Just in time for the (start of the) holiday season, 3 dozen artists are selling over 100 works, in (almost) countless styles.
The Artists Collective of Westport event (Sunday, October 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jesup Green parking lot) offers many opportunities for gifts — or to keep for yourself.
The artists are happy to talk about their inspiration, creative process (and future commissions).
It’s been proven that exercise helps mental health.
It also helps raise money, for groups like Positive Directions, the Westport non-profit that offers prevention, counseling and recovery support to individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders.
On November 16 (2 to 4 p.m., Mojo Fitness Center behind VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), fitness powerhouses Rhodie Lorenz and Mo Prester lead a cycle fundraiser.
It costs $90 to participate. Riders can go solo, or form a team of up to 3 people for a 45-minute ride.
The suggested fundraising goal is $300 per team. Click here to register, and for more information.
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities’ next event is a Halloween-themed bingo night (October 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Senior Center).
“Witches’ subs” and “mac ‘n’ cheese cauldron” are on the menu.
Costumes (or Club203 logowear) are encouraged. Click here for more information.
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AWARE is a hard-working, hands-on, life-changing organization. Every year, they partner with a worthy local non-profit. AWARE’s volunteers learn about their cause, develop friendships with its members, spend plenty of time helping, and raise money for it.
(The acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education.)
Last year, AWARE worked with Her Time. It’s the women’s division of Hang Time, which unites ex-offenders, community leaders and local residents in Bridgeport, New Haven and Waterbury for discussions that enlighten and inspire.
Meetings provide a space for people impacted by incarceration (their own or that of a family member) to find encouragement and community as they rebuild their lives.
In 10 years:
9,000 people have attended Hang & Her Time sessions
1,400 have been connected to employment, education or other social services
31 students seeking higher education to break the cycle of familial incarceration have been provided academic scholarships.
Over 365 high school students have participated in youth mentoring
Hang Time has engaged with over 1,458 law enforcement and federal prosecutors on advocacy and judicial reform
Over 95% of Hang Time regular attendees have not returned to prison.
Though AWARE’s year with Her Time has ended, they’re still promoting the group’s good works.
On October 24 (6 p.m., Elicit Brewin Company, Fairfield), Hang Time celebrates its 10th anniversary, with heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks and dancing. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Early morning leaves frame an early morning exerciser, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Many one-hit wonders are legit songs (“Eve of Destruction,” “Classical Gas,” “Spirit in the Sky”).
But others are just weird. How, you wonder, could these have sold one record — let alone climbed to Number One?
These 5 popped into my head.
We’d like to hear yours. Click “Comments” below.
(“06880” is not a one-hit wonder. We’ve been here 15 years; we’ve published over 17,000 posts, and we haven’t missed a day. But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
Everyone has a favorite Westport place: Compo Beach. The Library. Farmer’s Market. Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. Museum for History & Culture.
This Saturday (September 28, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Church), all those special spots will be honored.
The Westport Garden Club’s 100th anniversary flower show — called “Westport’s Town Treasures” — is their first official National Garden Clubs-sanctioned flower show in 19 years.
Westport Garden Club, at Jesup Green.
Members spent the last 2 years learning official rules, planning and practicing to create the event, and craft a program that pays tribute to the town they have worked a century to beautify.
Hoskins Hall at Saugatuck Church (another town treasure) will be transformed by exhibits in horticulture, floral design, photography and education.
In keeping with the theme, 4 Westport environmental groups — Aspetuck Land Trust, Earthplace, Friends of Sherwood Island and the town’s Conservation Department — will offer educational exhibits, highlighting how each has enhanced Westport’s Pollinator Pathway.
The photography exhibits, provided by amateur photographers from around the state, honor treasured local resources”:
The Community Garden: A photograph of a landscape or a garden.
The Saugatuck River: A photograph of a plant or tree reflected in a body of water.
Burying Hill: A photograph with a beach setting that includes plant material.
Staples Players: A photograph of a butterfly, moth or dragon fly in a garden setting.
The Photography division will be judged by Westport professionals Stacy Waldman Bass and John Videler (along with an official Flower Show judge).
Even the show’s program cover art fits the theme. It is an original work of art created for the show by former Westport teacher and artist Kerstin Rao. She offers limited edition tea towels and notecards, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the garden club.
Kerstin Rao’s program cover.
The suggested donation is $10, which go toward the club’s community projects. Donors will receive a copy of the commemorative 100th anniversary booklet. and a chance to win a gift card from 2 more recent Westport favorites: Nômade and Gabriele’s Steakhouse.
(The Westport Garden Club is 85 years older than “06880.” But we’re proud to report on treasures like it — and younger ones too. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Lynn Flint wrote yesterday: “The ground ozone count for today in Westport is 122 (way high).
“Anything above 70 is considered USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Normal is around 10.
“The same high count is forecast for Friday.
“This condition is invisible, not like forest fire smoke. I’ve noticed it the last few days whenever I was outside my eyes started to burn, my vision became blurry, and I started to cough vigorously.”
