Richard Berkowitz — an attorney whose involvement for more than 50 years in politics, sports, civic organizations, and much more helped shape Westport into what it is today — died peacefully on New Year’s Eve. He was 80 years old.
He practiced law here until his death, most recently “of counsel” at Berkowitz, Trager & Trager. He represented high-profile individuals, leading executives and members of the media. He was a president of the Connecticut Bar Association.
But his impact spread far beyond his profession.
Dick Berkowitz
In his 55 years in Westport, Dick was elected to the Planning & Zoning Commission and Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
He served as president of the Westport Kiwanis Club, Westport Bar Association and Birchwood Country Club, and was a board member of Staples Tuition Grants and the Westport National Bank.
He was a director of Project Renaissance, a drug treatment project; the Dartmouth Clubs of Westport-Weston and Fairfield County, and the Temple Israel Brotherhood.
In 1970 — 3 years after Berkowitz (then 29 years old), his wife Carole and children moved to Westport — 1st Selectman John Kemish appointed Dick to be chair of a new commission on youth and human relations activities. It was the forerunner of today’s Youth Commission.
He was a longtime assistant basketball coach at Staples High School, working with head coach Brian Kelley. For many years he coached Pop Warner football, Little League baseball and youth recreational basketball. He was also an avid member of the Compo Beach Irregulars, an “informal group of enthusiastic athletes.”
Rooms have been named in Dick Berkowitz’s honor at Temple Israel, and the Roth Center for Jewish Life at Dartmouth College.
He graduated from Dartmouth, and earned his law degree at the University of Connecticut.
He is survived by his wife Carole; children Jody, Emily, Suzy and Adam, and several grandchildren.
Information on services on memorial contributions will be announced soon.
The latest casualties of COVID: the Senior Center and Toquet Hall.
Both places — gathering spots for older Westporters and teenagers, respectively — have suspended all indoor and in-person programming.
The town Department of Human Services says that some Senior Center classes and programs will be offered on Zoom.
The Senior Center lunch program will operate as a drive-thru at noon, Monays through Fridays. To participate, call 203-341-5099 at least 24 hours in advance.
Rod Serling moved from Westport to California in the late 1950s. He died — at just 50 years old — in 1975.
But the screenwriter extraordinaire still lives. Continuing a long tradition, the SyFy network airs a “Twilight Zone” New Year’s marathon. It starts at 2 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, December 31) and runs through 5 a.m. Sunday, January 2.
There’s a new episode every half hour or so. Click here for the schedule.
Looking for “A Stop at Willoughby” — the famous show in which the conductor of a train calls out “Next stop: Westport Saugatuck!” (and which Serling called his favorite of the entire first year)?
Local to Market — Main Street’s great new spot for food, crafts and much more — is hiring.
If you’re fond of fine local stuff, have a passion for small business, and are interested in joining a fun team for 10-20 hours a week, email jon@localtomarket.com.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature focuses on natural features (naturally).
Sometimes though, the natural world needs a slight man-made touch. David Lowrie created this scene, using (naturally) all natural tree stumps, at his property off North Bulkley.
And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.
It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:
2021 was a difficult year. But as dark as things seem, we always have music.
Here in Westport, we’re particularly lucky. We have the Staples High School music department. Each year, they give us a gift: the Candlelight Concert.
This year — the 81st — was particularly welcome.
Despite the challenges — including Omicron and mask mandates — the concert was astonishing. It might be the best ever.
But don’t take my word for it. Watch the combined instrumental and orchestral version of Beethoven’s Fantasie for Piano, Choir and Orchestra Op. 80 for yourself.
Starting slowly, then building to a stunning crescendo, it features senior Sasha Maskoff’s remarkable piano solo.
Vocal soloists include Sophia Betit, Shanti Wimmer, Jackiei Peterson, Sydney Gusick, Emily Desser Lauranne De Vos, Samuel Betit, Peter Macris, James Dobin-Smith, Zach Berman, Jeffrey Pogue and Ryan Porio.
Seven days from the end of a terrible year, these 12 minutes will convince you that this is — still — a very beautiful world.
