Tag Archives: Amanda Parrish Morgan

Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …

Posted on September 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Roxane Gay, ABBA, Christian Siriano …

StoryFest ’24 opened with a bang last night.

Author and activist Roxane Gay chatted on the Westport Library stage with writer Oliver Radclyffe. His memoir, “Frighten the Horses,” will be published this fall by Roxane Gay Books.

In just 7 years, StoryFest — the Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community — has become the largest literary festival in Connecticut.

Every genre of storytelling is covered, along with live podcast recordings, a special tribute to longtime and beloved Library friend Sybil Steinberg, the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, a pitchfest and more. Click here for today and tomorrow’s jam-packed schedules.

Oliver Radclyffe and Roxane Gay share a moment.

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Meanwhile, a few yards away, a packed lawn enjoyed ABBA.

Well, not exactly the legendary Swedish group. This was a tribute band. But they sure sounded the same.

Getting ready to enjoy the festivities — with appropriate glasses and neckwear — were (below, left to right) Gwen Tutun, Judy Burke, Toni Essertier, Ellen Bowen and Cathy Colgan. Mamma mia!

The entertainment continues tonight at the Levitt, with Tower of Power. The ticketed show begins at 7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.

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You (probably) watched the first 2 debates of the election season, on CNN and ABC.

You can watch the third one live — right here at Town Hall.

On October 10 (7 p.m),, Westport’s League of Women Voters hosts candidates for State Senate District 26, and State Representative District 136. (The Norwalk LWV will host one for State Representative District 143; details to come.)

Questions can be sent in advance to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

The debate is co-sponsored by the PTA Council, Westport Sunshine Rotary Club, Y’s Men, Y’s Women and Westport Rotary Club.

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The Wall Street Journal calls it “‘Shark Tank’ meets Home Shopping Network.”

A new TV show next week features Amazon sellers pitching their products to a studio audience and judges. Among the panelists: designer (and Westport resident) Christian Siriano.

Finalists will have their inventions sold in a new Amazon “Buy It Now” online store. The winner of each episode will earn $20,000.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Christian Siriano

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What a blessing!

Everyone is invited to the Saugatuck Congregational Church lawn on Sunday, September 29, for a 10 a.m. blessing service. All pets are welcome — but on leashes or in carriers.

Photos are fine too. Even “stuffies”!

At 11 a.m., rescues and shelters will offer pets of all ages at a special adoption event. There will be food trucks too, and surprises for kids.

The Great Lawn of Saugatuck Congregational Church is well suited to a Blessing of the Animals.

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Westport author Diane Parrish launches her new book, “Something Better,” at Westport Library on October 8 (6:30 p.m.). She’ll chat with her daughter, fellow author Amanda Parrish Morgan

In the book — set largely in Connecticut — Parrish pulls back the façade of carefully cultivated suburbs. With flashes of humor and insight, she examines notions of forgiveness and faith. Click here for more information.

Diane Parrish (center), and Amanda Parrish Morgan.

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The Weston History & Culture Center offers history experiences for all every Thursday and Sunday (1 to 4 p.m.), from now through November 24.

Visitors can:

Explore “Weston…What Lies Beneath.” The exhibit looks at one of Weston’s oldest homes, the Peter Thorp House. Through objects, rare photographs, videos and hands-on activities, discover what lies beneath and who lived above. Youngsters can dig for artifacts in the Kids Corner.

Take a guided tour of the Coley House, learning how the Coley family lived, worked and played during the 1940s. Kids can play with toys and games from that era, build with Lincoln Logs, and type on a typewriter.

Enjoy autumn with a stroll through the Daniel E. Offutt III Sculpture Garden.

Tickets at the door are $5 for adults, $3 for children; free for members of the Weston History & Culture Center.

Sculpture garden at Weston History & Culture Center.

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Former Westport resident Kathleen Elliott died peacefully on September 4. She was 73, and lived in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

An honors graduate of Northeastern University in economics, Kathy then earned an MBA from Boston University,

She had a long career at David L Babson, including vice president on the investment council. She was the first woman elected to the board of directors.

After leaving David L Babson, Kathy became interested in angel investing. She mentored several women-led companies. The experience led her to co-author a book, “The Old Girls’ Network.”

Kathy spent many hours enjoying tennis at Longwood Cricket Club, golfing at Turner Hill in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and skiing and golfing in Telluride, Colorado.

Her family says, “She had many friends, and was known for her kind-hearted, humble and upbeat nature, especially her creative wit and intelligence. Her excellent athletic skills and gracious sportsmanship made her everyone’s favorite tennis and golf partner.”

She is survived by her partner of 26 years, Ann Beard of 26 years; sisters Margaret Markovic (John) of Trumbull and Mary Sikorski (Brian) of Westport; brother Robert Elliott of Fairfield; niece Kathleen Haimoff and her children, James, Maya and David of Fairfield, and nephews Joseph Sikorski of Norwalk, and James Sikorski (Adrienne) of Brooklyn, and their son Charles.

Services will be private. Donations may be made to Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, and the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts.

Kathleen Elliott

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Flamingos are known for standing on one leg.

Other birds: not so much.

But here is this guy (or maybe gal) gull, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot at Compo Beach.

Try as he/she might though, they’re just not stately.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … “06880” did not get a chance to see the Levitt tribute band last night. But who doesn’t love a good ABBA song or two (or five)?

(Sure, there’s a lot going on this weekend. But you can count on “06880” to cover it all. If you’ve got a spare minute, please click here and spare some change to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Breast Cancer Aid, Uganda TV, Sleep & Teens …

Posted on October 26, 2022 | 1 comment

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, “06880” shines a light on one of our lesser known — but crucially important — local organizations.

