“Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker drew a sellout crowd last night, for the Westport Library’s signature “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.
Over a quarter century, the event has drawn honorees from a broad range of arts and entertainment — everyone from Alan Alda, Patti Smith and Shonda Rhimes to Billie Jean King, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Itzhak Perlman.
“06880” intern Bianca Mastocciolo was there, at the Trefz Forum. She writes:
Doors opened at 7 p.m. for a cocktail hour. Small bites and drinks were served, along with cosmopolitans (Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite), served in engraved “Booked” glasses.
“Sex and the City” cosmos. (Photo/Bianca Mastocciolo)
What would a Sarah Jessica Parker event be without attendees dressing the part? Attendees remarked on the cutouts of others’ dresses, and how SJP would appreciate some “risque.”
The event began with a video montage of Parker’s most memorable moments and interviews. It included cameos from friends and castmates, including “Sex and the City” co-starsCynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Mario Cantone.
A touching tribute also came from Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara. The Westporter and Broadway star sang a mashup, accompanied by pianist Dan Lipton. Emmy Award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston also spoke.
Parker was interviewed by former Westport Library executive director Maxine Bleiweis.
Maxine Bleiweis (left) and the “Booked” star. (Photo/Bianca Mastocciolo)
With charm and wit, Parker shared tales of Met Gala looks and library memories. The audience greeted her comments with applause and laughter.
After noting that she was hesitant to receive the award, the honoree said that her connection to libraries drew her to accept.
“When a library calls, my response is to say yes, no matter what,” Parker said.
Parker discussed her love for the arts, ranging from her work in film and theater to her role as a board member of the New York City Ballet, and the hundreds of books she has read. She encouraged parents to let their children explore the arts, as it is fundamental to their creativity.
During the 2-hour ceremony Parker received a plaque, her own Westport Library card, and a personalized New York Times crossword puzzle gifted by previous Booked recipient Will Shortz.
It was Sarah Jessica Parker’s crowd, all the way. From iconic blue Manolo Blahniks to Louis Vuitton flats, the crowd came prepared and left stylishly.
A small part of the large “Booked for the Evening” crowd. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
This year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” event features Sarah Jessica Parker.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be celebrated on September 10. Tickets go on sale August 12.
“Booked” — the Library’s major fundraiser — honors someone whose work reflects Library’s purpose: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Last year’s recipient was Billie Jean King. Past guests include Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Mitchell, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu, Itzhak Perlman, Shonda Rhimes, and Laura Linney.
Parker — a noted advocate for literature and libraries — has built a career as both an entertainer and champion of the written word. In 2023 she launched SJP Lit, an imprint focused on underrepresented voices. She is a judge for the Booker Prize, and received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award this year.
She also executive produced “The Librarians,” a film about the fight against book bans which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,” she says.
“Libraries aren’t just buildings with shelves. They are a beacon. They are warm in the winter and cool in summer, and they are sanctuaries of possibility. They are a heartbeat of the neighborhood.”
Parker has won 4 Golden Globe Awards, 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and 2 Emmys. She currently stars as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series “And Just Like That.” Throughout Parker’s work, her advocacy for intellectual freedom and library access has been unwavering.
She served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during the Obama administration, and is vice chair of the board of directors for the New York City Ballet. Click here for more “Booked for the Evening” information.
Six bands will entertain all day long, at our July 27 Soundview Summer Stroll.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Soundview Drive — the Compo Beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. There will be kids’ activities and games, food, a photo booth, face painting, community vibing — and plenty of live music.
Bands and solo artists include Rock Paper Soul, Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Skunk Rockets and Not My Problem.
The entire day is free — courtesy of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Get ready to rock, while strolling (or Rollerblading or biking) all along the car-less beach! (And be sure to follow the Stroll’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundviewsummerstroll.)
==============================================
Speaking of the beach: After a 5-year hiatus, the Compo Summer Basketball League is back!
Its re-launch on Monday marks a major milestone in Westport’s recreation scene.
