Tag Archives: Britt Hennemuth

Roundup: Porta-john, Pot, Plants …

Posted on May 12, 2023 | 12 comments

Next Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (May 17, 7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link) features 3 interesting agenda items.

Perhaps because of the increasing popularity of Old Mill Beach — it now attracts more than just nearby residents — the board will vote on a request for a “porta-john.”

Then they’ll introduce and discuss (but not vote on) a “proposed smoking/vaping policy.” Details are unavailable, but a source said it relates to a ban on smoking and vaping — including cannabis — at town beaches.

Then comes discussion of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan final report.

It will be a busy night, involving 3 key topics: money, bathrooms, and weed.

Prime spot for a port-a-potty. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Westport Garden Club does more than plant bulbs.

They’ve sponsored a youth poetry contest on “birds, bees and trees”; provided an all-terrain wheelchair to Wakeman Town Farm; donated beach grass plugs for Sherwood Island State Park’s dune restoration, and a new greenhouse at Earthplace for young naturalists and volunteers; and given a scholarship for a student studying horticulture or landscape design.

All of that — and also maintaining 7 public gardens in Westport — takes money.

And all of that funding comes from the Garden Club’s annual plant sale.

It’s tomorrow (May 13 — a first-ever Saturday date), from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jesup Green.

On sale: over 1,000 plants from members’ own gardens, plus tomatoes and herbs.

The festive event includes an activity table for kids, a selection of garden books from the Westport Book Shop, and free saplings from Bartlett Tree Experts.

Wheelbarrows will be on standby. As always, Garden Club members offer advice on purchases.

One more idea: If you haven’t finished your Mothers Day shopping (and don’t have a green thumb), you can choose from a collection of gift-ready planters.

The annual plant sale funds Westport Garden Club displays all over town.

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Yesterday’s glossy New York Times special “Homes” advertising supplement was filled with national real estate listings.

One — on page 3 — was from Westport.

It showed the controversial $7.9 million 233 Hillspoint Road home — described, of course, in breathless real estate prose:

There’s just one thing. If a buyer decides that’s his or her house because of the very cool chimney at the south end: no deal.

That was part of the reason construction was halted for 2 years. The illegal addition has now been removed. (Hat tip: John Karrel)

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All of Fairfield County (and Westchester) loves Alison Milwe Grace.

On Tuesday, the rest of the country will too.

The Staples High School graduate/Weston resident/founder-owner of very popular AMG Catering & Events will be featured on Food Network’s parking lot culinary marathon show, Supermarket Steakout (Tuesday, 9 p.m.).

She taped the show in January, in California. It was her second appearance on Food Network. In 2015 she made it to the 4th and final round of elimination in an intense battle, preparing dishes that the judges praised as “creative, complex and delicious.”

Alison calls this “another opportunity, another fun show, another personal ‘cheffy; challenge, and more memories with the best network around, and the amazing Alex Guarnaschelli.

Alison’s motto is “Follow your dreams — just make sure to have fun too!”

She’s sworn to secrecy (and an iron-clad contract) to not reveal how she did ahead of time.

But hey: She wouldn’t want us watching if she burned, undercooked or otherwise messed up royally, right?

SIDE DISH: Finding Connecticut just posted a nice interview with Alison. Click here to see.

Alison Milwe Grace

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College applications are almost a full-time job for teenagers.

Now Teens at MoCA — the museum’s junior board — are helping with that task.

At least, for anyone hoping to use his or her artwork to get into school, or pursue an art degree.

They’re holding a series of Zoom sessions, on how to create a portfolio in a variety of mediums.

Each will be led by a different senior — all of whom are off to great schools next fall.

This is a great opportunity for current sophomores and juniors. The lineup is:

May 18: Ava Waldman (New York University ’27) and Alex Beebe (University of Southern California ’27): Applying as a film student.

May 22: Lily Wickersham (Marist College ’27) and Mia Vindiola (Parsons School of Design ’27): Visual art and fashion.

May 24: Lexi Walsh (Washington University ’27): Architecture.

Click here to register.

Artwork by Mia Vindiola

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Westport artist Cris Dam is our newest ACE.

Presented by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, the Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) award honors individuals, organizations and businesses that make significant contributions to the area.

An artist-entrepreneur who pioneered artists spaces in Berlin, Williamsburg and now Bridgeport, he is also a curator and community organizer.

