Tag Archives: Content Studio

Roundup: Hamlet At Saugatuck, Startup Westport, Drugs & Alcohol …

Posted on March 27, 2025 | 2 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets on Monday (March 31, 6 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link).

The public hearing portion includes continued discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck. For the most recent “06880” update on the project, click here.

An artist’s rendering of Railroad Place. The view is looking west, from the corner of Riverside Avenue.

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It’s Westport’s newest tradition.

And one of the best.

On the first Thursday of every month, StartUp Westport sponsors a casual get-together.

The next one is April 3 (6 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399; click here to register).

Call it what you want — meet-and-greet, networking, whatever — it’s an opportunity for our town’s tech entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to get together.

There’s no fee. Everyone is responsible for their own drinks and (if they wish) food.

But if a billion-dollar idea or deal comes out of one of these, maybe the men and women behind it can buy a round at the next one.

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Drugs, alcohol, suicide — those heavy topics, and more, are addressed regularly in Westport.

Positive Directions sends out this schedule of upcoming events:

Free QPR suicide prevention training (Friday, March 28, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West). For the general public, 16+. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol. (April 7, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall). A community discussion, including a panel and breakout discussion groups to kick off Alcohol Awareness Month. Panelists include a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Save a Life Day. (April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall). Positive Directions and Aspetuck Health District provide an overdose awareness event, sigh free Narcan and other supplies to participants. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Drug Take-Back Day (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center). Bring medications, for safe collection and disposal.

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TOPSoccer — a national soccer program for youngsters with disabilities — flourished her for several years.

Now Eric Serotta and his daughter Blake, a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, are relaunching it.

The Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club are collaborating, to offer skill development and physical participation, to children in grades K-8 with physical and/or learning differences.

TOPSoccer will run on 5 Saturdays (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) beginning April 26, at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.

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An incorrect date was given in yesterday’s Roundup for the Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue puppy adoption event at Earth Animal.

The correct day is this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.

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Content Studio — the Saugatuck Avenue event space — hosts several exciting April events.

Mixology Mixer, with Ed Hernandez of Mixxed by Ed (April 10; 6 to 8 p.m.). Ticket includes 2 drinks, supplies, light bites, and a screening of the 1988 film “Cocktail.” “Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or corporate team-building.” Click here for tickets.

Westport Downtown Association “town hall” (April 24), for members and those interested in learning more. Wine, beer and light bites, plus information on upcoming town and beautification events. For more information, email beth@contentstudio.com.

Mother’s Day Mini-Portrait Sessions (April 26; sessions available 8 to 5:30 p.m.). For mothers and their children, or children and grandchildren at any age. Click here to book a session.

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Carl Addison Swanson has done it again.

The prolific author, longtime Westporter and Staples High School graduate just published his second book in 2 weeks.

Swanson — a Vietnam veteran — is now focused on vets’ issues.

“Thank You For Your Service” — published last week — is about a Marine who, despite 2 tours in Iraq, was not a US citizen (though here legally), as he awaits his asylum hearing. Click here to order from Amazon.

“A Fart in a Hurricane” — another Hush McCormick novelette — deals with 3 Marines who were fired from their jobs at the Veterans Administration, without due cause. They want their jobs back, and resort to any means — including blackmail. Click here to order from Amazon.

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In April of 1777, British soldiers landed at Compo Beach, and marched to Danbury.

On April 6 of 2025, Westport art historian drives north to the Keeler Tavern Museum. There, at 3 p.m., she’ll discuss “Art, War, and Identity” — an exploration of how the persuasive power of artists during the Revolutionary Era helped sway public opinion, and forge our national identity.

Tickets are $15 ($10 members and students). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Dr. Robin Frank

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Westport Police made one custodial arrest between March 19 and 26.

A 60-year-old New York City man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal ID information device, and identity theft, following the attempted theft of funds from a bank account. He was held on $150,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Speeding: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to yield right of way: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1

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The piano concert with Liang-Fang Chang and Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church set for April 6 has been postponed.

A new date will be announced soon.

Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor

As spring prepares to blossom, these pine cones lie at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Amy Schneider spotted — and smelled — them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … happy 56th birthday to Mariah Carey!

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, and everything else in town. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Early Voting, Lead Pipes, Masquerade Ball …

Posted on October 31, 2024 | 35 comments

Early voting continues to draw steady crowds to Town Hall.

Balloting runs through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium. Tomorrow (October 31), hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.