There are 95 players. Most are fathers from Westport and Weston. One team includes recent Staples graduates, ages 21-23.
Fun fact: One of the teams is coached by New York Knicks legend John Starks.
All 5 games were competitive and well played, with 2 referees and a scorekeeper.
People passing by stopped to watch. Teams hung around afteward, and had drinks
The league continues over the next 7 Mondays. Semifinals and finals are August 25.
Summertime basketball action at Compo Beach. (Photo/Jordan Schur)
=================================================
Yesterday’s thunder ws loud. And the lightning was bright.
It’s extremely difficult to capture a lightning strike. But Meredith Holod did, at Comp Beach:
(Photo/Meredith Holod)
Fortunately, the flash floods we were warned about did not materialize.
But it’s exponentially better to have it that way, than the reverse.
Among Earthplace’s many important projects, one of the most long-running — and popular — is care for its residential animals.
They include Chatty and Cerena, the bald eagles who arrived more than 20 years ago with injuries that made them non-releasable.
Today those raptors — along with dozens of other species — play a vital role in the environmental center’s education and conservation awareness efforts.
Now — during their fundraising drive — they’ve got a golden opportunity. All contributions made through July 31 will be matched, up to $12,000.
That $24,000 could go a huge way toward caring for dozens of animals. They inspire thousands of visitors each year, and many moroe at schools, libraries, festivals and community events.
“They teach lessons of survival, adaptation and resilience,” notes Veronica Swain, director of nature prograsm.
Recent cuts and losses in federal and foundation grand funding have hit Earthplace hard. Every donation will to toward animal feeding, medical care and enrichment activities.
Grace says yes! She checks in at the Longshore courts … and we check her out, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
===============================================
And finally … on this date in 1609, Bohemia was granted freedom of religion, by the Holy Roman Emperor.
(We can’t wait to see you at the Soundview Stroll — a gift from “06880” to the town. To give back though, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
With over 600 attendees — and many more watching the livestream — it was the best-attended “Booked for the Evening” ever.
With over $750,000 raised, it was the most successful too.
And with special guest Chris Evert and Westport’s own ESPN star Chris McKendry adding to the luster of superstar Billie Jean King, it was certainly the most warm, intimate and inspiring in the Library fundraiser’s illustrious 25-year history.
A small portion of the large crowd, before “Booked for the Evening” began. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The 80-year-old honoree is a tennis icon. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, in singles and doubles. She is an International Tennis Hall of Famer, was ranked #1 in the world 5 times, and launched both the first pro tennis tour for women, and the Women’s Tennis Associaition.
She may be the only athlete in the world to have a venue named after her, while still alive. (And not just any one: The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, where the US Open concluded a few days ago, is the premier facility in the country.)
But — as was noted often, by a wide variety of speakers, on stage and in a loving tribute video by Westporter Doug Tirola — King is much more than an athlete.
She has spent her life fighting against injustice, and for the rights of everyone: women, minorities, the LGBTQ community, and anyone else denied their rights, on the tennis court or in life.
King’s admirers filled the Library’s Trefz Forum. They were there in Tirola’s film, too: Serena Williams, Pam Shriver, John and Patrick McEnroe, James Blake, Stan Smith, Julie Foudy, Christiane Armanpour.
All spoke with humor, respect and awe of King’s impact — on their own lives, on sports in general, and the world at large.
Billie Jean King (left) and Chris McKendry. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
McKendry — an admirer from her early days at ESPN — got King to talk about her early life, and career highlights (including how and why Elton John wrote “Philadelphia Freedom” about her; the song was sung on stage by Westporter Sophie B. Hawkins, and a group of talented young girls).
But King’s insights into her use of the platform sports provided, to shine a light on issues like unequal pay for female athletes and the importance of Title IX, were the most compelling parts of the night.
