As the weather cools down, Wakeman Town Farm heats up.
On the calendar:
“Wreath-making Class” (December 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). Create a custom wreath using local berries and natural materials. Beginners to seasoned crafters welcome.
“Warm Bites for Cold Nights”(Grades 2-6; 2 different 5-week sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in January): Hearty, hands-on dishes, with kids-safe techniques.
“Winter Cooking for the Minis” (Grades K-2; 6 Monday sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in December):
“Frosty Bites and Holiday Treats Cooking Class for Kids” (Ages 6-12; December 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
“Warm & Cozy Winter Desserts”baking class (adults; December 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m.). For beginning to intermediate bakers; BYOB.
And on January 24, the Sweet Remains take the stage.
Greg Naughton’s folk-rock trio — with their acoustic sound, 3-part harmonies and 65 million Spotify streams — performs January 24 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s Jewish Business Network hosts Melissa Bernstein — the co-founder of legendary toy company Melissa & Doug, and the wellness brand Lifelines — for a celebration of her new book, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship.”
Stephanie Phillips was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club.
The district governor applauded members for their leadership in categories including foundation giving and membership growth, and their energy supporting community initiatives.
That good work was clear, as Rotary Club members supported the Westport Fire Department’s winter clothing drive.
Stephanie Phillips, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Sure, it’s almost Thanksgiving. But fall foliage continues to hang on in Westport … and to awe us.
We give thanks for this spectacular scene on Highland Road — and to JD Dworkow, for capturing it as today’s “Westport … Naturally feature photo.
And finally … on this date in 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph: a machine that could record and play sound.
On this same date in 1959, disc jockey Alan Freed — the man who popularized the term “rock and roll” — was fired by New York’s WABC radio. He was alleged to have participated in a payola scandal.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source of news, events, photos and much more — 24/7/365. These Roundup songs are icing on the cake. If you enjoy any of it, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
She’s been nominated for 8 Tony Awards, and won “Best Actress in a Musical,” for “The King and I.”
She’s starred on Broadway in “The Light in the Piazza,” “Pajama Game,” “South Pacific,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “Kiss Me, Kate” and “Days of Wine and Roses.” She’s also been featured in a number of operas.
We are proud to call Kelli our neighbor.
The other day, she joined me on the Westport Library stage, for “06880: The Podcast.”
We chatted about her route from Oklahoma to Broadway, and then to Westport; her musical career; her family (including husband Greg Naughton, a musician; father-in-law actor Jim Naughton, and her 2 very talented kids); our arts community (incuding her relationships with the Westport Country Playhouse and Staples Players), and (of course) her favorite local hangouts.
A reminder: This Sunday is the “State of the Town” forum.
The annual event — featuring 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein — is February 4 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Westport Library; click here for livestream).
They’ll discuss the past year for the town and Board of Ed, respectively, and look to the future. They’ll take questions from the audience too.
As always, it’s a co-production of Westport Sunrise Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Westport.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
Cava opens Friday next to Westport Hardware, across from Fresh Market.
The national fast food chain has over 300 outlets. The menu includes pitas (crispy falafel, spicy chicken and avocado, spicy lamb meatball and Greek chicken), and salad bowls (spicy chicken, zesty falafel, lemon chicken, harissa avocado, lentil avocado, tahini Caesar and more).
CAVA is known for its community involvement. Even before its official opening, they’re showing Westport why.
On Thursday (February 1), guests are invited for a free lunch (10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or dinner (5 to 8 p.m.). Donations to Food Rescue US are encouraged — and CAVA will match them, up to $1,000. Advance registrations are required; click here.
Since 2019, CAVA’s nationwide Community Day program has donated more than $350,000 to over 60 non-profit organizations. Much of the funding is aimed at improving food security.
Westporter Kelli O’Hara’s performance as Kirsten Arnesen in “Days of Wine and Roses” earned a stellar review in Sunday’s New York Times.
Laura Collins-Hughes wrote:
O’Hara, who starred in Lucas and Guettel’s “The Light in the Piazza” on Broadway in 2005, is particularly sublime. Her nuanced and variable performance is as technically impressive and fully human in its acting as in its singing — and the singing is considerable.
Of the show’s 18 numbers, she has 14, seven of them solos. In her crystalline tone are secrets of Kirsten’s soul that aren’t explicit in Guettel’s lyrics; when she sings “Sammen I Himmelen,” a kind of prayer as lullaby, to baby Lila, we can hear Kirsten missing her own dead mother.
The same edition of the Times also included an in-depth story of the play’s route from movie to Broadway. O’Hara gets much of the credit.
The piece begins:
As origin stories go, the transformation of “Days of Wine and Roses” from a movie into a musical is a straight shot, with a twist. Kelli O’Hara and Adam Guettel had the inkling more than 20 years ago, when she was a Broadway ingénue, working on what became her breakthrough Tony-nominated role in “Light in the Piazza.”
Guettel had written the music and lyrics for that musical, which went on to earn him a Tony Award for best score. They talked through their coordinating vision for evolving “Wine and Roses,” the midcentury classic of a romance ruined by addiction. “I think I used the words ‘a weird dark opera,’” O’Hara recalled.
Later, Melena Ryzik writes:
In her New York Times review of its premiere last year, at Off Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company, Laura Collins-Hughes called it “a jazzy, aching musical” with an “awfully glamorous” central pair. And O’Hara, who then as now sings 14 of the 18 numbers in the show, was, she wrote, “in exquisite voice.”
During that run and in previews on Broadway, O’Hara said she quickly understood how viscerally the narrative connected with audiences. One theatergoer came up to her after a show, “with a full drink in her hand,” she said, “crying and hugging me and saying, ‘you know, I’m a mother and I worry about my drinking.’ And she was quite past sobriety at that point.”
Another woman walked by and thanked her, quietly adding, “‘23 years’ — meaning 23 years sober,” O’Hara said.
Few people’s lives, she noted, have not been touched by addiction. “I lost a couple of friends to this over the pandemic, and I think many people got sober over the pandemic,” she said. Even though there’s more understanding of its pervasiveness than “in the time of Kirsten and Joe, it’s not changing, it’s not ending, and it won’t.”
The very same Times Arts & Leisure section included a review of Sarah Jarosz’s new album, “Polaroid Lovers.” It was produced by — and includes several songs written by — Daniel Tashian.
The Nashville-based singer/songwriter/producer is the son of country artists Barry and Holly Tashian. Both are Staples High School graduates; Barry was the founder and front man of The Remains, the band that camethisclose to national stardom, and opened for the Beatles on their final American tour.
Click here for the story on Sarah Jarosz and Daniel Tashian. (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James in “Days of Wine and Roses” at Studio 54. (Photo/Sara Krulwich for The New York Times)
From art exhibits and speakers to drag shows, MoCA Westport offers plenty of interesting programs.
Always among the most popular: concerts by Michelle Pauker February 8 (7 p.m.) for a special pre-Valentine’s Day “Songs for Lovers” show. From Broadway and jazz to folk and pop, she’ll cover just about every “love-ly” genre.
She has performed around the country. But MoCA remains one of her favorite venues.
Like Michelle’s 2 previous performances, this will sell out. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Michelle Pauker
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Cathy Malkin — a “humane educator” who teaches responsible pet care and safety around dogs, as well as an animal reiki teacher/practitioner — is offering 2 in-person classes for area animals (and their people).
”Learning to Communicate Telepathically with Animals (Especially Your Pet!) is February 3 (2 to 3:30 p.m., The Transformation Center, Westport).
The class includes a Q-and-A session where Cathy will answer one question about your pet, whether living or departed, so attendees can hear their wisdom and guidance. Bring a photo of the pet on your phone.
In addition, dogs are invited to an ”Animal Reiki and Sound Healing Bath Meditation” (February 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hummingbird Healing Center, Westport).
The event combines the healing power of a guided animal reiki meditation with a soothing multi-instrumental sound bath, designed to help guests and their dogs relax on “a journey into a shared space of inner peace and heart connection with dogs.” (Dogs are optional.)
The County Assembly formal dance, for high school students, was held this past weekend. Among the attendees (below, from left): Samantha Henske, Megan Healy and Ava Chun.
Meanwhile, Village Pediatrics showed up in force. Doctors and office staff showed up in force, to ensure a smooth check-in for their patients — and everyone else.
