Tag Archives: Mark Yurkiw

Roundup: De Tapas, Warming Centers, Trash Pickup …

Posted on January 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.

Carlos Pia in his handsomely decorated De Tapas.

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Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol. It remains in effect through noon on Monday. 

These Westport locations are open to the public as warming centers:

Senior Center: (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Westport Library: (Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

Westport Museum for History and Culture: (Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Westport/Weston Family Y: (weekdays, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

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.

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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.

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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
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1.

Slow down!

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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)

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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.

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Save the date: This year’s Dream Event, benefiting A Better Chance of Westport, is April 27 (6 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s one of the best fundraisers of the year — and features inspiring speeches from some amazing young scholars.

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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.

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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).

Vince Lombardi

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Diana Blau lives in Westport with her husband, daughter Charlotte, son Eli and dog Jettie.

All are characters in her new children’s book.

“Beary & Tinker: Young at Heart” stars her and her husband’s childhood teddy bears.

“It’s a story about the desire to experience joy at any age,” Blau says.

Click here for more information, and to buy.

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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 for more details, and registration.

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In a scene reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” here is today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Call it “The Gulls.”

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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And finally, A.A. Milne was born today in 1882. The English author — best known for “Winnie-the-Pooh” died — in 1956.

(We’ve got the arts — and the cops — covered. If you enjoy “06880,” please consider a contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #191

Posted on December 9, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #191

Today’s online art gallery opens with a special request.

In this season of giving, Westport artist Mark Yurkiw is thinking of his native Ukraine. As the Russian war grinds on, he wants to ensure that no one forgets the plight: 10 million Ukrainians are displaced, 20 million shelter in place, and 10 million are protecting their nation, any way they can.

Over the past 2 years Mark has donated his artwork, as a way to raise funds to help Ukraine. His work is serious, superb, and important. He invites interested collectors to contact him for an appointment to see it, in his barn/studio. Mark’s email is mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Art by Mark Yurkiw …

… and Mark outside his barn, with one of his Ukrainian-themed works.

Now, back to our weekly online gallery. As always, we welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

“Our Colorful Nation” (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Beach Impressions” (Tom Doran)

“Our Love for Each Other Shines Forever” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled — Photographer Dennis Jackson took this recently in Argentina’s Tierra de Fuego National Park, a few miles from the Chilean border.

Untitled collage — paper on paper (Maj Kalfus)

“Worth a Second Look” (Lawrence Weisman)

“All the Other Thanksgiving Gourds Are Gone!” (Steve Stein)

“Manspreading” — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)

“Red Sail in the Sunset? – A J-70” (Peter Barlow)

“Seaside Impressions 03” (Ken Runkel)

“Dawn in the Neighborhood” (Jerry Kuyper)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Menorahs, Wreaths, Trash Pick-ups …

Posted on December 7, 2023 | 7 comments

Hanukkah starts tonight at sundown.

All set to celebrate is Jolantha, Weston’s favorite pig.

But where’s her gelt and dreidel?

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Speaking of the Festival of Lights: The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life sponsors community menorah lighting celebrations in Westport and Weston.

The “original Westport menorah” at Compo Acres Shopping Center (Trader Joe’s/Wells Fargo parking lot) — now in its 16th year — will be lit Monday (December 11, 7 p.m.).

The day before (Sunday, December 10, 5:30 p.m.), a menorah will be lit at the Weston Shopping Center. It continues a tradition begun 20 years ago.

Both ceremonies include music, cookies, gelt and dreidels.

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Now, on to Christmas:

Westport Scout Troop is selling wreaths as a fundraiser this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last; Saugatuck Congregational Church).

Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods and hot cocoa are available too.

Funds will help projects, like the recent construction of lanternfly traps for Sherwood Island State Park. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.

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There are just 18 days left until Christmas.

Everyone should be mailing gifts and cards like crazy.

But — astonishingly — this was the scene at noon yesterday, in the post office lobby:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Come on, Westport! This is show time for our postal clerks.

It’s when they shine: helping with packages, dispensing advice, tossing all your stuff into the back to be whisked away — all with the efficiency of a thousand Rudolphs.

Our great US Postal Service men and women are ready to serve you. Give ’em the business!

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With leaves off the trees, and leaf pick-up by the town almost complete, the trash that litters our town has become quite visible.

Andrew Colabella, and his faithful crew of garbage pickers, come to the rescue.

And anyone can join.

After a successful spring, they’re starting again this Sunday. Everyone is invited to meet at 10 a.m. this Sunday (December 10), at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector. They’ll work throughout the Greens Farms neighborhood.

Volunteers should wear boots, bring gloves and trash bags — and dress warmly.

For questions, or to be added to the email list, write acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Andrew Colabella (center, front) and friends, picking up trash at the Westport train station last winter.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 29 and December 6.

A man was charged with assault, unlawful restraint, interfering with an emergency call, larceny, sale of narcotics, possession of cannabis greater than 1.5 ounces, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a firearm.

The charges came after police responded to a report of domestic violence in a vehicle on the Sherwood Island Connector. After the assault, the man refused to let the victim leave, and prevented a 911 call.

The suspect left the area on foot. Officers located him in a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the I-95 northbound exit ramp, and initiated a traffic stop.

Westport Police also issues these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1.

A handgun was found, following a report of domestic violence.

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Speaking of crime:

Scooter Swanson — editor, and nephew of the TV dinner magnate — says his mail carrier tells him that leaving cash in the mailbox as a holiday gift (whether in an envelope or not) is subject to theft.

The carrier claims that UPS, FedEx and Amazon drivers yank out the cash cards intended for him and other US Postal Service colleagues. (This has not been verified.)

