Category Archives: Totally random

Roundup: WASA Dog Video, Orphs Alumni Caroling, Night Side Drones …

Posted on December 16, 2024 | 14 comments

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates is one of our town’s hardest working, most effective nonprofits.

Their primary focus is attending to the needs of impounded dogs at Westport Animal Control. WASA provides funds for vet care, exercise and training.

They perform home and reference checks, to ensure the canines are placed safely in loving homes.

WASA runs a small fostering network for homeless dogs from other Connecticut animal control facilities, or that come from Fairfield County residents and must be rehomed.

WASA also assists pet owners who struggle financially to provide vet care and adequate nutrition for their pets.

Whether you’re a dog owner, dog lover, or stay far from Winslow Park and off-season Compo Beach, WASA’s year-end video is well worth watching.

It was produced by Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Brandon Malin. He began volunteering with WASA at age 7, and has been a great fantastic friend to them (and their dogs) ever since.

Brandon is also an exceptionally talented photographer and videographer.

WASA notes: “We ‘stay in business’ because of the support we receive from Westport residents, businesses, and town departments. We are not subsidized by the town of Westport.”

Click here to support WASA. Click below to see Brandon’s great WASA ’24 video.

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Attention, Staples Orphenians alumni — and everyone else who loves our high school’s elite a cappella group!

An “Orphs Alumni” Christmas caroling event is set for downtown Westport, this Friday (December 20, 3 to 4 p.m.).

Singers will meet at the Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church parking lot.

Orphs: Bring your voices. You’ll have a great time.

Downtown shoppers: Bring your ears. You’re in for a treat.

In 1980, George Weigle led these Orphenians on a downtown Christmastime caroling stroll. Will some alumni from this group — now 60 years old — be back on Main Street on Friday?

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Speaking of the Staples Music Department: With musicians and audience members still on a high after this weekend’s Candlelight Concert (and everyone else kicking themselves for not getting tickets), here’s one more look at the 84th annual gift to the town.

Kevin Mazzarella is in his first year as band director at the high school. But it’s clear from the photo below — as he leads the symphonic band, symphonic orchestra and choral ensembles (including dozens of alumni) in Saturday’s rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale — that he’s as excited by Candlelight as everyone else from the past 8 decades.

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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For a while, strange drones have been spotted over New Jersey.

Now there are reports that they’re hovering above other Northeast states.

Richard Fogel spotted this in the Westport sky, around 8:50 p.m. Saturday night.

Is it a drone? A plane? An Unidentified Anomolous Phenomenon (previously known as “UFO”)?

Click “Comments” below. But please: No tin hats!

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Speaking of strange sights: Our “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”

But we never expected to see this sight, from deep in the heart of Texas (Plano):

Ellen Wentworth’s cousin spotted it, and sent it to her.

Yee haw!

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With its winter semester near, Westport Library’s Verso University has announced 8 new courses. They are:

Poet of Wonder: Robert Frost (January 8, 15, 22; 10:30 a.m. to noon). Explore Frost’s work with Westport poet laureate Donna Disch in a 3-part seminar. Delve into all that is “lovely, dark and deep.” Each session will focus on a different selection.

Suspicious Papers: A Vintage Ephemera Collage Workshop Series (January 8, 15, 22; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Artist and ephemera dealer Alesia DiFederico explores mixed media collage using authentic bits of history, inks, paints, and imagination. Creating art is for everyone; the joy is in the do

Exploring Wines of Italy (January: 9, 16, 23, 30; 3 to 4 p.m.). Sommelier Barbie Messa leads a wine tasting class that dives deeply into Italy’s rich traditions.

 Storytelling for TV and Film (January 9, 16, and 23; 6 to 7:30 p.m.). Scriptwriter Gigi Rios New helps explore the fundamentals of storytelling for the small and big screens, plus script formatting techniques.

Leadership Literacy (February 5, 12, 19, 26; 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.). Harvard leadership scholar Barbara Kellerman focuses on studying literature about concepts of power, authority and influence.

