Category Archives: Media

Candlelight Concert Wows Worldwide Audience

Posted on December 20, 2020 | 23 comments

Staples High School’s Candlelight Concert is always special. The 3 performances are the hottest ticket in town. For parents, other Westporters and alumni who attend, it marks the true start of the holiday season.

The coronavirus impacted the concert, as it has every other aspect of life. This year’s event — the 80th annual — went virtual. Choirs, orchestras and bands were recorded earlier this month. Performers and conductors were (of course) masked and socially distanced.

But one of the unexpected and joyful consequences of COVID is that this year’s Candlelight was extra-special.

Ryan Smith used several cameras to tape the performances. Brandon Malin led a superb high school lighting crew. The Staples Music Parents Association’s decorations turned the gym into a concert hall.

With the help of many, you’d never know this was the Staples High School gym. (Photo/Brandon Malin)

I was honored to be asked to conduct interviews with former music instructors and alumni. George Weigle and John Hanulik’s now-grown children, alums like Suzanne Sherman Propp, Shirah Lipson and Jon Gailmor — all provided perspectives, augmented by the current talented, passionate directors.

The Staples musicians were — as always — spectacular. Astonishingly, they had had only one in-person rehearsal a week together — and that was with only half the group. The other half was learning remotely.

Add in the fact that they performed apart from each other — no easy feat — and this truly seems like a holiday miracle.

A screenshot of the orchestra during last night’s livestream.

Nearly 3,500 people logged in to last night’s Candlelight Concert. The total audience probably reached 5 figures, as many viewers watched with family and friends.

They were watching in Westport, of course, but all over the world too — California, France, you name it. We know, because the “chat” function was filled with chatter. Strangers became fast friends, posting memories and praising the current crop of young musicians (and their teachers).

It was something old, something new. It was fresh and different — but there was still the processional, “Sing We Noel,” and the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

It was the Candlelight Concert, COVID -style.

A screenshot of Luke Rosenberg conducting a choral ensemble. (Screenshots courtesy of June Whittaker)

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Posted in Arts, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Bennewitz On The Boyers: Arts Pioneers Draw New Attention

Posted on December 19, 2020 | 12 comments

As town art curator, Kathie Motes Bennewitz has spent years fleshing out full narratives of our earliest generations of artists — the men and women who established Westport’s reputation as an “artists’ colony.”

The first painters and illustrators arrived around 1904. Ralph and Rebecca Boyer joined them in 1923. Like many others — then and now — they had young children, and found Westport a better place to raise a family than New York City.

You may never have heard of the Boyers. But Bennewitz has.

In fact, her essay “A Seeing Eye for Beauty in the Everyday World: Ralph L. Boyer (1879-1952) and His Daughter Rebecca Boyer Merrilees (1922-2012)” is part of a new book.

A Life in Art: The Boyer & Merrilees Families was just published by the Northern New England Museum of Contemporary Art. It includes over 100 full-color images, covering the art they created from 1907 to 2010. Most was done right here in Westport.

The Boyers lived in Coleytown. It was far from the center — but their neighbors included James and Laura Gardin Fraser, Oscar and Lila Audobon Howard, and Kerr and Phyllis Brevoori Eby. James Daugherty lived nearby, in Weston.

The Boyers’ antique saltbox had been the home of illustrator Clive Weed. Known as the Aaron Burr Adams house, it still stands on Easton Road, near Bayberry  Extension.

Boyer built a small studio, on a hilltop. He had sweeping views of the Aspetuck River, where the stream widens into a lake (now part of the Newman Poses Preserve). When he was not painting, Boyer was fishing.

“Landlocked Salmon No.1 (c. 1924-1935),” etching and drypoint. Inscribed: “To my friend James Daugherty with deepest regards Ralph L. Boyer.”

Boyer’s favorite drawing and etching subjects included haying on the Coley farms, trees along the Saugatuck River and fly fishing on the Aspetuck. His etchings of trout, salmon and bass capture their grace of movement.

He also painted portraits of key community members and artists. During the Depression he received important WPA mural commissions. His most famous — the “History of Fire” series — hangs in the Westport fire station today.

