Posted onDecember 2, 2024|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Steve Zimmerman
Steve Zimmerman has one of the best jobs in town: coordinator of music and visual arts for the Westport Public Schools.
He came here after 25 years as band director at schools in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. He’s been named Connecticut Music Educator of the Year, and of 50 Yale Distinguished Music Educators.
Steve has sung at Carnegie Hall, and performed as a trombonist all over the East. The other day, he added “06880: The Podcast” to his resumé.
Click below, to hear — just a couple of weeks before Staples High School’s 84th annual Candlelight Concert — our wide-ranging conversation.
Two days after they were ordered, the holiday lights to brighten the William F. Cribari Bridge arrived.
An energetic, efficient and very committed group of Westporters made sure that the beloved annual tradition — in danger when the lights were removed, and the long-time sponsor stepped back — continues.
The lights will be hung Sunday night, starting at 10 p.m. (the bridge will be closed during that time).
The gala bridge lighting is set for 5 p.m. Monday. The entire town is invited.
Westport PAL — one of the lights’ sponsors — will have collection boxes for the toy drive they run, with the Westport Police Department. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the bridge, and the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
The restaurant will also offer half-priced wine and beer from 5 to 8 p.m.
Westport’s fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — has gotten off to a slow start.
Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.
Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.
It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.
How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years?
Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.
Yesterday was Black Friday. Next week is Cyber Monday.
Today is Small Business Saturday.
There are plenty of local stores to choose from. They’re the heart and soul of our town. Think local!
Meanwhile, next Saturday — December 7 — is another opportunity to support small businesses.
The “06880” Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll features over 70 merchants, offering discounts, deals, gifts and freebies. Click here for details.
WEST Boutique on Post Road East is one of many locally owned businesses.
=================================================
Here is an update on the Thanksgiving Day house fire, near the Westport border.
At 3:42 p.m., Weston Fire was alerted to a fire at 40 Weston Road. The garage fire spread quickly into the 10,000-square-foot residence. Firefighters’ efforts were thwarted by dangerous fire conditions and structural collapse.
In addition, a vehicle drove over the water supply hose on Weston Road, damaging the line and stopping the flow of water for several minutes.
The 25 or so people inside the home escaped without injury. But the house is uninhabitable, and the heat from the fire melted the plastic on some cars in the driveway, CT Insider reports.
Personnel remained on the scene for over 16 hours, battling the blaze. Mutual aid assistance was provided by several fire departments including Westport, along with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Weston Public Works Department, Weston Police Department, Westport Police Department and Weston EMS.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Weston Fire Marshal. Preliminary investigation shows it began in the garage, the result of frying a turkey. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Thanksgiving Day house fire in Weston. (Photo and details courtesy of Weston Volunteer Firie Department)
And finally … today is the 100th birthday of satirist Alan Sherman. He had a brief heyday in the early 1960s — including the novelty smash hit below — before dying in 1973, 10 days before his 49th birthday. He had been undergoing treatment for emphysema, asthma, and obesity, and died of respiratory failure.
(Celebrate Small Business Day by supporting this small business: “06880.” Your hyper-local blog relies on readers’ contributions. Please click here — and thank you!)
Posted onNovember 30, 2024|Comments Off on Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman
Leslie and Andrew Ward’s 3 sons grew up in Westport. They played football and basketball for PAL and AAU teams, then at Staples High School. Each continued competing in college.
Every season Leslie and Andrew made bracelets showcasing their uniform numbers or initials, customized for their sport and team colors.
For good luck, they did not take them off all season long.
Some of Bleacher Family’s bracelets, customized by sport, uniform number and school colors.
Family members, friends and fans noticed their bracelets, and asked for ones for their own kids’ teams.
As word spread, the Wards launched a small family-run online business, so people in Westport (and beyond) could order their own personalized/customized bracelets.
To honor a family member who died, the Wards donate a portion of each year’s profits to help fund cancer research.
