Most weeks, our online art gallery is filled with paintings and photos from around the world.
This week, we’ve got several from our backyard. Compo Beach, downtown and Blau House & Gardens are all represented.
We’ve also got needlework and ceramics — two mediums we don’t see much of here.
Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)
“Summertime” — pencil on paper (Clayton Liotta)
“The Buoys Hanging Out” (Karen Weingarten)
Untitled — Compo Beach (Sunil Hirani)
Diane Yormark created hanging wall planters. Her husband Ken adorned them with vines.
Beth Berkowitz crocheted this baby sweater.
Untitled (Tom Doran)
Untitled (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Blau House & Gardens” (Mike Hibbard)
“Westport Bridge Over Saugatuck, En Plein Air” — oil on canvas (Cindy Wagner)
“Do Unto Others” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Westerly Library, Afternoon Sun” (Peter Barlow)
“The Sauna” (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Tom Lowrie)
Untitled — lone sea urchin underwater, Greek island of Limnos (Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
“Dune Grasses” (Ken Runkel)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
The state Department of Transportation is working on the Cribari Bridge from 10 a.m. through noon today.
They plan intermittent openings and closings. Police officers will be stationed on both sides of the bridge — with one at Post Road West/Wilton Road/Riverside Avenue, and one on Post Road East/Imperial Avenue — to assist with traffic, as it is diverted to the Post Road.
Traffic congestion will be heavy. Drivers are urged to avoid the area if possible.
The Cribari Bridge will be closed intermittently through noon today. (Photo/Adam Goldberg)
The Westport Weston Family YMCA had a split decision this week.
The Planning & Zoning Commission agreed to their requests to increase the capacity of their Mahackeno camp from 360 youngsters to 400, and for 1 more hour of morning practice for the Water Rats swim team.
No whistles may be used at the pool, and someone must be available 24/7 in case of neighbors’ concerns.
But the board denied a request for extended hours for the splash pad and large slide.
Lou Kitchner has had some great bands, during his 16-year career as a beloved Westport music teacher.
But none ever received a 99 score (out of 100) at the Fantastic Festival — an adjudicated event — until this year’s Bedford Middle School Wind Ensemble.
They’re also his first concert band to win 1st place. They beat out 65 bands from 4 states for that honor.
Lou told parents: “A professional trumpet player with a degree in performance commented she has never heard a band at this age, this good. She said, ‘your band puts high school bands to shame. I cannot believe they are middle schoolers and can play like this.’ She went on to compliment their tone, style, mechanics and musicality.”
Congratulations, Lou and all the musicians. Staples High School looks forward to hearing you play! (Hat tip: Maggie Gomez)
The Bedford Middle School wind ensemble. Director Lou Kitchner is in the back row, center.
The newest Staples Tuition Grants named award honors Dick and Paula Leonard.
For decades, they were fixtures in the Westport community. As a long-time English teacher at Staples High School, president of the Westport Education Association and a labor lawyer, Dick inspired educational excellence for generations of Westport students.
A successful real estate broker, Paula gave generously of her time in many ways. She helped lead construction of the Westport Senior Center and convert the original Saugatuck Elementary School into The Saugatuck, providing moderate income housing to aging town residents.
Paula Leonard died last month. A celebration of her life is set for June 25 (3 p.m., Senior Center).
The award commemorates the spirit of community and volunteerism that Paula and Dick embodied. Click here to donate; click here for the Staples Tuition Grants home page.
Paula and Dick Leonard.
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Rindy Higgins was inspired by yesterday’s “06880” story on the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee, and their work to help a Syrian family find a home in Stratford.
The longtime Westporter works with the extended family of 11. She helped get household supplies, offered job ideas, and provided tutoring and love. She’s especially excited at the great progress made by their 6-year-old.
She notes that the 16-, 14- and 11-year-olds need pro bono tutors in math, reading and English. Volunteers can email 06880blog@gmail.com; I’ll pass your information on to Rindy.
Volunteer tutors are needed for 3 Syrian younsters.
Club 203 wrapped up its fantastic first year yesterday, with karaoke at the Westport Library.
The social organization for adults with disabilities welcomed dozens of partiers. CRUMBL Cookies donated goodies, MoCA took care of the art, CTFSN presented on taking new friendships to the next level, and volunteers made everyone feel welcome.
