Marina Drasnin was a Holiday on Ice figure skater.
She married, got divorced and remarried. Eight years ago, her second husband passed away.
Marina Drasnin
All along, she enjoyed a career as a photographer and artist. She worked for Larry David, arranging flowers and creating other art projects for his events. She developed books of photos, for private clients.
Marina had a beautiful home, with a garden she loved, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Life was great — until this past January, when wildfires raged. Then came torrential rains, and mudslides.
Marina’s home suffered extensive smoke damage. Most of her neighbors’ were destroyed.
After living with her friend Randy Gardner — the figure skating star — in Manhattan Beach for 2 weeks, and 2 more weeks with other friends in Ventura, she decided to take up friends’ suggestions to move east.
A Southern California native, she’d gotten to know — and love — this part of the country as a Tufts University student.
Her son went to Sarah Lawrence College, and now lives in Brooklyn. Marina’s best friend lived in Westport, and is now in Weston.
Moving was a daunting decision. She navigated a tight real estate market, from 3,000 miles away.
Suddenly, something came on the market: a 900-square foot cottage on Richmondville Avenue.
The wooden floors were new. It was clean and fresh. In back was a beautiful garden.
Marina’s Richmondville garden.
She put in an application, sight unseen. Then she googled the name of the realtor: Mar Jennings.
Amazingly, Marina learned, he’d been a figure skater.
They chatted, and found several friends in common. Mar has been “an angel,” Marina says.
And that was just the start of her love affair with her new home town.
Marina (and her 2 cats) arrived on May 1. Since then, life has been wonderful.
Marina has enjoyed photographing scenes like this.
Outgoing by nature, Marina met many new people. They’ve quickly become friends.
The staff at the Parks & Recreation office were extremely helpful. A girl working at the Longshore tennis courts introduced her to a woman, who invited her into a doubles game. The other women were equally warm.
The woman’s Greens Farms home was surrounded by lilacs and dogwoods. “I’m in heaven here, with them all around,” Marina says.
Marina is enchanted by scenes like this.
The garden in her new home — and shops like Terrain — enthrall Marina. She looks forward to checking out Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Shop, which she’s heard so much about.
“I almost got in a car accident today, looking at all the peonies and rhododendrons.” (She’s already driving like a Westporter, it seems.)
She went to the Memorial Day parade. She’s been invited to a clambake.
Memorial Day photo collage, by Marina Drasnin.
And Jenny Bentley — half of the 2Jens organizing business — is helping Marina unpack and get settled. (They met through a mutual friend, who works for Westporter Shonda Rhimes.)
“I love all these old houses and country roads,” she says.
“People in L.A. seee my Instagram and say, ‘You’re in love with Westport.’ I am. I feel safe here. I can go places by myself. I’m so happy.
“I’m happy with my neighbors. I’m happy to see people walk by. I just saw an old-fashioned ice cream truck!'”
After we chatted, Marina was off to the Westport Book Shop. She loves it too — and hopes one day to have a show there.
Compo Beach lifeguard chair (Marina Drasnin)
Soon, Mar Jennings — the realtor who helped her find the cottage she loves — will be taking her to dinner.
They’ll have a lot to talk about, from their ice skating past to the home town they now share.
Mar Jennings and Marina Drasnin.
(Welcome to Westport, Marina! Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, we hope you enjoy “06880.” A reminder: We rely on readers’ support. If you like this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thanks!)
Tucked near the basketball courts at Compo Beach sits a park that for years has served as a haven for Westport’s skaters.
But today, cracks are showing — literally and figuratively.
Wooden ramps are rotting. Nails come loose. And while the energy of the local skate community remains strong, the park itself struggles to keep up.
Skate park ramp …
Seamus Brannigan, a Staples High School junior, has enjoyed skating for years. Yet he recognizes the park’s issues.
“It’s gotten to a point where it is barely skateable,” he says. “The wooden ramps are falling apart, and the whole park needs to be replaced.”
For Brannigan and many others, skating is more than a sport. He also feels part of a strong group.
That sense of camaraderie might now be in danger.
“I love skating because it’s a place and a community where I can meet people with interests like mine. It’s a place where all people are welcome,” Brannigan says.
His solution: “a full concrete park like the one in Norwalk. It would last for decades.”
