Tag Archives: Jo Ann Miller

Roundup: EMT Course, Playhouse Birthday, Earthplace Autumn …

Posted on August 17, 2025 | 2 comments

It’s not easy to become a Westport Emergency Medical Technician.

But there may be no better way to serve your community.

The opportunity to be part of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — and offer assistance, reassurance, even life-saving care — to relatives, friends, neighbors and strangers — is enriching and fulfilling.

And astonishingly important.

Orientation for the next class begins August 28.

The class runs from September 9 through December 18. Lectures are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Labs are on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re up for it — or want to learn more — click here for details.

=============================================

The Westport Country Playhouse is 94 years old.

Philip Langner is half a decade older.

On August 24, Langner — the son of founders Lawrence Langner and Armine Marshall — turns 99.

He has known the Playhouse all of his — and its life.

His most recent visit was in 2023. He celebrated the first (and only) Literary Landmark dedication in Connecticut, with 2 younger generations of Langners.

Birthday cards and letters can be sent to Philip Langer, 135 Central Park West, Suite 4S, New York, New York 10023.

Philip Langner (front) with family members and (far left and right, respectively) Westport Library director Bill Harmer and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Literary Landmark dedication. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=================================================

Earthplace’s fall programs cover all ages — and all 62 acres of the non-profit cience, conservation and education center. Click here for a full list of classes, events and more. 

Among the highlights:

Community Volunteer Day (Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; free). Help remove invasive plants, and tend to the trails.

Nature Theater: A Harvest Homecoming (Sunday, September 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; adults $20, children 4-17 $10; under 3 free). “Who Are We Kiddin’?” returns with an outdoor experience for kids.

Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall (Sunday, September 28; 1 to 2:30 p.m.); $12; $10 for members). Leanr to safely and sustainably enjoy goods from the woods.

Woodside Bash (Saturday, October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125).

Fall Festival (Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: $40, $12 and $8). Obstacle course, hay rides, corn pool, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling, animal encounters, brids of prey, apple slingshot, hay search, donut on a string, food trucks and more.

Mini Clubs (Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 3-6; $105; $90 for members). Explore bugs, birds and tracking.

Free Range Kids (Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; ages 4-11)

Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-2)

Natue Art Club (Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 3-6).

Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 6-12).

Junior Staff (Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m.; one Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; grades 7-12).

Kids’ Night Out: An Earthplace Campout (Friday, September 19, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; $60; members $50).

Vacation Day Camp (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Election Day).

One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

==================================================

This weekend marks the 56th anniversary of Woodstock.

And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.

The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.

This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.

And it’s not some outtakes, added later.

This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.

Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.

As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.

And thousands of others, who wish they were. (Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)

=======================================================

The connections to the Fairfield National team — currently tearing up their bracket at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — keep coming.

In addition to Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap — all with parents who are Staples High School graduates (click here, then scroll down), there is Tommy D’Amura.

The winning pitcher in relief in Friday night’s 5-1 win against Honolulu is the son of Westport Police Department Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, and Greens Farms Elementary School psychologist Katie D’Amura.

It’s almost as if Fairfield is a home town team.

They advance to tomorrow’s winner’s bracket game (Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN), against Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Let’s go, Fairfield!

Tommy D’Amura, at the end of Fairfield’s game against Honolulu. (Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball & Softball)

================================================

In the midst of her move to Bermuda, longtime Westporter Jo Ann Miller has published her 5th novel: “The Devil Dog Brat.”

It’s about a “military brat” who gets involved in the disappearance of her best friend. Human trafficking is suspected.

“Military brats,” who undergo constant transfers of a military parent, consider the term a badge of dedication and patriotism.

Miller, the daughter of the late Lt. General Thomas H. Miller (USMC), attended 4 different high schools.

“The Devil Dog Brat” — part of the Abbey Lane series — will be available Labor Day, on Amazon.

====================================================

The classic cars keep coming … to Compo Beach.

The most recent: This 1939 Ford Delluxe coupe, with proud owner Dan Fratino.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

A zinnia shares the spotlight with a bee, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

And finally … as for Woodstock (story above): There were a lot of great performances there (and some pretty poor ones too). Here are 3 of the most legendary:

(A ticket to Woodstock cost $18 in 1969. Tons of people got in free, of course. “06880” is the same way: You can enjoy our blog without supporting us, but we hope you will. Please click here. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, History, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Ben Casparius, Dmitry Kamensky, Tom Lowrie …

Posted on May 25, 2025 | 7 comments

The last time we checked in with Ben Casparius, he had just earned himself a World Series ring.

