It’s Only Rock & Roll: Reunion Band Smokes

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 4 comments

If they want music, most high school reunion organizers hire a DJ.

Staples High School’s Class of 1970 has Smoke.

That’s the house band — made up of ’70 grads Mark Smollin, Chuck Boisseau, Steve Wall,  Pete Morgen, Marc Bailin and Jeff Dowd (’71) — who played at their past few reunions.

Their 50th was delayed by COVID for 2 years. But Smoke planned to get together for their final gig this past weekend, when the Class of ’70 (coincidentally, most of whom are now 70 years old) gathered at the Norwalk Inn.

As always, they came in a few days early to rehearse. But COVID is not yet over. The virus infected the band. They had to cancel.

It was a bitter disappointment, for them and their many classmates/friends/ fans/groupies.

But the Class of ’71 rode to the rescue.

They’ve got their own reunion band — called (go figure) The Reunion Band. (They also played a legendary Levitt Pavilion show, in 2019.)

The Reunion Band rocked the packed Levitt Pavilion in 2019, at a memorial concert for former member Charlie Karp. Comprised entirely of graduates of Staples High School’s Class of 1971, its members have played and recorded with — among many others — Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, Van Morrison, Smokey Robinson and Orleans. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)

When Smoke went up in ashes, Smollin asked Reunion Band front man/multiple Emmy winner Brian Keane for help.

There were many reasons not to: Brian’s looming movie scoring deadlines, his son coming to visit, no time to rehearse. And his partner and fellow band member, Bonnie Housner Erickson, was in the midst of planning her own (delayed) reunion.

But quickly, Brian and Bonnie said: Let’s put on a show!

It did not matter that the last time the Reunion Band played together was that Levitt gig. They’re pros.

They contacted 3 other Reunion Band members: Rob and Julie McClenathan, and Dave Barton. They could not get Michael Mugrage (previously scheduled engagement) and Bill Sims (in Vermont).

But they added some high-powered, non-’71 musicians: Leigh Sobel (SHS ’68, lead singer of famed Mandrake Root); David Giardina (SHS ’70), Tim DeHuff (SHS ’72), and non-Stapleites Tony  Aiardo and Arti Dixson.

Bonnie says, “Our collective belief of never turning down a comrade in need, coupled with our decades-long backgrounds as music and theater producers won out. It was ‘all hands on deck,’ making this happen for our friends.”

With no rehearsal — but plenty of professional chops — the Reunion Band rocked the Norwalk Inn. They played the music everyone loved (and that Smoke would have played). The Class of 1970 partied like it was 1999.

The Reunion Band at the Norwalk Inn. From left: Tony Aiardo, Tim DeHuff, Bonnie Erickson, Julie and Rob McClenathan, Leigh Sobel, Arti Dixson, Brian Keane. Not pictured: David Barton, David Giardina. (Photo courtesy of Mary Gai)

“The unexpected plus for me was that I saw so many people I hadn’t seen in years,” Brian says.

“When you go to reunions you only see those from your own class, but in reality we go to school with, and interact socially with, classmates a year or two younger and older too.

“I really felt badly for Smoke. I had played in school with many members. I knew how much they wanted to be there.”

As for the Reunion Band: They’re getting ready for their next gig. They play at their own reunion — the Class of ’71 — on October 1.

This time, they’ll even have a few days to rehearse.

BONUS TRACK: You don’t have to be a member of the Class of ’71 to enjoy this kick-ass reunion website (click here — then click “Flashback” from the dropdown menu).

And who designed it? The Reunion Band’s own Bonnie Erickson.

(Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

(“06880” appreciates donations from members of any high school class — anywhere. Please click here to help.)

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Roundup: Chino Cortez, School, Drought & Lanternflies …

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 3 comments

In December 2020, I posted an email from Katherine Calise.

After a big snowstorm, her trash collector — Chino Cortez of Cortez Refuse — had shoveled his own path to her cans.

“He is the kindest person — all around, the nicest person you could meet,” she wrote. “In the summer he sprays the garbage cans so you will not get sick.”

Others agreed. On social media they praised him for hauling away Christmas trees, making sure cans were safely stored in the wind, and texting customers if they forgot to put the trash out.

The other day, Katherine contacted me again. This time, it was about helping out with Chino’s medical bills.

At work earlier this month, a bungee cord snapped and hit his eye. His retina was severely damaged. He’ll have surgery soon, as doctors try to save his sight.

A grateful customer has organized a GoFundMe campaign. Click here for more information, and to help.

