Three Democrats are running for the Board of Education.
In a normal year, party leaders would be delighted.
But this is not a normal year.
Because the Town Charter limits one political party to a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member board, and because Democrats Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips are in the middle of their 4-year terms, only 2 Democrats can be elected. Jill Dillon, who won a seat 2 years ago as an unaffiliated write-in candidate, is in the middle of her term too.
In March, the Democratic Town Committee interviewed several candidates for the Board of Ed. They chose incumbent Abby Tolan, and Representative Town Meeting deputy moderator Lauren Karpf.
Abby Tolan
Dissatisfied with those choices, Democrats Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris — an attorney and former Staples High School PTA president, respectively — opted to run as petitioning candidates.
They secured the signatures of over 400 registered Democrats, and will appear with Tolan on the party line this fall. (Shackelford had interviewed with the DTC for a Board of Ed endorsement in March, but was not selected.)
Karpf, meanwhile, bowed out of the race. She is running again for the RTM (in a new district, after moving).
The DTC opted not to replace Karpf. That leaves Tolan as the sole party- endorsed candidate.
Shackelford and Harris say that party officials are steering clear of their campaign. They tell “06880”:
“We’re proud to be running as Democrats for the Westport Board of Education this November. We are members of the Democratic Party, but we believe our campaign for common-sense solutions and results-driven oversight on the BOE transcends partisan lines.”
However, they note, “Our most significant hurdle is coming from within our own party.
“We secured our places on the Democratic ballot line not through appointment, but by gathering more than 400 signatures each from registered Westport Democrats. This feat represents a strong, grass-roots mandate for new voices on our BOE.”
Yet, they say, “despite this clear demonstration of support from the rank-and-file, the Westport Democratic Town Committee has taken a remarkable step: It has provided us with zero support — financial, logistical, or otherwise.”
Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris
Even worse, Shackelford and Harris say, “the DTC appears to be actively campaigning for voters to ‘bullet vote’ only for (Tolan), despite the risk that doing so could result in Democrats winning only 1 of the 2 available spots.”
There are 4 seats up for contention, but the Democrats are limited to only 2 winning candidates. There are 5 Republicans running for 4 seats. Four were endorsed by the Republican Town Committee: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Andy Frankel, Michelle Hopson and Kaitlin Zucaro.
Incumbent Robert Harrington was not endorsed by the RTC. He is running as an independent write-in candidate. If the 4 Republicans win, they would take control of the BOE from the current 4 Democrats.
Shackelford and Harris say that the Democratic Town Committee is not the only political body to ignore their campaign.
“This campaign of exclusion extends to local party-affiliated groups.” the pair say.
“The Democratic Women of Westport, which we understand is meant to operate independently, has publicly promoted our opponent’s events to its members, but is refusing to include our upcoming events in its member communications.
“In short, the Democratic Party in Westport is telling its own registered voters that the grassroots effort from 2 newcomers doesn’t matter. They do not want you to hear from candidates who challenge their status quo.”
“06880” reached out to DTC chair Michelle Mechanic for comment.
She says: “The Westport Democratic Town Committee is committed to getting the most qualified Democratic candidates elected up and down the ballot, and maintaining the majority on our boards and commissions.
“With 2 spots available for Democrats on the Board of Education we urge you to vote for Abby Tolan, the vetted and endorsed candidate (whom the authors interestingly state is their opponent) and one other Democrat of your choosing.”
“06880” also asked the Democratic Women of Westport for comment. As of late last night, there was no response.
The Westport Board of Education race — already interesting — just got even more so.
This morning, Robert Harrington joined 7 others. He is a write-in candidate.
The incumbent — elected 4 years ago to the Board — was not endorsed for re-election by the Republican Town Committee in July. Those nods went to incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro.
The Democratic Town Committee endorsed incumbent Abby Tolan and Lauren Karpf, deputy moderator of the Representative Town Meeting. Last month Karpf left the race, to seek re-election to the RTM. The DTC did not to replace her on the ticket.
Two other Democrats — Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris — are running as well. They lack the party’s endorsement, but gathered enough signatures to be on the ballot, on the party’s line.
Board of Ed members serve staggered terms, so only 4 seats will be contested in November. Voters can select 4 candidates.
There are currently 4 Democrats, 2 Republicans and 1 unaffiliated member on the board. Because by law one party can have only a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member BOE, only 2 of the 3 Democrats could be elected. All 4 Republicans, however — or 3, plus Harrington — could get the voters’ nod.
