Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Eric Freeman, managing partner and co-founder for Grandview Partners, a real estate investment management company. Prior to forming Grandview in 2019, Freeman served as a managing director in the Acquisitions Group at Greenfield and was a member of Greenfield’s investment committee. He also served as an investment banking analyst at Citigroup, Inc. in the mergers and acquisitions group, as well as the real estate and lodging groups. Most notably, Freeman is also president of A Better Chance (ABC) of Westport, contributing to the organization’s mission of substantially increasing the number of well-educated young people of color who are capable of assuming positions of responsibility and leadership in American society. “Role models come in many shapes and sizes,” Freeman emphasized when he signed on as head of ABC’S Westport mentorship program. “The scholars have many, but it’s important for them to see people with similar backgrounds, so they don’t feel alone.”
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is five-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director Andrew Wilk. In addition to his work in network television, Wilk is also an accomplished stage director, writer, and symphony orchestra conductor. Among the 45 acclaimed television programs in Wilk’s production history are ‘Live From Lincoln Center’, a PBS series featuring some of the world’s greatest performances from the New York Philharmonic, Lincoln Center Theater, New York City Ballet, and more; the New York Philharmonic PBS Specials featuring soloists Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, and many others; ‘Sinatra: Voice for a Century’; ‘Audra McDonald in Concert’; ‘Rogers & Hammerstein’s Carousel’; ‘Falsettos’; ‘Act One’; ‘The Nance’; the New York Philharmonic’s PBS production of ‘Show Boat’; solo performance television specials for Josh Groban, Kristin Chenoweth, Billy Porter, Sutton Foster, Leslie Odom, Jr., Stephanie J. Block, Andrew Rannells, Annaleigh Ashford with Jake Gyllenhaal, Megan Hilty, and Cynthia Erivo; and many more. Most notably, Wilk was the executive producer for Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’, which won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Program. Additionally, Wilk’s numerous accolades traverse an extensive music career, including his background as former musical director and conductor for the Paper Mill Playhouse and Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, as a guest conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra with special guest Art Garfunkel, and as conductor for countless regional musicals and concert performances. Prior to his role at Lincoln Center, Wilk served as chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment, as well as executive vice president of programming and production for the National Geographic Channel, where he produced many series and specials on NBC and PBS.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Sam Nestor, an energetic and forward-thinking leader who has served the Town of Weston commendably for two terms as First Selectwoman. Public safety has been a primary concern for Nestor, and she has effectively introduced initiatives aimed at enhancing the community's wellbeing. By upgrading infrastructure, including a multi-community emergency response communications system, town roads, bridges, and constructing the town's first sidewalks, she has improved accessibility and made Weston a safer place to reside. Acknowledging the value of leisure and community involvement, she has created more opportunities for residents to participate in recreational activities. She has also prioritized enhancing the library’s circulation, transforming it into a center of knowledge and inspiration for the town. Nestor’s accomplishments and unwavering dedication have garnered her the trust and support of Weston residents. Her strategic and thoughtful approach to governance has resulted in significant advancements, and she is enthusiastic about continuing to build on these successes during her second term in office.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Nancy Diamond, co-chair of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and founder and producer of the short film festival Short Cuts. Throughout her work, Diamond continually strives to support and keep the arts in the public’s consciousness. Diamond pivoted to the arts from her finance career when approached to manage a struggling dance company in New York City. With no regrets, she continued managing, producing, and touring New York theatre and dance, including the off-Broadway comic dance show ‘Funny Feet.’ After relocating to Westport more than 30 years ago, Diamond co-founded the popular Westport, Greenwich, and Fairfield lunchtime theatre series, ‘Play With Your Food.’
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is celebrated chef Matt Storch, who has been shaping the culinary scene in Connecticut for the past 30 years. His influence is well-established as the owner of Match in South Norwalk, an award-winning restaurant celebrating its 25th anniversary, and as a CRA Hall of Fame inductee. Chef Storch’s ventures include Match Burger Lobster in Westport, where classic New England roadside-style treats meet exceptional ingredients. The restaurant is located next door is Saugatuck Provisions, his newest project: a whole-animal butcher shop and market offering locally sourced delicacies perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. His culinary footprint also extends to the Copps Island Oyster Shacks in Norwalk and Stratford. Over the years, Chef Storch has contributed to various menus, concepts, and retail products statewide. He can be recognized as a familiar face on the Food Network as a "Chopped" champion, as well as a guest on "Beat Bobby Flay" alongside his sister, Lisa (who claimed the victory). Storch is regularly featured in local media, including print, radio, and podcasts, sharing his passion for food with a broader audience.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Melissa Kane, Chair of the Board of Directors of Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV) and a member of the advisory board of Newtown Action Alliance. In these roles, she actively lobbies for gun violence prevention legislation on Capitol Hill and in Hartford. Kane served as Selectwoman for the town of Westport from 2017-2021. Over the years, she has distinguished herself as a successful advocate, public servant, and businessperson in Connecticut, leading numerous civic and private sector initiatives and held key elected and appointed positions.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Keith Wilberg, town engineer for the town of Westport. With nearly 30 years of civil engineering experience, Wilberg is accustomed to wearing many hats. In his position, he is responsible for a wide range of engineering functions that support the Public Works Department, including the direction and coordination of the engineering, construction, and maintenance of various activities across Westport town departments. The Department of Public Works (DPW) schedules and provides maintenance functions for the town's infrastructure — roads, transfer station, sewer systems, and more. This also includes budgeting and planning for capital replacement of equipment and facilities. The DPW Engineering staff also reviews plans and permits for residential and commercial structures, when needed.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Carmen Roda, operations manager for the Westport Parks and Recreation Department. According to Woog, Roda is the “go-to guy for beaches, Long Shore, athletic fields, and youth and adult programs.” Roda comes from a background of operational experience in youth sports programs. Being operations manager grants him plenty of excitement and diversity in his work, as well as tons of opportunities to meet and help out a wide array of community members. Most importantly, he loves his team and the work they do to maintain the wonderful town of Westport!
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Dr. Ayotunde Ayobello, Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. As a former professional basketball player in Europe, Dr. Ayobello specializes in treating young athletes at the Yale Child Study Center in Westport. Dr. Ayobello earned his M.D at Crimea State Medical University in Ukraine, shortly after the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. He completed his psychiatry internship at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute in Roanoke, VA. During his time at Virginia Tech, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and was the recipient of the Arnold P. Gold Award for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching. He went on to complete his child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center. During his time as a fellow, he was the recipient of the 2021 Yale Poorvu Grant for Teaching and Learning and the 2022 Melvin Lewis Award, recognizing commitment to medical student education. Dr. Ayobello is a self-taught oil painter with expertise in medical humanities, particularly the intersection of psychiatry and visual arts. His art has been featured in the American Journal of Psychiatry Resident's Journal, the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, and the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He speaks Russian, enjoys traveling and is an avid supporter of Liverpool Football Club of England.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guests this week are Anna Alemani and Ian O’Rourke, co-interim heads of the Pierrepont School, a small, independent, co-educational K-12 school based in Westport. Pierrepont is a vibrant place where students engage with ideas and people in meaningful ways. With a faculty composed of talented and diverse artists, writers, classicists, mathematicians, scientists, musicians, actors, dancers, and historians who encourage students to explore the limits of possibility in every field of study, bringing their own authentic work to bear.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Steve Zimmerman, Coordinator of Music and Visual Arts for the Westport Public Schools. Zimmerman came into his position in 2020, following 25 years of band direction at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, PA and Northwestern High School in New Hartford, CT. Under his leadership, his bands were recognized five times as showcase ensembles at the Connecticut All-State Music Educators Convention. Named Connecticut Music Educator of the Year and one of 50 Yale Distinguished Music Educators in 2015, Zimmerman has conducted notable performances including West Side Story at the Warner Theatre, and sang at Carnegie Hall with the Rutter Festival Chorus. Zimmeran is also an accomplished trombonist, having performed with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Torrington Symphony Orchestra, Capital Winds, and Litchfield Brass Quintet. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the CT Arts Administrators Association, leading professional development, advocacy, and policy initiatives at the state level.
Westport’s own Dan Woog brings his popular blog “06880: Where Westport Meets the World” to life, via the Verso Studios at The Westport Library – recorded LIVE in the Trefz Forum! His guest this week is Jonathan Sollinger, MD of Willows Pediatric Group. Dr. Sollinger has a common sense approach to health and wellness, grounded in the latest scientific advances, but with a strong belief in age-old paradigms of disease prevention. He strives to know kids and their families through an open, honest relationship, a lot of education, and a good sense of humor. Truly passionate about his work, Dr. Sollinger is always learning from patients, parents, and his own family about how we can all stay healthy and enjoy life. Dr. Sollinger attended Dartmouth College and graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He was selected as one of the Top Doctors in Connecticut by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd from 2013 to 2023 and by Connecticut Magazine in 2015 and 2016.
