Tag Archives: Longshore golf course

Pics Of The Day #2751

Posted on October 29, 2024 | 1 comment

Birchwood Country Club … 

… and a leaf there … (Photos/Copyright Ted Horowitz)

… and the Longshore golf course (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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“Don’t Touch My Flag!” Golf Cart Political Controversy Escalates

Posted on August 8, 2024 | 88 comments

Last month, a reader sent a photo of a golf cart at Longshore.

A large flag, draped across the back, said “Trump 2024 — Save America Again.”

The reader wanted to know why a Longshore employee could drive around the course, displaying a political message.

One view of the golf cart …

Not wanting to jump to conclusions — I’ve learned that lesson — I contacted Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department.

They said the cart belongs to a nearby neighbor — not an employee. I posted that photo, and the explanation, on July 27.

Since then, several other readers sent similar photos. I referred them to that item, emphasizing he does not work for the town.

A couple of days ago, things escalated.

Someone approached the golf cart driver. He’s a Staples High School graduate with a thriving local business. He lives on the Saugatuck River in a home on the private road just off the golf course, a couple of hundred yards from the first tee.

He uses his cart, apparently, to voluntarily help maintain the course.

The other man demanded that he remove the banner.

“Don’t touch my flag!” the driver responded.

… and another.

A video obtained by “06880” does not show either man, but the audio is clear. The man continues to demand the flag’s removal.

“”I will f—ing blow your head apart!” the golf cart driver says, as the man apparently tries to rip the flag off, tearing it in the process. “Who the f— do you think you’re talking to?!”

The other man angrily retorts, “I’m talking to a worker.”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” the golf cart driver — who is most definitely not “a worker” — says.

The very heated encounter ends when, apparently, a police officer arrives.

“He’s gonna f—ing buy me a new one!” the video ends. “Motherf—er!”

According to the Connecticut Centinal — the far-right website that first reported the fight, under the headline “Westport Liberal Got So Triggered By Sight Of Trump Flag on Golf Cart That He Tried To Rip It Off” — the golf cart driver “agreed that if the unhinged liberal replaced the damaged flag with a new one, he would not press charges.

“If the flag doesn’t get replaced, Westport Police have assured (him) that they will address the situation.”

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Posted in Longshore, Politics

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Pic Of The Day #2564

Posted on April 25, 2024 | 2 comments

Longshore golf course (Photo/Nicole Gorman)

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Posted in Longshore, Pic of the Day, Sports

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Photo Challenge #486

Posted on April 21, 2024 | 11 comments

I’m often surprised at how many readers nail what I thought would be difficult Photo Challenges.

And how few get those I think are easy.

I’m not a golfer. So when Richard Hyman submitted a shot of a little colonial figure holding what could be a flag — but could also be a tee marker — I figured many readers would ace it. (Click here to see.)

Turns out, only Fred Rubin, Andrew Colabella, Jonathan McClure and Seth Braunstein did.

Perhaps it’s because, as Seth said, they’re only used for special events.

Or maybe everyone else was watching the Masters.

Or playing golf at Longshore themselves.

Now it’s on to this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this happy face, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

(If you enjoy our weekly Photo Challenge — or anything else we post — please consider a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Judy Collins, VFW Golf, Covlee …

Posted on April 14, 2024 | 4 comments

On Friday night, Judy Collins came to the Westport Country Playhouse.

I headed to the historic theater, not knowing what to expect. I wanted to see the legendary singer/songwriter, whose songs were so important as I grew up.

But she’s 84 years old. Did she still have her voice, her energy, her marbles?

Others in the lobby before the show wondered the same thing.

We need not have worried. It was a fantastic evening.

Judy Collins told compelling stories, with wit and depth. She sang old songs and new ones, in a voice still beautiful and on-key. She laughed at her foibles, and brought us along on a journey through her life.

It was just Judy Collins on stage with a pianist and guitarist, for a wonderful 90 minutes. Brava!

Judy Collins, at the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Let’s tee it up for our veterans!

VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 and American Legion Post 63’s annual golf tournament is June 10 (9 a.m., Longshore Club Park). Funds raised will support local veterans and their families.

The day includes friendly competition, camaraderie, and giving back.

Registration for the shotgun scramble format ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, cart, putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and a BBQ lunch at the VFW.

For information on registration, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, click here or contact Patty Kondub: patty.kondub@gmail.com; 203-767-3778.

Longshore hosts the VFW and American Legion’s June 10 golf tournament. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Dan August is not yet 40 years old.

But the 2003 Staples High School graduate is well known in the sports industry.

Now Sports Business Journal has taken notice. The publication has named August — a former Staples High School tennis and track athlete, Dartmouth College graduate, and Los Angeles Rams executive — to its “40 Under 40” honor roll.

