Westport’s Department of Public Works is always busy.
Their latest project: repairing sink holes.
The photo below shows a pipe separation on Roseville Road that was undermining the sidewalk. DPW cemented around the pipe, then back filled with asphalt.
It’s one of those jobs that can go unnoticed. And we’ll never know what problems they avoided, thanks to vigilance and hard work.
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A large crowd attended last night’s drag show at MoCA Westport.
The 2nd annual event was family-friendly, and part of Westport Pride’s month-long Pride celebration.
Young drag queen Desmond MCed the event. (Photo/Nikki Gorman)
Jake Thaw was an All-State football and basketball player at Staples High School — and an FCIAC and NFL Foundation Exemplary Scholar Athlete.
The 2020 graduate has continued his success at the University of Michigan, where he’s a 2-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree. On July 2 (6 p.m., Pizza Lyfe, 833 Post Road East), he’ll meet fans, talk about his journey, and discuss the upcoming season.
It’s free — and you don’t have to be a Michigan alum to go. But please click here to register (so the restaurant can plan seating). And attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks.
Jake Thaw
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We’re used to seeing fishermen on Compo Beach’s South Beach jetty.
But seldom are there as many as Karen Como spotted yesterday.
Robert Giury and Nicole Kelman were honored with “40 Under 40” business awards recently.
Westfair Business Journal cites young businesspeople. Each town in Fairfield and Westchester Counties is represented by the head of their Chamber of Commerce. Matthew Mandell handed out Westport’s honors, at the Point at Norwalk Cove.
Giury is vice president of investments for David Lerner Associates. Kelman is CEO of New England Educational Consultants.
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, flanked by Nicole Kelman and Robert Giury.
Mario Sa Couto was born in Lisbon, and served as an officer in the Portuguese navy.
His love of the water made Westport a welcoming spot when he worked as a Xerox executive for 35 years.
He and his wife Teresa raised 2 girls and a boy (all Staples grads).
Mario Sa Couto
Mario thrived at his passions: duplicate bridge and boating. He shared both pleasures with his Y’s Men brethren.
He initiated the duplicate game there. Seventeen years later, the weekly game is as popular as ever.
Corralling 20 curmudgeons, setting up the games, scoring and occasionally serving as arbitrator are a walk in the park for Mario.
Pre-pandemic, he invited fellow Y’s men for a weekly boating experience each summer. We’re not sure he ever shared his harrowing boating nightmare. During his Xerox assignment in Brazil, a boat he was on sank in the middle of the night on the Amazon River.
He is most proud of the dozen years he spent as as a terminal patient volunteer with Masonicare. When he was honored for his efforts, it was noted that he spent so much time with the patients some of the staff assumed he was family.
Mario Sa Couto may be considered an Unsung Hero. But those of us who know him are quick to drop the “unsung” part. Our town is most fortunate to have this good guy in our midst.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“Unsung Hero” is a weekly feature on “06880.” Please click here to support us. Thank you!)
The Yankee Doodle Fair — the way we know that’s true — is almost all set up.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The annual fundraiser for (and at) the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue opens Thursday, at 6 p.m. It continues Friday night, and throughout the weekend.
Neil Gaiman, author of “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Sandman,” is coming to Westport.
He’s the keynote speaker at StoryFest 2023. The 6th edition of StoryFest, the Westport Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community, will be held October 20-22.
Gaiman headlines opening night. The weekend includes panel discussions and other events, with authors Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen Graham Jones, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and more.
Free registration for the keynote address begins June 20. The complete lineup and schedule for StoryFest 2023 will be announced this summer.
The largest literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in New England, StoryFest drew more than 800 participants and 40 authors to the Library last year,
This year’s StoryFest keynote doubles as the Fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts,. The spring edition featured artist and former Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler.
The Malloy Lecture in the Arts, delivered free to the public since 2002 thanks to the generosity of Westport artist Susan Malloy, highlight individuals who have had significant cultural influence and whose work has enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Neil Gaiman
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The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Rowing program showed well last Sunday, at the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida.
The largest Youth Nationals ever drew over 4,000 athletes from 225 clubs and schools. Saugatuck Rowing Club sent 12 boats.
The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including Clementine Kirt, Carolina Proctor and Alice Frascella of Wesptort, and Hannah Makmale of Weston), helped SRC defend its championships for the third year in a row.
In a thrilling finish, the Saugatuck 4+ B boat including Rylie Cordella and Olivia Saw of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, took silver, giving the club the top 2 spots.
Earning bronze: the men’s U17 4+ boat, with Westley Dick and Tommy Wright of Westport, and Daniel Lee and Davis Evans of Weston), along with the men’s U16 8+ boat, with Westporters Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport).
Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U-17 4+A boat national champions (from left): Coach Cody Silvester, Alice Frascella, Carolina Proctor, Madeline Casano, Clementine Kirt, Hannah Makmale.
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Congratulations too to Derek Amlicke.
The Staples High School pole vaulter won the New England championship, clearing 14′ 3″ in Bangor, Maine.
Earlier this year, he set a new Staples record: 15′ 2″.
On July 2, State Representative Dominique Johnson will fiddle while while Westport celebrates.
The legislator — whose 143rd district includes part of our town — brings her bluegrass instrument to First Folk Sunday (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 12:30 p.m.).
Johnson began playing violin at 2 years old in a Suzuki program. She discovered bluegrass through her grandfather’s family in Kentucky.
First Folk Sunday is a popular new folk series featuring Suzanne Sheridan (vocals and guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboards). and guest artists.
There is a $10 music charge. Brunch, plus a make-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar and Mimosas are extra.
Last week, members of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and the student-led Staples High School Sexual Assault Awareness and Self Defense Club attended a private female self-defense training session at Fit Club Jiu-Jitsu in Fairfield.
The group practiced defensive tactics and learned practical skills, including situational awareness and how to avid potentially risky situations.
Instruction came from Fit Club owner/coach Joe Oppedisano, Staff Corporal Michael Ruttenber (Westport Police Department) Rob Curcio (Weston Police Department) and Detective Beth Leetch (Fairfield Police).
Trainers and trainees.
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Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Country Playhouse Staff teamed up to help visitors at the SCP’s recent open house have fun playing”Toss the
Duck into the Bucket.”
It was a great promotion for Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race (June 24, Jesup Green). Click here for details.
Promoting the Great Duck Race, at the Playhouse. From left: Mike Hibbard (duck), Giovanni Orozlo, Joe Watson, Chris Conte, Erin Reynolds. (Photo/Ashley Sweet)
Cedar waxwings are today’s “Westport .. Naturally” feature.
They’re also, as Westport Community Gardens director/photographer extraordinaire Lou Weinberg explains, “the bandits of the bird world. With their black masks and paintbrush tails, these beauties travel in flocks and love the serviceberry tree.”
He adds: “If you love birds, plant serviceberry and other native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Nature wins!”
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s idea for Parker Harding Plaza — eliminating the cut-through from Main Street to the Post Road, in favor of 2-way traffic closer to the back entrances of stores in the lot, along with the loss of 44 parking spots — has run into heavy traffic.
“We, the undersigned, respectfully OPPOSE the Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s proposed plan to eliminate the Parker Harding Access Road and 44 parking spaces as part of a larger proposal to re-conceptualize and redesign Parker Harding Plaza. If approved, this proposed plan will result in a dramatic increase in traffic throughout Westport and make finding Downtown parking more difficult.
“The Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee is an appointed committee responsible for initiating and carrying out the implementation of the Downtown Master Plan. We encourage the Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to propose a viable alternative that does not impose further burdens on the residents of Westport, visitors, and downtown business owners/employees.”
The proposed plan eliminates the cut-through, and reconfigures spaces. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
Monday’s fire on Old Hill Road destroyed the home — and all personal possessions — of a Westport family.
Grace Firth — a single mother, whose family lives abroad — along with her daughter Bria (a Coleytown Middle School 7th grader) and an aunt, Sylvia, who is with them — escaped with only the pajamas they were sleeping in.
They have lived in Westport for several years. Friends have created a GoFundMe campaign, to help.
All money raised will pay for clothing, household items, and new housing — the most urgent need. Click here to help.
A Facebook “Westport Front Porch” post by Julie Einziger Sternberg lists sizes:
Shoes (Grace 6, Sylvia 9 or 9.5, Brie junior 4); clothes (Grace medium/large size 10, Sylvia xl tops/large bottom, Brie large kids/sweats and hoodie — she loves those).
A meal train has been set up too. Click here to sign up.
“Work, Live, Ride” — a bill increasing housing density near train stations, including Saugatuck and Greens Farms — will probably not be enacted during this Connecticut General Assembly session.
The “Work, Live, Ride” bill could have increased housing around the Saugatuck and Greens Farms railroad stations.
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Firefighters from across the region gathered yesterday evening at Assumption Church. A solemn ceremony sponsored by the Bridgeport Area Retired Firefighters honored all those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
At 6:30 a.m., 79 years ago yesterday, Allied forces began the largest sea invasion in American history. Over 350,000 soldiers and naval personnel landed on the Normandy beaches. Thousands of paratroopers assisted.
Five days later, the beaches were secured. Nearly 2,500 mile of coastline was taken. “Operation Overlord” turned the tide of World War II.
Over 5,000 Allied forces — including 2,001 Americans — were killed on D-Day. Many more perished, and were injured, during the ensuing Battle of Normandy.
Robert Loomis — a 19-year-old infantryman at Utah Beach — was fortunate. He returned home.
He was honorably discharged later, as a sergeant first class. His decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Citation, Army Meritorious Citation, French and Belgian Fourrageres and the French Legion of Honor.
