Tag Archives: WPKN

Roundup: EMT Course, Playhouse Birthday, Earthplace Autumn …

Posted on August 17, 2025 | 2 comments

It’s not easy to become a Westport Emergency Medical Technician.

But there may be no better way to serve your community.

The opportunity to be part of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — and offer assistance, reassurance, even life-saving care — to relatives, friends, neighbors and strangers — is enriching and fulfilling.

And astonishingly important.

Orientation for the next class begins August 28.

The class runs from September 9 through December 18. Lectures are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Labs are on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re up for it — or want to learn more — click here for details.

=============================================

The Westport Country Playhouse is 94 years old.

Philip Langner is half a decade older.

On August 24, Langner — the son of founders Lawrence Langner and Armine Marshall — turns 99.

He has known the Playhouse all of his — and its life.

His most recent visit was in 2023. He celebrated the first (and only) Literary Landmark dedication in Connecticut, with 2 younger generations of Langners.

Birthday cards and letters can be sent to Philip Langer, 135 Central Park West, Suite 4S, New York, New York 10023.

Philip Langner (front) with family members and (far left and right, respectively) Westport Library director Bill Harmer and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Literary Landmark dedication. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=================================================

Earthplace’s fall programs cover all ages — and all 62 acres of the non-profit cience, conservation and education center. Click here for a full list of classes, events and more. 

Among the highlights:

Community Volunteer Day (Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; free). Help remove invasive plants, and tend to the trails.

Nature Theater: A Harvest Homecoming (Sunday, September 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; adults $20, children 4-17 $10; under 3 free). “Who Are We Kiddin’?” returns with an outdoor experience for kids.

Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall (Sunday, September 28; 1 to 2:30 p.m.); $12; $10 for members). Leanr to safely and sustainably enjoy goods from the woods.

Woodside Bash (Saturday, October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125).

Fall Festival (Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: $40, $12 and $8). Obstacle course, hay rides, corn pool, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling, animal encounters, brids of prey, apple slingshot, hay search, donut on a string, food trucks and more.

Mini Clubs (Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 3-6; $105; $90 for members). Explore bugs, birds and tracking.

Free Range Kids (Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; ages 4-11)

Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-2)

Natue Art Club (Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 3-6).

Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 6-12).

Junior Staff (Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m.; one Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; grades 7-12).

Kids’ Night Out: An Earthplace Campout (Friday, September 19, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; $60; members $50).

Vacation Day Camp (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Election Day).

One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

==================================================

This weekend marks the 56th anniversary of Woodstock.

And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.

The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.

This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.

And it’s not some outtakes, added later.

This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.

Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.

As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.

And thousands of others, who wish they were. (Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)

=======================================================

The connections to the Fairfield National team — currently tearing up their bracket at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — keep coming.

In addition to Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap — all with parents who are Staples High School graduates (click here, then scroll down), there is Tommy D’Amura.

The winning pitcher in relief in Friday night’s 5-1 win against Honolulu is the son of Westport Police Department Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, and Greens Farms Elementary School psychologist Katie D’Amura.

It’s almost as if Fairfield is a home town team.

They advance to tomorrow’s winner’s bracket game (Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN), against Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Let’s go, Fairfield!

Tommy D’Amura, at the end of Fairfield’s game against Honolulu. (Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball & Softball)

================================================

In the midst of her move to Bermuda, longtime Westporter Jo Ann Miller has published her 5th novel: “The Devil Dog Brat.”

It’s about a “military brat” who gets involved in the disappearance of her best friend. Human trafficking is suspected.

“Military brats,” who undergo constant transfers of a military parent, consider the term a badge of dedication and patriotism.

Miller, the daughter of the late Lt. General Thomas H. Miller (USMC), attended 4 different high schools.

“The Devil Dog Brat” — part of the Abbey Lane series — will be available Labor Day, on Amazon.

====================================================

The classic cars keep coming … to Compo Beach.