After establishing his studio in Bridgeport, and reviving art events at the historic Arcade Mall, he established Ursa Gallery in 2020. Dam organized the first Bridgeport booth at Art Basel Miami in 2022. a

Dam is currently developing real estate on Fairfield Avenue in Bridgeport to create working spaces for fellow artists, raise community awareness, host events, and open a coffee roaster. He also teaches children in community art and leadership programs at Norwalk Community College. 

Dam receives his honor next month, at a Norwalk Shore & Country Club breakfast. A special President’s Award will be presented to Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, recognizing their significant impact on the arts, culture and children’s health in Fairfield County. The MC is Weston’s James Naughton. Click here for full details.

Cris Dam

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Westport’s spring paving program begins Monday (May 15). It continues through mid-June.

The following roads will be paved (though not in this order):

  • Oak Street
  • Rodgers Way
  • Reimer Road
  • Sprucewood Lane
  • High Point Road
  • Adams Farms Road
  • Greystone Farm Lane
  • Wedgewood Road
  • Peaceful Lane
  • Chapel Hill Road
  • Pritchard Lane
  • Increase Lane
  • Harding Lane
  • Sunrise Road.

Questions? Call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120.

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Jonathan Greenstein — the photojournalist/film director/tea importer/ athlete/world traveler/ environmentalist, whose battle with ALS inspired countless people around the world — died in 2021. He was 50 years old.

Westporters have not forgotten him.

A Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop — teaching techniques that help patients breathe stronger and longer == is set for Saturday, May 20 (10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

A $225 donation benefits the Breathe4ALS Foundation. Attendees receive a hardcover book of Greenfield’s photography and log pants.

The event is free for people living with ALS. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Not long after his ALS diagnosis, Jonathan Greenfield (right) hiked in Spain with Wim Hof.

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Britt Hennemuth — the 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate, now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair — has a great story in the May edition.

In “Suddenly, Stephanie Hsu is Everywhere,” the actress talks about her intense year, her love for Jamie Lee Curtis, and how her next movie, “Joy Ride,” defies stereotypes. Click here to read. (Hat tip: John Karrel)

Britt Hennemuth

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Speaking of film: Generations of Westporters have thrilled to enormous, all-around movies at the Norwalk IMAX Theater.

Mountain climbers, deep sea divers, rock concerts — we’ve seen it all.

No more.

The building is being dismantled. It’s part of the state Department of Transportation’s reconstruction of the 123-year-old Norwalk River railroad span (the “Walk Bridge”).

A new 4D theater, built on the other side of the Maritime Aquarium, opened in 2021.

(Photo and hat tip: Whitmal Cooper)

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Patti Brill’s peonies make a perfect “Westport … Naturally” picture.

(Photo/Patti Brill)

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And finally … as the Parks & Recreation Commission debates a port-a-potty at Old Mill Beach (story above) — it’s not our usual song. But besides all the music at Woodstock, there was this:

(“06880” needs your support, no s—. Please click here to donate. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Entertainment, Longshore, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: Beach Tables, Primary Day, Baron’s South …

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 8 comments

I took a beach walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was a gorgeous start to the weekend. The sky was cloudless; the temperature and breeze, perfect.

But something was missing: maybe half the South Beach picnic tables.

How could that be? They’re very, very heavy. Where would they go, and why?

I tried to think of any event that would take precedence.

Nope. So I gave up, and figured it was just my imagination.

South Beach yesterday, 6 p.m. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Before I finished my walk though, 3 groups of people stopped me. All wondered: What happened to the South Beach tables?

I have no idea. The Parks & Rec office is closed for the weekend, so they can’t help.

We’ll just have to crowdsource this. If you know what happened to all those picnic tables, click “Comments” below.

And if you took them: Bring them back. No questions asked.

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Election Day is near!

Republican Primary and Democratic Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.

Polls are open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Absentee ballot applications are available through the Town Clerk’s office. The drop box at the rear of Town Hall is ready to receive applications and absentee ballots. Click here for information on absentee ballots.

Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in the Democratic primary, and only enrolled Republicans may vote in the Republican primary. The deadline for changing parties has already passed.

However, an unaffiliated voter may select a party up to noon the day before the primary, changing to one of the major parties. Click here to verify your party status.

If you are not yet a registered voter, applications must be postmarked by August 4. In-person registration is available until noon on August 8.

