Category Archives: Entertainment

Roundup: AEDs, HWH, NAACP, KES …

Posted on April 26, 2024 | 6 comments

The Westport Fire Department did not have to travel far Wednesday night.

They — and a couple of hundred Westport friends — gathered at Autostrada, next door.

The classic car-and-event space was filled for the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation’s 2nd annual whiskey tasting fundraiser.

The cause was a great one: $80,000, to replace 55 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), in every fire, police and ambulance in town.

The turnout — and vibe — was fantastic. And though the mood was festive, it was important too to hear Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan’s description of lives that have been saved by AEDs.

One grateful woman — 34 years old — returned to the fire station to thank him. With her 4- and 2-year-old sons.

Raising money for AEDs is something the firefighters do, above and beyond the call of duty. Last night, Westport toasted them in style.

First responders, town officials and friends at the firefighters’ gala.

Checking out auction items — and classic cars — at Autostrada.

From left: Firefighters Eric LaRiviere, Rob Lenois, Ryan Farrell, Pete Nichio and Shareef Conjura. Lenois is president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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If you missed Homes with Hope‘s fantastic video — celebrating the non-profit’s 40 year history, from a controversial small men’s shelter to a supportive housing institution supported by the entire town — you’re in luck.

It will be screened again on June 9 (2 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church). It’s a fascinating look at changing attitudes toward homelessness and hunger, as told by the men and women who have worked for 4 decades to end it here.

Also in Homes with Hope news: Yesterday, the Westport Downtown Association presented the organization with a check for $20,000. The generous proceeds come from last month’s Fashionably Westport event, at the Westport Library.

The donation will help expand Homes with Hope’s pantry, and bring back the Project Return program — along with all the other good works HwH does.

Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley and Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (5th and 6th from left), and representatives of the 2 organizations, with their $20,000 check.

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The Connecticut NAACP State Conference and Greater Norwalk NAACP branch have organized a “town hall meeting” to address “concerns and experiences related to racism in the community.”

It’s set for May 9 (6 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport).

Norwalk NAACP president Brenda Penn-Williams told Nancy on Norwalk: “Individuals throughout Fairfield County are invited to participate and voice their perspectives on combating racism in our society. The initiative stems from recent allegations around incidents of racist bullying, which have deeply affected families in the Westport community….

“This event aims to create a platform for open dialogue, advocacy, and solidarity against racism. It will provide a space for community members to share their stories, offer support, and advocate for meaningful change to combat racism.

“The Town Hall meeting will serve as a collective effort to address racism as a community-wide issue and promote inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals. Join us on May 9 to stand together against racism and work towards a more just society.” (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add intriguing new events.

“Girl Rising” celebrates the untapped potential of girls to address the world’s urgent challenges, like climate change (May 29, 7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).

The evening features screenings of portions of the documentary “Girl Rising,” which helped spark a global movement for girls’ education. Girl Rising’s co-founder and CEO Christina Lowery will be on hand with young advocates for girls’ rights, education equity, and climate justice, to tell powerful stories and engage in empowering conversation.

Following February’s sold-out Swiftie singalong, “A Night for Swifties & More” takes the stage June 1 (7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).

Drew Wutke’s powerhouse band returns, with Broadway singers and beyond. At 5:30 before the show, there’s friendship bracelet-making, a photo both, other activities and live music.

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present “The Pirates of Penzance in One Act and an Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan Players” (June 28, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information). The performers will take audience requests, too.

“Imagination Movers” offers the fun of one of their concerts — it’s kids’ music at its best. A limited number of pre-show meet-and-greet tickets are available too (September 22, 1 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).

Girl Rising, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

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Kings Highway Elementary School students, staff members and parents celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday. Among the highlights:

  • “Zero Hero Helper” students were honored for their work keeping the school clean, through litter removal, lunch room composting and food rescuing.
  • Mother Earth Melodies: Music teacher Amy Laurino led students in Earth Day songs.
  • The Science of Seeds: Science coach Kate Romano shared updates on the planting in the new science garden center.
  • Food Rescue: Priscilla Jones, math and workshop teacher, described how this year KHS has donated over 1,400 pounds of uneaten food to the Food Rescue US Fairfield County.
  • Cans to Coins: KHS is collecting redeemable cans and plastic bottles throughout April. Proceeds will be donated to World Bicycle Relief to complement their One School One Book project. Cans and bottles redeemed so far have enabled students to send $160 to Lucy Ackemann from Food Rescue US.

Kings Highway Elementary students celebrate Earth Day.

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Also celebrating Earth Day: Rindy Higgins.

The Westport Shellfish Commission member and Saugatuck Shores resident headed to Canal Beach at low tide. She cleaned up the large stake (photo below),  plus “lots of little bitty plastics and metals, Styrofoam, cardboards, and tar road chunks.”

The good news: She collected “much, much less than last year.”

Rindy Higgins, and her Canal Beach haul.

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“Civil War” — the new film generating tons of buzz — offers a new take on social collapse. It follows 4 journalists on a road trip from New York to Washington,

The central character is Lee (Kirsten Dunst), a photojournalist.

So when “On the Media” — WNYC’s popular radio show and podcast — wanted to dive deeper, they went to one of the world’s most talented and honored photojournalists: Lynsey Addario.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times staff member — who has photographed harrowing scenes in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, and is a 1991 Staples High School graduate — talked with Brooke Gladstone about her experiences covering wars abroad, and how accurately the film depicts reporting during conflict.

Click here to listen. (Hat tip: Paul Lowenstein)

Lynsey Addario, on Fox News. 

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Speaking of Staples: Students Anna Ji, Andrew Rebello and Jackson Tracey will represent their high school at the Hwa Chong Institution’s Asia-Pacific Young Leaders’ Summit in July.

Principal Stafford Thomas will accompany the delegates to the conference, in Singapore.

Each year, HCI invites 80 top student leaders from leading schools around the world.

For the past 11 years, Westport has been invited to send 3 juniors who are high performing academically and interested in world affairs, with a special interest in Asia. Congratulations to Anna, Andrew and Jackson!

From left: Anna Ji, Andrew Rebello, Jackson Tracey.

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Mark Mathias writes: “One of the unofficial ways Winslow Park operates is as a lost and found, on top of the (unfortunately empty) AED box.

