When Lou Kitchner — the beloved Bedford Middle School band director — lost his son in an automobile accident 7 years ago, the community rallied around.
Once again, others are trying to help him.
His 3-year-old granddaughter has been diagnosed with strabismus in both eyes. Her condition is progressing quickly. Without corrective surgery, she risks losing her vision.
On the day before Christmas — as kids everywhere were thinking of reindeer — 2 Westport deer got entangled together, with soccer netting, around Burr Farms Road.
It could have been tragic. But Wildlife in Crisis intake director Peter Reid arrived, and assessed the situation in his typical calm, knowledgeable way.
As he planned his strategy, the bucks did a thrust away from each other, freeing one deer.
However, netting was still wrapped around the leg and antlers of the other. Hopefully, he will free his leg, and that his antlers will soon fall off.
Julie Loparo, president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, urges Westporters to be aware of the hazards to wildlife presented by soccer and other outdoor nets.
Meanwhile, Reid — in his other role, as Westport’s animal control officer — is pursuing a tranquilizing program, for use in situations like this.
Susan O’Brien is a social worker, with a private practice in Westport. She writes:
“I regularly observe the heightened level of stress parents experience during this busy time of year. Calendars quickly fill with school events, social obligations and holiday preparations, often leaving parents feeling stretched thin. While these activities can be meaningful, it is important to remember that children value undivided attention far more than any gift or perfectly planned experience.
“I often encourage parents to focus on fostering meaningful connections with their children. One simple yet powerful recommendation is to spend just ten minutes a day in uninterrupted time together—free from phones, distractions, and schedules. During this time, allow your child to lead the play or activity. This creates a space for genuine interaction, emotional attunement, and connection.
“Quality, not quantity, is what matters most. Choosing one intentional activity—such as taking a quiet walk, reading together, or visiting the library—can have a profound impact. These moments communicate to children that they are seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, what children need most is not more doing, but more presence.
“By prioritizing quality time and meaningful interactions, parents can strengthen their bond with their children and create lasting memories, even amid the holiday hustle.”
Susan O’Brien
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Among the Christmas Eve traditions observed last night in some Westport homes: the Feast of the 7 Fishes.
But those fishes don’t magically appear on plates. The meal takes plenty of preparation … including this, captured by Molly Alger yesterday at Superior Seafood:
Posted onMarch 22, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
Westport artist Mark Yurkiw has created over 2,000 “story-telling sculptures” during his 50-year career.
They’ve been seen on TV, films and billboards, and in magazines and newspapers.
Several are now on display at the Senior Center. They make visitors engage, think and smile.
But they do a lot more too. All are available for purchase.
Donations will help ship another 40-foot container of medical equipment to Ukraine. This is the 6th time Yurkiw has done this, for his country of ancestry.
The equipment is in a warehouse, waiting for $7,800 to be raised. In addition to sculpture sales at the Senior Center, tax-deductible contributions can be made by clicking here. Include the words “For shipping” with donations.
But that’s not all.
Yurkiw is also collecting generators, chain saws and tools for auto repairs. All are also desperately needed in Ukraine.
They can be dropped off by the garage doors at 190 Cross Highway. To arrange pickup, call 646-873-0050.
Over 200 Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and guests, heard US Representative Jim Himes address many important issues on Thursday.
Among the topics: tariffs, international relations, US support of Ukraine, the Mideast, Social Security, Medicare, the balance of power between the 3 branches of governmentn and much more.
Click below, to hear our congressman’s take on the world.
Yesterday, “06880” reported on the decision by Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo to replace the handsome metal Block “S” honor — the highest honor for any Wrecker, awarded to 2 athletes on every varsity team, for over 70 years — with much less expensive, generic plaques.
The story included a photo of a typical Block “S”:
But it did not show the replacement. For comparison, here is what athletes this year receive:
Sarullo responded to “06880” yesterday. He said, “The decision was made last summer. I did not hear any complaints until this week.
