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Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted Tyler Hicks’ haunting photos from Ukraine.
But he’s not the only New York Times photographer shooting images in that threatened nation.
He’s not even the only one who is a Staples High School graduate.
Hick’s colleague Lynsey Addario — who graduated 3 years after Hicks, in 1991, and is both a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner — has contributed her own important work.
This one shows — and humanizes — embattled Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine president Volodomyr Zelensky (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
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Wednesday’s “Fall in Love with Westport” event was a great success.
A number of new neighbors joined “old timers” at Greens Farms Church. They shared tips and stories about life in this town. Just as importantly, they connected around kids, previous residences and similar needs.
It was a diverse crowd, with an international flavor. They plan to get together again soon.
If you missed the event and want to know more, email office@greensfarmschurch. All are welcome — church membership is not required!
“Fall in Love with Westport” at Greens Farms Church.
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On Halloween I was honored to hear the world premiere of “Dracula: The Covenant.” That’s the musical project Westporter Dodie Pettit worked on for years with her husband, the late Broadway star Kevin Gray. (It was in the works long before a similar show with the same name flopped.)
With help from husband Rex Fowler — with whom she performs, as Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — Dodie completed the project.
Now it’s on Spotify and other digital media. CDs will arrive soon. To download and listen now to this enthralling work, click here.
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In the wake of December’s devastating Kentucky tornadoes, Westporter Steve Crowley and his sons organized a fundraiser downtown.
Governor Andy Beshear recently thanked Crowley for both the money donated, and the specially designed t-shirts created for and sent to affected families.
Beshear also cited the “love and support” of donors, noting “we can come together in troubling times and give a lift to our friends and neighbors. In Kentucky we say ‘we will get through this, we’ll get through this together.’ Thank you for caring and contributing in our time of need.”
Steve Crowley (right) and sons sold t-shirts downtown.
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Edward Thompson is the beloved minister of music at Westport’s Unitarian Church.
He does far more than pick songs and direct the choir. He’s a working composer. On Saturday, February 26 (8 p.m., Unitarian Church of Westport), New York’s Choral Chameleon offers the world premiere of his 12-movement choral piece “Step into the Night.” A jazz quartet will join the voices.
Thompson wrote the work in response to situations like the pandemic, filled with isolation and fear. It includes elements of both the classical tradition and jazz.
Tickets are $25 each, available online and at the door.
Edward Thompson
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There is always something new at Finding Westport.
Jillian Elder has just added t-shirts (short and long sleeve), tanks, hoodies, tumblers, totes and mugs with 2 designs: the Minute Man in an “Interstate” crest (click here to see and order) and “I Really Miss Westport” (click here).
New “Finding Westport” designs.
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Alison Milwe Grace wears two toques. She’s a highly regarded culinary teacher at Staples High School. And her AMG Catering offers not just food for every event, but cooking classes.
Now she’s a television star. News12 Connecticut is featuring her, offering 5 favorite recipes, like honey-glazed chicken thighs and mussels with garlic toast. Click here to see (and then cook!).
Screenshot of Alison Milwe Grace.
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There’s a moose on the Sherwood Island Connector.
At least, it looked like that to Katja Gabrielson. When she posted this image — which I’m stealing as the “Westport … Naturally” image today — on Facebook, many users chimed in that they thought exactly the same thing.
Longtime “06880” readers George, Bev and Jeff Bullwinkel were not available for comment.
(Photo/Katja Gabrielson)
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And finally … because this is (as you know) National Condom Week:
