But plenty of Westport who root for the Queens team were nonetheless excited in the 9th inning of last night’s Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.
Ben Casparius — the 2017 Staples High School graduate, who was called up to the majors in August, and has responded well in relief — closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-0 win, at Dodger Stadium.
The Mets went down 1-2-3, in the fourth-largest shutout win in postseason history.
The Dodgers have now matched the 1966 Baltimore Orioles for the longest scoreless streak ever — 33 innings — in a single postseason.
Game 2 is today at 4 p.m. EDT (Fox/FS 1).
Ben Casparius (Photo courtesy of Dave Briggs)
Click here to watch the inning he pitched. Click below for a great post-game interview.
Three days ago, our Friday Flashback referenced the many bands that played concerts at Staples High School, in the 1960s and ’70s.
If it sounded too good to be true — a hallucination, perhaps — here’s proof.
“The High School That Rocked!” — the 2017 documentary that chronicles concerts at Staples by the Doors, Cream, Rascals, Animals, Remains, Sly and the Family Stone, and others (including a very young, pre-Aerosmith Steve Tyler) — is available to stream today.
Fred Cantor — a 1971 Staples grad who, to his everlasting regret, missed those shows — made the film with Casey Denton, a 2014 Staples grad who was born way after that golden era. The film earned kudos on the festival circuit.
Lynsey Addario’s latest New York Times story is one of her most harrowing.
“Mom, I Want to Live” chronicles the struggles of a young 6-year-old Ukrainian girl. She’s battling cancer, while her country battles the Russian invasion.
Her father was killed on the front line.
Addario — a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner, who graduated from Staples in 1991 — contributed both the compelling photos and riveting text.
Click here to see, and read. (Hat tip: Mary Condon)
Lynsey Addario’s photos capture the heartbreak — and occasional joys — of a 6-year-old girl in Ukraine. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
Today is both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
The second holiday began in Berkeley, California, in 1992, to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus in the Americas (October 12, 1492). It recognizes that America was not “discovered”; millions of people already lived here.
Indigenous Peoples Day has since been adopted by other cities and states.
In 2021, Joe Biden became the first president to issue a proclamation honoring the holiday.
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All morning yesterday, and through 2 p.m., the Stop & Shop parking lot was packed.
Residents responded in droves to calls from the Westport Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary to bring supplies of all kind — food, tools, medical items, generators and more — for victims of Hurricane Helene.
An enormous truck was packed. By mid-afternoon, it was on its way south.
(Photos/Connie Belta)
Many folks contributed cash too, for the Rotarians to buy more supplies.
The Rotary Clubs — and countless hungry, hurting folks in North Carolina — thank all who helped.
And if more is needed for Florida, we’ll be there too.
Over 200 years later — on October 18-20 and October 25-27 — Lachat Town Farm will be transformed into a modern-day, supernatural site.
Visitors will walk through a strange landscape, encounter disturbing creatures, and see scary stuff. They’ll be challenged to “solve the mystery behind the meteor before it’s too late.”
The special, immersive Halloween adventure includes a 45-minute interactive walking tour filled with live actors, horrific scenes, and chilling surprises. Lachat says: “Experience the ‘almost true’ story of the meteor, and discover Weston in a completely new light.
In a nod to 2024, seasonal treats and drinks will be available for purchase.
Parental discretion is advised, with a recommendation for ages 12 and up. All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Thirty people will be accommodated per time slot. For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-246-8431.
Candidates for Westport’s State Senate seat, and the 2 State Representative districts here, will face each other on the Westport Library stage.
The October 22 debate (12 p.m.) is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Executive director Matthew Mandell will serve as moderator.
Kami Evans and Ceci Maher are vying for State Senate District 26. Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton are running for the State House in the 136th District; Peter Bang and Dominique Johnson are in the 143rd District race.
On October 24, the anchor tenant of Post Plaza is once again a supermarket.
BigY opens that day, at 1076 Post Road East. A “grand opening” celebration is set for November 7.
