Bruce Becker, principal of Becker + Becker, has reimagined the Brutalist former Armstrong Rubber/Pirelli headquarters — visible on the north side of I-95, near the I-91 merge — as the Hotel Marcel.
The zero-emission building has 165 rooms, a 9,000-plus square foot conference center, and full service restaurant.
It has earned both Passive House and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certifications.
Bruce Becker, in front of his new Hotel Marcel. (Photo/Ned Gerard for Connecticut Magazine)
According to a recent CNN story — which gave it that “greenest” designation — the hotel uses 100% renewable electricity for lighting, heating, air conditioning and hot water, thanks to 0ver 1,000 solar panels.
While the exterior remained intact — an environmentally-conscious decision — CNN says Becker and his team “reconceptualized the interior. They used Power over Ethernet lighting, a new, low-voltage technology that uses less power than traditional wiring, which reduced the building’s lighting energy use by more than 30%, says Becker, and installed triple-glazed windows for top-tier insulation.”
Becker’s wife and partner, Kraemer Sims Becker, curated the art collection.
Click here for the full CNN story. Click here for an “06880” story on Becker’s renovation of his 1917 Compo Beach saltbox into a solar paneled, VRF powered zero-energy home.
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In January, in the University of Michigan’s national championship football game, Jake Thaw earned renown for dropping a punt near the goal line — and just as quickly, alertly avoiding a safety that could have cost the Wolverines the title against Alabama.
After earning an NCAA title ring, the 2020 Staples High School graduate (where he starred in both football and basketball) entered the transfer portal. Though a senior in the Ross School of Business, Thaw has 3 years of eligibility remaining. He was a Michigan walk-on.
Thaw — who returned 15 punts for 101 yards last season — will continue his college career at the University of Delaware. (Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
Jake Thaw
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Speaking of sports: Want to get your car “shipshape”? Or at least clean?
The Staples sailing team will hold a car wash at Kings Highway Elementary School this Saturday (May 18, 9 to noon). There’s a DJ and bake sale too.
All hands will be on deck. it’s a fundraiser for upgrades on equipment.
Though yesterday was Mother’s Day, every mother knows: A mother’s work is never done.
This mom was busy yesterday, tending her young ones. She did not even have time to stop, as Mary Sikorski snapped her photo for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … in honor of the very green Hotel Marcel (story above), we present the Marcels’ very memorable “Blue Moon”:
(Welcome to another week of “06880” Roundups. As we often do, we present it with a reminder: Your hyper-local blog relies on reader support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
There’s one more plan for Long Lots Elementary School.
Sort of.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker began last night’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting by announcing a new version of the controversial renovation project. The goal was to address objections raised previously by the Planning & Zoning Commission, to a baseball diamond at the location of the current Westport Community Gardens.
A “multipurpose field” would be constructed there instead. The garden would be relocated somewhere else, on the Hyde Lane property.
There was no drawing to accompany the concept.
The LLSBC then held a work session. Microphones were either off or insufficient, making it difficult to hear.
Residents Jennifer Johnson and John Suggs both complained that the meeting was neither livestreamed nor recorded.
The newest plan — with, perhaps, a drawing — may be presented to the P&Z at its January 22 meeting.
For over 90 years, the Westport Country Playhouse has attracted Big Names.
Next up: Audra McDonald.
The singer/actor — winner of a record-breaking 6 Tony Awards (plus 2 Grammys and an Emmy); National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — takes the stage on Saturday, February 10 (7 p.m.).
The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County is sponsoring a solidarity gathering on Sunday. It marks 100 days of captivity for dozens of hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 terrorist attack on Israel.
Sunday’s event — called “Bring Them Home Now” — is at 1 p.m. Click here to register, and receive location details.
In her last issue as editor of Westport Lifestyle, Robin Moyer Chung writes about Henry Putnam. The Staples High School student is a non-verbal 18-year-old with cerebral palsy. As with other classmates with disabilities, he participates in an internship that will help him get a job after graduation.
Click here to read the story. It begins on page 42.
