Every year on September 11, Westport Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella attends the memorial service at Ground Zero.
He was there today with John Ryan. In 2002 the New York detective found Andrew’s cousin’s headstone — a memorial to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing victims — while cleaning the grounds. Andrew and John have been friends ever since.
The Ground Zero ceremony is always intensely moving.
This morning’s event was particularly poignant.
At the site were a number of dignitaries, from both parties. In the midst of a heated campaign — and just 12 hours after last night’s debate — the mood was “peaceful, cordial, friendly and respectful,” Andrew reports.
At Ground Zero this morning (from left): Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Chuck Schumer, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial, Sherwood Island State Park, on September 11, 2024. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Westport Weston Family YMCA, today … (Photo/Dan Woog)
But another big sporting event drew thousands of athletes too.
The Maccabi Youth games, in London, are called “the Jewish Olympics.” Participants are Jewish athletes from around the world.
Among them: Jonny Costello. The Staples High School rising senior — about to begin his 3rd varsity season for the Wreckers — was among the 18 players representing the US in Under-18 age group competition.
Jonny Costello (#24), as a junior playing for Staples. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
He did more than just “represent.” Jonny was the team’s leading scorer, and was chosen as captain for the 3rd place match against Germany. He came through big time with 2 goals and an assist, helping the US win the bronze.
The Americans — with players from across the country — faced teams from the UK, France, Argentina and Germany.
Though they met for the first time at the airport, they meshed quickly and played excellent soccer.
Jonny Costello, at the Maccabi Games.
There’s more to Jonny’s story than soccer, though.
He has stuttered since he was 5. It hindered him socially when he was younger, in New York City.
Before his family moved to Westport just before 4th grade, he worried his new classmates might think he was “weird.”
But he blasted a home run on his first day at Coleytown Elementary School. That was all he needed, to make his mark — and make friends.
In 2019, as his bar mitzvah loomed — a time when a 13-year-old must speak publicly, and confidently — Jonny did his project about his stutter.
He created a “crash course” video, using quick illustrations to explain concepts. (His vocal cords shut when he speaks. He has no trouble putting thoughts together. They just don’t always come out as quickly as he’d like.)
In the video, he talked about his own life (including a worker at Subway, who asks what’s wrong when he’s trying to order).
He offered strategies for family members, teachers, friends and strangers: Be patient. Don’t finish sentences for someone. Be kind.
The video was shown at his bar mitzvah. The synagogue erupted in cheers.
Jonny’s parents, Sean and Lauren, emailed it to the guests. It was uploaded to YouTube.
Almost immediately, the video went viral.
Speech therapists in Sweden and Portugal asked for translations. A girl watched it 4 times, then asked her teacher to show it to the class. An 18-year-old who had lived his life “in the shadows” said that Jonathan’s video perfectly articulated his life.
It even reached the most famous stutterer in the world: Joe Biden.
Soon, Jonny met the former vice president.
Fast forward to London, where Jonny assumed a leadership role on the Maccabi squad.
The event’s media team was impressed. They made their own video, highlighting Jonny’s accomplishments on and off the pitch.
There’s an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”
In Jonny Costello’s case, it should be: “His actions speak as clearly as his words.”
(In 2019, “06880” reported on Jonny’s bar mitzvah video. Click here for that story.”)
(“06880” reports often on the achievements of Westport’s young people. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
In the 13 months ending in February 2024, President Biden raised $3.17 million in individual contributions from Connecticut residents. Donald Trump brought in $1.4 million.
But, CT Mirror reports, Trump leads in the number of individuals who donated since last April: 31,708 to 5,925.
Westport is one of only 2 Fairfield County towns in which Biden drew more individual donations than Trump: 188 to 99. The other town is Sherman (10 to 2).
Click here for the full story, including an interactive map.
Donation map, showing which candidate had more donations in each Connecticut town. Biden is blue, Trump is red.
Just in time for Easter, the full soundtrack for “Dante: Inferno to Paradise, Part 2: Resurrection” is available for streaming.
Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer (and Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate) Brian Keane scored the music — his latest success, in a wide-ranging career of writing, producing and recording.
Matthew Modine (“Oppenheimer,” “Full Metal Jacket”) will be at the Westport Library for a free screening of his new documentary, “Downwind” (April 11, 6:30 p.m.)
He’ll be joined by his producing partner, Adam Rackoff. They’ll discuss the movie afterward, then answer audience questions.
“Downwind” tells the story of what happened after the events depicted in “Oppenheimer.” It focuses on Mercury, Nevada, the testing site for 928 large-scale nuclear weapons from 1951 to 1992.
Featuring members of the Shoshone Nation and many others affected by the radioactive fallout from those tests, the documentary “uncovers the US government’s disregard for everyone and everything living ‘downwind.’”
“Downwind” currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dr. Alice Paul was one of the early 20th century’s most prominent women’s rights activists.
She was one of the keys to the passage of the 19th Amendment, and in 1923 introduced the Equal Rights Amendment.
Dr. Paul was a 40-year resident of Ridgefield.
On April 13 (2 p.m.), the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a talk with Darla Shaw, who worked with Dr. Paul for many years, here in Fairfield County. The public is invited.
Last year’s 1st-ever National Drinking with Chickens Day was such a success, Wakeman Town Farm is bringing it back.
Next months event (May 23, 6:30 p.m.) features live music by Luke Molina, light bite including pizza by Tony Napolitano, craft cocktails by mixxed.by.ed, and guest appearances by the WTF flock.
Tickets to the hen party are $100 each. Click here to register … then shake a tail feather.
Bobbi Essagof spotted this dove — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — on her Saugatuck Avenue deck.
“Peace ahead?” she wonders.
From her lips to …
(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)
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And finally … speaking of chickens (see story) above:
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Hundreds of Westporters mingled, sipped cocktails, nibbled on light bites, listened to jazz, bid on auction items, and watched dozens of neighbors walk the Westport Library runway last night.
“Fashionably Westport” is one of the town’s hottest tickets. The annual Westport Downtown Association event is a fundraiser for Homes with Hope.
MC Dave Briggs and runway director Carey Price kept things lively.
A full day of in-store activities follows today (Friday, March 29).
Seen on the runway: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker …
… Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella …
… and a host of other models. MC Dave Briggs is at right. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
When it comes to watching — and understanding — a solar eclipse, most of us are, well, in the dark.
The always-helpful folks at the Westport Astronomical Society can help.
For the April 8 event, Westport Observatory volunteers will bring telescopes and safety gear to the Westport Library’s upper parking lot (near the Levitt Pavilion).
Peak eclipse is at 3:26 p.m., when the sun in Westport will be 90.7% obscured.
The next partial solar eclipses aren’t until 2028 and 2029 — and they won’t obscure the sun anywhere near what we’ll see next month.
For that, you’ll have to wait until the total solar eclipse on the morning of May 1, 2079.
There are a thousand reasons to appreciate and admire our Westport Police Department.
Here’s reason 1,001.
Next Thursday (April 4, 5 to 9 p.m.), officers will “work” with the wait staff at Rizzuto’s restaurant. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. They’ll all go to Special Olympics Connecticut.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
Music and Women’s History Month are the themes of 4 new art exhibits at the Westport Library.
“Thinking Inside the Box” on the main level is an idea put forward by artist and author Melissa Newman. 21 artists from around the area created multi-dimensional works.
In the Sheffer Gallery, Marlene Siff’s “Finely Tuned” features 5 large dimensional paintings named for, and linked to, a specific expression found in music, along with several maquettes she created prior to construction of the final pieces. Visitors to the gallery can scan a QR code next to each piece and listen to the musical selections that inspired her. Finely Tuned runs through June 10, with a reception and artist talk moderated by Miggs Burroughs on May 5 (2 p.m.).
