Roundup: Saugatuck El, Sustainable Westport, Screenings …

Posted on September 30, 2021 | 1 comment

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Over the past week, 15 COVID cases have been identified at Saugatuck Elementary School.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “Although there appears to be very limited transmission within the school as new cases span multiple grades and classrooms, by definition, a sudden rise in the number of cases at this rate constitutes an outbreak.”

Officials asked the state Department of Public Health to review the cases, and the school district’s mitigating measures. Scarice said, “This discussion affirmed that community transmission (i.e. after school activities, large community social events, etc.) has likely contributed to the recent rise in cases at SES. As a result, it appears that in-school mitigating measures have been effective. “

The DPH recommended a round of surveillance testing for all students and staff at SES. Testing is set for tomorrow (Friday, October 1). 

Saugatuck Elementary School

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Once again, the Westport Police Department will do its part to help.

The color of the town seal will change from black and gold to pink.

In addition, many officers will wear pink patches, and pink ribbon pins. It’s all part of a campaign to raise awareness of the deadly disease.

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Sustainable Westport has taken a giant step forward, with the appointment of 2 new co-directors.

Gately Ross has dedicated her career to the health and conservation of wild and domestic animals, and the health of the environment. She combines a deep understanding of ecology and human impact on populations and ecosystems with clinical practice, team leadership and training experience in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.  

She has an undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Charleston, a masters of science from San Francisco State University, and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tufts University. A Westport resident since 2007, Gately lives in Greens Farms with her husband, 3 boys and rescue dog.

Johanna Martell has over 15 years experience as a legal and business advisor, with a focus on commercial real estate, corporate, tax and estate planning. She holds an undergraduate degree in political economy from Princeton University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. A Westport resident since 2013, she also lives in Greens Farms with her husband and 3 sons.

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The Remarkable Theater continues its remarkable fall run. A few tickets remain for some intriguing upcoming screenings at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:

  • “Soul” (tonight, Thursday, September 30)
  • “Footloose” (tomorrow, Friday, October 1)
  • “Coco” (Saturday,  October 2)
  • “The Stepford Wives” (filmed partly in Westport! — Tuesday, October 5)
  • “Clueless” (Thursday, October 7)
  • “Togo” (Saturday, October 9).

Click here for tickets, show times and more information.

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There’s a new program on the youth basketball scene.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is introducing a basketball program for grades K-4. The program will introduce fundamentals in a fun way. Light competition begins for the 3rd graders.

The program is run by Mike Evans. The Weston High School all-state selection played at Hamilton College, then in Belfast and as a volunteer assistant coach at Harvard. He’s been a shooting instructor for NBA professionals too

High school students will help out.

Kindergartners through 2nd graders will have clinics on Saturdays, in November and December.

Third and fourth graders will have Saturday clinics, plus one weekday practice. They’ll play intrasquad games, and perhaps face an outside opponent too.

Click here for more information, and to register.

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Lewis Grossman is a Staples High School graduate, and professor of law and history at American University. He specializes in food, drug and health law. His new book — Choose Your Medicine: Freedom of Therapeutic Choice in America — examines that topic from the Revolutionary War to the Trump presidency.

He’ll be at the Westport Library on October 12 (7 p.m.) to discuss his findings. The event is both in-person and livestreamed. To register for a seat or watch from home — and purchase a signed copy of the book — click here.

Lewis Grossman

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MaryLou Roels describes her photo — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — as “the little things in life.”

(Photo/MaryLou Roels)

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And finally … in honor of tomorrow’s film at the Remarkable Theater:

 

 

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Police, Sports, YMCA

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“Westport Parents” Slam Critical Race Theory

Posted on September 30, 2021 | 111 comments

The “critical race theory” war on education has come to Westport.

A group calling itself “Westport Parents” has created a website: “WP06880.” There were links to it on several local Facebook sites yesterday morning; they soon disappeared.

There are no names associated with the project, and no means of contacting the organizers beyond subscribing to updates.

The website describes the group as 37 parents who got together in June. They wanted to share concerns about “the increasing focus on assertions of racism in our community, especially after our new Superintendent of Schools made these assertions in his Strategic Plan.”

That’s a reference to a statement by Thomas Scarice about systemic racism in Westport. He hired the NYU Metro Center to perform an equity audit.

One screenshot of the “WP06880” website …

The website says:

We were alarmed by the ideology and methodology of the Metro Center, which we could access on its website, and which was clearly based in Critical Race Theory.

Those of us who were familiar with CRT know it to be a Marxist based ideology that seeks to divide people by separating them into groups based on power dynamics, with white people seen as white supremacist being dominant and all others being the marginalized groups of oppressed victims. This oppressor vs oppressed division into identity groups would necessarily create division and be harmful to our school aged children.

Another page on the website says that Critical Race Theory has “connections to Marxism, past and present. The group hopes to “arm Westport parents with strong counter-arguments when CRT apologists try to bully CRT critics with insinuations of racism.”

… and another.

The mission, according to the website, is to “stop the proponents of false and destructive narratives from implementing their political agenda to transform our schools.” The group wants to focus on academic achievement, and “reject political activism and moralizing intrusions in the classroom.”

There are quotes — also anonymous — from parents:

My wife and I believe that some things are best taught at home and in our church. We want the schools to focus on the academic skills necessary for our children to succeed in a global economy. Equal OPPORTUNITY for all, not equal OUTCOMES! (“Long Lots Elementary School father”)

Let’s keep this toxic doctrine where it belongs: far away from our children and schools. (“Saugatuck Elementary School parent”)

I send my kids to school to learn how to read and write, add and subtract. They are not there to be guinea pigs in some “anti-capitalist” sociology experiment. (“Staples mom”)

Among the suggested action steps:

  • Put up a yard sign
  • Demand an end to the relationship with NYU Metro
  • Get the RTM to adopt a proposal that Westport is diverse and welcoming
  • Demand parent access to current school curriculum.

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Posted in Education, Politics

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Pic Of The Day #1625

Posted on September 29, 2021 | 3 comments

Moon over the Compo jetty (Photo/Michelle Widmeier)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Unsung Hero #209

Posted on September 29, 2021 | 7 comments

Longtime area resident Bobbie Herman writes:

I’d like to nominate someone as an Unsung Hero.

I don’t know who she is, and I don’t remember ever meeting her before. But she did something wonderful for me.

I was meeting a few friends for a picnic on Labor Day, and stopped into Gold’s for a couple of items. The bill came to almost $18

I reached into my bag for my wallet, and realized I left it home when I changed purses. I was extremely embarrassed, and asked the man behind the counter if I could bring the money the next day.

Suddenly the woman behind me held out her credit card and said, “I’ll pay for her.”

I asked her for her name and address so I could reimburse her, but she refused.  All she said was “Pay it forward.”

She told me her name was Maria, but nothing else. She was wearing a mask, so I doubt if I would recognize her if I saw her again.

I’d like to nominate Maria as a Unsung Hero, and express my undying gratitude.

Done, Bobbie! Thank you, Maria, for your generous act — and for inspiring all of us to “pay it forward.”

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

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Posted in Restaurants, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: ArtSmart, Woodside Bash, Short Cuts …

Posted on September 29, 2021 | 2 comments

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ArtSmart — the joint program between the Westport PTA Council and Westport Library that brings arts education and creative arts programming into elementary schools — held a kickoff event yesterday at the Westport Library.

Attendees (who do not need art or teaching experience) learned how they can help. A workshop for new volunteers follows on October 13. For more information, email co-chair Danielle Dobin: danielle@apifeni.com.

The youngest attendee watches Danielle Dobin explain the ArtSmart program.

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A few tickets remain for Earthplace’s major fundraiser.

The “Woodside Bash” includes a harvest dinner under the stars, open bar, mechanical bull and music by the party band Pimpinella. It’s this Saturday (October 2, 7 to 10 p.m.). Click here for tickets. Proceeds help fund Earthplace’s many environmental education programs, their museum and trails and more.

The fun continues the next day (Sunday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), with a Family Festival. Activities include a climbing wall, apple slingshot, donuts on a string, pumpkin bowling, hayride, corn pool, food trucks and more. $10 for adults; $5 for children. Kids under 2 go free!

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Sure, you can go to the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

But you can cut your schlep considerably, with a trip to the Westport Library’s Short Cuts Film Festival.

The 11th annual event will be screened live on the spectacular HD screen in the Trefz Forum — and online too — on 3 Thursdays: October 14, November 4 and November 18.

Tribeca selects 90 short films, from over 3,000 submissions. The Short Cuts Festival chooses 15 of those — “the best of the best.”

This year’s lineup includes 2 narrative/animated programs, and a first-ever documentary evening. Talkbacks with directors are scheduled too. For complete information on all films, including tickets, click here.

“The Kicksled Choir” — a Norwegian film — won the Best Narrative prize at the Tribeca Film Festival.

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Quidley & Co. — the great art gallery nestled between National Hall and Bartaco — combines with The Cottage for an “Art + Table Autumn” event on October 21 (5 to 6 p.m.).

The “convivial evening of art, lifestyle and cuisine” includes a collection of works by international artists for home or office, and “savory autumn tastes” from the Brian Lewis’ famed restaurant.

Quidley and Company

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You may have seen Robin Wolfe Scheffler running around town.

The son-in-law of longtime Westporters Steven Parton and Melody James loves training, whenever he’s here. Sometimes he pauses in mid-run to take photos, like this dramatic shot of the Staples High School track:

(Photo/Robin Wolfe-Scheffler)

It will all pay off at the 125th Boston Marathon October 11. He’s using the fabled event a a fundraiser for the National Braille Press’ children’s literacy program.

“Reading with my young son has been one of the best parts of being a parent. But that same experience costs 3 times more for families with blind or visually-impaired members,” he says. Click here to support Robin.

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Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand play reading is always popular.

The next one — of “Mrs. Mannerly,” a comedy about a young boy and his manners teacher — will reach a wider audience than usual. It will be filmed — with a live audience — on Monday, October 11 (7 p.m.). The performance will be available for on-demand streaming from October 13-17.

“Mrs. Mannerly” will feature Playhouse favorites Mark Shanahan and Anne Keefe in the roles of student and teacher.

In-person tickets are $20. Tickets for on-demand streaming are $20 per individual, $40 for 2, $80 household. Each purchase entitles the buyer to an individual link. Click here, To purchase tickets click here, call 203-227-4177, or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org. 

Mark Shanahan and Anne Keefe.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes courtesy of Julie Blume. Her husband took this picture of a baby opossum Monday night. She reports that he — the animal, not her husband –“was in our backyard, hopefully eating lots of ticks.”

(Photo/Greg Guido)

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And finally … happy birthday to Jerry Lee Lewis. The wild rock and rockabilly pianist as survived several wild episodes — marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, an arrest at Graceland for allegedly attempting to shoot Elvis Presley, and IRS woes — and turns 86 today.

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Posted in Arts, Children, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local business, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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The Rage Of Aquarion

Posted on September 29, 2021 | 5 comments

Prospect Road is a Westport gem.

With its stately homes, old growth trees, and the gardens and greenery of John and Melissa Ceriale, no one would confuse the Greens Farms neighborhood with the Third World.

But when the Ceriales turned on the tap a few days ago, after a summer away, the water was brown.

Half an hour later, it had not cleared.

They were not alone. Turns out their neighbors had brown water since July 4th.

Their toilets and laundry were stained. They could not shower. They spent a lot of money on bottled water.

Discolored water on Prospect Road.

Neighbors alled Aquarion — repeatedly. The water company’s responses included:

  • “Check your water tank.”
  • “Just run your faucets. This happens to my vacation home in Rhode Island as well.”
  • “Is there construction in your area?”
  • “The fire department may be testing.”
  • “Do you live near a golf course?”

Workers flushed the hydrants and lines three times. Each time they said they tested the water; it was all good.

Wesptort Deputy Fire Chief Michael Kronick was very helpful, trying to reach Aquarion engineers.

Finally, one of the Ceriales’ neighbors found personal contact information for Aquarion’s CEO and vice president of operations. She called and emailed.

That seemed to get some response. The other day, workers reappeared.

“That’s just not right,” the neighbor said — referring both to Aquarion’s lack of urgency and solutions all summer, and the need to involve the C-Suite.

Fortunately, Melissa notes, the flowers and plants in her gorgeous garden don’t mind brown water.

But the rest of Prospect Road does.

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Posted in Environment

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Pic Of The Day #1624

Posted on September 28, 2021 | 1 comment

Compo Beach sunrise (Photo/Seth Goltzer)

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Arrest Made In Outpost Pizza Crash

Posted on September 28, 2021 | 10 comments

Last summer, Outpost Pizza became a drive-through.

At 3:30 a.m. on June 27, a pickup truck crashed into the side of the building. The driver, 21-year-old Jacob Teto of Shelton, came eastbound on Canal Street, taking out a significant portion of the restaurant across from Hudson Malone.

Outpost Pizza, after the crash. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

The investigating officer said Teto showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. He was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. A toxicology report showed blood alcohol content over the legal limit.

An arrest warrant was obtained. Last night, Teto turned himself in at police headquarters. He was charged with operating under the influence of drugs/alcohol, and failure to drive in the proper lane.

He posted a $1,000 bond, and will be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court on October 6.

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Posted in Police, Restaurants

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Roundup: Beach Dogs, Tyler Hicks, Clothing Swap …

Posted on September 28, 2021 | 6 comments

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Friday is October 1. Which means that Fido — and all his 4-legged friends — will once again be allowed at Compo Beach.

For the next 6 months, they can enjoy the off-leash area (south of the pavilion, including South Beach), and the leashed area north of that. They’re prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways.

It goes without saying, but Parks & Rec says it anyway: Pick up all poop.

Violations will cost you $77.

Looking forward to Friday.

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Tyler Hicks is an internationally known New York Times photographer. Fittingly, he just won (another) international prize.

The Staples High School Class of 1988 graduate (and 2-time Pulitzer Prize winner) captured the 2021 Visa d’Or Award for Best Digital News Story. He won for his COVID coverage on the Amazon River.

Hicks spent over a month last summer traveling on a riverboat with health workers, entering villages where the dead were uncountable.

The Visa d’Or international news photography awards are presented in Perpignan, France, after a series of jury reviews.

This is Hicks’ second Visa d’Or News Award. He won in 2014 for his coverage of the Westgate Mall massacre in Nairobi, Kenya.

Click here to see his prize-winning Brazil photos.

COVID in the Amazon (Photo/Tyler Hicks for New York Times)

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The Westport Library’s Fall Book Sale returns — live and in person — Friday, October 8 through Monday, October 11.

Thousands of “gently used books” include dozens of categories. A few examples: children’s, literature and classics, fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, fantasy, art, photography, history, math, science, psychology, religion, biography, business, cooking, gardening, performing arts, travel, foreign language and antiquarian.  Tons of DVDs, CDs and vinyl records will be available too.

Everything Sunday (October 10) is half-price. On Monday (October 11), you can fill a bag for just $5.

Early bird admission on Friday (October 8, 8 a.m.) is through a pre-paid $15 ticket. It’s sold online only; click here. For more information about the Book Sale itself, click here. To help, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

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“The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” was a 1962 film. The Joggers Club is anything but lonely.

It’s a great way to get outside, get exercise, meet people and have fun.

Need a push? This Saturday (October 2), the Joggers Club hosts a free “Welcome to Running” party.

Runners of all levels are invited to Compo Beach. The run begins at 8 a.m.; the party follows at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information, or follow on Instagram: @thejoggersclub.ct.

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After your jog, check out WestportMoms’ first-ever Fall Family Fun Festival (Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms Academy).

The $20 per family ticket price includes music, sports, a ninja course, pumpkin decorating, crafts, tattoos, food trucks and more. Run on over!

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After that, you can cruise over to the Westport Police Benevolent Association’s 3rd annual Car Cruise (Saturday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport train station Lot #1.

Cars of all years, makes and models are welcome. The fee to enter and display a car is $20. The first 100 cars to arrive will receive a gift bag.

The family-friendly event includes music, food, trophies and raffles.

Westport PBA car cruise.

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Carly Novick Ridloff’s 1st “Sip, Shop, Swap” clothing exchange was a hit.

So she’s doing it again. The socially conscious (and very social) way to get rid of (and find) gently used clothes takes place October 28 (12 to 4 p.m., 82 Roseville Road).

A portion of the proceeds goes to Sustainable Westport. For more information, email carlyridloff18@gmail.com or search on social media: @the.exchangeproject.

Come to the clothing exchange!

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There’s something for everyone at this Sunday’s “Smart Walk for Smart Kids with LD” (October 3, 12 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park).

In addition to crafts, games, ice cream, music and tai chi, Piglet — the blind, deaf, pink dog with the positive attitude — will make an appearance. And Stephanie Bass will sign copies of her book of pandemic signs, Driveway Showcase.

Click here for more information, and to register.

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Last week’s “Unsung Heroes” honored Rosie and Lou, 2 post office employees who always go above and beyond.

We should also note E.J Butner III. The long-time Westport USPS employee retires this week, after many years of loyal service

His family has a long postal history. His grandfather, Edward J. Butner, served as postmaster at the previous Post Road location (now Design Within Reach). (Hat tip: Pam Jones)

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Child’s Pose Yoga helps youngsters connect their bodies, minds and health. To help, they’re partnering with “mindful expert” Denise Zack on a workshop: “Setting Your Child up for Success with Mindful Skills.”

The goal is to help children develop emotional resilience. Parents will learn specific, useful strategies.

It’s October 8 (10 a.m., 8 Church Street South).

Tickets are $40 each. Registration is required; DM @childsposewestport.

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Meanwhile, look what crawled up Molly Alger’s window the other day. It posed long enough to be our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … on this day in 1836, Thomas Crapper was born. The English plumber held 9 patents, including the ballcock, leading to the invention of modern plumbing. [Insert your own juvenile joke here.]

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Children, Library, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Thank You, Foti & Sam

Posted on September 28, 2021 | 8 comments

The bad news: Police Chief Foti Koskinas is retiring, effective Thursday. So is his right hand man, Deputy Chief Sam Arciola.

The good news: Both will be retained under contract. Koskinas will serve  through October 22, 2024. Arciola serves through December 31, 2022.

The two men — whose steady, passionate and compassionate leadership has earned praise and trust, at a time when police departments nationwide face enormous criticism — will receive full retirement benefits. Koskinas became eligible in July; Arciola has been eligible since 2016.

However, says 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, “at this sensitive time in the evolution of police accountability and responsibilities at the national and local levels,” a change in leadership could be disruptive.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas (center), Deputy Chief Sam Arciola (right) and officer Ned Batlin, at a Staples High School “Dodge-a-Cop” event. Police officers and Staples students played dodgeball, with and against each other.

He notes that while members of the WPD leadership team are “well on theier way to stepping into the chief and deputy chief roles,” they need more time to develop “the full range of skills and community relationships” to be successful.

The contract relationship, Marpe says, will benefit Westport from a continuity standpoint, and financially.

Koskinas began his Westport police career in 1996, 6 years after Arciola. They were promoted to their current positions in 2016.

Koskinas calls himself “honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to work with and for the town of Westport. Aside from my family, the last 27 years have been some of the most exciting and gratifying times of my life, while serving and working alongside members of this community. I am confident that we will have continued successes as we navigate through some difficult times in our country, and certainly in law enforcement.”

At the 2017 July 4th fireworks, Police Chief Foti Koskinas gave Ben Kiev a seat on his motorcycle.

He has had several offers, from the public and private sectors. However, he notes, “I never pictured or imagined myself wearing a uniform other than that of the Westport Police Department. I sincerely look forward to the opportunity to continue serving Westport for another 3 years.”

Both Koskinas and Arciola love their work. They have made the Westport Police Department stronger and more effective — and by doing so, have made Westport a better place.

Full disclosure: I have known Koskinas since he was a Long Lots Junior High School student, newly arrived from Greece and knowing no English.

I’ve known Arciola — and his extended family — even longer. The Arciola name is revered in Saugatuck.

I watched both with pride and gratitude over the past year. The two men — and others on the force — worked with Black Lives Matter leaders to make sure that last summer’s protests were safe and respectful. At the same time, they did not shy away from acknowledging that police departments everywhere have work to do.

Similarly, Koskinas and Arciola ensured that other rallies — for Asian Americans, the LGBTQ community and, most recently, housing fairness — were peaceful yet powerful.

Chief Foti Koskinas with Black Lives Matter protesters, last June. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Much of their work takes place in the public eye. Much also takes place far from it. Here’s one story that demonstrates how Foti Koskinas and Sam Arciola operate.

A few months ago, a memorial bench went missing from Compo Beach. Relatives of the man the bench honored were distraught.

Two days later, Koskinas called to tell me it had been recovered, I asked who the officers were, so I could thank them publicly. He said — reluctantly — that he and Arciola were involved.

However, he asked that I keep their names out of it. He wanted the entire force to be recognized.

Sure, the chief asked not to be mentioned. But that’s the kind of men Foti Koskinas and Sam Arciola are: caring, hard-working, genuinely dedicated to their community.

Besides, what’s he going to do? Arrest me?

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Posted in Local politics, Police

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