Her character shone through in stories like her friendship with Bobby Riggs. After their much-hyped “Battle of the Sexes” — the 1973 exhibition she won in straight sets — the two grew close. She called him the night before he died; each told the other “I love you.”
Evert — now 69 — made a surprise appearance. Calling King “the 8th wonder of the world,” she recounted the older woman’s mentorship — including King’s delight at Evert beating her, heralding the next generation of great female players.
Chris Evert (left) joins Billie Jean King and Chris McKendry. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
“She even helped me during my breakup with Jimmy Connors,” Evert noted, underscoring the fact that King — who has been in a 40-plus years relationship with South African player Ilana Kloss — is wise in many areas.
Or, as Evert noted, “Billie Jean has more wisdom than anyone I’ve met in my life. And I’ve met a lot.”
“Lots of therapy,” King quipped.
King talked about how much has changed in women’s tennis. Players today have “teams” of coaches (“all men,” King noted sadly), trainers, psychologists, nutritionists and more.
In her day, King traveled alone, and with only 2 racquets. (“Now they have 3 bags for them.”)
But, she said, “I’m thrilled for them. That’s what I fought for.”
When McKendry asked what King is most proud of, she demurred.
“I don’t think that way. I think forward. Maybe when I’m older …”
Near the end, McKendry asked, “All over the world, women’s sports are now having a moment. What’s that like for you?”
Like a great tennis player, King found the best angle.
“I’m the first athlete you’ve had here” as a “Booked for the Evening” honoree, she said.
It’s a star-studded list of writers, artists and others: Tom Brokow, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Patti Smith, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Adddario, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu, Itzhak Perlman, Shonda Rhimes and more.
“Tonight, your first athlete was a woman. You have no idea what that means to me,” King said.
She was also the first female athlete to get the Presidential Medal of Freedom, her wife — who joined her onstage — said.
“You are the OG, and you helped build it,” Kloss added proudly.
Ilana Kloss, Billie Jean King’s wife. The couple were married in a small ceremony, by former New York Mayor David Dinkins. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The evening ended with Library director Bill Harmer noting that King’s father, Bill Moffitt, was a firefighter.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan announced that King — who “embodies the department’s core values of courage, resilience and a desire to serve every person” — is now an honorary Westport firefighter.
He gave her a Westport firefighter’s hat, inscribed with her initials.
She looked as delighted as if she held the Wimbledon trophy.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan hands Billie Jean King a plaque, and a firefighter’s hat. Library director Bill Harmer looks on proudly. (Photo/Dan Woog)
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and readers meet icons like Billie Jean King. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Yesterday — in the aftermath of the assassination attempt in Pennsylvania — the Democratic Town Committee said:
Dear Westport Community,
The Westport Democratic Town Committee denounces the violence perpetrated against former President Donald Trump, and all other acts of political violence.
We live in unusually divisive times, where conduct has devolved both nationally and locally. This is unacceptable. The Democratic Town Committee is committed to civility, community, and above all – safety.
Sincerely,
Michelle Mechanic, Chair
Nicole Klein, Vice Chair
Robin Weinberg, Secretary
Alan Shinbaum, Treasurer
This was posted on a Westport Republicans social media account:
There’s no place for political violence in our republic.
Civility & respect.
God bless Donald Trump, America and those harmed by these actions.
=================================================
Tickets for this year’s “Booked for the Evening” — featuring tennis legend and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King, set for September 12 — go on sale today (Monday, July 15) at 10 a.m.
Click here to purchase, for this sure-to-sell-out-quickly fundraiser. Click here for a seat map of the event.
The library notes: “All tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and we cannot guarantee access to tickets.” A livestream/watch-from-home ticket option is also available.
NOTE: If you don’t see tickets available on the website at 10 a.m., refresh your browser. The ticket link might be added to the page after you logged on.
King will come to the Library fresh off the 2024 US Open, whose grounds were named in her honor in 2006.
Onstage, she’ll chat with Chris McKendry, a Westport resident and host of ESPN’s tennis coverage.
