Connecticut’s Tax-Free Week returns this year, from August 16 through August 22.
Most clothing and footwear under $300 per item will be exempt from sales tax. Click here to view examples of qualifying items.
==============================================
Former Westport resident and Parks & Recreation commissioner Stephen Axthelm posted a harrowing photo on social media …
… and this:
The first is of the base camp and command center for the Modrite fire north of Spokane, Washington.
The second is of his daughter Charlotte. The 2012 Staples High School graduate has lived for weeks — with just one 2-day break — working 16-hour days, managing heavy equipment logistics and trying to salvage habitat.
“I am so incredibly proud and equally terrified,” Steve writes.
Charlotte: Your home town sends thanks for your important and courageous work. We all are thinking of you.
================================================
Answer: Jeremy Schaap.
Question: Who is the first-ever ESPN Jeopardy champion?
The Staples High School Class of 1988 member and longtime Westport resident captured gold recently — and won $500,000 in support of the charity of his choice, the International Sports and Music Project.
All episodes now streaming on Disney+, Hulu and the ESPN app.
To learn more about his historic win, click here. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Jeremy Schaap: ESPN Jeopardy champion!
=============================================
Speaking of “Jeopardy”: Congratulations to Sam Pollack and Sid Kumar!
Both competed in the International Geography Championship, held last month in Thailand.
Sam — a rising Bedford Middle School 7th grader — qualified for the semifinals in the “Jeopardy” division (see the connection?).
He had to leave early. But despite missing some events, he still placed 36 (out of 66) in his division.
Sid — a Staples High School rising sophomore — finished 55th, out of 76.
(From left) Sid Kumar and Sam Pollack (Photo/John Pollack)
================================================
Three new — and very different — shows are coming soon to the Westport Country Playhouse.
“Come Together” (September 10, 7 p.m.) is a night of Beatles music. A powerhouse live band and lineup of Playhouse favorites offer familiar and classic tunes, adored by generations.
“Ari Axelrod: My Year in Anatevka” (September 15, 7 p.m.) is a moving journey through one of musical theater’s most beloved stories. During one year, Axelrod portrayed 6 characters, in 3 “Fiddler on the Roof” productions.
He began just days after the October 7, 2023 massacre. The show’s themes of tradition, identity, displacement, resilience and hope took on new and urgent meaning. With songs (including those not in the Broadway staging) and behind-the-scenes stories, “My Year in Anatevka” traces an artist’s journey through a musical that suddenly felt like a mirror.
In “Rent Control” (September 28, 7 p.m.) — a crazy but true 1-man show — a struggling actor turns a rent-controlled New York apartment into a lucrative Airbnb scheme.
Click here for details and tickets for all 3 shows.
==================================================
A large yacht anchored off Compo Beach drew some attention yesterday.
(Photo and hat tip: Eric Bosch)
But for everyone wondering what famous Big Name owns it: It’s just a rental.
Okay, a $120,000 per week (plus expenses) “charter.” But a rent-a-yacht nonetheless.
The 130-foot “King of Fun” hosts 10 guests in 5 cabins (plus a crew of 8).
Special features include a sundeck jacuzzi with bar, marble interiors, outdoor cinema, Wi-Fi, spa, gym, air conditioning, waterslide, fishing and snorkeling equipment — plus an “armada of toys.”
To learn more about renting — er, chartering — “King of Fun,” click here.
===============================================
Lachat Town Farm continues to grow as Weston’s community center, with a wide variety of programs for all ages and interests. Coming up:
A Continuous Sequence of Blooms: free gardening class (August 22, 10 a.m.)
Farmers’ Market (August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.).
Mandalas: Painting and wellness class (September 10, 6 p.m.)
The Longest Table: community event, sharing a meal and conversation (September 13, 5 p.m.)
For information, registration and more, click here.
Scenes from the Lachat Town Farm Farmers’ Market.
===============================================
Last night offered a couple of great music options.
A Motown tribute band brought back memories at the Westport Country Playhouse.
At the Levitt Pavilion, Christine Ohlman and friends celebrated Amercan icons like Curtis Mayfield, the Staple Singers, Hank Williams, Willie Dixon — even Stephen Foster.
There are 2 free shows at the Levitt this weekend: Logical Pretzel, a Steely Dan tribute band (tonight, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) and the String Queens (Sunday, 7 p.m.).
Click here for more information.
Levitt Pavilion, last night. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
==================================================
There’s no telling what will pop up on Facebook Marketplace.
For example: “Hugh Jackman’s toothbrush.”
It’s worthy of an “06880” mention because it was listed in Westport. The seller is Jesse Sanchez.
We have no idea how to authenticate it. Nor we know whether that is Hugh Jackman’s toothpaste.
However, if you’re willing to pay $50, it’s yours. Click here for the listing. (Hat tip: Ellen Bowen)
==================================================
Staples High School’s Classes of 1969 through ’72 gathered last night at the Norwalk Inn, for a multi-year reunion.
The fun continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, at Compo Beach.
Old yearbooks and news clippings. (Photo/Susan Garment)
==================================================
Today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” juxtaposition — a butterfly and sunflowers — comes from Tracy Porosoff.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the 120-foot yacht that turned some heads at Compo Beach:
(Maybe you can’t afford a $120,000 a week yacht. But we’d be grateful for any kind of contribution at all, to show your appreciation for “06880.” Please click here. Anchors aweigh!”)