 Tarot 101: A Journey to Self-Discovery (February 5, 12, 19, 26; 2 to 3 p.m.). Author, astrologer, and tarot expert Maria Sofia Marmanides teaches the 78 cards of tarot.

Write, Craft, Create: A Wellness Practice in Making Handmade Cards
(March: 5, 12, 19; 1 to 2 p.m.). Instructor Kerstin Rao, the Westport artist behind Vivid Cottage, provides a safe space for participants to tap into their feelings and craft earnest messages.

Introduction to Ikebana (March: 13, 20 & 27; 10 a.m. to noon). Sogetsu Ikebana is a modern form of the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging, using living materials. Shizue Pleasanton teaches the aesthetic discipline and traditional principles of the form.

For information on Verso University courses, including registration, click here.

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First, an owl was affixed to the Westport police station tower.

Now an eagle has joined them.

Okay, it’s not a real one. But it still qualifies for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the newest addition to the police station tower (story above):

(When we figure out Westport drone mystery, you’ll read about it first on “06880” — just like you do so often, on so many topics. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Library, Staples HS, Totally random

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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)

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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.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Media, Staples HS, Totally random

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Westport’s Bench Mystery Deepens

Posted on September 26, 2024 | 16 comments

Earlier this month, “06880” posted a story about a bench.

It mysteriously appeared on a reader’s lawn one night — cemented into the ground.

An inscription on the back read: “Have a great day at school today. Be nice to each other.”

Perhaps it was accidentally installed at the wrong house?

No one knew. (At least, no one responded in the Comments section.)

Now, the plot thickens.

Ellie Magnuson writes: “As a follow-up to your article about the mystery bus stop bench, I thought Westporters might get a kick out of knowing it’s a serial situation.

“I know of 2 that popped up in Old Hill. Word is there’s at least one more, somewhere on North Avenue.

The Old Hill bench. (Photo/Ellie Magnuson)

“All showed up out of the blue, wrapped and installed in concrete with a chain. All with the same positive inscription.

“What wasn’t mentioned regarding the first one is that there are initials (I’m assuming) on the back as well.

“My crack team of investigators (including my kids, ages 13 and 11) have deduced that it may have been a family project, given the 3 ‘initials’ letters, and the fact that our bench seat back was installed backwards and the concrete ended up being more for show.

Initials on the bench. (Photo/Ellie Magnuson)

“Whatever the case, particularly now that we know we can easily pull it up and move it if we need to, we’re thankful to the mystery bench giver for our new place to sit while we wait for the bus!”

This may be Westport’s best community mystery since the pandemic yarn bomber.

If anyone has information on the back story of the bench gifter, click “Comments” below.

Or, perhaps, don’t. Who doesn’t love a great unsolved mystery?

(From large events to small, “06880” has got our town covered. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

16 Comments

Posted in Totally random, Westport life

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Roundup: Mystery Bench, Middle School Playhouse Program, Jaws …

Posted on September 8, 2024 | 8 comments

One of the most popular subjects on Facebook’s Westport Front Porch page is “wrong deliveries.”

Nearly every day, someone posts a photo of a package outside a door, saying: “Amazon (or FedEx, UPS, etc.) says they delivered this package to me. But this is not my house. Did anyone get this by mistake?”

Just as regularly. similar posts note: “This was delivered today, but it’s not mine. If you know [name of intended recipient], please tell them I have their package.”

A different kind of mysterious delivery photo appeared yesterday. Here it is:

The text explained: “This bench mysteriously appeared on our lawn some time last night, cemented into the ground. I’m thinking maybe it was accidentally installed at the wrong house. Anyone recognize?”

Here’s a close-up of the inscription:

No one said they were missing a bench (and cement).

But many folks wished they got that delivery too. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

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Westport Country Playhouse knows the importance of introducing young people to the theater.

This fall, they introduce a new children’s education program.

Playhouse Playmakers is a 6-week program for middle schoolers. They will create an original play — including writing, acting, rehearsing  and production — culminating in a performance on the Playhouse stage for family and friends.