Club 203 kicks up again in September. Click here for more information.
Club 203 karaoke at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
As if traffic wasn’t bad enough yesterday — the Cribari Bridge was stuck in the “open” position for a while — this supposedly licensed driver ignored the “One Way/Do Not Enter” sign, plus 2 lines of cars facing him, to cause chaos on Main Street.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
We’re used to seeing occasional wrong-way automobile drivers. We seldom see wrong-way truckers.
Jamie Walsh describes what happened around 2:30 p.m.: A state trooper pulled the driver over. Cars had to back up onto the Post Road to let the truck pass.
The trooper followed him with lights on, presumably to a safer location to continue their conversation.
Perhaps the trooper could say: “Don’t you know? There’s a cut-through in Parker Harding Plaza!”
Work on the Evergreen Avenue sewer system between Myrtle Avenue and Washington Avenue begins July 5, and runs through August 4. Through traffic will be detoured from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. Evergreen Avenue will be open to the residents of the area.
Markings are made for the Evergreen Avenue sewer project. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The 2nd annual Westport Pride drag show is set for tomorrow (Saturday, June 17, 5 to 8 p.m., MoCA Westport).
“Light Up the Night” is family friendly. The evening includes neon face painting, hair and makeup services, a photo booth, custom pizzas and cocktails.
The show itself begins at 6 p.m. MC Desmond reads from their book “Be Amazing: A History of Pride.” After 3 performers, there’s a Q-and-A about their journeys.
Kevin Mashia died Wednesday, at his Norwalk home. He was 54, and began his career at Westport Tile & Design, using his creativity and eye for design well. He then moved on to Hastings Tile.
Kevin is survived by his parents, Richard and Martha; his sister Stephanie, niece Sydney, and many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday, June 20 (10 a.m., Assumption Church). The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Monday (June 19, 4 to 7 p.m.). Click here to leave online condolences. Contributions in Kevin’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Kevin Mashia
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“Westport … Naturally” has been swamped with dozens of deer photos.
This is the only one, though, that includes a “dear” little kid.
Yash Lorenzato got acquainted with 2 fawns, in his North Bulkley Avenue yard.
The Staples High School Class of 2023 graduated Tuesday.
This fall, they’ll head out across the country — and beyond.
Here are the top college choices for the 430 graduating seniors:
University of Connecticut (includes Storrs, Stamford and Waterbury campuses): 19 students
Indiana University-Bloomington: 15
Pennsylvania State University-main campus, and Syracuse University: 11 each
University of Colorado-Boulder: 10
Northeastern University: 9
University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Tech: 8 each
Tulane University: 7
American University, Lehigh University, Miami University, Norwalk Community College, the University of Texas-Austin and University of Miami: 6 each
Boston University, Elon University, Fordham University, New York University, University of Vermont and Vanderbilt University: 5 each.
Twelve students are attending universities outside the US. The furthest is the American College of Greece. All told, they will attend 179 different post-secondary institutions.
The #1 intended major is business/accounting/finance. Second is “undecided,” followed by political science/international relations.
Four are joining the military, or attending a military academy.
In addition, 20 graduates have these plans:
2-year college: 7 students
Vocational/trade school: 6
Employment: 4
Post-graduate year: 3,
(Hat tip: Staples High School counseling department; Inklings)
The wrecking ball came today for 254 Hillspoint Road.
The 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 2,866-square foot home on .54 acre, with 120 linear feet of waterfront, was built in 1952. It’s a familiar sight to the many people who walk between Compo Beach and Old Mill.
When Westporters gather July 9 to celebrate our new sister city — Lyman, Ukraine — we’ll do so with a boost from our long-time and first sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, France.
The ties forged nearly 80 years ago still endure. Our French friends — who first came up with the idea of joining to help a Ukrainian town, just as Westport did for Marigny after World War II.
Marigny is sending:
3 special sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-le-Lozon/Lyman”
3 copies of the 700-page book “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche,” with a special bi-lingual, handwritten dedication
1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados. It’s a drink that American GIs enjoyed in 1944.
Attendees will get a chance to win the books — and much, much more — at the LymanAID event July 9 (1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American Club, Southport).
It’s a chance for the community to come together, as thanks for raising $252,000 last winter for Lyman (pronounced LEE-mon).
It’s a free family-friendly day filled with food, fun and music.
