Roundup: School Security Unit, DPIC Comments, Lyman Update …

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 10 comments

Westport’s new School Security Unit begins work Monday (September 11).

The unit is a partnership of  the Police Department and Board of Education. Funding was approved unanimously this week by the Representative Town Meeting.

Officer Sean Kelley will be promoted to sergeant soon, and will supervise the unit. He was hired by the WPD in 2000, and has served as a detective in the Youth Division. He will be assigned to Bedford Middle School.

Officer Dennis Broderick will be assigned to Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools. He was hired a year ago, after retiring as a sergeant with the Milford Police Department, where he spent over half his 20-year career in the Detective Bureau.

Corporal Rachel Hall will be assigned to Saugatuck and Kings Highway Elementary Schools. She was hired in 2016, after beginning her career with the Ridgefield Police Department. She is a member of the Marine, Motorcycle and Drone Units, and served as a desk officer.

Officer Edward “Ned” Batlin will be assigned to Long Lots and Greens Farms Elementary Schools.  He was hired in 2001, and was the DARE officer for many years. He is very active with local sports, at the high school and PAL levels.

Though the SSOs will primarily remain outside of the schools, they will work directly with administrators as needed.

In addition to providing enhanced security, they will  focus on traffic enforcement and safety concerns during student drop-off and pick-up.

Officer Ed Wooldridge will continue as Staples’ highly regarded and very popular School Resource Officer.

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John McCarthy has been adamant recently about the need for more openness and transparency in local town government.

So he took notice yesterday when the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee posted scores of comments, following their Parker Harding Plaza August 22 charrette at the Westport Library.

“Kudos to the DPIC,” John says.

“It took a lot of work to get the comments typed up. I would have been happy with just copies of people’s handwritten notes,  but nice to see they went the  extra yard.”

Click here to read them all. It’s a great way to get a feel for the pulse of the community.

Members of the public were invited to comment after last month’s Downtown Plan Implementation Committee meeting about Parker Harding Plaza. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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On Wednesday, the Flood & Erosion Board approved Vita Design Group’s plan to build a house next door to Eloise A. Ray Park, on Riverside Avenue.

A “Friends of the Park” group is concerned that the park will be unusable while construction is ongoing; that it will be used in part as a staging area, and damaged by equipment; that the park will be “forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls” encroaching on it; that trees will be cut, and wildlife, and that traffic on Riverside will be affected.

They invite interested residents to email saveeloise@gmail.com.

The next hearing is before the full Conservation Board, on September 13.

Eloise A. Ray Park

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The bad news is: In Lyman, dozens of apartment buildings need repair before winter sets in.

The good news: It’s been several weeks since Russians attacked our Ukrainian sister city. And Westporters’ donations have already helped shore up 15 apartment buildings.

Ukraine Aid International’s Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded the boots-on-the-ground non-profit, and helped engineer our town’s sister city relationship — provided an update yesterday.

He told First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and “06880” that a construction firm is doing the dangerous work of repairing roofs and windows, to enable the damaged apartments to withstand the coming snow and freezing temperatures.

Mayer recently visited Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov. Behind his desk is a shelf filled with items sent from Westport.

Tooker and Koskinas are in near daily contact with the mayor and Lyman police chief. Each time, the Ukrainian officials tell their Westport counterparts how much our town’s support means to them.

(Donations through Ukrainian Aid International will help rebuild the many heavily damaged apartments. Click here to help. Under “Designation,” click the dropdown menu and select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.”)

In July — just hours after a Russian attack killed 8 Lyman residents — Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov sent a video thanking Westporters for their support.

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Connecticut’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony drew a reverent crowd yesterday to Sherwood Island State Park, the site of the state’s official memorial.

From that spot in 2001, smoke from the Twin Towers was visible.

Connecticut holds its ceremony before the September 11 anniversary, so relatives and friends of those killed in the terrorist attack can also attend the New York memorial on that day.

Yesterday’s 9/11 memorial, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Harris Falk)

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Westoberfest — the Westport Downtown Association’s Oktoberfest-style event — has something for everyone.

There’s beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries, sure.

But also live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub;  a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; a pumpkin and apple giveaway; food trucks, shopping and vendors like Savvy + Grace.

Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.

