From its opening notes, “Oklahoma!” draws audiences in like few shows can.
You’ll see how below, in Jim Honeycutt’s highlights from Staples Players’ fall 2012 production of the classic musical.
It’s an audience favorite — with a very cool local back story. Click here to read how “Oklahoma!” got its start right here in Westport. Then click here or below, for a fantastic look back at director David Roth and Kerry Long’s show.
Yeeow! Ayipioeeay!
And what happened to the actors after the wind came sweepin’ down the plain?
Here’s an update:
Clay Singer (Curly) has extensive theater credits, including “Masquerade” in New York, “Fiddler On the Roof.””The Band’s Visit” North American tour,
“Next to Normal,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Ragtime,” “The Full Monty — and “Into the Woods” in Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Michelle Pauker is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.
Everett Sussman (Will Parker) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Elle Deran (Will Parker) is a trans and non-binary actor, singer and content creator. She appeared in the film “1660 Vine,” and guest-starred as Alisha in Abbott Elementary. Elle creates queer-affirming, educational social media videos to support the trans community, and co-hosts the “Trans In Love” podcast discussing relationships and trans family dynamics.
Nicholas Massoud (Ali Hakim) attended Yale, and performed all over the world with the a cappella groups the Wiffenpoofs and Sprizzwinks.
Bryan Gannon (Andrew Carnes) is an actor and producer best known for his roles as Inspector Lestrade in the film “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Furtive Festivity,” and on “The Deuce” and “Paramount’s Fences.”
Ryder Chasin (Ike Skidmore) is a television writer, creative and comedian in Brooklyn.
Will Haskell (Cord Elam, Federal Marshall) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Joe Badion (Slim, A Farmer) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Jack Baylis (Fred) graduated from Point Park University’s musical theater program. He has performed in “Legally Blonde,” “Jersey Boys,” “Children of Eden,” “Peter and the Starca
Sam Adelmann (Joe) earned a BFA in musical theatre and a BS in economics at Tulane University. He then participated in the Musical Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler School of Acting in New York, and has performed in regional and theme park productions across the country. Highlights include playing “Fiddler on the Roof” in Los Angeles, and the regional debut of Disney’s “Newsies” in New Orleans.
Madeline Seidman (Ellen) is a Brooklyn-based actor, with an MFA from Yalel School of Drama. She can be seen on screen in the TV shows “Elsbeth” and “A League of Their Own.”
Emma Rufchefsky (Emma) performs professionally under the stage name Emma Charles (and occasionally EMMMA).She has toured nationally and released acclaimed singles and EPs. Billboard recognized her as a Best Emerging Artist. She continues to write, record and tour.
Cara McNiff (Vivian) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.
Early voting for Connecticut’s primary began yesterday.
Connecticut’s primary will be held a week from today: Tuesday, August 11.
Registered Democrats are choosing between Governor Ned Lamont and his challenger, Josh Elliott.
Registered Republicans are voting for a 4th Congressional candidate, to challenge Jim Himes. The candidates are Michael Ted Goldstein and Daniel Miressi.
There are 3 ways to cast ballots.
Early voting at Town Hall takes place:
August 5, 7, 8 and 9: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 4 (today) and 6: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Primary Day, at your regular polling place:
The good news: In the 6 months since its debut, our new “06880” AI widget has gotten plenty of use.
The less-than-good news: Many readers still treat it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “Kevin Christie,” “downtown plan” and “Westport library” are not the best way to interact with our AI widget.
To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:
“What is Kevin Christie’s plan for downtown?”
“Who is speaking this week at the Westport Library”
“Why was the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan rejected?”
Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”
Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.
We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.
But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.
Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get. And the smarter our AI widget will become too.
The arrow points to our AI widget.
PS: If you’re just searching for stories on a specific topic — “High Point Road,” say, or “Library director Bill Harmer” — then use the traditional “Search the 06880 archives” button.
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Yesterday morning’s downpour created a familiar sight: a swollen Deadman Brook, and flooding on Myrtle Avenue.
Deadman Brook, between Violet Lane and the Frontier building.