There is no admission. You don’t have to pay anything for snacks, drinks and entertainment.
But there will be plenty of opportunities to help Lyman too — including raffles, a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more.
There are two tiers of VIP tickets, too. $350 include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.
VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all those benefits , plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov.
To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. To make a direction directly now, click here; under “Designation,” click on “Westport-Lyman Sister City” in the dropdown menu.
NOTE: The entire event has been privately underwritten. No Ukrainian Aid International funds will be used. All money raised will go directly to Westport’s sister city.
The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.
Welcome to the Westport Police Department’s newest officer: Melissa Bike.
The 24-year-old graduate of St. Joseph High School earned a BA in criminal justice investigative services, and a master’s in emergency management from the University of New Haven (where she also starred in softball). After college, she interned with Stamford Superior Court.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas and new police officer Melissa Bike.
Yesterday’s Pics of the Day carried an incorrect photo credit.
The beautiful shot of a rainbow over Staples High School should have been credited to Jen Kobetitsch. Apologies for the editing error!
(Photo/Jen Kobetitsch)
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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the summer solstice with a labyrinth walk.
Sure, it’s a bit early: this Saturday (June 17, 2 to 4 p.m.).
But there will be talks by applied mathematician Dr. Bart Stuck, and Jungian astrologer Rev. Marjorie Partch, plus sacred music; a mandala coloring meditation, and a chance to “sync up with ongoing lunar cycles to re-focus your intention to manifest your unique potential ~ as revealed in your birth chart ~ with ongoing New & Full Moon Manifestation Circles at Yoga Shala.”
The congregation adds: “Labyrinths have been used for millennia for inner peace, contemplation, walking meditation, spiritual healing, and prayer. The circular paths are a spiritual technology designed to facilitate insight, transformation, and awakening.”
La Batalla del Vino — the “Battle of Wine” — takes place every June 29 in Haro, a town in the Rioja Alta region of Spain that is home to nearly half of the area’s vineyyards.
DeTAPAS celebrates the annual tradition this year. They won’t be spraying each other with wine from bottles and water guns, the way they’ve done in Haro since the 10th century.
But owner Carlos Pia promises a 6-course tapas and wine pairing, with 6 wines from Rioja.
MoCA Westport’s summer exhibitions feature contemporary artists Richard Tsao and Sao.
Tsao was born in Thailand, and lives in New York. Sao — a native of Portugal — now lives in Southport. Both work with color. Tsao uses accumulative, and Sao layered, washes.
An opening reception is June 28 (6 to 8 p.m.). The event is free for MoCA members, $10 for non-members. Click here to reister.
“Moon Dust” (Richard Tsao)
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Singer/songwriter PJ Pacifico kicks off the Weston History & Culture Center’s 8th annual “Music at the Barn” series on June 25 (5:30 p.m.).
Bring a picnic dinner, BYOB and lawn char. Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children under 12 free) are available at the door (gate?) or in advance. WHCC Members: $15 per person; General admission: $20 per person; Children
In addition to the music there is a kids crafting table, lawn games, and a walk through the sculpture garden.
PJ’s band’s debut single “Coming Up For Air” debuted on “Grey’s Anatomy.” It shot to #1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart, and was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
Edward L. “Ted” Garrity died peacefully at home on June 4. He was 98.
He was a Michigan native, but grew up in Missouri. After high school he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, where he earned his wings. He became a B-24 and B-25 instructor at the age of 19.
In 1951, after completing his education at the University of Arizona he was hired as a pilot for United Airlines. He met his wife Cathym who was working in the Denver pilot office. In 1963 they moved to Westport, where they raised 5 children.
During his 34year career at United he flew over a dozen types of aircraft. He began on a Douglas DC-3, then turboprop aircraft, advancing to United’s first jets, before finishing on the Boeing 747.
He quickly rose through the ranks to become an instructor, flight manager and a chief pilot. He continued to fly smaller airplanes for fun after he retired from United in 1984.
During his free time he loved taking his family on ski vacations, sailing, collecting model trains, and staying active around the house. He could fix almost anything, and always lent a helping hand. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Ted was also active in the community as a member of The Westport Y’s Men.
Ted was predeceased by his daughter Deborah. He is survived by his wife Catherine of 70 years, and their children Michael, David, Linda, Thomas, and 8 grandchildren.
