Thousands of Westporters thrilled to last month’s Staples Players production of “Les Misérables.”
And they did it in an auditorium that is essentially unchanged from the time current director David Roth was a student in Players.
He graduated in 1984.
Several Players officers spoke eloquently at last night’s Board of Finance meeting about the need for renovations. (Last year’s production of “Elf” was almost canceled, after a problem with rigging.) Griffin Delmhorst — Jean Valjean in “Les Mis” — delivered Roth’s comments, as the director could not attend.
With a large number of Players and parents in attendance, the BOF voted to spend $3,037,790 on rigging, lighting and sound improvements. The renovations will make the sound ADA-compliant too, with headsets for audience members who request them.
The most recent renovation to the Staples auditorium was over 30 years ago.
The Finance Board also heard a request to create 1 or 2 “team rooms,” in a section of the existing girls locker room. Coaches and athletes made strong comments about the need for those rooms — and for upgrading the girls locker room used for physical education classes too.
Board members expressed mixed views about the current disparities between boys and girls locker rooms. There is currently also a separate team room for the boys football and lacrosse squads, but none for girls sports.
In addition, the boys locker rooms were upgraded over 2 decades ago. The girls facilities were not.
The girls locker room at Staples …
Members Danielle Dobin and Jeff Hammer voiced strong comments about the differences.
A motion in favor of spending $30,000 — for design costs for team rooms only — passed.
… and the boys showers. (Photos/Siobhan Jebb)
The Board of Finance also approved several other expenses:
$25,000 for wireless access points on the Staples athletic fields.
$25,000 in soft costs to explore a concession stand with bathrooms at Staples’ Paul Lane Field.
$32,000 in soft costs to consider upgrading science laboratories at Bedford Middle School.
$70,000 in soft costs for roof replacement at Greens Farms Elementary School.
$181,500 in hard costs to replace a motorized partition in the Saugatuck Elementary School gymnasium.
$172,970 for painting exterior facades of Westport schools.
$220,000 in soft costs to explore upgrading the Longshore water supply system.
$440,000 for the analysis, design, permitting and preparation of sidewalks on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools. The state of Connecticut will pay the full cost of construction.
The Board of Finance did not vote on a request of $124,000 to replace the Levitt Pavilion stage. There was debate over who is responsible for covering that cost.
Earlier in the Finance meeting, Dobin and Liz Heyer were elected chair and vice chair. The votes were unanimous.
The most expensive residential sale in town history began with a soccer jersey.
John Raus — an agent with Berkshire Hathaway — and his wife were at the Compo Beach playground, with their young children.
He saw a girl wearing an Arsenal shirt. He’s a fan of the London team, so he chatted with her parents.
One thing led to another — including an introduction by them to the couple who would eventually buy 5 lots on Beachside Avenue.
The $54 million total price encompasses plenty of history. The properties at 120 and 122 Beachside Avenue were once owned by Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas.
122 Beachside Avenue
The one at 26 Beachside — adjacent to Burying Hill Beach — was previously owned by Harvey Weinstein. In 2012, it was the site of a fundraiser for President Obama.
The presidential motorcade at Harvey Weinstein’s Beachside Avenue house, in 2012. (Photo/White House pool)
All the properties are waterfront, on Long Island Sound.
128 Beachside Avenue
The seller last month was the Bentley family. The buyer’s names have not been disclosed.
However, Raus says, “Westport couldn’t be getting a better family to join this community. They are very humble, very easy-going.”
They will use their properties — 13.2 acres at 120-128 Beachside (including homes, a pool and tennis court), and 3.3 acres at 26 Beachside (where the old Weinstein house was demolished 5 years ago) — for their extended family.
Westport will get something else: $135,000 in conveyance taxes.
The state of Connecticut gets even more: $1.185 million.
The Leslie Clarke team at Compass represented the Bentleys for the sale of 120-128 Beachside Avenue. Compass realtor Deirdre Andreoli represented the Bentleys for 26 Beachside Avenue.
(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront — literally and figuratively. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Congratulations to Jeffrey Wieser and Lauren Karpf. They were re-elected as moderator and deputy moderator, respectively, at last night’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) session. There was one “no” vote against Weiser, from Jennifer Johnson.
It was the first meeting of the new 36-member legislative body, following last month’s election.
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser
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Like most Westporters, Lawrence Weisman was inundated with “Giving Tuesday” requests yesterday.
