MoCA\CT is much more than an art museum and education center.
There’s a strong music component too. The Newtown Turnpike institutions hosts everything from solo performers to the Heida Hermanns International piano and voice competitions.
Art and music are on display in a big way at their next show. “Art, Jazz + the Blues” opens Thursday (February 26, 6 p.m.).
A collaboration with the Westport Public Art Collections combines forceful visual art with pulsating African American musical traditions.
The centerpiece is legendary Westport artist (and folk musician) Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” series. His monumental portraits of blues and jazz artists — hanging most recently in the Staples High School auditorium lobby — will be shown alongside works by Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Robert Rauschenberg, Jack Whitten and others.
The opening reception features live music by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and WPKN host Mark Naftalin — the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboard player. Click here for reception tickets.
To set the tone, curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci have created intriguing playlists inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and more. Click to listen, on Spotify (Art, Jazz + the Blues) and YouTube (“Giants of the Blues” and “Art, Jazz + the Blues“).
“Blues Piano Players” — one of the 7 works by Eric von Schmidt that make up “Birth of the Blues.”
After a national search, the Pequot Library has a new executive director.
The Southport institution found him right next door, in Westport.
Peter Van Heerden takes the helm on February 26. He has spent much of his professional career in the area.
A 16-year resident, he served as executive director of the Westport Arts Center from 2011 to 2015, then filled the same role at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for nearly 10 years. Since 2024, he has been CEO of Activate: Arts 7 Culture.
In his spare time, Van Heerden has been an assistant coach for Staples’ girls water polo and boys swim teams.
He is married to Renee Plato, CEO of Westport-based MD Solar Sciences. Their 2 sons attend Fairfield University; their daughter is at Coleytown Middle School.
Speaking of libraries: Eiren Caffall — author of “All the Water in the World,” this year’s WestportREADS selection — gave the keynote address for the annual Westport program yesterday.
She was in conversation with Catherine Shen, host of CT Public’s “Where We Live.”
Eiren Caffall (right) and Catherine Shen. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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During Prohibition, Westport had a thriving speakeasy culture.
On March 13 (7:30 p.m.), it’s back.
The Suzuki Music School hosts a Connecticut Guitar Festival fundraiser — the “Speakeasy Jazz Club” — with guest artists Vinny Raniolo and Adrien Chevalier, plus “charity” gambling (craps, roulette, blackjack, and Texas hold ’em).
Tickets are $45; they include music, food and drink, and “gambling to give” chips. Click here to purchase.(Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Dozens of students take German 1, 2 and 3 Honors, 2 and 3A and Advanced Placement, and study through the University of Connecticut Early College Experience.
Twice, Staples teams won the UConn ECE German Quiz Bowl.
What can they do with their language skills?
Staples German teacher Liuba Ulianova reports that on Tuesday, there was a hearing in Hartford about the establishment of an official German Trade Commission in Connecticut.
With 220 German companies in Connecticut — including Deutsche Bank in Greenwich and Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield — and nearly 900 in New England, the initiative could open significant opportunities for our students, particularly for internships and future employment.
Importantly, she notes, students do not need to be fully fluent. Cultural awareness and foundational language skills are highly valued.
Danke schön!
In 2024, Staples students celebrated German Day at the University of Connecticut.
Hard to believe, but voting for town officials begins in just 11 days.
Here’s the early voting schedule, at the Town Hall auditorium:
DATE VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are new to Westport, or have not registered before.
To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check or Social Security card).
You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or, mail your registration card by October 17.
If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the auditorium during the early voting period (above). Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at that time.
Registration also available on Election Day (November 4) at the Town Hall auditorium from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.
“OK To Delay” — the group urging parents to protect middle schoolers from smartphones and social media — kicks off fall with a coffee-and-conversation event tomorrow (October 10, 10 a.m., Make Modern, 180 Post Road East). Lyfe Café will provide the light bites.
Speaking of Saugatuck: Most places, you’d pay big buck$ to hear a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer play.
In Westport, it’s just $15.
And you’ll be sitting about 5 feet away.
Mark Naftalin — a keyboardist with the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band — brings his magic to the VFW on November 1 (6:30 doors, 7:30 music).
He’ll be joined by Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame member Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, plus Nick Longo and Paul Opalach.
Pay in cash at the door. It doesn’t get more down home than that.
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Intensity has opened new platform tennis (paddle) courts.
They’ll celebrate with a free opening night party on October 17. There’s a 6 p.m. round robin (sign up here to play), then an exhibition match with local pros at 7:30.
The event includes food, drinks, a raffle and photos.
Intensity is just over the Norwalk line, at 490 Westport Avenue. Questions? Call 203-853-7727.
“Live from Lincoln Center” executive producer — and longtime Westport resident — Andrew Wilk addressed a large Senior Center crowd on Tuesday.
He detailed the creation of his award-winning PBS special “Simple Gifts.” The program was organized by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, whose officer John Brandt led the conversation.
Westport resident Louis D’Onofrio has just published “The Ultimate Short Story Collection.”
Some were inspired by Westport, and New England. They offer “reflections on current world events, and the comforting chaos of home…. (They) celebrate the power of perspective, the magic in the mundane, and the connections that quietly bind us all.” Click here to order, and for more information.
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The weather has finally turned autumnal.
But earlier this week — and for much of the fall — it’s felt positively summerish.
Nico Eisenberger was at Burying Hill Beach on Tuesday. He reports: “There was a good showing from the High Tide Club today.
“The only requirement to join is that you show up to swim at high tide, sometimes. No initiation. No fee. Everyone is free to do as they please. We’re open to new members!”
PS: The forecast today is sunny, with a high of 60.
Burying Hill High Tide Club. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
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Speaking of the beach (and summer): The Parks & Recreation Department has announced a winner for its mural painting contest.
Luke Bernier’s work was selected. He is a junior at Staples High.
It will be painted on the side of the Hook’d/Bluestone concession building, facing west.
Right now, it’s a big, empty space. Here’s what it will look like next year:
Very cool, Luke. Congratulatons!
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The Suzuki School is more than just violins.
Their next concert (October 24, 7 p.m.) features jazz pianist/cellist Julian Shively and vocalist Emma McDonald. The evening blends jazz, R&B and neo-soul. click here for tickets, and more information.
Julian Shively and Emma McDonald.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 1 and 7.
A 19-year-old Stamford woman was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a crash on Beachside Avenue. The vehicle had been stolen from the Greens Farms railroad station, with the key fob left inside. A juvenile was also charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, and released in the custody of a parent.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a complaint that 2 checks had been intercepted from the mail, and altered. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a complaint of a verbal argument that escalated into physical contact.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 2 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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Lee Wrubel died at his Westport home on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 61.
The Staten Island native earned a BA from Lafayette College, an MD/MPH from Tufts University, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.
His professional life was dedicated to transforming healthcare, most notably with Foundation Medical Partners, a venture firm he co-founded with the Cleveland Clinic, and most recently as global co-leader of Egon Zehnder’s Global Healthcare Research and Development practice.
His family says, “Lee valued intellectual curiosity, creating and collecting photography, and a good espresso. His happiest times were spent with his family, whether walking to Compo Beach, traveling the globe, or engaging in conversation over a great meal, by the fireplace, or on the back patio. He was their rock and will continue to be their north star.”
Dr. Wrubel is survived by his wife of 33 years Michele; children Alec (Molly Kandarian) of Los Angeles and Brooke of New York, mother Evelyn, and his brothers Eric and Austin. He was predeceased by his father George.
Funeral services will be held at The Community Synagogue in Westport tomorrow (Friday, October 10, 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Community Synagogue.
Lee Wrubel
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Another day, another “Westport … Naturally” spider photo.
