What may be Westport’s last large open residential lot has been sold.
Two boldface names are involved in the transaction.
Marc Lasry — the billionaire hedge fund manager and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner, who lives on Beachside Avenue — bought the 12.3-acre 109 Morningside Drive South property for $7 million.
The seller — Wildflower Haven LLC — is run by Shonda Rhimes. She too lives elsewhere in Westport. Rhimes bought it in 2022, for $5.925 million.
For many years before that, it was owned by the Kowalsky family.
Lasry tells “06880” that he has 5 children, and may build homes there for 2 or 3 of them. The land will not be subdivided for a dozen homes, as many Westporters feared when it was on the market.
But nothing will happen soon.
“There is absolutely no rush,” Lasry says.
109 Morningside Drive South is the vast open space at the center of this aerial view. It is bordered by Clapboard Hill Road and Turkey Hill Road South.
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Walking around town is treacherous, after the weekend’s snow.
This is the scene on Post Road East, near Turkey Hill Road North and Harvest Commons:
Meanwhile, the Westport Downtown Association has this message for residents:
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Tired of being cooped up indoors?
Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is hosting a “Love Yourself, Get Outdoors” event on (appropriately) Valentine’s Day (February 14, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Linda Gottlieb of FitTraining will lead the session. Organizers say: “Practice green exercise. Experience ‘forest bathing.’ Learn to use the ‘nature pyramid’ to guide your exercise.”
It’s free, and everyone is welcome. Dress in layers; it’s windy at the bach.
If recent weather has you thinking of warm sun: Head to VFW Post 399 on Thursday.
This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features The Caribbean Jazz Connection. Its leader — drummer Jim Royle — has been crossing genres of jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years.
The band includes his former student and steel pan player Bryan Garbe. The Fairfield native is now an internationally acclaimed percussionist; bassist John Mobilio, and pianist Dave Childs.
And finally … happy birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!
In just 35 years, he wrote over 800 pieces, in virtually every classical genre: symphonic, concertante, chamber, opera and choral repertoires. He is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.
(“06880” is nearly 17 years old — half of what Mozart was when he died. We’re not comparing ourselves to him. But we do work pretty hard. Please click here to support our efforts. Danke schön!)
Early voting began yesterday. That’s a recent innovation — in Connecticut, anyway.
But there’s something even newer, in this election.
For the first time, local candidates have access to a “Voter CheckList” website. In past elections, it’s been limited to state parties.
The website allows party officials and candidates to see — in real time — the names of everyone who has already voted, either early or by returning an absentee ballot.
Just as crucially, they can see who has not yet voted.
Here are yesterday’s statistics, as of 6 p.m.
Total votes so far: 237. That includes 175 in-person voters on Day 1, and 62 absentee ballots. That’s 1.25% of all eligible voters.
Voters so far include 145 Democrats, 32 Republicans and 59 unaffiliated. That total is 1 short of the 237 total — presumably because 1 voter is a member of another party.
Those who voted yesterday represent 1.82% of the 7,955 eligible Democratic voters, 0.96% of the 3,341 eligible Republican voters, and 0.78% of the 7,583 eligible unaffiliated voters.
Turnout is crucial. In past local elections, Westport’s turnout has been less than 50%.
If you don’t vote, you should not be allowed to complain.
If campaigns use the Voter CheckList tool, they can target their supporters from now through Election Day.
Which means that Westport’s yard waste site needs extended Saturday hours.
They begin this week (October 25), from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Regular hours return December 1.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). Plastic bags are not allowed.
Any van, pickup, or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot-by-8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton. Any vehicles with a 9-foot body or vehicles modified to significantly enlarge their factory design size will be charged $90 per ton.
Dump tickets may be purchased at Town Hall weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.
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The Staples High School girls basketball program has a long and storied history.
Now you can read about some of the stars.
In preparation for a banner to be hung this winter, honoring all 1,000 point Wrecker scorers — boys and girls — Ben Talbott did a deep dive into the girls’ history. (The boys was much more accessible.)
Now it’s online. Click here to read about notable alumni, including Arianna Greig, Lisa Brummel, Carolyn Center, Stefanie Goettsche, Karen DeFelice, Jessica Gelman, Karem Esteva, Beth Uydess, Courtney Sutherland, Ann Claire Roesch and Jackie O’Connell.
Lisa Brummel was the first girls basketball 1,000-point scorer in Staples history. A 4-sport athlete at Yale from 1977-81, and 3rd team All-American, she is a co-owner of the WNBA Seattle Storm.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is this Thursday (October 23, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Speaking of the VFW: Drummer Tim Horner highlights this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
Known for his work with both small ensembles and large jazz orchestras on several continents, Horner has appeared at the VFW with Ted Rosenthal, David Hazeltine, Joe Magnarelli, Kenny Wessel, and others.
This week he’s joined by guitarist Allan Bezama, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Noriko Ueda and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Aldean Alice Duffy died Saturday peacefully at home Saturday, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with illness. She was 87.
