John “Jack” Mohr, 96, Died; Staples Class of 1944, Veteran, “the most genuine of human beings”
(May 10, 1926 - December 8, 2022) John Day Mohr passed away on December 8, 2022 in Unionville, Pennsylvania, where he and his late wife Nancy lived for most of their 65 years of marriage. Born in New Rochelle, NY, John, also known as 'Jack,' was 96 years old.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Franz J Mohr, he grew up in Westport, Connecticut and graduated from Staples High School in 1944. Soon after graduation, and at the age of 17, he cleverly managed to enlist in the precursor to the US Air Force, the Army Air Corps, where he became a navigator in a B-29 bomber. He was called to active duty the following November, shortly after his father died while serving in the Coast Guard.
After the war, John was accepted to the architecture program at Middlebury College, but never attended, as two longtime buddies convinced him to join them on a road trip to Mexico in a 1928 Packard. Once there, GI Bill in hand, John enrolled in Mexico City College, where the head of the English department, formerly a tenured professor from UCLA, took an interest in his writing and convinced him to pursue a major in English. After completing his freshman year at Mexico City, he returned to the States at his family's request, ultimately earning a BA in English from Kent State University in Ohio.
After college he found work in the advertising department of a Connecticut garment company. Shortly thereafter, he moved on to be a copywriter for Madison Avenue ad agency titan, J. Walter Thompson, where he met Nancy. Not long after their marriage in 1956, they decided to leave New York and move to the rolling hills of Green Spring Valley, Maryland, an easy commute to Baltimore where John had landed a new copywriting position. It was there that their family started to grow and where they put down roots that still remain to this day. Six years later, the Mohr family moved to Pennsylvania when John began to work for ad agency N.W. Ayer in Philadelphia. They eventually purchased a farm in Chatham, Pennsylvania replete with five children and an ever-expanding menagerie of farm animals, horses, cows, ponies, chickens, pigs, dogs and even a donkey.
In 1974, wishing to escape encroaching development, they sold the farm and purchased land in nearby Unionville on which they built a new house and barn using materials salvaged from the large bank barn from the Chatham farm. The Unionville farm would become the Mohrs' home for almost 40 years. During the early years in Pennsylvania, John was enjoying a long tenure as senior copywriter at N. W. Ayer. However, in the late seventies, N. W. Ayer chose to relocate to Madison Avenue. With John and Nancy's attachment to the Unionville area by this time all but permanent, a move back to New York didn't appeal. So, the devoted father of five began his now legendary daily commute from Unionville to Manhattan. At N. W. Ayer, his ad campaigns included AT&T, 7-Up, Carrier Air Conditioning and Shorts Airplanes. This went on for the better part of seven years before John finally hung up his advertising spurs to happily tend to the rolling pastures and woods of Sevynmor Farm. It was also not uncommon for John to revisit his fascination with the world of flight, taking the occasional flying lesson or attending an air show.
With a deep appreciation of the open country and rolling hills of Chester County, John and Nancy became deeply involved in land conservation. As advocates and supporters of the Brandywine Conservancy, they were among the first in the community to place their land under conservation easement. As a supporter of farming and open space, John was also one of the first members named to The Chester County Agriculture Development Council. When a local newspaper inquired of his ag credentials, he described himself as a 'casual pig farmer.' Always the copywriter.
And always, to those who knew him well, among the most genuine of human beings they ever knew.
John lost his loving wife, Nancy L. Mohr, on August 14, 2021. He is survived by his two daughters and three sons, Timothy Day Mohr (Sherman Todd), Wendy Carlyle Mohr Morris (Cooper Morris), Jonathan Day Mohr (Jan Haskell), Margot Mohr Teetor (David Christopher Teetor), Peter Day Mohr, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Joan Day Mohr and is predeceased by his sister, Judith Borden, and her husband, Don Borden. In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to consider making a donation in the memory of John Day Mohr to the New Garden Flying Field, Future Aviators, 1235 Newark Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374. Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA. To view his online tribute and leave a message for John's family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Published by The Daily Local from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2023.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 49. Northeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind.
Tomorrow
A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Light west wind.
YouTubers Bait Sex Offender with Fake Boy; Stratford Man Arrested, Held on $250k Bond
Westport Police Department: 
Contributed photoOn February 10th, 2022, Westport Police were notified of a YouTube video showing four individuals recording in the parking lot of 397 Post Rd East. Three of the four individuals in the video had allegedly been communicating with the fourth, identified as Paul Sastrum, via on-line chat.
