Tag Archives: Westport Sunrise Rotary

Roundup: Jimmy Izzo Turns 60; Super Bowl + Snow = Super Food Donations …

Posted on February 9, 2025 | 11 comments

Jimmy Izzo turns 60 this week.

Last night, a couple hundred of his closest friends and fans showed up at VFW Post 399, for a surprise party.

The Representative Town Meeting member/civic volunteer/constant voice of conciliation and reason/former hardware store owner/Staples High School graduate is the one person who could bring together so many people.

The bar and dining room were jammed with folks from all walks of Westport life: politicians of both parties, classmates, former customers, and tons of townies (and newbies).

His parents — his father, AJ (Red) Izzo is also a Staples grad — were there too.

It was Westport at its best.

To drink a toast (or three) to one of its best.

Happy 60th, Jimmy Izzo! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The date for the Sunrise Rotary Club and Westport Police Department’s winter canned food drive for Homes with Hope is no accident.

Held annually the day before the Super Bowl at Stop & Shop, it’s planned for a day when many Westporters are shopping for their big party.

The idea is that in addition to chips, guac, wings and whatever else they’re serving, they’ll bring (or buy) some canned goods (or donate money).

The large pre-Super Bowl party was even bigger yesterday, because of the snow predicted to start last evening.

As every Westporter knows, any forecast sets off a shopping frenzy.

Gotta stock up on milk and eggs (even if those prices did not magically drop on January 20).

Shoppers were exceptionally generous yesterday. Homes with Hope’s food pantry is now well stocked.

Thank you, Westport! The Eagles or Chiefs will not be the only winners today.

Sunrise Rotary, Westport Police and Homes with Hope volunteers yesterday, outside Stop & Shop (from left): Bruce Fritz, Anna Rycenga, Helen McAlinden, Chief Foti Koskinas, Rick Jaffe, Dominick Carr, Craig Bergamo, Thomas Engels.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas (left) joins volunteers, as a truck is loaded with donated goods for the Homes with Hope food pantry.

Meanwhile, at the Homes with Hope food pantry on Jesup Road, volunteers stock the shelves with newly donated goods.

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Speaking of volunteer efforts: If you have trouble keeping up with Westport non-profits’ events, or are looking for cool things to do — or both — check out the Celebrate Westport calendar.

Located on the town website — under the not-entirely-intuitive “Experience” tab — it’s a treasure trove of too-hidden information.

Among the newest additions:

Homes with Hope announces the return of Gather ‘Round The Table.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce: Business after hours Valentine’s Event, with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

Greens Farms Garden Club is looking for volunteers to help plant and harvest from April to October at their Westport locations: Prospect Gardens and Wakeman Town Farm. Harvests are delivered to Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport, and the Gillespie Center here. Email Gael Ficken: themagicallion@msn.com.

Westport Woman’s Club will host their Spring Gala on April 5.

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The Westport Community Theater canceled last night’s performance of “Pride and Prejudice,” because of the impending snow.

To make up, they’ve added a performance this Thursday (February 13, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and tickets.

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MoCA is making the most of the short month of February. Upcoming events nclude:

Valentine’s Candle Making Workshop with Oh D’ Luxe (February 12, 6 p.m.).

Art Workshops: Basket Weaving with Tina Puckett, Ceramic Multi-Bowl Building with Leah Corbett.

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic (February 21, 6:30 p.m.): Acoustic music, poetry, slam poetry; all are invited.

Darwin Shen, violin and Michelle Kim, piano:  (February 23, 4 p.m.): A recital of rarely performed, newly discovered and reconstructed works by Fritz Kreisler.
Community Conversation: Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment (February 27, 6 p.m.): Moderated by curator Ive Covaci, with a diverse panel talking about the intersection of art, sustainability, and community resilience. Speakers include for townwide emergency director Nate Gibbons, Fire Chief Nick Marsan, architect Joseph Strickland, Teens at MoCA co-president Lily Hultgren, and a Sustainable Westport representative.

Art Adventures Drop-Ins for Kids (Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.): Nulti-media classes offer a creative space to explore new techniques and expressions.

For more information, including registration, click here.

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Are you more science-y than artsy?

On February 18 (8 p.m.;  virtual) the Westport Astronomical Society’s free monthly lecture series presents Montana Williams, discussing “Tuning into the Universe: The Science of the Very Large Array.”

She is a 5th-year Ph.D. student at New Mexico Tech in Socorro — the town that is home to the array operations center for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Very Large Array.

Most of her time is dedicated to imaging non-thermal emission from classical novae using NRAO’s Very Long Baseline Array (or, as she says, “looking at cute star explosions”).

She is also a tour guide at the VLA, leading public tours so everyone can enjoy radio astronomy and the “cute antennas.”

Click here for the YouTube link; click here for the Zoom link.

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Back to the arts: On March 2 (2 p.m.), the Weston History & Culture Center hosts an interactive West African dance workshop.

Led by Jolyn Walker, dancer and owner of African Expressions, it’s great for families with children ages 5 and up. Jolyn will teach traditional dance steps and share her knowledge about dances from the West African country of Ghana.

Too shy to dance? You can play traditional instruments during the program. 

