Tag Archives: John Richers

Roundup: Reader Survey, Baron’s South, Millennial Workplaces …

Posted on July 27, 2023 | 4 comments

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We’ve created a lightning-quick, 3-question survey. Please click here. Your answers are confidential — but very, very helpful.

Tons o’ ways to find us.

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Yesterday’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee marked a small step on a long journey.

The subcommittee discussed the possibility of using town-owned residential properties on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

The preliminary concept includes creating a new zone where existing structures are located.

That would enable their adaptive re-use (interior changes only), for conversion to affordable multifamily units.

The late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s “Golden Shadows” home is currently unoccupied. Two structures are currently used for workforce housing.

The P&Z Affordable Housing subcommittee will now create a draft text change, reflecting the concept.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young joined in the discussion. Public comment was favorable.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin (shown in this file photo from a previous meeting) are exploring the use of existing structures on Baron’s South for affordable housing.

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I’m not sure why the qualities of a workplace are different for millennials than the rest of us (older or younger).

But Fortune magazine recently used 500,000 survey results, with 60 statements and 2 open-ended questions, to publish a “Best Workplaces for Millennials” report.

Fortune broke down the rankings into two lists: the top 100 large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the top 100 small-to-medium sized companies with between 50 and 999 employees.

In the large (1,000 or more employees) category, Westport’s own Bridgewater Associates ranked 60th out of 100.

The world’s largest hedge fund was lauded for fully paid healthcare, a good 401(k) match, and inclusive culture.

In the small-to-medium (50 to 999) category, Daversa Partners in Westport was rated #22.

The Greens Farms Road executive recruiting firm was cited for a “culture that makes employment feel rewarding.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

Millennials love working at Bridgewater.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 19 and 26.

A man who took a person’s cell phone during a domestic argument, preventing a 911 call, was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an emergency call.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign, following an accident on Greens Farms Road at Nyala Farm Road.

A third man was arrested for failure to appear, during an active warrant for his re-arrest.

Police also issued these citations:

Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Failure to renew registration: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

Interfering with a 911 call is a serious offense.

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Residents turn to the Westport Library for information, inspiration and entertainment.

And — in emergencies — for heat, air conditioning, electricity and WiFi.

Now — thanks to a post-COVID $57,462 American Rescue Plan Act grant enhancing its technological infrastructure and wireless connectivity — the Library will serve the community even better when disaster strikes.

When extreme storms like Irene and Isais disruption many lives, more than 12,000 patrons utilized the Library’s internet.

Often, service could not meet demand. The ARPA grant extends the wireless signal beyond Jesup Green and Levitt Pavilion, with 4 more wireless access points installed.

In addition, the Library’s firewall was updated for added safety and security.

That’s great to know.

Let’s hope we never have to use it.

When the power went out during Tropical Storm Isais, Westporters took advantage of the library’s WiFi — masked and socially distanced, of course. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

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John Richers makes his Church Lane Summer Music Series debut this Saturday (July 29). He starts strumming his guitar at 6 p.m., next to Spotted Horse.

A Westport resident since 2017, he emerged from the COVID shutdown with over 75 songs in his rock/folk/country repertoire. Since venturing back on stage, John has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues.

Audiences sing along to favorites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, while savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, the Wallflowers and Decemberists.

John Richers

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Doughnuttery — the sugared mini-doughnut company founded by Westporter Evan Feldman, with 4 New York City locations, 1 on Long Island and 1 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (!) — has just gone international.

The newest shop is on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in Santiago, Chile.

Can Westport be far behind?

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Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Brian McGeady died peacefully last Thursday, with his family by his side. He was 69.

He grew up in a tight-knit family with 5 siblings across from Longshore, where his love of golf began. While at Staples he worked at Manero’s and Ye Olde Bridge Grille, which allowed him to buy a prized red ‘Cuda.

He graduated from Boston College in 1976 with a degree in accounting. and worked for Kahan Steiger and Co. in Stamford. Upon passing his CPA exam he was offered a partnership, and remained there until he retired.

He also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Haven. In 1981 Brian married Diane Grosso.

He loved golf, paddleball, the New York Yankees, and spending holidays and vacations with his family.

In addition to his wife Diane, Brian is survived by his children Sean, Kyle and Megan; granddaughter Harper; his faithful companion Rudy; siblings, Meg (Bradley) Sagendorf, Richard (Mary), Elizabeth O’Brien (Chris), Kieran, Lee Yin, (Dan(; his brother-in-law David Grosso, and mother-in-law Eleanor Grosso, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister Katherine.

Calling hours are today (Thursday, July 27, 4-7 p.m., Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield(. Interment will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Brian McGeady

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Longtime Weston resident Frances Manere died Friday at home, surrounded by her family. She was 85.

The Norwalk native was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband Bob.

Survivors include her sons Robert (Robyn) of Bethel, Michael (Lisa) of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Brian of Weston; her brother James Buchta (Connie) of Norwalk; sister in law Rosemary Buchta of Norwalk; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack Buchta.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (July 31, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Weston). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road Westport. Click here to leave online condolences.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — the first one “06880” has run of a cicada — and says:

“You hear them, but did you ever see one?

“Walking to my car from my house, on the ground in the street was a cicada. I didn’t want him run over, so I moved him to a safe place.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Sinead O’Connor died yesterday, at 56.

The New York Times called her an “outspoken Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful, evocative voice, as showcased on her biggest hit, a breathtaking rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and for her political provocations onstage and off.” Click here for a full obituary.

(Whether you get “06880” on a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop — see story above — we are glad you’re part of our online community. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Media, Obituaries, Police, Real estate

Tagged "06880" blog, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, affordable housing, Baron's South, Brian McGeady, Fran Manere, John Richers, Planning & Zoning Commission

Roundup: Class Of ’72, ABC Dream Event, Garden Club Poetry …

Posted on March 12, 2023 | Comments Off

Fifty years after graduation, the Staples High School Class of 1972 has not forgotten their alma mater.

For last summer’s half-century (!) reunion, classmates contributed extra funds to help anyone who wanted to attend but could not afford the expense.

When money remained, reunion committee member Mike Elliot had an idea: purchase a Class of ’72 bench for the Staples courtyard. It could be placed it next to a sculpture of dancers by Steffi Freidman — mother of classmate Margie Friedman.

Mike elicited the help of several Staples grads, including ’72 alums Buck Iannacone and Jim Deegan, plus John Rizzi of Rizzi Design Studio (Class of ’74),

Westport Public Schools director of facilities Ted Hunyadi did a great job installing the finished product in the courtyard.

It’s there now, ready for use. And it bears a plaque: “Sit, relax and enjoy! A gift from the Staples Class of 1972.”

Enjoying the bench, clockwise from upper left: Mike Elliot, Joan Wright, Prill Plantinga Boyle and Ann Becker Moore. Missing: John Friedson,

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Tickets are going fast for A Better Chance of Westport’s 20th anniversary Dream Event.

The April 1 gala — one of Westport’s best fundraisers of the year, for the program that offers a Staples education, housing and support to 8 boys from underserved communities — brings together current and alumni scholars.

In addition to strong, insightful speeches from the scholars, the evening includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment, bowling — the event is at Pinstripes, in the SoNo Collection — and a silent auction.

Among the featured items: 2 nights at Gurney’s in Montauk; VIP tickets to a Yankees game; a Wakeman Town Farm dinner for 2, and a “Broadway your way” experience (with transportation, dinner for 2 and a New York hotel stay).

Tickets are available for cocktail/dinner only, or cocktails/dinner and bowling. Click here to purchase.

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Three young poets have won the Westport Garden Club’s youth contest — and placed first in their grade at the state level. They move on to the New England competition.

Congratulations to Owen Cloherty (1st grade), Maya Cloherty (4th grade) and Kassia Stedman (5th grade).

This year’s theme — “Seeds, Trees, and Bees…Oh My – Celebrating the Diversity of Nature” — drew entries from every grade level, kindergarten through 9th.

The winners will receive their awards — and read from their works — at the Westport Library on April 2 (2 p.m).

It’s part of National Poetry Month. The event also includes a poetry workshop with town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee. Attendees can write their own poems, inspired by natural materials provided by the Westport Garden Club. For more information, click here.

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Westporter John Richers put the pandemic to good use: He learned 80 acoustic rock songs on his guitar.

On Friday night, he played at Fairfield’ Social, the Post Road bar. He had plenty of support from Westport friends.

John was invited back for a May gig.

After cutting his teeth there, and in Black Rock and Bethel, he hopes to find a Westport venue soon.

John Richers (Photo/Valerie Ann Leff)

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Staples High School celebrated Civic Learning Week with 3 events, featuring local government leaders in celebration of Civics Learning Week. these events provided opportunities for students to meet and learn from local officials.

Last Monday, selectwomen Jen TookerAndrea Moore and Candice Savin answered questions about the budget, affordable housing, environmental sustainability and more.

On Thursday, Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein and vice chair Liz Heyer discussed education policy, and the BOE’s role in the community. Students asked questions about curriculum, funding, testing and school schedules.

The final event on Friday featured registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Maria Signore. They answered questions about election integrity and access, the voter registration process, and the new early voting proposals.

The 3 sessions were organized by Spencer Yim, a member of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and leader of Your Vote Matters, a civic engagement club at Staples,

This week: a “town hall” with Congressman Jim Himes for next week

Civic Learning Week organizer Spencer Yim (center) with (from left) registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Maria Signore.

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Eileen Diana Blau died Thursday in her longtime Westport home. She was 92.

She was born Eileen Lefkowitz in Brooklyn, to Ukrainian parents who had immigrated less than a decade earlier.

Eileen graduated from Brooklyn College with a BS in mathematics. She met fellow student Barry Blau at a Socialist Youth League gathering. They married in 1948, and enjoyed 69 years together until Barry’s death in 2017.

A passionate reader, artist and collector, Eileen filled her mid-century modern home with thousands of books and an eclectic art collection ranging from Flemish tapestries to Indonesian Buddhas, ancient Chinese mirrors and sculptures of her own creation.

In the basement she helped her husband launch his business, Barry Blau & Partners. It grew over 20 years into a global advertising agency.

Once her children were grown, Eileen pursued a life of many interests. She was an avid golfer and tennis player at Birchwood Country Club. Her Manhattan apartment, also art-filled, was a launching pad for attending classes at the China Institute and Asia Society, and frequent visits to museums, galleries and auction houses.

For many years Eileen and Barry also maintained a vacation home on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a winter gathering spot for their extended family.

In addition to her husband, Eileen was predeceased by her elder sister Rita Kannel. She is survived by her younger sister, Anita Metz; her children Shawn Blau and Emily Blau (Robert Cohen) both of Westport, Peter Blau (Barbara) of Belmont, North Carolina and Juliet Jenkins (Bruce) of Belmont, Massachusetts; grandchildren Lucy Thomas (Kyle), James Blau, Michael Blau (Julie), Lucas Jenkins, Maddie Jenkins, Tess Jenkins, Benjamin Cohen and Veronica Blau, and great-grandchildren Claire and Charles Thomas.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Monday March 13, 11 a.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). Shiva will be observed at the Blau home in Westport the same day from 1 to 6 p.m. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Eileen Blau

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They haven’t all come up yet, and they’re not in full bloom.

But trust us on today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: These crocuses, planted by Janet Wolgast in front of her Sturges Commons home, spell “JOY.”

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … speaking of joy:

(If “06880” brings joy to your world, please consider supporting us with a donation. Click here — and thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Class Of ’72, ABC Dream Event, Garden Club Poetry …

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Staples HS

Tagged A Better Chance of Westport, Eileen Blau, John Richers, Spencer Yim, Staples high School Class of 1972, Westport Garden Club

COVID-19 Roundup: Bells, Seders, Easter, Entertainment, Saugatuck Island, More

Posted on April 9, 2020 | 32 comments

Yesterday marked one month since the Westport Public Schools closed — and the full impact of the coronavirus hit home.

The original “2-week” period has been doubled. Though there has been no word from the governor, it looks increasingly likely that schools will remain shut through June.

Four weeks ago, we could not imagine being out for 2 weeks. Now, we realize we can do this. And we can do a lot more, in all facets of our lives.

Human beings are remarkably adaptable creatures. But it takes an enormous amount of support and collaboration to adapt. Here’s a shout-out to all who have done whatever they can, to help us through that very tough first month.

It’s still too early to get a handle on the financial impact of COVID-19 crisis on Westport. When Board of Finance chair Brian Stern sat for an interview with Rob Simmelkjaer yesterday, he noted that it is too early to know about its effect on the mill rate, which will be set in mid-May. Click on the app for the full interview; download it here.

Brian Stern and Rob Simmelkjaer.

Yesterday marked Westport’s 2nd Wednesday of bell ringing. Churches, businesses, families — all got together at 5 p.m., to show support for medical personnel and frontline workers.

One of the special ringers was Rebecca Schachter. Her bell came from her dad Seth’s World War II collection. It was used by British wardens during air raids.

Eight decades later, we’re in a different war. But the bell is as important as ever.

Like many Westport families last night, the Aders and Yormarks celebrated Passover — commemorating the Israelites’ escape from slavery when God inflicted 10 plagues upon the Egyptians — in the midst of a plague. Here’s their “virtual” Seder:

Also yesterday, Governor Lamont ordered all flags lowered to half staff statewide, mourning those affected by COVID-19. Flags will remain lowered throughout the emergency.

Reader Brendan Byrne spotted a firefighter at the Saugatuck station responding immediately:

Posted without comment (though there undoubtedly will be some from readers):

“SISTD” is the Saugatuck Island Special Taxing District. It was established in 1984 to tax island property owners on the land just beyond Harbor Road for local costs — mainly road maintenance. (Hat tip: NextDoor)

St. Luke Church will livestream all Holy Week masses and services. That’s Holy Thursday (tonight, 7:30 p.m.); Good Friday (8 a.m., 3 p.m.), Holy Saturday (8 a.m., 8 p.m.) and Easter Sunday (7:30 a.m.).

After livestreaming, they’ll be available on YouTube. Click here for details.

(Photo/Julie Mombello)

Aspetuck Land Trust’s 44 preserves are still open. They’re great places to walk, de-stress, and leave the coronavirus world behind.

But — unless people start obeying the well-marked rules — they won’t be open much longer.

There is a clear “no dogs” policy. The reasons make sense: the COVID-19 virus may be spread on dog fur just like on other surfaces. Plus, the heavy volume of dogs harms wildlife.

Yet people still bring dogs. And recently, people who did not want to follow the rules went further, and ripped up signs.

Beaches and athletic fields have been closed. Aspetuck’s preserves are still open. But some entitled morons may soon put an end to that.

Just in case you haven’t gotten the memo that Westport sports facilities are closed: There are new electronic signs at Staples High School. They rotate 3 messages: “No Trespassing.” “Athletic Fields Closed.” “Area Patrolled.”

(Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

With Westport’s schools and town buildings shut, the Westport Public Art Collections presents 2 new online exhibits. They feature artwork that’s part of the new Learning Galleries — spaces at each school for displays responding to teacher requests.

Click here for “Face to Face: Looking at Portraits from the Westport Public Art Collections.” Click here for “Ties that Bind: Westport and Yangzhou.” For more, click on the WestPAC website.

If you’ve been de-cluttering your house like crazy: Good news! Goodwill donation centers are open.

Goodwill’s career centers are open too — virtually. That’s a great resource for people looking for work. Click here for more info, and/or to make an appointment with a job counselor.

John Richers spent 40 ears in corporate finance. He owned a couple of guitars and harmonicas that were gathering dust, but for the past 5 years he’s attended a weekly jam group with “musicians of a certain age.” Now also done open mic shows, covering Dylan, Tom Petty, Neil Young and the like.

Now — in the new normal — John has started writing songs. H ejust began posting them on YouTube. Who knows? With a push from “06880” readers (and perhaps a nudge from Weston’s Keith Richards — see why below), the Westporter may soon be a pandemic star.

Richard Epstein — the Westport dentist who moonlights as a WPKN programmer — wants everyone to know that the 89.5 FM station is livestreaming a “Global Dance Party” tomorrow (Friday, April 10) from noon to midnight.

All hosts are live — from their homes. Among them: Talking Heads drummer and Sturges Highway resident Chris Frantz playing disco, house and funk, and Westonite Eric Cocks (surf, garage, psych).

Other genres include big band, swing, bluegrass, American and roots, Middle Eastern, ska, dance hall, hip hop, salsa, Latin, Afrobeat, blues, rockabilly, Bollywood, new wave, punk, and unclassifiable.