Tag Archives: Staples High School Orphenians

See You Tonight At The Holiday Stroll!

Posted on December 2, 2023 | Comments Off on See You Tonight At The Holiday Stroll!

The weather looks great for today’s big, family-friendly and fun event: the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.

Temperatures will be in the low 50s — with not a raindrop in sight — for tonight’s 5 to 7 p.m. event.

Up and down Main Street, and on Church Lane, Sconset Square and the Post Road, carolers will sing, 60 merchants and restaurants will offer freebies and deals, and everyone will enjoy a traditional, community-wide and very holiday-esque time (complete with “strolling” carolers).

At Stroll “headquarters” — in front of Savvy + Grace, in between Brandy Melville and Cold Fusion — kids can visit with Santa. They’ll meet costumed characters, jump into a photo booth, and be entertained by Staples High’s elite Orphenians.

Youngsters can drop off letters to Santa too (he’ll personally answer each one, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Here’s the latest list of the 60 stores, restaurants and more who will hand out goodies, offer discounts, or find other creative ways to welcome Strollers.

  • Arogya Holistic Healing & Tea: Hot tea to go
  • Artistex Salon & Spa: Buy 1, get 2 free; sale on service packages
  • Awesome Toys & Gifts: Giveaway (TBD)
  • Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar: 15% off for guests mentioning the “06880” Stroll (seating between 4 and 6 p.m.)
  • Birddogs: Free duffle bag with any 5-pair purchase
  • Bobbles & Lace: wine and Bobbles Bucks
  • Bond Vet: Swag and treats
  • Castle Wine & Spirits: Expert wine pairings, with hand-picked selections
  • Clarendon  Fine Art: Bubbly, tasty treats, décor and music; framed, limited edition still life from Tim Fowler (valued at $300)
  • Cloud Nine Designers: Holiday beverages
  • Club Sweat: 3 weeks of classes for $69
  • Cold Fusion Gelato: Free chocolates
  • Cove Collective: 10% off; wine, champagne and a sweet treat
  • Courtgirl: 20% off storewide
  • Crafty Kids: TBA
  • Don Memo: Festive holiday beverage
  • Fred: Holiday treats
  • Gogi Steakhouse: $40 vouchers for dine-in customers
  • Gordon Fine Arts: Light hospitality and hot mulled cider
  • Hummingbird Healing Center: Discounted Harmonic Egg session of $99.99; free gift to everyone visiting the center on the 2nd floor
  • J. Crew: Free pair of cashmere socks, and discount of 15% with any purchase of $125 or more; free tee with every 2 purchased; free tech hat with every 3 purchased; long-sleeve tee or water bottle with every 4
  • Jeweled Coquette: 14K gold “express” permanent bracelet for $100; hot cocoa bar
  • Johnny Was: GWP while supplies last; raffle to win a $250 gift card
  • Kerri Rosenthal: 20% of all KR products; rosé and Prosecco
  • La Plage: 10% off when you mention the Stroll
  • Le Rouge Artisan: White chocolate raspberry hot chocolate
  • Lomito: Peruvian-style hot chocolate with Peruvian paneton or rotisserie chicken mini-sandwich
  • Maxine Salon & Beauty: $20 voucher for any service (except blowouts, men’s/kids and retail); 20% off R & Co. retail products; 10% off all other retail products
  • Mexicue: Happy hour drinks: house margarita $8.50; wine by the glass $8; beer $5
  • Middlemarch: Raffle for $250 gift card, with purchase
  • Naturino Kids Shoes & More: 25% off single item all day long
  • Nômade: Firepit to make your own s’mores
  • Offline by Aerie: 30% off select items; free yoga mat or water bottle with a booked appointment
  • Party Harty: 10% of all Westport-related merchandise
  • Penfield Collective: Prosecco
  • Rhone: Holiday cheer, wellness and gift giving
  • Rive Bistro: Festive cocktail
  • Ron Lakek Gallery: 20% off all framed photos, plus wine and chocolate
  • Rowan: Free pair of earrings with purchase of $75 or more
  • Savvy + Grace: A “north Pole” mailbox for kids’ letters to Santa; holiday cookies
  • Scout & Molly’s: 20% off total purchase
  • Serendipity Labs: Complimentary week of co-working
  • Sorelle Gallery: 20% off in store, all day
  • South Moon Under: 20% off when you spend $100 or more
  • State & Liberty Clothing: 10-15% off bulk purchases of shirts and pants
  • Stretch Zone: Stretches and free stretch vouchers
  • The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and  hot chocolate; 50% off on all pillows
  • Town of Weston Ukraine Sister City Partnership: Apple cider, water, bracelets, ornaments
  • Toy Post: Free giveaway to children
  • Vince: 15% off full price merchandise when you sign up for texts
  • Vivid Cottage: 5 free holiday cards with purchase
  • Walrus Alley: Happy hour prices
  • WEST: $50 gift card for holiday shopping, through December 31
  • West/Out East: Prosecco and presents
  • Westport Book Shop: free gift with purchase, and coupon valid through December 31
  • Westport Country Playhouse: Buy 1 ticket for “A Sherwood Carol,” get 1 free (December 22 2 p.m. or December 23 7 p.m. shows)
  • Whip Salon: $10 gift card for stopping to say hi (18 and over); holiday treats
  • Williams Sonoma: Hot apple cider and peppermint bark
  • Winfield Street Coffee: $3 hot chocolates with candy canes
  • Merchants and restaurants wishing to participate should click here, to fill out an online form.

The Holiday Stroll includes vendor booths too, including Tend, Stretch Zone, SugarKrisp and Westport is the Bestport. Non-profit booths like Homes with Hope and MOSS will also be in attendance. Sponsors David Adams Realty and SCA Crowley make it all possible.

See you from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.

Santa hats and ugly sweaters are optional.

The Staples High School Orphenians are a huge attraction at the Holiday Stroll.

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Ethan Walmark: Westport’s Music Man

Posted on November 24, 2023 | 27 comments

When Ethan Walmark was 18 months old, he was placed on the autism spectrum. He began receiving services, like speech and occupational therapy.

At 3 years old, his Stepping Stones teacher told his parents: “Take away Ethan’s music. When he listens to it, he goes into his own world. You want him to be in our world.”

They were stunned. Allison Ziering Walmark’s father was a professional musician. When she was pregnant with Ethan, she and her husband Michael sang to him every night.

“From the day he was born, even though he was always happy, whenever he heard music, you could almost see a magical transformation,” Allison recalls.

