Claudia Sherwood Servidio is one of Westport’s newest residents. She moved here just a few days ago.
But she quickly spotted some of Westport’s beauty — like the Saugatuck River, and west bank. Her image — taken on her first morning here — is a nice complement to last night’s Pic of the Day: the same area, at night.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
Possible rain and wind has postponed the Westport Dog Festival. Originally scheduled for this Sunday (October 10), it’s now set for the following week: October 17. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. time slot is unchanged.
This is the third weather-related move in 5 years for the event. One year, there was a double rescheduling.
For more information on the Dog Festival, click here.
Comments Off on Doggone It! Pooch Fest Postponed A Week.
Posted in Environment
Tagged Westport Dog Festival, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce
The other day, I looked through some photos.
This shot — of a long-ago store in what was then Sherwood (now Sconset) Square — caught my eye.
(Photo courtesy of James Gray)
It was nothing special — just another local business.
But it got me thinking:
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Westport’s real estate market continues to sizzle.
According to Brown Harris Stevens, though the 189 homes that closed in Westport in the 3rd quarter of 2021 represented a 29% decrease from the same period last year, that’s still the 2nd highest number of closings for the quarter in 20 years.
The average house closing price rose 5o $1.86 million, a 9% year-over-year increase and the highest for any quarter in Westport in the past decade.
Homes on average sold for 101.4% of the list price — the 2nd straight quarter it’s been over 100%.
Closed houses in the 3rd quarter spent an average of 58 days on the market — a record low. (Hat tip: Roe Colletti)
This house at 5 Hedley Farms Road in the Greens Farms neighborhood is on the market at $12.6 million.
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There’s something new on the menu at La Plage: brunch.
The highly touted restaurant at the Inn at Longshore starts serving this Saturday and Sunday (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
There’s a raw bar and a la carte menu. The $25 prix fixe brunch includes a bloody mary or mimosa. The kiddy brunch menu is $15 — without, of course, the alcohol.
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Dogs and music are the themes of the Remarkable Theater’s next 2 movies.
The Imperial Avenue drive-in screens “Togo” tomorrow (Saturday, October 9, 6:45 p.m.). Appropriately, it’s the day before the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Dog Festival. Canines are welcome.
“The Last Waltz” — the great film about the great band — will be shown Tuesday (October 12, 6:30 p.m.).
Click here for tickets and more information.
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Westport’s 25th annual Mental Health Breakfast is set for October 26 (8 a.m., Westport Library). Residents can attend in person, and join virtually.
The event will address the intersection of youth mental health and substance abuse. Dr. Aaron Wiener will offer insights about youth drug trends and the potential impact of recent marijuana legalization, followed by audience questions and further opportunities for discussion and networking among providers.
Click here to register in person. Click here for the virtual program.
Dr. Aaron Weiner
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The town has just received a big gift. Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs in New York donated 23 prints, created in the 1970s by noted artist Richard Hunt (b. 1936) to the Westport Public Art Collections.
The gift helps realize the Westport Arts Advisory Committeee’s initiative to “contemporize and diversify the public art collection,” says town arts curatoro Kathie Bennewitz.
The works will be featured in a 2022 exhibition at MoCA, showcasing WestPAC’s recent accessions and rich holdings.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe and town arts curator Kathie Bennewitz flank Noah Dorsky,. They admire the Dorsky Gallery’s gift of 23 prints.
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There’s no end to the wonders of “Westport … Naturally.”
Yesterday it was termites. Today we feature a mushroom. Matt Murray spotted this beauty in the small park on Compo Beach Road by Gray’s Creek — not far from the graves of men who died at the Battle of Compo Hill.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … “The Last Waltz” — next Tuesday’s Remarkable Theater feature (see above) — includes some remarkable performances. None is as memorable as this closing number:
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Real estate
Tagged mental health, Remarkable Theater, Westport Public Art Collections
“Geography” does not have a good name.
The subject evokes dull concepts like capital cities, rivers and mountain ranges. It’s not the sexiest subject on the planet.
But that rep is wrong. Geography captivates Sid Kumar. The Greens Farms Elementary School 5th grader has used it to learn about music, religions, cuisines, currencies and much more.
And it’s earned him a trip to Quebec City next spring. Sid finished 11th nationally in the International Academic Competitions’ geography championship.
Sid Kumar, with flags of the world.