The most recent: This 1939 Ford Delluxe coupe, with proud owner Dan Fratino.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

A zinnia shares the spotlight with a bee, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

And finally … as for Woodstock (story above): There were a lot of great performances there (and some pretty poor ones too). Here are 3 of the most legendary:

(A ticket to Woodstock cost $18 in 1969. Tons of people got in free, of course. “06880” is the same way: You can enjoy our blog without supporting us, but we hope you will. Please click here. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, History, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Lanternflies, EMT Course, Woodstock On WPKN …

Posted on August 17, 2024 | 4 comments

Spotted lanternflies are back!

And the only thing there’s more of than the swarming, gross but — admit it — very cool-looking bugs, are the number of photos sent in by “06880” readers.

Here are 2 of the most compelling:

(Photo/Jonathan Prager)

To learn more about spotted lanternflies, click here.

==============================================

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s next Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course begins on August 26.

Students will learn everything from Band-Aids to multi-system trauma care. Successful completion leads to state certification, allowing EMTs to volunteer on Westport ambulances.

Teenagers who are 14 or 15 are eligible for the organization’s EMR class, also this fall.

The training program for new EMTs has been revamped. New members will be placed in service faster, to begin on-duty training with a crew chief.

No prior experience or knowledge is necessary. To apply, or for more information, click here.

==================================================

This weekend marks the 55th anniversary of Woodstock.

And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.

The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.

This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.

And it’s not some outtakes, added later.

This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.

Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.

As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.

And thousands of others, who wish they were.

===============================================

Speaking of outdoor concerts: The Levitt Pavilion has a special offer for “06880” readers.

Special “member pricing” tickets are available for tonight’s show, featuring Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird. The opening set is Malian duo Amadou & Marian.

Tickets start at $39.25 — 10% off face value. Click here for tickets; enter promo code 50THSeason.

Get ready for another fun night at the Levitt. (Photo/JC Martin)

================================================

Yesterday’s Friday Flashback featured a 1973 New York magazine cover depicting Compo Beach, by Westport artist Albert Hubbell.

I noted that between 1925 and 1989, 16 local illustrators designed 761 covers. An amazing 44 of those show Westport scenes.

So of course at least one other was of Compo Beach.

Dorrie Barlow Thomas quickly responded: “My grandfather, Perry Barlow, was also a cartoonist and cover artist at The New Yorker. His cover of September 13, 1952, was clearly inspired by Compo Beach.”

Indeed it was. That was the 2-story pavilion on the left, before it was damaged by a hurricane.

“06880” welcomes other Westport-inspired New Yorker covers — beach scenes or otherwise. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.

=================================================

Tomorrow’s Family Day (Sunday) at MoCA CT promises — well, fun for the whole family.

The noon to 2 p.m. schedule includes art, music, gallery exhibitions, handcrafted items for sale, and ice cream treats will be in abundance—no matter the weather.

Among the highlights: interactive African drumming, storytelling with Timbalooloo, and “create your own masterpiece” with a MoCA art instructor.

The “ColleCTomania” exhibit, featuring an assortment of poster art, is open too.

It’s free for MoCA members, $20 for non-members ($5 for children under 5). Click here for more information.

================================================

Catching up with Ben Casparius: The 2017 Staples High School graduate is ranked #23 of all Los Angeles Dodger prospects, by MLB.com.

The 6-2, 215-pound pitcher plays for their AAA affiliate, in Oklahoma City. He spent 2 yeas at the University of North Carolina, then transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he led the Big East in strieouts.

He had a 5.18 ERA in his first 3 pro seasons, before finding more success in AA and AAA this year.

MLB says, “Los Angeles continues to develop Casparius as a starter, but he looks like more of a multi-inning reliever for the long run. He almost never uses a changeup, has battled walks throughout his pro career and lacks fastball command. His slider is a legitimate weapon that could be useful in high-leverage situations.”

At Staples, Casparius led the Wreckers to the 2017 state championship. He was Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year, among other honors, and graduated as the state’s all-time hits leader.

Click here for more details. (Hat tip: John McCarthy)

==================================================

Speaking of sports: Rebecca Schachter — a rising junior at Staples — is the captain of the varsity girls squash team.

It’s well deserved: She is a very competitive squash player on the national stage, reaching a rank of #30 nationally.

Rebecca loves the sport, and wants other girls to love it too.

