As every youth sports parent knows, young athletes quickly outgrow their uniforms.
Very quickly.
Occasionally, a club or league organizes a day for parents to pass jerseys along. But Westport PAL basketball has done more.
Full Court Peace is a non-profit founded by local resident Mike Evans. It provides basketballs, sneakers, court repair — and uniforms — to underserved communities in Norwalk, Bridgeport, Stamford and Queens.
Plus Havana, Santo Domingo, San Juan, and a refugee camp in Jordan.
Recently, Westport PAL partnered with Full Court Peace. Greg Downes and Gery Grove led the effort.
Six players — all PAL alums — traveled to the Dominican Republic. They restored 2 courts, and handed out 30 basketballs and 50 Westport uniforms to young players.
They also joined in games with the youngsters.
This is not the first time Full Court Peace has brought Westport teenagers and their parents. In the psat 10 years, over 100 have traveled to Cuba, Puerto Rico and the DR.
This week’s Unsung Heroes are Mike, Greg, Gery, Westport PAL basketball president Jordan Schur, and Full Court Peace players Ryder Flaherty, Luke Moneyhon, Jasper Robinson, Jared Sale, Aaron Schor and Micah Turner.
You are all true champions!
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It’s not quite like 1976, when the American Basketball Association merged into the NBA.
But in the Westport youth sports world, it’s a pretty big deal.
Westport PAL and the Westport Weston Family Y announced this week that their 2 travel basketball programs, for 3rd through 8th graders, are joining forces.
There will be 20 teams, overall. Both program logos will be on the uniforms.
One result will be one strong feeder program for Staples High School. There will be uniform messaging to players and youth coaches about basketball philosophy and skill development.
Another result: a reduction in confusion, divisiveness and social tensions between players and families in different programs.
PAL girls team …
“One program allows Westport families to walk into any gym in the state, see the Westport travel uniform, and support the players on the court, no questions asked. No longer will best friends and families need to choose between programs, or stand on opposite sides of the gym,” PAL basketball president Jordan Schur says.
Schur started the ball rolling, after becoming president last summer. He, PAL vice president Charles Do and the PAL basketball board worked with Y coaches Andre Brooks and Greg Downes, and Y CEO Anjali McCormick and COO Christina Scherwin.
Schur says, “For PAL, this means everything. We can take an already thriving youth basketball program and go to new levels. We can take the best of both programs, and have one robust program.
“This past year as seen PAL expand its youth programming into basketball clinics year-round, and a partnership with the Jr. Knicks. Now we can integrate all that Coach Brooks has done the past few years with the YMCA, into one singular effort.
“By combining forces we will have elite coaching, depth at each grade, purposeful development, and can put each kid in the program in a favorable position as they continue their basketball journey.”
Downes notes, “By combining our shared knowledge and passion for the sport, we can build upon our already solid foundations to enhance the league experience for our kids, and prepare them for success as they transition to the high school.”
The Y’s Schwerin adds, “The Y has a strong passion for youth development. We will support all levels of athletic ability.
… and YMCA boys.
“The YMCA’s historical and ongoing contributions to organized youth sports have shaped the athletic landscape and positively influenced young individuals by promoting healthy habits, teamwork, and personal growth.
“By partnering with PAL we are continuing this legacy, fostering youth development and building a stronger, united community.”
Staples coach Dave Goldshore says, “Two years ago, when I was hired as Staples’ boys Basketball coach, my vision was to build a culture that united Westport basketball. I believed that in order to consistently win at the high school level, it was imperative to establish ‘core values’ that could be implemented at the youth level.
“The partnership between the PAL and YMCA brings Westport’s elite youth basketball players under the same organization. This allows for a cleaner path to instill these values into our future Wreckers. Through synergistic curriculum and developmental coaching, it is my intention to continue to build Staples Basketball into a program that Westport can be proud of for years to come.”
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“Real Housewives of New York” star and “Apprentice: Martha Stewart” runner-up Bethenny Frankel is pitching Bravo on a new show.
According to the New York Post‘s Page 6, it “would follow rich Connecticut families — including, a source pointedly notes, their children.”
Sources tell “06880” that potential stars could include 2 Westporters: actress/blogger Eva Amurri, and comedian Courtney Davis, controversial MC of this past spring’s Fashionably Westport benefit.
Despite several issues, Page 6 says that Bravo remains “theoretically interested in the comings and goings of Westport’s most delectably nepo-licious residents.”
Sources say the show has already begun filming, though that has not been confirmed.
Eva Amurri
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After 24 years, Westport PAL basketball has a new president.
Jordan Schur — a former Staples High School Class of 2001 hoops and soccer star — will continue the program that longtime head Howie Friedman brought to great heights.
Schur’s plans include off-season programs, and increased youth engagement and synergy between high school and youth players.
To start, PAL is endorsing fall clinics for boys and girls in grades 3 to 8. Click here for details, and follow on Instagram: westport_palhoops.
Jay Norris — the Westport entrepreneur and CEO of Guesst, the creative leasing platform — shared his insights into his work with News12 Connecticut. Click here for his interview.
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Picnic on the 4th of July!
No, that’s not a late announcement (or a very early one).
It’s the name of the band providing entertainment this Friday (August 18, 6 to 9 p.m.), as part of the Westport Downtown Association’s “Summer Music on Church Lane” series.
The string band — which specializes in traditional American roots and bluegrass, with a dose of rock, folk, jazz and blues — features guitars, banjo, harmonica, bass and vocals.
They’ve been together 10 years, playing bluegrass festivals, farmers’ markets, porch fests and private events.
Plus — now — the streets of Westport.
Picnic on the 4th of July (from left): Martin Daniels, Louis Fuertes, Pat Blaufuss, Jeff Carroll. (Photo/Amy Daniels)
Westport firefighter Peter Nichio is also a veteran. After serving in Afghanistan, returned home from Afghanistan with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Injury.
He has amazing resilience. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy has helped him deal with traumatic situations on the job.
Peter is the perfect choice as MC and auctioneer for the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team’s first-ever benefit.
“Beyond the Call: Supporting the Mental Health of First Responders” is set for New Canaan’s Waveny House on October 12 (6:30 p.m.).
There’s the usual food and drink. But attendees can also chat with public safety professionals from fire, law enforcement, EMS and animal control.
Trauma therapists will answer question, and describe the intersection of trauma therapy and emergency response.
Keynote speaker and professional athlete Todd Blyleven — son of Hall of Fame pitcher Bert Blyleven — will discuss his experience as a survivor of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting that killed 60 people, and injured more than 400.
Blyleven will also moderate a panel of local first responders.
Click here for tickets and more information on the event. Questions? Email Linda Rost: lrost0411@gmail.com.
And finally … on this day in 1939, “The Wizard of Oz” premiered at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles.
(“06880” is your place to read all about Westport — from our “nepo-licious” neighbors to our firefighting heroes and entrepreneurs. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!
Like many Westporters, Jordan and Karen Schur were happy to join the 3, 4 Open the Door family.
The Wilton Road preschool had a great reputation. Since opening in 1994, owner Cyndi Zeoli created a warm, welcoming environment, with a creative curriculum, low student/teacher ratios, and a stable, caring staff.
The Schurs’ son and daughter were happy. Jordan spread the word; several friends enrolled their own kids there.
3, 4 Open the Door (Photo courtesy of Yelp)
On May 12, Zeoli invited every family to an important meeting 4 days later. Quickly, she moved it up, to 6 p.m. the next day.
Families that could not attend in person logged on virtually that Friday. Zeoli told them that the school had been sold to Chabad of Westport, next door on Newtown Turnpike. The sale would close July 1.
The last day would be June 3 — 3 weeks away. She agreed, however, to remain open 2 weeks beyond that — though only until 4 p.m., 90 minutes earlier than the usual 5:30 closing.
Parents were upset — and angry. The contracts they had signed with the school required 60 days’ notice before withdrawal. Zeoli gave them just over half that — at a time when nearly every preschool had already enrolled students for the coming year.
Many parents were counting on 3, 4’s summer program for their youngsters. Suddenly, they scrambled to make plans.
One parent said that Zeoli had lied just days earlier, responding to questions about spots for the upcoming fall.
Others — who had paid in advance for a a full year — said she had taken their money, despite knowing that the school would close.
Zeoli circulated a list of preschools in the area. Unlike 3, 4 Open the Door, only one was open all day, like 3,4. Many of those with morning sessions had just one or two openings left.
On Monday, Schur called Chabad. He wanted to se if there was any flexibility for the 30 or 40 families about to lose child care.
Director Dina Kantor was “great,” Schur recalls. He learned a couple of interesting things.
Chabad did not need the building until the end of August — not immediately, as Zeoli implied.
And Chabad had a couple of empty classrooms. Perhaps the preschool could use them during the summer.
Schur also broached the subject of Chabad renting back the Wilton Road facility to 3, 4, for use until September.
Chabad of Westport — formerly the Three Bears Inn.
He emailed what he’d learned to a 3,4 teacher. The staff too was scrambling, for employment.
The next day, Zeoli’s son Robert — the business manager — emailed Schur. He said:
It has come to my attention that you spoke to the Chabad regarding the sale of the school and the timing if [sic] its closure. We have no intention of changing the closing date of 3, 4 beyond June 17th.
If you want to speak to the synagogue about enrolling your kids in their program, that is your business, but do not involve us, the other parents at 3,4, or our staff in any way.
If you want to pursue this further, I suggest you speak to our attorney.
The final 3 weeks were difficult. Zeoli removed playground apparatus, and many toys (yet still charged full price).
She did not allow parents to attend “graduation,” saying, “one of our fathers has stirred up a tremendous amount of animosity amongst the parents. I can’t selectively tell parents to attend so as a consequence no Parents are invited to attend.”
A mother arranged for an ice cream truck on the final day, so families could be together one last time. Zeoli allowed the gathering, but said it had no connection to 3,4 Open the Door.
The truck got stuck in traffic, and never arrived. Parents trooped across Wilton Road to the Country Store, and bought popsicles for the kids.
“That sort of sums up the end of the year,” Schur says.
For nearly 30 years, 3, 4 Open the Door operated on Wilton road.
He knows kids are resilient. He knows too that he and his wife are fortunate to have secured spots at Old Hill School, which opened their doors to families needing coverage, and teachers needing jobs. Create in Wilton did the same.
Schur has moved on, from anger to sorrow.
“3, 4 was a Westport institution for 25 years,” he says. “This should have been a fond farewell, sending Cyndi into a well-earned retirement. She took care of kids for all those years.
“Instead, to me, she ignored 30 or 40 families at the end. She left a stain on her legacy.”
(Cyndi Zeoli did not respond to a request for comment.)
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Growing up in Westport, Jordan Schur spent plenty of time at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
He still lives here. Now he’s a father. Jordan writes:
I want to express thanks and gratitude for the YMCA staff in the before/after- school childcare programs.
The pandemic has brought challenges to every family. For a 2-parent working household like ours, the Y has been a lifesaver. Let me highlight what an amazing resource they have been.
Westport’s elementary schools meet 2 hours and 45 minutes of in-school teaching each day, either morning or afternoon.
This leaves a lot of unaccounted-for hours, including kids’ “specials” (gym, art, music, Spanish) and homework.
This is just one area where the YMCA has been incredible. The staff helps kids log into their computers to do their specials, and provides them with materials and assistance.
The staff also helps kids with their homework in fun and creative ways, like turning sight words into artistic clouds that my wife and I would never have thought of even in normal times.
The Westport Y’s childcare program includes school help …
Then there are great extracurricular activities like swimming. The staff ensures they are there on time, as well as helping with lunches, the bus routine of getting to and from school, and countless other things they do every day that parents never hear about.
Heading into the school year, we had concerns about how our daughter would keep up with her work, and how she could participate in daily “specials” without a parent to help her.
The YMCA stepped up, figured it out, and has been beyond accommodating. Their responsiveness to concerns is a model for any customer service business, and their attention to each child’s individual needs is refreshing.
With adjustments to the pool because of the latest COVID outbreak, the staff has taken special notice that there is less time for our daughter to get ready to swim. They ensure she is changed prior to her “special,” so she can get to her lesson on time.
Little things like that allow my wife and I to do our work, without having to sit distracted and concerned about how our daughter is managing.
And taking children for full Wednesdays when school is not in session, as well as school holidays, is a great solution to the constant juggling act of kid logistics.
… and fun, in the new gymnastics studio.
So thank you to the whole YMCA team. I would highlight individuals, but I know how big a team it is to make everything described above come true. I don’t want to leave anyone out.
We are grateful for the role you have filled in our community. With so much uncertainty about the future, having a daily rock like your team is beyond reassuring.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email dwoog@optonline.net)
There are a few ways to make $1 million in basketball.
You can be an NBA star, which pretty much means planning before birth to have 7-foot parents.
You can win your NCAA bracket, which pretty much means having as much luck as having 7-foot parents.
Or you can win The Tournament. That’s the path a pair of Westporters hope plan to take.
The Tournament is a 5-on-5, winner-take-all event. There is no entry free. 18 teams, in each of 4 US regions, are selected by fan votes. Another 6 in each region get at-large bids.
The winning team earns $950,000. The other 5% goes to its fans — including $5,000 to the fan who recruits the most other fans.
Jordan Schur
Jordan Schur was in the Tournament stands last year, in Philadelphia. The 2001 Staples graduate — a former Wrecker basketball (and soccer) star, who went on to an impressive hoops career at Union College — was impressed by the level of play, and the professional uniforms, refereeing and organization.
For the past year, he’s plotted how to get in. He knew he could put together a team of guys he plays with, in his regular 5:30-7 a.m. game.
But he graduated from college 10 years ago. The more he thought about it, the more Schur realized that, as general manager, he could form a much better squad.
That is not an idle idea. Schur became a FIBA-certified international basketball agent in 2011. It was a hobby — in real life he’s a lawyer — but he enjoyed placing American players with overseas teams.
John DiBartolomeo, in Spain.
One of the players he knew of was John DiBartolomeo. In 2009, Schur tried to recruit the Staples standout for Union. DiBartolomeo ended up at the University of Rochester — where he earned 1st team All-America honors, and was named Division III National Player of the Year.
After graduating, he signed a professional contract in Spain — and in his 1st season was named MVP of the 3rd Division league. This year’s he’s in the 2nd Division.
In February, Schur sent out feelers to a few players. DiBartolomeo leaped at the idea. He sent Schur a list of top players from overseas. Schur has signed up 7 so far, including guys from Japan, Israel and Egypt.
He’ll find 3 more players. It’s unlikely any others will have a Staples connection.
But “06880” readers can still be involved. The more fans Schur’s team has, the more chance they’ll have of being able to compete for that $1 million.
And remember: fans share in the prize money. There’s up to $5,000 in it for you.
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The pandemic has brought challenges to every family. For a 2-parent working household like ours, the Y has been a lifesaver. Let me highlight what an amazing resource they have been.
