The other day, Katherine Calise posted a question on social media. She needed someone to clean her grill.
Steve Carpentieri responded: A. Morales & Son. In addition to grills, they clean dryer, heater and air conditioning vents and ducts.
Miguel Morales came right over. He checked out the grill — and said it did not need cleaning.
Miguel Morales
“It’s so unusual these days to come across such a wonderful, honest person,” Kathleen says.
She’s not the only one who thinks that. When she posted about her experience on the same Facebook page, many others chimed in with praise. He’s well known — and well-liked — for good reason.
Last year, Chris and Eva Trefz wrote on the Morales website:
Mr. Morales came today to clean our outdoor grill that hasn’t been thoroughly cleaned in 15 years. To our astonishment it looks brand new! What a gifted man Mr. Morales is. We will have him on our list of handyman and service people for sure. We recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone looking for help. Thank you Mr. Morales. Great job!
Miguel could easily have pocketed a check for doing unneeded work. But that’s not the way he rolls. And that’s why Miguel Morales is our Unsung Hero of the Week.
But if you think you need your grill cleaned — or any other dryer, heating or AC work — email amoralesandson@yahoo.com, or call 203-583-2465.
David Winther graduated from Staples High School in 2006. He went on to a career as a talent agent (focusing on music and arena touring), and is now head of strategic partnerships and operations at Falkon, a trend-setting creative production house.
David Winther and Amanda Schemer.
His life is full. He works with interesting people in sports, culture and music. He and his fiancée Aleasha travel far and wide. He runs and hikes with his dog Arrow.
David lives now in Los Angeles. But he has never forgotten his Westport home. He writes:
My mom, Lynn Winther MD, moved my 2 sisters and me up from Houston in 1994, after I got bullied (and lost my 2 front teeth) in the Texas school system.
My grandparents had lived in the Coleytown area for many years. My mother knew we needed quality schooling and a better town.
Lynn Winther MD
She was a single mom, and did what was best for her kids. I was enrolled at Kings Highway Elementary School. Moving to Westport was the best move my mother could have made for me and my sisters. The support in the town and the school systems made us the successful adults we are today.
My mom made a lot of sacrifices. She went to Westport with little money, but wanted to get into a house in the school district that was best for all of us.
After living in a hotel for our first 2 months, my mom found 191 Wilton Road. We all liked that it was interesting, and different from other houses.
The front of 191 Wilton Road …
She agreed. With a lot of luck from the mortgage lender and real estate agent, she purchased the home. My mom raised my sisters and me in that house.
… and the rear.
The town also raised us.
I did not have a father around. But the school system and Department of Human Services had a great mentor program. I found a mentor named Jack Klinge. To this day, he is still my mentor.
He instilled real character and value in me. I would had a much harder time learning that in a different environment. I still keep in touch and talk with Jack Klinge.
Jack Klinge with David Winther and his sisters.
All the parents of my friends knew that my mom had to work 2 full-time jobs. The community supported me as a kid and a young man. The mothers and fathers in Westport helped raise me.
My best friend from elementary school’s dad taught me how to throw a football. Friends invited me to their tutoring sessions, and other events. It provided a great foundation.
I spent many afternoons with friends at Westport Pizzeria and the library in downtown Westport. They were an easy walk from 191 Wilton Road.
It’s my turn now to thank my mom for everything she has done for me and my sisters. She deserves to retire and live in Santa Barbara, where she can be closer to me and my sisters.
Front row (from left): Matthew Schwartz (Staples graduate), his girlfriend Amanda Winther), Amanda Winther, Lynn Winther MD. Back row: Shannon Winther, David Winther, Aleasha Schemer.
191 Wilton Road has still so much potential and room to grow with a family. There is a lot of love in that house. We want to share it with a young family who wants to grow in Westport.
It’s not easy in this climate to purchase any house, especially in Westport, which is why we decided to list the price at such a fair rate. The house is perfect for a young family looking to get into a genuine community.
With so much potential to continue to build on the house itself, we can’t wait to see what the next owner will do. The sky is the limit at 191 Wilton Road.
Unique upstairs at 191 Wilton Road.
(To learn more about the Westport Department of Human Services’ mentor program, email edaignault@westportps.gov.)
