Resnicks Spin For Cancer Research

Posted on November 27, 2022 | 1 comment

Like many others, COVID drove Zach and Jen Resnick from New York City to Westport.

Like many others too they fell in love with the town, and looked for ways to get involved.

Their way: combining a long-time passion with their new community.

More than a decade ago, a New York neighbor ran a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center research lab. He told them about Cycle for Survival, a fundraiser for rare cancer research.

Brain, pancreatic, ovarian, stomach, all pediatric cancers and many others make up more than 50% of cancer cases. But because they are classified as “rare,” they receive only a small share of federal funds

Since 2007, Cycle for Survival has raised over $312 million for Sloan Kettering. People like the Resnicks are invaluable.

They started in 2012 on their neighbor’s team. They soon formed their own. To date, their team has raised a whopping $587,000.

Cycle events are “fun and upbeat, and leave you excited for the next one,” Zach  says. “They’re like a dance party, only on a spin bike.”

Jen and Zach Resnick.

Many new Westport friends donated to the Resnicks’ 2021 spring ride, in New York. To make the event more accessible (and fun), the couple decided to bring Cycle for Survival here.

The Equinox fitness chain co-sponsors the Cycles. Earlier this month, the Resnicks hosted an event at the Southport location.

It included an hour-long spin, and speeches from doctors and patient families.

Forty Westport neighbors and friends took part. They’ve already raised $37,000. More pledges come in every day. (To add yours, click here.)

Participants at the Equinox Spin for Survival.

“We were blown away by the participation and excitement,” Zach says. “We can’t wait to grow the effort in Westport.”

The goal is for each spinner to bring a friend or two. Here’s betting the local  spins will blow the Resnicks’ $587,000 New York total out of the water.

And help doctors come even closer to curing all-too-rare cancers forever.

(To learn more about the Resnicks’ Cycle for Survival efforts — including the next spring event in New York — email zresnick@gmail.com or jenwresnick@gmail.com)

(“06880” keeps our community informed of events like this, and residents like the Resnicks. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Pic Of The Day #2049

Posted on November 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2049

Train station sunset (Photo/Susan Thomsen)

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Roundup: Staples Football, Alumni Soccer, Community Theater …

Posted on November 26, 2022 | 5 comments

Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!

In a wild Thanksgiving game at Paul Lane Field with 7 lead changes — and an especially crazy final 1:30 — the Wreckers prevailed over Greenwich, 39-38.

Victory for the Wreckers! (Photo/Greershotz Photography)

Staples’ first victory over the Cardinals in 5 years — despite several nail-biters — was an important one.

The blue-and-whites — now 9-1 — secured a home game for the first round of the state class “LL” (extra large schools) playoff. They host Fairfield Prep on Tuesday. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m.

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Also Thursday: Over 50 alumni and varsity players participated in Staples boys soccer annual Turkey Bowl.

The oldest participant was Dave Wilson, a former Wrecker captain and Dartmouth College captain from Staples’ Class of 1975. The youngest were current sophomores — a 50-year gap.

The event raises funds for the Albie Loeffler Scholarship.

Turkey Bowl participants. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

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This is the final weekend for the Westport Community Theater’s (and long-COVID-delayed 65th season) presentation of “Ghost-Writer.”

The 90-minute play ia directed by Alexander Kulcsar, and features Ann Kinner, Rob Pawlikowski, and Deborah Carlson.

Performances are tonight (Saturday, November 26, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 2 p.m.), at Town Hall. Tickets are $25. For reservations, call 203-226-1983. For more information, click here.

 

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The Westport Book Shop’s second annual Winter Family Fest is set for next Saturday (December 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon).

Children will enjoy snowflake-themed crafts on Jesup Green, and holiday story readings inside the store.

The event is on, whether there are real snowflakes or not.

Fun for kids next weekend, inside and out.

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The sign near the Bayberry Lane Extension bridge project says it will be completed by November 30.

This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

They’ve got 4 days to meet their deadline.

And today and tomorrow are the weekend.

I’m just sayin’ …

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And finally … James Connaughton snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo near Center Street.

