Posted onApril 18, 2026|Comments Off on Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Kickoff, Co-op Nursery Touch-a-Truck, Chabad Golf Outing …
In just 3 years, the Westport Parks & Recreation Department “Kickoff to Summer” has become a — well, great kickoff to summer.
This year’s event is May 23 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).
In addition to the now-traditional kids’ activities, music, food trucks and raffle, they’ve added helicopter rides, and the unveiling of young artist Luke Bernier’s mural by the concession stan.
Parks & Rec personnel will provide info on programs and other offerings for the upcoming year.
Part of the fun, at last year’s Kickoff to Summer.
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It’s not easy coming up with a creative, on-brand fundraiser.
Trivia Night site. Though the action will probably be at the bar.
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Golf and giving back are par for the course on May 4 (Great River Golf Club, Milford).
Chabad of Westport’s annual golf outing includes on-course snacks, lunch, a cocktail/dinner reception, raffles and giveaways, a $25,000 hole-in-one prize — plus an opportunity to meet visiting IDF soldiers.
Proceeds from the event support Israel, local youth services, and Camp Gan Israel.
Non-golfers are welcome. Sponsorships, foursomes and dinner tickets are now available. To register or learn more, click here.
The Westport resident — a University of Connecticut business school graduate, and former Husky soccer player — has donated $1.5 million to the school.
The gift will support the “pursuit of sustained excellence across all of UConn’s athletic programs.”
Rizza — an investment manager — previously contributed $10 million. Those gifts helped revitalize Morrone Stadium, and helped build a state-of-the-art sports performance center.
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Yesterday’s brief rain shower produced one of the better rainbows in a while.
This was the view over Cross Highway:
(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)
… and by the Saugatuck River, on Riverside Avenue …
(Photo/Michael Chait)
… and above Clinton Avenue:
(Photo/Jen Rago McCarthy)
Today’s forecast is for clouds, and a high of 62.
Tomorrow: rain, and 52.
Hey, summer was nice while it lasted.
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The Weston History & Culture Center continues its celebration of America’s 250th birthday next month.
“Sarah Treadwell: Connecticut Mom, American Patriot” opens with a reception May 9 (2 to 4 p.m.).
The exhibit honors a local woman who supported her family’s role during the Revolutionary War, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women during the era.
Treadwell’s family lived in North Fairfield, a section of the town that later became Weston, then Easton.
The exhibit explores her life during and after the war, her family and community roles, the pension process for veterans and widows of veterans, and her resilience as a wife and mother.
After the reception, it will be on view every Thursday (1 to 4 p.m.), and the first and last Sunday of each month (1 to 4 p.m.).
Also on view: the new interactive exhibit “Weston at Work,” in the Coley Barn; the exhibit “Local Patriots and Loyalists” in the Visitor’s Center, and guided tours of historic Coley House.
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OnwardWell Foundation — a therapeutic recovery support non-profit founded by 1992 Staples High School graduate Mark Lassoff last year — does great work.
To do it even more well, they seek donations of gently used furniture to outfit a new meeting room at their Trumbull offices.
The room will host recovery and support groups for families and friends of young men recovering from addiction and mental illness.
The small room can accommodate a small couch or loveseat, and a couple of comfortable chairs. Donations are tax-deductible, and can be picked up.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School’s Touch-a-Truck event (story above):
(We are “grateful” for our “06880” readers — and “touched” that some support us with tax-deductible contributions. If that’s your jam, please click here. We thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Kickoff, Co-op Nursery Touch-a-Truck, Chabad Golf Outing …
Staples Players’ big, bold, brassy — and spectacular — 10-show run of “Les Misérables” opened last night.
A cast of over 70 — costumed to the hilt, singing lustily on a revolving set, backed by a superb pit of nearly 30 musicians — awed the audience, with every aspect of the production.
If you’ve never seen a Players show: Go now!
Even if you’re an aficionado, you’ll be blown away by this one.
