Sarah Lyle is a rising junior at Staples High School. The Troop 139 member is working on her Eagle Scout project.
It may be one of the most important in Westport Scout history.
Collaborating with Westport EMS — where she is an emergency medical responder — Sarah is cataloguing the location of every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in town.
You’ve seen them at Winslow Park, Compo Beach, schools and athletic fields. AEDs help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, when minutes matter.
With the help of volunteers, Sarah will visit known AED locations, take photos, and add them to a digital map.
Tatiana will personally manage the funds, and work with trusted friends and contacts in Colombia to purchase and distribute supplies where they are needed most. ‘
A small part of the devastation from the Colombia earthquake.
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Westporters know how talented our neighbor Kelli O’Hara is.
But how about her daughter, Charlotte Naughton?
The 12-year-old Bedford Middle School student joined her Grammy-winning Broadway actor mother at an outdoor festival this weekend in Kingston, New York that brought the audience to tears.
Other featured performers included Audra McDonald, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Anthony Rapp.
Click here or below, for Kelli and Charlotte’s stunning “Both Sides Now” duet.
Of course, Charlotte has great genes. Her grandfather is James Naughton, the Tony Award-winning actor. Her father Greg Naughton leads the Sweet Remains. And her brother Owen is a noted Staples High School musician. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
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Speaking of entertainers: Grammy-nominated country/soul singer Maggie Rose’s new record, “Half Moon,” is out.
It’s got 2 Westport connections.
Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Judd Fuller plays bass. And it was produced by Daniel Tashian. The son of Staples grads Barry and Holly Tashian (he fronted the Remains, then played with the Flying Burrito Brothers and Emmy Lou Harris; Barry and Holly later performed as a bluegrass duo).
The recent “06880” story about dogs on Westport athletic fields — they’re not allowed, in case you missed it — got an “06880” reader thinking about a similar prohibition on Cockenoe Island.
However, judging by the state of a sign on the town-owned isle a mile off Compo Beach, plenty of visitors may not even know.
Fortunately, other signs — warning about bird nesting areas — are in much better shape.
What better way to start the “Westport … Naturally” week than with this photo of an Eastern giant swallowtail.
Our superb nature photographer — and local expert on all creatures that fly, leap, run and creep — says it is the largest butterfly species in North America.
And finally … on this date in 1969, Woodstock came to a close. Among the most memorable performances:
Jimi Hendrix played his iconic “Star-Spangled Banner” on the final morning, August 18.
(Woodstock is just a memory. But “06880” is here — live and in person — every day, since 2009. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, and our musical detours, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The “No Dogs on Sports Fields” signs around town are often ignored.
But $77 fines might start getting some owners’ attention.
The Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Animal Control advise the public that they’ll stringently enforce the ordinance in the weeks ahead.
As Parks & Rec staff prepare the fields for the school year, they’ve found what one town official calls “an incredible amount of dog poop.” It’s especially bad at Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School.
Animal control officer Peter Reid explains: “People can walk dogs on the walkways, but must have verbal or physical control of the dogs. I’ve seen quite a few dogs that stay right at their owner’s side, and those are fine.
“Specifically at Wakeman, people can walk dogs along the perimeter, but the dogs should be leashed. We can’t have dogs romping on the fields anymore, given the large percentage of owners that are not picking up after themselves.”
“And the outfield at the baseball field is part of a playing field. Some walkers were treating that like part of the perimeter.”
We’ve been blessed with several days of spectacular weather.
Yesterday was another perfect day at the beach.
Just another August Saturday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Thirsty visitors enjoyed dirty sodas. The non-alcoholic beverages are made by adding flavored syrups, fruit purees, cream or half-and-half, and a fruit garnish.
Three girls — Madeline, Olivia and Zoey — have created a business called (of course) Cherry on Top. They drew a great crowd (including lifeguards, who got freebies).
The girls …
Cherry on Top will be back the weekend of August 29.