Billie Jean King
==============================================
Decades ago, Functional Clothing sold used blue jeans in a basement-level Main Street store, near the current Gap.
Soon, a new used clothing store will open downtown this fall.
2nd Street takes over at 17 Main Street. Most recently, it was the site of Loft.
The chain’s originated in Japan in 1996. There are now more than 700 locations there.
The first 2nd Street in the US was in Los Angeles, in 2018. there are now about 3 dozen in the this country. The Westport and New Haven sites will be the first 2 in Connecticut.
The website boasts of “a huge selection of styles from street wear to vintage to Japanese designer and luxury accessories.” It also cites the company’s sustainability and waste-reduction efforts”
As part of our Hand2Hand project, we make sure to reuse all the clothing that arrives in our stores. Any items that we cannot sell are donated to a partner company that will recycle the clothing to clean up oil spills in factories, while other items are resold to create job opportunities and provide clothing to those in need.
============================================
In other business news, Stop & Shop is closing 5 underperforming stores in Connecticut — and 27 others throughout the Northeast — by November.
The Westport location will remain open.
The 5 Nutmeg State stores to be shuttered are in Ansonia, Danbury, Milford, Stamford (West Main Street) and Torrington.
Nancy Anderson adds: “My father, Dr Arnold Pearlstone, moved to Westport in 1963 where he lived until his passing in 2020.
“In 1963 he and his partner Leonard Flom (they were both well known ophthalmologists) purchased adjacent plots of land on a road without a name. It is off North Ave extension, and was named “Arlen Road” after both of them.”
Dr. Leonard Flom
=============================================
Cali Carleton is a Westport mom of 5. A year ago, she launched Domino & Juliette.
They create high quality, safe, affordable and “educationally accurate” toys for children. Favorite items include alphabet and numbers puzzles. Made from food grade silicone, they are dishwasher safe (and great for crafts and messy play).
The toys are hailed by by parents of neuro-divergent children and therapists, because they are soft, flexible and chewable.
D&J also sells placemats for children of all ages to practice counting, spelling, sorting, geography and science.
With every order placed, the company donates a 24-pack of Crayolas to children in need, in places like Bridgeport.
Last month, Domino & Juliette entered retail space for the first time. They joined Honeypie, the children’s boutique on Riverside Avenue also run by a Westport mom.
Feeling safe, she hatched 5 tiny chicks. “It’s been amazing to watch,” he says of the process that led to today’s very cool “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … on this date in 2006, Twitter was launched. The world has never been the same.
(From local roads and stores to national politics, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to help us keep those connections strong. Thank you!)
The Westport Library has served up some big names at Booked For the Evening, its signature fundraising event.
Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Patti Smith, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Itzhak Perlman and Shonda Rhimes are just some of the honorees over the past quarter century.
This year’s 25th anniversary event features another true ace: Billie Jean King.
Billie Jean King
The tennis legend and social justice pioneer will be celebrated in the Trefz Forum on Thursday, September 12. She’ll chat with Chris McKendry, a Westport resident and host for ESPN’s tennis coverage. Tickets go on sale next month.
King will be at the Library just days after the US Open. Its grounds were named in her honor in 2006.
Library executive director Bill Harmer calls King’s appearance “especially significant. Her unparalleled achievements and unwavering dedication to equality and justice resonate deeply with the values our library and community.
“This silver anniversary is a time to reflect on our shared commitment to fostering knowledge, inclusivity, and progress, and there is no one more fitting to inspire us than Billie Jean King. Her enduring impact on sports and society makes her a beacon of hope and change. We are thrilled to celebrate her remarkable legacy with our community.”
“Booked for the Evening” annually honors a person whose work reflects the purpose of the Library: :to nurture a love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.” King exemplifies that mission.
The International Tennis Hall of Famer won a remarkable 39 Grand Slam titles. She finished Number 1 in the world 5 times.
Yet for her all accomplishments on the court, she is best known today for championing equality and fairness, in sport and society.
