Tag Archives: Kyle Martino

Roundup: March Madness, Irish Dancing, BMS Science Olympiad …

Posted on March 18, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: March Madness, Irish Dancing, BMS Science Olympiad …

March Madness begins tomorrow.

There are many ways to follow the action.

One of the best is with Dave Briggs.

The veteran sports broadcaster — and longtime Westporter — hosts “Fast Break” for Turner Sports.

It’s essentially Red Zone for the NCAA tournament, with live game action, analysis, post-game reaction and social media moments.

Briggs’ co-hosts are Kentucky and Wake Forest legends Tony Delk and Randolph Childress, and former Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner.

The show is available at MarchMadness.com, and the “March Madness Live” app.

An hour-long pre-game show — “Max Bracket Breakdown” will be streamed via HBO Max from 11 a.m. to noon EDT Thursday and Friday, and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

So who does Briggs like to win it all?

The University of Connecticut.

And he’s not just saying that out of home state pride.

“Like most people, I believe UConn is the best team in the country,” he says.

Dave Briggs

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Clients at Homes with Hope’s food pantry got a special St. Patrick’s Day meal yesterday: corned beef, cabbage, and green cupcakes.

Then they enjoyed an extra-special treat: a performance from the Lenihan School of Irish Dance.

Five young dancers wowed the crowd with their talent, agility and energy. (And it was on the Gillespie Center floor — not an easy place to kick up your heels.)

Emma Rogers of Christ & Holy Trinity Church — who studied voice at Carnegie Mellon University — followed, with a stirring rendition of favorites like “Danny Boy.”

Church members — including Rev. Dylan Mello — helped serve and clean up.

It was a special day for the clients, and CEO Helen McAlinden: She’s a native of Ireland.

And her daughter was an Irish dance champion, back in the day and back in the old country.

Lenihan School of Dance performers. (Photo/Helen McAlinden)

Irish dancers Homes with Hope volunteers, staff and clients; CEO Helen McAlinden (yellow scarf) and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (green sweater), outside the Gillespie Center. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of champions (though off the playing field): Bedford Middle School students earned first place — and individual medals galore too — in Saturday’s Science Olympiad state competition in Coventry.

Dr. Daniel Cortright led 28 students, in 25 events.

BMS will now represent Connecticut at the national Science Olympiad competition at Michigan State University, May 24-25.

It’s familiar territory. BMS has been Connecticut’s state champ every year since 2018. They’ve been to national tournaments around the country. The team travels to competitions throughout the Northeast during the school year.

They’ll announce fundraising plans soon, to help with the costs of travel for the coaches, and subsidize team expenses.

Congratulations, BMS!

Bedford Middle School Science Olympiad team: state champs!

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Speaking (again of) sports: Congratulations to Caleb Smith and Adam Behrends.

They are the Walter Camp Football Foundation state Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. The duo — who helped Staples High School win the LL state championship in December — were honored Saturday, in New Haven.

Smith and Behrends earned the same honors earlier, from the New Haven Register.

Smith — who just ended his basketball season, and is getting ready for lacrosse — will continue his football career at the University of Connecticut. Next up is UConn, as a preferred walk-on player.

Adam Behrends and Caleb Smith, at the Walter Camp Foundation breakfast. (Photo/Dave Stewart for Hearst Connecticut Media)

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Speaking (still) of sports: Congratulations too to the Staples boys lacrosse team.

The defending state champion Wreckers are ranked #1 in the nation, in Inside Lacrosse’s pre-season public schools poll. That puts them ahead of powerhouses like New York’s Manhasset and Garden City High Schools — and archrival and fellow FCIAC foe Darien.

Inside Lacrosse rates Staples #18 nationally in the poll that includes both public and private schools.

Click here for the public school-only story. Click here for the public and private school story.

The first game is April 4, vs. Archbishop Stepinac High School of White Plains (5:30 p.m., Paul Lane Field).

The 2023 state champion Staples boys lacrosse team. (Photo collage/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)

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Speaking of (it doesn’t end) sports: The 15th annual “Kicking + Screening” festival was held in New York.

But plenty of Westporters were involved in the event, which featured 11 film features and shorts, plus panels, special guests and more.

The venue was Football Cafe, the Lower East Side “soccer cultural center” founded by Kyle Martino.

He’s the 1999 Staples graduate — and former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team player and NBC Sports Premier League broadcaster. Kyle is now a soccer analyst with Warner Brothers Discovery Sports.

“Kicking + Screening” was co-founded by Rachel Markus, a Westport resident. Since 2009, she’s grown it into a huge event, with films and speakers from around the world.

She and co-founder Greg Lalas have hosted festivals in London, Liverpool, Rio de Janeiro, Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi, Kerala (India).

Several Westporters were at the very cool Football Cafe space, including Greg Guido and Julie Blume, and others who read about the event on “06880” and wanted to see the films, and Westport’s most famous soccer star.

From left: Kyle Martino, Julie Blume, Rachel Markus and Greg Guido, at Football Cafe.

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Yesterday’s “Roundup” said that the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run is for youngsters in grades 3 through 5.

In fact, it’s for kids ages 3 through grade 5.

The event is April 6 (8 to 10 a.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples). Registration is just $25. All proceeds benefit STG.

The morning includes races, a bounce house, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bake sale and raffle.

Medals will be awarded to winners at each age level. Pre-K is a 25-yard dash; kindergartners and 1st graders run a 50-yard dash; 2nd through 5th graders race 100 yards.

Click here to register for the run. Everyone who signs up by Thursday gets a free t-shirt. Information can be found on Instagram (@stgfunrun).

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The good news: Dunville’s is once again open for business.

The bad news: This very entitled person is determined to make it more difficult for at least one other patron to enjoy it.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” sign of spring: daffodils at the Westport Woman’s Club!

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … for some reason, this is Shakespeare Week (well, in the UK, anyway).

Let’s celebrate with songs!

(“To support ‘06880’ or not: That is the question.” You can answer it by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Youth Sports For Parents, Staples Hoops, Power Outages …

Posted on February 29, 2024 | 8 comments

As pressure mounts on young athletes to be more competitive than ever, Sebastian Little says: Enough!

The leadership coach — who works with clients in MLB, the NBA and NHL, and is in his 3rd year as Yale University football’s performance coach — will speak on a Westport Public Schools and Westport Together panel called “For the Love of the Game: How Parents Can Promote Successful Athletes on and Off the Field.”

The session — for parents and coaches — will offer insights and strategies into “balancing competition with compassion and growth with enjoyment.”

The event is on Tuesday, March 5 (7 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium). Click here to register.

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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys basketball team is in the FCIAC (league) final for the 2nd time in 2 years tonight.

The #4-seed Wreckers — fresh off Tuesday’s huge upset over #1 Ridgefield — are playing for the championship for the 2nd straight year. Tip-off is 7 p.m. at Wilton High, against Trumbull.

Staples fell to Danbury in last year’s title match (and then went on a great run, to the state Division II final).

But it’s been a while since the Westporters last won the FCIAC crown. 61 years, in fact. Their first — and only — league championship came in 1963.

Charlie Scott — Staples’ talented senior video producer/WWPT-FM announcer — has created another superb pump-up video. Click below to see:

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Last night’s winds knocked out power in a few areas of Westport and Weston.

Trees and wires were down at 15 Partrick Road, 119 Hillandale Road and 30 Prospect Road.

Outages affected the Greens Farms and Wilton Road neighborhoods.

At 8:30 a.m., 78 Westport customers (0.61%) were without power. There were 105 outages (2.66%) in Weston. The total number statewide was 3,399 (0.26%).

Wires down at South Morningside Drive and Hillandale Road. At 8:30 a.m., crews were on the scene. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

 

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Dara Horn forcefully addressed the recent rise of antisemitism last night, at Chabad of Westport.

Dara Horn — author of “People Love Dead Jews” — headlined the event, part of Chabad’s Critical Conversations series. Nearly 200 people attended.

“People ask: Are Jews a race, a religion, or a nationality? she said.

“Jews existed before these structures existed. What is clear is Jewish civilization is indigenous to the land of Israel. It’s not a political statement. It’s fact.

“People want to erase Jewish culture, but instead that is exactly what needs to be explained and taught to ensure its survival.”

Dara Horn, at Chabad of Westport. (Photo and hat tip/Matthew Mandell)

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Her fans know here as Jean Louisa Kelly. Her Westport neighbors and friends call her Jean Pitaro.

Whatever name she goes by, Jean is featured at the Westport Country Playhouse’s first Mic in Hand of 2024. She takes the stage April 4 (7 p.m.).

Jean’s stage and screen credits include the original Broadway cast of “Into the Woods,: and the movies “Mr. Holland’s Opus,”  “Uncle Buck” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Her uplifting show will be a journey through her life in and out of show business, with songs from “Gypsy,” “The Fantasticks,” “Next to Normal” and “Company.”

All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and learn more. Proceeds benefit education programming at the Playhouse.

Also new at the Playhouse: the first Barnstormer event.

It’s “Ann Talman: Elizabeth Taylor and the Shadow of Her Smile” (April 21, 7 p.m.).

Broadway veteran Talman portrayed Taylor’s daughter on Broadway in “The Little Foxes,” beginning a lifelong friendship.

This show is an evening of story and song about Ann and Elizabeth’s bond.

All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and learn more.

Jean Louisa Kelly Pitaro

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The Y’s Women’s newest group sure gets around.

Called “Jewels of Westport,” they visit the hidden — or at least lesser-known — gems of our town.

On Tuesday they toured Westport Public Art Collections’ Town Hall display.

Overall, WestPAC’s collection includes over 2,000 artistic treasures. Many are in schools, where they are enjoyed by students and staff, yet often unseen by the public.

But how many of us walk by all the art on the Town Hall walls, without giving it a second glance?

The Y’s Women Town Hall tour was led by WestPAC co-president Anne Boberski. It was “eye-opening,” for sure.

Anne Boberski leads the Y’s Women Westport Permanent Art Collections tour in Town Hall.

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Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between February 21 and 28.

One — reported earlier — was for larceny, in connection with the theft of 5 Israel flag yard signs in December.

One was for larceny, illegal use of a credit card, identity theft, criminal impersonation and forgery, following a February 7 complaint that a mailed check was stolen, altered from $830 to $18,300 and deposited.

A woman was arrested for criminal attempt at larceny, identity theft and forgery, after a complaint in April 2022 that a check had been stolen from a US Postal Service box on Myrtle Avenue, altered from $250 to $4,300, and attempted to be cashed.

Another woman was arrested for criminal attempt at larceny, larceny and identity theft, following a complaint in January that a check had been stolen, altered and cashed.

A man was arrested after he and a juvenile shoplifted $492 worth of groceries from Stop & Shop. They were found with the bags at the HomeGoods bus stop. The man was charged with larceny, criminal impersonation and failure to appear. The juvenile was issued a summons and released.

One woman was arrested for failure to appear.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to return plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

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Kicking + Screening is a film festival dedicated solely to soccer. (Now do you get the clever name?)

It returns next month for its 15th year in New York. But it’s very much a Westport production.

Current Westport resident Rachel Markus co-founded Kicking + Screening in 2009, with former professional player Greg Lalas.

Always an avid fan (and a ruthless striker), Rachel studied film at New York University. She has worked in the film industry for over 2 decades.

The other local connection: This year’s festival will be held at Football Cafe, the Lower East Side “soccer cultural center” founded by Kyle Martino.

He’s the 1999 Staples graduate — and former Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team player and NBC Sports Premier League broadcaster. Kyle is now a soccer analyst with Warner Brothers Discovery Sports.

The 2024 festival lineup — 11 features and shorts, plus panels, special guests and more from March 14 to 16 — includes Eric Cantona’s Manchester United biography, “The United Way.” Click here for more information, and tickets.

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Norwalk Hospital — once independent, now part of Nuvance Health — may soon become part of a larger group.

Nuvance — owner of 4 Connecticut hospitals, and 3 in New York — plans to merge with Northwell Health. They are New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with more than 81,000 employees.

Together, the companies will own 28 hospitals, and more than 1,000 other care sites.

Click here for the full story, from CT Mirror.

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In 2019, Ruth Sherman was an “06880” Unsung Hero of the Week.

At 79 years old, she had just returned from a 100-mile spiritual trek in Spain.

We hailed her for her civic work — teaching exercise and fitness at the Westport Weston Family Y, Senior Center and Arthritis Foundation family aquatics program.

