In 2000, the private bank Charlie Haberstroh worked for downsized. He had 4 college-aged children. The dot-com era was crashing.
“What better time to start a new wealth management firm?!” he laughs.
It may not have been the best timing. But Haberstroh was the right man.
This year, CastleKeep Investment Advisors celebrates its 25th year. And the Westport-based firm is doing it the way they’ve done business for a quarter century: by giving back to the community.
The CastleKeep team (from left): Christy Pasqua, Lauren Quesada, Steve Haberstroh, Charlie Haberstroh, Chuck Haberstroh, Mary Hackett.
The highlight of their anniversary celebration at The Bridge at Saugatuck — a few yards away from their Riverside Avenue office — was the announcement of long-term financial support for 2 local groups: Westport’s Department of Human Services, and Staples Tuition Grants.
Both choices were no-brainers.
Patty Haberstroh — Charlie’s wife, and the mother of Chuck and Steve Haberstroh, 2 of her 4 children who are partners in their dad’s firm — died 2 years ago this month, after a long battle with ALS.
She was (among many other activities) a beloved family program coordinator for Human Services.
Patty Haberstroh
Patty ran and supported important initiatives like their annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to children from low-income families; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
In 2000 Steve was a beneficiary of Staples Tuition Grants — the 83-year-old organization that this year awarded $400,000 to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni.
Chuck served for 4 years on STG’s board. Years ago, a friend established a Staples Tuition Grants fund in the Habestrohs’ family name. Charlie continues to support it. Now there will be an additional scholarship, named for CastleKeep.
CastleKeep’s gifts are not their first to the community. In December they supported Human Services’ Holiday Giving Program with a donation that ensures that all graduating seniors who need help will attend college with their own laptops.
Like many small family-owned businesses — albeit on with nearly $1 billion in invstments under management to clients around the world — CastleKeep reflects the values of its founder. In this case, community service is key.
Charlie chairs the Levitt Pavilion Committee. He’s also chaired the Parks & Recreation Commission; been 2nd selectman; served on the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting, and was president of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
His children have followed their parents’ lead. Chuck, for example, is very involved in his own kids’ Westport sports program. He also co-founded and co-heads the Lou Gehrig Day Committee, which works closely with Major League Baseball.
Chuck joined CastleKeep soon after graduating from Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business. At the time, he says, “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, except I wanted to succeed Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.”
That seemed unlikely.
“I knew my father needed help at CastleKeep,” Chuck says. “I was willing to do whatever he needed. I had seen what my family had done for each other, and for others. I really wanted to treat colleagues and clients as family, which to me means going above and beyond.”
Steve joined the company afer 5 years with a publicly traded financial planning firm. He gained valuable experience and leadership training there. But, he says, the family aspect attracted him — and helps him attract clients.
Over 25 years — through good times and bad — the firm has grown. They’ve added employees. Every partner began as an intern.
The CastleKeep “family” — blood relatives and others — is proud of that quarter century.
They’re even prouder of the role they play in their community. Both Human Services and Staples Tuition Grants agree: They’re a keeper.
For decades, Klein’s Department Store was a fixture at 44 Main Street.
Banana Republic lasted a couple of decades.
OKA didn’t even make their 2nd anniversary.
The British furniture and home accessories retailer moved in right before Christmas in 2022. It was their 3rd US store. And, they proudly proclaimed, “our flagship.”
Now they’re gone.
“Greenoaks42” posted on Reddit yesterday:
They charged me of +$700USD months ago for a lamp they never sent. Now they filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy.
Their website is gone. Phones disconnected. But they have the audacity to continue posting on social media.
They told me to wait for their bankruptcy rep to contact me about a refund “in due course.” Good riddance to unethical companies. I’m glad they’re gone from Westport.
“06880” could not contact anyone at OKA for information. Instead, we’ll offer this look back at their opening in Westport, less than 2 short years ago:
The Westport Farmers’ Market’s Young Shoots Photography Contest, for students ages 5 to 18, begins Thursday.
The 8th annual event runs through August 3. Children and teenagers can demonstrate their love for local food — and their creative photo talents — to win cash prizes in 3 age categories, plus a chance to attend an art class at MoCA CT.
All photos must be taken at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s an amazing place, filled with food, plants, food trucks, entertainers, the farmers themselves, shoppers — everything a young photographer could hope to shoot.
Local artists will judge. Age groups are 5-9, 10-14 and 15-18. An exhibit at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center will showcase the winners.
The contest is sponsored by the Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
Click here for rules, registration and more information.
================================================
Calling all runners!
Fleet Feet will once again sponsor the Westport Summer Series Races.
The weekly events — now in their 62nd year — are held Saturday mornings, at various locations. The first race (June 29) is 2.3 miles. They get longer each week. The final is 10 miles, on Labor Day weekend.
Speaking of sports: Steve Haberstroh teed off at 5 a.m. yesterday, at Great River Golf Club in Milford.
The former member of Staples’ 1997 state champion golf team played 100 holes — an astonishing 5 1/2 rounds — to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.
He was honoring his mother, Patty Haberstroh, Westport’s beloved Human Services Department social worker who died of the disease last year.
Dan Orlovsky — a Westport resident, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback — played a few holes too. Today he’s in the Travelers ProAm. Not too shabby!
The ALS event included a reception, and live and silent auctions.
Patty Habestroh
===============================================
The town may soon put the “play” in playground.
On June 24 (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will review a request to expand 2 existing play areas at Coleytown Elementary School.
It includes a 665 square foot expansion of the existing southern area with a new carousel, and a 1,050 square foot expansion of the western area with a swing.
Funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Coleytown Elementary School, with existing play areas. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Congressman Jim Himes is a regular guest at Westport Rotary Club meetings.
Yesterday, he spoke mostly about the domestic environment. He said the main issue in the US today is the impact of social media, and the anger and rage between Americans with opposing views.
Himes said, “I don’t want my grandkids living as if we’re a third world country, where people are always fighting or verbally attacking one another.” In the long term, he said, we “risk losing our self-confidence.”
He is deeply skeptical about how Americans seek their news sources. “With 500 channels anyone can tailor their own instincts about what news sources they select….If you elect someone bombastic, for instance, that’s the kind of government you’re really asking for.”
As for the Supreme Court, Himes favors 18-year term limits for justices.
Rep. Jim Himes (left) and Rotarian/RTM moderator Jeff Wieser, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Five years ago this month, Governor Lamont signed Ethan’s Law. It requires gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms — is named for a Guilford teenager killed by an unsecured weapon.
Staples High School students Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily mark the anniversary by bringing it to Westport’s attention.
In a letter last week to parents, signed by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice and Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily — co-presidents of Staples Students Demand Action — highlighted the safe-gun legislation. awareness about local and national gun storage laws.
The students’ next steps include sharing the message with nearby towns.
“Members of SDA are committed to preventing gun violence,” Aidan says.
“Our safe storage campaign aims to educate parents and students on the risks associated with unsecured firearms. Over 75% of firearms used in youth suicide attempts and unintentional injuries originate from the residences of the victim, a relative or friend.”
Logan adds, “As students deeply concerned about school safety, we believe that impactful change can begin on a local level. Promoting safe storage is simply common sense.”
In addition, the Staples SDA is distributing gun locks, and engaging in grassroots lobbying to encourage lawmakers to support legislation to expand secure storage or child-access prevention laws beyond the 26 states that currently have laws or practices in place. Social studies teacher Cathy Schager is the club advisor.
For more information on firearm safety, click here.
This flag flies outside Riverside Barber Shop, where Treadwell/Riverside/ Saugatuck Avenue intersection.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
It’s clever.
And also probably very illegal.
==============================================
The Saugatuck Rowing Club junior rowing program had a very successful showing at the recent USRowing Youth Nationals regatta in Sarasota, Florida.
SRC sent a club record 96 athletes to the event. Eight boats made the final.
The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including Westporters Luka Kuokalas, Annie Bowman, Ashlyn Frey and Olivia Saw won gold. This was the 4th national title in a row for that race.
The men’s U17 8+ boat, with Westporter’s Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport), placed third, just one second behind historic rival RowAmerica Rye.
Next up for Saugatuck Rowing Club: the Henley Royal Regatta in London next month.
Women’s U17 4+ A boat (from left): left to right: Luka Kuokalas, Olivia Saw, Ashlyn Frey, Annie Bowman, Mackenzie Fosdick. All but Mackenzie are from Westport.
Men’s U-17 8+ boat (from left): Coach Alex Vogt, Samuel Turok, Alex Proctor, Liam Wiegand, Jack Mello, Elena Nasar, Henry Basham, Gavin Remley, Will Firmender, Daniel Arava.
(Whether you’ve been here long enough to remember Klein’s, or arrived after OKA opened, “06880” is your place for hyper-local news. And everyone can click here to support our work. Thank you!)
39 Staples High School scholar-athletes were honored last night, at a unique dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one candidate, for his or her combined academic and athletic achievements. Each is given one question to answer on the spot, involving their interests, activities and passions.
Topics last night included flying as a solo pilot at age 16, overcoming a gymnastics neck injury to compete again, and experiences in clubs like Girls Who Code, Females in Finance, and AWARE.
Congratulations to all the scholar-athletes:
Fall sports: Charlotte Moody (fall cheerleading), Ben Lorenz (boys cross country), Emma Morris (girls cross country), Kathryn Asiel (field hockey), Troy Toglia(football), Jeremy Rosenkranz (boys golf), Avery Mueller (boys soccer), Coco Crombie (girls soccer), Libby Turner (girls swimming), Isabella Rivel (girls volleyball), Ronan Waddhwani (boys water polo).
Spring sports: Luke Oakley (baseball), Erin Oldale (girls golf), Ryan Skolnick (boys lacrosse), Caroline Cooper (girls lacrosse), Kellen Archibald (boys rugby), Katelyn Bouchard (girls rugby), Caitlyn Schwartz (sailing), Carley McGarry (softball), Jared Even (boys tennis), Sarah Marron (girls tennis), Luke Rabacs (boys outdoor track), Valentina Davis (girls outdoor track), Mason Siskind (boys volleyball), Kira Tomoda (girls water polo).
In addition, Staples athletic director VJ cited 2 coaches for career victory milestones: Laddie Lawrence (track, 2,000) and Jack McFarland (baseball, 300).
Sarullo also presented Bud Titsworth with a Block “S” award, for his longtime service to Staples athletics.
Bud Titsworth (left) and Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, at last night’s Scholar-Athlete dinner. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Brendan Donohoe — known to many generations of Westporters as a friendly, knowledgeable and passionate maître d’ at several local restaurants, most notably his decades at Chez Pierre (now Nômade) — died suddenly on Thursday.
He was 88, and lived in Wilton.
The Newry, Ireland native joined the Merchant Marines as a young man, and traveled the world. He often recounted adventures from those days.
Brendan immigrated to the US in the 1960’s. He settled in Westport, and began his restaurant career.
He was a lifelong history enthusiast, especially that of Ireland and the Celtic tribes. He followed political and financial news, and was an officer and investor in several gold mining firms.
His rituals included breakfast daily with friends at Orem Diner, and a weekly lunch at the Sherwood Diner. He attended mass every Sunday.
Brendan was an avid runner. He completed over 30 marathons throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Butler; siblings Marie, Veronica, Kevin and Dermot; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Gigi. He was predeceased by his sister, Shelia Barr.
Visiting hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, Westport on Wednesday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass is set for at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton on Thursday (June 6, 10 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima.
Yesterday, Major League Baseball celebrated its 4th annual Lou Gehrig Day.
The event — a joint effort of all 30 clubs, along with broadcast partners, and digital and social media — raises both awareness of ALS, and funds for research.
Also is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. MLB remembered the New York Yankees hero, and all who have been lost to the disease.
MLB’s strong advocacy for the project is due in large part to Chuck Haberstroh. The former Staples High School basketball star — whose mother Patty, a beloved Westporter who touched many lives through her work with the Department of Human Services, and who was afflicted with ALS — c0-chaired a committee that developed the league’s several initiatives.
MLB honored Patty Haberstroh yesterday, in their publicity for Lou Gehrig day.
PS: A special fundraising auction is underway now, through June 12. Click here for items, and to bid.
===============================================
If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
=================================================
Temple Israel found a unique way to celebrate Pride yesterday.
Members baked rainbow challah, then handed them out at Jesup Green.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Meanwhile, here’s another great shot from yesterday. Their t-shirts and smiles say it all:
The future of pedestrian safety may be seen on Myrtle Avenue.
There — at Evergreen Avenue — pushing a button lights up the crosswalk.
It’s a bright, startling sight for drivers. They immediately slow down.
I’m not sure why this hasn’t gotten more publicity. But it seems like a relatively inexpensive, high-return solution to one of Westport’s biggest concerns.
This photo does not do justice to the crosswalk lights. (Hat tip and photo/Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller)
This is a photo of lighted crosswalk (not in Westport). The “Xing” sign is also not in Westport.
Staples High School’s senior prom was Saturday night, at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency. “06880” received this photo, of attendees at a pre-party:
(From left): Michael Belpedio, Nate Goodman, Lucas Fischel, Jack Marshall, Aidan Kogan.
