Charlie Taylor’s recent ode to Camp Mahackeno reminded readers of the long-time summer institution in the woods off Wilton Road.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA has run programs there for over 70 years. (The original name — “Camp Bedford” — was quickly replaced)
Director Emily Regan is — like so many Mahackeno predecessors — hands-on, creative, and kid-oriented.
Some things have changed over the decades. Girls long ago joined boys; there are now 360 youngsters, during each 1-week session. (Spots fill up as soon as online registration begins.)
A pool and waterslide provide aquatic options; no one swims in the Saugatuck River anymore, and the huge “Moby Dick” Navy surplus life raft is long gone.
There’s a climbing wall. Bicyclists train for a triathlon.
But some things never change: arts and crafts. Archery.
And — it wouldn’t be camp without them — s’mores.
Take a peek below at Camp Mahackeno, 2023-style. If you have your own memories, click “Comments” below.
Staff breakfast.
(All photos courtesy of Westport Weston Family YMCA)
Every year the Westport Police Department, in conjunction with the Public Works Department and Aspetuck Health District, conducts a safety inspection of garbage and septic vehicles that do business in town.
This week, it took place at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Approximately 70 trucks passed the inspection, allowing them to use town facilities.
A few hours ago — at 2 a.m., to be exact — Westporter John Sharian began running the Pemi Loop in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
His goal is to raise awareness of — and donations for — Frontline Healing Foundation. The non-profit supports the unmet addiction and PTSD needs of servicemembers.
The 30-mile loop includes 10,000 feet of vertical elevation.
This is not part of a large event. It’s Sharian’s solo desire to highlight the foundation’s work, and the many people they heal.
His goal is $10,000. Click here now — as he’s in the mountains — to help.
PS: This is not Sharian’s first rodeo (or run). Last year he completed the Presidential Peaks solo.
Businessman/private equity manager/former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry is a longtime Beachside Avenue resident.
He did not get to be a billionaire by passing up investment opportunties.
In 2021 he paid $17.5 million for a 20-acre property — with a century-old home, boathouse, pool and pool house, tennis court and more, just around the corner in Fairfield. Like his Westport property, it’s right on the water.
The property had been abandoned. Taxes were nearly $600,000 a year. (“Could you imagine?” Lasry said.)
So — to preserve its history, and keep it from condominium-minded developers — he subdivided it into 7 plots. He built a private road, and remodeled the main house. It’s 18,000 square feet, with a 6-car garage.
It just sold for $9.375 million, to a trust related to actor Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”).
The 1923 Tudor boathouse, meanwhile, sold for $8 million.
Lasry’s daughter Emma spent $5 million for a vacant parcel. Four more parcels remain, listed at $4.5 million to $7.5 million.
That info, and more — including the history of the previously abandoned multi-million-dollar house, and photos of the renovation — are part of a Wall Street Journal story. Click here to read it. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Marc Lasry’s 20-acre Fairfield property, with its main house (left-center) and boathouse. (Photo/Borgatta for Wall Street Journal)
Bridgeport’s Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater has become one of the most popular music venues in the state.
Just this year it’s hosted the Beach Boys, Temptations, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, the Four Tops, Rod Stewart, Jackson Browne, Santana and more.
On August 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Howard Saffan — owner, developer and president — offers an insider’s look at the entertainment facility.
He’ll describe how he converted a traditional stadium into a noted amphitheater, and a performance home to superstars.
Wine and cheese will be served. The event is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
An audience Q-and-A will follow Saffan’s presentation. Here’s my question: “Is it difficult to market a performance space in Bridgeport that has ‘Hartford’ in its name?”
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (in Bridgeport).
After interviewing 9 candidates, the Democratic Town Committee has recommended Jeff Hammer to complete the Board of Finance position being vacated by Nancie Dupier. The long-time member is moving out of town.
Hammer is also recommended to run with Danielle Dobin this fall, for the BOF.
Hammer has spent 35 years in finance He has spent the past 4 1/2 years on Westport’s Pension Investment Committee.
The full DTC will vote on the recommendation next Monday (7:30 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link). Registered Democrats may nominate other candidates from the floor.
Judge Kevin O’Grady, formerly of Westport and Weston, died peacefully at the Jewish Senior Services facility in Bridgeport, after a long illness. Surrounded by his family, he was 76.
Kevin grew up in Manhattan and Westport, including summers at Old Mill Beach. He graduated from Fairfield Prep as a Merit Scholarship finalist. After graduating from Southampton College he spent 4 years traveling the world in the Merchant Marines. He then continued his education, graduating cum laude from Boston University School of Law.
