Tag Archives: Michelle Pauker

Roundup: Anti-Racism Protest, Joanne Woodward, Linxweiler House …

Posted on February 27, 2024 | 7 comments

A few dozen protesters stood quietly on North Avenue this morning, protesting reports of racial incidents at Staples High School across the street.

The crowd included students and adults. Some parents joined the crowd after dropping their youngsters off at school.

Many held signs. One summed up the feeling of the protesters: “Racism is unacceptable.”

(Photo/Ruby Kantor for Inklings)

(Photo/Ruby Kantor for Inklings)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Kevin McLaughlin)

(Photo/Lily Rimm)

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

Happy 94th birthday to a Westport icon: Joanne Woodward.

Over 60 years on stage and television she won an Academy Award, 3 Primetime Emmys, and 3 Golden Globes, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She is one of the last surviving stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood, and the oldest living Best Actress Oscar-winner.

Just as importantly, she — and her husband, Paul Newman — contributed mightily to the civic life of Westport.

Whether helping save the Westport Country Playhouse or dishing up popcorn at the Westport Historical Society, Joanne Woodward made our town a better place.

Thank you, Joanne. Have a great day!

The happy couple, near their home.

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

Among the items at the next Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 4, 7 p.m.; Zoom, and Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020): a request from First Selectwoman Jen Tooker to temporarily amend the lease at 655 Post Road East (the Linxweiler house, between McDonald’s and Fresh Market) to allow Gillespie Center clients to be housed and supported there temporarily, during renovation of the downtown homeless shelter.

Click here for the full agenda, and additional materials.

Linxweiler House, on Post Road East.

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

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Mike Burns gave an in-depth, eye-opening look at the most recent Y’s Women meeting.

Many members were surprised to learn that the 45-year-old non-profit relies entirely on donations. The 75 EMS volunteers — who respond in 7 minutes or less to everything from strokes, seizures and births to accidents on I-95 and the Merritt Parkway (and even incidents on Metro-North) pay for all their own supplies: heart monitors, gurneys ($70,000 each), and ambulances.

WVEMS’ 3 ambulances are 10 years old. The first of 2 new ones will arrive next year — at a cost of $450,000.

All donations are welcome (83% are less than $100); click here.

WVEMS president Mike Burns, at the Y’s Women meeting. (Photo/Jilda Manikas)

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

Westport resident Tom Kretsch spent his career as a teacher in the Norwalk schools.

And for almost 40 years he’s been involved with that city’s partnership with Nagarote, Nicaragua. They’ve created and run a community development project that provides opportunities for young people and families to improve their economic and educational lives.

A benefit cabaret — “Spring Into Song” — is set for Sunday, March 24 (5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club).

Attendees can bring food and drink to share at small tables before the music begins. Nine great vocalists — including Westporters Michelle Pauker, Bill Hall and Emily Hall Stevens, and Charlotte Roth of Weston — are donating their talents. They’ll sing tunes from Broadway shows, original music and other covers.

For more information and tickets ($50), email kretscht@yahoo.com.

Michelle Pauker (Photo/Brynn Owen)

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

Trumpeter Andy Gravish plays the music of Hank Mobley and Lee Morgan — 2 iconic musicians of the “hard bop school” — at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 29; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover charge, $15 for veterans and students).

Gravish performs at top international jazz festival, and has been the featured soloist with the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Paquito D’Rivera and many others.

Joining Gravish are pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Steve Johns, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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

It’s been 15 years since the Staples High School Class of 1974 had a reunion.

Now they’re ready for their 50th. And members of adjacent classes — with friends among the ’74 graduates — are invited too.

It’s the weekend of October 18-20. There’s a Friday night social at the VFW, a Saturday night main event with dinner and dancing (and the class’ Mark Santella as DJ) at the Westport Woman’s Club, then Sunday at the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.

Click here for details, and tickets.

Class of 1974 member Alix Land in Long Beach Peninsula, Washington. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

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

Lost your license plate?

Someone found it, and propped it up against the post office flagpole:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Kevin LaForce.

He writes: “I saw this beauty trot across the top of Hillspoint Road on Sunday. I tracked him/her to the back of Loretta Court. Pretty cool.”

(Photo/Kevin LaForce)

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

And finally … sharing a birthday with Joanne Woodward (story above) is Josh Groban. Happy 43rd birthday, to the platinum-selling singer.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support for all that we do. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Local politics, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: State Of The Town, CAVA, Kelli O’Hara …

Posted on January 30, 2024 | 4 comments

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.

During their training period, they’ve been donating fresh bowls and pitas to Food Rescue US – Fairfield County.

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.

A few of CAVA’s dishes.

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

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.

Click here for the full review.

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.”

Click here for the full story.

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)

A woman wearing blue pajamas and a man wearing a white T-shirt and khaki pants are kneeling on a bed while facing each other. They are singing and drinking from cups in a scene from “Days of Wine and Roses.”

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

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

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.) 

Click here for details, and registration.

Cathy Malkin’s Yogi Bear.

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

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.

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

Coq au vin is a winter favorite.

But how to cook it?

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

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

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.

Darcy Miller Boyd Austin

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

The buck stops where?

For this one: Cedargate Lane, off Whitney Street. Richard Fogel spotted him, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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

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.

(Don’t let me down! Please click here to help support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you all.)

 

4 Comments

Posted in Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

Posted on June 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!

(Photos/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)

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

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)

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

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.

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

Remember this big, ugly, unneeded monstrosity from last summer?

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s gone this year.

The view of the plantings at the Compo Beach entrance is now much more soothing.

But wait! How will anyone know how many spaces are available in each lot?!

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

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.

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

“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)

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

A rose is a rose … is a “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Today’s beautiful image was taken by Tammy Barry, on Harbor Road.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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

And finally … in honor of today’s gorgeous nature shot (above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

Posted in Arts, Beach, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: SLOBs, AWARE, ROMEOs …

Posted on May 21, 2023 | 17 comments

Yesterday’s weather drove all but the hardiest yard workers indoors.

In anticipation of today’s sunshine — and, more importantly, to get ready for the 7th annual Dog Festival (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), a crew of SLOBs (Staples Service League of Boys) headed to Winslow Park to help.

“This was Westport at its best,” praises Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Dog Fest sponsor, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

“This was the most challenging prep for the event ever.”

Winslow Park will look great today, as thousands of dogs and their owners enjoy everything from obstacles courses and competitions to a K-9 demonstration and vendors.

And they’ll have a bunch of SLOBs to thank.

SLOBs set up for the Dog Festival. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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

Also working outside yesterday: a hardy bunch of Westport Sunrise Rotary volunteers.

As they had promised Westport’s Department of Human Services, they showed up — dressed for the occasion and with their usual boundless energy — to help clean up a local resident’s home. The event was part of the international organization’s annual Day of Service.

They removed high grass, tree limbs, weeds and more from the property of a resident who was unable to do so, or afford to pay for it.

A brief pause from hard work. (Photo courtesy of Rob Hauck and Bruce Fritz)

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

The foul weather also forced AWARE’s annual soiree indoors.

Over 100 folks crammed into a private home — rather than the back yard — to celebrate the organization, and its partner.

AWARE stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education. Each year, they work with a different organization, offering financial resources, hands-on and moral support, and friendship.

For the past year, they’ve joined with Her Time. The Bridgeport non-profit assists women affected by incarceration and domestic violence.

The food and drinks were delicious. The fundraising went well. And “AWARE-ness” about Her Time was raised high too.

AWARE members and Her Time representatives spent a “family” evening together. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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

Also indoors last night: Actress/singer/songwriter (and 2013 Staples High School graduate) Michelle Pauker returned to MoCA Westport. Her Joni Mitchell tribute was part of the “Music at MoCA” series.

Last summer, Michelle performed “Broadway Through The Ages” for a sold-out crowd in the Museum’s gallery.

Her composer/director, Jake Landau, was a Staples classmate. The Juilliard and Oxford graduate is a quickly rising composer and conductor.

Next in the Music at MoCA series: Vanisha Gould, a Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist (June 10, 7 p.m.). She and her quartet will perform originals and selections from the Great American Songbook. Click here for tickets and more information.

From left: Michelle Pauker, Rachel Hoy and Ravi Campbell, last night at MoCA Westport. (Photo/Lily Hultgren)

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

After decades of getting ready for the 7:30 a.m. bell, retired teachers have the luxury of sleeping in.

But former Staples High School educators find a variety of ways to stay active and engaged. They lead full, interestinglives.

Every so often they get together (though a bit later than 7:30) to compare notes, and talk about their lives then and now.

They call themselves ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Eating Out.

How many of these legendary teachers did you recognize?

Here they are (clockwise from lower left): Toby Watson, Al Jolley, Stan Rhodes, Werner Liepolt, Pete Van Hagen, Bruce McFadden, Jim Honeycutt, Ed Bludnicki, John Pepe, Jeff Lea, Jim Wheeler.

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

Remember James Comey?

Before he became FBI director (and was fired by President Trump), he was general counsel at Bridgewater Associates, the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund. He lived here too, in Greens Farms.

Comey’s new gig is mystery writer. He next book — “Central Park West” — will be published May 30.

It takes place at a fiction version of “the world’s largest hedge fund.”

Hmmm … will any other bits of Westport make it into the book?

I’m not buying it to find out.

But if anyone else does, please let me know. (Hat tip: Allen Siegert)


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

Drew Angus has spent the last 3 months in Nashville. He’s writing songs, and playing with very talent musicians.

On June 8, the 2007 Staples High School graduate takes the stage at Fairfield Theatre Company, to share stories and songs from his time there.

Drew will be joined by Westonite Jeremy Goldsmith on guitar, Wilton’s Spencer Inch on drums, Nick Trautmann (Darien) on Bass, and non-Nutmegger Adam Bonomo (keyboard). A few special guests may join them.

Click here for tickets. Click here for more on Drew Angus.

Drew Angus

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

Yesterday’s “06880” noted that it was the 96th anniversary of the day Charles Lindbergh took off on the first-ever non-stop solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean.

Naturally, there’s a (sort of) Westport connection. (Beyond the fact — which I forgot to note — that Lindbergh and his family lived for several years on Long Lots Road.)

Longtime resident and avid “06880” reader Matt Murray’s grandmother was a friend of the engine builder/designer Charlie Lawrence.

The day before the flight, he asked Matt’s grandmother, “Do you want to see this fellow take off from Roosevelt Field at 5 a.m. to fly solo across the Atlantic?”

She replied, “Charlie, you’re drunk,” and did not go.

But because she was fluent writing and speaking French, Charlie asked her to write Lindbergh’s letter of introduction for when he landed.

As a thank you, she later received a picture of Lindbergh and Lawrence — and their signatures — just before he flew away.

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

There’s always something to see on Soundview Drive.

Tammy Barry took the popular stroll the other day, and spotted these irises. They won’t be there long. Fortunately, she snapped this shot for “Westport .. Naturally.”

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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

And finally … on this day in 1970 Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded “Ohio.”  Neil Young wrote the song about the murder of 4 people at Kent State University, 2 1/2 weeks earlier.

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

( “0688o” — your hyper-local blog — is a non-profit; contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

17 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Parker Harding Parking, OMG Open Hours, Merit Money …

Posted on May 13, 2023 | 21 comments

The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee continues its work.

One “06880” reader is worried about one aspect of it. She shares this letter, which she sent this week to the group:

“I understand that at this morning’s meeting (which I could not attend) the discussion of losing 44 parking spaces in the Parker Harding lot was discussed.

“I believe this will be detrimental to our stores downtown. There is already a shortage of parking during peak (and many other) hours.

“I believe that the solution of taking a bus from town to Imperial Avenue is not a good solution for shoppers. It is inconvenient for folks who are only in town for a short while.

“I believe — and always have — that the store employees who park all day should use the shuttle service and parking at Imperial Avenue.

“I understand that some store managers felt that their employees ‘wouldn’t do that.’ When I worked in a town like this many years ago with similar parking issues, we were told we would be fired if caught parking in spots reserved for shoppers.

“It’s not a big deal if they are there all day. Managers are being over-dramatic if they did position this in that manner.

“I understand the value of the greening/beautification project, but we need to keep shoppers coming to town and keep our stores in business. It’s all too easy to shop on the internet these days.

“Thank you for your consideration of this concern.”

Up to 44 parking spots may be lost in the Parker Harding Plaza lot, in concepts under consideration by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committe.

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

Summer hours begin Monday at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

The Hillspoint Road spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice cream and much more, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week.

Ready for summer.

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

MoCA hosts 2 very different concerts within 48 hours of each other next week.

On Thursday (May 18), New York-based punk band Darling performs a 30-minute set, following a curator talk with Emann Odufu, as part of the “Cocktails & Conversation” series.

Emann is the curator of the current “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition featuring Anselm Reyle. His practice is inspired by his participation in the punk and heavy metal music movements, and his fascination with psychedelic and punk aesthetics.

Two nights later (Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m.), MoCA welcomes back Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker. This year, she offers a tribute to Joni Mitchell.

Click here for more information, and tickets.

Michelle Pauker

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

Speaking of music: 2018 Staples High grad and Berklee College of Music singer/songwriter Margot Liotta just released her latest single.

It’s available on tons of platforms. Click here for your favorite.

Margot Liotta

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

Westport’s 3 National Merit Scholarship $2,500 winners attend 3 different schools.

Congratulations to Staples High School’s Lucia Wang (also the valedictorian), Alexis Bienstock of Westport’s Pierrepont School, and Joy Xu (Hopkins School).

From left: Alexis Bienstock and Lucia Wang.

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

The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.

June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.

A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.

The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)

The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.

Can’t attend, but want to support and/or listen to the album? Vinyl and digital copies are available via Bandcamp.

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

Longtime Westporter and noted civic volunteer Irma Schachter, wife of Joseph Schachter, died Thursday after a short illness. She was 95 years old.

Irma was an early female leader in the male-dominated retail store management field of the 1950s. Her career started after completing the Harvard-Radcliff Business School program with a position at Abraham & Strauss, and continued at G. Fox & Co., Bloomingdale’s, as manager of Burdine’s department store in Miami Beach, and a Lord & Taylor vice president managing 7 New England stores.

She attended what is now Northfield-Mount Hermon School. She was recently honored by the Northfield Alumni Association with its rarely given Lamplighter Award for outstanding service to the school, achieving 100% yearly participation by her entire class in support of the annual fund.

She attended Hartford Junior College, and graduated from Connecticut College.

In Westport, she supported the new Library and Norwalk Hospital

She married Joe Schachter in 1966, after his wife — Irma’s friend Carol Kagan — died at 34. She helped raise Carol and Joe’s 3 young sons, and soon legally adopted them.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Ted (Susan) of Los Angeles, Stephen (Carrie) of Gainesville, Florida, and David (Danny) of Belmont, California; niece Carmen Carrol (Christopher); nephew Andrew Klein, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, May 14, 1 p.m., Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk). Shiva will be Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. at 28 Mayflower Parkway, Westport.

Irma and Joe Schachter.

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

Peter Green — a highly accomplished stained glass artist also active in several other art forms — died earlier this year at Bridgeport Hospital, of pancreatic cancer. He was 77.

He was the founder in 1971, and co-owner with his wife of 48 years Tina, of Westport’s Renaissance Studio. Click here for a 2012 “06880”story on that artistic journey.

His 5-decade career as a stained glass artist was marked by many commissions and installations in Westport and the tri-state area. He and Tina taught stained glass classes at their studio and in area adult education programs.

After 30 years on Saugatuck Avenue, the studio moved in 2003 to the Greens’ home on Imperial Avenue. Tina continues to operate it.

Peter designed and installed stained glass windows and panels in hundreds of homes, restaurants and other businesses, and for religious institutions. His Installations include Temple Israel in Westport, St. Francis of Assisi Church in Weston, and St. Joseph’s Church in Stratford.

A member of the Stained Glass Association of America, he was also a successful woodturner, photographer and painter. He was a past president of the Nutmeg Woodturners at the Brookfield Craft Center. His unique works graced the covers of Wood Turning and Stained Glass magazines.

Peter’s first career was in music. After graduating from Adelphi University in 1968, he played guitar in The Villagers folk group. They opened for Simon and Garfunkel in the mid-’60s at Adelphi. He played for the rest of his life for family and friends.

An Army Reserve veteran, he was also an avid sailor, surfer, kayaker and cyclist. He swam regularly at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Peter frequently researched, read and combed the recorded music collection at his beloved Westport Library.

Survivors in addition to his wife include his children, Andrew of Westport and Charlotte of Greenwich; his sister Susan Behan of Longboat Key, Florida; his brother Bob Green of Kapaa, Hawaii; his mother-in-law Anna Godick of Westport, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private memorial celebration of his life is planned for later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to The Westport Library or the American Cancer Society.

Peter Green

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

Burying Hill Beach is Johanna Keyser Rossi’s happy place.

And here — happily — is her “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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

And finally … happy 73rd birthday to Stevie Wonder.

There are way too many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 from his now-overlooked, but very productive, mid-1960s/early-1970s years:

(If you enjoy our daily “06880” music selections, it would be “wonder”-ful to help support the blog. Please click here — and thank you!)

21 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Education, Entertainment, Obituaries

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Superman, Madame Web, Richard Scarry …

Posted on August 4, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s taken a while.

But last night, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic study of Cross Highway, North Avenue and Bayberry Lane.

The project will look at intersection safety, as well as adding a sidewalk on Cross Highway and a crosswalk near The Porch @ Christie’s.

Next stop: an appropriation request to the RTM.

The North Avenue/Cross Highway intersection may be the most dangerous one in Westport without a traffic light. Another contender: Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane.

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

Superman came to the Westport Library last night.

The Man of Steel arrived on the Trefz Forum big screen. Westporter Arlen Schumer presented an in-depth lecture on Curt Swan — the longtime local illustrator who for 29 years was DC Comics’ primary Superman artist.

it’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Arlen Schumer and Curt Swan at the Westport Library! (Photo/Dave Matlow)

Swan’s 3 children were all in the audience. Chris lives in Westport;  Karen Brooks is in Wilton, and Ceal Swift is in Westbrook.. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Chris Swan and his sisters Ceal and Karen, in the Westport Library audience. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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

Camp A Cappella CT — the innovative program teaching vocal technique, beatboxing, ensemble skills and choreography to area youngsters —  returns this summer with an in-person program.

And another star on its faculty.

Michelle Pauker — the 2013 Staples High School graduate/Broadway performer who wowed a recent SRO MoCA crowd with an evening of song — will work her considerable magic.

Michelle earned a BA in music from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, concentrating in musical theater. Many Westporters already know her through her private lessons.

Michelle joins music educator Amanda Violone, in the upbeat, fun camp program.

Camp A Cappella CT was created by Danielle Merlis, following the success of her Cello Camp. The award-winning musician was initially inspired at Long Lots Elementary School, earned first chair honors in the Staples High orchestra, and went on to perform with Chris Brubeck and the Eagles, at venues like Lincoln Center.

Camp A Cappella CT welcomes singers in grades 1 to 12. It runs August 22 to 27  at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, alongside The Cello Camp, now in its 7th year.

For information and registration for Camp A Cappella CT. click here.

PS: You don’t have to attend (or have a kid who does) to enjoy the camps’ final concerts (August 27, 5 p.m. cellists, 7 p.m. singers, Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Everyone is welcome.

One day at Cello Camp …

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

Next up on the big screen: Westporter Kathy-Ann Hart.

She’s the latest addition to the cast of “Madame Web.” The Marvel comics-based film’s cast includes Dakota Johnson, Mike Epps, Adam Scott and Sydney Sweeney.

Though she began performing as a child in her native Trinidad, Hart is a newcomer to film. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 2003, she worked for many years as a corporate attorney and non-profit executive. She moved to Westport in 2017.

Kathy-Ann Hart

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

Gas prices have dropped for over 50 straight days. They’re now nearly $1 less than this spring’s (very high) highs.

Today — and today only — you can get $1 off each gallon, at the Shell station across from Westport Country Playhouse.

They’ve renovated their interior, so it’s a brighter and better-stocked (if not particularly healthy) convenience story mart than before. They’re celebrating today, with the special $1 off offer. (Hat tip: Ifeseyi Gayle)

The Shell station opposite Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Ifeseyi Gayle)

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

Like many places of worship, the Unitarian Church in Westport welcomes guest speakers.

But this Sunday (August 7, 10 a.m.) is special. Darcy Hicks will also make art with the congregation.

As “06880” reported last week, Darcy is part of Wings4Peace. The grassroots gun safety coalition, formed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting, creates “wings” artwork all across the nation.

The UU church invites artists, non-artists, students, builders, artisans and activists to join them, and Darcy, on Sunday.

Darcy Hicks, with her “Wings4Prace.”

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

The Weston Flea is Saturday, September 10 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weston High School). This month, organizers invite anyone looking to sell home goods, tag sale items, crafts, art, new business ideas and more, to reserve space.

Popular items include toys, garage and garden items, tools, rugs, candles, soap and jewelry. The cost is $25 for 2 parking spaces ($20 for seniors).

To reserve a spot, call 203-222-2608 or email wpetty@westonct.gov.

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

This fall, Fairfield Museum presents an immersive exhibit on the life and work of Richard Scarry.

The children’s book author and illustrator — known for the book “Busytown,” and characters like Huckle the Cat, Lowly Worm, Miss Honey and Mr. Frumble — lived in Westport. He began illustrating in 1948, but his work remains popular today. The Fairfield Museum show will introduce him to the next generation.

It will include original artwork, unpublished drawings, rare books, large-scale reproductions of his illustrations, a reading nook, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt.

Click here for more information. Click here and click here for 2 “06880” stories on Richard Scarry’s connections to Westport.

 

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

Yale New Haven Health cut the ribbon on its new Digestive Health Center yesterday.

The facility, at 325 Riverside Avenue, provides care for medical and surgical patients, including bariatric, colorectal and hernia surgery and gastroenterology.

Yale New Haven Health, at 325 Riverside Avenue.

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

Lauri Weiser writes: “I have no idea why this iris wanted to bloom again now, in my back yard. Maybe it just wanted to be a “Westport … Naturally” photo!”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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

And finally … getting ready for next month’s Weston Flea (see story above):

 (“06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support this blog.)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Local business

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Michelle Pauker, Bulkley Pond …

Posted on July 24, 2022 | 4 comments

MoCA Westport roams far beyond our town’s borders.

The museum-and-more features artists — visual and musical — from around the world.

But one of the biggest draws ever was last night: Westport’s own Michelle Pauker.

The 2013 Staples High School graduate — and actress/singer/songwriter — wowed the overflow crowd with her “Broadway Through the Ages” repertoire. She was both graceful and great, leading the audience through a history of musical theater, from “Showboat” to Sondheim.

One of her songs was an original by Jake Landau, who served as her pianist and music director. A Staples classmate — and Juilliard and Oxford graduate — he’s now a quickly rising composer and conductor.

Michelle’s small band included fellow Stapleite Lucas de Valdivia, on cello.

It was a magical Westport evening, in the worldly MoCA space.

Michelle Pauker at MoCA. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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

Aspetuck Land Trust is removing the Bulkley Pond dam. It’s off the Post Road by Shake Shack, right on the Westport/Southport border.

The dam was a barrier to upstream fish passage for alewife and blueback herring, and the freshwater habitat these migratory fish require for spawning.

The project is funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.

Bulkley Pond dam removal …

… and after. (PhotosDave Lowrie)

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

The Fresh Market ospreys get most of Westport’s love. At least, they’re the most visible.

But let”s give it up for the Longshore birds. Molly Alger provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” raptor family:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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

And finally … the Bulkley Pond story (above) reminded me of this great song, which never got the recognition it deserved.

Over 50 years later, the message still resonates.

 

 

 

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS

Tagged , ,

Roundup: The Porch, Hooked, Playhouse Gala …

Posted on July 22, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: The Porch, Hooked, Playhouse Gala …

“06880”‘s Unsung Hero feature runs every Wednesday.

But this story — reported first on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page — deserves to be told today. J. Van Burke wrote:

“Huge shout-out to The Porch @ Christie’s.

“My friend and her family were visiting from Kansas. As parents of a child with Down syndrome they wanted to support a business that gives employment opportunities to all, so we went for breakfast at The Porch.

“My friend left her purse there, and only realized it when they were on to their next stop in Rhode Island.

“The lovely folks at The Porch had it overnighted to her — and even included some treats for her kids to enjoy in the parcel. Such thoughtfulness and kindness should be applauded.”

Absolutely! Among Westport’s treasures, The Porch @ Christie’s stands @ the top of any list.

The Porch @ Christie’s co-owner Bill Pecoriello, on the porch.

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

Westport was hopping yesterday evening.

The Levitt Pavilion was packed, for a Santana tribute band. Restaurants were jammed too, with outdoor diners. A huge crowd thronged Compo’s South Beach, for the 9th annual “06880” blog party.

Meanwhile, elsewhere at Compo, on one of the most beautiful nights of the year, Hook’d — the concessionaire — closed early.

At least they gave a few folks warning, via text. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Despite the posted hours, Hook’d closed early last night. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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

Sure, it’s hot. But the show must go on.

So it will: indoors.

Tomorrow’s (Saturday, July 23, 7 p.m.) “Broadway through the Ages” concert at MoCA will be inside the gallery, rather than out on the lawn. It stars 2013 Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker, with music direction by Juilliard & Oxford Academy composer Jake Landau — a 2013 classmate of Michelle’s.

Entry to the museum’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit is included in the admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Michelle Pauker

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

Renée Elise Goldsberry — Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton” — headlines the return of the Westport Country Playhouse’s gala benefit. She’ll perform Broadway, pop and soul songs on Saturday, September 17.

The evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. cocktail party, including a live auction and raffle. Her 8 p.m. performance is followed by an after-party, with a DJ and dancing. The host is Robin de Jesús, from “In the Heights.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Renee Elise Goldsberry

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

Congratulations to Mo Deegan: a recent inductee into the Little East Conference Hall of Fame.

The Staples High School graduate is one of the most accomplished multi-sport athletes in Eastern Connecticut State University history. She earned All-America, All-Region and All-League honors in field hockey and lacrosse. Several of her records still stand.

This is her second Hall of Fame. In 2014, she was inducted into ECSU’s Athletics Alumni HOF.

Mo Deegan

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

Julie Blume enjoyed this beautiful visitor to her Bonnie Brook Road home yesterday.

There’s always something new — and wondrous — in our “Westport … Naturally” world.

(Photo/Julie Blume)

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

And finally … you might not know his name, but if you grew up in the 1970s you knew his voice.

William Hart, lead singer and songwriter of the Grammy-winning group the Delfonics, died last week in Philadelphia, from complications during surgery. He was 77. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” relies on reader donations. Please click here to contribute.)

Comments Off on Roundup: The Porch, Hooked, Playhouse Gala …

Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Beach Tables, Primary Day, Baron’s South …

Posted on July 16, 2022 | 8 comments

I took a beach walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was a gorgeous start to the weekend. The sky was cloudless; the temperature and breeze, perfect.

But something was missing: maybe half the South Beach picnic tables.

How could that be? They’re very, very heavy. Where would they go, and why?

I tried to think of any event that would take precedence.

Nope. So I gave up, and figured it was just my imagination.

South Beach yesterday, 6 p.m. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Before I finished my walk though, 3 groups of people stopped me. All wondered: What happened to the South Beach tables?

I have no idea. The Parks & Rec office is closed for the weekend, so they can’t help.

We’ll just have to crowdsource this. If you know what happened to all those picnic tables, click “Comments” below.

And if you took them: Bring them back. No questions asked.

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

Election Day is near!

Republican Primary and Democratic Primary scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.

Polls are open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Absentee ballot applications are available through the Town Clerk’s office. The drop box at the rear of Town Hall is ready to receive applications and absentee ballots. Click here for information on absentee ballots.

Connecticut has a closed primary system. Only enrolled Democrats may vote in the Democratic primary, and only enrolled Republicans may vote in the Republican primary. The deadline for changing parties has already passed.

However, an unaffiliated voter may select a party up to noon the day before the primary, changing to one of the major parties. Click here to verify your party status.

If you are not yet a registered voter, applications must be postmarked by August 4. In-person registration is available until noon on August 8.

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

Looking for a cool movie next week?

The Remarkable Theater schedule includes these shows, at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:

“Dirty Dancing” (Monday, July 18; gate opens 7:15 p.m., movie at 8:15 p.m.): Spending the summer at a Catskills resort with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle. Rated PG-13.

“Scream” (Wednesday, July 20; gate opens at 7:30 p.m.; movie at 8:30 p.m.): A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a new killer, who targets the girl and her friends by using horror films as part of a deadly game. Rated R.

Click here for tickets and more information.

A night at the drive-in. (Photo courtesy of 4th Row Films)

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

Not far from the Remarkable Theater, just steps from downtown, Baron’s South is a 22-acre jewel.

But, Molly Alger says, the park needs some maintenance. Walking paths are overgrown with weeds. She took this photo on her way from the Senior Center to Compo Road South:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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

Next Saturday, there’s a double treat for fans of Staples Players alumni.

2013 graduate Michelle Pauker returns to Westport for a star turn in “Broadway Through the Ages.” The MoCA show (July 23, 7 p.m., 19 Newtown Turnpike) is  an evening of memorable tunes, from Golden Age to contemporary.

Music direction is by acclaimed Juilliard & Oxford Academy composer Jake Landau — a 2013 classmate of Michelle’s.