================================================
The next Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club meeting is June 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Attendees will read 2 selections from Alice Munro’s “Runaway” collection. “Soon” and “Silence” are connected stories that relate different stages of a character’s life, and explore themes including relationships, family and loss.
Copies are available at the Westport Library. The Westport Book Shop has 1 copy, for borrowing.
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Westport Book Shop, on Jesup Road.
================================================
Alexanderina “Ina” Lozyniak of Westport died on Friday.
A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, she came to the US as a teenager. She was a long time Westport resident.
Ina was an active member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She enjoyed bingo at the Senior Center, movies and having lunch with friends. Ina was an avid reader, and loved challenging word puzzles.
Ina was predeceased by her husband Steve in 1998. She is survived by her children Kenny, Robbie, Stephanie and Stephen; daughters-in-law Carrie, Laurie and Marcy; son-in-law Mike; granchildren Michelle (JR), Kim (Phil), Nicole (Bill), John (Nicole), Kenny (Dani), Courtney, Kristen, Helen, Alex, Lindsey, Stevie and Shane; 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral service will be held Wednesday *June 5, 1 p.m., Saugatuck Church in Westport), with interment to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Ina Lozyniak
=================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Library Riverwalk.
But it’s a scene that’s repeated all around town, these late spring days:
A couple of readers thought the type size on the new app was difficult to read.
So developer Joshua Jordan went to work. He added the ability to increase type size — and/or the spacing between lines — in the easiest possible way.
There’s now an “eyeball” icon on the top right of any story you read (see image below). Just click it, and adjust the type size and spacing. It stays there automatically, every time you visit.
The eyeball icon.
If you’ve got the app, it should have automatically updated to include the new feature. If it did not, click “Updates” in your app store. The “06880” app is available for both iOS and Android phones.
Thanks again to Joshua, for taking time out of his busy schedule as a Staples High School senior to add this feature.
It was standing room only yesterday afternoon, for Patty Haberstroh‘s memorial service at The Inn at Longshore.
The longtime Department of Human Services social worker/former PTA Council president/Staples Building Committee member/beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, confidante was remember warmly, personally, insightfully and laughingly by her husband Charlie, 3 sons, daughter, grandchildren, neurologist and minister.
Videos of Patty accepting an award from a national ALS organization — midway through the disease that ultimately took her life this summer — and of the Haberstroh family’s “ALS Pepper Challenge” that raised over $1 million for research added extra spice to the afternoon.
People of all ages came from near and far to honor Patty. She got a sendoff worthy of her wonderfulness.
Patty Haberstroh’s children address the SRO crowd at yesterday’s Inn at Longshore memorial service. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest is always a highlight of late summer/early fall.
This year’s event — set for Saturday (September 23, 3 to 7 p.m.) — is even more highlight-y than most.
It’s also the kickoff for Rotary’s Centennial Project: a rehab of the Compo Beach playground, in partnership with the Westport Young Woman’s League and town of Westport.
The ginormous fundraiser — the biggest 1-day Rotary event in New England — sold out just 4 days after tickets went on sale, in July.
It’s an enormous effort. Volunteers — Westport Rotary members, and others — feed 2,000 people, in 4 hours.
This year’s LobsterFest includes many new activities for the 400-plus youngsters who will attend. For the first time, a “kids’ meal” food truck will be on site.
Over the last 12 years, the event has raised $1.5 million. Over $1 million has been reinvested in local and regional program, while $350,000 has supported international humanitarian projects, mostly in Central America and Africa.
This year, $100,000 will go toward the playground project.
Planning has already begun. The organizing committee is looking for volunteers (click here to help).
LobsterFest also kicks off 2 weeks in which the public can provide input on features they love and want to keep, those that are not great and could be replaced, and new elements they’d like to see.
The data will then be analyzed and sent to Play By Design. They’ll generate a preliminary design, which will be revealed to Westport at the end of October. Click here to provide input on the redesign.
Everyone loves the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest.
One of the best — and most underrated — is Saturday, September 30 (7 to 10 p.m.). Earthplace’s “Woodside Bash” includes an open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, music by Pimpinella, and a mechanical bull (with a prize for the longest time on it). It’s all under the stars (with, of course, a tent).
This year’s signature cocktail is a spiced apple cider margarita.
They include beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries; live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub; a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; pumpkin and apple giveaways; food trucks, and vendors like Savvy + Grace.
Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.
It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport is chockablock with organizations that change lives. “06880” reports often on them.
But we’ve never mentioned PEO. That’s because until yesterday, we’d never heard of it.