Along the Saugatuck (mid to late 1920s), etching and drypoint (Ralph Boyer)

His daughter Becky graduated from Staples High School in 1939. Her yearbook called her “one of the town’s most expert badminton players, as well as one oits leading younger artists.”

After Pratt Institute, she became an accomplished commercial illustrator. She was most renowned for her botanic work.

In 1960 she became the first female artist with a Reader’s Digest cover (a painting of ferns). She drew 8 more covers, all botanical.

Becky and her husband Douglas Merrilees moved to Northfield, Vermont in 1961. There he developed what is now called the “Made in Vermont” movement. She continued to draw nature there.

Artwork by Rebecca (Becky) Boyer Merrilees.

Bennewitz’s essay was inspired by a generous donation to the Westport Public Art Collections by Becky Boyer Merrilees in 2012, just months before she died. It included etchings and sketches by her father, watercolors by her mother, and beautiful paintings by Becky, along with art by Kerr Eby.

The Boyers’ time here — particularly the early years — must have been quite  something. In 1931, the Boston Evening Transcript described Westport like this:

An extensive permanent colony of painters, etchers, sculptors, typographers and printers of 20 years (who) have established themselves in the fabric of the town…

A very attractive social structure has sort of accumulated, so that Saturday evenings the year ‘round are very jolly indeed.…

They are friends, they are people. They fish and skate and ride and sail sloops and swim and have children. They gossip — dear me! How they gossip, and they are as easily friendly as any group you could imagine.

(Click here to buy A Life in Art: The Boyers & Merrilees.)

“Self-Portrait” (Ralph Boyer)

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Posted in Arts, Looking back, Media

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Jose Feliciano’s “Feliz” Turns 50

Posted on December 16, 2020 | 5 comments

In the fall of 1970, José Feliciano needed one more song to round out his upcoming Christmas album.

It took just 15 minutes to bang out a tune. The lyrics were simple yet warm; the melody, joyful and catchy. When he added a jangly cuatro to his guitar — and recorded it in just one take — he had a smash.

Fifty years later, “Feliz Navidad” remains one of the greatest holiday songs of all time.

It’s a worldwide classic, right up there with Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” and Nat King Cole’s “Christmas Song.” Of course, José’s tune is a lot livelier than those chestnuts.

Now, as it reaches the half-century mark, “Feliz Navidad” is enjoying renewed attention.

Jose Feliciano

Last month, José released a revamped version. It includes nearly every genre imaginable. The 30 artists from 9 countries include  Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jason Mraz, Gloria Gaynor, Styx, Sam Moore, CNCO, Isabela Merced, Shaggy, Jon Secada, Rachael Ray,  Big & Rich and Los Temerarios.

Michael Bolton sings too. But that’s not the only local connection to Feliz’s 50th.

A global livestream concert is set for this Sunday (December 20, 7 p.m.). Feliciano will be joined by Andrés Cepeda, Austin Jenckes, Haley Reinhart and Kalsey Kulyk.

José Feliciano is a longtime Weston resident. Assumption Church parishioners know him from his Christmas Eve entertainment there; Westport Y members see him working out at the gym.

Much of the livestream was recorded at Norwalk’s Factory Underground studio.

Jose Feliciano and his wife Susan, at home in Weston. (Photo/Dorothy Hong for Wall Street Journal)

In a normal year, José would be performing all over the world. He’s spent previous Decembers everywhere from South America to the Vatican. (He also sang “Feliz” one summer in China. The audience joined happily in.)

In 2020, the pandemic kept him home. So he worked on many 50th anniversary projects — not just the livestream, but books (in English and Spanish), an animated film, merchandise like a stuffed bear and t-shirts, and more.

José and his son Jonnie spent Labor Day weekend in their home studio, recording answers to questions that people might ask Alexa about Jose.

This has been another active month. The other day — accompanied by Jonnie on drums, and his other son Michael on bass — José appeared on Jimmy Fallon. It too was taped at Factory Underground.

He’s also been on CBS’ “Sunday Morning” and Telemundo. He gave interviews to the New Yorker, Billboard and the AP, among many others.

