Amanda Doyle and her daughter Niamh are probably not the only 2 Westporters at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Amanda and Niamh Doyle, at the Olympics.
But Amanda is probably the only one who posted a video that went viral.
Her clip from the US-Switzerland women’s ice hockey game — of the entire arena singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” — racked up over a million views and 71,000-plus likes, in just one day.
It looks like a great moment. And Amanda’s comment about the true spirit of the Olympics — uniting “beyond borders, languages and differences” — is pure gold.
PS: The hockey game was especially fun for Niamh. She goes to Coleytown Middle School, and plays for the Shoreline Sharks.
PPS: The US won, 5-0.
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Dominique Johnson is running for re-election.
The 143rd District state representative — serving parts of Westport and Norwalk — and deputy majority leader says she is not taking donations from lobbyists.
The veteran theater educator and director, Staples High School graduate, Emergency Medical Service leader and all-around good guy will be honored May 17.
Schoke Jewish Family Service will present him with its Community Service Award.
JFS says, “With more than 30 years of experience across the arts and public safety, he brings a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service to every role he undertakes.
Frimmer is deputy chief of Weston Volunteer EMS, and a tactical emergency casualty care and EMS Instructor.
He served on the board of Temple Israel, and is on its Security Committee. During the pandemic, he was the congregation’s COVID response point person.
Frimmer was a producer of “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and is on the producing team for “The Hunger Games” in London. He has earned kudos for his work as director of Coleytown Middle School’s Company drama program.
He serves on the board of the Westport Country Playhouse, and co-chairs its Development Committee. He holds master’s degrees in teaching and educational theatre from NYU.
A reminder: WestportREADS’ keystone conversation is this Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m.)
Eiren Caffall — author of this year’s selection, “All the Water in the World” — chats with Catherine Shen, host of Connecticut Public Radio’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live, about Caffall’s thriller about a flooded future, and a family fighting not to be drowned by a changing world. Click here for more information.
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We’ve posted photos of horses at Sherwood Island State Park before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But the images never get old. Here’s a shot from yesterday:
(Hey hey! Time to pony up. If you appreciate “06880” — your hyper-local 24/7/365 blog, bringing you everything you need to know about your town — please click here to support our work. Yee-haw!)
As a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, Adam Kaplan played Curly in “Oklahoma!”
A snowstorm postponed the show a month.
In that time, puberty hit. His voice changed. He sang in a different key than he’d rehearsed just a few weeks earlier.
That’s one of the perils of middle school theater.
Here’s one of the joys: Kaplan found a passion for performing. He became a Staples Players star. After graduating in 2008, he headed to Broadway. Kaplan played the lead role of Jack Kelly in “Newsies,” and was in the ensemble. He starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Adam Kaplan (carrying a castmate on his back) strikes the same pose as on the Nederlander Theater door.
It all started with middle school theater. Westport’s 2 programs are outstanding, and change many lives besides Kaplan’s.
But it does not come cheap.
Sets, lights, sound, directors, licensing fees — they all add up.
So on February 2 (7 p.m.)., Coleytown Company presents “Carrying The Banner: A Broadway Concert.
The evening — in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from that show, with a live professional band.
One of those performers is Adam Kaplan.
“Middle school is brutal,” the actor remembers. “Hormones are raging. Kids are kids. Everyone is trying to figure themselves out. The arts are a safe space to do that.”
As arts funding is slashed across the country, Kaplan is proud that Westport continues to provide a “safe haven for kids who maybe don’t feel welcome in other areas,” at both the middle and high school levels.
At Staples, he “lived, breathed, ate and slept” the Players program. He made friends, hung out there, acted in shows like “Beauty and the Beast,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Diary of Anne Frank” — and helped build the website and develop the online ticket portal.
After Staples, Adam Kaplan made his mark on Broadway.
Now he looks forward to paying it all forward.
Kaplan went to Bedford, not Coleytown. His directors were Kevin Slater and Karen McCormick, not CMS’ Ben Frimmer.
But Kaplan has worked often with the Coleytown Company director. And, hey — middle school is middle school.
“Westport supported me and my friends,” he says. “The fact that I can come back to Westport, with castmates who were part of the original Broadway show, speaks to how much we care.”
Those cast members are familiar with Kaplan’s home town. During the Broadway run, he’d bring them here after the Wednesday night performance. They’d spend Thursday and part of Friday with Kaplan and his parents, then head back to New York.
After a “Newsies” performance, but still working.
Kaplan will not go right back to the city after the “Carrying the Banner” show. The next day, he’ll do a workshop with the Coleytown Company’s “Newsies” cast.
It won’t be his first. He’s done similar “Newsies” workshops with schools across the country (and a US Army base in Italy). The chance to do one in his hometown is extra special.
“I remember when (Players director) David Roth brought in artists to work with us,” Kaplan says. “It was one of the coolest things in the world. Doing it here is like coming full circle.”
Next month’s fundraiser is produced by Frimmer. He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”) on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
This being Westport, the middle school drama program is as robust as many high schools’ elsewhere.
And — this being Westport — when Coleytown Company plans a fundraiser, it’s Broadway quality.
Literally.
“Carrying the Banner: A Broadway Concert” — set for February 2 (7 p.m.), in support of the troupe’s March production of “Newsies” — features 4 original cast members from Disney’s “Newsies,” with a live professional band.
And one of the performers is from Westport.
Adam Kaplan — a 2008 Staples High grad, and former Players star — played the lead role of Jack Kelly, and was in the ensemble. He also starred in “A Bronx Tale,” the national tour of “Kinky Boots,” and “Show Boat” with the New York Philharmonic.
Another Westport/Broadway connection: The evening is produced by “John Proctor” and “Hunger Games” producer — and Coleytown Company director — Ben Frimmer.
He’s working with Broadway music director Mat Eisenstein (“Newsies,” “Frozen”), on this show. It features songs from “Newsies,” and other hits.
Proceeds will support costumes, sets, lighting, sound and more for Company’s spring production, along with future needs.
Speaking of the arts: Staples musicians made a record this year.
But it’s not the vinyl kind.
A record 69 students earned acceptance into the Connecticut Music Educators Association Western Region Music Festival.
That’s the highest number of students from any school in the region, encompassing more than 50 public and private high schools in Fairfield County.
Students audition through a rigorous process that includes prepared repertoire, scales and sight reading. Performers are selected for honors band, orchestra, choir and jazz ensembles.
Festival participants spend 2 days in intensive rehearsals with guest conductors. It culminates in a concert this weekend at Wilton High School.
Western Region Music Festival students can audition for the All-State Music Festival.
Speaking still of the arts: Among the Broadway and film stars performing last night in “The Pancake Club” — the first Script-in-Hand-reading of the 2026 series at the Westport Country Playhouse — were Tony Award recipient (and Weston resident) James Naughton, 4-time Academy Award nominee Marsha Mason, and 2-time Tony Award recipient Judith Ivey.
Script in Hand readings take place monthly, on Mondays.
Taking a break from rehearsal yesterday. James Naughton is at far left; next to him in the front row are Marsha Mason and Judith Ivey. Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is 7th from left. (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
New York Polyphony — acclaimed by NPR for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts,” and by The New Yorker as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” presents a “Sky of the Heart” concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (January 24, 5 p.m.).
The vocal chamber ensemble’s innovative programming spans Gregorian chant to contemporary commissions. Their focus on familiar and rare works of the 12-17th centuries brings early music to modern audiences.
Former Westporter Andrew Wilk was the Y’s Women’s guest speaker yesterday.
The 5-time Emmy Award-winning producer/director/musical theater and symphony conductor/writer — best known as the executive producer of “Live From Lincoln Center” — showed excerpts from “Simple Gifts,” one of his award-winning programs.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is Thursday (January 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
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Speaking of this Thursday, at the VFW: James Weidman returns, for 2 Jazz at the Post shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
Longtime Westport resident and former Westport Public Schools employee Marjorie Santella died last month in Siesta Key, Florida. She was 91.
Marge grew up in Westport, and attended local schools. She then returned as a beloved educator and administrative assistant.
Marge had 3 children with her husband Lou Santella, the well known owner of Saugatuck’s iconic Riverside Barber Shoop.
She proudly embraced his Italian heritage in many ways, from her collection of Pinocchios to memorable trips to Italy. Marge and Lou were active members of the Sons of Italy, and helped organize many Festival Italianos.
In 2003 the couple retired to Siesta Key. Marge was an avid theatergoer, and Rummikub player. Her family says, “She lived Florida life to the fullest, and brought everyone else along for the ride.”
Marge was predeceased by her husband Lou, and sons Michael and Louis, and sisters Nancy Soyak and Carol Less. She is survived by her son Mark; daughters-in-law Joanne, Emily and Rosé; grandchildren LJ, Adriana, Amy, Christopher, William and Alyse; great-grandchildren Liam and Millie Jean, and sister Loretta Hornyak.
A celebration of life will be held this spring, at Assumption Church.
It’s one of Staples High School’s newest — and best — traditions.
A couple of days before graduation, seniors visit the 5 elementary schools where they started their Westport education years ago.
Wearing caps and gowns, they greet “old” teachers (and classrooms). Youngsters watch reverently, and begin thinking of their own futures.
The photo below, from yesterday’s event at Saugatuck Elementary School, shows the many soon-to-be grads from Staples — plus 4 classmates who graduated the other day from Greens Farms Academy grads — along with SES mascot Saugy the Seal.
