Tag Archives: Patty Kondub

Roundup: VFW Wreaths, JPs, DJT At The NYSE …

Posted on December 13, 2024 | 22 comments

Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 14, 11:30 a.m., Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Road), Westport joins it. It’s our town’s third year with the project.

Everyone is invited to join VFW Post 399 and American Legion Post 63, their Auxiliaries, Sons of American Legion, and Scouts from Troops 39 and 139.

After a short ceremony, everyone will place a wreath on a veteran’s grave, and thank that veteran for their service.

Then, from 1 to 6 p.m., the community is invited to an Army-Navy football game watch party at the VFW (465 Riverside Avenue).

None of this would happen without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center fitness instructor (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.

As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.

Click here to sponsor a wreath. To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com.

For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Marianas Islands (Saipan).

He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.

“There are over 350 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”

===============================================

We’ve got justices. And peace!

Yesterday morning, a new class of justices of the peace were sworn in at Town Hall.

Another group was sworn in last week. Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton did the honors both times.

Westport’s 60 justices of the peace are evenly split between Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Community volunteers, they officiate weddings, sign affidavits, and perform arcane and archaic tasks like issuing tax warrants.

Justices of the peace serve 4-year terms, and can perform their services across the state.

For more information, and to engage the services of a justice of the peace, click here. (Hat tip: Jonathan Alloy)

Sworn in yesterday as justices of the peace (from left): Robin Weinberg, Christopher Buckley, Nicole Klein, Alma Sarelli, Ifeseyi Gayle, Jonathan Alloy, Denise Nicoletti, Jim Marpe, Jeff Wieser.

=================================================

In all his years in New York, Donald Trump never rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell.

Until yesterday.

The president-elect was there as part of Time magazine’s Person of the Year celebration.

Also there: Dave Briggs.

The Westport TV personality covered the event as a Cheddar Business News anchor.

“It was a madhouse,” Dave reports.

Dave Briggs, on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. President-elect Trump, family members and officials stand near a mockup of Time magazine’s Man of the Year cover.

==================================================

La Plage closes for a few months on January 2. It’s part of the Inn at Longshore renovation.

Before their hiatus, they offer some holiday specials.

La Plage’s Christmas Eve dinner (4 to 10 p.m.) includes a 3-course prix fixe menu. They’ll be open on Christmas Day too (noon to 7 p.m.).

Prices for both days are $90 per person, $55 for young adults (12 and under), $20 for the kiddy menu.

New Year’s Eve begins with a la carte seating, from 5 to 7 p.m. At 8:30, a gala dinner includes a 5-course tasting menu, with live music by Jay Prince & Friends. The cost is $185 per person.

New Year’s Day brunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Click here for reservations.

==================================================

Want to exercise near Fresh Market? No sweat.

Club Sweat recently closed its Westport location, in that Post Road East plaza.

They’ve gone entirely digital. Click here for more information.

==================================================

Menna Olvera, former program director for Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Integrative Therapy program, and co-founder of New York’s wellness The Oleon House, is bringing her healing services to Westport.

Menna, her husband Yanni and young son moved here from New York City during COVID. Yanni grew up in Westport.

As a functional medicine health coach, yoga instructor, caregiver coach, palliative caregiver, integrative wellness specialist and Reiki practitioner, Menna crafts tailored to each client’s journey.

Recently, Menna supported a Westport client through the emotional turbulence of divorce and the sale of her home. Combining mindful yoga movements, Reiki energy work and touch therapy, she helped calm and balance the woman’s nervous system, providing strength and resilience.

In addition to private wellness sessions, Menna teaches integrative yoga classes at Studio45 on Main Street.

For more information about Menna’s services, click here.

Menna Olvera

============================================–

If you’ve lived in Westport for more than a day or two, you know that deer go pretty much anywhere they please.

These 3, however, recently met their match, at Gray’s Creek.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

==================================================

And finally … following up on Dave Briggs’ morning with President-elect Trump yesterday:

(Another day, another Roundup filled with interesting, important and random stuff. If you enjoy our this — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

22 Comments

Posted in Local business, Longshore, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Oscars, Emmys, Capital Costs …

Posted on March 2, 2024 | 3 comments

If it’s March, the Oscars are coming soon. (They’re March 10 — a week from tomorrow).

This year, there’s a 20% chance the winner for Best Picture will have a Westport connection. And those 2 contenders have their own close connection.

“Oppenheimer” was released by Universal Pictures. Its president, Peter Cramer, is a Staples High School Class of 1985 graduate, where he starred in soccer and track. He graduated 4 years later from Harvard University.

During his 17 years at Universal, Cramer helped the studio to record-breaking results globally, including overseeing the highest-grossing film in Universal’s history: “Jurassic World.”

“Killers of the Flower Moon” — another Oscar contender — was written by David Grann. He is a friend and former classmate of Cramer’s since childhood, and would have graduated from Staples with him had he not gone to private school.

