The good news: The Westport Library reopens today at its normal Sunday time: 1 p.m. It was closed Friday and Saturday, due to a burst pipe.
The equally good news: The cold weather has ended. Today’s high is predicted to be 41 degrees. On Wednesday, they could climb to near 50.
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Brava for Liana Sonenclar!
The 2014 Staples High School graduate is a New York playwright. Her latest work, “Before This New Year” begins previews at the Duke on 42nd Street off-Broadway theater on March 19. Opening night is April 4.
The play follows a high school track star, who is forced to confront old feelings and life-changing decisions when she reconnects with a former teammate after her first semester of college.
Press materials say, “sharp, funny, and poignant, ‘Before This New Year’ is a powerful exploration of love, loss, identity, and coming-of-age in today’s relentlessly high-pressured world.”
Click here for more details, and tickets.
Liana Sonenclar
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Sure, beach residents could head downtown for coffee and conversation.
But they don’t have to.
This was the scene yesterday morning, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The community table was filled. The vibe was warm and welcoming. And breakfast was very, very good.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli, yesterday morning. (Photo/Jim Hood)
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“Shoulder check” is an ice hockey term.
It’s also the name of an initiative that inspires people to commit to supporting each other through small acts that have big impacts. Put simply: “‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.”
It’s as simple as reaching out, checking in and making contact.
On February 1 (6 p.m., Milford Ice Pavilion), Staples High School’s Stormac co-op boys hockey team will play Wilton in a “Shoulder Check Game.”
The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues.
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This Friday (January 31, 10 a.m. to noon, 15 Myrtle Avenue), Jenni Kayne hosts a panel on “Better Swaps for Motherhood.”
Sorette founder Lanning Ardente, clean beauty expert Rachel Northway and Westport mom Becca Potolsky will offer insights.
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Former Staples High School athlete Jason Stever died peacefully earlier this month in Seneca, South Carolina, with his wife and daughter by his side. He was 50 years old.
A member of the Class of 1993, Jason captained both the soccer and lacrosse teams. He won the soccer Alumni Award for his dedication to the program, and was noted for his intelligence, athleticism and leadership. As a senior, the Wrecker lacrosse team qualified for its first state tournament ever.
At Clemson University Jason was president of the Pi Kappa Psi fraternity, and became passionate about the Tigers football team.
A skilled handyman, he often helped friends and family. His smile and generous spirit lifted all those around him.
Jason is survived by his parents, Jacqueline and Jay Stever; his wife, Tracy Stever; daughter Addison Stever and stepson, TJ Barranger; sister Jennifer Vaughn (Craig Vaughn); brother-in-lawMarty Duncan (Diana), and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
A celebration of Jason’s life will be held in Hilton Head, South Carolina at a date to be determined.
Jason Stever, in the 1993 Staples yearbook.
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As ice melts at the Sherwood Island State Park beach, it looks almost like mid-summer foam.
Pamela Docters captured the scene, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … on this date in 1863, Massachusetts Governor John Andrew received permission from the Secretary of War to raise a militia for men of African descent.
The 1989 film “Glory” depicts the soldiers of the 54th Massachusetts Infanatry Regiment, from their formation to their heroism at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.
(From the Library and Old Mill Grocery, to off-Broadway and beyond, “06880” brings you hyper-local news and information, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