Swanson was ripped off of a $10,000 check for his credit card when it was robbed by a “correctional officer” making his nightly tour of mailboxes through neighborhoods.

Fortunately, People’s Bank reimbursed him for his loss. The Hartford also considered it personal property, and reimbursed him another $10,000.

PS: Swanson was once a federal attorney.

Think twice about leaving holiday cash for your mail carrier inside your mailbox.

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Tickets are on sale now for Saturday’s state “LL” (extra large schools) football championship game, between Staples and West Haven.

Kickoff on December 9 is 5 p.m., at Central Connecticut State University’s Arute Field.

Tickets ($10 each) will not be sold on site; they can only be purchased by clicking this website.

Go Wreckers!

The 2023 Staples High School football program.

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Music is everywhere — including, often, the Westport Library.

On December 12 (7 p.m.), a multi-media presentation tracks the impact of music on a variety of art forms, in a range of venues.

Speaker John Brandt — a dancer, singer, actor, percussionist, PR consultant and lifelong Westporter — will highlight how music is “the soundtrack of our lives.”

The event — sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — is free, but registration is required (click here). For further information, email jkbrandt@aol.com or call 203-246-6280.

John Brandt

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Speaking of the Library:

The second of 3 “Short Cuts Film Festival” showings is next Thursday (December 14, 7 p.m.).

Documentaries selected from the Tribeca Film Festival include:

  • “Then Comes the Body” by Jacob Krupnick: An unlikely ballet school outside Lagos, Nigeria, gains national attention after a video of students dancing in the rain goes viral.
  • “In Her Element” by Idil Ibrahim: Hip-hop artist Daisha McBride takes the traditional rock and country audience in New Orleans by storm.
  • “Team Dream” by Luchina Fisher: Determined friends and competitive swimmers journey to the National Senior Games.
  • “Deciding Vote” by Jeremy Workman & Robert J. Lyons: Fifty years ago, a now-forgotten New York assemblyman cast single tiebreaking vote that legalized abortion in New York, and la the groundwork for Roe v. Wade.

After the screenings, “Team Dream” director Fisher will discuss her film, and documentary filmmaking in general.

Short Cuts Film Festival concludes on January 18, with a program of narrative shorts.

Tickets are $26.50; click here to purchase. Films are suitable for ages 12 and up. Refreshments and popcorn will be provided.

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Mark Yurkiw — whose work has lately been heavily influenced by his Ukrainian heritage — is December’s guest exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.

His exhibit — “Art is Always of Its Time” — includes 12 illuminated works using large-format film transparencies of 3-D images of the 1980s and ’90s.

Yurkiw is an artist, sculptor, filmmaker, scientist, designer, creative director and consultant. His work appears in magazines, advertising, television, feature films, exhibitions and public art. It has been exhibited globally, including most recently as part of a 2-man United Nations exhibit.

A reception for Yurkiw will be held December 14 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Reserve a spot by phone (203-349-5141) or email: bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Yurkiw’s art is on exhibit through December 31. All work is available for purchase.

   

Mark Yurkiw, at the Westport Book Shop.

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The Weston Weston Family YMCA’s Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund honors its 2023 grant recipients at 5 p.m. next Tuesday (December 12) at the Y.

This year, the Fund will award $315,000 in grants to 31 organizations throughout Fairfield County. Their programs support equitable educational programs for students.

Recipients will be announced then.

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In her 80s, Ruth Sherman is still an indefatigable walker.

At Compo Beach yesterday morning, she spotted this:

(Photo/Ruth Sherman)

Other walkers told her it reminded them of a dog, lizard, rabbit, even a parrot looking sideways with its fist up.

What do you see?

We’ll ask that question, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. Click “Comments” below.

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And finally … It wouldn’t be Hanukkah without 5-part harmony from “South Park”:

(Oy! Time to celebrate the holidays with a donation to “06880.” Please click here. תודה!)

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Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …

Posted on December 5, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …

This morning’s “06880” featured information on Westport’s holiday drive. We’re helping raise $30,000, so residents of Lyman, Ukraine can heat their homes this winter.

There’s another way to help that war-torn nation, too.

Mark Yurkiw — the noted local artist, who has Ukrainian heritage — and several Ukrainian friends in this area have spent months stockpiling medical supplies.

They’ve already sent several containers. The next is ready to go — with volunteers both here and in Ukraine —  as soon as shipping costs are covered.

They hope one or 2 major donors can underwrite the cost of shipping (and buying triage bandages). The total is $10,000.

To donate, and for more information, email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Earlier this year, Mark Yurkiw collected and shipped generators to Ukraine. He collected them at his studio/barn — outside of which stood his artwork, in the country’s familiar colors.

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From now through next Tuesday (December 12), the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting gift cards for residents of the 2 Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses, and community clients.

Gift cards help survivors buy what they most need or want for their families.  Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart. Smaller denominations ($25-$50) are encouraged. so gift cards for various stores can be bundled together for families.

Gift cards can be left at the communication center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), or mailed to Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at that address.

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Ovcr 150 Club 203 members and volunteers kicked up their heels, and celebrated the season with a “Holiday Hoedown” last night at MoCa Westport.

The Square Bears taught dance moves. Dessert was donated by CRUMBL. T-shirts were courtesy of Howard & Gay Insurance. And MoCA’s artwork provided the perfect backdrop, for the great event hosting Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities.

Having a great time at the Club 203 Holiday Hoedown.

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Popular hair stylist Felicia Catale invites everyone to check out makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products, at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West).

Enjoy bubbly, gifts, raffles — and free hair blowouts.

Felicia Catale

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Voices Cafe’s next concert — December 16 (4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) — offers both great music and a good cause.

They’re collecting gifts for Bridgeport’s Helping Hands Outreach holiday toy drive. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or retailer gift card.