“We are talking to the company that makes the Block ‘S’ awards, to see how creative we can be.”
Addressing public concerns about the change, he added, “We are not taking this lightly. I hope everyone will be patient. We’ll see what we can do.”
The new restaurant — with a Main Street address, but whose main entrance is off Elm Street, opposite Serena & Lily — was packed, for a special soft opening party last night.
WVEMS deputy director Marc Hartog and his granddaughter enjoy Sushi Jin. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)
The sushi, dumplings and other menu items, well-stocked bar, and warm, welcoming Japanese-style decor have all the markings of the town’s newest hot spot.
Sushi Jin chefs at work. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The official opening is tomorrow (Sunday).
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, around the corner at Bedford Square, The Blondinit Israeli restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Shabbat candle lighting ceremony.
Families wait for candle lighting at The Blondinit. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A national audience knows Craig Melvin as the new host of NBC’s “Today” show.
Westporters know him as a youth basketball coach, and an owner of the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
Tomorrow (Sunday, 3 p.m.), he’ll step onto the Norwalk Concert Hall stage. He’ll narrate the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” The work closes with the famous words: “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Also on the bill: “American in Paris, “Afro-American Symphony,” “Barber of Seville Overture” and more. Click here for more details.
Craig Melvin
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“Southern Fried” — the best in classic rock, blues and R&B — takes over the VFW tonight (March 22, 7 p.m. doors opoen, music at 8 p.m.).
Matt Zako and Barn Brew Co. promise “a night of great tunes, cold drinks, and fun with friends.”
Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 at the door.
Plus: The first draft beer is free. Now that’s Southern hospitality!
For 14 years, longtime Westporter Peter Bradeen and his son Peter Jr. have jumped into Long Island Sound long before the rest of us. His other sons, Ethan and Luke, are regulars too.
They’ve joined a fundraiser for Connecticut Special Olympics. More than 12,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports, and participate in 4 annual state games.
This year’s event is April 6 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield).To help Peter Jr. reach his goal, click here.
In the wake of a second discovery of a swastika in a Weston school, 2 Westport rabbis, and the pastors of 2 Weston churches, issued this statement:
“Echoing the words used by Weston Board of Education chair Steve Ezzes in his recent message, we too are ‘full of sadness and frustration’ at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.
“Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.
“Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.
“We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.
“As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.
“In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.
“We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.
“We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.
“Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.”
L’shalom — in peace,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue
In Solidarity,
Rev. Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Rev. Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church
And finally … Stephen Sondheim was born on this date, 95 years ago. He died in 2021 — 71 years after spending the summer as an apprentice at the Westport Country Playhouse.
There are so many great songs to choose from. Here are 3 — all starting with his initials, “S.”
(“Isn’t it rich …” Hey, we couldn’t resist using that line to remind readers that “06880” relies on your support. Please click here to help us continue our work. No clowning around. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
The Board of Finance will hold public hearings soon about proposed 2025-26 budgets.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein present their budget on March 24. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers the town budget on March 25. Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
The sessions will be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed on the town website. (On the website, select “How Do I” heading, then “Watch Town Meetings”.)
Last month, Westporters were invited to a presentation about the proposed public safety complex. The new facility would bring the Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services, under one roof.
The site most often mentioned is on the Sherwood Island Connector. On April 3 (1 p.m.), residents are invited to the I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot, to tour the location, view site maps and provide feedback.
Town officials, project planners and public safety representatives will answer questions and provide details about the project’s goals and benefits to the community.
Questions? Call Fire Chief Nick Marsan at (203) 341-5000, or email nmarsan@westportct.gov.
The meeting place for the April 3 tour of a proposed public safety facility: the I-95 Exit commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector. The entrance would be just north of this site.
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The Westport Library was packed yesterday, for the Westport Book Shop’s annual benefit.
Since opening across Jesup Green from the Library 2021, the store has provided over 8,750 hours of paid part-time employment and job training for more than a dozen people with disabilities.
