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Roundup: Candidates’ Debate; Starbucks Baby, Bye Bye Mattress …

Posted on October 28, 2021 | 1 comment

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The League of Women Voters’ candidate debate — postponed by Tuesday’s nor’easter — has been rescheduled for tonight (Thursday, October 28, 7 p.m.).

Board of Education candidates Christine Torres and Kevin Christie (Democrats), Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon (Republicans), and Planning & Zoning hopefuls Danielle Dobin, Neil Cohn and Michael Cammeyer (Democrats), Jack Whittle (Republican) and Ron Corwin (Coalition for Westport) will participate.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for the LWV’s full Voter’s Guide.

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In June, “06880” posted a plea from Amanda DeRosa. The Westport m sought help for her favorite Starbucks worker, a woman in dire straits due to deliver a baby 3 months later.

Readers responded quickly, and generously. Amanda soon gave the woman $4,550 in gift cards, for stores like Buy Buy Baby, Target and Stop & Shop.

Last month — after 3 days in labor — the barista delivered a healthy, 8-pound baby boy. Yesterday, the new mom returned to work.

She was all smiles. And when you check out the photo below, you’ll see why.

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The Westport Country Playhouse has changed the date of its Family Fun Day from this Saturday to Sunday (October 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), due to predicted bad weather.

The event includes kids’ activities like a scavenger hunt and spider web weaving, treats, food trucks, ghost stories, a food drive for Norwalk’s Open Door Shelter, beer tastings, and costume parade for youngsters and dogs. The box office will be open from 12 to 2 p.m. for 25% discounts on in-person tickets to the upcoming performances of “Doubt: A Parable,”and 2022 Flex Passes.

Children are encouraged to bring their own pumpkins for decorating. For more details, click here.

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Wondering what to do with your used mattresses and box springs?

Sustainable Westport is sponsoring a free recycling program. Just bring them to Earthplace (10 Woodside Lane) on Saturday, November 13,. between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m.

The project is run through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress program.

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Four school records fell last night, as Staples High Schools’ girls swim and dive splashed to victory over Trumbull at home on Senior Night.

Once again the Wreckers broke 200 and 400 meter freestyle relay school records. Senior captains Jessica Qi and Ella Alpert, plus freshmen Annam and Ayaan Olasewere, set 2 new marks: 1:48.17 (200) and 4:02.10 (400).

In individual events, freshman Annam broke her own record in the 50 meter freestyle (25.69, shattering her previous mark, 26.15). She also broke Staples’ record in the 100 meter freestyle (57.30).

Freshman Dani Schwartz won the 400 meter freestyle (4:52.51). The Wreckers also swept the 200 meter freestyle, led by Jessica (personal best 2:08.99). Sophomore Libby Turner (1:09.92) took first in the 100 meter backstroke.

Divers Kate Whitaker, Emme Thaw and Ava DeDomenico took the top 3 spots in their event.

Staples finishes the regular season 6-3 record. Postseason championships begin soon.

Winning 400 meter free relay team (from left): Annam Olasewere, Ayaan Olasewere , Ella Alpert, Jessica Qi.

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Also moving into the postseason: The Staples field hockey team (11-1-0) can finish 2nd or 3rd in the FCIAC, depending on today’s game at undefeated New Canaan, and begin the league playoffs Friday or Saturday.

The girls soccer team finished the regular season 9-2-4. Seeded #4 in the FCIAC tournament, they host #5 New Canaan this afternoon (Thursday, 3 p.m., Wakeman Field at Bedford Middle School).

The boys soccer team closed out their best regular season (10-1-4) in 10 years last night, with a 3-0 win at Fairfield Ludlowe. Ranked #3 in the FCIAC tourney, they host #6 Fairfield Warde tomorrow (Friday, 3 p.m., Wakeman Field at Bedford Middle School.)

The Staples boys soccer team runs over to greet their fans, at the end of their final regular season game last night. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

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Speaking of sports: Ryan Fitton was a 2-sport (football and baseball) star at Staples High School.

The 2017 graduate is now a 6-5, 245-pound tight end at Cornell University. Last weekend, he made a very improbable touchdown catch against Brown. It was so special, it made #2 on ESPN’s Top 10 Plays.

Fast forward to 2:15 on the link below. (Hat tip: Felicia Catale)

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Master gardener Alice Ely snapped this stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo of a bumblebee. She’s stocking up on milkweed before her long winter sleep, Alice says.