Her victory over Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” was a seminal moment in professional sports. It followed years of her work, championing equality.
In 1970 she launched the Virginia Slims Tour — the first professional tennis tour for women — and in 1971 became the first female athlete to earn more than $100,000.
As founder and first president of the Women’s Tennis Association, she won the fight for equal prize money. The US Open became the first major tournament to offer the same prize money to both men and women.
In 2009, President Obama awarded King the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her advocacy work on behalf of women and the LGBTQ community. She was the first female athlete to receive the award.
In 2014 she founded the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the critical issues required to achieve diverse, inclusive leadership in the workforce.
In 2021, she received the Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award, the magazine’s highest honor.
Fitting for the Booked occasion, King has a library named after her, in her hometown of Long Beach, California.
“I believe in the power of dreaming big and never giving up,” King said, adding separately, “The legacy I would like to leave is that it’s OK to be yourself, and it’s OK to be different.”
(For more information on “Booked for the Evening,” click here.)
The only thing more interesting than the announcement of the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” guest is the evening itself.
Itzhak Perlman, Patti Smith, Nile Rodgers, Justin Paul and Frederic Chiu brought music. Will Shortz brought crossword puzzles. Lynsey Addario brought photographs.
Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Jon Meacham, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda and others brought profound insights into their work, and the world.
On June 1, Shonda Rhimes brings her reputation as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. That’s what Time magazine called her last year. And in 2007.
Shonda Rhimes
The television producer, screenwriter and author is CEO of the global media company Shondaland. They tell innovative stories through brand partnerships, merchandise and content for film, streaming, audio, digital and editorial.
Rhimes — an inductee into the Tlevision Academy Hall of Fame — has helped shift the entertainment industry’s business model, and changed the face of television.
“From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ‘Bridgerton’ to her latest television series ‘Inventing Anna,’ Shonda Rhimes is recognized as one of the most inspiring, creative forces in media today,” says Library executive director Bill Harmer.
“Ms. Rhimes epitomizes the intent behind the Booked honor: to recognize an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the Library, which is to nurture the love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.”
Information on tickets and sponsorships will be posted soon on the Library’s website.
Itzhak Perlman is a violin virtuoso. On May 13, he adds “virtual” to that list.
The 16-time Grammy Award winner — and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree — is the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” guest.
Though he won’t appear in person, up to 100 people will be safely spaced in the Trefz Forum to watch Perlman on the state-of-the-art screen. Everyone else with a ticket will watch on devices.
Those tickets — both “live” and online — are available now (click here).
“Booked for the Evening” is the Library’s signature fundraising event. Previous notables include Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Mitchell, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, and Frederic Chiu.
It got lost in all yesterday’s excitement over April Fool’s Day. But as of April 1, dogs are not permitted on Compo Beach.
Specifically, from now through September 30 “animals are prohibited at the beaches either in or out of vehicles, except when going to and from boats at Ned Dimes Marina (but those dogs must be leashed).
“Beaches are defined to include the water adjacent to the property, the sand areas adjacent to the water, the parking areas, grass areas, playing areas and roads. Dogs are permitted in vehicles entering into the Soundview parking lot weekdays any time, and weekends and holidays prior to 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Dogs must be on leash.
Sorry, guys. Gotta wait till October! (Photo/Dan Johnson)
The ceremony honoring TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest winners is one of the underrated highlights of each year. Three students read their own words, addressing difficult questions with wisdom, honesty and power.
This year’s event will be held via. It’s this Monday (April 5, 6 p.m.), and — as in years past — is well worth watching.
The prompt was: “The statement ‘Black Lives Matter’ has become politicized in our country. In 1,000 words or fewer, describe your own understanding of the statement. Consider why conversations about race are often so emotionally charged. Given that reality, what suggestions do you have for building both equity and equality in our schools, community and country?”
We may be inspired — or sobered — by what Westport teenagers have to say. We certainly will gain an understanding of what the next generation is thinking.
