It was a big night for women at yesterday’s 66th annual Grammy Awards.
And some of the biggest wins were by Billie Eilish.
The 22-year-old singer/songwriter (and her brother Finneas) won Song of the Year for “What Was I Made For?,” from the hit film “Barbie.” It also won Best Song Written for Visual Media.
The “06880” connection? Billie and Finneas’ father, Patrick O’Connell,
Patrick O’Connell — who grew up at the top of Compo Hill — is a 1975 Staples High School graduate. He was an active member of Staples Players, best known for his role of John in “The Crucible.”
Patrick went on to Juilliard, and a career as an actor. He’s appeared in “Iron Man,” “The West Wing” and “Baskets.”
Congratulations, Billie and Finneas — and their proud dad.
Patrick O’Connell (left), at last night’s Grammy Awards. (Photo courtesy of Linda Smith)
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Clarence Hayes knows that there is no legal way to limit tree-cutting on private property.
But he wants fellow “06880” readers to know where it’s going on.
He sent 2 recent photos.
One is 66 Kings Highway North, where all trees have been clear cut in preparation for a new house.
“A tree with a 16-foot circumference in perfect health could not be spared close to the middle of the property,” Clarence says.
66 Kings Highway North
And here’s the scene at 242 Compo Road South, near Compo Beach:
(Photos/Clarence Hayes)
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Ned Dimes Marina in mid-winter is empty — except for the wildlife that frames it, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
In a few months, it will be hard to see the boats here, through the greenery. For now though, the scene is serene — and brown.
(Photo/Ned Dimes)
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And finally … here is the Grammy Award-winning Song of the Year (story above). It’s had only 104 million views:
(Every day, “06880” is where Westport meets the world — and you learn about our connections to people like Billie Eilish. Please click here to support our online community. Thank you!)
Who are the builders responsible for the clear-cutting? Do they have signs up on the properties? I doubt I’ll ever buy a large new-construction house in Westport, but I’d still like to know who to blame for this vandalism and boycott them.
Why do people move to the country and proceed to clear cut what remaining woods there are in Westport? There must be some way to stop this before there’s no woods left. These same folks will probably complain about water on their property after killing the things that soak up water. I’m guessing a big swimming pool that will displace soil and raise the neighbors’ water table is next.
What about the approximately 45 mature maple trees in the parking lot and in front of Long Lots Elementary? Looks like the new parking lot configuration is curved lanes vs. straight. Will that necessitate the clear cutting of those trees? What does the Town of Westport say? Wouldn’t it be nice to get a response…..
When I lived in Lewisboro, New York, just over the line in Westchester county, clearcutting was forbidden. There are ways to regulate it, and it is long past the time to implement tree protection ordinances.
Having lived at 65 Kings Highway North thru high school and college, this latest travesty is maddening and heartbreaking at the same time. We are battling the same problems in coastal SC right now with people cutting down landmark live oak trees in the name of development. Tree protection ordinances are lagging behind the irreparable damage by developers…so very frustrating.