Tag Archives: Roger Kaufman

Roundup: My Mistakes, Canal Park’s Egrets, Compo’s Hook’d …

Posted on May 9, 2025 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup included 2 dumb errors.

The 9th annual Dog Festival is Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park). I said it was this Sunday; it’s actually a week later. Learn more here.

I also forgot to include the link to Staples High School student Jonathan Dobin-Smith’s powerful (and successful) plea at the Representative Town Meeting, to restore $25,000 to the Earthplace budget. Here is the speech; if it doesn’t start there, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

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Save the date. The always popular Staples Pops Concert is June 6 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

Free tickets are snapped up quickly. Watch this space for info (coming soon!) on how to snag yours.

Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association invites local businesses to buy ads in the program book.

Contributions cover Pops Concert expenses, and help provide resources all year lon for over 400 students in the music program. For details, email  staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.

There’s always a full house for the Staples Pops Concert. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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More SHS news: Kids in pre-K through grade 5 are too young to benefit from Staples Tuition Grants.

But they’re old enough to help raise funds, for the organization that since 1943 has helped tens of thousands of SHS graduates attend college.

The 2nd annual Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 18 (8 to 9:30 a.m., Staples’ Loeffler Field). Registration is $25; visit @STGFUNRUN on Instagram.

The morning includes games, face painting, snacks, and a kids’ run. It’s organized by juniors Will Briggs and Alexis Krenzer.

Last year alone, STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students. To learn more, visit www.staplestuitiongrants.org.

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The weather has been off and on.

But Hook’d is on.

The Compo concessionaire has opened for another season. Let’s hope for many good beach days ahead.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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“Egrets” have come to Canal Green.

That’s the name of Westport’s newest outdoor artwork.

On Wednesday, the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch joined 3 other sculptures recently placed in town parks by the Westport Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department.

Bloch is nationally known as a pioneer in laser-cut stainless steel sculpture

A celebration — including a short talk by the artist, a tribute by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch and refreshments — is set for May 31 (4 p.m.). Canal Park is at the interseection of Kings Highway North and Canal Street, just east of the Willows Medical Center.

“Egrets” at Canal Green.

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Longtime Westporter and musician Roger Kaufman’s forays into musical history have entertained and educated audiences for years.

He’s back on May 29 (7:30 p.m., The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company).

“Speaking of Music Presents Road Trip to the 5Ms” includes both a presentation and live music.

Author/bassist/Fairfield University Professor Brian Q. Torff opens, with a talk on “Race and Music of the Deep South.

Then comes a 90-minute show by the Old School Revue All-Stars with the Saugatuck Horns, with kick-ass guest vocalists Audrey Martells, Tiffany T’Zelle, Billy Cliff and Billy Genuario.

They’ll perform a great collection of classic soul and R&B tunes, from the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon and Motown.

The Old School Revue musicians have performed or recorded with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones.

I saw their previous show, in August. I give “the 5 Ms” 5 stars. Learn more about the show here.

Old School Revue All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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A large, curious crowd turned out yesterday, for an “Alternative Device Fair” at the Westport Library.

The event — sponsored by OK to Delay, the group supporting parents who delay giving their children smartphones — featured vendors selling products with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions.

Among the companies represented: Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, Dumb Wireless and Light and Tin Can.

Alternative Device Fair at Westport Library.

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Also yesterday at the Library: Over 50 people helped Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich launch their campaign for the Board of Selectmen yesterday.

The crowd included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Senator Ceci Maher, and former state senator Will Haskell.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich (center), with supporters. 

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One more event yesterday worth (very much) noting: On the company’s “Red Day” of service, agents with Keller Williams Realty’s Westport office filled 900 bags of healthy food, for Filling in the Blanks.

The Norwalk non-profit fights childhood hunger — which provides weekend meals to kids in need — has just opened a pantry at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.

Keller Williams agents, “filling in the blanks.”

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The Y’s Women have a special guest on Monday — and the public is invited.

Fiona Davis — author of 8 historical fiction novels set in iconic New York buildings, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library and Dakota — will discuss fascinating stories behind those landmarks, with veteran broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota.

The event is May 12 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Church). Non-Y’s Women (and men) can register by email: jildam00@yahoo.com

Fiona Davis

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Speaking of authors: Like any writer (and performance artist), Anya Liftig has seen her share of rejection letters.

Like perhaps no other, she has turned them into a book.

The 1995 Staples graduate — and author of “Holler Rat,” a memoir of her unique youth, balancing her lives in privileged Westport and the hollows of Kentucky — just published “Rejection/Ambition: A 25 Year Performance.”

Both a performance document and text work, it is culled from a quarter century’s “copious collection” of rejection letters.

Anya says, “Read from the Ambition side, it is clear-eyed in its determination for artistic recognition. Read from the Rejection side, it is a text about failure, mistakes, and confusion.”

You can purchase “Rejection/Ambition”on her website.

Anya Liftig (Photo/Stephen Dennett)

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The Green’s Farms Association welcomes a special guest to their annual meeting next Wednesday (May 14, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

Outgoing police chief Foti Koskinas will speak. Important topics for the neighborhood group include a police/fire/EMS facility proposed for the Sherwood Island Connector, and traffic.

