Monthly Archives: July 2010

Putting A Stamp On Westport

Posted on July 31, 2010 | Comments Off on Putting A Stamp On Westport

To honor Westport’s 175th anniversary — or, more likely, in just a coincidence — someone is selling a “centenary poster stamp” on eBay.

The stamp — it’s unclear what it was actually used for — was issued in 1935.  That year, it honored the 100th anniversary of the founding of Westport as an official town.

The listing gives few details beyond:

Vintage vignette commemorating the town’s incorporation in 1835.  Approximate size: 40mm x 24mm.  Mint never hinged.

It’s not exactly the Upside Down Jenny stamp.  As of Saturday morning — with less than 2 days remaining in the sale — it drew a high bid of a whopping $7.50.

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Food For Thought

Posted on July 31, 2010 | 2 comments

In 5 years as restaurant critic for the New York Times, Frank Bruni influenced millions of diners — and countless discussions of “where should we eat?”

For much of his life, his own answer was:  anywhere, any time.

Bruni was a voracious eater.  The results showed on his body — and, less visibly, his self-esteem.

Frank Bruni

Now average weight — and off the food beat — he’s written a book:  Born Round:  the Secret Life of a Full-Time Eater. He says it contains “elements of an addiction memoir and a food memoir, with lots of family issues and digressions.”

This Monday (August 2, 7:30 p.m.) Bruni will be at the Westport Public Library.  He’ll talk about restaurant writing, eating, self-loathing — and the intersection of all 3.

He’ll also answer questions from the audience.  If anyone asks him to compare his own youthful weight issues with today’s focus on childhood obesity, he’ll mention the importance of offering healthy options and environments.

And, he’ll note, that’s not always easy to do.

“Parents have to realize that kids model behavior from watching their parents — with food, and everything else.  If parents are sedentary or pig out in front of the TV, kids accept that as the norm.”

I wanted to dig in to another subject:  Westport’s culinary life.

“Sadly, I don’t know much about Fairfield County restaurants,” Bruni said.  “My knowledge ends with Westchester.”

So where will he dine before Monday’s library appearance?

“Unfortunately, I’ve got a lot of things to do here at the Times,” he said.  “My summer is crazy.

“I’ll probably just have a sandwich on the train.”

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Posted in Library, People

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AAA On The Move

Posted on July 30, 2010 | 1 comment

Westport’s AAA office is moving.

On Monday the auto club — provider of travel guides, insurance, even driver’s licenses — moves from its Saugatuck location (near Dunville’s) to Compo Shopping Center (next to Gold’s).

A spokeswoman called the relocation “a business decision.”

Need a map to find the new spot?

No problem.  Just go to AAA.

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Posted in Local business, Organizations, Places

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How Did You Do It?

Posted on July 30, 2010 | 1 comment

Some couples do it in the privacy of the bedroom.

Others do it on a lake, or during a picnic.

Some do it right out in public, with hundreds of people around.

Now — in preparation for their production of “I Do!  I Do!” — the Westport Country Playhouse wants to know how you do it.

“It” is, of course, proposing marriage.

To enter the Playhouse’s “Perfect Proposal Contest,” write (in 300 words or less) how you were asked to say “I do.”  Or how you got your partner to say it.

The winner, and his or her spouse (or date — you not only don’t have to be currently married to the same person in the proposal; it’s okay if you called the whole thing off some time after the brilliant proposal but before the actual exchange of vows) — will be awarded a night at the new Delamar in Southport, a $100 gift certificate to Da Pietro’s, a New Country of Westport Lexus (well, the use of one for a weekend), and 2 tickets to a future Playhouse show.

The top 5 finalists receive 2 tickets to the Playhouse’s 2nd annual Date Night (Friday the 13th of August — uh oh), where the winner will be announced.  Date Night includes a pre-show reception with champagne, light fare, romantic music and “Cupid-inspired giveaways.”

To enter, email your name, phone number, address and story (with optional photo) by noon on Tuesday, August 10 to:  marketing@westportplayhouse.org.

The Playhouse says “no purchase is necessary to enter.”  Technically that’s true.  But most “Perfect Proposal Contest” entrants have already bought a few minor items like diamond rings, wedding dresses and honeymoons.

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Posted in Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

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Leslye Headland’s “Bachelorette”

Posted on July 29, 2010 | 6 comments

Westporters reading the front page of Tuesday’s New York Times arts section saw a rave review of 1999 Staples graduate — and former Staples Player — Leslye Headland’s “Bachelorette.”

Charles Isherwood called the “scarifying tale of mean-girl malice and generational malaise” — fueled by drugs, alcohol and sex — a “vivid and entertaining play, as witheringly funny as it is bitterly sad.”