Playhouse Playmakers runs on Sundays from October 13 to November 17 (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The performance is November 24. Class size is about 15 students.

Program directors Evette Marie White and Stacie Morgain Lewis promise creativity and fun.

The fee of $575 includes technical rehearsal, materials, and 4 tickets to the performance. Five scholarships are available, covering the full cost of classes and transportation reimbursement.

For more details and to apply, click here. For questions about the program or scholarships, email educationteam@westportplayhouse.org.

Stacie Morgain Lewis (left) and Evette Marie White.

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The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is September 19 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).

Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, interior designer, HVAC contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, physical therapy, promotional products and more.

In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.

All visitors must pre-register. Contact debra.lomma@therealreal.com, cmagistrale@hearstmediact.com, or stc@warefressola.com. Click here for the BNI website.

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This summer marked the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster “Jaws” film.

It’s taken half a century, but the famed shark — or at least a boating facsimile — finally arrived on the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Westport resident Lina Elwood, a freshman at Hopkins School, recently participated in a 2-week music festival in Warsaw, Poland.

She performed at 6 concerts, as a top prize winner of the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition.

The most memorable was with the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra at their concert hall, where she played Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Piano Concerto No.2 in G minor.

The pianist also received the Best Performance of a Chopin Work Award from the president of The Fryderyk Chopin Society of Warsaw.

Lina has won prizes at local and international competitions, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Vilar Performing Arts Center in Colorado, and Conservatoria de Musica in Spain.

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Doris Ghitelman says — while sending along today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — “so lovely to still have Monarchs in Westport!”

(Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

Did I miss something? Are they gone, or going? And we are talking about butterflies — not kings — right?

Please clue me (and, maybe) a few other readers in.

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And finally … in honor of “Jaws,” and the Saugatuck River:

(“Jaws” is 50 years old. “06880” is only 15. But in that time, we’ve never missed a day. We keep pumping out everything you need to know about our town. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)

 

 

8 Comments

Posted in Arts, Local business, Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: CT Challenge, Chariots Of Fire, MAD Magazine,

Posted on July 29, 2024 | 5 comments

Every year, the CT Challenge draws thousands of bike riders. They ride up to 100 miles on scenic roads, raising millions of dollars for cancer survivors.

It’s a team effort — including volunteers.

On Saturday, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore joined members of Westport’s National Charity League, helping at the Mile 17 rest stop in front of Redding Town Hall.

Among the riders who stopped for water (and moral support): Westport Public Schools assistant superintendent John Bayers (2nd from right in photo below), and Westporters Roy Kim (front left) and Victor Garra (back right, without helmet).

The group completed 77.9 hard-earned miles.

2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, with riders in Redding. 

Westport’s National Charity League volunteers (from left): Megan Lott, Deanne McGuinn, Maya McGuinn, Ella Moore, Jaden Tracey, Sonja Tracey, Andrea Moore, Stephanie Bulkeley, Kate Bulkeley.

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It’s a simple gesture — and one that most folks driving past the Imperial Avenue office building opposite Jesup Road don’t notice.

But anyone walking or jogging past hears music coming from a small speaker, placed strategically on a tree stump at #27-29.

Yesterday’s selection was particularly apt: “Chariots of Fire.” The film is about 2 runners training for the Olympics — the 1924 Games, in Paris.

Rachel Markus says, “I’m grateful to whomever has decided to share their music!”

The speaker (lower right) plays music that inspires joggers on Imperial Avenue. (Photo/Rachel Markus)

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Everyone of a certain age remembers MAD magazine.

Now — in a new book exploring the impact of the satirical publication on American life and culture — Mary-Lou Weisman remembers it too.

The Westport writer’s remembrances of cartoonist Al Jaffee is one of 28 essays. She is joined by (among others) Roz Chast, R. Crumb, Adam Gopnik and Art Spiegelman.

“The MAD Files: Writers and Cartoonists on the Magazine That Warped America’s Brain” will be published in September. Click here for details.