There’s a “For Lease” sign outside the old Post Road West building, near Wright Street.
But, Frank Rosen notes, the building is in disrepair. Paint is peeling; shingles are askew. It will take a lot more than a new tenant to bring back some of the beauty to this once-handsome mansion-turned-office.
There was a school bus accident yesterday, on Easton Road near Bayberry Lane. In the photo below, a small car was wedged under the far side of the bus.
Sandy Rothenberg says: “I have traveled this intersection for the past 35 years. It has become increasingly dangerous. The sight lines are very limited, and cars fly around the curve on Easton Road towards Westport. A very small sign indicates ‘slow curve.’ I hope this brings needed attention and improvements to this road.”
Tickets are still available for the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” event this Thursday (May 13, 7 p.m.).
This year’s livestreamed “Booked” fundraiser will include videos, live musical tributes, and a conversation with Perlman that is just for this audience. No recording will be made of the program.
Speaking of the Library: One of the “star attractions” of the transformed space is Verso Studios. The state-of-the-art audio and broadcast studios can help anyone become a music, podcast, video or audiobook star.
Yesterday, the library launched a new Verso Studios website. Click here to watch and listen to a wide variety of recordings, podcasts and videos — and to find out how to use the studios yourself.
The Planning & Zoning Commission has granted a permit for a second floor addition, interior and exterior renovations, and site work for apartments for 4 special needs people, and another unit for an income-eligible staff member.
More approvals are needed. But this is good news for special needs individuals and their families. And it’s 5 more important affordable housing units for our town.
Dr. Anthony Fauci and former 2nd Selectman/Board of Finance chair Avi Kaner shared a stage last night.
The New York Board of Rabbis honored both men with Humanitarian Awards , for their work during the pandemic.
Dr. Fauci’s contributions are well known. Kaner’s may be less famous. But the co-owner of Morton Williams Supermarkets was cited for the work his family-owned business did during the pandemic.
Morton Williams stores never closed. Employees kept working; senior executives ensured that the supply chain continued.
The company became a lifeline to New York. They worked with the CDC to adjust trucking regulations so that truckers would be comfortable making deliveries. They were among the first in the nation to set aside special hours for seniors and immunocompromised customers; they lobbied aggressively for mask use, and ensured that supermarket workers were included in phase 1B of the state’s vaccinations.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate Anthony Salgado met Pierce Slutzky years ago, at Camp Laurel. Anthony says:
“Pierce was an amazing kid who was taken from us at age 17. He was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 14, and tirelessly fought medulloblastoma for 3 years.
“Pierce did not complain. He continued in high school, achieving an A average and making National Honor Society and Foreign Language Society.
“It is my honor to ask people to join in a CT Challenge bike ride to keep Pierce’s fight alive forever. I want to help those who are currently diagnosed, and those who may be diagnosed in the future.” Click here for the link.
And finally … Lloyd Price died last week in New Rochelle, from complications of diabetes. He was 88.
He had “Personality.” He had many other hits, including “Stagger Lee” and “Lawdy Miss Clawdy.” He’s a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. He led quite a life inside and outside of music. Click here for a full obituary.
Posted onMay 11, 2021|Comments Off on Greens Farms Book Gifts: The Sequel
Yesterday, “06880” reported on Greens Farms Elementary School’s great project. Students solicited pledges by reading books. Funds raised went to “Read For Change” — a program organized by parents Leigh Cataudo and Liz Leary to purchase books for students at Bridgeport’s Luis Muñoz Marin School. Every student could select 2 new books of their own, at a Scholastic fair.
On Friday, Leigh and Liz watched with smiles as 7th and 8th graders chose their books.
Yesterday, it was younger students’ turn.
“I wish we could have bottled up the excitement appreciation and pure joy of these kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders to share with our students,” Leigh says.
“It was nothing short of magical. This was the first time in over a year most students were able to physically interact with books. The school library was closed due to COVID, and any classroom library that would be accessible is still ‘packed up.'”
Leigh and Liz received countless hugs of thanks, which they were asked to pass along to GFS families.
They plan for a second “Read For Change” next year. And they’d like to bring some Greens Farms students with them, to share in the magic.
(Photos/Leigh Cataudo)
Comments Off on Greens Farms Book Gifts: The Sequel
For over 30 years, Lloyd Allen has served Westporters.