The event is free, but registration is required. Only 30 spots are available. 

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Last year, “Virtually Ours” — a musical rom-com about 5 busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate — was presented to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.

Two of the 4 writers are Westporters: Eva Grant Rawiszer and Diana Sussman.

Next month (March 3, 7 p.m.) it will again be showcased there.

It’s already sold out. Too bad — because there’s an added attraction this year.

Theatergoers can fill out a questionnaire, and be matched with another person at that performance, where they will meet face to face.

Dating apps are not perfect. But at least everyone there will be passionate about theater.

And interested in romance.

Click here for more information. The show’s Instagram is @virtuallyoursthemusical.

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Two Westporters — TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind — will deliver the keynote address at the April Habits of Mind conference in Rochester, New York. 

Their topic is “Leading From Within: Cultivating Your Inner Strength with Habits of Mind, Movement, and Heart.”

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Trees frame a Soundview Driv sunrise a couple of days ago, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Those limbs look a lot different this morning.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … in honor of the next Westport Astronomical Society lecture (story above):

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” And — what the heck — the entire universe. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Police

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Roundup: P&Z Votes On Lighted Fields, Longshore Shed; Clubhouse Opens …

Posted on February 4, 2025 | 1 comment

The Planning & Zoning Commission discussed 2 big items last night: lights on athletic fields, and the first step in the Longshore renovation project.

They deferred a decision on a text amendment that would add lights to more town fields. Much of the discussion centered, however, not on the effect of the lights themselves, but on noise that might accompany expanded practices and games.

A decision could come at the next P&Z meeting (Monday, February 10).

The board voted 4-3 to issue a negative report on an 8-24 (municipal land use change) request to relocate the equipment shed (currently located between the golf course and tennis courts, on the exit road).

The new complex would include 2 structures, with parking, in the middle of the Longshore golf course. It would encompass 35,000 square feet, with no building larger than 10,000 square feet or higher than 1 story.

P&Z commissioners acknowledged the need for a new facility. They questioned the proposed location in a flood zone; its impact on open space and the golf course, and some procedural questions regarding the proposal.

The negative 8-24 report can be appealed to the Representative Town Meeting, which could overturn it by a supermajority.

Alternatively, town officials could propose a new location for the maintenance facility.

Paul Lane Field is the only lighted field at Staples High School. The adjacent baseball, soccer and field hockey/girls lacrosse fields do not have lights. (Photo/Robin Wolfe-Scheffler)

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The Clubhouse opens tomorrow.

If Saturday’s sneak preview is any indication, it’s a game-changer for Westport’s entertainment scene.

The 5 simulator bays — featuring golf, with 30 sports in all — are versatile, interactive, and tons of fun.

The 2 dart bays are state-of-the-art. Think soccer’s VAR technology, with feathers.

There’s a cool karaoke room, and another with a University of Michigan theme. (Guess where the owners, Emily and Tim Zobl, went to school.)

The large bar and dining area serves excellent pub food and cocktails. The 22-foot video wall there can show just about anything, in a variety of ways. (The simulator bays can be reserved for viewing big games too.)

Sunday’s Super Bowl is already nearly fully booked. A couple of tables and bar stools can still be reserved. (Call 203-292-3169 or email connect@theclubhousewestport.com.)

Bookings are already strong for corporate events, parties and bar and bat mitzvahs.

Oh, yeah: The rooftop opens in April.

Fore!

Staples High School junior Will Briggs drives, at The Clubhouse. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of sports: “06880” reported yesterday that Adam Behrends has stepped down after 6 years as Staples’ head football coach. He’ll be taking a position at the University of New Mexico.

Last night, the state champion-winning coach described his new role as “offensive analyst with quarterbacks and wide receivers.”

He’ll be joining a new staff that includes Luke Schleusner, who was Behrends’ coach at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Schleusner will be New Mexico’s offensive coordinator.

Adam Behrends

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We’re less than 3 months away from renovation of the Compo Beach Playground.

To prepare, the playground will close March 1. It will reopen at the end of May.

A “community build” April 21-26 will include new accessible equipment for children of all abilities; widened walkways; safer surfacing around the swings, and replacement of the weathered fence.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department and the Compo Beach Playground Committee seek volunteers for Build Week.

They also seek donations, to purchase new pickets ($500), replacement pickets ($250).

To help, or for more information, click here.

 

Changes ahead for Compo Beach playground.

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As you chow down at a Super Bowl party: Remember those who can’t.

This Saturday (February 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), the Westport Police Department and Sunrise Rotary Club host a food drive.

All donations with support the Homes with Hope and Westport Department of Human Services food pantries.

Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations.

Suggested items include breakfast bars, baking goods, BBQ sauce, macaroni & cheese, canned vegetables and fruit, coffee, canned meats, canned stew, noodles, cereals, gluten-free foods, granola and protein bars, grated Parmesan cheese, hamburger and tuna helper, hearty soups, instant mashed potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, cooking oil, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, spices, salad dressing, shelf-stable milk, and snacks. (No glass jars.)

Suggested personal care and household items include
body wash, Clorox wipes, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, razors, shampoo and oothpaste.

To volunteer, or offer a large pickup, call Anna Rycenga at 203-763-9656.

