Tag Archives: Birchwood Country Club

Roundup: Al Fiore Services, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Assumption’s Lights …

Posted on December 9, 2025 | Leave a comment

Visitation for Al Fiore —Westport’s former police chief, who died Saturday — will take place this Thursday (December 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home).

A funeral Mass will be held Friday (December 12, 11 .m., Assumption Church).

Al Fiore

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Frank Pepe’s pizzas are coming to Westport.

The iconic New Haven restaurant will open its 18th location this summer. The Italian apizza place takes over the spot previously occupied by an Indian eatery, The Naan.

It’s a full circle moment. Before The Naan and Kibberia (Mediterranean), the first tenant in the space was John’s Best Pizza.

The closest Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana right now is in Fairfield. There are 7 in Connecticut, with others in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida.

There will be 90 seats, and takeout too.

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Add one more display to Westport’s Christmas lights.

Assumption Church lit theirs Sunday night — the building, as well as the handsome tree beside it.

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

Slow down and admire the lights.

Or enjoy while stuck in a long line of traffic…

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Also Sunday: Birchwood Country Club’s annual Gingerbread Brunch.

The family buffet was followed by decorating. Each youngster got their own basic gingerbread house, and decorations.

The crowd of 125 had a great time. These are gingerbread houses that will not be re-gifted.

Or used as doorstops. (Hat tip: Mel Sokotch)

Lookin’ good!

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The Pop Shop holiday market returns Saturday to the Westport Museum for History & Culture (December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Among the items sold by the 25 vendors: global accessories and gifts, vintage jewelry with a modern twist, antique treasures, women’s clothing, treats for dogs, and tableware.

The Honey Bee Flower Truck will be there too, with wreaths, winter arrangements and  holiday botanicals.

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Alert “06880” reader Rick Leonard noticed some changes at Fred’s Car Wash, just over the line in Southport.

A full dumpster and cones in the parking lot; vacuum hoses pulled.

He dug a bit, and learned that Fred’s is becoming Russell Speeder’s. That’s similar to transformation of the one just over the other line, on Westport Ave in Norwalk.

The Speeder’s chain has nearly 100 locations, in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey — and Missouri and Nebraska.

Fred’s Car Wash — soon to be Speeder’s. (Photo/Rick Leonard)

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The deadline for submissions to Mo\CA CT’s high school art show has been extended. The new final date is February 13.

The 11th annual high school exhibition is “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.” It coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”

The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.

Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.

Click here for the application, and more information.

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Comedy comes to the VFW this Friday (December 12, 8 p.m.).

Joe Pontillo stars in a Christmas show — “or whatever you celebrate.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

Joe Pontillo

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Speaking of the VFW: This week’s Jazz at the Post (December 11) there features guitarist Ed Cherry. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until shortly before Gillespie’s death in 1993, winning a Grammy together for “Live at Royal Festival Hall.

Cherry will be joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and Jason Tiemann.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Guest chef Dan Frye serves a buffet with chicken piccata, seared tuna, broccoli, rice and dessert starting at 7. Click here for tickets.

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Longtime local orthodontist Dr. Steven Scher died at his Weston home, with his wife Susan at his side. He was 82. .

The Brooklyn native graduated from Brooklyn College. He served 2 years in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then earned his orthodontic certificate from New York University, graduating at the top of his class.

He opened a practice in Westport where, his family says, “he touched the hearts and teeth of countless members of the community.”

Steven loved tennis, golf, skiing the Rocky Mountains, and vacationing in the sun — all with his family. He was a fixture at the sports events of his children and grandchildren.

Steven is survived by his wife Susan; their children Peter (Lesley) and Alexander (Dylan); his children Jon (Robyn) and Lara (Mike) from his first marriage to Joan; sister, Gloria (Gerald, and grandchildren Scarlett, Brooke, Jordan, Jake and Astrid.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.). Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Steven Scher

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Baby, it’s cold outside.

That includes Winslow Park.

But at least in “Westport … Naturally” image, the sun is shining.