Windborne’s Music of Midwinter show has been called “intelligent, witty, formally exquisite and brimful of energy” (Slate Magazine). Lush vocals and creative arrangements draw from traditional, classic and folk from the US, British Isles and beyond. Instruments include guitars, banjos, Lithuanian kankles and Irish bodhran.

The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.

Click here for tickets and more information. Voices Cafe is BYO, with coffee-house style seating at tables or individual seats. Snacks are available for purchase.

Windbourne

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“The One Note Man” — George C. Siougas’ story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone or stepping out and changing his life forever — gets its Westport premier this Sunday (December 10, 2 p.m., Westport Library).

The local connection: Westport resident Rita Marcocci is an executive producer of the film.

Set during the holiday season, the film is a whirlwind adventure about a bassoonist whose routine never strays, playing a single note in a classical orchestra day in day out.

It stars Jason Watkins, Louisa Clein, Crystal Yu, Paul Barber, and the voice of Ian McKellen.

A talk-back follows the screening, with Marcocci, Siougas, BAFTA-winning actor Watkins, Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, and executive producer and Wilton resident Josh Friedman. Click here for more information.

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MoMA’s December 14 (7 p.m.) holiday concert features violinist Kristen Young and pianist Joe Bush.

MoMA says, “They break the rules of music by blending traditional classical music with unexpected holiday hits, together in a fresh and exciting contemporary interpretation.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Kristen Young and Joe Bush

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Pianist David Morgan was trained by Ellis Marsalis — father of Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis.

This week at Jazz at the Post, Morgan pays homage to his New Orleans roots, with compositions by Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste and James Black, plus a Mardi Gras preview.

He’s joined by trumpeter Antoine Drye, bassist Dan Asher, drummer Paul Francis, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are Thursday (December 7, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 music charge). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Westport resident Pamela Waesche passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday. She was 76.

Her obituary says: “Pam and her husband of 53 years, John, shared a love that transcended all life’s struggles and hardships. She was smart, loving, empathetic, and together, she and John raised 3 daughters they could not be prouder of. Her children and their families are the legacy she leaves behind.”

She met John at a 6th grade square dance in Oradell, New Jersey. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American Studies. Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life and the Library of Congress, but she always focused on supporting her family and others.

She worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority, helping those in need find a home. She spent summer mornings harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress.

She is survived by her husband; daughters, sons-in-law and 9 grandchildren: Wendy, David, Kate, Lucy and Matthew Lavallee of Southport;  Dana, Jamey, Jackson, Toby and Kiley Gifford of Hillsborough, California; and Erin, George, John, Charlie and Lily DiGuido of Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in her name.

Pamela Waesche

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Barry Kresch calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” phot — taken in his yard — “50 Shades of Gray.”

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And finally … in honor of today’s owl photo (above):

(Every day, “06880” offers new ideas for things to do — this holiday season, and beyond. If you appreciate our daily  Roundup, or any other feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: LWV Debate Archives, UN Exhibit, VFW Blood Drive …

Posted on October 18, 2023 | 3 comments

Missed the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidates debates for the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Education and Board of Finance?

No problem! They’re archived. Watch them now (or any time before November 7).

Just click here.  www.westportct.gov. Scroll down; then click on “Watch Meetings.” Scroll all the way to the bottom; click on “Other Meetings and Events.”

Listen. Learn. Then vote!

Planning & Zoning Commission candidates, at last week’s League of Women Voters debate.

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Two dozen Westporters — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — were among the 200 guests at last night’s United Nations reception for a ground-breaking arts exhibition.

The display — in the main lobby — depicts Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion.” His 30 lenticular photos show local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name.

Nearby is fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw’s Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).

The Westporters’ work takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

The display is open to the public weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 20.

Miggs Burroughs with one of his 30 lenticular images. This one is of his son Brady. (Photo/Helen Klisser During)

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are helping with VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 40th straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive.

The event is next Wednesday (October 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (465 Riverside Avenue).

Everyone eligible to donate blood is welcome. Pre-registration helps with scheduling; click here, and use the sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

The site of next week’s blood drive.

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Sure, you can carve a pumpkin at home.

But why not do it with others?

This Saturday (October 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon), Earthplace sponsors “hassle-free pumpkin decorating and carving.”

They supply all the necessary supplies.

And they take care of clean-up.

You get all that — plus one carving pumpkin — for just $15. (That’s for one entire table.) Click here for reservations.

PS: You can buy more pumpkins for a suggested donation of $5 each. Or bring your own.

Questions? Email v.swain@earthplace.org.

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Speaking of Halloween … Ed Simek spotted this “Driveway of the Dead” on Long Lots Road, near the Fairfield County Hunt Club.

Trick or treat!

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Fred Cantor left the crowded main roads of Westport yesterday for what he thought was less crowded Spicer Road.

Traffic there was backed up too — by a school bus.

As the bus stopped e-v-e-r-y f-e-w f-e-e-t, Fred worried he’d be late for a dental appointment.

Then the bus driver pulled to the side of the road. He waved the cars behind him to pass.

“I know it’s just a small event in the bigger scheme of things,” Fred says.

“But nevertheless I thought this courtesy should be recognized.”

Consider it done.

And consider it a great gesture for other drivers to emulate.

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This year, as many as 40 million Americans will face hunger. One third of college students will be food insecure. While millions go hungry, America’s food system allows over 100 billion pounds of food to go to waste annually.

On November 14 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), the Westport Farmers’ Market, Wakeman Town Farm, Sustainable Westport and Food Rescue US-Fairfield County present a free screening of “Abundance: The Farmlink Story.”

The award-winning documentary explores youth-led solutions to food insecurity and wasted food. All are welcome — especially students.

