Category Archives: Sports

Roundup: Shoah Talk, Blog Party, Henry Wynne …

Posted on July 10, 2023 | 3 comments

“Shoah” — Hebrew for “catastrophe” — refers today to the killing of nearly 6 million Jews and others by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.

This evening (Monday, July 10, 7 p.m., Westport Library), Sam Gustman — associate dean and chief technology officer at the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation and USC Libraries, discusses “Humanity Through Technology.”

Founded by Steven Spielberg in 1994, the foundation is the world’s largest collection of video testimonies about the Shoah. It is used for research, education, and outreach for the betterment of humankind.

Shoah collects testimonies, develops innovative research and educational materials for schools, universities, and museums. Gustman will demonstrate AI, video streaming, search, and learning management system technologies.

The event is sponsored by the Library, and the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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This year’s “06880” blog party is just 10 days away.

The date is Thursday, July 20 (6 p.m). The site is Compo Beach — the alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).

Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles!), beach chairs and blankets.

Our blog party is a true community gathering – a chance to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!

We extend a special welcome to all our new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash. See you July 20!

A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)

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Keeping “track” of Henry Wynne:

The 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate — one of the greatest runners in Connecticut history placed 5th at Saturday’s USA National Track & Field 1500 meter championship in Eugene, Oregon. His time was 3:35.99.

He missed being one of the top 3 to advance to the World Championships in Budapest next month by only half a second. But his time equates to a 3:51 mile.

Henry Wynne is on the right, wearing yellow.

The field included the top 12 milers in the US — including 2 Olympians.

Wynne — who won the NCAA championship in the mile, and is a 3-time high school national champ — is sponsored by Brooks.

Click below for the exciting race. (Hat tip: Reess Kennedy)

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Jared Frank — a 2002 graduate of Staples High School, and then of and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts — writes about art and architecture. He designs original furniture, and creates bespoke environments.

His interiors have been featured in Vogue, Dwell, Elle Décor and the Los Angeles Times.

Now a new book includes a chapter on his own home, Casa Larissa. “The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors,” is “an inspiring compendium of idiosyncratic interiors assembled around eclectic collections of objects with life and history.” Jared is proud to be among peers who also “brazenly blend the old with the new, . . . employ serious knowledge with humor and wit, and consider vintage and historical objects through the lens of contemporary values.”

Jared Frank, in a page from “The New Antiquarians.”

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Calling all Ukrainian-American US military veterans (or current servicemembers)!

At yesterday’s LymanAID event for Westport’s sister city, Ihor Rudko asked “06880” to spread the word about Ukrainian American Veterans, Inc.

The organization has 26 chapters across the country. The closest are in New Haven and Yonkers, New York.

For 75 years, the group has provided support, resources and camaraderie to Ukrainian-Americans serving in our military.

For more information, contact Rudko, the national commander: irudko@rudko.com; 860-705-1849.

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Saturday’s Roundup noted that beginning with the 2024-25 school year, the kindergarten age cutoff changes from December 31 that school year to September 1, so that any student entering kindergarten must already be 5 years old. (Interestingly, it’s called HB 06880.)

State Senator Ceci Maher checked in with “06880” (the blog). She notes: “A waiver available in HB 5003 allows parents whose children are not age 5 by the September 1 to be admitted to kindergarten upon written request, and assessment of the child by principal or certified staff to ensure admission is developmentally appropriate.”

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We’re not sure exactly how this weekend accident happened. But it looks like 2 cars were trying to turn at the same time, at the Franklin Street/Charles Street intersection.

Be careful out there!

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On Saturday morning, over 60 members of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston ventured to a third town.

Westporter Deej Web led a walking tour of historic Southport. He knows his stuff: He’s a member of the Pequot Library board of directors, its historian — and a former history teacher.

Among the topics: the role of Southport in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War I and the rum runners of Prohibition, along with its historic harbor, onion fields, taverns, and the slave and China trades.

Y’s Men in Southport. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Wildlife photographer and Westport Community Gardens director Lou Weinberg offers today’s compelling “Westport … Naturally” photo. He says:

“Red squirrels love eating black walnuts in the Long Lots Preserve.

“During the summer, American red squirrels collect and hide seeds and nuts so they have food storage during the lean winter times. Sometimes they forget to dig up the seeds. This benefits their local habitat because the squirrels are unintentionally planting trees in new places.

“Nature wins!”

(Photo/Lou Weienberg)

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 And finally … on this day in 1553, Lady Jane Grey took the throne of England.

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Posted in Beach, Children, Education, History, Library, Sports, Staples HS

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Ryan Peterson’s “Westport Wave”

Posted on July 7, 2023 | 2 comments

The last time we checked in with Ryan Peterson, he had just helped Jane Green turn her dream of a free (and free-wheeling) book lending library into reality.

The 2018 Staples High School graduate rebuilt the internationally best-selling author’s cargo tricycle into the Remarkable Bookcycle.

For the past 4 years, the 3-wheeled contraption — painted pink like Westport’s late, lamented Remarkable Book Shop, and with the beloved store’s “dancing man” logo on the side — has traveled around town.

