Category Archives: Entertainment

Roundup: Beach Demolitions, Kristin Chenoweth, Satchel Paige & Trey Ellis …

Posted on September 10, 2024 | 9 comments

One of the most well-known homes in Westport — the only one on the north (left) side of the Compo Cove footpath, just over the pedestrian bridge at Sherwood Mill Pond — may soon be a memory.

A “Demolition” sign hangs next to the front door of the house owned for years by Mike Katz, the cowboy hat-wearing man-about-town.

The 43 Compo Mill Cove home — built in 1942 — was originally located across the path, on the right. It boasts an unobstructed view of the Mill Pond. But it’s been unoccupied for quite a while, and seems not to have been maintained since then.

Compo Cove home, with demolition sign  next to the front door. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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That’s not the only beach neighborhood home on the chopping block

This one — at 21 Norwalk Avenue, off Soundview Drive — also bears a “Demolition” notice.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

It was built in 1920 — 104 years ago.

Clearly, it’s had some work done over the past century. The non-winterized cottages that were there for much of the 1900s were not like this.

It will sure be interesting to see what the new construction looks like.

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This Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse’s gala features Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, Drama Desk Award-winning conductor and music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell — plus a host of Broadway performers — in a tribute to Cy Coleman (September 14, 7 p.m.).

Like any good benefit, this one includes some very cool live auction items. Among them:

  • 2 tickets to Steve Martin & Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” at Foxwoods, and a post-show meet and greet with the stars.
  • 4 tickets to “Wicked,” and a backstage tour to meet the cast.
  • Dinner for 10 catered by Gabriele’s, on the Playhouse stage with artistic director Mark Shanahan and managing director Beth Huisking.

Raffle boxes are available too, for a chance to win 2 jewelry pieces by designer Marco Bicego.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Kristin Chenoweth

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Speaking of the Playhouse: They kicked off another intriguing “Script in Hand” season last night, with “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing.”

The show — about the last days of baseball’s Negro Leagues — was enthusiastically received.

The cast of “Satchel Paige,” with playwright/director Trey Ellis of Westport (back row, center) and Playhouse stage manager Megan Smith (front, 3rd from left). (Photo/Dave Matlow) 

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For decades, longtime Westport resident Jo Ann Miller was an executive in the garment industry.

When international travel wore her down, she became a top real estate agent.

All along, she continued to produce art. As a sculptor, she collaborated with the late Kelley Spearen on many projects.

She also wrote an account of her first attempt at a marathon. The foreward was by her former next door neighbor, and her father’s wing man: John Glenn.

Now Miller is out with a work of fiction. It’s about the aftermath of a July 4, 2004 SEAL team celebration in Iraq that went terribly wrong. The terrorists never forgot. Twenty years later, they seek revenge.

“Terrorist Revenge” will be available soon, at Amazon.

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Local author Michael Hendricks and artist Rebecca Ross greeted their many fans this weekend, at the Westport Book Shop.

They signed copies of “In the Beginning! A Love Story.”

Susie Kowalsky — who sent the photo below — is a huge fan. She bought 5 copies, “to share with the little ones I know and love.”

Rebecca Ross and Michael Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Guitarist Ed Cherry is well known for his long association with Dizzy Gillespie. Since the bandleader’s death in 1993, Cherry has worked with Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, John Patton, Hamiet Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, Paula West and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

He has recorded many albums as a leader, and appeared on countless records as a featured soloist.

This Thursday (September 12), he highlights Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 8 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students; click here for reservations).

Cherry is joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

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Entrepreneur and real estate developer Stanley Seligson died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday. He was 90.

Stanley attended the Williston Northampton School, and the University of Connecticut.

Following his father’s death in 1953, Stanley assumed responsibility for the family’s wholesale business, S&S Tobacco. He grew the original company into one of the largest distributors of candy, tobacco, vending and arcade machines in the Northeast.

In 1979, Stanley formed Seligson Properties. The real estate firm has invested in, developed, managed and built nearly 3 million square feet of property. He was the driving force behind many key developments in Norwalk.

Stanley was dedicated to his hometown of Norwalk. He served as an advisor and board member to institutions including the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk YMCA, Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and others

He was named Industry Man of the Year by the Anti-Defamation League and Distributor of the Year by Philip Morris, among other honors.

Stanley had a passion for travel. His family says he “enjoyed many of the finer things in life, but always remained down to earth. He equally valued the simple pleasures found at his homes in Connecticut and Florida.” Stanley cherished these moments.

Stanley was an avid golfer. He learned from top instructors, and played many renowned courses. He was a founding member of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, and was a member of Birchwood Country Club in Westport; Burning Tree Club  in Bethesda, Maryland; and Trump International Golf Club and The Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Carole; children Shana and Todd Seligson, sister Suzanne Serlin, and Mary Hill.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, September 11, 11 a.m., Temple Israel), with a lunch at 2 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stanley M. Seligson may be made to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Intensive Aphasia Program) or Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health.

