Our 11th annual “06880” blog party was the biggest and best yet.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Early morning rain and midday clouds gave way to blue skies, with just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable.
Over 200 folks — those born and raised here, 97-year-old “Mr. Pickleball” Tom Lowrie, and 2 couples who moved her 2 months ago; daily readers, and casual ones; politicians and normal people — all came to Compo’s South Beach.
They ate, drank, chatted, stayed, and proved once again why “06880” (the online community, and the real-life one) is so warm, embracing and fun.
There was swag (waterproof pouches from Savvy + Grace; homemade jam thanks to Mary Lou Roels); beverages courtesy of Matt Bannon; music by Warren Bloom, plus the Westport Parks & Recreation Department’s help and hospitality.
Jam and waterproof pouch swag. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
And of course, everyone enjoyed another spectacular Compo Beach sunset.
(Photo/Debra Krayson)
“06880” — the online community, and the real life one — feels truly blessed.
Rick and Totney Benson. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)
Matt Bannon took care of the thirsty crowd … (Photo/Dan Woog)
… while Warren Bloom entertained. (Photo/Mary Sikorski)
The Hive (Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito, 2nd and 4th from left) and friends were in the house.
(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)
The Weinbergs’ treat.
(Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
97-year-old Tom “Mr. Pickleball” Lowrie, and daughter Anne. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Lou and Marjorie Weinberg enjoy a moment. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Savvy shoppers know they can get badass bagels at the Westport Farmers’ Market. And just over the Norwalk line, on Lois Street (take a right at the McDonald’s, on Westport Avenuue/Route 1).
Westporter Jennifer Balin began baking — with a sourdough starter — in the COVID spring of 2020. She already ran the very popular Sugar & Olives farm-to-table restaurant/event space. The pandemic forced her to pivot.
Her bagels are made with only a few ingredients: organic and non-organic bread flour and ryle flour (all non-GMO, locally or regionally sourced), water and sea salt.
They’re dairy-free and vegan. The sourdough starter allows the dough to be naturally leavened, without commercial yeast.
They come in a variety of varieties — plain, smoked sea salt, golden sesame, black sesame, Himalayan blue poppy, whole wheat, pumpernickel caraway, cinnamon raisin and everything — plus several cream cheese options.
No matter how you slice ’em, Jennfer Balin’s bagels are badass.
Recently, Badass expanded its reach. They’ve opened shops in New Canaan, and Rye and Armonk, New York.
All serve (in addition to bagels and schmears) open-faced sandwiches like green goddess (green goddess cream cheese with cucumber, dill and a lemon wedge), avocado jam (smashed avocado, special sauce, radish, fried shallots, black lava salt) and bacon jam (house-made bacon jam, lettuce and tomato, with ramp oil and a dollop of tomato jam).
The Badass Bagels outlets also carry favorite food finds from around Fairfield County.
In addition to using locally grown produce in their spreads and salads, Balin participates in farmers markets beyond Westport: Rowayton, New Canaan, Rye, Ridgefield and Larchmont.
But you don’t have to go to one of her stores, or a farmers’ market, to find Badass Bagels. They’re also at Greenology/Jack’s Coffee and Double L Market here, and the Georgetown Owl in Redding.
Meanwhile, Balin says, franchise opportunities are available. Her bagels may soon spread far beyond Fairfield and Westchester Counties.
How badass is that?!
Jennifer Balin (right), and a loyal customer.
(“06880” regularly covers Westport business owners, and their companies. If you enjoy learning about your neighbors — and eating well — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
They washed, polished exteriors, and scrubbed interiors (including steam cleaning, and shampooing carpets and seats, among many other services).
They used a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — and earned raves from customers.
They still do all that — and much more. Since that story ran, they’ve gone into overdrive.
Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, showing off their work. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
Christian — who founded CK Mobile Car Detailings — has upped their game by training with Steven Vitaliani of Fairfield’s Auto Spa. He has taken his mentor’s generous help to heart.
(Steven just wants to help young people, Christian says. And, he points out, the Auto Spa is on-site in Southport, while Christian and Kyle travel to customers’ homes.)
Christian and Kyle now offer 3 packages: Bronze, Diamond and F1 (click here for details).
Add-on options include engine bay, black trim and/or leather restoration, and paint correction.
The pair have an extensive checklist. They double-check every item, making sure nothing is missed.