Opening soon. (Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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MoCA’s Photography Fine Art Fair will attract a large crowd (October 18 and 19, noon to 4 p.m).
An early access ticket (October 18, 11 a.m. to noon) offers a chance to browse and buy one-of-a-kind and limited edition photos from talented and emerging photographers.
Click here for early access ($100) and general admission ($10) tickets.
Supper & Soul returns to the Westport Library — and 12 downtown restaurants.
The event — which combines a 3-course dinner, rock/jam band concert at the Library, and happy hour prices for after-show drinks — is Saturday, November 9.
The band, Pajamas, will make their much-anticipated Connecticut debut. They have roots in the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, Phish and Goose.
This is the 11th dinner-and-concert event sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
One ticket ($84) covers a 6 p.m. meal at participating restaurants, the 8 p.m. concert, and drinks at those restaurants afterward. Concert-only tickets are $32.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Goji and Walrus Alley.
The 2017 Staples High graduate has been added to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ National League Division Series roster. They face the San Diego Padres.
Casparius replaces another right-handed pitcher, who is injured.
The 25-year-old was called up from the minors in August. He was 2-0 in 3 relief appearances, with a 2.16 ERA. He struck out 12 batters and walked 4, in 8 1/3 innings. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius
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For 17 years, Earth Animal’s Mitten Project has helped CT Foodshare tackle food insecurity.
Once again, the Post Road store will match every dollar donated by customers.
Last year’s drive raised $65,000. This year’s goal is $70,000.
The Mitten Project will run through December 31. The campaign begins with “Pumpkins for Good.” All proceeds from this month’s sale of pumpkins and gourds at Earth Animal will go to CT Foodshare.
It will be followed by the sale of handmade fair-trade mittens, dog treat Advent calendars, and a “Shop & Give” program involving local businesses.
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The latest “Little Free Library” — small roadside structures, courtesy of private homeowners — is at 69 Morningside Drive South.
It’s like others around town — filled with books to borrow (with an invitation to donate your own) — but with a twist.
This one has a bench. So you can start reading even before you get home.
69 Morningside Drive South. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)
Robert Steven Williams’ new documentary, “To the State of the Good Life,” is as timely as a film can be.
An intimate look at the American Dream through the story of a DACA recipient in Nebraska, it highlights the struggles of over 600,000 similar immigrants.
It will be shown at the Westport Library on October 17 (7 p.m.). Afterward, Williams moderates a panel discussion with experts — and Raúl Arcos Hawkins, who is featured in the video.
Tom Canavan worked on the 47th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. As he escaped the wreckage on September 11, 2001, he was caught under the collapse of the adjacent 110-story South Tower.
Digging his way out of steel and debris, Canavan became one of 19 people to survive the collapse of the Twin Towers.
On December 3 (7 p.m.), Canavan will share his story in an interview with Christie Seyglinski and Andrew Colabella.
Colabella is a Westport Town Representative Meeting member, and civic volunteer.
Seyglinski grew up in the shadow of the Twin Towers. When the 9/11 Memorial opened, she became a volunteer. She is a close friend of Canavan’s.
Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker, Shannon Calvert, is ab amateur astronomer, photographer, and president of the Westport Astronomical Society.
The WAS hosts viewing nights on Wednesdays at their Bayberry Lane observatory, and provides classes and workshops in astronomy, telescope training and astrophotography.
They also organize monthly online public Zoom call with experts from around the world, representing different scientific fields.
Calvert’s magnificent photos of nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and supernovas are aesthetically beautiful, scientifically informative — and the highlight of his presentation.
Tracy Porosoff describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “My sunflowers may look dead to us, but to the goldfinches, they look delicious! They are visiting and munching away.”
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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And finally … on this day in 1701, the Collegiate School of Connecticut was chartered in Old Saybrook. The school later moved to New Haven, and changed its name to Yale University.
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As the first month of classes ends — that was quick! — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
Civics Hub: The Westport Public Schools recently added a “Civics Hub” page to its website.
