Tag Archives: Christian Siriano

Roundup: Fireworks, Whoopi Goldberg, Chad Knight …

Posted on May 19, 2023 | 3 comments

Fire up the celebration!

Westport’s Independence Day fireworks come early this year.

The best party in town is set for Thursday, June 29. The site — as always — is Compo Beach.

The Westport Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation do the heavy lifting. The event is sponsored — once again — by longtime Westport residents (and veteran fireworks goers) Melissa and Doug Bernstein.

“This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” they say.

Ticket sales begin on June 1 at the Westport Police station (50 Jesup Road) and Parks & Recreation office (in Longshore Park).

Tickets ($50 per car) are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs serving thousands of youngsters.

Middle row: Craig Bergamo, Westport PAL president hands Doug Bernstein the first fireworks ticket. Enjoying the Compo Beach scene are (front, left to right): Parks & Rec director Jen Fava, PAL fireworks chair Emma Rojas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Melissa Bernstein. Top: Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Police Chief Foti Koskinas. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Whoopi Goldberg was in town last night.

So were Rosie Perez and Natasha Bedingfield. And many other names, boldface and Roman text.

The event was a benefit fashion show for Pink Aid. The site was Christian Siriano‘s The Collective West.

And yes, he’s another boldface name.

Rosie Perez, Whoopi Goldberg and Natasha Bedingfield — but you knew that. (Photo and hat tip: Dave Briggs)

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Perfect weather drew a large crowd to yesterday’s Westport Farmers’ Market.

Several new vendors, plenty of old favorites, and fresh food, herbs and more make this the most exciting year yet, for the 18-year-old institution.

It runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Imperial Avenue parking lot, through mid-November.

Among the attractions yesterday in the photo below: samples from Alma Mexican food, dished out by their Staples High School interns (from left): Whitman Teplica, Cole Lieberman, Ben Douglas and (preparing a tostada) Steve Divino.

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Chad Knight is a Westport legend.

The baseball star — who led his 2013 team to the Little League World Series championship game, then was a 4-year Staples High School starter who paced his 2019 team to the FCIAC championship, and was named Gatorade State Player of the Year — just graduated from Duke University.

Before he did, he capped off his Blue Devil baseball career (during Asian American Heritage Month) with a story for the Duke athletic department. He wrote eloquently about how his heritage shaped his life — both athletically and musically.

Click here for Chad’s insightful, introspective story. (Hat tip: Steve McCoy)

Chad Knight

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Traffic alert!

This Sunday (May 21), the Bloomin’ Metric Bicycle Tour roars through town.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., riders will head out from Sherwood Island State Park. There are 4 distances — 25, 40, 75 and 100 kilometers — and 4 different routes.

So be aware: There will be even more bike riders than usual, all over town.

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The Westport Library unveils 3 new exhibitions for spring. They highlight the work of Connecticut artists Nancy Moore and Charles Douthat, and “the art of the album” with a display related to the Chicago blues.

All three exhibits run through August 8: Moore’s “Women Telling Stories” in the Sheffer Gallery, Douthat’s “Three Seasons” in the South Gallery, and “Chicago Blues” in the Jesup Gallery.

An event and reception June 4 (2 to 4 p.m.) celebrates the exhibit with a talk between Moore and noted Westport artist Miggs Burroughs at 3.

Douthat comes to the Library June 14 (6 p.m.) for a reception and talk with Burroughs.

Chicago Blues features albums from the collection of Westporters Ellen and Mark Naftalin, the American blues keyboardist inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in 2015. It includes album covers of important original blues musicians.

Click here for more information on the artists and exhibits.

Exhibits at the Westport Library.

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The Black Duck women-in-the-men’s-bathroom-photo story continues to have, um, legs.

In the wake of yesterday’s story — in which Duck founder and former owner Pete Aitkin gave the back story — Brad French sent “06880” a photo of himself with Mary Scully, one of the 2 lovely bartenders.

It was taken at Compo Beach.

And what happened to the great-looking couple?

They got married.

The story continues …

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Coming up at Earthplace:

Wildflower ID: Stroll through the gardens and meadow with a naturalist. (Sunday, May 21, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10 per person; register here).

Family Campfire: Earthplace provides the marshmallows and s’mores; bring your own sticks. Meet an animal ambassador; participate in a guided activity. (Friday, June 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m., member families $30, non-member families $40; register here).

Foraging 101: An Earthplace naturalist leads an introductory class on sustainable foraging for wild salad greens and pungent ingredients, including a walk. (Sunday, June 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., $10 person; register here).