Stanley Seligson

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — which she calls “Blue Sky and Goldfinch” — comes from Tracy Porosoff:

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And finally … on this date in 1724, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” — one of Johan Sebastian Bach’s most famous church cantatas — was performed for the first time, in Leipzig.

(Stop! Don’t press the “bach” button — at least, not without first clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Children, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering James Earl Jones

Posted on September 10, 2024 | 5 comments

As America mourns the death of James Earl Jones — the man the New York Times calls “a stuttering farm child who became a voice of rolling thunder as one of America’s most versatile actors in a stage, film and television career that plumbed race relations, Shakespeare’s rhapsodic tragedies and the faceless menace of Darth Vader” — his many friends and fans at the Westport Playhouse have particularly fond memories.

Jones died yesterday at his home in Dutchess County, N.Y. He was 93.

In May of 2006, the actor graced the Playhouse stage in the stunning world premiere of the one-man show “Thurgood.” He played Thurgood Marshall, the Black attorney who rose from the streets of Baltimore to the US Supreme Court.

He was met backstage afterward by Cecilia Marshall, Thurgood’s widow; Jack Lemmon; Sigourney Weaver; Tom Brokaw; Vernon Jordan; Joseph Califano; Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee; Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, and others.

But he made time for many more than those world-famous men and women. Despite exhaustion after his long performance, he met with each person waiting at the stage door, one on one in his dressing room.

He said, “They pay my salary. I owe it to them.”

James Earl Jones, in the Westport Country Playhouse world premiere of “Thurgood.” (Photo/T. Charles Erickson)

He especially enjoyed meeting students. Jones visited Thurgood Marshall Middle School for Social Justice in Bridgeport, to plant a tree.

When asked to say a few words, he flipped his ball cap backwards and began speaking as Mufasa from The Lion King.

That enraptured the hundreds of youngsters. But when he switched to the voice of Darth Vader, the response was thunderous.

Jones talked to the students about the importance of reading, learning and family. He urged them to “find something you love to do and, no matter what anyone else says, do it the very best you can.”

Throughout his life — including his memorable run at the Westport Country Playhouse — James Earl Jones truly did all of that. (Hat tip: Pat Blaufuss)

James Earl Jones, at Bridgeport’s Thurgood Marshall School for Social Justice. (Photo/Patricia K. Weber)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” Podcast: Kitt Shapiro

Posted on September 9, 2024 | 6 comments

Kitt Shapiro is a longtime Westport resident. She has an eclectic background, including owning WEST — the women’s boutique on Post Road East — and writing a book about her mother, the legendary Eartha Kitt.

She also produced Eartha Kitt shows and projects around the world. And she honors her mother’s legacy by raising awareness of colon cancer, and women’s health issues.

The other day, Kitt stopped by for an “06880” podcast chat on the Westport Library stage. We talked about WEST, women-owned small businesses here, and Westport in general; growing up as Eartha Kitt’s daughter, and much more.

Click below to see:

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Media

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Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …

Posted on September 9, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …

Justin Paul got his EGOT!

The 2003 Staples High School graduate, and his writing partner Benj Pasek, joined the ultra-exclusive group yesterday.

Their Creative Arts Emmy for “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?,” from “Only Murders in the Building,” completes the prestigious 4-play.

They previously earned a Grammy for the cast album of “Dear Evan Hansen,” an Oscar for the “La La Land” song “City of Stars,” and 2 Tonys (for the score of “Dear Evan Hansen,” and as producers of “A Strange Loop”).

Only 19 other people have won EGOTs (for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). The list includes Richard Rogers, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Marvin Hamlisch, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sir Elton John.

So with his EGOT, we now have even more proof: Justin Paul is the GOAT! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, with their earlier Grammy Awards.

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Yesterday’s CT United Motorcycle Ride honored the victims and first responders of 9/11 in its traditional way.

The largest motorcycle ride in the state began at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders headed south on I-95, then north on Route 33 up Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road. The ride continued through Wilton and 7 towns, before ending at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.

It was quite a sight to see — and hear.

Bob Levy reports: “Police, firefighters and ordinary people were there to honor that day.

“My family was there. Each of us were glad and touched we were. My little granddaughters asked if they will have this every year.”

They sure will. And it’s an honor for our town to be the starting point.

Start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Bob Levy)

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The Paralympics ended with a bang for Matthew Torres.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swimmer won a bronze medal, as part of the US 4×100 mixed freestyle team.

It was Matthew’s 2nd Paralympics bronze. He earned his first 4 years ago, in Tokyo.

Matthew also raced this year in the 400 meter freestyle, where he finished 5th; the 100 meter backstroke (10th), and 100 meter freestyle (15th).

Matthew Torres in the water …

The Ansonia native was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

He began swimming in 2008, after watching Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics. The rest is history.

Congratulations to Matthew; his teammates, friends and family, and his coaches at the Y and the national level. You made Westport proud! (Hat tips; Maggie Gomez, Christina Schwerin)

… and on the podium.

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Speaking of sports: Parker Kligerman tied his best career Xfinity Series finish in Atlanta Saturday.

