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Staples High School graduate Lawrence “Larry” DiPippo died peacefully on Tuesday. He was 64.
He made Shelton his home for more than 30 years. He worked as an operations manager for Frito-Lay, and was also a successful Tupperware distributor.
Through his Tupperware business, he made countless friendships. He also remained close with many of his friends from Staples, whose unwavering friendship and support meant the world to him and his family.
His obituary says, “Larry — also know as Bubba, Sweet Lou,”Wheels and Pip — was one of a kind. A brilliant athlete growing up, Larry delighted his friends and teammates with his ability to hit a jump shot and land a punch line with equal effortlessness.
“His larger-than-life personality acted like a magnet; everyone wanted to be around him, always – and not just for the free candy he used to dole out at the Merritt Superette when the owner wasn’t looking.
“Larry’s heart was the biggest thing about him, and he never hesitated to help those around him.”
“Larry loved many things, including the Yankees, the Giants and the UConn women’s basketball team, but at the top of the list was his wife and children, whom he adored. Family was at the center of Larry’s life. He was always there to cheer on and support his kids in their athletic endeavors, missing very few South Central Premier soccer, Bryant soccer, and Shelton aseball games. Along the way, he developed very close friendships with the players and parents. Larry’s love of life, his sense of humor, and his generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
He was predeceased by his wife Diane. Hs survived by his daughter, Alex (Lou); his son, Luke and his fiancée, Mary; his mother, Margaret DiPippo; his sisters, Patti and Lynda; his sisters-in-law, Debbie and Dara; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Friends may express condolences to the family at the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Road, Shelton, on Monday, June 29, with a wake from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, and a eulogy service from noon to 1 p.m. Burial will follow at 1:15 PM, at Riverside Cemetery in Shelton.
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Back we go to the Saugatuck River, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo:
And finally … on this date in 1974, a Universal Product Code was scanned for the first time. The very first product was a package of Wrigley’s chewing gum, at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio.
The Levitt Pavilion books over 55 free nights of entertainment each year — and several more paid-ticket shows.
Every performer takes a different road to the riverside amphitheater. Some hear about it through the entertainment grapevine, or friends of friends. Directors Carleigh and Freda Welsh reach out to others.
But it’s hard to top Michelle Pauker’s story, for twists, turns, coincidences — and a local angle.
Michelle Pauker
The 2013 Staples High School graduate and her band, Back to the Garden 1969, have just been signed for July 5. They perform music of Woodstock, and have done it twice before at the Levitt.
This will be Pauker’s first time here with the group. But she knows Woodstock music well.
Her parents, Mark and Morgaine Pauker, love those songs. They shared it with their children from the time they were young. (Of course, they were born more than 2 decades after that memorable weekend.)
So it wasn’t surprising when Michelle wanted a Woodstock-themed party for a “milestone” birthday celebration last year.
She asked her dad to help find musicians who perform that era’s music: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, The Band, and many more,
That was harder than it sounds.
“It turns out it’s not easy finding a band that can play the variety of music that was performed at Woodstock — let alone play it well,” Mark says.
After several weeks, and pretty much out of options, he remembered a Woodstock tribute group he and Morgaine had seen at the Levitt, years earlier.
But he had no idea who they were.
An internet search revealed the band’s name — Back to the Garden 1969 — and their previous Levitt shows, in 2016 and ’17.
Their website indicated that most of their shows now are multi-media theater events — though they still played a few smaller venues.
Mark called the leader, Gary Adamson, and asked if they were available for a private party.
The stars were aligned. They played on Michelle’s birthday.
“The day was magical,” Mark says. “The band was amazing, and everyone had a great time.”
Six months later, Gary called Mark. Their lead female singer was leaving to pursue a solo career. Did he think Michelle would be interested in joining the band?
Mark gave Gary her contact information. The rest, he says, is history. (Though not as historic as Woodstock.)
Michelle has performed with the group throughout the Northeast, from Annapolis, Maryland to — yes — Woodstock, New York.
Michelle Pauker (left), with the band.
Mark says, “I love the confluence of events, and the timing of it all. We first discovered the band because they played at the Levitt. They performed at Michelle’s party on her birthday last year.
“Now, exactly one year later, she’ll be their lead singer at the Levitt Pavilion — on her birthday!”
In Joni Mitchell’s song “Woodstock,” she came upon a child of God, and asked him where he was going.