… and their menu. (Photos/Jessica Eno)
That was not the only vendor yesterday. These young entrepreneurs sold ice pops (and did not care if you had no cash):
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Meanwhile, on South Beach, there was this wedding (or reception — hard to tell, since we were not invited):
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
The couple rolled the dice — weather-wise — for this one, and won.
Let’s hope the rest of their marriage sails as smoothly, too.
Over near the cannons, Staples High School’s Classes of 1969 through ’74 gathered for a day-long reunion.
It was a chance to hang with old friends — and meet new ones. Everyone may not have been at school together, but when you’re in your late-60s to mid-70s, you’re all basically the same age.
And hey — those are the same numbers as the graduation years themselves.
Freaky!
Looking good, more than 55 yeas later! (Photo/Susan Garment)
Finally, not far away, these gulls gathered.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
They were either chatting, waiting to pounce the moment a bit of food was left ungarded.
Or they were imitating the chairs that humans plop down every year, saving space for the Independence Day fireworks.
Next weekend (August 22-23, 1 to 6 p.m.), you can see a wide variety of his images — up close, personal, and much larger than on a screen. The venue is his 11 Riverside Avenue studio, near the Post Road West corner.
The show will feature new works, ready to hang. His style includes photographs that resemble paintings, and photographic wall clocks.
Guest photographer David Stone, also a Westport resident, will contribute recent works.
It’s celebrated every August 16, to commemorate the anniversary of the first vertical loop roller coaster patent (issued to Edwin Prescott in 1898 — but you knew that, right?
As we do nearly every week, we again welcome new artists to our online gallery.
Whether you’re a regular visitor or first-timer — and whether you’re an accomplished artist or one just starting out: We want you.
This is your feature. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“Free the Foot Bridge!” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
“For Mom, Great pond, Falmouth, MA” — oil on canvas, 24 x 36 (Cathy Kim Walker)
“Serene Takeoff” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Woodside Avenue” (John Maloney)
Untitled (Cohl Katz)
“Floral Forest” — acrylic pouring with fine point illustrator accent pen (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Cupcakes — Baked and Crocheted” (Rebecca Stein Richards)
Untitled — collage, white/black pen (Toby Michaels — Available for purchase; click here)
“Brinna” — silverpoint on prepared linen, 10 x 8 (Werner Liepolt)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “Path to our vacation cottage: Be on the lookout for Alligators and rabies infected Monkeys. Even worse, we are in a dead zone – no TV or cellphones!”
“Osprey Soaring Over Compo” — watercolor and pencil (Steve Stein)
“Server” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
As families prepare for the school year, Westport’s Department of Human Services sees an increased need for assistance from local families.
And an urgent need for community donations to ensure that every child begins the school year with the supplies and resources they need to succeed.
Human Services seeks donations of new school supplies, backpacks, Walmart gift cards, and monetary contributions to support local children and families.
Needed items include new notebooks, folders, binders, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, markers, glue sticks, scissors, highlighters, calculators and other classroom supplies.
Gift cards may be dropped off at Human Services in Town Hall.
Monetary donations may be made by check payable to Westport Human Services (110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880). or online (select “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program”).
Human Services also seeks financial support for its Afterschool Program, for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. It is a safe, supportive environment where children receive homework assistance, participate in enriching activities, build friendships, and develop important social and emotional skills.
Elaine Daignault, Human Services director, says, “Our residents have always demonstrated extraordinary compassion and generosity. Every backpack, gift card, school supply and financial contribution helps ease the burden on families and gives children the tools they need for a successful school year.”
(Both the Back-to-School and Afterschool Programs are 100% funded by community donations and contributions. To donate or learn more click here, call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov
Every student needs a backpack.
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Speaking of children: The Westport Public Schools and Westport Weston Family YMCA are coordinating before- and after-school care for children in grades K-5.
The program offers STEM exploration, art, outdoor play, social-emotional learning, homework help and more. Flexible scheduling (2 to 5 days per week) is available.
Students in the Westport and Weston school districts are eligible for the after-school program (3 to 6 p.m.). The 7:30 to 9 a.m. before-school sessions are for Westport only. Transportation to and from schools is included.
MoCA\CT re-opens today. The new exhibit — “Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — is a large-scale mural. Its 8 panels represent each of the state’s counties.
The impressive work joins Rick Shaefer’s “Colossi.” Both shows — part of the exhibition “Looking for History,” are on view through November 15. For more information, click here.
The best views of yesterday’s solar eclipse were in northern Europe.
But Franco Fellah made the most of it, at the Westport Astronomical Society’s Bayberry Lane observatory.
He sends this image, at the maximum point — approximately 35%, at 1:54 p.m. He notes, “These views of the sun are in what is called ‘white Light,’ visible to the human eye.”
(Photo/Franco Fellah)
Meanwhile — because “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world” — there was indeed a reader who traveled to Spain, in part for the eclipse.
Chris Grimm was near Burgos yesterday. He sends this image:
Craig Melvin and and Lindsay Dzarniak’s support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is strong and deep.
It continues next month. The Westport TV personalities are again hosting the Bottoms Up Invitational: a concert at Fairfield Theatre Company (Sunday, September 13, 5 p.m.) and celebrity golf tournament (Monday, September 14, Shorehaven Golf Club, Norwalk).
Melvin — co-host of “The Today Show,” sits on the Alliance’s board of directors. His brother died of colon cancer at 43 years old.
We’re not sure why folks leave food out like this:
(Photo/Laurie Weiser)
It’s hard enough keeping the birds away when there are people nearby.
When you leave it out in the open — well, FAFO.
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As obnoxious as gulls are, they’re not as gross and destructive as spotted lanternflies. (Though to be fair, the insects do not swoop down and take ice cream out of your hand.)
Another lanternfly infestation has begun. We’re not sure what this contraption — “spotted” outside the Westport Library — is.
Westport Police made 7 custodial arrests between July 29 and August 7.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with 5 counts of risk of injury to a child, interfering with an officer, disorderly conduct, 7 counts of violation of a protective order, assault, strangulation and unlawful restraint, after officers responded to a disturbance at a local residence. He had his hands around a victim’s throat, and refused officers’ command to disengage. He then physically resisted attempts to handcuff him. Five juveniles were present. All, and the victim, were protected parties by court order. He was unable to post a $150,000 bond.
A 36-year-old Hampton, New Hampshire man was charged with disorderly conduct, 6 counts of violation of a criminal protective order, and 7 counts of failure to appear, following an investigation into a June incident at the Delamar Hotel. A guest complained to staff about a loud argument in an adjacent room that turned physical. He left prior to officers’ arrival. Computer checks showed the victim had 6 court orders of protection. He was unable to post a $225,000 bond.
A 32-year-old Yonkers man was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and risk of injury to a child, following an investigation into a theft of $3,157 worth of items from Ulta Beauty by someone accompanied by a young juvenile and an infant in a stroller. He was unable to post a $60,000 bond.
A 29-year-old North Bergen, New Jersey man was charged with larceny and identify theft, following an investigation into a May complaint that a personal check for $,608.34 had been intercepted, endorsed and cashed by an unknown party. He was identified, turned himself in, and released on a $5,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Woodbridge man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a February shoplifting incident of more than $297 worth of Ensure packages at Walgreens. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond.
A 40-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and risk of injury to a child, following a physical disturbance at which a juvenile was present. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
A 62-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a verbal argument. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 20 citations
Failure to renew registration: 10
Failure to obey stop sign: 6
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to grant half the highway: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
This may be the site of the most shoplifting incidents in Westport. Perpetrators are often caught.
Staples High School Class of 2007 graduate, track athlete and former lifeguard Emily Langham Delangue died peacefully in her sleep on August 6.
She attended Washington University in St. Louis, first studying at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts before moving to the Olin Business School where she earned a BS in Business Administration in 2011. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, serving as rush chair her senior year.
