The curtain may rise again for the Remarkable Theater.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously approved a request for a permit to show movies in the Imperial Avenue lot this summer.
The dates would be Mondays (when the nearby Levitt Pavilion is dark) and Wednesdays (when the Levitt’s Children’s Series — which ends earlier than other shows is scheduled). Movies cannot be seen on the large outdoor screen until the sun goes down.
The Remarkable Theater debuted during the COVID year of 2020. It was an instant hit, providing entertainment, opportunities for non-profit groups to partner on fundraisers, and employment for people with disabilities.
After successful seasons in 2021 and ’22, scheduling difficulties prevented the Remarkable Theater from operating last year.
Theater officials hope to confirm their opening — and announce their schedule — soon.
Paul and Melissa Levy, at the Remarkable Theater.
==================================================
Winfield Street Deli closed Monday.
It won’t stay shuttered for long.
Arezzo — the Italian restaurant around the corner, on Riverside Avenue — will take over the Post Road West space.
The new spot will be separate from the restaurant. They’ll add a few items to what had been the coffee shop/deli menu.
They hope to open in 2-3 weeks.
Coming soon to this spot: Arezzo.
==================================================
A who’s who of Westporters received Rotary Club honors on Tuesday.
Each also received an honorary Paul Harris Award — the highest Rotary recognition.
Westport Public Protection Awards went to Firefighter Paul Spennato, Corporal David Scinto and Volunteer EMS President Michael Burns (who also received a Community Service Award).
Westport Community Service Awards were given to Ken Bernhard, attorney, civic leader and community volunteer; Susan Pfister, former director of the Westport Senior Center; Gately Ross and Johanna Martell, co-directors of Sustainable Westport; Honorable Lisa Wexler, probate judge, and Pete Wolgast, civic leader and community volunteer.
Corporal David Scinto receives his award from Rotary member Lyla Steenbergen. Police Chief Foti Koskinas looks on.
Pete Wolgast (right), with longtime Rotarian and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
==================================================
Earthplace heats up this summer.
Programs and events include:
- “Organic Vegetable Gardening” (June 25, 1 p.m.; $5 members, $10 non-members)
- “Invasive Plant Removal” (June 27, July 22, August 21; 10 a.m.; free)
- “Build-a-Bouquet” (various dates, June 30-September 22; $20 members, $25 non-members)
- Nature Yoga (June 15, June 22, 10 a.m.; $15 in advance, $20 at the door)
- Themed Family Campfire (June 21, 6:30 p.m.; $30 per member family, $40 non-members)
- Craft & Sip: Natural Dyeing (21+; June 13, 6 p.m.; $30 members, $40 non-members).
- 2nd annual Moth Ball (July 12, 8 to 11 p.m.; $10 adults; under 21, free). Moth experts discuss moth ecology, and identify moth species. Dress up in a moth costume. Crafts and refreshments included).
For registration and more information, click here, or email v.swain@earthplace.org.
=====================================================
For over 9 decades, the Westport Country Playhouse has been making musicals.
Next month, “They Made It a Musical!” comes to the historic stage.
A concert celebrating Broadway’s greatest musicals is set for July 18, 19 and 20 (8 p.m.), with a July 20 matinee (3 p.m.).
Broadway veterans and a live band offer songs and stories showcasing the origins of “Oklahoma!” (whose origins include the Playhouse), “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Titanic,” “Hamilton” and many more.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westporter Bambi Linn played Dream Laurey in “Oklahoma!” on Broadway.
==================================================
Two new art installations open soon, in all 3 Westport Library gallery spaces.
The Artist Collective of Westport’s “Piece By Piece” and “Word: Visual VS Verbal Art Show” will fill all 3 of the Library’s gallery spaces.
For “Piece by Piece,” 48 artists from the Collective each created an individual piece — part of a larger painting — replicating it in their own style. None know what the final painting will look like until it’s revealed at the opening reception (June 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
The reveal will be a fun way to see how each artist interpreted the 12″ x 12″ section they were given.
The Collective’s “Visual VS Verbal Art Show ” will also open that evening, with art on many of Library walls and the large Trefz Forum screen.
==================================================
A year ago, Staples High School graduate Jake Thaw previewed his upcoming University of Michigan football season, at a special meeting of the Michigan Alumni Association of Fairfield County
The Wolverines went on to win the national championship.
After appearing in that game, Thaw — a punt returner and wide receiver — has transferred to Delaware.
But once again, local alums can hear the football forecast from someone who knows.
Lys Goldman — a 2021 Staples grad, and rising senior at UM, will speak at Pizza Lyfe on July 7 (2 p.m.).
Lis is a senior sports editor and senior layout editor for The Michigan Daily. She covers UM football, ice hockey, women’s basketball and other sports.
Lys also designs most sports print pages — including the national championship cover.
Next month’s event is free — and open to all. No Michigan connection is needed. Click here to register.
Lys Goldman
============================================
Staples High School Class of 1976 graduate Tim Garvin is now president and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts.
In preparation for their 104th annual Community Celebration, they decorated their offices with vintage posters, artifacts and awards.
One poster from the 1950s caught his eye.
Looking closely, he realized it was more than just intriguing: The artis was Stevan Dohanos.
The Westport illustrator — a longtime cover artist for the Saturday Evening Post, US stam designed and founding member of Famous Artists School — created this work:
“I am that his work and Westport heritage are on display in our United Way offices in Worcester,” Tim says.
===============================================
There’s a reception for Dorothy Robertshaw — the Westport Book Shop featured artist of the month — tonight (Thursday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.) at the Jesup Road store.
Inspired by nature, she creates richly textured, exuberantly colorful waterscapes and landscapes she sees in her mind’s eye. She works in oil, acrylic, encaustic wax, pastel, wood, glass and mixed media.
=================================================
Rushing to or from a train, it’s easy to overlook the gorgeous gardens at the Westport station.
But that would be a shame.
So now — assuming you’re not running to or at the station — relax, and enjoy today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
(Photo/Patti Brill)
==================================================
And finally … on this day in 1966, the Supreme Court ruled in Miranda v. Arizona that the police must inform suspects of their 5th Amendment rights before questioning them.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on readers like you for support. Please click here to help us bring you all that we do. Thank you!)