As executive vice president of consumer revenue and strategy, August oversees the Rams’ ticketing sales, service and operations, analytics, and all facets of game day, including stadium operations, guest experience, food and beverage, and retail. He also leads strategic initiatives.

August serves on the Rams’ leadership team. He joined the organization in 2016, after 8 years in the National Football League front office.

He and 39 others will be featured in the publication’s June 17 issue, and recognized at a November 22 Chelsea Piers gala.

Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Charlie Stoebe)

Dan August

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Friday’s Pic of the Day showed a view from Covlee Beach. The tiny spot on Saugatuck Shores — just off Covlee Drive — may be Westport’s least known, and least exclusive beach.

Here’s a shot of the entrance:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Peter Hirst lived there long ago. The 1968 Staples High School graduate is now a long-time Northern Californian. But he still keeps up with his hometown, via “06880.”

When and why, he wonders, did the original spelling — “Covelee” — morph into the very odd, and meaningless, “Covlee”?

Peter sends photographic proof. He helped his father place this metal sign on the beach shack, around 1955:

He sends this photo of a life ring too. Though at first glance it reads “Covlee,” it’s clear the strap hides the “E.”

Peter had a great time growing up there, with neighborhood kids like Lindy Hirst, Barbara Pryor, Murray Rosenberg, Chris Herman, Lucia Donnelly, Mickey Masterson, Lane Haviland, Bobby Rich and Martha Laslett.

His home was 12 Covelee Drive — he calls it “12 Cove Lee.” It looks very much the same today, though the garage is new.

But there are other newer and bigger houses, like the one on the left.

Maybe with all that construction, there wasn’t room for one more “E.”

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is as spring-y as it gets.

All week long, Westporters — at least those who have not skedaddled for the school’s week-long break — will enjoy scenes like this:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the last day of National Robotics Week:

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Longshore, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Parks & Rec: All You Need To Know About Beaches, Boats, Golf And More

Posted on March 23, 2024 | 6 comments

One of the best things about Westport is the Parks & Recreation Department amenities.

And one of the best things about spring is the chance to get outside and enjoy them.

Here is just a sampling of what Parks & Rec offers:

Longshore Golf Course:
The course opens Monday, April 1 (no fooling — and of “course,” weather permitting). To book a tee time, click here.

18th hole. (Drone photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)

Beach parking stickers:
Vehicle parking emblems are required for all town beaches beginning  May 1. They can be purchased online, or at the Parks & Recreation office (at Longshore, near the golf course 1st tee) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

Dogs at town beaches:
Animals are not allowed at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches, in or out of vehicles, from April 1 through September 30.

Soon to be a scene of the past (for a while). (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

Compo Beach playground renovation project:
The Compo Beach Playground Committee, led by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League, will renovate the iconic structure.

They’ll present a proposed plan to the Parks & Recreation Commission on Wednesday, March 27 (7:30 p.m.,  Zoom). Click here for information.

Compo Beach playground.

Annual Clean-Up Day:
Westport Parks & Recreation’s Annual Clean-Up Day is set for Saturday, April 27. Past participants will receive invitations this coming week.

If you or your civic group have not participated in the past but want to get involved, email jboone@westportct.gov

Parks and Recreation Programs:
Some spaces are available in spring and summer programs. Click here for information.

Boating:
Residents who have a slip at a town marina may bring their boats in starting April 1. If you need assistance docking, contact the dockmaster on VHF channel 11 or by calling 203-341-1062. Boaters must send a copy of this year’s boat registration to Rick Giunta (email rgiunta@westportct.gov, or deliver to the Parks & Rec office at Longshore, near the 1st tee).

Dry stall assignees:
Dry stall decals will be mailed to you before May 1. Place the decal on your vessel where it can be seen by staff. Dry stall vessels may be placed on storage racks beginning May 1. Any vessel stored before May 1 will be removed, and may be auctioned off.

If you’re interested in a place to store your kayak, sunfish, paddleboard or other small boat for the summer season, click here for a dry stall application. Wait times are 1-2 years.

Kayaks at Compo Beach. (Photo/Eric Bosch)

Animals on town athletic fields, playgrounds, beaches and Longshore Golf Course:
Animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at any time, including the Longshore golf course. Animals are prohibited from town beaches from April 1 through September 30.

Dogs at Wakeman Field. (Photo/Marc Katz)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything you need to enjoy spring — and summer, fall and winter. Please click here to support our work with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

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Pic Of The Day #2472

Posted on January 24, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2472

Longshore golf course (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Roundup: Beach Dogs, Longshore Golf, Wakeman Stuff …

Posted on March 22, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Beach Dogs, Longshore Golf, Wakeman Stuff …

The Parks & Recreation Department is not fooling around.

As of April 1, no animals are allowed at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches — in or out of vehicles. They’ll be allowed back October 1.

In addition, stickers are required to park at town beaches beginning May 1.

For detailed information regarding Parks & Rec policies, click here.

