Tag Archives: Talmage Boston

Roundup: High Winds, Presidents, Running …

Posted on February 17, 2025 | 3 comments

Today’s high winds have caused 48 power outages in Westport, and 39 in Weston.

This was the scene on Cedargate Lane, off Whitney Street:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Winds of 20 to 30 miles mph hour — with occasional gusts possible over 50 mph — are expected through 6 p.m.

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This news is very timely, for Presidents’ Day.

The University of Virginia’s Miller Center is a non-partisan center that studies  presidential scholarship.

On March 20 they’ll host a special session: “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents.”

It’s special for another reason: 2 of the 3 participants are Staples High School graduates.

Speaker Talmage Boston (SHS ’72) is an attorney, historian and author. His latest book examines presidential leadership. He has been named a “Texas Super Lawyer” by Thompson Reuters every year since 2003, and among the “Best Lawyers in America” every year since 2013.

Moderator Marc Selverstone (SHS ’80) is the Miller Center’s Professor of Presidential Studies. A historian of the Cold War, he is the author of “The Kennedy Withdrawal: Camelot and the American Commitment to Vietnam.” As co-chair of the Center’s Presidential Recordings Program, Selverstone edits the secret White House tapes of Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon.

Click here for more information, and a link to the livestream and archived video.

Talmage Boston and Marc Selverstone.

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Registration is open for the Joggers Club’s Kids Running program.

It’s great for youngsters grads kindergarten through 8th grade looking to perfect their skills, as well as those looking just to burn energy.

The program runs every Sunday from April 6 to June 4, 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples High School track. The cost is $149 for Joggers Club members, $199 for non-members.

Workouts range from the 100 yard dash to fun conversational runs.

Sessions begin with stretching and warmups, followed by coaching on speed, endurance and strength. Each day ends with relays and games.

Coaches include 5 experienced adult runners, and stars of Staples High School’s cross country and track teams.

All members receive a running shirt, trophy, and visit from an ice cream truck.

Email thejoggersclub@gmail.com for more information.

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They can’t believe it’s here. But the Staples Class of 1965 is planning their 60th reunion.

The main event is September 20, at the Patterson Club in Fairfield. Many more activities are also in the works.

A committee of 12 — including Westporters Merle Spiegel, Joey Kaempfer and Mike Greenberg — have been at work for a year already, determined to make it the best reunion in history. (Three members are expected from Australia!)

They’ve found good addresses for 230 classmates — but they need more. If you’re a ’65 grad — or know someone who is — email Staplesreunion1965@gmail.com.

The “new” Staples, circa 1959. By 1965, a new addition was built to the 2 buildings, on the right (south) side of the ones pictured. The auditorium (center left) and gym (largest building in the rear) are the only original structures that remain today.

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Ed Simek writes: “These 3 trees always catch my eye as I drive through Longshore. They’re on the fairway, separating the 8th and 9th holes.”

No one is playing golf there today. But it’s an intriguing photo nonetheless — perfect for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … sure, this is Presidents’ Day.

But it’s also National Condom Week.

Enjoy!

(Celebrate today — and every day — with “06880.” May we suggest a tax-deductible contribution, to support our work? Please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Politics, Sports, Weather

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Roundup: Alex Jones, Henry Kissinger, Kennedy’s Barber …

Posted on October 13, 2022 | 10 comments

In the wake of yesterday’s jury determination that Infowars fabulist/Sandy Hook denier Alex Jones must pay nearly $1 billion to families of victims of that school massacre, “06880” reader Kristan Hamlin lauds the work of Westport attorney Josh Koskoff and his law firm, Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

She writes: “Congratulations to the lead counsel in the case, Christopher Mattei, a fine human being and an excellent lawyer — the best of our profession — and to the entire Koskoff law firm.

“As Robbie Parker (a parent of a slaughtered 6-year-old) so eloquently said, you gave back to these re-victimized victims their voices. I am so proud of all of them, and to the Connecticut jury and the Connecticut judge in this case.”

Josh Koskoff

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

To make a real difference, Westport’s Department of Human Services and Domestic Violence Task Force are collecting used cell phones and iPads, to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford. Clients can use them to ensure their safety, and avoid tracking by their abuser.

