Category Archives: Entertainment

Roundup: Brad Tursi, Recovery Benefit, Lynsey Addario …

Posted on October 13, 2024 | 1 comment

Brad Tursi rocked his return to Westport.

The Old Dominion singer/songwriter/guitarist — with a passel of Country Music Association awards — is a 1997 Staples High School graduate.

Brad was best known there as a soccer player.

But he’s honed his musical craft in the years since. Now — while still a member of Old Dominion — he’s embarked on a solo career.

Backed by a very tight 5-piece band, and hot off the release of his new “Parallel Love” album, Brad delighted a full house at the Levitt Pavilion last night.

It was the group’s first public performance, he said. And his first as a solo artist.

The Levitt was also, he noted, where he first played, with Staples friends Ryan O’Neill and Dan Asher. O’Neill (now known as Ryan Smith) joined him for a final number.

Brad bantered with the audience. Many were long-time Westport friends (and a couple of his old soccer coaches). He gave shout-outs to his mom.

It was a wonderful Westport night, with a big-time entertainer who was nonetheless thrilled to be back home.

Brad Tursi, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

It’s late notice. But an event today is worth noting, even with just a few hours to go.

This afternoon (4 p.m.), Mitchells of Westport hosts a benefit for Recovery Community Development. The non-profit offers men and women in 12-step and other addiction economic programs the job skills, supportive housing and social services needed to become productive citizens in Bridgeport and Norwalk.

Guest speaker Craig Melvin — the NBC “Today” News anchor, and a Westport resident — will discuss his own family legacy of addiction and incarceration. He’ll describe the power of transformation, redemption and faith, and explore the challenges facing all dads. (He’s the father of 2 young children.) Click here for tickets.

Tony Kiniry, executive director of Recovery Community Development, spoke about the work his organization does — and previewed today’s event — at Friday’s Sunrise Rotary Club meeting. Bill Mitchell also praised RDC’s work.

==================================================

Our “06880” blog is “where Westport meets the world.”

And today we’ve got a small-world story, courtesy of Wakeman Town Farm.

The other day, on a random spot on a random island in the out-of-the-way Azores, 2 groups of travelers randomly found each other.

Ashley Constantino — a descendant of the Wakeman family, which for decades owned the Cross Highway farm property — was with one group. Alex Brandfon was with another. He spotted Ashley’s boyfriend’s WTF hoodie.

They chatted, discovered their local connection, and took this photo. WTF!

Chance encounter, in the Azores.

==================================================

Speaking of the world: Internationally renowned New York Times photojournalist (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario’s new exhibit, “RAW,” opened Friday, at Lyle & King Gallery on Henry Street, in lower Manhattan.

Dave Matlow was at the gallery yesterday. He took photos of Lynsey’s images, which were shot in Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Kenya, Panama and many other countries.

The exhibit runs through November 9.

Lynsey Addario’s work, on display. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” features our first-ever Eastern kingbird.

Naturally, the regal-looking image comes from one of our favorite wildlife photographers: Lou Weinberg.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

==================================================

And finally … Happy Father-Daughter Day!

(Fathers! Daughters! And everyone else! If you enjoy “06880,” please click here to help support our work. We rely almost entirely on contributions from readers like you. Thank you.)

1 Comment

Posted in Entertainment, Media, Staples HS, Totally random

Tagged , , , , , ,

Friday Flashback #420

Posted on October 11, 2024 | 8 comments

This month marks the 58th anniversary of the Yardbirds’ concert at Staples High School.

The blues-influenced rock band was one of many top groups that played in the local auditorium, from 1965 through the early ’70s. Others included the Doors, Animals, Rascals, Byrds, J. Geils and Peter Frampton. Sly & the Family Stone played at a dance, in the gym.

(For the back story on how all that musical history went down, click here.)

The Yardbirds’ lineup on October 22, 1966 did not include Eric Clapton. He left the year before, to join John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. But Clapton was on the Staples stage on March 27, 1968, with his supergroup Cream: drummer Ginger Baker and guitarist Jack Bruce.

The Yardbirds who played at Staples did include Jimmy Page (who earned even more fame later with Led Zeppelin) and Jeff Beck. Both (with Clapton) are in Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Guitarists.”

Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck tuning up in what was (and still is) the Staples High School choral room. The photo was taken by Linda Eastman — the woman who became Paul McCartney’s wife and fellow Wings musician. In 1966 she was a young photographer. She heard the Yardbirds were playing in Westport, and came to see them.

That concert was memorable for one other reason. The lead singer for the opening act — the Chain Reaction — was a young guy named Steve Tallarico.

He later changed it to Steve Tyler. Yep, that Steve Tyler — the Aerosmith guy.

Steve Tallarico (later Steve Tyler), with the Chain Reaction at Staples. (Photo from Mark Smollin’s “The Real Rock & Roll High School.”)

That Yardbirds gig at Staples was a pivotal moment in young Steve’s career. It inspired him to have a career in music.

In 1995, he told that story when Aerosmith inducted Led Zeppelin in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

It’s played on an endless loop there ever since. Listen below:

(Hat tip: Mark Smollin’s “The Real Rock & Roll High School”)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Friday Flashback, Staples HS

Tagged , , , ,

Roundup: Hurricane Help Collection Today …

Posted on October 8, 2024 | 5 comments

Hours have been extended for dropping off donations for victims of Hurricane Helene today (Tuesday), at Stop & Shop.

Items will be accepted now through 2:30 p.m.

The drive is being conducted by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary.

The list of desperately needed items is long. It includes food and other supplies; tools and equipment; other essentials, and medical supplies. Click here for a full list.

In other Helene news, the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston have raised enough money to buy 10 generators for North Carolina.

Money continues to pour in.

==================================================

Jaden Waldman is spending his fall afternoons playing freshman soccer at Staples High School. The team is great, but they don’t attract many fans — just a few parents and friends.

Jaden will be seen by exponentially more people this fall in another role: as the younger Dr. Oliver Wolf, Zachary Quinto’s character on NBC’s new series “Brilliant Minds.”

Based on Dr. Oliver Sacks — the exceptionally gifted neurologist who suffers from a rare condition that gives him a unique perspective on care — it airs Mondays at 10 p.m., then streams the following day on Peacock.

The teenager — who goes by Jaden Myles Waldman professionally — is equally at home on the soccer pitch and the stage. He debuted in 2021 (after a pandemic delay) in “Caroline, or Change.”

His other credits include “Ne Zha,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Plot Against America,” “Give or Take,” “Confetti,” and as Peter Pinkerton in “Pinkalicious & Peterrific.”

Jaden may be best known for his voice role as TO-B1 in the Emmy-nominated “Star Wars: Visions,” and Kun in the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated movie “Mirai.”

Next up: a guest role on “Law & Order: SVU” October 24.

Jaden Waldman, in “Brilliant Minds.”

======================================================

And on TV right now: Jeffrey Pogue.

The 2023 Staples High School graduate was featured on the premiere of the new “Scrabble” game show.

For good reason: He’s a national Scrabble champion.

Producers flew Jeffrey — now a Brown University sophomore — to London this summer, for one day of shooting.

How did he do? Click here to see for yourself.

But we will say this: His father, David Pogue — a noted TV personality himself — is proud.

Very proud.

Jeffrey Pogue (right) on Scrabble TV.
==============================================

Yesterday’s Roundup included an item about signs from Huntington Learning Center and the Patch Boys that marred Kings Highway Colonial Cemetery.

Brian Rivel, who owns Huntington with his wife, notes that he did not place or dispose of his sign there.

“I was dismayed to read that,” he says. “We would never put a sign in a cemetery.”

Huntington Learning Center on Post Road East.

=================================================

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting this Thursday (October 10, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).

Agenda items include the Jesup Green, Imperial Avenue and police station parking lots, and the parking study and feasibility analysis.

Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available. Comments can also be emailed to DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.

The future of the police station is one key to the development of a new downtown parking plan.

=================================================

Speaking of local politics: The Board of Finance regularly votes on big appropriations — our tax dollars at work.

But they don’t just study spreadsheets and grill town officials. Sometimes, they take field trips to better understand funding requests.

This Friday (October 11, noon), BOF members head to Old Mill Beach. They’ll walk on the pedestrian bridges and examine the tidal gates. It’s part of a request for $5,580,000 from the Public Works Department director, to rehabilitate the walkway and structure.