Staples High School’s 81st annual Candlelight Concert — but first of the 2020s decade — awed audiences this weekend, with stunning performances by nearly 200 young musicians and singers.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
With slight tweaks — an almost indiscernible new arrangement of “Sing We Noel,” snappy staging, even a new font in the program — the beloved event held on to all its important rituals, while offering fresh takes that showcased astonishing individual talents, and tremendous collaboration among teachers and groups.
A festive scene greeted concert-goers in the auditorium lobby. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Along with offerings from the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra nd Choirs, highlights included (but were hardly limited to) the Jazz Combo’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”; the String Quartet’s “Andante Festivo”; the Percussion Ensemble’s “Nutcracker to Go,” and the show-stopping “Fantasie for Piano, Choir & Orchestra Op. 80” by Beethoven, with vocal soloists and a mesmerizing performance by senior pianist Sasha Maskoff.
Another tradition: Alice Addicks greeting the audience. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Each music instructor took turns leading combined group. Take a well-deserved bow, Luke Rosenberg, Carrie Mascaro, Phil Giampietro and Jeri Hockensmith — and your scores of talented, passionate performing artists.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
“Sing We Noel” processional (Photo/Dan Woog)
Orchestra director Jeri Hockensmith leads “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
All eyes are on the conductor. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Phil Giampietro acknowledges applause for the band and orchestra. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Masks did not detract at all from the choral selections. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Choral director Luke Rosenberg helped mastermind the 2021 Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Jeffrey Pogue and Shanti Wimmer solo on the Jazz Ensemble’s “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Sasnta and friend, in Don Rickenback’s peppy production number (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Carrie Mascaro conducts the rousing “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
Adding a bit of color to the Symphonic Band. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Staples music instructors (from left) Jeri Hockesmith,Don Rickenback, Mary Gardner, Luke Rosenberg, Phil Giampietro and Caitlin Serpliss acknowledge applause of their musicians after the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Dan Woog)
Dozens of alumni joined nearly 200 musicians onstage for the “Hallelujah Chorus” finale. (Photo/Danielle Dobin)
Missed the concert? Mark this coming Thursday (December 23, 8 p.m.); click on www.StaplesMusic.org, for a streamed, previously recorded show.
According to its website, Tacombi is “a Mexican company founded on the soft sands of the Yucatan … focused on sharing authentic taco culture. Our taqueros proudly work every day to preserve and share Mexico’s culinary traditions — and we do it sustainably with wholesome, simple ingredients free of antibiotics, hormones, genetic modification or artificial additives & preservatives.”
Danny Meyer just led a $27.5 million round of investments. That will allow Tacombi to expand beyond its 11 locations in the trendiest neighborhoods of Manhattan and Brooklyn, plus new locations soon in Miami and Bethesda.
And — in December 2022 — Westport.
The website gives no information, other than “Old Post Road.”
Muy interesante! There is an Old Post Road in Fairfield — but here in Westport, it’s “Post Road East” and “Post Road West.”
Of course, Fairfield is just a few yards away from a restaurant Danny Meyer already owns: Shake Shack.
Readers: If you know anything more about Tacombi coming to Westport, click “Comments” below.
Westporters are avid supporters of the Oyebog Tennis Academy. The brainchild of Intensity pro Joseph Oyebog, it sends gently used equipment and clothing to his native Cameroon.
A container is almost ready to ship — and a very generous donor is covering its cost. There’s a final push now to make sure every inch is filled.
Among the requests: used tennis balls, racquets, bags, sneakers and clothes; new poly strings and new heavy-duty balls (US Open, Slazenger, Technifibre).
Items can be dropped off now through December 26, at 104 Long Lots Road. There are OTA bins by the garage.
Applications are open for Staples Tuition Grants’ awards for the 2022-23 school year.
Since its start in 1943 with one $100 scholarship, STG has helped students with financial need attend college. Last year, the organization provided $350,000 in grants to 129 graduating seniors, and students already in college.
Click here to apply for a grant — or donate. The application deadline is April 10.
Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to the high school’s Students of the Month!
Seniors Molly Liles and Jack Kuster, juniors Franca Strandell and John Whittle, sophomore Samantha Sheldon and freshmen Isabel Brookbanks and Westley Dick awere nominated by their teachers.
Principal Stafford Thomas calls them ” the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is. The award recognizes the positive attitude they bring to school every day.”
From left: Jack Kuster, Westley Dick, Isabel Brookbanks, Franca Strandell, Molly Liles, Samatha Sheldon. Missing: John Whittle.
There are just 2 Thursdays remaining — December 16 and 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — to stock up on local food and gifts from local farmers, prepared food vendors and artisans with unique crafts at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
WFM takes place at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (7 Sylvan Lane) — itself an area icon for Christmas trees, holiday plants, ornaments, and more,
In addition to the Farmers’ Market familiar list of vendors, the upcoming markets feature surprise guest artisans, music, caroling, food and beverages (with tables set up for lunch).
Children of all ages will enjoy Get Growing, a popular kids’ craft event.
And finally … Stonewall Jackson — the country music artist, not the general — died earlier this month in Nashville, from vascular dementia. He was 89.
Stonewall was his real name. He earned his greatest fame in the late 1950s and early ’60s. He had 35 Top 40 country hits, and performed at the Grand Ole Opry for decades. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Connecticut has taken a national lead in empowering youth voices.
Now Staples has taken a lead in making it happen.
This morning, the high school welcomed Governor Ned Lamont, Congressman Jim Himes and State Senator Will Haskell. They, and 2 members of the state Department of Education, outlined a new $1.5 million program — part of the national American Rescue Plan — that allocates $20,000 to 85 schools. Current students propose ideas for their building, then vote on which one to implement.
Then the adults sat back and listened, to a dozen student ideas.
Westport Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice (far right) greets Governor Ned Lamont. Also at the event (from left): Congressman Jim Himes, State Senator Will Haskell and Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas.
Himes noted that while the federal government works “at scale” — allocating $6 trillion in COVID relief — it can’t understand the needs of individual communities. That’s where the “Voice4Change” program comes in.
It was an intriguing morning. Lamont, Himes and Haskell addressed the Staples students as intelligent, involved people. They did not talk down or pander; they did not try to score political points, often pointing out the bipartisan nature of COVID relief funds. They listened and took notes.
Lamont did give props to Connecticut as “an entrepreneur factory.” Why, he wondered, can’t some entrepreneurial ideas come from students?
“I’m all ears,” he said.
Governor Lamont at the podium.
Among the ideas: strengthened school security, including ID cards for student access to the building, and metal detectors; installing solar panels in the parking lot, as at Fairfield Warde High; and enhanced ties between Staples and neighboring, less affluent school districts.
Proposals are due to the state Department of Education by January 9. Each school will have its own ballot, for voting on March 11.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker offered to mentor students who have ideas. Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice challenged them to find sources to match the $20,000.
Staples High School students listen to ideas for Voice4Change.
Lamont had to leave for another engagement. But Himes, Haskell, the state Education reps, and town officials stuck around to chat.
It was a tossup who was more inspired: the students, or them.
Staples High School senior Natalie Bandura is the high school representative on the state Board of Education. She spoke to fellow students about the Voice4Change initiative. (Photos/Dan Woog)
This year — which for many Westporters was a surprisingly good one, Wall Street-wise — as we buy presents for loved ones, friends, and people whose good graces we need to keep, we should also think about help others.
Give what you can.
It does not hurt that helping them can also ease our tax burden a few months from now.
But who to give to?
Far be it for “06880” to say. So here is a list — off the top of my head — of some worthy local organizations. Each one has a clickable link 🙂
I know I’ve missed some. Rather than bite my head off (very un-Christmas-y), please mention them in the “Comments” section. Then I’ll add them to this list.
And please: Keep your suggestions local (southern Fairfield County). There are way too many very worthy national and international groups to include. Thank you!