He shared an office with Tony Slez in Westport, where he practiced for many years. In 1999 Kevin was elected probate judge for Westport and Weston. He served for most of 4 terms, until his retirement in 2013.
His family said he was “treasured for his humor, warmth and answers on all questions about plants, cars, home improvement and the law.’
Kevin is survived by his son Sean (Heather) and their children Molly and Dylan O’Grady of Northford, Connecticut; son TJ (Jenny) and their children Max and Isaac of Lutherville, Maryland; brothers Terence (Jenny) of Sandy Hook, and Martin (Julie) of Westport; nephews Terence O’Grady (Nancy) of Sandy Hook, John O’Grady (Christine) of Sandy Hook; Robert O’Grady (Natalia) of Vero Beach, Florida; niece Katherine Stromsky (Joseph) of Sandy Hook; niece Tara O’Grady of Jensen Beach, Florida; nephew Liam O’Grady of Westport; first wife Maureen; ex-wife Helen Fischer; stepdaughters Alison (Tobin), Nina (Liz) and Lauren (Katie) Lebwohl; grandchildren Levi, Josie, Theo and George of Madison, Wisconsin. as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his psister-in-law Jennifer (Skemp) O’Grady of Sandy Hook; cousin Mary Agatha (O’Grady) and her husband Patrick Savage of Toronto; and Father Martin O’Grady of Kinvara, Ireland.
Kevin will be buried along with other family at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. Friends and family may call at the Harding Funeral Home August 3 (4 to 8 p.m.) A funeral <ass will be held at Assumption Church on August 4 (10 a.m.), with a graveside service at 11:15 a.m. The family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Neil is now a rising senior. William graduated, and is at Georgetown University.
And FPA is flourishing.
Fairfield Programming Association members (from left): Owen Simon, Neil Chaudhari, William McGonagle, Uri Moon Rosha, Tristan Ebrahimi, Jamie Davis, Zoma Tessema.
The student-run non-profit organization provides young, underserved students with computer science educational opportunities.
The mission statement says: “The Fairfield Programming Association was founded on the belief that anyone can learn to program, if they were given the right resources. Together, we can end educational differences based on gender, race, nationality, religion, economic standpoint, or beliefs.”
The FPA runs dozens of programs: projects, partnerships, in-person events and more.
They include the Learn Platform — a free, open source platform currently in development that will enable anyone to learn computer-related ideas, programming, electrical engineering and math — as well as a partnership with Preponderous Software and Unity Software, to create open source games and learning materials.
The FPA has partnered with the Adam J. Lewis Academy in Bridgeport, for weekly programming sessions with 4th graders.
A computer science class for kids.
FPA is entirely volunteer-run. Because it’s web-based, they’ve recruited help from all over the world. Volunteers come from as far away as Bangladesh.
Classes are global too. FPA teaches students in India.
And local. The organization is working with St. Luke’s School in New Canaan, to offer computer science to youngsters in Stamford.
The Fairfield Programming Association has grown quickly, in many directions. Right now, Neil is looking for volunteers — people with experience in programming — along with sponsors, and equipment.
Yesterday’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee marked a small step on a long journey.
The subcommittee discussed the possibility of using town-owned residential properties on Baron’s South for affordable housing.
The preliminary concept includes creating a new zone where existing structures are located.
That would enable their adaptive re-use (interior changes only), for conversion to affordable multifamily units.
The late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s “Golden Shadows” home is currently unoccupied. Two structures are currently used for workforce housing.
The P&Z Affordable Housing subcommittee will now create a draft text change, reflecting the concept.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young joined in the discussion. Public comment was favorable.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin (shown in this file photo from a previous meeting) are exploring the use of existing structures on Baron’s South for affordable housing.
I’m not sure why the qualities of a workplace are different for millennials than the rest of us (older or younger).
But Fortune magazine recently used 500,000 survey results, with 60 statements and 2 open-ended questions, to publish a “Best Workplaces for Millennials” report.
Fortune broke down the rankings into two lists: the top 100 large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the top 100 small-to-medium sized companies with between 50 and 999 employees.
In the large (1,000 or more employees) category, Westport’s own Bridgewater Associates ranked 60th out of 100.
The world’s largest hedge fund was lauded for fully paid healthcare, a good 401(k) match, and inclusive culture.
