Roundup: Cooling Stations, Shonda Rhimes, Charlie Scott …

Posted on June 18, 2024 | 4 comments

With temperatures expected to push past 90 all week, Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. It’s in effect through noon on Sunday.

Several cooling centers are open in Westport:

  • Senior Center (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture (25 Avery Place): Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Speaking of heat: The Westport Library was the hot place to be last night.

Shonda Rhimes introduced — and showed — her film, “Black Barbie.”

The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident then took questions from the of-course-SRO audience.

“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix this Wednesday (Juneteenth). It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.

Among her most memorable lines, regarding Black dolls and representation: “You cannot be what you cannot see.”

Shonda Rhimes (right), in conversation with Bernicestine McLeod Bailey at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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Oyster harvesting is back on Sherwood Mill Pond.

This was the busy action yesterday:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Chris Wood writes: “Sadly, I heard that the ‘white barn’ at Sherwood Island State Park will be demolished.

“I spent many years working in and around it in the 1960s and ’70s. I even lived in it one summer.

“It is believed to be the former stables for the Sherwood estate — just down from the ‘stone barn,’ which was the carriage barn.”

Sherwood Island “white barn.” (Photo/Chris Wood)

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Charlie Scott is a Staples High School legend.

During his 4 years, the recently graduated senior played soccer, ran cross country and track, and announced dozens of athletic contests on WWPT-FM.

But he is best known for his videos.

Charlie shot them himself (sometimes via drone). Then he edited them into highlight reels, for games and entire seasons. He posted them as game-day previews. He flooded social media with his “Charlie 33 Prod” productions.

Before he heads of to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications — where he will take his prodigious talent to even higher stratospheres — Charlie posted one last reel.

He prefaced it in his typically humble fashion: “Thank you Staples Athletics for an incredible 2 years of filming games. My edits are only as good as the players that are in them, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my fellow Wreckers.”

Congratulations, and thank you, Charlie. And now, “06880”: Click below, to enjoy the show!

 

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Speaking of sports: Kyle Martino is a Big Name in the soccer world.

In 1999, the Staples High School star was named Gatorade National Player of the Year.

He went on to play in MLS for Columbus and Chicago, then with the US national team. He was an analyst for the Premier League on NBC Sports, and now covers the national teams for Turner Sports.

He ran for US Soccer president, developed an innovative goal that turns basketball courts into small-sided fields, and has reached out to underserved communities through the Over Under Initiative.

His entire career has been about connecting people through the game he loves.

Martino’s newest venture is No One Home. Begun as a pop-up for the 2022 and ’23 men’s and women’s World Cups, and now remodeled, it’s now hidden in plain sight behind a row of avocado distributors at 141 Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s historic Bowery district

No One Home is a soccer and social club. The ground floor features a large theater-style viewing area, with a massive 172-inch LED screen.

The second floor is a high-end membership lounge for New York’s most passionate soccer fans.

Martino’s goal (ho ho) is to unite the soccer, fashion, art, food and drink communities through a shared love of the sport and culture.

The official opening is Thursday (June 20), with 3 big matches: The European Championship’s Denmark vs. England (noon) and Spain vs. Italy (3 p.m.), followed by Copa América’s Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and reservations. Click here for the Instagram (@noonehome141).

Kyle Martino (far right) at his pop-up, as fans watched the 2022 World Cup (left).

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Here’s another great idea.

Content Studio is a cool new — well, concept and studio, for podcasts and more — in the former quick mart at 20 Saugatuck Avenue (next to the Goddard School, and opposite Dunville’s).

This Wednesday (June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Jay Norris hosts a preview. There will be light bites, networking, and — because of the date — a chance to learn a bit more about Juneteenth.

Click here to RSVP. The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Jay Norris at Content Studio.

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The public is invited to the promotion ceremony of Nick Marsan.

Westport’s deputy fire chief is officially installed as Fire Department chief on Monday, July 1 (3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Soon-to-be Fire Chief Nick Marsan.

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Happy Pollinator Week!

Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates this Friday (June 21, noon; Zoom) with a “Lunch & Learn.” The topic is how to grow pollinator gardens in containers anywhere.

Kim Eierman will discuss the best choices of pollinator-friendly native plants that grow in containers, and the important pollinators — butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds and more — they support.