It doesn’t take much to make them happen.
Fortunately — at least for now – the high waters recede quickly.
Myrtle Avenue, near Post Road East. (Photos/Sal Liccione)
The Westport Book Shop kicks off the dog days of August with a mouse.
This Sunday (August 9, noon to 3 p.m.), former resident Amy Lamb brings Cooper — her curious and adventurous little mouse, the namesake of her new children’s book “Uh-oh, Cooper” — to the Jesup Road store. She’ll sign copies, near a special craft station.
The next session of the Book Shop’s Short Story Club is August 26 (6 p.m.). The 3 stories are “Eyes of a Blue Dog” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), “Woman Hollering Creek” (Sandra Cisneros) and “The Sun, the Moon, the Stars” (Junot Diaz).
Registration is required: call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Meanwhile, all month long the Drew Friedman Art Place features contemporary impressionist paintings of local artist Gregg Ziebell. The longtime member of The Artists Collective of Westport blends light, color and emotion to create original oil landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes. A reception is set for August 13 (6 to 7 p.m.).
Gregg Ziebell, with his Westport Book Shop exhibit.
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The August Guitar Festival gets underway Thursday at VFW Post 399.
Headliner John Basile — known for his soulful melodic playing, sophisticated harmonic sense, and conversational approach to improvisation — has worked with Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett, among many others.
He’s joined by bassist Dan Falzone, drummer Eric Halvorson and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
(You never know what you’ll find on “06880,” right? But whatever it is, we need reader support to keep it coming. Please click here to support our work — and thank you!)
Four years separate the Staples experiences of Alex Freedman, Alisan Porter and Drew McKeon.
But the 4 graduates — from 1996, 1999 and 2000, respectively — share similar joyful memories of their high school years. Particularly important are the many hours spent in the arts wing, supported by beloved mentors like Alice Lipson, Al Pia and Joe Ziegahn.
Porter and McKeon pursued careers in music. Porter — who played Curly Sue in the movie of the same name while in high school, then performed on Broadway in “Footloose,” “A Chorus Line” and “Hair,” and won NBC’s “The Voice” competition — is a singer/songwriter.
Freedman is a classical and jazz pianist. He worked with Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and Phil Ramone, then became both a start-up entrepreneur, one of the tri-state area’s most sought-after tutors, and a marathon runner.
Now — in a happy culmination of coincidences and hard work-to-make-it-happen — the 3 friends got together in California to write and record. The album is called “Porter.”
Their new music is getting plenty of attention. And why not? Besides the immense talents of the trio, the Los Angeles studio has quite a history. Owned 100 years ago by Charlie Chaplin, and later by A&M Records, it was where “We Are the World” was recorded.
Along with 13 albums by Joni Mitchell, and others by the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and the Carpenters.
Alex Freedman
Porter — who recorded all her previous albums in the studio — hired some of her favorite musicians for this project. Leland Sklar is a legendary bassist with over 2,000 album credits, including James Taylor, Phil Collins, Toto, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt. Shoshana Bean just won a Tony Award for “The Lost Boys.” Guitarist David Levita worked with Tim McGraw, Alanis Morissette, Faith Hill and Sara Bareilles.
Grammy-nominated Sam Barsh shares producing credits with Porter and McKeon. Freedman is the executive producer.
“It was like Tom Hanks in ‘Big,'” McKeon recalls. “We made a fantasy draft list of musicians we wanted, and called them in.”
The Staples grads’ long friendship spurred creativity. “We’re all each other’s biggest fans,” Porter says.
From left: Shelley Scarr, Michael Sanchez, Keri Larson, Alex Freedman, Alisan Porter, Drew McKeon, Stephan Hovsepian, David Levita, Leland Sklar.
A mix of Americana, roots, rock and alt-pop, Porter prefers to summarize the genre this way: “super-fun.” Key themes include grief, womanhood, letting go and reinvention.
Freedman’s business background was important too. “I’d been out of music for years,” he says. “I didn’t feel like I belonged. But it brought back a lot of emotions.” He plays piano, organ and synthesizer on many of the tracks.