He and his family moved to Westport in 1958. He commuted to New York as an art director.
He was also very involved here, as a volunteer. He spent 25 years as an EMT with the Norwalk Hospital Emergency Department and Westport Emergency Medical Service. He also helped his wife with Meals on Wheels.
In 1985, Bob Loomis designed the logo for Westport’s 150th anniversary celebration.
In 1994 Loomis returned to France, for the 50th anniversary celebration of D-Day. He and fellow Westporter Clayton Chalfant visited Marigny, Westport’s sister city in Normandy.
Loomis died on June 8, 2016 — in the midst of the 72nd anniversary of Operation Overlord. He was 91. Click here for his full, fascinating, obituary.
Last night’s Representative Town Meeting session included a moment of silence for Sgt. Loomis, and all who served on D-Day. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Bob Loomis proudly displays some of his medals. The next day, he added the Croix de Guerre.
Also last night at the RTM: member Jessica Bram paid tribute to former moderator (and later, 1st Selectman), on what recently would have been his 78th birthday. Joseloff died in 2020.
Bram said: “Gordon contributed so much to Westport. He was a volunteer EMT, Westport firefighter, and what he may have been proudest of, publisher of WestportNow.com which was a groundbreaking hyper-local blog that connected us all as a community in real time.
“Gordon was so modest you might not know he had lifelong career at CBS News, the only journalist who got into the Gdańsk Shipyards — for anyone who remembers that—was an Emmy winner, served as both Moscow and Tokyo bureau chief, and sat just off camera alongside Walter Cronkite during CBS evening news broadcasts.
“I take note especially of how much he contributed to this RTM, where he was proud to serve as Mmderator for 10 years. He told me that he always wore a jacket and tie at RTM meetings to show his respect for his role as moderator….
“We have much to be grateful to Gordon for, for how much he contributed to Westport. But perhaps here especially, where he served 10 years as moderator of this RTM.”
On Monday night, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston welcomed the Staples High School Jazz Band Combo Blue. The Trefz Forum was packed for the sextet’s 40-minute set, with Y’s Men and jazz lovers (some were both).
This year, Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The organization — far more than a “welcome wagon” — offers an array of activities for new Westporters (and those who are not so new). Lasting friendships are formed.
All residents — members or not — are invited to their 60th anniversary celebration this Friday (June 9, 6:30 p.m.) at the Compo Beach brick pavilion.
Food and water will be provided; BYOB. And — as old-timers know: No glass!
Last night’s News 12 “Crime Files” segment on the Joan Wertkin murder included interviews with family members, police officers and others — and archival footage from the days immediately after the May 24, 1989 crime.
But — despite hints that the killer is known — no names were revealed.
According to the show, however, investigators are coming close to closing the long-open case.
A News 12 “Crime Files” screenshot shows an aerial view of the Main Street shopping plaza — the site of Coffee An’, among others — behind which Joan Wertkin’s body was found.
TAP Strength celebrates the summer solstice with a special drop-in class (yoga and sound bath).
The date is June 21 (of course); the time is 6 p.m. Call 203-292-9353 or email nancy@tapstrength.com to register.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Tom Feeley.
He shot it at 6:05 a.m. yesterday, at PJ Romano Field. It’s not edited or altered in any way. “Courtesy of Canadian wildfires,” Tom says of the bright orange hue.
And finally … wildfires are deadly. This song, however, is beautiful:
(Every day, “06880” scours Westport — and the world — for interesting Roundup features. If you enjoy this feature, please help support our work. Just click here — and thank you.)
The Westport Library has a new award: the Westport Prize for Literature.
The first honoree — author Zadie Smith — will be feted in person November 12.
The new annual prize is for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society. Smith was recognized this year for “The Fraud.” It’s “a kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England, about who gets to tell their story — and who gets to be believed.”
The prize will be administered by a committee of Westport resident volunteers. An independent jury will choose the winner.
Steering committee chair Candice Savin calls Smith “an icon in letters, and an inspiration to writers — and a delight for readers — everywhere.”
She wrote the novels “White Teeth,” “The Autograph Man,” “On Beauty,” “NW” and “Swing Time,” and the novella “The Embassy of Cambodia.” She is a 3-time nominee for the Booker Prize, and last year was honored with the PEN America Literary Service Award.
This is the last week for the nearly month-long run of “On Golden Pond,” at the Ivorytown Playhouse in Essex.
Which means the end of the daily commute for 3 local residents. Two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, and Fairfield’s Mia Dillon, co-star in the show about an older couple, and others, at a lakeside cottage.
Westporter Stacie Lewis plays Naughton and Dillon’s daughter.
James Naughton, with Mia Dillon and Stacie Lewis, at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
Audiences have loved the production. Click here for more information.
Staples High School sophomore Andrew Maskoff recently reached the National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinals.