It was a storybook finish for the 2017 Staples High School graduate. In just 2 months, he moved from the minor leagues to an important role in the Los Angeles’ drive to the championship.

What’s next for the pitcher? Perhaps League Rookie of the Year.

At least, that’s what the (somewhat biased) TrueBlueLA.com website thinks.

They say: “The season is only about 1/3 complete, so there’s plenty of time remaining. But in terms of NL Rookie of the Year, Ben Casparius has pitched himself firmly into the discussion.”

The reliever threw 3 scoreless innings Friday against the New York Mets, striking out 6 of the 10 batters he faced.

Three days earlier he got the final out of the 8th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, protecting a 1-run edge with the bases loaded.

TrueBlueLA notes: “Stephen Nelson on the Dodgers radio broadcast said something to the effect of any National League Rookie of the Year poll that doesn’t include Casparius is invalid. He’s right.”

Casparius has a 2.94 ERA, with 38 strikeouts and only 6 walks.

Read the full TrueBlueLA.com story here. (Hat tip: Michael Kodama)

Ben Casparius

==================================================

Westport and Ukraine have a strong relationship.

Thanks to our sister city of Lyman — a town now just 7 miles from the Russian front — residents and town officials have felt connected to the entire war-torn nation.

Ken Bernhard and Larry Weisman’s relationship goes back even further.

Nearly a decade ago, Bernhard — an attorney, former state representative, and civic volunteer for many causes — taught a class in Ukraine on US constitutional law.

Over the years, he and fellow Westport attorney Lawrence Weisman continued to work with Professor Dmitry Kamensky via Zoom. They spoke to his Ukrainian law students about the American legal system, and the current state of affairs here.

Professor Kamensky has been in the US since April. He’s lectured at several universities, and visited the US Military Academy at West Point.

On Friday, he met a small group of Westporters at Weisman’s home.

Professor Kamensky spoke candidly about the war’s effects on his country, his university and students, and his own wife and young children. It was a first-hand look at a life that includes nightly attacks, daily uncertain, and people who — despite all the devastation — strive to lead as normal lives as they can.

Afteward, he wrote to those met, “I am incredibly grateful for all the support, empathy and kindness that you share with the people of Ukraine. Even more so, with the people in Lyman and other eastern Ukrainian towns, which now face the war carnage daily.

“Thank you all for being with us on this incredibly  hard path to freedom and European future. Your dedication, your involvement, your encouragement have no borders. I felt it with my heart today and this is something I will share with my people upon my return home soon.”

A reminder about Westport’s sister city of Lyman: Our connection began through Ukraine Aid International, the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.

They’re supporting 2 camps this summer in the Carpathian Mountains. It’s a chance for Lyman’s displaced children to reconnect with their former schoolmates.

The 10-day July session for 40 youngsters is fully funded. UAI is raising $10,000 for the August camp.All donations are welcome here. (Under “Designation,” select “Westport” from the dropdown menu.)

Let’s do, this Westport!

Professor Dmitry Kamensky (right), with Westporers on Friday.

==================================================

Plenty of Westporters are attending college reunions this month.

But Tom Lowrie may be the only one going to his 75th.

The longtime Westporter — who stepped down earlier this month as our town’s pickleball ambassador — attended that landmark event yesterday, at Princeton University.

Not only that: With his daughter Anne, he took part in the school’s “P-rade.”

Tom was joined by 5 others, from the Princeton Class of 1950.

They hope to see each other again, at the 80th reunion.

Tom Lowrie, enjoying his 75th reunion.

==================================================

Sixty protesters lined the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday, in another Saturday protest against President Trump and his administration.

Ages ranged from 26 to 92. One Tesla driver gave the crowd the finger, but other cars honked in support.

Canine protestor on the Ruth Steinkruas Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Pam Docters)

=================================================

A couple of miles away, the first beach weekend was a bit chilly. Early in the morning — before families arrived for the Parks & Recreation Department “Kickoff to Summer” and dedication of the new Compo Beach playground — a lone swimmer got ready to take the plunge.

(Photo/Missy Greenberg)

==================================================

“Pig Party” —  Jo Ann Miller’s new book — has just been published.

Carl Addison Swanson provides background: “In 1962, the men of the University of Texas voted famed singer-student Janis Joplin as the ‘ugliest man on campus.’ While the university and Janis were not pleased, the news of the pig party spread fast. Soon, such parties were being held at schools across the country.

“It took the ERA movement to eradicate the ugly practice.  This book is a work of fiction.” Click here for the Amazon link.