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Registration has begun for Wakeman Town Farm’s summer camp.

Youngsters ages 4-14 enjoy weekly hands-on experiences with live animals, in the gardens and kitchens. Click here for more information.

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The Board of Education has one major item on this Thursday’s agenda (February 6, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).

It’s “approval of fiscal year 2026 budget.” Click here for the livestream.

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Last November, Alan Bartus was a last-minute pianist substitute, for Jazz at the Post.

He sight-read the music, and blew everyone away.

Jazz at the Post founder Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” saw Bartus in a duo concert with Dave Brubeck’s long time saxophonist (and Wall’s early mentor) Jerry Bergonzi at the Dave Brubeck Room of the Wilton Library.

The audience — including Brubeck’s son Chris — was floored. Bartus’ compositions were “sophisticated, emotional, and quite worthy of sharing the program with the venue’s namesake,” Wall says.

This Thursday (February 6, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 7; VFW Post 399), Bartus takes center stage at Jazz at the Post.

Along with Wall, bassist Raul Reyes Bueno, trumpeter Michael Cruse and drummer Antonio Cerfeda, he’ll play his own music, and Brubeck’s.

Tickets for the 7:30 show are $20; $15. All tickets for the late show are $10. Click here to purchase, and for moreo information.

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Yesterday’s snow on Turkey Hill North provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s one more reminder of why we live where we do.

Even in February.

(Photo/Rob Grodman)

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And finally … on this date in 1846, the first Mormon pioneers left Nauvoo, Illinois, on their way to the Salt Lake Valley.

(Whether it’s a new Clubhouse, an annual food drive, or a weekly jazz concert, “06880” is where you read about it all. But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Local business, Local politics, Longshore, Sports

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Roundup: State Of The Town, Super Bowl Raffle, Harriet Tubman …

Posted on February 1, 2025 | 18 comments

A reminder: Westport’s annual “State of the Town” event is tomorrow.

On Sunday (February 2, 2 p.m., Westport Library), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will offer their insights.

The leaders will review town and school accomplishments during the past year, and preview some upcoming initiatives and challenges. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The annual event is sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club.

Click here for the livestream.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.

No matter who wins the Super Bowl next weekend, the Sunrise Rotary Club will be victorious.

The civic organization is selling raffle tickets for $50 apiece. Each ticket will be assigned a randomly selected pair of numbers — one for each team.

If 2 numbers correspond to the final score of the Super Bowl (or the end of any quarter), you win.

You don’t need to watch the Super Bowl, or even care about football to collect.

50% of all ticket sales go the raffle winners (up to $1,000). The other 50% goes to charities the Sunrise Rotarians support.

Tickets will be sold through Friday morning (February 7). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Speaking of sports:

In what has become an annual tradition, the Junior Knicks partnered with Westport PAL to send travel 8th grader boys and girls basketball players to Madison Square Garden for an incredible experience this week.

The young athletes attended shootaround from courtside, played on the famed court, then stayed to watch the Knicks demolish the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Junior Knicks are a great friend to the Westport travel program, running camps together and bringing former NBA olayers like Larry Johnson, John Starks and John Wallace in to speak to the players.

Brett Tessler — who grew up here, and has returned to live — is director of fan engagement and youth programs. He’s worked hard to integrate programming between the Junior Knicks and Westport travel basketball.

More special events are planned for the future.

Just another day at Madison Square Garden.

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Black History Month comes to the Westport Library on Thursday (February 6, 7 p.m.).

The topic is abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The presenters are special: local author Jean Marie Wiesen — and Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Rita Daniels.

They’ll discuss their new book, “Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary.”

The talk will be moderated by TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, Jr. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Click here for more information.

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A special “Women Leading The Way To Wellness Galentine’s Kickoff Event fundraiser” is set for Tuesday (February 4, 6 to 9 p.m., WEST, 117 Post Road East).

Organizers say “Gather your best gal pals to sip, shop, and more.” Guests will enjoy bites, cocktails, and shopping discounts.  A portion of the proceeds will support American Cancer Society research.

For questions or more information, email jessica.taylor@cancer.org.

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There’s always a new way of looking at Westport. And our “Westport … Naturally” feature (naturally) shows a different one every day.

This is the view from Bermuda Lagoon:

(Photo/Doug Steinberg)

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And finally … on this day in 1896, “La Bohème” premiered at the Teatro Regio in (Turin. A young Arturo Toscanini conducted.

(Help “06880” pay the rent. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Library, Local business, Local politics, Sports

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Roundup: State Of The Town, Board Of Ed Agenda, Wildfires Aid …

Posted on January 19, 2025 | 13 comments

What’s the state of the town?

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will offer their “State of the Town” thoughts on Sunday, February 2 (2 p.m., Westport Library).

The leaders will review town and school accomplishments during the past year, and preview some upcoming initiatives and challenges. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The annual event is sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.

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The Board of Education agenda for its meeting this Thursday (January 23, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), includes

  • Staples auditorium sound system
  • Transportation efficiencies study
  • 2025-26 proposed budget
  • First reading of Board of Education policies: Creation of a policiy on civility; amendment of student discipline policy
  • Second reading of Board of Education polices: Amendment of admission to public schools at or before age 5; amendment of policy on attendance, truancy and chronic absenteeism; proposed repeal of policy on attendance excuses and chronic absenteeism.

