Scarice Offers Long Lots Facility Maintenance Update

Posted on February 1, 2024 | 11 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice provides this update on the Long Lots Elementary School facility:

As the LLS community knows, there is a recommendation for a new construction. In the interim, the district is appropriately maintaining the facility until the opening of the new school.

Recent History (July 2021)
In July 2021, concerns were raised about elevated humidity levels in the building that could potentially lead to an increased risk of indoor mold germination. At that time, an indoor air assessment (22 interior and 6 exterior spaces) was performed by industrial hygienist consultant, Langan CT, Inc., and found that the indoor air at LLS all fell within the normal ranges when tested for fungal spores and particles with the exception of 2 locations: the auditorium and basement Room 9. They demonstrated slightly elevated levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium when compared to outdoor air.

A plan was put into place for our consulting industrial hygienists to identify the source of Aspergillus spores in the auditorium and Room 9, and direct any necessary cleaning. These areas were taken offline and cleaning protocols were implemented.

The auditorium was retested and cleared. However, it was determined that the source of elevated spore counts in basement Room 9 emanated from a doorway leading to an underground utility crawl space that traces along the building.  Consequently, it was decided that Room 9 would remain permanently offline.

Long Lots Elementary School was built in 1953.

Ongoing Prevention and Maintenance
As a result of this history, certain protocols and practices were put into place.

There will be at least 2 more school years in the current facility even if a new construction is approved and funded this spring. As I’ve stated publicly, the building is in need of being replaced. There are leaks that our facilities team works to immediately repair. The heat and A/C systems periodically need repairs. These maintenance needs are attended to in order to keep LLS safe and dry.

Here are some of the measures we take to maintain appropriate indoor air standards:

  • Regular Indoor Air Quality Testing
  • Consulting Industrial Hygienist
    • The district uses Langan, CT (https://www.langan.com/).
    • Langan is available for on-demand consultation and they perform our IAQ testing.
  • Optimize HVAC System
    • The current HVAC system is optimized and monitored by our Facilities Department to maintain appropriate temperatures and relative humidity levels.
  • Tools For Schools (TFS)Program (https://www.westportps.org/district/tools-for-schools)
    • TFS is a collaborative committee of faculty, administrators and parents who help implement an IAQ management program.
    • A binder is maintained for all IAQ incidents and available for public inspection.
    • The TFS team conducts building walk-throughs in the event of an IAQ incident or report.
  • Regular Repairs
    • Repairs are made when reported by our Facilities Department.
      • For example, ceiling tiles were recently replaced as a result of a report of visible water stains. The area was inspected to insure any active water incursion was corrected.
    • Records of all work orders are maintained.
  • Temperature/Relative Humidity Sensors
    • 16 Temp/RH sensors are spread out across the building.
    • Any deviation from temperature or relative humidity norms initiates a notification to our Facilities Department.
  • Commercial Dehumidifiers
    • The district leases 14 large commercial dehumidifier units that are placed throughout the building as relative humidity factors dictate.
    • There are currently no relative humidity levels of concern in the building. These conditions fluctuate and are impacted more in the late summer/early fall months.
  • Radon Testing
    • Testing is done every 5 years by law.
    • The last test was done in 2021 and no issues were detected.
  • “SNAP” Data
    • SNAP is our secure school nurse software suite that tracks student health.
    • This data is tracked for any student health patterns related to IAQ.

The Long Lots Elementary School campus. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Current Status
Following the recently reported water incursions and reports, our facilities team and members of the TFS team conducted walk-throughs of the building. Repairs are being made to seal up areas where water incurred during recent storms.

However, an area of concern was identified. An alert was tripped in the basement that notified our facilities team.

A steam condensate return pump in a small contained maintenance service closet (dimensions:  4 feet by 5 feet) in the basement failed, causing moisture in the closet. The unit was repaired in 3 days. Due to the moisture incursion, the room was tested.

The testing found “occasional” counts of Cladosporium, Penicillium/Aspergillus, Unknown Hyphae and Ascospore spores on the service closet plaster ceiling.  Additionally, “numerous” counts of Penicillium/Aspergillus spores were found on the service room door facing surface.

The hygienist interprets “occasional” counts as no evidence of mold growth, while “numerous” counts are indicative of strong evidence of mold growth.   Additionally, due to the moisture, some tiles on the floor buckled and need to be replaced. There is asbestos in those tiles and in the adhesive mastic that needs to be abated.

When we find mold we follow EPA protocols for “Mold Removal in Schools and Commercial Buildings” and remediate (https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/moldremediation.pdf).

Next Steps
After consultation with our industrial hygienists, it has been recommended to immediately clean the areas of mold in the closet and abate the asbestos during the February break when the building is not occupied.

Our Facilities Department has since removed the service closet door and covered the doorway opening with plastic sheeting while placing the service closet under negative air pressure for containment. We have been assured that the asbestos tile is undisturbed and does not pose any health concerns. Abatement and material haul away will occur in the lower level restricted to a lower level exit door.

As a precaution, three rooms (115, 130, 205) will be retested for IAQ levels.  There is no indication based on the evidence that any of these rooms warrant further intervention. Finally, LLS Principal Kim Ambrosio will reconvene the Tools For Schools team to review all of this material on February 12 so that the building level team is apprised.

Based on our fall IAQ testing, walk-throughs of the facility and consultation with our industrial hygienists, we have been assured that this is the appropriate protocol in response to this report. Again, this is a small maintenance service closet in the basement and not accessible to students or staff.

Long Lots Elementary School

Additional Information

CDC Information
According to the CDC, Aspergillus/Penicillium is a common mold that lives indoors and outdoors, and since most people breathe in fungal spores every day, “It’s probably impossible to completely avoid breathing in some Aspergillus spores. For people with healthy immune systems, breathing in Aspergillus isn’t harmful.” (https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/aspergillosis/causes.html)

However, to be clear, this information is not intended to minimize any compromises in indoor air quality. In fact, for some individuals with allergies to mold, such compromised indoor air could lead to health problems. If we find mold, we follow EPA protocols for “Mold Removal in Schools and Commercial Buildings” and remediate.

Beyond that, our standards for the quality of indoor air necessitate that any instances that affect indoor air quality are addressed immediately by following proper procedures based on the individual incident. We proactively work to prevent recurrences with the measures listed above. For mold to grow, there needs to be moisture and a food source (e.g., paper, cardboard, etc.). Once again, if we find mold, we remediate using appropriate procedures for the specific incident, clean and work to prevent further occurrences by determining and fixing the moisture source.

Connecticut Dept of Public Health
Indoor Air Quality Testing Fact Sheet: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1649440369/westport/kxltn5egioxsppf76nmj/ieq_testing_should_not_be_the_first_move_6-10.pdf

If you have any questions I encourage you to contact our Long Lots School principal, Mrs. Kim Ambrosio.

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Posted in Children, Education

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Experience Camps’ Expansion: Helping Local Kids

Posted on February 1, 2024 | 1 comment

For 6 years, Westport has supported the Day of Champions.

The spring event draws a few dozen teams — families and friends, kindergarten through adult — to PJ Romano Field.

They compete on an obstacle course, doing hula hoops, dancing and more. It’s like a family-friendly, fiercely competitive (and fun!) camp color war.

The Day of Champions raises over $200,000 for Experience Camps. Since 2009, the Westport-based non-profit network of summer camps and other resources has provided a way for boys and girls who have lost a parent or sibling to share their grief with peers, volunteers and trained professionals who understand, in a loving, supportive (and fun!) environment.

Soon, the tight connection between our town and this national organization headquartered here will grow even tighter.

Experience Camps’ 7th location will open in the summer of 2025, at KenMont and KenWood in Kent, Connecticut. It will offer local youngsters — who previously had to go to Maine or Pennsylvania — a chance to appreciate the compassion, connection and play of Experience Camps, and find a life full of hope and possibility.

KenMont and KenWood’s grounds include a lake for swimming, canoeing and kayaking; athletic fields and courts, a ropes course and go-kart track.

Sara Deren — founder and CEO of Experience Camps — is excited that children and teenagers from Westport and nearby towns will benefit from the organization that over the years has enjoyed so much support from residents here.

