Tag Archives: Business Network International

Roundup: Pizza, Pogue, AAPI …

Posted on May 16, 2023 | 2 comments

The Saugatuck space that housed Parker Pizza — which, like its next door neighbor Parker Mansion, closed in March — will have a new tenant soon.

It will be …

… another pizza place.

No further word on Renato’s Brick Oven is available.

Including whether it’s any relation to another Renato’s: the popular jewelry store, across town near the Southport line.

(Photo and hat tip: JD Dworkow)

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Earlier this month, David Pogue wowed a Y’s Women crowd with his talk on AI.

Next Monday (May 22, 7 p.m.), he’ll address the same subject — “Artificial Intelligence Gets Real” — for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

You don’t need to be a Y’s Man to go. Wisely, the public is invited.

A Q-and-A follows the Westport tech/media personality’s talk. Click here for more information on Pogue’s event.

David Pogue

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Westport’s Business Network International chapter invites professionals to its upcoming Visitors’ Day.

Each business category has only one member. Classifications that are open now  include printer, security systems, HVAC, photographer, travel agent, caterer, florist, event planner, credit card processing, home inspector, moving company, carpet cleaning, flooring, electrician, dentist, personal trainer and clothing/ accessories.

The event is May 25 (United Methodist Church). Open networking takes place from 7 to 7:30 a.m.; a business meeting begins at 7:30.

Pre-registration is required; email cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com. Click here for more information.

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The AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) Westport Book Club’s next meeting is May 31 (7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture.

They’ll discuss “From A Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement” by Paula Yoo. a young adult novel.

AAPI also hosts a happy hour at MoCA this Thursday (May 18, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

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The Staples High School sailing team made history last weekend.

For the first time ever, 6 members competed in Boston for the New England Schools Sailing Association Fleet Racing Championships’ O’Day Trophy.

The Wreckers finished 12th overall, in a field dominated by private and boarding schools (and beat Darien High by 10 points).

They finish the season with the Fairfield County Sailing League tomorrow, the state regatta this weekend, and the NESSA girls championships the weekend after.

Staples sailing team coach Gavin Meese (far right) with, from left: Camryn Harris, co-captain Witt Lindau, Tucker Peters, Caitlyn Schwartz, Claire Harris and co-captain Alan Becker.

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Organ great Brian Charette makes his first appearance at Jazz at the Post this Thursday (May 18; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).

He’s joined by longtimefriend and mentor Bob Devos, plus drummer Jordan Young and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Jazz at the Post shows have been selling out. Email JazzatthePost@gmail.com for reservations; include the number of people, which show, and your cell phone.

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Cactus in Westport?

Who knew?

Johanna Keyser Rossi does. She spotted these plants — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — near the 1 Gorham Island office building, off Parker Hardin Plaza. They’re on the side facing the river.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the rare (for Westport) plant above:

(From cactus to new pizzerias: If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Teuscher Wetlands, Networking, CMS Math Club …

Posted on March 7, 2022 | 6 comments

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Three dolphins continued their weekend in Bermuda Lagoon, off Saugatuck Shores, yesterday.

For the 2nd day in a row, they delighted residents and onlookers with their play.

There’s no indication how long they’ll stay. But given the state of today’s world, we’re delighted to have them.

Dolphins in Bermuda Lagoon (Photo/Gina Beranek)

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Regina Olshan loves the Teuscher Wetlands Preserve, off Imperial Avenue.

She does not like its current ratty look.

“My husband and I went for a walk in this normally lovely natural area. We were upset to see it filled with trash,” she writes.

“Perhaps Boy Scouts, some other community organization or the town itself could organize a cleanup?”

Teuscher Wetlands Preserve (Photo/Regina Olshan)

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Business owners: The luck of the Irish may be with you this St. Patrick’s Day.

Business Networking International’s Westport chapter is holding a “Virtual Visitors Day” (March 17, 7:30 to 9 a.m.).

They’re looking for new members in these areas: security, HVAC, solar, photographer, caterer, bakery, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company, travel tours, auto repair, and dry cleaner/tailor/shoe repair.

The Westport BNI Group has 48 members. Membership is structured to allow only 1 person per profession in each chapter. For example, the local group already has 1 landscaper, 1 realtor and 1 chiropractor.

Meetings are held weekly and referrals are exchanged in a structured manner.

Email Curtis@health-directions.com or billhall747@gmail.com to sign up for the Virtual Visitors Day. All visitors must pre-register for Zoom access to BNI. Click here for more information.

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Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids — the Westport-based children’s haircut franchise — has long given back to worthy organizations. Each child gets a token to put in a box for a charity of their choice.

All boxes are now changed to Ukraine relief. All Sharkey’s franchises can choose any 2 Ukraine-related charities that touch them the most.

The Westport location — the busiest of all 100-plus locations in the world — is at 1568 Post Road East, just east of ASF.

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Congratulations to the Coleytown Middle School Math Club!

Ten students participated in the Southwestern Connecticut “Mathcounts” competitions. Vikram Sarkar, Ayush Rudra and Adan Wang finished in the Top 10 (#1, 4 and 10), and qualify for the state event as individual competitors. That’s the highest number of qualifiers for any Fairfield County school. The top 4 finishers at the state level advance to the national contest.

There was also a team competition. CMS’ Team A (Adan, Ayush, Vikram and Owen Wood) came in first in that category, by a wide margin. Bedford Middle School was third.

Other Coleytown competitors include Akil Arvind, Anit Arvind, Justin Jendrock, Sarah Lyle, Charlie McGillion-Moore and Mateo Riero.

Coleytown Middle School Math Club

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Lynsey Addario’s dramatic images from Ukraine have enraged the world.

But the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer — 1991 Staples High School graduate — was working on another project, before the Russian invasion.

Her photos illustrate an in-depth Atlantic story on Mohammed bin Salman, the astonishingly wealthy and equally mysterious crown prince, deputy prime minister and minister of defense of Saudi Arabia. Click here for the long, but very intriguing, story (and photos.) (Hat tip: Dave Lowrie)

Mohammed bin Salman (center), with members of the Saudi royal family. (PHoto/Lynsey Addario for The Atlantic)

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Dominick “Babe” DeMace died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday. He was 90 years old.

Born in 1932 to Josephine and Pasquale DeMace in Westport, and raised here, he served as an Army corporal in Trieste from 1952 to 1954.

After his discharge he met his future wife, Margaret Labbance, when she moved in across the street.

Dominick DeMace

He spent his career as a well-respected union electrician. He was a 3rd-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Norwalk.

On Saturdays he ushered at Assumption Church’s evening mass, then visited his brother Frank’s restaurant, Mario’s. He was well known there, helping in any capacity.

Family was most important to Babe. He was generous, both in his trade and in his personal life. There was nothing he could not fix. His family says, “His Italian heritage meant he was an authority on cooking and consuming delicious meals. He worked hard to provide for his family and will be remembered for his loyalty and loving nature.”

He was predeceased by his sister Marie Wallace and brothers Michael, Joseph and Frank DeMace. He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Margaret, sister Theresa (Tess) DeMattia, children David, Danielle Yingling and Dominick (Joanne), grandchildren Stephanie Fagan (Joseph), Christina Bierwirth, Natalie, Emily, Elisabeth and Eric DeMace, great-grandchildren Connor and Devin Fagan and Andrew Bierwirth, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends tomorrow (Tuesday, March 8, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Assumption Church on Wednesday (March 9, 10 a.m.). Burial with full military honors will follow at Saint John’s Cemetery in Norwalk. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to Saint Jude.

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It’s a month until Little League season begins. Until then, this team has Rogers Field on North Compo to its “Westport … Naturally” self.

(Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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And finally … in keeping with this morning’s “06880” annual appeal for donations, to keep this blog (and its owner) going:

 

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local business, Media, Obituaries, Politics

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Roundup: Christmas Music, Veterans Day, Pints For Players …

Posted on November 10, 2021 | 3 comments

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Yesterday was November 9. Christmas is December 25. That’s 45 days away.

Which means 45 days of Christmas carols. Because I heard my first one of the season yesterday, at Fresh Market.

Guys … it’s not even Veterans Day yet!

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Speaking of Veterans Day: It’s tomorrow.

Joseph J. Clinton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 hosts Westport’s Veterans ceremony in their Riverside Avenue parking lot.

The Westport Community Band plays patriotic music at 10:30 a.m., honoring all those who have served in the US military.

The 11 a.m. program includes posting the colors, remarks from State Senator Tony Hwang and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, an address by Staples High School senior Pierre Briand, and a firing salute by the Westport Police Department.

A special tribute honors World War II and Korean War veterans for their service. The public is invited to the outdoor event.

VFW on Riverside Avenue: site of tomorrow’s Veterans Day ceremony.

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A few spots remain for this Saturday’s free mattress and box spring recycling program (November 13 at Earthplace, 10 Woodside Lane, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.). The project is sponsored by Sustainable Westport.

The project is run through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Connecticut Bye Bye Mattress program.

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Staples Players’ “Grease” is a hot ticket. And Cold Fusion is adding to the heat.

Owners (and Players superfans) Kelly and Eric Emmert have created a special “Pints for Players” promotion.

They renamed 3 flavors, to honor the show. Through closing night (November 20), customers can purchase pints of Pink Lady (strawberry stracciatella), Burger Boys (blood orange sorbet) and Ode to Olivia Newton-John (peanut butter Xanadu).

For more information on “Grease,” click here.

Rydell High cheerleaders enjoy some Cold Fusion gelato.

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Speaking of high school: MoCA Westport has put out a call for submissions from artists in grades 9-12. They’ll be part of an exhibition focusing on the theme of identity, to run concurrently with a show featuring works from the Westport Permanent Art Collections in January.

MoCA officials were impressed with the diversity and talent of last year’s submissions. This year, they hope to surpass those nearly 200 entries. Teachers from across Connecticut and New York played a huge role in bringing that exhibition to fruition. They’re engaged again this year.

The submission deadline is December 19. For details, click here.

A student work from last year’s “Hindsight is 2020” show.

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Jillian Elder — the creative force behind the “Finding Westport” information and merchandise site — checks in with more swag.

Her “Westport Love & Life” collection of t-shirts, mugs, blankets, tote bags and more includes our beloved Minute Man, in various forms of the words “Love” and “Life.” Click here to see the wide variety of products.

And Jillian hopes to post a list of Etsy shops based in Westport, for holiday readers. If you’ve got — or know of — one, email jillian@findingfairfieldcounty.com.

The Minute Man on a “Love & Life” hoodie.

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Time to network!

Local business professionals are invited to a “Virtual Visitors Day” on Thursday, November 18 (7:30 to 9 a.m. Zoom). The event is sponsored by Westport’s Business Networking International chapter.

BNI meetings are open to only one business per category.

They’re on the lookout for new members. People working in hospitality — event planners, florists, caterers, bakers, DJs and bands, liquor stores, limousine services and gift novelty shop owners — are particularly welcome

Other open categories include home inspectors, veterinary services, dentists, dermatologists, commercial sign companies, martial artists, trade schools, physical therapists, orthopedists, delicatessen owners and tutors.

Email curtis@health-directions.com or billhall747@gmail.com to sign up for the Virtual Vistors Day.

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The Westport Police Department and TEAM Westport are sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive this Saturday (November 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). All donations support Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and food pantry, and Westports Human Services Department.

Westport Police officers and volunteers will collect non-perishable food items and cash. Suggested items include canned meats, tuna, salmon, Spam, canned cranberries, boxed stuffing, canned yams, canned corn, canned gravy, pasta, and sauces, chili, hot and cold cereal, canned fruit, canned and dry soups, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, rice, granola bars, pancake mix, syrup and mayonnaise.

Earlier this year, after another drive, Westport Police and Homes with Hope volunteers delivered food to the Gillespie Center, across from police headquarters.

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Lauri Weiser calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” image “The Last Rose of Summer.”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … as noted above, yesterday was waaaaaay too early for Christmas music.

Two can plan that game. Take this, Fresh Market!

 

 

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Police, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Real Estate, Rabbis’ Honors, Raptors …

Posted on April 12, 2021 | 1 comment

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Westport’s real estate market roars along.

Roe Colletti reports there were 115 house closings in the first quarter of 2021, a 47% increase from 2020 — and the highest number of houses sold in that quarter since at least 2000.

The average closing price rose 33% to $1.84 million, the quarter’s highest since 2000. Homes sold on average for 99.7% of the list price.

There were 87 houses pending (signed contracts) on March 31, up 81% from last year. The average list price of those homes was $2.2 million.

Housing inventory on March 31 was 135  — down 47.3% from the previous March 31, when there were 256 houses on the market. (Hat tip: Chuck Greenlee)

This 12-bedroom, 15 1/2-bathroom estate, set on 7 1/2 acres, is listed for $20 million. (Photo courtesy of KMS Partners @ Compass)

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This year’s New York Board of Rabbis’ Humanitarian Awards will honor first responders and essential workers.

Dr. Anthony Fauci will be feted. So will the Greater New York Hospital Association.

And … Westport’s own Avi Kaner.

The co-owner of Morton Williams Supermarkets (and former Board of Finance chair and 2nd selectman) will be cited for the work his family-owned business did during the pandemic.

Morton Williams stores never closed. Employees kept working; senior executives ensured that the supply chain continued.

The company became a lifeline to New York. They worked with the CDC to adjust trucking regulations so that truckers would be comfortable making deliveries. They were among the first in the nation to set aside special hours for seniors and immunocompromised customers; they lobbied aggressively for mask use, and ensured that supermarket workers were included in phase 1B of the state’s vaccinations.

There’s one more Westport connection to the May 10 event: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue is president of the New York Board of Rabbis.

Avi Kaner in a Bronx Morton Williams store. (Photo/Danny Ghitis for the New York Times)

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Business Networking International does exactly what its name says.

But there’s a twist: Only one person per profession is allowed to join a chapter. For example, there is one CPA, one architect, one insurance agent.

BNI’s Westport chapter is strong and active. They’ve got 48 members. Last year, they conducted nearly $2 million in business.

There are openings now in a few categories: interior designer, home inspector, developer, heating and air conditioning contractor, fitness club or personal trainer, chef, and attorneys who practice estate and elder law.

Weekly BNI meetings are now held over Zoom. They’ll transition to a hybrid or in-person format this summer or fall. Click here for information, or email info@salonpaulmichael.com.

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Today’s osprey update:

Carolyn Doan reports that the Fresh Market ospreys had a busy week rebuilding and freshening up their nest.

Sometimes when they’re not at home, Carolyn and her son head over to Gray’s Creek. Those birds are usually eating. “The male’s chest is more white, while the female has tan markings,” she says. She took this photo of one finishing a fish.

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

Meanwhile, a group of Y’s Men strolled past this osprey at Longshore:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Five Wreckers are Staples High School’s Students of the Month.

Senior Henrik Hovstadius, junior Bruno Guiduli, sophomores Leo Fielding and Ari Lerner, and freshman Domenic Petrosinelli were nominated by their teachers.

Principal Stafford Thomas called the honorees “the glue of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together, making it the special place that is.

Staples High School students of the month (from left): Henrik Hovstadius, Domenic Petrosinelli and Ari Lerner. Missing: Bruno Guiduli and Leo Fielding.

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The 2021 Music at MoCA Concert Series features a diverse range of jazz, pop and classical outdoor concerts, from April through October. Highlights include performers from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Spotlight series.

Multi-instrumentalist and soulful pop artist Matt Nakoa opens the series on Friday, April 30 (7 p.m). Click here for the full schedule, and tickets.

Season passes are available for all 13 concerts, along with jazz, pop or classical packages and individual concert tickets. MoCA members receive discounts. Food and drinks are available at each event.

Matt Nakoa

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And finally … so who is Matt Nakoa (the first MoCA concert performer this year — see above). Watch below:

 

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Local business, Real estate, religion, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Chill Out, Grill Out — And Give!

Posted on July 11, 2018 | 4 comments

Last summer, Allyson Maida took a shot in the dark.

The longtime Westport psychotherapist — in her role as president of Business Networking International — organized a “Chill Out, Grill Out & Give” event at Greens Farms Elementary School.

Attendees brought their own balls, frisbees, food and drinks (grills were provided). A per person entry fee helped raise over $7,200.

Allyson Maida

Every penny went to children living in transitional housing, served through Homes with Hope. Funds covered day-to-day expenses like birthday parties and transportation not covered by traditional sources.

There was more too. Businesses like Calise’s Deli, Aux Delices and Garelick & Herbs gave gift cards, so families in need could enjoy great food. Folks offered tutoring services and clothes.

It was a wonderful day, filled with surprises.

Weston Police commissioner Susan Moch spontaneously and pridefully sang the national anthem. Everyone stopped, and joined in.

Nick Santasiero and Jimi Italiano pulled out guitars and jammed. Others banged bongos.

Kids and adults played softball together. Strangers tossed frisbees.

Ernie Addario, Bill Hall and Amy Guyette Hall cooked vegan, vegetarian and meat meals. Fleisher’s Craft Butchery brought a large tent (and lots of sausage). Spotted Horse sent steak tips and salad, while Garelick & Herbs provided desserts. (The few leftovers went straight to the Gillespie Center.)

Bill Hall takes care of business at last year’s “Chill Out, Grill Out & Give” party.

Everything came together, Allyson says.

Now she’s organized an encore.

The 2nd annual “Chill Out, Grill Out & Give” is set for this Sunday (July 15), at Greens Farms El. It starts at 2 p.m., and continues until the last person leaves.

This year, some of the children benefiting from the event will be there too. You won’t know who they are.

They’ll be just like everyone else: Westporters having fun in their town.

(The entry is $20 per person, payable at the event; children under 12 go free. Food and drinks are provided, though you can bring your own. For more information, email allyson@allysonmaida.com. Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to “Westport BNI,” and sent to Allyson Maida, 840 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880; write “Homes with Hope” on the memo line.)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Organizations

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