“Deanie” graduated from Fairfield’s Roger Ludlowe High School in 1956. She married Thomas Duffy in 1958. They lived their 67 years of married life in Greens Farms.
She worked for the Southern Connecticut Telephone Company and in retail before pursuing a career with the Save The Children Foundation, where she spent decades assisting during catastrophes, and managing sponsorships and donations for children around the world.
Deanie enjoyed bowling, reading, playing cards, yard work, gardening, the beach, and time with her family at their cabin in Pea Brook, New York.
Deanie is survived by her husband; children Thomas (Tammy) of Hamilton, Colorado, Kimberly Atterbury of Marysville, Washington, Patrick (Kathrine) of Westport, and Kevin of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Melissa Soucy, Chad Duffy, Brittney Atterbury, Lindsey Atterbury, Austin Duffy, Hunter Duffy, Sadie Duffy and William Duffy-Young, and great-grandchildren Autumn and Mason Soucy.
Aldean was preceded in death by her brothers Vincent and Raymond Maliszewski, and son-in-law, Bruce Atterbury.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Friday (October 24, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or Save the Children.
Aldean “Deanie” Duffy
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is another John Maloney beauty.
This one was taken at Terra Nova Circle, near the Norwalk line.
And finally … the item above about tonight’s Westport Astronomical Society lecture — including Carl Sagan’s “we are made of star stuff” quote — made us think of:
(We are stardust. We are golden. And we are a hyper-local blog, dependent on readers for support. So we are asking you to click here to contribute. We are of course grateful for your help.)
StoryFest — a Westport Library signature event — returns in October, bigger and better than ever.
It’s expanding to a full week of author talks, panel discussions and more.
And it’s just signed its biggest name ever for a closing act.
Shonda Rhimes — the award-winning producer, Westport resident and huge Library fan — takes the stage on Monday, October 20 (7 p.m.).
Closing out the 8th annual StoryFest, she’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of her best-selling memoir, “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person.”
With special guests, Rhimes will share the new moments that shaped her life over the past 10 years, plus the fears she conquered and the unexpected joy of embracing life with an open mind.
“This book is the same as before, but it also is not,” said Rhimes. “It is brand new. It has changed. Transformed. Evolved. Grown. Just like me.”
Tickets are $30, and include a signed copy of the 10th-anniversary edition of “Year of Yes.” The price is the same for 1 or 2 seats, and one copy of the book.
StoryFest 2025 runs October 13-20. The largest annual literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in the Northeast, it is a celebration of the story in all its forms and storytellers from across all media. It draws scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers and fans.
“06880” kicked off our selectpersons’ Instagram Live series yesterday, with Don O’Day and Andrea Moore as guests.
Dave Briggs and I asked the Republican-endorsed candidates about a wide range of topics: Saugatuck development, the Cribari Bridge, the Community Gardens, education, traffic, and much more. Viewers added questions too.
We’ll sit down with the other candidates soon. In the meantime, click here or below to see our conversation with O’Day and Moore.
Democratic selectperson candidates Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich invite all interested residents to a “Coffee and Conversation” event next Thursday (August 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Westport Library McCall room, 2nd floor).
In 1985, Hall & Oates did not play a concert in Westport.
Their “appearance” at the Inn at Longshore — part of our town’s 150th birthday celebration — was a memorable hoax. (Read that fascinating back story here.)
But — a mere 40 years later — John Oates will play in Westport.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has just been added to the Levitt Pavilion’s calendar. He and his Good Road Band are set for next Friday (August 22, 7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Atlantic’s September cover story, “This Is What the End of the Liberal World Order Looks Like” — staff writer Anne Applebaum’s reports from war-torn Sudan — is accompanied by stunning photographs from Pulitzer Prize winner (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario.
Applebaum says that Sudan’s suffering offers “a stark preview of what will follow the collapse of the liberal world order and the retreat of U.S. leadership: not a more just world, but a descent into nihilistic violence.” (Hat tip: Rosalie Wolf)
The Atlantic’s September issue features this cover photo by Lynsey Addario.
On Tuesday, the Historic District Commission accepted those designations for these bridges, on town-owned land:
Evergreen Avenue, over Deadman Brook
Jesup Road, over Deadman Brook
Myrtle Avenue, over Deadman Brook.
Greens Farms Road, over Muddy Brook
Cross Highway, over Muddy Brook
Long Lots Road, over Muddy Brook.
The proposal now goes to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), for final approval.
Greens Farms Road bridge, over Muddy Brook (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
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Popcorn … that staple of movie theaters and baseball stadiums — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse on Monday (August 18, 7 p.m.).
The first event is — appropriately — a movie night. And — appropriately too — the film is “The Sting,” starring Paul Newman. He had a decades-long association with the Playhouse.
(He also owned the restaurant next door, The Dressing Room. It did not sell popcorn.)
The Playhouse’s “gourmet popcorn” comes from Prospector Popcorn in Ridgefield. It’s been handmade for 10 years and sold at the Prospector Theater, supportng the company’s mission to create jobs for people with disabilities.
Prepackaged bags will be available at all Playhouse events for $8 each. They may be brought into the theater itself.