Leslye Headland

The main characters — 3 young women and the 2 young men they pick up — are “observed with equal parts savagery and sympathy,” Isherwood says.  “Written with stiletto-sharp wit by Ms. Headland, they are almost embarrassingly compelling.”

Not everyone agrees.  One Times reader savaged the reviewer’s review:

So the characters are wounded, selfish bitches.  So what? Who cares?

Another wrote:

I was just plain offended by this misogynistic piece of claptrap. That any woman could hate women so much is just plain scary.

A Times arts section story earlier this month focused on Headland’s career.  Writer Celia McGee said:

The plays of Ms. Headland and contemporaries like Annie Baker and Elizabeth Meriwether offer an up-to-the-nanosecond portrayal of a generation yet to hit 30 and leery of growing up.  But Ms. Headland also has a soft spot for another influence:  “I think of my plays a bit in the vein of Charles Schulz and Peanuts,” she said, “which, if you read them closely, were super-existential.”

Yet there is nothing cartoonish about Ms. Headland’s creations, said Wes Whitehead, artistic director of the three-year-old IAMA Theater Company in Los Angeles, where Ms. Headland is the artist in residence.  “She likes to explore difficult topics very honestly,” he said.  “The circumstances may be heightened, but every time you’re being left with an emotional connection to what’s happening onstage, and it’s devastating.”

“Bachelorette” director Trip Cullman added:

She has this very dark, painful sense of humor, which like all good humor comes from a place of truth.  It’s shockingly naked in showing how recklessness in people’s 20s can turn into desperation in their 30s, and seeming friendship is really co-dependence.

After Staples, Headland studied directing and acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.  She graduated in 2003, then spent 4 years in what — according to the Times — “she considers her own addictive relationship, staying too long in an assistant’s job at a New York entertainment company rather than pursuing playwriting.”

Her boss was Harvey Weinstein — the Miramax Films founder, and (coincidentally) a Westporter.

Headland is now in LA, writing for the upcoming FX series “Terriers.”  She’ll soon turn 30 — joining a new age group, ripe for her stiletto-sharp dissection.

6 Comments

Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS

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Steve Rubin: Signs Don’t Vote

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 26 comments

Steve  Rubin is running for state representative.

You probably already know that from his ubiquitous lawn signs.

His — and every other candidate’s — placards are seen by some as the political version of Canada geese.   (Or, perhaps, Canada geese droppings.)

Steve knows it.  Here’s an email he just sent “06880”:

Each year (twice a year for primaries) we are lucky to hold free elections.  We value our free speech, as granted under our Constitution.

For over 25 years in Westport I have observed something very special before Election Day:  lawn signs.  Yes, those ugly signs that clutter islands on our public roads, recreation areas and any open space where candidates think some name recognition will magically appear.  Name recognition is earned over years of service, and not from signs.  Signs do not vote.

Being a Westport candidate since 1993 and running for re-election every 2 years, I know these signs are troublesome, expensive and not appreciated by many.  Now, as a candidate for state representative, I am experiencing first hand and all over town a Westport phenomenon:  inevitably the signs are down.  They get stolen, get torn up, thrown on the ground and somehow disappear.  All the money spent and work done goes down the drain.  Rights are abused.

Now, many feel that campaign phone calls and knocking on doors may be annoying and an intrusion of privacy.  Some feel that letters to the editor are just a sham orchestrated by the candidate; others believe this is an American tradition used to get out the vote.  Mail advertising is lucky to be looked at before resting in the garbage.  What’s so bad?  If you don’t like it you may hang up, say no or simply ignore it all.  It only lasts for a few weeks.  In the scheme of things it is all not so terrible.  I believe the endless TV commercials for big elections are much worse.

Another bad situation occurs between candidates.  “They took my sign down,” one says against the other.  It’s not worth the fight or accusation.  I prefer taking the high road.  If any opponent in any race agrees not to use signs I would agree that I wouldn’t either.  But if one does, the other is forced to do the same.

Thank you, and please vote on August 10.

26 Comments

Posted in Local politics, People

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Highwood Lane Needs Help

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 6 comments

An “06880” reader who lives on Highwood Lane — which connects Highwood Road and Cavalry Road, near Newtown Turnpike — reports:

Highwood Lane has been blocked by a fallen tree since last Thursday, and no one is willing to take responsibility to clear it.

The tree is leaning heavily on utility lines running from pole to pole but the neighbors haven’t lost power, cable or phone — and that’s part of the problem.

CL&P says the tree is not on their lines, Cablevision says they don’t have the equipment to remove it, the Town of Westport says it’s a private road so they have no responsibility, and the private tree companies say they won’t touch it since it’s resting on utility lines.

The neighbors are running out of options, and wondering what good is paying property taxes to Westport.  Day 6 and counting…

“06880” readers are never short on suggestions.  Please keep them serious, realistic, and PG-rated.

