Roundup: Long Lots, Music, Drag …

Posted on May 21, 2024 | 5 comments

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The one agenda item is to “provide general status updates and outline next steps in the project process.: There will be public comment, as time allows.

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight.

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“06880” reported yesterday that Experience Camps raised over $150,000 at Sunday’s Day of Champions, to support their summer programs for children who have lost parents or siblings.

The actual total was $157,129 (and still rising).

But that wasn’t the only fundraiser the Westport-based organization held.

There was another Day of Champions in Sharon, Massachusetts. It was anchored by Tracy Hoffman — sister of Westporter Melissa Post.

And it brought in another $112,000.

Congratulations to all the champions, in both towns.

Sunday’s Day of Champions. And this is not even all of them!

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This winter, “06880” highlighted Nola Beldegreen’s work as an executive coach, specializing in speaking and communication skills.

Specifically, the Westporter helps teenagers and young adults overcome phone anxiety. Many are hesitant — even fearful — to talk on the phone with strangers.

Or even people they know.

The other day, she was a guest on Erin and Sara Foster’s “The World’s First Podcast.”

On Sunday, Sara told her nearly 750,000 followers:

Last evening, Sara Foster posted on her Instagram story to her 748K followers about the podcast episode that I did: “We recorded this episode a few weeks ago and I just listened to it. Loved it. Will be so helpful for so many you!”

Click here to listen. Then tell your friends about it.

By voice or text.

Nola Beldegreen

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Jackopierce — the duo with 1987 Staples High School graduate Cary Pierce and his Southern Methodist University classmate Jack O’Neill that has shared stages with Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Matchbox Twenty and Widespread Panic — continues to release new music twice a month.

Among the tunes gaining plenty of traction: “Need You Most.”

Click here to listen. Click here to read all about Jackopierce.

Jackopierce: Cary Pierce (right) and Jack O’Neill.

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Speaking of music: This Thursday’s Jazz at the Post honors “The Night of the Cookers.”

The evening celebrates the 1965 live LP of the same “Cookers” name, featuring trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan. This time, trumpet masters Joe Magnarelli and Andy Gravish showcase the spontaneity and majesty of that historic moment in jazz history.

Joining them are saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Yuriy Galkin and drummer Steve Johns.

The Staples Jazz Ensemble kicks things off, at 7 p.m.

Shows are May 23 (7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover; $15 veterans and students). Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Just in time for Pride Month: Westport’s 3rd annual drag show is back.

The 18+ event is called “Chic + Cheeky.” Sponsored by Westport Pride, it’s June 14 (7 to 9 p.m., MoCA Westport).

Headliner Patty Bourree is “a chic chanteuse and mouthy comedienne known for her big voice, hilarious parodies, vintage style and bad attitude.

Tickets include hors d’oeuvres (7 to 7:30), drinks, and photos after the show. Click here to purchase.

PS: “Dressing fashion forward is a must!”

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Mary Ann Batsell died unexpectedly on Friday.

The Westport native, who lived in the area for over 70 years, will be remembered for “her love of the beach, her gardens, her tireless energy and her wit,” her family says. “She had a generous heart, and was always willing to help others.”

She is survived by her daughter Lori of Anna Maria Island, Florida; sisters Sara of Fairfield and Jalna of Norwalk; brothers Rene of Woodinville, Washington and Jonathan of Westport, and her long-time companion Joseph Nazzaro of Westport.

Friends may call at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (May 23, 4 to 7 p.m.). A funeral mass will be held at Assumption Church on Friday (May 24, 10 a.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Audubon Society, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

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Sivan Hong explains today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“These fox pups (there are actually 3) have been living right outside my kitchen for 2 weeks.

“We have only seen the mama at night. But these guys play for hours during the day like a bunch of puppies, getting into everything. Too cute!”

(Photo/Sivan Hong)

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And finally … in honor of next month’s show at MoCA (story above):

(You know what’s a drag? Reminding readers that “06880” relies on contributions. But we’ll keep doing it, because … funds. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Media, Obituaries

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Swag Lab: Westport’s Newest Brand

Posted on May 21, 2024 | 2 comments

Sure, you can go online to order water bottles with your company logo. Or t-shirts for your bar or bat mitzvah, and special place cards for your wedding.

Clients and guests might (or might not) say “Nice.”

But you could also head over to Post Road East next to Tiffany. There, on the second floor Swag Lab, you can consult with Stacey Lewis, and get the full treatment: branding, design, and ideas for every kind of swag imaginable.

Your clients and guests will definitely say, “Wow!” “Crazy!” Or “Holy s—!”

Stacey Lewis settles in.

The Swag Lab is a natural extension of Lewis’ professional career. A Westporter since 2020, she’s from Long Island. Her husband grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. When they left New York, this was the place with the best schools, most interesting activities, and coolest “beach vacation vibe.”

Lewis spent 0ver 20 years in the promotional products industry. Thirteen years ago, she started her own corporate branding and merchandise business.

She worked remotely, or in clients’ spaces. There was no brick-and-mortar site.

The Swag Lab takes that concept one step further. Lewis offers soup-to-nuts resources (though the “soup” is homemade, and the “nuts” are very high quality.)

She’s able to show clients specific products — demonstrating, say, the different between one type of t-shirt and another. It’s a place to sit, share ideas and options, and devise a strategy to make any event, whether a corporate outing or family celebration, extra special.

A selection of swag.

Lewis is detail-oriented. What image should your “save the date” invitation convey? What products are right for you: hoodies, PJs, hats, mints? What goes into your fundraising goody bag?

Her clients include hedge funds, law firms, brides-to-be, and everyone in between.

Her projects range from corporate meetings to beach outings (think branded towels and flip flops).

Full disclosure: Lewis sent me (unsolicited) some swag. It included a water bottle, scented candle — and cookies with my face on them.

Stacey Lewis sent me a hat — and cookies, with my face on them.

After all these years, she is still surprised at what people ask for. After all these years too, she has a wide enough network of contacts and vendors that she can always deliver.

(Lewis can also set up online stores, for ongoing sales. But that’s a whole other story.)

The Swag Lab is not, Lewis notes, a “tchotchke provider.” Instead, she says, “tell me your vision. We’ll work together to make it happen. When the party’s over, your swag keeps dancing.”

(To follow The Swag Lab on Instagram, click here.) 

(“06880” relies on reader support. You won’t get swag. But you will earn our ever-lasting gratitude — and you’ll help your hyper-local blog. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2589

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 2 comments

Compo Beach kayaks (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Westport’s New Fire Chief: A Familiar Face

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 5 comments

Westport searched widely for a new fire chief.

But after nearly a year, the right candidate was right here in town.

Deputy Chief Nick Marsan will take over as Westport Fire Department’s chief on July 1, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced this afternoon.

He takes over from Mark Amatrudo, who has been interim fire chief since July 1, 2023.

Marsan has been a member of the Westport Fire Department since 2007. In addition to his current role as deputy chief, he also serves as the town’s emergency management director.

He has extensive experience in emergency operations, fire safety and public administration. He began his career as a professional firefighter assigned to Platoon 3, after graduating from the Connecticut Fire Academy Class #41.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan

Marsan served as a firefighter for 9 years before promotions, first to fire inspector. then to engine company lieutenant, stationed primarily in Saugatuck.

A state-certified fire marshal and emergency medical technician, Marsan also holds national fire service certifications.

He is the recipient of 2 Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, and several department awards including 3 unit citations, the John H. Gallagher Award for outstanding service, and the Turker Aksoy Award for outstanding patient care.

Marsan has also served Norwalk and Darien as a fire inspector, and is a fire instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

For 10 years, he was the elected president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 1081.

Marsan is a veteran of the US Army and the CT Army National Guard. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, and earned an Army Commendation Medal for Valor for his actions there.

Marson holds 2 master’s degrees. One is in history from Western Connecticut State University. The other is in public administration and emergency management from Sacred Heart University.

He recently completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I am excited to lead the men and women of the Westport Fire Department,” Marsan says.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me and I look forward to continuing our department’s dedication to outstanding service to the residents and guests of the Town of Westport.”

Tooker adds, “Nick has the proven ability and expertise to seamlessly and effectively take over the role as chief.

“He has a breadth of knowledge, skill, experience, and understanding that will ensure that the current high standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained in the Westport Fire Department. I have every confidence that he will flourish and excel in this leadership role.”

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“06880” Podcast: David Lloyd

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 1 comment

David Lloyd is one of ESPN’s longest-running anchors. He’s been with the network for 27 years. Right now, he’s the 7 a.m. host of Sports Center.

Before ESPN, David was a sportscaster in Macon, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Sacramento, and San Diego.

He’s a native Westporter, and a graduate of Staples High School and Colgate University.

The other day, David hustled down to the Westport Library from Bristol, and reversed roles: He was the interviewee, not the interviewer.

We chatted about the sports landscape when he was a young athlete here; his route to ESPN; memorable moments from his career, and what it’s like working for the “worldwide leader in sports.”

But we also talked about The Susan Fund. For 40 years, the non-profit organization that provides scholarships for students with cancer has honored the legacy of his late sister. That work is as meaningful as anything David does.

Click below for our conversation about sports, and much more.

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Roundup: Day Of Champions, Sunrise Rotary Service, Winslow Park Poop …

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 9 comments

Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the annual Day of Champions.

Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.

A small part of the large Day of Champions crowd. 

In just a few years, the Day of Champions has become one of Westport’s favorite traditions.

Jordan Schur’s GOATS team.

The event raised over $150,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings.

This boy named Will, his twin sister (not pictured) and younger sister lost their dad in 2022. Will gave an inspiring speech, about the importance of Experience Camps in his life.

So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?

Experience Camps, for sure.

Crushin’ it, at the Day of Champions. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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A few yards away from Winslow Park — and just a few hours later — Bernadette Peters wowed a sold-out Westport Country Playhouse crowd.

The Tony Award-winning stage, film, television and recording star gave shout-outs to the historic Playhouse (where she has performed before), as she offered unique interpretations of beloved Broadway songs by Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.

Her haunting “Send in the Clowns” was a special highlight.

Peters referenced the Dog Festival, when she talked about co-founding Broadway Barks with Mary Tyler Moore. Unfortunately, she said, she didn’t make it over to the park; she was doing her sound check.

It was a warm, wonderful evening. And one more sign that the Westport Country Playhouse’s 93rd year will be one of its best ever.

Bernadette Peters (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club joined Saturday’s international Day of Service.

Working with Westport’s Department of Human Services, volunteers cleaned up a Westport yard that needed help. They filled 30 large lawn and leaf bags — a small act that made a big difference.

Sunrise Rotarians (from left to right): Bob Galan, Bruce Fritz, Rob Hauck, Bruce Paul and Ted Freeman.

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Also yesterday: the Staples wrestlers’ car wash, at the Shell station across from Winslow Park (and the well-attended Dog Festival).

Many high school teams raise funds this way.

But not many do it with the grapplers’ style: They all wore their singlets.

At least, they started out that way.

(Photo/Jennifer Rosen)

PS: This is not the only way the wrestlers help the community. They’re well known for taking on a variety of heavy labor tasks, like moving furniture or hauling rocks. Whatever people pay goes right back to their program.

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Meanwhile, some folks are not contributing to their community.

Cindy Blount send this photo …

… and writes: “Walking my dog in Winslow park on Saturday, I was astounded to find a number of dog poop bags left on the side of the trails in the woods.

“I picked them up. How about a reminder to dog owners to either drop them in the trash cans provided at the park, or take them home and toss them?”

It is astonishing that people will take the time to clean up after their dog — perhaps because someone is watching — but can’t be bothered to carry it a few more minutes, or yards, to a trash can.

I’ve written about this before. It doesn’t seem to make a difference.

The people who need to read this, don’t.

Or if they do, they just don’t care.

What a sad way to live your life.

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Also yesterday: the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club’s Bloomin’ Metric event.

There were 4 rides — 25, 40, 75 and 100 kilometers — starting and ending at Sherwood Island State Park.

Attendees enjoyed food trucks, bike inspections and vendors.

Among the booths: Bike Westport.

Markus Marty, a founder of the local group — which advocates for safer streets throughout town, for riders, pedestrians and drivers — brought his “smoothie blender bike.”

He gave out free smoothies, to raise awareness of the cause.

Well, Markus, notes, “they weren’t completely free. People had to work for them.”

How? As the photo below shows, the smoothie blender worked not on electricity, but on people pedal power.

Which made the drink even more enjoyable.

(Photo/Markus Marty)

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There hasn’t been a lot of sun for the past few days (weeks) (months).

But when there is, this green frog (rana clamitans, according to Morgan Veltri of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center enjoys it.

And — while posing for our “Westport … Naturally” feature — also blends in well with the surroundings.

(Photo/Morgan Veltri)

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And finally … on this date in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets. Strauss went on to form a company to manufacture them, which is why today they are called “Levis,” and not “Jacobs.”

(Another week of Roundups begins. “06880” keeps you up to date on everything happening in town — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Children, Environment, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Coming Soon: A New “Bridge At Saugatuck”

Posted on May 20, 2024 | 19 comments

For decades, Mansion Clam House was a storied Saugatuck destination.

It closed in the mid-2010s. Its replacement, Parker Mansion, shut down last year, after a largely forgettable 6-year run.

The vacant property — prime real estate, in one of our town’s most vibrant restaurant destinations — is ready for its next incarnation.

If Doug Pardon’s plans work out, “The Bridge at Saugatuck” will be as beloved as Mansion Clam House, and more a part of the riverfront neighborhood than Parker Mansion ever was.

Doug Pardon

This is the Staples High School Class of 1997 graduate’s first restaurant venture. But after a career on Wall Street, Pardon knows how to research an investment.

The former football, basketball and baseball player (and statewide Scholar-Athlete honoree) has gotten input and feedback from seasoned professionals.

And as someone who grew up in town, then moved back 8 years ago to raise his family, Pardon knows what and where Westporters like to eat.

Food has always been part of his life. His father Edward — a noted financial advisor — loved to cook. He took lessons from Pietro Scotti, and on Sundays prepared memorable meals.

Pardon inherited his father’s passion. (His parents live in the same Guyer Road home they built in 1972, and enjoy babysitting their grandchildren.)

Pardon tried to purchase the Black Duck a few years ago. Despite many conversations with the owner and landlord, the deal was not completed.

This past January, through his friend Chuck Haberstroh’s uncle-in-law, commercial real estate broker Skip Lane, Pardon heard that the Parker Mansion space on the Riverside Avenue/Bridge Street corner was available.

Before it was Parker Mansion …

He and his wife Elizabeth took a look.

“There seemed to be a lot that prior management hadn’t focused on,” Pardon says.

“There’s the main building, with an upstairs and downstairs; a side patio that they built but never developed, and the riverfront, which was also not utilized.”

… the building was, for many years, The Mansion Clam House.

Pardon researched area restaurant rents.

He enlisted his friend, NBC News and MSNBC anchor/journalist Craig Melvin, as a partner. The men met while coaching their sons’ basketball team.

Pardon brought several restaurateurs through the property. (One was Matt Storch, owner of nearby Match Burger Lobster, who just wanted to help.) They thought the kitchen was small, but good. “You could open up tomorrow,” one said.

Not quite. They took their time. After diligent work — on the property, and getting it right — The Bridge will open in late July.

A “Coming Soon” banner is coming soon — Memorial Day weekend — to spread the word to folks passing by.

Coming soon: A “Bridge at Saugatuck Coming Soon” sign.

Pardon is not quitting his day job. He needed the right chef and operating partner.

Stephen Lewandowski was a great find. The Culinary Institute of America graduate opened Townhouse Greenwich (the former Gabriele’s), and Harlan Publick in South Norwalk.

He also served as executive chef at New York’s Tribeca Grill and corporate chef for the Myriad Restaurant Group, working alongside Drew Nieporent.

Pardon convened focus groups with 80 Westporters. He asked what they liked and disliked in 20 local restaurants.

“I know a lot of restaurants fail,” Pardon says. “It’s important to listen to people. You can’t just open up what you want.”

He’s using local talent to create “a nice place the town can be proud of.” They include architect Frederick Hoag, contractor Chris O’Dell of the O’Dell Group, interior designer Elizabeth Murstein, and Dennis Grimaldi of Westport Glass.

The Bridge will feature “upscale tavern American cuisine,” Pardon says. Part of his vision for the interior is the Gramercy Tavern bar — the site of his first date with his future wife.

The downstairs area will include a barroom feel, with high-top tables. There will be more formal dining upstairs. The side patio and waterfront are important elements in the design, perhaps with cabana-type structures.

Pardon also hopes to use the 5 boat slips on the Saugatuck River.

Boat slips and unused waterfront, behind the former Parker Mansion.

Yet as exciting as The Bridge’s location is, what about that other bridge — the one named for William Cribari, whose uncertain future includes the possibility of a much larger span being built just a few yards away?

“People keep asking me that,” Pardon says. “The town cares about Saugatuck. I’m not losing sleep over it.”

Westporters have debated “the Saugatuck bridge” for years. Doug Pardon hopes they’ll soon all agree that “The Bridge at Saugatuck” is a welcome addition to town.

(“06880” covers Westport’s restaurant and political scenes — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Pics Of The Day #2588

Posted on May 19, 2024 | Leave a comment

Winslow Park went even more to the dogs than usual today.

Our town’s favorite canine park was packed with dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Their owners were all over the lot too.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Dog Festival was the biggest and best ever.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out these great photos, from “06880” photographer/soon-to-graduate Staples High School senior Charlie Scott.

(Bow) wow!

Westport Police Department K-9 training demonstration.

Enjoying the obstacle course.

(Photo/Amy Saperstein)

(All photos/Charlie Scott, unless otherwise noted)

(Photo/Dan Woog)

 

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Photo Challenge #490

Posted on May 19, 2024 | 5 comments

It’s an odd but enjoyable sight, for boaters, kayakers, canoeists, paddleboarders, and diners at Rive Bistro: a lighthouse, perched on the eastern bank of the Saugatuck River between the William Cribari and Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridges.

The white, wooden structure — in the back yard of a riverfront home — was last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.) 

Andrew Colabella, Adam Starr, Ed Simek, Fred Cantor, Jalna Jaeger, Seth Schachter, Vanessa Bradford, Mary Ann Batsell, Jonathan McClure and Nancy Bloom all correctly identified it.

They disagreed though as to whether the exact location was Otter Trail or Oak Ridge Park. Both are streets off Imperial Avenue that lead to the river.

Richard Fogel — who took the photo — says it’s Oak Ridge. Either way, it’s a fun, funky scene.

Today’s Photo Challenge is one of my own photos. This new (I think) bench caught my eye, because it looks out on such a strange view. Of course, I cropped that part out, to not give it away.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: George Washington’s Bible, Rotary $$$, Gray’s Creek …

Posted on May 19, 2024 | 6 comments

A true piece of American history came to Westport yesterday.

The Bible George Washington used when he was sworn in as our nation’s first president — on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City — was on display, at Temple Masonic Lodge #65. That’s the building on the Post Road East/Imperial Avenue corner, shared with Harding Funeral Home.

The occasion was the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Westport Masons’ chapter.

White-gloved Masons guard the famous Bible, as Westporters watch at a respectful distance.

The Bible — which was also used at the inaugurations of 4 other presidents, and at Washington’s funeral — is owned by St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1 in New York.

They display it occasionally around the country, but this is its first visit to Connecticut.

Washington was a Mason. So were other famous Americans, including Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Connecticut native Nathan Hale.

(Photos/Frank Rosen)

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A quick “pup-up” reminder: Westport’s annual Dog Festival takes place today (Sunday) at Winslow Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Contests, vendors, food trucks — and plenty of room for dogs to meet and greet — are part of the day. Arf!

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Westport Rotary Club awarded $200,000 in grants to 41 area non-profits.

Who got all that largesse?

After School and Summer School Programs 

  1.   Connect Us – Bridgeport
  2.   Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders – Bridgeport
  3.   Earthplace – Westport
  4.   Builders Beyond Borders – Westport
  5.   Westport Department of Human Services – Westport
  6.   Horizons at Notre Dame – Bridgeport
  7.   Horizons at Greens Farms Academy – Bridgeport
  8.   Horizons at Norwalk Community College – Norwalk
  9.   The Carver – Norwalk
  10. Urban Impact of Black Rock – Bridgeport
  11. Westport Country Playhouse – Westport
  12. First Serve Bridgeport – Bridgeport

Services for Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities 

  1. Westport Book Sales Ventures – Westport
  2. CLASP Homes – Westport
  3. My Team Triumph – Westport
  4. St. Catherine Center for Special Needs – Fairfield
  5. Club 203 – Westport
  6. Team Woofgang & Co. – Bridgeport

Services to Address Homelessness and Food Insecurity 

  1. Homes with Hope – Westport
  2. Homes for the Brave – Bridgeport
  3. Off The Streets – Bridgeport
  4. Open Doors CT – Norwalk
  5. Food Rescue US – Stamford

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Primarily for Children 

  1. Positive Directions – Westport
  2. Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center – Norwalk
  3. Kids in Crisis – Greenwich

K-12 Formal Education for Children from Low Income Families 

  1. Park City Prep Charter School – Bridgeport
  2. Adam J. Lewis Academy – Bridgeport
  3. A Better Chance – Westport

Services for Low Income Adults, Primarily Immigrants 

  1. Mercy Learning Center – Bridgeport
  2. Caroline House – Bridgeport
  3. Burroughs Community Center – Bridgeport
  4. CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants – Bridgeport

College Scholarships for Students in Need 

  1. Staples Tuition Grants – Westport
  2. Norwalk Housing Foundation – Norwalk
  3. The Susan Fund – Westport

Services for Domestic Violence Victims 

  1. Domestic Violence Crisis Center – Stamford

Emergency Medical Services 

  1. Westport VEMS – Westport

Legal; Services for Children from Low Income Families 

  1. Center for Children’s Advocacy – Bridgeport

Services to Address Recidivism 

  1. HomeBridge Ventures – Bridgeport

Activities for Seniors 

  1. Friends of the Westport Senior Center – Westport

The next time you see info on a Rotary Club fundraiser: Keep this list in mind.

And buy a ticket!

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For nearly a decade, Alan Sterling’s “Gloria” oyster boat was moored in Gray’s Creek.

After spending its final months disintegrating on shore — washed up on a bank during a storm — it was demolished and removed last week.

Here’s a view of Gray’s Creek today:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It looks serene and lovely.

But without Gloria, it’s just not the same.

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“The Outsider” is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.

No, not the Broadway musical based on the coming-of-age novel of the same name.

“The Outsider” — written by Paul Slade Smith and directed by Mark Shanahan — is the next “Script in Hand” offering.

It’s set for Monday, June 10 (7 p.m.).

This “Outsider” is “a timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

“Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking; his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive chief of staff, Ned seems destined to fail.

“But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office. Unless the public is looking for … the worst candidate to ever run for office.”

All seats are $30. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Michael Friedman’s great Church Lane pop-up shop — featuring his very cool, very close-up and personal photos of rock stars like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, The Band, Paul Butterfield, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Winter — after next weekend.

They’re open noon to 6 Friday through Sunday, and by appointment (203-247-6869).

Now is the time to put in special orders. There’s 20% off any image, of any size (with still time to frame before Father’s Day).

And there’s 25% off framed prints currently on display.

Friedman’s shop was a perfect place where rock met pop(up). Be sure to check it out, before it checks out.

Mick Jagger (Photo copyright Michael Friedman)

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Weston High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian are not just the top 2 students in the Class of 2024.

They’re also close, longtime friends.

Valedictorian Sophie Rutkowski has dedicated herself to science research. She presented her work to the North American Black Fly Association,  and studied endometrial cancer.

She also did independent study on Eastern European literature,

Musically, Sophie finds joy playing the flute and piccolo. Her groups include Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz and Pit Orchestra. She is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and Music Mentors.

Other volunteer efforts include National Honor Society, Lachat Town Farm, and Weston High swim team community service.

Sophie is also an AP Scholar with Distinction, and has won the University of Michigan Book Award, rhe Marie Curie Award, and is part of the National Junior Classical League Latin Honor Society.

This fall, she will attend Columbia University.

Salutatorian Natasha Jain has lived in Weston since 1st grade. She is a member of the WHS Green Team and Fighting Against Climate Injustice. She has competed in mock trial competitions since middle school, and helps coach the junior mock trial team at Weston Middle School.

Natasha plays the clarinet in the  Wind Ensemble, and piano outside of school.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.

Natasha is also an accomplished dancer in the Indian classical form of Bharatanatyam. She recently performed a 3-hour on-stage solo dance in front of a large audience.

Natasha will attend Tufts University, and plans to major in neuroscience.

Natasha Jain and Sophie Rutkowski

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Homeowners may not know that cash discounts are available not only at gas stations, but also (in a somewhat bigger transaction) real estate.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say: “A study of over 2 million sales from across the country during 1980 – 2017 revealed that, on average, mortgage buyers paid 11% more than cash buyers. A more recent study of data through 2021 pegged the premium at 8%.

Locally, over the past 12 months, more than half (50.4%) of Westport real estate transactions were recorded as cash sales.

Mortgages and closing costs can mount up. In fact, New York has a graduated mortgage tax, tacking on an additional 2% or so to record mortgages on city purchases.

Click here to read more about borrowing and closing fees, including a comparison between Connecticut and New York.

The asking price for this 5-bedroom, 9-bathroom, 7,435-square foot house on 2.51 acres at oddly named Pan Handle Lane is $5,499 million. The mortgage is estimated at $38,730 a month. There may be a cash discount.

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If you’re headed to today’s Dog Festival at Winslow Park, take a detour before or after to the Shell station across from the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot entrance.

The Staples High School wrestling team is running a fundraising car wash, from noon to 3 p.m.

Who knows? They might even rinse off your pooch.

They can wrestle — and wash your car!

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We are surrounded by so much greenery, we don’t always appreciate it.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio does. Her shot of Vista Terrace, inside Longshore — today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — reminds us that all around town, we are surrounded by beauty.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … in honor of “The Outsider,” coming soon to the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(If it’s happening in Westport, “06880” will tell you about it. Please tell us you appreciate our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Beach, Education, History, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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