Several dozen other seniors headed back to Long Lots Elementary.
A couple of years from now though, returning students from that school will not recognize their alma mater.
Last night, the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a new 8-24 plan for construction of a new Long Lots. That was a major hurdle on the road to a modern, $100+ million building.
The process continues tonight, with meetings of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Education and Finance Committees (Tuesday, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., respectively; both in Town Hall Room 201).
Tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance meets to okay the project. Final approval could come Thursday (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) from the full RTM.
The new Long Lots Elementary School.
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A few hours after the looking-back elementary schools event, seniors gazed forward.
Staples Tuition Grants handed out $400,000 in scholarships, to 102 recipients. (Some are already in college, and have received previous grants.) They’re attending 71 schools.
Marcus Harper — father of Max Harper, a ’25 member who died in an accident last September — spoke about a new initiative: the Live Life to the Max Award. It helps students suffering from ADHD.
Galen Blumenthal — a 2008 recipient, and former Staples Player and Student Assembly member — described his journey from the University of Texas to his return to Westport, as a management consultant. He urged the recipients to never be afraid to ask for help, and to always give back.
He’s doing that himself. Galen just joined the Staples Tuition Grants board.
Some of the 2025 Staples Tuition Grants honorees. (Photo/Rebecca Mace)
The swimmer — the best in Staples High School history, and perhaps the state — just swam the 4th fastest time in the US for the 50 free (24.62), in the 17-18 age group.
That’d faster than the time posted by the current world record holder, Gretchen Walsh (now 22), when she competed in the event at that age.
Annam is also the only 18-and-under swimmer to compete in the women’s 50 meter freestyle final at the 2025 U.S. Championships. And: She earned a spot on the World Junior team, and will compete in Romania this summer.
But wait — there’s more!
Annam also co-chairs the Westport Youth Commission.
And she is secretary of Staples’ Teen Awareness Group.
It should be no surprise to anyone that she will swim for Stanford University this fall.
And go far beyond that, in life.
Annam Olasewere
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“John Proctor is the Villain” — produced by Westporter Eric Falkenstein, and co-produced by residents Ben Frimmer and Ari Benmosche — did not win a Tony on Sunday for Best New Play.
But our town was well represented on the Radio City Music Hall stage anyway.
Staples High School graduate Justin Paul and his writing partner (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) joined Marc Shaiman and Scott Witman to write the award show’s opening number (performed by host Cynthia Erivo). Click below to see:
Speaking of “John Proctor”: Westport resident and veteran TV journalist Anne Craig interviewed Ben Frimmer — the Staples High graduate/Coleytown Middle School theater teacher/director mentioned in the item above — about his involvement as a producer.
He too has a Justin Paul connection. Click below or below to learn more.
Speaking of plays: Staples Players’ recent presentation of “The Diary of Anne Frank” was a powerful staging of the inspiring story drawn from the writings of the German teenager, who for nearly 2 years hid from Nazi with her family and others, in a small annex behind an Amsterdam warehouse wall.
It was, audiences agreed, a show that is important to be seen by young students — particularly in these times.
Fortunately, it was.
The high school drama troupe gave 3 special performances during school hours. The result: every Westport Public Schools 8th grader saw the show, for free.
Those youngsters also met Andy Sarkany. The 89-year-old Hungary native immigrated to the US. He earned master’s degrees in math and computer science, worked for McDonnell Douglas and IBM, and has spent the past decade speaking to students about his experiences during the Holocaust, livng under the brutal Soviet regime, and finding a home in this country.
Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen says that the Players’ show “brought real emotional depth to what students have been exploring in the Human Rights Unit.”
Janna Sirowich, Coleytown Middle School principal, adds, “It aligns perfectly with our curriculum. But more importantly it provides our students with a meaningful opportunity to reflect on history, empathy, and resilience.”
Andy Sarkeny, on the “Anne Frank” set, talks with 8th graders. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Speaking of theater: Last night’s Westport Country Playhouse script in hand reading of “The Shark is Broken” offered a clever, behind-the-scenes look at the making of “Jaws.” The groundbreaking film is now 50 years old.
From left: Actors Ciaran Byrne, Patrick Halley, Seth Andrew Bridges, Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage director Faith Sandberg. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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An update on HB5002, the controversial omnibus housing bill passed by the state General Assembly last week:
Though it has been sent to Governor Lamont — and he was widely expected to sign it — he has not yet done so.
CT Mirror reports that after heated opposition to the bill this weekend, the governor may call a special session, for revisions. Click here for the full story.
Governor Lamont — shown here at the Westport Library — has not yet signed the housing bill. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Peonies look beautiful all the time.