“Last week there was a key to a Mini. Today, there’s a key to a Mini and a Jeep.

“Anyone want a car?”

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Read to Grow is a non-profit organization with one mission: embracing literacy from birth.

They profit with 17 hospitals to provide babies with their first book, and parents with educational materials to guide them as their babies’ first and best teachers.

In addition, a books-for-kids program enables anyone in Connecticut to request books for their home, while a bookmobile allows children to select books to take home.

Read to Grow hosts a fun fundraiser on May 2 (Westport Library, 6 p.m.). Highlights include food and drinks based children’s books, from Zucca Gastrobar; games of chance; music by Andrew Maskoff, and a silent auction.

TikTok-famous librarian Mychal Threets will be there, along with noted local author Victoria Kahn. Longtime New York radio celebrity Ian O’Malley hosts.

For tickets and more information, click here.

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Radio host, actor and author (“Happier Made Simple”) Randye Kaye gave a humorous and interactive presentation to the Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting on Tuesday. The topic was “What’s EI Got To Do With It.”

Kaye said that emotional intelligence and human connection are the keys to achieving joy, and surviving tough times.

She led the Rotarians through exercises to show how changing perceptions and thoughts about a situation can also change emotional reactions.

Randye Kaye, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Tulips are beautiful.

But they don’t stay around long.

So when we see a great photo like Patti Brill’s, we grab it for “Westport … Naturally.”

Enjoy this scene, from Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Patti Brill)

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And finally … On this date in 1969, the Edwin Hawkins Singers’ “Oh Happy Day” entered the Hot 100 at #72. It was the first pure gospel song to make that chart. It went on to reach #4, and became an international hit.

(It’s a happy day when readers support “06880.” If you enjoy our work, please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Chelsea Cutler, Keb Mo’, Many More Star This Levitt Season

Posted on April 25, 2024 | 1 comment

Westport native Chelsea Cutler returns home for a special Levitt Pavilion show July 27.

The platinum-selling singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and engineer has generated over 3 billion streams, sold out worldwide tours, and been named to “Forbes 30 Under 30.”

In addition to Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and more, she has performed on Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, James Corden, Seth Meyers and the Times Square New Year’s Eve Special.

Chelsea Cutler

That’s just one highlight, on a jam-packed outdoor entertainment schedule that begins in May, and runs through October.

The Levitt presents over 50 free shows each year, along with a few special paid- ticket events. Programming ranges from every type of music, to dance, comedy and a children’s series.

New shows are added throughout the season. Here’s what’s the Levitt has announced so far:

Free shows

May 31: Prince/Bowie: The Music of Prince and David Bowie (members of Twiddle, Pink Talking Fish, Remain in Light, Deep Banana Blackout and more ), plus the Cal Kehoe Band.

June 1: Couch: Boston-based pop, funk, rock and R&B/soul.

June 2: Arun Ramamurthy Trio: The trio explores raga music and jazz.

June 6: Pine Leaf Boys: High energy Cajun & zydeco rock from Louisiana.

June 18: Isle of Klezbos: Powerhouse all-female klezmer sextet celebrates their 25th anniversary.

Isle of Klezbos

June 20: Molly Grace: Nashville-based queer pop-funk star.

June 21: Carbon Leaf : Indie quintet from Virginia, playing bluegrass, rock, folk, Celtic and pop.

June 27: Alysha Brilla Trio: Composer, music producer and multi-instrumentalist weaves together rhythmic global roots sounds with a flourish of esoteric lyricism.

June 28: Lulada Club : NYC’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra (with dance lesson).

June 29: Buffalo Nichols: Blue with 808 programming, chopped up Charley Patton samples, washes of synth.

June 20: NYC SKA Orchestra:  20-piece big band performing original compositions and arrangements of songs from ska, mento, rock steady, reggae, and jazz from the 1950s and 60s.

July 18: Sons of the East: Australian band that defies genres.

Sign up for announcements here:

Paid-ticket shows

May 25: Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | Andy Frasco & The UN | Dogs in a Pile: Psychedelic funk band is joined by touring renegades, alongside funk-jazz-rock infused Dogs in a Pile.

June 8: KEB’ MO’ with Phillip Michael Scales:  5 Grammys, 14 Blues Foundation Awards, and a near 50-year career.

Keb Mo’

June 13: The Lone Bellow: Their 2021 Levitt show sold out instantly. Brooklyn-based Americana, alt-country folk band known for transcendent harmonies and raucous live performances.

June 16: The Wood Brothers with the Bygones: American roots band that blends folk, blues, gospel, and jazz; joined on Father’s Day by an indie folk duo that ties together traditional jazz, 70’s singer-songwriter classic country and bossa nova. 

June 22: Mihali & Friends return (more information to come).

July 4: Umphrey’s McGee and July 5: Moe. Best.Summer.Ever. With Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country and Neighbor. 2-day Independence Day celebration.  Umphrey’s McGee reinvents musical styles including rock, metal, funk, jazz, blues, reggae, electronic, bluegrass, country and folk. Rock progressive neo-psychedelia jam band moe defies categorization. Alt-country and jam artist Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Universe and Neighbor is an exciting, unpredictable live band. (Two-day and single-day tickets available.)

A few of this summer’s many Levitt Pavilion performers.

July 13: Marc Broussard – Carencro 20th anniversary tour: Mix of rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop and soul, coupled with powerful vocals.

July 14: Aoife O’Donovan & Hawktail: Grammy winner returns to the Levitt in support of her new album “All My Friends,” inspired by women’s suffrage.

August 17: Andrew Bird with Amadou & Mariam: Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, whistler and songwriter is joined by Amadou and Mariam, husband- and-wife Malian musical duo.

(Click here to receive announcements of upcoming Levitt Pavilion shows.)

The Levitt Pavilion is often packed for shows. (Photo/JC Martin)

(The Levitt Pavilion offers many free shows — but puts on paid-ticket shows too, to pay the bills. “06880” is also free. But we too rely on support from our fans. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Supper & Soul, Passover, Shakespeare …

Posted on April 22, 2024 | 5 comments

In a town filled with high-profile, high-impact organizations working hard to make the world a better place, Westporters should be aware of AWARE.

Its name is not as well known as some others. But the group — whose acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — quietly and efficiently gets stuff done.