The Board of Education will also hold a Zoom meeting that morning (January 23, 9 a.m., Zoom; meeting ID 857 3959 1723; passcoade 405790) to discuss procedures for conducting non-renewal hearings of employees.

Among the agenda items for Thursday’s Board of Education meeting: transportation efficiencies. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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On Friday, Sam Clachko scored his 1,000th point as a Staples High School basketball player.

And he’s only a junior! (Click here for the full story.)

Ryan Allen — Staples’ superb photographer/videographer — was there to record the milestone.

Sam has a great future ahead, on the court. Ryan’s future is equally bright — behind the lens.

(Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Jeff Matlow was one of many Los Angeles residents affected by the recent fires.

The 1985 Staples High School graduate reports: “The Palisades fire started on the hill behind the school where my wife works, and our daughter is in 6th grade.

“They were the first people to evacuate, even before there was an official evacuation notice.

“At least half of the school is in ruins, if not more. The library is gone (along with all the books). All of the admin buildings, the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school are all gone.

“We are still not allowed in Pacific Palisades to see everything. But we know it will be a long rebuilding process.

The school just launched a fundraising campaign. “06880” readers can click here to read more, and contribute to help a fellow Westporter reconstruct his daughter and wife’s school community.

 

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Westport’s representatives in Hartford — State Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — invites residents to Mrs. London’s Bakery on January 30 (5:30 p.m.).

They’ll discuss issues impacting Connecticut residents, review goals and priorities for the legislative session, and answer questions.

From left: State Senator Ceci Mahr; Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

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Speaking of politics: Tomorrow is Inauguration Day.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is ready.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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The next full production at the Westport Country Playhouse is less than a month away.

The curtain rises for “Season of Laughter” on February 18.

The Playhouse says: “When expecting parents move next door to longtime suburbanites, a dispute over their yard’s property line spirals into an epic, flower-flinging war over taste, class, personal identity — and gardening. Can these couples ever learn to love their neighbor and mend the fences that separate them?!

The show runs through March 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Brian Torff Group headline the next Voices Café show at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, on February 1 (8 p.m).

They’re “a band driven by a desire to capture the complexity of the American story ‘through American roots music with an updated twist.’”

The concert will blend Torff’s Southern music and race research with original songs, and new interpretations of artists like Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Mose Allison and Elvis Presley.

Torff — a professor of music at Fairfield University since 1993 — says, “we’ll honor Black History Month by taking a close look at the profound contributions of African Americans to our nation’s music culture.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Brian Torff

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Suznne (Suzy) Fiore — a Westport residence since 1951 — died peacefully at home on January 13. She was 86.

In 1972 Suzy began teaching at the Green’s Farms Preschool, became the director in 2001 and retired in 2009. She cared deeply for the children, their families, and teachers she taught and worked with over the years.

Suzy was a long-time member of Green’s Farms Congregational Church and the Westport Women’s Club. Since 1978 she was very active member in the PEO, Chapter B in Westport, serving as chapter president and holding several other officer positions.

She enjoyed traveling, caring for plants, being the family historian, and watching birds.

Suzy was predeceased by her husband Anthony Fiore Jr, daughter Cynthia Ann Watson, step-son Michael Fiore, and brother Charles Kline, Jr.

She is survived by her sons John Watson III (Deborah) of Summerville, South Carolina, Charles Watson of Westport, and William Craig Watson (Shery) of Redding; step-son Paul Fiore of Fruita, Colorado; nephew Charles Kline III (Christy); grandchildren Lynsay D’Aiuto, Jennie Moon (Josh), Rebecca Watson, John Watson IV (Molly), Charles Watson, Sadie Watson and Chase Alexander Watson, and 5 great-grandchildren

A memorial service will be held February 10 (1 p.m., Green’s Farms Church).

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows Grace Salmon Park.

A few hours from now, it may look quite a bit whiter.

(Photo/Alison Lee)

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And finally … on this date in 1901,  Queen Victoria was stricken with paralysis. She died 3 days later, at 81.

(Jen Tooker discusses the state of the town next month. But here at “06880,” we do that every day. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Warm-up Fund, Wine Tasting, Constitution …

Posted on October 25, 2024 | 2 comments

Sure, the weather is unseasonably warm for late fall.

But winter will come. So will heating bills.

The Westport Warm-Up Fund helps income-qualified households handle those expenses. The program is essential for residents whose earnings fall narrowly above state income guidelines. Though ineligible for state or federal assistance, they still need help with utility costs.

Funds come from individuals, businesses and community organizations.

Westport Department of Human Services Elaine Daignault says, “Warm-up donations allow our department to assist our ‘invisible; neighbors in need. Despite a wealth of resources, many neighbors quietly struggle to keep the lights on and their houses warm.”

Tax-deductible donations can be made online (scroll down to top item), or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880. Questions? In need of assistance? Call 203-341-1050.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s 33rd annual “Westport Uncorked” — an international wine tasting — packed The Inn at Longshore last night.