The goal is to make civic learning fun and engaging for all. The district’s social studies team developed lessons and resources for the election season.
Scarice says, “The objective in all of our classes is to teach students about civics, and model civic engagement, in order to support their development as informed and engaged citizens.
“While there might be a lot of intense, passionate, and at times divisive conversations outside of our schools, we work hard to foster productive and respectful discourse in classrooms through a nonpartisan teaching approach.
“Our schools and classrooms should always be spaces where students feel a sense of belonging as part of a community of learners.” Click here for the Civics Hub page.
Security: Following security concerns last week, the district has worked closely with the Westport Police Department to provide answers to many questions about school security. Click here for those security Frequently Asked Questions.
Growth Mindset Community/Parent Workshop October 16: The entire school community is reading the book “Grit,” by Angela Duckworth.
In addition to a day of professional development for faculty dedicated to the primary tenets of a “growth mindset” last week, WPS hosts a community/parent workshop on October 16 (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and 7-8:15 p.m., Westport Library. Registration is required; click here.
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Speaking of schools: Yesterday was Homecoming at Staples High.
The afternoon pep rally included shout-outs to all fall sports teams.
It sure worked.
Kody Goldman’s bulled in for a touchdown from 1 yard out — his 4th of the night — with just 8 seconds left — gave the Wreckers a thrilling, and well-earned 28-21 victory over Maloney-Meriden at Paul Lane Field last night.
Staples is now 3-0. They host Westhill next Friday, at 7 p.m.
Staples cheerleaders, at yesterday’s pep rally. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Speaking still of sports: 2017 Staples graduate Ben Casparius earned his second MLB win — against no losses — last night.
The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher struck out 7 Colorado Rockies in 4 2/3 innings at Coors Field, in an 11-4 victory. He gave up 2 runs and 6 hits, and walked 2.
It was only his third big league appearance. Click here for highlights of his game. (Hat tip: Carl Leaman)
And financial help is available for low-income households.
The federally funded Energy Assistance Program is administered through Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, and Westport’s Department of Human Services.
If your household’s gross annual income is at or below 60% of the state median income, you can qualify for assistance.
For a household of one, the maximum income is $45,505. It increases to $59,507 for a household of 2; $73,509 for 3; $87,751 for 4, and $101,513 for a household of 5.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston often host interesting speakers.
This week, their guests’ message was music.
Lyricist Barry Kleinbort and musical theater star Kim Maresca discussed and demonstrated their creativity in writing, composing and performing music theater.
During their interview by Y’s Men’s president Bruce Borner, they pulled back the curtain to show what it takes to make lyrics and music come alive on stage.
Click below for their presentation:
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There’s a lot to like about the Senior Center.
A hidden gem — well, to the public maybe, but not to seniors and volunteers — is the garden behind the Imperial Avenue building.
Molly Alger captures its colors, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute — the CT United motorcycle ride — roars to life this Sunday (September 8, Sherwood Island State Park).
The event honors victims of the terrorist attack, first responders, and also state first responders who lost their lives on the job this year.
The 60-mile motorcycle ride is nonstop. Riders — escorted by police — proceed through intersections and stop lights without stopping, so drivers can expect significant delays.
From Sherwood Island, riders take I-95 to Exit 17. They head up Route 33 (Saugatuck and Riverside Avenues, and Wilton Road), through Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe and Trumbull, before ending at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.
Proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Connecticut Professional Fire Fighters Emergency Relief Fund, and the Hundred Club of Connecticut, for loved ones of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
Motorcycles mass before the start of the 2021 CT Ride United, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
Two follow-ups to yesterday’s “06880” Roundup item about Ben Casparius, the 2017 Staples High School graduate who earned his first Major League Baseball win with a 1-2-3 inning in relief Saturday night, for the Dodgers in Phoenix:
Before he was a state champion player for the Wreckers — and Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year –a dominating Casparius won a Little League town title in 3rd grade. Even then, teammates, opponents, coaches and fans knew he was special.