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It’s an annual tradition: On the first day of school, parents take photos of their kids at the Juniper Road/Caccamo Lane bus stop.

Here’s this year’s edition. Parents: Save for posterity. Kids: Don’t be embarrassed — decades from now, you’ll appreciate this.

PS: The little ones on both ends? They’ll be graduating before you know it.

(Photo/Pam Long)

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Speaking of school: The Porch @ Christie’s on Cross Highway is located close to 4 of them: Staples High, Bedford Middle, and Coleytown Middle and Elementary.

It’s also on the route for people heading into and out of Westport.

A good number of folks passing near, or by, are teachers. To celebrate a new school year, The Porch is offering free coffee and tea to all educators, now through September 9, with any purchase (6:30 to 9 a.m.) or salad, bowl, sandwich or grill item (3 to 5 p.m.). Just show your school ID.

What a great way to honor teachers. Owners Bill and Andrea Pecoriello have learned their customer service lessons well.

Free coffee or tea for teachers here.

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Speaking of local businesses that care:

On Sunday, Tutti’s Ristorante held a fundraiser for Jimmy Nuzzo. “DJ Jimmy James” — a friend to the owners (the Funicello family) and many others — needs a new heart and liver. 100% of the proceeds from the $25 penne-and-meatball dinner went to help.

Westporters, Norwalkers and others came through — big time. Tutti’s raised nearly $4,000 for Jimmy.

Maria Funicello asked me to thank the “06880” community. Consider it done — and thank you, Tutti’s, too!

Tutti’s owners Pasquale and Maria Funicello opened their restaurant (and hearts) to Jimmy Nuzzo.

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There are many new families on Ludlow Road, Wright Street and Orchard Lane recently.

So the neighborhood near Old Hill threw an old-fashioned block party on Sunday.

There was food and drinks. Adults chatted; kids romped. It was a great way to come together at the start of the school year.

One attendee suggested that every neighborhood with new families should do the same.

Or how about: Every neighborhood in Westport, with or without newcomers?

Send us your block party photos. Party on!

Seeking shade, and familiar and new faces.

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Weston is taking steps to address its drought.

Yesterday, residents received this message from 1st Selectwoman Samantha Nestor:

“I am reaching out to remind residents that Weston (and all of Fairfield County), have been experiencing Stage 2 drought conditions since mid-July due to below normal precipitation levels across Connecticut. Stage 2 identifies an emerging drought event that could potentially impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

“Per Governor Lamont, ‘Residents should be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment. We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.'”

Weston asks residents to voluntarily take measure to help reduce the impact of the drought conditions, including:

  • Reduce watering lawns, gardens, and other landscaped areas; if watering is essential, late evening hours are best
  • Avoid burning in or near woodlands or brush-lands
  • Take shorter showers
  • Run dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads
  • Shut off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously
  • Avoid washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings
  • Do not use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads
  • Postpone planting new lawns or vegetation
  • Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
  • Follow any additional conservation requests

For more information from the Connecticut Drought Information Center, click here. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

Meanwhile, one more indication that Westport is in a drought too:

Near Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Speaking of environmental threats, consider the spotted lanternfly.

It’s crossed Connecticut’s southwest border — that’s us — and could threaten businesses, nurseries and homeowners, causing billions of dollars in damage while devastating the landscape, in 2 years.

The SLF is a sap-feeding plant hopper native to China. It is believed to have entered this country as an egg mass stuck to a shipment of stone sent to Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, that state’s agriculture, vineyards, forests, nurseries and residential areas have suffered serious damage.

The SLF started making its way into Connecticut last year. The state Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order. The hope is that the pest will be slowed long enough to find a treatment to control or eradicate it.

The beautiful-looking insect affects fruit trees, grapes, hops and ornamental trees. The nymphs (immature stage of the SLF) and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, causing them to weaken. Excretions from the SLF stick to the leaves; black sooty mold grows, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize properly.  This reduce crop yields, and weaken trees and plants further, eventually destroying them.

Spotted lanternfly

It can also wreak havoc on lawn furniture, sidewalks, sides of buildings, car tires and everything else outside, making them a sticky mess.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station urges everyone to report any sightings.

If you spot an SLF, kill it right away. Report it here; include a photo if possible. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

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Jenni Kayne opened its 4th store last weekend. The location for the “California lifestyle brand” is Sconset Square.

It showcases the interiors arm of Jenni Kayne Home, with furniture set in “real-room environments,: and home accessories. The store also carries Jenni’s skincare line, Oak Essentials.

