Several very big names join guest of honor Dr. Clarence B. Jones for the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration this Sunday (January 14, 3 p.m., Westport Library).
NBC News anchor and co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. Violin virtuoso Kersten Stevens performs, while novelist, playwright and filmmaker Trey Ellis introduces Dr. Jones. Melvin and Ellis are Westport residents.
US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Ritchie Torres of New York will also speak.
“I couldn’t envision a more incredible lineup for what promises to be a memorable afternoon,” says Westport Library director Bill Harmer.
“The appearances speak to the remarkable life and accomplishments of Dr. Clarence B. Jones and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
The 18th annual celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council, the 2 groups that hosted the inaugural celebration in 2006.
The day’s guest of honor, Dr. Jones, served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to Dr. King from 1960 until King’s assassination inn 1968. He wrote the first 7 paragraphs of the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Congratulations to Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Jake Thaw, and his University of Michigan Wolverines: national championships, after last night’s big win over Washington!
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Staples High School wrestling parent, booster club founder and former Wrecker wrestler and coach Terry Brannigan writes: “’It’s not what you gather, it is what you scatter.'”
“That was John Chacho’s message to a packed house at Foxwood Casino in 2013. Former wrestlers came from around the country to celebrate the legendary Staples coach’s induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
“For Coach Chacho, his message is not merely a punchline delivered from a podium. It is a lesson he attributes to his mother, and the drumbeat for his life.
“John has touched the lives of generations of Westporters through his work in the Westport school system, and his favorite tool: wrestling.
“This Saturday, Staples hosts the annual John Chacho Dual Meet Tournament. It begins at 9 a.m. in the fieldhouse, and runs through mid-afternoon. We invite everyone to stop by and say hello to Coach Chacho.”
Terry nailed it. John is a Westport treasure. Seeing him on Saturday will make your day — and his.
Play With Your Food — the popular play-reading and talkback series — returns to MoCA next Tuesday (January 16, noon to 1:30 p.m.), with 3 very different shows.
Plus: boxed lunches from The Porch at Christies and Meli Melo Crêperie.
Plays include:
“I Just Sneezed with a Big Mouthful of Coffee and I Do Not Recommend It!”: 2 hypochondriacs connect in a hospital waiting room. The competition begins.
“Closing Time”: Will Sophie and her mom get to the store in time to buy the boots she so desperately wants? Spoiler alert: It’s not about the boots.
“The Jewish Wife”: Judith was a beloved wife, friend and bridge player, but now she is only Jewish. A quiet masterpiece written by Berthold Brecht in 1938.
Can’t make MoCA on the 16th? Play With Your Food heads to the Pequot Library in Southport January 17, and the Greenwich Arts Council the 18th.
Click here for details, tickets, and the full 2024 schedule.
Westport’s Business Network International chapter — the 2nd largest in the state — invites interested business networkers to a Visitors Day on Thursday, January 18 (7 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church).
The group consists of only business per profession — for example, one financial advisor, one realtor, one chiropractor.
Categories open for this neeeting include estate attorney, landscaper, interior designer, printer, salon, personal trainer, restaurant, hotel, home inspector, home security, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial/residential cleaner, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, physical therapy, promotional projects, and professional writer.
During the latest calendar year, the group passed over $1.6 million in closed business.
Pre-registration is required. Email debralommascout@gmail.com. For more information, click here.
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One of Jazz at the Post’s most popular performers — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns this Thursday (January 11; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).
The Westporter will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Her shows are sure to sell out. Reservations: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Westport Police announced yesterday that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Neil Lott, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme.
“As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, he opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization.
On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a US Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit.
Lott was released on a $350,000 bond. If convicted of wire fraud, he faces a maximum prison term of 20 years.
“An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The investigation is being conducted the US Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department.”
Margaret Carey Coley — the wife of William Booth Coley, of the Coley family of Westport and Weston — died Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 75.
Her family says: “Margaret loved spending time with her family, especially her beloved granddaughters. She also enjoyed visiting with and giving treats to her grand-dogs. She was an avid reader, and loved to research and discuss family genealogy. She also loved to keep up with her favorite sports teams (Mets and Red Sox), and current events.
In addition to her husband of 45 years, she is survived by her daughter Michelle (Richard) Corcoran of North Haven; granddaughters Madelyn and Molly Corcoran; her brother Robert (Carolyn) Carey of Jamesville, New York, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother John J. Carey Jr.