“He became one with the music. At Music Together classes, we got a sense he was trying to figure out the melodies and rhythms.”

She and Michael thought it would be cruel to take away something he loved so much, and showed so much talent for.

They not only ignored the advice — they added the amount of music in his life.

Young Ethan Walmark.

“Music is the universal language,” Allison says. “It brought him immeasurable happiness.”

Ethan began music therapy with the Connecticut School of Music, plus private piano and keyboard lessons.

The next year, Bobbi Burns — another Stepping Stones teacher– excitedly called Allison.

Bobbi said that when she played Little Richard’s “Itsy Bitsy Spiker,” Ethan sang the melody — then chimed in on the harmony too.

“That’s never happened before!” the teacher said. “He’s something special!”

At Kings Highway Elementary School, Ethan learned the upright bass. He performed in musicals, and sang with the chorus.

But that’s just part of Ethan’s story.

When he was 6 years old, a YouTube video of you playing “Piano Man” went viral.

He performed live on the “Today Show.”

He became one of only 14 people worldwide — and the youngest — to receive a “Genius of Autism” award. Then he won it again.

The Huffington Post named him 1 of 20 “Child Prodigies.”

He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day.

Meeting Ethan before a concert, John Mayer said, “Hey, I know you! You’re the internet sensation!”

Ethan’s performance of “Eminence Front” rocked a Who show.

He appeared on NBC’s “Today Show” and CBS’s “Early Show.” He sang the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.

As a 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student, Ethan followed Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington. 

He brought down the house. He performed 4 songs, closing with “You are the Sunshine of My Life.” Ethan dedicated it to his sister Eliza, who was in the audience.

When CMS was remote during COVID, he taught himself to play guitar. (He can really shred.)

He joined School of Rock. He formed a band — and great friendships — with other musicians there.

Ethan Walmark, on the keytar.

The Walmarks looked forward to Staples High School, where Ethan could join the outstanding music program.

It did not disappoint. Now, as a senior, Ethan has truly found his niche. He has been embraced by the Music Department staff and students.

He is a member of the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. From freshman year on, he has sung with the elite Orphenians group. He’s a Choralaire, a charter member of the A Cappella Club, and pianist for the Jazz Ensemble.

Ethan Walmark (center) with (from left) Rohan Wadhwani, Curtis Sullivan, Max Ardrey and Ben Herrera. They performed Billy Joel’s “The Longest Time” at last spring’s Staples Pops Concert.

Ethan was selected for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Treble Chorus, and is a 2-time CMEA Western Region Mixed Choir honoree.

He’s won 5 straight School of Rock All-Star competitions, as a keyboardist and vocalist. He plays in 3 bands, all over the tri-state area.

You can see Ethan in one of them — Strictly Business — tomorrow (Saturday). They play from 7 to 11 p.m. at 314 Beer Garden, in South Norwalk.

And in the classroom, Ethan is a consistent Honor Roll student.

Ethan Walmark shreds it.

Ethan has auditioned at several top contemporary music colleges.

“Ethan’s story should inspire — and be a lesson for — any parent with a child, whether neuro-divergent or neuro-typical,” Allison says.

“Advocate for your child. Do what your gut tells you. Advice is nice. But only you know your child.”

(To see a collection of Ethan Walmark’s music videos, click here.) 

(“06880” often highlights outstanding young Westporters. If you enjoy these stories, please support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

Ethan Walmark, on vocals.

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Holidays Are Here; Bathrooms Are Closed …

Posted on November 17, 2023 | 16 comments

Holiday garlands are up on Main Street. As always, they’re courtesy of the Westport Downtown Association.

And — right on cue — I heard my first Christmas carol yesterday.

For the record (ho ho ho), it was “Joy to the World,” at Fresh Market.

Only 37 shopping days left …

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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A reader writes:

“A walking friend and I just learned that all the bathrooms at Compo are closed. Even the one at Ned Dimes Marina is locked.

“With all the active people who love walking around Compo, can’t we find the extra money to keep at least one set of restrooms open all year?

“A mother at the playground is not going to want her kids going inside that germ-infested port-o-potty, nor are senior citizens who have difficulty getting into and safely out of it.

“People need real restrooms, and ones that are open until at least 8 p.m. so we can workout outside after work

“Can we get this situation turned back to the way it always was, with restrooms open all year, or at least keep the new handicap accessible restrooms open and pay a cleaning company to maintain them?”

I asked Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava about this. She said:

“While I understand the comments from your reader, the bathrooms were not designed for year-round use. The pipes would freeze and burst if left open, which is why they get blown out each winter.

“The only ones that had heat were at the marina. But we have had consistent vandalism, and have therefore closed them in the winter over the past few years.

“We provide porta-johns, so there are facilities available.”

The bathrooms at Compo’s South Beach — and others by the pavilion, playground and marina — are closed until spring. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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Six members of the Representative Town Meeting received a standing ovation, at Tuesday’s meeting.

The members — who either did not run for re-elected, or were not returned to office — are from left, in the photo below: Harris Falk, Brien Buckman, Stephen Shackleford, Jamie Bairaktaris, Liz Milwe and Lori Church.

They received thanks, and proclamations, from RTM moderator Jeff Wieser.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Three local women have organized a “Bring Them Home!” event, drawing attention to the plight of hostages held by Hamas.

Set for this Sunday (November 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) near the Compo Beach playground, the aim is to set up seats for each of the missing men, women and children. The visual image would represent the plight of the 240 hostages.

Supporters can drop off chairs, or stay at the beach.

Speakers include Rabbi Zach Plesent of Temple Israel and Carin Savel, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.

Questions? Text Inda Sade: 917-440-6067.

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Restoration of the stormwater detention pond at Wakeman Town Farm has completed its first phase.

Located on the farm’s north side, the rehabilitation protects nearby Deadman Brook and other downstream waterways from the pond’s storm water runoff, excess nutrient impurities and mitigate urban pollutants.

Phase I included site surveying, debris clearing, mowing, water testing, pond and flora mapping, planting cover crop, and installing a fence with gate between the Farm and the pond.

Westport’s LandTech donated time and expertise, for a bathymetric survey of the pond and its surrounding property. LandTech also teamed up with Staples High School senior interns for water quality testing.

The 1-acre wooded pond was built in the 1990s by the town. Over time, the pond fell victim to invasive vegetation and sediment accumulation.

A grant from Patagonia was instrumental in the project’s success.

Wakeman Town Farm storm water detention pond. 