===============================================

Lifelonng Westport resident Malcolm Watson, Jr. died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was 76.

He graduated from Staples High School in 1967, and worked for Nash Engineering in South Norwalk. He served in the Navy in Vietnam during the war, and marched every Memorial Day in the Westport parade.

He owned Nielsen’s Wood Arts, a furniture refinishing business where he performed meticulous antique furniture restoration.

An avid swimmer and sailor, he was a member of the “High Tide Club,” swimming at Burying Hill Beach nearly year round.

He was a member of the Norwalk River Rowing Club, and served as a mentor for generations of younger rowers. He competed as a rower and coxswain all over the East Coast, including the famed Head of the Charles race in Boston.

He is survived by wife Roseann, daughter Amanda (Nathan), son Malcolm III, grandchildren Conrad and Rosie, brother Elmer Sniffen (Patricia), sister Nancy Sniffen, and sister-in-law Kathleen Carusone

A memorial service will be held on June 11, (11 a.m., Burying Hill Beach). In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to an organization of your choice.

==================================================

Westport continues to look gorgeous this spring — even near the transfer station.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” view shows the colorful scene between the Public Works headquarters parking lot and the Sherwood Island Connector.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Tom Lowrie’s 75th reunion (story above):

(If Ben Casparius becomes Rookie of the Year, you heard it first here. You hear a LOT of things here first, right? If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

7 Comments

Posted in Beach, Obituaries, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , ,

Online Art Gallery #251

Posted on February 1, 2025 | 1 comment

Our “06880” artists provide plenty of warm color, on this sunny-but-still-midwinter Saturday.

Yet no matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Together” — watercolor and pencil (Ellin Spadone)

“Victoria in Bloom” (Patricia McMahon)

“Chaos” (Jo Ann Miller)

“Red, White and Blue” (Karen Weingarten)

“Under the Sea” — acrylic and resin (Amy Schneider)

“Night Bloom_03” — digital illustration (Ken Runkel)

“Canteloupe Island (Tribute to Herbie Hancock)” (Tom Doran)

“Four Seasons” — Zentangle (paper and ink) (Holly Tashian)

“Sparky” (Archie Grant)

Untitled (Duane Cohen)

“Vintage Close-up Yacht ‘Nisca'” — Peter Barlow

“Arrival” — watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Happy Hour” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Arts

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Jamie Mann, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shonda’s Video …

Posted on January 24, 2025 | 2 comments

Westport will soon have a new Broadway star.

Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jamie Mann makes his Great White Way debut this spring in the new show “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”

The prequel to the popular Netflix show is set 24 years before the TV show’s first season. Jamie plays the teenage version of Ted Wheeler, Mike Wheeler’s jock dad, and understudies James Hopper, Jr.

Alison Jay plays Joyce Maldonado (the Winona Ryder character). She and Jamie became friends in 2022, while working on the workshop for the play at Netflix in Los Angeles.

Jamie had been on the Netflix set before. He starred as Brody in “Country Comfort,”during part of his junior and senior year at Staples High School.

Westporters know Jamie from his roles with Staples Players, and as a longtime student of Cynthia Gibb’s Triple Threat Academy. (Jamie now teaches  dance classes and offers private dance and acting coaching).

During Bedford Middle School, Jamie played Billy Elliot in theaters throughout the East Coast. He will graduate remotely, with a BFA from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program this spring.

“Stranger Things” opens on April 22. Previews begin March 28. For tickets and more information, click here.

Jamie Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)

=================================================

Speaking of theater: “Broadway’s Bad Boys” opened at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. The 4-night run ends Sunday.

Performed by 3 Broadway actors — Sam Gravitte (“Wicked”), Kevin Massey (“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”) and Julius Thomas III (“Hamilton”) — who played villains in musicals, the production includes “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and Professor Harold Hill of “Music Man.”

Curtain call at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

==================================================

Speaking still of entertainment: It’s only January, but the Levitt Pavilion has announced its first acts of the season.

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Infamous Stringdusters — those are bands — will be joined by New York’s Melt, on June 1.

The funk/bluegrass/indie soul tour will play just 5 venues across the Northeast. Ours is one of them.

It won’t be the Levitt’s opener, though. The 2025 season runs from may through October, with a combination of paid-ticket shows and 50 free dates. More shows will be announced soon.

Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for informatio on the “enchanced concert experience” package.

==================================================

A capacity crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last on Sunday, for our town’s 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.

The event included a wide-ranging discussion with noted producer Shonda Rhimes, and novelist/playwright/professor Trey Ellis. Both are Westport residents.