Henry Putnam (Photo courtesy of Westport Lifestyle Magazine)
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Fresh off a national championship, Jake Thaw has entered the transfer portal.
The University of Michigan punt return specialist is a senior, after graduating from Staples High School in 2020. However, he has 3 years of eligibility remaining, after walking on for the Wolverines.
The Detroit Free Press writes: “Thaw, 6-1 and 192 pounds played in 15 games on special teams as a senior this season. He may now be most known for his muffed punt near the goal line against Alabama in the final minute of the Rose Bowl, though it should be highlighted he was able to recover the loose ball and avert disaster.
He had 11 fair catches, and returned 16 punts for 111 yards the season.
A muffed punt with less than a minute to play in the semifinal almost cost UM a shot at the national title. Thaw was vilified on social media, but also praised for not giving up a safety.
He wrote: “For those that have kept unwavering support — thank you. And for those that have not, I understand. I made the biggest two mistakes of my life on the biggest stage, and I won’t ever forgive myself. I’ll always love and cherish @UMichFootball and this fanbase. Go Blue.” (Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
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Westport artists Miggs Burroughs, Darcy Hicks, Dale Najarian and Tammy Winser — all of whom advocate for common sense guns laws — will show their work in a juried exhibit at Metro Art Studios in Bridgeport. “In Our Hands” explores many perspectives of gun culture in the US. All proceeds benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.
The opening reception is January 21 (1 to 3 p.m.).
Matthew Mandell paid a surprise visit yesterday to wish Westporters Dana Noorilly and Julie Mountain good luck with their new Upper West Side Granola Bar location.
Business was brisk, he said, in a beautiful spot.
Mandell is director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. “We support our members!” he notes.
Dana Noorilly, Matthew Mandell and Julie Mountain, at the New York Granola Bar.
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Neal Radding sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Sherwood Island State Park, plus a George Costanza quote: “The sea was angry that day, my friends.”
And finally … on this date in 1969, the New York Jets of the American Football League defeated the NFL’s Baltimore Colts of the National Football League to win Super Bowl III (and the first championship game with that name). The 16-7 victory is one of the greatest upsets in sports history; the Jets were 19 1/2-point underdogs.
(The Jets and Sharks agree on one thing: Supporting “06880” is cool. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The design for the Compo Beach playground renovation is underway, but not yet finalized.
A charrette will be held Saturday, January 20 (time and location TBD). Residents can share thoughts directly with designer Lisa Deshano.
The plan will be presented to Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission on February 21, for approval.
Announcement of a logo contest for elementary school students will be made soon.
Compo Beach playground (Photo/Katherine Bruan)
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Ted Gangi graduated from Staples High School in 1983. Starting in junior high, he did statistics for the football team.
Ted is in his 19th year as owner of CollegePressBox.com, the official media website of Division I football and the College Football Playoff.
On Monday, as the 2024 champion Michigan Wolverines left the field, he posed with Westport’s newest football hero: Staples Class of 2020’s Jake Thaw. (Hat tip: Ned Batlin)
In addition, Tony “Pizza” Napolitano will be at the WTF brick oven every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m., for pickups. To order a pizza, check out his Facebook page on Mondays.
Congratulations to Staples High School’s January Students of the Month: seniors Brendan Dellorusso, juniors Logan Noorily and Jada Shelley, sophomores Daniel Arava and Catherine Cirasuolo, and freshmen Katherine Mannino and Thomas Scott.
Students of the Month “help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue”’of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
“Students of the month are nominated by their teachers, who are asked to think of those students who come to school regularly, are friendly to the staff and to fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as the Staples community. In short, these students are all-around good citizens of our school.’
Students of the Month (from left): Thomas Scott, Jordan Noorilly, Jada Shelley, Katherine Mennino, Catherine Ciraduolo, Brendan Dellorusso. Absent: Daniel Arava.
In November, 18 Rotary travelers and their guests spent 2 weeks on a Westport Rotary Club “Back Roads Service Trip” to Uganda.
At this week’s meeting Lyla Steenbergen, chair of the International Giving Committee, reported on the trip — and shared great photos.