Coming soon, to a Playhouse near you. (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
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Speaking of food: Basso opened in January 2021 — an inopportune time, in the winter and the midst of a pandemic.
But it quickly became one of Westport’s favorites.
Now, Basso celebrates its 18th birthday.
That’s right. The restaurant started in Norwalk, and spent 14 popular years there.
The party begins Friday, August 22 (7:30 p.m.), with live music from Manny Montañez & Friends. Chef Renato Donzelli takes a break from the kitchen, to join on congas. Click here for reservations.
Basso will be filled — as it often is — on August 22.
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VFW Post 399 reaches out to veterans in many ways.
Next up: a Veterans Benefits Luncheon on Thursday (August 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
It’s free, and open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
All veterans are invited to the VFW’s free August 21 luncheon.
When I got this photo from ever-alert “06880” reader Jack Backiel, I figured it was a clever AI or Photoshop reference to some residents’ habits of “forgetting” to pick up after their dogs:
Nope. (Noope.)
Turns out to be a business district in Amsterdam.
Damn!
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Dozens of Staples High School football players gathered at Paul Lane Field yesterday for the 6th annual Murph Challenge.
It was a culmination of their summer fundraising, for both the football program and the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The event began with Catch a Lift veteran Andy Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Then the athletes took on the Murph Challenge. It includesd a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run.
The 2025 season begins next month.
Andy Smith (far right) addresses the Staples football team.
Longtime Westport resident, entrepreneur and business owner Thomas Roth died on Sunday. He was 80, and had been diagnosed with cancer a month earlier.
The New York native — by then a fabric manufacturer — met his wife Theresa in 1983, at a fabric trade show. His obituary calls their marriage “rich in conversation, travel, and a loving circle of adoring friends and family.”
He loved her children as his own. He doted on his grandchildren, and traveled around the country to watch their sports games, concerts and lays.
His obituary adds, “he had a deep appreciation for beautiful objects and surroundings. His eye for design was unmatched. He skillfully blended new and vintage pieces to elevate any space.”
Tom was an avid boater. He often quoted “Wind in the Willows”: “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Tom is survived by . His wife of 42 years, Theresa; their children Michael Chaney (Christine) and Anne Delorier (Chris); grandchildren Jack, Ryan and Colin Chaney, and Mason, Miles and Ellie Delorier; brothers Edwin (Joan) and Barry (Anneli), and his “chosen brother” Peter Arest, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is holding a private remembrance. Donations in Tom’s name can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
Tom Roth
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Jonathan Rosenoer sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, of Long Island Sound.
He adds, “I’m not sure how to caption this. It may reflect low air quality. But it’s pretty, all the same.”
And finally … in honor of popcorn coming to the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):
Every day, our Roundup offers news, views — and entertainment options. If “06880” helps you learn more about Westport, and have fun in the process, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Filling in the Blanks does important work. The Norwalk non-profit provides fresh, nutritious meals to more than 10,000 food-insecure children on weekends, in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Shonda Rhimes does important work too. So it’s fitting that the famed producer, screenwriter, director and author — and Westport resident — will receive the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year award, at their 6th Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, (September 27, Serafresca at the IC, Stamford).
Rhimes has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity, through her Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.
Registration is open for Wakeman Town Farm’s many great fall kids’ programs.
They include “Little Farmer Parent & Me” (ages 0-3); “Curious Sprouts” (ages 3-5, with caregiver); “Fantastic Farmhands” (ages 6-10); “Green Teen Club” (ages 11-14), and an inclusive neurodiverse farmer program (ages 3-11+).
And the Westport Woman’s Club hopes that when you do, you donate new or gently used clothes and acccessories, for their annual sale (October 24-26). All proceeds benefit local charities, and families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the club (44 Imperial Avenue), weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 and 4 p.m
Longtime Westporter Nancy Greenspan Wilson is a local coordinator with Interexchange Au Pair USA, a non-profit agency.
Her job is to support young women and men as they live with American host families, help care for children, and share their language, customs, and culture.
She also helps them feel welcomed in our community. One way is through an annual Exchange Day. Local families, businesses and organizations open their doors to au pairs.
This year’s Exchange Day kayaking event (Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Sea Kayak), brings together au pairs, and anyone else who would like to participate. Pizza at Riko’s follows.
RSVP by August 14. Double and single kayaks and paddleboards available at discounted rates. Pizza is also discounted. Email nwilson@lc.interexchange.org, or call 203-286-3495. For information about hosting an au pair, click here.
Au pairs and friends at Sea Kayak.
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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight at 6 p.m. (Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, and review interior and exterior building design elements. Public comment is allowed.
Planning continues tonight for Long Lots Elementary School.
Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Shannon Moss is a producer on the film “East of Wall.” The film is about a horse trainer wrestling with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch.
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Audience Award. It premiered in New York at the Tribeca Festival earlier this summer.
“East of Wall” will show at the Avon Theater in Stamford from August 15-21, then nationwide.
Congratulations to the Fairfield Nationals Little League team.