A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church on June 24 (2 p.m.).
Posted onJune 12, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …
First there was Wilton. Then Darien.
Now there’s a new powerhouse in Connecticut boys lacrosse: Staples.
The Wreckers won their 2nd straight state championship — and 2nd ever — yesterday. Seeded #2 in the “L” (large schools) division, they dominated #1-ranked Fairfield Prep en route to a 13-6 victory.
The score was 4-2 at halftime. The blue-and-whites never looked back.
Goals and/or assists came from Tyler Clark, Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia, Gavin Rothenberg, Adam Udell, Tristan Schaefer, Michael Nealon and Dixon Scherer. Josh Marcus was a rock in goal.
Two days earlier, in a much closer contest, Staples edged #3 Darien, 9-8.
Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky, and the entire team, on a hard-earned, well-deserved, and fantastic accomplishment!
A 13% cut in Metro-North service — and 4% fare increase — are coming down the tracks this fall.
What can be done?
Nothing.
That’s the opinion of Jim Cameron, CT Mirror’s transportation columnist.
Click here to read today’s full column. And get ready to gnash your teeth.
Jim Cameron describes what’s on track for local trains. (Photo/Molly Alger)
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Beechwood has been sold.
The storied Weston Road property owned by Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito changes hands later this month.
Before then, the couple’s Beechwood Arts & Immersion — named for the enormous copper beech tree that has shaded the home for 2 centuries — is holding an online auction. It closes this Wednesday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for the link. All proceeds go to The Hive, Chiu and Esposito’s next collaborative project.
On Thursday, June 22 (3 to 7 p.m.), there is a “Take and Make” event. It is
“Beechwood’s version of a tag sale.” Go to Beechwood, have refreshments, visit the tree, share a memory of your time there, take some treasures, and make a donation for The Hive.
Among the items: women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry; rare, unusual and fun books; CDs and LPs; home and yard items, and more.
Beechwood House, and its towering copper beech tree.
Village Pediatrics had 4 interns this spring. Among their tasks: create a new “story walk” outside the office.
The new exhibit — “The Emotions Book” — features a cute elephant who learns to deal with big emotions. The public is invited to wander through the walkway, at 323 Riverside Avenue.
Cooper DeGirolomo of Hamden Hall Country Day School was one of the interns. He says: “The opportunity to learn from such a fantastic group of doctors and nurses has been inspiring, and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.”
He shadowed physicians during well and sick visits. He learned about diseases and conditions, treatment plans, and medications.
The interns also read books about health, and discussed them with physicians.
Kayla Teplitz, 5, enjoys the Village Pediatrics story walk. She is working on her pre-reading skills, preparing for Coleytown Elementary School kindergarten this fall.
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“Riders to the Sea” was performed this past weekend at the Brooklyn Art Haus.
But theater-goers got a healthy dose of Westport.
Staples High School 2013 graduates (and former Players actors and/or musicians) Phoebe Corde, Jake Landau and Michelle Pauker had prominent roles.
Corde and Landau — part of a group called Off Brand Opera — adapted the opera into a musical. Landau also served as musical director, while Pauker was in the cast. Jake and Phoebe are board members of Off Brand Opera, which produces exciting cross-genre collaborations.
Speaking of theater: “Days of Wine and Roses” — the new off-Broadway show starring Westport’s Kelli O’Hara — earned a rave review in the Washington Post.
“Her exceptional coloratura proves irresistible for a Guettel-mixed cocktail of ecstasy and pain,” writes Peter Marks.
“At a time when the American musical seems ever more pumped up on pop, what a pleasure it is to encounter a palette of new show tunes delving deeply into character, that favor sweeping emotionality over Spotify familiarity.”
Click here for the full review. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara in Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere for the musical version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” (Photo/Ahron R. Foster for the Washington Post)
The threat of rain and poor air quality drove the 7th annual Staples High Pops Concert indoors yesterday.
The move from the Levitt Pavilion to the school auditorium was unfortunate.
But the show must go on. And it did — in the traditional spectacular, wow-’em-with-talent-and-creativity fashion.
Pre-concert music featured groups like this. Colin Morgeson (piano — and “06880” intern), Josh Deitch (drums), Tegh Singh (guitar, rear), Jeffrey Pogue (vocals) and Whitman Teplica (guitar) rocked out “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”
Small vocal and instrumental groups, the Jazz Ensemble, Choralaires and Symphonic Orchestra played eclectic sets. Individual talents were showcased; so was the tight, well-honed work of larger groups.