The pool of potential campers is large. Deren says that 1 in every 12 people will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. Experience Camps has a wait list of 200. 90% of campers return each year, drawn by the power of a week with other kids, counselors who have also lost loved ones, and therapists who help them process their feelings (while having a ton of fun).

The Connecticut camp is the first in a series of expansions. Deren says they’ll open 1 to 2 new locations each year, after KenMont and KenWood in 2025.

Running those camps takes money. This year’s Day of Champions — a major fundraiser — will be more important than ever.

It’s May 19 (8:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field). Click here to register. Volunteers are needed too, to help the event run smoothly. To help, email gerygrove@gmail.com.

For more information about Experience Camps — including volunteering as a counselor, medical professional, social worker or another capacity — email sara@experiencecamps.org.

Last year’s Day of Champions, at PJ Romano Field.

ONE MORE EXPERIENCE: Experience Camps works year-round to help grieving children and teenagers.

Their newest project is “Grief Sucks.” Aimed specifically at teenagers — and with the tagline “join us in a movement to make it suck less” — the website says,
“Screw school pamphlets, unhelpful grief groups, and people saying ‘sorry for your loss.’ It’s time to get real about grief. We’re in this together.”

The platform offers videos and posts on subjects like “Why the ‘5 Stages of Grief’ is a Big Fat Lie,” “Is it OK to Experience Joy When I’m Grieving?” and “Super Cringey Things People Said to Cheer Me Up.”

It strikes just the right tone for teens. And it’s a great way to reach the many youngsters who cannot attend an Experience Camp.

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Pic Of The Day #2479

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 2 comments

Saugatuck River reflections (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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Unsung Hero #321

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 9 comments

Anne Levine writes:

The other day, I decided to start my taxes.

Every year I go on the town website. I re-learn how to navigate to the tax collector, and access documents I need for my accountant.

For some reason, after trying 3 different browsers I could get on the site, but could not drill down to what I needed.

I called the tax office to see if they were having a problem with the site. Dennis Corsalini answered the phone. He said he was not aware of any issues, but would check it out for me.

Dennis Corsalini

He tried, and was also blocked out of what I needed. He said it just might be a system overload, and to try again later. But he told me to call back and ask for him if I had any further problems.

Later in the day I could access most of what I needed, but was still missing one form. I called Dennis again.

He said he would wait on the phone while I got back on the site, and would walk me through the process to get exactly what I needed. Done!

Then I realized there was even one more document I needed, that was not available on the site. I told him I would come down to the office to have them print it out for me.

He said that was absolutely not necessary. If I told him what I needed he would access it right then, and email it to me — which he did.

I told him I was very grateful for all the time he spent with me, not only to teach me how to use the site but to get all my tax documents.

He said that was just his job, and he was happy to give me all the time I needed.

I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to work with Dennis, and how patient he was helping me get what I needed. He is my Unsung Hero today.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. If you enjoy this weekly feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Cross Highway Safety, StartUp Westport, National Charity League …

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 7 comments

For a quiet-seeming stretch of road, Cross Highway between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane sure sees a lot of action.

And accidents.

On February 8 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), engineers from the Public Works Department will hold a public information meeting to discuss traffic and safety improvements there.

The design phase of a project is mostly complete. Now comes construction.

At the meeting, attendees can review proposed improvements, and learn how the
town will implement them. There will be time too to ask questions about possible impacts to the neighborhood. In addition to PWD staff, the design engineer will be on hand.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; (203) 341-1128.

An all-too-common occurrence on Cross Highway at North Avenue. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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StartUp Westport — the town’s public/private partnership aimed at making Westport a tech entrepreneurial hub — has 2 very cool upcoming events.

And everyone is invited to be part of our town’s tech future.

On February 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), “Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” is a great addition to Black History Month.

NBC news anchor/Westport resident Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. StartUp Westport’s own Jay Norris leads the event, which is co-sponsored by Westport 10.

Local business leaders Kal Amin, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterso and Kitt Shapiro will share stories of their careers, and offer insights into launching and running a successful business in film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.