That’s amazing. It’s been around for over 150 years.
Philanthropic Educational Organization was created in 1869 in Iowa to offer more educational opportunities to women. There are now 225,000 members in 6,000 chapters in the US and Canada.
Over the years, PEO has provided over $398 million in financial assistance through direct scholarships and special projects to more than 110,00 women worldwide.
The local chapter – Chapter B CT — created its own scholarship fund last year in honor of the chapter’s 80th anniversary. They’ll award a scholarship to a female high school senior beginning next spring.
Young women with a successful academic record and financial need can apply here. Click here for the Chapter B CT website — designed by Miggs Burroughs — which includes donation information and details on other scholarships.
For more information, email chapter president Angela Wormser at aworm@aol.com, or scholarship chair Priscilla Long at pal9948@aol.com.
Her Time is a Bridgeport-based social justice program that serves women and children impacted by incarceration.
The women were either formerly incarcerated, or work multiple jobs and carry the loads their spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends and children left behind during incarceration.
On September 30, 2 powerful contemporary folk artists — Abbie Gardner and Tracy Grammer — will bring their energy and positive vibes to Voices Café (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 8 p.m.). All proceeds benefit Her Time.
Voices Café offers tables and individual seats. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy a snack from their sweet treats table. Groups of 4 or more can reserve table space. General admission: $25 per person.
Drummer Joe Farnsworth wowed the crowd at his first Westport appearance.
He returns this Thursday to Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.). He’ll be joined by bassist Brandi Disterheft, pianist Caelan Cardello, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … happy birthday to Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.
The Chic front man/3-time Grammy Award-winning/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee/ “We Are Family” songwriter-producer has played at the Levitt Pavilion, helped out the Library, and contributed to the Saugatuck Shores vibe.
He’s 71 today. Here’s to many, many more!
(Nile Rodgers is a local guy. And “06880” is Westport’s favorite source for local news. Thanks for clicking here, and supporting your hyper-local blog.)
Posted onSeptember 10, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Harvest Fest, Justin Paul, Patty Haberstroh …
Two major events last night drew hundreds of people each — and showed Westport at its best.
Wakeman Town Farm’s annual Harvest Fest featured fantastic food and music, a great raffle, and the very cool ambiance of one of the town’s true jewels. (And added treat: Drinks were served, and hors d’oeuvres passed, by some of our top officials and celebrities.)
Under the Wakeman Town Farm tent, before the dancing. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Two hours later, “Justin Paul & Friends” — including Kelli O’Hara, James and Greg Naughton, Staples Players, and a host of top Broadway talent — rocked the Westport Country Playhouse.
It was a roof-raising celebration of a successful drive to save the 93-year-old institution. Grammy-, Oscar- and Tony-winner/2002 Staples High School graduate Justin was effusive in his praise for what the Playhouse — and Westport’s embrace of the arts generally –has meant to his career, and his life.
He and his fellow performers bought their “A” game. It was a perfect kickoff to the Playhouse’s next 93 years.
Justin Paul (center) and fellow performers acknowledge the band and audience, at last night’s Westport Country Playhouse curtain call.
PS: It would have been 3 huge events yesterday. But Slice of Saugatuck was postponed to September 30, due to weather concerns.
A year ago, a group of interested Westporters founded Club 203. The non-profit fills an important need: social opportunities for adults with disabilities.
Another new non-profit — Club SpEd — has just formed. Its goal is to create a welcoming community for parents of neuro-diverse children.
Founders say: “In a town where friendships often blossom at school bus stops, on soccer fields and during birthday parties, the question arises: What happens when your child’s journey takes a different path? When they aren’t on the same bus, aren’t traversing the neighborhood on their bike, or aren’t receiving as many party invitations? For many families with children who have special needs, forging these essential connections becomes a more arduous task.
“Club SpEd aims provide a much-needed social outlet for parents who share similar experiences. Founders David Herling, Bia Hittman, Becky Martin and Abby Gordon-Tolan discovered their own enduring friendship through their roles as PTA Special Education representatives in local schools.”
The first event — SpEDTEMBER — is set for Thursday, September 21 at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina. There will be a taco truck and selection of adult beverages, all included for $70 per person.
For more information or to RSVP, email clubsped06880@gmail.com. The Facebook page is Club SpEd Westport; Instagram and Venmo: @ClubSpEd.
================================================
So how did Annam Olasewere do?
“06880” reported yesterday that the Staples High School junior was in Israel, representing the US at the World Aquatics Junior Championships.