Any organization we’ve ever donated to or even contacted for any reason — and many we didn’t, but who have bought lists from those we have — filled our email inboxes with heartfelt pleas.
(Where did “Giving Tuesday” come from? It began in 2012, as a project of New York’s 92nd Street Y, to counter the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s now become a behemoth of its own.)
Larry asks his “fellow givers”: “Help me find the best way to navigate the storm of requests by the multitude of worthy non-profits that find their way into my mailbox, my screen and my phone – not to mention the fraudsters who have my phone number.
“How am I to triage these unending requests to feed my neighbors, save their pets and contribute to their medical expenses? If I don’t fund the police will I be contributing to a rise in crime?
“Do I choose recipients based in part on the gifts I am offered? I already have a sufficient supply of address labels, note pads and calendars of all sizes.
“Would it be better if I were to give a larger amount to fewer charities or to spread the wealth by giving a lesser amount to a greater number? Perhaps I might adopt a policy of supporting only local charities; at least that’s a plausible rationale for making a choice.
“Seriously, help me out here. How do you decide which efforts to support and which to ignore?”
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NPR’s “Fresh Air” has plenty of devoted Westport listeners.
They got a special treat yesterday, when Lynsey Addario was interviewed.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate/Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur fellow talked about her new documentary, “Love+War”; her career; her family, and much more.
The Westport Library’s fall book sale is almost here.
It features thousands of gently used books in more than 50 categories: infants to teens; literature and classics; fiction, mystery, scifi and fantasy; graphic novels and manga; art, photography, history, math, science, psychology, religion, biography, business, cooking, gardening, performing arts, travel, foreign language, education, reference, and more, including Noteworthy, especially antiquarian books.
Plus vintage vinyl records, DVDs, and CDs.
Sale hours are:
Friday, December 5: 12 to 6 p.m. (early access ticket, 8:45 a.m. to noon; click here) Saturday, December 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, December 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (almost everything half-price) Monday, December 8: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill the Library logo bag for $10 per bag, your own same-sized bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price)
A small part of the large Westport Library book sale.
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Speaking of books: The Westport Book Shop welcomes artists from Club203 — the town’s social club for adults with disabilities — as this month’s guest exhibitors.
This exhibit is a partnership with MoCA Gives Back. The MoCA\CT initiative provides creative opportunities for under-resourced populations.
The exhibition coincides with Westport Book Shop’s 5th anniversary. Since 2020, the Jesup Road store has provided employment for adults with disabilities and supported the Westport Library.
Club203 artists’ work “reflects the values of inclusion, opportunity and community engagement that have guided the organization since its founding.”
The artists on display have been led by Agata Tria, an artist and teacher at MoCA. She works closely with Club203 members during monthly events and through summer art classes.
A reception for the Club203 artists is set for December 19 (6 p.m.).
Agata Tria, with Club203 members’ work at the Westport Book Shop.
MoCA\CT is soliciting works for their 11th annual high school exhibition, “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
This year’s theme coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”
The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.
Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Speaking of young people: They’re ready to help older residents with snow shoveling (when it’s needed), through the “We Do Walkways” program.
Westport’s Department of Human Services provides the names of middle and high school youngsters to seniors, in their neighborhood. Call 203-341-1050, or email edaignault@westportct.gov.
That’s the contact info too for students who want to sign up.
DHS recommends that seniors pay the shovelers $10 to $15 an hour. The service is not free — but it’s great!
Teens are ready to help seniors.
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Speaking still of youths: Want to write for young readers, but don’t know how?
Tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.. 25 Sylvan Road South; free), the Westport Writers’ Workshop hosts “Paths to Publishing with Kid lit Authors Lori Kase and Diana Sussman.
Author Christine Pakkala will moderate a conversation with the writers of the YA novel “The Accident,” and the middle grade mystery “The Neighbors’ Secret.”
They’ll explore their journeys to publication, writing across genres and more. A Q-and-A session follows. For more information, click here.
The need is great. But — Westport Moms say — “our town always comes through!”
Questions? Email info@westportmoms.com.
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Speaking of Westport Moms: They report that Westport dad (and “Today” show co-anchor Craig Melvin has a new side gig.
He just launched a candle company: “Melvin Made.”
The Moms say: “What began as a garage hobby quickly became a surprisingly therapeutic escape. After trying our hand at pouring one ourselves, we can confirm it’s as calming (and addictive) as it looks. …
“Each @melvinmadeco candle is handcrafted from coconut oil with clean, phthalate-free fragrance and inspired by the people, stories and moments that shaped Craig’s life.
