Tag Archives: David Grann

Roundup: Oscars, Emmys, Capital Costs …

Posted on March 2, 2024 | 3 comments

If it’s March, the Oscars are coming soon. (They’re March 10 — a week from tomorrow).

This year, there’s a 20% chance the winner for Best Picture will have a Westport connection. And those 2 contenders have their own close connection.

“Oppenheimer” was released by Universal Pictures. Its president, Peter Cramer, is a Staples High School Class of 1985 graduate, where he starred in soccer and track. He graduated 4 years later from Harvard University.

During his 17 years at Universal, Cramer helped the studio to record-breaking results globally, including overseeing the highest-grossing film in Universal’s history: “Jurassic World.”

“Killers of the Flower Moon” — another Oscar contender — was written by David Grann. He is a friend and former classmate of Cramer’s since childhood, and would have graduated from Staples with him had he not gone to private school.

Grann graduated from Connecticut College, and is a longtime New Yorker writer. His most recent book, “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

David Grann (left) and Peter Cramer

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And speaking of movie honors: 1981 Staples grad Jeanie Bacharach won her 2nd Emmy this year.

A casting director and producer, she was honored for Outstanding Casting in “The Bear.” Congratulations, Jeanie — sorry to be late with this! (Hat tip: Suzanne Propp)

Jeanie Bacharach, with her award.

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Kudos too to the Staples girls ice hockey team.

The co-op squad (with Westhill and Stamford Highs) won their state tournament quarterfinal match Wednesday night against Mercy Northwest Catholic — 3-2, in double overtime.

That vaults them into the state semis, for the first time in their history. They face archrival Darien tonight (Saturday) at 5:30 p.m. at the Shelton Rinks.

The girls lost only 4 games during the regular season — and were the only team in the state to beat Darien. The Blue Wave got revenge in the FCIAC (league) semifinal, eliminating SWS in overtime.

Coach John Fay’s squad is led by senior defenseman and captain Maya Sherman.

Darien is seeded 1st in the state tournament. The Wreckers are 4th. Go get ’em!

The Staples-Westhill-Stamford team celebrates their state tournament quarterfinal victory.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Get in the swim at the Westport Library!

“Below Surface” — the award-winning short documentary that explores the extraordinary power of community through the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Aqua-fit program — will be screened this Monday (March 4, 6:30 p.m.).

The film is inspiring, powerful, and filled with our Westport friends and neighbors. It follows gifted, compassionate instructor Patty Kondub as she molds her multi-cultural, multi-generational exercise class into a true community.

She — and they — use exercise and friendship as an antidote for grief, stress and physical illness.

The screening will be followed by a panel moderated by Robert Altbaum, recently retired internal medicine physician. Panelists include Dr. Linda P. Fried, dean of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health; Maria Allen, president of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging; Moishi Moses, vice president of volunteerisms for the AARP Foundation, and Patty Kondub herself.

Area organizations that support healthy longevity will have information available, including the Senior Center, AARP, YMCA and Westport Department of Human Services.

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300,000 American servicemembers have died since the US left Vietnam in 1973, due to exposure to deadly chemicals.

“Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War” — Carl Addison Swanson’s startling and true tale of the devastating effects of that herbicide — has passed the 500,000 sale mark.

The book is free to veterans through the Veterans Administration, and on sale at Amazon.

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As work continues on 44 Compo Cove — the often-photographed-and-painted 1917 house that’s the first one on the right over the Sherwood Mill Pond walkway — its interior has been gutted.

You can see right through now, to Long Island Sound.

But much of the exterior remains. Its bones are still strong.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s withstood over 100 years of hurricanes and nor’easters.

Fingers crossed, the new/old home will be there for at least the next century.

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Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” seminar is “Native Trees, Shrubs and Perennials: Choosing Layers for Biodiversity.”

Anna Fialkoff. a Connecticut College arboretum horticulturist, will show how to
group trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants together for maximum impact and beauty, in a variety of situations and growing conditions.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Biodiversity on display.

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Samuel Bell — who built over 200 “Bell Colonial” homes in Westport and Weston — died February 21 at his Boca Raton, Florida home. He was 94.