Members are free; non-members pay $10. For more details and to register, click here.

Busy-as-a-bee pollinator.

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Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day returns July 13.

The biggest summer event offers kids’ farm crafts and games; visits with the animals; a scavenger hunt, and bubble show; music, and fun summer foods.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Laura Von Stein — an actor, comedian, 1-woman entertainer and 1983 Staples High School graduate — died peacefully on May 11 in Ridgefield, after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58.

Laura was part of Staples Players. She graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport, where she received a performing arts scholarship. Laura also studied classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Laura was a member of Actors’ Equity. Her patient waits at stage doors helped her build an impressive collection of signed Playbills.

Laura also accumulated an impressive library, largely from the annual Pequot Library book sale.

She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport and Trumbull; brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull and Massachusetts; nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts, and many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father Robert in 2019.

Laura is also survived by her extended family, including Roger Wolfe; Christine O’Leary; Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello; Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello, and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, along with many friends from the comedy and theater world.

Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage actors of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on September 15 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Laura Von Stein

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The water is still a bit chilly.

But  — as this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — that doesn’t stop at least one swimmer.

And one dog paddler.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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And finally … Mark James — described by the New York Times as “a genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning songwriter,” died on Saturday in Nashville. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.

Among his works:

(Sure, it will be hot this week. But “06880” is the coolest place around. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Retreat Sweets: No Dunkin’ Your Mochi Donuts Here

Posted on June 18, 2024 | 4 comments

You can’t get more American than Dunkin’ donuts and coffee.

But the New England-based chain vacated their Post Road East store across from the Shell station last year.

Retreat Sweets has now moved in.

And you can’t get more Asian than their Japanese mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, and tea drinks.

Sampling of Retreat Sweets’ mochi donuts. This box contains crème brûlée, brown sugar, ube (purple yam), icing, churro, and cookies and cream.

Wesley Zhang’s new business is a labor of love. Growing up in Trumbull, the 28-year-old 1st-generation Chinese-American loved Asian street food.

But he had to go to New York or Boston to get it.

He tried the corporate world, after graduating from the University of Connecticut. During COVID, when his family needed help running their renovation business, he lent a hand.

But he always wanted to be his own boss. Mochi donuts — fluffier and chewier than their American counterparts, made without yeast in small balls that easily pull apart — seemed a natural.

Three years ago, he started looking for a place near Yale University. When that did not work out, he tried Fairfield’s Brick Walk (near Mecha Noodle Bar).

But there was no space. Driving west, he and saw a “For Lease” sign on the Dunkin’ not far from the Southport line.

It’s taken a year to get ready. The interior has been completely redone, and modern codes met.

Last Thursday, Retreat Sweets opened its doors. A soft opening continues through Friday, with the grand opening next week.

Yesterday, at Retreat Sweets.

Zhang is hands-on. Like the “time to make the donuts” guy in Dunkin’s still-memorable commercials, he’s in the back.

But unlike that chain’s processed preparation, he’s actually baking.

Batches are small. Zhang uses purées — no extracts.

He’s there 12 hours a day. And not complaining.

“My parents worked day and night,” he notes. “They taught me to work hard.”

Retreat Sweets’ will have a dozen flavors of mochi donuts each day, drawn from a rotating list.

Right now there are 3 types of Korean corn dogs (which actually have no corn flour): hot dog and bread crumb, cheese and bread crumb, and a combination.

Mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, and some other Asian street food and drink items that Zhang will add to the menu have been popular for a while on the West Coast. Slowly, they’ve made their way east.

But, Zhang believes, Retreat Sweets is the first shop of its kind in Fairfield County.

Wesley Zhang, with freshly baked donuts. (Photos/Dan Woog)

Customers are pleased. Zhang wants feedback — including suggestions. One idea: no-caffeine fruit drinks for kids.

Meanwhile, he’s preparing for next week’s grand opening. There will be a different promotion every day. On Monday, the first 100 customers who buy a dozen mochis get a limited edition hat.

Also in the works: a collaboration with his next door neighbor, Layla’s Falafel.

That should be a great Asian/Middle Eastern venture.

In the mini-mall once home to the donuts and coffee that America runs on.

