jason bird’s “Parlor of impossibilities”: impossible to miss show at delamar
I expected to be impressed, amazed, even awed, at magician/mentalist Jason Bird’s intimate “Parlor of Impossibilities” Sunday at the Delamar Westport.
I did not expect to have the most mysterious, “magical” night of my life.
His card tricks were astonishing, sure. I’m still reeling from some of them.
But the evening — one of his first 2 “residences” at the hotel, in a small room decorating like a private parlor of old — was so much more.
From opening a sealed box with lotto tickets that matched exactly 6 random numbers chosen by audience members, to showing a watch that matched precisely the time of birth of another guest, Jason’s show was absolutely mind-blowing.
Not to mention his whole don’t-try-this-at-home razor swallowing trick. (The 5 blades emerged — from his unbloodied mouth — arranged neatly on a string of floss.)
“Parlor of Impossibilities” has to be seen to be believed. (Though 2 days later, I still can’t believe what I saw.)
Fortunately, you can. Jason returns to the Delamar November 22 and December 13. There are 2 shows each day, at 4 and 7 p.m.
Click here for tickets, and more information. You won’t be disappointed.
Only gobsmacked. And transported into a new dimension.
MOONRISE!
Speaking of magical: How about last night’s moonrise?
“06880” was flooded with photos. Here’s one of the best, from Howard Edelstein on Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Howard Edelstein)
Here’s a bonus shot, of Arabela Hayes having fun with the full moon:
(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)
GARDEN CLUB REAPS 2 reWARDS
Congratulations to the Westport Garden Club!
The 102-year-old organization won 2 big awards at last week’s 97th Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut ceremony.
One was the Award of Excellence — Civic Development.
For nearly 50 years the Westport Garden Club, in partnership with the Grace Salmon Trust and the town of Westport, has transformed a former landfill into the vibrant Grace Salmon Park and Pollinator Pathway along the Saugatuck River.
Cub members recently restored 4 garden beds with 100 perennials and 100 native plantings, added educational features, and continue enhancing the park’s ecological, educational and recreational value.
The 3-acre park was created in the 1970s when the WGC initiated a project to reclaim a former municipal landfill and marshland. Designed by landscape architect Eloise Ray (1905–1995) and named after Westport civic leader Grace Salmon (1869–1937), the park opened in October 1977. It has been maintained by WGC members ever since.
The second award was a Certificate of Appreciation — Louise Demakis
For more than 20 years she has served as the historian for Westport Garden Club. Through extensive research she wrote a 118-page history, “From White Gloves to Wheelbarrows.”
The book chronicles the club’s 100-year evolution from 1924 to 2024, highlighting its major projects and the changing role of gardening through the decades.
The Westport Garden Club, with help from Parks & Rec, maintains 5 garden beds at Grace Salmon Park. From left: WGC Civics Chair Joellen Bradford, member Patricia Buckley, past president Ginger Donaher.
Y’S WOMEN HOST GOVERNOR HOPEFULS
This month, the Y’s Women have heard from the 2 men running to be governor.
On October 12 they hosted State Senator Ryan Fazio, the Republican who is also running as an Independent.
Yesterday, Democratic Governor Ned Lamont joined them at Green’s Farms Church.
Both made presentations, then took questions.
Fazio emphasized middle class tax relief, caps on property tax and electric rate reductions.
Lamont focused on his 8 years in office, including balanced budgets, pension debt paydown and housing growth .
Ryan Fazio and Ned Lamont (Photo/Vera De Stefano)
HALLOWEEN HOME HIGHLIGHTS
Today’s Halloween decorations are from 3 different houses. All are on Mayflower Parkway, near Compo Road South.
Trick or treat!
(All photos/Susan Garment)
modern love: crash landing a plane, rebuilding a life
Every Sunday, the New York Times’ “Modern Love” column offers a thought-provoking essay about relationships.
Old, young, happy, sad, complex, simple, straight, gay, polyamorous, lusty, loveless — each week, writers invite readers into their most intimate lives.
This week’s essay — harrowing and compelling — was by a Westporter.
Robin Bonnist wrote about the afternoon 3 years ago when her husband, flying them both to a family reunion, blacked out during the approach to Martha’s Vineyard.
Pinned on one side by his body, she somehow crash landed the plane.
He died 5 days later. She grappled with the aftermath.
Fourteen months later, her mother was dying in Florida. Could she confront her demons, and board a plane to say her final goodbye?
Robin’s column is masterfully written. It is also a lesson in resilience.
The author’s note says she is working on a memoir about her experience. It will be well worth the read.
Click here for Robin Bonnist’s New York Times “Modern Love” story.
Robin Bonnist
MARRY ME!
Speaking of marriage: You never know what you’ll see at Compo Beach.
On Sunday, it was this proposal:
It worked!
Moments after Nathan Greenbaum saw that, there was this:
(Photos/Nathan Greenbaum)
If the wedding is at Compo Beach, we’ll cover that too.
MEGHAN SCHECK: OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR!
Congratulations to Meghan Scheck!
The Staples High School English teacher has received a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.
An Outstanding Educator “shapes young minds in meaningful ways —thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Each year, new UChicago students nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, and made a positive impact in their lives. Scheck was selected by a Chicago Class of 2030 member.
Meghan Scheck
LIBRARY BOOK SALE NEAR; VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Westport Library Big Fall Book Sale — featuring thousands of gently used books, vintage vinyl, CDs, DVDs, artwork, puzzles and more — will attract thousands, from November 6 to 9.
Every purchase — from rare collectors items and fiction to the room dedicated to children’s stories — supports the Westport Book Shop’s mission of providing meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, while also raising vital funds for the Westport Library. For more information, click here.
Library book sales are run entirely by volunteers. More hand are still needed. Helping with setup, assisting shoppers and keeping things running smoothly are 3 ways to help. Click here to sign up.
The Westport Library Book Sale needs you!
STITCH HAVEN CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
Stitch Haven’s new location at 420 Post Road West is both different, and familiar.
The look is fresh. But the same knowledgeable, passionate staff is on hand, to help with every crocheting and knitting need.
A grand opening is set for this Friday (October 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) There’s a raffle every hour (must be present to win), and an ice cream truck from 1 to 3.
yanov taubenhouse headlines jazz at post
Pianist/composer Yaniv Taubenhouse headlines Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (October 29, shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner at 7).
A classically trained artist whose style channels Chic Corea, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, he’ll be joined by bassist Dan Montgomery, drummer Jerad Lippi and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
MOCA PANEL PROBES POWER OF ARCHITECTURE
Speaking of the arts: On Saturday, MoCA\CT hosted conversation exploring walls, division, and the power of architecture to bring people together.
The event — part of the museum’s current exhibit featuring Rich Shaefer’s monumental charcoal drawings in “Colossi” – was sponsored by the CORA Foundation.
MoCA\CT executive director Robin Jaffee Frank (left), with panelists.
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
This hunter’s moon has brought “06880” photographers out in droves.
Today’s almost-Halloween-ish “Westport … Naturally” image was captured by Michael Szeto.
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
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And finally … in honor of Jason Bird’s unfathomable magic show (story above):
(It’s not magic. We just work our 8-balls off every day to bring you all the news, information, insights, features, photos and more about Westport that we can. Please help us by clicking here. Thank you!
Success can be measured in many ways. One student recently won the Nantucket Film Festival — and with it a chance for meetings in Los Angeles with studios and agents.
