After nearly 8 years, I still suck at estimating how hard or easy the Sunday Photo Challenge will be.
Some weeks, a dozen or more readers nail an obscure location, or odd image.
Other times, they swing and miss at what I am sure is a softball pitch.
Last week was one of those instances when an inordinate number of you struck out.
You may not have known what the black thingamabob shown in Amy Schneider’s photo was. (A do-it-yourself bicycle fix-it station. Click here to see.)
But the background — complete with a bit of the Gillespie Center in the corner — was sure to give it away.
It didn’t.
Only Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Jerry Kuyper, Andrew Colabella and Jonathan McClure recognized the site as Jesup Green, by the Westport Library.
Incorrect guesses included Compo Beach, Old Mill Beach, Longshore, Town Hall and Winslow Park.
There are similar bike fix-it stations at those locations. (Though only the Library and Town Hall are listed on the Dero company’s map, helpfully linked to by Susan Eastman.)
Andrew Colabella notes said that there are 4 sites in town — gifts from an anonymous resident. Matt Murray added that he’s never seen any of them used.
Now you know.
But do you know this week’s Photo Challenge?
I have no idea.
(If you do — or think you do — click “Comments” below.)
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 11, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: WTF Harvest Fest, PAL Golf, EMS Band-Aid …
One of the hottest — and coolest — tickets in town is for Harvest Fest.
The annual Wakeman Town Farm event — their biggest fundraiser of the year — is set for September 14 (6 p.m.).
Held at the Farm grounds, it features seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, 2 live bands, and wine and signature cocktails.
There is also a live auction, including culinary and travel experiences like private chef dinners in the WTF’s Tim’s Kitchen, VIP trips, a Wine Wall, and a paddle raise to help fund the renovated barn.
For over 70 years, the Westport Police Athletic League has been a friend to kids. Through athletic programs, scholarships and more, they’ve helped generations of youngsters.
Their fundraising golf tournament has been around for “only” 62 years. But it’s one reason the PAL can do what it does.
This year’s event is September 9 (10 a.m. check-in, Longshore Club Park). The day includes a shotgun start, the golf tourney, cocktails and dinner (plus raffles and prizes).
If Band-Aid is as great as its name is clever, next month’s Westport Emergency Medical Service fundraiser will be quite an event.
A Band-Aid helps stop bleeding. That’s part of an EMT’s job too. And, 2 great bands — Teacup Sallie and Vintage — will play on September 14 (5 to 8 p.m., Cedar Point Yacht Club).
Band-Aid will also feature DJ Mo. Food is available from Big Green Truck Pizza.
100% of ticket proceeds will benefit Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Click here to purchase, and for more information. (Hat tip and promotion: Judy Michaelis)
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A large crowd filled the Sheffer Barn yesterday, for a Westport Country Playhouse tag sale.
The historic theater put hundreds of items up for sale: clothes, autographed posters, and other memorabilia and items.
Among the shoppers: Staples Players co-directors David Roth and Kerry Long. They scooped up plenty of bargains for their costume room,
One prize was a Santa suit. It will come in handy for their fall production: “Elf.”
They’re looking for more Santa suits too. If you’ve got one (or more), email shsplayers@westportps.org.
David Roth, with his Santa suit. He needs more! (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Also yesterday: a sold-out (okay, “full” — tickets were free) crowd packed Levitt Pavilion, for a great show by Ollabelle.
The gospel/folk/mountain music band recently played the Kennedy Center and Caramoor. Now they can add more prestigious venue to their list.
Tonight (7 p.m.): The Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.
They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation. Click here for free tickets.
Last night at the Levitt Pavilion (Photo/Susan Garment)
And finally … today is National Hip Hop Celebration Day.
It was made official by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer last July, following the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
This is — from a few sources, anyway — the best-selling hip hop single of all time:
(“06880” is happy to promote the many worthy fundraisers, by many great organizations, in Westport. We’re a non-profit too, and we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: WTF Harvest Fest, PAL Golf, EMS Band-Aid …
It’s time for another installment of our “06880” Question Box.