In launching his campaign, Harrington writes:
After four years serving on the Westport Board of Education, I believe our schools deserve leaders who will ask hard questions, not simply go along with decisions. I have worked to be a good board member by showing up, asking questions, and putting students and families first. I would like to ask Westport voters to give me an opportunity to serve another four years.
My pitch is simple: fewer tough questions and less accountability if I’m gone. Easier for the board chair or the superintendent — worse for Westport.
This year I am seeking reelection as an independent. Four years ago, I ran as a Republican alongside my running mate, Dorie Hordon. I never hid my party affiliation or apologized for it — in fact, during that campaign I even printed my own yard signs to make sure “Republican” was included. Voters deserve transparency.
How many signs will carry the word “Republican” during this local election?
A new road sign. (Photo/Robert Harrington)
During the Republican selection process earlier this year, I was asked if I could “tone it down.” I politely declined. My outspokenness on local issues — and towards my local party — may have cost me a party nomination, but I believe it’s exactly what Westport needs on the Board of Education.
I was preparing to step away from the Board. But two events changed my mind:
Superintendent contract and pay increase. The Board voted to extend the superintendent’s contract early, and give him a 4% raise — larger than what our nurses and custodians received. That was a bad look for both the board and the superintendent.
The Staples soccer coach hearings. Earlier this month, a second non-renewal hearing was held. I have no problem with a superintendent changing a coach — that can happen for many reasons. I do have a problem when a false narrative is created, and someone’s character is unfairly trashed. The board wasn’t allowed to see all the evidence or hear many witnesses, and I was surprised to learn the superintendent may have lied under oath about offering a coach his job back.
Robert Harrington (left), at the May Board of Education appeal hearing with attorney Beatrice Franklin, and former Staples High soccer coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell.
Over the past four years I’ve made accountability real in several ways:
Pushing back when the Republican slate simply wanted to replace Lee Goldstein as chair and Democrats as the majority, without offering real change.
Questioning and voting against the superintendent’s pay raise.
Demanding that investigations carried out by the administration are more thorough and transparent.
Pushing early and hard on both redistricting and ways to reduce our bus transportation spend — even when there was little to no initial support from the rest of the board.
Excited to be moving ahead with a new Long Lots Elementary School — but also advocating strongly for a New Coleytown, and prioritizing the need to modernize Kings Highway
That’s the kind of board member I’ve tried to be — independent, transparent, and accountable.
Westport should expect more from its Board of Education. It’s wrong to give the superintendent a rubber stamp or to fail to hold him accountable.
To be clear: Westport schools get many things right, and those successes should be celebrated. But a truly strong district and board should also have the confidence to be critical when necessary.
As an independent I am also happy to advocate for people from both parties.
I won’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed when my party chose to support my former running mate, Dorie Hordon, but not me. Admitting this may look weak, but it would be dishonest to say otherwise. I have enjoyed working with Dorie. We didn’t agree on everything, but I respect her enormously and will enthusiastically vote for her again.
Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon at last weekend’s LobsterFest. (Photo/Jodi Harris)
I was sad to see Democrat, Lauren Karpf leave the race for the BOE. I would have strongly supported her. I think the fresh Democrat voices of Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford will also bring real change to this board.
Also at LobsterFest (from left): Stephen Shackelford, Robert Harrington, Jodi Harris.
This willingness to choose the best candidates and not just pick the party color represents who I am.
If voters give me the chance to serve again, I will continue to ask the questions that need to be asked, and work to make sure Westport’s schools serve every student and every family in our community.
I would be honored if Westport voters would consider writing in Robert Harrington—whether on a mail-in ballot or on Election Day.
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup included 2 homes that fell to the wrecking ball. One was on Roseville Road; the other on South Compo.
Today, Carl Addison Swanson sends a photo of one that has been lovingly restored.
39 Cross Highway — just west of Weston Road — is a house we all pass by often. After years of neglect, it’s gotten a ton of TLC. Today, it looks great.
Known as the Charles Chapman House, this is one of 10 homes that will be honored by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport’s Historic District Commission on May 4 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). It’s one of 4 earning a Preservation Award.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli will receive a Legacy Business Prevention citation. A year ago, a small group of neighbors organized an effort to save the former Elvira’s/Joey’s by the Shore market from probable sale to a develop.
