Tag Archives: FIFA World Cup

Roundup: Green’s Farms Church Block Party, Staples Baseball, World Cup …

For over 300 years — long before Westport was incorporated as a town — Green’s Farms Church has been a community anchor.

Beyond its importance as a religious congregations, the church has opened its doors to all. These days it hosts numerous groups, a preschool, and much more.

This Sunday (June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Green’s Farms Church is throwing a block party. Neighbors, families all around town, local organizations,and mission partners will gather for food, music, games and connection.

The party includes live music, barbecue, an ice cream truck, inflatables, crafts, sport court games, photo booth, sidewalk chalk art, and activities for all ages.

Organizations and partners from across the region will also participate, offering opportunities to learn more about good works happening throughout Westport and beyond.

Sponsored in part by organizations that regularly gather at Green’s Farms Church — including Westport Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Homes with Hope and Scout Troop 39 — the event will celebrate community.

Everyone is warmly invited. For more information, click here or follow on social media: @greensfarmschurch.

Green’s Farms Congregational Church

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The date and time for Staples High School’s baseball state championship game is set.

The Wreckers face Trumbull on Saturday at noon. The site is Middletown’s Palmer Field. Click here for tickets.

Unfortunately, the boys lacrosse team will not join them in a state championship game. Staples fell to New Canaan yesterday in heartbreaking fashion — 9-8, in sudden-death overtime — in their “LL” semi, at Fairfield University.

It’s a tall order to beat the same team 4 times in one season. The Wreckers had topped the Rams 3 times this spring — including a thrilling sudden-death win in the FCIAC final.

Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky’s squad, on another stellar year.

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Speaking of sports: The World Cup kicks off this afternoon. Mexico hosts South Africa, at 3 p.m.

Tomorrow (Friday), the US plays its first match, against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Kickoff is 9 p.m. EDT.

Sure, you can watch them — and many of the other 102 games — at home.

But it will be a lot more fun at The Clubhouse.

The sports bar/restaurant/event space/and more across the Post Road from the Delamar has Westport’s largest TV wall. They’ve added 2 new screens, so every seat now has a view.

They also offer reservations for reservations for smaller rooms. There’s also the roof deck, to watch outdoors.

Click on their website, or follow their Instagram (@theclubhouswestport) for news of watch parties for the biggest games — with DJs and other special attractions. For reservations, click here.

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The Board of Education meets tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; livestream at www.westportct.gov.).

They’ve got a full agenda.

They begin with a recognition of retirees: Horacio Ballesteros, Christina Brooks, Maureen Cadden, Carmela Cerulo, Lisa Doran, Joanne Fasciolo, Gina Forberg, Karen Frawley, Dana Gilland, Ellen Hardy, Cheryl Hersh, Patricia Hines, Kaye Johnson, Jessica Olson, Helena Paiva, Anne Parise, Elaine Perlman, Liz Shaffer and Miguel Valentin.

They’ll also recognize their 2 student representatives — Anwara Olasewere and Souleye Kebe — and PTA co-presidents Lori Freemon, Allison O’Dell, Jennifer Sydor, Alaina Skiber, Sonam Tejpal, Catherine Young,Cheryl Morabito, Christina Royce, Alexis Eisenberg, Lindsay Brachle, Rebekah Wornow, Indy Pereira, Meghan O’Brien, Lindsay Blass, Wendy McConaghy, Gina Christie, Robin Lewis, Stefanie Shackelford and Aileen Brill.

They’ll discuss the recent screen time audit report, and will discuss and act on the employment contract of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

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Before “Hello, Dolly!,” there was “The Matchmaker.”

Tomorrow (Friday, June 12) the curtain rises on Westport Community Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Matchmaker” comedy. Matchmaker.

The original source for “Dolly!” is filled with romance, mischief, mistaken identities and classic characters. Decades later, it’s as fresh, funny and heartwarming as ever. his beloved American classic remains as fresh, funny, and heartwarming today as when it first delighted audiences decades ago.

The cast includes Lucy Babbitt, Ari Benmosche, TJ Chila, Rayne Darken, Henry Durham, Betsy Grover, Martha Hegley, Emily Roberson, Patrick Spaulding, Rick Stewart, Erin Wallace and Jordan Weisblatt. The director is Mark Frattaroli.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. on June 14, 21 and 28. The Westport Community Theatre is in the lower level of Town Hall. For tickets, call 203-226-1983 or click here.

Patrick Spaulding and Lucy Babbitt in “The Matchmaker.”

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Happy Worldwide Knit in Public Day!

As you undoubtedly know, it’s this Saturday (June 13). From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., everyone is invited to the Westport Library Riverwalk.

Stitchers, knitters, crocheters, embroiderers — and more, including mending or any other textile craft — are welcome to sit on the riverbank.

Knit, chat, or just enjoy the peace and quite of nature, as part of an international community.

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Marta Clanton’s crochet project.

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Some people help Homes with Hope with cash donations. Others contribute food for the pantry, or cook and serve meals at the Gillespie Center.

The Lang family gave a car, to Susie’s House.

The vehicle will provide reliable transportation for the young women at the Compo Road North residence.

That’s “one less barrier on the road to independence,” says Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “This gift will make a real and lasting difference in their lives.

To learn more about Homes with Hope, and their many supportive housing and food programs — including Susie’s House — click here.

Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (2nd from left), staff and Lang family members, with the donated vehicle.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between June 39 and 9.

An 81-year-old Westport woman was charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, after a neighbor reported that 3-5 feet had been cut from the tops of 19 green giant arborvitae trees on his yard. The trees could no longer grow taller. He estimated the loss due to damage at $20,000. A review of surveillance video and a neighborhood canvas identified the suspect. She refused to speak to the officer investigating the incident, and ignored multiple requests to respond to police headquarters. Bond was set at $20,000. She was released on a written promise to appear, by order of the state bail commissioner’s office.

A 32-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after an investigation into fraudulent returns processed by a Shoe-Inn employee. The total amount was estimated to be $98,405.65. She was released on a $25,000 bond.

A 30-year-old Concord, New Hampshire woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Walgreens. She is alleged to have taken more than $297 worth of protein shakes. She was unable to post a $50,000 bond.

A 24-year-old Hamden man was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, theft of a marker plate, improper use of a marker plate and failure to appear, after a license plate reader alert of a stolen license plate. He was released on a $35,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Texting while driving: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signs: 3
  • Disorderly conduct: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Illegal operation of a motor vehicle: 1
  • School zone violation — 2nd offense: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Improper use of marker: 1
  • Unauthorized insurer: 1

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Longtime Westport resident Richard “Bud” Farquhar died peacefully earlier this year in Milton, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 93.

He grew up in Redlands, California, in a prominent orange-growing family with a history of military service. Bud was an accomplished horse rider, hard-working student, and farm hand. He met beautiful Barbara Jean Penacho while in Redlands High School. They were married for 60 years.

Bud joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served in Japan with his brother Phil, flying missions in search of submarines.  After discharge Bud earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.

He worked for the Sperry & Hutchinson Company, spending 33 years with Green Stamps. The family moved several times for promotions. They settled in Westport in 1976, where he lived until 2024.

His last role at S&H was national director, sales and marketing, handling over 500 truck stop customers. In 1993 Bud joined Newport Communications as publisher of Truckstop Plaza Magazine.

In 1997 Bud owned and operated Stars & Stripes, LLC which produced annual truck beauty show competitions.

He loved outdoor work, from landscaping at home to firing up the snow blower.

Bud is survived by his son Richard Farquhar Jr. (Shelli) of Marietta, Georgia; daughters Amy Jackson of Milton, Georgia (Peter) and Lori (Milford); grandchildren Nathan, Duncan and Ian Farquhar, and Austin, Rhea and Sage Jackson/

A graveside celebration of life with military honors and internment of ashes will be held tomorrow (June 12, 11 a.m., Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, California), where Bud will be laid to rest next to his wife Barbara Jean Farquhar.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.

Bud Farquhar

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Wasp nests are things of beauty.

And a bit scary.

Susan Garment spotted this one — a first of the season — underneath a mailbox on Eno Lane. It (complete with wasp) fits right in with our “Westport … Naturally” series — showcasing every variety of life in town.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Community Theatre’s upcoming production of “The Matchmaker:

Of course it’s not the same “Matchmaker.”

So sue me.

(Speaking of matches: Please click here to support “06880.” And if your company matches it, we’ll be doubly thankful!)

 

Roundup: [UPDATE] Book Display, Book Sale, Wine …

[UPDATE] Several readers have pointed to a Westport Journal story that includes a photo of the banned book display at the Staples High School library. The book covers are exhibited, and students could browse the contents.

I have removed a story posted earlier today, citing a reader who emailed me saying she had changed her mind about the display, after learning that the book jackets had been covered.

That appears to be erroneous information. I have deleted this story, and will also remove other comments pertaining to it.

I apologize for posting her story.

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The “garden” part of Westport Community Gardens is clear to anyone wandering by the 100 plots just south of Long Lots Elementary School. They’re beautiful, and bountiful.

But the “community” part is just as important. Led by Lou Weinberg — and with plenty of help from everyone else — there’s as much camaraderie and spirit as there are vegetables, flowers and birds.

Yesterday, the Gardens community celebrated with a fall harvest party. Dozens of families shared friendship, music, pizza, gelato — and of course, plenty of salads.

Community Gardens fall harvest party.

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No, you did not miss the Westport Library’s summer book sale.

The mega-event has been moved to fall. This year, it’s Friday, November 11 through Monday, November 14.

There are thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories: non-fiction, fiction, romance, cookbooks, antiquarian, plus music CDs, and movie and TV series DVDs. Also, “a limited selection of artworks and ephemera.” 

Westport resident Joseph Califano — President Carter’s Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare — has donated dozens of books signed and inscribed to him, from his personal library.

There’s a new “Fiction for $1 Room”: an entire conference room filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction and paperback novels — all just $1 each.

Also: a large selection of holiday-themed books, CDs and DVDs. Crank up that Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!

Click here for information on prices, hours (and early-bird access).

Westport Library book sale.

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Last night’s hunter’s moon was gorgeous.

“06880” readers sent plenty of photos. Here’s the view from Sherwood Mill Pond …

(Photo/Matt Murray)

… and Long Island Sound:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Westporters love wine.

Which is why the Sunrise Rotary Club’s next event is such a winner.

“Westport Uncorked” (November 18, 6:30 p.m., the Inn at Longshore) is “a wonderful evening of dozens of fine wines (and heavy hors d’oeuvres).

Every dollar raised goes directly to charities supported by Sunrise Rotary. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Staples High School Class of 1978 graduate Dave Ruden served as chair emeritus of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He lost his mother to the disease.

Ruden’s day job is publisher of The Ruden Report — the go-to multi-platform site for coverage of Fairfield County sports. So he put out the word to all 16 FCIAC schools — asking all sports, all seasons to help.

Over 60 responded, raising funds and walking yesterday at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.

Among them: Staples baseball, cheer, boys ice hockey and girls tennis volleyball.

The Staples boys soccer program participated too — big time. Led by tri-captain Alex Laskin, they raised $9,428. That was the most of any FCIAC team — and 5th highest, among the 284 groups that raised funds.

Way to go, all you Wreckers!

Boys soccer varsity team, at the Alzheimer’s Walk. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

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Speaking of sports: On Election Day night, you may be cheering or crying.

Earlier in the day, your kids will definitely cheer.

That is, if they’re part of the Staples High School cheer team’s clinic (November 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). It’s open to children in grades kindergarten through 8 (

The $75 fee includes lunch and a t-shirt. It’s a fundraiser for the team. Click here to register, and for more information.

The Staples High School cheer team.

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“The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” — Paul Newman’s memoir — will be published October 18.

Next month (November 20, 3 p.m.), it’s the topic of a Westport Country Playhouse discussion.

Who better to talk about the beloved actor/philanthropist/race car driver — and longtime Westporter — than Melissa Newman? She wrote the book’s foreword — and is his daughter.

She’ll be joined by Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist, who served WCP co-artistic director with Newman’s wife, actor Joanne Woodward.

An audience Q-and-A will follow the talk.

Tickets are $45, and include a copy of the book. To purchase, and for more information, click here.

Melissa Newman

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In August, “06880” reported on Steve Bannon’s podcast about Westport. The segment alleged that our town is run by an “unelected Marxist Politburo.”

It included an interview with the editor of CD Media. The initials stand for “Creative Destruction,” which is “reopening newspapers up and down the Colonies.”

CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan comes to Westport on November 1 (6:45 p.m., Westport Library). She’ll bring her “American Conversation” series, to discuss “How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The event is co-sponsored by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Among the topics her panel will address:

  • “Significant increase in child human trafficking”
  • “Exponential increase in youth deaths from fentanyl”
  • “Alarming increase in suicides of young people”
  • “Decrease in mastery of basic academic skills.”

Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)

Promotional photo for CD Media’s November 1 event.

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Soccer’s World Cup kicks off next month, in Qatar.

Games will be played primarily from what is early morning to mid-afternoon, Eastern Standard Time. An “06880” reader named Fernando asks:

“What are the bars and other places in the area that will be open for all the matches? Are there any places that did this in 2018 that can be counted on to do it again, or new venues that will do so?”

If you know the answer, click “Comments” below.

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The praying mantis is Connecticut’s state insect. (I know, I know …)

A pair of “06880” readers had the same idea this weekend: send a photo, for “Westport … Naturally”:

(Photo/Ken Yormark)

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … contrary to what I learned in school, Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America. It was already here — and was home to a thriving population.

It took hundreds of years, but today we celebrate the indigenous people of North America — those millions  who were here first.

It’s Not Brazil — But World Cup Excitement Heads To Westport

The World Cup soccer tournament is about to begin. It’s a month of worldwide excitement, luring in even casual fans. And the Staples boys soccer program invites all of Westport to take part.

On Sunday, June 22 the Wreckers are sponsoring a unique “Westport World Cup Day.” The event combines every element of the World Cup: competition, camaraderie and passion.

World Cup 2014On that day, the US plays Portugal in a very tough match. From 3:30 -5:00 p.m at the Staples athletic fields, elementary and middle school-age players are invited to “warm up” with an afternoon of small-sided games and fun. Staples players will organize the events, including mini-tournaments, a dribbling obstacle course, a penalty kick contest and more.

At 5 p.m.,food trucks at Staples will serve a “pre-game” meal.

At 5:30, everyone heads to the Staples auditorium. The US-Portugal match — a key one for the Americans — will be shown on a 20-foot screen. We can’t be in Brazil, but we’ll cheer the Americans on as loudly as we can.

At halftime, there’s a raffle with an amazing prize: a special, behind-the-scenes tour of ESPN headquarters conducted by Jeremy Schaap (a Staples grad, and member of the broadcast crew). Up to 8 people will enjoy a day in the studios and digital center, with lunch in the ESPN cafeteria.

Westport World Cup

Staples boys soccer head coach Dan Woog — that’s me — says, “We hope you can join us for all 3 events: kids’ event, food, and the World Cup match. But if you can only make 1 or 2, that’s fine too. We want everyone to get a taste of the World Cup.” Click here to save a spot.

But wait! There’s more! Special t-shirts will commemorate the day (and help defray costs). Click here to order (June 10 deadline).

The World Cup is special — and so is Westport soccer. The Staples boys soccer program looks forward to sharing the excitement with fans throughout town on June 22.

The front and back of the commemorative t-shirts. Deadline to order is June 10.

The front and back of the commemorative t-shirts. Deadline to order is June 10.