On Saturday — a few days before Valentine’s Day — the Democratic Women of Westport sponsored a non-partisan lovefest.
They set up outside Anthropologie, with hot chocolate and cookies to all.
They also provided Post-Its, for people to share what they love about Westport.
From “Public Works” and “Stiles’ spinach balls” to “dogs on the beach” and “the people, here are a few of the comments:
Click on or hover over to enlarge.
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Sure, you and 110 million other people watched the Kansas City Chiefs win (another) Super Bowl last night.
But they also saw Dr. Clarence Jones’ 30-second PSA, which aired during the game.
Sponsored by the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, it offered a powerful platform for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speechwriter to declare: “All hate thrives in silence.”
Of course, local residents already knew that. We heard Dr. Jones say the same thing last month at the Westport Library’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.
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StartUp Westport and Westport 10 celebrates Black History Month with a special event.
“Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” (February 29, 6 p.m., Westport Library) spotlights the contributions and experiences of local business owners of color.
StartUp Westport is the town’s public/private partnership whose goal is to make our town the tech entrepreneurial hub of Connecticut. Westport 10 is a social and networking group for Black men in town, and their families.
NBC news anchor (and Westport resident) Craig Melvin is the moderator. Jay Norris — founder of Westport 10 — has assembled an all-star panel, including Kal Amin, Wesly Saintil Arbuthnott, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterson and Kitt Shapiro.
They are business leaders from a variety of industries, including film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.
The evening kicks off with a video presentation showcasing the history of
diverse entrepreneurship in Fairfield County. Following the panel, attendees can network during a cocktail reception.
Click here for more information, and to register.
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Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci’s grand opening on Saturday was — well, grand.
Several hundred people came through the newly reopened doors. They loved the food, the vibe, and the Romanacci team hospitality.
Not to mention the communal table, dog treats and suggestion box.
OMG! (Photo courtesy of Jim Hood)
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Speaking of openings: Alina’s Cakes & Cookies has drawn Westporters to their Fairfield location for years.
Now the drive is much shorter.
The popular full-service bakery has just opened in Westport, in the Post Road plaza with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.
Alina’s is known for custom cakes, gourmet cupcakes, pastries, cookies and desserts. Loyal customers say everything tastes as good as it looks.
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On Friday, Westport Library’s Verso Studios’ Brendan Toller interviewed Talking Heads founding members and drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth. at a screening of the remixed and remastered 40th anniversary version of Jonthan Demme’s Talking Heads Concert Film “Stop Making Sense.”
The large crowd sang along, lustily. The event was a benefit for April’s VersoFest, and WPKN.
Brendan Toller interviews former Talking Heads Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Wakeman Town Farm aficionados know him (every Tuesday) as Tony Pizza Napolitano.
But Anthony Kesselmark – his real name — is more than just a one-trick pizza pony. He studied at the Culinary Institute of America, and made his name at L’Impero and Veritas in New York before moving to the ‘burbs.
On Sunday, March 10 he serves WTF’s first Italian family-style feast.
The menu includes a classic Italian salad; homemade bread/focaccia; traditional Sunday sauce served over rigatoni with braciole, meatballs, pork chops, sausage and breaded chicken cutlets, and assorted cookies and pastries.
There are 2 seatings: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. The $60 price includes food and service ($25 for children 12 and under); BYOB.
Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.
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Some fundraising galas are dress-up. Some are “cocktail attire.”
The dress code for Rach’s Hope’s annual event is: pajamas.
On March 23 (The Warehouse, Fairfield), guests can come in “pajama chic.” Rachel Doran — the Staples High School graduate who died in 2018 as a rising Cornell University senior after a rare reaction to common medications — was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and the founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms.
The night of food (from AMG Catering and Tito’s Cocktails), fun and dancing to live music raises money for Rach’s Hope. The non-profit supports local families navigating the critical illness of a child by providing nutritious food, lodging, transportation, and encouragement so they can focus on being present for their ailing children.
Click here for more information, and to purchase tickets or donate.
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Little Leaguers can get ready for the spring baseball season — and support the Staples Baseball Diamond Club booster organization — at a spring clinic March 6 (6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse)
Boys and girls in grades K-7 can have fun with Staples coaches and players, who run drills and games. Participants will be separated by grade and skill level. The event is hosted by the Staples baseball program.
The $40 fee includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Include the player’s name, grade and parent email in the memo line. Registration after March 1 is $50 per player. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
Questions? Email baseball@staplesdiamondclub.com.
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A “Histoury” bus tour of historic Weston homes is set for March 10 (1 to 4:30 p.m.).
It features mid-century modern homes. They were radical and controversial at the time. Today they are enjoyed for their simplicity, creativity and integration with nature.
The tour includes several interior stops.
Tickets are $75 for adults, $49 for students. For more information and to purchase, click here.
Mid-century modern home.
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The Wilton Arts Council is seeking photographers of all ages for its 24th annual photography exhibit, “FOCUS ’24” — and Westporters are encouraged to apply.
Last year’s 2nd place high school winner was Westport resident Charlie Lukens. The adult division also included several Westport photographers.
There are 3 divisions: adults (professional and amateur), high school and youth (“old enough to hold a camera through 8th grade”).
Photographers can submit up to 2 film or digital images, in color or black and white. They may be enhanced by darkroom or digital techniques, but additional objects not photographed by the photographer cannot be added.
Entries will be judged by area photographers. Submissions can be dropped off at the Wilton Library on March 15 (noon to 5 p.m.) and March 16 (10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). They must be at least 8″ x 10″, and wired for hanging. There is no maximum size. Photos will be available for sale throughout the exhibit; the Wilton Library will receive a 20% commission
Sponsors include Rockwell Art & Framing in Westport.
Click here for more details, entry forms and fee information. Questions? Email baswilton@yahoo.com, or call 203-834-9986.
“Eleuthera,” by Charlie Lukens
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There is something fishy about today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, taken at Compo’s South Beach …
(Photo/Nicola Sharian)
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And finally … on this day in 1938, BBC Television produced the world’s first science fiction television program. It was an adaptation of a section of the Karel Čapek play “R.U.R.,” which coined the term “robot.”
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