Tag Archives: Colin Konstanty

Roundup: Help For Fire Victims, Craig Melvin Debuts, EMT Classes Begin …

Posted on January 14, 2025 | 5 comments

In the wake of the tragic — and continuing — Los Angeles fires, WestportMoms.com wanted to send help across the country.

But Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — the women behind the multi-platform service — needed money, a way to transport the items to where they’re needed most and a place to donate.

Don — the beloved owner of the UPS store across from Fresh Market — quickly stepped up. He arranged to have 4 large pallets shipped out this coming weekend.

Items can be dropped off tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday only, at the UPS store across from Fresh Market.

Donors should box their items, and label the contents clearly. Alternatively, bring bags of goods to the UPS store, buy a box, and the amazing team there will help you pack it.

Items most needed include: clothes for all ages and genders, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, baby onesies, cribs, baby accessories, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding, and similar goods.

Thanks to UPS, and WestportMoms, for their quick, efficient work on this crucial project.

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Congratulations to Craig Melvin!

The longtime NBC personality debuted yesterday as co-anchor of “The Today Show.”

America knows him as a journalist, interviewer, and deliverer of morning news and information.

We know him for all that too. But he’s also our neighbor, friend, a sports coach, restaurant owner, and all-around good guy.

Westport has long been proud of Craig Melvin.

Especially, “today.”

Craig Melvin (Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)

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Have you always wanted to be an EMT?

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s next Emergency Medical Technician course begins February 11.

WVEMS also offers 3 orientation sessions for certified EMT.

The hands-on EMT course teaches life-saving skills, from basic bandaging to major trauma care.

Interest in emergency medicine has surged since the pandemic. WVEMS enhanced its programs to streamline volunteer integration and training.

Volunteers with or without prior experience are  welcome

In March, WVEMS will offer an Emergency Medical Responder course for students ages 14-15 with a passion to help others. It introduces foundational life-saving skills, creating a pathway to future EMT certification. Participants will take ambulance shifts alongside our crews.

For more information or to register for these programs, click here.

Westport EMS,  in action.

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The Porch at Christie’s closed last month.

But their Sweet P Bakery treats are available online, for local pickuip.

Orders placed by 2 p.m. Wednesdays can be picked up Fridays in Westport between 1 and 3 p.m. (location provided with order).

Blueberry muffins, scones, crumb cakes, Rice Krispie treats, colossal cookies — Sweet P’s got ’em all.

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Colin Konstanty thrilled a sold-out audience last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s first Script in Hand reading of 2025.

The 2022 Staples High School graduate joined the cast of “How the World Began.” The provocative play probes the conflict between divine creation and evolution, and its effect on a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.

Konstanty — now a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts — has appeared off-Broadway, and on Disney+.

Colin Konstanty (left) and Bill Phillips, in “How the World Began.” (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Bingo!

The Westport Young Woman’s League’s Galentine’s Bingo Night returns February 6 (7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The 5th annual event includes Bingo, with great gifts from local businesses; food and drinks throughout the evening, and “extra fun surprises.”

All net proceeds benefit the WYWL Grants Program, supporting local initiatives and organizations. Last year they awarded $65,000 to 9 non-profits.

Click here for tickets. To offer prizes or sign up as a sponsor, email president@wywl.com.

Galentine’s Bingo, with the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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“Shoulder check” is an ice hockey term.

It’s also the name of an initiative that inspires people to commit to supporting each other through small acts that have big impacts. Put simply: “‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.”

It’s as simple as reaching out, checking in and making contact.

Next Monday (January 20, 1 p.m., Milford Ice Pavilion), Staples High School’s Stormac co-op boys hockey team will play Milford in a “Shoulder Check Game.”

The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues.

PS: Monday’s MLK Day game is also a “Battle fo the Barn.” Both Stormac and Milford call the Ice Pavilion home. The winner earns a trophy.

PPS: Youth hockey players who wear their youth jersey will get in free. And younbg learn-to-play skaters will compete in a mini-game between the first and second periods.

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Speaking of sports: Staples rugby alumni have gone on to play at colleges across America: Brown, West Point, Navy, St. Bonaventure, Clemson, Colorado, UC-Berkeley, and more.

Rugby players at other schools have had similar success.

Last year, 130 players attended the Staples Rugby College Showcase.

This year’s 5th annual event is February 15 (noon to 4 p.m., Paul Lane Field). The goal is to expose over 200 young athletes to the 70-plus college coaches who will attend.

The Showcase is open to players from all over the Northeast.

The cost is $75 per player. To register, click here. Questions? Email info@staplesrugby.com.

The Staples boys rugby team.

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Singer Giacomo — “an entertainer for all ages and styles” — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

He’ll be joined by pianist Joe McWilliams, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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Carey Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum, treated the Y’s Women to a preview of upcoming exhibitions recently.

