Roundup: Spotted Lanternfly, Playhouse Benefit, More Theater …

Posted on August 23, 2023 | 10 comments

Spotted lanternflies are back.

At least one.

(Photo/Stephen Rothenberg)

Stephen Rothenberg reports from the Westport Community Gardens: “Spotted, and smushed.”

The SLF is a sap-feeding plant hopper native to China. It is believed to have entered this country as an egg mass stuck to a shipment of stone sent to Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, that state’s agriculture, vineyards, forests, nurseries and residential areas have suffered serious damage.

The spotted lanternfly made its way into Connecticut in 2021. The state Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order. The hope is that the pest will be slowed long enough to find a treatment to control or eradicate it.

The beautiful-looking insect affects fruit trees, grapes, hops and ornamental trees. The nymphs (immature stage of the SLF) and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, causing them to weaken. Excretions from the SLF stick to the leaves; black sooty mold grows, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize properly.  This reduce crop yields, and weaken trees and plants further, eventually destroying them.

It can also wreak havoc on lawn furniture, sidewalks, sides of buildings, car tires and everything else outside, making them a sticky mess.

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More guest artists have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s benefit concert, “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends, with Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” (September 9, 8 p.m.).

Joining Tony, Oscar and Grammy Award-winning (and 2003 Staples High School graduate) Justin Paul are friends from his films, stage musicals, and other projects.

Two are from Westport: former Staples Player Jacob Heimer (Broadway’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), and Stacie Morgain Lewis (“Wicked,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Urinetown,” “Titanic”).

Other guests include Loren Allred (vocalist on “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman”), Andrew Barth Feldman (“Dear Evan Hansen”); Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (“Motown the Musical,” “Hair,” “The Book of Mormon”); Tony winner Aaron Tveit (“Moulin Rouge! The Musical!”), and Jessica Vosk (“Wicked”).

Headlining with Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman”) are Kelli O’Hara (Tony Award for “The King and I”), James Naughton (Tony Award for “City of Angels” and “Chicago”), and Greg Naughton (founding member of folk-rock group The Sweet Remains). 

Director Caley Baretta — another former Staples player — is senior manager of creative development at Disney Theatrical Group. Producer Ben Frimmer is well known as Coleytown Middle School’s longtime theater instructor.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Justin Paul

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Speaking of the stage: The Westport Community Theatre’s 66th season begins September 8-24, with “A Picasso.”

It’s followed by “Time Stands Still” (November 10-26), “Love Letters “(February 2-18), “Switzerland” (April 5-21) and a final show, TBA (June 7-23).

Subscriptions are available for the theater, located in the lower level of Town Hall. Click here for information on tickets, and upcoming shows.

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Gil Ghitelman writes:

“It’s been said boat owners enjoy 2 immeasurable highs: First when they buy it,  then when they sell it.

“Dog parents {please don’t call them ‘owners’) achieve nirvana only once. The loss is off the charts on the Richter scale of sadness. No one adopting a pup thinks about the dreaded end. The fact is, our pets just don’t live long enough.

“When word filtered down that we lost our beloved Oskar, we were embraced with tearful hugs from our friends and Oskar’s buddies’ parents. What was especially touching were the kind condolence notes left in our mailbox by our caring Westport neighbors whom we only have a nodding relationship with.  Mega-shoutouts are in order to these compassionate folks.

“When things settle down, we’ll look for another dog to join our family. The local  rabbits that Oskar chased (and never caught) are probably hoping we move slowly on this. I’m sure they think a little respite is in order.”

Oskar

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Arthur Lipner & the Caribbean Cruisers put on quite a show last night, at the Levitt Pavilion. Even the lighting was red-hot.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Tomorrow night’s show is one of the summer’s big ones: Daryl Hall, with special guest Todd Rundgren.

It sold out quickly. But a few tickets have been returned, by people who now cannot attend.

The gala and cocktail party tickets are for both the pre-concert cocktail party sponsored by Roz and Bud Siegel, at Don Memo and Walrus Alley.