The program begins with a video history of diverse business ownership in Fairfield County, and also includes a cocktail reception. Click here to register.

On March 18 (6:30 p.m. cocktail reception; 7 p.m. program, Westport Library), StartUp Westport presents a “Female Founders and Investors” forum. Co-hosts are Tidal River Fund, Connecticut’s first angel group and fund for women investors.

The event will be led by Westport-based financial services, personal finance and angel investing expert Galia Gichon, co-managing partner at Tidal River Fund.

Female founders and investors will share their experiences with fundraising for, investing in and launching early stage start-ups. Click here to register.

To join the StartUp Westport Linked In group, click here.

Craig Melvin, StartUp Westport moderator.

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Each year, the Westport National Charity League’s senior class completes a capstone project.

Since August, the Class of 2024 has planned theirs: renovating 4 bathrooms at Caroline House in Bridgeport.

Last weekend, they got to work.

The project received very generous support. Among others, Jason Raymond of Raymond Design Builders helped with preparation and professional final touches, while the Rings End/Benjamin Moore team in Westport donated paint and painting supplies. The generosity of the Westport community was shown by every individual and local business who assisted with this project.  It was beyond inspiring and made all the renovations possible.

Krisztina and Isabella Rivel volunteer at Caroline House.

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Looking for something to do in the hours before the Super Bowl?

Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized a trash pick-up for Super Bowl Sunday (February 11).

Volunteers should meet at 11 a.m. at Grace Salmon Park, on Imperial Avenue. They’ll collect garbage from there to the Westport Library parking lot.

Dress warmly. Wear boots and gloves. Bring trash bags (and a picker, if you’ve got one).

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Grace Salmon Park is a Westport favorite. But there’s garbage to pick up there, and nearby. (Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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For 33 years, the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Board, Concert Choir, and Harbor Blues and Beachside Express a cappella groups have organized “Harmony for the Homeless.” Performances include solos, small groups and large pieces.

The groups select an organization or specific family to support. Last year, for example, Harmony helped the Reyes family rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their home.

This year, instead of ticket sales, Harmony will collect food donations for the Danbury Daily Bread food pantry. The goal is to fill an entire truck with goods.

The event is March 2 (7:30 p.m., Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center at GFA).

Among the items requested: dried beans, rice (1- or 2-pound bags), cooking oil, tea, coffee, meals-in-a-can, baby food, snacks and treats for children, breakfast cereal (hot or cold), ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, hot sauce, cookies, crackers, sugar, flour, baking items like cake mix,

Also needed: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent, household cleaning products, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, coloring books, crayons, inexpensive toys.


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Eva Amurri is getting married again.

And — as it did the first time — People Magazine is chronicling every moment of  the Westport actress’ nuptials.

Her first marriage was to 1999 Staples High School graduate/former professional soccer player/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kyle Martino. They divorced, but remain good friends as they co-parent their 3 children.

Now, Amurri — the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri — is engaged to chef Ian Hock.

Click here for the full People magazine story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Eva Amurri and Ian Hock.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a serene tableau at the 1921 Emily McLaury house on Myrtle Avenue:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … on this date in 1865, Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, abolishing slavery. It was then submitted to the states, for ratification.

How far have we come in 159 years? You be the judge.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. To support our work with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

 

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TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest Prompt: Hate Speech

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 2 comments

TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest is always timely.

This year’s topic is particularly so.

It’s about hate speech.

All students attending public or private high school — and those who live in Westport, and attend high school elsewhere — are invited to participate.

The prompt says:

The regulation of hate speech must balance limiting speech that may be considered offensive, threatening, or hurtful with the constitutional right of free expression.

In 1,000 words or less, with respect to speech that targets specific people or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, and/or LGBTQIA+ identification, consider the guidelines one should set for themselves within Westport’s schools and in our community.

Explain how a diversity of opinions can be safely and respectfully shared. Are the rules different in a school community than on social media? 

The entry deadline is March 4. Click here for rules, and information on submissions.

Subject to the volume and caliber of entries received, at the discretion of the judges up to 3 cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

The Westport Library co-sponsors the event. A ceremony for the winners will be held there May 6.

