Many 12-year-olds dream of scoring goals or hitting home runs. But Dylan Rosen is on a different track.
“I’m not a stick-and-ball kid,” the Coleytown Middle School rising 8th grader says. “I’m more of a helmet-and-fireproof-jacket kinda kid.”
His family had no racing experience. So Dylan and his father Frank turned to neighbor Jim Torok. The dirt track driver in turn steered them toward karting.
Dylan Rosen with Hugh Gorman, at Calf Pasture Beach.
A used kart from engine builder Forrest Edelman soon arrived.
Then came 22 races. He lost them all.
But Dylan did not give up.
A chance meeting with 2009 Staples High School graduate Parker Kligerman (and former NKA racer) at Daytona was pivotal.
The professional NASCAR driver gave Dylan encouragement and advice, especially on his struggles making qualifying weight.
Dylan Rosen with Parker Kligerman.
Early this past season, Dylan’s kart stalled. Standing nearby was Hugh Gorman, a former Sports Car Club of America crew chief.
He offered help, and a mentorship began.
Gorman walked the track with Dylan, taught him race lines, and helped him rebuild the kart.
Dylan was also preparing for his bar mitzvah and doing a volunteer project. He and his mom Barrie connected with Fairfield County-based Piston Foundation, which provides mentors and scholarships for young people interested in pursuing a career in the collector car industry.
Dylan became a youth ambassador, raising over $5,000 for the scholarship fund. He proudly carries the Piston Foundation name on his kart, jacket and helmet.
Mayo Smith — a Westport resident, Piston Foundation board member, and former Rolex 24 driver and podium finisher — oversaw the effort. He mentored Dylan, and set up a trackside booth.
Dylan Rosen and Mayo Smith.
With guidance from Smith and Gorman, Dylan climbed from the back of the pack to third.
“There’s nothing wrong with a respectable third place,” Smith notes.
Dylan will enter the fall season more determined than ever.
Right now, he’s racing toward another goal. Dylan’s bar mitzvah will be celebrated soon at the Spanish synagogue in Prague, following a family tour of Poland.
(Westport is filled with interesting young people — and “06880” is honored to tell their stories. If you enjoy reading them — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Staples Orphenians have shared their music with audiences all over the world. They’ve particiated in global educational events too.
This June, the elite high school choral group heads to the Spain Choral Festival
To ensure that every singer can particiapte, they’re hosting a “Cabaret Olé” fundraiser.
The March 30 event (6 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) features members of
grammy-nominated VOCES8 and other Broadway stars, along with tapas, other light bites and a silent auction.
Funds raised will also support the VOCES8 Foundation, which is developing an educational music hub in the Westport area.
Speaking of the arts: Less than 2 weeks remain for high school seniors to apply for $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center grants go to students with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner.
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2025 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.
2024 Drew Friedman Scholarship winners Chloe Hackett and Mia Vindola (holding checks) with (from left) DFCAC co-directors Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti, and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
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Speaking still of the arts: The Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Hardware may seem to have little in common.
But they’ve teamed up on a special “buy one, get one free” offer for the upcoming production of “Native Gardens.”
The show’s theme is “good fences make good neighbors (or do they?)” — and of course Westport Hardware sells every type of garden accessory imaginable.
For more information, and tickets, click here, or call the box office (203-227-4177). Use or mention the prmoo code “COMMUNITYBOGO.”
Fences — common to the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Hardware.
The 2009 Staples High School basketball star — who went on to earn Division III National Player of the Year honors at the University of Rochester — has had a long professional career in Israel.
On Thursday, his Maccabi Tel Aviv team won the prestigious Israeli Cup.
Click here to read all about his pro career. (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)
John DiBartolomeo
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Speaking of sports: DiBartolomeo’s fellow 2009 Staples graduate Parker Kligerman won his 4th-ever NASCAR Truck Series race this week, an event leading up to the Daytona 500.