Margaret’s family thanks the Stratford VNA and Assisted Living Services for their care, with a special thank you to the ICU doctors, nurses and other staff at Yale New Haven Hospital for their care and compassion during her final week
A parlor service is set for Thursday (January 11, 10:30 a.m.; Porto Funeral Home, 830 Jones Hill Road, West Haven. Family and friends may call Thursday morning at 8:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS United Connecticut, 4 Oxford Rd. Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460.
The Brooklyn native studied English literature at City University of New York, and learned about life from the poets, playwrights and protestors of Greenwich Village.
He taught English as a second language in South Korea and Tokyo, married a Japanese woman, and returned to the US to write novels and plays.
David Meth
A Westporter for over 4 decades, he also runs writing workshops for cancer survivors at the Westport Weston Family Y.
Now Meth has a new venue for storytelling: Ukraine.
Last year, he got a LinkedIn message from Alex Borovenskiy. The founder and artistic director of ProEnglish Theatre in Kyiv wanted to connect with Meth.
They Zoomed, and discovered a shared passion for preserving and protecting live theater.
It’s an important issue for Meth here in the States. Regional theaters are closing, and our own Westport Country Playhouse recently survived a near-death experience.
It’s important to Borovensky in Ukraine too. As war rages, people desperately need the connections that plays provide.
Borovensky told Meth, “The war will end. But if theater, arts, culture don’t survive, we will have nothing.”
ProEnglish Theater survives in the basement bomb shelter of a building. Some cast and crew members live there. It is, Meth says, “a true haven.”
(Its productions and classes are in English, so actors, audiences and students can feel part of the “international theatre community.”)
Borovensky sent a short video of Ukrainian soldiers singing Christmas songs, in the midst of devastation.
It reminded Meth of the “Cellist of Sarajevo.” During the 1992 siege, a Bosnian musician played in ruined buildings, and at funerals. His bravery inspired musical compositions, and a novel.
The cellist offered hope, in a desperate time. “Theater does that too,” Meth says.
Borovensky invited Meth to write a short play — no more than 3 minutes long — to be directed and performed by students in his theater education program.
Meth was honored. He wrote about a young couple who dream of getting married. When the Russians invade, they must confront whether they can raise a family in wartime.
Then the young woman breaks the news: She wants to go to America.
She could live in Brighton Beach, where there are many Ukrainians.
Or, she tells her fiance, she could go to Westport, Connecticut. She has heard there is strong support for Ukraine there, including a sister city. There is a Ukrainian church nearby too.
Her boyfriend must decide whether to go, or stay and fight alongside his brother.
The short play festival takes place January 13 (11 a.m. EST; click here for the Facebook livestream; click here for the Instagram livestream).
Meth will not be in Kyiv to see it, of course. But he hopes to continue the Westport connection.
He would like to see the festival shown on the Westport Library’s video screen. Borovensky could talk about the importance of Ukrainian theater — perhaps with Mark Shanahan, incoming Westport Playhouse artistic director, who could provide an American perspective on the importance of live theater.
Whether that happens or not, Meth is proud of what he’s done.
“It’s a small contribution to a very profound struggle to keep theater, the arts and culture alive,” he says.
“We should all learn from ProEnglish Theatre in Ukraine.”
(To learn more about David Meth, click here. Tomm earn more about ProEnglish Theatre, click here.)
Phil Delgado is quartermaster of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
In just a few years, he’s revitalized the 100-plus-year-old organization. Once a little-noticed club — despite its location at one of Westport’s most well-trafficked intersections — the VFW is now a major part of our civic life.
The VFW hosts world-class jazz, every Thursday, and folk music once a month. It’s the go-to spot for (inexpensive) celebrations like reunions and bridal showers, and meetings for groups like Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service and the League of Women Voters. Every month, there’s a Red Cross blood drive.
There’s a full bar and meal service — plus of course the usual VFW services for veterans, from the Korean War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The other day on the Westport Library stage, Phil talked about all those activities, and his unlikely path to leading them. Click below for our very intriguing conversation.
And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.
This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:
Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.
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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.
And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.
Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.
Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.
The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.
Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.
She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.
Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”
She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.
Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.
A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.
Terry Zapata
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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.
But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.
And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.
(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
In 1978, Gloria Gouveia was hired as Westport’s zoning enforcement officer.
The news made headlines. She was believed to be the first woman in that role, anywhere in Connecticut.
Gloria Gouveia, age 26
She was just 26 years old.
Gouveia was certainly well qualified. She had studied architecture and construction in college; led a planning study that identified every apartment in Norwalk, and worked for the South Norwalk Redevelopment Agency.