We noted that every day for 50 years — in all kinds of weather — Ruth walked from Hillspoint Road to the top of Compo Hill.

She’s now in her mid-80s. And she’s still walking.

Tammy Barry spotted her yesterday. The weather was meh, but there was Ruth, getting in her (many) steps.

Tammy writes: “Ruth walks in rainy, snowy, and sunny weather. What a beautiful woman, on the inside and out!

“She is an inspiration and role model for us all. She told me she wakes up every day and never has a complaint— it’s not allowed. Keep on moving and grooving. Ruth!”

Tammy sent a great photo too.

So — apropos of nothing, and everything — here’s another “06880” to the indefatigable, wonderful Ruth Sherman!

Ruth Sherman (of course!) (Photo/Tammy Barry)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a rare (for this feature) night image.

On Tuesday, Matt Murray shot the Snow Moon over the Sherwood Mill Pond.

It’s called that because, according to some Native American cultures, the February full moon often coincided with heavy snowfall.

Of course, that was before climate change.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … do you know how hard it is to find a leap year song?!

I’ve spent my February 29 searching the internet. This will have to do.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We cover news, events, businesses, restaurants, sports, trends, history and more — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Trash Clean-up, Energy Costs, Pollinators …

Posted on January 11, 2023 | 6 comments

Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup gave an incorrect date for the next trash clean-up, at the Sherwood Island Connector I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot.

It’s this Sunday — not Saturday — at 11 a.m.

Bring trash bags and work gloves. There’s plenty to do!

Westporters picked up tons of trash last weekend at the Greens Farms train station. This Sunday at 11 a.m.: the commuter parking lot on the Sherwood Island connector.

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The Westport Transit District and Steam again team up to offer free coffee to people who take Wheels2U to the Saugatuck train station. The offer is good this Friday (January 13) and next Tuesday, (January 17).

Just ride Wheels2U to the station between 6 and 10:30 a.m., and show proof of the ride at the Steam counter.

For more information on Wheels2U — the home-to-the-station ride service — click here.

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David Pogue got a note from his neighborhood association treasurer. It said:

As many of you know, the cost of electricity spiked at the beginning of this year. If you look at your utility bill, it will be divided into two sections: (1) supplier costs and (2) delivery costs.

Supplier costs are the cost to generate the electricity, which has been ~12 cents per kWh. Starting in January, this rate doubled for Eversource —to 24 cents per kWh. Since supply is about half your bill, and this has doubled, your bill went up about 50% in total starting January 1.

You have the option in CT to choose a third-party supplier, which often come at hefty discounts to Eversource.

(For more details, click here.)

David adds: “He pointed out that customers can compare rates at EnergizeCT.com. At the moment, Town Square Energy’s rates are about 38% less expensive. I switched today!”

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You can go home again.

Will Haskell recently “retired” at age 26, after 2 terms as state senator. (He won’t play shuffleboard — he’s at NYU Law School.)

But the other day he headed to his alma mater — Greens Farms Elementary School — to talk to 3rd grade students about local and state government.

Students asked plenty of questions. Perhaps he inspired one of them to follow in his footsteps.

If so, then in just 20 years he or she will return to GFS, as an already former state legislator — on to a new adventure.

Will Haskell inspires 3rd graders.

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A return of another sort: Kyle Martino, to the airwaves.

The Staples High School Class of 1999 graduate — and former Staples soccer star, who was named Gatorade High School Player of the Year — has just been named to the TNT and HBO Max broadcast team for US men’s and women’s national team matches.

Martino spent 8 years as a Premier League analyst with NBC Sports. He is also a soccer entrepreneur. He founded the Goalpher system for turning basketball courts into small soccer fields, and also developed the OverUnder Initiative, to bring soccer to under-resourced communities.

Martino was MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew in 2002. He also played with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and has 8 caps with the US men’s national team.

His announcing partner on TNT and HBO Max is former women’s national team star Julie Foudy.

Kyle Martino

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There were 3 custodial arrests last week, by Westport Police.

One person was arrested for shoplifting, conspiracy to commit a crime, and failure to appear.

Another person was arrested for shoplifting.

The shoplifting incidents occurred at Whole Foods (over $300 worth of items), Walgreens (over $1250) and Stop & Shop (over $1350).

A third person was arrested for reckless driving, failure to carry a license, and failure to drive in the proper lane. That happened when a jogger said he was struck by a vehicle turning left from Greens Farms Road onto Hillspoint Road. The driver allegedly left the scene. A witness then told police that the suspected offender was inside Cumberland Farms, making statements about “hitting a jogger.” 

The following citations were issued:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
  • Failure to obey control signal: 2
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Driving with out of state plates: 1
  • Violation of traffic commission regulation: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Assault 3rd degree, risk of injury to a minor: 1

When you move to Connecticut, you must register your car here.

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It’s mid-winter. Time to get a jump on spring – and attract pollinators to your garden this summer.

University of Connecticut advanced master gardener Alice Ely leads a Wakeman Town Farm “Winter Sowing Demonstration” on January 23 (7 p.m.).

Attendees will learn how to make mini-greenhouses (in bottles) to start seedlings. Left outside until spring, they’ll turn into milkweed plants that attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Click here for more information, and registration.

Milkweed seedlings

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There may not be many boats at Ned Dimes Marina.

But — as Patricia Auber’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — there is plenty of action there anyway.

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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And finally … on this date in 1964, the Surgeon General of the US published a landmark report. It said: “Smoking may be hazardous to your health.”

 

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Roundup: TikTok Teen Arrests, Water Main Break, Wall That Heals …

Posted on June 1, 2022 | 2 comments

Last Saturday night, the Westport Police Department received several calls from locations around town. All concerned a group of youths in a vehicle, shooting projectiles at pedestrians. One victim was struck in the eye.

Callers provide a detailed description of the vehicle. Officers found and stopped it near Greens Farms Road and Compo Road South.

All 3 occupants were juveniles. Police found toy air guns that fired gel-like projectiles at high speed.

The teens were participating in TikTok’s viral “Orbeez Challenge.”

The 3 juveniles were charged with multiple counts of assault 3rd degree, reckless endangerment 2nd Degree, and breach of peace 2nd degree. They were released to their parents.

Victims from that evening are encouraged to report the incidents to the Westport Police Department.