Over 100 sustainable, organic wines were served, along with plenty of hors d’oeuvres.

Proceeds aid Sunrise Rotary’s charitable work, locally and abroad. It’s one of 2 major fundraisers (the other is the Great Duck Race).

We’ll drink to that!

Wine importer David Squires’ table was one of 18, serving a wide variety of sustainable, organic wines.

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The Constitution is a huge topic of national conversation, in the run-up to this year’s presidential election.

On Monday (October 28, 7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts Akhil Reed Amar.

The Yale University law and political science professor, and noted Constitutional scholar, will discuss his book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.”

He’ll also cover a wide range of topics, including the Electoral College, the pardoning power of the presidency, presidential immunity, and the role and shaping of the judiciary. After the talk, Professor Amar will answer questions about the Constitution.

Also at the Library: a display of campaign buttons and other  presidential memorabilia (including a metal button from George Washington’s inauguration!).

It’s a fascinating exhibit. We vote that everyone should see it.

Professor Akhil Reed Amar, with author Stephen Bowling.

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Speaking of the Library: Their huge book sale begins next Friday (November 1). Click here for details.

But those books don’t just fall from the sky. It takes volunteers — lots of them — to make it happen.

Who can volunteer? You!

The Library needs help October 29-31 unpacking and shelving books; sorting; moving tables, and opening boxes.

During the sale, help is needed. And then more picking up, packing and cleaning up.

Click here to sign up, and for more information.

Set-ups like this don’t just happen.

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The United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston has an exciting weekend ahead.

Tomorrow (Saturday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m.), kids up to age 12 enjoy “Trunk or Treat.”

The public is invited. Admission is free; donations of cash or 3-5 food items for local pantries are a “treat” for neighbors.

Youngsters can wear costumes, for a fun, safe, “non-scary” Halloween event. To host a trunk, email george.hanze@gmail.com.

On Sunday (October 27, 4 p.m.), Jazz Vespers brings together live music, inspiring poetry and Scripture. Musicians include: Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinot (guitar), Matthew Munzner (bass) and Conor Brennan, drums.  A free will offering for the music program will be received.

Trunk or Treat, at the United Methodist Church.

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Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White headline the next Voices Café (November 2, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

Wheeler is a gifted singer-songwriter, and a storyteller with a great sense of humor. Her songs are often emotional portraits of people.

White has a deep career as a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist,

Voices Café concerts support the church’s social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White.

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Here’s a “snapshot” of last weekend’s Photography Fine Art Fair, at MoCA CT:

The wide variety of talented photographers and subjects drew over 250 attendees. Many Westporters were showcased — and enjoyed the show.

Westport photographers at the MoCA CT show (from left): Larry Silver, Tom Kretsch, Art Nager, Ashley Skatoff.

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Longtime Westport resident Bryan Alix died October 3. He was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer last year. He was 69.

Bryan represented many ocean shipping lines. His family says: “He always found a way to deliver the most logistically difficult cargo, ranging from food aid to turbines to houses to locomotives, to ports from Egypt to Tajikistan and everywhere in between. It was impossible to stump him on questions of geography and geopolitics. His stories of shipping on the high seas are legendary.”

Bryan earned a BA in economics from Columbia University, and an MS in international transportation management from SUNY Maritime College. He served on the Maritime Association NATO Panel of Ocean Shipping, as a US delegate.

Bryan played softball with the Westport Boys of Summer, and was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. He was a soccer coach for Westport teams, an umpire for Westport Little League, and he continued his college passion of ice hockey by coaching at Wonderland of Ice.

His family says, “Bryan was the most reliable friend to anyone in need, and the person everyone wanted at their dinner table with stories and laughter guaranteed.”

He is survived by his wife Jane, sons Daniel (Michelle)  of Redondo Beach, California, and Andrew (Allie Gluck) of Seattle; grandson Liam; sister Suzanne Lockhart (Jim), sister Maryann Finn (Dan); brother Charles Alix (Julie), and nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be held November 2 (1 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). Donations in his name may be made to Westport Emergency Medical Service; Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport; and Paula Takacs Foundation of Sarcoma Research.

Bryan Alix

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Today, acorns make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

Jerry Kuyper spotted these nuts on his deck. He notes: “Some of these acorn caps appear to have small clocks inside of their cupules, to time their launch.”

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And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s great “Uncorked” event last night:

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. It’s “where Westport meets the world.” But we can’t do it without your help. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Library, Obituaries, Politics

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Rotarians Seek Help For Helene Victims

Posted on October 6, 2024 | 15 comments

Westport’s Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are joining other clubs in Connecticut to help another Rotary group in western North Carolina, as it aids victims of Hurricane Helen.

They’re asking “06880” readers to help too.

Two members of the East Hampton Rotary Club have donated a 50-foot semi-truck, and a 26-foot box truck, to transport collected materials.

The collection is set for Tuesday (October 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Stop & Shop).