The 2009 Staples High School graduate — perhaps the only former Wrecker to become a NASCAR driver — came in second, just behind winner Austin Hill.

Kligerman predicts a win is coming, for the Big Machine No. 48 crew. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

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The Remarkable Bookcycle is down to just a few books.

The whole idea of the mobile free library is to borrow a book — and donate one.

Seems like too many people have been doing the former, too few the latter.

So stick a few of your favorites in the car. The next time you’re near the Compo Beach volleyball court, pop out. Pop open the Bookcycle door.

It’s your good deed of the day, for your book-reading neighbors.

The Remarkable Bookcycle, earlier this summer. The number of volumes has dwindled since this was taken. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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The other day, “06880” gave a shout-out to Ruben, at the Westport Post Office.

Less than a week later, here’s another. Denise Torve writes: “Last week I stopped in to the PO, took care of business, then headed to Trader Joe’s — only to discover my wallet was missing.

“I went straight back to the PO, fingers crossed, to see Ruben waving the wallet when he saw me come in. He was a lifesaver, given what was in it.

“He had also already posted on Facebook that I had left something there. So thank you Ruben — and thank you Dan for your positive, good news posts!”

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The Westport Writers’ Workshop is 20 years old.

They celebrated Friday, with a Saugatuck Rowing Club bash. The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction, tributes to founder Jessica Bram and former executive director Valerie Ann Leff, and a special storytelling session.

Funds raised will help underwrite WWW’s outreach programs serving underrepresented populations, like the Bigelow Senior Center, Moms of Children with Disabilities, and STAR.

Westport Writers’ Workshop founder Jessica Bram, and executive director Blake Schnirring.

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Yesterday’s New York Times‘ “Found in the Files” feature — a weekly look at something from the newspaper’s clippings library — focused on Alan Abel.

The longtime Westporter was known for his hoaxes — including convincing the Times to print his obituary, even though he was very much alive.

The “Files” story focused on Abel’s first big effort, in 1959, about a non-existent non-profit called the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals. Its mission was to clothe dogs, cats, horses, cows and others, to protect children from lewdness.

Click here for the full Times story. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

Alan Abel, with a (supposed) copy of the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals newsletter.

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Westport native and longtime resident Janet Aley died peacefully at home on July 21. She was 98.

Her family calls her “a kind, warm, intelligent, creative person, with a twinkle in her eye and a whimsical sense of humor. She loved life: family, friends, children, pets, nature, art, music, and travels with her family. She found wonder and joy in wordplay, poetry, song, and the view out her back window.”

Janet attended Westport schools, then graduated in 1944 from the Thomas School in Rowayton.

As a student at Bedford Elementary, she was one of several children chosen by WPA artist Robert Lambdin to pose for the 3-part mural, “The Spirit of Adventure” that still hangs outside the auditorium of what is now Town Hall. Janet holds a tennis racquet on the right.

After Black Mountain College in North Carolina, she became the society editor of the  Westport Town Crier.

She left in 1948 to join an American Youth Hostel group in the Netherlands, repairing roads bombed in World War II.

Following her marriage in 1948 to Robert Jonathan Aley, Janet worked for 7 years in the promotion merchandising department at Look Magazine. She refused the job of department head in favor of motherhood. The family moved to Westport in 1960.

Janet volunteered for or served on the boards of many organizations, including PTAs, Intercommunity Camp, the Interfaith Housing Program, the Arts Council, and the Westport-Weston Counseling Service, primarily in producing publicity and newsletters. For many years, she also volunteered with the oral history program of the Westport Historical Society.

After her husband died suddenly in 1974, Janet returned to work — first in the selectman’s office, then in the Planning & Zoning Department. From 1983 to ’88 she was an assistant town clerk and secretary for the Planning & Zoning Commission in Weston.

She retired in 1988 and joined the Democratic Women of Westport, where she was co-president. She received the organization’s Silver Donkey Award, and regularly rode with DWW in the Memorial Day Parade.

Janet is survived by her children Jennifer Aley (Steve Gold), Judith Aley, Judson (Maria Cheung) and Jonathan (Ellen Louer); grandchildren Nathanael Jonathan Ranson, Ruby Alice Ranson and Dylan Tam (Alex McClaren).

In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by her daughter Judy’s husband Paul Ranson, and her brother Charles Harvey Ramsey.

Services will be held September 21 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 1:30 p.m). Donations in Janet’s name can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Homes with Hope or PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society).

Janet Aley

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Looking for dinner? Boasting about his size? Just having fun?

Whatever this guy is doing at Burying Hill Beach, he’s a great subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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And finally … Otis Redding was born on this day, in 1941. He died in a plane crash just 26 years later.

The Macon, Georgia native quit school at 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard’s band. Over the next decade he became an international star.

But his biggest fame came after his death.

(“Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous #1 record on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. He then received many other honors, including 2 Grammys, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame,[5] and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

(Since 2009 — without missing a day — “06880” has been your hyper-local source for news, information, features, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …

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Rod Serling Festival: Library Enters New Dimension Of Sight And Sound

Posted on September 8, 2024 | 7 comments

One hundred years after his birth — and half a century after his death — Rod Serling’s legacy remains strong.

