In October, “06880” reported that Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito were putting their historic, gorgeous Beechwood home up for sale.
For 10 years, the internationally known pianist and his talented artist wife had opened their property — with its 216-year-old rooms, grand piano and towering copper beech tree — to the public. They hosted innovative salons, with everyone from Joshua Bell to dancers and chefs sharing their talents and ideas.
Six months later, the New York Times has picked up the story.
Frederic and Jeanine are the stars of this Sunday’s Real Estate “The Hunt” feature. Each week, the paper describes a home buyer’s search for the perfect property. Readers learn what they looked and did not purchase (and why) — and, of course, what they finally bought.
On Sunday, you can find out which of 3 Norwalk condos they decided on. You can click on the story here and find out too — but first you’ll have to take a quick quiz on which of the properties you would like, and which one you think Frederic and Jeanine preferred. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Jeanine Esposito and Frederic Chiu in their new home. (Photo/Jane Beiles for he New York Times)
=================================================
Earth Day is tomorrow.
With no school on Saturday, Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools celebrated yesterday.
Parents gathered on the hill between to watch their kids sing “This Land is Your Land,” and offer tips about sustainability and the impact we all have on this planet.
4th and 5th graders beat drums to accompany the 800-plus students singing “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin and Libana’s “The Earth is our Mother.”
The event was the the brainchild of Ashley Moran of SES and Priscila Jones of KHS, with great enthusiasm from music teachers Colleen Cooney and Amy Laurino. (Hat tip: Allegra Gatti Zemel)
Earth Day at Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.
==================================================
Every pediatrician’s office has story books in the waiting room.
Village Pediatrics has them outside too.
Patients — and their parents – know that a visit to 323 Riverside Avenue includes time exploring the “story walk” along the Saugatuck River, behind the building.
Dr. Nikki Gorman and her colleagues put up the first story when they moved in, nearly 8 years ago. They’ve changed them seasonally every since.
The Village staff enjoys picking different books to highlight — those with interesting stories, and plenty of illustrations.
The featured book right now is (aptly) “Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.”
Everyone is welcome to enjoy this great tale. You don’t need an earache or cough to visit Village Pediatrics — well, at least their story walk.
Medical office assistant Nick Schiff Denota joined Village Pediatrics 2 years ago, after graduating from Weston High School. He takes pride in putting up and maintaining the story walk.
=================================================
Speaking still of kids: Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs, boats and others roll into the Imperial Avenue parking lot on Saturday, April 29.
They’re all part of the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School’s 16th annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; quiet hour without sirens or horns is 9 to 10 a.m.).
Children of all ages can get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
They’ll also enjoy food trucks, music, balloon animals, magic shows, face painting, sensory play and more.
Admission is $35 per family. Click here for tickets.
==================================================
Moving on to teenagers: What’s the difference between the ACT and SAT exams? Which one should my child take? How much do test scores matter? How do test-optional schools evaluate applications?
Those questions and more will be addressed — and hopefully answered — next Tuesday (7 p.m., Zoom).
College admissions counselor Amy Chatterjee talks about “Everything You Didn’t Know — But Should — About the SATs/ACTs.”
The webinar — sponsored by S4 Study Skills — is free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up.
=================================================
As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Rowan Center — a local sexual assault resource agency — wants everyone to know how to keep children safe.
On Monday, April 24 (7 p.m., MoCA Westport), they’ll share information about social media, mental health, and sexual violence prevention education. Click here for more information. The event is free.
To RSVP, email info@therowancenter.org.
Artwork for the Rowan Center event.
=================================================
The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.
June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.
A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.
The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)
The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.
=================================================
Speaking of music: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston celebrates International Jazz Day with a unique, open worship service for all ages and denominations.
The April 30 event (4 p.m.) combines the liturgical traditions of vespers with the exciting, soulful sounds of saxophone player John Collinge, bassist Steve Clarke, pianist Pat Marafiote, drummer Chris Stanley, guitarist Antonio Penn, and vocalist Jae Jones.
It’s a great introduction to jazz for young audiences, and a toe-tapping service for all.
Admission is free (donations are accepted). For more information click here, or call 203-227-4707.
==================================================
The comedy/mystery “Bad Accents” kicks off the Westport Country Playhouse’s “New Works” series on Monday (April 24).
The audience is invited to meet playwright Matthew Greene and director Liam Lonegan (Playhouse assistant artistic director) in the lobby after the performance.
Click here for more information, and tickets. All seats are $25.
The cast of 5 includes Halima Henderson.
==================================================
“06880 has covered the hatching of swan eggs by the Saugatuck River, a few yards from the hustle, bustle and carbon monoxide of Parker Harding Plaza.
But a couple of days ago — after that birth — Alina Rodescu-Pitchon spotted another mother, with her nest.
“Westport … Naturally” — and all of downtown — is twice blessed.
(Photo/Alina Rodescu-Pitchon)
=================================================
And finally … Otis Redding III only 3 years old when his father and namesake died in a 1967 plane crash.
Otis III — who went on to a fruitful, career as a musician — died Tuesday in the Redding family’s home town of Macon, Georgia. He was 59, and suffered from cancer.
Otis III was not burdened by his father’s fame. He had his own band. But he also sang Otis’ biggest hit, “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay.”
Otis III worked with his family’s foundation to organize summer camps, teaching children to play music. And he served as president of the local chapter of Meals on Wheels. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” scours the world for Westport stories. To help us do it, please click here. Thank you!)