There is a reception before the film. After, there’s a panel discussion with local food system leaders and experts, moderated by Chef Michel Nischan, Wholesome Wave executive chair.

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Longtime Westporter Angelo Rotella Sr, died October 7, with his family by his side. He was 72.

A native of Sersale, Italy, he moved to Norwalk at age 9. Angelo graduated from JM Wright Technical School. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Marylee Denke.

Throughout more than 50 years together, their family says, “Angelo and Marylee’s homes were filled with love and life (and tons of wall paper). Despite taking care of family, friends and a variety of pets, there was always room in their home for everyone.”

Angelo’s favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, gardening and fishing. He quickly became the Wii bowling champion in his family.

His family adds, “Angelo was a great listener. When he spoke, he offered sound advice coupled with wisdom and compassion.

“Angelo wasn’t afraid to try new things, get dirty, or work hard.” He started his career as a mason, then worked for the town of Westport at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. For years, he celebrated his love for the water by working the night shift at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. Angelo retired in 2017, after 27 years of dedication.

He is survived by his wife Marylee; children Dawn, Angelo Jr. and Lisa; grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and sister Josephine Mercurio.

Calling hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home today (Wednesday, October 18, 4 to 8 p.m. Mass will be held tomorrow (Thursday, October 19, 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Wittingham Cancer Center.

Angelo Rotella

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Here’s a first for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: a hobbit entrance.

Seen at Haskins Preserve, which is a magical place of its own.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1967, 66-year-old Louis Armstrong released “What a Wonderful World.” It went to #1 in the UK, but nowhere in the US. The president of ABC Records disliked the song, and refused to promote it.

Armstrong died 4 years later. Finally, in 1988 — when used in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam” — it found American success. In 1999, Armstrong’s recording was inducted to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

(Good morning, Westport! We hope you’re enjoying another “06880” post. If so, please consider a contribution to support your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: DMA, DPIC, I-95 …

Posted on October 11, 2023 | 4 comments

Tickets are going fast for Saturday’s Westoberfest. We’ll drink to that!

The event (2 to 5 p.m., off Elm Street includes beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries; live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub; a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; pumpkin and apple giveaways; food trucks, and vendors like Savvy + Grace.

Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.

It’s all sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of downtown: The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee holds a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday, October 12, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).

Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available, or via email: DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.

The agenda includes a review of the parking lots design master plan, pedestrian access, sustainability and maintenance.

Parker Harding Plaza

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If you wonder why the state Department of Transportation is temporarily closing I-95 Exit 17, during the bridge rehabilitation project, check out yesterday’s scene:

(Photo/Jared McGill)

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This Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m.), the Board of Finance and the Long Lots School Building Committee will make a site visit to the elementary school.

BOF chair Lee Caney told “06880” that the tour will give members of his committee “the opportunity to review the Long Lots property, so we will have a better understanding of the terrain when we begin to discuss the funding of the project.”

No funding request has yet been made. But the BOF is one of the bodies that will be involved during the approval process for the $100 million project.

The finance board makes regular site tours before voting on appropriations, Caney added.

Long Lots Elementary School

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Miggs Burroughs and Mark Yurkiw have finished installing their “Signs of Compassion” exhibit at the United Nations.

The work depicts Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name — and Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element).

It takes up the entire 100-foot wall in the UN lobby.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

This is also the first time that Connecticut artists are featured at the UN.

“Signs of Compassion” is open to the public now through November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion,” in the UN lobby. Mark Yurkiw’s “prayer wheel” mantra is also displayed nearby.

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October’s Staples High Students of the Month include Joshua Jordan. He’s the senior who helped develop “06880”‘s very popular new app (available at the iPhone and Android stores).

Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”

Congratulations to Joshua, and fellow senior Juan Nieves; juniors Mia Ferrigno and Evan Wallitt; sophomores Adam Turner and Addison Welling, and freshmen Autumn Kaye and Jaxsyn Liebert.


Staples’ October Students of the Month (from left): Joshua Jordan, Juan Nieves, Mia Ferrigno, Addison Welling, Adam Turner, Evan Wallitt, Autumn Kaye. Missing: Jaxsyn Liebert.

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Another Staples student of note: Andrew Rebello.

The junior was one of 5 national winners of a Working Support of Education (Wise) Financial Literacy Ambassadors Award.

Students must score at least 95 on the Wise certification test. Three rounds of judging follows. Each winner earned $1,000.

Andrew Rebello

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 Middle and high school students looking to serve their community can do walkways.

Westport’s Department of Health & Human Services is registering youngsters looking to help senior citizens with yardwork this fall and winter.

It’s a chance to make connections — and cash. Seniors are encouraged to pay $15 an hour (minimum wage), for outdoor work only.

Interested students should complete an enrollment form and receive parental permission to participate. Questions? Call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.

Seniors may request the “We Do Walkway” list through the same phone and email above.

Kids! Help seniors with shoveling (and raking). It’s fun (and profitable).

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Speaking of teenagers: Tomorrow, the Teen Awareness Group welcomes the International Save A Life Tour to Staples High.

The safe-driving program includes driving simulators. Students “get behind the wheel” to see the effects of impaired and distracted driving.

Sounds like a program that would benefit some adult drivers, too.

Distracted driving simulator.

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Longtime Westporters Suzanne Sheridan and Rozanne Gates will be (very deservedly) celebrated by the Triangle Community Center.

Fairfield County’s LGBTQ organization has named the music/photography/ activist couple its “Community” honorees. The award will be presented at TCC’s Visionary Gala October 21 (6:30 p.m., The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s, Darien).

The event includes a DJ, food and cocktails, and silent and live auctions. Click here for tickets and more information.