Be careful out there!
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A reader writes: “Students graduating during the COVID lockdown in 2020 were denied graduation ceremonies, and the accompanying fanfare and celebrations.
“To create alternative markers of these students’ accomplishments, schools produced and distributed lawn signs for each graduate’s family to display.
“Now, 4 years later, I see lawn signs for Staples, Bedford, even Goddard School graduates. Why?
“Can we please stop, for the sake of our landfills? Graduates are able once again to celebrate and be celebrated.
“So let’s end the practice of producing plastic signs that do not get recycled. biodegrade or do anything useful.”
A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for this coming Monday (June 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).
The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.
Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Only 2 athletic facilities in Westport — Paul Lane Field at Staples High School, and PJ Roman Field behind Saugatuck Elementary — have lights.
That may change.
Now that a 10-year agreement with Staples neighbors has expired — and with more demands on fields than ever, due to the growth of sports like rugby and girls lacrosse — discussions are beginning about lighting more places.
The Planning & Zoning Commission Recreation Subcommittee meets next Thursday (June 27, noon, Zoom; click here for the town website livestream).
The agenda includes:
Review of participant feedback on athletic field lighting for properties (seen here).
Discussion of temporary vs. permanent lighting, and times of the day.
Discussion of the next steps in implementing athletic field lighting.
Paul Lane Field (lower right) is Staples’ only lighted athletic facility. the baseball diamond, and adjacent Albie Loeffler Field and Jinny Park Field are not. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tickets for Billie Jean King’s appearance at the 25th annual “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s signature fundraiser (September 12) — go on sale Monday, July 15, at 10 am.
Speaking of summer: It was the solstice — and a full moon last night.
Dalma Heyn captured the scene, at Old Mill Beach:
(Photo/Dalma Heyn)
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Congratulations to Katie Augustyn. The longtime Westporter is the Sunrise Rotary Club’s new president for 2024-25. She was inducted Wednesday.
Katie Augustyn (center), at her Sunrise Rotary presidency induction. Looking on are the 2023-24 president Liz Wong, and Robert Friend, Rotary district governor.
The former marketing manager of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — who is also a film director and musician — has been named director of operations and new initiatives at WPKN, Bridgeport’s free-form, listener-supported FM radio station.
At Verso Studios, Toller helped develop the mission, partnerships, and programming and marketing efforts.
Brendan Toller (Photo/Michael Civitello)
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Jianmei “Jamie” Zheng died June 14 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with her family by her side, after a battle with lymphoma. She was 61.
She was born in China. After she and Ping Zhou married in 1986, Jamie earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
They and their 2 children eventually settled in Westport, where they lived for the past 18 years.
Jamie was a lifelong enthusiast of music and the arts. As a girls she performed traditional Chinese dance onstage, and later developed a love for classical music and opera. She followed that passion through world travel. Locally, she enjoyed MoCA CT, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theatre, the Music Theatre of Connecticut and Fairfield University’s Quick Center.
Jamie practiced yoga, and was a founding member of a book club. She also found great happiness at Sherwood Island State Park, and relished in her daughter’s accomplishments.
In addition to her beloved husband Ping of 38 years, Jamie is survived by her daughters Connie (Scott) and Katie, and brothers Jianquan and Jianbin.
A memorial service is set for June 29 (11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jamie’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Jamie Zheng
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While Westporters sweltered, these swans enjoyed cool Lees Pond.
Amy Swanson spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
After several hours of debate, the Representative Town Meeting voted 25-10 last night to appropriate $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to proceed with the redesign of Parker Harding Plaza and Jesup Green.
A majority of members felt that the vote was necessary to move the project forward.
They noted that specific votes on, for example, removing trees from Jesup Green and adding a parking deck at the Baldwin lot or elsewhere could come later, once the funds have been appropriated.
Many RTM members indicated that although they approved this appropriation, they would not vote for removing trees from Jesup Green.
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser told “06880”: “We are 36 people and we seldom come away all happy from a discussion. We reached a place which 25 of us could support, and we kept the process going. And before one chain saw is started, we will have a chance to stop it.
‘The RTM expressed great concern about touching Jesup Green. The RTM got a commitment from the (Tooker) administration to look at the feasibility of parking structures in 3 locations.
“The RTM was told that it would be a year before any plans were solidified to begin construction. The RTM was told that the design will be coordinated with the current review of options for the public safety facilities — which could involve the relocation of the Police Department.”
Meanwhile, a new twist in the downtown parking saga was introduced Monday at Superior Court in Bridgeport.
A lawsuit filed by the owners of 3 downtown businesses — Nômade restaurant, Honeydo Family and Elixir Spa — asked the court to overturn and deny the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent approval of the town’s 8-24 request to redesign the Parker Harding and Imperial Avenue parking lots.
The lawsuit has a return date of June 4.
Redesign of Parker Harding Plaza may be slowed by a lawsuit.