Casparius’ girlfriend has some serious athletic chops herself.
Erin Matson is one of the most famous field hockey players ever. She led the University of North Carolina to 4 NCAA championships. Just a month after graduating, she was named head coach of the Tar Heels. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
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The 2017 Staples High School graduate — and Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, who helped the Wreckers win the state championship — was called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers exactly 2 weeks ago, then sent back to AAA Oklahoma City 3 days later without an appearance.
But he was summoned back yesterday.
He did not have far to go. Coming on in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Phoenix’s Chase Field — with the score tied in the 8th inning — Casparius did not let up a run.
Ben Casparius, on the mound last night.
His team scored twice in the top of the 9th. Evan Phillips came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. He got the save — and Casparius was credited with the win.
Not a bad major league debut — in front of a crowd of 50,041.
(One other highlight: a 1st-inning inside-the-park home run for D-back’s Corbin Carroll.) (Hat tips: Jeff Mitchell, Brian Sikorski, David M. Goldstein)
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Westport Police assisted Connecticut State Police last week, in subduing and arresting a man who fled a traffic stop on I-95.
The event began when a driver left a tractor-trailer on an electric scooter near Exit 17. He crossed the highway, and headed south on the right shoulder.
After he was stopped, he reacted aggressively, and refused to sit down. He drove away, but was intercepted by troopers on the Exit 17 off-ramp. He fought attempts to be placed in handcuffs.
Westport Police and a State Police K9 dog helped the troopers gain control of the suspect, who continued his behavior, including spitting at officers. At least 2 state troopers sustained minor injuries.
The man was charged with fugitive from justice without a warrant, 6 counts of assault on a public safety officer, 2 counts of cruelty to animals, interfering with an officer, reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian, improper parking and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, according to police.
He was held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center, in lieu of $350,000 bail.
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Since COVID, many Westporters have discovered Sherwood Island.
(For those who haven’t: Connecticut’s first state park sits smack in the middle of our shoreline. It’s 238 acres of beaches, wetlands, woods, walking paths, a Nature Center — even a model airplane runway.)
Many Westporters also help keep the park shipshape, as volunteers with Friends of Sherwood Island.
They raise money in part through a great annual fundraiser. This year’s Shorefest is Friday, September 6 (6 to 9 p.m., Sherwood Island pavilion). It features dinner and a silent auction.
Dinner options include lobster, tenderloin, salmon or vegetarian, plus steamers, corn, salad and dessert. A children’s menu includes hot dog or hamburger, corn, salad and dessert.
Click here for tickets, or send a check to Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, PO Box 544, Westport, CT 06881.
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Jean Wanat — a lifelong Westport, and the former owner of Westport Electric — died Wednesday. She was 78.
She was a lifetime member of Assumption Church, and participated in many festivals. Her family recalls her “sense of humor and zest for life.”
She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Phil Palmer, Carlo Palmer and his wife Ann Marie, Peter Palmer Jr., sister-in-law Arlene Wanat, and brothers-in-law William Wanat and George Wanat.
Jean is survived by her son John Wanat Jr (Sharon), daughter Jeanmarie (partner Ed Mackowski)l grandchildren Scott, Jamie and Aryn; daughter Jeanmarie Wanat, her partner Ed Mackowski and his children Shelby and Eric; brother Tony Palmer (Susan), sisters-in law Rosaland Palmer and Judy Wanat, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral is set for Assumption Church on Tuesday (September 3, 10 a.m.), followed by committal services in Willowbrook Cemeter.
Contributions may be made to Assumption Church or Connecticut Humane Society.
“We put in our first bee and butterfly garden this summer. We have seen so many different bugs, bees and hummingbirds. Recently. some monarch butterflies found us.
“Yesterday I saw this praying mantis in the garden happily munching a bug. I hope he finds some lanternflies.
And finally … today is September 1. It’s the day we were supposed to be seen again.