… and a wider view. (Photos/Katherine Phelps)
The idea of rebuilding the Compo skate park is not new. There’s already some funding in the Parks & Recreation Department budget for repairs. It’s about $10,000 annually, which does not stretch far.
Jesse Bauks, an English teacher at Staples and longtime advisor to the school’s Skate Club, has seen the park’s decline first hand. He too believes it’s time for a change.
“The skate park is falling apart — rotten wood, loose screws and nails — really just due to age and exposure to the elements,” Bauks says.
“There is a group of pickleball folks looking to expand their space, and the current location of the skate park makes for a good place for that to happen. So the future of this space as a skate park seems to be up in the air.”
Last year, Parks & Rec removed and rebuilt one of the large ramps with help from parks supervisor Mike West, thanks in part to $1,200 from student-led fundraisers.
However, Bauks says a more significant investment is necessary.
“To really rebuild the park — like they did in Norwalk — could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on whether it’s done in wood or poured concrete,” he explains.
The Compo Beach skate park, in 2021.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri, who started in March, is aware of the skate park’s condition. He is open to conversations about its future.
While still settling into his role, Barbieri has already earned a reputation for listening, and understanding the importance of youth spaces.
While nothing definitive is yet planned, skaters are taking initiative by organizing, raising awareness, and pushing for change.
“A concrete park could serve Westport’s youth for decades,” Brannigan says.
“This is more than just a park — it’s our community.”
(“06880” covers issues of concern to Westporters of all ages. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Our skaters and our staffers thank you!)
The young men and women — nearly all college- and high school-aged — are well-trained, enthusiastic, and toned.
They follow a long tradition of guards. Here’s an interesting shot of their (all-male) predecessors, perhaps a century ago.
We’re sure they were well-trained and enthusiastic. They look pretty toned, too.
Plus, they won some kind of trophy. Good work, guys!
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.
A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.
Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.
That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.
Westport Animal Control advises:
Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
Coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.
But they do pose risks to pets.
Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.
“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.
Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.
And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …
The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.
The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.
But occasionally, work is done.
Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:
(Photo/Michael Calise)
Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”
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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:
He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.
“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”
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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.
Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”
The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.
A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to renew registration: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.
The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.
“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”
Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.
A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).
Cantor Richard Silverman
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).
In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.
Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.
The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.
We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)
(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!)
The former Davis Cup tennis player/Cameroon national champion/beloved local tennis coach has changed many lives in Africa.
The Oyebog Tennis Academy in Cameroon has provided free tennis coaching, food, shelter and education to tens of thousands of underprivileged children.
To his students, Joseph is more than a coach. He is a father figure, mentor, and beacon of hope.
Westporters have supported OTA generously. Now Joseph needs our help.
He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which led to severe liver damage and many other life-threatening complications.
His condition is rapidly deteriorating, and the local hospital in Cameroon cannot handle his complex case.
Doctors strongly recommend that he be medically evacuated to a major healthcare facility in the US, where his wife and children now live.
Joseph’s many friends are raising funds to cover the costs of his medical evacuation, treatment, postoperative care and rehabilitation, so he can continue his mission at the Oyebog Tennis Academy.
Speaking of fundraisers: They may be teenagers, but Staples High School senior Jack Schwartz — co-president of the Yale Junior Board — and clssmates Jackson Tracey, Ryan Sunjka and Lucy Barneu are organizing the 3rd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” fundraiser.
Money raised for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital wil support sick kids and under-resourced families, as they struggle through difficult medical complications.
It’s a rowing and running competition. Everyone receives a t-shirt.
Last year’s running and rowing competition …
The dates are May 31 and June 1 (12:30 p.m.) in Westport; May 31 (10:45 a.m.) in New Haven, at Orange Theory.
There is no entry fee. Team members reach out to friends and family. and encourage donations.
The Artists Collective of Westport hosts 2 intriguing shows at the Westport Library.
“Interiors: A Look Inside” explores physical, metaphysical and emotional spaces through the visual arts.
Contributors include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, Ros Shaffer, Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Trace Burroughs, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman and more.
“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 8-foot installation composed of the work of 48 Artists Collective members.
Each received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 12-inch square section randomly selected from a well-known modern painting. The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style, without knowing what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception (June 6, 6 p.m.).
Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of “Piece by Piece” is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100, with 50% of the proceeds supporting the Library’s art programs and 50% going to the artist.