Suzanne and Rozanne were instrumental in creating Fairfield County’s first Pride Festival in 2002, and urging the General Assembly to pass civil union legislation in 2005. As soon as the law was passed, they became the first Westport couple to be civilly united. They married legally in 2010.

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For the third year, Rach’s Hope Family Fun Walk will raise funds for food, transportation and lodging for people with loved ones in intensive care units.

Recent recipients include a Massachusetts family with a youngster suffering from a traumatic brain injury, a family whose child was critically injured at the Michigan State shooting, and a Fairfield County family with a child in critical care.

The event is October 22 (3 p.m., Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina).

Rach’s Hope honors the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died from a rare illness at 21 years old, while at Cornell University.

The “Family Fun Walk” for everyone includes Rachel’s family. Her grandfather Michael Isenberg pledged to walk 1,000 miles yearly for Rach’s Hope. Participants will join him in walking the last mile, to fulfill his pledge.

They’ll also receive Rach’s Hope swag, hear music from Fairfield-based Ellis Island Band, and enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks from Pizza Pie Wagon and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

To purchase tickets, donate or learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here. You can follow them on  Facebook and Instagram.

 Rach’s Hope, at Ned Dimes Marina.

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Republicans and Democrats can agree on one thing: If their kids are interested in cheer, they should to to the the Staples High School cheer team’s Election Day clinic (November 7, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The clinic — a fundraiser for the squad — sold out last year. The fee ($75 before November 1, $85 after) includes lunch and a t-shirt. Click here to register, and for more information.

Staples High School 2023 cheer team.

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Staples sophomore Leila Stein spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” image in her back yard.

The bee feasting on a bush will result soon in lilac-infused honey.

(Photo/Leila Stein)

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And finally … in honor of Leila Stein’s lovely lilac photo above:

(Roses are red/Lilacs are blue/Click here to support “06880”/And this blog will love you.)

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Roundup: Patagonia, Police Scam, Heat Pumps …

Posted on September 16, 2023 | 9 comments

One of Westport’s most iconic locations will soon have a new tenant.

A “For Lease” sign on Patagonia leads to this listing for 87 Post Road East — the 1909 Westport Bank & Trust building that’s now home to the clothing chain:

Located at the intersection of Westport’s busiest retail corridor of Main St, Post Rd and Church Lane, this landmark building is a standout location visible from all points that vehicle and pedestrian traffic enter the downtown. Located adjacent to Urban Outfitters and across from Anthropologie and Barnes & Noble. Space consists of 6,200 SF on grade on Post Rd, with and additional 1,650 SF of retail on lower level, accessed internally from selling floor. Historic charm abounds with high ceilings, and 10′ Palladian windows!

It’s a 5-year lease. Rental rate and type are negotiable.

(Photo and hat tip/Eric Grossberg)

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Several residents got phone calls yesterday from 203-341-6000: the Westport Police Department non-emergency number.

Someone claiming to be from the WPD told whoever answered that they were being called on a recorded line, and had missed a court subpoena.  The citizens recognized the calls as scams, and contacted the department.

The Police say, “We believe the end goal of these calls was to have the recipient send money or gift card information as payment for a fine or to avoid arrest. The Westport Police Department does not accept payment for any services, fees, etc. over the phone.

“Residents should hang up and contact our non-emergency number if they ever have a question regarding the legitimacy of a call from someone identifying themselves as a member of the Westport Police Department.”

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Sustainable Westport is launching a 3-part energy learning series. The programs will bring together experts with Westport residents who have upgraded their homes with heat pumps/solar/geothermal.

The sessions (reception at 6:30 p.m.; presentation and Q-and-A, 7 p.m.) include:

  • All About Heat Pumps: October 3 (Click here to register)
  • Everything Solar: November 7
  • Going Geothermal: December 5

 

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A ground-breaking exhibit at United Nations headquarters, featuring 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 Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — opens next month.

The 2 works will be displayed on and next to a 102-foot curved wall.

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations. For what is believed to be the first time, the featured works are offered by individual artists.

This is also the first time that Connecticut artists are featured at the UN.

The exhibit was made possible by individual donors. “06880” helped raise $18,000 fpr producing, printing and mounting the 30 large lenticular images; materials for the “prayer wheel” sculpture, and security for the reception (a UN requirement).

It is open to the public from October 10 to November 20, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Miggs Burroughs’ lenticular images on the , and Mark Yurkiw’s Braille wheel (right).

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The other day, the  Greens Farms Garden Club celebrated their third fruitful Growing for Good Project.

Thirteen harvests from Wakeman Town Farm and Prospect Gardens were delivered to Mercy Learning Center. The first was 17 pounds in June; by this month, the harvest was 75 pounds.

Members fought pests, protected their crops, fertilized vegetables, and plowed through the hot summer to produce the produce.

From left: Greens Farm Garden Club  member Chen Yang, president Maybette Waldron, Prospect Gardens landscape designer Cindy Shumate, 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Growing for Good chair Jacque O’Brien.

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This is the 29th year for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County.

At least one participant has been involved with every one.

Denise Lucarelli says: “29 years ago, I was assisting at the front desk when the phone rang. The young lady began to explain that she was from the American Cancer Society, and they were sponsoring a new walk in Westport.

“I stopped her and said we would be glad to participate, since we are a radiology practice and early detection does save lives. She was amazed, and thought it would be much harder to convince me.

“We both laughed. Since that cold call, Advanced Radiology’s physicians, staff and family members have attended this vital and awesome walk every year.”

The walk draw approximately 5,000 walkers annually to Sherwood Island State Park in October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month). Participants include healthcare systems, youth organizations, local and national businesses, and community teams (often honoring or memorializing survivors).

This year’s event is on Sunday, October 15 (9 a.m.). Click here to register, and for more information.

