In the fall of 2007, Staples Players produced “Beauty & the Beast.”
Directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s adaptation of the beloved fairy tale musical is this week’s “nutshell” — a 17-minute highlight reel filmed and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt.
The dancer, choreographer and actress — and longtime Westporter — turned 100 yesterday.
She trained extensively with Agnes de Mille. In 1943, at 17, she made her Broadway debut in the original production of “Oklahoma!” She is the last surviving cast member of opening night.
De Mille used her again 2 years later in “Carousel.” Other Broadway credits include the title role in “Alice in Wonderland” (1947) and Blanche in “I Can Get It for You Wholesale” (1962).
She made occasional guest appearances through the early 1980s.
In the 1950s, Bambi Linn was half of a ballroom dance team with her first husband, Rod Alexander. They made frequent appearances on TV’s “Your Show of Shows,” “The Colgate Comedy Hour,” “Toast of the Town” and others.
She made her only film appearance as the fantasy Laurey in the extended Dream Ballet sequence in “Oklahoma!” (1955).
In Westport, she and her second husband, dancer Joe DeJesus, taught dance to generations of youngsters.
She also helped with Staples Players’ productions of 2 shows she knew well: “Alice in Wonderland” (1964) and, 10 years later, “Carousel.”
Happy 100th birthday, Bambi Linn! (Hat tip: Paul Malamphy)
Bambi Linn, as Dream Laurey in “Oklahoma!” on Broadway …
… and as Louise with Jan Clayton (Julie Jordan” in the 1945 “Carousel.”
The Westport Senior Center kicks it off on Friday (May 1, 1 p.m.), with a special event featuring Melissa Bernstein.
The co-founder of Melissa & Doug Toys will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about her personal journey through anxiety and depression.
She’ll discuss the tools and insights that helped guide her back into the light, and what she has discovered about finding purpose and meaning along the way.
Melissa is the author of “Lifelines” and “The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Crafting Your Authentic Recipe for Success.” She also curated a collection of stress-relief tools inspired by her own life experiences, available at Lifelines.com.
To register, call the Senior Center: 203-341-5099.
It said that each year, the Connecticut Department of Transportation collects 3,000 dumpsters’ worth of trash and debris from state roads, highways and parking lots.
That’s “8 dumpsters per day filled with bottles, cups, fast-food containers and other waste.”
Susan adds a local note. She writes: “If everyone just disposed of their trash properly, state and town workers could be doing something else.
“I seem to recall volunteers have cleaned trash from the Saugatuck River and its banks, and different parts of town where trash piles up.
“I recall a photo after the 4th of July fireworks depicting all the trash left behind. Of course the town picks it up, but really: Who does this?
I live near a baseball field. After games there are water bottles and trash left behind, despite receptacles close by.
“I walk my dog at the Haskins Preserve. You’d be shocked at the trash and poop bags left in the parking lot.
“The caretaker told me he doesn’t want to leave a receptacle there, because he has seen folks dump their household trash in it.
“As a fitness walker, I see cups, cans and nip bottles along the roads. This is my Earth Day month rant!”
Not a rant, Susan — valid points.
Come on, Westport. Do better!
Staples’ Service League of Boys on Sunday, picking up trash at a baseball field.
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Speaking of the environment: Saturday’s rain moved Earthplace’s 5th annual Toast to the Trees indoors.
But spirits were not dampened. And the celebration of nature was as festive and fun as ever.
Guests walked a “tasting trail,” and toasted with beer selections from 8 breweries. Arts and crafts and other activities designed engaged children of all ages.
Volunteers from the Georgetown Alumni, National Charity League and Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) helped support the event.
Proceeds from Toast to the Trees benefit Earthplace’s nature education programs, scholarships, and community outreach initiatives. For more information, click here.
Plenty of action. at Earthplace’s Toast to the Trees.
With 2 days left in the Westport Downtown Association’s Fashionably Westport silent auction — click here for dozens of items, from food and entertainment to travel and experiences — let’s give a great shoutout to the folks who make it all happen.
And by “all,” we mean Saturday’s fashion show at the Westport Library.
They found dozens of models; arranged for outfits, hair styling and makeup; planned caterers and music; solicited sponsors — and did it all as a benefit for Homes with Hope.
Our (very stylish) hats are off to Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley and his staff: Huong Belpedio, Rachel Katzman, Brian Spurr and Shawn Kapitan.
Great job! Westport thanks you. And hopes you don’t get hired away by Milan.
Westport Downtown Association staff and friends, at Fashionably Westport …
… and president Maxx Crowley. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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Speaking of downtown: Another fitness center is moving in.
Tremble — which calls itself “Miami’s hottest workout” — will take over the 180 Post Road East space formerly occupied by the AT&T store, across Bay Street from Design Within Reach.
The national franchise — with studios in (among other places, the Hamptons, Soho and Darien — says that its “high intensity, low impact heart pumping full body workout … combines the best of strength training, cardio and Pilates inspired movements all in one session on reformers
“We focus on full body functional movements centered around the core that will make you stronger both mentally and physically. TREMBLE classes are conducted in a boutique, upscale environment limited in sizes to give you the attention you need. TREMBLE to the rhythm of curated playlists from our instructors that will get you pumped up and sweaty.”