Entry to the museum’s “Women Pulling at the Threads of Social Discourse” exhibit is included in the admission. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Michelle Pauker

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

Speaking of former Staples Players: Congratulations to Britt Hennemuth!

The 2008 Staples High School and 2012 Pepperdine University graduate is now the West Coast editor for Vanity Fair.

He’s just published his first cover story: “Dakota Johnson on Family, Sexual Agency—And the ‘Psychotic’ Making of Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Click here to read — including one of the best opening lines in any magazine story, anywhere. (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)

Britt Hennemuth

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

CORRECTION: An incorrect date was given yesterday for the Westport Astronomical Society’s “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party.” The correct date is this coming Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.), at the observatory on Bayberry Lane.

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

Staples High School Class of 2006 graduate Joanne Smith died last Sunday.

The Chicago native moved to Brazil for 8 months after graduation, before beginning work in the hospitality industry. She had a passion for fitness, nutrition and exercise, and enjoyed being outdoors.

She was an animal lover, an avid reader (particularly Harry Potter), and a movie buff. She particularly enjoyed the beach and dog, Romie.

She is survived by her mother, Katherine Gordon Smith of Stratford; father Gregory and stepmother Donna of Fairfield; brother Matthew of Norwalk; sister Jennifer (Rodolfo Antorocha) of Washington, DC, and maternal grandmother Sally Grabot.

Her family says, “Joey was a fun, kind, loving, intelligent light in the family and to all who knew her. She took on the annual role of Christmas Elf to hand out presents.Joey was well loved by family, friends and co-workers.”

The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday (July 18, 11 a.m. to noon, Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial (12:30 p.m., Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the ASPCA. To leave online condolences, click here.

Joanna Smith

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

Does the rule about dogs on the beach apply to the jetty that forms Compo’s border?

Who cares. This is a classic “Westport … Naturally” photo. Enjoy!

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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

And finally … you may or may not have seen “Dirty Dancing” (the next Remarkable Theater film — story above).

But in 1987, there was no escaping this song:

(“06880” runs on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to add your support.)

 

8 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Politics, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

“The Last 5 Years”

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 4 comments

Michelle Pauker and Clay Singer had major roles — Mary Magdalene and Judas — in this summer’s Staples Players production of Jesus Christ Superstar.  It was a huge time commitment — and very successful

Michelle Pauker (Photo/August Laska)

So when the show closed July 31, Michelle and Clay could have been expected to spend the final weeks before school begins chilling at the beach, hanging out with friends or just acting like rising Staples juniors.

Instead they put on another show.

They chose “The Last 5 Years,” a clever 2-person song-cycle musical that chronicles a relationship, from meeting to breakup (or backwards — you had to see it).

Michelle and Clay secured the rights and the stage; hired a 5-person pit orchestra; corralled their friends (and parents) into assisting as stage managers, lighting and tech crew, publicists, set and costume designers — and handled thousands of other details, like miking and a website.

Clay Singer (Photo/August Laska)

The show had a very successful run last weekend at Toquet Hall.  Michelle and Clay have beautiful voices.  They nailed every aspect of a complex, long relationship.  It was one of those unexpected treasures of summer.

But that was not the most impressive part of what these teenagers did.

Virtually every aspect of the the production was donated.  It was a fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Here’s what Michelle wrote in the program:

Five years ago, at 11 years ago, my life was drastically changed when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  For “the last 5 years” of my life I’ve dealt with testing my blood sugar levels and giving myself insulin every time I eat something; excusing myself from classes and activities when my blood sugar gets too low, and experiencing the pain of needles every time I change my insulin pump site.

The day I was diagnosed, I thought my life as I knew it was over.  However, because of support from the JDRF, new technologies and treatments allow me to live an almost normal life.

However, I know that many people with type 1 diabetes are not as fortunate as I am, and have a more difficult time dealing with the disease.  I want to give back to JDRF for all it has given me, and by doing this project I hope to take another step toward finding a cure.

Michelle went on to thank her doctors and nurses at Yale; her parents; Clay, and everyone else who made “The Last 5 Years” possible.

She concluded:

Finally, most importantly, thank you to each and every one of you in the audience.  Each ticket purchased is a donation to JDFR, and each donation goes toward helping children with diabetes.

Thank you for joining me in the fight against this disease, and the journey to a cure!

And how did you spend your summer vacation?!

(Click here for more information on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — or to make a donation.)

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Organizations, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , , ,