During her life as an editor at Publisher’s Weekly, Sybil Steinberg amassed an enormous array of books: advance copies of the most revered works in literature, first editions, volumes signed by the authors and inscribed to the beloved Westporter.
Steinberg died earlier this year. At the Westport Library’s StoryFest 2024, many editions from her vast collection will be available for purchase.
Among the items: a first edition copy, inscribed to Steinberg, of Amy Tan’s “The Joy Luck Club,” a signed copy of Kurt Vonnegut’s “Timequake,” and advance copies from authors like Joyce Carol Oates, Peter DeVries and Laura Z Hobson.
Also available: a compilation of past Sybil’s Lists, collections of her recommended books that she unveiled regularly at the Library.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit StoryFest, the Library’s annual literary festival which this year is dedicated to Steinberg’s memory. A special dedication ceremony in her honor is set for Saturday, September 21 (1 p.m).
Sybil Steinberg
Sybil Steinberg
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When school starts next Tuesday, the Westport Police Department will increase traffic enforcement in school zones.
Officers will look for drivers using cell phones, speeding, and disregarding school bus signals.
Police remind commuters to allow for extra time, as school buses and students again take to the roads.
Homemade reminder, near Kings Highway Elementary School.
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As summer winds down, the Westport Community Gardens growing season nears an end.
As plans proceed for a new Long Lots Elementary School, the final resolution of the gardens is up i the air.
Sally Kleinman calls the end of the season “always a bittersweet experience.”
But, she writes, yesterday “was particularly sad. I couldn’t resist channeling the last episode of ‘M*A*S*H,’ using the rocks that had lined one of my beds.”
If you remember that classic show from 1983 — the finale after 11 memorable years — you’ll instantly recognize Sally’s message.
If you haven’t: Well, it was TV at its finest.
Click below to see:
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Joni Mitchell is the focus of the next First Folk Sunday.
Acoustic guitarist Suzanne Sheridan — founder of the monthly event — will be joined by keyboardist Bob Cooper and violinist Cat Lines on September 1 (Saugatuck Rowing Club, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), in a tribute to the legendary singer/songwriter.
The music cover charge is $15 per ticket; click here to purchase, and for more information.
A special First Folk Sunday menu will be available, and the Rowing Club bar will be open.
For more information, call 203-984-7562.
Bob Cooper, Suzanne Sheridan, Cat Lines
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Cat Malkin — the longtime Westporter; animal communicator, animal Reiki master and pet loss grief counselor, and co-author of “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs” — hosts a Zoom fundraiser this Sunday (6 p.m.).
“Chat Pawty” with Minnie — the bulldog star of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” — is a chance to ask pet celebrity questions and win prizes.
It’s like “Oprah” — except animals are interviewed by Cat. Minnie will answer questions live. Cat will translate.
Prizes include a VIP Chat Pawty for your animal family, spa animal Reiki treatment, “Only Murders in the Building” Swag and more.
There’s a minimum donation of $20 (Venmo @HurleysHeart-BulldogRescue; note “Chat Pawty,” and add your email to receive the Zoom link and details.
Can’t make it live? You’ll receive a recording.
All proceeds benefit Hurley’s Heart Bulldog Rescue, a non-profit that rescues and rehabilitates French and English bulldogs.
Cat Malkin
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Lou Weinberg and his wife were enjoying a leisure paddle out to Cockenoe Island on Wednesday, when this bad boy rolled by.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
The kayakers kept their distance. And wondered who was on board, and where they were headed.
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Earlier this year, “06880” sponsored a cool contest with Cohl Katz.
The Westport stylist to the stars offered her talents — a haircut and makeup application for women, a haircut and style for men — to 3 winners of a contest she and I cooked up.
We asked 3 trivia questions about famous current or past Westport or Weston residents. All have been Cohl’s clients.
Todd Pines knew that an actor who prepared for a role by eating only bananas, water and rice for a month was Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter”).
Yesterday, he picked up his prize.
“Todd wanted a haircut he could just towel dry,” Cohl reports.
But he left with something extra: jalapeños from her garden.
That’s full service, for sure.
Todd Pines, and his peppers: Lookin’ good!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than usual.
Richard Fogel spotted this sign, at Wakeman Field:
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And finally … the upcoming First Folk Sunday honors Joni Mitchell (story above). Today, we honor her too:
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Love Joni! Her songs are timeless. My daughter’s wedding dance song was Case of You. A generation later.
😪😪😪 about the gardens. So sad.