On Saturday, Beth Cody learned from “06880” that the next day, milling would begin on the Post Road.
Sunday was the day that the Westport Little League Challenger baseball team — the program for boys and girls ages 5-18 with physical or intellectual challenges, which Beth founded and still runs — was celebrating its 13th annual Halloween and pizza party.
Delivery normally comes from a pizzeria on the Post Road. Beth wanted to be sure the pizzas were on time, so she searched for a place closer to the field.
Her first stop opens too late on Sundays. So Beth headed to Outpost Pizza, across from Hudson Malone.
She told owner Tom Barlleci about the team, and its party. He said, sorry; they’re closed Sundays.
But when Tom saw the disappointment on Beth’s face, he said he’d come in and make the 10 pizzas.
Tom Barlleci, at Outpost Pizza.
Beth was stunned. He would really come in on his day off?
Yes, he said. He was happy to do it, for kids with special needs.
Enjoying Outpost Pizza — in costume.
“To this angel of a man; thank you!” Beth says.
And, she adds: “Be sure to visit Outpost Pizza. It was delicious, and they have a full menu of options!”
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
The Challenger baseball Halloween and pizza party. (Photos/Beth Cody)
The fun continued last night. The Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their 12-piece (including 2 drummers) rock/soul/blues/jazz/country powerhouse to town, for one of the most memorable galas in the riverside amphitheater’s 5-decade history.
The sold-out crowd called TTB back for an exciting encore. The Levitt rocked loud and long.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
The show was preceded by a party, hosted jointly by the new Massi Co restaurant and its next door neighbor, Walrus Alley.
It too was packed.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Internationally known photographer Larry Silver and his wife Gloria (not pictured) were among the guests. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
This weekend also marked the opening day of Challenger Baseball.
It was even more special than most. Beth Cody was honored for both her 70th birthday, and her 25 years of devotion and service to Westport Little League.
She’s served as league commissioner, executive secretary, and the force and founder of Westport Winners Challenger Baseball Division, for boys and girls age 5-18 with physical or intellectual challenges.
Longtime Westport Little League volunteers Jeff Mitchell and Jeff White presented Beth with awards.
Beth Cody’s award.
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Westport’s first selectman race is drawing plenty of attention among voters.
Our town’s teenagers are interested too.
Though most are not yet 18 — and thus ineligible to vote — they have a stake in what goes on here. They care about its present, and its future.
On October 14 (7 p.m., Toquet Hall), the Westport Youth Commission hosts a special student-focused conversation with the 3 hopefuls.
Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks and Kevin Christie will answer questions about leadership, experience and issues.
Moderators are Youth Commission co-president and Staples High School senior Jake Shufro, YC member and Greens Farms Academy junior Jack Thompson, and “06880” executive editor (and long-ago Youth Commission member) Dan Woog.
Teen audience members are invited to ask questions too.
Shufro and Thompson encourage students and parents to attend. “This is a non-partisan event, intended to educate the community and promote informed voting for all eligible voters,” they say.
Westport’s League of Women Voters is providing guidance to the organizers.
Historical markers are filled with fascinating information.
They’re also easy to overlook.
In Westport, some residents – old-timers and newcomers — love the markers on Jennings Trail.
Others have no idea they even exist.
Jennings Trail is named in honor of Bessie Jennings. Her family settled in this area around 1650.
A beloved educator and noted authority on Westport’s past, she originated and led tours of local historic sites, for decades of elementary school students.
Conceived in 1974 as part of Westport’s plans to celebrate the Bicentennial, the Trail was initiated by the Westport Historical Society in collaboration with the Westport Young Woman’s League.
23 markers were installed at historic locations throughout Westport. They are made of bronze, mounted on stone plinths, and contain brief narrative descriptions that describe the significance of each site. Jennings Trail is now under the stewardship of the Westport Historic District Commission.
Bessie’s cousin, 11th-generation Westporter Peter Jennings, has maintained the Trail for a quarter century. (At his own cost.)
The other day, Seth Schachter spotted this sign at the top of Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Want to know more about Burying Hill — including how it got its name?