Catch a Lift: Westport supports veterans through fitness programs Circle of Friends: Teens work with children with disabilities
CLASP: Group homes and opportunities MyTEAM Triumph: Road race support for children, adults and veterans STAR Lighting the Way: Support for all ages Sweet P Bakery: Provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities; supplies The Porch at Christie’s with delicious baked goods
Mercy Learning Center: Life skills training for low-income women Read to Grow: Promoting children’s literacy from birth, supporting parents as babies’ first teachers Westport Book Sales: Providing employment for people with disabilities — and offering books, while providing funds for the Westport Library Westport Library: They do it all!
AWARE: “Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education” Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County: Empowering women by providing professional clothes and other support Malta House: Shelter and programs for young pregnant women and their babies
Every year, the Westport Garden Club creates wreaths for 18 town properties.
Members gather natural elements from their own gardens to create unique designs that they display on town buildings and non-profit organizations, from the ABC House and Gillespie Center to Earthplace.
One recipients — the Westport Museum for History & Culture — houses club archives dating back to 1924. It’s also the site of an Outdoor Winter Market tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), where 25 original wreaths will be on sale to the public. Proceeds will help continue their projects around town.
Westport Garden Club members, with their gorgeous wreaths.
The sun is not out very long these days. But it comes out this weekend for Bedford Middle School’s production of “Annie.”
The show opens tonight (Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.), then continues tomorrow (Saturday, December 4, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (December 5, 2 p.m.).
The school’s first stage production since COVID will draw raves. For tickets, click here.
Plenty of action in “Annie.” (Photo/January Stewart)
Moffly Media’s annual “Light a Fire” celebration of local heroes is always inspiring. The event honors Fairfield County residents who go above and beyond, to make a difference in the lives of others.
Last night’s honorees included Matt Jordan. The Staples High School senior works tirelessly on behalf of Kids in Crisis, helping other teens whose lives are less fortunate than his own.
The livestreamed ceremony was hosted by Weston actor and animal rights activist Jim Naughton. Click below to see. (Matt’s presentation begins at 29:22.)
On stage last night at the Westport Library: noted restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson.
He was interviewed by CBS News justice and security correspondent (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Jeff Pegues. It was part of the library’s compelling Trefz Newsmakers conversation.
The only thing missing: some of the chef’s creations.
Jeff Pegues (left) and Marcus Samuelsson. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Among next week’s highlights at the Westport Library:
Cartoonist Roz Chast and artist Karla Knight chat — and answer audience questions — in conjunction with Knight’s first solo museum exhibition (Tusday, December 7, 7 p.m.). Click here for both in-person and livestream tickets.
A reception for Leonard Everett Fisher’s exhibit, “A Life of Art,” is set for Thursday (December 9, 7 p.m.). He’ll speak about his work. The public is invited.
Across Jesup Green from the library: Photographer Fruma Markowitz is this month’s featured artist at the Westport Book Shop.
She shows part of “Sara’s Trousseau,” an installation of 9 Cyanotype prints and collages of teacups she inherited from her mother, and crocheted and embroidered linens found at flea markets and tag sales.
Markowitz is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport. Her work is on display at the back of the used book shop, on Jesup Road.
This shoe sure gets around. It’s been spotted — and photographed — at the Compo beach boardwalk, playground and concession stand. Now it’s made its way to the most iconic spot of all.
For nearly 20 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided educational opportunities to academically gifted, highly motivated young men of color.
Dozens of scholars from across the country have thrived at Staples — in the classroom, and outside.
Take Daniel Burgin.
Daniel Burgin
Though not part of Glendarcy House this year due to COVID, the Brooklyn native jumped into Staples life starting early in his freshman year. He managed the football and boys lacrosse teams, and was a production assistant with Staples Players.
As a sophomore he took photos for football, girls basketball and indoor track. He played volleyball, and followed his interests in film and martial arts.
A Narrative Film course changed his career plans. Daniel had always dreamed of being an FBI agent, or working in law enforcement. But that Staples class opened a whole new world: movie-making.
He shot a music video in Westport. Then he made a short film. “It was not great,” he admits. “But it was definitely a learning experience.”
