Wow! “06880” welcomes a host of newcomers to this week’s online art gallery.
While they may be first-time artists here, it’s clear they know their stuff. They work in a variety of mediums, and the are really, really good.
But don’t be intimidated. The “06880” online art gallery is open to all.
This is your feature. 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.)
Untitled. Photographer Bonnie Scott Connolly (Staples High School Class of 1967) shot “this sure sign of spring” at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay.
“The Raven” — graphite on paper (Clayton Liotta)
Untitled — glass mosaic, based on work in Ravenna, Italy (Jack Conti)
Untitled (Charlie Taylor)
“Orange and Brown Jungle” (Michael Cohen)
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“Sisters Forever” (Steve Stein)
“Nantucket Splinter” — 38 feet, built in in 1989 of cold molded mahogany (Peter Barlow)
“Mommy, I’m Hungry! Cough it Up!” (Mike Hibbard)
“After School” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Night Lilies” (Ken Runkel)
(If you enjoy our weekly online art gallery, please drop a few coins in the collection box. Click here — and thank you!)
Staples High School’s Black Box Theater is an intimate space.
With a movable stage and seating, it’s been the setting for memorable shows like “Twelve Angry Men,” “The Laramie Project” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”
Players’ next Black Box production — “Lord of the Flies” — is equally powerful and thought-provoking.
It may also be the most intriguing production there yet.
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long have cast males and females in the roles of 11- and 12-year-old boys. Marooned on an island and struggling to govern themselves, the tension between morality and individuality — and groupthink and immorality — is palpable from the opening scene.
Part of the “Lord of the Flies” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Each performance features a different cast of actors. Some are mixed genders; one is all male, one all female.
Each show will look a bit different. But all force audiences to explore universal ideas like what it means to be human, and the desire for power.
Written in 1954, the story is “fresh, modern, and very relevant to our world today,” Roth says.
Though “Lord of the Flies” is best known as a novel (and film), Roth and Long found a YouTube video of a Sydney theatrical production. Both had read the book as Staples students.
Watching the video, they were reminded again of its power — and attracted to the Australians’ mixed-gender cast.
They relished the challenge of bringing the show — with its ever-shifting dynamics, both thematically and because of the several different casts — to the Black Box stage.
Cameron Mann (Jack) and Quinn Mulvey (Ralph). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Like the directors, some Players have read “Lord of the Flies” in school. Some are reading it right now. All understand its messages about human nature, and are growing as actors as they learn how their characters change — some for better, some worse — on the island, as democracy crumbles.
That island will look spare. The set is abstract, with a sandbox and just 3 props: a pig’s head, Piggy’s glasses, and the iconic conch.
There is, however, plenty of movement. Fight choreographer Chris Smalley — who has worked with Players for over a dozen years — ensures that the intense scenes are performed both authentically and safely.
It’s a different show for Staples, certainly. The theme and emotions are raw. Plus, Long notes, “the kids get spears, and get to act savagely.”
“Lord of the Flies” is not “Mamma Mia!,” “Grease” or “The Music Man” — some of the shows that Players perform on the main stage.
But the Staples troupe is known for their versatility and professionalism. This is the perfect vehicle for them.
And the Black Box Theater is the perfect place to perform it.
(“Lord of the Flies will be performed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 25, 26 and 27, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 28 at 1 p.m. Click here for tickets and cast lists. The show is recommended for audiences 12 and older.)
Today — Mothers Day — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker mourns the loss of her mother, who died last week. Jen writes:
“Today we celebrated the life of Kathleen (Grandmom) Salmon.
“She was fiercely independent, but never wanted to be without the love of her life, Bob, who passed away 16 months ago.
“She was a trailblazer, balancing family and a full-time career when few were doing so.
“She retired at 70, having spent the previous 2 1/2 years in Qatar doing ground-breaking work for women in education.
“Mom loved and supported her daughters beyond words, ensuring they knew the world was their oyster and there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish.
“Grandmom was in awe of her 5 beautiful grandchildren, and loved them unconditionally. At the drop of a hat, she would arrive to run the household and spoil her grandkids.