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A cappella fans: Rejoice!

Two Westport favorites — the Dartmouth College Brovertones and Staples High School Orphenians deliver delightful, melodic holiday cheer on December 4 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

Admission is free, though goodwill donations are accepted to support the church’s concert series.

Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate/current Brovertone senior (and musical director) Sam Laskin is happy to return to his home town for the show.

The group has many connections to Westport, from former members who grew up here (or lived here now), to singing impromptu at a wedding proposal near the Compo Beach house where they stayed on a previous tour.

The group also took a photo on the Compo jetty that was used on an album, “Bro Ties.”

This is the 3rd straight year Sam and the Brovertones will sing here. They were at Christ & Holy Trinity Church in 2021, and at a private MoCA party last year. They also performed at Staples for the choral groups, and described how great an extracurricular experience a cappella has been for all of them.

Staples’ Orphenians, meanwhile, need no introduction. The holidays are their busiest time of the year, and they’ll be in fine form under new director Lauren Pine.

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James Comey may have left Westport — and Bridgewater Associates, which brought him to town — for the equally shark-like waters of the FBI.

But he hasn’t forgotten his former home town.

The New York Post reports that his second murder mystery novel, set for publication in May, is about a “make-believe hedge fund called Saugatuck Associates, billed as the world’s largest.”

The teaser from Mysterious Press reads: “A red canoe sits abandoned on Seymour Rock, right where the Saugatuck River hits the Long Island Sound. The elegantly dressed corpse of a woman lies inside….”

The Post adds:

The book is called “Westport,” a posh Connecticut town which, it turns out, is not only where the headquarters of the fictional Saugatuck hedge fund lies, but also that of Bridgewater Associates, the giant hedge fund founded by billionaire Ray Dalio.

And while the protagonist of Comey’s book is a woman, she previously worked as a federal prosecutor before becoming general counsel at Saugatuck – just like Comey did before he became general counsel at Bridgewater.

To read more in the Post about Comey and Bridgewater — where he was “feared,” according to a new book, “The Fund,” by Rob Copeland — click here.

James Comey

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The Weston History & Culture Center concludes its World War II lecture series with author Jeffrey DeWitt.

He’ll discuss his book “Connecticut Military Heroes of Pearl Harbor” on — appropriately — December 7 (1 p.m.), followed by a Q-and-A and book signing.

Guided tours of the Coley House, which represents life on the home front during World War II, will be available after the lecture.

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Westporters Mia Khamish (a Duke University sophomore) and her sister Izzy Khamish (a Staples High School junior) both won gold medals at the 2023 Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston last month.

Both are coxswains, and products of Connecticut Boat Club.

The Duke 4+ crew’s winning time of 17:46 was 15 seconds ahead of silver medalist Radcliffe.

The next day, Izzy led her youth women’s 4+ to first place, in 19:12.

Mia (left) and Izzy Khamish, with Connecticut Boat Club head coach Liz Trond.

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Staples High School Class of 2002 graduate Andrew Aster died unexpectedly on Sunday, in his native city of Dallas. He was 39.

At Staples Andrew was a wrestler, cheerleader, and track and field athlete (pole vault, 110m and 300 m hurdles).

He graduated from Lafayette College in 2006, with a BA in history (focusing on medieval European and French studies). He was president of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and participated on the track team.

He then worked with Club Med, rising from a GO (Gentils Organisateur) to sports and entertainment manager in Mexico, Israel, France and the Dominican Republic. He was fluent in French, Spanish and Hebrew.

After returning to Dallas, where his family had relocated, he was employed in sales and management in retail and technology, and began a new, exciting opportunity in October.

Andrew is survived by his mother Paula; father Charles (step-mother Ellen); twin brother Jason; sister Raye; step-siblings Kristen, Jessica and Cara, and many loving friends and relatives.

in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Andrew’s name be made to a local youth sports organization of your choice, honoring Andrew’s commitment to sports and youth development.

To share a story, photos and condolences with the Aster family, email remembering.andrew.aster@gmail.com. To read Andrew’s full obituary, click here.

Andrew Aster

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Lucy Ambrosino does not have to go far to find “Westport … Naturally” beauty. This is the scene, in the back yard of her Crescent Road home:

(Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)

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And finally … in honor of the “06880” reader searching for a bathroom at Compo Beach (story above):

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(If you enjoy our daily Roundup — even just the song of the day — please consider a contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Trash Trucks, Smithereens, Smokes …

Posted on January 19, 2023 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup announced the delivery of 2 trash trucks and 2 police cars to Westport’s new sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.

Katya Wauchope took yesterday’s videos and photos from Brian Mayer, and created this important report of the day. As mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov notes, this was the most pressing need for his town.

Click below for the video:

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The first announcement of VersoFest 2023 is a big one.

The Smithereens headline the Friday, March 31 concert at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.

Joining the Smithereens as lead vocalist that night: Marshall Crenshaw.

The opening act is Americana musician Amilia K Spicer, fresh off a rave review from NPR. Miriam Linna DJs the night, with 45s from one of the most revered record collections anywhere.

VersoFest is a multi-day music and media festival/conference, born at the Library’s Verso Studios.

The festival opens Thursday, March 30, and continues with a full slate of programs and workshops Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2. Famed producer Steve Lillywhite delivers the keynote Saturday afternoon.

Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have created electrifying, original rock ‘n’ roll for 42 years. Their take-no-prisoners, East Coast roots-rock sound was inspired by Buddy Holly, The Who, Nick Lowe and The Move.

They were in heavy rotation on MTV, and appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live.” The Smithereens have performed at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Radio City Music Hall, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tourmates include Tom Petty, Squeeze, the Pretenders, Lou Reed and the Ramones.

Tickets for the show are $40; click here to purchase. Click here for more information on the Smithereens, and VersoFest.

The Smithereens, with Marshall Crenshaw (white vest).

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Westport Police report 2 custodial arrests between January 12 and 18.

One was a follow-up on a previous incident on Center Street where an individual was acting erratically, drinking motor oil. and yelling at officers. While fighting with the officers, the suspect punched them in their heads, causing one to fall and break his wrist. He referred to officers with derogatory names, and made threatening statements concerning officers and their families. He was charged with assault on a public safety officer, and threatening.

The second arrest came after damage to property owned by the Westport Housing Authority, caused by driving on grass. He was charged with criminal mischief.