This year — intrigued by a recent “06880” post about Westport’s efforts to support the children of our Ukrainian sister city, Lyman — they’ve added this worthy cause to their charitable contributions. (Click here to read about our fund drive, to send kids from the war-torn city to a therapeutic camp.)
To use a sports analogy: It’s a grand slam.
You can order a bracelet to support your favorite athlete or team. At the same time, you support a local business — plus cancer research, and the children of Westport’s sister city. Click here to see a great selection of bracelets, plus ordering information.
PS: They make great stocking stuffers!
(Want to support the Lyman project directly? Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”)
Comments Off on Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman
It was a fascinating look back, to a time of computers in classrooms, but no laptops or cell phones; of hair and clothes styles which are both out of date today, yet also quite familiar; and a school building that no longer exists — except the auditorium, gym, fieldhouse and pool still do.
Here are 3 more videos from that era.
Whether you went to Staples in the ’80s and ’90s, or not; whether you were an adult or teenager then, or not yet born — click on and enjoy!
And if you’ve got some insights into how things have changed — or not — in school since the late last century, click “Comments” below.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Hundreds of runners — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — took part in the annual event. They got some exercise, saw some friends, and worked up an appetite for the feasts that followed.
Rain did not deter the Staples football team, either.
Both the offense and defense excelled, in a 27-0 pasting of traditional Thanksgiving Day rival Greenwich at Paul Lane Field. The Cardinals are now 8-2.
The decisive win lifts the Wreckers’ record to 9-1, and gives them the #2 spot in the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament. Fairfield Prep is #1.
Staples will host #7 Manchester (6-4) in the LL quarterfinals. The game is set for Tuesday (December 3), at a time to be determined.
Nathan Smith intercepts a pass, and scores.
Action from yesteray’s Staples (blue) vs. Greenwich football game. (Photos/Douglas Healey)
Meanwhile, not far away at Wakeman Field, nearly 30 current and former Staples boys soccer players ignored the rain, and enjoyed their annual Turkey Bowl alumni game.
The oldest participant was Dave Wilson. He captained the Wreckers in 1975, then led the Dartmouth College squad too.
Among the players: Dylan Hoke. A Connecticut College freshman, he’ll be playing in the NCAA Division III national semifinals Thursday. The Camels face Washington & Lee, in Las Vegas.
Westport Police and Fire Departments assisted their Weston counterparts yesterday, in battling a fire that desroyed a home near the Broad Street and Weston Road intersection.
Traffic was diverted for several hours, as firefighters from Westport, Weston and Georgetown fought the blaze.
Water was pumped from the pond between West Branch Road and Broad Street. Smoke was smelled as far away as North Avenue, nearly 2 miles away.
(Photo/Sayje Benjamin Photo, via Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services)
=================================================
These 2 hooded mergansers have not headed south yet for the winter. They joined a black duck, paddling around Burying Hill Beach and posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Shopping for deals? How about “06880”?! Delivered to you, 24/7/365. We can’t do it without readers’ support, though. Please click here to keep this great deal coming. Thank you!)
The Westport Representative Town Meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first meeting this coming Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.
================================================
Sponsors have flocked to the new PAL/YMCA Westport travel basketball program.
And it’s not just local busineses and services. In addition to orthodontists, a cleaning company and restaurants, 3 families sponsored teams.
But their names on not on the young players’ jerseys. Instead, thanks to donations from the McCalisters, Liz Hauer and Groves, the causes they believe in — Adrienne Flemming fitness program, Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s Hospital, respectively — are emblazoned on the back.
Sponsorship includes game jerseys and shorts, practice jerseys, a shooting shirt and backpack, at no cost to players.
The 8th grade (oldest) jerseys were sponsored by PAL. Both teams chose a message that reflects the core belief of the Staples High School program.
On the boys’ jerseys is “STANCE,” an acronym the Wreckers boys live by. The girls’ jersey say “DRIVE,” which this year’s captains and new coach Tommy Sparks chose to reflect the program’s beliefs.
