Taylor Swift stepping out of her limo?
Nah.
It’s parents, snapping photos at a Staples High School prom pre-party.
Meanwhile, on the other side:
And at another party in town:
(Photo/Kimberly Paris)
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Speaking of parties: Hundreds of music lovers — and Senator Richard Blumenthal — jammed the Westport Library last night.
The launch party for Verso Studio’s initial album release — the first public library ever to record, produce and release a vinyl record — was a huge success.
Four bands played. Last night, Westport’s was the noisiest — and happiest — library in the world.
The Trefz Forum stage.
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Speaking of celebrations: The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted its first-ever Holi Festival yesterday.
The Hindu tradition celebrates the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil.
A large crowd — Hindu and many other religions — joined in the joy at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
(Photo courtesy of Ifeseyi Gayle)
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The Westport Police Benevolent Association has awarded scholarships to 19 (!) students. The WPBA Foundation suffered a great loss when longtime supporter Dennis Poster died last year. His wife Joan Poster remains involved, and helps the program thrive.
There are 3 types of scholarships, all worth $2,000. The Wilbur is awarded to Westport Police officers’ children who have done community service, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.
The Deputy Chief John Anastasia Scholarship is given to Staples High School seniors who will focus on criminal justice, and have done community service. Caleigh Coughlin received that grant this year.
The Chief Bill Stefan Scholarship goes to a Staples High School senior who will focus on criminal justice, and participated in sports teams and activities. Olivia Stubbs earned that award this year.
PBA Scholarship honorees. Top row (left to right): Zachary Benson, Brandon Benson, Jonathan Wolf, Samuel Wolf, Zoe Koskinas, Madison Hayes. Bottom: Caleigh Coughlin, Jaden Aliberti, Ella Simpson, Gabrielle Hayes, Ann Restieri. Bot pictured: Olivia Biagiotti, April Nowinski, Joseph Sabin, Sara Sabin, Emma Simpson, Brandon Smith, Olivia Stubbs, Meghan Velky
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It’s tough to come up with an original fundraising idea.
Unless you’re Lauren and David Sussman.
On June 16, the Westport couple will do a “marathon walk-a-thon” — 26.2 miles — around town. “Steps_4life” will raise funds for United Hatzalah. The Israeli organization of 6,000 volunteer first responders — EMTs, paramedics and doctors — have responded to hundreds of thousands of medical emergencies, in rapid time, regardless of race or religion.
An “ambucycle” – equipped with supplies and equipment like an ambulance — can zip through traffic quicker than most ambulances.
They’ve been training hard. Before each practice walk they map out their route on Instagram (Steps_4life), inviting friends (and stranger) to join them for a bit.
For more information, and to help with the Sussmans’ campaign, click here. (Hat tip: Liz Kaner)
David and Lauren Sussman.
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Four local teen bands highlight the first “Weston Woodstock.”
Fittingly, it’s a benefit for music.
Weston High School junior and musician Sophie Levy created and designed the event as a fundraiser for KEYS. The organization supports music lessons and performances for under-resourced Bridgeport youth.
The June 24 event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., on the Weston History & Culture Center lawn.
Tickets are $15 adults, $30 per family (purchase at the door). Follow @WestonWoodstock on Instagram to keep up to date.
Sophie realized the importance of music education when a girl at School of Rock quit for financial reasons. Researching ways to help, she found KEYS, a non-profit.
Her goal for the event is $5,000, through tickets and sponsorships. For more information, contact Sophie: sophelevy@gmail.com; 475-470-9666.
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Registration is now open for the CT Challenge. The July 29 bike ride — with distances of 10, 25, 40, 62, 100 and virtual — raises funds for the local non-profit Mission. They help 16.9 million cancer survivors in Connecticut and throughout the US rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs.
Click here to register. Click here for more information on the CT Challenge.
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On Friday, “06880” noted the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) Award, which will be presented to Clea Newman on behalf of her parents, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The breakfast is June 21, at Norwalk Shore & Country Club.
Another Westporter will receive an ACE Award that day too.
Jenny Nelson has been a theatre and music educator for over 20 years. A former professor at City College of New York’s Graduate Program for Theatre Educators, she has worked with Long Wharf, The Shubert and Yale Rep, among many theaters.
Jenny also built the arts education program for the Westport Country Playhouse.
Jenny Nelson
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Nearly every time she walks, Johanna Keyser Rossi spots something unexpected.
Often, it ends up as a “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Here’s her image from the other day, by the Saugatuck River:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … Redd Holt, a jazz drummer who played on several catchy, popular hits, died recently in Chicago. He was 91, and suffered from lung cancer.
His biggest songs came in 1965, with the Ramsey Lewis Trio:
And 3 years later, with Young-Holt Unlimited:
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Donations are tax-deductible. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Thanks, Johanna, for that wonderful, smiling turtle…a joy to see.