After a bitterly contentious election season, we all need to chill.
And what better way than by welcoming the holiday season early, with the beloved (and wintry) “Elf.”
Staples Players presents their first-ever production of the show this month. The choice was hardly random.
“With the state of the country the way it was, with everyone on edge, we wanted to do something that was just fun,” says Players’ co-director David Roth.
“This is all about positive thoughts. Buddy the Elf is so optimistic. He loves people and Christmas, and wants to spread cheer.”
Seamus Brannigan (double cast as Buddy) and Chloe Carson (double cast as Jovie). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Roth and co-director Kerry Long are not the only ones wanting to put a smile on audience’s faces. “Elf” opens on Broadway the same weekend the Staples curtain rises.
And Pottery Barn is one of several retailers to roll out a special “Elf” line this season.
It’s the right musical at the right time for Westport audiences. And “Elf” comes from the same script, music and lyric writers who created “Prom” — last year’s very popular Players production — and “The Drowsy Chaperone,” one of Roth and Long’s favorite shows.
“It’s a really funny book,” Roth says. “The play has its own humor and personality. It’s different from the movie, for people who are only familiar with that Will Ferrell version.”
Rehearsals have been “a lot of fun,” notes the director. “We laugh a lot. The kids are loving it. There’s a lot of good, positive energy, which they really need in their lives right now.”
Blake Raho (center) as Walter, with dancing castmates. (Photo/Kerry Long)
It is, he admits, “bizarre” to have been in holiday mode since auditions in September. And, though it’s still early November, “backstage looks like Santa’s workshop.”
The auditorium, meanwhile, will look festive too. Players encourages everyone to dress in fun holiday clothes: ugly sweaters, elf costumes, whatever looks festive.
Audience members are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys and/or new winter clothing. They’ll be donated to those in need, through Person to Person.
Just one more reason that everyone will leave “Elf” smiling.
(Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 7 p.m.; matinees November 16, 17 and 23, 2 p.m. Click here for tickets. Though some shows may be sold out, tickets are often available at the door.)
Sara Stanley and Will McCrea (double cast as Jovie and Buddy). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Check below, for this great (today only) offer from WEST (117 Post Road East):
(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
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Want another chance to weigh in on Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot and “structured parking”?
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s new survey is now live.
It’s open through Monday, November 11. Click here, then follow the prompts.
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Veterans Day is an important — and often overlooked — holiday.
Westport’s ceremony is always meaningful, and well worth attending.
The Town of Westport and VFW Post 399 will host Veterans Day services next Monday, November 11 (Town Hall auditorium).
At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Community Band will perform marches and patriotic tunes.
The services begin at 11 a.m. The time and date are significant. The armistice ending World War I — “the war to end all wars” — began at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.
After the ceremony, all veterans and other community members are invited to VFW Post 399 for food and drinks.
Donations will help pay for refreshments (click here; then click “Donate”). Extra funds will help pay for permanent flag stands on graves throughout town.
The VFW has already decorated 500, at Assumption Cemetery. There are 700 more to go in Westport.
The Doughboy statue honors Westporters who served and sacrificed in World War I. It’s at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall where Veterans Day ceremonies are held. (Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
Donate your “pre-loved Lego, Duplo, Technic, mini-figure and/or baseplate pieces.” Sustainable Westport volunteers will package and send them to Lego Replay — and arm of the Danish company — to ensure they find their way out of landfill, and into the hands of kids who need them most.
Full collections, partial sets, random pieces — nearly all are welcome. For information about accepted pieces and how to prepare your bricks for donation, click here.
Donations can be dropped off at:
MoCA Holiday Artisan Marketplace (November 15 and 16, noon to 4 p.m.).
Wakeman Town Farm(November 22 through December 8, when open)
Earthplace(December 9 through 15, when open)
Westport Moms Holiday Event at Birchwood Country Club(December 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Westport Weston Family YMCA(December 13 through 22, when open).
The 84th annual Candlelight Concert is set for Staples High School Friday, December 13 (8 p.m.), and Saturday, December 14 (3 and 8 p.m.). Tickets will be available soon (keep reading “06880” for details!).