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting this Thursday (August 22, 8:30 a.m., Zoom).
The agenda item is: “To take such action as the meeting may determine, to review with the Director of Public Works the RFP submission for Public Engagement and the current in-progress RFP for Parking Structure Feasibility, and to make recommendations. This will be a work session of the DPIC, and no public comment will be taken.”
Following recent rains, Mark Cooper — director of the Aspetuck Health District — notes that users of private wells that might have been flooded should evaluate their water before using.
Wells located in pits or low-lying areas subject to flooding, should be disinfected, then tested prior to consumption or use. Wells that are not tightly capped might be contaminated by sediment and flood water.
Do not assume that water from a flooded well is safe to drink. If there is any discoloration and/or odor coming from water out of a faucet, or flood waters overtopped the well casing, the well should be inspected by a professional to make sure there is no damage to the well casing or electrical wire going to the pump, prior to disinfection.
After disinfection, pump the water until it runs clear to get rid of any groundwater. Use a hose connected to an outside faucet so the flushed water flows to a nearby drainageway rather than into your septic system or public sewer.
For more information about the flooding of private wells and clean-up, click here.
Chartwells — the Westport Public School’s food service provider — has raised the standard meal rates at all levels by 45 cents. The increase is due primarily to rising food costs.
The new rates are elementary schools, $2.90; middle schools, $3.15; high school, $3.25.
Elementary and middle school meal prices last changed in the 2015-16 school year. Staples’ last price increase was in 2013-14.
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Five new Westport Fire Department recruits will be sworn in tomorrow (Wednesday, August 21, 3 p.m., Town Hall auditorium): Peter Crosley, Kyle Sanzo, Ryan Colon, Lamont Bagley and Marco Monteiro.
The public is invited, to welcome them into the Westport Fire family.
New Westport firefighters.
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Wreaths: They’re not just for Christmas.
Faith Sargent’s Wreathing for Community project brings people together through the art of giving.
The groups collects donations of high-quality faux florals, ribbons and other wreath-making materials from the local residents and businesses.
The materials are transformed into beautiful wreaths and decorative items like centerpieces. They’re donated to community members in Westport, and organizations in Fairfield County.
Those groups can use the wreaths for fundraising activities or as gifts to volunteers. Either way, it’s a cycle of giving that benefits both donors and recipients.
If you’d like to donate materials, or your organization would like a handmade wreath for a fundraising event, click here. Follow the instructions to join the Wreathing for Community group on Facebook.
Registration is now open for Wakeman Town Farm’s youth programs this fall. Ages range from infants to teens.
Offerings include Little Farmers, Curious Sprouts, Fantastic Farmhands, and a Green Teen Club.
Youngsters have fun learning about nature through organic gardening, crafting, seed-to-plate cooking classes, and interactive lessons — plus caring for chickens, alpacas, sheep and playful goats.
Spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. Click here for details, and registration information.
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“06880” has chronicled Ben Casparius’ rise, from AAA Oklahoma City, to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ MLB team.
The 2017 Staples High School graduate and state champion baseball player joined the club in St. Louis on Sunday. Before the game, he was joined on the Busch Stadium field with his father Phil, mother Stacey and sister Cate.
Congrats, Ben. Here’s to a great career in the big leagues.
Matt Murray spotted this unusual scene yesterday, at Compo’s South Beach.
It looks like quite a grilling session.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Recent weather kept most Westporters from the beach last weekend.
But Compo Beach gulls were as happy as clams, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.
(Photo/Cynthia Nigro)
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And finally … following up on the need to check your well for contamination after all the recent rain:
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that MLB.com rated Ben Casparius #23 of all Los Angeles Dodgers.
Also yesterday, the Dodgers called up the 2017 Staples High School graduate to the majors.
He has a 3.48 ERA and a 95/40 strikeout/walk ratio over 77 2/3 innings in 18 starts between AAA Oklahoma City and AA Tulsa this season.
