Roundup: Downtown Parking; Irma Schachter’s Honor; More

Posted on June 12, 2020 | 9 comments

There’s no time like now to shop downtown.

And — starting Wednesday, June 17 — there’s no time limit either.

The Westport Downtown Merchants Association and town officials have agreed to lift time restrictions on all legal, public parking spaces, through August 21. The goal is to encourage shopping, dining and browsing.

Specifically, curbside on Main Street (from Elm Street to Avery Place), and the  Parker Harding, Baldwin, Sigrid Schultz, Bay Street, Taylor Place, Jesup Green, Jesup Road and upper library lots will have no time limits. In other words: no tickets!

Beginning June 22nd, there will be no curbside parking on Main Street from the Post Road to Elm Street. That’s to allow shoppers more room, and enable social spaciousness.

While you’re there, enjoy beautiful new street planters too.

Irma Schachter — a longtime Westport resident, and a 1945 graduate of the Northfield School for Girls (now Northfield Mt. Hermon) — was honored recently with the school’s Lamplighter Award. The highest honor given by the Alumni Association, it is awarded for service to the school far beyond the call of day.

This month is Irma’s 75th reunion year for NMH. She has held numerous volunteer roles, including reunion chair, class agent and gift chair (her current role, since 2000).

In 2005, for her 60th reunion, Irma achieved 100% participation from the class for their reunion gift. No class has since matched that.

After graduating from Connecticut College for Women, and graduate courses in management training at Harvard Radcliffe, she worked for department stores like G. Fox, Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor.

“I love Northfield,” the proud Lamplighter says.

Irma Schachter and her husband Joe.\

And finally … at the end of another long week …

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Organizations, People

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Wall Of Wishes Greet Class Of 2020

Posted on June 12, 2020 | 3 comments

Kelly Konstanty’s son AJ graduated today from Staples High School. The coronavirus robbed the Class of 2020 of the chance to celebrate together — just as it took so much else away.

To augment the “drive-through” ceremony, Kelly had an idea: a “Wall of Wishes.” She put large posters at ASF and Saugatuck Sweets, for anyone to write on; she also set up a special email address.

Best wishes poured in. Kelly collected them all. She and fellow mother-of-a-graduate Melissa Augeri hand-wrote them all on individual posters. This morning, Kelly and Staples mom Stacie Curran placed them all along the parade route, leading to the school. It was an enormous undertaking.

And an amazing sight to see.

So what do Westporters wish for our graduates? Read on!

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! – The Thaw Family 

Congratulations 2020 Staples Seniors…”Always stay in a STANCE!” – Coach Goldshore

“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work through difficult problems.” – Gever Tulley 

Congratulations Staples Class of 2020 – The Sternberg Family

Restore wishes the Staples Class of 2020 a lifetime of wellness and best of luck on all of your future endeavors!

First-year principal Stafford Thomas said goodbye today to his first graduating class.

The power of grit, endurance and perseverance will take you far! – The Laskin Family

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! The Heisler family is cheering you on. Westport strong!

Congratulations on your graduation!! The Class of 2020 will always be known as the one that survived a pandemic, racial divides and witnessed a nation coming together to make this country a better place. Not only did you adapt but came out better people for it. – The Hwang Family

Way to go Class of 2020! If COVID couldn’t stop you, nothing can! Keep making us proud! – The Connors Family

Congratulations class of 2020! Your class represents strength and grace! – The Brannigan Family

Best of Luck to the Class of 2020!  – The Feuer Family

Class of 2020 rocks “06880”! THANKS for all you did – – and you did it with grace, passion, pride and “class.” –   Dan Woog

(Photo/Kelly Konstanty)

“On the other side of this storm is the strength that comes from having navigated through it. Raise your sails and BEGIN!” – Gregory S. Williams

CONGRATULATIONS to the truly unique and amazing Class of 2020!! – XO  – The Bowens Family