Fernando Silva writes: “There are 3 orb-weavers below our climbing hydrangea with huge, incredible webs. This cross orb-weaver posed so nicely at the corner of its web, camouflaged in a brittle bloom, I had to send it in.
“Spiders won’t win traditional beauty contests anytime soon. But considering Halloween is around the corner, it felt appropriate.”
And finally … Chris Dreja died recently in London. He was 78.
A rhythm and bass guitarist, and founding member of the Yardbirds, he was not as well known as other members of the group, like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
But he was here in Westport in October of 1966, when the Yardbirds gave a memorable concert at Staples High School. Here’s a story about that show. Click below for some of the songs he played on.
(Early voting begins soon — as “06880” notes above. We’ll continue to cover all the Westport races closely. That’s the way we roll. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Fashion and hip hop closed out VersoFest yesterday. The 5-day event was the best attended and most diverse in the 3-year history of the Westport Library event.
The penultimate event was “Glam to Punk Fashion Roundtable: Alice Cooper, Bowie, Blondie and Beyond.” Christine “The Beehive Queen” Ohlman moderated.
Christine Ohlman (left) leads the fashion panel.
The finale was “Hip Hop Panel and Performances: 51 Years of Wild Style, the First Hip Hop Motion Picture” with Tony Tone (Cold Crush Brothers).
Hip hop on stage. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografix)
VersoFest ’24 drew plenty of Westporters — and many others from throughout the tri-state region.
All were impressed by the depth and breadth of the programming, as well as the venue. Those who had never been in the Westport Library before were awed by the space.
And amazed that no one said, “Be quiet. This is a library!”
Congratulations to all who made it happen: Library staff, sponsors, performers, panelists, and anyone else.
In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, WMMM was Westport’s local radio station.
Broadcasting from studios above Oscar’s (now Rye Ridge) Deli, 1260 AM offered local news and sports, plus middle-of-the-road music.
They were there for the Save the Children radio auction, the Great Race, Festival Italiano and the Oyster Fest.
Of course, John LaBarca hosted a weekly Italian house party — and made trips (as Santa) to deliver holiday gifts to the Southbury Training School.
WMMM is no longer (though the FM station lives on, as 50,000-watt WEBE 108). WMMM’s last owners — the Graham family — donated WMMM to Sacred Heart University. In 2000, the call letters were changed to WSHU-AM.
But WMMM is back, at 105.5. Those are the call letters now of a radio station serving the Madison, Wisconsin area.
I don’t know how former Westporter John Kelley stumbled on the station, but he shared the news with “06880.”
PS: When WMMM was our station, the letters stood for “Modern Minute Man” (owner Red Graham owned Minuteman Travel, too).
Out in Wisconsin these days, they call it “Triple M.”
The “new” WMMM …
… and the original.
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The Fortunoff brothers — Aaron, a Staples High School freshman, and Brett, a Bedford Middle School 7th grader — spent all of yesterday outside Stop & Shop.
The boys were collecting cereal and donations for Cereal4All. The non-profit provide cereals to local food pantries.
Their hard work paid off. Shoppers donated 989 boxes of cereal, and added $2,100 in cash.
If you missed the Fortunoffs, but want to help, you can Venmo @lauriefortunoff, or click here for an Amazon wish list.
There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.
Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with a few of their many cereal boxes.
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Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.
Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.
No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.
The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.
Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.
This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.
Community Conversations: “It Will Go On” curator Victoria McCraven and Black Art Library founder Asmaa Walton (Thursday, April 11, 6 to 7 p.m.; Zoom only): A discussion about the current exhibit, and New England’s first Black art library installation. Click here to register, and for more information.
MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night (Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.): A night of creativity and talent, celebrating the power of expression and connection through music, poetry and more. Click here for more information.
Voices of Women: Natalia Kazaryan (Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m.): Georgian pianist Natalia Kazaryan celebrates the contributions of women composers. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Stéphanie Szostak — the Westport actress whose credits include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Iron Man 3” and “A Million Little Things.” — is a keynote speaker at the American Cancer Society’s annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon (May 15, 11 a.m., Stamford Marriott).