Meanwhile, the Staples High School — which offers the beloved event as a gift to the town — welcomes businesses and individuals to purchase ads in the program, to help offset costs (and fund the Music Department’s programs for over 300 students).
The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
Rising saxophone star Sarah Hanahan brings her talent to this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (November 7, 7:30 and 8:45, VFW Post 399; dinner service at 6:45 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students; click here for show tickets).
Hanahan — named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s “30 under 30 Youngbloods” — will be joined by bassist Mikey Migliore, guitarist Tony Davis and drummer Mike Camacho.
After touring the 4 homes on Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” tour, Nicholas Eisenberger thought he’d seen it all.
But passing Nyala Farm, he saw something else fascinating:
“What a beautiful sight, place, and day!” Nico says, of the bobcat (and tour) — and today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” image.
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And finally …
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Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
And thrived.
At Staples High School he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
That was only the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College; now he’s pursuing a master’s through the University of Vermont. It’s in his passion: physical activity and wellness science.
Triumphant Daniel Maya, after the New York City Marathon.
He earned Red Cross certification as a lifeguard and water safety instructor. He’s also a certified personal trainer, with master certification in adaptive special needs.
He works with special needs children and adults. Most satisfying, he says, is training and mentoring autistic young adults, as well as helping young adults with disabilities perform aquatic exercises.
This summer, he taught a boy with cerebral palsy how to swim.
Oh, yeah: Daniel also serves on Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities.
He recently helped start a social club for people between the ages of 18 and 30. They meet for lunch or dinner, and take walks around Compo Beach and Longshore.
He is grateful for all that he has — including his vision. (One eye is better than the other.)
He never had a mindset of “I can’t do this,” he says. It’s always been, “I can do it!”
Daniel’s athletic career began early, accompanying his mother on runs throughout Westport.
Running in the rain …
It was work. But as he got faster, he enjoyed it more. Training for Staples — and then for 5 and 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons (including New York City) — were a satisfying break from school (and life).
Running remains a way to stay in shape, and “clear my head.”
Looking ahead, Daniel will continue to pursue a personal training career, especially with adaptive special needs.
He has a message for “06880” readers.
“If there is anything I can do to help support an exercise and wellness program for children and adults with special needs, please reach out to me at WestportFitness.com. I look forward to helping everyone get fit and healthy.”
… and better weather.
(“06880” often celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding Westporters. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The letter said, “Our most recent service line inventory indicates that some or all of the water service line materials between the water main and your property are of unknown material classification. Unknown means that the service line may be lead.”
The Health District says: “Please note that Aquarion’s letter is mandated by the federal government’s customer lead service line inventory effort, and that much of the contained language is required by USEPA as part of evolving regulations around the treatment of lead.
“Additionally, Aquarion has indicated that it consistently complies with all federal and state water quality standards, including those for lead. Even if a customer has lead service lines, Aquarion is adjusting the chemistry in the water to prevent corrosion that could result in lead in the tap.
“Before these new rules, adjusting water chemistry was the long-standing practice to protect consumers from lead. The lead service line inventory is a belt- and-suspenders approach across the country to get lead removed from drinking water infrastructure. Aquarion has indicated that the water has been and will continue to be safe.
“Click here for a link to Aquarion’s service line inventory map. Any resident in the service territory can look up their address to see what Aquarion has on record for their service line (both customer and utility side).
“Aquarion’s website has a comprehensive set of information about lead as well.
“Click here for a link to the Consumer Confidence Report for the most recent year for the Bridgeport Main System.”
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Congratulations to the Staples High School field hockey team!
Sofia Fidalgo’s penalty corner goal with 18 seconds left in regulation time propelled the Wreckers into overtime, in last night’s FCIAC championship at Wilton High School.
She scored again with just over a minute to play in the the extra period. The 3-2 win for top-ranked Staples, over #2 Darien, was the Westporters’ first league title since 2019, when they shared it with the Blue Wave. Darien had won 6 straight FCIAC crowns before last night.
Princeton University-bound Fidalgo — who was also named tournament MVP — told The Ruden Report: “Maybe I got those two final touches, but it was really a team effort throughout, Some of our defenders don’t get that credit because they’re not the ones who put it in the back of the net. They’re not the ones who have that final touch. But from our goalie, our defense, every single player, it’s all a team effort, and so I’m just really proud of every single player. Those last 15 minutes were really high intensity, but we were able to manage our emotions and calm down, especially in overtime, and finish.”
