The recent national surge in anti-Semitic acts — including the New York area — has rattled many local Jews.
Then there was one right here in Westport.
A congregant of Beit Chaverim — born in Israel, but a longtime Westporter — arrived home to find eggs splattered on her front door.
In his sermon last weekend, Beit Chaverim’s Rabbi Greg Wall told his Post Road West congregation that the only way to fight what’s happening is to be more visible.
“Keep your yarmulke on,” he said. “If you’re intimidated, the anti-Semites win.”
Rabbi Greg Wall
Noting the importance of community involvement, he adds, “Anti-Semitism is a communal issue. As Jews, we have stood with any group that’s been denied their rights — other religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations. Now we need them to stand publicly with us.”
Working with the other rabbis, including Jeremy Weiderhorn of Westport’s Conservative Synagogue, and Evan Schultz of B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, plus the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County, they’ve created a very visible event.
Next Wednesday (June 2, 7 p.m.), a “Standing Together Against Anti-Semitism” rally is set for Jesup Green.
Approval came yesterday. Organizers meet this morning to plan the speakers.
Rabbi Wall knows he wants a wide range of voices.
“We hope other faiths will be involved,” he says. “Whenever anything has happened in our community, I’ve gotten support from the imam in Norwalk. I’m sure there will be many people standing with us.”
He thinks about previous rallies on Jesup Green — in the past year alone, for Black Lives Matter and against Asian-American violence — and shakes his head.
“Hate effects everyone. I look forward to a time when we won’t need rallies like this.”
(If you can’t attend, you can participate online. Click here to register.)
As Westport prepares to celebrate Memorial Day, it’s important to personalize all those who gave their lives for our country. Over 75 years ago, 2 local families did far more than their share.
It may be an American record.
During World War II, 8 of the 12 Cuseo sons left Westport, to enlist in the armed forces.
Fortunately, only one — James — was killed.
The Cuseo family in 1935 or ’36. Daughter Mildred is missing. Father James and mother Lucy are in the middle.. (Photo courtesy of Woody Klein’s book “Westport, Connecticut.”)
But when the Cuseos’ mother, Lucy, died in 1943, her daughter said it was due to her “broken heart.”
Lucy was buried here with military honors. American Legion members served as pallbearers.
The Cuseos’ contributions to World War II were astonishing. But in terms of sacrifice, none made more than the Wassell family.
Four sons enlisted. All were pilots. Three were killed in action — all within 15 months of each other.
Charles P. “Pete” Wassell
Before the war, Harry — the oldest — helped design fighter planes in Stratford. He, his brother Bud and other Westport men started the Westport Defense Unit, to teach marksmanship.
He enlisted in the Army Air Force after Pearl Harbor. A 2nd lieutenant, he died in Iceland in 1943 while ferrying aircraft to the European Theater.
Frank L. “Bud” Wassell Jr.
Like Harry, Bud left college because of the Depression. The 2 sons worked with their father, Lloyd, in starting the Wassell Organization on Sylvan Road. A very successful businessman, he had worked as personal assistant to George Westinghouse, founder of Westinghouse Electric.
The company invented and sold production control equipment, becoming instrumental in expediting the efficiency of defense contractors. A 1st lieutenant flight commander, Bud was killed in 1943 in a midair collision, while a flight instructor in Florida.
Harry B. Wassell
Pete — a 1940 Staples High School graduate — left Middlebury College to train as a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol. He transferred to the Army Air Force, and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant navigator.
He served in the China/ Burma/India Theater, and died in 1944 after his B-24 aircraft was hit by antiaircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser.
The 4th son — George — was a member of Staples’ Class of 1943. But he left high school in 1942, to enlist as an aviation cadet. Appointed a B-17 aircraft commander at the age of 18, he was recalled from overseas duty when his 3rd brother Pete was killed. He served as a B-17 pilot instructor through the war’s end.
George Wassell with his parents, Lloyd and Georgene, by the Westport train station on Railroad Place in 1943 or ’44.
George turned down a full engineering scholarship to Cornell in order to join his father in the Wassell Organization.
Pete left behind a child, born 2 months after his death. Harry had a daughter, Patty, who lived in Westport for many years. George married Betsy Schuyler in 1945. They raised 6 children in Westport.
George and Betsy Wassell at Longshore, not long after the war.
When Lloyd moved his family to Westport before the war, he and his wife Georgene bought several acres of land on Mayflower Parkway. He built a large house (by 1930s standards), and planned to give building lots to his 6 kids: the 4 boys, and daughters Pat and Betty.