One of the 2 Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates. (Photo/Phil Delano)

==================================================

There are only 78 days until Christmas

And just one month — 28 days — till Election Day.

Early voting takes place Monday, October 21 through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.

On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.

Registrations done online, at the Department of Motor Vehicles or by mail must be completed (postmarked or received by the Westport Registrar of Voters by October 18.

All applications to register to vote after October 18 must be done in person at Town Hall, Room 107, in order to vote on November 5.

Citizens may also register and vote in person during the early voting period or on Election Day through same-day registration at Westport Town Hall, Room 107.

Meanwhile, the registrars of voters will begin memory card and tabulator testing this Thursday (October 10, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall, Room 212D.  The public is welcome to observe on Thursday, or until completion

Questions about any of the above? Email the registrars of voters: Deborah Greenberg (Democrats): dgreenberg@westportct.gov, 203-341-1116; Maria Signore (Republicans):  msignore@westportct.gov, 203-341-1117.

================================================

Add this to your little kids’ Halloween activity list: a “fa-boo-lous”time at Wakeman Town Farm.

Youngsters ages 0-5 are invited — in costume — for a fun event October 25 (2 to 3 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

==================================================

Lynette Washington headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, October 10, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

Her extensive career in jazz, R&B and gospel has taken her around the world.

Lynette will be joined by pianist Amina Figarova, bassist Will Goble, flutist Bart Platteau and drummer Vinton Hines, Jr. Click here for tickets, and more information.

==================================================

Spice — a gift shop specializing in fashion, home, entertaining, and baby and child goods — will move into the Sconset Square space recently vacated by Bespoke Designs.

This is Spice’s second location. The first is in Delray Beach, Florida.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

==================================================

A bit of needed rain came and left yesterday morning.

The sun quickly came out. But not before Celia Campbell-Mohn captured this scene, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

=================================================

And finally … in honor of the arrival of Spice, Westport’s newest store (story above):

(Whether you’re scary, sporty, baby, ginger or posh, you’re part of our great online “06880” community. And we rely on you — our readers — to support our work. Please click here to help. Thanks!)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local politics

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Friday Flashback #419

Posted on October 4, 2024 | 20 comments

This month’s Connecticut Magazine cover story highlights 20 movies filmed in our state.

Though a number — well-known and lesser — have been shot here, the story mentioned only 3: “The Stepford Wives,” “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” and “The Last House on the Left.”

“06880” has looked back at both before. (For examples, click here and here.)

But indefatigable amateur historian Fred Cantor has unearthed another interesting connection.

Next week marks the 69th anniversary of a Westport Town Crier story about the filming of “Gray Flannel Suit,” and the excitement it generated.

The October 13, 1955 piece begins:

Untold loads of washing went un-done, and hundreds of breakfast dishes languished in the sink this week, as Westport women flocked to the railroad station to double as squealing movie fans and rabid autograph hunters.

The center of attraction was Gregory Peck who came to town Tuesday in a blue worsted suit to film location shots for 20th Century Fox’s “Man in the Grey [sic] Flannel Suit,” accompanied by a crew of 150 technicians and “background people,” imported from Hollywood and New York.

The star, and the extras.

Do you remember when Hollywood came to Westport — for “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” or any other movie?

We want your story! Click “Comments” below.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

20 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Friday Flashback, Media

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: “Below Surface” At The Y, Dot Day At GFS …

Posted on September 26, 2024 | 2 comments

If you haven’t seen “Below Surface” — the inspiring 20-minute documentary that “reveals the extraordinary power of community through an unlikely subject: a YMCA Aquafit class” — now’s your chance.

In fact, even if you have seen it, you should see it again.

After all, the film is not just about any Aquafit class.

This one was shot at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Thanks to YMCA USA and Pfizer, “Below Surface” will be shown — for free — today (Thursday, September 26, 7 p.m.).

The livestream will be followed by a panel discussion. Among the participants: Patty Kondub, the Westport Y Aquafit instructor whose special talents — as a teacher and community builder — form the heart of the film.

After the live broadcast, viewers can an access an on-demand recording any time, through October 31.

Click here to register, and for details.

=================================================

You may have missed International Dot Day last week.

