Tag Archives: August Matthias American Legion Post 63

Roundup: Blu Olive, Menorahs, Cookies …

Just in time for the holiday rush, Blu Olive — the restaurant replacing Harvest on Railroad Place — has opened.

The Mediterranean/Italian place features a more open format and decor, with a wide array of dishes.

It’s open 6 days a week for dinner (closed Monday). Lunch will be on the menu too, by the new year.

The Blu Olive bar …

… and a featured dish. (Hat tip and photos/Matthew Mandell)

==================================================

Community menorah lightings will help Westport and Weston welcome Hanukkah.

The 18th annual event in the Trader Joe’s/Wells Fargo Bank parking lot (Compo Acres Shopping Center) is set for December 14 (6 p.m.).

The Weston lighting takes place December 16 (6 p.m., Weston Shopping Center). It’s even older than Westport: 21 years.

Both include live music, cookies, gelt, dreidels, and activities for all ages. Both are sponsored by the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life.

The Compo Acres menorah. (Photo/Jo Shields)

==================================================

Switching celebrations: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston’s holiday gift market is especially sweet this year.

The December 6 event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a “Cookie Walk.” Members will bake — and sell — their delicious goods. Perfect for additional gifts — or just to munch on as you shop for others.

=================================================

Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — everyone’s favorite pig — hopes everyone enjoys their turkeys tomorrow.

But not ham.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

=================================================

December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for Westport veterans.

On December 16 — Wreaths Across America Day — volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans in Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Road cemetery.

December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for our Westport veterans as part of Wreaths Across America!

Sponsors of wreaths also support VFW Post 399 and American Legion Post 63. Both receive $5 for every wreath ordered by clicking here.

Wreaths, at Assumption Cemetery.

==================================================

The Historic District Commission meets December 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).

Among the agenda items: consideration of opposition of demolition permits for these properties, and requiring the full statutory 180-day delay. All are at least 50 years old.

  • 11 Beachside Common
  • 49 Clinton Avenue
  • 21 Old Hill Farms Road
  • 33 Burnham Hill
  • 7 Buena Vista Drive
  • 65 Grove Point Road
  • 6 Sunny Acres Lane.

To see the full agenda, click here.

11 Beachside Common

=================================================

Last week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority unanimously rejected the proposed sale of Aquarion by Eversource to the Regional Water Authority.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded, “Water is a critical public asset, and maintaining local accountability, transparency, and stability in water management remains a top priority for our community. If the $2.4 billion sale had been approved, PURA would have lost its authority to regulate water rates.

The proposed structure would also have replaced traditional property taxes with payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and granted the Regional Water Authority a controlling majority of seats on the Aquarion Water Authority board of directors.

“Throughout the review process, Westport emphasized the importance of ensuring that any ownership or structural changes to Aquarion would safeguard service reliability, infrastructure investment, rate stability, and long-term watershed protection.”

“We appreciate PURA’s thorough evaluation of the proposed transaction and its commitment to ensuring that decisions about Westport’s water utilities serve the public interest.

“As a result of this favorable ruling, residents and ratepayers can be assured that the Town of Westport will continue to work collaboratively with Aquarion and state regulators to ensure that residents receive high-quality, dependable water service.”

==================================================

Speaking of water: Longshore Sailing School is one of 12 organizations in the US selected for National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ honors.

It recognizes “exceptional commitment to promoting paddling safety through education, digital content and responsible on-water practices. Longshore’s outreach encourages safe behaviors such as wearing life jackets, understanding weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk activities on the water.”

=================================================

Longtime Westport resident and active community volunteer Richard Seclow died Monday at his Easton home. The former Planning & Zoning Commission member and Westport Library board president was 95.

The Bayonne, New Jersey native graduated from Rutgers University in 1951, where he was part of the Cap & Skull Senior Honor Society. He remained an active alumnus over th eyears.

He worked in the advertising industry as David Ogilvy’s chief of staff, before  becoming executive vice president of Carl Ally.

As president of Geer DuBois, he relocated the offices from Madison Avenue to downtown. Many ad agencies followed.

Dick started one of the initial Bonanza Steakhouses in Westport. It later became a national franchise. He retired from advertising in 1986, and opened another Westport restaurant: Time to Eat.