The American Cancer Society also sponsors a Men Wear Pink campaign. Participants are asked to raise at least $2,500; wear pink every day in October, and raise awareness through social networks. Click here for more information.

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The Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities is a family event celebrating the strengths of children with learning and attention differences.

This year’s walk — the 4th annual — will include volunteers tossing colored powder as participants stroll by.

It’s set for October 1 (noon to 3 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park).

Children will also enjoy critters from Stamford Museum & Nature Center, bridge building with 3DuxDesign’s Team STEAM, Sasco River Center sensory stations, glitter tattoos, crafts, photo booth, lawn games, refreshments, ice cream and more.

Parents and caregivers will learn about resources, and experience community.

Children’s author Sivan Hong will read from her “Super Fun Day” books. Also planned: a youth chorus performance and youth speaker.

Participants walk the 2-mile route along Long Island Sound at their own pace. Registration fees are $15; $10 for children ages 6 -12; free for 5 and under. Strollers are welcome. For information and registration, click here. 

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Westport Tilt Parenting is a support group for parents of neurodivergent children.

They’ve partnered with the Westport Library to host Debbie Reber. The educator, author and advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent youngsters will speak at the Library on November 28 (7 p.m.).

Her topic: “Understanding and Embracing Differently Wired Kids.”

Westport Tilt Parenting says that at least 1 in 5 youths are in some way neurodivergent (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, gifted, sensory issues, anxiety and more).

However, they are often misunderstood. Current support strategies may be misguided; their strengths and gifts can be overlooked.

All parents of neurodiverse and neurotypical children are invited, as are teachers, administrators and interested others. Click here for more information. To learn more about Westport Tilt Parenting, email  alexandre.acupuncture@gmail.com.

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Comic art, deconstructed case-bound book boards, and visual mixed media all grace the walls of The Westport Library gallery spaces this fall. Local featured artists include Marc Zaref, Niki Ketchman, Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.

Coinciding with the Neil Gaiman StoryFest keynote conversation (Friday, October 20) is the visual companion in the Sheffer Gallery, “Panels & Gutters: The Comic Art of Rowan MacColl and Connor McCann.”

The exhibition celebrates the form storytelling in comic art featuring MacColl’s and McCann’s illustrations with added panels demonstrating their conceptual and technical process. The graduates of Staples High School and Rhode Island School of Design are navigating the art scene with great success.

The opening reception and artist talk (Thursday, October 19; reception 6 p.m.; artist talk, 7 p.m.) will reunite MacColl and McCann reuniting their former art teacher, Katherine Ross.

“Cascade 2023,” by multidisciplinary artist Zaref, features an installation of recycled, deconstructed case-bound book boards.

The South Gallery hosts Ketchman’s “Resinations,” with mixed media resin visual works.

Rounding out the Library’s art activity is the Westport Artists Collective Affordable Art Trunk Show and Sale. It’s Sunday, October 1 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Library lower parking lot).

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Forty Collective members will display their work out of their car trunks. All art is for sale, at affordable prices. ‘

A new family planning book by Westporter Dr. Mark Leondires goes on sale November 14.

“Building Your Family: The Complete Guide to Donor Conception” covers the complex medical and emotional considerations of becoming a parent, from choices (egg, sperm or embryo donation), through selecting a donor, through dealing with the ethical and practical dilemmas of parenthood.

Leondires is the founder and medical director of Illume Fertility. For more information and to pre-order, click here.

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Butterflies are free.

And at Burying Hill Beach, they don’t have to worry about fences.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this monarch flitting about yesterday. It did not land, but she “captured” it for posterity — or at least, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … his name was not well known, but he “entertained” millions of music fans.

Bobby Schiffman, who led Harlem’s Apollo Theater in the 1960s and early ’70s, when it became a storied venue — died last week in Florida. He was 94. Click here for a full (and fascinating) obituary.

And — though after Schiffman’s time — here is Weston’s own Keith Richards, playing at the Apollo too:

(“06880” is truly “Where Westport (and Weston) meet the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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“Signs Of Compassion”: Westport Artists In Historic UN Exhibition

Posted on August 29, 2023 | 4 comments

Ever since the United Nations moved into its Manhattan headquarters in 1951, the lobby’s rotating art exhibit has been sponsored by member nations.

In October, for what is believed to be the first time, the featured works will be offered by 2 individual artists.

And both are from Westport.

The historic event is the culmination of a multi-year project by Miggs Burroughs and Mark Yurkiw.

Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos, showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra, based on those he saw in Bhutan (including a wheelchair-accessible element) — will be displayed on a 102-foot curved wall.

Artist’s rendering of the UN exhibit, including Miggs’ Burroughs’ lenticular photos, and Mark Yurkiw’s Braille prayer wheel (right).

An opening exhibit is set for October 17 (6 p.m.).

Now all that’s left is the fundraising. It’s a great opportunity for “06880” readers to score an invitation to the historic reception.

The $18,000 cost includes producing, printing and mounting the 30 large lenticular images; materials for the “prayer wheel” sculpture, and security for the reception (a UN requirement).

So far, there are $1,000 pledges from former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe (one of the ASL signing models) and his wife Mary Ellen; Bud and Roz Siegel; Christian Trefz; Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler; Mike Tewey, and the Westport Library’s restricted artist-in-residence fund (where Burroughs began the project).

All that’s needed is another $12,000. The top 10 donors will be invited to the opening event. (Donation information is at the end of this story.)

Jeanine Esposito signed “without.” She’s one of 30 Westport models in Miggs Burroughs’ “Signs of Compassion.”

The route for the artwork from Westport to the UN was not direct. Yurkiw admired Burroughs’ “signs,” and wanted the organization to showcase it. (Click here for details on that unique piece.)

