Tag Archives: Jim Naughton

Roundup: StartUp Pitch Competition, Fulbright Scholar, Westport Community Theatre …

Posted on June 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: StartUp Pitch Competition, Fulbright Scholar, Westport Community Theatre …

Less than 2 weeks remain to enter StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.

The event — for innovators and entrepreneurs, not baseball players or musicians — offers early-stage startups a chance to win a non-dilutive, 5-figure cash prize

It’s also a great way to plug into our town’s vibrant network of mentors, business leaders and passionate supporters.

Eligibility is simple: pre-institutional funding, a scalable business model, and a founder with Connecticut roots or strong state ties.

Applications are now open (click here for details). The deadline is 11 p.m. June 12.

In September, 4 finalists will be chosen to pitch “live shark tank-style” (though with more encouragement and, perhaps, less drama).

Winners will be announced November 20, at the Westport Library.

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Congratulations to Wes DeOreo!

The 2021 Staples High School graduate (and former lacrosse player) has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for 2025-26.

The program offers 400 positions in over 135 countries. Awardees teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects.

DeOreo — who just graduated from Bates College with a double major in politics and German — will teach in Germany.

At Bates he served as an AESOP leader, rugby club president, athletics student assistant, and fitness attendant.

He is no stranger to Germany. DeOreo has studied transatlantic history at the University of Freiburg; and taught English and coached club lacrosse in Freiburg.

He looks forward to joinng community sports teams, and reconnect with German friends and family. After his Fulbright, DeOreo will pursue a career in public service. (Hat tip: Linda Smith)

Wes DeOreo (Photo/Phyllis Graber Jensen for Bates College)

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The curtain rises Friday on the Westport Community Theatre’s new show, “The Gods of Comedy.”

The show — about a young classics professor who calls on Greek gods for help after a priceless manuscript goes missing — is full of “chaos, confusion, and divine mischief.”

The cast includes Jacqueline Carlsen, Henry Durham, Bob Filipowitch, Carin Freidag, Martha Hegley, Paula Lacy, Marcy Sansolo, David Victor and Virgil Watson.

“The Gods of Comedy” plays weekends through June 22, in the lower level of Town Hall. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays. There is one Thursday show: June 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available here.

Marcy Sansolo and Bob Filipowich, on stage.

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No one wants to hear “DNR.”

Unless they playing.

Doctors know the initials stand for “Do Not Resuscitate.”

Music lovers know it stands for one of Fairfield County’s favorite rock bands.

And — surprise! — nearly all the musicians are physicians.

On Saturday, June 14 (7 p.m.), they take their show to the Westport Library. It’s a fundraiser, for the Library’s great community programming.

Get your tickets ($40) here. There is also a cash bar.

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Speaking of Library music: Dan Bikel filled the bill last night.

By day a computer scientist and AI leader at Meta, he’s also a very talented singer, songwriter and composer. (With great genes: He’s the son of Theodore Bikel, the folk singer who played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” over 2,000 times._

Dan entertained the Trefz Forum crowd with  original songs on piano and guitar. He also performed the second movement of his Piano Concerto No. 1, showing his classical side.

Dan Bikel (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Jim Naughton has shared his enormous acting talent, and the celebrity that comes with it, to advocate — and raise millions of dollars — for many excellent causes.

He has been active in areas ranging from animal welfare to the death with dignity movement. in Fairfield County and beyond.

He has been a special friend of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, including hosting every ACE Awards ceremony.

This year, the tables are turned. The longtime Weston resident (and Tony Award winner) will be honored with the Citizen Impact Award, for his contributions to arts and culture here.

The event is June 17 (5:30 p.m., Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Avenue). Tickets and more information are available here.

Jim Naughton, hosting another event — the Staples High School Pops Concert. He took a turn on the triangle too. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the Westport Pops Concert: It’s this Friday (June 6, 7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

If you’ve been before, you know it’s a kick-off-the-summer highlight, featuring a couple of hundred talented teenage musician, under the stars. Free tickets are available here.

But note: If you’ve been before, you may have had dinner from food trucks in the Library parking lot.

There are no food trucks this year. So eat before you go — or better yet, bring a picnic. The lawn opens at 6 p.m.

