The 2 portable classrooms for Long Lots Elementary School approved Tuesday by the Board of Education hit a roadblock yesterday.
The Board of Finance declined to vote on the $600,000 request. They want to make sure that other options — including moving some students to other schools with more space — are considered.
It was another quiet week — mostly — for the Westport Police Department.
There were 3 custodial arrests.
One man was charged with enticing/inducing/coercing a minor with computer service for sex. Another was arrested for criminal trespass.
A third was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, evading responsibility, and failure to drive in the proper lane.
Gorjana will open this summer, at #74 — the current location of Sunglass Hut.
Gorjana — a high-end jewelry boutique based in California — opened its first Connecticut location on Greenwich Avenue early last year. They operate 40 boutiques in “lifestyle centers and high street locations in affluent markets nationwide.”
Meanwhile, Courtgirl will lease their first bricks and mortar location: 2,350 square feet on the upper level of 125 Main Street (the Gap building).
The line of gift and related products for tennis and golf launched in 2019. Courtgirl products are now sold in over 500 private clubs, pro shops and sports stores.
Everyone with any connection to soccer over the past 65 years has a Pele story.
I have several.
The Brazilian legend — remembered for his unparalleled athletic talent, grace under pressure, radiant smile and eternal humanity — died Thursday at 82. World leaders, players past and present, and billions of ordinary folks mourned his passing.
Pele transcended time and place. He grew older, but never lost his youthful wonder. He played, lived and traveled around the globe, yet he always held Brazil close to his heart.
Of course — this being Westport — we had a few special connections to The King.
My first encounter came a year after I graduated from Staples High School. My friend and former teammate Neil Brickley heard that Pele’s Santos team was playing an exhibition match in Boston.
We took a road trip to Nickerson Field. In the early 1970s, chances to see high-level matches were rare.
The program from the Santos-Astros game. (Courtesy of Neil Brickley)
It was a meaningless friendly, against an unworthy opponent: the minor league Boston Astros. But we were mesmerized, by Pele and the entire Santos squad.
The crowd was small. (The Boston Globe reported that Santos “awed 1,000 people … 1,000 spectators, and the 11 Astros”).
As we left, we saw the team bus idling on the street. We decided to wait.
Impulsively, we said we’d follow the bus wherever it went. It ended up at the Parker House.
The team filed into the dining room downstairs. Neil and I figured, Why not?
We sat a few feet away. Food was brought to the team. We ordered our own.
We nervously asked Pele for autographs. I carried his in my wallet for years.
A hotel band played background music. Midway through, the leader stopped. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re honored tonight to have with us the greatest soccer player in the world. Let’s have a big hand for … Paulie.”
Two years after my “dinner with Pele,” he was back in the US. He had retired from soccer, but dogged negotiations by Warner Communications had paid off.
The New York Cosmos — a virtually unknown team in the struggling North American Soccer League — signed the legend to a 3-year contract. The idea was that he would jump-start interest in the sport in this country. (And make Warner Communications a ton of money.)
Many of the contract details were handled by Warner vice president Jay Emmett. He lived on Prospect Road here. And though he dealt regularly with the top entertainers in the world, he knew that Pele was bigger than them all.
His first game in the US was on Sunday, June 15, 1975. I had graduated from Brown University 3 weeks before. I was doing some soccer writing, and wangled a press pass.
The Cosmos played at Randall’s Island. The place was a trash-filled dump. Workers feverishly painted the brown dirt green. After all, the match — an exhibition against the Dallas Tornado — was televised by CBS, an enormous coup.
I have been in a few electrifying moments in my life (several others involving Pele). But nothing compares to being on that field, that day, when he appeared in a Cosmos uniform for the first time.
The sound and the emotion made it seem as if the world was shifting. I was 22, and thought I’d seen and felt everything.
But Pele’s impact on American soccer was just beginning.
Mark Brickley — Neil’s older brother, and a former Staples soccer player who graduated in 1970, a year before me — became the Cosmos’ very young director of communications.
Pele and Mark Brickley
He had an incredible workload. The Cosmos acquired a stable of world-renowned players to complement Pele — Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia. And as the team became a worldwide sensation, their visibility in New York skyrocketed.
Henry Kissinger, Mick Jagger — and everyone in between — wanted to see and be seen with the team (especially Pele). I had a front-row seat to it all. Mark hooked me up with press and field passes.
The press box was a madhouse. The field was the place to be. Watching from a few feet away — as a complete hanger-on — the adulation showered on Pele, by ordinary fans and the biggest names in the world, was astonishing.
The locker room was also a madhouse. Reporters who had seen everything jostled for a chance to ask Pele the same questions he’d faced a million times. Without fail he looked journalists in the eye, smiled, and answered in his imperfect, but lilting and lyrical, English.
Yes, that’s me (front row, right, striped shirt) with Pele in the mid-1970s. Also in the photo (from left): Bill Smith’s grandson and Westport Police Lieutenant Detective Bill Smith; Jay Emmett, Warner Communications vice president; Stuart McCarthy, Westport Soccer Association youth player and later Westport’s Parks & Recreation department director.
But there was more.
Mark Brickley also arranged for Westport Soccer Association youth teams that I was coaching to play several preliminary games, before the Cosmos took the field.
The summer of 1977 was one New York will never forget. The Son of Sam killer stalked the streets. A major blackout led to looting and violence.
But across the Hudson River at Giants Stadium, the Cosmos were magic.
Crowds grew steadily: 35,000, 50,000, then 75,000-seat sellouts. My 12-year-old team took the field before those packed stands, vibrating with energy and anticipation.
