Tag Archives: Paddy Donovan

Roundup: Ukraine, Local Politics, Sports …

Posted on November 19, 2024 | 11 comments

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)

Click below for Congressman Himes’ remarks:

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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.

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ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap has done it again.

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)

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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)

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It was a day for Clemson orange.

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.

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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)

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It’s been an November to remember.

Just over a week before Thanksgiving, this is the still-splendrous scene at Celia Campbell-Mohn’s home, off Roseville Road:

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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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!)

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Posted in Education, Library, Local politics, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Old Mill Trees, Compo Bookcycle, White House Visit …

Posted on July 23, 2024 | 3 comments

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.”

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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)

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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.

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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!

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Scarcely believing that 40 years have passed, the Staples High School Class of 1984 gathered Saturday night at Saugatuck Rowing Club.

They partied like it was … well, 1984.

And they sure look good!

Staples Class of 1984.

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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.

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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!”

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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.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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How secure are our elections?

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.

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One of nature’s wonders is the starfish.

This guy happily (?!) posed at Compo Beach, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Marcus Forman)

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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.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Fischels, Clemson, Sailing …

Posted on November 13, 2023 | 5 comments

Saturday’s Roundup included news about Walter Fischel.

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.

Walter Fischel

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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).

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Yesterday, Staples’ Service League of Girls packed over 200 boxes with toys for needy children around the world, as part of Operation Christmas Child.

They filled colorful shoeboxes with items like solar calculators, toothbrushes, Baby Yodas and stuffed animals, then labeled each by age. 

The SLOGS initiative — led by Emma Morris and Lily Ashford — enlisted nearly 2 dozen girls.

SLOGs, with their holiday boxes.

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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.

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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!

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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.

(Photo/Pamela Docters)

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Brilliant fall sunshine yesterday at Willowbrook Cemetery highlights today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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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!)

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Posted in Categories, Downtown, Local business, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Clemson Soccer, Truck Parking, Toy Drive …

Posted on December 13, 2021 | 8 comments

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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.

Clemson University soccer coach Mike Noonan.

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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.

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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.

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I get lots of beach sunset photos. But this one has an added attraction — which qualifies it for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Melissa Sobil Zitomer)

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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)

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Posted in Categories, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Paddy Donovan, Staples Players, Y’s Men …

Posted on November 11, 2021 | 2 comments

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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.”

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This week, “06880” has reported 2 ways to support Staples Players. You can buy tickets to “Grease,” the fall musical. You can also purchase 3 special flavors of gelato, at Cold Fusion.

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.

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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.

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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.

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June Rose Whittaker and Karen Weingarten are frequent contributors to “06880”‘s Saturday morning online art gallery. Readers love their photography.

So do the Y’s Men. They recently awarded prizes to the duo, in the annual Y’s Men’s Camera Club hoto Contest.

Weingarten earned 1st and 2nd place honors. Whittaker snagged a second.

All photos are on display at the Senior Center. Congratulations to all!

June Rose Whittaker’s photo.

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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.

Click here to leave online condolences. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105).

Janet LaReau

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows our town at its absolute best.

If anyone ever asks why we live here, just show Wendy Crowther’s image — shot yesterday — of Winslow Park.

(Photo/Wendy Crowther)

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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!

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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