Six days after a gasoline tanker fire shut I-95 — and 3 days after the highway was reopened — traffic backups returned to Westport.
This time an accident in Fairfield snarled backroads like Long Lots throughout the east part of town. This was the scene crossing Morningside Drive South on Hillandale Road, in heavy rain:
I included the wrong link yesterday for our new video feature, hosted and produced by Dave Briggs.
It showed just a snipped of the JL Rocks Instagram — not the full 90-second story. Click here to see what I meant to post. Click here for yesterday’s story, introducing Dave’s great work.
Voting is still open to choose a name for our new feature: Which do you prefer: “Vide-06880” or “0688Vide-0“? (The final choice won’t include the hyphens.) Click “Comments” below.
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee holds a public meeting tomorrow (Thursday, May 9, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201). Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available. The email address is DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.
The agenda includes the downtown lots design master plan; Parker Harding status, and the Jesup and Imperial lots.
The Parker Harding Plaz plan.
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The bear that was spotted near Merritt Parkway Exit 41 a few days ago — or perhaps another one — was seen yesterday morning around Evergreen Parkway and Tamarac Road.
At both places, it — or they — knocked over bird feeders.
Screenshot from Jeffrey Cuff’s Ring video.
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The Staples High School Skate Club appreciates the Compo Beach Skate Park.
But they know it needs work.
Members, and advisor Jesse Bauks, have worked with Westport Parks & Recreation parks superintendent Mike West, and the owner of Rampage Skate Equipment, to demolish and replace the large ramp.
They also took time from practicing tricks and flips, to raise funds. Among their projects: concerts at Toquet Hall, with local bands The Corduroys and Dulcit.
The Skate Club is donating $1,000 to Parks & Rec for additional repairs and maintenance.
Staples Skate Club (top row, left to right): Tiffany Cheng, Olivia Zhou, Julian Saitz, Kelpin Ramos, JC Ubaldo, Nicolas Blanco. Bottom:: Kimberly Cheng, Freddie Aldridge (president), Juan Nieves, Ally Russell-Laga, Tiffany Cheng, Nora Ismael-Bakkali.
Does Mom want a box of farm-fresh food for Mother’s Day? (It’s Sunday, dudes!)
The day before — Saturday, May 11 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), everyone is invited to Double L. The Post Road East market — beloved for its commitment to clean, healthy goods from local farms and artisans — hosts a “Build a Box” event.
Everyone is invited to create a special food box, from a curated mix of signature products (“boxed in a thoughtful presentation”).
The Westport Garden Club has a long history at Grace Salmon Park.
The former unsightly landfill became a park in 1977 through the club’s fundraising efforts, elbow grease, and partnerships throughout the town. The club continues to maintain its gardens, and recently renovated the plantings as part of Westport’s Pollinator Pathway.
For the club’s 100th anniversary, current and past president chose Grace Salmon Park to commemorate a century of civic beautification.
With the help of Mark Bolduc of Giunta-Bolduc Mason Contractors, and Gault Stone & Landscaping, a sundial was installed in the garden this week.
As members gear up for their annual plant sale on Jesup Green this Saturday, they invite residents to stop by the nearby Imperial Avenue park, and enjoy its newest addition.
The sundial looks like it’s always been part of Grace Salmon Park.
Yale University won its first-ever women’s lacrosse Ivy League championship on Sunday.
And they have an athlete with Westport connections to thank.
Taylor Lane scored the game-winner in overtime against the University of Pennsylvania, after the Bulldogs battled back from a 9-5 4th-quarter deficit. The tying goal came with just 5 seconds left.
Lane — a Greenwich Academy graduate — has great genes. Her father, Peter Lane, was a noted Staples High School quarterback, in the 1980s. His father — Taylor’s grandfather, Paul Lane — was the Wreckers’ longtime football coach. Staples’ stadium is now named in his honor.
One more connection: Taylor’s first cousin is Max Maurillo. He made the goal line, game-saving tackle last fall, to clinch Staples’ state football championship.
Yale starts its NCAA title quest Friday, at home (1 p.m.). (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)
— Yale Women's Lacrosse (@YaleWLacrosse) May 5, 2024
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Speaking of athletes: Kate Lesch was a star soccer player, in Staples’ Class of 2016. She moved to New Hampshire before graduating, then headed to Washington & Lee University.
Now she’s written her first novel. The official publication date is today.
“A Summer in Nixie” is a teen and young adult coming of age story. It’s about a girl’s last summer before college, a best friend she didn’t know she needed, back porch conversations with her mom, and a guy she doesn’t want to get involved with, but can’t get out of her head.
Speaking of Staples: The school has announced its May Students of the Month.
Senior Logan Manchester, juniors Julianna Gallo and Willian Vanamee, sophomore Zoe Glekas and Asher Vengrow, and freshman Ellary Lueker “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.”
From left: Logan Manchester, Asher Vengrow, Julianna Gallo, Ellary Lueker , Zoe Glekas, William Vanamee.