The other 7 Historic District Commission honorees:
• 35 Post Road West –Davis Taylor House – Preservation
• 276 Main Street – Patrick Rice House – Helen Muller Preservation Award
• 8 Mayflower Parkway – Preservation
• 19 Soundview Drive – Stevens Cottage – Preservation
• 161 Cross Highway – Legacy Business Preservation
• 163 Cross Highway – Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance
• 21 Danbury Avenue – Preservation
Last week, the Westport Police Department conducted unannounced compliance inspections of 12 establishments that sell tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes.
All 12 were found “compliant” with laws regarding sales to anyone under 21.
However, WP Convenience at 1761 Post Road East — in the Westfair Shopping Center, opposite Stop & Shop — was found to have “a large number of illegal vape and THC products for sale,” police say.
“Many of these items did not display the required QR codes and/or were packaged to look like candy. These colorful packages resemble popular candy and snack foods, but their contents often contain high doses of THC, which can cause marijuana toxicity, especially in unsuspecting children.”
Police confiscated the items, along with “a number of canisters of suspected marijuana.” WP Convenience does not have a dispensary license.
Police note: “Westport zoning regulation prohibits all sales of retail (non-medical) cannabis products, including Delta-9 THC and Delta-8.”
Besides WP Convenience, the 12 retailers found compliant with laws about selling tobacco and e-cigarettes to anyone under 21:
Merritt Country Store – 337 Main Street
Country Deli Store – 332 Wilton Road
Sunoco Food Mart – 240 Riverside Avenue
Westport Shell – 322 Post Road East
Cumberland Farms – 690 Post Road East
Wheels – 786 Post Road East
Westport Cigar & Vape – 1248 Post Road East
Exxon Tiger Mart – 1510 Post Road East
Shell Food Mart – 1530 Post Road East
Mohegan Smoke Shop – 1803 Post Road East
Mercury – 1830 Post Road East
items sold illegally at WP Convenience. (Photo courtesy of Westport Police Department)
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Savvy Kings Highway Elementary School parents (and nannies and other caregivers) know that there’s a way to beat the afternoon car pickup line, which can stretch along Post Road West almost to Norwalk:
Just park in Nash’s Plaza, the small shopping center between the school and the animal hospital.
Make your kid a “walker.” He or she walks a few yards to your car, and you’re outta there.
That does not sit well with the merchants there, who see their patrons’ parking spots taken up every afternoon by non-patrons.
Which is why this sign has appeared there:
What’s next? Carvana, across the very dangerous street?
It would be nice if kids could, um, take the bus.
But with the current school day, some of them get home around midnight.
Westport Community Gardens is accepting applications for membership. Limited space is available for new members. It is distributed on a first come, first served basis.
The site, adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, is a community of people who grow flowers, herbs and vegetables in a sunny, fenced-in (deer-proof) location. Members range age from 5 to 95,
To learn more about the Community Gardens, click here and here. If you’re interested in a plot, click here.
Here’s a sure sign of spring: the 44th annual Minute Man Race is set for Sunday, April 30.
As usual, Compo Beach will hum with family activity for the Westport Young Woman’s League event. 100% of the net profits benefit charities in Westport and Fairfield County.
Since 1956 — even before the long-running (ho ho) event began — the WYWL has distributed over $4 million in grants.
The main events are certified USA Track and Field runs of 10K and 5K, and a 5K walk.
A Kids Fun Run includes a 50 yard dash (ages 3-5), 100 yard dash (6-7), 1/2 mile run (8-9) and mile run (10-12).
The event also features a Kids Zone with fun activities — and for the first time, food trucks during and after the race.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA joins in 5 Days of Action (April 24-28), a campaign that equips and empowers organizations to protect children from sexual abuse.
The Y encourages all adults and organizations to help make the community a safer place. For more information and resources, click here.
There were smiles all around yesterday, as the Westport Rotary Club received the Charles Pettengill Award as “The Best Club in Rotary District 7980.” For non-Rotarians, that’s the 4 coastal counties of Connecticut — 57 clubs in all.
The award recognizes excellence in all 5 areas of service: community, international, youth, vocational and club.
The last 3 COVID years were difficult on all community organizations, but Westport Rotary responded creatively. They held LobsterFest virtually in 2020 — and raised a record amount. The 2021 and ’22 LobsterFests built on that.