“And proceeds help support families affected by cancer, raising awareness and funds for cancer charities, including organizations that stood alongside his own family and continue helping others every day.”
But Pink Aid — the great non-profit that aids patients and their families — and Chabad of Westport are teaming up for their 3rd annual “Stand Up for Pink Aid” comedy event.
The December 10 event is an evening of “heart and humor.” The all-star lineup includes Jacob Brody — an inspiring 11-year-old cancer survivor from Westport — and Nick Scopoletti, whose comedy is shaped by losing his mom to breast cancer at age 6.
Time to get rid of the pumpkins (and assorted autumnal stuff). Christmas trees (or menorahs) are coming.
Pam Barkentin spotted this “Westport … Naturally” scene yesterday, at the transfer station:
(Photo/Pam Barkentin)
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And finally … in honor of Craig Melvin’s newest project (story above):
(Today’s Roundup is chock-full of news, events, ideas and more. But so is every day’s! If you enjoy these features — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
NOTE: This morning’s story called Jack Klinge the oldest member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting.
He turns 87 in January. That makes him 11 months younger than Dick Lowenstein, who will be 88 in February. Klinge is the longest-serving member, however.
When Addison Moore was born in 2005, Jack Klinge was in his 5th term on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
Last night, Moore — now 20 years old just began his first term on the town’s legislative body. He’s the youngest member ever elected.
Klinge — who turns 87 next month — is still at it. Now in his 15th term, he’s the second oldest member (and longest serving). Dick Lowenstein is 11 months older.
On Monday they sat together at the Westport Library. Klinge had plenty of advice for the newcomer.
Moore was eager to listen.
Addison Moore and Jack Klinge. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But Klinge wanted to hear from Moore too.
Both understand the meaning of the first word in “Representative Town Meeting.” Westport residents span every age group. All voices need to be heard.
Klinge and his wife Jeanne moved to Westport in 1966. They bought a home for $32,500 (“$100,000 got you a mansion,” he says), and raised 3 children. All are Staples High School graduates.
After a career commuting to General Foods and Topps — followed by a stint with Major League Marketing at The Mill on Richmondville Avenue — Klinge retired in 1997.
He mentored an 8-year-old boy, with whom he is still in touch. He substitute taught at Staples and the middle schools.
And the same year he retired — at the suggestion of his friend Marion Potter — he ran for the RTM.
Klinge had little idea how the town operated. He listened, and learned.
Jack Klinge and Addison Moore, at an October candidates’ forum. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Moore — born 8 years after Klinge’s first election — is a 10-year Westporter, and a 2022 Staples graduate.
He served on several youth advisory boards — including Human Services, the Westport Library, Toquet Hall and MoCA\CT — and founded Up Next Teens, a non-profit that grew to hundreds of Fairfield County youths addressing food insecurity.
As a junior at Lafayette College, he continued to seek ways to be involved in his home town. (He is on campus Tuesdays through Thursdays; much of his education is remote.)
Someone suggested he run for the RTM. It seemed far-fetched — until it didn’t.
He knocked on hundreds of doors, and beat an incumbent en route to one of 4 District 9 seats.
“Listen. Observe. Absorb,” Klinge tells Moore. “Learn all you can. Sort out who makes sense, who doesn’t, and what makes sense to you. Your time to talk will come. When it comes, speak from your heart and head.”
Jack Klinge speaks.
But, he adds, “Be succinct. And don’t talk unless you have something to say.” Klinge cites the words of former member (and police chief) Ron Malone: “Everything has been said. But not everyone has said it yet.”
Klinge also says, “Be yourself. Don’t sell yourself out. Make your decision, then stand by it. I’ve been outvoted 35-1. That’s okay.”
Klinge learned about the town by talking with department heads, residents and fellow RTM members. Ever since, he has enjoyed dealing with town issues, projects and problems.
Talking to all constituents is important, Klinge reiterates. It’s great that Moore has the ear of new, young residents. But there are 5,000 seniors in town too, he says. Their concerns and issues are also important.
Among Klinge’s proudest achievements: advocating for schools, helping the Senior Center relocate to its current location at Baron’s South, and helping create workable policies for dogs on the beach.
Right now, Moore is in his own early learning phase. He too is meeting as many people as he can.
Among the issues he’d like to address: making the town safer and more accessible, and expanding the Wheels2U transportation system.