And they do it in a unique way.

Each year, AWARE selects a women’s cause — female veterans, say, or breast cancer, literacy, or refugees and immigrants,

Then they partner with a charity working in that area. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on specific women’s issue, all year long.

This year’s partner is Inspirica. The Stamford-based non-profit strives to end homelessness and housing insecurity by helping individuals and families achieve stability through support services, and affordable housing.

To raise funds for an Inspirica playground, AWARE is hosting a “Canvas & Cocktails” party. The event is Thursday, May 16 (6 p.m.) at Clarendon Fine Art, on Main Street.

Tickets are $75. Click here to purchase.

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Nearly 200 people rocked to West End Blend at the Westport Library last night, in the concert portion of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Supper & Soul event.

Earlier almost 100 enjoyed dinner, at 10 downtown restaurants. And after the show, concert-goers went for drinks there too.

Chamber director Matthew Mandell says, “This translates into a direct infusion of over $6,500 into the local  economy.”

That “sounds” pretty good!

West End Blend, at Supper & Soul.

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Tonight is the first night of Passover.

John Kelley offers this history lesson:

“At the onset of Passover, Ashkenazi Jews abstain from eating products containing corn, including those sweetened with corn syrup.

“It didn’t used to be so bad, as products were traditionally sweetened using sugar.

“The person to blame is Edward Bedford — once Westport’s richest man. He was head of the Corn Products Company, and set out to convince companies to switch from sugar to lower-priced corn syrup.

“In the meantime, if you want Coke or Pepsi made with real sugar, stock up on the bottles with the yellow caps. They’re made with sugar, and are kosher for Passover.”

Edward T. Bedford

John Kelley is a wealth of information on famous former Westporters.

Responding to yesterday’s Roundup story on Henry Moses Judah — the Civil War general and Westport resident who last week, 158 years after his death, finally got a headstone, by his tomb at the cemetery on Wilton Road and Kings Highway North — Kelly writes:

“Henry Judah had a more famous brother, Theodore Judah, who surveyed the route taken by the first transcontinental railroad. San Francisco, where I now live, has a Judah Street named in his honor.”

San Francisco: N Judah train on Judah Street at 19th Avenue.

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Today is also International Mother Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastic.”

Longtime Westporter Aye Aye Thant — whose father U Thant was the third secretary-general of the United Nations — writes:

“The day recognizes the earth and its ecosystems as humanity’s common home and the need to protect her to enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity.”

“In 1969 my father talked about the environment as an urgent and shared global challenge, and opened the UN’s first meeting on ‘the human environment.’

“He warned: ‘Never in the 25-year history of the United Nations has there been a problem of more relevance to all nations than the present environmental crisis.’

“On this day may I share my father’s prayer for our Mother Earth, as he rang the Peace Bell at the UN on Spring Equinox Earth Day, March 21, 1971:

“’May there only be peaceful and cheerful earth days to come for our beautiful spaceship earth. as it continues to spin and circle in frigid space with its warm and fragile cargo of animate life.'”

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Dorothy Abrams died peacefully in her home in Minnetonka, Minnesota yesterday, 4 days shy of her 97th birthday.

Dorothy lived in Westport from 1963 until 2010, when she moved to Minnesota to be close to her son David and his family.

She taught arithmetic at Kathleen Laycock Country Day School (now Greens Farms Academy), Roton Middle School and Norwalk High School before retiring to an active life of volunteerism and travel.

Dorothy was a member of the Westport Woman’s Club and the Nature Conservancy’s Devil’s Den Ordway Nature Preserve in Weston, and tutored students in the Bridgeport school system. She also served as an election judge in Westport.

Dorothy and her family were longtime members of Temple Israel, where she served for years on the Social Action and Caring Committees. She became an elder of sorts, sharing her institutional memory and guiding younger members as they led the congregation down paths of justice and comfort.

Long Island Sound was her happy place for nearly her entire life.

She is survived by her son David (Audrey), and grandchildren Rachel (Claire Steinhoff) and Sal Abrams. She was predeceased by her brother Eugene Cohn, sister Anne Werner, husband Arthur, and daughters Judith Abrams and Janet (Gene) Karoscik.

Dorothy’s funeral will be at the Temple Israel Cemetery at 225 Richards Avenue in Norwalk at noon on Thursday (April 25) — her birthday. The service will be livestreamed; click here.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fairfield County Chapter of the Nature Conservancy or a local food shelf.

Dorothy Abrams

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William Shakespeare’s actual April birthdate was not recorded. His birthday is now celebrated on the date of his death: April 23.

Tomorrow marks the 408th anniversary of his passing, at 52 years old. The Bard of Avon packed a lot of writing into that short life. (And with a quill pen, too.)

Alert “06880” reader Fred Cantor passes on this long, but interesting, Shakespearean tale. Read to the end, for the important Westport connection:

“There is a lovely small public garden in Stratford, Connecticut, at the entrance to what once was the site of the Shakespeare Festival, and is now known as Shakespeare Park.

“The garden is called Will’s Garden — but not for the reason you would think.

“It was named for Will Geer, the late actor who was best known for his role as Grandpa Walton.

“Before that fame, he acted at the Shakespeare Festival for a number of years.

“And before that he earned a master’s degree in botany, and became an avid gardener — including creating the herbarium at the entrance to what was then the Shakespeare Festival.

“The garden fell into a state of disrepair over time. Its revitalization was spearheaded by Stratford resident Christine Rodney, who was given the name of Sal Gilbertie as someone who could help.

“Sal — the owner of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center in Westport — has been among the most generous of donors over the years. He has always told Christine: ‘Take as much as you want.'”

I’m not sure if roses grow in Will’s Garden. But if they do, I’m sure — thanks to Sal Gilbertie — they smell very sweet.

(Photo/Fred Cantor)

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Speaking of flowers: On any list of springtime delights, tulips must be near the top.

Colorful proof — though none is needed — comes from today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … when you saw today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), you knew this was coming, right?

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, religion

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Roundup: Sakura Trees, Senator Blumenthal, Tesla Cybertruck …

Posted on April 20, 2024 | 13 comments

A year ago, 2 beautiful Japanese cherry blossom trees outside Sakura were slated to be cut down.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation wanted them gone, for sidewalk installation and lane expansion as part of the Post Road renovation project.

Representative Town Meeting member galvanized local politicians and others in support of the beloved trees.

Public Works Department, RTM, Westport Tree Board and Earthplace officials, plus Sakura’s owner and landowner, met with representatives from DOT and Eversource. The trees were saved.

This week, they were at peak blossom.

Present and former members of the RTM headed to Sakura, to honor the occasion.

Every Westporter who drives past the restaurant thanks them for their efforts.

FUN FACT: “Sakura” means “cherry blossom” in Japanese.

Standing at Sakura (from left): RTM members Harris Falk, Claudia Shaum, Andrew Colabella, Matthew Mandell, Don O’Day. Not pictured, but important to the effort: Louis Mall, Jay Keenan, Julie Whamond, Chris Tait, Seth Braunstein and Jimmy Izzo.

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Senator Richard Blumenthal was supposed to address the Sunrise Rotary Club in person at 8 a.m. yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.

However, the Senate schedule kept him in Washington.

No problem! Rotary member Mark Mathias used his technical know-how to set up a remote appearance.

At 8:00 sharp, Blumenthal appeared on-screen. An audience of 80 people — members of both Westport Rotary Clubs, and guests — heard his takes on a variety of issues, including the need for quick approval of military aid to Ukraine.

Senator Blumenthal addresses Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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The Tesla Cybertruck that has drawn plenty of attention in Westport may be off the road for a while.

Tesla has recalled all 3,878 of the vehicles it produced from November 13 to December 4. An accelerator pedal can stick, leading to accidents. The cause for the defect was soap used as a lubricant at the Austin factory. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman) 

Tesla Cybertruck, last week on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Karen Como)

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Today’s trivia: Knights of Columbus Council 3688 sponsor their 2nd annual Trivia Night next Saturday (April 27, 6 p.m., Assumption Church).

Prizes are not trivial: $250 first place; $150 restaurant gift card 2nd place. There are wine raffles, plus a silent auction, music and refreshments.

Tams can include up to 3 people. Categories include history, science, health and the Bible.

Tickets are $40; proceeds go to charity. Click here to purchase.

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MoCA Westport’s next open mic night is this Friday (April 26, 6:30 p.m.). It features acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry.

The public is invited to participate, or attend.

The event is free for members to watch or participate. General admission is $10; participation fee is $5. Click here for tickets.

Questions? Email isabelle@mocawestport.org.

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Last week, “06880” posted a delicious story on Mary Lou Roels.

The Westporter has developed a great business making (very) fresh jams and preserves.

Mary Lou is also an excellent artist.

She took a break yesterday from the kitchen. On a whim, she headed to Playhouse Square.

There — on the sidewalk outside the post office — she went to work:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Whatever she does, Mary Lou always manages to make it a fruitful day.

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Speaking of artists:  Herm Freeman — the Westport Book Shop’s artist exhibitor for February, whose works have been exhibited throughout the US and Europe for over 40 years — is one of 2 local artists whose “Kaleidoscope Eyes” show at Colorblends House & Spring Garden in Bridgeport has an artists’ reception today (Saturday, April 20, 3 to 6 p.m., 893 Clinton Avenue).

The other — Cris Dam — has produced the show.

They invite interested Westporters to stop by. “There’s tons of art, and thousands of tulips. It’s great family fun!” Herm says.

“Kaleidoscope” art

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Judging by the number of emails I get, Westporters are increasingly concerned about the number — and weight — of wires strung between utility poles.

They serve a variety of purposes: electricity, telephone, cable. But apparently it’s  lot easier to string new ones than replace outdated ones. There are a lot up there.

Alert “06880” reader Bob Weingarten spotted a utility worker yesterday, on Post Road East by Stop & Shop. Bob writes: “He must be wondering, which one do I connect?!”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a fierce one.

Anita Tucker Smith writes: “Our wooded yard on Roseville Road has a lot of daily wildlife visitors. But this one is special.

“We first spotted footprints in the 6-inch snow a few weeks ago. We then saw him 6 feet from our front door a few weeks later. We were all startled, and he zipped away.

“I finally managed a few pictures Saturday afternoon as we glanced out the living room windows, just before heading out to dinner.”

(Photo/Anita Tucker Smith)

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And finally … since today is 4/20:

(On 4/20 — and every other day of the year — “06880” is your hyper-local blog. And every day, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Politics, Restaurants, Transportation

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Roundup: Parking Limits, Women’s Rights, Minute Man Race …

Posted on April 19, 2024 | 4 comments

Enforcement of downtown parking limits — suspended 4 years ago, during COVID — begins again May 1.

The good news: They’re now 3 hours, up from the previous 1 and 2 hours. (One exception: Post Road East parking remains 1 or 2 hours.)

Enforcement will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week.

Some parking areas are designated for all-day parking.

Click here for a map of all downtown parking lots, including aerial views, and the number of timed, all-day and electric vehicles spots. The map is also shown here:

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More police news: The WPD is investigating a car vs. canine accident last Saturday (April 13), at 11:30 a.m. on Compo Road North adjacent to Winslow Park. A driver struck a dog, then left the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should email jkimball@westportct.gov.

Dogs occasionally run away from Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Yesterday’s “06880” story on “Suffs” — the musical about early 20th century suffragists that opened last night on Broadway — highlighted producer Jill Furman, a Westporter.

There’s another local connection: 2008 Staples High School graduate Leo Stagg.

A former Staples Player member (and winner of the Paul Steen Award for Fine Character, Dedication, Honesty, and Excellence in Performance), he is the head carpenter for “Suffs.”

His mother Heli — who runs the Westport Library café — was at last night’s show.

The “Suffs” set.

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Speaking of women’s rights:

State Representative Anne Hughes will discuss reproductive justice issues, in Connecticut and the nation, after this Sunday’s Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport service.

Hughes — whose district includes Weston, Easton and Redding — has sponsored pro-choice legislation that expands the eligibility of trained practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants to provide abortions, and blocks Texas and other states from targeting Connecticut patients, doctors and advocates.

The event is sponsored by UU Westport’s Reproductive Justice ​​Committee. The public is invited to the April 21 10 a.m. service, or the discussion only, which begins around 11:30 a.m.

Questions> Email beth@uuwestport.org, or call 203.227.7205, ext. 10.