The Wreckers — ranked first in the state in the “L” (large schools) division — begin state tournament play next Wednesday. Pairings will be announced this week.
Staples Wreckers: FCIAC field hockey champs! (Photo courtesy of VJ Sarullo)
Last night, the 2017 Staples High School grad became only the second pitcher in baseball history to make his first-ever MLB start in a World Series. (But the first, no doubt, to do it on his mother’s birthday.)
He left (as planned) after 2 innings, with his Los Angeles Dodgers up 2-1 against the New York Yankees. He has given up just 1 run in 6 1/3 innings in the post-season.
The Yanks got 4 runs in the 3rd inning. after Casparius departed, then cruised to an 11-4 victory to stay alive in the Series (they are down 3 games to 1).
Game 5 is tonight at 8 p.m., on Fox. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius on the mound last night … (Screenshot/Fred Cantor)
Reading is wonderful, and joyous — for many people.
For some, it is challenging and frustrating.
Jennifer Bernheim — advocate, entrepreneur, and mom to a dyslexic learner — has launched a new podcast with Verso Studios at the Westport Library.
“Right to Read” is named after the organization she founded. It offers advocacy services, IEP coaching and workshops, as well as a corporate HR benefit that provides educational resources and advocacy coaching.
The podcast offers information on community resources, best practices for dyslexic learners, legislation, and success stories.
It debuted yesterday — during Dyslexia Awareness Month — with 3 20-minute episodes. Additional episodes will drop every other week.
Speaking of the Library: If you were there yesterday morning, you got an unexpected musical treat.
The Orphenians — Staples’ elite singing group — joined a few other area high schools in an inspiring workshop, hosted by the Voces8 Foundation.
The Westport Library this morning between 9 and 11:30am was in for a musical treat. Staples Orphenians, along with a few other area high school choirs, participated in an inspiring workshop hosted by the Voces8 Foundation.
Voces8 — based in the UK — teaches chamber music to high school students worldwide. They visit “music hubs” in New York, Minneapolis and Dallas several times a year.
Last year, they added Westport as a hub.
Voces8 will sponsor another workshop this spring, followed by an evening performance.
Voces8 workshop, at the Westport Library. (Hat tip and photo/Liz Skopp)
Kenzie Hoefs has started a GoFundMe. Last weekend her brother-in law Matt Zahler of Westport lost his battle with depression, leaving behind her sister Steph and 3-year-old niece, and 3 teenage sons from his previous marriage.
Kenzie writes: “Steph owns her own business and will need to take time away from her business to make sure Winnie is supported and adjusts to a new norm, as well as cover funeral costs.
“Steph is truly one of the most selfless people I know and would do anything to help anyone. I’m asking for us to come together and give back to her to remove some of the financial stress during this very difficult time.”
Many Westporters are working to elect their preferred presidential candidate.
They’re making get-out-the-vote phone calls. They’re posting on social media. They’re contributing money.
Shonda Rhimes is in Georgia, urging voters in that swing state to cast their ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Westport resident — who, the New York Times said “became one of American entertainment’s most influential figures after she created the television hits ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Scandal” — told volunteers at a Democratic field office near Atlanta: “In any episode of ‘Grey’s’ or ‘Scandal,’ I could not make this up. I would not make this up. But this is real. We have a problem, people, and his name is Donald Trump.”
The Times story explored “how much star power ultimately matters to voters, who routinely list issues like the economy, abortion rights and crime as more essential to their choices than celebrity appearances.” Click here to read the full article.
Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak pay attention to detail.
The Staples High School seniors have all the usual responsibilities: academics, sports, social lives.
But they also run CK Car Detailings. Since the summer they’ve washed, polished the exteriors, and scrubbed the interiors, of over 70 vehicles.
Virtually all of their customers have been delighted. (One was not — even after they returned a second time. But that was her issue. She didn’t even have access to water for them.)
Christian Rinaldi (left) and Kyle Dulak, on the job.