Items needed include:

  • Canned or packaged food with a long shelf life (especially cases of ramen, pasta and rice)
  • Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels and plates, plastic utensils, feminine hygiene products)
  • All types of batteries
  • Pet food and cat litter
  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Bug spray
  • Baby food, diapers, formula
  • Hand-held can openers
  • Disinfectant spray
  • Over-the-counter meds
  • First aid supplies
  • Sports drinks
  • Water (low priority)

Other items that are not available at Stop & Shop, but still needed, are:

Tools and equipment

  • Heavy-duty extension cords
  • Small generators
  • Gas & diesel fuel (many residents are using their own equipment to push through roads, and are running out)
  • Bar and chain oil for chainsaws
  • 2-cycle fuel mix for chainsaws
  • Chains and sharpeners

Other essentials

  •  Car batteries
  • Propane
  • Hay
  • Starlinks
  • Cots, tents, sleeping bags

Medical Supplies

  • Tourniquets
  • Medical scissors
  • First aid kits

Once items are collected Tuesday at Stop & Shop, the trucks will be driven directly to Asheville, then distributed by the Rotary Club there.

North Carolina needs help. Westport’s Rotary Clubs are answering the call — with help from the rest of the town.

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Roundup: Class Of ’64’s “Deep Dive,” Library’s Landscaping, WestportMoms’ Fun Festival …

Posted on September 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s Class of 1964’s 60th reunion this past weekend had all the usual trappings of a great celebration: a cocktail party, dinner banquet, Compo Beach cookout … you know the drill.

But the still energetic, now-in-their-late-70s, once-and-always Wreckers, added a unique twist.

In a “Deep Dive” session, 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — offered insights into their careers, volunteer work and the passions that impacted their lives, and others.

The group included Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.

It was a wonderful afternoon.

Even more wonderfully, classmate Nick Passaro Jr. taped it — and put it online.

Now, all those members of the Class of ’64 who were not there can enjoy it.

So can the thousands of others of us who were not fortunately to be in that high-powered, tight, and very creative Staples class.

Click below. And prepare to be inspired.

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The Westport Library has benefited from many donors. They’ve endowed the building, sponsored programs, and bought books.

Julie and Rob Haroun have done something different. The Westport couple has improved and maintained the landscaping outside.

Among their improvements: a new irrigation system and plantings along Jesup Green, the Riverwalk path, and the hill below the café deck.

On Thursday (September 26, 4 p.m.), the Library will honor the Harouns with a special ceremony, on the Riverwalk Level. A plaque will be unveiled at the front of the building, near the police parking lot.

Outdoor Design and Living executed the makeover, at a discount as a generous donation to the Library.

“Having worked as a real estate developer for over 30 years, primarily focusing on properties in Westport, I was intent on ensuring that the exterior of the building was properly landscaped to reflect the first-class facility that we all enjoy in this town,” says Rob Haroun. He was a Library trustee from 2016 to ’23.

“We are confident that these funds will cover the maintenance for the next 5 to 10 years,” he adds.

“We have lived in town since 1992, raised 3 children, and built a business here. This is our way of giving back to an institution that is near and dear to our hearts.”

Several views of the Westport Library landscaping.

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The 4th annual Westport Moms Fall Family Fun Festival returns this Saturday (September 28, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Compo Beach fields — no beach sticker needed).

Among the activities: pumpkin decorating, Grit Ninja obstacle course, music, yoga (kids’ class by Child’s Pose Westport at 10:30 a.m.), bubble show, bouncy house, face painting, art projects, sports, chess and more.

If you’re a kid, you’ll find something to love.

There ae food trucks from Jr’s Deli and Coalhoue Pizza.

Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to pre-purchase, and avoid lines the lines:

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Twelve Staples High School seniors are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

William Boberski, Kendra Cheng, Alexander Esser, Anna Ji, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Andrew Rebello, Samuel Rossoni, Megan Sargent, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey and Ryan Tzou join 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.

That’s fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.

All will compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Jr.,  Samuel Rossoni, Andrew Rebello, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Megan Sargent,  Anna Ji, Kendra Cheng, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio. Missing: Alexander Esser and Ryan Tzou.

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Podcasts are everywhere. I’ve got one of my own, thanks to the Westport Library. Every 2 weeks, I chat with interesting Westporters, from all walks of life.

Every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the mic.

One of those times was this summer. I was honored to be a guest — actually, the very first guest — on Jay Norris’ new “Visionary’s” podcast.

The Westport business/tech/media/retail/real estate leader — a visionary himself — launched his series at Content Studio, Chirag Shah’s Saugatuck space.

The goal of the podcast is to talk about visions, goals and dreams. And, of course, how to achieve them.

Jay says he’s “flipping the switch,” interviewing me instead of the other way around.

It was a great chat. I learned a lot, and hopefully threw in a couple of ideas that viewers can use.

Click below to listen to the very first “Visionary’s” podcast.

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Adele Jacobs from Voices of Hope spoke on Friday to the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Voices of Hope is an educational non-profit organization established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut (including Jacobs). It promotes a culture of courage to stand up against hatred, through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.

Adele Jacobs, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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Fairfield County bassist Phil Bowler has played with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis (with whom he received a Grammy for Marsalis’ album “Think of One”), Lightning Hopkins, Dr. John, Max Roach and Ralph Peterson.

He’s a frequent guest at Jazz at the Post. This Thursday (September 26), he headlines the event.

