The Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Clubs have pledged $2,500 each, to Ukraine Aid International.
Rotarian Ken Bernhard is seeking more funds, which the national club will match. The goal of $15,000 would purchase water filtration systems, for use in the war-torn nation.
The need is critical, in areas where Russian forces have destroyed water supplies.
UAI founders Marshall and Brian Mayer — who grew up in Westport — described the water filtration systems, and other aid their non-profit provides (including communications equipment, vehicles, and funds for children’s therapy camps) on Sunday, at a special dinner provided by Nômade.
Among the attendees: Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes. Both provided insights into the current status of US aid to Ukraine. Blumenthal — who has traveled there 6 times — noted the bipartisan support, with ties forged on his trips with Republican senators like Lindsay Graham.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes at Nômade. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee holds a public meeting this Thursday (November 21, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 307-9).
The agenda includes reviews of the parking lot project, a review of the public engagement process, and an update on the parking study and feasibility analysis.
Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday) has been canceled.
The Westporter debuted his stunning new documentary, before a large Westport audience crowd.
“Pat Tillman: Life, Death, Legacy” is a profound and impactful look at the life and legacy of the NFL star who volunteered to serve in Afghanistan, then was killed by friendly fire.
Missed it? Click here for details on how to stream the video.
Jeremy Schaap, at the Westport Library. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Briggs)
Also last night: A nearly sold-out audience enjoyed the Westport Country Playhouse’s latest Script In Hand reading.
“A Danger to Yourself and Others” took place — appropriately — the week before Thanksgiving, It involved a gas station robbery, library card revocation, love, and much more.
Script in Hand readings are regular — and very popular — Playhouse events.
Script in Hand readings give a great flavor of interesting plays. This is a scene from “A Danger to Yourself.” (Photo/Dave Matlow)
But there was plenty of Staples blue in Cary, North Carolina on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Paddy Donovan — a 2022 Staples High School grad — saved one penalty kick, in the ACC men’s soccer final.
But 2 Clemson teammates missed theirs, and Wake Forest captured the league championship, 7-6, after regulation and overtime ended 1-1.
Among the other local connections: Clemson is coached by 1979 Staples grad (and former state champion) Mike Noonan. He’s led the Tigers to 2 national titles in the past 3 years.
In the stands: Paddy’s parents, Dan and Nicole Donovan. Both are SHS alums too. Dan is a former Wrecker soccer state champion. And his late brother Doug was Noonan’s teammate, on that ’78 state title squad.
Also on hand: former Staples teachers Dave and Marianne Harrison (social studies and physical education, respectively). Both now live in North Carolina.
Next up for Clemson: The NCAA tournament. Donovan and his teammates earned a first-round bye.
From left: Nicole Donovan, Dave and Marianne Harrison, Dan Donovan. All sport Clemson orange.
Speaking of sports: The Staples girls rugby program hosts a clinci for all current interested girls, in 8th grade and above, on November 24 (12:30 to 2 p.m., Staples football field).
Players from the University of New Haven Women’s Rugby Team will be lead the event. It’s a chance for girls (and their parents) see what rugby is all about, ask questions, and meet athletes. No prior experience is required.
The Staples girls rugby season runs from March through June.
Staples High School girls rugby. (Photo/Dylan Chatterjee Photography)
And finally … on this day in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he first saw the day before. He named it San Juan Bautista. Today we know it as Puerto Rico.
The island has given the world many great gifts. Among them: our neighbor, longtime Weston resident José Feliciano.
(“06880” is where Westport — and Weston — meet the world. If you enjoy the connections you find here, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Michael Szeto and his wife Valerie were on their daily walk with their dog JoJo yesterday.
JoJo kept pulling them toward a sewer drain on the corner of Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road.
As they got closer, the couple saw 2 tiny claws reaching out of the storm drain. They thought it was a Halloween decoration.
But then they noticed a nose sticking out of the grate. A trapped raccoon was hanging on desperately, to escape the rising water.
They called the Westport Police. While waiting for help, passerby Althea Heisler took action.