For the first time, Porter says, she felt she was in charge of a musical product. “We made all the decisions, not someone else. We had the freedom to be the label.”
Alisan Porter
Each musician brought “different creative forces and strengths,” McKeon notes.
They’re dropping singles regularly. The full album is out September 18.
“Man Out of You” — released this past Friday — “is the story of one of your best girlfriends telling you, once again, how a man let her down. This time, I realized I needed to write about it,” Porter says. She collaborated closely with Bean on this song. Click here for the Spotify link.
Click here or below to listen to and watch “Race To Nowhere.”
(“06880” reports often on the varied and very cool accomplishments of Staples graduates. If you like stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Yesterday, an “06880” reader asked about the status of the Cross Highway bridge replacement project.
Timing is everything. Two hours later, Department of Public Works director Larry Roberts announced the launch of a Monthly Project Update.
It’s designed to keep residents informed about municipal infrastructure and construction projects. Beginning now, it’s available on the town website,
Each update will include the name and location of projects, a brief scope of work, the current status, and the anticipated completion date.
Other projects underway include Compo Road South sidewalks and Compo marina seawall replacement (estimated completion, this fall), Sherwood Mill Pond tide gates (November), and Compo marina pier replacement (spring 2027).
Questions about any current or upcoming project? Call DPW: 203-341-1120.
So about Cross Highway: It’s still scheduled to be completed “prior to the start of the school year.”
This is the bridge that’s being replaced.
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Every year, the Levitt Pavilion offers 50-plus nights of free entertainment.
But it relies on several paid-ticketed events to keep the (stage) lights on.
A few of those shows are upcoming. The biggest: Bonnie Raitt (next Sunday, August 9).
Coming soon:
The Revivalists, with Olivia Barnes (August 11)
The Machine performs Pink Floyd (August 21)
Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers, with Magoo
Charlie Hall’s Get Up With It: Miles Davis Centennial (August 24)
Mihali: Full bnd show, with Mr. Mota (September 4)
Hollywood Nights: Bob Seger Experience (September 5)
Tuesday (August 4, 7 p.m.): The Joy Clark Trio. Her debut album, “Tell It to the Wind,” marks Clark’s arrival on the national stage as a proud, queer Black woman. She blends the social consciousness of folk, the rhythms of southeast Louisiana, and the soul-centered music she grew up with.
Wednesday (August 5. 7 p.m.): Children’s Series, with Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winner Flor Bromley.
Thursday (August 6, 7:30 p.m.): Homage to the “Days Between*” with The Red Planet and special guest Crispin Cioe — the Westport saxophonist who played on “Love Shack,” and has recorded and toured with the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Ray Charles, the B-52s, Robert Plant, Solomon Burke, Joe Cocker, Debbie Harry and Aretha Franklin. *The “Days Between” is the 9-day period from August 1 to 9, marking the birth and death of Jerry Garcia.
Friday (August 7, 7:30 p.m.): The Devon Gilfillian Time Will Tell tour. Devon’s music ranges from neo-soul and R&B to funk and rock. Devon recently appeared at the Newport Folk Festival.
Other free August shows include breakout band Improvement Movement with Memo, Christine Ohlman (aka the Beehive Queen), Logical Pretzel (the music of Steely Dan), pop classical stars the String Queens,. Lizzy & the Triggerman (swing) and Broadway and American Songbook favorite Frank Mastrone & Friends. Click here for details, and more information.
Free shows at the Levitt Pavilion.
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Speaking of entertainment: Congratulations, Daniel Planas!
Last Thursday during the weekly Jazz at the Post show at VFW Post 399, the young saxophonist from Stratford received the Jazz Society of Fairfield County’s Micky Golomb Scholarship. He is a rising sophomore, studying music at the University of Connecticut.
Created to honor the memory of a local saxophonist, educator and regular attendee of the Jazz Society’s Thursday performances, the scholarship is awarded to students pursuing a career in jazz performance, composition and/or jazz education. It is based on musicianship, determined by a jury of professional jazz educators.