Entering both the elementary school and junior varsity divisions, he answered multiple rounds of long, detailed questions about history, statues, resources — all the things that make the world so exciting for Sid.
His journey began in preschool. His parents, Dinesh and Shilpa, got him US and world puzzles. That led to geography-related toys, then books, atlases, and music, flag and travel videos.
Along with the entertaining, educational Geography Now YouTube channel.
Sid quickly discovered that “geography” involves politics, culture, and so much more.
Including money. Among his many other interests — like guitar, karate, swimming and ice skating — Sid has already collected currencies from 106 countries.
Of the dozen or so countries he’s been to, Sid can’t pick a favorite. Each, he says, has something making it special.
Of the places he has not yet seen, Cuba tops the list. Among its attractions: beaches, and “the style of Havana.”
Sid will no doubt get there, some time. But first comes a trip north, to Quebec.
It’s a city with great food, plenty of history — and a challenging, exciting international geography competition.
1 mile to Saugatuck (Photo/Paul Delano)
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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day
In his short life, Khaliq Sanda made a large impression on Westport.
The A Better Chance of Westport scholar had a a magnetic personality, an insightful mind, a welcoming spirit and a heart of gold.
Khaliq took 10 AP classes. He tutored. He worked at Internal Medicine Associates. He volunteered with Key Club, and served on Student Assembly.
He touched everyone he met.
After graduation in 2013, he headed to Duke University. He took pre-med courses. He wanted to be a psychiatrist.
Khaliq Sanda
In 2016, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It metastasized to his brain. He fought valiantly with 5 years — and had the help of countless Westport and Duke admirers.
His death last March devastated our town.
Khaliq won’t be forgotten. The Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95 will be named in his honor.
“Khaliq left an indelible mark on Westport, enriching our town with his kindness, humor and grace,” said State Senator Will Haskell. “Walking through the halls at Staples, it seemed that every student and teacher knew and admired him. In the wake of his passing, I had an opportunity to work with just a few of the many people who loved him to name this bridge in his honor. For those who pass by it each day, I hope it will remind us of his optimism and compassion, bringing out the best of Westport — a town Khaliq loved and a town that loved him.”
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg added, “Khaliq was an outstanding individual who had his future tragically cut short by cancer. During his time in Westport, he made a positive impact on our community. Khaliq was beloved by his peers and excelled in the classroom. He will be sorely missed. Naming a road in Khaliq’s honor will ensure his life and legacy will never be forgotten.”
First Selectman Jim Marpe noted, “He was a talented, deeply compassionate, energetic young man who had a passion for education, community service and a zest for life. It speaks volumes that Khaliq was so highly respected and possessed strong leadership qualities – these are his legacies. Now, he is further recognized with the honor of having this bridge named for him so that his kind heart and good works will be memorialized for generations to come.”
Stephanie Mastocciolo writes:
My 13-year-old daughter attended the Staples High School football game last Friday night with a group of friends. It was her first time attending such a large fun community event on her own. She looked forward to being with her friends, while supporting our awesome team.
Unfortunately, near the end of the game she lost her wallet, with $15 cash. She only noticed as her carpool ride was picking her up.
I was at home waiting for her when my phone rang. A young voice proceeded to ask if I had lost my wallet at the game. I quickly texted my daughter to ask her, since I was unaware.
The young voice said there was a business card with this phone number, and they hoped to find the wallet’s owner. My daughter has a small dog sitting service called “Bianca’s Buddies,” and her business card has my cell phone.
I didn’t get the name of the young adult who was kind enough to say they would leave the wallet hidden at the scoreboard. But I want to commend this young individual for reaching out and trying to find the rightful owner.
When my daughter and I went to retrieve it, everything was inside — including the $15 cash. Thank you, kind young Westporter, for doing the right thing — and for taking a moment out of your Friday night to show us that good deeds and trustworthy individuals still exist.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)
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“06880” does not post most “ranking” stories (Best Beach Towns in America, etc.). The criteria are random, the headlines are often clickbait, and — particularly with education — if, say, our school district is #1 one year and #2 the next, Westporters demand to know “What happened?!”
So this story is not about Niche’s ranking of Staples as the #1 school in Connecticut — for the 3rd year in a row.
Instead, it’s about the Channel 8 news report about that honor. Click here to learn more, from (very proud) principal Stafford Thomas.
Screenshot of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, on Channel 8’s “What’s Right With our Schools” feature.
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As the US withdraws from Afghanistan, the New York Times looks back on Tyler Hicks’ 2 decades of chronicling life and death in that faraway land.
The 1988 Staples High School graduate/Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer arrived there soon after the October 7, 2001 invasion — 20 years ago today. One of the first sights he saw was the execution of a Taliban fighter.
His most recent assignment, in July, was near Bagram Air Base — the same spot he saw that harrowing first scene.
Click here for today’s Times retrospective of Hicks’ haunting photos. (Hat tip: Gil Ghitelman)
In 2001, Northern Alliance fighters dragged a wounded Taliban fighter out of a ditch. They shot him dead. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)
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When COVID put the kibosh on after-school activities, Jordan Razza created her own.
She arranged classes for her daughters Daisy and Ainsley, and 2 other Westport youngsters, with children’s book author Jacky LaMenzo.
She lives in Massachusetts, but no matter. This was COVID; classes were held via Zoom, on Tuesday evenings.
This was more than just “how-to.” LaMenzo emphasized “do it!”
Brainstorming ideas was key. Daisy — now a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle School — wanted to write about LGBTQ people.
Ainsley — a Coleytown Elementary 5th grader — loves alligators, crocodiles and frogs. She focused on an alligator who makes friends.
Both girls honed in on the theme of acceptance. Now, both are now published authors.
Daisy’s book is “My Colors.” It’s illustrated with her own digital art.
Ainsley wrote “Outcast.” Her drawings are freehand.
The books are available on Amazon. Part of the proceeds go to a literary charity.
The girls are interested in many things. Daisy does gymnastics, the school play and swimming. She’s also in CMS’ Pride Club. Ainsley enjoys synchronized swimming and art. Both continue to write.
The Razzas may not be Westport’s newest authors. But they definitely are our youngest!
(Click here for more information on Daisy’s book. Click here for Ainsley’s.)
The Razza sisters’ books.
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“When Caged Birds Sing” — a teaching exhibition created by Westport artist Ann Weiner — opens to the public on October 29. An opening reception is October 28 (6 to 8 p.m.).
The exhibit features 8 life-size sculptures representing women’s rights activists who suffered and survived abuse because of their gender, yet continue to advocate for the rights of others at risk.
Weiner’s work shines a spotlight on sex trafficking, kidnapping, transphobia, female genital mutilation, honor killings, domestic abuse, the conversion of kidnapped girls into sex slaves and killers by rebel armies, merciless Taliban law and transphobia.
Visitors are invited to write stories, experiences or feelings on pieces of paper that will then be folded into the origami shape of a bird and placed in a bird cage, for release later. A 45-minute documentary about the women featured in the exhibition will also be shown.
For more information, click here.
Part of MoCA’s “Caged Bird” exhibition.
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The Tailored Home is known for its custom furniture, window treatments, accessories, reupholstery, refinishing and design services. It’s a great place, and it knows its Fairfield County clientele.
But last night the Sconset Square store sponsored a funk band. It was something different, for sure.
(Photo/Paul Delano)
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For 10 years, Voices Cafe at the Westport Unitarian Church has featured great folk music. Peter Yarrow, Paul Winter and Suzanne Sheridan have performed there; Brother Sun chose it their final concert. Many events support social justice causes.
Voices Cafe begins its 2nd decade on Sunday, October 24 (7:30 p.m.). with double bill: Newtown-born Sawyer Fredericks (winner of The Voice’s season 8) and The Accidentals, a powerful female-led indie rock and punk folk band.
The concert will be both in-person at the church, and livestreamed. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Sawyer Fredericks
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Sorelle Gallery’s final exhibition of 2021 features abstract artist Ned Martin. Beginning Saturday (October 9). Light refreshments will be served in the Bedford Square spce.
Martin’s work includes birds, female portraiture, natural forest-scapes, and pure abstraction.
“Fragmented in Time” (Ned Martin)
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James Goodenough died peacefully at his Westport home on September 29, surrounded by Gloria, his wife of 73 years, and his 4 children. He was 95 years old.
He was born in New Haven to Dr. Erwin Ramsdell Goodenough, a professor at Yale University, and Helen Miriam Lewis. Jim graduated from Yale University.