================================================= Sconset Square’s Penfield Collective welcomes NeverNot, a fine jewelry brand from London, for a one-day show (May 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
NeverNot’s Nina Dzhokhadze designs whimsical jewelry for everyday wear. Stock lists include The Webster, Nordstrom, Farfetch, Moda Operandi and Goop.
NeverNot says Westport was chosen because of our “fashion forward, colorful and whimsical shoppers….Our sunglasses and suitcases (will) perfectly complement the holiday vibes Westport women enjoy all year round.”
NeverNot jewelry.
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The Greens Farms Association’s annual meeting is May 15 (7 p.m.; Green’s Farms Church). The guest speaker is First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club speaker was Angela Pohlen, executive director of the Catholic Academy of Bridgeport.
She spoke about their high level of excellence, including a merit pay program that incentivizes teachers to excel. Almost 100% of graduates go on to college or other post-graduate education.
Angela Pohlen
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Today’s very intriguing “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the very alert nature photographer Johanna Keyser Rossi, at Sherwood Island State Park. She writes:
“From a distance I thought these were turkeys. But then I saw the long beak. First time I ever saw these kind of birds — glossy ibises.”
… and writes: “I drove by this today. I took it down. Horrified.
“I am Jewish. I attended Columbia a few decades ago. I am distraught. Then this, where I live.
“It was defaced on the highly trafficked corner of Cross Highway and North Avenue.
“I drove by it on my way to drop my child off at an after-school activity. I did not want to stop with my child in the car. So I left it there.
“I drove back 20 minutes later to retrieve it. How did people drive by this for 20 minutes and not remove it?
“I hoped beyond hope it would be gone before I got back, but it wasn’t. It was there. How many people drove by and didn’t stop? How could someone do this in the first place? It is now in the Westport Police’s hands.”
35 Staples High School students and 6 teachers recently returned from 12 days of cultural and artistic immersion in Italy and France.
Led by Stephen Zimmerman, town-wide coordinator of music and visual arts, the itinerary was packed with visits to renowned art museums including the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence, the Guggenheim in Venice, and Musée d’Orsay and Louvre in Paris.
Students also participated in hands-on activities, such as a fresco art workshop in Florence and an impressionist painting class in Paris.
Staples art students, at a fresco class.
The trip also included guided tours of landmarks like the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Vatican City. The group took gondola rides in Venice, and exploring the streets of Burano, Florence and Paris.
“This trip was an opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of art and culture,” says Zimmerman.
“By experiencing these iconic works of art firsthand, students gained a deeper appreciation for the scale, texture, color, and more.”
There are not many “Rosie the Riveters” left, in 2024.
But one of the originals — women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II — will speak at the Connecticut Air & Space Center in Stratford on May 1 (5 p.m.; $25 tickets, children under 12 free).
And (of course) there’s a Westport connection.
This Rosie — Jean Hunt Tucker — is 99 years old. Her father built the house on Imperial Avenue that she grew up in. It’s where Sharon Levin — who told “06880” about the event — now lives.
“Rosie” will talk about her important work at Chance Vought Aircraft in Stratford.
Beginning at age 18, Jean made drawings of parts for electrical installations — without ever seeing the actual equipment. She also worked on fuselages.
Chance Vought sent her to the Academy of Aeronautics, near La Guardia Airport, to train women entering the industry.
In 1945 Joan entered Northeastern University, as one of its first class of women.
She married in 1949. When the company moved to Dallas, she stayed here. She earned a degree in industrial engineering, and taught math for 38 years in 3 states and 2 foreign countries.
Click here for more details, on Westport’s own Rosie the Riveter.
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“06880”: where Westport meets Talladega.
Last weekend, 2007 Staples High School graduate — now vice president of marketing at Liquid Death (and an Ad Age “40 Under 40” honoree) — was at the Alabama Super Speedway to announce his company as the official iced tea sponsor of NASCAR.
But wait! There’s more! He met his friend, Staples ’09 grad Parker Kligerman, the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver.
Kligerman drives the #48 Chevrolet Camaro for Big Machine Racing. When he’s not behind the wheel, he’s a NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports.
Greg Fass, Parker Kligerman and NASCAR’s official iced tea.
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The always-popular Westport Woman’s Club’s “pop-up art show” is set for Friday, May 3 (5 to 7 p.m., opening reception) and Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Curated by Miggs Burroughs, the event features many local artists. Over 200 works, including paintings, mixed media and ceramics, are available for purchase. Prices range from $50 to $1,500.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. Refreshments will be served. Curated by Westport Artist Miggs Burroughs, this popular show features a variety of local artists whose works are available for purchase.
Among the artists and works at the Westport Woman’s Club show.
Alert “06880” reader Paul Rohan was curious about the pavement-grading activity to the right of the northbound entrance at I-95 Exit 18.
He asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who serves on the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
A representative from Steinberg’s office said that the property near the Sherwood Island Connector is a “reuse stockpile area.” It is a hub for storing dirt and gravel salvaged from the Norwalk WALK railroad bridge site, allowing the contractor to minimize waste and disposal.