“In our current environment, hate speech seems to rend the fabric of our society further on a daily basis.” says TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr. “We look forward to this input from our young citizens to help us inextricably mend that fabric well into the future.”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker adds, “This community encourages constructive, respectful dialogue. As representatives of our talented and thoughtful population, the youth of Westport can be instrumental in sharing diverse ideas that ensure that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns here feels welcomed and valued.”

The essay contest is in its 11th year. Prior challenges have tackled topics from white privilege and Black Lives Matter to micro-aggressions and dialogue. Essays have drawn widespread attention and engagement, in Westport and beyond.

“As a library, our goals are to foster inclusivity, understanding, awareness, and the free and open exchange of ideas so that we all can grow and thrive — as individuals and as a community,” notes Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.

“The annual TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay contest uniquely illustrates that commitment, all while engaging young people throughout Westport to consider and work through the important and complex issues of the day.

“Combating hate speech should be a commitment for everyone, in Westport and beyond. I look forward to reading the essays put forth by our town’s talented and thoughtful teens. The Westport Library is once again proud to support the essay contest and honored to host the 2024 honorees.”

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Posted in Library, Politics

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Calling Nola Beldegreen!

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 23 comments

A few years ago, when I was coaching the Staples High School boys soccer team, we headed to Maine for our annual summer “bonding trip.”

I drove one car; a recent graduate drove the second one. Along the way, I watched in the rear view mirror as he took a wrong exit.

“Call their car!” I said to the player riding shotgun.

“I’ll text,” he replied.

“No, call. It’s quicker!” I said.

“Dan, we don’t call,” he countered. “We text.”

Setting aside for a moment the irony of that remark — We do not use phones to make phone calls — it was a profound moment for me. I realized how different communication is these days.

And how much has been lost by a generation that does not like to talk, in real time, person to person.

Or — to go further, as Nola Beldegreen does — by a generation that actually fears speaking on the phone.

She should know. The longtime Westporter and an executive coach, she specializes in speaking and communication skills.

Nola has noticed the strong aversion by Generation Z — roughly those ages 12 to 27 — to phone calls. A recent New York Post story says:

The very thought of making a call is often accompanied by a sense of dread and impending failure for some.

Most subject matter experts believe this apprehension to phone calls is associated with social anxiety. Social anxiety stems from the fear of judgment or humiliation.

Gen Z uses phones for many things. A phone conversation is not one of them.

Texting and using apps such as Snapchat prevents mistakes from being made. Texting allows Gen Z to proofread and keep track of their conversation.

Texting also gives them time to respond appropriately without awkward silences and prevents any unforeseen mishaps. This eliminates chances of being judged or humiliated.

Texting is also quicker. It allows Gen Zers to quickly send off a text and walk away while waiting for a response.

Texting allows multi-tasking, whereas phone calls mean focusing your whole attention to what is happening on the line.

So Nola — who was an interscholastic forensics competitor at Rutgers University, Dale Carnegie instructor, and Glamour and Gourmet Magazine sales and events person — has added young people with phone anxiety to her roster of executives and sales teams who need communication coaching.

Her own “aha!” moment came at a meeting with 2 young people, both of whom were silent. She realized that although they sat together, they were texting each other — not talking.

Reiterating the Post article, Nola believes that removing a screen — FaceTime, Zoom, or text bubbles — creates anxiety in young people.

Spoken conversations are not part of Gen Z’s “daily repertoire,” she says.

“People get nervous. ‘What should I say?’ they ask. You can edit text. You’re not on the spot with having to respond immediately. If you’re not conditioned to that, it can be daunting.”

One client was stressed just calling for a haircut appointment.

Nola and I remember our own phone conversations.

“Hello, Mrs. Welker,” I’d say. “Can I please speak with Glenn?”

“He’s finishing his chores,” she’d say. “I’ll get him in a minute. How are you doing, Danny?”

Today’s young people did not grow up having those types of conversations with people they don’t know well. They feel uncomfortable talking on the phone — and their fears extend to speaking with their own peers.