Genna Grushkin, Evelyn Anderson, Crystal Perez and Dr. Nikki Gorman join parents at the County Assembly dance.
Chef Raquel Rivera teaches braising techniques that can be used for many Dutch oven meals, at a “Cozy Winter Meals” class on March 7 (7 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.
Click here for tickets, and more information. (PS: It’s BYOB.)
Coq au vin
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Pianist Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (February 1, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399l music charge $20, $15 for students and veterans).
Her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”
She’s joined by Mike Camacho (drums), Sameer Shankar (bass), and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Darcy Miller Boyd Austin died Friday peacefully at her home in Damariscotta, Maine, surrounded by family and friends. She was 81.
After moving from Manhattan to Westport in 1948, she attended Saugatuck Elementary, Long Lots Junior High and Staples High School. She graduated from Connecticut College, then earned a master’s in special education from Columbia University.
She married Warwick Boyd and moved to New Mexico with VISTA, and had a son, Jesse Boyd, in 1970. She divorced, and moved to Maine. She lived at the Pemaquid Lighthouse in keepers’ cottage from 1984 to 2004.
Darcy taught school in Bristol, then worked at the daycare in the YMCA, and got her CNA certification in 2004. She married Jim Austin in 1993.
After retiring, she volunteered for many organizations.
Darcy is survived by her husband, Jim Austin; Jim’s son Christopher Austin; his granddaughters Guinevere and Penelope Austin; her son Jesse Boyd (Sheila) and and her grandson Elliott Boyd; her sister Holly Watts (Michael); her brother John Miller; nieces Sara Miller, Kate Watts Gregory, Tory Watts Donohue, Ali Watts Sise, their spouses, and 8 grandnieces and grandnephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in Maine this June.
And finally … on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance. Their impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Records in London was broken up by police.
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Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins next Wednesday (September 6, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all offerings (not yet viewable, however). Click here to register.
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call (203-341-5152 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Construction of the cell phone tower on private property at 92 Greens Farms Road is moving ahead quickly.
This was the scene yesterday, looking east. I-95 is on the right.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Earlier this month, Substack launched a new sports newsletter: “The Finder With Tom Haberstroh.”
The former Staples High School basketball star was inspired to start it in part because of his mother Patty. The longtime Westport Department of Human Services social worker — who died last month from complications of ALS — gave him “The Finder” nickname when he was young. (Click here for that back story — and a mention of Westport’s own Craig Melvin.)
Another local connection: This week, Tom published a podcast with Westporter Dan Orlovsky. The former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst had a great conversation with Tom. (Dan recorded it on his way to Bristol.)
The Westport Country Playhouse benefit was already shaping up as a showcase of local — but A-list — talent.
Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul headlines the September 9 event. He’s joined by James Naughton, and the Weston actor’s son Greg and daughter-in-law Kelli O’Hara, along with Staples ’06 alum/Broadway actor Jacob Heimer.
Staples ’87 grad/Coleytown Middle School director Ben Frimmer is the concert producer. The director is Staples ’10/former Staples Players president/current Disney creative developer Caley Beretta.
Now 12 current Staples Players have joined the cast, for the opening and closing numbers: Yusef Abdallah, Kaya Araya, Henry Carson, Finley Chevrier, Cece Diyoka, Samantha Edwards, Ben Herrera, Alyssa Lee, Andrew Maskoff, Imogen Medoff, Cooper Sadler and Melody Stanger.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kelli O’Hara will be joined by many other Westporters at the Westport Country Playhouse benefit.
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It’s amazing what’s donated to the Westport Library and Westport Book Shop.
Now, several rare and unique literary works — given over the psat 2 years — will be auctioned online.
The September 6 event includes a letter handwritten and signed by former Westporter F. Scott Fitzgerald to his publisher, and a first American edition of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” signed by author J.K. Rowling.
The auction is conducted by University Archives, an online auction house operated by Wilton collector/dealer/handwriting expert/auctioneer John Reznikoff. The 2 items are among hundreds of rare autographs, manuscripts, books and sports memorabilia to be auctioned that day.
Click here to see the 7 lots to be auctioned for Westport Book Sale’s benefit. For a catalog of all 505 lots, click here.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, and his letter.