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There’s a new “Passage” at Pasacreta Park.

That’s the name of Niki Ketchman’s new sculpture. It was installed yesterday at the peaceful oasis on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Elementary School.

The work is part of a joint initiative between the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, Westport Parks & Recreation Department and the Parks & Recreation Commission, to beautify town parks. It is on loan for 5 years.

Ketchman — whose work has been exhibited at the Katonah Museum, New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Aldrich and Bruce Museums — can  visit her work often. She has lived in Westport for almost 50 years. 

A public dedication is set for May 4 (4 p.m.).

Sculptor Niki Ketchman (umbrella) watches the installation of “Passage” at Pasacreta Park. (Photo courtesy of Nancy Diamond)

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The Westport Young Woman’s League is sponsoring 2 great — and very different — events.

The 45th annual Minute Man Race  Sunday, April 28 at Compo Beach.

The main event includes a certified USA Track and Field 10K run, 5K run, and 5K walk.

Kids Fun Run activities involve a 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash, 1/2-mile run and 1-mile run, featuring a Kids Zone during and after the race.

On-site refreshments include a food truck, ice cream truck and beer truck.

Race net proceeds benefit a number of area charities. Click here to register, and for more information.

The next day — Monday, April 29 (Christ & Holy Trinity Church, 11:30 a.m.)– the WYWL hosts a lunch with chef and TV host Lidia Bastianich.

The 3-course meal features Bastianich’s recipes. All attendees get a gift from Cuisinart. There’s also a free raffle.

VIP ticket holders meet Bastianich in person, take photos and get an autographed copy of her book, “From our Family Table to Yours.”

The event highlights the Young Woman’s League grant program. Click here for tickets and more information.

The start of a Minute Man race.

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The Rock & Roll Legends exhibit — dozens of Michael Friedman’s photos from the 1960s, including the Rolling Stones, The Band, Janis Joplin and more — draws a constant stream of visitors to the pop-up gallery on Church Lane.

On May 14 (7 p.m.), it will draw a large crowd for an Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser. 100% of ticket sales go the non-profit.

The event includes stories from Friedman himself, Q-and-A, and a raffle to win a photograph and signed book.

For tickets ($100), click here; then click “Donate to the Team” once, and — on the next page — “Donate to the Team” again.

Questions? Email mindiroca@yahoo.com, or call 914-806-3090.

Michael Friedman in his pop-up gallery. His photo shows Levon Helm, legendary drummer for The Band.

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Whether you watched this month’s solar eclipse in full totality (amazing, we’re told), or here in Westport (less so), you probably have a set or two of special sunglasses sitting around somewhere.

You can hold onto them for the next eclipse, years from now.

Or you can donate them to Astronomers Without Borders. The non-profit recycles them. Click here for more information.

The nearest collection sites are in Bethel and Shelton.

That’s a lot closer than the sun.

 

Recycle those eclipse glasses! (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Seth van Beever ties together today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and next month’s holiday: “This dogwood tree at 22 Treadwell Avenue was planted for my mom‘s first Mother’s Day, in 1976.”

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And finally … Dickey Betts died yesterday in Florida. He was 80, and suffered from cancer and chronic destructive pulmonary disease.

The New York Times called him “a honky-tonk hell raiser who, as a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band, traded fiery licks with Duane Allman in the band’s early-1970s heyday, and who went on to write some of the band’s most indelible songs, including its biggest hit, ‘Ramblin’ Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.

(Have a great weekend! No matter what you plan, “06880” will be here for you. We’re your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you.)

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Roundup: Tennis & Pickleball, Free Saplings, House Fire …

Posted on April 18, 2024 | Leave a comment

This week’s spring weather has Westporters ready to play outdoors — the 1% who were still in town anyway, during the schools’ annual spring break.

Those who headed to the Doubleday tennis courts behind Saugatuck Elementary, or the pickleball courts at Compo Beach, were disappointed. Both facilities were closed.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department explains:

“Due to the weather over the winter, with large fluctuations of cold and warm temperatures and little snow to insulate the court surface, the Doubleday courts sustained damage beyond what was anticipated. The damage consists of cracks, as well as shifting, lifting, and bunching of material used in prior crack repairs.”

Due to the safety risk, those courts were closed. Nighttime temperatures are still too cold for repairs.

With other tennis courts in the area in a similar situation, companies are booked until late July.

A rough estimate to repair the cracks is $55,000 — and they “would not be expected to last much beyond this fall,” Parks & Rec officials say.

They’ve moved the replacement of the Doubleday courts up a year, in their capital plan.

The new courts will be built with post-tension concrete. They typically last over 20 years without the need for crack repair.

The department is working on the bid document. They hope to begin construction in late summer or early fall.

The Compo pickleball courts, meanwhile, are being redone with all new asphalt, net posts, nets and painting.

The asphalt will need to cure for 28 days, then painted with temporary lines. Opening day is set for around Memorial Day.

“We understand this will be an inconvenience,” Parks & Rec says.

“But believe we are taking the most fiscally responsible path forward, with a result that will be beneficial to all court users.”

Doubleday tennis courts, and PJ Romano Field.

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Happy Arbor Day!

The Westport Tree Board will hand out free saplings on Friday April 26 (3 to 5 p.m., Town Hall rear parking lot).

We’ve lost so many trees recently, to new construction, storms and simple old age. This is welcome news indeed.

In 2014, a cherry tree was planted in front of Town Hall. Saplings will be given away there on April 26.

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Yesterday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Hunt Club Lane, off Maple Avenue North.

Responding units found a 2-story home with heavy smoke coming from 3 sides, with evidence of a possible explosion from inside.

Two injured occupants had already gotten out of the home.

Firefighters contained the blaze to the basement, but heavy smoke filled the home.

The building was ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide.

Westport Police and EMS treated and transported the 2 occupants to the hospital, with unknown injuries.

Assistance from Wilton, Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments allowed simultaneous calls to be handled while Westport units were on scene. The last WFD unit cleared the scene at 1:30 p.m.

The fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office.

Hunt Club Lane fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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In the latest chocolate news, Le Rouge by Aarti is Connecticut’s representative on EatThisNotThat.com’s list of “The Best Chocolate Cake in Every State.”