They range from beautiful paintings of totalism and the black and white photography narratives of Truda Feinstein, to contemporary artistss responses to climate change.

Weber — also president of the Connecticut Art Trail — noted that a $35 passport offers admission to 34 museums and historical sites in Connecticut.

Carey Weber (Photo/Merle Spiegel)

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And finally … Rowene Weems spotted “Snowy” at Winslow Park.

He (or she) makes a great “Westport … Naturally” photo. With or without snow.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … Sam Moore, who as half of Sam & Dave recorded classic and Grammy-winning hits — died Friday in Florida, of complications following surgery. He was 89.

Despite their chart-topping successes, and dynamic live performances, Sam and Dave Prater were never particularly close.

In fact, after performing together on New Year’s Eve in 1981, they never spoke again. Click here for a full obituary.

(Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” I thank you!)

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Posted in Media, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Longshore Shed, LA Fires, Board Of Ed …

Posted on January 10, 2025 | 10 comments

An aerial photo posted yesterday, showing the proposed site for a new Parks & Recreation Department maintenance shed at Longshore, missed the mark.

The actual possible location — on Old Cuttings Lane, near the golf course’s 12th green, not far from the exit road — is shown below.

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Nearly every Westporter knows someone in Los Angeles.

Friends, relatives, colleagues … it’s almost impossible to live here, and not have some ties there.

Staples High School 2016 graduate Eliza Donovan lives in LA.

She sent this yesterday …

(Photo/Eliza Donovan)

… and reports: “I like sitting outside for lunch, but ash is falling all the way over here, at the USC-Keck Medical Campus.”

She was not evacuated. However, she was surrounded by 3 fires.

If you have any LA fire stories to tell — or would like to request help for someone there — please email 06880blog@gmail.com.

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The next Board of Education Policy Committee meeting is Wednesday (January 15, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The agenda includes the second discussion of a possible new civility policy; the second reading of possible revisions to the existing policy for evaluation, termination and non-renewal of coaches; and the first reading of possible revisions to existing polices about student discipline, suicide prevention and intervention, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and non-discrimination.


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Local theatergoers remember Colin Konstanty from the Staples High School stage.

On Monday (January 13, 7 p.m.), the former Staples Player cast member and 2022 graduate is on stage again.

This time it’s at the Westport Country Playhouse, in a Script in Hand play reading.

“How the World Began” probes the conflict between divine creation and evolution, and its effect on a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.

After Staples, Konstanty — now a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts — has appeared off-Broadway, and on Disney+.

Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more information, click here.

Colin Konstanty

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Early yesterday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a call about a deer stuck in the Saugatuck River ice, near the Post Road.

Rescue Company members in cold water suits entered the river, and removed the deer. It soon walked under its own power into the woods.

Fire officials note: “Residents should never attempt to rescue an animal or person from icy waters themselves. Entering the water without proper training or equipment can result in serious injury or loss of life. Instead, call 911 or the Fire Department to ensure a safe and professional rescue.”

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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The arts are thriving in Westport.

And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.

To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.

The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.

The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.

The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner.

To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.

Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.

Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2025 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.

Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.

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A reader writes: “On Tuesday, the Westport Representative Town Meeting approved roughly $1.5 million for a new floor for the Staples fieldhouse.

“Prior to the vote, a concerned RTM member told the participants that the new floor would be coated with PFAS (synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, oil and grease).

“It’s unclear if those responsible for awarding the floor contract knew this, but it appeared this was new info to most or all RTM members.

“After revealing this info, several other RTM members reinforced their colleague’s concern.

“After these concerns were raised, 32 members voted to approve the funding; 2 abstained. The view seemed to be that the urgency of installing a new floor should take priority over the toxicity the flooring would create.

“Given the massive litigation surrounding the manufacturers of PFAS, it seems shocking that town officials would knowingly approve toxic flooring for use by children for the next 25-30 years without considering the liability implications.

“Both 3M and DuPont have settled for billions already. More litigation is ongoing.

“I hope a quick solution can be found to replace the proposed flooring with a safer alternative. This should be a red flag to us all that Westport needs to tighten up its supply chain review process to include products that have been proven to be toxic.”

The Staples High School fieldhouse.

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The Westport Library is many things, to many people.

It’s books, art, lectures. And — as anyone who has been to the Trefz Forum knows — it’s also about music.

Westport residents and Library fans Les and Samira Dinkin are frequent attendees, at events like VersoFest, Supper & Soul and more.

Now, they’ve shown their appreciation with a donation of musical instruments.

In honor of Les’ late brother Corey, the couple has given a vintage 1959 Silvertone hollow body guitar with the original matching Silvertone tube amplifier, plus other vintage Ampeg, Harmony, and Ibanez guitars and tube amps.