He said he was “going down to Yasgur’s farm — gonna join in a rock ‘n’ roll band.”
Decades after Woodstock, Michelle Pauker joined a rock ‘n’ roll band too.
On July 5, she’s going down to the Levitt Pavilion.
The crowd at the Levitt Pavilion will not be this large. But it may be close.
(“06880” covers Westport’s entertainment scene regularly. If you like fun, hometown stories like this — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The big Levitt Pavilion event this weekend is Wynton Marsalis.
The world famous trumpeter brings his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the riverside amphitheater on Sunday (June 28), for 2 sets at 7 p.m. They’re preceded by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra at 6.
That’s a paid ticket event, of course. But there are 3 free shows, starting tonight:
Today (Thursday, 7 p.m.): Tutti & the Fruity Band (Children’s Series)
And if you did, did you know you could hang out there and paint?
Well, it does. And this Sunday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.), it’s open for a “Paint + Sip” event.
Artist Lauren Smith will lead guests, as they create, sip and enjoy lite bites, overlooking the Saugatuck River.
For $56, you get painting supplies, an 8″x10″ canvas, and Kawa Ni fare. Wine, sake and cocktails are available for purchase. Click here to register.(Hat tip: Sall Liccione)
Westport Policy charged a 39-year-old Stratord woman with 3 counts of larceny, following a series of thefts from Ulta. The total amount of merchandise was nearly $8,000.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Driving unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Alvin (Al) Gregory Hegeman died unexpectedly at home on June 13. He was 83, and a Westport resident since 1988.
He was a longtime board member of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, and served as treasurer during construction of the Nature Center.
Al spent his early childhood in the Philippines and Japan, where his father was a US Army intelligence officer. That experience instilled in him a love of travel, and an appreciation of diverse cultures.
He played football at Williams College, majored in economics, and was one of the first members of the Williams Rugby Football Club.
He served in Malawi. in the Peace Corps, where he married Hope Oliker, a girl from his hometown who was working as a report for the Malawi Times. He loved the country and his colleagues, and returned to visit frequently.
After earning an MBA at Harvard Business School, he returned to Africa with First National City Bank. As it evolved into Citicorp, he held senior positions in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Thailand and Liberia. .
He returned to the US with Citibank in 1980, Al retired as the Corporate Asset Funding CEO in 2002, but soon went back to work as a founding partner and chief investment officer of Paramax, an investment firm.
Al played rugby in the US and overseas, He was a Chicago Cubs season ticket holder when Wrigley Field hosted its first night game. He sat through countless Bears games in sub-zero temperatures, snd rarely missed a Williams Homecoming game.
Al loved historical biographies. He was a member of the Y’s Men, the Old Asia Hands, the World Affairs Forum of Stamford and the Westport League of Women Voters.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hope; daughters, Hilary (Scott Castle) Hageman, Heather (Bill) Urbaitis and Shanti (Kyde Sharp) Hageman; grandchildren Jocelyn and Charlotte Wulf, Greg Wyatt and Xander Rubidge, James, Floyd and John (Jack) Sharp; aunt Betty Shaver Voorhees, brothers-in-law, Mike (Ginny) and Dave (Lynn) Oliker, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and his rescue dog Ebbie. He was predeceased by his younger brother James Voorhees Hageman.
The family is planning a farewell party for Al at the end of the summer, and his ashes will be placed in the Shire River in Malawi sometime next year. Donations may be made to Malawi Children’s Village or to Ascent Soccer.
And finally … happy National Lightning Safety Awareness Week!
(From the Levitt Pavilion to Kawa Ni’s roof, Westport has it all. And “06880” tells you all about it — 24/7/365. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help us spread the word. Thank you!)
For 30 years the nonpartisan, issue-neutral training program has worked to train people — primarily women — to run for office and manage political campaigns.
The Campaign School has a strong Westport influence. Pat Hendrickson was a co-founder and former president. Among its graduates: former 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Dominique Johnson, former State Senator Toni Boucher, Board of Finance members Allyson Stollenwerck and Elaine Whitney, and Democratic Town Committee chair Michelle Mechanic. Nationally known alumni include Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Rosa De Lauro, and former Representative Gabby Giffords.
Today, Coykendall reflects on the lessons — and importance — of her recent week at The Campaign School.