Wishing the Class of 2020 all the best. – The Iannacone Family

Congratulations Class of 2020.  The best is yet to come! XO – The Augeri Family

The only way is up from here. Best of luck to all the awesome Staples graduates!  Love, Sandy & Gary Mitchell (AKA Meeme & Beepee)

Congratulations to the Most Resilient Senior Class: Staples Class of 2020, deserves the Trophy of the Year!! Your Strength, Tenacity and Flexibility will carry you through any challenges you meet as you continue your journey through Life!! Stay strong with the wisdom to support Truth & Kindness when needed!! Tipping a Glass of Cheers and Smiles to and for all of you!!  – The Pink House Lady

Congratulations Class of 2020! – Fran Smith (a.k.a. Aunt Fran) SHS Class of ‘45

Staples Class of 2020, You have all proven to be a group of resilient and flexible young adults. I congratulate you all! I know that we, the community, will benefit from how this time will mold you well into the future. You have the power to create and follow your dreams, now go live them. – Janine & Pietro Scotti

 Your wings already exist! All you have to do is fly. – The Massoud Family

Good Luck! Be yourself. Find yourself. XO

Chef Tor Sporre wishes you a better world.  Be part of it! – (Dancing Tulip picture drawn here)

Good luck in your new adventures!

Best wishes for your exciting journey ahead! – The Rizy Family

Best of luck to you all! Wishing you success & happiness! Much love, The Sutter Family

Way to make History Class of 2020! We always knew you would. 🙂 Great things lie ahead for you all. – The Howard Family

Congratulations Class of 2020! The best is yet to come. – ASF Sports & Outdoors

The poster outside ASF, before dozens of well-wishers added their thoughts.

We are so proud of you and all you have done‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ Hearty Congratulations Graduates♥️️ – Grandma B/Grandpa M

Congratulations to the entire Staples 2020 graduating class. You have missed a great deal of your last year of high school but you are all resilient & talented and will no doubt go on to do great things! Go Wreckers! – The Burg Family

Don’t ever underestimate your strength, wisdom and compassion! You have been incredible during these unique times. Congratulations to this amazing class of 2020! – The Messenger Family

When it rains, look for the rainbows. When it’s dark, look for the stars.  Congratulations to the Class of 2020! YOU are the rainbows and the stars of the future! Dream Big! – The Hughes Family (Aunt K, Uncle Tom & Jameson)

Staples 2020! This is not the usual grad celebration, but you are not the usual class. You’ll work harder than you think and go farther than you can dream! Embrace it all! – The Vandis Family

Class of 2020 – “virtually” the greatest SHS class of all time! Go get ‘em! – The DesMarteau Family

Dear Staples High School Class of 2020, You did it! You finished an historic run to your High School Diploma in this unprecedented time. Bravo and remember you are Stronger than you know, this will not define you. Make the world a better place.  – Paul Lenihan

I am myself a Staples graduate so my simple message is: ONCE A WRECKER ALWAYS A WRECKER! – Arline P. Gertzoff (RTM3)

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

To all the Staples Seniors; This has been a strange and unusual year. As you go on  to your next adventure know that you have dealt so well under extraordinary circumstances and this will help you deal even better with whatever comes your way.  Wishing you all, all the best! – The Pressman Family

Class of 2020: Thank you for your contributions to Westport! You will be missed. Godspeed in your next adventures! – The Foisie Family

Dream BIG class of 2020! – The Zinn Family

To the Spectacular Staples Class of 2020, Your Strength, Smarts and Support of Community will Steer you to great Success in Anything you Seek. Much Love, From The Curran Family

Class of 2020, what a long strange trip it’s been. Go forth fearlessly, you guys have got this!” – The Braunstein Family

To the Staples Class of 2020: May your strength and determination be the shining gifts that guide you forward. Congratulations to you all. – Judith Marks-White

Congrats to the Class of 2020! We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished! – The Navarro Family

Staples High School seal, in front lobby (Photo copyright Lynn U. Miller)

