The arts are thriving in Westport.
And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
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After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.
This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:
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Three local politicians will discuss Hartford’s impact on Westport, at a League of Women Voters “Pie & Politics” pizza event.
The January 18 (7 p.m., Pizza Lyfe) evening features State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
The pizza is free, but there’s a suggested donation of $10. RSVP by January 15: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
From left: State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
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Three new novellas from Carl Addison Swanson are available at Amazon.
The titles are “Agent Orange,” “Abortion” (with Jo Ann Miller) and “Homeless.”
Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.
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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.
And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.
Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.
Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.
The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.
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Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.
She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.
Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”
She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.
Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.
A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.
Terry Zapata
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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.
But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.
(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
We are so sorry to read of Terry’s passing. We’d see her everyday at Old Mill Beach/Rd. Rest In Peace Terry. Matt & Tammy Murray
Since you mentioned Jackson, I’ll mention Theodore Roosevelt Jr. who at age 56, and could only walk with a cane, took part in the D Day invasion on Utah beach. His son took part in the D Day invasion on Omaha Beach. They were the only father-son combination to take part in D Day. Again, he was so crippled he needed a cane, yet he insisted in going!
And the local connection. Quentin Roosevelt — also Teddy’s son — was killed in aerial combat over France (on Bastille Day) in 1918. Quentin Road and Roosevelt Road — which connect to each other, off Compo Beach Road — are named for him.
So sorry to hear about Terry. I will miss our Old Mill chats..
Ram crew cabs weren’t designed for normal parking lot spaces, much less Trader Joe’s. 20’ long guarantees they stick out at one end or the other from a normal space while almost 7’ wide fits but makes it hell for anyone parked on either side. Why anyone would drive one to Trader Joe’s parking lot is beyond me.
Might not want to jump to conclusions on who was driving though. I was at the Fairfield Stop & Shop last week and there was a Ram crew cab parked in the first handicapped spot, sticking out 3’ into the roadway of course, but at least the handicap side buffer meant it wasn’t crowding anyone on the side. Anyway, it was an older woman that popped out of the drivers seat, not a man.
Theresa was such a firecracker. I will miss our always lively chats at Old Mill.
Theresa was the Ruth Gordon of Old Mill. She was peaceful, knew everyone, pleasant, but took zero crap from anyone and gave it right back with such ease, confidence, and short n’ sweet. She kept order at Old Mill and loved what she did. I wish I knew more about her. I’ll miss her ❤️