6 Comments

Posted in Places, Westport life

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Downtown Demolition

Posted on July 28, 2010 | 10 comments

WestportNow’s popular “Teardown of the Day” often features nondescript, “Mad Men”-era homes on private roads and cul-de-sacs.  We’re sorry to see old homes torn down, but we don’t recognize many of them.

Monday’s teardown was different.

The 2-story Federal-style home and shed at 26-28 Church Lane — across the street from the YMCA — will be knocked down, following review by the Historic District Commission.  Built around 1820, according to WestportNow.com, it was moved there from a previous Post Road location.  That must have been a long time ago — it looks like it’s stood there forever, a proud reminder of when downtown Westport was both residential and handsome.

But over the years the building has deteriorated.  It’s rotting and decrepit — perhaps an intentional move by the owners, WestportNow commenters have hinted, in order to be allowed to tear down a historic property.

Contrast 26-28 Church Lane with the building next door, #36.  Also once sagging, after the Red Cross departed, it’s been lovingly restored by real estate attorney Roger Leifer.

Meanwhile, catty corner to #36, an addition to Christ & Holy Trinity Church will soon rise.  Plans call for the new building to blend seamlessly with the 1863 stone structure.  Church leaders and members understand the importance of maintaining the downtown streetscape.

There is no word on the fate of the Victorian office building adjacent to the Y — #35.  It’s long provided dignity and balance to the Church Lane/Elm Street corner.  But it too is old, and no doubt difficult to maintain.  In Westport that can mean the kiss of death.

With the Y poised to move from downtown — the plan is to convert the property into retail, residential and restaurant complex — the little road that is Church Lane looks to be in for big changes in the months and years ahead.

10 Comments

Posted in Downtown, YMCA

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Flame Shines In Vegas

Posted on July 27, 2010 | 4 comments

Earlier this month, “06880” reported on the Connecticut Flame — an Under-17 AAU basketball team with players from Westport and inner cities that was raising funds for a Las Vegas tournament, where players would be seen by college coaches.

Westport member Dan Scanlan reports from Vegas:

Here we are, thanks to your generosity and support, in steamy Las Vegas.  We’ve won 5 games, lost 1, and got our 1st team medal.  The games are all played at the Convention Center, where they’ve set up 20 courts for teams from all over the country.

There’s some amazing b-ball talent here — guys who will someday play in the NBA.  The guys on my team are all cool.  Some have real potential.  This trip might help them score a scholarship, with luck.

Dan is wearing #14.  It’s the same number worn by Scott “Hoover” Wilder — his stepfather David Squires’ best friend from high school.  Like Dan, Hoover was a Wrecker hoopster.  A year after graduation he was paralyzed in an automobile accident.  He died in 2008, but left a legion of friends — including Dan.

Dan adds:

Thanks again for helping make this trip happen.  I’m the little guy in the front row (3rd from left) with my hand on the basketball.

4 Comments

Posted in People, Sports

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Culinary Camp Cooks Up A Storm

Posted on July 27, 2010 | 3 comments

Forget sports camp, computer camp, even band camp.

The cool camp this summer is culinary.

Just watch the 32 boys and girls — all rising 6th through 9th graders — who rush in to Staples’ 2 professional kitchens every morning.  Part of Westport Continuing Education‘s Culinary Camp, they spend 3 hours a day prepping, cooking, cleaning — and eating.

Students Isaac Paparo (left) and Sam Karpenas prepare a meal.

Chef Cecily Gans — renowned for her culinary curriculum at the high school — challenges the youngsters with a different cuisine each day.  The weeks are themed:  European, Asian, American regional.

Gans ties the course’s popularity to television.  “Between the Food Network, ‘Top Chef’ and the cake shows on TV, kids are really into cooking,” she says.  “The minute registration opens, we’re filled.”

The class appeals to both boys and girls.  There are several special needs youngsters, which Gans calls “great.  This is a welcoming environment.  It’s not competitive — everyone works together.”

They prepare a full menu every day:  salads, soups, entrees, desserts.

The most popular cuisines have been New England, Southern Italian — and (surprisingly) Spanish.

One thing the kids don’t like:  pork.

Gans was also surprised to find that 2 boys — whom she figured would love beef or chicken — were interested in something else:  “Whatever involved the most cutting.”

Gans and fellow instructor Lucinda Grieg are aided by 6 counselors — former Staples students and/or campers.  Becca Nissim, who graduated in June, heads this fall to Johnson & Wales — the culinary school that’s Gans’ alma mater.

Gans enjoys hearing nice “feed”back from parents.  She’s also delighted when campers who age out ask to return as counselors.

Culinary Camp 2010 ends on Friday.  Registration for 2011 opens next April.

Counselor Becca Nissim and student Shannon Barry (foreground) work in the kitchen.

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Posted in Children, Education, People, Staples HS

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