It says:

Aarti Khosla created Cafe Le Rouge in Westport to blend the flavors of her home country of India with chocolate. Her website says she wanted to “capture the flavors from around the world in the divine language of chocolate.”

Her Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache cake speaks that language well. The chocolatier modeled this cake after a popular truffle, rich, chocolatey, and infused with Kentucky bourbon.

Click here for the 49 other best chocolate cakes.

Aarti’s best-in-state cake.

Mashed followed up with another honor: a mention in “The Absolute Best Chocolate Cakes in America, According to Foodies.”

Here’s that writeup:

Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti may be in Connecticut, but they sure know their Kentucky bourbon, as evidenced by the fact that the shop’s Kentucky bourbon truffles are their most-ordered truffle variety. So, on the heels of that success, Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti baked up a ganache cake infused with the same Kentucky bourbon.

Made with white chocolate or dark chocolate ganache (although they recommend the white chocolate), the $45-$65 cake can also be adorned with pecans. However, you’ll have to make a trip to the Constitution State to get it, since it can’t be shipped like some of the shop’s other products.

And if you make your own chocolate ganache at home and you can’t understand why it’s not coming out right, this may be why your chocolate ganache’s texture is off.

Baker and founder Aarti Khosla makes all of her desserts in small batches to ensure quality, and she also hand-paints and hand-decorates them, so you know your Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache Cake is one that’s made with love. Plus, she only uses fair-trade dark chocolate, so you know it’s ethical, too.

Click here for the rest of that story.

But wait! There’s more!

On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Himes informed Aarti that, as part of his recognition of Women’s History Month, she’d been nominated as a female leader.

Himes called her Aarti “a role model, source of inspiration, and an integral part of the community.”

To learn more about Aarti (and her Le Rouge chocolate shop), click here.

Aarti Khosla

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between April 10 and 17.

A 26-year-old Stamford woman was arrest for larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after a fraudulent check was deposited into a First County Bank account, and funds were then withdrawn from it. An alleged co-conspirator had already been arrested for the same incident.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Speeding: 6 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle to endanger an occupant: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Illegal passing on the right: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1

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The Westport Library’s spring book sale returns Friday, May 17. The always-jammed event runs through Monday, May 20.

It includes thousands of “gently used” books for children and adults in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus vinyl, CDs, movie and television DVDs, and more.

Of special interest:

  • A large collection of philosophy books from the library of a retired professor, along with books on Eastern and Native American spirituality,
  • An extensive collection of history books, especially military history, with many very scarce titles. The focus on World War II encompasses illustrated studies of aircraft, weaponry, ships and combat vehicles.
  • A large assortment of framed artwork, from small desktop pieces to large wall ones.
  • A huge assortment of jigsaw puzzles.
  • A small number of laser videodiscs ($3 to $5).
  • The “Fiction for $1” room: hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy books, young adult, plus paperback novels.

Click here for hours, and more information.

A small part of the large Westport Library book sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Every Thursday is special at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: It’s “Jazz at the Post,” with an all-star selection of great musicians.

But May 9 is extra special. That’s JazzFC’s annual “Blow-Out Bash” fundraiser. Over 20 stellar performers are already confirmed. The show runs from 7 to 11 p.m.

Paul Bollenback, Michael Mossman, Melissa Newman, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, Janice Friedman head the long list. Bridgeport’s Keys Music Jazz Ensemble opens the concert.

All proceeds benefit JazzFC’s educational clinics for students from Westport to Bridgeport, the JazzFC Scholarship Fund, outreach concerts to seniors and other underserved groups, and weekly concerts in Westport.

Tickets — including a special expanded dinner, begin at $100 (early bird price, until April 26).

A $250 sponsor ticket includes preferred seating, a festive dinner and listing in the program.

$500 benefactor tickets include premium preferred seating, dinner, an hour- hour jazz lesson or listening session with the Jazz Rabbi, and listing in event booklet.

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In 1926 Agatha Christie vanished, then reappeared 11 days later, without explanation.

It was a tabloid sensation. Nearly a century later, the myster remains unsolved.

That’s the back story for the Westport Country Playhouse’s next Script in Hand reading (May 13, 7 p.m.): “Mrs. Christie.”

Fast forward to today: Lucy, a Christie aficionado, journeys to the author’s estate. When she finds an unpublished diary in Christie’s own hand, Lucy resolves to crack the case.

All tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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This spring, we’ve got a ton of beautiful images to choose from for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today’s winner: Steve Stein’s purple azaleas.

(Photo/Steve Stein)

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And finally … today is National Lineman Appreciation Day.

No — not Anthony Munoz and his NFL brethren.

These are the guys (and girls) who climb the poles — in good weather, and really, really bad — to keep the juice flowing.

In a town like ours, where power conks out as regularly as Donald Trump in a Manhattan courthouse, we owe special thanks to our linemen. And linewomen.

Enjoy your day!

(Linepersons keep the power going. Reader support does the same for “06880.” Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

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Suffs!

Posted on April 18, 2024 | 6 comments

“Suffs” premieres on Broadway tonight.

Does a musical about early 20th century suffragists — with an all-female and non-binary cast — seem like a tough sell?

Well, what about one on the life of Alexander Hamilton — someone most Americans before 2015 had only vaguely heard about, with non-white actors and a hip hop score?

Could “Suffs” producer Jill Furman — a Westport resident — have another “Hamilton”?

Maybe. She produced that one too.

That blockbuster was not her first smash. She’s produced “In the Heights,” “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” “West Side Story” and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” among others.

Jill Furman

But Furman’s involvement with the theater did not begin until her 30s. After graduating with an art history degree from Brown University, she headed to Los Angeles for a job in “a different kind of art”: film.

She began doing “typical stuff — bringing the boss’s dog home from the office” — but gained experience on sets.

Fed up with LA, and eager to start a film production company, Furman headed back east to Columbia Business School.

“I didn’t have to take math at Brown,” she says. “I was scared of numbers. But I knew I needed that background.”

She raised money for “a film no one saw.”

Then, pivoting to theater — following the lead of her father, an entertainment investment banker who had become a producer — she associate produced 3 shows.

While working on Broadway’s “Sly Fox” in early 2003, an actor she knew told her to check out a show being workshopped in a Manhattan basement.

“It blew me away,” Furman recalls of “In the Heights.”