“Turkeys that got away?” he wonders, surveying yesterday’s scene. “Or late to dinner?”

(Photo/James Connaughton)

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And finally … the photo above reminded me of …

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Online Art Gallery #138

Posted on November 26, 2022 | 4 comments

‘Tis the season to be jolly (starting now!).

‘Tis too the season to submit art for our online gallery (well, always ’tis).

This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

Untitled. Photographer Peter Barlow says: “Some birds that eat here look a lot like squirrels.”

“Yesteryear” (June Rose Whittaker)

“Who’s There!” (Mike Hibbard)

“The Coming Singularity- the Dominance of Artificial Intelligence and the Computer.” Artist Steve Stein says, “Computers easily turn our lights on and off, beat us at chess, control our cars, fly our airplanes and kill us at data/number crunching. Computers are planning and fighting our wars by designing the best military strategies. I hope they don’t decide to just turn on us!”

“Burning the Midnight Oil” (Lawrence Weisman)

Tom Doran created this in August, But, he notes, the colors are appropriate for fall too.

“I Love Fall” (Jerry Kuyper)

 

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Leaf It Out Of Waterways

Posted on November 26, 2022 | 2 comments

With leaf and brush removal season in full swing, it’s tempting to dump them anywhere close, and out of sight.

Tempting — but if the closest place is a wetland or watercourse, also illegal.

Conservation Department director Colin Kelly says, “Laws that protect our wetlands and waterways are there to protect the town’s natural resources, as well as private property.

“Wetlands act as natural drainage basins for the collection of excess groundwater in the spring and runoff during storm events. Wetlands keep floodwaters within streams and their floodplains.”

Leaves should not be dumped in waterways. They should not block drains, either.. (Photo/Tammy Barry)

Westport residents have several options for leaf disposal.

One is to compost leaves in the back yard within a fenced area or a composting receptacle, at least 20 feet away from any wetland or watercourse.

Backyard composting is a convenient alternative. It also produces valuable soil for container or garden planting the following year. Click here , or click here or  hclick here  to learn more about composting.

Another option — for Westport residents with a valid sticker — is to deliver leaves to the yard waste site (180 Bayberry Lane, behind the Aspetuck Health District).

The yard waste site is open Monday through Saturday (7 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Extended Saturday hours are in effect through December 10. NOTE: Plastic bags ae prohibited.

Alternatively, the Department of Public Works began curbside leaf collection this month. All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 5 to guarantee pick-up.

Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town road. Again: no plastic bags!

For more information about leaf removal or the yard waste site, call the Department of Public Works: 203-341-1120.

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Pic Of The Day #2048

Posted on November 25, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2048

The holidays are here! The Cribari Bridge was lit tonight — and will stay that way through the new year. (Photo/Patti Brill)

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More Retailers, Restaurants Join Holiday Stroll

Posted on November 25, 2022 | Comments Off on More Retailers, Restaurants Join Holiday Stroll

Every day, the Holiday Stroll adds more stores and restaurants.

From Main Street, Church Lane and the Post Road to the west bank across the river, downtown will rock with Santa Claus, carolers, kids activities, shopping and restaurant deals, and free cocoa and nibbles.

The December 3 event (5 to 7 p.m.) is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Westport Downtown Association.

Among the recent additions: Greens Farms Academy’s Harbor Blues will sing holiday songs at 5 p.m. Staples High School’s Orphenians follow at 6:30. Both will be at the tent in front of Cold Fusion.

The Staples Orphenians, at last year’s “06880” Holiday Stroll.

In addition, Nick Calabrese — a professional singer and music teacher — will lead anyone who wants to join on a carol sing through downtown.

A box will be set up for donations for the PAL holiday toy drive. Feel free to bring an unwrapped, new gift (or two!).