The three individuals who were recording the incident alleged that, during the chat, one of them told SASTRUM they were a 14-year-old male. Once SASTRUM was aware that he was chatting with a 14-year-old male, the individuals recording the incident allege he made graphic sexual comments and made it clear he wanted to meet. The recording group allege that SASTRUM agreed to meet in the parking lot in Westport and upon his arrival, they began the recording.
At the end of the recording SASTRUM leaves in a vehicle bearing a Connecticut registration plate. This registration plate returned the necessary information to identify the alleged suspect as Paul Sastrum. An arrest warrant was applied for and ultimately granted charging SASTRUM with the above referenced crime.
On December 28th, 2022, SASTRUM was charged with the above referenced crimes while at Stamford Superior Court. He was held on a $250,000.00 bond with a court date of December 28th, 2022.
January RTM Meeting: HazMat Agreement Signed, STEAP Grant Approved, Leaf Blower Ordinance Passes
January 3rd, 2023 Agenda & Results
Westport’s Representative Town Meeting met in the Town Hall Auditorium for a session beginning at 7:30 and adjourning at just after 9:30 in the evening.
1. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the recommendation of the First Selectwoman and a request by the Fire Chief,
to approve the Amended and Restated Hazardous Materials Response Mutual Aid Agreement.Unanimously approved by all present RTM members.
2. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the recommendation of the Director of Public Works, to adopt a resolution to
authorize First Selectwoman Jennifer S. Tooker to accept on behalf of the Town of Westport, a 2022 Connecticut STEAP Grant in the
amount of $250,000.00 and to enter into and execute any and all agreements, contracts and documents necessary to obtain said 2022
STEAP Grant with the State of Connecticut.Unanimously approved by all present RTM members.
3. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of at least 2 RTM members, to adopt an ordinance restricting the
use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Westport. (Second reading. Full text available in the Town Clerk's Office).
Approved by all present RTM members.
22 “yes” | 09 “no” | 00 abstain
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers likely, mainly after 4pm. Areas of fog after 4pm. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers, mainly before 1am. Areas of fog before 1am, then areas of fog after 4am. Low around 45. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tomorrow
A 20 percent chance of showers. Areas of fog before 8am. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 51. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Northeast wind 5 to 7 mph.
Westport Department of Human Services Announces Volunteer Tax Assistance Program Returns for 2023
The Department of Human Services is pleased to announce its annual partnership with the AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program offering free tax prep for residents. The tax assistance program assists seniors and low to moderate-income households with virtual or on-site personalized counseling by appointment at Town Hall or Westport’s Center for Senior Activities.
On-site counseling is available from January 23, 2023 to April 17, 2023 by appointment only.
Town Hall Appointment Hours:
Mondays between 1-7pm
Center for Senior Activities Appointment Hours:
Wednesdays between 9am- 4pm
Thursdays between 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling 860-590-8910. The virtual option can be accessed via https://simplifyct.org .
This free Tax Assistance Program is the nation’s largest, free volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service and is available to all individual filers regardless of income or age. During the last full (pre-Covid) tax season, some 65,000 IRS-certified volunteers provided this service at more than 9,000 sites across the nation, resulting in some three and a half million taxpayer returns being prepared and filed. In Connecticut about 52,000 federal returns were processed, in addition to an equal number of State returns and many amended filings from prior years.
The “SimplyCT” counselor group that services the Town of Westport prepared and filed more than 7,000 returns last season – almost all electronically. Federal refunds totaling over $10 million were received by these clients, including some $3 million from tax credits such as for education and earned income.
Before starting either the on-site or virtual filings taxpayers must have the following types of information available:
Identity Documentation
Government Issued Photo ID.
Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents.
Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable), if expecting a refund.
All 2022 income report forms received
SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits.
W-2(s) from your employer(s).
W-2G from gambling winnings.
1099G from unemployment compensation payments.
1099s: Bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements.
Other Important Documents
If itemizing deductions, receipts for expenses such as taxes paid (real estate, vehicle) and charitable contributions; and verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks).
Form 1095-A if health insurance was from the Access Health Connecticut Marketplace.
And preferably, for Reference, A Copy of last year’s (TY 2021) Return
Many of the same IRS-Certified volunteers who have been serving the Town of Westport’s sties for years will be available to prepare taxpayer returns; Westport Human Services and the Center for Senior Activities are pleased to again partner with these IRS-certified preparers to offer this valuable service to the community.