“Feliz Navidad” is “simple and joy-filled,” José says. Its long-running popularity has been “a blessing” for him and his family.

The other 7 billion people on the planet appreciate it just as much. So, from José Feliciano’s Weston home, to the rest of the globe:

Feliz Navidad
Próspero año y felicidad!

Click here for tickets to Jose Feliciano’s December 20 livestream. Click here for the link to the 50th anniversary recording on Amazon Music. Click here for all 50th anniversary information.

FUN FACT #1: “Feliz Navidad” has been recorded by everyone from the Three Tenors to the Wiggles. But Feliciano’s favorite versions are the videos sent in by fans, singing it themselves.

FUN FACT #2: “Feliz Navidad” is #10 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart. (Hat tip: Mike Pryor)

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Remembering Gloria Cole Sugarman

Posted on December 15, 2020 | 6 comments

Gloria Cole Sugarman — long-time Westport resident, national and local journalist, social justice advocate, and expert cook and hostess — died peacefully on November 29, of COVID-19. She was 93 years old.

“She lived a vibrant, rich life,” her family says. That’s certainly true.

Gloria covered events ranging from the trial of Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers to innovations in laser surgery. Her favorite assignments included interviews with Eleanor Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra and Paul Newman.

In 1981 she won a Matrix Award from the Association for Women in Communications.

Gloria Cole

Gloria was a prodigious interviewer. After moving from New York, where she worked as an interviewer for the Tex and Jinx radio show, she was among the first journalists to join the staff of Fairpress, where she was known as the “fastest typewriter in the East.”

Co-workers and fellow Westporters Mary-Lou Weisman and the late Shelley List became her close friends. The staff was slim in the early days, so Gloria willingly wrote obituaries and wedding announcement as well as feature articles.

She soon turned her strong interviewing skills on local celebrities, like Erica Jong.

Besides reporting, Gloria conceived, designed and edited arts and leisure sections for Fairpress and the Stamford Advocate. She also wrote regular travel and entertainment features and personality profiles for the New York Times, Connecticut Post and Westport Magazine.

In her later years she married the love of her life Tracy Sugarman, a renowned artist, illustrator and author. They were wed for 13 years, before he died.

Gloria was a high-spirited, affectionate, accomplished woman who loved to dance, entertain and cook. She was famous for her July 4th fireworks parties, held on the patio of her waterfront home on Owenoke.

Gloria Cole Sugarman with a painting by her husband, Tracy Sugarman.

She is survived by her children Loren, Michael and Suzanne. and 6  grandchildren: Rebecca, Jacob, Benjamin, Ellie, Elijah and Madeline. Her grandson Daniel predeceased her.

The family will hold a memorial service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, they suggest donations to charities supporting civil and human rights, and social justice.

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Roundup: Dead Bunker, Deer, Tyler Hicks, More

Posted on December 15, 2020 | 4 comments

Some Westporters have been alarmed at the number of dead bunker washing up on the shores of the Saugatuck River, Compo and Old Mill Beaches and Sherwood Mill Pond.

Other Westporters say, “no big deal. Happens every year.”

Longtime Old Mill resident Don Bergmann sends along info — passed to him by town conservation director Alicia Mozian and compliance officer Gillian Carroll — that explains a lot about the phenomenon.

Bottom line: “This year, higher than usual numbers of the fish congregated in the Sound, and they missed their cue to start heading south because the water in the sound stayed warm into the fall. As the water temperature dropped in October and November, the supply of algae and plankton for bunker to eat diminished, leaving the fish hungry and cold and causing a small percentage to die and wash ashore.”

The good news: There are plenty of healthy, live bunker in our waters.

Click here to read the full report, in the CT Examiner. It’s fascinating!

Sherwood Mill Pond yesterday (Photo/Kendall Gardiner)

On Sunday, the New York Times published its annual “Year in Pictures” section.

It’s not complete without a contribution from a Westport photographer.

This one comes from Tyler Hicks. The Pulitzer Prize-winning 1988 Staples High School graduate captured the COVID pandemic in Manaus, Brazil, with a poignantly colorful shot, from high above, of newly dug graves. Up to 100 people died each day in the Amazon’s biggest city.

