As riders take Wheels2U across Westport, winners have been chosen in its acrostic contest.
This spring, the Westport Transit District asked for poems to promote its on-demand, group ride, door-to-train platform shuttle service.
Judges Diane Meyer Lowman, town poet laureate emerita, and Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad, WTD co-directors, selected the winners. Each receives a gift certificate to the Westport restaurants of their choice.
Gold says: “Acrostic poems, where the first letters of each line spell out a phrase — in this case, Wheels2U — are difficult to write. But once again, the Westport community demonstrated its talent.”
Wheels2U
First prize goes to Barry Lytton:
Welcoming me
Home after an
Endless City day
Easy to Phone
Less than a few clicks away
Slipped past the backups
2 my family and home Under $3; And no driving alone.
Second prizes go to Bronwyn Cousins and Carolin Sigal. Third prize winners are Paul Kelly, Gigi Mirabelli (a Bedford Middle School 6th grader), Jean Sichel and Lynn Goldman.
Honorable Mentions are awarded to Judith Marks-White (the winner of last year’s haiku contest), Stephanie Mastocciolo and Canyon Sharits.
Bronwyn Cousins:
Well!
How
Earnestly
Everyone
Longs
Sometimes
2 be driven!
Utopia!
Carolin Sigal:
Why am I driving in commuter
Hell, when I could be chauffeured
Elegantly? A door to door jitney,
Expertly driven, would
Let me off at the station
So I could catch my train
2 New York, then back again,
Under the night sky. Heaven!
Lynn Goldman:
Westport
Has
Everything!
Even
Light-blue
Shuttles.
2 dollars?!
Unbeatable!
Paul Kelly:
Working for a living is…
Hard enough. Striving daily to remain
Employed. Searching frantically for an…
Empty seat on the striver’s early train.
Like rats in a maze, you…
Scramble for a space
2 park your ride… at great expense.
Unaware, perhaps, that WHEELS 2U makes so… much…sense
Gigi Mirabelli:
Welcoming faces await you
Here we offer affordable adventures
Early morning easy and effective rides
Every time of the day no matter the circumstances
Lasting memories are awaiting to be made
Sounds of the brakes are the sounds of my soul
2 dollars per ride at WHEELS2U
U will be very pleased!
Jean Sichel:
Where will I go
How will I get there
Easy with Wheels
Every wheel spins
Leave your address
Soon we will be there
2 pick you up
Under the hour
Judith Marks-White:
Wheels2U roll along,
Hiking up hills,
Entering private streets,
Enduring all seasons’ weather.
Landing at each destination
Safely, including smiles.
2 everyone who hops aboard,
User-friendly are we.
Stephanie Mastocciolo:
Who needs a ride?
Have no time to park
Enter Wheels2U
Everyone’s solution for transport to the train
Leave when you want
Save time
2 many reasons not to try
Unlimited sense of ease
Canyon Sharits:
Welcome aboard, your ride awaits, Hassle-free journeys with no parking debates Easy access, just a call away,
Liberating you from the frenetic fray
Leaving behind unneeded delay
Serving you in a greener way 2U, the solution to your transit woes Upon request, to your door it goes
(For more information about Wheels2U, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.)
(Like Wheels2U, “06880” covers Westport. Please click here to support our hyper-local journalism. Thank you!)
It’s not quite like 1976, when the American Basketball Association merged into the NBA.
But in the Westport youth sports world, it’s a pretty big deal.
Westport PAL and the Westport Weston Family Y announced this week that their 2 travel basketball programs, for 3rd through 8th graders, are joining forces.
There will be 20 teams, overall. Both program logos will be on the uniforms.
One result will be one strong feeder program for Staples High School. There will be uniform messaging to players and youth coaches about basketball philosophy and skill development.
Another result: a reduction in confusion, divisiveness and social tensions between players and families in different programs.
PAL girls team …
“One program allows Westport families to walk into any gym in the state, see the Westport travel uniform, and support the players on the court, no questions asked. No longer will best friends and families need to choose between programs, or stand on opposite sides of the gym,” PAL basketball president Jordan Schur says.
Schur started the ball rolling, after becoming president last summer. He, PAL vice president Charles Do and the PAL basketball board worked with Y coaches Andre Brooks and Greg Downes, and Y CEO Anjali McCormick and COO Christina Scherwin.
Schur says, “For PAL, this means everything. We can take an already thriving youth basketball program and go to new levels. We can take the best of both programs, and have one robust program.
“This past year as seen PAL expand its youth programming into basketball clinics year-round, and a partnership with the Jr. Knicks. Now we can integrate all that Coach Brooks has done the past few years with the YMCA, into one singular effort.
“By combining forces we will have elite coaching, depth at each grade, purposeful development, and can put each kid in the program in a favorable position as they continue their basketball journey.”
Downes notes, “By combining our shared knowledge and passion for the sport, we can build upon our already solid foundations to enhance the league experience for our kids, and prepare them for success as they transition to the high school.”
The Y’s Schwerin adds, “The Y has a strong passion for youth development. We will support all levels of athletic ability.
… and YMCA boys.
“The YMCA’s historical and ongoing contributions to organized youth sports have shaped the athletic landscape and positively influenced young individuals by promoting healthy habits, teamwork, and personal growth.
“By partnering with PAL we are continuing this legacy, fostering youth development and building a stronger, united community.”
Staples coach Dave Goldshore says, “Two years ago, when I was hired as Staples’ boys Basketball coach, my vision was to build a culture that united Westport basketball. I believed that in order to consistently win at the high school level, it was imperative to establish ‘core values’ that could be implemented at the youth level.
“The partnership between the PAL and YMCA brings Westport’s elite youth basketball players under the same organization. This allows for a cleaner path to instill these values into our future Wreckers. Through synergistic curriculum and developmental coaching, it is my intention to continue to build Staples Basketball into a program that Westport can be proud of for years to come.”
(“06880” is a championship site for comprehensive coverage of everything Westport — including sports and youth activities. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
When the Westport Weston Family YMCA received permits for its new facility off Wilton Road, town officials insisted on certain restrictions.
One was a Planning & Zoning Commission limit of 12,500 members.
The Y has now reached that limit. They’ll institute a waitlist.
“Given that the mission of our Y is to welcome and serve all who walk through our doors, we are sorry to disappoint potential new members who want to belong to our vibrant community,” says CEO Anjali McCormick.
She assures current and future members, “we remain committed to providing you with the best experience possible.”
Members head to the Y all day, every day. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
Speaking of the Y: Their 45th annual Point to Point Open Water Swim Race begins at 8 a.m. on July 28.
The 1-mile charity event draws swimmers to Compo Beach from across the Northeast.
All proceeds support the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics programs, including swim lessons and water safety training for children and adults.
Pre-registration is $60; the day-of-race fee is $75. The kids’ race is $15. Registration includes a swim cap, t-shirt and timing chip.
The top finishers earn prizes. To register and learn more, click here.
For many years, Judith Marks-White’s “The Light Touch” and “In Other Words” columns were required reading in the Westport News. Both won writing awards — as did many other stories by the talented local writer.
She died peacefully yesterday at Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by her family. The wife of the late artist/illustrator Morton Rosenfeld was 84.
Born on March 21, 1940 in Passaic, New Jersey, she attended Prospect Hill Country Day School in Newark, and Vassar College.
She then began her professional life in New York, at Time-Life Books.
In 1972 Judith moved to Westport. She soon became the humor columnist of the local paper. She also wrote for national magazines and newspapers.
She contributed to many children’s publications and “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and wrote 2 novels. She received awards for both fiction and nonfiction.
Judith spent many years as an adjunct professor of English at Norwalk Community College, where she was named Teacher of the Year. In addition, she led writing workshops.
She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth (Andrew), and grandchildren Andrew and Caroline.
Funeral services will be held Monday (June 17, 1 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
Shiva will be held Monday (June 17, 4-8 p.m.) and Tuesday (June 18, 1-4 and 5-8 p.m.) at the home of Debbie Richman and Jeffrey Selden in Weston.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Judith’s memory may be made to the Westport Library.
Judith Marks-White
=============================================
Longshore Sailing School cares about the water — and the coast.
On Saturday, June 29 (9:30 to 11 a.m.), they’re sponsoring a coastal cleanup.
Kayaks are free — provided kayakers remove garbage and debris from the shoreline and Saugatuck River.
Even in an eco-conscious town like ours, there’s plenty of trash.
Longshore Sailing School has run similar events in the fast, with great success.
Click here to register; use the code “cleanup” at checkout. Bring your own gloves!
Longshore Sailing School kayaks, waiting to clean the coast. (Photo/Anne Bernier
================================================
Three Westporters were honored at the 19th annual “40 Under 40 of Fairfield County” awards ceremony, presented by Westfair Business Journal.
Congratulations to Maxx Crowley of SCA Crowley Real Estate (and president of the Westport Downtown Association); Susannah Crowley of Bumble (now with TikTok — and not related to Maxx), and Mathias Sportini, a partner at FLB Law.
Over 100 nominees, all under the age of 40, were submitted by Chambers of Commerce and businesses in Fairfield County. The 3 local winners were nominated by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
From left: Maxx Crowley, Mathias Sportini, Susannah Crowley and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.
Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.
“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published August 27. Click here for more information, including a sneak peek.
================================================
George Barrett — the 1973 Staples High School graduate who in his long life has sung with the Orphenians, played varsity soccer at Brown University, taught at Horace Mann, served as CEO of Cardinal Health, and last year returned to his longtime love of singing with the release of his first record — is now working on his second.
Meanwhile, the video for his newest song — “You’re Not Alone” — went live yesterday.
Recorded with the very talented Harmony Project, it’s a heartfelt ballad with a powerful message.
The video is equally stunning. And the beginning and end were filmed at Compo Beach — an important place in George’s life.
PS: George continues to work on his music with Brian Keane, the Grammy-winning and multi-talented 1971 Staples grad.
=================================================
MoCA CT’s next exhibition — “ColleCTomania” — includes over 140 Swiss posters from collector Tom Strong.
The New Haven-based graphic designer, photographer and collector has spent 60 years amassing, displaying and sharing his archive.
The exhibit runs June 27 through September 13. Click here for more information, and to RSVP for the opening reception (June 27, 6 p.m.).
Yesterday’s rain knocked out an important day of the Yankee Doodle Fair.
Sunny skies are predicted today. The fair — a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club — continues at their Imperial Avenue site this afternoon and evening (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.), and tomorrow (Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.).
The rain also produced this gorgeous rainbow, looking southeast from Owenoke:
(Photo/Jonathan Prager)
==============================================
In recent days, “06880” has been inundated with deer photos, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Lovely as they are (there are no images of them eating plants, trees and shrubs), we can’t run them all.
But we can’t resist this one:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
After checking out the Terrain greenery — and seeing that venison is not on the café menu — this fawn managed to safely cross the Post Road.
Oh, dear!
=================================================
And finally … on this day in 1752, Benjamin Franklin proved that lightning is electricity.
(The Y has reached its max — but not “06880.” You can still support our work! Just click here. Thanks for your help.)
Welcome to today’s flowers-and-water edition of our online art gallery.
Yet no matter what subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.
Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Oh What a Beautiful Morning” (Karen Weingarten)
“Still Life” (Ellen Wentworth)
“Boats on Dry Dock at Cove Marina” — watercolor and pen (Kathleen Burke)
“The Blessing of the Fleet” — Southport Harbor (Laurie Sorensen)
“Would This Little House Be a Teardown?” (Nina Marino)
“New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Gala Night” (Richard Stein)
“Sensual #1” (Tom Doran)
“Rare Highwatt Puffins” (Mike Hibbard)
“4-F” (Jo Ann Miler)
“Taking a Breather” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Does My Hair Look Okay?” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
For years, residents visiting the Emerald Isle have taken a side trip to our namesake.
They quickly discover its beauty, charm and exceptionally friendly people.
Westport, Ireland
Recently, Suzanne Sheridan and Rozanne Gates found all of that — and more.
The longtime Westporters traveled to Ireland, on an ancestral and musical journey. (Suzanne, a noted photographer, is alsoo a singer/songwriter. Rozanne runs the Legacy Project family history service, and co-wrote the country classic “90 Pound Suburban Housewife Driving in Her SUV.”
When they learned of a town called Westport on the country’s western coast, they did some research.
They found that their friend Wendy Newton — who grew up in Westport, is the sister of their musician friend Jon Gailmor, and formerly owned the American- Irish label Green Linnet Records — could introduce them to her Irish musician friend, David Dee Moore.