It happens once every 3 centuries: Trinity Episcopal Church turns 300 years old.
The Southport congregation — which includes many Westport worshipers — celebrates its tricentennial on September 20 (9 p.m.), with a “Son et Lumière” sound and light show.
All are welcome to the free gathering; no church affiliation is required.
Trinity has survived all 3 Biblical elements: fire, wind, and water.
It was burned to the ground during the Revolutionary War, struck by a tornado in 1862, and flooded during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Each time, it rose again.
The “Son et Lumière” is a dramatic 40-minute account of Trinity’s 300-year history, using actors’ voices, sound and light effects. It will take place outside, in front of the church, as darkness falls.
But the Staples senior recently won the Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction.
Oliver founded HomeCycle CT. It connects residents and builders with nonprofits to deconstruct homes and donate usable materials — reducing landfill waste, supporting affordable material access, and creating community benefits like job training opportunities.
Oliver Vynerib and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front), with family and officials at Town Hall.
Tricia Summers was on a friend’s deck tonight last night, overlooking the Saugatuck River while awaiting the Tedeschi Trucks concert at the Levitt Pavilion.
She spotted a paddleboarder with his dog, about to go under the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often highlights the beauty — trees, flowers, water, birds and other living creatures — that surrounds us, nearly everywhere.
Usually. But not always.
Today’s image shows normally picturesque Deadman Brook, near the Library and Levitt Pavilion.
And finally … Cannonball Adderley was born on this date in 1928. The jazz saxophonist died in 1975, 4 weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 46 years old.
The Levitt Pavilion has just signed one of the biggest bands around, for perhaps the biggest concert of the season.
Tedeschi Trucks Band rocks the Levitt on September 14 (7 p.m.). A cocktail party at 5 p.m. is sponsored by Massi Co. (formerly Don Memo) and Walrus Alley. rs D’Oeuvres from the menus of Massi & Co and Walrus Alley
Grammy Award-12-piece rock and soul powerhouse TTB is known for great live performances. NPR called the husband-and-wife team of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.”
Levitt Pavilion members can purchase tickets at 10 a.m. today (Friday). Sales to the general public begin Sunday (August 24, 10 a.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Tedeschi Trucks Band.
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The Delamar Hotel has opened its guest rooms, to great reviews.
Its restaurant — the Dandelion — took a bit longer to prepare. But now the much-anticipated dining spot — with its modern Mediterranean vibe, in a spectacular space — is ready for its reveal.
A grand pre-opening celebration is set for Saturday, September 6 (6 p.m.).
Twenty-five years ago today, Beth Cody began volunteering for Westport Little League. She was the 4th grade baseball co-commissioner.
In the quarter century since, she has continued as commissioner for many grades — mostly 4th.
But that’s just a warmup. In 2013 she and her son Jack — a Staples High School junior, former Little Leaguer and Staples player, LL coach and member of Kool to be Kind — introduced the Challenger league to Westport.
It offers boys and girls ages 5 to 18 with physical or intellectual challenges a chance to play baseball too.
Thanks in large part to Beth, it’s stronger than oever.
“She absolutely loves it, and the families love her back,” Jack says.
“She offers a very personalized experience to all the players, and is friendly with all the families. She always looks for fun events besides baseballm so the kids can bond.”
But that’s not all either. Beth volunteers as executive secretary, and has taken minutes at board meetings since 2000.
On top of all that, she’s had a paid job as Westport Baseball & Softball registrar for 20 years.
Congratulations Beth, on your 25th anniversary, serving so many boys and girls (many of them now men and women), in so many ways. You’re a grand slam!
Speaking of Little League: How about that Fairfield National team?!
Our neighbors have reached the pinnacle of U-12 baseball success. Tomorrow (Saturday, August 23, 3:30 p.m.; televised on ABC), they’ll play for the US Little League championship.
Their opponents are from Nevada — the same team Fairfield came from behind to beat and reach the US championship. Nevada advanced out of the double-elimination loser’s bracket (click here to see).