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Hundreds of youngsters painted rocks yesterday, with the help of Compo Beach Playground Committee members, at the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

Some that were drying were not picked up by their “owners.” They can be claimed today, on the Soundview seawall.

(Photo/Totney Benson)

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A home on Morningside Drive has multiple deer feeders.

As this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, that’s a lot better meal for homeowners than bushes and flowers.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … if the “Chariots of Fire” story above got you thinking about Vangelis’ electronic-sounding music theme song, you’re in luck! Just click below … it’s a winner.

(“06880” is your gold medal hyper-local blog. Like amateur athletes, we rely on the support of our fans. Please click here to help [us, not the Olympians]. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Media, Totally random

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On The Road To Pan Handle In Westport

Posted on July 7, 2024 | 55 comments

It sounds like a good news/bad news joke.

A realtor tells a client, “I found the perfect house for you.”

(Beat)

“It’s on Pan Handle Lane!”

Of course, despite its down-at-the-heels name, the little street off Red Coat Road is just as desirable as most other Westport addresses.

In fact, on the market right now: a Pan Handle Lane home for $4.975 million.

6 Pan Handle Lane: 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 7,435 square feet, on 2.51 acres.

But the unfortunate address highlights an interesting aspect of Westport life: our street names.

Where did “Pan Handle Lane” come from? Did no one say, “That might not be the best idea?”

For that matter, what about Red Coat Road? Those guys are the reason we fought an entire war of independence. And we reward them with a street?!

(To be fair, Blue Coat Lane lies a couple of miles away.)

Nearly 250 years after the Revolutionary War, Westport remembers Red Coats and Blue Coats.

One man who thinks a lot about Westport names is Alex Drexler. A 5-year resident, he still finds new names to wonder about.

What he knows, he passes on to his 2 children.

As they drive around town, they talk about the Sherwoods. Passing Minute Man Hill, he tells them about, well, the redcoats and bluecoats.

But he wants to learn more, about Westport history, and its street names.

Of course, they’re often intertwined.

For example, families in what was then colonial Fairfield divided land into narrow strips, from just north of the “Boston Post Road” all the way to Redding.

Every so often, “highways” crossed them.

You see where this is going, right?

Today, we know 2 of those streets as “Long Lots Road” and “Cross Highway.”

The oldest home in Westport is on Long Lots Road, near Fairfield.

Alex is not the only one who wants to know more about the origins of Westport’s street names.

Many other “06880” readers do too.

Who hasn’t wondered about Fermily Lane, Fresenius Road or Smicap Lane? Rumpenmile Avenue? Wynfromere Lane?

We know a bit about families like Gault, Lehn, Meeker and Parsell, all of whom have roads named in their honor. But we can always learn more about why they’re located where they are.

Who was Wright, Sturges, Bulkley, Gonczy, Hyde and the man who had a circle named for him, Dr. Gillette?

How about all those first-name street names: Barbara, Donald, Elaine, Jackie, James, Jennie, Loretta, Marc, Mary Jane, Scot Alan, Sue and Victoria?

It makes sense, given the Native Americans who lived here first, to have Pequot Trail and Arrowhead Lane. But Apache Trail and Hiawatha Lane? That tribe, and that leader, lived nowhere near here.

Hiawatha was a chief of the Onondaga tribe. He helped establish the Iroquois (Five Nations) Confederacy. They were primarily in what is now New York State, Ontario and Quebec — not Fairfield County.

So here is today’s question: What do you know about the names of Westport’s roads, streets, lanes, avenues, drives, circles and terraces?

We want histories, and back stories. Click “Comments” below, and/or email 06880blog@gmail.com. We’ll compile your submissions into an upcoming piece. 

Here’s one, to start things off: Roosevelt and Quentin Roads — which connect to each other, and are accessible at different points off Compo Beach Road — were both named after Theodore Roosevelt’s youngest son. Quentin Roosevelt was killed in his airplane over Normandy on Bastille Day, during World War I.