This is the feature in which I try to answer readers’ questions.
I don’t have all the answers. But our readers — in their collective wisdom — might.
Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
And, as always: If you have a question for our box, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
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I have noticed a resurgence of lawn signs around town.
I thought we had a town ordinance about what types of signs can be displayed, where they can be displayed, and the number of them.
Many of the traffic islands are maintained by private or corporate entities that spend a lot of time and money maintaining and beautifying those areas are inundated with lawn signs.
Who (if anyone) is responsible for overseeing what is compliant and what is not? Can you shed some light on this? (Anonymous)
There are definitely rules. Town regulations say:
Temporary signs advertising charitable events may be placed on town property. They require approval by the chief of police, P&Z director and Parks & Recreation director (or their “designated representatives”). Qualifying organizations (“i.e., local non-profits”) must fill out a request form — including proposed locations.
There’s a maximum of 15 signs for each event. They can’t be placed more than 2 weeks before the event, and must be removed within 2 days. Maximum size is 2 feet by 3 feet.
In addition, signs cannot be placed on school property without permission of the superintendent’s office; or “within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore”; or on Town Hall property, trees or utility poles, or in any way that interferes with traffic visibility.
Political signs are considered “an expression of free speech,” and are allowed on public property. But the guidelines above also refer to “temporary signs for political purposes.”
With a presidential election 3 months away, be prepared for an onslaught of signs. (This was the scene a few years ago — without presidents on the ballot.)
Signs on private property require owner’s approval. It is “suggested” that they be removed within 2 days after the publicized event or election.
The town does not control — and is not responsible for — signs on state property. Town guidelines say, “It is not advisable” to place signs on property, rights of way and islands on Route 1, 136, 57, 33 and the Sherwood Island Connector, or the I-95 and Merritt Parkway ramps.
The Planning & Zoning Department is responsible for enforcing the sign regulations. Several years ago, 2 members took this responsibility into (literally) their own hands.
Town and state workers also remove signs in their right of ways for grass cutting. Any sign in a sight line can be removed if it is a safety hazard.
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Were the large marble spheres atop the pillars at the Longshore entrance originally from the bowling alley that used to be where BevMax and Jordan’s Pizza are now located?
Every time I walk by Longshore and remember many evening spent at the bowling alley, I wonder. (Mary Ann Lindwall)
(Photo/Joyce Barandarian)
Interesting question — and one I never wondered about. Of course, the “bowling ball” would have been decorative, not functional. It’s a bit big and heavy to roll down an alley.
I have no idea of the answer. But I’m sure Jack Backiel — whose family owned Westport Lanes — will weigh in.
Meanwhile, look closely at this photo. It was taken from behind the entrance, looking toward Compo Road South.
(Photo/Ken Palumbo)
There was a little figure behind the ball. And one on the other side of the entrance too.
They’re “foo dogs” (aka “Chinese guardian lions”). For decades, they were a hidden Westport treasure. No one knew who put them there, or why.
Some time in 2022, they disappeared. If any “06880” reader knows the answer (or can shed light on their disappearance), click “Comments” below.
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What is the highest elevation in Westport?
Is it High Point (ha ha), or some Hill: Charcoal Hill, Bluewater Hill, Burying Hill, Turkey Hill, Clapboard Hill, Summer Hill?
My guess is somewhere in the Old Hill section. (David Squires)
Another interesting one.
I’ve always heard it’s Tower Ridge, off Bayberry Lane.
Back in the (1950s) day, that was near the Nike missile complex. The missiles themselves were housed on North Avenue, where Bedford Middle School stands. (They lined the long entrance to the school — when you think about it, it’s a strange topographical feature, right?)
The launch site itself — where the command to fire them would come (in order to destroy incoming Russian missiles targeting Bridgeport defense factories) — was on Bayberry Lane.
It was chosen because of its high location, compared to the surrounding area.
