Roundup: Duke Ellington’s Jazz, Paul Newman’s Apartment, Marcy Sansolo’s Toy Drive …

Jazz lovers packed the Westport Library last night, for a tribute to Duke Ellington.

Roger Kaufman’s Old School Review brought together the Smithsonian Museum’s Dr. John Edward Hasse, an Ellington expert; the New York All Star Big Band, and vocalist Audrey Martells.

It was a powerful evening, filling the Trefz Forum with all that jazz.

Audrey Martells, and the New York All Star Big Band. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Want to buy Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s home?

No, not their Westport place.

According to the New York Times, their New York City penthouse at 1120 Fifth Avenue is on the market.

Purchased over 40 years ago, the asking price is $9.95 million. Monthly maintenance is $13,078. Click here for more information (and very cool photos). (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

The view from Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s apartment. (Photo/Evan Joseph Studios, courtesy of the New York Times)

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Marcy Sansolo’s “What Up Westport” Facebook page is fun, quirky and popular.

Marcy has created a great community there. And part of celebrating the town is giving back.

Recently, Marcy invited Westporters to show up at the Imperial Avenue parking lot on a Saturday morning, with gifts for kids who need them.

Plenty did.

Marcy calls it a “social experiment.” I call it “one more reason to appreciate this town, and the very generous people in it.”

Marcy Sansolo, with a few of the many contributed gifts. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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In 2020, Stephen Panus suffered through a parent’s worst nightmore. His 16-year-old son Jake was killed in a motor vehicle crash on Block Island.

The Southport resident and turned his journey of pain into purpose. His book “Walk On” describes overcoming adversity, and finding strength in vulnerability.

On Wednesday (December 11, 7 p.m., Westport Library), he and Fox Sports journalist/Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak will

Joining Panus for a conversation about Walk On is Westport’s own Lindsay Czarniak of Fox Sports, will talk about his memoir, and take questions from audience members. Click here for more information.

Stephen Panus and Lindsay Czarniak.

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Speaking of books: Westporter Paul Podolsky has just published “The Uncomfortable Truth About Money: How to Live with Uncertainty and Think for Yourself.”

Podolsky says, “it boils down everything I learned about money in a letter to my kids.” Click here for more details, including ordering information.

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Friday’s Westport Rotary Club speaker was Samantha Fargione, executive director of the Weston History & Culture Center.

She discussed the history of Weston, and the different properties and programs of the Center.

Samantha Fargione. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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Used pumpkins are gaining a second life. They’re food for animals. As today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows, they’re fattening up for winter.

Without Halloween candy.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of Paul Podolsky’s new book (story above):

(Speaking of which … “06880” relies on reader support. We could not do what we do without you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

2 responses to “Roundup: Duke Ellington’s Jazz, Paul Newman’s Apartment, Marcy Sansolo’s Toy Drive …

  1. 
    Ryder Scelza, 20, of Rocky Hill, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in March 2022; his dream is to meet pop star and cultural icon Taylor Swift! Let’s make it happen. Let’s contact Mike Borchetta or Travis Kelce. Let’s do it Westport! I know I’m way off topic, but let’s make it happen!

  2. Andrew Colabella

    Marcy Sansolo’s social experiment is a permanent holiday experience that serves as an outlet for Westporters to be generous and share. The annual event, is a gift, like Marcy is to Westport. 🇺🇸❤️