One of those matches took place in a downpour. Still, the stadium was packed. As we left the field, and the Cosmos massed in the tunnel ready to run on, I looked up. The bright lights magnified the raindrops; every seat was filled.
“Look at this!” I said to the players. “Don’t ever forget it.”
They did not. (One of them — Mark Noonan — went on to a long career in the sport. He is now commissioner of the Canadian Premier League.)
The NASL included other Westport connections. A league rule mandated that at least 3 North Americans be on the field for every team. The star-studded Cosmos’ lineup included defender Paul Hunter. A 1973 Staples graduate (and recent University of Connecticut alum), he did the dirty work so that Pele, Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and others could shine.
Paul Hunter (front row, far right), one player away from Pele in a 1977 Cosmos pre-game photo. The top row includes Franz Beckenbauer (2nd from left), Giorgio Chinaglia (4th from left) and Werner Roth (6th from left). (Photo courtesy of Fred Cantor)
Pele played against other Westporters, including Hunter’s brother Tim (Staples ’71, UConn ’75) of the Connecticut Bicentennials, and Steve Baumann (Staples ’70, University of Pennsylvania ’74) of the Miami Toros.
Steve Baumann and Pele.
Like so many opponents, Baumann was both excited and awed by the chance to play against Pele.
Today — retired, after a long career as a college and high school coach, and museum director — Baumann ruefully recalls the day in 1976 Pele scored on a bicycle kick over his head, at Yankee Stadium.
That moment was immortalized on film. It lives today on YouTube, below.
But my Westport Soccer Association connections with Pele were not over.
On October 1, 1977 he was set to play his final match ever. The tribute game would include his first half in a Cosmos jersey. Then he’d switch to his beloved Santos club.
Thanks again to Mark Brickley, our WSA club was invited to participate in the on-field ceremony. Eight teams would ring the field, demonstrating soccer skills and then honoring Pele.
That morning was a whirlwind of activity. We “rehearsed” on a practice field adjacent to Giants Stadium, then were escorted into the tunnel.
A gaggle of celebrities were driven in golf carts past us. Our 12-year-olds did not care about Frank Gifford or President Carter’s son Chip. But when Muhammad Ali stopped by us — that was something.
The Greatest had come to pay tribute to The King.
Out on the field, our team had the premier spot among all 8: directly in front of the podium. (Thanks again, Mark!).
Speeches were made. Tributes were offered. Then came the time for each team’s captain to walk to midfield, and hand Pele a bouquet of flowers.
I told our captain, Peter Scala, to stay after he gave the flowers. After all, he’d be the first one there. Who knew what might happen?
Peter gave the bouquet. Pele pulled him close, and whispered something in his ear. Massed behind us, held back by dozens of security people, 700 photographers clicked their cameras. Across the globe, people in 42 countries watched.
Youth players give Pele flowers at his last match. (Westport captain Peter Scala cannot be seen.) Looking on are (from left) Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Muhammad Ali. (Photo courtesy of Mark Bieler)
Peter walked back to me, grinning from ear to ear.
“What did he say?” I asked.
Peter looked stricken. “I forget!” he said.
The ceremony moved quickly. Pele’s graceful speech was all about children, and how important they were.
Love was important too, he noted. “Join with me 3 times: Love! Love! Love!” he said.
Click below for that video clip. (And note another local connection: It’s narrated by Jim McKay. The “ABC Wide World of Sports” host was a longtime Westport resident.)
We headed to our seats in the stands. The game ended. As Pele was hoisted on the shoulders of Cosmos and Santos teammates, it began to rain. A Brazilian newspaper said, “Even the sky was crying.”
Pele in the rain, after his last game.
I had a few more encounters with Pele after that. In 1988 — then a longtime writer for Soccer America Magazine — I was invited to Brazil, to cover the first-ever Pele Cup Youth Tournament.
It was a memorable 2 weeks, for many reasons. (Including the 48-hour, trip-from-hell route there: New York to Orlando, Miami, Jamaica, Manaus and, finally, São Paulo).
There were plenty of highlights, including a trip to Belo Horizonte — the site of a spectacular World Cup upset in 1950, when the US beat England 1-0 (we traveled there with players from both teams).
But the crowning moment was a trip to Pele’s home in Santos. Seeing his trophies, his birds, his pool — his life — was a day I have always treasured.
My path crossed with Pele a couple of times afterward. He was a guest at conventions of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, our professional organization.
As always, he was generous with his time, and graceful with whomever he was with.
And he never stopped smiling.
Pele at a National Soccer Coaches Association of America reception. (Photo/Dan Woog)
One year, our convention was in Cincinnati. President Bush stayed at the same hotel. His handlers wanted him to meet Pele.
Pele’s people said he had no time. He needed to meet with the players and coaches.
They were not kidding. The All-American banquet is a long affair. There are many honorees — NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; junior college; high school. All have men’s and women’s teams.
The celebrity each year poses with each group. But Pele made each team seem like it was the only one in the world. And that meeting them was the most exciting day of his life.
One more presidential story. In the mid-’80s, one man’s introduction went this way: “I’m Ronald Reagan. I’m President of the United States. But you don’t need to introduce yourself. Everyone knows Pele.”
I did not know Pele. He certainly did not know me.
But ever since I was a young soccer player at Staples High School, my life was enriched by sharing space with him.
(I can’t resist two final Pele stories — neither of which I could fit in above. On a road trip to Toronto with the Cosmos, I was in the hotel lobby as the team was getting ready for their bus. An older couple approached Pele, and asked for a picture.
(The man posed with him. His wife nervously fumbled with the camera. Pele stopped, and walked over to her. Very gently, he said, “You must first remove the lens cap.”