And — according to Woody Klein’s history of Westport — Teddy Roosevelt himself spent summers in Westport, as a boy.

Theodore Roosevelt and his son Quentin.

(Where else but “06880” can you learn such interesting, important and random stuff about our past — and our present? If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Looking back, Real estate, Totally random, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #2605

Posted on June 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2605

A quick break from enjoying the Soundview Drive sculpture. (Photo/David Feig)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2605

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Totally random

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Westport Tech Museum: Bigger And Cooler Than Ever

Posted on April 29, 2024 | 9 comments

I’ve posted over 17,000 stories on “06880.”

It takes a lot to make my Top 10 Favorites list. But Jay Babina’s is on it.

A year ago, I toured the Westport Tech Museum.

Most people had never heard of it. Unless you’re a family member or friend, you can’t get in.

That’s because it’s in the attic of the teenager’s home.

But there — on shelves and desks, and in display cases — I found an astonishing collection of 500 computers, video games, calculators, cameras, radios and more.

Jay has created a fascinating, educational, fun, nostalgic and very, very cool tour of American technology.

From a Commodore Amiga 1000, Osborne 1, Apple IIe and an original Macintosh, to a 1914 Victrola that still plays, 1910 Edison light bulb that still shines, and a 1905 crank telephone that still rings, Jay has scoured the world (and eBay) to find rare, important, classic, quirky and historic products.

Many of them are famous and now obsolete. Some are long-forgotten failures. All make up our technological timeline.

This wide-angle view captures only part of the Westport Tech Museum. (Photo courtesy of Jay Babina)

For those lucky enough to gain admittance, this may be the greatest attic in America. And Jay is an eager, informative tour guide.

You can read last year’s story here. For an update on what’s new since last May, read on.

One of Jay’s proudest additions is a Sony reel-to-reel tape recorder.

And not just any one. This is the same model that ended Richard Nixon’s presidency, when Watergate discussions were recorded on it.

The type of reel-to-reel tape recorder that brought down a president.

Jay points to the tape on his machine and jokes, “This is the missing 18 1/2 minutes.” (For an 18-year-old, he has a remarkable knowledge of history.)

An original Asteroids machine is enhanced by an actual game token from Arnie’s Place. Jay’s father — who grew up in Monroe — visited the Westport arcade as a youngster. (For whatever reason, he kept the souvenir.)

Asteroids amused countless kids (including Jay’s father) after its 1979 release. It’s playable today, in Jay’s museum. An Arnie’s Place token sits above the center button.

Jay found the first Polaroid camera model — in 1948, it was also the first instant camera in the world — on eBay. It cost him only $40.

He now owns the pay phone used in “Witness.” And not just the type — this is the actual phone used in the filming.

How does he know? Diligent research matched the telephone number shown in small print on it, with that in the movie.

Jay has a NeXT computer — Steve Jobs’ failed company from 1996 — as well as a bit of fabric from the Apple (and NeXT) founder’s turtleneck.

Long after it faded from memories, Jay’s NeXT computer still works.

He’s got a 1992 Motorola “brick” phone (it’s hard to believe people made calls on something like that) and a 1939 View-Master toy (it’s hard to believe people were excited by those stereoscopic images).

A 1939 View-Master. You put the disc (right) in the viewer (left), and saw — wow — a 3D image!

It’s a shame — but understandable — that Jay’s museum is not open to the public.

Fortunately, it is online. Click here to enter; then bookmark it, and return often.

Meanwhile, scroll down for a photographic tour of one of the most intriguing places in Westport — and far beyond.

And one that is on my Top 10 out of 17,000+ favorite “06880” stories ever.

(You can also find the Westport Tech Museum on Facebook; click here. And Instagram; click here.)

Hey, kids! This is how your parents (and grandparents) once connected to the internet: with a Texas Instruments monitor, keyboard — and dial-up phone modem.

A 1992 Motorola cell phone — called a “brick,” for obvious reasons.

A working Palm Pilot fits in Jay Babina’s palm.

Did you “witness” this phone in the movie of that same name?