The group covered over 1,650 miles in 2 weeks in off-road vehicles and small planes. They went to national parks, tracked chimpanzees and gorillas, and trekked through a swamp at night.
They also visited 5 projects that Westport Rotary has supported with grants, including schools, hospitals and a water project, and engaged in hands-on service projects at those facilities.
Westport Rotary Club, in Uganda.
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From Stanley Steemer to Marian the Librarian: that’s Mia Gentile for you.
The 2007 Staples graduate — whose various impressions of the Stanley ad became an internet sensation — plays a more demure role in the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “The Music Man – Concert Version” (February 10, 7:30 p.m., Norwalk Concert Hall).
Mia also played Carrie Pipperidge in NSO’ production of “Carousel” last year.
Three Mia Gentiles: She played an all-girls group in one of her Stanley Steemer “ads.”
And finally … Scott McKenzie was born on this date in 1939. He had a long career as a singer/songwriter, but will always be known for this era-defining classic:
He died in 2012, age 73, from complications of Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
(In 1967, all the cool people wore flowers in their hair. In 2024, they’re donating to “06880.” Please click here to join the crowd. Thank you!)
One of the first compelling events of the new year is set for next Wednesday (January 10, 7:30 p.m.).
Chabad of Westport sponsors an evening of hope and inspiration. Esther Basch — the Honey Girl of Auschwitz — will tell her gripping story of survival and resilience. At 95, she is one of the world’s few remaining Auschwitz survivors.
Esther was transported to the death camp on her 16th birthday in a cattle car. she later faced a death march to the Salzwedel concentration Camp, where she was liberated by American soldiers in April 1945.
Despite the horrors she experienced, Esther’s unshakable faith and universal love for humankind helped her survive, then motivated her to share her story globally.
The event is part of Chabad’s new “Critical Conversation Series,” addressing contemporary Jewish and timely issues.
The RTM Long Range Planning Committee takes its charge seriously.
On the agenda for its next meeting (January 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201): “Overview of climate change and how it will affect Westport.”
In the past few years we’ve seen heavier rains and stronger winds than usual. That leads to greater flooding.
Still to come: rising sea levels. And who knows what else.
Hopefully, the RTM — and other town bodies — will help us be ready.
Parker Harding Plaza, in October. (Photo/Eliza Barr)
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Speaking of climate: Whatever snow we get this weekend probably won’t be enough to snowshoe in. The 3 sets that Earthplace rents ($10 an hour) will have to wait.
But the non-profit science, conservation and education center offers plenty more too, for children, teenagers, adults and families.
Their seasonal program guide includes information on their naturalist programs and events, plus camp offerings. Click here to view and register. Some sessions start next week.
A muffed punt with less than a minute to go almost cost Michigan its College Football Playoff semifinal game against Alabama on New Year’s Day.
But the play — involving Wolverine punt returner Jake Thaw, the 2020 Staples High School graduate who made the most of his walk-on success at UM — was described this way in yesterday’s Detroit Free Press: “Those on the outside saw a senior making a near-catastrophic play.
“Those on the inside saw a game-saving play that propelled U-M to the national championship game.”
In a conference call previewing next Monday’s title clash with Washington (January 8, 7:30 p.m., ESPN), quarterback J.J. McCarthy said: “I think it was tremendous the way (Thaw) handled the situation.
“The way he handled it and not freaking out once the ball was going towards the end zone and accidentally kicking it or muffing it again and making sure he didn’t fumble it when he got hit by those three guys.
“There’s a lot of good that he did in that scary situation that I feel like needs to be appreciated, and that’s just a testament to our training and the mindset that we’ve forged over the last year.” (Click here for the full Free Press story. Hat tip: Pete Wolgast)
Jake Thaw, just before fielding Alabama’s punt on Monday.
Lifelong Westporter Mary Ann Andronaco died December 31 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 76.
A graduate of Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, she worked at Morehouse Barlow in Norwalk, where she met her husband Joseph of 46 years.
She also enjoyed teaching religious education for many years at Assumption parish.
Mary Ann was a breast cancer survivor for over 30 years, and supported the Sherwood Island walk.