(And this, as told to me by a reporter friend who was there. A crew filmed Pele with a Special Olympics team. He got in goal; a young girl took a penalty kick. She stubbed it; the ball rolled slowly toward the line. Pele dove high; it skittered in underneath him.
(“I scored on Pele! I scored on Pele!” the girl yelled with joy. “There was not a dry eye anywhere,” the reporter said.)
The Westport PAL skating rink at Longshore has enjoyed a banner vacation week.
Westport PAL Longshore skating rink. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
The ice — just a few yards from Long Island Sound, between the tennis courts and La Plage restaurant — is one of our town’s semi-hidden gems. Perfect for skating under a bright sun (or moon), it’s open nearly all the time to the public.
Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
The Westport Fire Department responded yesterday to a call about a garbage truck on Fairview Drive.
Firefighters found that the truck operator had already dumped trash from the truck, and extinguished the blaze with a fire extinguisher.
The cause of the fire was lithium-ion batteries for a vacuum cleaner. The garbage truck operator had heard an explosion and seen smoke from the truck’s rear.
Lithium-ion batteries are unlikely to catch fire if handled and disposed of properly. But faults inside the battery or from external damage can cause fires, with potentially severe consequences.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in cell phones, laptops, tablets, electric cars and scooters.
The Fire Department offers these tips:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage.
Do not charge a device under your pillow, bed or couch.
Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made for the device.
Keep batteries/devices at room temperature. Do not place in direct sunlight.
Store batteries away from anything flammable.
If a battery overheats or you notice an odor, change in shape/color, leaking, or odd noises from a device, discontinue use immediately. If safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire and call 911.
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in the trash.
Recycling is always the best option.
Take them to a battery recycling location or contact your community for disposal instructions.
Do not put discarded batteries in piles.
Westport residents may recycle these types of batteries at the transfer station. For more information, click here.
Lithium-ion battery, after garbage truck fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
In the past year, the Westport Library has hosted the multi-genre Verso Fest, and 4 Sundays f blues.
Rock n’ soul rules on January 7 (7:30 p.m.). Christine Ohlman — the platinum blonde “Beehive Queen,” and longtime “Saturday Night Live” — joins Rebel Montez to the Trefz Forum for a Winter Dance Party.
She is no stranger to the Library. She collaborated with Mark Naftalin — the Westport resident and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician — on his “Blue Sunday” series last month.
Ohlman’s career includes appearances with Bonnie Raitt, Keb Mo, Smokey Robinsons, Graham Nash, Steve Miller, the B52s and Elvis Costello. She has sold out the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival’s David Bowie tribute and the WC Handy Festival in Muscle Shoals.
She has recorded with Al Green, Bruce Springsteen, the Blind Boys Of Alabama, George Harrison, Sting, Ian Hunter, Bonnie Bramlett, Ronnie Spector, Charlie Musselwhite, Irma Thomas and Chrissie Hynde, among others.
DJ B The T Jr. gets the gig started, with all-vinyl soul classics at 6:30.
Click here for tickets. Use “BLUES” for a $5 discount.
Mark Shanahan — chief curator of the Westport Country Playhouse’s popular script-in-hand reading series — wrote “A Sherlock Carol.”
Launched with a virtual world premier at the Playhouse in January 2021, the show is ending a 6-week season run at New World Stages Performing Arts Complex in New York.
The final three are today (Friday, December 30, 2 and 8 p.m.) and Sunday (January 1, 8 p.m.).
The show is also performing to full houses at London’s Marlybone Theatre. It runs there through January 7.
Shanahan says: “When a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his tools of deduction to get to the bottom of the crime. But it is a dark and treacherous Christmas Eve, and once again the holiday is haunted by the spirits of the past, present and future.“
The New York show ends with curtain speeches each night asking for donations to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Shanahan has written and directed fundraising galas for them for years, with Annie Keefe of the Westport Playhouse.
Click here for “Sherlock Carol” tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)
Laurie Sorensen was walking back from the Longshore golf course at sunset. She snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo at Gray’s Creek.
“May we continue to enjoy such serene scenes in 2023!” she says. “Happy New Year to all ‘06880’ readers, and to the beautiful wildlife that graces our environment.”
And finally … Ian Tyson died yesterday, at his ranch in Alberta. He was 89.
Half of the folk duo Ian & Sylvia, he was “a revered figure in his home country, celebrated both for his music and his commitment to the culture of Canada’s ranch country,” the New York Times said.
“Before Canadian musicians like Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell or Leonard Cohen, there was Ian Tyson.”
His song “Four Strong Winds” was voted the most essential Canadian piece of music by listeners of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 2005. He also wrote “Someday Soon,” a classic Judy Collins tune.
(If “06880” reminds you to skate at the PAL rink, saves you from a lithium-ion battery disaster, or helps in any other way, please consider a donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
As donations for our new sister city in Lyman, Ukraine surge toward $120,000 — more than halfway to our goal of $250,000 to rebuild 150 homes, provide generators and a water filtration system — our partners in our other (and longtime) sister city of Marigny, France are pitching in.
In 1991, Roger Potier — a Marigny landscape artist — painted a scene of his Normandy town:
Our friends in Marigny have offered it as an auction item. The winning bidder will donate that price to the Lyman fund — and it will be shipped direct to you, from France. The dimensions are 16″ x 12″.
The bidding starts at $1,000, and runs until 11:59 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, December 24). Click “Comments” below to bid. You do not have to include your real name — but be sure to fill out the email address in the Comment box, so I’ll know who you are!
Meanwhile, to make a non-auction bid: Pleaseclick here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
Meanwhile, we’ll add this thought from 2 noted Westporters.