But they’re especially lovely when tinged with raindrops, as in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image:
And finally … Sly Stone, who the New York Times calls an “influential, eccentric and preternaturally rhythmic singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer whose run of hits in the late 1960s and early ’70s with his band the Family Stone could be dance anthems, political documents or both,” died yesterday in Los Angeles.
He was 82, and had battled lung disease and other health issues.
Sly & the Family Stone played 2 memorable concerts in Westport, a month apart.
On May 25, 1968 — a year after their debut “Dance to the Music” rocketed them to the top — they played at a “sock hop,” in the Staples High School gym.
On June 25 that same year, they were on stage at the Longshore Inn. I had finished 9th grade at Long Lots Junior High the week before. A couple of friends and I snuck into the ballroom (it wasn’t hard).
I’ve seen plenty of concerts since then. I’ve never been closer at one to a mega-star — or been to a show with more raw energy, power and life.
(From Broadway to Westport — and everywhere else — readers rely on “06880” for all the local news, features and music. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
As counselors-in-training at Camp Echo Lake nearly 40 years ago, Eric Falkenstein and Ben Frimmer acted in a color war-style drama contest.
This Sunday, they’ll be together at another competition: the Tony Awards.
Both local residents now, they’ve reignited their teenage friendship.
Falkenstein is a producer, and Frimmer a co-producer, of “John Proctor is the Villain” — the smash (and very timely) Broadway play that reimagines “The Crucible” — they’re up for a Tony for “Best New Play.”
If it wins, this will be the 9th award for Falkenstein. Since 2003, his company — Spark Productions — has produced social impact and issue-driven plays, movies and television shows.
It would be the first Tony though for Frimmer, a 1988 Staples High School graduate, and noted longtime Coleytown Middle School theater teacher and director.
Ben Frimmer, directing at Coleytown Middle School. (Photo/January Stuart)
It would be the first too for another co-producer: Ari Benmosche. A commercial real estate investor by day, he also serves on Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — and, like Falkenstein and Frimmer, backs projects that speak to his passion for social justice.
Falkenstein’s path to “John Proctor” began after Yale Law School. His practice combined entertainment and human rights cases.
He then worked for Woody Allen’s production firm. In 2003 he founded his own company.
Eric Falkenstein
Falkenstein and his wife Amy moved here in 2009. They were drawn by the “country” vibe, commuting distance to New York, and friends here in town. Reconnecting with Frimmer was an added bonus.
Falkenstein’s producing credits were already impressive. He’d been involved in “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” with Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Dennehy; “All My Sons,” “Frankie and Johnny” and “History Boys,” among others.
Of course, he notes, “I’ve had my share of losers.” Among them: “All Shook Up,” the Elvis Presley show savaged by the New York Times’ Ben Brantley (he was tired of jukebox musicals).
Producing a Broadway show is not for the faint of heart. But, Falkenstein says, when 4 elements come together — critical acclaim, financial success, artistic sensibility and audience excitement — the experience is worth it.
“It’s so rewarding to see an idea that was just a kernel months earlier grow into something that delights or inspires 1,500 people a night. And to hear someone say ‘it changed my life’ is amazing,” the producer says.
A show that epitomizes the power of theater is “The Miracle Worker.” One performance of the 2010 revival stands out. The audience was filled with blind children (who listened to stage directions via earpieces), and hearing impaired youngsters (who viewed the dialogue on small screens).
“They were smiling, crying and signing to each other in ecstasy,” Falkenstein recalls. “For me, it was an absolute frisson of delight.”
Eric Falkenstein at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Congressman John Lewis (left) was helpful for years in research for a sweeping epic play about Martin Lutheer King, now in progress.
In 2001, Falkenstein worked with Arthur Miller on a “Crucible” revival. When Falkenstein heard about early stagings of “John Proctor” — a revisionist take on the play about the Salem witch trials, centering on modern-day high school students and their interpretation of those historical events — he joined an inner circle of producers, hoping to bring it to Broadway.
“It was very much of the moment, and unusually electric,” he says.
Raising funds was not easy. It seldom is. But he brought Frimmer, Benmosche and others on board.
The rewards are worth it. “John Proctor” is drawing young, non-regular theatergoers; they’re talking about it with their parents and other adults.
“John Proctor is the Villain,” on the Broadway stage.
The 3 Westporters will be at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, for the 78th annual Tonys. They’ve received pins and certificates, as co-producers of the “Best New Play” nominee. If they win, they get statues.
It won’t be easy.
“There are some excellent and outstanding plays this season,” Falkenstein says. The competition includes “English,” “The Hills of California,” “Oh, Mary!” and “Purpose.”
In years past, every time Falkenstein has gone to the ceremony as a nominee, he’s won. When he’s had to skip the event, he’s lost.
This year, he says, that streak has “a solid chance of ending.”
Win or lose, he is excited to have brought an important piece of theater to Broadway audiences, who have been educated, inspired and provoked by it.