To the amazing class of 2020, we wish you all the best life can offer! Live confidently, passionately and with endless curiosity. Dream all that you can become, become all that you can dream! – The Frost Family

Dear 020 Graduating Seniors: As Maya Angelou put it the best. Let your life not be measured by the breaths you take but rather the moments that take your breath away. Best of luck!  XO – The Konstanty Family

Please take the disappointment from the end of this year to fuel your determination to launch your dreams for next year. With much love the Moody Famil

Congratulations to the Class of 2020!! In this crazy year we honor you as you have had to endure so much! This too shall pass; the future will be brighter and you will be stronger. Onward! Love, Joan Konstanty (AKA Gram)

Carpe Diem!  – The Manna Family

Congratulations to the entire class of 2020!! The best is yet to come. – The Porio Family

Congratulations Class of 2020! Wishing you happiness in all that you do. – The Teed Family

Best to our Staples Seniors – thank you for your guidance, support and paving the way. Xo The Rossman Family

Congrats Staples High School Class of 2020 – The Bakshi Family

Congrats Class of 2020. You rocked it! Love, The Greifenbergers

Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 2020! – The Desser Family

Relish you are part of history, now go make your mark on the world. – The Chevrier Family

Dream high…laugh, learn and love along the way! Congratulations on your accomplishments and enjoy the journey ahead. The Obsitnik Family

To the Class of 2020: We  wish for you a world better than the one you were born into, the tenacity, strength and emotional intelligence  to be able to identify injustice and address it, the ability to see your potential and to go for it, and the patience to both listen and respect those whose experiences differ from your own. You are our future, the next leg in the relay. We pass the baton to you, but we don’t let go of it just yet for we still have so much to pass along to you, while all the while absorbing the lessons you have for us. You are the Class of 2020, a blessed and brilliant bunch that will go down in history. No go change the world! – The Dockray Family

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ConGRADulations, Class Of 2020!

Posted on June 12, 2020 | 11 comments

There was no “Pomp and Circumstance.” There was no processional march. There was no tossing of caps into the air.

On the other hand, there was no hot fieldhouse. There was no bad sound system. There were no long speeches.

The Westport Garden Club decorated Staples, for today’s #FridayFlowers project. (Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

The Staples High School Class of 2020 graduated today in small groups. They gathered in festively decorated cars at Long Lots Elementary School. With a police escort they were driven by parents, in cars filled with family members, up North Avenue.

(Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

The D’Anna family.

The Brannigan family arrives in style.

They drove past hundreds of signs congratulating, encouraging and thanking them. They were applauded by teachers, coaches, and staff members. WWPT-FM played upbeat music.

(Drone photo/Ryan Felner)

WWPT-FM, on the air.

They got out, a few at a time. Their names were announced clearly. They walked across a stage. Principal Stafford Thomas requested that they turn their tassels. He then pronounced them graduates of Staples High.

Dylan and Shea Curran were the first graduates.

Staples principal Stafford Thomas.

Turning the tassels.

There were great cheers, plenty of smiles, individual photos. “This is cool! I wish my graduation was like this!” an older brother said.

The Staples High School English Department salutes its grads.

Audrey Bernstein’s dad Doug wore his Staples Class of 1981 graduation t-shirt.

They drove out through Bedford Middle School, on past hundreds of more signs. Nearly every family honored them, individually.

It was a graduation unlike any ever seen at Staples before. It may be unlike any ever seen again.

Super Staples supporter Laura Blair and Jenna Herbst.

 

But like any graduation, it was bittersweet. No matter how they graduate, we send off our seniors with mixed emotions. We are proud of their accomplishments. We loved having them as part of our school and community. Though it is time for them to go, we will miss them tremendously.

And we wish them all the luck in this new, uncertain world.

(Photo/Ilene Mirkine)

(All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

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Friday Flashback #196

Posted on June 12, 2020 | 9 comments

Town arts curator and historian Kathleen Motes Bennewitz reminds us that next Wednesday — June 17 — is the 110th anniversary of the unveiling of the Minute Man monument.

In an essay for ConnecticutHistory.org, she describes “Bunker Hill Day,” which drew over 1,000 state residents.

Temporarily concealed by canvas and a bunting-clad dais was a life-sized bronze of a farmer-turned-soldier — with his powder horn and musket at the ready — kneeling atop a grassy pedestal that rose some 6 feet above the roadway. The monument was erected to honor the heroism of patriots who defended the country when the British invaded Connecticut at Compo Beach on April 25, 1777, and in the ensuing two days of conflict at Danbury and Ridgefield.

Created by Westport artist H. Daniel Webster (1880-1912), The Minute Man is sited in the center of the intersection at Compo Road South and Compo Beach Road, said to be the exact spot of the fiercest engagement between British and Continental militias that April evening. After accepting the statue and turning it over to the town’s care, Lewis B. Curtis, president of the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution, declared that “Westport should always cherish among their brightest possessions, this spot and the monument, which we have erected to commemorate the noble deeds enacted here.”

The Minute Man statue, around the time of his 1910 dedication.

Surprisingly, our Minute Man is one of only 4 honoring those Revolutionary War civilian patriots. The most famous, Bennewitz says, is at Concord, Massachusetts near “the shot heard ’round the world.” The other 2 are also in the Bay State (Lexington and Framingham).

Bennewitz notes that the 1910 unveiling capped an 8-year campaign for a monument. It began in 1902, when the town “secured title to Compo Beach as a public resort.”

As for the sculptor, Webster was just 29 years old when he received the commission in 1909. Three years earlier, he had moved from New York to Westport’s “nascent artist community.”

After modeling the figure at his Westport studio, he had it cast by Tiffany & Co. at Roman Bronze Works, the country’s preeminent art foundry. To complete the monument, he asked nearby residents to donate fieldstone for the foundation wall and large, asymmetrical boulders for the earthen mound and to house the bronze plaques. The finished cost was $2,900.

Our Minute Man (Photo/Tim Woodruff)

Four years after its unveiling, the Minute Man was a destination for owners of newfangled automobiles, who followed George Washington’s route from Philadelphia to Cambridge to assume command of the Continental army.

In 1935 the monument was the emblem for the town centennial; in 1986, the centerpiece of Miggs Burroughs’ town flag.

In 1957, it was even featured on “I Love Lucy.” You can’t get more American than that.

(For Kathleen Motes Bennewitz’s full WestportHistory.org story, click here. For an “06880” account of the Battle of Compo Hill, click here.)

The Minute Man is beloved by Westporters. He’s decorated with Santa Claus caps at Christmas, bunny ears on Easter, even a COVID-19 mask. Some people think it’s sacrilege. Many more think it’s a tribute to our favorite son. (Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

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Virginia Wong Supports Arnie’s Place

Posted on June 12, 2020 | 20 comments

Virginia Wong

Virginia Wong has enjoyed a wonderful career in fashion.

Today she manages digital strategy and local emerging markets for Louis Vuitton Americas. She also spent 5 years on the advisory strategy team for L Brands’ CEO.

Growing up though, she felt surrounded by social pressures. Even her main hobby — tennis — was competitive.

She found solace at Arnie’s Place. The video game arcade — it’s Ulta today, next to Balducci’s — offered a “true, pressure-free escape.” Virginia roamed the vast space without supervision or worry. The lights and noises were “transporting.” Everyone was having a great time playing games; there was little social friction.

Arnie’s Place, 1984.

She was more into Skee-Ball, Ms. Pac-Man and the claw machine than true video games, but it was a fantastic time anyway. She finds it hard to imagine kids having a similar experience today.

Later, whenever she returned to Connecticut, she decompressed by driving around. She’d go to the beach, get a hot dog at Rawley’s, cruise past the Athena Diner. Those rituals felt “right.”

