Tickets are selling fast for Fashionably Westport — the February 28 benefit for Homes with Hope featuring a runway show from many of the town’s mot sophisticated retailers. Models are local friends and celebrities.
But there’s a way to score preferred admission seats.
Just follow @westportdowntownofficial on Instagram (the Westort Downtown Association is the event’s sponsor); follow @davebriggstv (Westport’s own Dave Briggs is co-emcee, with fellow resident Alisyn Camerota); then tag 2 friends in the comments section on Briggs’ Instagram (who would enjoy the show too).
The winner will be chosen at random February 22. They’ll enjoy guaranteed seating with a full view of the stage, open bar, light fare from from chef Claudia Fascenell, and a VIP gift bag.
Click here for tickets to Fashionably Westport, and more information.
Dave Briggs, Fashionably Westport co-emcee
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Thirty years before her death this past August, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, former Westport townwide coordinator of English Lisabeth Comm wrote a book.
Her husband, fellow Staples High School educator Frank Corbo, discoveed the nearly completed manuscript in a storage unit. He edited it, and has published it as a tribute to her life and work.
“Myths, Mothers, and Mirrors: Split Images of Women in Literature” employs feminist literary criticism to examine how cultural imperatives have shaped the role and image of women in Western literary tradition.
By analyzing patriarchal child-rearing practices, literary traditions rooted in Greek mythology and the Judeo-Christian Bible, and the portrayal of women as objects of the male gaze, Comm showed how feminist psychoanalytic theory can deepen understanding of women’s roles in life and literature.
She applied feminist criticism to popular high school and undergraduate works like “The Scarlet Letter,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Pride and Prejudice,” as well more contemporary novels including “Surfacing,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and “Beloved,” along with modern female poets.
Click here for more information, and to order.
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This Sunday’s Westport Country Playhouse Symposium — “Planting Our Gardens – A Conversation about Growing Stronger Together” — explores themes of inclusivity, respect and equity.
The February 23 event follows the matinee performance of “Native Gardens” — a comedy about neighbors from different cultures who clash over the property line that separates their gardens.
Guest speakers are Lee Goldstein, Westport Board of Education, who will discuss the work being done by No Place for Hate, an ADL program to improve school climate, and Linedy Genao, “Native Gardens” cast member who was the first Latina performer to originate the leading role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical.
Inspired by the production of “Native Gardens,” the symposium will examine “better understanding in shared spaces.”
The Symposium begins are 4:30 p.m., following the 3 p.m. show. The discussion is free, and open to the public.
For tickets to “Native Gardens,” and more information, click here.
Lee Goldstein, Board of Education chair
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You take pretty good photos with your cellphone.
But you can probably take even better ones.
This Sunday (10 a.m., Sherwood Island Main Pavilion), Friends of Sherwood Island invites the public to join Weston photographer Alison Wachstein. She’ll help guests learn how to create inspiring landscapes, sharp nature closeups and beautiful portraits, all on a smartphone.
The event is free; donations to benefit the Friends’ garden team are welcome.
Capturing nature with a cellphone, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Becky Keeler)
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Seen at Trader Joe’s, and posted here with absolutely no editorial comment of any kind:
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On Tuesday — with the war in Ukraine once again in the headlines — Westporter Mark Yurkiw addressed the Westport Rotary Club.
The artist — who is of Ukrainian descent — visited the war-ravaged country most recently in October.
He traveled up to 18 hours a day around the nation, recording and listening to people’s stories to help spread the word about the realities of the war with Russia.
His message to the Rotarians was that supplies of all kinds are urgently needed. “These are people like you and me,” he said.
“They are working, trying to live their lives while under threat of bombing and suffering from the tragic loss of life. They are constantly trying to build graves fast enough to bury the slain.”
Yurkiw works with Ridgefield Responds, to collect equipment and medical supplies. He ships them to Ukraine, where they help save lives of civilians, and Ukrainian — and occasionally Russian soldiers.
They also collect financial donations. It costs $8,000 to ship a 40-foot container to Ukraine.
Yurkiw noted that he (and Ridgefield Responds) could not do what they do without the help of Ukraine Aid International. That’s the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.
Mark Yurkiw shows a slide of devastation in Ukraine, at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites the public to a jazz vespers music and word service with vocalist/composer Sabth Perez on March 2 (4 p.m.; free will offering). UMC Westport-Weston church at 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT.
Sabéth Perez
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 12 and 19.
A 23-year-old Fairfield man was charged with breach of peace, stalking and harassment, after a complainant said her ex-boyfriend parked near her place of work and tried to engage her in conversation — as he had done since their breakup last May. She said he followed her vehicle, flashing his lights and following very closely. He was released on $25,000 bond.
A 53-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening. A woman said they are going through a divorce, and he made statements during an argument that caused her to fear for her life. He was released on $15,000 bond.
Westport Police alos issued these citations:
- Failure to renew registration: 3
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
- Distracted driving: 2
- Disorderly ocnduct: 2
- Driving while texting: 1
- Speeding: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
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Clouds frame the waters near Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina, and Owenoke beyond it, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured (and frigid) photo.
(Photo/Andrea Cross)
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And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Fashionably Westport” show (story above):
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