Roundup: Old School Music, Kids’ Fun, Mystery Plane …

Posted on August 19, 2024 | 14 comments

When it comes to musical performances, the Westport Library consistently sets the bar (ho ho) high.

Yesterday afternoon, they exceeded even their own stellar standards.

Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series focused on the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much musical history.

The mesmerized, hand-clapping (and occasionally dancing) crowd was wowed by the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.

Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).

Special guest — author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — provided important back stories to the 5 historic towns.

We often say our Library rocks. Yesterday, it showed its soul.

The Old School All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Who says kids today can’t make their own fun?

These 2 took advantage of yesterday’s torrential rain. They taped themselves (well, someone else did) into garbage bags, then rolled down the hill at Staples High School’s Loeffler Field.

Looks even better than Fortnite!

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Also making their own fun: Westport’s Wiffle ball team.

Last week, “06880” featured Grant Theisinger. The rising Staples freshman and friends have created a competitive league, which plays on a full field in Grant’s back yard.

It’s a great concept, executed brilliantly by the boys.

This past weekend, they went on a road trip. Three players — Grant, Kyle Marcucio and  Finn Edwards — represented Westport at the Major League Wiffle Ball Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank.

Competing in the 13-15 age division — with 29 teams from 7 states — “High Heat
won both pool play games Saturday against teams from New York City and Pennsylvania, gaining the #6 seed.

They won their first playoff game yesterday in exciting fashion 11-10, but then lost to the eventual tournament champs.

Most importantly, the boys had a blast. They also met Kyle Schultz, the founder of MLW.

Congratulations, guys. You’ll get ’em next year!

From left: Kyle Marcucio, Finn Edwards, Kyle Schultz, Grant Theisinger. (Photo/Marc Theisinger)

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Jeff Laska writes:

“I hope your readers can help solve a mystery.

“I live on Quentin Road down by the beach. I have the good fortune of being able to work from home many days of the week. Often, I work on my laptop on my back deck.

“Ever day since we moved into this house in 2021 (at least from May through October, when the weather cooperates), a small airplane flies over Compo Beach making loop after loop, at least 10-15 times a day. It’s crazy!

“It happens so often, and I’ve gotten to know the sound of the engine so well, that I’m able to tell if it’s a different plane just by the sound, even when off in the distance!

“I’ve tried to figure out where it comes from, whether it’s a tour guide or a flight training school, if it’s from Sikorsky or Danbury, etc., but to no avail!

“Any info? Any knowledge?”

I sure don’t know (though I’d sure like to figure out the deal with the helicopter that often flies over my condo at 10:30 many nights.)

If you can solve Jeff’s Compo Beach small plane mystery, click “Comments” below.

This is not the plane Jeff Laska often hears from his deck. In fact, it’s probably been “Photoshopped” in (or whatever technology was used over 100 years ago). If it was a real plane, at least some of the (very formally dressed) beachgoers would be looking up.

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In its 8 years, the Cello Camp has become an established part of Westport’s musical summer.

Nearly 3 dozen campers — mainly cellists, with a few bass players — spend a week learning new repertoire, and warming up their fingers for the school year ahead. Danielle Merlis and Lucas DeValdivia — Staples graduates, who played together since Long Lots Elementary School — lead the sessions.

The camp culminates in a free concert. The public is invited this Saturday (August 24, 5 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The program ranges from Bizet, Dvorák and Vivaldi to “The Greatest Showman,” “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and “Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter.”

Happy (cello) campers.

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Thanks to William Weiss for our new header: a wide-angle view of the Saugatuck River, and its west and Levitt Pavilion banks.

For those who don’t receive “06880” with a link to our home page (and for those who do, actually), here it is:

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Last week, the Staples football team did the “Murph” workout.

It was a fundraiser for both the Catch A Lift Fund, and the football program. Retired Army sergeant Jason Smith — who lost both legs, and suffered extensive damage to his right hand, when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, then recovered to win 8 medals at the Invictus Games — addressed the players and spectators. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)

Staples football staff, Gridiron Club members, town and police officials and Catch a Lift representatives, with the “Murph” participants. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Every day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights some aspect of nature, somewhere in town.

Usually it’s an animal. Occasionally it’s a flower, bush or tree.

