Category Archives: People

Unsung Hero #13

Posted on August 30, 2017 | 19 comments

You’ve seen the signs around town, wherever his crew is at work: “William Evans Painting.”

But — as good and professional as he is — Bill Evans is much more than a house painter.

His true passion is gathering goods, food, clothing, furniture and more for people in need.

Bill heads CT Quest for Peace — an organization that contributes time, resources, and financial aid to a dozen missions in Nicaragua. They include schools, a trade learning center, medical facilities, a maternity hospital, a burn center and an orphanage.

Bill ensures that (literally) tons of needed supplies are sent to Central America. He also supports nutrition programs, has started scholarship programs, and contributes to loan programs.

Bill Evans

Bill brings his collected goods to a warehouse in Bridgeport, where he sorts them. He travels to Nicaragua twice a year to interact with local communities and organizations, identify new areas of need, and plan for the distribution of his resources. 

But it’s not just Nicaragua. The longtime Westporter collects and repairs wheelchairs and walkers for people in Somalia.

Bill also helps local folks. Recently, he provided furniture and clothes to a refugee family. He delivered it personally — and helped set everything up.

Bill relies on many volunteers to help. He pays people — those who need the money — for their efforts.

In 2012 Bill received Fairfield Prep’s St. Ignatius Alumni Award, presented to graduates for their accomplishments and commitment to justice.

Bill Evans grew up in Stamford. He graduated from Worcester Polytechnical Institute with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering.

He carried on the painting business (currently William Evans Painting) that he and his brothers started to help pay their tuitions to Prep and college. He and his wife Joyce have 4 children: Bryan, Abby, Tim and Molly.

Thanks, Bill, for helping make the world a better place — and all of us, better people.

(Hat tip: Julie Shapiro. To nominate an unsung hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)

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Posted in Local business, Organizations, People, Unsung Heroes

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Remembering Howard Dickstein

Posted on August 30, 2017 | 6 comments

The men and women who grew up in the 1920s and ’30s — and who served their country in so many ways — have been called the Greatest Generation.

The nickname fits in Westport too. Arriving here in postwar droves, those young parents served their new hometown with the same vigor. They imparted important values to their kids (and their kids’ friends). They volunteered wherever and however they could. The roots they planted then still help bear fruit today.

Westport lost another member of that Greatest Generation last week. Howard Dickstein died at home, a month shy of his 90th birthday.

You may not have known his name. But he was one of those men and women who made Westport the kind of town it is.

An honors graduate of New York’s DeWitt Clinton High School (at age 16), he supported himself through NYU’s journalism school by working at an ad agency, and as a stringer for the Herald Tribune.

After serving in the Navy during World War II, he completed his NYU degree on the GI Bill.

Dickstein spent most of his career in advertising, eventually running his own agency. He returned to journalism after retirement, as a proofreader and columnist (“Hawkeye”)/sportswriter for the Minuteman. He particularly enjoyed covering the Staples High School soccer team, long after his sons Peter and Steve starred for the Wreckers.

Howard Dickstein

Dickstein’s passions ranged far and wide. During the civil rights era he co-sponsored The Forum, which brought speakers like Floyd McKissick and Norman Thomas to Westport.

He promoted dialogue between Westport and Bridgeport, and designed pamphlets for fair housing.

He was a 2-term president of the Southern Connecticut Ethical Society, a volunteer in the Norwalk Hospital emergency room, a meal server at the Senior Center, and a longtime Little League umpire.

Fascinated by the OJ Simpson trial, he enrolled at Norwalk Community College to study criminal justice. As part of his studies, he accompanied local police on ride-alongs.

He and Kate — his wife of 64 years — were original members of The Turkeys. For 30 years, the group met in members’ homes, read plays and shared food and laughs.

He was a talented and tireless handyman. He spent years constructing a massive stone wall at his Park Lane home.

Dickstein adored the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, and was chronically disappointed by the New York Mets.

Of all his accomplishments though, he was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife Kate; sons Peter (Lisa) of San Francisco and Stephen (Natalie) of Delray Beach, Florida, and daughter Jane (Gordon) of Mill Valley California; 5 grandchildren; his sister Geraldine, and nieces, nephews and cousins.

Special gratitude goes to his dedicated caregivers, Stacy Meikle and Jennifer  Wilson.

