The Westport Astronomical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday.
That’s an impressive run. Not quite as old as the universe — but that’s still impressive.
And they do cover a lot of territory.
The soirée included demonstrations, tours, games, a silent auction, raffles (of meteorites!), and astral photos for sale — along with the dedication of 2 new telescope domes.
They’re getting ready for next Saturday’s Great Duck Race, on Jesup Green.
The “Fun Faire” — with family-friendly games and activities — runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free — but raffle tickets are still available for the duck race itself (1 p.m.). First prize is $5,000; there are 9 others too.
At the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. today, 15 youth and 4 adult leaders from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for their annual youth group mission trip.
This year they head to Fort Worth, Texas to help address food insecurity in the area.
Youth mission trips are open to all youth, from those entering high school in the fall to those who just graduated. Older participants can serve as counselors-in-training, while adults can be chaperones. Saugatuck Church membership is not required.
4 a.m. sendoff!
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Ospreys make their nests all over Westport. Some opt for natural surroundings (Sherwood Mill Pond, Burying Hill Beach, Longshore). Others go for a more commercial vibe, like the Fresh Market/Terrain parking lot.
This pair may have just moved — like so many new Westporters — from New York. Perhaps they want a convenient commute to the Big Apple.
Yesterday, Tom Jendrock noticed a nest in the overhead steel structure at the Westport train station. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
The parent was feeding chicks, and was not bothered at akk when a train passed underneath. That’s a real city bird!
And finally … in honor of the 1960s car spotted at Compo Beach (story above):
(From Compo Beach to the skies above — and universe beyond — “06880” is here for you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Statewide there were 1,077 fledglings, in 726 active nests. Both are records, since the Connecticut Audubon Society began counting 10 years ago.
The CAS’ annual report says this shows that “the local revival of these previously imperiled hawks continues.”
A Burying Hill osprey. (Photo/Daniel Johnson)
There are 20 reported nests in Westport. They are:
Post Road (Fresh Market)
Sherwood Mill Pond
Mill CreekSherwood Island State Park
Gray’s Creek (3 nests)
Merritt Parkway Exit 41
Saugatuck River
Allen’s Salt Marsh
Saugatuck Avenue
Maple Lane
Burying Hill Beach
Cockenoe Island
Greens Farms railroad station (2 nests)
Longshore Club Park (2 nests)
Westport Train Station
Grove Point
Greens Farms Road
The Fresh Market osprey nest. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)
The Connecticut Audubon Society says that despite early challenging weather, including severe winds that damaged or destroyed nests, the rest of the season saw favorable conditions.
This contributed to successful incubation, foraging and feeding, which led to a high number of fledglings.
Connecticut ospreys found plenty of fish to eat, contributing to the successful breeding season.
However, our state’s osprey population may be approaching or exceeding its carrying capacity in some areas, the report warns, leading to increased nesting near human activity.
This, couple with potential threats such as climate change and prey fluctuations, “highlights the need for continued conservation and monitoring efforts.”
(“06880” is your source for local environmental news. Ospreys can’t support our work — but you can. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
And — under the leadership of Doug Grabe, who owns 5 Little Pubs and has now taken over operation of the Saugatuck landmark — it aims to be around for at least 40 more.
But not every restaurant makes it that long.
Even the landmarks.
To honor them, Dunville’s has unveiled a new “icons mural.”
Some flourished nearby. Others were across town.
All are gone, but warmly remembered.
There’s still some room left.
Any suggestions? Click “Comments” below.
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James Comey returns to Westport on May 23.
The former FBI director will be at the Westport Library. He’ll discuss his new book with TV host (and Westporter) Dave Briggs.
Comey’s book is called “Westport.” The suspense thriller features Nora Carleton, lead counsel at Saugatuck Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.
What a coincidence! Before entering government service, Comey was general counsel of Bridgewater Associates — the world’s largest hedge fund. He and his family lived in Greens Farms, just a couple of miles from his office.
Click here for more information, and to register. Books will be available for purchase at the event.
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Henry Wynne has set many Connecticut and collegiate running records.
Now he’s part of a new world mark.
The 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate anchored the Brooks Beasts team that won the men’s distance relay at Friday night’s Oregon Relays.
Their 9:14.58 time sliced nearly a second off the record that stood for nearly a decade: 9:15.50.
It’s not his first world record, either. In 2019, Wynne’s Brooks Beast team won the 4 x 1 mile relay in 16:03.68, smashing the previous mark by as astonishing 9.13 seconds.
Wynne covered the 1600 meters — the longest leg of the 4 runners — in 3:52.64.
He told DyeStat.com that he fed off the energy of the crowd. “It was pressure,” Wynne said, “but such a fun atmosphere.”
Teammate Brandon Miller said: “Seeing Henry, that last 200, pulling away from the lights – it was so hype for me and the boys. It was a dream come true.”
(Click here for the full story. Click here for a video of Oregon Relays highlights. Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Henry Wynne crosses the finish line, with a world record. (Photo/Becky Holbrook courtesy of DyeStat.com)
But the celebration continues this Saturday (April 27, 10 a.m.)
