CHRISTOPHER LLOYD, STAPLES & THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
Nearly a dozen readers alerted me this week to a Wall Street Journal interview with Christopher Lloyd.
After describing his upbringing on the 400-acre Waveny estate in New Canaan — now a beautiful park and recreation area for the town — the Emmy-winning actor (“Back to the Future,” “Taxi,” “Nobody”) mentioned briefly what happened after he transferred to Staples High midway through his junior year. (He’d been bullied at his boarding school.)
“The drama teacher cast me in ‘Charley’s Aunt,'” he said. “I soon got a feel for acting.”
Either the 88-year-old star is downplaying what happened, he misremembered it, or the editors cut out the rest.
Christopher Lloyd was not simply “cast” in the show.
He helped create Staples Players.
As I wrote in “120 Years of A+ Education” — my history of Staples High School — Craig Matheson was an English (not drama) teacher, in the last year at the Riverside Avenue building (now Saugatuck Elementary School).
Principal Stan Lorenzen and some students wanted something more than the “senior class plays” that had been staged for years.
“I found Christopher Lloyd,” Matheson told me when I interviewed him in 2004.
“He was a marginal student, but he was interested in theater. He came to my small apartment on Turkey Hill Road, and we had a long conversation about theater.
“He helped me get started with our first production later that year. It was at Long Lots, on the stage in the gym. (The old Staples did not have a stage.)
The next year, the school moved to North Avenue. There was a real auditorium (though built primarily for music, not theater).
Matheson became Staples Players’ first director. The rest is history.
Though it would not be the same without him.
Or Christopher Lloyd.
(Click here for the full Wall Street Journal story.)
Christopher Lloyd’s write-up, in the Staples yearbook.
CHRISTIE ANSWERS CRIBARI BRIDGE OWNERSHIP QUESTION
An interesting twist in the long-running debate over the fate of the Cribari Bridge has been: Who actually owns it?
It’s on a state road (Route 136), and the Connecticut Department of Transportation has led maintenance and rehabilitation efforts for decades.
But questions have arisen as to whether the town ever gave, sold, or otherwise conveyed it to the state.
In answer to an email from Bridge Street resident and longtime Cribari Bridge observer/activist Werner Liepolt, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded last night:
We have looked into the ownership question and, based on what we have reviewed to date, have not found documentation establishing that the Town owns the Cribari Bridge.
I also asked Town Attorney Ira Bloom and his staff to review the available information and applicable statutes. Ira’s initial assessment is that the statutory framework governing state highways and bridges, together with the actions of the Town and State over at least the past sixty years, strongly indicate State ownership.
Cribari Bridge. State workers open it to allow maritime traffic to pass underneath. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
DEBBIE ALLEN: BOOKED FOR A GREAT EVENING
Emmy Award-winning director, choreographer, producer, actress, educator and United States Cultural Ambassador of Dance Debbie Allen has earned 3 Emmys, a Golden Globe, 5 NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk honor, the first-ever Astaire Award for Best Dancer, 4 honorary doctorates, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She has choreographed the Academy Awards 10 times, directed and produced episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “A Different World,” and was the creative force behind Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad.”
Last night she added another honor. She headlined the Westport Library’s annual “Booked for the Evening” gala.
Allen captivated the large crowd, in a conversation with another powerful, talented and creative woman: Shonda Rhimes.
Debbie Allen, at the Westport Library. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
SPINNAKER OFFERS SAUGATUCK UPDATE
Spinnaker Real Estate Partners — developers of the Saugatuck property bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street — say:
“We are pleased to have formally submitted our zoning applications for the redevelopment of 606 Riverside. The applications and the plans within them reflect the generous feedback we’ve received from stakeholders, the Architectural Review Board, and the Planning & Zoning Commission through several pre-application meetings, as well as our ongoing dialogue with the community over the past several months.
“We believe the vision for this important property has evolved favorably as a result of that input. The plans are now presented in a more complete and detailed form, which allows the Planning & Zoning Commission and the subject-matter experts across the town’s commissions and departments to fully analyze the technical aspects of the proposal.
“We look forward to continuing the conversation with the Commission and the community throughout the land-use process and beyond. Our goal remains to integrate this significantly underutilized property into the neighborhood in a way that respects its context and reflects Westport’s high standards.”