Concert-only tickets are available too for the show made possible by the Arthur & Claudia Cohen Foundation. But everyone can enjoy the Levitt parking lot, as it becomes a plaza with food trucks from the Blind Rhino, Little Pub and College Creamery Ice Cream, plus a full bar operated and sponsored by Rizzuto’s.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Every week, the Westport Rotary Club learns something new.

This week’s subject was Urban Impact of Black Rock.

Executive director Bob Niedermeyer described the organization’s mentorship support for kindergarten through 12th grade students living in Bridgeport’s PT Barnum Public Housing Complex.

100 volunteer mentors form long-term relationships with their students. and become involved in their lives beyond the classroom.

Bob Niedermeyer explains Urban Impact’s impact.

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Staples’ Class of 1965 is one of the most legendary in the high school’s 139-year history. (No, I was not a member. But they blazed the way for us youngsters well.)

To prepare for their 60th reunion in 2 years, they’re scouring the globe for classmates.

Click here to add your name to the database. If you’re not on Facebook, or have questions, email Kaempfer@mcarthurglen.com.

Members of Staples’ Class of 1965 remember when the school was 9 separate buildings. (This view is from 1959; an addition was finished in 1964).

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Former Westporter Betty Lu Grune died peacefully last week in Florida, surrounded by her family. She was 93.

Her father was a US Navy chaplain. Betty Lu lived in many US and international locations. She met her husband, George Grune, at Duke University during the first weeks of college.

Betty Lu graduated from Duke in 1951, with a B.A. in English. She married George in 1952. They lived in Florida, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania before moving to Westport. They were here for 33 years.

Betty Lu was active in the Newcomers Club, PTA and Westport Garden Club. She also served as chapter president of the PEO philanthropic organization.

In 1988 the Grunes retired to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where they supported local organizations including the Jacksonville Symphony, Cummer Museum, Players by the Sea, and Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida.

Betty Lu was a vibrant participant in countless events in support of her husband, the former chairman and CEO of Reader’s Digest Association. She took great pride in her 3 sons.

Betty Lu was predeceased by her husband George, and siblings Virginia May (Achtmeyer) Adams, Fern Marie Atkin and Francis Lee Albert, Jr. She is survived by her sons George Jr. (Judy) of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, and their children Heather, Lindsey and George III; Robert (June) of Ponte Vedra Beach), and their children Alexandra, Robert Jr. and Jordan; and Steven (Nancy) of Darien, and their children Steven Jr, Natalie and Kevin.

A service to celebrate Betty Lu’s life will be held later at the Palms Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Click here to leave an online tribute.

Betty Lu Grune

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Today’s compelling “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Community Gardens.

Photographer Lou Weinberg explains: “Compared to other native North American birds, goldfinches are late breeders.

“They start building nests in late June and early July, when thistle and milkweed are going to seed. Goldfinches like to use the seeds in their nests, and also as food for their young.

“The Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve have ample quantities of thistle and milkweed growing, along with one of their favorites, the sunflower.”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy 74th birthday to Rick Springfield!

 (Jessie’s girl, Jessie himself — and everyone else — is invited to contribute to “06880.” Please click here. And thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Unsung Hero #299

Posted on August 23, 2023 | 14 comments

Two of Jeff Mitchell’s many fans want to make sure he’s recognized as an Unsung Hero.

They prefer anonymity. Yet their admiration and respect for Jeff is clear. One writes:

Jeff’s gift of his time, to strengthen our community and make it a more enjoyable place for others, is striking. And he seeks no attention, fanfare, credit, praise or accolades.

As a volunteer for the Remarkable Theater, Jeff did not miss an opportunity to help every night of film, for the past 3 years. He did not miss one screening!

Beyond assisting in various roles, Jeff took tremendous extra steps, ensuring all would have a “remarkable” time.

Jeff Mitchell

He created a grid-like parking system, with an arc design, so every car enjoyed clear sight lines.

Jeff brought receivers/speakers from home and wired them up nightly, so guests who wanted to sit outside their cars could easily hear the soundtrack.