The Weston resident’s “The Unraveling of Michael” Galler — released May 12 — is a psychological family drama set on Boston’s North Shore, where he was raised.
A book launch is set for The Tailored Home May 16, 2 p.m., The Tailored Home), with a book signing at Barnes & Noble on June 6, also at 2.
Steven Rubin
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Saxophonist Vincent Herring carries on the hard bop tradition of Cannonball Adderley and Jackie McLean. Chatting with Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall before their performance last winter at the Westport Library, they discovered both were enchanted by the music of Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh, disciples of the great pianist and pedagogue Lennie Tristano.
Herring and Wall agreed to perform that exciting music together at Jazz at the Post. The shows are this Thursday (April 30, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399).
They’ll be joined by 3 exciting artists: pianist Steve Sandberg, bassist Yuriy Galkun and drummer Steve Johns. Click here for tickets.
And finally …did you know that the birth flower for April is sweet pea?
(You may find garbage all over town — see the story above. You can keep “06880” garbage-free — or at least, without ads — by clicking here. Thank you!)
But like so many American goods, they’re hardly made here anymore.
For decades, Old Stud Homemade in Los Angeles was just about the only place. Renowned by leather enthusiasts worldwide for one-of-a-kind studded pieces — worn by Leonardo DiCaprio, Lada Gaga, Mick Jagger and Anne Hathaway, among many others — it closed several years ago. (Westporters may remember the belts from the Henry Lehr boutique on Main Street.)
Old Stud Handmade belts.
But Old Stud has a new life.
In Norwalk.
Last year, a team of Connecticut investors — including Westporter Jim Randel — bought the label.
They sent a team of artisans west, for hands-on training. Then they drove a U-Haul, packed with leather hides, tools, machinery, buckles, gemstones and studs back east.
They set up a studio on Silver Street, just off Main Avenue near the Merritt Parkway.
Artisan Josh Geyer at work, in the Silver Street studio. (Photo/Dan Woog)
In January they launched the Old Stud handmade website. Customers, stylists and influencers flocked to order.
But that was just the start.
Tomorrow, Old Stud opens a Studio Shop, adjacent to the workplace. Open Wednesdays through Fridays (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), customers can ring a bell, walk in and shop hundreds of belts and cuffs — or collaborate with the artisans, and design their own.
They can even hang out for an hour or two, and wait for it to be completed.
Speaking of special designs …
They’ll watch craftsmen use traditional leatherworking methods (including a pedal-driven machine).
Old Stud is known for its belts and cuffs. But they also stud jeans and make leather guitar straps, in their Silver Street studio.
Buckles and cuffs, in the Silver Street shop. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and the “Yellowstone” franchise have popularized “cowboy core.” They build on the foundation of a classic American tradition.
Now — thanks in part to a Westporter, in a studio and shop a couple of miles from here — you can look as cool as them.
Just ring the Old Stud Studio Shop bell. And tell ’em Leonardo DiCaprio, Lada Gaga, Mick Jagger and Anne Hathaway sent you.
(For more information click here, email info@oldstudhandmade.com, call 855-378-0859, or follow on Instagram and TikTok @oldstudhandmade.)
(“06880” often highlights interesting local businesses — and much more. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
One of 3 new Ned Dimes Marina gangways, ready for installation. Photographer Eric Bosch says, “they’re long! With a bunch more, you could have a pedestrian walkway out to Seymour Rock.”
Deborah Green — a Staples High School special education teacher for over 30 years, who in retirement continued making an impact through volunteer efforts with the Mercy Learning Center and A Better Chance of Westport — died Friday, after a brief illness. She was 84.
A 1959 graduate of White Plains High School in 1959, and Mt. Holyoke College in 1963, she later earned a master’s in education from New York University, and a certificate in special education from Fairfield University.
Deborah began her professional career as an editor in the Psychology Department at the National Institute of Health in Washington. After relocating to Westport, she married Edwin Green.
She began her teaching career at Vitam in Norwalk, working with students with substance abuse issues. She then moved to Staples, teaching special education for over 3 decades.
Deborah Green
Deborah’s post-retirement volunteer work at Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport included teaching immigrant women studying for their GEDs.
She was also very proud of her work with A Better Chance of Westport, which provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color, as well as Norwalk Grassroots Tennis and Education, a non-profit organization that provides tennis and academic support to underserved youth.
Her obituary calls Deborah “caring, adventurous, thoughtful, liberal, supportive, and generous. She truly immersed herself in the community of Westport, fostering many wonderful friendships through her participation in tennis, book clubs, knitting circles and volunteering.”