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Westport native and lifelong resident Loretta Pastore died peacefully on Monday. She was 65.

Like her mother and daughters, she was a Staples graduate. Her family says, “she was known for her kindness, generosity, grace, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.”

Loretta is survived by her sister, Annmarie Pastore Santolini (Tim); daughters Isabella and Gabriella Mikaiel; best friend, ex-husband and father of her children George Mikaiel, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday (May 12, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Pastime Club (59 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to plant a tree in Loretta’s memory at Compo Beach, one of her favorite places. Donate to that fund here.

Loretta Pastore

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Whitmal Cooper sent a photo, with the caption: “Brant geese on the way to the Arctic at Compo”:

(Photo by Norm)

Who knew that’s where they’re headed?

But I do know it makes a very cool “Westport … Naturally” image.

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to the one and only Billy Joel!

(And so it goes … one more week of “06880” in the books. Thanks for being part of our online community, every day. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Roundup: BOE Conversation, WDA Instagram, I-95 Bridge …

Posted on November 7, 2023 | 2 comments

One final reminder (it never hurts): Today is Election Day. Polls are open from now through 8 p.m.

Westport’s 5 polling locations are:

  • Districts 1 & 2: Saugatuck Elementary School
  • Districts 3 & 8: Coleytown Middle School
  • District 4 & 5: Greens Farms Elementary School
  • Districts 6 & 7: Long Lots Elementary School
  • District 9: Westport Library

Unsure of your voting district?  Click here.

Election officials will answer all your questions — at the Westport Library, and our 4 other polling places. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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All residents are invited to a Westport Board of Education “community conversation” (Tuesday, November 14, noon to 1:30 p.m., Westport Library Komasky Room).

Any topics related to the schools can be raised. Former RTM moderator and educator Velma Heller will facilitate the discussion.

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Adam Vengrow writes:

“Each year after our Veterans Day Town Hall service, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 hosts all local veterans and supporters for food and drinks.

“It costs about $25 per veteran. We hope to have 100 people this year.

“We want our great men and women who have served to enjoy the day. Anything ‘06880’ readers can donate is appreciated — via Paypal @vfw399ct, or email me (a.vengrow@ven2port.com) for Venmo and other options. The VFW is a 501(c)3.”

To learn more about VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, click here.

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The Westport Downtown Association’s Instagram was hacked.

To follow them — and get information about upcoming events, promotions, and everything else downtown-related — click on their new Insta: @WestportDowntownOfficial.

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Hard to envision this past weekend’s bridge slide?

Check out Sunday’s great drone video from Rick Giunta (sent by Andrew Colabella):

(Drone photo/Rick Giunta)

The view — looking west — shows traffic squeezed into 2 lanes. The bridge has been slid into place on the southbound side, with that entrance/exit ramp closed.

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John Richers writes:

“There are 2 days each year — one in spring, one in fall – when the sun sets directly down the Longshore entrance road.

“I was lucky enough to catch it this afternoon, as I biked through Longshore. Call it ‘LongshoreHenge.'”

(Photo/John Richers)

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DNR — Westport’s favorite almost-all-physician rock band — takes the stage on Saturday, November 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

Of course, there’s a medical hook: “Rocking for the Cure” is a benefit for pancreatic cancer research at Nuvance Health. Dr. Richard Frank is chief of cancer research there — and DNR’s sax player.

Tony Award-winning actor and great local friend James Naughton will emcee.

Tickets are $35 each, and include wine, beer, soda and snacks. Click here to reserve, and for more information.

Oh, doctor! The DNR band.

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More entertainment: “Rock, religion and Westport’s homeless shelter” may never have appeared n the same sentence.

But they all come together this Saturday (November 11, 3 p.m.,) when the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport welcomes the Fairfield School of Rock House Band for a family-friendly concert.

It’s free — but donations to Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center are welcomed. Concert-goers are asked to bring food and toiletries for the Homes with Hope pantry too.

Complimentary refreshments will be available, thanks to merchants like Trader Joe’s.

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Also on stage: Jaden Myles Waldman — one of Westport’s most gifted young performers — plays one of his most important roles this Sunday (November 12, 7 p.m., Symphony Space, New York City).

The Bedford Middle School 8th grader is part of “Lyrics for Life.” The goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health through the power of music.

Jaden will sing with a star-filled lineup of performers from Broadway, TV and fil. All are between 6 and 25 years old. Hosts are Swayam Bhatia (The Mighty Ducks and Succession) and Devin Trey Campbell (MJ The Musical, Kinky Boots, Single Parents).

Jaden was on Broadway in Caroline, or Change. He recently performed a solo at Carnegie Hall’s “We are Here” concert, honoring Holocaust victims and celebrating Jewish history.

He was the voice of Peter in Pinkalicious and Peteriffic, Kun in Mirai, and TO-B1 Star Wars: Visions. his film and TV credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Give or Take.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jaden Myles Waldman

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Jazz at the Post celebrates Veterans Day 2 days early.

This Thursday (November 9; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), the popular series welcomes Tower of Power’s trumpeter Michael Bogart (a 20-year veteran of the US Navy Band), and drummer and US Army Band veteran Joe Corsello.

