Anne Marie Fox’s children’s pediatrician, Dr. Janet Woodward, retires this week.
The Willows doctor has served the community for 38 years. Anne Marie writes:
My husband Patrick and I feel extremely lucky that Dr. Woodward was recommended to us when we started a family back in 1998.
Dr. Janet Woodward
She is an outstanding doctor: brilliant, kind, patient, and unbelievably committed to her work. She makes her patients feel valued and important, and always goes above and beyond in their care.
She has been an invaluable part of our family over the years. Our girls continue to use her in their 20s. She has been a constant and consistent adult in their lives, always supporting, always available, and always interested.
Fortunately, my kids have never really had any medical emergencies or long-term health issues. I can’t imagine Dr. Woodward’s worth to families that have.
Dr. Woodward graduated from Vassar College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York City. She completed her pediatric internship and residency at Yale Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Woodward writes on the Willows website: “When I started as a new pediatrician joining Willows Pediatrics, I was happy for the opportunity to take care of infants, children and adolescents in a vibrant small town not far from where I grew up.
“I will be forever grateful for being welcomed into the local medical community served by Norwalk Hospital, and for being welcomed by families in Westport and surrounding towns.
“I am also grateful for the original Willows partners, who set an amazing example of dedication to the practice, to always learning, and to providing the most up-to-date medical care possible.
Dr. Janet Woodward, with one of her many patients.
“Now 38 years later, it is time for me to move on, and for Willows to bring on a new enthusiastic and wonderful pediatrician. Thank you for the opportunity to help take care of what is most important in our lives, our children, and to feel part of so many of our amazing families. Through ups and downs, sharing joy and heartbreak, what I have learned from you will always stay with me.”
I know that hundreds of Westport families join my family in saying “thank you” to Dr. Woodward for the incredible care of our children over the years. We wish her much enjoyment in her retirement/
Well said, Anne Marie. Dr. Woodward has been a Westport institution, for nearly 40 years. Thanks for all you have given us — and congratulations on your well-deserved honor as our Unsung Hero this week!
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Eamil 06880blog@gmail.com!)
(Like Dr. Woodward, “06880” strives to serve the Westport community. Please click here to donate, and help our mission.)
Westport’s 13th annual annual Shred Day is Saturday, September 24 (9 a.m. to noon, Greens Farms train station).
Residents may shred up to 8 paper bags (bags recycle too) or 3 boxes (12 inches by 18 inches) per household. Each car will be charged $10. Proof of Westport residency is required.
Among the items often shredded: personal, confidential and sensitive papers, bank statements, cancelled checks, credit card statements, tax records and medical records.
For more information, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton by phone (203- 341-1110) e-mail (JDunkerton@westportct.gov).
Everything is set for Saturday’s (September 17, 5:30 p.m.) Westport Country Playhouse benefit.
Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton”) headlines a high-energy concert of Broadway, pop and soul, backed by a 7-piece band.
There’s a pre-show cocktail party and after-party with a DJ and dancing — plus an auction. Among the items:
A week’s stay for 8 at a Malibu beachfront home, and dinner at Pier Café.
3 -hour sail on the 72-foot yacht Ticonderoga, from Riverside Yacht Club. Choose a dinner sail for 12, or a cocktail cruise with appetizers for 20.
Metropolitan Opera premium box seats for 8 at the world premiere of “The Hours,” starring Renée Fleming and Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara. Post-performance champagne with Kelli in her dressing room.
2 house seats for 5 must-see Broadway shows, curated by Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director. Dinner prior to one evening’s performance, plus round-trip car service.
A round of golf at Shorehaven Golf Club with Stephanie Szostak (avid golfer, film and TV actress), plus a lesson with a Shorehaven golf pro, gift certificate at the pro shop, and drinks at the club.
Coffee and conversation with Tony and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel.
Catered dinner for 10 on the Playhouse stage with Playhouse actors and Mark Lamos.
Drinks or coffee in New York with film, television and stage actor Michael Urie.
Raffle prizes include a $15,000 Shopping Spree at Lux Bond & Green, and mezcal and taco tasting for 10 at Don Memo.
For more gala details, including tickets, click here.
Land use expert and engineer Rick Redniss reports: “After careful evaluation of the challenges in achieving a redevelopment that enhances the historic building and navigates the complex lengthy local and state approval process, the contract purchaser has elected to withdraw the pending text application (before the Planning & Zoning Commission).