It took years to find the right people at the UN to help. Then came a search for a letter from a government official. A serendipitous meeting with Congressman Jim Himes’ wife Mary led to a glowing endorsement from Senator Chris Murphy.

More red tape ensued. This will be the first time without sponsorship from a member nation; eventually, UN committees on disabilities and humanitarianism stepped up.

Mark Yurkiw (center, white shirt) meets with UN officials to discuss the upcoming exhibit.

The United Nations works slowly. Yet this fall — at one of its most public places — delegates, staffers and visitors will see Miggs Burroughs and Mark Yurkiw’s stunning art, on full display.

That might not be the end. Yurkiw has visions of taking his and Burroughs’ show on the road: to UN offices in Geneva, the Vatican, perhaps Kyiv.

“Signs of Compassion” will truly be — to use the “06880” tagline — “Where Westport meets the world.”

($12,000 is needed to bring Burroughs and Yurkiw’s exhibition to the UN. Click here to make a tax-deductible contributions can through the project’s partner, the Artists Collective of Westport. When asked “What is this for?,” type “UN Exhibit.”)

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Westport Artists Offer Works To Support Lyman

Posted on August 1, 2023 | 1 comment

One of the highlights of the recent LymanAID fundraiser for Westport’s sister city was an art show.

Mark Yurkiw put out the call for contributions. Many fellow Artists Collective of Westport members responded.

Some works were Ukrainian-themed. Others were not.

All are very, very special.

Most of the artwork was bought by attendees at the event. But a few remain.

Now Mark and the Artists Collective are offering them for sale through “06880.” All proceeds from the donated works benefit Lyman thanks to Ukraine Aid International, the Westport-founded organization that delivers relief directly where it’s needed most.

Available works are shown below, with estimated values. Readers are asked to offer at least 50% of the value — though, Mark says, “we hope you’ll be guided by your generosity to support the people in our war-torn sister city.”

Call 646-873-0050 to ensure that the art you hope to purchase is still available. You can also make an appointment to see the art in person, before buying.

When you are ready to purchase, call 646-873-0050 to schedule a pick-up. You can then make your donation by clicking the Ukraine Aid International website. Under the “Designation” dropdown menu, select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”

“These are the best of our local artists, whose work is collected far and wide, Mark says.

“Their donations are outstanding examples of their work. Their generosity is overwhelming. “We were bowled over by the quality of the artists, and the works they offered. All we can say is ‘wow’ and ‘thank you!'”

Browse away. Then call, donate, and pick up.

Our sister city of Lyman thanks you!

Miggs Burroughs: Miggs is a lifelong Westporter. His work is represented in museums, and has been exhibited and collected extensively. Click here for more work information on Miggs Burroughs.

“Buddha & Shrine” (above). This large lenticular photo is mounted and ready to hang (18”x 22”). Estimated value: $600-$900.This is a limited edition, signed by the artist on the reverse.

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Mark Yurkiw: “Yearning to Breathe Free” (above); sculpture, 4″ x 4″ x 4”; Plexiglass case mounted 3D print of original human size crouched Statue of Liberty; originally commissioned for coat drives that raised almost 2 million coats for the homeless. 3-D print signed for Ukraine. Estimated value: $250. Multiple limited edition 3-D printings are available.

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Norm Siegel’s work has been accepted by Ambassador Oksana Makarova at the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington. Norm primarily works in the photo realistic style. He offers 4 works. To see more, click here.

“Untitled” (above) depicts the colors of the Ukrainian flag, oozing red between the blue sky and yellow fields which the flag represents. Oil on canvas, 16″ x 20”; estimated value, $250-500.

“Twist and Shout” (above); photorealistic abstract, oil on canvas, 30″ x 30”; estimated value, $1500-2250.

“Russo’s Roses” (above); oil on canvas, 18″ x 24″; estimated value, $1000-1500.

Norm Siegel: “Ode to a Geode” (above); oil on canvas, framed, 26″ x 32″; estimated value, $1500-2,500.

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Suzanne Benton has exhibited her works extensively. Click here for more information.

“Morning (Taos Series)” (above); small acrylic abstract, framed borderless, 6″ x 6″; Estimated value, $100.

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George Radwan: To learn more about this artist, click here.

“Doorways” (above); sculpture mixed media, 4″ x 10″ x 11″. This is 1 out of 9 of an original series; each is a unique doorway. In this piece, the graphic “A” refers to anarchy. Estimated value, $1500-2000.

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Joanie Landau: To learn more about this artist, click here.

“We Need You Emma Lazarus” (above); digital collagraph, 20” x 20”; estimated value, $860. The title refers to the Statue of Liberty poem by Emma Lazarus.

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Lynne Arovas: To learn more about this artist, click here.

“Where Sky Meets Sea” (above); acrylic impasto painting, 13.5″ x 13.5”; framed and signed; estimated value, $300.

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David Black (1931-2022) worked in acrylic, and is widely collected. His career and talents included violinist, opera singer, actor, director, playwright, author and award-winning Broadway producer. This painting is donated by Wendy Van Wie to benefit Lyman in memory of David, who lived in Stonington.

“Provence, France” (above); large 38″ x 47” impressionist landscape, framed. Estimated value: $3500-5000.  

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Julie Leff: To learn more about this artist, click here.

“Serenity” (above); 27″ x 32” bouquet of photo realistic flowers; limited edition 2/25 digital print, with certificate of authenticity; framed. Estimated value: $450.

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Robert Anderson: “Portrait of my Wife” (above), 36″ x 36”; original acrylic airbrush painting; framed rounded walnut corners with linen beveled matt. Surreal figurative portrait of Mrs. Anderson. This style is identified as the most popular trend by ArtNet today, but it was painted c. 1982. It is donated in memory of the artist for Lyman, by Wendy Van Wie.