The Nike missiles were (thankfully) never launched. The soldiers’ barracks became what is now the Aspetuck Health District office. The concrete launch site was transformed into the Westport Astronomical Society’s observatory.
Is Tower Ridge next door higher than some nearby Bayberry Lane property?
I don’t know. But that’s the story I’ve heard, and I’m sticking to it.
The Westport Astronomical Society hosts public events, like eclipse viewing parties. The observatory no longer bears the Rolnick name. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
Back in the 1980s — or maybe even the ’70s — someone spray painted these words on the stone wall where Soundview Drive meets Hillspoint and South Compo Roads: “I’m not giving up, Smedley.”
I ran by that wall multiple times a week. Those words became my mantra, including during Ironman training and company building.
They are my “rosebud.” I even named one of my companies “I’m not giving up, Smedley.”
I was in Westport a few weeks again. I ran at Compo Beach, and the remains of that spray painting are still there, 40 or 50 years later.
Do you have any idea who spray painted that on the wall? (Jeff Matlow)
That’s a new one on me! I never saw it, or even heard of it.
But I’m sure someone in Westport has the back story. If you knew Smedley, click “Comments” below.
The “Smedley” wall. (Photo/John McCarthy)
(Question Box appears regularly on “06880.” If you enjoy this — or any other feature — please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.
The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.
The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).
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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.
Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.
So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.
The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.
There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.
Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.
All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.
Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)
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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.
These 3 say it all:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
(Photo/JD Dworkow)
Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.
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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).
The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.
Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.
They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.
Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.
Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.
For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.
B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.
They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).
This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.
Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.
In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.
The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.
She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.
Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).
His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.
A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.
The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.
All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.
And guess which putter they’ll use?!
Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.
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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.
That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).
Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.
All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.
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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?
Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.
“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”
The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).
It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.
Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events
“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.
On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.
A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.
And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.
Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:
Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.
After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.
(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
After many months of asking — okay, pleading — nearly every artist has included a description of the medium they used, when submitting their work this week.
I thank you. And so do the many “06880” readers who enjoy this feature, and want to know everything they can about the art they see.
As always, no matter what subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Homage to Manet” — pastel on paper (Maj Kalfus)
“The Earth in a Tray” — goldleaf, copperleaf poured in acrylic (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Boat Lift at Five Mile River in Rowayton” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)
“Homeward Bound” (Tom Doran)
“White Lily” — composite creation, combining digital photographic elements processed through AI and Photoshop (Ken Runkel)
Untitled — needlepoint (Diane Yormark)
Photographer Mike Hibbard explains: “The gypsy girl is startled by the low altitude flyover of a jet fighter patrolling the border in the Thar Desert between India and Pakistan.”
“Gone Aground” — watercolor and charcoal (Steve Stein)
“Bus Stop Relaxation” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
The first day is August 27. Time to buy new clothes. Pick up supplies.
And find a tutor.
For a decade, parents unwilling (or unable) to fork over thousands of dollars — or whose kids don’t really vibe with another adult teacher type — have had an alternative.
Top Hat Tutors — originated and still run by Staples High School — is a team of 60 juniors and seniors.
They offer tutoring and support in a wide range of academic subjects. This year they’re adding SAT and ACT prep, and (in partnership with Staples National Music Honor Society), lessons on a variety of instruments.
Top Hat is not limited to Staples. Tutors come from Weston and Wilton too. They tutor in Fairfield also — and at the middle and elementary school levels.
Rates are $50 an hour for an individual student. Group sessions add $25 per student. Reduced rates are available, upon request.
A special program matches low-income students with a tutor for a free session every other Sunday.
Tutoring takes place in students’ homes, libraries, book stores — wherever there is little distraction. Online tutoring is also available.
A key to Top Hat’s success is that every tutor has taken the classes they tutor. Some even had the same teacher as the student they work with. So the tutors not only understand the content; they’re intimately familiar with the actual course.
Vice president Megan Sargent and president Ryder Levine lead this year’s Top Hat Tutors.