In addition to the receiving the $5000 award, Daniel joined an all-star group of jazz musicians at last week’s Thursday night Latin Jazz show. He played with Michael Mossman, professor of jazz studies at Queens College and Julliard, Cuban pianist Luis Perdono, 6- time Grammy winner Vince Cherico, Alex “Apolo” Ayala, Carly Moldanado, and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Daniel Planas (left) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” wall, at VFW Post 399.
A new networking tradition began last week at Zucca Gastrobar.
Business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders joined at the debut of the Executive Networking Series. The initiative strengthens business relationships, while introducing local companies to nonprofit organizations throughout Fairfield County.
It was created through a partnership between VTB Financial and Prestige Cabinetry & Design LLC
The first event featured Operation Hope and the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club. Representatives from both groups highlighted the impact their programs have across the region.
A generous donation was presented to Operation Hope by Dushi Marble & Granite. The next Executive Networking Series will be announced soon. For more information, email anna.b@PCDTeam.com.
Executive Networking Series at Zucca. (Photo/Sylvia Janik Photography)
Local resident Peter Mossa died on July 25. He was 58.
His family calls Peter “the kind of person who could brighten any room simply by walking into it. He had a true sparkle, infectious enthusiasm, and a gift for making everyone feel like a friend. He never cared much for formalities — you were far more likely to find him in shorts, a t-shirt and barefoot than dressed up.”
He enjoyed his family, spending time with friends, sharing stories, making people laugh, snowboarding, snowmobiling and celebrating the holidays at his parents’ home in Vermont. Summers were spent on his boat, fishing or tying up with friends to barbecue.
Peter was also a gifted craftsman, whose skill and attention to detail left a lasting mark on countless homes and the lives of those who live in them. His strong work ethic, integrity and dedication earned the respect of everyone.
His family says, “For many years, Peter battled clinical depression. He sought treatment, held onto hope, and never stopped trying to find healing. Though his illness ultimately claimed his life, it never defined the man he was. Peter is deeply loved, and his loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew him.
Peter is survived by his wife Arlene; children Haley and Max; parents Joseph and Deanna; siblings Susan Young (Larry), Joe Jr. (Luisa) and Katie Carmody (Josh); in-laws Wendy Jacobsen (Stephen); several nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends,
His family says, “For those who knew Peter, please remember his laughter and sense of humor, his compassion, his strong loyalty, and his unending love for family and friends. While our hearts are shattered, we find comfort in knowing he is now at peace. We’re forever grateful for the joy he brought into our world and the love he shared so freely.
The family encourages anyone struggling with depression or mental illness to reach out for help (everwellct.org), keep talking, and hold onto hope. Peter’s story is a reminder that mental illness can affect anyone- and is an illness —not a weakness—and that every life is precious.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete’s name to your local Humane Society, animal shelter or your favorite charity organization.
Peter’s memorial aervice will be held August 6 (11 a.m., Norfield Congregational Church, Weston). Casual Florida attire is encouraged.
Mark Mathias provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, with this note:
“After last week’s storm overflowed Deadman Broo between Winslow Park and Saugatuck cemetery, the marshy parts did what they were supposed to do and absorbed much of the overflow.
“The moisture also brought to life this beautiful fungus/mushroom/whatever (I’m not a botanist) that I trust will remain while the ground stays moist.”
And finally … Vicki Wickham was not a household name. But she was “a behind-the-scenes force in popular music who helped oversee the influential British television showcase ‘Ready Steady Go!'” and managed artists including Labelle and the singer Dusty Springfield.
(If you’ve ever discovered a great show — or other event — here, well, that’s our job. We do it 24/7/365. But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to thank us with a donation! Thank you!)
Tom Karrel grew up in Westport, and is a 2012 graduate of Staples High School. His new book, “The Lost Art of Random Conversations,” has just been published. Tom writes:
“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” — Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
The other day, my partner Taylor and I stopped by the Organic Market. After a month full of eating all the sugar and bread we could find, we decided it was time to reset with a juice cleanse.
Tom Karrel
While waiting, a woman overheard us chatting and introduced herself. Within minutes, we discovered she is living in my hometown of Westport, but had grown up in the same neighborhood in Santa Barbara, California, where Taylor and I are moving this fall.