But Greens Farms Elementary didn’t.

The entire school participated in a read-aloud of “The Dot.” Peter Reynolds’ book emphasizes that everyone has creative potential, and small acts of encouragement can lead to great personal growth.

It also celebrates the ideas that creativity can be nurtured, and every person has something unique to contribute to their community.

After the reading. the entire school gathered on the field to create a large “GFS.”

The act symbolized the value each unique individual — or “tiny dot” — plays in the fabric of the Green’s Farms School community.

GFS!

==================================================

Due to incorrect information provided, “06880” reported the wrong time for the Artists Collective of Westport trunk show at Jesup Green on Sunday, October 6.

The correct time is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Art of all styles and genres will be on sale. Artists will talk about their inspiration, creative process (and future commissions). There is music and food, too.

==================================================

Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 18 and 25.

A 36-year-old Bronx man was arrested for criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal identifying information, illegal reproduction of a payment card, identity theft, forgery and interfering with an officer, following an report that a man was attempting to cash a fraudulent check at TD Bank on Main Street. The suspect attempted to flee. He was found with fraudulent checks, and forged debit and credit cards.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license after 60 days: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Violation of motor vehicle license class: 1

After 60 days, a foreign driver’s license is verboten.

===============================================

Kemp Harris brings his special combination of blues, soul, folk and jazz to Voices Café on October 5 (8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

He is a singer, songwriter, an expert weaver of American musical styles — and an actor, activist, author, storyteller, and award-winning educator who has instructed public school students for more than 40 years.

Downbeat says Kemp’s artistry “earthly, inspiring, haunting … sacred and profane.”

Voices Café concerts support social justice programs. Click here for tickets and more information.

Kemp Harris

==================================================

Speaking of music: The Fairfield County Chorale seeks singers. They rehearse Monday evenings in Norwalk Concert Hall.

Click here for audition and rehearsal information.

Questions? Email info@fairfieldcountychorale.org.

The Fairfield County Chorale. (Photo/Matt Fried)

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is the first of what I expect will be many similar ones this fall: trees (already) turning, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

We’re in for our annual treat, all over town!

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

==================================================

And finally … today in 1969, the Beatles released “Abbey Road.” The songs were as iconic as its cover. 55 years later, it remains a classic.

(You can’t go wrong with the Beatles — or “06880.” You can’t support them any longer. But you can sure help us. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Education, Entertainment, Police, YMCA

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Class Of ’64’s “Deep Dive,” Library’s Landscaping, WestportMoms’ Fun Festival …

Posted on September 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s Class of 1964’s 60th reunion this past weekend had all the usual trappings of a great celebration: a cocktail party, dinner banquet, Compo Beach cookout … you know the drill.

But the still energetic, now-in-their-late-70s, once-and-always Wreckers, added a unique twist.

In a “Deep Dive” session, 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — offered insights into their careers, volunteer work and the passions that impacted their lives, and others.

The group included Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.

It was a wonderful afternoon.

Even more wonderfully, classmate Nick Passaro Jr. taped it — and put it online.

Now, all those members of the Class of ’64 who were not there can enjoy it.

So can the thousands of others of us who were not fortunately to be in that high-powered, tight, and very creative Staples class.

Click below. And prepare to be inspired.

==================================================

The Westport Library has benefited from many donors. They’ve endowed the building, sponsored programs, and bought books.

Julie and Rob Haroun have done something different. The Westport couple has improved and maintained the landscaping outside.

Among their improvements: a new irrigation system and plantings along Jesup Green, the Riverwalk path, and the hill below the café deck.

On Thursday (September 26, 4 p.m.), the Library will honor the Harouns with a special ceremony, on the Riverwalk Level. A plaque will be unveiled at the front of the building, near the police parking lot.

Outdoor Design and Living executed the makeover, at a discount as a generous donation to the Library.

“Having worked as a real estate developer for over 30 years, primarily focusing on properties in Westport, I was intent on ensuring that the exterior of the building was properly landscaped to reflect the first-class facility that we all enjoy in this town,” says Rob Haroun. He was a Library trustee from 2016 to ’23.

“We are confident that these funds will cover the maintenance for the next 5 to 10 years,” he adds.