Jeff stayed late to jump-start all makes and models of cars if they had drained their batteries. People could not praise and thank him enough.

With unmeasurable patience and encouragement, Jeff taught members of the Remarkable Workforce (adults with disabilities) how to become proficient and independent at new tasks and responsibilities.

Jeff assisted with Wi-fi issues, projector issues, car tech issues — any tech issues, for that matter. He enjoyed the challenge, and giving his knowledge, attention and time, to help others.

Jeff advocates for the Remarkable Theater, giving those who struggle to represent themselves a voice. He promotes the Remarkable Theater, continuously suggesting new and exciting possibilities for future fun around the theater and town,

 

In his world of Westport Little League baseball, he endlessly does those same sorts of things too.

If a kid nails a home run, Jeff quietly climbs through the woods to retrieve the ball. The joy on a child’s face when Jeff hands over the prize is palpable.

Knowing how much the co-ed Challenger team (for players with disabilities) and their families look forward to baseball, Jeff goes out of his way to ensure they have a playable field. He brings rakes from home, and flour if necessary to stripe the baselines. The families respond with delight and glee.

He’s the guy in the shadows who goes unnoticed. But whatever the circumstance, Jeff is there, always ready to help, working  from the heart. He is your friendly, neighborhood superhero (Unsung Hero too).

Another fan adds:

Jeff coached his own kids in Little League. They are now 29 and 27, so you can see he goes way back. Plus he’s been on the Westport Baseball & Softball board, and has volunteered for the last 20 years.

He does so many tasks, they’d need 10 people to replace him.

Despite it being a very complex job, with tons of moving parts and logistics, he is never impatient. He does not raise his voice or get angry.

 

Among his contributions:

Tech guy; internet issues.

Liaison with League Athletics — umpire coordinator. He has the thankless job of getting young umpires scheduled. He has to deal with frequent no-shows and replacements, at the last minute.

He schedules the fields for a large number of teams, and has to coordinate timing with other youth sports.

He sends out all league emails, and inputs all fees for billing.

He is the ultimate Superfan. He attends Little League, Challenger and Staples games regularly.

He is the liaison between Little League and the Staples Diamond Club. He runs LL Day, when all Little Leaguers attend a Staples game, meet the players, run on the field (and get free pizza).

He broadcasts summer games on Facebook Live, enabling lazy people (like me), out-of-towners and parents who can’t attend to see the entire game, with his commentary. Even when it’s 95 degrees!

He gathers game scores and posts them on the website.

He has volunteered as kindergarten commissioner for many years. He loves to organize teams so kids from the same school can be together. He happily fields annoying parent requests to change teams so “Johnny can play with Timmy.” Has to recruit tons of coaches (because many pre-K/K kids means many coaches).

He arranged for Challenger to play at the East Regional Tournament game in Bristol next year — the one that determines which teams go to the Little League World Seriies.

Oh, yeah: Jeff drops off ice cream in the concession stand freezer for Challenger.

I’m exhausted reading all this!

Congratulations, Jeff Mitchell. You are our VERY well-deserving “06880” Unsung Hero of the week.

(Anyone can nominate an Unsung Hero. Email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(If you enjoy our Unsung Hero — or any other “06880” feature — please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Sports, Unsung Heroes

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Parker Harding Charrette: Cut-Through Road Returns; Parking Spaces Added

Posted on August 23, 2023 | 25 comments

The cut-through is back.

So are more parking spots than originally planned.

Plus: It’s ADA-compliant. And fire trucks now have the space they need, in case of emergency.

Those are the main takeaways from last night’s “charrette” — a meeting of residents, business owners, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee and other stakeholders.

Nearly 150 people — including officials from many town boards — filled the Westport Library to look at architects’ drawings and artists’ renderings, listen to Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, and ask questions about the Parker Harding Plaza renovation plan.

Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich presented the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s proposal, at last night’s charrette. 

In his presentation, Ratkiewich acknowledged public criticism, following the release in June of DPIC’s then-most recent plan.