She was in the finals of the 50-meter freestyle yesterday — a race shown just after noon on the Westport Library’s big screen.
Annam placed second! Her silver medalist 25.95 seconds was just .36 off the winning time.
Congratulations, Annam! An amazing performance.
And one that will strike fear in the hearts of other teams throughout the state, when she returns soon to the Staples swim and dive team.
PS: Couldn’t watch yesterday? Click here for the replay!
Annam Olasewere (left), on the Westport Library’s big screen at yesterday’s World Aquatics Junior Championship medal ceremony. (Photo and hat tip/Allison Ziering Walmark)
Speaking of sports: Westport history was made yesterday. Two girls — Ariel Gayle and Isabella Jokl — played for the PAL Westport Wreckers modified flag football travel team.
Go, Wreckers!
Isabella Jokl and Ariel Gayle.
=================================================
Speaking still of sports:
Avery Mueller scored the first goal of the season for Staples’ boys soccer team Friday, on a penalty kick against Ridgefield. Here’s his celebration:
(Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Unfortunately, neither that goal nor the one Mueller scored a minute later counted.
Lightning halted the match with 17 minutes remaining in the first half, and the Wreckers up 2-0. According to league rules, any game stopped before halftime must be replayed.
From the 0-0 beginning. A makeup date has not yet been set.
================================================
If you missed last month’s pop-up art gallery in a Compo Beach back yard: You’re in luck.
David Johnson and his wife Holly Jaffe Johnson invite everyone to “Works on Paper.” The collection — never before seen in its entirety, many on public view for the first time — will be displayed at 15 Bradley Street, off Compo Road South near Compo Beach, next Sunday (September 17, 3 p.m. until dusk).
It’s a great end-of-summer art sale, well below their gallery prices.
And if you missed the “06880” story about Johnson’s first show, click here.
David Johnson’s outdoor art on Bradley Street, last month.
This just in: the Japanese fall festival scheduled for today at Jesup Green has been canceled.
=================================================
Connie Converse is redefining the narrative of singer-songwriter history, bridging the gap between traditional Americana (country, blues, folk, jazz and gospel), the Great American Songbook, classical art song, and the singer-songwriter movement sparked by Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell.
But she did it a decade earlier.
Converse is the focus of the inaugural Westport Library Verso Book Club event. Howard Fishman, author of the New York Times feature “Before Dylan, There Was Connie Converse. Then She Vanished,” and the book To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse,” will speak on October 5 (7 p.m.).Registration is required; click here. For more information, click here.
Patty Haberstroh — a longtime beloved Westporter, who in decades of service touched the lives of countless residents, and whose courageous 6-year battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) inspired many more — died peacefully on Monday, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 73.
Patricia Clark Haberstroh’s 20 years as a social worker in Westport’s Department of Human Services were dedicated to helping others in need.
Patty Haberstroh
As family program coordinator, Patty ran and supported countless important initiatives: the annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to hundreds of children from low-income families; the Family Holiday Giving program, which provides Westport children in need with holiday gifts; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
Patty also took immense pride in volunteer work for Westport’s public schools, serving as PTA president of Coleytown Elementary and Staples High Schools, and on the PTA Council.
One of her proudest achievements was as a member of an ad hoc committee to reject a referendum attempt to cut town education expenses by $1 million in the mid-1990s.
Around that time, Patty also was a key member of the “new” Staples High School planning committee.
She was a masterful storyteller and, most importantly, a trusted colleague and friend. In Westport, she cultivated a vibrant community of true friendships built and tended to over a myriad of Friday Pizza Nights.
Her dogged commitment to helping others was only bolstered in October 2017, when she was diagnosed with her terminal illness.
Faced with a degenerative disease with no cures or effective treatments, Patty sought to reverse that fate for current and future generations of people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Shortly after her devastating diagnosis, Patty became an influential leader in the ALS community through her relentless advocacy and fundraising efforts. She and her family launched the viral #ALSPepperChallenge campaign on social media, raising over $1 million for ALS research, largely benefiting the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Thousands of supporters from around the world posted videos of themselves eating hot peppers in honor of Patty, and to raise awareness for ALS. Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Kimmel, Andy Cohen, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley participated in the challenge, chomping on jalapeños and habaneros on national television.
Patty never liked spicy food, but happily devoured it for the cause.
Patty Haberstroh and others suffering from ALS were honored by NASDAQ in New York City, in 2018.
Patty was deeply honored to receive ALS TDI’s 2018 Stephen Milne Adventurous Spirit Award for her selfless advocacy, and MDA’s Wings Over Wall Street Spirit Award in 2020.
