Westport’s arts scene is robust. And it has been, for over a century.
Right now the 2 major visual arts players are MoCA\CT, and the Artists Collective of Westport.
In this first of a 4-part series, “06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung explores how we got here.
Sources asked for anonymity, to describe sensitive issues.
The management of any institution is rife with roadblocks. And in an institution for the arts, financial realities can sometimes guide, or perhaps overwhelm, artistic missions.
Which brings us to the highly anticipated — and controversial — 2019 opening of MoCA Westport (now MoCA\CT).
As early as the 1920’s, Westport’s arts scene drew attention. In 1929 a newspaper called this “the home of the most distinctive arts community in the world.” (Um … Rome? Paris?)
James Earle Fraser was one of Westport’s earliest, and best known, artists. He designed the buffalo nickel, the “End of the Trail” sculpture of a Native American slumped over a tired horse, and the Theodore Roosevelt statue at the Museum of Natural History.
In 1934 the town of Westport provided $3,000 ($75,000 today), to kick off the Westport- Weston Arts Council (WWAC). The goal was to encourage and nurture the burgeoning arts scene, including writers, actors, fine artists, cartoonists, illustrators, musicians and more.
WWAC thrived for decades, in a variety of venues. In 1983 it found a physical home in what had been Greens Farms Elementary School. After years of declining birthrates, it and 2 other elementary schools were closed.
The WWAC leased the building from the town, for $1 a year. They changed their name to the Westport Arts Center (WAC). They rented the school’s classrooms at affordable rates, as studios for members.
The WAC also built an exhibition space for shows and performances, in the former gymnasium. In return, they were responsible for the building’s maintenance and upkeep.
From 1983 through 1998, this was the Westport Arts Center.
Gradually, the school population rebounded. In the late 1990s, town officials decided the building would revert back to a school.
They broke the WAC’s lease, leaving members without economical studio options or dedicated exhibition space.
After a years-long search the WAC landed in a brightly renovated Riverside Avenue gallery, not far from the Post Road. They sponsored exhibits from members and other artists around Connecticut, and offered arts education for youngsters.
The long, narrow space was not adequate, however. Offices were cramped, and it could not accommodate large pieces.
Westport Arts Center, on Riverside Avenue.
Around 2018, the executive director of the WAC and supporting board members decided they needed a larger, more suitable location. After examining the Baron’s property on Compo Road South, and Martha Stewart’s former television production facility, they chose the latter.
A press release gushed, “Thanks to 50 years of connecting an entire community around a love of the arts, it will open its new doors at 19 Newtown Turnpike under an evolved identity and mission.”
A town official added, “We are excited to see the Arts Center expand to meet the creative demands of our active, artistic town … the new campus will be a regional cultural destination, drawing audiences to Westport from all over Connecticut, Westchester County and New York City.”
Mo\CA, at 19 Newtown Turnpike.
WAC member sources for this article say they were not made aware of either the search, the new name or the new mission — which mentioned a local audience but not local artists.
Nor did it say that the building is primarily in Norwalk, with most taxes paid to that city.
Instead, members learned the news from the press release.
What happened next? That’s in Part 2 of this series.
(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s arts scene — and the town’s history. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As the Westport Country Playhouse moves toward the future, it turns to a familiar face.
Mark Shanahan has been named artistic director for the 2024-25 season. Currently curator of the Playhouse’s Script in Hand play reading series, he’ll begin his new post in March.
Shanahan succeeds Mark Lamos, who is leaving after 15 seasons.
“I arrived at the Playhouse nearly 20 years ago, performing as an actor in ‘Journey’s End,’” says Shanahan.
“I could never have guessed my Playhouse journey was only beginning. Like so many who have passed through its doors, I immediately fell in love with the theatre’s rich history and beauty, and the artistry presented on its stage. There’s nothing like our big old red barn when filled to capacity. It is an honor to be invited by the board to serve this remarkable institution’s loyal audience and help it find ways to grow.
“Like so many theatres across the country, the Playhouse faces challenges. But I’ve personally witnessed the passion and love this community has for its theatre, and I know that together we can usher in a new chapter for the Westport Country Playhouse which will honor its wonderful theatrical heritage while forging new and exciting paths ahead,” stated Shanahan.
“I look forward to planning a ’24-’25 season which will fill the Playhouse with laughter, music, thrills, and heart, delivered by artists of the highest caliber,“ he noted.