Our friends to the east defeated Smithtown/St. James, New York 12-1. The huge win sends them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A key player — Ben Herbst — is the son of 1992 Staples High School graduate David Herbst, the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96), and grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben Herbst (center) celebrates with his Fairfield teammates.
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We get a lot of “Westport … Naturally” photos of individual animals.
We seldom get one like this, where they’re together.
Ray Broady spotted the Hieronymus Bosch-like scene in his Cross Highway back yard, near North Avenue.
And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), here’s a 1970s song by our own 1966 Staples grads, Rob Carlson and Jon Gailmor. Why their record label failed to make it a #1 song shows all that was wrong with the record industry.
(“06880” is the only place in the world now to hear Carlson & Gailmor — and learn all you need to know about Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Dozens of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” marches are planned for this Saturday (April 5).
One is planned for Westport. The event, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown, starts at 11 a.m.
Organizers say: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Westport is fighting back!
“They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
“On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
They add: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”
The walkthrough of the potential site for a combined Police/Fire/EMS public safety complex on the Sherwood Island Connector — scheduled for this Thursday, April 3 — has been canceled.
A new date will be announced soon.
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The thermometer hit 77 degrees yesterday, around 3 p.m. Compo Beach was — naturally — packed.
Barely 2 hours later, it plummeted to 49.
The exiting traffic on Hillspoint Road reminded Andrew Colabella of July.
“You’d think the fireworks just ended, and everyone was heading home,” he says.
The Economist’s “Plot Twist” is a weekly newsletter about culture.
Normally, their story about Shonda Rhimes — “The Small Screen’s Biggest Hitmaker” — would not be “06880”-worthy.
Our talented, famous neighbor gets plenty of press. Probably daily.
But this paragraph, by deputy culture editor Rachel Lloyd, caught our eye:
Arranging an interview with a Hollywood bigwig … can be tricky. Usually there is an endless back-and-forth with wary publicists who want to vet all your questions. To my surprise, finding a time to meet Ms Rhimes was easy; no one tried to dictate what I could and could not ask. Ms Rhimes and I met a few weeks ago in a library near her home in Connecticut.
We all know “Ms. Rhimes” has been a huge supporter of the Westport Library.
It’s nice to know that — just like the rest of us who are not world famous, and/or will never be interviewed by The Economist — she too “takes a meeting” at the Library. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)
In January, Shonda Rhimes hosted a Martin Luther King Day conversation with Trey Ellis at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“Theatre People” — the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-25 season — opened officially last night.
The audience responded appreciately to the fast-paced comedy. Directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan, it runs through April 12. Click here for tickets, and more details.
“Theatre People” cast take their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Tomorrow is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Yesterday, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosted an event, with speakers, a panel and a potluck dinner.
The keynote was delivered by Rev. Aaron Miller, of the Metropolitan Community Church in Hartford.
It was a homecoming of sorts, he told the audience. He grew up in Weston, and was part of Staples High School’s last graduating class (1970) to include students from that town.
He transitioned 17 years ago. He said that ever since, his life has been authentic, and filled with joy.
Rev. Aaron Miller
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There are few birds more handsome than an egret.
The other day, one enjoyed a Westport amenity: the Longshore golf course. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s brief flirtation with summertime:
(You can’t always count on the weather. But you can always rely on “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365. We’re your hot spot for cool stories. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Shonda Rhimes has stepped down as treasurer of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The Emmy-winnng producer/director/screenwriter/author/CEO of Shondaland — and a Westport resident — resigned after President Trump fired the longtime president of the Washington arts institution, and was named chairman of the board by new members he had appointed.
Opera star Renée Fleming also stepped down from the board. And Ben Folds said he would resign as an adviser to the National Symphony Orchestra, which operates under the Kennedy Center umbrella.
Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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Chairs of 4 major Westport bodies have written a joint letter.
Lee Caney (Board of Finance), Lee Goldstein (on behalf of the Board of Education), Paul Lebowitz (Planning & Zoning Commission) and Jeff Wieser (moderator, Representative Town Meeting), express their “disgust at the creation of the antisemitic snowman which appeared recently.
“That might be the act of one very misguided person, or it may be the view of other Westporters who do not respect the diversity of our vibrant community.
“We want to state as representatives of every member of this wonderful community, however, that the snowman has no place in Westport and is a despicable act. It is shameful that anyone would harbor such hate, and we hope it will never occur again in the town we love.”
Town leaders reacted to this snowman, built last Sunday at the Newman Poses Preserve.
How do you celebrate winning 7 straight Country Music Association Group of the Year awards?
If you’re Old Dominion, you play 7 shows at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
And you give the money to charity.
The band — which includes guitarist/vocalist Brad Tursi, a 1997 Staples High School graduate — raised a cool $1.25 million.
They gave it (of course) 7 charities: MusiCares, Save the Music, Backline Care, Opry Trust Fund, CMA Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Ramsey Foundation.
And — this really shouldn’t be a side note — the “7 for 7 Residency” the band set a record for most consecutive shows in Ryman’s history.