But he was disqualified an hour later. His truck failed ride height checks, and was too low in the rear. His team said they’d appeal.
And finally … on this date in 1764, the city of St. Louis was established in Spanish Louisiana (now Missouri).
(If it happens in Westport, Connecticut — or Westport, New Zealand — you’ll read about it on “06880.” If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, with a global twist, please click here. Thank you!)
In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.
Everyone does what they can.
For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.
Hundreds of them.
On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.
But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?
The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.
Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.
And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.
Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).
The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.
“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.
“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”
That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.
Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.
But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.
James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.
Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.
The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.
You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.
Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.
Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.
Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.
The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10. Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.
Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.
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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.
But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.
Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.
According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”
He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”
Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Parker Kligerman
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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.
These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.
Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.
During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”
It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.
There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.
No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.
Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.
Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.
His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.
(“06880” is indeed where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Posted onSeptember 9, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …
Justin Paul got his EGOT!
The 2003 Staples High School graduate, and his writing partner Benj Pasek, joined the ultra-exclusive group yesterday.
Their Creative Arts Emmy for “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?,” from “Only Murders in the Building,” completes the prestigious 4-play.
They previously earned a Grammy for the cast album of “Dear Evan Hansen,” an Oscar for the “La La Land” song “City of Stars,” and 2 Tonys (for the score of “Dear Evan Hansen,” and as producers of “A Strange Loop”).
Only 19 other people have won EGOTs (for an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). The list includes Richard Rogers, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, John Gielgud, Audrey Hepburn, Marvin Hamlisch, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, and Sir Elton John.
So with his EGOT, we now have even more proof: Justin Paul is the GOAT! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, with their earlier Grammy Awards.
Yesterday’s CT United Motorcycle Ride honored the victims and first responders of 9/11 in its traditional way.
The largest motorcycle ride in the state began at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders headed south on I-95, then north on Route 33 up Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road. The ride continued through Wilton and 7 towns, before ending at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.
It was quite a sight to see — and hear.
Bob Levy reports: “Police, firefighters and ordinary people were there to honor that day.
“My family was there. Each of us were glad and touched we were. My little granddaughters asked if they will have this every year.”
They sure will. And it’s an honor for our town to be the starting point.
Start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Bob Levy)
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The Paralympics ended with a bang for Matthew Torres.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swimmer won a bronze medal, as part of the US 4×100 mixed freestyle team.
It was Matthew’s 2nd Paralympics bronze. He earned his first 4 years ago, in Tokyo.
Matthew also raced this year in the 400 meter freestyle, where he finished 5th; the 100 meter backstroke (10th), and 100 meter freestyle (15th).
Matthew Torres in the water …
The Ansonia native was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.
He began swimming in 2008, after watching Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics. The rest is history.
Congratulations to Matthew; his teammates, friends and family, and his coaches at the Y and the national level. You made Westport proud! (Hat tips; Maggie Gomez, Christina Schwerin)
… and on the podium.
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Speaking of sports: Parker Kligerman tied his best career Xfinity Series finish in Atlanta Saturday.
The 2009 Staples High School graduate — perhaps the only former Wrecker to become a NASCAR driver — came in second, just behind winner Austin Hill.
Kligerman predicts a win is coming, for the Big Machine No. 48 crew. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
The other day, “06880” gave a shout-out to Ruben, at the Westport Post Office.
Less than a week later, here’s another. Denise Torve writes: “Last week I stopped in to the PO, took care of business, then headed to Trader Joe’s — only to discover my wallet was missing.
“I went straight back to the PO, fingers crossed, to see Ruben waving the wallet when he saw me come in. He was a lifesaver, given what was in it.
“He had also already posted on Facebook that I had left something there. So thank you Ruben — and thank you Dan for your positive, good news posts!”
They celebrated Friday, with a Saugatuck Rowing Club bash. The event included dinner, dancing, a silent auction, tributes to founder Jessica Bram and former executive director Valerie Ann Leff, and a special storytelling session.