David Pogue says:
When all a town wants for Christmas is plywood, generators, and drinking water, you know its citizens are in a dire situation.
Our sister city Lyman didn’t ask for this horrific invasion, attack, and devastation; this is a “there but for the grace of God go we” situation.
Let’s give them electricity, water, and tools to rebuild. Let’s show them kindness in a time of desperation. And in this Ukrainian season of devastation, destruction, and death, let’s send them a reminder that compassion and generosity are still alive.
David Pogue urges holiday donations for Lyman.
Ed Gerber adds:
I donated $500 to Ukraine Aid International, because my late father always told me that allowing Hitler to annex the Sudetenland was a horrible mistake that led to World War II.
If we do nothing against “Tsar” Vladimir’s aggression in Ukraine, where will he stop? Next it could be the Baltic States, Finland, Poland, Moldova to name a few undoubtedly on his list. If we do nothing and Putin invades “free” Ukraine, there will be a bloodbath of gargantuan proportions.
Knowing this, if I have an opportunity to help prevent it from happening, and do nothing, it will haunt me for the rest of my life. Please donate – it’s easy!
A petition to review the Hamlet at Saugatuck text and map amendments has been filed with the town clerk.
The action — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recent approval of the hotel/retail/and more project on Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place — sends the decision to the Representative Town Meeting.
They have 30 calendar days from yesterday to complete a review. A supermajority of the RTM — 24 members — can vote to overturn the text amendments.
They cannot modify the decision; only vote to uphold or deny.
P&Z chair Danielle Dobin says, “This process is unique to Westport, thanks to our town charter. It is another way in which Westport is special. We are truly the most democratic of towns.
“The RTM review provides another opportunity to discuss the approved text amendment in a public forum, address questions, and tell the story of how the P&Z Commission shaped this proposal to work for Westport.”
Artist’s rendering of a Hamlet at Saugatuck courtyard.
Sean Hannity was deposed in August, in Dominion Voting Systems’ $1.6 billion defamation suit against Fox News.
But several statements that emerged Wednesday are making news.
Hannity said he did “not believe … for one second” that Dominion was part of fraud in the 2020 election. Neither did Fox News’ executive vice president, and other high-profile executives at the network.
Those details emerged in Delaware Superior Court. With a high legal standard of proof in defamation cases, Dominion must show a jury “convincing evidence that speaks to the state of mind of those who were making the decisions” at Fox, says the New York Times. (Click here for more details, from NPR.)
The company was arguing this week that they had enough evidence to make that case. Co-lead counsel for Dominion’s legal team is Stephen Shackelford, Jr.
A partner and trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey, the Harvard University and Harvard Law School graduate (first in his class) and former clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is a Westport resident. He and his wife Stefanie are the parents of 4 school-age children. In his spare time, he serves on Westport’s Representative Town Meeting. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
On Monday, the Orphenians — Staples High School’s elite vocal ensemble — entertained a large Westport Library crowd.
They’ve been part of our music scene for nearly 70 years. This week’s show included holiday selections, and several from their highly regarded fall concert.
The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to enjoy. (Hat tip: John Brandt)
“Newsboy” — a 1954 photograph by Westport resident and Internationally known photographer Larry Silver — has been acquired by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles.
Silver took the now iconic photo as a scholarship student at The Art Center School in LA. Part of a photographic series of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, it has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography, Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Westport Art Center.
It’s the first work by Silver to enter the Getty, and complements the work of mid-20th century documentary photographers.
The Joggers Club invites all members — and runners who might become members, and anyone else — to their holiday party.
It’s next Thursday (December 29, 7:30 p.m., Romanacci). Members get a free drink!
The Joggers Club welcomes all levels. The number one goal is to have fun. Everything else is a distant second.
There are fun runs at Compo Beach every Saturday at 8 p.m.; track nights at Norwalk High School on Wednesdays (6:15 p.m.), and Joggers Club Jr. (kindergarten through high school) coming this spring.
Membership ($50 per year) includes a Brooks podium racing shirt for all new members.
For more information click here; check out The Joggers Club on Facebook or Strava, or follow on Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.ct).
Alan Mande — a 1963 Staples High School graduate, and former Grateful Dead sound engineer — died suddenly at his Mount Shasta, California home last month. He was 77.
The Brooklyn native moved with his family to Westport at age 5. His mother Frances still lives here. Alan was active in Staples Players.
He majored in theater arts at Brandeis University, then spent 2 years at the Yale School of Drama.
Alan took his Players and Westport Country Playhouse stage skills to join Bill Graham’s Fillmore East sound crew as an engineer. He worked on shows like Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies’ New Year’s Eve show in 1970, and others by the Allman Brothers and Crosby Still Nash & Young.
In 1969 Alan’s life changed forever when, while working at the Fillmore East concert venue, he discovered the Grateful Dead. They inspired him to move to California in 1970, where he worked as a sound engineer and stage manager for the Firehouse Theater. In 1971 he met his future wife Nancy, in San Rafael.
Alan earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy from Lone Mountain College. He spent 31 years as a state-licensed MFT.
Alan was involved in many Mount Shasta activities. He assisted with numerous youth theater productions and coached Little League.
Alan’s passion for the Grateful Dead continued throughout his life. He was a prolific collector and archiver of tapes. He is cited in many articles, books and forums as one of the sound engineers who originated the tradition of “stealth taping” and distributing recordings to the larger community, assuring their posterity.
He loved music, theater, children, the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco sports teams, and chocolate
Alan is survived by his mother Frances, sister Susan, brother Jerry, and children Molly and Caton. Contributions in his name can be made to the Jerry Garcia Foundation.
