Roundup: More Mitzvahs, Heating Help, Gaby Gonzalez …

Posted on December 4, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: More Mitzvahs, Heating Help, Gaby Gonzalez …

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Yesterday’s “06880” lead story yesterday celebrated the works of members of 4 Westport synagogues. They’ll be honored December 12 by the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County, as part of their annual “Mitzvah Heroes” celebration.

But there’s a 5th Westporter too — from Congregation Beth El in Norwalk.

Stephanie Gordon has been a shul leader since 2007.  A lawyer professionally, she focuses her volunteerism in 2 areas: working toward “tikkun olam” (repairing the world), and improving her congregation

Committee work at Beth El includes Membership, vice president for Education and Fundraising, and the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee. But she’s hands-on too, from decorating the sukkah to greeting congregants on Shabbat.

For years Stephanie was part of Norwalk Open Doors’ shelter and kitchen crew. She then stepped up to lead. The pandemic notwithstanding, Stephanie continues to plan healthy menus, shops, recruits volunteers, and leads meal prep and service. 

Stephanie Gordon

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This winter could be one of the most expensive on record. That’s scary news for neighbors who already have trouble heating their homes.

The Westport Warm-Up Fund can help.

The initiative helps hundreds of Westporters with home heating expenses — thanks to others who donate.

Tax-deductible contributions can be made online (click here) or by mail:  Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT 06880.

For more information — or to request help — call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov.

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Gaby Gonzalez — the state champion Staples High School girls soccer star — has been named to the All-New England team.

Next fall, Gaby will play at Cornell University. It’s familiar territory: both her older sister Mia and father Jack played for the Big Red.

Congratulations, Gaby!

Gaby Gonzalez

 

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Human beings are not the only living things in Westport enjoying holiday decorations.

Chickens in this Hillspoint Road coop do too.

They also are happy that chicken is not a traditional Christmas meal.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Late-autumn Compo Beach reeds frame today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … on this day in 1988, Roy Orbison played his final concert. The country singer with an astonishing, angelic, operatic voice — who had a 2nd career with the Traveling Wilburys — died of heart failure 2 days later, at 52.

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0*6*Art*Art*0 — Week 87 Gallery

Posted on December 4, 2021 | 1 comment

We’re back — this time with a very cool needlepoint.

That’s the whole idea of our Saturday art gallery. Whatever your age and level of experience — professional or amateur, young or old — this feature is open to everyone. In every medium.

All genres and styles are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage (and now needlepoint) — whatever you’ve got, email it to dwoog@optonline.net. Share your work with the world.

“Happy Chanukkah” (Amy Schneider)

“Window Sill” (Karen Weingarten)

“Passing Seasons” needlepoint (Diane Yormark)

“Holy City Silver Night” (Brian Whelan)

“On the Ball” (Lawrence Weisman)

“A Clear Cold Day” (Larry Untermeyer)

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Stephen Sondheim’s Westport Years: Helping Lee Strasberg, Cleaning Latrines

Posted on December 4, 2021 | 3 comments

The Stephen Sondheim stories keep coming.

A recent New York Times story notes that the composer was famous for writing letters. Sent to “students and professionals and fans, they were thoughtful and specific, full of gratitude and good wishes, each on letterhead, each with the elegant, sloping signature that’s familiar now from the Stephen Sondheim Theater marquee.”

One of those notes — written very early in his career — has a Westport connection.

In the spring of 1950 Sondheim graduated from Williams College, and was accepted for a summer apprenticeship at Westport Country Playhouse. He replied to managing director Martin Manulis (below).

He apologized for his delay in responding to the offer , said he would not need a room as he would be commuting from his parents home in Stamford — and asked for a delay of 12 days before starting.

He wanted “a few days’ rest before transferrin from the ivory tower of education into the cold, cruel world.”

The Playhouse agreed.

More than 50 years later — in preparation for a Playhouse tribute to him, hosted by Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward — Sondheim was asked by the Times about that letter.

“I just wanted a week off,” he said.

The Westport Country Playhouse, as it looked for many years.

Sondheim’s summer at the Playhouse was eye-opening.

“You learn about all the intricacies of putting on a play: how many people are necessary to make a moment work onstage, from the writers to the stagehands,” he said.

“At Westport I got to work with non-musicals and have different actual jobs instead of just fetching coffee and typing scripts. Now the best way to learn the theater, always, is to be a stage manager, and one of the great things about the Westport program was that you got to be an assistant stage manager on at least one show during the summer.”

He did that on “My Fiddle’s Got Three Strings,” directed by Lee Strasberg and starring Maureen Stapleton. When the actors started reading, I couldn’t hear one word. You want to talk about mumbling.

He was surprised how many actors mumbled during the read-through. And the reality of watching Strasberg direct was far different than hearing him talk about his craft.

“There is a difference between theory and practice,” Sondheim said.

“To listen to what Strasberg said was amazing. To see it was terrible.”

Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 apprenticeship. The photo was taken at the Jolly Fisherman restaurant. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

Sondheim’s apprenticeship covered a range of duties. He — and fellow apprentice Frank Perry, who went on to a noted career directing films — fetched props, sold Cokes, parked cars and “cleaned latrines,” among other duties.