It’s been parked on Main Street and Church Lane. It will spend this summer at Compo Beach, near the Soundview parking lot.

(Photo/Judith Shaw)

Now Ryan — who graduated last year from Fairfield University — has a new project.

This one’s on water, not land.

Ryan created “Westport Wave,” a Facebook group for boat owners (and anyone else who wishes they were).

It’s a place to post photos, ask questions, and share information. Think yacht club, without the dues.

Ryan has been a Long Island Sound boater, with friends and family, since he was 7.

He loves the water. “Boating opens the door to activities like fishing and water sports,” he says.

“But it also provides what I call a ‘mental factory reset.'”

He is involved with boats even when he’s not on the Sound. As with the Bookcycle, he brings life to older vessels.

In college he bought a 1979 McKee Craft Center Console, then spent 2 years restoring it. The project helped him realize the importance of sharing his passion — and knowledge — with others.

Westport Wave has started slowly. There are 70 members, but besides a few postings for things like free fenders, a referral for a marina mechanic who makes “house calls” — and someone selling a 1979 Viking 35c convertible for $65,000 — there is not much action.

Yet.

That’s fine. Every boat owner knows they must navigate the channel slowly and carefully.

But once they get out on the open water — well, the sky’s the limit.

(To join Westport Wave, click here. Owners of all size boats — and those who simply enjoy boating — are welcome.)

(Ahoy! “06880” shore would like your help. Please click here to support Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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New Clubhouse Comes To The Fore

Posted on July 3, 2023 | 41 comments

Westport is awash in restaurants and retail.

We’re blessed with outdoor amenities like Compo Beach and Longshore.

But when it comes to indoor fun — family activities, evenings with friends, date nights — not so much.

No movies or bowling, like Norwalk. No golf simulators, like Fairfield and Stamford.

Well, not today.

But — if Emily and Tim Zobl get the approvals and permits they need — hopefully next year.

Tim and Emily Zobl.

The Westporters — she’s a 2012 Staples High School graduate and former University of Michigan field hockey player, now co-founder and president of a firm that invests in hospitality, food services, technology and multi-media publishing; he has an events planning background, and is a local realtor — go before the Planning & Zoning Commission July 10.

They’ll present a concept for The Clubhouse: a “golf simulator lounge” activity space with 6 state-of-the-art bays that have 13 interactive experiences in golf, football, soccer, hockey, dodgeball and more; private rooms for birthday parties, corporate events, karaoke and big-screen game viewings, plus a bar with craft cocktails and a pub-bites menu.

Phase 2 involves 10 homes. Two will be affordable, according to state formulas.

The site is 1608-1622 Post Road East. Redi-Cut Carpet & Rugs, with a long-term lease, will remain. The other tenants — including Pane e Bene restaurant — would move or close.

1620 Post Road East was built in 1946.

It’s a true Westport project. Emily was part of the team that saved the historic Old Mill Grocery & Deli last year, and serves on the Earthplace board. Both are experienced in the hospitality industry, and love golf.

Their goals are to offer fun, new activities that Westport lacks; improve a 1940s-era building, and add landscaping and screening; provide a bit of affordable housing — and save the property from a much larger 8-30g project, which has been proposed in the past.

The Zobls are now in the due diligence phase. The P&Z hearing next week includes a text and map amendment, and review of a general development plan.

If approved, the couple will continue with engineering and architecture plans, an application to the Architectural Review Board and more.

The Clubhouse will include not just golf simulators …

The Clubhouse would be part of a renaissance of the Post Road between Maple Avenue and Stop & Shop. Delamar has torn down the Westport Inn. It will be replaced by a boutique hotel.

Rick Redniss of the Redniss & Mead land use and engineering firm is working on both Delamar Westport, and The Clubhouse.

Just east of the Zobls’ project — at the former AJ’s Farm Stand — work proceeds on Tacombi, the first Connecticut location for the popular New York-based taqueria.

… but adaptations for football, baseball, soccer, hockey dodgeball and other sports. Participants will feel like they’re part of the action.

The acre of land behind The Clubhouse — Phase 2 of the Zobls’ project — has been zoned residential for decades.

The Lansdowne condominiums were built next door 4 decades ago, on the site of a former miniature golf course and driving range. The range became an unofficial dump. Though several proposals were made for the property behind the carpet store — including an intensive 8-30g project — nothing was ever built.

The Zobls have held several meetings with neighbors on George Street — behind the land — and nearby High Gate Road, along with the adjacent Lansdowne condos.

“We’re very sensitive to them,” Emily says. “We want to be an asset. We’re working with them to make this a success for everyone.

“We’re not developers from New York. This is our town. Tim will be on site, running the daily operation.

“He’ll oversee the simulators, the lounge, private events, karaoke — everything. This is a true local business.”

The architect is local too: Rick Hoag.

Though the couple is excited about the possibilities — for family fun, night life, and of course the housing component — they are not rushing things.

“We want to do this right,” Tim says.

It’s their Clubhouse. They look forward to welcoming the entire town to it.

PS: The Zobls first looked at 950 Post Road East — the former Men’s Wearhouse — for The Clubhouse. But there were parking issues, and it was too close to neighbors.