But weather is also part of Westport’s nature. Today’s Compo Beach image is one more example of the power — and surprising beauty — of Mother Nature.

(Photo/Rashmi Vyas)

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And finally … one more salute to Grant Theisinger, and Westport’s Wiffle Ball wonders:

(Weather or not you had a great weekend, “06880” is here to chronicle it. We serve Westport in many ways. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Remembering Stephanie Bass

Posted on August 19, 2024 | 7 comments

Stephanie Bass — a long-time Westporter, whose late-in-life foray into comedy inspired many — died Saturday. She was 76, and had battled cancer.

Her graveside funeral is today (Monday, August 19, 2 p.m., Wooster Cemetery, 20 Ellsworth Avenue, Danbury).

Stephanie’s daughter Jessie Schwartz-Kwasnik, son-in-law Daniel and family will receive guests tomorrow and Wednesday (August 20-21), from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at 139 Steep Hill Road, Weston.

In 2019, “06880” published this story about Stephanie:

Stephanie Bass is divorced. Diagnosed with ADD as an adult, she’s worked at an ever-changing series of jobs: publishing, marketing, credit card redemption, Trader Joe’s cashier, teacher (she ran a class on how to hire a decorator).

For the past 15 years she’s lived with her cat in a small, eclectically jam-packed cottage on Compo Hill.

“My life turned out remarkably well,” Stephanie says.

“I grew up in a shitty town in upstate New York. All the girls got pregnant, moved into apartments above the bakery, and never left.

“Kids who grow up in Westport want to move back. My daughter lives nearby.”

She pauses. “I feel like I won the Jewish mother lottery.”

If that strikes you as a funny line, it is.

Stephanie Bass is a very funny woman.

As in: She’s a stand-up comic.

Stephanie Bass, in her very cool Westport home.

That’s not the usual line of work for a 71-year-old. Especially one who — before this year — had never told a joke before an audience.

For Stephanie though, it’s one more natural turn on life’s quirky path.

Last year — at her 70th birthday party — Rozanne Gates told her, “You should do stand-up.”

“Everyone — including my shrink — always told me that!” Stephanie said. “It was like the universe was calling.”

Years earlier, she’d taken Westport Continuing Education writing classes with Frank Wiener. “I wrote fabulous stuff, trashing my soon-to-be ex-husband. People howled when I read it in class, ” she says with pride.

She also studied with Jessica Bram at the Westport Writers’ Workshop. “She told me I had something too,” Stephanie says.

In another Continuing Ed class taught by Bob Selverstone, she made a timeline of her life. It included accomplishments, and dreams unfulfilled.

“I realized I had 15 or 20 years left before I go,” she says. “And I realized I had a talent for making people laugh.”

She bought a book on Amazon about how to be a stand-up comic. Then she embarked on the very serious business of learning how to be funny.

Stephanie worked on the craft of writing — and rewriting, and editing down — her material. She discovered the importance of finding her own voice, of timing, of presence.

She took classes. She had private sessions with a stand-up coach. A few months ago, she was finally ready for her debut.

At New York’s famed Gotham Comedy Club.

Stephanie Bass, at the Gotham Comedy Club.

If that sounds daunting, it was.

But she survived. Even better: The audience laughed. At all the right times.

They were laughing with Stephanie. Not at her.

She’s performed more than a dozen times since. She follows the advice to talk about what you know.

In her case it’s raising kids — and being single — in the suburbs.

Being a stand-up comedian has been wonderful. “I’ve come in contact with people I never would have met,” she says wonderingly.

“In Bridgeport, I followed 4 guys in their 20s who dissed old rich white people. I got up and talked about being an old rich white person. In 5 minutes, they were my buddies.”

Stephanie loves the laughs she gets. She also loves what stand-up does for her.

“I’m using my brain,” she says. “That’s what everyone says to do in old age. I think I’m getting younger.”

Westport is no stranger to stand-up. Brad Axelrod started the Treehouse Comedy Club here, years ago. He now has several venues, including Bistro B at the Westport Inn.

That’s where he runs his “Funniest Comic in CT” contest. Stephanie qualified, and will perform on Saturday, June 15.