The Norwalk native spent his career as a residential and commercial builder/developer and entrepreneur in Fairfield County and Florida. He was active in his many business interests until shortly before his death.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. Sam and his fishing yacht “VII Bells” were fixtures at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for almost half a century.

He was proud of his Italian-American heritage and enjoyed family get-togethers and reunions with his large extended family, along with the authentic Italian foods of his childhood memories. Sam was a devout parishioner at Assumption Church for many decades.

Sam is survived by his children Nicholas (Laurie Bloom) of Weston, Pamela of Villa Park, California, Melinda Bell Dietrich of Delray Beach, Florida, and Samuel F. Bell, Jr. (Melanie) of Weston; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia and son Jeffrey.

The family will receive friends on April 5 (4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral is set for April 6 (10 a.m., Assumption Church), with a Mass of Christian burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a favorite charity.

Samuel Bell

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Eagles are always impressive subjects for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But this one is even cooler.

Photographer Johanna Keyser Rossi writes: “It’s amazing how the eagle can rotate his head and look behind himself.

“He was not facing my direction. This is the back of him. Then he turned his head.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this day in 1498, Vasco da Gama’s fleet visited the island of Mozambique.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Even Mozambique. Please click here to support our hyper-local, yet globe-trotting, work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Sports, YMCA

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Roundup: David Grann, Jon Wormser, LymanAID …

Posted on July 5, 2023 | 4 comments

David Grann recently returned to Westport — and his hometown Westport Library — for a presentation on “The Wager.”

He discussed his best-selling story of shipwreck, survival and savagery. He answered audience questions. Then he was joined by his son Zach, who wrote (and accompanied himself on piano) a song, “the Lost Souls of Wager Island.”

Grann is a master story teller — in print, and in front of an audience. Click below for the entire presentation. (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

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The last time we checked in with Jon Wormser, the 2012 Staples High School graduate had just launched Good Weird: an easy-to-use, gender-less makeup and skincare line.

It’s going great. But that’s not why Architectural Digest featured him yesterday.

The story is about some tubular chairs he discovered in Portland, Oregon, and how they fit in his New York apartment.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip:Betsy P. Kahn)

Jon Wormser, in his tubular chair. (Photo/copyright Architectural Digest)

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New items are arriving every day for Sunday’s big raffle.

It’s just one part of the “thank you” party for Westport’s $252,000 donation of much-needed goods and equipment to our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine last fall.

The event — LymanAID — is this Sunday (July 9, 1 p.m. to dusk, Ukrainian-American Club, Post Road in Southport just beyond the northbound I-95 Exit 19 entrance ramp).

Everyone is invited to the free bash.

There will be plenty to do, see, hear and eat. Along with the giant raffle, the family-friendly day will features food, beer, wine and soft drinks; music from the Mike McGovern Band, a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen. Senator Richard Blumenthal will be there, in person.

To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one of our most gorgeous ever.

Taken at the Westport Community Gardens, Eva Toft’s image shows a small slice of the beauty and bounty on display daily at the Hyde Lane oasis.

(Photo/Eva Toft)

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And finally … on this day in 1946, Micheline Bernardini modeled the first modern bikini, at a Paris swimming pool.

(Even an itsy-bitsy teenie-weenie donation helps “06880”! Please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Library, Local business

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Roundup: Parker Harding, David Grann, Chris Paul …

Posted on June 23, 2023 | 19 comments

It looks like a simple legal notice. But it’s a big step.

The first agenda item for the July 5 Flood & Erosion Control Board reads:

Parker Harding Plaza / WPL-11724-23;  Application of Keith S. Wilberg, Town Engineer, on behalf of the Town of Westport, to revise the existing roadway and parking lot, build sidewalks, a riverfront boardwalk, and park areas, and to relocate trash and recycling dumpsters. The proposed activity is within the WPL area of the Saugatuck River.

Click here to view the application materials.

The agenda also includes this:

Upon completion of the Public Hearing, and time permitting, the members of the Board will have an open discussion reviewing the boards efforts to assist The Town of Westport in controlling flood and erosion. The open discussion will include the members of the Board with the opportunity to express their thoughts and recommendations on what can and should be done to help The Town of Westport further control flooding and erosion.