Group Canoe Paddle: Search the Saugatuck River for egrets, ospreys, ducks, shorebirds and more. Canoes, paddles and personal flotation devices are included. One canoe each trip is reserved for participants and families with special needs. (Sunday, June 18, 2 time slots: 10 a.m. to noon, and 2-4 p.m.; click here for fees and more details, including scholarships for income-eligible residents).

Adult Crafting Night: Bring your adult beverages; use natural crafting materials guided by staff. Unwind while creating beautiful decorations or useful health and beauty products to take home. (Thursday, June 29, 6 to 8 p.m.; $45 per adult member; $50 per adult non-member; register here).

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA is ready for their first Holi Color Festival.

People of all backgrounds are invited to the traditional Indian celebration of colors and unity, It’s Saturday, June 3 (10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mahackeno Outdooro Center).

Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over bad, the arrival of spring, the joy of friendship, and equality for all.

The event features activities for all ages, including color play (throwing non-toxic organic colors), BollyX (a Bollywood-style dance class), traditional Indian food, henna, face painting and bounce house.

Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick grew up in India, and has fond memories of playing Holi as a child.

She says, “This celebration unites people with different beliefs, cultural traditions and experiences in the vibrant colors of friendship, renewal and acceptance. At the Y we believe in creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. We invite everyone to join us as we strengthen the bonds that make our community truly exceptional.”

Pre-registration is required. Click here to register, and for more information. Questions? Email kgiglio@westporty.org.

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Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar invites the public to their grand opening May 25 (772 Post Road East, 3 p.m.).

From May 22-26, they offer:
● $19.99 blowouts for first time clients
● $20 off any color service
● $10 off haircuts
● $89 blowout and makeup
● 20% off hair extensions.

Owner Carrie Steele — a Greenwich teacher — offers 20% of all services to teachers, every day.

Moxie is a full-service hair salon. They have 17 locations in the tri-state area.

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Lynroy Henry — former assistant track coach at Staples High School — is still working with kids.

He sends word that the Open Doors Foundation is collecting donations for its summer camp.

Items needed are bikes, used sneakers, Mead notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, rulers, backpacks, laptops and electronics.

Donations can be dropped off at 10 Bay Street, by June 4.

Items can also be picked up weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Questions? Email lynroyhenry@gmail.com, or call 203-919-0921.

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Jill Grayson made the most of being stuck yesterday while stopped on Easton Road by the firehouse.

She saw something she’d never seen in Westport: a pileated woodpecker.

Jill had enough time to take several photos — and then send this one to “06880,” for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … on this day in 1895, José Marti — the Cuban poet, philosopher, essayist, journalist, translator, professor and publisher, who helped liberate his country from Spain — was killed by Spanish troops. He was 42 years old.

(“06880” is a non-profit, dedicated to bringing our community together. Donations are tax-deductible. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Environment, Library, Sports, YMCA

Tagged 4th of July fireworks, Black Duck, Bloomin' Metric, Chad Knight, Christian Siriano, Earthplace, Lynroy Henry, Moxie Salon, Westport Farmer's Market, Westport PAL

Roundup: Super Bowl, Ukraine Fur Coats, Moon Telescope …

Posted on February 13, 2023 | 8 comments

Westport was not represented on the field, at last night’s Super Bowl.

But our neighbor Christian Siriano was part of the action. At least, part of one of the multimillion-dollar ads.

The fashion designer — whose Collective West store is a popular Post Road East destination — was there in the front row, in a “Clueless”-themed Rakuten advertisement with Alicia Silverstone.

(Screenshot and hat tip/Dave Briggs)

There must have been other “06880”/Super Bowl connections. If you know of any, click “Comments” below.

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Speaking of the Super Bowl: On Saturday residents flocked to Stop & Shop, stocking up for the big game.

Many paused at both entrances. Members of the Sunrise Rotary Club, Westport Police Department, Westport Police Athletic League and Representative Town Meeting were there to collect non-perishable items.

From a couple of cans to a few full shopping carts, generous Westporters reaped rewards for 2 great causes: Homes with Hope, and our Department of Human Services food pantries. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Westport Police Department officials and others, with food at the Gillespie Center. Rear, from left: Officers Sean Doyle and David Lovallo, Chief Foti Koskinas, RTM member Andrew Colabella, Officers Scott Thompson and Dominique Carr. Front: unidentified, and Anna Rycenga of the Westport PAL.

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Not everyone who wanted to, could make it to the coat-and-more collection drive for Ukraine, at the last 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets.

Organizer Mark Yurkiw said he’d accept donations at his home.

Yesterday, he welcomed a big one. Several Rowayton residents showed up in 5 cars. All were completely filled with clothes and other gear — including fur coats. It took an oversized van to truck it all to Redding, where it will be crated and shipped overseas.