David regularly plays at Matt Molloy’s Pub in Westport, Ireland. His weekly podcast “Folk Friday” airs every Friday at 6:30 p.m. Irish time, and on overthewestonline.com (that name is a coincidence too).
Molloy’s name may be familiar. He is the flutist for The Chieftains.
Rozanne and Suzanne contacted David. He greeted them with quintessential Irish hospitality.
On their first day, he gave them a tour of what the couple calls “the incredibly beautiful Westport, Ireland.”
Westport, Ireland’s town square. (Photos/Suzanne Sheridan)
Highlights included the historical Westport House and a hike down to the Westport Quay.
“You can look out over the Atlantic Ocean to almost see Westport, Connecticut,” Suzanne and Rozanne say (with a wee bit of exaggeration).
The evening was spent with David, as he masterfully entertained a large crowd at Matt Molloy’s Pub.
The next morning, they met David at the Westport Town Hall Theatre. (“Sound familiar” the women ask).
He led a group of students in a ukulele class. “Listening to ten ukes playing traditional Irish folk music is a great way to start a Saturday,” Rozanne and Suzanne say.
Then came the prize moment: David invited Suzanne to play at Matt Molloy’s Pub.
That’s no small honor. Bonnie Raitt has been asked to play there too.
Suzanne and David sang together for over an hour. “People in Westport, Ireland came to know what Connecticut’s Westporters already know: Suzanne Sheridan is a treasure,” Rozanne says proudly.
Rozanne turned on her audio recorder, so the Irish crowd could greet their American counterparts. Click below to listen:
Sure, and it was quite a visit.
Suzanne Rozanne say: “If you are planning a trip to Ireland, as a Westporter you owe it to yourself to visit Westport, Ireland. You will be glad you did!”
(It’s true: “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to help us keep doing that. Thank you, to Westporters everywhere.)
The big building in the center of town — at the Post Road/Taylor Place intersection, across from Main Street — has been many things.
It was a pharmacy: first Driscoll, then Colgan’s (below), and later Thompson’s.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
Those were old-fashioned drugstores. In addition to prescriptions, Band-Aids and the like, they sold magazines and paperback books. There was a lunch counter, with a machine to make “malteds” and “floats.”
It was a place where everyone could congregate: mothers, downtown employees, teenagers who walked there after school from Staples High, on nearby Riverside Avenue (now Saugatuck Elementary).
In the 1980s it was a gathering place of a different type: Ships. The restaurant served good, basic food. Ships was where you went to meet old friends, to take a break from shopping, after a movie.
The tables — and bar — were always packed.
(Painting by Al Willmot)
In between it was the site of Eddie Bauer, and a couple of other retail stores. Briefly, it housed a pop-up shop selling Halloween and Christmas gifts, and a 2-week sales outlet for Orvis.
Today it’s Tiffany.
That’s not a place to just hang out. And the prices are far higher than Colgan’s, Thompson’s, or even Eddie Bauer.
But this is the 20th anniversary for Tiffany in town. Their run rivals the drugstores that preceded it.
What that says about the Westport of yesterday and today, I’ll leave up to you.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The Westport Astronomical Society will be there in force tomorrow (Saturday). But they won’t be riding the Ferris wheel, or even playing one of those galactic games.
The WAS will set up solar telescopes, so fairgoers can view the sun.
It’s full circle (ho ho). In 2017, the organization received a Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grant. They bought a Lunt 100mm solar telescope, for pristine views of the sun and its active atmosphere.
It, and other telescopes, will be there tomorrow. See the sun like never before!
If you were at Staples Pops Concert last week — or the Candlelight Concert, or any other show at the high school, middle schools or elementary schools this year — this is not exactly stop-the-presses news:
The Westport Public Schools have been honored with another “Best Communities for Music Education” award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
The honor is getting routine. We’ve won it every year since 2013.
“Best Communities Music Education” designations go to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Criteria include funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.
Over 200 students take part in the Candlelight Concert each year. Hundreds more participate in music programs at the middle and elementary schools.
Speaking of awards: Dozens of Westporters were proudly in the Hartford crowd Wednesday, as the Town of Westport, Westport Housing Authority and Homes with Hope were all honored by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.
All 3 groups received “Community Champions Awards,” for their continuing innovative practices and collaborative efforts, significantly impacting hundreds of people needing shelter and food.
Congratulations to all, on this major recognition!
