On July 1, Nick Marsan becomes Westport’s new fire chief.
A member of the Fire Department since 2007, he is also a nationally certified fire service instructor. He has won 2 Westport Rotary Public Safety Awards, and several other commendations.
Nick is a veteran of the US Army and Connecticut Army National Guard. He received the Army Commendation Medal for Valor for his actions in Afghanistan.
The other day, our soon-to-be chief and I chatted at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. It was a fascinating conversation, ranging from his route to firefighting (after earning a degree in history)m, and what makes our town’s department special, to his dual role as town emergency management director, and his take on the Westport many of us never see.
With temperatures expected to push past 90 all week, Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. It’s in effect through noon on Sunday.
Several cooling centers are open in Westport:
Senior Center (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture (25 Avery Place): Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speaking of heat: The Westport Library was the hot place to be last night.
Shonda Rhimes introduced — and showed — her film, “Black Barbie.”
The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident then took questions from the of-course-SRO audience.
“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix this Wednesday (Juneteenth). It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.
Among her most memorable lines, regarding Black dolls and representation: “You cannot be what you cannot see.”
Shonda Rhimes (right), in conversation with Bernicestine McLeod Bailey at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
During his 4 years, the recently graduated senior played soccer, ran cross country and track, and announced dozens of athletic contests on WWPT-FM.
But he is best known for his videos.
Charlie shot them himself (sometimes via drone). Then he edited them into highlight reels, for games and entire seasons. He posted them as game-day previews. He flooded social media with his “Charlie 33 Prod” productions.
Before he heads of to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications — where he will take his prodigious talent to even higher stratospheres — Charlie posted one last reel.
He prefaced it in his typically humble fashion: “Thank you Staples Athletics for an incredible 2 years of filming games. My edits are only as good as the players that are in them, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my fellow Wreckers.”
Congratulations, and thank you, Charlie. And now, “06880”: Click below, to enjoy the show!
Speaking of sports: Kyle Martino is a Big Name in the soccer world.
In 1999, the Staples High School star was named Gatorade National Player of the Year.
He went on to play in MLS for Columbus and Chicago, then with the US national team. He was an analyst for the Premier League on NBC Sports, and now covers the national teams for Turner Sports.
He ran for US Soccer president, developed an innovative goal that turns basketball courts into small-sided fields, and has reached out to underserved communities through the Over Under Initiative.
His entire career has been about connecting people through the game he loves.
Martino’s newest venture is No One Home. Begun as a pop-up for the 2022 and ’23 men’s and women’s World Cups, and now remodeled, it’s now hidden in plain sight behind a row of avocado distributors at 141 Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s historic Bowery district
No One Home is a soccer and social club. The ground floor features a large theater-style viewing area, with a massive 172-inch LED screen.
The second floor is a high-end membership lounge for New York’s most passionate soccer fans.
Martino’s goal (ho ho) is to unite the soccer, fashion, art, food and drink communities through a shared love of the sport and culture.
The official opening is Thursday (June 20), with 3 big matches: The European Championship’s Denmark vs. England (noon) and Spain vs. Italy (3 p.m.), followed by Copa América’s Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m.).
Click here for more information, and reservations. Click here for the Instagram (@noonehome141).
Kyle Martino (far right) at his pop-up, as fans watched the 2022 World Cup (left).
Content Studio is a cool new — well, concept and studio, for podcasts and more — in the former quick mart at 20 Saugatuck Avenue (next to the Goddard School, and opposite Dunville’s).
This Wednesday (June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Jay Norris hosts a preview. There will be light bites, networking, and — because of the date — a chance to learn a bit more about Juneteenth.
Click here to RSVP. The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Tuesday).
Jay Norris at Content Studio.
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The public is invited to the promotion ceremony of Nick Marsan.
Westport’s deputy fire chief is officially installed as Fire Department chief on Monday, July 1 (3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Soon-to-be Fire Chief Nick Marsan.
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Happy Pollinator Week!
Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates this Friday (June 21, noon; Zoom) with a “Lunch & Learn.” The topic is how to grow pollinator gardens in containers anywhere.
Kim Eierman will discuss the best choices of pollinator-friendly native plants that grow in containers, and the important pollinators — butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds and more — they support.
Members are free; non-members pay $10. For more details and to register, click here.