More than $250,000 will be distributed to local, regional and international projects from LobsterFest 2022.
So make plans for LobsterFest ’23. Save the date: September 23. Tickets go on sale in July.
From left: Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore present the “Best Rotary Club” citation to Westport Rotary Club president Karl Merganthaller and past president Leslie Robert.
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Sprite Island — looking west from Canal Road on Saugatuck Shores — is the misty subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Thousands of visitors enjoyed 4 days of music, workshops, panels,talks, displays of the Grateful Dead’s Wall of Sound and Alice Cooper artifacts, and much more, at the 2nd annual Westport Library event.
Yesterday’s highlights included a vinyl swap, DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore (the man who created scratching), and a tribute to the 50th anniversary (!) of hip hop in Connecticut.
DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore shows — much larger than life — how he works his turntables. (Photo and hat tip/Matthew Mandell)
VersoFest was a great way to show off the Library’s Trefz Forum, killer sound system and 19-foot screen — and innovative, informative programming.
“Legends Beats and Grooves” panelists, at VersoFest. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Two Westport lawyers are on opposite sides of cases involving — directly and indirectly — former President Trump.
Attorney Joseph Tacopina — whose clients have included the NFL Washington Commanders and team owner Daniel Snyder, Michael Jackson, Alex Rodriguez, Sean Hannity, Don Imus, Kimberly Guilfoyle and rapper A$AP Rocky — has been a zealous defender of the former chief executive.
Speaking on CNN yesterday as a member of his defense team yesterday, Tacopina said he would likely move to dismiss charges. They are expected to be unsealed tomorrow, when Trump is scheduled to be indicted for crimes related to paying hush money to a former porn actress.
His remarks were made remotely from Westport, as a graphic on Dana Bash’s “State of the Union” show noted.
Meanwhile, Stephen Shackelford continues as co-lead counsel for Dominion Voting Systems, in its $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox News.
The Westport RTM member was not on CNN yesterday. But he has been interviewed by them — and other media outlets — as the screenshot below shows.
Speaking of TV: Yes, that was David Briggs you saw on HBO’s “Succession” this weekend.
He had a cameo role, playing a new anchor for the fictional conservative news network ATN.
The Westporter — who in real life has had a long career in television, including CNN — was part of several long days of shooting, at CNBC.
He did not have any lines this time. But — spoiler alert — he will have a speaking role later this season.
David Briggs in “Succession.”
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Last month, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein.
The longtime and very active 75-year-old member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has terminal fallopian tube cancer.
She had just reached a settlement with the state of Vermont. She will be the first non-resident to take advantage of a law that allows people with terminal illnesses to end their own lives.
The New York Times has picked up Lynda’s story, and used it to illustrate the national debate about aid in dying laws. Click here to read the piece.
Lynda Bluestein and her husband Paul. (Photo courtesy of NBC Connecticut)
Mark your calendars: The Westport Library’s spring book sale is May 5-8.
They’ll have thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories, plus vintage children’s and antiquarian books, music CDs, and movie and television DVDs.
Of special interest:
Books donated from the homes of former US cabinet member Joseph Califano; NBC Sports producer Ricky Diamond, and philanthropist and educator Elisabeth Luce Moore, sister of Henry Luce (Time-Life founder). Many of the books in the Califano collection have been signed political, journalist, literatary and entertainment figures.
A collection of works by or about James Joyce.
An extensive collection of history books, especially US and world politics, and World War II.
“Fiction for $1” room: back by popular demand, filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy and young adult fiction, plus paperbacks, just $1 each.
Vinyl records, graphic novels and manga will be available at the Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green from the Library.
Friday, May 5: Noon to 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; almost everything half-price.
Monday, May 8: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: fill a logo bags for $8 (or fill your own equivalent-sized bag for $5), or purchase individual items for half price
Early Access Hours (paid ticket-holders only: Friday, May 5 (8:45 a.m. to noon): Only 125 tickets will be sold; $35 each; online purchase only, beginning April 10, 9 a.m. (click here).
For more information, including high-volume purchases, click here.
To volunteer, click here or email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.
As donations for our new sister city in Lyman, Ukraine surge toward $120,000 — more than halfway to our goal of $250,000 to rebuild 150 homes, provide generators and a water filtration system — our partners in our other (and longtime) sister city of Marigny, France are pitching in.