Andrew is a familiar face. He assistant music directed Staples Players’ “Twelfth Night,” and played in the pit for many shows. He sings with Orphenians, and studies privately with Wendy Morgan-Hunter.
Besides singing, Andrew is a superb pianist. He studies with Tatiana Pikayzen, and won won the Schubert Club Award for Romantic and Modern Composers. He also plays multiple instruments, is in Staples’ Jazz Workshop, and also composes music.
He reached the semifinals after state competition, and the national quarterfinals, with hundreds of other singers. Click below for one of the tracks he submitted.
Well, it’s actually statewide. But in this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, State Senator Ceci Maher discusses important new — and strengthened — gun control legislation with 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor.
This legislation was passed at 4 a.m. Saturday morning. Dick Kalt spoke with Senator Maher 9 hours later, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston episode.
Last week at the Westport Library, Roosevelt Institute director of climate policy Rhiana Gunn-Wright explored the interconnections between environmental and racial justice. She also spoke about how to cultivate regional responses to the climate crisis, noting that environmental impacts cross town lines.
26 units were sold. That’s down 40% from May of 2022.
The median sales price of $2.6 million was up 27% from last year. The median sales price per square foot of $568 was also up, by 15%. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen of William Raveis)
This 8-bedroom, 12-bathroom, 13,128-square foot home on 7.27 acres on Hedley Farms Road in Greens Farms is on the market for $11,995,000.
An early morning fire drew a quick response, on Old Hill Road.
Three occupants of a barn, including an apartment, were alert to the blaze by the property owner, and evacuated.
Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the U-shaped structure.
Mutual aid from Fairfield and Norwalk fire departments were on the scene and at Westport fire headquarters. Westport Police and Westport also
provided assistance.
The 3 displaced occupants received help from Westport Human Services and the American Red Cross.
Three firefighters received minor injuries.
Quick work prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the barn. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Guitarists Kenny Wessel and Rale Micic headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.
Wessel — known for his “adventurous voice, unrelenting swing and sensitive accompaniment skills,” is a Westport favorite. He and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — who will join in on sax — have played together for 30 years.
Serbian guitarist and composer Micic “skillfully fuses culture with timeless jazz.”
Joining those 3 are bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Eric Halvorson.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, on June 8. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. There is a $15 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
We’re always looking for new creatures to feature on “Westport … Naturally.”
We’ve got one today. Longtime Westporter — and ophthalmologist — Mark Steckel zeroed in on his specialty. He writes:
“This snake was hiding in the vinca that surrounds my pinky-winky hydrangea, though I never saw him wink. But of course, he can’t: Snakes have no eyelids.”
(Photo/Mark Steckel)
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And finally … in honor of Mark Steckel’s image (above):
(Don’t be a snake! Please contribute to your hyper-local blog! Just click here — and thank you!)
Staples High School choral director Luke Rosenberg is leaving Westport.
The much-admired, multi-talented musician has taken a position at Greenwich High School.
He told “06880”: “I am incredibly thankful to Westport for the last 11 years. Shortly before I was hired at Staples, I thought my career as a choral director was over.
“But Westport took a chance on a young teacher, and I was able to continue doing what I love. I will forever be thankful for all that Westport has given me.”
Hiro Wyatt — one of the stars of Staples High School’s baseball team — has been named Gatorade Connecticut Baseball Player of the Year.
The honor recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the field. Wyatt is now a candidate for National Gatorade Player of the Year.
The 6-1, 190-pound senior right-handed pitcher and designated hitter posted a 7-0 record with a 0.67 ERA and 90 strikeouts (and just 10 walks) in 41.2 innings pitched. He allowed no runs in 31.1 innings leading into the state “LL” (extra large schools) state tournament.
The Wreckers — seeded 3rd in the state tournament — host #6 South Windsor in today’s quarterfinals (1 p.m.).
Perfect Game’s Number 1 state prospect in the Class of 2023 also hit .359 with 3 home runs, 15 RBI, 18 runs scored and a 1.025 OPS through 20 games.
Wyatt has volunteered with Special Olympics and helped fundraise for the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
He has a 3.63 weighted GPA in the classroom. He has signed a mational letter of intent to play on scholarship at the University of Southern California this fall.
Previous Gatorade Athlete of the Year honorees include Chad Knight (2019) and Ben Casparius (2017) in baseball, and Kyle Martino (national winner) in soccer, in 1999. (Hat tip: Vince Kelly)
Hiro Wyatt.
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Still at Staples:
Rebecca Schussheim was honored last week, as winner of the Key. It is the high school’s highest honor.
The Class of 2023 salutatorian is co-president of Staples’ Sikorsky STEM challenge team, principal cellist in the Chamber Symphonic Orchestra, and co-captain of the squash team.
She did an Independent Learning Experience in astrophysics, examining galaxy images with a Yale University graduate student. She presented her findings at the International Science Youth Forum in Singapore in January.
The 2 other finalists for the award were musician/actor/youth volunteer James Dobin-Smith, and political activist/club founder Spencer Yim.