What started as a spontaneous moment turned into a genuinely meaningful conversation. We skipped the standard “What do you do?” scripts, and talked instead about how each of us has learned (or struggled) to make friends in new places.
We talked too about what makes a community feel welcoming enough to lower your guard, offer a compliment, or check in on a deeper level with a stranger.
Returning to Westport this summer, I’ve spent time driving around the Staples campus to see what looks different and what has stayed exactly the same. I’ve taken slow drives through the neighborhoods of old friends, grabbed a greasy sandwich at Fortuna’s and a toasted bagel at Village Bagels, and walked the familiar shores of Compo, Burying Hill and Sherwood Island.
While marveling at everything that looks fancy and new in town, what stands out most are those childhood memory spots that have not aged at all, in the absolute best way.
However, alongside that beautiful nostalgia is a louder realization: We’re all glued to our phones. Walking along the Saugatuck River, sitting on the wall at Compo or waiting for a table near the Black Duck or Kawa Ni, I notice heads constantly tilted down toward glowing rectangles.
We live in one of the most beautiful, idyllic towns in America. Yet so often we stare at our phone screens instead of actually looking up, or stopping to take in all the beauty and diverse people around us.
Sitting on the Compo Beach cannons — with cell phones. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
We all know it. But if nothing changes, nothing changes.
Whenever I come back to town, I get caught in this too. So this time, I’ve made a point to reach out to fellow Staples grads now spread across the globe.
As we catch up on where life has taken us, the conversation inevitably drifts toward the same realization: No matter how impressive our careers or titles may look on paper, everyone is hungry for a genuine sense of community and belonging, wherever they are.
Few have truly found it — myself included.
At Staples we were taught to strive, lead, and make our mark on the world. Westport excels at raising high achievers. But in a world where artificial intelligence automates routine tasks and screens consume our attention, shouldn’t our definition of success evolve?
Are we teaching our young people to be leaders who know how to build real human connection, or are we just training them to chase status and wealth?
True leadership is not just about financial success; it’s about having the courage and capacity to bring people together, lower social barriers, and make the places we live feel like tight-knit communities again.
In my new book, “The Lost Art of Random Conversations,” I advocate for LARC: the daily practice of starting spontaneous, face-to-face interactions in an increasingly lonely, anxious and phone-addicted world.
“Random” doesn’t mean aimless, though. It means being open to unscripted moments of human connection with anyone, from complete strangers to neighbors, colleagues, and our closest friends and family.
Prolonged loneliness carries health risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. One in 4 adults worldwide report feeling profoundly isolated. We are the most digitally connected generation in history, yet statistically we feel the most alone.
The true measure of a strong community isn’t found in real estate values or pristine beach passes. It comes down to one question: If you disappeared for a month, how many people in town would notice?
Maintaining Westport’s strong, welcoming community doesn’t require a complex Town Hall initiative or new non-profit. It starts with simple micro-choices made by each of us individual Westporters every day. For example:
Unplug in local lines. Put your phone in your pocket while waiting at Gold’s, CVS or the Farmers’ Market. Look up, make eye contact, and ask about something interesting you notice about the place and the person behind the counter.
The other, while printing labels at the UPS Store opposite Fresh Market, Tom Karrel (right) and Taylor had a great conversation with 2014 Staples grad Gene Tsai.
Go beyond the usual script. The next time you’re chatting with a shop owner or parent at a baseball game, ask one question beyond “How’s your week going?” Try: “What’s been a standout part of your summer so far?” Genuinely listen to what they say. Follow up, and show you’re actually curious to hear more.
Acknowledge familiar strangers.If you pass the same person walking their dog along the road every morning, smile and say hello. Say the thing you’re both thinking: “Hey, we walk by each other all the time but I’ve never said hello. I’m [your name]!”
Westport’s community sustains and grows when we decide to look up, take a breath, and risk having an honest, spontaneous conversation with the person standing right in front of us. Making one another feel truly welcome and at home in this place, rather than just another busy adult running around from place to place.