The DVCC provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport and surrounding towns.

Donation bins are located at Westport Town Hall and the Senior Center, and available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov. For  information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, click here.

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The list of Westport barbers has been shaved by one.

Kennedy’s All-American Barber emailed members yesterday: “Effective immediately, all memberships have been frozen. Due to company wide and market changes we are ceasing operations as it was and starting something new and special.

“We helped rejuvenate a dying industry of men’s grooming 13 years ago. Hundreds of shops opened as a direct result of our brining [sic] high end men’s grooming shops back to its former glory. We lead an industry wide movement to bring back high end men’s grooming.

“We are entering a new economic and business climate and healing from the two years of drastic sales decline due to covid. Men that go to the office instantly became a thing of the past. That was our typical client. So we are adapting once more. We are going mobile. Brining [sic] the barbershop to you. In a high end mobile showpiece packed with all the equipment and luxury you are used to, and many of the same staff you have grown to love.” (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)

Kennedy’s in Playhouse Square.

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Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Rachel Doran was just 21 years old when she died. But her memory lives on strongly. And her relatives and friends use it to help other families facing critical illnesses, by providing lodging, food and transportation aid.

Rach’s Hope — the non-profit founded in her name — holds its 2nd annual Family Fun Walk this Sunday at Compo Beach (3 p.m.).

Need extra incentive? Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg has pledged to walk 1,000 miles yearly for Rach’s Hope. All you need to do is walk 1 mile!

Participants will receive special prizes, hear live music, and enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks from Pizza Pie Wagon and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

To purchase tickets, donate or learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here. You can follow Rach’s Hope on Facebook and Instagram: @rachs.hope.

Rachel Doran

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Margot Liotta debuts tomorrow!

The Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate — now a student at Berklee College of Music — has been working on her EP for over a year. She started it in Westport, during the pandemic.

The producer is Staples classmate Zach Rogers. Her manager — fellow SHS ’19 alum Kevin Ludy — helped make the album cover. It includes a familiar Compo Beach cannon scene:

Click here for the pre-save link. Click here for Margot’s TikTok; click here for her Instagram.

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Most Westport Rotary Club speakers talk about current issues.

Tuesday’s guest – Westport resident Robert Augustyn —  went back in time. The owner of Robert Augustyn Rare Maps & Prints discussed historical maps, including one from 1478 that represents a recovery of knowledge from the Roman Empire.

He also highlighted a 1507 map by Johannes Ruysch that was the one of the first to portray America; an 1878 bird’s-eye view of Westport, and a local business directory poster from 1854 that features the Metropolitan Oyster House restaurant and a “mechanical” dentist who made house calls. 

Robert Augustyn describes a Westport map at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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This Sunday’s “Andrew Wilk Presents…” features a special performance by American String Quartet violinist Peter Winograd, and celebrated pianist Rohan De Silva. Wilk himself — the noted executive producer of “Live at Lincoln Center” — will lead a Q-and-A with the artists.

The event is October 16 (2 p.m., Westport Library).

From left: Rohan De Silva, Andrew Wilk, Peter Winograd.

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If you’re a psychic you know this already, but: “celebrity psychic medium” Karyn Reece will be in Westport for a “VIP event” November 12 (7:30 p.m., Amy Simon Fine Arts).

The event features (as you also already know) light bites, wine, and “audience-style readings and messages with Karyn.”

Karyn Reece

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Henry Kissinger is still alive.

At 99 years old, he’s just published a new book: Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy

On Friday, October 21 (1 p.m.), Staples High School 1972 graduate/lawyer/writer Talmage Boston interviews the former Secretary of State for his “Cross Examining History” podcast. Click here for he Zoom link.

Henry Kissinger

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Purple is the color of epilepsy awareness.

On October 30, the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut hosts their annual Purple Pumpkin 5K at Sherwood Island State Park (8:45 p.m.).

While parents and teenagers run, youngsters can paint a pumpkin purple. All attendees are invited to wear something purple too.

Light refreshments are available after the race. The $35 registration fee includes a t-shirt. To register, click here.