Rebecca Schussheim
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And we haven’t left Staples yet:
The jazz combo plays an hour-long set this Monday (June 5, 7 p.m., Westport Library). The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
Band director Phil Giampietro will talk about the Staples jazz program, and answer questions.
The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble, with director Phil Giampietro (front right).
Speaking of the Y’s Men: If it seems like they’re everywhere, it’s because they are.
Molly Alger joined several members of the very active social group yesterday, on an in-town hike near Winslow Park. She photographed them crossing the bridge over Deadman Brook, by Evergreen Cemetery.
Very wisely for walking in Westport, they wore very visible bright colors.
From left: Jay Dirnberger, Peter Donovan, Baxter Urist, Joel Wasserman, Dick Sallick, Larry Lich. (Photo/Molly Alger)
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas headed to New Haven on Thursday.
He joined a small group of Connecticut Police Chiefs who met Attorney General Merrick Garland and Connecticut US Attorney Vanessa Avery. The discussion included crime trends, fentanyl deaths, addressing juvenile offenders and resources at the federal level.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland (front row, 3rd from left), Connecticut US Attorney Vanessa Avery (front row, 4th from left) and Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas (back row, far right).
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Speaking of law enforcement:
The man accused of illegally squatting at Cobb’s Mill Inn is in jail, on an unrelated charge.
Connecticut Insider reports that Anthony Villano was ordered locked up by a judge in Milford Superior court, for violating conditions of release for not fully complying with random drug tests. He also allegedly removed his GPS anklet.
Eight charges against Villano include drunken driving, trying to fraudulently sell a Post Road property, and stealing a vehicle he once owned from the Milford Police Department impound lot.
Westport’s newest landmark — the Pride crosswalk at Taylor Place and Jesup Road — has drawn raves since it was installed early Thursday morning.
Here’s how it looks from a drone:
(Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Westporters can see it from ground level tomorrow (Sunday, June 4, noon to 4 p.m.). The 3rd annual Pride festival at Jesup Green includes music, speakers, kids’ activities and more. The public is invited, and welcome.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics made its way through Westport yesterday afternoon.
Police officers from several towns took part, before the opening of the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games. The “Flame of Hope” was passed along at each town line in the area.
The run ended at Fairfield University, where the Summer Games opening ceremony will take place.
Special Olympics Torch Run on the Post Road, at the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Westport Book Shop’s June Artist of the Month is Sally VanDevanter Her colorful abstract and figurative acrylic and oil paintings, done with cold wax, are on display throughout June.
VanDevanter has a background in advertising, working as an art director at Saatchi & Saatchi, and in art book production management for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
She studied at the Art Students League of New York, the School of Visual Arts in New York, and the Cocoran School of Art in Washington. She holds an MA in organizational psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a BA in art history and psychology from the University of Virginia.
And finally … Cynthia Weil died Thursday in Beverly Hills, She was 82.
With her writing partner and husband, Barry Mann, she wrote some of the most memorable songs of the rock and pop era. One — the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin'” — was cited by BMI as the most played song on radio and television of the 20th century,
Click here for a full obituary. Click below for a few of her songwriting classics.
(From Staples High School to downtown — and everywhere else in Westport and Weston — “06880” has you covered. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Memorial Day parade is one of Westport’s greatest town events.
Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from. Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph.
But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?
Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: 1 p.m. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.
I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.
And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.
Seen along the Memorial Day parade route.
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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade:
When it comes to float-making, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston don’t mess around.
Every year, they spend hours designing, building and enhancing their creation. Every year, the crowd along the route is awed.
And every year, the Y’s Men win the “Best Float” award.
They also always hand out fliers, describing what they’ve built. This year it says:
The Y’s Men honor the military doctors, nurses, corpsmen and medics who have served on the front line saving lives. The float depicts a field hospital at the battle front. It represents the concept of forward surgical hospitals – bringing medical support to the frontlines. That idea can be traced back to the Napoleonic Wars, and translated to the mobile units used from World War I through the Iraq War.
Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) were defined in the popular mind as a part of the Korean War (1950-1953) because of the book, movie and television series of the same name. Numbering at times about 8 percent of total active-duty strength, men and women in the medical corps are dedicated to saving lives.
But they too can become casualties. In World War II, for example, 5,000 physicians, 9,000 medical workers, and 48,000 aid and stretcher men were killed or lost in action.
We give our thanks to these lifesaving professionals who made the ultimate sacrifice and to those who returned to civilian life to provide their medical expertise to serve the Westport community. We honor them and every member of the armed forces dedicated to protecting freedom and liberty for all.
Y’s Men master builder and designer Roy McKay directs the assembly of this year’s Memorial Day float. (Photo/Larry Lich)
Speaking of the Y’s Men: They’ve got a new president.
Baxter Urist handed the reins recently to Dewey Loselle. The longtime member has served Westport in many capacities, including town operations director.