Dick enjoyed fishing, travel, tennis, squash and volunteer work in Westport and nearby communities.

He served on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, the Westport Library as president, and the boards of Hall-Brooke Hospital and The Jewish Home (now named Mozaic Senior Services).

He was a member of Y’s Men, taught English as a second language, and became a mentor for immigrants in Bridgeport.

He is survived by Rita, his wife of 71 years, children Theresa (David) and Tom (Ann ), and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Calvin and Julian.

An open house to celebrate Dick’s life is set for Saturday (November 29, 1 to 5 p.m., at their home in Easton). Gifts may be made in his name to Mozaic Services or the Easton EMS.

Dick Seclow

==============================================

We’ve posted a number of beautiful autumn leaves photos, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

Here’s what happens when they “fall.”

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

==================================================

And finally … a lovely photo needs an equally evocative song:

(Whatever the season, “06880” is here for you. News, events, features, photos — all that and more, 24/7/365. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

Roundup: All-American VFW, Library Book Sale, That’s Entertainment! …

Veterans of Foreign War Post 399 is one of the most active spots in town.

With Thursday night jazz, “Elvis” shows, blood drives, meeting space for non-profits, wedding showers and post-memorial service lunches, a lively bar — and of course, resources for veterans of all ages — the VFW is many things, to many people.

Now it’s gained national recognition.

The 105-year-old Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 was chosen as an “All-American Post” by the VFW Department of Connecticut.

The award recognizes exceptional achievement in advancing core VFW programs, and attaining significant membership growth.

Congratulations on the well-deserved honor, to quartermaster Phil Delgado and the entire VFW crew!

==================================================

But wait! There’s more VFW news.

Post 399 and American Legion Post 63 are joining forces for a fundraising golf tournament (June 16, 9 a.m., Longshore).

The shotgun scramble event ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, a putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and BBQ lunch at the VFW.

Register, volunteer or become a sponsor here.

Tee off for the VFW/American Legion golf tournament.

=================================================

The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale begins on Friday.

There is something for everyone, of all ages: thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. Here is a link to specials, hours of the sale and more.

The sale begins on May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Read about book sale hours and details here.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

==================================================

Speaking of the Library: A timely topic — advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment — is the subject of the next Andrew Wilk Presents: Medical Series.

Moderated by longtime Westport internist Dr. Robert Altbaum, and featuring Dr. Lisa Phuong and Dr. Jeanne Capasse of Nuvance Health — the event is set for June 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

Dr. Robert Altbaum

==================================================

Theater kids have a great chance this summer to create — and perform — an original play.

And to do it on the historic Westport Country Playhouse stage.

A 2-week Playhouse Playmakers program runs weekdays, August 4-15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for middle schoolers.

Students will write, rehearse, and stage the show. They’ll be directed by actor/ playwright/educator Evette Marie White, and actor/songwriter/educator Stacie Morgain Lewis.

The fee of $995 includes technical rehearsal, materials, and 4 tickets to the performance. Need-based scholarships are available. Read more about the program here.

Stacie Morgain Lewis co-leads the program.

===============================================

Speaking of entertainment: 1988 Staples High School graduate Kerri Kenney-Silver plays Anne, an unsuspecting divorcée,  in “The Four Seasons,” a current Netflix hit.

The “Reno 911!” and “The State” star spoke recently about her current show.

Anne “thought she was set ’til the day she died. When she finds out that is not the case, she becomes completely untethered. You see her go through the 4 seasons of emotion and grief.”

Netflix says: Kenney-Silver portrays a kaleidoscopic range of emotions and pathos as Anne navigates the ups and downs of divorce, and its rippling effects on their close-knit friend group. Take co-star Colman Domingo’s word for it: ‘She’s just incredible. I feel like she can do anything.'”

Read the Netflix story on Kerry Kenney-Silver here(Hat tip: Ed Friedland)

Kerri Kenney-Silver in “The Four Seasons.” (Photo/Jon Pack for Netflix)

=================================================

Speaking (still) of entertainment: What do Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee have in common?

The other day, Kadi — a 1996 Staples graduate — was a guest on the Duchess of Sussex’s podcast.

They chatted about how Kadi co-founded Highbrow Hippie, then became a favored Hollywood colorist, with a very popular product line.