Shanahan earned a BA at Brown University, and an MA from Fordham University. For his full bio and credits, click here.
As Westport (and the world) moves out of the pandemic, our Board of Selectwomen are ready to act.
Next Wednesday’s meeting (July 26, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) includes this item:
“Acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority, to re-establish the enforcement of timed parking limits in various town-owned downtown parking lots and roadways, previously suspended by the Board of Selectmen at its public meeting of June 10, 2020 in response to the implementation of phased reopening plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The meeting will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and broadcast on Optimum Channel 79. Comments from the public may be sent to selectwoman@westportct.gov prior to the meeting.
Mixed messages during COVID.
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The Unitarian Church of Westport changed its name recently.
But nothing has changed with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s annual tag sale.
It’s still huge. There’s still something for everyone: clothing, dishes, housewares, sheets, towels, pillows, small furniture, rugs, household appliances, artwork, puzzles, toys, electronics, etc., etc., etc. Everything is “priced fairly, to move.”
The date is August 5 (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Early bird admission is 8 a.m. ($20 ticket, at the door).
Questions? Email uuchurch@uuwestport.org, or call 203-227-7205.
A group of long-time friends — dressed mostly in pink — saw “Barbie” yesterday.
Their verdict: “It was fun. Very campy! It even had a message. For us girls who were the first generation of Barbie doll enthusiasts, it brought back a slew of memories.”
After nearly 3 decades, Mary Wanyo is leaving the Learning Community Day School.
The very popular teacher asked “06880” to post her farewell message. Mary says:
“For the past 29+ years I have called Learning Community Day School my home.
“I have shared my journey with over 400 children and families, and I am forever grateful for the beautiful journey it has been. I loved being a teacher to your children, but most of all I want to thank you for giving me the grace to be a lifelong learner with your children.
“You have all taught me so much. You taught me to believe in myself as a teacher as I crafted my pedagogy. I shared being a young (and now not so young) mother with you. Your families welcomed Quinn as he became classmates and friends with so many of your children.
“I am a kinder, better person as I wondered about the world through your children’s eyes. Each path I traveled, you all helped guide the way.
“Through the ebbs and flows, highs and lows, you celebrated each victory and gave a hug at each moment of need. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
“With memories that fill my heart with joy and love — Mary Wanyo”
Mary Wanyo
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Here is a full obituary for Stewart Greenfield. The longtime Westport resident died Wednesday at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 91.
The Brooklyn native earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint John’s College in Annapolis, then served in the Army from 1953 to 1955.
After working at IBM and Sprout Ventures, Greenfield co-founded 2 investment businesses, Oak Investment Partners (where he worked 1978 to 1994), and Alternative Investment Group (1996 to 2020, when he retired at age 88).
He was passionate about birdwatching and hiking, and had a deep desire to make the world a better place.
Greenfield served on the boards of St. John’s College and the Santa Fe Institute. He was a donor and fundraiser for the Nature Conservancy and many other educational, environmental, and human rights nonprofits, as well as a significant contributor and fundraiser for Democratic politicians.
He helped start and fund several early climate technology investment funds, and was a pioneer in making business more socially impactful and equitable. At one point in the 1980s, half of the female partners in the National Venture Capital Association worked for Oak Investment Partners.
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters honored him with a Founders Award as a lifelong environmental champion. He was a former board leader of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, a trustee emeritus of the Nature Conservancy of Connecticut, and served on the boards of Devil’s Den and Earthplace, among many others.
Greenfield is survived by his wife Constance of Westport; son Matthew (Molly Jong-Fast) and their children Max, Beatrice and Darwin; daughter Joanna, and son, Roger Comora and his children Isabelle and Luca, He was predeceased by his siblings Lesley and Michael, and nephew Howard.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, July 23, 12:30 p.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). The family requests casual attire, a negative COVID test, and face masks for attendance. Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery, Norwalk.
For more information, to join a livestream and share a condolence message, click here. Send photos and videos for a slideshow to info@greensfuneralhome.com.
Artists from the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra will perform works by composers including Aaron Copland in ensemble formats.
The concert is at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:45 for food, exhibition viewing, and a 6:15 pre-concert talk by CIMF artistic director Paul Frucht. Click here for tickets, and more information.
And finally … on this day in 1979, Reverent Richard Penniman — aka Little Richard — spoke at a revival meeting in California. He warned the congregation about the evils of rock ‘n’ roll.