“It was music I’d never heard on the stage before. Lin-Manuel Miranda was a baby — in his early 20s. But he was ridiculously talented.”

Furman put her money where her mouth — and heart — were. Backing that show was “the thing I’m most proud of,” she says.

Bringing a show to Broadway is a long, risky process. It is often a labor of love.

But, Furman notes, “it feels so good to be part of something I really believe in.” With every project she tries to strike a balance between mass audience appeal, and something that feels “different and fresh.”

In the 2009 “West Side Story” revival, that meant including Spanish lyrics and dialogue. For the 2013 “Cinderella,” it was the young servant opening the prince’s eyes to injustices in his kingdom.

With “Suffs,” it’s bringing an important but overlooked piece of history to life — at a moment when it is “more timely than ever,” Furman says.

She went to an all-girls high school. But she never learned about the suffragists.

Women like Alice Paul have been lost to history.

Furman first heard of “Suffs” in 2014. She knew of “up-and comer” Shaina Taub — who wrote the book, music and lyrics — and was impressed with the passion with which Taub pitched the concept.

Furman signed on in 2016. The plan was to be in production in 2020 — the 100th anniversary of enactment of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

But COVID shut down Broadway.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton — expected by some to be the first female American president — had been defeated by Donald Trump. His Supreme Court appointees overturned Roe v. Wade, a decision seen by many as an assault on women’s rights.

Clinton was not in the White House. Instead, she was available — and eager — to help produce “Suffs.”

In fact, it was Clinton’s concession speech — it which she told “all the little girls” to never doubt they deserved “every chance and opportunity in the world” to pursue their dreams — that had inspired Taub to keep working on “Suffs.”

Another important backer is Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai.

The show has come a long way from its Off-Broadway opening at the Public Theater in 2022.

“It feels less like a history lesson,” Furman says. “It’s funnier. The humanity of the characters feels deeper.”

At a time when women’s rights are under attack, the true story of the suffragists — including their internal divisions over race and class — is crucial to be told, Furman says.

Though the Broadway calendar is crowded — 18 new shows are opening this spring — the early buzz has been exciting.

Word-of-mouth — crucial for theatrical success — is excellent. Theater insiders have spoken passionately about it.

“Suffs” on stage. (Photo/Sara Krulwich for the New York Times)

It’s been a hectic couple of months for Furman, who splits her time between Westport and New York.

She’s had little time to enjoy her waterfront home here. “It feels like a vacation,” she says of Westport. “It’s easy to get to. It’s beautiful, relaxing, and the people are great. I could sit outside all day long, and never move.”

There’s little chance of that. “If we get in the Tony mix, it’ll be crazy through mid-June,” Furman says.

In any event, she’s already thinking about her next project: a musical based on “Wonder,” the 2017 film about a boy with a facial deformity.

Like “Suffs,” Furman says, “It’s another amazing story that deserves to be seen.”

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Broadway, and history. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Downtown Parking, Tesla Cybertruck, Yarn Bomber …

Posted on April 16, 2024 | 7 comments

Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is very timely.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers details about the downtown parking plan, including process, options and current status. Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presentation:

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April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.

Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.

She tells “06880” that she fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.

“We’re out of food and money, and have no transportation,” she says.

On Spotfund she wrote: “We have less than $100, and we’re exhausted. We have been surviving on one meal a day, making sure our dog has food and water. We’ve literally got no food in the room for ourselves.

“Applying for help takes time. We’re reaching out to churches and whatever benefits we can get. All we are trying to do is stay afloat and get into affordable senior housing ASAP, and get stable.

“We’re reaching out hoping and praying for help in this difficult situation. All donations will be used to keep us with a roof over our heads and fed, clothes washed, and non food items like toiletries. We need a vehicle obviously, but for now the basic necessities.”

Click here for the Spotfund link.

April Carusone’s dog.

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A Tesla Cybertruck — first announced in 2012, introduced as a concept vehicle in 2019, scheduled for production in 2021, and finally delivered in late November 2023 with a 4-year wait list — has finally been spotted here.

Alert “06880” readers noticed one at both Classic Cars in Southport, and Old Mill Beach.

We received only one photo, however, so we’re not sure if there are two Cybertrucks in the area, or just one.

What’s all the buzz about? Check it out:

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Mia and McKenzie Didio accomplished a lot at Staples High School.

The twins members of the Class of 2022 captained the basketball and lacrosse teams, and won FCIAC and state championships in soccer.

Both now play lacrosse at the University of Delaware.

And they’re poised to accomplish even more.

The Didio women will represent the Puerto Rico lacrosse team this summer, at the U20 World Games in Hong Kong.

Their maternal grandmother is Puerto Rican. Though they have not been submerged in that culture, they look forward to learning more through their participation.

They know their selection means a lot to their mother and grandmother.

“Being able to represent them in a new capacity is so exciting,” McKenzie says. “It’s something bigger than ourselves.”

Mia tore her ACL after she was selected. Her coaches asked her to take on a manager’s role. She happily agreed.

The Didios have started a GoFundMe to raise money to help fund the Puerto Rico lacrosse program. Click here to help. Click here to read more, from the University of Delaware.

McKenzie and Mia Dido.

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Exactly 4 years ago this month, the yarn bomber first struck.

In those first desperate weeks of the pandemic, someone began draping trees with multi-colored, soothing blankets of yarn.

Compo Beach was first. Then came fire headquarters, Bedford Square, the Senior Center … all over town.

Eventually, the disease eased. Westporters went back to their “normal” lives. The yarn faded, and curled. Residents removed the “bombs,” as anonymously as they’d been placed.

But now, it seems, the yard bomber has returned.

Molly Alger sends this photo, from the Senior Center:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

It’s fresh, clean, and in the signature style of the original yarn bomber.

It looks great. And we’re happy to have the decoration — so long as it has nothing to do with COVID.

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Post-Easter news: Wakeman Town Farm has 12 chicks in need of sponsors.

Sponsorship includes naming rights for 1 year, and a certificate. Funds support the sustainability center’s operations. Click here for more information.

Wakeman Farm chickens. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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David Hazeltine — the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time (35 CDs as a leader, hundreds more as a sideman) — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (April 18, shows at 7:30 and 8;45 p.m., dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

He brings his long-time musical partner, trombonist Steve Davis.

Also in the house: bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Today, “Westport … Naturally” takes a break from spring flowers. We turn the feature over to a snowy egret, perched delicately yet decisively at Ned Dimes Marina.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … if you’re thinking of sponsoring a chick (story above), let’s goose things along:

(Ain’t nobody here at “06880” Central but us bloggers. If you enjoy our work, please support us with a tax-deductible donation. Just click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Judy Collins, VFW Golf, Covlee …

Posted on April 14, 2024 | 4 comments

On Friday night, Judy Collins came to the Westport Country Playhouse.

I headed to the historic theater, not knowing what to expect. I wanted to see the legendary singer/songwriter, whose songs were so important as I grew up.

But she’s 84 years old. Did she still have her voice, her energy, her marbles?

Others in the lobby before the show wondered the same thing.

We need not have worried. It was a fantastic evening.

Judy Collins told compelling stories, with wit and depth. She sang old songs and new ones, in a voice still beautiful and on-key. She laughed at her foibles, and brought us along on a journey through her life.

It was just Judy Collins on stage with a pianist and guitarist, for a wonderful 90 minutes. Brava!

Judy Collins, at the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Let’s tee it up for our veterans!

VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 and American Legion Post 63’s annual golf tournament is June 10 (9 a.m., Longshore Club Park). Funds raised will support local veterans and their families.

The day includes friendly competition, camaraderie, and giving back.

Registration for the shotgun scramble format ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, cart, putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and a BBQ lunch at the VFW.

For information on registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, click here or contact Patty Kondub: patty.kondub@gmail.com; 203-767-3778.

Longshore hosts the VFW and American Legion’s June 10 golf tournament. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Dan August is not yet 40 years old.

But the 2003 Staples High School graduate is well known in the sports industry.

Now Sports Business Journal has taken notice. The publication has named August — a former Staples High School tennis and track athlete, Dartmouth College graduate, and Los Angeles Rams executive — to its “40 Under 40” honor roll.

As executive vice president of consumer revenue and strategy, August oversees the Rams’ ticketing sales, service and operations, analytics, and all facets of game day, including stadium operations, guest experience, food and beverage, and retail. He also leads strategic initiatives.

August serves on the Rams’ leadership team. He joined the organization in 2016, after 8 years in the National Football League front office.

He and 39 others will be featured in the publication’s June 17 issue, and recognized at a November 22 Chelsea Piers gala.

Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Charlie Stoebe)

Dan August

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Friday’s Pic of the Day showed a view from Covlee Beach. The tiny spot on Saugatuck Shores — just off Covlee Drive — may be Westport’s least known, and least exclusive beach.

Here’s a shot of the entrance:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Peter Hirst lived there long ago. The 1968 Staples High School graduate is now a long-time Northern Californian. But he still keeps up with his hometown, via “06880.”

When and why, he wonders, did the original spelling — “Covelee” — morph into the very odd, and meaningless, “Covlee”?

Peter sends photographic proof. He helped his father place this metal sign on the beach shack, around 1955:

He sends this photo of a life ring too. Though at first glance it reads “Covlee,” it’s clear the strap hides the “E.”

Peter had a great time growing up there, with neighborhood kids like Lindy Hirst, Barbara Pryor, Murray Rosenberg, Chris Herman, Lucia Donnelly, Mickey Masterson, Lane Haviland, Bobby Rich and Martha Laslett.

His home was 12 Covelee Drive — he calls it “12 Cove Lee.” It looks very much the same today, though the garage is new.

But there are other newer and bigger houses, like the one on the left.

Maybe with all that construction, there wasn’t room for one more “E.”

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is as spring-y as it gets.

All week long, Westporters — at least those who have not skedaddled for the school’s week-long break — will enjoy scenes like this:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the last day of National Robotics Week:

(“06880” — your hyper-local blog — relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Club 203, IRS, Madelyn Spira …

Posted on April 13, 2024 | 2 comments

Club 203 doubles the fun at their next monthly get-together.

On tap for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: speed friending and karaoke. Both events are set for April 24 (6:30 to 8 p.m., Westport Library).

Speed friending is a fun, fast activity to build new friendships through similar passions, courtesy of Westport-based The Teen SLP.

Of course, everyone knows karaoke. Optional: Dress as your favorite musician, singer or rock star. Munchies are provided by The Porch at Christie’s and Sweet P Bakery.

Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at the Library.

Newcomers can click here to become Club 203 members. The Instagram is @club203_ct.

Last June’s Club 203 event, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

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I was surprised to see a long, Christmas-like line yesterday at the Westport post office.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

It was an ordinary Friday afternoon. In fact, today marks the start of our schools’ spring break, which means many folks already skedaddled a day or two earlier.

Then I realized: It’s almost April 15.

Tax day!

I wished all those standing line many happy returns.

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If you enjoyed Madelyn Spera singing last year as Sarah Brown in Staples Players’ “Guys & Dolls,” or Olivia in “Twelfth Night,” you should hear her now.

Actually, you can. Madelyn’s new single “Dying to Know” is out now. Click below to listen. Or check her out on your favorite streaming service.

PS: Madelyn is now a first-year student at New York University.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature usually highlights our town’s beauty and wonder.

Today, we’re showing nature at its most primal level.

Chuck Greenlee spotted this in his yard, off Wilton Road:

(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

He contacted Carrie Gilbertie. The owner of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden quickly responded: “What you have here is Gymnosporangium rust — aka cedar apple rust.

“Do you by chance have an apple tree in close proximity to your cedar? Or possibly a neighbor has one? That is usually the case.

“It is not recommended to have the Eastern cedar near an apple tree for this reason. It is more apt to harm if not kill the apple than cause harm to the cedar.

“Usually a fungicide is not recommended. It should clear up on its own. If it continues to harm the tree I would contact an arborist to see what they would recommend.”

Bingo!

Chuck replied: “The closest flowering crab floribunda is about 100 feet away. I had never seen this gooey rust before. It was all through the tree. But by this late windy afternoon, it was virtually all gone.”

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And finally … based on yesterday’s post office line (see above), this is an appropriate song for many people’s weekend:

(If you’re getting a refund: Please remember that donations to “06880” are tax-deductible. If not: Hey, what’s one more check to write? Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)

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