“While trying to achieve a successful balance of costs and benefits it has become clear that taken as a whole, the effort does not ‘pencil out’ at this time.
“We thank everyone for their participation and hope that a future effort will help protect this historic building, so it can once again be an asset to Westport.”
There’s another Bridgewater in town.
Besides the world’s largest hedge fund, Westport is now home to Bridgewater Chocolate. The two have nothing to do with each other, besides our Zip Code.
The chocolatier — located in Parker Harding Plaza, near GG & Joe’s — was founded in the upstate town of Bridgewater (hence the name). This is their 4th store. Other locations are Brookfield and West Hartford.
Bridgewater Chocolatier’s grand opening is 4:30 p.m. today.
Bridgewater Chocolate (Photo and hat tip/Ifeseyi Gayle)
Much-loved photographer Jerri Graham is September’s guest art exhibitor at Westport Book Shop.
It’s a true local show. Her images highlight the beauty and bounty of Wakeman Town Farm.
As a young girl, Graham learned darkroom techniques with her father. Together they experimented with negatives and light.
The exhibit is open during regular business hours at the used book store on Jesup Green. All artwork is available for purchase — and Graham will donate a portion of the proceeds back to the Town Farm.
Interested District 2 voters are invited to apply for a Representative Town Meetng vacancy. It was created by the resignation of Christine Meiers Schatz.
No party affiliation is required, as the RTM is non-partisan. The term runs through November 2023.
To apply, send a resume by September 23 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
Piano master Brian Marsella returns to the VFW this Thursday. He headlines Jazz at the Post, the weekly series that’s drawing rave reviews and large crowds.
He’s joined by Reid Taylor, Brian Floody and of course Westport’s own “jazz rabbi,” Greg Wall.
There are 2 sets on Thursday, September 15: 7 andn 8:30 p.m. (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue). There’s a $10 cover, and dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested: JazzAtThePost@gmail.com
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar features writer, author and wild bird rehabilitator Suzie Gilbert.
The author of the memoir “Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings” and the novel “Unflappable” shares her love of the natural world and passion for wild birds, and her journey from raptor center volunteer to founder of a bird rehab center and author.
On October 9 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), they can combine both. The author will read from her popular “Pinkalicious: Treasuretastic” book, and sign copies. There’s also a scavenger hunt for natural treasures through the remarkable Blau House gardens, and a chance for children to take a bean home and watch it grow.
The gardens are at 9 Bayberry Ridge Road. Registration and payment ($10 per child, which includes a copy of the book) must be done by October 7. Click here for details.
Sure, this entitled parking photo is from a few feet over the Westport line — it’s at Equinox, in Southport.
But the driver is a few feet over several lines — handicapped lines.
Allison Ziering Walmark, who saw this spectacularly selfish act, took note of the flag on the back. She writes: “Whoever parked this way must be so traumatized by the Queen’s demise, that he or she can’t think straight. Not one, but two handicapped spots!”
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is both wondrous and scary: a ginormous wasp (or hornet?) nest, hanging heavily on a branch at the entrance to Grace Salmon Park:
And finally … today’s song is a collaboration of 3 generations.
Longtime Westporter Barbara Reis has spent over 50 years writing musicals. They’ve been produced at the White Barn Theater, Fairfield Playhouse, Orpheum in New York and others.
She wrote the music in the video below. The lyrics are by her daughter, Rosalind Mae Reis. And the photos were taken by Barbara’s grandson, Eli Melet, at various national parks.
In 2013, a woman spotted signs for Staples Players’ upcoming production: “A Chorus Line.” She’d never seen the acclaimed show, and called a friend suggesting they go together.
The friend called the high school box office. It was sold out.
Well, she said, if any tickets come up, please let me know. She left her name: Terre Blair.
She should have used her full name: Terre Blair Hamlisch. As the widow of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of the 1975 Broadway musical, Players could have found her 2 seats.
Fortunately, Terre and her friend got tickets. She had seen plenty of productions of her late husband’s show. She expected to see these high school students put on a high school show.
Instead, she says, “I felt like Dorothy in Oz. Everyone — the actors, the dancers, the pit orchestra, the directors — was so talented. It blew me away. It was as good as any regional troupe I’d seen.”