Her unwavering tenacity inspired her sons to help launch a grassroots Lou Gehrig Day committee. Beginning in 2021, they established an annual awareness day every June 2, in honor of Lou Gehrig and across all of Major and Minor League Baseball.
There are only 3 such days in MLB, where a league-wide athlete and associated cause is celebrated by all teams.
Born November 23, 1949 in New York City, Patty was the daughter of the late William Lee Clark and Patricia Braden Clark, who nicknamed young her “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “Pollyanna.”
The oldest of 4 children, Patty attended Darien High School, then graduated from Smith College with a BA in government.
An avowed feminist, Patty started her career in finance at Bank of Boston. Upon hearing that her male trainee counterparts earned more than female trainees, she marched into Human Resources.
After hearing traditional arguments of why the pay imbalances were justified, Patty successfully secured equal pay for all.
In Boston she met her husband Charlie Wesley Kelakos Haberstroh, who was also a banker.
When Patty and Charlie married in September, 1974, she relocated to Chemical Bank in New York — appropriately enough in Human Resources, to manage the Performance Evaluation Function.
After the birth of her second child, she requested a part-time job. When her employer asked her to reconsider, pointing out she would have to give up her management job, she said she would accept only a part-time job in order to tend to family. When informed there was no part-time job, Patty requested the bank to create one.
They did.
In 1986, with 4 children under the age of 6 in tow — including twin newborns — Patty and Charlie moved the family to São Paulo, Brazil, to support Charlie’s career.
After 4 1/2 years there, and becoming fluent in Portuguese, the Haberstrohs moved to Westport, where she committed her life to public service and education.
Patty is survived by Charlie, her husband of 49 years and caregiver for 6; her children Chuck (Jacqueline Horelik) of Westport; Steve (Erin Graves) of New Canaan; Kim O’Sullivan (Philip) of Norwalk; Tom (Allison Hall) of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren Charlie, Lane, Eve and Grace of Westport; McIntyre (Mac) and Walker of New Canaan; Jonathan O’Sullivan of Norwalk; Madelyn and Molly of Charlotte, NC; her younger brothers William (Susan), Hayes (Clare) and Robert Clark; nieces Katie, Debbie and Joanie, and nephews Braden, Lee and Christopher.
(“06880” covered the explosive growth of the #ALSPepperChallenge, in Westport and around the world. Click here for some of the stories about the global event.)
If it’s November, it must be time for the Giving Assembly.
For several decades, Coleytown Middle School celebrated Thanksgiving with a month-long, school-wide project. Each grade selected one or two organizations or non-profits. Students and parents collected goods or raise money.
Then — on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — the school gathered together for a Giving Assembly. Recipients described how they’ll use the donations. There was music too, and plenty of good vibes.
The closure of CMS for renovation, and then the pandemic’s prohibition of visitors, put the great tradition on hold.
Thankfully, it’s back.
Newly renovated, Coleytown Middle School returns to an old tradition.
As the school rebuilds a sense of community after a few tumultuous years, enthusiasm for the program is high.
Eighth graders overwhelmingly chose Al’s Angels — the Westport-based charity helping children with serious illnesses — as this year’s recipients. The 2 pods have a “coin war,” to see which collects the most.
Patty Haberstroh
Seventh and 6th graders are raising funds for Westport’s Department of Human Services, and the ALS Therapy Development Institute. They selected both groups to honor Patty Haberstroh, Westport Human Services’ longtime youth director who is battling ALS. For 20 years, she was an instrumental part of Coleytown’s Giving Assembly.
Sixth graders are also collecting donations for Homes with Hope. Executive director Helen McAlinden kicked off the campaign by visiting all 8 classrooms. She described her organization’s efforts to combat homelessness and food insecurity, and inspired the young fundraisers.
PTA volunteers have already delivered some items to the Gillespie Center.
“All year long, we talk about the importance of giving back,” says 6th grade language arts teacher Emily Diggs. “We do a lot of lessons about ‘being your best self.’ This is one more way to do that.”
A large “thermometer” in the hall between the 2 6th grade pods — the Orcas and the Dolphins — is updated every day. Students watch the two groups fight for the top spot.
Last week, the Dolphins held a slim lead.
But, as several wise children told Diggs, “It doesn’t matter who wins. It’s all about giving back.”
Students love to hear stories about their impact at the annual Giving Assembly. COVID means that this year’s version will be virtual — streamed live on Coleytown TV.
That’s a small price to pay, for the return of an important tradition.