(Photo/Duane Cohen)

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And finally … the news about Fred’s Car Wash got us thinking about …

(A reminder this holiday season: “06880” is supported by readers like you! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you — and happy holidays!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Restaurants

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Roundup: Senator Blumenthal, Safe Boating, Sycamore Trees …

Posted on July 27, 2025 | 8 comments

Every Saturday morning at 11, a group gathers on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to protest President Trump’s actions and policies.

Sometimes the crowd is large. Other times, there are just a few.

Yesterday, they were joined by Richard Blumenthal. Connecticut’s senior senator did not make a formal address. But he spoke individually with all the attendees.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

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The intersection “improvement” at Post Road East and Bulkley Avenue seems anything but.

A nearby resident — who has waited often at that traffic light, at Bulkely North — says the green cycle is way too short.

Only 3 cars can get through at a time. The result: Many frustrated drivers run the red, resulting in more danger than previously.

Part of the frequent backup, on Bulkley Avenue North.

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Safe boating is for everyone.

And a certificate is needed to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut waters.

A state Safe Boating Certificate course is set for August 18 and 20 (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.), at VFW Post 399.

Instructor Barry Natale — a retired US Coast Guard chief boatswain mate — has plenty of search and rescue experience on Long Island Sound, and beyond.

The cost is $25. Email barry@soundnavigation.com, or call 203-219-3688, to register.

Peaceful — but you need a certificate. (Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of the water: Results are in from last Sunday’s 46th annual Point to Point swim.

The mile-long open water Compo Beach race supports the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.

Maegan Grisanti (age 16) earned first place in the Female Division, with an impressive time of 18:01. She was followed by Katharine Radvile (42, 22:57) and Diane Benke (52, 23:09).

In the Male Division, Gregory Pinchbeck (16) took first place in 18:23, ahead of by Joseph Benz (35, 18:58) and Luke McGuinn (14, 19:08). Click here for full results.

MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that helps people with special needs compete in events like this — supported 5 swimmers.

MyTeam Triumph volunteers, with Point to Point swimmers.

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Earthplace welcomes August with a full calendar nature walks, animal encounters, canoeing, crafting and more. Among the highlights:

Butterfly Walk (August 2, 10:30 a.m.): Education, with experts.

Winged Wonders: Meet Duchess (August 3, 1 p.m.): A bird-in-glove demonstration to learn about raptors.

Nature Theater: Vernal Pool Party (August 3, 1 p.m.): A 30-minute play for kids, followed by a stroll through the sanctuary.

Pick Your Own Bouquet (August 7, 3 p.m.; August 24, 11 a.m.): Cut your own flowers from the Earthplace garden.

Canoe Paddles (August 9 and 24, 1 3 p.m.). Led by the Connecticut Foraging Club.

Adventure Club (August 11-16; Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, overnight): Teenage camp, featuring backpacking, orienteering and wilderness skills.

Craft & Sip (August 7, 6 p.m.): Craft a mosaic using cement and glass beads; BYOB.

Click here for more information, and registration.

Earthplace raptor.

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Speaking of the environment, Marisa Zer writes: “Spotted lanternfly babies are everywhere. But we have a weapon to fight them!

“A rechargeable handheld vacuum is less than $25 on Amazon. You just suck them up, dump them all in a bag and step it.

“It’s fun to see how many you can catch. Addictive even. Imagine if we all had this weapon, what kind of dent we could put in the population.

“At least until they are too big to suck up.”

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Speaking still of the environment, Scott Smith writes:

It’s shedding season for our local sycamore trees, Platanus occidentalis — the largest native hardwood in the Eastern US.

I have 2 big ones in my Westport yard, and the bark is raining down upon the ground in large sheaves. Must be the heat.

Sycamore shedding. (Photo/Scott Smith)

This habit of shedding bark like skin after a bad sunburn makes the trees especially well suited to urban life, explains Jonathan Drori, author of “Around the World in 80 Trees.”