She got on the ground and stuck her hand in the sewer, to hold the animal as it started to lose its grip on the sewer grate. Somehow, Althea kept the raccoon above water until Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, followed by the Fire Department. arrived.
They lifted the grate and freed the raccoon. Without giving thanks, it scampered off toward nearby Gray’s Creek. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)
Animal Control Officer Peter Reid (yellow vest) and Westport Fire Department officials work to free the trapped raccoon. (Photos/Michael Szeto
================================================
Ed Hynes first became interested in the 1777 British march from Westport to Danbury as a child, when he learned his neighbor’s house was partially burned by the Redcoats during the raid.
On Thursday, he spoke to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston about that historic event. He described the landing at Compo Beach, the trek to burn the patriots’ arsenal, and the Battle of Compo Hill, as they returned to the shore.
But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to hear Hynes’ wisdom. Click below, for his very informative presentation.
Nearly a dozen pots of chili — beef, sausage, moose, vegetarian, you name it — were ladled out yesterday, at the VFW.
Along with many varieties of both toppings and cornbread, plus a DJ, drink special, prizes and a raffle.
Greg Gunther of the Westport Police Department repeated last year’s win in the Chili Cook-off. Second place went to Lynn Ryder of Westport Emergency Medical Services. Virginia Ferrari of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries was third.
The packed hall was a fundraiser for an important VFW and Auxiliary project: purchasing and installing posts for American flags, to honor the graves of 1,200 veterans at Westport cemeteries.
The goal is $6,000. Let’s hope those flags are flying soon.
Lots of chili choices last night at the VFW. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also yesterday: the ALS United Connecticut event to honor all those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and remember those who have died, at Sherwood Island State Park.
Those who could walk, did. Those who could join them in wheelchairs, did too.
The weather was beautiful. The atmosphere was both serious and celebratory. The fight against ALS continues.
A few of the many participants at yesterday’s ALS United Connecticut event.
You can’t talk about American folk music without Woody Guthrie.
Two days before Election Day, First Folk Sunday honors the influential singer/songwriter/icon of democracy and freedom.
Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s headline singer and artistic force, will be joined for the tribute by Matt Lavigni, Paul Bluestein, Susan T. Reid, Myra Healy and Colin Healy.
Doors open at noon, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. The music cover charge is $15. Table service is available for brunch, lunch and cocktails. Click here for tickets. For more information, call 203-984-7562.
===============================================
Congratulations, Mike Noonan!
The 1979 Staples High School graduate — who won a state championship with the boys soccer team, then earned All-America honors at Middlebury College — has just picked up the 400th win of his coaching career.
As head coach of the Clemson University men’s soccer team, Noonan is 5th among active Division I head coaches in career wins.
The Tigers have won 2 national championships in the past 3 years. Noonan’s squad has also captured 4 ACC titles.
:My faith in humanity was restored yesterday morning.
“As the sun was setting Friday, I accidentally dropped an Apple Watch keychain charger (not cheap), with my health club entry pass attached, near my car when leaving the Trout Brook Valley Preserve off-leash trail lot.
“I did not realize this until I got home. I drove back first thing Saturday morning. Not only was another dog owner kind enough to move her car to let me look where I had parked on Friday, but she aided me in the search.
“After a few minutes without luck, I checked the trail map box by the entrance. A kind soul had found my device, and placed it inside on top of the trail maps.
“It is nice to know that good people still live all around us, despite the discouraging headlines and political climate of these troubled times. Perhaps there is hope for us all yet, and a reason to be optimistic that all will be okay.
=================================================
Sugar maples make their first appearance in a “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Topsy Siderowf spotted these beauties at Long Lots Elementary School:
And finally … the First Folk Sunday tribute to Woody Guthrie (story above) reminds us that, nearly a century ago, the Oklahoma native was writing songs about America’s potential — and problems.
Among the topics he addressed: immigration, migrant workers, capitalism, religious hypocrisy, and the wonders of our nation.