He’s joined by vocalist Janice Dempsey, pianist Joe McWilliams, guitarist Bob Riccio, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” series sometimes features panoramas of animals, trees or flowers.

Sometimes we highlight one: a hummingbird or gull, say, or maple tree.

Occasionally, a photographer captures a great close-up. But today’s image may be our most amazing one ever.

Andrew Colabella did the honors, with an Aspetuck Land Trust spider.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … after seeing Andrew’s photo (above), you may have seen this coming:

(“Who” doesn’t enjoy “06880”? If you’re one of our 20,000 daily readers who do, please click here to support our work. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks!)

 

 

 

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Roundup: “Battle Of Sexes” Video, Daffodils, Football …

Posted on September 14, 2024 | 1 comment

For some reason, the YouTube link to the Westport Library’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the subject of this morning’s lead story — did not come through for some readers.

If you could not access it, try below. Let’s hope this works!

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Debra Kandrak is the woman behind the very successful “Paint the Town Yellow” project.

She writes: “On Friday, during my daily walk at Compo Beach, I came upon the memorial service for Max Harper — a young man taken tragically too soon.

“It was a beautiful tribute in his honor, with hundreds of people in attendance.

“So today I ask everyone to plant yellow daffodils in Max’s memory. (You may recall that the theme for ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ is to honor loved ones

“Let’s plant them all over town: around street signs, stop signs, mailbox posts, at the entrance to Staples and in front of the school.

“Let’s make this a community event. Email me (debra.kandrak@raveis.com) where you are going to plant, so I can post photos next spring for his family to see how much this community cares.

“I would like to see an explosion of yellow daffodils all around town in the spring, in honor of Max. This will be a beautiful tribute, and may give his family some peace.”

These daffodils line Debra Kandrak’s driveway.

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A large crowd packed Paul Lane Field last night, for the opening game of Staples’ football season.

(Photo/Luca Caniato)

The state champion Wreckers picked up right where they left off last fall, hammering non-league Hamden 48-7. Junior quarterback Nick Weil threw 5 touchdown passes.

Many attendees — including those not yet in Staples — wore “Play for Max” buttons.

(Photo/Bianca Jonas)

The buttons — honoring senior Max Harper, who died Wednesday in a dirt bike accident — were made Friday in the Staples library, by students.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

On Thursday and Friday, therapy dogs were available at Staples, to help students cope with the tragedy.

The dogs have been welcome fixtures at Staples at other times of stress. As shown below, they are always happy to help.

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed back a popular speaker — Representative Jim Himes — yesterday.

The meeting was open to the public, and a large number of non-members headed to Green’s Farms Church to hear the 4th District congressman.

Congressman Jim Himes, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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The Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 24  gifted and spirited teenagers — wind up their 2024 American tour, singing and dancing to songs from their native Africa — with a free concert on September 19 (Bedford Middle School, 7:30 p.m.).

It’s a gift to Westport from an anonymous benefactor, intended to expand the audience’s musical and cultural horizons.

Matsiko means “hope” in Ugandan. The Choir performs to help thousands of children attain a brighter future. Proceeds from the tour and merchandise sales support the organization’s worldwide educational programs for orphans.

The Matsiko World Orphan Choir has performed at the White House, US Capitol, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the Rose Bowl.

After Westport they head to Yale University, then Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Matsiko World Orphan Choir.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 7 (Fire Engine Pizza Company, 768 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation sponsors an important event.

There’s fun, food, and valuable information, to support awareness and celebrate survivors.

Casting for Awareness — a non-profit that provides free fly-fishing wellness retreats for women with breast cancer — will receive up to 20% of the total sales at the restaurant that day.

Fire Engine Pizza Company is a great place. And there’s no better cause.

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Finally. At last!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for.

A gaping Westport need will soon be filled.

Not a moment too soon … a nail salon will open in town!

(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

I’m sure customers will flock there.

But where will they go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday …?

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Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween decorations.

Or even pumpkin spice latte.

But Costco thinks this is a fine time to roll out their Christmas goods.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

On second thought: Why not?

There are only 102 days left before Santa arrives.

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Well-known former Westporter Stephen Kaye died September 2. He was 86.

The Boston-area native, who graduated from Harvard Business School and MIT, and was a 1st lieutenant in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. lived in Westport for over 50 years. His family says he was known as “funny, smart, kind, caring, quirky and unique. Steve lived his life with energy and positivity. A passionate sailor, his boat ‘Forever Young’ expressed his outlook and vigor. Steve was an avid skier of groomed blue runs, a black belt in martial arts, always made new friends at the gym and was a ping-pong player with an overpowering serve.”

After working for Procter & Gamble, Gillette and other advertising, packaging and consulting firms, he founded Steve Kaye New Products in 1977. He built it into a successful firm, working with Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies.

He helped create Huggies diapers, the “Got Milk” campaign, chocolate-covered Oreos and other products of the 1980s and ’90s.

For the past 11 years Steve was an adjunct professor of marketing and sales at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.

Steve is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Arenson of Westport; son Bruce (Misael Rodriguez) of Milford; daughter Joan Garbow (Ralph) of Ridgefield; son Peter Kaye (Andrea Mazur) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren Ben and Julia Garbow and Sally and Margot Kaye; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Wexler of Brookline, Massachusetts, and cousins Stanley and Enid Shulman of Brookline.