Police issued the following citations:

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Misuse of plates: 4
  • Failure to obey control signal: 4
  • Speeding: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to display plates: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Violation of any traffic control regulation: 2
  • Insurance coverage fails minimum requirements: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving with out-of-state plates after 30 days: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1.

One arrest began when a suspect was drinking motor oil.

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In other Westport Police news, the department yesterday conducted unannounced inspections of businesses that sell tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes. The goal was determine compliance with state laws prohibiting sales to anyone under 21.

All 5 were found to be in full compliance

  • Shell/A1 Smoke Shop (322 Post Road East)
  • Cumberland Farms (690 Post Road East)
  • Westport Cigar & Vape
  • Merritt Country Store
  • WP Convenience (1761 Post Road East).

Vaping devices.

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Remember how much fun the Yankee Doodle Fair was? Of course!

Remember how the sponsors — the Westport Woman’s Club — told you it was a fundraiser for important local causes? Of course not!

But it was. It always is.

The WWC has just announced their 2023 grant recipients. Thanks to your generosity — well, your purchase of ride tickets, games of chance and food — these non-profits will share $41,000:

  • Burroughs Community Center
  • Cancer Care
  • Child Advocates of Southwestern Connecticut
  • Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer
  • Circle of Friends Connecticut
  • CLASP Homes
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Center
  • ElderHouse
  • Family & Children’s Agency
  • Food Rescue US
  • Hall Neighborhood House
  • Homes with Hope
  • Horizons at Norwalk Community College
  • Human Services Council/Children’s Connection
  • Liberation Recovery for Life Programs
  • Malta House
  • My Team Triumph – Connecticut
  • Norwalk Housing Foundation
  • Person to Person
  • Positive Directions
  • Regional Hospice and Home Care Western Connecticut
  • St. Catherine Center for Special Needs
  • Suzuki Music School
  • Urban Impact of Black Rock
  • VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

See you at the fair!

These kids helped raise $41,000 for charity. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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Westporters continue to help Lyman, Ukraine.

On the heels of yesterday’s delivery of 2 police vehicles and 2 trash trucks to our new sister city, Katya Wauchope — a key member of the group that worked to raise $252,000 in 19 days for the war-torn town — sent a photo of her latest project:

It’s one of many camouflage hats she’s knitting for the Lyman police.

“Ukrainians are used to having their grandmas knit hats, socks and mittens for their family,” Katya — a native of that country — says.

“So I decided to be the town grandma!”

She began knitting last month. So far, she’s made nearly 2 dozen.

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Against all odds, a group of residents continues to battle the Hiawatha Lane/Summit Saugatuck development. They write:

“Our historic, working-class, single-family neighborhood became the sacrificial lamb of Westport. Due to their lack of proper planning, the town of Westport had failed to meet their mandated 8-30g [affordable housing] quota, and allowing this project to go forward would remedy that oversight, so the rest of Westport would not be burdened.

“Please note: Our objection has to do with size, scale, environmental issues, traffic, pedestrian safety, and EMS access issues. Our objection to this development has nothing to do with permitting affordable housing, as that is acknowledged and recognized as the historic and existing strong community identifier and profile that is Old Saugatuck.

“Having taken our objections as far as we could through Town of Westport channels, we had to secure legal services from an attorney to fight this dangerous development in court… which is extremely costly. But we must Save Old Saugatuck.

“We have received contributions from very supportive neighbors and friends, and that has enabled us to begin this challenging legal process. We are forever grateful for their help. However, the battle is not over, and we desperately need further contributions to see this chapter through successfully.

“The court ruling has the potential to be a historic and ground-breaking (no pun intended!) ruling… we believe it is worth the effort to preserve the integrity and beauty of this historic neighborhood. After 20 years – we don’t want to give up!”

They created a GoFundMe page, to raise legal fees. Click here for the Save Old Saugatuck website.

Artist’s rendering of the proposed 187-unit apartment complex on Hiawatha Lane.

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You’re not going with Staples Orphenians on their summer trip to Hawaii.

You may not even be able to attend this Sunday’s Aloha Cabaret fundraiser.

But you can join the elite singing group’s silent auction.

Items include jewelry, tickets to a late night show, a private plan flight, trips, golf and more.

Click here for the full list, and to bid. The auction ends Monday (January 23), at 9 p.m.

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Business Networking International’s Westport chapter invites professionals to an open networking session (7 to 7:30 a.m.) and Visitor’s Day (7:30 to 9 a.m.) next Thursday (January 26, United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road).

The organization — which is limited to one professional per category — has openings in these categories: LinkedIn expert, counseling services or psychotherapist, home security, HVAC, photographer, caterer or bakery, florist, event/wedding planner, home inspector, moving company, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, landscaper, electrician, payroll, product development firm/inventor, IP attorney, consumer products company and professional writer.

All visitors must pre-register; email cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com. Click here for more information.

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Michelle Lieberson explains today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“Yesterday I looked outside to find 3 goats in my Clover Lane yard. When Animal Control walked over I asked if they escaped from Wakeman Town Farm, which is not that close, but not far.

“He said they came from a neighbor’s house on Victoria Lane. It took a while, but they wrangled one of them. I snapped a photo of the other two.

“I asked if it’s legal to keep them. The man from Animal Control said he would have a talk with the neighbors.”

(Photo/Michelle Lieberson)

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And finally … in honor of the Smithereens’ upcoming appearance at the Westport Library’s VersoFest (story above):

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(Where else but “06880” would you learn that drinking motor oil could lead to an arrest? Please click here to keep stories like that one coming. Thank you!)

 

 

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Orphenians Sway To “Aloha Cabaret”

Posted on January 2, 2023 | 5 comments

It’s winter in Westport. Plenty of folks are dreaming of Hawaii.

The Orphenians will actually go there.

Well, not until June. But Staples High School’s elite a cappella choral group is already making plans. And rehearsing.

And raising funds.

The trip to the International Luau of Song Festival, with director Luke Rosenberg and conductor Pearl Shangkuan of Calvin College, will include learning about cultural music, performing, and touring on both Oahu and the Big Island.

All 42 Orphenians are going. They’ve set a goal of $45,000, to cover expenses of those who cannot afford it all.

So think leis and grass skirts, and get ready for an “Aloha Cabaret.” It’s set for January 22, at the Westport Library.

Broadway and Metropolitan Opera star, Tony Award-winning Kelli O’Hara — a Westporter, and Orphenians fan — will perform. Choral alumni like Clay Singer, Georgia Wright and others joins her on stage.

Rosenberg will sing too. For those who know him only from the back, as he wields his baton, that’s a special treat.