“I’ve learned a lot of business skills by communicating with customers,” Christian says.
It shows. When he came to my condo — wearing his CK-branded shirt — he handed me his business card, clearly explained the process, and asked if I had any questions.
I know many Westport companies that could hire Christian to teach employees about customer service.
A customer recently asked, “Can you just make it look nice?”
Of course, Christian replied. But, he said, he and Kyle are committed to cleaning every crevice.
Christian works on the interior of my car …
Christian knows that his prices are higher than some car washes, which also offer detailing.
But, he says, he has invested thousands of dollars in equipment.
In addition, he notes, “they don’t maintain their materials.” He handwashes every thing — including buckets — with hot water and soap, every night. He uses a special detergent for his towels.
Christian refills all his chemicals regularly. He says he has learned a lot about math, working with dilutions.
He uses top-grade products for everything — and eco-friendly, safe cleaning solutions.
… and the exterior. When he was done, he got rid of all the soapy water.
Customers are delighted with CK’s services. “They really like and respect our work,” Christian says. “That means a lot.”
He and Kyle are hustling. They work hard for their money. They pour some of it back into their company. Materials are expensive, and Christian recently bought a large crate that keeps everything organized.
Some of Christian’s earnings may go toward his next business venture: his own wrapping and tinting shop.
But for now, it’s all detailing, all the time.
No job is too big, or too small. Every one gets the same professional attention, from very professional teenagers Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak.
Save the date! This year’s LobsterFest — the early fall fun-fest (and fundraiser) at Compo Beach — is September 20.
All the food and family-friendly entertainment features of past years return. The Westport Rotary Club promises a few new additions, along with new beverage options.
Right now, the Westport Rotary Club is signing sponsors. It’s a great opportunity to align with one of the town’s most lively and popular events.
It’s all for a great cause. The Rotary Club is celebrating its centennial with a major contribution to the Compo Beach playground renovation.
They awarded $385,000 to the project from last year’s Lobster Fest. Another $285,000 went to 46 local and regional causes — and $100,000 more to support international projects. The largest is outfitting a new dental and vision building in rural Uganda.
It’s not easy capturing lightning (on camera, of course).
But Meredith Holod was in the right place, at the right time — and a safe distance away — Monday.
Here’s her view during the quick but intense storm, from Compo Beach.
(Photo/Meredith Holod)
But lightning did strike twice, elsewhere in Westport. The Fire Department responded to 2 incidents.
One struck a home on Joanne Circle, igniting a fire on the second floor. Crews swiftly contained the fire before it could spread further. No injuries were reported.
Meanwhile on Bayberry Lane, lightning struck a pet “invisible fence.” The surge caused electrical damage, and posed a risk to the property.
“Summer storms can be dangerous, and things can go wrong quickly,” says Fire Marshal Terry Dunn.
“Electric pet fences are especially vulnerable, because they’re wired underground and usually connected to your home’s electrical system. If lightning strikes nearby it can travel through that wiring, damage your home, and potentially start a fire. It takes just a few seconds to unplug the system when a storm is on the way. It’s a smart precaution.”
The Westport Fire Department urges residents to take precautions during thunderstorms:
Unplug electric fences.
Use surge protectors for important electronics; unplug non-essential devices.
Avoid using wired appliances or electronics during a storm.
Stay indoors and away from windows when thunder or lightning is present.
Saturn — the wildly successful calendar app for high school and college students, which began as a Staples High venture when Class of 2017 member Dylan Diamond was a teenager there — has been acquired by Snap.
The new owners — the company behind Snapchat — did not disclose terms of the day. But most of Saturn’s 30 full-time employees will join their new owner.
Engadget, which first reported the news, says: “It’s not clear what exactly Snap has planned for Saturn, but … the calendar app will continue to operate as a standalone service.”
Saturn may help introduce calendar-related features into Snapchat.
Saturn is available at more than 17,000 high schools. And Snap is used by more than half of US teenagers.
John McCarthy was the most recent “06880” reader to send a photo of the camera mounted at the Longshore entrance, and wonder why it’s there.
(Photo/John McCarthy)
“Seems a little out of place,” he writes.
Not really. Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri explains: “This is a license plate recognition camera, for cars entering Longshore.
:There have been break-ins in the past, but the cameras in the parking lot couldn’t always catch the plates.
“This helps us know who came in, if there are any other issues in the future. A good recommendation from the Police Department.”