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The Fresh Market ospreys get most of Westport’s love. The Sherwood Mill Pond and Burying Hill ones get the rest.

But what about the Nash’s Pond osprey? Tricia Freeman offers this raptor, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Tricia Freeman)

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And finally … Anita Kerr died Monday in Switzerland. She was 94.

The session singer and arranger had a long career in both country and pop music. Click here for a full obituary.

Among her accomplishments: singing backup on Roy Orbison’s memorable song:

(The Roundup is a daily “06880” feature. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Deer, Alaska, Trump …

Posted on October 6, 2022 | 12 comments

A deer in distress has been wandering around the Long Lots Lane/Keene Road area.

Tangled in what looks like a badminton net, its gaunt appearance suggests it cannot see to forage for food.

Residents who spot the deer should call Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076) pr Wildlife in Crisis (203-544-9913). They are aware of the situation, and are ready to help.

Ruth Ayles, who sent this photo — which she saw on Facebook — reminds residents to properly dispose of balloons (or skip them all together).

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You’ve probably seen the ads for ABC and Hulu’s new drama “Alaska Daily,” which debuts tonight.

They’re hard to miss.

But all the marketing for the Hilary Swank show neglect to mention Gabe Sherman’s contributions.

The Westport native is a key writer on “Alaska Daily.” He’s collaborating with Tom McCarthy, who executive produced a show based on Sherman’s book about Fox News, “The Loudest Voice.” For a rave preview of the series, click here.

In addition to this TV project, Sherman is a regular writer for Vanity  Fair.

Gabe Sherman

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Elections loom in a month. Westport’s League of Women Voters is ready.

They want you to be, too.

They want everyone to know about Vote411.org, It’s a national information center. Type in your address, and get all the voting information you need.

On November 2 (7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom), the LWV sponsors a candidates’ debate. Included are Senate District 26 hopefuls Toni Boucher and Ceci Maher, House District 136 (Alma Sarelli, Jonathan Steinberg), and House District 143 (Nicole Hampton, Dominique Johnson).

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Speaking of politics: Check out the latest “Cross Examining History” podcast (link below).

Host Talmage Boston — a 1972 Staples High School graduate — interviews Peter Baker and Susan Glasser about their new book about “The Divider,” about Donald Trump.

The entire series, in fact, is worth hearing. Boston examines American history and leading books, through in-depth and entertaining interviews.

That’s only one of Boston’s many talents. He’s a commercial trial and appellate litigator in Dallas, a Texas Monthly “Super Lawyer” with a sideline as a writer, on topics as diverse as baseball history and Teddy Roosevelt.

 

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There’s something new at Old Mill Grocery: tables.

Three handsome, sturdy tables now welcome customers to sit inside. The Hillspoint Road spot continues to attract a steady stream of guests.

As OMG transitions to fall, regular dinner specials are an added attraction.

Old Mill Grocery tables. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport’s Representative Town Meeting is seeking candidates to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Arline Gertzoff. The vacancy must be filled by a registered voter residing in RTM District 3.  No party affiliation is required, as Westport’s RTM is non-partisan.  The term expires November 28, 2023.

Residents of RTM District 3 interested in being considered to fill the vacancy should send a resume by October 14 to JDunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Wait! The Remarkable Theater drive-in movie season is not yet over!

They’ve just added another film. It’s tomorrow night — and it’s the 1941 Disney kids’ classic “Dumbo.”

The Imperial Avenue parking lot opens at 5:45 p.m. for tailgating. The show begins at 6:45. Click here for tickets.

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Everyone talks about historic preservation in Westport.

But — as homes and buildings as old as 200 years, and as new as 20, fall to the wrecking ball — what are our greatest protection needs?

The Westport Historic District Commission recently received a Historic Preservation Enhancement Grant from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Funds will be used to hire a consultant to prepare a town “Preservation Plan.” It will identify and prioritize the greatest areas of need for historic preservation.

The plan will also will help establish and prioritize more Local Historic Districts and Local Historic Designations.

Properties within a Local Historic District have a higher degree of protection. The HDC must approve an application for alteration to a historic structure, as well as any new construction within a district.

Gorham Avenue is one of Westport’s Historic Districts.

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Push Against Cancer is a family affair.