Meanwhile, here’s the latest list of Holiday Stroll participants:

  • Bartaco: Hot chocolate on their patio
  • Basso: TBA
  • Black Bear Wines & Spirits: 15% off all wines
  • Blossom + Stem: Complimentary mini-bouquets, and a chance to win a fresh holiday prize
  • Bobbles & Lace: Glass of wine & Bobbles Bucks ($$$ off your purchase)
  • Bridgewater Chocolates: Complimentary chocolate tastings and hot chocolate
  • Brooks Brothers: The entire store is 30% off all weekend
  • Capuli: Giving out churros
  • Cold Fusion Gelato: Handing out wrapped chocolates
  • Don Memo: Giving out festive adult and children’s beverages

Don Memo is one of many participating Holiday Stroll restaurants.(Photo/Katherine Bruan)

  • Fred: Complimentary holiday treats
  • Jeera Thai: 20% off on takeout meals
  • Joe’s Pizza: Garlic knots
  • Kerri Rosenthal: 15% off read-to-wear and accessories
  • La Fenice: Buy 1 regular coffee, get 1 free
  • Le Route Aartisan Chocolates: Free hot chocolate
  • Lift Wellness Group: Discount on bundled psychotherapy and nutrition services; gift cards with 10% discount
  • Lux Bond & Green: Refreshments and surprises
  • Manna Toast: Hot chocolate
  • Megan’s Martha’s Vineyard Boutique: 20% off, and a giveaway bundle
  • Moxie Salon & Beauty  Bar: Spin The Wheel to Win! 20% off hair extensions; $20 off voucher; $25, $50, $75, $100, $200 gift certificates; complimentary spray tan or blowout; $50 off Balayyage or Ombre; complimentary makeup application, girls hair tinsel and/or braids
  • Nomade: Candied almonds in bamboo cone, and cookies
  • Noya Jewelry: Hot holiday drinks

Across the river, Noya will particpate too.

  • Rye Ridge Deli: Free hot chocolate, tea, coffee
  • Savvy + Grace: Holiday treat, and mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa
  • Scout & Molly’s: 20% off purchase, light snacks
  • Sorelle Gallery: Gif boxes with discounts from 5 to 15% for any Holiday Collection item; light festive refreshments (prosecco, candy canes, sparkling water, etc.)
  • The Cashmere Sale of Westport: Holiday candy
  • The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and hot chocolate; 50% off sale on all pillows
  • The Toy Post: A small toy for each child
  • Upnorth: 20% off, and a giveaway
  • West: Raffle for $150 gift card (no purchase necessary); winner drawn at 7:30 p.m.
  • Walrus Alley: Happy hour prices for food and drinks
  • Westport Book Shop: Free book, and a coupon for a future visit
  • Winfield Street Street Coffee: Hot cocoa and cruffins (pecan cinnamon rolls with a croissant dough)
  • Yoga45: Participation in a yoga event.

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Friday Flashback #323

Posted on November 25, 2022 | 28 comments

Cell phones are great. You can watch movies; play games; find news, weather and sex partners  … you can even make phone calls*!  

What you can’t do — at least, not without a ton of work — is find out the phone number of someone you don’t know.

Back in the day, it was as easy — literally — as ABC.

“Phone books” sat by every telephone. Updated every year — thick for cities, thin for towns like Westport — they offered a complete, alphabetical and very egalitarian look at every home and business.

The other day, Suzanne Urban sent me the Westport directory for 1961-62.

I have no idea why she kept it. But it offers a fascinating look at a time before caller ID, answering machines, and “sorry, I just went through a dead zone.”

On one page you can see a bit of the commercial and governmental life of Westport (and Weston):

There’s also a peek at the people in town (and, if they were female, their marital status).

Look carefully. I did not choose this page randomly.

As for those “CA 7-” and “CL 9-” numbers: They stood for CApital and CLearwater (the latter for homes near Fairfield).

Those letter prefixes were replaced by “227” and “259” a few years later. Then came “226” and “255,” followed by “222” and “254.”

Today, prefixes mean nothing. The many years of “203” as Connecticut’s only area code are gone forever. too You can even keep your area code when you move.

The phone book made it easy to memorize phone numbers. I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, but I still remember friends’ numbers from the Kennedy era.

Today, we can’t imagine life without our cell phones. Back in the day, we could not have lived without phone books.

One day, kids, I’ll go back and revisit directory assistance, and the Yellow Pages.

*Provided you have service. And “minutes.’