Staples Players’ “A Chorus Line,” in 2013. (Photo by Kerry Long)
She was so impressed that at the end of the production, she walked — without telling directors David Roth and Kerry Long — onto the stage. She introduced herself, and said she was producing a birthday celebration for her late husband in New York, with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey and Donna McKechnie.
Then she invited Players to join her there.
The young actors jumped up and down.
Terre realized they thought they’d be part of the audience.
No no no! she clarified. “I want you to perform there.”
Three months later, Staples Players were on stage at the Hudson Theater. “They brought the house down,” Terre recalls. You can read all about that day here.
Joel Grey poses with the Staples Players cast and directors. (Photo by Kerry Long)
But that’s not the end of this story.
These days, Terre is helping organize a benefit concert for Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony). The September 24 event stars Maria Friedman. The English actor and director will recall her work with 3 of the greatest composers of all time: Stephen Sondheim, Michel Legrand and (of course) Marvin Hamlisch.
The music director is the electrifying Todd Ellison. His Broadway conducting, composing and arranging credits include “La Cage aux Folles,” “Spamalot,” “42nd Street, “How to Succeed …” (and many more).
Also on stage: Current and former Staples Players.
“These are incredibly talented kids,” Ellison says of the Players troupe. “And the people devoted to these kids are making sure they get the best of the best.”
Staples Players prepare for the September 24 benefit. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Vocalists are Ross Lekites (“The Tina Turner Musical”), Lewis Cleale (“The Book of Mormon”) — and Staples Players alums Camille Foisie and Nick Rossi.
Friedman is working with the current Players, before their appearance.
“She’s bringing them into the fold,” Terre notes. “Lumos is all about community, and keeping the symphony world alive. The kids understand that community.
“This benefit concert is now in the hands of the next generation. They’ll help pass along the wonders of Sondheim, Legrand and Marvin Hamlisch.”
All proceeds from the September 24 Maria Friedman benefit go to the Lumos Education Fund, to help schools that lack music programs.
“As music and theater programs are being cut, look at what Staples has,” Terre says.
“We are so lucky to have it, and have it supported the way it is. Culture and the arts are not a luxury. They’re necessary, for all ages.”
And Staples Players are lucky that when Terre Blair Hamlisch called seeking 2 tickets to “A Chorus Line” nearly a decade ago, they found them for her.
(“Orchestra Lumos Presents Maria Friedman in Concert” is set for September 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater in Stamford. Click here for tickets and more information.)
(“06880” reports on all things artistic, cultural and Staples-related — among everything else. Please click here to support this blog.)
For a while, it looked like Democrat Jonathan Steinberg would have no opposition in his bid for a 7th term as Westport’s state representative from the 136th District. Republican Tom Lasersohn withdrew in August.
Today, Alma Sarelli announced her campaign for the seat. The press release did not identify her as a Republican, but “that was a mistake,” says spokesman Joseph Sledge.
Alma Sarelli
Sarelli — a native of Albania with a degree in business management — moved to Westport 6 years ago. She ran as a write-in candidate last November for the Board of Education. She received 565 votes, behind the 4 candidates officially on the ballot.
Sarelli and her husband Nick run a national event entertainment production company. They have 4 children: 2 in college, and 2 at Staples High School.
Sarelli currently serves as president of Newcomers & Neighbors of Westport.
Her press release says:
“As an immigrant, a working mother of 4 children, a business owner and for better, not worse, a political novice. I am running for state representative because I want to return the focus to the basic priorities all of us share.
“I want to keep taxes down so Connecticut can compete as an attractive destination for businesses and hard working families. Education is an absolutely top priority: we need schools that focus above all on learning and achievement. We want schools truly to celebrate and respect the individuality and uniqueness of all of our children, regardless of their background or appearance — not be training camps for ideological activists.
“We also need sensible, fair and effective law enforcement that doesn’t compromise the safety of our families, particularly those in higher crime areas, to the false narratives of a few.
“Connecticut is a state with an incredible diversity of strengths. Instead of living up to our potential, we are being held back by the same policies and mismanagement bringing down so many other similarly governed states. These states are watching their populations decline, lawlessness surge and their families lose faith in public education. It doesn’t have to be this way,
but the only way to reverse it is by voting in new leadership.
“If you agree with these priorities and want to help steer Connecticut towards a different path, please support me in November. There is a widening gap between what Connecticut families actually want and what Hartford is delivering. It is time to change course.