Also sitting in:pianist Mitch Schecter, bassist Brian Glassman and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

There is special Veterans Day pricing. Suggested minimums are $55 for the performance with dinner, $30 for music only. Funds raised will support VFW post 399, the longtime Jazz at the Post host (and a mainstay of the area’s veterans community).

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Speaking of jazz:

Roger Kafuman’s “Speaking of Music” series returns to the Westport Library with a special program. Speaking of Jazz: What It Is, is set for this Saturday (November 11; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.)

Performers include the Brian Torff Group, the Jones Factor Lite, and the Tim DeHuff Quartet.

A discussion panel includes includes author Bill Milkowski, saxophonist Rabbi Greg Wall; bassist Dave Anderson, and bassist, author and music educator Torff. Kaufman will moderate the discussion, which will include the long evolution of jazz, through multiple genres.

The grandson of ragtime songwriter Mel B. Kaufman, Roger — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School — has spent a lengthy career as a bandleader, bass player, producer, moderator and historian. He founded Old School Music Productions, which puts on the Speaking of Music series as a “cornerstone of musical education” combining narration, expert discussions and live performances.

In 2016 he helped the Smithsonian acquire, archive and exhibit donations by guitarist/composer/producer Steve Cropper (“Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” “Dock of the Bay”). He has worked closely with Smithsonian curators to archive musicians’ work, including Weston resident Jose Feliciano.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.

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It takes a rare Staples High School athlete to play Big 10 football.

Jake Thaw is that rare Wrecker.

The 2020 graduate was an All-State football and basketball player here — and an FCIAC and NFL Foundation Exemplary Scholar Athlete.

At the University of Michigan, he’s a 2-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree.

On Saturday, Thaw’s great punt return helped the Wolverines to a 41-13 victory over Purdue. (Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)

(Photo/David Guralnick for Detroit News)

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The shape of this tree at Haskins Preserve — and its heart-shaped leaves — caught Johanna Keyser Rossi’s eye.

It caught ours too. It’s exactly the right image for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … because we’re previewing so many musical performances today, including rock and jazz:

(“06880” is many things, to many people. Today it’s (mostly) music. If you appreciate these daily Roundups, please support your hyper-local blog. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Library, Longshore, Transportation

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Roundup: RTM Agendas, Rev. Hoskins Tribute, Bagels …

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 12 comments

John McCarthy is trying again.

This morning, the former Representative Town Meeting member brings another petition to the RTM and town clerk.

This one — signed by more than 20 Westport electors — asks the RTM to vote on a resolution at its October 3 meeting, affirming that the word “shall” means “mandatory,” as already defined in the Town Charter and the RTM Rules of Procedure.

If passed, the resolution would “compel and require” the moderator to place on the RTM agenda any petition signed by at least 20 electors at least 14 days prior to a meeting.

The impetus for McCarthy’s petition is a previous attempt to add an agenda item to tonight’s meeting regarding a review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

The request — signed by over 50 electors, and verified by the town clerk — was denied by RTM moderator Jeffrey Wieser. His decision was affirmed in an opinion by assistant town attorney (and former RTM moderator) Eileen Lavigne Flug.

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In other RTM news, members Seth Braunstein and Matthew Mandell have  proposed an ordinance to create an Affordable Housing Fund.

A first reading is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, September 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

“Creating a fund to accrue monies for the purchase of land, construction of housing and/or the buydown of market rate housing both aids the establishment of such homes and gives the town greater control over its own destiny,” the 2 members say.

In 2022 the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission adopted an Affordable Housing Plan, under state statute 8-30j, which called for the creation of such a fund. This ordinance follows through on that request.

Following RTM committee discussions, Braunstein and Mandell hope for a full vote at next month’s meeting. The next step would be for the P&Z to create a regulation to fund the initiative.

Among Westport’s current affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

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Sunday’s Saugatuck Congregational Church service honored their late, longtime senior and youth minister Rev. Ted Hoskins.

Among those at the pulpit: Rev. Peter Powell. Forty years ago, he worked with Rev. Hoskins to establish a homeless shelter and food pantry here.

In a tribute to both Rev. Hoskins and the church, Rev. Powell said:

“In my experience Ted lived the charge given in Matthew 25. As you read his obituary you could not fail to see how he fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, healed the sick and visited those in prison.

“Some examples from my experience. The Westport Emergency Shelter was a response to homeless, now better described as unhoused, men sleeping in a room in this church. The legacy lives on. The Gillespie Center has 15 beds because Saugatuck Church found 7 bunk beds and 1 cot for the men.

“These beds were moved over to the Vigilant Firehouse. The Westport/Weston Health Department came in, measured the space and determined the number of cubic feet each bed required. When I pointed out that they backed into that number they refused to change.

“The Linxweiler House was empty, and Ted established a program he called Operation Bootstraps there. Unfortunately that program didn’t work, but with the guidance of Jim Gillespie the program was transformed into a sober house requiring all residents to have a job and stay sober. It worked for many years. It was a Ted legacy.

“In my early years at the Interfaith Housing Association Ted visited the firehouse and gave $100 bills to the night staff on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of our opening. He was always involved.