Hmmmm….
(A-wop-bom-a-loo-mop-a-lomp-bom-bom translates as: “06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here. And thank you!)
The Democratic Town Committee’s endorsed slate of candidates for November’s local election includes familiar names.
And a couple of new looks.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein and secretary Neil Phillips, Planning & Zoning Commission vice chair Paul Lebowitz, and Zoning Board of Appeals chair Jim Ezzes will all stand for re-election.
Danielle Dobin — chair of the P&Z — was nominated to run for the Board of Finance. She is in the middle of her current term, so if elected to the BOF would have to resign.
Nancie Dupier is moving from Westport due to a job change, and must vacate her seat on the Board of Finance. Because she made that announcement this week, the DTC must reconvene to interview candidates. A new nominee will be announced soon.
When Dr. Parthena “Penny” Proskinitopoulos took over as the new principal of Coleytown Middle School yesterday, her commute scarcely changed.
For the past 2 years, she’s been an assistant principal at Staples High School, a mile or so south of her new post.
The appointment by superintendent of school Thomas Scarice was approved this week, by the Board of Education.
Proskinitopoulos’ career began in 2006, as a middle school social studies teacher in Fairfield. In 2014 she became a technology integration specialist. She then served one year as an interim assistant principal at Roger Ludlowe Middle School.
At Staples, she earned praise as administrator in charge of the Response to Intervention program.
Proskinitopoulos earned a BA in psychology from St. John’s University, and a master’s of arts in teaching and 6th year diploma in educational leadership from Sacred Heart University. Her doctorate of educational leadership comes from the University of Bridgeport.
Speaking of police: the Westport Department and Kneads Bakery Café Mill are partners in “Coffee with a Cop.” It’s next Wednesday (July 26, 8 to 9:30 a.m.), at Kneads on Riverside Avenue.
There are no speeches or agendas — just honest conversations about issues affecting our community,
The Westport Public Schools and Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University are collaborating on 2 virtual sessions, for parents and caregivers. Both provide insights and tips on creating a love of reading and science.
“Fostering Future Scientists: Helping Your Kids Learn About the Natural World” is set for next Tuesday (July 25, 7 to 7:45 p.m., grades K-3; click here to register) and Wednesday, July 26 (7 to 7:45 p.m., grades 3-8; click here to register).
Sure, bees sting. But they do so much more. A free webinar will help kids learn about the natural world.
Westporter Dan Gross is a financial and economic journalist. Edmond Safra has been called “the greatest banker of his generation.”
Last year Gross — who, like Safra, traces his heritage to Syria — wrote “A Banker’s Journey: How Edmond J. Safra Built a Global Financial Network.” It traces the financier’s remarkable journey from Beirut to Milan, Sao Paolo, Geneva and New York.
Yesterday, Maria Maloof — a Lebanese journalist — interviewed Gross. Fellow Westporter Avi Kaner made the introduction.
Check out the translation at the bottom in the video below, to see how the story of the Lebanese Jewish banking titan was shared with the Arab world.
The 1-day MoCA Westport exhibition (August 27, 12 to 4 p.m.), features works from “MoCA Gives Back Healing Arts” and Camp MoCA participants.
It’s a celebration of MoCA’s commitment to offer equitable access and meaningful experiences, including employment and access to the arts, to under-resourced community members.
Healing arts classes were led by MoCA instructors. Works reflect participants’ inspiration, joy and deeper connection to the world they experienced through the healing power of art.
Over 200 pieces of camper artwork will be displayed. All are being created at this summer’s camp.
There is a suggested donation of $10 per adult. For more information on MoCA Gives Back, Camp MoCA or Kaleidoscope, click here.
And finally … in honor of the mixed messages at Myrtle and Main (story above):
(Like clockwork, here’s today’s Roundup. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Next Monday (May 22, 7 p.m.), he’ll address the same subject — “Artificial Intelligence Gets Real” — for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
You don’t need to be a Y’s Man to go. Wisely, the public is invited.
A Q-and-A follows the Westport tech/media personality’s talk. Click here for more information on Pogue’s event.
David Pogue
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Westport’s Business Network International chapter invites professionals to its upcoming Visitors’ Day.
Each business category has only one member. Classifications that are open now include printer, security systems, HVAC, photographer, travel agent, caterer, florist, event planner, credit card processing, home inspector, moving company, carpet cleaning, flooring, electrician, dentist, personal trainer and clothing/ accessories.
The event is May 25 (United Methodist Church). Open networking takes place from 7 to 7:30 a.m.; a business meeting begins at 7:30.
Pre-registration is required; email cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com. Click here for more information.
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The AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Westport Book Club’s next meeting is May 31 (7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture.
They’ll discuss “From A Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement” by Paula Yoo. a young adult novel.
AAPI also hosts a happy hour at MoCA this Thursday (May 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
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The Staples High School sailing team made history last weekend.
For the first time ever, 6 members competed in Boston for the New England Schools Sailing Association Fleet Racing Championships’ O’Day Trophy.
The Wreckers finished 12th overall, in a field dominated by private and boarding schools (and beat Darien High by 10 points).
They finish the season with the Fairfield County Sailing League tomorrow, the state regatta this weekend, and the NESSA girls championships the weekend after.
Staples sailing team coach Gavin Meese (far right) with, from left: Camryn Harris, co-captain Witt Lindau, Tucker Peters, Caitlyn Schwartz, Claire Harris and co-captain Alan Becker.
Organ great Brian Charette makes his first appearance at Jazz at the Post this Thursday (May 18; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).
He’s joined by longtimefriend and mentor Bob Devos, plus drummer Jordan Young and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Jazz at the Post shows have been selling out. Email JazzatthePost@gmail.com for reservations; include the number of people, which show, and your cell phone.
Johanna Keyser Rossi does. She spotted these plants — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — near the 1 Gorham Island office building, off Parker Hardin Plaza. They’re on the side facing the river.
And finally … in honor of the rare (for Westport) plant above:
(From cactus to new pizzerias: If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
The Ukrainian American Club of Southport — adjacent to the I-95 northbound entrance ramp — is the site of a “thank you” party for Westport’s help with our new sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.
In 3 weeks, we raised $252,000. Funds have paid for building materials, communication equipment, trash and police trucks, meals, holiday gifts and more.
The July 9 event will be a day of music, food and fellowship. There will be plenty of opportunities to donate too — the need in Lyman is ongoing — but all are welcome.
The New York Times marked today’s 1-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine with a retrospective of photos — and the memories of the men and women who took them.
Two Staples High School graduates — both Pulitzer Prize winners — are included.
Lynsey Addario (Staples ’91) stunned the world with this photo, in March:
(Photo/Lynsey Addario for New York Times)
She says:
In war, anything can change in a moment. Leading up to this photograph, mothers were running with their children from the Irpin bridge across my viewfinder toward the relative safety of Kyiv. Mortar rounds were coming in, urgency was in everyone’s step. Pink and blue puffy coats passed with rolling luggage. Surely the Russians wouldn’t target a civilian evacuation route?
But each round came a little closer, bracketing onto desperate people fleeing for their lives. And then I saw a flash, heard the crash and felt the impact from a wave of air being compressed in an explosion that smashed into our bodies as we dived for cover.
The aftermath will stay with me forever. When we stood up, my neck was sprayed with gravel. I asked my colleague Andriy if I was bleeding. “No,” he said. It was dusty and chaotic. We couldn’t see across to the other side of the street, so we didn’t know that a mother, her two children and a church volunteer had been killed. Somehow, we had been spared.
Tyler Hicks (Staples ’88) took this image in November:
(Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)
He writes:
Bakhmut, in the eastern Donbas region, began last year as the home of about 70,000 people. Over the year of war, I’ve watched the fighting chew this city apart, as both sides have thrown masses of troops and weaponry into desperate attempts to control it.
In the earlier months it was always tense, but there were still civilians on the streets; Ukrainians, particularly in the east, have learned to live in the shadow of war. On this visit, it had reached a clear turning point in its militarization.
This armored vehicle passed me as I was leaving a military hospital, and the faces of the soldiers seemed to represent what has taken shape in the city’s shell: a relentless determination to fight.
Click here for all the Times photos, and photographers’ comments.
This Monday, (February 27, 11 a.m.), the Connecticut General Assembly’s Transportation Committee holds a public hearing on Bill #6745. The proposed legislation addresses a statewide plan for the installation of sound barriers. (Click here for the full bill.)
To register to speak about the proposal, click click here. To submit written testimony about it, click here. To watch the hearing, click here. (Hat tip: State Senator Tony Hwang)
Sound barrier under construction on I-95 in Darien.
Last week’s trash pick-up at Westport Animal Control was successful.
But there’s still more to do be done on Elaine Road (Compo Road South, between I-95 and the train tracks).
Elaine Road serves as the entrance to the water sewage treatment plant, and public access for boat and kayak launches, along with Animal Control. It attracts plenty of I-95 trash too, from vehicles and their irresponsible drivers and passengers.
All volunteers are welcome on March 5 (11 a.m.). Bring garbage bags, and dress appropriately.
Speaking of pitching in: Yesterday was Police Chief Foti Koskinas’ birthday.
Westport’s top cop leads a department of 64 uniformed officers. In his spare time, he pitches in wherever he can around town.
Here’s a typical shot: Police Chief Koskinas helping clean garbage from the I-95 hill, in Saugatuck. It was Sunday — his day off. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
The Y’s Women had a 2-fer yesterday. They enjoyed a pair of Westport treasures: the Westport Public Art Collections and MoCA.
The women enjoyed a private tour of the museum’s current exhibition, “Paul Camacho: El Ritmo y La Unidad” (which closes Sunday). Camacho was active in Westport’s art life in the 1960s and ’70s.
MoCA also shows 20 other abstractionists, including Alexander Calder and Robert Motherwell. All are from WestPAC’s holdings of more than 1,800 works.
Because most of their art is in schools and town buildings — not always available to the public — the Y’s Women were thrilled to see so many outstanding works. (Hat tip: Jilda Manikas)
Sorelle Gallery’s first “On View” feature of the year opens March 3. Artists Ned Martin and Pete Sack will be showcased on the main wall of the Church Lane gallery, through March 25.
Both artists create abstracted work with an emphasis on color and geometric design elements.
To learn more about the artists and the show, click here.
Speaking of art: George Billis Gallery may have moved to Fairfield (1700 Post Road). B
But the upcoming spring show is true to its Westport roots.
Local resident Dala Najarian is one of the 8 featured artists — and it was curated by fellow Westporter Amy Zoller.
Najarian works in a variety of mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, mixed media and oils. A passionate photographer, her Shadow Series merges the realistic quality of a photo with the abstract translation of a scene, to depict a dreamlike painting.
The opening is March 2 (5 to 8 p.m.). It runs through April 16.
Westport Moms send word of a “Stand up Against Gun Violence” march this Wednesday (June 8). It begins at 10:30 a.m. on the Anthropologie steps, and continues through town.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas will join the crowd. Marchers are urged to wear orange, and bring signs.
At 10 a.m. yesterday morning, the “06880” Roundup included 2 photos of Grace Salmon Park. They showed benches at the popular Imperial Avenue park, covered in weeds and brush.
This was the scene at 9 a.m. today — less than 24 hours later:
Staples High School held its 21st annual Scholar-Athlete Dinner last night — but the first since COVID struck.
It was a fascinating evening. Each varsity sport selects one senior. Each coach asks each scholar-athlete a question about his or her passions, achievements, hobbies, extracurricular activities or sports.
The answers — a minute or so each — are insightful, poised, poignant, and often funny. Taken together, they paint a remarkable picture of the student-athletes at Staples.
Last night’s questions ranged from volunteer efforts (Food Rescue US, helping a Holocaust survivor, transcribing Library of Congress records) to lessons learned from coaching little kids, building models to predict the spread of COVID, working on political campaigns and against gun violence, and selling South African snacks.
Even more remarkably, the scholar-athletes were on top of their game despite having attended the senior prom the night before (and post-prom parties after that).
As several speakers noted after hearing the 36 students speak: The future is in great hands.
Scholar-athletes honored, and their sports:
Fall: Emily Epstein (cheer), Zach Taubman (boys cross country), Josie Dolan (girls cross country), Ava Ekholdt (field hockey), Andrew O’Loughlin (football), Ben Epes (boys golf), Aidan Mermagen (boys soccer), Madison Sansone (girls soccer), Raina Mandayam (girls swimming), Ally Schwartz (girls volleyball), Jasper Cahn (boys water polo).
Winter: Michael Brody (boys basketball), Sydelle Bernstein (girls basketball), Mimi Schindler (gymnastics), Johnny Raho (ice hockey), Rory Tarsy (boys indoor track), Emma Nordberg (girls indoor track), Will Heisler (boys skiing), Kate Smith (girls skiing), Brian Fullenbaum (boys squash), Romy Nusbaum (girls squash), Jacob Lee (boys swimming), Reese Watkins (wrestling).
Spring: Finn Popken (baseball), Lizzie Kuehndorf (girls golf), Derek Sale (boys lacrosse), Sara DiGiovanni (girls lacrosse), Alex Harrington (boys indoor track), Tessa Moore (girls outdoor track), Nick Prior (rugby), Erin Durkin (sailing), Caroline Coffey (softball), Matthew Chiang (boys tennis), Jordana Latzman, Ethan Moskowitz (boys volleyball), Rachel Offir (girls water polo).
The evening also included the awarding of several scholar-athlete scholarships. The Coleman Brothers Foundation presented Brewster Galley with a $40,000 award. Jalen St. Fort and George Kocadag each received a $6,500 Laddie Lawrence grant. Jaden Mueller got the $2,000 Albie Loeffler Scholarship.
Two other honors were handed out. Rory Tarsy was named the Thomas DeHuff Award winner, while Molly Liles earned the Jinny Parker Award.
After dinner, the scholar-athletes posed with their plaques. Here’s boys skiing honoree Will Heisler, and his parents.
Speaking of sports: The Staples boys tennis team has repeated as state champions.
For the 5th time.
The Wreckers won their 6th straight title Saturday. They beat Greenwich 4-1 at Wesleyan University.
Winners included singles players Robbie Daus and Noah Wolff, and the doubles teams of Luke Brodsky and Alex Guadarrama, and Brett Lampert and Lucas Ceballas-Cala.
The individual invitation tourney begins today, also at Wesleyan. Tighe Brunetti and Daus will play singles, Brodsky and Guadarrama doubles.
Congratulations and good luck to all — including coach Kris Hrisovulos!
The state champion Staples boys tennis team (from left): coach Kris Hrisovulos, Holden Dalzell, Clint Graham, Hayden Frey, Noah Wolff, Tighe Brunetti, Luke Brodsky, Robbie Daus, Matthew Chiang, Jared Evans, Brett Lampert, Alex Guadarrama, Lucas Ceballos-Cala. (Photo/Bob Daus)
Speaking once again of sports: Good luck to Staples’ boys lacrosse team. Ranked #2 in the state tournament, they face #3 Ridgefield on Wednesday (5 p.m., Fairfield University), in the semifinal round.
This past weekend, 5 girls from Saugatuck Elementary School participated in the Fairfeld 5K along Jennings Beach.
But they didn’t run alone. The youngsters took part in Girls on the Run. The after-school program is part of a national positive youth development project for grades 3 to 7.
The season runs for 10 weeks. Twice a week, girls learn about and practice skills and positive mindsets, including positive self-talk, friendship, and the importance of individuality.
Each session includes running. Girls build endurance, culminating in that celebratory 5K.
Westport’s Girls on the Run has partnered with Westport Continuing Education. Three parent volunteers lead the local program. They hope to bring the program to other schools in town. Parents interested in helping can email mary.bentley@girlsontherun.org. All abilities are welcome.
“I admit this photo has the quality of some yahoo’s version of a sasquatch. I have sympathy for that yahoo.
“On Saturday night as I sat at my dinner table a very large and muscular bobcat sauntered across my backyard. I was both shocked and anxious as I dropped some pizza to distract my dog, and scrambled to get this photo.
“In its confident walk, the bobcat stopped for a moment to look at me while I feebly attempted to get my phone open for the photo. Imagine if it was a sasquatch!”
The sold-out audience at Saturday’s Westport Pride drag show at MoCA included a numberof families with children. In addition to dancing the performers offered a bit of LGBTQ history.
Yesterday, the mother of one youngster wrote to “06880”: “I feel very strongly that exposing children to all sorts of personal expressions and pathways is essential in order for them to know that there is not one cookie-cutter way to be in this world.
“To have our children witness a person living life, full of joy, as their 100% authentic and beautiful selves is a powerful gift I intend on exposing them to always.”
15-year-old Desmond is Amazing — a New York City drag artist — posed with young fans.
SHow did your child celebrate Martin Luther King Day?
Students in MoCA Westport’s MLK Day Art Camp for ages pre-K through grade 3 created projects honoring the teachings and legacy of the civil rights leader.
According to MoCA’s Leslie LaSala, youngsters learned that “King believed our lives must be lived intentionally and without regret; that words have meaning, and that we must speak up against injustice.”
MoCA offers a variety of school recess art camps. The next is set for February break.
Learning about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at MoCA’s holiday camp.
“If Burying Hill is being evaluated for a jetty replacement, please don’t forget the sea wall at Old Mill. It has been breached in 3 places for several years. The center section looks like it could collapse, as so many stones have been washed out.”
Rick sent this photo from yesterday morning, as the tide flowed in.
(Photo/Rick Benson)
Rick adds: “The ‘fishing pier[ separating Compo Beach from South beach was ravaged by the last 2 years of winter storms, moving huge boulders way out of alignment. It starts just west of the cannons, all the way to the end.”
Next year, Westport will receive $8.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The money is part of a $2.2 trillion CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) economic stimulus package.
Earlier this month, “06880” reported one possible use. The Greens Farms Association hopes the town can repair the crumbling jetty at Burying Hill Beach.
On January 5 (7:30 p.m., Zoom), the Board of Finance will review a $1.3 million request from the Department of Public Works for that project.
They’ll also discuss an application for $200,643 in funds from the Westport Arts Advisory Council. It includes 12 organizations that could use some of that money:
Artists Collective of Westport: $20,000 to beautify new bus shelters with changing local artist work; full-color, large-scaled prints of adjudicated works to rotate every 2 months.
Beechwood Arts: $20,000 for 4 all-arts collaborative events, including community scavenger hunts, art opening, story share and facilitated dinner discussion.
JIB Productions: $20,000 for 2 projects: 1) Play Time (professionally moderated structred play reading/discussion group, 6 sessions at the Senior Center); 2) Partnership with Westport Library, Bridgeport schools and Westport schools to screen (with director talk-back) “Change the Name,” a documentary abouyt a group of middle school students who successfully changed the name of a Chicago park from slaveholder to abolitionist.
Levitt Pavilion: $20,000 to underwrite 4 free presentations for 2022 summer season, including folk, jazz, rock and big band concerts.
MoCA: $20,000 for weekly art enrichment workshops for underserved community groups such as STAR, Silver Hill Hospital, Veterans groups/Homes for the Brave, Bridgeport Boys & Girls Club, etc.
Suzuki School of Music: $20,000 for a community concert series in-person and streamed from the Westport Library; Connecticut Guitar Festival, Concerto and Aria Concert, Piano Concerto Concert and Family Pillow Concerts.
Westport Country Playhouse: $20,000 for a pilot program mobile tour of elementary school plays, touring Westport and Fairfield County; partnering with TEAM Westport, ConnectUs, the Boys & Girls Club of Connecticut/Southport, Westport Library and Norwalk Housing Authority.
Westport Museum of History & Culture: $20,000 for a graphic novel to explore the American Revolution from 6 perspectives: women, Indigenous people, enslaved and free Americans, loyalists, patriots, and local authors/illustrators.
WestPAC: $20,000 for art storage: professional fees ($125 an hour/160 hours) to perform a feasibility study to to adapt town-owned facilities for the Collection’s storage needs.
Community Band: $12,500 to commission a piece to commemorate the COVIDI experience, to be played at the Levitt Pavilion.
Music for Youth $6,518 for the Arkai gender-bending string duo 2-day residency and pormances a Westport middle schools and Staples High; master classes for orchestra students, performances for full schools.
Westport School of Music: $3,625 for a faculty chamber concert for The Residence at Westport assisted-living facility.
The Board of Finance meeting on January 5 will be streamed on www.WestportCT.gov, and shown on Optimum Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Emails can be sent to BOF@westportct.gov. Comments to be read during public comment period may be emailed to BOFcomments@westportct.gov.
The Town of Westport, Westport Housing Authority and Homes With Hope issue this statement:
Tomorrow (Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 2 p.m., Jesup Green) we invite residents to join legislators, local providers and advocates in a call-to-action rally to address Fairfield County’s growing housing crisis, in the aftermath of and ongoing concerns related to the pandemic.
The goal of the rally is to raise public awareness of the housing crisis and remind State legislators of the urgency to act. We encourage the public to attend as a personal action to combat homelessness. Public participation sends a message to legislators that the community supports the allocation of resources to Fairfield County’s most vulnerable residents.