All will support Verso Studios, the Library’s music and media hub. The instruments — Corey’s favorite — will be used by visiting artists, and those recording in the studio space.

“I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honor Corey’s legacy,” says Les, a longtime supporter of Verso Studios, Verso advisory board founding member, and VersoFest official sponsor (and amateur drummer).

“Corey was passionate about all types of music, from classical to jazz and especially the blues, as a collector, fan, and musician.”

Corey Dinkin composed what Les calls “very eclectic jazz fusion and blues compositions,” and performed at clubs like New York’s Bitter End.

“I wanted to see these instruments being appreciated and played, not sitting in a storage unit,” Les says.

Senator Richard Blumenthal fondly calls the Westport Library “the noisiest Library in Connecticut, if not the country.”

To learn more about Verso Studios’ capabilities, gear and services, click here. The Library also has music and media equipment available through its Library of Things.

From left: Les and Samira Dinkin, Verso Studios’ Travis Bell, Westport Library director Bill Harmer, with part of the Dinkins’ musical instruments donation.

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If you’re looking for a “Westport … Naturally” image that encapsulates winter in Westport, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s the Saugatuck River yesterday:

(Photo/Leigh Gage)

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And finally …  on this date in 1878, Senator A.A. Sargent of California introduced an amendment to Congress that would grant women the right to vote. It took a mere 42 years, but the amendment was ratified by Congress in 1920. 

(There are no gender — or age, or residency) — restrictions on who can donate to “06880.” Just click here, to register your support for your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

10 Comments

Posted in Arts, Education, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Westport Country Playhouse

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Colin Konstanty’s Senior Moment: “Trevor”

Posted on October 7, 2021 | 6 comments

Like most Staples High School students, Colin Konstanty looked forward to senior year. Homecoming, Staples Players productions, the Candlelight Concert — all would be cap his Westport educational career.

Then “Trevor” came calling.

So instead of driving up North Avenue, Colin spends 6 days a week on Metro-North. He’s in the ensemble of the off-Broadway musical.

Though its not easy giving up so much of senior year, the talented actor is pursuing his passion.

And chasing his dream.

As a young child in England, Colin played sports. (His brother AJ is a tight end on the Cornell University football team.)

Colin Konstanty (right) and his brother AJ, last June.

He kept playing after moving to Westport. But in 2nd grade at Greens Farms Elementary School, Colin also started piano lessons and singing. He joined School of Rock in Fairfield, and got hooked on performing.

He had a small part in Bedford Middle School’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Yet sports were still a major focus.

The summer before 8th grade, Colin’s parents encouraged him to do Bedford’s summer musical. The decision changed his life.

He joined an 8th grade acting class. He’s been performing — and honing his craft — ever since.

Colin Konstanty rehearses his George Bailey role, in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The show was one of Staples Players’ radio productions, during COVID last year.

Colin loves “the energizing feeling of being on stage, in front of an audience.” He also enjoys the process of “putting up a play or musical, working together as a team with the cast and crew.”

As an actor, he appreciates the process of “finding a character, and doing my research and work to be as truthful and specific as I can.

“I love being in the moment, leaving myself alone, feeling as though I’m open, and connecting with another actor, the material, or even the audience on a level I maybe hadn’t before.”

He tried for professional work. In March 2020, just before COVID shut down theaters, he auditioned for “Trevor: The Musical.”

Last month — as the industry took steps to reopen — the creative team asked Colin to go straight to callbacks. The next day, he learned he was cast.

Colin Konstanty

“Being a part of the reopening of theater in New York is pretty amazing,” he says. “But to be working on a show that covers such important issues faced by young teens — especially LGBTQ+ teenagers — makes it all the more special.”

Though Colin now attends Staples only on Mondays — he and fellow actors are tutored the rest of the days — his teachers and administrators have been very supportive. So are his friends.

“I’m doing what I love, professionally, with an amazing creative team,” Colin says. “And I’m working with a phenomenally talented cast that is mostly kids my age.”

Colin is learning what it takes to be part of a large-scale production — especially one that creates an “inclusive, encouraging, uplifting environment.” He’s also learned to be a team player, and flexible.

But an actor’s life is precarious. Colin hopes to continue in the industry — either onstage, or as a writer, director or producer.

Right now — like many Staples seniors — Colin is applying to college. He hopes to study acting, producing and the entertainment business there.

That’s all in the future, of course. Right now, Colin Konstanty is focused on one thing: making “Trevor” the best show possible.

Performances begin October 25, at Stage 42.

(Click here for tickets, and more information.)

