Many of our online gallery’s favorite artists return. They offer their usual — but always new and fresh — works, to entertain “06880” readers on a cold winter morning.
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.
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“The Winter Waterscape” — encaustic wax (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Ludlow Dreaming” (Rowene Weems)
“Credit Card Collage” (June Rose Whittaker)
“Georgia on my Mind” (Michael Tomashefsky)
“Dew Drops Off of Hillspoint by Schlaet’s Point” (Matt Murray)
“Herreshoff S-boat ‘Tonic’ — oil on Masonite (Peter Barlow)
“Yankee Baseball” — at Westport River Gallery (Fazzino)
“Happy Hour” (Lawrence Weisman)
“A Polar Bear Scene at Compo” — pencil and charcoal (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
The Westport Representative Town Meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first meeting this coming Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
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Sponsors have flocked to the new PAL/YMCA Westport travel basketball program.
And it’s not just local busineses and services. In addition to orthodontists, a cleaning company and restaurants, 3 families sponsored teams.
But their names on not on the young players’ jerseys. Instead, thanks to donations from the McCalisters, Liz Hauer and Groves, the causes they believe in — Adrienne Flemming fitness program, Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s Hospital, respectively — are emblazoned on the back.
Sponsorship includes game jerseys and shorts, practice jerseys, a shooting shirt and backpack, at no cost to players.
The 8th grade (oldest) jerseys were sponsored by PAL. Both teams chose a message that reflects the core belief of the Staples High School program.
On the boys’ jerseys is “STANCE,” an acronym the Wreckers boys live by. The girls’ jersey say “DRIVE,” which this year’s captains and new coach Tommy Sparks chose to reflect the program’s beliefs.
This year’s travel basketball program involves 11 boys and 9 girls teams, plus a 3rd grade girls developmental squad.
Sponsors include Electric Symphony, Fairfield Dermatology, CT ENT, Purple Cow Cleaners, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Outpost Pizza, Academy Camps, The O’Dell Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Metta Management, Heartlent and The Cal Group.
Honoring a favorite non-profit.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market is beloved for its home-grown produce, baked goods, cheese mongers and more. Savvy shoppers know it’s the place to be, every Thursday.
Once a year — on a Saturday — the WFM hosts a special Holiday Artists’ Market. This time, the fare is courtesy of local artists.
This year’s event is Saturday, December 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).
Over 40 artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too, plus a photo booth.
Among the attractions: Ms President US‘s Clara Scotto, of Westport, will showcase upcycled, upmarket teen fashion. All proceeds from t-thrift sales will be donated to Person to Person in Darien.
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What’s so funny about Walrus Alley?
Once a month — usually the last Tuesday — the downtown restaurants hosts 3 comics.
This week’s headliner was Chris Clarke.
Chris Clarke, at Walrus Alley on Tuesday night. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Yesterday’s story about the return of lights to the William F. Cribari Bridge — we’ll have them after all! — reminded readers of the joys of crossing the 135-year-old span during the holidays.
And it reminded Westport artist Michael Chait of this video he produced, illustating the dazzling colors over the Saugatuck River.
“Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap” is the subject of a special Westport Library conversation.
The December 4 (7 p.m.) event exploring inequality with authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed. It’s part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s “In Community Conversation” series, in partnership with TEAM Westport.
“Fifteen Cents” authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed join FCCF president and CEO Mendi Blue Paca for a panel discussion with local community leaders, followed by an audience Q & A. Click here for more information.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between November 20 and 27.
A 22-year-old Astoria, New York woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy to commiti thosoe crimes, after an investigation into a complaint about a stolen IRS refund check that had been stolen and deposited. She was held on a $150,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Cos Cob man was arrested for larceny and identity theft, based on $5,500 in fraudulent charges. He posted a $10,000 bond.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation. He was held on a $20,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Speeding: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper marker lamps: 1
Improper number of headlamps: 1
Be sure you have the right number of headlights!
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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dolled up for Thanksgiving.
She is also very glad that the meal of choice on this holiday is turkey, not pork.
And finally … it’s amazing the things I remember from my childhood, decades back. (Just as amazing: how easily I forget things from seconds ago, like why did I just walk into this room?).
Every Thanksgiving at Burr Farms Elementary School, we sang this song:
I thought it was a nice holiday tune. Not until decades later did I realize it was a hymn.
But that wasn’t the only religious component of my Westport public school education. In first and second grade — until the Supreme Court outlawed it — every day began with the Lord’s Prayer.
That’s right. Just after the Pledge of Allegiance, our entire class — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and everyone else — bowed our heads, and said, “Our Father, who art in heaven …”
(Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am thankful for the chance to share my love of Westport with our wonderful online community. Enjoy the day!)
“06880” has reported several times on early voting — used for the first time in Connecticut this fall for a presidential election. (Click here, then scroll down for details.)
Here’s info on absentee ballots:
Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if you cannot appear at your assigned polling place on Election Day because of active service in the military, absence from the town in which you are eligible to vote, sickness, religious tenets that forbid secular activity on the day of the election, duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting, or physical disability. To receive your absentee ballot, please complete, sign, and submit an application online.
Please provide your name, date of birth, and town as it appears in the voter record in order to look up and verify your voter information.
Click here to complete an absentee ballot request.
The second Westport Safety Action Plan public meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 17, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Officials will present results of the recent public survey, and offer safety analysis and information on project selection.
Click here to learn more about the Westport Safety Action Plan.
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Westport has begun the process to replace the maintenance building in Longshore.
That’s the shed that, ever since the town bought the 188-acre property in 1960, has occupied prime real estate, between the Inn and tennis court/pool parking lots.
The new site may be where the brush dump is now located.
There was a performance yesterday of the staged reading, script-in-hand series (plus delicious lunch) that has entertained and delighted audiences at local venues for 20 years.
There have been 350 performances, with 200 professional actors and 135 playwrights.
Additional shows are today (Wednesday) at the Pequot Library in Southport, and tomorrow (Thursday) at Greenwich Arts Council.
“All good things must come to an end,” Carole Schweid, artistic director for the series’ organizer, JIB Productions, told “06880” in July.
She has had health issues, and executive producer Diana Muller is retiring.
Many local actors turned out to say farewell yesterday. The cast included several long-time favorites, including Weston’s James Naughton.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker awarded Schweid honorary recognition for the 2-decade run of one-act plays.
“They have been theatrical jewels for Westport theater fans,” says Marcia Falk.
She’s volunteered with the crew for 7 years. “I loved being part of such an exceptional Westport tradition,” Marcia says.
Brava, Carole and Diana. Thank you for 20 years of inspiring, thought-provoking, and much-needed entertainment!
Of course, audiences at the final Westport “Play With Your Food” performance celebrated with cake. (Photo/Marcia Falk)
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Michael Chait is a Westport photographer, known for his fresh looks at familiar local images.
Now those photos will be on sale, at a pre-holiday discount of 30%.
The event is Sunday, November 10 (2 to 5 p.m.) at his studio — which, fittingly, is in one of Westport’s most historic buildings.
It’s on the second floor of 11 Riverside Avenue. The building — long owned by the Gault family — is where, in the 1800s, merchant ships tied up.
The 2011 Staples High School and 2015 Middlebury College graduate performed at his first music festival (Black Bear Americana Fest); began hosting a Bob Dylan series at Cafe Wha?; opened for prominent artists like Marcellus Hall, Will Dailey and Ira Wolf, and got his first radio airplay.
Now he’s released his first new music in 6 years.
“Invulnerable” — his album of original songs — is available now. It straddles 2 stylistic worlds: the discursive balladeering of archetypal folk, and the more impressionistic lyricism of post-Dylan folk.
Dustin — who performed at last summer’s Soundview Stroll at Compo Beach — is booking concerts for the coming months.
We look forward to his “bringing it all back home.” In the meantime, you can listen to “Invulnerable” below. (Be sure to click the three-stripe icon in the upper right.)
Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are seniors Brianna Caporale and Henry Lobsenz, juniors Sarah Kalb and Grady McHugh, sophomores Jace Darby and Maya Stafford, and freshmen Derin Leon and Moni Mazaheri.
Those students “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike,” says principal Stafford Thomas.
“They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”
Nominations come from teachers, who select “all-around good citizens.”
October Students of the Month (from left): Grady McHugh, Henry Lobsenz, Derin Leon, Jace Darby, Sarah Kalb, Maya Stafford, Brianna Caporale. Missing: Moni Mazaheri.
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More Staples news: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Cohn and Olivia Saw will represent the schools next months, at the 11th Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit in Le Havre, France.
Delegates are high performing students interested in world affairs. At the event, the Westporters and other teens from 18 countries around the globe will develop action plans to address an issue affecting their community and the world — then implement them.
From left: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Saw, Olivia Cohn.
Affordable housing — one of Westport’s hottest topics — was the subject of yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club luncheon talk.
David Newberg — chair of the Westport Housing Authority since 2004 — discussed the past, present and future of local affordable housing.
The WSA owns, manages and develops affordable housing in town. Their 221 units house 450 people, most of whom are from Westport. The WHA has spent $65 million dollars over the years restoring and developing these units.
Newberg said that the major obstacle to building more units to meet demand is the scarcity of buildable land. The major reason that land is so hard to come by, he noted, is that people generally do not want affordable housing in their neighborhoods. It can take years to get land allocated for this purpose.
David Newberg, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)
Though only one submission referenced last weekend’s Memorial Day — our first, stunning abstract photo taken on Westport’s Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge by Michael Chait — several other pieces suggest the coming of summer.
Of course, many others suggest many other things. That’s the whole point of our weekly online art gallery. It’s eclectic. It’s wide-open.
And it’s your feature. Everyone is invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)
Westport was represented at yesterday’s historic arraignment at the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building.
Directly next to former President Trump at the proceedings was one of his key attorneys, Joseph Tacopina.
Attorney Joseph Tacopina sat at former President Trump’s left, during yesterday’s arraignment. (Photo/Curtis Means for EPA)
The Westporter — founder and lead trial attorney of Tacopina Seigel & Deoreo — is no stranger to big cases.
His firm’s website says:
Mr. Tacopina is one of the country’s most respected high-stakes trial attorneys, having successfully tried more than 100 cases in his distinguished career. He frequently represents clients in high-stakes civil, criminal and commercial litigation, zealously advancing their interests and often recovering substantial money damages.
In 2011, he was the featured speaker at Staples High School’s baccalaureate ceremony, the night before graduation.
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Last year, New York Times photojournalist Lynsey Addario captured an image that shook the world.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate was in Irpin, Ukraine, shortly after the Russians invaded. She was just a few yards away, when a mortar killed a woman, her 2 children and a friend.
The grim photo was published worldwide. It brought home the viciousness of the Russian attacks, and remains a defining image of the war.
Lynsey Addario’s photograph of the carnage in Irpin.
Addario — a previous Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Award winner — will no doubt earn many honors for that shot. She’s already won one: a George Polk Award for photojournalism.
Established in 1949 by Long Island University to commemorate a CBS correspondent murdered the previous year while covering the Greek civil war, they highlight “investigative and enterprising reporting that gains attention and achieves results.”
Polk Award winners will be honored April 14 at the New York Athletic Club, the day after a seminar on LIU’s Brooklyn campus. “When Covering War Gets Personal” will feature several winners, delving more deeply into their stories.
But Lynsey is not the only Addario woman in the news.
Her sister Lauren — a 1984 Staples grad — plays drums in a band called mineral Hill. They’ve jusd been nominated for an award for original music, by the New Mexico Music Awards.
ZZ Top will perform at the ceremony, next month in Albuquerque.
By day, Lauren teaches media arts and technology, and directs the Cultural Technology Internship Program at New Mexico Highlands University.
Congratulations, Lynsey and Lauren!
Lauren Addario
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April is Autism Acceptance Month. The Westport Police Department is using the event to promote education, and a greater understanding of autism.
They note: “Rates of autism have grown steadily in Westport and nationally, as early diagnosis has become more accessible. Autism touches most of our lives, and is a part of our community. Westport Police are committed to supporting those with autism and their family members, year-round.”
Many officers have bought Autism Acceptance Badges. They’ll wear them on their uniforms throughout April.
Autism Acceptance Month is a good time for a reminder about Westport’s Disability Registry, a combined effort of the Westport Disability Commission, Human Services and Police Department.
The confidential registry provides information to assist police and other emergency workers to address the needs of residents of all abilities. Click here for more information, and to sign up.
In 2021, Westport Police officers showed off their autism badges.
Last week’s “Evening of Africa” at Wakeman Town Farm was a smash.
Attendees raised $37,000, close to the $50,000 Unite needs for its food program in Tanzania this harvest season.
The funds will help purchase maize from over 300 small-scale farmers, providing them with fair prices as well as 2 hermetic bags each, so they can safely store some of their harvest pest-free to use throughout the year.
Money will also increase the fleet, to transport raw maize from remote villages to to United Food Program’s headquarters in Dar es Salaam. There it will be cleaned, processed and packaged as final maize flour products, for retailers, wholesalers and consumers.
Finally, Unite can purchase, retrofit and install and 40-foot container, to serve as extra storage for its grain inventory.
Click here, here and here for videos from the event. Click here to contribute. Click here to commission an oil painting by Unite’s partner artist Maliondo Amini.
By day, the 2nd floor at 11 Riverside Avenue is a normal art gallery (though one with exceptional work, and a great old-building vibe).
Every so often at night, it turns into a salon.
Owner Michael Chait invites very cool people, to lead informal conversations with in a warm, learn-from-each-other atmosphere.
His next one is even more intriguing than usual.
Tim Manners — a Westporter, and author of “Schoolboy: The Untold Journey of a Yankee Hero” will discuss his subject, legendary 1927 “Murderers’ Row” pitcher Waite Hoyt.
It’s an in-depth book, written with the help of Hoyt’s son.
An organist will play baseball-themed music. “Gates open” at 7 p.m. on April 27.
Tickets are $20. Seats are limited. Click here, or Venmo @Michael-Chait. Questions? Call 203-243-1995.
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Over the past year, Jazz at the Post has become a Westport institution.
Now a new musical event debuts at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: “First Folk Sunday.”
Starting May 7, and continuing the first Sunday of every month (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.), longtime and very talented Westport singer Suzanne Sheridan will offer music of the 1960s, ’70s, and “good songs from all time.”
Guest artists will join her. Next month, it’s keyboardist Bob Cooper.
There’s a $10 cover. Brunch and a cash bar are available too. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Five whiskeys from around the world will be featured at the Weston History & Culture Center’s April 29 fundraiser (7 p.m.).
Tasting will be led The Academy Drinks CEO Jessica Spector. Also on the menu: appetizers from Old Mill Grocery, specialty cocktails, beer, wine and a silent auction.
Tickets are $100 each. and can be purchased at: Click here to purchase, and for more information.
And as you scroll through this week’s art gallery, remember to give thanks to all the artists — here in Westport, and in our broader “06880” online community, who share their work with us.
After all: This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
Untitled – watercolor and pen (Jude Siegel)
“Here Comes the Sun, In About an Hour” (Jerry Kuyper)
“Autumn” (Linda Doyle)
Untitled (Michael Chait)
“Compo Beach Ornament” — ,mixed media. Artist Peter Barlow explains: “At least 12 of these spires once adorned the brick bathhouses. After this one was knocked over in a 1950 hurricane, the town tore down all of them.”
“Three Modiglianis” (Tom Doran)
Untitled (Ann Chernow)
“The World’s Most Important Job” (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Karen Weingarten)
“Bridgeport Mansion 1891” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Gone But Not Forgotten” (Molly Alger)
“Neighborhood Watch Creature” (Mike Hibbard)
(Enjoying our weekly art galleries? Please consider clicking here, to help support “06880.” Thank you!)
The Parks & Rec Department has held open houses on its Longshore Capital Improvement Plan. Residents weighed in — pro and con.
Now there’s another way to provide feedback. They’ve posted a survey on the project website, along with all the concepts already presented. It’s open through November 9.
Click here to take the survey. Be sure you have some time — it’s comprehensive.
A new, revised leaf blower ordinance got its first reading at last night’s Representative Town Meeting.
Because there are a number of changes from the original proposal — including the elimination of fines — there was no vote. After new committee hearings, the ordinance may be voted on in January.
Actor/director/Weston resident Jim Naughton writes:
“State Senator Will Haskell has told me that when he visited senior centers in several of the towns in his 26th District, he found that ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ was the bill they most wanted passed.
“This did not surprise to me. When my wife Pamela, having battled pancreatic cancer for 4 years, got to the end of her journey, she said to me, ‘Jimmy, I don’t want to wake up anymore.’ If Connecticut had made it available to her then, she would have used it.
“Also known as ‘Death With Dignity,’ the law has been adopted in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It came within one vote of making it out of the Connecticut Legislature’s Judiciary Committee last spring. A Gallup poll determined that 75% of Connecticut residents want it.
“I urge our neighbors to know where the candidates stand on the issue before voting next week. It will be revisited in the next session.”
Earth Animal cares about pets — and the humans who love them.
For the 15th straight year, they’re participating in the Mitten Project, for Connecticut Food Share. Last year, they raised over $40,000. This year — with increased need for help — the goal is $45,000.
Froom now through December 31, people can buy “mittens” at the store (and others in the area). Each “purchase” is a $5 donation.
In addition, cashmere mittens, Advent calendars and wreaths will be sold December 3 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Earth Animal. The store will match every dollar donated.
Special “Sip and Shop” events will also benefit CFS at:
J. Mclaughlin (342 Pequot Avenue, Southport,, November 17, 1-5 p.m.)
The Post (1799 Post Road East, November 17, 3 to 6 p.m.)
Millie Rae’s (1011 Post Road East, December 8, 4 to 6 p.m.)
Scout & Molly (283 Post Road East, November 16, 2 to 6 p.m.)
Outdoor Design and Living (1301 Bronson Road, Fairfield, November 17, 4 to 7 p.m.)
Mo’s Wine and Spirits (957 Post Road, Fairfield, December 8, 7 to 9 p.m.)
Milestone Restaurant (2 Main Street, Redding, CT, December 8, noon to 5 p.m.).
In addition, a homemade pie sale (apple, apple crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, pumpkin) at Wakeman Town Farm will send all proceeds to Connecticut Food Share. Click here to order between November 14 and 18. Pickup is November 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at WTF.
And … Earth Animal is selling wreaths December 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), also for the CFS cause.
Want to make a donation without a purchase? Click here.
Sami DeWitt scored on a pair of corner kicks, and Annabel Edwards knocked in a third goal, as Staples High School’s girls soccer team downed Greenwich 3-1 last night, in the FCIAC tournament semifinals. A late Cardinal goal ruined Cami Kolek’s shutout bid.
The Wreckers — defending state and FCIAC champs — look to add another league title in tomorrow’s championship match against longtime rival St. Joseph (Thursday, November 3, 7 p.m., Wilton High School’s Kristine Lilly Field).
The Wreckers are ranked 3rd in the tourney. The Cadets are first. St. Joseph won the teams’ regular season match 2-1, less than 2 weeks ago.
Congratulations too to the Staples field hockey team!
They also play for an FCIAC championship tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Brien McMahon High School).
The #3-seeded Wreckers topped #2 Wilton 3-1 last night. Their opponents tomorrow are top-rated Darien. Staples will seek to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Blue Wave earlier this year.
The Staples field hockey team, after last night’s FCIAC semifinal win. (Photo courtesy of Inklings/India Ahl)
“Without much fanfare, a new stop sign appeared at the intersection of Greens Farms Road and Bulkley Avenue South.
“It seems that no one is observing it. Waze and other apps direct traffic this way when I-95 get congested- The morning (race car) commuters are in their zone, and blissfully unaware of this change.
“Without some police presence (or the addition of a stop sign 🛑 to map-apps), this interaction is actually more dangerous now.”
Greens Farms Road, looking west. South Bulkley Avenue is to the right; Stop and Shop (not pictured) is off it. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Michael Chait has a large and well-deserved following for his original photographs, which he blends with aspects of paint technique. He is particularly fond of photographing Westport and New York City.
His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
Now — just in time for the holidays — he’s got a new website. Click here to explore.
Folk and other music lovers know Voices Café — tucked inside Westport’s Unitarian Church — is a hidden gem.
Now kids can enjoy it too.
A special Voices youngsters’ event brings Dan and Claudia Zanes back to Westport this Saturday (November 5, 4 p.m.). They entertained a large Levitt Pavilion Chidren’s Series crowd a couple of years ago.
Voices Café is a sensory-friendly, open environment. There’s space up front for movement and fun.. Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 2 to 17; children under 2 are free. A 15% discount is available for families of 4 or more. Click here for tickets and more information.
======================================================= (On this Day of the Dead, help keep “06880” alive. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Posted onJune 25, 2022|Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1895
In a shaded entryway just off Riverside Avenue, Staples High School graduates — and former orchestra mates — Danielle Merlis and Lucas de Valdivia set up their music stands and cellos today.
They greeted guests at the photography exhibition by Michael Chait and Michael Tomashefsky at Chait’s studio.
It’s a great exhibit of Westport scenes — and it continues tomorrow (Sunday), from 1 to 4 p.m. (11 Riverside Avenue, 2nd floor).
The Yankee Doodle fair ended at 5 p.m. yesterday. The last cars cleared out of the Library/Levitt Pavilion parking lot, just as the first concert-goers arrived for the Michael Franti show.
It was a full day of fun, for all ages. Summer in Westport has begun!
“06880” readers know local photographers Michael Chait and Michael Tomashefsky for their work, featured previously in this blog.
They can see more of the duo’s Westport landscapes this weekend (Saturday, June 25, 4 to 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 26, 1 to 4 p.m., Michael Chait Studio, 11 Riverside Avenue, 2nd floor).
Chait — who is known for using his camera like a paint brush — has shown his works at the Brooklyn Museum and MoMA.
Tomashefsky is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer. He has spent over 3 decades showcasing Westport’s natural beauty.
Speaking of art: Linda Colletta hosts a “Stomp Out Gun Violence” fundraiser and awareness event in her studio (July 7, 7 to 9 p.m., 33 Elm Street). It’s a benefit for Moms Demand Action. The event includes guest speakers.
Eleven pairs of her Vans painting sneakers — part of her artistic process — will auctioned off. They’re mounted and encased in Plexiglas boxes.
To RSVP, email reni@lindacolletta.com.
Linda Colletta’s Vans sneakers. An integral part of her artistic process, 11 pairs will be auctioned off at the “Stomp Out Gun Violence” fundraiser. (Photo/Chloe Crespi)
When Staples High School assistant principal James Farnen moved to Westport several years ago, he inherited a garden planted by previous owner Dale Lamberty.
He continues to tend it. And every spring, he’s rewarded with roses like these — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … it’s hard to believe, but Brian Wilson turns 80 year old today. (I missed Paul McCartney’s 80th on Saturday).
The Beach Boys’ genius singer/songwriter/producer has had a famously difficult life. He grew with a tyrannical father; he was a perfectionist whose masterful harmonies and complex orchestrations never seemed to live up to his own high standards, and he has battled mental illness for decades.
He did not even like to surf.
But his songs live on. They sound as fresh today as they did in the 1960s. Like his influences George Gershwin, Phil Spector and Burt Bacharach, they are part of the American songbook.
Here are 5 of my favorite Brian Wilson songs. Click “Comments” to add yours.
It’s been years since IHOP left Westport (though the bones of the building, a now-closed nail salon, can still be seen opposite Fire Department headquarters on the Post Road).
But a new pancake place is headed to town.
WestportMoms reports this morning that The Original Pancake House will open this summer on Main Street. They’ll take over the 2nd floor space formerly occupied by Boca restaurant (and before that, Acqua).
The original Original Pancake House — TOPH, to its fans — opened in 1953 in Portland, Oregon. There are now over 100 locations in 28 states and overseas.
But none are in Connecticut. The closest right now is White Plains.
Among the signature dishes: apple pancakes, Dutch Baby, German pancakes and omelets.