(Photo/Frank Rosen)

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In response to the recent mailing from Aquarion to water customers about possible lead pipes, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker asked Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich to contact the utility. Aquarion told him: “The water has been and will continue to be safe.”

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds, “I encourage residents with questions and concerns to contact Aquarion directly, or research online at Aquarion Water Company.”                                                                       

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Congratulations to Ben Casparius!

The 2017 Staples High School graduate did not pitch in last night’s 7-6 Los Angeles Dodgers victory over the New York Yankees.

But he’s a World Series champion — the first-ever former Wrecker baseball player to earn that feat.

The champs will be honored with a parade in LA tomorrow, and an event at Dodger Stadium.

Then — at some point, when he returns here — Westport will no doubt throw a party for our newest hometown hero.

Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate, at Yankee Stadium.

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Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio that’s earning raves as Westport’s newest, most versatile party/meeting/ media location — hosted a great pre-Halloween masquerade ball last night.

A diverse, intriguing crowd celebrated with DJ Marcello, enjoyed excellent food and drinks — and raised money for A Better Chance of Westport.

There were no tricks at all. But plenty of treats.

 

From left: Dan Woog, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn, Crystal Norris. (All photos/Ryan Allen)

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Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced new programs for youngsters.

Better Babysitting: This class teaches teens and young adults how to be a successful babysitter. It includes infant and child CPR, how to handle emergency situations and child development. Participants will leave this course as certified babysitters ready to work. (November 7, December 5, January 2, February 13, March 6, April 3, May 1; 4 to 6 p.m.; ages 11+).

Crafty Kids Art Classes: A fun space for children to grow creatively and socially through process art, DIY crafts and sensory play. (Tuesdays, November 12-December 10; 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-5).

Food Explorers: Children make new food each week. Fridays, November 15-December 13; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; grades 2-5). 

Exploring food encourages children to learn through sensory experiences, hands-on activities and working together to create delicious results. Children will have the freedom to explore food thanks to our unique “food neutral’ approach to teaching about food. During this class, children will learn to make a new food every week.

Water Polo: (Fridays , November 12-February 6; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; ages 8-13). 

Click here to register.

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Speaking of kids: The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of this year’s Halloween Window Painting Contest, sponsored by Village Pediatrics.

Over 50 children painted 40 windows throughout town, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.

Winners received gift certificates for ice cream, thanks to Momu.

Winners in the 2 school levels and 3 painting categories are:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Scariest Window”: Misha Mendelson, 4th grade Kings Highway, Momu window

“Most Halloween”: Margaux Chang, Cora Comprelli, Maddy Chang, 1st Grade Kings Highway, Naturino Shoes window

“Most Original”: Lila Boyd, 5th Grade Saugatuck, Naturino Shoes

MIDDLE SCHOOL

“Scariest Window”: Mia Suchotliff, 6th grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics

“Most Creative”: Penelope Whitbourne, 8th grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics

“Most Halloween”: Chloe Robbin, 6th Grade Bedford, Cycle Dynamics

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Balloons are pretty.

They’re also atrocious for the environment — especially marine life.

This past summer, Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club’s Fishing Committee ran a competition. The goal: Who could “catch” the most Mylar and plastic balloons.

The results far surpassed chair Maggie Carey’s expectations. Nearly 2 dozen families collected 431 balloons — plus plastic bags full of cans, pool floats, a beach ball, soccer ball and more.

On Sunday, prizes were awarded to winning families.

Evan, Lorraine and Kendall Berger (age 9) of Weston finished first, with 191 balloons (plus other items).

Second place went to Hannah and Eric Peck of Fairfield with 102 balloons (and assorted trash).

Rowayton Seafood found out about the competition, and doubled the value of gift cards SHYC purchased as awards.

Kendall also received a pair of Grudens fishing bibs, to help catch more balloons next year.

The balloons were collected in bunches, and solo. They represented R2D2, dinosaurs, pineapples and Spidermans.

Saugatuck Harbor hopes to repeat the contest next year. They may challenge other local yacht clubs to see who can collect the most.

And, Maggie notes, members — and everyone else — can continue collecting balloons they find on the water and washed up on shore, all year long.

The Berger family in action, on the “Saugy Dog.”

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Tim Romano and Trump signs are back in the news.

This summer, the longtime Westporter and Longshore-area resident — provoked a debate by driving his golf cart, festooned with a large political banner, around the golf course and Compo Beach. Residents thought the private citizen was a town employee.