Casparius — a 6-2, 215-pound pitcher who was Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, when he led the Wreckers to the state championship — will be in the bullpen in St. Louis tonight, when the Dodgers take on the Cardinals.
Click below for a great interview, from 2 weeks ago. (Baseball hat tips: Dave Goldstein, Peter Perry, Jeff Mitchell)
Speaking of sports: Matthew Torres — a Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member for 10 years — will represent the US at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris. Competition begins August 30.
It’s the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
The 23-year-old Ansonia resident previously clinched a bronze medal in the 400m freestyle at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and will be competing as a U.S. Paralympian once again in Paris this August.
Torres was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.
Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.
His Y coach, Ellen Johnston, says, “Watching Matthew excel in the sport has been incredibly rewarding. His work ethic and commitment have been evident since he joined our team. Matthew embodies the spirit and purpose of the Paralympics.”
After Paris, Torres will represent the US at the Open Water Cup in Sardinia, Italy.
In addition to his Paralympic pursuits, Torres will be representing Team USA in the Open Water Cup in Sardinia, Italy, on September 21. Following this, he plans to take a brief respite before considering his next steps.
Speaking still of sports: There’s a new one in town.
This fall, Westport PAL is sponsoring a girls flag football league. It’s an outgrowth of the very successful boys program (which has included girls for several years).
All Westport and Weston girls in grades K-8 — with all levels of experience — are invited.
Practices are Mondays (5 to 6:30 p.m., PJ Romano Field), led by Norwalk’s IST pro coaches (featuring Coach Cash Malcolm), and Sacred Heart University female flag players. Games are Saturdays, at 4:30 p.m.
The cost is $350, and includes professional referees at all games.
PAL provides NFL jerseys and flag sets. The league will follow NFL flag rules.
A free kickoff clinic is set for Sunday, August 25 (4 to 6 p.m., PJ Romano Field). Coaches will run drills and answer question. A pizza truck will also be there.
The league is organized by Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager Carmen Roda, Marl Carmody of Peak Performance, IST’s Glenn Katz, and parents Melissa Post and Geoff Baldwin.
To register, and for more information, click here.
Parents are needed to help coach. To volunteer, and for more information, email westportpalfootball@gmail.com.
Want to feel like a slacker — but also help a great cause? Read on.
The Super Pemi Loop, in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, includes the Franconia Ridge Trail, called “one of the world’s best hikes” by National Geographic, along with other iconic routes.
It’s a celebrated — and gorgeous — hiking trail.
Beginning this Thursday at 10 p.m., and continuing into Friday, Westporter John Sharian will run the Super Pemi Loop.
There’s a reason. He’s raising awareness — and donations — for wounded war veterans and first responders.
Sharian has done it before. But this year he increased it by 10 miles.
He’ll running a 40-mile loop, with 10,000 feet of vertical elevation.
It is not an organized event. This is a solo effort, to highlight the work of Frontline Healing Foundation, and the people they help heal.
Sharian’s goal is $10,000. Click here — from the comfort of your home — to help him reach it.
John Sharian
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For the 3rd day in a row — sparked by a 1973 New Yorker cover depicting Compo Beach, by a Westport artist — we’re featuring a locally inspired illustration from the venerable magazine.
This one, from July 1935, is by Helen Hokinson. She contributed 68 covers, and more than 1,800 cartoons, during her career.
It shows a classic scene from the Westport Country Playhouse.
What’s especially intriguing is that in 1935, the theater was just 4 years old.
And the New Yorker — at 10 — was not much older. (Hat tip: Pat Blaufuss)
Yesterday’s performances of “Pinkalicious” at the historic theater thrilled plenty of young girls.
To add to the excitement surrounding the adaptation of the popular children’s book series — written and illustrated by Westporter Victoria Kann — many kids (and parents) wore (of course) pink.
(Photo/Lynn Flaster)
And just like that, a new generation of Playhouse theater-goers is born.
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Today is the last day of the season for lifeguard coverage at Burying Hill Beach.
“Sadly, the end of the summer is upon us,” says beachgoer Ed Simek.