I was honored to be one of 75 women and 2 men selected to attend the Campaign School at Yale last week. The experience was eye‑opening, challenging and energizing.
Early on, students were asked to answer a simple but profound question: Why are you a proud Republican or Democrat?
That question gave me pause. I told the program’s director I wasn’t sure where I fit.
On the RTM we serve as a non‑partisan body focused on collaboration, not party labels. I also wasn’t sure how my background in nursing fit.
What I learned is that the very skills I used every day in nursing —communication, teamwork, problem‑solving — are exactly what our state and national politics desperately need.
As the director reminded me, democracy only thrives when people can discuss, debate and negotiate. That message shaped my biggest takeaway: Change starts with us, and our personal politics often cross party lines. There is much we all agree on.
One person at a time, we can counter the rise of single‑party voting and encourage a more balanced, cooperative approach to governing that focuses on the needs of constituents.
The New York Times once described the course as “sadistically intensive.” That description is well earned.
We dove into leadership, campaign strategy, budgeting, fundraising, media, and the growing importance of campaign security.
Each evening we worked late into the night on group case studies, culminating in a mock‑campaign presentation judged by Betsey Ankney (former campaign manager for Nikki Haley) and Allida Black (special advisor to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton).
My commitment remains focused on Westport’s needs: responsible fiscal management, strong schools, and thoughtful development. We must balance state housing mandates with the realities of our local infrastructure.
My top concern is the strain on our roads, particularly as large developments move forward. Many residents are unaware of the 157 new units coming to Hiawatha Lane — and the significant traffic impact this will bring near the Saugatuck train station.
These pressures stem from state legislation, which can be out of step with the needs and resources of individual towns. New proposed legislation continues to push for increased density, even in our cherished downtown.
Many residents feel this isn’t what they signed up for. I share that concern. This is why it’s essential that Westport has a strong, informed voice in Hartford.
While I’ve been encouraged to run for higher office now, I plan to wait. My priority is to ensure more Westporters understand what is happening at the state level, and how it affects our daily lives.
We all have a role to play in urging legislators to consider traffic, transit and infrastructure before adding more cars to already overburdened roads.
Together, we can protect the character of Westport while we advocate for smarter, more balanced policies.
(“06880” covers local politics — and the people who represent us. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Longtime Westport resident (and Westport Weston Family YMCA member) Pat Carey has a favorite Y instructor. She — and others in her class, including Steve and Rosemary Halstead, Jeff and Nancy Oberman, Tomoko Meth, Katherine Ross, Pam Einarsen, Carol Maloney, Jo Shields and Dionne Pia — write:
What began 3 years ago as a new fitness class at the Y has become something far more meaningful for the seniors who attend it.
Senior Strong was created to help older adults maintain their conditioning, build strength, and improve balance and flexibility.
Its greatest value, however, extends well beyond physical fitness. There isn’t one of us who doesn’t have a replaced (or at least aching or quirky) knee, hip or shoulder.
Senior Strong class. Instructor Judy Samuels is in the front row, wearing blue and holding flowers.
But we overlook our “frailties” because the class has importantly given us a place to gather, laugh, and support one another.
Even as we have faced illnesses, injuries and losses, a deep sense of community has taken root. Friendships have formed.
We care for one another. A simple message when someone is absent — “Missed you today—everything okay?”—reflects the genuine connection this class has created.
The main reason for the program’s success is its leader, Judy Samuels. Her natural warmth, sense of humor and welcoming presence motivates even the most hesitant members, and makes them feel comfortable and included.
Judy Samuels
Through her classic rock music, varied routines and well-paced classes, she has created more than an exercise program. She has cultivated a space where we feel encouraged, capable and connected.
We may be seniors. B thanks to Judy we pump iron, squat, lunge and march — and we are strong!
For all that she brings to us, and the environment she has created for us, we are proud to nominate Judy as an unsung hero.
An all-ages, high-energy crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night.
Board of Finance chair Danielle Dobin interviewed President George W. Bush’s former press secretary, and current Fox News star Dana Perino, about her new novel.
“Purple State” explores love across political lines. It’s an apt subject, and the 2 women were well paired. Perino and Dobin were roommates on Capitol Hill 30 years ago, while working for congressmen of different political parties.
They’ve remained friends ever since. Last night, they discussed — and demonstrated — how and why those relationships are important.
Danielle Dobin (left) and Dana Perino, at the Westport Library. They discussed Perino’s new book, “Purple State” — and both wore purple. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
Starting this summer, Aquarion will install a new water main from Hemlocks Reservoir in Fairfield to Coleytown Road.
A community meeting is set for tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield)to discuss the impact to traffic flow during construction. Road restoration will be completed by 2028.
Click here to learn more about the project. (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
Aquarion project.
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This weekend’s Sidewalk Sale will have all the usual goodies on sale, outside: clothes, art, jewelry and much more. (You cannot, however, buy a sidewalk; it’s not for sale.)
Plus Animal Packs.
Kevin Bachman created the family-friendly reimagined deck of cards, based on woodland animals from around Fairfield and Westchester counties.
He’ll have a booth Saturday and Sunday (June 27 and 28), offering quick game play demos, single decks, and discounted 2-pack bundles.
The Westport connection is growing. Animal Packs is being added to the toy collection at the Westport Library. It’s already available at other libraries, including Pequot and Fairfield Public.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also tomorrow (Thursday): “Planning Today. Peace of Mind Tomorrow.”
The 6 p.m. Westport Library event features a panel of geriatric care specialists. The goal is to help seniors, caregivers and the “Sandwich Generation” understand the continuum of care and the resources available throughout Fairfield County.
Experts in home care, senior living, dementia support, elder law, real estate transitions and care navigation will offer practical guidance on how families can plan ahead, identify early warning signs, and make informed decisions during times of transition.
Also available: refreshments, raffles, complimentary assessments and “savings.” The event is sponsored by Connecticut Nursing Services.
Twenty years ago, a few Westporters believed a weekly farmers’ market could change how their town eats, gathers, and supports its local food economy.
They were right. From a few small tents in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot — thanks in part to the encouragement of Paul Newman and Michel Nischan, who owned and operated the Dressing Room restaurant adjacent to the theater — the Westport Farmers’ Market has grown to become a beloved town institution.
Paul Newman and Michel Nischan: the early years.
Every Thursday from May through November, the Imperial Avenue parking lot pulses with energy. Farmers and shoppers enjoy a special community.
It’s a farmers’ market, sure — with everything from fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to honey, breads and organic meats.
But it’s also a spot to enjoy lunch from food trucks; hear live music; contribute food for underserved communities, and — hey, why not? — get your knives sharpened.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(The WFM does not lie fallow in the winter. From November through March they move indoors, to Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.)
This Thursday marks the actual 20th anniversary of the Westport Farmers’ Market.
They’ll celebrate in a typical WFM way: by turning the spotlight on the people who built it.
The Farmers’ Market will honor the founders and contributors who shaped the market over 2 decades — including the volunteers, vendors and community members who show up year after year, to make it what it is today.
(Photo/Marcus Slomich)
As always, there’s a lot going on. The WFM is introducing a “20-Year Passport Program.” Shoppers can collect stamps at each booth. Those who support 8 vendors can choose from a great lineup of free item from their vendors. It’s “a passport through 2 decades of local food.”
The Farmers’ Market is also asking longtime shoppers to bring their collection of “Friend of the Market” tote bags. The annual loyalty bag has become a visible timeline of the market’s history.
Shoppers with 10 bags will receive a gift certificate to a farmer. Those with all 15 — every bag ever made — will get WFM merchandise of their choice, a farmer gift certificate, and a vendor gift certificate.
The 2021 bag.
If you’ve been around for a while, this is your chance to shine!
The 20th anniversary week coincides with the days when our back yard barbecue season kicks into high gear.
Tomatoes, corn, stone fruit, and everything else home cooks need are ready, at a number of booths.Lori Cochran-Dougall says, “as executive director for the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of building the market’s community programs from the ground up.
(Photo/Quinn Fitts)
“Watching this market grow into one of the strongest, most connected farmers’ market communities in the state has been the honor of my career. This week is both a thank you to the people who got us here, and a celebration.”
Party at the Westport Farmers’ Market!
(“06880” is just 3 years younger than the Farmers’ Market. We too are proud of our growth — and of readers’ support. If you appreciate our work, you can contribute by clicking here. Thank you!)
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These pressures stem from state legislation, which can be out of step with the needs and resources of individual towns. New proposed legislation continues to push for increased density, even in our cherished downtown.