It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Westoberfest is for beer drinkers — and families. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Jennifer Johnson spotted this ship in Long Island Sound, earlier this morning.

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

“What is it dumping?” she asks.

I have no idea. But I’m sure someone in our “06880” universe does. Click “Comments” below, if you know.

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A service for Rev. Ted Hoskins — the former and much-loved Saugatuck Congregational Church pastor who died last month — will be held this Sunday (September 10, 2 p.m.) in Blue Hill, Maine. Doug Miller — Rev. Hoskins’ former associate minister in Westport — will officiate.

The service will be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

Rev. Ted Hoskins (Photo courtesy of Penobscot Bay Press)

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Forget car washes and candy sales. The Staples High School girls swim and dive team has a fundraiser that will really make you smile: a comedy show.

Their first-ever “Dive Into Comedy” (get it?!) event includes 4 comedians who have slayed it in laces like Caroline’s, Stand Up New York, Broadway Comedy Club and The Stress Factory.

It’s September 28, at the Fairfield Theatre Company. Click here for tickets (adults 21+ only).

“Don’t tread water. Get your tickets today!” the girls say. Hah!

“Make people laugh,” the photographer told the Staples swim and dive team. They did.

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But speaking of sports team car washes: The Staples boys soccer team holds theirs tomorrow. It’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Christ & Holy Trinity Church parking lot on Elm Street.

Like the girls swim team, they’re raising money for costs not covered by the Board of Education budget.

Workin’ at the (boys soccer) car wash…

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Gary Lucas — a rock guitarist lauded by Bruce Springsteen and Lou Reed, who collaborated with Captain Beefheart and Jeff Buckley — is the latest StoryFest addition.

He’ll rock the Westport Library October 22 (2 p.m.), accompanying George Melford’s 1931 Spanish-language “Dracula” film with a live guitar score.

Lucas will add even more to the largest literary festival in Connecticut. This year’s 6th annual event (October 20-22) includes a keynote conversation  with legendary writer Neil Gaiman; panel discussions and author conversations; a special reading of Eric LaRocca’s new play, “Gentle Hacksaw”; a children’s event with Pinkalicious author Victoria Kann, and PitchFest (a 5-hour paid workshop where aspiring authors can speak to literary agents about their book. Click here for more information.

Gary Lucas (Photo/Michael Arkk)

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It’s not yet fall — but this guy is getting ready for winter, at Tracy Porosoff’s kousa dogwood tree. Nothing could be more “Naturally … Westport.”

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Steve Harwell, former lead singer of Smash Mouth, died Monday. in Idaho. He was 56, and suffered from liver failure.

(There is a lot going on in town. And “06880” covers it all. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Environment, Library, Police, Staples HS

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Board Of Ed Edges Closer To Long Lots Decision

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 32 comments

Westport Community Gardens members pleaded their case yesterday, as the Board of Education discussed next steps with the Long Lots School Building Committee.

A request by BOE member Robert Harrington that the board vote — even symbolically — to support a new elementary school, while keeping the nearby gardens and Long Lots Preserve, was defeated 6-1.

Other members — while expressing a desire not to move the 20-year old gardens, if possible — said they did not want to change a process that’s been underway for a year, before receiving the LLSBC’s recommendations.

The building committee will present its proposals to the board in approximately 3 weeks. LLSBC chair Jay Keenan reported that 6 plans are under consideration. They include building a new school, renovating the current one, and renovating with additions.

The committee is looking at 4 sites: the current lower soccer fields, the current baseball field, the site of the current school, and the gardens. Only one scenario would keep the gardens and preserve where they are.

One of the 6 plans for Long Lots shows renovations and additions to the current school. A baseball diamond would be built on the site of the Community Gardens and Preserve (left). None of the 6 plans have been officially released.

Keenan also noted that during the construction process — 18 to 20 months for a new school, 30 months for renovation — the entire property would be fenced. He implied there would be no access to the gardens during that time.

“A lot of stakeholders are part of the campus,” he said. “The number one priority is the school.

“It’s a puzzle. We’re moving different parts around,” he added. “Everyone will feel pain. In the end, we’ll have a beautiful new building, and a beautiful campus.”

More than a dozen speakers addressed the BOE, during the public comment segment and after Harrington introduced his proposal.

While all thanked the building committee for their arduous and thankless work, most urged that the gardens and preserve be maintained.

Joellen Bradford, a neighbor on Long Lots Road, expressed concern for the impact of construction of any kind on Muddy Brook, part of the property’s wetlands.

The theme of creative problem-solving echoed throughout the meeting. After Keenan noted that the site must accommodate students, staff, workers, buses — plus a staging area for construction, and parking for everyone, including crews — one speaker suggested off-site lots, and shuttle buses.

After the LLSBC makes its recommendations to the BOE, the final decision will go to the Board of Selectwomen, and town bodies including the Board of Finance, Conservation Commission and Representative Town Meeting.

Keenan said, optimistically, that construction could begin “this time next year.”

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

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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Dan Alix: Virgin Galactic Pilot Flies High

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 3 comments

Virgin Galactic is the world’s first publicly traded space tourism company.

For $450,000, you can experience the thrill (and weightlessness) of a suborbital flight. Or at least, join a list of about 800 others who are waiting to blast off too.

But if you’re Dan Alix, you can actually take the controls

And get paid for it.

The 2001 Staples High School graduate is a test pilot for the company. He flies the mothership, which carries the spaceship and launches it from the air.

Eventually, he hopes to pilot the spaceship itself.

Dan Alix with the VSS Unity. The mothership is 60 feet long, with a wingspan of 43 feet. 

Dan’s path to the sky got a boost at Staples from physics instructor Dave Scrofani.

(Dan — who played soccer, hockey and volleyball — was a physics classmate of Mariangela Lisanti. The first person ever to win both the Intel Science Talent Search and Siemens competitions, she is now a theoretical physicist and professor at Princeton University.)

Dan did his undergraduate work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Air Force ROTC helped pay for college; in return, he spent 13 years on active duty. He is still a reservist.

A test pilot in places like Italy and South Korea, Dan flew F-16s and F-35s. He was deployed to both Afghanistan and Libya.

At Edwards Air Force Base — where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier — Dan worked on airplane design. The mix of engineering and adventure was perfect for him.

After leaving active duty in 2018, Dan took a similar job testing new planes in the private sector. He joined Virgin Galactic last February.

Both the mothership and spaceship are designed with plenty of pilot input, he says. Because so many space pilots are ex-military, the cockpits and operations are similar.

Space tourism is one arm of the Virgin Galactic flights. Currently, there is one flight a month. The goal is for many more — perhaps one a day.

There is also a “very robust” research component to the flights. With private companies, universities and the government all interested in a variety of projects, that has the potential to be even more profitable than space tourism.

Zero gravity is familiar territory to Dan, from fighter jets. But he looks forward to the view of earth from space.

Every passenger — including, most recently, a mother and daughter from Antigua and Barbuda who won a contest to fly (for free) into space — has the same “universal, gigantic” experience, Dan says: “Wow!”

Pilots and paying customers alike prepare “psychologically, emotionally an spiritually” for space flight, Dan says. But there apparently is nothing like actually being there.

“We’ve all seen photos of the curvature of the earth,” he adds. “But we haven’t taken them ourselves.”

Virgin Galactic’s last 2 flights were led by first-time space pilots.

“To take a test pilot — so disciplined — and see their reaction was so telling,” Dan says. “It takes a lot to get us excited. But this was much more emotional than I expected.”

Dan says it is “cool and exciting for me to be able to bring that kind of joy to people.

“The military is so important. But it’s nice to take those skills, and use them on a different kind of mission. And the more people that can have that experience, the better.”

(“06880” often chronicles the intriguing careers of Staples High graduates. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Staples HS, technology

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Pic Of The Day #2333

Posted on September 7, 2023 | 1 comment

During this hot week, the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve off Compo Road South offers plenty of shade. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roundup: Bridgewater Home, Volunteer Fair, Motorcycle Fire …

Posted on September 7, 2023 | 10 comments

The former home of the world’s largest hedge fund may become home to 14 residential homes. Four would be deemed “affordable,” according to state guidelines.

As first reported by Westport Journal, the houses — built by an LLC that includes David Waldman, the developer of projects like Bedford Square and the Bankside condos — would be constructed on 3.7 acres in the northwest part of the 16-acre property, off Weston Road.

The proposed homes are shown at the top of the Glendinning property.

The homes at “Cottage Village at Glendinning Place” would be 3 bedrooms. The “affordable” homes (for buyers who make 80 percent of state median income) would be half the size of the market-rate houses.

The land — named for Ralph Glendinning, who built a 48,000-square foot modern office park there for his marketing firm in the 1960s — includes a pond and pathways. It is at the confluence of the Saugatuck and Aspetuck Rivers, and abuts Aspetuck Land Trust’s Leonard Schine Preserve and Children’s Natural Playground.

Bridgewater Associates moved out earlier this year. They consolidated their hedge fund operations at the Nyala Farm office complex, off I-95 exit 18.

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New to town? Newly retired? New empty nester? Inspired by the new year (school and/or Jewish) to do something new?

If you are interested in volunteering — but don’t know where to start — the Westport Library, Town of Westport and League of Women Voters of Westport can help.

On Saturday, September 23 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the 3 organizations are teaming up to host an adult volunteer fair in the Library’s Trefz Forum.

Over 2 dozen community organizations will be represented. Each will have a staff member to provide information and answer questions.

The Library will also host a volunteer expo for teens on Wednesday, October 4 (4:30 to 6 p.m.), featuring local youth organizations with volunteer opportunities.

Organizations participating in the September 23 adult volunteer fair include: A Better Chance of Westport; AWARE; Center for Senior Activities; Club 203; Earthplace; FCJazz; Food Rescue; Friends of Sherwood Island; Guiding Eyes for the Blind; Levitt Pavilion; Staples Tuition Grants; Sunrise Rotary Club; TEAM Westport; Town of Westport; Verso Studios; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Wakeman Town Farm; Westport Book Shop; Westport Community Theatre; Westport Country Playhouse; Westport Emergency Medical Services; Westport League of Women Voters; Westport Library; Westport Permanent Art Collections; Westport Sunrise Rotary; Westport Woman’s Club; Westport Young Woman’s League; Westport-Weston CERT; Westport Weston Family YMCA.

There are countless ways to volunteer here. Food Rescue — picking up excess food, and delivering it where it’s needed — is just one.

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has a new transitional minister.

Rev. Alan Taylor will serve the congregation both from Westport and Oak Park, Illinois, where he and his family live permanently. He will preach 3 Sundays out of 4 — 2 in person, and 1 via virtual broadcast.

Rev. Alan will carry out his duties both in person in Westport, and virtually via email, Zoom and phone from his home office in Oak Park. He is serving in partnered ministry with UU Westport’s longtime minister of music, Rev. Ed Thompson.

Rev. Alan will first preach from the pulpit in Westport at this Sunday’s service (September 10, 10 a.m.). All are welcome to join in person or via livestream.

UU Westport’s previous senior minister, Rev. Dr. John Morehouse, has moved to a developmental minister role in a church outside of Philadelphia.

Rev. Alan Taylor

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The Westport Rotary Club hosted a board member of another outstanding group, at Tuesday’s meeting.

Ed Spilka of Wheel It Forward described their “lending library.” People who need durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, and related products can borrow them at no cost.

People with “lightly used” equipment can donate them too — helping others, and keeping what’s no longer needed out of landfills.

Ed Spilka of Wheel It Forward.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between August 30 and September 6.

One man was arrested after a resident reported that several checks worth $30,000 were returned due to insufficient funds, or account closed. The checks had been stolen, and attempted to be used to pay rent.

A man was arrested and charged with illegal possession of personal identity information, identity theft, and illegal trafficking in personal identity information. The incident began after a May 31 arrest at BevMax. A warrant was then obtained for a cell phone search. Evidence implicated the man in a larger, more complex fraud involving the purchase and sale of “high-end” liquor, using fraudulent credit cards. The scheme took place in many East Coast states.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Failure to carry registration or insurance card: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey a stop sign: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to carry a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1

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The Westport Country Playhouse “script in hand” season continues Monday, September (18, 7 p.m.). with “100 Saints You Should Know.”

Theresa (played by Tony Award winner Celia Keenan-Bolger) is a single mother with a rebellious teenage daughter. Working as a cleaner in a church rectory, she rekindles her religious beliefs and searches for validation from the priest.

But the troubled pastor, questioning his own faith, suddenly leaves the church and returns home to his protective mother. Theresa tracks him down, ultimately changing both of their lives.

All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Celia Keenan-Bolger

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A recent “06880” Roundup photo featured a series of holes dug next to the pedestrian path, leading from Old Mill to Compo Cove.

Property owner Jeff Northrop Sr. reports they’re for a new fence, identical to the one on the other side of the walkway.

A sign will say “Children and fishermen welcome.”

Northrop learned to fish there, as a child. “I want to keep it open access,” he says.

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Henry Wynne is one of 20 elite runners participating in Sunday’s 42nd annual Fifth Avenue Mile race.

The 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate — one of the greatest runners in Connecticut history — will cover the 20-block stretch of New York City far quicker than nearly anyone else can.

Of course, it helps that all the traffic lights will be green. (Hat tip: John Nathan)

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A motorcycle blaze sent the Westport Fire Department to the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot Tuesday afternoon.

Yesterday morning, this was all that remained:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Rock music, photography, art and fashion combine soon at WEST.

The Post Road East boutique hosts Michael Friedman for a discussion and signing of his very cool book “Exposed: The Lost Negatives and Untold Stories” (September 21, 6 p.m.).

The book is a treasure trove of up-close, personal — and excellent — photos of the musical icons the 1961 Staples High School graduate worked and hung out with, more than half a century ago.

You know: Janis Joplin, The Band, Kris Kristofferson, Rita Coolidge, Todd Rundgren, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, James Cotton, the Rolling Stones ….

Many were part of a 2019 exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

A portion of the proceeds from the “Sound Exposed” WEST event, including 20% of limited edition print sales, will benefit Neighborhood Studio. The non-profit provides after-school arts education for Bridgeport youngsters.

WEST will also offer 20% off all clothing and merchandise at the event, plus giveaways like signed copies of Friedman’s book, and tickets to the Bridgeport “Sound on Sound” music festival.

“Sound Exposed” is free, but registration is required — click here.

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Kerri Rosenthal hosts an “Art of Beauty” event next Wednesday (September 13, 5 to 7 p..).

The Art of Beauty event on Wednesday September 13th 5pm-7pm.

Her favorite esthetic, Erin Meyers-Albaridi from New Beauty & Wellness, will discuss art, fashion and (of course) beauty. There’s a raffle and swag bag too.

It’s free, but RSVPs are requested here.

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The New York Times reports the August 17 death of Sarah Wunsch, at her Massachusetts home. She was 75, and suffered a stroke 3 years ago.

The 1965 Staples High School graduate “championed citizen protections on issues of race, gender and free speech and helped persuade New York’s highest court to declare that men could be prosecuted for raping their wives,” the Times says.

“As deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts for almost three decades, Ms. Wunsch brought innovative challenges before the courts, aimed at safeguarding a wide range of public behavior, including panhandling for small amounts of change, tattooing, wearing certain hairstyles in school and videotaping on-duty police activity.”

Click here for a full obituary.

Sarah Wunsch (Photo/Kathleen Dooher)

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature celebrates all kinds of living things. We’ve run photos of deer (plenty), eagles (handsome), lanternflies (ugh) … you name it.

Today we feature a first: an orb-weaver spider, from Elisabeth Levery’s patio near Longshore.

It may not be particularly good-looking when you see it around your home. But Elizabeth sure makes it look interesting here.

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … Gary Wright, the singer-songwriter with a couple of synthesizer-infused hits, died Monday in California. He was 80, and suffered from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

Another day, another Roundup, another “06880” post filled with all kinds of Westport (and Westport-ish) news. Please support our work. Click here to contribute. Thank you!

 

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Posted in Local business, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, religion

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Wynston Browne: Westport’s Newest Movie Star, In A Breakout Role

Posted on September 7, 2023 | 11 comments

Triple Threat Academy’s 2022 film “Lux Freer” has won awards, and will screen at the Bridgeport Film Festival tomorrow. The acting/singing/dancing school’s fall classes start September 12.

But as founder/director Cynthia Gibb and writer/producer Jill Johnson Mann look ahead, they’re still smiling about this past summer.

The 2 women have had great careers in entertainment. Yet filming “Presumed Incompetent” — their 2023 film — was a highlight of their lives.

Both professionally, and personally.

The film was inspired by Wynston Browne. The story of the non-speaking autistic Staples junior — for years believed to be developmentally disabled, now using a keyboard to stun everyone with his remarkable intelligence — has inspired people all over town.

But Wynston is far more than the inspiration for the film.

He is also its star.

Wynston caught the eye of Gibb (a 1981 Staples High graduate and “Fame” star) and Mann, who works closely with Gibb (and whose children have acted professionally in, among others, “Mare of Easttown” and “Country Comfort”).

Each summer, Triple Threat students act in — and learn every element of — a short film. Mann and Gibb thought Wynston’s story deserved to be told on screen.

The first time Gibb met Wynston, she asked what he wanted people to learn from this film. He typed, “True inclusion means participation.”

They sure got that right.

Wynston Browne shares his thoughts by typing, in early table read.

Mann’s script for “Presumed Incompetent” tells the tale of a nonspeaking autistic teenager who was locked in his own mind for 15 years, with no way to communicate with the outside world.

Even his own parents could only guess what he was thinking. Those guesses were often off base, because the apraxia that afflicts “Chance” (and Wynston in real life) causes his body to move erratically. He appear agitated and unfocused, though he is not.

But only the boy locked inside knew that. He is highly intelligent. He hears and absorbs everything, even as doctors, teachers and therapists tell Chance’s family that he has a serious cognitive impairment.

No one presumed competence. The movie’s message is that we all must always presume competence.

Filming (from left) Claire Butler, Natalia Mann, Izzy Leeming and Sophie Jasmin Walther. Wynston told writer Jill Johnson Mann that one of the most difficult experiences during his years he could not communicate was feeling like kids made fun of him in the halls.

When the family discovers a spelling method that gives nonspeaking autistic people a voice, everything changes.

The film was shot entirely in Westport. The cast included 25 young people and 10 adults, nearly all of them locals.

During a week of rehearsals they got to know Wynston, who said that most of all, he just wants to be included with his peers.

He participated in the table read, spelling his lines as his character does in the film. He rehearsed scenes under Gibb’s direction, with the actors who played his parents and siblings.

His fellow actors learned to disregard signs that Wynston seemed to not listen or pay attention when they talked to him. They knew he was taking everything in, though his brain often can’t get his body to make eye contact or sit still.

Wynston Browne cuddles with castmates, during a break in filming.

But when Gibb called “action!” Wynston was laser focused. He stunned everyone with his nuanced, sensitive, emotional performance.

More than once, he had the cast and crew in tears.

Over the course of the week shooting the film, they watched a confident actor emerge.

Wynston Browne in an emotional scene, with fellow Westporter Alexandra Pearl.

Wynston got the drill: Now we go back down the hall and do another take; now they turn the cameras around and shoot another way; now I can feel proud because we got the shot!

In an astounding basketball scene Wynston worked the crowd, looking up to the stands with a grin as he sank shot after shot.

Wynston Browne’s face lights up, as he sinks his basketball shots. Westporter Mario Manna (left) plays his coach. Westport’s Miles Katz (far right), an Emerson film student, assists with the crew. 

He is in almost every scene in the film, working 12-hour days. In the evening he slouched on the couch like any teenager, cuddling with his film family, not wanting the day to end.

Partway through the shoot, he spelled to his mom: “I want to be an actor.” He told her it was the best week of his life.

Wynston had quite a surrounding cast, of actors from ages 7 to 85.

Other special needs actors participated too, including Bella Rizzi and Cotton Bodell of Westport.

Kassie Mundhenk of New Jersey, who played Moira Ross in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown,” alongside Kate Winslet and Jill Johnson Mann’s son Cameron (he turned out to be the murderer), was also in the film. Westporter Deb Katz plays Wynston’s mother.

Westport’s Bella Rizzi and Kassie Mundhenk set up for a shot at The Porch. The deli’s mission of inclusion and employing people with special needs aligns with the mission of Triple Threat’s films. 

“Presumed Incompetent” is now in post-production. Early next year, it will start making the rounds of film festivals.

This was not the only movie made through Triple Threat’s summer independent film project.

A student short, “Ocean’s 14,” was written by Staples senior Ayla Nahmias, and directed by classmate Tyler Rockwell.

“The Family Recipe” is a historical fiction story written by a Triple Threat’acting teachers, Alexandra Pearl. It starred a number of younger actors.

But “Presumed Incompetent” is the most ground-breaking. Wynston Browne is believed to be the first non-speaking autistic person to star in a film (other than a documentary).

He had a great 2 weeks. His co-stars and crew had an equally memorable time. A group chat continues the friendships formed on the set.

Soon, audiences everywhere will appreciate and admire Westport’s newest movie star too.

(“06880” is proud to tell Wynston’s story — and so many others. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #2332

Posted on September 6, 2023 | 4 comments

Lanternfly and Frederic Chiu share a Compo Beach sunset. (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day

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“06880” Podcast: Anjali McCormick

Posted on September 6, 2023 | 2 comments

When Anjali McCormick took over as Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO, the pandemic was still in full swing.

People longed to swim, work out and take classes. They wanted their kids in summer camp. But they worried about doing it too close to others. The Y was much quieter than usual.

Today, the Bedford Family Center and Mahackeno Outdoor Center buzz with activity. The pools, fitness center, gym and classrooms are full (the parking lot too).

As the Y prepares for its 100th anniversary gala October 6, McCormick looks both back and ahead. She’s learned a lot about the organization’s illustrious history.

And she is eager to build on it.

The other day at the Westport Library, McCormick joined me for an “06880” podcast. She talked about her route from Harvard and New Jersey to Westport; the Y’s strengths (and challenges), and what’s to come.

Click below to view.

 

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Unsung Heroes #301

Posted on September 6, 2023 | 13 comments

Labor Day is already in the rear view mirror.

But it’s never too late to hail the men and women who — quietly, efficiently, thanklessly — make our daily lives easier.

Some of them had a brief moment in the sun in the early days of the pandemic. Others never did.

But to every retail clerk, supermarket shelf stocker or checkout person, restaurant worker, delivery man or woman — and everyone else who labors for us (and may not have had Labor Day off): Thank you.

We don’t always acknowledge, you. Sometimes it seems that we don’t even see you.

Monday was your day. But really, every day should be.

Charle (Charlotte) is a favorite at Balducci’s.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)

(“Unsung Hero” is a weekly feature on “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: DPIC Meeting, 9/11 Ride, Emmy Squared Pizza …

Posted on September 6, 2023 | 4 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting tomorrow morning (Thursday, September 7, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201).

Agenda items include a strategic priority review, parking lots reinvention, pedestrian access and sustainability. Click here for the full agenda.

Discussion continues on the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s Parker Harding Plaza plan.

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The CT United Ride — Connecticut’s largest tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is important.

It’s also the largest motorcycle ride in the state.

And — as worthy as the cause is — it has a major impact on Westport traffic.

The ride this Sunday (September 10) begins at Sherwood Island State Park at 11:30 a.m. Bikers take I-95 south to Exit 17.

They then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue  and Riverside Avenue (Route 33); they cross the Post Road onto Wilton Road, and continue to the Wilton town line.

The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.

Expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer.

Plan alternate routes — and avoid the Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road intersection completely — from about 11:35 a.m. to 12:30. Roads will be completely impassable until the entire procession clears.

Motorcycles mass before the start of the CT United Ride at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)

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Emmy Squared Pizza opened officially yesterday. The restaurant — which replaces Amis in Bedford Square — was packed.

Emmy Squared features Detroit-style pizzas (square, with fluffy dough and cheesy crust), a Le Big Matt burger, as well as appetizers, salads, gluten-free and vegan options, craft cocktails, wine, beer, and more.

A special 10- by 14-inch pizza with 10 slices is being tested at the Westport location only.

There are 24 Emmy’s locations in the US, including New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Nashville, Louisville, Charlotte and Atlanta.

Pizzas from Emmy Squared.

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Meanwhile … as Homes with Hope’s food pantry runs low, they’ve reached out to the Westport Farmers’ Market.

And the Farmers’ Market is reaching out to their many customers.

Tomorrow and next Thursday (September 7 and 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), a non-perishable food and can drive will help replenish the shelves.

Needed items include canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna/chicken/meat, peanut butter and jelly, pasta sauce, and hearty soups/chili. Drop-off bins will be clearly marked.

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Registration began at 9 a.m. today for Westport Parks & Recreation Department fall programs. Click here for the link.

That’s also the way to register for Wakeman Town Farm’s youth programs, like “Little Farmer Parent & Me,” “Toddler Sprouts,” “Fantastic Farmhands” and “Farm Apprentice.”

Click here for more information on those programs, and how to register.

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With a heat advisory in effect for the area through tomorrow at 8 p.m. Westport’s Office of Emergency Management has opened 5 cooling centers:

The Senior Center is one of Westport’s 5 public cooling spots.

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One of Westport’s most iconic homes may soon be a teardown.

Among the items on the agenda for the next  Historic District Commission meeting (Tuesday, September 12, 7 p.m., Zoom):

“To take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit for 43 Compo Mill Cove and require the full 180-day delay.”

That’s the first house you see on Compo Cove from the pedestrian bridge — and the only one on the left side of the Cove path.

It’s been there for decades. But that’s not its first location. It was moved at some point in the 1900s, from its original location, across the way.

43 Compo Mill Cove (Photo courtesy of MLS)

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Some people worked yesterday at the Westport Library. Others were at the US Open — or watching at home.

At the Trefz Forum, you could have worked and enjoyed the tennis matches.

Thank goodness for closed captioning.

(Photo/Susan Leone)

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“Offshore wind could be the economic engine and energy solution California needs, but only if our state policymakers lead the way — and we’re running out of time to get it right.”

That’s the lead sentence in an op-ed piece — “Wind Farms Off California’s Coast Should be the Future of the State’s Clean Energy Grid” — that ran recently in the Los Angeles Times.

It was co-authored by Taylor McNair. The 2012 Staples High School graduate is a program manager for Berkeley-based GridLab, a non-profit focused on power grid transformation. Click here for the full piece.

Taylor McNair

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There are only 5 national recipients of this year’s Financial Literacy Ambassador Award.

And one is from Westport.

Staples High School student Andrew Rebello earned the honor (and a $1,000 prize). He got a perfect score on the Working in Support of Education Financial Literacy Certification test. His application then went through 3 rounds of judging.

Andrew credits his Financial Literacy teacher, Lenny Klein, for much of his success.

Andrew is co-captain of the Staples Investment and Trading Society, which participates in the Wharton Investment Competition.

He also founded the Staples team for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York Challenge. Last year, the team’s paper was published in the Journal of Future Economists.

Andrew also volunteers at the Long Lots Preserve.

  Andrew Rebello

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The new “Jazz at the Post” season debuts tomorrow (Thursday, September 7; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

Guitarists Kenny Wessel and Rale Micic headline opening night. They’re joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Jason Tiemann, and Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi,” Greg Wall on sax.

There is a $15 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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“Voice Scapes Audio Theater” — an evening of comedy and drama — comes to Westport next month.

The short, original, contemporary pieces performed by award-winning actors, engineers and directors, with sound effects and music, benefits the Westport Rotary Club’s Education Fund.

The “fully immersive experience” is October 18 (7 p.m., Greens Farms Congregational Church).

Tickets are $25. Mail to Westport Rotary Club, PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881, or Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046 (last 4 cellphone digits: 5819).

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The Westport Library’s 3-part series on the brain kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, September 7, 7 p.m.).

Dr. Robert Altbaum and Dr. Daryl Story join Andrew Wilk. They’ll talk about strokes and transient ischemic attacks, focusing on maximizing chances for recovery. The doctors will answer questions after their presentations.

From left: Dr. Daryl Story, Dr. Robert Altbaum, Andrew Wilk.

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One Woody Lane homeowner is not taking any more s—.

He placed this sign on his front lawn:

I’m not sure it will work though.

A lot of dogs can’t read.

And those that do, don’t give a crap.

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Deer can’t read those “Deer Crossing” signs, either.

They cross wherever they please.

Usually they’re bounding — often, in front of startled drivers.

These 3 took their own time. And, as they posed for our “Westport … Naturally” feature on Compo Road South, they did it “Abbey Road” style.

(Photo/Jimmy Franco)

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And finally … sure, it’s September 6. But:

 

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