Tag Archives: Pam Einarsen

Roundup: A/C, Sophie B., Cam Manna …

Pippa Bell Ader is one of Westport’s most ardent environmentalists.

She saw yesterday’s “06880” story on Main Street stores whose wide-open, come-on-in doors spew air conditioning onto the sidewalk all day, every day.

All is not lost, she says.

She told “06880”: “L’Occitane, a B Corps company (as is Patagonia), wouldn’t be caught dead with the doors open! Look what they have, right on their front door on Main Street:

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

Pippa adds: “The argument that businesses will suffer if the doors remain closed (which is interpreted as unwelcoming) is absurd. Who will they be welcoming in 20 years?!”

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The Westport Country Playhouse has just added another popular singer to its Barnstormer Series.

And this one won’t have far to travel at all.

Sophie B. Hawkins sings selections from her new musical “Birds of New York,” and tells stories about it, on June 25 (7 p.m.).

She’ll be joined by a cast of Broadway performers, as she tells stories from the tale of a daughter who comes home at Thanksgiving to heal, but has no idea what she’s in for.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, June 7) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Sophie B. Hawkins 

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Talented Westport photographer Pamela Einarsen has spent a couple of years working on a personal project.

“Translations” was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender daughter.

Early photos will be on display at “In/SIGHT,” a photography show with 9 other photographers at The Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan.

Westport Artists Collective member Emily Laux is also involved.

The opening is this Sunday (June 9, 3 to 5 p.m.). The show runs through June 30. An artists’ talk is Sunday, June 15 (10:30 a.m.).

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Mike Barbiglia entertained his second straight sold-out audience last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The comedian/writer/director/actor concludes his 3-run show tomorrow night.

Mike Barbiglia, at the Playhouse. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Congratulations to Ithaca College rising senior Cam Manna.

The Staples High School graduate has just earned honorable mention at the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America Jim Nantz Award and All-America program.

“06880” has been a follower and fan of Cam since his WWPT-FM days at Staples High School.

Of course, this award has another connection to our town . Nantz — the legendary CBS sportscaster for whom it’s named — is a former Westporter.

Cam Manna, in action.

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A reader writes: “Our Compo Beach neighborhood is one of the noisiest in town.

“The houses are close together, so at any moment you can hear someone, or several people, blowing their lawns with one or more gas-powered leaf blowers (not to mention the amount of construction that goes on around here).

“When the town ordinance passed limiting gas-powered leaf blowers, I was thrilled. I know it was  designed to address air pollution, not noise levels. But I also know that battery-powered leaf blowers are much quieter than the gas powered ones.

“But no one uses battery powered leaf blowers. It’s like the ordinance never happened.

“I asked a landscaper nearby why they didn’t use them. He said, ‘too expensive; they’re $800.’

“I told him we got ours at Harbor Freight: a whole package — leaf blower, hedge trimmer with lots of attachments, big battery, plus a backup battery — so when our crew is here they use one and have a backup. All for $200-300.

“Maybe this will inspire other homeowners to take the initiative to use battery- powered blowers, and/or provide them to their crews. I don’t think the landscapers will willingly make the switch, especially since there’s no real way to enforce the ordinance.”

Electric leaf blower

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 quartermaster, Phil Delgado was in command Tuesday, as the guest speaker at Westport Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.

He highlighted the vital role the VFW plays in serving veterans throughout Fairfield County. He described programs and initiatives that support veterans, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.

One-third of the members are disabled. Many suffer from PTSD. In addition to community and VFW events, including the weekly Jazz at the Post Night, support and assistance are also offered for  mental and physical issues.

Philip Delgado addresses the Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Yesterday’s Roundup item about the drive to collect new underwear for Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter neglected to mention 2 important facts: when and where.

It’s this Saturday (June 8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

Any type of new underwear for women and children is great. The shelter requests boxer briefs for men.

Can’t make it Saturday? Lisa will pick items up, or accept them at her Town Hall office. You can also send them to her via Amazon. For details, email lsmarriott@gmail.com.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 29 and June 5.