On July 10 — the same night the P&Z hears the text and map amendment requests from the Zobls — they’ll discuss  special permit and site plan application to permit a veterinary hospital/animal clinic at 950 Post Road East.

(“06880” covers all of Westport — including, like today, local businesses and real estate. If you appreciate our work, please support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Real estate, Sports

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Roundup: Parker Harding, David Grann, Chris Paul …

Posted on June 23, 2023 | 19 comments

It looks like a simple legal notice. But it’s a big step.

The first agenda item for the July 5 Flood & Erosion Control Board reads:

Parker Harding Plaza / WPL-11724-23;  Application of Keith S. Wilberg, Town Engineer, on behalf of the Town of Westport, to revise the existing roadway and parking lot, build sidewalks, a riverfront boardwalk, and park areas, and to relocate trash and recycling dumpsters. The proposed activity is within the WPL area of the Saugatuck River.

Click here to view the application materials.

The agenda also includes this:

Upon completion of the Public Hearing, and time permitting, the members of the Board will have an open discussion reviewing the boards efforts to assist The Town of Westport in controlling flood and erosion. The open discussion will include the members of the Board with the opportunity to express their thoughts and recommendations on what can and should be done to help The Town of Westport further control flooding and erosion.

Sounds like an important meeting. It will be held via Zoom. Click here for the link. The meeting ID is 813 1215 9695; the passcode is 236833. The phone-in number is 646-876-9923.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board will discuss plans for Parker Harding Plaza on July 5. 

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LymanAID — the huge July 9 party celebrating Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine — just got a big boost.

It came from our friends in Marigny, France — our first sister city, and the impetus for our relationship with Lyman.

Sunday, July 9 is LymanAID (1 to 7 p.m., Ukrainian-American club — just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp in Southport).

The food, drinks, music and other entertainment is free. But there will be plenty of chances — raffles, Yankee auction, plant sale, book pulls, etc. — to help the men, women and children of Lyman.

Several of those auction items come from our Marigny amis. They include:

  • 3 copies of “601 Towns & Villages in La Manche” — a 700-page book, with a special inscription
  • 3 sweatshirts, which say “Westport/Marigny-Le-Lozon/Lyman
  • 1 bottle of “hors d’âge” calvados” — a drink enjoyed by American GIs in Marigny, during World War II.

To RSVP for free admission, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.

And to our friends in Marigny, who will be with us in spirit: Merci!

The Marigny book and dedication flank a bottle of calvados. All are gifts from our sister city of Marigny, as prizes at the July 9 LymanAID event for other city in Ukraine.

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David Grann returned to Westport last night — and was greeted by over 100 people.

The author — a member of Staples High School’s Class of 1985 — spoke about his new best-seller “The Wager.”

He also sold plenty of copies. The line for autographs was long, and enthusiastic.

David Grann, at the Westport Library. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Speaking of autographs at the Library: Fairfield County basketball fans are already excited about Chris Paul’s upcoming event there.

Now there’s another reason to head to the Trefz Forum next Tuesday (June 27, 8 p.m.). After his discussion about his life and new memoir with journalist, Fox Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak (she’ll be live; he’s remote), and questions from the audience, copies of his book “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court” will be on sale.

And they’re all autographed.

The free event will be livestreamed and recorded as part of Czarniak’s podcast, “Lunch with Lindsay.”

Click here to register for a seat at the Library event. “61” can be ordered through the same link.

Chris Paul

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Tomorrow, Westport celebrates jUNe Day.

That means the flags of dozens of United Nations countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge.

Early today, town crews were replacing the dozens of American flags on the span.

It’s a small gesture of welcome. But it’s been part of our town’s tradition, for over 60 years.

Getting ready, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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A reader told me there’s a “For Lease” sign outside Ulta Beauty & Hair Salon.

Does this mean they’re closing? I called to find out.

The very long phone message (including “curbside pick-up hours” — does anyone really still do “contactless” shopping?) finally gave me 2 options: Press 1 to make an appointment; press 4 (!) for all other inquiries.

I pressed 4. “Nothing was selected,” the voice said, and sent me back to the long message.

I listened again to all the shopping hours, plus curbside pickup. This time I pressed 1.

“Nothing was selected,” the voice said again. Again, I was sent back to the start.

So they may be closing. Or maybe not.

I couldn’t find out. Perhaps everyone was in back, dealing with shoplifters.

For lease?

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Two local residents were honored last week, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s 57th annual meeting.

Bill Kutik of Westport was named Conservationist of the Year, for saving a key property in the 705-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve from development. (It is now called the Bill Kutik Honey Hill Preserve.)

Kutik has been an ALT member since 1999. The first editor of Backpacker magazine, a newspaper reporter, magazine editor and technology impresario, he has written for the Boston Globe, New York Daily News and New York Times. He is a hiker and trail steward, and has donated hundreds of hours to the Land Trust, as an editor and writer.

Michelle Fracasso is the Native Landscaper of the Year. She has planted hundreds of pollinator-friendly plants and shrubs, attracting bees, butterflies and birds (100% pesticide-free).