Every time Viriginia drove by what was then Anthropologie, she thought of Arnie’s.

When she did that recently, she remembered Arnie Kaye’s fight against “the power.” Parents worried that a video arcade would somehow corrupt their kids. Politicians followed their lead.

Arnie Kaye, in 1994.

During his battle to open, Arnie hired someone to dress as Pac-Man, and hand out money to anyone wearing an “I support Arnie’s Place” t-shirt.

A popular pro-Arnie’s bumper sticker.

Virginia wanted to memorialize it. And she still had an Arnie’s Place t-shirt, with cut-off sleeves.

She decided to make a couple of new ones. A friend who is head of graphics for American Eagle helped her get the design right — including the back with a very ’80s-style design, and Arnie’s iconic “token” logo on the front.

Screen printed on Gildan heavy cotton in small batches, they’re available through Virginia’s Instagram and Etsy accounts. She’s branded those pages “Class Trip,” a tribute to the significant backdrops of her youth.

As anyone who grew up at Arnie’s Place in its heyday knows: It was quite a trip!

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Posted in Children, Looking back, People, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #1151

Posted on June 11, 2020 | 5 comments

Tom Kretsch is usually the man behind the camera. This time he’s the subject, running on Compo Beach with his 4-year-old grandson Warren. (Photo/Anna Kretsch)

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Roundup: Cupcakes; Teens’ Filmmaking Camp; Teens Drive; More

Posted on June 11, 2020 | 3 comments

A Westport family wants to honor Staples High School’s Class of 2020 graduates. Fortunately, they live along the route that seniors will take tomorrow, as they drive from Long Lots Elementary School to the ceremony.

They’ve baked enough nut-free cupcakes for every grad. They’ll give them away — masked and gloved! — at 36 Hyde Lane, right before the turn on to Long Lots Road.

Fresh Market, Stop & Shop, Garelick & Herbs and Planet Pizza generously donated all ingredients.

Each cupcake will have a tag with information on how to make a donation to Westport Human Services, to support local residents in need. It’s not required — but as this family pays it forward, it’s one way for our great new graduates to do the same.

National Geographic explorer and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker Mick Davie‘s presentation at the Westport Library last winter was a smash.

Now he’s back — COVID-style. He’s organized a virtual filmmaking camp for teenagers. The focus is on personal storytelling.

The 5-week program includes 3 two-hour online workshops each week; personal 1-on-1 virtual sessions with Mick, and additional instruction on editing and technical issues with experts in film and TV.

Working in teams of 2 and 3, students will learn all aspects of filmmaking. Their finished product — a short documentary — will be uploaded to the Library’s YouTube channel.

This fall, the Library hosts a Film Festival. At that point — fingers crossed — they’ll all meet in person.

For information on the film-making camp, click here. BONUS NEWS: The library is also planning a camp for 4th-8th graders. Details will be announced soon.

Like many businesses, Fresh Green Light Driving School is reopening.

In addition to continuing to offer online classes all summer, they start limited in-car driving lessons on June 20.  

They’ll work through a 90-day backlog of canceled lessons. New students will begin online, then eventually hit the road.

Connecticut is certainly not Georgia. Earlier in the pandemic, the Peach State allowed teenagers to get a provisional permit without a road test. Yee-haw!

And finally … this is both great wisdom, and one of the greatest live performances of all time:

 

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Teenagers, Transportation

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For Stand-Up Comedy Show, Sit Down at Home

Posted on June 11, 2020 | 1 comment

Sure, stand-comedy works well in clubs. It’s fun laughing along with dozens of others.

But stand-up stands alone too. It’s fn to watch YouTube comedians and listen to Sirius comedy channels in your home and car.

Next Saturday (June 20, 8 p.m.), the annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” fundraiser becomes “Stand Up at Home.”

Of course, you don’t have to stand up to enjoy the stand-up of 4 top comedians. You can sit on your favorite sofa, surrounded by family and friends.