At his request, a memorial service will be private. Contributions in Howard Dickstein’s name made be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, PO Box 489, Wilton, CT 06897.

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Posted in Organizations, People, Sports

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Corey Thomas Digs In At Wakeman Town Farm

Posted on August 30, 2017 | 4 comments

With his varied interests — education; food sources; working with plants, animals, schools and community — Corey Thomas had a vague idea of his “dream job.”

But until he interviewed for the position of director at Wakeman Town Farm, he had no idea such a job existed.

It does. And — beginning this past Monday — the young farmer is living the dream.

Corey Thomas and friend at Wakeman Town Farm.

Thomas steps into the position held for its first 7 years by Mike and Carrie Aitkenhead. They stepped down in June to pursue other adventures. He is a beloved environmental science teacher at Staples High School; she’s now a curriculum specialist with the Melissa & Doug toy company.

The new farm director is a worthy successor to the couple who planted the seeds that grew the Town Farm from abstract concept to thriving, robust community center.

Growing up in Westbrook, Connecticut, Thomas wanted to be a veterinarian. But as a student in the University of Connecticut, his focus gradually shifted from animals to people. International aid and agricultural development intrigued him, but most positions were in management.

“I wanted boots on the ground,” Thomas says. “I realized the best way to impact people is through education.”

He worked with exchange students, and on a livestock farm; served as a writer for the UConn Extension program; volunteered in Ghana, then interned on a South Carolina fish farm.

The combination of agriculture and education grew more compelling. “There’s so much unawareness, misinformation and disconnectedness about where our food comes from,” Thomas explains. “Educating people is a direct way to address that.”

Thomas earned his master’s degree from UConn in curriculum and instruction, with a concentration in agriculture education. A few months ago, a professor told him that Westport was looking for a farmer.

“I was blown away by the space,” Thomas says of his first visit to the Cross Highway facility. “It’s very rare to see a farming operation like this, with beds, animals, a large space, and people with a real vision. It was clear Mike and Carrie had done a great job with volunteers, and the community was really invested in it.

“This was exactly what I was looking for. I was amazed I’d never heard of it.”

Wakeman Town Farm is a thriving facility.

Thomas and his partner Rachel recently moved into the now-renovated space. He’s already begun taking inventory, reaching out to volunteers, planning student programs, and using crop planning software to move forward.

The new farmer loves many things about Wakeman Town Farm — particularly the new teaching kitchen.

Yet his biggest surprise does not involve plants or animals. It’s the people.

“Everyone in Westport seems thrilled and passionate about the farm,” Thomas says. “They know all about it, and they’re connected to it.”

Corey Thomas will have no problem keeping the town down on the farm.

(For information on Wakeman Town Farm — including Tim’s Kitchen and classroom space, cooking classes, teen pizza nights, private parties, a fall beer dinner, the anniversary party and more — click here.)

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Posted in Education, Environment, Organizations, People

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Former Compo Guards Keep Saving Lives

Posted on August 29, 2017 | 1 comment

Back in the day, a group of Compo lifeguards kept the beach safe.

Decades later, they’re still saving lives.

Spurred on by Dave Jones — a 1971 Staples High School graduate and longtime lifeguard who battled several cancers, built a community cancer center and started a foundation that gives away money in non-traditional ways — the former guards raised money for Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities.

Honoring the 21-month-old son of Stew Leonard Jr., who drowned in 1989, the organization promotes water safety and awareness.

but the former Compo lifeguards did more than raise a few bucks. On Sunday, they presented the charity with a check for $10,000.

Dave Jones (2nd from left) and Stew Leonard Jr. (5th from left) pose with former Compo Beach lifeguards, at the check presentation.

That’s inspiring. And they’ve inspired the current guards to do their part too.

On Sunday — next to the daily quotes posted in the lifeguard shack window, which everyone on the boardwalk stops to read — the 2017 crew posted Stewie the Duck’s water safety rules.

Remember:

  • Swim with an adult
  • Always wear a life vest
  • Take swim lessons.

(To read Dave Jones’ remarkable back story, click here.)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Organizations, People

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Jacob Meisel’s Stormy Career

Posted on August 29, 2017 | 3 comments

Westport is the hot spot for young weather forecasters.