Sounds like an important meeting. It will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link. The meeting ID is 813 1215 9695; the passcode is 236833. The phone-in number is 646-876-9923.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board will discuss plans for Parker Harding Plaza on July 5. 

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LymanAID — the huge July 9 party celebrating Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine — just got a big boost.

It came from our friends in Marigny, France — our first sister city, and the impetus for our relationship with Lyman.

Sunday, July 9 is LymanAID (1 to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American club — just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp in Southport).

The food, drinks, music and other entertainment is free. But there will be plenty of chances — raffles, Yankee auction, plant sale, book pulls, etc. — to help the men, women and children of Lyman.

Several of those auction items come from our Marigny amis. They include:

  • 3 copies of “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche” — a 700-page book, with a special inscription
  • 3 sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-Le-Lozon/Lyman
  • 1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados” — a drink enjoyed by American GIs in Marigny, during World War II.

To RSVP for free admission, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.

And to our friends in Marigny, who will be with us in spirit: Merci!

The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.

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David Grann returned to Westport last night — and was greeted by over 100 people.

The author — a member of Staples High School’s Class of 1985 — spoke about his new best-seller “The Wager.”

He also sold plenty of copies. The line for autographs was long, and enthusiastic.

David Grann, at the Westport Library. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Speaking of autographs at the Library: Fairfield County basketball fans are already excited about Chris Paul’s upcoming event there.

Now there’s another reason to head to the Trefz Forum next Tuesday (June 27, 8 p.m.). After his discussion about his life and new memoir with journalist, Fox Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak (she’ll be live; he’s remote), and questions from the audience, copies of his book “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court” will be on sale.

And they’re all autographed.

The free event will be livestreamed and recorded as part of Czarniak’s podcast, “Lunch with Lindsay.”

Click here to register for a seat at the Library event. “61” can be ordered through the same link.

Chris Paul

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Tomorrow, Westport celebrates jUNe Day.

That means the flags of dozens of United Nations countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge.

Early today, town crews were replacing the dozens of American flags on the span.

It’s a small gesture of welcome. But it’s been part of our town’s tradition, for over 60 years.

Getting ready, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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A reader told me there’s a “For Lease” sign outside Ulta Beauty & Hair Salon.

Does this mean they’re closing? I called to find out.

The very long phone message (including “curbside pick-up hours” — does anyone really still do “contactless” shopping?) finally gave me 2 options: Press 1 to make an appointment; press 4 (!) for all other inquiries.

I pressed 4. “Nothing was selected,” the voice said, and sent me back to the long message.

I listened again to all the shopping hours, plus curbside pickup. This time I pressed 1.

“Nothing was selected,” the voice said again. Again, I was sent back to the start.

So they may be closing. Or maybe not.

I couldn’t find out. Perhaps everyone was in back, dealing with shoplifters.

For lease?

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Two local residents were honored last week, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s 57th annual meeting.

Bill Kutik of Westport was named Conservationist of the Year, for saving a key property in the 705-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve from development. (It is now called the Bill Kutik Honey Hill Preserve.)

Kutik has been an ALT member since 1999. The first editor of Backpacker magazine, a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and technology impresario, he has written for the Boston Globe, New York Daily News and New York Times. He is a hiker and trail steward, and has donated hundreds of hours to the Land Trust, as an editor and writer.

Michelle Fracasso is the Native Landscaper of the Year. She has planted hundreds of pollinator-friendly plants and shrubs, attracting bees, butterflies and birds (100% pesticide-free).

Fracasso is a long-time supporter of Fairfield County farms. Her own — Wells Hill — is the last working family farm with livestock in Weston. She has been active with Aspetuck Land Trust’s farmland initiatives, and a volunteer and advisor for their homeowner engagement program and native plant sales.

Bill Kutik and Michelle Fracasso

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Charly Bliss has a new single. “You Don’t Even Know Me Anymore” is the band’s first new song since 2019.

What makes that “06880”-worthy is that Charly Bliss is an all-Staples group. Eva Hendricks (lead vocals, guitar), her brother Sam (drums), lead guitarist Spencer Fox and bassist Dan Shure all graduated from the high school.