“In the early ’90s when I needed a new office, he gave me and IHA space in this building. I was here for a few years.

“Ted was your pastor, but he was also pastor to the town of Westport…. A conversation with Ted could resolve difficult issues. He was our social conscience. You shared him with the town. His shoes have never been filled as the acknowledged religious leader and social action conscience of Westport.

“When the unhoused men moved to the firehouse with Ted’s leadership, you opened your building to 12-step programs, helping Westport become a center for recovery for the entire region.

“I believe Ted could do all of this because he was your pastor. Hhe loved you and you loved him, and you both knew you were in love. He was a very public figure and crucial to the development of social action in Westport, but first he loved and cared for you. He did not wag his finger at you; he taught you how to respond to the Gospel. He had the credibility to do that because he was first and foremost your pastor. He visited, counseled, baptized, worshiped, married, buried and preached to you with a deep understanding of who you are and together you and he transformed Westport. He could not have done it without you ,and you could only do it because it was intrinsic to his life with you.

“Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

Rev. Ted Hoskins

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Sunday’s Roundup noted a second epidemic of dozens of bagels spread around High Gate Road. This time there was a plastic bag, with many more bagels, nearby.

Last winter there was a similar scene at the same spot, off Maple Avenue South.

“Weird,” I wrote yesterday.

I soon received an email from “Peter T.” He said: “Regarding the Bagels on High Gate Road, they are there for the Deer to eat along with the cracked corn. Nothing weird about it!”

I asked who put them there, and whether he knew if deer liked bagels.

This time, “Nancy” responded (from the same email address). She wrote: “I live on the street and yes deer like the bagels and cracked corn that is out there.”

I asked about the unopened plastic bag. She said: “Why does it matter. The neighhood feeds the deer all year long”

A Google search reveals that bread (and I put bagels in that category) can be dangerous to deer. Corn can be deadly too.

Meanwhile, a reader points out, “deer around here eat everything that grows. They are hooved rats. And since it’s summer, they don’t lack in food sources.”

If last winter was any indication, those bagels will stay out on High Gate for weeks.

Unlike the mice and rats get them first.

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Lachat Farms’ grand (re-)opening was this past weekend.

In today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor and Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm, discuss funding of improvements, and programs coming soon.

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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The big space recently vacated by Bed Bath & Beyond on US 1 — just over the border in Norwalk — will be filled in November.

The new tenant is a combination Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.

Bob’s Stores (sports clothing, shoes) is moving from Main Avenue to where Bed Bath and Beyond was on Westport Avenue in November. (Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)

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This was a big weekend at Lime Rock — and not just for the 3 Westport race car drivers mentioned in Sunday’s Roundup.

Roger Kaufman writes: “I was stunned and honored to be given an award Sunday at the Lime Rock annual Labor Day weekend, festival and car show. It was Best in Class in the ‘Swedish category.'”

“My trusty 1963 Volvo 122S, which I’ve owned for 40 years, was a Westport car. It was sold by Lillian Oster and imported in 1963 via Larry Terrino on the Post Road. It’s my third one, and a tried and true companion for almost half a century.

“I had never been to Lime Rock or done many car shows until recently. But I decided to give it a whirl.

“It was of interest yesterday to the folks at Lime Rock that when Paul Newman saw the car in Weston around 2007), he came over to me at Peter’s Market, where he was bagging groceries with Joanne.

“He stuck his head in the driver’s side window and said, ‘what a great car !’ Cars were his hobby, and we had a great chat.

Roger Kaufman’s ’63 Volvo.

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When most people rudely reserve picnic tables at Compo’s South Beach, they simply throw a tablecloth over the top, pretending not to see the “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” sign.

Yesterday, the stakes got a little higher.

Here’s how one aggressive picnicker claimed his (or her) spot:

(Photo/Sallie Pecora-Saipe)

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Meanwhile, Sunday was also a perfect late-summer day.

The kind of evening to head to the beach, and celebrate without a care in the world.

(Photo/Harry Mortner)

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Reports are swarming in of spotted lanternfly sightings — and killings.

Ken Yormark squashed one inside Home Foods.

Mary Foss-Skiftesvik spotted the invasive species on her Saugatuck Island dock and garden:

(Photo/Mary Foss-Skiftesvik)

And Dave Shea writes: “While kayaking Monday morning, I found this floating halfway between Compo and Cockenoe.

“While I gave the little bugger credit for being a good swimmer, I did my civic duty, then buried him at sea.”

(Photo/Dave Shea)

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Janine Scotti sends along today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo — and its back story:

“What do you give a chef who is also the salt of the earth for his 74th birthday (coming soon)?

“A plot at the magnificent Westport Community Gardens. My beloved husband Pietro [former owner of Da Pietro restaurant] was in awe of the gardens, He is thrilled to be a part of this thriving community.

“I just gave him a private dusk tour. He wanted to see all the beauty of every plot. Hats off to you all!”

Pietro Scotti, with a giant sunflower. (Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … on this day in 1836, Sam Houston was elected first president of the Republic of Texas.

(“06880” is where Westport meets Texas — and the world. If you’re from here, there or anywhere, and you like this blog, please support our work. Just click here. And thank y’all.)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Weston

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Roundup: Pizza, Trump, Cops …

Posted on April 6, 2023 | 9 comments

Old Mill Grocery & Deli, Outpost and Romanacci were all double winners in Westport’s Great Pizza Contest.