In the small-to-medium (50 to 999) category, Daversa Partners in Westport was rated #22.
The Greens Farms Road executive recruiting firm was cited for a “culture that makes employment feel rewarding.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 19 and 26.
A man who took a person’s cell phone during a domestic argument, preventing a 911 call, was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an emergency call.
A man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign, following an accident on Greens Farms Road at Nyala Farm Road.
A third man was arrested for failure to appear, during an active warrant for his re-arrest.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Failure to renew registration: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Residents turn to the Westport Library for information, inspiration and entertainment.
And — in emergencies — for heat, air conditioning, electricity and WiFi.
Now — thanks to a post-COVID $57,462 American Rescue Plan Act grant enhancing its technological infrastructure and wireless connectivity — the Library will serve the community even better when disaster strikes.
When extreme storms like Irene and Isais disruption many lives, more than 12,000 patrons utilized the Library’s internet.
Often, service could not meet demand. The ARPA grant extends the wireless signal beyond Jesup Green and Levitt Pavilion, with 4 more wireless access points installed.
In addition, the Library’s firewall was updated for added safety and security.
That’s great to know.
Let’s hope we never have to use it.
When the power went out during Tropical Storm Isais, Westporters took advantage of the library’s WiFi — masked and socially distanced, of course. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
John Richers makes his Church Lane Summer Music Series debut this Saturday (July 29). He starts strumming his guitar at 6 p.m., next to Spotted Horse.
A Westport resident since 2017, he emerged from the COVID shutdown with over 75 songs in his rock/folk/country repertoire. Since venturing back on stage, John has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues.
Audiences sing along to favorites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, while savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, the Wallflowers and Decemberists.
John Richers
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Doughnuttery — the sugared mini-doughnut company founded by Westporter Evan Feldman, with 4 New York City locations, 1 on Long Island and 1 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (!) — has just gone international.
The newest shop is on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in Santiago, Chile.
Can Westport be far behind?
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Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Brian McGeady died peacefully last Thursday, with his family by his side. He was 69.
He grew up in a tight-knit family with 5 siblings across from Longshore, where his love of golf began. While at Staples he worked at Manero’s and Ye Olde Bridge Grille, which allowed him to buy a prized red ‘Cuda.
He graduated from Boston College in 1976 with a degree in accounting. and worked for Kahan Steiger and Co. in Stamford. Upon passing his CPA exam he was offered a partnership, and remained there until he retired.
He also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Haven. In 1981 Brian married Diane Grosso.
He loved golf, paddleball, the New York Yankees, and spending holidays and vacations with his family.
In addition to his wife Diane, Brian is survived by his children Sean, Kyle and Megan; granddaughter Harper; his faithful companion Rudy; siblings, Meg (Bradley) Sagendorf, Richard (Mary), Elizabeth O’Brien (Chris), Kieran, Lee Yin, (Dan(; his brother-in-law David Grosso, and mother-in-law Eleanor Grosso, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister Katherine.
Calling hours are today (Thursday, July 27, 4-7 p.m., Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield(. Interment will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.
Longtime Weston resident Frances Manere died Friday at home, surrounded by her family. She was 85.
The Norwalk native was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband Bob.
Survivors include her sons Robert (Robyn) of Bethel, Michael (Lisa) of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Brian of Weston; her brother James Buchta (Connie) of Norwalk; sister in law Rosemary Buchta of Norwalk; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack Buchta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (July 31, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Weston). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road Westport. Click here to leave online condolences.
And finally … Sinead O’Connor died yesterday, at 56.
The New York Times called her an “outspoken Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful, evocative voice, as showcased on her biggest hit, a breathtaking rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and for her political provocations onstage and off.” Click here for a full obituary.
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Patty Haberstroh — a longtime beloved Westporter, who in decades of service touched the lives of countless residents, and whose courageous 6-year battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) inspired many more — died peacefully on Monday, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 73.
Patricia Clark Haberstroh’s 20 years as a social worker in Westport’s Department of Human Services were dedicated to helping others in need.
Patty Haberstroh
As family program coordinator, Patty ran and supported countless important initiatives: the annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to hundreds of children from low-income families; the Family Holiday Giving program, which provides Westport children in need with holiday gifts; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
Patty also took immense pride in volunteer work for Westport’s public schools, serving as PTA president of Coleytown Elementary and Staples High Schools, and on the PTA Council.
One of her proudest achievements was as a member of an ad hoc committee to reject a referendum attempt to cut town education expenses by $1 million in the mid-1990s.