Szostak speaks often about overcoming failure, being an outsider and living with authenticity.
Kitt Shapiro — owner of WEST boutique, and a longtime supporter of the ACS — is a tri-chair for the event.
The luncheon highlights the importance of being one’s own health advocate. Over the past 10 years it has raised more than $1 million to support women’s health research, advocacy and more.
A deer silhouetted in the Vista Terrace woods, in Longshore near the 1st and 2nd holes on the golf course, starts this week’s “Westport … Naturally” feature off on a handsome note.
Looking for a historic speakeasy in Westport, featuring jazz, food, drink and gambling?
Head to the Suzuki Music School in Colonial Green on March 4 (7 p.m.). The basement will be transformed into the type of illicit space F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald knew well from their time here.
The Rich Goldstein Trio and Joe Carter Trio will perform. Tickets ($125) include food and drink, and $25 of (charity) gambling chips. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Proceeds benefit the Suzuki Music Schools, and Westport Museum of History & Culture.
The evening marks the mid-event of the 2023 Connecticut Guitar Festival. Opening night at MoCA Westport (Friday, March 3) features classical guitarist Rene Izquierdo and contemporary Guitarist Jordan Dodson.
The Saturday daytime lineup includes education for young and old guitar students at MoCA: master classes, lectures, an open mic and a 3 p.m. showcase concert by the Yale Guitars.
The Guitar Festival ends Sunday at MoCA with a free children’s pillow concert headed by festival artistic director Mak Grgic, and an honors concert of young area students.
Click here for full details of the Connecticut Guitar Festival.
Westport Police report 2 custodial arrests between February 16 and 22.
One followed a report that a family member was acting erratically. During a mental health emergency, a Westport resident swung at officers, causing minor injuries. He was charged with 2 counts of assault on a public safety employee.
The other arrest was for failure to appear.
The Police Department is still unable to report information on traffic and other citations.
One arrest last week was for failure to appear for a court date.
Wheels2U’s on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service is free tomorrow (Friday, February 24).
The normal fee to and from the Westport and Greens Farms stations is $2.
Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., for rides between either train platform and their front door. Pickups for trips to the stations should be requested 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.
For more information about Wheels2U, including how to download the Wheels2U app and book a ride, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.
A Westport woman is having a hard time finding a handyman.
The work involves basic repairs, including painting, screens and other things.
She’s not on Facebook (the usual place to search for such things), and has had no luck finding one on her own. If you know of a good handyman — or you are one yourself — click “Comments” below.
Here’s a bright idea: The Connecticut Ornithological Association has just launched a “Lights Out Connecticut” initiative.
Residents, businesses, schools and building managers can pledge to turn off non-essential exterior lighting each night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., during periods of peak bird migration. The goal is to help save migratory birds.
Connecticut joins Colorado, Georgia and Texas as the only places in the nation with statewide “Lights Out” programs.
The COA says that because most North American migratory birds travel at night, artificial light can disorient them, leading to fatal window collisions. There may be as many as 988,000,000 bird deaths in the US each year.
It’s a great idea. It’s especially welcome by residents of Cottage Lane. They’ve been aggravated by bright lights at the new 1480 Post Road East development nearby. The Planning & Zoning Commission has ordered a new lighting plan by May 9.
It can’t come soon enough for the neighbors. Or the birds. (Click here for the full Connecticut Ornithological Association story.)
Westport has many adult education offerings in many areas.
Andrew Smith thinks there are not enough in music.
He’s the executive director of Suzuki Music Schools of Westport & Orange — well known as a center for early childhood, and middle and high school, programs.
The Suzuki Philosophy is that children need an immersive experience in music. Smith says that holds true for adults too. Suzuki is not just for kids.