“We have lived in town since 1992, raised 3 children, and built a business here. This is our way of giving back to an institution that is near and dear to our hearts.”

Several views of the Westport Library landscaping.

==================================================

The 4th annual Westport Moms Fall Family Fun Festival returns this Saturday (September 28, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Compo Beach fields — no beach sticker needed).

Among the activities: pumpkin decorating, Grit Ninja obstacle course, music, yoga (kids’ class by Child’s Pose Westport at 10:30 a.m.), bubble show, bouncy house, face painting, art projects, sports, chess and more.

If you’re a kid, you’ll find something to love.

There ae food trucks from Jr’s Deli and Coalhoue Pizza.

Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to pre-purchase, and avoid lines the lines:

==================================================

Twelve Staples High School seniors are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

William Boberski, Kendra Cheng, Alexander Esser, Anna Ji, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Andrew Rebello, Samuel Rossoni, Megan Sargent, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey and Ryan Tzou join 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.

That’s fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.

All will compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Jr.,  Samuel Rossoni, Andrew Rebello, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Megan Sargent,  Anna Ji, Kendra Cheng, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio. Missing: Alexander Esser and Ryan Tzou.

==================================================

Podcasts are everywhere. I’ve got one of my own, thanks to the Westport Library. Every 2 weeks, I chat with interesting Westporters, from all walks of life.

Every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the mic.

One of those times was this summer. I was honored to be a guest — actually, the very first guest — on Jay Norris’ new “Visionary’s” podcast.

The Westport business/tech/media/retail/real estate leader — a visionary himself — launched his series at Content Studio, Chirag Shah’s Saugatuck space.

The goal of the podcast is to talk about visions, goals and dreams. And, of course, how to achieve them.

Jay says he’s “flipping the switch,” interviewing me instead of the other way around.

It was a great chat. I learned a lot, and hopefully threw in a couple of ideas that viewers can use.

Click below to listen to the very first “Visionary’s” podcast.

==================================================

Adele Jacobs from Voices of Hope spoke on Friday to the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Voices of Hope is an educational non-profit organization established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut (including Jacobs). It promotes a culture of courage to stand up against hatred, through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.

Adele Jacobs, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

==================================================

Fairfield County bassist Phil Bowler has played with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis (with whom he received a Grammy for Marsalis’ album “Think of One”), Lightning Hopkins, Dr. John, Max Roach and Ralph Peterson.

He’s a frequent guest at Jazz at the Post. This Thursday (September 26), he headlines the event.

He’s joined by vocalist Janice Dempsey, pianist Joe McWilliams, guitarist Bob Riccio, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

==================================================

Our “Westport … Naturally” series sometimes features panoramas of animals, trees or flowers.

Sometimes we highlight one: a hummingbird or gull, say, or maple tree.

Occasionally, a photographer captures a great close-up. But today’s image may be our most amazing one ever.

Andrew Colabella did the honors, with an Aspetuck Land Trust spider.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

And finally … after seeing Andrew’s photo (above), you may have seen this coming:

(“Who” doesn’t enjoy “06880”? If you’re one of our 20,000 daily readers who do, please click here to support our work. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks!)

 

 

 

1 Comment

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Media, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , ,

Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Comedy — And Homes With Hope

Posted on September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Comedy — And Homes With Hope

Dustin Nickerson calls himself “the world’s most average person.”

He’s not, of course. The comedian’s “Overwhelmed” debut in 2020 is one of the highest-rated specials on Amazon Prime Video.

He’s been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, the Late Show with James Carden, Fox and Hulu, and is heard regularly on Sirius Radio XM.

And this Saturday (September 28, Quick Center, Fairfield University; 6:30 p.m. reception, $175; 8:30 show, $75), he’s the star of this year’s “Stand Up for Comedy” benefit for Homes with Hope.

All proceeds help the non-profit continue their word, addressing homelessness and food insecurity in Westport.

In an interview with “06880,” Nickerson talked about his “average” persona.

“My wife and I joke that I’ve got one foot on the red carpet. The other foot’s in the school pickup line.”

Dustin Nickerson

Nickerson is a rare comedian these days. His humor is clean, and apolitical.

But it’s very relatable, to anyone who has any kind of domestic life.

In other words: everyone.

Though Nickerson grew up watching Comedy Central in the 1990s, he did not take a direct route to performing. He was “meandering” through life, when he gave an open mic night a try.

Doing comedy in front of an audience is nerve-wracking, as those of us who have never done it can only imagine.

But there are other fears too: How do you hold the mic? Who do you look at?

“There’s a whole subculture of people who know these things,” Nickerson says.

It did not take long for him to join them.

Or to make his name, with them.

He now does up to 250 shows a year. His main worry these days is missing a flight connection.

He did, he admits, have another fear, before throwing out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners’ game.

That’s his home town. He’s become known as someone who talks knowledgeably — and humorously — about baseball. His work with MLB.com and The Athletic led to that invitation.

“I was really worried I’d get hurt, throwing one pitch in front of everyone,” he says.

Turning serious, the comedian noted that he worked with the homeless population when he was younger. He still looks for volunteer opportunities on the road.

Organizations like Homes with Hope, he said, are “so important. They make such an impact.”

On Saturday, Dustin Nickerson will help them continue to do just that.

In a decidedly non-average way.

Click here for tickets to “Stand Up for Comedy,” and for more information. Click here for Dustin Nickerson’s website.

Comments Off on Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Comedy — And Homes With Hope

Posted in Entertainment

Tagged ,

“06880” Podcast: David Roth & Kerry Long

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 1 comment

David Roth and Kerry Long are co-directors of Staples Players.

That’s our local high school drama troupe. But if you’ve ever been to a Players show — and if you haven’t, why not?! — you know it is anything but a high school production.

In addition to their spectacularly professional work, both David and Kerry are Staples graduates. The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about Players’ 66-year past, present and future (don’t miss “Elf” this November!).

Click below, to learn more about this amazing — and amazingly entertaining — organization.

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Media, Staples HS

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Lanternflies, Flooding, Tim Lewis …

Posted on September 22, 2024 | 4 comments

A couple of days ago, Compo’s South Beach was hit with an infestation of spotted lanternflies.

They were everywhere, by the thousands.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department told a caller that they have sprayed.

Those lanternflies are ferocious.

In just a day or so, they’d already decimated some of the bark.

Look closely at the photo. The bark is already decimated.

(Hat tip and photos/Ken Schwartz)

==================================================

More environmental news: Though yesterday was gorgeous (and the last full day of summer), the near-full moon and high tide brought flooding at Quentin Road by Compo Beach Road.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

An odd-looking scene, for sure.

But perhaps something that will soon be the new normal?

==================================================

Speaking (still) of the environment — as autumn has us thinking about trees and leaves — “06880” reader (and former federal attorney) Scooter Swanson cites Connecticut case law that finds “property owners have the right to trim branches or roots of a neighbor that encroaches onto their property up to the property line.”

There is no applicable state or local ordinance regarding such issue, he adds

Swanson notes that he is not licensed in Connecticut. “This is merely informative and not intended as legal advice,” he says.

Trees and property lines can become neighbor issues in Westport. (Photo/Roger Wolfe)

==================================================

 

The Levitt Pavilion’s summer series continued last night — the last full day of summer — with Tower of Power.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Shows continue into the fall. One of the highlights: Westport native Brad Tursi — Old Dominion’s lead guitarist/vocalist — appears on October 12, with his own band. Click here for full Levitt details.

==================================================

Nearby, across the parking lot, yesterday’s StoryFest panels featured a couple of Westport-bred authors.

Caroline Wolff was part of the “Thriller!” event (photo below). Chris Knapp spoke on “Incorporating History: Past, Present and Future.”

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

StoryFest ’24 is dedicated to Sybil Steinberg, longtime Westport Library advocate, friend, and creator of “Sybil’s List” book recommendations.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg remembered and honored his mother yesterday (photo below).

 

The largest literary festival in Connecticut ends today. Click here for a list of all that’s happening.

==================================================

With Halloween near, the Westport Country Playhouse presents “Ghost Stories and Legends” (October 10, 7 p.m.).

The event — part of the Barnstormer Series in the barn (under candlelight!) — is an evening of classic stories of the supernatural, with Broadway’s John Rapson.

He’ll present a special version of his solo show of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” along with other with other ghostly tales.