His TV scripts — for “Kraft Television Theatre,” “Playhouse 90” and most memorably, “The Twilight Zone” — explored themes of censorship, racism and war that still resonate today.

Serling wrote a few of his best-known scripts in Westport. He lived here in the 1950s, before moving with his wife and daughters to California.

Later this month the Westport Library explores Rod Serling’s impact, with a 4-day symposium. It includes landmark “Twilight Zone” episodes, films inspired by the series, and discussions of his life and work.

The event kicks off Thursday, September 26 (6 to 9 p.m.), with Serling’s most Westport-themed work: “A Stop at Willoughby.”

In what Serling called his favorite show of the first season, an overstressed ad executive naps on the train ride home. The conductor calls out an upcoming stop: “Westport/Saugatuck.”

He awakens to find the train stopped in Willoughby — in the year 1888.  He asks about the idyllic town, but the conductor tells him there is no such place.

Is there?

The familiar face of Rod Serling reappears at the end.  In his trademark voice, he says:

Willoughby?  Maybe it’s wishful thinking nestled in a hidden part of a man’s mind, or maybe it’s the last stop in the vast design of things, or perhaps, for a man who climbed on a world that went by too fast, it’s a place around the bend where he could jump off.

Willoughby?  Whatever it is, it comes with sunlight and serenity, and is a part of the Twilight Zone.

Arlen Schumer — author of “The Five Themes of The Twilight Zone” — will screen “Willoughby.” It will be followed by “The Swimmer,” the Burt Lancaster film based on John Cheever’s 1964 short story, which has thematic ties to “Willoughby” — and was filmed partly in Westport.

On Friday, September 27 (6 to 9 p.m.), Schumer talks with author Nick Parisi about his books “Rod Serling: His Life, Work, and Imagination,” and “America’s Twilight Zone: How Rod Serling Foreshadowed the Age of Trump.”

Two episodes will be screened: “Walking Distance” (about another ad executive’s desire to return to the past), and “He’s Alive” (a rare 1-hour episode from 1963 starring a young Dennis Hopper as an American neo-Nazi who is visited by the ghost of Adolf Hitler).

Saturday, September 28 (5 to 9 p.m.) features a conversation with Schumer and author Mark Dawidziak about his book, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in The Twilight Zone.”

Their talk is followed by a screening of the Oscar-winning “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” (based on the Ambrose Bierce short story), and “Jacob’s Ladder,” a 1990 film inspired by that episode.

The festival ends Sunday, September 29 (1 to 5 p.m.) with a pop-up art show of Staples High School student artwork inspired by Serling’s “Eye of the Beholder” — the mind-bending episode in which today’s standards of beauty and ugliness are reversed.

A screening of that show will be followed by “Number 12 Looks Just Like You,” set in a dystopian future in which every adult has their body surgically altered into one of a set of physically attractive models. It will be shown complete with original commercials from its 1964 air date.

The final event is a screening of the cult classic 1975 movie “The Stepford Wives.” It shares of “Number 12″‘s themes — and was partially filmed in Westport.

DEE-DEE dee-dee DEE-DEE dee-dee…

(Click here for full details of the 4-day Rod Serling symposium.)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Today, for example, Rod Serling meets the 2024 Library — and we travel back to his 1950s years here. Please click here to help us continue our work!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Looking back, Media

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“The Apprentice” Fights Back

Posted on September 4, 2024 | 5 comments

Everyone in America has heard of “The Apprentice.”

The quasi-real TV series featured eager businesspeople battling for a $250,000 contract. It made “you’re fired!” a national catchphrase, and catapulted Donald Trump onto the path to the presidency.

You may not have heard of the movie version of “The Apprentice.”

At least, not yet.

The film explores a young Trump’s rise to power, beginning in the 1970s with attorney/fixer Roy Cohn.

It debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in May, and earned an 8-minute standing ovation. Its North American premiere at Telluride last weekend was equally successful.

But because the film offers “an unfiltered look at Trump’s complicated and often unseemly journey,” his campaign issued a cease and desist order. They hoped to halt its release in the US — at least before the November election.

It was reported that Trump (who had not seen the film) was particularly incensed by scenes that depict him raping his first wife, Ivana; abusing amphetamines to lose weight, and undergoing liposuction and plastic surgery to remove a bald spot. (The rape scene was based on divorce records.)

Legal threats caused major media companies to shy away from distribution.

“The Apprentice” stars (from left) Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, and Maria Bakalova as Ivana Trump. 

Filmmakers are now pursuing a grassroots, independent approach. It is scheduled for limited theatrical release on October 11.

That’s good news for the cast, crew and producers of “The Apprentice.”

Including the writer, Gabriel Sherman.

The 45-year-old attended Kings Highway Elementary, Bedford Middle and Staples High School (through 10th grade).

After graduating from Holderness School in New Hampshire and Middlebury College (2001), he wrote for New York magazine and Vanity Fair. He’s been a regular contributor to NBC News and MSNBC.