The Rowayton folks said they felt powerless to help — until they heard of the coat drive. They asked what else they could bring, and do.

Mark continues to accept donations. Email mark.think3d@gmail.com for details.

From Rowayton to Ukraine, with live. Artist Mark Yurkiw created the Ukrainian symbol on his garage door.

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The next community trash pick-up takes place this Sunday (February 19, 11 a.m.) at the Westport train station.

The meeting place is the lower level parking lot on the New York-bound side, next to Luciano Park (near the EV chargers).

All volunteers are welcome. Bring trash bags, gloves and boots, and dress warmly.

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

A previous trash pick-up, on Greens Farms Road.

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The Westport Astronomical Society’s 25 Obsession telescope has been a workhorse for over 30 years.

But it’s a beast — and very difficult to set up and take on the road. With great attendance at their public nights, the WAS needs another instrument.

It’s got to be powerful — but light enough to pack it up and set it outside, for sidewalk astronomy.

They’ve got their eyes set (ho ho) on a New Moon Telescope — 20″, with an f3.5 mirror and some cool add-ons.

For nearly a decade, they’ve fundraised on Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Giving Day. They’ll do it again on February 23. Their goal is $10,000.

The 24-hour online drive is a local competition. All tax-deductible contributions could help WAS win major prizes. Mark your calendar for February 23 — and bookmark your calendar here.

New Moon telescope.

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It’s hard to know who had a better time Saturday night, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s first-ever Winter Ball: the young girls, or their dads (or other loved ones) who escorted them.

A crowd of over 100 danced to a DJ, enjoyed refreshments, and visited a photo booth and nail painter.

Attendees also brought food items, and made other donations to Homes with Hope.

Jay and Sophia Skye Norris visit the photo booth, at the Y’s first Winter Ball.

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The other day, 12 Coleytown Middle School students participated in the Southwestern Connecticut “Mathcounts” competitions. Adan Wang, Adrianna Gavriloiu, Ayush Rudra and Owen Wood finished second. All 4 mathletes will represent the school at the state competition next month.

Ayush, Owen and Adan finished #1, 7 and 11 respectively in the individual competition.

Other Coleytown competitors included Adrianna Gavriloiu, Akil Arvind, Anit Arvind, Zylan Wang, Luke Cooper, Ulysses Nixon, Alex Liakh, Justin Jendrock and Luci Trinchi.

Congratulations to all!

Joining the competition host and Coleytown Middle School Math Club coach Archi Rudra are (from left) Adan Wang, Ayush Rudra, Owen Wood and Adrianna Gavriloiu.

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Marcello Deaguero is a noted local DJ for schools, charities, parties, bar and bat mitzvahs — and the instructor for the popular “Dance with Marcello.”

He recently relocated his class to a new studio. It’s in the back of the Dance Collective building (222 Post Road West).

Marcello is celebrating the move with free classes throughout the month. Everyone — from people who know him through his DJ work, to newcomers looking for a good dance or fitness class — is welcome for free, all month long.

Click here for more information.

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Today is the 47th anniversary of Dorothy Hamill’s near-perfect, gold medal-winning, ice skating performance at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.

The Greenwich native became an international superstar. In 1993, an AP poll ranked her and Mary Lou Retton as the most popular athletes in America, far ahead of people like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Troy Aikman, Dan Marino, Wayne Gretzky, Joe Montana and Nolan Ryan.

Today, Greenwich’s town-owned rink is named for Dorothy Hamill.

But in 1976, Westport took pride in her accomplishments too. As a youngster, she frequently skated on Round Pond, off Compo Road South — just opposite the entrance to Longshore, where her relatives lived.

Click here for more on Dorothy Hamill, thanks to “Today in Connecticut History.”

Dorothy Hamill, in 1976.

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Last week John Hamilton and Fiona Wilkes of Liberation Programs — a Bridgeport-based nonprofit that provides support to people with substance use disorders — addressed the Westport Rotary Club.

Liberation president and CEO Hamilton noted that fentanyl has surpassed heroin and other opiates as a leading cause of drug overdoses. With 100,000 overdoses per year nationally, the need for recovery programs has increased dramatically. But only 1 out of 10 people who qualify for treatment reaches out and accepts it.

Wilkes — the director of development and communications — said that all households should have the opiate overdose treatment Narcan in their medicine cabinets.

John Hamilton of Liberation Programs, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast features 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor’s interview with the town’s public safety communications director, Larry Roberts.

It’s the first in a 2-part discussion of the Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network, the statewide emergency communications system that will provide important coverage for area towns.

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day.