“Kathy was a woman of deep faith. We know we have a guardian angel, who is singing “You are My Sunshine” for us every day. We miss her terribly, but feel so lucky she spent her last years here in Westport.”
Happy Mothers Day to all! Huge hugs.
From left: Jen Tooker, her mother Kathleen Salmon and sister Shawna Saussus.
Longtime “06880” reader Fred Cantor offers this tribute his mother — and all the others out there:
“My mom should perhaps be recognized as one of the first soccer moms. And I say that in a very positive way.
“About to turn 96, she is — and always has been — a big sports fan, despite growing up in an era when girls had far fewer opportunities to participate in sports.
“So when Marc started playing soccer at Staples, she and my dad (also a huge sports fan) came to watch virtually all of the games, and naturally brought me along. That sparked my interest in soccer and led me, as a 6th grader, to aspire to play Staples varsity soccer down the road.
“This happened at a time when very few parents watched those Staples soccer games on the Hill.
“My mom and dad were always very supportive of our athletic endeavors, but not in a way that pushed Marc and me in any particular direction. We both had the good fortune of playing soccer at the college level. My mom’s encouragement (and my dad’s) played a role in that.
“So as we celebrate Mothers Day (and also my mom’s 96th birthday), here’s a big thank you to her — and to all the soccer moms who have been supportive over the years.”
From left: Marc, Pearl and Fred Cantor. The “boys” are wearing their University of Massachusetts and Yale soccer hats, respectively.
Mothers Day, Part 2. Hunter Jones Hampton posted a 1948 Saturday Evening Post cover on Facebook:
He explained that the illustrator, noted Westporter Stevan Dohanos, sketched it using a US Camera magazine cover shot of Hunter’s mother, for his model.
The 2 sign painter models were also Westporters: Joshua Sidebottom and his son.
The Saturday Evening Post noted: “Dohanos is spending the winter in Connecticut, while luckier wights vacation in the palm-tree and bathing-beauty latitudes.”
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Friday night’s choral concert — filled with contemporary music selected by Staples High School students — ended on an emotional note.
The 22 graduating seniors honored director and mentor Luke Rosenberg with a special song: “Underneath the Stars.” Sophia Betit organized her classmates, and conducted the piece. She and James Dobin-Smith soloed — and also received the National Choral School Award for their contributions to the Staples music program.
Westport salutes Pride Month in June with a celebration on Jesup Green rally, a drag show at MoCA, the presentation of a scholarship, and the newest initiative: an oral history project.
Westport Pride — the town-wide LGBTQ+ and allies group — has partnered with the Westport Museum for History & Culture. The museum’s mission is to “make history whole,” including a focus on marginalized groups.
Area residents can book a time slot for a video interview at the Westport Museum. Officials hope for a diverse range of ages and experiences.
Interviews will be housed in the museum’s digital archive. Each one will be accompanied by a transcript.
For more information or to sign up, email cmenard@westporthistory.org.
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At last! Westport’s long wait for another nail salon will soon be over.
The oddly named Nail Factory is set to move into the vacant space next to CVS.
“Lux Freer” — Triple Threat Academy’s indie film shot last summer in Westport, directed by Staples High School graduate Cynthia Gibb, and featuring 20 Westporters in main roles and more as extras — will screen at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival on Saturday (May 20). The “Provocative Shorts” program begins at 2:30 p.m. Click here for more information, and tickets.
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There’s a new addition to the Westport Community Gardens.
Lou Weinberg sends this photo of a killdeer nesting in a raised bed.
“The largest of the ringed plovers, it performs the broken-wing display to distract intruders away from nests and chicks,” he explains. “So far, so good!”
And finally … Fred Cantor wrote a great tribute to his mother (story above). BJ Thomas did it musically — and included, as Fred did, a mention of her support from the sports sidelines.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — today and every day. We’re a non-profit, so contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
One “06880” reader is worried about one aspect of it. She shares this letter, which she sent this week to the group:
“I understand that at this morning’s meeting (which I could not attend) the discussion of losing 44 parking spaces in the Parker Harding lot was discussed.
