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Roundup: Bob Stefanowski, Alicia Mozian, Jez Benton …

Posted on September 16, 2022 | 7 comments

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski addressed a large crowd at the Westport Library yesterday.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event, Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe moderated.

Stefanowski described his youth in New Haven, in a home shared with his grandparents and students from Southern Connecticut State College.

Regarding the 2020 election, the GOP candidate said: It’s over. It was not stolen. It’s time to move forward. If Donald Trump is found guilty of anything, he should pay the consequences.

Connecticut is the 2nd highest taxed state in the nation, he noted, adding that as head of a company he had to chip away at unnecessary costs. Executives earning $30 million to $40 million were upset about losing company cars. Shareholders paid for those perks, Stefanowski said.

Who pays for excesses in state government? Taxpayers, he continued.

On Monday (September 19, 1 p.m. Westport Library), Governor Ned Lamont will speak. The Y’s Men sponsor that event too. (Reporting by Dave Matlow)

Bob Stefanowski at the Westport LIbrary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Conservation Director Alicia Mozian is retiring, effective October 1.

A town employee since 1986, she began her career as a planning aide in the Planning & Zoning Department. Other posts included conservation analyst, zoning inspector and planning assistant. She was appointed Conservation director in 2001.

Mozian says she is “grateful to have served a community that is so engaged and proactive in environmental affairs. Their enthusiasm both challenged and inspired me to do my very best every day to help protect the many natural resources whose care we have been entrusted to protect.

“I have worked hard to balance the rights of the property owner with the need for environmental protection, and I’m proud of my department in achieving this goal. I also want to thank the many volunteers who have supported and continue to support our department’s mission and foster good stewardship practices of not only our wetland and water resources but also the environment in general.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker promoted Colin Kelly to replace Mozian.

Alicia Mozian

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Jez Benton is a very interesting Westporter. He summited Mount Everest in 2005, and has since had a notable career in leadership development.

This week, he launched a video podcast. Jez interviews 6 CEOs, as they hike a mountain together. It’s called “Route to the Top” (get it?), and was filmed entirely by Jez on his iPhone.

His first guest is Neal Katyal, former Solicitor General of the US. Now a partner in a law firm, he talks about lessons learned while arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court.

Click below for that initial episode. Others will be available on LinkedIn (10 minutes), and Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts (full 45 minutes). (Hat tip: Meghan Bell)

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On September 29, nearly 600 people will gather at Mitchells in Westport for the 12th annual Pinkchella.

The event — the first in-person gathering since COVID — is PinkAid’s big fundraiser. The Coachella-themed luncheon includes fashion, food, music and more.

Among the auction items: a stay at the One & Only resort in Montenegro, use of a private jet and courtside seats at a Milwaukee Bucks game with the team owner, a trip to French Polynesia.

The auction goes live September 22. It’s open to all; you don’t have to attend the event to bid. Click here for more information and — on September 22 — to bid.

Breast cancer survivors will walk the runway at a “Celebration of Life” fashion show, as Pink Aid honors their experience, and the people in their lives who helped along the way.

Since 2011, Pink Aid has granted $6.6 million to support programs that provide diagnostic testing, wigs, recovery garments, meals, childcare, transportation to treatment, integrative services, education, survivorship programs and personal expenses for patients undergoing treatment.

They fund programs at hospitals, national non-profits and smaller grassroots organizations. They work to make sure everyone gets proper treatment regardless of financial barriers. They’ve helped breast cancer patients in 30 states; their goal is to “turn 50 states pink.”

For more information on Pinkchella, and tickets, click here.

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Three million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

This Sunday (September 18, Sherwood Island State Park, 10 a.m.), the first-ever Spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cure event raises money for research.

It’s a fun, energetic and community-minded stationary bike ride. People can create a team, join a team or ride solo. Spectators are welcome too.

Click here to register, or for more information.

Spinning for a Crohn’s and Colitis cure.

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For the past 12 months, a generous gift from an anonymous donor ensured free admission to MoCA galleries for everyone.

Fees resume October 16. MoCA officials says: “We are committed to keeping our admission fees low, so that the power of art to educate, enrich and build connections between us continues to be accessible to all. As a non-profit organization, we rely on admissions fees to help fund all of our programs.