Officials representing the town of Westport, Homes with Hope and Westport Housing Authority, and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, at Wednesday’s ceremony.
===============================================
There’s an old saying: “When you fall off a horse, get right back up.”
The same can be said about rowing shells.
In late March, over 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club rowers and coaches were rescued from the frigid Long Island Sound after 3 shells capsized in a sudden squall. Significant equipment was lost.
Despite their challenging spring, the team put 8 boats into the A finals at USRowing Nationals last week — the most in the club history.
Now, for the first time, SRC will send a crew to the Henley Royal Regatta in England June 28 through July 8. It’s a great international test for the local club.
Though their commitments to attend the US Naval Academy and Military Academy, respectively, prevent them from competing in England, captains George Bentley and Dillon Bhutani have led fundraising effort for the trip by seeking sponsors for feats of endurance.
Travel to England is expensive, and requires specialized clothing (including a specific blazer and hat). Not all rowing families can manage the financial burden. To defray expenses, the team will stay with a host family rather than a hotel.
Donations of any size are welcome. Click here to help.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests last week.
An 18-year-old Weston man was charged with reckless driving, DUI under 21 years, passing in a no-passing zone and failure to drive n the proper lane, following a single-car rollover accident around 8:44 p.m. on May 14. Several witnesses described the driver’s reckless, aggressive habits prior to the crash.
A 26-year-old Danbury man was charged with evading responsibility, following too closely, and driving without a license, following an accident at 8:18 a.m. on May 9. A woman stopped in traffic on Bayberry Lane at Long Lots Road was struck from behind by an SUV. As she inspected the damage, the driver shrugged his shoulders and drove away. The woman took a photo of his license plate.
A 52-year-old Southbury man was charged with reckless burning, criminal mischief and threatening, following an investigation into an early morning April 2019 fire at the Saugatuck train station. Due to the man’s mental state at the time of the incident, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
A 36-year-old Torrington man was charged with burglary and larceny, following a November report of a burglary while a family was not home. A security camera showed the man entering the home. He was arrested after being implicated in another burglary in the neighborhood.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 19 citatiosn
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Distracted driving 1
Improper passing: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Unreadable license plates: 1
Failure to wear seat belt: 1
Improper turn signal lamps: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
===============================================
April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.
Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.
She fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.
A couple of months ago, generous Westporters helped her and her husband with housing and food, in Milford.
Once again, they are on the verge of homelessness and hunger.
Click here to read the story of a local resident in need, with a link to a fund for assistance.
Russell Barnard, co-founder and publisher of Country Music Magazine, and longtime resident of Westport, died on February 5. He was 86.
He grew up in Pampa, Texas, then earned a degree in chemical engineering from Yale University in 1960.
After beginning his career at Sinclair Oil he soon moved to the music industry, working for Columbia Records in New York from 1963 to 1970, before turning to media and publishing.
In the early 70s he was a consultant to various media outlets and publications. He served as publisher of Harper’s Magazine from 1972 to 1976.
In 1972, he co-founded Country Music Magazine. With over 700,000 subscribers, it appealed to fans, music artists and industry executives, while never shying away from controversy or honest criticism.
Longtime contributor Rich Kienzle said that Barnard encouraged his writers —including luminaries like Patrick Carr, Nick Tosches and Peter Guralnick — to be “outlaw journalists,” like some country artists.
Barnard’s ability to spot, and foster, writing talent was as important to the magazine’s success as his ability to spot musical trends.
In 1988 he moved the magazine and his family from New York to Westport. Country Music had offices on Riverside Avenue and then Post Road East at Turkey Hill Road, where it remained until Barnard sold the magazine in 1999. The last issue was published in 2003.
In 2012, Barnard and his wife Helen — who worked as an editor of the magazine in Westport — moved back to New York City. He donated a collection of archived material to the University of North Carolina Wilson Special Collections Library, which Ken Burns drew on extensively for his documentary on the history of country music.
He is survived by Helen; their children Anne, John and Christopher, as well as 2 grandchildren. A small funeral was held in February at Willowbrook Cemetery, where he is buried.
Russ Barnard and Johnny Cash, at the singer’s Tennessee cabin.
That’s not the only local spot to tread lightly. This is a shot from Sherwood Island State Park — an excellent reminder of the wonders of “Westport … Naturally:
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
