In 2000, the private bank Charlie Haberstroh worked for downsized. He had 4 college-aged children. The dot-com era was crashing.
“What better time to start a new wealth management firm?!” he laughs.
It may not have been the best timing. But Haberstroh was the right man.
This year, CastleKeep Investment Advisors celebrates its 25th year. And the Westport-based firm is doing it the way they’ve done business for a quarter century: by giving back to the community.
The CastleKeep team (from left): Christy Pasqua, Lauren Quesada, Steve Haberstroh, Charlie Haberstroh, Chuck Haberstroh, Mary Hackett.
The highlight of their anniversary celebration at The Bridge at Saugatuck — a few yards away from their Riverside Avenue office — was the announcement of long-term financial support for 2 local groups: Westport’s Department of Human Services, and Staples Tuition Grants.
Both choices were no-brainers.
Patty Haberstroh — Charlie’s wife, and the mother of Chuck and Steve Haberstroh, 2 of her 4 children who are partners in their dad’s firm — died 2 years ago this month, after a long battle with ALS.
She was (among many other activities) a beloved family program coordinator for Human Services.
Patty Haberstroh
Patty ran and supported important initiatives like their annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to children from low-income families; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
In 2000 Steve was a beneficiary of Staples Tuition Grants — the 83-year-old organization that this year awarded $400,000 to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni.
Chuck served for 4 years on STG’s board. Years ago, a friend established a Staples Tuition Grants fund in the Habestrohs’ family name. Charlie continues to support it. Now there will be an additional scholarship, named for CastleKeep.
CastleKeep’s gifts are not their first to the community. In December they supported Human Services’ Holiday Giving Program with a donation that ensures that all graduating seniors who need help will attend college with their own laptops.
Like many small family-owned businesses — albeit on with nearly $1 billion in invstments under management to clients around the world — CastleKeep reflects the values of its founder. In this case, community service is key.
Charlie chairs the Levitt Pavilion Committee. He’s also chaired the Parks & Recreation Commission; been 2nd selectman; served on the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, and was president of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
His children have followed their parents’ lead. Chuck, for example, is very involved in his own kids’ Westport sports program. He also co-founded and co-heads the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, which works closely with Major League Baseball.
Chuck joined CastleKeep soon after graduating from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. At the time, he says, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, except I wanted to succeed Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.”
That seemed unlikely.
“I knew my father needed help at CastleKeep,” Chuck says. “I was willing to do whatever he needed. I had seen what my family had done for each other, and for others. I really wanted to treat colleagues and clients as family, which to me means going above and beyond.”
Steve joined the company afer 5 years with a publicly traded financial planning firm. He gained valuable experience and leadership training there. But, he says, the family aspect attracted him — and helps him attract clients.
Over 25 years — through good times and bad — the firm has grown. They’ve added employees. Every partner began as an intern.
The CastleKeep “family” — blood relatives and others — is proud of that quarter century.
They’re even prouder of the role they play in their community. Both Human Services and Staples Tuition Grants agree: They’re a keeper.
The Haberstroh family has long set the gold standard for civic involvement in Westport.
Charlie and his wife Patty were involved in a long list of activities, from politics (Board of Finance, RTM, Board of Selectmen, Parks & Recreation Commission) and sports (you name it), to social welfare (Department of Human Services).
Their children continue the tradition, without missing a beat.
Patty Haberstroh
When Patty — a beloved and long-time Human Services family coordinator — was diagnosed with ALS, the Haberstrohs added their prodigious energy to education, advocacy and fundraising around the debilitating and deadly disease.
On June 17th, brothers Chuck and Steve — a former Staples High School All-State golfer — played 100 holes in Hartford, to raise funds to fight ALS.
No big deal? That was 100 holes in one day.
The group of 24 — including ESPN NFL analyst and Westport resident Dan Orlovsky — teed off at 5 a.m. They finished nearly 16 hours later, at 8:45 p.m.
Dan Orlovsky, midway through the long but rewarding day.
They did it all in pouring rain — all day long.
That was challenging, Chuck says. But, he notes, “it was nothing compared to what our mom dealt with battling ALS.”
The long, emotional day brought in over $450,000.
Funds go to 3 charities. ALS TDI is laser-focused on finding cures and treatment for the disease. Team Gleason is a leader in developing and sharing technology for people living with ALS.
Experience Camps — based here in Westport – is a national program offering year-round programs for children whose parents or caregivers have died.
Chuck and Steve Haberstroh, with a sign honoring their mother at Keney Park.
A capacity crowd (including namesakes Rev. John and Judyth Branson) filled Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall last night, for the annual 1st Citizen Award dinner.
The 7th annual event — sponsored by the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, but the first held since the pandemic — honored Westport Library director Bill Harmer, CastleKeepAdvisors founder and CEO Charlie Haberstroh, and 4 student entrepreneurs: Marley Brown, Akhila Kooma, Addison Moore and Jamie Semaya.
Charlie Haberstroh (center) and his family.
The theme of the evening — echoed by Chamber director Matthew Mandell and keynote speaker US Senator Richard Blumenthal — was “giving back to the community.”
Westport Library director Bill Harmer speaks. Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell is at left.
All 6 honorees have done that in major ways. And all expressed thanks that the communities of Westport and Weston have inspired, and enabled them, to do so.
Keynote speaker Senator Richard Blumental. (All photos/Dan Woog)
“Reluctant Liberators: Westport in the Civil War” was curated by students. Staples High School junior Talia Moskowitz took the lead, as part of an independent study project.
She got help from the museum’s high school interns: Amelia Gura, Devan Patel and Oscar Scher (Staples), Stephanie Field (Weston) and Tess Innes (Wilton).
The exhibit includes information on early Westporters like the Toquet, Coley and Ketchum families, and an exploration of racial issues during that time.
It runs through November 11.
Talia Moskowitz, at the Westport Museum for History & Culture exhibit.
As the end of school nears, here’s an important reminder: Not every family here can afford the camps and enrichment programs many take for granted.
Westport’s Department of Human Services can help.
Last summer, 58 income-qualified youth, from 32 families, participated in the department’s campership program.
This year, the number may be higher.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault encourages residents who can, to contribute. Online donations can be made to the “DHS Campership Fund” (click here), or mailed to 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information — including how to qualify for a campership — email youth and family specialist Annette D’Augelli: 203-341-1050; adaugelli@westportct.gov.
Summer Camp has been part of growing up for decades. In 1953, Westport artist Stevan Dohanos used Camp Mahackeno for this Saturday Evening Post cover.
Tomorrow marks the start of Wakeman Town Farm’s farm stand.
Open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it features fresh produce, fresh-cut flower bouquets, WTF logowear and honey, and products from local vendors like artisan baked goods, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs, homemade salsas and more.
The gardens are open. It’s also a chance to see the animals, and chat with farmers.
PS: This week: limited amounts of country and roasted garlic sourdough, multigrain pan loafs, focaccina minis, olive-Focaccia and bomboloni Nutella.
When it comes to powerful adjectives and action verbs, no one beats the New York Post.
Yesterday’s story on the the future of Phil Donohue and Marlo Thomas’ former Beachside Avenue home begins:
A Connecticut “Gold Coast” mansion sold by talk show pioneer Phil Donahue for $25 million is to be be bulldozed by its current owners who say it is falling apart and overrun by vermin.
The once-palatial Tudor on Westport’s most exclusive avenue has become a home for rats and raccoons with a caving-in roof, its new owner Peggy Reiner claims.
She is involved in a bid to tear down the 8,500 square foot manse after building a 20,000 square foot beach-view home with a commanding prospect of Long Island Sound in front of it.
The long story describes the history of the current property, and others nearby.
It also calls “06880” a “popular gossipy and newsy blog.”
Nice. But we’ll stick with “where Westport meets the world.”
Click here for the full Post story. (The “06880” mention comes near the end.)
The New York Post story includes this Google Earth photo of Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas’ “vermin”-filled old house (rear), and the 20,000-plus square foot home that replaced it.
The recent haze from Canada’s wildfires prompts this message, from Westport’s Office of Emergency Management:
Daycare providers, summer camps and older residents should subscribe to the Air Quality Index . It is fast, easy and provides important daily information. The link includes ground-level ozone, its health effects, what to do on a high ozone day, and how to reduce ground level ozone in your backyard.
Learn how to cope with days like this. Subscribe to the AQI. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
Yesterday’s Roundup posed a question: What’s up with the Photoshopped figure on top of the Westport Country Playhouse photo I posted on “06880” a couple of days ago.
It took about 12 minutes to find the answer.
Miggs Burroughs — Westport’s graphic artist/photographer extraordinaire, who has worked with nearly every organization in town — Photoshopped Ann Sheffer on the roof of the building, several years ago.
It was a gift from the Playhouse to her, for her many years of service and support.
In fact, Ann — one of our town’s most philanthropic residents — spent one summer, back in the day, as an usher there.
Decades later, she made it onto the roof.
And now the mystery is solved.
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Also yesterday, our Roundup gave an incorrect date for this weekend’s “Last Lollapaloosa” at Blau House & Gardens.
The correct day for the Bayberry Ridge event is Sunday, June 11.
The day includes tours of the magnificent property, yoga, children’s book readings, a reception and more.
Click here to register (deadline: June 5), and for information on payment and shuttle transportation from Coleytown Elementary School.
And finally … George Winston, the new age pianist (he called it “rural folk piano”) died Sunday in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was 74, and had been ill with cancer.
(“06880” will cover Staples’ graduation — as we do with every big town activity, and many small ones. Please help us keep doing it. Click here to contribute — and thank you!)
Two men who have made their mark on Westport will be honored as First Citizens.
Charlie Haberstroh — a longtime civic volunteer, and founder and CEO of CastleKeep Investment Advisors — and Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer are honorees of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
The first First Citizen Award dinner since the pandemic is set for June 8 (Branson Hall, Christ & Holy Trinity Church). The keynote speaker is Senator Richard Blumenthal.
The event honors one non-profit leader, and one businessperson. They “represent what is best in our town for their work ethic, generosity and how they approach business,” says Chamber director Matthew Mandell.
From left: Charlie Haberstroh and Bill Harmer.
“It is a distinct honor to be recognized by a community that has given my family so much since we moved here in 1990,” says Haberstroh.
“Whether it’s long nights on the baseball fields, picturesque sunsets at Compo Beach or digging out of the sand hazards at the Longshore golf course, I cherish the many memories and experiences in Westport,” says Haberstroh.
“Since I founded my investment advisory firm in 2000, I’ve also had the privilege of giving back to the community through public service. I was inspired to do so by my wife and by Bill Meyer who also inspired many who continue to serve Westport.”
Harmer calls himself “deeply humbled and moved by this recognition by my friends at the Chamber of Commerce, for frankly doing work that I absolutely love and am extremely passionate about.
“Thanks also to my staff and our Board of Trustees who consistently support our vision and allow me to be a part of this magnificent place we call Westport and the Westport Library.”
Also receiving awards: 4 “Young Entrepreneurs.” Marley Brown, Akhila Kooma, Addison Moore and Jamie Semaya are seniors from Weston and Staples High Schools. All created new and intriguing business ventures.
Tickets are $125 each. Tables of 10 are also available. Click here for details.
(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to contribute — and thank you!)
Two years ago, Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS.
She did not take the news lying down.
Neither did her family.
Together they embarked on the #ALSPepperChallenge. Across the country, people — from national celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Dan Le Batard to local ones like the Staples High School principal and first selectman — ate habaneros and jalapeños, raising nearly a million dollars to fight what is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
In addition, 2 of Patty’s sons — Chuck and Steve — joined the IAmALS advisory board.
This morning, they rose early. With their friends — current and former Westporters Chris Aitkin, Matt Cook, Ben Erwin, Chris Kenyon, Steve O’Dell, Stacy Rosenthal and Raffi Tokatlian — they joined 150 others as IAmALS “took over” nearly a dozen billboards in Times Square.
Steve and Chuck Haberstroh, helping change the world for their mom.
Their messages brought attention to the fight — and spread the message that ALS research can also unlock critical breakthroughs for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Some of the messages were hopeful. Some were educational. Some were defiant.
All are crucial.
Bad weather kept Patty Haberstroh from attending the Times Square event this morning. Her husband — Parks & Recreation Commission chair Charlie Haberstroh — and daughter Kim watched the livestream at home. So did their son Tom, in Charlotte, North Carolina with his family.
Westporters got their first look at the “new” Compo Beach last Saturday — the most beautiful day of the holiday weekend.
It passed with flying colors.
Residents raved about the new entrance pattern, easing traffic into the beach; the sign by the Minute Man noting that the limit of daily parking permits had been reached; the new lot for daily parkers; the updated pavilion, and enormous new seating area next to Joey’s; the spiffy new bathrooms, and the Mobi-Mat allowing easy access to the water for people with walkers, in wheelchairs or pushing strollers.
There were smiles all around, and grateful praise for the Parks and Recreation Commission.
The new pavilion, near Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Carmine Picarello)
The only frowns were on the faces of folks told they could not toss a football or frisbee on the beach.
For decades, rules prohibited those kinds of activities on the sand. In recent years, lifeguards have turned a blind eye.
This weekend however, they were enforced strongly.
(Photo/Anne Bernier)
I asked Parks & Rec chair Charlie Haberstroh for a comment. He said:
These rules are not new. At Parks & Rec Commission meetings during the winter and spring we updated and clarified some of the rules.
It is clear from the fact that it is the Parks and RecreationCommission that all commissioners are in favor of recreation and increased physical activity. At the same time, we held many meetings on how to improve Compo Beach and deal with the perceived overcrowding evident in 2017.
I hope all residents and non-residents appreciate all the positive changes we made. One change was better enforcement of existing rules and regulations. We also knew we would have pushback from folks at the beach who were not aware of the rules.
Specifically about throwing a football/frisbee etc. at the beach: After discussion with Parks & Rec director Jen Fava, together we have decided to designate at least 2 areas at Compo — tentatively one in front of the volleyball area, and one on the north end of East Beach for throwing footballs, frisbees and the like.
The department will make the final determination of locations. They will have movable boundaries, depending on how crowded the beach is. Parks & Rec personnel and the police department officers on duty will continue to educate folks on the rules.
The Commission will review the rules, and the 2018 summer experience, at a fall meeting, and make permanent changes then. We will continue to tweak things as appropriate and within the rules.
We are committed to making Compo enjoyable to all, within existing rules. If anyone has issues with any aspect of the Compo Beach, please contact me at haberstroh.prc@gmail.com, or text or call me at 203-515-2064.
The Haberstroh family’s #ALSPepperChallenge has spread all over the country.
But right here in Westport, it’s bearing particular fruit.
The latest group to raise money for research into the devastating disease — in honor of Department of Human Services program specialist Patty Haberstroh — is Wakeman Town Farm.
Challenged by Parks & Rec — whose commission chairman is Patty’s husband, Charlie — Liz Milwe and Christy Colasurdo decided to be creative.
Taking her cue from “Rapper’s Delight,” Christy wrote lyrics. Corey Thomas — WTF’s talented steward — showed his versatility as the rapper.
The video was filmed yesterday at the farm, after their annual team retreat. It’s already been viewed over 450 times on Instagram, and 400 times on Facebook.
Wakeman Town Farm was not the only organization in town taking the hot pepper challenge yesterday. Staples High School’s boys basketball team did the same — and were inspired by a visit from both Patty and Steve Haberstroh, a former Wrecker hoops star (and Patty and Charlie’s son).
Haberstroh noted that Jon Walker — a 1988 Staples grad, and another famed Wrecker basketball player — died last year of ALS.
Coach Colin Devine (far left) and members of the Staples High School boys basketball team take the #ALSPepperChallenge yesterday.
The Haberstrohs’ challenge has raised nearly $220,000 so far. That includes a $100,000 anonymous donation. Another $250,000 anonymous pledge is expected this week.
(Click here for the Haberstrohs’ hot pepper challenge donation page.)
An “06880” story on Wednesday about a hot Westport topic — crowds at Compo Beach, and what appears to be an increase in out-of-town cars — drew dozens of comments.
Many readers wanted statistics on the number of passes sold, how many times the parking lot has been closed, and related issues.
This morning, they’ve got an official response.
Charlie Haberstroh just emailed this statement. He says:
Compo Beach is one of Westport’s most treasured assets, and has been a key priority for our Parks & Recreation Commission. There have recently been concerns and recommendations expressed in the media as well as political emails sent to Westport residents. We of course welcome all ideas to improve Compo Beach. As the chairman of the Parks & Recreation Commission, I would like to share some facts and my thoughts with the community.
Congestion
The 4th of July and Labor Day weekends have historically seen a surge in visits to Compo Beach. However, an unexpected surge occurred this past Sunday, July 30. We did limit the sale of daily parking passes on that day from 2:30 to 4 p.m., consistent with our policy when the available spaces at Compo Beach reach 75. No resident beach emblem holders were turned away – only those attempting to purchase a daily pass.
While these surges are rare occurrences, we will consider policy modifications to address those instances including limits to the number of daily passes sold, and pre-purchase options to reduce wait time at the beach entrance.
To avoid any misunderstandings on the Soundview lot, it is only available to emblem holders, not daily pass holders. It has been this way since the 1980s.
Compo Bech is many things, to many people. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Daily Pricing
As we do every fall, the Parks & Recreation Department conducts a full review after the beach season concludes and presents policy and fee recommendations to the Commission and board of selectmen. Westport charges $30 per day on weekdays and $50 on weekends, consistent with neighboring communities. Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach charges $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends. Fairfield’s Jennings Beach charges $20 on weekdays and $50 on weekends. Darien’s Weed Beach charges $40 every day. Doubling the daily parking fees, as some have proposed, could dramatically restrict access to our beach for lower income guests, and may not reflect Westport’s values as an inclusive, welcoming community.
Improvements
Our Commission’s efforts have made Compo Beach an even more attractive destination for Westporters and visitors alike. The popular new east beach walkway provides safe access for everyone including those with strollers, wheelchairs and mobility issues, enabling them to travel from the pavilion to the cannons. We resurfaced the basketball courts and created new pickleball courts. The east beach parking lot has been repaved and we are currently making improvements to the Soundview parking lot. The dredging of Compo Basin improves safety and the boating experience.
This fall, the Compo Beach pavilion gets a new roof. (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
We are also pursuing a number of other Compo Beach initiatives. This fall we will commence renovations to the bathhouse and pavilion, including upgrading the bathrooms and roofs to make them more attractive and safe. We are examining options to extend the beach walkway and build permanent accessible bathrooms in the South Beach area, as well as upgrading the skateboard park. We are also evaluating moving the entrance hut further back to help reduce wait time on surge days and allow residents with emblems to bypass the lines. We continue to explore how technology can improve the beach entrance process for our resident beach emblem holders as well as visitors.
I encourage residents to share their ideas directly with me. I will share your thoughts with the Parks & Recreation Department and Commission. My email address is haberstroh.prc@gmail.com.
When I posted yesterday’s photo of a palm tree that appeared suddenly last Friday at Compo Beach near Ned Dimes Marina, I thought it was just a cute little piece.
More than a dozen readers responded. Most loved it.
Charlie Haberstroh did not. The chair of Westport’s Parks and Recreation Commission commented:
Just to be clear, it was not planted by the Parks and Rec Department nor was it by the Tree Warden. Hopefully, whoever planted it will remove it and save the tree.
Boo!
One view of the palm tree … (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)
When I heard the back story (Butchie Izzo planted it as a replacement for a tree that died) — and posted it this morning — I figured folks would be amused.
Very quickly, over 40 “06880” readers added their thoughts. All of them love the palm tree. It’s fun; it’s quirky; it was done by a great guy, with a huge Westport heart.
Haberstroh heard you.
… and another. (Photo/Randy Christophersen)
A few minutes ago, he wrote:
Since the tree is a replacement for a tree originally planted with town authorization, we have decided to let the palm tree stand. It will replaced by Butchie by contract in the fall. Enjoy!
Yay!
Score one for Westport.
For Butchie Izzo.
And for our friends on the Parks and Rec Commission, who will hopefully enjoy our special palm tree with the rest of us, all summer long.
The Compo Beach pavilion — the brick structure next to the bathhouses and Joey’s by the Shore, popular with picnickers, people-watchers and photographers — is off-limits for a few days.
Westport’s Parks and Recreation Commission heeded the report of consultant Jim DeStefano that damage to the pavilion — from age and storms — made it unsafe.
It’s been blocked off with security tape. On Monday, work begins on a new roof. It’s expected to take 5 days — just in time for the surge of July 4th weekend beachgoers.
The Compo Beach pavilion roof is a favorite home for seagulls…
“We’re sensitive that the pavilion is in a historic district,” says Parks and Rec Commission chair Charlie Haberstroh.
He noted that there will be no changes to the structure itself. The roof was last replaced in 1988.
“We’re being very careful not to touch any walls,” Haberstroh says.
Parks and Rec may provide canopies or umbrellas for shade during the project.
Joey’s (and the lockers and restrooms) will remain open throughout.
… and a favorite too of photographers, who love to frame shots through it. (Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)
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