Alan Mande. Yes, that is Jerry Garcia at the center of the steering wheel.
Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Wendy Crowther.
She explains: “I was taking a photo of birds swarming my birdfeeders yesterday (perhaps sensing the big storm and deep freeze coming in). Suddenly, something big flashed by my lens causing the birds to scatter.
“I looked up to see this hawk sitting on a low branch 10 feet from the feeder. It waited, changing perches, in hopes an unsuspecting bird would return to the feeder. None did. The hawk eventually flew off.
“As best as I can tell, this is a juvenile sharp-shinned hawk, or a juvenile Cooper’s hawk. Both species prey on birds and other small animals. Like all juveniles, practice will make perfect. But hopefully not at my birdfeeder, and especially not while I’m watching.”
And finally … Wendy Crowther’s photo of the hawk (above) — and today’s wind — remind me of Lou Rawls’ “Dead End Street.”
Why? Well, it begins:
I was born in a city the called the “Windy City” And they call it the “Windy City” because of the ‘Hawk.” All mighty Hawk, Talking about Mr. Wind — kind of mean around winter time
It’s a great song. Give it a listen — and stay warm and dry.
(Got nothing to do today, with the rain coming down, all the Christmas presents wrapped, the tree trimmed and everything else taken care of? Please consider an “06880” donation. Just click here — and thank you!)
As of last night, over $73,000 had been donated. That’s nearly 1/3 of the way to repair 150 homes destroyed by Russian forces, give generators to all, and provide a water filtration system to the town.
Thanks to a partnership with Brian and Marshall Mayer — the Westporters who founded the non-profit Ukraine Aid International — the supplies can be delivered to the desperate town within 3 days.
As noted yesterday, the goal of $250,000 — by Christmas — is certainly reachable. It’s only $10 for every resident of Westport.
Of course, not everyone can afford that. If you can, please consider a donation for those who cannot.
To donate to the non-profit, just click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
“06880” reader Jamie Klein has a great idea. She sent yesterday’s story to neighbors and friends, with this note:
This is one example of what is special about living in this town. What a great gift for someone in your family, or as a thoughtful hostess gift for one of the parties you may be attending.
As we enter the holiday season the message of miracles and hope are a theme across all faiths, and from our small place on this earth, we can make a miracle happen.
Thanks for all who have contributed to help rebuild Lyman, and all who will do so. Let’s double that $73,000 by tonight!
Christmas in Lyman. 150 out of 240 homes have been destroyed — including this one.
Meanwhile, another local drive for Ukrainian aid bore fantastic fruit.
When Mark Yurkiw learned there was space in a container leaving in 10 days, he acted fast.
He put out the word on “06880.” In just over a week, readers delivered 8 whole house generators, 8 gas chain saws, 8 phone power banks, 20 sleeping bags, 20 flashlights, 2 kerosene heaters, plus boxes of rechargeable batteries, winter blankets, pillows, and children’s warm winter clothing, to his door.
All those items are now on their way to that embattled nation. Each one can help change lives.
“Thank you, Westport!” Mark says. “It takes a village.”
Ukrainians Ross Voytovych (now of Ridgefield) and Dima Dovgan (Redding) move equipment to be loaded on to a tractor trailer.
It will be lit tomorrow (Wednesday, December 21) at 5:30 p.m., in front of Anthropologie on the Post Road at Church Lane. The entire community is invited, with jelly doughnuts and chocolate gelt for all.
Bill Mitchell of Mitchells — long involved in interfaith efforts — will have the honor of lighting the candles.
This menorah and lighting is a joint effort of Beit Chaverim, Chabad of Westport, Temple Israel, and The Conservative Synagogue.
The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)
Who knew so many Westporters read the New York Post?
A dozen or so readers sent links yesterday to the tabloid’s story that began:
A former New York University director of finance allegedly siphoned $3.5 million meant for minority and women-owned businesses and blew some of the cash on herself — including on an $80,000 pool for her Connecticut home, prosecutors said Monday.
Cindy Tappe, 57, was charged with diverting funds from New York State Education Department grants into shell companies that she created over a six-year scheme that was discovered in 2018, when she left NYU, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Some of the embezzled money went to expenses related to the grants or employee reimbursements — but at least $660,000 ended up in Tappe’s own pockets, according to the indictment.
She allegedly spent the dough on personal expenses, including the pool and renovations on her her home in Westport, Connecticut.
The scam started with a $23 million grant awarded to NYU’s Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and Transformation, where Tappe worked, with the cash meant to go to state programs to help special education students and those learning English.
The good news is: Staples High School has two All-State first team selections — out of only 26 in all of Connecticut. Congratulations, Caleb Smith and Tyler Clark!
The interesting twist: They’re longtime friends — and grew up on the same small street.
There are only 9 homes on Twin Falls Lane. So more than 20% of them are the homes of All-State football players!
PS: Congrats too to James Hillhouse, who made the All-LL/L (large schools) all-state squad.
(From left): Tyler Clark, Caleb Smith, James Hillhouse.
All you ever wanted to know about white oaks is now on a video starring Westport Tree Board member Dick Stein.
Produced by fellow member Frank Rosen, the 8-minute piece covers their distinguishing features, history in Westport (the Bedford family helped with acorns), and more.
It was filmed in familiar places, like Sherwood Island State Park. Click below to learn about those ubiquitous (and handsome) species.
Speaking of Hanukkah etc. … The Jazz at the Post folks say: “It’s that time of year again. Why have our favorite holiday tunes been relegated to lifeless background music, advertising jingles or Muzak?
“In the hands of inspired musicians, the holiday repertoire makes for a fine opportunity for a night of hard swinging jazz.