The elimination of the cut-through road, along the Saugatuck River from Main Street to the Post Road, elicited the most controversy. Concern was also voiced then about the loss of parking spaces, in a new configuration.

Ratkiewich began with a brief history of the parking lot. Until the mid-1950s, he noted, the river lapped up against the banks of Main Street stores.

For many years, the Saugatuck River backed up right to the rear of Main Street businesses. (Photo/Peter Barlow)

A Kowalsky Brothers landfill project created the plaza, to serve the growing downtown in the postwar boom.

Construction of Parker Harding Plaza.

Designed by landscape architect Evan Harding, the original plan had a row of cars facing the river directly. (See “1970” and “1985” in the aerial photos below.)

A 1985 project removed vehicles from that prime spot. It also reconfigured the area near Gorham Island.

Parker Harding Plaza, through the years.

That created — theoretically — 214 parking spaces. But because many are far tighter than standard spots, cars sometimes take up more than one space.

And because there are not enough handicap spots as legally required, only 37 total spots conform to current regulations.

In addition, large swaths of the narrow lane closest to the back entrances of stores are not wide enough for firefighters to operate.

For those reasons — and to create a safer environment for pedestrians headed through the lot, their cars or the river, as well as for flood mitigation, and as part of a larger redesign that includes the Taylor lot by the Westport Library — DPIC was charged with developing a new plan.

Simply restriping the lot would not work, Ratkiewich said. Complying with current ADA and fire laws would result in only 142 to 157 spaces — and the main lane would still not be wide enough to accommodate fire trucks.

But although a new plan would create two-way traffic in a widened road closest to the rear of stores, the elimination of the cut-through road drew a firestorm of criticism.

The newest plan retains the cut-through, slightly east of the current road. It improves the congested areas near both Gorham Island and Starbucks, and adds lighting, plantings, public art and clearly designated walkways.

The new plan provides 173 parking spaces — with 7 handicap spots, 3 truck loading areas (until 10 a.m. only), and enough room for fire trucks to operate.

The new Parker Harding plan shows the cut-through road, two-way roadway, loading zones (black) and more. 

This artist’s rendering shows the cut-through road, heading south from the entrance near Gorham Island. Trash compactors will be hidden on the right. NOTE: The backs of the buildings will NOT be redesigned to look like Staples High School.

The main Parker Harding road will be widened, enabling 2-way traffic. The backs of the Main Street stores (right) will NOT be redesigned, despite this artist’s rendering.

With the cut-through road relocated slightly east of its current location (blue), there will be increased green spacy near the river. The DPIC plan includes public artwork, and more trees.

“This is not going to make everyone happy,” Ratkiewich acknowledged. “But we think it’s a good compromise of competing interests.”

Charrette attendees had the opportunity to fill out feedback cards. Comments can also be made through the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee website, through September 5.

Cards and pens were available for feedback.

Downtown Plan Implementation Committee chair Randy Herbertson (left) and Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, at last night’s charrette. (All charrette photos/Dan Woog)

(“06880” covers all of downtown — business, politics, events, bad parking — along with every other part of Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

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John McCarthy: Time For Westport To Join The Information Age

Posted on August 23, 2023 | 17 comments

We live in the Information Age.

Google that phrase. It takes 0.46 seconds to get 10,180,000,000 results.

Yet Westport cannot convey basic information — background material on upcoming board and commission meetings, say — to its 26,000 residents.

“Most towns haven’t kept up” with the Information Age, John McCarthy says.

Westport is “probably better than many,” he acknowledges. “But we can do better.”

If he — and a group of like-minded citizens — have their way, we will.

John McCarthy

A 1982 Staples High School graduate who returned here a few years after college and now serves as CFO for technology companies, he has a strong interest in local affairs.

He walks the talk, having run for — and served on — the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).

McCarthy comments frequently on town issues, on “06880.” He’s not the only one.

So after he wrote some long-simmering thoughts about how well (that is, poorly) town bodies share information, he shared them with several Westporters he thought might share his views.

They did.