(Click here for Retreat Sweets’ website. Online ordering will be available after the grand opening. The Instagram is @RetreatSweets. Search the iPhone or Android app store for the “Retreat Sweets” app.) 

(“06880” covers the Westport business scene — and everything else in town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2617

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 3 comments

Saugatuck River, from the Library Riverwalk (Photo/Paul Delano)

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Remembering Benjamin Pepper

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 8 comments

Benjamin Pepper — the World War II veteran who served as grand marshal of the 2023 Memorial Day parade, after living quietly for many decades in Westport — died peacefully at his home here on April 29, surrounded by loved ones. He was 100 years old.

Born in the Bronx on July 5, 1923, to Max and Betty Pepper, he was the oldest of three brothers.

Benjamin enlisted in the Army on January 1, 1943, and trained as a paratrooper in the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

He was involved in the invasion of Normandy and later the infamous Battle of the Bulge, for which he received the Purple Heart military decoration.

Ben Pepper, as 2023 grand marshal. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

In 1947 he married Frances Rice. They were together for 70 years, until her death in 2018. They were entrepreneurs who owned the photography business Allyn Studio in Stamford for over 30 years, as well as the Kiddie Kloset and Just 4 Boys and Girls clothing stores in Norwalk.

They enjoyed a very active life, spending time with family, traveling the world, and at their homes in Westport and Boynton Beach, Florida.

Benjamin is survived by his son David (Gail) of Westport; grandchildren Abby Baker and Scott Pepper, and great-grandchildren Henry, Benjamin, Miles and Liam.

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In January of 2023, “06880” published this full story about Benjamin Pepper’s life:

Westport has long been proud of World War II veterans like Leonard Everett Fisher and Joe Schachter, and the late Ted Diamond and Howard Munce.

We honor them on Memorial Day. We listen to and read recollections of their service. We thank them often (though probably not enough).

We’ve done none of that for Ben Pepper.

He was a paratrooper. He earned a Purple Heart at the Battle of the Bulge. He’s lived in Westport since 1958.

Yet we’ve never seen him on Memorial Day. Most of us have never heard his name.

That’s his decision. He has chosen never to march or ride in the May parade. He still has his medals, his dog tag, his photos — and his Army jacket — but he has always been low-key about them.

Ben Pepper. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Perhaps this Memorial Day — less than 2 months before his 100th birthday — that will change.

Westport would be honored to honor him. He lives in his longtime home — alone, after his wife Frances died — and has nearly a century of stories to tell.

Yesterday — sitting in his son David and daughter-in-law Gail’s Wilton Road house — he told some of them.

Pepper’s parents came from Austria-Hungary. His father had a window cleaning route.

Pepper was born on July 5, 1923 in the Bronx. He grew up near the Grand Concourse.

Ben Pepper, on his bar mitzvah day.

After graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School, he headed to aeronautical school at La Guardia Airport.

But World War II was underway. He was soon drafted, and ordered to report to Grand Central Terminal on New Year’s Day, 1943.

(His younger brother Armand enlisted — without his parents’ permission. His mother brought him home. When he was old enough he joined the Army Air Forces, and served in the South Pacific. He is 97, and lives in Naples, Florida.)

Pepper was sent first to Fort Dix, then to a new tank training center at Camp Hood in Texas. He felt unsuited to tank operations, and asked for a transfer.

He got one: to paratrooper school at Fort Benning, Georgia.

“I was 19. I didn’t know what I was getting into,” Pepper says.

Ben Pepper: in the Army.

After stops in North Carolina and Maryland, his 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment was sent to Northern Ireland, then Sherwood Forest in England.

Pepper would have been part of D-Day. But he had broken his back on an earlier jump, and was in a near-full body cast.

Many of his fellow paratroopers never made it home that June day.

He recuperated in time for another important, gruesome battle: The Bulge. But on Christmas Day 1944, his flight to France crashed on takeoff. Everyone survived.

Instead he was driven to the Ardennes forest, between Belgium and Luxembourg.

“There was a lot of shooting,” he remembers.

A German shell hit the edge of his foxhole, but did not explode. Ten minutes later, a fellow soldier stood up in the same foxhole. A bullet killed him instantly.