In 2014, Sherman wrote a biography of Fox News Channel president Roger Ailes called “The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News – and Divided a Country.”

He began work on “The Apprentice” in 2018.

Gabe Sherman

Hoping for widespread distribution before the election — and fearing possible retribution after, if Trump wins — the film’s backers have started a Kickstarter campaign.

The goal is to raise $100,000, to enable additional distribution beyond the first 17 cities where it is planned to be screened.

As with all Kickstarter projects, donors will be charged only if full funding is secured.

That seems likely. The deadline is September 29. In just 2 days, nearly the entire amount has already been raised.

Donors are offered streaming rights, tickets to a preview screening, on-screen memorabilia from the production, access to the filmmakers — and their name in the credits.

Not far from Gabriel Sherman’s.

(Click here for the Kickstarter link.)

(“06880” regularly highlights the careers of Westporters, past and present. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Levitt Shows, Optimum Outage, Raccoon Rescue …

Posted on September 3, 2024 | 8 comments

Four big — no, huge — shows highlight the final 6 weeks of the Levitt Pavilion.

Concerts include:

  • Peter Frampton (Sunday, September 15, 7 p.m.)
  • Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA (Friday, September 20, 8 p.m.)
  • Tower of Power (Saturday, September 21, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Brad Tursi: singer/songwriter with Old Dominion, and Staples High School graduate; solo show (Saturday, October 12, 7:30 p.m.).

Click here to purchase tickets, and more information.

But wait! There’s more!

The Levitt also offers free shows, too. They include:

  • DNR, the (almost) all-physician rock band (Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Billy and the Showmen (Saturday, September 7, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Amy Irving’s Birthday Show (Tuesday, September 10, 7 p.m.)
  • Bia Ferreira Trio: Songs of Brazil (Tuesday, October 1, 7 p.m.)

Click here, then scroll down to reserve free tickets to those shows.

Peter Frampton

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Optimum’s outage last night — affecting thousands of customers in the tri-state area — had many Westporters fuming.

And not just at the lack of internet and TV service.

Calls to the company went unanswered.

Some users heard a recording that they were experiencing a “higher than average” volume “due to the COVID pandemic.”

One caller — okay, I — heard the spectacularly unhelpful suggestion to go online, at Optimum.net.

Service has now been restored. Let’s hope their call volume is down too.

Even with everyone stuck at home, because of the pandemic.

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Westporters love our US Postal Service clerks.

From time to time, we give shout-outs to extra-special efforts. Here’s one more, from Karen Como:

“On Friday, Ruben went above and beyond for me.

“I had to return a skirt to a fly-by-night company. He found the smallest (least expensive) envelope. He folded the skirt for me, put it in the envelope, helped me attach the address with his tape, and found me the cheapest way to send it.

“Then he advised me to call my credit card company to report what I feel is a scam.

“He was sooo nice, and sooo helpful!”

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Hot on the heels of the rescue of 5 kittens from a Post Road East storm drain, comes another animal-saving story.

Once again, the Westport Fire Department and Animal Control played big roles.

Larry Hoy reports: “Yesterday morning, my son Colin Hoy and his girlfriend Zoe spotted 4 little feet hanging from the storm drain grate on Quentin Road, next to Gray’s Creek.

Trapped raccoon …

“They realized the tide would soon rise, and drown the little feller.

“Quick action by Westport’s Bravest freed the little varmint. Then Animal Control came to insure its safety.”

Well done, Colin, Zoe, the WFD and Animal Control!

… and the “grate” rescue. (Photos courtesy of Larry Hoy)

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Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer.

Compo Beach was packed yesterday, with residents and visitors enjoying a gorgeous day. The weather, humidity and sun were perfect.

The picnic tables and grills on South Beach were all taken.

These folks may have had to go to Plan B — the pavilion — for their dinner.

But they made the most of it.

(Photo/Gil Ghitelman)

Also making the most of it: a large party on the Old Mill sand bar, celebrating Popup Bagels’ founder Adam Goldberg’s, and his wife’s, birthdays.

The timing was perfect, for food, drinks, even a band on a boat that floated away with the tide.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Meanwhile, off Old Mill in the Sound just a few yards away, a dozen or so boats moored.

The adults socialized, while the kids skim boarded. Another great way to end the summer. (Hat tip: Anna Rycenga)

(Drone phot/Matt Shiel)

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Gabriella S. Izzo died peacefully at her Westport home on Sunday. She was 87.

The native of Ielsi, Campobasso, Italy came to the US with her family in 1947. She was educated in Norwalk, and graduated from cosmetology school. She was a hairdresser in Darien for over 50 years, until her retirement in 2020.

Gabriella was a talented chef, and gave home-grown grape jelly, fresh tomato sauce, homemade sausage, Christmas cookies and Easter pies to family, friends, co-workers and cherished clients.

She honored Ielsi by cooking and baking traditional recipes for special holidays. As a longtime member of Assumption Church, she volunteered for many years. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters until it disbanded.