But those types of conversations are important in both the professional and personal world. So Nola helps Gen Z-ers learn to have them.

In 6 sessions, she teaches clients how to initiate and receive phone calls with ease. That means organizing thoughts and ideas, then “sharing them extemporaneously, back and forth.”

Each session builds on the previous one. She likens her work to a personal trainer, who helps build biceps or quads.

Phones used to be located in specific places: kitchens, bedrooms, offices.

Now they are mobile. Calling or answering in a crowded, public place can add to anxiety. That’s “not good for mental health,” Nola says.

In today’s lonely, disconnected world, one-on-one phone conversations can be “warm, rich and exciting.” They are “powerful skills that can last a lifetime.”

So how does Nola work with clients?

Some of it, ironically, is by Zoom.

But many of those conversations are by phone. Like any fear, the best way to overcome it is to face it.

And where do most of her clients come from?

You guessed it.

Word of mouth.

(To learn more about Nola Beldegreen, click here. You can email her: nola@nolabeldegreen.com. And — of course — you can call by phone: 212-381-0856,)

23 Comments

Posted in Local business, technology, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #2478

Posted on January 30, 2024 | 6 comments

The theme of this truck — seen often around town, and here yesterday at Sherwood Island State Park — is safety. But doesn’t it look a bit, um, unsafe? (Photo/Chris Grimm)

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Roundup: State Of The Town, CAVA, Kelli O’Hara …

Posted on January 30, 2024 | 4 comments

A reminder: This Sunday is the “State of the Town” forum.

The annual event — featuring 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein — is February 4 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Westport Library; click here for livestream).

They’ll discuss the past year for the town and Board of Ed, respectively, and look to the future. They’ll take questions from the audience too.

As always, it’s a co-production of Westport Sunrise Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Westport.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.

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Cava opens Friday next to Westport Hardware, across from Fresh Market.

The national fast food chain has over 300 outlets. The menu includes pitas (crispy falafel, spicy chicken and avocado, spicy lamb meatball and Greek chicken), and salad bowls (spicy chicken, zesty falafel, lemon chicken, harissa avocado, lentil avocado, tahini Caesar and more).

CAVA is known for its community involvement. Even before its official opening, they’re showing Westport why.

During their training period, they’ve been donating fresh bowls and pitas to Food Rescue US – Fairfield County.

On Thursday (February 1),  guests are invited for a free lunch (10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or dinner (5 to 8 p.m.). Donations to Food Rescue US are encouraged — and CAVA will match them, up to $1,000. Advance registrations are required; click here.

Since 2019, CAVA’s nationwide Community Day program has donated more than $350,000 to over 60 non-profit organizations. Much of the funding is aimed at improving food security.

A few of CAVA’s dishes.

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Westporter Kelli O’Hara’s performance as Kirsten Arnesen in “Days of Wine and Roses” earned a stellar review in Sunday’s New York Times.

Laura Collins-Hughes wrote:

O’Hara, who starred in Lucas and Guettel’s “The Light in the Piazza” on Broadway in 2005, is particularly sublime. Her nuanced and variable performance is as technically impressive and fully human in its acting as in its singing — and the singing is considerable.

Of the show’s 18 numbers, she has 14, seven of them solos. In her crystalline tone are secrets of Kirsten’s soul that aren’t explicit in Guettel’s lyrics; when she sings “Sammen I Himmelen,” a kind of prayer as lullaby, to baby Lila, we can hear Kirsten missing her own dead mother.

Click here for the full review.

The same edition of the Times also included an in-depth story of the play’s route from movie to Broadway. O’Hara gets much of the credit.

The piece begins:

As origin stories go, the transformation of “Days of Wine and Roses” from a movie into a musical is a straight shot, with a twist. Kelli O’Hara and Adam Guettel had the inkling more than 20 years ago, when she was a Broadway ingénue, working on what became her breakthrough Tony-nominated role in “Light in the Piazza.”

Guettel had written the music and lyrics for that musical, which went on to earn him a Tony Award for best score. They talked through their coordinating vision for evolving “Wine and Roses,” the midcentury classic of a romance ruined by addiction. “I think I used the words ‘a weird dark opera,’” O’Hara recalled.

