Tag Archives: Compo Beach dogs

Roundup: World Series, Push-ups, Compo Dogs …

Posted on October 21, 2024 | 14 comments

Ben Casparius is headed to the World Series.

The 2017 Staples High School graduate — believed to be the first former Wrecker ever to reach baseball’s Major Leagues — now goes to the ultimate games.

And he’s one reason they’re there.

Called up from the minors in August, Casparius has proven to be a reliable relief pitcher. Last night he threw 1 1/3 innings, allowing 2 hits, walking 1 but giving up no runs, as the Dodgers beat the New York Mets 10-5.

And Casparius — one of 7 LA pitchers — was credited with the win. It was his first in MLB.

Jeff Mitchell explains: “If the starting pitcher does not complete at least 5 innings and leaves the game with a lead that the team maintains, the official scorer will decide which relief pitcher is credited with the win.

“The scorer typically awards the win to the relief pitcher who was the most effective in preserving the lead during the game. Because no relief pitcher pitched more innings than Ben (1 1/3) nor had a better ERA (0.00), Ben was awarded it.

“I highly doubt any pitcher in the history of baseball has won a post-season game with fewer regular season appearances. Ben had appeared in just 3 regular season games, and now has appeared in 4 post-season games.

“However, rumors are that Dodger relievers Brusdar Graterol and Alex Vesia might be well enough to return for the World Series. That means they would need to replace 1 or 2 relievers currently on the roster.

“Ben is not assured to be back on the starting roster. But I think he’ll be in the dugout to be used in case of injury.”

Here’s the clubhouse scene, after the game:

 

Meanwhile, as the California team battled to reach the World Series — against the New York Yankees — most folks assumed the Connecticut native had grown up rooting for either the Yanks or the Mets.

Nope.

Yesterday’s Boston Globe reported:

Dodgers rookie righthander Ben Caspariusgrew up in Westport, Conn., which is Yankees territory. But he was a Red Sox fan.

“My father is from Maine and he and my mom went to Northeastern,” Casparius said. “So I always liked the Sox.”

The Globe added:

Casparius was a two-way player at North Carolina then transferred to UConn to focus on pitching.

It was a good decision. He had a 3.36 ERA as a starter in Triple A this season, made his major league debut as a reliever, and worked 3 scoreless innings in his first 2 postseason games, striking out 4 and not allowing a hit.

His message from manager Dave Roberts?

“Just be myself,” Casparius said. “It’s just another day in baseball, nothing needs to change, or reinvent the wheel or try anything new. And really just to soak it all in and just take in every moment. Enjoy it.”

Casparius hit 97 miles per hour with his fastball against the Mets in Game 3 of the NLCS. While his work has not been in high-leverage spots, Casparius picking up outs has helped the other relievers get some rest.

(Hat tip: Jeff Booth)

Ben Casparius (screenshot courtesy of Dave Briggs)

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Speaking of sports: Members of the Staples High School boys and girls soccer teams, and the field hockey squad, joined many other Westporters yesterday morning, at the annual Push Against Cancer event.

The giant push-up festival raises funds to support The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, aiding children with serious illnesses.

First selectwoman Jen Tooker was there to support the cause, and event founder Andy Berman.

Literally, as the photo below shows:

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Andy Berman.

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A gentle reminder, from Westport’s great Parks & Recreation Department: From now through March 31, dogs are welcome at Compo Beach.

There are leashed and unleashed areas on the sand.

Dogs are not allowed on the sidewalk or boardwalk. Please keep them free for humans!

(Photo/Carm Roda)

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Gail Bernstein — who in her more than 30 years as benefits coordinator for the town of Westport solved many problems, made life better for countless employees, and earned great respect — died peacefully at her Fairfield home on Thursday, surrounded by her family. She was 89.

She is survived by her sons Paul (April) and Douglas; sister Judy (Dan); nephews Jeffrey (Jo), Matthew (Paloma), Rob (Jennifer), Peter (Scott), David (Linda); niece Martha; step-grandchildren Michael, Emily and Jason; grandnieces Sabrina and Nicole; grandnephew Michael, and other extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday (October 22, 12 noon, Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Burial will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. F

Friends and family may visit at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. Click here to leave an online condolence note.

Gail Bernstein

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Bees do it.

Cooperate, that is.

Nancy Vener provides an up-close-and-very-personal look, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … in honor of Ben Casparius’ Boston Red Sox fandom:

(Good times never seem so good as when you’re part of our great “06880” community. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please consider supporting our work. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Dogs, Elementary Redistricting, Breast Cancer Detection …

Posted on October 1, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Compo Dogs, Elementary Redistricting, Breast Cancer Detection …

Compo Beach is going (back) to the dogs.