Speaking of Main Street: Get set for some reshuffling of Westport retail space.
Westport Hardware will move a few yards west. The popular store opposite Fresh Market — the only one of its kind left in town — will take over the space formerly occupied by Sam Sloat Coins, Luxe Nail Spa, and part of Lester’s and now-closed Wish List. The nail salon will be relocating.
The new space — about the same size as the current store — will be bright, with open ceilings, a Westport Hardware spokesperson said.
So what’s replacing Westport Hardware?
Pottery Barn. They’ll move from Main Street. Pottery Barn will also take over the now-closed Mumbai Times restaurant and Vincent Palumbo Salon, on both sides of the hardware store. That’s around 15,000 square feet.
Target date for the move is late August.
In August Westport Hardware moves west; Pottery Barn moves in.
There’s a lot on the Board of Finance’s plate at its March 2 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Among the agenda items:
Presentation of the 2022-23 town budget, by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Presentation of the 2022-23 education budget, by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice.
A request for $1.431 million to extend sewers to Whitney Street, Roseville Road, Fernwood Road, Plumtree Lane, Pamela Place and Ledgemoor Lane.
A request for $3.1 million to extend sewers to Evergreen Avenue and Parkway, Tamarac Road, Lone Pine Lane, Gorham Avenue, Compo Road North and Brookside Drive.
The meeting will also be livestreamed on the town website, and shown on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020. Click here for the full agenda.
Congratulations to the Staples High School girls ice hockey team (a co-op squad, with Stamford and Westhill Highs).
A 3-0 win over Darien vaults them into their first-ever FCIAC final. Kate Tortorella scored twice, Annie Forker once, adn goalie Sydney Butler earned the shutout.
They play New Canaan on Saturday. Good luck! (Hat tip: The Ruden Report)
The Staples/Stamford/Westhiill girls ice hockey coop team.
Michael Chait’s photography has been featured on “06880.” He’s got a large following on social media too. Michael’s followers love his unique images of Westport, New York City and other locations.
But it’s one thing to see his work on a computer or phone screen. They’re even more impressive live, and in person.
You’ll get that chance on Saturday, March 5 (4 to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, march 6 (1 to 4 p.m.). There’s a special show at the Loft Studio/Office, 11 Riverside Avenue, 2nd floor.
That’s on the corner of Post Road West — one more favored spot for Michael’s photos.
Charlie Capalbo — the 23-year-old standout Fairfield hockey goalie, and grandson of Westport writer Ina Chadwick — has beaten cancer 3 times: lymphoma once, leukemia twice. Countless friends and strangers have rallied to his remarkable cause.
Astonishingly, he’s just been diagnosed with leukemia a third time. His fourth cancer battle in 5 years will include very expensive experimental treatments and immunotherapies — on top of the immense cost of previous treatments.
To donate to Charlie’s Go Fund Me page, click here. You can also email words of encouragement to charlie@optimalservices.com; leave a voicemail at 203-293-8464 (his phone won’t ring), and join the Friends of Charlie Capalbo Facebook page.
Today’s New York Times has an interesting story on a Republican US Senate candidate in Pennsylvania. Michael David McCormick is trying to thread the needle between being seen as a Trump ally, and one not too extreme in the state President Biden won by 1.2 percentage points. One consultant advised running in the “Trump-adjacent lane.”
The story notes that McCormick — a West Point graduate, army Ranger, Ph.D. graduate of Princeton and Treasury official in the George W. Bush administration — was most recently CEO of Bridgewater Associates.
The Times calls notes that the hedge fund’s “fieldstone-and-glass headquarters … on a wooded, 22-acre campus in Westport, Conn (are) a world away from Pennsylvania cities like Scranton, McKeesport and Aliquippa, which have been hit hard by the kinds of shifts in global trade that Bridgewater’s traders and analysts seek to monetize each day.”
It adds: “A former Democrat, McCormick has made voluminous comments on world affairs, and they aren’t always very MAGA.”
Click here for the full story, including McCormick’s views on China — a country the Times says holds particular fascination for Bridgewater.
Bridgewater’s “fieldstone-and-glass” headquarters, off Weston Road.
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