A heated confrontation with an irate anti-Trumper was caught on video.

Now, the Connecticut Centinal reports:

A female jogger running south on Compo Road South intentionally tipped over two Trump lawn signs before she turned right into the Longshore complex. The signs had been placed between the sidewalk and the roadway.

Romano contacted police and an officer met him to review video footage he had taken of the jogger. The footage did not show the jogger tipping over the signs.

But while speaking to Romano, the jogger coincidentally reappeared.

The police report indicates the jogger identified herself as a doctor, specifically a gynecologist. She told the officer she felt that the Trump signs were “offensive” to her “as a taxpayer in the Town of Westport” and she “doesn’t want to see” Trump signs on public property.

The officer reminded the doctor that regardless of one’s political views, everyone had a right to free speech, and that includes voicing their support for candidates in the election.

The officer asked the doctor to remain patient considering the election is only a week away, and gave her a warning. Meanwhile, Romano replanted the Trump signs.

Click here for the full Centinal story.

Screenshot from Connecticut Centinal video.

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Y’s Men of Westport and Weston member Mario Ottaviano died Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 91.

He was born in Stamford to parents who immigrated from Italy. Mario graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. For 27  years he owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company.

He received a BS in business from the University of Connecticut. He later earned a real estate broker’s license, a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree.

Mario founded Ottaviano Associates, which owned properties around Stamford. He also owned and maintained properties in Bristol. He was knowledgeable about engineering, architecture and electronics. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes.

An avid boater, Mario and his wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for 30 years. His interests included squash, handball, skiing, square dancing, theater, and biking with his children and grandchildren.

He played guitar and ukelele, and gardened and canned what he grew.

With the Y’s Men he spearheaded the Cooking Club, and was a member of the Hiking Club and Classical Music Society.

Mario was pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano; children Susan of New York, John (Cindy) Stamford, Christy (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, and David (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque; and grandchildren Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe and Antonia Ottaviano.

A celebration of life ceremony will take place November 30 (10:30 a.m., Harbor Lights, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk). Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on Cognetta Funeral Home’s website.

Mario Ottaviano

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Greg Manty says “Sherwood Island is the best this time of year!”

“06880” readers love Connecticut’s first state park in all 4 seasons. This is just one view, for our “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Greg Manty)

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And finally … if you’re tired of hearing “Monster Mash” played as the iconic Halloween song:

(It’s no trick. Just click here to treat “06880” to your support, through a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Obituaries, Politics

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Jay Norris: Westport’s New “Visionary”

Posted on July 31, 2024 | 1 comment

Jay Norris has many talents.

He’s helped market the careers of Notorious BIG, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Pink, Toni Braxton, Alicia Keys and others.

He’s an innovative business leader. He knows tech, media, retail and real estate. His latest venture: CEO and co-founder of Guesst Software, the highly regarded prop-tech venture.

Jay brings people together. He builds inclusive communities. In his 8 years in Westport, he’s made a mark here, with service on the boards of the Library and YMCA, and co-founder of Westport 10, the networking and social group for Black men and their families.

His newest project is Content Studio. He helped found the cutting-edge podcast studio, event space, stage and bar on Saugatuck Avenue, across from Dunville’s.

The other day, he rolled out a new podcast: Visionary’s.

He’s bringing guests like ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro, Sounder CEO Kal Amin, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (all local residents), Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development commission and chief innovation officer, and other business leaders, politicians, community activists, tastemakers and investors, to the Content Studio.

Jay asks them all: What defines a visionary? How did you create and unlock your vision? How do you push your goals and dreams forward?

“Everyone has a story,” Jay says. “And everyone has specific trials on their path to success that inspires up-and-coming visionaries to learn, grow and scale.”

Here’s the back story on how the Visionary’s podcast came about:

I am particularly honored that the very first “Visionary’s” podcast guest is … me.

“I flipped the script with Dan,” Jay says. “He tells stories all the time. I wanted to hear about his.”

Click below for a teaser:

Click below for the full interview:

And then bookmark Jay Norris’ “Visionary’s” podcast, for episodes even more exciting than this one. (Click here, then click “Subscribe” for the Visionary’s podcast. Click here for Jay Norris’ website.)

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Content Studio: NY Tech Vibe In A Special Saugatuck Space

Posted on June 25, 2024 | 1 comment

Chirag Shah has spent his career building communities.