(This blog is your blog … from Saugatuck Shores, to Sherwood Island. Please take a minute or two to click here, and support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)
Several “06880” readers were saddened to report the removal of 3 shade trees at Old Mill Beach.
I asked Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department for the back story. Here’s the answer, from parks superintendent Mike West:
“During last Wednesday evening’s thunderstorms, 1 of the 3 leaders of that Norway Maple came down (see photo).
(Photo courtesy of Westport Parks & Recreation Department)
“When I inspected the tree with our team, we identified other points of concern on both of the remaining leaders.
“Unfortunately, the only way to eliminate any safety concerns was to remove the remaining portion of the tree.
“It was sad to see the tree removed, but we’re lucky no was injured.”
=================================================
The Remarkable Bookcycle — the free, funky mobile library that wheels around town — is back at Compo Beach.
It’s been rehabbed by Ryan Peterson. It looks great!
Feel free to grab a book. Or donate one.
Or do both.
(Photo/Ryan Peterson)
================================================
Three Westporters were honored at the White House yesterday, as part of a salute to all 2023-24 NCAA champions.
Staples High School 2021 graduate Paddy Donovan is a goalkeeper on the Clemson University men’s Division I soccer national championship. It’s coached by Mike Noonan, a ’79 Staples alum and star on the Wrecker’s ’78 state title squad. This was the 2nd NCAA title in 3 years for Noonan and the Tigers.
Congratulations to both!
Head coach Mike Noonan (front row, 2nd from left, white shirt), Paddy Donovan (middle row, far right, orange shirt), and Clemson Tigers at the White House.
Also honored: Janna Moore. The Tufts University rising sophomore — and daughter of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore — was a member of the Jumbos’ Division III national champion crew team.
Janna Moore (2nd from left) with her Tufts teammates.
NOTE: When the visit was scheduled, no one knew it would mark the first official appearance for Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate. She was subbing for President Biden, recovering from COVID at his Delaware home.
================================================
The Westport Police Department reminds residents to “stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes.”
Last weekend, Westport saw an increase in stolen vehicle attempts and larcenies from unlocked cars.
“Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department,” the WPD says.
Lock your car! And don’t leave your key in the ignition!
In his new book — “Better Pissed Off … Than Pissed On: Narratives on Fubar America” — prolific Westport author Carl Addison Swanson rants and raves about everything: cell phones in schools, leaf blowers, the rise of pickleball, diminishing manners in this country, bad television, dress codes in daily life, teachers making a difference in one’s life, our money-grubbing health system, love and being a father, the puzzling new array of new products on the shelves, bad skin commercials, why siblings fight after the parents are gone — you get the ida.
“Four stars, a hoot,” says Booklist. Click here to purchase. Click here for Carl’s website.
A Westport boat owner writes: “We found all kinds of ‘critter foot prints’ on our boat after the last storm. So we put a camera in, to see what it was all about.
“This photo says it all. It’s amazing who likes boats in Westport!”
The owner called Animal Control, to get rid of the critter peacefully.
The owner adds: “I’m glad he or she did not have the key!”
Frank Zappa once said, “If you want an education, go to the library.”
On August 1 (6 p.m.), his proteges take his advice to heart. Tribute act Banned From Utopia and the Paul Green Rock Academy bringing the “authentic Zappa experience” to the Westport Library.
General admission tickets are $20. A VIP Meet and Greet ticket ($60) offers early admission to enjoy the company of Banned From Utopia members Robert Martin, Ray White and Scott Thunes, all of whom played in Zappa’s band.
It’s a chance to chat, listen to stories, take pictures, have a cocktail, and hang out with band members who toured with Zappa in his prime.
The office of the Registrars of Voters will conduct memory card and tabulator testing beginning today (Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).
The public is invited to observe today, or any continued testing tomorrow (Wednesday).
Election Day.
=================================================
One of nature’s wonders is the starfish.
This guy happily (?!) posed at Compo Beach, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … in honor of Frank Zappa (story above):
(We may not be as eloquent as Frank Zappa, but our message is just as heartfelt: Please click here to support “06880.” We rely on our readers! Thank you.)