If you missed it — or if you were there, and want to see it again (along with a pair of great performances by gospel singer Christian Servance) — click below:

==================================================

Earlier this week, “06880” reported on Lynda Bluestein’s 2 wind phones, at the Westport Library.

We followed up by noting that a third wind phone — a disconnected rotary telephone, through which users can stay connected with loved ones who have died — was just installed at Greenfield Congregational Church.

Now there’s more news about Lynda, a longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member and staunch advocate for medical aid in dying legislation.

This is a story about choice, not death.

Lynda Bluestein would not take ‘no’ for an answer. Because Medical Aid in Dying is not legal in Connecticut, Lynda is forced to find another way to die peacefully.

This is an intimate and gripping look into what it takes to legally die on one’s own terms in the United States. Other Side delves into the systemic, familial and emotional complexities of navigating an untrodden medical landscape while terminally ill.

A 90-minute documentary about her life and death — “Other Side” — has just been accepted by South by Southwest.

Its world premiere is scheduled for the prestigious film festival in March.

Lynda Bluestein, in a scene from “Other Side.”

==================================================

Yesterday, Westport Police received a report from a friend that William Hill has not been seen since Monday.

He is homeless, avoiding shelters, but visits friends at Sasco Creek Village daily. Given the extreme cold this past week, friends and the Police are extremely concerned for his welfare.

Hill is 62, between 5-7 and 5-11 tall, medium build, with salt and pepper hair, and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and pushing a gray Trek bicycle with a rack, carrying bags and a knapsack on his back.

Anyone with information that can help locate William Hill should call the Police Department: 203-341-6000.

William Hill, in a younger photograph.

==================================================

Congratulations to Jo Ann Miller!

Her third novella in the “Abbey Lane” fiction series, “Deadly Donations,” has just been published.

Here, the former investigative reporter turned private detective encounters the effect of huge donations by foreign countries to American universities.

The Network Contagion Research Institute reports that over $47 billion has been donated, much of it not reported, and coming from authoritarian Middle East countries.

Meanwhile, hate crimes and antisemitic acts increased over 200% on campuses.  When Abbey’s activist client is murdered, she delves into those corrupt donations. Click here to purchase on Amazon.

==================================================

The Westport Library is cozy and welcoming. One of the many wart employees is Heli Stagg.

This week, she ventured out from the Library café — which she runs — to photograph the nearby Saugatuck River.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a great reason to appreciate our local beauty.

And then get something nice and warm, served by Heli at the café.

(Photo/Heli Stagg)

==================================================

And finally … Never heard of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong — the band that will headline the June 1 Levitt Pavilion concert (story above)?

Click below!

(Every day, the Roundup highlights future events, recaps past ones, and covers everything else in between. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thannk you!) 

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Library, Police, religion, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , ,

Online Art Gallery #246

Posted on December 28, 2024 | 3 comments

As it does nearly every week, today’s online art gallery welcomes a couple of first-timers.

They’re not “new” artists. They’ve been creating works for quite a while. But this marks their first appearance in our regular Saturday feature.

If you need a New Year’s resolution, here’s one: Submit your art to our gallery.

Don’t be shy! This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

Untitled (Maj Kalfus)

“The Welcoming Tree for the New Year 2025” — watercolor (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Marianne Honeycutt)

“Our Town” — acrylic impasto (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“The Night, The Dreamers, The Dancers” (Tom Doran)

“There Are No Mistakes” (Holly Tashian)

“Best Friends” (Cohl Katz)

“Molly” — Celeste LaCroix’s dog’s birthday is today! (Jo Ann Miller)

“Burying Hill Sunset” (Duane Cohen)

“Pantouf, a Samuel Crocker-designed Ketch From the ’30s” (Peter Barlow)

Untitled (Missy Greenberg)

“Listening Intently” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick)

“Nativity Bell” — oil on canvas (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)

Untitled — Sharpie and colored pencil (Jon Nicholson)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts

Tagged , , , , , ,

Roundup: Hanukkah, Christmas Day Fire …

Posted on December 26, 2024 | 3 comments

Last night was the first night of the 12 days of Christmas — and the 8 nights of Hanukkah.

Steve Stein sent a photo …

… and explained some of the items in it. He wrote:

“The 9 candles of a Hanukkah menorah represent the 8 days a tiny jar of holy oil kept the eternal light in the Jerusalem Temple ablaze — considered a miracle. The ninth special taller ‘shamash’ candle is used to light from 1 to 8 candles each night of the holiday.