The school offers basic classes like Music Reading for Beginners, and Listening to Classical Music. Smith hopes to add Singing for Pleasure, Film Music and Composing.
He’d also like to create a Suzuki Members Club for Adults, with social engagement, public concerts and use of the facility. It would be like rowing or golf clubs — but focused on music.
Click here for more information, and registration.
“Blooming With Paint’ (May 9, 6 to 8 p.m.) is a painting and drawing workshop, focusing on floral still life and challenging students to notice scale, proportion and placement.
Each participant receives a piece of handmade Nujabi paper, watercolor and oil pastels, paint brushes, Nujabi paper and drawing board. Click here for more information, and to register.
WTF also offers “sweet and whimsical spring flowers” for Mothers Day. Each bouquet comes in a mason jar tied with grosgrain ribbon. They’re $55, and designed by Sarah Shaw Floral Design exclusively for Wakeman Town Farm.
Orders will be taken through May 4. Pickup is at the Farm on Saturday, May 7 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) A portion of the proceeds supports WTF programs. Click here to order.
Wakeman Town Farm Mothers Day flowers. (Photo/Nancy Elizabeth Hill Photography)
It’s 2 years late. But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 40th (okay, 42nd) reunion (and giant 60th birthday party for all) this year.
The main event is Saturday, August 13 at LaKota Oaks in Norwalk. The 65-acre site features a pool, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes and more. Dinner includes a DJ and dancing.
There are also meet-ups as Viva Zapata (Thursday, August 11) and the Black Duck (Friday, August 12).
As is traditional, they’ll raise money in honor of beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, to support The Susan Fund.
PS: Thanks to a generous donor, tickets are (almost) free!
Click here for more information. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.
“Can I drink if my parents are with me?” “How old were you when you started drinking?” “If pot is legal, how can it be bad?”
If you’re a Westport parent, your child may ask you those or similar questions. How would you respond?
To help frame your answers, the Westport Prevention Coalition offers “Don’t Wait.” The 52-minute short film helps parents start conversations about substance use.
It’s available free to Westporters throughout March, thanks to a grant. You can watch at home whenever it’s convenient, or join other parents for a virtual group showing. There are follow-up discussions online too.
To watch, click here, then enter promo code PD2022. To register for a group showing and/or follow-up discussion, click here.
In related news, on Thursday Positive Directions hosted a virtual discussion on “Mindful Drinking: Reimagining Our Alcohol Habits, and How They Impact Our Relationships.”
A panel — including professionals, parents, a recovering alcoholic and a Staples High School student — gave clear, honest accounts of their own experiences with drinking in Westport.
The discussion is online, and available at any time. Click here; then scroll down underneath “How Are You Coping in 2022?” to view.
The Westport Library invites artists to submit work to be featured on upcoming vinyl. It will also be sued for digital and print promotions.
Fairfield County painters, illustrators, designers, photographers, collage makers — and all other visual artists — can apply.
The competition is part of the Library’s first-of-its-kind “Verso Records Compilation, Volume 1.” The independent record will feature emerging tri-state musicians in genres from jazz and rock to folk and indie. All tracks are recorded live at the Library’s state-of-the-art Verso Studios.
The Artists Collective of Westport will oversee an independent jury committee. Among them: Neal Smith, a founding member of Alice Cooper.
Along with the honor of designing the cover, the artist chosen will receive $1,000.
12” x 12” artwork should be in TIF, JPEG, PNG or PDF format, with a minimum of 300 dpi. The Library’s art department will add text and crop materials at their discretion.
For more information, click here. The submission deadline is March 25.
Sarah Bernhard is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
The actress/singer author presents “Sandra Bernhard: An Evening of Comedy and Music” on Sunday, March 12 (8 p.m.). Running time is one hour; no intermission. Explicit language.
Her film credits include “The King of Comedy” with Robert De Niro and Jerry Lewis, directed by Martin Scorsese. Television credits include “The Sopranos” and “The Larry Sanders Show.”