“Trees and brush were cleared to create more space for caskets as the death toll rose,” Hicks wrote.

“Private grave sites gave way to long trenches dug with earth-moving equipment.”

May 25, 2020, Manaus, Brazil (Tyler Hicks, for the New York Times)

No one likes deer in their yard. Except for these 2 on Soundview. They’re okay.

(Photo/Susan Ford)

Need help with heating bills? Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program assists low-income home owners and renters 

To qualify you must make below 60% of the median income ($72,394 for a family of 4). 

Westport residents can call 203-384-6904 to apply. Residents in other Connecticut towns should call 1-800-842-1132.

For a month or so now, night after night, people all over town have heard tremendous BOOMS!

From Old Hill to Greens Farms, they awaken Westporters. They come in waves. They’re annoying — and very, very loud.

According to the best guesses on social media, they’re the result of some guy (it can’t be a woman) in a souped-up car engineered to piss people off. If that’s true, he’s succeeding.

And if not — well, what are those sonic blasts, anyway?

And finally … there’s lots o’ Christmas music in the air. But this song seems to have dropped out of the rotation.

What a shame. It’s a classic. It’s fun. And the message is timeless.

 

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Posted in Economy, Environment, Media

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Roundup: Wakeman Tree, Snow Day, Feliz Navidog, More

Posted on December 14, 2020 | 2 comments

The annual Wakeman Town Farm Christmas tree lighting celebration — a fun family affair filled with music, a bonfire and homemade treats — was one more victim of COVID.

But the tree is still lit!

Bill Constantino (a Wakeman relative), WTF steward John Montoni and Bert Porzio’s great tree company made sure of that.

“We see it as a beacon of light and hope,” Wakeman Town Farm says.

Westporters can enjoy it — from the safety of their cars — any evening.

Or you can just appreciate it here:


————————————————

Just a thought:

With substantial snow predicted for Wednesday night, does that mean there’s a possible school snow day on Thursday?

Or with everyone now used to distance learning, will officials simply say, “Everyone work from home!”?

If that’s the case, then the end of snow days — a wonderful winter tradition — could be an unintended (and really bad) long-lasting COVID consequence.

Winslow Park snow day, March 4, 2019. (Photo/Molly Alger)

Last month, “06880” featured “Feliz Navidog.” The picture book by Ari Halper and his Saugatuck Elementary School daughter tells the tale of how Santa’s pet dog saves Christmas. (I won’t give the ending away. But it’s a quick read.)

Sales skyrocketed. Among the purchasers: Lori Levine van Arsdale.

She’s not the only one enjoying the book. Watson van Arsdale seems to have found a kindred canine under the tree.

(Photo/Lori Levine van Arsdale)

Yesterday I posted 2 photos of last night’s spectacular sunset. This morning I added 2 more.

All were taken by (or on) the water.

But nature’s beauty was on display all over town.

Chuck and Mimi Greenlee live way north (well, near Merritt Parkway Exit 41, anyway).

Here’s their view:

(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

And finally … here’s a salute to Raymond Egan. He wrote songs for vaudeville and Broadway, from World War I through the Roaring ’20s and depressed ’30s.

Egan lived in Westport, and died here in 1952, age 61. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.

Among his tunes: the 1921 foxtrot “Ain’t We Got Fun,” “Kaiser Bill,” “You’re as Welcome as the Flowers in May,” and the gruesomely titled, absolutely non-PC “Mammy’s Little Coal Black Rose.”

Fun Fact #1: Egan’s song “Hand in Hand Again” was remixed and covered by Midnight Syndicate on their album “The 13th Hour” in 2005.

Fun Fact #2: Egan’s son Ron, who grew up in Westport, is now a professor of East Asian languages and cultures at Stanford University.

(Hat tip: John Kelley)

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Posted in Environment, Media, Organizations, Weather

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And Now We Pause For Techno Claus

Posted on December 13, 2020 | 3 comments

Each year at this time we all gather ’round
“CBS Sunday Morning” — Techno Claus does expound
On gifts that delight, excite, awe and thrill
They are light-years away from mere run-of-the-mill.