The materials are “carefully inspected, sorted, and organized for future use on the WALK Bridge and related projects. Repurposing these materials instead of disposing of them reduces waste and contributes to environmental sustainability.”
Materials salvaged from the Norwalk railroad bridge work are being stockpiled near I-95 Exit 18 in Westport.
Speaking of bridges: Yesterday’s “06880” floated a what’s-old-is-new-again idea: the possibility of a “new” Cribari bridge similar to the temporary one built in the early 1990s, during the span’s last major renovation.
Alert “06880” reader Gloria Gouveia goes back more than a century before that. She sends along this rendering of plans for the original bridge, built in the 1880s:
Hey, it looks better with holiday lights.
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The Westport Garden Club, Westport Library and Westport Arts Advisory Committee announces the winners of their Youth Poetry Contest, for students in grades K-9.
The winning poems are “Forever Awake” by Tessa Lederer (Grade 4) and “Thoughts on a Fresh Spring Day” by Katya Bank (Grade 9).
The theme for the 2024 contest was “I Spy with My Little Eye, Something Green Outside — Celebrating Our Green World.”
But that’s not all. Both young poets won first place in their grade at the state level. They now advance to The New England Garden Clubs’ regional contest. Those final selections will be submitted for National Garden Club awards.
Tessa and Katya will be honored at the Library this Sunday (2 p.m.).
Their readings will be followed by a poetry workshop with town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee. Attendees will be invited to write their own poems, inspired by natural materials provided by The Westport Garden Club.
The event is free and open to the public.
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The Saugatuck Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (April 28, 3 p.m.) with “When Music Connects Us.”
Performers include The Naugatuck Valley Chorale — an ensemble of students and community members — and the Western Connecticut State University Chamber Singers.
The concert is free, and the public is invited. A reception will follow.
Two groups perform Sunday at the Saugatuck Church.
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Many Westporters use “Hair of the Dog” — just over the Southport border, near I-95 Exit 19 — for pet grooming, walking and sitting.
The owner, his wife and their 4 children have been displaced, after a kitchen fire at their Fairfield home last week. The contents of their home are a total loss.
The owner suffered serious burns on his hands and face, and may take a year to fully heal.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with housing, clothes, furniture and other expenses. Click here to read more, and contribute. (Hat tip: Seth Schachter)
And finally … in honor of the Rosie the Riveter (story above):
(“06880” is your go-to source for all things Westport. But we rely on our readers for help. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
This is a big year for Westport civic centennials.
Last month, the Rotary Club celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding.
This month, it’s the Westport Garden Club’s turn.
April marks one full century since 10 Westporters — 8 women and 2 men — met, at the suggestion of Nevada Hitchcock and Amelia Cutler, to form a garden club.
Two months later, in June, 19 more women were recommended for membership. They included names that are still familiar: Wakeman, Coley, Bradley and Staples.
Sara Crawford, Connecticut’s first female Secretary of the State, was an early member too.
Garden Club founders Nevada Hitchcock and Amelia Cutler.
The club’s first project was the installation of a memory garden at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
Since then, the Westport Garden Club has been deeply involved in the community, and environmental concerns around the state.
Projects include:
Establishment of the Connecticut College Arboretum
Founding of the Connecticut State Federation of Garden Clubs (which now numbers 114 clubs and 6,000 members)
Tree and shrub plantings along the Merritt Parkway
The first-ever “Clean-up Westport” day, in 1962
Creation of Grace K. Salmon Park on Imperial Avenue, site of a former dump
Projects at Town Hall, the Westport Library, Earthplace and the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
Longtime Westport Garden Club member Winnie Balboni, at Grace Salmon Park.
The passion and mission of the 60 Westport Garden Club members in 2024 remains the same as the founders’ in 1924: to further interest in and knowledge of gardening, horticulture, landscaping and floral design; participate in civic beautification, and promote conservation and environmental education.
The anniversary month kicks off with an open meeting today (Thursday, April 4, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). In observance of a recent project — the Westport Pollinator Pathway, launched in 2019 with Earthplace and the Wakeman Town Farm — Geordie Elkins will discuss “The Essential Role of Native Plants in our Landscape.” Attendees should RSVP: westportctgardenclub@gmail.com.
Westport Garden Club members beautify downtown …
The Westport Garden Club celebrates Earth Day and National Poetry Month at the Westport Library on April 28 (2 p.m.). Winners of the club’s Youth Poetry Contest will read and participate in a workshop with town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee inspired by the theme “I Spy with My Little Eye… Something Green.”
The annual plant sale is Saturday, May 11 (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jesup Green) It features over 1,000 homegrown perennial plants from members’ own gardens, with a special section of Connective native plants, tomatoes and herbs. Special this year: a collection of unique peonies.
There is also a selection of decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day and more.
… and clean up Grace Salmon Park.
As always, the club will mark in the Memorial Day parade.