Ben Herrera offered a stunning “You’ll Be Back” from “Hamilton.” “Now you don’t have to pay $1,500 for a ticket,” MC David Pogue said.
MC David Pogue — the proud father of 2 Staples music graduates, and one more next week — kept the show moving with his trademark humor and educational asides. As he noted often, it was almost as if the audience was under the stars.
Shanti Wimmer, backed by the Jazz Ensemble, sang a sultry version of Al Jolson’s “Avalon.”
Well, they were. The stars of the night were scores of Staples students, doing what they love, for a town that appreciates them and their wonderful teachers.
(From left): Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Ethan Walmark, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera, performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time.”
James Dobin-Smith, accompanied by Andrew Maskoff on piano, offered Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
Host David Pogue brought the magic of the Levitt Pavilion into the Staples auditorium.
The Staples music educators who make magic happen. From left: Phil Giampietro, Caitlin Serpliss, Jeri Hockensmith, Luke Rosenberg. Missing: Carrie Mascaro. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Posted onJune 10, 2023|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #165
From the water to the jungle, welcome to today’s online art gallery.
Thanks for this week’s submissions. Remember: Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)
“Tilt: Water Doesn’t Lie” — oil on canvas (Norm Siegel)
“Coral Waves 3” (Ken Runkel)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“Gorilla” — graphite on paper (Clayton Liotta)
“Gianni Schiacchi — O Mio Bambino, From the Met-ow” (Mike Hibbard)
“Another View: Nantucket Splinter Sailing Through the Harbor” (Peter Barlow)
“Waiting for the Counter-offensive” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Oy, Not Another Zebulon Chagall Wannabe” (Steve Stein)
“Full Moon Saturday Night” (Sharon Paulsen)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
For the past several months, the board at the Westport Country Playhouse has been preparing for a leadership transition, and adapting to the new financial reality facing professional regional theaters.
We are in a difficult situation, yet singularly focused on our responsibility to ensure that the Playhouse not only survives but thrives.
To do so, we are re-envisioning a Playhouse that celebrates its proud heritage of producing first-rate theater, and presents a wide array of programming to engage audiences new and old.
Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
As part of a cohesive plan, in the coming months and years our Playhouse will welcome musical artists, concerts, speaker series, holiday and youth programs, writers’ festivals, film screenings, stand-up comedy acts, and touring musical productions.
We are currently evaluating proposed visions for our new artistic direction, and plan to announce new leadership soon. We are also exploring strategic partnerships with local organizations and national theater companies to expand programming at the Playhouse.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and support we receive from people and communities from New York to New Haven, and we know we can’t do this alone. Your participation as audience members, volunteer leaders, donors, and advocates is fundamental to our success.
With your continued commitment, the Westport Country Playhouse will emerge stronger than ever as a proud symbol of our town, and a place where we all belong.
The next production at the Playhouse is “Dial M for Murder” (July 11-29). Click here for more information, and tickets.
The Westport Library has a new award: the Westport Prize for Literature.
The first honoree — author Zadie Smith — will be feted in person November 12.
The new annual prize is for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society. Smith was recognized this year for “The Fraud.” It’s “a kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England, about who gets to tell their story — and who gets to be believed.”
The prize will be administered by a committee of Westport resident volunteers. An independent jury will choose the winner.
Steering committee chair Candice Savin calls Smith “an icon in letters, and an inspiration to writers — and a delight for readers — everywhere.”
She wrote the novels “White Teeth,” “The Autograph Man,” “On Beauty,” “NW” and “Swing Time,” and the novella “The Embassy of Cambodia.” She is a 3-time nominee for the Booker Prize, and last year was honored with the PEN America Literary Service Award.
This is the last week for the nearly month-long run of “On Golden Pond,” at the Ivorytown Playhouse in Essex.
Which means the end of the daily commute for 3 local residents. Two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, and Fairfield’s Mia Dillon, co-star in the show about an older couple, and others, at a lakeside cottage.
Westporter Stacie Lewis plays Naughton and Dillon’s daughter.
James Naughton, with Mia Dillon and Stacie Lewis, at the Ivoryton Playhouse.