She has partnered with Intensity Squash to create Girls Power Squash: a program for elementary school girls

Staples athletes will work with an Intensity pro squash member in weekly clinics to introduce elementary girls to the sport — and mentor them.

Sunday sessions run from 3:15 to 4 p.m., September 15 through November 24. The cost is $330.

Click here to sign up. Questions? Email Rebecca: esinfo@westportsquash.org.

==================================================

Speaking still of sports: Though the Staples field hockey team is coming off their 5th state championship in 8 years, freshman numbers are low. So far, only 9 players have registered.

The 9th grade squad is developmental; no experience is necessary, and there are no cuts. Tryouts begin August 22.  septemberstevens@yahoo.com for more information.

2023 state champion Staples field hockey team.

==================================================

Longtime Westport resident Nina Streitfeld died Thursday, at home.

A celebration of her life will be held in the Westport Library’s Brooks Room tomorrow (Sunday, August 18, 1:30 p.m.), with a gathering an minyan to follow at 4 p.m. at her house. She was 92.

The New York native grew up with a love for the outdoors.

She edited the literary magazine, and graduated second in her class, at James Madison High School. She performed in plays at Swarthmore College, and thrived in the school’s intellectual rigor and down-to-earth culture.

After earning a master’s degree in literature from Columbia University, she held communications and public relations jobs with ABC News, Visiting Nurses of Brooklyn, and the Traveler’s Aid Society. She covered the 1956 rescue of passengers from the Andrea Doria liner when it sank off the coast of Nantucket.  

 In 1957, Nina married Frank Streitfeld, an internist, and moved to Westport. With physician friends including Al and Jean Beasley, and Danny and Judy Doctor, the couple co-founded the medical center at the corner of King’s Highway North and Wilton Road.  

Nina raised a daughter and son in Westport until she divorced and moved with her children to Neponsit, New York in 1968. She was vice president of Adams Oil Company in Brooklyn, PR director of Leisure Tech in New Jersey, and led press relations for New York Congressman James Scheuer. 

 In 1974, Nina appeared as an impostor on the TV game show To Tell the Truth, cramming for hours before the taping to learn about speedboat racing.She persuaded the celebrity panel that she was the world’s only woman offshore speedboat racer.  

After more than a decade in New York and New Jersey, Nina returned with her kids to Westport in 1978. She worked for William Pitt Realty and Kerr Kelly before founding her own PR firm, Nina Streitfeld Inc. The Public Relations Society of America recognized Nina with the Silver Anvil award and inducted her as a fellow.  

In Westport, Nina volunteered with Friends of Music planning classical concerts, welcomed visitors on United Nations Day, and served on the board of Save Westport Now. She played a leading role in a community theater production of “Steel Magnolias.” She traveled frequently too.

In the 1990s she learned Japanese. For her work as president of the Japan Society of Fairfield County, the Japanese consul in New York honored Nina with a ceremony and reception.

Her family says, “Nina was a strong feminist and role model. She was generous with family and friends and inspired many in her circle to care well for loved ones. Nina valued higher education, working hard and setting ambitious goals.”

Survivors include her sister Martha (Karl), of Berkeley, California; daughter Laura of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; son David (Deb) of Berkeley; grandchildren Thea and Kai; nephew Aaron, and numerous cousins. 

Contributions in Nina’s memory may be made to Swarthmore College and the 92nd Street Y. 

Nina Streitfeld

==================================================

You never know what you’ll find in your garden watering container.

Chuck Greenlee spotted this tree frog.

He was only 2 1/2 inches — about the size of this “Westport … Naturally” photo.

But he sure covered a lot of territory.

(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

==================================================

And finally … Maurice Williams, the singer and songwriter whose 1960 single “Stay” was hit for his group the Zodiacs, then was covered by many others include the Four Seasons and Jackson Browne, died earlier this month in Charlotte. He was 86.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Stay! Just for a few seconds — long enough to click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Obituaries, Sports

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Zeeto On The Radio

Posted on January 24, 2023 | 3 comments

Fifty years ago, University of Bridgeport student Mike Zito wandered into the WPKN studio. Soon, he had his own radio show.