“I believe this will be detrimental to our stores downtown. There is already a shortage of parking during peak (and many other) hours.
“I believe that the solution of taking a bus from town to Imperial Avenue is not a good solution for shoppers. It is inconvenient for folks who are only in town for a short while.
“I believe — and always have — that the store employees who park all day should use the shuttle service and parking at Imperial Avenue.
“I understand that some store managers felt that their employees ‘wouldn’t do that.’ When I worked in a town like this many years ago with similar parking issues, we were told we would be fired if caught parking in spots reserved for shoppers.
“It’s not a big deal if they are there all day. Managers are being over-dramatic if they did position this in that manner.
“I understand the value of the greening/beautification project, but we need to keep shoppers coming to town and keep our stores in business. It’s all too easy to shop on the internet these days.
“Thank you for your consideration of this concern.”
Up to 44 parking spots may be lost in the Parker Harding Plaza lot, in concepts under consideration by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committe.
Summer hours begin Monday at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The Hillspoint Road spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream and much more, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.
Ready for summer.
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MoCA hosts 2 very different concerts within 48 hours of each other next week.
On Thursday (May 18), New York-based punk band Darling performs a 30-minute set, following a curator talk with Emann Odufu, as part of the “Cocktails & Conversation” series.
Emann is the curator of the current “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition featuring Anselm Reyle. His practice is inspired by his participation in the punk and heavy metal music movements, and his fascination with psychedelic and punk aesthetics.
Two nights later (Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.), MoCA welcomes back Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker. This year, she offers a tribute to Joni Mitchell.
Westport’s 3 National Merit Scholarship $2,500 winners attend 3 different schools.
Congratulations to Staples High School’s Lucia Wang (also the valedictorian), Alexis Bienstock of Westport’s Pierrepont School, and Joy Xu (Hopkins School).
The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.
June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.
A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.
The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)
The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.
Can’t attend, but want to support and/or listen to the album? Vinyl and digital copies are available via Bandcamp.
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Longtime Westporter and noted civic volunteer Irma Schachter, wife of Joseph Schachter, died Thursday after a short illness. She was 95 years old.
Irma was an early female leader in the male-dominated retail store management field of the 1950s. Her career started after completing the Harvard-Radcliff Business School program with a position at Abraham & Strauss, and continued at G. Fox & Co., Bloomingdale’s, as manager of Burdine’s department store in Miami Beach, and a Lord & Taylor vice president managing 7 New England stores.
She attended what is now Northfield-Mount Hermon School. She was recently honored by the Northfield Alumni Association with its rarely given Lamplighter Award for outstanding service to the school, achieving 100% yearly participation by her entire class in support of the annual fund.
She attended Hartford Junior College, and graduated from Connecticut College.
In Westport, she supported the new Library and Norwalk Hospital
She married Joe Schachter in 1966, after his wife — Irma’s friend Carol Kagan — died at 34. She helped raise Carol and Joe’s 3 young sons, and soon legally adopted them.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Ted (Susan) of Los Angeles, Stephen (Carrie) of Gainesville, Florida, and David (Danny) of Belmont, California; niece Carmen Carrol (Christopher); nephew Andrew Klein, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, May 14, 1 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk). Shiva will be Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. at 28 Mayflower Parkway, Westport.
Irma and Joe Schachter.
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Peter Green — a highly accomplished stained glass artist also active in several other art forms — died earlier this year at Bridgeport Hospital, of pancreatic cancer. He was 77.
He was the founder in 1971, and co-owner with his wife of 48 years Tina, of Westport’s Renaissance Studio. Click here for a 2012 “06880”story on that artistic journey.
His 5-decade career as a stained glass artist was marked by many commissions and installations in Westport and the tri-state area. He and Tina taught stained glass classes at their studio and in area adult education programs.
After 30 years on Saugatuck Avenue, the studio moved in 2003 to the Greens’ home on Imperial Avenue. Tina continues to operate it.
Peter designed and installed stained glass windows and panels in hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, and for religious institutions. His Installations include Temple Israel in Westport, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston, and St. Joseph’s Church in Stratford.