She’s the only 71-year-old woman on the bill. So she’ll be the only comedian there who can get away with a Jewish mother joke like this one:

“You know Mrs. Zuckerberg? Do you think just because her son went to Harvard and became a billionaire, she still doesn’t give him advice?”

 

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Condos Help Heat Westport’s Housing Market

Posted on August 19, 2024 | 13 comments

When talk turns to real estate — and when in Westport does it not? — most conversations involve single-family homes.

New homes. Old homes. Teardowns. Renovations. Sustainable homes. White homes with black windows. You know the drill.

Sometimes we talk about apartments. The ones opposite Greens Farms Elementary School, which everyone feared and no one notices anymore. Those coming on Hiawatha Lane and Cross Street (that’s the construction you see at the crest of Post Road West).

After initial controversy, the 1177 Post Road East apartments have become just another part of the landscape. 

Especially, the apartments that are nearly finished, at the corner of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North.

No one seems to talk about condominiums.

Except the people buying them.

Right now, lots of folks want to.

The condo market is hot. And I say that not just as a condo owner myself.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass note the appeal. Condos are “maintenance-free, single-family style living, (for buyers) accustomed to single-family homes but no longer interested in the upkeep – snow removal, lawn care and the like.”

They include empty nesters looking to downsize while staying in Westport (or perhaps keeping a foothold here while spending several months a year elsewhere); older folks moving from other places who want to be close to their adult children and grandkids; divorced or widowed men and women, and young professionals who want to own a home but are not yet ready for a house.

Other condo-buyers are city dwellers looking for a weekend escape, and investors.

Single floor living, first floor primary suites and elevators are sought-after condo features.

For all those buyers, prices are rising quickly.

One KMS agent recently listed a Lansdowne condo. It needed updating.

Yet within days there were multiple offers. It will close early next month — at over the asking price.

Here are median sales prices, for 4 Westport condo complexes:

According to KMS, supply and demand is driving the condo market in several ways.

While on the surface Westport seems to have a fair number of condos, most multi-family new construction in recent years has been in apartments, keeping condo supply tight.

Due to the lack of affordable, single-family homes on the market, many buyers expand their search to condos, raising demand.

Additionally, Westport has a higher-than-national-average percentage of households with someone over 60 (the typical condo buyer).

Source: 2016-2020 American Community Survey, via Partnership for Strong Communities

What’s ahead?

KMS Team’s experts envision smaller, boutique-type developments as the new norm, due to the lack of expansive land.

Large-scale developments like the proposed Hamlet in Saugatuck take substantial funding, and often meet zoning and neighborhood resistance.

Projects like the proposed Glendinning Place off Weston Road (the former Bridgewater office complex) have challenges too. But their smaller scale and lower density make those obstacles easier to overcome.

Connecticut’s 8-30g mandate has had an impact. But with litigation behind us, KMS believes that Westport builders, officials and residents will “move forward in a thoughtful, deliberate manner to stay ahead of 8-30g, preserving the character of Westport while meeting the demands of current and future residents.”

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2ND STORY (ho ho): Westport’s condo history dates to the 1980s. KMS Partners offers this brief history.

Strathmore, on the Norwalk line off Kings Highway South, was built in 1980. Its 64 units consist of 1 or 2 bedrooms in a townhome, 2-story style.

Harvest Commons, built 1980-1983 on the site of a former Post Road East orchard and farm stand (hence the name) has 80 units, with a mix of ranch-style and 2-story townhomes. A clubhouse and gardening area are offered, plus a pool.

Whitney Glen, an age-restricted community (62+), has 62 units off Main Street East, near Compo Shopping Center. It was built between 1982 and 1986.

Lansdowne, on Post Road East on the site of a former mini-golf course and driving range, was constructed in 1983. The 90 Nantucket-style homes are set back far from the road.

Playhouse Square, built in 1983, replaced a former ramshackle boarding house behind the shopping center, next to Winslow Park and the Westport Country Playhouse. Its 20 units are all 2-bedrooms, mostly 2 stories.

Regents Park, on the Post Road near Harvest Commons, was built in 1985. 81 townhomes offer 2 or 3 bedrooms, and 2-car garages.

