Communitynews:Weston offers free kids history programs
Aug. 11—In "Maytag Virgin," when unflappable Jack moves in next door to endearingly energetic Lizzy, sparks begin to fly between the two schoolteachers. Over time, good-natured, neighborly nagging transforms into an unexpected friendship, and possibly more, as old secrets are revealed and long-standing emotional wounds are healed.
The two-person cast includes Jeffrey Binder in the role of Jack Key and Carolyn Messina as Elizabeth "Lizzy" Nash.
Binder is an actor, playwright and director. He has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally and London's West End, as well as on television and in film. He has a master's of fine arts from New York University.
Messina serves as chief collaborator/dramaturg and often actor for Cefaly's plays, including "Maytag Virgin" where she was the artistic director for the world premiere at the Women's Voices Theater Fest.
Tickets are $25. Running time is about two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. The play contains mature language and content.
For full details on the Script in Hand playreading of "Maytag Virgin," visit: https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/maytag-virgin/.
The Script in Hand Playreading Series is supported by Joyce Herganhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation.
Weston History & Culture Center offers free summer programs
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The Weston History and Culture Center will be offering two free summer programs for children ages 6 to 10 thanks to a grant from Connecticut Humanities.
The 1940s Fun and Games Kids Camp will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 17 and Weston Illustrated Art Camp will be 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 23.
These 90-minute drop-off programs will be taught by WHCC executive director and licensed educator Samantha Fargione and assisted by three college and high school interns majoring in history. Registration required. To register, visit www.WestonCTHistory.org.
The Weston History & Culture Center is located at 104 Weston Road, Weston. Parking is free and located in our parking lot on High Acre Road. Please check-in at the Visitor's Center, red building adjacent to parking area.
Westport Astronomical Society hosts lecture on Beyond Neptune
The Westport Astronimical Society's free science lecture series continues Aug. 15 with Darin Ragozzine, associate professor at Brigham Young University.
The talk will be virtual on Zoom and as a livestream on YouTube where participants can ask questions; the classroom will be closed for this event.
Ragozzine will present "Uncovering the Non-Spherical Shapes of Icy Bodies Beyond Neptune."
Beyond Neptune is a belt of orbiting icy bodies, similar to the better-known asteroid belt and progenitors of some comets. Known as the Kuiper Belt or Trans-Neptunian Belt, more than 2000 objects have been discovered including Pluto and other Pluto-sized objects. The way that these objects orbit the sun shows that they fall into different groups, including one group that appears to be almost completely unchanged from its formation at the beginning of the solar system billions of years ago. This primordial population of objects is a unique window into how small bodies are formed, but because these objects are so far away, not much is known about them.
He give an overview of all these concepts and then talk about his most recent work that uses the motion of these moons to show that this primordial population is composed of objects that are stretched out and non-spherical.
Ragozzine completed a double major in physics and astronomy and astrophysics at Harvard, before earning a Ph.D. at Caltech in planetary science in 2009. He has been an active researcher in the orbits of planets for 15 years and has authored or co-authored nearly 100 publications. He was awarded the Early Career Grant from the National Science Foundation and is an expert in both exoplanets orbiting other stars and small bodies orbiting within our own solar system.
Renters' rebate for elderly, disabled
The state Renters' Rebate Program ends Oct. 1. All applications for qualifying residents must be submitted by Sept. 28.
The program provides an income-based reimbursement for seniors aged 65 and older and/or individuals who are disabled and collecting Social Security income.
The renters' rebate amount is based on qualifying income and the amount of rent and utility payments — excluding telephone — made in 2022. The maximum income for a single person to qualify is $40,300 or $49,100 for a married couple. Any 2022 rent or utility payments made by UniteCT will not be counted. Applicants must also have lived in the state for at least a year. People renting an apartment, room, mobile home or cooperative housing may be eligible for this program.
Applicants can contact Kristen Witt, of the Human Services Department, at 203-341-1067 or Kwitt@westportct.gov to complete the application process.
Westporter takes over Children's Learning Centers
Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County announced Margo Amgott, of Westport, has been appointed as the interim chief executive officer after a thorough search from CLC's search committee.
She starts Aug. 21 and will lead the agency during the transition to a permanent CEO, following Marc Jaffe's retirement. The firm of Philips Oppenheim is assisting the board in the search.
Amgott has more than 30 years of leadership experience, serving a range of organizations, including community and healthcare nonprofits, educational institutions and government agencies. Most recently she spent 14 months as the interim president and CEO of the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. She specializes in transitional leadership and is principal of Amgott Interim LLC. She holds a master's degree from New York University's Wagner School of Public Service and a bachelor's of art from Barnard College.
CLC provides early childhood education and care with direct services and programs focused on health, nutrition and family support for children 6 weeks to 5 years old.
Westport Country Playhouse benefit campaign raises $1.94M
Westport Country Playhouse raised $1,941,557 in cash and pledges by the July 31 deadline for its $2 million "Save Your Playhouse" campaign, the board of trustees announced.
The campaign's objective is to transform the playhouse into a performing arts center that appeals to a broader audience while continuing to produce theater.
Launched in early June, the "Save Your Playhouse" campaign will fund a series of single night events, including cabaret, comedy, music, playreadings and speakers, from January through August 2024. From September 2024 through March 2025, the Playhouse will continue have three productions.
Mark Shanahan, director, playwright and actor, will oversee the theatrical stagings. He was recently appointed incoming artistic director for the 2024-25 season and will officially assume the position in March. Shanahan is curator of the Playhouse's Script in Hand playreading series.
The campaign's success signals the Playhouse's recovery from significant, post-pandemic financial challenges. Contributions continue to be accepted. For campaign information and to donate, visit https://www.westportplayhouse.org/support/save-your-playhouse/. Naming opportunities are available, including engraved paving stones in the Playhouse courtyard and seat plates in the theater. For naming inquiries, contact development@westportplayhouse.org. Donations to Westport Country Playhouse, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, are tax deductible.
For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit westportplayhouse.org or call the box office at 203-227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529.
