Westport's Shonda Rhimes Says See 'Ya To The Kennedy Center For The Arts
Shonda Rhimes being interviewed at the Westport Library’s Martin Luther King celebration last month. Photo by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press
Trump's takeover of the organization prompts several board resignations and artist cancellations.
Story by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press
Shonda Rhimes, who was treasurer of the Kennedy Center, one of Americas premier arts organization has resigned that position.
The Center made its public debut on September 8, 1971, with a gala opening performance featuring the world premiere of a Requiem mass honoring President Kennedy, a work commissioned from the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Honorees have included a who's who of America's greatest and most beloved members of the arts community. The Kennedy Center Honors was televised earlier this year with Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, the Grateful Dead and Apollo Theater receiving the 2024 honors. The list of those honored would fill a few pages here and include Earth, Wind & Fire, The Eagles, Sally Field, Henry Fonda, Cher, Reba McEntire, Lin-Manuel Miranda, George Clooney and Bob Dylan.
Forbes Magazine's story cites a "War On Woke Programming" Forbes Kennedy Center The story has appeared in multiple media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Post and NPR.
Trump previewed his vision to usher in " a new age in arts and culture" last week when it was reported that he would appoint himself as chair of the center.
Trump, who has never attended the Kennedy Center, has fired numerous board members and replaced them with people from his inner circle including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, her deputy Dan Scavino and second lady Usha Vance.
Staples Wreckers Top Hatters 42-34 In Danbury
Above left: Mason Tobias scoring one of his game high 19 points. Right: Matty Corrigan starts the transition after grabbing one of his 6 rebounds.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On a special night honoring the senior players and cheerleaders at Danbury High School, the Staples boys basketball team played the role of spoiler. Staples started off the game very well defensively, jumping out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter led by junior captain Mason Tobias (#11) who scored 5 points and junior Matty Corrigan (#35) who added 4 points in the first period.
Coach Dave Goldshore and his staff get the team ready to take the floor after a time out.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Danbury battled hard throughout the game and fought back, and threatened Staples which led by one point at the close of the third quarter, 29-28. The 4th quarter saw the Wreckers expand their lead to 6 points just past the midway point, holding off the Hatters who were held to only 2 more points in the final minutes.
Mason Tobias, forward (#11) lead all scorers with 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds which ultimately led the way for the Wreckers with his craftiness in the paint as well as some timely free throws. Forward Matty Corrigan (#35) was productive across the board, scoring 10 points, adding 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals to help the Wreckers to victory. Staples won the game 42-34, and looks to continue their success on Friday night when the Cadets of St. Joseph come to Westport (7:00 PM tip-off).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
We would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to the championship Danbury Cheerleading Hatters, who have dominated cheer competition in the FCIAC and the state. The squad won their seventh straight FCIAC conference team title and scored their third straight state title last year. Below: they perform one of their signature moves, lining up for back flips which thrilled the crowd.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
And now, THIS!
A snowman was made in an effigy of Adolph Hitler, complete with a swastika and stick positioned as an arm forming a Nazi salute.
Snowman photo courtesy of 06880.
Westport Police Department & First Selectwoman Update:
On 1:00 PM on Tuesday February 11, Westport Police issued the following press release:
In response to numerous inquiries from various media outlets, The Westport Police Department is releasing the following information about a recent antisemitic incident.
On the night of February 9th, Westport Police were notified by a local Rabbi to the existence of a snowman with antisemitic features at the Newman Poses Preserve. The person who found the snowman notified the Rabbi and a local blog. On the morning of January 10th, the Westport Police initiated an investigation which included responding to the Newman Poses Preserve where a snowman was located, but without any antisemitic symbols. We contacted the complainant and spoke with him about the incident. He reported finding the snowman at approximately 5:40 PM on Sunday, January 9th while walking in the Newman Poses Preserve. The complainant reportedly took a photo of the snowman and then removed the antisemitic symbols prior to leaving the preserve.
The Westport Police Department is investigating the incident and asks anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the Westport Police Department at (203)341-6000. Furthermore, we ask that incidents like this be reported immediately to the Police Department so they can be investigated in a timely manner.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community. Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my North Star and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”
WPL Note**
The WPD requests that all incidents of hate be reported ASAP so that a police response can occur as quickly as possible, as this will hep in any investigations.
WESTPORT LOCAL PRESS ORIGINAL POST:
Town officials and civic leaders at ever turn, have made it clear that the Town of Westport is a welcoming community where acceptance and tolerance is the standard to which we hold ourselves.
Recently an example of the kind of hate which is unacceptable anywhere, especially here, appeared in a strange and bizarre form in one of our town open spaces, The Newman-Poses Preserve, located off Bayberry Lane near the intersection of Easton Rd. The preserve is the only public memorial approved by the family of the late Paul Newman as a way to honor the actor and philanthropist.
Westport PD was notified and reaction was swift in town and in the area, with posts on 06880 and reporting in area newspaper websites and local television including News12 Connecticut.
A response by the CT chapter of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) came in the form of the statement above, which references the ongoing incidences of anti-semitism in CT, saying in part, "At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we all upon community leader to speak out against this hat. Hate is not child's play."
An ADL post on their website in April, 2024, the organization reported, "Antisemitic Incidents in Connecticut Soared 170 percent in 2023". Westport, which has large and thriving Jewish community and several synagogues has been highly visible in it's support for the community and for Israel as the hostage crises continues, has seen more than it's share of anti-semitic incidents and rallies in support of Israel.
Link to the ADL post: Antisemitic Incidents Soared In 2023
Some of these have been reported here in the Westport Local Press:
Another Example Of Anti-Semitism Appears In Westport
Bridge Rally Marks 300 Days Of Captivity For Israeli Hostages
Vigil Tonight To Mark 300 Days Of Captivity Of The Israeli Hostages
Feed The Birds (Tuppence a Bag)
OK, BOOMERS! You know where this song is from, don't you? (Link below)
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
But, did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month?
Here it is, straight from top, the National Audubon Society: Don’t let your feeders hang empty! February is one of the toughest months for wild birds in North America. Support birds when they need it most with our many blends and mixes of seed, feed, and suet.
Learn more abut feeding backyard birds here, visit the National Audubon Society: Audubon.org
We are taking this opportunity to remind Westporters that winter is a great time to feed our beautiful backyard songbirds. We took these photos in our backyard this week. One of the best loved birds we see all the time is the male Northern Cardinal, pictured above. Here, is seen taking cover in a thicket, awaiting his chance to visit a nearby feeder, then getting a little bit closer.
About the Northern Cardinal
From ebird.org: Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders.
Learn more: https://ebird.org/species/norcar
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The photos above are of the Common Grackle which appears in large flocks at this time of year. They can often mob backyard feeders and con often overpower other birds trying to enjoy a meal.
About the Common Grackle
Those unfamiliar with birds often mistake Grackles for crows, or members of the extended crow family. To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Grackle/id
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the photos above, a female Northern Cardinal shares a thicket with a house sparrow. At center, a Dark-eyed Junco, a species of sparrow common in our area in winter, has found a black oil sunflower seed.
About the Dark Eyed Junco
Unique sparrow with incredible variation between populations. Generally patterned with gray, white, and shades of tan. All have pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers.
To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id
And, for those who are not Boomers, or perhaps children of Boomers, here is the answer to the song title above, Feed The Birds, (Tuppence A Bag):
Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) YouTube link: https://youtu.be/XHrRxQVUFN4?si=xfnP78l5Biablk43