Starting today, canines are welcome.

They must be leashed, except in the off-leash area south of the pavilion (including South Beach).

Dogs are not allowed in the pavilion, playground and on walkways. Humans are required to pick up their pets’ poop.

Violators of any of the regulations are subject to a $77 fine.

Enjoy the next 6 months. Fido and friends will be barred from the beach again, on April 1.

Yogi Bear and Daisy played by the rules yesterday. Today, they get their paws sandy. They look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones. (Photo/Cathy “Cat” Malkin)

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A new redistricting “map viewer” is available on the Westport Public Schools website (click here to see).

It’s part of the dedicated “Redistricting Resources” page (click here for the page).

Families can use both locational services, or search by address, to explore the interactive map.

At the September 19 Board of Education meeting superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice recommended “Scenario A1 — Phase 1,” with formal board action to be taken in November.

Screenshot of the elementary school redistricting plan. Saugatuck is in the middle (pink). Clockwise from top: Coleytown, Long Lots, Greens Farms, Kings Highway.

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Longtime Westporter Gloria Gouveia — former town zoning administrator, now a highly respected land use consultant — is the newest member of the Connecticut Mirror community editorial board.

Her first opinion piece for the statewide non-profit journalism cite is powerful, personal, and very timely.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Gloria shares her own experience with the disease.

She also advocates for access to mammograms and breast cancer care for all women, regardless of income or insurance coverage.

Click here to read “Reach Out for Help With Early Breast Cancer Detection.”

Gloria Gouveia

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On the 1-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County will sponsor an interfaith “As One We Come Together” gathering.

The time is 7:30 p.m. Click here to register

The day before (Sunday, October 6, noon to 3 p.m., Compo Beach), a ceremony will remember and honor the 101 people still held as hostages by Hamas. The public is invited.

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The Public Works Department’s fall paving program begins next Monday (October 7). It runs through the end of November.

These roads will be paved (though not in this order):

  • Poplar Plains Road
  • McMahon Lane
  • Riverfield Drive (north section)
  • Nutcracker Lane
  • St. George Place
  • Salem Road
  • Salem Lane
  • Colony Road
  • Burr Farms Road
  • Long Lots Road
  • Bauer Place Road and Extension
  • Church Street South
  • Center Street
  • Hillspoint Road
  • Fresenius Road.

Questions? Call 203-341-1120.

Coming soon, to a street near you.

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As Broadway fans everywhere mourn the death of Gavin Creel yesterday at 48, from a rare form of cancer, Westport Country Playhouse staffers and audiences had special reasons to remember the Broadway and West End star.

In January 2022, PBS broadcast “Stars on Stage,” a special performance taped 4 months earlier at the Playhouse. Click below for a short clip:

Eight months later, when Renée Elise Goldsberry headlined the WCP benefit gala, Tony and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel offered “coffee and conversation” as a silent auction item.

Creel was a graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater and Dance, about a decade before Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul.

But when Paul and his musical theater songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, were just starting their careers, Creel gave them a boost by performing their songs.

Staples Players co-director Kerry Long posted this 2008 clip on social media:

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And the winner of the Botanical Arts Photography Award at the Westport Garden Club’s “Westport’s Town Treasures” last weekend is … former president Kelle Ruden.

No, the fix was not in.

Judging was blind. Officials did not know who submitted what.

Kelle was “gob-smacked” to learn her image — “Pollinators,” taken at Sherwood Island State park — took the top prize.

But see for yourself (below). It’s a winner!

“Pollinators” (Kelle Ruden)

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The Staples boys soccer online auction is live.

Items include New York Yankees tickets, a ski on/off weekend at Stowe, a private wood-fired pizza party, clinics with varsity players, a chance to announce the starting lineup at a match — and a VIP day at a concert with Old Dominion, the award-winning country band whose guitarist/vocalist, Brad Tursi, is a former Staples soccer star.

Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction ends Sunday (October 6, 10 p.m.).

Brad Tursi — former Staples soccer star, now a country music idol.

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Jazz singer and noted Westporter Melissa Newman kicks off JazzFC’s first annual “Girls’ Night Out Festival” — 4 weeks of female jazz artists — this Thursday (October 3), at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

It’s part of Jazz at the Post. Shows are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15 for veterans and students).

Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Melissa Newman

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“ColleCTomania: The Outsized Influence of Swiss Posters” — a collection of Tom Strong’s archives — has been extended, at MoMA CT.

The exhibition — including a diverse range of poster from the 1930s through the present, plus a short documentary video — now runs through December 29.

For details, click here.

Posters from the MoCA show.

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Creatures of all kinds often take center stage in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

Today though, the focus is on all the quiet beauty around one little friend.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … welcome to a new month!

(Another day, another “Roundup” filled with news about education, health, politics, and of course dogs and golf balls. If you like this eclectic, daily mix, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #2537

Posted on March 29, 2024 | 1 comment

Billie Jean and Roger enjoy Compo Beach : romping, seeing their canine friends, soaking up the sun. They’ve got just 2 more days of fun, though. New rules are in affect Monday (April 1) through September 30. (Photo/Nancy Lally)

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Roundup: Dog Fears, Melissa & Doug, Art Aid …

Posted on October 12, 2023 | 12 comments

Dogs are joyful: As of October 1, they are allowed back at Compo Beach.

But the other day, longtime Westporters Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin noticed a young child crying, afraid of the dogs.

The women kept their pets at a distance. But several other owners allowed their dogs to run up to the family. Upset and frustrated, they left the beach.

Stefani and Cathy see that scene often, at other places too like sports events and outdoor restaurants. Up to 20% of the population — adults as well as children — have some fear of dogs.

They know that with exposure therapy, it is possible to overcome a fear of dogs. In fact, they’ve written a book: “Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents.”

Now they’re presenting an online workshop about it (Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.). The material is appropriate for all ages. It covers an understanding of cynophobia, strategies to face that fear, ways to stay safe around dogs, and the importance of noticing a dog’s body language to tell when to interact and when to stay away.

In addition to anyone fearful of dogs, the webinar is aimed at therapists, dog professionals, educators and parents.

The cost is $27. Click here to register, and for more information.

A fun sight — but not for everyone. (Photo/Dan Johnson)

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Melissa & Doug — the beloved toy company founded by Melissa and Doug Bernstein in 1988, in their Westport basement and his parents’ nearby garage — has been sold.

Spin Master announced yesterday that they bought the Wilton-based firm for $950 million.

Spin Master was attracted by Melissa & Doug’s trusted brand of early childhood toys, and timeless products. They are sustainable wooden toys, without screens. Last year’s net sales were $490 million.

Click here for the full story.(Hat tip: David Loffredo)

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It’s always hard for artists to make ends meet.

Some Bridgeport artists are in serious straits. Lynn Flint is doing what she can to help.

She’s running a 1-day estate sale at her home. Proceeds will help them meet immediate needs, including rent, food, fuel and art materials.

A member of the Bridgeport arts community will be there, offering information on the arts (who will have their own open studios in November).

So I am having an experimental one day only estate sale in the ground level area of my home since I am handicapped and can no longer run up and down stairs.

It’s Saturday, October 26 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), on Belaire Drive. A sign on Saugatuck Avenue (near the Norwalk border) will direct art lovers to the sale.

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In just over one year, Club 203 has become one of Westport’s most important non-profit organizations.

Yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club learned about the town’s social club for adults with disabilities from co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh. They told moving stories of the need for such a group — and the joy and bonds created at every monthly meeting.

A host of Westport groups and businesses have hosted Club 203 activities, in a town-wide showing of interest and support.

Stacie Curran (left) and Sharuna Mahesh of Club 203, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Speaking of Rotary:

Rick Benson — one of Westport’s more energetic and productive members since joining in 1989 — recently received a huge honor.

In Toronto, Rick was recognized with a zonal Donald MacRae Peace Award. It celebrates members who demonstrate the advancement of international goodwill, understanding and peace through peacemaking efforts or humanitarian activity of international significance.

Rick is a previous recipient of local, district and zone honors — and the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, in 2020.

Rick Benson, his wife Totney, and his Donald MacRae Peace Award.

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STAR Inc. and Voices Center for Resilience present a special program: “A 22-Year Journey from 9/11 to Today: Helping Families and Communities Prepare for Emergencies” next Wednesday (October 18, 7 p.m., Westport Library).

Mary Fetchet — founding Director of Voices Center for Resilience — lives in New Canaan. Her son Brad died in the September 11 attacks.

She will share her personal experience and perspective on preparing communities in advance of a tragedy.

A panel discussion about emergency management in Westport will include 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, emergency management director and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and state Department of Emergency Services representative Robert Kenny.

Attendees will receive a tip sheet and emergency management packet.

