Posted onJune 22, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: “Which Is Which?”, WCP Interns, Winslow Park Statues …
Weston resident Roy Adams is in his 24th year of service as a New Canaan police officer. He spends his free time with his wife and 3 children (11, 3 and 21 months).
Roy always had a passion for writing. He’s written several screenplays of different genres, and reached the finals and quarterfinalist in screenplay contests.
He recently published “Which is Which? Which is Which” — an educational children’s book about homophones. The colorful illustrations and rhyme pattern of make it fun, and interesting for kids to learn.
The idea came during the nightly ritual of reading to his kids before bed. Roy reflected on a poem he had written in high school, titled “Which is Which.” It got him to thinking about vocabulary, and how the English language is more complex than many people realize.
Now Roy is sharing his love for words and writing with kids — and introducing them to the amazing world of homophones.
“06880” gets a dozen or so sunset shots nearly every day. Many are from Compo Beach. Unfortunately, we can’t use 99% of them.
We get fewer moon photos — but still a lot. Submissions spike during a full moon. They’re even harder to photograph, and they tend not to reproduce well in this blog format.
But James White captured a special image last night, over Sherwood Mill Pond.
The color makes it stand out. He writes: “I didn’t think with the weather I would catch the moon. But then I saw this red glow.”
Four aspiring theater professionals make up the 2024 Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internship class.
The quartet will gain on-the-job experience working directly with senior staff through July. They were selected from nearly 75 applicants.
Internships have formed a vital part of the Playhouse’s mission since the 1940s. Stephen Sondheim is the most famous alum.
In addition to immersive work in their departments, interns attend seminars with a variety of guest speakers. Interns receive a living wage stipend, and housing.
Interns include Ahnecia Gary (marketing; University of Connecticut ’24, from Stamford); Kiley Snobeck (development/fundraising; Concordia College ‘24.5, from Farmington, Minnesota); Jessi Stier (artistic/engagement; Muhlenberg College ’21, from New Jersey); Matt Thompson (production; Pennsylvania State University ’25, from Dallas/Fort Worth).
Westport Country Playhouse interns (from left): Ahnecia Gary, Matt Thompson, Kiley Snobeck, Jessi Stier. (Photo/Chris Conte)
Most Compo Beach gull photos show them swarming on the sand, or swooping down to steal food.
Recent high school graduate Jay Babina spotted this pensive one, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jay Babina)
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And finally … on this day in 1633, the Holy Office in Rome forced Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the sun — not the earth — was the center of the universe.
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Comments Off on Roundup: “Which Is Which?”, WCP Interns, Winslow Park Statues …
With temperatures expected to push past 90 all week, Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. It’s in effect through noon on Sunday.
Several cooling centers are open in Westport:
Senior Center (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture (25 Avery Place): Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speaking of heat: The Westport Library was the hot place to be last night.
Shonda Rhimes introduced — and showed — her film, “Black Barbie.”
The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident then took questions from the of-course-SRO audience.
“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix this Wednesday (Juneteenth). It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.
Among her most memorable lines, regarding Black dolls and representation: “You cannot be what you cannot see.”
Shonda Rhimes (right), in conversation with Bernicestine McLeod Bailey at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
During his 4 years, the recently graduated senior played soccer, ran cross country and track, and announced dozens of athletic contests on WWPT-FM.
But he is best known for his videos.
Charlie shot them himself (sometimes via drone). Then he edited them into highlight reels, for games and entire seasons. He posted them as game-day previews. He flooded social media with his “Charlie 33 Prod” productions.
Before he heads of to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications — where he will take his prodigious talent to even higher stratospheres — Charlie posted one last reel.
He prefaced it in his typically humble fashion: “Thank you Staples Athletics for an incredible 2 years of filming games. My edits are only as good as the players that are in them, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my fellow Wreckers.”
Congratulations, and thank you, Charlie. And now, “06880”: Click below, to enjoy the show!
Speaking of sports: Kyle Martino is a Big Name in the soccer world.
In 1999, the Staples High School star was named Gatorade National Player of the Year.
He went on to play in MLS for Columbus and Chicago, then with the US national team. He was an analyst for the Premier League on NBC Sports, and now covers the national teams for Turner Sports.
He ran for US Soccer president, developed an innovative goal that turns basketball courts into small-sided fields, and has reached out to underserved communities through the Over Under Initiative.
His entire career has been about connecting people through the game he loves.
Martino’s newest venture is No One Home. Begun as a pop-up for the 2022 and ’23 men’s and women’s World Cups, and now remodeled, it’s now hidden in plain sight behind a row of avocado distributors at 141 Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s historic Bowery district
No One Home is a soccer and social club. The ground floor features a large theater-style viewing area, with a massive 172-inch LED screen.
The second floor is a high-end membership lounge for New York’s most passionate soccer fans.
Martino’s goal (ho ho) is to unite the soccer, fashion, art, food and drink communities through a shared love of the sport and culture.
The official opening is Thursday (June 20), with 3 big matches: The European Championship’s Denmark vs. England (noon) and Spain vs. Italy (3 p.m.), followed by Copa América’s Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and reservations. Click here for the Instagram (@noonehome141).
Kyle Martino (far right) at his pop-up, as fans watched the 2022 World Cup (left).
Content Studio is a cool new — well, concept and studio, for podcasts and more — in the former quick mart at 20 Saugatuck Avenue (next to the Goddard School, and opposite Dunville’s).
This Wednesday (June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Jay Norris hosts a preview. There will be light bites, networking, and — because of the date — a chance to learn a bit more about Juneteenth.
Click here to RSVP. The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Tuesday).
Jay Norris at Content Studio.