The official Tony nomination.
Meanwhile, Falkenstein is involved in several new projects. As with this, he’s tapping local talent.
“Satisfied” is a film about Renée Elise Goldsberry, the “Hamilton” star (and Weston resident) who grappled simultaneously with fertility issues and her growing career.
Westporters Kelli O’Hara, Wendy Morgan-Hunter and Katy Bolan joined Falkenstein as executive producers. Chris Bolan directed it.
Up next: a film about the Potsdam Conference (with Bryan Cranston), and the first Broadway revival in 40 years of “Ceremonies in Dark Old Men.” The New York Times ranked it with great mid-20th century plays like “Death of a Salesman” and “A Raisin in the Sun.”
Will it too go on to a Tony nomination?
“I’m not always lucky,” Falkenstein says. “I’ve had plenty of heartache.”
That’s the life of a Broadway producer.
But so too are important, impactful successes like “John Proctor is the Villain.”
Just ask Ben Frimmer, Ari Benmosche, or anyone else who has produced — or seen — the Tony-nominated show.
(The 2025 Tony Awards, hosted by Cynthia Erivo, will be broadcast live on Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. on CBS, and streamed on Paramount+. Erivo won a Tony for “The Color Purple” — another play which Falkenstein co-produced.)
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and, often, Broadway. If you enjoy our arts and entertainment coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Coleytown Middle School theater students got a special treat Wednesday.
Westport Country Playhouse technical director Jason Thompson led a tour of the theater, for Coleytown Company’s tech crew.
It was not a random invitation. Thompson is working with the students to build the set for “Matilda,” the CMS show that runs April 4-6.
The visit was coordinated by Ben Frimmer. He wears 3 hats: theater arts educator for Westport Public Schools, director of Coleytown Company, and Playhouse trustee.
“I want to make Westport students more aware of the only professional theatre in Westport,” he says.
“Coleytown has one of the strongest middle school tech programs in the country. But I think it’s critical we expand students’ knowledge past what we do at school. This trip allowed them to experience the world of professional technical theatre.”
Coleytown Company’s tech crew toured the historic Playhouse, visited the scene shop, and watched set building underway on stage for the opening next week of “Native Gardens.”
Jason Thompson, Playhouse technical director (right) and Matthew Melchiorre, Playhouse director of production (left), explain set construction of “Native Gardens” to Coleytown Company’s tech crew.
Speaking of the Playhouse: They’ve added 2 new events to their April calendar.
“Me, Myself, and Barbra” is a tribute to Ms. Streisand, by Jenna Pastuszek. She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.
The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
“2 Motherpluckers” is a musical, featuring a pair of guitar-playing, songwriting local moms — Julie Foldesi and Stacie Morgain Lewis — on a hilarious journey through the bumps of motherhood.
Broadway star/Westport resident compares it to “the Indigo Girls meet Kristen Wiig.”
The Lucille Lortel White Barn Center show is April 29 (7 p.m.). All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Three new art exhibits are on display at The Westport Library. “Good Bones: 60 Years of Multi-Dimensional Commentary” by Nina Bentley, “City Sights” by Susan Fehlinger, and “Art and Jazz” by Jean Krasno run through March 25.
Bentley’s art is often conceptual in nature, offering poignant commentary on a wide array of social issues. “Good Bones” is a retrospective of decades of her work, composed of sculpture, prints, pen and ink, and multimedia assemblages.
Fehlinger worked for 35 years as a television producer in New York City. Yearning to paint, she left her job in 2003 and embarked on a career as an artist.
Her style emphasizes texture, color, and light. Her compositions play with scale, placement, and negative and positive spaces.
Krasno is inspired by the magic of jazz music, conveyed through the rich voices, poetic lyrics and rhythmic performances of artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
“Art and Jazz” creates a sensory experience that combines her art with the music that sparked its creation, incorporating a listening component with QR codes that link to jazz songs.
The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 27 (11 a.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Discussion items include:
Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.
Meanwhile, one of the agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 24 meeting (6 p.m., remote; click here for the link) is a special permit request by Fairfield County Hunt Club.
They’re applying to build an indoor racquet sport facility, for club members and guests.
A late model Audi was stolen around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, from the parking lot at Bridge Square.
The thief opened the door, and drove off. It appears the keys might have been left in the car.
The epidemic of car thefts continues in Westport. Once again, “06880” reminds residents to lock your cars — always. Never leave your keys in your cars. Always be aware of your surroundings. And if you have a garage: Use it! (Hat tip: Ben Meyer)
Eve Potts spotted this at the Regents Park condos, after our most recent storm. It’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. She calls it “Nature’s Sculpture.”
(Photo/Eve Potts)
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And finally … Happy Valentine’s Day, to all who celebrate it.
There are squintillions of songs to choose from. These 3 seem to cover it well:
(Sure, you can show your love for “06880” with flowers or chocolate. But we prefer that you click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution. Hey, we’re honest! Thank you all …)
Our dining room is a disaster zone. Used for its intended purpose once, or at most twice a year, the room now serves as an ad hoc storage unit.
The sideboard is covered with paraphernalia for my husband’s volunteer EMS position — trauma shears, belt clips and extraneous badges. The extra dining chair in the corner is piled high with unwanted Amazon packages and shoe boxes, all awaiting printed labels before embarking on their return journeys.
The floor is covered with boxes of Polar seltzers cans and bottled waters from Costco, which haven’t yet earned their spot in the refrigerator.
Amongst this chaos, one thing is sacrosanct. The dining room table stands in the center of the room, untouched and oblivious to the disorder surrounding it.
The smooth, rich mahogany reflects the light coming through the front window. Four legs resemble the rear haunches of a lion, creating a strong, regal stance.
No one and nothing touches that table.
The Frimmer family, back in the day.
My husband and I bought the piece for our first home, a small condo in Norwalk. Recently engaged, we were eager to decorate our shared space.
When his mother suggested we peruse the expensive furniture store above Starbucks in downtown Westport, we obeyed. She is a woman of exquisite taste, and we knew nothing about home furnishings or where to acquire them.
Up to that point, the only furniture I’d ever purchased had been a Papasan chair for my dorm room, and a simple metal bed frame and mattress.
In the fancy store, we immediately knew we were in over our heads. When the saleswoman insisted the dining table would work perfectly in our room, we nodded in agreement and handed over our credit card.
We also created an elaborate wedding registry at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Armed with a scanner, we scanned everything in sight. China with gilded edges, cut crystal glasses, silver cutlery and various appliances we thought we needed. A quesadilla maker, an espresso machine and a charcuterie board with built-in drawers were all must-haves.
We would fill our home with lovely things, wake up cuddled in each other’s embrace, and create a wonderful family filled with endless love and joy. Our life together would be smooth and easy, and go exactly as we’d planned.
Twenty-three years, 2 nearly grown children and a dog later, we’ve faced our share of bumps in the road.
The Frimmers, much more recently.
Our older child came out as transgender, and changed their name and pronouns. Chronic illnesses, trips to the emergency room and caring for ailing parents have all marred the perfect picture, or perhaps made it more colorful and nuanced.
Because we received less than a full complement of tableware from our registry, I can count the number of times we’ve used it on one hand.
The waffle iron conked out during its first test run. The ice cream maker escaped its box last year, only to be locked back away when the final product turned out crystallized and unappealing.
Life, and more specifically marriage, is messy, cluttered and unpredictable, which brings me back to our dining room.
This year we hosted Thanksgiving dinner for my husband’s family, including our teenage niece and nephew. In the days leading up to the holiday it was all hands on deck: making grocery lists, procuring the necessary ingredients and preparing multiple dishes, and ridding the dining room of its usual clutter.
Thanksgiving dinner …
After we stuffed ourselves with turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, we cleared the dishes and moved on to the entertainment: the holiday grab bag extravaganza.
We arranged our gifts on the coffee table in the living room, chose numbers and unwrapped packages. My 16-year-old son was inordinately proud of the gift he’d contributed, a portable ping pong net suitable for any table.
Somehow, after all the trading and finagling, he ended up with his own gift, likely his secret plan all along.
He and my nephew attached the net to our kitchen table, but the round shape didn’t lend itself to the game. When they tried the coffee table, they had to play from their knees, an uncomfortable proposition.
That’s when the boys asked if they could use the dining room table instead.
I refused. If they played there, the top would be covered in permanent dings and scuff marks in no time. I couldn’t allow that.
But by the time I’d washed the serving platters, loaded the dishwasher and dried my hands, a rousing game had begun.
… and ping pong.
As I went to put a stop to the nonsense, the sounds from the dining room gave me pause. Amid the clicking of the ball on the wood surface, there was camaraderie, chatting and laughter — so much laughter.
All 4 kids gathered around the table, playing, giggling and cheering each other on.
Rather than worrying about SAT scores or friendship drama or whether their gender-affirming medications would be available for the next 4 years, they were enjoying each other with the help of a simple game.
How could I put my foot down now?
This montage was my dessert, more delicious than pecan pie or apple cake could ever be. I made eye contact with my son, and gave a nod of assent.
Since then he’s asked me to play with him every day, often sharing news from his life as he serves, volleys and puts extra spin on the ball.
So my dining room will continue to accumulate unwanted packages and Costco purchases. And now our precious table will collect scratches and scrapes, well deserved scars signifying a worldly maturity.
If and when we use the table for dining once again, likely not before next Thanksgiving, I’ll throw a tablecloth over the top and call it a day.