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Speaking of theater: Sure, the Westport Country Playhouse’s gala — celebrating 95 years of history and entertainment — is more than 4 months away.

But save the date: October 4.

And get ready to celebrate the evening’s honoree: Anne Keefe.

A cornerstone of the WCP since 1973, she has been involved in nearly every facet of the famed stage.

Key achievements include a pivotal role in the 1999 campaign to renovate and preserve the Playhouse, and her leadership as associate artistic director and co-artistic director (alongside Joanne Woodward).

For over 35 years. she’s supported the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Gala. She has been honored with an award for lifetime achievement in stage management, selection to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame’s 10 Women of Distinction, the Westport Arts Award for Theatre, and the Connecticut Critics Circle’s Tom Killan Award.

Keefe has taught at the Yale School of Drama, and served on the boards of the Playhouse and Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.

Tickets and more information will be available soon.

Anne Keefe

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Sure, the bar is high for entitled parking.

But this shot — from yesterday’s dance recital at Bedford Middle School — clears that bar.

Note the arrogance of simply parking in the middle of the lot, forcing drivers in 2 directions to creep around.

Stopping right across the white line is a bonus.

The coup de grâce, of course, is that the driver is facing the wrong way. Impressive!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo also includes a caution.

The American oystercatchers are back nesting at Compo’s South Beach, near the cannons.

As always, the fragile birds hope we humans don’t get too close.

The Audubon Alliance has laid out a protected nesting area. Please honor it!

American oystercatchers, seen with a zoom lens (Hat tip and photo/Jeffrey Mayer)

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And finally … happy June 1!

(The days keep getting longer. Which means you have even more daylight to support “06880.” Please click here to make a contribution to this hyper local blog. Thank you!

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Roundup: Jim Naughton, Donald Trump, Birdhouse Reunion …

Posted on April 17, 2024 | 18 comments

His wife’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2013 galvanized Tony Award-winning actor Jim Naughton into action.

He’s spent the past decade advocating for a statewide Aid In Dying law.

On Tuesday he brought his passion — and powerful persuasive powers — to the Westport Rotary Club. The longtime Weston resident discussed the importance of the bill, its history and future.

He noted that although 75% of Connecticut residents support this “death with dignity” legislation, its proponents have not been able to get it out of committee for a vote.

Jim Naughton, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Photographs are not allowed during the trial of Donald Trump — at least, not during the actual action.

But a few photographers have been allowed in before the proceedings begin. This one — published around the world — was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt:

(Photo/Spencer Platt for AFP)

It’s not the first time Platt has shot a Trump-related image.

In 2022 he was one of 5 Getty Images photographers who earned a Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography, for their coverage of the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. (Hat tip: Richard Seclow)

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For well over a decade, Project Return ran one of the most intriguing fundraisers anywhere.

Local artists created one-of-a-kind birdhouses. They were auctioned off, at a gala event.

Everyone had fun admiring — and bidding on — the unique structures. It raised much-needed money, for supportive housing.

I’m sure the birds loved it too.

Some of the men and women who created those birdhouses — and their collectors — got together for a reunion last night.

They mingled and reminisced.

And showed off their still-working, still beautiful birdhouses.

Here’s a small sampling:

 

(Photos/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Westport PAL is collecting used sports equipment. It will be used on their Memorial Day float, and donated to organizations in need.

Equipment can be dropped off any time in the lobby of Police headquarters on Jesup Road. Pickups can also be scheduled; call Emma Rojas at 203-571-7505.

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There’s been another Tesla Cybertruck sighting in town.

Saryn Koche and her son saw it parked behind Don Memo.

This one had a dog inside.

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Every April, Bob Weingarten takes a photo of his window frame. It’s an annual reminder of Westport’s springtime beauty.

And a perfect image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Happy Ford Mustang Day! Sixty years ago today — on April 17, 1964 — the iconic automobile was introduced to the world.

It is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate.

(Want to celebrate Ford Mustang Day? Pony up a few bucks for “06880”! Just click here. Thank you for your support!)

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Posted in Children, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Justin Paul & Friends, Cobs Bread, Max & Max …

Posted on August 4, 2023 | 2 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse’s annual benefit gala is always star-studded.

This year’s event will be studded with 3 Westport and Weston stars.

And all are Tony Award winners.