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Looking for a cool movie next week?

The Remarkable Theater schedule includes these shows, at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:

“Dirty Dancing” (Monday, July 18; gate opens 7:15 p.m., movie at 8:15 p.m.): Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. Rated PG-13.

“Scream” (Wednesday, July 20; gate opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie at 8:30 p.m.): A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game. Rated R.

Click here for tickets and more information.

A night at the drive-in. (Photo courtesy of 4th Row Films)

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Not far from the Remarkable Theater, just steps from downtown, Baron’s South is a 22-acre jewel.

But, Molly Alger says, the park needs some maintenance. Walking paths are overgrown with weeds. She took this photo on her way from the Senior Center to Compo Road South:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Next Saturday, there’s a double treat for fans of Staples Players alumni.

2013 graduate Michelle Pauker returns to Westport for a star turn in “Broadway Through the Ages.” The MoCA show (July 23, 7 p.m., 19 Newtown Turnpike) is  an evening of memorable tunes, from Golden Age to contemporary.

Music direction is by acclaimed Juilliard & Oxford Academy composer Jake Landau — a 2013 classmate of Michelle’s.

Entry to the museum’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit is included in the admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Michelle Pauker

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Speaking of former Staples Players: Congratulations to Britt Hennemuth!

The 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate is now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair.

He’s just published his first cover story: “Dakota Johnson on Family, Sexual Agency—And the ‘Psychotic’ Making of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Click here to read — including one of the best opening lines in any magazine story, anywhere. (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)

Britt Hennemuth

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CORRECTION: An incorrect date was given yesterday for the Westport Astronomical Society’s “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party.” The correct date is this coming Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.), at the observatory on Bayberry Lane.

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Staples High School Class of 2006 graduate Joanne Smith died last Sunday.

The Chicago native moved to Brazil for 8 months after graduation, before beginning work in the hospitality industry. She had a passion for fitness, nutrition and exercise, and enjoyed being outdoors.

She was an animal lover, an avid reader (particularly Harry Potter), and a movie buff. She particularly enjoyed the beach and dog, Romie.

She is survived by her mother, Katherine Gordon Smith of Stratford; father Gregory and stepmother Donna of Fairfield; brother Matthew of Norwalk; sister Jennifer (Rodolfo Antorocha) of Washington, DC, and maternal grandmother Sally Grabot.

Her family says, “Joey was a fun, kind, loving, intelligent light in the family and to all who knew her. She took on the annual role of Christmas Elf to hand out presents.Joey was well loved by family, friends and co-workers.”

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday (July 18, 11 a.m. to noon, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial (12:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA. To leave online condolences, click here.

Joanna Smith

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Does the rule about dogs on the beach apply to the jetty that forms Compo’s border?

Who cares. This is a classic “Westport … Naturally” photo. Enjoy!

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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And finally … you may or may not have seen “Dirty Dancing” (the next Remarkable Theater film — story above).

But in 1987, there was no escaping this song:

(“06880” runs on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to add your support.)

 

8 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Kami Evans, Turkey Hill, Food Survey …

Posted on May 2, 2021 | 2 comments

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Before moving to England, Kami Evans was an influencer and video blogger working with local businesses. She grew “Kami’s Kloud” from 1 Facebook group to over 69 social media platforms and 8 shows.

She was thrilled to return to Westport last August. Very quickly, she got re-engaged.

Kami’s team (Kameleon Publicity) is helping businesses and organizations that give back to the community. Organic Krush, for example, raised money for Filling in the Blanks (which provides weekend meals to needy children), while Choice Pet helps rescues like PAWS.

These days, Kami says, “we focus more on impact, and building up the community in a difficult time. Local bloggers have an important job, sharing what’s good and new. I try to add impact and community engagement to that.”

For more information, click here or email info@kameleonpublicity.com.

Kami Evans

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The latest historic plaque has been hung at 35 Turkey Hill Road North.

The Sealove family bought the house last August. It was built by Anne Selleck in 1912, on land bought from the Banks family.

The historic house program is run by Bob Weingarten, for the Westport Museum for History & Culture. It celebrates homeowners who honor the heritage of their property.

The Sealove family, at 35 Turkey Hill North.

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Streetmarc Advertising and Marketing — a Westport-based food marketing agency — is gauging interest for a new retail food concept. To answer their survey, click here.