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For years, Staples High School Class of 2024 graduate Ethan Walmark entertained Westporters, with his many musical talents.
But not just us.
Ethan was on the “Today Show.” He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day. His performance of “Eminence Front” rocked a Who show. He sang the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.
As a 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student, Ethan followed Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington.
Now — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music — Ethan is back in town.
Tonight (Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m.), he performs outside the Spotted Horse — on keyboards, and electric and acoustic guitar.
He won’t sing all of the 3,000 songs in his repertoire. But you’ll recognize many of your favorite Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Motown, John Mayer, Simon & Garfunkel and Four Seasons favorites.
And Ethan will take requests.
Ethan Walmark
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Speaking of entertainment: Country music rocks the VFW this Saturday (July 19, 8 p.m.).
Grady McAuliffe — with his new single “On the Edge” at #4 on the Hot Disc/All Country Radio chart — and his band bring their high-energy, country grit, Southern Soul and rock-infused sound to the Riverside Avenue venue.
Mitchells held their annual Compo Beach party last night, for company members and their families.
As always, it was first class: lobster and shrimp, Colony Pizza, hot dogs and much more.
Jack and Bill Mitchell — the second generation, after their parents Ed and Norma — were joined by their sons and daughters-in-law, and their kids. The 4th generation is well on its way to making its mark on the Westport store — and those in Greenwich, Long Island, on the West Coast, and now Dallas.
The fifth generation was there too. Their time will come!
Of course — befitting two Westport town jewels (Mitchells and Compo) — the weather was perfect.
Bill Mitchell, at the company picnic. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Hillandale Road residents were stunned earlier this year, when the state Department of Transportation clear-cut large swaths of land on the Sherwood Island Connector, in preparation for a new maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
More work will be done, this time on West Parish Road. But now, town operations director Thomas Kiely has given neighbors some warning.
He writes: “As part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative, the DOT will be removing trees along a portion of the roadway over the coming weeks. The work will take place from the corner of Post Road East, to the area across from 7 West Parish Road.
“In place of the removed trees, the DOT will construct a 10-foot land berm. This will be landscaped with new vegetation, to enhance the visual appeal of the area and create a natural buffer for nearby properties.
“Additionally, the project will eliminate the old salt shed and adjacent facility entrance on West Parish Road, further improving privacy and separation for adjacent homes.
“We understand that changes to the neighborhood landscape may raise questions, and we want to ensure residents are aware. Please be assured that the work is being planned with consideration for safety, improved visibility, and long-term aesthetics.
“I will continue to work with the DOT and advocate on behalf of the Westport community. Please know that the plantings will be towards the end of the project after final grading is complete, to avoid damage.” (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
The DOT maintenance facility, as seen from West Parish Road.
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Westport Library’s Verso Studios have hosted Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winners.
Now they’ve got an honor of their own.
Actually, 4. “Crew Call” — the Verson program that gives community members the chance to be trained in live, hands-on video production — recently earned 3 silver and 1 bronze Telly Awards.
Created in 1979 to honor local, regional and cable television commercials, with non-broadcast video and television programming soon, Tellys have evolved with the rise of digital video to include branded content, documentary, social media, immersive and more.
The contest draws more than 13,000 entries annually, from 6 continents and all 50 states.
Crew Call began as a 6-week training course, led by Emmy-winning Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey. Community members are trained to record and edit programming and events produced on the Library stage, and occasionally on location.
Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey (far right), assistant producer Fred Lavins (center, 3rd from left), and Crew Call members, before a recent program.
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Speaking of entertainment: Perhaps the Westport Country Playhouse tempted fate last night by screening the film “Singin’ in the Rain,”
Rain pelted down, and there was a power blip at the 7 p.m. showtime. But the tech crew got it up and running, just a few minutes late.
The Playhouse’s celebration of timeless films continues with “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (August 6, 6 p.m.), “The Sting” (August 18, 7 p.m.), and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”(October 10, 7 p.m.).
A combination of heat, poor air quality and the potential for flash floods this week prompted Governor Lamont to activate Connecticut’s “extreme hot weather protocol.”
It begins at noon today, and runs through at least 8 p.m. Friday.
Westport has activated its cooling centers and will monitor conditions closely, says Fire Chief and emergency management director Nick Marsan.
Need help or transportation? Call 211, or visit www.211ct.org.