World War II sabotaged all that. But George and Pat did build homes there after the war. George added a pool, 3-hole golf course and tree house. The property became a great attraction for lots of cousins, and tons of neighborhood kids.
Longtime Westporter Jono Walker — George’s nephew — remembers those times fondly.
“The Wassells never dwelled on their tragic history,” he says. “At least none of us kids ever felt it. The house was constantly filled with great joy and life.”
As for George and Betsy: They moved to New Hampshire in 1974. He died in 2010, age 85. Betsy Schuyler Wassell is now 95, healthy and sharp and living in Maine. She looks forward to hosting her annual Wassell reunion in Kennebunkport next month, greeting offspring from as far as the Netherlands.
Pat Wassell McAleenan lost her husband Peter 18 months ago. At last report she was well, and at 95 living in Estes Park, Colorado.
Betty Wassell Watts died just over a year ago, at 100. Her children were by her side.
The Wassell brothers and their parents are all buried at Willowbrook Cemetery.
(Hat tips: Eric Buchroeder, Jono Walker and Bud Wassell)
The Town of Westport website’s Longshore pool page says: “We anticipate opening on Memorial Day weekend, however we are awaiting on information from the State of Connecticut for updated COVID-19 guidance.”
Meanwhile, the 3 pools are filled, and the pumps are pumping.
Also meanwhile: The Westport Weston Family Y ends its pool reservation system — in place since last summer — as of Tuesday (June 1). For nearly a year, swimmers have had to reserve times, 3 days ahead of time. (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)
Dog-walkers at Winslow Park have been intrigued by several large trucks parked in the nearby Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
Yesterday, Wendy Crowther saw a man moving an enormous fan. She chatted him up, and learned it will be part of a movie shoot.
Netflix is filming “The Noel Diary” around Fairfield County. Based on the novel of the same name, and starring Justin Hartley, Bonnie Bedelia and Treat Williams, it’s a Christmas flick. The fan is to help with the “snow.”
No word yet on when the Westport scenes will be shot.
One of the trucks in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Barbara De Rome Gross posted on a Weston social media page that while kayaking at Compo, she found a bench honoring the Geismar family. David and Mirjam were longtime, beloved Weston EMTs — and Holocaust survivors.
Barbara told Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department of her find. They’ll retrieve it, restore it, and reposition it at its rightful place near the Ned Dimes Marina.
How it ended up where it did is “a mystery,” Barbara writes. But thanks to her eagle eye, the Geismars will once again have their place of honor by the water. (Hat tip: Laurie Crouse)
Catherine Cook purchased the house at 13 Morningside Drive North in 2020. Her sister Julie French lives in Wimberley, Texas. Her hobby is family and home historical records.
When Catherine moved to Westport, Julie contacted the Westport Historical Society for information. She learned about their plaque program, and realized it would be a great housewarming gift.
It took a while, but Julie has finally presented her gift: a plaque citing “The Eliason House,” built in 1917.
In 1916 Clara Eliason purchased the property from Edward Birge. She built her house the next year. After Clara died in 1951, the property was transferred to family members, who lived there until 1997. (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)
Catherine Cook (left) with the plaque purchased by her sister, Julie French.
The Staples High School boys lacrosse team made history yesterday.
The Wreckers scored early and often, held Wilton scoreless for the entire first half, and cruised to a 16-2 victory in the FCIAC semifinal, held at Staples.
The blue-and-whites — seeded 2nd in the league vie for the program’s first league title ever tomorrow (Friday, May 28, 5 p.m., New Canaan High School’s Dunning Field). They face top-ranked Darien. The Blue Wave won their regular season encounter 10-7, earlier this spring.
A reader recently wondered what happened to the wonderful crew at Compo Barbers.
Felice, Chau, Tony and Tina have moved just a few doors east — right across the driveway next to CVS — to Westport Hair & Co. They’ve even kept the old Compo Barber Shop phone number (203-227-9779).
And speaking of Felice: another great stylist, Felicia Catale, is back in business at Salon Nash, at Nash’s Corner on Post Road West.
Whichever side of the river you choose, your hair will thank you.
Just in time for Pride Month, Jillian Elder — of Finding Westport, Finding Fairfield County and Finding Connecticut fame — has rolled out LGBTQ-themed merchandise. They’re available through June 30 only.
Jillian is donating 10% of all sales to Westport Pride, the group that is organizing local celebrations throughout June.
Click here for rainbow-style water bottles, coffee mugs, hoodies and t-shirts. Then show them off with pride!
Canal Beach may be one of Westport’s lesser-known spots. Still, it’s hard to imagine no one noticing someone cutting a metal pole holding a clamming sign.
It’s harder still to figure out why someone would do it.
