Bob and Doree Levy are avid Westport Weston Family YMCA members.
They spend much of their time in the pool. But 3 years ago, he saw a woman teaching someone how to box.
She was Brenda Waldron, the instructor for a class of people with Parkinson’s.
Brenda Waldron, at the Westport Y.
Bob had never hit anyone — or been hit — in nearly 8 decades of life.
But he told Brenda he’d love to help.
Ever since, Bob has taught boxing to individuals with the disease.
The volunteers and 30 people with Parkinson’s meet Mondays and Thursdays, at 12:30 p.m.
Bob is not an expert on the disease. But he has seen the positive impact the class has on everyone involved.
“Boxing provides numerous benefits,” he notes. “It enhances strength, improves balance, and aids in memory retention. The coordination required to remember the sequence of numbers corresponding to each punch is particularly beneficial.”
In addition, he says, “the group fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and unity, embracing the ‘all for one and one for all; spirit of The Three Musketeers. This bond has made this group one big family.”
The group has also made an impact on Bob’s life.
“I am an old man now,” he says. “Since my youth, I have always believed that helping others is the reward.
“It does not cost anything to open a door for someone, greet them with a smile, or spread positivity.”
And it cost Bob just a few dollars to give his boxing class a gift.
The other day, for the third year in a row, Bob handed “Knock Parkinsons Out” t- shirts to members of the class.
The boxing class.
“Thank you Parkinson’s group,” Bob says. “I truly have been blessed.”
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Westport’s relationship with our sister city of Marigny-le-Louzon, France was forged in the aftermath of World War II.
But it began soon after D-Day in 1944. Westporter Bob Loomis — a gun sergeant — was in the Normandy town, just 25 miles from Utah Beach.
A couple of weeks later another Westporter — heavy machine gunner Clay Chalfant — moved through Marigny with his company on their way to Belgium.
When the war ended, Charlotte MacLear — head of the French department at Staples High School, and a graduate of prestigious Sorbonne Université — sparked a campaign to “officially adopt Marigny” and help its recovery.
Our town sent clothes, money and Christmas gifts, thanks to fundraising that included selling toys and buckets with designs painted by Westport artists.
In return, Marigny created the “Westport School Canteen,” and named the town’s largest square “Place Westport.” MacLear visited our sister town 3 times. Each time, she was honored and adored.
That friendship remains strong. In 2020, Marigny officials named a room in their Town Hall for MacLear.
This week, Westporters Jeffrey Mayer and Nancy Diamond are visiting, sending our greetings, and giving gifts from our town.
This morning — 4 days, before the anniversary of D-Day — René Gautier wrote to “06880.”
As a child, he received some of those presents from Westport. He has been stalwart in maintaining our friendship ever since. René said:
As part of the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the landing and the liberation of Normandy — but also for the future! — we would like to know, to honor their graves, if soldiers from Westport or the surrounding area were killed in the fighting of 1944 and buried in one of the US cemeteries in Normandy.
Our association will undertake to symbolically decorate this grave with flowers.
What a generous, beautiful offer.
If you know of any American soldiers from Fairfield County who are buried in a US cemetery in Normandy, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
We will let René, and all our friends in Marigny, know.
They will do the rest.
Marigny and Westport are united in red, white and blue.
The film that debuted Number 1 at the box office last month follows 4 journalists on a road trip from New York to Washington, as society collapses.
Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, a photojournalist determined to interview the president in the midst of chaos.
How well — or poorly — does the movie depict wartime reporting?
Lynsey Addario knows. The 1991 Staples High School graduate, and Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photojournalist, has covered the war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.
This week, “On the Media”‘s Brooke Gladstone interviews her about her real-life experiences, and the fictional “Civil War.” Click here to listen.
Lynsey Addario
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Kai Nee’s 15-strikeout, 2-hit, complete game pitching performance paced the Staples baseball team to a 7-0 shutout of Newtown yesterday, in the CIAC “LL” (extra large schools) state tournament quarterfinals.
The 19th-seeded Wreckers advance to Tuesday’s semifinal, at a site and time to be determined.
Their foe is familiar: Fairfield Warde. The Mustangs are ranked second in the state tourney.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA does a lot of things right.
Including making feel-good videos.
Longtime Westporters Bob and Doree Levy are featured in a recent reel, explaining how much they enjoy the Wilton Road facility.
Doree does Aquafit. Bob helps out at a class for Parkinson’s patients. Together, they donated the “alligator” that spouts water at the kids’ splash pool.
The Y epitomizes the Three Musketeers’ motto: “All for one, one for all,” Bob says.
And, Doree adds — referring to the Y’s original acronym — “I’m not young. I’m not a man. I’m not Christian.”
But, she notes, today’s Westport YMCA is all about community and inclusion.
Suitable for all levels and ages, it’s just $10. That includes a garden tour and materials.
Guests can collect botanical materials for a Gelli plate printmaking activity. Staff and volunteers with the Center will guide participants in creating artwork using leaves, petals, twigs and more from the inspiring landscape.
From 1 to 5:30 p.m. on June 21 — the day after this year’s solstice — J. McLaughlin and the Westport Country Playhouse collaborate on an afternoon of sips and shopping.
15% of all sales will benefit the Playhouse.
Can’t make it that day to Compo Acres Shopping Center? Call the store (475-284-2495) to place an order.
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Pippa Bell Ader offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. She writes:
The Old Hill albino deer was spotted recently on Wright Street. It has grown quite a bit since I last saw it.”
And finally … Marvin Hamlisch was born on this date in 1944.
The composer/conductor he is one of few people ever to achieve an EGOT (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony).
He died in 2012, age 68.
In addition to the 2 memorable songs below — from “The Sting” (starring Westporter Paul Newman) and “A Chorus Line” — he wrote the score to “The Swimmer,” the movie filmed largely in Westport in 1966.
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Alert “06880” reader Bob Levy is a 35-year resident of Westport. He writes:
A few weeks ago, my wife and I went to Compo Beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
A large group of Westporters were gathered. They wanted to show their support for Israel, the Jewish people, and the over 200 hostages who were represented by over 200 empty chairs.
I am an old man. It did my heart good to see this.
My Uncle Ralph was my father’s twin brother. Beside the fact that they were both 5-9, they were exact opposites.
Uncle Ralph had movie star good looks with black hair, blue eyes, and somehow always a tan.
Bob Levy’s Uncle Ralph
He had 2 daughters, and he treated me like the son he never had. He would tell me stories about growing up in the Bronx — the mischief and trouble he would both get into and cause.
Somehow, Uncle Ralph got into a fight almost every day. He was fearless, and tough as nails.
He dropped out of high school, played in the New York state handball finals, was an expert pool player, and played poker with middleweight champion Rocky Graziano, who became a friend.
When I was 13, Uncle Ralph let me take his rowboat from the back of his house. The current was strong, and before I knew it I was 1/2 mile on the other side of the canal, and lost an oar (next stop England).
I somehow knew my Uncle Ralph was watching. I stood up and waved my hands.
I could not see him, but I knew he saw me. Within 15 minutes I saw Uncle Ralph swimming.
He smiled as he came aboard the rowboat, then hailed down a friend in a motorboat who towed us back home.
My Uncle Ralph was my hero.
He retired to Florida when he was 50. He took up golf, and for 2 years all he did was practice.
He practiced sand shots, chipping, putting and driving. At the end of 2 years he was ready to play — and was already a scratch golfer.
I have played golf for over 40 years. My best handicap was 16.
I have played with many good golfers, some single digit handicappers but never a scratch golfer.
A scratch golfer is extraordinary. Becoming a scratch golfer at age 50 is most extraordinary. My Uncle Ralph was extraordinary.
However, one story about Uncle Ralph stands out from all the rest.
When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Uncle Ralph enlisted in the Marine Corp.
Before he got his uniform, he bought a gold Star of David.
Uncle Ralph was not a religious man. However, he told me he wore the Star of David because he wanted the Germans to know that a Jewish boy was coming after them, and that he was not afraid.
When I was around 17 — 60 years ago — my Uncle Ralph gave me a box with his gold Star of David in it.
I never wore it. I put it away.
After October 7, 2023 I searched my house and found the box. I opened the box, and looked at my Uncle Ralph’s Star of David.
Karen La Costa — a Westport Community Gardens gardener — also volunteers at Caroline House in Bridgeport.
They help women and children “reach the fullness of their potential through education in English language and life skills.”
On Monday, Karen invited co-worker Francisca, her children and Caroline House students for an afternoon in the garden.
They enjoyed identifying squash, eggplant, watermelon, peppers and all types of flowers. They were amazed at the size of Karen’s soon-to-bloom giant sunflower.
Donations of potatoes and onions from a fellow gardener were turned into Welcome Home Soup for Francisca’s mom, who arrived that night from the Dominican Republic.
Caroline House visitors, with sunflowers.
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A year ago, Bob Levy and his wife Doree joined the Westport Weston Family YMCA. They swim up to 5 times a week, and love it: the welcome at the front desk, the lifeguards, all the staff.
Six months ago, Bob noticed a woman teaching someone how to box. She introduced herself as Brenda Waldron, the instructor for a class of people with Parkinson’s.
Despite never having hit anyone (or been hit) in his 77 years of life, he told her he’d love to volunteer.
“The class has a great group of people,” Bob says. “It’s filled with positive energy and camaraderie. Boxing makes people stronger, gives them better balance, even helps with memory.” He has witnessed its benefits for people with Parkinson’s first hand.
A couple of weeks ago, he gave shirts to the group. He gave Chalk Talk Sports of Norwalk a slogan — “Knock Parkinson’s Out”; quickly, they provided a design.
On Monday, Bob handed out the shirts. Members were delighted.
“This class is a perfect example of of when one gives, they receive much more,” Bob says.
The “Knock Parkinson’s Out” class, and their classy shirts.
Two officials from the Bridgeport Rescue Mission were guest speakers at the Westport Rotary Club’s lunch meeting yesterday.
The organization provides meals, safe housing, clothing, free health care (including mental and dental), and access to other human services organizations.
Volunteer coordinator Sarah McDonagh was particularly impactful, as she discussed her personal experiences as a resident in the Addiction Recovery Program.
Bridgeport Rescue Mission development director Craig Adler and volunteer coordinator Sarah McDonagh at yesterday’s Rotary Club lunch.
The Joggers Club is warming up for the fall season.
They start with (of course) a party on Saturday, September 2 (7 p.m.).
Then they’ll begin their fun runs (which, as always, end with coffee, bagels and muffins). The season “runs” every Saturday (8 a.m. at the Greens Farms train station — “all weather, all seasons, all good”).
Track Nights are held every Thursday (6:30 p.m., Staples High School). The season “runs” from September 9 through June 29.
The Joggers Club is for all paces, distances and levels. All are welcome. Their motto is: “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.”
The cost is $50 for the season. New members get a free custom Brooks racing shirt ($32 value).
For more information, including membership, click here.
“Quiet Places” — the new show at Amy Simon Fine Art — opens Saturday (August 19), and runs through September 23.
Featured artists are Barry Katz, Paul Shakespear and David Skillicorn.
“No. 6,” encaustic over plaster (Barry Katz)
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Patricia Burrows died Monday, at her home Weston home. She was 77.
A psychotherapist for more than 50 years, she was very involved in her communities of New York, Weston, Mendocino, California, and Mount Holly, Vermont. She was also a highly regarded “surrogate mother.”
She is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Milton Wolfson; children Jordan, Jessica, Jody Emmet and Tracy; brothers Jonathan (Annie) and Kenneth (Erica Jong), and grandchildren Maximiliana Warburg, Henri Emmet, Hana Zeramby, Dylan Zeramby, Lucas Lovelace and Naomi Lovelace, and puppy Lucy.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, August 17, noon, Abraham L. Green and& Son Funeral Home, Fairfield, CT). Visitation with the family begins at 11 a.m.
A reception will be held immediately following the service at the family home in Weston.
Shiva is planned for Weston (Friday and Saturday August 18-19, 2 to 6 p.m.) and New York (Sunday, August 20, 2 to 6 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homes with Hope.
Patty Burrows
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We sometimes think of May as “flower time” around here. That’s certainly a month of riotous colors.
But — as Susan Garment’s “Westport … Naturally” photo reminds us today, there’s plenty of vibrancy in mid-August too.
April is Autism Acceptance Month. The Westport Police Department will take the opportunity to promote both education, and a greater understanding of the spectrum.
Many officers have bought Autism Acceptance badges. They’ll wear them all month.
In addition, the rainbow-colored “infinity” symbol — donated by Fleet Auto Supply — will be attached to all police cars.
The department takes this opportunity to remind residents about Westport’s Disability Registry. Created by the WPD, Department of Human Services and Commission on People with Disabilities, it’s a confidential way to provide information that assists police and other emergency workers in addressing th needs of residents of all abilities. Click here for more information.
When Jersey Mike’s announced that more than 2,000 stores would support Special Olympics — by donating 100% of its sales on March 30 (yesterday) — Westporters Rick Levin, Bob Levy and Sunny Sherman decided to help.
The Post Road location is closed. But they bought hundreds of sandwiches in Norwalk, and donated them to STAR Lighting the Way of Norwalk, and Bridgeport’s Alpha Community Center and Cardinal Shehan Center.
Clients at the 3 centers were very grateful.
And extremely well fed.
Bob Levy (3rd from left), delivering Jersey Mike’s sandwiches yesterday to STAR Lighting the Way.
Monica Buesser has noticed something very strange.
At least 2 roads in Westport do not have stop signs, despite directly intersecting with busily traveled streets.
Here’s Pequot Trail, at Sylvan Road North:
And here’s Pioneer Road, also at Sylvan North:
(Photos/Monica Buesser)
The issue is not theoretical, she says:
“A young woman died in Ridgewood, New Jersey because her friend drove through an uncontrolled intersection that others more familiar with the area would stop at.”
After the tragedy, she notes, the town put up stop signs.
For years, people have asked WestportMoms to sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt.
Get those baskets ready!
The social media wizards have hopped to it (ho ho). The event is set for this Saturday (April 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), on the big lawn in front of Saugatuck Congregational Church.
It includes make-your-own bags for egg collecting, courtesy of One River Art School; music by DJ Marcello; sports and games with Sara Holland; face painting; food trucks, pictures with the Easter Bunny — and of course, a hunt for 3,000 eggs.
Jersey Mike’s’ Westport location may — or may not — be closed.
But the Norwalk store joins more than 2,000 others on Wednesday (March 30), in donating 100% of its sales to Special Olympics.
You read that right: Not 100% of profits. 100% of sales.
Making the offer even tastier, Westporters Rick Levin, Bob Levy and Sunny Sherman are buying a few hundred sandwiches. They’ll be donated to STAR of Norwalk, and Bridgeport’s Alpha Community Center and Cardinal Shehan Center.
The Jersey Mike’s at 360 Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk has been excited to work with Rick, Bob and Sunny on their idea. They’re ready to make those sandwiches — and all others that area residents order, on that special day.
It’s the time of year for swans and their eggs. The annual ritual is today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. This photo is from Riverside Avenue, near the boardwalk by the medical offices.
And finally … Taylor Hawkins, the ever-smiling, fierce drummer and occasional vocalist for Foo Fighters for more than 2 decades, died Friday in Colombia, at 50. Several drugs were reportedly found in his system. Click here for a full obituary.
Professionally, Bob Levy was a stockbroker. Civically, he’s spent much of his 31 years in Westport involved with STAR Lighting the Way, the non-profit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But he’s always admired EMTs. “They’re volunteers. Day and night, they’re out helping people,” Levy says.
During COVID, they still did it. Emergency medical technicians are “very special super-heroes.”
Levy asked his friend Adria Belport — a member of Weston’s EMS — what units most needed. Equipment, she said.
Belport’s husband, Michael Loeb, had helped Levy’s philanthropic efforts in the past. This time, the duo added kindred local spirits, including Don Ehrenberg, Bill Felton, Dr. John Schneider and Milt Wolfson. “I’m so proud to be associated with these guys,” Levy says.
They had lunch, discussed their own good fortunes in life — investment banking, psychotherapy, real estate development, medicine, corporate governance and business — and pledged to help.
Their funds provided a much-needed trailer for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service‘s utility task vehicle, used when rescuing people during off-road trauma or medical emergencies.
Bob Levy (left) and Michael Loeb (right) present Michael Burns, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, with a “Giving Back” check.
Weston’s EMS received AEDs (automatic external defibrillators). The portable devices treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
“Many people are not aware that Westport and Weston EMS are volunteer organizations — not funded by their towns,” Levy says.
His group calls itself Giving Back Fairfield County. It sounds like this is just the start — and it is.
Each year, they’ll raise funds to sustain and improve the quality of life in the area, by giving back to a deserving organization.
“We don’t usually tell people what we’re doing,” he says of his and his friends’ past philanthropy. “But the news is so bad these days, it’s important for people to hear good news.”
Giving Back Fairfield County is good news indeed. To learn more, email info@givingbackfc.org.
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