Gun and pellets used in the Orbeez Challenge.

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A photo contest for the cover of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce 2022-23 Visitors/Membership Guide is now open.

In 2015 and ’17, the Chamber received over 1,000 pictures from dozens of photographers, amateur and professional. Westport residents Mark Litvinoff and William Scalzi won, with their shots of the Levitt Pavilion and a serene dock setting respectively.

Scores of runner-up photos were used inside the 68-page booklet and map guide. Every winner received credit in the publication.

Any resident or businessperson from Westport or Weston may submit what they believe is the “quintessential” photo that represents our community. Use Dropbox, Google or an email attachment to send one or more photos to matthew@westportwestonchamber.com; use the subject line “Photo Contest.”

The deadline is June 19.  Be sure to have a full resolution of the photo for printing, but email a lower resolution for greatest efficiency.

Questions? Use the email above, or call 203-227-9234.

The 2017 guide.

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An “06880” reader reports that on Sunday, a number of homes in his Long Lots neighborhood lost water.

He called Aquarion, and was told there was a water break somewhere on Long Lots Road. That’s a first for him, in over 30 years here.

The break — apparently near Fairfield County Hunt Club — was fixed a few hours later. However, brown water persisted at least through yesterday.

What’s particularly distressing to him is that Aquarion never called him — either about the break, its cause or its resolution. There was a notice briefly on the water company’s website, he says, but it was soon gone.

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As Rev. Alison Patton heads to her sabbatical, visiting minister Rev. Dr. Jim Antal hits the ground — and Saugatuck Congregational Church — running.

The climate activist delivers a public lecture on June 9 (7:30 p.m.): “Let’s Makek our Coastal Community a Climate Leader!” The event is co-sponsored by Wakeman Town Farm and Sustainable Westport.

The lecture is followed by a community conversation about the topic.

In addition to his public talk, Rev. Antal will share a 3-sermon series, “Responding Faithfully to the Climate Crisis,” at Saugatuck Church on the first 3 Sundays in June.

Drawing from his activism and his book “Climate Church, Climate World: How People of Faith Must Work for Change,” Antal will challenge attendees to see their place in the work of climate justice.

The 10 a.m. topics are:

  • June 5: “Welcoming the Fullest Truth”
  • June 12: “Attenting to the Source”
  • June 19″ Living Into a New Story.”

The public is welcome to attend those services too.

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Terrence Dunn was sworn in as Westport’s new fire marshal yesterday. He replaces Nate Gibbons, who has retired.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker calls Dunn “a genuine and humble leader who has the skills and experience necessary to ensure that the Fire Department continues to provide exceptional service to the community.”

He was hired as a Westport firefighter in 2003, and promoted to fire inspector in 2009. He graduated from the University of New Haven with a major in arson investigation and a minor in criminal justice.

Along with state certification as a fire marshal, Dunn is licensed as an assistant building official. He is first vice president of the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, a member of the Fairfield/New Haven County Fire Marshal’s Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators, and District 8 Building Official’s Association.

A formal pinning ceremony on June 21 (5 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) will celebrate the department’s promotions and medals.

Fire marshal Terry Dunn

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“The Wall That Heals” is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. Since its dedication in 1996, it has been displayed at nearly 700 communities across the country.

From tomorrow (June 2) through June 5, it will occupy a place of honor at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Norwalk.

Yesterday, the Westport Police and Fire Departments helped escort it from its staging area at Sherwood Island State Park to the park. Click here for details of the exhibit.

The staging area at Sherwood Island. (Photo and hat tip/Chris Swan)

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Anthony LoFrisco is a Westport motorcycle rider. He’s organized a series of rides.

But they’re not just rev-up-the-engines-and-make-loud-noises jaunts. Starting last Sunday, and continuing each month through August, they deliver donated items to food pantries throughout Fairfield County.

The first was to the Gillespie Center in Westport, from Grace Community Church in New Canaan. Parishioners provided cereal, peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, canned goods and other items.

The weather was beautiful. The riders — on 4 BMWs and 1 Harley — met at the Westport train station, headed to the church, then returned here for the drop-off.

The next deliveries will be in Stamford, Bridgeport, and then the Gillespie Center again. Anthony invites everyone to drop off non-perishable food items at 11:15 a.m. on June 26, July 31 and August 28 — and/or join the motorcycle riders.

For more information, email anthony@lofrisco.com.

Motorcycle gang at the Gillespie Center.

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This weekend, celebrate Connecticut Trails Day (actually, 2 days). The event draws thousands of people of all backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests, across the state. 

Friends of Sherwood Island State Park will host 4 hikes:

Saturday, June 4: Butterfly Walk (10 a.m.): Explore the gardens and natural areas around the park’s Nature Center, searching for caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies. Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone. You’ll learn how to report your findings on iNaturalist, so scientists everywhere can see how these insects are doing.

Saturday, June 4: Kayak Paddle (1 p.m.): See Sherwood Island from the water. Explore the park’s shoreline. Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddle craft, and a pump/bailer. A life vest and whistle/horn are required by state boating regulations.

Sunday, June 5: Archaeology Walk (1 p.m.): See interesting terrain, and examine traces of past inhabitants, from 1000 B.C. to the 1940s. Learn about recent excavations, including Native American, early settlers, and onion farmers.

Sunday, June 5: Nature Walk (2 p.m.): Go beach to beach  along Long Island Sound. Discover habitats, inhabitants, birding locations, viewing platforms, a purple martin enclave, and other special features of this waterfront park. Other points of interest include Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial, model aircraft airport, trail heads, wetlands, and a pine forest.

Click here for more details. For questions, and to register (recommended, but not required), email cece@historicalperspectives.org, or call 203-984-1488.

Sherwood Island State Park is a natural wonderland. (Elena Nasereddin)

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1999 Staples High School graduate Kyle Martino has been the National High School Soccer Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, a US men’s national team athlete, and a highly regarded analyst on NBC Sports.

Now he’s the founder of the Over Under Initiative. The non-profit increases access to sports in urban neighborhoods, by converting basketball courts and other blacktops to multi-sport spaces. Martino designed the innovative and elegantly simple conversion process himself.

On June 13 (5:30 p.m., Autostrada, 499 Post Road East), Martino joins Westporters Dan Donovan, Mark Kirby and friends for a fundraiser. Tickets are $250 each. To attend and for more information, email rsvp@overunderinitiative.com.

Youngsters play at Cesar Batalla School’s new multi-sport court. The soccer goal can be pulled out of the ground, then sunk back into the ground, with ease. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Lou Weinberg sends along this gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image of a Lansdowne song sparrow — and adds a link to its equally beautiful song:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Happy Connecticut Trails Day!

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Roundup: Real Estate, Balducci’s, Youth Sports …

Posted on July 18, 2021 | 12 comments

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Some interesting real estate statistics, courtesy of KMS Partners @ Compass:

Between January 1 and June 30, Westport’s total volume of single-family homes was $493,710,999. An additional $17,508,061 worth of condos and townhouses was sold.

That’s a 78% jump from 2020 for homes, and a 141% increases for condos/ townhouses.

The number of sales (267 for homes, 28 for condos etc.) represents rises of 34 and 87%, respectively.

The median sales prices of homes ($1.575 million) and condos/townhouses ($493,000) are up 30 and 4 percent from 2020, respectively.

Single family homes were on the market for a median of 33 days; condos etc., 65.

The most expensive home sale recorded last week in Westport was 10 Gray Lane, off Sasco Creek Road. It fetched $10 million.

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There are changes cooking at Balducci’s.

The gourmet grocery store is changing 3 of its 6 registers to self-serve.

Staff members have been asked to stay Tuesday night, to work on the store’s remodeling. A source says, “No one in the store knows what that will be.”

Last fall, Acmme Markets bought 9 Balducci’s stores on the East Coast. They said they would not change the name — or the quality of the goods.

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Weston resident Ed Whitley is global head of content partnerships for Bridgeman Images. They represent over 2,500 museums, galleries and artists around the world.

He had a great — and pleasant surprise — yesterday, at Weston’s inaugural Art Fine Arts Festival. One of his own contemporary artists — Ben Bonart — exhibited.

Yesterday’s festival included Weston’s own José Feliciano, in his first live performance since the pandemic struck.

The Weston Fine Arts Festival continues today, through 5 p.m. on School Road.

Ben Bonart (left) at the Weston Fine Arts Festival, with Edward and Susie Whitley,

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Congratulations to Westport Little League’s champion 10U All-Star district team. They won the title Friday, beating Fairfield National. with a score of 14 to 1 beating Fairfield National.

Team members are Dylan Burdeshaw, Brody Chiupsa, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGratah, Luke Moneyhon, Noah Smith, Grant Theisinger, Nolan Walters and Wes Walters. Coaches are Justin Walters, Marc Theisinger and Dave Smith.

Next up: the sectional tournament.

Westport Little League district champs!

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Speaking of sports: Two soccer events yesterday highlighted the importance of the game for all youngsters, regardless of physical or mental disability, or socioeconomic status.

Staples High School boys team tri-captain Bruno Guiduli continued his fundraising and awareness campaign for TOPSoccer, a national program for players with intellectual, physical or emotional challenges.

Bruno began his efforts in November. He brought his specially made goal — with the “O” in “TOP”soccer cut out — to Wakeman Field. Four hours later, his total raised passed $3,000.

Bruno Guiduli, with some of his TOPSoccer supporters/kickers. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

A couple of hours later at Cesar Batalla School in Bridgeport, 1999 Staples High School grad — and former MLS pro/national team player — Kyle Martino unveiled his Over Under Initiative.

Martino designed a goal that converts any basketball court into a field for soccer, street hockey or handball. It’s easy to set up, and — through his non-profit foundation — will provide access to added recreational opportunities for millions of underserved youth.

The Cesar Batalla court is the first in the nation. Martino was joined by Bridgeport superintendent of schools Michael Testani, coaches and players from Beachside Soccer Club, and — of course — a ton of eager kids.

Youngsters play at Cesar Batalla School’s new multi-sport court. The soccer goal can be pulled out of the ground, then sunk back into the ground, with ease.

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Add one more local name to the list of 2021 Emmy nominees: Michael Lonsdale.

The longtime Westporter is up for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special. He was the production mixer on HBO’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia.

Emmy Award

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Thursday’s “06880” blog party. This guy tried to crash the event. He’s lucky he didn’t end up cooked.

(Photo/Isabelle Alvarado)

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And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Dion DiMucci. Known just by one name, Dion made his mark as a doo-wop singer with the Belmonts.

In 1968 he shifted gears, recording a song memorializing 4 slain American heroes: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.

Dion is lucky to have made it past 19. In early February 1959, he was part of a star-studded “Dance Party” tour. When asked to spend $36 on a flight from Clear Lake, Iowa to the next stop, Dion said no to the extravagance. He took the tour bus.

The plane crashed, killing all on board: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.W. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson.

 

 

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Roundup: Ali Stroker, Kyle Martino, Saugatuck Rowers …

Posted on July 14, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Ali Stroker, Kyle Martino, Saugatuck Rowers …

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Tony Award winner Ali Stroker (Ado Annie “Oklahoma!”) brings her magic to the Westport Country Playhouse on Saturday July 24. The live, in-person performance is next in the storied theater’s summer cabaret series.

Stroker — who recently starred in the Lifetime film “Christmas Ever After” — made history as the first actor in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway, in 2015’s “Spring Awakening.’

Stroker has soloed at the Kennedy Center, New York’s Town Hall, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Her mission is to improve the lives of others — disabled or not — through the arts.

Stroker’s appearance at the Playhouse has special resonance. It’s the same stage that premiered “Green Grow the Lilacs” in 1940. Richard Rogers checked it out here — and was inspired to collaborate with Oscar Hammerstein on a play that became “Oklahoma!” The rest — including Stroker’s role — is history.

Tickets for “An Evening with Ali Stroker” start at $25 for performance only.  Supporter tickets — raising funds to reopen the Playhouse — start at $150; they include VIP perks and a pre-show cocktail party. Click here for tickets, call (203) 227-4177, or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.

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Soccer fans have known 1999 Staples High School graduate Kyle Martino as the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, MLS pro with the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Galaxy, US national team player and NBC Sports analyst.

Soon, Bridgeport youngsters will know him as the man who brought an innovative soccer court to their city.

This Saturday (July 17, 3 p.m., Cesar Batalla Elementary School, 606 Howard Avenue), Martino introduces the Over Under Initiative. His unique invention is an in-ground goal that pops up quickly and easily, converting basketball courts into multi-sport surfaces, for soccer, handball and floor hockey. It could be a game-changer (pun intended).

The public is invited to Saturday’s ceremony at the Batalla School. For more information click here, and watch the video below.

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Speaking of sports: There are thousands of reasons to support Westport PAL — as in, the thousands of youngsters who are helped each year by their sports programs and college scholarships.

Support is especially important now. For the past 2 years, PAL’s biggest fundraiser — the July 4th fireworks — have been canceled.

So be sure to head to this Sunday’s car show (July 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., railroad station parking lot near Railroad Place and Franklin Street). In addition to cool cars, there’s food and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $15 each. But kids — that is, anyone under 12 — are free. That’s how PAL rolls: Even at their fundraiser, they’re all about the kids.

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Very talented Weston photographer Alison Wachstein is offering special “Porchtraits” — 20-minute photo sessions on her porch, and a retouched digital file posted on Facebook — for a $100 minimum contribution to International Waldenstroms Macroglobulemia Foundation. It funds research, education and support for people diagnosed with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The “Share the Love” portraits can be of families, couples, siblings, best friends — even with a cherished pet. Larger groups that can’t be accommodated on the porch will be photographed in her garden.

A limited number of sessions are available. Click here for the donation link. Call 203-226-5296 for an appointment.

Alison Wachstein took this Woog family portrait in 1991.

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Three Saugatuck Rowing Club alumnae medaled at the World Rowing U23 Championships last weekend in the Czech Republic. The event included 800 rowers from 55 countries.

Two sets of medalists — the women’s pair and women’s lightweight pair — were coached by Gordon Getsinger, SRC director of rowing and junior girls head coach.

The women’s pair, including SRC’s Caitlin Esse and Lucy Koven, rowed to silver in an exciting finish. SRC rower Bonnie Pushner and Lindsey Rust raced to a bronze medal in their event. Both pairs trained in Westport under Getsinger’s watch for the past several months.

Westport resident, SRC alum and 2018 Staples High School graduate Kelsey McGinley medaled twice. She earned silver in the 4- (4 without coxswain), then 2 hours later rowed to gold in the 8+. McGinley has been training in Iowa City with the USRowing Selection Camp since early June. She rows at Stanford University, and is a first team All-American.

Kelsey McGinley (far left) with her 4- team.

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Positive Directions has a new executive director.

The Westport-based prevention, counseling and recovery support non-profit welcomes Vanessa Wilson. She spent 10 years at YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services, most recently as manager of operations.

She earned an MA from Fairfield University. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Vanessa Wilson

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Alan Hahn Eugley died June 30. He was surrounded by family at his Westport home, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

A retired banking executive, Alan graduated from Lehigh University with a BS in economics and an MS in business economics. His 45-year career included executive positions at Bankers Trust, Marine Midland Bank and Fiserv.

Alan grew up in Winchester, Massachusetts, and spent summers at his family’s cottage in Lincolnville, Maine. He played guitar in college and high school bands, and later delighted in his daughter Allison’s flute performances and playing guitar with his son Seth.

During retirement, Alan spent every Sunday with his special needs daughter Elizabeth. Alan also helped with his wife Emily’s art exhibition installations.

A 27-year resident of Westport, Alan enjoyed boating and golf, and was an active member of the Longshore Men’s Golf Association. Known for his jovial and upbeat approach to life, Alan appreciated a 5 p.m. martini, no matter where he was.

Alan is survived by his wife Emily Hamilton Laux; mother Mary Louise; daughters Allison (Geoff) and Elizabeth; son Seth; sisters Gwen (Rick) and Melissa (Paul); stepchildren Madeleine and Jack; niece and nephews Nicolina, Paul and Will, and grandchildren Amelia and Brady. He is also survived by his former wife Susan McShane. His wife Karen Treadwell predeceased him.

A memorial will be held in Westport in August. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to STAR, which provides services to special-needs children and adults in Connecticut.

Alan Hahn Eugley

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Luisa Francoeur. She spotted this guy on an early morning Old Hill walk.

When she returned, he was still there — waiting, it seemed, for her.

(Photo/Luisa Francoeur)

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And finally … sure, today is Bastille Day. But I paid homage to France’s national day last year.

July 14 is also the date when, in 1881, outlaw/gunfighter/murderer Billy the Kid was killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in New Mexico.

Everyone of a certain age remembers Billy Joel’s “Billy the Kid.” Most of the lyrics are “artistic license” (a kind way of saying, “BS”). And of course, we’re all left to wonder: Is the “Billy” from “Oyster Bay, Long Island” in the final verse actually Billy Joel himself?

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Kyle Martino Runs For President

Posted on November 7, 2017 | 1 comment

The president of US Soccer has a big job.

He oversees all levels of the sport in the United States — from the millions of kids playing to the pros, and of course the men’s and women’s national teams. By virtue of this country’s size and wealth — if not our international soccer prowess — he’s one of the most powerful people in the global sports world.

In the coming months, his job will be bigger than ever. He’ll help lead a US bid — with Canada and Mexico — to host the 2026 World Cup.

He’s also charged with naming a new men’s national team coach, and putting together that shattered program in the wake of the Americans’ dismal failure to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.

If things work out, that new President of US Soccer may be 1999 Staples High School grad Kyle Martino.

Kyle Martino, in the 1999 Staples High School yearbook.

The New York Times calls the Weston resident “perhaps (the) biggest name yet” to enter the race — and “the biggest threat” to current president Sunil Gulati. The 3-term president — also a Connecticut native — has not yet announced if he will run again.

Though just 36 years old, Martino has strong credentials. A Wrecker star — and Gatorade National High School Player of the Year — who went on to college powerhouse the University of Virginia, he earned Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year honors with the Columbus Crew.

He later played with the Los Angeles Galaxy — where he teamed with the legendary David Beckham — and appeared 8 times with the US national team. He scored a goal in an important World Cup qualifier against Panama.

Kyle Martino

After retiring from pro soccer, Martino became a television analyst. He covers England’s Premier League for NBC Sports, and is known for his astute insights, strong personality and great TV presence.

Martino announced a 3-pronged plan on his website, EveryonesGameUSA.com. The components include “transparency, equality and progress” in American soccer. He is particularly concerned about the financial barriers that deter some youth players, and the “mistreatment” of female athletes.

One obstacle Martino faced is that the presidency is unpaid. He and his wife — actress and blogger Eva Amurri — have 2 young children. But he’s assembled a consortium of backers; he’s launched a GoFundMe campaign, and if elected he hopes to turn the job into a salaried post. (Gulati is a senior lecturer in economics at Columbia University, and receives a stipend for sitting on FIFA’s executive committee.)

Kyle Martino and his wife, actess Eva Amurri.

Martino — who has taken a leave from NBC Sports — says, “I won’t be able to forgive myself if I don’t stand up for US Soccer right now. I didn’t dream of doing this job, but I know I have to do it.”

Other candidates include former national team players Eric Wynalda and Paul Caligiuri, among others. The election is February 10.

Win or lose, Martino will retain his affection for Staples soccer. Most recently, he led a project called “Etched in Stone,” honoring former players who died young. He did it in memory of his friend Drew Tursi, brother of Martino’s ex-teammate Brad Tursi.

Martino appeared at the dedication ceremony last month. It was one small — but important — way for him to give back to the game.

(Click here for the full New York Times story.)

Kyle Martino, at last month’s “Etched in Stone” project dedication at Staples’ Loeffler Field.

 

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Staples Soccer Is Etched In Stone

Posted on October 8, 2017 | 6 comments

In the nearly 60 years since Staples High School fielded its first boys soccer team, some legendary athletes have laced up their boots.

Plenty more played without achieving fame. But they loved the program, made great friendships and created lifelong memories.

Inevitably, a few of those players died young.

Staples soccer embraces its past. One of the program’s goals is to make sure current players feel a link to those who came before, and become in turn great role models for those who follow. (Full disclosure: I am the head coach — and a former Staples soccer player.)

Yesterday, alumni came from as far as California. They gathered together to see a game between 2 top teams — and to help dedicate Staples soccer’s “Etched in Stone” project.

It’s a permanent memorial to members of the program who died before their time. Their names are now inscribed in the terrace, at the top of The Hill.

Kyle Martino — a 1999 graduate who played on the US men’s national team, and is now a noted NBC Sports Premier League analyst — helped organize the project. His speech yesterday emphasized the importance of the Staples soccer community; the “family” bonds that have been formed across generations, and the feeling of legacy that joins current players with past (and future) Wreckers.

US soccer star and NBC Sports analyst Kyle Martino (with ball) addresses the crowd. At far left is Brad Tursi. His brother Drew’s death last winter sparked Martino and his teammates to create the “Etched in Stone” project. Drew spent many hours on The Hill, watching Brad and his friends play for Staples.

After the brief ceremony, the large crowd enjoyed a crackling match. Stamford eked out a 1-0 win, in a nail-biting finish.

Then the alums took to Loeffler Field, for a classic pick-up match.

Some things never change.

Former players from the 1980s who returned include (from left) Andy Udell, Todd Zucker, Dan Donovan, Mark Noonan, Guy Claveloux, Todd Coleman, Nathan Bird, Rob Sweetnam and Doug Fincher. Fincher’s son Ryan helps anchor the current Staples defense. Donovan and Coleman have brothers whose names are now etched in stone. (Photo/Yvonne Claveloux)

Fred Cantor, Steve McCoy and Neil Brickley — who helped win state and FCIAC championships in 1969 and ’70 — returned to Loeffler Field for the “Etched in Stone” ceremony. (Photo/Robert Brickley)

After the Staples-Stamford match, alumni, fans, family and friends lingered on the terrace at the top of The Hill. (Photo/Sam New)

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Kyle Martino: Lessons And Love Learned From A Miscarriage

Posted on January 25, 2016 | 3 comments

Kyle Martino may be the best player in Staples soccer history. As a Wrecker senior in 1999, he was named Gatorade National Player of the Year. He went on to star at the University of Virginia; was named 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew; played 8 times for the US national team, and is now a noted Premier League analyst on NBC Sports.

But this post has nothing to do with soccer. Recently, Martino and his wife — actress Eva Amurri — lost their 2nd child in a miscarriage.

Eva — the daughter of Susan Sarandon — blogs regularly about her active, intriguing and holistic life. She has been very public about her miscarriage, hoping to raise awareness about that often-taboo topic. Last week, she asked Kyle to contribute his own insights.

Here are his sometimes painful, always loving thoughts:

“I lost the baby…”

Kyle Martino and Eva Amurri

Kyle Martino and Eva Amurri

There’s no way to prepare for those words. I was standing in line to check in to my hotel – the same mindless task I sleepwalk through every weekend – when my phone rang.

Hearing those words from Eva’s mouth, I sprung awake from my traveler’s daze.

The first emotion I felt was guilt. Of course this happened while I was away – every time Eva needs me most I seem to be on a plane or in a different time zone.

Almost instantly came anger. Her phrase repeated in my head, over and over, in my ears and my soul.

Years of shielding myself from emotional discomfort has trained me to move immediately to logic. So I began the calming method of systematically breaking down the sentence I kept hearing over and over. “Baby…The Baby…lost the baby…I lost the baby…”

It was her fault. I was overcome with a quick wave of judgment and blame. Why did she let this happen? What did she do wrong? Why did she let me get on that plane?

Anger – that hollow, pointless emotion was the shield I held so not to feel what I knew I couldn’t handle.

Holding on to that anger distracted me from the actual emotion I was feeling: sadness. I wasn’t mad at Eva at all. I was mad that I wasn’t there in the moment she needed me more than ever.

I walked over to a couch in the lobby and let this sink in. I cried for the first time in my adult life. (Don’t worry, my therapist is all over that one.) I cried because Eva said “I.” “I lost the baby.”

When Eva Amurri was pregnant with their 1st child, her husband Kyle tweeted, "#babygirl Martino's 1st red carpet."

When Eva Amurri was pregnant with their 1st child, her husband Kyle tweeted, “#babygirl Martino’s 1st red carpet.”

Of course she didn’t lose the baby. This wasn’t her fault. There was nothing she could do. In fact, she couldn’t have done more to make sure her body was the healthiest it could be to nurture life. It broke my heart that she felt responsible in that very first moment of grief. And I didn’t understand why she couldn’t see what I did: that having a healthy baby is a miracle, and we can’t choose when and where that miracle happens.

