Years ago, the Staples High School fieldhouse and adjacent gymnasium were named in honor of Lou Nistico.
Part of the noted Saugatuck family that founded and operated the legendary Arrow restaurant (now both Riko’s Pizza and Lomito’s, at 2 different sites), Lou was an ardent supporter of his alma mater.
He provided financial help — very quietly — to the athletic program, and any student who needed it. He gave many teenagers their first job. He was a big man, with an even bigger heart.
But from the day his name went up above the entrance, no one ever called it “The Nistico Fieldhouse.”
Unfortunately too, the sign bearing his name was in disrepair for at least a couple of decades. Letter were missing. It was embarrassing.
Over the holidays, at least that part of Lou Nistico’s legacy was addressed.
The new sign looks handsome and classy:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Now, if we could only start calling it by its name …
The reflection of lights, and an exercise machine placed in front, don’t detract from this portrait of Lou Nistico near the fieldhouse.
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Last night’s first-ever Westport Library Battle of the Bands drew a large crowd, for an evening of original songs and covers.
The audience voted by QR code. Moss came in first, followed by Breakers. Clockwork and Caravan also played.
Clockwork, at the Battle of the Bands. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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There’s always something going on at the Senior Center.
On Friday, it was “I Wish I was in Hawaii Day.”
Entertainment was provided by The Cukes. As shown below, the ukulele group certainly looked the part.
No word on whether they served pineapple upside down cake.
(Hat tip and photo/Ed Simek)
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Sure, we’ve shown eagles in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But it’s hard to get too much of our national symbol.
Especially when there are 2 of them, as Doug Brill spotted recently, not far from the Y:
(Photo/Doug Brill)
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And finally … in honor of the Senior Center ukulele concert — one of the most popular YouTube videos ever:
(So what’s our “06880” dream? That every reader who enjoys this hyper-local blog clicks here, to support our work. Hey, why not? Thank you!)
BIG voice 👏
Wonderful to see the new sign for Lou Nistico. ‼️
Awesome Dan. Lou and Nistico family a wonderful part of our Westport history. The Nistico family always supported our local sports and athletic teams.
Lou played a huge role behind the scenes in making the Longshore deal happen, that today benefits us all beyond any residents wildest dreams.
Ditto on what Jimmy said (plus Lou helped my get my first job when I was in high school). The new sign looks great.
New sign looks great. Westport is a better place because of everything Lou and the Nistico family have done.
Dear Dan,
Thank you so much for sharing the announcement of the new sign honoring my father, Lou Nistico. Westport’s youth were always close to his heart. He had a quiet, genuine way of showing up for young people, offering support, encouragement, and guidance without ever seeking recognition. Everything he did came from a place of deep sincerity and love for the Westport community, and it means more than I can express to see that spirit remembered in this way.
Warmly,
Joanne Nistico
Beautiful portrait painted by my brother Ralph Ruta.
I ran X-country for a couple of years at Staples. How many people do you think would show for a x-country meet. Not many trust me. But as I started my kick heading towards the football field, there was my father and Lou Nistico sitting together on the bleachers.. Great man and great family.
To this day I remember an event that happened seventy years ago during a Staples football game.
A large legendary man who was ALWAYS on our sidelines called out “nice catch 41″……
It is a source of pride then, and it is a source of pride now.
My mother was a contemporary of Lou Nistico and his siblings. I can’t remember if they attended school together in the 30’s but my mother’s first house was on Treadwell Avenue and she bought it in 1947 as a young war widow. I clearly remember my mother saying that when his family was struggling to get the original Arrow Restaurant off the ground that Lou worked days as our mailman so he would be free to operate the restaurant in its busy hours. I remember Lou being supportive everywhere and with everyone going back to my earliest memories as a child but I bet there are easily hundreds of other “Old Westporters” still alive that could say the same. A great big hearted man from arguably Westport’s most wonderful family. The town didn’t honor Lou by naming the field house Lou honored the field house with his name.
they did serve Pineapple Upside down cake!
Lou Nistico was Saugatuck royalty, no question about it. I remember him as a friendly and generous man. It is gratifying to see him honored in this way.