The emcee is David Pogue. Among many other talents, the “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent is a former Broadway arranger and conductor (and father of Orphenians).

A silent auction includes an array of items, from Caribbean stays and jewelry to lessons and coaching. There are Hawaiian-themed light bites too.

Just what we need for a cold — but also very cool — January night.

(VIP tickets are $225 per person; they include 6 p.m. early entry, choice seating, and a meet-and-greet with performers. General admission tickets are $150 per person, for 6:30 p.m. entry. Click here to purchase. To make a donation without purchasing, click here. Questions? Email Staples.Music.Parents.Assn@gmail.com.)

Click below for the Orphenians’ most recent Westport Library event. They performed holiday music, and selections from their fall concert.

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Roundup: Ukraine Art Auction, Hamlet At Saugatuck, Fox News Lawsuit …

Posted on December 23, 2022 | 6 comments

As donations for our new sister city in Lyman, Ukraine surge toward $120,000 — more than halfway to our goal of $250,000 to rebuild 150 homes, provide generators and a water filtration system — our partners in our other (and longtime) sister city of Marigny, France are pitching in.

In 1991, Roger Potier — a Marigny landscape artist — painted a scene of his Normandy town:

Our friends in Marigny have offered it as an auction item. The winning bidder will donate that price to the Lyman fund — and it will be shipped direct to you, from France. The dimensions are 16″ x 12″.

The bidding starts at $1,000, and runs until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, December 24). Click “Comments” below to bid. You do not have to include your real name — but be sure to fill out the email address in the Comment box, so I’ll know who you are!

Meanwhile, to make a non-auction bid: Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here). 

Meanwhile, we’ll add this thought from 2 noted Westporters.

David Pogue says:

When all a town wants for Christmas is plywood, generators, and drinking water, you know its citizens are in a dire situation.

Our sister city Lyman didn’t ask for this horrific invasion, attack, and devastation; this is a “there but for the grace of God go we” situation.

Let’s give them electricity, water, and tools to rebuild. Let’s show them kindness in a time of desperation. And in this Ukrainian season of devastation, destruction, and death, let’s send them a reminder that compassion and generosity are still alive.

David Pogue urges holiday donations for Lyman.

Ed Gerber adds:

I donated $500 to Ukraine Aid International, because my late father always told me that allowing Hitler to annex the Sudetenland was a horrible mistake that led to World War II.

If we do nothing against “Tsar” Vladimir’s aggression in Ukraine, where will he stop? Next it could be the Baltic States, Finland, Poland, Moldova to name a few undoubtedly on his list. If we do nothing and Putin invades “free” Ukraine, there will be a bloodbath of gargantuan proportions.

Knowing this, if I have an opportunity to help prevent it from happening, and do nothing, it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Please donate – it’s easy!

Ed Gerber

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A petition to review the Hamlet at Saugatuck text and map amendments has been filed with the town clerk.

The action — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent approval of the hotel/retail/and more project on Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place — sends the decision to the Representative Town Meeting.

They have 30 calendar days from yesterday to complete a review. A supermajority of the RTM — 24 members — can vote to overturn the text amendments.

They cannot modify the decision; only vote to uphold or deny.

P&Z chair Danielle Dobin says, “This process is unique to Westport, thanks to our town charter. It is another way in which Westport is special. We are truly the most democratic of towns.

“The RTM review provides another opportunity to discuss the approved text amendment in a public forum, address questions, and tell the story of how the P&Z Commission shaped this proposal to work for Westport.”

Artist’s rendering of a Hamlet at Saugatuck courtyard.

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Sean Hannity was deposed in August, in Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox News.

But several statements that emerged Wednesday are making news.

Hannity said he did “not believe … for one second” that Dominion was part of fraud in the 2020 election. Neither did Fox News’ executive vice president, and other high-profile executives at the network.

Those details emerged in Delaware Superior Court. With a high legal standard of proof in defamation cases, Dominion must show a jury “convincing evidence that speaks to the state of mind of those who were making the decisions” at Fox, says the New York Times. (Click here for more details, from NPR.)

The company was arguing this week that they had enough evidence to make that case. Co-lead counsel for Dominion’s legal team is Stephen Shackelford, Jr.

A partner and trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, the Harvard University and Harvard Law School graduate (first in his class) and former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is a Westport resident. He and his wife Stefanie are the parents of 4 school-age children. In his spare time, he serves on Westport’s Representative Town Meeting. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)

Stephen Shackelford, on CNN.

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On Monday, the Orphenians — Staples High School’s elite vocal ensemble — entertained a large Westport Library crowd.

They’ve been part of our music scene for nearly 70 years. This week’s show included holiday selections, and several from their highly regarded fall concert.

The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to enjoy. (Hat tip: John Brandt)

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“Newsboy” — a 1954 photograph by Westport resident and Internationally known photographer Larry Silver — has been acquired by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Silver took the now iconic photo as a scholarship student at The Art Center School in LA. Part of a photographic series of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, it has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Westport Art Center.

It’s the first work by Silver to enter the Getty, and complements the work of mid-20th century documentary photographers.

“Newsboy” (Larry Silver)

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The Joggers Club invites all members — and runners who might become members, and anyone else — to their holiday party.

It’s next Thursday (December 29, 7:30 p.m., Romanacci). Members get a free drink!

The Joggers Club welcomes all levels. The number one goal is to have fun.  Everything else is a distant second.

There are fun runs at Compo Beach every Saturday at 8 p.m.; track nights at Norwalk High School on Wednesdays (6:15 p.m.), and Joggers Club Jr. (kindergarten through high school) coming this spring.

Membership ($50 per year) includes a Brooks podium racing shirt for all new members.

For more information click here; check out The Joggers Club on Facebook or Strava, or follow on Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.ct).

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Alan Mande — a 1963 Staples High School graduate, and former Grateful Dead sound engineer — died suddenly at his Mount Shasta, California home last month. He was 77.

The Brooklyn native moved with his family to Westport at age 5. His mother Frances still lives here. Alan was active in Staples Players.

He majored in theater arts at Brandeis University, then spent 2 years at the Yale School of Drama.

Alan took his Players and Westport Country Playhouse stage skills to join Bill Graham’s Fillmore East sound crew as an engineer. He worked on shows like Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies’ New Year’s Eve show in 1970, and others by the Allman Brothers and Crosby Still Nash & Young.

