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James Bairaktaris 9/27/22 James Bairaktaris 9/27/22

Senior Center Director Heads for Retirement: “I will always call Westport my home away from home”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that she has accepted the retirement letter of Susan L. Pfister, Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective January 1, 2023.

Sue joined the Department of Human Services in 1987. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a BSW, received her MSW at Fordham University, and dedicated her career to supporting Westport senior citizens. The Senior Center had humble beginnings in Westport, first located at the YMCA and Greens Farms School, Longshore Club Park and then Staples High School. Under Sue’s direction, the current WCSA was constructed at 21 Imperial Avenue in 2004, ahead of schedule and under budget. Sue also oversaw the building’s expansion in 2016. The state-of-the-art facility outshines many such centers and serves hundreds of seniors daily, thanks in large part to Sue’s expertise and administration. Sue’s Café at WCSA is aptly named after her since she helped to establish the daily congregate meal program, complete with its own chef. It has received rave reviews from participants. Throughout her 35-year tenure, Sue's creativity, resourcefulness, and inclusive vision have won her well-earned respect and accolades from colleagues and residents alike.

Ms. Pfister stated, “I’m honored to have had the opportunity to spend my entire career with the Town of Westport. Westport truly values and recognizes the important role seniors play in the community. I send heartfelt appreciation and thanks to the various administrations, boards and commissions, town departments and staff, instructors and volunteers, and most importantly, my staff for supporting me throughout my career. I will always call Westport my home away from home.”

First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Westport residents, and in particular our seniors and their families and caregivers, have been blessed with Sue’s presence. Through her due diligence and oversight, the WCSA has become a crown jewel of Westport, offering comprehensive programs that enhance the lives of seniors and create countless opportunities for seniors and volunteers to enjoy friendships and daily enrichment. Sue always has the best interests of those she cared for at the forefront. Her considerate nature and calm demeanor, coupled with a no-nonsense management style has been an enormous asset to this community.”

Tooker continued, “On a personal level, when my mom and dad moved to town, my dad became enamored of the WCSA and all its many activities. It was Sue and her staff who were sincerely welcoming and hands-on in helping with a difficult life transition for him. I know she is the same with all her beloved seniors. Sue took the lead without fanfare – she just did it – and with a smile on her face. Of course, Sue will be sorely missed as the Director of the WCSA. But I also know that she will continue to be in service to others as she enters a new chapter in her life. We wish her only health and happiness in her retirement.”

According to Human Services Director Elaine Daignault, “Sue has a penchant for quick-thinking, organization, and collaboration, playing a critical role in the Town’s emergency response efforts through countless storms and public health emergencies. She and her team at WCSA offered essential respite and support by feeding, housing, and comforting emergency workers and residents during significant Nor’ Easter storm events like Hurricanes Sandy, Irene and Isais, and the COVID19 pandemic.”

“Sue’s energy and dedication are inspirational. Her drive and compassion for others have been a tremendous source of reassurance to me, and those that she has helped along the way,” Daignault continued. “I am very grateful for her camaraderie and friendship, and I wish her a well-deserved retirement where she’ll continue to spread light and hope to others.”

James Bairaktaris 9/25/22 James Bairaktaris 9/25/22

Westport Restaurant Week Begins Today

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Restaurant Week will run from Sunday September 25th through Sunday October 9th.. It’s all part of the continuing “Eat Local” campaign to promote area restaurants, which follows on the heels of the highly successful Slice of Saugatuck Festival.

This year Restaurant Week, two weeks, features 21 eateries offering Prix Fixe meals to suit any foodie’s interest and pocketbook. Venues from one end of Westport and Saugatuck to the other, including Southport, will once again be treating diners to a gastronomical feast.

“Rising out of the pandemic our restaurants are truly stretching their wings and this year we have quite the selection of them,” said WWCC Executive Director Matthew Mandell. “We want people to eat local and realize Westport has the best dining scene in Fairfield County.”

Instead of a single price for all places, each one has set their own prix fixe ranging from $25+ for lunch and $35+ for dinner. Some offer just lunch, others just dinner, and many are offering both. It’s all about what fits best to bring in new patrons and old friends alike.

Restaurant week, running for two weeks, is a tried and true event that gives restaurateurs an opportunity to show off what they do with hopes of finding new regulars. Maria Funicello, co-owner of Tuttis, a Saugatuck mainstay summed it up best, “when you come to Tuttis, you dine at my house, come, have a meal with my family.”

Restaurant Week is once again being sponsored by Castlekeep Advisors, WEBE 108 and WICC 600 where radio commercials and interviews to promote the event have been ongoing.

The full list of participating restaurants, the meals they are offering, and their menus can be found on the Chamber’s website at www.westportwestonchamber.com/restaurantweek.

James Bairaktaris 9/19/22 James Bairaktaris 9/19/22

“Back to the Playhouse!”: Gala Celebrates the Westport Country Playhouse

`Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Leadership Award was presented to Barbara K. Streicker, second from left, by, L-R, Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director; Michael Barker, managing director; and Anna Czekaj-Farber, board of trustees chair. Photo contributed by Coppola Photography.`

Press Release

Multi-award-winning Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, perhaps best known for her role as Angelica Schuyler in the musical “Hamilton,” headlined Westport Country Playhouse’s 2022 Gala, “Back to the Playhouse!,” on Saturday evening, September 17. The evening featured Goldsberry’s high-energy concert of Broadway, pop, and soul, backed by a seven-piece band, along with a pre-show cocktail party, live auction, and an after-party with a DJ and dancing—all while providing generous philanthropic support to the Playhouse.

Three-time Tony Award-nominated actor Robin de Jesús served as gala host. Barbara K. Streicker, former chair of the Playhouse board of trustees, received the Playhouse’s Leadership Award at the event.

Executive Committee included Tom Coppola, co-chair; Tracey Knight Narang, co-chair; Anna Czekaj-Farber, board chair; Mary Ellen Marpe, development chair; Carin Freidag, auction chair; Judy Phares, gala fundraising chair; Jessica Caldwell; Paige Couture; Marjorie Jacobson; Maggie Lehnerd-Reilly; Ellen Petrino; and Tricia Schwartz. Benefit committee includes Athena and Daniel Adamson; Alisyn Camerota and Tim Lewis; Diane DelVecchio; Terry Nardozzi; Barbara Streicker, honoree; Diana and Scott Metro; Amy and Carl Wistreich; MJ and Terry Hogan; Preetika and Ashok Narang; Jane and Rami Leshem; and Holly McCarthy.

Gala proceeds benefit the non-profit, professional producing theater, now in its 92nd season - its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.

For Westport Country Playhouse information, visit westportplayhouse.org. Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), follow on Twitter (@WCPlayhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

ABOUT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
The mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater of the highest caliber and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. Charity Navigator has recently awarded its top 4-star charity rating to the Playhouse in recognition of its strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

James Bairaktaris 9/15/22 James Bairaktaris 9/15/22

Serene Sunset Scene

Beachgoers enjoyed the quiet last moments of the evening as the sun went down over Saugatuck. WestportLocal.com photo

James Bairaktaris 9/11/22 James Bairaktaris 9/11/22

Harvest Moon Brings Warm Light to Compo Saturday Night

The full Harvest Moon brought light and warmth to the seasonable Saturday evening on Compo Beach. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com

James Bairaktaris 9/3/22 James Bairaktaris 9/3/22

Easton Farmer Plants Sunflower Field surrounding Elementary School in Honor of Ukraine

Longtime Easton farmer Irv Silverman, who owns Silverman’s Farm, gave Samuel Staples Elementary Schoolers a bright start to their school year this week - and the entire region something to smile about.

Four acres of sunflowers surround the front of the public school building after Silverman planted hundreds of pounds of seeds this past Spring, he told the Easton Courier. The sunflowers support the Ukrainian people during their continued war against Russia as a gentle reminder of kindness and strength for those who pass the fields or wander through them. Silverman has invited the public into the field to pick the flowers to enjoy them and spread the kindness they embody as their bloom season comes to an end.