The other day, “06880” highlighted Scott Pecoriello — the 2015 Staples High School grad whose WeatherOptics app offers a new way to look at meteorology.

Jacob Meisel was 2 years ahead of Scott. In high school, Jacob earned thousands of followers — and legendary status — with his accurate-to-the-snowflake wintry predictions of when schools would close.

He graduated this spring from Harvard University, with a focus on climate and politics. He minored in energy and the environment.

Along the way, Jacob’s “SWCTWeather.com” — his original, Southwestern Connecticut-centric creation — morphed into something much more.

Jacob Meisel

After his first year at Harvard, Jacob got a call from Justin Walters. The co-founder of Bespoke Investment Group — a Westport resident — said he and his wife used SWCTWeather often to plan daycare, nanny times and more for their preschool kids.

He asked if Jacob would be interested in developing a subscription service.

Of course! That fall, he launched. For $15 a month, or $99 a year, subscribers in Fairfield, New Haven and Westchester counties received several updates a day during storms.

The next summer, Jacob — who had developed an interest in how energy markets are driven by weather — interned at Bespoke. He studied topics like how winter heating and summer air conditioning affected the natural gas industry.

He now works full-time at Bespoke. There he runs 2 businesses, under the Weather Services LLC umbrella.

One is his hyperlocal site. He partners with small businesses, schools, libraries and others to provide “impact analyses” to help determine opening and closing times, inventory and more.

He also analyzes weather trends — and develops custom reports — for corporate clients.

“Say a winter will be warmer than normal,” he explains. “There’s less salt on the road. Cars don’t get as worn down. They’re repaired less. That drives an auto parts store’s earnings down.”

Bloomberg interviewed Jacob Meisel, about weather-related trends.

Another business — a construction company — might use Jacob’s data to schedule roadwork.

Clothing retailers want to know about, say, October’s weather. That tells them whether to stock their shelves with sweaters, or keep shorts on display.

“Every day when I wake up, there’s new data and patterns,” Jacob says. “In high school, when I wrote 2,000-word posts on what type of snow was falling, I did it for fun.”

Weather has always been fun for Jacob Meisel.

Now it’s his business. Rain or shine.

 

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Posted in Economy, Education, Environment, Local business, People, Staples HS

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Ladies Sing The Blues

Posted on August 28, 2017 | 2 comments

When Beth Iovinelli belted out a song at last year’s Blues, Views & BBQ Festival, she basked in thunderous applause.

Then — referring to the Levitt Pavilion stage, site of the sold-out 2-day event — she asked her friend Suzy Bessett, “Notice anything missing?”

She meant: Any other woman.

Iovinelli was the only female singer the entire weekend.

The blues boasts plenty of legendary ladies — think Etta James, Big Mama Thornton and Janis Joplin. But over the years, bands have become male-dominated.

This year, Bessett and Iovinelli take one small step for (wo)mankind.

The 10th annual event (September 2-3) will include a rock-the-house show by the Sisterhood Blues Project. They’re set for Sunday (September 3, 12:30 p.m.).

Sisterhood Blues Project (from left): Beth Iovinelli, Betsy Benham Fruda and Suzy Bessett.

On a weekend filled with powerhouse performers — Galactic, Deep Banana Blackout, Bonerama, Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett, and the return of Anders Osborne — this is one you don’t want to miss.

The 3 “soul sistahs” grew up in Norwalk. Bessett — who organized the group — began singing as soon as she could talk. But she stopped when real life — an investment banking career, marriage, kids, a move to Westport — intervened.

Eventually, the lure of karaoke proved powerful. Then in 2009, she joined Ms. Suzy’s Opus. For years, they — with Bessett fronting — were a popular fixture on the local scene.

Bobby Q’s rooftop was a favorite venue. That Main Street restaurant/bar has moved to Norwalk, but the blues festival it spawned is still here.

Ever since the new Levitt opened 3 years ago, Bessett dreamed of singing on its stage. When Iovinelli noted last year that she was the only female singer at the festival, Bessett asked Blues, Views & BBQ founder Bobby LeRose about a celebration of women musicians. He instantly agreed.

Bessett recruited Iovinelli and Fruda. Both spent over a decade with the Third Sister Band, opening for GE Smith, Rick Derringer and Murali Coryell. They currently front the B Side Band.