Audiences have loved the production. Click here for more information.
Staples High School sophomore Andrew Maskoff recently reached the National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinals.
Andrew is a familiar face. He assistant music directed Staples Players’ “Twelfth Night,” and played in the pit for many shows. He sings with Orphenians, and studies privately with Wendy Morgan-Hunter.
Besides singing, Andrew is a superb pianist. He studies with Tatiana Pikayzen, and won won the Schubert Club Award for Romantic and Modern Composers. He also plays multiple instruments, is in Staples’ Jazz Workshop, and also composes music.
He reached the semifinals after state competition, and the national quarterfinals, with hundreds of other singers. Click below for one of the tracks he submitted.
Well, it’s actually statewide. But in this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, State Senator Ceci Maher discusses important new — and strengthened — gun control legislation with 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor.
This legislation was passed at 4 a.m. Saturday morning. Dick Kalt spoke with Senator Maher 9 hours later, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston episode.
Last week at the Westport Library, Roosevelt Institute director of climate policy Rhiana Gunn-Wright explored the interconnections between environmental and racial justice. She also spoke about how to cultivate regional responses to the climate crisis, noting that environmental impacts cross town lines.
26 units were sold. That’s down 40% from May of 2022.
The median sales price of $2.6 million was up 27% from last year. The median sales price per square foot of $568 was also up, by 15%. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen of William Raveis)
This 8-bedroom, 12-bathroom, 13,128-square foot home on 7.27 acres on Hedley Farms Road in Greens Farms is on the market for $11,995,000.
An early morning fire drew a quick response, on Old Hill Road.
Three occupants of a barn, including an apartment, were alert to the blaze by the property owner, and evacuated.
Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the U-shaped structure.
Mutual aid from Fairfield and Norwalk fire departments were on the scene and at Westport fire headquarters. Westport Police and Westport also
provided assistance.
The 3 displaced occupants received help from Westport Human Services and the American Red Cross.
Three firefighters received minor injuries.
Quick work prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the barn. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Guitarists Kenny Wessel and Rale Micic headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.
Wessel — known for his “adventurous voice, unrelenting swing and sensitive accompaniment skills,” is a Westport favorite. He and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — who will join in on sax — have played together for 30 years.
Serbian guitarist and composer Micic “skillfully fuses culture with timeless jazz.”
Joining those 3 are bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Eric Halvorson.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, on June 8. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. There is a $15 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
We’re always looking for new creatures to feature on “Westport … Naturally.”
We’ve got one today. Longtime Westporter — and ophthalmologist — Mark Steckel zeroed in on his specialty. He writes:
“This snake was hiding in the vinca that surrounds my pinky-winky hydrangea, though I never saw him wink. But of course, he can’t: Snakes have no eyelids.”
(Photo/Mark Steckel)
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And finally … in honor of Mark Steckel’s image (above):
(Don’t be a snake! Please contribute to your hyper-local blog! Just click here — and thank you!)
For over 90 years the Westport Country Playhouse has entertained, inspired and awed theatergoers.
From the opening curtain in a converted tannery through the rest of the 20th century, “the Playhouse” became a launch pad for Broadway shows, an important stop for hundreds of actors, and an iconic Westport jewel.
Now, in its 92nd year, the Westport Country Playhouse is limping through a truncated season.
It might not make it to 93.
Classic shot of a classic theater.
I love the Playhouse. I was introduced to live theater there, through children’s shows. I’ve seen countless productions, plus concerts like Arlo Guthrie.
A highlight of my life was performing on its stage – the same one used by Henry Fonda, Paul Robeson, Helen Hayes, Eartha Kitt and James Earl Jones – for a “Moth” taping 3 years ago.
It is painful to write this story.
It would be more painful to lose the Playhouse entirely. But that may very well happen.
And it could happen very, very soon.
The Westport Country Playhouse is on precarious footing. The last 2 shows of its planned 5-play 2023 season have already been canceled. The third is in jeopardy.
In recent years, not enough seats have been filled. (Photo/Robert Benson)
Attendance has plummeted; so has the subscriber base.
As the core audience aged, there was little outreach to younger and newer residents. The Playhouse has virtually no social marketing – the best way to create buzz, and reach today’s theater-goers.
Artistic director Mark Lamos’ selection of plays failed to resonate with patrons. Now he’s departing, leaving no one at the helm.