Busy-as-a-bee pollinator.
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Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day returns July 13.
The biggest summer event offers kids’ farm crafts and games; visits with the animals; a scavenger hunt, and bubble show; music, and fun summer foods.
Laura Von Stein — an actor, comedian, 1-woman entertainer and 1983 Staples High School graduate — died peacefully on May 11 in Ridgefield, after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58.
Laura was part of Staples Players. She graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport, where she received a performing arts scholarship. Laura also studied classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
Laura was a member of Actors’ Equity. Her patient waits at stage doors helped her build an impressive collection of signed Playbills.
Laura also accumulated an impressive library, largely from the annual Pequot Library book sale.
She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport and Trumbull; brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull and Massachusetts; nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts, and many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father Robert in 2019.
Laura is also survived by her extended family, including Roger Wolfe; Christine O’Leary; Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello; Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello, and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, along with many friends from the comedy and theater world.
Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage actors of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on September 15 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.
Laura Von Stein
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The water is still a bit chilly.
But — as this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — that doesn’t stop at least one swimmer.
And finally … Mark James — described by the New York Times as “a genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning songwriter,” died on Saturday in Nashville. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.
Among his works:
(Sure, it will be hot this week. But “06880” is the coolest place around. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
But after nearly a year, the right candidate was right here in town.
Deputy Chief Nick Marsan will take over as Westport Fire Department’s chief on July 1, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced this afternoon.
He takes over from Mark Amatrudo, who has been interim fire chief since July 1, 2023.
Marsan has been a member of the Westport Fire Department since 2007. In addition to his current role as deputy chief, he also serves as the town’s emergency management director.
He has extensive experience in emergency operations, fire safety and public administration. He began his career as a professional firefighter assigned to Platoon 3, after graduating from the Connecticut Fire Academy Class #41.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan
Marsan served as a firefighter for 9 years before promotions, first to fire inspector. then to engine company lieutenant, stationed primarily in Saugatuck.
A state-certified fire marshal and emergency medical technician, Marsan also holds national fire service certifications.
He is the recipient of 2 Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, and several department awards including 3 unit citations, the John H. Gallagher Award for outstanding service, and the Turker Aksoy Award for outstanding patient care.
Marsan has also served Norwalk and Darien as a fire inspector, and is a fire instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
For 10 years, he was the elected president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 1081.
Marsan is a veteran of the US Army and the CT Army National Guard. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, and earned an Army Commendation Medal for Valor for his actions there.
Marson holds 2 master’s degrees. One is in history from Western Connecticut State University. The other is in public administration and emergency management from Sacred Heart University.
He recently completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, Maryland.
“I am excited to lead the men and women of the Westport Fire Department,” Marsan says.
“I am honored by the trust placed in me and I look forward to continuing our department’s dedication to outstanding service to the residents and guests of the Town of Westport.”
Tooker adds, “Nick has the proven ability and expertise to seamlessly and effectively take over the role as chief.
“He has a breadth of knowledge, skill, experience, and understanding that will ensure that the current high standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained in the Westport Fire Department. I have every confidence that he will flourish and excel in this leadership role.”
Nick Marsan is a dedicated member of the Westport Fire Department. The job he and his fellow firefighters do for us is phenomenal.
He’s a hero even off duty. At 6 p.m. Thursday, Nick and another off-duty firefighter — Jim Lyons from Norwalk — saw a 33-foot boat explode and catch fire in Norwalk Harbor, 100 yards off shore.
Nick and Jim swam out to assist the 6 boaters, who had jumped into the water. Nearby resident Tony Aitoro — of the appliance family — got in his boat and helped, with life rings and preservers.
I’m sure Nick was enjoying a day off, after many exhausting shifts during Tropical Storm Isaias. It was certainly not just “another day at the beach” — but heroically, Nick, Jim and Tony were there. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Nick Marsan
Two different philosophies of life, spotted recently in Westport. This lawn sign:
(Photo/Bob Fox)
And this vehicle, parked near the Longshore tennis courts:
(Photo/Luke Garvey)
The Westport Garden Club missed last week’s #FridayFlowers project, thanks to Isaias.
They’re back this week though, with a gorgeous arrangement at the plaza between Saugatuck Sweets and The Whelk. Enjoy!
(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
“06880” is a big fan of the Westport Library.