Car detailing is more than a job for the longtime friends. It is their passion.
“It’s almost therapeutic for me,” says Kyle.
“I wake up Saturday morning ready to detail,” Christian adds. “It doesn’t feel like work. I’m happy. And I’m doing it with my best friend.”
(Being a teenager, Kyle once slept through his alarm. Christian drove over and walked into his room to wake him.)
The business was Christian’s idea. His father has a Mustang, and Christian has always been a car guy. “They’re inanimate objects, but they bring me a lot of happiness,” he says.
He bought a Golf, and went to work: modified exhaust, down pipe, window tints, bucket seats. He paid for it all himself.
The money comes from his and Kyle’s hard work. Their interior detailing includes taking out the mats, vacuuming, removing stains, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, then wiping the steering wheel, dash and windows.
A very clean interior …
They use a foam cannon and pressure washer — not a hose — on the exterior (including of course the wheels and rims).
Christian and Kyle bought all their equipment themselves. This is very much their business. They have figured it out, all along the way.
They watch “countless” YouTube videos on detailing, and have gone to the library.
… along with one shiny exterior …
In the beginning, they practiced on family cars. They still use those vehicles to test new materials.
The boys guarantee 100% satisfaction. “If you want a touch-up, or we missed a spot, we’ll come back to you,” Christian says.
They’ve learned a lot. For example: Minivans are the toughest vehicles to clean, because they’re used every day to haul kids.
They learned the importance of pleasing their customers, too. Happily, Christian says, “people respect our hustle. We get a lot of tips.”
They do hustle. They work 3 days a week after school — and after Christian’s soccer and Kyle’s basketball practice. They’ve done up to 8 cars on a weekend.
One night this summer, they worked until 11.
… and another.
“I’m a big car guy,” Christian — who is Staples’ varsity goalkeeper, and hopes to open his own garage one day — says. “I want to learn all about them.”
Kyle — a basketball player who also draws and plays guitar — notes, “Making a dirty car spotless, you feel good about yourself.”
“To a lot of people, their car is their second home,” Christian says. “It’s where they spend a lot of time. Our customers give us permission to get inside that home. It’s a big responsibility.”
Tires and rims are looking good.
It’s easy to bash the work ethic of today’s teenagers, or to say “kids don’t know what it’s like to have a real job.”
It’s also easy to excuse them for not working; hey, they’ve got too much on their plate already.
Christian Rinaldi and Kyle Dulak prove otherwise.
Just ask them for details.
(Christian and Kyle charge $65 for a sedan or coupe, $85 for an SUV or minivan, and $100 for a truck or commercial van. They also offer add-ons, like headlight and black trim restoration, ceramic coating with 2-year protection, engine bay renewal, odor removal, and shampooing seats and carpets.
(You can email them at ckcardetailings@gmail.com, call 203-725-4695, and follow them on Instagram: @c_kdetailing.)
Engine bay renewal is one of my great options.
(“06880” often highlights impressive teenagers, and local businesses. Sometimes they intersect. Please click here, to help us continue this important coverage. Thank you!)
Ben Casparius — the 2017 Staples High School graduate who has had a storybook season since being called up to the major leagues in August — will start Game 4, for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
They lead the New York Yankees, 3 games to 0. Casparius — who has already achieved more in Major League Baseball than any former Wrecker — can help the Dodgers win it all.
Two “minor” points: It’s his first-ever major league start. His previous appearances have all been in relief.
And this will be his first time on the mound in the World Series.
Game time is 8 p.m., on Fox.
Ben Caparius, with the National League Championship Series trophy. Will he win an even more important one tonight?
If you grew up in Westport in the 1970s, the image — even the sound — is indelible: a fleet of Mercedes buses, meeting at a Jesup Green hub and then put-putting all around town.
If you were not around then, it’s hard to imagine: Our town had one of the most innovative suburban transportation systems in the country.
Even more improbable was the background of the man who built it.
Rich Bradley arrived in Westport in the 1965. Norm Flint — the principal of soon-to-open Coleytown Junior High School — recruited the young English major straight off the Cornell University campus.
Rich Bradley, in the 1969 Staples yearbook.
Bradley spent 2 years teaching English at the brand new school, then 2 more at Staples.