McCarthy was sparked by 2 recent controversies: The Westport Community Gardens/Long Lots Elementary School project, and a new plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

While very different issues, he says, “the outpouring of concern over both are largely driven by the same recurring theme: Ordinary Westport residents do not feel like they always get the complete story from elected and appointed officials.”

This is not the first (and second) time this has happened, McCarthy notes.

And, he adds, “it is a non-partisan problem. It has existed with both Democratic and Republican town administrations.”

The Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve may be impacted by renovation or new construction of the nearby elementary school. But detailed plans have not been released publicly.

The result — “The Open Westport Initiative” — is “a non-partisan effort to make information and data created and stored inside Westport’s town government easily accessible to the public.”

“We have to make sure everyone has access to facts, so they can make up their own minds about issues,” McCarthy says.

Without access to information, residents “attribute malice” to decisions that are made. Often, McCarthy explains, “the decision-makers just have more facts.”

The reason that, for example, background materials are not posted along with meeting agendas — though they are emailed to commission, board and RTM members — is not because of malice, or a desire for power, he believes.

It is due, he says, to a combination of inertia, lack of technical know-how, and “maybe fear from lawyers that sharing everything might somehow hurt the town.”

Whenever he talks about “transparency” with town officials, McCarthy says, “they say, ‘all meetings are publicly noticed.’

“That’s true. But we have to go well beyond the legal notice.”

McCarthy notes that some meetings are still recorded on cassette tapes. He urges the town to invest in real-time transcription — a technology that is readily available.

Some town meetings are still interrupted to change cassette tapes.

McCarthy would also like to see every bit of information on a Town Hall computer or server — except for private, personal data —  be searchable by every resident, wherever they are.

“None of this should be controversial,” McCarthy insists. “Though I’m sure it will be.”

The next step is “getting people to talk about this. Let’s see if any elected officials want to take it up as a battle cry.”

Perhaps, he says, a group like the League of Women Voters can develop a “public transparency scorecard.” They could grade local boards and commissions on a variety of criteria, and publicize the results.

This project is not tied to the upcoming municipal election, McCarthy says. However, “if I was running for office and supported this idea, I’d say, ‘If elected I’ll do whatever I can to make this a reality.”

So far, McCarthy has financed the entire project himself: He paid $10 to register the OpenWestport.org domain.

He hopes “06880” readers will comment on his idea (including perhaps, “things are fine just the way they are”).

“I have lots of good stories about dealing with Town Hall. Other times, there’s room for improvement,” he says.

“It all comes down to the old saying: ‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But they’re not entitled to their own set of facts.’

“I want us all to operate from the same set of facts.”

The Open Westport initiative was signed by Toni Simonetti, Morley Boyd, Tom Prince, John McCarthy, Susan McCarthy, Chris Grimm, John Suggs, Grayson Braun, Jamie Walsh, Doug Enslin and Jay Walshon. Click here to read the full document. Questions? Email john@openwestport.org. 

(If “06880” helps you keep up with whatever is happening in town, please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics

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Pics Of The Day #2317

Posted on August 22, 2023 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2317

Enjoying the Compo Beach Schlaet’s Point jetty … (Photo/Eric Bosch)

… and nearby fishermen … (Photo/Susan Garment)

… with clouds overhead … (Photo/Matt Murray)

… and another view (Photo/Susan Leone)

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Roundup: Cans, Downtown Charette, Jodi & Scott …

Posted on August 22, 2023 | 8 comments

On Sunday, Tom Kretsch and his wife Sandi headed to Compo’s South Beach, by the trees near the kayak launch.

A large group of Staples High School students and parents were setting up for an end-of-summer/start-of-school bash.

Not far away Tom saw a woman with a baby on her back, and 2 other kids tagging along. She stopped at every trash can, gathering cans for redemption.

She halted for a bit, to watch the picnic. Someone came over, with pizza for her and her children.

A few minutes later the woman continued walking, and picking through the trash.

(Photos/Tom Kretsch)

“It was quite a contrast, seeing someone scrounging for cans on our beach, and other people enjoying life on the beach,” Tom says.

“I wondered how she got there, with 3 kids and those heavy bags. What a world of haves and have-nots.