A member of the Stained Glass Association of America, he was also a successful woodturner, photographer and painter. He was a past president of the Nutmeg Woodturners at the Brookfield Craft Center. His unique works graced the covers of Wood Turning and Stained Glass magazines.
Peter’s first career was in music. After graduating from Adelphi University in 1968, he played guitar in The Villagers folk group. They opened for Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-’60s at Adelphi. He played for the rest of his life for family and friends.
An Army Reserve veteran, he was also an avid sailor, surfer, kayaker and cyclist. He swam regularly at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Peter frequently researched, read and combed the recorded music collection at his beloved Westport Library.
Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Andrew of Westport and Charlotte of Greenwich; his sister Susan Behan of Longboat Key, Florida; his brother Bob Green of Kapaa, Hawaii; his mother-in-law Anna Godick of Westport, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private memorial celebration of his life is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to The Westport Library or the American Cancer Society.
Peter Green
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Burying Hill Beach is Johanna Keyser Rossi’s happy place.
And here — happily — is her “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … happy 73rd birthday to Stevie Wonder.
There are way too many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 from his now-overlooked, but very productive, mid-1960s/early-1970s years:
(If you enjoy our daily “06880” music selections, it would be “wonder”-ful to help support the blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
Posted onMay 13, 2023|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #161
Contributors to this week’s art gallery range in age from 9 (newcomer Myles Gutkowski) to 90-plus (regular painter/photographer Peter Barlow).
That’s exactly what I envisioned this to be, when it began more than 3 years ago as an escape from COVID.
This is your feature. 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.)
“One Red Rose” (Ken Runkel)
“Wired” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Candles” — oil pastel on paper (Myles Gutkowski, age 9)
Untitled — blown glass (Michelle Mechanic)
“TRANQUILITY and Polished Brass” (Peter Barlow)
“I’ve Got My Eye on You” (Steve Stein)
“Exquisite Beauty” — Cambodian traditional dancer (Mike Hibbard)
“Spring in Old Hill” (Rowene Weems)
(If you enjoy our weekly online art gallery, please drop a few coins into our contribution box. Click here — and thank you!)
Next Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (May 17, 7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link) features 3 interesting agenda items.
Perhaps because of the increasing popularity of Old Mill Beach — it now attracts more than just nearby residents — the board will vote on a request for a “porta-john.”
Then they’ll introduce and discuss (but not vote on) a “proposed smoking/vaping policy.” Details are unavailable, but a source said it relates to a ban on smoking and vaping — including cannabis — at town beaches.
Then comes discussion of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan final report.
It will be a busy night, involving 3 key topics: money, bathrooms, and weed.
Prime spot for a port-a-potty. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Westport Garden Club does more than plant bulbs.
They’ve sponsored a youth poetry contest on “birds, bees and trees”; provided an all-terrain wheelchair to Wakeman Town Farm; donated beach grass plugs for Sherwood Island State Park’s dune restoration, and a new greenhouse at Earthplace for young naturalists and volunteers; and given a scholarship for a student studying horticulture or landscape design.
All of that — and also maintaining 7 public gardens in Westport — takes money.
And all of that funding comes from the Garden Club’s annual plant sale.
It’s tomorrow (May 13 — a first-ever Saturday date), from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jesup Green.
On sale: over 1,000 plants from members’ own gardens, plus tomatoes and herbs.
The festive event includes an activity table for kids, a selection of garden books from the Westport Book Shop, and free saplings from Bartlett Tree Experts.
Wheelbarrows will be on standby. As always, Garden Club members offer advice on purchases.
One more idea: If you haven’t finished your Mothers Day shopping (and don’t have a green thumb), you can choose from a collection of gift-ready planters.
The annual plant sale funds Westport Garden Club displays all over town.
All of Fairfield County (and Westchester) loves Alison Milwe Grace.
On Tuesday, the rest of the country will too.
The Staples High School graduate/Weston resident/founder-owner of very popular AMG Catering & Events will be featured on Food Network’s parking lot culinary marathon show, Supermarket Steakout (Tuesday, 9 p.m.).