Baxter Urist (left) and Dewey Loselle. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)
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The Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Studio was filled yesterday, for the town’s first-ever Literary Landmark dedication.
A plaque honoring Lawrence Langner — founder, with his wife Armina Marshall — of the Westport Country Playhouse in 1931 — was unveiled at the gazebo.
Literary Landmarks is a program of the American Library Association’s Friends’ arm. The Langner honor was sponsored by the Westport Library.
Langner and Marshall’s son, granddaughter and great-granddaughters attended the ceremony, along with many town and theater luminaries.
A panel discussed the importance of the Playhouse in American theater history. All agreed: It was profound.
This is only the 6th Literary Landmark in Connecticut. Among the other honorees: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Mark Twain.
The Lawrence Langner plaque was unveiled, after the covering — a piece of the original curtain — was removed. At the ceremony were Langner’s son Philip (front) and, standing from left: Westport Library director Bill Harmer; Philip Langner’s daughter Eve and granddaughters Brielle and Lauren; Playhouse honorary trustee Ann Sheffer; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Was it a huge bust yesterday on Compo Road South? The end of a wild traffic chase?
Nope.
Just a few police cars, lined up to buy lemonade at a stand set up by a couple of Westport kids.
Alex and Ava O’Brien were raising money for the Connecticut Humane Society. The men in blue were happy to oblige.
The Westport Fire Department also stopped by.
Alex and Ava made the lemonade by hand-squeezing 82 lemons. It took 3 hours yesterday morning.
All told, they made $467 for the Human Society — more than double their first effort last year. Congratulations, Alex and Ava. And thanks to all who stopped by! (Hat tip: Heidi McGee)
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Back in the day, Carl Swanson and Jo Ann Miller had a hot tub outside.
It cracked every winter. Jo Ann decided to make a “Jackson Pollack abstract” out of the concrete slab.
Now, any kid who comes over is invited to throw paint on the surface.
The sculpture in the middle is by Westport artist Kelly Spearen. Both it and the abstract art are quite valuable.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday without a photo of Jolantha, Weston’s favorite pig:
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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Andrew Colabella’s vivid photo of a bumblebee in mid-pollinating flight, at his Greens Farms garden, shimmers as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
This Sunday, Westport’s dog park really goes to the dogs.
The 7th annual Dog Festival takes over Winslow Park on May 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event — produced by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and TAILS — celebrates all things canine.
The day includes guide dog and training demonstrations, a police K-9 presentation, an obstacle course (the winner gets a year’s supply of dog food), adoptables, kids activities, food trucks, information on non-profits, and more.
Prizes will be given for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds and dog that most looks like its owner. Dog owners can register for the competitions at the festival, or online.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, face painting, balloon bending and giveaways.
Proceeds from the entrance fee of $10 per person, and $30 for a family of 4 will benefit nonprofit organizations. So far, over $36,000 has been donated by the Chamber to local groups.
Parking is available at business lots along Post Road East. Click here for more Dog Festival information.
For months, the Board of Education has discussed an “Equity Study Action Plan.” The goal is to help all students feel a sense of belonging.
The debate continued Monday night, for 3 hours. But one of the most compelling comments came not from a board member, but from a teenager.
One who cannot even speak.
Wynston Browne — an autistic Staples High School sophomore — has made remarkable progress over the past 2 years, using a spelling device. His parents and teachers realize now that a very keen and incisive mind had been locked away for over a decade. Wynston’s goal is to be a neuroscientist.
On Monday, Wynston typed. His words appeared on screen: “I want to do things that all kids my age do. I want to eat lunch with friends in the Staples cafeteria, and laugh instead of being laughed at. I want to attend classes that are challenging.”
And, he concluded: “Everyone got it wrong, for so long. It’s time to make it right, starting now.”
Click here to see Wynston’s compelling 6-minute speech. He did not speak out loud — but his words said it all.
Effective immediately, the Westport Fire Department has banned all outside burning until further notice. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the entire state, due to extremely dry conditions.
The ban includes all recreational campfires and fire pits. Brush fires spread rapidly, and can threaten homes and property.
Westport Rotary club’s weekly lunches are always illuminating.
For 39 local non-profits, yesterday’s was also lucrative.
In a ceremony at Green’s Farms Church, the civic group distributed grants to each one. Funds came from the more than $200,000 raised by ticket sales and from sponsors of September’s LobsterFest.
Giving Committee chair Peter Helt handed charitable checks to representatives of, among others (in alphabetical order): A Better Chance of Westport, Builders Beyond Borders, Carver Foundation of Norwalk, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Mercy Learning Center, Norwalk Housing Foundation, Positive Directions, Remarkable Theater, Staples Tuition Grants, Westport Book Sales Ventures, Westport Country Playhouse, and Westport Volunteer EMS.
75 percent of LobsterFest proceeds go to local organizations; 25 percent to international organizations.