Later, Melena Ryzik writes:

In her New York Times review of its premiere last year, at Off Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company, Laura Collins-Hughes called it “a jazzy, aching musical” with an “awfully glamorous” central pair. And O’Hara, who then as now sings 14 of the 18 numbers in the show, was, she wrote, “in exquisite voice.”

During that run and in previews on Broadway, O’Hara said she quickly understood how viscerally the narrative connected with audiences. One theatergoer came up to her after a show, “with a full drink in her hand,” she said, “crying and hugging me and saying, ‘you know, I’m a mother and I worry about my drinking.’ And she was quite past sobriety at that point.”

Another woman walked by and thanked her, quietly adding, “‘23 years’ — meaning 23 years sober,” O’Hara said.

Few people’s lives, she noted, have not been touched by addiction. “I lost a couple of friends to this over the pandemic, and I think many people got sober over the pandemic,” she said. Even though there’s more understanding of its pervasiveness than “in the time of Kirsten and Joe, it’s not changing, it’s not ending, and it won’t.”

Click here for the full story.

The very same Times Arts & Leisure section included a review of Sarah Jarosz’s new album, “Polaroid Lovers.” It was produced by — and includes several songs written by — Daniel Tashian.

The Nashville-based singer/songwriter/producer is the son of country artists Barry and Holly Tashian. Both are Staples High School graduates; Barry was the founder and front man of The Remains, the band that camethisclose to national stardom, and opened for the Beatles on their final American tour.

Click here for the story on Sarah Jarosz and Daniel Tashian. (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)

A woman wearing blue pajamas and a man wearing a white T-shirt and khaki pants are kneeling on a bed while facing each other. They are singing and drinking from cups in a scene from “Days of Wine and Roses.”

Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James in “Days of Wine and Roses” at Studio 54. (Photo/Sara Krulwich for The New York Times)

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From art exhibits and speakers to drag shows, MoCA Westport offers plenty of interesting programs.

Always among the most popular: concerts by Michelle Pauker February 8 (7 p.m.) for a special pre-Valentine’s Day “Songs for Lovers” show. From Broadway and jazz to folk and pop, she’ll cover just about every “love-ly” genre.

She has performed around the country. But MoCA remains one of her favorite venues.

Like Michelle’s 2 previous performances, this will sell out. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Michelle Pauker

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Cathy Malkin — a  “humane educator” who teaches responsible pet care and safety around dogs, as well as an animal reiki teacher/practitioner — is offering 2 in-person classes for area animals (and their people).

​”Learning to Communicate Telepathically with Animals (Especially Your Pet!) is​ February 3 (2 to 3:30 p.m., The Transformation Center, Westport).

The class includes a Q-and-A session where Cathy will answer one question about your pet, whether living or departed, so attendees can hear their wisdom and guidance. Bring a photo of the pet on your phone.

In addition, dogs are invited to an ​”Animal Reiki and Sound Healing Bath Meditation”​ (February 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hummingbird Healing Center, Westport).

The event combines the healing power of a guided animal reiki meditation with a soothing multi-instrumental sound bath, designed to help guests and their dogs relax on “a journey into a shared space of inner peace and heart connection with dogs.” (Dogs are optional.) 

Click here for details, and registration.

Cathy Malkin’s Yogi Bear.

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The County Assembly formal dance, for high school students, was held this past weekend. Among the attendees (below, from left): Samantha Henske, Megan Healy and Ava Chun.

Meanwhile, Village Pediatrics showed up in force. Doctors and office staff showed up in force, to ensure a smooth check-in for their patients — and everyone else.

Genna Grushkin, Evelyn Anderson, Crystal Perez and Dr. Nikki Gorman join parents at the County Assembly dance.

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Coq au vin is a winter favorite.

But how to cook it?

Chef Raquel Rivera teaches braising techniques that can be used for many Dutch oven meals, at a “Cozy Winter Meals” class on March 7 (7 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.

Click here for tickets, and more information. (PS: It’s BYOB.)

Coq au vin

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Pianist Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (February 1, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399l music charge $20, $15 for students and veterans).