I’ve never seen anything like that on Compo Beach. On we journey, counting our blessings.”

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A reminder: Tonight (Tuesday, August 22) is the open house “charrette”: a public review and feedback meeting covering additional plans for the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s “Master Plan for Downtown Parking and Pedestrian Areas: Reconnecting the Riverfront.”

Particular focus will be on the Parker Harding Plaza design.

The session begins at 7 p.m. (Westport Library) All residents and downtown stakeholders are invited to attend.

Information on the project is available on the DPIC website. Feedback is welcome in its comments section.

DPIC also conducts regular public meetings, typically the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m.

Parker Harding Plaza cut-through road (left), and Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Westport Community Gardens continues its 20th anniversary celebration with another pop-up garden stand.

Everyone is invited to explore the Gardens — and adjacent Long Lots Preserve — and pick up very fresh produce, herbs and flowers this Sunday (August 27, 10 a.m. to noon).

Straight from the Community Gardens. (Photo/Karen Mather)

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The Rhimes girls held a very successful lemonade-and-ice-cream fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services this weekend.

They raised over $4,000 for the great organization (which, many people don’t realize, runs almost entirely on donations).

The feeling of helping a good cause was enough. But the youngsters were rewarded yesterday. President Mike Burns led a personal tour of the facility — and personally thanked the girls.

WVEMS president Mike Burns and EMS member Sammi Henske flank the Rhimes family. (Photo courtesy of Shonda Rhimes)

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James Naughton and Carole Schweid entertained a full house last night.

The “Play With Your Food” creator led the actor/director in a discussion on his life on stage and screen — and as a passionate advocate for Connecticut’s Medical Aid in Dying legislation.

Naughton talked about investing in theater (he’s been quite lucky), his work with Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and many others, and the joys and frustrations of a life in the arts.

The evening included a screening of the short film “Not the Same Clarence.” The film, featuring Jim and his son Greg Naughton, depicts the realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event.

James Naughton and Carole Schweid. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of acting: Jodi Stevens and Scott Bryce are expanding SBEstudio — their Weston performing arts school — to Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Jodi (a Broadway veteran and voice, singing and acting coach for over 20 years) and Scott (her Emmy-winning producer/director/actor husband, and a former Staplesl Player) offer new programming too, including a spring 6-week film and TV intensive course.

A grand opening is set for this Sunday (August 27, 2 p.m.).

Musical theater group classes and private lessons are available from ages 4-5 (Broadway Beginnings) all the way to 15-18 (Young Professionals). A new Broadway Babies class, for ages 2-3, is in the works.

The Bryce family has a long history with the Saugatuck Church. Scott’s mother Dorothy was deacon emeritus, a founding member of the Interfaith Council of Westport, Weston, Wilton, and a founder of the Theatre Artists Workshop.

Jodi’s scholarship program for talented students without means will continue, under a new name: The SBEstudio Dorothy Bryce Scholarship Fund.

For more information on the Saugatuck Church and Weston programs, click here, email info@sbestudio.com, or call 203-247-6569.

Scott Bryce and Jodi Stevens (Photo courtesy of Celebrity Parents)

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Agent Orange has killed more than 300,000 US military veterans since our country left Vietnam in 1975.

The toll continues to rise.

In his new book “Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War,” Staples High School graduate/longtime Westport/prolific author Carl Addison Swanson explores the subject.

Amazon calls it “the tragic story of a Vietnam Veteran who, after 50 years of good health, is stricken with a heart disease connected directly to his exposure to the chemical AGENT ORANGE during the war.”

It is available on Kindle. Click here to order, and for more information.

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The last date of lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Thursday (August 24).

Compo Beach lifeguards continue through September 4.

Beach stickers are required through September 30.

Burying Hill Beach lifeguards’ last day is Thursday. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)

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Traffic alert: The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins this Thursday (August 24).

The work will continue for 2 weeks, on 15 miles of roadway. Be alert for 1-way traffic throughout the project.

Crack sealing ahead!

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This week on “What’s Next in Weston,” 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor introduces Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm.