“I stand for great schools, safe streets, responsive government and lower taxes. How will I achieve these goals? I am going to try something different. Rather than represent Connecticut’s special interests like public sector unions, state contractors and political party bosses, I am going to represent the people of Westport. I seek the support of all Westport residents. With your support
and your vote on November 8th, I will be a fierce advocate for Westport in Hartford. I will listen to your voices and ideas so we can keep Westport excellent.
“My business experience and leadership will be assets to help us build on our successes. I will also be a voice for Westporters and address the major concerns we are all experiencing.”
The Hamlet at Saugatuck — a retail/residential/hotel/marina plan that would reimagine the neighborhood between the train station and I-95 bridge — got its first Planning & Zoning Commission hearing last night.
Representatives from ROAN Ventures — the local developers — and their architectural, environmental, traffic and legal partners began their application for text and map amendments. Both are needed to begin remediation efforts of the contaminated land, followed by construction.
The hour-long presentation included a video, maps, and conceptual artists’ renderings. The actual design process has not yet begun.
Applicants addressed issues like traffic, with solutions that include underground parking, and working with the state to synchronize lights. They also noted that 50% of the land will be open space.
Commission members and residents had mixed reactions. There praised the thoughtfulness of the planning and the depth of the presentation, and questioned density and traffic.
No action was taken. The P&Z will continue its discussion on October 3.
A conceptual view of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project, from the river.
In less than 2 months, Connecticut will elect a governor.
If you don’t know anything about the candidates — or do, and want to ask a question — you don’t have to go far.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston has partnered with the Westport Library to host 2 forums. Both are in the Trefz Forum.
This Thursday (September 15, 10 a.m.), Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski speaks, and takes questions. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont does the same next Monday (September 19, 1 p.m.). Both visits will also be livestreamed.
Click here to register for either or both session, in-person or via livestream. Attendees should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start.
(Graphic courtesy of Connecticut Education Association)
A Better Chance of Westport’s 21st year is off to a rousing start.
New resident directors, 7 multi-talented scholars, and a chance to really be part of (and give back to) the community after 2 COVID years has energized Glendarcy House, the program’s North Avenue home.
The scholars — in grades 9 through 12 — are engaged in a range of activities, at Staples High School and beyond. Because they are not allowed to drive, they need rides after school and in early evenings.
Community volunteers have always come through. To help transport — and get to know — these great young men, and for more information, email abcwestportrides@gmail.com.
On Sunday, Jeff Manchester took his kids to the 9/11 Memorial.
Not the one at Sherwood Island State Park, though. Jeff is drawn to the one at Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum, off Bronson Road. It’s a 100-acre site where people have remembered loved ones for more than 150 years.
The memorial is a pair of 9-foot granite towers atop a pentagon-shaped granite base. A rock engraved with “Let’s Roll” honors the heroes of Flight 93.
Dedicated last September, it was designed by Dean Powers, a native Westporter and Oak Lawn’s longtime groundskeeper.
He never saw it completed. He died of cancer in 2020.
Click here for the back story on the monument, and Dean’s remarkable contributions to it.
If you’re involved with a non-profit organization, read on.
The Westport Woman’s Club is accepting grant proposals for 2022-2023. Click here for more information, and the form.
Requests for projects that will make a difference in the community may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. Grants go each year to organizations in education, health and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Community groups should submit their proposals by October 31 to Westport Woman’s Club, Attention: Community Service Grants, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information, call 203-227-4240.
Organizations can apply for a one-time use of Bedford Hall at the Westport Woman’s Club.
Like many Staples High School reunions, the Class of 1971’s fell victim to COVID.
Organizers Bonnie Housner Erickson, Tucker Sweitzer and Joanne Romano-Csonka felt the 50th was too big to let pass. So — a year later — the reunion is on (September 30-October 2).
Bonnie and her crew want to make sure “all classmates feel like they matter,” even though some may not have felt that back then. The organizers sought to “remind them they were an integral part of a life-changing period in history.”
In keeping with the late ’60s/early ’70s zeitgeist, they wanted to create an environment of peace and harmony, with “no hierarchy, no difference in status.”
The theme is “Welcome Home” — and the website (hey, this is 2022, not 1971) may be the best for any reunion class, ever. Click here to see.
Bonnie spent hours designing it. Much of it is class-specific of course. But the 1971 flashbacks and photos will interest many people, whether or not they (or their parents) were even alive then.
The reunion itself will feature peace signs, and memories of hangouts like the Ice Cream Parlor and beach. Music is supplied by the Reunion Band — featuring ’71 alums Brian Keane, Michael Mugrage, Bill Sims, Rob and Julie Aldworth McClenathan, Dave Barton and Bonnie Erickson — who rocked the Levitt Pavilion in 2019, the Class of ’70 reunion several weeks ago, and the Class of ’72 reunion last weekend.
Screenshot, Staples High school Class of 1971 reunion website home page.
And finally … Ramsey Lewis — a towering jazz figure for over 50 years — died yesterday in Chicago. He was 87.
His trio hit the pop charts a few times in the 1960s. In 2007 the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor for a jazz musician.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. To support our efforts, please click here.)
For a small town, Westport has been known for many things.
We’ve been an artists’ colony, the marketing capital of America, and the home of the world’s biggest hedge fund.
Now, Tom Henske wants Westport to be “the epicenter of kids’ financial literacy.”
If anyone can make it happen, he will.
A financial advisor for 27 years, a Westport resident for 20, a man of boundless energy, a relentless competitor (goalkeeper on 3 University of Virginia national championship teams), and the father of 2 children he was determined would learn about money, he has made children’s financial literacy the heart of a multi-pronged project.
Henske is the type of person who comes up with one great idea, spins it off into several others, then weaves them all together into a seamless web.
He also loves his town. He’ll use every resource here, to show it off to the world.
The first part of his project is a book. It Makes Total Cents is an easy way for parents to help their children understand finances.
Twelve chapters cover topics like budgeting, saving, compound interest, taxes, borrowing, insurance and philanthropy.
Parents read one short chapter a month (15 minutes). Each chapter has a corresponding podcast (created with the Westport Library — more on that later). In that short podcast, Henske helps parents frame questions that they can ask their children …
… at dinner, after they’ve sent one of Henske’s TikToks to the kids, to pique their curiosity.
There is no book like this on the shelves, he says. And certainly no corresponding material, to help parents raise financially literate kids.
Henske knows, because he looked. He did not want his son Spencer and daughter Sammi to be financially illiterate — “the shoemaker’s kids with no shoes” — so he searched for information.
Tom Henske and (from left) daughter Sammi, son Spencer and wife Stacey check out financial literacy information online. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
He found plenty for parents. But nothing for children and teenagers.
So he created it himself.
The Library is a perfect partner. Henske tapes his podcasts at Verso Studios *(they sound great).
He’s also spoken with Staples High School Financial Literacy teachers Lenny Klein, Sarah White and Stacey Delmhorst about having interested students help the project. They would be teaching their peers. It’s one more way to connect the schools and Library — and make Westport the financial literacy capital of the universe.
Now comes a uniquely Henskean twist. In an effort to get Total Cents into as many hands as possible, he’s worked overtime on marketing. In addition to his countless contacts, he’s got an idea: Westporters can help spread the kids’ literacy gospel.
For every Total Cents book someone here buys for a friend or relative beyond the “06880” Zip Code (click here), he’ll buy one for the local resident to pick up. Just send Henske the invoice: tom@totalcents.com.
It’s one more way, he says, “where Westport meets the world.”
And where Westport leads the world, in financial literacy for kids.
Westporters are an inquisitive bunch. They’re not afraid to ask questions. One of their favorite targets is 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are a creative, problem-solving bunch. They may not have all the answers. But they know how to provide them.
The result: a collaboration between Town Hall and the 400-plus member group.
“What’s Happening, Westport?” is a podcast that will be released every 2 weeks, by the Y’s Men. It consists of a few questions on one topic from host Dick Kalt, and answers by Tooker. It’s quick, clear and informative.
The first episode covers the issue the 1st selectwomen probably hears about the most: traffic.
Click below to listen. And if you’ve got a question for an upcoming podcast, email westport@ysmenwestportweston.org.
(“06880” is fully reader-supported. Please click here to donate.)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
“I stand for great schools, safe streets, responsive government and lower taxes. How will I achieve these goals? I am going to try something different. Rather than represent Connecticut’s special interests like public sector unions, state contractors and political party bosses, I am going to represent the people of Westport. I seek the support of all Westport residents. With your support
The first part of his project is a book. It Makes Total Cents is an easy way for parents to help their children understand finances.