The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation is a grassroots, volunteer-driven non profit. It was founded in 2006 by 2 breast cancer patients, one of whom lost her battle.

They wanted to make a difference for other people undergoing treatment — especially those less fortunate — by focusing on patients.

While they were glad that much funding goes to research, education and finding a cure, too little money is available for the day-to-day, non-medical, financial issues breast cancer patients experience as they go through treatment.

BCEAF provides grants of up to $500 a year for non-medical expenses, like rent, utilities, transportation, prostheses, specialty bras and babysitting.

Insurmountable bills pile up — in addition to the sickness, anxiety, depression and pain associated with treatment and surgery.

Some patients are unable to work during treatment. Others lack medical insurance. Unmanageable finances can be a barrier to beginning or continuing treatment.

Financial support for non-medical needs alleviates some of the crippling financial burden, and enables patients to continue with treatment.

Since 2007, BCEAF has provided over $950,000 in aid to 2,184 patients — thank in part to the generous support of Pink Aid, over the past 10 years.

BCEAF raises funds without a big fundraiser. For more information and to help, click here.

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The other day, “06880” highlighted Staples High School graduate/former teacher/current resident Amanda Parrish Morgan’s new book. “Stroller” is — as its title suggests — a cultural, historical and memoir-infused look at an everyday object that has become suffused with symbolic importance, on way too many levels.

Great minds think alike.

The New Yorker magazine’s Peter Baker has just weighed in on “Stroller.” He likes it — and he adds his own thoughts on the subject.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Wynne Bohonnon)

Amanda Parrish Morgan, her kids and a stroller in Grand Central Terminal.

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Vanish Media Systems — Mark Motyl’s Westport company that designs and builds large-screen TVs that disappear when not in use — hosts viewing parties for movies, and big events like Julia Marino’s Olympic snowboard competition.

This past Sunday morning, it hosted a live event from Africa.

The live celebration of Ugandan culture — dance, music, conversation, food, humor, you name it — was done via a video link with the Tender Talents Magnet School there. Every moment — and all its colors, energy, joy and sound — was broadcast on Vanish Media’s impressively clear 10-foot, 4k-quality screen.

The Uganda event, on Vanish Media System’s 110-inch TV..

Attendees also had a chance to speak with students, and the founder of Tender Talents. Speaking in their second or third language, they took part in a moving Q-and-A session that touched on issues of race, culture, and the divisions and commonalities between people.

The event was organized by Creative Connections, a Norwalk cultural education organization celebrating its 30th year fostering communication between students around the world.

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You won’t yawn through this one: On Friday (October 28, noon to 1 p.m.), Positive Directions offers a free webinar on “Sleep Routines and the Impact of Technology.”

Representatives from the Yale University Mood Disorder Research Program discuss the pros and cons of technology, and offer advice on how to help youngsters streamline their routines.

Click here for more information, and to register.

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Nancy Vener calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo “Brunch on Burritts Landing.”

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … Today in 1825 the Erie Canal opened. There was now direct passage from the Hudson River to Lake Erie.

(If you like our daily Roundups, please consider supporting “06880.” Click here to donate.)

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Stroller

Posted on October 14, 2022 | 3 comments

When you see a baby stroller, do you think: I’ve got to see that cute baby?

Or: That thing is really in my way!

Perhaps: I can’t believe I have to lug this thing in and out of my car.

Amanda Parrish Morgan saw a stroller and thought: Book idea!

Amanda Parrish Morgan

The 2000 Staples High School graduate earned a history degree from the University of Chicago, and a master’s in English literature from American University.

She taught English first at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, then at Staples from 2011 to ’14. (She was a cross country and track coach at her alma mater too, through 2017.)

Morgan also taught writing through Westport’s Continuing Education program and the Connecticut Writing Project. Her current gigs are at the Westport Writers’ Workshop and Fairfield University.

Writers are readers. Morgan was intrigued by “Object Lessons.” The essay (The Atlantic) and book (Bloomsbury) series explores a single object — a driver’s license, golf ball or shipping container, say — through a variety of approaches, often in unexpected ways.

As the mother of 2 young children, Morgan was very familiar with strollers. She also realized that although there are many parenting books, most are either “how-to or cheesy, isn’t-this-so-wonderful.”

Very few look at parenthood from a “cultural, emotional and societal” lens.

Bloomsbury liked the idea. The book — “Stroller” — will be published October 20.

Morgan runs with the idea of a stroller — literally. A runner herself, she examines society’s twin expectations of female athletes: They should be good mothers (running with their strollers), while also getting back to competition as quickly as possible.

Amanda Parrish Morgan, running with Thea.

Morgan also explores the metaphor of pushing a child away in a stroller, while keeping them close. She examines the consumerism and status symbol role of strollers; their history; even strollers in art and literature (who knew?).

Writing about strollers pushed Morgan to think about other mobility-aid devices, like wheelchairs. She realized the similarities between navigating Grand Central and subways with a stroller and in a wheelchair — and then studied other nations’ approaches.

“The US is child-centric, but not child-friendly,” she says. “Germany is the opposite.”

Amanda Parrish Morgan, her kids and a stroller in Grand Central Terminal.

“Stroller” straddles the line between memoir and a research-based study. “Some people may wish it was more of one, or more of the other,” she admits.

But “Object Lessons” is a wildly popular series.

Reviewers like “Stroller” too. One said it “compellingly depicts the history and taxonomy of this most weighty and unruly device, ally, and antagonist.”

Morgan looks forward to area readings and book signings, including Barnes & Noble in Westport November 12.

Strollers are welcome.

(For more information on “Stroller,” including how to order, click here.)

(“06880” often highlights local authors and the accomplishments of Staples graduates — sometimes like this, one and the same. Please click here to support our work.) 

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