Nearly 2,000 votes were cast throughout March, for 14 restaurants and markets.

OMG won in the Best Meat and Best Veggie Pizza categories. Outpost won for Best Slice and Best Delivered Pizza, while Romanacci copped top honors for Best Personal and Best Gluten-Free Pizza.

Solo winners were La Plage (Best Flatbread) and Pizza Lyfe (Best Plain).

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event. They’re already planning next years return of the Great Burger Contest.

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Joe Tacopina — one of former President Trump’s lead lawyers — was not the only Westport connection to Tuesday’s historic Manhattan arraignment.

Staples High School Class of 2002 graduate Toby Burns covered the event for The Hill.

And, Toby says, his longtime friend and fellow Staples grad Frank Runyeon — an award-winning criminal justice reporter for legal news service Law360 — was “the most knowledgeable court reporter on the ground” outside the courthouse. He helped coordinate “hundreds of global journalists.”

That’s not all. Frank also drew the lucky straw, and was the first journalist of all those hundreds to see the actual indictment. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

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Speaking of elections: There are 53 new voters in Westport.

The League of Women Voters registered them — all seniorso — yesterday, as part of Staples High School’s Invest in Yourself day.

It was the first such event since the pandemic began 3 years ago.

New voter registration at Staples.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between March 29 and April 5.

A home health care aide was arrested for 2nd degree larceny, illegal use of credit card, and receiving goods obtained by illegal use of credit card, after a complaint by a Westport resident.

A Westport man was arrested for 3rd degree criminal mischief after a complaint from someone who saw him punch and break a window in the front door of a business. Police investigated the license plate, and found the man with fresh cuts and blood on his hand. He had no explanation for why he broke the window.

Westport Police did not report citations issued this week.

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Michael Friedman’s great new book “Exposed” — his lost-and-then-found up-close-and-personal photos chronicling rock legends like Janis Joplin, The Rolling Stones and The Band — gets great exposure April 22 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

He’ll talk about the book, the photos and the stories behind them on a panel with WPLR’s Mike Lapitino and longtime local musician Roger Kaufman.

The panel will be followed by live music from the era with Kaufman’s longtime band, Old School Revue. Special guests include drummer Chris Parker (who played with Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Todd Rundgren), bassist Stu Woods (Dylan, Rundgren, Jim Croce), and Staples High School graduate Drew Angus.

Signed copies of Friedman’s book, along with prints, will be available for purchase.

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Also at the Library:

Westporter Margrit Strohmaier celebrates the launch of her second book — “What to Know Before You Get Your Cat” — on April 19 (7 p.m.).

She’ll be interviewed by Julie Loparo, president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. This book is aimed at young readers; it’s a follow-up to her debut, “What to Know Before You Get Your Dog.”

It’s part of the “Saugatuck Scribes: Healing & Caregiving” event. Tracy Livecchi — who wrote Healing Hearts and Minds: A Holistic Approach to Coping Well With Congenital Heart Disease — will be featured too.

The discussion will be followed by book signings, and a drawing for a gift basket.

Margrit Strohmaier

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And more about writing:

Westport Writers’ Workshop‘s “More Than Words: Celebrating Outreach to Unheard Writers” fundraiser is set for April 28 (6 to 9 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). The event includes light dinner fare, music, a door prize and silent auction.

Proceeds support WWW’s Outreach Program. The writing organization offers in-person and online workshops for writers of all levels, along with “the gift of expression” to people unable to take a traditional class.

Westport Writers’ Workshop has expanded their reach outside their core classroom to individuals undergoing special challenges, or who have survived hardship, abuse, or trauma.

The Outreach Program provides complimentary writing workshops for organizations that request them. Volunteers help new writers heal and grow through story.

Among the WWW’s partners: the Center for Empowerment and Education, Homes for the Brave, Caroline House, Harlem Village Academies, Writing for Women Affected by Breast Cancer, College Essay Writing for Fairfield Seniors, and Writing for Women with Special Needs Children. For more details on the program, email info@westportwriters.org.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Club 203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — heads outside, for its next event.

TAP Strength leads a fun, fitness and movement field day on April 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m., Jesup Green). MoCA Westport will be there with crafts, too.

The cost is $10 per person. Click here to register.

Westport Book Shop will be open during the event, for parents to mix and mingle.

New members can click here to join Club 203, and click here for the consent form.

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If spring cleaning includes getting rid of old mattresses and box springs — hold on until May 20.

That morning Earthplace, Sustainable Westport and Bye Bye Mattress will sponsor a free mattress and box spring recycling event. Up to 90% of them can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment and bike seat cushions, insulation, air filters and steel materials.

The event runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Earthplace.

Can’t transport your mattress or box spring? No problem!

Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide pickup service, for a small donation. Click here to sign up.

Saving the planet, one mattress at a time. (Photo: Pippa Bell Ader)

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Yesterday’s wind brought kept most people away from Compo Beach.

But it attracted at least one kiteboarder.

Today’s forecast calls for showers, but with temperatures reaching into the 70s.