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Hearts in Harmony is a foundation created by Mark and Kira Greenfield. The mission is to find better treatments (and a cure) for Long QT Syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that affects their daughter Shea.
But the non-profit’s impact extends far beyond researchers and patients.
Last week, Hearts in Harmony partnered with Coastal Bridge Advisors, to offer CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training to residents.
Over 6o people — many of them parents with young children — learned from EMS professionals, at Coastal Bridge’s Wilton Road headquarters. The event included special infant and toddler training.
Make-Modern’s grand opening is tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m.).
The open house at their 180 Post Road East location includes free crafting stations for adults and kids, plus giveaways.
Make-Modern is a crafting and sewing studio “for people with a passion for design, and a deep respect for the art of making … rhe opposite of (a) glitter-and-glue setup. Every class, workshop, party and camp is built around thoughtful curriculums, age-appropriate skill building, and elevated materials sourced from around the world.”
An alert — and grossed-out — “06880” reader writes:
“I was returning an item at Lululemon today, and experienced a poorly mannered dog owner.
“Three cashiers were handling customers. I was in the middle. The lady to my left had a cocker spaniel on a leash. I just had a pedicure, and tried to avoid him stepping on my toes. The owner saw that, and pulled him to her front.
“It was busy and noisy. When the dog owner left I smelled something foul, and looked down to see several pools of vomit.
“Another woman almost stepped into it before I called for her to stop. I told the manager. It took 3 young women to clean the floor. They put up a cone so no one would fall.
“There was no way the owner didn’t realize her dog threw up. I say that as a dog owner myself. While accidents can occur, to not report it was negligent.”
For sure. And that brings up a fairly new trend: Dog owners who bring their pets everywhere.
I’ve seen them in stores, supermarkets and restaurants. What’s up with that?
I understand owners’ desires to bring their dogs with them. But do they really belong everywhere?
Am I being overly sensitive? I want to hear all sides of this. Click “Comments” below.
Sure, you take your pooch paddleboarding. But into a store? (Photo/Matt Murray)
Every Thursday, Jazz at the Post welcomes noted musicians from around the globe.
But there are plenty of homegrown talents too.
At the top of any list is Chris Coogan. The Weston native is a mucha-admired composer, performer, teacher, choir director and producer, rooted in both jazz and gospel.
He headlines this week’s shows (July 17, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; VFW Post 399; music charge $20; $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by John Mobilio, his bassist for decades. Also sitting in: drummer Scott Latzky, who has worked with Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton and Bob Dorough. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Posted onJuly 13, 2025|Comments Off on E3 Advisors: “Know What You Own. And Why.”
John Nelson has a mantra: “Know what you own. Know why you own it. And know what you’re paying for it.”
Sounds simple. But even in a financially savvy town like Westport, there are plenty of people who may not have clear insights into their portfolios.
Many are women, in the baby boom generation. Which is why Nelson and his financial services partner, Stacy Thomson, work closely with that cohort at their E3 Wealth Advisory Group, in the Wright Street building overlooking downtown.
Those 3 E’s stand for “Engage, Educate, Empower.” It’s telling that the pair — who are affiliated with Stifel, a 135-year-old St. Louis-based firm — did not name their company the traditional wealth management way: after themselves.
“Every firm uses last names. But that means nothing,” Nelson explains.
“They’re middle-aged white men in suits who say, ‘Trust us. We’ll take care of it.'”
Stacy Thomson
“That’s so old-school,” Thomson adds. Clients need “empathy, education, the ability to understand their finances. That has nothing to do with a man behind a curtain.”
They lack that “trust us, we know what’s right for you” mentality, because wealth advisory is not their first careers.
Nelson spent 20 years as a pilot and intelligence officer in the Marine Corps, and 10 more as a United Airlines 767 pilot.
Thomson had a 20-year career in marketing and advertising agencies, with clients like Nestle and Unilever. She joined Nelson — a long-time friend — with the intention of “fixing the (financial services) brand.” As an outsider — and a woman — she wanted to “break the mold” of what clients expect.
The advisors say that the much-ballyhooed “great wealth transfer” from boomers to the next generation is not what it seems.
In fact, Nelson notes, the first transfer is often from a man to his wife, since women generally outlive their husbands. Boomer women are expected to receive $30 trillion in assets by 2030.