In the half century since, Zito has done plenty. He managed a coffee house, hosting Dave Van Ronk, Tom Paxton, Bela Fleck and many others.

He created a science show for kids: “Zeeto the Bubbleman.” He opened for Shari Lewis, and performed at the Baltimore Museum of Arts Dr. Seuss exhibit.

Performing the show at schools sparked a 27-year teaching career. The bulk of that was spent creating and growing the Media Department at Staples High School, with his longtime friend Jim Honeycutt.

Mike Zito, at WWPT-FM

As advisor to student radio station WWPT-FM, Zito won national awards like Best High School Radio Station in the Country). He was twice named the nation’s outstanding faculty advisor (the second time sharing it with Honeycutt).

Zito and Honeycutt retired together, in 2016. Zito moved to Austin, then to Lewes, Delaware.

During those 5 decades, radio — that most basic of all mass media — evolved significantly. Zito is still on the WPKN air, two Thursdays each month (though, as an example of where radio is today, he does his show remotely, from his new home).

But now he’s got a new project.

Earlier this month, he launched “Zeeto on the Radio.” It’s an internet station, and he hopes it will take community radio to a new level.

Zito does all the programming himself. Genres include blues, British Isles, Canada, Texas, folk, classic rock and women artists.

The music is eclectic — and sometimes rare. A jam with Clarence Clemmons and Jerry Garcia drew raves from music aficionados who never knew they played together.

Starting with just a Facebook post, and word of mouth, listeners have found Zeeto on the Radio. They come from all over the US, and 37 countries (including, for reasons he can’t yet fathom, Norway and Lithuania).

Someone in Ireland emailed: “Brilliant! I listen every day.”

The website (click here) is no-frills. There’s a schedule, a list of the song being played plus the previous 4, a bit about Zito, “listen with Alexa” instructions, and a “Donate” button.

Zito pays for music rights, equipment, and acquisition. Still, he says, he’ll do this even if he doesn’t make a dime.

His internet radio show has provided tremendous enjoyment. He’s meeting people from all over the world.

And it’s given him a sense of purpose, since the death of his wife Joni from cancer 7 months ago.

“This is far from viral,” Zito says. “But I’m having a blast.”

Zito would love to hear from new listeners — and former students. Email zeetoradio@hotmail.com.

(“06880” relies on support from readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Media, Staples HS, technology

Tagged , , , ,

WPKN: On The Move, With Richard Epstein

Posted on August 18, 2021 | 8 comments

In 1961, Federal Communications Commission chair Newton Minow called television a “vast wasteland.”

Sixty years later, the same could be said about radio.

Up and down the FM dial, there are a few tired formats: pop, classic rock, rap. NPR spices things up a bit — though every affiliate sounds similar — while on AM talk radio, angry citizens and overworked sports fans ramble inarticulately.

Which is why WPKN is such a breath of fresh air.

The 10,000-watt station — broadcasting at 89.5 FM, and streaming online at WPKN.org — offers 1.5 million listeners in Connecticut and Long Island an eclectic mix of live and recorded music, news, public affairs, spoken word, arts and culture, and other free-form programming.

It’s listener-supported, commercial-free, community-driven radio. Just this week, the New Yorker magazine called it “the greatest radio station in the world..”

Though based in Bridgeport, the station has flourished thanks to many Westporters.

Some — like Richard Epstein — have been there almost since its founding in 1963. A bassoonist and choir member in Staples High School’s Class of 1968, he discovered the joys of alternative radio at Brown University’s WBRU. Starting with a 4-hour show Sunday nights, he played everything from “Blonde on Blonde” to Babatunde Olatunji.

Then — because making a living as a musician or radio host was not the most secure career path — he followed his father’s footsteps.

He became a Westport dentist.

But Dr. Epstein was not through with music. Or radio.

He joined the Norwalk Symphony and a chamber group, and coordinated classical and jazz events for the Westport Arts Center.

In 1977, he started playing classical music on WPKN.

Richard Epstein on WPKN, in 1980.

For the past 44 years, “Sometimes Classical” has been a Wednesday staple. True to its name — and his radio background — Epstein stretches normal boundaries. A show could include Frank Zappa’s variations on Igor Stravinsky, Bach played by a jazz trio, or an interview with Wynton Marsalis.

Several years ago, when the station’s transmitter was failing, Epstein led a fundraising campaign. It raised $75,000 — the biggest fundraiser to date.

Now WPKN is raising nearly 3 times as much. Once again, Epstein is in charge.

For nearly 60 years, the station has been located at the University of Bridgeport. It started as a college station (the call letters refer to the Purple Knights, the school’s mascot).

In the early 1990s, when an affiliate of the Unification Church (aka “Moonies”) took over the school, a group of WPKN aficionados bought the radio station license from UB. They established it as a non-profit, and paid rent for their studios.

In 2019 — after years of peaceful co-existence — the school said it wanted to renegotiate the lease. A committee began searching for new space.

They looked at dozens of places, all over the area. They did not have to remain in Bridgeport.

But they found a perfect site: right above the Bijou Theater, downtown.

“It’s the cultural hub of the city,” Epstein explains. “There’s the theater, restaurants, arts spaces and co-working spots. The landlord (Phil Kuchma) was gung-ho about having us.”

They signed a 25-year lease. They look forward to being more visible, accessible and technically capable.

They’re adding a third studio, with opportunities for community members to participate in educational and cultural programs.

It will cost $400,000 to move. Epstein pledged some funds. Fairfield County’s Community Foundation has been a great help. An anonymous donor kicked in $40,000. Donations have come from all over; thanks to the internet, WPKN can be heard around the globe.

The campaign runs through the end of the year. It’s about 3/4 of the way to the goal.

“When I was a kid, I’d go to the Record Hunter. Jay Flaxman would turn me on to new music,” Epstein says. “Sally White did the same,” first at Klein’s, then at her own Sally’s Place.

“There are no more record stores. Radio today is so homogeneous. There are very few places where you can be exposed to Zydeco, African music, real jazz. The landscape is so narrow. PKN offers a fiercely independent, real alternative for music and news.”

The station also publicizes local events and community organizations, providing platforms that no longer exist on radio or in print media.

Richard Epstein at WPKN in 2015.

Epstein is just one Westport WPKN supporter. The list is long. Staples graduate Jim Motavalli mixes up long, carefully arranged sets in multiple genres (including live performances), plus interviews with musicians, authors and others.

Former Paul Butterfield Blues Band member Mark Naftalin, writer Ina Chadwick, musician Robin Batteau and Martha Nachman are on the air. So is Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads, who lives a few yards away in Fairfield, and Eric Cocks of Weston.

Mike Zito, who taught radio production for years at Staples High School, is a PKN alum.

Epstein’s own show has local roots. In 1977 he took over from fellow Westporters Kathy Geisler.

He’s been heard on WPKN ever since. Thanks to his hard work — and the generosity of loyal listeners — he and his very diverse group of volunteers will continue to keep 89.5 anything but a “vast wasteland.”

(For more information on WPKN — and to donate — click here.)

8 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Media

Tagged ,

COVID-19 Roundup: Bells, Seders, Easter, Entertainment, Saugatuck Island, More

Posted on April 9, 2020 | 32 comments

Yesterday marked one month since the Westport Public Schools closed — and the full impact of the coronavirus hit home.

The original “2-week” period has been doubled. Though there has been no word from the governor, it looks increasingly likely that schools will remain shut through June.

Four weeks ago, we could not imagine being out for 2 weeks. Now, we realize we can do this. And we can do a lot more, in all facets of our lives.

Human beings are remarkably adaptable creatures. But it takes an enormous amount of support and collaboration to adapt. Here’s a shout-out to all who have done whatever they can, to help us through that very tough first month.

It’s still too early to get a handle on the financial impact of COVID-19 crisis on Westport. When Board of Finance chair Brian Stern sat for an interview with Rob Simmelkjaer yesterday, he noted that it is too early to know about its effect on the mill rate, which will be set in mid-May. Click on the app for the full interview; download it here.

Brian Stern and Rob Simmelkjaer.