The next time you feel a small nudge to reach out to someone in town, go for it. You never know when a simple conversation might remind both of you what it really means to belong to this beautiful place.
(For more information about Tom Karrel’s new book, “The Lost Art of Random Conversations,” click here.)
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail. com. To support this hyper-local blog with a tax-deductible donation, please click here. Thank you!)
Set midway between Post Road East and Bridge Street, on Compo Road South, the handsome red building is a throwback, to days gone by. (And a reminder that the Gault family — whose nearby Saugatuck business dates back to the agricultural and coal-hauling days of the 1800s — remain one of our town’s most beloved, and philanthropic, families.)
But there’s another view of the Gault barn that fewer Westporters see.
Tom Kretsch captured it last week, for our Photo Challenge. His image — with shades of red and tan, narrow windows, and a low stone wall — could have been mistaken for a painting of a long-ago European scene. (Click here to see.)
Tom says, “I have lived in Westport for 52 years. I have walked and jogged by the Gault Barn hundreds of times. Last week I stopped and saw a sign by the Westport Artist Association, with historical information about the barn.
“There was a picture of a painting by an artist whose name escapes me of the back side of the barn. I never knew of this back side.
“I walked down a hill behind the barn, and was astounded by that perspective. I came back another day with more favorable lighting to compose the image.
“What a treasure that building is in this town.”
Twenty readers quickly identified that treasure. Some grew up in Westport. Others are much newer arrivals.
All — like Tom — revere the Gault barn.
Congratulations to Michael Chait, Brian Taylor, Sue Iseman, John McKinney, Morley Boyd, Chip Stephens, Dave Eason, Jen Carpenter, Beth Berkowitz, Seth Braunstein, E. Bruce Borner, Lynn Wilson, A. Starr, Jonathan McClure, Sal Liccione, Tom Wall, Seth Schachter, Nancy Diamond, Matt McGrath and Judi Koffsky.
And for the rest of you: You’ve got one more treasure in Westport to discover.
Here is his week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you would see this, click “Comments” below.
For well over 50 years, the Levitt Pavilion has hosted thousands of concerts and shows. Hundreds of thousands of folks of all ages have enjoyed all sorts of entertainment.
Soon, the outdoor venue will be even more accessible.
Work is proceeding well on a ramp, from the Imperial Avenue parking lot to the Levitt.
The ramp is funded through the town budget via an appropriation. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-September — perhaps earlier.
The new ramp, near the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
Public Works director Larry Roberts says, “We built flexibility into the construction schedule to allow the contractor to work around the busy lineup of shows at the Levitt. I am pleased with the progress to date.”
The ramp is just one part of a broader effort to improve accessibility to town-owned facilities — including the Imperial site. Newly configured ADA-compliant parking and a new handicap-accessible bathroom have recently opened there.
For more than 70 consecutive months, VFW Post 399 sponsors a blood drive.
But it’s not enough. For only the second time in its history, the Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis.
All blood types are urgently needed, but the shortage is particularly severe for type O blood. The supply of type O positive blood has fallen below 1 day, and the Red Cross has begun limiting distribution of certain blood products to hospitals.
NOTE: The Westport Library has just scheduled a blood drive for August 13 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
In Connecticut, only about 1/3 of blood donation appointments for the next month are filled. Thousands of open appointments are critical to meeting patient needs.
You can help by:
making an appointment through the Blood Donor app (RedCrossBlood.org), or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Referring businesses, organizations or individuals interested in hosting a blood drive to the app.
Remember: At any moment, someone we love, a neighbor, or complete stranger could depend on a lifesaving blood transfusion.
Deer are a dime a dozen here. We get several photos a day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature. Sorry; we can’t use 99% of them.
But an albino deer — that’s worth posting.
Marie Gross spotted this one in her back yard. It was visiting her bird feeders.
(Photo/Marie Gross)
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And finally … in honor of the Long Island Sound dolphin pod (story above):
(From dolphins and albino deer to blood drives and ADA ramps, “06880” reports it all. And we do it 24/7/365. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you1)
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