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Income-eligible residents can get help with winter heating bills. Applications for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program start September 5.
Westport residents who previously qualified for assistance through the Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Those applying for the first time should call 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.
A household’s gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households with 1 person is $41,553; it ranges up to $92,695 for families of 5.
Households receiving SNAP, SSI, State Supp or Refugee Cash Assistance may automatically qualify. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shutoffs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heaters, along with additional fuel deliveries.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 23 and 30.
A woman was arrested after a domestic violence incident, and charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, after it was determined she was the “dominant aggressor.”
After being assigned a court date and told not to return to the residence until after that court date, she attempted to do just that. She was charged with violation of the conditions of release, 2nd degree.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Violation of readable plates: 1
Failure to appear: 1
Nearly every week, Westport Police issue citations for “failure to register a commercial vehicle.”
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As fall nears, Aspetuck Land Trust is gearing up for another “Lunch & Learn” webinar season.
First up: “Hedges and Edges: Increasing the Resilience and Diversity of Your Garden’s Ecosystem” (September 15, noon to 1:30 p.m.).
Plant ecologist and landscape designer Heather McCargo will discuss using garden design to increase yard productivity and biodiversity.
For example, ALT says, “Group together shrubs of different species into a hedgerow for small or large spaces, add herbaceous groundcovers and small trees to the shrub layer for a multi-level garden that creates amazing habitat for a variety of species.”
Potential Pennsylvania senatorial candidate David McCormick stirred controversy earlier this month, when news outlets reported that the former CEO of Bridgewater Associates actually continues to live in Westport.
Official documents list his home here as his address; so does a $5,000 campaign contribution made this spring. McCormick, a Republican, is raising money and hiring staff as he prepares to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey next fall.
Now a new report notes that his 2019 Honda CR-V and 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser are both registered to his Westport address. He paid the motor vehicle taxes that were due July 1. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
David McCormick
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Today is the Westport Farmer’ Market.
There’s always something to see, smell and admire at the Imperial Avenue lot. Here are just a few items, photographed last week by Mary Sikorski for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … Ray Hildebrand, the “Paul” of “Paul & Paula” fame who had a #1 love song using those names in 1963, died this month in Kansas. He was 82, and suffered from dementia. Click here for a full obituary.
(F. Scott Fitzgerald, heating bill assistance, police reports, much more … as usual, this “06880” Roundup has it all. If you appreciate our work, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
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.
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).
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.
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.
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)
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!)
Posted onJune 12, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …
First there was Wilton. Then Darien.
Now there’s a new powerhouse in Connecticut boys lacrosse: Staples.
The Wreckers won their 2nd straight state championship — and 2nd ever — yesterday. Seeded #2 in the “L” (large schools) division, they dominated #1-ranked Fairfield Prep en route to a 13-6 victory.
The score was 4-2 at halftime. The blue-and-whites never looked back.
Goals and/or assists came from Tyler Clark, Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia, Gavin Rothenberg, Adam Udell, Tristan Schaefer, Michael Nealon and Dixon Scherer. Josh Marcus was a rock in goal.
Two days earlier, in a much closer contest, Staples edged #3 Darien, 9-8.
Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky, and the entire team, on a hard-earned, well-deserved, and fantastic accomplishment!
A 13% cut in Metro-North service — and 4% fare increase — are coming down the tracks this fall.
What can be done?
Nothing.
That’s the opinion of Jim Cameron, CT Mirror’s transportation columnist.
Click here to read today’s full column. And get ready to gnash your teeth.
Jim Cameron describes what’s on track for local trains. (Photo/Molly Alger)
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Beechwood has been sold.
The storied Weston Road property owned by Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito changes hands later this month.
Before then, the couple’s Beechwood Arts & Immersion — named for the enormous copper beech tree that has shaded the home for 2 centuries — is holding an online auction. It closes this Wednesday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for the link. All proceeds go to The Hive, Chiu and Esposito’s next collaborative project.
On Thursday, June 22 (3 to 7 p.m.), there is a “Take and Make” event. It is
“Beechwood’s version of a tag sale.” Go to Beechwood, have refreshments, visit the tree, share a memory of your time there, take some treasures, and make a donation for The Hive.