“They have sophisticated needs: attorneys, CPAs, caregivers,” Nelson says. “The first thing we try to do is educate them. We don’t sell products.”
One client — a 65-year-old artist, whose husband had dementia — felt stressed, because their advisor had never talked to her. She had no idea how to locate any documents.
John Nelson
Nelson worked with her to find an appropriate assisted iving facility, where her husband could receive the care he needed. Nelson helped her negotiate the rates, and executed her long-term care policy.
Another group targeted by Nelson and Thomson is 40- to 65-year-olds. They may have a parent to take care of, along with their own children. That “sandwich generation” includes younger boomers, GenXers and millennials.
“They’re paying bills for their parents, who forget passwords, can’t find their wills. have 5 different bank, with safe deposit boxes,” Thomson says.
“Meanwhile, they’re looking at college tuitions for their kids — and maybe even still paying off their own student loans. There’s a lot going on.”
One other reason for stress: People in this area spend a lot of time making a lot of money. But they may not have a lot of time to take care of it.
So John Nelson and Stacy Thomson engage. They empower. They educate.
And they help clients understand what they own, why they own it, and what they’re paying for it.
(“06880” often shines a light on local businesses — what they do, how they do it, and why. If you appreciate our coverage of everything Westport, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Comments Off on E3 Advisors: “Know What You Own. And Why.”
A representative of the Main Street outlet inferred to “06880” that the entire chain is in liquidation. She passed our contact info on to the national office, which never called back.
Lisa Seidenberg read yesterday’s Roundup item about renumbering the Merritt Parkway exits with interest. She writes: “This is historic for those of us who are Merritt fans.
“In 2008 I made a documentary, ‘The Road Taken …The Merritt Parkway.’ So now that film truly becomes a time capsule.
“Actually it already was, as many of those I interviewed in the film are no longer with us. The list includes Henry ‘Buzz’ Merritt (a grand-nephew of Schuyler Merritt, the Stamford congressman the parkway is named after), and humorist Alan Abel, a longtime Westport resident.”
Interested? Click here or below, to watch this 33-minute fascinating video.
Alert — and environmentally conscious — “06880” reader Rick Benson writes: “Someone is dumping mussel and oyster shells, with lemons and forks, into Sherwood Mill Pond by the kayak launch, and at Old Mill Beach by the boat ramp.”
(Photo/Rick Benson)
Definitely not cool.
Rick suggests “neighbors should report suspicious activity to the police.”
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VFW Post 399 reaches out to veterans in many ways.
Next up: a Veterans Benefits Luncheon on July 17 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
It’s free, and 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!
All veterans are invited to the VFW’s free June 12 luncheon.
And finally … Dave “Baby” Cortez — whose 1959 song “The Happy Organ” was the first instrumental song to top the Billboard Hot 100 — died 3 years ago.
But his death — and his burial in a Bronx potter’s field — only recently came to light, thanks to the work of a 15-year-old doo wop fan in Australia. Click here to read the full story, and obituary.
In 2000, the private bank Charlie Haberstroh worked for downsized. He had 4 college-aged children. The dot-com era was crashing.
“What better time to start a new wealth management firm?!” he laughs.
It may not have been the best timing. But Haberstroh was the right man.
This year, CastleKeep Investment Advisors celebrates its 25th year. And the Westport-based firm is doing it the way they’ve done business for a quarter century: by giving back to the community.
The CastleKeep team (from left): Christy Pasqua, Lauren Quesada, Steve Haberstroh, Charlie Haberstroh, Chuck Haberstroh, Mary Hackett.
The highlight of their anniversary celebration at The Bridge at Saugatuck — a few yards away from their Riverside Avenue office — was the announcement of long-term financial support for 2 local groups: Westport’s Department of Human Services, and Staples Tuition Grants.
Both choices were no-brainers.
Patty Haberstroh — Charlie’s wife, and the mother of Chuck and Steve Haberstroh, 2 of her 4 children who are partners in their dad’s firm — died 2 years ago this month, after a long battle with ALS.
She was (among many other activities) a beloved family program coordinator for Human Services.
Patty Haberstroh
Patty ran and supported important initiatives like their annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to children from low-income families; 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.
In 2000 Steve was a beneficiary of Staples Tuition Grants — the 83-year-old organization that this year awarded $400,000 to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni.