Spinnaker’s plan — the view from Franklin Street.
senior center invites VETS TO NOVEMBER 11 LUNCH
Plenty of veterans are regulars at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Many others have never been. All veterans — of all ages and all branches — are invited to a Veterans Day lunch there.
It’s Tuesday, November 10 (12 noon) menu includes vegetable bisque, beef stew, roasted potatoes, roasted asparagus and (of course) apple pie.
Speaker Jay Dirnberger is a decorated Vietnam War vet. He participated in the Tet offensive, the siege of Khe Sanh and the invasion of the A Shau Valley. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal with 22 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star.
For non-military guests, there is a suggested donation of $6 to $8. All attendees should call 203-341-5097 to register.
Jay Dirnberger
TEDX COMING TO TOWN
Eight speakers take the Town Hall auditorium stage on November 8 (3 p.m.), for a special Westport TEDx event.
Speakers include:
● Kyle Martino: “The Youth Sports Monster: The Alarming Trend of the Commercialization of Youth Sports.”
● Dr. Mahsa Khodabakhsh: “The Biology of Compassion: The Missing Variable in Modern Medicine.”
● Gilda Bonanno: “The First 30 Seconds: Creating Connection with Someone New.”
● Dr. Amy Arnsten: “How Stress Shuts Down the Rational Brain.”
● Nisheeth Vishnoi: “What Happens to Us When We Let AI Do the Thinking?”
● Adam Moore: “Why We Do What We Do (And How to Stop Doing It)”
● Mark M. Melendez: “Beyond the Mirror: The Rejuvenation Paradox”
Tickets are $95, and include a post-event reception. Click here to purchase.
SAUGATUCK CHURCH INSTALLS DR. SAVIDES
Last Sunday was special at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
The 194-year-old congregation installed Rev. Dr. Steven Savides as its 23rd senior minister.
Though he served as pastor for the past year, the United Church of Christ installation tradition is a sacred and joyful occasion. He and the congregation promised mutual support, shared ministry, and commitment to the future of the
church.
Words of welcome were given by 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, and Rev. Dr. Pete
Powell on behalf of the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.
Rev. Dr. Steven Savides
RAVEIS OFFERS GOLD
William Raveis’ “Gold for Good” Event offers attendees to turn unwanted gold and silver jewelry, coins and collectables into cash.
And, at the same time, help fund cancer research.
Attendees can sell their items — from broken chains and earrings to vintage pieces gathering dust. Monetary donations are welcome too. All proceeds benefit the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
It’s November 20 and 21 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., William Raveis, 47 Riverside Avenue).
SHAKE SHACK AND SAUGATUCK EL
Shake Shack is clear across town from Saugatuck Elementary School.
But on Tuesday, they’re partnering on a fundraiser.
All day — from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. — they’ll donate 25% of your total meal to the SES PTA.
Just mention “Donation Day” at checkout, or type “Donate” on the ShackApp or kiosk.
The PTA urges all Westport families to help. They suggest: “If you’re out of ideas how to occupy the kids on a no-school day, or while running from one sports clinic to another, or heading home after voting, stop in at Shake Shack!”
today’s halloween house
We’re getting near the end of these holiday photos.
This one is not spooky, though. There are no ghosts or goblins, 30-foot skeletons, webs or witches.
Just a nice, handsome home on Hillspoint Road, with a few scarecrows and pumpkins in front.
The family that lives here is probably just as friendly too as the folks in front.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
LANDMARK PRESCHOOL CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
Congratulations to Landmark Preschool!
The early childhood education center is celebrating 30 years in Westport.
For reflections on those 3 decades from director Siobhan Powers, click here.
CLUB 203: MARITIME BOUND
CLUB203 is heading to the Maritime Aquarium.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities will enjoy 2 hours of friendship, exploration and Thanksgiving cheer on November 17 (6 to 8 p.m.).
Aquarium staff will lead interactive experiences, including access to exhibits and touch tanks
CLUB203’s creative partner, MoCA\CT, will offer a special Thanksgiving-themed art project. The evening is funded by the Westport Woman’s Club and Westport Rotary Club. For more information, click here.
POLICE REPORTS
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 21 and 27.
An 81-year-old Westport woman was charge with failure to appear. She was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Queens man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a promise to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
- Failure to renew registration: 2
- School zone violation: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle using handheld electronic device: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Cruelty to animals: 1
- Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
- Permitting a dog to roam: 1
This is presumably not the vicious dog whose owner was cited.
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
Fall foliage gets plenty of press — deservedly so.