In 1969 Alan’s life changed forever when, while working at the Fillmore East concert venue, he discovered the Grateful Dead. They inspired him to move to California in 1970, where he worked as a sound engineer and stage manager for the Firehouse Theater. In 1971 he met his future wife Nancy, in San Rafael.

Alan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy from Lone Mountain College. He spent 31 years as a state-licensed MFT.

Alan was involved in many Mount Shasta activities. He assisted with numerous youth theater productions and coached Little League.

Alan’s passion for the Grateful Dead continued throughout his life. He was a prolific collector and archiver of tapes. He is cited in many articles, books and forums as one of the sound engineers who originated the tradition of “stealth taping” and distributing recordings to the larger community, assuring their posterity.

He loved music, theater, children, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco sports teams, and chocolate

Alan is survived by his mother Frances, sister Susan, brother Jerry, and children Molly and Caton. Contributions in his name can be made to the Jerry Garcia Foundation.

Alan Mande. Yes, that is Jerry Garcia at the center of the steering wheel.

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Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Wendy Crowther.

She explains: “I was taking a photo of birds swarming my birdfeeders yesterday (perhaps sensing the big storm and deep freeze coming in). Suddenly, something big flashed by my lens causing the birds to scatter.

“I looked up to see this hawk sitting on a low branch 10 feet from the feeder. It waited, changing perches, in hopes an unsuspecting bird would return to the feeder. None did. The hawk eventually flew off.

“As best as I can tell, this is a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk, or a juvenile Cooper’s hawk. Both species prey on birds and other small animals. Like all juveniles, practice will make perfect. But hopefully not at my birdfeeder, and especially not while I’m watching.”

(Photo/Wendy Crowther)

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And finally … Wendy Crowther’s photo of the hawk (above) — and today’s wind — remind me of Lou Rawls’ “Dead End Street.”

Why? Well, it begins:

I was born in a city the called the “Windy City”
And they call it the “Windy City” because of the ‘Hawk.”
All mighty Hawk,
Talking about Mr. Wind — kind of mean around winter time

It’s a great song. Give it a listen — and stay warm and dry.

(Got nothing to do today, with the rain coming down, all the Christmas presents wrapped, the tree trimmed and everything else taken care of? Please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here — and thank you!)

 

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Roundup: OKA, Orphenians, Children’s Care …

Posted on December 16, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: OKA, Orphenians, Children’s Care …

Opening today (with just 9 shopping days left before Christmas): OKA.

The British furniture and home accessories retailer moves into the former Banana Republic (and before that, Klein’s) space on Main Street.

They call this their “US flagship.” There are 14 OKAs in the UK, plus 2 in Texas (Dallas and Houston).

A press release hails the store’s “signature mix of classic, eclectic and contemporary furniture and homeware (for) shoppers and designers looking to add character to their homes.”

OKA’s Westport location includes a “series of fully decorated rooms and vignettes featuring a treasure trove of unusual finds and statement pieces. (There are) samples of our custom handmade seating service, Tailored by OKA, an English garden’s worth of faux flowers and plants, and a dedicated team of Home Stylists on hand to give advice and help realize your dream interiors. ”

O-kay!

 

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Meanwhile, opening yesterday: A new 30,000-square foot specialty care center opened, at 191 Post Road West (just west of Nash’s Plaza).

Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center features murals of the ocean, forests, sky and stars (with 12 LED constellations). There are self check-in kiosks, exam and procedure rooms, an outpatient infusion center, imaging services, plus speech, occupational and physical therapy, EEG and echocardiogram, and casting rooms.

This is the largest of Connecticut Children’s 6 specialty care centers. More than 20 specialties are represented.

Yesterday’s grand opening included a paper ribbon chain made by area kids, and Santa (and the Grinch) handing out toys.

Santa arrives at the Connecticut Children’s Specialty Center.

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Didn’t score a ticket for this weekend’s Candlelight Concerts? Or just a holiday music junkie who wants to hear more from the fabulous Orphenians?

The highly acclaimed Staples High School a cappella group present their traditional December program for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — and everyone is invited.

The event is Monday (December 19, 5 p.m.) at the Westport Library Trefz Forum.

Staples’ Orphenians are in high demand this month. In addition to this weekend’s Candlelight Concert, they sang recently at the town holiday tree lighting, for the Rotary Club and at Assumption Church — among many other gigs.

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Looking for a nice holiday meal?

La Plage — the popular and scenic Longshore Inn restaurant — offers 3-course dinners on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas day (noon to 7 p.m.), plus an early New Year’s Eve dinner (5 to 7 p.m., with a la carte specials); a gala New Year’s Eve dinner (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 5-course menu, Champagne toast, and live music by Tangled Vine),

Click here for menus and reservations.

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With approval ratings above 75%, Charlie Baker is the most popular governor in the nation.

The Massachusetts Republican chose not to run again. When his term ends next month, he’s got a new gig: President. (Of the NCAA, that is.)

The tangential connection to “06880” is that Governor Baker’s wife — Lauren Schadt — grew up in Westport. Back then, she was “Laurie.”

She’s no slouch herself. With an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School, she is a marketing communications consultant. She is active in many volunteer efforts, focusing on education. As First Lady of Massachusetts, she worked closely with the Department of Children and Families.

Governor Baker is familiar with his new role. Two of his and Lauren’s 3 children are former college athletes.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lauren Schadt Baker.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature usually celebrates the animals, flowers, trees and other scenes of beauty that make our town beautiful.

Today’s image is from Terrain. Sure, it’s a business. But there are enough elements of nature here — and it’s so beautifully photographed by Patricia McMahon — that it fits right in.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to Trevor Pinnock. The English harpsichordist and conductor — heard often on WSHU’s “Sunday Baroque” — is 76.

 

 

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Roundup: WestportREADS, Orphenians Sing, Playhouse Plays …

Posted on December 14, 2022 | Comments Off on Roundup: WestportREADS, Orphenians Sing, Playhouse Plays …

For over 20 years, the Westport Library has offered one book for the entire community to read — and celebrate — together.

This year’s WestportREADS selection is “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” Angeline Boulley’s young adult novel features 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine, a Native teen who must navigate family tragedy, new relationships, and an FBI investigation to root out the corruption in her community.

The author will deliver a keynote address on February 16, in the Trefz Forum. Events leading up to her appearance include:

  • PageTurners Book Club discussion (January 17, 11 a.m., Westport Library)
  • WestportREADS skating afternoon (January 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Westport PAL Longshore rink)
  • Healing Legacy Trauma (February 1, 7 p.m., Westport Library).
  • WestportREADS book discussion (February 2, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

More events will be announced soon.