Weston’s Jolantha gets ready to pig out.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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At Christmastime, there are only 7 swans a-swimming.

The other day, “Westport … Naturally” photographer Rick Benson counted more at Sherwood Mill Pond.

He did not see 6 (Canada) geese a-laying. Happily, there was not even one.

(Photo/Rick Benson)

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And finally … Peter Tork was born today, in 1942.

The Monkees’ keyboardist and bass guitarist grew up in northeastern Connecticut; his father was an economics professor at the University of Connecticut. He was a member of the first-ever graduating class at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs.

Tork — whose real last name was Thorkelson — had cousins who attended school in Westport.

He died in Mansfield, Connecticut in 2019, 10 years after being diagnosed with cancer.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Education, Police, Politics, Sports, Weston, YMCA

Tagged Christian Siriano, Coleytown Middle School math club, Dance with Marcello, Dorothy Hamill, Mark Yurkiw, Westport Astronomical Society, Westport PAL, Westport Sunrise Rotary Club

Roundup: Saugatuck Caroling, Westport Lifestyle, Jersey Boys …

Posted on December 11, 2022 | 2 comments

A wonderful tradition returned to Saugatuck yesterday evening.

The Saugatuck Caroling Crawl came back, after a 2-year COVID-induced absence.

Six Staples Orphenians moved from one restaurant to the next, singing holiday songs and making spirits bright. They hit 14 spots in all.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

Carolers began their rounds at the Boathouse. They headed to Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck, before making their way to Railroad Place to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci and Allium.

They finished by entertaining diners at Match Lobster Burger, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s.

Grateful thanks to Orphs Sophia Betit, Zoe Schwartz, James Dobin-Smith, Alyssa Lee, Deneil Betfarhad and Ethan Tober — and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event.

Missed it? Click below for a “taste” at Match Burger Lobster.

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Christian Siriano’s new store, The Collective West, was the site of Thursday’s Westport Lifestyle party. The magazine honored all 2022 Readers’ Choice winners.

With catering by Marcia Selden and The Home Cook, music by Drew Angus and decorations from Blossom + Stem — plus Santa Claus — it was a great way to show off the noted designer’s recently opened place.

Enjoying Westport Lifestyle’s party: Sholeh Janati (abstract artist) and
Courtney Davis Schlesinger (comedian). (Photo./John Videler for Videler Photography)

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The curtain rose yesterday on “Jersey Boys” at the White Plains Performing Arts Center next month.

Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Jack Baylis is part of the cast. He’s not a 4 Season — but he does sing a great number in French.

The show runs through January 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jack Baylis, at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. (Photo/Cara Baylis)

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Yesterday’s Roundup piece about the local connections on “In With the Old” — the Discovery+ series highlighting transformations of abandoned structures — mentioned Westonites Brian and Megan Austin Philpott, and former Westport Planning and Zoning Commission member Al Gratrix.

But there’s much more detail

Brian Philpott is a project manager for The O’Dell Group. The local construction firm put together a team of 20 people to frame that addition in one day.

He’s just one of 4 project managers with Staples ties. Owner Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten and Chuck Hilman graduated from high school — and so did Philpott’s wife.

PS: The celebration at the end of that day was catered by Matt Storch — another Staples High grad, and the owner of Match Burger Lobster and Match restaurants.

From left: Chris O’Dell, Lukas Van Zanten, Brian Philpott, Chuck Hilman.

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Congratulations to Barry Kresch.

The Westport resident and EV Club of Connecticut president will be honored by the Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities Coalition as EV Evangelist of the Year.

He has spoken on several panels, for example discussing a financial analysis he did for the Westport Police about electric vehicles. Click here for a blog post he wrote on the department’s Tesla.

The celebration is Tuesday (December 13, 11 a.m., Fodor Farmhouse, Norwalk).

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Winter arrives on December 21.

This guy — the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — is getting ready. He’s no fool.

(Photo/Marisa Lambert)

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And finally … in honor of Jack Baylis’s “Jersey Boys” show (story above):

(‘Tis the season to support “06880.” Please click here to help — and thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Staples HS

Tagged Barry Kresch, Christian Siriano, EV Club of CT, Jack Baylis, Match Burger Lobster, Staples Orphenians, The Collective West, The O'Dell Group, Westport Lifestyle Magazine

Roundup: Saugatuck Provisions, Real Housewives, Drugs …

Posted on October 25, 2022 | 1 comment

Coming soon to Saugatuck: Original Craft Butchery co-owner Paul Nessel will reopen — with a new business — in the former Fleishers Craft Butchery space on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Sweets.