Gabriella was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Joseph, and brother Nicholas Testa. She is survived by her daughter Lisa (George) Stanton of Westport, son Joseph (Jennifer) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and daughter Felicia (David) Smith, of Westport; grandchildren Melissa (Edward) Carter, Jeffrey Stanton, and Timothy and Kevin Izzo, and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are tomorrow (Wednesday, September 4, 5 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Assumption Church at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 5. Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gabriella’s name to Assumption Church.

Gabriella Izzo

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Don’t call them “birdbrains.”

Every spring, for years, birds know to return to the same spot at the Playhouse Condominiums.

There — atop a fire alarm, underneath the protected parking garage — they build their nest.

The mother sits on the eggs. Eventually, they hatch.

They hang out for a couple of months, doing whatever birds do all day.

At night, they sleep.

And next spring, the baby will return to do it all over again.

It’s “Westport … Naturally” at its finest.

(Photo/Dick Truitt)

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And finally … as soon as you saw the raccoon rescue story (above), you knew this was coming:

(Some Levitt Pavilion shows are free. Well, ALL “06880” content is. But we couldn’t do this without contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Michael Rapaport; Elf; Ballots …

Posted on August 28, 2024 | 3 comments

Michael Rapaport is well known across the country, as an actor, advocate and comedian.

Westporters know him as our neighbor.

On September 15, we won’t have to travel far to hear him speak. He won’t have too far to go either.

That night, Rapaport headlines a United Jewish Federation event at Stamford’s Rippowam Middle School.

He’ll speak candidly — and humorously — about his Jewish heritage, and how it’s shaped his life and career. A Q-and-A will follow.

Tickets are $75 through September 3, then $100. Sponsorships (including cocktails, light bites and a meet-and-greet) are $500 per couple. Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Email dianesloyer@ujf.org.

Michael Rapaport

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Anyone can use any of the Westport Library’s many (VERY many!) resources.

And anyone can attend any of the Library’s “Anyone Can Use…” classes. They provide basic instruction, in a wide range of areas, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

No one has to pay. They’re free! But … registration is required.

Upcoming classes include

Anyone Can Use: Candid Foundation Directory (September 4): Unlock the potential of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts by learning how to use the Foundation Directory, a powerful tool with more than 265,000 grant-maker profiles. You’ll also learn how to enhance your organization’s visibility through the GuideStar platform. Click here to register.

Anyone Can: Save Money on Streaming with Your Westport Library Card (September 18): With your card, you can install Hoopla, Freegal and Kanopy, and their many movies, TV shows and music. Click here to register.

Anyone Can Use: Social Media for Marketing (October 2): Join a hands-on workshop exploring the nuances of Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, along with cutting-edge creator tools like Canva, CapCut and ChatGPT, to elevate your brand’s online presence and storytelling capabilities. Click here to register.

 Anyone Can Use: Nexis Uni (October 16, 11 am-12 pm): Nexis Uni is a trove of information spanning centuries and continents, offering everything from Supreme Court rulings to contemporary corporate insights. Click here to register.

Questions? Email us: Ref@WestportLibrary.org.

Library card unlocks wonders

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Calling all elves.

Or at least, any male actor age 10 to 14. He should be a strong singer, have some dance or movement skills — and an unchanged voice,

Staples Players’ fall production is “Elf: The Musical” (based on the beloved holiday film).

They’ve got an eager cast of high school students. But they need a “Michael Hobbs”: the young man who befriends Buddy the Elf.

Click here for important audition details. The deadline is this Friday (August 30).

Additional questions? Email co-director Kerry Long: shsplayers@westportps.org.

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A follow-up to Monday’s kittens-trapped-in-a-storm-drain story:

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates rescued one of them yesterday evening. Two more were found in a trap at 10:30 p.m.

WASA has set traps, monitors them every hour, and is fostering the kittens. They’ve gotten great help from the Westport Fire Department, which moves the heavy grates.

WASA is still working to save the remaining 2 kittens, and their mama.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Many companies are aware of the importance of cybersecurity.

Many non-profits are not.

But the threat of disruption to services, damage to the people they serve, and the erosion of public trust is as real to organizations as they are to corporations.

A special “Cybersecurity for Non-Profits” meeting is set for the Westport Woman’s Club on October 9 (breakfast networking 7:30 a.m., program 8:30 a.m.).

Bill Siegel — co-founder and CEO of Coveware, a cyber incident response firm — will speak.

Click here to register.

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For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.

The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.

Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.

The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). The golf event is sold out, but tickets are still available for the after-golf event (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

You’ll be inspired by Catch A Lift Fund veterans, as they describe their triumphs over significant obstacles, on their journey to healthier futures.

Click here for details. Questions? Email   jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.

Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.

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Recent elections have shined a light on the importance of administering fair and transparent elections.

Some states play games with the democratic process.

Connecticut is not one of those.

Even in light-voting elections — like the August 13 primaries — state officials watch closely, to ensure fairness.

This month, our Secretary of the State — Norwalk’s own Stephanie Thomas — randomly chose 39 precincts to audit results.