After graduation, Emily began a career in advertising, at Discovery Communications and several agencies.
She married Clément Delangue in 2018, in Dourdan, France. They divorced amicably in 2023.
Emily moved to San Diego that year. She enrolled in a master’s program in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University, with plans to graduate this December.
She became a therapy trainee at Steppingstone of San Diego, a non-profit.
Emily was deeply involved in the 12-step program, where she found a meaningful and important community. She had nearly two years of sobriety when she passed away, an accomplishment of which she was very proud.
Her family says, “She was a remarkably talented and accomplished person with a rare ability to immerse herself in whatever captured her fancy. She played classical piano, painted vivid still-lifes and self portraits, created extraordinary works of food art, read tarot cards, and crafted whimsical floral displays. She also had a distinctive flair for fashion.
Emily pursued her too short life fully, embracing countless adventures. Those who knew and loved her often called her a wildflower — free-spirited, unconventional and beautifully her own.”
She is survived by her parents, Dana and Jim Langham; her brothers Wes (fiancée Emma Peters), and Jeremy (Madi Fogarty); grandmother Emilia; uncles Donald, Daniel (Chris Vatis), Douglas, David (Katie),Max (Sue) and Sam (Lauren); aunt Luann Jacobs (Matthew); many cousins, and her cat Eddie.
A celebration of Emily’s life will be held September 5 (11 a.m., Nordike Funeral Home, Carlyle Illinois). The service will be livestreamed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Steppingstone of San Diego.
Emily Langham Delangue
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American oystercatchers are enjoying Burying Hill Beach.
Seth Schachter sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and this info.
“I believe these birds lay their eggs directly on the shore, typically above high tide line. They make a shallow dent in the sand or shell beds. They don’t build a nest out of twigs or grass. Or maybe these guys are just looking for food.
:These are protected birds as well as being designated ‘species of high conservation concern’ by the US Shorebird Conservation Plan. They’re beautiful to see, regardless.”
And finally … on this date in 1918, Opha May Johnson became the first woman to enlist in the US Marine Corps. She was 30 years old, and signed on as a reservist.
At the end of World War I the Marines (and all services) began to disenroll women from active service. They were allowed to join permanently as regular, active duty members beginning in 1948.
Beginning in 2016, military combat jobs became open to female Marines, permitting service in frontline infantry and combat roles.
Posted onAugust 8, 2026|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #330
There’s nothing like a leisurely Saturday stroll through our online art gallery.
And — depending on where you live — it may even be air-conditioned!
Remember: This is your feature. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“06880 Moon Rising” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
“Goatee” (Patricia McMahon — Available for sale; click here)
Untitled (Katie Costanza — 14-year-old One River Art student)
“Leaf on Chrome Door Knob” (John Maloney)
“Swallowtail Butterfly” (Laurie Sorensen)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker)
“Three Dancing Starfish” (Eric Bosch)
“Mystic Area Sea March” — oil on canvas, 24 x 36 (Miceli — Available for sale; click here)
“Mohegan Bluffs, Block Island” (Dorrie Thomas)
“Summer Fête” — acrylic on canvas, 20 x 30 (Joanne Leaman — Available for purchase; click here)
“The Compo Cove Homes Seen From Fiona’s Disappearing Island” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)
“Wild Flowers” — Impasto metallic paints, embellished with gold leaf on grass cloth with woven gold strands (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
Mike Hibbard says, “Can’t that burglar read the sign, ‘Beware of Dog’? He is going to be limping for a long time!”
Untitled (Martin Ripchick)
“Nice Weather for Ducks” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
With many Westporters out of town in the final days before school resumes, most boards have canceled meetings.
Not the Planning & Zoning Commission.
And their August 17 meeting (6 p.m., Zoom) is nothing to sniff at.
They’ll consider a text amendment submitted by Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella. He explains, “The text amendment would allow a form of recreation to be conducted on designated open space where active leisurely use already occurs, providing the option for a fenced dog area to be located within a park.
