Stories

Westport Household Hazardous Waste Day at Greens Farms Railroad Station April 13

<p>The Department of Public Works is holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, April 13 from 9am to 2pm at Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport CT. (Located between I-95 and Metro-North Railroad tracks)</p><p>Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich to safely dispose of their household hazardous wastes. Products such as cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly.</p><p>Residents of participating towns may safely dispose of the following types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies &amp; paints.</p><p>Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:</p><ul><li>Make sure items are clearly labeled and&nbsp;<u>NEVER MIX CHEMICALS</u><strong>.</strong>Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.</li><li>Keep products in original labeled container.</li><li>Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.</li><li>Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.</li><li>Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.</li><li>Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.</li><li>Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.</li><li>Residents must remain in their vehicles during collection.</li><li>Residents are asked to be patient, as this is the first HHW Day of 2022, and lines may be longer, due to greater number of participants and larger quantities of materials per vehicle.</li><li>Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.</li></ul><p><strong>REMINDER</strong>:&nbsp;Westport residents may recycle: antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs, and electronics at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.</p><p>The following items are&nbsp;<strong><u>NOT</u></strong>&nbsp;acceptable<strong>:&nbsp;AMMUNITION, FLARES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.</strong></p><p><em>If you have any questions, contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793.</em></p>

Read More
On the Children's Shelf: When your secrets go viral…

<p>How do you keep things private in a digital age? When things can easily be shared online? When hackers can access devices and cloud storage, is anything ever really safe?</p><p>In “In Case You Missed It” by Sarah Darer Littman we see what happens when your safe protected cloud storage is hacked and shared online. Sammy, a high school junior is busy with the APs and getting her driver’s license. She keeps a personal diary on her computer so her little brother can’t find it and read it.</p><p>Sammy’s dad is the CEO of a major bank. He is under enormous stress because there are protesters outside the bank protesting bank actions. Sammy is aware of his stress, but she’s a teenager busy with her own school stress. While it might seem like there is no overlap, their whole world is turned upside down when hackers hack into bank documents then turn their attack on her father, personally. They hack into the family’s cloud storage and start sharing everything they find online…including Sammy’s personal diary.</p><p>Every thought, every frustration, the time she lied to her parents…all out there for her classmates and parents to read. Things at the bank are worse than ever and her dad stays at work for days on end because he is dealing with the issues there. Her entire school has read her diary, her friends are furious and refuse to speak to her. The ultimate irony in Sammy’s mind is that her mom tells her not to read any of their emails or texts shared online but Sammy’s mom reads her diary. On top of losing her friends, Sammy is caught lying to her parents through her diary and is now grounded. While Sammy’s secrets are on the internet being read, so are her parents’ secrets and Sammy learns the biggest secret they’ve been keeping from her. Definitely check out this book to see what happens when all those private thoughts and email exchanges are now available for the whole world to read.</p><p>This YA book is well written and readers of all age can identify with the question – how safe is anything online? The story flows well, is captivating and took turns I didn’t expect (which I really enjoy in a book). Friendships end, family dynamics change, Sammy learns a lot about herself, her real friends, and if you have to choose who is going to snoop through your diary….she’d rather it was just her little brother. I highly recommend this book.</p><p>Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer. Her column "On the Children's Shelf" has earned multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and national recognition. Read more on her blog: <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onthechildrensshelf.com/</a></p>

Read More
Westport Library to Host Talk On Town & Public School Capital Investments

<p>On Tuesday, March 26, The Westport Library will be hosting an important community conversation&nbsp;regarding town and public-school&nbsp;capital investments<em>&nbsp;</em>that will impact Westport for years to come:&nbsp;<em>Preparing Westport for Major Capital Spending</em>.</p><p>The event is being facilitated by the&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__lwvwestport.org_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=wr_iE7mzd1IdXZtk-qOf9jRd3ZPvJA2QDBK8qrtDjA0&amp;m=Cwqq5RJwICCMTAHBlQwbglD3AcboqydX4kVQcMBqs5QygOPJRt4u0ogRqStWuWoo&amp;s=oW5gzQgaKuZbHnvYm4nrh6jZR4VyChQpt0OzB-mhWwQ&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">League of Women Voters of Westport</a>&nbsp;and the Library’s&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__westportlibrary.org_about_common-2Dground-2Dinitiative_&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=wr_iE7mzd1IdXZtk-qOf9jRd3ZPvJA2QDBK8qrtDjA0&amp;m=Cwqq5RJwICCMTAHBlQwbglD3AcboqydX4kVQcMBqs5QygOPJRt4u0ogRqStWuWoo&amp;s=ZdLXgXIIQkFReh-4WgF86cvTW9IjhR7PftcsvEOX4k8&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Common Ground Initiative</a>&nbsp;and will feature members of the leadership teams from the Town of Westport and the Westport Public Schools. Together, they will share the rationale, goals, and process for the town's next decades of major capital spending projects.</p><p>First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and the Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationale, and a panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving the capital spending goals. There will be the opportunity for Q&amp;A, with the expectation of future community sessions.</p><p>The future of Westport relies on a thoughtful and participative planning and funding process to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure. We hope residents from throughout the town will be able to join us for this opportunity for community conversation.</p><p><strong>Preparing Westport for Major Capital Spending: A Community Conversation</strong></p><p>Tuesday, March 26</p><p>7-8:30 pm</p><p>Trefz Forum</p><p><strong>Partners:</strong>&nbsp;The League of Women Voters of Westport, Town of Westport, Westport Public Schools</p><p><strong>Registration link:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.eventbrite.com_e_preparing-2Dwestport-2Dfor-2Dmajor-2Dcapital-2Dspending-2Da-2Dcommunity-2Dconversation-2Dtickets-2D847353666627&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=wr_iE7mzd1IdXZtk-qOf9jRd3ZPvJA2QDBK8qrtDjA0&amp;m=Cwqq5RJwICCMTAHBlQwbglD3AcboqydX4kVQcMBqs5QygOPJRt4u0ogRqStWuWoo&amp;s=ND5wM5rTw1RHdp-n4gLCCMi5XfZ55qHsWyHENwa8boE&amp;e=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preparing-westport-for-major-capital-spending-a-community-conversation-tickets-847353666627</a></p>

Read More
Westport Library Spotlights Jackson Pollock & Lee Krasner March 14, 7pm

<h1>Westport Library Spotlights Jackson Pollock &amp; Lee Krasner March 14, 7pm</h1><p>Edit</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong>Westport photographer and artist Stacy Bass is bringing a new series to The Westport Library: SmART, a regular program featuring in-depth conversations about art and artists, hosted in the Library’s Trefz Forum.</p><p>The first of these, to be held&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/smart-jackson-pollock-and-lee-krasner/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Thursday, March 14</a>, will focus on the relationship between acclaimed artists and married couple Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. It will feature Bass in conversation with art historian, educator, curator, and Pollock/Krasner expert Bobbi Coller, tracing the arc of Pollock’s and Krasner’s brilliant careers, with examples of their artwork broadcast to the 18-foot videowall in the Trefz Forum.</p><p>The series was inspired by Bass’ conversation with fellow photographer Stephen Wilkes on the Library stage in November 2022.</p><p>The kickoff event starts at 7 pm. Attendance is free;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-jackson-pollock-and-lee-krasner-tickets-828971354637" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">registration</a>&nbsp;is strongly encouraged.</p><p>“Westport has always been and continues to be an art-forward and art-centric community,” Bass said. “It’s one of the things I love most about living here. It feels like a natural fit for The Westport Library to offer its patrons access to insightful and educational programs with and about art and artists, and it’s my great pleasure to participate in bringing these conversations to life.”</p><p>Before people used the term “power couple,” Pollock and Krasner were two of the most groundbreaking artists of the Abstract Expressionist Movement. While Pollock’s distinctively energetic method of pouring paint directly onto the canvas was at first controversial, he gained a mythic notoriety and is now considered one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.</p><p>It took much longer for Krasner’s art to be appreciated and valued. The recent drive to reassess the overlooked accomplishments of women artists has led to a realization of the strength of Krasner’s work, as well as her essential participation in the creation of mid-20th century abstraction. Her paintings and collages have now been displayed all over the world, sold for record-breaking prices at arthouse auctions, and prized in the collections of major museums.</p><p>“When Jackson Pollock first exhibited his powerful abstract compositions in the late 1940s, he shattered existing conventions of painting, causing an explosion in the art world that reverberated into contemporary public life,” Coller said. “Working parallel to him, his wife, the artist Lee Krasner, was an integral part of the experimental art movement known as Abstract Expressionism, which is credited with shifting the center of avant-garde artmaking from Paris to New York in the middle of the 20th century.</p><p>“In our informal art conversation, Stacy Bass and I will discuss the lives and careers of both Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, view examples of their work, and consider the complex relationship between two strong and influential artists.”</p><p><a href="https://www.thepulseofart.org/bobbi-coller" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Coller&nbsp;</a>received a BS in education from New York University and a PhD in art history from The Graduate Center of CUNY. She has taught modern and contemporary art at Long Island University and has curated more than 30 exhibitions, including&nbsp;<em>The Artist’s Mother: Portraits and Homages</em>, which was shown at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. In addition, several of her exhibitions were circulated throughout the U.S. by the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibitions Service.</p><p>In addition, Coller currently is the chair of the advisory board of the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs, New York, the landmarked home and studio of both artists. She curated two exhibitions for that site:&nbsp;<em>The Persistence of Pollock</em>&nbsp;in 2012, which marked the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth, and&nbsp;<em>Pollock’s Champions</em>&nbsp;in 2014, the first exhibition to focus on Pollock’s relationships with his three lifetime dealers.</p><p>A political science/photojournalism major from Barnard College, Columbia University,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.stacybassphotography.com/index" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bass&nbsp;</a>began to focus on fine art and commercial photography in college and studied at the Maine Photographic Workshops with masters Jay Maisel, Joe Baraban, and William Albert Allard. From her first solo exhibition in 1988, her fine artwork has become part of numerous private, corporate, and hotel collections, and her images and unique perspective continue to tap into the emotion and sensibility of a wide spectrum of viewers. Select pieces of her work are currently represented by Sue Appleton-Webster at Swoon Gallery in Westport.Bass also is a graduate of NYU School of Law, where she concentrated on copyright, art, and entertainment law. She later used her expertise to become vice president of a publicly traded motion picture and television company, Savoy Pictures Entertainment, Inc.</p><p>Bass’ signature images of architecture, interiors, and gardens have resulted in three solo exhibitions and numerous awards. Her photography has been featured extensively in books and magazines including&nbsp;<em>at home</em>&nbsp;(where she was lead photographer for more than 10 years),&nbsp;<em>Garden Design</em>,&nbsp;<em>Luxe Interiors + Design,</em>&nbsp;<em>House Beautiful</em>,&nbsp;<em>Elle Décor, Veranda, AD,</em>&nbsp;<em>Horticulture</em>,&nbsp;<em>Living Etc.,</em>&nbsp;<em>British Homes &amp; Gardens, The Wall Street Journal,&nbsp;</em>and many more<em>.</em>&nbsp;She is the author of two best-selling and critically acclaimed monographs/books celebrating the American landscape:&nbsp;<em>In the Garden&nbsp;</em>(Melcher Media/Perseus Books, 2012) and&nbsp;<em>Gardens at First Light&nbsp;</em>(Moffly Media, 2015).</p><p>Register:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-jackson-pollock-and-lee-krasner-tickets-828971354637" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/smart-jackson-pollock-and-lee-krasner-tickets-828971354637</a></p>

Read More
The Maritime Aquarium Offers Discounted Tickets for Scouts

<p>(Norwalk, CT) – Calling all troop leaders! The Maritime Aquarium is offering discounted tickets and programming to help scouts earn badges that focus on wildlife and the environment. Girl Scout Day will be held on Saturday, March 23, and BSA Scout Day for Cub Scouts and BSA Scouts will be held on Sunday, March 24.</p><p>&nbsp;“The hand-on learning activities and behind the scenes tours available to scouts are designed to foster an interest in environmental stewardship, and teach them how to think critically about today’s most pressing conservation issues,”&nbsp;<strong>said Vice President of Education Tom Naiman.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Discounted admission is $19 for adults and $14 for children. To receive this discount with walk-up tickets, one child in the party must be dressed in a scout uniform or related apparel. All scouts must be accompanied by an adult while exploring the Aquarium outside of programs.</p><p>&nbsp;Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are encouraged to register for programs in advance as there is limited availability. Badge programs vary in price.</p><p>&nbsp;In addition to scout days, troops can book sleepovers at the Aquarium on various dates throughout the year. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/scout-programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.maritimeaquarium.org/scout-programs</a>.</p>

Read More
Westport Country Playhouse Presents Mic in Hand Event on April 4

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Presents Mic in Hand Event with Jean Louisa Kelly in “Anything Can Happen!” on April 4</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>Westport Country Playhouse will present actress, singer, and dancer Jean Louisa Kelly in “Anything Can Happen!,” a Mic in Hand event, on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. The show takes the audience on a journey through the serendipitous story of Kelly’s life in and out of show business, from small-town New England to Hollywood and Broadway.&nbsp;With songs from “Gypsy,” “The Fantasticks,” “Next to Normal,” and “Company,” Kelly’s story is uplifting, moving, and fun, leaving the audience with the belief that truly, “Anything Can Happen!”&nbsp;</p><p>Kelly, who lives in Westport, CT, as Jean Pitaro, is a stage and screen star from the original Broadway cast of “Into the Woods,” and the movies “Mr. Holland’s Opus,” “Uncle Buck,” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Her other film credits include “The Fantasticks,” “Call of the Wild,” and “Malignant.” She also starred in the long-running CBS sitcom “Yes, Dear” and had a recurring role on “Mad About You.” Additional theatrical productions include Reprise! musicals “Company,” “Applause,” “Pippin,” and The York Theatre Company’s “The It Girl.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Kelly made her New York concert debut at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in 2023. She composed and performed all the songs in her EPs, “Willing” and “Relax, Nothing is Under Control,” and her children’s album, “Color of Your Heart.”&nbsp;Two of her original singles, “Don’t Give Up” and “Valley of Fire,” were written for and included in feature films in which she acted. Her most recent album of standards, “For My Folks,” is available on Amazon and across digital platforms.&nbsp;</p><p>Musical director and accompanist is Paul Bogaev, a Fairfield, CT, resident. He has received Grammy Awards for Broadway’s “Aida” and the film “Chicago,” and an Emmy for ABC-TV’s “Annie.” He was musical director for numerous Broadway shows including “Sunset Boulevard,” “Les Misérables,” and films including “Dreamgirls” and the animated “The Lion King.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Tickets are $40.&nbsp;Proceeds will benefit education programming at Westport Country Playhouse.&nbsp;</p><p>Running time is 90 minutes; no intermission. For full details, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-anything-can-happen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-anything-can-happen/</a></p><p>Mic in Hand started last year as a spin-off of the Playhouse’s Script in Hand series, which offers intimate storytelling as professional actors bring a play to life without sets or costumes. The first Mic in Hand presentation was “Ari Axelrod – A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” in May 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>A complete schedule of Playhouse events is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/whats-on/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/whats-on/</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

Read More
Fairfield County Bank Appoints Amy Raymond to Senior VP of Retail Lending

<p>Fairfield County Bank is announcing the recent appointment of Amy Raymond to Senior Vice President of Retail Lending.</p><p>Mrs. Raymond’s over 30 years’ of experience in lending and the financial industry makes her well-equipped to oversee Fairfield County Bank’s residential mortgage and consumer loan servicing department. She has held leadership roles in the retail banking area as well as lending at previous institutions, including a time as a Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Officer.</p><p>“Amy is a valuable addition to our retail lending team,” said President Daniel Berta. “She has the experience and lending acumen to grow the residential mortgage division of our organization. We are thrilled to have her on board and for her to start guiding her team of mortgage officers while they help Fairfield County residents secure financing for their homes. Whether a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner looking to refinance or leverage the equity in their home, Amy is going to ensure we have the right lending solutions available to meet our clients’ individual needs.”</p><p>Born and raised in Fairfield County, Mrs. Raymond is excited to return after 23 years in the northwest hills of Connecticut. She graduated from the University of New Haven with a degree in Business Management. Amy was one of the inaugural recipients of the Connecticut Bankers Association New Leaders in Banking award. In her free time, Amy loves to garden, cook, and spend time with her family outside.&nbsp;</p>

Read More