Including — especially — town officials. A major project is scheduled for a hearing shortly before Christmas.
Last night, the Board of Finance spent 5 1/2 hours on its second hearing about funding for the Long Lots Elementary School building project.
No decisions were made. A funding request is expected at the board’s next meeting.
Meanwhile, the town has filed its 8-24 municipal improvement application, for the Long Lots School. It — with “the relocation of a multipurpose field” — is on the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda for Monday, December 18 (7 p.m.; Zoom, plus Optimum channel 79 and Frontier
channel 6020).
By statute, the P&Z must make a decision by January 12.
Written comments can be sent to the P&Z before the meeting: pandz@westportct.gov.
The Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss an 8-24 application for Long Lots Elementary School next Monday.
=================================================
But one agenda item is off the table — at least temporarily.
Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen scratched a request by Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava to approve a license agreement between the town and Longshore Sailing School from tomorrow’s meeting agenda (Wednesday, December 13, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Questions were raised over the weekend about the process by which the recommendation was made.
The Compo Acres Shopping Center community menorah was lit last night. It was the 5th day of Hanukkah.
Jo Shields Sherman reports that the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life-sponsored event included “festive, frenzied music; treats and toys, dancing, and of course dreidels for the kids.”
She was reassured by the police presence: half a dozen police cars. “I think all the blue lights added something special,” Jo says.
Menorah lighting, at Compo Acres Shopping Center. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
There’s a holiday twist to the old saying “sing for your supper.”
This Saturday (December 16, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), the Weston High School Chamber Singers entertains diners at 14 venues. They’ll sing a few songs at each.
The carolers begin their rounds at the Boathouse, then stop off at Kawa Ni, the Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck. They then make their way around the train station to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci, and Allium, before heading north to entertain guests at Zucca, Match Burger Lobster, Rizzuto’s and Viva Zapata, before ending at Dunville’s.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsors the event.
This Sunday (December 17, 5 p.m.), Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church hosts its annual service, following the English tradition of “9 Lessons & Carols.”
The popular event — from the first notes of “Once in Royal David’s City” to the soaring descants of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” — fills attendees with the spirit of Christmas.
The Parish Choir and Choristers are accompanied by Grammy-nominated harpist Kristi Shade.
Afterward, there is a reception with light, festive refreshments in Branson Hall. The public is invited.
“9 Lessons & Carols,” at Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
The star of Staples High School’s 1978 state championship team coached Clemson University to the NCAA Division I national title last night.
The 2-1 victory over Notre Dame was Noonan’s 2nd NCAA crown in 3 years. Only 2 other teams in college soccer history have accomplished that feat.
The Tigers — who finish the year 15-3-5, and also won the ACC title — allowed only 1 goal throughout the entire 5-game NCAA tournament. That was last night, by the Irish. It came late in the match on a penalty kick, when Clemson already had the game in hand.
Noonan was cheered on by family and friends, including former teammates Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers and Steve Hollingsworth; Dan Donovan (SHS ’82), who won a state title with Staples in 1981, and whose son Paddy (SHS ’22) is a goalkeeper on Clemson’s national champion squad; and Michael McCarthy, Stuart’s son who won his own state championship at Staples in 2009.
Congratulations, “Noons”! Well done, Tigers! Click here for last night’s highlight reel.
Celebrating with the NCAA College Cup trophy (from left): Stuart McCarthy, Andy Meyers, Mike Noonan, Paddy Donovan, Dan Donovan, Michael McCarthy.
A fascinating story in the Daily Tar Heel tells the story of the University of North Carolina’s first Black athlete.
In 1963, Edwin Okoroma left Nigeria to play varsity soccer at UNC. Life was not easy, but he persevered. After earning a medical degree at the Mayo Clinic, he returned to his native country. He practiced medicine and taught there for decades — and, now 83 years old, continues to do so.
The story caught the eye of Westporter Bud Siegel. He was Okoroma’s teammate — one of the “New England prep school kids” who, according to the Daily Tar Heel, made up most of the Carolina soccer team.