The target date for “Saugatuck Provisions” is a few weeks. (Hat tip: JD Dworkow)

Paul Nessel (Photo courtesy of Modern Farmer magazine)

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Somehow I missed last week’s Bravocon video of Christian Siriano judging the looks of “Real Housewives” cast members.

But Stephanie Ostroff caught it.

She sent a link to “06880.” Click below to watch — particularly at the 4:30 mark, when he talks about Westport, his new store here, and the possibility of a “Real Housewives of Westport.”

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Yesterday was a big day for Rick Benson

The longtime Westporter and always-eager civic volunteer celebrated his 75th birthday. It was also the 77th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter — an organization supported from the start by Rotary International, of which Benson is a proud, active and long-serving member.

Throughout his 33 years in Rotary, he has taken on many roles. He and his wife Totney have also given generously.

So generously, that they are one of only 3 couples from Connecticut to achieve membership in Rotary’s Arch Klumph Society. They’re in the Trustee’s Circle, for gifts of $250,000 to $499,999.

Oh, yeah: yesterday was also the 34th anniversary of a promise Rotary made to the children of the world: to eradicate wild polio. In that time, the disease has gone from 350,000 cases globally to only 29 cases this year, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Happy birthday, Rick. And thanks, Rick and Totney, for all you do, in Westport and around the planet. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Rick and Totney Benson, with Rotary officials in Kampala, Uganda.

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For more than 2 decades, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has run a “Drug Take Back Day” program. Over 16 million pounds of prescription medicines have been removed from circulation.

This Saturday (October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport Police Department again partners in this effort. Medications can be dropped off at the Senior Center, on Imperial Avenue. The event is free, and anonymous; no questions are asked.

Liquids or needles cannot be accepted; only pills or patches. Vape pens are accepted if the batteries are removed.

A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of police headquarters on Jesup Road. For more information, click here.

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This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features guitarist Bob DeVos. He’s joined by Dan Kostelnik on bass, drummer Steve Johns, and of course Greg Wall, Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” saxophonist.

There are 2 sets on Thursday (October 27, VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue): 7:30 and 8:40 p.m. Dinner is available from 7 p.m. on. For reservations, email jazzatthepost@gmail.com.

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This past weekend’s Staples High School boys basketball fundraiser was a great success. Kids of all ages participated, helping raise funds for a players’ lounge, video equipment and pre-season camp.

The second part of the fundraiser — a virtual silent auction — runs through this coming Friday (October 28). Items include Knicks, Broadway and Stephen Colbert tickets; autographed basketballs; a lesson with a varsity player, and more. Click here for details, and bids.

Taking a break during the Staples basketball fundraiser: Nicholas Fey, Jackson Shapiro and Ryder Shapiro,

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Speaking of hoops: 2015 Staples graduate Bailey Claffey sang the national anthem before last night’s Knicks game, at Madison Square Garden.

She earned the honor by sending in a demo tape. (Hat tip: Julie Whamond)

Bailey Claffin, at Madison Square Garden.

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Former Westporter John Preston died earlier this month, at 75.

The Michigan native met his future wife Janet at the University of Michigan. They married in 1970.

He attended the Department of Defense Language Institute, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975.

He and his family lived in Westport for nearly 2 decades. They raised 3 children and had many friends here.

John spent 21 years at The Seagram Company, rising to senior vice president and treasurer. In 2004 he and Janet moved to Miami where he spent 14 years at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as vice president of finance and administration. She died in 2016.

He moved in 2020 to Portland, Oregon to be closer to his son and daughter, and their families. He moved to Wilmette, Illinois, shortly before his death.

John was an avid golfer, voracious reader and lifelong lover of speaking Spanish..

John is survived by his three children Regan, Lilly and Wells; their spouses Jordan, Nik, and Chrissy; granddaughters, Maylin, Marlowe, Daphne, Oona and June; and siblings Susan Root, Thomas Preston and Sarah Linthicum.

A memorial will be held December 3 in Wilmette, Illinois. Click here for details.

John Preston

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A little kid, a large tree and fall foliage highlight today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s from Blind Brook Road. But colors like this can be seen — for a few more days, anyway — all over town.

(Photo/Ellie Magnuson)

And finally … this may be offensive to some people. So if you don’t like the word “a–hole,” stop reading.

If you think there are a lot of a–holes on I-95 though*, click on August Campbell’s video below. It’s 7 years old, but I’d never heard of it (or him).

At any rate: Enjoy!

*There are.

(Don’t be an a–hole. Contribute to “06880.” Please click here!)