“Its bark is brittle and, because it cannot adapt to the growth of the trunk and branches underneath, it drops it off in flakes. The bark is dotted with tiny pores, a millimeter or two across, called lenticels, which allow the exchange of gases.”

The tree’s ability to slough off a layer of soot and grime that it has removed from the atmosphere helps it thrive in polluted air — and keeps us living in its shade that much healthier. Trees are gloriously messy things!

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W. Reuter — a self-taught marquetry artist specializing in original all-natural, often multi-media wood veneer picture displays — will be at the Westport River Gallery August 3 (1 p.m.).

The public is invited to meet him, and learn about his art. Each work takes several months to create.

One of Reuter’s works.

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Fan favorites the Flying Fingers Jug Band returns week for a third appearance, at First Folk Sunday.

The quintet is set for the Saugatuck Rowing Club on August 3 (12:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets and more information, or call 203-984-7562.

Flying Fingers Jug Band

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Like kids at many camps, youngsters at Birchwood Country Club’s summer session play golf an tennis, and swim.

But they also learn to bake cookies from scratch, with chef Luke DiPippo.

And then — let’s hope — they eat them too.

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Everyone — and everything — is welcome at the Levitt Pavilion.

Including this guy. He enjoyed a recent free concert, from his perch near the stage.

And posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … speaking about the VFW’s safe boating course (item above):

(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use, and random stuff you’d never have thought of. If you enjoy this daily “06880” feature, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Politics, YMCA

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Roundup: Tennis, Golf, Theater …

Posted on May 27, 2025 | 1 comment

“06880” has reported several times on the great work of Joseph Oyebog.

The former Davis Cup tennis player/Cameroon national champion/beloved local tennis coach has changed many lives in Africa.

The Oyebog Tennis Academy in Cameroon has provided free tennis coaching, food, shelter and education to tens of thousands of underprivileged children.

To his students, Joseph is more than a coach. He is a father figure, mentor, and  beacon of hope.

Westporters have supported OTA generously. Now Joseph needs our help.

He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which led to severe liver damage and many other life-threatening complications.

His condition is rapidly deteriorating, and the local hospital in Cameroon cannot handle his complex case.

Doctors strongly recommend that he be medically evacuated to a major healthcare facility in the US, where his wife and children now live.

Joseph’s many friends are raising funds to cover the costs of his medical evacuation, treatment, postoperative care and rehabilitation, so he can continue his mission at the Oyebog Tennis Academy.

Funds will also support his family in the US, and help sustain the academy in his absence. A GoFundMe page to contribute is available here.

Joseph Oyebog, with his tennis students.

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For the 2nd year in a row, Birchwood Country Club is hosting a golf tournament to support the Westport Country Playhouse.

The July 21 event includes 9- and 18-hole shotgun starts, a buffet lunch, cocktail reception and awards ceremony, prizes, raffles, and more.

It’s a great way to show love for Westport’s iconic theater — and spend a day with friends, colleagues and family on the links.

Registration — and information on sponsorships — is available here.

Fore! Break a leg! (Although we probably shouldn’t say that about a sporting event…)

Birchwood Country Club golf course: ready for the Playhouse.

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Speaking of fundraisers: They may be teenagers, but Staples High School senior Jack Schwartz — co-president of the Yale Junior Board — and clssmates Jackson Tracey, Ryan Sunjka and Lucy Barneu are organizing the 3rd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” fundraiser.

Money raised for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital wil support sick kids and under-resourced families, as they struggle through difficult medical complications.

It’s a rowing and running competition. Everyone receives a t-shirt.

Last year’s running and rowing competition …

The dates are May 31 and June 1 (12:30 p.m.) in Westport; May 31 (10:45 a.m.) in New Haven, at Orange Theory.

There is no entry fee. Team members reach out to friends and family. and encourage donations.

Teams that raise at least $450 qualify for high-value prizes, including Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Celtics and Broadway tickets. Sign-ups and more information is available here.

Other prizes — available through the competition — includ gift cards from GG & Joe’s, Costco and Stop & Shop, Granola Bar gift basketbs, and more.

But you don’t have to run and row. Donations can be made here by anyone.

The Junior Yale Board has set an audacious goal: $50,000. Let’s help them meet it!

… and getting together afterward.

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The weather was perfect, for yesterday’s Memorial Day.

The temperature dropped quite a bit at night. Hey — it’s still May.

But a group of friends — celebrating at Compo’s South Beach — was ready.

They were the first to use the Parks & Recreation Department’s new fire pit.

Judging by the photo below, it was warmly received. (Hat tip: Robert Harrington)

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The Artists Collective of Westport hosts 2 intriguing shows at the Westport Library.

“Interiors: A Look Inside” explores physical, metaphysical and emotional spaces through the visual arts.

Contributors include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, Ros Shaffer, Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Trace Burroughs, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman and more.

“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 8-foot installation composed of the work of 48 Artists Collective members.

Each received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 12-inch square section randomly selected from a well-known modern painting. The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style, without knowing what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception (June 6, 6 p.m.).

Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of “Piece by Piece” is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100, with 50% of the proceeds supporting the Library’s art programs and 50% going to the artist.

The additional artworks on display in the Sheffer and South Galleries are also available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds also going the Library’s art programming.

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The long-delayed Lincoln Street apartment project is making headway.

The first construction — elevator shafts — are done. Floors and walls are being added now. Here’s a recent view:

(Photo/Bill Christiaanse)

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Sunday’s rainbow over Owenoke — as seen from the Longshore golf course — stars as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

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And finally … on this date in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. The link between San Francisco and Marin County changed both places forever.

(Wherever your heart is: We’re glad you’re part of our “06880” community. We hope you like it here. If so, please consider clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Real estate, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Israeli Flag, Opossum Rescue, Compo Beach Art, Memorial & Oysters …

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 3 comments

Just a few days after Passover, the Israeli flag that hung outside Mark Scheck’s house was torn down .

All that remains of the flag.

Mark says 2 new flags will go back up. Along with a security camera.

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Another day, another rescue by Peter Reid.

Julie Loparo sends this latest story, about Westport’s animal control officer:

“At a time when local wildlife are dealing with the effect of habitat destruction due to rampant and unchecked clear cutting of trees and demolition of green space, it is not surprising that our wildlife mothers need to think outside of the box for safe lodging.

“Last week Peter (who wears another hat as intake director for Wildlife in Crisis) received a call from a resident. She calmly said there was an opossum residing in her home.

“Officer Reid responded quickly. He found the opossum — a mother with a full pouch of babies — taking a respite in the home owner’s cat tree.

“Officer Reid safely and humanely moved entire cat tree outside, and placed water and opossum nutrition near it.

“By the next morning, the mother opossum had found a new — hopefully safe — spot for shelter.

“We thank the local resident for not panicking, and instead of calling a ‘pest control’ service, contacting Animal Control Officer Reid. We also thank him too, for once again providing another wildlife rescue.

“Of course, we would be remiss not to thank our friend the opossum, who single-handedly (or single-pawedly) can devour 5,000 ticks a year, while acting as a natural pest controller in our yarda.

“Like mother opossum, we humans have to think outside the box sometimes, to live peacefully and humanely with our wildlife friends.”

Safe opossum. (Photo courtesy of Julie Loparo)

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Two follow-ups to yesterday’s Roundup item on the striking art print recently posted on the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.

Stacy Bass reports that the artist is Julie Headland.

It’s part of the Westporter’s “I’m Fine” project. Julie explains on her website:

“In early 2020 the world was succumbing to a pandemic, and my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends and neighbors continually checked in and kindly asked: ‘How are you?’

“I was numb, and typically answered: ‘I’m fine.”

“One day as the words left my mouth, I had an epiphany. My world was collapsing, but the brave little girl inside knew she must overcome and survive.

“Thus, the I’M FINE Project was born. The little girl in each piece inspires us to take heart and overcome the world.

“In time these playful parodies gave rise to both public and private comments by strangers expressing their own personal struggles. That is when I realized the I’M FINE Project was also a way to amuse and encourage others who were suffering.

“I am deeply aware of the pain and struggle in the world, and I do not wish to make light of suffering. But I have an optimistic aesthetic, which I am keen to convey with as much wit and whimsy as I can muster.”

Meanwhile, evidence that Headland’s work is truly Westport-based comes from a close-up photo, of the larger work.

Matt Murray’s image shows clearly something many viewers may have missed:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Speaking of Compo Beach: A new memorial there honors Max Harper. The Staples High School senior died in September.

Visitors to the stone — located near the cannons, not far from where a memorial service drew hundreds of classmates and friends last fall — have left rocks, flowers, a baseball hat and more, as tributes.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Speaking still of Compo: There are plenty of less permanent sights on and offshore, too.

You might see a proposal or wedding. A pop-up water polo practice. Rupert Murdoch’s old yacht.

And, this past weekend, a guy shucking oysters for 2 women, at a working bar.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Just another day at the beach …

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Lynda Bluestein’s legendary life has been captured in a documentary.

“Other Side” tells the story of the last months of her life. The longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member won a landmark legal case allowing her, as an out-of-state resident to take advantage of Vermont’s medical aid in dying law.

The film will be shown at the Westport Library on June 29 (1:30 p.m.). Seating is limited. Click here to register.

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Birchwood Country Club’s Easter brunch drew 160 people. Among them: a number of children, who participated in an Easter egg hunt.

Golfers were happy to cede their tee times for the special event.

Birchwood general manager Danny Jones explains the rules.

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Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Road South, near Longshore, and writes: “While big bursts of color from the cherry trees, dogwoods and forsythias grab all the attention, I love the smaller flowers in all their glory.”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … I had never heard of Mac Gayden before yesterday.

But the musician — who died on Wednesday in Nashville at 83, from complications of Parkinson’s — had an intriguing resume.

He co-wrote “Everlasting Love” — a Top 40 hit in 4 straight decades — and played guitar on Bob Dylan’s “Absolutely Sweet Marie.” Click here for his obituary.

(Please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. You’ll absolutely have our everlasting love. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Library, Politics, Staples HS

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Pics Of The Day #2802

Posted on December 20, 2024 | 2 comments

Today’s unexpected snowfall took many Westporters by surprise. There was no golfing at Birchwood Country Club … (Photo/Amy Schneider)

… but a serene scene in Susan Garment’s back yard …

… and an intriguing view of the Saugatuck River, from inside a Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service ambulance. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Roundup: CNN’s Alisyn Camerota, WFD’s Santa Run, UNC’s Marisa Shorrock …

Posted on December 10, 2024 | 11 comments

Alison Camerota surprised her many fans Sunday — first on Instagram, then on the air — by announcing it was her last day with CNN.

After 10 years with the network, the Westport resident signed off with a smile.

Alisyn Camerota’s Instagram post.

She recalled interviewing “presidents and heroes and extraordinary people (in) peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager.”

She thanked her colleagues and her viewers, and encouraged them to follow her on Instagram (@alisyncamerota) for updates on what’s ahead.

In a social media post minutes later, she said: “I’m on to new horizons. I’ll just share this bit of wisdom. New horizons are great when you’re ready for them. There have been times in my life when I was not ready to leave a place that I loved and that was really sad and really hard. But I think am ready to leave this place that I’ve loved.”

Before joining CNN in 2014 — where she was a co-anchor on “New Day,” “CNN Newsroom,” “CNN Tonight” and, most recently, “CNN Newsroom” — Camerota worked at Fox News.

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The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation “Santa Run” is one of Westport’s most cherished traditions.

(Spots are limited. IYKYK).

For a donation to the Firefighters Foundation, Santa arrives by fire truck to drop off a present at a (limited number of) children’s houses.

Kids, stop reading here! The gift is dropped off at the firehouse previously, by the parents.

This weekend, for the third year in a row, Staples High School’s Service League of Boys (SLOBs) joined the firefighters.

They helped the little ones spread joy, fend off the Grinch, and make the holidays special.

Pausing for a photo opp, at the annual Santa Run.

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Westport has another NCAA Division I national champion.

Marissa Shorrock is a goalkeeper on the University of North Carolina women’s soccer squad. The Tar Heels won their 23rd championship last night in Cary, North Carolina. They defeated Wake Forest University 1-0.

The 2020 Staples graduate was not in the nets (teammate Clare Gagne was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Defensive Player). But she’s got her championship ring.

At Staples, her 14 shutouts as a senior helped her team to a 19-1-2 season. She also played 4 years of varsity lacrosse and basketball, helping the hoopsters to the state semifinal.

Shorrock walked onto the Bowdoin College soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams, before seasons were canceled due to COVID. She transferred to Yale University, appearing in 22 games over 3 years at Yale after walking-on midseason in 2021. She started 20 matches. Shorrock helped the Bulldogs break the program’s consecutive shutout record, and tie the record for shutouts in a season in 2022.

After graduating with a degree in economics from Yale last spring, Shorrock transfered to UNC with one more year of eligibility. (Hat tip: Don Kubie)

 

Marisa Shorrock, with the national championship trophy, and her new cap. (Photo courtesy of David Shorrock)

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WEST boutique hosts a special “Sip & Shop” event this Thursday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m., 117 Post Road East).

20% of all purchases, and 20% of the proceeds, go to Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, the great arts non-profit for underserved youngsters.

One Hope Winery and The Granola Bar will be on hand too.

WEST boutique. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Yogi Bear stopped by the Westport Police Department/Westport PAL  toy drive this past weekend.

He donated to the great cause, and thanked the officers for all they do.

The toy drive continues this coming weekend. New, unopened and unwrapped toys for all ages and genders — along with cash to buy toys — will be collected at Athletic Shoe Factory (1560 Post Road East) Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can also drop off unwrapped toys at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (any time), or Awesome Toys & Gifts and The Toy Post, during business hours.

Yogi Bear and friends, at the Police Department’s toy drive collection spot: Athletic Shoe Factory. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Birchwood County Club is usually about golf, tennis, swimming and dining.

This weekend, they added gingerbread house decorating to the list.

150 youngsters, along with parents and grandparents, gathered for the annual holiday brunch, and creative fun.

Gingerbread house decorators, hard at work. (Photo/John Schmidlin)

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The Y’s Women had 2 special guests yesterday.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker talked about issues on many residents’ minds. She reported that while Post Road traffic remains a big problem, many stop signs and sidewalks have been added all around town.

Parking is still a work in progress.

The 1st selectwoman also discussed Longshore improvements (more pickleball courts, an 18-hole golf clubhouse, a pool upgrade), and Long Lots Elementary School construction (expected to begin this spring, with completion in 2027).

After Tooker’s talk, Y’s Women enjoyed a holiday concert by Staples’ elite Orphenians a cappella group, in the acoustically wonderful Green’s Farms Church.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (center), with Y’s Women president Vera DeStefano and vice president Catherin Albin.

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Congratulations to Staples’ December Students of the Month.

Seniors Olivia Berg and William Vanamee, junior Madeline Leventhal, sophomore Nathaniel Maurillo and freshmen Gabriella Juliano and Kai Massicott were nominated by their teachers.

They make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers, and are, principal Stafford Thomas says, “the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”

From left: Kai Massicott, Gabriella Juliano, Olivia Berg, Madeline Leventhal,  Nathaniel Maurillo, William Vanamee.

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Michael Mossman has done it all.

After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, the trumpeter forged a brilliant career as a soloist, arranger, music director and educator.

This Thursday he brings his talents to Jazz at the Post (December 12, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service from 7; $20 tickets, $15 for veterans and students).

Mossman willk be joined by pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows what Michele Sorensen says was left untouched after bulldozers renovated Riverside Park:

(Photo/Michele Sorensen)

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And finally … on this date in 1817, Mississippi became the 20th US state.

(“06880” is your hyper-local source of news you can use. If you appreciate our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Media, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Pics Of The Day #2751

Posted on October 29, 2024 | 1 comment

Birchwood Country Club … 

… and a leaf there … (Photos/Copyright Ted Horowitz)

… and the Longshore golf course (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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Posted in Longshore, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Women Tee Off At Birchwood Country Club

Posted on March 10, 2024 | 5 comments

Kammy Maxfeldt‘s retirement at the end of last season, after 21 years as Birchwood Country Club‘s head pro, left huge golf shoes to fill.

Kammy Maxfeldt

She was a beloved teacher, a great golfer, and a wonderful friend to all.

After an exhaustive search, Birchwood has found its woman.

After 19 years as the lead assistant at Fenway Golf Club in Scarsdale, New York, Wendy Modic will take over here.

She never expected to make the move. She says:

“The reality is, it’s more challenging to be a female head professional than it is to be a male just because it is what it is. I always thought that I didn’t really want the headache. I love teaching. I love doing what I’m doing. I like being a #2.”

She was already doing many of a head pro’s jobs, and enjoyed them — especially mentoring. But then Wendy went to Kammy’s retirement party, in October.

She was “taken aback and impressed” by the support in the room. She wished she had applied — but the process was already underway.

Wendy Modic

A PGA consultant advised her to send in her resume. Wendy’s accomplishments — including 4-time Metropolitan PGA Women’s Player of the Year and the 2020 Met PGA’s Women’s Championship — were impressive.

So was her inclusion on Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Every State list.

Wendy looks forward to teaching, owning the golf shop — and more.

Only 2 other women — Angela Aulenti at Sterling Farms in Stamford and Kelley Brooke at Bethpage State Park and Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course on Long Island – are head pros/directors of golf among all tri-state Metropolitan Golf Association clubs.

Those are public courses. Wendy is the only female head pro at a private club.

But that’s nothing new for Birchwood members. As they wish Kammy Maxfeldt well in retirement after more than 2 decades in charge, they welcome Wendy Modic to stay the course.

(For more information from the Metropolitan Golf Association, click here.)

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Pic Of The Day #2018

Posted on October 26, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2018

Birchwood Country Club, this morning (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day, Weather

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Catching Up With The P&Z

Posted on October 8, 2022 | 1 comment

Two of Westport’s most important town bodies meet on Monday nights.

This week, the Board of Education’s “banned books” kerfuffle grabbed the local (and Fox News national) spotlight.

But the Planning & Zoning Commission was busy too.

Recent action includes:

Allowing a change of use from “Group Home for Youth” to “Special Needs Housing,” and granting permission to renovate Susie’s Place, the Project Return building on Compo Road North, next to the Town Farm tennis courts. It will transition from an emergency shelter to supportive housing for young women ages 18 to 24.

With longer stays they’ll be able to access more services, including education, jobs and social work. And the building’s 6 units — owned and administered by Homes with Hope — will be added to Westport’s overall affordable housing stock.

Project Return’s “Susie’s House,” on North Compo Road.

Adopting a text amendment that will permit expansion and redevelopment of the current Westport Rehabilitation Complex (formerly “Mediplex”) on Post Road West, across Burr Street from Kings Highway Elementary School, into a medical facility specializing in the care of Alzheimer’s, dementia and/or other memory impairments.

The decision paves the way for conversion to a memory care facility with 68 patients, nearly half the 120 in the current nursing home. That will lead in turn to fewer staff members and visitors.

Westport Rehabilitation Complex.

Granting permission to Birchwood Country Club to build 3 pickleball courts. That’s down from the original 5 — and the location is further from neighbors than in the original plan.

The P&Z also discussed a larger project: The Hamlet at Saugatuck. That retail, residential, restaurant and hotel proposal requires a text and map amendment.

After a discussion of issues including height, the board did not vote. They’ll continue examining the plan at either their regular October 24 meeting, or a special session next month.

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Posted in Local business, Local politics, Saugatuck, Sports

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