Fracasso is a long-time supporter of Fairfield County farms. Her own — Wells Hill — is the last working family farm with livestock in Weston. She has been active with Aspetuck Land Trust’s farmland initiatives, and a volunteer and advisor for their homeowner engagement program and native plant sales.

Bill Kutik and Michelle Fracasso

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Charly Bliss has a new single. “You Don’t Even Know Me Anymore” is the band’s first new song since 2019.

What makes that “06880”-worthy is that Charly Bliss is an all-Staples group. Eva Hendricks (lead vocals, guitar), her brother Sam (drums), lead guitarist Spencer Fox and bassist Dan Shure all graduated from the high school.

The new single “celebrates personal growth,” says Rolling Stone.

Eva Hendricks “looks back on a bad breakup that left her wrecked and realizes she doesn’t feel the same as she once did. Instead, she has come to realize that the person she cried over doesn’t know her the way she thought they did.”

Click here for the full Rolling Stone story. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

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Winslow Park Animal Hospital doesn’t miss a holiday.

But July 4th is a big one. So the display in front of their Post Road East office is even bigger, more creative — and more colorful — than usual.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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A bunny bopping amid bachelor buttons captures our attention, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … there are 2 “birth flowers” for the month of June: roses and honeysuckle. So:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Sports

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Operation Fish Market: Eric Lederer’s 7,000-Mile Bike Ride Across America

Posted on June 19, 2023 | 5 comments

In 2018, Eric Lederer decided it was time to “stop being a shithead and drinking so much with my friends on weekends.”

Running seemed like a wholesome idea.

The 2013 Staples High School graduate — by then an Indiana University Kelley Business School graduate, and a New York investment banker — found a Central Park running group.

Be careful what you wish for.

Lederer’s casual foray into un-shitheadedness led to half marathons, full marathons, then Ironmans.

He met Dick Traum, the first amputee to finish the New York Marathon, and founder of Achilles International. The non-profit transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since 1983, over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels have participated in endurance events around the globe.

Which is why Lederer is halfway through a 5-month, 7,000-mile bike ride across North America. His goal is to raise $50,000 for athletes with disabilities.

Eric Lederer, and his bike.

His competitive drive was honed on the Staples football team. It was his first experience where “greatness was expected.” A self-described “mediocre athlete,” Lederer says he “worked hard, and liked hitting people to compensate for my lack of athleticism.”

Staples — especially English teacher Anne Fernandez, who sparked his interest in writing — prepared him well for IU.

In July 2019 — a couple of years after starting his Wall Street career — Lederer took an 18-month sabbatical. Figuring he’d never get the chance again, he booked a 1-way flight to Russia, and rode the Trans-Siberian train to Mongolia and China.

He traveled through Japan, then Antarctica, before returning home because of COVID (and studying for the GMAT).

The “seminal trip” taught Lederer “the value of stepping off the corporate hamster wheel.”

Global travel inspired him to learn more about his own country — slowly and thoughtfully. He wanted to meet a cross-section of Americans; to take the pulse of the nation; to do something with a purpose, for himself and for others.

“I’d like to settle down soon,” Lederer says. “But I haven’t gotten there yet.

“So why not have experiences in my 20s that will set the foundation for the life I aspire to achieve, if I am lucky enough to be alive? I want a life that is philanthropic, adventurous, sustainable and unique.”

It hardly mattered that he had never done a bike tour — or had no idea how to change a flat tire. He trusted his Ironman training for fitness.

“Ready. Fire. Aim,” Lederer explains. “If I over-analyzed the logistics, the trip would not have happened.

“Too many things could go wrong: insurance policies, forest fires, mechanical problems, routing issues — the list goes on. Better to go directly into the unknown, and trust it will work out.

“So far, so good.”

Lederer started April 9, in Los Angeles. His Staples friend Harry Birch saw him off.

Staples friend Harry Birch (far right) saw Eric Lederer (yellow) off, at the start (by an appropriate sign). They were joined by (from left) Alex Plonsker and Eric’s brother Adam.   

He hopes to end at the Fish Market — his friends’ favorite New York dive bar — the first week of September. “It will be an epic party,” he promises. “If I arrive.”

(Hence the name of his tour: Operation Fish Market.)

Lederer has already clocked more than 3,000 miles. He’s riding 50 to 60 miles a day, with 80 pounds of gear. resting once a week.

Pausing at a familiar landmark.

His route takes him up the Pacific Coast, through Yellowstone and the Tetons, Glacier National Park, the Badlands and RAGBRAI (“a weeklong festival across Iowa, like Coachella for bike nerds”).

There are too many highlights and surprises to list in detail here. (If you click here you’ll read many great ones from his website.)

For example,  he shared 6 days in Washington state with his Staples friend Jack Roof.

Jack Roof (left) joined Eric for an invigorating 6 days.

“People and circumstances create joy and memories,” Lederer notes.

“Warmshowers — like Coachsurfing.com for bike tourers — is the greatest discovery I found. The stories shared and connections made are incredible.”

He stayed with a woman in Crescent City, California who has hosted over 2,500 bike tourers since 2013. All she asks is a hug.