Boulley is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan. She served as her tribe’s education director, and assistant executive director and on the board of regents at Bay Mills Community College before becoming director for the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

At the age of 54, she recently published her first novel.

Angeline Boulley (Photo/Marcella Hadden)

“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a #1 New York Times bestseller, and a Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick. It is being adapted by Netflix for TV with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.

Copies of the book are available for borrowing now at the Library. It is also available as an e-book and audiobook. For more information on WestportREADS, click here.

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A longstanding Westport Rotary Club tradition returned yesterday. The Staples High School Orphenians performed a holiday show.

The half-hour  a cappella concert was held in the acoustically resonant sanctuary of Green’s Farms Congregational Church. From “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” to “Silent Night,” it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

Conductor Luke Rosenberg leads the Orphenians at the Westport Rotary Club holiday show, in Green’s Farms Church. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Mark Yurkiw writes:

“Yesterday was the last day to donate equipment for a shipment to Ukraine. The response was fantastic. Three more generators showed up, and a dozen sleeping bags, and more.

“But yesterday I got a message that the shipping departure date is postponed until next Wednesday.

“There were many people who wanted to donate but couldn’t do it in time. They now have one more week.”

Donations can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.

Donations for Ukraine — in the country’s familiar blue and yellow colors.

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“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

Lake Gallery is where talented local photographers show stunning large-scale images, taken from around the world.

Westporters Ron Lake and Nancy Breakstone host an opening reception this Friday (December 16, 6 to 8 p.m., 33 Elm Street) of their work.

This is Ron’s second gallery, after opening Focus in 2020 in Woodstock, Vermont. Nancy has curated shows at Earthplace, the Carriage Barn in New Canaan and Rene Soto Gallery in Norwalk.

(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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When COVID shut the Westport Country Playhouse, they reached audiences with a new/old idea: Playhouse Radio Theater.

The curtain has risen again. But the innovative series continues.

Next up: a holiday audio play. “A Merry Little Christmas Carol” — with original music and clever sound effects — airs on WSHU on Christmas Eve (December 24, 6:06 p.m. following the news). It will be rebroadcast Christmas Day (December 25, 1:06 p.m.).

Click here for the livestream. Click here for frequencies and locations. Click here for the link via the Playhouse website (available through January 1).

“A Merry Little Christmas Carol” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, adapted from his play of the same name, and based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Shanahan is curator of Playhouse Radio Theater, in addition to curating the Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series.

WCP artistic director Mark Lamos narrates, with noted Playhouse actors like Paxton Whitehead (Scrooge). Running time is 2 hours.

Bah, humbug!

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Longtime Westport Public Schools director of personnel Nancy Bonvini died peacefully last week. She was 88, and lived in Fairfield.

Following her retirement in 1999, she volunteered at Black Rock School, and was a tutor at Mercy Learning Center.

She enjoyed listening to good music, was an avid reader, and enjoyed time by Long Island Sound and surrounded by nature.

A service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, December 15, 11 a.m. Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Mercy Learning Center, 637 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.

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An almost-winter day showcases Westport’s stark beauty, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. This beach is on Saugatuck Shores.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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And finally … on this day in 1782, the Montgolfier brothers first flew an unmanned hot air balloon in France. It floated nearly 1.6 miles.

(“06880” is seldom filled with hot air. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Malone Refuse Gets Scammed; Turkey Trot T-Shirt Goes Viral …

Posted on December 2, 2022 | 6 comments

Kristen Stroud posted this important — but depressing — information on social media:

“My family owns Malone’s Refuse Service. A customer brought to our attention that someone is fraudulently soliciting holiday tips.

“The person placed these cards (photo below) in mailboxes, hoping the customer will then mail them a holiday gift. This person is not employed by Malone’s Refuse Service. We will be reporting it to the police.

“Between this scam and all of the recent issues with check washing and mail being stolen, if you would like to gift your actual refuse collector, you can email me at malonesrefuse@gmail.com and we will figure out the safest way to do so.”

Calling Sherlock Holmes!

Or really, any 1st grader who can read.

With the address provided, it should not take long to crack this case wide open.

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Every organization in Westport (and beyond) asks Miggs Burroughs for favors.

He always obliges.

For over 30 years, the talented and generous artist/graphic designer (and longtime runner) has designed t-shirts for the Pequot Running Club’s annual “Turkey Trot.” Proceeds go to the club, and charity.

They’re great souvenirs. Then they end up in the bottom of runners’ drawers, replaced by their next race t-shirt.

This year Miggs commemorated 45 years of Turkey Trotting. He chose historic national and world events from those past years, and included them in the design.

Uh oh.

A Tik Tok user named “Crawlie” — who did not run in the race, and apparently had way too much time on her hands — did not like Miggs’ choices. She posted her thoughts.

@crawlie

#greenscreen my outfit is giving miscallaneous star wars girlie but i cant do anything about it now #thanksgiving #fyp #kellyclarkson

♬ original sound – crawlie

For reasons known only to Tik Tok users, Crawlie’s post has received over 688,000 views. It’s generated more than 2,800 comments.

Most people did not share her outrage.

In fact, requests to buy t-shirts have poured in from across the country.

Take that, Crawlie!

PS: Another Tik Toker attempted a Billy Joel/”We Didn’t Start the Fire”-style video. It’s pretty weak. Still, it gives you an idea of the “controversy” surrounding the shirt.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lucybiggers/video/7169625172947815723?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7169625172947815723&web_id=7172301626379765291

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Staples High School’s elite Orphenians sang …

… and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker made brief remarks (including a shout out to the Public Works Department, for decorations). She then asked kids in the crowd to join her, counting down “3 … 2 … 1!” …

… and wham! Last night, Westport’s Christmas (aka Holiday) tree was lit, in front of Town Hall by Myrtle Avenue.

(Photos/Dan Woog)

Missed it? No problem!

There’s another tree lighting tonight (Friday, 4:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Stick around for carols and treats, too.

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Speaking of Christmas songs: The Saugatuck Caroling Crawl returns a week from tomorrow (Saturday, December 10).

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event was last held in pre-COVID 2019.

This year once again, 6 Staples Orphenians will sing holiday songs, moving from one restaurant to the next. They’ll hit 14 in all.

Carolers begin their rounds at the Boathouse at 6:30 p.m. They’ll head to Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck, before making their way to Railroad Place to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci and Allium.

