Wynston Brown continues to inspire us all.
The non-speaking autistic teenager was once thought to be intellectually disabled. In July, “06880” described his astonishing progress, since he began using a special communication board a year ago.
Earlier this month he met customers at The Porch @ Christie’s. He showed them his spelling device, and answered questions.
Wynston Browne with his spelling board.
Wynston was there again Monday — the day before beginning his sophomore year at Staples High School. Owner Andrea Pecoriello hosted him.
His mother Lynda Kommel-Browne says: “Wynston had a nice conversation with 4 families, who were not familiar with non-speakers and spelling boards. Wynston beamed with pride and energy to show folks his communication skills. It was a great eye-opening experience for all.
Wynston Browne and his communication partner, Elisa Feinman, show his spelling board to customers at The Porch. His brother Harrison is standing (right).
“Wynston’s 16-year-old brother Harrison beamed with pride too, seeing customers take an interest in Wyn, and seeing Wyn respond to questions with high level answers.
“For example, he said, ‘In biology we are studying macro molecules … carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates is your body’s main energy source.'”
He talked about “The Kite Runner” too — and asked some of his new friends questions like what they like to eat at The Porch.
Wynston’s world is opening up — and he is opening up ours. “06880” will continue to report on his progress, and on opportunities for Westporters to meet him.
Wynston Browne, with younger customers.
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Following up on yesterday’s water conservation measures, a reader writes:
“We use the ‘speed load’ setting. Our washing machine runs for 25 minutes, instead of an hour and 10 minutes on the regular setting. Our clothes get just as clean — we have never had an issue with that.”
Any other water-saving ideas? Click “Comments” below.
Select “quick wash,” which you probably never noticed before.
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Connecticut’s official 9/11 memorial is at Sherwood Island State Park for 2 reasons.
On that horrific day 21 years ago, people gathered on the shore saw smoke rise from the Twin Towers 50 miles away.
And the area was ready to be used as a staging area for rescue helicopters. Sadly, none were needed.
Two decades later, the simple memorial attracts a steady stream of visitors. It includes the names of state residents who died in the terrorist attacks.
Each year, there is a remembrance ceremony at the Sherwood Island Living Memorial. This year’s is set for Thursday, September 8 (5:30 p.m.). Family members of those killed will participate, and the names of the 161 victims with ties to Connecticut will be read aloud.
The ceremony will be livestreamed at ct-n.com. An on-demand video will be made available there shortly after its conclusion.
The 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photos/Ellen Bowen)
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Tomorrow’s “Jazz at the Post” stars Rob Henke & the Cook County Stompers.
Greg Murphy, Tim Ferguson, Sipho Kunene and Greg Wall — the “Jazz Rabbi” — play 2 sets at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 (7 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30; $10 cover).
The Thursday night series has earned an avid following. The jazz is great; the acoustics are superb; the food is excellent, and the view is superb.
What’s not to like?
Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Cook County Stompers
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If you haven’t been to an Artists Collective of Westport pop-up show: Pop in to the next one.
Held, as always, in the Westport Country Playhouse barn, it features works by homeless veterans. The art was created in classes run by the Collective, at Bridgeport’s Homes for the Brave shelter.
There’s a reception next Wednesday (September 7, 6 to 8 p.m.), and an artists’ talk Saturday, September 10 (4 p.m.). The works are on display to the public September 8 to 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. each day.
The Artists’ Collective does great work, very quietly. They don’t toot their own horns. So I’ll toot it for them.
See you at the show!
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I hate to keep throwing barbs at Hook’d.
But really, the Compo Beach concession is just mailing it in.
Earlier this summer, after sharp comments on “06880,” they finally began posting their hours on the door.
That’s gone now.
With the doors locked yesterday, this was the scene:
(Photo/Yvonne Senturia)
That’s still better than a few days ago. The doors were locked then. The sandwich board sign was out.
But the arrow was pointing the wrong way.
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School started yesterday. And — right on cue — there was this familiar sight at the Imperial Avenue parking lot:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Readers sometimes wonder what they’re doing there.
The answer makes sense: It’s a spot for drivers to gather between runs, without having to navigate the cramped, busy entrance and exit at the Dattco lot across from Playhouse Square.
Once in the morning there, and again in the afternoon, is plenty.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is X-rated.
Michael and Valerie Szeto write: “With Cole Porter’s permission. one might say, ‘Birds do it, bees do it, even Westport horseshoe crabs do it … let’s do it, let’s fall in love!'”
(Photo/Valerie Szeto)
This shot of mating horseshoe crabs was taken in the shallow water off Owenoke Park. Michael spotted it; Valerie snapped it.
The couple then left, giving this other couple some privacy.
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And finally … it wasn’t hard to figure out today’s song, was it?
(Birds and bees don’t do it, but we hope you will: Support “06880.” Please click here to contribute.)
That’s the house band — made up of ’70 grads Mark Smollin, Chuck Boisseau, Steve Wall, Pete Morgen, Marc Bailin and Jeff Dowd (’71) — who played at their past few reunions.
Students bring with their own spending money for social and school activities, clothes and more.
