06880

Pic Of The Day #1577

Posted on August 12, 2021 | 3 comments

West Bank troubadour (Photo/Katherine Bruan)

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Posted in Entertainment, Pic of the Day

Tagged Saugatuck River West Bank

Roundup: Ear Piercing, Car Show …

Posted on August 12, 2021 | Comments Off

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The Asian American and Pacific Islander group of Westport invites everyone to a free outdoor family event tomorrow (Friday, August 13, 4 to 6 p.m.), at MoCA Westport.

There’s an art presentation by local artist Rosie Jon; music with Westporter Stacie Morgain Lewis (Glenda from “Wicked”), and more.

This will be a very lucky Friday the 13th!

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Need your ear(s) piereced?

Rowan — already established in New York — opens in Westport location on Saturday. The store — at 47 Main Street — boasts “licensed nurses.” They also make home visits.

Click here for details.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Moms)

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Don’t care to get your ears pierced? Or looking for something to do afterward?

The Westport Police Benevolent Association hosts their 3rd Annual Car Cruise this Saturday evening )August 14, 4 to 8 p.m., Lot 1, Saugatuck train station).

All years and models are welcome (entry fee: $20). There’s music, JR’s good truck, Micallizi’s Italian ice, trophy awards and tons of raffle prizes. The first 100 cars receive goodie bags.

Funds raised help the PBA support non-profit organizations like the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Special Olympics, veterans and families of fallen officers.

Westport PBA car rally

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Speaking of police: The Westport department teamed up with ASF Sports recently, to collect items for the Gillespie Center. Cops and business doing something wonderful for folks in need: May the Force be with you!

Donations gratefully accepted.

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Today, “Westport … Naturally” shows chick #3 about to leave the Burying Hill Beach osprey nest.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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And finally … today in 30 BC — a mere 2,051 years ago — Cleopatra died. She was 39.

Comments Off on Roundup: Ear Piercing, Car Show …

Posted in Arts, Children, Downtown, Local business, Police

Tagged ASF Sports & Outdoors, Homes With Hope, MoCA Westport, Rosie Jon, Rowan, Westport Police Benevolent Association, Westport Police Department

Happy 100th, Irene Backalenick!

Posted on August 12, 2021 | 14 comments

Five years ago, “06880” saluted Irene Backalenick.

The noted Westport writer — a longtime New York Times journalist who, after earning a Ph.D. in theater history, became a well-regarded theater reviewer — had just embarked on a successful new career as a poet.

She was 95 years old.

Today, Irene turns 100.

Irene Backalenick

Like anyone who reaches the century mark, she’s had a varied, interesting life. A Providence native who worked as a secretary after high school, then 5 years later was accepted without any college prep at Brown University, and graduated summa cum laude, she has never stopped engaging with words, or the world.

After moving from her home of decades in Greens Farms to the Watermark at 3030 Park in Bridgeport, Irene jumped into her new community. She and another former journalist started a writers’ workshop. That led to her poetry — and publication in a number of outlets.

At 100, Irene is in strong physical and mental health. She decided, because of COVID, to forgo a big party.

Her son Paul — also a writer — and his wife Karen will be there, though. He’ll show her a copy of his latest project: a collection of her theater reviews, in a self-published book.

In 1956, when this photo was taken, Irene Backalenick (lower right) — shown with her sister-in-law Theda Frank (left) and niece Wendy — was 35 years old.

Recently, the Watermark asked Irene to interview new residents for their in-house publication. Among them: a group of nuns.

Years ago, Irene interviewed a woman from that order. That nun has died, but Irene remembers her fondly.

Those are the kinds of things that a 100-year-old woman experiences.

Happy birthday, Irene. Here’s to many more years of health, happiness — and poetry.

Irene Backalenick

14 Comments

Posted in Media

Tagged Irene Backalenick, Paul Backalenick

Donald And Dustin Lowman: Youth Sports Get Big League TV Treatment

Posted on August 12, 2021 | 5 comments

Last winter, as Westport edged slowly out of the coronavirus crisis, the youth basketball travel program instituted a strict rule: Only one parent per player could attend games.

Donald Lowman’s 12-year-old son Dhilan was on the team. Donald told parents he could help. He’d broadcast contests on Instagram.

Donald is not a sportscaster. He runs a search and consulting firm with Korn Ferry, focusing on benefits. But he and his son Dustin — a 2011 Staples High School and 2015 Middlebury College graduate, now a freelance writer and musician — are avid Mets fans. They love the announcers’ spirit and camaraderie. They figured they could augment Donald’s iPhone camerawork with their own banter.

The Lowmans’ setup was not sophisticated. (Then again, middle school gyms are not Citi Field.) But parents loved it.

Some said they preferred Donald and Dustin’s feeds to watching games in person. Thanks to the announcers, they knew more about what was going on.

Moms and dads were not the only viewers. Grandparents far from Westport tuned it. It was an exciting, fun way to connect with their grandsons. Some had not seen them in a year.

Travel basketball season ended. Travel baseball began.

“Not everyone wants to drive to Milford,” Donald notes. So he (who had coached all 3 of his sons) and Dustin (who remembered his Little League days fondly) headed out to left field, where their camera could zoom in on the batter’s box.

Donald did play-by-play. Dustin was the color analyst. In between action — and in baseball, there’s lots of that — they riffed on their shared passion: music and pop culture trivia.

“We both know an enormous amount of useless information,” Dustin says. “It’s not useful anywhere else except here.”

The broadcasters learned each player’s tendencies and special talents. Parents loved that.

Donald and Dustin’s genuine enthusiasm for the game and its young players was infectious. So were Dustin’s insights into his own Little League experience, more than a decade earlier.

Donald and Dustin Lowman, at Westport’s 10U state championship game.

Watching live on Instagram was great. Some viewers — including the players themselves — also watched afterward. “I wish we had that when I was playing,” Dustin says.

Dhilan’s team lost in the district all-star finals. But parents of the 10U team — which was still playing — offered to pay Donald and Dustin to broadcast the state championship.

The duo did it for free. A friend of a coach provided a hi-def camera, mixing board, and headphones. This was the Big Time (Little League-style).

They had by far their largest audience: 500 viewers.

Donald has a full-time job. Dustin has his writing and music projects. They’re not going to turn this into a full-time gig.

But they’re not powering off Donald’s iPhone, either.

The Lowmans are thinking about how to turn their avocation into an after-school project. They’d especially like to reach out to youngsters in neighboring towns, who may not have access to the TV facilities in their schools that Westport kids do.

But enough pre-game chatter. Get some peanuts and Crackerjack. Grab a seat. Then click below.

It’s time to listen to Donald and Dustin’s state championship 10U call.

5 Comments

Posted in Children, Media, Sports

Tagged Donald Lowman, Dustin Lowman, Westport Little League, Westport travel basketball

Pics Of The Day #1576

Posted on August 11, 2021 | 3 comments

Compo Beach sunrises …

… draw quite a crowd (Photos/Jimmy Izzo)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

Tagged Compo Beach sunrise

Unsung Heroes #202

Posted on August 11, 2021 | 1 comment

Last month, “06880” reported the theft of Mitch Raboy’s standup paddleboard, from the Compo Beach kayak launch near Ned Dimes Marina.

Fortunately, that was not the end of the story. Mitch writes:

In our search for a replacement board, my wife and I went over to Westport Paddle Club. We asked about buying a used board or kayak at the end of the season.

While talking to one of the staff, the owner — Robbie Guimond — overheard us. He said he had read the sad story on “06880.”

He said he would lend us a board until the end of the season, when we could buy it or another if we wanted. No strings attached.

Our car wasn’t big enough to fit the board, so Robbie offered to deliver it to our house or the beach.

We now have a great board, filling the empty rack space.

This was all so unexpected. It turned a not very pleasant experience into a nice one.

There are some good people in our town. Robbie is definitely one of them.

Agreed! This is far from the only good deed Robbie Guimond — and the rest of the Westport Paddle Club crew — has done. He is a great choice for Unsung Hero of the Week.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)

Mitch Raboy’s loaner paddleboard, courtesy of Robbie Guimond.

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Saugatuck

Tagged Mitch Raboy, Robbie Guimond, Westport Paddle Club

Roundup: Shopping Days, Heather Frimmer, Public Works …

Posted on August 11, 2021 | 7 comments

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FEMA is testing its national alert warning system at 2:20 pm today (Wednesday). This is only a test. Do not be alarmed if all your devices start beeping this afternoon!

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When Main Street is closed to traffic for Saturday’s Shopping Day, Triple Threat Academy provides the entertainment.

Recent Staples High School graduate/University of Michigan-bound/”Country Comfort” star Jamie Mann will sing. He’ll be joined by castmate Shiloh Verrico, who trains virtually with Triple Threat founder (and Staples grad Cynthia Gibb).

Jamie Mann (Photo/Curtis & Cort)

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When trust is violated, can it ever be recovered?

That’s the premise of “Better to Trust.” Heather Frimmer‘s second novel centers around a neurosurgeon struggling with a pill addiction, who makes the decision to operate on his sister-in-law’s brain.

Secrets swirling around drug use and sexual identity must be dealt with, in order for the family to learn to trust each other again.

Frimmer — a radiologist specializing in breast and emergency room imaging — launches her new book at the Westport Library on September 21 (7 p.m.). The event is both in-person and livestreamed. Autographed copies can be picked up on site or shipped. There will be light refreshments and door prizes too.

Click here to register and order copies.

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Ernie Lorimer wants to give a shout-out to the transfer station crew.

He writes: “On my last few visits, I’ve noticed that it is really tidy and organized. Very ship-shape.”

Done! Thanks to all Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich, and all his crew — seldom recognized — who make ours the best transfer station around!

Neat! (Photos/Ernie Lorimer)

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Tracy Porosoff calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” submission “Cloudy Afternoon in the Garden.”

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And finally … speaking of gardens, here’s a beauty from The Mamas & The Papas:

7 Comments

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Environment, Library, Media, Staples HS

Tagged Heather Frimmer, transfer station

Marpe: Masks SHOULD Be Worn Indoors

Posted on August 11, 2021 | 9 comments

1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:

Due to increasing COVID cases in Fairfield County, Westport residents are strongly encouraged to wear a mask in indoor public spaces, whether located in retail establishments, restaurants, gyms, workout studios or other businesses, as well as galleries, museums, performance spaces or government buildings. The CDC has designated Fairfield County as having “substantial” community transmission, out of the low, moderate, substantial and high rates. Currently 90 percent of all COVID cases in CT are of the Delta variant.

Last week, Governor Lamont issued an Executive Order that provides municipal leaders with the option of requiring masks in indoor public spaces within their respective towns and cities for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. Westport is not mandating masks at this time.

However, given the rapid spread of the Delta variant, we are requesting that residents return to a higher level of vigilance. This pandemic does not know borders or buildings. The Delta variant is much more contagious than COVID-19 and extra precautions are warranted. Wearing a mask and exercising caution whether it is in Westport, another community, or in a place of business should be consistent.

Not out of the woods yet

Town officials have listened to other communities and understand that varying approaches are being explored relative to increased mask usage, particularly based on community size, density, and transmission rates. We also understand that some businesses in Westport, including most gyms and some restaurants, have returned to requiring masks for all visitors, customers, and staff. Most retailers are requiring staff to wear a mask. We request that everyone respect and comply with the conditions set by these individual establishments.

While those who are being hospitalized due to COVID are overwhelmingly unvaccinated, there is still cause for concern among the vaccinated. The Delta variant of COVID is very new and more is discovered each day about vaccine efficacy. It is beneficial for everyone’s health and safety to wear a mask because it protects yourself and others and slows the spread. Some within our community are unable to be vaccinated, including children under 12, so it is incumbent upon us all to help protect others. From the beginning of this challenging time, I have stated, “we are in this together.” Now more than ever, that message is important. In my opinion, the personal choice to wear a mask reflects compassion for all of our neighbors, families and friends.

We continue to urge all who are eligible to get vaccinated. Studies show that any side effects are temporary or very rare. With a high vaccination rate, mutual cooperation, patience and understanding for adhering to the safety protocols, Westport can keep the spread of COVID to a minimum.

Municipal buildings

Town officials have implemented the following safety protocols at Town Hall, the Westport Library and other town facilities:

Regardless of vaccination status,

Visitors and patrons of all town buildings including the library are required to wear a mask.
Walk-ins will continue to be allowed in Town Hall. Visitors must follow contact tracing, mask requirements, temperature checks and other safety protocols upon entering. As an alternative, it is recommended that the public consider the town’s online services or other options for in-person meetings.
Town Hall staff are required to check their temperature upon entering work for the day and wear a mask in the common public areas.
Town and Library employees will return to weekly testing for COVID for their safety and for the safety of any visitors.
First responders will wear masks when interacting with the public indoors.

9 Comments

Posted in Local politics

Tagged COVID Delta variant

Fairfield County Chorale Sings New Tune

Posted on August 11, 2021 | Comments Off

On March 3, 2020 Deborah Harper Bono was enjoying her weekly rehearsal with the Fairfield County Chorale.

A tenor — a systems analyst by day — said he’d been following Johns Hopkins’ COVID dashboard, and was worried. The Chorale was planning a trip to Italy in May; that country was already hit hard.

Five days later — just before a Chorale performance — he told Bono, “This is much worse than people realize. It’s really scary.”

The afternoon performance at Norwalk City Hall went beautifully. That night though, municipal officials announced the building would be closed indefinitely.

The Fairfield County Chorale is a venerable institution. Founded nearly 60 years ago, it has presented more than 250 choral works (“from Bach to Bernstein, Brahms to Britten”), including world premieres, in venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and throughout Europe.

The Fairfield County Chorale, performing live in 2018. (Photo/Matt Fried)

Approximately half its more than 100 members — including executive vice president Bono — are Westport residents. Ruth Steinkraus Cohen was a founder.

When the pandemic halted rehearsals and performances, many singing groups went on hiatus.

The Fairfield County Chorale never considered that option. Despite an older demographic — some singers have been with the Chorale for over 30 years — the group pivoted quickly. Leaders — including president Art Gang, another Westporter — embraced technology. Members quickly followed suit.

The day after that March 8 performance, the regular Monday night rehearsal was canceled. But music director David Rosenmeyer resumed them the next week, online. “We don’t know what we’ll do,” he told his singers. “But we won’t miss a beat.”

He soon added lessons on sight reading, and music history and theory, on Wednesday night. The office manager helped members figure out Zoom.

The season usually ends in May. Though that concert was canceled, Monday rehearsals continued through July.

David Rosenmeyer leads Fairfield County Choale’s first in-person gathering since Covid, in June,

Bono was “thunderstruck by the enthusiasm, support and innovation” of her fellow singers and leaders.

They took August off. But then they regrouped, figuring out how to make December’s online performance work.

Rosenmeyer chose familiar music — a mix of holiday, slightly spiritual and multicultural songs. The finale was “Amazing Grace.”

On Zoom, singers do not rehearse out loud together; everyone is on mute. But over 3 months, each recorded their own parts at home. Rosenmeyer taught himself video production, to stitch every voice together.

A Fairfield County Chorale Zoom rehearsal.

No one knew how it would all come out. Bono — who did not see the final product until it went live — was “gobsmacked.”

A surprise benefit of the concert — livestreamed once, then available twice more — was that the Chorale reached an audience far beyond the usual Norwalk City Hall. Thousands of friends, relatives and former members watched from as far as London, Tel Aviv and Singapore.

Donations poured in.

And the FCC gained over 20 new members. Some were newcomers to the area. Others were college students, whose own chorales had shut down.

A second performance, in March, featured a reimagined Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” with an electric guitar and Argentinian instruments. It was a way to look ahead to spring, through a bright, hopeful piece.

Fairfield County Chorale tenors and basses perform “Gloria,” with David Rosenmeyer conducting the orchestra.

“Few organizations could have navigated this. I can’t say enough about David’s energy, and our embrace of all this,” Bono says.

“We’re not digital natives. But we got something none of us could have imagined.”

The Fairfield County Chorale is preparing for a live return in December. Their concert will be part season, part on homage to 80-year-old composer Adolphus Hailstork.

Then comes March — Mozart or Fouré’s “Requiem” — and Handel’s “Messiah” near Easter.

“We’ll end the season with hope and grandness,” Bono promises. “Whatever the limitations, we’ll rise to the occasion.”