For all these are tech-y, hip, neat and way cool
The kind of a present that makes us all drool
Like a special Zoom lamp and self-heating mouse
And a tiny Alexa for all parts of the house.

So why, you must ask, is Dan shilling this show
On his all-about-Westport “06880”?
Well, the great Techno Claus has gone North Pole rogue
In fact he looks just like our own David Pogue.

So wherever today’s special TV show reaches
From mountains to mesas, and cities to beaches
The whole USA sees ol’ Claus jogging down
The street that he lives on in our little town!

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Posted in Media, People, technology

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Roundup: Sophie’s Rock, Kids’ Masks, Slow Down!, More

Posted on December 12, 2020 | 1 comment

Sophia Grace was loving, sweet, courageous and radiant.

She was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and debilitating genetic disorder. She died just after her 1st birthday.

In her memory, Sophia’s Hope raises awareness of the disease, as well as funds to cure it. As part of its education campaign, people paint a fun, cheery design on a rock; they print a message on it, then place it somewhere people will see it. They also spread the message (with the tag @sophias.eb.hope) on social media.

Sophia was the daughter of Westport Public Schools employee Tricia Lash’s friend and coworker. Tricia has painted this rock, and “hidden” it downtown.

If you see it, you’ll know the story.

But whether you find the rock or not, you can click here to help Sophia’s Hope.

(Photo/Tricia Lash)

As the weather cools, most Westporters crank the heat. But what if you can’t?

The town’s Department of Human Services’ “Warm-Up Fund” helps needy residents heat their homes.

It’s an ongoing problem. Last year, donations helped over 250 residents warm their homes during a relatively mild winter.

This year — who knows?

“The winter will be particularly challenging for households facing unstable employment, food insecurity, and financial vulnerability,” says DHS finance manager Susan Stefenson.

“Unfortunately, the number of households in need is growing due to the pandemic.”

The Westport Warm-Up program is funded entirely by donations. Recipients must be Westport residents, and demonstrate financial need.

Tax-deductible gifts are accepted online (click here) or by mail: Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT 06880.

For more information or to request assistance, email humansrv@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1050.

Today’s Wall Street Journal features 4 kids, describing their “darnedest masks.”

One is Westport’s own Charlie Diamond.

Charlie describes a Star Wars mask, with comfortable ears and ships. Much better than those basic blue ones we adults wear! (Hat tip: John Karrel)

We see these little guys all over town — in parking lotscul-de-sacs and driveways.

“Slow down!” they warn. “Kids at play!”

This one at Staples High School met an untimely end.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Hey — at least it’s plastic. Not flesh and bones.

Slow down!

And finally … Sam Cooke was murdered 56 years ago yesterday. The gospel-turned-soul singer with the other-worldly voice — an important influence on the likes of Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Billy Preston — was just 32 years old.

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Roundup: Candlelight Concert, Dead Fish, Gingerbread Houses, More

Posted on December 10, 2020 | 2 comments

Staples High School’s 80th annual Candlelight Concert will look nothing like the previous 79.

But it will still look very cool.

Yesterday, “06880” described this year’s COVID format: a livestream on December 19, with recorded performances and intriguing interviews. (Click here for details, and a registration link.)

Staples senior Brandon Malin was the lighting director for last weekend’s taping. It was a professionally produced event, as befits the music department’s traditional, beloved gift to the town.

Here’s what it looked like, when the masked, socially distanced musicians arrived:

Dead fish continue to pile up on the shores of Compo and Old Mill Beaches.

They’re bunker. They form large colonies, deprive themselves of oxygen, and die. It’s unusual though for it to happen so late in the season.

Patricia McMahon composed this grim but natural collage:

(Photo collage/Patricia McMahon)

Who doesn’t love gingerbread houses? But who has time to make them?

Members of the Westport Woman’s Club, that’s who.

They’ve created 20 gorgeous (and non-edible) houses for a special fundraiser.