“Name your holiday: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, even Festivus (for the rest of us) — we got it covered!”
This Thursday (December 22), Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) hosts a “Holiday Swingfest.” The lineup includes pianist Dave Childs, drummer Greg Burrows, bassist Joe Fitzgerald, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
“Special guests and elves are sure to drop by” too, they say.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:30. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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And speaking (still) of the holidays:
Cecily Anderson is a talented art teacher.
How talented? Check out this great holiday installation piece. It’s drawing stares — and raves — at its pop-up location, right there at BMS. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
Posted onDecember 16, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: OKA, Orphenians, Children’s Care …
Opening today (with just 9 shopping days left before Christmas): OKA.
The British furniture and home accessories retailer moves into the former Banana Republic (and before that, Klein’s) space on Main Street.
They call this their “US flagship.” There are 14 OKAs in the UK, plus 2 in Texas (Dallas and Houston).
A press release hails the store’s “signature mix of classic, eclectic and contemporary furniture and homeware (for) shoppers and designers looking to add character to their homes.”
OKA’s Westport location includes a “series of fully decorated rooms and vignettes featuring a treasure trove of unusual finds and statement pieces. (There are) samples of our custom handmade seating service, Tailored by OKA, an English garden’s worth of faux flowers and plants, and a dedicated team of Home Stylists on hand to give advice and help realize your dream interiors. ”
Meanwhile, opening yesterday: A new 30,000-square foot specialty care center opened, at 191 Post Road West (just west of Nash’s Plaza).
Connecticut Children’s Specialty Care Center features murals of the ocean, forests, sky and stars (with 12 LED constellations). There are self check-in kiosks, exam and procedure rooms, an outpatient infusion center, imaging services, plus speech, occupational and physical therapy, EEG and echocardiogram, and casting rooms.
This is the largest of Connecticut Children’s 6 specialty care centers. More than 20 specialties are represented.
Yesterday’s grand opening included a paper ribbon chain made by area kids, and Santa (and the Grinch) handing out toys.
Santa arrives at the Connecticut Children’s Specialty Center.
Didn’t score a ticket for this weekend’s Candlelight Concerts? Or just a holiday music junkie who wants to hear more from the fabulous Orphenians?
The highly acclaimed Staples High School a cappella group present their traditional December program for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — and everyone is invited.
The event is Monday (December 19, 5 p.m.) at the Westport Library Trefz Forum.
Staples’ Orphenians are in high demand this month. In addition to this weekend’s Candlelight Concert, they sang recently at the town holiday tree lighting, for the Rotary Club and at Assumption Church — among many other gigs.
La Plage — the popular and scenic Longshore Inn restaurant — offers 3-course dinners on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas day (noon to 7 p.m.), plus an early New Year’s Eve dinner (5 to 7 p.m., with a la carte specials); a gala New Year’s Eve dinner (8:30 to 10:30 p.m.; 5-course menu, Champagne toast, and live music by Tangled Vine),
With approval ratings above 75%, Charlie Baker is the most popular governor in the nation.
The Massachusetts Republican chose not to run again. When his term ends next month, he’s got a new gig: President. (Of the NCAA, that is.)
The tangential connection to “06880” is that Governor Baker’s wife — Lauren Schadt — grew up in Westport. Back then, she was “Laurie.”
She’s no slouch herself. With an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School, she is a marketing communications consultant. She is active in many volunteer efforts, focusing on education. As First Lady of Massachusetts, she worked closely with the Department of Children and Families.
Governor Baker is familiar with his new role. Two of his and Lauren’s 3 children are former college athletes.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature usually celebrates the animals, flowers, trees and other scenes of beauty that make our town beautiful.
Today’s image is from Terrain. Sure, it’s a business. But there are enough elements of nature here — and it’s so beautifully photographed by Patricia McMahon — that it fits right in.
The Westporter (who has Ukrainian heritage) continues to work on a variety of projects to help that embattled country. He writes: “Missiles are raining down on Ukraine today. They are specifically meant to destroy access to heat, light and water.
“A group I am working with was given the chance to fill the balance of the next shipping container going to Ukraine in 5 days.
“‘06880’ readers can save lives by donating used generators, chainsaws, sleeping bags, flashlights and cell phone power banks. Non-working chainsaws and generators are fine. We will repair them.”
They can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn any time. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.
NOTE: Other containers will follow soon. The equipment collection is ongoing.
Last night’s party honoring Westport Lifestyle magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards winners featured fantastic food, an exciting venue (Christian Siriano’s Collective West) — and the most buff Santa ever to hustle down a chimney.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
This one bore a striking resemblance to RTM member/Staples High School graduate/longtime volunteer Andrew Colabella.
Staples and Brien McMahon High Schools compete against each other in many FCIAC (Fairfield County league) sports.
Now the Westport mother of former Wreckers is trying to help the Senators.
Lisa Marriott — whose sons were Staples track stars — heard that McMahon boys indoor track coach Valerie Kalunian needs used track spikes and/or running sneakers for some of her athletes. Without them, they cannot participate this winter.
“Those shoes can be very costly for students, and hard to find in local stores,” she says. “Over the years we have tried to gather extra spikes/racing shoes/training shoes for those that may not have them, but our selection is limited.”
Running shoes can be dropped off at the Town Hall front desk starting Monday (put Lisa Marriott’s name on the bag or box). For other options, email lsmarriott@gmail.com. To donate cash, click here for a GoFundMe page.
Come on, Westport students. You can write a much better garden-related poem than that timeworn ditty.
Here’s your chance. The Westport Garden Club has partnered with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee and the Westport Library to sponsor a Youth Poetry Contest.
Affiliated with the National Garden Club’s Youth Poetry Contest, it’s open to public and private school students in kindergarten through 9th grade, plus those who are home schooled.
The competition encourages youth to embrace their creativity, using nature as inspiration.
The theme for the 2023 competition is “Seeds, Trees, and Bees…Oh My – Celebrating the Diversity of Nature”
Everyone in Westport goes to Compo Beach in the summer.
Plenty go in late spring and early fall.
December — not so many.
If you don’t know what it looks like when the wind is whipping and the skies are gray — as they were earlier this week — check out today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene:
Another accident at the crash-prone Cross Highway/Bayberry Lane intersection sent one person to the hospital just before noon on Monday.
The collision — which closed Bayberry for a while — began when a driver headed toward Fairfield on Cross Highway ran the stop sign. The vehicle slammed into a car headed south on Bayberry. That automobile then hit the front of a car stopped at the northbound Bayberry stop sign.
The motorist who went through the stop sign was treated by EMS and transported to Norwalk Hospital for minor injuries.
The 3-car accident at the intersection of Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.
All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)
Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.
They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 10 and 11), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Hackett family, with just a few of their many donations.
You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.
So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!
For more information about this amazing organization, click below:
Gift cards allow survivors the dignity to purchase what they most need or want for their families. Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart.
Gift cards can be left with the dispatch center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), between now and December 13.
Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Terry Brannigan has many talents.
He’s double majoring in physics and music at Wesleyan University. He’s minoring in IDEAS (Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Science). He’s a varsity wrestler.
And now — as wrestling season is just ramping up — he’s released a new song.
“Sunshine Serenade” is a blend of musical styles, from metal to R&B. Terry has been working on it — evolving and growing — the song for years.
“It finally bloomed into this rollercoaster that it is now,” he says.
Click here to stream “Sunshine Serenade,” on your favorite platform.
That’s not idle speculation. It’s the informed prediction of Longevity Westport.
You may not have heard of the place. It’s in the former Shoreline Pharmacy space, near Shake Shack and Fjord Fisheries, across from Home Goods near the Southport line.
Since opening last year, they haven’t done much promotion. They never had a ribbon-cutting.
Longevity, on the Post Road in Westport.
But people find them. And because they offer something no one else does — for many miles around — they draw clients from as far as New York.
It’s not easy to explain what Longevity does. It is, however, easy to get caught in their technical fitness training weeds.
But let me try.
Longevity offers 3 types of testing. Non-invasive, quick — but highly sophisticated — they measure things like muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, cardiovascular health, oxygen consumption and more.
On a screen and with color printouts, you can see (with Longevity’s expert help) things like skeletal strength, and where and how your muscle and fat is distributed inside your body.
For example, I have less fat and more muscle on my left side than my right, even though I’m right-handed. I’m guessing that’s because of how I breathe during my daily, hour-long swims. (That regimen may be part of why Longevity determines I’ll live past the century mark.)
Not to brag or anything, but I got an A+ on my test. Look at all that green!
Detailed knowledge like that helps you (or your personal trainer) plan workouts. No more guesswork (“Looks like you could do a bit more with your abs”).
It may also help with financial planning. If I’m going to live to be 101, I can’t spend too much on gifts this holiday season, right?
One of the 3 tests — DEXA — is the reason Simon Bland decided to open Longevity. A Greenwich CrossFit athlete, he wanted some baseline measurements. The nearest DEXA testing was an hour away.
Fairfield County is filled with fitness enthusiasts. Whether they’re triathletes or folks fitting in an hour workout before or after work; older men and women wanting to live healthily (and to 101), or teenagers dreaming of scholarships for soccer, football, baseball or softball, he realized they could benefit from knowing as much as possible about their muscle, fat and bones.
A body mass index test tells very little. A DEXA scan — with over 400 points of measurement — is much more helpful.
Inside Longevity. The DEXA scan machine is at left.
It doesn’t hurt that DEXA can also provide early warning detection for coronary artery disease, and risks of diabetes, osteoporosis and hormone imbalance.
It sounds expensive. It isn’t. Longevity charges $149 for one test, $275 for two, $399 for three.
The other tests are VO2 max and Resting Metabolic Rate. Those can be used to determine exact caloric burn, maximum oxygen usage, and target heart rate. For more details — diving deep in the weeds — ask Longevity.
Much of the science went over my head. But I was impressed with the printouts, and the depth of the analysis.
So was Ryan Smith. The ESPN anchor was leaving as I arrived. He’d just been tested.
An avid runner, he — like the owner Bland, a couple of years earlier — had been looking for a convenient place for a DEXA scan.
Yet even though Longevity has been open for nearly 2 years, and is just a mile or so from Smith’s home, until recently he had no idea it was here.
Welcome to Westport, Longevity. Long may you thrive.
I will celebrate my 101st birthday there.
(For more information on Longevity Westport, click here.)
(I will live to be 101. But to ensure “06880”‘s continued health, please consider a contribution. Click here to support. Thank you!)
Popup Bagels — the Westport-based company that has taken the tri-state area by storm (including several out-of-the-suburbs-and-into-the-city awards at Brooklyn BagelFest) — has some eye-popping news.
They just closed on a second round of (poppy) seed funding. Founder and CEO Adam Goldberg calls it “a few million dollars — more than a couple.” That’s on top of about $250,000 last year.
The most recent funding was led by film producer John Davis. Other investors include actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Paul Rudd; swimmer Michael Phelps, and NFL players JJ and TJ Watt, and Michael Strahan.
The company will now hire a team to examine expansion ideas, including more locations in the New York area (and possibly adding Los Angeles). They’ll also add production capability.
