Woog’s Web World

Once upon a time, Sundance was special. It was where insiders went to find new, edgy, cool films. You’d walk the streets, bump into randoms, then hang out together in little bars and cafes.

Once upon a time, Facebook was small. You had to go Harvard (first), then an Ivy; even after it opened up a bit, you still had to be in college to join.

In 2012, both Sundance and Facebook have gone corporate.

And Emma Shannon was there to cover it all.

Emma Shannon

The 2002 Staples graduate was the on-camera reporter for “Chase Sapphire.” The premium reward card rented a house on Main Street, outfitted various rooms and floors with decor from famous films, then set up a Facebook product page to document it all.

Included were “video postcards” of people enjoying  “Chase Sapphire on Main,” an interviews with random celebrities and random common folk. Emma conducted all the interviews, in a perky, pleasant way.

If a big bank is going to bankroll Sundance — or at least horn in on the fun — it’s nice they’ve picked a pretty face like Emma to present to the world.

There’s so much going on at the Westport Public Library, it’s easy to miss — or gloss over — worthwhile events.

But this one seems even more worthy than most.

Bernard Kalb speaks next Monday (February 6, 7:30 p.m.).

Bernard Kalb

The noted journalist, author and former Assistant Secretary of State will describe accompanying President Nixon on that historic 1972 trip.  Kalb — an international correspondent for more than 3 decades with CBS, NBC and the New York Times — was part of a select group of journalists on the week-long trip.

He was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and spokesman for the State Department in 1984. He quit 2 years later to protest what he called a campaign of misinformation about Libyan leader Colonel Muammar al-Kaddafi by the Reagan administration.

Kalb and his brother, journalist Marvin Kalb, traveled extensively with Henry Kissinger on diplomatic missions. They wrote a biography together about him, and also co-authored The Last Ambassador, a novel about the collapse of Saigon in 1975.

During this century, China could become the most powerful nation on earth. On Monday, you can hear all about it from a man who was there — last century — when the country began to rejoin the rest of the world.

You may not be able to get your taxes down to Mitt Romney territory.

But — thanks to the Westport Human Services Department — seniors and low-to-moderate income households may lower their tax burden down to a reasonable number.

At the very least, they won’t have the stress of doing their taxes all by themselves.

While Mitt Romney has a host of accountants and attorneys helping him, Westporters can take advantage of the annual no-cost, full-service AARP/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance program.

Tax preparation and electronic filing of state and federal taxes are offered at 2 locations, beginning next Wednesday (February 1). The program ends April 16.

Wednesday appointments are available at the Senior Center (9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.); call 203-341-5099.  Monday appointments are available at Town Hall (2:30 to 6:30 p.m.); call 203-341-1050.

Last year, thanks to the Human Services/AARP partnership, almost 300 returns were prepared and filed (almost all electronically). Over $200,000 in refunds we returned to local residents.

More information may be obtained by calling the Westport Human Services Department at 203-341-1050.

Life here in Westport can be hard.

Every day we dodge ridiculous drivers.

Every time the wind blows, we lose power.

Every month, our favorite restaurant closes.

None of that compares, though, to one geographic fact: We’re part of the New York metropolitan area, but also New Englanders.

So, for the next 2 weeks, we’ll be asked repeatedly where we stand:  Giants or Pats?

Some things are just too tough to comprehend.

Seventeen years ago, Janice Macauda was looking for something to do.

She began working as a shelver at the Westport Public Library.

Earlier this month she was honored for her long service. And — oh yeah — for reaching her 90th birthday.

Janice downplayed the twin honors.

“I haven’t discovered anything,” she said this morning. “I’ve just been fortunate to work there. You couldn’t ask for nicer people — the staff, the patrons, everyone who comes in for the different events. I’ve been very, very blessed.”

With 6 children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Janice has a full life.

“I’m very lucky,” she says.

For her dedication, cheerful nature and great helpfulness, so is the Library. And all who work, and go there.

When Bedford Middle School was built, and the adjacent Wakeman athletic complex was developed, Westport’s Community Gardens seemed to be shoveled aside.

But the Community Gardens found a home: appropriately enough, the former Jaeger farm adjacent to Long Lots School.

Paige and Allison Schwartz work in their parents' plot last summer.

It’s bigger and better than ever. Last year, it doubled in size. And though it’s only mid-January, organizers are already looking ahead. They’re now allotting spaces for the 2012 growing season.  Gardeners of all ages are invited to grow vegetables, herbs, flowers and other plants.

The Community Gardens actually grow a community, too. “Members share gardening tips, plants and seedlings with fellow gardeners,” says chairman Lou Weinberg. “There is a wealth of knowledge among the members, many of whom have master gardener training. This is a wonderful community to be a part of.”

Gardeners may apply for a 10-by-20-foot or 10-by-40-foot plot. Sunny plots and shady spots are available. No pesticides or herbicides are permitted. Applications are available at http://westportgardens.org.

The Westport Public Library has a place for everything.

Even 1970s-era disco.

Nile Rodgers

On Monday, January 30 (7:30 p.m.), legendary musician/producer/songwriter/composer Nile Rodgers talk about his new memoirs, Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco & Destiny.

If “Le Freak” rings a bell, it’s because that was the name of Rodgers’ 1st hit song. It came with Chic, the band that later recorded “We Are Family” and “Let’s Dance.” Rodgers went on to produce hits for Madonna, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Duran Duran and more.

Rodgers has a compelling back story. He was born to a 13-year-old junkie, and grew up in a dysfunctional family held together by “drugs, crime, and love.” He fought severe asthma as a child, while living with heroin-addicted parents who frequently nodded off in the living room with their friends.

Books will be available for purchase and signing, with profits benefitting the library. But if you bring an old Chic LP, Rodgers will probably sign that too.

Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina are getting all the attention. Those states’ caucus and primary voters may have an outsized role in determining this year’s Republican presidential nominee.

By April 24 — the day of Connecticut’s GOP primary — the contest may already have been decided.

Or not.

Our state is probably prime Mitt Romney territory. He’s the governor of a neighboring state; a businessman, and not overly concerned with social issues like abortion and gun marriage.

But presidential campaigns have a way of upending traditional wisdom. So, if you’re looking ahead to voting in April, here are a few dates to remember:

▪ January 24: Deadline for current members of a party to change to Republican.

▪ April 19: Deadline to change from “unaffiliated” to Republican; also, the deadline for new voters to mail in their Republican registration.

▪ April 23 (noon): Deadline for registering or enrolling in-person in the registrar’s office to vote in the primary.

Registered voters who wish to change affiliation can pick up the proper form at the Registrar of Voters Office, Room 107 at Town Hall. They can also be printed from the voter registration section on the town’s website.

For more information, call 203-341-1115.