Rapson says, “I guarantee laughs, chills and thrills. Just try not to lose your head…”

Tickets are $20. To purchase, and for more information,  click here.

==================================================

All women — and men — are invited to a special event, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Authors Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola — a therapist and expert on coercive control — and divorce coach Amy Polacko will discuss their new book, “Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld.”

It’s set for October 8 (7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

“Framed” exposes how domestic abuse victims are treated in the legal system, using stories from women around the world. 

The talk will focus on red flags to look for in relationships, what is coercive control, the crisis in family courts, and how to protect oneself.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and Rock the Walls, a non-profit offering help to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

================================================== 

In the aftermath of Westport resident Tim Lewis’ death in July from pancreatic cancer — at 58, just a month shy of his 23rd wedding anniversary — his family and friends have set up a non-profit foundation.

They say: “While Tim’s life was shortened, his purpose and passion were always strong and his desire to help others defined much of his life.

“Tim balanced a demanding career with a tireless devotion to his family. He loved his wife and and kids deeply and actively. Tim was famous for coordinating play dates, soccer schedules, date night, violin and drum lessons, all while ordering fall clothing for the kids (to their chagrin) and making high-stakes work conference calls.

“He was a memory-making mastermind, relentless in his pursuit of family time through neighborhood walks, vacation hikes, and beach dinners. Even when it was just sitting at the kitchen table doing puzzles, being with family was the life experience Tim most valued.

“Our goal is to help other people and families struggling with the particularly challenging diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through research, clinical trials, and support.

Click here for details, and to donate.

Tim Lewis

=============================================

On Thursday, the Longshore Ladies Nine Hole Golfers held their annual charity event at Longshore.

The women once again chose the Westport Woman’s Club food closet as their beneficiary.

They collected 4 grocery carts of food donations, and nearly $1,000 in cash.

Golfers’ donations, at the Westport Woman’s Club.

=============================================

At another golf event last week, the inaugural “Shank it for Shea” golf event drew a great turnout to Birchwood Country Club.

Significant funds were raised to advance Long QT Syndrome research and improve treatment options for those affected — including Mark and Kira Greenfield’s daughter Shea.

The event builds on 2 previous fundraisers. Both were dance-oriented, and were called “Shake it for Shea.”

The Greenfields are onto something. They do great work — and they do it with smiles. Perhaps the next one may be for skateboarders: “Shred it for Shea.”

For more details on their “Hearts in Harmony” Foundation, click here.

==================================================

Despite spotted lanternflies and sunshine flooding (stories above), there continue to be beautiful scenes by the shore.

Matt Murray sends this gorgeous heron shot, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

=================================================

And finally … today is the first day of fall.

Plenty of Westporters think it’s the best season of the year. But it is so transient.

Enjoy every day of it!

(Fall, winter, spring, summer — “06880” is here for you. Please click this link, to support our 24/7/366 work. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , ,

Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …

Posted on September 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …

StoryFest ’24 opened with a bang last night.

Author and activist Roxane Gay chatted on the Westport Library stage with writer Oliver Radclyffe. His memoir, “Frighten the Horses,” will be published this fall by Roxane Gay Books.

In just 7 years, StoryFest — the Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community — has become the largest literary festival in Connecticut.

Every genre of storytelling is covered, along with live podcast recordings, a special tribute to longtime and beloved Library friend Sybil Steinberg, the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, a pitchfest and more. Click here for today and tomorrow’s jam-packed schedules.

Oliver Radclyffe and Roxane Gay share a moment.

==================================================

Meanwhile, a few yards away, a packed lawn enjoyed ABBA.

Well, not exactly the legendary Swedish group. This was a tribute band. But they sure sounded the same.

Getting ready to enjoy the festivities — with appropriate glasses and neckwear — were (below, left to right) Gwen Tutun, Judy Burke, Toni Essertier, Ellen Bowen and Cathy Colgan. Mamma mia!

The entertainment continues tonight at the Levitt, with Tower of Power. The ticketed show begins at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

==================================================

You (probably) watched the first 2 debates of the election season, on CNN and ABC.

You can watch the third one live — right here at Town Hall.

