Yesterday was Westport’s 1st day of school.
In a scene repeated all over town (and the country) (and every August), the kids at the Vani Court bus stop got ready for another (hopefully great) year.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
We look forward to a similar photo in June. Let’s see how they grow!
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For nearly 40 years, the Hole in the Wall Gang — founded by our longtime neighbor Paul Newman — has provided “pure camp magic” to children with serious illnesses. They have fun, they laugh, and form great friendships.
All free of charge.
Jordan Glick — the son-in-law of Westporter Jamie Klein — has spent many summers as a camp volunteer. His wife — the Klein’s daughter Stevie Klein-Glick — recently joined him.
This year, both families are collecting and donating items from the Hole in the Wall Gang’s “wish list” (click here to see). Several are running low in the General, Sports & Rec and Workshop categories.
Items can be dropped off on the covered front porch at 20 Manitou Road, now through September 4.
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“Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — the newest piece of MoCA\CT’s larger “Looking for History” exhibition — features a monumental mural of 8 5 foot-by-10-foot painted panels. Together, they offers a sweeping visual account of Connecticut’s 8 counties.
Created over more than 2 decades and informed by years of research, the mural traces the state’s history, from Indigenous presence and colonial settlement to industrial expansion, technological invention, and contemporary community life.
Borders incorporates local figures, regional industries, landscapes, tools, machinery, and symbols of labor into his vivid, detailed composition.
An opening reception is set for September 10 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information on the exhibit, click here and scroll down.
Michael Borders, in his studio.
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In advance of Rosh Hashanah (September 11), The Blondinit is preparing a catering menu of Israeli-inspired cooking.
Options include entrees like pistachio-crusted black sea bass, salmon, chicken and chicken shawarma, schnitzel and brisket), plus appetizers, salads and sides.
To order, click here (then scroll all the way down), call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
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Weston’s Farmers Market returns to Lachat Town Farm this Friday (August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.). There are 25 vendors — and live music, Canyon (4:30 to 5:30) and Bar Car (6 to 8). Click here for more information.
Of course, the Westport Farmers’ Market continues tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). Click here for more information.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Youngsters in grades 6 to 12 who enjoy camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and hands-on life skills: Scouting may be for you.
They and their families can learn more about Troop 36 next Monday (August 31, 7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
Founded in 1949, Troop 36 is Westport’s only Scouting America Family Troop, welcoming both girls and boys. They usually meet once a week, with at least 1 weekend outing a month (camping, city tour, merit badge courses). They participate in several community service projects throughout the year.
Questions? Email Scoutmaster Srikanth Puttagunta: sputtagu79@gmail.com.
Troop 36 in action.
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On Monday night, “Get Up With It” — the 10-member jazz ensemble co-founded by Greens Farms Academy graduate Charlie Hall — wowed a large Levitt Pavilion Crowd with a dazzling tapestry of Miles Davis works.
After the show, members of the group — now in its 3rd decade — said this was their first time on a stage large enough that they could all see each other while playing.
It was also their first outdoor performance as this collective. The setting created a new dynamic for the artists — and the audience.
Ahead this week: Lissy & the Triggermen (Friday, August 28) and Billy & the Showmen (Saturday, August 29). Both shows are 7:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Get Up With It: outdoors, at the Levitt. (Photo/Sean Bemand)
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Carrie Kuhn send this photo, of last night’s almost full moon over Compo Beach:
(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)
As for tomorrow: a deep partial eclipse will begin shortly after 9:20 p.m. Thursday, and peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
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Meanwhile, shore birds along Schlaet’s Point watch sailboats, in today’s serene “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally …. the New York Times reported this sad news well:
Dolly Parton, a rhinestone-studded, rags-to-riches daughter of Appalachia who for six decades ruled country music — and much of pop culture — with an outsize personality and down-home wit that enshrined her as one of America’s most cherished originals, died on Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.
From her hardscrabble beginnings to glittering stardom, Ms. Parton’s life was the stuff of make-believe. With her voluptuous figure, sparkly stage costumes and blond bouffant wigs, she was likened by the writer Chet Flippo to the Big Rock Candy Mountain, the Depression-era symbol of abundance. Her songs spoke to millions, confronting privation and loss even as they radiated possibility and hope.
She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people. In 2019, The New York Times ran a story with the headline “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”
Inducted into both the country music and rock ’n’ roll halls of fame, Ms. Parton was the top-ranking female singer on country radio from 1967 to 1993, and had a total of 25 No. 1 country singles.
Click here for a full obituary. And then relive some of the joy she brought so many of us, for so many years.
And enjoy this great 1991 collaboration between Dolly and Weston’s own José Feliciano.
(Dolly Parton worked a lot longer than 9 to 5. So does “06880.” If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. PS: We will always love you!)