Staples High School Class of 2003 graduate Justin Paul — creator of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman” (and also an Oscar, Grammy and Oliver Award honoree) headlines the exciting evening of music,

He’ll be joined by Kelli O’Hara (“The Light in the Piazza,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific,” “Days of Wine and Roses”) and James Naughton (“City of Angels,” “Chicago,” director of the Playhouse’s “Our Town”).

The show includes talented Broadway performers, from Paul’s past projects and other award-winning Broadway musicals. The full list of special guests will be announced soon.

In keeping with the local-but-internationally-talented angle, the gala is directed by Staples High School Class of 2012 Caley Beretta (Disney Theatrical Productions).

“An Evening with Justin Paul and Friends, with Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” is set for Saturday, September 9 (8 p.m.).

A limited number of $1,000 tickets are available; a post-show reception with the stars is included. Call 203-571-1291, or email cmackay@westportplayhouse.org.

For $500 and $300 tickets, click here.

Justin Paul (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The bread was an afterthought at Jersey Mike’s.

Soon, bread (baked daily) — and danishes, cinnamon rolls and the like — will be front and center, at the now-vacant Compo Acres Shopping Center storefront.

Cobs Bread is moving in. A sign announces: ” We’re hiring!”

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

The “artisan bread” chain has over 700 franchises in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, with a smaller presence in the US.

Two other Connecticut locations are Stamford and Greenwich. Click here for the company website (and the menu).

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Max Saperstein is a rising junior at Staples High School.

He’s also the youngest person honored as a guest exhibitor at the Westport Book Shop.

Max is showing a variety of photographs, ranger from the Westport Farmers’ Market to Italy, and places in between.

Inspired by nature and architecture, Max seeks to capture beauty wherever he finds it.

He is photography director at Inklings, the school paper, a silver medal winner in the Westport PTA’s 2023 Reflections art contest, and earned special recognition in the Congressional Institute’s Congressional Art Competition.

Max’s photography will be on exhibit at the Book Shop through August 31.  All work on display is available for purchase.

He will use the proceeds to support a philanthropic photography project, “Max’s Magic.” He takes portraits of children who face challenging situations, then transforms them into images of superheroes, sports stars or movie characters.

Max Saperstein with his photos, at the Westport Book Shop.

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News of another Max:

Just added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar: “Max Weinberg’s Jukebox.” The ticketed show is set for October 5 (7:30 p.m.).

In the interactive experience, Weinberg invites audience members to create the set list — in real time — for his 4-piece band.

The “menu” of 300 songs includes the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and more.

And speaking of The Boss: Weinberg has been the driving rhythmic force behind the E Street Band for 43 years. In 2014, he and the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He is well known too for his 17-year gig as the bandleader and comedic foil to Conan O’Brien, leading his namesake band on “NBC’s Late Night” and “The Tonight Show.”

Weinberg has played with James Brown, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, BB King, Tony Bennett, Ringo Starr, John Fogerty, Stevie Winwood, Isaac Hayes and Sheryl Crow.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Max Weinberg

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The Westport Community Gardens near Long Lots Elementary School is 20 years old.

The town’s arts heritage stretches back 100 years.

Tomorrow (Saturday, August 5, all day: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), the Gardens celebrate that arts legacy.

“Art in the Garden” is a day of enjoying the natural beauty of the Gardens — and a chance for everyone to make art, or take photos, there.

The event is a collaboration with the Artists Collective of Westport.

Children are welcome. For more information on the Westport Community Gardens, click here.

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How has Bridgeport’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater become one of the most popular music venues in the state?

Last night, Howard Saffan — the owner, developer and president — told a large Westport Library crowd how he’s attracted large crowds, with headliners like the Beach Boys, Temptations, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, the Four Tops, Rod Stewart, Jackson Browne, Santana and more.

The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

Howard Saffan at the Westport Library. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)

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It’s been a while since we’ve run a deer photo.

This one — taken on Bedford Drive — clears the very high bar for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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And finally … in honor of Justin Paul’s upcoming appearance at the Westport Country Playhouse annual benefit gala, here are 3 of his “greatest hits”:

(“06880” has covered Justin Paul — and the Westport Country Playhouse — since we began, 14 years ago. We’ll keep doing it. But we need your help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Survey, Death With Dignity, Staples Girls Sports …

Posted on November 2, 2022 | 6 comments

The Parks & Rec Department has held open houses on its Longshore Capital Improvement Plan. Residents weighed in — pro and con.

Now there’s another way to provide feedback. They’ve posted a survey on the project website, along with all the concepts already presented. It’s open through November 9.

Click here to take the survey. Be sure you have some time — it’s comprehensive.

The full project website is available at Stantec Longshore Club Park.

What changes would you like to see at Longshore?

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A new, revised leaf blower ordinance got its first reading at last night’s Representative Town Meeting.

Because there are a number of changes from the original proposal — including the elimination of fines — there was no vote. After new committee hearings, the ordinance may be voted on in January.

Click here to read the full proposal.

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Actor/director/Weston resident Jim Naughton writes:

“State Senator Will Haskell has told me that when he visited senior centers in several of the towns in his 26th District, he found that ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ was the bill they most wanted passed.

“This did not surprise to me. When my wife Pamela, having battled pancreatic cancer for 4 years, got to the end of her journey, she said to me, ‘Jimmy, I don’t want to wake up anymore.’ If Connecticut had made it available to her then, she would have used it.

“Also known as ‘Death With Dignity,’ the law has been adopted in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It came within one vote of making it out of the Connecticut Legislature’s Judiciary Committee last spring. A Gallup poll determined that 75% of Connecticut residents want it.

“I urge our neighbors to know where the candidates stand on the issue before voting next week.  It will be revisited in the next session.”

Pam Naughton

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Earth Animal cares about pets — and the humans who love them.

For the 15th straight year, they’re participating in the Mitten Project, for Connecticut Food Share. Last year, they raised over $40,000. This year — with increased need for help — the goal is $45,000.

Froom now through December 31, people can buy “mittens” at the store (and others in the area). Each “purchase” is a $5 donation.

In addition, cashmere mittens, Advent calendars and wreaths will be sold December 3 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Earth Animal. The store will match every dollar donated.

Special “Sip and Shop” events will also benefit CFS at:

  • J. Mclaughlin (342 Pequot Avenue, Southport,, November 17, 1-5 p.m.)
  • The Post (1799 Post Road East, November 17, 3 to 6 p.m.)
  • Millie Rae’s (1011 Post Road East, December 8, 4 to 6 p.m.)
  • Scout & Molly (283 Post Road East, November 16, 2 to 6 p.m.)
  • Outdoor Design and Living (1301 Bronson Road, Fairfield, November 17, 4 to 7 p.m.)
  • Mo’s Wine and Spirits (957 Post Road, Fairfield, December 8, 7 to 9 p.m.)
  • Milestone Restaurant (2 Main Street, Redding, CT, December 8, noon to 5 p.m.).

In addition, a homemade pie sale (apple, apple crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, pumpkin) at Wakeman Town Farm will send all proceeds to Connecticut Food Share. Click here to order between November 14 and 18. Pickup is November 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at WTF.

And … Earth Animal is selling wreaths December 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), also for the CFS cause.

Want to make a donation without a purchase? Click here.

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Sami DeWitt scored on a pair of corner kicks, and Annabel Edwards knocked in a third goal, as Staples High School’s girls soccer team downed Greenwich 3-1 last night, in the FCIAC tournament semifinals. A late Cardinal goal ruined Cami Kolek’s shutout bid.

The Wreckers — defending state and FCIAC champs — look to add another league title in tomorrow’s championship match against longtime rival St. Joseph (Thursday, November 3, 7 p.m., Wilton High School’s Kristine Lilly Field).

The Wreckers  are ranked 3rd in the tourney. The Cadets are first. St. Joseph won the teams’ regular season match 2-1, less than 2 weeks ago.

Staples High School girls soccer Senior Day.

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Congratulations too to the Staples field hockey team!

They also play for an FCIAC championship tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m.,  Brien McMahon High School).

The #3-seeded Wreckers topped #2 Wilton 3-1 last night. Their opponents tomorrow are top-rated Darien. Staples will seek to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Blue Wave earlier this year.

The Staples field hockey team, after last night’s FCIAC semifinal win. (Photo courtesy of Inklings/India Ahl)

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Stacie Curran writes:

“Without much fanfare, a new stop sign appeared at the intersection of Greens Farms Road and Bulkley Avenue South.

“It seems that no one is observing it. Waze and other apps direct traffic this way when I-95 get congested- The morning (race car) commuters are in their zone, and blissfully unaware of this change.

“Without some police presence (or the addition of a stop  sign 🛑 to map-apps), this interaction is actually more dangerous now.”

Greens Farms Road, looking west. South Bulkley Avenue is to the right; Stop and Shop (not pictured) is off it. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

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Yesterday was the day after Halloween — November 1.

Time to put up the Christmas lights!

This was the scene on Hillspoint Road. One homeowner — well, the landscaping crew — was already hard at work.

You’ll have an extra hour to see them twinkle soon. Daylight Savings ends on Sunday.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Michael Chait has a large and well-deserved following for his original photographs, which he blends with aspects of paint technique. He is particularly fond of photographing Westport and New York City.

His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

Now — just in time for the holidays — he’s got a new website. Click here to explore.

Michael Chait’s flag over the Saugatuck River.

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Folk and other music lovers know Voices Café — tucked inside Westport’s Unitarian Church — is a hidden gem.

Now kids can enjoy it too.

A special Voices youngsters’ event brings Dan and Claudia Zanes back to Westport this Saturday (November 5, 4 p.m.). They entertained a large Levitt Pavilion Chidren’s Series crowd a couple of years ago.

Voices Café is a sensory-friendly, open environment. There’s space up front for movement and fun.. Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 2 to 17; children under 2 are free. A 15% discount is available for families of 4 or more. Click here for tickets and more information.

Claudia and Dan Zames.

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There are many things to love about the Saugatuck Rowing Club. High on the list this time of year: the view from the river.

Rachel Halperin stopped long enough from her workout to snap today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot.

(Photo/Rachel Halperin)

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And finally … Happy 2nd Day of the Dead!

======================================================= (On this Day of the Dead, help keep “06880” alive. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Longshore, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Awards Highlight Westport Aces

Posted on September 29, 2020 | 6 comments

The 2020 ACE Awards will have a distinctly Westport-Weston look.

The event — the acronym is for Arts & Culture Empowerment, and it’s sponsored by the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County — is set for October 22 (5:30 p.m., online). Registration is free.

Westporter Miggs Burroughs earns the Artist honors. Local residents Harold Bailey and Bernicestine McLeod receive the Citizen award.

Miggs Burroughs

Burroughs — a native Westporter and Staples High School graduate — has designed hundreds of logos, ads, brochures and websites for commercial and non-profit clients since 1972. His lenticular photos that explore change and transition are displayed at shows and galleries, and in tunnels like Parker Harding Plaza and the Wesetport train station.

A founding member of the Artists Collective of Westport and the first artist-in-residence at the Westport Library, Burroughs actually designed the actual ACE award — which was 3D-printed in the library’s MakerSpace.

Bailey and McLeod — both Brown University graduates and trustees — are committed to civic work and philanthropy. Bailey is a former IBM vice president, who chairs TEAM Westport — the town’s multicultural commission. McLeod — president of an IT consulting firm — serves as treasurer.

Harold Bailey and Bernicestine McLeod

Bailey is also a board member of the Westport Country Playhouse, and a founder of Stamford’s 100 Black Men organization.McLeod has served on many boards, including the Westport Library and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Weston’s Jim Naughton hosts the event. Tony Award winner Joanna Gleason — who works often with Staples Players — will talk about the essential role of music and arts education.

Videos for the virtual event are produced by Westporter Doug Tirola, president of 4th Row Films, and the guiding light behind the Remarkable Theater.

To register for the free event, click here. For more information, including sponsorships, email david@culturalalliancefc.org.

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Posted in Arts, Organizations, People

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COVID-19 Roundup: Great Gault; Sweet P Bakery; Kentucky Derby; More

Posted on April 27, 2020 | 1 comment

Shane Purcell posted this on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page. It’s worth repeating (don’t worry, I asked him!):

“Shout-out to Gault for coming out during the pandemic to install a whole new boiler and hot water heating system. Our boiler sprung a huge leak Thursday night, and the water tank failed as well. They ordered a new boiler and tank, which was delivered first thing Friday morning.

“They had everything up and running for my daughter’s quarantine birthday — and worked for 8 hours straight to get the job done.”

That’s the Gault we know and love — serving Westport for 157 years!

Sweet P Bakery is a new nonprofit providing training and employment opportunities to adults with learning and developmental disabilities. Within weeks of Sweet P’s start, the program had to pause because of COVID-19.

But they came up with a way to help front line heroes and local food pantries and the adults with disabilities, all while delivering Sweet P treats and smiles to people staying home.

It’s called “Granola for Good.” For every donation to Sweet P, 50% to a granola delivery to a front line group or food pantry.

And for every donation, you can select a Sweet P treat: 8 gluten-free chocolate cookies, a 4-pack “Surprise S’more Kit,” or a bag of “Get Up and Granola.” There’s free delivery in Westport, Weston, Wilton, Fairfield and Norwalk.

The other half of the donation helps Sweet P staff stay in touch with students, via teaching videos and other virtual events. Click here to donate, and for more details.

There are not many planes in the sky these days. Tomorrow there will be.

A formation of US Navy Blue Angels and US Air Force Thunderbirds will honor first responders on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic by flying over this area.

Their flight begins at noon (Tuesday, April 28) in New York. The elite flight demonstration squadrons will soar over Newark, then across Long Island. Their projected path takes them over Stamford around 12:30 or so, before heading west.

With a little luck, they’ll pass over Westport. If they do, don’t forget to wave. (Hat tips: Andrea Pouliot, Peggy Lehn)

Seven years ago this month, Jim Naughton’s wife Pamela died of pancreatic cancer.

Through his efforts to raise research funds, the Weston actor has been very impressed with the Foley Foundation. They contribute to Norwalk Hospital’s Dr. Richard Frank’s clinical trial to find an early diagnosis. Right now, it’s too often discovered in stage 3 or 4.

Every year the Foley Foundation sponsors a Kentucky Derby Day event, with mint juleps, food and a best hat contest. This year, it will be run as a “Virtual Happy Hour.”

As honorary chair, Jim is participating in a webinar at 5 p.m. this Saturday, May 2 — the exact time the 2020 race was supposed to be run. He invites all interested “06880” readers to join. It should be a fun hour — and it benefits a very worthy cause. Click here to join.

Jim Naughton

And finally … Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati wrote “A Ray of Hope” in the days after Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination. Dark days are here again. But 52 years later, the Rascals’ words still ring true. I hope.

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Kids’ Detention Center Protest Set For Saturday

Posted on June 26, 2019 | 67 comments

Jim Naughton is not sleeping well.

The Tony Award-winning actor is haunted by images of children kept in horrifying conditions in detention centers on our nation’s southwest border.

He is surprised and distressed that Americans are not rising up in protest over the separation from family members, lack of access to basic sanitary conditions — and deaths.

So he’s taking action.

Naughton — a longtime Weston resident — enlisted the help of fellow humanitarian Ken Bernhard. The former Republican state representative, 3d selectman and volunteer board member helped found the Syria Fund, which aids refugees; the Tree of Life Orphanage in Haiti, and the Soles4Souls shoe drive.  

This morning, they arranged for a protest march this Saturday (June 29, 10 a.m.) on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in downtown Westport.

“If our neighbors in Westport and Weston have been waking at night, as I have, horrified by the news of the way our country is mistreating children, and would like to do something, please meet, demonstrate and march with us on Saturday,” Naughton says.

“We hope to bring attention to what’s going on. We need to let our representatives know that we want this situation addressed now. It can’t drag on.

“This is a humanitarian problem. People of every political stripe who find this abhorrent are welcome.”

67 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Organizations, People, Politics

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Pops! Goes The Concert

Posted on June 10, 2017 | 3 comments

After 1296 straight days of rain and cold, the sun finally came out today.

This evening, so did the crowds.

Over 1,500 people — proud parents, folks whose kids graduated from school back in the 20th century, little kids who were born in the 2010s — packed the Levitt Pavilion for the 2nd annual Westport Pops concert.

A bottle of wine, some Pops, and wow!

The Bedford Middle School jazz ensemble, and Long Lots’ steel drum band — is there another elementary school with one this side of the islands? — warmed up the crowd.

Orphenians sang the same stirring arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that they wowed crowds with at Yankee Stadium.

The Long Lots Elementary School steel band.

Then Staples’ 3 orchestras, Orphenians (again) and jazz band took over.

Staples High School’s brassy sax ensemble.

The program rolled from “West Side Story” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” to Dolly Parton and freedom songs. Madison Malin and Riley Thrush nailed solos.

Madison Malin solos, Luke Rosenberg conducts, and the Orphenians sing Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.”

And then — waving American flags handed out by the musicians — the enormous crowd clapped along to a rousing “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

Stars and stripes on the Levitt lawn, during “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

A night like this was worth all 12,960 days of rain and cold.

“Live at Lincoln Center” producer Andrew Wilk guest conducts the symphonic and sophomore orchestras in “Stars and Stripes Forever.” (Photo/Valerie Smith-Malin)

Broadway actor, noted entertainer and Weston resident Jim Naughton emceed the pops concert with wit and grace.

The Westport Police Department Color Guard opened and closed the show.

BONUS FEATURE: Here’s what the Levitt looked like last night, from Brandon Malin’s quadcopter:

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Pops! Goes The Concert

Posted on May 15, 2017 | 5 comments

This morning’s post looked back on Friday’s Staples High School choral concert.

But there’s no rest for the music department. They’re already looking ahead.

Free tickets became available a few minutes ago for the 2nd annual Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion (Friday, June 9, 7 p.m.). Last year they were snapped up the day of the announcement. They’ll go even quicker this time. (Click here to get yours!)

The sun glinted off the Levitt Pavilion pavilion last year, as the jazz band played.

The event — modeled on the Boston Pops’ Esplanade series — was an instant smash in its debut. This year promises to be even more impressive.

In addition to performances of classical and contemporary music by Staples’ symphonic and chamber orchestras, jazz band and Orphenians, there’s pre-concert music from the Long Lots Elementary School steel drum band, Bedford Middle School jazz ensemble and various Staples chamber groups at 6 p.m.

Food trucks start serving at 5:30.

Once again, the great Jim Naughton will emcee.

Emcee — and Tony Award winner — Jim Naughton took a turn on the triangle.

The Pops Concert is the music department’s 2nd gift to the town. (The Candlelight Concert is the 1st.)

Of course, there are plenty of expenses associated with the townwide music programs. Every orchestra and band instrument must be moved from schools to the Levitt; union set-up costs money too. Donations are gratefully accepted!

The show is a wonderful kickoff for the Levitt season. The al fresco venue is perfect — and the music is even better.

Enjoy the show!

(The Pops Concert is just one of many end-of-school-year music activities. This Friday [May 19] is the Staples Cabaret. The Staples chamber orchestra performs with their Bedford and Coleytown Middle School counterparts on Wednesday, May 24 [Staples, 7 p.m.] The Staples and Bedford Middle School jazz concert is Monday, June 5 [Staples, 7 p.m.] And of course the middle and high school bands march in the Memorial Day parade [Monday, May 29].)

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“A Tribute To Pamela”: Local Benefit Show With Wide Impact

Posted on April 29, 2017 | 2 comments

Jim Naughton is a pro.

Whether winning Tonys on Broadway, raves for roles in films like “The Paper Chase” and “The Devil Wears Prada,” or plaudits for directing plays like “Our Town,” the longtime Weston resident does things the right way.

Pam Naughton

After his wife Pamela died in 2013 of pancreatic cancer, he dedicated himself to raising funds to fight the disease. He has brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars for a very important clinical trial — and on Sunday, May 7 he’s set to raise more.

He’s doing it with a very professional — and extremely entertaining — benefit show.

“A Tribute to Pamela” brings his family together on the Westport Country Playhouse stage. Naughton will be joined by his son Greg, a producer, actor, singer/songwriter and founding member of the Sweet Remains; his daughter Keira Naughton Forgash, a Broadway and TV actress, and Greg’s wife Kelli O’Hara Naughton, Tony-winning actress and Broadway star in “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “Light in the Piazza.”

The songs and celebration will support research aimed at early detection of pancreatic cancer. It’s led by Westporter Dr. Richard Frank, of the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.

Newman’s Own Foundation is a lead sponsor of the May 7 event.

So it’s a very local, one-night show. But its impact could be global — and everlasting.

(Click here for tickets. For more information, call 203-739-7354.)

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