Rotarian Rick Benson described a few of those projects, including water sanitation efforts in Kenya and providing medical equipment to a hospital in Uganda.
Rotary Club members and grant recipients, at Green’s Farms Church.
The 1972 Staples High School graduate — now back in Westport, working in a Cross Highway studio a few steps from his house — has created everything from an HBO documentary about a Holocaust survivor, toholiday videosfor Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and a short film about summer and water.
He made the official video for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children.”
Now he’s made another one for Graham Nash’s new album. It’s environmentally themed — and there’s a “no mower” section that’s very Westport.
Wheels2UWestport’s Park Connect returns this summer. The service — funded by Connecticut’s Departments of Transportation, and Energy and Environmental Protection — provides free rides to and from anywhere in Westport and Sherwood Island State Park.
Similar free-ride programs are available at 6 other state parks.
Rides are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and holidays, beginning Memorial Day weekend and running through Labor Day.
Rides are available through the Wheels2U app Westporters use to and from the train station.
For more information about Wheels2U and Park Connect, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.
Sherwood Island — Westport’s “other” beach — is Connecticut’s first state park.
The Westport Woman’s Club and Congregation for Humanistic Judaism team up for an important event this Sunday (May 21; light breakfast, 9:30 a.m.; program, 10 a.m., 44 Imperial Avenue; click here for the livestream link with passcode 581845).
Dr. Deborah Varat, professor of art history at Southern New Hampshire University, presents “Arthur Szyk’s ‘The New Order’: How the Cartoons of a Polish Jew Helped Prepare the US for War.”
The cartoonist’s work helped Americans visualize and personalize the Nazi evil, against which they ultimately had to fight. Today his illustrations and impact on moving American public opinion toward readiness for war are commemorated in museums around the world. For more information on Szyk, click here.
Arthur Szyk’s “Freedom From Fear.”
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Lime Rock Park celebrates the 37th anniversary of Paul Newman’s Trans-Am win with an exhibit of his racing estate on May 27, during the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic.
It includes helmets, racing suits and other memorabilia that former Westport resident Newman used during his storied career. Click here for tickets. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
The multi-talented musician (guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica and many other instruments) has incorporated Caribbean, African, Indian, Hawaiian and South Pacific sounds into his blues/rock/gospel/funk repertoire.
He has played all over the world — including, in 1971 and ’73, at Staples High School. He returned in 1974, to the Westport Country Playhouse.
(It’s a dog’s world, as the first story above explains. Don’t be a bitch. Help support “06880.” Please click here. Thank you!)
Next Monday (May 22, 7 p.m.), he’ll address the same subject — “Artificial Intelligence Gets Real” — for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
You don’t need to be a Y’s Man to go. Wisely, the public is invited.
A Q-and-A follows the Westport tech/media personality’s talk. Click here for more information on Pogue’s event.
David Pogue
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Westport’s Business Network International chapter invites professionals to its upcoming Visitors’ Day.
Each business category has only one member. Classifications that are open now include printer, security systems, HVAC, photographer, travel agent, caterer, florist, event planner, credit card processing, home inspector, moving company, carpet cleaning, flooring, electrician, dentist, personal trainer and clothing/ accessories.
The event is May 25 (United Methodist Church). Open networking takes place from 7 to 7:30 a.m.; a business meeting begins at 7:30.
Pre-registration is required; email cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com. Click here for more information.
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The AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Westport Book Club’s next meeting is May 31 (7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture.
They’ll discuss “From A Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement” by Paula Yoo. a young adult novel.
AAPI also hosts a happy hour at MoCA this Thursday (May 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
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The Staples High School sailing team made history last weekend.
For the first time ever, 6 members competed in Boston for the New England Schools Sailing Association Fleet Racing Championships’ O’Day Trophy.
The Wreckers finished 12th overall, in a field dominated by private and boarding schools (and beat Darien High by 10 points).
They finish the season with the Fairfield County Sailing League tomorrow, the state regatta this weekend, and the NESSA girls championships the weekend after.
Staples sailing team coach Gavin Meese (far right) with, from left: Camryn Harris, co-captain Witt Lindau, Tucker Peters, Caitlyn Schwartz, Claire Harris and co-captain Alan Becker.
Organ great Brian Charette makes his first appearance at Jazz at the Post this Thursday (May 18; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).
He’s joined by longtimefriend and mentor Bob Devos, plus drummer Jordan Young and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Jazz at the Post shows have been selling out. Email JazzatthePost@gmail.com for reservations; include the number of people, which show, and your cell phone.
Johanna Keyser Rossi does. She spotted these plants — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — near the 1 Gorham Island office building, off Parker Hardin Plaza. They’re on the side facing the river.
And finally … in honor of the rare (for Westport) plant above:
(From cactus to new pizzerias: If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Suzanne Sherman Propp came to her current gig — a very popular Greens Farms Elementary School music teacher — after a long career as a performer. (She learned her craft growing up in Westport, and as a Staples High School student.)