They’re the first Connecticut team to reach the national finals since — yes — Westport, in 2013.
There is a strong Westport connection on the current Fairfield squad. Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap all have parents who are Staples High School graduates. Tommy D’Amura — who belted a home run in Wednesday’s 7-3 win over a Nevada team — has parents who work in our town’s public schools and Police Department.
If Fairfield wins the American title, they’ll play Sunday against the international division winner, for the world championship.
Which even the MLB winner of the “World” Series does not do.
Go Fairfield! (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Fairfield players — including Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley — celebrate a Little League World Series win.
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Speaking still of sports: The resurrected Compo Men’s Hoops League has been a resounding success this summer. Every Monday, 92 players on 10 teams compete under the lights.
As the Final Four looms (Monday, August 25; semifinals at 7 p.m., finals at 8:15), each squad boasts Westport roots.
Team Schur (Staples High School grads Jordan Schur and Connor Whelan; Travis Test, married to grad Eileen Cooney) faces Team Dymond (SHS alums Aaron and Josh Shapiro).
Team Rivel (SHS grad Sam Jossen, longtime Wesptorter Brian Rivel, Westport native Sean McCurdy, Westport detective James Baker) faces Team Salerno (Oscar Edelman, Greens Farms Academy).
Other notable “old” Westporters in the league include Staples graduates Andrew Bloom and Ben Joseloff, former Wrecker Brett Tessler, and a team of all (relatively recent) alumni: Jared Parnes, Carter Kelsey, Owen Ziegler, Mike Ziegler, Cam Manna, Nick Lukens, Justin Rothenberg, Josh Lapping and Matthew Ambrifi.
Believe it or not, another sports story: The Joggers Club is warming up for another year.
A friendly group of neighbors who enjoy the camaraderie and energy of running, every Saturday at 8 a.m. they host runs along the shore. The meeting place is the Greens Farms train station.
Each run is followed by coffee and bagels. A yearly membership is $50. All new members get a free Lululemon Joggers Club shirt ($78 retail). Click here for details.
Back at Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s collaboration — the Compo Mural Art Competition — has reached its next stage.
Residents were invited to design a mural to bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Bluestone/Hook’d concession building.
Some great submissions have come in. Now it’s our turn.
Speaking of the beach: The Remarkable Bookcycle has been getting a lot of use this summer.
Dozens of beachgoers have picked up summer reading (and loftier volumes) from the free lending library, parked on Soundview Drive by the volleyball courts.
But it’s attracted a lot more takers than givers.
The shelves look bare. So: The next time you’re headed to Compo, throw a few gently used favorites in your bag.
It’s an easy — and “remarkable” — contribution to make to our town.
(Photo/John Richers)
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Speaking still of Compo Beach: Hurricane Erin will not make landfall on the US.
But the sprawling storm is still affecting coastal North America, from the Carolinas to the Maritimes.
This was the scene yesterday, at Compo:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Meanwhile, Compo remains closed to swimming. It will remain closed until the water is re-tested. Results will be available on Tuesday.
Burying Hill Beach is open, but no lifeguards are on duty. Old Mill is open too — and there are never lifeguards there.
(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
Meanwhile, with no swimmers to look out for, these lifeguards found a way to pass the time yesterday.
(Screenshot courtesy of Amy Schneider)
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Similar to the photo above, today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows yesterday’s cool, gray weather.
It grounded even the gulls.
(Photo/Andrew Franco)
Today will be more August-like: Sunny, with a high of 83. The weekend looks good too.
Tuesday is the first day of school, in Westport. Which brings up the annual question: What happened to summer?!
And finally … in honor of the opening of the new Delamar Westport restaurant (story above):
(If you thought this Roundup was heavy on sports … don’t worry. There’s another one tomorrow — and every day after. And if you appreciate any of them, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Baseball season is in full swing (ho ho). Which means there’s no better time to honor Beth Cody as our Unsung Hero than now.
Beth Cody
After nearly 22 years, Beth is Westport Little League’s 2nd-longest tenured volunteer. She is currently executive secretary, and as registrar handles all baseball and softball registration.