Regents Park

Also built in 1985, Edgewater Commons on Hillspoint Road replaced the former Penguin club and apartments. Its 25 units have high ceilings, skylights and private patios.

It was another 20 years before the next complex was built with a community pool: Terra Nova, in 2004. Its 54 large townhomes include features like finished basements, on Post Road West near the Norwalk line.

With land unavailable to build large scale complexes, builders began building smaller developments.

One example is Daybreak Commons, between Main Street and Weston Road. Named for the florist that once occupied the site, it includes 5 stand-alone townhouses and 4 duplex units, for buyers 55 and older.

Bankside House was the first luxury condo on the Saugatuck River. Sales of its single-floor homes, each with private outdoor living spaces, began last fall. Non-penthouse units sold at an average price per square foot of $1,211, while two penthouse units went for $1,654 per square foot. Two penthouse units are available now, at an average asking price of $1,703/square foot.

Bankside House (Photo/Howard Edelstein)

The Mill Westport — also on the Saugatuck, in a converted mill further east on Richmondville Avenue — has an average selling price of $1,108 per square foot for the 11 units sold in 2024 (mostly off-market). Three units are listed for sale now, with an average asking price of $1,452/square foot.

You may not be talking about condos these days. But plenty of other people are.

And they’re buying them.

(Every day, “06880” explores the diversity of Westport: its people, its institutions, its real estate. We bring the community together — but we need readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Local business, Real estate

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Pics Of The Day #2679

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 2 comments

The warnings grew sterner as the morning wore on:

First “rain.” Then “heavy rain.” Then “Flash floods.” And the blaring alert: “Possible life-threatening flooding.”

It wasn’t that bad — mostly. Other parts of Connecticut got whacked worse, including a bridge collapse on Route 34 in Monroe.

But there was some intense flooding around town, particularly around the Saugatuck River in the northern sections. The photos below were shared on social media.

NOTE: The rain has eased, but the flooding may not be over. The next high tide is 11:05 p.m. — and it’s a full moon.

Geralyn Rella Brieg has lived here since 1998. She said this was the worst flooding in her yard since 2007.

Jack Whittle wrote: “The Saugatuck is high at Lees Pond. Those are swans enjoying my lower yard, next to my Adirondack chairs. The pond has an overspill dam. It must be roaring down there.”

 

Anandi Subramanian Wimmer posted this image, of the west branch of the Saugatuck River.

Deadman Brook, downtown (Photo/Sal Liccione)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Weather

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3 Juveniles Captured After Armed Robbery And Car Chase

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 7 comments

Shortly before 5 p.m. today, Westport Police officers were advised to look for a black Infiniti, occupied by 3 males.

The vehicle had been involved in an armed robbery in Trumbull.

After brief pursuit by Trumbull police, it was last seen southbound on I-95 near Exit 23.

Shortly thereafter, a Westport officer observed the vehicle on Greens Farms Road.

It continued to Bridge Street, where officers successfully deployed stop sticks.

But the driver continued, disregarding officers’ signals to stop.

Pursuit was called off at Saugatuck Avenue for safety concerns, due to the  due to the recklessness of the operator.

The vehicle continued southbound on Saugatuck Avenue, at times veering into the northbound lane.

It struck a motorist on Saugatuck Avenue at the intersection with Duck Pond Road, disabling the vehicle. The 3 occupants fled.

With the assistance of Norwalk Police and Connecticut State Police, a perimeter was established. Two suspects were quickly located nearby.

The third suspect was located after a further search.

Saugatuck Avenue was closed briefly, while officers investigated the crash.

An eyewitness reported that the occupants had discarded items on Saugatuck Avenue. A search was conducted, and a firearm was discovered.

The operator of the struck motor vehicle was transported to Norwalk Hospital with minor injuries.

The operator of the suspect vehicle was issued a misdemeanor summons, and charged with failure to drive right, reckless operation, and engaging police in pursuit.

All three suspects are juveniles. They were turned over to Trumbull Police, to be charged in connection with the original incident.

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Photo Challenge #503

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 18 comments

Starbucks has its wavy-lined logo. The mermaid is supposed to represent a siren — the creature in Greek mythology that lured sailors with their beautiful voice to a shipwreck off the coast.

Dunkin’s logo is simpler — just like its coffee.