Suzanne Sheridan is a longtime resident, and well-known musician too. She recently started the “First Folk Sunday” series at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
People sometimes confuse the 2 Suzannes.
A week from tomorrow — May 7, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. — Suzanne Sherman Propp headlines Suzanne Sheridan’s First Folk Sunday.
She’ll be joined by Bob Cooper. Her husband, Peter Propp, will bring his mandolin for a few tunes.
There’s brunch, and a cash bar (including mimosas and make-your-own Bloody Marys). The cover is $10; click here for tickets.
Staples High School’s counseling department does a great job helping seniors get into college.
But they’re just as focused on supporting students considering paths other than traditional 4-year degrees.
“Finding Your Path: Exploring Post-High School Options” (May 9, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features representatives from the military, community college, vocational school, and gap and postgraduate programs.
Local graduates who pursued those paths will be there too, to talk about their experiences and answer quesitons.
Students of all ages, and their families, are invited.
2011 Staples graduate Asia Bravo joined the military — and was accepted into its new Space Force program. She is shown here with B. Chance Saltzman, director of space operations.
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Middle and high school students looking to make money through outdoor yard work this spring and summer can join Westport’s Department of Human Services “We Do Walkways” program.
It’s a great way to connect teenagers with senior citizens. The suggested minimum is $15 an hour; chores are limited to outside.
Students must complete an enrollment form and receive parental permission to participate. Contact Westport’s Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov with questions.
Seniors can join the “We Do Walkway” list by calling Human Services at 203-341-1050 or emailing humansrv@westportct.gov.
This Thursday (May 4, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.), the Westport Senior Center hosts a “Meet the Authors” event.
More than a dozen local authors will discuss their books, in an informal questions. They’ll sell and sign them too. Light refreshments will be served.
Scheduled to appear: Winston Allen, Jill Amadio, Ronald Blumenfeld, Prill Boyle, Elaine Breakstone, Don Harrison, Scott Kuhner, Deborah Levinson, Diane Lowman, Allia Zobel Nolan, Penny Pearlman, Mark Perlman, Deborah Quinn, Lynn Ellen Russo, Patricia Sabena, Sue Stewart, Elizabeth Thomas Jean Marie Wiesen.
Prill Boyle is among the many excellent authors at the Senior Center. (Photo/Suzanne Sheridan)
The Earthplace-based organization — which for decades has monitored and restored local waterways — must get a new vessel, for research and education programs. It is imperative to maintain their biological and chemical data.
Tickets are on sale for their “Cocktails & Clams” fundraiser (June 10, 5 to 7 p.m.). The Copps Island Oysters location in Norwalk offers an unlimited and very fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, live jazz, silent auction — and spectacular views of Long Island Sound.
Reminder: The launch party for “Pick of the Pics” — the “06880” book highlighting over 100 of our blog’s best Pics of the Day — is tomorrow (sunday, April 30, 2 to 4 p.m., Savvy + Grace, 146 Main Street).
Books will be available for purchase at a special price of $20 (regular Amazon price: $24.95).
I’ll sign copies; so will Lyah Muktavaram, my “06880” intern who did 99% of the work on it.
Photographers featured in the book can pick up a free book at the launch party too.
On Monday, the popular workplace for writers leaves its 21 Charles Street top-floor space for 95 Mill Plain Road, in the Fairfield Arts District.
They have to give up their prime Saugatuck spot for an equally great site a few miles east. They’ll still be near plenty of restaurants, right near a train station and I-95.
Fairfield County Story Lab offers a free work day for writers and creatives (and a free week for former members). Call 203-374-8343 for more details.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 100th anniversary celebration continues, with a yoga fundraiser May 11 (10 to 11 a.m.).
100 participants in a “Breath, Body & Balance” class at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center will be led by Greg Barringer.
There’s a $100 registration fee/donation per person. Funds go to the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, serving under-resourced families and those in need.
Participants get a high-quality 100-year anniversary yoga mat, and a flower from Blossom +Stem. Click here to register.
Westporters know Ed Gerber for his preservation work around town.
He’s also a trustee of Historic New England. In that role, he’s sponsoring a “Connecticut Preservation at Work” speaker series.
The free event kicks off June 2 (2 p.m., Metro Art Studios, 345 Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport) with speeches by the co-owners and developers of historic Crown Corset Factory, Bridgeport’s director of business development and more. For more information, click here.
Ed Gerber
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It will rain all day today. And tomorrow.
So here’s a “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken a couple of days ago — to remind us all that the weather here has been pretty good this spring.
And remember: April showers bring May flowers.
The calendar guarantees that April showers end tomorrow night.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … April 29 is Eeyore’s birthday. He’s 40 today — and every day.
What a life!
(Our “06880” Roundup tells you what’s going on in Westport — today, and every day. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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