He expanded his sports photography into videography: football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball and water polo.
A photo of the Staples High School rugby team, by Daniel Burgin.
Then COVID struck. The ABC scholars went home. For months, school was online.
Daniel used the time to bring another interest — fashion — to a new level. He’s started a clothing line.
Cinema Pancakes launched Monday. It’s another way to expand his creative reach — and raise money for his film projects.
Daniel is selling pullovers, sweatshirts, hoodies, bucket hats, beanies, stickers and more.
In the works: customizable sports jerseys and pants.
Daniel designed all the clothing. Many ideas came while walking around Westport. “It looks good, feels good, and it’s what people enjoy,” he says.
He found a manufacturer, created mockups, and is marketing the site himself. The initial response has been great, he says.
Screenshot of some of Daniel Burgin’s Creative Pancakes offerings.
Though Daniel is not at Staples this year, he remains very connected to this town.
“Westport has become home for me,” he says. “I’ve created a life there. It’s hard to understand what it’s like being an ABC student, having an experience away from home.
“The community is so generous, providing ABC the chance for a great education, and making beautiful memories, at Staples and around town.
“I am grateful to Westport. I wouldn’t have started what I’ve done if I hadn’t been there.”
(Click here to see Daniel Burgin’s clothing line. Click here for his photography site.)
When Kayla Iannetta was in high school, questioning her sexuality, she had no resources. Lacking clubs or helpful adults, she was on her own.
Now a Staples High science teacher, she quickly signed on as an advisor for the school’s LGBTQ and allies group. (It began in 1993, as the Gay Straight Alliance — the first such organization at any Connecticut public high school. I was a proud co-founder. The name was then changed to the Gender Sexuality Alliance. It’s now called the Staples Pride Coalition.)
Iannetta loved Staples’ “welcoming and open community.” But the small group of Pride Coalition students felt they were not taken seriously by everyone.
She vowed to help. With her co-advisor, math teacher Nicole Giuliani, they’ve expanded the group’s reach. Members have given presentations to health classes, created a newsletter, helped plan Westport Pride’s townwide celebration in June, and served on a panel for the Unitarian Church’s 8th grade Our Whole Lives program.
Staples Pride Coalition members and supporters, at last June’s high school Pride celebration.
All were enthusiastically received. And all have convinced the members that what they’re doing fills an enormous need.
They’re forging ahead with a Gender Identity 101 presentation for Westport Toether, programming at Toquet Hall (movies, a scavenger hunt, a drag show), and a Google Form for students, staff or parents to ask questions.
As the Pride Coalition members talked, Iannetta realized that LGBTQ issues are not limited to high school. Middle school is where they first had questions, they said. Students needed resources there too.
Why not have a District Pride group? she wondered.
Westport Public Schools’ Pride Coalition logo.
Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen and Coleytown counterpart Kris Szabo were eager to help. Iannetta found staff members to help: Cassie Carroll and Christie Cardinale at BMS, Jennifer Peppe at CMS. Both groups are now thriving.
The middle school groups — called Bedford Pride Coalition and Coleytown Pride Coalition — are thriving too.
“The most important thing is education,” Iannetta says. “These kids are excited to be part of a change. They want to make Staples a better place, and middle schools better places for LGBTQ+ students coming up in the district.”
Iannetta is energized by support from administrators — everyone from superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and vice principal Chase Dunlap, on down — and from teachers who ask questions about pronouns and seek inclusive curriculum ideas.
She and Sarah Magilnick — another Staples staff member on the school’s team of 4 working on LGBTQ+ school resources — are creating resource pamphlets, for questioning students and allies.
Yet as excited as she is about the new direction of Staples Pride Coalition, and the creation of the 2 middle school groups — all 3 are known collectively as Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition — she knows there is plenty of work to be done.
Even at the high school, some members feel the need to be anonymous. They’ve been rejected at home, or fear they will be.
But — like their advisors — they’re undaunted. “That just makes them want to do this work more,” Iannetta says with pride. “They want to reach younger students. And, maybe, their own parents too.”
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