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Roundup: Linxweiler Trees, Races & Champions, Ukrainian Eggs …

Posted on March 24, 2023 | 9 comments

The Post Road East improvement project has begun.

The first step — long before installing turn lanes, crosswalks, shoulders and sidewalks on the stretch between Volvo of Westport and New Country Toyota — was the removal of a dozen or so trees.

They stood for decades in front of Linxweiler House — the former blacksmith shop between Fresh Market and McDonald’s, now owned and operate by Homes with Hope.

That property looks a lot different today, than it did last weekend:

Linxweiler House, as seen from Crescent Road …

… and looking east, from near Fresh Market. (Photos/Molly Alger)

The good news: The 2 cherry blossom trees in front of Sakura still stand.

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On your mark … get set … and get ready for the 44th annual Minute Man Races

The popular Westport Young Woman’s League — set for Sunday, April 30 at Compo Beach — includes a 10K run, 5K run/walk, and kids’ fun runs (from 50 yards to 1 mile).

For professionals, it’s a USA Track and Field-certified event. For kids, family-friendly activities will take place during and after the races.

As always, there will be music, food trucks and more.

Student and first responder discounts are offered for the adult races. Contact minuteman@wywl.com for a discount code. Click here to register, and for more information. Proceeds benefit local non-profits.

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Registration is open for the 5th annual Day of Champions.

The event — family-friendly fun (and fierce competition) that raises funds for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings — is May 21 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).

To create or join a team — or donate — click here.

To get psyched for the event, click the video below.

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Ukrainian Easter Sunday is not until April 16.

But Westport artist Mark Yurkiw — who has Ukrainian heritage, and is a member of the group that raised $252,000 for our sister city, Lyman — is celebrating early.

Throughout his career, he’s been decorating Ukrainian Easter eggs. He sent “06880” a sample of his work:

The red egg in front celebrates the birth of Mark Yurkiw’s son Cooper, in 1994.

In 2001, he created this 5-foot “egg” for the White House.

It was signed by 256 members of Congress.

Slava Ukraini!

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More progress on the house at 233 Hillspoint Road. Town officials halted construction there in 2019, after finding violations of the building permit.

Workers yesterday removed several feet from the top of the chimney. It had been built higher than its legal height.

Workers removing the top of the chimney at 233 Hillspoint. Road. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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In 2020, COVID forced Saugatuck Elementary School to cancel “The Little Mermaid” at the final dress rehearsal —  before the opening curtain.

She’s back!

A new cast of 125 students in grades 3-5 act, sing and dance — and run the lights and sound, help construct and decorate sets and props, and operate special effects.

Saugatuck alums from 2020 (and even some of their parents) have helped with the show! Set designer Julie Colotti, costume designer Miriam Young, and prop managers Alexandra Dodwell and Amy Kopisz incorporated many original pieces, along with new additions.

After his daughter Phoebe returned as a student acting coach, John Nunziato jumped in as artistic designer and special effects consultant.

Shows are Friday, March 31 (7 p.m.) and Saturday, April 1 (1 and 6:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

“The Little Mermaid,” at Saugatuck Elementary School. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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You can’t autograph an Mp3 download.

But you sure can sign a vinyl album.

VersoFest’s headliners and guests, including producer Steve Lillywhite, Psychedelic Furs front man Richard Butler, and Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth, will autograph copies of their records, for giveaways and auction items during next weekend’s VersoFest.

Festivalgoers can submit their entries for the giveaway starting with the March 30 kickoff concert featuring rising American rock band Sunflower Bean.

Submissions are open through Sunday, April 2. That final day features a record fair (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and a vinyl record panel brunch with WPKN DJ Alec Cumming, producer Dooley-O, Kraftjerkz Records’ Kid Ginseng, WFUV DJ and House of Wax host Eric Holland, New Haven Independent arts reporter Karen Ponzio, and moderated by the Zambonis’ Dave Schneider.

The silent auction (April 1-2) offers a chance to bid on a variety of signed albums associated with the festival’s speakers and guests. All proceeds support future VersoFests.

For more information, including concert tickets and workshops registration, click here.

VersoFest vinyl.

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Speaking of music: The Grammy for Best Children’s Album went to Kaitlin McGaw, and her group Alphabet Rockers. (Sure, it was in February. But I just found out. It’s still worth sharing!)

And it’s “06880”-worthy because she’s the granddaughter of longtime Westporters Ed and Kay See.

Ed — an attorney — was longtime town counsel. He played a key role in Westport’s purchase of Longshore, in 1959.

Kay supported many local causes. She was on the Westport Library board, when the new building was built.

The See family’s stained glass window hangs over the altar of Assumption Church, near the Josê Feliciano window.

Eloise See — Ed and Kay’s daughter — is Kaitlin’s proud mother. Sandy is her equally proud uncle.

The award was even more special, because the presenter was presidential inaugural poet — and Kaitlin’s fellow Harvard graduate — Amanda Gorman.

Alphabet Rockers produces and performs music and dance that promotes racial and gender awareness.

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport is a beautiful building.

On April 1 (8 p.m.), its the site too of Damn Tall Buildings.

That’s the hot bluegrass/indie/roots/old-time/vintage swing/Americana band from Brooklyn. The trio will headline the UU’s Voices Café.

There’s table or individual seating. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy at the sweet treats table. General admission: $25 per person. A portion of the proceeds support the congregation’s Social Justice Council. Click here for tickets (live and livestream), and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo proves: There’s nothing like a nice early spring day to put the top down, and enjoy the sun.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this date in 1721, – Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated 6 concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt. Today we know them as the Brandenburg Concertos.

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