The font is recognizable everywhere. So Jen Kobetitsch, Clark Thiemann, Janice Strizever and Brandon Malin didn’t need a wake-up cup of joe to recognize last week’s Photo Challenge — the word “Westport” — as part of the décor in the chain’s Compo Shopping Center store. (Click here to see.)

Susan Iseman knew it was Dunkin’ too, but wasn’t whether it was in the Compo plaza, or at Bridge Square. (Fun fact: Dunkin’ is the only national chain in all of Saugatuck.)

Today’s Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this guy, click on “Comments.”

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Roundup: Ben Casparius, Paralympics, Flag Football …

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 3 comments

“06880” works its magic:

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that MLB.com rated Ben Casparius #23 of all Los Angeles Dodgers.

Also yesterday, the Dodgers called up the 2017 Staples High School graduate to the majors.

He has a 3.48 ERA and a 95/40 strikeout/walk ratio over 77 2/3 innings in 18 starts between AAA Oklahoma City and AA Tulsa this season.

Casparius — a 6-2, 215-pound pitcher who was Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, when he led the Wreckers to the state championship — will be in the bullpen in St. Louis tonight, when the Dodgers take on the Cardinals.

Click below for a great interview, from 2 weeks ago. (Baseball hat tips: Dave Goldstein, Peter Perry, Jeff Mitchell)

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Speaking of sports: Matthew Torres — a Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member for 10 years — will represent the US at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. Competition begins August 30.

It’s the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

The 23-year-old Ansonia resident previously clinched a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and will be competing as a U.S. Paralympian once again in Paris this August. 

Torres was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.

Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.

His Y coach, Ellen Johnston, says, “Watching Matthew excel in the sport has been incredibly rewarding. His work ethic and commitment have been evident since he joined our team. Matthew embodies the spirit and purpose of the Paralympics.” 

After Paris, Torres will represent the US at the Open Water Cup in Sardinia, Italy.

In addition to his Paralympic pursuits, Torres will be representing Team USA in the Open Water Cup in Sardinia, Italy, on September 21. Following this, he plans to take a brief respite before considering his next steps. 

Click here for a Paralympics schedule. To learn more about Matthew Torres, click here.

Matthew Torres

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Speaking still of sports: There’s a new one in town.

This fall, Westport PAL is sponsoring a girls flag football league. It’s an outgrowth of the very successful boys program (which has included girls for several years).

All Westport and Weston girls in grades K-8 — with all levels of experience — are invited.

Practices are Mondays (5 to 6:30 p.m., PJ Romano Field), led by Norwalk’s IST pro coaches (featuring Coach Cash Malcolm), and Sacred Heart University female flag players. Games are Saturdays, at 4:30 p.m.

The cost is $350, and includes professional referees at all games.

PAL provides NFL jerseys and flag sets. The league will follow NFL flag rules.

A free kickoff clinic is set for Sunday, August 25 (4 to 6 p.m., PJ Romano Field). Coaches will run drills and answer question. A pizza truck will also be there.

The league is organized by Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager Carmen Roda, Marl Carmody of Peak Performance, IST’s Glenn Katz, and parents Melissa Post and Geoff Baldwin.

To register, and for more information, click here.

Parents are needed to help coach. To volunteer, and for more information, email westportpalfootball@gmail.com.

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Want to feel like a slacker — but also help a great cause? Read on.

The Super Pemi Loop, in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, includes the Franconia Ridge Trail, called “one of the world’s best hikes” by National Geographic, along with other iconic routes.

It’s a celebrated — and gorgeous — hiking trail.

Beginning this Thursday at 10 p.m., and continuing into Friday, Westporter John Sharian will run the Super Pemi Loop.

There’s a reason. He’s raising awareness — and donations — for wounded war veterans and first responders.

Sharian has done it before. But this year he increased it by 10 miles.

He’ll running a 40-mile loop, with 10,000 feet of vertical elevation.

It is not an organized event. This is a solo effort, to highlight the work of Frontline Healing Foundation, and the people they help heal.

Sharian’s goal is $10,000. Click here — from the comfort of your home — to help him reach it.

 

John Sharian 

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For the 3rd day in a row — sparked by a 1973 New Yorker cover depicting Compo Beach, by a Westport artist — we’re featuring a locally inspired illustration from the venerable magazine.