First at actual farm stands, now in a Post Road store next to Calise’s, he offers the freshest fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread, meat, fish, baked goods, soups, salads and flowers.
For the past 14 months though, he’s actually had to serve his customers.
COVID dealt a death blow to many small businesses. Food services were particularly hard hit.
Lloyd Allen, outside his Double L Market on the Post Road.
But Lloyd knows his onions. As soon as the pandemic shut his doors last March, he pivoted. His Double L Market pivoted immediately to curbside.
“We didn’t dither,” Lloyd says. “We transformed completely into a warehouse.”
Unlike many markets, he did not create a website for customers to order from.
Double L Market is always in season (Photo/Ed Simek)
Working with Apple (the company, not the fruit), he devised a text-based ordering system. Rather than clicking items into a virtual “shopping cart,” Double L developed a friendly, interactive conversation-style experience.
Customers texted what they wanted. Armed with iPhones and iPads, employees filled orders. If they had a question — “What kind of berries exactly?” or “We’re out of those potatoes; what would you like instead?” — they texted immediately.
Employees texted again when the order was ready for pickup.
At first, customers simply sent lists: “2 blueberries, 1 strawberry, 3 broccoli crowns, 4 honey crisps, 2 little gems, 1 cauliflower white, 1 baby bok choy.”
Soon, they started adding messages: “2 raspberries, 2 chicken empanadas, 1 piece of salmon. You rock!”
One customer asked Lloyd to recommend items. “Peaches?” he asked. “Sure! 4 is good!” came the reply.
“It felt like texting a friend,” Lloyd says. That makes sense. Most of his customers already were friends.
Vendors got into texting mode quickly too:
Last weekend — for the first time since March 2020 — Lloyd opened Double L Market’s doors back up.
Many customers were grateful. Perhaps 20%, he estimates, had never been inside before. They’re new arrivals to town, who know his store only through curbside.
They are thrilled to finally roam the aisles.
Customers who knew Double L from before were impressed too. The long shutdown proved to be a good time to paint and freshen up the interior.
But other people like the convenience of texting and pickup. They want to keep shopping that way. So Lloyd will continue offering the option.
He’ll also still deliver to local customerx who for any reason cannot come to him.
Back in business — indoors.
Lloyd’s quick pivot enabled him to keep all his employees, throughout the entire 14 months. He did not even need a PPP loan to keep going.
In fact, he says, he even hired out-of-work restaurant employees to help.
Lloyd left nothing to chance. During the darkest times, he divided his crews into 2. Each worked separate days. That way, if one was diagnosed with COVID, only half of his staff would have to quarantine.
The “time off” — Lloyd was on only one crew — offered him time to start a blog. He writes deftly about food, in all its forms: what’s at the market, how it got there, and much more.
As he spoke about the past 14 months, Lloyd grew emotional. He’s proud of what he and his employees accomplished, gratified at the loyalty and trust his customers showed, and happy to be back.
All his life he’s watched farmers sow, nurture and reap.
Posted onMay 10, 2021|Comments Off on Remembering Dmitri (Doug) Belser
The city of Berkeley is mourning the loss of Dmitri Belser. He died April 22, 3 months after being diagnosed with cancer. He was 63.
Belser — who was known as Doug Belser when he grew up in Westport — was legally blind, due to macular degeneration. A leader in the disability rights movement, he helped create the Ed Roberts Campus. It includes offices for independent living organizations, accessible meeting rooms, a computer/media resource center, fitness center, café and child development center. Belser served 2 terms as ERC president.
Previously he worked as a sign language interpreter and coordinator of deaf student services at San Francisco State University, and manager of Pacific Bell’s Deaf and Disabled Service Center.
Belser and his husband, Tom White, renovated 10 century-old houses in Berkeley. They saved several from demolition.
Belser was a member of Berkeley’s Landmarks Preservation Commission, and chair of the Commission on Disabilities.
He also restored cars, including a 1939 and ’50 DeSoto, ’57 and ’67 Volkswagens, and a ’63 VW van.
Belser always loved cars. After graduating a semester early from Staples High School — in January of 1976 — he and fellow grad Diane Stapkowski drove a VW Bug he had rebuilt to San Francisco.