But her real value comes as co-founder and commissioner of the Challenger program.
She and her son Jack started Challenger — a program for children with mental and physical challenges — 9 years ago.
Together, they built it (and the Westport Winners team) from scratch. Beth administers it entirely herself — including outreach to sponsors, so it is entirely free.
Challenger commissioner Beth Cody (front, blue shirt) join Challenger players, buddies, Staples High School players and Little League alum/Duke University star Chad Knight (center rear, white shirt) at the diamond.
Westport Little League president Jeffrey Brill calls Challenger “the gold standard of our Little League.” Though Beth has no child in the program, she singlehandedly coordinates it all: securing fields; ordering equipment, uniforms and trophies; scheduling and re-scheduling games; recruiting players ages 5-18; organizing coaches; finding and pairing over 200 “buddies” a year, and running creative events like Field Day, Halloween parties and pizza parties.
Beth attends every game and activity, home and away. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and helps create the warm, intimate feeling that is a Westport Challenger hallmark.
Among Beth Cody’s many activities: taking photos at Challenger games.
Buddies form lifelong friendships with players. Brill sees this first-hand with his son, a buddy volunteer with a lasting relationship with a player that transcends the diamond. Both have been enriched beyond measure.
Beth’s admirers are legion. A mother says, “After 17 years in Westport sports, she is the most dedicated team manager I have ever known. Beth shows patience and kindness toward every player, buddy, and the parents. She may be the most disappointed participant when we have to cancel due to weather!”
Parent Stacie Curran says the program provides “a true sense of belonging to a team. Challenger Baseball is a place of comfort and no judgment. Parents share common struggles, support, patience and understanding.
“We laugh, we cry, we rely on each other – and we owe our thanks for this club to the amazing ‘Commish’ Cody.”
Beth Cody with Westport Winner stalwart Dylan Curran.
Parent Beth Fahimi adds: “Beth is always at the helm. She is very calm and diligent, making sure each player has what they need. She provides a safe, first- class environment. She creates strategic lineups, knowing some children can wait their turn, or not. She watches, adjusts, and makes the team successful both playing and having fun.”
Congratulations, Beth Cody. You are our hands-down, heartfelt, Unsung Hero this week. And every other week too!
EXTRA INNINGS: Beth’s 31-year-old son Nicholas and 26-year-old son Jack played baseball in Westport from pre-school to high school. She has loved the sport since her first Yankee games as a 5-year-old, cheering for Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. Before moving to Westport 30 years ago, she lived in Manhattan and was vice president/associate media director at an advertising agency. She and her husband Paul have been married for 33 years.
Last week the Staples High School senior captained his baseball team to their 2nd state championship in 3 years. In 2013 Chad starred on the Westport squad that reached the finals of the Little League World Series.
He’s been drafted by the New York Yankees — but he’s heading first to Duke University. He’s also an excellent piano player.
Yet one of his many other recent honors — Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year — led to an especially fine moment.
As part of Gatorade’s Play It Forward Fund, Chad was given $1,000 to pass on to any national or local youth sports organization of his choice.
He chose Westport Little League’s Challenger Division. That’s the very successful program for boys and girls with disabilities.
Chad Knight (rear, center, white shirt) and Challenger commissioner Beth Cody (front, blue shirt) join Challenger players, buddies, and Staples baseball players today.
Chad’s generosity came from the heart. Throughout the years he has served as a “buddy” to the players. He always found time to help out. He loved the youngsters, and they adored him.
In appreciation of Chad’s gift, commissioner Beth Cody announced that Gatorade is the official drink of the Westport Winners challenger team. Today at Meyer Field, she presented Chad with a bottle with his name, number and the Westport Winners name.
Starting this fall, every Challenger player will get one too.
It was a quick, fun ceremony, before Westport took on Norwalk in their final game of the season.
Then Chad headed off to his next celebration: his own graduation party.
In 2014, Chad Knight (right) was a Challenger buddy with Dylan Curran. Dylan is now manager of the state champion Staples baseball team, and still plays with the Westport Winners.
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