1 Comment

Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged Bailey Claffin, Christian Siriano, Jazz at the Post, Rick Benson, Saugatuck Provisions, Staples High School boys basketball, Totney Benson, Westport Rotary Club

Roundup: Auto Thefts, Christian Siriano, Kids Are Talking …

Posted on September 16, 2021 | 16 comments

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A rash of auto thefts has rattled Westport.

Yesterday, the Police Department said it’s joining law enforcement agencies from Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Monroe and Newtown in a regional motor vehicle theft task force. They’ll develop a comprehensive effort to deter auto theft and arrest those responsible.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas says that by “sharing resources and information with other communities that are also experiencing a large number of motor vehicle thefts, our ability to solve these crimes increases exponentially. While the theft of cars may seem like a youthful indiscretion to some, it is important to keep in mind that these stolen vehicles are often used in the commission of very serious crimes such as robberies and shootings.”

In almost every case, stolen vehicles are unlocked with the keys or key fob inside. So even with the task force and extra officers on patrol, Westport Police urge (again and again): Keep your f—ing cars locked! (Expletive is mine.)

Please steal my car!

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Since moving to Westport, Christian Siriano has kept a relatively low profile.

But last night, the world got a glimpse of his digs.

MTV Cribs featured the world renowned fashion designer. A few days earlier, People magazine previewed the show.

They noted that his bedroom is “definitely bigger” than his New York apartment.

“The spacious room, which is decorated in neutral tones, features a large set of wide glass doors opening to a deck that overlooks the Project Runway alum’s sprawling yard,” People wrote.

Siriano said: “What I love about it is that you wake up every single morning to crazy, natural sunlight every day. We have no curtains, which is kind of wild. You have to be very comfortable being naked. Luckily there’s no neighbors around.”

(Click here for the full People story. Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)

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What do Senator Elizabeth Warren, Fannie Mae chair Sheila Bair and Westonite Amy Weisman have in common?

All were just named to Forbes’ “50 Over 50” in finance list. They’re “shaping the future of finance, fueling high-growth businesses and forging a more innovative and inclusive financial future.”

In 2017, Weisman — then 53 years old, and managing director of business development for Sterling Investment Partners — co-founded Exponent Women, a membership network for senior women in private equity. After 30 years working in finance (while caring for her children and parents), she wanted to do more to support female dealmakers.

Last year, the Wall Street Journal named Weisman one of “10 Women to Watch in Private Equity.” She began her career as an analyst at Smith Barney.

Click here for the full Forbes list.

Amy Weisman

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Westport psychologist Dr. Don Cohen’s upcoming livestream focuses on an important topic. Titled “Kids Are Talking: Antisemitism — What Jewish Teens Want You to Know,” it’s set for September 23 (7 p.m.), in partnership with the ADL.

The new livestream format on Facebook, Twitch and YouTube has previously covered topics including body image, modern gender and sexuality; drug
use and abuse; romantic and sexual relationships; social misinformation, and mental health challenges.

Videos are found at http://kidsaretalking.live, youtube.com/kidsaretalking, facebook.com/kidsaretalking, and twitch.tv/kidsaretalking.

A retro poster.

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Attention “left-leaning, like-minded political activists”: ReSisters & Misters) is meeting Sunday (September 19, 1 p.m.) for painting, postcarding, Afghan refugee action, socializing and more. Contact msheinus@yahoo.com for information.

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Speaking of politics: A rally for women’s reproductive rights is set for October 2 (1 p.m., Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge). Click here for more information.

A rally earlier this month on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge featured signs like these.

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Heartlent — the local social strategy and creative content agency — just celebrated its 1st anniversary.

Among the highlights, they:

Created unique concept and content for Clemson Football’s social feeds celebrating their first ever #1 Overall NFL Draft Pick, Trevor Lawrence
Won 11 awards with their Rock the Vote “Hoopers Vote” campaign
Worked with Denver Nuggets sponsor Western Union to create unique content celebrating star center Nikola Jokic’s MVP honors
Created the opening day #MLSisBack graphic
Supported Joe Biden’s Presidential Campaign with creative, digital and social assets
Designed the shirt worn by New York Knick Immanuel Quickley at Madison Square Garden
Launched “Remotely Renee”, where Atlanta Dreams co-owner Renee Montgomery announced her retirement from the WNBA
Partnered with Opendorse to provide social strategy and content for student athletes and universities in advance of NIL (name, image, likeness).

That’s quite a list for one year. Congratulations to managing partner (and Westporter) Elliot Gerard, and all!

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“06880” has featured Gloria — the late Alan Sterling’s weather-beaten oyster boat — often. But today marks its first appearance as a “Westport … Naturally” feature. It sits in Gray’s Creek, deteriorating but surrounded by plenty of life.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … today is my sister Laurie’s birthday. She shares a name with the title of one of the creepiest songs ever recorded.