“It is important to understand that this is not an approval of a specific dog park or a final site plan. Rather, it is a change to the zoning regulations that would permit the use to be considered. Any specific proposal would still be subject to additional public review and approvals.
“The P&Z is not being asked to decide whether Winslow Park should have a dog run. It is being asked whether the zoning regulations should allow a fenced dog area as a permitted recreational use on designated open space where active recreational uses are already appropriate. The merits and details of any specific location remain separate questions.”
Colabella and student Emme Dorfman have designed a concept, and been given an OK for their pre-app.
“The concept will either be supported or rejected by the Parks & Recreation Commission, and is within respect to outside expert analysis by the Parks Master Plan to be located at Winslow, after carefully reviewing all viable parks and town properties throughout Westport,” Colabella adds.
Westport resident Mark Mathias says that, according to Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie, the P&Z can either keep the matter open or close it.
If they vote to approve — either that night or at a later meeting — the petitioners must submit an 8-24 Municipal Improvement Request, and Special Permit Site Plan, to the P&Z. The Parks & Recreation Department would also be involved.
Details including exact location, funding, design, and management of the space would still need to be proposed and approved.
Rendering of a possible “Dogport” at Winslow Park.
The 64th annual Westport PAL Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament tees off August 31, at Longshore.
A major fundraiser, proceeds fund the organization’s scholarship program. To register, or join as a sponsor, click here.
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Speaking of the police and scholarships: Classic cars, custom vehicles, local vendors and community members come together this Sunday (August 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — all in support of a great cause.
The 8th annual Charity Car show (148 East Avenue, Norwalk) benefits the Vincent Penna Scholarship Program for high school students. It honors the memory of the late deputy chief of the Westport Police Department.
Sunday’s event — hosted by the Italian American Police Society — includes a raffle with over $35,000 in prizes, donated by more than 100 sponsors. They include automotive parts and accessories, tools, gift certificates and specialty items.
Vincent Penna Jr.
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Speaking (still) of sports: TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for another season.
Blake Serotta — a rising sophomore player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.
TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from September 12 through November 7 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.
The program includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field. High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.
Speaking yet again of sports: Congratulations to Northeast Elite Water Polo Club.
The Westport-based youth program won the 14U Boys Gold Division championship at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics, the nation’s largest youth water polo tournament, in Dallas.
It was not easy. The team lost their first 3 tourney games, before rallying to win 5 straight. They finished with 74 goals in 8 matches, over 5 days.
Northeast Elite was founded in 2024 by Staples High School coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, and Kade Ramirez-Zimmerman. Winning players include Julian Urist, Alexander Vandenberg, Sagan Feder, Sascha Bowtell, Oliver Melnichok, Yash Mani Lorenzato, Calvin Jahansouz, Santos Infantino, Ben Scanlon, Cullen Shope, Aaron Bhuyan and Joshua Smith.
The curtain has fallen on the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse’s 2025-26 season.
But the stage is set for more entertainment.
“Cruel Summer” — a live band playing the music of Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and more — rocks the theater on Friday, August 28 (7 p.m.).
Taylor Swift will not be at the Westport Country Playhouse this month. But her music will be.
Westporter Peter Van Heerden took the helm of Pequot Library a little over 4 months ago.
But he’s already infused new energy into the 132-year-old institution, and forged community partnerships and collaborations.
One example: On September 10 (7 p.m.), Broadway legend and area resident James Naughton joins Mia Dillon, Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker for a reading of historic documents tied to the Declaration of Independence. A Q-and-A follows. Click here for details. and to register.
On September 25 (7 p.m.), Naughton and friends return for a Closing Exhibition Celebration featuring another reading, Q-and-A, and a live band performance. Tickets ($50 per person) support exhibition programming. Click here for details.
And on September 19, the Pequot’s benefit features the famed Paul Taylor Dance Company. Limited to 300 attendees, the event launches the library’s new Summer Stage plan to bring top-tier talent to the region. Tickets start at $100, and sponsorships are available. Click here for details.