Jay’s museum is not all about technology. An exhibit on the 1980s includes New Coke (“the biggest product flop in history”), and the much more successful California Raisins and Cabbage Patch Kids. (All photos/Dan Woog, unless noted)

(Westport is filled with intriguing people, doing way cool things. “06880” finds them, and shares them with the world. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in technology, Teenagers, Totally random

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Roundup: Political Donations, Dante, Matthew Modine …

Posted on March 30, 2024 | 3 comments

In the 13 months ending in February 2024, President Biden raised $3.17 million in individual contributions from Connecticut residents. Donald Trump brought in $1.4 million.

But, CT Mirror reports, Trump leads in the number of individuals who donated since last April: 31,708 to 5,925.

Westport is one of only 2 Fairfield County towns in which Biden drew more individual donations than Trump: 188 to 99. The other town is Sherman (10 to 2).

Click here for the full story, including an interactive map.

Donation map, showing which candidate had more donations in each Connecticut town. Biden is blue, Trump is red.

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Just in time for Easter, the full soundtrack for “Dante: Inferno to Paradise, Part 2: Resurrection” is available for streaming.

Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer (and Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate) Brian Keane scored the music — his latest success, in a wide-ranging career of writing, producing and recording.

Click here to download.

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Speaking of video:

Matthew Modine (“Oppenheimer,” “Full Metal Jacket”) will be at the Westport Library for a free screening of his new documentary, “Downwind” (April 11, 6:30 p.m.)

He’ll  be joined by his producing partner, Adam Rackoff. They’ll discuss the movie afterward, then answer audience questions.

“Downwind” tells the story of what happened after the events depicted in “Oppenheimer.” It focuses on Mercury, Nevada, the testing site for 928 large-scale nuclear weapons from 1951 to 1992.

Featuring members of the Shoshone Nation and many others affected by the radioactive fallout from those tests, the documentary “uncovers the US government’s disregard for everyone and everything living ‘downwind.’”

“Downwind” currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Happy Easter weekend!

Jolantha – Weston’s favorite pig –was inspired by a poem by Wordsworth. As she gets ready for tomorrow’s holiday, she is “dancing with daffodils.”

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Speaking of Easter: Pam Docters spotted these decorations on Wilton Road, in yesterday’s spring-like weather.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Spotted this morning in the Compo Beach area:

(Photo/Richard Gabor)

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Tuesday, April 2 is “Donation Day” at Shake Shack.

Mention “Donation Day” at the register or drive-thru, or use the promo code “Donateburger” on their app.

Shake Shack will give 25% of your total meal price to the Cancer Couch Foundation, a breast cancer research organization.

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There have never been bathroom facilities at Old Mill Beach.

And — judging from the reaction after a port-a-potty was proposed for the small stretch of sand — there never will be.

But one intrepid owner of a parking garage (for nearby homes) facing Sherwood Mill Pond has solved the problem:

(Photo/Oliver Radwan)

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Dr. Alice Paul was one of the early 20th century’s most prominent women’s rights activists.

She was one of the keys to the passage of the 19th Amendment, and in 1923 introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.

Dr. Paul was a 40-year resident of Ridgefield.

On April 13 (2 p.m.), the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a talk with Darla Shaw, who worked with Dr. Paul for many years, here in Fairfield County. The public is invited.

Dr. Alice Paul

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Last year’s 1st-ever National Drinking with Chickens Day was such a success, Wakeman Town Farm is bringing it back.

Next months event (May 23, 6:30 p.m.) features live music by Luke Molina, light bite including pizza by Tony Napolitano, craft cocktails by mixxed.by.ed, and guest appearances by the WTF flock.

Tickets to the hen party are $100 each. Click here to register … then shake a tail feather.

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Bobbi Essagof spotted this dove — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — on her Saugatuck Avenue deck.

“Peace ahead?” she wonders.