She taped the show in January, in California. It was her second appearance on Food Network. In 2015 she made it to the 4th and final round of elimination in an intense battle, preparing dishes that the judges praised as “creative, complex and delicious.”
Alison calls this “another opportunity, another fun show, another personal ‘cheffy; challenge, and more memories with the best network around, and the amazing Alex Guarnaschelli.
Alison’s motto is “Follow your dreams — just make sure to have fun too!”
She’s sworn to secrecy (and an iron-clad contract) to not reveal how she did ahead of time.
But hey: She wouldn’t want us watching if she burned, undercooked or otherwise messed up royally, right?
SIDE DISH: Finding Connecticut just posted a nice interview with Alison. Click here to see.
Presented by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, the Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) award honors individuals, organizations and businesses that make significant contributions to the area.
An artist-entrepreneur who pioneered artists spaces in Berlin, Williamsburg and now Bridgeport, he is also a curator and community organizer.
After establishing his studio in Bridgeport, and reviving art events at the historic Arcade Mall, he established Ursa Gallery in 2020. Dam organized the first Bridgeport booth at Art Basel Miami in 2022. a
Dam is currently developing real estate on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport to create working spaces for fellow artists, raise community awareness, host events, and open a coffee roaster. He also teaches children in community art and leadership programs at Norwalk Community College.
Dam receives his honor next month, at a Norwalk Shore & Country Club breakfast. A special President’s Award will be presented to Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, recognizing their significant impact on the arts, culture and children’s health in Fairfield County. The MC is Weston’s James Naughton. Click here for full details.
Cris Dam
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Westport’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 15). It continues through mid-June.
The following roads will be paved (though not in this order):
Oak Street
Rodgers Way
Reimer Road
Sprucewood Lane
High Point Road
Adams Farms Road
Greystone Farm Lane
Wedgewood Road
Peaceful Lane
Chapel Hill Road
Pritchard Lane
Increase Lane
Harding Lane
Sunrise Road.
Questions? Call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120.
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Jonathan Greenstein — the photojournalist/film director/tea importer/ athlete/world traveler/ environmentalist, whose battle with ALS inspired countless people around the world — died in 2021. He was 50 years old.
Westporters have not forgotten him.
A Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop — teaching techniques that help patients breathe stronger and longer == is set for Saturday, May 20 (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
A $225 donation benefits the Breathe4ALS Foundation. Attendees receive a hardcover book of Greenfield’s photography and log pants.
The event is free for people living with ALS. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Not long after his ALS diagnosis, Jonathan Greenfield (right) hiked in Spain with Wim Hof.
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Britt Hennemuth — the 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate, now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair — has a great story in the May edition.
In “Suddenly, Stephanie Hsu is Everywhere,” the actress talks about her intense year, her love for Jamie Lee Curtis, and how her next movie, “Joy Ride,” defies stereotypes. Click here to read. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
Britt Hennemuth
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Speaking of film: Generations of Westporters have thrilled to enormous, all-around movies at the Norwalk IMAX Theater.
Mountain climbers, deep sea divers, rock concerts — we’ve seen it all.
No more.
The building is being dismantled. It’s part of the state Department of Transportation’s reconstruction of the 123-year-old Norwalk River railroad span (the “Walk Bridge”).
A new 4D theater, built on the other side of the Maritime Aquarium, opened in 2021.
And finally … as the Parks & Recreation Commission debates a port-a-potty at Old Mill Beach (story above) — it’s not our usual song. But besides all the music at Woodstock, there was this:
(“06880” needs your support, no s—. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
It may be Westport’s best culinary event of the year.
The 17th annual “Taste of Westport” sold out quicker than ever this spring. Last night, hundreds of residents packed the Inn at Longshore, to enjoy food and drinks from more than 2 dozen restaurants and vendors — plus bid on an enormous silent auction, and buy raffle tickets.
It was all for a great cause: CLASP, the Westport-based organization serving adults with autism and developmental disabilities throughout Fairfield County.
The Inn went all out making it a special night. So did a host of groups that supported the Taste of Westport.