NOTE: The link above is the only place to buy tickets. Two people arrived last night, with tickets bought on StubHub. Let’s hope the person who was so sleazy as to try to profit off a high school drama program ends up like some of the revolutionaries at the start of Act 2.
A small portion of the large “Les Mis” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)
A beloved tradition — holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge — nearly ended last year.
A quarter century of sponsorship by Al’s Angels ended. At the last minute, Westport’s Police Athletic League rallied businesses and individuals to buy new lights, install them, and once again make the Saugatuck span sparkle.
PAL took the lead again this year. They’re even getting a jump on the season.
A holiday lighting ceremony is set for this Sunday (6:30 p.m.). Everyone is invited.
The Whelk will serve hot chocolate, topped with a marshmallow whipped cream rim from Momu.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy, for the Westport Police Department collection drive.
Let there be (Cribari) lights!
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For nearly 50 years, Bloodroot has served delicious vegan food — spiced with healthy amounts of feminist ideology, and a side helping of social justice-type books — in a funky, you’ve-got-to-know-it-to-get-there spot on Bridgeport’s Black Rock Harbor.
Co-founder and longtime Westporter Selma Miriam died in February, 2 weeks short of 90.
Bloodroot is tucked away, off a residential street in Black Rock.
But nothing lasts forever. Bloodroot will close on December 21, after what co-owner Noel Furie calls “48 amazing and wonderful years in business. This decision, though sad, is also necessary given many factors in our lives at this time.
“We’ve chosen December 21 because it is the day of the Winter Solstice (which means sun standing still), and heralds the beginning of the return of the light. The days start to get longer and it is a time for hope and celebration.
“We hope you will continue to visit us during our usual business hours in the remaining weeks that we are open.”
The restaurant/community center earned a special place in American women’s history. And none of it would have been possible without the passion, creativity, love and great energy of Westport’s own Selma Miriam. (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit has earned raves — and a passionate following — since opening 20 months ago.
Now the Israeli spot on Church Lane has introduced a new winter menu.
Dishes include shawarma-spiced potato wedges topped with garlic sauce; wild caught Chilean sea bass with mushrooms, cannellini beans and spinach with a roasted red pepper sauce; erguez sausage with peppers; roasted eggplant and peppers spread with challah toast points; Shabbat schnitzel sandwich with eggplant and matbucha on challah bread, and baklava brûlée.
The other night, I enjoyed a tasting menu. I love the cuisine to begin with, but the flavors, freshness, variety and creativity — and the joy with which it is all prepared and served — brought the meal to another level.
That’s not just me talking. It was a Monday — normally the slowest day of the week, in a traditionally slow time before the holidays.
But the restaurant was packed.
Meanwhile, The Blondinit just announced its Hanukkah menu. Email catering@theblondinit.com or call (203) 557-3277 for details.
Sustainable Westport’s co-directors, Johanna Martell and Gately Ross, were recently featured on “The Joe Gardener Podcast.” The national platform explores sustainability through the lens of gardening.
The pair described how they left established careers to lead the local non-profit. They discussed the ripple effects of local action, how to foster change at the community level, and why personal voices and examples matter.
Host Joe Lamp’l praised their ability to connect with people where they are, making sustainability accessible rather than intimidating.
Johanna Martell, Gately Ross and Joe Lamp’l tape their podcast at Westport Library’s Verso Studios.
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Looking for one more way to help fight hunger?
The Westport Country Playhouse is collected food and toiletry items, for Homes with Hope.
Pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned goods (tuna, soup, vegetables, beans, fruit), toothpaste and shampoo may be left in a box in the lobby.
You can drop them off during the day, or before a show.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Club203’s November event was a great “Bingo Bash” at the Senior Center.
Dedicated volunteers helped everyone be a winner. Trefz Corporation and Gold’s Deli were sponsors. MoCA\CT collaborated, as always. And once again, Westport’s Human Services Department provided important support.
Bingo!
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It didn’t rain yesterday.
But a beautiful rainbow appeared over Westport.