He’s done it as the number one coach for Compass, helping realtors work more efficiently, lead more fulfilled lives (and make more money).

He’s worked with clients in 38 states, including professional athletes. He has offered career and life lessons, inspired creativity, and unlocked passions.

But for years, the man who cared so much for community spent little time in his own.

The realization that many remarkable people in Westport and Fairfield County were spending unproductive hours commuting to and from New York — and, like him, leaving their families behind, in communities they barely knew — was a life-changing moment for the life coach.

And it led directly to the creation of Content Studio of Westport.

A launch party last week brought together many of the men and women Shah hopes will take advantage of his big, bold space on Saugatuck Avenue next to the Goddard School.

Chirag Shah, at last week’s party. (Photo/Charlie Scott)

He’s transformed a former mini-market into a cutting-edge podcast studio, event space, stage and bar.

It’s a place to produce content like podcasts, social media videos and livestreams; expand entrepreneurial ideas and networks, and grow businesses, right here in Westport. There’s no need to hop a train to the city.

Although it’s close enough to the station so that other creative folks can come to us.

Pro quarterback Chris Streveler uses Content Studio to deliver a keynote address for his business. He also recorded Instagram reels.

Shah is like many people who moved to Westport recently. He loves everything about this place: the schools, beaches, Longshore, library, restaurants, shopping and amenities.

“This is a magical place,” he says. “You can know your neighbors. You go to Compo, and see and feel the joy and happiness. Your kids can run around and play. You can see the sunsets.”

He grew up not far away. His parents owned a stationery store in Larchmont, They taught him the values of hard work and customer service, which he held true as he built up his own consulting businesses.

Shah moved here in 2019. A year later, the pandemic shifted work from office to home. He recognized the benefits of casting aside the daily commute. But he felt the need to separate his home and work lives.

Could he do it here?

He found vacant space across from Dunville’s. Though a prime location, no one had figured out how to use it effectively.

Content Studio occupies the space to the right of the Goddard School.

Shah envisioned it as an office for his coaching practice.

But he also built it out (with a warm, welcoming, New York/tech vibe). His vision was a place to come, be creative, build a brand, host or attend an event — and then head off to your kids’ activities, have dinner together and put them to bed.

He calls himself “a conduit of gathering people to foster relationships that wouldn’t exist — and to help them have dinner with their families. I want their lives to be fulfilled, professionally and personally. Every kid deserves to have their parents present.”

Over 100 people got a close look at Shah’s space last week. They came from all walks of Westport life, and from around the county.

Jay Norris — a co-founder of Content Studio — tapes a podcast and creates videos there. He addressed the launch party crowd. (Photo/Charlie Scott)

As they ate, drank, chatted, toured the production studio, and met Shah and Jay Norris, the Westport entrepreneur who is a co-founder of Content Studio, they glimpsed the possibilities for doing some of their own work — and hosting their own events — in the very cool space.

And just a few minutes after they left, they were home.

(Click here for the Content Studio website. Click here for the Instagram.)

Chirag Shah interviews a podcast guest …

… and a client uses the large screen for a Zoom meeting.

Content Studio production room. (Photo/Charlie Scott)

(“06880” provides its own content, 24/7/365. It’s all hyper-local — and it all is made possible by readers’ support. To make a tax-deductible donation, please click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Cooling Stations, Shonda Rhimes, Charlie Scott …

Posted on June 18, 2024 | 4 comments

With temperatures expected to push past 90 all week, Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. It’s in effect through noon on Sunday.

Several cooling centers are open in Westport:

  • Senior Center (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture (25 Avery Place): Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Speaking of heat: The Westport Library was the hot place to be last night.

Shonda Rhimes introduced — and showed — her film, “Black Barbie.”

The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident then took questions from the of-course-SRO audience.

“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix this Wednesday (Juneteenth). It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.

Among her most memorable lines, regarding Black dolls and representation: “You cannot be what you cannot see.”

Shonda Rhimes (right), in conversation with Bernicestine McLeod Bailey at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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Oyster harvesting is back on Sherwood Mill Pond.

This was the busy action yesterday:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Chris Wood writes: “Sadly, I heard that the ‘white barn’ at Sherwood Island State Park will be demolished.

“I spent many years working in and around it in the 1960s and ’70s. I even lived in it one summer.

“It is believed to be the former stables for the Sherwood estate — just down from the ‘stone barn,’ which was the carriage barn.”

