watercolor is a Swim in the Unknown: Jean Burman” (Duane Cohen; Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“A Hot Wheels Pizza” — wall art (Eric Bosch)

“The Kindness Project” (Owen Wang, age 13 — One River Art student)

In Your Easter bonnet – Gown, and Sparkling Necklace – You’ll Be the Grandest Lady in the Easter Parade! (Mike Hibbard)

“The Saddest Day in Baseball History —  Remembering Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse” — watercolor (Steve Stein)

“My Friend Kelso” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Presidential Portrait” (Mark Yurkiw; Available for purchase; click here)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #311

Posted on March 28, 2026 | 4 comments

Our online gallery artists often roam the world for inspiration.

Today, several of them look only as far as their home town.

Compo Beach, Longshore, the Levitt Pavilion, Staples High School — and a unique lending library — are all featured this week.

You never know what you’ll find, wandering our e-walls. That’s part of the appeal of this weekly feature.

As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in. As they have for 6 years, lovers want to know.

“We Read Books” — copper, AZEK and glass. Eric Bosch built and painted this “Free Little Library” for his grandchildren’s neighborhood with the help of his son Greg, along with Amelia and Theo.

“Paper Bird” (Amy Schneider)

“A Fish Tale” — collage 3-D impasto acrylic on a 36 x 36 canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled — collage; Matisse-inspired (Lauri Weiser)

“The Levitt” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase; click here)

“Vanishing into Light” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“Reflecting at Longshore” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Morning Magic, Compo Beach” (Tom Kretsch — Available for purchase; click here) 

“Folds” — compound photo (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled — 5″ x 7″ mixed media note cards (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Pop Art Portrait” (Ella Barborak, age 15 — One River Art student)

“Who Needs a Beautician When My Friends Powder Me Every Day?” (Mike Hibbard)

“After Market” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Brass Passover Seder Plate on Matzah Background” (Steve Stein)

“Presidential Library” (Mark Yurkiw)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #310

Posted on March 21, 2026 | 3 comments

Happy anniversary!

Our online art gallery turns 6 years old today.

This week in 2020 — a few days into the realization that the COVID-19 pandemic was real — I put out a call for artwork. The idea was that “in these perilous times,” “06880” readers could create — and share — artwork.

“Westport really is an arts community,” I wrote.

It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a brush, crayon or camera in your life. You don’t have to be an experienced painter, sketcher or collagist. You can work together, or with your family or anyone else you’re self-isolating with

All you need is an idea and a way to express it. Serenity, love, calm, separation, friends, solitude, fear, hope — whatever you’re thinking or feeling, get to work!

Artwork flooded in. It was broad, beautiful and imaginative. The very next day, I posted our very first online gallery. (It was first called “0*6*Art*Art*0.” at Stacie Curran’s suggestion. Click here to see that inaugural post.)

In the early days, I tried to limit the Saturday feature to work specifically created during the crisis, or that showed powerfully some of the effects those days had on everyone.

Soon, I broadened it to art with any theme (or none).

We’ve been going strong ever since. Today, we kick off the 7th year of our online art gallery.

As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in. As they have for 6 years, lovers want to know.

“Open Your Eyes” (Elise Mergenthaler — age 16, One River Art student)

“Mr. Silhouette Snowflake” — mixed media, pastels on paper (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Photographer Mike Hbbard says: “Beings, far beyond our galaxy, visit Earth regularly to study its life forms. They speculate that the creatures there, calling themselves humans, may go extinct through their own doing — unless they learn that kindness for each other is their only path to survival as a species.”

“Diane Heading Off to Work” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“STOP” — acrylic on original metal sign (Jerry Kuyper)

“Congress” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Orange Art” — a clementine and watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Child Support” (Lawrence Weisman)

“June and Friend” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (John Maloney)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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