“If you have financial need for free admission for yourself or for your family, please email us at info@mocawestport.org.”

Meanwhile, MoCA announces their first Open Mic Night (October 20, 5 to 7 p.m.). It’s an outdoor event, where poets, slam poets and musicians come together not as opponents, but as performers sharing their stories, passions and talents.

To perform, click here to register, pay a $5 fee and complete this form by October 17. Each poem or song must be original (multiple poems or songs are allowed within time frame); memorization is not required. Performers must be in high school or older.

There’s no charge for audience members, but advance registration is requested; click here.

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Aarti Khosla’s “Give a Little Love” campaign is in full gear.

For the 3rd year in a row, the owner of Le Rouge Chocolates hopes to donate a chocolate heart to every Westport Public Schools employee.

It’s a townwide campaign. For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.

Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each building. This was the scene at Coleytown Middle School:

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Speaking of schools: Staples High musicians Delaney McGee (trumpet) and Witt Lindau (drums) have received All-National honors. They were selected by video audition, from the top music students in the country.

In November they will participate in the National Association for Music Education honors orchestra and “modern band” (rock band) respectively.

Jason Capozucca (bassoon) and Ana Jahnel (tenor saxophone) were selected as alternates,

Witt Lindau (Photo courtesy of Staples Wreckers Instagram)

Delaney McGee

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There’s always something to learn at the Senior Center.

The other day it was electric vehicles.

Dawn Henry and Barry Kresch of the EV Club of Connecticut led an informational session on the value and joys of driving an electric vehicle. Five were on display outside.

Barry Kresch discusses electric vehicles, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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Salon Nash owner Felicia Catale offers a free wash and blow dry — plus discounts on Mary Kay products — on October 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Her salon is at 179 Post Road West, in Nash’s Corner plaza.

Felicia Catale

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It’s still mid-September. But Election Day will be here before you know it.

On November 2 (Westport Library, 7 p.m.), Westport’s League of Woman Voters sponsors a debate with candidates for the state Senate and House of Representatives, and probate judge.

“06880” readers are invited to send questions in advance. The email address is lwvwestport@yahoo.com.

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If you’re like me, you probably get 2 or 3 advertising mailers a week, filled with discount coupons. Many are for home improvements — new bathroom (“in a day!”), gutter work, driveway paving and the like.

Also: duct cleaning. One company advertises in all of them. I see this photo everywhere:

I couldn’t figure out what was so weird about it.

Then I realized: He’s doing a pretty poor job of it. I want the guy who cleans my ducts to be watching what he’s doing — not giving me a come-on look.

No matter how hot he is.

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There’s something about monarch butterflies — in all forms — that we can’t resist.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” monarch photo comes courtesy of Nancy Vener:

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … in honor of Jez Benton’s new podcast, interviewing nationally known CEOs as they climb steep mountains:

7 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Local politics, Politics

Tagged Alicia Mozian, Bob Stefanowski, Conservation Department, Delaney McGee, Felicia Catale, Jez Benton, Le Rouge by Aarti, MoCA Westport, Pink Aid, Witt Lindau

Career Change Pays Off For Teacher Of The Year

Posted on September 16, 2022 | 5 comments

In the middle of Liz Smith’s demonstration lesson, while applying for a job at Bedford Middle School, the fire alarm went off.

That could be a metaphor for teachers everywhere. They always face unexpected challenges. And they’re always putting out fires.

Smith exemplifies her profession. A longtime and highly regarded BMS 6th grade science instructor, she is at various times an educator, psychiatrist, cheerleader, motivator, entertainer, disciplinarian, story-teller, judge, problem-solver, comedian, and surrogate mother.

And that’s just in one period.

Smith is Westport’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. She downplays the honor — “it could have been anyone I work with at Bedford, or anywhere else in the district” — but it is she who advances to state and national Teacher of the Year competitions.

And it is she who was singled out by her principal, Adam Rosen, at a ceremony before the start of the school year.

He described Smith as “universally beloved,” embodying traits like “creativity, ingenuity, moxie and humor.” When he announced her name, she got a standing ovation.