This one, from July 1935, is by Helen Hokinson. She contributed 68 covers, and more than 1,800 cartoons, during her career.

It shows a classic scene from the Westport Country Playhouse.

What’s especially intriguing is that in 1935, the theater was just 4 years old.

And the New Yorker — at 10 — was not much older. (Hat tip: Pat Blaufuss)

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Speaking of the Playhouse:

Yesterday’s performances of “Pinkalicious” at the historic theater thrilled plenty of young girls.

To add to the excitement surrounding the adaptation of the popular children’s book series — written and illustrated by Westporter Victoria Kann — many kids (and parents) wore (of course) pink.

(Photo/Lynn Flaster)

And just like that, a new generation of Playhouse theater-goers is born.

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Today is the last day of the season for lifeguard coverage at Burying Hill Beach.

“Sadly, the end of the summer is upon us,” says beachgoer Ed Simek.

To mark the occasion, he took this photo yesterday:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

Lifeguard coverage continues at Compo Beach through Labor Day.

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Speaking of beaches: Every year, a group of women from the Staples High School Class of 1962 gathers for lunch at Compo.

Here’s a shot from this year’s gathering:

In attendance: Loretta Santella, Holly Miller Watts, Lucia Berger Brooks, Linda Cognato , Maryann  Stirling, Marie DiPalma, Sue Celuch, Carol Rutski,  Wanda Tedesco, Linda Coniglio, Kathy Smith.

The beach hasn’t changed much since they were in school.

And they look pretty good themselves!

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The sign asks for respect for Sherwood Island State Park’s 9/11 Memorial.

This bird seems respectful enough, just sitting and thinking.

Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the moment, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Jerry Fuller, a singer/songwriter/producer who had a hand in some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and ’70s, died recently in Los Angeles. He was 85, and was battling lung cancer. Click here for a full obituary.

Among his songs:

(Lifeguards are leaving soon. But “06880” will still be here — 24/7/365, just as we’ve been since 2009. Of course, we couldn’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Media, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Jonny Costello: Maccabi Champ, On And Off The Field

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 3 comments

The Olympics got worldwide attention this summer.

But another big sporting event drew thousands of athletes too.

The Maccabi Youth games, in London, are called “the Jewish Olympics.” Participants are Jewish athletes from around the world.

Among them: Jonny Costello. The Staples High School rising senior — about to begin his 3rd varsity season for the Wreckers — was among the 18 players representing the US in Under-18 age group competition.

Jonny Costello (#24), as a junior playing for Staples. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

 He did more than just “represent.” Jonny was the team’s leading scorer, and was chosen as captain for the 3rd place match against Germany. He came through big time with 2 goals and an assist, helping the US win the bronze.

The Americans — with players from across the country — faced teams from the UK, France, Argentina and Germany.

Though they met for the first time at the airport, they meshed quickly and played excellent soccer.

Jonny Costello, at the Maccabi Games.

There’s more to Jonny’s story than soccer, though.

He has stuttered since he was 5. It hindered him socially when he was younger, in New York City.

Before his family moved to Westport just before 4th grade, he worried his new classmates might think he was “weird.”

But he blasted a home run on his first day at Coleytown Elementary School. That was all he needed, to make his mark —  and make friends.

In 2019, as his bar mitzvah loomed — a time when a 13-year-old must speak publicly, and confidently — Jonny did his project about his stutter.

He created a “crash course” video, using quick illustrations to explain concepts. (His vocal cords shut when he speaks. He has no trouble putting thoughts together. They just don’t always come out as quickly as he’d like.)

In the video, he talked about his own life (including a worker at Subway, who asks what’s wrong when he’s trying to order).

He offered strategies for family members, teachers, friends and strangers: Be patient. Don’t finish sentences for someone. Be kind.

The video was shown at his bar mitzvah. The synagogue erupted in cheers.

Jonny’s parents, Sean and Lauren, emailed it to the guests. It was uploaded to YouTube.

Almost immediately, the video went viral.

Speech therapists in Sweden and Portugal asked for translations. A girl watched it 4 times, then asked her teacher to show it to the class. An 18-year-old who had lived his life “in the shadows” said that Jonathan’s video perfectly articulated his life.