(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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Andy Weeks spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo in a very nature-unfriendly part of town: Compo Shopping Center.

Somehow, this old tree survives amid traffic, gasoline fumes, even an old metal post.

As baseball season begins, remember the adage: “Mother Nature bats last.”

(Photo/Andy Weeks)

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And finally … congratulations to Westport’s Great Pizza Contest winners:

 

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Friday Flashback #232

Posted on February 19, 2021 | 4 comments

A recent “06880” story on the death of Hal Holbrook noted his 1959 Halloween appearance — as Mark Twain, of course — at Staples High.

I wrote: “The school had just opened its modern North Avenue campus. The PTA had an active arts program, bringing musicians, dancers and actors to the new auditorium stage. Hal Holbrook might have been the most famous name of all.”

Staples High School auditorium in its first year: 1959.

He sure had competition. As John Kelley notes, in those early days of the new high school, Ottilie Kaufman — who lived right next to the south entrance — organized and produced a one-of-a-kind, first-ever performing arts series at Staples that included (in addition to Holbrook) the Weavers, Marcel Marceau, Ferrante and Teicher, Odetta, Sir John Gielgud , Andrés Segovia and others.

Segovia — a world-renowned Spanish classical guitarist — died in 1987, at 94. But his legacy — and his visit here — lives on.

Soon after another legendary Latin musician — José Feliciano — turned 75 last year, our Weston neighbor received a gift: Segovia’s footstool.

Autographed. And from that March 1960 Staples concert.

A page from the 1960 Performing Arts series program.

The back story: Prior to his show, Segovia came to the Kaufmans’ home next door to the high school. He warmed up in the living room using that footstool. Many classical guitarists do that; it supports the instrument, as they play seated.

Growing up in Spanish Harlem in the 1950s, Feliciano was highly influenced by the skills and intrigue of Segovia’s delicate flamenco style.

The antique stool sat in the Kaufman family’s attics for decades — first on North Avenue, then at Ottilie and Zenn’s son Roger’s house. A guitarist, singer and founder of Old School Music’s concerts, promotions and events, he’s as famous locally as Feliciano and Segovia are internationally.

The stool seemed a fitting present for Feliciano, who always sits when he plays. Now the “Feliz Navidad” and “Light my Fire” Latin/jazz/blues/soul/rock musician is sitting pretty with Segovia’s stool in hand — er, under foot.

From left: local drummer Tyger MacNeal, Jose Feliciano and Roger Kaufman, with Andres Segovia’s footstool. The 75th birthday presentation was at Sakura.

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Woodstock: Westport Remembers

Posted on May 13, 2019 | 20 comments

If you grew up when I did, you’ve got a Woodstock memory.

I had a ticket and everything (except actual plans about how to get there).

Me, in my Woodstock days. Or should I say, Woogstock.

Then I got grounded. (Well deserved, I must admit.) Instead of getting rained on, sleeping in the mud and being awakened by Jimi Hendrix, I sat at home. I read about the huge festival in the New York Times. A few months later, I saw the movie.

Several years later — now out of college — I was cleaning my old room at my parents’ house. I found my Woodstock ticket: still pristine, never used.

“Oh,” I said to myself. “That’s interesting.”

And promptly threw it out.

That’s not the most compelling — or financially savvy — Woodstock story. But it’s mine.

Other people have much better ones.

Like Michael Friedman (Staples High School 1961 grad/music producer/ photographer). Roger Kaufman (Staples ’66 musician/musicologist). Dodie Pettit (Westport actress/singer/Woodstock attendee). Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter’s guitar player). Ira and Maxine Stone (Woodstock performers). Bruce Pollock (author).

They’ll all be at the Westport Woman’s Club this Wednesday (May 15, 7 p.m.). They’re part of a “Woodstock: 50 Years Down the Road” panel, talking about their experiences at that almost-50-years-ago/seems-like-yesterday historical event.

“Lotta freaks!” Arlo Guthrie said. “The New York State Thruway is closed!”

After the discussion, the Old School Revue’s Woodstock All-Stars will play  favorite hits from Woodstock. Performers include Kaufman, Pettit, the Stones (Ira and Maxine, not Mick and Keith), Pete Hohmeister, Frank Barrese, Bob Cooper, Billy Foster and Nina Hammerling Smith.

Special guests include Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, Robin Batteau and the Saugatuck Horns (Joe Meo and Fred Scerbo).

The event is free (but register online; seating is limited).

In other words, you don’t need a ticket.

That’s good. If I had one, I’d probably throw it away.

(For more information, click here. “Woodstock: 50 Years Down the Road” is sponsored by the Westport Library.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, History, Library, People

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By The Time We Get To Westonstock

Posted on August 31, 2018 | 3 comments

“By the time we got to Woodstock we were half a million strong …” Joni Mitchell sang.

Not quite. But a ton of people were at Yasgur’s farm, 49 years ago this month.

There won’t be quite as many at Weston’s Coley Homestead (104 Weston Road) on Saturday, September 15 (2 to 8 p.m.). They won’t get naked, sleep in the mud, and hear Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Country Joe rock America.

Hey, this is 2018, not 1969. But it will still be very, very cool.