Westport’s District 136-1 is number 39. All ballots cast in the Republican primary will be hand counted, to ensure that tabulators did the job accurately. 

Fortunately, that’s not too labor intensive. Only 30 or so votes were cast. 

If a district in our town is randomly chosen in November … well, that will take quite a bit longer.

Waiting for voters. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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We don’t know whether this guy overstayed the 60-minute limit, got nailed for parking beyond the sign, or both.

But the message is clear: No matter what kind of car you drive, you can’t escape The Law.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Jazz at the Post continues into fall with a full slate of Thursday shows.

This week’s headliner (August 29, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.) is pianist Janice Friedman.

She has played with the Jazz Rabbi — saxophonist Greg Wall — since the late 1980s.

Joining them at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are bassist Leon “Boots” Maleson and drummer Tim Horner.

The music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.

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Former Y’s Women president Arlene Bloom died Monday. She was 91.

The Massachusetts native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston University, and embarked on a career in education.

After 20 years in the classroom, she focused on teaching teachers how to accommodate differences among students in the classroom, without making anyone feel as if they did not belong.

She and her husband Herb lived in Massachusetts and Illinois, before setting in Westport. In every new place, Arlene made connections, started bridge groups, enhanced speaker series, and attended plays.

Her family calls her “a devoted and passionate friend,” who spent hours on the phone listening to and helping others. She had “2 abiding characteristics: the love of friends and family connections, and the importance of urging young people to aspire, reach high and know they can create worlds of betterment and impact.”

In addition to her leadership with Westport’s Y’s Women, Arlene was president of her Illinois chapter of the League of Women Voters, and an avid bridge player.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Sarah (Jamie Raskin), son Kenneth (Abby Meiselman), and grandchildren Hannah (Hank Kronick), Tabitha (Ryan Vogel),  Phoebe and Lily. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert and grandson Thomas Bloom Raskin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Arlene’s memory can be made to the Tommy Raskin Memorial Fund for People and Animals,

Arlene Bloom

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Some of our “Westport … Naturally” photos show big, cool images — like yesterday’s alpaca).

Some are much smaller. And sometimes they are not cool.

(Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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And finally … today is the 61st anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s momentous “I Have a Dream” speech, at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

How far have we come? And how far do we still have to go?

(From Michael Rapaport to “Elf” auditions: If it happens here, or involves Westporters, “06880” will let you know. Please let us know you appreciate our work. Just click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Concussion Help, Mill Pond Pilings, Compo Dolphin …

Posted on August 26, 2024 | 27 comments

A Westport woman faced a scary situation yesterday morning.

Working out at a fitness center in Southport, a heavy metal bar slammed down on the back of her head as she changed weights.

It felt like a bat smashed into her. She fell to the ground in pain.

But no one stopped to help. Not anyone exercising nearby; not one trainer.

She stumbled downstairs, only to be told at the front desk: “Sorry, the ice machine is broken. And there’s no first aid kit.” They offered her a seat, if she wanted.

One kind woman took a can from the drink cooler, and put it on her head.

The woman who was hurt wondered described the incident on social media, and wondered: Should she let it go, or pursue it with management?

Over 70 people replied. They offered smart suggestions — document everything; consult an attorney; ask for security camera footage; cancel your membership — as well as the most immediate advice: Go to a hospital! Get yourself checked out! You probably have a concussion.

Most impressive: 2 people offered to  drive her to the hospital.

She replied that her husband was on top of things. But what a great thing to hear: that 2 complete strangers were willing to drop everything, and help.

That’s the upside of what could have been a very bad outcome.

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Gregg Jacobs reports:

“The boardwalk/bridge over the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond started sagging a few days ago.

“As a result, Mill Pond was drained so the town could inspect the pilings. Several of them have rotted and are completely gone.

“Town employees inspecting it said it will need to be closed in the near future so they can install temporary supports, until the town finds the money to install new pilings and supports.”

Rotted pilings (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)

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Here’s a sight you don’t see every day:

(Photo/Stephen O’Shea)

Stephen O’Shea spotted this dolphin about 50 yards from the Compo Beach Hillspoint Road jetty, around 5:45 p.m. Saturday night.

Did anyone else see this cool-looking visitor?

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Here’s another animal story.

On Saturday, Westport animal control officer Peter Reid received a call from a resident about a mother cat and several kittens trapped in a storm drain at the entrance to a Post Road business.

He called the local cat rescue group to no avail.

Next was Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. Two volunteers found the mother and at least 3 kittens looking up at us from the bottom of the storm drain.

The heavy grate covering the drain prompted WASA to contact Police/Fire dispatch for assistance. Firefighter Eric La Riviere (a cat owner) and Chris Carroll of Engine Company #5 arrived quickly and removed the grate.

But the cats  scurried further back into the drain pipe, which empties into a 12-foot well filled with water.

Peter Reid entered the storm drain. He could not see the feline family.

From left: Peter Reid, Eric La Riviere, Chris Carroll.

