Supplies have been delivered. Now construction has begun on apartment buildings in Lyman, Ukraine. Work on 2 is already completed.
Lyman apartments.
Funds for building materials to shore up the structures — nearly demolished during 5 months of Russian occupation — came from $252,000 donated by Westporters to our sister city.
Work is being done by local contractors, hired by Ukraine Aid International. The non-profit was founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
At work in Lyman.
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The Milwaukee Bucks may not seem, at first glance, to be the 3rd most valued US sports franchise.
But if the reported 25% sale of the NBA team by co-owner — and Westporter — Marc Lasry goes through, at a valuation of $3.5 billion, it would be the 2nd-highest for an NBA team (behind the Phoenix Suns’ recent $4 billion), and 3rd overall (the Denver Broncos went for $4.65 billion in June).
Marc Lasry (right), after the Bucks won the NBA championship. (Screen shot photo/Fred Cantor)
Lasry and fellow hedge fund titan Wes Eden bought the Bucks for $550 million in 2014, from former US Senator Herb Kohl. They won the NBA championship in 2021. (Click here for the full story: Hat tips: Michael Catarevas, Chris Grimm and Fred Cantor)
Marc Lasry’s Beachside Avenue estate includes this full-size basketball court — including the Milwaukee Bucks’ slogan, “Fear the deer.”
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The Granola Bar has joined Nobu Restaurants.
Well, in a coffee partnership, anyway. Parent company TGB Hospital Group has partnered exclusively with Coffee of Grace, a Black woman-owned brand. It will be served — and sold by the bag — at The Granola Bar’s 5 locations, plus Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Nobu is the only other group to offer a Coffee of Grace custom blend.
Coffee of Grace emphasizes environmental stewardship, and supports farmers (particularly female coffee growers) by sourcing directly from co-ops in Rwanda, Peru, Guatemala and Brazil.
All coffees are 100% arabica, specialty grade, organically grown, and ethically sourced from small lot coffee farmers through 100% Direct Trade business.
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Speaking of food:
Months after a “Coming Soon…” sign appeared at 793 Post Road East — the new retail/residential complex at the foot of Long Lots Road, behind Shearwater Coffee and Pizza Lyfe — Gallo Express is finally open.
The takeout and delivery-only store offers salads, pasta, pizze, panini, and plenty of full meals. Click here for a menu, and more details.
Screenshot from the Gallo Express website.
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Aspiring interns can apply now apply for the 2023 Joanne Woodward Internship Program at the Westport Country Playhouse. Interns work directly with senior staff in the areas of development, education, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Interns also attend weekly seminars with guest speakers including Playhouse staff, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.
Due to the Playhouse’s shortened season, production internships are not available this year.
The program runs from May 27 through August 12. The stipend is $600 a week. The application deadline is March 17. For more information, click here.
Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship at the Westport Country Playhouse. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).
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Tonight’s Malloy Lecture in the Arts has been postponed, due to weather.
Artist/musician Richard Butler will now appear on Saturday, April 1 (7 p.m.), in conversation with Chris Frantz.
That’s the 3rd day of the 2nd annual VersoFest. The April 1 lineup for the music and media event now features Butler, Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club drummer (and Fairfield resident) Frantz, and legendary producer Steve Lillywhite, reuniting 3 rock icons who rose to international prominence in the late 1970s and 80s.
Butler was part of the Psychedelic Furs, one of London’s leading post-punk bands.
Lillywhite delivers his festival keynote — also a conversation with Frantz — on Saturday, April 1 at 1 pm.
The Spring 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts with Butler replaces the previously scheduled laser light show at VersoFest. It will be rescheduled.
The Malloy Lecture in the Arts is a gift from Westport artist Susan Malloy. The Westport Library created the lecture series in 2002 as a free, public discussion by an individual who has had a significant cultural influence. and whose work has enhanced understanding and appreciation of the arts.
Richard Butler
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Speaking of the Westport Library: it opens at noon today.
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Also postponed: tonight’s FCIAC boys basketball semifinal. #4 Staples High School now takes on #1 Ridgefield tomorrow (Wednesday, March 1, Wilton High School). Tipoff is 7:15 p.m.
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The latest “What’s Next in Weston” podcast features part 2 of 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor’s interview with Public Safety communications director Larry Roberts.
They discuss the cost and coverage of the statewide emergency communications system, and how it will benefit town residents.
The podcast is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
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Guitar master Bob DeVos kicks off March in Westport with a blend of originals and masterpieces, at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 2, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
He’ll be joined by Organ Trio bandmates Dan Kostelnik and Steve Johns, plus Greg “Jazz Rabbi” Wall on saxophone.
Recommendations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Naturally, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature features snow.
The first of 2023 made this intriguing mark on Nancy Axthelm’s back yard:
(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)
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And finally … It was the perfect snowfall, in fact.
Just enough to be pretty. Not enough to be onerous. No wind, drifts or bone-chilling temperatures.
So although the weather outside is far from frightful, it’s about time to let this song rip:
(Take a break from shoveling. Sit by the fire. Have some hot chocolate. And please, consider a donation to “06880.” Click here — thank you!)