Pepper got frostbite in the brutal cold — his rifle was frozen too — and earned a Purple Heart for it.

Ben Pepper’s Purple Heart, dog tag and other mementoes. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Soon, he was assigned to guard a former German schnapps factory. “We were 20-year-old kids, with all the booze you’d want,” he laughs.

After Pepper’s discharge in October 1945, he answered an ad to be a photographer. “Why not?” he figured.

That started a long career. In 1953 he opened his own studio — Allyn — on Atlantic Street in Stamford. By then he’d met and married Frances; their son David was 5.

Ben Pepper (center left) and fellow members of his photography school class.

Pepper also opened liquor stores, in Stamford and Norwalk. Frances started her own Kitty Closet shops on Westport Avenue in Norwalk.

In 1958 they bought property on what was then Blue Ribbon Farm, on North Avenue just past Cross Highway. They built a home on what is now Blue Ribbon Lane. He’s lived there ever since.

Ben Pepper, back in the day.

In 1960 the Peppers helped build Temple Israel on Coleytown Road. They spent the rest of their married life raising David (a Staples Class of 1966 graduate), traveling (including China before it opened to the West, the USSR, Africa and Asia), and working.

David and Gail have 2 children, both Staples graduates. They’ve given Pepper 3 great-grandchildren.

All would be proud to see “Private Benjamin” Pepper be honored at Westport’s Memorial Day parade.

He’s not so sure.

“My jacket wouldn’t fit,” he protests.

It would. Pepper is in great shape.

And Westporters of all ages would be inspired to salute him in it.

(Hat tip: Arlene Yolles)

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Roundup: Jaime Bairaktaris, Sherry Jagerson, Saugatuck Church Pride …

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 8 comments

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s new president is a familiar face — but also a young one.

Jaime Bairaktaris has already served as a board member and crew chief. When he succeeds Michael Burns on July 1, the 26-year-old will be the youngest Westport EMS president in history.

He began volunteering in 2013 as a Staples High School freshman. He has logged
nearly 3,000 hours since.

Bairaktaris was named Volunteer of the Year in 2016, and Crew Chief of the
Year in 2022.

EMS is one of his many activities. Bairaktaris works full-time as a support staff member at Redding’s John Read Middle School, and recently finished a term on the Westport Representative Town Meeting for District 4. He also founded and publishes The Westport Local Press.

Bairaktaris hopes to add initiatives for current volunteers, while attracting and growing the next generation of EMTs.

Another goal is to strengthen public education, with new classes focused on mental health.

Current president Burns will transition to serve as vice president, continuing his work on the non-profit’s new endowment goals to allow long-term financial sustainability.

Burns’ leadership was crucial to WVEMS’s growth and stability following the pandemic.

For more information on Westport Volunteer EMS and its service to Westport, click here.

Jaime Bairaktaris

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Sherry Jagerson got the sendoff she deserved on Saturday afternoon.

Friends and admirers packed the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport. They smiled and laughed as family members and colleagues told stories about the longtime Westporter’s many accomplishments, as a sailor, sailmaker and women’s sailing instructor; self-taught home renovator and repairperson; environmental activist and Nash Pond steward; human rights advocate; mother, grandmother, and role model to all.

The next day, 2 dozen family members and friends paid the ultimate tribute to the passionate woman, who died earlier this month at 80.

They gathered at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve — whose transformation from the former Allen’s Clam House to an idyllic spot for reflection and kayak launching Jagerson spearheaded over a decade ago — to weed, prune and replant the site.

As they worked, the crew told Jagerson’s story to curious passersby and preserve-goers. They included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, who was there to go kayaking, and volunteered to take a group photo.

Sherry Jagerson’s family and friends, at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Jen Tooker)

“It was a fabulous few hours, giving us one more opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for our amazing mom,” daughter Stacy Fowle says.

Cleaning up Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Stacy Fowle)

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Several dozen people enjoyed the warm sun and broad front lawn, at Saugatuck Congregational Church’s first-ever Pride event yesterday.

There was food, camaraderie, a bouncy house for kids, and more.

Including plenty of rainbows.

Saugatuck Church prepares for Pride. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Compo Shopping Center has the parking lot Westporters love to hate.