But there’s more to autumn than meets the (leafy) eyes.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo offers this view of Rayfield Road, from Jerry Kuyper’s deck.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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And finally … this date in 1929 became known as “Black Tuesday.” The New York Stock Exchange crashed, ending the Great Bull Market of the 1920s. The Great Depression soon followed.
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Christopher Lloyd was in the Staples class of ’58. We always tried to locate him in the hopes that he would join us at a reunion. Never got a response. Now that I know where he lives maybe we can be more successful if we have another reunion. He is remembered fondly.
Selectman Christie, with respect, the town absolutely has documentation “establishing” ownership of the Cribari Bridge and its approaches: Book 11/page 645.
Who would want the town taxpayer to foot a 125m replacement?
Keep in mind the last time this was presented, the state said “you want it.. you deal with it.” So a specialty crew of 4 or 5 public works folk trained to maintain and operate the bridge would Easily add millions …in perpetuity. Its absurd that 2% of our residents , whom id guess are not completely informed would attempt such a move. Just look at the development of a 6 story monolithic building eclipsing rail road place, that’s a direct result of a minuscule percentage of residents and the disaster about to bless us.
Regarding the Cribari Bridge – Really?! The best our leaders can say is “…have not found documentation establishing that the Town owns the Cribari Bridge” and “… strongly indicate State ownership”? Where’s the fight?
Staples Class of 1958! I saw a partial post on Facebook earlier today. Thank you for the whole article. Ann Eskan, what a wonderful dream to have another Class of 1958 Reunion. There are quite a few of us around. If Christopher Lloyd did attend…all the more wonderful.
On another note, I was listening to my recordings of the Christmas concert. “Dost Thou Remember” still rings in my ears and brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. Staples was and still is a remarkable and wonderful High School. It fosters all kinds of talent and learning.
Chris Lloyd and his girlfriend, Cathy Boyd, were good friends of my sister, Susie Campbell. They were high energy, fun people! Susie had a very accomplished life too, and has recently had a book published about her. John Ohanian, who was the music director, encouraged us to start experimenting with drama interludes in the Christmas Acapella Choir presentation. Mariette Hartley and I had a whole hula scene. It was, and still is, a great school! It has been providing talent to the world at large for a long time.
Boy! Let’s find another bus to throw the Cribari bridge fiasco under!
Kevin Christie’s charge as selectman is to focus and move needed town issues moving along to solutions. Not to find more issues and reasons to delay and postpone completion. The Cribari bridge replacement or rennovation is constipated and stagnating just like the parking improvements at Parker Harding!
The state currently has no problem with continuuing to maintain the bridge and has already comitted to expending around 125 million or more to undertake all aspects of studying, designing, planning and constructing the Cribari bridge replacement or rennovation.
Why would the town of Westport want to secure formal ownership of the bridge and saddle itself with the massive sized monies to complete same and be responsible for future years maintenance, operation and management of an obligation the town would be crazy to take on!
I realize Mr Liepolt’s position that is a single focus for him. No big Cribari bridge project for him as a resident of Bridge street! However the thousands of Westport residents and businesses who will continue to suffers with the future of the bridge so structually and performance flawed we must consider the biggest and best use and future of the Cribari bridge.
This new misdirection for how Kevin Christie and a few others are about to leap of a cliff with no paracute! Let’s hope a little common sense prevails!
I agree that Westport needs a safe, reliable bridge and a practical path forward. I have not advocated that the Town acquire the bridge or assume the State’s expenses. Asking the Town and State to clarify the existing ownership and authority is a request for information, not a proposal to transfer responsibility to Westport taxpayers.
As a Bridge Street resident, I certainly care about what happens here. But the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, the potential for heavy-truck traffic through Saugatuck, and the protection of our historic neighborhood concern more than those of us who live beside the bridge. More than 800 formal comments on the plans CTDOT presented in April deserve answers
I support repairing or rehabilitating the bridge to provide a safe crossing. If replacement is proposed, residents deserve a clear explanation of why rehabilitation cannot meet the need, what documentation surgeries it, and how the resulting traffic and neighborhood impacts will be addressed. Those are reasonable questions to answer as we move toward a solution.
Authorizes not “surgies”
I’d forgotten that Stan Lorenzen was then Principal at Staples, prior to his same app’t as principal at the new Weston High School, 1968. (He always had a kind word to me re my then piano- accompanist for Mr. Regan and the school choirs.