To mark the occasion, he took this photo yesterday:
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Lifeguard coverage continues at Compo Beach through Labor Day.
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Speaking of beaches: Every year, a group of women from the Staples High School Class of 1962 gathers for lunch at Compo.
Here’s a shot from this year’s gathering:
In attendance: Loretta Santella, Holly Miller Watts, Lucia Berger Brooks, Linda Cognato , Maryann Stirling, Marie DiPalma, Sue Celuch, Carol Rutski, Wanda Tedesco, Linda Coniglio, Kathy Smith.
The beach hasn’t changed much since they were in school.
And they look pretty good themselves!
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The sign asks for respect for Sherwood Island State Park’s 9/11 Memorial.
This bird seems respectful enough, just sitting and thinking.
Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the moment, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Jerry Fuller, a singer/songwriter/producer who had a hand in some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and ’70s, died recently in Los Angeles. He was 85, and was battling lung cancer. Click here for a full obituary.
Among his songs:
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Ben Casparius is one step closer to Major League Baseball.
The former Staples High School star was chosen in the 5th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in yesterday’s draft. He was #162 overall.
The pitcher recently completed his senior season at the University of Connecticut. He was 8-5, with a 4.03 ERA, and a team-leading 15 starts. He struck out 15 Georgetown players in 7 innings, a career high.
According to SB Nation:
Casparius led the Huskies in innings (91 2/3), as well as strikeouts (127), which translates to 12.5 strikeouts per 9 innings. His strikeout mark is second in UConn history…. This was enough to earn Casparius ABCA First-Team honors for the Northeast region, as well as second-team all-conference honors and a spot on the Big East all-tournament team.
Casparius’ best pitch is his change-up, which MLBPipeline graded a 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale, which translates to above-average. His fastball, slider and control were each given 50 grades, which is average. His fastball sits around 91 mph but he has been recorded as high as 95 mph. He projects as a strike-thrower with a solid three-pitch mix. This, despite his slight 6-foot, 208-pound build, leaves him a chance to start through his professional career.
The “recommended signing bonus” for Casparius is $318,200. (Click here for the full SB Nation story. Hat tip: David Goldstein)
Longtime Westporter Leonard Kritzer died Sunday in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 97 years old.
In 2012 — nearly 70 years after he helped liberate France from Nazi occupation — he was named by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to that nation’s elite Legion of Honor. The group was founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
A group of 20 World War II veterans received an insignia from the French Consulate in Boynton Beach, Florida. Their Knight honor was the highest of the Legion’s 5 degrees.
Kritzer spent 50 years in Westport, as a merchant and home builder. He and his wife Lea moved here from Long Island in 1954 to open Country Casuals, a women’s sportswear and country attire shop in Compo Shopping Center. He later founded Kritzer Development Corporation, and built 50 homes in Westport and Weston.
Kritzer was a 19-year-old student (and 6-4 basketball player) at Brooklyn College when he was drafted into the Army, in 1944.
He landed at Utah Beach a month after D-Day. A veteran of the Battle of the Bulge and 3 other engagements, he spent most of his time at the front. His unit calculated the distance to enemy artillery based on the sounds of big guns.
After France was liberated, Kritzer’s unit moved into Germany. They remained there as an occupying force, after surrender. He was discharged in 1946.
He retired 2 decades ago to Florida, with his wife Lea. He was an avid tennis player there.
Kritzer is survived by his wife Lea; son Harry; daughter Lizzz; granddaughters Lauren Hammarstedt and Erin Spillman; great-grandsons Sagan and Julien Spillman, and great-granddaughter Hariet Spillman.
Speaking of parking: There are a few parking spots on the east side of Hillspoint Road, in front of the old Positano’s restaurant.
Savvy out-of-towners used to park there, then walk to Compo Beach. Now they’re reserved for beach sticker vehicles only.
Occasionally, someone parks just south of the permitted spots. Westport Police are quick to ticket them.