Funds raised will help underwrite WWW’s outreach programs serving underrepresented populations, like the Bigelow Senior Center, Moms of Children with Disabilities, and STAR.
Westport Writers’ Workshop founder Jessica Bram, and executive director Blake Schnirring.
Yesterday’s New York Times‘ “Found in the Files” feature — a weekly look at something from the newspaper’s clippings library — focused on Alan Abel.
The longtime Westporter was known for his hoaxes — including convincing the Times to print his obituary, even though he was very much alive.
The “Files” story focused on Abel’s first big effort, in 1959, about a non-existent non-profit called the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals. Its mission was to clothe dogs, cats, horses, cows and others, to protect children from lewdness.
Click here for the full Times story. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
Alan Abel, with a (supposed) copy of the Society for Indecency to Naked Animals newsletter.
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Westport native and longtime resident Janet Aley died peacefully at home on July 21. She was 98.
Her family calls her “a kind, warm, intelligent, creative person, with a twinkle in her eye and a whimsical sense of humor. She loved life: family, friends, children, pets, nature, art, music, and travels with her family. She found wonder and joy in wordplay, poetry, song, and the view out her back window.”
Janet attended Westport schools, then graduated in 1944 from the Thomas School in Rowayton.
As a student at Bedford Elementary, she was one of several children chosen by WPA artist Robert Lambdin to pose for the 3-part mural, “The Spirit of Adventure” that still hangs outside the auditorium of what is now Town Hall. Janet holds a tennis racquet on the right.
After Black Mountain College in North Carolina, she became the society editor of the Westport Town Crier.
She left in 1948 to join an American Youth Hostel group in the Netherlands, repairing roads bombed in World War II.
Following her marriage in 1948 to Robert Jonathan Aley, Janet worked for 7 years in the promotion merchandising department at Look Magazine. She refused the job of department head in favor of motherhood. The family moved to Westport in 1960.
Janet volunteered for or served on the boards of many organizations, including PTAs, Intercommunity Camp, the Interfaith Housing Program, the Arts Council, and the Westport-Weston Counseling Service, primarily in producing publicity and newsletters. For many years, she also volunteered with the oral history program of the Westport Historical Society.
After her husband died suddenly in 1974, Janet returned to work — first in the selectman’s office, then in the Planning & Zoning Department. From 1983 to ’88 she was an assistant town clerk and secretary for the Planning & Zoning Commission in Weston.
She retired in 1988 and joined the Democratic Women of Westport, where she was co-president. She received the organization’s Silver Donkey Award, and regularly rode with DWW in the Memorial Day Parade.
Janet is survived by her children Jennifer Aley (Steve Gold), Judith Aley, Judson (Maria Cheung) and Jonathan (Ellen Louer); grandchildren Nathanael Jonathan Ranson, Ruby Alice Ranson and Dylan Tam (Alex McClaren).
In addition to her husband, she was pre-deceased by her daughter Judy’s husband Paul Ranson, and her brother Charles Harvey Ramsey.
Services will be held September 21 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 1:30 p.m). Donations in Janet’s name can be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Homes with Hope or PAWS (Pet Animal Welfare Society).
And finally … Otis Redding was born on this day, in 1941. He died in a plane crash just 26 years later.
The Macon, Georgia native quit school at 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard’s band. Over the next decade he became an international star.
But his biggest fame came after his death.
(“Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” became the first posthumous #1 record on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. He then received many other honors, including 2 Grammys, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame,[5] and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
(Since 2009 — without missing a day — “06880” has been your hyper-local source for news, information, features, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Justin Paul’s EGOT, Paralympics Bronze, NASCAR Silver …
… and writes: “I drove by this today. I took it down. Horrified.
“I am Jewish. I attended Columbia a few decades ago. I am distraught. Then this, where I live.
“It was defaced on the highly trafficked corner of Cross Highway and North Avenue.
“I drove by it on my way to drop my child off at an after-school activity. I did not want to stop with my child in the car. So I left it there.
“I drove back 20 minutes later to retrieve it. How did people drive by this for 20 minutes and not remove it?
“I hoped beyond hope it would be gone before I got back, but it wasn’t. It was there. How many people drove by and didn’t stop? How could someone do this in the first place? It is now in the Westport Police’s hands.”
35 Staples High School students and 6 teachers recently returned from 12 days of cultural and artistic immersion in Italy and France.
Led by Stephen Zimmerman, town-wide coordinator of music and visual arts, the itinerary was packed with visits to renowned art museums including the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence, the Guggenheim in Venice, and Musée d’Orsay and Louvre in Paris.
Students also participated in hands-on activities, such as a fresco art workshop in Florence and an impressionist painting class in Paris.
Staples art students, at a fresco class.
The trip also included guided tours of landmarks like the Roman Forum, Colosseum and Vatican City. The group took gondola rides in Venice, and exploring the streets of Burano, Florence and Paris.
“This trip was an opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding and appreciation of art and culture,” says Zimmerman.
“By experiencing these iconic works of art firsthand, students gained a deeper appreciation for the scale, texture, color, and more.”
There are not many “Rosie the Riveters” left, in 2024.
But one of the originals — women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II — will speak at the Connecticut Air & Space Center in Stratford on May 1 (5 p.m.; $25 tickets, children under 12 free).
And (of course) there’s a Westport connection.
This Rosie — Jean Hunt Tucker — is 99 years old. Her father built the house on Imperial Avenue that she grew up in. It’s where Sharon Levin — who told “06880” about the event — now lives.
“Rosie” will talk about her important work at Chance Vought Aircraft in Stratford.
Beginning at age 18, Jean made drawings of parts for electrical installations — without ever seeing the actual equipment. She also worked on fuselages.
Chance Vought sent her to the Academy of Aeronautics, near La Guardia Airport, to train women entering the industry.
In 1945 Joan entered Northeastern University, as one of its first class of women.
She married in 1949. When the company moved to Dallas, she stayed here. She earned a degree in industrial engineering, and taught math for 38 years in 3 states and 2 foreign countries.
Click here for more details, on Westport’s own Rosie the Riveter.
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“06880”: where Westport meets Talladega.
Last weekend, 2007 Staples High School graduate — now vice president of marketing at Liquid Death (and an Ad Age “40 Under 40” honoree) — was at the Alabama Super Speedway to announce his company as the official iced tea sponsor of NASCAR.
But wait! There’s more! He met his friend, Staples ’09 grad Parker Kligerman, the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver.
Kligerman drives the #48 Chevrolet Camaro for Big Machine Racing. When he’s not behind the wheel, he’s a NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports.
Greg Fass, Parker Kligerman and NASCAR’s official iced tea.
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The always-popular Westport Woman’s Club’s “pop-up art show” is set for Friday, May 3 (5 to 7 p.m., opening reception) and Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Curated by Miggs Burroughs, the event features many local artists. Over 200 works, including paintings, mixed media and ceramics, are available for purchase. Prices range from $50 to $1,500.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. Refreshments will be served. Curated by Westport Artist Miggs Burroughs, this popular show features a variety of local artists whose works are available for purchase.
Among the artists and works at the Westport Woman’s Club show.
Alert “06880” reader Paul Rohan was curious about the pavement-grading activity to the right of the northbound entrance at I-95 Exit 18.
He asked State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who serves on the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee.
A representative from Steinberg’s office said that the property near the Sherwood Island Connector is a “reuse stockpile area.” It is a hub for storing dirt and gravel salvaged from the Norwalk WALK railroad bridge site, allowing the contractor to minimize waste and disposal.
The materials are “carefully inspected, sorted, and organized for future use on the WALK Bridge and related projects. Repurposing these materials instead of disposing of them reduces waste and contributes to environmental sustainability.”
Materials salvaged from the Norwalk railroad bridge work are being stockpiled near I-95 Exit 18 in Westport.
Speaking of bridges: Yesterday’s “06880” floated a what’s-old-is-new-again idea: the possibility of a “new” Cribari bridge similar to the temporary one built in the early 1990s, during the span’s last major renovation.
Alert “06880” reader Gloria Gouveia goes back more than a century before that. She sends along this rendering of plans for the original bridge, built in the 1880s:
Hey, it looks better with holiday lights.
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The Westport Garden Club, Westport Library and Westport Arts Advisory Committee announces the winners of their Youth Poetry Contest, for students in grades K-9.
The winning poems are “Forever Awake” by Tessa Lederer (Grade 4) and “Thoughts on a Fresh Spring Day” by Katya Bank (Grade 9).
The theme for the 2024 contest was “I Spy with My Little Eye, Something Green Outside — Celebrating Our Green World.”
But that’s not all. Both young poets won first place in their grade at the state level. They now advance to The New England Garden Clubs’ regional contest. Those final selections will be submitted for National Garden Club awards.
Tessa and Katya will be honored at the Library this Sunday (2 p.m.).
Their readings will be followed by a poetry workshop with town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee. Attendees will be invited to write their own poems, inspired by natural materials provided by The Westport Garden Club.
The event is free and open to the public.
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The Saugatuck Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (April 28, 3 p.m.) with “When Music Connects Us.”
Performers include The Naugatuck Valley Chorale — an ensemble of students and community members — and the Western Connecticut State University Chamber Singers.
The concert is free, and the public is invited. A reception will follow.
Two groups perform Sunday at the Saugatuck Church.
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Many Westporters use “Hair of the Dog” — just over the Southport border, near I-95 Exit 19 — for pet grooming, walking and sitting.
The owner, his wife and their 4 children have been displaced, after a kitchen fire at their Fairfield home last week. The contents of their home are a total loss.
The owner suffered serious burns on his hands and face, and may take a year to fully heal.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with housing, clothes, furniture and other expenses. Click here to read more, and contribute. (Hat tip: Seth Schachter)
And finally … in honor of the Rosie the Riveter (story above):
(“06880” is your go-to source for all things Westport. But we rely on our readers for help. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Last night’s official opening of the Westport Country Playhouse’s new production, “Kim’s Convenience,” was a sellout — and a smash.
Many theater-goers knew it from the Netflix TV show. I’d never seen it, so I had no preconceptions. I was drawn in immediately by its ricocheting storylines of family, love, longing, and — especially relevant today — the immigrant experience, not matter where anyone comes from.
It’s well cast — and much of the production crew is Korean too. Poignant, hilarious and insightful “Kim’s Convenience” should draw large, appreciative audiences through its run, which ends next Sunday.
Click here for more information, and tickets. And if you’re around this afternoon (Sunday, July 10), playwright Ins Choi leads a free Symposium on the show. It’s open to the public; no performance ticket is necessary. Just arrive 80 minutes after the 3 p.m. curtain.
Taking bows after last night’s performance of “Kim’s Convenience (from left): Eric R. Williams, Cindy Im, David Shih, Chuja Seo, Hyunmin Rhee. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The 2009 Staples High School graduate led for 56 out of 67 laps yesterday, at the NASCAR Truck Series.
He held off points leader Zane Smith to win his race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car course in Lexington.
It was his 3rd career win in the series, and first in 5 years.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Kligerman told ESPN. “I was pretty emotional on the cooldown lap because this whole team it’s like a team of second chances. Two years ago, I thought my driving days were done. This team gave me a call, wanting to get back racing and it’s just been a steady improvement.”
Also very cool: Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted him congratulations.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Anyone who spends time on Westport’s fields knows that athletes — and their parents — don’t always pick up after themselves.
But a multi-state lacrosse tournament, run by a private club, brought new levels of garbage across Staples High School and Wakeman yesterday.