Special appreciation goes to the staffs who kept the treats coming all night:
Artisan
Boathouse Restaurant
Black Bear Wines & Spirits
Bridgewater Chocolate
Cold Fusion Gelato & Sorbet
DeTapas
5th Estate Distillery
Gruel Brittania
Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse
Grumpy Dumpling Co.
Freisenet Mionetto
Isla & Co.
Little Pub
La Plage
Leven(thal) Bakery
Mrs. London’s Artisan Bakery
Magic Pie Co.
NewSylum Brewing
Nðmade
Nordic Fish
Rive Bistro
Rizzuto’s
Romanacci Pizza Bar
Post Oak Barbecue Co.
Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant
Sono1420 American Craft Distillers
Tarantino Restaurant
Walrus Alley
A small part of the large Taste of Westport crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos sent this email yesterday:
“Dear Subscribers and Donors –
“Thank you for your continued support during my 15 years with the Playhouse. Because I value the relationship we have, I wanted personally to inform you, before it is announced to the press tomorrow, that I will be leaving the Playhouse in January 2024.
“The pandemic, though challenging and globally tragic, also proved positive — for me — in many ways.
“While working tirelessly to sustain the Playhouse during this period of extreme uncertainty, I was also relieved of the burdens, excitement, and anxiety of producing and directing. I began to sense another way of living my life now. Though staff, trustees, and I worked diligently to keep the Playhouse functioning during 2 difficult years, the pandemic’s exigencies allowed me to spend more time at home with my husband Jerry, and to experience new-found quotidian joy: taking long daily walks, listening to more music, reading for hours a day, investing in our home, and taking care of an aging, beloved dog.
“The racial reckoning that awakened our country also had a profound, transformative effect on my feelings about how and why we make theater now. And I realized I’d need time to take the advice of 2 formidable female friends who insisted I create a new artistic challenge for myself. That project has begun but needs my full attention. And so after some thoughtful times over the holidays, last January 15 I felt the time had come to exercise the clause in my contract that allows me to leave upon 12 months’ notice.
“During my 15 seasons at this historic theater, I worked hard to raise its already formidable artistic standards as much as possible through my collaboration with some truly world class American theater artists. I sought to bring a wider range of voices to our stage in the most physically beautiful productions our budgets allowed. I took special pleasure in investing in the work of Black, Latinx, and AAPI artists, bringing the voices of many marginalized communities to our stage.
“And it’s been a real joy working with our amazing staff over the years, people who realized dreams and met goals, especially our Associate Producer/Director of Production David Dreyfoos, without whom the above — and so much else — would have been impossible. I’ll really miss them. I especially look forward to working with them all closely as I direct the upcoming production Dial M For Murder. I hope that you will join me during the run and celebrate all the wonderful memories we have made here, at the Playhouse.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between May 3 and 10.
One was for domestic violence, following an incident at a local business.
Another arrest was for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to drive in the proper lane, after a head-on collision on Compo Road South.
The third was for violation of home improvement requirements, when a non-licensed contractor did not complete work.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic regulations: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turn/no signal: 1
Failure to display license plates: 1
Improper use of license plates: 1
Failure to renew driver’s license: 1
Every contractor in the state must have one of these.
Their newest K-9, Brute, just received a Kevlar bullet-resistant vest
The donation came from Responder Wellness, a non-profit that provides equipment and wellness services to first responders.
Brute, his bullet-resistant vest, his handlers and donors.
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Kai Ross is a star on the Staples High School water polo team.
His star now shines a bit brighter: He’s just been named to the USA Water Polo national youth team.
The 6-6, 248-pound center competes in San Diego this weekend, then heads back to California for the US men’s senior nationals in July.
He has had several college scholarship offers. But he’s young — not yet 18 — so he’ll take a gap year after graduating next month. He’ll likely spend the fall with a California club, then head to Spain, Italy or Croatia to play in the spring.
Last week the Westporter — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and many others — jammed with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin at the Westport Woman’s Club art show.
On May 19 (6:30 p.m.), his latest project is unveiled at the Westport Library.
For the past decade he’s been co-producing a documentary film (with Westport director Larry Locke called “Heaven Stood Still: The Incarnations of Willy DeVille.”
