Roundup: Orphenians’ Valentines, Compostable Cups, Carnegie Hall …

In June, Staples Orphenians — our high school’s renowned, audition-only choral ensemble — travel to Spain, for an international choral festival.

They want to make sure every student can participate, regardless of financial circumstance. Proceeds raised above their goal will go to the Voces8Foundation, which is creating a music education hub in Westport.

As a fundraiser, Orphenian singers have created 1-minute a cappella clips of pop Valentine’s tunes. They range from love to friendship to (ugh) breakup — for example, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “My Girl” and “I Want You Back.”

For just $5.50, anyone can send a digital Orphenians Valentine “Singing Gram” to anyone in the world. It will be delivered Friday (Valentine’s Day). Click here to order (songs are listed under “Select an Option”).

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A reader writes: “I just learned at Starbucks that the town is requiring all businesses to switch to compostable cups and lids. Do you know more about this initiative and what happens when businesses don’t comply?”

I contacted Gately Ross, co-director of Sustainable Westport. She replied: “Nothing that we’ve heard about explicitly. I suspect they are referencing Westport’s Single Use Plastic ordinance.” (Click here for the full regulation.)

The ordinance — passed in 2019 — says that any food service business must “transition from disposable plastic food service ware to compostable and recyclable alternatives.”

“Single use plastic food service products” incudes food containers, straws, stirrers, plates, “clamshells” — and hot and cold beverage cups.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker cited the ordinance — and last year’s “Skip the Stuff” campaign, encouraging customers to request only utensils and other items that they really need — at this month’s State of the Town meeting.

Ross thinks that may have prompted Starbucks’ compliance with the ordinance.

The Conservation Department can issue fines of $150 per infraction, plus additional fees.

Ross notes: “Disposal of compostable goods is nuanced. Often they are confused for recyclable (which is suboptimal, because they will contaminate the recycling stream).

“Also, they are not accepted at the town transfer station food waste collection.

“Sustainable Westport recommends that residents contact their private hauler to see if they are permitted in curbside collections.

“Best answer: Reusables! Bring your own mug! Which Starbucks permits.”

A Starbucks compostable cup.

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meets tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall rooms 307/9).

The agenda includes a review of the downtown design master plan, including parking study strategy and Jesup/Imperial lots design, as well as Church Lane closure, and “Jesup Alley.”

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will discuss the alley between Jesup Road and Post Road East.

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Sam Weiser has made it to Carnegie Hall!

The 2012 Staples High School gaduate takes the stage on February 27, with his Columbus, Ohio-based Carpe Diem String Quartet. Their presentation includes 2 world premieres.

The group is “one of the most unique and sought-after chamber ensembles on the cincert stage today. (The) boundary-breaking ensemble that has earned widespread critical and audience acclaim for its innovative programming and electrifying performances.”

Click here for tickets, or call 212-247-7800.

Sam Weiser (center, rear) with the Carpe Diem String Quartet.

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Speaking of the arts: One of the best shows in town is a backstage tour of the Westport Country Playhouse.

From the history-rich green room and dressings rooms, to the costume and set shops, you’ll get an up-close-and-personal, behind-the-scenes (and free) look at the 94-year-old theater.

Susan Garment took one the other day. She was particularly intrigued at the set being readied for the next production.

Working on the “Native Gardens” set. (Photo/Susan Garment)

“Native Gardens” opens February 18. Click here for details, and tickets. Click here for details about the Playhouse tours. The next ones are in Apri, May and June.

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Speaking of the Playhouse: Applications are open for this summer’s Joanne Woodward Internship Program.

Named in honor of the actress, director and former Playhouse artistic director, the program is one of the nation’s top training opportunities for emerging theater professionals.

Internships are available in marketing, development/fundraising, general production, and artistic and education.

In addition to working in their special Playhouse departments, interns attend weekly seminars with guest speakers, including staff members, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more.

The internships date to the 1940s. Among the most prominent alums of the program: Stephen Sondheim.

The Woodward Internships run from May 27 through August 1. Applicants must be 20 or older. The stipend is $655 per week. Housing is provide,d though ransportation is the responsibility of the intern.

For more information, including applications, click here or email education@westportplayhouse.org. The deadline is March 7.

Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top) during his 1950 apprenticeship. Other interns include future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

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Sure, you can send a store-bought Valentine’s Day card.

But Staples students have a chance to handwritten ones — with a strawberry heart, lollipop and words of encouragement.

The Teen Awareness Group sold Candygrams last week. On Monday, members personalized each one, with personalized messages.

The project was a fundraiser for TAG’s effort to connect the community, and remind students to support one another while making healthy choices around drugs and alcohol, and normalizing seeking support for mental health issues. 

Teen Awareness Group members create Candygrams. (Photo/Elaine Daignault)

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Like many Westporters, Seth Schachter checks eBay often, for items of local interest.

His latest find: this 19th-century sign.

The price: a mere $750.

Or “best offer.”

Click here to offer whatever you think it’s worth.

Or instead of buying it, perhaps a reader can clue us all in on John F. Coyle’s back story. Just click “Comments” below.

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Aspetuck Land Trust is partnering with Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, and Oliver Nurseries, to sponsor a new book club.

The first selection is “Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden,” by Camille Dungy.

The book – about a family’s decision to plant a diverse garden in Fort Collins, Colorado — has been called “a poetic reflection on plants, family, community, race, place, and legacy.”

Meetings are virtual. They’ll be facilitated by ALT member Jennifer Groves. A positive psychology coach and naturalist who leads efforts to connect people in meaningful ways to nature and each other.

“Soil” is available from Amazon, and at the Westport Library. The signup deadline for the club is February 20. Click here to register for the Monday, April 7 (6:30 p.m.) session. Click here for the Tuesday, April 22 (12 noon) meeting.

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In 1986, trombonist and bandleader John Fumasoli formed a 10-piece little big band, The Jones Factor. It has become a jazz legend.

Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall met John a few years ago, at a memorial concert for Micky Golomb (namesake of JazzFC’s scholarship fund), and appreciated his musicianship and friendly vibe.

Tomorrow (Thursday, February 13, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner service from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students), Jazz at the Post welcomes The Jones Factor back.

In addition to Fumasoli and Wall, the shows feature bassist Dave Anderson, keyboardist Rob Aries, trumpeter Mark Collins and drummer Tyger MacNeal. Click here for tickets.

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It’s a tossup who likes to romp in the snow more: kids or dogs.

Based on today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken near Burying Hill Beach — we’re betting on man’s best friend.

The canine variety, that is.

(Photo/Chrissey Hunt)

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And finally … today is the 216th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president’s birthday was celebrated as a holiday — at least outside the South — as was George Washington’s, 10 days later. In 1968 Presidents Day was created to honor both, on the third Monday in February.

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