Members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments, Staples Service League of Boys, Police Athletic League, VFW Post 399, Sons of the American Legion Westport Animal Shelter Advocates will gather at the animal control building on Elaine Road (off Compo Road South, between the I-95 underpass and railroad tracks), for a trash pick-up.
Even more help is needed. The area — which includes the state boat launch — is a mess.
Bring gloves and trash bags. Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Westporters of all ages — including RTM member and organizer Andrew Colabella (standing on trash bags) and Police Chief Foti Koskinas (2nd from right) turned out for an earlier trash pick-up. Among the items: the large discarded signs (left).
The most famous pair nest on a tower next to Fresh Market. Others find homes on platforms at Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island State Park, drawing admiring gazes from springtime visitors.
Another osprey couple is less visible. Johanna Keyser Rossi’s eagle eyes (ho ho) spotted them high up on the cell tower next to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
It’s nowhere near as beautiful as the beachside nests.
Johanna Keyser Rossi doesn’t know if it’s an eel or a snake. But her Saugatuck River photo is definitely an intriguing addition to our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … today is the birthday of the amazing Roy Orbison. He died far too young of heart failure in 1988. He was just 52.
The man Elvis Presley called “the greatest singer in the world” had a 4-octave range, earning him the nickname “the Caruso of Rock.”
In fact, music scholars say, Orbison and Enrico Caruso were the only 20th century tenors capable of hitting E over high C.
(“06880” can’t sing as well as Roy Orbison. But we’ve got pretty good range — at least, for our coverage of all things Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
No surprise: Joe Biden and Donald Trump won their respective parties’ votes.
In the Democratic primary, Biden collected 710 votes. There were 29 ballots cast for “Uncommitted,” 7 for Marianne Williamson, and 3 for Dean Phillips.
In the Republican primary, Trump got 184 votes. There were 72 ballots for Nikki Haley, 23 for “Uncommitted,” and 4 for Ron DeSantis.
Statewide, Biden and Trump also prevailed, with about 85% and 78% of their respective parties’ votes. Only 1.4% of the state’s voters participated.
But there was one surprise: In the first-ever week of early voting, Westport had the third highest turnout of voters in the entire state.
Hamden led with 1,197 early voters. Wallingford was next, with 506.
Westport was not far behind: 460 residents cast early ballots (361 Democrats, 99 Republicans).
As Election Day voting began (background of the photo below), Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas presented a (tiny) trophy to Westport’s registrars of voters: Democrat Deborah Greenberg (left) and Republican Maria Signore.
VersoFest 2024 kicks off today (Wednesday, April 3).
It’s the first of 5 days celebrating music, media, and creativity, with concerts, panels, workshops and more.
The Westport Library’s annual music and media conference and festival is “where knowledge is shared and inspiration is discovered — a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.”
Up to 6,000 guests are expected.
Headliners include Chuck D (Public Enemy), producer Tony Visconti (David Bowie, T. Rex), drummer John Densmore (The Doors), plus Cindy and Dennis Dunaway, Tish & Snooky of Manic Panic, the Cold Crush Brothers, Tony Tone, Grand Wizzard Theodore, and author Audrey Golden.
This year’s shows include the Thursday night kickoff with the Lemon Twigs, and Friday’s concert headlined by the Spin Doctors.
Okay, that won’t get me the job. But if you’re more qualified than I:
It’s National Poetry Month, and the town has begun searching for a new poet laureate. Current poet Jessica Noyes McEntee’s 2-year appointment ends July 1.
He or she serves as a cultural ambassador, promoting poetry appreciation and literacy throughout town.
The ideal candidate is a published poet with a strong connection to Westport, and a passion for sharing their love of poetry with others.
The Poet Laureate is responsible for creating and delivering original poems for significant civic events, hosting workshops and readings, and collaborating with local schools and organizations.
Click here for more information, and the application. The deadline is May 10.
Questions? Email waac@westportct.gov, with the subject line “Poet.”
Westport’s first and second poet laureates Diane Lowman (left) and Jessie Noyes McEntee on the Westport Library screen. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Tomorrow (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.) is when Westport Police Department officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
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Aaron Fortunoff is a Staples High School freshman. His brother Brett Fortunoff is in 7th grade at Bedford Middle School. Both boys have big hearts and great goals. They write:
“In the spirit of giving and being thankful, we can’t forget about those who are less fortunate and fail to receive a proper daily breakfast — the most important meal of the day.
“So we teamed up with a non-profit called Cereal4All that helps provide cereals to local food pantries. We hope ‘06880’ readers can help us with this important cause.
“For local readers, we will be by both entrances of Stop & Shop this Sunday (April 7, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). We will then deliver the collected cereal to food pantries in Fairfield County.
“There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.
“For readers who are not local, we created an Amazon wish listyou can donate to. Also, you can Venmo our mother: @lauriefortunoff. She will buy cereal with the money raised: You can also click here and donate directly to the charity. The donation is tax deductible.
Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, at their first Cereal4All drive last year.
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The Westport Astronomical Society shines a light on the early universe, at their next free online lecture series.
Robert A. Simcoe, director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, discusses “Science in the Early Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope” (April 16, 8 p.m.).
He studies the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies by constructing custom-built spectrometers for major astronomical observatories.
The Fresh Market ospreys are not our only raptors.