The new single “celebrates personal growth,” says Rolling Stone.

Eva Hendricks “looks back on a bad breakup that left her wrecked and realizes she doesn’t feel the same as she once did. Instead, she has come to realize that the person she cried over doesn’t know her the way she thought they did.”

Click here for the full Rolling Stone story. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

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Winslow Park Animal Hospital doesn’t miss a holiday.

But July 4th is a big one. So the display in front of their Post Road East office is even bigger, more creative — and more colorful — than usual.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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A bunny bopping amid bachelor buttons captures our attention, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … there are 2 “birth flowers” for the month of June: roses and honeysuckle. So:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Sports

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Roundup: Swan, Safety, Sports Sustainability …

Posted on April 17, 2023 | 2 comments

Great springtime news!

The “Saugatuck swan” — the one Westporters have watched in wonder, as she hatched her eggs by the Saugatuck River, a few feet from Parker Harding Plaza — has given birth.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio reports on the delivery, adding: “the male was very attentive, looking for reeds to reinforce the nest from water with the high tide.”

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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Remember last year’s traffic and safety sessions, each for a different RTM district?

An update is set for April 27 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, along with officials from the Public Works, Planning & Zoning and Public Safety Departments, will discuss progress on the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Summary Report.

There will be time for discussion and input from residents about traffic and safety concerns in their neighborhoods.

An additional meeting will be held this fall.

Typical traffic on North Avenue, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Adam Vengrow)

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To celebrate Earth Day this Saturday (April 22), the Democratic Women of Westport will show how to make recreational sports more environmentally friendly. The event is called “Sustainability on the Sidelines.”

The DWW will man — er, woman — tables at Wakeman Field, and baseball and softball diamonds. The goal is to provide info on small steps families can take to reduce their sports cleat footprint.

Included: some of Sustainable Westport’s efforts, and a handout with tips (examples: carpooling, no idling, and participating in a uniform exchange).

They’ll also give away Gatorade powders to encourage reusable bottles instead of single use plastic

Adult and youth volunteers are needed for Saturday, and to make posters to decorate the tables. To help, or for more information, email jessica@theparentcollective.com.

One of the children’s posters, for Saturday’s Democratic Women of Westport Earth Day event.

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Speaking of sports … this year marks a milestone: It’s 10 years since Westport’s exciting journey to the Little League World Series championship.

Equally important: It’s the 10th anniversary for the “Westport Winners.” They’re the local team in the Little League Challenger division, for special needs youngsters.

Opening day is this Saturday (April 22, 11:30 a.m., Meyer Field at Town Farms). Everyone is invited.

A decade ago Beth Cody and her son Jack had a dream. With help from Stacie Curran, Westport Little League officials and many others, they made it happen.

Play ball!

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David Grann’s new book “The Wager” — about the 1740 wreck of a British warship off the coast of Chile — has gotten plenty of publicity.

Last night the New Yorker staff writer — and 1985 Staples High School graduate — got the full “60 Minutes” star treatment.

Grann spoke about his meticulous research process; his adventures following the harrowing path of the shipwrecked craft, and much more.

Click here for the very interesting interview.

David Grann, with rare documents in London.

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Westport Country Playhouse opened its 93rd season Saturday night with the Tony Award-winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

Opening night guests included Richard Maltby, Jr., who co-conceived the show, and André De Shields, an original Broadway cast member.

The musical — about Fats Waller and musicians of the Black Renaissance — runs through April 29. Click here for more information.

From left: Jeffrey Page, director and choreographer of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and Andrew De Shields. who starred in the show on Broadway 45 years ago. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

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If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the end of life, or how to care for a loved one or yourself — and who among us has not? — put May 11 (7 p.m., Westport Library) on your calendar.

Panelists will explore what dying can look like, how to have important conversations, and palliative care and hospice. The discussion will be led by Julia Portale, executive director of Fairfield County House, Fairfield County’s non-profit hospice.

Click here for more information.

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A year ago, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall had an idea: turn VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 into a music venue.

On April 27, “Jazz at the Post” celebrates its first anniversary with a gala event.