Donations in Steve’s honor can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Steve Kaye

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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Dave Kingsley died September 4, from complications of lymphoma.

He and his wife Kathy settled in Newtown in 1986, where they raised 2 daughters.

Dave’s love for fishing, boating and sailing where cultivate during his youth on Long Island Sound. He particularly enjoyed bone-fishing in the Bahamas.

Dave played basketball, baseball and softball into adulthood. He found great joy in watching his daughters play sports, coaching several of their youth basketball teams.

He was a voracious reader, full of knowledge gained through his life as a builder, designer, contractor and business owner. He designed, built and remodeled homes and businesses in Connecticut and New York, including his own home.

One of his proudest achievements was the renovation of an old building on the Fairfield Hills campus, transforming a staff dining room and library at the former psychiatric hospital into a brewery.

Dave is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Emma of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Caroline of Sausalito, California; sisters Karen of Wallingford,  Patricia of San Diego, Mary Ann of Severna Park, Maryland, plus nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life is set for tomorrow (Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., at his brewery), followed by a funeral Monday (September 16, 10:30 a.m., Saint Rose of Lima Church, Newtown).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newtown Youth & Family Services.

Dave Kingsley

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature introduces its first-ever black crown night heron.

Ta da!

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … in honor of Costco’s very early marketing campaign (story above):

 (Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Thank you!)

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Roundup: Downtown Today, Levitt Yesterday, Art Next Month …

Posted on June 29, 2024 | 1 comment

Happy Great Duck Race and jUNe Days!

A reminder: the family-friendly, fun Westport Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race event begins at 10 a.m. today on Jesup Green, and runs until 2 p.m. The ducks themselves cascade down a chute at 1 p.m. Raffle tickets — with a top prize of $5,000, and many others — will be available there.

Also at 10:30 a.m. today on Jesup Green: a brief welcoming ceremony for our 200 United Nations guests. Before heading off for a day of recreation, shopping and (if the sun comes out) beach activities, they will be greeted officially. The public is invited.

And of course all day long, the Westport Downtown Association sidewalk sale rocks Main Street and environs.

jUNe Day flags on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Nancy Lally)

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Lulada Club: NYC’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra got the women — and men — dancing last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

The free weekend entertainment continues tonight (Saturday), with blues trio Buffalo Nichols (7:30 p.m.), and tomorrow (Sunday), with the NYC Ska Orchestra (7 p.m.).

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The (somewhat) new Ethan Allen Design Center in the Fresh Foods shopping plaza chose 10 members of the Artists Collective of Westport to exhibit their work for a month.

The art will be displayed throughout the separate room settings, on the walls and easels. The intiative originated with EA’s design director, Westporter, Melissa Mack.

A reception is set for July 9 (5 to 7:30 p.m.).

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Several osprey pairs continue to enjoy Westport. Betsy Kravitz spotted 2 in one day.

One was at the Saugatuck train station, where the nest is atop a trestle.

The other was our town’s most visible, with its very large nest between Fresh Market and Terrain. She snapped this photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” series:

(Photo/Betsy Kravitz)

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And finally … today is the first day of the Tour de France.

The 111th edition begins in Florence, Italy, and ends in Nice, France, on July 21. The race will not finish in Paris for the first time ever, because of preparations for the Olympics.

(Happy jUNe Day! “06880” accepts currencies from around the world. Dollars, euros, yuans, rials, dinars … we honor it all. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog, Thank you!)

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Roundup: Air Quality, Graduation Signs, Leonard Everett Fisher …

Posted on June 21, 2024 | 17 comments

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.”

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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)

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Book the date!

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.

“Bookmark” this page to order yours.

Billie Jean King

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What’s “low income” in Fairfield County?

A household income of $100,000 for a family of 4.

A study by MarketWatch Guides examined date from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In much of the rest of the country, low income is closer to $50,000 or less, says Claudia Phillips of MarketWatch.

Click here for the full story, in CT Mirror.

Not a lot of money.

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Summer arrived yesterday.

And so — right on cue — did the Good Humor woman.

There are other ice cream trucks around. But for generations of Westporters, this is the only one that counts.

Bonus points if you remember Ray.

(Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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Westport Garden Club members were out in force recently, at Grace Salmon Park.

They’ve been planting, trimming, weeding and overseeing the gardens and new sundial.

It takes a village. The Westport Garden Club makes sure ours always looks gorgeous.


Westport Garden Club members (from left): Joanne Heller, Kelly Frey Pollard, Nathalie Fonteyne, Orna Stern and Joellen Bradford.

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The “dog days” of summer are in August.

But tomorrow o(Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green), the Westport Book Shop is hosting “Doggy Days of Summer.”

There’s a reading by Denis O’Neill, dog-themed art, games, and a chance to meet Woofgang & Co.

Excited for the “Doggy Days of Summer.” (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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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.

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Brendan Toller has a new job too.

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.

(Photo/Amy Swanson)

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And finally … On this date in 1978, the original production of “Evita,” based on the life of Eva Perón, opened in London.

(Don’t cry for “06880.” But please: Help support us, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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