Tag Archives: Rick Benson

Roundup: Dog Fears, Melissa & Doug, Art Aid …

Posted on October 12, 2023 | 12 comments

Dogs are joyful: As of October 1, they are allowed back at Compo Beach.

But the other day, longtime Westporters Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin noticed a young child crying, afraid of the dogs.

The women kept their pets at a distance. But several other owners allowed their dogs to run up to the family. Upset and frustrated, they left the beach.

Stefani and Cathy see that scene often, at other places too like sports events and outdoor restaurants. Up to 20% of the population — adults as well as children — have some fear of dogs.

They know that with exposure therapy, it is possible to overcome a fear of dogs. In fact, they’ve written a book: “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents.”

Now they’re presenting an online workshop about it (Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.). The material is appropriate for all ages. It covers an understanding of cynophobia, strategies to face that fear, ways to stay safe around dogs, and the importance of noticing a dog’s body language to tell when to interact and when to stay away.

In addition to anyone fearful of dogs, the webinar is aimed at therapists, dog professionals, educators and parents.

The cost is $27. Click here to register, and for more information.

A fun sight — but not for everyone. (Photo/Dan Johnson)

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Melissa & Doug — the beloved toy company founded by Melissa and Doug Bernstein in 1988, in their Westport basement and his parents’ nearby garage — has been sold.

Spin Master announced yesterday that they bought the Wilton-based firm for $950 million.

Spin Master was attracted by Melissa & Doug’s trusted brand of early childhood toys, and timeless products. They are sustainable wooden toys, without screens. Last year’s net sales were $490 million.

Click here for the full story.(Hat tip: David Loffredo)

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It’s always hard for artists to make ends meet.

Some Bridgeport artists are in serious straits. Lynn Flint is doing what she can to help.

She’s running a 1-day estate sale at her home. Proceeds will help them meet immediate needs, including rent, food, fuel and art materials.

A member of the Bridgeport arts community will be there, offering information on the arts (who will have their own open studios in November).

So I am having an experimental one day only estate sale in the ground level area of my home since I am handicapped and can no longer run up and down stairs.

It’s Saturday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.

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In just over one year, Club 203 has become one of Westport’s most important non-profit organizations.

Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club learned about the town’s social club for adults with disabilities from co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh. They told moving stories of the need for such a group — and the joy and bonds created at every monthly meeting.

A host of Westport groups and businesses have hosted Club 203 activities, in a town-wide showing of interest and support.

Stacie Curran (left) and Sharuna Mahesh of Club 203, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Speaking of Rotary:

Rick Benson — one of Westport’s more energetic and productive members since joining in 1989 — recently received a huge honor.

In Toronto, Rick was recognized with a zonal Donald MacRae Peace Award. It celebrates members who demonstrate the advancement of international goodwill, understanding and peace through peacemaking efforts or humanitarian activity of international significance.

Rick is a previous recipient of local, district and zone honors — and the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, in 2020.

Rick Benson, his wife Totney, and his Donald MacRae Peace Award.

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STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” next Wednesday (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.

She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy.

A panel discussion about emergency management in Westport will include 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, emergency management director and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and state Department of Emergency Services representative Robert Kenny.

Attendees will receive a tip sheet and emergency management packet.

For more information and to register,  click here.

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Trick or treat!

Halloween is less than 3 weeks ago. These guys — at the corner of Clapboard Hill and Devon Road — can’t wait.

Then again, maybe they have all the time in the world.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Saugatuck River photo comes from Sunny Sherman.

Her words are as meaningful as her picture: “It’s hard to forget the horrors happening in Israel right now. But I thought you and your readers might like to enjoy (unfiltered) what I am blessed to see almost nightly.”

(Photo/Sunny Sherman)

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And finally … in response to Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin’s upcoming webinar (story above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. If you support local journalism, please support us. Just click here — and thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Environment, Local business

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“06880” Blog Party: Biggest And Best Yet

Posted on July 21, 2023 | 13 comments

If you were among the 150-plus people at Compo Beach last night for the 10th annual “06880” blog party: Thanks for helping make it the biggest ever.