Chuck served for 4 years on STG’s board. Years ago, a friend established a Staples Tuition Grants fund in the Habestrohs’ family name. Charlie continues to support it. Now there will be an additional scholarship, named for CastleKeep.
CastleKeep’s gifts are not their first to the community. In December they supported Human Services’ Holiday Giving Program with a donation that ensures that all graduating seniors who need help will attend college with their own laptops.
Like many small family-owned businesses — albeit on with nearly $1 billion in invstments under management to clients around the world — CastleKeep reflects the values of its founder. In this case, community service is key.
Charlie chairs the Levitt Pavilion Committee. He’s also chaired the Parks & Recreation Commission; been 2nd selectman; served on the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, and was president of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
His children have followed their parents’ lead. Chuck, for example, is very involved in his own kids’ Westport sports program. He also co-founded and co-heads the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, which works closely with Major League Baseball.
Chuck joined CastleKeep soon after graduating from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. At the time, he says, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, except I wanted to succeed Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.”
That seemed unlikely.
“I knew my father needed help at CastleKeep,” Chuck says. “I was willing to do whatever he needed. I had seen what my family had done for each other, and for others. I really wanted to treat colleagues and clients as family, which to me means going above and beyond.”
Steve joined the company afer 5 years with a publicly traded financial planning firm. He gained valuable experience and leadership training there. But, he says, the family aspect attracted him — and helps him attract clients.
Over 25 years — through good times and bad — the firm has grown. They’ve added employees. Every partner began as an intern.
The CastleKeep “family” — blood relatives and others — is proud of that quarter century.
They’re even prouder of the role they play in their community. Both Human Services and Staples Tuition Grants agree: They’re a keeper.
American adults 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 by 2035, for the first time in history.
70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime.
Over 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers — and 61% of them also work full- or part-time.
23% of US adults are caught in the “sandwich generation” middle. Primarily women in their 40s and 50s, they care for aging parents, while also raising children. The dual caregiving role often leads to financial stress, and burnout.
Who you gonna call for help?
Netta Levy.
Netta Levy
The Westport mother of 3 is herself part of that target demographic. At 51, she and her 2 sisters have faced the very real pressures so many of their cohort already have.
Or soon will.
In early 2021, their father was 92. He worked out every day, was in great health, and relished his independence.
Then, in the middle of the night, he fell.
“We hear it all the time: Families are one fall away from a crisis,” Levy says.
Her father fractured bones in his back. He knew the risks, but opted for surgery. He began rehab by himself, near his Philadelphia home — it was the pandemic, and his family could not see him.
When his recovery faltered, Levy’s mother and sisters worked together to make dcisions. Netta already had power of attorney, and was his healthcare proxy.
“He was clear on the direction he wanted to take. We were clear too,” Levy says. “There were a lot of silver linings.”
Her father died quickly, in hospice care at home, surrounded by love.
Levy’s mother is now 85. She has fallen, and feels lonely. She wants to move to an assisted living facility. Levy and her sisters are figuring out how to balance what she wants, with the financial realities of care. (Medicaid pays for skilled nursing, but not assisted living.)
Netta Levy, her sisters and father on his 90th birthday.
Knowing her own experiences, friends have asked Levy for advice about their own aging parents.
She has always enjoyed helping people. Earlier this year — after a freelance marketing job ended — Levy decided to formalize her work.
She now operates LifeCare Concierge. She provides a single point of contact for all caregiving needs. She helps streamline complex processes, in an unbiased way.
Levy is not affiliated with any care providers, facilities or vendors. She focuses solely on a family’s unique needs.
Among her services: assistance with hospitalizations, transitions, or crises; coordination of home care, assisted living or nursing facilities; and proactive planning (including healthcare directives, legal considerations, and ensuring that wishes are documented before a crisis hits).
Levy also offers guidance on transitioning to a new living environment; evaluations on the safety, functionality and quality of life for aging adults; referrals for attorneys, hospice and palliative care, and Medicaid applications; adjustments, as needs evolve; family counseling and mediation — and support to get through each day with peace of mind.
“Should we bring in an aide? How do we assess different facilities? What do we have to think about next?”
Those are some of the difficult questions that family members must think about — often while managing their own homes and families.
Many individuals and organizations address some of them. Levy covers them all, guiding families through what can be confusing, overwhelming morass.
The sandwich generation. (Graphic courtesy of Verywell/Adriana Sanchez)
She has learned that “no two situations are the same.” But in Westport, she says, there are often similarities.