Stephen Sondheim’s association with the Westport Country Playhouse was long and important.

And today, his long-ago letter — with that very recognizable signature — is an important piece of Playhouse momoribilia.

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Pic Of The Day #1690

Posted on December 3, 2021 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1690

South Compo wreath (Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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Let There Be Lights!

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 6 comments

There are many ways to mark the holiday season in Westport.

The lighting of the tree in front of Town Hall is a great one.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker did the honors a few minutes ago. She was joined by her father and daughter, the Staples Orphenians, a gaggle of kids, and plenty of Westporters who are glad that — after a COVID-induced year off — this hometown tradition is back.

The Orphenians sang holiday tunes …

… former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe wheeled his grandson Charlie …

… his successor Jen Tooker led the countdown …

… and the 2021 holiday tree was lit. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Tooker’s COVID Update: Continued Vigilance Needed

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 3 comments

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers this COVID update:

We are fortunate in Westport that the expertise and experience of our health and administrative  professionals is first-rate. Throughout the course of the pandemic, these individuals have played a vital role in keeping us informed and updated.

Westport’s COVID-19 Emergency Management Team continues to monitor and assess the trends and transmission rates in Westport, neighboring municipalities, the state and beyond. It is aware of the potential of strains of the virus such as Delta, as well as tracking the new Omicron variant, and the impact they may have on the community at large.

Like many cities and towns in Connecticut, Westport has seen a recent increase in the number of COVID cases. As of today, Westport remains in the “orange” category (10-14 cases per 100,000 population). It is crucial that we stay vigilant in avoiding the spread of the virus to those at risk.

Vaccinations and Boosters:

All individuals who are 5 years of age or older and live, work or attend school in Connecticut are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Health officials urge all who are able and eligible to get fully vaccinated, including receiving a booster shot, as soon as possible.

For more information on vaccinations and boosters, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine. For availability of local boosters, text your ZIPCode to 438829 (GETVAX).

Masking Guidelines:

Westport’s masking guidelines have not changed.

  • Outdoors:
    • Masks are not required to be worn by anyone.
  • Indoors: 
    • Vaccinated individuals are generally not required to wear masks.
    • Unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks.
    • Masks will still be required in healthcare facilities, facilities serving vulnerable populations, public and private transit, correctional facilities, schools (public and non-public, when students are present), and childcare facilities.
    • Some businesses, state and local government offices, performance spaces, and certain events, may still require universal masking.

As always, cooperation, patience and understanding are appreciated when visiting Westport establishments and locations where mask requirements remain in effect or where some may choose to maintain a full mask policy for the health and safety of their staff and customers.  

The Emergency Management Team continues its oversight of the pandemic and the effects it may have on the health and safety of all Westport residents, businesses and visitors. 

Again, we urge all those who are eligible to get a booster.

Additional information is available on the WWHD website: www.WWHD.org.

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Friday Flashback #273

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 4 comments

Some things have changed since the 1980s.

Klein’s and the Camera Store are no longer on Main Street. George Weigle passed along the pitch pipe as Orphenians director. In a pandemic-ravaged world, the Orphs are not raising funds for a European concert tour.

But many things remains the same.

Downtown looks much as it did 4 decades ago. Luke Rosenberg has continued Staples High School’s elite singing group’s 60-year tradition of excellence.

And a week from tomorrow — on Saturday, December 11 — the Orphenians will once again carol on Main Street.

They’re part of “06880”‘s first-ever Christmas Stroll. The Orphs will be joined by Santa. Merchants will offer treats and specials. Don Memo (which is located in what was, when this photo was taken, Westport’s original Town Hall) will provide hot drinks.

See you there!

(Click here for details of the “06880” Christmas stroll. And if you recognize yourself in the Orphenians’ photo — or have any memories of caroling with them downtown, or traveling with them abroad — click “Comments” below.)

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Roundup: Wreaths, Annie, “Light A Fire” …

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 1 comment

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Every year, the Westport Garden Club creates wreaths for 18 town properties.

Members gather natural elements from their own gardens to create unique designs that they display on town buildings and non-profit organizations, from the ABC House and Gillespie Center to Earthplace.

One recipients — the Westport Museum for History & Culture — houses club archives dating back to 1924. It’s also the site of an Outdoor Winter Market tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), where 25 original wreaths will be on sale to the public. Proceeds will help continue their projects around town.

Westport Garden Club members, with their gorgeous wreaths.

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The sun is not out very long these days. But it comes out this weekend for Bedford Middle School’s production of “Annie.”

The show opens tonight (Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.), then continues tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (December 5, 2 p.m.).

The school’s first stage production since COVID will draw raves. For tickets, click here.

Plenty of action in “Annie.” (Photo/January Stewart)

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Moffly Media’s annual “Light a Fire” celebration of local heroes is always inspiring. The event honors Fairfield County residents who go above and beyond, to make a difference in the lives of others.

Last night’s honorees included Matt Jordan. The Staples High School senior works tirelessly on behalf of Kids in Crisis, helping other teens whose lives are less fortunate than his own.