Also running through June 10 is Camille Eskell’s exhibit, “Scheherazade: Storyteller.” Eskell’s reception and talk is on Wednesday (6 p.m.). Eskell’s digital photo-based collages incorporate textiles such as saris, hand-made paper, cast sculpture, trims, jewels, and more, to explore self-perception, societal attitudes, and psychological states related to gender bias.
Rounding out the new exhibits is “Art of the Album: And All That Jazz,” album covers from the collection of Ellen and Mark Naftalin, displayed in the Jesup Gallery. It features album covers of some of the pioneering jazz musicians who changed the face and sound of American music forever.
From left: Camille Eskell, Marlene Siff, Mark Naftalin.
David Meth went to the transfer station the other day. The amount of trash in one gigantic vehicle stunned him.
He watched in awe as it disgorged its garbage. It took a long time.
As the truck unloaded and the pit filled, David took some photos.
“06880” often posts beautiful shots, of gorgeous Westport.
These are a bit different. But they too provide an important look into who we are.
Beginning …
middle …
… and end. (Photos/David Meth)
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Westport loves our ospreys.
But as we look at these magnificent raptors, it’s easy to forget that they survive by preying on other creatures.
The other day, one of our Fresh Market ospreys dined out on a good-sized flounder. Ospreys have a keen eye for detecting prey from afar, sharp talons for killing, and powerful beaks for tearing flesh.
And finally … I was at the “3 Presidents” event at Radio City Music Hall last night. Joe Biden, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were interviewed by Stephen Colbert.
It was a remarkable evening.
The 3 US presidents discussed the state of America and the world. They looked back at history, and forward to November.
They were interrupted several times by protestors, angry about Biden’s policies in the Middle East. “Let them speak,” he said.
Obama took a stronger tone: “You can’t just talk, and not listen. The world is complicated. It’s hard to solve these problems.”
There were speeches too by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and First Lady Jill Biden.
Plus — and this is where this feature is heading — entertainment. The list included Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Ben Platt, Cynthia Erivo, Lea Michele and Mindy Kaling.
Cynthia Erivo
The only one of those performers I had ever seen live was Ben Platt. I’m sure I would have gone to my grave without imagining seeing any of the others.
But they all slayed.
So — in keeping with our traditional end-of-Roundup musical salutes — enjoy:
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Every 4 years, Don O’Day spends February in New Hampshire.
The former Board of Education (and, more recently, Coleytown Middle School reopening committee) chair is not there to ski.
A political junkie since 1968, he takes a first-hand look at the men and women who — early in the presidential campaign — crisscross the Granite State before its first-in-the-nation primary.
O’Day is there as they speak to small crowds, mingle afterward, and engage in the type of retail politics that the rest of the country only dreams about.
Eleven months ago he was there, up close and personal with Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang.
And very, very personal with Joe Biden.
Don O’Day, with Joe Biden. At left: Don’s son Mike O’Day and his fiancee Nicole Sockett.
O’Day attended a small campaign event. Afterwards, he spoke to the former vice president.
I attended a small Biden campaign event in New Hampshire and spoke to him afterwards.
O’Day said he had used the former vice president’s words several years earlier, when he delivered a eulogy for his brother-in-law.
Biden stopped the rope line, and listened.
Speaking personally, and listening intently.
“He only seemed interested in how my sister was dealing with the loss of her husband,” O’Day recalls.
“His New Hampshire opponents didn’t seem to matter. When I told him it’s still a day-to-day thing, even though several years have passed, he took her number and said he would would call.
“I wasn’t sure he would. But the next day — in the middle of a primary campaign — he called. They spoke for 15 minutes. No politics — just family, grief, joy and life. ”
O’Day’s sister was “overwhelmed.”
Two days later, he went to another Biden event. O’Day thanked him. They spoke about again — about his sister, the call, and Biden’s approach to dealing with loss.
“He took the time,” O’Day says about America’s new president.
“He’s the real deal.”
Joe Biden in New Hampshire, with Don O’Day’s wife Toni and son Donny.
Tens of millions of Americans raved about Joe Biden’s speech last night.
Many also raved about the music playlist, fireworks and drone display.
No one even mentioned the lighting.
But the reason all those people were able to see the president-elect — and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris — so well, outside the hard-to-light Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware, was Andrew Lott.
The view from Andrew Lott’s lighting board. (Photo/Andrew Lott, via Staples Players)
At Staples High School, the Class of 2009 alum served as lighting director for many Players shows. He continued his studies — and lighting — at the University of Michigan.
Andrew went on to work at the Spoleto Festival, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Public Theatre, Shakespeare in the Park and Lincoln Center.
He spent 2 years as lighting director for “CNN Tonight.” He now works nationally on a wide variety of events.
Last year, he returned to Westport to run a lighting workshop for Staples Players.
No one notices a lighting director (unless he screws up). But last night, as many Americans envisioned a brighter future, they saw it — with perfect clarity — thanks to Westport’s own Andrew Lott.
The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge is Westport’s go-to site for political demonstrations, rallies and we-need-to-be-together times.
A few days ago several Trump supporters gathered there, with signs and banners.
Yesterday it was filled with about 70 Joe Biden and Kamala Harris fans. Drivers jammed traffic, celebrating the president- and vice president-elect with cheers, car horns, thumbs-up and smiles.
Even kayakers on the river got into the fun.
Occasional dissent was heard. But it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the celebrants one bit.
Photographer J.C. Martin captured the day with these photos.
Unofficial results — but including in-person voting, and absentee and early drop-off ballots — show Westporters favoring Democrats in every contest yesterday.
The Biden-Harris presidential ticket outpolled Trump=Pence, 12,775 to 4,184.
Congressman Jim Himes was re-elected to his 7th term in the 4th District, helped by 11,968 Westport votes to challenger Jonathan Riddle’s 4,881.
In Connecticut’s 26th Senatorial district, Will Haskell won a 2nd term, aided by 10,230 Westport votes to 4,721 for Republican Kim Healy.
Democrat Michelle McCabe outpolled Republican incumbent Tony Hwang 1,198 to 843 in Westport. But results in the rest of the State Senate District 28 came in slowly, and as of 5 a.m. today, McCabe’s lead in the entire district was less than 100 votes. That outcome is uncertain.
Six-term state Representative Jonathan Steinberg beat back a challenge from fellow Staples High School graduate Chip Stephens, with 10,446 Westport votes compared to 5,266 in the 136th District.
Democrat Stephanie Thomas led Patricia Zukaro , 753 to 480, in Westport. Final results from the entire District 143 are not yet in.
Overall, more than 85 percent of Westport’s registered voters participated in the 2020 election, either by mail, drop-off or in person.
Ryan Hartmann spotted 3 dolphins just a couple of miles off Cockenoe Island.
Here’s a screenshot of them playing alongside his boat. Click here for a minute-long video on Facebook Live.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce does windows.
Saturday, October 24 — one week before Halloween — is the date for the town’s Window Painting Contest. Westport students can sign up to request a merchant’s window, or be assigned one. They’ll decorate it, and judges will pick winners in 3 categories: Scariest Artwork, Best Halloweeen Theme, and Most Original.
There are different divisions for elementary, middle and high school.
Winners — who supply their own water-based paint, drop cloths and brushes, and clean up after themselves — receive a $25 gift certificate from Donut Crazy.
I thought the most obnoxious robocall was the constant “courtesy call” from someone who had been “trying to reach” me about my (non-existent) automobile warranty.
But that’s almost welcome compared to the daily barrage from (supposedly) the presidential campaigns.
Every day I am assaulted by calls from both sides. The voice sounds the same — and for some reason, all I can think of is George H.W. Bush.
The scripts are similar too: How great the Biden (or Trump) ticket is, as opposed to the awful other side.
Then comes the kicker: Contribute $35. Or $5,000.
And — of course — the acknowledgment that this group with a made-up-but-official-sounding name has no affiliation with the actual campaigns.
It’s a scam. Don’t fall for it. If you want your money to get to Joe Biden, click here. For Donald Trump, click here.
And speaking of politics:
An “06880” reader received an anonymous letter, addressed to “Our Neighbors.” It says:
We have been hesitant to contact you but as the number of signs in your yard has grown, we felt we must reach out. We are writing not about the content of the signs displayed on your front lawn but about the quantity of signs.
This note has no reference to politics; everyone has the right to their beliefs and to the expression of those beliefs. However, your one sign has now blossomed into ten and frankly it is an eye sore to the neighborhood.
Our request is simply that you choose two of the signs to display in front and either display the others elsewhere or remove them altogether. Your consideration of this proposal is greatly appreciated.
The homeowner’s response: “Cowards!”
And finally … Johnny Nash died Tuesday. He was 80. But songs like this will long endure:
Everyone knew that yesterday’s Saugatuck Survive-OARS “River of Roses” breast cancer benefit would be great.
But Jim Belushi made it even greater.
The actor/comedian/musician played a 30-minute set with the Fake ID band, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Jim Belushi, in action yesterday.
Jim Belushi was not the only big name in town this weekend.
On Friday night, MoCA Westport hosted Wynton Marsalis, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra Septet. It was a wonderful evening of music and community — under the stars.
Wynton Marsalis at MoCA. (Photo/John Brody)
Younger artists were highlighted too. The audience was wowed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra High School Academy warmup band, featuring Staples High School senior Dylan Goodman on drums.
(Photo/Leslie LaSala)
An “06880” reader writes:
I was out yesterday doing errands. I wore my mask at Stop & Shop and the post office, but forgot to put it on when I entered Trader Joe’s.
I shopped for 10 minutes, then went through checkout. As I exited the store, I saw another customer walk in and realized, “I forgot to wear my mask!”
No one said a word to me in the store. In fact, I chatted with a nice woman for a few minutes while we waited for the register.
I wish someone had said something to me. I would have dashed outside immediately to get my mask. I felt terrible about it.
Two Old Hill neighborhood residents report Biden/Harris signs being stolen from their property.
Vicki Volper is ” very frustrated and disappointed.” She says a friend elsewhere in Westport had her yard sign taken too.
Nancy Diamond says she will simply purchase a new one — giving even more money to the campaign the thief presumably opposes.
For nearly 50 years, CLASP Homes has created and supported family environments for people with autism and intellectual disabilities.
COVID forced the cancelation of the great Taste of Westport fundraiser. A second big event is usually held indoors, at FTC. That’s no longer possible either.
But the show goes on — outdoors. “Flashback to the ’80s & ’90s” is safe, fun, family-friendly entertainment — and it’s live.
Band Central musicians is partnering with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce for the October 15 show at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Tailgating begins at 4:30 p.m. The show kicks off at 6. Click here for tickets ($150 per car; 70 car limit in the lot).
Today should have been Mercy Learning Center’s big fundraising gala. Instead, it’s postponed a year. The new date is October 3, 2021 at Shorehaven Golf Club.
But the Bridgeport agency — which educates underserved women — has huge needs, now and in the coming months.
$50+ purchases school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, and a calculator for 1 woman.
$100+ provides emergency social-service needs for 1 woman.
$250+ provides instructional materials for 1 tutored student.
$500+ provides instructional materials for 1 Intensive Study Program student.
$1,500+ provides for 1 student in the National External Diploma Program.
$2,500+ provides a full year of holistic literacy and life skills education for a child in the MLC Early Childhood Education Program.
$5,000+ provides a full year of holistic literacy and life skills education for 1 full-time Intensive Study Program student.
$7,500+ provides a full year of holistic literacy and life skills education for 1 full-time Intensive Study Program student and her child in the Early Childhood Education Program.
$10,000+ provides a full year of holistic literacy and life skills education for 10 tutored students.
Checks can be sent to Mercy Learning Center, 637 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604. Click here to donate online.
And finally … in case you missed Jim Belushi yesterday at the Saugatuck Rowing Club:
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