Police Looking for Information on 1989 Death of Westporter found Burned on Main Street
Contributed photo of Joan M. Werktin.Westport Police Department:
On May 24, 1989 at approximately 11:00 pm, officers and fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of the 337 Main Street shopping plaza. Arriving first responders observed a female body had been burned at that location near the wood line. Shortly thereafter, the deceased’s husband contacted police to report her missing.
The deceased, Joan M. Werktin, then age 38, of Westport, had allegedly left her residence earlier that evening to go grocery shopping, but never returned home. Her vehicle, a white 1988 BMW 325, was located parked in the front of the shopping plaza. Joan Wertkin was a petite white female with long dark hair and a thin build. On the night of her death, she was reportedly wearing a dark colored running suit made of velour type material. Investigators do not believe she drove herself to the Main Street location.
The murder of Joan Wertkin is an active investigation and is being evaluated with advanced techniques. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Detective Philip Restieri at (203) 520-3831 or coldcasetips@westportct.gov.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain, mainly before 4pm. Areas of fog before 4pm. High near 50. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
A chance of showers before 1pm, then rain likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Rain before 1am, then showers likely after 1am. Low around 42. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Howard Simon, Active Westport Community Member, Died
Howard Simon, long time resident of Weston, died on Friday, December 30th after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife, Amy Simon, his daughters Katherine McCarty (Matthew), Lisa Simon Bailey (Jeff), his sons Matthew Simon, David Simon (Andrea), James Simon and five grandchildren: Ross Simon, Evan Simon, Marshall Bailey, Reed McCarty and Kira McCarty.
He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1932. He was predeceased by his parents, I. E. Simon and Gertrude L. Simon, his brothers, Jerrold Simon and Ronald Simon and his son, Bruce Simon. Howard attended St. Paul Central High School followed by University of Minnesota where he studied Business Administration and was a member of Phi Epsilon fraternity.
He joined his family's manufacturing business, Simon and Mogilner, in Birmingham, Alabama where he directed sales and marketing before becoming CEO. Howard then worked as an early pioneer in financing for cellular communications and independent tv stations before representing Major League Baseball players as an agent.
Howard was an avid tennis player, sports fan, and loved his monthly poker game. He followed politics and current events with keen interest. He was a mentor and advisor who was always happy to provide advice and business guidance. Above all, he was known for his affable personality, engaging everyone he met with midwestern charm.
Funeral services will be held on at 11 am on Wednesday, January 4th at Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Jewish Senior Services, Bridgeport, who cared for him with great compassion and kindness.
Westport Book Shop Welcomes January Artist Katya Lebrija
The Westport Book Shop is pleased to welcome mixed media artist Katya Lebrija as guest exhibitor for the month of January at the Book Shop’s Drew Friedman Art Place.
Katya is exhibiting several pieces from her Destinations collection. These works freshly map both real and imagined places. The viewer is drawn in with strongly composed fields that feel unexpectedly light and free because they defy perspective. They might indicate a road somewhere, with aqueous palettes and amorphous forms beckoning elsewhere. Externally oriented, and inwardly directed, these pieces invite delightful deciphering and reflection.
“My journey as an artist consists of endless exploration and experimentation. I am fascinated by using different materials in my art, and work with different mediums like acrylics, gesso, ink, collage, oil pastels, and charcoal on surfaces like canvas, wood, or paper. My Mexican heritage and roots inspire most of my subjects. The richness of the Mexican culture frees my work, and I reinterpret reality by introducing abstract elements to my compositions,” said Katya.
Katya was born in Mexico City. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Universidad Anáhuac in 1995. After graduating, she worked as a freelance Graphic Designer until December of 1999, when she moved to the United States.
Katya Lebrija’s art has been exhibited in various sites throughout Connecticut, Vermont, and New York City, as well as in her native Mexico City. She often participates in juried group shows and has had several solo exhibitions since 2013.
Katya’s artwork will be on exhibit at the Book Shop through January 31, 2023. All artwork on display is available for purchase.
To see more of Katya’s work, visit her website: www.katyalebrija.com You can follow her on instagram at @katya.lebrija.
Westport Book Shop, a nonprofit used book store, is downtown Westport’s only source for gently used and antiquarian books, vintage vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and audio books. It is located at 23 Jesup Road, right across Jesup Green from the Westport Library.
The Book Shop’s “Drew Friedman Art Place” is an area of the store dedicated to exhibiting the work of community artists year-round, on a rotating basis. Miggs Burroughs, a Trustee of the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center, and a founding member of The Artists Collective of Westport, is curating these exhibits, which change monthly.
The art exhibit is open to the public during the Book Shop’s business hours: Sundays and Mondays from Noon to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.