Click here for the full story, from Restaurant Business.
Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn BagelFest awards.
“Spirited” — the Christmas-themed musical comedy retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” — has opened to great reviews. It’s in theaters, and streaming on Apple TV.
The music-writing team includes 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul, and his songwriting partner Benj Pasek (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”).
Justin — also credited as an executive producer — said he had “a blast” working on the score during the pandemic, on Zoom.
In this quick, intriguing interview below, he provides a bit of the back story:
Speaking of cinema: “Small Town Movie” is making its way to distribution.
And that “small town” is Westport.
Jarret Liotta — a Staples High School graduate, now a journalist and writer — filmed the dark satire that tries to make sense (“or non-sense”) of racism, gun violence and modern cancel culture in an “average, upper middle class, affluent Connecticut town.”
The timely script will make audiences laugh. “Or furious, depending on their mood that day,” Jarret says.
His goal is to “poke fun at everyone equally, regardless of their social or political views. Hopefully it provides a minor epiphany for everyone — about themselves and the comical world in which we live.
“If Westporters enjoyed my smarmy columns and editorial writing in the past, they’ll probably adore this flick,” Jarret — former editor of Westport Journal — adds.
“If they hated them, this will help them hate me even more.”
The film includes original music by Staples grads Tom Shaner and Margot Liotta.
Jarret plans a screening in Westport after the holidays. Then, he hopes, it will start getting attention from film festivals.
The Staples football team’s quest for a state tournament semifinal berth fell a few agonizing inches short last night.
The Wreckers — seeded 4th in the “LL” (extra large schools) division — dropped a 23-22 heartbreaker to #5 Fairfield Prep, at Paul Lane Field.
The game came down to the final seconds. With no timeouts left, Staples junior quarterback Caleb Smith brought his team 77 yards in the final 2:22. A pass into the end zone was broken up with 3 seconds to go. A final 29-yard field goal attempt was just wide.
Congratulations to coach Adam Behrends and his squad for an excellent 9-2 season. This was the Wreckers’ first playoff game in 7 years.
Quarterback Caleb Smith. (Photo/John Nash courtesy of The Ruden Report)
WestportMoms’ Holiday Shopping Event always draws a huge crowd to the Westport Country Playhouse. Vendors offer nearly everything shoppers need to complete their gift list.
This year, it’s moving inside, to the Playhouse barn. (Some tables will be outside too). It’s set for this Friday (December 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Warm drinks will be provided. Those WestportMoms think of everything.
Westporters raveled to Guatemala this month to help expand a local English academy, and also create healthy cooking stoves for local families.
Led by Howard Greene, chair of the non-profit Friends of BEA, the group spent a week building 2 middle school classrooms, painting the exterior, erecting a fence, and working in homes to build energy-efficient and properly ventilated cooking stoves. They also met students, and observed classes.
Among the volunteers: Howard and Joyce Greene, Jeff and Nancy Plotkin, Dan and Ivy Guetta, Robert and Heidi Flicker, Tony and Amy Riggio, Steve and julie Lewine, and Mark Mathias.
The Guatemala group.
Balanya English Academy provides high quality, English-based education, and supportive services to students, their families and the local community. The goal is to prepare graduates to work in an increasingly globalized world.
Longtime Westport resident Dr. Paul Schulman died peacefully in his sleep last month, doing what he and his late wife Susan loved: traveling overseas. He was 89 years old.
He was the highly respected chief of hematology and oncology at Norwalk Hospital. He also served at both Yale New Haven Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
Paul was born in New York, graduated from Columbia College and SUNY Medical School, and served in the US Air Force.
After he and Susan married in 1965 they moved to Westport, and purchased a home on Twin Oaks Lane in 1968 in anticipation of a family. They raised Heidi and Bruce, both of whom graduated from Staples High School.
Paul coached Little League baseball and softball. He played tennis with friends, enjoyed Westport Pizzeria, and dropped in at Harvey’s Liquor Locker and Klein’s (to purchase action thrillers). Paul and Susan spent many weekend nights dining at Mario’s.
He and Susan shared a passion for art and antiques, especially clocks, which he collected and wound every Sunday. Their collections were fueled by their intrepid travel. Paul and Susan were among early visitors to Antarctica, Burma (now Myanmar), China, and New Guinea, among many other destinations.
After spending nearly 40 years in Westport, Paul and Susan retired to South Carolina and Marbella, Spain. After Susan died in 2016 Paul moved into Fox Hill Residences in Bethesda, Maryland, near where his son lives with his family.
Paul was an active member of the Fox Hill community, participating in the quarterly “radio show,” passing evenings at his end stool at the bar, and watching his grandsons in sports and school activities. He became dear friends with the late Rhoda Herman. Together they enjoyed weekends at her country home in Leesburg, Virginia.
Paul is survived by his children Bruce (Frazier) and Heidi Greenwald (Brad), and 5 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a memorial page at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
A service to celebrate his life will be held in Bethesda in January. Email Bruce (bschulman@hotmail.com) for details.
And finally … Louise Tobin died Saturday in Texas. She was 104.
In 1939, the vocalist with Benny Goodman’s orchestra was ready for national fame. But her husband — bandleader/trumpeter Harry James — had her put her career on hold, to further his own career.
They divorced 4 years later. She raised 2 sons, and was forgotten. But her career was jump started years later in New Orleans, when Al Hirt recognized her and invited her on stage.
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The New York Cosmos — a virtually unknown team in the struggling North American Soccer League — signed the legend to a 3-year contract. The idea was that he would jump-start interest in the sport in this country. (And make Warner Communications a ton of money.)
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