June 4 marks the 80th anniversary of the death of Lou Gehrig. The legendary New York Yankees’ 1st baseman — “The Iron Horse” — died 17 days before his 38th birthday, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The disease now bears his name.
This June 2, all 30 Major League Baseball teams will inaugurate an annual tribute to Gehrig, and recognize the fatal illness. All players and managers will wear a patch with his #4. “4-ALS” logos will be displayed around stadiums.
MLB will use the occasion to raise money and awareness to battle the disease, and pay homage to advocacy groups like the LG4Day committee.
That group was responsible for the league-wide initiative. Co-chair of the committee was Chuck Haberstroh, the former Staples High School basketball star whose mother Patty is afflicted with ALS.
Well-known to Westporters through many activities, including her work with the Department of Human Services, Patty was diagnosed in 2017. She has inspired her family — and many others throughout town — since then.
Haberstroh, songwriter Bryan Wayne Galentine — who was also diagnosed with ALS in 2017 — and Adam Wilson spent 2 years persuading MLB to honor Gehrig with a day, as it does Black pioneer Jackie Robinson and Puerto Rican humanitarian Roberto Clemente.
Hall of Fame statues (from left): Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente.
Various teams held their own ALS Awareness Days, but Haberstroh and his group wanted more. They had to convince all 30 clubs to sign on. The breakthrough came in October, when the presidents of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins agreed to email the presidents of nearly 2 dozen teams that had not yet pledged support.
Within minutes, it was done. Sadly, Galentine died 2 days later.
Patty Haberstroh
That galvanized Haberstroh to work even harder to raise ALS awareness — along with funds to find cures and treatments. The family has already raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through the #ALSPepperChallenge.
“Lou Gehrig Day will increase awareness of ALS year after year,” Haberstroh says.
“And it will give hope to those with little today — somethin Mom has always cared about as a social worker in town.
“Someone diagnosed today receives the same prognosis — 100% fatal — as Lou got over 80 years ago. That’s unacceptable.”
Word has just gotten out about the June 2 4-ALS Day. The nation will hear more about it in the months ahead.
For Chuck Haberstroh and his family, that makes every team a winner.
Click below for an ESPN SportsCenter highlight, featuring brothers Chuck and Steve Haberstroh:
Two years ago, Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS.
She did not take the news lying down.
Neither did her family.
Together they embarked on the #ALSPepperChallenge. Across the country, people — from national celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Dan Le Batard to local ones like the Staples High School principal and first selectman — ate habaneros and jalapeños, raising nearly a million dollars to fight what is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
In addition, 2 of Patty’s sons — Chuck and Steve — joined the IAmALS advisory board.
This morning, they rose early. With their friends — current and former Westporters Chris Aitkin, Matt Cook, Ben Erwin, Chris Kenyon, Steve O’Dell, Stacy Rosenthal and Raffi Tokatlian — they joined 150 others as IAmALS “took over” nearly a dozen billboards in Times Square.
Steve and Chuck Haberstroh, helping change the world for their mom.
Their messages brought attention to the fight — and spread the message that ALS research can also unlock critical breakthroughs for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Some of the messages were hopeful. Some were educational. Some were defiant.
All are crucial.
Bad weather kept Patty Haberstroh from attending the Times Square event this morning. Her husband — Parks & Recreation Commission chair Charlie Haberstroh — and daughter Kim watched the livestream at home. So did their son Tom, in Charlotte, North Carolina with his family.
When Patty Haberstroh heard that Staples High School graduates Dylan Gleicher and Neil Soni teamed up with 2 Yale University classmates to create Prepared, an app that lets educators respond instantly to an active shooting incident — for example, quickly sending a lockdown notification to an entire school, plus local law enforcement — she was impressed.
But the program specialist in Westport’s Human Services Department was not surprised.
She remembered that a while ago Positive Youth Development — another organization she worked with — needed a website designer. They were low on funds. Member Ellen Gleicher said her son could do it, gratis.
Soon, Dylan created and launched PYD’s great site.
He was in 4th grade at the time.
Dylan Gleicher (2nd from left) created the Prepared app with (from left) Michael Chime, Neal Soni and Daniel James. They won the Miller Prize, a $25,000 in Yale University’s entrepreneurship competition. (Photo/Kerry Long)
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.
This June 2, all 30 Major League Baseball teams will inaugurate an annual tribute to Gehrig, and recognize the fatal illness. All players and managers will wear a patch with his #4. “4-ALS” logos will be displayed around stadiums.