“The dreidel is a 4-sided spinning top used in a game of chance. The 4 Hebrew letters represent ‘Nass Gadol Hayom Shom — Great Miracle Happened Here.’ You can spina dreidel heavy side down. With years of practice, a dreidel can be spun upside down on the thin stalk.

“Guests include Hanukah Harry, The Mensch on a Bench, the Dreidel Bear, as well as lots of kids and grandkids who  get gifts on each of the 8 nights. Or they can opt for Hanukkah gelte (a cashier’s check to ‘just go buy what you want!’).”

“There are also grandma-made potato latkes (pancakes) with sour cream and/or apple sauce, and lots of jelly doughnuts from Coffee An’.

“A great time will be had by all!”

=================================================

Tragedy was averted last night, when the Westport Fire Department responded to a fire on Horseshoe Lane, between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue.

Firefighters confined the thick, smoky blaze to a small basement area. They then  cleared the house of smoke and carbon monoxide.

The WFD reminds residents to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes.

It is important too to have a meeting place outside the home that all occupants know about, so that firefighters can be sure everyone is safe.

Westport Police and Emergency Medical Service and Westport Police assisted. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

==================================================

Westport realtor/artist/fiction writer Jo Ann Miller is out with her third book.

“Road Trip With Spanky” chronicles a journey from Rhode Island to Key West, with her dog.

Donald Trump has just won the 2024 election, when the widow of a dear friend asks an investigator reporter to drive a car from Rhode Island to Key West to give to his estranged son.

The reporter agrees — provided he can take his beloved dog Spanky, and drive only on take rural routes. He wants to meet the American electorate, and find out
what just happened at the polls.

A reviewer wrote: “Most interesting, rarely judgmental, and a fine illumination of what voters really think. You will fall in love with Spanky.” Click here to order via Amazon.

==============================================

Pam Kesselman captured these Christmas Day/pre-Hanukkah Compo Beach clouds yesterday, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

==================================================

And finally … In honor of Spanky (story above):

(Happy Boxing Day! It’s an old English holiday tradition to donate to your hyper-local blog. Please click here, to support our work. Thank you all!)

3 Comments

Posted in Media

Tagged , ,

Online Art Gallery #245

Posted on December 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #245

Two submissions this week include “festive” or “festival” in their titles.

Other artists also offer holiday-themed works.

But no matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

This Saturday feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And remember: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Festival of Light” (Karen Weingarten)

“Festive Farm Life in New Milford” (Patricia McMahon)

“Christmas memories” — oil on canvas (S. Guccione, at Westport River Gallery)

“Spirit of the Season” (Jerry Kuyper)

Untitled (Roseann Spengler)

“Winter Woodlands” — acrylic embellished with gold (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Woman in a Hallway” (Tom Doran)

Untitled (Jo Ann Miller)

Untitled — acrylic (Missy Greenberg)

“I’m 117 Years Old. Wanna Race?” (Mike Hibbard)

“Zentan” (Ellen Horowitz)

“Cascade” — acrylinc painting on Masonite (Peter Barlow)

“The Protester” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Aargh” (Martin Ripchick)

“Kim’s Chanukkiah and Steve’s Dreidels” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #245

Posted in Arts

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson, High Tide, CMS Voices

Posted on November 15, 2024 | 3 comments

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport celebrates the retirement of minister of music Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson this Saturday, with — appropriately — concert of his works.

The November 16 (7 p.m.) event features the New York-based Choral Chameleon ensemble. A reception follows the free concert.

Thompson is stepping down, after more than 46 years with the UU church. What began as a part-time position conducting a single choir blossomed into a full-time role, conducting 8 choirs across 2 weekly services.

He holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, and a doctorate from the University of Hartford.

For nearly 5 decades Thompson has guided hundreds of children and adults through choir, offering both musical training and spiritual mentorship.

During his tenure Thompson has composed numerous works for youth, adult and bell choirs. “Celtic Noel” was written for choir, Uilleann pipes, harp and tin whistle. “Seeking Home” is a 12-movement piece for choir, guitars and native flutes, dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women.

A livestream is also available; click here.

Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson, last Christmas.

==================================================

Full moon is not till this afternoon.

But the tide was plenty high yesterday morning, at Compo Beach.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

Good thing the weather is nice!

=================================================

A few seats remain for Coleytown Middle School’s fall musical review.

“Raise Your Voice” features 15 songs from “Into the Woods,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Oliver!,” to “Mary Poppins,” “Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Legally Blonde” and more.

Performances are Thursday, November 21 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 22 (7 p.m). Click here; then search for “Coleytown.”

Coleytown Middle School students raise their voices. (Photo/Clair Benmosche)

==================================================

Westport Country Playhouse has named new members to its Theatre Council. The advocacy group supports the artistic and community-building mission of the historic theatre, now in its 93rd year.

The volunteer group is guided by Playhouse trustee Ben Frimmer. Members include Ari Benmosche, Carin Freidag, Ivy Kramer-Gosseen, Jeff Gurner, Kerri Joller, Diana Mashia, Carolina Mata, Rachel Rosado Murray, Rabbi Zachary A. Plesent, Sara Robbin, Elizabeth Salem, Meredith Walker and Claire Wilkes.

Ben Frimmer leads the Westport Country Playhouse Theatre Council.

==================================================

Long time Westport realtor-artist — and now writer — Jo Ann Miller, is out with her third book.

“Echo Bunker” follows protagonist Abbey Lane, who deals with corruption and collusion at the World Bank with kickbacks to bureaucrats and politicians.

BookList says: “Fast paced plot with spicy dialogue. While an ‘airplane book,’ a reader cannot wait until lift off.” It’s available on Amazon by Thanksgiving.

================================================

This handsome guy posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature in Eric Roth’s Dogwood Lane front yard.

“Didn’t even flinch,” Eric reports.

Why should he? They were here first.

(Photo/Eric Roth)

=================================================

And finally … on this day in 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman begins his famous “March to the Sea.”

Operating without supply lines, and lasting through December 21, his troops moved from Atlanta to Savannah. They destroyed military targets, along with industry, infrastructure and civilian property. The Confederacy’s economy and transportation networks were disrupted, helping lead to surrender in April 1865.

(As the photo above shows, the buck stops here — in Westport. Specifically, at “06880.” If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, and have a buck or two to help support us, please click here. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Rick Giunta, Westport 10, Uncorked …

Posted on October 5, 2024 | 28 comments

When Jen Fava resigned as Parks & Recreation Department director this spring, deputy director Rick Giunta — a native Westporter — took over as interim director. The transition was smooth and productive.

Giunta tells “06880”: “It has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as the interim director over the past 5 months. However, due to personal reasons, I have chosen to step back into my role of deputy director.

“I’ll continue to support the department to the best of my ability, as the search for a permanent director continues. I’m looking forward to working with and supporting the future leadership of the department as we move forward.”

A new director has not yet been named.

Rick Giunta

=============================================

Westport 10 — the town’s networking and social organization for Black men and their families — met yesterday, at Jay Norris and Chirag Shah’s Content Studio in Saugatuck.

Guests includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.

Westport 10 — whose numbers are far more than that — has an active fall planned.

Among the activities: a meeting with merchants through the Westport Downtown Association (October 23), Halloween masquerade ball (October 30), holiday party and more.

 

At yesterday’s Westport 10 meeting (from left): Ted Parker, Adam Moore, Trey Ellis, Gene Massie, Jay Norris, Chirag Shah, CD Glin, Rene Hart, Anil Nair, Police Chief Foti Koskinas.

==================================================

We’ll drink to this!

“Westport Uncorked” — the Sunrise Rotary Club wine tasting event (with great food, and non-alcoholic beverages) that has become one of our town’s most popular events, returns to The Inn at Longshore on October 24 (6 to 9 p.m.).

Attendees can taste 100 wines, curated by The Fine Wine Company of Westport. (Well, there will be 100 wines available, anyway.)

Fine Wine Company experts will be on hand to answer questions. Any of the wines can be ordered for delivery.

Every dollar raised goes to charities supported by Westport Sunrise Rotary. Tickets are limited. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

In other Sunrise Rotary news, the club hosted 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker yesterday morning.

She asked members what issues they were most interested in hearing updates about. Among them: affordable housing, traffic, downtown plan, schools, handicapped access, Longshore upgrades, the Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve, Cribari Bridge, Saugatuck River dredging, and road and sidewalk construction in town.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Sunrise Rotary Club.

================================================

The Westport Library has launched its 2024-25 annual appeal. The fundraising goal of $325,000 would secure full funding for the Library’s operations, and allow it to continue to provide the vast majority of programming for free or low cost.

The town of Westport funds 77% of the Library’s operating budget. The remaining 23% is raised through special events and private donations, like those provided during the annual appeal.

The Library welcomes 350,000 visitors a year. The theme for this year’s appeal is “Invest in Lifelong Learning.”

Click here to donate to the appeal, and for more information.

Westport Library

==================================================

The 1st anniversary of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel will be honored with a community gathering tomorrow (Sunday, October 6, 12 to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).

The event includes words and songs (1:30 p.m.). 101 chairs will represent the hostages still held in Gaza.

The public is invited.

These chairs at Compo Beach represented the hostages held last November, a month after the Hamas attack. (Photo/Mia Bomback)

==================================================

Long time resident Jo Ann Miller has put away her paint brushes and is pounding away at the keyboard.

Her initial novella. “Terrorist Vengeance,” is doing so well that she is out with another short story. “Eulogy” describes the passing of a wannabe billionaire who is hardly praised by his 4 wives and 4 children at his funeral.

“Funny, witty and a super read,” praises the Houston Chronicle. It will be available on Amazon soon.

=============================================

Today (Saturday, 11 a.m to 1 p.m.), the Westport Weston Family YMCA celebrates its 10th anniversary of the Bedford Family Center at its Mahackeno site.

The family event includes bounce houses, crafts, live entertainment with a magician, refreshments including birthday cake, and giveaways.

Westport Weston Family YMCA: 10 years old!

==================================================

Now that the presidential and vice presidential debates are over, you can watch another one, live and in person, right here at Town Hall.

On Thursday (October 10, 7 p.m),, Westport’s League of Women Voters hosts candidates for State Senate District 26, and State Representative District 136.

Questions can be sent in advance to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

The debate is co-sponsored by the PTA Council, Westport Sunshine Rotary Club, Y’s Men, Y’s Women and Westport Rotary Club.

=================================================

The Joggers Club has moved back to Compo Beach.

All members are welcome; no beach sticker is needed.

The group meets every Saturday at 8 a.m. Weekly runs can be found on their Strava, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Dues are $50 a year. New members get a free Lululemon shirt ($68 retail). Click here for more information.

==================================================

Longtime Westport resident Barbara Macieski died peacefully at home on Wednesday. She was 89.

The Bronx native earned a degree in history at the University of Bridgeport, where she met her future husband Ford Macieski.

They were great dance partners. Barbara was also known for her excellent taste in shows to stream and books to read.

Barbara had a career in commercial lending, but her true joy were her 6 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Her family says, “She guided us, nurtured us, healed us, admonished us, and cheered with us our individual and collective good fortune. A confidante, a therapist, a financial advisor, and an ear to hear our trials and tribulations. We all checked in with her daily.”

Barbara was predeceased by her husband Ford and daughter Katy. She is survived by her children Lisa Mann (Russ), Robert, Daniel (Karen), Joanne Carpenter (husband Rick) and Jessica Aysseh (Alex); grandchildren Katy Mann (Ben Bien-Kahn), Samuel Macieski, Kevin Carpenter (Maggie Rogers), Benjamin Macieski, Becky Wiezik (Don), Maggie DelPresto (Jeff), Ellie Mann, Maddy Mann, Coco Aysseh and Lilly Aysseh, and great-grandchildren Ford Wiezik, Leo Mann, Theo DelPresto and Ford Carpenter.

Memorial contributions may be made to LIV IT UP, which provides support services and programming for neuro-diverse adults.

Barbara Macieski (4th from left), with her children.

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a birdhouse surrounded by cardinal vine, at the Westport Community Gardens.

“Hummingbirds love cardinal vine,” says photographer Lou Weinberg.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Uncorked” fundraiser October 24 at The Inn at Longshore (story above):

(If you think there’s nothing to do in Westport, you’re not reading “06880.” If you ARE reading this hyper-local blog — which of course you’re doing now — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

28 Comments

Posted in Beach, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Beach Demolitions, Kristin Chenoweth, Satchel Paige & Trey Ellis …

Posted on September 10, 2024 | 9 comments

One of the most well-known homes in Westport — the only one on the north (left) side of the Compo Cove footpath, just over the pedestrian bridge at Sherwood Mill Pond — may soon be a memory.

A “Demolition” sign hangs next to the front door of the house owned for years by Mike Katz, the cowboy hat-wearing man-about-town.

The 43 Compo Mill Cove home — built in 1942 — was originally located across the path, on the right. It boasts an unobstructed view of the Mill Pond. But it’s been unoccupied for quite a while, and seems not to have been maintained since then.

Compo Cove home, with demolition sign  next to the front door. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

==================================================

That’s not the only beach neighborhood home on the chopping block

This one — at 21 Norwalk Avenue, off Soundview Drive — also bears a “Demolition” notice.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

It was built in 1920 — 104 years ago.

Clearly, it’s had some work done over the past century. The non-winterized cottages that were there for much of the 1900s were not like this.

It will sure be interesting to see what the new construction looks like.