Addison Moore, helping distribute food last winter.
The RTM has evolved since Klinge’s first term, nearly 30 years ago. There are more women and younger residents. (Three of the 4 District 4 members — including now-veteran Andrew Colabella — are in their 30s.
However, Klinge cautions, some RTMers ran just because of one issue close to their hearts. He urges members to be “town-oriented, not cause-oriented.”
One issue that will impact the entire town is the redevelopment of Saugatuck. Klinge hopes that there are enough “energetic, smart, creative, think-outside-the-box problem solvers” on the RTM to address that complex topic with wisdom and foresight.
Moore, meanwhile acknowledges the importance of longtime members like Klinge.
“They have an amazing level of experience,” the youngest RTMer says. “I want to keep learning from them about the past, and how things work. They can help me know about what went into decisions that were made earlier.”
Last year, Klinge helped the RTM celebrate its 75th anniversary by producing a booklet about its long history. He urges Moore to read it.
It gives a great sense of the Representative Town Meeting’s first 3/4 of a century — its big issues and votes, and its quirks too.
For example, certain members have certain seats.
“I’m a little nervous about sitting in the wrong spot,” Moore admits.
“I’ve had the same seat for 28 years,” Klinge notes.
Left unsaid: That’s 8 years longer than Moore has been alive.
Dave Grossman is the rowing director and boys head coach at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
His rowing career began there in 2005. He quickly began coaching too. Dave was a 4-year member of the Hobart College team. He competed at the Head of the Charles Regatta, national championships and Henley Royal Regatta.
The other day, Dave came ashore to the Westport Library. We looked back, in this 25th anniversary year for Saugatuck Rowing Club’s modern facility, at its growth and evolution (and the role the Winklevoss family has played). We talked about the sport of crew: who it attracts, what it takes to compete, and the impact it has on rowers of all ages.
We talked too about Dave’s life, on and off the water. Click here or below, for a fascinating half hour.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie led the ceremony yesterday, accompanied by the Staples Orphenians, town poet laureate Donna Disch, and a small group of children who counted down the numbers.
The tree is in front of Town Hall, on Myrtle Avenue.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie leads the countdown …
… and poses with the Orphenians …
… ta da! (All photos/Dan Woog)
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The 85th annual Candlelight Concert is the Staples Music Department’s gift to the town. This year’s shows are Friday, December 12 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.).
The always-hot tickets went on sale this morning at 9 a.m (www.StaplesMusic.org). They’re free — but donations to the Staples music program are greatly appreciated.
There are other ways to support our young musicians too. The poinsettias that decorate the stage can be ordered here, then picked up at the end of the final show.
Also available, at all performances: “Candlelight Cookies” from Alina’s. They’re just $6 — and each includes a coupon for a free cupcake. Click here to order.
Finally: Staples’ Tri-M Music Honor Society again sponsors “CanDelight” — a canned food donation drive benefiting the Homes for Hope food pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby before every concert.
Poinsettias set the stage for Candlelight. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Nearly every seat was filled last night, for the Westport Country Playhouse’s final Script in Hand reading of 2025.
“What The Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck was one of the most timely in the long-running and popular series.
The star, Nina Hellman, grew up in Westport and was a member of Staples Players. She now lives in Brooklyn with her husband Jeremy Shamos, who was also in the show.
Every audience member received a copy of the US Constitution. (Hat tips: Susan Garment and Dave Matlow)
The “Constitution” crew, Standing (from left) Liz Beatty (stage manager), Jocelyn Shek, Nina Hellman, Mark Shanahan (Playhouse artistic director), Amanda Charlton (director). Seated: Jeremy Shamos. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
New Yacht City’s tribute to music of the 1970s and ’80s — Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald and more — rocks the VFW this Saturday.
Doors open at 6 p.m. The band comes on at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market winter location — Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — is warm and cozy.
It’s the perfect place for “Operation Warm Hug.” This Thursday and Saturday (December 4 and 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’re collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens and gloves, for nOURish clients in Bridgeport.
All donations are “warmly” welcomed.
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Meanwhile, not far from the VFW, Railroad Place was closed temporarily yesterday morning.
A truck on the 1-way section of Franklin Street took down a utility pole, which landed on a car. There were no injuries.
Acoustic band On the Trail brings their bluegrass/contemporary pop/traditional blend of music to Voices Cafe this Saturday (December 6, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Tickets for the “toe-tapping” show are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
A Holiday Pop-Up Shop is set for December 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East).