It even reached the most famous stutterer in the world: Joe Biden.

Soon, Jonny met the former vice president.

Fast forward to London, where Jonny assumed a leadership role on the Maccabi squad.

The event’s media team was impressed. They made their own video, highlighting Jonny’s accomplishments on and off the pitch.

There’s an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”

In Jonny Costello’s case, it should be: “His actions speak as clearly as his words.”

(In 2019, “06880” reported on Jonny’s bar mitzvah video. Click here for that story.”)

(“06880” reports often on the achievements of Westport’s young people. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #2678

Posted on August 17, 2024 | 2 comments

Ned Dimes Marina (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Lanternflies, EMT Course, Woodstock On WPKN …

Posted on August 17, 2024 | 4 comments

Spotted lanternflies are back!

And the only thing there’s more of than the swarming, gross but — admit it — very cool-looking bugs, are the number of photos sent in by “06880” readers.

Here are 2 of the most compelling:

(Photo/Jonathan Prager)

To learn more about spotted lanternflies, click here.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s next Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course begins on August 26.

Students will learn everything from Band-Aids to multi-system trauma care. Successful completion leads to state certification, allowing EMTs to volunteer on Westport ambulances.

Teenagers who are 14 or 15 are eligible for the organization’s EMR class, also this fall.

The training program for new EMTs has been revamped. New members will be placed in service faster, to begin on-duty training with a crew chief.

No prior experience or knowledge is necessary. To apply, or for more information, click here.

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This weekend marks the 55th anniversary of Woodstock.

And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.

The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.

This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.

And it’s not some outtakes, added later.

This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.

Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.

As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.

And thousands of others, who wish they were.

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Speaking of outdoor concerts: The Levitt Pavilion has a special offer for “06880” readers.

Special “member pricing” tickets are available for tonight’s show, featuring Grammy nominated multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird. The opening set is Malian duo Amadou & Marian.

Tickets start at $39.25 — 10% off face value. Click here for tickets; enter promo code 50THSeason.

Get ready for another fun night at the Levitt. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Yesterday’s Friday Flashback featured a 1973 New York magazine cover depicting Compo Beach, by Westport artist Albert Hubbell.

I noted that between 1925 and 1989, 16 local illustrators designed 761 covers. An amazing 44 of those show Westport scenes.

So of course at least one other was of Compo Beach.

Dorrie Barlow Thomas quickly responded: “My grandfather, Perry Barlow, was also a cartoonist and cover artist at The New Yorker. His cover of September 13, 1952, was clearly inspired by Compo Beach.”

Indeed it was. That was the 2-story pavilion on the left, before it was damaged by a hurricane.

“06880” welcomes other Westport-inspired New Yorker covers — beach scenes or otherwise. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.

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Tomorrow’s Family Day (Sunday) at MoCA CT promises — well, fun for the whole family.

The noon to 2 p.m. schedule includes art, music, gallery exhibitions, handcrafted items for sale, and ice cream treats will be in abundance—no matter the weather.

Among the highlights: interactive African drumming, storytelling with Timbalooloo, and “create your own masterpiece” with a MoCA art instructor.

The “ColleCTomania” exhibit, featuring an assortment of poster art, is open too.

It’s free for MoCA members, $20 for non-members ($5 for children under 5). Click here for more information.

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Catching up with Ben Casparius: The 2017 Staples High School graduate is ranked #23 of all Los Angeles Dodger prospects, by MLB.com.

The 6-2, 215-pound pitcher plays for their AAA affiliate, in Oklahoma City. He spent 2 yeas at the University of North Carolina, then transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he led the Big East in strieouts.

He had a 5.18 ERA in his first 3 pro seasons, before finding more success in AA and AAA this year.

MLB says, “Los Angeles continues to develop Casparius as a starter, but he looks like more of a multi-inning reliever for the long run. He almost never uses a changeup, has battled walks throughout his pro career and lacks fastball command. His slider is a legitimate weapon that could be useful in high-leverage situations.”

At Staples, Casparius led the Wreckers to the 2017 state championship. He was Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year, among other honors, and graduated as the state’s all-time hits leader.