And — no offense to the previous 9 — it was also the best.

The weather was perfect. The crowd was the coolest. The vibe was the warmest.

(From left): Dr. Nikki Gorman, Allegra Gatti Zemel, Amy Saperstein, Ifeseyi Gayle.

Parks & Rec did their usual outstanding job providing tables and benches

Annette Norton of Savvy + Grace did her usual wonderful work of sourcing swag (“06880” coolers for your water or beer).

Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley rocks the “06880” party gift.

Connie Belta Caruso made her inaugural appearance a smash, providing an enormous cake and incredible Caesar salad.

A small portion of the food … (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

… and the huge cake. (Photo/Susan Garment)

If you were there: Thanks for coming.

If you (somehow) missed it: See you next year!

Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit, aka Aztec Two-Step 2.0. 

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

The incomparable Connie Belta, and her friend Tony. 

Lou Weinberg, dirctor of the Westport Community Gardens, offered homemade treats. 

 

Bill Scheffler and Ann Sheffer. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

Prill Boyle, Cole Prewitt-Smith, Scott Smith and friends. 

Parks & Rec operations manager Carmen Roda made sure everything ran smoothly. (Photo/Dan Woog

Cathy Malkin (right) offered “06880” prosecco shots. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Michael Calise (Photo/Dan Woog)

More “06880” swag. (Photo/Michelle Harmon)

Dan Donovan and his aunts, longtime Westport arts and history advocates Eve Potts and Marion Morra.

Westport Rotary Club stalwart Rick Benson, recent Staples High School graduate James Dobin-Smith, and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

(Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

Former Staples High School principal John Dodig and his husband Rodger Lawrence get ready for the sunset. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Roundup: Saugatuck Provisions, Real Housewives, Drugs …

Posted on October 25, 2022 | 1 comment

Coming soon to Saugatuck: Original Craft Butchery co-owner Paul Nessel will reopen — with a new business — in the former Fleishers Craft Butchery space on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Sweets.

The target date for “Saugatuck Provisions” is a few weeks. (Hat tip: JD Dworkow)

Paul Nessel (Photo courtesy of Modern Farmer magazine)

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Somehow I missed last week’s Bravocon video of Christian Siriano judging the looks of “Real Housewives” cast members.

But Stephanie Ostroff caught it.

She sent a link to “06880.” Click below to watch — particularly at the 4:30 mark, when he talks about Westport, his new store here, and the possibility of a “Real Housewives of Westport.”

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Yesterday was a big day for Rick Benson

The longtime Westporter and always-eager civic volunteer celebrated his 75th birthday. It was also the 77th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter — an organization supported from the start by Rotary International, of which Benson is a proud, active and long-serving member.

Throughout his 33 years in Rotary, he has taken on many roles. He and his wife Totney have also given generously.

So generously, that they are one of only 3 couples from Connecticut to achieve membership in Rotary’s Arch Klumph Society. They’re in the Trustee’s Circle, for gifts of $250,000 to $499,999.

Oh, yeah: yesterday was also the 34th anniversary of a promise Rotary made to the children of the world: to eradicate wild polio. In that time, the disease has gone from 350,000 cases globally to only 29 cases this year, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Happy birthday, Rick. And thanks, Rick and Totney, for all you do, in Westport and around the planet. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Rick and Totney Benson, with Rotary officials in Kampala, Uganda.

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For more than 2 decades, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has run a  “Drug Take Back Day” program. Over 16 million pounds of prescription medicines have been removed from circulation.

This Saturday (October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport Police Department again partners in this effort. Medications can be dropped off at the Senior Center, on Imperial Avenue. The event is free, and anonymous; no questions are asked.

Liquids or needles cannot be accepted; only pills or patches. Vape pens are accepted if the batteries are removed.

A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of police headquarters on Jesup Road. For more information, click here.

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This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features guitarist Bob DeVos. He’s joined by Dan Kostelnik on bass, drummer Steve Johns, and of course Greg Wall, Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” saxophonist.

There are 2 sets on Thursday (October 27, VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue): 7:30 and 8:40 p.m. Dinner is available from 7 p.m. on. For reservations, email jazzatthepost@gmail.com.

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This past weekend’s Staples High School boys basketball fundraiser was a great success. Kids of all ages participated, helping raise funds for a players’ lounge, video equipment and pre-season camp.

The second part of the fundraiser — a virtual silent auction — runs through this coming Friday (October 28). Items include Knicks, Broadway and Stephen Colbert tickets; autographed basketballs; a lesson with a varsity player, and more. Click here for details, and bids.

Taking a break during the Staples basketball fundraiser: Nicholas Fey, Jackson Shapiro and Ryder Shapiro,

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Speaking of hoops: 2015 Staples graduate Bailey Claffey sang the national anthem before last night’s Knicks game, at Madison Square Garden.

She earned the honor by sending in a demo tape. (Hat tip: Julie Whamond)

Bailey Claffin, at Madison Square Garden.

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Former Westporter John Preston died earlier this month, at 75.

The Michigan native met his future wife Janet at the University of Michigan. They married in 1970. 

He attended the Department of Defense Language Institute, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975.

He and his family lived in Westport for nearly 2 decades. They raised 3 children and had many friends here.

John spent 21 years at The Seagram Company, rising to senior vice president and treasurer. In 2004 he and Janet moved to Miami where he spent 14 years at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as vice president of finance and administration. She died in 2016.

He moved in 2020 to Portland, Oregon to be closer to his son and daughter, and their families. He moved to Wilmette, Illinois, shortly before his death.

John was an avid golfer, voracious reader and lifelong lover of speaking Spanish..

John is survived by his three children Regan, Lilly and Wells; their spouses Jordan, Nik, and Chrissy; granddaughters, Maylin, Marlowe, Daphne, Oona and June; and siblings Susan Root, Thomas Preston and Sarah Linthicum. 

A memorial will be held December 3 in Wilmette, Illinois. Click here for details. 

John Preston

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A little kid, a large tree and fall foliage highlight today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s from Blind Brook Road. But colors like this can be seen — for a few more days, anyway — all over town.

(Photo/Ellie Magnuson)

And finally … this may be offensive to some people. So if you don’t like the word “a–hole,” stop reading.

If you think there are a lot of a–holes on I-95 though*, click on August Campbell’s video below. It’s 7 years old, but I’d never heard of it (or him).

At any rate: Enjoy!

*There are.

(Don’t be an a–hole. Contribute to “06880.” Please click here!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Lobsterfest Funds Go Far: Rotarians Visit Africa Projects

Posted on August 16, 2022 | Comments Off on Lobsterfest Funds Go Far: Rotarians Visit Africa Projects

You know all those great, fun events that Westport Rotary Club sponsors, like  Lobsterfest?

You know how Rotarians say they’re fundraisers for worthwhile projects?

Well, they are.

Eight Westport Rotarians joined 17 others — including Rotarians from around the US — on an East African trip last month.

The purpose was to visit remote sites of development and humanitarian Rotary grant projects, and meet Rotarians in Kenya and Uganda. Ratrians also pitched in with hands-on work.

Rick and Totney Benson, with Rotary officials in Kampala, Uganda.

Projects included 3 rural schools – two for water and sanitation projects, one for a new community resource center — plus a Masai village medical clinic, and a hospital and nursing school on the Uganda/ Congo border with 4 new ICU units.

They also stopped at national parks to enjoy wildlife in savanna and riverine environments, trekked with habituated gorillas, and enjoyed fellowship with 5 Rotary clubs.

The Africa trip was planned by Rick Benson, a 33-year Westport Rotarian. He has led or participated in many international humanitarian expeditions to Africa, India and Central America, and enjoys connections with Rotarians and clubs worldwide.

The trip combined passion for humanitarian service, intricate logistics and enormous energy. Some Rotarians called it life-changing.

During 3 weeks, the group covered more than 2,500 miles of the Rift Valley by small plane, and off-road heavy duty safari vehicles. Traveling from capital cities to remote areas of barren highlands, lush fertile valleys along the Nile and lakes like Victoria, and in sight of Mount Kenya, they stayed in mountaintop lodges, safari hotels and local guest houses.

An evening walk near Lake Naivasha, Kenya.

They assessed progress made, and future needs. For example, the pump associated with a deep bore hole well and storage tank that had been installed to serve over 2,500 people in 5 rural villages and schools recently broke. A new pump was needed. A quick response got water flowing again.

Another example was the Nambale Magnet School. It was founded by a Kenyan pastor who graduated from Yale Divinity School, to serve children orphaned during the AIDS epidemic.

Modeled on a magnet school in New Haven, it has developed since 2009 into an outstanding campus offering a home, safety and high-quality education for 400 students ages 3 to 13.

Schoolchildren in Kenya. (Photo/Gillian Anderson)

Rotary sponsorship has provided a deep water well, pump, water storage and distribution facilities, a gray water recycling system, a bio digestor to process animal and human waste into fertilizer, and a greenhouse and irrigation system. Still needed: whiteboards, computers, and an expanded network for classrooms.

In the remote forested area of southwest Uganda that is home to endangered mountain gorillas, the Bwindi Community Hospital was established in 2003 by American Rotarian doctor and missionary and his wife. They saw a need to help indigenous people who were displaced when the Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Reserve was established.

Westport Rotarians have led a project through which dozens of benefactors purchase and ship nearly $1 million worth of ICU and radiology equipment. Two shipping containers will be delivered and installed in coming months.

Rotarians wore COVID masks — to protect gorillas. 

Westport Rotary last year distributed more than $185,000 to 36 local and regional programs. 25% was invested in international humanitarian projects, like those recently visited.

They’re always looking to raise more funds, for more help. Westport Rotary is gearing up now to beat last year’s fundraising record at LobsterFest. It’s September 17, at Compo Beach. Click here for tickets, and details on the lobster, steak, live music and children’s activities.

(“06880” is fully funded by readers. Please click here to help.)

One more natural wonder in Africa. (Photo/Lyla Steenbergen)

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Roundup: Elsa, Jerky, Solar …

Posted on July 9, 2021 | 1 comment

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Today’s storm did not do the damage that was feared.

Approximately 756 customers were without power at the peak of the storm. Most were restored quickly. Isolated individual outages remain.

Meanwhile, Valerie Ann Leff sent this photo of her furnace room, in her home on a hill off Hillspoint Road.

She says: “The water hasn’t reached the finished wood floor, but when we walk across it it sounds like we’re walking on a dock. Every cleanup company around has long waiting lists, so we’re just bailing with a bucket and a big pitcher.”

(Photo/Valerie Ann Leff)

Meanwhile, this was the scene at Compo Beach:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

One more photo from today’s storm. This was on Bradley Lane:

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

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In 2018, Field Trip moved its headquarters from Brooklyn to Westport.

Their office — across the Post Road from Design Within Reach — was where they created and marketed an array of healthy, protein-rich jerky snacks. From beef, chicken, turkey and pork to jalapeño, cracked pepper and everything bagel, it all happened in Westport.

Next store to the office, they operated a low-key retail outlet. It wasn’t an afterthought exactly, but it wasn’t front-and-center either.

Now though, there are some good reasons to take a field trip to Field Trip.

The jerky outlet has been transformed into a “general store/pantry.” It’s filled with specialty items, curated from the owners’ relationships and knowledge of exciting new products.

In addition to Field Trip items, they’re selling:

  • Bourbon aged barrel maple syrup
  • Jalapeño bacon salsa
  • Habanero sea salt
  • Texas olive oil
  • Bacon brittle
  • Ugly dried fruit
  • Caramels, licorice and ChiChi chocolates
  • Doux south pickles and mustards
  • 1934 Bloody Mary mix
  • Coro salami
  • Bjorn corn
  • Bobby Sue’s nuts
  • Aina Kopi steak seasonings  and mango habanero hot sauce(this is the only US location)
  • FOGO charcoal (only place in Westport.

And that’s just for starters.

If you still have a jones for jerky: Starting next week, Field Trip is selling their newest flavor: Gochujang Korean-style BBQ beef jerky. It’s being introduced here first, before a national rollout.

But wait! There’s more! Field Trip offers a 20% discount code to anyone mentioning a Dan Woog/”06880″ callout during the month of July.

Best. Field trip. Ever.

Look what’s in store at the Field Trip store.

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Pippa Bell Ader uses solar power to heat and cool her home, heat her hot water pumps, and power her electric car.

Now the environmental advocate and Sustainable Westport member wants you to learn how.

This Tuesday (July 13, 3 to 6 p.m.), she invites everyone to her 62 Woodside Avenue home. She’ll show how you can make easy improvements yourself.

“In Connecticut, we have older homes — mine was built in 1929 — that use a lot of energy, especially for cooling and heating,” she says.

“The state has great incentives and financing for people who want to switch from fossil fuels to heat pumps. Pair heat pumps with solar to power and heat your entire home with clean energy. Driving an electric car powered by solar reduces our carbon footprint as well. I’m right on the cusp of being completely net zero.“

Learn all that — and more — on Tuesday. Plus there’s pizza. Made in a solar-powered oven, I’m sure.

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Like many organizations, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services had to suspend some operations during COVID. Among the casualties: the EMR/ EMT classes that were an important pipeline for new members.

And for careers. At least 14 volunteers went on to medical school; others became nurses, paramedics and physician assistants.

Classes will begin again in the fall. The cost — $1250 per EMT student, $750 per EMR student — includes classes, books, stethoscope and BP cuff. Most classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, with some Saturday days. The course begins September 21, and runs through January.

WVEM will reimburse for the cost of the class after members become part of the organization. Click here for more information.

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Arlene Benson — mother of longtime Westport civic volunteer Rick Benson — died peacefully in East Norwalk on July 1. She was 98.

A member of Wheaton College’s Class of 1944, the Buffalo native moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, then Southern California shortly after her 1943 wedding, then back to Buffalo when her husband deployed to World War II in North Africa and Europe.

She shared Ontario cottages for many summers with her sister, their boys, and her mother, enjoying the beach, swimming, sailing and golf. She and her husband purchased condominium homes in Florida. She moved to Connecticut in late 2017 at age 94 to be closer to her son and grandson.

A member of the Garrett Club, Cherry Hill Country Club, Buffalo Canoe Club, and the Country Club of Buffalo, Arlene loved to host parties, travel to Europe, take cruises, play golf and bridge, and be with her family.

She will be remembered as a loving, generous, caring person, always with a smile, always with something nice to say, and always concerned about others more than herself.

Her passing is the end of an era.  Her maternal grandfathers emigrated from Germany in 1905, started Mollenberg-Betz Machine Co, Inc. in 1910. Her husband joined the firm in 1946, rose to EVP and retired in 1986.  The commercial air conditioning, refrigeration and service company is still family owned and managed in Buffalo, but she is the last of her generation.

Arlene is survived by her son Richard and his wife, Totney of Westport, CT, and her grandson Richard Betz Benson II (RB) of New York City. She was predeceased by her first husband James M. Benson, her older son James M. Benson, Jr., her sister Janice Betz Dedecker, and her second husband Robert Eckis.

A celebration of life reception will be held on Thursday July 15 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Greens Farms Congregational Church).

A memorial service will be held on September 8 un Buffalo, with private interment preceding in the church memorial garden. Donations may be made in her memory to: Westminster Presbyterian Church 724 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209 or the Westport Rotary Club Foundation, PO Box 741, Westport, CT 06881.

Arlene Benson

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“Westport … Naturally” features a fantastic female monarch butterfly.

It paused on several of the flowers in Wendy Crowther’s garden. She was glad to see it, as monarchs are in drastic decline. “The more we can do to avoid herbicide use and provide a welcome habitat, the more we can help,” Wendy says.

(Photo/Wendy Crowther)

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And finally … in honor of this monarch butterfly, and its declining population:

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Weather

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Memorial Day Photo Gallery: Part 2

Posted on May 31, 2021 | 2 comments

Thanks to all who submitted photos of today’s Memorial Day parade and ceremony. I received hundreds, and can’t run them all.

Today meant a lot to Westporters. It touched our hearts. It made us think about who we are, and what we want to be. And it made us deeply proud of our neighbors, our community, and all who have sacrificed to make this day possible.

World War II veterans like Joe Schachter had a special place of honor … (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

… and there were several cars with them. (Photo/Molly Alger)

Navy veteran Rick Benson (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Bill Vornkahl — a Korean War veteran — has organized over 65 Westport Memorial Day parades. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Boy Scouts honor the flag. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

The Fire Department held its annual ceremony, honoring its members who have served. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

1st Selectman Jim Marpe leads the political contingent … (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

… and the Blue Jays follow. (Photo/Whitney D’Angelo)

The Westport Paddle Club’s float echoed this year’s parade theme: Honoring Women in the Military. The WPC won “Most Creative Float” honors. (Photo/Robbie Guimond)

A Revolutionary War soldier (with sunglasses), aka Miggs Burroughs. One youngster — who really needs to learn history — asked, “Is he a pirate?” (Photo/Dan Woog)

Proud veterans, proud Westporters. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Besides publishing (and taking photos for) Westport Local Press and working as an educator Jaime Bairaktaris volunteers as an EMT. He marched proudly with them today — and wore out his shoes. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Remarkable Theater founder Doug Tirola (left) and Marine Corps veteran Michael Calise share a taste in shirt themes. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Posted in History, Local business, Local politics, Westport life

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Photo Challenge #328

Posted on April 11, 2021 | 19 comments

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed a close-up of a bit of the Compo Beach playground. It was kind of obvious, even though I cropped Patricia McMahon’s image as closely as I could. (Click here to see.)

But leave it to Rick Benson — who has forgotten more about Westport than I’ve ever known — to provide the back story:

This is a wheel from the original playground, taken down in April 1989 to make room for the first Robert Leathers Community Built playground.

When that wore out and the current one was built, this was relocated again to the “new playground.”

The “original playground” Rick refers to was actually just a monkey bar, swing set and whirligig adjacent to the basketball courts.

The plan for the first Leathers playground created an enormous controversy.

Playground opponents — no, that’s not an oxymoron — feared a ruined beach vista. They worried the swings and ladders would be a magnet for out-of-towners, or taken over by beer-drinking, pot-smoking, sex-having teenagers.

The playground controversy brought the first — and only — death threat of 1st selectwoman Marty Hauhuth’s tenure.

Anti-playground activists obtained a court injunction. (They were not playing around.)

As soon as it was lifted, construction began. It was a magical weekend.

The playground quickly became one of Westport’s prime attractions. It did not ruin the view; it enhanced it. And the only problem now is that on beautiful days, too many people use it.

Congratulations to (besides Rick) Rich Stein, Totney Benson, Andrew Colabella, Evan Stein, John Richers and James Weisz.

All knew where to find last week’s Photo Challenge. Even if they didn’t all know as much about it as Rick does.

How about this week’s puzzle? If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Gene Borio)

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No Bull! Westporters Run At Pamplona

Posted on July 18, 2017 | 12 comments

Rick Benson, Jack Fanning, Drew Murphy and Rod Smith met in 1988. All had toddlers. They — the adults, that is — helped plan and build the Compo Beach playground.

It was dangerous work. Not the physical labor — just getting it approved was tough. There was significant opposition: It will ruin the vista! Teenagers will hang out there, drinking and having sex! It will attract out-of-towners!

But they — and others — persisted. Today the beach playground is one of our town’s great attractions.

The men have remained friends ever since. This year, they decided to do something even scarier than building that playground.

They would run with the bulls at Pamplona.

The bulls at Pamplona.

If you’ve been living under a rock all these years — or hanging out at a playground — and never heard of that bizarre ritual, it’s this:

Every year, for 9 days during the Feast of Saint Fermin, over 1,000 people join 6 bulls (and 6 herding steers) in the narrow, winding medieval streets of the Spanish town.

The men — and the runners are nearly all male (go figure) — try not to get gored or (yes) killed in the 2-minute race to a large bull ring. Once inside, there’s even more chasing — and being chased by — the bulls.

What could be more fun?!

RB and Rick Benson in the Plaza del Toro bull ring, Pamplona.

The Westporters were joined by others: Benson’s son RB, Fanning’s son Mikey and Smith’s son Tyler; Joey Laurita and his cousin Bryan.

All have Westport connections.

They spent 3 days in Pamplona. They watched one day from the balcony of La Perla — the same hotel where Ernest Hemingway stayed, when he wrote “The Sun Also Rises.” The 1926 novel lifted an obscure Spanish ritual into a worldwide phenomenon.

All ran at least one day with the bulls.

(From left): RB Benson, Joey Laurita, Mike Fanning, Joey’s cousin Bryan and Tyler Smith. They all look relieved — and alive.

“It’s not as scary as it’s sometimes portrayed,” Rick Benson reports.

However, he notes, “Some people are definitely less cautious than we were.”

The craziest folks are in front of the bulls, or near their horns. The Westport contingent ran alongside the 1,500-pound animals.

Which is why they’re back home today, able to tell this great tale.

(PS: Rick Benson does not know what everyone else’s next adventure is. But this fall, he heads to Africa. He’s spent the past months raising funds with Rotary Clubs throughout the state. In Kenya, he’ll help oversee a $135,000 school renovation. In Nigeria, it’s a $120,000 water sanitation project. Both are a long way from Pamplona — and the Compo Beach playground.)

Running with the bulls sure gives you an appetite. The Westport contingent dined well.

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Posted in Beach, Organizations, People, Totally random

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Rick Benson To The Rescue

Posted on March 10, 2017 | 6 comments

Two days ago, I posted a piece about the missing Rotary Club sign on Wilton Road. I described Rick Benson — the member helping replace it — as “the guy you call on whenever something needs doing.”

I wasn’t kidding.

Almost instantly, I got an email from Claire England, operations director at Greens Farms Church.

She said:

Last week one of the 4 finials on the steeple blew down during that gusty wind.

Thanks to Rick, it’s now safe again. He removed the rotten finials. We’ll cap the spots where they stood while we consider whether/how to replace them. The church looks as beautiful as ever.

I was very glad to see Rick and the crew working with him safely back on the ground at the end of it. Definitive proof that being a church trustee is not just a desk job.

Rick Benson (right) in action.

That’s not the first time the steeple needed attention. In the mid-1800s — when the church was already 150 years old — it fell.

In 1950, a hurricane that killed 2 Westporters toppled it again. The steeple spent 2 months on the front lawn, before being hoisted back into place.

Of course, back then Rick Benson was not around to help.

Then again, there was no YouTube either:

(Hat tip: Kara Sullivan)

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Have You Seen The Rotary Club Sign?

Posted on March 8, 2017 | 12 comments

For as long as the Red Barn has been on Wilton Road — maybe longer — a sign for the Rotary Club of Westport stood on the side of the road.

Made of handsome cast iron, with a blue background, it noted when and where the club met.

Rick Benson — longtime Rotary member, and the guy you call on whenever something needs doing — had the chains replaced in 1994, and the sign repainted.

The Rotary Club sign. (Photo and artwork/Lynn U. Miller)

The club is ready to put up new signs at 7 prominent gateways to Westport. One will be at the (former) Red Barn site.

Much to their surprise, members discovered recently that the old sign is gone. All that’s left is a vine-encrusted metal post.

Rick canvassed club members. He called a few folks who might have picked it up for themselves. He checked with the Westport Historical Society.

Because he’s that kind of guy, he even had the area scanned with a metal detector.

Nada.

The missing sign, on Wilton Road.

So he’s asking “06880” for help. If you — or anyone you know — has intel on the whereabouts of the Rotary Club’s old sign, email Rick: ben3rb@aol.com.

Or — for complete confidentiality — contact “06880” (dwoog@optonline.net). I’ll get the sign back to Rick, no questions asked.

FUN FACT: The Westport Rotary Club turns 100 on March 7, 2024. That makes it more than a decade older than the Merritt Parkway, whose Exit 41 is near the old (and new) sign.

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