For example, aging parents of many residents do not live here. She helps clients assess the best option: Move their parents here? Or look for the right facility near where they already live?
One local woman wondered whether her mother’s assisted living facility in Florida was the right place. Levy explored a number of alternatives, and recommended she stay.
“Downsizing and moving are always complex and hard,” she notes. “Add in finding the right senior living facility, and financial issues, and the challenges multiiply.”
On top of which, Levy says, “some places are already full. We’ll see more of that in the future.
“People are getting older. Assisted living can’t take care of all fo them.”
The result, she predicts, will will be an increase in in-home services. She makes sure homes are properly equipped for aging men and women — and that the aides best suited for care are there too.
We are fortunate, Levy adds, that there are many resources in this area. Yet navigating through and among them is not easy.
Levy is concerned with more than the elderly.
“I want people my age to think proactively about our own care,” she says. “We shouldn’t burden our own kids with questions about decisions and finances. We have to unburden our loved ones, and save our own legacy.
“No one wants to talk about death, Levy notes. “But we have to talk about uncomfortable things.”
Of the 6 agenda items for tomorrow’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), the one with the most direct impact on most Westporters is a proposal by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee to lower parking limits on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Bay Street and Jesup Road from 3 hours to 2.
The change would affect on-street parking only. Parking lots — including Parker Harding Plaza, the Baldwin lot, and the Taylor and Jesup lots near the Library — would remain at 3 hours.
Parking lot limits would not change. But street parking would.
GenXer Bill and Millennial Kayla chat explore the world of GenZ queer youth. Kayla discusses her own journey, along with the importance of safe spaces, DEI backlash, and much more.
What can be better than a morning coffee and treats, outside at The Blondinit?
How about a chance to play mahjong too?
The Church Lane restaurant has partnered with the Haus of Mahj. They’ll host a “Monday Morning open play” next week (July 14, 10 a.m. to noon; experienced players only).
The $30 fee includes coffee or soft drink (food is available for purchase). Grab your quad or sign up solo. All materials — including tiles, racks and mats — are provided. Click here for more information, and to reserve a spot.
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One last look back at the holiday weekend — specifically, the Levitt Pavilion.
On Sunday, Westport’s outdoor entertainment venue featured Jake Swamp & the Pine.
The Americana/folk/pop/country/and more band was joined by Kaliloops, and emerging folks artists Simon Robert French and Harrison Goodell.
Jake Swamp recently played the Greenwich Town Party — the same festival as Alanis Morissette.
Looking ahead at the Levitt:
Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.): Westport Community Band
Wednesday (7 p.m.): Children’s Series, with Joanie Leeds
Thursday (7:30 p.m.): Richiman and Groove Nice (7:30 p.m.; American-style blues band from South Korea).
Jake Swamp & the Pine, and friends, on the Levitt Pavilion stage.
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Jazz at the Post swings into summer with pianist/composer Sarah Jane Cion. She’s joined in a classic trio with bassist Alex Safy and drummer Mike Camacho.
It’s Thursday (July 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students). Click here for reservations.
Former Westport resident and store owner Michael Nappa III died June 30. He was 75, and lived in Milford.
Michael helped run the family business, Nappa Sales, with his father Michael Jr. and brother Robert from 1971 to 1981. After their father died, Michael and Robert ran it until they closed their doors in 2018.
They also managed 15 apartments behind the storefront on Main Street in Westport, which served low-income tenants. Some kept in touch even after moving away.
Michael enjoyed movies. He also rescued cats, and nursed them back to health.
He is survived by his sister Marion of Westport; brother Robert (Linda) of Wilton; nieces and nephews Linda and Diana DeMattia, and Katherine and and Robert Nappa Jr. and great-nephews and nieces Daniel Landan, and Emma and Louis Parnes.
The Family will receive friend in the Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (July 10, 10-11 a.m.). A graveside service will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road at 11:15 a.m.
Most “Westport … Naturally” photos are gorgeous, inspiring, cute or fun.
Occasionlly, they’re all of those in one shot.
Today’s image is none of the above.
Spotted lanternflies can be seen all over town.
Tammy Barry “spotted” this scene on Hillspoint Road. Neaby, the invasive bugs can be seen all over the trunks of another invasive species: trees of heaven.
And finally … in honor of Soleil Toile (story above):
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