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“Westport … Naturally” returns to the theme of drought. Deadman Brook looked particularly low the other evening:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of back-to-school (and The Porch @ Christie’s celebration of teachers — see story above), here’s this long-forgotten Elton John classic.

Okay, the lyrics are not exactly a paean to a classroom education. But still …

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Posted in Children, Education, Environment, Local business, Restaurants

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The World Shrinks. So Does The Number Of Foreign Student Host Families.

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 3 comments

More than 30 years ago, Barbara Alfinito hosted a high school exchange student. It was one of the greatest experiences of her — that is, Barbara’s — life

Four other exchange students followed. Barbara remains close with all of them.

Her daughter Andrea was 12 years old when their first student, Wyck, came from the Netherlands.

Andrea was not doing well in school. One day, Barbara overheard Wyck chastise Andrea for not doing her homework. Every night from then on, the 2 girls did homework together.

Five years later, Andrea went to Spain. She is very friendly with her host sister, to this day.

Three decades ago, “foreign exchange” programs were wildly popular. (The term is a misnomer; it’s a one-way arrangement. There is no reciprocity.)

Students from abroad were celebrities in their schools. They gave talks to civic organizations. It was considered a great honor for an American high school student to go overseas, too.

Back then, Barbara says, families competed to be hosts. Now it’s so hard to find hosts, 90 students wishing to spend a year in the US cannot do so.

Francesco Maniero

Francesco Maniero, Barbara Alfinito’s “grandson” by way of hosting a foreign student 25 years ago.

Barbara is working with Ilenia Maniero, one of her “daughters,” from Italy, to place Italian teenagers. One of them is Ilenia’s son Francesco.

She hopes to find at least one host family among “06880” readers — whether in this Zip Code or not.

“You learn a language, different customs, and expand your child’s knowledge of the world,” Barbara says. (However, having a child is not a prerequisite for hosting. All kinds of families — including single adults — can be hosts.)

“You don’t get paid in money. But you do get paid in love.”

Ilenia adds, “You live a global adventure without leaving home. You welcome someone new into your home, share your everyday lives, and grow as you get to know each other.”

Students bring with their own spending money for social and school activities, clothes and more.

With the school year already beginning, time is tight. Hosts need not commit for the whole year, Barbara notes.

Anyone interested in hosting Francesco (Barbara’s “grandson”) should contact Ilenia (+39-335-8768685; she speaks perfect Brooklynese, having learned from Barbara). She is on Facebook too (search for Ilenia Maniero).

Anyone interested in hosting another Italian student should email concorso@intercultura.it.

Anyone interested in other hosting opportunities should click here.

(“06880” truly is “Where Westport meets the world.” To support this blog, please click here.)

 

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Posted in Education, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #1960

Posted on August 29, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1960

Compo Beach lifeguard (Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

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Roundup: Jose Feliciano, Hiking Trails, Utility Wires …

Posted on August 29, 2022 | 36 comments

José Feliciano is an international star.

And he’s our wonderful Weston neighbor and friend.

Many of those friends will be at New York’s Angelika Theater this Friday (September 2, 7 p.m.). They’ll celebrate the theatrical release of the film “José Feliciano: Behind This Guitar.”

The movie’s website says: “From the slums of Puerto Rico to the world stage, José Feliciano embarks upon a 55+ year career and becomes a 9-time Grammy winner.

“From ‘Light My Fire’ to ‘Feliz Navidad’ to ‘Chico and the Man’ to global stardom, the film chronicles this under-appreciated singer/songwriter/ musician.”

Click below for the trailer. Then — if you can’t be at the Angelika — watch the film when you can.

And when you see José around town, tell him: “¡Felicidades!”

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Thayer Fox writes:

“My wife and I moved to Westport about a year and a half ago, and fell deeply in love with Westport.

“I am an avid hiker, but have mostly struck out finding good hikes with great views. I’ve been through Devil’s Den, Lake Windwing and Bennett’s Preserve, but still feel like I haven’t fully figured it out.

“Can you ask your readers for suggestions? With fall coming, this is a great time to go hiking.”

Done!

Readers: Please help Thayer (and every other new resident/avid hiker). Click “Comments” below, and tell us your favorite trails.

Devil’s Den. Where else can Thayer hike this fall? (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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Longtime Westporter Michael Brennecke writes:

“Driving around, I constantly see trucks stringing up new wiring on telephone poles. I wonder, given that there are only 3 companies (I believe) delivering cable services around here, are all of those fat wires still active?