He says that the newspaper story is quite accurate — right down to its description of an incident at a Howard Johnson’s in Charlottesville, Virginia.
When a waitress told Okoroma that the restaurant did not serve Blacks, he got up to leave. The entire team followed him out the door.
“Edwin was a teammate. We supported one of our own,” Siegel says.
He adds another detail: For their 50th reunion, Siegel was tasked with trying to find former team members.
He tracked Okoroma through Saudi Arabia and to his last posting in Nigeria, but never got a response from the hospital.
“Such a shame,” Siegel says. “We would have loved to have heard Edwin’s story after UNC.”
The 1963 University of North Carolina soccer team. Edwin Okoromo is in the middle of the 2nd row. Bud Siegel is in the front row, 4th from right. Others in the photo include future Yale coach Bill Killen, and future Dartmouth coaches George Beim and Tom Griffith.
Sir Ian McKellen was at the Westport Library Sunday.
Okay, the famed English actor appeared on the large Trefz Forum screen.
But he addressed the large crowd, before the showing of “The One Note Man” — the compelling story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone, or stepping out and changing his life forever.
Westporter Rita Marcocci was an executive producer for the film.
Sir Ian McKellen, on the Westport Library screen. Westporter Dave Briggs, who moderated a panel discussion, is at far right.
=================================================
Speaking of the Library: There are just 13 days till Christmas.
And just 108 until VersoFest2024.
The 4th annual Westport Library music concerts/panels/workshops event kicks off April 4, with the indie rock/pop band the Lemon Twigs, and DJ Hysterica spinning all-vinyl power pop, punk, greasy soul and yé-yé.
The Lemon Twigs “dart from twee chamber pop balladry to full-on glam punk, mixing plaintive singer-songwriter confessionals with an almost Syd Barrett sense of outré pop. Their sound has said to harken back to the vocal melody of Art Garfunkel and chamber pop of Brian Wilson, and they cite among their influences Moondog and Arthur Russell.”
Westport Country Playhouse just announced 2 new program for this spring.
They’ll appeal to very diverse audiences.
“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” (April 27, 1 and 4 p.m.) is aimed at children in pre-K through 2nd grade. Click here for tickets, and more information.
On June 6 (8 p.m.), Tony Kushner sits for an on-stage interview, and Q-and-A. The author/playwright/ screenwriter is known for works like the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning “Angels in America,” and film collaborations with Steven Spielberg on “Munich,” “Lincoln,” “The Fabelmans” and the 2021 remake of “West Side Story.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
Tony Kushner
=================================================
Last week, an “06880” Roundup included a photo of the Westport post office, at noon on a weekday. It was completely empty.
What a difference a few days makes. Yesterday, also at noon, the line was almost out the door:
Hopefully no one was in line to buy Christmas stamps. A sign on the wall on the left — easily missed — notes that the post office has run out of this year’s supply.
This week’s “Jazz at the Post,” featuring Antonio Hart, Michael Mossman, Greg Wall, Michael Cochrane, Yuriy Galkin and Tim Horner, is a tribute to the 1980 record “Street Singer,” a recording of a legendary 1960 performance by Jackie MacLean and Tina Brooks.
There are 2 sets this Thursday (December 14) at VFW Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $15. Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Bernadine Ann Ripka (Bernie) died peacefully at home Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 87.
The Chicago native lived in Westport since 1973.
A cherished mother and grandmother, Bernie was a member of St. Luke Church, where she prepared and served meals to the underprivileged. She was an avid fitness walker, and appreciated fashion and interior decorating.
Her family says, “She will be remembered for her generous spirit, quick wit, high emotional intelligence, and love of people.”
Bernie is survived by her husband of 57 years, John; sons Mark (Kate), Brett (Kristen) and their children, Emma and Josephine; daughter-in-law Kim, and Kim and Greg’s daughter Abigail.
She was predeceased by her son Greg, her brother John Shuta and his wife Dorothy, and her sister Martha Neumann and her husband Frank.