In Westport, she did “everything.” She issued zoning permits and certificates of compliance; enforced regulations; followed up on complaints, and testified in court.
Gouveia was particularly adept at spotting — and removing — illegal Post Road signs
She was Arnie Kaye’s nemesis. The controversial arcade owner once chained himself to Town Hall, protesting one of the zoning enforcement officer’s actions.
But Gouveia was also fair. With her encyclopedic knowledge of Westport’s zoning regulations, she knew that a section from the 1950s would aid Kaye through a review of non-conforming uses.
“Why would you help me?” he asked.
“That’s part of my job,” she replied.
For 6 years Gouveia learned all about fire, building, conservation and engineering codes, and how they fit together.
A modernization project between 1978-81 connected 9 separate buildings, into one unified Staples High School. (Photo/Steve Turner)
Because she was the official who released bonds, she learned to identify trees and shrubs — to tell if developers followed the landscape plans they’d submitted.
And she counted parking spaces, to determine whether lots actually conformed to the law.
Her job title changed to “zoning administrator.” She became am ombudsman, advising residents and developers on the many steps needed to obtain a permit.
Gouveia was there during the first modernization project of Staples High School; the construction of the first condominiums (Harvest Commons, Regents Park and Lansdowne), and the first office buildings on Post Road West.
In late 1983 she left Town Hall. Developers worried they’d lost their guide through the regulatory thicket. They asked if she would still help, as a consultant.
On January 6, 1984, Gouveia hung out her shingle. She called her new business “Land Use Consultants.” That’s a generic term now. Back then, it was innovative.
Gloria Gouveia (Photo/JC Martin)
Forty years later, she is still thriving. She advises on any element of construction and land use. Zoning permits, wetland issues, tax assessment appeals … if it involves Town Hall, the Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission (or anything similar), Gouveia can help.
She’s worked throughout New England and New York. These days — to avoid commutes — she prefers to stay in Westport.
Her office is within walking distance of Town Hall. She feels at home there — and she knows exactly what to do once she walks in.
Today’s regulations are much more complex than when she began, Gouveia says.
Water-related issues are regulated more closely now. Erosion and sediment are major concerns, for example, as waterways silt up and become both shallower and wider.
Back in the day too, no one worried about the impact of lights on the night sky.
As Gouveia has seen many changes in Westport’s attitudes toward development, among town officials and residents alike, her own views have evolved.
After approving a number of large office structures — including the controversial Gorham Island building in the 1970s and early ’80s — the P&Z took an anti-development stance.
The Gorham Island office building replaced a near century-old home.
Gouveia agreed with the new approach.
Over time, she says, Westport administrations became more pro-developer. One major reason: maintaining a strong tax base.
“When I was younger, I was not conservative about anything,” Gouveia says. “Now I see the importance of balance in a community.”
As she looks back at the history of development of Westport, she recalls the 1950s building boom in single-family houses that replaced farmland and open spaces.
“Panicked” at the thought of building so many new schools for new arrivals, the P&Z rezoned many areas. That restricted development by half, Gouveia says.
Then came the rise in gas stations and car dealerships, followed by office buildings and condos.
Today, Gouveia says, we are back to residential development — though this time, in many different forms.
What’s next?
“I see so many empty office buildings in town,” says Gouveia. “Their method of construction and infrastructure was excellent. That’s where we should be looking to build new housing — especially affordable housing.
“We have no more land. But look at Post Road West. It’s a corporate park district. There’s beautiful land, lots of parking, and they’re well built. That could be transformed thoughtfully into apartment use.”
Reflections of 315 Post Road West. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
She envisions the same thing happening at the Greens Farms Road office complex.
Even Nyala Farm. “We could provide housing there, without interrupting the commercial use — and without doing anything to the land around it,” she says.
Similarly, Gouveia thinks housing could be developed at the former Bridgewater office on Weston Road, rather than the current plan of building on the adjacent open space.
“The market for office space was dwindling before the pandemic,” she notes. “COVID just hastened it.”
It’s no longer remarkable to see a woman in her role. It’s no longer innovative to be a “land use consultant.”
For nearly half a century Gouveia has administered, adjudicated and advised Westport homeowners, developers and town officials about every conceivable aspect of land use.
You’d think she’s seen it all.
Nope.
There’s always a new idea, a new use (or re-use), a new controversy, a new regulation.
And for years to come, Gloria Gouveia will be eager to examine, explore and explain them all.
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