Artist Collective Of Westport Pop-Up Exhibit To Run Through Sunday
After a huge opening reception on Wednesday evening with Chris Coogan at the piano, The Artists Collective of Westport’s latest Popup art exhibit will be open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 6pm in the barn at the Westport Playhouse.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Artists talks are from 5 to 6pm on Sunday, which are free and open to the public. The 14 participating artists who work in a variety of creative media are Ann Brecher-Bogart, Janine Brown, Randijane Davis, Susan Fehlinger, Susanne Keany, Emily Laux, Mary Jo McGonagle, Toby Michaels, Jay Petrow, Diane Pollack, Kim Porio, Mark Schiff, Kris Toohey and Cynthia Whalen.
Their work and the work of all 150 Collective members can be seen at www.ArtistsCollectiveofWestport.org
Labor Day Weekend Car Show Draws 2,000 Spectators
Yes, believe it or not this IS a Mercedes-Benz. Just one of many unique vehicles at the Danbury War Memorial Car show.
While many Westporters were spending the last big weekend of summer at Compo, Sherwood Island or cruising on Long Island Sound, our neighbors to the north spent part of their Labor Day weekend at one of Fairfield County's larger car shows, the annual Danbury War Memorial car show.
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Located in the heart of Danbury at Rogers Park, the Danbury War Memorial which is a non-profit recreational and educational facility providing organized sports, personal fitness, as well as community events. All profits gained will be used for continuous improvements to the building. The grounds are also the site of Memorials built to honor the fallen lost in World War Two, The Korean and Viet Nam conflicts and will soon be home for a Memorial for those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Half-Million Dollar Traffic Jam! - The classic, vintage and unique vehicles in this line are easily worth $500,000 or probably more. This beauty in green a modified Charger muscle car and only about 500 were ever built. After its initial year in NASCAR, they banned the Daytona for being too fast to safely race. This makes it one of the most important cars in motorsport history for the changes it forced in the racing series. With its huge, 23-inch tall-rear airfoil and deeply slanted nose, it was obvious that the Charger Daytona existed only to win races at fast NASCAR tracks.
The competition debut for the Dodge Charger Daytona came at Alabama International Motor Speedway (now Talladega Superspeedway) on September 14, 1969. In fact, partly as a result of it's highly banked turns at 32º Buddy Baker (NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2020) was the first NASCAR driver to break 200 MPH turning a lap of 200.447 mph in Dodge Daytona. This legendary automotive icon was also the first car to win at the new Alabama Motor Speedway. Most NASCAR legends like Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and 34 other drivers boycotted the race after multiple tire failures occurred in practice which the drivers attributed to the track being too fast causing premature tire wear.
This year's record attendance was due in part to the two hundred or so exceptional vehicles, everything from perfectly restored vintage antiques, to legendary American Muscle Cars of the 60's and 70's, to a few trucks like few have seen. There were a few European high end cars as well as a couple of exotics like the Lamborghini with the intake covers specifying "remove before flight" evoking those used on Amercia's military jet aircraft. Several active duty Army soldiers attached to the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Danbury were on hand to pose for photos with one of their vehicles.
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Edsel was a make of car and a new car making division introduced by the Ford Motor Company on September 4, 1957. The company called that day, "E-Day." The car was named after Henry Ford's son, Edsel Ford. The Edsel was also considered one of the biggest failures in history although some say it was simply ahead of it's time. It was sold for only three years, ending in 1960.
The ROUSH 2010 427R™ Mustang was the first in the lineup of new ROUSH® 2010 Mustangs to have a ROUSHcharger® supercharger installed which boosts the horsepower to 435 and offers 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Roush Racing, the original name of the company started by Jack Rousch was one of the most successful teams in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing history.
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Another legend in SCCA racing was this Boss 302 Mustang, introduced in 1969 and driven in the Trans-Am series at Lime Rock, CT by a legendary driver, Parnelli Jones. Jones battled another legend, Mark Donohue driving the Roger Penske Z-28 Camaros. Donohue tragically was killed after crashing during a warm-up run for the Austrian Grand Prix.
This Boss was painted red, but the original 1969 Boss 302, of which only 1628 were built to qualify for Trans-Am series racing, was only available in Bright Yellow, Calypso Coral, Wimbledon White, and Acapulco Blue. The Boss was rated at 290 horsepower (probably more) and was one of only a few cars on the market at the time that had a nearly one-to-one cubic inch-to-horsepower ratio. The car cost about $3600. (almost 36K in today's dollars) and the current average selling price according to Classics.com is over $88,000. with a top selling price of nearly $260,000.
One of the cars taking home a trophy was The Mercury Cyclone Spoiler (above, right) which was launched Into the NASCAR Battle When Cale Yarborough Won The Daytona 500 In 1968 in a Woods Brothers Cyclone. The Cale Yarborough Edition Was Red And White Like His Woods Brothers Car With A Signature. Only 41 Cale Yarborough Spoilers were built with the largest engine available, the legendary 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air! These cars were only built one model year, 1969. Cyclones have sold for an average of $65,000 and as much as $100,000. Yarborough, former NASCAR Winston cup series driver, owner, Businessman, and farmer, not all that an unusual occupation for the mostly southern based stock car divers. He is only one of two drivers in NASCAR history to win three consecutive Championships, winning in 1976, 1977, And 1978.
Above left, Rayanne of Danbury pauses next to the trophy-winning Cale Yarborough Cyclone Spoiler.
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This truck certainly raised a few eyebrows.
This 1926 Mack Model AC "Bulldog" 600 GPM pumper, (above, right) purchased new by New Brunswick, New Jersey,made an appearance. This four-speed chain-drive vehicle is powered by a four-cylinder dual ignition engine. It is owned by Henry Sanford of Redding, Connecticut.
Several active duty Army soldiers attached to the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Danbury were on hand to pose for photos with one of their vehicles.
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Westport Library & Y's Men Presented Actor And Health Care Activist James Naughton
Monday, August 21st evening was very special as the Y's Men of Westport/Weston and The Westport Library presented noted actors and Broadway performers James Naughton and Carole Schweid to a capacity crowd.
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he audience thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed, friendly and incisive conversation between these two theatre and film veterans. Together, they discussed Naughtons acting and directing history, his long relationship with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and told stories of his many successful years in the entertainment business.
In addition, Naughton recognized a number of attendees who have worked with him and joined to enjoy this evening with him.
On a more serious note, Mr. Naughton made a strong case for supporting the Medical Aid in Dying legislation which has yet to be passed in Connecticut and provided history and information on how to help.
Guests were then treated to a 16-minute fictional drama film, "Not the Same Clarence”, featuring Jim and his son Greg Naughton depicting the true realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.
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Above: Clips from the film.The trailer for the film can be seen here: ”Not The Same Clarence”
Mr. Naughton told WestportLocalPress, "We know that 75% of CT residents want Medical Aid In Dying passed by the CT Legislature. I've been advocating for its passage since my wife, Pam, passed away after battling Pancreatic Cancer for 4 years. On Oct. 16th, I will moderate a discussion on the subject at the Westport Library, with a panel of involved citizens and Legislators. Be there!"
Also in attendance were the filmmakers, Brian Russell and his wife Lisa DeTullio Russell, (above, left) who serves as a producer on all Brian's films. The couple are from Fairfield. Brian told us, "I was a business, business, business guy, and made a career change in 2010, when I accidentally started making videos. I have worked on corporate video, non-profit fundraising and host of other subjects in video production for the past 13 years. I began working with James Naughton about a year ago, and this fall will be collaborating on our 3rd and 4th films together."
The couple's next project will be a documentary about Medical Aid in Dying, profiling Tim Appleton, the head of the CT chapter of Compassion and Choices, as he walks across the state to raise awareness for the Medical Aid inn Dying legislative initiative. We will begin following him in South Windsor.
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Billy & The Showmen Give The Levitt Dance Floor A Workout
On Saturday night one of the Levitt Pavilion's crowd favorites, Billy & The Showmen brought their own brand of hard-driving R&B, Soul, and Funk from the '60's and '70's to the Levitt stage and brought the audience to the new astroturf "dance floor", giving it quite a workout.
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Shelly Kahan, president of Interstate+Lakeland lumber introduced the band, with whom he has been friends for part of their more than 50 year career as a band. Mr. Kahan and Interstate+Lakeland Lumber, which recently opened their new Design Center at 800 Post Rd. East, Westport has been a major sponsor of the Levitt summer music series for several years. Interstate+Lakeland was hosting their customer appreciation event at the Levitt's terrace prior to the show.
There was a capacity crowd on Saturday night with many of the audience finding their way to the "dance floor" in front of the stage.
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The 9 piece band, includes a 4 piece brass section which gives them the ability to play tunes by such greats as Tower Of Power including TOP's best-selling "What Is Hip?" one of their many crowd-pleasers.
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Frank Mastrone Brings the Sounds Of Broadway to the Levitt Pavilion Stage
On Sunday, Frank Mastrone, a long-time Levitt favorite performed with his friends, Singers Terry Eldh and Dodie Pettit. His band included Musical Director Frank Spitznagel, Violinist Darwin Shen, on bass Nick Macri and on drums, Gabe Nappi.
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Above, left Sunday Series sponsor Roger Leifer welcomes the crowd, center. Right, Frank Mastrone reaches for a big note.
This memorable evening was sponsored by long-time major Levitt supporter who has funded their Sunday series for some time, Leifer Properties of Westport. Mastrone, who has appeared on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Big: The Musical, Jekyll and Hyde and Saturday Night Fever brought his signature cabaret show giving fabulous renditions of Broadway hits everyone knows.
Together with his exceptional band and the vocal talents of his special friends they delighted the capacity audience again this year with their high energy performances across multiple genres of music
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They Grow Up So Fast!
It's hard to believe that just two months ago the Terrain Osprey juveniles in these photos were little chicks, small enough to hold in the palm of your hand (below, left pic, see: https://westportlocal.com/news/osprey-update-its-triplets).
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Within 30 days of hatching, the young birds will be 70-75% of their adult weight. The chicks will fledge about 55 days after hatching but will use the nest as home base until they migrate in September. Young ospreys will stay dependent on their parents until the young are able to fish for themselves, which these two seemed to in no big hurry to learn.
These "teenagers" were anxiously awaiting their next meal, and were quit vocal about their need for dinner. They were squeaking for nearly an hour, hoping Mom and Dad would be bringing fresh fish. After not getting their food delivery they flew effortlessly to the nearby pine trees at the back of the Terrain parking lot. Upon landing in the pine trees, they continued demanding to be feed (above left) and after another 15 minutes of squawking, they gave up and chose instead to give their feathers a good preening (above, right).
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Westport Library and Y's Men Presented Howard Saffan, Owner And President of The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Mr. Saffan, the owner, developer, and president of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, provided an insider’s look at this highly acclaimed, world-class venue on August 3rd at The Westport Library in a presentation co-sponsored by the Library and the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston.
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Mr. Saffan was introduced first by Dewey Loselle, President of the Westport-Weston Y's men (L), then by Dick Kalt, ( C) the organization's director of communications. Mr. Saffan (R ) spoke at length about the detailed and very expensive process of building what many of the music and concert industry's legendary performers have heralded as an exceptional concert venue and one in which they want to return to again and again.
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Now in the midst of its second season, the Amphitheater is a conversion of the former Harbor Yard Ballpark, previously home to the Bridgeport Bluefish. The Amphitheater showcases many of music's superstars, and Saffan will discuss the development of the amphitheater, the relationship with Bridgeport, and the exciting renaissance of live contemporary music shows and the Sound on Sound Festival. The Amphitheater is the premier music venue in Connecticut, presenting live shows with The Beach Boys, Temptations, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Santana, and many more.
As part of his presentation Mr. Saffan provided photos and videos and proudly described the many features and amenities which sets this facility apart from other concert venues. He provided clips of some of the major music industry stars who have performed worldwide describing how exceptional this facility is and how happy they are to appear here. Speaking in one of the video clips was Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl who performed at and became one of the early fans of the amphitheater.
Howard provided fascinating background on his long career, how he started his first business, a window and door factory in Bridgeport, which he sold after his start as a bankruptcy attorney and clerked for a Federal Bankruptcy judge. That career began when he graduated from Brooklyn Law School and achieved a B.S. in finance from Syracuse University.
Howard later became CEO of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and spoke of how he always wanted to be associated with the sports business. He tried being a legal assistant for a famous sports agent but couldn’t stand dealing with the large egos of the athletes he represented. At this point he left the legal profession, the window business which he subsequently sold for a large profit at age 36. He then bought a major interest in a leading golf driving-range company that was going into bankruptcy. Later, he took over a Shelton, CT facility, the popular Sports Center of Connecticut. That facility is unique in that it is the only double decker NHL-sized ice arena in the world where various local hockey teams could train.
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Several audience members were afforded the opportunity to ask Howard questions and he coyly demurred when one questioner asked about a major announcement he would be making on a future project which he alluded to in his earlier remarks.
One of the teams that trained there was the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He joined the team as President and after 9 years became CEO. Finally in 2011 he bought the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport which he converted to one of the most successful sports and entertainment arenas in CT. He features college and professional ice hockey and basketball and includes popular music groups, singers and shows such as Cirque de Soleil. This season the arena had the highest attendance ever and Howard continues to be a very successful entrepreneur.
As if all this was not enough of a resume of achievements, at one point in his career Saffan oversaw management of the New York Islanders hockey club and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The audience mingled prior to the start of the event. Audience members listening intently to Saffan's presentation included (L) Jeff Weiser, RTM Moderator, E. Bruce Bonner of the Y's Men organization (C) and Westport based real estate developer, investor and one of Howard’s attorneys, Roger Leiffer, (R) seated next to his wife Beryl.
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Other audience members included Robin Hammond of CLASP Westport with Levitt Board member Dave Briggs (L), Agata Slattery of the Westport Library, Y's Men's Dewey Loselle, Mr. Saffan, Westport Library's Jennifer Bangser and Y's men's Dick Kalt. At right are Dick and Howard.
Tacombi Readies For Monday With Friends & Family Soft Opening
On Monday, the newest offering in Westport’s array of dining options Tacombi will officially open.
To get ready for the big day they held a two-day friends and family soft opening giving their team a chance to iron out any wrinkles in operations and to give Westporters an opportunity to enjoy their great food at family-friendly prices.
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Above left is Tacombi’s management team: Anthony Simkin, Annamaria Ferencz- Managing Partner , Petagaye McLaughlin and Javin Bell. Center photo, server Chloe brings an order to Alexander and Janelle of Westport. At right First selectwoman Jen Tooker with Annamaria Ferencz, Zoltan Pongracz and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
Tacombi, known for its full-flavor tacos, cocktails and ice-cold beers, is excited to announce the opening of its newest location in Westport, Connecticut on August 7th [1680 Post Road, Westport]. With over 17 locations across New York City, Long Island, Miami and the Greater Washington D.C. area, the brand is excited to expand its footprint with its first location in Connecticut, offering the Westport community of families, young professionals and longtime residents to indulge in authentic Mexican food and culture.
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This new taqueria is centrally located near the Long Lots & Coleytown neighborhoods, just down the road from exits 18 & 19 off of I-95 and close to local public transit, making this taqueria accessible to all in the area. The colorful 2,966 sq foot free-standing location offers speedy and convenient service, with the option to order at the counter or via QR code tableside. The space offers an indoor-outdoor setting with an expansive outdoor seating area, where guests can dine under canopies, the perfect place to indulge in tacos during the warmer months.
The menu at Westport brings together distinct flavors and recipes from across Mexico’s 32 states, offering a selection of Tacombi’s popular menu items like Corn Esquites, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Tacos de Birria, and Gringa Quesadillas with Mexico City style Al Pastor roasted pork. The taqueria will serve cocktails including its classic Margaritas, Spiked Hibiscus, which is smoky mezcal with fresh Hibiscus flower; Paloma, Tacombi’s take on the beloved Mexican cocktail, made with tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, and agave; Piña Colada, a tropical favorite pairing dark rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream, along with other Tacombi classic cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages like house-made Aguas Frescas and Lupita sodas.
With each new opening, the taqueria participates in growing the impact of The Tacombi Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance Mexican communities through education and food accessibility. As part of the foundation, The Tacombi Community Kitchen provides food for people in need by donating thousands of quality and reliable Mexican meals prepared in the kitchens of Tacombi taquerias. With its opening in Westport, The Tacombi Community Kitchen will begin working with local non-profits such as Open Doors, which has been a resource for people dealing with poverty and homelessness in the greater Norwalk area for over 40 years, along with Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and Thomas Merton Center, two organizations fighting food insecurity in the local Westport area.
Tacombi’s Westport location is open from 11am to 11pm. For more information visit www.tacombi.com or @tacombi on Instagram.
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay (the River, actually)
A couple relaxes alongside the river at sunset.
Photo by J.C. Martin
Enjoying A Saugatuck Sunset
Boaters pass under the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck as they return from the sound to their slips on the river, with one approaching the Cribari bridge. A couple, or a trio it appears pause to take a selfie.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPres.com