“I asked one of the crews if they ever take down obsolete wires. The answer was that they have no clue. I suspect there are a lot of derelict wires, and taking them down is a cost the companies do not want to incur.

“Only the very top wires on the poles are actually power lines, and they are comparatively thin. It’s really unsightly wire pollution, and it’s getting worse all the time.”

Utility wires near Westport. Some may actually be in use. (Photo/Mike Brennecke)

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Wynston Browne — the non-speaking autistic rising Staples High School senior, whose ability to communicate using a simple board device inspired and thrilled Westporters this summer — returns to The Porch @ Christie’s today (Monday, August 29, 12:45 to 2 p.m.).

During his visit earlier this month, he used his letter board to speak with customers. He answered questions about his life, in a session that was as gratifying for them as it was for him.

Wynston looks forward to meeting new friends again today, at the popular Cross Highway gathering spot.

Wynston and Elisa Feinman, at work with his spelling board.

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I don’t care if you are from out of town. The sign is pretty clear: “Boat Launch Ramp/No Parking.” For extra clarity it’s paved, while all the cars around it are parked on grass.

But this Masshole didn’t care.

David Meth reports: “The driver took a photo of the sky while standing near the sign. She opened the back door, took out her folding chair and walked to another part of the beach. I was on my way out. I told one of the guys at the entrance.”

(Photo/David Meth)

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Continuing our drought coverage, Peggy O’Halloran says of this sad tree at Grace Salmon Park: “It looks like it already has a headstone.”

(Photo/Peggy O’Halloran)

And thought the lack of rain has done a number on Tracy Porosoff’s hydrangeas …

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

… her basil is thriving:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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All of the above leads to today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot. No drab colors here!

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of José Feliciano’s new film (story above), a few moments from his amazing career:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support it!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Teenagers

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Back To School!

Posted on August 29, 2022 | 6 comments

This story ran last August, as the new school year began. Several readers asked to see it again. It’s just as timely — and timeless — today. Have a great year!

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Forget January 1. Pshaw, Rosh Hashanah. Today — at least for Westport parents and students — is the real start of the new year.

It’s the first day of school.

Whether you’re a kindergartner heading off on your own, a Staples senior already counting the days to graduation, or a mom or dad feeling pride, trepidation and the warp-speed passage of time — or anyone else, who has ever gone to school — this story is for you. It was first published a few years ago, but is back by popular request.

Summer vacation ends with a thud tomorrow. Each year it’s the same: One day a kid’s free as a cat; the next he’s trapped, chained to the rhythm of the school calendar for 10 long months.

Greens Farms Elementary School.

Some youngsters love this time of year; they’re eager to greet old friends, and meet new ones. Or they can’t wait for the smell of newly waxed floors, the security of assigned seats, the praise they know will be lavished on them day after day.

Others abhor it. The thought of entering a strange building filled with strange faces, or trying to be part of a group of peers who won’t accept them, or sitting for hours at a time, doing work they can’t stand, is excruciating — even physically sickening.

Around this time each year, I think about the entire school experience. I wonder which kindergartner will hate school for the rest of the year because his teacher makes a face the morning he throws up in front of everyone, and which will love school because an aide congratulates her the afternoon she almost puts on her coat all by herself.

Which 1st grader will invent any excuse not to go to gym because he can’t throw a ball, and which will get through the school day only because he knows gym is coming soon?

Saugatuck Elementary School

Which 4th grader will walk meekly into class each morning with just one ambition — to get through the day without anyone noticing how ugly, or stupid, or poorly dressed she is — and which will look back on 4th grade as a turning point in her life because a guidance counselor took the time to talk to her, to show her how to comb her hair better, to make her feel good about herself?

Which 5th grader will have a teacher who does nothing when she catches him cheating on a test — too much effort to raise such a touchy issue — and which will have a teacher who scares him so much when he’s caught that he vows to never cheat in school again?

Which 6th grader will enter middle school intent on making a name for himself as the best fighter in his class, and which with the aim of never getting a grade lower than an A?  Which 6th grader’s ambition will change, and which will remain the same?

Bedford Middle School.

Which 9th grader will temper his fledgling interest in current events with the feeling “it’s not cool; no one else in class cares,” and which will visit the New York Times website every day because her class is working on “this really neat project”?

Which 10th grader will hate English because all she does is read stupid books assigned by the stupid teacher from some stupid list, and which will go to Barnes & Noble on his own for the first time because his teacher suggests there are more books by the same author he might enjoy?