If the theater goes dark, it will be almost impossible to put the lights back on.
All is not lost, however. A rescue plan has been floated.
As in past crises – most recently the early 2000s, when Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward rode to the rescue – this one has quintessential Westport roots.
Andrew Wilk, in the “Live From Lincoln Center” production truck.
Andrew Wilk is a 5-time Emmy-winning executive producer and director of television programming (and a renowned playwright, director and symphony conductor).
He moved to Westport 17 years ago, attracted in large part by the town’s support for the arts.
Wilk produced PBS’ legendary “Live from Lincoln Center” series for many years; served as chief creative officer for Sony Music Entertainment, and executive vice president for the National Geographic Channel (among many other accomplishments).
He created and developed last year’s 3-part PBS entertainment specials, shot at the Playhouse. (He worked on that project for almost 2 years – pro bono.)
Wilk spent months developing a new business strategy and turnaround plan. Covering everything from programming to union contracts, it outlines a path toward recovery and sustainability for an institution that for years has spent more than ticket sales, donors and grants bring in.
Wilk devised the plan on his own time. He’s willing to oversee it in the coming months – gratis.
So far, the Playhouse board has not accepted his broad, generous offer. Perhaps they think they must “save” the Playhouse, before creating a new artistic model.
Wilk proposes to save the Playhouse by reimagining it. First, a transitional season would begin rebuilding the audience through a robust season of well-known musical titles “In Concert.” They’d be headlined by a small number of Broadway stars, with an orchestra. Concerts include evenings of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Jerry Herman, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.
Those concert productions would be augmented by smaller, fully professional productions of recognizable shows, like “The Fantasticks” and “I Do! I Do!,” as well as classic comedies and dramas.
Back in the day, crowds lined up for comedies, dramas — and shows that were headed to Broadway. (Photo/Wells Studio)
There would be student productions too, with actors from Staples and area high schools and colleges, of shows like “Rent,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Falsettos,” plus “Jesus Christ Superstar” using local community groups, and Broadway stars in a few primary roles (thanks to Wilk’s extensive contacts).
Wilk estimated costs for every show, right down to transportation and rights fees. He’s addressed the thorny question of union contracts, and even figured out rehearsal schedules.
His plan appears to be the only one addressing the theater’s many urgent challenges.
The Westport Country Playhouse has been on the brink of disaster before. They’ve always pulled rabbits out of the hat (and, in the case of Newman and Woodward, conjured up a production that – harkening back to the Playhouse’s mid-20th century heyday – moved on to Broadway).
The world has changed since then. It’s changed even since Newman and Woodward’s “Our Town.”
This is our Westport Country Playhouse. It is our town.
But unless the people in charge of our town’s historic gem act quickly, decisively and creatively, the theater that last week was honored as a Literary Landmark may soon become just one more theatrical memory.
(The Westport Country Playhouse was asked to comment on its future. Board chair Anna Czekaj-Farber said: “Nothing new at the moment. We are getting ready for our New Works reading (Monday, June 5) our next Script in Hand on June 12, and Patti LuPone’s great evening June 15.”)
Twenty years ago, Paul Newman helped save the Westport Country Playhouse. Can it be saved again?
Staples High School choral director Luke Rosenberg is leaving Westport.
The much-admired, multi-talented musician has taken a position at Greenwich High School.
He told “06880”: “I am incredibly thankful to Westport for the last 11 years. Shortly before I was hired at Staples, I thought my career as a choral director was over.
“But Westport took a chance on a young teacher, and I was able to continue doing what I love. I will forever be thankful for all that Westport has given me.”
Hiro Wyatt — one of the stars of Staples High School’s baseball team — has been named Gatorade Connecticut Baseball Player of the Year.
The honor recognizes outstanding athletic excellence, high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character on and off the field. Wyatt is now a candidate for National Gatorade Player of the Year.
The 6-1, 190-pound senior right-handed pitcher and designated hitter posted a 7-0 record with a 0.67 ERA and 90 strikeouts (and just 10 walks) in 41.2 innings pitched. He allowed no runs in 31.1 innings leading into the state “LL” (extra large schools) state tournament.
The Wreckers — seeded 3rd in the state tournament — host #6 South Windsor in today’s quarterfinals (1 p.m.).