Her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”

She’s joined by Mike Camacho (drums), Sameer Shankar (bass), and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Darcy Miller Boyd Austin died Friday peacefully at her home in Damariscotta, Maine, surrounded by family and friends. She was 81.

After moving from Manhattan to Westport in 1948, she attended Saugatuck Elementary, Long Lots Junior High and Staples High School. She graduated from Connecticut College, then earned a master’s in special education from Columbia University.

She married Warwick Boyd and moved to New Mexico with VISTA, and had a son, Jesse Boyd, in 1970. She divorced, and moved to Maine. She lived at the Pemaquid Lighthouse in keepers’ cottage from 1984 to 2004.

Darcy taught school  in Bristol, then worked at the daycare in the YMCA, and got her CNA certification in 2004. She married Jim Austin in 1993.

After retiring, she volunteered for many organizations.

Darcy is survived by her husband, Jim Austin; Jim’s son Christopher Austin; his granddaughters Guinevere and Penelope Austin; her son Jesse Boyd (Sheila) and and her grandson Elliott Boyd; her sister Holly Watts (Michael); her brother John Miller; nieces Sara Miller, Kate Watts Gregory, Tory Watts Donohue, Ali Watts Sise, their spouses, and 8 grandnieces and grandnephews.

A celebration of her life will be held in Maine this June.

Darcy Miller Boyd Austin

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The buck stops where?

For this one: Cedargate Lane, off Whitney Street. Richard Fogel spotted him, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance. Their impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Records in London was broken up by police.

(Don’t let me down! Please click here to help support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you all.)

 

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The Naan: One Restaurant’s Story

Posted on January 30, 2024 | 6 comments

It’s not easy running a restaurant in Westport.

Ask Carlos Pia, who closed De Tapas on Sunday, just 2 years after opening the Post Road gastrobar.

Or 190 Main, which departed a few months ago.

Both were downtown, in the center of Westport’s dining world.

It’s even more difficult when you’re off the beaten path.

The Post Road on the Norwalk line is not exactly Podunk. Yet it’s also not front and center on diners’ mental maps.

Just ask Raman Bindra and his sister Simi.

They own The Naan. Every day — except Tuesday, but including Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other holidays — they drive to Westport from Queens and Long Island.

Simi and Raman Bindra, at The Naan. 

Their Indian restaurant has drawn raves, and a steady stream of regular customers.

But the lunch crowd has dwindled since COVID, as nearby offices are partially or fully closed. Dinners are sometimes slow.

Raman and Simi do all they can. They cater for schools and other organizations. They open their space for parties — birthdays, baby showers, prayer meetings — of up to 110 people (with or without Indian food; guests can even bring in their own). They curtained off the back, so the space feels more intimate.

And they continue to serve their excellent meals. Chicken tikka marsala, butter chicken, kebabs and sizzlers are special favorites. There is a full bar.

The large kitchen and location — formerly Kibberia, and before that John’s Best Pizza — appealed to Raman when he first saw it. He designed the space himself, and opened in 2018.

Mixed grill at The Naan.

COVID was of course difficult. The Naan closed for 2 months, then reopened with an emphasis on takeout.

Business picked up in 2021 and ’22. Last year, however, was much slower.

The Bindras are trying to get the word out. Simi is visiting businesses throughout Westport, Norwalk, Wilton and Fairfield, touting their full-meal $13 lunch platters (appetizer, entrée, naan bread, vegetable, rice).

They’re pushing delivery. But — as with many restaurants — the economics are daunting.

Uber, DoorDash and Grubhub take 30 to 35% of each order. Direct delivery — up to a 10-mile radius — is more profitable, but can take 60 to 70 minutes.

Raman hails his customers. “Westport people love Indian food,” he says. “We have regular guests from Shelton. A group of 20 people from New Haven stop in on their way to and from New York.”

They find their way to The Naan, on well-traveled-but-not-a-dining-destination Post Road West.

Raman and Simi are working hard, in hopes many others do too.

(“06880” keeps a close watch on the local restaurant scene — and every other aspect of Westport life. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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