The additional artworks on display in the Sheffer and South Galleries are also available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds also going the Library’s art programming.
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The long-delayed Lincoln Street apartment project is making headway.
The first construction — elevator shafts — are done. Floors and walls are being added now. Here’s a recent view:
(Photo/Bill Christiaanse)
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Sunday’s rainbow over Owenoke — as seen from the Longshore golf course — stars as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
And finally … on this date in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. The link between San Francisco and Marin County changed both places forever.
Friends of Sherwood Island plan a great “Trails Day Weekend” for early June.
And you don’t have to be a member to join the fun.
Kayak Paddle: Survey Terrapins and Birds in the Marsh (June 7, 8:30 a.m., end of East Beach parking lot). Count diamondback terrapins (with a guide), and document birds using iNaturalist.
Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddlecraft, life vest and whistle/horn (required by state boating regulations), and kayak cart if you have one. Optional: waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. Free; registration requested.
Butterfly Walk (June 7, 12 noon, Nature Center). Join Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies.
Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone, to learn to report your findings on iNaturalist. Children are welcome. Free; registration requested.
A Walk Through Historical & Archaeological Time (June 8, 1 p.m., Nature Center).
A family-friendly, educational walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail, led by archaeologists. Start at the Ice Age, when Long Island Sound was formed. Examine traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from Native Americans in 1000 BC to onion farmers of the 1940s. Artifacts, maps, old photos and recent recoveries bring the island’s past inhabitants to life. Free; registration requested.
Beach to Beach Walk (June 8, 3 p.m., Nature Center). Discover habitats, inhabitants and special features, including the 9/11 Memorial, model airport, wetlands and pine forest. Free; registration requested.
Shewood Island State Park: 232 acres of prime real estate, right here in Westport.
More environmental news: Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones present a “Lunch & Learn” webinar, “Creating Beautifully Designed Food Forests for Migrating Birds” (May 30, noon to 1 p.m.).
Eva Monheim discusses edible forest gardens — intentionally created, self-sustaining ecosystems that provide food and other resources for humans and wildlife — and proper plant selection.
And — right on cue — today marked the first unfriendly and unethical “saving” of a Compo Beach picnic table.
At 8 a.m.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
A reminder — more gentle than it deserves: Those notices on the top of each table that “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” are not there for decorative purposes only.
Last week’s Westport Library spring book sale was one of its biggest indoor sales ever.
But it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers, book donors and patrons who participated.
Westport Book Sale Ventures says is grateful “for the scores of dedicated volunteers who commit their time, energy and enthusiasm to processing the tens of thousands of books and other media our community generously donates each year, and to the scores more volunteers who help set up and operate our 4-day sales.”
The organizers add a shoutout to volunteers from M&T Bank, Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary, the Y’s Men, Staples High School’s SLOBs and SLOGs, and the National Charity League.
Proceeds from the book sales support the non-profit’s dual missions: to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with disabilities, while raising funds for the Westport Library.
Since opening the Westport Book Shop on Road, Westport Book Sale Ventures has provided over 10,500 hours of employment and job training for more than a dozen adults with differing abilities, at the store and in their eBay online sales operation. They’ve contributed over $200,000 to the Westport Library too.
Sourcery — a VC deal and startup trend newsletter and podcast — is a must-read-and-listen in the industry.
Founder Molly O’Shea is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She’s always on the lookout for interesting interviews.
No suprise: From time to time, they’re fellow alums.
The most recent is Whop CTO Jack Sharkey. The 2018 SHS grad’s platform connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators.
With a million customers and 3,000 sellers, Whop has facilitated $100 million in transactions.
Molly and Jack gave nice shoutouts at the start and end to Westport, and their alma mater. You can click the Sourcery link here, or click on the video below.
Saturday’s Roundup noted the compelling presentation by Dmitry Kamensky on Friday. The Ukrainian law professor met a small group at Larry and Mary-Lou Weisman’s house, where he described the dire situation in his war-torn nation.
But Professor Kamensky also talked about the strength and will of his countrymen.
And he must have been bolstered by the show of support from the Westporters, whom he met through his work on constitutional law with Larry Weisman and Ken Bernhard.
Not to mention, the beautiful bouquet — in Ukrainian colors — arranged by Mary-Lou Weisman.
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