Water bottles, fast food wrappers, chairs and all kinds of other trash were strewn in the bleachers, on the Staples hill, and across every turf and grass field. A parent called the amount of garbage “astonishing.”
The event continues today.
One small part of the garbage left on the fields, bleachers and hill, at Staples and Wakeman.
There’s a new — and important — stop sign at Compo Beach.
David Meth writes:
“Thank you to Carmen Roda, operations manager at Parks & Rec, Department, as well as the Westport Police Department, for installing the new sign just beyond the welcome booth. Drivers now stop for pedestrians and cyclists. It is reassuring that we can all enjoy the summer safely.”
Longtime Westporter, school employee and church volunteer Sandy Atwood died recently, surrounded by her family.
Born Nancy Newton Scrivenor in New Haven, but always called “Sandy” (her father wanted to name her Cassandra), she grew up in Branford. She was a frequent junior tennis champion at the Pine Orchard Club, and played organ in church.
She graduated from Prospect Hill School (now Hopkins) in 1957, then Colby Junior College. Sandy made her debut at the New Haven Assembly.
She met Stan Atwood in Boston, while he was attending Harvard Summer School. They were married in 1960. When he studied at Washington & Lee Law School, she worked at the university as a secretary.
After moving to Westport, where Stan practiced law, Sandy worked for 25 years as an administrative coordinator in Staples High School’s special education department.
Sandy was active in local, state and federal political campaigns; the Greater Bridgeport Junior Hockey Association (including building the Wonderland of Ice), Greens Farms Elementary School PTA, the Green’s Farms Congregational Church, Staples Tuition Grants, the Westport Weston Foundation Trust, Earthplace, the Westport Woman’s Club and PEO.
She and Stan provided housing for high school students in crisis. She also was a regular visitor to elderly and infirm Westport residents.
Sandy was an avid tennis, bridge and bunko player. She enjoyed card and board games, puzzles, reading, gardening, and socializing with the Wine Sisters.
She was predeceased by her husband Stan, brother Arthur, and family dog Henry Aaron. She is survived by her daughter Laura (Tom) Atwood Kottler, and sons Jonathan and Scott (Lisa)l grandchildren Sam, Charlie and Liza Kottler; Finn Atwood, Kirah Kingsland and Alex Robertson, and great-grandchild Bennett.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday, July 16 (10 a.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Memorial gifts in her name may be made to Staples Tuition Grants, PO Box 5159, Westport, CT 06881.
The media focus in the week leading up to Sunday’s Daytona 500 NASCAR race was on Danica Patrick — the 1st woman to snag a pole position at the Sprint Cup series.
The focus now is on today’s Nationwide race. A frightening multi-car crash moments before the end of the last lap sent one car airborne, into the fence separating the track from the stands. An engine landed in the grandstand, on fire. At least 6 fans were injured.
Fortunately, Westport’s Parker Kligerman kept his cool. The 2009 Staples grad avoided trouble, and finished 5th.
Posted onOctober 3, 2009|Comments Off on Parker Kligerman Races To Records
Parker Kligerman is poised to become Westport’s most famous race car driver since Paul Newman.
Parker Kligerman
The Staples graduate — now a freshman at the University of North Caroline-Charlotte — has broken every rookie record in the 57-year history of ARCA. He’s won 7 ARCA RE/MAX stock car races this season. The previous record was 4 — and there are still 2 races to go.
Parker has led in championship points several times — despite racing often on tracks he is seeing for the 1st time.
Two wins came on dirt tracks — a new venue for him.
Penske — Parker’s sponsor — has rewarded him with two NASCAR Nationwide races this fall. His 1st NASCAR race is today at the Kentucky Speedway. It will be televised on ESPN2 (2 p.m.).
Like most Westporters, you’ve probably never watched a stock car race. If you make an exception for a neighbor, Parker Kligerman’s car is #22.
(For more information on Westport’s NASCAR driver, click here.)
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