Broadway World says, “Sandra Bernhard takes no prisoners and pulls no punches. She will set the place afire with her white-hot intelligence. She is authentic, unapologetically pissed, heartbroken, and of course, hilarious.“
The acronym stands for Assisting Women with Actions, Resources and Education. Each year, members partner with a local non-profit. They volunteer with that group, organize an educational event and host a fundraiser.
Their next event is March 1 (WEST, 117 Post Road East, 7 p.m.). WEST owner Kitt Shapiro will talk about her new book, “Eartha & Me: A Daughter’s Love Story in Black and White.” It’s a memoir of growing up with her mother, Eartha Kitt.
AWARE members have been reading the book this week.
This is not a fundraiser — just a fun event with AWARE member Kitt. Plus, she’s offered 20% off merchandise to anyone that night.
PS: I’ll be introducing Kitt. I’m “aware” of what an honor that is!
Once again, Tyler Hicks has the lead photo on the front page of the New York Times.
The 1988 Staples High School graduate/Pulitzer Prize winner’s shot today shows a Ukrainian military front-line position in the eastern separatist region of Luhansk, after being hit by an overnight mortar attack. (Hat tip: Ryan Burke)
Last year, COVID forced Suzuki Music Schools’ Connecticut Guitar Festival into cyberspace.
It’s back for a 5th year March 11-13 — both live at the Westport Library, and online (free!).
The event opens with a Kickoff Concert, starring classical and jazz greatsPaul Galbraith, Adam Levin, Adam Del Monte and Leandro Pellegrino.
It continues all weekend with a guitar expo, “GuitART,” and performances and events with Similar Kind, Matt Rae, Rami Vamos, Benjamin Verdery, CGF artistic director and Grammy-nominee Mak Grgic, and many more!
For a full list of events, click here. For an overview of the festival and artists, click here.
To celebrate its 1-year anniversary, Westport-based FLB Law donated 1,200 cans of soup to the Filling in the Blanks SOUPer Bowl Food Drive. The Norwalk nonprofit provides weekend meals to needy children in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
Other recent FLB initiatives include packing backpacks with holiday treats, toys and a dental kitfor Filling in the Blanks, and making birthday boxes for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
And finally … Beverly Ross died recently in Nashville. She was 87.
You may not know her name. For a while, she was one of the most successful pop and rock songwriters in America — and one of its few females.
Her short career ended when a work relationship with Phil Spector turned sour. She said that he stole a riff they were working on, then turned it into “Spanish Harlem” — which he credited to himself and Jerry Leiber. Click here for a full obituary.
Well, at least the parking lot at 246 Post Road East will be, this Sunday, October 24.
Kids are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes, for the annual Spooky Suzuki Concert & Carnival. The 3 p.m. concert is followed by refreshments, activities and games. Game tickets must be purchased in advance. Click here for more information.
Participants can also donate to the “Color a Positive Thought” fundraiser, for underserved Bridgeport neighborhoods.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-to-24-year-olds, and the second leading cause of death among college students. Earlier this year Kevin Kuczo, 17, of Fairfield lost his battle with depression. Before playing sports at Fairfield Warde High School, he was a proud member of the Fairfield County Football League’s Wildcats. Westport PAL is a member of the FCFL.
The league wants all youngsters to know that they are not alone during their darkest times — and to instill the importance for athletes to give back.
They’re collecting funds now for suicide prevention research and educational programs. They hope to ease the stigma surrounding suicide and its causes, and encourage those suffering from mental illness to seek treatment.
Donations — made out to FCFL — can be sent to 25 Thistle Road Norwalk, CT 06851. For more information, call Carmen Roda of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department: 203-640-8085.
The Camp Gallery hosts a special night this Friday (October 22, 6 to 8 p.m., 190 Main Street). The featured artist is German-born Dominik Schmitt; there’s live music too with Chris Coogan and Linda Couturas.
Debby Ury died Sunday at Norwalk Hospital, after a brief illness. She was 68 years old.
She grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts. Debby graduated in 1974 from Simmons College in Boston with a B.S. degree in nursing, then Boston University with a Master’s Degree in education.
She and her husband Frederic Ury moved to Westport in 1977. She began working at Danbury Hospital. She had a long career in the medical field, and ended her career teaching various medical courses at Norwalk Community College.
Debby was an avid fan of any sports team from Boston, and enjoyed watching her beloved Boston Red Sox, Celtics and Patriots play every year, whether they won or lost. She loved the Adirondack Mountains, and spent much of the last 35 years at the family’s log home in Lake Luzerne, NY.
Debby is survived by her husband Frederic S. Ury; children Jennifer (Jeff) Gornbein and Robert Ury; grandchildren Jacob and Benjamin Gornbein; brothers Bryce Conner and Justin St. James; sister-in-law Linda Ury Greenberg and her husband Ned Greenberg, and their children Captain Michael Greenberg and Amanda Pinkston.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 23 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 10 a.m.). There will be an opportunity to greet the family prior to the service. at 9:15 a.m. Burial at Willowbrook Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Click here to leave online condolences.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Debby H. Ury Scholarship Fund, c/o Lake Luzerne Music Camp. 203 Lake Tour Rd., Lake Luzerne, NY 12846.
Hazel Saviano of Westport died peacefully last Thursday, surrounded by loved ones, at the Roseville Road home she was born in. She was 94 years old.
Hazel was the daughter of Martha Mills and George Lewis Sr. The family’s roots in Westport stretched back to the mid-1800’s. Hazel remembered trolley cars traversing Westport streets.
She was a school bus driver in Westport for over 35 years. When she retired in 2003 at the age of 76, she had safely delivered thousands of Westport children to and from school.
Her family says, “Her heart was big and her smile was infectious. All who knew her loved and adored her.”
Hazel was predeceased by her husband, retired Westport Police lieutenant John J. Saviano Jr.; sons John J. Saviano III and Lawrence Saviano, and siblings Edna Call, Vera Lewis and George Lewis, Jr.
She is survived by her daughters Marie Richards (Robert), Melinda Bonin (Glen), Cheryl Petrone (Tom); daughter-in-law, Debra Saviano; grandchildren Robert L. Richards Jr. (Dawn), Melissa Bailey (Ethan) and Michelle Saviano; great-grandchildren Dylan and Violet Bailey, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Hazel’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Congressman Jim Himes reminds residents of free tax filing resource,
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers federal and state tax help to people earning under $56,000 a year. VITA is largely virtual this year, but there are also some drop-off locations. Click here to learn more.
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services provides free tax help over by phone. Call 860-297-5770 to schedule an online appointment.
The University of Connecticut School of Law offers federal and state tax assistance for low-income Connecticut residence by phone. Call 860-570-5165 to learn more or book an appointment.
“King in the Wilderness” is an Emmy-winning HBO documentary about the last 3 days of Martin Luther King’s life. At the end of the 1960s, the Black Power movement saw the civil rights leader’s focus on nonviolence as a weakness, while President Lyndon Johnson believe his antiwar activism was dangerous. King himself was tormented by doubts about his philosophy and future.
The executive producer was Westporter Trey Ellis. He’s an award-winning novelist, Emmy and Peabody-winning filmmaker, playwright, professor of screenwriting in the Graduate School of Film at Columbia University, and contributor to The New Yorker, New York Times, Washington Post and NPR.
On Thursday, February 25 (7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts a conversation between Ellis and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey. Registrants can view the film for one week prior to the event. There is no charge; click here to register.
The program is part of Westport READS. This year’s them is “Towards a More Perfect Union: Confronting Racism.”
The popular Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” play-reading series returns Monday, February 22 (7 p.m.).
This time, audiences can hear the scripts in their own homes. The virtual performance is also available on demand any time, from noon February 23 through February 28.