The dead-teen genre was (ahem) alive and well in the 1950s and ’60s. Who can forget “Teen Angel,” “Tell Laura I Love Her,” “Last Kiss” or “Leader of the Pack”?

But for sheer, sad weirdness, nothing beats Dickey Lee’s tear-jerker.

16 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media, Police, Politics, Teenagers

Tagged "Kids Are Talking", Amy Weisman, car thefts, Christian Siriano, Heartlent Group

Roundup: Christian Siriano, Hall & Oates, Joan Isaacson …

Posted on May 23, 2021 | 3 comments

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“Antiques Roadshow” took its show on the road recently — to Westport.

The popular PBS series visited Christian Siriano in his New York showroom, then traveled to his Westport home.

His couch, chairs and brass palm tree were appraised by David Rago, and Siriano talked about his quiet suburban digs. He called his home his “sanctuary.”

Click here for the full episode. (Hat tip: Seth VanBeever)

David Rago and Christian Soriano, in the designer’s Westport home.

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Les Dinkin sent along this image (below) of Hall & Oates’ 2021 tour dates.

“Don’t see Westport on the list :)” he says.

Don’t get the joke? Click here.

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Longtime Westporter Joan Isaacson is a wife, mother, grandmother, world traveler and passionate cook. She was born in Naples, Italy, and migrated to New Jersey when she was 8 years old.

She rediscovered her love of writing after retirement. Now she’s a published — and debut — author.

“The Red Velvet Diary” is fiction — based on real life — told in the voices of 3 women. Her grandmother Maria, the daughter of a rabbi, goes to Greece as a young girl and is given a new identity. She takes the reader from her childhood home in Turkey to a girls’ school run by nuns in Athens, where a priest twice her age asks for her hand in marriage.

Isaacson’s mother Lula, Maria’s daughter, comes of age as she lives through World War II in war-ravaged Athens during the Axis occupation. She falls in love with an Italian sailor who is occupying her city. Her journey takes her to Italy and eventually to America, where the author’s story begins.

She studied at Rutgers University, married her high school sweetheart, and together they raised 3 daughters. Isaacson was a stay-at-home mom for several years. When she returned to the workforce she started and managed an international relocation company. She also served on boards for local charities, and remains an avid volunteer.

Isaacson hopes to finish her next book by the end of the year. Click here for a video interview with her, about her first one. Click here for more information, and to purchase “The Red Velvet Diary.”

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This week’s “Friday Flowers” arrangement graces the Westport Library. Each week, the Westport Garden Club decorates another public space.

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Speaking of the Library:

They’re holding a book sale Memorial Day weekend: Friday, May 28 (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Saturday, May 29 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, May 30 (noon to 5 p.m. — half-price day).

There are thousands of gently used books in dozens of categories: non-fiction and fiction, for adults and children, as well as antiquarian books, CDs, audio books and DVDs. (Vinyl is available at the Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green.) Click here for more information.

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And finally … today in 1934, bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde were ambushed by police and killed in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Library, Looking back, Media, Real estate

Tagged "Antiques Roadshow", Christian Siriano, Hall & Oates, Joan Isaacson, Westport Garden Club

Roundup: Farmers’ Market, 40 Under 40, Much Much More

Posted on February 3, 2021 | 3 comments

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Westporters know our Farmers’ Market is the best.

Now it’s official.

American Farmland Trust has recognized WFM as #1 in Connecticut. It’s also #10 in the Northeast — and #26 in the nation.

It’s been a tough year for an organization that prides itself of close interactions between farmers and shoppers. But, notes executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall, “For the first time in our history, we operated 12 months in a row to tackle to challenges presented by the pandemic. We set up a strict, COVID-safe, pre-ordering system that served as a model for others.

“It wasn’t easy, but we felt a duty to our farmers, knew that farmers’ markets would be more critical than ever, and we met the challenge.”

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Connecticut Magazine’s has just named their annual “40 Under 40” (40 people under 40 years old, doing great things). Three — a full 7.5% of the list — are Westporters.

Congratulations to State Senator Will Haskell (age 24; Staples High School Class of 2014), fashion designer Christian Siriano (35), and sports financier Jordan Kessler (30, Staples ’09).

Click here for writeups on our 3 (and of course the 37 others). (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)

State Senator Will Haskell

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The other day, Westport comic/Star 99.9 host Courtney Davis joined 4 top New York City comedians, in a virtual fundraiser. The group raised nearly $2,500 for empowerHER, the non-profit that supports and connects girls and young women who have lost their mothers.

Courtney Davis

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The Westport Country Playhouse is still closed. Until it reopens, all we’ve had are memories of our favorite shows.

Starting tomorrow though, there’s more.

The theater launches “From Concept to Curtain,” a virtual documentary series of 30-minute films. They offer free, behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process of putting together a Playhouse production.

The first episode is “In the Heights: Beyond el Barrio” (Thursday, February 4, 12 noon, at the Playhouse’s website and YouTube channel.

Host Marcos Santana — director and choreographer of the Playhouse’s 2019 production of “In the Heights” — performed on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning show.

The set, costume and lighting designers, and the music director, discuss their inspirations, challenges, what they would have done differently, and favorite moments from the show.

Roundup: Laddie Lawrence, Christian Siriano, Stephanie Szostak, More

Posted on September 18, 2020 | 4 comments

Starting Monday (September 21), the Board of Education will resume in-person meetings.

Board members, administrators and invited speakers will all be present. Members of the public can participate via real-time broadcasts, and comment via Google Docs.

“Unfortunately, we cannot predict or control the turnout at our meetings, and a large gathering at a public meeting of the board could pose a public health risk,” the Board says.

“In evaluating the viability of a limited number of socially distant seats for the public in person, the logistical challenges of ensuring social distancing and mask-wearing, determining who is allowed into the meeting and who is turned away, etc., are substantial and might interfere with the work of the board in real time.

“We are heartened by the substantial increase in public participation through our use of Google Docs. This method will continue to afford anyone who feels uncomfortable about coming out to a public meeting during a pandemic a voice in our decision-making process.”

As Architectural Digest notes, fashion designer Christian Siriano moved to a modern house near Compo Beach a few months ago.

And as alert “06880” reader Mary Hoffman notes (via the Wall Street Journal), the backyard of that home was the site yesterday for a fashion show. Among the guests: Billy Porter.

Siriano famously dressed Porter in a tuxedo ballgown for the Oscars.

Billy Porter in Westport. (Photo/Charlie Sykes for AP)

After 55 years as a summer staple, the Westport Parks & Recreation Roadrunner races went virtual this year.

The weekly events — starting first with a couple of miles, increasing each Saturday to a 10-mile run just before Labor Day — are the baby (and now near senior citizen) of Staples High School’s longtime track coach and guru Laddie Lawrence.

The most recent Road Race Management newsletter — aimed at race directors and industry professionals — highlights Lawrence’s long involvement with the series. There’s an extensive interview looking back on 55 years, and vintage photos. Click here to see.

Laddie Lawrence, at a Roadrunner race finish line.

The Westport Library edges one step closer to normalcy. On Monday (September 21), the Library Store begins offering personal shopping appointments.

The 15-minute sessions can be in person or virtual (via FaceTime or WhatsApp). Slots are available weekdays, from 2 to 6 p.m. Click here to schedule.

The Store accepts credit cards, checks, Apple Pay and Google Pay — no cash. Purchases made virtually will be scheduled for pick up weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Last night’s Remarkable Theater screening of “Top Gun” — a fundraiser for the Catch a Lift Fund — drew a great crowd to the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Fall is almost here. But Westport’s love of the pop-up drive-in theater — and support for excellent causes — has not wavered one bit.

Dave Briggs’ intriguing Instagram Live interactive interviews continue today (Friday, September 18, 6:30 p.m.). The former CNN, NBC Sports and Fox News anchor’s guest is Westport’s own noted actor Stéphanie Szostak (“A Million Little Things,” “The Devil Wears Prada”).

You can listen — and participate — on Instagram:@WestportMagazine.

The other day, “06880” mentioned Positive Directions’ new Teacher Support group. It meets weekly via Zoom. The cost was $40.

Now, however — thanks to the generosity of Positive Directions’ board of directors –this group will be underwritten. It’s now free to all teachers and school personnel. Email amiceli@positivedirections.org, or call 203-227-7644 to reserve a spot.

Groove is known for its trendy clothes, for women, children and babies.

But on Saturday, October 24 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), the Post Road West boutique welcomes Dana Ciafone to a book signing. The author of Celebrating Bentley — the kids’ book about a boy and his dog — will be there. All profits go to Little Black Dog Rescue.

And finally … in these days of wildfires, hurricanes and much more, it’s nice to hear James Taylor’s soothing voice. No matter how dark the lyrics. (Hat tip: Jerry Kuyper)

4 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local business, Media, Sports

Tagged Billy Porter, Catch a Lift Fund, Christian Siriano, Dave Briggs, Laddie Lawrence, Postiive Directions, Remarkable Theater, Stephanie Szostak, Westport Parks & Recreation Department

Tag Archives: Christian Siriano

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