“06880” reader Tricia Summers — who went to 2 of the shows, and loved them — sends along this photo of Tursi, at the Ryman:
(Photo/Tricia Summers)
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A memorial service for Selma Miriam — the co-founder of Bloodroot vegetarian restaurant, and a longtime advocate for feminism and social justice who died earlier this month at 89 — has been set.
It will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport (2200 North Avenue).
Selma’s many friends and admirers are invited.
Selma Miriam
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Last Saturday’s food drive to stock the Homes with Hope pantry was a huge success.
As they do every year just before the Super Bowl, the Sunrise Rotary Club and Westport Police Department collected over 500 bags of food and supplies, and more than $1,500 in cash, outside Stop & Shop.
But it was not the only drive held that day.
Addison Moore — a 2023 Staples High School graduate, winner of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur award, and now a pre-law student at Lafayette College — ran his own effort.
He organized it quickly, out of concern that a predicted snowstorm would impact the Gillespie Center’s stock.
He set up near the Westport Library, and in just a few hours collected a couple of hundred pounds of food.
It takes a village. Congratulations, Addison — and all who donated, to either food drive — for being part of ours.
She writes: “Rizzuto’s and Casa Me both use compostable containers for takeout and doggy bags. I’m sure there are more in town, but these are two I frequent. They are sturdy, and do not leak.”
Details on a Casa Me compostable container.
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Presidents Day is known not for celebrating presidents, but for deals.
Mattresses, TVs, cars … they’re all on sale this weekend.
So are 25% 2-play subscriptions to the final shows of the Westport Country Playhouse’s “Season of Laughter.”
“Native Gardens” (February 18 through March 8) and “Theatre People” (March 25 through April 12) are the shows. Click here to learn more about them.
To access the discount, click here. A code will be provided beginning Saturday at westportplayhouse.org, and on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and Instagram (wcplayhouse).
(In addition to the Presidents Weekend special promotion, the Playhouse regularly offers discounts on single tickets to students, senior citizens, educators, military and first responders, Indigenous peoples, professional playwrights, and groups, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes. Click here for details.
Playhouse seats are 25% off, this Presidents Day weekend. (Photo/Robert Benson)
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It’s not always easy for senior citizens to live in the suburbs.
Fortunately, Westport’s Department of Human Services has resources for residents who need help with outdoor tasks like yard work, snow removal and other light chores.
The office has a list of middle and high school students who want to help. The recommended fee is $16 per hour, but both sides are welcome to negotiate a different agreeable amount.
Seniors who require assistance with outdoor chores can call the Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
Middle and high school students who want to help can use the same contact information above. Written permission from a parent or guardian is required.
Daniel Purcell III — co-owner of Purcell Moving Inc., with his brother Larry, and former owner of Westport’s Sportsman’s Bar — died February 10. He was 82.
He enjoyed playing softball, boating with his family, tinkering with cars and trucks, long car rides, flea markets, and time with family and friends.
He played shuffleboard with his daughter Sandra at the Ukrainian Club in Southport on Monday nights He was also president and lifetime member of the Screwballs
Daniel is survived by his wife Stacy; daughters Laura Romano (Rob) and Sandra Scotto (Rob); granddaughters Ashley Gorkin (Elliot) and Kaitlyn Scotto; great-granddaughter Olivia Barbara Gorkin; 2 sisters, 4 brothers, sisters-in-law and brothers-in laws, nieces and nephews, and a great-nieces and great-nephews.He was predeceased by his first wife Barbara, and son Donald.
A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Club (6 Mott Avenue, Norwalk) on June 10 (3 to 7 p.m.). Condolences may be left online. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
And finally … let’s hear it again for Westport’s own (sort of) Old Dominion (story above):
(From the Kennedy Center to Ryman Auditorium — if there’s a Westport angle to a story, “06880” finds it. If you appreciate our hyper-local, worldly coverage, please click here. Thanks!)
Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jamie Mann makes his Great White Way debut this spring in the new show “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
The prequel to the popular Netflix show is set 24 years before the TV show’s first season. Jamie plays the teenage version of Ted Wheeler, Mike Wheeler’s jock dad, and understudies James Hopper, Jr.
Alison Jay plays Joyce Maldonado (the Winona Ryder character). She and Jamie became friends in 2022, while working on the workshop for the play at Netflix in Los Angeles.
Jamie had been on the Netflix set before. He starred as Brody in “Country Comfort,”during part of his junior and senior year at Staples High School.
Westporters know Jamie from his roles with Staples Players, and as a longtime student of Cynthia Gibb’s Triple Threat Academy. (Jamie now teaches dance classes and offers private dance and acting coaching).
During Bedford Middle School, Jamie played Billy Elliot in theaters throughout the East Coast. He will graduate remotely, with a BFA from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program this spring.
“Stranger Things” opens on April 22. Previews begin March 28. For tickets and more information, click here.
Jamie Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)
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Speaking of theater: “Broadway’s Bad Boys” opened at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. The 4-night run ends Sunday.
Performed by 3 Broadway actors — Sam Gravitte (“Wicked”), Kevin Massey (“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”) and Julius Thomas III (“Hamilton”) — who played villains in musicals, the production includes “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and Professor Harold Hill of “Music Man.”
Curtain call at the Westport Country Playhouse last night. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Speaking still of entertainment: It’s only January, but the Levitt Pavilion has announced its first acts of the season.
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and The Infamous Stringdusters — those are bands — will be joined by New York’s Melt, on June 1.
The funk/bluegrass/indie soul tour will play just 5 venues across the Northeast. Ours is one of them.
It won’t be the Levitt’s opener, though. The 2025 season runs from may through October, with a combination of paid-ticket shows and 50 free dates. More shows will be announced soon.
Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for informatio on the “enchanced concert experience” package.
A capacity crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last on Sunday, for our town’s 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.
The event included a wide-ranging discussion with noted producer Shonda Rhimes, and novelist/playwright/professor Trey Ellis. Both are Westport residents.
If you missed it — or if you were there, and want to see it again (along with a pair of great performances by gospel singer Christian Servance) — click below:
We followed up by noting that a third wind phone — a disconnected rotary telephone, through which users can stay connected with loved ones who have died — was just installed at Greenfield Congregational Church.
Now there’s more news about Lynda, a longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member and staunch advocate for medical aid in dying legislation.
This is a story about choice, not death.
Lynda Bluestein would not take ‘no’ for an answer. Because Medical Aid in Dying is not legal in Connecticut, Lynda is forced to find another way to die peacefully.
This is an intimate and gripping look into what it takes to legally die on one’s own terms in the United States. Other Side delves into the systemic, familial and emotional complexities of navigating an untrodden medical landscape while terminally ill.
A 90-minute documentary about her life and death — “Other Side” — has just been accepted by South by Southwest.
Its world premiere is scheduled for the prestigious film festival in March.
Yesterday, Westport Police received a report from a friend that William Hill has not been seen since Monday.
He is homeless, avoiding shelters, but visits friends at Sasco Creek Village daily. Given the extreme cold this past week, friends and the Police are extremely concerned for his welfare.
Hill is 62, between 5-7 and 5-11 tall, medium build, with salt and pepper hair, and a moustache. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and pushing a gray Trek bicycle with a rack, carrying bags and a knapsack on his back.
Anyone with information that can help locate William Hill should call the Police Department: 203-341-6000.
Her third novella in the “Abbey Lane” fiction series, “Deadly Donations,” has just been published.
Here, the former investigative reporter turned private detective encounters the effect of huge donations by foreign countries to American universities.
The Network Contagion Research Institute reports that over $47 billion has been donated, much of it not reported, and coming from authoritarian Middle East countries.
Meanwhile, hate crimes and antisemitic acts increased over 200% on campuses. When Abbey’s activist client is murdered, she delves into those corrupt donations. Click here to purchase on Amazon.
And finally … Never heard of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong — the band that will headline the June 1 Levitt Pavilion concert (story above)?
Click below!
(Every day, the Roundup highlights future events, recaps past ones, and covers everything else in between. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thannk you!)
Shonda Rhimes was raised to see obstacles not as roadblocks, but as hills to climb.
That was Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s mentality too.
It was fitting that Rhimes — CEO of Shondaland; creator, head writer and executive producer of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” and “Scandal”; the producer of “Bridgerton” (and a Westport resident) — delivered that message, powerfully and eloquently, at yesterday’s 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Library.
Despite inclement weather, the Trefz Forum was completely filled. Hundreds of others watched via livestream.
She described her route to superstardom — and explained the responsibility she feels for telling true stories, while being true to herself — in a conversation with Trey Ellis.
He’s an award-winning novelist, playwright and filmmaker; a professor at Columbia University — and also a Westporter.
When she began her career, Rhimes said, she was driven to succeed. “If I was getting coffee for someone, I tried to make it the best coffee they ever had. I wanted them to remember me.” She did not want to “take over the world” — but she wanted to be noticed.
She paused, then added, “Nobody thinks it’s remarkable when a white man says he’s going to take over the world.”
Tying together the economic impact of her work, the importance of showing diverse (and three-dimensional) characters, and staying true to her own principles, Rhimes said, “I only make shows that I want to watch.”
Doing that, however, has attracted viewers around the globe — and influenced how they see Black, LGBTQ and other minority people.
She wants her shows to be both mirrors (“for viewers to see themselves”), and windows (“to look out on a world they may not know”).
Shonda Rhimes
Noting the significance of today — it’s both Martin Luther King Day, and Inauguration Day — Rhimes said, “The struggle is not over. It’s beautiful to see how far we’ve come. But we take 2 steps forward, and 1 back. We will get through this all, if we stay vigilant.”
Looking ahead, she feels “even more of a responsibility to tell the stories I want to tell. It feels like we may be in for more suppression. Well, I’m not interested in being suppressed — or suppressing anyone else.”
A group of Bridgeport students — guests of the Walter Luckett Foundation — asked intriguing questions.
One youngsters wondered why Rhimes left California for Connecticut.
During the pandemic, Rhimes replied, she realized Los Angeles was not a great place to raise her daughters.
She wanted to move to a town that was focused on families. She found Westport almost by accident. But, she said, “this is a place where I’ll stay.”
Trey Ellis asked his own questions, and those submitted by Bridgeport youngsters.
Rsponding to another question, Rhimes said, “I tell my kids, ‘Who you are is up to you.'”
When a fan says “I want to be just like you,” she replies, “No. Be just like you.”
Rhimes concluded her Martin Luther King Day conversation with a reference to last year’s event, which featured King’s advisor and speechwriter, Clarence Jones.
“He wrote half of the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” Rhimes noted. “That’s a lot to live up to.
“But one thing I learned last year is that there is always a moment when you can make the world a better place, make someone feel included, or reach out.
“You can reach out in a million ways. And always ask yourself,’ “What did I do to make the world a better place?’
“If you don’t do that — what are you doing here?”
(Westport’s 19th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration was co-sponsored by the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, the Westport/Weston Clergy Association, the Westport Country Playhouse, and the Walter Luckett Foundation.
(The Martin Luther King Day celebration continues tonight [Monday, January 20, 7 p.m.], with a free screening of “King in the Wilderness at the Westport Country Playhouse. Trey Ellis is a co-producer.
(The Emmy Award-winning 2018 film follows Dr. King from the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 to his assassination in April 1968. It includes never–seen interviews with people closest to King, interspersed with historical archives.
(Interviewees include Andrew Young, Harry Belafonte, John Lewis, Joan Baez, Jesse Jackson and C. T. Vivian. Click here for more information.)
TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey welcomed guests to the MLK Day celebration.
Making his second Westport Library appearance in a week, Senator Richard Blumenthal called Westport “a beacon of activism and hope.” He thanked attendees for “being foot soldiers for justice.”
Stamford singer Christian Servance opened and closed the event, with a rousing pair of gospel-inflected songs.
Christian Servance, singing to the full Trefz Forum. (This and all photos above/Dan Woog)
From left: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Westport 10 founder Jay Norris, Shonda Rhimes, Trey Ellis.
(If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onDecember 16, 2024|Comments Off on Shonda Rhimes, Trey Ellis Headline MLK Day Celebration
Westport takes Martin Luther King Day seriously.
Past speakers have included National Book Award winner and MacArthur Fellow Ibram X. Kendi, Pulitzer Prize winner James Forman Jr., and authors Heather McGhee and Layla Saad
Last year’s guest –former MLK speechwriter and advisor Dr. Clarence B. Jones — helped write the iconic“I Have a Dream” speech.
This year’s event will carry on that important tradition.
Shonda Rhimes headlines the 19th annual celebration, on Sunday, January 19 (3 p.m., Westport Library).
The award-winning producer will be interviewed by novelist, playwright and filmmaker Trey Ellis.
Making the day extra special is that both Rhimes and Ellis are Westport residents.
Registration for their conversation opens this Friday (December 20, 10 a.m.), on on the library website.
The event also will be livestreamed. There is no fee for either the in-person or livestream option.
Shonda Rhimes is the CEO of Shondaland, the pioneering storytelling company; creator, head writer and executive producer of the hit shows “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” “Scandal” and “Inventing Anna,” and the producer of “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Bridgerton” and more.
Shonda Rhimes
The MLK celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, the Westport Country Playhouse, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.
“We are honored to welcome Shonda Rhimes as this year’s guest of honor for our Martin Luther King Jr. celebration,” says Bill Harmer, the Library’s executive director.
“Her groundbreaking storytelling, advocacy for inclusivity, and creative vision embody the values Dr. King stood for and continue to inspire our community today.”
“Shonda Rhimes recently said, ‘You have to see it to be it,’” adds TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey.
“More than any other storyteller on the planet, she has helped people see and aspire to embrace a world beyond the perennial shackles of bias, custom, and class — a world that is the sweet spot of Martin Luther King’s vision.”
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS, The Community Synagogue, and chair of the Westport/Weston Clergy Association says,“As religious leaders living in challenging times for our community, we often turn to the wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr. He said, ‘The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.’
“We are proud to be a part of keeping MLK’s legacy alive, and blessed that Shonda Rhimes will be helping us do just that this year.”
Rhimes was the Library’s honoree at its 2022 Booked for the Evening celebration, and she returned to the Library’s Trefz Forum earlier this year to screen her documentary, “Black Barbie.”
Rhimes’ received numerous honors include a Golden Globe, Peabody Award, and lifetime achievement awards from the Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild, and Producers Guild, plus several NAACP Image Awards.
In 2017 she was inducted into the Television Academy of Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame. That same year, she left traditional TV for Netflix, where Shondaland now produces exclusive content.
Ellis is an American Book Award-winning novelist, 2-time Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker, NAACP Image Award-winning playwright and essayist, and professor of professional practice at Columbia University’s School of the Arts.
He also served as executive producer of “King in the Wilderness,” the 2018 Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary on the last 3 days of Dr. King’s life.
Comments Off on Shonda Rhimes, Trey Ellis Headline MLK Day Celebration
While many Westporters relaxed in yesterday’s still-spectacular fall weather, plenty of others volunteered in a variety of ways — all for Homes with Hope.
A well-supported food drive at Stop & Shop helped restock the food pantry, now located at Sasco Creek Village while the Gillespie Center is being renovated.
(From left) Clodagh McAlinden, Pete Wolgast, Katharine Murray, Paris Looney — Homes with Hope and Sunrise Rotary Club volunteers at Stop & Shop.
With the Sunrise Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Builders Beyond Borders taking the lead, over 350 bags of food and personal hygiene items were donated by shoppers.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, with Police Department and other volunteers, help restock the Homes with Hope food pantry.
Over at 122 Wilton Road — Homes with Hope’s newest affordable housing site — volunteers from Green’s Farms Church planted tulips and daffodils.
Green’s Farms Church volunteers, at 122 Wilton Road.
Teenagers from Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) showed up in force at the Linxweiler House. They did a massive fall clean-up at the HWH property on Post Road East.
SLOBs clean up at Linxweiler House.
Finally, members of American Institute for Foreign Study’s au pair division in Stamford spent the morning cleaning up leaves at the Bacharach Community — Homes with Hope’s emergency housing for women and children, on Wassell Lane.
AIFS Au Pair in America volunteers, at the Bacharach Community.
“Every team was amazing!” says HWH president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “What an incredible help, on this beautiful fall day.”
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The Westport Library’s Holiday Shop is open.
The annual event — located on the main level, and now spilling into the Writing Center — includes scarves, hats and gloves (many handmade); humorous socks; unique dish towels; notebooks, journals and planners; handmade desert bells and other decorative items like paper lanterns, felt baskets, planters and birdhouses; snow globes; jewelry; festive candles; games; puzzles; toys; art supplies, and novelty items for kids.
Library Store purchases are tax-free. Proceeds support Library services and programs.
Manager Heli Stagg shows off a small part of the Library’s Holiday Shop, in the Writing Center off the main floor. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Shonda Rhimes is bicoastal.
But the TV producer/screenwriter/Shondaland founder won’t have far to go for her November 22 gig (8 p.m).
The Westport resident will be at the Palace Theater in Stamford, for a chat with Bill Clinton. They’ll chat about his new memoir “Citizen”; his post-presidency life; the 2024 election, and his reflections on the world today.
(The former president has an equally short commute that night. He’ll be coming from nearby Chappaqua, New York.)
On Thursday, the Rockin’ Alts Women of Westport — aka RAWW — hosted a happy hour at Romanacci’s.
Thirty professional women in alternative investments — hedge funds, private markets, venture capital and more – attended. The event was sponsored by Westport-based FoundHer, a recruiting firm specializing in placing return-to-work women in the workplace.
Founder Rachel Markus invites women in alternative finance to join RAWW. For more information, email RachelMarkus10@gmail.com.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities heads to Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield on November 21 (6:30 to 8 p.m.).
The social evening includes pizza (and shoes at no extra cost). As always with Club203, MoCA CT provides an art table.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg, and enjoy the cash bar.
A year-long Club203 membership is $100, and includes 10 monthly events. Individual events are $20 each. Click here to join — and let the good times “roll.”
Want to learn more about your old books? Head to Tail Books will be at the Westport Museum for History & Culture November 16 to evaluate vintage books.
Registration is open for 30-minute appointments with Michele Wan, proprietor of the Westport-based specialists in rare and collectible books. She’ll offer informal analyses of hand press-era texts, modern first editions and more (up to 5 items). The fee is $75. To register, click here.
Staples High School Class of 1958 graduate Alan Dolge died on October 25. He was 84.
The Westport native graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. He was a naval aviator for 22 years. After moving from active duty to reserves, he flew for Trans World Airlines. He retired at age 60, after 33 years, in 2000.
After retirement, he served his community as a conservationist, working alongside the Delaware Highlands Conservancy to protect the Poconos. He was also president of his homeowners’ association for 10 years. He helped found the United Way of Pike County, which he served as president.
Alan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pamela Dolge, his daughters with Carole Dolge, Kelly (James) Smith and Ginger (Paul) Wolford; grandchildren Shannon, Kendall (Connor Mahaffey), Jonathan, Hailey and Joshua; great-granddaughter Juniper; and brothers Chuck and Tracy.
A funeral is set
He will be buried with military honors at 12:30 p.m. on November 18 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to VALOR Clinic Foundation, which serves veterans.
Alan Dolge
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Jo Ann Miller reminds “06880” readers that today is the 249th birthday of the US Marine Corps.
Her father served proudly for 37 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant general (3 Stars). He was one of only two pilots to fly combat missions in World War II (Midway), Korea and Vietnam. His wing men included astronaut and Senator John Glenn, and Ted Williams. He was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in 2010, with Neil Armstrong.
Semper Fi!
(From Bill Clinton and the US Marine Corps to Shonda Rhimes and our amazing library, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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