The Sherwood Island Mill Pond birds of prey are back too on the west side, opposite the oyster house, Chris Swan says.
The other two nearby nests — one near I-95 accessible from Grove Point Road, the other opposite the Nature Center in the Sherwood Island State Park salt marsh — appear to have occupants, though Chris says the combination of clouds and his weak eyes preclude a definite “yes.”
The nearby Burying Hill platform appears empty, Chris says.
Sherwood Island Mill Pond osprey nest. (Photo/Chris Swan)
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In 2021, Westporters Eva Grant-Rawiszer and Diana Sussman created — with 2 other women — “Virtually Ours.”
Our show was created in 2021.
The musical rom-com about 5 very busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an unusual AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate was selected by the Spark Theater Festival New York City.
It was presented last month to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.
Click here for highlights. Click below for the sizzle reel.
Longtime Westport resident Winifred Keane passed away peacefully Monday, in Wallingford. She was 93.
She was born in Beijing in 1931, where her father was a naval doctor. She had an itinerant childhood. The family eventually settled in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
In 1952 Winifred earned a BFA degree in voice and composition from the University of Pennsylvania where she met her first husband, CommonFund founder George Keane. They had three children: award-winning composer and musician Brian Keane; cellist Geoffrey Keane, and physical therapist, Dr. Sheila Keane.
After moving to the Berkshires as a new mother, Winifred directed a church choir. She sang and composed music for them, and won 2 scholarships to Tanglewood.
Moving to Westport in 1957, Winifred studied voice with Metropolitan Opera bass Alexander Kipnis. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as lyric soprano in 1962 to critical acclaim.
Winifred performed her compositions in concert halls including Columbia and Yale Universities, Lincoln Center and the Charles Ives Festival in Danbury.
After obtaining teaching certification in music from Western Connecticut State University she taught children in New Canaan, and adults at Fairfield University. She also had private students, and ran The Creative Music Studio in Westport for several years. Later, she took up the French horn and played in bands, orchestras and solo recitals.
Winifred received an MFA degree in composition from Sarah Lawrence College. Her woodwind and percussion compositions were premiered there under Saul Goodman of the New York Philharmonic in 1972.
Her interest in world music drew her to sing Indian ragas at Wesleyan University, and folk songs in Mandarin with Chinese traditional instrumentalists.
She was the recipient of commissions, awards and prizes for her compositions from the Westport Arts Center, the National League of American Pen Women, and the National Endowment of the Arts. Her composition “International Greeting” was commissioned by the US Coast Guard Band.
She wrote compositions for opera, oratorio, choral, songs, orchestra, band, instrumental, sacred music, electronic and microtonal music. One of her more renowned pieces involved electronically processed recordings of Siamese cats, with vocal soloist and Moog synthesizer, which was choreographed for ballet.
She was a founding member of Connecticut Composers Inc. Later, she became interested in poetry, and was published by the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts.
Winifred lived in Westport for 54 years, before moving to Ashlar Village in Wallingford in 2011.
She was a long-time member of the Religious Society of Friends in Wilton and Middletown. She was a prominent member in Al-Anon. When she moved to Ashlar Village she got involved with various arts and poetry groups.
Winifred Keane was predeceased by her sisters Lorraine Morey and Jean Albright; her ex-husbands George Keane and Harvey Brickman, and long-time companion and fellow Westporter Walter Schlenker. She is survived by her children Brian, Geoffrey and Sheila; grandchildren Wylder and Dylan Keane, and sisters Mary Weightman, Barbara Schauber and Carol Amling.
A memorial service is set for Sunday, April 7 (2 p.m., Chapel at Masonicare Health Center, Ashlar Village, Wallingford; click here for the livestream.
There will be a smaller Quaker memorial at Wilton Meetinghouse on Saturday, April 13 (2 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Wilton Quaker Meeting to support programs for social justice, environmental activism and education.
Winifred Keane
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows spring trying hard to arrive at Covlee Drive on Saugatuck Shores:
And finally … in honor of Westport’s search for a new poet laureate (story above) — and Sunday’s story about Phil Ochs — let’s listen to the folk singer’s haunting rendition of Alfred Noyes’ classic poem “The Highwayman”:
(Wow! We crammed a ton into today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or anything else about “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Age of Reason — Westport’s oldest toy store — will soon sell its last puzzle, game and science set.
The Post Road West shop closes soon. Owner Nina Berger cited “personal and business reasons” for the decision. Age of Reason celebrated its 40th anniversary in October.
All items are 30% off. The final day is April 30, or earlier if all the inventory is sold.
Age of Reason was my go-to toy store, for many reasons. It’s locally owned; it’s filled with educational, expand-kids’-minds items, not mindless junk; and Nina and her staff always knew exactly the right gift for my nephews, nieces and friends’ newborn babies — no matter how vague my descriptions of them.
Thanks, Nina, for your 40 years of brightening Westporters’ (and their children’s) minds. Best wishes with whatever comes next. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hack)
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CNN anchor, author and Westport resident Alisyn Camerota launches her new memoir, “Combat Love,” at the Westport Library tonight (Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m.).