Which 12th grader will have the brains to apply to 3 Ivy League schools, but lack the common courtesy to thank a teacher who wrote glowing recommendation to all of them? And which will slip a note in a teacher’s box the morning of graduation that says, “Thanks.  I’m really glad I had you this year”?

Staples High School

It’s easy to wrap our school years in nostalgic gauze, or try to stuff the bad memories down our mental garbage disposals.

We also tend not to think in concrete terms about what goes on inside school walls every day. Learning, we assume, happens. Kids read, write, use laptops, draw, eat and see their friends.

We seldom realize how much of an impact this institution we call “school” has on our kids.

Or how much it has had on us.

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Posted in Children, Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #1959

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 10 comments

Bankside House sunrise, Wilton Road (Photo/David Waldman)

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Photo Challenge #400

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 11 comments

The door to the small clubhouse at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina is easy to recognize.

Robert Mitchell, Elaine Marino, Nicola Sharian, Jonathan Prager, Ron Holtz, Mary Stewart, Michael Szeto, Andrew Colabella, Linda Amos, Richard Hyman and Joelle Malec all knew that the white door with blue trim was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

But here’s something not everyone knows: That clubhouse is available to rent, for private functions.

And it’s cheap: just $275 for Westport residents, community organizations and companies.

Even better: Civic groups and non-profits get one free rental per year. Click here for details.

This week’s Photo Challenge may be tougher. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

HINT: It is not a new way of reserving an (un-reservable) table at Compo’s South Beach, not far from the Ned Dimes Marina.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

 

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Roundup: Water, Weeds, Lichen …

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 4 comments

Online registration for fall Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday (September 7).

Among the events: traditional favorites like tennis clinics, Sports Squirts, IST football, Wakeman Town Farm and Skyhawks Sports Academy, and new ones: Future Wreckers’ basketball clinics, Next Generation skateboard clinics, Overtime Athletics Heads Up dodgeball and Kaboom Kickball.

Click here to search for programs (adult and youth). Click here to make sure your online account and family information is up to date. Click here to register.

Having trouble accessing your online account, or need an address change? Do not create another profile; call 203-341-5152 or email recreation@westportct.gov for help.

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A resident of Pequot Trail, off Sylvan Road North, writes:

“A house on our street has the greenest lawn in town, because they water it twice a day. Many neighbors have reported the house to Aquarion and the town, and placed notes in the mailbox. Yet the sprinklers keep running:=

 

“We’re curious about what happens in this situation, when someone blatantly ignores repeated notices about water usage/restrictions.”

We’re curious too.

Aquarion calls its water restrictions “mandatory.”

But its website says that residents “should” follow the twice-weekly (not twice-daily) schedule.

And its FAQ page answers a question about penalties for “violating the two-day mandatory irrigation schedule” this way:

Our main commitment is to educate the public about how they can use water more efficiently and sustainably; however, we can penalize violators, including shutting off their water, if their failure to follow the schedule impairs public resources.

Sounds as if “can” has not yet translated to “will.”

Perhaps the next step is to print this story out, and put it in the green lawn owner’s mailbox.

And then send a copy to Aquarion.

PS: This was the scene this morning, with several sprinklers going. Sunday is a legal watering day for house numbers ending in even numbers, or homes without numbers. The Pequot Trail home has an odd number:

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Meanwhile, Seth Schachter offers this sad photo for our continuing drought coverage.

It’s at the Turkey Hill North/Post Road intersection. He calls it “weeds need water too.”

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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On the brighter environmental side:

Fran Taylor graduated from Staples High School in 1971. She’s lived for years in her native Kentucky, and loves it. But she remembers Westport fondly too. Fran writes:

“I love the Ned Dimes Marina photos on ‘06880.’ They bring back many memories of hanging out there regularly with a variety of friends.

“Imagine my surprise when I finally identified the name (Maritime Sunburst Lichen) of the yellow lichen creeping on to my back porch in Lexington — a thousand miles from any ‘maritime’ setting.

Maritime sunburst lichen, in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo/Fran Taylor)

“It looked familiar, but I couldn’t place where I’d seen it before. Cue Ned Dimes Marina — and just like that, so many memories came flooding back.

“Thanks to 06880 for keeping those precious memories, which trigger sights, sounds, smells and emotions, alive a half century later.”

And thank you, Fran. Please come visit whenever you can!

