The next Representative Town Meeting (RTM) agenda (June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) includes:
- Approving $80,890 for over-budget railroad station snow removal
- Approving $135,000 for unanticipated town attorney legal fees
- Approving $931,225 for storm-related Department of Public Works expenses
- Approving $1,394,071 to renovate the Staples High School tennis courts
- Approving $200,000 to support the Wakeman Town Farm barn project (see below).
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A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
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Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
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On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
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From the Department of Don’t Believe Everything You Read:
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The 21st Century Dads Foundation supports fathers raising children with special needs.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Dads Raising Children with Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide for 21st Century Dads” by David Hirsch, founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation, offers practical guidance and real-world perspective from fathers on similar journeys.
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“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
The event is a fundraiser for the Alzhiemer’s walk at Sherwood Island on October 25. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Fred Stein’s photography.
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Women: feeling burned out?
Help is near. A free “Burnout Recovery Workshop for Women” takes place June 10 (6:30 p.m., TAP Strength).
It includes:
- An informational session on burnout recovery and nervous system regulation, led by NeuroMind co-founders Chelsea Elkind and Lauren Rosenblum
- A guided meditation led NeuroMind OT Lexi Hunn
- A light stretch session led by TAP Strength owner Lauren Leppla
- A community-building and connection talk with Fit4Mom Fairfield’s owner, Christine Gifis
Click here for more information, and to register.
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Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
Tickets are $25. Proceeds help fund the WWC’s many philanthropic projects. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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And finally … in honor of the Ed Sullivan Theater, and its long history including the Beatles, Stephen Colbert and Mark Shanahan (story above):
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you never know what will pop up in this Roundup. We rely on reader support, so please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