The front is narrow, confusing and dangerous. The rear is spacious, but — in part because it has been potholed and poorly maintained — underutilized.

Part of that problem has been solved. New owners Regency Centers recently repaved part of the back lot.

It’s a great improvement. Now, about rest of the place …

Compo Shopping Center repaving. (Photo/Rob Haroun)

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“Who” stopped by for a Father’s Day “Westport … Naturally” portrait yesterday?

This guy!

(Photo/Barry Kresch)

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And finally … on this date in 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, spent the next 17 years building her mausoleum. Today it is called the Taj Mahal.

(Welcome to another week of Roundups: your best source each day for whatever has happened, is happening or will happen in the 06880. Please click here to support our hard work. Thank you!)

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Staples Grads Walk Back To Elementary School

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 11 comments

As graduation approaches each year, many Staples seniors think back on their 4 years in high school. They thank the teachers who got them where they are.

Some recall their middle school instructors. A few might even remember those from elementary school.

But they seldom thank them. They just don’t have the chance.

This year, Staples High School provided that opportunity. A first-ever “Senior Walk” in early June offered 200 of the 426 soon-to-be graduates a nostalgic walk through Coleytown, Greens Farms, Kings Highway, Long Lots and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.

Wearing caps and gowns — and accompanied by a playlist of 2017 tunes — they were cheered and high-fived by former teachers and current youngsters.

Staples High School seniors Emma Booth, Brynn Fleisig, Harrison Putman, Mabel Propper, Katherine Frank, Hailey Johnson and Elise Eisenberger visit Greens Farms Elementary School for Westport’s first-ever Senior Walk.

It was gratifying for the educators, inspiring for the current elementary kids, and a literal trip down memory lane for the seniors.

The event will become an annual — and much looked forward to — tradition.

“Bringing the seniors back to their elementary school is a powerful reminder of the community’s impact on their educational journey,” says Staples principal Stafford Thomas.

“It’s a full-circle moment that highlights their achievements, and inspires the next generation to dream big.”

Avery Mueller (left) and Oliver Howard return triumphantly to Coleytown Elementary School.

But one set of graduates went even further. More than half of Talia Varsano’s former Long Lots kindergarten class gathered together, to salute their teacher Roseann Caruso.

The idea originated with Terri Dusch, whose daughter Anna was in the class. Though they’ve moved away she contacted Talia’s mother Karen, who collected contact info and helped make it happen.

The event — at the home of classmate Kai Seo — was rewarding for all. Caruso presented her “old” students with time capsules they’d made 12 years earlier. They compared long-ago hand prints with their much bigger ones now, and read notes they and their parents had written.

Roseann Caruso’s Long Lots kindergarten class in 2012 …

A dozen years ago, neither Caruso nor the students knew that the future Class of 2024 valedictorian was among them. With her friends, Leigh Foran was learning her ABCs — and how to be kind — in that Long Lots kindergarten room.

Over the years, that class — and so many others — have taken different paths. Some are athletes. Others are musicians and actors.

… and 2024.

Talia became an Inklings editor. Now she’s an “06880” intern.

She taped some of the fun at the Caruso reunion. Her video (below) is an important reminder of the difference one teacher can make in many lives.

And — as we all move forward — the importance of remembering our past.

(“06880” is proud to chronicle the journeys of many Westport young people. And older ones too, of course. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pics Of The Day #2616

Posted on June 16, 2024 | 4 comments

Classic Hillspoint Road scenes: Old Mill Grocery & Deli …

… and the last, soon-to-be-demolished cottage (Photos/Dave Dellinger)

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Photo Challenge #494

Posted on June 16, 2024 | 15 comments

More than a decade after his death, Paul Newman continues to give back to Westport.

His and his family’s gift of land from their property — along with their neighbors, the Poses family — resulted in a 39-acre preserve, now managed by Aspetuck Land Trust.

There is a small parking area on Bayberry Lane.

Among the woods, wetlands, open fields, stands of old white pine and a trail,, there’s a half-hidden sign. “Warning Bridge Out,” it says. (Click here to see.)

An old, broken wooden bridge lies nearby. It’s nothing that anyone would think of using.

But it was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. Sandra Rothenberg, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Brandon Malin and Andrew Colabella all knew where in Westport’s woods it can be found.