Save the date for the Garden Club’s 100th anniversary flower show, “Westport’s Town Treasures.” It’s September 28, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
All year long, when you’re at the entrance to Compo Beach, or pass the Nevada Hitchcock Garden (corner of Cross Highway and Weston Road) or Cam’s Garden in Old Hill on Winding Lane, you can see the club’s work.
The Westport Garden Club always welcomes new members. The only requirement is an interest in gardening and community.
(For more information on the Westport Garden Club, click here. For a history of the club’s first 90 years, click here.)
A great new summer event has just been added to Westport’s calendar.
On Sunday, July 28, Soundview Drive will be closed to vehicles. The beach exit road will turn into a street fair, with live music, kids’ activities (face painting, balloon artists, etc.), food, fun and more.
The first annual “Soundview Summer Stroll” is a collaboration between “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
We’re throwing a party. And the entire town is invited!
The idea came from the July 4th fireworks, when vehicular traffic is prohibited starting in late afternoon.
“06880” wondered: Why not celebrate summer the same way another day too?
Compo residents Sunil Hirani and Kristin Mott Purcell loved the concept, and got the ball rolling. The Parks & Recreation Department and Police offered their insights and ideas.
Yesterday morning, the Board of Selectwomen approved the idea unanimously.
More details will be announced soon. For now: Get ready to stroll!
Soundview Drive before the fireworks. On July 28, it will again be closed to traffic, for the “Summer Stroll.” (Photo/Diane Yormark)
It’s May 11, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (Jesup Green). In addition to home-grown perennials, native plants, vegetables and herbs, there are Mother’s Day garden-themed gifts, creative planters, baked goods and fresh bouquets.
Last year, the Garden Club moved the long-running event from Friday to Saturday. That drew a whole new crowd of families.
This is the 100th anniversary of the Westport Garden Club. It’s also the “Year of the Peony,” so there will be plenty of those flowers for sale too.
The state Department of Transportation will hold a virtual meeting April 16 (7 p.m.), to provide information on the proposed rehabilitation of the Saugatuck railroad bridge.
Work would include the mechanical and electrical systems responsible for lifting and lowering the span. Construction is expected to begin the fall of 2025.
Dartmouth College just received a huge gift: $150 million, from the estate of Glenn Britt. The former president and CEO of Time Warner Cable died in 2014; his wife Barbara passed away last year.
Both lived for many years on Long Lots Road, in the house once owned by Harry Reasoner — and before that, Nat and Lee Greenberg (who rented it one year to Elizabeth Taylor). In Westport, the Britts were very generous supporters of Earthplace.
The bequest — the largest dedicated entirely to scholarship in Dartmouth’s history — will enable it to raise its annual family income threshold for a “zero parent contribution” for undergraduates from $65,000 to $125,000, Forbes says.
Glenn Britt graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth, with a degree in economics. He also received an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business.
About 350 undergraduates will receive the new Britt Scholarships. Click here for the full Forbes story. (Hat tip: Joan Gillman)
Glenn Britt
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“Burst-Goldtop Believers” — a Facebook group dedicated to guitar aficionados — celebrated yesterday’s 56th anniversary of Cream’s Staples High School concert with this post about Eric Clapton (he was playing a Goldtop).
Comments ranged from “the guitar is a 56 because of that bridge” to “Westport, where?”
Eric Clapton with Cream, at Staples: March 27, 1968.
Elsewhere on Facebook — “Remembering Concerts at the Pinecrest & Other Fairfield County venues” — Matthew Mandell spotted this post:
For more on that concert — and many other bands that played at Staples in the 1960s and ’70s — click here.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between March 20 and 27.
A man was charged with violation of a protective order, following a domestic disturbance.
Another man was arrested for disorderly conduct, following a domestic disturbance in which the victim was pushed, striking their head on a radiator.
A man was charged with larceny, after a shoplifting complaint from HomeGoods.
“06880” previously reported the arrest of a man for reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, resisting arrest, burglary and larceny, and conspiracy to commit burglary and larceny, following a motor vehicle theft in the Compo Beach area. Two juveniles were also involved in that incident.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
Failure to obey state traffic control signals: 3
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Failure to return license plates: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Larceny: 1
Possession of a vicious dog: 1
Possession of a vicious dog is a misdemeanor. Angela Simpson’s print does not show a vicious dog.
Speaking of guitarists: Unforeseen circumstances have forced the postponement of Jon Gailmor’s songwriting workshop at the Weston History & Culture Center.
Jon sends his regrets to young musicians in the area, and hopes to reschedule soon.
A few spots remain for La Plage’s 3-course prix fixe Easter menu.
Click here for the menu. The price is $95 per person, $55 for young adults. Reservations are required: 203-684-6232.
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Former Westporter David Feliciano died earlier this month in Florida. He was 75, and had been in hospice care.