Adam Drake captured this image, over Winslow Park:
(Photo/Adam Drake)
It was also visible at — of all places — the rainbow crosswalk on Jesup Road:
And finally … in honor of Bloodroot, and its 48-year legacy:
(If it’s happening in Westport — or there’s a Westporter involved — you’ll read about it on “06880.” And if you appreciate what you read, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Two dozen electors have petitioned the Representative Town Meeting to appoint a committee to “review the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green, the scope of the work and the associated costs; and to consider the merits and costs associated with feasible alternatives to what is being proposed by the DPIC, including a parking deck at the Baldwin lot; and to report its findings to the entire membership for such action as may be appropriate.”
The petitioners note “a great deal of concern and consternation among the citizenry surrounding the DPIC proposal, focused upon both the encroachment into Jesup Green and perceived flaws in the redesign of Parker Harding.”
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser has asked the RTM Rules Committee to review the petition prior to the full body’s May 7 meeting.
Wieser says that the RTM will take up that topic at the full meeting, along with the request for design funds to propose construction drawings for Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“Various committees have met regarding the design funds,” he notes. In addition, the RTM will have field trips next week at Jesup Green to review the proposed plans.
It’s very appropriate: WestportMoms is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration — called “MOMents that Matter” — next Thursday (May 2, 6 to 10 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).
The event includes:
Mother’s Day shopping boutique with curated vendors
Panel discussion “rock star local moms” (including CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, actress Stephanie Szostak, “Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger, Melissa + Doug co-founder Melissa Bernstein and others) on balancing careers and motherhood, and the “MOMents That Matter.”
Gift bags for 50 attendees ($100 gift card to WEST, massage at Squeeze, and much more)
Appetizers from the new Birchwood chef, and cash bar.
Attendees are asked to bring a pack of feminine napkins, for women in need. The be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Stacie Curran reports:
“What a wild nightyesterday at the Westport Library!
“Attendees from Club 203 members (our social group for adults with disabilities) and friends packed the Trefz Forum with a night of ‘speed friending; by TeenSLP (Staples High School’s speech and language expert Deirdre Flores), and rockin’ out with karaoke by our MC extraordinaire volunteer PJ Pitcher.
Thank you, Westport Library, for this incredible space. A special shout-out to associate director Alex Giannini, and the sound manager of Verso Studios, Travis Bell. You turned dreams into realty!”
Part of the Club 203 fun last night at the Westport Library.
There’s a new addition to Saturday’s annual Drug Takeback Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Senior Center).
A Wellness Fair — sponsored by Positive Directions — will take place, along with a collection by Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container.
Residents can bring expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal, then stay for “wellness fun.”
The event includes a free behavioral health screening and blood pressure check, a sensory table for relaxation, and nutrition tips.
Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention resources, and gambling awareness materials.
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Prep work continues for the upcoming beach season.
Speaking of police: The Westport PD made 6 custodial arrests between April 17 and 24.
A 26-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, illegal taking of a payment card, illegal use of a credit card exceeding $500, receipt from illegal use of a credit card, and identity theft, following complaint of fraudulent credit card charges over $12,000. Surveillance footage at Walgreens determined that an employee had used the card to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage at other locations also showed the same user.
A 52-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey woman was arrested for larceny and forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a $560 check was stolen from their mailbox, and fraudulently deposited for $5,500..
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an emergency call, following a domestic disturbance. His comments made a family member fear for their safety, then held their car keys so they could not leave and interfered with a 911 call for help
A 47-year-old Stamford woman was charged with disorderly conduct and assault, after a domestic violence incident in a Westport home.
A 33-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following an accident with injuries at the Compo Road North/Evergreen Avenue intersection. The driver — who fled with the passenger on foot — had failed to stop at the Evergreen Avenue stop sign. He and the passenger were quickly apprehended. The operator of the vehicle that was struck sustained minor injuries.
A 39-year-old Darien man was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle was stopped in the travel portion of the street, near 1655 Post Road East. Officers found the driver disoriented, unable to follow basic instructions, and with the odor of alcohol on his breath.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Interfering with an officer: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks like this one, on Riverside Avenue at Sylvan Lane.
Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.
Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.
No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala this Friday (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.
The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.
Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.
This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.
Dimitri Alatakis — a part owner of the Sherwood Diner — died last week, after suffering a heart attack. He lived in Fairfield, and was 61.
Dimitri is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; children Dimitri, Zoe and Alexei; mother Galatia and brother Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Andreas.
Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, to benefit the preschool program.
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We don’t often post a nighttime “Westport … Naturally” photo. Here’s an exception: Jerry Kuyper’s image, “minutes after the moon hit full.”
Scott Smith is one of many Westport gardeners and environmentalists who has observed something troubling outdoors. He writes:
“Where are the bees? The butterflies?
“The sunflowers in my garden are 10 feet tall. The purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, milkweed and other native flowers and bushes are blooming (at least the ones the deer don’t nibble).
“Yet I find our pollinator friends are few and far between. At least in my yard.
“It’s been a good summer for fireflies, the wasps are out and about, and with the recent rains the mosquitoes are ascendant. But where are the pollinators?
“I’ve not sprayed pesticides or any chemicals on my property for years, nor do most of my neighbors. So let me ask my fellow 06880 gardeners and backyard apiarists: Can you send some bees and butterflies my way?”
Scott Smith’s garden is beautiful — but bee- and butterfly-less.
Westport resident Jay Norris and chef/restaurateur/TV personality Marcus Samuelsson are breaking bread together.
The noted entrepreneurs have partnered to offer performance-based leases to minority-owned food businesses.
Norris is CEO of Guesst Software. Crain’s New York Business says the company — which facilitates short-term retail leases in dozens of the country’s leading malls — will now give “artisanal, mom-and-pop restaurants access to ‘A+’ locations–without the upfront cost or standard 15-year lease.”
For example, UrbanSpace — which runs food halls through New York City — will commit 10 spaces at their Bryant Park holiday market to qualified minority-owned businesses who set up leases through Guesst. Norris says that allows them to “explore the world” beyond their own neighborhoods.
Samuelsson told Crain’s that large restaurants like his usually sign 15-year leases. His partnership with Norris allows landlords to be flexible and patient with rents.
Norris plan to launch a “women’s merchant movement” in the fourth quarter. His goal is to “give a voice to voiceless minority business owners,” no matter who or where they are.
To read the full Crain’s story (behind a paywall), click here.
A sobering opinion piece in today’s New York Times, exploring the sad state of public swimming lessons and pools in the United States — leading to 11 drowning deaths a day across the country — does mention several bright spots.
Including Westport.
The final 2 paragraphs of Mara Gay’s piece, “When It Comes to Swimming, ‘Why Have Americans Been Left on Their Own?'” read:
Coral Gables, Fla., has a colossal, stone-ringed public pool known as the Venetian, complete with waterfalls and grottoes. Austin, Texas, boasts a three-acre public pool fed by underground springs. Ann Arbor, Mich., has public pools with giant water slides. In 1960 the elegant Connecticut shore town of Westport bought the deed to a country club. Residents there swim in a public pool that sits beside the shimmering waters of the Long Island Sound.
Every American deserves the chance to swim somewhere just as nice.
And finally … on this date in 1975, Teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa disappeared from the parking lot of a Detroit-area restaurant. He was never seen again.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The Staples High School Class of 2023 graduated Tuesday.
This fall, they’ll head out across the country — and beyond.
Here are the top college choices for the 430 graduating seniors:
University of Connecticut (includes Storrs, Stamford and Waterbury campuses): 19 students
Indiana University-Bloomington: 15
Pennsylvania State University-main campus, and Syracuse University: 11 each
University of Colorado-Boulder: 10
Northeastern University: 9
University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Tech: 8 each
Tulane University: 7
American University, Lehigh University, Miami University, Norwalk Community College, the University of Texas-Austin and University of Miami: 6 each
Boston University, Elon University, Fordham University, New York University, University of Vermont and Vanderbilt University: 5 each.
Twelve students are attending universities outside the US. The furthest is the American College of Greece. All told, they will attend 179 different post-secondary institutions.