This year’s travel basketball program involves 11 boys and 9 girls teams, plus a 3rd grade girls developmental squad.
Sponsors include Electric Symphony, Fairfield Dermatology, CT ENT, Purple Cow Cleaners, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Outpost Pizza, Academy Camps, The O’Dell Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Metta Management, Heartlent and The Cal Group.
Honoring a favorite non-profit.
=================================================
The Westport Farmers’ Market is beloved for its home-grown produce, baked goods, cheese mongers and more. Savvy shoppers know it’s the place to be, every Thursday.
Once a year — on a Saturday — the WFM hosts a special Holiday Artists’ Market. This time, the fare is courtesy of local artists.
This year’s event is Saturday, December 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).
Over 40 artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too, plus a photo booth.
Among the attractions: Ms President US‘s Clara Scotto, of Westport, will showcase upcycled, upmarket teen fashion. All proceeds from t-thrift sales will be donated to Person to Person in Darien.
================================================
What’s so funny about Walrus Alley?
Once a month — usually the last Tuesday — the downtown restaurants hosts 3 comics.
This week’s headliner was Chris Clarke.
Chris Clarke, at Walrus Alley on Tuesday night. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Yesterday’s story about the return of lights to the William F. Cribari Bridge — we’ll have them after all! — reminded readers of the joys of crossing the 135-year-old span during the holidays.
And it reminded Westport artist Michael Chait of this video he produced, illustating the dazzling colors over the Saugatuck River.
“Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap” is the subject of a special Westport Library conversation.
The December 4 (7 p.m.) event exploring inequality with authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed. It’s part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s “In Community Conversation” series, in partnership with TEAM Westport.
“Fifteen Cents” authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed join FCCF president and CEO Mendi Blue Paca for a panel discussion with local community leaders, followed by an audience Q & A. Click here for more information.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between November 20 and 27.
A 22-year-old Astoria, New York woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy to commiti thosoe crimes, after an investigation into a complaint about a stolen IRS refund check that had been stolen and deposited. She was held on a $150,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Cos Cob man was arrested for larceny and identity theft, based on $5,500 in fraudulent charges. He posted a $10,000 bond.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation. He was held on a $20,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Speeding: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Improper marker lamps: 1
Improper number of headlamps: 1
Be sure you have the right number of headlights!
===============================================
Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dolled up for Thanksgiving.
She is also very glad that the meal of choice on this holiday is turkey, not pork.
And finally … it’s amazing the things I remember from my childhood, decades back. (Just as amazing: how easily I forget things from seconds ago, like why did I just walk into this room?).
Every Thanksgiving at Burr Farms Elementary School, we sang this song:
I thought it was a nice holiday tune. Not until decades later did I realize it was a hymn.
But that wasn’t the only religious component of my Westport public school education. In first and second grade — until the Supreme Court outlawed it — every day began with the Lord’s Prayer.
That’s right. Just after the Pledge of Allegiance, our entire class — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and everyone else — bowed our heads, and said, “Our Father, who art in heaven …”
(Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am thankful for the chance to share my love of Westport with our wonderful online community. Enjoy the day!)
The Westport Library was packed last night with entrepreneurs (current and future), tech types, and friends and fans of our town’s best and brightest recent Staples High School graduates.
Startup Westport’s “Young Innovators” forum featured 4 alums — none over 25 years old — and an only slightly older venture capitalist.
Dylan Diamond (CEO of Saturn Technologies), Max Hammer and Josh Karol (CEO and CTO, respectively, of CrowdVolt), and Whop CTO Jack Sharkey chatted with Molly O’Shea about the challenges, perils and joys of starting — then running — a multimillion-dollar business while still in college.
Or making the decision to drop out, to do so.
Panelists (from left) Max Hammer, Jack Sharkey, Josh Karol and Dylan Diamond, with moderator Molly O’Shea. (Photo/Kara Curtis)
The money they’ve raised is mind-boggling. So is the creativity they’ve shown, the detours they’ve taken, and the humility with which they talk about their work (which, in all 5 cases, is also their passion).
All gave enormous credit to Staples’ computer science program, which offered the tools to code, create and collaborate.
Diamond noted that then-principal John Dodig and instructor Dave Scrofani provided important backing, when certain administrators wanted to shut down his iStaples app.
(It gave students easy access to schedules, classmates and grades. Now, as Saturn, it’s used by students in 22,000 schools nationwide. Coming soon: colleges.)
Their career paths have already taken them to big companies like Tesla. But the panelists prefer entrepreneurship.
“Shoot for the moon,” Sharkey said. “If you miss, you can always get a job.”
“The opportunity cost in high school and college is so low,” said former University of Pennsylvania student Diamond, adding that young people have great insight into “how to build things.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (far left) read a proclamation honoring Staples’ computer science program. From left: former principal John Dodig, instructors Dave Scrofani and Joanne Klouda, department chair John DeLuca. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The 4 learned the financial side of entrepreneurship along the way (including the importance of giving equity to new hires, at the start).
The young entrepreneurs all echoed Diamond’s advice: “Hire people smarter than you. Don’t pretend you know everything. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know.'”
“Don’t get too attached to resumes,” Kozol added.
It has not always been easy. During COVID, when schools were closed, Diamond’s user base quickly dropped to “zero.”
But he and his classmates quickly learned the importance of pivoting.
Now Diamond is on his way to making Saturn “the world’s most fun personal calendar.” Google and Microsoft will never know what hit them.
(“06880” often highlights the success of Staples graduates, of all ages and types. If you enjoy this coverage on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Andrew Colabella reports: “Over the last 2 years, a group of volunteers from the Representative Town Meeting planted 500 tulips. Most were at the Minute Man monument.
“In late spring, a landscaper mistook the stems there for weeds. Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent Michael West was upset, and wanted to make up for it.”
Colabella requested 500 tulip bulbs as replacements. West, and Parks & Rec’s Jamie Boone and Rick Giunta, surprised him with 1,500.
The other day,Colabella and several fellow RTM members planted the bulbs at the Minute Man, and other spots in town like the Compo Beach entrance and Compo cemetery.
In addition, each RTM member who planted tulips took bulbs to plant in a public spot of their choice — without telling the others where it is.
We won’t see the results of their work until spring. But it will be fun to discover, and beautiful to see.
Planting tulips at the Minute Man monument. Front row (from left): Nancy Kail, Kristin Mott Purcell. Rear: Melissa Levy, Andrew Colabella, Don O’Day.
Planting bulbs at Compo Beach. RTM members Claudia Shaum and Julie Whamond flank Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd.
Looking for non-shopping activities over Thanksgiving? Got relatives from out of town, who want to do something Westport-special?
Earthplace is your place.
Their Story and Animal program, Birds of Prey feeding, “Saturdays at Earthplace” and Winged Wonders program are all intriguing. And Earthplace trails and 62-acre sanctuary are open to the public, from dawn to dusk.
The Story and Animal program (Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; age 5 and under) includes an animal-themed story, and an “encounter” with an Animal Hall resident.
Birds of Prey Feeding (daily, 11 a.m.; all ages), includes information about birds’ eating habits and behaviors.
Saturdays at Earthplace (November 30, noon; all ages; parent or caregiver must be present) is a nature-based arts and crafts activity.
Winged Wonders (December 1, 1 p.m.) is a bird-on-glove demonstration, to learn about raptors. This Sunday features Earthplace’s barred owl, Moody.
Also, starting Sunday, Earthplace participates in Westport Moms’ first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt The “Earthplace Elf” will hide somewhere indoors, for one week. Spot it between December 1 and 8, and win a prize.
For more information on Earthplace and its programs, click here.
An Earthplace Winged Wonders demonstration.
=================================================
The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, November 26, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes a project update; work session to review progress on schematic plans, and public comment.
Long Lots School Building Committee, in a meeting last year.
As part of the Cross Highway Traffic Improvement project between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, the Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge.
The existing bridge is in bad shape, and cannot be modified to include the new sidewalk proposed for the corridor.
Construction is proposed for 2025. The goal is to replace the bridge during the summer, when school is not in session.
The town has submitted applications to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for an 8-24.
Meetings of those groups are December 4, 11 and 16, respectively. Meeting materials are or will be available on the town’s website for each board.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.
Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook.
================================================
Achtung!
Staples High School German students did more than just showcase their skills and knowledge at the recent University of Connecticut German Quiz Bowl, competing against other high school German programs.
They finished Nummer Eins — Number One!
In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops. They also learned about job prospects with over 150 German companies operating in Connecticut. (Since 2019, Germany has been Connecticut’s number one business partner.)
Staples German students, at the University of Connecticut.
Speaking of school: Last week, Greens Farms Academy broke ground for it new Athletics and Wellness Center.
The 30,000-square foot facility — set to open in the spring of 2026 — will
include 2 full-size basketball courts, 2 wrestling rooms, 2 squash courts with viewing galleries, a fitness center and training room.
It follows the expansion of Lower School facilities, including a new dining and student commons and a renovated assembly room, which opened last year.
The projects are funded through GFA’s Centennial Campaign, which will officially launch next fall 2025 as the school nears its 100th anniversary.
A model of Greens Farms Academy’s Athletics & Wellness Center.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Thanksgiving a day early.
This year’s weekly musical treat is tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27; VFW Post 399), instead of the traditional Thursday.
Bassist Fima Ephrom headlines. He’s joined by his First Light Band: guitarists Idan Morim and Tim Jago, keyboardist William Evans, drummer Ben Silashi and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
And finally … Tina Turner was born on this date, in 1939. After a dynamic musical career, first with her husband Ike and then as a solo artist, she died last year, at 83.
(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …
More than 240 SLOBs, students and parents formed 38 3-v-3 teams, to raise over $5,100 for Staples Tuition Grants.
SLOBS president Cole Siegner, fundraising chair Zach Gillman and the executive board planned the event, and selected the charity to support.
They also voted to create a SLOBs named award with Tuition Grants, in honor of their friend and fellow Stapleite Max Harper. To contribute, click here; then select “SHS SLOBs Named Award” from the dropdown menu.
Contratulations to the winners: seniors James Pretty, RJ Kickham and Ben Cukier.
Runners-up were Austin Heyer, Cole Landgraf, Nate Maurillo and James Moneyhun. Two teams won sportsmanship awards: Jack Schwartz, Jackson Tracey, Max Saperstein and Andre Albanese, and Grant Bozeman, Ryan Marens, Charles Nivaud and Michael Roberts.
And finally … Donald “Duck” Dunn was born on this day, in 1941. A bass guitarist/record producer/session musician/songwriter, he is best known for his work with Stax Records artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd and others.
Dnn is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Booker T. & the MGs. He died in 2012, at 70.
(Hold on! Are you coming with a tax-deductible donation, to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog? If so, please click here. Thank you!)
Right now, 3 athletic fields in Westport have lights: Staples’ Paul Lane Field, Greens Farms Elementary School, and PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School
Will there be more?
The Planning & Zoning Commission’s Recreation Sub-committee meets December 4 (12 noon, Zoom), to review and discuss a draft text covering lighted athletic fields on town-owned public school property.
The public may comment during the meeting. To comment before the session, email PandZ@westportct.gov.
The nighttime crowd at this fall’s Staples Homecoming football game. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
================================================
Amng the items on the agenda of a joint meeting of the Representative Town Meeting Finance, Parks & Recreation, Transit and Public Works Committees (November 26, 7:30 p.m., Zoom):
A request by the director of Public Works to approve a $110,000 appropriation for the analysis, design and preparation of construction documents for traffic signal and pedestrian improvements in Saugatuck, between Bridge Street and Charles Street.
The proposal includes replacement of the Saugatuck fire station traffic light, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport has partnered with Wreathing for Community.
Volunteers created over a dozen handsome winter wreaths. They’ll be donated to local organizations, charitable events and individuals in town, as recognition for for their kindness and good deeds.
Who gets them?
“06880” readers can nominate an organization or community member to receive a wreath. Email Faith Sargent: whimsicalredheadcrafts@gmail.com.
You can also email her to donate materials for future projects, or arrange an event for your organization or group.
Neighbors and Newcomers take a break from wreath-making.
Club203 was “on strike” last night. Members of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities made pre-Thanksgiving “turkeys,” with a party at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield.
Friends, volunteers, fun and food had everyone ”rolling” in new friendships.
Next up: Club203’s holiday bash, December 11 at VFW Post 399. For more information, click here.
Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has spent nearly 3 years delivering supplies and services to residents and officials in besieged cities in that war-torn nation — has planned a holiday celebration.
It’s both an action-packed evening, and a fundraiser. Proceeds will be earmarked for Ukrainian children, as another harsh winter begins.
The December 8 event (1 to 5 p.m., Redline Restorations, Black Rock) includes food and drinks, holiday activities, kids’ crafts, antique cars, and updates from Marshall Mayer’s recent trip to the front. Click here for details.
Ukraine Aid International
=================================================
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between November 13 and 20.
A 58-year-old Waterbury man was arrested for larceny and criminal mischief. he allegedly entered Kai Yoga, stole money, then removed the security camera. He was arraigned on a $175,000 bond.
A 36-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with identity theft and violation of probation, following an investigation into a fraudulent check for $6,613.32, drawn in December 2020. He was held in lieu of an $80,000 bond.
A 34-year-old Stamford man was charged with larceny, criminal mischief and simple trespass, on a complaint by Bank of America of theft of parts of the exterior irrigation system.
A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on an active re-arrest warrant, after being stopped for a motor vehicle violation.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with failure to appear, after an active re-arrest warrant was discovered following a stop for a motor vehicle violation.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Improper stop: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
One arrest this week was for an adult who failed to halt possession of alcohol by a minor.
================================================
Barbara Young, a former Westporter and noted athlete, died last week in Massachusetts. She was 91.
She achieved tremendous success in a variety of sports, including tennis, field hockey, baseball, basketball, platform tennis and golf.
Barbara played for the Chicago Colleens and Kenosha Comets in the All-American Girls’ Professional Baseball League, later made famous in “A League of Their Own.”
She is a member of 3 Halls of Fame: at Dean Junior College (for tennis), the Connecticut Golf Association HOF, and in a “Women in Baseball” exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Barbara also won the Connecticut Sports Writers’ Alliance Gold Key Award.
Barbara was a New England girls champion tennis player, and went on play #1 on the Dean Junior College men’s team. She was also a Westport women’s champ.
At Dean, she also played field hockey. In the 1960s, she played semi-pro basketball.
She was ranked among the Top 10 platform tennis players in the nation.
After receiving a set of golf clubs from her husband for Mother’s Day, she took up the game. She was a 6-time Connecticut women’s champion, and an 8-time state senior champ, along with New England senior crowns. Barbara continues her success in North Carolina.
At the Highland Country Club in Attleboro, Massachusetts, well into her 80s, she was the second-ranked female member by handicap.
Barbara is survived by her children, Janet Young See of Mansfield, Massachusetts and Lawrence of Baltimore, and grandchildren Christopher and Andrew Young, and Jason and Brian See. She was predeceased byher children Donna and Scott.
A celebration of life will be held in January, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Click here to send online condolences.
Barbara Parks Young
==========================================
A great blue heron showed up recently at Burying Hill Beach.
And Johanna Keyser Rossi was there, to snap this image for “Westport … Naturally.”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