A bit different than Westport schools’ green lawns, nearby Easton farmers using to this section of field at the elementary school is not unusual as they use the several acre plots for their crops. Silverman took on the rent this season in addition to his own 50 acre nearby farm & petting zoo for the purpose of helping and supporting others. Silverman has always been in the farming industry after his father Ben started their farm on Sport Hill Road in the 1920s. Irv has continued the tradition ever-since.

The sunflower fields are located at 515 Morehouse Road and are free and open to the public until their blooming season ends and the regional drought trudges on. Silverman’s Farms are located at 451 Sport Hill Road and will be open for apple picking, pumpkin picking, apple cider and pie purchases, and petting zoo visitors throughout the Autumn season.

James Bairaktaris 8/25/22 James Bairaktaris 8/25/22

Documentary Photographer, Former Westporter to Give Lecture on Cuba Travels

Press Release:

International documentary photographer, Daryl Hawk, will present a photo documentary and lecture entitled “Into the Heart of Cuba” to the Appalachian Mountain Club on Tuesday, September 13th at 6:30PM. This special event will take place at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East in Westport.

Daryl was one of the first Americans to travel alone without any restrictions and unlimited access to all areas. Riding in a 1953 Chevrolet for 2 weeks, he fell in love with this unique country within hours of his arrival. “The visual stimulation that I experienced from dawn to dusk was truly exhilarating. I have never seen such a perfect combination of beautiful light, color and the friendliest and most welcoming people in all of my travels. Explorers all have stories to tell. Mine is told through the lens of a camera. I am a visual explorer.”

Daryl has made six trips to Cuba between 2016 – 2022. He started his Cuba journeys in the capital of Havana where the day to day street life and architecture was his main focus. He then made his way to the rural Vinales region which is world renowned for tobacco plantations. From there he continued to head east through the cities of Cinfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Camaguay, Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa, the most eastern point in Cuba. The stunning architecture, colorful cars from the 1950s, remote caves, environmental portraits of people from all walks of life, and dramatic landscapes are all covered in the presentation.

Daryl travels to Cuba with the goal of shooting documentaries for magazines and television and will share his nonstop, day to day adventures, experiences, discoveries, and valuable lessons he learned on these incredibly spiritual journeys. He will discuss his style, philosophy, and various techniques he uses when photographing subject matter. Equipment, lighting on location, environmental portraits, and travel tips on planning a trip to Cuba will all be covered as well.

For the past thirty years, Daryl has explored some of the most remote and isolated places in the world telling stories with his camera. He is a photographer, travel writer, lecturer, and explorer whose articles and photographs often appear in numerous national magazines and publications worldwide. He is a member of the Explorers Club, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and member of the Professional Photographers Association. He has been featured several times on NBC’s “Today Show” and Fox 5 television.

Daryl owns and operates “Unconventional Travelers”, a small personalized tour company that focuses on inspiring travelers to the world in a new way by experiencing first hand other cultures and lifestyles. These stimulating photographic explorations inspire and connect people with some of the world’s most beautiful places. For information on trips for 2022 and 2023 to Cuba www.unconventionaltravelers.com.

He is the author of five published photography books. “Distant Journeys” consists of 150 color images from the Arctic, the Andes, Patagonia, Antarctica, Bhutan, New Zealand, and much more. “Quiet Moments” includes Hawk’s favorite 120 black and white photographs taken over the past 25 years. Nature and nautical landscapes and abstracts, New York City scenes, and misc. travel landscapes and portraits are all highlighted. “White Pond” is a tribute to a small lake in southern New Hampshire. “Manhattan”, is a color retrospective with 200 landscapes, buildings and street scenes of New York City. His latest book, “Into the Heart of Cuba” consists of 450 images from his recent circumnavigation around Cuba.

Daryl is also the former host and producer of the television show “The Unconventional Traveler” which featured some of the worlds’ leading explorers, travel photographers and filmmakers sharing their work from various expeditions and documentaries. He produced over 100 shows over a 10 year period and some of his guests included Jane Goodall, Buzz Aldrin, Reinhold Messner and George Schaller.

For more information on this event, please contact Eleanor Sasso at (203)216-6814 or easasso7@icloud.com. Daryl Hawk is a former resident of Wilton and Westport.