The new group weaves together powerful vocals, harmony, soulful blues — and of course, sisterhood.

They’ll be backed by some strong brothers. Westporter Crispin Cioe played sax with the Rolling Stones. Westport native Tim DeHuff is a renowned guitarist. Drummer Vito Liuzzi played with the Johnny Winter Band. John Mulkerin is on horns; Mike Ventimiglia (Pimpinella) plays keyboard, while bassist Scott Spray has performed with Johnny and Edgar Winter, Eric Clapton and Joe Walsh.

They’re still working on a set list. But, Bessett says, they will probably perform at least one song from one of the great female blues singers.

The sisterhood lives.

(For more information on the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival — including musical lineup, food, activities for kids, tickets and more — click here.)

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Posted in Entertainment, People, Restaurants

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Former Westport Rabbi Takes National Stand Against Hatred

Posted on August 26, 2017 | 1 comment

On Thursday, a front-page New York Times story reported on the reaction of 4 major rabbinical groups to Charlottesville.

The organizations — representing a variety of Jewish religious practices — strongly criticized President Trump’s reaction to the carnage. They also announced they would not participate in a traditional High Holy Days conference call with the president.

The Times quoted Rabbi Jonah Pesner —  director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism — as saying that Jews were appalled by Trump’s equivocal response to the events.

Rabbi Jonah Pesner

Pesner — who participated in 2 High Holy Days calls during the Obama administration — said there was “a lot of sadness” about the decision not to speak with Trump.

Westporters remember Pesner as assistant rabbi of Temple Israel from 1997 to 1999.

“Those of us who were privileged to work with and learn from him knew that he was destined to accomplish much,” recalls former senior rabbi Robert Orkand.

“Indeed, he went on to serve with great distinction at Temple Israel in Boston, and as a senior vice president of the Union of Reform Judaism before assuming his current position.”

Orkand is “proud to call Rabbi Pesner my friend, colleague and teacher. And I am proud that his leadership has led the religious movement I served for more than 40 years to take a courageous stand in opposition to bigotry and hatred.”

(Hat tip: Susan Farewell)

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Posted in People, Politics, religion

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Be Careful Out There!

Posted on August 26, 2017 | 4 comments

School starts Thursday. (Sorry, kids — and parents — for the buzzkill.)

To raise awareness — and reduce the chances that notoriously inattentive drivers will be surprised to see school buses and kids sharing the streets – the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association just released a public service video.

Viewers all over the state will see it. It’s clever and punchy. The stars on screen include 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, and Westport cops, students, athletes — even our buses.

The message is clear: With buses on the road, allow extra travel time. Be alert. Don’t you dare pass when bus lights are flashing. Remind your kids how to behave too.

Perhaps Westport is featured in this statewide video because local drivers are the worst in Connecticut.

Perhaps it’s because the Concept Studio of Westport helped produce the PSA.

Perhaps it’s a combination.

Whatever the reason, it’s well worth watching.

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Posted in Children, Education, People, Police

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Church’s “Black Lives Matter” Banner Vandalized

Posted on August 25, 2017 | 39 comments

It was unclear whether a recent toilet-paper incident near Old Mill Beach was related to a “Black Lives Matter” bumper sticker on the homeowner’s car.

But there’s no mistaking this vandalism.

Westport’s Unitarian Church is known for its focus on diversity, inclusion, openness and dedication to social justice. Its handsome building in the woods off Lyons Plains Road provides a safe haven for individuals, groups and causes of many kinds.

Last October — after a series of fatal police shootings of blacks — the church dedicated a “Black Lives Matter” banner. Speakers at the dedication included TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey; State Senator Toni Boucher; 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, and Rev. Alison Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The Unitarian Church’s banner.

Unitarian Church representatives say the sign was “just a first step to engage with members of the congregation, local officials, interfaith clergy, and the community to affirm the need for dialogue and non-violent action towards the ending of racism in our society.”

When the banner went up, church officials fielded a number of phone calls. Some were supportive and thankful. Some were questioning. Some were opposed.

David Vita — director of social justice — says, “It made for lively, respectful conversations.”

In the early hours of Thursday morning — just days after neo-Nazis, the KKK and other hate groups marched in Charlottesville — the banner was ripped from its post.

The empty signpost.