Sorry, guys. Your beach days are numbered. (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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Looking to play a round?

The Longshore golf course opens next Tuesday (March 28) — weather permitting.

Head pro Jon Janik and course superintendent Brad Brown have worked hard to make sure everything is ready.

For golf course information, including advanced and same day tee time bookings, click here. Contact the Pro Shop at 203-221-0900 or 203-226-9785.

Westport residents can purchase or renew handpasses by clicking here, or in person weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Parks & Recreation office, near the first tee.

The Longshore golf course reopens next week.

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Upcoming Wakeman Town Farm events include:

Photos with Farm Animals (April 16 and 24): WTF has teamed up with photographer Ilona Musial for 2 days of outdoor photo shoots with chicks and bunnies. A portion of the proceeds go toward farm educational initiatives and scholarships for underserved populations. For more information and prices, email imusialphotography@gmail.com.

Designing a Native Landscape in Deer Country (April 17, 7 p.m.; $10): Everyone welcome nature. But deer can go overboard in our gardens. Veteran landscape designer Brid Craddock discusses deer-proof plants, and techniques she uses to keep Bambi away from native plants. Click here to register.

Learn About Canning from a Preserving Pro (June 4, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; $125): Can you can? Whether you need a refresher or want to experiment with new flavor trends and foods safely, join master preserver Pam Lillis. Just before summer, she’ll share tips. Take home a berry jam and a stone fruit jam too. Click here to register.

Kids’ Cooking Camp (Ages 7-10; July 10-13, 9 a.m. to noon): The day begins picking organic ingredients. Students explore simple Italian cooking, Asian street food, tapas and more. Class size is limited for best experience. Click here for more information, and to register.

At Wakeman Town Farm, learn to avoid this scene. Photo/Dick Truitt)

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Amy Simon Fine Art’s new show debuts at 123 March 25.

Featured artists include Angela Lane, David Skillicorn and Laura Gurton.

It runs through April 29.

“Curves Too” — acrylic on poplar (Angela Lane)

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It’s still early spring. But it won’t be long until the trees are in bloom, the benches are filled, and this “Westport … Naturally” scene looks quite different.

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … speaking of “playing a round” (see story above):

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Pic Of The Day #2134

Posted on February 19, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2134

Longshore golf course (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Roundup: Harvest Fest, Shorefest, StoryFest …

Posted on September 11, 2022 | 3 comments

If you didn’t have somewhere to go yesterday, you just weren’t trying.

In addition to Slice of Saugatuck — the gorgeous festival already covered on “06880” yesterday afternoon — there were several great events.

Wakeman Town Farm raised nearly $100,000 at their annual Harvest Fest. The evening featured fantastic food and drinks, a kick-ass band, and the always-special pastoral setting.

The tent … (Photo/Gregg Bromberg)

… the food … (Photo/Dan Woog)

… the band … (Photo/Dan Woog)

… and the $20,000 check from Earth Animal. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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From the farm to the beach … yesterday evening, Friends of Sherwood Island threw their annual Shorefest, at Connecticut’s first state park.

The meal …

… and the moon. (Photos/Gene Borio)

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Yesterday also marked the final day of StoryFest, the Westport Library’s celebration of the story in all forms. It’s the largest literary festival in Connecticut.

Panels included this one on activism …

… and the finale, which included food, drink, and the “Reading Glasses” podcast, live from the Library stage.

(Photos/EJ Crawford)

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Also last night: guitarist Robert Cray, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Now get set for next Saturday’s Lobsterfest at Compo Beach, courtesy of the Westport Rotary Club.

September in Westport: It doesn’t get much better than this!

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Friday was a big night for Staples High School football.

After an address by 3 active servicemembers, quarterback Caleb Smith led the Wreckers to a 42-13 rout of Conard-West Hartford. It was the season opener for both teams, at Paul Lane Field.

And the Gridiron Club presented Catch-a-Lift founder Lynn Coffland with a check for $23,000. Funds were raised this summer by the club and players, who participated in the “Murph Challenge.” The money helps post-9/11 combat wounded veterans, with gym memberships and fitness rehabilitation.

The Wreckers travel to St. Joseph next Saturday, for a 1:30 p.m. contest.

Gridiron Club and Catch-a-Lift representatives are all smiles Friday night.

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A reader writes:

“There is a severe water shortage. It is recommended to water lawns at night.

“Did Longshore not get the message? Or are they privileged? I’m curious …”

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Jill Grayson witnessed this “Westport … Naturally” standoff recently. She did not mention who backed off first.

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … anyone who lived through 9/11 remembers the profound sadness that hung in the air, and crept into our hearts, for so long.

There was little anyone could do, besides grieve. But music — as it always does — helped heal.

Three songs in particular will always remind me of the weeks after September 11, 2001. The world changed forever that day.

And so did the way I will always hear these songs.

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