The vehicle was named Gerry — in honor of Staples English teacher Gerry Kuroghlian.
After that adventure, Belser went to Hampshire College. He met White there.
In 1985 the couple adopted a baby girl, Talia. Open adoption was rare at the time, reports Berkeleyside. Belser, White and the girl’s birth mother remained friends until his death.
Four years later, Belser and White adopted 5-month-0ld Sebastian.
The partners had a civil union in Vermont in 2001, a marriage ceremony in Vancouver, Canada in 2005, and a legal US marriage in Oakland in 2008.
Describing his vision loss (he called himself “hard of seeing”), Belser said:
I’m used to who I am and the kind of vision I have. [Without vision difficulties] I wouldn’t be me. The experience I’ve had being an outsider, living a different kind of life, has helped make me the person I am now. What I’ve gotten from having vision loss is, I think, bigger than what I’ve lost by it.
Two days before he died, a Berkeley City Council proclamation expressed “our sincere appreciation for his many contributions to the city and its residents.”
Staples Class of 1976 graduate Tim Garvin remembers Belser as “a wonderful, inventive, creative person.”
In addition to his husband and children, he is survived by his mother Charlotte (who was active in planning and zoning affairs in Westport); sisters Stephanie and Ann; brother Mark; 3 nephews and 1 niece.
Contributions in his name can be made to CforAT, with “EBSHC” in the memo line, and sent to EBSHC, c/o Center for Accessible Technology, 3075 Adeline Street, Suite 220, Berkeley, CA 94703.
(Click here for the full Berkeleyside obituary. Hat tip: Barbara Sherburne)
Non-COVID health emergencies don’t take a break during a pandemic. Unfortunately, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services had to.
Not responding quickly, professionally and compassionately, of course. Their service never wavered. But they did have to pause their public education.
Now, with threats lessening, WVEMS is cleared to resume reduced-capacity classes at their Police headquarters facility. CPR/First Aid and Stop the Bleed courses begin this month. EMT certification is set for the fall.
All classes have limited capacity. For more information, click here.
Construction of the I-95 overpass at Beachside Avenue is cruising along. (As opposed to, say, the Kings Highway Bridge replacement near Canal Street — a far less complicated project).
Years ago, Leigh Cataudo taught at a Greenwich middle school. She and a colleague ran a read-a-thon, with students raising funds to buy books for an underserved school.
She calls the project — which included her students helping elementary school children choose books, and read with them — “the most rewarding thing I have ever been part of.”
Leigh is now a realtor with William Pitt Sotheby’s. She’s also a Greens Farms Elementary School parent. She’s just brought the “Read for Change” program to her school — and the Luis Muñoz Marin K-8 School in Bridgeport.
(“Change” refers to becoming better readers, earning “change” by reading, and changing the lives of others.)
The project began last fall, as the pandemic raged. Her 3 children started the school year with many challenges — but, Leigh knew, they had the laptops, internet access, paper, markers and (most importantly) books they needed to do okay.
She was wary of putting too much on teachers’ already overloaded plates. But principal Kevin Cazzetta loved the idea, and invited her to help make it happen. Leigh reached out to her friend and football team co-manager Liz Leary. “Read for Change” was underway.
Greens Farms Elementary School got into the “Read for Change” project in a big way. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
Students requested pledges from parents and relatives. To make it fun, non-intimidating and all-inclusive, Leigh and Liz let students decide how to ask. For example, newer readers could get pledges for the number of books they read, while more advanced readers could earn money for time spent reading.
Classes already kept daily reading records, so there was no additional work for teachers. There was a small prize each week for the class with the most participation, and a bingo board with another prize. Students were engaged and excited.
The excitement grew when the month was over. Leigh and Liz were speechless.
Their goal was to buy 1 book for each of the 800 Luiz Muñoz Marin students. Starting this past Friday, and through Tuesday, GFS is sponsoring a Scholastic book fair. Each child can choose 2 books.
Friends checking out books at the Luis Munoz Marin School …
“Friday was incredible,” Leigh reports. “The students and staff of Marin were amazed, and so very appreciative.
“We are so proud to be part of such an incredible school community, and to have the ability to offer the gift of books to so many students in our neighboring community.”
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