The #1 intended major is business/accounting/finance. Second is “undecided,” followed by political science/international relations.
Four are joining the military, or attending a military academy.
In addition, 20 graduates have these plans:
2-year college: 7 students
Vocational/trade school: 6
Employment: 4
Post-graduate year: 3,
(Hat tip: Staples High School counseling department; Inklings)
The wrecking ball came today for 254 Hillspoint Road.
The 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 2,866-square foot home on .54 acre, with 120 linear feet of waterfront, was built in 1952. It’s a familiar sight to the many people who walk between Compo Beach and Old Mill.
When Westporters gather July 9 to celebrate our new sister city — Lyman, Ukraine — we’ll do so with a boost from our long-time and first sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, France.
The ties forged nearly 80 years ago still endure. Our French friends — who first came up with the idea of joining to help a Ukrainian town, just as Westport did for Marigny after World War II.
Marigny is sending:
3 special sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-le-Lozon/Lyman”
3 copies of the 700-page book “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche,” with a special bi-lingual, handwritten dedication
1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados. It’s a drink that American GIs enjoyed in 1944.
Attendees will get a chance to win the books — and much, much more — at the LymanAID event July 9 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American Club, Southport).
It’s a chance for the community to come together, as thanks for raising $252,000 last winter for Lyman (pronounced LEE-mon).
It’s a free family-friendly day filled with food, fun and music.
There is no admission. You don’t have to pay anything for snacks, drinks and entertainment.
But there will be plenty of opportunities to help Lyman too — including raffles, a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more.
There are two tiers of VIP tickets, too. $350 include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.
VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all those benefits , plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov.
To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. To make a direction directly now, click here; under “Designation,” click on “Westport-Lyman Sister City” in the dropdown menu.
NOTE: The entire event has been privately underwritten. No Ukrainian Aid International funds will be used. All money raised will go directly to Westport’s sister city.
The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.
Welcome to the Westport Police Department’s newest officer: Melissa Bike.
The 24-year-old graduate of St. Joseph High School earned a BA in criminal justice investigative services, and a master’s in emergency management from the University of New Haven (where she also starred in softball). After college, she interned with Stamford Superior Court.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas and new police officer Melissa Bike.
Yesterday’s Pics of the Day carried an incorrect photo credit.
The beautiful shot of a rainbow over Staples High School should have been credited to Jen Kobetitsch. Apologies for the editing error!
(Photo/Jen Kobetitsch)
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the summer solstice with a labyrinth walk.
Sure, it’s a bit early: this Saturday (June 17, 2 to 4 p.m.).
But there will be talks by applied mathematician Dr. Bart Stuck, and Jungian astrologer Rev. Marjorie Partch, plus sacred music; a mandala coloring meditation, and a chance to “sync up with ongoing lunar cycles to re-focus your intention to manifest your unique potential ~ as revealed in your birth chart ~ with ongoing New & Full Moon Manifestation Circles at Yoga Shala.”
The congregation adds: “Labyrinths have been used for millennia for inner peace, contemplation, walking meditation, spiritual healing, and prayer. The circular paths are a spiritual technology designed to facilitate insight, transformation, and awakening.”
La Batalla del Vino — the “Battle of Wine” — takes place every June 29 in Haro, a town in the Rioja Alta region of Spain that is home to nearly half of the area’s vineyyards.
DeTAPAS celebrates the annual tradition this year. They won’t be spraying each other with wine from bottles and water guns, the way they’ve done in Haro since the 10th century.
But owner Carlos Pia promises a 6-course tapas and wine pairing, with 6 wines from Rioja.
MoCA Westport’s summer exhibitions feature contemporary artists Richard Tsao and Sao.
Tsao was born in Thailand, and lives in New York. Sao — a native of Portugal — now lives in Southport. Both work with color. Tsao uses accumulative, and Sao layered, washes.
An opening reception is June 28 (6 to 8 p.m.). The event is free for MoCA members, $10 for non-members. Click here to reister.
