Westport art historian Fiona Garland (r) today points out some details in “Las Meninas,” (Spanish for “The Maids of Honor”), a 1656 painting by Diego Velázquez, the leading artist of the Spanish Golden Age. The painting, which is in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, was discussed at today’s Westport Arts Center ArtCafé. It was the last ArtCafé for Helen Klisser During (l), the Center’s artistic director who has announced her resignation effective Dec. 1. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Westport Historical Society (WHS) will host “Sam’s War: A GI’s Journey,” a film that choreographs a Jewish American soldier’s fight against Nazi Germany.

Sam Brody of Norwalk gestures as he recounts his World War II experiences in “Sam’s War.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The 78-minute film, to be shown at 6:30 p.m. in the WHS Sheffer Gallery at 25 Avery Place, with be followed by a question and answer period with title character Sam Brody, a Norwalk resident who is now 95, and filmmaker Joel L. Freedman of Westport, WHS officials said.

The two met through a mutual friend about eight years ago. Freedman said he was immediately taken by Brody’s recounting of his experiences and eventually filmed about 45 hours of interviews over a five-year period.

According to Barbara Peck, WHS assistant director, “Sam’s War” is a riveting, personal account of a GI’s “death-defying experiences.”

Bidding was under way today from patrons locally and around the world as Westport Auction conducted an auction of more than 300 items of Judaica, some dating from the 18th century. Known as the Peter Ehrenthal Collection, the items came from New York’s Moriah Galleries, which is closing after almost 60 years. Founded in 1957 by Peter Ehrenthal, the gallery has been devoted to the acquisition of Jewish ritual objects and art. Westport Auction owner Travis Worrell conducted the auction with food provided by Mendy’s Kosher Catering of New York City. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Matthew Mandell for WestportNow.com

The inaugural Staples High School Fall Orchestra Concert will be held on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Saugatuck Elementary School Auditorium.

The concert at 170 Riverside Ave. will include all of the Staples orchestras led by Adele Valovich and Carrie Mascaro.

Admission is free and open to the public.

With a statewide drought continuing, the Aquarion Water Company, which serves Westport, today requested customers shut down sprinklers and irrigation systems for the season. 

Aquarion’s reservoirs in the southwest region of the state are below half their capacity. And yet demand is running approximately 12.2 percent higher than for the same period last year, an announcement said.

“Due to the continuing drought and ongoing high water demand, Aquarion is asking customers to turn off sprinklers and irrigation systems for this season,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion president and CEO. “It is important for our customers to support these voluntary conservation measures, and to use our water resources wisely.”

This new request follows a previous customer alert and voluntary conservation request a month ago. (See WestportNow Sept. 24, 2015)

Members of the Westport Historic District Commission (HDC) posed tonight following a Westport Town Hall ceremony honoring recipients of the 2015 HDC’s Preservation Awards. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

A “massive” Westport Arts Collective pop up featuring the work of 150 artists is scheduled to be showcased “from floor to ceiling” Thursday, Nov. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Westport Arts Center (WAC) in a celebration of creativity that is free and open to the public, WAC officials announced.

Westport Artists Collective founding members and artists gather at the September 2015 Pop Up exhibition. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Leslie LaSala for WestportNow.com

“This will be a steroid-start to the holiday season,” said Helen Klisser During, WAC’s artistic director. “This one-night only show is like a performance.

“For two precious hours the gallery is full of art, artists and art lovers, and this is a great chance to take home an incredible work of art,” she added.

During and five local artists founded the Collective in 2014. Founding artist members include Nina Bentley, Tammy Winser, Jahmane West, Duvian Montoya, and Miggs Burroughs.

Popular New York Times columnist Jane Body signs copies of her latest book today at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. The book, “Jane Brody’s Guide to the Great Beyond,” is subtitled “A Practical Primer to Help You and Your Loved Ones Prepare Medically, Legally and Emotionally for the End of Life.”  Brody spoke to a full house at the Center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com