She is survived by her husband; daughters Toni-Ann, Tracey, Meghan Terwilliger (Christopher), and beloved dogs Molly and Cammie.
She was preceded by aunts, uncles, and pets Tabby, Rory and Maggie.
A funeral will be held Monday, January 8 (Assumption Church, 11 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
And finally … on this day in 1933, construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge.
When it was completed 4 years later, it was both the longest and tallest suspension bridge in the world,
Local connection: Richie Havens gave several concerts here, in venues like the Westport Country Playhouse and Westport Arts Center. Memorably, he filled in for the Blues Project at Staples High School, when the band was tied up for several extra hours in a New York recording studio.
(Every day, “06880” offers an intriguing mix of stories of our town’s past, present and future. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
“We did it! We have reached our goal of inspiring (over) 150 Westporters to make a gift in support of Sustainable Westport.
“We deeply appreciate every individual who participated in our first-ever Community Giving Challenge.
“Your support helped us raise money to expand our programming in 2024, demonstrated our community’s continued commitment to sustainability, and helped us unlock an additional $10,000 challenge grant from a generous Sustainable Westport donor. When we come together, even small actions have an incredible impact! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Jake Thaw is going to the College Football Playoff championship.
His University of Michigan Wolverines edged Alabama 27-20 in overtime yesterday, at the Rose Bowl. They’ll face the University of Washington next Monday in Houston (January 8, 8:15 p.m., ESPN).
It almost didn’t happen, though. The only punt that came the 2020 Staples High School graduate’s way was muffed, at the 5-yard line. Thaw did a great job of avoiding a safety, under intense pressure.
Jay Harbaugh — the UM special teams coordinator, and son of head coach Jim Harbaugh — was heavily criticized on social media for allowing Thaw to attempt the catch inside the 10, and not simply letting it bounce.
Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund, and the object of so much interest and mystery in that world — is under the media microscope again.
Not long after the publication of Rob Copeland’s tell-almost-all book “The Fund,” a Bloomberg story examines charges against the company of favoritism, age and sex discrimination.
The article includes this description of what goes on inside the office:
Because many employees at Bridgewater are in their 20s and 30s and work long hours in the Connecticut suburbs far outside New York City, romantic relationships are common, people who have worked there said….
And the togetherness extends beyond work. There are almost 100 clubs where employees can do everything from play softball to rescue pets.
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Bridgewater’s Nyala Farm headquarters, where romance blooms. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
Bassist/composer/producer Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey kick off the 2024 Jazz at the Post year this Thursday (January 4, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m. on).
The two highly regarded musicians will be joined by saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall and drummer Steve Johns.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com
But you’re going to be spending a very short time in the water, right?
Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County are sponsoring a Polar Plunge today — Monday, January 1, 11 a.m., at Compo Beach.
It’s a fundraiser for the Israel Emergency Fund.
Donations will help pay for evacuation, transport, housing and support for frontline communities; trauma relief and psychosocial support; emergency medical services and health care, volunteers, and much more, for victims of Hamas’ October 7 attacks.
Whether you’re a football fan or not, Westporters should pay attention to today’s national semifinal game between #1 Michigan and #4 Alabama (January 1, 5 p.m., ESPN).
On the roster for the undefeated Wolverines (that’s Michigan, for you non-football fans): Jake Thaw.
A Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate (and football and basketball star), he’s a punt return specialist and wide receiver.
If you invited Nile Rodgers to your New Year’s Eve party, and he said he was already taken: He’s telling the truth.
Our Westport neighbor spent last night in Hollywood. He performed with his band Chic, as part of ABC-TV’s awkwardly named say-goodbye-to-’23 show, the awkwardly named “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
Here’s a screenshot, in case you really need proof:
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Not to be outdone, CBS featured another Westporter: Brad Tursi.
The 1997 Staples High graduate (and former soccer star) is lead guitarist and vocalist with Old Dominion, the multiple award-winning country band.
Brad Tursi. (Photo/Matthew Mandell; hat tips, Neil Brickley and Karen Kramer)
If you know of any other local New Year’s Eve entertainers we missed — José Feliciano? Keith Richards? — click “Comments” below.