“Moon Dust” (Richard Tsao)
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Singer/songwriter PJ Pacifico kicks off the Weston History & Culture Center’s 8th annual “Music at the Barn” series on June 25 (5:30 p.m.).
Bring a picnic dinner, BYOB and lawn char. Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children under 12 free) are available at the door (gate?) or in advance. WHCC Members: $15 per person; General admission: $20 per person; Children
In addition to the music there is a kids crafting table, lawn games, and a walk through the sculpture garden.
PJ’s band’s debut single “Coming Up For Air” debuted on “Grey’s Anatomy.” It shot to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart, and was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
Edward L. “Ted” Garrity died peacefully at home on June 4. He was 98.
He was a Michigan native, but grew up in Missouri. After high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he earned his wings. He became a B-24 and B-25 instructor at the age of 19.
In 1951, after completing his education at the University of Arizona he was hired as a pilot for United Airlines. He met his wife Cathym who was working in the Denver pilot office. In 1963 they moved to Westport, where they raised 5 children.
During his 34year career at United he flew over a dozen types of aircraft. He began on a Douglas DC-3, then turboprop aircraft, advancing to United’s first jets, before finishing on the Boeing 747.
He quickly rose through the ranks to become an instructor, flight manager and a chief pilot. He continued to fly smaller airplanes for fun after he retired from United in 1984.
During his free time he loved taking his family on ski vacations, sailing, collecting model trains, and staying active around the house. He could fix almost anything, and always lent a helping hand. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Ted was also active in the community as a member of The Westport Y’s Men.
Ted was predeceased by his daughter Deborah. He is survived by his wife Catherine of 70 years, and their children Michael, David, Linda, Thomas, and 8 grandchildren.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 24 (2 p.m.).
I’m not sure what was in the air (or water) yesterday. But three — three! — readers sent examples of jaw-droppingly, spectacularly self-centered entitled parking jobs.
In 3 different parking lots.
Occasionally, photos like these bring out apologists. “The parking brake must have failed, and it rolled backward!” people will say.
Or, “Maybe it was a medical emergency!”
Judging by where these folks “parked” — no.
They are just drivers who can’t be bothered to read signs, follow rules, or think about anyone other than themselves.
Don’t be That Guy.
This is an actual parked car in the Parker Harding lot. No one could squeeze by. Entire lines of cars had to back up, for a looooong time. The car was eventually towed. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
This driver took up a clearly marked handicap-adjacent zone, yet pulled in crookedly and not fully, blocking everyone trying to pass in the narrow lane behind him. (Yes, it was a male.) (Photo/Rob Campignino)
No, this driver was not pulling out of the upper Westport Library lot. This was a parked car, with no driver in sight. Again, for quite a while. (Photo/David Sampson)
Lynsey Addario — the 1991 Staples High School graduate whose New Your Times photos from Ukraine have impacted the world — was the Friday night guest on “Firing Line.”
Click here to see Margaret Hoover’s riveting interview with the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist. (Hat tip: Debbie Zucker)
A large crowd of punks — and art lovers — filled MoCA Westport’s galleries last night.
“Punk is Coming” had its grand opening. The diverse group exhibition features over 50 photographers, filmmakers and artists whose work defined the punk era in 1970’s New York, London, Los Angeles and other cities. There are never-before-seen videos and photographs,, art created by the era’s musicians, and contemporary works heavily influenced by the movement.
Free supporting programming, featuring those central to the punk movement (like the original video jockey!) take place on Thursday evenings. Click here to learn more.
The show runs through June 5.
MoCA’s “Punk is Coming” exhibit. (Photo/Leslie LaSala)
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features a fox. Bob Weingarten apologies for not getting a full side-on view. But it’s still a fine-looking creature.
Donut Crazy — the wonderful, warm, not-for-the-calorie-conscious coffeehouse on the eastbound side of the Saugatuck train station — is closed today.
It’s unclear whether it’s permanent. Loyal customers hope not. Their fingers are crossed it will reopen — perhaps under new owners.