The women discussed “what it means to grow something from the ground up, how to lead with your values, and why staying connected to your community is the ultimate marker of success.”

Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee’s podcast is here(Hat tip: Kate Tarrant)

Kadi Lee (Photo/Liza Voloshin, courtesy Highbrow Hippie)

================================================

Speaking (yet again) of entertainment: Wetport singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Belknap’s band, Small Craft Warning, just released a new album, “Firefly.”

The band — with Westport singer Elise Gabriel — plays original acoustic music, influenced by the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter songbook.

Belknap did much of the mixing, using skills learned from Travis Bell in the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. Listen to Firefly on Spotify here.

=================================================

TV news is sort of entertainment too, right?

Lonnie Quinn — the Westporter who is chief meteorologist at WCBS-TV, and appears regularly on the “CBS Evening News” — returned to the newsroom on Monday, following a 2-month recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

The CBS New York newsroom celebrated his return. An Instagram reel has received nearly 2,000 likes. And People magazine gave it full coverage too(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Lonnie Quinn, back in the newsroom. (Photo/CBS New York)

===============================================

Shoppers were out in force Thursday, for the 19th opening of the Westport Farmers’ Market.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker was there too, cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan showed up also. Firefighters are known to be great cooks. And what better place to buy fresh, organic ingredients than the WFM?

It runs every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. We’ll see you — and the firefighters — there often.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan and Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall.

==================================================

Greg Jaffe played PAL football and lacrosse, then headed to Hopkins School, the University of Michigan and UM Medical School.

Now an assistant professor of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, he specializes in addiction medicine — notably, opioid use disorder.

This week, CBS News in Philadelphia profiled his Harm Reduction Sticker Project.

It’s a simple approach to increase awareness, and educate medical students and residents. about harm and stigma reduction for people who use drugs. Watch Greg’s interview, and learn more about his project here.

Dr. Gregory Jaffe

================================================

Speaking of science: Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It makes up 84% of the mass of the universe. But more than half a century after its discovery, no one can figure out just what it is.

The General AntiParticle Spectrometer is a new experiment that’s trying.

On May 20 (8 p.m.), the Westport Astronomical Society hosts a talk about it, with Gabriel Lewis Bridges of Columbia University. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube and as a webinar on Zoom.

Gabriel Lewis Bridges

==================================================

A reminder: Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you haven’t gotten Mom a gift yet, stop reading NOW and get to work.

If you have, then sit back and enjoy greetings from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite holiday pig:

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

==================================================

One of the most visible corners in Westport — North Avenue at Long Lots Road — is also one of the prettiest.

Especially in spring, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.

=================================================

And finally … as we await the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming lecture on dark matter:

(If you can’t find something interesting to do in Westport, you’re just not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you rely on us to keep you entertained, please support us by clicking here. Thanks!)

 

Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Kickoff, CLASP Taste, VFW & Legion …

It’s the start of a great new tradition.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department invites everyone to a “Kickoff to Summer party” this Saturday (May 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).

They’ve partnered with the Police and Fire Departments, EMS and Public Works for touch-a-truck and safety demonstrations.

Kids’ activities will be run by Longshore Sailing School, and golf and tennis instructors. There’s face painting and an obstacle course too.

There will be food trucks on site. Everyone will receive a raffle ticket, with a chance at 4 great prizes.

Everyone is invited back at 8 p.m., for a movie night.

It’s all free. Everyone is welcome (but no pets, please!).

==================================================

Yesterday’s capacity crowd at The Inn at Longshore spanned all ages. Many were longtime Westporters; some moved here a year or two ago.

The cuisine included Italian, seafood, Southern, dumplings, steak — and plenty of desserts. A variety of vendors poured drinks.

There were enough auction items to satisfy every wish (and price point). The Bar Car Band played all night long.

Gabriele’s Steakhouse (foreground) was one of many serving stations at last night’s Taste of Westport.

The 18th annual Taste of Westport was — as always — one of the best fundraisers of the year.

CLASP Homes — the non-profit that provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities — was the beneficiary of all that generosity.

If you’ve never been to the Taste of Westport: Don’t miss it next year.

If you were there last night: Well, you know you don’t need to eat anything more for a while.