Sherwood Island “white barn.” (Photo/Chris Wood)

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Charlie Scott is a Staples High School legend.

During his 4 years, the recently graduated senior played soccer, ran cross country and track, and announced dozens of athletic contests on WWPT-FM.

But he is best known for his videos.

Charlie shot them himself (sometimes via drone). Then he edited them into highlight reels, for games and entire seasons. He posted them as game-day previews. He flooded social media with his “Charlie 33 Prod” productions.

Before he heads of to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications — where he will take his prodigious talent to even higher stratospheres — Charlie posted one last reel.

He prefaced it in his typically humble fashion: “Thank you Staples Athletics for an incredible 2 years of filming games. My edits are only as good as the players that are in them, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my fellow Wreckers.”

Congratulations, and thank you, Charlie. And now, “06880”: Click below, to enjoy the show!

 

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Speaking of sports: Kyle Martino is a Big Name in the soccer world.

In 1999, the Staples High School star was named Gatorade National Player of the Year.

He went on to play in MLS for Columbus and Chicago, then with the US national team. He was an analyst for the Premier League on NBC Sports, and now covers the national teams for Turner Sports.

He ran for US Soccer president, developed an innovative goal that turns basketball courts into small-sided fields, and has reached out to underserved communities through the Over Under Initiative.

His entire career has been about connecting people through the game he loves.

Martino’s newest venture is No One Home. Begun as a pop-up for the 2022 and ’23 men’s and women’s World Cups, and now remodeled, it’s now hidden in plain sight behind a row of avocado distributors at 141 Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s historic Bowery district

No One Home is a soccer and social club. The ground floor features a large theater-style viewing area, with a massive 172-inch LED screen.

The second floor is a high-end membership lounge for New York’s most passionate soccer fans.

Martino’s goal (ho ho) is to unite the soccer, fashion, art, food and drink communities through a shared love of the sport and culture.

The official opening is Thursday (June 20), with 3 big matches: The European Championship’s Denmark vs. England (noon) and Spain vs. Italy (3 p.m.), followed by Copa América’s Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and reservations. Click here for the Instagram (@noonehome141).

Kyle Martino (far right) at his pop-up, as fans watched the 2022 World Cup (left).

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Here’s another great idea.

Content Studio is a cool new — well, concept and studio, for podcasts and more — in the former quick mart at 20 Saugatuck Avenue (next to the Goddard School, and opposite Dunville’s).

This Wednesday (June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Jay Norris hosts a preview. There will be light bites, networking, and — because of the date — a chance to learn a bit more about Juneteenth.

Click here to RSVP. The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Jay Norris at Content Studio.

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The public is invited to the promotion ceremony of Nick Marsan.

Westport’s deputy fire chief is officially installed as Fire Department chief on Monday, July 1 (3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Soon-to-be Fire Chief Nick Marsan.

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Happy Pollinator Week!

Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates this Friday (June 21, noon; Zoom) with a “Lunch & Learn.” The topic is how to grow pollinator gardens in containers anywhere.

Kim Eierman will discuss the best choices of pollinator-friendly native plants that grow in containers, and the important pollinators — butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds and more — they support.

Members are free; non-members pay $10. For more details and to register, click here.

Busy-as-a-bee pollinator.

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Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day returns July 13.

The biggest summer event offers kids’ farm crafts and games; visits with the animals; a scavenger hunt, and bubble show; music, and fun summer foods.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Laura Von Stein — an actor, comedian, 1-woman entertainer and 1983 Staples High School graduate — died peacefully on May 11 in Ridgefield, after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58.

Laura was part of Staples Players. She graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport, where she received a performing arts scholarship. Laura also studied classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Laura was a member of Actors’ Equity. Her patient waits at stage doors helped her build an impressive collection of signed Playbills.

Laura also accumulated an impressive library, largely from the annual Pequot Library book sale.

She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport and Trumbull; brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull and Massachusetts; nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts, and many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father Robert in 2019.

Laura is also survived by her extended family, including Roger Wolfe; Christine O’Leary; Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello; Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello, and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, along with many friends from the comedy and theater world.

Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage actors of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on September 15 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Laura Von Stein

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The water is still a bit chilly.

But  — as this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — that doesn’t stop at least one swimmer.

And one dog paddler.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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And finally … Mark James — described by the New York Times as “a genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning songwriter,” died on Saturday in Nashville. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.

Among his works:

(Sure, it will be hot this week. But “06880” is the coolest place around. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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