The Westport Teacher of the Year grew up in Leicestershire, England. After college in Liverpool she worked for Kraft Foods. The reason: “They gave me a car, and paid me a lot of money.”

But Smith left, to train as a chiropractor. Six months before graduating, her husband Ian was transferred to the US.

They arrived here 2 weeks before 9/11, figuring they’d be here 2 years.

They’re still in the US. In fact, Liz and Ian are now American citizens.

Liz Smith, her husband Ian, daughters Amy and Katie (both Staples High School graduates) and Amy’s fiance David. They marry next May.

Her route to the classroom started when her girls attended private school in Greenwich. Smith came in to teach anatomy and physiology.

She loved it so much, she applied to Yale University’s year-long program that prepares men and women for career changes, to teach in the understaffed areas of math and science.

“I certainly could not have gotten into Yale any other way,” Smith jokes.

She was accepted. Then came that interesting sample lesson at Bedford — and the sudden, shoot-all-plans-to-hell fire alarm.

But she was impressive. Then-principal Angie Wormser hired her immediately.

That was in 2006. Sixteen years later, Smith is still at Bedford — and still loving it.

Liz Smith (2nd from left) with her Bedford Middle School team (from left): Bebe Boulais (math), Cassie Carroll (language arts), Jeremy Royster (social studies teacher). Missing: Liz Gonzalez (special education.)

Interestingly, she says, as a child she was terrified of school. She spent weeks in a kind principal’s office, before she was able to face a classroom.

“I don’t think I had the patience to be in a class filled with 11-year-olds until I was 40,” Smith says.

But she adores her students. “They’re just at the age when they can read and write, and they’re excited to learn new things. But their hormones haven’t kicked in — yet,” she notes.

Last week, her classes had just finished their first lab. New to Bedford, and new to the scientific process, they were “so intense and eager. They loved putting on their aprons and safety goggles.”

The 6th grade curriculum includes life science, earth science and physical science. Smith’s goal is to have them want to always learn more science. It’s hands-on, and interactive, with students learning to ask questions and find answers — not the rote memorization Smith had when she was in school.

But there is much more to a modern classroom than identifying rocks in a lab. A random comment sparks a discussion, and that day’s lesson gets interrupted. Today’s tweens go through a lot, and Smith is attuned to her important role in their social and emotional education too.

The post-COVID educational landscape revealed “many gaps” in her students’ communication and life skills, Smith says. As a teacher — and a BMS team leader — she has worked hard to address those.

The door to Smith’s classroom welcomes all.

Though “thrilled to bits” to be named Teacher of the Year, Smith says little will change. She’ll keep doing what she does: “getting involved in the important things like motivation, social and emotional learning, working with our staff. Those are the things that make getting to the content of our curriculum possible.”

After 16 years, many little moments stand out. There was, for example, the girl who told Smith before the holidays: “I could only get gifts for 3 teachers.”

“Oh,” Smith said, preparing to accept the present. “You’re so sweet!”

“Well, you weren’t one of them,” the girl replied.

This year, Smith got a different gift: Westport Teacher of the Year.

It’s well deserved. Because ever since 2006, Liz Smith has given her students the gift of her talents, time, energy, passion and love.

(“06880” covers education in Westport — and much more. Please click here to support this blog.)

5 Comments

Posted in Children, Education

Tagged Bedford Middle School, Liz Smith, Teacher of the Year

Pics Of The Day #1977

Posted on September 15, 2022 | 1 comment

Water view at Old Mill …

… and Longshore (Photos/Patricia McMahon)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Longshore, Pic of the Day

Tagged Old Mill Beach

Roundup: LobsterFest, Woodside Bash, Ride + Walk …

Posted on September 15, 2022 | 1 comment

Tickets for Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest (this Saturday, September 17, Compo Beach, 3 to 7 p.m.). are all sold out.

But individual donations are still welcome to help fund the Rotarians’ many great projects.

And volunteers are still needed, to help throw Westport’s greatest crustacean-focused event.

Click here to donate; then click “Please Donate or Sponsor.”

Use the same link to volunteer; then click on “Sign up As a Volunteer. Volunteers will be offered a hamburger and unlimited drinks at no charge.

LobsterFest volunteers

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There’s still time to sign up for Sunday’s William Raveis Ride + Walk (September 18, Calf Pasture Park, Norwalk, 8 a.m.).

The event includes 2 bike rides (12 and 24 miles), a 5K walk (or run), and a 100-yard dash for kids.

Sign up as part of the “Way to Go Westport” (as a Westport office participant), or form your own team. Click here to register, and for more details.

All proceeds go directly to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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Tickets are going fast for Earthplace’s party under the stars.

Woodside Bash is set for Saturday, October 1 (7 to 10 p.m.). The night includes enjoy a harvest dinner, an open bar, signature cocktails, live music (Pimpinella returns for the 4th year in a row), and (of course) a mechanical bull.

Click here for tickets and more information.

The next day (Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Earthplace hosts a family-friendly Fall Festival. Among the attractions: apple slingshot, donut on a string, climbing wall, animal encounters, food trucks and more. Tickets can be bought that day, or in advance here.

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Eating disorder specialist Erica Adler joins with registered dieticians Alyssa Lavy and Amy Schwarz have created a special group for teenagers who struggle with self-esteem as it relates to body image. It meets weekly, starting September 22 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, email hellonorthstarwellness@gmail.com, or call 203-246-7615.

Erica Adler

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There were smiles all around at yesterday’s ribbon-cutting for Bridgewater Chocolates. The new business — Westport’s 3rd chocolate shop — is located in Parker Harding Plaza, near GG & Joe’s.

And why wouldn’t everyone be smiling? As soon as the ribbon was cut, there were samples for all.

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Not far from Bridgewater Chocolates, magic of another kind took place.

A crew from Terrain got down and dirty, making sure the planters outside Mrs. London’s Bakery look autumnally great.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Those planters are parts of Westport we take for granted. But they don’t just happen.

They take real work — the kind that’s seldom seen. Unless you’re in the right place, at the right time.

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Happy Panda Mandarin School opened 12 years ago, in the basement of a Weston home. It grew quickly, and relocated to Wilton.

Now it’s moved again: to 2nd floor space in Westport’s Nash’s Plaza (179 Post Road West).

Classes include Chinese HSK (1-6 levels), Chinese Made Easy (1-4 levels), Writing and Homework Help.

For more information click here, email info@hpmandarinschool.org, or call 203-291-9228. (Hat tip: Felicia Catale)

Happy student at Happy Panda.

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The Black Feathers make a rare local appearance October 1 (8 p.m.). They’ll be a Voices Café, at the Unitarian Church.

Both the UK duo and the church share a strong commitment to social justice. A portion of the proceeds of the concert benefit community organizations including anti-racism, identity and equity, and immigration and refugee efforts, plus local programs that serve under-resourced communities.

Click here for in-person or livestream tickets.

The Black Feathers

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Seen on this port-a-potty on Caccamo Lane:

The handmade sign says: “NO dog poop bags in portable toilet or dumpsters.”

The bottom line adds: “Are you kidding?”

The potty is on a private work site, in a residential neighborhood. It shouldn’t be too much to ask area residents to 1) clean up after your dog, and then 2) dispose of your dog poop at your own home.

No s—.

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Leaves are not the only things that awe us with their fall (well, almost) colors.

Danielle Dobin spotted this beautiful “Westport … Naturally” sight yesterday, on Compo Beach Road:

(Photo/Danielle Dobin)

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And finally … famed saxophonist and bandleader Cannonball Adderley was born on this day in 1928. He died in 1975, just 46, after a stroke.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work.)

1 Comment

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, religion, Teenagers, Totally random

Tagged Earthplace, Happy Panda Mandarin School, Lobsterfest, Westport Rotary Club, William Raveis Real Estate

Reconnecting The Riverfront: Parker Harding, Taylor Lot Plans Move Forward

Posted on September 15, 2022 | 6 comments

It took a while.

But Westporters are pleased with the redesign of the Baldwin parking lot. The Elm Street area has been redesigned, regraded and repaved. It works much better now.

Baldwin parking lot looking northwest, after renovation. (Photo/Dan Woog)

That’s just a taste of what’s to come though, parking-wise. Two bigger projects are in the works. They could significantly alter the way we perceive and use downtown lots — and, perhaps the way we perceive and use downtown itself.