Over 20 of favorite performers — including Brian Marsella, David Morgan, Sarah Cion, Mike Mossman, Tim Horner, Phil Bowler, Rob Henke, Joe Corsello, Dave Childs, Kenny Wessel, Rale Micic, David DeJesus — join in a benefit concert for the weekly event’s sponsor, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County.

The VFW acoustics are terrific. The vibe is cool. The restore Village Gate piano has never sounded better.

Tickets ($100 per person; higher levels for supporters and benefactors) include non-stop music and dinner from Chef Derek. Cocktails, beer and wine are available too.

On the horizon next month: clinics for Westport students, conducted by headlining Jazz at the Post artists. On May 11 and 25, students will perform as opening acts.

Also ahead: Jazz FC’s broadened relationship with after-school programs in Norwalk and Bridgeport, partnerships with senior centers and facilities serving underserved populations, and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio provided the photo (top story) about the swan and her babies, at the Saugatuck River near Parker Harding Plaza.

She also took today’s “Westport … Naturally” image: a serene scene, not far from the swan’s nest.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … today is Nothing Like a Dame Day. It celebrates “all the English actresses that have been bestowed with the title of Dame.”

Here at “06880,” that means:

(There is also nothin’ like “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Sports, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Beach Weather, Hazardous Waste, Challenged Books …

Posted on April 14, 2023 | 14 comments

Yesterday was a beautiful beach day.

The temperature soared to the mid-80s. Schools are on spring break, so nearly everyone who was not in St. Barts or Portugal headed to the beach.

Except employees of Hook’d.

Hook’d has not yet opened for the season. Don’t hold your breath. This photo was from last year, a few days before Memorial Day. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

I got several emails about the beach concessionaire. Amy Schneider’s was typical: “Too bad Joey’s is gone. It would have been open today, unlike the current one which is closed.”

Earlier this week, a reader asked when Hook’d would open. I relayed the question to Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava.

As of this morning, I have not heard back.

Compo Beach, April 13, 2023. (Photo/Dick Kalt)

There was this beach scene too:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

I didn’t make it to the beach yesterday.

But when I got in my car at 3:50 p.m.:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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It was not quite as warm Tuesday — just in the 70s — but that did not stop these youngsters from celebrating a week off from school.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Do they know how good they have it?

When I was their age, I sure didn’t.

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One of Westport’s most popular events — Household Hazardous Waste Day — falls on a propitious date this year: Earth Day.

The Department of Public Works’ annual collection is set for Saturday, April 22 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).

There is no charge for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich who wish to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes.

Among the wastes accepted at the station: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.

The following items are not acceptable: ammunition, flares and commercial hazardous waste.

Before bringing material to the collection site:

  • Make sure items are clearly labeled. Never mix chemicals!  Incompatible products may react, ignite or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.
  • Keep products in original labeled container.
  • Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
  • Tighten lids of all containers. Pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
  • Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle, away from passengers.
  • Leave pets and children home.
  • Keep your windows open. Drive directly to the collection site.
  • Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.

REMINDER: Westport residents may also recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector, weekdays between 7 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

Questions? Call 203-341-1793.

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The next step in the long process following a resident’s complaint about 3 books in the Staples High School library takes place Monday (April 17, 3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

At its last session, the superintendent’s ad hoc review committee took 3 votes. All were 10-0, in favor of retaining “Flamer,” “Gender Queer” and “This is So Gay.” Tara McLaughlin took issue with them, and had previously been given an hour to air her concerns.

On Monday, the committee will review a draft of their recommendation to superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and take a final vote on it.

The meeting is open, but residents cannot comment. Public comment may be allowed at a future meeting.

Committee members met at Town Hall, earlier this month. (Photo/Brian McGunigle)

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“Ain’t Misbehavin’” — the Broadway musical about jazz great Fats Waller — is drawing crowds at the Westport Country Playhouse. The show ends April 29.

Then, the historic theater will get ready for more — including 2 productions just for kids.

“The Pout Pout Fish” (Sunday, May 21, 1 and 4 p.m., grades pre-K through 2) features whimsical puppets and live performers, in an oceanic adventure.