WASA is not a cat rescue organization. They do not have a variety of cat trap sizes, and this area is not large enough for a standard cat have-a-heart trap. The grate also presents an issue.

They wondered if a temporary cover or coned area could work.

After the grate was replaced, and the Fire Department and Animal Control left, the kittens came out to eat the canned food placed below by WASA.

Yesterday, WASA volunteers returned to the site. Jennifer Petrosinelli helped coordinate Fire Department help lifting and replacing the grates.

Traps were set, but none of the 5 kittens went in. WASA will try again this week, joined by cat-catching professionals from Animals in Distress in Wilton.

The rain is concerning because the kittens are too small to climb out of the drain but too big to be carried out by the mother cat. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)

Cat, underneath grate.

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Tom Chapin comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 22 (1 to 3 p.m.).

The singer/songwriter/storyteller headlines a “Family Fun Day.” Also on the bill: a bounce house, ice cream truck and face painting.

And … it’s all free!

Homes with Hope is a co-sponsor of the event.

Tom Chapin

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Whether you’re involved in youth sports as an athlete, coach or parent, or you’re just setting off fireworks (see photo below): clean up after yourselves!

The collage is from Wakeman Field. But it could be any facility in Westport.

(Photos/Richard Fogel)

Trash cans are there for a reason.

And if they’re not nearby, pick up what you brought, and dispose of it at home.

I mean, come on. Respect your town, and everyone else.

This is as basic as it gets.

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Bob Weingarten writes: “On Sunday morning I found that a large tree limb had fallen, and considered how to remove it.

“But a short time later I saw a deer eating its leaves. I hoped that deer would eat it all, but it was too large.”

He calls the photo: “Nature taking care of nature.”

I call it: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to Valerie Simpson.

Our former Cross Highway neighbor was known — with her husband Nick Ashford — as both a stellar songwriter team, and a hit performing duo.

(From dolphins and deer to one of our favorite duos, “06880” covers all of Westport — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Beach Playground, Brad Tursi, Imagination Movers …

Posted on August 25, 2024 | 5 comments

The Compo Beach playground renovation project takes place next April.

But the planning committee is already working hard, leaving, um, no stone unturned.

They’ve just unveiled a cool new website.

In includes a detailed drawing of the new playground (see below); plenty of options for support (as families and corporate sponsors); apparel like t-shirts (bearing the logo designed by Greens Farms Elementary student Jack Burke), and opportunities to volunteer.

Click here for the website. And get ready: April will be here before we know it.

The new Compo Beach playground.

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Brad Tursi — the 1997 Staples High School graduate whose band Old Dominion has won numerous country music awards — is simultaneously embarking on a solo career.

He’s having just as much success as he is with his group.

The other day, he played at the Grand Ole Opry.

“Surreal, and an opportunity I’ll never forget,” the former Wrecker soccer star says.

“Thank you to everyone at the Opry for the warm welcome and sweet hospitality.”

Westporters who were not in Nashville will get a chance to see Brad much closer to his old home.

He plays the Levitt Pavilion on October 12. Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Curtis Lueker)

Brad Tursi, outside the famed venue.

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For over 20 years Movers Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty have entertained families.

Their Emmy-winning Disney show and catalog of more than 250 original compositions make the Imagination Movers story — well, the stuff of dreams.

The fun-for-the-whole-family show comes to the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, September 22 (1 p.m.).

Tickets are $45 and $40 (click here). For an additional $50, there’s a pre-show meet-and-greet (click here).

Now, let your imagination run wild.

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Connecticut’s largest running club is racing toward a new season.

And they want you.

The Joggers Club is offering the first run free.

Runners who like it — and what’s not to like? — can join for just $50 for the year.

That’s only $4.16 a month.

Plus, new members get a free Lululemon running shirt (retail price: $68).

The Joggers Club runs on beautiful roads throughout Fairfield County, on Saturdays at 8 a.m. (Also free: coffee and treats).

From September 7 to 28, the meeting point is the Greens Farms train station. From October 5 through May, it’s Compo Beach.

For more information (and to sign the waiver), click here.

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“06880” gets tons of photos of bad and/or entitled parkers.

 I reject some many submissions. The bar for egregious behavior is high. For example, a car hogging 2 spaces just won’t cut it anymore. That’s low-level douchebaggery.

So when I glanced at Glenn Payne’s photo, I was ready to toss it. The guy probably just went in to pay cash, I thought. There’s nothing bad here.

(Photo/Glenn Payne)

I confess: I had to ask Glenn what I was missing.

Duh!

Look closely. This one is truly gob-smacking.

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Nature is amazing.

Hard to believe such small insects can make such astonishing creations.

And hard to believe they also strike such fear in us.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Susan Garment’s front yard.

Hopefully not too close to her door.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … last night was International Bat Night.

How did you celebrate?

“06880” CONNECTION: Meat Loaf lived in Westport, a couple of decades ago. He was a regular presence in town, including playing softball at Compo Beach, and coaching a girls softball team too.

(We hope you learn at least one thing new every day from “06880.” We hope too you’ll support your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)

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