I’ve never seen anyone park quite so illegally as this, though. This was a couple of hundred yards south of the zone — closer to Schlaet’s Point than Old Mill.
And please, do not comment that “it may have been a medical emergency.” Unless the emergency was a complete stoppage of the driver’s brain.
And finally … on this day in 1985, the Live Aid benefit concert for famine relief took place in London and Philadelphia. Concerts inspired by the event were held in the Soviet Union, Canada, Japan, Yugoslavia, Austria, Australia and West Germany.
An audience of about 1.9 billion, in 150 nations, watched the live broadcast — nearly 40 percent of the world population.
Think back to a year ago this Memorial Day weekend. Life was a lot worse. So go out and enjoy Westport’s 2 big events. They’re great. Many people have worked hard to make them happen. And they’re important to the sponsors.
The 48th annual Fine Arts Festival runs from now through 5 p.m. Artists on displya includes painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, printmaking, mixed media, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, graphics and print making.
There’s music, food, and plenty of activities for children. Click here for more details.
Today is also the last day of the Westport Library Book Sale — which means all books, CDs and DVDs are half price.
Every customer gets a coupon for The Westport Book Shop (used book store on Jesup Green). The sale is open from noon to 5 p.m. And you’ll be dry: It’s all inside the library!
The University of Connecticut baseball team plays in this afternoons Big East finals (1 p.m.).
Yesterday, Ben Casparius got them there.
The 2017 Staples High School state championship team captain and Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year pitched 7 innings great innings against Creighton. The Huskies won 2-0 in the conference semifinal, played in Mason, Ohio.
Casparius struck out 13, while allowing just 3 hits. After the game he said, “it was an awesome experience, an awesome day for us, and we’re ready to go [Sunday]. We’re not even close to done yet.” (Hat tip: David Goldstein)
Ben Casparius, in a post-game interview yesterday.
Speaking of Staples grads: Class of 2012 alum Ellen Kempner leads Palehound, an indie rock duo. She met Melinda (who records as Jay Som) on tour
They realized they’re compatible — “two breathy-voiced songwriters whose music can be fragile or bruising, offering both vulnerability and resolve,” the New York Times‘ Jon Pareles writes — and joined forces.
In January 2020 they rented an Airbnb house for two weeks, and recorded an album. They called themselves Bachelor.
It’s been released as “Doomin’ Sun.” Pareles says:
Kempner and Duterte brought out the best in each other. In the songs they wrote together, satisfaction often stays just out of reach. They look at desire, estrangement, insecurity, pop fandom, shoplifting and, in the album’s title song, climate change. And they sing like sisters who know each other’s secrets.
Click here for the full Times story. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
On Friday night, MoCA Westport welcomed the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist performed a great set — including the Connectcut premiere of their “Firefly” album. Attendees enjoyed a Firefly aperitif too.
Next up in the Music at MoCA Series: Jocelyn and Chris, a sibling rock duo seen recently on “The Today Show.” They perform outdoors on June 11 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
Tina Green sent along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, of a newly hatched peregrine falcon. She notes that the birds been nesting in the Saugatuck area for many years.
This morning I reported that Cameron Wilson — son of 1975 Staples High School grad Dave Wilson — earned a coveted spot at the US Open golf tournament, this weekend on Long Island.
Then I posted a story on Rebecca Russo, who showed off her National Women’s Hockey League Isobal Cup yesterday at Saugatuck Elementary and Bedford Middle Schools.
Ben Casparius
And right now on ESPN you can watch Ben Casparius try to help the University of North Carolina win the College World Series. The Tar Heels are playing Oregon State University in the first game of the double-elimination event in Omaha.
Casparius was a 4-year star for Staples, leading the Wreckers to the 2017 state championship. He was Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year, among other honors, and graduated as the state’s all-time hits leader.
Though just a freshman, he’s in the lineup as UNC’s designated hitter.
That’s quite a day.
Meanwhile, if you’re in Russia for the World Cup, please send us a report.
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