“The Magic School Bus” (Sunday, June 4, 1 and 4 p.m., grades K through 5) is a musical adaptation based on the Scholastic book series.

All tickets are $25. Click here for more information.

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Staples High School freshman midfielder Natalie Chudowsky — a star on the Wreckers’ state champion soccer team, and a New York SC club player — is one of 23 girls chosen to attend the US Under-15 national team’s training camp in Kansas City.

In February, she attended the training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Congratulations, Natalie!

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New Yorker staff writer — and 1985 Staples High School graduate — David Grann has a new book.

After six years of research into the wreck of a British warship off the coast of Chile in 1740 — including his own journey to the inhospitable island where the castaways washed up — “Grann has delivered what will likely endure as the definitive popular account of the demise of the H.M.S. Wager,” the New York Times says.

It adds:

An engrossing survival story, “The Wager” is a knotty tale of moral compromises and betrayal and a metaphysical inquiry into the elusive nature of truth and the power of stories to shape history and our perceptions of reality.

The book, which Doubleday will release on April 18, has drawn enthusiastic early reviews. It is being adapted into a feature film by the director Martin Scorsese and the actor Leonardo DiCaprio — who also teamed up on a forthcoming movie based on Grann’s book “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI.”

To read the full Times story — headlined “A Swashbuckling Tale of Mutiny Took Him Where ‘The Soul of Man Dies'” — click here. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

David Grann

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Nine new members were sworn in Wednesday, as members of the Westport-Weston Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

All are clergy members in nearby towns. They completed a training course, learning how to render aid in a wide range of emergencies.

.New CERT members hold certificates. Fifth from the left is Sergio Roque, a team member and clergyman who encouraged new members to take the training. To his right is Mike Vincelli, president of Westport-Weston CERT. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Congratulations to the Weston History & Culture Center. They received the Connecticut League of History Organizations Award of Merit for their reinterpretation of the Coley House, the historic Weston Road farmhouse that is their headquarters.

The award calls the project “a true gem, reflecting excellent research, a wonderful balance of micro- and macro-histories, and a thoughtful and creative combination of exhibition and historic room interpretation …. (it) stands out as an example of interpretation of a period rarely covered by historic house museums in Connecticut.”

Rooms on the first floor have been interpreted in the 1941-45 period, when 3 generations of the Coley family occupied the home.

Beginning this Sunday (April 16), the Coley House will be open every Sunday and Thursday, with tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.

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Former 2nd Selectman and Board of Finance chair Avi Kaner will be honored next month, by the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Kaner — co-owner of New York’s Morton Williams Supermarkets — is set to be feted May 11 (6 p.m., Chelsea Piers). Click here for tickets and more information.

Avi Kaner

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Johanna Keyser Rossi provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and this background:

“I spotted this bird at the beach, called killdeer. I thought they ate fish, but I looked it up and found they eat bugs, and sometimes seeds. I was a able to zoom in and take pictures.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … summer’s here! And the time is right …

(“06880” has already started its Compo coverage. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Sports, Staples HS, Weston, Westport Country Playhouse

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David Grann Writes About Now — And Then

Posted on January 27, 2018 | 2 comments

David Grann is a staff writer at the New Yorker. Before that he was a senior editor at the New Republic, and executive editor of The Hill. He’s written for the New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. He was a finalist for the Michael Kelly Award for the “fearless pursuit and expression of truth.”

He’s the author of The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon. It traces the footsteps of explorer Colonel Percy Fawcett, whose expedition disappeared in the Amazon in search of a secret civilization. Last year, the best-selling book was adapted into a 2017 film.

David Grann

Grann’s  latest book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, explores tragic, mysterious murders in Oklahoma in the 1920s and ’30s, and the investigation that followed. The book was optioned for $5 million..

He holds master’s degrees in international relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, and creative writing from Boston University.

Grann is also a 1985 graduate of Staples High School.

The other day, Jonathan Small talked to Grann for his “Write About Now” podcast. The series features authors talking about their craft. In this one, Grann reveals how he finds, researches and writes riveting stories. (Click here for the link.)

Staples graduates do amazing things. Each one has quite a story.

And some — like David Grann — spend their lives telling compelling stories to the rest of us.

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Posted in Media, People

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