Cioe performed with singer/songwriter DeVille often in the 1980s, on tours and festivals in Europe and US.
DeVille (né Billy Borsey) grew up in Stamford, where he led teenage bands. After England and San Francisco, he landed in New York in the mid-’70s with his band Mink DeVille, at the newly opened CBGB. He had a solo career from the ’80s until he died in 2009, at 59.
DeVille is one of the greatest “lost” artist in pop music history. Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Tom Waits, Boz Skaggs and Southside Johnny all cite him as a revered influence.
The film reflects his music and troubled life in detail. It includes interviews with Ben E. King, Chris Frantz, and J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf.
The May 19 showing is free; click here to register. It will be followed by a Q&A monitored by Cioe, with Chris Frantz, and writers Nick Flynn and John Eskow.
Speaking of sounds: The Westport School of Music introduces listeners to the music and culture of India and Iraq this Saturday (May 13, 1 p.m., MoCA Westport).
The free concert features violinist Ameen Modad, who hid for 2 years and composed music secretly while Iraq was controlled by ISIS, and tabla player Nilanjan Bhowmik and his wife Dipita Chakraborty, a soprano. The couple will share stories and perform poems set to music by Nobel Prize-winning poet Tagore.
Wakeman Town Farm announced a 5-session A Child’s Pose yoga class on Saturday mornings, for youngsters 1 1/2 to 5 years old.
“Partner poses will strengthen and soothe both child and their grownup,” WTF says. Click here for more details, and to register.
Also at the Farm, and for kids: weekday afternoon “animal socials.”
Youngsters can snuggle, hold, brush and watch goats and lambs play.
It’s suitable for all ages; tickets required for anyone over the age of 1. Click here to select a date, register, and learn more.
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Westporter Lewis Goldman died Tuesday, at home. He was 93 years old.
He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, and earned degrees from City College of New York and Brooklyn Law School. During the Korean War, he served in the Army.
His family describes Lew as “a sweet, brilliant man, with a wicked sense of humor and a deep passion for learning.
He is survived by his wife Hedda; daughters Melissa of New York City and Amy of Novato, California; son David (Margo) of Santa Monica, California, and grandchildren Morgan Chapman, Andrew Goldman, and Alexa Goldman).
The family wishes thanks Karen Whittington, John Pounds, and others who cared for Lew in recent years.
A private burial took place at Temple Israel Cemetery. To share a condolence message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The 10 properties honored last week by Westport’s Historic District Commission — and 29 North Avenue, featured recently on “06880” and which should win a national award — are wonderful reminders that “new” construction need not always begin with a demolition.
Here’s another.
Cottages & Gardens recently featured Holly Jaffe and David Stephen Johnson’s 1927 Dutch Colonial on Bradley Street, at the Norwalk Avenue corner.
Holly — principal of the boutique design firm Wowhaus — was drawn to “the Norman Rockwell-esque charm, the ‘utterly delightful neighborhood,’ and its proximity to the beach.”
The family lived in the 2,000-square foot home for more than a year before starting the interior renovation in 2021.
That allowed them time to figure out “the smartest way to move forward,” Holly says. “The entire renovation was driven by what we could do to make this the magical place we knew it could be.”
She, architect Jon Halper and Westport builder Alan Dreher maximized the space without changing the footprint.
More than 90 years after founding the Westport Country Playhouse, Lawrence Langner will be celebrated.
The Theatre Guild and Langner family will dedicate Westport’s first Literary Landmark, in his honor. The event is May 27 (1 p.m.) at — of course — the Playhouse.
He and his wife, Armina Marshall, founded the theater in 1931, on the site of a former apple orchard and tannery. It became an American cultural institution, presenting dozens of pre-Broadway plays and showcasing the top stars of the day.
In addition to the Playhouse, Langner founded the Theatre Guild. It produced “Porgy and Bess,” “Oklahoma!” and hundreds of other plays and musicals.
He also established the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre, “US Steel Hour” on radio and television, and the American Repertory Company, which toured the world.