This reading — “A Sherlock Carol” — should be particularly fun. It’s about a grown-up Tiny Tim, who asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge. Six actors take on the famed characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. Click here for more information, and tickets.
In addition, the Playhouse presents a free virtual conversation about Thornton Wilder’s timeless “Our Town” — particularly as it applies to the 21st century.
It’s this Sunday (February 14, 3 p.m.), on the Playhouse website and YouTube channel (Westport Playhouse).
Participants include Howard Sherman, author of a new book about “Our Town”; Anne Keefe, associate artistic director with Joanne Woodward for the Playhouse’s 2002 production of “Our Town,” and Jake Robards, who appeared in that show. The host is Playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos.
In other WCP news, the Playhouse has announced the 13 members of its inaugural Youth Council. They include Staples High School students Henry Carson, Kate Davitt and Sophia Vellotti, plus Cessa Lewis, a Westporter who attends St. Luke’s School.
Suzuki Music Schools’ Connecticut Guitar Festival returns for a 4th year on March 5 to 7 — virtually, of course. It’s all part of the Westport-based organization’s mission to make international artists accessible to everyone — for free.
For a list of events, click here. For an overview of the entire festival and artists, click here.
The other day, Mary-Lou Weisman emailed the Parks & Recreation Department.
She and her husband had been upset to find the Compo Beach bathrooms locked. They were replaced by porta potties “filled nearly to the brim” (and lacking toilet paper).
Mary-Lou noted that medical experts have warned against using such small, secured enclosures during COVID.
A Parks & Rec employee replied. She noted that bathrooms are seasonal facilities only, and the water has been shut off for the winter. (Year-round bathrooms are available at the Ned Dimes Marina.) The department is following up with the service company that maintains the porta-johns.
Mary-Lou responded: “Are the 2 proper restrooms at Compo closed because of financial concerns. or because the water pipes would burst in cold weather? If the concerns are financial, I would hope the town would provide the necessary funds to keep them open. I would further suggest that if frozen pipes are a concern, that problem might be mitigated by being wrapped, and probably by other means.
“If Westport can afford to build pickleball courts and skateboard ramps, the town should be able to keep the bathrooms open all year.”
Bathroom facilities at Compo Beach are closed. (Photo/Matt Murray)
On Friday, the William F. Cribari Bridge will glow again. It’s a holiday tradition that makes Saugatuck special.
Yesterday, “06880” reported that a crew of Al’s Angels and friends worked for hours, restringing lights and replacing broken bulbs.
They don’t want a lot of publicity. But here’s the gang to thank. They bring a bit of joy, at a time we all desperately need it.
(Photo/Al DiGuido)
COVID has canceled some of Suzuki Music Schools’ traditional performances.
So the Westport students are going online. Among the highlights: a mid-month “Ode to Joy.” The virtual orchestra project features students and faculty from the Westport and Orange campuses and KEYS Bridgeport, celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday.
Suzuki adds: “As a non-profit music school, we keep the community culturally connected by providing free concerts, scholarships, and international events to the public directly due to the generosity of others, so it is inherent that we help those around us grow as well. In that spirit, we encourage the public to not only donate to Suzuki Schools at www.suzukischools.org this Giving Tuesday, but also to the organizations they appreciate and that affect them most.
And finally … whenever I think of Suzuki musicians, I think of “M*A*S*H.” In the unforgettable final episode, Major Charles Emerson Winchester III is aggravated that a group of Chinese North Korean POWs are musicians. He tries to teach them his beloved Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A, with moderate success.
With the war’s end imminent, the prisoners ship out from the 4077th. Gamely, they play the piece in the back of the truck.
Casualties continue to arrive — including one of the just-released POWs. The entire group had been killed, minutes after leaving camp.
“He wasn’t even a soldier,” the distraught doctor says. “He was a musician.”
Winchester returns to his tent. He puts on a record of the Clarinet Quintet, then smashes it in rage.
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