ENCORE: CBS featured another Westporter last night too: meteorologist Lonnie Quinn.
Our had a busy night on the tube, for sure. And Matthew Mandell managed to catch all of it.
Lonnie Quinn (left). (Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
Like many restaurants, La Plage celebrated New Year’s Eve with a special party.
The staff was ready. Here was the scene, a few hours before midnight:
After a brief break starting today, the Longshore restaurant will reopen January 5 for dinner, with a new winter menu.
Speaking of restaurants: Don’t forget “06880”‘s guide. Click here — or click the “Restaurants” tab at the top of our blog (or the bottom of our iPhone or Android app), for a list of local spots, complete with menu and website links.
Want to ring in the new year with a nice oil painting of Westport?
How about this one by Arnold Knauth. It’s listed on eBay for $595 (or best offer):
Don’t recognize it?
Neither do I.
The listing says “Westport, CT.” It looks more like Westport, VT. (Except there is no such place.)
Mary Gai — who spotted the artwork, and sent the link to “06880” — wonders if it could be the now-flattened hilltop where the Gault development is now.
Seems kind of mountainous for that location.
If readers have any idea where this could be in Westport — or where else it could show — click “Comments” below.
All residents are invited to a Westport Board of Education “community conversation” (Tuesday, November 14, noon to 1:30 p.m., Westport Library Komasky Room).
Any topics related to the schools can be raised. Former RTM moderator and educator Velma Heller will facilitate the discussion.
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Adam Vengrow writes:
“Each year after our Veterans Day Town Hall service, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 hosts all local veterans and supporters for food and drinks.
“It costs about $25 per veteran. We hope to have 100 people this year.
“We want our great men and women who have served to enjoy the day. Anything ‘06880’ readers can donate is appreciated — via Paypal @vfw399ct, or email me (a.vengrow@ven2port.com) for Venmo and other options. The VFW is a 501(c)3.”
To learn more about VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, click here.
The Westport Downtown Association’s Instagram was hacked.
To follow them — and get information about upcoming events, promotions, and everything else downtown-related — click on their new Insta: @WestportDowntownOfficial.
Hard to envision this past weekend’s bridge slide?
Check out Sunday’s great drone video from Rick Giunta (sent by Andrew Colabella):
(Drone photo/Rick Giunta)
The view — looking west — shows traffic squeezed into 2 lanes. The bridge has been slid into place on the southbound side, with that entrance/exit ramp closed.
“There are 2 days each year — one in spring, one in fall – when the sun sets directly down the Longshore entrance road.
“I was lucky enough to catch it this afternoon, as I biked through Longshore. Call it ‘LongshoreHenge.'”
(Photo/John Richers)
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DNR — Westport’s favorite almost-all-physician rock band — takes the stage on Saturday, November 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
Of course, there’s a medical hook: “Rocking for the Cure” is a benefit for pancreatic cancer research at Nuvance Health. Dr. Richard Frank is chief of cancer research there — and DNR’s sax player.
Tony Award-winning actor and great local friend James Naughton will emcee.
Tickets are $35 each, and include wine, beer, soda and snacks. Click here to reserve, and for more information.
Oh, doctor! The DNR band.
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More entertainment: “Rock, religion and Westport’s homeless shelter” may never have appeared n the same sentence.
But they all come together this Saturday (November 11, 3 p.m.,) when the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport welcomes the Fairfield School of Rock House Band for a family-friendly concert.
It’s free — but donations to Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center are welcomed. Concert-goers are asked to bring food and toiletries for the Homes with Hope pantry too.
Complimentary refreshments will be available, thanks to merchants like Trader Joe’s.
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Also on stage: Jaden Myles Waldman — one of Westport’s most gifted young performers — plays one of his most important roles this Sunday (November 12, 7 p.m., Symphony Space, New York City).
The Bedford Middle School 8th grader is part of “Lyrics for Life.” The goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health through the power of music.