Employees learning and use skills — from retail to computer and photography — that are transferable to other environments, and interact often with customers.
Meanwhile, book sales have also generated more than $200,000 for the Library.
The benefit supported both the Westport Book Shop and the Library. There was entertainment from the Staples Jazz Ensemble, plenty of food and drink, and silent and live auctions.
All the employees were there, proudly helping out.
And every attendee got a book, signed by prolific author Ed McBain.
Westport Book Shop employee Bella Rizzi greeted guests. She sat behind a book that had been made into an artful vase. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A sneak peek at the new Main Street restaurant comes next Friday (March 21, 5:30 p.m.).
Coldwell Banker’s Judy Michaelis is hosting a pre-opening celebration. And as guests enjoy the very intriguing menu, they’ll also be doing something good.
100% of all ticket proceeds go to Westport EMS. For those who don’t know: Our fantastic Emergency Medical Service has to pay for everthing. Ambulances, fly cars, medical equipment, medications, training for the current and next generation of volunteer EMTs serving the community, even Band-Aids — they fund it all. (The price for an ambulance these days is about $400,000, if that helps you plan a donation.)
Click here for tickets, and more information. See you at Sushi Jin!
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Just around the corner from Sushi Jin, the Levitt is getting ready for its opening.
It’s been around a lot longer — more than 50 years — and it knows how to put on a show.
Umphrey’s McGee (July 11). Ticket sales for the eclectic improv-rock band start at 10 a.m. today (Friday).
Tickets are on sale now for I’m With Her, with Ken Pomeroy. The highly regarded folk trio offers a VIP experience: early admission to the show, a stripped-down intimate short performance, and a Q-and-A.
As always, members enjoy discounts and pre-sales on paid-ticket programming — while helping support the 50-plus nights of free shows. Click here for details.
Six large photos by New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynsey Addario are on display at the Senior Center.
They’re part of the 1991 Staples High School graduate’s series “Veiled Rebellion,” depicting many facets of women’s lives in Afghanistan. Other works from the series hang at the Westport Library, Staples and Town Hall.
On Wednesday, Westport Public Art Collections member Jilda Manikas gave a presentation about the photographer and her photos, at the Senior Center.
Lynsey’s proud mother Camille was there. She answered questions from the audience, including about Lynsey’s recent work in Ukraine.
(Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
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You’re never too young to help others.
The Greens Farms Elementary School Long Neck Leaders — a leadership group of students in grades 3-5 — recently created a community fundraiser to support Rach’s Hope.
The non-profit honors Rachel Doran, a member of the GFS class of 2008. Her sister Ellie also attended Greens Farms.
Their mother, Lisa Doran, is a GFS literacy coach. The Long Neck Leaders invited her to teach them about the charity, which helps families weather the storm of a child’s critical illness.
The students then promoted an all-school pajama day. (Rachel made and sold PJs in local shops, a project she started during elementary school.)
The PJ Day raised $1,300 — much of it thanks to the personal connections the students felt.
The Dorans look forward to Rach’s Hope’s adult fundraiser. The 2025 PJ Gala is March 29 (FTC, Fairfield). The evening includes live music, great food, and plenty of love and hope. For tickets and more information, click here.
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Chris Dobransky has developed a devoted Instagram following, for his recipes and reviews.
He and his family order regularly from Ed’s Fusion, the Italian-and-Mexican spot across from Stop & Shop. He likes the friendly family feel.
Chris wants “06880” readers to know about a new item: birria.
The Mexican dish dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors introduced domesticated livestock, including goats, to Mexico.
Ed’s Fusion’s birria is made with tender beef brisket, Chris says. It’s cooked for over 6 hours on low heat in a broth with a “secret: blend of spices. There are several forms, including tacos, but quesadillas, calzones and pizza.
Each birria item comes with green chile and habanero sauces, and a spiced consomme.
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