Some clients are tutored weekly. Others call for one session — when, for example, a big test looms.
Clients tip their hat to Top Hat. In the dog-eat-dog world that is school today, it’s nice to have young pups around.
(Click here for the Top Hat website. To request a tutor, click here. To apply for the free tutoring program, click here. To apply to become a Top Hat tutor, click here.)
(Here’s another smart move: Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)
In June, Jack Whittle posted a photo on Facebook’s “Old Photos From the Westport of Our Youth” page.
He added a simple caption: “If you know, you know.”
Westporters knew.
Over 300 of them commented on this shot of Mel Mioli.
And — at a time when we argue about everything, and anyone with a keyboard can say anything they want — every comment was positive.
Actually, they were more than that. The comments about Mel, his brother Joe, and their long-lived and much loved Westport Pizzeria, were heartfelt.
Many were grateful. Some — recalling the inexpensive pizza slices, no-nonsense toppings, and the owners’ generous, community spirit — were positively orgasmic.
Westport Pizzeria — as simply named as its décor — may not have been Westport’s first pizza place.
But — in an era when literally dozens of restaurants sell pizzas, in every style from New York to California, Chicago to Detroit, and with far more topping choices than Heinz has ketchup varieties — Westport Pizzeria remains numero uno in the hearts of anyone who remembers it.
Westport Pizzeria on Main Street. This photo could have been taken in 1968, or 2008.
Westport Pizzeria opened on Main Street in 1968. 46 years later — in 2014 — when their lease was not renewed, they moved to Post Road East, across from Design Within Reach.
On January 11, 2020, they sold their last slice.
If you know, you know.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 9, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …
Happy 90th birthday, Betty Lou!
Betty Lou Cummings — former 2nd selectwoman, founder of the long-running Apple Festival, organizer of fundraisers like the Riverwalk and Westport Library River of Names, Senior Center advocate and much, much more — had a landmark birthday last week.
This Sunday, her extended family celebrates the big event.
Here’s to 90 more!
Betty Lou Cummings, and her husband Tom.
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There’s always something cool going on at the Westport Library.
Here are 2 of the coolest: Weston resident Richard Wiese — president emeritus of New York’s historic Explorers Club, and host of Emmy-winning TV show “Born to Explore,” hosts “A Night at the Explorers Club” (Thursday, August 15, 7 p.m.).
Wiese will be joined by a great lineup of explorers, including Lhakpa Sherpa (record holder for the most Mt. Everest summits by a woman), Dr. Nina Lanza (principal investigator on the Mars Rover’s ChemCam), and astronaut Richard Garriott (Explorers Club president, and a pioneer in private space exploration).
Also appearing: Morad Tahbaz, co-founder of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation; documentary filmmaker Brendan Hall; Rebecca Hui, entrepreneur and founder of cultural preservation company Roots Studio, and artist/writer James Prosek. Click here for more information.
Explorers galore at the Westport Library.
A musical excursion to the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much of our musical history is set for Sunday, August 18 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Part of Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series, it includes the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.
Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).
Special guest — local author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — will tell stories of his journeys to the 5 M’s. Click here for more information.
Both events are free.
Crispin Cioe
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When will Big Y open?
We’re not sure. Progress has been slow, since the supermarket chain took over vacant space from the abortive Amazon Fresh property (which had been planned to replace the old Barnes & Noble, on Post Road East).
But they’re finally ready to hire. This sign now appears:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Also opening: Henry Lehr.
Or, we should say, re-opening. Or even, re-re-opening.
A pop-up shop appeared for a couple of weeks. Around Labor Day, a regular store will take over that 66 Post Road East location, next to the (current) Barnes & Nobel, and LoveSac.
It’s a return, of sorts. Henry Lehr was a successful business for many years, on Main Street.
They closed in 2014. There are now several successful stores in the Hamptons.
And — soon — they’ll be back to their Westport roots.
The shuttered Henry Lehr on Main Street. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)
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Retail changes are in the works in Weston too.