6 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Stolen Bench, Porchables, Partrick …

Posted on September 14, 2021 | 9 comments

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This is the lowest of the low. Nathalie Jacob writes:

“Am I the only one that this has happened to?

“Someone took by accident or stole my little Nicole’s bus bench in Old Hill. She was so sad 😢 this morning when she walked down her driveway to find that someone had stolen/taken her little bus bench. It was gifted to us by a neighbor.

“The one cute thing that makes her comfortable and happy before the 🚌 picks her up, was that bench. She is so sad to not have it anymore.

“The bench was in my driveway, more than 10 feet inside of our property.

“Maybe an ‘06880’ reader might know where it is? Have missing benches been a thing around town?”

Nicole Jacob on her bench, before it was borrowed — okay, stolen.

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As Broadway (and off-) return, it welcomes back old faces — and new.

Among the latter: Colin Konstanty.

The Staples High School senior has joined the ensemble cast of Trevor: The Musical.”

Colin — who has appeared in many Staples Players shows — says: “I’m so excited to be a part of Trevor: The Musical, and look forward to working with the amazing cast and creative team of the show. To be a part of the reopening of off-Broadway this fall means a lot to me, especially because the musical, even though it’s set in 1981, deals with a lot of the challenges that LGBTQ kids still face today and has an really important message about accepting, being, and loving who you are.”

For more information, click here.

Colin Konstanty

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The Westport Weston Health District — the first in the state — will add Easton to its list of town serves.

Instead of lengthening its name, the organization is shortening it. Starting January 1, it will be called the Aspetuck Health District. The new name honors a nearby river and reservoir.

It’s back to the future, in a way. At its inception in 1965, the original name was the Aspetuck Valley Health District.

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Gifts to museums take many forms: buildings. Exhibits. Endowments.

You don’t often hear, though, of donations like this. An anonymous donor has just guaranteed that admission to MoCA Westport’s gallery is now free. For all visitors. For an entire year.

“This gift supports our belief in the power of art to educate, enrich and build connections between us — a power that should be equally accessible to all in the community,” says executive director Ruth Mannes.

The current exhibition – “Between the Ground and the Sky” — is on view through October 17.

Up soon: a weekend brunch with food trucks and cocktails from Bar MoCA, plus a free drop-in art class for kids.

The MoCA exhibition — now free. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Shred it!

Westport’s 12th annual Shred Day is Saturday, September 25 (9 a.m. to 12 noon). There’s a ne location: the Greens Farms train station.

Residents may shred up to 8 paper bags or 3 boxes (12 inches by 18 inches), per household.  Each car will be charged $5. Proof of Westport residency is required.

Bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements, tax papers and medical records are among the items Westporters shred.

It’s safe, secure, confidential — and environmentally sound. All material is recycled.

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The Porch @ Christie’s is pretty close to 4 schools: Staples High, Bedford Middle, and Coleytown Middle and Elementary School.

Which makes it perfect for parents who want “PorchAbles.”

The Cross Highway eatery has introduced a new item: school lunches that parents can order ahead to pick up, be delivered, or enjoyed in person at the Porch.

Pickup can be the night before school, or that morning.

There are 5 choices: Turkey, roast beef (both roasted at The Porch) or ham sandwich, with choices of bread (whole grain, white or gluten-free) and cheese (American, Swiss, cheddar or none), pizza pop’ems, or a bagel with cream cheese.

All come with a side of fruit salad, and a Sweet P cookie.

In addition, The Porch now delivers all menu items within a 5-mile radius. Click here for more information.

 

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Sunday’s “Photo Challenge” included — as an aside — a question about the derivation of the street name “Partrick” (off Wilton Road).

Turns out it’s the name of a family from the neighborhood.

Iain Bruce went one step further. He notes: “There are lots of Partricks and Partrics in Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery. Spelling is irrelevant. People get all intense about names from 100 years ago. They forget that a) standardized orthography is pretty recent; b) moat of their ancestors couldn’t read or write anyway.”

(Photo/Iain Bruce)

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It doesn’t get more classic than “Of Mice and Men.”

The Westport Country Playhouse produced John Steinbeck’s famed play in 2008. Now — but only through September 26 — it’s available as an on-demand livestream.

Click here for more information, and tickets.

“Of Mice and Men”

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Congratulations to Jon Adler!

The 2004 Staples High School graduate won an Emmy Award Sunday in Los Angeles for his role as supervising producer of the CNN original series “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.”

Jon Adler, and his Emmy.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo was taken in a dahlia garden. It doesn’t get more gorgeous than this.

(Photo/Steven Rothenberg)

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And finally … on this day in 1741, George Frideric Handel completed his oratorio “Messiah.”

No, today is not Christmas. Or Easter.

But who needs an excuse to hear this?

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Posted in Arts, Children, Environment, Local business, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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