Perfect Game’s Number 1 state prospect in the Class of 2023 also hit .359 with 3 home runs, 15 RBI, 18 runs scored and a 1.025 OPS through 20 games.
Wyatt has volunteered with Special Olympics and helped fundraise for the St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
He has a 3.63 weighted GPA in the classroom. He has signed a mational letter of intent to play on scholarship at the University of Southern California this fall.
Previous Gatorade Athlete of the Year honorees include Chad Knight (2019) and Ben Casparius (2017) in baseball, and Kyle Martino (national winner) in soccer, in 1999. (Hat tip: Vince Kelly)
Hiro Wyatt.
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Still at Staples:
Rebecca Schussheim was honored last week, as winner of the Key. It is the high school’s highest honor.
The Class of 2023 salutatorian is co-president of Staples’ Sikorsky STEM challenge team, principal cellist in the Chamber Symphonic Orchestra, and co-captain of the squash team.
She did an Independent Learning Experience in astrophysics, examining galaxy images with a Yale University graduate student. She presented her findings at the International Science Youth Forum in Singapore in January.
The 2 other finalists for the award were musician/actor/youth volunteer James Dobin-Smith, and political activist/club founder Spencer Yim.
Rebecca Schussheim
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And we haven’t left Staples yet:
The jazz combo plays an hour-long set this Monday (June 5, 7 p.m., Westport Library). The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
Band director Phil Giampietro will talk about the Staples jazz program, and answer questions.
The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble, with director Phil Giampietro (front right).
Speaking of the Y’s Men: If it seems like they’re everywhere, it’s because they are.
Molly Alger joined several members of the very active social group yesterday, on an in-town hike near Winslow Park. She photographed them crossing the bridge over Deadman Brook, by Evergreen Cemetery.
Very wisely for walking in Westport, they wore very visible bright colors.
From left: Jay Dirnberger, Peter Donovan, Baxter Urist, Joel Wasserman, Dick Sallick, Larry Lich. (Photo/Molly Alger)
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas headed to New Haven on Thursday.
He joined a small group of Connecticut Police Chiefs who met Attorney General Merrick Garland and Connecticut US Attorney Vanessa Avery. The discussion included crime trends, fentanyl deaths, addressing juvenile offenders and resources at the federal level.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland (front row, 3rd from left), Connecticut US Attorney Vanessa Avery (front row, 4th from left) and Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas (back row, far right).
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Speaking of law enforcement:
The man accused of illegally squatting at Cobb’s Mill Inn is in jail, on an unrelated charge.
Connecticut Insider reports that Anthony Villano was ordered locked up by a judge in Milford Superior court, for violating conditions of release for not fully complying with random drug tests. He also allegedly removed his GPS anklet.
Eight charges against Villano include drunken driving, trying to fraudulently sell a Post Road property, and stealing a vehicle he once owned from the Milford Police Department impound lot.
Westport’s newest landmark — the Pride crosswalk at Taylor Place and Jesup Road — has drawn raves since it was installed early Thursday morning.
Here’s how it looks from a drone:
(Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Westporters can see it from ground level tomorrow (Sunday, June 4, noon to 4 p.m.). The 3rd annual Pride festival at Jesup Green includes music, speakers, kids’ activities and more. The public is invited, and welcome.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics made its way through Westport yesterday afternoon.
Police officers from several towns took part, before the opening of the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games. The “Flame of Hope” was passed along at each town line in the area.
The run ended at Fairfield University, where the Summer Games opening ceremony will take place.
Special Olympics Torch Run on the Post Road, at the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Westport Book Shop’s June Artist of the Month is Sally VanDevanter Her colorful abstract and figurative acrylic and oil paintings, done with cold wax, are on display throughout June.
VanDevanter has a background in advertising, working as an art director at Saatchi & Saatchi, and in art book production management for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
She studied at the Art Students League of New York, the School of Visual Arts in New York, and the Cocoran School of Art in Washington. She holds an MA in organizational psychology from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and a BA in art history and psychology from the University of Virginia.
And finally … Cynthia Weil died Thursday in Beverly Hills, She was 82.
With her writing partner and husband, Barry Mann, she wrote some of the most memorable songs of the rock and pop era. One — the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin'” — was cited by BMI as the most played song on radio and television of the 20th century,
Click here for a full obituary. Click below for a few of her songwriting classics.
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