And finally … today in 1933, the Walt Disney Company released the cartoon Three Little Pigs. It included a soon-to-be-hit song: “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”
Joseph Banyard, Jr. of Westport passed away peacefully last Thursday. He was 94.
Joe was born in Norwalk. After graduating from Norwalk High School in 1944,, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. He was being trained as an airplane and engine mechanic, and was in a program to become a flight engineer when the war ended. He completed his service in Italy in the Army of Occupation.
He graduated from the University of Bridgeport in 1951 with a degree in accounting. Joe worked in public accounting in the area for 12 years, until he was certified as a CPA.
Joseph Banyard
He took a job with Navy Audit which later reorganized as the Defense Contract Audit Agency. He spent 23 years as a federal cost analyst. A large portion of his career was at Sikorsky. He retired 1986.
Joe married Elenore DePalmer in 1953. They later divorced, but remained close friends. She still lives in the house they built together.
Joe is also survived by his sister Ann Marie Newbauer of Waterbury; nephew Thomas Newbauer of Danbury; nieces Janet Peatt of Ridgefield, Lee Berryhill, and Leslie and Joanne Aiken, and great-nephew Captain Woodrow J. Peatt, Jr. USAF, stationed in Georgia. He was predeceased by his sister Norma Aiken (and nephew Michael Aiken.
Joe will be remembered as a great listener, storyteller and poetry reciter. He was a member of St. Luke Parish for 30 years, and attended mass almost daily. He was an avid MG mechanic. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading about history.
A funeral will be held today (Thursday, May 27, 2 p.m. at St. Luke Parish. Click here to leave online condolences.
William Emmett Cross died peacefully in his sleep at his Westport home earlier this month. He was 76 years old.
Bill was born in Dennison, Ohio. He grew up in Sherrodsville, Ohio, where he helped run the family farm with his parents and brother Leonard.
He earned an accounting degree from Bowling Green State University, where he met Barbara. They were married immediately upon graduation in 1968. Two months later he enlisted in the Army as a finance officer.
In 1970 Bill began his accounting career at Lothrop Architects in White Plains. He settled in Westport, where he and Barbara raised their family and began restoring their Colonial-era home on Green’s Farms Road.
Bill Cross
Bill continued his accounting career with Fairfield Venture Capital. In recent years Bill turned his skills and love of home repairs, maintenance and restorations into a full-time business, working on a wide variety of residential projects. He enjoyed using his ingenuity and perseverance to solve problems around the homes of his loyal clients.
He was devoted to his family and friends, and loved when they gathered at his home. He enjoyed long walks at the beach with Barbara, and struck up friendly conversations with people he encountered in daily life. He was also an avid fan of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball.
In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by sons Todd (Estee) of Pelham, New York; Brian (Kathryn) of Lombard, Illinois, and Kevin (Melanie) of Denver, and grandchildren Nicholas, Isabella, Emmett, Grace, Gabriel, Julia and George
A memorial service will be held at Green’s Farms Congregational Church on October 8 (11 a.m.). Click here to leave online condolences. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to Green’s Farms Church.
Christine Marie Carusone of Westport died Monday. She was 74.
The Norwalk native was an ICU nurse at Norwalk Hospital. She received many letters of appreciation, and a commendation from the mayor of Milford for her efforts saving the lives of 2 police detectives. She retired in 2017.
Chris loved traveling, and spending quiet time at her house in Vermont. She cherished her family. Christine
She was predeceased by her brother Robert and Peter. She is survived by her sisters-in-law Donna Carusone and Suzanne Taylor; nieces Lindsay Carusone and Amy Tracy; nephews Brian Carusone, James Carusone, Robert Tracy and Robert Carusone; great-nephews Dominic Carusone and Liam Carlson, and great-niece Althea Carlson, along with countless friends.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday, May 27, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Harding Funeral Home, 210 Post Rd East). A service will be held tomorrow (Friday, May 28, 11 a.m.) at St Luke Church, followed by internment at Assumption Cemetery.
Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chris’ name can be made to Outward Bound and Malta House of Norwalk.
He studied at Middlebury College (with a BA in studio art and biology), the School of Visual Arts, New York Botanical Garden and Silvermine School of Art. He’s both an artist and a landscape designer.
He’s also the father of an autistic son. Today he writes about the joys and challenging of parenting.
Fathering a son with autism has been the most difficult challenge of my life, but it’s also brought me to deep and unexpected places.
William, now 28, was born as perfect and loving as any child. Only when he failed to meet developmental milestones did we begin to wonder if something was amiss.