In 1991, Roger Potier — a Marigny landscape artist — painted a scene of his Normandy town:
Our friends in Marigny have offered it as an auction item. The winning bidder will donate that price to the Lyman fund — and it will be shipped direct to you, from France. The dimensions are 16″ x 12″.
The bidding starts at $1,000, and runs until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, December 24). Click “Comments” below to bid. You do not have to include your real name — but be sure to fill out the email address in the Comment box, so I’ll know who you are!
Meanwhile, to make a non-auction bid: Pleaseclick here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
Meanwhile, we’ll add this thought from 2 noted Westporters.
David Pogue says:
When all a town wants for Christmas is plywood, generators, and drinking water, you know its citizens are in a dire situation.
Our sister city Lyman didn’t ask for this horrific invasion, attack, and devastation; this is a “there but for the grace of God go we” situation.
Let’s give them electricity, water, and tools to rebuild. Let’s show them kindness in a time of desperation. And in this Ukrainian season of devastation, destruction, and death, let’s send them a reminder that compassion and generosity are still alive.
David Pogue urges holiday donations for Lyman.
Ed Gerber adds:
I donated $500 to Ukraine Aid International, because my late father always told me that allowing Hitler to annex the Sudetenland was a horrible mistake that led to World War II.
If we do nothing against “Tsar” Vladimir’s aggression in Ukraine, where will he stop? Next it could be the Baltic States, Finland, Poland, Moldova to name a few undoubtedly on his list. If we do nothing and Putin invades “free” Ukraine, there will be a bloodbath of gargantuan proportions.
Knowing this, if I have an opportunity to help prevent it from happening, and do nothing, it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Please donate – it’s easy!
A petition to review the Hamlet at Saugatuck text and map amendments has been filed with the town clerk.
The action — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent approval of the hotel/retail/and more project on Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place — sends the decision to the Representative Town Meeting.
They have 30 calendar days from yesterday to complete a review. A supermajority of the RTM — 24 members — can vote to overturn the text amendments.
They cannot modify the decision; only vote to uphold or deny.
P&Z chair Danielle Dobin says, “This process is unique to Westport, thanks to our town charter. It is another way in which Westport is special. We are truly the most democratic of towns.
“The RTM review provides another opportunity to discuss the approved text amendment in a public forum, address questions, and tell the story of how the P&Z Commission shaped this proposal to work for Westport.”
Artist’s rendering of a Hamlet at Saugatuck courtyard.
Sean Hannity was deposed in August, in Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox News.
But several statements that emerged Wednesday are making news.
Hannity said he did “not believe … for one second” that Dominion was part of fraud in the 2020 election. Neither did Fox News’ executive vice president, and other high-profile executives at the network.
Those details emerged in Delaware Superior Court. With a high legal standard of proof in defamation cases, Dominion must show a jury “convincing evidence that speaks to the state of mind of those who were making the decisions” at Fox, says the New York Times. (Click here for more details, from NPR.)
The company was arguing this week that they had enough evidence to make that case. Co-lead counsel for Dominion’s legal team is Stephen Shackelford, Jr.
A partner and trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, the Harvard University and Harvard Law School graduate (first in his class) and former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is a Westport resident. He and his wife Stefanie are the parents of 4 school-age children. In his spare time, he serves on Westport’s Representative Town Meeting. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
On Monday, the Orphenians — Staples High School’s elite vocal ensemble — entertained a large Westport Library crowd.
They’ve been part of our music scene for nearly 70 years. This week’s show included holiday selections, and several from their highly regarded fall concert.
The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to enjoy. (Hat tip: John Brandt)
“Newsboy” — a 1954 photograph by Westport resident and Internationally known photographer Larry Silver — has been acquired by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Silver took the now iconic photo as a scholarship student at The Art Center School in LA. Part of a photographic series of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, it has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Westport Art Center.
It’s the first work by Silver to enter the Getty, and complements the work of mid-20th century documentary photographers.
The Joggers Club invites all members — and runners who might become members, and anyone else — to their holiday party.
It’s next Thursday (December 29, 7:30 p.m., Romanacci). Members get a free drink!
The Joggers Club welcomes all levels. The number one goal is to have fun. Everything else is a distant second.
There are fun runs at Compo Beach every Saturday at 8 p.m.; track nights at Norwalk High School on Wednesdays (6:15 p.m.), and Joggers Club Jr. (kindergarten through high school) coming this spring.
