A much-needed mid-winter touch of Hawaii came to the Westport Library Sunday night.
The Staples High School Orphenians put on an aloha-themed cabaret, as part of their fundraising efforts for their summer trip to the Aloha State.
Longtime Staples music aficionado — and former Fairfield music teacher — Ellen Kuroghlian was there. She writes:
“The benefit was outstanding. The singers were better than I have ever heard at Staples. The program included individual singers, with Broadway star Kelli O’Hara singing the last number — “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — with all Orphenians.
“David Pogue was the emcee. He worked on Broadway for 10 years, and is an expert at the piano, so he used it to emphasize a story or point. What a wonderfully dedicated father of a current Staples student, and 2 college age ones. And what wonderful gifts from these 2 pros.
“Choral director Luke Rosenberg sang too. He is a terrific performer. ‘Excellent modeling,’ as we educators say.
“Staples culinary instructor Chef Cecily Gans deserves ‘extra credit’ for the wonderful and bounteous ‘aloha-themed bites’ (which were large ones). Aliso Milwe Grace was there too, helping out.
“The performance, and the whole evening, was totally special.”
If you missed it — or just want to add something to the Orphs’ fund — click here.
Two of the many performers. James Dobin-Smith sang “My Way,” while Ethan Walmark played “Piano Man.”
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Yesterday’ Roundup item about the regular weekend pop-up clean-up projects around town led several readers to ask: When is the next one?
It’s Saturday, February 5, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (11 a.m.). Bring gloves and trash bags, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in.
There will be more than enough garbage to go around!
Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com
This past weekend’s trash pick-up on Greens Farms Road. Next up on February 5: the imperial Avenue parking lot.
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Earlier this month the mayor of Marigny — Westport’s French sister city — announced they’d be joining us, in offering aid to Lyman, Ukraine.
Marigny has not forgotten the help our town provided in the years following World War II.
Want proof? Check out the banner on the top of the region’s daily newspaper:
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Today’s Kings Highway Elementary School students have no clue about the 1980s. Some of their parents may be too young to remember it too.
But the KHS PTA hosts a “totally tubular ’80s-themed prom fundraiser” on Saturday, February 4 (7 to 10 p.m., Norwalk Inn). All KHS parents – past, present and future are invited. So is everyone else in town, no matter what you though about (or did during) that decade.
It’s a fundraiser for the school’s Outdoor Learning Center. Money is needed for raised planter beds, special bat-watching cameras, a greenhouse and more.
There will be dancing to ’80s tunes, and auction items from places like Modern Dermatology, Splatterbox, and Wakeman Town Farm, plus field passes to a Mets game, and a chance to have kids driven to school in a police cruiser.
While satin prom dresses, shoulder pads and “Miami Vice”-inspired pastel suits are encouraged. Tickets include a full open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and charcuterie, crudité and pasta stations. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Artists’ rendering of Kings Highway Outdoor Learning Center.
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For 60 years, Weston Emergency Medical Service has provided free care to town residents — and mutual aid to Westport, Wilton, Fairfield, Redding, Norwalk, Easton and Georgetown.
On March 25 (6:30 p.m., Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton), the 100%-volunteer organization celebrates those 6 decades in a very Weston way.
Tony Award-winning director/longtime TV and movie star/proud Weston resident James Naughton will emcee.
Dan Micciche — music director of “Wicked” — will perform, along with other Broadway stars.
Weston EMS hopes to raise $100,000 to continue their mission of neighbors helping neighbors with the highest level of emergency care services and state-of- the-art equipment — all free.
An online raffle begins March 10. Tickets will also be available at the gala, plus silent and live auctions.
To become a sponsor, advertise in the program, or donate a product or service to the raffle or auctions, email abelport@westonems.com
Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here and scroll down. Questions? Email gala@westonems.com.
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Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 26, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
First place winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and a thoughtful composer, her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured respectively in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”
Joining Sarah Jane are bassist Peter Brendler, drummer Michael Camacho and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
The cover charge is $15. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Sarah Jane Cion
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It took a while for last year’s jetty project to be completed at Burying Hill Beach.
Now — with crowds gone — it’s a perfect home for gulls.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from one of the few folks at Westport’s “other” beach: Eric Bosch.
(Photo/Eric Bosch)
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And finally … if you’re ready for the ’80s (as in, the Kings Highway Elementary School fundraiser — story above), then you must get up and dance to this:
(“06880” hasn’t been around since the 1980s. But we’ve covered Westport — and have not missed a day — since 2009. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
