Westport Writers’ Workshop Receives CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities
Westport Writers’ Workshop (WWW) was recently awarded an $8300.00 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities (CTH). CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grants assist organizations as they recover from the pandemic and maintain and grow their ability to serve their community and the public.
WWW will apply grant monies to their Outreach Program, where writing is taught to individuals undergoing specific challenges or who have survived some type of hardship. The grant will help fund volunteer instructors to visit various communities to foster healing and growth through story.
In recent years, WWW has brought complementary programming to The Center for Empowerment and Education (formerly the Danbury Women’s Shelter), Homes for the Brave, Caroline House, Harlem Village Academies, Writing for Women affected by Breast Cancer, College Essay Writing for Fairfield Seniors, and Writing for Women with Special Needs Children. Should your organization like to be considered for the program, email info@westportwriters.org
“Westport Writers’ Workshop is overwhelmed with gratitude for receiving the generous grant from the CT Humanities Foundation. This grant will enable us to continue to provide qualified instructors to teach classes for FREE in underserved communities who will benefit from the healing power of writing and storytelling. This grant will also provide partially funded scholarships to eligible writers at the Westport Writers’ Workshop,” said Blake Schnirring, Executive Director
Westport Writers’ Workshop is one of the 725 organizations in Connecticut receiving a CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant. Totaling more than $8.5M, these grants are part of a two-year, $30.7M investments in arts, humanities, and cultural nonprofits by the CT General Assembly and approved by Governor Ned Lamont.
This CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant is provided to Westport Writers’ Workshop from CT Humanities, with funding from the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.
The Westport Writers’ Workshop is an independent literary arts center offering enriching, supportive creative writing classes, as well as free literary readings to the public. Our organization also provides free writing workshops to underserved populations in their own communities. For details regarding classes, services, and the Outreach Program, go to westportwritersworkshop.com.
CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org.
The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Westport Museum's “Connecticut Witch Panic Escape Room” Returns after Popular Demand
Press ReleaseOur escape room runs from February 18th through June 24th. Time slots are available Tuesdays-Thursdays from 11:30 am to 5 pm; on Fridays and Saturdays slots run from 11:30 am through 8 pm. All reservations last for 60 minutes, with the recommendation of arriving 15 minutes prior to your start time.
Be they witch or warlock? Only you can find clues to the truth. Step into the museum’s historic seven-sided barn as 17th century investigators tasked with discovering the evidence that could prove the innocence of an accused witch. Your group of up to ten people have one hour until the trial when the alleged witch will have their fate decided.
This is a great group activity! Wonderful for birthdays, company activities or a club outing. Fun for the whole family, this escape room is recommended for children over eight. Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Groups of 2-10 people. Reservations are required, select your date and time online. Reservations close 48 hours prior to their posted start date. You may make your reservation private for an additional $20 per group.
Tickets may be purchased here. To book a private session or use your member discount, please call the museum at (203)-222-1424. Tickets are nonrefundable. In the event you must cancel, we will consider your purchase a donation and will happily issue you a donation receipt. Groups arriving 15 minutes after their reservation start time will have their reservation cancelled.
Online waiver acknowledgment is required prior to entry into the escape room. Those 17 and under must have the waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
https://westporthistory.org/events/connecticut-witch-panic-escape-room-returns/
Westport Country Playhouse Stages “Scaredy Kat Presents”; a Play about Social Anxiety Disorder
Press ReleaseWestport Country Playhouse will stage “Scaredy Kat Presents,” on Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m., for one performance only. The show is currently touring the area through April as the inaugural production of the Playhouse Mobile Unit. The family play captures the joys and struggles of adolescence while also attempting to destigmatize social anxiety disorder. Written by Janine Sobeck Knighton, “Scaredy Kat Presents” won the Purple Crayon Players PLAYground Festival in 2020. The author will participate in a talkback with the audience following the March 5 performance.
Director is Jenny Nelson, the Roz and Bud Siegel director of education and community engagement at the Playhouse. The show is geared to ages 9 through 15 and runs about one hour. Tickets are $25.
“While the intent of the Playhouse Mobile Unit is to bring our traveling productions to schools, libraries, and other indoor spaces throughout the State of Connecticut, we are staging a performance at the Playhouse to officially unveil our new educational initiative to the public,” said Nelson.
In “Scaredy Kat Presents,” 11-year-old Kathryn’s social anxiety disorder has alienated her from her school classmates. She’s nervous, fearful, and panicky around them so they call her Scaredy Kat. After school, Kathryn retreats alone to her basement with her two passions: Alfred Hitchcock films and stop motion animation. When a new neighbor, Nadia, is forced to spend her afternoons at Kathryn’s house while her mom is working, Nadia’s keen interest in art could be the secret to Kathryn’s empowerment. The show trailer is available at: https://youtu.be/n7upqec9a-0
The cast includes Betzabeth Gonzalez as Kathryn (Connecticut-based actor, singer, and teaching artist; Westport Country Playhouse’s “New Works/New Voices”; credits with Play with Your Food, Fairfield Center Stage, Collective Consciousness Theater); Jacqueline Brown as Mom (performances on stages in Connecticut, New York, and film sets in Atlanta, GA; acting coach, writer); and Juliana Rivera as Nadia (Connecticut and New York City-based actress, singer, writer and visual artist; roles with Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Fordham Studio Theatre, Fordham Mainstage Theatre, Bridgeport Theatre Company).
Author Janine Sobeck Knighton is a dramaturg, playwright, screenwriter, story consultant, and educator. She is currently the associate professor of playwriting and dramaturgy and the associate department chair at Utah Valley University. She is the creator of JSK Stories, a production company and website focused on providing a platform for kids and teenagers to share their creative work in a safe, online environment.
Director Jenny Nelson received her bachelor’s degree in theater and master’s degree in theater from the University of Arizona. She earned a second master’s degree in education from Fairfield University. Nelson is the associate artistic director of Collective Consciousness Theatre, a social justice theater in New Haven. She worked as an artist and educator at theaters, including Long Wharf Theatre, Shubert Theatre, and Yale Repertory Theatre. Nelson was a nominee for the Tony Teaching Award of Excellence.
Following the performance on the Playhouse stage, the Playhouse Mobile Unit will bring “Scaredy Kat Presents” to area schools, libraries, churches, synagogues, and community centers now through April, with its professional actors, set, costumes, and special effects. After each touring performance, there is a Q&A with the actors about the play and its message. A study guide and curriculum are provided with classroom activities and games.
“Scaredy Kat Presents” is sponsored by Judy and Scott Phares and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, Robert and Jan Anestis, Paige and Jodi Couture, Elizabeth and Matt Salem, The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts, Barbara Streicker, and the Town of Westport's American Rescue Plan Funds. Education programming at Westport Country Playhouse is generously supported by Roz and Bud Siegel.
For more information and tickets to “Scaredy Kat Presents,” visit: https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/scaredykatpresents/
To learn more about the Playhouse Mobile Unit or book a performance, contact the Playhouse education department at education@westportplayhouse.org or call Kendall Driffin, education and community engagement associate, at 203-571-1133.
For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).
Upcoming Planning and Zoning Meeting to Strike Out “Character” from Regulation Language
Press ReleasePlanner Amanda Trianovich announced on February 27, 2023, at 7:00 PM, a public hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held to replace or remove “Character” throughout the Westport Zoning and Subdivision Regulations pursuant to Public Act 21-29.
Public Act 21-29 (the Act), effective 10/1/21, found here, states that municipal zoning regulations must no longer be drafted with consideration as to the “character” of a district, but instead with consideration as to its “physical site characteristics”. The Act also prohibits denial of any land use application or zoning approval “on the basis of a district’s character, unless such character is expressly articulated in such regulations by clear and explicit physical standards for site work and structures.”
Text Amendment #813, authored on behalf of the Planning and Zoning Commission, proposes to replace or remove “Character” throughout the Westport Zoning and Subdivision Regulations where it is not accompanied by clear and explicit physical standards, while staying as close to the original meaning and intent of the Regulations as possible. Text Amendment #813 can be viewed online here.
The February 27, 2023, public hearing will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting at PandZ@westportct.gov and interested parties may join the meeting virtually or call in to offer testimony during the meeting. To access the meeting links, view the meeting agenda online here.
River Reflections
Sunset reflections on a low tide Saugatuck River. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com
Phyllis Makovsky, 80, Died; “had a rare combination of diverse and enviable qualities”
Phyllis Makovsky, 80, of Westport, Connecticut passed away on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 in her home, surrounded by her family. She passed after a courageous and inspiring fight against Leukemia (AML). Phyllis was a remarkable woman, a one-of-a-kind person that had a rare combination of diverse and enviable qualities. She will be deeply missed by so many that loved and cherished her.
Phyllis was born in Queens, New York to Grace and Murray Peck. Phyllis had a superlative academic background, graduating from Barnard with honors and receiving her Master’s Degree in teaching from Harvard University. She was a passionate teacher in the classroom as she taught advanced mathematics at The Brearley School in Manhattan and Great Neck South High School in Long Island before she decided to turn her skills and compassion on her family and in prominent roles in the community.
In 1972, Phyllis met Kenneth Makovsky; they married within months and went on to share a storybook partnership that spanned exactly 50 years. Phyllis was a fiercely dedicated wife and the two supported one another in every way and enabled each other’s successes in business at home and in their social and philanthropic lives. She served as a crucial strategic advisor to Ken as he built the Public Relations agency, Makovsky & Company.
Phyllis was a doer and her work came in many forms. She served Temple Israel and its congregation as a board member for 10 years. She established a scholarship at Washington University in St. Louis dedicated to music. After her second diagnosis with breast cancer, she decided to return to Norwalk Hospital as a volunteer in the chemo-infusion center, where she spent 20 years and in the very room where she returned for the final part of her Leukemia treatment. No surprise she was greeted with big hugs.
Phyllis was a wonderful mother to her two children Matthew and Evan and used her talents as a teacher and unique combination of grace, grit and empathy to invest into her family so that they could shine. As a friend and a sister she did the same. It didn't matter whether you were a 50 year long friend or someone on first meeting, Phyllis was present, kind and insightful and that love and good energy was returned to her by so many.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Kenneth, sons Matt and Evan and brother Stephen.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 21 at 1:00 pm at Temple Israel in Westport, CT. (14 Coleytown Rd). Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery, 225 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT. Shiva will be observed at the home of Kenneth & Phyllis Makovsky in Westport, CT on Tuesday 2/21 post service till 8:00 pm and Wednesday + Thursday from 1:00 pm till 7:00 pm.
To livestream the funeral service, please use the following link www.tiwestport.org/livestream go to the youtube page and it will be the first “live” video listing for the day. To share a condolence message, visit www.greensfuneralhome.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: www.lls.org/metny
New Exhibit By Artists Collective Of Westport Draws Large Crowd At Gordon Fine Arts Gallery
The Gordon Fine Arts Gallery at 1701 Post Road East, Westport, has partnered with the Artists Collective of Westport for a stunning new group show. Curated by James Brunelle, the exhibit includes over 100 works by 65 members of the Collective.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The new venue offered close to 200 art lovers an opportunity to view beautiful works of art by local artists in a spacious and inviting space which offered the many guests easy viewing even though the crowd was large.
The art includes drawings, paintings, photography, prints, mixed media and sculpture, in sizes ranging from a few inches wide up to 6ft wide. Gordon Fine Arts Gallery highlights nationally recognized award winning artists and aims to provide exhibit space to regional and national Artists.
The show runs to March 19.
Hours are Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, noon to 5pm; Sunday noon to 4pm.
For information email: gordonfineartsales@gmail.com
Or visit gordonfinearts.org
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Scottish Folk Band Talisk Brings Packed MoCA House To Their Feet
MoCA Westport kicked off its 2023 Music at MoCA Series on Saturday night with a lively performance by Scottish folk band Talisk. Band Members Mohsen Amini (BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards’ Musician of the Year), Graeme Armstrong and Benedict Morris (BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year) fused concertina, guitar and fiddle to produce a ground-breaking, multi-layered signature that captivated the audience.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
More than 170 guests completely filled the gallery space and the appreciative crowd was charged by the band's high energy performance, giving them standing ovations and even dancing in the aisles.
The packed performance took place within the context of the Museum's current Paul Camacho: El Ritmo y La Unidad exhibition. Delicious drinks were served by The Cup Bearer and food was available from Marcia Selden Catering.
Next up in the Music at MoCA Series is the buzz-worthy jazz saxophonist Eddie Barbash on Friday, April 21 at 7 PM. A founding member of pianist Jon Batiste’s Stay Human, the house band for the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Barbash has also performed with Lenny Kravitz, Wynton Marsalis and Yo-Yo Ma.
Tickets for all concerts are available on mocawestport.org
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Hockey Back In The Win Column With 5-0 Shut-Out Over Wilton
Staple's senior goalie Aaron Kail on one of his 29 saves in Friday's big win over the Wilton Warriors.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Hockey faced off against Wilton on Saturday on Wilton's home ice looking to break this season's 1-1 tie in matches this season and they brought their "A" game on both offense and defense holding the Warriors scoreless. Both teams were roughly the same in scoring attempts with Staples and Wilton firing 29 and 31 shots on goal respectively, however Staple's senior goalie Aaron Kail was perfect in stopping the Warriors on every attempt.
The first period saw strain defense from both squads until 2:00 left in the period when #19 junior forward, Co-Captain Tyler DiMaio found the net with assists from junior forward Derek Wolgast and junior forward Jameson Russell. The Wreckers returned from the break fired up when five minutes into the period #25, sophomore Levi Nevstad gave Staples a two goal lead with assists from Petrosinelli and senior forward Nikos Ninios.
The offense was quiet for the remainder of the period but exploded in the 3rd with a third goal. That score was followed by a 4th goal, this time by #13, sophomore defenseman Harry Goodburn, assisted again by Ninios and also by Petrosinelli.
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The icing on the cake was goal number five, this time by #10, sophomore forward Paul Cooper with help from junior defenseman Jacob Gomez scored less than two minutes into the period.
Coach Matthew Bohn could not have been happier with his team's performance, telling WestportLocalPress "The boys really put it together today. We've had a tough streak for the past several games. We understand that no one's going to give us anything. So it was good to earn it today and get back into the win column. We really have been playing good hockey the past two weeks, buying into our systems and working for each other. This time of year it's all about peaking at the right time. We're taking it one day at a time, doing our best to just keep getting better.The Wreckers hope to continue their success in their next game, away against Southington Coop on Monday with two more games to follow before FCIAC championships begin in March.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 58. South wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph.
Tomorrow
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. West wind 6 to 8 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tomorrow Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 49. Southwest wind 10 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.