Vita says, “It’s hard not to connect the destruction of the banner with a changed political climate, and an emboldened rise in racism.”

Senior minister Rev. Dr. John Morehouse adds, “We presume that those who took our sign feel that by removing it, they repudiate its message that black lives matter just as much as any other life.”

Marpe notes, “Given the current climate in this country and the state, the administration of our town and the Westport Police Department will not stand for this behavior. We will dedicate our resources to identifying the person or persons responsible for this vandalism. We urge our community to be respectful of the opinions of others and their right to express them, even if they may differ from their own. Hatred and bigotry are not welcome here.”

Police Chief Foti Koskinas says, “We support and respect the Unitarian Church, its members and their message of inclusiveness, equality and tolerance.  The police department is working with the church administration to prevent further incidents.”

All that remains of the “Black Lives Matter” banner. (Photo/David Vita)

The church is moving forward. This Sunday’s 10 a.m. service — planned before the incident — is “Heart of Racial Justice.”

Meanwhile, Morehouse promises to replace this sign. If it’s vandalized, it too will be replaced.

That will continue, he says, “until such a time as all lives — black, brown, gay or marginalized — matter as much as white lives do. We will not be intimidated by the forces of bigotry and hate.”

And, he notes, he will commit $100 to the NAACP whenever the banner is vandalized again.

(Anyone with information regarding the vandalism should call the Police Department detective bureau: 203-341-6080.)

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Posted in People, Politics, religion

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Friday Flashback #54

Posted on August 25, 2017 | 5 comments

In today’s technologically marvelous world, any kid with a camera and a computer can make a movie.

Local teenagers do it uncommonly well. Nick Ribolla (“Welcome to Westport“) is one viral sensation example; there are countless others.

In 1962, movie-making was considerably more difficult.

So when a group of Westport youngsters made a feature-length, color production, everyone took notice.

And by “everyone,” I mean the New York Times and Life magazine — along with plenty of movie-goers.

A New York Times story of December 7, 1962. Note that Ralph Bluemke had his own director’s chair.

“I Was a Teenage Mummy” was a spoof of classic horror films. The plot is typical: a 3,700-year-old mummy menaces (of course) Westport.

The movie was the brainchild of Ralph Bluemke. He was the “old guy” — 22.

His co-producers were Jeff Mullin (15) and Allen Skinner (14). The cast — all local kids — ranged in age from 15 down to 9.

Allen Skinner (left) sets up a shot for director Ralph Bluemke. Co-star Jayne Walker looks on. (Photo/Westport Town Crier)

All the cameras were borrowed. “A local automobile dealer lent a Cadillac for one sequence,” Life reports, “and one mother was conned out of her new Mercedes.”

The Westport Police Department lent a cop car — and a cop.

Some scenes were shot at Longshore; “suburban  homes were pillaged for props and costumes.”

Somehow, a pilot at Idlewild Airport (now JFK) persuaded passengers to sit in their seats for half an hour after landing, while a climactic scene was filmed.

Life reports on a “Mummy Movie Made by Kids.” The captions read: “A 9-year-old villain unwraps a teenage mummy in Westport” and “Movie victims litter Connecticut beach in a simulated Sahara.”

Like any moviemaker, Bluemke faced challenges. The mummy’s makeup took 3 hours to apply each day. And “a passing train or somebody dashing by in a bathing suit could bug a whole scene,” he told Life.

“I Was a Teenage Mummy” had its world premiere at the Fine Arts Theatre (now Restoration Hardware) on April 26, 1963. The next night, there were 2 screenings at in the Staples High School auditorium.

Publicity for the world premiere of “I Was a Teenage Mummy.” The tagline read: “It may not scare you to death. But you’ll die laughing.”

Though “obviously an amateur production,” a website notes, “the details are spot on. Lots of little touches and accurate costume details that make it an impressive achievement for a group of youngsters, or adults for that matter. It doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

More than half a century after its release, “Teenage Mummy” lives on. You can buy a DVD for $10.

Ralph Bluemke — the young director — thought of everything, cinematically speaking.

But he never imagined that 50 years later, anyone with a TV could watch his film about a 3,700-year-old mummy terrorizing his — now our — suburban town.

“I Was a Teenage Mummy” — the DVD case.

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Posted in Entertainment, Friday Flashback, People

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