“The kindness of strangers through this platform and the open road cannot help but leave you optimistic for the future of humanity,” Lederer says.

When Eric had a flat tire in Yakima, Washington, Juan, Rey and Raul rode (or at least rose) the rescue. A language barrier was no issue.

The biggest obstacles are raw wilderness routing issues. He’s gotten lost on unpaved back roads, with no choice but to “find a way out, patch up any wounds, and forge ahead.”

Route planning is key. Headwinds of 20 miles an hour riding a fully loaded touring bike are “unfathomably challenging.”

While sabbaticals seem like “the ultimate short-term, YOLO act,” Lederer views them through the lens of a long-term investment.

Meeting Pia and Zach and their 3 (soon to be 4) kids was inspirational. “Almost all my time these days is spent with folks between 30-60,” Eric says. “That youth got me excited about my own prospects of being a parent someday.”

Taking time off to explore one’s identity — at short-term financial cost — via a bike tour or other means helps “repel long-term burnout. We get more comfortable in our own skin, farther from the comfort of the known.

“We are forced to consider more deliberately what matters to us. We cannot cling to the certainty of a promotion of other concrete stepping stone.

“As my peers advance their careers and settle down, it’s easy to be overcome by feelings of envy or existential angsty. But I trust, deep down, that I am playing the long game, and that it will all work out in the end.”

Marcelle met Eric, and invited him to join her and her 96-year-old father — a Korean War veteran — for breakfast.

That early September Fish Market finish seems like a hard stop. Lederer plans to enter the University of Chicago’s MBA program this fall. (He will fly, not ride there.)

He hopes to combine his finance background with his personal interests, to find career synergy.

“I’m lucky to have the privilege to continue the search, and recognize it may never end.”

And for the athletes with disabilities who will benefit from the $50,000 Eric Lederer hopes to raise: They’re lucky to be part of his journey too.

(To donate to Eric Lederer’s Operation Fish Market, click here.)

Somewhere in America.

(Staples High School graduates do amazing things. “06880” is proud to report on their varied accomplishments. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: DPW, TD Bank, Big 10 …

Posted on June 18, 2023 | 5 comments

Westport’s Department of Public Works is always busy.

Their latest project: repairing sink holes.

The photo below shows a pipe separation on Roseville Road that was undermining the sidewalk. DPW cemented around the pipe, then back filled with asphalt.

It’s one of those jobs that can go unnoticed. And we’ll never know what problems they avoided, thanks to vigilance and hard work.

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A large crowd attended last night’s drag show at MoCA Westport.

The 2nd annual event was family-friendly, and part of Westport Pride’s month-long Pride celebration.

Young drag queen Desmond MCed the event. (Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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One of the hidden gems of Westport is the large color mural at TB Bank’s Main Street branch.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston enjoyed it — and many other sights — on Friday’s “historic walking tour.”

From left: Bob Mitchell, Larry Lich, Joel Wasserman, Jay Dirnberger. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Jake Thaw was an All-State football and basketball player at Staples High School — and an FCIAC and NFL Foundation Exemplary Scholar Athlete.

The 2020 graduate has continued his success at the University of Michigan, where he’s a 2-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree. On July 2 (6 p.m., Pizza Lyfe, 833 Post Road East), he’ll meet fans, talk about his journey, and discuss the upcoming season.

It’s free — and you don’t have to be a Michigan alum to go. But please click here to register (so the restaurant can plan seating). And attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks.

Jake Thaw

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We’re used to seeing fishermen on Compo Beach’s South Beach jetty.

But seldom are there as many as Karen Como spotted yesterday.

(Photo/Karen Como)

“Was there a fishing convention?” she wonders.

Nope. Just another day at the beach.

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Robert Giury and Nicole Kelman were honored with “40 Under 40” business awards recently.

Westfair Business Journal cites young businesspeople. Each town in Fairfield and Westchester Counties is represented by the head of their Chamber of Commerce. Matthew Mandell handed out Westport’s honors, at the Point at Norwalk Cove.

Giury is vice president of investments for David Lerner Associates. Kelman is CEO of New England Educational Consultants.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, flanked by Nicole Kelman and Robert Giury.

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Friday’s rain may have dashed some plans.

But it also created this gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image. Every cloud has a silver (or yellow) lining.

(Photo/Matthew Tackman)

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And finally … this song goes out to all the “06880” fathers, step-fathers, foster fathers, grandfathers and father figures. Today is your day!

(If you enjoy our daily Roundup, please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Traffic Survey, Fiery Crash, Real Estate University …

Posted on June 17, 2023 | 13 comments

It appears another traffic survey is underway.

Devices have been placed at various points downtown.

Results will be posted, when available.

Meanwhile, here’s an early finding: There’s a lot of traffic these days.

Traffic survey device at Post Road East and Myrtle Avenue. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Tragedy was averted at 8:30 p.m. Friday night. A northbound SUV driver on Newtown Turnpike went into the woods. The vehicle caught fire, but he was pulled out by a neighbor.

A nearby resident notes that young children live in the area. “The road is very dangerous, because drivers who use it as a cut-through speed by.”

The Fire and Police Departments, and EMTs, were on the scene. Eversource responded quickly, and replaced the downed power line.

Newtown Avenue car fire.

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LymanAID — the huge party thanking Westporters for their support of our sister city in Ukraine — has a booth at the Yankee Doodle Fair.

Stop by today and tomorrow to learn about the big event. It’s Sunday, July 9, 1 p.m. until dusk, at the Ukrainian-American Club, Post Road in Southport next to northbound I-95 Exit 19 entrance ramp.

There’s music, food, drinks, and much more. And it’s free — though there will be opportunities to help support Lyman through  raffles, a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more.

VIP tickets are available too. Click here to register, and for more details.

Katya Wauchope, at the LymanAID booth at the Yankee Doodle Fair.

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Davide — the new Church Lane pop-up — is a year-old brand. Its first retail outlet features its second collection ever.

Davide (pronounced dah-vee-day) is the brainchild of Joseph Davide Tacopina. A Westport native (and son of one of President Trump’s attorneys), he attended Cheshire Academy and met students from around the world.

Inspired by his father’s ownership of several Italian soccer clubs, Tacopina’s collection blends “athletic culture” with pieces inspired by Marlon Brando and Lake Como. There is plenty of loose-flowing linen and silk.

The 24-year-old designer is self-taught. He chose Westport as the site of his first pop-up because it’s his home. He hopes to take it global.

Click here for more information; click here for the Instagram.

Joe Tacopina, with one of his designs.

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Wakeman Town Farm’s annual Family Fun Day is set for Saturday, July 8 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

The event includes ice cream, pizza, burgers and dogs for purchase, plus cocktails for adults, cold lemonade and iced coffee. 

There’s a scavenger hit, bubble show, School of Rock music, and visits to the animals. 

Click here for tickets, and more information.

This guy is ready for Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day.

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There’s a new school in town.

Real Estate University — the school for aspiring (and current) real estate professionals, founded in 2005 by Karena Piedmont — has moved from Norwalk to Saugatuck.

The move felt right. She’s already trained scores of Westport realtors over the years. Classes are both in-person and via Zoom.

The address is “Saugatuck Lofts, 101 Franklin Street” — the exposed brick, co-working space in a former grain facility at the Westport Metro-North station, as you take a right at the end of Railroad Place. It’s literally “steps from the train,” for students who travel that way.

“There’s so much synergy here,” Piedmont says. “I share space with real estate attorneys and other professionals. I love being part of a community of like-minded, hard-working small business owners. I wish I moved here years ago.”

“And I love hearing and seeing the trains pass.”

There’s one more bonus: She’s also just a few steps away from “The Benjamin“: the Airbnb she owns at 35 Franklin Avenue.

Saugatuck Lofts

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Also new: the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s director of gymnastics.

Former USA national team gymnast Bryon Knox brings over 40 years of competition. coaching and program development to his new role.

Most recently, he was head gymnastics coach at Southern Connecticut State University. Before that, he led the University of Bridgeport to 6 straight NCAA Division II national championships.

Byron coached 70 USA Gymnastics/All-Americans, and 150 scholar-athletes. He is a former USA women’s national team coach.

He has been with the Y part-time since October, coaching the competitive girls team and instructing coaches. Click here for more information on the Y’s gymnastics program.

Byron Knox

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Rob Docters’ new book — “Ethics and Hidden Greed: Your Defense Against Unethical Strategies and Violations of Trust” — answers questions like, “How do we protect ourselves and our business interests from the unethical behaviors of others? Why doesn’t intuition serve as the best guide for detecting unethical strategies?”

The 1975 Staples High School graduate hopes to make people more aware of (and armed against) scams, as well as choosing more ethical choices themselves. (A strong animal rights activist, he covers the brutality of boiling lobsters alive).

Click here for details.

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Charles McGillion-Moore of Westport helped Norwalk’s Maritime Rowing Club to a national championship in the Men’s Under-15 Coxed Quad, at least weekend’s 28th USRowing Youth National Championship in Sarasota, Florida.

Other top finishes by  Westport and Weston rowers include Men’s Youth U-16 Coxed Quad, 4th place (Adam Turner and Matthew Lupinacci); Women’s Youth U-17 Quad, 6th place (Mina Leon); Men’s Youth U-17 Quad, 7th place (Jack Cushman); Women’s Youth U-15 Coxed Quad, 8th place (Syke Coats); Men’s Youth U-16 Coxed Quad, 12th place (Fox Parker), and Men’s Youth U-16 Eight, 18th place (Simon Meyers).

The regatta marked the final high school event for Maritime’s seniors, including Dan Kleeger and Lilly Murphy of Westport, and Justin Sun of Weston.

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Two years after taking over Rosebud Slumber Parties, Helen Martin-Elmer is expanding.

Rosebud has helped nearly 2,000 area children celebrate birthdays and special occasions with themed slumber, outdoor teepee and picnic parties.

This summer, they’re expanding to Westchester County. Click here for details.

A unicorn-themed party from Rosebud.

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It’s a dog-eat-dog world.

Or, at any rate, a Sherwood Mill Pond “Westport … Naturally” scene yesterday, where cormorants chased breakfast, and egrets grabbed whatever was left.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this day in 1994, Los Angeles police chased OJ Simpson’s Ford Bronco for an hour and half. He finally gave up, and was arrested for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Chris Paul’s Next Shot: Westport Library

Posted on June 16, 2023 | 3 comments

Chris Paul’s next appearance is at the Westport Library.

The basketball (and State Farm) star will discuss his life — and his new memoir “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court,” an ode to his grandfather and family — with journalist, FOX Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak.

The free event is set for June 27 (8 p.m.). Chris will join virtually, with Lindsay in person. The event will be livestreamed and recorded as part of her podcast, “Lunch with Lindsay.”

After the conversation, members of the audience will have the opportunity to ask Paul questions. Priority will go to children and teenagers at the Library. Copies of “61” will also be for sale.

Chris Paul

“I can’t wait for people to see this side of Chris Paul,” Lindsay says.

“I love uncovering the experiences, things, people that connect us all, and I’m excited to bring this podcast to life for a night and give kids in the community a chance to hear from someone they look up to.

“His play on the court speaks for itself. But I’m especially pumped because Chris’ story about his inspiration to be the best basketball player he can be is much broader than sports. It’s about the human connection and inspiration. I think we can all relate to that.”

The event is a partnership between the Library, Westport Weston Family YMCA, Y’s Men of Westport/Weston, and “06880.”

An All-America high school player in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, hPaul gained national attention when he made a run at the state high school scoring record, just 5 days after his grandfather died of a heart attack during a robbery at the service station he owned. Paul’s last attempt before coming out of the game was a free throw that he missed intentionally — ensuring he would finish with 61 points, the same age as his grandfather. It was 6 points shy of the state record.

Chris Paul will be in conversation with Lindsay Czarniak.

Paul starred at nearby Wake Forest University. He was the 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He has enjoyed a great career with the Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and now Phoenix Suns.

The 2006 NBA Rookie of the Year was the first player in league history to register 20,000 career points and 10,000 career assists, records since reached only by LeBron James. Paul is a 12-time All-Star. He won 2 Olympic gold medals with Team USA, in 2008 and 2012, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Lindsay Czarniak is an award-winning sportscaster. She anchored SportsCenter for 6 years and has also served as a FOX NFL sideline reporter, CBS SRX racing host, and studio host for NBC’s Summer and Winter Olympic Games coverage.

Click here to register for a seat at the Library event. You can order “61” through the same link.

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Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Neil Gaiman, Saugatuck Rowing …

Posted on June 14, 2023 | 1 comment

Summer is here!

The Yankee Doodle Fair — the way we know that’s true — is almost all set up.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The annual fundraiser for (and at) the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue opens Thursday, at 6 p.m. It continues Friday night, and throughout the weekend.

Click here for details.

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Neil Gaiman, author of “American Gods,” “Coraline” and “The Sandman,” is coming to Westport.

He’s the keynote speaker at StoryFest 2023. The 6th edition of StoryFest, the Westport Library’s annual celebration of reading, writing, ideas and community, will be held October 20-22.

Gaiman headlines opening night. The weekend includes panel discussions and other events, with authors Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Stephen Graham Jones, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and more.

Free registration for the keynote address begins June 20. The complete lineup and schedule for StoryFest 2023 will be announced this summer.

The largest literary festival in Connecticut and one of the biggest in New England, StoryFest drew more than 800 participants and 40 authors to the Library last year,

This year’s StoryFest keynote doubles as the Fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts,. The spring edition featured artist and former Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler.

The Malloy Lecture in the Arts, delivered free to the public since 2002 thanks to the generosity of Westport artist Susan Malloy, highlight individuals who have had significant cultural influence and whose work has enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the arts.

Neil Gaiman

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Rowing program showed well last Sunday, at the USRowing Youth Nationals in Sarasota, Florida.

The largest Youth Nationals ever drew over 4,000 athletes from 225 clubs and schools. Saugatuck Rowing Club sent 12 boats.

The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including  Clementine Kirt, Carolina Proctor and Alice Frascella of Wesptort, and Hannah Makmale of Weston), helped SRC defend its championships for the third year in a row.

In a thrilling finish, the Saugatuck 4+ B boat including Rylie Cordella and Olivia Saw of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, took silver, giving the club the top 2 spots.

Earning bronze: the men’s U17 4+ boat, with Westley Dick and Tommy Wright of Westport, and Daniel Lee and Davis Evans of Weston), along with the men’s U16 8+ boat, with Westporters Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport).

Saugatuck Rowing Club’s U-17 4+A boat national champions (from left): Coach Cody Silvester, Alice Frascella, Carolina Proctor, Madeline Casano, Clementine Kirt, Hannah Makmale.

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Congratulations too to Derek Amlicke.

The Staples High School pole vaulter won the New England championship, clearing 14′ 3″ in Bangor, Maine.

Earlier this year, he set a new Staples record: 15′ 2″.

The sky’s the limit for Derek!

Derek Amlicke (Photo/Jacob Halsema)

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Emperor Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

On July 2, State Representative Dominique Johnson will fiddle while while Westport celebrates.

The legislator — whose 143rd district includes part of our town — brings her bluegrass instrument to First Folk Sunday (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 12:30 p.m.).

Johnson began playing violin at 2 years old in a Suzuki program. She discovered bluegrass through her grandfather’s family in Kentucky.

First Folk Sunday is a popular new folk series featuring Suzanne Sheridan (vocals and guitar), Bob Cooper (keyboards). and guest artists.

There is a $10 music charge. Brunch, plus a make-it-yourself Bloody Mary bar and Mimosas are extra.

For more information and tickets click here, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Last week, members of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and the student-led Staples High School Sexual Assault Awareness and Self Defense Club attended a private female self-defense training session at Fit Club Jiu-Jitsu in Fairfield.

The group practiced defensive tactics and learned practical skills, including situational awareness and how to avid potentially risky situations.

Instruction came from Fit Club owner/coach Joe Oppedisano, Staff Corporal Michael Ruttenber (Westport Police Department) Rob Curcio (Weston Police Department) and Detective Beth Leetch (Fairfield Police).

Trainers and trainees.

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Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Country Playhouse Staff teamed up to help visitors at the SCP’s recent open house have fun playing”Toss the
Duck into the Bucket.”

It was a great promotion for Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race (June 24, Jesup Green). Click here for details.

Promoting the Great Duck Race, at the Playhouse. From left: Mike Hibbard (duck), Giovanni Orozlo, Joe Watson, Chris Conte, Erin Reynolds. (Photo/Ashley Sweet)

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On Monday, 30  Y’s Men of Westport and Weston and their guests toured the UN.

It’s the latest in their ongoing series of educational and cultural events.

The Y’s Men’s guide, from Uzbekistan, describes the Security Council. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Cedar waxwings are today’s “Westport .. Naturally” feature.

They’re also, as Westport Community Gardens director/photographer extraordinaire Lou Weinberg explains, “the bandits of the bird world. With their black masks and paintbrush tails, these beauties travel in flocks and love the serviceberry tree.”

He adds: “If you love birds, plant serviceberry and other native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses. Nature wins!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Happy Flag Day!

The American flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.[1] 

Two years earlier on this date, Congress adopted “the American continental army.” So happy birthday too to the US Army!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Contributions are tax-deductible. Please click here to support us — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Ospreys, Lacrosse, Sewers …

Posted on June 13, 2023 | 5 comments

Mother osprey, and chick. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)

There are 3 osprey chicks, at the Fresh Market nest.

Photographer extraordinaire Carolyn Doan reports that the chicks hatch in the order their eggs were laid, so they vary in size. They also start out with reddish-brown eyes, which differ from the yellow eyes of the adults.

When she left this morning, they were lying down for a nap.

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Charlie Scott is a talented runner, and WWPT-FM sports broadcaster.

He’s also a very creative videographer.

The Staples High School junior was there on Sunday, as the boys lacrosse team won their second straight state championship.

Then he went to work, editing his excellent camera work into an exciting 1:10 video. Click below to see the Wreckers’ championship game highlights — and the joyful aftermath.

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A sanitary sewer system servicing the east portion of Whitney Street and abutting streets is will be installed soon.

The work zone is between Witch Lane and Roseville Road. Installation begins June 19, and will be completed by August 4.

Detour hours for through traffic are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays. Whitney Street will be open to residents only.

Whitney Street (the diagonal street in the middle of this aerial view) will be closed to through traffic from Witch Lane to Roseville (right side). 

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Speaking of sewers: Nothing disturbs the rest of those buried in Evergreen Cemetery.

Except, perhaps, risers for manholes. They recently appeared next to the centuries-old burial ground, part of the ongoing sewer project.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Sunday’s Roundup included an idea from Tom Kretsch.

Inspired by what he saw in Washington state, he suggested putting large photos of all graduates in stores throughout Westport each year.

No one commented, either for or against it.

But alert reader Jon Sinish followed up. He sent photos of a similar project — much closer to home.

Here’s what our friends in Stratford do, for their 2 high schools. Blue is for Bunnell; red is for Stratford High.

(Photo/Jon Sinish)

Any interest, Westport?

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World class pianist/local treasure David Morgan headlines the June 15 shows (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV,  and TV shows like “Pawn Stars,” “Little Women” and “Catfish.”  He also produces recordings for other artists in his own studio. Area audiences known him as a member of the jazz group Portal.

He’ll be joined by his old friend and Portal collaborator saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall, bassist Yuriy Galkin and drummer Vinnie Sperrazza.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

David Morgan wants YOU to come to Jazz at the Post.

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Scott Brodie took today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo at his mother’s house, on Burr Farms Road.

He adds: “I always thought that the choice of the robin as our Connecticut state bird was utterly uninspiring.

“But our state flower, the mountain laurel,  grows wild throughout the state, and puts on a wonderful display in late spring.

(Photo/Scott Brodie)

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And finally … 2 of the greatest-named rules of the Holy Roman Emperor were born on this day, 16 years apart.

Charles the Bald came into the world on June 13, 823. Charles the Fat followed in 839.

(From ospreys to sewers to Charles the Bald — and the Fat — “06880” has it all. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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