Membership ($50 per year) includes a Brooks podium racing shirt for all new members.
For more information click here; check out The Joggers Club on Facebook or Strava, or follow on Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.ct).
Alan Mande — a 1963 Staples High School graduate, and former Grateful Dead sound engineer — died suddenly at his Mount Shasta, California home last month. He was 77.
The Brooklyn native moved with his family to Westport at age 5. His mother Frances still lives here. Alan was active in Staples Players.
He majored in theater arts at Brandeis University, then spent 2 years at the Yale School of Drama.
Alan took his Players and Westport Country Playhouse stage skills to join Bill Graham’s Fillmore East sound crew as an engineer. He worked on shows like Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies’ New Year’s Eve show in 1970, and others by the Allman Brothers and Crosby Still Nash & Young.
In 1969 Alan’s life changed forever when, while working at the Fillmore East concert venue, he discovered the Grateful Dead. They inspired him to move to California in 1970, where he worked as a sound engineer and stage manager for the Firehouse Theater. In 1971 he met his future wife Nancy, in San Rafael.
Alan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy from Lone Mountain College. He spent 31 years as a state-licensed MFT.
Alan was involved in many Mount Shasta activities. He assisted with numerous youth theater productions and coached Little League.
Alan’s passion for the Grateful Dead continued throughout his life. He was a prolific collector and archiver of tapes. He is cited in many articles, books and forums as one of the sound engineers who originated the tradition of “stealth taping” and distributing recordings to the larger community, assuring their posterity.
He loved music, theater, children, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco sports teams, and chocolate
Alan is survived by his mother Frances, sister Susan, brother Jerry, and children Molly and Caton. Contributions in his name can be made to the Jerry Garcia Foundation.
Alan Mande. Yes, that is Jerry Garcia at the center of the steering wheel.
Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Wendy Crowther.
She explains: “I was taking a photo of birds swarming my birdfeeders yesterday (perhaps sensing the big storm and deep freeze coming in). Suddenly, something big flashed by my lens causing the birds to scatter.
“I looked up to see this hawk sitting on a low branch 10 feet from the feeder. It waited, changing perches, in hopes an unsuspecting bird would return to the feeder. None did. The hawk eventually flew off.
“As best as I can tell, this is a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk, or a juvenile Cooper’s hawk. Both species prey on birds and other small animals. Like all juveniles, practice will make perfect. But hopefully not at my birdfeeder, and especially not while I’m watching.”
And finally … Wendy Crowther’s photo of the hawk (above) — and today’s wind — remind me of Lou Rawls’ “Dead End Street.”
Why? Well, it begins:
I was born in a city the called the “Windy City” And they call it the “Windy City” because of the ‘Hawk.” All mighty Hawk, Talking about Mr. Wind — kind of mean around winter time
It’s a great song. Give it a listen — and stay warm and dry.
(Got nothing to do today, with the rain coming down, all the Christmas presents wrapped, the tree trimmed and everything else taken care of? Please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
In 2007, Stephen Shackelford spent an afternoon with Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The Harvard Law School graduate was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. It’s a tradition for justices to get to know their colleagues’ clerks. Ginsburg did it by inviting them to her chambers, for tea.
Stephen Shackelford
Shackelford — now a Westport resident, and RTM District 8 representative — has fond memories of that day, and of watching the well-respected justice interact with her colleagues (and his boss) that year.
After her death yesterday, news stories have focused on several aspects of her style on the bench. She was “rigorously analytical and very hard-working,” Shackelford says. “She expected excellence.”
She spoke deliberately, he adds. There were long pauses during that tea, but she was very open with the clerks. It was clear she loved both the law, and her job.
“Justice Breyer loved her” in return, Shackelford says. “He had such strong respect for her. I think all the justices did.”
In fact, Shackelford notes, Ginsburg’s much-noted friendship with Justice Antonin Scalia was very real.
The year Shackelford clerked for Breyer, his justice and Ginsburg “lost a record number of 5-4 decisions,” he says.
However, the 9 justices “never got acrimonious or personal.” He thinks part of that was due to the example Ginsburg and Scalia set.
“She saw him as far more than his judicial positions. She saw him — and her colleagues — as real human beings. That was so important for everyone to see.”
(Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Local artist Stephen Goldstein’s “Ruth Bader Ginsburg” is on display at the PopT’Art gallery in downtown Westport.
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