For more information and to register,  click here.

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Trick or treat!

Halloween is less than 3 weeks ago. These guys — at the corner of Clapboard Hill and Devon Road — can’t wait.

Then again, maybe they have all the time in the world.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Saugatuck River photo comes from Sunny Sherman.

Her words are as meaningful as her picture: “It’s hard to forget the horrors happening in Israel right now. But I thought you and your readers might like to enjoy (unfiltered) what I am blessed to see almost nightly.”

(Photo/Sunny Sherman)

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And finally … in response to Stefani Cohen and Cathy Malkin’s upcoming webinar (story above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. If you support local journalism, please support us. Just click here — and thank you!)

 

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Pic Of The Day #2363

Posted on October 7, 2023 | 2 comments

Dogs return to Compo Beach (Photo/Karen Como)

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Roundup: Slice Is On, Dogs Are Out, Bitcoin Is Back …

Posted on September 30, 2023 | 1 comment

Forget yesterday’s weather. And this morning’s.

Today’s Slice of Saugatuck is on! The weather prediction is for clearing this afternoon:

Come out from indoors! Enjoy the rest of the day in Saugatuck. There’s food, fun, kids’ activities, and 7 bands.

It’s starts at 2 p.m., and runs until 5. Click here for more information.

 

Members of Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs) braved the rain to help set up for the Slice of Saugatuck.

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Tomorrow is October 1. Which means that from Sunday through March 31:

  • Dogs are prohibited from the Compo Beach Pavilion, playground and walkways.
  • All dogs must be leashed in all areas, except the designated off-leash area south of the Pavilion, including South Beach.
  • You are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.

Violators will be fined $77.

In addition, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava notes that animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at all times.

As of October 1, dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach. It’s okay, Yogi – you can go in! (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine includes a long story on Josh Koskoff. The 3rd-generation lawyer — and longtime Westporter — is profiled for his lawsuits against companies that make assault rifles.

Author Michael Steinberger notes that he grew up a year behind Koskoff here, though they cannot recall ever talking.

Click here for the full, fascinating piece.

Josh Koskoff

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In May, the Westport Police Detective Bureau initiated an investigation after a victim reported they had fallen for an elaborate financial scam.

In January, the victim was convinced to move money from a retirement account into a “Kraken” cryptocurrency account. Between January and March, over $3 million worth of Bitcoin was withdrawn and transferred to cryptocurrency wallets the victim did not control.

Working with the State Police Organized Crime Task Force, Westport detectives tracked the transactions and froze all accounts associated with the scam.

The investigation led to individuals in Pakistan. Although arrests are highly unlikely, Westport detectives recovered $3.2 million, which was returned to the victim.

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Last weekend, Peter Swift wrote an “06880 Opinion” piece about the wetlands, watershed and retention pond near Muddy Brook, by Long Lots Elementary School.

This was the scene yesterday in back of the school, by Bauer Place Extension. The retention pond overflowed, in the heavy rain.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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The other day, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston hosted legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

On Monday (October 2), their guest will discuss a different kind of “court.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong comes to the Westport Library at 7 p.m.

His talk is called

“From Bierbaum to the Sacklers: How Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Looks Out for Connecticut Citizens.” Just this week, Connecticut joined federal regulators and 16 other states in suing Amazon over allegations that the e-commerce giant took advantage of its market dominance to inflate prices, overcharge sellers and suppress competition.

Tong will talk about the collapse of Joseph Bierbaum’s for-profit colleges, Stone Academy and Paier School of Art, as well as the cooperative, multi-state effort to hold the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma accountable for their actions.

The event is open to the public.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

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The next Friday the 13th comes just weeks before Halloween. The best way to celebrate? With Fireside Mystery Theatre at the Westport Library.

At 6:30 p.m., the award-winning audio theater production company premiers “Nightfall on the Nutmeg State.” The 4 pieces were written especially for the Library.

The troupe’s actors will read live on stage, in full costume, each in front of a mic with script in hand.

The live performance will be recorded and later featured on Fireside Mystery Theatre’s podcast feed, which has reached millions of listeners around the world. It bridges the gap between the Golden Age of Radio and the podcast era.

Tickets are $20. The event is a warmup to StoryFest, the annual literary festival. It runs October 20-22, featuring Neil Gaiman, Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and many more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The other day, Carolyn Wilkinson noticed something was wrong.

The iconic sign — “Bridge Square, Saugatuck, Conn.”  is gone.

It hung there for over 50 years, Carolyn said.

Hey, it was nice while it lasted.

(Photo/Izzy Sareen for Inklings)

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Each year around this time, Green’s Farms Church members fan out in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport, to work on Service Day projects with partners.

Last Sunday they did landscaping, kitchen clean-up, carpentry, community closet organization, and many other tasks, alongside Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, Open Doors Shelter, Pivot Ministries, Recovery Community Development and Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

As the photo below shows, there were plenty of them. And they spanned all ages.

Green’s Farms Church Service Day volunteers.

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Mark Shanahan does not take over as Westport Country Playhouse artistic director until next year.

But he’s written, and will direct, “A Sherlock Carol,” Set for December 19-23, it brings characters from Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle together in a story of intrigue and suspense (plus holiday cheer).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Longshore Ladies 9 Holers held their annual charity event Thursday, in support of the Westport Woman’s Club food closet.

They collected a trunk full of food items — and collected $1,200 in donations.

That’s quite a day. Hardly “par for the course.”

Longshore ladies golf food for the pantry.

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Boygenius — a hot band on a nationwide tour — played at New Haven’s Westville Music Bowl on Thursday.

The opening act was Palehound. Guitarist/vocalist El Kempner graduated from Staples High School in 2010.

Palehound at Westville Music Bowl. (Photo and hat tip/Larry Perlstein)

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Larry Kastriner died September 14. He was 92, and lived in Westport for 52 years.

He was born in what was Czechoslovakia to Hungarian parents. He emigrated with them in 1940 to Bridgeport, where where he excelled in academics and competed for the high school swim team.

Larry received a full scholarship to Columbia University. He majored in chemical engineering and was a varsity swimmer. He then earned a master’s degree, and pivoted to patent law.

Newly married to Mary Tydor, Larry attended George Washington University Law School evenings while working full time at the US Patent and Trademark Office. He also clerked at the Court of Customs & Patent Appeals.

Following the birth of their daughter, Marianne, he and Mary moved to Yonkers. He began his career at Union Carbide as a patent attorney.  A second daughter, Susan was born. The family moved to Westport in 1965, where they had their third daughter, Cathryn.

Larry enjoyed a long and successful career with Union Carbide (later Praxair) as chief patent counsel.

The family was very involved in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Westport. He served on the Board of Tax Review and was a dedicated member of the YMCA, where he swam and played volleyball. He was a regular attendee at Y’s Men events.

He and Mary spent many evenings walking on the beach or watching the sunset, socializing with friends, and swimming, sailing and playing tennis at Longshore.

While working full time, Larry also taught patent law at the Pace University Law School, as an adjunct professor.  In retirement Larry enjoyed gardening, sculpting, and spending winters at the condo that he and Mary owned in Longboat Key, FL.

Larry and Mary moved to Rockville, Maryland in 2017, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary; daughters Marianne (Dean) Schwanke, Susan (Andrew) Lawrence, and Cathy Kastriner, and grandchildren Billy and Matthew Schwanke, Anna Lawrence, and Sophie and Kel Kastriner.

A celebration of life will be held October 14 in Rockville. Larry’s ashes will be interred at the Unitarian Church in Westport in connection with a service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Larry’s memory may donate to the organization of their choice, or plant a tree in his memory.

Larry Kastriner

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the force of nature.

It’s Deadman Brook, yesterday:

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Frankie Lymon.

The soprano lead singer of the Teenagers was born in Washington Heights in 1942. He died 25 years later, of a heroin overdose.

In between, he made this masterpiece:

(Don’t be a fool! Please help support “06880”: your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Beach Dogs, Longshore Golf, Wakeman Stuff …

Posted on March 22, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Beach Dogs, Longshore Golf, Wakeman Stuff …

The Parks & Recreation Department is not fooling around.

As of April 1, no animals are allowed at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches — in or out of vehicles. They’ll be allowed back October 1.

In addition, stickers are required to park at town beaches beginning May 1.

For detailed information regarding Parks & Rec policies, click here.

Sorry, guys. Your beach days are numbered. (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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Looking to play a round?

The Longshore golf course opens next Tuesday (March 28) — weather permitting.

Head pro Jon Janik and course superintendent Brad Brown have worked hard to make sure everything is ready.

For golf course information, including advanced and same day tee time bookings, click here. Contact the Pro Shop at 203-221-0900 or 203-226-9785.

Westport residents can purchase or renew handpasses by clicking here, or in person weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation office, near the first tee.

The Longshore golf course reopens next week.

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Upcoming Wakeman Town Farm events include:

Photos with Farm Animals (April 16 and 24): WTF has teamed up with photographer Ilona Musial for 2 days of outdoor photo shoots with chicks and bunnies. A portion of the proceeds go toward farm educational initiatives and scholarships for underserved populations. For more information and prices, email imusialphotography@gmail.com.

Designing a Native Landscape in Deer Country (April 17, 7 p.m.; $10): Everyone welcome nature. But deer can go overboard in our gardens. Veteran landscape designer Brid Craddock discusses deer-proof plants, and techniques she uses to keep Bambi away from native plants. Click here to register.

Learn About Canning from a Preserving Pro (June 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $125): Can you can? Whether you need a refresher or want to experiment with new flavor trends and foods safely, join master preserver Pam Lillis. Just before summer, she’ll share tips. Take home a berry jam and a stone fruit jam too. Click here to register.

Kids’ Cooking Camp (Ages 7-10; July 10-13, 9 a.m. to noon): The day begins picking organic ingredients. Students explore simple Italian cooking, Asian street food, tapas and more. Class size is limited for best experience. Click here for more information, and to register.

At Wakeman Town Farm, learn to avoid this scene. Photo/Dick Truitt)

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Amy Simon Fine Art’s new show debuts at 123 March 25.

Featured artists include Angela Lane, David Skillicorn and Laura Gurton.

It runs through April 29.

“Curves Too” — acrylic on poplar (Angela Lane)

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It’s still early spring. But it won’t be long until the trees are in bloom, the benches are filled, and this “Westport … Naturally” scene looks quite different.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … speaking of “playing a round” (see story above):

(We’d be delighted if you help support “06880.” Please click here to contribute — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Bulletproof Vests, 100 Faces, Credit Cards …

Posted on March 18, 2023 | 6 comments

Westport’s winter fund drive for Lyman — our Ukrainian sister city — continues to pay dividends.

Part of the $252,000 raised paid for bulletproof vests and helmets for utility workers near the front lines. They worked in very dangerous areas  — and have restored electricity to 30,000 people.

Contributions are still welcome, via Ukraine Aid International (co-founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer). Click here; then select “Lyman” from the drop-down “Designation” menu.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in (almost) 100 ways.

One involves lifelong Westport resident/award-winning artist/Y member since childhood Miggs Burroughs.

Members — and everyone else — is invited to submit a self-portrait, for the “100 Faces of Our Y” art project. Any medium is fine; just use this template (or pick one up at the front desk).

Then submit it digitally here. email it to 100years@westporty.org, or drop it off at the desk.

The first 100 submissions will be featured in and around the Y.

Not an artist? There are many other ways to get involved:

  • Share Your Stories: Members and the community can submit Y stories, memories and photos, to be featured on the anniversary webpage.
  • Help Make an Impact: Become a corporate sponsor. Donate items, experiences or gift certificates for the live-and silent auctions at the October 6 Anniversary Gala.
  • Healthy Kids Day (April 29): A national initiative to help inspire healthy habits in kids and families. The free event includes fun activities, healthy snack demos, food trucks, sports lessons, games, art, and free t-shirts for the first 200 children.
  • 100 for 100 Yoga Event May 11): Instructor Greg Barringer leads a high-quality yoga experience at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center. Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program.
  • 7th Annual Golf Tournament (May 22, Aspetuck Valley Country Club): Another fundraiser for the Financial Assistance
  • 100-Year Anniversary Gala (October 6, Mahackeno Outdoor Center): Donations, contributions and sponsorships fund financial assistance to under-resourced families, and those in need. Last year the Y awarded $746,000 to over 400 families in need: $446,000 in financial assistance, and $300,000 in education- related grants.

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I had a great meal the other day at Casa Me. It’s a welcome addition to Westport’s dining scene. (They’ve done a fantastic job with the interior, too.)

But this is not a plug for the Sconset Square spot. (Well, not really.)

It’s about what I learned from my server: Restaurants lose a lot when diners ask to split the check.

Credit card companies charge a fee for every swipe. So if 2 — or, 3, 4 or more — people at one table all offer credit cards, the restaurant gets socked for each one.

The solution? Use one credit card, then square up with the person paying by giving him or her cash.

Or — better yet — pay for the entire meal using actual money.

Restaurants hate this.

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Speaking of restaurants: “06880” noted yesterday the closure of Parker Mansion.

Also gone: Its sister business next door, Parker Pizza.

They replaced Julian’s in December 2019.

What a shame. And not just because I had the honor of hanging on their wall, along with several other notables… (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)

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It’s a St. Patrick’s Day tradition: The Y’s Men Hoot Owls serenade the Senior Center.

Sure, and yesterday was a great one for all.

Y’s Men Hoot Owls at the Senior Center. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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It was a big week for the Staples High School Counseling Department.

Their “Spark Your Future” program — highlighting the cool, creative work done by graduates, including the ups, downs and detours their career paths took — was named the Connecticut School Counselor Association’s Outstanding Student/Family Program of the Year. It was masterminded by Sandra Zeigler, the department’s College and Career Center coordinator

In addition, the organization chose Fran Geraci as Administrative Assistant of the Year. Anyone who deals with Staples’ counseling department knows how much she does every day, for every staff member and student.

The department will be honored April 26, at the University of Hartford.

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The last time we checked in with Anne Wells, the Westporter was hard at work for an organization she founded: Unite the World with Africa Foundation.

The original goal was to bring education (and a loving community) to orphans in Tanzania. It branched out to tackle women’s health issues, provide scholarships for higher education, create jobs for tribal women and artisans, offer micro-finance loans, and run a host of other initiatives for marginalized women and youth. (Click here for that 2018 story.)

In 2021 she started a food program. They offer fair market prices for crops, and hermetically sealed bags so farmers do not have use chemicals or fumigants to preserve what they grow.

They’re transporting maize, rice and beans all the way across the country, working with women at a food processing plant, and helping 77 students learn about sales, marketing and finance.

Now — in Unite’s first big event since COVID — Anne will talk about all that she’s done, and wants to do, at a “Cocktails & Conversation” fundraiser. It’s set (appropriately) at Wakeman Town Farm (March 31, 6 to 8 p.m.).

An African drummer will perform, and Tanzanian partners will give updates.

Tickets must be purchased in advance; click here. For further information on Unite the World with Africa Foundation, click here. For Anne’s blog post about her most recent trip to Tanzania, click here.

Anne’s foundation has many Westport connections. Among them: board members Nicole Gerber, Dr. Nikki Gorman and Tanya Murphy.

Anne Wells in Tanzania, at the graduation of several scholars supported by the Unite foundation.

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Today’s rant comes from a woman who asks for anonymity. She growls:

I’m a dogless, taxpaying Westporter who enjoys the beauty of our shoreline. I go to the beach year-round, including the winter to take peace in the soft gray tones of the horizon.

One of my favorite things about Compo Beach in winter is parking my car next to the cannons, facing the water, and watching dogs — unbound by seasonal restrictions — play and pounce to their hearts’ unleashed content.

I appreciate how it becomes an unofficial dog park. Owners stand around cross making awkward, forced conversation while watching their dogs sniff each others’ butts. I love how doggies dive fearlessly into the icy waters in pursuit of a tennis ball.

Alas, for all its wintertime canine fun, Compo Beach is not a dog park.

It is a public beach.

I heard two guys yelling at each other, over dog poop. One of them yelled “It’s a dog park!” — seeming to validate his inability or indifference to pick up his dog’s droppings.

Of course, that’s not the way a dog park operates.

And Compo Beach is, in fact, not a dog park.

It is a public beach.

it’s a beach! Not a dog park! (Photo/Dan Johnson)

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When Jim Nantz signs off after the NCAA men’s basketball championship on April 3, he will have called 354 tournament games — including 64 semifinals and 32 championships.

This will be the final Final 4 for the longtime (though now former) Westport resident.

He’ll still do the NFL, at least through 2033 — the final year of CBS’ contract with the league — and the Masters. Nantz hopes his final assignment will be that golf tournament’s 100th anniversary: April 13, 2036.

For a full Greenwich Time story on Nantz, click here. (Hat tip: Bill Mitchell)

In 2015, Jim Nantz helped aspiring Staples High School broadcaster Eric Gallanty.

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Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk was at Sakura yesterday, hoping to save the 2 weeping cherry trees which may be cut down as part of the state Department of Transportation Post Road improvement project.

His hopeful shot of a crocus epitomizes “Westport … Naturally.”

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And finally … Jerry Samuels died last week in Pennsylvania, from complications of dementia and Parkinson’s. He was 84. (Click here for a full obituary.)

His name is unfamiliar to nearly everyone. But in 1966 — as “Napoleon XIV” — he recorded a novelty song. “They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haa!” zoomed to the top of the charts.

Just as quickly, it dropped off. Record stations stopped playing it, after a barrage of complaints that it mocked mental illness.

You be the judge:

(“They’re Coming to Take Me Away” may not be your cup of tea. But hopefully, “06880” is. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #2010

Posted on October 18, 2022 | 1 comment

Bobo watches the sunrise on Soundview (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Winston, Junior and Frank on the prowl (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

Roxie in the Sound (Photo/Luke Garvey)

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Roundup: Beach Dogs, Earth Animal, Salmon Trees …

Posted on September 30, 2022 | 3 comments

Tomorrow is October 1.

Every dog owner — and probably every dog — knows what that means.

From Saturday through March 31, canines are allowed back on Compo Beach.

They’re prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways. They must be leashed in all areas, except the off-leash area (south of the pavilion, including South Beach).

And it goes without saying — though the Parks & Recreation Department says it anyway, because some dog owners don’t care about this crap — “you are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.”

Oh happy day! Frank, Oggy, Utah and Winston (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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Speaking of animals:

Earth Animal has donated $20,000 to build a new barn at Wakeman Town Farm. It will provide shelter, feed storage and veterinary care space.

The funds came through a 6-month Little Barn Project. A percentage of store sales — including WTF merchandise — went to the farm. Earth Animal then matched the funds.

“My sister Abbey and I fell in love with the farm and all that it does for the community, the animals, children, families and their dedicated sustainability mission,” says Merritt Goldstein, whose family owns Earth Animal.

“We asked what we could do for the farm and began supplying food for the animals. We realized that the existing barn was run down, and needed to be rebuilt.”

Wakeman Town Farm barn.

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Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.

Public hearings will be held next Thursday, October 6  (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here). (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

For more information, click here and here.

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As if Westport does not have enough traffic and school bus problems:

Andrew Colabella reports that a bus broke down in this most inopportune spot prior to starting its route today:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Ribbons around trees usually mean they’re coming down soon.

Probably not so at Grace Salmon Park.

These pink ribbons are undoubtedly in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

But it might not hurt to get rid of these particular ones.

They’re trees of heaven — a very invasive species.

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Some people don’t look at food expiration dates.

Jarret Liotta does.

The native Westporter sends this photo:

(Photo/Jarret Liotta)

He writes: “This is probably my third in the last couple of months. Perhaps you can suggest a new ‘06880’ game: Readers can search Stop & Shop for their favorite expired products.”

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The Joggers Club is moving from Greens Farms train station to Compo Beach.

There are fun runs every Saturday at 8 a.m. (parking available even without a sticker). There are short (3-5 miles) and long courses (6 to 9 miles) each week.

The cost is $50 (not each time!). New Joggers Club members receive a Brooks racing shirt.

The club also introduces a new members-only track night, every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m., at the Staples High School Track.

Got kids? The Joggers Club Jr. welcomes youngsters in kindergarten through 8th grade. They work on speed, strength and how to love the sport.

The Joggers Club was founded in 2007 to help runners build friendships, form bonds,  have fun (and run).

For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.

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Speaking of sports: Tennis fans would give anything to watch Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal up close and personal. When they do, it costs big buck$. And they’re surrounded by thousands of other people.

Squash aficionados can watch their heroes — Paul Coll (ranked #2 in the world), Diego Elias (#4) and Faraz Kahn (#53) — on October 6.

The site is Intensity — the tennis/squash/fitness/dance center just over the Norwalk line. (It’s also home to the Staples High School squash teams.)

The event starts at 5 p.m. with junior clinics. Adult clinics follow at 6, with the pro exhibition matches beginning at 7.

Admission includes food, drink, and photo and autograph opportunities — something else you’d never get with Federer or Nadal. Click here for tickets.

Paul Coll — the #2 squash player in the world — comes to Intensity.

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Slava Ukraini!

Last week, Westporters Anna Dubchak, Steve Taranko, Vitaly Yakubovskiy and Mark Yurkiw, plus Luba Zam from Norwalk, held the first meeting of the
Ukrainian Society of Fairfield.

The group hopes to assist Ukraine cope with the horrors of the Russian invasion.

Non-Ukrainians are welcome to help too. For more information, email: UkrainianFairfield@hotmail.com.

The Ukrainian Society of Fairfield.

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There’s always something going on at Sherwood Mill Pond.

Matt Murray spotted this great blue heron yesterday. Today, it’s our handsome “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … rapper Coolio, the rapper and Grammy winner of hits like “Gangsta’s Paradise,” died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 59. Click here for a full obituary.

This may be the first YouTube video I’ve ever linked to with over 1 billion views.

(“06880” is your source for all local news (and worldwide hit songs). Please click here to support this blog.

 

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