Jaden will sing with a star-filled lineup of performers from Broadway, TV and fil. All are between 6 and 25 years old. Hosts are Swayam Bhatia (The Mighty Ducks and Succession) and Devin Trey Campbell (MJ The Musical, Kinky Boots,Single Parents).
Jaden was on Broadway in Caroline, or Change. He recently performed a solo at Carnegie Hall’s “We are Here” concert, honoring Holocaust victims and celebrating Jewish history.
He was the voice of Peter in Pinkalicious and Peteriffic, Kun in Mirai, and TO-B1 Star Wars: Visions. his film and TV credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Give or Take.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Veterans Day 2 days early.
This Thursday (November 9; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), the popular series welcomes Tower of Power’s trumpeter Michael Bogart (a 20-year veteran of the US Navy Band), and drummer and US Army Band veteran Joe Corsello.
Also sitting in:pianist Mitch Schecter, bassist Brian Glassman and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
There is special Veterans Day pricing. Suggested minimums are $55 for the performance with dinner, $30 for music only. Funds raised will support VFW post 399, the longtime Jazz at the Post host (and a mainstay of the area’s veterans community).
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Roger Kafuman’s “Speaking of Music” series returns to the Westport Library with a special program. Speaking of Jazz: What It Is, is set for this Saturday (November 11; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.)
Performers include the Brian Torff Group, the Jones Factor Lite, and the Tim DeHuff Quartet.
A discussion panel includes includes author Bill Milkowski, saxophonist Rabbi Greg Wall; bassist Dave Anderson, and bassist, author and music educator Torff. Kaufman will moderate the discussion, which will include the long evolution of jazz, through multiple genres.
The grandson of ragtime songwriter Mel B. Kaufman, Roger — a 1966 graduate of Staples High School — has spent a lengthy career as a bandleader, bass player, producer, moderator and historian. He founded Old School Music Productions, which puts on the Speaking of Music series as a “cornerstone of musical education” combining narration, expert discussions and live performances.
In 2016 he helped the Smithsonian acquire, archive and exhibit donations by guitarist/composer/producer Steve Cropper (“Midnight Hour,” “Knock on Wood,” “Dock of the Bay”). He has worked closely with Smithsonian curators to archive musicians’ work, including Weston resident Jose Feliciano.
And finally … because we’re previewing so many musical performances today, including rock and jazz:
(“06880” is many things, to many people. Today it’s (mostly) music. If you appreciate these daily Roundups, please support your hyper-local blog. Click here — and thank you!)
Westport’s Department of Public Works is always busy.
Their latest project: repairing sink holes.
The photo below shows a pipe separation on Roseville Road that was undermining the sidewalk. DPW cemented around the pipe, then back filled with asphalt.
It’s one of those jobs that can go unnoticed. And we’ll never know what problems they avoided, thanks to vigilance and hard work.
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A large crowd attended last night’s drag show at MoCA Westport.
The 2nd annual event was family-friendly, and part of Westport Pride’s month-long Pride celebration.
Young drag queen Desmond MCed the event. (Photo/Nikki Gorman)
Jake Thaw was an All-State football and basketball player at Staples High School — and an FCIAC and NFL Foundation Exemplary Scholar Athlete.
The 2020 graduate has continued his success at the University of Michigan, where he’s a 2-time Academic All-Big 10 honoree. On July 2 (6 p.m., Pizza Lyfe, 833 Post Road East), he’ll meet fans, talk about his journey, and discuss the upcoming season.
It’s free — and you don’t have to be a Michigan alum to go. But please click here to register (so the restaurant can plan seating). And attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks.
Jake Thaw
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We’re used to seeing fishermen on Compo Beach’s South Beach jetty.
But seldom are there as many as Karen Como spotted yesterday.
Robert Giury and Nicole Kelman were honored with “40 Under 40” business awards recently.
Westfair Business Journal cites young businesspeople. Each town in Fairfield and Westchester Counties is represented by the head of their Chamber of Commerce. Matthew Mandell handed out Westport’s honors, at the Point at Norwalk Cove.
Giury is vice president of investments for David Lerner Associates. Kelman is CEO of New England Educational Consultants.
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, flanked by Nicole Kelman and Robert Giury.
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