Renowned composer, lyricist, critic and columnist Douglas Watt of Southampton and New York City dies at 95
Oct 6, 09 7:25 PM
Renowned critic, columnist, composer and lyricist Douglas Watt, a summer Southampton resident, died of natural causes on September 29 at Southampton Hospital. He was 95.
Born January 20, 1914, he was the only son of Benjamin—a structural engineer—and Anne Watt.
Upon graduating from Cornell in 1934 at the age of 19, Mr. Watt became a copy boy with The Daily News in the drama department, where he was employed until 1993, working his way up. He had many assignments including chief drama critic, music critic and columnist. He wrote the column “Small World” from 1955 to 1970, and worked at two radio stations, WJZ and WEAF; he was on the job when Orson Welles’s “War of the Worlds” came on the air, sending everyone into a panic.
In 1945, Mr. Watt was hired by William Shawn at The New Yorker to write about the music scene. He was asked by his new employer to leave The Daily News to become chief music critic, but he did not want to give up writing theater reviews, which was a passion. And so he continued writing theater reviews for The Daily News while writing music profiles on opera, classical and popular music for The New Yorker. He also wrote the “Tables for Two” column from 1948 to 1957. His recognition of the importance of the musical “Porgy and Bess” helped the production to re-open on Broadway to unanimous acclaim.
Mr. Watt’s career as a critic spanned over a half a century, affording a unique insight. When he first reviewed the 1949 opening of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” he left the theater for the office and, after writing his review, would get it down to Linotype operators for the morning edition. Near the end of his career 50 years later, he simply wrote his review and clicked the send button on a computer at his home.
A member of ASCAP since the 1940s, Mr. Watt, an accomplished pianist, composer and lyricist, wrote “There’s Not a Moment to Spare” (1939), “After All these Years” (1940), “I’d Do it Again” (1941), “Man” (1945), and “Heaven Help Me.” His songs were performed by such artists as Doris Day. His love and knowledge of music was the foundation of many of his friendships with composers and lyricists of the day including Richard Rodgers, Irving Berlin, Kurt Weill, Frank Loesser and Cy Coleman.
Mr. Watt and Duke Ellington collaborated on a musical version of George Bernard Shaw’s, “Caesar and Cleopatra,” but they ceased production when Mr. Watt was approved by the Shaw estate and Mr. Ellington wasn’t because of the color barrier of the day.
One of the founders of the Drama Desk Awards, he was also a member of the Drama Critics Circle, the nominating committees for the Theater World Awards and Tony Awards, the Pulitzer jury for drama, the Derwent Awards, the Callaway Awards and chairman of the nominating committee for the Astaire Awards since their inception in 1980. He was a critic on the first cable television show reviewing theater in the 1960s and 1970s. He covered the theater for WNBC News during the 1962-1963 newspaper strike and has been often quoted in anthologies on the theater.
Besides his love of the theater and music, Mr. Watt enjoyed time with his wife at their summer home in Southampton. Survivors recalled his daily walk for a swim in Peconic Bay and how he hummed a melody as he walked back to the cottage. But New York City was where his soul resided, survivors said. Once, while on a plane from Los Angeles to New York, he was seated next to a man who was boasting how he had been to every city in the world. Mr. Watt asked him if he had been to New York. When the man answered, “No,” Mr. Watt replied, “Well, you haven’t been anywhere.”
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Watt; two sons, Richard Watt and James Watt; two daughters, Patricia Watt and Katherine Rosenberg; and 8 grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton. A memorial service will be held in New York City at a later date.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Catharine Meyers~ 1910 -2009
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Catharine Meyers who passed away on Oct.5, 2009.
A long time resident of the Colony, those who knew her will never forget her.
She was Grandma Meyers to so many of us...
She is survived by her sons, John (Nancy),
Tony (Nannette)
Larry (Eileen) and
Vinny (Janice)
and many grandchildren and great grandchildren..
May she rest in peace..
Donations in Catharine's name may be made to Human Resources at Sacred Heart in Southampton.
Human Resources of the Hamptons
168 Hill St
Southampton, NY 11968
She will be missed...
This is the beautiful eulogy given by Jock (John aka the "Duke") ;) at Catharine's funeral. I wanted to share it with all who knew her..
Eulogy...
MY BROTHERS AND I WELCOME EVERY ONE TO THE BEAUTIFUL CATHEDRAL OF ST. AGNES. WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF OUR DEAR MOTHER, CATHARINE MEYERS.
WE ARE HERE TO SAY GOODBYE TO A REMARKABLE WOMAN WHILE REJOICING IN THE LIFE SHE LED. EVEN THOUGH SHE IS GONE, DEATH DOES NOT REIGN FOR SHE LIVES ON IN HER FAMILY…OF FOUR SONS, THEIR WIVES, 18 GRANDCHILDREN AND 29 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN.
AFTER ALL, LIFE CONQUERS DEATH!
FOR A CENTURY, SHE LIVED A FULL LIFE. AT THE END, SHE HAD ONLY A FEW REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONTENT. FIRST WAS A WEEKLY VISIT TO HER HAIRDRESSER. SECOND WAS TO NEVER REVEAL HER AGE, WHICH SHE CONSIDERED A STATE SECRET. TO TELL IT WOULD BE TREASON. THIRD WAS AN EVENING SCOTCH WITH A FRIEND.
A REMARKABLE WOMAN AND WONDERFUL MOTHER, SHE TAUGHT BY WORD AND, BEST OF ALL, BY EXAMPLE, THE ONLY TRUE LEADERSHIP. AS SHE AGED, HER PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES SEEMED TO GROW. HER FINEST DAYS WERE HER LAST FEW YEARS. AS HER BODY FAILED, HER SPIRIT SOARED.
LEAVING HER AT THE END OF A VISIT, I WOULD HUG HER AND SHE WOULD ASK – “WHY AM I STILL HERE?” I ALWAYS PONDERED HER QUERY AND CAME TO KNOW THE ANSWER, WHICH I NEVER TOLD HER, UNTIL NOW. SHE WAS STILL HERE TO SHOW US, SONS AND WIVES FIRST, THEN ALL OTHERS HOW TO AGE WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY, TO ACCEPT THE LOSSES OF AGING BY NOT COMPLAINING, TO GO ON WITH A SMILE FOR EVERY ONE – AND MAKE THE BEST OF THE GIFT OF A LONG LIFE AMID LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
SO WE CLOSE THIS LAST CHAPTER OF HER LIFE OVERWHELMED BY GRIEF BUT FULL OF GRATITUDE FOR HER LIFE AND LOVE.
SO LONG, MOM. GOD BLESS YOU! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND THE LESSONS. REST IN PEACE!!
A long time resident of the Colony, those who knew her will never forget her.
She was Grandma Meyers to so many of us...
She is survived by her sons, John (Nancy),
Tony (Nannette)
Larry (Eileen) and
Vinny (Janice)
and many grandchildren and great grandchildren..
May she rest in peace..
Donations in Catharine's name may be made to Human Resources at Sacred Heart in Southampton.
Human Resources of the Hamptons
168 Hill St
Southampton, NY 11968
She will be missed...
This is the beautiful eulogy given by Jock (John aka the "Duke") ;) at Catharine's funeral. I wanted to share it with all who knew her..
Eulogy...
MY BROTHERS AND I WELCOME EVERY ONE TO THE BEAUTIFUL CATHEDRAL OF ST. AGNES. WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF OUR DEAR MOTHER, CATHARINE MEYERS.
WE ARE HERE TO SAY GOODBYE TO A REMARKABLE WOMAN WHILE REJOICING IN THE LIFE SHE LED. EVEN THOUGH SHE IS GONE, DEATH DOES NOT REIGN FOR SHE LIVES ON IN HER FAMILY…OF FOUR SONS, THEIR WIVES, 18 GRANDCHILDREN AND 29 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN.
AFTER ALL, LIFE CONQUERS DEATH!
FOR A CENTURY, SHE LIVED A FULL LIFE. AT THE END, SHE HAD ONLY A FEW REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONTENT. FIRST WAS A WEEKLY VISIT TO HER HAIRDRESSER. SECOND WAS TO NEVER REVEAL HER AGE, WHICH SHE CONSIDERED A STATE SECRET. TO TELL IT WOULD BE TREASON. THIRD WAS AN EVENING SCOTCH WITH A FRIEND.
A REMARKABLE WOMAN AND WONDERFUL MOTHER, SHE TAUGHT BY WORD AND, BEST OF ALL, BY EXAMPLE, THE ONLY TRUE LEADERSHIP. AS SHE AGED, HER PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES SEEMED TO GROW. HER FINEST DAYS WERE HER LAST FEW YEARS. AS HER BODY FAILED, HER SPIRIT SOARED.
LEAVING HER AT THE END OF A VISIT, I WOULD HUG HER AND SHE WOULD ASK – “WHY AM I STILL HERE?” I ALWAYS PONDERED HER QUERY AND CAME TO KNOW THE ANSWER, WHICH I NEVER TOLD HER, UNTIL NOW. SHE WAS STILL HERE TO SHOW US, SONS AND WIVES FIRST, THEN ALL OTHERS HOW TO AGE WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY, TO ACCEPT THE LOSSES OF AGING BY NOT COMPLAINING, TO GO ON WITH A SMILE FOR EVERY ONE – AND MAKE THE BEST OF THE GIFT OF A LONG LIFE AMID LOVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
SO WE CLOSE THIS LAST CHAPTER OF HER LIFE OVERWHELMED BY GRIEF BUT FULL OF GRATITUDE FOR HER LIFE AND LOVE.
SO LONG, MOM. GOD BLESS YOU! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES AND THE LESSONS. REST IN PEACE!!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Get Well Wishes to Paul Beatty
Extending get well wishes to Paul Beatty. Our prayers are with you for a speedy recovery!!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thank You!
The Fourth of July Beach Party was great!
The weather couldn't have been better..a delightful breeze kept us cool, and kept the bugs away!
Thank you to Maureen Brennan for chairing, and to ALL those who shopped, donated delicious extras, set up, cleaned up, grilled, and lent equipment.
Impossible to name everyone, as someone will be left out, and we don't want to do that!
So thank you to all...
The 50/50 was won by Elizabeth Rose, lovely granddaughter of Ellen and George Noonan.
I left my camera home, so if anyone has pictures of the party, please email them to me and I can add them to the post.
It is always fun to see the kids who grew up in the Colony there with their kids..a wonderful tradition..
Saturday, June 13, 2009
July 4th Beach Party
The annual beach party will be held on the 4th, with a rain date on the 5th.
1 PM BRING MONEY FOR the 50/50 raffle....6 for $5.00 or $1.00 each..
Maureen Brennan is chairing the event, and welcomes help.
Sign up at the bulletin board to say you are coming, as well as what you will bring..(salads, etc)
Hope we have great weather for the party..better than what we have been having!!
Don't forget if you have any notices you want posted on this blog contact me at Lilmicshay at yahoodotcom It's free!
Please contact Maureen to volunteer your help for the party...
FYI TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON WEBSITE
http://www.town.southampton.ny.us/index.ihtml
You can download rental applications, etc there..
New this year is an email for Code Enforcement..
A. Where a dwelling unit is to be used as a rental property, an application for a rental permit shall be filed with the Chief Building Inspector before the term of the rental is to commence.
B. The application shall contain the following:
(1) The name, date of birth, telephone number and address of the owner(s).
(a) Proof of the legal residence of each owner;
(b) In the event that the owner of the rental property is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity, the name, proof of legal residence, and telephone number of each owner, officer, principal shareholder, partner and/or member of such business entity shall be provided;
(c) A copy of the last deed of record for the rental property, as recorded with the Suffolk County Clerk, confirming the ownership of record of the rental property.
(2) The name, address and telephone number of the managing agent, if applicable.
(3) A writing, promulgated by the Office of the Town Attorney, executed by the owner(s) of the rental property, which designates either:
(a) A person, firm or corporation with an actual place of business, dwelling place, or usual place of abode located within the boundaries of the Town of Southampton; or
(b) The Town Clerk of the Town of Southampton as agent for service for criminal and civil process pursuant to CPLR Section 318. Every owner shall insure that the address for delivery of such process is current and shall advise the Town Clerk whenever the address is changed. The designated agent, upon receipt of service of process under this designation shall forthwith transmit by regular and certified mail to the owner(s) of the rental property at the address included on the owner(s) application.
(4) The location of the rental property, including the street address and the Suffolk County Tax Map parcel number.
(5) The number of tenants intended to occupy the rental property.
(6) The names of all tenants.
(7) A copy of a contract with a carter providing for weekly pickup, at a minimum, of refuse and proof by letter from the carter indicating that full payment for the entire term of the rental has been made, or in the alternative, an affidavit from the owner acknowledging responsibility for refuse removal in a timely and efficient manner.
(8) The period of the proposed occupancy.
(9) A floor plan depicting the location and size of each conventional bedroom.
(10) A copy of the certificate of occupancy or pre-existing certificate of occupancy for the rental property.
(11) Written certification from a licensed architect or licensed engineer that states that the rental property fully complies with all of the provisions of the Code of the Town of Southampton. The certification shall include, but not be limited to, the number of each bedroom, the square footage of each bedroom, and a description of every improvement indicated on the survey. In lieu of the provision of a certification, an inspection may be conducted by the Chief Building Inspector.
C. The owner(s) of the premises and the managing agent, if applicable, shall submit an application that is signed, sworn to and notarized.
§ 270-6
The link will bring you to the entire town code.
CODE ENFORCEMENT INFO...
Submit a Complaint to Town Investigator
Contact:
David Betts, PCI, CPP Town Investigator
Phone: (631)728-1088
Fax: (631)728-3688
Code Enforcement in the town of Southampton involves many sections of the town code. The code is viewable online, which for your convenience is viewable online at the town web site.
We investigate violations such as:
Property maintenance issues
Litter and debris
Overcrowded houses
Parking complaints
Noise complaints
Rental law permit violations
Peddler permit investigations
Taxi permit investigations
Building without a permit
Code enforcement officials are sensitive to needs of the residents and investigate all complaints in an expeditious manner. If you report a complaint that we do not investigate we will direct you to the proper department to resolve the situation. In an effort to become more efficient in our work early in 2008 we added an online link to permit emailing of complaints directly to code enforcement. This has met with tremendous success and we have addresses many issues for the residents in this manner.
The department works seven days a week primarily during the normal business hours. During the summer time, extended hours are scheduled to provide for investigation of weekend code violations that are reported.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS
You will need Adobe Acrobe Reader to view these documents Click Here to Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Rental Permit Application and Instructions
Complaint Form
Public Safety FOIL Request Form
Code enforcement email..
CodeEnforcementInquiries@southamptontownny.gov
1 PM BRING MONEY FOR the 50/50 raffle....6 for $5.00 or $1.00 each..
Maureen Brennan is chairing the event, and welcomes help.
Sign up at the bulletin board to say you are coming, as well as what you will bring..(salads, etc)
Hope we have great weather for the party..better than what we have been having!!
Don't forget if you have any notices you want posted on this blog contact me at Lilmicshay at yahoodotcom It's free!
Please contact Maureen to volunteer your help for the party...
FYI TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON WEBSITE
http://www.town.southampton.ny.us/index.ihtml
You can download rental applications, etc there..
New this year is an email for Code Enforcement..
A. Where a dwelling unit is to be used as a rental property, an application for a rental permit shall be filed with the Chief Building Inspector before the term of the rental is to commence.
B. The application shall contain the following:
(1) The name, date of birth, telephone number and address of the owner(s).
(a) Proof of the legal residence of each owner;
(b) In the event that the owner of the rental property is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other business entity, the name, proof of legal residence, and telephone number of each owner, officer, principal shareholder, partner and/or member of such business entity shall be provided;
(c) A copy of the last deed of record for the rental property, as recorded with the Suffolk County Clerk, confirming the ownership of record of the rental property.
(2) The name, address and telephone number of the managing agent, if applicable.
(3) A writing, promulgated by the Office of the Town Attorney, executed by the owner(s) of the rental property, which designates either:
(a) A person, firm or corporation with an actual place of business, dwelling place, or usual place of abode located within the boundaries of the Town of Southampton; or
(b) The Town Clerk of the Town of Southampton as agent for service for criminal and civil process pursuant to CPLR Section 318. Every owner shall insure that the address for delivery of such process is current and shall advise the Town Clerk whenever the address is changed. The designated agent, upon receipt of service of process under this designation shall forthwith transmit by regular and certified mail to the owner(s) of the rental property at the address included on the owner(s) application.
(4) The location of the rental property, including the street address and the Suffolk County Tax Map parcel number.
(5) The number of tenants intended to occupy the rental property.
(6) The names of all tenants.
(7) A copy of a contract with a carter providing for weekly pickup, at a minimum, of refuse and proof by letter from the carter indicating that full payment for the entire term of the rental has been made, or in the alternative, an affidavit from the owner acknowledging responsibility for refuse removal in a timely and efficient manner.
(8) The period of the proposed occupancy.
(9) A floor plan depicting the location and size of each conventional bedroom.
(10) A copy of the certificate of occupancy or pre-existing certificate of occupancy for the rental property.
(11) Written certification from a licensed architect or licensed engineer that states that the rental property fully complies with all of the provisions of the Code of the Town of Southampton. The certification shall include, but not be limited to, the number of each bedroom, the square footage of each bedroom, and a description of every improvement indicated on the survey. In lieu of the provision of a certification, an inspection may be conducted by the Chief Building Inspector.
C. The owner(s) of the premises and the managing agent, if applicable, shall submit an application that is signed, sworn to and notarized.
§ 270-6
The link will bring you to the entire town code.
CODE ENFORCEMENT INFO...
Submit a Complaint to Town Investigator
Contact:
David Betts, PCI, CPP Town Investigator
Phone: (631)728-1088
Fax: (631)728-3688
Code Enforcement in the town of Southampton involves many sections of the town code. The code is viewable online, which for your convenience is viewable online at the town web site.
We investigate violations such as:
Property maintenance issues
Litter and debris
Overcrowded houses
Parking complaints
Noise complaints
Rental law permit violations
Peddler permit investigations
Taxi permit investigations
Building without a permit
Code enforcement officials are sensitive to needs of the residents and investigate all complaints in an expeditious manner. If you report a complaint that we do not investigate we will direct you to the proper department to resolve the situation. In an effort to become more efficient in our work early in 2008 we added an online link to permit emailing of complaints directly to code enforcement. This has met with tremendous success and we have addresses many issues for the residents in this manner.
The department works seven days a week primarily during the normal business hours. During the summer time, extended hours are scheduled to provide for investigation of weekend code violations that are reported.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS
You will need Adobe Acrobe Reader to view these documents Click Here to Download Adobe Acrobat Reader
Rental Permit Application and Instructions
Complaint Form
Public Safety FOIL Request Form
Code enforcement email..
CodeEnforcementInquiries@southamptontownny.gov
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day Service...
Capt. Chris Meyers, USMC , addressed the crowd gathered in the park for the Memorial Day Ceremony. He gave a wonderful speech, and when he mentioned the Colony, a round of applause came forth from the North Sea Beach Colony residents gathered to hear Chris.
Some pictures..
Gerry Burkhard NSBC resident took part in the ceremonies..
Thank your Chris, for your service ! And to all who have served , we thank you..
God Bless America..we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country.
( If anyone has pictures to be included in the blog, please email me..)
Some pictures..
Gerry Burkhard NSBC resident took part in the ceremonies..
Thank your Chris, for your service ! And to all who have served , we thank you..
God Bless America..we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country.
( If anyone has pictures to be included in the blog, please email me..)
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Southampton Memorial Day Parade and Service
Major Chris Meyers, son of Vinny and Janice Meyers, is going to be part of
the Memorial Day services in Southampton on Monday, May 25th. Chris is
an Iraq War veteran.
The Memorial Day services begin at 10:45 a.m. There will be a parade
down Job's Lane that begins at the Presbyterian Church and ends at
Agawam Park. The ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. at Agawam Park.
There is more info in the pamphlet Southampton Village mailed out last week.
the Memorial Day services in Southampton on Monday, May 25th. Chris is
an Iraq War veteran.
The Memorial Day services begin at 10:45 a.m. There will be a parade
down Job's Lane that begins at the Presbyterian Church and ends at
Agawam Park. The ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. at Agawam Park.
There is more info in the pamphlet Southampton Village mailed out last week.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
News and Notes....
Welcome to North Sea Beach Colony Notes, an unofficial blog for the residents and friends of the North Sea Beach Colony..
The annual Spring Meeting date has been changed to May 30th .
Please mark your calendars...
WELCOME BACK to those who wintered in Florida.
NEW Colony kids..
Thomas.. proud parents Mary Liz (Medler) and Paul Viviano
Jack..first baby for Brian and Cecelia Hopwood , FIRST grandchild for Marty and Ann...
Brady , grandson of Barbara Michaleski, son of Meredith and her husband...
Congratulations to all..
Please email me notices of births, pray for..., house for sale or rent..items for sale
or any other items you would like to see posted...
lilmicshay at yahoo dotcom (written this way to deter spammers..)
The annual Spring Meeting date has been changed to May 30th .
Please mark your calendars...
WELCOME BACK to those who wintered in Florida.
NEW Colony kids..
Thomas.. proud parents Mary Liz (Medler) and Paul Viviano
Jack..first baby for Brian and Cecelia Hopwood , FIRST grandchild for Marty and Ann...
Brady , grandson of Barbara Michaleski, son of Meredith and her husband...
Congratulations to all..
Please email me notices of births, pray for..., house for sale or rent..items for sale
or any other items you would like to see posted...
lilmicshay at yahoo dotcom (written this way to deter spammers..)
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