Housing insecurity affects thousands of Fairfield County families and individuals seeking permanent housing every day. Affordability has become the most significant barrier for moderate and lower-income households to maintain stable housing in Fairfield County. The pandemic has increased the demand for affordable housing, resulting in a lack of available inventory, and dramatically increased rents, leaving many residents without access to safe housing options.
Rally attendees will hear from a range of funders, advocates, and community providers who offer direct services to friends and neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. Research shows that the most effective strategy for solving homelessness is the Housing First approach, connecting households to stable and affordable housing through a combination of supportive services and financial assistance.
Dredging the Saugatuck River has been a complex (and expensive) topic.
It’s still a long way from happening. But earlier this month, Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal ensured funding for several Connecticut projects in the Fiscal Year 2022 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill. Included is $2.81 for Saugatuck River dredging.
The funding can help “kick start” projects that are stalled, Murphy said. (Hat tip: Robbie Guimond)
Dredging could enable more river traffic at places like Rive Bistro restaurant.
It was “Yappy Hour.” Canines enjoyed dog-friendly Pupsicles, while owners sipped custom cocktails from Bar MoCA.
Guests also had complimentary access to the museum’s summer exhibitions — and could ask questions of a dog trainer, provided by Pet Choice.
PAWS brought along an adoptable dog, and took home food donations from attendees.
The next Yappy Hour is Thursday, September 2. Before then, a regular (dog-free) Happy Hour happens every Thursday, at Bar MoCA. Happy and Yappy Hours are all 5 to 7 p.m.
The end of an era: 29 Soundview Drive is on the market.
The home — in the same family for years — was owned by Paul Lane. The former Staples High School coach died in June, just days before the football field there was named in his honor.
Generations of Westporters strolling along the beach remember “Coach” sitting on his patio, greeting former athletes, longtime Westporters, and strangers.
This summer, the house was empty. Here’s wishing the new owners as much joy as Paul and his family enjoyed there.
Westport Book Shop‘s 1st-ever Back-to-School Story Time features a first-ever reading.
Westport author/illustrator Sivan Hong — whose “Super Fun Day” book series focus on neuro-diverse children who overcome challenges with perseverance and bravery — will read her new book — “Emily D. and the Fearful First Day” outside the popular used book shop, on Jesup Green. She’ll read others, too.
The event is this Saturday (August 14, 11 a.m. Kids and parents should bring a blanket or beach chair. Snacks are courtesy of The Porch @ Christie’s, and Sweet P Bakery.
And finally … Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, a saxophonist and founding member of Kool & the Gang, died Saturday in New Jersey. He was 70. (Click here for full obituary.)
Jarret Liotta’s Home Movie” — that’s the name of his new film — has its world premiere this Saturday (May 2, 9 p.m.).
It would probably open in a theater. But theaters are closed. So it’s there on the next best platform: YouTube.
Jarret says, “A dark comedy for a dark and comical time, ‘Home Movie’ is my gift to the viral community — everyone sitting home dying for a mediocre (but free) movie.
“Filmed entirely in Westport on the lowest budget I could afford, it’s the story of a young woman returning home for her father’s funeral who becomes convinced her mother killed him.”
The 1983 Staples High School grad — now a filmmaker/writer/photographer — got great help from Cathy Walsh, Dwain Schenck and Matt Porio. There were many others too, but he says, “wait for the credits to see them.”
You’ll recognize places like Gold’s Deli, police headquarters, the Senior Center, Westport Woman’s Club and (of course) Harding Funeral Home.
Click here for the YouTube link. Then pass the (non-virtual) popcorn.
Jarret Liotta
High school students throughout the area are invited to submit art — a drawing, painting, photo or sculpture, particularly in response to COVID-19, for a special MoCA online exhibition. It replaces the annual in-person art show.
The deadline is May 10. For details, click here. Questions? Email liz@mocawestport.org.
The Staples High School girls track season is on hold. But the athletes are not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves.
This Saturday (May 2), they’ll go for a run — of course, while maintaining social distancing. Family and friends are sponsoring them, choosing a set amount per mile.
All funds will be donated to Stamford Hospital, where the ICU is at near full capacity.
You can help too. Click here, to support this important run.
And finally … Katie Augustyn sends along this video from Houston County, Georgia. Music teachers from many schools created a virtual chorus, showing students they’re not alone. Of course, this inspiring song from “Dear Evan Hansen” was co-written by Justin Paul — who had his own wonderful musical career in the Westport schools just a few years ago.
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