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The Thanksgiving Day fire just over the border in Weston destroyed one family’s home. It disrupted the holiday for their 26 guests — and for dozens of firefighters and other first responders from several towns.
Carmine Cenatiempo did not battle the blaze. But he deserves a shout-out nonetheless. Weston Emergency Medical Technician Ben Frimmer writes:
“Our crew was on scene for over 16 hours. When an event like that happens, we feed our teams in the field.
“It’s challenging to find food at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Curtis Gunn called Carmine (who owns Calise’s Market in Westport.
“Within an hour and a half, he had left his own Thanksgiving meal, cooked and delivered food to feed the team. I was quite impressed with his selflessness.”
Both Staples High School football games this year this year against Greenwich were shutouts.
Each team won one of them.
Unfortunately for the Wreckers, the Cardinals’ victory came yesterday, 14-0 in the semifinals of the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament.
It was revenge for the visitors, who were trounced 27-0 at the same Paul Lane Field on Thanksgiving Day.
Staples — ranked second in the state tourney ends the season 10-2. Greenwich, seeded #3, advanced to the title game against #5 West Haven. The game is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at Central Connecticut State College.
Speaking of sports: There was a reunion of sorts in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Staples graduates Lau ten Cate and Dylan Hoke were on opposing teams — for Amherst and Connecticut College, respectively — in the championhship match of the NCAA Division III men’s soccer tournament.
After scoreless sregulation and overtime, Amherst won 4-3 on penalty kicks.
Ten Cate — who played for Beachside’s MLS Next academy team during his high school years — has been injured this year, and did not play in the final. Hoke, a former Wrecker and Beachside athlete, played 93 minutes. He had an excellent freshman season for the Camels.
Every Sunday since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, a group of residents has marched through town. They remind passersby of the need to bring the hostages home.
Yesterday, Jennifer Wolff reports, they were joined by a special guest: Santa Claus.
The Big Guy even chanted: “Bring them home now!”
Santa Claus, with yesterday’s Run4TheirLives marchers.
And finally … on this date in 1851, the first YMCA was established n North America. It opened in Montreal.
(Sports, politics, heroes — they’re here today, and every day, at “06880.” If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Steve Turner — a 1970 Staples High School graduate and talented photographer, whose work has been showcased on “06880”Jill — died suddenly in Thailand, where he lived since 2017, a couple of weeks ago.
Since then his sister Jill Odice — also a Staples grad — has endured a legal and logistical nightmare.
Hospital, funeral home and legal bills must be settled before Jill can bring her brother’s remains home. She does not have those funds, and because she does not speak Thai, making arrangements has been very difficult.
Jill has set up a GoFundMe page to help with expenses. Click here for more information.
Steve Turner’s aerial photographs of Westport have been featured in “06880.” This shows Winslow Park, downtown Westport and the Saugatuck River.
“Voice for Volunteers of Fairfield County — An Appreciation Performance” — an evening of song honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24 (7:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse).
Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.
Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.
Coleytown Company director Ben Frimmer — who produced last fall’s “Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?
Click here for tickets ($50 each), and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.
The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.
MoCA Westport’s first exhibition of 2024 goes back to the 1960s.
That decade of social, political and cultural upheaval continues to resonate today.
MoCA says: “Artists, many of whom became increasingly socially engaged, pushed the boundaries of form, subject matter, medium and genre. The exhibition ‘Sixties MOD’ honors an important period in Westport’s artistic history, and investigates our community’s ties to broader national and international currents during this era.”
The exhibition is a collaboration with Westport Public Art Collections, which had its roots in that decade.
Burt Chernow began building the “Westport Art Collection” in 1965. The artist and educator gathered original art, most donated by the artists themselves, to be used as “an everyday part of school life.”
With donations by collectors and artists ever since, WestPAC’s holdings have expanded from 100 objects to nearly 2,000 artworks by local, American and international artists, on display in Westport schools and municipal buildings.
MoCA’s exhibition of nearly 60 works includes artists Alexander Calder, Ann Chernow, Burt Chernow, Lisa Daugherty, Naiad Einsel, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Richard Frank, Bernard Fuchs, Roe Halper, Philippe Halsman, Robert Indiana, Roy Lichtenstein, Susan Malloy, Robert Motherwell, Ben Shahn and Tracy Sugarman.
A high school student art exhibit will accompany “Sixties MOD.” Both run through March 3. Click here for more details.
The list of names associated with Westport’s local theater company is impressive:
Rock star songwriter Justin Paul (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”)
Playwright/screenwriter (“Braking Upwards,” “Dogfight”) Peter Duchan
Broadway veterans Mia Gentile and Jacob Heimer
Composer/performer/teacher/choir director Chris Coogan
Former Broadway performer Amiee Turner
Professional set designer Jordan Janota
Wesleyan University theater professor Robin Mazzola
Former off-Broadway and film actor Ben Frimmer
New York Theatre Company’s “New, Emerging, Outstanding Composer” Clay Zambo
Professional actress Haley Bond,
What is even more impressive is that the local theater company is Coleytown Company.