They finish by 8:30 p.m., after entertaining diners at Match Lobster Burger, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s.

Participating Orphs include Sophia Betit, Madelyn Spera, James Dobin-Smith, Alyssa Lee, Deneil Betfarhad and Ethan Tober will be performing.

Reservations are recommended.

 

A scene from the 2018 Caroling Crawl.

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The Westport Farmers’ Market adds a special “Holiday Artists’ Market” a week from tomorrow (Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane). The market features a wide range of handcrafted gift ideas, from 25 local artists.

Carolers will entertain. Bubble & Brew will provide cold and hot beverages, plus sweet treats.  Chef Dan Kardos will bring his Oak & Oar food truck too. “Mark(et)” the date right now.

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Yesterday’s “Roundup” featured a Jeep smushing a traffic pylon on Main Street.

Today we feature a different scene, from almost the exact same spot:

After zipping past several prominent “One Way/Do Not Enter” signs, the driver continued the wrong way, refusing to back up or turn around — even when told to. (Had she looked around, she might have noticed every other car pointed in the other direction.)

The driver never stopped (or acknowledged reality). She just kept going, all the way to the Post Road.

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‘Tis the holiday season. So Westport Country Playhouse ends its 2022 Script in Hand series on December 12 with …

… “Bad Jews.”

Spoiler alert: It’s a comedy.

The night after their grandfather’s funeral, 3 cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. There’s Daphna Feygenbaum, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, self-assured and unbending; her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man with a shiksa girlfriend Melody in tow, and Liam’s brother Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray.

There’s live music at 6 p.m. in the lobby before the show. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Baby, it’s cold outside. But Misty shows off her fashionable winter coat, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Lucy Biggers tried to mock the Turkey Trot t-shirt, by channeling her inner Billy Joel (story above).

She failed miserably. Here’s how it’s done:

(You won’t get a souvenir t-shirt for supporting “06880” — just our eternal thanks. Hopefully, that’s enough. Please click here to donate.)

 

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Remembering Walton Amey

Posted on July 5, 2022 | 16 comments

Walton Amey — a multi-talented musician and athlete, and a 1971 Staples High School graduate — died suddenly on Sunday. He was 69.

His longtime friend, Grammy-winning musician and producer Brian Keane, writes:

Some friends in life are so close, for so long, that they become part of your own history. Walton Amey is such a friend for me.

Walton Amey, in the 1971 Staples High yearbook.

He was a top athlete, captain of the Coleytown Junior High football team where we played together, a talented singer in the elite Staples Orphenians (we sang together in a church choir too).

We made mischief together, partied together, played in the same rock ‘n’ roll band, and served on community projects together. Walton was also a theatrical star in Staples Players.

After high school, Walt attended college in Ithaca, New York with me, David Barton and Linda Satin (all from our Staples class). Walt and I were roommates as freshmen.

In Ithaca he and I played music professionally in coffeehouses and bars with our good friend Stephen Schneider. We were joined by our high school band drummer David Barton. We wrote and recorded some memorable original songs together. Walton was an engaging entertainer, and the life of any party.

After Stephen, David and I left in 1975 Walt brought in the guitarist from our high school band, Jeff Dowd, and had a very popular band called Desperado. They made several records together, before Jeff left to begin an opera career in Germany.

One of the band’s records. Walton hangs 2nd from right.

Walt continued playing music around upstate New York. He taught ballroom dancing at Cornell, developed a fondness for tennis, and lived a reclusive life in rural upstate New York for a time.

In 1993 one of our musicians threw a surprise 40th birthday party for former dormmates and band members in New York City. That morphed into an annual event, then into a yearly weekend gathering on Fire Island.

It was a Big Chill weekend: no spouses. We became like another family to each other over the years. Walton and Elizabeth Schenck started a wonderful relationship 14 years ago. They lived together in Syracuse, where Elizabeth practices as a public defender attorney.

I saw Walt and Elizabeth every year at the Fire Island reunions. Starting in 2020, my partner Bonnie (who was in theatrical productions with Walton at Staples) and I started meeting Walt, Elizabeth and a few others on 4th of July weekends.

The 2018 reunion. Walton Amey is standing, 2nd from right; Brian Keane is sitting, far left.

We gathered once again this year. We played games on the beach, watched fireworks, had great dinners, drank, played guitars and sang songs we had written, songs of our youth, and all kinds of fun songs in between.

We told jokes, shared stories, and had a wonderful time. Walton, Stephen and I watched Wimbledon past midnight, after everyone else went to bed. Walton made us sing 3-part harmonies to some Crosby, Stills & Nash tunes, which we obliged him to get him to go to bed. Walton was in his bliss.

Some time after we went to bed at 1 a.m., Walton got back up. We don’t know what happened, but he was discovered at the bottom of the stairs at 2:15.

EMS arrived 10 strong right away, and worked on him from 2:30, even getting a pulse back. But he lost that pulse on the way to the hospital.

The night before, we watched a spectacular sunset from the deck of the beach house. I had remarked how lucky we were to be alive to witness this. Walt agreed, and expressed his gratitude too.

Walton Amey and Elizabeth Scheck at Fire Island, the night before he died.

When we got confirmation that Walton had died, we knew we had lost an important part of our own lives. Our life histories had been so intertwined. We spent the rest of the day in a combination of shock, grief, and “producer mode” dealing with things.

On the morning of July 4th, we gave Walton the tribute he had told Elizabeth he wanted: a New Orleans-style funeral procession. Stephen and I led the way to the ferry. We played “When the Saints Go Marching In” on ukuleles. The rest of our group sang along, walking in the sand with umbrellas.

At first it was hard to keep from choking up. Then it transformed into something more joyful. A couple of people looked at us oddly, but we kept going. We all felt better by the time we got  to the ferry. The crowd there appreciated it, too.

Walton couldn’t have asked for a better death than having spent the weekend doing exactly what he loved, with people he loved, and who loved him, in one of his favorite places on earth — then having it all end unexpectedly, and rather instantly as far as I can tell.

Though many of us will feel pain, and the loss of Walton in our lives, we grieve for that which has been our heart’s delight. Walt made us all rich in life experience, for simply sharing part of this glorious ride called life with him. He was part of what made our lives fun. Personal grief is mixed with a deep sense of gratitude for that.

Walt is survived by his sister Meg Amey Smith of Des Moines, Iowa; his significant other, Elizabeth Schenck of Syracuse, New York, and the many of us who loved him and became like family with him.

No services have been determined at this time.

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