The native of Puerto Rico had a career in law enforcement.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years Lorraine, and son Brian; sister Claire Beam; grandchildren Amanda (Hamilton) and Christopher, and great-grandchild Carter. He was predeceased by his grandson David.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, Florida on April 3 (10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
David Feliciano
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The birds are back!
This one took a rest from building a nest in one of Laurie Sorensen’s trees, to pose for a “Westport … Naturally” photo:
Next Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (May 17, 7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link) features 3 interesting agenda items.
Perhaps because of the increasing popularity of Old Mill Beach — it now attracts more than just nearby residents — the board will vote on a request for a “porta-john.”
Then they’ll introduce and discuss (but not vote on) a “proposed smoking/vaping policy.” Details are unavailable, but a source said it relates to a ban on smoking and vaping — including cannabis — at town beaches.
Then comes discussion of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan final report.
It will be a busy night, involving 3 key topics: money, bathrooms, and weed.
Prime spot for a port-a-potty. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Westport Garden Club does more than plant bulbs.
They’ve sponsored a youth poetry contest on “birds, bees and trees”; provided an all-terrain wheelchair to Wakeman Town Farm; donated beach grass plugs for Sherwood Island State Park’s dune restoration, and a new greenhouse at Earthplace for young naturalists and volunteers; and given a scholarship for a student studying horticulture or landscape design.
All of that — and also maintaining 7 public gardens in Westport — takes money.
And all of that funding comes from the Garden Club’s annual plant sale.
It’s tomorrow (May 13 — a first-ever Saturday date), from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jesup Green.
On sale: over 1,000 plants from members’ own gardens, plus tomatoes and herbs.
The festive event includes an activity table for kids, a selection of garden books from the Westport Book Shop, and free saplings from Bartlett Tree Experts.
Wheelbarrows will be on standby. As always, Garden Club members offer advice on purchases.
One more idea: If you haven’t finished your Mothers Day shopping (and don’t have a green thumb), you can choose from a collection of gift-ready planters.
The annual plant sale funds Westport Garden Club displays all over town.
All of Fairfield County (and Westchester) loves Alison Milwe Grace.
On Tuesday, the rest of the country will too.
The Staples High School graduate/Weston resident/founder-owner of very popular AMG Catering & Events will be featured on Food Network’s parking lot culinary marathon show, Supermarket Steakout (Tuesday, 9 p.m.).
She taped the show in January, in California. It was her second appearance on Food Network. In 2015 she made it to the 4th and final round of elimination in an intense battle, preparing dishes that the judges praised as “creative, complex and delicious.”
Alison calls this “another opportunity, another fun show, another personal ‘cheffy; challenge, and more memories with the best network around, and the amazing Alex Guarnaschelli.
Alison’s motto is “Follow your dreams — just make sure to have fun too!”
She’s sworn to secrecy (and an iron-clad contract) to not reveal how she did ahead of time.
But hey: She wouldn’t want us watching if she burned, undercooked or otherwise messed up royally, right?
SIDE DISH: Finding Connecticut just posted a nice interview with Alison. Click here to see.
Presented by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, the Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) award honors individuals, organizations and businesses that make significant contributions to the area.
An artist-entrepreneur who pioneered artists spaces in Berlin, Williamsburg and now Bridgeport, he is also a curator and community organizer.
After establishing his studio in Bridgeport, and reviving art events at the historic Arcade Mall, he established Ursa Gallery in 2020. Dam organized the first Bridgeport booth at Art Basel Miami in 2022. a
Dam is currently developing real estate on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport to create working spaces for fellow artists, raise community awareness, host events, and open a coffee roaster. He also teaches children in community art and leadership programs at Norwalk Community College.
Dam receives his honor next month, at a Norwalk Shore & Country Club breakfast. A special President’s Award will be presented to Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, recognizing their significant impact on the arts, culture and children’s health in Fairfield County. The MC is Weston’s James Naughton. Click here for full details.
Cris Dam
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Westport’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 15). It continues through mid-June.
The following roads will be paved (though not in this order):
Oak Street
Rodgers Way
Reimer Road
Sprucewood Lane
High Point Road
Adams Farms Road
Greystone Farm Lane
Wedgewood Road
Peaceful Lane
Chapel Hill Road
Pritchard Lane
Increase Lane
Harding Lane
Sunrise Road.
Questions? Call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120.
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Jonathan Greenstein — the photojournalist/film director/tea importer/ athlete/world traveler/ environmentalist, whose battle with ALS inspired countless people around the world — died in 2021. He was 50 years old.
Westporters have not forgotten him.
A Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop — teaching techniques that help patients breathe stronger and longer == is set for Saturday, May 20 (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
A $225 donation benefits the Breathe4ALS Foundation. Attendees receive a hardcover book of Greenfield’s photography and log pants.
The event is free for people living with ALS. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Not long after his ALS diagnosis, Jonathan Greenfield (right) hiked in Spain with Wim Hof.
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Britt Hennemuth — the 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate, now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair — has a great story in the May edition.