Together, you’ll laugh as hard as ever.

Cristela Alonzo

Cristela Alonzo — star of the ABC comedy that bears her name — headlines the show. She’s an inspired choice for an event benefiting Westport’s supportive housing agency: Until she was 8, she and her family were homeless. (Click here for her inspiring back story.)

Alonzo is joined by Roy Wood Jr., the host of Comedy Central’s storytelling series “This is Not Happening”; Hari Kondabolu, whose comedy album “Mainstream American Comic” debuted at #1 on iTunes, and Mark Normand, whom Jerry Seinfeld called “the best young up-and-coming comic” in 2019.

There are special appearances too by Staples High School graduate/”Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” composer/lyricist Justin Paul; Westport resident/former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe.

Viewers will also see a compelling video. Westport filmmaker Livio Sanchez interviewed Homes with Hope residents. They tell remarkable stories.

Viewers have already registered from as far away as Hawaii, Japan and Switzerland. And — unlike a regular comedy night — there is no limit on the size of the crowd.

Though the evening is virtual, it has all the flavor of a live show. Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden will be on stage with an auctioneer.

In other words, “Stand Up at Home” will be just like the organization’s other fundraisers — with one exception. The suggested donation is just $25. For that price, you can fill your living room.

And that’s no joke.

(For tickets and more information about the June 20 event, click here.)

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Art From The Hearts Helps Heal

Posted on June 11, 2020 | 6 comments

Not long ago Claudia Mengel heard about a doctor, working long hours and many days in the ICU. One night she took off her mask, and announced she was going home to do something that would lift her spirits: She would buy a beautiful piece of art.

The story resonated with Mengel, a Westport artist. Her daughter Rebecca Allinder — a 2005 Staples High School graduate — now works as an ICU nurse at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Mengel asked if her co-workers wanted a gift of art. Rebecca’s enthusiastic response sparked something larger: a campaign called “Art from the Hearts.”

Mengel asked more than a dozen artist friends if they could donate some of their work. That snowballed to 40 artists, who gave multiple pieces. Their gifts raised the spirits of more than 150 frontline healthcare workers.

Artwork from Julia Headland ,,,

Emily Laux was not surprised at the response. One of 8 Westport artists who contributed, she says, “as artists, we cannot take away the stress of these workers. We can’t give them a good night’s sleep or a comforting hug. But we can give them art that will bring some joy into their homes.”

… and Rebecca Swanson.

Besides Laux and Mengel, other Westport artists involved in the project are Jeanine Esposito, Jen Greely, Julie Headland, Cecilia Moy Fradet, Steve Parton and Rebecca Swanson.

Mengel and Allinder brought the dozens of works to New Jersey. The hospital’s ICU break room was set up as a temporary art gallery. Using a lottery, the nurses and their colleagues each selected a piece of art for their homes.

Rebecca Allinder (3rd from left) and her colleagues at St. Peter’s University Hospital.

Each also got a bonus. Every artist wrote a personal note accompanying their work, thanking the healthcare worker receiving it.

Rebecca says that when word of the project spread through the hospital, the break room turned into a show. Personnel from other departments told her that taking a break from their busy day to look at art was peaceful and calming.

Her ICU colleagues, meanwhile, still talk about the piece of art that they took home, where they hung it, and how much they enjoy it. The personalized thank- you notes brought many to tears.

“It is an honor to do what we do as nurses for our community,” Rebecca says. “But reading the notes made us feel special and appreciated.”

Rebecca Allinder and Claudi Mengel, ready to head from Westport to New Jersey with art.

Her mother quotes William Wordsworth: “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” She meant the frontline medical personnel.

But those little acts of kindness apply to the artists as well. And — thanks to their talent and generosity — those acts will be remembered every time a man or woman arrives home from a long, awful hospital shift.

(Hat tip: Diane Johnson)

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Pic Of The Day #1150

Posted on June 10, 2020 | 1 comment

Sherwood Island painting (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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