The past 17 months have not been easy. Always a bit out of the way for late-arriving morning commuters to New York, the steep drop in ridership during the pandemic must have hurt.
The arrival of Steam donuts and coffee at Desi’s Corner, at the Railroad Place by Riverside Avenue, is another blow.
Donut Crazy’s 4 other locations — in Stratford, Shelton, Branford and West Hartford — remain open. That’s not too far to go for some of the craziest donuts (and more) on earth. (Hat tip: Carolanne Curry)
Sam Palmer is the son of a Staples High School teacher. A 2019 graduate of Fairfield Warde High School, he’s been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He’s waiting for a blood stem cell/bone marrow transplant.
And he needs a donor.
A “Swab for Sam/Be the Match” donor registration drive is set for this Saturday (August 28, 9 to 11 a.m., Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Avenue).
It takes just 5 minutes to register, and have your cheek swabbed to enter the marrow donor registry. The more donors, the more chances Sam — and others like him — have to live long, full lives.
Rod Gilbert — the New York Rangers great who died last weekend at 80 — leaves behind many fans.
Among them: Charlie Capalbo. The Fairfield hockey player — and grandson of Westporters Ina Chadwick and Richard Epstein — has battled cancer for several years. His spirits have been lifted by many people in the hockey world.
Gilbert was among the first. Here was his message to Charlie, in 2017:
Did you miss the 2018 Westport Country Playhouse presentation of “Man of La Mancha?” Saw it, and want to see it again? Just looking for great entertainment, as the Delta variant has us all wary again of crowds?
The award-winning show is available now, on demand, through September 5. Tickets start at just $25. Click here to order.
Laura Nelson died Friday, surrounded by family and friends, following a battle with cancer. She was 55.
Her family says: “Laura’s light always shined brightly. The people of Westport may remember sharing a friendly wave, a peace sign or a warm smile with Laura as she drove around the neighborhood in her clementine orange VW bus, laughing and soaking up every drop of life.
“She was an accomplished communications executive and public relations expert, dedicated wife and mother, loving sister and aunt, best friend, and adored colleague.
“Above all, Laura loved her husband Jim and their children Charlie and Annabelle fiercely and unconditionally. Her pride in their accomplishments knew no bounds.”
Laura began her career as a PR professional with Dan Klores Associates in New York City. For over 3 decades she rose through the media industry as the cable television business flourished.
In her early career she led the communications team at Comedy Central, then a fledgling startup channel. She rose to senior vice president of communications and public affairs for VH1 and MTV. She later joined Nielsen, where she served as chief communications officer during a transformative period.
Laura advised celebrities and media executives throughout her career. Her family says, “She was known as a savvy strategist and insightful advisor. She was a student of the spoken and written word and used this knowledge to advance the interests of her clients and organizations. Maybe most importantly, Laura knew how to bring out the best in her people—she was the perfect combination of mentor, coach, advocate, leader, and friend. Over the years, she assembled multiple award-winning teams, and many of her protégés have gone on to serve as chief marketing and communications officers themselves.”
Born in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, Laura grew up in Darien. In 1983, Laura served as a Page in the US Senate and attended the Capitol Page School. At Darien High School she was the editor of the school newspaper. She graduated from Boston College with a BA in ohilosophy. As part of her undergraduate studies, she attended Temple University in Rome, where she developed a lifelong love of Italy and its culture.
Her family notes: “Laura was generous, loyal, and warm, and she readily adopted friends into her extended family. She was known for her sense of humor, authenticity, and dedication to her family and friends. She was unyielding on the things that mattered to her and to the world, and she loved with her whole heart and soul.
She is survived by her husband James A. Kremens; children Charles Kremens and Annabelle Kremens, all of Westport; siblings Gina Wilcox (Brady) of Old Lyme; Paul Nelson (Julie) of Wilmette, Illinois, and Andrew Nelson (Meghan) of Cincinnati.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, (August 27, 11 a.m., Church of the Assumption.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Cancer Couch Foundation, P.O. Box 1145, Southport, CT 06890, or thecancercouch.com.
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