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And finally … on this date in 1893, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Pathétique premiered. Nine days later he died. His death, at just 53, has been attributed to both cholera from drinking unboiled water, and suicide.

1 Comment

Posted in Environment, Local business, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged League of Women Voters, Ryan Fitton, Staples boys soccer team, Staples girls soccer team, Staples girls swim and dive team, Starbucks, Sustainable Westport

On The Road, A Relationship Grows

Posted on October 28, 2021 | 9 comments

In January, I posted a story about Julie Tran and her husband Chris Ziccardi. They were leaving the Old Hill home they built 7 years earlier.

Their plan was travel around the country.

In a 27-foot Airstream Globetrotter, hitched to their Ford F-350.

Time to check in again on the peripatetic couple.

They were back in Connecticut earlier this month. They’d triangulated the US, from Florida and Texas to California, then back East to New England. They’d seen the Grand Canyon, hiked in Acadia National Park, met wonderful people, and had memorable adventures.

Julie Tran and Chris Zaccardi, on the road …

But the most remarkable part of their journey, Julie says, was strengthening their bonds with each other.

“Some people would be nervous. How can you survive in a tiny home with your significant other, and no space for yourself?

“It can be very challenging,” she admits. We knew it would test our relationship. But we thought it would be a good way to work on it, and learn to communicate better.”

It was, in fact, like being on Survivor Island. They were in a vehicle, sure. But as individuals, Julie says, “You can’t go anywhere else.”

… and in front of their small home.

The first 5 months were filled with challenges. Battery, refrigerator and air conditioning issues frayed tempers.

“Things come up every day that you don’t deal with in a house. How do you deal with a flat tire? How do you get internet on the road?”

They did it by communicating. They made conscious efforts to talk through every problem.

Before bed every night, they express what they appreciate about the other. They also say what they would like to be appreciated for. They talk about what worked — and didn’t work — that day. Without judgment.

Each morning, they share their intentions for the day.

“It’s changed the energy in our relationship,” Julie says. “And it’s made us more resilient.”

“Each person has to take responsibility for their own actions,” Julie explains. “That’s how you move forward as a team.”

They moved forward in their Airstream, too. Julie has discovered “so much beauty in this country. It’s everywhere.

“I saw birds learning to fly over the ocean. They danced in the sky. I saw goats grazing in the grass.” Slowing down just for 5 minutes to appreciate those scenes is therapeutic.”

Julie has learned too to “feel at home no matter where I am. Home is not a location. It’s a state of being.”

RV owners are friendly and helpful. She started a Facebook group for that community. Some people, she says, have been encouraged to replicate what Julie and Chris are doing.

Chris gets a helping hand from a fellow RV owner.

“Especially in today’s environment, when we can feel we don’t have control over anything, it’s a privilege to provide that inspiration.”

Soon, the couple will gas up the Gulfstream, and head south again. The first destination is Key West.

After that: Who knows?

But Julie and Chris embrace not knowing.

And — thanks to the work they’ve done on their relationship, in the confines of their small RV — they embrace each other more tightly than ever.

9 Comments

Posted in Totally random, Transportation

Tagged Chris Zaccardi, Julie Tran, RV

Pic Of The Day #1653

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 1 comment

The Gorham Island office building may not be lovely. But the flowers at the entrance sure are. (Photo/JC Martin)

1 Comment

Posted in Downtown, Environment, Pic of the Day

Tagged flowers, Gorham Island

Unsung Heroes #213

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 6 comments

Lauren MacNeill writes:

The other weekend, as I spent many hours watching my son play sports, I thought about all the hours that the coaches put in for practices and games.

The parents who volunteer to coach their kids’ teams time and time again are really unsung heroes.

After a rough loss at flag football, throwing both a touchdown and then an interception, my son left the field in tears. His Coach — Todd Freemon — noticed, and took the time to come over and have a nice one-on0one chat.

He told him all the things you’d want your kid to be told, including not to take it all on himself. Then he made him laugh about his teammate who left his flags in the port-a-potty during the game.

Todd Freemon, coaching 5th-6th grade flag football.

I know a lot of these dads (and moms) work hard during the week. Then they get out there to manage a group of sometimes unruly kids, not to mention the joys and challenges of coaching your own kid (which my husband knows well).

The coaches do it so that the games can be played and kids can have fun, but more importantly so that they can learn many life lessons about how to win, how to lose, how to be a good teammate and how to keep trying.

Thank you to Todd, and all the parents who take one for the team, and manage our kids with enthusiasm and grace.

Thanks, Lauren. If you’re a youth sports coach — or have been one — you are this week’s Unsung Hero. If you’re not: Hopefully you’ve supported your kid’s coaches in the past!

6 Comments

Posted in Children, Sports, Unsung Heroes

Tagged Todd Freeman, youth sports

Halloween Parade Postponed To Tomorrow

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 3 comments

Hold those costumes! Stay hungry!

Westport’s annual downtown Children’s Halloween Parade has been postponed from today until tomorrow (Thursday, October 28).

Children and parents will meet at Main Street and Post Road East at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow.

The parade will proceed up Main Street, turn right onto Avery Place, then turn left on Myrtle Ave to Town Hall and Veterans Green. Children may trick-or-treat along Main Street and outside Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green at 4 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Westport Parks and Recreation Department, the Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL.

Trick or treat on Main Street.

3 Comments

Posted in Children, Downtown

Tagged Halloween 2021, Westport Downtown Association

Roundup: Burglary, Diwali, Dermaplaning …

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 4 comments

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The Westport Police Department press release was straightforward:

70-year-old Robert Milton of Bridgeport was arrested for burglary and larceny. He’s charged with stealing a bicycle and jewelry from a Westport home. Bond was set at $10,000.

Why would an elderly man do that? As usual, there is a story behind the story.

“06880” reader John Kelly sent a link to a Connecticut Post story from 2012, about help for homeless people in Bridgeport. The first photo shows Robert Milton staying warm with a cup of coffee.

There must have been many factors that sent Robert Milton to the streets. Much no doubt happened to him in the past 9 years too.

I don’t know the full story. None of us do. But whenever we read the police report of an arrest — any arrest — we should realize that there is probably a human story behind it.

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Diwali is a major Hindu festival. It represents the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. It is a festival of new beginnings, an auspicious day.

Like Christmas, it includes brightly lit homes, great food and many presents.

The Hindu community invites all Westporters to join the Diwali festivities on November 5 at MoCA Westport (19 Newtown Turnpike, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).

All activities will be held outside (weather permitting). For questions or more information, email aapiwestport@gmail.com.

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Speaking of holidays: Bridgewater Chocolate is leasing a seasonal pop-up retail space in Bedford Square. The Bridgewater Chocolate Box Shop will feature high-end assortments, with hinged boxes and bows. The store opens the day after Thanksgiving, and will be open weekends only through the holiday season.

PS: I asked the obvious question. There is no connection between Westport’s 2 Bridgewaters: the chocolatier, and the world’s largest hedge fund.

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Glowbar is a skin care service on Elm Street (and Tribeca and the Upper East Side). Treatments include chemical peels and extractions.

In Connecticut, however, Connecticut legislation prohibits estheticians from performing dermaplaning (“exfoliation using a 10-gauge scalpel to gently scrape off the top layer of dulling dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion” — nice!) The practice is allowed in New York.

Glowbar asks for an addendum to the Connecticut Esthetician Scope of Practice, to allow licensed estheticians — who required over 600 hours of training — to dermaplane. Click here for the full petition.

Dermaplaning

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What is fire cider? Why is everyone drinking it?

Wakeman Town Farm knows. In a hands-on workshop (Wednesday, November 3, 6:30 p.m.), they’ll share the health benefits of this immune-boosting tonic. Then everyone can chop together — and leave with a quart of their own homemade fire cider.

The cost is $75. Click here for tickets.

Fire cider

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On Sunday, members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club junior program headed to the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Nearly every boat finished in the top third.

The women’s U17 4+ boat (Mia Kirkorsky, Alexandra Cowan, Kelly Kennedy, Rosie Lundberg and Victoria Bazarko snagged first. Both the men’s and women’s eights placed 4th in their events, with over 80 entries in each.

The men were George Bentley, Victor DiPasquale, Gabriel Marous, Felipe Artia, George Karacsonyi, Adam Pushner, Jack Kiely, Gavin Marshall and Finn Kiely. The women’s eight included Kira Obsitnik, Janna Moore, Hannah Clemens, Jane Leahy, Lecia Sun, Olivia Hankey, Lauren Eve Schramm, Claudia Chadwick and Mia Seibert.

Next up: the final race of the season, in Philadelphia.

Women’s U17 4+ champions (from left): Alexandra Cowan, Kelly Kennedy, Mia Kirkorsky, Rosie Lundberg, Victoria Bazarko. (Photo/Leslie Eisen)

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Speaking of youth: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from our youngest photographer ever.

Bedford Middle School 6th grader Caitlin Hand snapped this photo the other day, after dinner by the Saugatuck River at Arezzo. Keep the great photos coming, Caitlin!

(Photo/Caitlin Hand)

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And finally … on this day in 1682, Philadelphia was founded in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

4 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Police, Sports, Teenagers

Tagged Bridgewater Chocolates, Diwali, Fire cider, Glowbar, homelessness, MoCA Westport, Saugatuck Rowing Club, Wakeman Town Farm

Coleytown Company: “All Together Now!”

Posted on October 27, 2021 | 3 comments

Broadway was not the only theatrical casualty of COVID.

Student stages were also darkened by the pandemic. For Coleytown Middle School — which was simultaneously shuttered by mold — 2 entire grades lost opportunities to learn how to audition for, rehearse, light, costume and stage a show.

Not to mention all the lost revenue, which pays for the next Coleytown Company production.

Music Theater International wants to help schools like CMS get back on their feet.

The licensing agency — which usually charges hefty right fees — created a 15-number musical revue they’re offering free. (They hope, of course, that directors who like the songs may do an MTI show in the future.)

Coleytown Company director Ben Frimmer loved the idea. But — in typical directorial fashion — he wondered: How can we make it different from all the other schools that are doing it too?

MTI is licensing “All Together Now!” for one weekend only. Several area groups are also producing it then — along with 5,500 schools and theaters, in all 50 states and over 40 countries.

Frimmer realized it would be difficult to get middle schoolers to learn 15 songs in just 2 months. He also realized he has plenty of Broadway friends who could help.

His first call was to Coleytown Company choreographer Amiee Turner. A veteran of Broadway’s “Will Rogers Follies” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” she said she’d love to perform.

Broadway veterans Mia Gentile and Jacob Heimer — both CMS alums — were happy to come back too.

More than a decade ago, Jacob Heimer and Mia Gentile starred in Staples Players’ “Urinetown.” Both have gone on to professional success.

Company producer Stacie Lewis — the mother of a CMS grad, and a current student — said she’d sing. She reached out to others.

Quickly, Frimmer had a cast: 10 Broadway performers. Six songs featuring Coleytown 7th and 8th graders. And speaking roles for First Selectman Jim Marpe and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice.

“All Together Now!” is set for Saturday, November 13 (7 p.m.). There’s a livestream option, for anyone unable to be at CMS’ new auditorium in person. (All audience members eligible must be vaccinated.)

As with any show, there are challenges. COVID is one. “If someone has a sniffle, they can’t come to rehearsal,” Frimmer notes. “At any moment, we might have to switch out a performer.”

And because Coleytown had not hosted a performance in 3 years, there was no wood to build sets, or tools to build them with. Lights and props had been removed during the school’s renovation.

On top of which, the current 7th and 8th graders had no Company experience . Frimmer started fresh with everyone, teaching everything from how to audition to how to perform. (Plus: The date MTI chose is earlier than usual for a CMS show.)

But, he says, “they’re all really excited. They’re working together to create live theater. Amiee, Eli Newsom (our musical director) and I are challenging them with high expectations. They’re rising up to meet them.”

Click here for tickets. Revenue helps pay for sound, lights and other Coleytown Company costs — including this spring’s show, “SpongeBob Musical.”

Oh, yeah. They have to pay for licensing rights then too.

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged Ben Frimmer, Coleytown Company, Jacob Heimer, Mia Gentile, Music Theater International

Pics Of The Day #1652

Posted on October 26, 2021 | 1 comment

Scenes from today’s nor’easter:

Old Mill Beach …

… and the water rises near Compo Cove (Photos/Matt Murray)

Kite surfer off Compo Beach (Photo/Meredith Holod)

Post Road flooding, near Sherwood Diner (Photo/Meredith Holod)

Not even a police car was immune from flooding. It was safely towed, from Pumpkin Hill and Colony Road.. (Photo/Maria Fusco)

At 5:10 p.m. today, rainfall measured nearly 7 inches, according to this homemade gauge.on Greens Farms Road. (Photo/Dick Lowenstein)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Police, Weather

Tagged Compo Cove, nor'esater, Old Mill Beach, Sherwood Diner

Stop Whatever You Are Doing. Go Clean Some Storm Drains!

Posted on October 26, 2021 | 13 comments

As the rain picks up again after a brief lull, there’s flooding all around town.

Colony Road (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

Myrtle Avenue is closed from the Post Road to Church Lane. Greens Farms Road is shut at Center Street. Ditto Cross Highway, from Roseville to Hockanum.