The 2 wines are prominently displayed at the front of Greens Farms Spirit Shop. With labels showing the Minute Man and Cribari Bridge — 2 of our town’s most recognizable landmarks — they could not be more local.
The grapes don’t come from a Westport vineyard. It’s not bottled here. Jim Boyrer, the store’s general manager, sources it from Italy.
But it’s Westport’s wine — and there’s a special town twist. Ten percent of the proceeds go to area non-profits, like Pink Aid and food pantries.
Boyrer calls the red and white “inexpensive, and fun.” Customers agree. He’s already reordered twice.
He’s considering a Westport Prosecco and rosé. Salute! (Hat tip: Howard Edelstein)
Jim Beyrer, with his Westport wines display. (Photo/Dan Woog)
One River Art + Design is highlighting the work of Michael Brennecke. His work is on exhibit through October 23.
The 1971 Staples High School graduate says: “A lifelong resident of Westport, I grew up here when you couldn’t throw a stone without hitting an artist’s studio.
“My uncle was a woodcarver and my cousin, a few years older than I, was a true prodigy and my personal hero.
“I began painting at 12, and was fascinated with seascapes. A little later I experimented with abstraction. I liked the way it was possible to elicit various and ambiguous impressions from a single composition.
“After high school I attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and received my BFA from Tufts University. My first 2 years there were strictly figurative, but I eventually returned to abstraction after being struck by a show of Antonio Tapies’ work. But It’s the work of Paul Klee and Jean Dubuffet that has most greatly influenced my ongoing exploration of color and texture.”
A reception will be held, at a date to be determined.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo is well timed. Remember: The Westport Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. See you there!
And finally … in honor of Greens Farms Spirit Shop’s Westport wines (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use — or discard. Your call. But it’s always here for you. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support “06880.” Thanks!)
From its opening notes, “Oklahoma!” draws audiences in like few shows can.
You’ll see how below, in Jim Honeycutt’s highlights from Staples Players’ fall 2012 production of the classic musical.
It’s an audience favorite — with a very cool local back story. Click here to read how “Oklahoma!” got its start right here in Westport. Then click here or below, for a fantastic look back at director David Roth and Kerry Long’s show.
Yeeow! Ayipioeeay!
And what happened to the actors after the wind came sweepin’ down the plain?
Here’s an update:
Clay Singer (Curly) has extensive theater credits, including “Masquerade” in New York, “Fiddler On the Roof.””The Band’s Visit” North American tour,
“Next to Normal,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Ragtime,” “The Full Monty — and “Into the Woods” in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Will Smith(Judd) studied theater and English and Muhlenberg College. He is now an editor at the Empire Design Company, creating trailers for movies and TV shows.
Michelle Pauker is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.
Everett Sussman (Will Parker) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Elle Deran (Will Parker) is a trans and non-binary actor, singer and content creator. She appeared in the film “1660 Vine,” and guest-starred as Alisha in Abbott Elementary. Elle creates queer-affirming, educational social media videos to support the trans community, and co-hosts the “Trans In Love” podcast discussing relationships and trans family dynamics.
Nicholas Massoud (Ali Hakim) attended Yale, and performed all over the world with the a cappella groups the Wiffenpoofs and Sprizzwinks.
Bryan Gannon (Andrew Carnes) is an actor and producer best known for his roles as Inspector Lestrade in the film “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Furtive Festivity,” and on “The Deuce” and “Paramount’s Fences.”
Ryder Chasin (Ike Skidmore) is a television writer, creative and comedian in Brooklyn.
Will Haskell (Cord Elam, Federal Marshall) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Joe Badion (Slim, A Farmer) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Jack Baylis (Fred) graduated from Point Park University’s musical theater program. He has performed in “Legally Blonde,” “Jersey Boys,” “Children of Eden,” “Peter and the Starca
Sam Adelmann (Joe) earned a BFA in musical theatre and a BS in economics at Tulane University. He then participated in the Musical Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler School of Acting in New York, and has performed in regional and theme park productions across the country. Highlights include playing “Fiddler on the Roof” in Los Angeles, and the regional debut of Disney’s “Newsies” in New Orleans.