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The curtain rose officially last night for “4000 Miles.” The Westport Country Playhouse production stars Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate Clay Singer, and Fairfield resident Mia Dillon. The thought-provoking, rollercoaster-of-emotions show runs through September 4.

Last night’s curtain call, wit Clay Singer and Mia Dillon. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Jim White has lived or worked in Westport for 18 years.

His sister Kate White has no connection here, beyond knowing how much he loves this town.

But when Kate — a best-selling author, and former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan — was writing her 16th suspense novel, The Second Husband, she set it in Westport

Jim had a great time helping his sister with background research. Among the local spots mentioned: Terrain, Spotted Horse and the Whelk.

Surprise! Those are some of Jim’s favorite restaurants too.

“It’s an excellent read,” Jim praises. And, he adds proudly, “Not only is she an amazing writer and editor, but she recently gave the commencement address at Union College — where she received an honorary doctorate of letters.

“She was in the first class of women accepted at Union, and was part of their celebration of 50 years of being co-ed. She has been a great inspiration to me, and I am sure many others.”

Jim hopes to get Kate here for a book signing or discussion. In the meantime, click here to order.

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Hayden S. Cabral died suddenly but peacefully in his sleep on Thursday. He was 21 years old.

Hayden is survived by his father Kevin Cabral, his mother Dawn Loecher, step-mother Laura Cabral, brothers Logan and Payton, sisters Lianna and Hailey, aunt and godmother Susan Cabral-Hiltz, uncle Harry Hiltz, uncle and godfather Scott Loecher, grand-uncle Carlo and aunt Marcy Cabral, cousins and many great friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Joseph and Betty Cabral, and Janet and Robert Loecher.

Friends will be received at the Harding Funeral Home tomorrow  (Monday, August 29, 4 to 8 p.m.) A Funeral Mass will be held at Assumption Church on Tuesday (August 30, 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

Hayden Cabral

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature features a beautiful blue heron. Amy Schneider sighted it on the Saugatuck River, near the Levitt Pavilion.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … today is the 67th anniversary of the murder of Emmett Till. In 1955, the Black 14-yer-old was abducted, tortured and murdered in Mississippi. His brutal  death — and the decision by his mother to have an open casket, and a public funeral — helped galvanize the civil rights movement.

(“06880” is supported solely by readers. Please click here to contribute.)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Media, Obituaries, Restaurants, Sports, Teenagers, Westport Country Playhouse

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LobsterFest: Huge Town Party Needs Cooks, Crackers And More

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 3 comments

It may be the biggest party in town.*

Tickets are going fast LobsterFest — the September 17 lobster/steak/ drinks/music/kids’ activities blowout at Compo Beach.

In fact, by the time this is posted it may already be sold out.

But you can still go. Just sign up to volunteer!

It takes many hands to put on the massive fundraiser. (Which raises massive funds. This year’s goal is $200,000, to help dozens of charitable projects in Fairfield County and around the world.)

Besides all those hard-working Rotarians, folks of all ages are needed to greet the 1,500 guests, crack lobsters, prep other food, cook, pour beer and wine, carry trays for seniors, sell raffle tickets, etc. etc., etc. haul trash

And of course, help set up and clean up.

LobsterFest volunteers

It’s a true community-wide event. And besides giving much-needed aid, volunteers can enjoy it too. They get a burger or hot dog, a drink ticket, a cool t-shirt — and share in the camaraderie of a fun, truly feel-good day.

The Rotary Club has thought of everything, to make LobsterFest sizzle. The mid-September date ensures that the lobsters have finished shedding their old shells, so they’re especially big.

Texas Roadhouse returns to cook the steaks, to perfection. There are several great beer vendors, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Rotary Club takes sustainability seriously. Lobster shells are recycled (after de-banding); bottles are recyclable, and there’s plenty of composting.

There are more tents than ever, and — for those worried about COVID — a drive-thru option, to pick up your surf-and-turf.

The band HRMB will play its popular classic rock. Youngsters will love Daisy Mae and Mr. Bumbles — noted entertainers on the kids’ circuit.

Chowing down at last year’s LobsterFest.

But, Rotary officials emphasize: It can’t happen without volunteer help.

Many hands make light work.

And 3,000 lobsters broil.

(LobsterFest is Saturday, September 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. Click here to volunteer. Click here for tickets, if available. There are still spots for sponsors, too. Email ganderson24@optonline.net for more information.)

*Besides the June 30th fireworks.

(Like LobsterFest, “06880” relies on community support. Please click here to help.)

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