Click here to see all of them. For a $20 ticket, you’ll be entered in a random drawing. It’s a great way to help the Woman’s Club fund many worthy projects. Tickets can be purchased at the link above; in person at the club (44 Imperial)Avenue, or mailed to the above address.

A few of the gingerbread houses.

Bruno Guiduli is a key defender on Staples High School’s soccer team.

But this winter, he’s scoring — not preventing shots. He’s shooting on a small cutout banner in his yard. By scoring 2,020 times, his “goal” is to raise money and increase awareness of TOPSoccer, a nonprofit that embraces children and teenagers with intellectual, emotional and/or physical disabilities. Players develop at their own pace, in a safe, fun and nurturing environment.

Bruno has set up a page for donations, while he shoots. Funds help special needs players participate. “No one should be turned away due to financial challenges,” he says.

“Soccer has been a source of competition, challenge and discipline,” Bruno says. “It has taught me the value of teamwork and reaching a goal (no pun intended). So I want to help kids of differing abilities reach their goals. and experience a similar love for the game as I do every day.” Click here to donate.

Bruno Guiduli, with the TOPSoccer goal he’s shooting at.

Dave Briggs is a pro.

The former CNN, Fox News and NBC Sports anchor’s Instagram Live interviews (@WestportMagazine) are consistently compelling and clever.

And I’m not just saying that because I’m his guest today (5 p.m.). Check us out!

The other day, Nile Rodgers testified before Parliament. The world-famous singer/guitarist/musician/arranger/producer told British lawmakers that streaming platforms should pay musicians more. He said he realized the situation when COVID curtailed his touring.

I’ve never been inside his Saugatuck Shores home. But if the Daily Mail photo below of his testimony — livestreamed, of course — was taken there, it’s got some pretty impressive decorations. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

(Photo courtesy of Daily Mail)

And finally … today marks the first night of Hanukkah. Don’t let the light go out!

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Organizations, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Home Sales, Crossword Contest, Oyster Boat, More

Posted on December 9, 2020 | 7 comments

Wesetport’s real estate market continues to sizzle.

44 houses closed in November, up 63% from November 2019. The average closing price was 101.1% of the list price.

The average home spent 148 days on the market, down 38% from November 2019.

There were 72 houses pending (properties with signed contracts) on November 30, with an average list price of $1.96 million. (Hat tip: Chuck Greenlee)

Getting a spot for the Westport Library’s crossword puzzle contest can be tougher than solving a Saturday in the New York Times.

This year, it’s easier than a Monday.

The 22nd annual event is set for Saturday, February 6. This year it’s virtual — so there’s no limit to the number of attendees.

But some things never change. Times puzzle editor Will Shortz will again host. In addition to the puzzles, he’ll offer original word games and answer everything-you-always-wanted-to-know questions.

There are prizes for the winners. And this year — as you solve at home — you won’t have to look at everyone around who has already finished and think, “Wow, I might be the stupidest person here.”

Click here to register.

A small portion of the 130-plus puzzlers last year.

Recent “06880” stories and photos about the Catherine Wedmore oyster boat have intrigued many readers.

But she’s not the only oyster vessel in Long Island Sound.

The S.W. Sheppard regularly plies our waters, near Cockenoe Island. Here she is, hard at work:

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

The Westport Police Department, Westport Human Services Department and Mental Grit Fitness are partnering for a holiday food drive scheduled. The dates are Thursday and Friday, December 17 and 18 (12 to 4:30 p.m.). The site is the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Contactless drop-off is available, from the trunks of cars.

All donations benefit needy families through Homes with Hope, and those affiliated with the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP.

Non-perishable items needed include:

  • Canned, jarred and boxed goods including chicken, salmon, Spam, tuna, fruit, applesauce, vegetables, soups/stews, peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauces, pasta, macaroni and cheese
  • Breakfast items like granola, breakfast bars,  cereal
  • Toiletries and cleaning products like paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, sponges, sanitizing wipes, laundry detergent.

For more information, contact Andrew Berman: 203-733-1194; andy@mentalgritfitness.com.

And finally … on this date in 1851, the first YMCA in North America opened its doors — in Montreal.

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Posted in Environment, Library, Media, Police, Real estate

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