Click here for more details. (Hat tip: John McCarthy)

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Speaking of sports: Rebecca Schachter — a rising junior at Staples — is the captain of the varsity girls squash team.

It’s well deserved: She is a very competitive squash player on the national stage, reaching a rank of #30 nationally.

Rebecca loves the sport, and wants other girls to love it too.

She has partnered with Intensity Squash to create Girls Power Squash: a program for elementary school girls

Staples athletes will work with an Intensity pro squash member in weekly clinics to introduce elementary girls to the sport — and mentor them.

Sunday sessions run from 3:15 to 4 p.m., September 15 through November 24. The cost is $330.

Click here to sign up. Questions? Email Rebecca: esinfo@westportsquash.org.

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Speaking still of sports: Though the Staples field hockey team is coming off their 5th state championship in 8 years, freshman numbers are low. So far, only 9 players have registered.

The 9th grade squad is developmental; no experience is necessary, and there are no cuts. Tryouts begin August 22.  septemberstevens@yahoo.com for more information.

2023 state champion Staples field hockey team.

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Longtime Westport resident Nina Streitfeld died Thursday, at home.

A celebration of her life will be held in the Westport Library’s Brooks Room tomorrow (Sunday, August 18, 1:30 p.m.), with a gathering an minyan to follow at 4 p.m. at her house. She was 92.

The New York native grew up with a love for the outdoors.

She edited the literary magazine, and graduated second in her class, at James Madison High School. She performed in plays at Swarthmore College, and thrived in the school’s intellectual rigor and down-to-earth culture.

After earning a master’s degree in literature from Columbia University, she held communications and public relations jobs with ABC News, Visiting Nurses of Brooklyn, and the Traveler’s Aid Society. She covered the 1956 rescue of passengers from the Andrea Doria liner when it sank off the coast of Nantucket.  

 In 1957, Nina married Frank Streitfeld, an internist, and moved to Westport. With physician friends including Al and Jean Beasley, and Danny and Judy Doctor, the couple co-founded the medical center at the corner of King’s Highway North and Wilton Road.  

Nina raised a daughter and son in Westport until she divorced and moved with her children to Neponsit, New York in 1968. She was vice president of Adams Oil Company in Brooklyn, PR director of Leisure Tech in New Jersey, and led press relations for New York Congressman James Scheuer. 

 In 1974, Nina appeared as an impostor on the TV game show To Tell the Truth, cramming for hours before the taping to learn about speedboat racing.She persuaded the celebrity panel that she was the world’s only woman offshore speedboat racer.  

After more than a decade in New York and New Jersey, Nina returned with her kids to Westport in 1978. She worked for William Pitt Realty and Kerr Kelly before founding her own PR firm, Nina Streitfeld Inc. The Public Relations Society of America recognized Nina with the Silver Anvil award and inducted her as a fellow.  

In Westport, Nina volunteered with Friends of Music planning classical concerts, welcomed visitors on United Nations Day, and served on the board of Save Westport Now. She played a leading role in a community theater production of “Steel Magnolias.” She traveled frequently too.

In the 1990s she learned Japanese. For her work as president of the Japan Society of Fairfield County, the Japanese consul in New York honored Nina with a ceremony and reception.

Her family says, “Nina was a strong feminist and role model. She was generous with family and friends and inspired many in her circle to care well for loved ones. Nina valued higher education, working hard and setting ambitious goals.”

Survivors include her sister Martha (Karl), of Berkeley, California; daughter Laura of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; son David (Deb) of Berkeley; grandchildren Thea and Kai; nephew Aaron, and numerous cousins. 

Contributions in Nina’s memory may be made to Swarthmore College and the 92nd Street Y. 

Nina Streitfeld

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You never know what you’ll find in your garden watering container.

Chuck Greenlee spotted this tree frog.

He was only 2 1/2 inches — about the size of this “Westport … Naturally” photo.

But he sure covered a lot of territory.

(Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

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And finally … Maurice Williams, the singer and songwriter whose 1960 single “Stay” was hit for his group the Zodiacs, then was covered by many others include the Four Seasons and Jackson Browne, died earlier this month in Charlotte. He was 86.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Stay! Just for a few seconds — long enough to click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Thank you!)

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