It was a time of educational and political ferment. The high school’s “Experimental English” curriculum encouraged students to design their own course.
Bradley was in the middle of it. “They couldn’t decide if they wanted to fire me or make me assistant superintendent,” he laughs.
He was as involved outside of school as in. With Tony and Joanna Nicholson, and Jim and Do Bacharach, he helped found the Intercommunity Camp. Each summer, youngsters from Westport, Weston, Norwalk and Bridgeport came together for fun and friendship.
Bradley also joined the Youth-Adult Council. A town body (and the forerunner of today’s Youth Commission), it tackled serious issues like drugs and runaways.
And transportation.
In the early ’70s, young people relied on parents — and hitchhiking — to get around town. Some older residents did not drive. Some homes had only one car. The railroad station parking lots were full.
It took 2 years. But with the strong support of the Representative Town Meeting, the Westport Transit District was created.
Rich Bradley was its director. One of his first tasks was obtaining federal and state grants to buy buses. The town agreed to pay operating costs.
Bradley helped devise routes. Each bus had its own 35-minute loop, beginning and ending at Jesup Green.
(As Mercedes buses, they were easy targets for mockery. However, Bradley says, they did not cost more than other buses. Officials also looked at electric buses, but batteries had to be charged every 40 miles.)
The Minnybus system was “fresh — progressive and innovative,” Bradley — who now lives in Washington, DC — recalls.
“It solved environmental, social and economic needs.”
It also incurred the wrath of the Gilbertie family, who ran the town’s taxis. Though Transit District officials tried to integrate them into the system, they were uninterested. They filed several lawsuits, which took years to resolve.
A Minnybus, at the Jesup Green hub.
After a few years, Bradley was hired by the Greater Bridgeport Transit District. Two years later, Governor Ella Grasso asked him to be Connecticut’s deputy director of transportation, with the charge: “Westport-ize the state” — but without much money.
Bradley then ran Hartford’s Downtown Council, before moving to Washington where he headed the International Downtown Association.
For the next 20 years, as founding executive director of the Downtown DC Business Improvement District, he facilitated over $35 billion of public-private investment into transforming abandoned buildings and parking lots into the third largest central business in the country. He repositioned the National Cherry Blossom Festival as the city’s premiere cultural event, was involved in the construction of the Convention Center, and helped lure the Nationals baseball team from Montreal.
Rich Bradley proudly sports a Washington Nationals cap.
Today, Bradley is a principal of The Urban Partnership, (with his wife, noted urbanist Ellen McCarthy), and serves on the faculty of Georgetown University’s Urban & Regional Planning program.
But Bradley has not forgotten his Westport roots (or routes). He visits his former Cornell friend Steve Halstead regularly.
He has watched the town’s “trials and tribulations” as it built the new Staples High and YMCA (Halstead served on the Board of Education, and was chair of the Y Building Committee. His wife Rosemary is a Y trustee). Both changes were beneficial for many residents, Bradley says.
He also watches Westport from his vantage point as a Georgetown professor, whose “Place Management and Place Making” course examines the importance of public spaces.
“Westport always had a vital center,” he says, referring to downtown. “The future of suburbs — and cities — is being walkable.”
Westport Minnybus at Jesup Green, back in the day.
Calling Westport “intensely developed,” while still retaining “substantial vitality,” he believes the town still offers opportunities to “put your car away, and walk around.”
The Minnybus system did that, Bradley notes.
The Minnybus system gave freedom to kids — and taught them responsibility.
From what he sees, Westport has done “a good job of accommodating its character and values.”
We no longer have a Minnybus (or its cousin the Maxytaxys, which picked up riders on demand, then picked up others as it meandered along to different destinations).
We are, meanwhile, engaged in a long debate over the future of parking all around downtown — including Jesup Green.
Where, half a century ago, Mercedes buses loaded and dropped off grateful, car-less passengers.
(“06880” covers Westport — its yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
For the first time in over a year, the Westport Country Playhouse is staging a play.
The iconic 93-year-old American theater survived a near-bankruptcy last year. Since then, it has presented a wide variety of entertainment, including concerts by the likes of Bernadette Peters and Judy Collins, revues, and shows for Taylor Swift and “Pinkalicious” fans.
As part of a new strategy to recapture play audiences, the Playhouse has shifted that schedule from summer to fall/winter/spring.
The first of 4 comedic series — because we all need to laugh — is now on stage.
Despite competing with Game 2 of the World Series (involving the hometown New York Yankees), most Playhouse seats were filled last evening. It was opening night for the hilarious production of Alfred Hitchcock’s “39 Steps”.
The fast-paced show of espionage and mayhem — based on Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1935 film, with a dash of Monty Python — runs through November 9.
It is directed by Mark Shanahan, WCP artistic director. Click here for more information, and tickets.
“39 Steps” cast takes their Westport Country Playhouse bows. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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The Brooks Corner parking lot is looking a bit emptier these days.
It’s still filled to capacity. But that capacity is now slightly less.
A half dozen spots were removed during recent re-striping.
Yes, there’s someone in that gray car. It’s not parked. (Photo/Dan Woog)
That may mean inconvenience a few shoppers.
But it makes the once-crowded lot exponentially less difficult to navigate.
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Windows throughout Westport were transformed this weekend.
The annual Halloween window painting contest returned yesterday.
Elementary and middle schools painters worked their magic at stores and other buildings, in 3 categories: Scariest Art Work, Best Halloween Theme and Most Original. The prizes are gift certificates, courtesy of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Hard at work, at the Senior Center.
That’s just the start. On Tuesday (October 29), the Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Halloween Parade begins at 3:30 p.m., at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection.
Costumed kids will walk to Avery Place, then enjoy festivities on Veterans Green across from Town Hall.
Westport Sunrise Rotary Club joined Rotarians from Fairfield and Bridgeport to celebrate Read Aloud Day on Friday, at Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School in Bridgeport.
Books were selected by the school, and purchased by the Rotary Clubs. The volunteers were assigned a book and a class from pre-K to 5th grade to read to. After the reading, the books were donated to the class.
From left: Rotarians Dennis Wong, Bruce Fritz, Bruce Paul, Marin principal Judy Swenton, Katie Augustyn, Rob Hauck and Aimee Monroy Smith.
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The Y’s Men’s Thursday meetings often feature intriguing speakers.
This past week, an SRO crowd heard a talk — and a concert.
Professor/musical interpreter/performer Orin Grossman gave a history of George Gershwin and Duke Ellington, then played selections from their music.
he Y’s Men heard — among others — “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Looking for a Boy,” “Swampy River” and “Single Petal of a Rose.”
Now you can hear it all too. Click the link below:
As the Staples field hockey team roars through the post-season, they’re feeling confident.
And comfortable.
New shelters and benches have just been delivered to Jinny Parker Field. They’re courtesy of 6 organizations, all of which use the turf: Staples Field Hockey and Girls Lacrosse, Westport PAL girls lacrosse, Westport Youth Field Hockey, the Gridiron Club, and Westport Parks & Recreation.
The Wrecker field hockey team did not use them yesterday — but they continued to roll. The girls — top-seeded in the FCIAC (league) tournament — shut out Greenwich 3-0, in the semifinals.
Staples is in the finals — again. The game is set for Tuesday (October 29, 6:30 p.m., Wilton High School).
The state tournament follows. The Wreckers will begin at home.
The benches will be ready.
The Staples field hockey team, with their new bench and canopy.
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The Westport Library continues its Wednesday 11 a.m. “Anyone Can Use …” educational series. Sessions include:
Genealogy Resources (November 6)
Pronunciator (November 20)
LinkedIn Learning (December 4)
Google Slides (December 18).
Classes are free, but registration is required. Click here for more information.
Westport-based Christmas Lake Press has published “Voices of Our Children” — and there is a strong local connection.
The illustrated poetry anthology features the work of children in the HEAL Community Service Program — part of Homes with Hope
The small, moving volume include youngsters’ heartfelt work. The official launch is set for the Westport Book Shop on November 14 (4:30 p.m.).
Organized by different forms of poetry, like haiku, odes, colors and Renga, the book showcases poets ranging from kindergarteners to high school seniors, along with HEAL volunteers.
The back of the book includes blank lined pages where readers — from children to adults— are encouraged to write their own poems.
The program that generated the poems in the book was created and run by Westport resident Sylvie Middleton, with Jennifer Lyn Amon, HEAL program director.
All proceeds will help further HEAL members’ creative and artistic aspirations, through Homes with Hope’s programming. Christmas Lake published the book pro bono, as a contribution to the community.
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Former Westport educator Karley Meltzer died peacefully on October 14 in the presence of her daughter, Killian Higgins, in San Mateo, California, where she moved 8 years ago to be closer to her family. She was 84.
Daughter of US Congressman Thor Tollefson of Washington, Karley earned a BA in music from Sarah Lawrence College, a master’s degree in education from Wesleyan University, and a doctorate in education from Columbia University.
At Staples High School she served as dean of the Class of 1986 — the first class to enter as freshmen, during Westport’s transition from junior highs to middle schools.
She helped develop the Alternatives interdisciplinary program for high school students at Staples High, initiated the Ropes course, served as vice president of the Westport Education Association, and was a board member of Project Return.
Former student (and WEA board member) Karen DeFelice was a student in Karley’s Psychology class at Staples. Karen calls her “an amazing teacher. She had so much energy and passion. She also had a deep appreciation for diverse learners.”
She had taught social studies before moving on to administration, first as vice principal in New Fairfield and then as principal of a magnet middle school in Stamford.
In addition to her daughter Killian, she is survived by 3 step-children and 6 grandchildren.
A celebration of Karley’s life is set for November 16 (2 p.m., the Peninsula Regent, San Mateo). To contact her daughter , email killianhiggins@gmail.com.
Cary Peterson sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and these words:
“This is only one of the animals we’ve seen at our small pond in central Westport.
(Photo/Cary Peterson)
“They are all thirsty. Fresh water is hard to find. People might want to put out water.
“Even though temperatures have been warm, the raccoon’s coat seems very thick. It may bode for a colder winter.”
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And finally … Jack Jones — described by the New York Times as “a crooner who beguiled concert fans and stage, screen and television audiences for decades with romantic ballads and gentle jazz tunes that even in large venues often achieved the intimacy of his celebrated nightclub performances” — died Wednesday in California. He was 86, and suffered from leukemia.
Ben Casparius — believed to be the first Staples High School graduate to pitch in the Major Leagues — now has the chance to do even better.
He’s on the Los Angeles’ Dodgers’ World Series roster.
Despite his stellar performances since being called up from the minors in August, the 2017 SHS grad’s Series status was not a grand slam. Two injured pitchers might have returned, leaving him on the bench but unable to play.
But the former University of Connecticut star is on LA’s 26-man roster.
That’s great for Casparius. And not so great for all the “06880” New York Yankee fans, who now have at least one reason to cheer for the Dodgers. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius, with the National League Championship Series trophy.
There are many ways to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One of the biggest is Pink Aid’s “Pink After Dark.”
Thursday’s event — hosted generously, as always, by Mitchells of Westport — raised over $1.4 million.
Thanks to its many supporters, Pink Aid will help thousands of breast cancer patients pay bills, get to treatment, keep the lights on, and put food on the table.
Honorees and others spoke eloquently about their own experiences with breast cancer, and Pink Aid’s importance to them personally.
Civil rights activist Ben Crump discussed health equity, and Pink Aid’s work helping the underserved breast cancer patients get the care they need, and provide for their families.
Shelenna McKissick moved the large crowd when she told how Pink Aid helped her and her family during her most difficult moments.
Motivational fitness guru Stacey Griffith had everyone on their feet, when she described her own breast cancer journey, and urged: Never give up!
Another highlight was the Celebration of Life Warrior Fashion Show, featuring breast cancer Warriors.
That’s less than a week to stock up on pounds of candy for trick-or-treaters.
Or tons, if you live by Compo Beach.
Here’s a sneak preview of that popular area:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Though we think so at times, Westport is not the center of the universe.
And we are hardly the only Westport in it.
Longtime residents may remember the “Westports of the World” conventions. Every couple of years, a Westport — in Massachusetts, perhaps, or Ireland — would host a celebration for the others.
We haven’t had one in a while.
But Maya Mandell is doing her bit.
The 2014 Staples alumna finished her master’s in film producing at London’s Goldsmiths University. Before graduation ceremonies this January, she set out for Down Under.
She made a special stop in Westport, New Zealand.
It’s the furthest Westport from Westport, Connecticut. But it may have the coolest sign of any Westport in the world.
And finally … Phil Lesh, the legendary Grateful Dead bassist, died yesterday. He was 84. Click here for a full obituary.
(A great weekend begins and ends with “06880.” As always, we rely ono reader support to inform, entertain, inspire and occasionally provoke our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
The 2017 Staples High School graduate — believed to be the first former Wrecker ever to reach baseball’s Major Leagues — now goes to the ultimate games.
And he’s one reason they’re there.
Called up from the minors in August, Casparius has proven to be a reliable relief pitcher. Last night he threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 1 but giving up no runs, as the Dodgers beat the New York Mets 10-5.
And Casparius — one of 7 LA pitchers — was credited with the win. It was his first in MLB.
Jeff Mitchell explains: “If the starting pitcher does not complete at least 5 innings and leaves the game with a lead that the team maintains, the official scorer will decide which relief pitcher is credited with the win.
“The scorer typically awards the win to the relief pitcher who was the most effective in preserving the lead during the game. Because no relief pitcher pitched more innings than Ben (1 1/3) nor had a better ERA (0.00), Ben was awarded it.
“I highly doubt any pitcher in the history of baseball has won a post-season game with fewer regular season appearances. Ben had appeared in just 3 regular season games, and now has appeared in 4 post-season games.
“However, rumors are that Dodger relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia might be well enough to return for the World Series. That means they would need to replace 1 or 2 relievers currently on the roster.
“Ben is not assured to be back on the starting roster. But I think he’ll be in the dugout to be used in case of injury.”
Here’s the clubhouse scene, after the game:
Meanwhile, as the California team battled to reach the World Series — against the New York Yankees — most folks assumed the Connecticut native had grown up rooting for either the Yanks or the Mets.
Nope.
Yesterday’s Boston Globe reported:
Dodgers rookie righthander Ben Caspariusgrew up in Westport, Conn., which is Yankees territory. But he was a Red Sox fan.
“My father is from Maine and he and my mom went to Northeastern,” Casparius said. “So I always liked the Sox.”
The Globe added:
Casparius was a two-way player at North Carolina then transferred to UConn to focus on pitching.
It was a good decision. He had a 3.36 ERA as a starter in Triple A this season, made his major league debut as a reliever, and worked 3 scoreless innings in his first 2 postseason games, striking out 4 and not allowing a hit.
His message from manager Dave Roberts?
“Just be myself,” Casparius said. “It’s just another day in baseball, nothing needs to change, or reinvent the wheel or try anything new. And really just to soak it all in and just take in every moment. Enjoy it.”
Casparius hit 97 miles per hour with his fastball against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS. While his work has not been in high-leverage spots, Casparius picking up outs has helped the other relievers get some rest.
(Hat tip: Jeff Booth)
Ben Casparius (screenshot courtesy of Dave Briggs)
Speaking of sports: Members of the Staples High School boys and girls soccer teams, and the field hockey squad, joined many other Westporters yesterday morning, at the annual Push Against Cancer event.
The giant push-up festival raises funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker was there to support the cause, and event founder Andy Berman.
Gail Bernstein — who in her more than 30 years as benefits coordinator for the town of Westport solved many problems, made life better for countless employees, and earned great respect — died peacefully at her Fairfield home on Thursday, surrounded by her family. She was 89.
She is survived by her sons Paul (April) and Douglas; sister Judy (Dan); nephews Jeffrey (Jo), Matthew (Paloma), Rob (Jennifer), Peter (Scott), David (Linda); niece Martha; step-grandchildren Michael, Emily and Jason; grandnieces Sabrina and Nicole; grandnephew Michael, and other extended family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday (October 22, 12 noon, Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Burial will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. F
Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. Click here to leave an online condolence note.
Gail Bernstein
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Bees do it.
Cooperate, that is.
Nancy Vener provides an up-close-and-very-personal look, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of Ben Casparius’ Boston Red Sox fandom:
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