The festival is the finale of the Weston Historical Society’s summer-long retrospective of ’60s music. Exhibits, concerts and forums have explored the impact of rock, psychedelia, folk, Motown, soul and more on our country — and our little slice of Fairfield County.

Like Woodstock though, Westonstock is about more than just music. There’s a ’60s car show, and kids’ activities too. (Those kids are of course the grandchildren of people who were stardust, golden children of God, back in the day.)

But music is key. Westonstock features Old School Revue — the popular local band fronted by 1966 Staples High School graduate Roger Kaufman. The Saugatuck Horns — a 6-piece R&B band — will be decked out in vintage ’60s attire.

Other performers include local favorites (and talented neighbors) Chance Browne, Rob Carlson, Crispin Cioe, Chris Coogan, Tim DeHuff, Charlie Karp, Jeff Southworth and David Weber.

All have long and storied musical pedigrees. They’ve played with the Rolling Stones, Buddy Miles, Jimi Hendrix (though not at Woodstock) and many more.

Roger Kaufman (center, with hat) and his Old School Revue.

The cars, meanwhile, will take you back to the days of listening to great music while cruising (or “watching the submarine races”). Many are on loan from Dragone Classic Motors.

There are also ’60s music trivia contests, and ’60s dance demonstrations.

Jr’s Hot Doggin’ Food Truck and Olive & Julep Craft Cocktails head the list of food and beverage suppliers.

Whether you recall the ’60s, can’t remember them (“if you do, you weren’t there,” Grace Slick or Timothy Leary or Robin Williams supposedly said), or were not yet born, Westonstock is for you.

All you need is a blanket, a lawn chair and some patchouli.

(Click here for tickets and more information. They’re also available the day of the event. Proceeds help renovation projects at Coley Barn and Coley Farmhouse.) 

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Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, Organizations, People

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Jose Feliciano’s Star-Spangled Honor

Posted on June 11, 2018 | 8 comments

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of many historic moments: the murders of Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy. Student revolts at Columbia University, and in France. The tumultuous Democratic convention in Chicago. The election of Richard Nixon.

Less remembered, a bit less significant — but as long-lasting in its repercussions — was a rendition of the national anthem. Jose Feliciano — coming off his 1st American hit, a remake of the Doors’ “Light My Fire” — performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Game 5 of the World Series in Detroit.

The Puerto Rico-born guitarist — just 23 years old — infused the anthem with his trademark Latin jazz style.

No one had ever performed America’s anthem like that before. The country was used to straightforward, quick renditions of a very difficult song.

Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock performance was a year away. Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga — their memorable “Star-Spangled” performances, and those of so many others, were decades in the future.

All owe a debt to Jose Feliciano’s ground-breaking interpretation.

It did not go over well.

Last year — looking back at the controversy — the New York Times wrote:

Taking liberties with Jim Morrison is one thing. Taking liberties with Francis Scott Key proved more contentious.

Feliciano went on the field with his guide dog and an acoustic guitar. He was quite free with the song’s melody, giving it a slower folk tempo and adding extra syllables and different stresses. What resulted was an anthem that to today’s ears is mellow and expressive.

Many ears in 1968 heard it differently.

Boos were heard from the stands, but the real blowup came afterward.

“It was a disgrace, an insult,” a baseball fan, Arlene Raicevich of Detroit, told The Associated Press. “I’m going to write my senator about it.”

“It sounded like a hippie was singing it,” said another Detroiter, Bernie Gray.

For several years, Feliciano was blackballed. Last year, he told Deadspin:

Some people wanted me deported—as if you can be deported to Puerto Rico. All I know is, from 1968 until the 1970s, radio stations stopped playing my records. It wasn’t the fans—the fans were with me. But the program directors didn’t play my songs. I don’t think I deserved that.

He got back in America’s good graces with “Feliz Navidad” — one of the most popular Christmas tunes ever — and the theme song to “Chico and the Man.”

Now — finally — the longtime Weston resident gets his historical due.

This Thursday (June 14), Feliciano will be featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History’s annual naturalization and donation ceremony.

Roger Kaufman — a 1966 Staples High School graduate, Westonite and fellow musician, who helped arrange the event — says that the Smithsonian celebrates creative, open-minded, groundbreaking musicians who have become part of American history.

Friday is, of course, Flag Day. The ceremony takes place in Flag Hall — where the original banner that inspired Francis Scott Key’s 1814 song proudly hangs.

Just as proudly, Feliciano will deliver a keynote address. He’ll donate artifacts — including his custom 1967 guitar — to the national collection.

And then he will sing — as only he can — our national anthem.

BONUS FEATURE 1: Click here for a New York Times retrospective of Jose Feliciano’s World Series controversy. Click here for Marvin Gaye’s national anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star game. Click here for Whitney Houston’s rendition at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. Click here to hear Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock in 1969.

BONUS FEATURE 2: In 2010 — 42 years after Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell invited Jose Feliciano to perform the national anthem — the now-legendary musician returned to Detroit, in a tribute to Harwell who had died a few days earlier. One of the sportscaster’s last wishes was to have Feliciano sing again.

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Roger Kaufman’s Stax Of Smithsonian Wax

Posted on December 1, 2016 | 6 comments

Race relations — the gulf between black and white — have been a defining feature of American history ever since our founding. Today, much of our politics is viewed through a racial lens.

