Doug and Melissa Bernstein — longtime Westporters, and founders of the beloved (and hugely popular) children’s brand Melissa & Doug — are the newest members of the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
They were inducted earlier this month, at the Toy Foundation’s annual Toy of the Year Awards gala in New York.
The honor recognizes the couple’s lasting influence on the toy industry, and their decades-long commitment to creating toys that spark imagination and support meaningful child development through purposeful play.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and friends.
A press release about the honor notes: “Throughout their careers, Melissa and Doug approached toymaking with a clear and enduring philosophy: take timeless play patterns and elevate and extend them through innovation. By combining a purposeful focus on learning through play, high-quality materials, original artwork, and realistic details, they reimagined classic toys and introduced new ones that invite deeper engagement and open-ended exploration.”
Their products appeal to parents and educators, becoming staples in homes and classrooms alike.
The founders “are true icons for all of us who are part of the Melissa & Doug family and across our industry,” says Lauren DeFeo Duchene, president of the company.
“Their belief in purposeful play — play sparked by a child’s imagination and fueled by endless possibilities — established a foundation we’re proud to build on today.
“They created a brand shaped by word-of-mouth love and trust from families, educators, and child-development experts. Their legacy reflects a deep respect for childhood, and has made a lasting impact on generations of children.”
In addition to the Hall of Fame festivities, Melissa & Doug — the company, not the people — were nominated in 2 categories: Construction Toy of the Year (for Blockables), and Preschool Toy of the Year (Simmer & Stir Stovetop Play Set).
Westport resident Nick Propper helps people manage stress and recovery, to sustain and improve personal and professional performance.
Part of his practice is podcasting. His most recent interview is with a fellow Westporters who knows a bit about those challenges.
Melissa Bernstein co-founded the billion-dollar toy company Melissa & Doug. In the podcast, she describes her journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship.
Melissa also discusses her struggles with mental health, the challenges of building a successful business, and her new venture Lifelines, which focuses on sensory immersion for stress relief.
She emphasizes the importance of creativity, authenticity, and the need for balance in life and work. Click here to listen.
Melissa Bernstein
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Speaking of greater self-awareness: Howard Steinberg started 3 companies here: Westport Innovation Hub, Source Marketing and dLife.
Now he’s written a book. “Confessions of a Problem Seeker” drops on Tuesday. It includes some rich references to Westport.
Howard says: “For most of my life, stillness eluded me. My mind was a relentless scanning machine, forever searching for what was wrong or what came next. But rarely present to the joy of the moment.
“It took me a virtual lifetime to recognize that this exterior version of me with its incessant mental chatter and negative bias was not my true self. I went in search of me.
“Most of us drift through life, nodding along to the question, ‘How are you?’ while never pausing to ask ourselves: How am I really doing? Who am I beneath this surface? As we avoid the deeper truths lurking just below, often disconnected from our true loving and authentic self. I know I’m not alone. We all yearn to break free from the chains of unconscious patterns. If I can shift, I believe most can. There is a path.”
Carmen Lynch — a comedian seen on shows with Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Craig Ferguson — headlines a comedy show at VFW Post 399. She’ll be there January 17 (8 p.m.).
Greenheart Productions — a new Westport theatre company — hosts a fundraiser.
A staged reading of the play “17 Minutes” (February 6, 7 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn) marks Greenheart’s first major public initiative. The goal is to produce “bold, theatrical work that sparks conversation, curiosity and compassion.”
17 minutes is the length of time a sheriff’s deputy stood outside a school while a shooter was inside. The play explores the effects of a shooting as the man struggles with his own complicity, and seeks meaning in the wake of the tragedy.
More entertainment news: A world premiere comes soon to Lachat Town Farm.
“Hole in the Wall” — a comedy directed by Christopher Denham (“Oppenheimer,” “Argo,” “Billions” opens March 6. It runs through March 22.
Lachat — which offers a variety of educational and environmental programs and opportunities on its 43-acre property next to Weston Devil’s Den — is also an incubator for the arts.
“The caliber of talent we’ve seen has been incredible – from up-and-coming bands that end up making it big, to celebrity artists who debut new work in front of a small-but-savvy crowd,” says Friends of Lachat executive director Anita Dinwoodie.
“The music scene at Lachat never disappoints, and we’re seeing the same success with theater.”
Ticket information will be announced soon.
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Jonny Greenspan is a Staples High School junior.
A varsity tennis player, he’s focused on that sport, along with academics and clubs.
But he also wants to bring students together, just for fun. He’s doing it through flag football.
For several months, he’s worked with Westport PAL to create an inclusive, low-pressure opportunity for all local high schoolers, regardless of experience, skill level or where they go to school.
He’s gotten space in the Staples fieldhouse, Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m. The program begins soon.
“It emphasizes fun, teamwork and connection rather than pressure or competition,” Jonny says.
“For many students, especially those not involved in varsity athletics, recreational sports offer a rare opportunity to stay active, while building relationships and confidence in a low-stakes environment.
“This is about more than flag football. It’s about rebuilding connection, creating belonging, and giving students a reason to show up — for each other and for their community.
Jonny Greenspan, enjoying another favorite activity.
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The seemingly endless Post Road East construction project is done.
The result is a nice 1/10-mile stretch of road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s, and a debatably improved intersection just east of Stop & Shop.
At least Westporters knew what was going on.
Another project — on Riverside Avenue — began last spring. It’s continued — in fits and starts — since then.
What’s it all about?
Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member who knows just about everything — explains:
“Aquarion contracted Tinker to do water main. Once the entire main is done, they go back and do all the secondary lines that stem to the mainline. Now it’s sewer and other utilities.
“Dave Tinker Construction has another 7 to 10 days of work left for the season. This will include utility connections by Riverside Park, Treadwell Avenue and Robert Lane.
“They will return in May to pave the side of the road they did the excavating on only (state requirement). It would be great if they could repave everything, but it’s likely other utility work will occur.
“It’s efficient to do all utility work within the road before an entire repaving.”
Westport resident Judy Kohn died peacefully on Thursday, with her husband of 56 years Monroe, and her children Traci and Mark by her side.
She is also survived by her son-in-law Jon; daughter-in-law Danna, and grandchildren Emma, Jordan, Ben and Talia.
A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 11, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at the Ahavath Achim Cemetery in Fairfield. Shiva will be held privately.
Bruce Geller often runs at Sherwood Island State Park. He’s used to seeing rocks on the shore.
But these were not the usual ones. Bearing messages like “Keep the faith,” “Be nice — it doesn’t hurt” and You!,” they clearly came from a collection — but whose? And why dump them there?
It’s an unnatural part of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature. If anyone knows the back story, click “Comments” below.
There are so many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 of my favorites. What are yours?
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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!)
Turning to the Planning & Zoning Commission: Its November 4 meeting agenda (6 p.m., Zoom; livestreamed at www.westportct.gov; Optimum Channel 79) includes a report on a new lease with Longshore Sailing School. This replaces the former lease with a new one, with the same operator. It would run to October 31, 2029, with an option for a 5-year extension.
Also on the agenda: Text Amendment #846. It would allow outdoor eating areas for any retail food establishment existing or operating in a residential zone prior to September 1, 2024, and exempt them from the 50-foot setback requirement; update the “outdoor eating area” definition to include the right to utilize portable food carts and service stations, and expand the sale of alcohol to those same food establishments.
In addition to Old Mill Grocery, the text amendment would benefit The Porch at Christies on Cross Highway, and The Country Store on Wilton Road.
An explanatory statement filed with the application says: “The vision and impetus behind these proposed text amendments is for these establishments to serve as a place where neighbors can enjoy a casual glass of wine, or a beer, with their food, unwind, and socialize with their friends.”
The amendments are also “consistent with the Town of Westport’s 2017 Plan of Conservation and Development,” which encourages “tiny commercial uses embedded” in some residential areas, while “maintaining residential character.”
Click here to view the full pending application of Text Amendment #846. Based on statutory requirements, the Planning & Zoning Commission’s public hearing will wait until November. Residents can comment on the application by emailing PandZ@westportct.gov.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
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Congratulations to longtime Westporter, generous supporter and exceptional business leader Melissa Bernstein. She has just been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
Her citation reads: ‘Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative, and author. As co-founder and former CEO of the wildly successful toy company Melissa & Doug, Melissa has spent the last 30 years helping children discover themselves, their passions, and their purpose through open-ended play.
“In 2020, after her own personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Melissa founded Lifelines. Through Lifelines, she is using her unparalleled creativity and imagination to reinvent well-being products and experiences to help adults strengthen their resilience, stay grounded, and unlock their full potential. Melissa lives in Westport Connecticut with Doug and their 6 children.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — who surprised Melissa with appearance at her induction in Hartford — praises: “You lead with compassion, creativity and incredible competence. Every day you inspire women and girls to realize their own limitless potential, which is the mission of the CT Women’s Hall of Fame.”
Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the CT Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony.
Speaking of women: “The Hills of California” is a Broadway show about sisters. (They cram into the guest house of their former home as their mother lies dying.)
So — to drum up social media interest — the producers asked some sisters to see and review it.
Well, not just “some.”
They sent the Utz family. All 7 of them.
The Utzes grew up in Westport, and all graduated from Staples High School. Claire, Chrissy and Cathy remain. Jamie and Jennifer live in Fairfield. Bo is in Rye Brook, New York, while Lis is the furthest away: Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Speaking of great meals: CTBites reports that starting today (Tuesday), Saugatuck Provisions will launch “Provisions After Dark.”
It’s a tie-in between chef Matt Storch’s market, and his Match Burger Lobster next door. It’s a way to offer his high-quality products, for people who don’t have the time (or talent?) to cook them.
Customers can select what they want from cases with individual portions of meats and fish — “anything from a dry aged 2-pound porterhouse to a beautiful piece of line caught tuna, or the perfect pork chop,” or a rotisserie chicken, along with a sauce, says CTBites.
Selections will be paired with olive oil griddled potatoes and steamed organic veggies.
It’s available Sunday to Thursday starting at 5 p.m., as an add-on to the existing Match Burger Lobster menu. Provisions will now be open later too. (Click here for the full CTBites story.)
Thomas Quealy writes: “I hope ‘06880’ can shine a spotlight on a little corner of our town that could be nicer.
“Behind Town Hall are softball fields used by our local girls. One set of bleachers is absolutely filthy and mildly broken.”
(Photo/Thomas Quealy)
Sounds like it’s time for a little love.
Or at least a power washing.
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Trumpeter David Sneider brings his swinging feel, flawless technique and deep roots to this week’s Jazz at the Post (October 31, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m; dinner service from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by pianist David Zaks, bassist Dan Finn, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and drummer Mike Camacho. Click here for tickets.
And finally … today is the anniversary of Black Tuesday. On this day in 1929 the New York Stock Exchange crashed. It marked the end of the great bull market of the 1920s, and the start of the Great Depression.
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Lynsey Addario’s photo of a family killed on the street in Ukraine horrified the world.
“06880” has reported on the reaction, and the back story. Yesterday, Lynsey — a 1991 Staples High School graduate — described it herself, on the New York Times’ “The Daily” podcast. Click here to listen to her fascinating, important words. (Hat tips: Tommy Greenwald, Lee Feldman, Susan Woog Wagner)
Ukrainian soldiers do what they can, moments after a mortar attack on civilians on the streets of Irpin, near Kyiv. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)
Speaking of Ukraine: Irene Braziler is a native of that country. She’s spent the last 17 years in Westport; her sons Jake and Sam are in school here.
Last Thursday, Irene left for Romania. She met longtime Ukrainian friends at the border, where she’s helped them with cars and accommodations as they make their way to safety.
A video shared by Irene’s Westport friend Kelly Haazen shows the women — after being attacked, leaving their husbands behind, heading to an unknown destination with no idea how long they’d be there — beaming with joy at the sight of their old friend Irene.
Irene has started a GoFundMe drive to provide support to hospitals in Ukraine, civilians like her friends, and many others in desperate need. Every dollar donated will directly impact refugees and medical aid efforts, through DirectRelief.org.
The media personality hosts a streaming show for Turner Sports during the first 2 rounds of the hoops classic.
“Fast Break” features Briggs, Kentucky legend Tony Delk, Georgia Tech coach Josh Pastner, and former Northwestern player/sports betting expert Tim Doyle. There’s action from every game, analysis, and player and social media reaction.
Sure, Ken Jennings and Amy Schneider won over $1 million on “Jeopardy!” But could they do what Aalok Bhattacharya, Oliver Clachko and Thomas Sargent have done?
The Staples students — a junior and 2 seniors, respectively — took first place in last month’s regional History Bowl competition on Long Island.
They don’t just have to answer obscure questions (or, in “Jeopardy!”-speak, provide questions to answers). The History Bowl — run by former “Jeopardy!” champ David Madden — is buzzer-based. But there are toss-up questions, a lightning round, and besides, these are just high school students.
But — unlike Sam Cooke — Aalok, Oliver and Thomas know a lot about history. And not just our own. They know Roman history, European history, the history of philosophy — you name it, they know it.
And they practice it after school, with faculty advisor (and chemistry teacher) Dominick Messina. They work on questions and answers — and on being first to buzz the buzzer.
Staples’ win vaults them into the national competition, April 23-24 in Washington. They hope to raise $675 to help with the registration fee and travel expenses. History-minded Westporters — or anyone else — who can help sponsor them should email aalok.bhattacharya1@gmail.com.
History Bowl champs (from left): Thomas Sargent, Aalok Bhattacharya, Oliver Clachko.
The last couple weeks of “Kids Are Talking” — the online show hosted by local therapist Dr. Don Cohen — have been interesting.
In a partnership with Turning Point CT, an organization for young people in recovery from mental health and substance use issues, Mental Health Stigma took a close look at breaking stigmas. A subsequent Mental Health in the Mirror episode addressed eating disorders.
College Application Stress was created in partnership with Fairfield CARES. The discussion included advice from high school seniors on how to handle the admissions process, and gave a heads up to juniors about what’s ahead.
Last week’s Athletes and Mental Health discussed the physical and mental stresses of performing during COVID and beyond.
Tomorrow’s show centers on the War in Ukraine, with teens who have family and friends in that troubled region. State Senator Will Haskell is the guest ono March 31.
“BIG” — the acronym stands for “Believe, Inspire, Grow” — debuts in Westport at the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Boathouse Restaurant, at noon.
BIG is a global woman’s empowerment community offering inspiration, community, and tools to move personal and professional lives forward. Members build relationships in a dynamic, supportive entrepreneurial community.
Melissa Bernstein — co-founder of toy company Melissa & Doug, and the mental health multi-media platform LifeLines — is the featured speaker.
Another longtime, much-loved, and COVID-affected event is back — at a new but important location.
CLASP Homes’ “Taste of Westport” fundraiser is set for June 15, at the newly renovated Inn at Longshore. As always, it’s a great (and tasty) evening filled with food and drinks from your local restaurants, music, and a silent auction. Mark your calendars; details to follow.
Westport resident — and internationally acclaimed photographer — Larry Silver has the lens pointed directly at him this month.
Fairfield University Art Museum presents 13 Ways of Looking at Landscape: Larry Silver’s Connecticut Photographs. The solo exhibition includes more than 80 works, and is on view from March 25 through June 18.
The exhibition brings together over 40 years of Silver’s work, made of and in this state. It opens with a lecture by guest curator Leslie K. Brown on March 24. For more information, click here.
“Sitting at Water’s Edge, Sherwood Island State Park, Westpor, 2014/2022,” archival inkjet print. Courtesy of Larry Silver and Bruce Silverstein Gallery, New York.
Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” scene you don’t see every day: a red fox, sunning itself in Greens Farms. Elena Nasereddin captured this image on Monday.
Lock your cars doors! Even — especially — in your driveway!
That’s the advice (it should be a command) from the Westport Police Department.
Four vehicles have been stolen here since Saturday. All 4 times, the doors were unlocked — and the keys were left in the cars.
Police have also responded to 15 vehicle break-ins in the past 6 days. Items were stolen from all cars — and again, the doors were unlocked.
The department reminds residents to lock all cars, and bring keys inside. Take valuables out of your car for the night too — cash, purses, wallets and electronics. It’s a good idea too to keep outside lights on, and motion lights activated.
Since going public about her battle with existential anguish and depression, Melissa Bernstein has been interviewed by every major American media outlet.
Tonight (Thursday, May 6) she talks to a different audience: her neighbors.
Former CNN, NBC Sports and Fox News anchor Dave Briggs — also a Westporter — interviews the Melissa & Doug toy company co-founder today, on Instagram Live.
Melissa will talk about her life, and LifeLines: the project she and her husband Doug have created, to educate and empower people. The conversation is particularly apt now; May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
It’s available tonight at 8 p.m. on Instagram Live (@Westport Magazine). You can ask questions during the segment, or send them now: DM @DaveBriggsTV.
Far from a “welcome wagon” — longtime residents are as welcome as recent arrivals — it’s a fun, active group. Members enjoy clam bakes, coffees, holiday parties, kayaking, barbecues, happy hours, wine tastings and TGIF get-togethers.
They play canasta. They go hiking and to movies. There is a book club, culinary group and luncheon club. There are trips to museums, baby and toddler play groups, and girls’ nights out.
Well, they did all that before COVID. The pandemic forced every activity onto Zoom, or hiatus.
But as Westport opens up, the group is returning to in-person events. “With the energy of spring in the air, we are trying our best to serve our community,” they say. “We will of course continue to follow town guidelines in all activities.”
The first monthly event is tomorrow (Friday, May 7, noon): lunch outdoors at Arezzo.
In the works: Book Club (May 27, 7 p.m.), kayaking, and free Pure Barre classes for members.
Click here to learn more. Click here for the Facebook page; For membership information, email membershipnnwestport@gmail.com. For other questions, email presidentnnwestport@gmail.com.
Westport Public Art Collections seeks submissions from K-12 students for the 2021-22 school calendar. That’s the one that hangs in every kitchen. It lists all school events — and is decorated handsomely with student art.
Drawings, paintings, photos and computer-generated graphics will be considered (landscape orientation, please).
Artwork scanned at high res (600 dpi — JPG or PDF format file) or a good photo can be mailed to WestportSchoolCalendar@gmail.com. Include the student’s name, email, school and grade. Keep the original art, in case a re-scan is needed.
The deadline is May 28. Click here for more details, and to preorder a calendar.
The cover of the 2020-21 Westport Public Schools calendar was drawn by Sophia Sheng, Coleytown Elementary School 5th grader.
Bedford Middle School 8th grader Ryan Tzou learned yesterday he was a winner in the Women’s History Month essay contest.
He found out in a great way: State Representative Stephanie Thomas surprised him during social studies class.
“Ryan told the triumphant story of his grandmother, a Chinese immigrant who experienced countless obstacles in her life that she never let hinder her dreams and goals,” Thomas said. “Ryan’s love and admiration for his grandmother poured through the carefully constructed words in his essay, which made it both inspirational and heart-warming to read.”
Ryan Tzou with State Representative Stephanie Thomas (left) and Bedford Middle School social studies teacher Gabrielle Tripuzzi. He holds a citation for his essay.
The other day, “06880” reported on Staples High 9th grader Cameron Mann’s current gig: He’s part of HBO Max’s “Mare of Easttown” cast.
Three years ago he was part of a 2018 workshop: “The Secret Garden.” Presented for top Broadway professionals and theatre owners, it was directed by Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle, and starred notable actors.
The production is being streamed tonight (Thursday, May 6), and will be available on demand May 7-9. Proceeds go to the Dramatists Guild Foundation and The Actors Fund. Click here for details.
Her book Lifelines, and digital support community of the same name, has raised awareness even further.
Now, throughout May — which is Mental Health Awareness Month — LifeLines is hosting free activities and workshops. There’s a different one each day.
The goal is to help people “dive inward and discover their true selves,” LifeLines says. They range from “Breaking Up With Your Inner Circle” to “Tracing Your Triggers.” Click here for the full schedule.
Plans have been announced for Staples High School’s graduation. It will be … outdoors.
“Pomp and Circumstance” will ring out at the football stadium, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 17 (rain date: June 18). All seniors will be together, and will be allotted 2 guests each. The ceremony will be livestreamed, for family and friends who cannot attend.
This is the first time the football stadium has been used for graduation in 27 years. The previous 26 events were held in the fieldhouse. Last year’s graduation was a “drive-by,” with each graduate having a special moment in front of the school.
Staples High School graduates gather outside the fieldhouse in 2018, before the ceremony. This year they’ll march instead to the right, onto the football field.
The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force just completed a very successful collection for baby items, for 2 area safe houses and local clients.
Westporters donated 4 strollers, 7 car seats, 3 booster seats, multiple car seat bases, 5 cases of formula, over a dozen cases of diapers, countless packages of wipes, baby washes, new baby clothing, 18 bottles, and over $500 in cash.
The Task Force thanks the entire community, and the men and women of the Westport Police Department, who helped collect and transport the donations.
Talent from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Spotlight kicks off Friday, May 14 (7 p.m.), with pianist/composer Isaiah J. Thompson. The young artist leads his jazz quartet in what MoCA promises will be a “powerful, mind-blowing performance.”
On May 28, The Alexa Tarantino Quartet debuts music from their new album “Firefly.” Their performance last summer sold out.
A third Lincoln Center artist will perform later this summer, followed by the Samara Joy Ensemble on August 20.
Tickets are available in a variety of formats, including individual concert tickets, a 4-concert Jazz Package, or a Season Pass with all 13 Music at MoCA concerts. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
As Westport opens up, the May issue of Westport Magazine examines “the good life.”
Stories include personal reflections on Christopher Plummer; Dave Briggs on Lou Gehrig Day; Center Stage producer Andrew Wilk; super-organizer Meredith Triscott; home design shops; creating the perfect patio, and the advantages of private aviation.
Westport Magazine is available at Barnes & Noble, Balducci’s, Whole Foods and CVS.
It’s a Ramadan tradition for Muslims to visit civil service offices, meet executive officers in person, and thank them for their contributions.
Yesterday, Feroz Virani, Adil Kassam and Tameeza Asaria — members of the Ismaili Muslim community — presented 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Robert Yost with a gift of appreciation.
At Town Hall …
… Police headquarters …
… and the fire station. (Photos courtesy of Town of Westport)
Westport Republican Town Committee member Jim Campbell has tossed his hat in the ring: for chair of the Connecticut Republican Party.
A former chair of the Greenwich Republican Town Committee whose early and avid support of Donald Trump was chronicled in Evan Osnos’ New Yorker story “How Greenwich Republicans Learned to Love Trump,” Campbell is an executive with Frontier Communications.
The cover story for AARP Magazine’s April/May issue is Michael Douglas.
In a long interview about his life and career, the 76-year-old actor mentions his teenage years in Westport:
I was into hot rods, tinkering with cars. I worked at a Mobil station at one point, and my first real award was Mobil Man of the Month. I was also a member of a group called the Downshifters. A little bit like the Jets in West Side Story: [sings] “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way.”
I had a D.A. — when you’d comb your hair to look like a duck’s ass — the D.A., we called it. We were known to spend a little time locating automobiles that had parts that we wanted. Not proud about it, but it kept me out of a lot of other trouble.
Scott Smith writes: “I can’t remember a prettier season for daffodils and forsythia. I read an New York Times article on tulips that suggested the snow cover this winter may have helped. I
“I don’t recall buying any type of daffodil with multiple blooms, though I know some such varieties exist. So when I spotted this pretty bloom in my yard, I wondered if I have some sort of self-evolved mutant. Anybody else around town have this sort of daffodil?”
Speaking of blooms: The Westport Garden Club’s annual plant sale has a new venue: Jesup Green. The date is Friday, May 14 (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).
Also new this year: the option to pre-order plants online, for curbside pickup. The ordering page goes live May 1, at http://westportgardenclub.org.
Held annual since 1928 (except during World War II, and last year’s pandemic), the event features over 1,000 homegrown perennials from members’ own gardens, with a special section of Connecticut native plants. Club members will be on site, for advice. Each plant has a tag with care information too.
The Westport Book Shop — across Jesup Green — will offer a selection of garden books.
Proceeds from the sale — and the club’s booth at the Westport Museum for History & Culture’s May 1 Spring Market — support the club’s projects, including maintenance of local public gardens and parks. For more information, click here.
Westporter Melissa Bernstein has been very open about her lifelong battle with existential anguish and depression. LifeLines — the multimedia platform recently launched, in collaboration with Doug, her husband and fellow Melissa & Doug toy company founder — has gotten great publicity.
One of the most in-depth and powerful stories was just published in the Washington Post.Click here to read. (Hat tip: Marc Selverstone)
Food insecurity and cancer are both difficult situations. Too often, they go together.
In honor of Mother’s Day, Pink Aid is helping struggling moms feed their families. With every the breast cancer support group will purchase food cards for women battling both breast cancer and financial hardship.
Pink Aid will send every donor’s mother a card acknowledging the meaningful gift. For every donation of $100 or more, they’ll send the donor (or donor’s mom) a reusable insulated grocery bag. Click here to donate.
From the Cincinnati Reds to Greens Farms Academy. That’s the unusual career path for the private school’s new athletic director. Eric Lee — senior director of player development for the MLB team — begins his next job in early July. He replaces Tauni Butterfield, who is moving to North Carolina after 2 decades at the Beachside Avenue school.
Lee’s 8 years with the Reds includes stints at director of baseball operations and senior director of international operations. He played baseball at Haverford, where he earned a BA i political science. He then taught world history and coached coaches baseball at basketball at Hawaii Preparatory Academy before returning to Haverford as an assistant dean of students and assistant baseball coach. He also worked and coached at National Presbyterian School in Washington, DC — and earned a law degree from the University of Maryland.
And finally … on this day in 1965 Luciano Pavarotti mad his La Scala debut in Franco Zeffirelli’s production of “La Bohème.” Here he is, 21 years later:
Connecticut — already in the Top 5 states nationwide for its COVID vaccine program — took a huge step forward yesterday.
Governor Lamont announced the expansion of the vaccine to everyone over the age of 16. The planned date to begin scheduling those shots is April 5. That’s significantly ahead of the previous target date.
This Friday (March 19), scheduling opens to all residents age 45 to 54.
For information on making appointments and finding the closest available clinic. click here. You can also call Connecticut’s vaccine appointment assist line: 877-918-2224 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Other vaccine providers include:
Yale New Haven Health
Sign up online here, or call 833-275-9644
CVS Health (limited locations)
Sign up online here, or call 800-679-9691.
Walgreens (limited locations)
Sign up online here, or call 800-925-4733
Stamford Health
Sign-up online here, or call 203-276-7300.
Hartford Healthcare
Sign-up online here, or call 860-827-7690.
Infants are not yet eligible for the COVID vaccine. Maybe soon though …
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The best selling book on Amazon yesterday was LifeLines: An Inspirational Journey from Profound Darkness to Radiant Light.
And by “best selling,” I mean just that. Westporter Melissa Bernstein’s book about her battle with existential anguish and depression was #1.
Not just in the self-help category. Not in “books by women authors.” Not in any of the dozens of other categories that Amazon uses to try to create buzz.
Lifelines was Amazon’s best selling book, among the bajillions of titles the retail behemoth sells.
It may have gotten a boost from fellow Westporter David Pogue’s segment about it on “CBS Sunday Morning,” the day before.
But it also benefits from being a very important book, by a well-known and very honest writer, at a time when talking (and reading) about mental health is crucial.
Alec Lobrano graduated from Weston High School in 1973. Until he landed a job in the Paris office of Women’s Wear Daily, his experience with French cuisine was limited to browsing cookbooks at the Weston Library, where he worked as a teenager.
But he carved out a niche as a food critic in Paris. The lessons he learned from leading culinary figures helped him master fine dining, and also find his place as a gay man navigating the alluring city and his exciting career.
Lobrano has won several James Beard Awards. He writes on food and travel for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Saveur, Food & Wine, Eater, Condé Nast Traveler and more.
His memoir — My Place at the Table: A Recipe for a Delicious Life in Paris — will be published June 1.
The book is filled with vivid descriptions of Parisian restaurants, his favorite and least favorite meals, and run-ins with figures from like Julia Child and Ruth Reichl. It’s also a coming-of-age story about the healing power of food. Click here for details.
On March 30 (7 p.m.), Westport takes center ice in hockey world.
NBC Sports’ Emmy-winning NHL broadcaster Mike Emrick sits with USA Today‘s veteran beat writer Kevin Allen, for a discussion about Emrick’s new book, Off Mike.
The candid discussion about his exciting life is free. Click here to register.
And finally … though the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery, was officially ratified in 1865, it took 130 more years for Mississippi’s formal approval. It happened on this day in 1995.
A Westporter helps Westporters who help the world.
That was the theme of David Pogue’s telecast yesterday. He walked a few yards from his home, to Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s. There — with a “CBS Sunday Morning” camera crew — he interviewed the toy company co-founder about her lifelong battle with existential anguish and depression.
The Bernsteins’ new project — Lifelines — is an ecosystem for mental health support, resources and education. Pogue brought their work to a national television audience. Click below for that very important report.
Brian Lewis — chef/owner of the very popular Colonial Green restaurant (and OKO, on Wilton Road) is opening another Cottage in Greenwich.
The 49 Greenwich Avenue spot will seat over 60. As in Westport, it will celebrate seasonal ingredients, sourced from local purveyors and farmers. The Cottage Greenwich is slated to open later this year.
“We’ve always looked forward to the day that we can bring The Cottage to a new market after being so blessed with our devoted clientele and hardworking team in Westport,” says Lewis.
“As we experienced such continued support during COVID and after 6 successful years in Westport, the time was right to grow and find a sister location to complement the original Cottage.”
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