Among the items: women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry; rare, unusual and fun books; CDs and LPs; home and yard items, and more.
Beechwood House, and its towering copper beech tree.
Village Pediatrics had 4 interns this spring. Among their tasks: create a new “story walk” outside the office.
The new exhibit — “The Emotions Book” — features a cute elephant who learns to deal with big emotions. The public is invited to wander through the walkway, at 323 Riverside Avenue.
Cooper DeGirolomo of Hamden Hall Country Day School was one of the interns. He says: “The opportunity to learn from such a fantastic group of doctors and nurses has been inspiring, and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.”
He shadowed physicians during well and sick visits. He learned about diseases and conditions, treatment plans, and medications.
The interns also read books about health, and discussed them with physicians.
Kayla Teplitz, 5, enjoys the Village Pediatrics story walk. She is working on her pre-reading skills, preparing for Coleytown Elementary School kindergarten this fall.
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“Riders to the Sea” was performed this past weekend at the Brooklyn Art Haus.
But theater-goers got a healthy dose of Westport.
Staples High School 2013 graduates (and former Players actors and/or musicians) Phoebe Corde, Jake Landau and Michelle Pauker had prominent roles.
Corde and Landau — part of a group called Off Brand Opera — adapted the opera into a musical. Landau also served as musical director, while Pauker was in the cast. Jake and Phoebe are board members of Off Brand Opera, which produces exciting cross-genre collaborations.
Speaking of theater: “Days of Wine and Roses” — the new off-Broadway show starring Westport’s Kelli O’Hara — earned a rave review in the Washington Post.
“Her exceptional coloratura proves irresistible for a Guettel-mixed cocktail of ecstasy and pain,” writes Peter Marks.
“At a time when the American musical seems ever more pumped up on pop, what a pleasure it is to encounter a palette of new show tunes delving deeply into character, that favor sweeping emotionality over Spotify familiarity.”
Click here for the full review. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara in Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere for the musical version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” (Photo/Ahron R. Foster for the Washington Post)
It’s winter in Westport. Plenty of folks are dreaming of Hawaii.
The Orphenians will actually go there.
Well, not until June. But Staples High School’s elite a cappella choral group is already making plans. And rehearsing.
And raising funds.
The trip to the International Luau of Song Festival, with director Luke Rosenberg and conductor Pearl Shangkuan of Calvin College, will include learning about cultural music, performing, and touring on both Oahu and the Big Island.
All 42 Orphenians are going. They’ve set a goal of $45,000, to cover expenses of those who cannot afford it all.
So think leis and grass skirts, and get ready for an “Aloha Cabaret.” It’s set for January 22, at the Westport Library.
Broadway and Metropolitan Opera star, Tony Award-winning Kelli O’Hara — a Westporter, and Orphenians fan — will perform. Choral alumni like Clay Singer, Georgia Wright and others joins her on stage.
Rosenberg will sing too. For those who know him only from the back, as he wields his baton, that’s a special treat.
The emcee is David Pogue. Among many other talents, the “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent is a former Broadway arranger and conductor (and father of Orphenians).
A silent auction includes an array of items, from Caribbean stays and jewelry to lessons and coaching. There are Hawaiian-themed light bites too.
Just what we need for a cold — but also very cool — January night.
(VIP tickets are $225 per person; they include 6 p.m. early entry, choice seating, and a meet-and-greet with performers. General admission tickets are $150 per person, for 6:30 p.m. entry. Click here to purchase. To make a donation without purchasing, click here. Questions? Email Staples.Music.Parents.Assn@gmail.com.)
Click below for the Orphenians’ most recent Westport Library event. They performed holiday music, and selections from their fall concert.
For 21 years, Stacie Curran and friends have ridden in the CT United Ride. The largest motorcycle ride in Connecticut pays tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11.
Yesterday’s event took place on the actual date: September 11. Before the start at Sherwood Island, the group met at Stacie’s house:
The entire group — hundreds strong — gathered at the state park:
(Photo/Tom Lowrie)
Soon — with a police escort from several towns — they headed onto I-95. Their route of remembrance took them to Exit 17, Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road, and through 8 other Fairfield County towns.
Every year, the arrival of spring in Westport is heralded by the “Daffodil Mile” — the long, winding rows of daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery on Main Street.
Daffodil Mile, at Willowbrook Cemetery … (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
For the past few years, daffodils have also bloomed throughout the rest of Westport. On Prospect Road, in Saugatuck, in traffic islands everywhere, the week of yellow flowers brings smiles to Westporters sick and tired of snow and slush.
Greens Farms Road, at Prospect Road.
Those daffodils don’t just fall from the sky (to mix metaphors). They’re the product of plenty of planning — and planting.
“Paint the Town Yellow” is a project begun 4 years ago by Debra Kandrak. This fall — prime daffodil-planting time — she encourages everyone, of all ages, to plant “around our neighborhoods, around street signs, mailbox posts, in front of your business, in front of the Police and Fire Departments.” She’d love for schools to be involved too.
This year’s theme is “plant in memory of a loved one lost.”
The easiest way to plant, Debra says, is to dig a trench and pop the bulbs in (pointy side up). Costco sells 50 bulbs for $13.99.
After you plant, email the location to debra.kandrak@raveis.com. She’ll come around next spring, and take photos.
The New York Times says that this November’s Metropolitan Opera staged premiere of “The Hours” is “New York City’s opera event of the fall.”
In addition to renowned soprano Renée Fleming, it stars Kelli O’Hara. The Times calls the Westport resident “a Tony Award-decorated musical theater actress with opera bona fides (even at the Met, where she was a standout as Despina in Mozart’s ‘Così Fan Tutte’).”
That’s part of the intro to an interview published yesterday with Fleming, O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato.
Click here for the full (and very interesting) piece.
Kelli O’Hara (Photo/Thea Traff for New York Times)
Every Staples High School reunion is a cause for celebration and remembrance.
COVID caused the Class of 1980 to wait an extra 2 years to gather for their 40th. But as they got together last month (and shook their heads that they’re all now 60 years old, or about to be) they turned their thoughts to classmate Susan Lloyd.
The popular, always-active native Westporter was diagnosed with cancer as a senior. She passed away while at Colgate University. Her parents and friends created the Susan Fund in her honor. For 4 decades, it has provided important educational scholarships to Fairfield County students diagnosed with cancer.
Ten years ago, the reunion class raised $2,300 for the Susan Fund. This year, they contributed $5,500.
Kelly Frey Pollard — Susan’s good friend, and a Susan Fund board member — created a beautiful display, with letters from classmates to Susan and her family during her battle with cancer. Classmates were encouraged to take their letters home, as mementoes.
Over 130 alumni attended the reunion. A 45th is planned for 2025 — with another contribution to the Susan Fund. To find out, more follow the “Staples Class 1980” Facebook page, or email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com,
The Class of 1980 display, of cards and letters sent to Susan Lloyd.
The Westport Woman’s Club big clothing tag sale is next month. They’re getting ready — which means, they need items to sell.
Tax-deductible donations of new or gently-worn women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, handbags, scarves, hats and jewelry, can be dropped off weekdays (9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.) at the WWC (44 Imperial Avenue).
Funds raised from this clothing tag sale support the town food closet, local charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.
The clothing tag sale is set for October 28-29 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and October 30 (noon to 3 p.m.). For more information, call 203-227-4240 or email wwc@westportwomansclub.org.
Longtime Westporter Geoffrey Hooper died last week. He was 87 years old.
He was born in Victoria, British Columbia. After serving in the Canadian Air Force he met his first wife, Jeannette Lauzon, and moved to Connecticut to work for his father-in-law at Stamford Typesetting Corporation. In 1976 he bought the company with a partner, Frank DeBartolo.
At Stamford Type Geoff was a force to be reckoned with as a typesetter, salesman, accountant, proofreader and generous employer. He loved taking clients out charter fishing from Old Saybrook, and delivering bags of bluefish fillets to clients and friends. As the business changed from linotype to computers to desktop publishing and scanning, he kept up with all the new technologies.
When his children were growing up in Westport, Geoff was active in the Westport Community Theater and other acting groups.
After retiring in 2008 he spent most of his time at his favorite place: home. Geoff was a talented gardener who always grew too many seedlings, but was happy to share them with family and friends. He enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, theatergoing, and the YMCA’s water aerobics classes.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzy; his brother Murray (Barbara); his children and their partners Debbie (Norman), Lynne (Gary), Geoff Jr. (Susan) and Kenneth (Kim); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother- and sister-in-law, Ken Solomon and Janice Lakey, and many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause of your choice.
Last March, 3 dolphins hung out for a few days in Bermuda Lagoon, by Saugatuck Shores.
Westport architect Peter Cadoux did not see them. In all his years has boating on Long Island Sound, in fact, he has not seen a single dolphin.
Yesterday he made up for that. Peter was awed by a pod of about 100 dolphins, cavorting a couple of miles off Smithtown Bay. That’s almost directly across the water from Westport.
Here’s a close-up, for today’s fascinating “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Without “06880,” would you know there were dolphins right off our coast? Please click here, to help us continue to bring you all the stories of where Westport meets the world.)
Fifth grader Alex Johnson eulogized his dog. It had run through a break in the Winslow Park stone wall, and been struck and killed by a car on Compo Road North.
Thanks to the efforts of the Johnsons — and many others — tragedies like those may soon be diminished.
Last week, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously to fill in 3 breaks, in the park’s off-leash area.
The plan includes split-rail fencing, backed by “nearly invisible” mesh fencing, plus a 3 1/2-foot gate at each of those 3 areas. (Hat tip: Tricia Freeman)
The Sweet Remains are a highlight of every Levitt Pavilion season.
But last night’s concert was extra special. The usual local pride — Sweet Remains leader Greg Naughton grew up in Weston, and lives in Westport — swelled when the trio was joined onstage by Greg’s wife, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; his father James, the noted actor, and sister Keira.
Alert “06880” reader/longtime music fan/superb photographer Tom Kretsch reports: “It was a truly incredible evening, with a packed crowd enthralled by the group’s performance.”
The Sweet Remains, with James Naughton, Keira Naughton and Kelli O’Hara.
Recently, alert and hungry reader Patti Brill has noticed the “unkempt” appearance of the Charles Street restaurant. Yesterday, it looked like it was closed.
I checked the website. Nothing unusual; it was taking reservations and pickup orders.
I called. I was about to hang up when — on the 10th ring — a recording said, “We are pleased to announce our new hours.”
That’s usually a euphemism for “shorter hours.” I don’t know their previous schedule, but according to the chirpy voice, Tarry Lodge is open Wednesdays through Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.
Around the corner from Tarry Lodge, the Bridge Square Dunkin’ Donuts is definitely open.
Alert “06880” reader John Karrel was there this morning.
The music playing in the background was a bit mystifying: Christmas carols.
Hey! Only 153 shopping days left.
Meanwhile, in other Dunkin’ news, a large sign promises that the Compo Shopping Center spot — newly relocated from across from Fresh Market — opens in 3 days.
We’ll soon find out which is more dangerous: The drive-thru Starbucks, or its competitor in an already overcrowded and dangerous plaza.
“The show must go on” is a cliché. But Saugatuck Elementary School has managed to make lemonade out of lemons.
When COVID struck, they kept their upcoming show — “The Little Mermaid” — afloat. They turned clips into a video, and showed it on the big Remarkable Theater screen.
That was such a hit, they did a fully recorded show — “Charlie Brown” — over Zoom last year. Again, it delighted many Remarkable movie-goers.
After two years, the youngsters are back on the SES stage.
Saugatuck Theater Club is producing “Shrek The Musical JR.” The theme — “what makes us special makes us strong” — is timely, considering recent events like the sudden focus on Jada Pinkett Smith’s alopecia.
Fiona (Ayla Ciano-Buckley, 5th grade, and understudies (from left) Sofia Amron (3rd grade) and Ella O’Brien (4th).
This being Westport, the Saugatuck El kids have a special coach/mentor: Broadway star Kelli O’Hara. She’s helping director Katie Bloom — along with the usual staff members and parent volunteers, who have waited 2 years for the chance.
The curtain rises Friday, April 8 (7 p.m). Performances follow the next day (Saturday, April 9) at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Click here for tickets.
Mila Carbino (3rd grade), one of the 3 pigs protesting Lord Farquad’s discrimination against the nonconformists of Duloc.
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