J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Interstate + Lakeland Opening New Luxury Products Design Center On Post Road

Interstate + Lakeland’s new state-of-the-art design center at 800 Post Rd. East’s grand opening is on Saturday

Many Westporters likely know Interstate + Lakeland for their contributions to various organizations around town, including the Levitt Pavilion, Staples High sports, and various civic organizations. And they’ve likely passed by their newest lumberyard, the former Torno Lumber Company at 760 Post Rd East. But now, Interstate + Lakeland is introducing itself to Westport in a whole new way.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Just three buildings east of the lumberyard, is their state-of-the-art, two-story, 11,000 square foot luxury Design Center. This one-of-a-kind space was created to serve the architects, builders, designers and homeowners of Fairfield County. With its high ceilings and layout allowing for realistic product dimension and a wide variety of displays, the Interstate Design Center aspires to inspire. For anyone looking for the full spectrum of products to beautify and improve their new or existing home, the Interstate Design Center is the only source you will ever need.

2022 has been quite the year for Interstate + Lakeland. The Fairfield & Westchester County based building material supplier celebrated their 100th year in business, and ushered in the fourth generation of its family-owned leadership. What started as a single lumber yard in Greenwich, CT has now grown into a business that stretches across two states and encompasses six lumber yards, three window & door design centers, and a 100,000 square foot custom millwork facility capable of producing any millwork and molding that architects and designers can dream up. This spacious new Design Center, reminiscent of a fine art gallery, offers clients an experience that is second to none. This most recent addition to Interstate’s portfolio is located at 800 Post Road East in Westport.

Interstate + Lakeland is immensely honored to host Westport First Selectwoman, Jennifer Tooker, at the Design Center’s grand opening on Saturday November 5th from 10am to 3pm. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, lunch served by the local food truck favorite Melt Mobile, and lots of IL swag for the community.

To learn more about this exciting new Design Center and the Interstate + Lakeland experience, visit: https://www.interstatelumber.com/.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Staples Girls Soccer Defeats Greenwich 3-1; On To FCIAC Finals!

File photo by J.C. Martin

Greenwich started strong in Wednesday's Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference quarterfinal but failed to create anything of value. Staple's Sami DeWitt opened the scoring with a powerful header from an Annabel Edwards corner kick. Staples ended the half leading 1-0.

With the momentum on their side, the Wreckers began early in the second half when Nataly Chudowsky delivered a corner and Sami DeWitt towered above the defenders to score her second header of the game. Staples remained on top and made it 3-0 with a defense splitting pass from Natalie Chudowsky to put Annabel Edwards through on goal. She took the shot early to chip the GK from 25 yards out. 

Ali Penella added a late consolation goal for Greenwich to make the score 3-1. 

Staples, ranked third in the tournament will no doubt be charged up as they face long time rival, top ranked St. Joe's of Trumbull today at 7:00 PM at Wilton High School. They will be looking to avenge their recent regular season loss to that team.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Sunny, with a high near 67. Calm wind becoming east around 6 mph in the morning.

Tonight

Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 47. Light south wind.

Tomorrow

Patchy fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.

Tomorrow Night

Patchy fog before 1am, then patchy fog after 3am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Light south wind.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Dog Days Continue On

Local pups Billie Jean King and Roger Federer enjoyed the cool sand and setting sun along Compo’s shoreline this evening as the dog days of Westport continue. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Fisherman’s Delight

Orange skies gave one local fisherman ample light to catch the current movement of Fall fish within Saugatuck Harbor this evening. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Staples Players Present Guys and Dolls

(L-R): Max Ardrey (SHS ’23), Will McCrea (back row, SHS '26), Charlie Watson (SHS ’23), Griffin Delmhorst (SHS '26), Cameron Mann (SHS '24), Jayden Saenz (SHS ’23), Sebastian Gikas (SHS ’23), Ella Grace Worraker (SHS '23), Samantha Edwards (SHS '24), Kaya Arava (SHS '24), Addie Purcell (SHS '23). Photo by Kerry Long
Press Release

Gangsters, gamblers, and gutsy gals—oh my! Come on out for Staples Players’ must-see fall production of GUYS AND DOLLS. This oddball romantic comedy takes theatergoers from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana and even down into the sewers of New York City, all while following the unlikely love affairs between a high-rolling gambler and a prim-and-proper missionary, as well as a crap game manager and his showgirl girlfriend. David Roth (SHS ’84) and Kerry Long (SHS ’97) co-direct the cast of 60, while choreographer Rachel MacIsaac and music director Don Rickenback oversee classic tunes such as “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” and “Luck Be a Lady.” Jeff Hauser is Technical Director. Performances are November 11, 12, 18 & 19 at 7:30 PM and November 12, 13 & 19 at 3 PM.  


“We chose Guys and Dolls because it has been some time since Players has done a big, old-fashioned musical,” explains director David Roth. “Guys and Dolls is often called ‘a perfect musical’ by theater historians—it practically stages itself because it is so well constructed and tightly written.” Co-director Kerry Long says, “With a classic show like Guys and Dolls, we get more intricate scenes to delve into wonderful, fully realized characters that come alive on stage.” Both Roth and Long look forward to introducing the musical to a younger generation while dazzling audiences already familiar with the classic show.


Although Players has a long history with Guys and Dolls—with 5 productions of the show over the past 50 years—Roth points out, “Every time we do a show that we have staged before, it is different merely by the nature of working with a different group of actors. This time, our set is vastly different from either of the versions we have done before. In 2009, our set was very much storybook-like illustrations of a New York of yesteryear. This time around, set design Jordan Janota is treating us to the bright lights of 1950 Times Square. We can't wait to see the results of the crew's hard work!”


Roth and Long feel a very personal connection to Guys and Dolls as well. Their daughter, Lucy, was born on the opening night of the Staples production in 2009. Arriving almost a month before her due date, Lucy made a surprise appearance just 17 minutes after the curtain rose! 


With the cast of approximately 60 students, including a large freshman class being welcomed into Players, the show features the traditional lead roles as well as multiple singing and dancing ensembles. Senior James Dobin-Smith (SHS ’23) plays Sky Masterson and describes the character as “a smooth, smart, big-stakes gambler who doesn’t take life too seriously until he meets his true love." Dobin-Smith loves the comedic writing, witty dialogue and the two love stories at the center of the show. “And,” he adds, “the music is phenomenal.”


Jordyn Goldshore (SHS ’23) is the Assistant Director for the show and has been training for the role since she was a freshman. “I started as Production Assistant and have worked my way up,” she says. “Each day I assist in acting rehearsals. I also organize most of the audition process, rehearsal scheduling, and planning around the show weekends.” Goldshore says that while managing the various ensemble groups can be difficult, her primary job is being “an advocate for the actors.” 


Henry Carson (SHS ’24) plays Nathan Detroit, the main character, who Carson admits, “can, at first, seem like a jerk.” But Carson was up for the challenge of taking a deeper look at the character and “establishing why he has trouble understanding himself and his hurtful impact on those around him.” Carson worked hard “to add depth to the character, which doesn’t necessarily justify the immoral things he does, but at least provides an understanding and connection to the character.” Carson also thinks people should come out and see the show because “not only does the show have great musical numbers and some truly jaw dropping choreography, but the atmosphere built by the biting dialogue is extremely immersive. It truly feels like you're on the streets of New York, looking down the block and seeing all of these shenanigans take place.”


Madelyn Spera (SHS ’23) says that her character, Sarah Brown, “is an idealistic and principled missionary who is very passionate about her cause to convert and save gamblers from living lives of sin. Sarah goes on such a huge journey throughout the show, and it was important for me to explore all the complex aspects and depth to her character.” Spera encourages the community to come out to see Guys and Dolls because she promises, “there is never a dull moment in this show.” 



Staples Players Presents Guys & Dolls

Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

“Guys & Dolls” is presented by special arrangement Music Theatre International

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited

Production Team

  • Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long

  • Music Director: Don Rickenback

  • Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac

  • Technical Director: Jeff Hauser

  • Set Designer: Jordan Janota

  • Costumes: Christie Stanger

  • Graphic Designer: Kerry Long

Performance Schedule

  • Friday and Saturday Evenings: Nov 11, 12 & 18, 19 at 7:30 pm

  • Matinees: Nov 12, 13 & 19 at 3:00 pm

  • Run time: approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes

  • Rated PG

Performance Location

Staples High School Auditorium

70 North Avenue

Westport, CT 06880

Tickets

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased online at Staplesplayers.com or in the lobby, starting 30 minutes prior to performances (subject to availability).

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

DPW Announces Fall Leaf Collection Schedule

The Department of Public Works will begin curbside leaf collection on Monday, November 7.  All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a Town street by December 5 to guarantee pick-up. Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting Town roadway. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up as the composting process cannot handle plastic. 

There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up, as our crews will complete pick-ups as their schedules allow. For further information, contact the Department of Public Works office at 203-341-1120 or visit the Department of Public Works webpage at www.westportct.gov


Extended Fall Hours Begin at the Bayberry Brush Facility 

Located at 180 Bayberry Lane (behind the Aspetuck Health District)

The yard waste site is now open Monday through Saturday 7:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Extended Saturday hours are in effect thru December 10, 2022.  

Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six (6) 30-gallon bags or containers full of leaves without a fee at the Bayberry Brush Facility located at 180 Bayberry Lane.   Only Westport residents with valid proof of residency may bring their leaves directly to the yard waste site. Please remember, no plastic bags.  

Any van, pickup or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40.00 per load.  Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot by 8-foot bed will be charged $90.00 per ton.  

Any vehicles with a 9-foot body or vehicles changed to significantly enlarge their factory design size will be charged $90.00 per ton estimated at 2 ton without weigh slip ($180.00).  


Dump tickets must be purchased at Town Hall, Monday through Friday between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by mail by writing - Department of Public Works, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. 

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Lucinda “Cindy” Hollingsworth Holbrook, 85, Died; Greens Farms Resident, Skier, Model

Lucinda “Cindy” Hollingsworth Holbrook, 85, of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 19th, 2022 surrounded by her children. She was born July 28, 1937 in Greenport, New York to the late Elizabeth (Morrell) and R. Lee Hollingsworth. 

 

Cindy led an interesting and adventurous life. Shortly after graduating from high school in 1955, she walked into the Eileen Ford modeling agency and was signed on the spot. Within a year, she was one of the most sought-after models, even gracing the covers of Vogue and Glamour in the same month. Her career as a top fashion model during the 1950s and 1960s (under her maiden name Lucinda Hollingsworth) offered her the opportunity to travel the world and work with the top fashion photographers of the time such as Horst, Avedon, Radkai, Rawlings, Dambier and Kublin, among others. During Cindy’s prolific career, she appeared on the covers of Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Charm, McCall’s, Sports Illustrated, and numerous other publications. In addition to her editorial work for these magazines, she was featured in major advertising campaigns for a variety of companies including Monet Jewelry, Revlon, Chanel, Balmain Parfums, Gilbey’s Vodka and Tricosa knitwear. Cindy was a memorable face of her generation, working alongside other top models including Suzy Parker, Jean Patchett, Delores Hawkins, Dovima, and Carmen Dell' Orefice.

 

After retiring from modeling, Cindy married and raised her three children in Greens Farms, Connecticut while still finding the time to pursue her varied interests and volunteer work. As bright, charming and funny as she was beautiful, Cindy was also very creative and accomplished when she set her mind to something. Having learned to sew at a young age, Cindy excelled at designing and making her own clothing, which always had a unique flair. She continued her education in fashion by attending design classes at Parsons. Another lifelong passion was gardening. She was a member of the Sasqua Garden Club and served a term as President from 1989-1991. Especially in her later years, she could be found most days working in her garden.


Cindy loved antiquing and once spent a three-week trip in England with a good friend visiting antique shops – a large freight container of her finds followed her home. She used her knowledge of antiques as Co-Chair of the Antiques Committee at the Fairfield Women’s Exchange, an organization that she enjoyed supporting for many years. Cindy also loved interior design and architecture. She designed, furnished and landscaped three wonderful houses in her last 30 years. Cindy’s favorite sport was skiing. She was an elegant and graceful skier who logged more than 2 million vertical feet of off-piste helicopter skiing with CMH in the Canadian Rockies over her lifetime. As elegant as she was grounded, Cindy was never afraid to get her hands dirty and was always building or fixing things in her woodshop. She probably owned more power tools than most men. Her family would routinely find things around the house that she “MacGyvered” with a bit of string or duct tape.

 

A long-time summer resident, Cindy moved to Martha’s Vineyard full-time in 2018. She worked as a volunteer at the Chicken Alley Thrift Store and joined a bridge group where she made some very good friends. Her marriage to George W. Holbrook, Jr. ended in 1994. She is survived by her three children, Megan Holbrook (Eric Vogel), Amy Holbrook and John Holbrook, and her brothers George (Teresa) Hollingsworth and John (JoAnn) Hollingsworth, as well as 14 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother C. Thomas Hollingsworth. A memorial service will be held in Westport, Connecticut on December 3rd at 1 pm at the Greens Farms Church. A private family burial in Cutchogue, New York will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Connecticut or Massachusetts Audubon Society.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

Morning Weather Report

Today

Sunny, with a high near 68. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.

Tomorrow

Sunny, with a high near 64. Light and variable wind.

Tomorrow Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 46. Calm wind.

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James Bairaktaris James Bairaktaris

November RTM Meeting: School Administrators Contract Approved and Capital Projects Funded

November 1st, 2022 Agenda & Results

Westport’s Representative Town Meeting met in the Town Hall Auditorium for a session beginning at 7:30 and adjourning at 8:36 in the evening.

Click here to read all meeting materials - including requests and proposals and their respective information.

1. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the recommendation of the Board of Education, to not reject the agreement between the Westport Intermediate Administrators Association and the Board of Education for the period covering July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026. 

Unanimously Approved by all present RTM members.

2. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the recommendation of the Board of Finance and a request by the Superintendent of Schools, to approve an appropriation of $831,000.00 for FY22-23 Capital Projects. 

Unanimously Approved by all present RTM members.

3. To take such action as the meeting may determine, upon the request of 3 RTM members, to adopt an ordinance restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Westport. (First reading. Full text available in the Town Clerk's Office).

First reading completed; expected vote will take place in January

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