Newman-Poses preserve is one more of our town’s hidden gems. Along with the hidden sign, about a long-forgotten bridge.

Today’s Photo Challenge is in Spanish. But the “May peace prevail on earth” pole can be found somewhere in Westport.

If you know where it is, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …

Posted on June 16, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …

After a rained-out Friday, the Yankee Doodle Fair was packed all day and night yesterday.

Ava Bierman enjoys the Yankee Doodle Fair. (Photo/Bryan Bierman)

The unofficial kickoff to summer ends today. Hours are 1-5 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue. As always, proceeds help fund dozens of grants to local non-profits, and scholarships.

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It takes many volunteers to keep Yankee Doodle Fair-goers happy and safe — and not just from the WWC.

The Community Emergency Response Team — which supports first responders in Westport and Weston, and helps out with events like this — has been out in full force.

You may think they were manning (and womanning) a booth. In fact, they were keeping an all on all of us.

As they always do.

Karen Kleine, Westport Woman’s Club Yankee Doodle Fair chair, checks in with CERT president Mike Vincelli and vice president David Kinyon. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)

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Ham it up!

The Westport Astronomical Society’s ham radio club K1WAS hosts ARRL Field Day — an in-person amateur radio event — at their observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane site next weekend. It runs from 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22 until 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23.

Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity with over 40,000 ham radio operators across America. They participate by establishing temporary radio stations in public locations, demonstrating their skills and service.

But you don’t need a radio license to participate. Everyone can get on the air, using radios provided by local radio clubs hosted by the observatory.

Ham operators play a crucial role in emergencies. They may be needed soon, during an active hurricane season.

“Hams have a long history of service when critical communication infrastructure like cell towers are damaged,” says Dan Wright, Westport Astronomical Society board member and amateur radio operator N3DAW.

“Field Day exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of amateur radio operators, who connect the world, no matter the circumstances.”

For more information on the Field Day event, click here.

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Yesterday was the first legit weekend beach day of the year (school’s out, 80 degrees, summer vibe).

Right on cue, Compo Beach was packed.

The photo below is just a taste of what’s to come. Enjoy!

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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One other sign of summer: the hot dog grill outside Mitchells of Westport.

They’re known far and wide for their coffee (always) and bagels (weekend). But on select days, you can grab a dog with your suits, shirts, slacks and jewelry.

What started as a mom-and-pop shop has come a long way since 1958. The 4th generation of Mitchells has just joined the ranks.

But they never forget their down-home roots.

Hot dogs al fresco, at Mitchells. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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You’ve probably seen Little Ralphie — the inflatable yellow duck — at various spots around town.

While he’s promoting the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race, human Rotarians are busy sorting Ralphie’s plastic brethren.

They’re getting ready for the family-friendly event on Saturday, June 29 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jesup Green).

Attendance — and fun — is free. Click here to purchase tickets for the raffle.

PS: The top prize is $5,000. And all proceeds go to Sunrise Rotary’s charity efforts.

Sunrise Rotarians, sorting ducks. From left: Joe Scordato, Pete Wolgast, president Liz Wong, president-elect Katie Augustyn, Bruce Fritz, Mazie Zdanowicz.

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As noted in yesterday’s Roundup, the Westport Weston Family YMCA has reached its membership cap.

But there’s no limit to the amount of non-humans that can enjoy the facility. This was the “Westport … Naturally” scene recently, at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Tupac Shakur was born on this day in 1971. The rapper and producer was killed in 1996, age 25.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on the support of readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

 

 

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Yankee Doodle Comes To Town

Posted on June 16, 2024 | 2 comments

Friday’s Yankee Doodle Fair rainout made yesterday’s event even more special.

Folks of all ages packed the Westport Woman’s Club parking lot on Imperial Avenue, for the annual start-of-summer rite.

There were games of chance, a bake sale, and much more. But — as always — the carnival rides were king. And kids flocked to them. “06880” photographer Charlie Scott captured some of the scenes.

The Yankee Doodle Fair runs today (Sunday) from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds support the WWC’s grants to area non-profits, and scholarships.

(All photos/Charlie Scott)

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Posted in Children, Teenagers, Westport life

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