A 34-year-old Milford man was arrested for interfering with an officer and misuse of 911, after police responded to a 1:22 a.m. call at Nômade restaurant.

The suspect was on the sidewalk, arguing with the manager, who said the man was intoxicated, and disruptive when asked to leave. When officers told him he had to go home, he stated that the bar had been serving minors.

The claim was not substantiated, and the suspect was told to call police when he observed such activity. He said he would call 911 right then, and was advised if he did so, he would be arrested. He allegedly dialed 911, and was arrested.

A 28-year-old Hartford man was arrested for interfering with an officer. At 5:35 a.m., police were on routine patrol in the Wilton Road/Partrick Road area, while other officers investigated an attempted motor vehicle theft from Wilton Terrace.

Officers on Partrick Road were alerted to a suspicious person on surveillance cameras walking through back yards, and attempting to enter a vehicle. When a man emerged from a driveway and saw police, he ran into the woods. Police gave chase on foot, then apprehended and arrested him.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding over 70 mph: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Unsafe backing: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Look carefully before backing up!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a typical large Westport family enjoying Longshore:

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … in honor of today’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, let’s look back to the poignant 75th ceremony, 5 years ago:

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Unsung Hero #74

Pamela Einarsen moved to Westport 26 years ago. She was pregnant with her first child. She and her husband Paul raised 2 boys here.

A former oncology nurse, Pam switched careers in 1998. She started a photography business in her home. With Paul by her side, and sons Connor and Carson as assistants, it’s grown to 2 studios. Clients adore her wonderful eye and attention to detail, and return year after year.

Pamela Einarsen loves photographing children and families. 

As she did in her oncology work, Pam connects with people. She learns their stories, then tells them through photographs. She is creative, warm and loving.

Pam Einarsen is also giving. Every year, she donates her time and talents to worthy organizations and causes: A Better Chance of Westport. Staples Tuition Grants. Al’s Angels. The Westport Library. Near & Far Aid. Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.

Pam has photographed many local favorites, like Paul Newman, Michel Nischan, Maxine Bleiweis and Bill Derry. Her A-list of celebrities includes Alan Alda, Salman Rushdie and Deepak Chopra.

For the Westport Library’s “I Geek…” series, Pamela Einarsen photographed Miggs Burroughs wearing a t-shirt with the Westport flag he designed. 

Fellow photographer Katherine Bruan — who nominated Pam as this week’s Unsung Hero — says, “I’ve never met anyone who enjoys her work more. Every new client brings a new experience and a new story. Pam comes back from her shoots exhilarated, every single time. She appreciates life, and loves connecting with people so she can document their stories.

“Pam uses her photography to help people chronicle their lives and experiences. She captures the moments that matter, and sees everyone as beautiful and necesssary. Her photographs are priceless. It’s a gift to love your work as much as she does.”

For her 20 years photographing Westporters — and giving back to us all, through so much superb pro bono work — Pam Einarsen is this week’s Unsung Hero.

Picture that!

Pamela Einarsen

“I Am …” The Westport Library Photo Campaign. Are You?

In the summer of 2016, over 500 people had their “geek moment” at the Westport Library.

Talented family and portrait photographer Pam Einarsen snapped them, as they held or wore objects identifying their particular passions. The “I Geek…” project portrayed an astonishing array of talents and interests, all of which the library encourages and helps us fulfill.

Among our geeks: human biology, burgundy, Harry Potter, Greek Islands, Toquet Hall, astronomy, break dancing, coffee, archery, knitting, astronomy, the Green Bay Packers, folk music, dragons, baking, and sleeping.

It all ended with a big party. The Great Hall was filled with food, entertainment — and Pam’s compelling portraits.

Now she’s at it again.

This time, when library users sit for their photos, they’re asked for 3 descriptors. Pam’s images, and those self-identifying phrases, are then shared on the library’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

David Pogue says “I am a dad. A showoff. A softie.” (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

It’s part of the library’s goal — in the midst of its Transformation project — for folks to imagine how the library can help them, in entirely new ways.

“What are you passionate about?” library director Bill Harmer says the “I Am…” campaign is asking.

“And how can we work together, with you and your passions, in this great new space?”