Improvements to Parker Harding Plaza (behind Main Street), the Taylor lot (by Jesup Green and the Library) and the Imperial Avenue lot (Farmers’ Market, Remarkable Theater) have been discussed for decades — probably since Parker Harding was built on landfill in the 1950s.

Aerial view of downtown in 1949, before Parker Harding Plaza was built. The river came up to the backs of stores on the west side of Main Street.

Prior to that, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of stores on the west side of Main Street (and pipes discharged sewage directly into it). The new lot may have added much-needed parking, but it created a sea of asphalt that turned the important and attractive river into a downtown afterthought.

A master plan of downtown improvements in 2015, designed by outside consultants, was complicated. Some ideas were feasible; others were not. The Downtown Plan Improvement Committee got mired in small details; then it got mired in COVID.

Randy Herbertson — the former director of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association — took over last year.

The parking lots are one of 5 pillars to the downtown plan, he says. The others ae pedestrian access, maintenance, sustainability and technology upgrades.

Parking now dominates the east bank of the Saugatuck River. Only a sliver of grass and a few benches provides access to anyone wishing to enjoy the view.

But parking may be the most visible. And if it’s improved, it drives the others.

The Parker Harding and Taylor lots are “aged, decrepit and in disrepair,” Herbertson says. “They’re not even optimized for parking and traffic. They don’t take advantage of the river. And they flood.”

The goal is to reclaim river access at both lots. Moving and reconfiguring parking — without losing spaces — could make room for a playground and expanded Riverwalk near Jesup Green, and allow for a more permanent Farmers’ Market and Remarkable Theater off Imperial Avenue. Electric vehicle charging stations would be included too.

(Photo/Chip Stephens)

The hope is for bids to be solicited early next year. Work on Parker Harder would be first, beginning in summer.

The biggest obstacle, Herbertson says, may be funding. The town is considering several capital projects, including Long Lots and Coleytown Elementary Schools, and Longshore.

But, he notes, “the central business district affects everyone in town.” He sees opportunities for private investment in parts of the improvement plan — for example, an improved Riverwalk with native plantings and art installations, or a possible pedestrian bridge from Parker Harding to the west bank of the river.

This screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee shows the Parker Harding lot, and its proximity to the Saugatuck River.

As Langan (an engineering and environmental consulting firm) and Connect the Dots (a community engagement firm) work with the DPIC to design the “Reconnecting the Riverfront” master plan, they plan a public charette September 29 (7 p.m., Westport Library). It’s a chance for residents to offer ideas and input.

A survey will be live soon too. Watch “06880” for the link.

(For more information, including early “inspirational ideas,” click here for the Downtown Plan Improvement Committee website.)

(“06880” covers all of Westport, from downtown to the beach and woods. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)

6 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Transportation

Tagged Baldwin Parking Lot, Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, Imperial Avenue parking lot, Parker Harding Plaza, Randy Herbertson, Taylor parking lot

Pic Of The Day #1976

Posted on September 14, 2022 | Comments Off

Reeling them on on South Beach (Photo/JD Dworkow)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1976

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Compo Beach fishing, South Beach

Unsung Hero #254

Posted on September 14, 2022 | 15 comments

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.)

15 Comments

Posted in Unsung Heroes

Tagged Dr. Janet Woodward, Willows Pediatrics

Roundup: Shred Day, Playhouse Benefit, Post Road West …

Posted on September 14, 2022 | 5 comments

Shred it!

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).

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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.

Renee Elise Goldsberry

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50 Post Road West — the once-handsome, now decaying building on the left, heading into town — will not be redeveloped.

At least, not now.

50 Post Road West (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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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)

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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.

To see more of Graham’s WTF photos, click here.

Jerri Graham’s photos, at the Westport Book Shop.

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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.

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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

Brian Marsella

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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.

Click here to register.

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Kids love nature. They also love Victoria Kann.

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.

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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!”

(Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)

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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:

(Photo/Marc Frankel)

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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.

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(That’s it — another great grab bag o’ stories. To help keep them coming, please click here to donate to “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Staples Players: The Marvin Hamlisch/Maria Friedman Connection

Posted on September 14, 2022 | 3 comments

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.)