In “Suddenly, Stephanie Hsu is Everywhere,” the actress talks about her intense year, her love for Jamie Lee Curtis, and how her next movie, “Joy Ride,” defies stereotypes. Click here to read. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
Britt Hennemuth
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Speaking of film: Generations of Westporters have thrilled to enormous, all-around movies at the Norwalk IMAX Theater.
Mountain climbers, deep sea divers, rock concerts — we’ve seen it all.
No more.
The building is being dismantled. It’s part of the state Department of Transportation’s reconstruction of the 123-year-old Norwalk River railroad span (the “Walk Bridge”).
A new 4D theater, built on the other side of the Maritime Aquarium, opened in 2021.
And finally … as the Parks & Recreation Commission debates a port-a-potty at Old Mill Beach (story above) — it’s not our usual song. But besides all the music at Woodstock, there was this:
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If you’ve been to Town Hall, the Westport Library, Staples High School, or Bedford or Coleytown Middle Schools recently, you’ve seen them there.
Daffodils at the Westport Library’s Jesup Green entrance …
It’s not a coincidence. It’s part of the “Yellow Tulip Project,” helping break the stigma of mental illness.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To honor it — and let those who suffer know they’re not alone — the Westport Garden Club placed small “Hope Gardens” of yellow flowers at high-visibility spots.
… and outside the cafe.
It’s a great project. Of course, there’s a deeper Westport connection.
Garden Club member Kelly Pollard knew Yellow Tulip Project co-founder and executive director Suzanne Fox from their days in Staples High School’s Class of 1983. Kelly brought the idea to them. They unanimously agreed to go forward.
The Yellow Tulip Project was inspired and co-founded by Suzanne’s daughter, Julia Hansen.
As a teenager Julia felt alone dealing with depression. Deafening silence and stigma kept her from reaching out for help.
But after losing her 2 best friends to suicide as a high school sophomore, Julia fond her voice. She began speaking out.
She and her mom had an idea: create a space where youth could erase stigma, build community, and inspire conversations about how to combat rising rates of suicide. The Yellow Tulip Project was born.
All over Westport, you can see it blossom.
Yellow tulips outside Staples High School.
To learn more about the Westport Library’s resources and materials, click here. To learn more about the Yellow Tulip Project, click here. (Hat tip: Kelle Ruden)
(The Westport Garden Club will have more information on the Yellow Tulip Project at their annual Plant Sale. It starts at 9:30 a.m. on May 13, at Jesup Green.)
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The other day, the New York Times reported on Winnie Balboni’s efforts to clean up Parker Harding Plaza, Grace Salmon Park — and all the rest of Westport.
It noted her work as director of volunteers for the Recreation Department and with the town’s Beautification Committee, adding that she hauled “50-gallon, biodegradeable paper garbage bags … scouring hedges and sidewalks, parking lots and the edge of the Saugatuck River, for litter.”
At that point Balboni was in her mid-60s, and had lived in Westport for 32 years. Now she’s been here for 65.
On Sunday, Winnie Balboni turns 100 years old.
Winnie Balboni, in an undated photo at Grace Salmon Park.
In addition to her yeowoman’s work cleaning up our trash, Winnie was a longtime, very active and quite proud member of the Westport Garden Club. She edited its newsletter for many years, and served as president in 1974.
Winnie also helped found Friends of Sherwood Island State Park.
And in 2008, before Westport’s Representative Town Meeting voted to ban the use of plastic bags — the first municipality east of the Mississippi River to do so — 85-year-old Winnie made a ringing speech urging it to do so.
Winnie Balboni, with a cloth bag.
In 2009, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment honored Winnie, at Yale University.
The next year, 1st Selectman Gordon Joseloff presented her with a “WeGreen Westport” award. It celebrated her decades of work — including helping turn an Imperial Avenue landfill into Grace Salmon Park.
She spent many years too as a volunteer with the League of Women Voters.
Oh, yeah: Winnie was an avid hiker, an Appalachian Mountain Club member for many years, and a very accomplished quilter and knitter, who taught many young women important sewing skills. sewing.
How can we celebrate Winnie’s century of life?
Let’s flood her with cards. Whether you know Winnie through her decades in town, or just moved here yesterday — let her know you appreciate her.
Her address is 62 Cross Highway, Westport, CT 06880.
Do it today — Sunday is the big day!
Winnie Balboni (far left) with her 2006 Connecticut Federated Garden Clubs award. Also from left: Maggie Feczko, Louise Demakis, Jodi Mack, Jane Potkin. (Photos courtesy of “A History of the Westport Garden Club 1924-2014,” by Louise Demakis)
PS: The Times story quoted Winnie: “I think my days of bending over and picking up someone else’s trash are over.”
But, it added, “in the next breath, she pointed to pockets of litter along the road that most people ignore, but that she just cannot dismiss.”
She kept her crusade going for many more years.
Now it’s our turn to continue cleaning up our town.
Just as soon as we send that birthday card to Winnie Balboni.
(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
(Every day, “06880” covers Westport — from its oldest residents, to the youngest. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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