“06880” has reported several times on the progress of David Hidalgo.
He’s the very talented, always-smiling and very hard-working carpenter/ painter/jack of all trades beloved by many Westporters.
He’s battled 2 separate leukemia diagnoses with a positive attitude. But his situation is now more challenging.
After a bone marrow transplant this spring, David had complications. He was hospitalized with a fever for over 2 weeks. There’s now a blood clot in his leg, and continued nausea. He has lost 60 pounds.
It has been a trying time for the whole family. His wife Haiying is caring for David and trying to clean houses when she can, while caring for 2 young children.
Money from an initial fundraising campaign is almost all gone. Any support that can be offered to David and his family is greatly appreciated. Click here for a GoFundMe link. Click here to help with gift cards for a meal train.
David Hidalgo with his children Santiago and Annika on Fathers Day.
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A brilliant afternoon beckoned, but a large crowd stayed inside after yesterday’s Westport Country Playhouse matinee performance of “Kim’s Convenience.”
Playwright Ins Choi chatted with WCP associate director David Kennedy about the poignant, family-affirming comedy that moved from Toronto Fringe Festival sensation to Netflix TV smash.
Choi noted the play’s genesis as a way during a time of anti-Asian hate crimes. “The proactive part was continuing to write and share stories with heart, humor, and craft so people listen, laugh, and can’t deny how similar we all are.” he said.
The show runs through Sunday (July 17.) Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)
“Kim’s Convenience” playwright Ins Choi, (right) and David Kennedy, in conversation on the Westport Country Playhouse stage. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted the enormous amount of trash generated by this weekend’s multi-state lacrosse tournament at the Staples and Wakeman fields.
But athletes and their parents aren’t the only slobs.
This was the scene yesterday afternoon, at the Compo Beach pavilion:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
I saw it, and tried to imagine what went through the minds of whoever is (ir)responsible for this.
Did they think: “Wow! This is one of the most amazing days of the summer! It’s a perfect Sunday. The sun is shining, it’s not too hot, I’m at a beautiful beach, surrounded by so many people enjoying themselvs.
“So I think I’ll just leave my pile of garbage, instead of walking 3 steps to the trash can, so someone else can pick up after me?”
Or did they just not think at all?
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Carl Swanson spent years volunteering in Houston, helping disadvantaged people find and keep lodging. He understands their plight.
But he’s concerned about a house on Maple Avenue North, near Old Road. The siding is falling off; the garage is full of trash, and the windows are shielded by newspapers. The resident appears to be living in his van in the driveway, Carl says.
Carl notes that the situation has gone on for quite a while. He worries that the home is both an eyesore and a health hazard. He hopes town officials can remedy the situation — and help the owner.
Maple Avenue North house. (Photo/Carl A. Swanson)
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Some exciting news for Westport baseball!
Defending state champion Westport beat Fairfield National yesterday 9-3, to win the district 2 championship.
The sectional tournament begins Thursday.
Congratulations to players Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger and Nolan Walters, manager Justin Walters and coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.
District champs!
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Beechwood — the intimate, innovative and immersive arts salon on Weston Road — is postponing its 11th “Beechwood Open,” scheduled for July 31. The namesake Beechwood House, built in 1806, is undergoing extensive repairs.
It’s now combined with the very fun “Secrets of Beechwood” Scavenger Hunt (September 18, 2 p.m.).
e have hosted The Beechwood Open every year since we started. One of our most popular events, it is outdoors under the Copper Beech and full of unexpected art, music and community and is often the event that introduces new people to Beechwood. Last year’s Beechwood Open was a record-breaker for attendance.
Beechwood House, with a magnificent copper beech tree, was built in 1806.
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Fred Cantor moved to Westport from Queens, when he was in elementary school.
In all the years since, he’d never seen a New York City yellow cab at Compo Beach.
Until yesterday.
(Photo/Fred Cantor)
Fred notes: “That must be one expensive fare. But Compo is worth it, right?”
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The Beardsley Zoo is 100 years old!
The Bridgeport institution’s centennial celebration is set for this fall. It will be big — and it’s got some key Westport connections.
The event is October 29, at the Inn at Longshore. It’s c0-chaired by Westporter Claudette Kunkes. She’s on the board of directors for the Connecticut Zoological Society, which oversees the non-profit zoo.
For more information, including tickets and sponsorships, click here, or email jtaylor@beardsleyzoo.org.
Claudette Kunkes
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Seen at the Kitchen Dwellers’ Levitt Pavilion show last week:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Yo, dude: We’re tryin’.
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One more note on tonight’s “Caddyshack” showing (Remarkable Drive-In, Imperial Avenue parking lot, 7:30 p.m. gates open, 8:30 film).
Movie-goers are invited to wear their “wildest Caddyshack-inspired” costumes Prizes donated by ASF will be awarded before the film begins.
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Everyone sees something different in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, taken of Long Island Sound.
Photographer Roseann Spengler wonders: “Who mows the grass?”
(Photo/Roseann Spengler)
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And finally … in honor of the Beardsley Zoo’s 100th anniversary:
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