Unfortunately, our worry proved to be founded. In the many years since then we’ve dealt with William’s repetitive, sometimes merely aggravating, but at other times aggressive behaviors, on a daily basis, often making it a struggle to get through the day.
Jay Petrow, with William.
Yes, there were tremendous highs, such as when my son could finally say, “I love you, Dad.” Or when we would all laugh playing endless hours of UNO with any guest who happened to stop by.
But there were dark days, when William would bang his head against the floor because he was frustrated and had no words to tell us that. Later, there were other days when we had to call the police to help keep us safe from his rage-filled outbursts.
For years my emotions were raw, yet dulled, by the constant vigilance needed to keep William learning and safe. and his behaviors in check.
Eventually, as a survival strategy for my mental health, I returned to creating art as the outlet for expressing my emotions. After graduating with a fine arts major from Middlebury College, I had put aside being an artist to pursue a career in magazine design.
But 32 years later, I needed my art in a new way. This time I wasn’t interested in painting portraits or landscapes — or any real objects–as I had done in my earlier life. Now, I was compelled to explore what was going on inside of me. And there was a lot going on.
That’s how my journey into an abstract expressionist style of painting began. Throwing paint against the canvas and using my fingers and brushes to work the surface was exhilarating for me. Anger, hurt, fear, love and joy poured out of me.
Jay Petrow’s “Relentless” (acrylic on canvas).
Instead of painting inanimate objects, I was now painting who I am. In the moment. I had found meaning in my art, and I had put art back into my life.
My paintings develop on a subconscious level of interaction of my emotions and energy, and visualizing what’s happening on the canvas as I layer on colors and textures. Maintaining a conversation from within and without, the work becomes a place that I inhabit, and if successful, a place that others can venture into as well.
What I discovered about myself was more than just an untapped love for creating abstract paintings. Amazingly, through an often dark and winding path, I discovered the light within me. I will forever be grateful to William for giving me the greatest gift anyone could give: He showed me the light.
Jay Petrow, with “Metamorphosis” (acrylic on canvas).
It is because of my experience with William that I now pursue my art with great passion. I have been to 4 artist residencies over the last couple of years, and I recently took a lease on a studio space in Bridgeport’s American Fabric Arts Building.
As a way to give back to William and all those who support him, I am donating 20 percent of every painting I sell to Abilis (https://www.abilis.us/). Abilis manages the home where William now lives, and provides support and services to over 800 individuals with special needs in Fairfield County. My goal is to donate over $100,000 to Abilis during my lifetime (or afterwards) to help those families that need this kind of support.
I recently sold a large painting to 2 collectors in New Mexico, so the first step in reaching my goal has been taken. To see more of my work click here, jaypetrowfineart.com, or follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
And from now through June 7 you can see my work at 47 Main Street, a gallery for a rotating roster of artists from The Artists Collective of Westport.
Posted onMay 26, 2021|Comments Off on Unsung Heroes #192
Heroes come in many forms. Some of them are larger than life. Some do dramatic things. Others do their thing behind the scenes, invisible to most. They may not change lives. But to the people they impact, their work is huge.
Today, Pat Blaufuss singles out some of her heroes:
The members of the Westport Country Playhouse box office staff have been real troupers. In the past year they have handled nearly 3,000 season ticket holders through postponements and revisions, ticket exchanges, credits and refunds, on-demand access orientation and more. They are the front lines of what we do.
In March 2020, the start of the season was postponed from April until July, with fewer productions. All season ticket holders had to be contacted, and their season packages adjusted accordingly.
In April, Playhouse management realized that postponing until July 2020 was unrealistic. The pandemic made a season impossible. It was postponed until 2021.
Box office staff again contacted all patrons. Some donated their 2020 season tickets. For other patrons, the box office processed credits for 2021 or refunds.
The box office staff were furloughed for the second half of 2020. Some returned late in the year; others in early 2021.
From left: Jake Krasniewicz, Josh Sinclair, Selena Dillon. (Photo/Beth Huisking)
With the pandemic continuing into 2021, and following guidelines from theater artists’ unions, the state and the science, the 2021 season plan was revised as an online experience. The box office staff again reached out to all patrons, converting their tickets into on-demand virtual access or credits for the 2022 season.
Since transitioning to a virtual season, the box office staff has worked with patrons to make sure they are able to access the 2021 season digital content.
No one outside the Playhouse office sees what they do. To Pat Blaufuss, they are heroes.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)
That’s the name of a Westport Library/Town of Westport-sponsored panel on June 3 (7 p.m., at the Library or via Zoom).
2nd Selectwoman Jen Tooker will lead a discussion with 3 great — and very different — local businesses.
Sam Gault of Gault Energy, Dr. EJ Zebro (TAP Strength Lab) and Gina Porcello (GG & Joe) will share “Stories from the Pandemic.” They’ll describe what they learned, how they survived — and how they’re thriving.
Westport photographer Nancy Breakstone lives a few minutes from Rive Bistro. It’s her go-to spot.
Yesterday she met a friend for drinks, at 5. Her husband was set to meet Nancy there for dinner, afterward.
But despite a dozen outdoor tables on the plaza — plus under a tent — Nancy called him and said: No go. The restaurant was booked solid. The waitress advised calling 3 days ahead.
That augurs well for outdoor dining in Westport this summer. Bon appétit!
Outdoor dining at Rive Bistro, on the water. The plaza tables have been filled, as well as the always-popular deck.
Getting into Cornell University is hard enough. Graduating in the top 1% of one of its undergrad colleges is insanely difficult.
But Isabelle Amlicke did it. The Staples High School Class of 2017 alum earned recognition as a Merrill Presidential Scholar for that achievement.
Isabelle was deeply involved with Cornell Sustainability Consultants. No word on what’s ahead. But we’re sure it will be impressive! (Hat tip: Cecily Gans)
Speaking of Staples: 4 juniors have earned Superior Achievement in Writing awards. The honor comes from the prestigious National Council of Teachers of English.
Caroline Coffey, Matthew Genser, Maya Markus-Malone and Talia Perkins
were honored as among the best student writers in the nation. In addition to submitting a piece of “best writing,” contest entrants were asked to craft a piece in any genre that took readers inside a community that is important to them, and convey the beauty they see within it.
Speaking of education: On Monday night, the Bedford Middle School team got together. They celebrate their win at the Connecticut Science Olympiad Tournament, and watched the national event.
Coaches Arthur Ellis, Daniel Cortright and Kathryn Nicholas received special recognition. Congratulations to all!
Sisters Annam Olasewere, Anwara Olasewere, and Ayaan Olasewere are part of Bedford’s state champion Science Olympiad team. All paced in the top 3 of their events.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows black swallowtails at Sherwood Island State Park:
(Photo/Elena Nasereddin)
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And finally … legendary Muscle Shoals drummer Jerry Roger Hawkins died last week. He was 75, and had suffered from numerous illnesses.
Producer Jerry Wexler called him “the greatest drummer of all time.”
Hawkins — a member of both the Swampers and Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section session groups — played on hits like “Respect,” ” “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Mustang Sally.” As great as those songs are, listen again. Without Hawkins’ drumming, they’d have a lot less respect. Click here for a full obituary.
Alert “06880” reader, RTM District 4 representative and frustrated driver Andrew Colabella writes:
The condition of Hillspoint Road left by Aquarion was subpar. Dipping and diving while driving along the roadway, I thought that after digging up the entire road, they would come back and either repave what they had previously dug up to be smoother, or mill the entire road or lane.
The last 2 weeks, only certain areas were dug up and repaved.
Hillspoint Road has looked like this for a while …
Hal Kravitz, Chris Tait, Robin Tauck, Jenny McGuinness, myself and many other members of the public were deeply upset. Even 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and Director of Public Works Peter Ratkiewich were displeased by the work.
However, good news came in a letter from Peter Ratkiewich. He wrote:
Due to the condition of the asphalt, Mr. Marpe has authorized me to place a sacrificial cover of pavement, about 1” thick, over the entire road to make it acceptable for the summer. This will buy us some time and make the walking surfaces safe for the summer months.
We will do this from Compo Road South to Lamplight Lane, which is the worst of the worst. This takes away the Optimum problem too, as they can install their trench any time (it’s only for a couple of services, not the whole length like the water line).
We will use FGB Construction to do the work. They will try to get started next Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. The work should only take 2 days or so, then everyone should be out of there.
We will eventually end up milling this up and putting down a full 2 inch mat, but the temporary pavement could possibly give me a one year window so that I might be able to fix the sidewalk too.
… and this. (Photos/Andrew Colabella)
This is a road many of us drive every day. I want to thank everyone who spoke out and politely objected to the current condition of the road.
The importance of speaking up when there is an issue or question should always be addressed with haste, and no hesitation.
Residents who live in town and have issues with primary or secondary roads can call Town Hall: 203-341-1000.
If there’s a pothole, damaged curb from a snowplow, dead animal or issues with town infrastructure, email publicworks@westportct.gov or call 203-341-1120.
Also, never hesitate to reach out to your RTM representative about any town issues. We are all here to help you.
Here’s to a smoother future, as we come out of hibernation from the pandemic.
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