This 2011 wide-frame of Coney Island by Westport photographer Stephen Wilkes showing it morphing from day to night is the centerpiece of an exhibit of 70 works by 14 photographers in “Coney Island: Side Show,” which opened tonight at the Westport Arts Center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo by Stephen Wilkes

Helen Klisser During, Westport Arts Center artistic director, thanks Westport photographers who contributed to “Coney Island: Side Show,” which opened tonight and runs to March 14. It includes 70 works by 14 photographers. With her are (l-r) N.W. Gibbons, Douglas Healey, Stephen Wilkes, Larry Silver, and David Kalman.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westport photographer David Kalman tonight stands next to one of his Coney Island photos in “Coney Island: Side Show,” which opened tonight at the Westport Arts Center and runs to March 14. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

Scenes from tonight’s reception and post-reception dinner making the opening of the Westport Arts Center’s “Coney Island Side Show” exhibit. Helen Klisser During and Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.comand contributed photos

Westport Library volunteers are busy in the lower level sorting room in anticipation of the spring book sale on March 14-17.  According to volunteer Dick Lowenstein (c, book donations fill the drop-off bins daily. He said the books, categorized into mystery, sci-fi, gardening, cooking, nonfiction, self-help and both trade and regular paperbacks are boxed and transported for storage by Homes With Hope personnel, to the Baron’s South Golden Shadows facility which has recently been cited for an Historic Landmark status application. “There are 40 all-year round volunteers dedicated to used book and vinyl record sorting. pricing, categorizing, labeling and boxing,” he said . With him are Bill Gluckman (l) of Norwalk and Pat Skelly of Southport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By Susan Granger

Clint Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated “American Sniper” pays tribute to the late Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL acclaimed as the most deadly sharpshooter in U.S. military history.

Set in Iraq, the opening scene is riveting, as Kyle (Bradley Cooper) must decide whether to shoot a woman and a young boy. The same pivotal scene is repeated midway through the story -– at a time when it’s better understood. 

Prior to that, there’s the conventional biography. Where Kyle came from (Texas), how he met his wife (Sienna Miller) and why he nobly embarked on four tours of duty. Apparently, it all went back to Kyle’s father’s dictum that the world is divided into three types: sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.

Devoted to God, country, and family (in that order), Kyle envisioned himself as a sheepdog, protecting others, while his expertise earned the nickname “The Legend.” But when he eventually returned home, Kyle suffered post-traumatic stress, like many other soldiers.

Westport authors Jane Green and Mike Greenberg, both of whom have done much of their writing at the Westport Library, spoke to a full room tonight at the library about their new books——Green’s “Saving Grace” and Greenberg’’s “My Father’s Wives.” Green has published 15 New York Times best-selling novels, and Greenberg is the co-host of ESPN’‘s “Mike and Mike.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Helen Klisser During (c), artistic director at the Westport Arts Center, today adjusts the lights on “Coney Island Boardwalk, NY, Day to Night 2011,” a photograph by Westport photographer Stephen Wilkes (r). The photo—see a time lapse video here and a “CBS Sunday Morning” feature on the photo and Wilkes here —is one of more than 70 works by 14 photographers in “Coney Island: Side Show” opening on Friday with a 6 to 8 p.m. reception. Jill Sarver (l), visual arts manager, assists. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Marina White for WestportNow.com