She’ll chat with memoirist (and fellow Westporter) Gabi Coatsworth about her story of growing up longing for stability and attachment, as the foundation of her family crumbled.
“Combat Love” chronicles Camerota’s youth in the 1980s, her relationship with a punk rock band, and her misadventures at clubs like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, coupled with the sex, drugs, and punk rock of 1980s New Jersey.
Tonight is the first of two appearances for Camerota at the Library. The two-time Emmy Award winner returns Saturday, April 6, for VersoFest 2024. She’ll lead a conversation with Doors drummer John Densmore about his book, The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison’s Legacy Goes on Trial.
Connecticut’s first-ever early voting began yesterday, for the state’s Democratic and Republican presidential primaries.
129 Westporters — 105 Democrats and 24 Republicans — made history as Westport’s earliest voters. They included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
All Westporters vote at Town Hall. The usual polling places are not open, as schools are in session.
Early voting continues today and tomorrow, March 27-28 (Town Hall Room 201) and Saturday, March 30 (Town Hall auditorium). Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days.
Election Day is Tuesday, April 2 (6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Republican and Democratic election officials yesterday, at Town Hall. (Photo/Deborah Greenberg)
It’s impossible to get to every worthwhile Westport fundraiser. And the spring calendar is chock full of them.
But if there’s one you really shouldn’t miss, it’s the Dream Event, for A Better Chance of Westport. For over 20 years, ABC has provided educational opportunities — and a home — to academically gifted, highly motivated young men of color.
It’s a great cause — just like so many others. Our town is filled with wonderful non-profits, doing good in a wide array of ways.
What sets the Dream Event apart are the speeches. Current scholars, and those who have graduated from the program, speak movingly, eloquently and inspirationally about their journeys.
They describe the difficulties of moving to a town like Westport, and a school like Staples; the ups and downs of their 4 years in the program, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
It’s a heartfelt look into America — and an uplifting look into the future.
(Of course, there’s also light bites, cocktails, entertainment, and live and silent auctions.)
This year’s A Better Chance of Westport is April 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
For decades, Jon Gailmor has entertained, educated and inspired Vermont kids with his unique songwriting workshops.
Now the 1966 Staples High School graduate is coming home, to do it here.
Old School Music Productions presents Gailmor — an official “Extraordinary Vermont” (per the governor) and longtime recording artist — at the Weston History & Culture Center.
The April 6 event includes songwriting sessions for 2nd-5th graders (10 to 11:30 a.m.) and 6th-8th graders (1 to 2:30 p.m.). Students work with Gailmor to find a topic, develop a theme, then create the lyrics, rhythm and melody. The cost is $40 per student. Click here to register.
At 4:30 p.m., the youngsters will perform the songs they wrote, for family, friends and everyone else who enjoys creativity and fun. Gailmor will also perform popular and original tunes. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children.
Gailmor received the Mayor’s Peace Prize in Burlington, and was awarded a Silver Citation by the Vermont Arts Council. He sang as Vermont’s representative at the 25th anniversary of the Kennedy Center in Washington, and in 1996 carried the Olympic Torch through Brattleboro, on its way to Atlanta. To learn more about the legendary Jon Gailmor, click here.
Speaking of kids: They’re fascinated by police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs and fire trucks.
On May 4 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), they’ll get a chance to climb all over — and take photos of — all of them, and more cool vehicles.
The Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School’s 17th annual Touch-a-Truck fundraiser includes other family friendly activities too: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks and live music.
Admission is $35 per family. Click here for tickets. Proceeds help fund scholarships, supplies and equipment, and special programs.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Love Wakeman Town Farm?
Our local sustainability center invites you to a “casual volunteer coffee” on April 8 (10 to 11 a.m.).
Interested in helping with cooking classes? Have a knack for researching and writing grants? Enjoy fundraising or contacting sponsors? How about face painting, working the entry door, or otherwise helping at an event?
Learn about how you can help — without a huge time commitment.
And if you don’t know much about WTF: It’s your chance to learn.
Opportunities galore, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Jonathan Alloy offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo from Kings Highway North, noting: “It may not feel like it from the weather, but spring has sprung.”
And finally … we say goodbye to Age of Reason, with this song from The Toys:
(Business, books, birds — all that and more, today and every day, in your hyper-local blog. Please support our work; just click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Westport’s 2 budgets — town operations, and education — passed big hurdles this week.
On Monday, the Board of Finance okayed First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker’s $84,380,124 proposal. It’s a 1.96% increase from the current year.
Last night, it was the Board of Education’s turn. Their $147,300,744 request represents a rise of 8.08% over the current year. Much of that is driven by health insurance.
Both budgets now move to the Representative Town Meeting, for final approval.
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, March 21; 7:30 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes discussion of redistricting, and a Policy Committee update.
The Policy Committee meets today (Wednesday, March 20; 11 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) for a 6th reading of possible revisions to the Student Discipline document.
Last month, “06880” wrote about — and linked to — a new online map. It gives residents a chance to provide feedback on Westport’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan project.
Users easily zoom in on a particular place in town. The map has 3 options to drop a pin, and offer feedback: “Safety Concern”; “Safety/Improvement Idea”; “Good Example.” There’s a chance too to like a previous comment (and see how many other residents agree).
In the month since, Westporters have made dozens of suggestions and comments.
You can see them all. Click here; then scroll down, and click “Continue.”
You can also add your own thoughts. It’s a dynamic, ongoing — and very interactive — map.
PS: Click here for the “Traffic & Pedestrian Safety” page on the town website.
Every icon represents a bad or dangerous spot (orange thumbs-down); something good (blue thumbs-up), or a comment (gray light bulb). Each icon is clickable, to read details.
Couch Potato Salad — the great new illustrated word puzzle game developed by Westporter Zack Gross — is adding players every day.
(What’s it all about? Click here for the very fun back story.)
Now you can see how you stack up against everyone else. And win $100 while doing so.
Every day, Couch Potato Salad posts a clever image. It describes 2 common phrases, linked together by a shared word in the middle. The image above shows (duh) “Couch Potato Salad.”
Couch Potato Salad’s March Madness competition is free to enter. All you need is a creative brain.
Just click here. Sign in. Play the daily puzzles from today (March 20) through March 31.
The top 3 scores earn $100 each. Winners are the 3 players who solve the most puzzles out of the 12.
Tiebreakers are: Most Nailed (got the answer in one entry), Most Sailed (did it piecemeal), and finally, time (quickest solutions).
Can you figure this one out? The answer is at the end of this item.
The site gives you all the info you need to play (it’s easy). Sign in using an email and password (not the “password-less” login).
Some puzzles are dated prior to March 20. You can play them, but they won’t count for this competition.
You don’t have to play the puzzles on the day they are posted. But there will be a leaderboard, so you can see how you stack up.
MoCA Westport’s new exhibition opens with a reception and special performance by Sahmra Sawyer (also known as Supreme Divinity) tomorrow (Thursday, March 21, 6 to 8 p.m.).
“It Will Go On” merges MoCA’s gallery space with the first New England installation of the Black Art Library. The exhibit explores how the visual and the literary intersect, and inspire each other. It “urges visitors to interrogate contemporary forms of silencing, quieting, and censorship.”
The exhibition runs through June 16, and is free for MoCA Westport members. There is a $10 suggested donation for non-members.
Longtime Westporter Margaret Labbance DeMace died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Friday. She was 91.
She was born in Fairfield. When I-95 was built, she and her mother relocated to Westport. A neighbor, Dominick DeMace, became the love of her life.
They married in 1955. She proudly raised 3 children, and cherished her role as grandmother and great-grandmother. S
Marge enjoyed winters in Florida, and mission trips the couple took with Assumption parish. She was an active member of its prayer network, and a devoted attendee at Saturday mass.
She was predeceased by her husband. Marge is survived by her children David, Danielle Yingling and Dominick (Joanne); grandchildren Stephanie Fagan (Joseph); Christina Bierwirth, and Natalie, Emily, Elisabeth and Eric DeMace, and great-grandchildren Connor and Devin Fagan, and Andrew Bierwirth, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends today (Wednesday, March 20) from 4-7 p.m. at Harding Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Assumption Church tomorrow (Thursday, March 21, 10:00 a.m). Burial will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery in Norwalk.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Assumption Church may be made in her name.
Marge DeMace
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo could have been taken at many Westport locations. Spring is popping up everywhere.
And finally … Vera Lynn was born on this date, in 1917. The English singer — who, along with Winston Churchill, was an enormous inspiration to her country during World War II — died in 2020, at 103.
(Don’t be a couch potato! Please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)
It’s been a while since we checked in with our ospreys.
Carolyn Doan visited the Fresh Market raptors on Saturday. She reports:
“I found mom on the very top of a neighboring pine tree. She was giving herself full view of the action around her.
“To her left, the first of her 3 chicks had fledged and was enjoying space away from his sisters. To her right, 2 female nestlings were front and center in the nest, getting ready for their first flight. It may happen this week!”
Speaking of our fine feathered friends: “Birdbrain” is not a compliment.
But for the past few years, birds have been bright enough to build nests on top of a fire alarm signal box in the Playhouse Condominiums parking garage.
It’s warm. It’s protected from both weather and predators. And because they’re birds, “home” is a lot easier to access than residents who battle the shopping center traffic every day.
Still, bringing a chick into the world is not easy. In years past, the condo’s cleaning crew has dismantled the nest; other times, the parents abandoned it.
But this year, all’s well in birdland.
The Playhouse Condos proudly announces its newest resident:
Chick, atop the fire alarm box. (Photo/Dick Truitt)
On Saturday, the Westport Community Gardens held an open house.
Dozens of residents of all ages flocked to the Hyde Lane oasis. They toured the 100-plus plots; marveled at the wide variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers grown there; enjoyed the pergola and bocce court, and toured the Long Lots Preserve that rings the plots.
Gardeners shared tips — and some of their bounty too.
Enjoying the Westport Community Gardens… (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Last week, members of Club203 enjoyed art classes at the museum. The next Club203 art class is August 14 (6 p.m.).
The organization — Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities — is just one of several MoCA Gives Back partner groups.
The goal of the MoCA program is to offer art experiences to all, through high-quality programming, and strong outreach to under-resourced populations.
MoCA Gives Back is successful, thanks to dedicated volunteers and instructors.
An exhibition on August 27 will showcase works created by MoCA Gives Back participants.
Meanwhile, Friday night’s MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night offered performers a chance to share poetry, readings and acoustic music in the gallery. More are planned.
But that gives us 4 days for the weather to clear before Thursday’s 9th annual “06880” blog party.
We’re all set for 6 p.m (July 20). The site is Compo Beach — the alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).
Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles!), beach chairs and blankets. We can always use a folding table too.
Our blog party is a community gathering – a chance to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!
We extend a special welcome to all our new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash. See you July 20!
Patti and Doug Brill and friends say: “Come to the blog party!”
Longtime Westporter Bernard Dorogusker died on June 29, with his family at his side. He was 97.
The Bronx native was born to immigrant parents. Times were not easy, but he and his 2 siblings experienced a full New York City childhood. He helped in his father’s store, and sold comics on the corner and hot dogs at Yankee Stadium. At 13, he attended the 1939 World’s Fair.
Bernie served in the Army in the European Theatre under General George S. Patton, Jr.
After his service he attended RCNY and the RCA Institutes for post graduate work in radio and electrical engineering. He loved everything about computers, instrumentation and technology, and started his career building computers at IBM.
This led to a decades long engineering career at the Perkin Elmer Corporation. He worked on government projects, including instrumentation for aircraft and the Hubble Space Telescope.
He met his wife, Barbara Helen Zepko, at Perkin-Elmer. They married in 1959, settling down to start a family near Compo Beach.
Bernie’s passion for all things sports included racing cars, skiing and sailing. In the early 1960s he turned in his iconic Austin Healey to focus on One Design competitive sailing.
Bernie was fascinated by wind patterns, aerodynamics and sail performance, and spent years studying data and research.
Cedar Point Yacht Club became his second love (after his family), and Bernie and his Thistle #1124, “Zelda III,” were a fixture of an award-winning fleet for many, many years.
He was instrumental in growing various fleets at the club, and was a master technical scorekeeper for all things racing at CPYC. After decades of successful racing he retired his boat, and became principal race officer for the cruising fleet. The cruising class honors him every year with the Bernie Dorogusker Trophy for every division in their Wednesday night series.
Bernie also was instrumental in publishing a book on Cedar Point’s history.
Seth Vanbeever honored him with a social media post. Seth wrote:
“35 years ago I was in the junior sailing program at Cedar Point. I wanted to race on the big boats, the cruising class, in the Wednesday night series. No one wanted to take a 12-year-old on the boat.
“I went to the race committee and asked if they needed any help. Bernie, who was in his 60s, said, ‘Shuuuuur’ in his New York accet.
“Bernie didn’t put me to work. He taught me to how to do race committee. He took me under his wing (while explaining Bernoulli’s principle) for the next several years.
“I did race committee on Wednesday nights, raced Thistles on the weekends with Bernie and Walt Stuebner. We even sailed in the Frostbite Series at Essex Yacht Club.
“these two men taught me a tremendous amount about the sport of sailing. I will always remember Bernie.”
Bernie is survived by his wife Barbara of Trumbull; daughters Robin of Boxford, Massachusetts and Laurie of Trumbull; grandsons Erik and Alex Weisensee; brother Alvin, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Renie Zinsmeister.
A graveside service with military honors will be held this Friday (July 21, 11 a.m., Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield). A memorial service at the Cedar Point Yacht Club will take place at a later date.
And finally … Andre Watts died last week, at his Bloomington, Indiana home. He was 77, and suffered from prostate cancer.
The New York Times called him “a pianist whose mighty technique and magnetic charm awed audiences and made him one of the first Black superstars in classical music.”
He was “an old-world virtuoso — his idol was the composer and showman Franz Liszt — with a knack for electricity and emotion. He sometimes hummed, stomped his feet and bobbed his head while he played, and some critics faulted him for excess. But his charisma and his technical powers were unquestioned, which helped fuel his rise to the world’s top concert halls.” Click here for a full obituary.
(If you enjoy our decade of osprey coverage — or anything else “06880” does — please consider a contribution. Just click here — and thank you!).
There are 3 osprey chicks, at the Fresh Market nest.
Photographer extraordinaire Carolyn Doan reports that the chicks hatch in the order their eggs were laid, so they vary in size. They also start out with reddish-brown eyes, which differ from the yellow eyes of the adults.
When she left this morning, they were lying down for a nap.
Charlie Scott is a talented runner, and WWPT-FM sports broadcaster.
He’s also a very creative videographer.
The Staples High School junior was there on Sunday, as the boys lacrosse team won their second straight state championship.
Then he went to work, editing his excellent camera work into an exciting 1:10 video. Click below to see the Wreckers’ championship game highlights — and the joyful aftermath.
World class pianist/local treasure David Morgan headlines the June 15 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV, and TV shows like “Pawn Stars,” “Little Women” and “Catfish.” He also produces recordings for other artists in his own studio. Area audiences known him as a member of the jazz group Portal.
He’ll be joined by his old friend and Portal collaborator saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall, bassist Yuriy Galkin and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza.
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
David Morgan wants YOU to come to Jazz at the Post.
The 50th annual Fine Arts Festival ended yesterday just as it began Saturday: with huge crowds, a great variety of excellent art, plenty of music and food, and tons of smiles.
The Westport Downtown Association drew raves for the organization, execution and energy of what many called the “best ever” of all 50 shows.
The family-friendly event included a children’s art project, sponsored by the Artists Collective of Westport. Youngsters drew a huge whale in chalk, near Bedford Square.
It was part of Westport artist Jana Ireijo’s “Vanishing Mural” project. It looked great. But it will eventually disappear — emphasizing the fragility of the natural world.
The not-yet-completed, but eventually vanishing, whale. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Fine Arts Festival was pet-friendly too — for real dogs, and artistic ones.
Yesterday, as Carolyn Doan does what she often does — checking on the Fresh Market ospreys — a concerned woman in the parking lot said she had not seen them in a couple of weeks. She worried they were no longer there.
Carolyn reports, happily, that all is well. Both adults were in the nest, doing fine.
“They are probably taking care of hatching eggs or very young chicks now,” she says.
“When they sit on the eggs, it’s very hard to see them. Thank you to the nice lady who asked about them!”
And thank you, Carolyn, for sending along this photo:
The League of Women Voters of Westport’s annual meeting and lunch is Wednesday, June 7 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
The public is invited — and welcome to stay for a very timely panel.
The topic: “Building Consensus in Today’s Political Climate.” Panelists include Jim Marpe, former Westport first selectman; Ken Bernhard, former Connecticut state representative, and Dr. Nora Madjar, associate professor of management at the University of Connecticut School of Business.
The lunch (cheese platter, sliced beef tenderloin, poached salmon, 4 salads, dessert) is $50 per person. RSVP to celestelacroix@hotmail.com, or send checks to LWV Westport, PO Box 285, Westport, CT 06881.
Homes with Hope brought back its famed “Gather ‘Round the Table” fundraiser, for Project Return at Susie’s House.
Among the 240 guests at the Shorehaven Golf Club luncheon were the keynote speaker, Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno; Westport 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and the many town employees who work hard behind the scenes to support the home and program.
Plans have been approved for renovations, to better accommodate homeless women in Fairfield County. The program offers long-term housing in a nurturing, home-like environment.
From left: Lena Holleran, Connecticut Department of Housing; Homes With Hope program director Paris Looney; Seila Mosquero Bruno, Connecticut Commissioner of Housing; executive director Helen McAlinden;; Carmen Ayala of Homes with Hope, at the “Gather ‘Round the Table” fundraiser.
Looking for “The Complete Family Guide to Dementia”?
Thomas Harrison and Dr. Brent Forester — authors of a book by the same name — will be at The Residence at Westport on June 19 (4 p.m.), talking about that subject.
A limited number of complimentary books are available. To RSVP, email ddunning@residencewestport.com, or call 203-349-2002.
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Before he graduated in 2005, Igor Pikayzen was already one of the most talented violinists in Staples High School’s long musical history.
After Juilliard, a master’s degree and artist’s diploma from Yale University, a doctorate in musical arts at CUNY and solo appearances with major orchestras at Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York, Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and more, he founded Festivo Edalio.
The opening concert June 11 (7:30 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church) celebrates the joy of sharing live music.
Pikayzen will play Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons.” As the violinist says, “‘Edelio’ means ‘forever young.’ This masterpiece remains beloved 300 years after it was composed.”
The program also includes the “Estaciones Porteñas” of Argentine legend Astor Piazzolla.
Edelio continues at the Pequot Library June 14 (7 p.m.). The return to chamber music features Mozart’s impeccable piano quartet in G minor, the rarely played edgy and tumultuous first Shostakovich trio, and the triumphant Dvorak piano quartet.
And finally … on this (and every) Memorial Day, we salute all the men and women who served in our armed forces. And we remember the far too many, who gave their lives so that we can be here today, living ours.
(“06880” is honored to bring you news and information about Westport, on this holiday and every day. Please consider a contribution to help us continue. Click here — and thank you.)
It’s easy to get audiences to see “Mamma Mia!,” “The Music Man” or “Guys and Dolls.”
It’s a lot harder for Shakespeare. Especially a play by The Bard that’s not “Romeo and Juliet” or “Macbeth.”
But Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long rolled the dice.
“Twelfth Night” came up huge.
The show — the high school troupe’s spring production — is not what you would have seen at the Globe Theater.
In fact, this production comes from the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the (Central) Park.
It’s a rocking, rollicking modern-ish musical, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
The singing, dancing, pit and set are — as audiences have come to expect from Staples Players — near-Broadway quality.
There’s just the right amount of Shakespeare. There’s even a cheat-sheet synopsis in the program, telling you exactly what happens.
“Twelfth Night” was a gamble. Players relies on ticket sales to fund future productions.
Fortunately, the audience was near capacity last weekend.
Judging by their reactions — laughing, clapping, and a well-deserved standing ovation — there won’t be any empty seats this Friday (March 24, 7:30 p.m.) or Saturday (March 25, 3 and 7:30 p.m.).
Just like the swallows of Capistrano, an osprey of Westport have returned.