She was a frequent patron of the arts, spending free time at Lincoln Center to watch orchestra, opera and ballet performances, and at art museums.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Lawrence Hirsch; daughter Katherine (Paul) Curtin of Rowayton; step-son, William (Linda) Green of Telluride, Colorado; step-daughter Theresa (Ettore) Cosentini of Uzzano, Italy; grandchildren Emma, Julia, Quinn, Tessa, Amelia, Sophia and Matteo, and step-grandchildren Anna, Henry, and Jillian.
She is also survived by Lawrence’s children: Neil (Molly) Hisch of Ridgefield, and Michelle (John) Arnold of Noank.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Steven Gross and Jeffrey Gross, her husband Edwin Green, and granddaughter Annie Curtin.
A celebration of life will be held at Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home in Fairfield, on Friday, May 15 at 11:00 am.
This week’s edition of yesterday and today — Dave Matlow’s photos of Westport homes pre-teardown, and their replacements — continues in the North Avenue/ Long Lots Road neighborhood.
The project — created in the spirit of TED Talks, bringing passionate speakers with compelling stories and thought-provoking ideas to local communities — debuts at the Westport Library on Sunday, September 13 (4 to 6 p.m.).
A planning group headed by Sholeh Janati is identifying 8 presenters, to speak for 10 minutes each. Potential topics include the human mind, body, soul and health, creativity, communication, the environment, dreams, music and art, money, housing, sobriety, competition, technology and artificial intelligence.
The 6th annual Westport Downtown Association event — a benefit for Homes with Hope — packed the Westport Library.
But whether you were there or not, there’s still time to bid on dozens of auction items. Categories include art, beauty, entertainment, experiences, fashion, food and wine, health and wellness, jewelry, sports, travel and more.
The Homes with Hope team, at Fashionably Westport. From left: Katharine Murray, Thomas Samaranayake, Sarah Carusone, Mary Ann Hendrick, Helen McAlinden (president and CEO), Paris Looney, Katie Weldy, Jocelyn Boursiquot, Carmen Ayala. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The organization — which has expanded greatly since its beginnings with a few boys baseball teams — now includes a robust softball program.
More than 150 players and their families kicked off the 2026 Westport Little League Softball season Saturday, at Meyer Field.
Two special guests were honored: Jeff White, chair of Westport Baseball & Softball, and Jen Bonitata of ASF Logo Wearhouse.
Together, they threw the first pitch to 8th graders Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon.
Joining the event were many sponsors, including Anderson Septic, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Headliners Salon, Keeler Automotive, NAYA, Office Evolution and Sasco Pediatric Dentistry.
Jeff White and Jen Bonitata flank Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon. (Photo/Regina Calderone Photography)
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Yesterday’s Minute Man races were competitive. They were fun.
They were also very important for a group of people who don’t always get a chance to compete.
The myTeam Triumph community was there for the 5K, delivering not just a race but a powerful reminder of what inclusion, teamwork and community spirit look like.
MyTeam Triumph pairs individuals with disabilities (“captains”) with able-bodied athletes (“angels”), to participate together in endurance events. It is a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to cross the finish line.
Sixteen captains took part in the Women’s League of Westport event, including first-timers Gene and Jenn.
They were joined by over 70 angels — runners who push, guide and support the Captains. Many also participated for the first time.
Among the new faces were Levi and Ryan, who brought friends and family as part of their bar mitzvah service project.
Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) again lent their hands.
And finally … Wayne Moss, a guitarist and producer who played on well-known recordings by Roy Orbison, Tammy Wynette and others, died last week in Madison, Tennessee. He was 88, and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was confirmed in a statement from his family.
The New York Times says, “He was one of the three guitarists who played the indelible staccato riff that ignites (Roy) Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ …. He also improvised the filigreed guitar phrasing on Bob Dylan’s ‘I Want You’ (and played on Tammy Wynette’s crossover smash ‘Stand By Your Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.
(Three very different songs — all connected. Just like “06880” — we deliver great variety every day, all part of our shared community. If you like our this local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Staples High School students face relentless demands on their time.
School (and tutors), sports, music, drama, clubs, work, college … all take up insane hours.
But a couple of hundred students find time to volunteer with the Service League of Boys.
Throughout the year, SLOBs (great name!) assist a variety of projects around town. From non-profit fundraisers to the “06880” historic homes tour, their free labor ensures that events run smoothly.
But that’s not all.
Every spring, all the SLOBs take part in a Service Weekend. With parents, they fan out throughout Westport — and beyond.
You may have seen them this weekend, in their SLOBs shirts — 300 strong.
They picked up trash in parks. They power-washed outdoor furniture for seniors at The Saugatuck co-op. They partnered with the Y’s Men, to clean the riverfront near the Westport Library.
Slobs with Y’s Men, near the Levitt Pavilion and Library …
One group worked in heavy rain at Longshore, getting facilities ready for summer. All told, there were over 20 projects this weekend.
… and Longshore …
SLOBs president Rei Seltzer says, “Many of us are leaving Staples soon, including me. It has been fun to meet so many people around town through our volunteering efforts. I hope you can show my appreciation for all our volunteers, and to let everyone in the community know that we are working hard.”
Of course! Thank you, Staples Service League of Boys, for all you’ve given to all of us.
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