The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have a number of sub-groups. They cover many interests, like technology, travel and food.
Plus music.
Last week, the Y’s Men’s Classical Society hosted the Staples Jazz Band, at the Westport Library.
The group, directed by Kevin Mazzarella, “displayed musicianship well beyond their years,” the Y’s Men newsletter says.
The concert was the second of 4 performances. Coming soon: the Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and the Art Greenberg Memorial Olga Vinokur Piano.
But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to enjoy the Jazz Band. Click here or below to watch and listen. (The concert starts at the 4:30 mark.)
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Tommy Greenwald got more than he bargained for, when he watched the Harvard-Yale men’s basketball game on ESPNU.
Cooper Boardman was on the call.
The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University grad has broadcast Boston Red Sox games on the WEEI radio network. He also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, doing college basketball, softball and lacrosse.
Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards.
(Screenshot/Tommy Greenwald)
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Speaking of sports: congratulations to Staples wrestlers.
Seamus Brannigan and Julian Rousseau finished first, at this weekend’s FCIAC (league) championships.
Damian Rousseau and Gavin Donaldson placed second, while Kai Schwartz was fourth.
Up next: the state and open meets. Go Wreckers:
From left: Head coach Jordan Marion, Gavin Donaldson, Damian Rousseau, Seamus Brannigan, Julian Rousseau, Kai Schwartz, Francesco Beccarra, Charlie Goldman, Amelia Guimond, coach Will Switzer. Not pictured: Jessiah Jones, Amere Miller, Grady McHugh, Kia Halper.
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Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to Dylan Rosen!
The Coleytown Middle School 8th grader recently placed 3rd in Junior 3 Clone Class. It was his first full season of racing with the Norwalk Karting Association, at Calf Pasture Beach.
Dylan is coached by 66 year-old Hugh Gorman. They began a trackside friendship during repairs, and Hugh began offering tips to improve the kart and Dylan’s driving skills.
“He has a lot of patience to talk through things and share his knowledge.” said the 13-year-old racer.
When the season ended in November, Dylan’s 25-year-old Coyote Kart was beyond repair. He and his dad, Frank, called the company. They offered a steep discount on a 15-year-old frame, which they could transfer their working parts to.
Dylan did all the work on it himself. He plans to compete in regional races, beginning next month — with a goal of qualifying for Daytona kart week.
He is looking for local sponsors, to help with karting expenses. Email rosenfamilyracing@gmail.com for details.
Dylan Rosen, at work on his kart.
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The VFW is many things, to many people.
This Friday (February 20, 5:30 p.m.), it becomes a piano karaoke bar.
All singers, of all levels, are welcome. Songs range from rock and pop to standards and Broadway. A piano accompanist will help you sound great.
Admission is free. There’s a cash bar too.
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Bob Mitchell — who hopefully was a passenger in this car, and not the driver — sends this photo …
… and writes: “Will this ever change? It’s been what, 6 years? Doesn’t Delamar want their own signs now?
“But the underlying question: Do these signs really cause travelers to come off the highway looking for accommodations? In this age of ubiquitous GPS?
“Nevertheless, come on, Department of Transporation.”
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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos show close-ups: birds, flowers and the like.
Today’s is a wider view. There is plenty of natural wonder here, in this shot of Old Mill, Long Island Sound and more, from Hillspoint Road.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … Happy Presidents Day!
We honor them both straightforwardly …
… and humorously:
(Hail to the chief! And hail to “06880”! Honor your favorite president, by clicking here to support your hyper-local blog. Let us know who he is. Democrats, Republicans, Whigs — all are welcome!)
I suggest the Norwalk Inn on East Avenue to stay if you’re visiting Westport. Contact Maria DeVito at the hotel and she’ll make sure you’ll have a wonderful experience.