The livestreamed ceremony was hosted by Weston actor and animal rights activist Jim Naughton. Click below to see. (Matt’s presentation begins at 29:22.)

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On stage last night at the Westport Library: noted restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson.

He was interviewed by CBS News justice and security correspondent (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Jeff Pegues. It was part of the library’s compelling Trefz Newsmakers conversation.

The only thing missing: some of the chef’s creations.

Jeff Pegues (left) and Marcus Samuelsson. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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In this season of joy and good cheer, MoCA Westport took time last night to acknowledge serious issues: human right violations.

The panel discussion was part of programming for the museum’s “When Caged Birds Sing” exhibition.

(Photo/Leslie LaSala)

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Among next week’s highlights at the Westport Library:

Cartoonist Roz Chast and artist Karla Knight chat — and answer audience questions — in conjunction with Knight’s first solo museum exhibition (Tusday, December 7, 7 p.m.). Click here for both in-person and livestream tickets.

A reception for Leonard Everett Fisher’s exhibit, “A Life of Art,” is set for Thursday (December 9, 7 p.m.). He’ll speak about his work. The public is invited.

Leonard Everett Fisher

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Across Jesup Green from the library: Photographer Fruma Markowitz is this month’s featured artist at the Westport Book Shop.

She shows part of “Sara’s Trousseau,” an installation of 9 Cyanotype prints and collages of teacups she inherited from her mother, and crocheted and embroidered linens found at flea markets and tag sales.

Markowitz is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport. Her work is on display at the back of the used book shop, on Jesup Road.

Fruma Markowitz, and her photos.

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This shoe sure gets around. It’s been spotted — and photographed — at the Compo beach boardwalk, playground and concession stand. Now it’s made its way to the most iconic spot of all.

What’s next? Stay tuned!

(Photo/Jean Stevens)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot is a very serene one, of a favorite sight: Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … to honor Matt Jordan and his “Light a Fire” award (above):

 

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Meet Westport’s Mitzvah Heroes

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 6 comments

Our cup runneth over.

On Sunday, December 12 (4 p.m., virtual), the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County honors 14 men and women as “Mitzvah Heroes.” Four are from Westport.

The literal meaning of the Hebrew word mitzvah is “commandment.” But it has come to mean “doing a good deed, with empathy and kindness.” Here’s what our mitzvah heroes have done, to make enormous differences in the lives of many.

Alan Benjamin (nominated by Beit Chaverim Synagogue) is a past president of both the Federation and his congregation (where he serves on the board, building committee and more).

Alan Benjamin

When Beit Chaverim started hosting the Westport community minyan in 2017, Alan was a 2-day-a-week regular. By 2020 he was at minyan all 7 days, including a 3-mile walk on Shabbat.

He started leading parts of the service. He is a serious Torah student, taking regular classes and engaging in one-on-one sessions.

When COVID struck, Beit Chaverim shut for a while. When it reopened as a parking lot minyan, Alan ensured there were volunteers to lead. He’s still at it.

Alan is always one of the first to offer funds to help someone in need, or sponsor an event. He and his wife Amy have been strong supporters of Beit Chaverim for years. He is a prime force behind both the dedicated congregation, and the new building rapidly taking shape.

Nancy Cohen (The Conservative Synagogue) died in August. she is being honored posthumously.

Nancy Cohen

For years, Nancy cooked meals for people needing lifts. She set up tables for Shabbat dinner and break-fasts on Yom Kippur. She made sure shivas went smoothly, and helped make minyans.

She contributed to and raised money for charity and other projects — including lung cancer research — and helped strategize ways to make funds even more impactful.

A longtime champion of the underdog — even during her illness — Nancy lived the saying “say little, do much, greet every person with a cheerful face.”

Rochelle Green (Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Fairfield County) helps people find meaning through connections with Jewish values, traditions and heritage.

Rochelle Green

As Ritual Committee chair, she oversees the content and co-leads High Holiday services. During the pandemic, she moved those services online. Members and guests joined in, observing the holidays from across the US.

As coordinator helping boys and girls prepare for bar and bat mitzvahs, Rochelle has helped younger members understand Jewish values, traditions and heritage. She reached an even younger audience as co-coordinator of CHJ’s Sunday school.

Rochelle’s many years as a board member has been marked by steady, thoughtful leadership and wise counsel. She provides support and helps with new initiatives, such as a recent oral history project.

Jennifer Rubin (Temple Israel) chairs the synagogue’s Caring Committee. She provides care and outreach to members who are sick or in mourning, with calls and visits.

Jennifer Rubin

She makes sure the clergy knows who needs particular attention and care, carrying out her role with diligence, dedication, compassion, sensitivity, insight and partnership.

Jennifer’s commitment has not wavered during COVID. She constantly seeks new ways to support members of her congregation.

The December 12 ceremony will be livestreamed, and is open to the entire community. Click here to register.

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Pic Of The Day #1689

Posted on December 2, 2021 | 9 comments

Saugatuck River downtown, Thanksgiving weekend (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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