The dedication and unveiling of the Literary Landmark are free, and open to the public. The event includes a panel on “Memories of the American Theater.” Richard Somerset Ward, author of the definitive book on the history of the Westport Country Playhouse, will be interviewed by film historian Foster Hirsch. Actors and artists who worked at the Playhouse or other Langner ventures will participate too.
The Literary Landmark’s program, which celebrates important writers and “encourages the dedication of historic literary sites,” is affiliated with United For Libraries and the American Library Association.
Seating in the reception barn is limited. To reserve a seat, email evelangner@att.net.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Xavier Rodrigo, Matthew Fleming, Henry Nowak and Oliver Saitz of Troop 36 received their sashes and pins yesterday, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
All did their Eagle projects at Sherwood Island State Park. Xavier — now a student at Fordham University — earned his honor 2 years ago; his ceremony was delayed by COVID. The other 3 will graduate this June from Staples High School.
Eagle Scouts (from left): Xavier Rodrigo, Matthew Fleming, Henry Nowak, Oliver Saits.
The weather was perfect for yesterday’s 18th annual STAR Walk & Roll fundraiser at Sherwood Island State Park.
Ariel Levy led the event. Her Westport family has supported STAR — the 70-year-old not-for-profit that serves over 700 people with disabilities, from birth to their senior years, and their families – since she began attending its day program.
Walkers of all ages and abilities enjoyed breakfast, music, arts and crafts, dancing, a photo booth, face painting and food trucks. The event raised over $60,000, with the Levy team out front.
Westporter Laura Blair’s team raised the second highest amount.
Ariel (yellow shirt) and her “Team Levy” at yesterday’s STAR Walk.
A mama goose and her babies paddled happily at Compo Beach yesterday. Johanna Keyser Rossi was there to record it, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Their 22 Main Street gallery opened in February. Last night, a large crowd welcomed them, at their official launch party.
CEO Helen Swaby loved Westport, from the moment she saw it. She calls our town ‘a flourishing cultural and creative center (which), like Clarendon, has a strong commitment to preserving community, traditions, and quality of life.”
The world’s largest gallery group wants to make art “accessible to all.” They showcase an eclectic portfolio of artists, across a broad range of genres.
The new 2-story building features an international portfolio of originals, collector’s editions, and sculpture from famous names, alongside emerging talents.
Works from artists like Picasso, Miro, Warhol and Hockney; cutting edge pop, street, and contemporary art; more traditional work including landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative and abstract art, is all on view — and sale — at Clarendon.
Clarendon’s 2nd floor. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of art: There are plenty of great works at this weekend’s Westport Woman’s Club 8th annual show.
Yesterday, there was also A-list entertainment.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield Blues Band) and Crispin Cioe — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and others — offered music to admire art by. Both are Westporters.
The show ends today: 2 to 5 p.m., 44 Imperial Avenue.
Mark Naftalin and Crispin Cioe, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
In an age when every youngster seems to be on a device — and/or traveling up and down the East Coast playing youth sports — it’s nice to see that these kids had good old-fashioned fun yesterday, decorating a driveway on Gorham Avenue.
Elle and Axel Enslin, their mom Kara, and Charlotte Peters, hard at work.
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Lovely lilacs are today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured flower. Thank you, Dana Kuyper!
Peter Barlow was a young man in Westport when Queen Elizabeth was crowned.
Today — older, but still quite active, in his eastern Connecticut home — he celebrates King Charles’ coronation.
Peter’s painting is one of a baker’s dozen works of all kinds in today’s online art gallery. As always, the range of subjects and mediums is both wide and impressive.
This is your feature. 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.)
“King of Diamonds” (Peter Barlow)
“Channeling O’Keefe” (Amy Schneider)
Untitled (Ellin Spadone)
“Old Mill Solitude” (Fred Cantor)
Artist Ken Runkel says “Lighthouse Man_2” was “inspired by the great Surrealists of the era (a touch of Dali, a dash of Magritte).”
“Whoa! Judge Not That Ye Be Not Judged” (Mike Hibbard)
“Flamingo: The Only Bird Not Seen in ‘Westport … Naturally'” (Steve Stein)
“Fais Do Do” — abstract acrylic resin epoxy (Patricia McMahon)
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