(You don’t have to look up anything to support “06880.” Just click here to contribute!)

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Roundup: Thanksgiving 2022, I-95 Exit 17 …

Posted on November 25, 2022 | 1 comment

Scenes from yesterday’s Thanksgiving, all around town:

Homes with Hope provided two festive meals — lunch and dinner — for clients of their emergency homeless shelters and community kitchen yesterday, at the Gillespie Center.

The Thanksgiving feast was created by Aux Delices, and donated by the Smith family.

Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden was awed by the generosity of Westporters. In addition to the Smith, residents stopped by all day with bags of groceries, and homemade pies and treats.

Diners ate off fancy dishes, with silverware — “as it should be,” Helen says.

Among the volunteers: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden (3rd and 4th from left), with staff members before yesterday’s Gillespie Center Thanksgiving.

At the annual Turkey Trot, the Levys were one of many families cheering the hundreds of runners on their route through Greens Farms (and to a well-deserved Thanksgiving dinner).

(Photo/Bob Levy)

On High Point Road, residents revived the tradition of a holiday walk. That’s another way to work up an appetite:

Jennifer Herbert-Coste’s dog Louis spotted a raccoon stuck beneath a flooded street drain on the corner of Compo Beach and Quentin Roads. Westport Animal Control and the Westport Fire Department took time out of their holiday to lift the 75-pound grill, and help the critter live another day.

We assume he was quite thankful.

(Photo/Jennifer Herbert-Coste)

Then, after a big meal, these kids headed to the Compo Beach playground …

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

… while others romped on the sand, for some late-afternoon fun.

(Photo/Jonathan Prager)

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At least they waited until the end of the holiday:

The I-95 southbound Exit 17 on ramp will be closed at night on Monday and (if necessary) Tuesday (November 28 and 29). The Exit 17 off-ramp from I-95 southbound will be closed Wednesday and *if necessary) Thursday (November 30 and December 1). Workers will install conduits for the Incident Management System.

For more information, click here.

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Several readers have noted the enormous number of gulls at Sherwood Mill Pond this year.

Matt Murray provided proof, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of the animal (above) freed by our excellent Animal Control and Fire Department employees:

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(Happy Black Friday! If you’re looking for another way to spend money, please consider a donation to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you.)

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Posted in Saugatuck, Transportation, Westport life

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“Another Lime Jimmy”: Honoring Walton Amey

Posted on November 25, 2022 | 6 comments

The sudden death last summer of Walton Amey — a multi-talented musician and athlete, and a 1971 Staples High School graduate — stunned his many friends and admirers. He was 69.

Grammy-winning musician and producer Brian Keane, writes:

I lost my dear friend Walton Amey while we were vacationing at our mutual friend and former bandmate Stephen Schneider’s beach house on Fire Island.

Walt was an amazingly talented, engaging and entertaining person. He was an accomplished actor, singer, comedian and athlete. He was a rugged non-conformist who refused the high expectations and restrictions of traditional societal values.

Walton Amey, in the 1971 Staples High yearbook.

Walt viewed life as a playground — one with which he was constantly engaged, always thinking of ways for people to have fun, get involved, be entertained, enjoy being ridiculous.

Walt was a showman. Being engaged in a show that delighted even one other person truly made him happy.

Stephen Schneider wrote a wonderful song in tribute called “Another Lime Jimmy.” He performed it at Walt’s touching (and sort of wild) celebration of life on the shores of Lake Onondaga in Syracuse this past summer. The song is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Very catchy too.

I produced the song with Stephen performing it, using people from various bands and theatrical productions that Walton performed with over the years.

I’m sure we didn’t get to everyone who would have wanted to contribute. But as Walt often said, “what’s good is good.”

The most valuable thing about Thanksgiving is the appreciation of gratitude. So this seemed like an appropriate way to say thanks this year.

I hope that, even if you never knew Walton Amey, watching the video will give you some sense of that joy, fun, and spontaneity with which he approached life.

“06880” agrees. Click below, for the best 6 minutes of your day.

(From graduates to current students — and those not yet there — “06880′ brings you news of Staples High. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.) 

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