In 1954 Jim and Gloria moved to Westport. He worked at a specialized business magazine company, Cleworth Publishing, rising to publisher of several magazines, then vice president and treasurer.
Jim was a man of consummate integrity, wisdom and humbleness. He is survived by his wife Gloria; children Sandra, Janice, Andrew and Elizabeth; 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and his brother John B. Goodenough, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry last year for his work on the lithium ion battery.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 17 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). Memorial donations are suggested to Saugatuck Church or Westminster School in Simsbury.
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In our never-ending quest to feature every living thing possible, “Westport … Naturally” today turns to termites.
Susan Garment writes: “I came across this swarm of termites in a tree on my yard. I called several exterminators and sent them this picture. They became extremely excited, because they had never seen anything like it. They wanted to send the picture to the Connecticut Department of Entomology.
“We removed the tree. Fortunately, none of the termites migrated to my house.”
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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And finally … the next MoCA exhibition — “When Caged Birds Sing” (see above) — reminded me of this seriously underrated Beatles song. Sure, there’s no connection between the tune and the Maya Angelou-inspired museum title, other than the bird theme. But I love this track:
Comments Off on Roundup: Staples #1, Tyler Hicks, Young Authors, MoCA Show …
Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Local business, Media, Obituaries, religion, Staples HS
Tagged MoCA Westport, Sorelle Gallery, Staples High School, The Tailored Home, Tyler Hicks
Like most Staples High School students, Colin Konstanty looked forward to senior year. Homecoming, Staples Players productions, the Candlelight Concert — all would be cap his Westport educational career.
Then “Trevor” came calling.
So instead of driving up North Avenue, Colin spends 6 days a week on Metro-North. He’s in the ensemble of the off-Broadway musical.
Though its not easy giving up so much of senior year, the talented actor is pursuing his passion.
And chasing his dream.
As a young child in England, Colin played sports. (His brother AJ is a tight end on the Cornell University football team.)
Colin Konstanty (right) and his brother AJ, last June.
He kept playing after moving to Westport. But in 2nd grade at Greens Farms Elementary School, Colin also started piano lessons and singing. He joined School of Rock in Fairfield, and got hooked on performing.
He had a small part in Bedford Middle School’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Yet sports were still a major focus.
The summer before 8th grade, Colin’s parents encouraged him to do Bedford’s summer musical. The decision changed his life.
He joined an 8th grade acting class. He’s been performing — and honing his craft — ever since.
Colin Konstanty rehearses his George Bailey role, in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The show was one of Staples Players’ radio productions, during COVID last year.
Colin loves “the energizing feeling of being on stage, in front of an audience.” He also enjoys the process of “putting up a play or musical, working together as a team with the cast and crew.”
As an actor, he appreciates the process of “finding a character, and doing my research and work to be as truthful and specific as I can.
“I love being in the moment, leaving myself alone, feeling as though I’m open, and connecting with another actor, the material, or even the audience on a level I maybe hadn’t before.”
He tried for professional work. In March 2020, just before COVID shut down theaters, he auditioned for “Trevor: The Musical.”
Last month — as the industry took steps to reopen — the creative team asked Colin to go straight to callbacks. The next day, he learned he was cast.
Colin Konstanty
“Being a part of the reopening of theater in New York is pretty amazing,” he says. “But to be working on a show that covers such important issues faced by young teens — especially LGBTQ+ teenagers — makes it all the more special.”
Though Colin now attends Staples only on Mondays — he and fellow actors are tutored the rest of the days — his teachers and administrators have been very supportive. So are his friends.
“I’m doing what I love, professionally, with an amazing creative team,” Colin says. “And I’m working with a phenomenally talented cast that is mostly kids my age.”
Colin is learning what it takes to be part of a large-scale production — especially one that creates an “inclusive, encouraging, uplifting environment.” He’s also learned to be a team player, and flexible.
But an actor’s life is precarious. Colin hopes to continue in the industry — either onstage, or as a writer, director or producer.
Right now — like many Staples seniors — Colin is applying to college. He hopes to study acting, producing and the entertainment business there.
That’s all in the future, of course. Right now, Colin Konstanty is focused on one thing: making “Trevor” the best show possible.
Performances begin October 25, at Stage 42.
(Click here for tickets, and more information.)
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged "Trevor: The Musical", Colin Konstanty, Staples Players
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