According to Weston Today, Josh and Jessica Tolk — owners of Lunch Box, the diner-style restaurant in Weston Center — hope to rebrand it, into a bar and grill.
The 47-year-old spot will continue lunch and dinner service, with expanded days and hours of operation. They also may return to breakfast service in a modified format, and continue takeout and delivery service.
The Tolks also seek approval of a new entrance, facing Weston Road. Click here for the full story.
New Lunch Box: artist’s rendering (Courtesy of Weston Today)
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“Remi’s Run for Parker’s Cure” is a colorful community event, for a great cause.
The morning of fun, fitness and philanthropy is set for Sunday, August 25 (10 a.m. to noon, PJ Romano Field track).
The color run is part of Remi Rutstein’s bat mitzvah project. It’s dedicated to her cousin Parker, who is battling a rare genetic brain disorder known as HIST1H1E.
Participants — grouped by age — will run or walk around the track, while being splashed with colorful, non-toxic powders. By the end of the run, everyone is a living rainbow.
The fun also includes breakfast from Lyfe Café, a candy truck, sports and games, tattoos, a DJ, and plenty of surprises.
Remi says the event is a way for Westporters to come together and celebrate Parker, raise awareness, and contribute to the search for a cure.
The event is free, but donations are welcome. Click here to register, and for more information and contributions.
Long-time Westport resident — and 1950s country & western artist — Mimi Roman (Mimi Roth) performs this Sunday (August 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 148 East Avenue, Norwalk), at the 6th annual Italian American Police Society Vincent Penna Jr. Car Show. Click here for car show details.
She’ll be joined by Clue & The Honeytones.
The car show raises funds for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. It awards money to the education of local children.
Penna died suddenly in December 2020 at age 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, plus countless family members, friends, colleagues and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community.
Penna was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming deputy chief before retiring in 2017.
The event will have hundreds of classic and exotic cars, and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter a car; spectators are free.
Besides music, there are raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more — including over $40,000 in prizes.
Click here for a video of Mimi singing on the Orleans Hotel & Casino main stage in April — the day after her 90th birthday.
And finally … that 5 M’s Westport Library program, with music from Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami (story above), seems very cool.
There are squintillions of songs I could pick from those legendary towns. Here’s one, with ties to two.
Otis Redding grew up in Macon, Georgia, and lived there for much of his too-short life.
Wikipedia says: “You Left the Water Running” is a soul music song written by Dan Penn, Rick Hall and Oscar Franks. It has been recorded by Wilson Pickett, Maurice and Mac and most notably by Otis Redding….
In 1966, Redding was visiting FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama when studio owner Rick Hall requested Redding help them with an upcoming session. Wilson Pickett was to record “You Left the Water Running,” and Hall wished for Redding to record a demo to assist with the production. A simple recording was made and Redding made some overdub additions, and Pickett made his recording similar to Redding’s version.
Ten years later, (music journalist Dave) Marsh was mailed a promo copy of “You Left the Water Running” by Otis Redding on Stone Records….
Marsh was fascinated by the song, and mentioned the new single to several friends, including his attorney, who also happened to represent the Otis Redding estate. He soon found out that Stone Records had not obtained the Redding family’s permission to release the long lost demo recording, and demanded the single be pulled from circulation.
When Marsh asked the label’s distributor what was to become of the single, he was informed that they were to be destroyed. Instead, Marsh purchased the copies that remained, and gave them out as gifts, with the attorney’s permission. As a result,the single (Stone 209) is now highly valuable.
(Westport connection: 1961 Staples High School graduate Charlie Taylor — a talented singer/songwriter, and frequent “06880” commenter — is a longtime friend of Dan Penn.)
(Don’t leave the water running! And don’t forget to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Betty Lou Cummings’ 90th, 5 M’s Music, Big Y …
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They offer tutoring and support in a wide range of academic subjects. This year they’re adding SAT and ACT prep, and (in partnership with Staples National Music Honor Society), lessons on a variety of instruments.