From her lips to …

(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)

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And finally … speaking of chickens (see story) above:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and your source for everything Westport-related, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, History, Library, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Totally random

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Roundup: Athletic Field Lights, Jewish Broadway, Staples Tuition Grants …

Posted on March 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Athletic Field Lights, Jewish Broadway, Staples Tuition Grants …

In November of 2011, High Point Road residents reached an agreement with Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission and Parks & Recreation Department regarding the hours that lights at the Staples football stadium (now called Paul Lane Field) could be used. Noise regulations were included too.

The agreement included any other lighted fields in town (the only other one is PJ Romano, behind Saugatuck Elementary School. (Click here to read it.)

The agreement has now expired. Next Thursday (March 28, noon, Zoom), the P&Z’s Recreation Committee will discuss lighting policies for all town athletic fields.

It will also review “Dark Sky compliance and sports field lighting.”

Paul Lane Field at Staples High School. (Photo/Robin Wolfe-Scheffler)

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The Westport Country Playhouse has just added 2 intriguing events.

“A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” features Ari Axelrod, as part of the new “Mic in Hand” series.

The May 8 cultural celebration honors the songs and stories of Jewish composers, and their crucial contributions to the American musical.

Axelrod says, “Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived. ‘A Place for Us’ highlights this in its exploration of Jewish Broadway.”

The show was presented first last year to a sold-out house, as the first Mic in Hand (a spin-off of the Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand series). This year’s show will include more songs and musicians. Click here for tickets, and more information.

On Saturday, March 30 (2 p.m.), “table-top puppetry meets pro wrestling meets a rock show; high art meets low art meets Samuel Beckett.”

Kayfabe — an hour-long “frenetic frenzy of puppet wrestling action,” is “a semi-autobiographical meta-fictional love letter to professional wrestling, written, directed and designed by aspiring wrestler and inspired puppet artist Josh Rice.”

It is recommended for ages 13 and up. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Ari Axelrod

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A snafu with FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — has delayed college financial aid decisions for many high school students.

As a result, applications for Staples Tuition Grants — the 81-year-old program that last year awarded $407,000 to more than 100 members of the Class of 2023, and other graduates already in college — are down from this time last year.

STG officials urge students to submit applications before the April 22 deadline — even without knowing specific aid packages from universities.

Also down this year: contributions to the STG General Fund. The organization relies on donor support — along with endowed funds — to help close the gap between what college costs, and what students’ families can afford

More than 500 individuals, families and organizations donated to Staples Tuition Grants in the 2023 fiscal year. To help reach that number again, click here.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between March 13 and 20.

A man was arrested for assault, and intimidation due to bias/bigotry, after a fight at St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health. The incident was unprovoked, and occurred because of the victim’s race.

A woman was charged with issuing a bad check over $2,000, following a complaint by a local business owner.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
  • Speeding: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Assault: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to renew license: 1

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Sorelle Gallery’s newest exhibit opened yesterday. Abstract artist Teodoro Guererra will be featured through April 10.

Guererra uses impasto techniques, with thick coats of paint layered over each other for a light 3-dimensional effect. Click here for more information.

Teodoro Guererra’s works, at Sorelle Gallery.

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La Plage’s Mother’s Day menu is set (click here to see).

It’s May 12 (noon to 7 p.m.; $95 3-course prix fixe; $55 for young adults). Reservations are required: 203-684-6232.

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We’ve all heard the tale that it’s only possible to balance an egg upright on the spring equinox.

That’s not true. There is no gravitational change that day; if you have the right egg (and a ton of patience), you can do it any day.

But Marie Gross tried Tuesday night (technically, the day after this year’s equinox). Here’s the result:

(Photo/Marie Gross)

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Dana Kuyper was the first Westporter to photograph the 2024 ospreys, at Fresh Market. We posted her image yesterday.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows the first close-up of the magnificent raptors:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … we’re not sure exactly what songs will be sung at the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming “Celebration of Jewish Broadway.”

But it’s sure to be filled with …

(Here’s a great tradition: supporting “06880.” Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Athletic Field Lights, Jewish Broadway, Staples Tuition Grants …

Posted in Arts, Local business, Local politics, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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