All those talented, experienced men and women have worked on — or are currently involved with — the middle school’s theater program.
As Coleytown Company celebrates its 25th anniversary, it’s time to shine the spotlight on this impressive institution in our midst.
As with any theatrical project, Coleytown Company has had its ups and downs.
In the 1990s, then-principal Jim Welsch asked 5th grade teacher Frimmer to reimagine the middle school theater program. Up to that point, it was a club with a parent helping out once a year.
Staging shows ranging from “Fiddler on the Roof” to “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Frimmer created an environment in which young actors, singers, dancers, artists and tech kids can learn and grow.
Drew Andrade dances, accompanied by (from left) Eliza Walmark, Rima Ferrer, Emma Schorr. Cece Dioyka, Drew Andrade, Ava Chun, Kathryn Asiel, Keelagh Breslin in the 2019 production of “42nd Street.”
Recently, Coleytown Company has weathered a tough few years. Mold shut the school in 2017. CMS students headed to Bedford Middle School, losing their auditorium. Shows continued, but with a lessened sense of community.
Then came COVID. Like theaters everywhere, the middle schools’ stages went dark.
Last October, Coleytown Company returned with “All Together Now!,” a 15-song musical revue.
Now it’s all the way back. “The SpongeBob Musical” — the Company’s first full-scale musical in 3 years — debuts Friday, April 8 (7 p.m.). Shows continued Saturday, April 9 (7 p.m.) and Sunday, April 9 (1 p.m.).
The community’s help has been impressive. Middle school art teacher Linda Kangro, for example, leads a tech crew whose students actually design and build sets themselves.
Janota — the professional scenic designer working on an upcoming Netflix feature film — and her 18 students have used recycled materials donated by the community to create a coral proscenium, and platforms to build a “volcano.”
Remy Laifer and Jacob Leaf in the 2013 production of “Peter Pan.” The set was typically professional.
Coogan has spent over a decade directing the Coleytown Company pit orchestra. He loves this age group, because “they’re just discovering their voices, capabilities, bodies and acting abilities.”
This is Turner’s 4th show with Frimmer. Her focus is on getting students comfortable with their bodies after lockdown, and “helping them get used to being brave, loud and big with their physical movement.”
Zambo serves as vocal coach, when he is not writing or directing shows and ballets. Because “SpongeBob” was written for adults, he has done “some judicious editing.” But, he says, he works with middle schoolers the same as with professionals: “Keep it light and fun, take the work seriously, and try to bring out the best in everyone.”
Coleytown Company’s “Addams Family” brought out the best in everyone. The 2015 cast includesd (clockwise from left): Anella Lefebvre (Morticia), Georgia Wright (Gomez), Maggie Foley (Wednesday) and Oscar Hechter (Pugsley).
Wesleyan professor Mazzola — a costume-maker for 25 years, who met Frimmer 4 years ago — describes the upcoming show’s costumes as embodying “friendship, individuality and joy.”
That joy has been a hallmark of the experiences of former Coleytown Company actors, many of whom went on to success with Staples Players in high school, then beyond.
Duchan was in Frimmer’s first production: “Peter Pan.” He calls Frimmer’s accomplishments “extraordinary.”
Ben Frimmer (left) directs Emily Desser, Imogen Medoff, Shanti Wimmer and Nina Driscoll in the 2018 production of “James and the Giant Peach.” (Photo/Colleen Coffey)
Over the years, Paul, Gentile and Heimer have all returned from the Broadway stage to help Frimmer and their alma mater. In 2018, Company staged Paul’s “James and the Giant Peach.”
Bond calls CMS “a breeding ground for budding creatives. As a professional in the entertainment industry, I constantly cross paths with my middle schoolmates. They’ve grown up to be writers, actors, directors, filmmakers, technical engineers and designers.”
Current student performers echo the praise.
Haley Forman — Sandy in “SpongeBob” — says, “the theme of the play is working together. The students and staff are bringing that to life.”
Eli Abrams, who plays Perch Perkins, agrees: “I really like that you get to meet all these new people that are doing the same thing as you. If you need help with something, you can always just call them.”
Haley and Eli may or may not follow fellow CMS actors Justin Paul, Peter Duchan, Mia Gentile and Jacob Heimer to Broadway.
But they’re sure in good Company.
(For tickets to “The SpongeBob Musical” and more information, click here. Hat tip: Jordan Razza)
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All those talented, experienced men and women have worked on — or are currently involved with — the middle school’s theater program.