Those feelings continued through the immediate aftermath of the miscarriage. While she rewound the tape on her pregnancy and looked for errors, I appreciated her body for doing the right thing by closing the book on a miracle not meant to be.

We were on totally different pages – which drove a wedge between us. It’s the same difference that existed when Eva was pregnant with our daughter.

Eva made a connection with Marlowe well before I did. A tangible bond that only those 2 people can understand. Eva and Marlowe were soul mates the second she heard that heart beat (Eva would probably say even before that).

Being honest, I never really accepted that we were having a child until a 3rd trimester ultrasound showed Marlowe waving at the camera. It hit me in that moment that I would be a father. But Eva had long been a mother already.

Kyle Martino and Marlowe.

Kyle Martino and Marlowe.

When she called me with the shattering news of this pregnancy, she already knew her baby and had been taking care of it. In Eva’s mind she was already the mother of 2. That connection, the bond, was broken that day – and Eva was devastated.

I know that losing our child was not Eva’s fault, but I understand now why she felt it was. Miscarriage is a very isolating experience. Eva withdrew for a while after it happened. I tried to be there for her, but I wasn’t able to relate to her specific pain. My heart was broken in a different way– and nothing I could do or say helped. It was only when Eva decided to do something very brave, in her saddest moment, that the cloud over us lifted. Eva decided she needed to talk about it…with everyone.

Eva told our story on her blog. She put our heartache out there for all to read.

At first I thought it was a bad idea. I thought miscarriage was a rare misfortune, and the few who experienced it suffered privately with curtains drawn. As far as I knew, miscarriage wasn’t something you talked about.

No one had ever mentioned to me that they had been through it. I had never read of someone’s personal experience. Was it really safe and smart to tell so many people such intimate truths about your pain?

I didn’t voice my concerns about sharing because I had been so inept at providing support in those crucial moments so far. I knew I needed to support whatever desire she had. The decision had been made.

Kyle Martino is one of NBC's top analysts on English Premier League broadcasts.

Kyle Martino is one of NBC’s top analysts on English Premier League broadcasts.

Eva’s post went live, and we sat there silently. I could sense there was a weight lifted off her, but I feared the response could reverse the initially positive effects.

Immediately, support poured in. I’m not talking about the “I’m sorry for your loss, I can’t imagine how hard that is” support (although that was very much appreciated).

I’m talking about the “we’ve been there ourselves, we are here for you if you need us” support. I was blown away by how many readers wrote back with their own deeply sad stories of pregnancy loss.

Then the phone started ringing. Some of my closest friends revealed to me, one by one, their own experiences with miscarriage. These were people I speak to every day, but I never had a clue.

It felt so good to talk about what we were going through. The fact that others not only knew what we were going through, but had found a way past it, was uplifting. What had felt like an action that would add shame to our heartbreak turned out to be the most cathartic experience imaginable.

I could be honest and talk with friends about the guilt I still carried for my earlier feelings of blame; the insecurity I felt about not hurting the same way as Eva did; the worry I still shoulder that it could happen to us again.

A community began, a conduit through which sadness, regret, hope, gratitude and love flowed freely.

At our wedding, Eva’s mom said something that really struck me at the time. She told us, “We are your tribe. Use us.” In the aftermath of our loss, we established a new community – a reformulation of our relationships with those already a part of it, and the addition of people met through our shared experiences.

At his wedding, Kyle Martino's new mother-in-law Susan Sarandon gave advice he's never forgotten.

At his wedding, Kyle Martino’s new mother-in-law Susan Sarandon gave advice he’s never forgotten.

We used this community to get through the hardest moment of our marriage. I accessed a lot of understanding through my discussions with other dads, and Eva gained a lot of strength from the strength of the women who came before her in their own grieving processes.

The encouragement, compassion and love we received from important people around us gave us the courage to turn back to each other for support, and heal the disconnect that was weakening our marriage.

As with many of our struggles, we came out the other side stronger together in our loss than we could ever be apart.

I will never feel the same way as Eva about losing our baby. I have my experience, and she has hers. I have my process, and she has hers.

I don’t think about it often – but Eva does. She thinks about the baby we lost every day. And so we move forward, 2 broken hearts on the mend– with a beautiful miracle of a child by our side, and one other just out of our reach.

(To read more of Eva Amurri’s blog, click here.)

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Alex Siegenfeld: A Name You Should Know

Posted on April 22, 2015 | 6 comments

On Monday evening, I posted a brief story about actress Linda Fiorentino’s Westport house being on the market. Longtime “06880” reader and frequent commenter Nancy W. Hunter weighed in from her home in British Columbia: “06880’s name-dropping has become so, so tiresome.”

I haven’t heard her reaction to a couple of stories I’ve done since, on Mark Naftalin‘s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Kyle Martino joining “Top Chef” star Kristen Kish on a New York Times “36 Hours” TV venture.

Maybe Nancy has sworn off my gossip site forever. If so, too bad.

Nancy: This one’s for you.

Alex Siegenfeld

Alex Siegenfeld

You’ve probably never heard the name Alex Siegenfeld before. He’s not a TMZ/Page Six boldface name, despite winning (at 17 years old) a gold medal in the International Chemistry Olympiad.

Now Alex has done something even more impressive. The Westport resident and Hopkins School graduate — today a student at MIT, heading toward a Ph.D. in physics (experimental condensed matter) — has won a $250,000 grant from the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation.

It’s good for up to 5 years of graduate study (with the encouragement to pursue science “for the public good”).

Alex was 1 of 12 honorees. The original pool of over 800 applicants was whittled down to 150, for a 1st round of interviews with national leaders in science and technology. Each candidate was tested on knowledge of broad scientific principles.

50 finalists were then selected, for a 2nd in-depth interview.

Hertz_logo_115h_02Hertz Fellows are free to innovate in their doctoral studies. They are not bound by traditional research funding restrictions. They have complete financial independence, under the guidance of top professors and mentors.

Hertz Fellows have gone on to win Nobel Prizes, found over 200 companies, register more than 3,000 patents, head major universities, and hold senior positions in the U.S. military.

Take that, Linda Fiorentino, Mark Naftalin and Kyle Martino!

(Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

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