Westport EMS, Westport Weston Health District personnel, school nurses, the Fire Department and CERT all joined in yesterday, at the Westport Public Schools’ 3rd COVID vaccine clinic.
Over 500 school district employees from Westport, Weston and Easton received their 2nd doses yesterday. Another 500 will get their 2nd vaccine next week.
Huge thanks to all who helped make it the process smooth, efficient — even enjoyable!
A small part of the big fieldhouse, during the first clinic.
The longtime home of A.E. Hotchner, author and friend of Ernest Hemingway and Paul Newman — built in 1928, and originally part of a 40-acre estate — has been torn down.
Hotchner died in 2020, at 102. The property will be the site of 4 homes, on 1-acre plots. The new subdivision will be called Authors Way.
A.E. Hotchner’s house, yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Rick Benson)
Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — featuring Westporters Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit — performs their Simon & Garfunkel songbook show for the first time as a 5-piece band on Friday, April 23 (8 p.m., Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport, 8 p.m.).
It’s a benefit for WPKN-FM. The show will also be livestreamed in HD and 360º Virtual Reality.
Tickets start at $5. Anyone purchasing by April 19 gets a free VR headset, for the fully immersive experience. Click here for tickets to the live Bijou (masked and socially distanced) show. Click here for virtual tickets.
BONUS TRACKS: Aztec Two-Step 2.0 will follow the Simon & Garfunkel songbook with a 30-minute set of original material, starting around 10 p.m.
Click below for a video montage to “I Ain’t Dead Yet,” one of Dodie’s 3 original country-blues songs featured in a 5-song EP being releasing to radio soon.
My beautiful 1-year-old cat died recently from acute kidney failure, just days after he ingested part of a lily from a bouquet someone sent me for my birthday.
If only I had known how toxic these plants are! Easter lilies are particularly toxic.
Within a couple of days of even one sip of the water that lilies are in, or a nibble on a leaf or a brush against the pollen, a cat will go into irreversible kidney failure.
With Easter coming, “06880 readers should be aware of the danger that lilies pose to cats.
And finally … Marvin Gaye was born on this day in 1939. The multi-talented Motown artist was shot to death by his father one day short of his 45th birthday, on April 1, 1984.
The 16-time Grammy-winning violinist — and Presidential Medal of Freedom winner — is the Westport Library’s 22nd “Booked for the Evening” honoree.
The event is set for May 13.
The only catch: It’s virtual. Unlike previous events — with the likes of Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Patti Smith, Nile Rodgers, Alan Alda, Frederic Chiu, Lynsey Addario and Justin Paul — audiences won’t be able to enjoy Perlman live.
COVID took care of that.
Still, it’s a step forward from last year. With the pandemic in its early stages, the Library had to cancel the entire Booked evening. That was a disappointment to many — and a big blow to the Library budget. The spring tradition is one of the major fundraisers of the year.
Itzhak Perlman
Perlman is that rare modern superstar: a classical musician whose name everyone knows. Noted for his charm and humanity as well as his talent, his joy for art touches audiences worldwide.
Diagnosed with polio at age 4, Perlman rose to fame on the “Ed Sullivan Show” as a 13-year-old prodigy.
He has performed for presidents, Queen Elizabeth and — on numerous television shows — audiences of millions.
The documentary “Itzhak” details Perlman’s struggles as a polio survivor and Jewish émigré, and is a reminder why art is vital to life.
Posted onOctober 4, 2020|Comments Off on “Show Of Shows” Comes To Library
The COVID-caused closure of the Westport Library — just a few months after reopening in its magical new transformed space — has meant a significant loss in revenue.
The cafe, store, room rentals — though the building is now open for limited services 4 hours a day, 6 days a week, all those revenue streams are still gone.
Also gone: “Booked for the Evening.” The gala — which in past years has brought Alan Alda, Patti Smith, Tom Brokaw, Pete Hamill, Wendy Wasserstein, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Martin Scorsese and more to town — was canceled this June (along with everything else).