But we also love the tiny “free libraries” that pop up on front lawns here and there. The latest is at 105 Hillandale Road, near Morningside Drive South.
It’s simple: Take a book. Or leave a book.
That’s it. No library cards. No late fees. And they’re open 24/7. Read!
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Ellis Laifer and Eli Koskoff were musicians, friends, and fellow Class of 2015 Staples High School graduates.
At Bowdoin College Ellis met a singer from Brooklyn, Tobi Omola. They performed, collaborated, and did a themed thesis together. For their final event, Eli flew from the University of Southern California to Maine for a live concert with them.
The trio clicked. They released songs on Spotify. Now — playing a mixture of folk R&B, hip hop and indie music, and calling themselves Fortuno — they’re a streaming sensation.
Their recent single “Wait” is getting plenty of attention. Click here to listen; follow “FortunoMusic” on Instagram and Facebook.
Fortuno (from left): Ellis Laifer, Tobi Omola, Eli Koskoff.
And finally … let’s remember Helen Jones Woods. She played trombone with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, an all-female, multiracial ensemble in the 1930’s and ’40s. She died last month from COVID-19 complications. She was 96 years old.
As politicians, taxpayers and other stakeholders debate next year’s town budget, much of the focus is on education. That’s no surprise: It comprises the bulk of our spending; it involves kids and buildings, and everyone has their own school experiences to draw on, good or bad.
But we pay for many other services. Most are less visible than education. Lots of those negotiations take place outside the public eye.
One of those involves firefighters’ benefits and pensions. The other day, Nick Marsan laid out their case. It’s got some surprising twists — like a proposal to take away death benefits for families of firefighters killed in the line of duty. There are also decreases in healthcare for firefighters and their families after retirement.
Nick Marsan (Photo/Laura Weiss for Hearst Connecticut Media)
The firefighters’ pension contract — which is different from the work contract — expired last summer. Marsan — president of the 64-member Westport Uniformed Firefighters Local 1081 — and his team met with town officials for a few negotiating sessions.
After what Marsan calls “a short process,” the town declared an impasse. The contract is now in the hands of state-appointed arbitrators.
The union president is disappointed. “We walked into negotiations expecting the town was not going to change anything for existing personnel,” Marsan says. “We thought we’d be talking about future hires only.” Instead, the town also included current firefighters in their pension proposals.
Marsan says the town “pulled the rug out from people who have been here 25, 30 years. They now might have to make hasty decisions to protect benefits they’ve worked all their careers to achieve. They could lose 6% of what they’d get if they retire now, and possibly cost-of-living benefits.”
The proposal to take away family benefits for a firefighter killed in action is particularly disheartening.
“I’m speaking for my brothers and sisters. I think we’re a class act,” Marsan says.
“We go above and beyond, to provide a service to the town. We do it with a smile. We’ll never not be there for residents. But I think this is an ideological attack on us.”
Marsan notes, “I have a master’s degree. I could be in the private sector. People don’t join the fire service to get rich. We come, we work hard, we sacrifice 30 years of our lives for the municipality.
“We leave with aches and pains. We’re 68% more susceptible to cancer than the general population. All we ask is continued support for our retirement, and the benefits we were promised.”
He knows that “pensions” is a political minefield these days. But, Marsan says, there are a number of misconceptions about firefighters’ benefits. He says that pensions are based on base salary only — not overtime. His members pay 10% of their salaries into the pension fund. Westport’s fund, he says, is “one of the best in the state.”
He continues: “I’m a big boy. I’ve been through a lot worse than this — I’ve been in combat overseas. But this is tough to watch, especially for guys who have been here a lot longer than I have, and will do anything for the town.”
He appreciates the “brand” of Westport, and recites its “jewels”: “incredible beaches, a beautiful library, great arts, a fantastic education system.”
But, he says, “people who buy homes here also know the fire and police services are top-notch.”
Marsan concludes, “This is a living, breathing town. We’re not looking to break the bank. We choose this profession, and we know we’ll spend a lot of time away from our families.
“I don’t live in a vacuum. I understand the town has responsibilities to taxpayers. But we are a human resource. We should be valued.
“We just want to be taken care of. If I die in the line of duty, I want to make sure my wife and kid are taken care of.”
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“I am excited to lead the men and women of the Westport Fire Department,” Marsan says.