It’s the first of a 2-part series, covering the programs offered at “The Coachella of Fairfield County.”

The podcast is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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MoCA’s fall exhibition — “Purvis Young: This is the Life I See” — features 36 large scale works by the American “outsider artist.”

This is the first time that the works, from the collection of Lynne and Jack Dodick, have been on public view.

The exhibition open September 15, and runs through December 29. A reception is set for September 14 (6 p.m.; free for members, $10 for non-members. Click here to register.) Advance registration is required.

Purvis Young (1943 – 2010) was a self-taught artist who dealt with the plight of the underprivileged and the consequences of racism and daily violence through a highly distinctive visual style. He lived his entire life in the Miami neighborhood of Overtown, once an entertainment destination as well as a Black neighborhood in the segregated South. Click here for more details.

“Shackled in Blues” (Purvis Young)

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Barry Kresch has spent several months observing nature, up close and personal.

He writes: “A pair of cardinals built a nest in a small tree outside my kitchen window. It was fairly low, so I was able to get some shots into it without disrupting the proceedings.

“I got much of the life cycle: first egg, mom sitting, chicks hatched, dinner is served, junior ready to take wing.

“After they left, I removed the nest. My wife told me they decay and get parasites, so the birds don’t reuse them.

“The same or another nesting pair then repeated the cycle. This time the nest was higher in the tree, not conducive to photos.”

This “life cycle” photo is perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Barry Kresch)

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And finally … on this day in 2011 Nick Ashford — half of the husband-and-wife songwriting/production team Ashford & Simpson, and a former Westport resident — died of throat cancer. He was 70 years old.

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Roy Wood Jr. Stands Up For Hope

Posted on August 22, 2023 | 1 comment

As a student at Florida A&M University, Roy Wood Jr. worked as a server at Golden Corral.

He quickly learned the importance of engaging with customers — and making them laugh.

He learned something else: “No matter who you are — a 14-year-old Mexican, an old pastor, a family with White Power tattoos on their knuckles (true story) — there are 4 things everyone can talk about: food, entertainment, relationships and work.”

Wood came up with patter for all four. People — even the White Power folks — laughed along with the young Black server.

More than 20 years later, Wood still makes people laugh.

He did it as a correspondent on “The Daily Show” with Trevor Noah. Last spring he did it at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

On October 14 he’ll do it at Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

The event — “Stand Up For Homes with Hope” — is an annual benefit for Westport’s supportive housing and food pantry. Wood is the latest in a 15-year line of great comedians (think Paula Poundstone) to entertain audiences with timely, topical humor.

And to raise much needed funds, for a very important cause.

This is Wood’s second appearance here. His first was during the pandemic, when the show was virtual.

Then as now, he was honored to crack jokes so that people could crack open their wallets.

“There are problems like homelessness everywhere,” Wood says. “When you talk about charity and need, that’s an American issue. It may even be easier to do a show like this, because everyone there is united. Everyone there has a heart. Those shows are very energetic.”

Roy Wood Jr.

His perceptive observations of America are in his genes: His father, Roy Wood Sr., was a radio broadcaster and journalist who covered the civil rights movement, racism encountered by Black soldiers in the Vietnam, and the Soweto uprising. His mother, Joyce Dugan Wood, is a college administrator.

As a youngster, Wood wanted to be like Stuart Scott: a sportscaster with humor. When he got older, he tackled a broader range of topics.

Stand-up comedy, he found, is “a rush. At the end of the day, it’s about connecting with strangers, over the things we have in common.”

Wood looks forward to visiting Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, before his show that night. He has not been here before (though he visited Norwalk, for his son’s robot fighting league competitions).

“I’ve learned about Connecticut: It’s extremely diverse,” Wood says.

“The perception is that it’s only white and rich. Nothing can be further from the truth. You can’t just assume something about a state.”

The comedian pauses. “I’m from Alabama. Trust me. I know.”

(Click here for tickets and more information on the October 14 “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” show. Click here to learn more about Roy Wood Jr.)

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Pic Of The Day #2316

Posted on August 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2316

Franklin Street I-95 underpass (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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“06880” Podcast: Alison Milwe Grace

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 6 comments

Alison Milwe Grace has spent nearly 3 decades in the food world.

From baking cakes in elementary school to working as a cheese monger in high school, waitressing her way through college, managing fine dining establishments post-graduation, becoming executive chef at an award-winning restaurant — and now chef/owner of her own catering company — she has tasted it all.

The other day Alison dished about the industry with me, at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. She’s as lively and fun in front of the camera as she is in the kitchen.

Sample her thoughts on catering (pre-, during and post-COVID); local dining trends, and much more — just click the link below.

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Roundup: Tax-Free Week, Pastaficio, Greenwalds …

Posted on August 21, 2023 | 1 comment

The Westport Downtown Association reminds shoppers that Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free week began yesterday. It runs through this Saturday (August 26).

Retail purchases of most clothing and footwear priced under $100 are exempt from Connecticut sales and use tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item under $100.f

Many retailers add their own discounts.

For more details on Sales Tax-Free Week, including a list of items that are exempt or taxable, click here.

Footwear (and clothing) is exempt from sales taxes this week — for items under $100. (Photo/Alison Lee)

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Westport firefighters responded to a structure fire on Compo Road South just before midnight yesterday.

All occupants were safely out of the house. Damage was limited to the exterior.

Mutual aid from Norwalk and Fairfield provided station coverage. Westport Police and Emergency Medical Service assisted.

The last unit cleared at 1:36 a.m. As fire companies were leaving, they were dispatched to I-95 northbound between Exits 17 and 18 for a motor vehicle crash involving a car and tractor-trailer, with injuries.

Less than 10 minutes after that call, additional companies responded to a second motor vehicle crash with injuries in the same vicinity. Westport EMS assisted at both incidents.

Compo Road South fire. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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Pastificio has been closed for a couple of weeks.

A sign in its window on the Post Road store says: “We inform our kind customers that Il Pastificio will reopen on Sunday 20 [yesterday], temporarily as a pasta shop and not as a restaurant, until a date to be determined.”

We’re not sure if that means they’ll go back at some point to also serving as a restaurant — or if they’ll close at some point permanently.

“06880” will pass along details when we have them. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

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Tommy Greenwald is a man of many talents. The 1979 Staples High School graduate is a noted advertising executive, playwright and young adult author.

He’s also known as the father of Charlie Greenwald — no slouch in the acting/comedy/writing departments either. (And himself a Staples grad, class of 2012.)

Father and son have now collaborated on a new book. They co-wrote “The Rescues: Finding Home,” a children’s book about rescue animals.

(“It’s appropriate for everyone who’s alive,” notes Tommy, in true marketing mode.)

They’ll be appearing at the Westport Library’s StoryFest in October. If you can’t wait that long, check them out at Brooklyn’s Books are Magic (September 9, noon to 1 p.m.), the Rye Book Festival (September 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or the Chappaqua Book Festival (September 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Or click here to pre-order. The publication date is September 5.

Charlie and Tommy Greenwald, and their book.

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Frank Mastrone brought his very popular American Songbook show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Joining him were 2 other Broadway stars, both of whom performed — as he did — in “Phantom of the Opera.”

And both are Westporters: Staples High School graduate and classically trained opera singer Terry Eldh, and Dodie Pettit, aka one-half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

The evening was sponsored by Roger Leifer, as part of his “Sunday Series.” He threw a pre- and post-concert party for his tenants — a rare but welcome gesture by a commercial real estate landlord.

Frank Mastrone (center), with (from left) Dodie Pettit and Terry Eldh. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This has been the “summer of sewers” in Westport.

Work continues in various spots around town — or at least, equipment is ready.

This was the scene yesterday, off Whitney Street:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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A “rainbow” at the Westport Community Gardens frames today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Karen Mather)

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And finally … in honor of Tommy and Charlie Greenwald’s new book (story above):

(Welcome to another week of “06880” stories and features — and another gentle request for readers’ support. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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