A small portion of the large crowd that enjoyed Alan Alda at the Westport Library.
That meant a huge financial hit. And it came at a time when the library’s expenses increased significantly. Expanded digital resources, the expense of producing over 375 top-quality educational program, the cost of cleaning and sanitizing books, materials and the entire building — all take bigger bites out of a smaller budget.
But the show must go on.
And on Saturday, October 24 (7 p.m.), the Library presents a virtual “Show of Stars.” Livestreamed from the Trefz Forum — hosted by CBS star David Pogue, and produced by “Live at Lincoln Center”‘s Andrew Wilk (both Westporters) — the event promises an hour of great entertainment.
Music, comedy, surprises — all from familiar faces — are in the works. “25 stars, 1,000 laughs, 1 night,” the library says.
To register — and give a donation of any amount — click here. Sponsorships are still available too.
One of the highlights of the Westport Library year is its Booked for the Evening fundraiser. One of the other highlights is the announcement of the star.
Past honorees include Tom Brokaw, E. L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, and Frederic Chu.
This year’s Booked for the Evening is a two-fer: Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, Pulitzer-prize winning authors of “She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story that Helped Ignite a Movement.”
Unfortunately, the spring event has been postponed. A new date has not been announced. Library officials reassure their many fans: It will be rebooked, for some evening!
Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates announces its newest creation — and a new chance to make a difference.
For every ⭐️Star Cake⭐️ ordered this Mother’s Day season, owner and ace chocolatier Aarti Khosla will donate another cake to a “star mom” fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines. Click here to order, for curbside pickup or delivery.
New rules went into effect today at the transfer station.
Everyone must wear a mask. The number of vehicles entering the facility will be limited and monitored. During high traffic days (Saturdays, Mondays), cars must queue in a single line on the Sherwood Island Connector.
Transfer station personnel cannot assist residents with the removal or disposal of solid waste from vehicles. Do not bring bulky items that require assistance.
During the pandemic, all fees and collection of refuse tickets will be waived.
Social distancing is strictly enforced. Every other parking space is blocked off.
Just think: Every Saturday morning before COVID, this was the center of Westport social life.
(Photo/Michael Calise; hat tip Dick Lowenstein)
Compo Beach is closed to vehicular traffic. But anyone with a boat slip at the Ned Dimes Marina will be mailed a temporary allowing entrance to the marina Lot. Town officials emphasize: This is only to provide access to boats!
This Thursday (April 30, 9 a.m.) the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors a free networking event with 1st Selectman Jim Marpe. Click here to register, and find out how the town is coping with the coronavirus.
Yvonne O’Kane is a great friend to STAR Lighting the Way. During the pandemic, she’s led Zoom art and garden classes for participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
One was on flower arranging; she’ll follow up soon with a virtual tour of her gardens. Also ahead: preparing simple yet elegant hors d’oeuvres. Yesterday’s class was on rock decorating.
They all look beautiful. But I’m partial to the one that says “06880.”
Ilene Strizver writes: “I have moved locally and have furniture to donate. Goodwill does not take furniture at this time, and all consignment shops are closed. Do any readers know where to donate, possibly with pickup, during the virus? I’d hate to trash everything, and would rather not post on Facebook.”
Ideas? Click “Comments” below.
Not Ilene’s furniture.
Shoreline Pharmacy — the “old-fashioned” drugstore near the Southport line — closed yesterday. Owners Phil and Karen Hein opened near Shake Shack 3 years ago.
Staples High School junior Chloe Ashton won 2nd place in State Senator Will Haskell’s essay contest. He invited students to write essays describing what they’d focus on, if they were elected to public office. Chloe focused on changes to the Electoral College.
Haskell planned to visit schools and present citations to the winners. With schools closed indefinitely, he’s posting a video on social media, and writing each winner a personalized note.
And finally … thanks, Josh Groban. You raise me — and everyone else — up!
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