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At Staples High School, Gus Cardello was involved with the Service League of Boys and WWPT-FM. He was a counselor at RECing Crew and Camp Compo, and started a window washing business with friends.

In 2018, during his sophomore year at Providence College, Gus died. A scholarship fund to help students who could not otherwise afford PC honors his life, and generous heart.

A group of friends — including Staples and Providence classmate Griff O’Neill — is selling phone wallets. It’s a fundraiser — and a way to keeping Gus’s name and memory alive. Click here for more information, and to purchase phone wallets.

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You’re never too old to stop learning.

David Stalling graduated from Staples in 1979. He earned a degree in forestry at Paul Smiths College in 1981, and — after serving in a Marine Force Recon unit — got his journalism degree from the University of Montana in 1990.

Now — 31 years later — he has been awarded an MFA in Creative Writing from Montana.

That’s the good news.

Unfortunately, his student job ended yesterday. He starts a good, new job at the end of May. But between now and then he needs help paying rent, university fees and other bills.

Here’s a “Graduation-Fundraiser Sale.” David is also an excellent photographer. So anyone who contributes $50 can choose a beautiful 16 x 20 canvas print of  his wildlife or wild landscape photos. The donation includes printing, shipping and handling.

Click here to see his images. To order, email Stallingd@gmail.com. Include your choice of photo, full name and mailing address. For more information, click here.

One of David Stalling’s wildlife photos.

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To donate and purchase a 16 X 20 Canvas Print, click here: gf.me/u/zrzsft

Vanity Fair‘s May issue includes a feature on Lourdes Leon. Madonna’s oldest daughter talks about Instagram, her dream dinner with Rasputin, and her first boyfriend, Timothée Chalamet.

The author is VF‘s senior West Coast editor Britt Hennemuth. The 2008 Staples High School graduate knows something about acting: He’s a former Players star. (Hat tip: Lynn Flaster)

Lourdes Leon (Photo by Adrienne Raquel, courtesy of Vanity Fair)

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And finally … Lesley Gore was born today in 1946. Though she recorded some of the most famous teen girl-lamenting-teen boy songs of the 1960s, all while a teenager herself — her partner for 33 years was jewelry designer Lois Sasson.

Lesley Gore died of lung cancer in 2015, at 68.

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Media, Real estate, Staples HS

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Britt Hennemuth Breaks A Hip

Posted on June 28, 2015 | 1 comment

Britt Hennemuth starred in great roles as a Staples Player — Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet,” Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast,” and The Wiz himself, to name 3.

After graduating in 2008, he studied theater and film at Pepperdine University.

But school is school. No matter what he did, his fellow actors were all his age.

Hennemuth stayed in Los Angeles. Now he’s starring in “Break A Hip,” a web series set to debut Tuesday (June 30) on Vimeo on Demand. He plays a young, out-of-work actor who takes a job as a houseboy for an older actress. She uses him to get revenge on Hollywood directors, former co-stars and others who wronged her. Hennemuth calls it “a funny, outrageous but tender love letter to this sometimes strange industry town.”

I’ve seen it before its official release. I call it “clever, hilarious, warm, truly well-written, lovingly acted, and definitely worth downloading.”

Christina Pickles and Britt Hennemuth.

Christina Pickles and Britt Hennemuth.

His co-star is Christina Pickles, the 80-year-old actress known best as Judy Geller on “Friends.” Older TV viewers remember her as nurse Helen Rosenthal on “St. Elsewhere,” which earned her 4 Emmy nominations.

The Vimeo series — based on actor/writer/director Cameron Watson’s own Hollywood experiences — also stars Octavia Spencer, Allison Janney, Peri Gilpin and others. Working with veterans like those has been a great experience for Hennemuth.

But he’s bonded most closely with Pickles. They hang out often (he is often mistaken for her son, to the delight of both).

The 8 episodes — each 8 to 9 minutes long — were shot last year. It was a fantastic experience for Hennemuth, who had never acted on camera before.

Hopefully, “Break a Hip” will prove to be a great break for Hennemuth. He’ll have this fine web series on his resume, as he heads out for more auditions.

And, he hopes, he’ll never have to be houseboy in real life. Even for his good friend Christina Pickles.

(“Break a Hip” is available this Tuesday, June 30, through Vimeo on Demand. For the “Break a Hip” website, click here.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS

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