Around that time, Patty also was a key member of the “new” Staples High School planning committee.
She was a masterful storyteller and, most importantly, a trusted colleague and friend. In Westport, she cultivated a vibrant community of true friendships built and tended to over a myriad of Friday Pizza Nights.
Her dogged commitment to helping others was only bolstered in October 2017, when she was diagnosed with her terminal illness.
Faced with a degenerative disease with no cures or effective treatments, Patty sought to reverse that fate for current and future generations of people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Shortly after her devastating diagnosis, Patty became an influential leader in the ALS community through her relentless advocacy and fundraising efforts. She and her family launched the viral #ALSPepperChallenge campaign on social media, raising over $1 million for ALS research, largely benefiting the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Thousands of supporters from around the world posted videos of themselves eating hot peppers in honor of Patty, and to raise awareness for ALS. Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Kimmel, Andy Cohen, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley participated in the challenge, chomping on jalapeños and habaneros on national television.
Patty never liked spicy food, but happily devoured it for the cause.
Patty Haberstroh and others suffering from ALS were honored by NASDAQ in New York City, in 2018.
Patty was deeply honored to receive ALS TDI’s 2018 Stephen Milne Adventurous Spirit Award for her selfless advocacy, and MDA’s Wings Over Wall Street Spirit Award in 2020.
Her unwavering tenacity inspired her sons to help launch a grassroots Lou Gehrig Day committee. Beginning in 2021, they established an annual awareness day every June 2, in honor of Lou Gehrig and across all of Major and Minor League Baseball.
There are only 3 such days in MLB, where a league-wide athlete and associated cause is celebrated by all teams.
Born November 23, 1949 in New York City, Patty was the daughter of the late William Lee Clark and Patricia Braden Clark, who nicknamed young her “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “Pollyanna.”
The oldest of 4 children, Patty attended Darien High School, then graduated from Smith College with a BA in government.
An avowed feminist, Patty started her career in finance at Bank of Boston. Upon hearing that her male trainee counterparts earned more than female trainees, she marched into Human Resources.
After hearing traditional arguments of why the pay imbalances were justified, Patty successfully secured equal pay for all.
In Boston she met her husband Charlie Wesley Kelakos Haberstroh, who was also a banker.
When Patty and Charlie married in September, 1974, she relocated to Chemical Bank in New York — appropriately enough in Human Resources, to manage the Performance Evaluation Function.
After the birth of her second child, she requested a part-time job. When her employer asked her to reconsider, pointing out she would have to give up her management job, she said she would accept only a part-time job in order to tend to family. When informed there was no part-time job, Patty requested the bank to create one.
They did.
In 1986, with 4 children under the age of 6 in tow — including twin newborns — Patty and Charlie moved the family to São Paulo, Brazil, to support Charlie’s career.
After 4 1/2 years there, and becoming fluent in Portuguese, the Haberstrohs moved to Westport, where she committed her life to public service and education.
Patty is survived by Charlie, her husband of 49 years and caregiver for 6; her children Chuck (Jacqueline Horelik) of Westport; Steve (Erin Graves) of New Canaan; Kim O’Sullivan (Philip) of Norwalk; Tom (Allison Hall) of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren Charlie, Lane, Eve and Grace of Westport; McIntyre (Mac) and Walker of New Canaan; Jonathan O’Sullivan of Norwalk; Madelyn and Molly of Charlotte, NC; her younger brothers William (Susan), Hayes (Clare) and Robert Clark; nieces Katie, Debbie and Joanie, and nephews Braden, Lee and Christopher.
(“06880” covered the explosive growth of the #ALSPepperChallenge, in Westport and around the world. Click here for some of the stories about the global event.)
The garbage at Compo Beach doesn’t pick itself up.
A full Parks & Recreation Department crew ensures that the trash we — well, not you and I, but other less considerate folks — leave behind gets hauled away.
They pick up full bags. They pick up stuff that should be in bags, but isn’t.
They do it every day, from dawn until well after dusk. From the Hillspoint Road jetty, all the way past the one on South Beach.
And they do it quickly, efficiently, often.
And always with a smile.
Longtime, loyal, hard-working and popular Michael Johsnon.
Luke McManus on the job.
Dom Petrosinelli smiles. (Photos/Dan Woog)
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The next time you see the maintenance staff at work, think about all they do.
Thank them for their service.
And for their sake — and ours — take 10 seconds to put your garbage in the proper receptacle.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
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