The arts have sometimes imitated our troubled legacy. Sometimes they’ve countered it.

More than 50 years ago, for example, Steve Cropper was part of a vibrant Memphis music scene. As a white guitarist with Booker T. & the MGs — Stax Records’ house band — he backed black artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and Carla Thomas. Cropper also produced many of their records.

Roger Kaufman is a longtime Westport musician. He’s old school — Old School Music is also the name of his music events production company —  and he’s long been fascinated by that era when black and white artists played together, at a time and in a city convulsed by civil rights conflicts.

Steve Cropper (left) and Roger Kaufman.

Steve Cropper (left) and Roger Kaufman.

Kaufman knows Cropper — a Blues Brothers founder, ranked 39th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists ever. He also knows John Hasse, curator of American music at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

Kaufman convinced Cropper that Americans need to know the story of Stax, and that important era in our musical history. He urged his friend to donate the Fender Telecaster guitar he played on “Dock of the Bay.”

The guitar Steve Cropper played on "Dock of the Bay" is headed to the Smithsonian -- thanks to Roger Kaufman.

The guitar Steve Cropper played on “Dock of the Bay” is now in the Smithsonian — thanks to Roger Kaufman.

Today (Thursday, December 1) there’s a special ceremony at the Smithsonian. Using their original instruments, Cropper’s band will play “Green Onions,” “Midnight Hour,” “Soul Man” — and “Dock of the Bay,” which he co-wrote with Redding.

Tomorrow Cropper’s guitar goes on exhibit, in the museum’s American Jazz and Blues section.  On February 1 it moves to the highly trafficked American Stories area, adjacent to Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Kaufman will be there today. So will Booker T. Jones, Sam Moore, Eddie Floyd, and members of the Otis Redding, Rufus Thomas and Isaac Hayes families.

Roger Kaufman won’t perform. But he’s played a crucial role in bringing this great story of black and white music to the broad museum-going public.

“After 50 years of striving for peace, equality, human and civil rights, let’s keep the faith and enjoy the music,” he says.

Amen.

 

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It Really Is The “Class” Of ’66

Posted on July 17, 2016 | 13 comments

Staples High School’s Class of 1966 has always been special.

Growing up in postwar Westport, then coming of age in high school as a turbulent decade picked up steam, they were an active, accomplished bunch.

The Class of ’66 included 14 National Merit semifinalists, 29 All-State musicians and 5 All-State actors. The Orphenians traveled to the Virgin Islands; student government brought the Beau Brummels and Animals to Staples, and as a gift to the school — a tradition that unfortunately has disappeared — the class donated a handsome sign for the entrance on North Avenue.

John Lupton (left), Class of 1966 president, shakes hands with '67 president Dick Sandhaus at the sign's dedication ceremony. Principal Jim Calkins looks on.

John Lupton (left), Class of 1966 president, shakes hands with ’67 president Dick Sandhaus at the sign’s dedication ceremony. Principal Jim Calkins looks on.

But in the 50 years since graduation, the Class of ’66 has really stepped up its game. A few years ago they paid to refurbish the exterior of the Lou Nistico Fieldhouse at Staples, and added lighting to the current North Avenue entry sign. They’ve also organized their own special scholarship fund through Staples Tuition Grants.

Over the years I’ve become friends with many of the members, who I knew only by name and legend as a kid growing up in town. They’ve accomplished amazing things — in music, the arts, journalism, religion, education, even modeling and wine importing — but for half a century they have remained tight and loving. (Very, very fun-loving too).

A number of them remain — or became — reconnected to their hometown through “06880.” I’ve been honored to be a guest at their 2 most recent reunions.

This year’s 50th was fantastic. It began Friday night at the VFW (with kick-ass music from, among others, Rob Carlson, Jon Gailmor and Roger Kaufman). It continued with a lobster dinner last night at the Westport Woman’s Club (and a moving memorial to the 65 classmates who have died). It ended this afternoon at the beach.

Jon Gailmor, Steve Emmett and Rob Carlson reprised the famed Triumvirate group at the VFW. Gailmor replaced the late Chris Avery.

Jon Gailmor, Steve Emmett and Rob Carlson reprised the famed Triumvirate group at the VFW. Gailmor replaced the late Chris Avery.

There were many highlights for me, as I mingled with so many heroes and heroines from my youth. But the coolest came as I was leaving.

Each class member received a goody bag. In every one was a stone — collected, over a long time, from Compo Beach. They were stamped “Staples High 50th reunion, Class of 1966.”

Class of 66

And wrapped around them were these words:

Each stone carries memories created by the gentle and loving spirit of Compo Beach — our playground, our retreat, the safe haven of our youth. Compo loves us unconditionally. It is the beautiful link that will — like each stone and echoes of friendships — last forever.

While they were growing up, the members of the Class of 1966 — like most teenagers — probably did not realize the gifts they were gaining from their school, and town. I did not realize it several years later, and kids today don’t either.

The passage of time does something powerful and good. But it takes a special group of people to actually stop, think about and honor that time.

Well done, Class of ’66. Very, very classy indeed.

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