Jessica and Keith Larit’s daughters Emma, Leah and Katie wanted to do something special for the kids of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Their idea: a “Kids Helping Kids” bake sale.

On October 16 (Staples High School, 9 a.m.), everyone attending the 13th annual Push Against Cancer can do push-ups for pledges — and then reward themselves with tasty treats.

Katie says, “I enjoy helping because all kids deserve to have fun at camp.”

Emma adds, “I hope we can raise enough money to send hundreds of kids and their families to camp to have fun.”

Click here for more information on the Push Against Cancer.

Andrew Berman (red shirt), CEO and founder of Push Against Cancer, with
Emma, Leah and Katie Larit, and their parents Keith and Jessica. The sign refers to this year’s event, which will surpass $1 million raised in 13 years.

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“The Afro-Semitic Experience” is the intriguing title of the next Y’s Women meeting.

In 1998 Dr. David Chevan, professor of music at Southern Connecticut State University and Hartford native Warren Byrd co-founded a 6-piece group of Jewish American and African American musicians. The Afro-Semitic Experience has performed, recorded and taught together ever since.

On October 10 (Greens Farms Church. 10:45 a.m.), they’ll share stories and songs, and discuss their conviction that people of different faiths, races and beliefs can come together with music to celebrate and build community.

Click here for more information.

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“From the Pen to the Knife” is MoCA Westport’s new exhibit. A free opening reception is set for October 15 (5 to 7 p.m.).

The collection is by artist 90-year-old Marian Christy. She creates innovative watercolors using only palette knives and puddles of paint — no drawing or brushes. Click here for information.

One of Marian Christy’s nearly 300 works, exhibited soon at MoCA Westport.

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Westport Community Gardens director — and superb nature photographer — Lou Weinberg sends this superb “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

Lou notes: “The magical honeybee is not just a great pollinator. It is also an acrobat, sitting out the rain vertically on glass!”

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And finally … on this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer” — the first full-length “talkie” (sound) movie premiered. The site was Warner Bros.’ flagship New York City theater.

Wikipedia notes: “In keeping with the film’s theme of a conflict within a Jewish family, the film premiered after sunset on the eve of the Yom Kippur holiday.”

Among the many notable performances in the movie: Al Jolson’s performance of “Mammy.” Though he wore blackface, as other entertainers in the era did, he was known as a strong advocate for racial justice, particularly on Broadway.

(“06880” is your source for all kinds of info. Please click here to support this blog, and keep it coming!)

 

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

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Talmage Boston: Tales Of The Green Monster

Posted on April 24, 2012 | 5 comments

When Talmage Boston played junior varsity baseball at Staples in the early 1970s, he could not have imagined where he’d end up 40 years later:

Opening day of the season. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park. Sitting atop the Green Monster.

With Dave Harrison, his old baseball coach.

Talmage Boston

Most people forget JV sports. But when Talmage — a commercial trial and appellate litigator in Dallas, and aTexas Monthly “Super Lawyer” with a sideline as a baseball historian — published 2 books on the sport, he sent them to Dave.

They reconnected. Last year, when Talmage spoke at the Great Fenway Park Writers Series, he had a nice reunion with Dave, and former teammates Randy Avery and Trip Blair.

But that was just batting practice, compared to last week.

I should mention here that Talmage — who, as yet another sideline, has written extensively on Teddy Roosevelt — is very friendly with Ken Burns. When the filmmaker and fellow history buff invited Talmage to New Hampshire for a screening of his new documentary “The Roosevelts,” Talmage had the makings of a once-in-a-lifetime (unless you’re over 100 years old) trip.

Dave and Marianne Harrison, and Lauriston Avery, at the Fenway Writers dinner.

He spent his first day with Dave and Marianne Harrison in New London, N.H., where they’ve lived for the last few years.

After a couple of days in Walpole with Ken Burns (and TR, FDR and Eleanor), it was off to a speaking engagement at UMass-Lowell about Talmage’s latest book, Raising the Bar — about “iconic figures who have brought integrity and honor to the legal profession.” (I know, I know…)

Still, that was just warmup.

Last Thursday night Talmage attended the Great Fenway Park Writers Series’ 100th anniversary dinner at the Hotel Commonwealth, just across the Mass Pike from Fenway.

Famous Bostonians like Peter Gammons and Congressman Ed Markey recalled their favorite memories of the legendary park.

Mike Dukakis did too. When he was governor, Democrats and Republicans played fast-pitch hardball against each other in Fenway. Now, he said, there aren’t enough Republicans in Massachusetts government to field a team.

Yet that was still the early innings.

Sitting on the Green Monster -- on opening day. (Photo/Barry Shuman)

On Friday Talmage picked up tickets for himself, the Harrisons and the Averys at will call. Incredibly, their seats were on top of the Green Monster — one of the most cherished spots in all of sports.

Under bright blue skies, the Red Sox celebrated their park’s centennial by inviting all former players onto the field. Each — including Bobby Doerr and Johnny Pesky, both in their 90s — was announced individually. Each took his old position on the field.

Talmage’s favorite — Carl Yastrzemski — was last. Talmage — and everyone else in the sold-old stadium — had tears in their eyes.

“Sitting there, on top of the Green Monster, with my old high school coach, and friends from that team — I just felt like the world was my oyster,” Talmage says.

Almost immediately, he headed back to Dallas. A wedding — and work — beckoned.

But after that week, Talmage Boston hardly needed a plane to fly home.

Lauriston Avery snapped this once-every-100-years opening day shot, from atop the Green Monster.

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Posted in Looking back, People, Sports, Staples HS

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(Talmage) Boston And The Texas Rangers

Posted on November 3, 2010 | 5 comments

If you’ve spent any time at all in Westport, you know there’s a connection between this town and every major event, all over the world.

And if you’ve been following “06880” for any time at all, you know we’ll find that connection.

Today’s example is the Texas Rangers, recent World Series losers.  And the link is a lot closer than that a bunch of Westporters watched them beat the Yankees in the ALCS.

Talmage Boston

Deep in the heart of Texas — far from his Connecticut roots — lives Talmage Boston.  The 1972 Staples grad (and former Wrecker player) is an uber-Rangers fan.  But unlike most baseball fans, whose devotion consists of drinking beer and wearing replica jerseys, Talmage walks the talk.

And he writes it.

His baseball essays have appeared in the Dallas Morning News, Fort  Worth Star-Telegram, the Dallas Business Journal — and on the walls of the Nolan Ryan Center in Alvin, Texas.

He’s written 2 books:  Baseball and the Baby Boomer and 1939:  Baseball’s Tipping Point.

Talmage has lectured on baseball history at Princeton, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, SMU’s Cox School of Business, and Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts.  The Texas Baseball Hall of Fame has inducted him as a media member.

As you can imagine, Talmage’s writing is far more than praise of Josh Hamilton and Cliff Lee.

In one book Talmage “captures the heart and soul of the game that we, as baby boomers, inherited,” says no less an expert than John Grisham.  In the other, he insightfully describes baseball’s centennial year — 1939 — as a tipping point that transformed the game.

His blog posts tackle such subjects as the “justice (that) occurred over the course of more than two months in the  Texas Rangers bankruptcy proceedings.”

It should be noted that Talmage’s day job is trial lawyer. A shareholder and commercial litigator, he has been named a “Super Lawyer” by Texas Monthly every year since 2003.  Talmage currently serves on the State Bar of Texas board of directors.

Still, like many American boys who grew up in the 1950s and ’60s, Talmage’s work takes a back seat to baseball.

He likes the courtroom — but he loves the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington more.

Earlier this year he interviewed Ken Burns onstage as part of the SMU Athletic Forum speaker series.  Talmage then accompanied the PBS documentary filmmaker — working on his “Tenth Inning” film about the history of baseball from 1993 to 2010 — to the stadium, where he threw out the 1st pitch.

And when presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin spoke at the State Bar of Texas annual meeting, Talmage chatted with her — about their common love of baseball.

Next May, Talmage returns to New England.  He’ll talk about baseball history and memorabilia at Fenway Park.

And, no doubt, the Texas Rangers’ amazing (if ultimately unsuccessful) 2010 season, that Talmage waited so long to see.

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