Calling hours are Thursday ( December 14, 4-7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday (December 15, 11 a.m., Saint Luke Church), To sign Bernie’s online guestbook, click here.
And finally … in honor of this Saturday’s Saugatuck caroling, at 14 different restaurants:
(Political news? Holiday info? Random stuff you never knew you needed to know? It’s all here at “06880.” Please click here to ensure it keeps coming, 24/7/365. Thank you!)
Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.
Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.
They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.
(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)
The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).
But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.
So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?
Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.
You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.
Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.
The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.
The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
=================================================
Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.
Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.
In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:
Architectural Review Board
Arts Advisory Committee
Blight Prevention Board
Commission for Senior Services
Conservation Commission
Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
Historic District Commission
Parks Advisory Committee
Tree Board
Youth Commission
Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.
Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form, including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.
There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.
The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.
76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.
The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)
This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.
La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.
There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).
New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.
Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.
Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.
Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.
With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
=================================================
Pizza and a play.
That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.
Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.
“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.
This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.
She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7; Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.
On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”
Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein.
=================================================
Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.
His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).
Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.
Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.
Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.
Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”
And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):
(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Westport resident was carjacked and shot in the face in South Africa. His passport, phone and credit cards were stolen.
A GoFundMe page has been created, to help with travel, medical expenses, and living expenses for him and his family.
Many Westporters know the Fischel family. Many also know Valerie Fischel — the name of Walter’s sister.
But the Westport Valerie Fischel, and Walter’s sister Valier — who lives in Maryland — are not related.
Our Westport Valerie Fischel does not have a brother. But — like all of us — she hopes the unrelated man who shares her family name makes a full recovery.
Back when I was a Westport teenager, my friends and I spent a lot of time dodging cops.
Today, that phrase means something different.
Next Monday (November 20, 5:30 p.m., Staples High School fieldhouse), students and police join together, in the Westport Youth Commission’s annual Dodge-a-Cop dodgeball tournament.
Five students play at once, along with a Westport officer. There are winner and loser brackets, with the winners earning prizes. There’s food and drinks too.
The 16 teams will be filled fast. Tickets are $10 per student. The event is sponsored by Gault and Mitchells; all funds raised go to the Homes with Hope and Westport Woman’s Club food pantries.
Tickets are being sold at Staples, during lunch. Questions? Contact Cabry Lueker, Youth Commission chair: cabry2006@gmail.com.
Last year, Staples school resource officer Ed Woolridge (back row, white shirt, blue headband) was on the winning Dodge-a-Cop team. The winners posed with RTM member Andrew Colabella (far right).
Clemson University won its 2nd ACC championship in 4 seasons yesterday, in a penalty kick shootout over the University of North Carolina — and there were 2 Westport connections.
The Tigers are coached by Mike Noonan. The 1979 Staples graduate (and a star on their ’78 state championship team) won his third overall ACC championship overall. In 2021, he led the South Carolina school to the NCAA Division I title.
Paddy Donovan (Staples ’22) is a reserve keeper on the squad.
The Tigers earn an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. Seedings are announced at 1 p.m. today.
=================================================
Over 2 dozen retailers, restaurants and merchants have signed up for the 3rd annual “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll — and it’s still 3 weeks away.
The Saturday, December 2 (5 to 7 p.m.) event is very family friendly. There’s a visit from Santa, special kids’ activities, photo booth, holiday music from the Orphenians, caroling and more. Headquarters is a tent outside Savvy + Grace.
Among the treats:
Arogya Holistic Healing & Tea: Hot tea to go
Awesome Toys & Gifts: Giveaway (TBD)
Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar: 15% off for guests mentioning the “06880” Stroll (seating between 4 and 6 p.m.)