On October 10 (7 p.m),, Westport’s League of Women Voters hosts candidates for State Senate District 26, and State Representative District 136. (The Norwalk LWV will host one for State Representative District 143; details to come.)

Questions can be sent in advance to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

The debate is co-sponsored by the PTA Council, Westport Sunshine Rotary Club, Y’s Men, Y’s Women and Westport Rotary Club.

=================================================

The Wall Street Journal calls it “‘Shark Tank’ meets Home Shopping Network.”

A new TV show next week features Amazon sellers pitching their products to a studio audience and judges. Among the panelists: designer (and Westport resident) Christian Siriano.

Finalists will have their inventions sold in a new Amazon “Buy It Now” online store. The winner of each episode will earn $20,000.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Christian Siriano

============================================

What a blessing!

Everyone is invited to the Saugatuck Congregational Church lawn on Sunday, September 29, for a 10 a.m. blessing service. All pets are welcome — but on leashes or in carriers.

Photos are fine too. Even “stuffies”!

At 11 a.m., rescues and shelters will offer pets of all ages at a special adoption event. There will be food trucks too, and surprises for kids.

The Great Lawn of Saugatuck Congregational Church is well suited to a Blessing of the Animals.

==================================================

Westport author Diane Parrish launches her new book, “Something Better,” at Westport Library on October 8 (6:30 p.m.). She’ll chat with her daughter, fellow author Amanda Parrish Morgan

In the book — set largely in Connecticut — Parrish pulls back the façade of carefully cultivated suburbs. With flashes of humor and insight, she examines notions of forgiveness and faith. Click here for more information.

Diane Parrish (center), and Amanda Parrish Morgan.

=================================================

The Weston History & Culture Center offers history experiences for all every Thursday and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.), from now through November 24.

Visitors can:

Explore “Weston…What Lies Beneath.” The exhibit looks at one of Weston’s oldest homes, the Peter Thorp House. Through objects, rare photographs, videos and hands-on activities, discover what lies beneath and who lived above. Youngsters can dig for artifacts in the Kids Corner.

Take a guided tour of the Coley House, learning how the Coley family lived, worked and played during the 1940s. Kids can play with toys and games from that era, build with Lincoln Logs, and type on a typewriter.

Enjoy autumn with a stroll through the Daniel E. Offutt III Sculpture Garden.

Tickets at the door are $5 for adults, $3 for children; free for members of the Weston History & Culture Center.

Sculpture garden at Weston History & Culture Center.

================================================

Former Westport resident Kathleen Elliott died peacefully on September 4. She was 73, and lived in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

An honors graduate of Northeastern University in economics, Kathy then earned an MBA from Boston University,

She had a long career at David L Babson, including vice president on the investment council. She was the first woman elected to the board of directors.

After leaving David L Babson, Kathy became interested in angel investing. She mentored several women-led companies. The experience led her to co-author a book, “The Old Girls’ Network.”

Kathy spent many hours enjoying tennis at Longwood Cricket Club, golfing at Turner Hill in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and skiing and golfing in Telluride, Colorado.

Her family says, “She had many friends, and was known for her kind-hearted, humble and upbeat nature, especially her creative wit and intelligence. Her excellent athletic skills and gracious sportsmanship made her everyone’s favorite tennis and golf partner.”

She is survived by her partner of 26 years, Ann Beard of 26 years; sisters Margaret Markovic (John) of Trumbull and Mary Sikorski (Brian) of Westport; brother Robert Elliott of Fairfield; niece Kathleen Haimoff and her children, James, Maya and David of Fairfield, and nephews Joseph Sikorski of Norwalk, and James Sikorski (Adrienne) of Brooklyn, and their son Charles.

Services will be private. Donations may be made to Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, and the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Kathleen Elliott

===========================================

Flamingos are known for standing on one leg.

Other birds: not so much.

But here is this guy (or maybe gal) gull, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot at Compo Beach.

Try as he/she might though, they’re just not stately.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

And finally … “06880” did not get a chance to see the Levitt tribute band last night. But who doesn’t love a good ABBA song or two (or five)?

(Sure, there’s a lot going on this weekend. But you can count on “06880” to cover it all. If you’ve got a spare minute, please click here and spare some change to support our work. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Media, Obituaries, Politics

Tagged , , , , , , ,