Carolyn Doan reports that one of our town’s favorite raptors has returned from the south, to its perch near the Fresh Market parking lot.
“It most likely wintered in South America or Florida,” she notes. “This is probably the male, who usually returns first. The pair winter separately but meet back here every March.
“He’s a few days early this year, and is already sprucing up the nest. The female should join him soon.”
Speaking of nature: “06880” has reported on the still-up-in-the-air fate of 2 cherry blossoms in front of Sakura.
What’s clear is that many other trees will definitely be removed — including those in the grassy Post Road median — between New Country Toyota and Volvo of Westport.
It’s part of a Route 1 improvement plan, in the works by the state Department of Transportation for nearly a decade.
The Post Road/Bulkley Avenue intersection is also in for some much-needed realignment.
Which means that some sycamore trees will come down there, too.
They’ve already been tagged for removal.
Red ribbons mean “removal,” in front of Stop & Shop. (Photo and hat tip/Debra McKinney)
It’s hard to tell from this photo, but Matt Murray saw at least one worker inside 233 Hillspoint Road — aka the former Positano/the current eyesore — yesterday.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
He lives nearby. It’s the first time he’s seen anyone doing anything there since a stop-work order was issued in December 2019, due to building permit violations.
High school students can do advanced trigonometry. But they’ve never been taught to balance a checkbook.
Tom Henske will change that.
This Sunday (March 26, 2 p.m.), the Westport resident and financial industry leader brings his Total Cents program to the Westport Library for a talk, and panel discussion with fellow experts. It’s called “Raising Financially Savvy Kids.”
The goal: to help parents, grandparents and guardians get comfortable teaching their kids about money.
“Everyone sees the clear value and importance of developing good financial habits in our children,” Henske says. “It’s time for parents to take ownership of this part of their child’s development.”
He hopes that Westport becomes “the epicenter for teaching parents how to talk to their kids about money.”
Joining Henske are Caroline Barney, author, inspirational speaker, and parent of two Staples High School students; John Lanza, author of “The Art of Allowance” and an expert of youth financial literacy, and Kathy Soderholm, former Wilton High School personal finance teacher and founder of The Good Bookkeeper, specializing in nonprofit organizations.
Henske’s efforts with Total Cents include a book, “It Makes Total Cents: 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future,” and a podcast he developed in collaboration with the Library.
Tom Henske (center) and “It Makes Total Cents” panelists.
They host many non-book events: concerts, art exhibits, even the Fashionably Westport runway show.
This one though is right down the literary alley.
Westport Writers’ Workshop’s 2nd annual Pitch & Publish Conference is set for May 20 (in-person and virtual).
It’s a chance for anyone seeking an agent, looking to learn about the industry, or hoping to meet and be inspired by authors and editors. The event includes panels, and one-on-one pitches.
Keynote speaker Courtney Maum has written 5 books, among them “Year of the Horses,” the groundbreaking publishing guide “Before and After the Book Deal,” and “Touch.”
The conference also features a welcome party May 19 at the Westport Writers’ Workshop on Sylvan Road South, a light breakfast, and a wrap party.
Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each. Tickets for the conference, plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents, are $600 (early bird discount before April 1), $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.
Liz Matthews and Julie Sarkissian of Westport Writers’ Workshop help organize the Pitch & Publish Conference. (Photo/Elizabeth Foley)
Over 80 students attended yesterday’s “Town Hall” meeting with Congressman Jim Himes at Staples High School.
He fielded questions about a range of topics, including the economy, inflation and banking; China and foreign policy threats; climate change; his experience inside the Capitol on January 6, and his optimism for bipartisan legislation and compromise in the 118th Congress.
Pianist Ted Rosenthal headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 23; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
He has performed worldwide as soloist, with his trio, and with greats like Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Phil Woods and James Moody.
Rosenthal has released 15 CDs. His latest reached #1 on iTunes and Amazon. He has has soloed with major orchestras, and is on the faculties of the Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music.
He’ll be joined Thursday by bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Longtime Westport teacher Jane Fraser died peacefully in her home March 1, with her family by her side. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday.
The Illinois native began her 25-year education career In Westport in 1967. She taught at Burr Farms Elementary School until it closed, and then transferred to Greens Farms Elementary.
In the early 1980s she became the district’s K-6 literacy staff developer. During that time Jane was connected with the Writing Project, Teachers College, Columbia University. She presented workshops for teachers throughout the Northeast, and at national professional conferences.
She returned to the classroom to teach 2nd grade at Coleytown Elementary School for 5 years, before retiring in 1992.
In 1994 Jane co-authored “On Their Way… Celebrating Second Graders as They Read and Write.”
Her family says, “She enjoyed her family, chocolate, and being at the beach (in that order). She had an adventurous spirit, both intellectually and physically. She was not afraid to travel a unique path. She was always good company, with interests that stretched from classical music to books to teaching to hiking and gardening.”
Jane’s husband Julius died in 2010. She is survived by her daughters Carol and Ann, stepson Tom, brother Peter and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
And finally … in honor of Tom Henske’s upcoming “It Makes Total Cents” financial literacy program for children and teenagers, at the Westport Library (story above):
(We couldn’t have said it better ourselves: Money does change everything. Including how well “06880” can operate. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)
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