===============================================

This Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse’s gala features Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, Drama Desk Award-winning conductor and music director Mary-Mitchell Campbell — plus a host of Broadway performers — in a tribute to Cy Coleman (September 14, 7 p.m.).

Like any good benefit, this one includes some very cool live auction items. Among them:

  • 2 tickets to Steve Martin & Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” at Foxwoods, and a post-show meet and greet with the stars.
  • 4 tickets to “Wicked,” and a backstage tour to meet the cast.
  • Dinner for 10 catered by Gabriele’s, on the Playhouse stage with artistic director Mark Shanahan and managing director Beth Huisking.

Raffle boxes are available too, for a chance to win 2 jewelry pieces by designer Marco Bicego.

For tickets and more information, click here.

Kristin Chenoweth

=================================================

Speaking of the Playhouse: They kicked off another intriguing “Script in Hand” season last night, with “Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing.”

The show — about the last days of baseball’s Negro Leagues — was enthusiastically received.

The cast of “Satchel Paige,” with playwright/director Trey Ellis of Westport (back row, center) and Playhouse stage manager Megan Smith (front, 3rd from left). (Photo/Dave Matlow) 

==================================================

For decades, longtime Westport resident Jo Ann Miller was an executive in the garment industry.

When international travel wore her down, she became a top real estate agent.

All along, she continued to produce art. As a sculptor, she collaborated with the late Kelley Spearen on many projects.

She also wrote an account of her first attempt at a marathon. The foreward was by her former next door neighbor, and her father’s wing man: John Glenn.

Now Miller is out with a work of fiction. It’s about the aftermath of a July 4, 2004 SEAL team celebration in Iraq that went terribly wrong. The terrorists never forgot. Twenty years later, they seek revenge.

“Terrorist Revenge” will be available soon, at Amazon.

================================================

Local author Michael Hendricks and artist Rebecca Ross greeted their many fans this weekend, at the Westport Book Shop.

They signed copies of “In the Beginning! A Love Story.”

Susie Kowalsky — who sent the photo below — is a huge fan. She bought 5 copies, “to share with the little ones I know and love.”

Rebecca Ross and Michael Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.

==================================================

Guitarist Ed Cherry is well known for his long association with Dizzy Gillespie. Since the bandleader’s death in 1993, Cherry has worked with Paquito D’Rivera, Jon Faddis, John Patton, Hamiet Bluiett, Henry Threadgill, Paula West and Dr. Lonnie Smith.

He has recorded many albums as a leader, and appeared on countless records as a featured soloist.

This Thursday (September 12), he highlights Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 8 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students; click here for reservations).

Cherry is joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

==================================================

Entrepreneur and real estate developer Stanley Seligson died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday. He was 90.

Stanley attended the Williston Northampton School, and the University of Connecticut.

Following his father’s death in 1953, Stanley assumed responsibility for the family’s wholesale business, S&S Tobacco. He grew the original company into one of the largest distributors of candy, tobacco, vending and arcade machines in the Northeast.

In 1979, Stanley formed Seligson Properties. The real estate firm has invested in, developed, managed and built nearly 3 million square feet of property. He was the driving force behind many key developments in Norwalk.

Stanley was dedicated to his hometown of Norwalk. He served as an advisor and board member to institutions including the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk YMCA, Maritime Aquarium, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and others

He was named Industry Man of the Year by the Anti-Defamation League and Distributor of the Year by Philip Morris, among other honors.

Stanley had a passion for travel. His family says he “enjoyed many of the finer things in life, but always remained down to earth. He equally valued the simple pleasures found at his homes in Connecticut and Florida.” Stanley cherished these moments.

Stanley was an avid golfer. He learned from top instructors, and played many renowned courses. He was a founding member of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton, and was a member of Birchwood Country Club in Westport; Burning Tree Club  in Bethesda, Maryland; and Trump International Golf Club and The Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Carole; children Shana and Todd Seligson, sister Suzanne Serlin, and Mary Hill.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Wednesday, September 11, 11 a.m., Temple Israel), with a lunch at 2 p.m. at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Stanley M. Seligson may be made to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (Intensive Aphasia Program) or Smilow Cancer Hospital of Yale New Haven Health.

Stanley Seligson

================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — which she calls “Blue Sky and Goldfinch” — comes from Tracy Porosoff:

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1724, “Jesu, der du meine Seele” — one of Johan Sebastian Bach’s most famous church cantatas — was performed for the first time, in Leipzig.

(Stop! Don’t press the “bach” button — at least, not without first clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)

 

9 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , ,