Governor Orders Partial Activation of Emergency Operations Center ahead of Winter Storm
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is ordering the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to be partially activated effective at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, to monitor conditions from the winter storm that is anticipated to impact Connecticut.
Throughout the duration of the storm, the EOC will be staffed in-person with personnel from several state agencies, such as the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (including the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and the State Police), the Department of Transportation, the Department of Administrative Services IT support, and the Connecticut National Guard. Additionally, representatives of Eversource and United Illuminating will be on site. Staff from several other state agencies and the Red Cross and United Way 2-1-1 will be available on a virtual emergency operations center link to communicate instantly, if needed.
Governor Lamont’s office has been in contact with leadership of Connecticut’s utility companies, including Eversource and United Illuminating, and stressed to them the importance of having preparations in place and ready to employ well in advance of the storm should widespread outages occur.
“Different weather models are showing varying projections at the moment, however there is the potential that Connecticut will see quite a range in snowfall totals, with the greatest impact likely occurring in the northwestern and northeastern portions of the state,” Governor Lamont said. “The most concerning part about the forecast is how wet and heavy this snow may be, combined with its very strong wind gusts. These two factors together may bring down power lines and tree limbs, resulting in power outages. I strongly encourage everyone to have preparations in place in the event that you lose electricity, and particularly keep all of your mobile devices fully charged in case you need to call and report an emergency. I also encourage everyone to stay off the roads to the greatest extent possible throughout the duration of the storm.”
For winter safety tips and resources, visit the CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app on mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Staples Players Presents Twelfth Night; “you can’t miss this show”
Press Release If you love Shakespeare, you can’t miss this show. If Shakespeare is not your thing, you can’t miss this show! Staples Players will win you over with this adaptation of Twelfth Night and composer/lyricist Shaina Taub’s kick-ass contemporary score. Excuse the language—this is a family-friendly show. But Taub brings an edge to her jazz-funk songs, peppy additives to Shakespeare’s ornate dialogue, that Co-Directors David Roth and Kerry Long, Music Director Luke Rosenberg, and Choreographer Rachel MacIsaac couldn’t resist. Pairing crowd-pleasing pop with the Bard’s iambic pentameter for a fresh take on this classic tale that even kids will eat up? Brilliant. Audience members of all ages will enjoy 90 minutes of fast-paced fun, feasting on the visual and auditory delights of this Twelfth Night smorgasbord. Performances are March 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 pm, and March 19 and 25 at 3 pm.
“We have been wanting to do a Shakespeare show for a while now—it’s a wonderful learning opportunity for the students,” says Roth. But with Covid reducing the number of musicals kids have been able to do recently, there was a thirst for another musical this winter. “We discovered Shaina Taub a couple of years ago and were enthralled by her inventive music—it’s catchy, it's clever,” says Roth. “When we heard the Twelfth Night cast recording, we knew we wanted to produce it at Staples. Although it's Shakespeare's story, written over 400 years ago, the themes are so relevant today. It's a comedy about identity, self-discovery and—that classic theme—love.”
Long comments, “When we first announced the show to the students we said, ‘Trust us. Listen to the music. You will fall in love with the show.’ Sure enough, two days later, the 4 building hallway was filled with kids belting out tunes.”
Taub actually came out to Westport and spent two hours with the cast, giving insight on the show and her career path as an actor-writer and gathering the kids around the piano for a spirited sing-along. Between those infectious songs and the two numbers the kids performed for the composer, it was clear this is not your gramma’s Shakespeare. “Anyone who thinks, ‘Oh Shakespeare is boring,’ need not be worried with this show,” says Long. “The music is jazzy, poppy, a little bit of funk thrown in. The scenes are from Shakespeare's script, told in his language. The songs are written in modern English. You'd think it wouldn't work but the two styles meld together well.”
The creative team was thrilled to see the students jump in with gusto to the challenges of Shakespeare. Nikki Sternberg (SHS ’23), who shares the role of Olivia with Madelyn Spera (SHS ’23), says, “I first prepared for my role by translating all my lines into modern English and then making sure I understood the Shakespearean language. We did a lot of table work to not only dissect the Shakespeare, but to map out our characters and create all of the many relationships that come to life on stage. Blocking the scenes was an important part of the process because blocking can help communicate what’s going on when the language might create barriers.” For Shakespeare-phobes, Sternberg reassures, “This show is full of so much life and color. The dancing, the costumes, the set, the hair and makeup, the lights, and all other aspects make the show a living, breathing thing. I think the music really separates our show from other Shakespearean performances and is a lot of fun to work with and watch.”
Henry Carson (SHS ’24), who plays Toby, saw Twelfth Night as a young boy and was taken with the show and how “the actors were able to convey the plot despite some audience members not fully understanding the language.” He is enjoying the challenge of playing laidback Toby—quite a change from Nathan Detroit, his role last fall in Guys and Dolls, and from himself. “I have to bring energy to the scenes but understand that this character goes through the world quite differently than I do,” says Carson. “What's so great about this production is that the Shakespeare has been morphed in some sections to make room for these great new musical numbers. The music keeps the pace quick and exciting, while the Shakespeare text is given plenty of time to thrive on stage. It's a perfect blend.”
Max Ardrey (SHS ’23) shares the role of Sebastian with Cameron Mann (SHS ’24). Sebastian is the twin of Viola, a role shared by Samantha Edwards (SHS ’24) and Quinn Mulvey (SHS ’23). You may have seen Twelfth Night posters around town, featuring the twin pairs. “Sebastian has been one to coast through life, overshadowing his twin sister Viola,” says Ardrey. “However in Illyria, he finds himself playing the supporting role in his own life when Viola essentially takes his place. It's really fun to put our own spin on these classic characters. I've loved seeing what parts of myself I can see in Sebastian, like his light-hearted and slightly oblivious nature.” Is Ardrey a fan of the Bard? “If I wasn't before, I certainly am now,” he says. “I've never performed Shakespeare on stage, and now I think just reading it doesn't do it justice.”
Kerry Long encourages patrons to bring the whole family: “It's short, it's colorful, it's fast paced, and funny. It's a great way to introduce your kids to Shakespeare without sitting through a three-hour play. This will give them a taste and also make Shakespeare not so daunting to understand.” If that doesn’t lure ’em, the taste of ice cream might: Kids 12-and-under get a sweet goodie bag at check in, including a coupon for a free ice cream cone, generously donated by our friends at Saugatuck Sweets, and a button to proudly announce their FIRST SHAKESPEARE!
Staples Players Presents Twelfth Night
A musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night"
Conceived by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub
Music and lyrics by Shaina Taub
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited
Production Team
Directors: David Roth & Kerry Long
Music Director: Luke Rosenberg
Choreographer: Rachel MacIsaac
Technical Director: Jeff Hauser
Set Designer: Jordan Janota
Costumes: Christie Stanger
Graphic Designer: Kerry Long
Performance Schedule
Friday and Saturday Evenings: March 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 pm
Matinees: March 19 & 25 at 3:00 pm
Run time: approximately 90 minutes (+ one 15-minute intermission)
Performance Location
Staples High School Auditorium
Tickets
Purchase tickets at staplesplayers.com or at the door, starting 30 minutes prior to performances (subject to availability). Click this link for the Double Cast Performance Schedule.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain. High near 43. East wind 10 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain before 5am, then rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Low around 33. Breezy, with a northeast wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tomorrow
Rain and snow. The rain and snow could be heavy at times. Steady temperature around 35. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. Breezy, with a northwest wind 20 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Tomorrow Night
Snow likely, mainly before 11pm. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 22 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Eversource: “we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”
With a powerful nor’easter expected to hit New England Monday night through Wednesday, Eversource is closely monitoring the weather forecast and is ready for the heavy, wet snow and strong winds that are expected to impact Connecticut. The energy company is prepositioning equipment and line and tree crews at its work centers around the state to respond to any damage or outages caused by this storm. Eversource also brought in additional out-of-state crews to assist with restoring power to customers, if needed.
“We began monitoring this storm last week using several weather services and continue to closely watch its path and will adjust our plan as needed,” said Eversource President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan. “The heavy, wet snow and hazardous winds forecasted have the potential to bring down trees and branches onto electric lines and equipment, causing damage and power outages. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so we’re staging extra staff and equipment in our work centers across the state to ensure we’re ready to respond as quickly as possible to whatever this storm brings.”
Eversource urges customers to always stay clear of downed wires, report them immediately to 911 and report any outage online at www.eversource.com or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
The company also offers the following tips on its website to help customers prepare for emergencies.
Eileen Diana Blau, 92, Died; Longtime Westporter, Artist, Golfer, Tennis Player
Eileen Diana Blau, 92, of Westport, CT, passed away on March 9, 2023 in her longtime Westport, CT home.
Born Eileen Lefkowitz, in Brooklyn on July 8, 1930, she was a first generation American whose Ukrainian born parents immigrated less than a decade earlier. Father Norman (Nachman) was from Bratslav, and a direct descendant of the famed Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav. Mother Mae (Manya) was from a business family in Pechera, a nearby village in the same province of Vinnytsia.
Eileen graduated from Brooklyn College with a B.S. in Mathematics, and it was at a college Socialist Youth League gathering that she met a fellow student, Barry Blau. They were married in 1948 and enjoyed a fabulous 69 year marriage until Barry’s death in 2017, bringing into the world four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A passionate reader, artist and collector, Eileen filled her stunning mid century modern home with thousands of books and an eclectic art collection ranging from Flemish tapestries to Indonesian Buddhas, ancient Chinese mirrors and sculptures of her own creation. And it was in the basement of this home that she helped her husband launch his business, Barry Blau & Partners which he grew over 20 years into a leading global advertising agency.
Once her children were grown, Eileen pursued a life of almost infinite interests. She was an avid golfer and tennis player at Westport’s Birchwood Country Club. She had a Manhattan apartment, also art-filled, which was a launching pad for attending classes at the China Institute and the Asia Society, and making frequent visits to museums, galleries and auction houses.
For many years, Eileen and Barry also maintained a vacation home on the Big Island of Hawaii, which was a frequent winter gathering spot for the entire extended family.
Above all else, Eileen lived for that family -- as the most devoted and loving mom and, after raising her own children, lavishing attention on the grandchildren and great grandchildren, proclaiming each one more amazing than the last.
In addition to her parents and husband, Eileen was predeceased by her elder sister Rita Kannel. She is survived by her younger sister, Anita Metz; her children: Shawn Blau and Emily Blau (Robert Cohen) both of Westport, CT, Peter Blau (Barbara Blau) of Belmont, NC and Juliet Jenkins (Bruce Jenkins) of Belmont, MA. She is also survived by grandchildren Lucy Thomas (Kyle Thomas), James Blau, Michael Blau (Julie Blau), Lucas Jenkins, Maddie Jenkins, Tess Jenkins, Benjamin Cohen, Veronica Blau and great-grandchildren Claire and Charles Thomas.
Funeral services will be held on Monday March 13 at 11:00 AM atAbraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home. Shiva will be observed at the Blau home in Westport, CT the same day from 1:00-6:00 PM. For more information and to share a condolence message, visitwww.greensfuneralhome.com.
Teens at MoCA Westport Holds Teen Film Showcase
Last night at MoCA Westport the teen council held its Teen Film Showcase, featuring a variety of work. Ava Waldman, as President of the council, introduced the countless creative films.
Photo by Cami Vynerib.
Morning Weather Report: Here we Snow Again
Today:
A 20 percent chance of rain after 4pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 44. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.
Tonight:
Rain and snow, becoming all snow after 1am. Low around 33. Wind chill values between 25 and 30. Northeast wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Winter Weather Advisory begins at 6:00 PM.
Tomorrow:
Snow before 1pm, then a slight chance of rain between 1pm and 4pm. High near 43. Wind chill values between 25 and 35. North wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Winter Weather Advisory ends at 10:00 AM.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 29. North wind 8 to 11 mph.
Fire Department Responds to Brush Fire along I-95 in Westport
Contributed photoThe Westport Fire Department responded to a brush fire on interstate 95 northbound between exits 18 and 19 this afternoon. First arriving fire companies found a large area of brush burning and quickly spreading. Firefighters immediately began extinguishing the fire, but it quickly spread and crossed over the train tracks. This necessitated a stoppage of all Metro North and Amtrack trains traveling through the area. Firefighters from Wilton and Weston responded to the scene with water tankers to provide water supply for the operation from the highway side of the incident. Utilizing access off Gray Lane, Fairfield Firefighters assisted Westport Firefighters extinguish the fire on the opposite side of the tracks. The fire was extinguished and contained to approximately 1.5 acres. The cause of the fire is unknown currently.
William “Bill” Barron, 77, Died; Weston Resident, Y’s Men Member
William (Bill) Barron passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023. He was 77.
A resident of Weston, Conn., since 1954, Barron was born in 1945 in Detroit to John and Eulalia Barron.
He received a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1967, and a J.D. degree from Cornell University Law School in 1970.
Barron worked with several law firms before joining Alston and Bird in 1977 as a partner. After retiring from Alston and Bird, he became a partner at Franzino and Schur.
He was a member of the Art Law Committee of the International Bar Association, the Yale Russian Chorus Alumni, Kiwanis International, and a longtime member of Norfield Church in Weston. Barron joined the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston in 2017 where he participated in several activities including the Book Club, Bridge, the Classical Music Society, and the Global Issues Discussion Group.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, sons David and Will., six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18 at 11:00 AM at Norfield Congregational Church, 64 Norfield Road, Weston, Conn.
First Selectwoman: Found Propaganda “does not represent Westport and is unacceptable”
Press ReleasePropaganda stickers discovered on town & state property in recent days prompted a swift response from the Town Administration and the Westport Police Department.
On Wednesday March 8 2023, Westport Police were notified of propaganda, in the form of stickers, affixed to signs in the Saugatuck area of Town. These stickers were small, and in some cases, old and tattered. These stickers are confirmed recruitment materials from a group called “Patriot Front”. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented this group and written extensively on them https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/patriot-front. Westport Police spoke with CT State Police Hate Crimes Unit and confirmed that they have seen material from this group in other parts of the Country, and further stated they have had no violence attached to this propaganda.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “I am grateful to the Police for managing the issue with expediency and professionalism. This does not represent Westport and is unacceptable. Nor does it diminish the qualities of our community that focus on volunteerism, neighborly engagement, and civil discourse. We are proud of our residents and business and civic leaders who work tirelessly to make Westport a better place.”
She continued, “In collaboration with the CT ADL, TEAM Westport, and local officials, we will continue to make strides to ensure that Westport is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone feels that they belong. Safety is always a top priority. I ask the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity they come across to the Westport Police department immediately. We can all help do our part as a community in countering these types of incidents by staying alert. Together, we can all make sure that Westport is the best place in the region to live, work, play and learn.”
Chief Koskinas reminds the public that Westport Police Department are engaging and take pride in making Westport a safe and inviting community.
Anyone with information or evidence of those responsible for placing the stickers in the various locations of Saugatuck are encouraged to call the Westport Police Detective Bureau at (203) 341-6080.