Castle Wine & Spirits: Expert wine pairings, with hand-picked selections
Clarendon Fine Art: Bubbly, tasty treats, décor and music; framed, limited edition still life from Tim Fowler (valued at $300)
Don Memo: Festive holiday beverage
Fred: Holiday treats
Gordon Fine Arts: Light hospitality and hot mulled cider
Hummingbird Healing Center: Discounted Harmonic Egg session of $99.99; free gift to everyone visiting the center on the 2nd floor
Kerri Rosenthal: 20% of all KR products; rosé and Prosecco
Naturino Kids Shoes & More: 25% off single item all day long
Party Harty: 10% of all Westport-related merchandise
Savvy + Grace: A “north Pole” mailbox for kids’ letters to Santa; holiday cookies
Scout & Molly’s: 20% off total purchase
Serendipity Labs: Complimentary week of co-working
Sorelle Gallery: 20% off in store, all day
Stretch Zone: Stretches and free stretch vouchers
The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and hot chocolate; 50% off on all pillows
Town of Weston Ukraine Sister City Partnership: Apple cider, water, bracelets, ornaments
Toy Post: Free giveaway to children
Vivid Cottage: 5 free holiday cards with purchase
WEST: $50 gift card for holiday shopping, through December 31
Whip Salon: $10 gift card for stopping to say hi (18 and over); holiday treats
Williams Sonoma: Hot apple cider and peppermint bark
Winfield Street Coffee: $3 hot chocolates with candy canes
Merchants and restaurants wishing to participate should click here, to fill out an online form.
Questions? Email Huong Belpedio (operations@westportdowntown.com) or Jessica Isaacs (marketing@westportdowntown.com).
See you at the Stroll!
===========================================
The thermometer struggled to reach the mid-40s yesterday.
But a number of sailors were out on the Sound.
I thought it was part of the Frostbite series.
Apparently though, it must be a lot colder for those races.
And finally … on this day in 1940, Walt Disney released “Fantasia.” It was an experiment in animation and classical music, and took a while to become a classic.
There is probably no connection between the Fantasia below and the Disney film, but today is one of the most boring days in history.
(“06880” relies on reader support. If you appreciate our daily Roundups, please click here to donate. Thank you!)
Clemson University won yesterday’s NCAA Division I national championship with a convincing 2-0 victory over the University of Washington.
Congratulations to the Tigers — especially Coach Mike Noonan. A star on Staples High School’s 1978 state championship team, and then at Middlebury College, yesterday’s win in Cary, North Carolina is the latest accomplishment in an illustrious career.
Before Clemson, Noonan coached at Brown University, the University of New Hampshire and Wheaton College. He is considered one of the most brilliant minds in the college soccer ranks. The Tigers proved it this year, knocking off the #1, #2 and #4 seeds during their tournament run.
There are 2 more Westport connections to Clemson’s title. Noonan’s brother Mark — a Staples state champ himself in 1981 and ’82 — won his own national crown, as a Duke University player in 1986. That marked the first NCAA title for the Blue Devils — in any sport.
Coach Noonan reached out to his hometown this winter. His #1 recruit for next fall’s freshman class is Paddy Donovan. The Staples senior — who just completed his Beachside Soccer Club academy career — is considered one of the top goalkeepers in the nation.
Now all of Westport has a college soccer team to root for.
In the best-case scenario, this guy parked his truck when the railroad station lot was full. Somehow, he did not realize that every single vehicle passing westbound would have to swerve to avoid him.
(Photo/Todd Freeman)
The less-best-case scenario is that the lot was full; he realized he was hogging half of Ferry Lane, but didn’t care.
Worst-case: The lot was empty, and he just decided to flip a vehicular middle finger to the rest of us.
The Westport Police Department Union and Westport Police Benevolent Association wrapped up 2 weekends of toy collections yesterday, at ASF Sports. Gifts will go to underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County, including St. Vincent’s Hospitals.
Thanks to everyone who donated new toys (and cash to buy more) — and of course to our fantastic Police Department, for conducting the drive.
Longtime Westporter Tom Lowrie (center) donated toys at the Police Department’s annual drive.
And finally … Jamaican bassist Robbie Shakespeare died last week in Miami, from complications of kidney and liver transplants. He was 68.