PS: Thanks to all the food and drink providers: Grumpy Dumpling, Pastaficio, Jose Cuevo, Little Pub, La Plage, Magic Pie Co., Mrs. London’s Bakery, Nordic Fish, Nômade, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci Pizza Bar, Sono 1420, Tarantino, Walrus Alley, Zucca Gastrobar, Artisan, Aspetuck Brew Lab, Black Bear Wines & Spirits, Baldanza Schoolhouse, Bridgewater Chocolate, Boathouse, Chopin Vodka, Cold Fusion, Don Memo, Dunville’s, Ferrer Miranda, Freixenet, Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, Greer Southern Table, Coramino Tequila and Gruel Brittania.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (center) is flanked by former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, and his wife Mary Ellen. (Photos/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Speaking of summer: Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the ice cream stand at The Porch at Christie’s will be open this Memorial Day weekend, starting at noon on Saturday.

They’re still trying to figure out the best hours. If you’ve got suggestions, email lindsay@lindsayshandmade.com.

Opening soon!

=================================================

Members of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, Sons of August Matthias American Legion Post 63 and the American Legion Auxiliary, joined together this week to unveil their Memorial Day parade banner.

All 3 groups will march together on Monday.

Then they got to work on their float. The theme is a secret — but they encourage all Westporters to come to the parade, and see it.

Membership in the American Legion or women’s Auxiliary is just $20, with proof of a family member who actively served in the military.

Members memorialize their loved one, carry on his or her story, and remember the ultimate sacrifice of over 2.5 million Americans, who helped us be the free nation we are today. For more information, email Andrew Colabella: acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

==================================================

Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between May 15 and 22.

A 47-year-old Westport woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, violation of a protective order, assault and threatening, following a domestic violence incident.

A 36-year-old Leonia, New Jersey man was arrested for identity theft and larceny, after a complaint by a Westporter that a check for $25,000 had been taken from a residential mailbox, altered and cashed.

A 52-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for failure to appear.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Evading responsibility, with injury: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

==================================================

“When Merrily We Roll Along” opened on Broadway 43 years ago, it ran for just 16 performances.

A revival opened last year, and became a huge hit.

What happened?

“Tend Your Dream: An Oral History of ‘Merrily We Roll Along'” explores the long, strange route from theatrical flop to beloved classic.

The video was conceived by Westporter Tommy Greenwald, a longtime veteran of the Broadway marketing and ad scene. Greenwald — a 1979 Staples High School graduate — also served as creative director.

The video (below) includes original cast member Jim Walton, plus critics Ben Brantley and Frank Rich, actors Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff and others.

Besides Greenwald’s project, “Merrily” has other Westport connections.

Three decades before he wrote its music and lyrics, Stephen Sondheim was a Westport Country Playhouse apprentice.

And Staples Players has produced the show twice, including 2002. That year, Groff’s part — composer Franklin Shepard — was played by Justin Paul.

After graduating that spring, Paul went on to an actual — and noted — composing career of his own. With Benj Pasek, he’s written (among others) “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.”

Justin Paul (right) in Staples Players’ “Merrily We Roll Along.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

=======================================================

Red squirrels are having a great time in the Long Lots Preserve.

Lou Weinberg — who shot today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — says: “This one decided to nest, store food or do both in one of the hollowed-out logs.

“An abundance of black walnuts in the preserve helps support the healthy red squirrel population.”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1829 in Vienna, Cyrill Demian received a patent for the accordion.

(Summer is near — and as always, “06880” will tell you everything you need to know. We rely on our readers to help do it. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Judy Collins, VFW Golf, Covlee …

On Friday night, Judy Collins came to the Westport Country Playhouse.

I headed to the historic theater, not knowing what to expect. I wanted to see the legendary singer/songwriter, whose songs were so important as I grew up.

But she’s 84 years old. Did she still have her voice, her energy, her marbles?

Others in the lobby before the show wondered the same thing.

We need not have worried. It was a fantastic evening.

Judy Collins told compelling stories, with wit and depth. She sang old songs and new ones, in a voice still beautiful and on-key. She laughed at her foibles, and brought us along on a journey through her life.

It was just Judy Collins on stage with a pianist and guitarist, for a wonderful 90 minutes. Brava!

Judy Collins, at the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

================================================

Let’s tee it up for our veterans!

VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 and American Legion Post 63’s annual golf tournament is June 10 (9 a.m., Longshore Club Park). Funds raised will support local veterans and their families.

The day includes friendly competition, camaraderie, and giving back.

Registration for the shotgun scramble format ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, cart, putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and a BBQ lunch at the VFW.

For information on registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, click here or contact Patty Kondub: patty.kondub@gmail.com; 203-767-3778.

Longshore hosts the VFW and American Legion’s June 10 golf tournament. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

================================================

Dan August is not yet 40 years old.

But the 2003 Staples High School graduate is well known in the sports industry.

Now Sports Business Journal has taken notice. The publication has named August — a former Staples High School tennis and track athlete, Dartmouth College graduate, and Los Angeles Rams executive — to its “40 Under 40” honor roll.

As executive vice president of consumer revenue and strategy, August oversees the Rams’ ticketing sales, service and operations, analytics, and all facets of game day, including stadium operations, guest experience, food and beverage, and retail. He also leads strategic initiatives.

August serves on the Rams’ leadership team. He joined the organization in 2016, after 8 years in the National Football League front office.

He and 39 others will be featured in the publication’s June 17 issue, and recognized at a November 22 Chelsea Piers gala.

Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Charlie Stoebe)

Dan August

================================================

Friday’s Pic of the Day showed a view from Covlee Beach. The tiny spot on Saugatuck Shores — just off Covlee Drive — may be Westport’s least known, and least exclusive beach.

Here’s a shot of the entrance:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Peter Hirst lived there long ago. The 1968 Staples High School graduate is now a long-time Northern Californian. But he still keeps up with his hometown, via “06880.”

When and why, he wonders, did the original spelling — “Covelee” — morph into the very odd, and meaningless, “Covlee”?

Peter sends photographic proof. He helped his father place this metal sign on the beach shack, around 1955:

He sends this photo of a life ring too. Though at first glance it reads “Covlee,” it’s clear the strap hides the “E.”

Peter had a great time growing up there, with neighborhood kids like Lindy Hirst, Barbara Pryor, Murray Rosenberg, Chris Herman, Lucia Donnelly, Mickey Masterson, Lane Haviland, Bobby Rich and Martha Laslett.

His home was 12 Covelee Drive — he calls it “12 Cove Lee.” It looks very much the same today, though the garage is new.

But there are other newer and bigger houses, like the one on the left.

Maybe with all that construction, there wasn’t room for one more “E.”

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is as spring-y as it gets.

All week long, Westporters — at least those who have not skedaddled for the school’s week-long break — will enjoy scenes like this:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the last day of National Robotics Week:

(“06880” — your hyper-local blog — relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

A Drive To Revive American Legion Post 63

Once, Westport’s August Matthias American Legion Post 63 had over 100 members.

One of America’s original posts — it was chartered in 1919, a few months after the Legion was formed in the wake of World War I — the veterans’ organization thrived after the 2nd World War.

Now, however, Westport has only a dozen or so members on its rolls. Some spend much of the year in Florida.

Many are World War II and Korean War vets. They won’t be around forever.

The good news: Bill Vornkahl — Westport’s indefatigable veterans’ advocate, and a Post 63 member since 1954 — has pledged to build the post back up.

Bill Vornkahl

The American Legion is one of 2 veterans’ organizations in Westport. Named for World War I soldier and Westport native August Matthias, it — like the rest of the Legion — is open to anyone who served in the military in the United States.

The VFW — whose Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 is also named for a Westport veteran, and unlike the American Legion has an actual physical building, on Riverside Avenue — is open to veterans who served outside the US.

For many years, Legion meetings were held at the YMCA downtown. Then Leo Nevas gave part of Birchwood Country Club property to the organization. Eventually Nevas bought back the land. The American Legion used the proceeds for scholarships.

Over the years it also sent Staples High School students to Boys and Girls State, a summer government program; sponsored youth sports teams, and contributed funds to other civic organizations.

American Legion posts around Connecticut also support Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and send students to State Police Youth Week.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

Here’s hoping it’s also the beginning of the revival of American Legion August Matthias Post 63.

(To learn more about Westport’s American Legion post, or to join, call Bill Vornkahl: 203-227-3512.)