It features pottery, jewelry and other gifts, all from local artisans.
The Residence at Westport.
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Guitarist Paul Bollenback and pianist Dave Kikoski highlight this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 4; 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399).
They’re joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1DCWLJ4m8U Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Former Staples High School basketball player Geoffrey Lavaty died November 3, at his Wilton home. He was 86.
The Bronx native grew up in Westport, and graduated with the Class of 1957.
After Rollins College he served for 2 years in the Army, then moved to New York. He sold radio time, then partnered with his father. Their firm — Frank and Jeff Lavaty Associates — represented commercial artists and illustrators, many of them from this area.
Jeff and Ebba Von Koch were married in 1968. They lived in New York and Wilton.
Jeff was an oil painter, displaying his work in local galleries and public buildings. He was also a skilled pool player, an avid freshwater fisherman, a fan of the New York Giants, Knicks, Fats Domino, Pavarotti and Cabernet Sauvignon.
He is survived by his wife; sisters Judy Strauss (Jeffrey) and Jane Cooke (Donald), and cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be private.
Generations of Candlelight Concert-goers have thrilled to the Staples High School Music Department’s annual gift to the town.
Hundreds of choral, orchestra and band musicians create magic. Beautiful works, world pieces, the rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” with dozens of alumni joining on stage — and of course, the traditional “Sing We Noel” processional that begins it all.
That welcoming number is a Staples special. The orchestra begins, slowly and hauntingly. Blue-robed choir members, holding (electric) candles, walk in step down the aisles.
The “Sing We Noel” processional, 2022. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
There is a big downbeat. The singers pivot, facing the audience. Together, they begin: “Dost thou remember the Prophet of old/Who that most wond’rous story told…”
It’s a stirring moment no one who has ever sung, played or heard it will ever forget.
“Sing We Noel” seems stuck in time. The Staples auditorium is one of the few places in the world where it is still performed. The hymn is almost impossible to find on YouTube (a different, jaunty song by the same name pops up a bit more often).
The sheet music went out of print decades ago.
Copies have been Xeroxed many times. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The processional seems — to me, and probably most audience members — a timeless way to begin the Candlelight Concert
But the Staples music instructors have been dissatisfied with their time-honored version. They thought the near-perfect selection could be made even better.
The music they’ve used for years was difficult to conduct. Trumpets and violins jumped octaves. There are many more winds on stage now than before. The band is bigger. There was no direction for saxophones. Vocal parts were in a different meter.
It was time to tweak the arrangement.
The music department partnered with Mark Ceppetelli, a colleague of band director Kevin Mazzarella. He’s an accomplished engraver (someone who prepares sheet music, meticulously formatting it for clarity and readability).
“We wanted to reimagine the piece for winds, and incorporate the singers in a ‘bettter’ way,” says townwide music coordinator Steve Zimmerman. The goal was to “embellish something that’s already excellent.”
This year’s “Sing We Noel” will scarcely sound different to most of the audience. They might not even realize there is an oboe solo, that new percussion parts have been added, or that the brass is brassier.
This year’s brass will be brassier. (Photo/Kerry Long)
“We believe in tradition. And Westport does too. This is a way to make a little more sense musically,” orchestra director Jeri Brima says.
“This maintains the spirit of ‘Sing We Noel’ — in a more inclusive way. The melody is the same. But the sound is fuller.”
Discerning ears will notice the difference. I probably won’t.
Every year, much of Candlelight remains the same.
And every year it evolves.
Now let hosannas ring …!
(For the fascinating back story of how legendary music director John Ohanian brought “Sing We Noel” to Westport, click here. In 2019, Staples graduate Catherine Webster recalled the impact of “Sing We Noel.” Click here to read her words.)
(The 85th annual Candlelight Concert takes place Friday, December 12 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, December 13 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets are available to the public starting at 9 a.m. today — Tuesday — at www.StaplesMusic.org. They’re free, but donations to the Staples music program are greatly appreciated.)
(Concert-goers can support the Staples music program by purchasing poinsettias that decorate the stage. They can be picked up at the conclusion of the December 13 8 p.m. show. Click here for details.)
(Also available, at all shows: Candlelight Cookies from Alina’s. They’re just $6, and each includes a coupon for a free cupcake. Click here to order. )
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“They have an amazing level of experience,” the youngest RTMer says. “I want to keep learning from them about the past, and how things work. They can help me know about what went into decisions that were made earlier.”