Mary Brown’s “I Am…” photo on Instagram. She says she is “an art historian, obsessed with music, and a Fireball Island master.” (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

The new library, Harmer adds, is “all about building community, and creating spaces where human beings can interact.”

More photo sessions will be scheduled soon. Check the library website for details.

Hey — it’s me! To find out my 3 descriptors, you’ll have to wait until the library posts this on social media. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

 

There Be Dragons

Everyone knows there’s an airplane hanging from the Westport Library ceiling.

But unless you’ve been there lately, you may not have seen 2 dragons lurking in the Maker Space.

(Photo/JP Vellotti)

(Photo/JP Vellotti)

Alert photographer J.P. Vellotti notes they’re not the only dragons there. A few feet away, the WPA mural — rescued from the original Saugatuck Elementary School on Bridge Street — shows another version of the creature.

You can see all those dragons — and more — this Thursday (April 7, 5-6:30 p.m.). A “Geek Party” kicks off a photo campaign showing all the things library users “geek” (are passionate) about.

If you’d like to be photographed by Pam Einarsen showing what you geek about, wear a solid black top — and bring what you geek. You’ll get free digital and print copies.

Can’t make it Thursday? Photo sessions are also scheduled for Saturday (April 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Tuesday (April 19, 3-5 p.m.).

And if you geek dragons, that would be very, very cool.

David Pogue is one of Westport's best-known geeks.

David Pogue is one of Westport’s best-known geeks.

Staples Grads Share $317,000

With little fanfare — but plenty of emotion — 122 Staples High School seniors and graduates picked up $317,000 in scholarship money Wednesday night.

The 70th annual Staples Tuition Grants ceremony did not get much press. But for the scores of soon-to-be grads — and alums currently in school — financial aid can be a life-changing experience.

STG is one of Westport’s feel-good stories.

Dr. Al Beasley poses with Megumi Asada, a graduating senior who received the Dr. Jean Beasley Memorial Award. Both Dr. Beasleys were beloved pediatricians; Megumi is considering a career in medicine.

Dr. Al Beasley poses with Megumi Asada, a graduating senior who received the Dr. Jean Beasley Memorial Award. Both Dr. Beasleys were beloved pediatricians; Megumi is considering a career in medicine. (Photos by Pam Einarsen)

At Wednesday’s ceremony, Andre Lambros described how his SHS Class of 1981 donated excess reunion funds to the organization last year — and felt so good, they decided to set up an annual award in their name.

Staples 2012 grad Carson Einarsen gave a rousing and inspiring speech. The tuition grant that helps him attend Savannah College of Art and Design is clearly money well spent.

(From left) Juan Castro, Justin Jones and Trevor Lally join Staples Tuition Grants co-chair Diana Bowes Weller.

(From left) Juan Castro, Justin Jones and Trevor Lally join Staples Tuition Grants co-chair Diana Bowes Weller.

Among the many representatives of named award donors was Maureen Kowall. She flew up from Florida for the ceremony. A scholarship honors her son Michael, who died when he was just 13. He would have been 40 this year.

Also on hand: Christopher Jones. He graduated in 1958 — the last Staples class in the building on Riverside Avenue. Fifty-five years later he’s initiated an award celebrating his father, noted Westporter Robert Haydon Jones.

Susan Malloy (left) -- who has a Scholarship in the Arts named after her -- stands with Ashley Hyun and her father John. Ashley will attend Pratt, and hopes to be an artist or art educator.

Susan Malloy (left) — who has a Scholarship in the Arts named after her — stands with Ashley Hyun and her father John. Ashley will attend Pratt, and hopes to be an artist or art educator.

After the final name was called, and the applause died down, Rondi Charleston smiled. Last year, she and her husband Steve Ruchefsky started an award in honor of her father, Rolf Charleston.

Rhondi said, “For a long time, I’ve been looking for the heart of Westport. Now I think I’ve found it.”

Many of the 122 Staples Tuition Grants recipients celebrate their awards in the courtyard. (Photos by Pam Einarsen)

Many of the 122 Staples Tuition Grants recipients celebrate their awards.