Shakespeare was half o the rhythm duo Sly & Robbie. According to the New York Times, they “played with and produced some of the biggest names in music while transforming reggae with bold infusions of rock, blues and jazz,” Click here for the full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Paddy Donovan is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country.
He’s earned national renown for his play with the Beachside Soccer Club MLS Next academy program. Yesterday, he became Clemson University’s first recruit of the season to sign a letter of intent.
Under Coach Mike Noonan, the Tigers are one of the top teams in the US. That makes Donovan’s signing especially sweet: Noonan won a state championship at Staples High School in 1978, where he played soccer with Donovan’s late uncle Doug.
Donovan’s father Dan was a state champ himself, captaining the Wreckers in 1981.
Signing any blue-chip recruit is a major coup. But Noonan put a personal spin on the announcement, posting on Instagram:
“Patrick is an outstanding prospect who has a very high soccer IQ. He has been developed in one of the best youth clubs in the country, and attended the best high school in the country.”
Now there’s a third way to support the nationally renowned theatrical troupe: a silent auction.
It’s online before the show, and in person during the show’s opening weekend (tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday).
Auction items include theater tickets; gift cards and baskets from local restaurants, specialty food stores and other local retailers; sports swag, artwork and more. Click here to see them all.
Bidding is open now. It closes Wednesday, November 17.
In more “Grease” news, due to booming ticket sales, Staples Players is adding another performance. The additional date is Thursday, November 18 (7 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Among the items in Staples Players’ silent auction: 2 tickets to next September’s Tony Awards.
Yesterday’s Roundup story about this Saturday’s Police Department food drive neglected to mention an important detail: It takes place at Stop & Shop. Here’s the story again — with apologies:
The Westport Police Department and TEAM Westport are sponsoring a Thanksgiving food drive this Saturday (November 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Stop & Shop). All donations support Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and food pantry, and Westports Human Services Department.
Westport Police officers and volunteers will collect non-perishable food items and cash. Suggested items include canned meats, tuna, salmon, Spam, canned cranberries, boxed stuffing, canned yams, canned corn, canned gravy, pasta, and sauces, chili, hot and cold cereal, canned fruit, canned and dry soups, peanut butter, jelly, mac and cheese, rice, granola bars, pancake mix, syrup and mayonnaise.
Earlier this year, after another drive, Westport Police and Homes with Hope volunteers delivered food to the Gillespie Center, across from police headquarters.
This morning’s feature story on new 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker notes that she’ll be sworn in this coming Monday — along with other town boards and commissions — and that the Representative Town Meeting swearing-in would be the following day.
Late last night, it was decided that the entire swearing-in ceremony — including RTM — will take place on Monday. Mark your calendar: November 15, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The public is invited.
(For officials who cannot make the Monday evening event, there will be brief swearing-in ceremonies on Monday and Tuesday, both at 4:30 p.m. on the Town Hall steps.)
Jen Tooker (left) and Andrea Moore, Westport’s new selectwomen, will be sworn in — along with all town boards, commissions and RTM members — on Monday night.
Westporter Janet LaReau died suddenly on Tuesday at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 58 years old.
The Bridgeport native enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, walks on the beach with her husband Edward Luciano, and Sunday dinners with her family. They describe her as selfless, loving, and someone who always went out of her way to help others.
In addition to her husband, survivors include her mother, Antoinette LaReau of Stratford; son Robert Battey of Phoenix; daughters Janet Dziekonski (Thomas) of Westport, Rebecca Sampieri (Kenneth) of Shelton, LeAnn Battey of Westport, Michele Caggiano (Amanda) of Stamford, Rita Luettger (Cody) of Arlington, Virginia, and Laura Battey of Stratford; brothers David LaReau and Jeffrey LaReau, both of Stratford; sister Nancy Tomasco of Stratford, CT and grandchildren Santino, Jayen, Daniel and Abigail.
A funeral is set for Saturday (November 13, 11 a.m., Assumption Church) for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
And finally … today is Veterans Day. Please take time to think of every man and woman who has ever served this country. We would not be the nation we are, without them!
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