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The public is invited to the promotion ceremony of Nick Marsan.
Westport’s deputy fire chief is officially installed as Fire Department chief on Monday, July 1 (3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Soon-to-be Fire Chief Nick Marsan.
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Happy Pollinator Week!
Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates this Friday (June 21, noon; Zoom) with a “Lunch & Learn.” The topic is how to grow pollinator gardens in containers anywhere.
Kim Eierman will discuss the best choices of pollinator-friendly native plants that grow in containers, and the important pollinators — butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds and more — they support.
Members are free; non-members pay $10. For more details and to register, click here.
Busy-as-a-bee pollinator.
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Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day returns July 13.
The biggest summer event offers kids’ farm crafts and games; visits with the animals; a scavenger hunt, and bubble show; music, and fun summer foods.
Laura Von Stein — an actor, comedian, 1-woman entertainer and 1983 Staples High School graduate — died peacefully on May 11 in Ridgefield, after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58.
Laura was part of Staples Players. She graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport, where she received a performing arts scholarship. Laura also studied classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Laura was a member of Actors’ Equity. Her patient waits at stage doors helped her build an impressive collection of signed Playbills.
Laura also accumulated an impressive library, largely from the annual Pequot Library book sale.
She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport and Trumbull; brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull and Massachusetts; nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts, and many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father Robert in 2019.
Laura is also survived by her extended family, including Roger Wolfe; Christine O’Leary; Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello; Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello, and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, along with many friends from the comedy and theater world.
Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage actors of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on September 15 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.
Laura Von Stein
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The water is still a bit chilly.
But — as this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — that doesn’t stop at least one swimmer.
And finally … Mark James — described by the New York Times as “a genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning songwriter,” died on Saturday in Nashville. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.
Among his works:
(Sure, it will be hot this week. But “06880” is the coolest place around. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In the 13 months ending in February 2024, President Biden raised $3.17 million in individual contributions from Connecticut residents. Donald Trump brought in $1.4 million.
But, CT Mirror reports, Trump leads in the number of individuals who donated since last April: 31,708 to 5,925.
Westport is one of only 2 Fairfield County towns in which Biden drew more individual donations than Trump: 188 to 99. The other town is Sherman (10 to 2).
Click here for the full story, including an interactive map.
Donation map, showing which candidate had more donations in each Connecticut town. Biden is blue, Trump is red.
Just in time for Easter, the full soundtrack for “Dante: Inferno to Paradise, Part 2: Resurrection” is available for streaming.
Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer (and Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate) Brian Keane scored the music — his latest success, in a wide-ranging career of writing, producing and recording.
Matthew Modine (“Oppenheimer,” “Full Metal Jacket”) will be at the Westport Library for a free screening of his new documentary, “Downwind” (April 11, 6:30 p.m.)
He’ll be joined by his producing partner, Adam Rackoff. They’ll discuss the movie afterward, then answer audience questions.
“Downwind” tells the story of what happened after the events depicted in “Oppenheimer.” It focuses on Mercury, Nevada, the testing site for 928 large-scale nuclear weapons from 1951 to 1992.
Featuring members of the Shoshone Nation and many others affected by the radioactive fallout from those tests, the documentary “uncovers the US government’s disregard for everyone and everything living ‘downwind.’”
“Downwind” currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dr. Alice Paul was one of the early 20th century’s most prominent women’s rights activists.
She was one of the keys to the passage of the 19th Amendment, and in 1923 introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.
Dr. Paul was a 40-year resident of Ridgefield.
On April 13 (2 p.m.), the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a talk with Darla Shaw, who worked with Dr. Paul for many years, here in Fairfield County. The public is invited.
Last year’s 1st-ever National Drinking with Chickens Day was such a success, Wakeman Town Farm is bringing it back.
Next months event (May 23, 6:30 p.m.) features live music by Luke Molina, light bite including pizza by Tony Napolitano, craft cocktails by mixxed.by.ed, and guest appearances by the WTF flock.
Tickets to the hen party are $100 each. Click here to register … then shake a tail feather.
Bobbi Essagof spotted this dove — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — on her Saugatuck Avenue deck.
“Peace ahead?” she wonders.
From her lips to …
(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)
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And finally … speaking of chickens (see story) above:
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Westporters of a certain age remember Allen’s Clam House.
The the Hillspoint Road restaurant on the edge of Sherwood Mill Pond attracted generations of diners for 2 reasons: its seafood, and the view.
It fell into disrepair, was demolished, and now only memories remain. In its place, the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve offers a spot for contemplation, bird- and nature-watching, and kayak launching.
It’s a hidden gem, in a well-traveled part of town.
How hidden? Only 3 readers — Andrew Colabella, Seth Braunstein, Jonathan McClure and Courtney McMahon — recognized the “Entrance” sign, for the small parking lot that was last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
It’s worth a visit, any time of year. But don’t tell anyone.
It’s our little secret.
What about this week’s challenge? If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Pat Saviano)
(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge, please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
Fran Decker was — as the photo in last week’s Photo Challenge noted — a “defender and champion.”
But of what?
Sherwood Mill Pond. A plaque overlooking the water honors her work. (Click here to see.)
Mill Pond lovers John Richers, Andrew Colabella, Matt Murray, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Jonathan McClure, Rick Benson, Suesue Wilkinson, Mary Ann Batsell and Judy Katz all knew exactly where Fran’s memorial is located.
It’s a fitting honor. And a fitting spot for anyone to enjoy nature and beauty, any time — thanks, in part, to Fran’s decades of devotion.
With Valentine’s Day near, it’s time for this heartfelt Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Here’s another challenge: If you enjoy this weekly feature, please support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
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