Yesterday marked Westport’s 2nd Wednesday of bell ringing. Churches, businesses, families — all got together at 5 p.m., to show support for medical personnel and frontline workers.

One of the special ringers was Rebecca Schachter. Her bell came from her dad Seth’s World War II collection. It was used by British wardens during air raids.

Eight decades later, we’re in a different war. But the bell is as important as ever.

Like many Westport families last night, the Aders and Yormarks celebrated Passover — commemorating the Israelites’ escape from slavery when God inflicted 10 plagues upon the Egyptians — in the midst of a plague. Here’s their “virtual” Seder:

Also yesterday, Governor Lamont ordered all flags lowered to half staff statewide, mourning those affected by COVID-19. Flags will remain lowered throughout the emergency.

Reader Brendan Byrne spotted a firefighter at the Saugatuck station responding immediately:

Posted without comment (though there undoubtedly will be some from readers):

“SISTD” is the Saugatuck Island Special Taxing District. It was established in 1984 to tax island property owners on the land just beyond Harbor Road for local costs — mainly road maintenance. (Hat tip: NextDoor)

St. Luke Church will livestream all Holy Week masses and services. That’s Holy Thursday (tonight, 7:30 p.m.); Good Friday (8 a.m., 3 p.m.), Holy Saturday (8 a.m., 8 p.m.) and Easter Sunday (7:30 a.m.).

After livestreaming, they’ll be available on YouTube. Click here for details.

(Photo/Julie Mombello)

Aspetuck Land Trust’s 44 preserves are still open. They’re great places to walk, de-stress, and leave the coronavirus world behind.

But — unless people start obeying the well-marked rules — they won’t be open much longer.

There is a clear “no dogs” policy. The reasons make sense: the COVID-19 virus may be spread on dog fur just like on other surfaces. Plus, the heavy volume of dogs harms wildlife.

Yet people still bring dogs. And recently, people who did not want to follow the rules went further, and ripped up signs.

Beaches and athletic fields have been closed. Aspetuck’s preserves are still open. But some entitled morons may soon put an end to that.

Just in case you haven’t gotten the memo that Westport sports facilities are closed: There are new electronic signs at Staples High School. They rotate 3 messages: “No Trespassing.” “Athletic Fields Closed.” “Area Patrolled.”

(Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

With Westport’s schools and town buildings shut, the Westport Public Art Collections presents 2 new online exhibits. They feature artwork that’s part of the new Learning Galleries — spaces at each school for displays responding to teacher requests.

Click here for “Face to Face: Looking at Portraits from the Westport Public Art Collections.” Click here for “Ties that Bind: Westport and Yangzhou.”  For more, click on the WestPAC website.

If you’ve been de-cluttering your house like crazy: Good news! Goodwill donation centers are open.

Goodwill’s career centers are open too — virtually. That’s a great resource for people looking for work. Click here for more info, and/or to make an appointment with a job counselor.

John Richers spent 40 ears in corporate finance. He owned a couple of guitars and harmonicas that were gathering dust, but for the past 5 years he’s attended a weekly jam group with “musicians of a certain age.” Now also done open mic shows, covering Dylan, Tom Petty, Neil Young and the like.

Now — in the new normal — John has started writing songs. H ejust began posting them on YouTube. Who knows? With a push from “06880” readers (and perhaps a nudge from Weston’s Keith Richards — see why below), the Westporter may soon be a pandemic star.

Richard Epstein — the Westport dentist who moonlights as a WPKN programmer — wants everyone to know that the 89.5 FM station is livestreaming a “Global Dance Party” tomorrow (Friday, April 10) from noon to midnight.

All hosts are live — from their homes. Among them: Talking Heads drummer and Sturges Highway resident Chris Frantz playing disco, house and funk, and Westonite Eric Cocks (surf, garage, psych).

Other genres include big band, swing, bluegrass, American and roots, Middle Eastern, ska, dance hall, hip hop, salsa, Latin, Afrobeat, blues, rockabilly, Bollywood, new wave, punk, and unclassifiable.

Stew Leonard’s has changed their minds. They will be open on Easter: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And finally, because this is our new reality:

32 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Organizations, religion

Tagged , , , , , , , ,