Madeline Seidman (Ellen) is a Brooklyn-based actor, with an MFA from Yalel School of Drama. She can be seen on screen in the TV shows “Elsbeth” and “A League of Their Own.”
Emma Rufchefsky (Emma) performs professionally under the stage name Emma Charles (and occasionally EMMMA).She has toured nationally and released acclaimed singles and EPs. Billboard recognized her as a Best Emerging Artist. She continues to write, record and tour.
Cara McNiff (Vivian) graduated from Elon University with a BFA in Musical Theater. After performing for a few years, she is currently working as a regional booking manager in the music industry.
Four years separate the Staples experiences of Alex Freedman, Alisan Porter and Drew McKeon.
But the 4 graduates — from 1996, 1999 and 2000, respectively — share similar joyful memories of their high school years. Particularly important are the many hours spent in the arts wing, supported by beloved mentors like Alice Lipson, Al Pia and Joe Ziegahn.
Porter and McKeon pursued careers in music. Porter — who played Curly Sue in the movie of the same name while in high school, then performed on Broadway in “Footloose,” “A Chorus Line” and “Hair,” and won NBC’s “The Voice” competition — is a singer/songwriter.
Freedman is a classical and jazz pianist. He worked with Stephen Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, and Phil Ramone, then became both a start-up entrepreneur, one of the tri-state area’s most sought-after tutors, and a marathon runner.
Now — in a happy culmination of coincidences and hard work-to-make-it-happen — the 3 friends got together in California to write and record. The album is called “Porter.”
Their new music is getting plenty of attention. And why not? Besides the immense talents of the trio, the Los Angeles studio has quite a history. Owned 100 years ago by Charlie Chaplin, and later by A&M Records, it was where “We Are the World” was recorded.
Along with 13 albums by Joni Mitchell, and others by the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and the Carpenters.
Alex Freedman
Porter — who recorded all her previous albums in the studio — hired some of her favorite musicians for this project. Leland Sklar is a legendary bassist with over 2,000 album credits, including James Taylor, Phil Collins, Toto, Jackson Browne and Linda Ronstadt. Shoshana Bean just won a Tony Award for “The Lost Boys.” Guitarist David Levita worked with Tim McGraw, Alanis Morissette, Faith Hill and Sara Bareilles.
Grammy-nominated Sam Barsh shares producing credits with Porter and McKeon. Freedman is the executive producer.
“It was like Tom Hanks in ‘Big,'” McKeon recalls. “We made a fantasy draft list of musicians we wanted, and called them in.”
The Staples grads’ long friendship spurred creativity. “We’re all each other’s biggest fans,” Porter says.
From left: Shelley Scarr, Michael Sanchez, Keri Larson, Alex Freedman, Alisan Porter, Drew McKeon, Stephan Hovsepian, David Levita, Leland Sklar.
A mix of Americana, roots, rock and alt-pop, Porter prefers to summarize the genre this way: “super-fun.” Key themes include grief, womanhood, letting go and reinvention.
Freedman’s business background was important too. “I’d been out of music for years,” he says. “I didn’t feel like I belonged. But it brought back a lot of emotions.” He plays piano, organ and synthesizer on many of the tracks.
For the first time, Porter says, she felt she was in charge of a musical product. “We made all the decisions, not someone else. We had the freedom to be the label.”
Alisan Porter
Each musician brought “different creative forces and strengths,” McKeon notes.
They’re dropping singles regularly. The full album is out September 18.
“Man Out of You” — released this past Friday — “is the story of one of your best girlfriends telling you, once again, how a man let her down. This time, I realized I needed to write about it,” Porter says. She collaborated closely with Bean on this song. Click here for the Spotify link.
Click here or below to listen to and watch “Race To Nowhere.”
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