Grann graduated from Connecticut College, and is a longtime New Yorker writer. His most recent book, “The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder” debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list.

David Grann (left) and Peter Cramer

=============================================

And speaking of movie honors: 1981 Staples grad Jeanie Bacharach won her 2nd Emmy this year.

A casting director and producer, she was honored for Outstanding Casting in “The Bear.” Congratulations, Jeanie — sorry to be late with this! (Hat tip: Suzanne Propp)

Jeanie Bacharach, with her award.

=================================================

Kudos too to the Staples girls ice hockey team.

The co-op squad (with Westhill and Stamford Highs) won their state tournament quarterfinal match Wednesday night against Mercy Northwest Catholic — 3-2, in double overtime.

That vaults them into the state semis, for the first time in their history. They face archrival Darien tonight (Saturday) at 5:30 p.m. at the Shelton Rinks.

The girls lost only 4 games during the regular season — and were the only team in the state to beat Darien. The Blue Wave got revenge in the FCIAC (league) semifinal, eliminating SWS in overtime.

Coach John Fay’s squad is led by senior defenseman and captain Maya Sherman.

Darien is seeded 1st in the state tournament. The Wreckers are 4th. Go get ’em!

The Staples-Westhill-Stamford team celebrates their state tournament quarterfinal victory.

==================================================

Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

==================================================

Get in the swim at the Westport Library!

“Below Surface” — the award-winning short documentary that explores the extraordinary power of community through the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Aqua-fit program — will be screened this Monday (March 4, 6:30 p.m.).

The film is inspiring, powerful, and filled with our Westport friends and neighbors. It follows gifted, compassionate instructor Patty Kondub as she molds her multi-cultural, multi-generational exercise class into a true community.

She — and they — use exercise and friendship as an antidote for grief, stress and physical illness.

The screening will be followed by a panel moderated by Robert Altbaum, recently retired internal medicine physician. Panelists include Dr. Linda P. Fried, dean of Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health; Maria Allen, president of the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging; Moishi Moses, vice president of volunteerisms for the AARP Foundation, and Patty Kondub herself.

Area organizations that support healthy longevity will have information available, including the Senior Center, AARP, YMCA and Westport Department of Human Services.

==================================================

300,000 American servicemembers have died since the US left Vietnam in 1973, due to exposure to deadly chemicals.

“Agent Orange: A Short Sickening Saga of War” — Carl Addison Swanson’s startling and true tale of the devastating effects of that herbicide — has passed the 500,000 sale mark.

The book is free to veterans through the Veterans Administration, and on sale at Amazon.

=================================================

As work continues on 44 Compo Cove — the often-photographed-and-painted 1917 house that’s the first one on the right over the Sherwood Mill Pond walkway — its interior has been gutted.

You can see right through now, to Long Island Sound.

But much of the exterior remains. Its bones are still strong.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s withstood over 100 years of hurricanes and nor’easters.

Fingers crossed, the new/old home will be there for at least the next century.

==================================================

Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” seminar is “Native Trees, Shrubs and Perennials: Choosing Layers for Biodiversity.”

Anna Fialkoff. a Connecticut College arboretum horticulturist, will show how to
group trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants together for maximum impact and beauty, in a variety of situations and growing conditions.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Biodiversity on display.

===============================================

Samuel Bell — who built over 200 “Bell Colonial” homes in Westport and Weston — died February 21 at his Boca Raton, Florida home. He was 94.

The Norwalk native spent his career as a residential and commercial builder/developer and entrepreneur in Fairfield County and Florida. He was active in his many business interests until shortly before his death.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting and gardening. Sam and his fishing yacht “VII Bells” were fixtures at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club for almost half a century.

He was proud of his Italian-American heritage and enjoyed family get-togethers and reunions with his large extended family, along with the authentic Italian foods of his childhood memories. Sam was a devout parishioner at Assumption Church for many decades.

Sam is survived by his children Nicholas (Laurie Bloom) of Weston, Pamela of Villa Park, California, Melinda Bell Dietrich of Delray Beach, Florida, and Samuel F. Bell, Jr. (Melanie) of Weston; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Sylvia and son Jeffrey.

The family will receive friends on April 5 (4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral is set for April 6 (10 a.m., Assumption Church), with a Mass of Christian burial.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a favorite charity.

Samuel Bell

==========================================

Eagles are always impressive subjects for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But this one is even cooler.

Photographer Johanna Keyser Rossi writes: “It’s amazing how the eagle can rotate his head and look behind himself.

“He was not facing my direction. This is the back of him. Then he turned his head.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

And finally … on this day in 1498, Vasco da Gama’s fleet visited the island of Mozambique.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Even Mozambique. Please click here to support our hyper-local, yet globe-trotting, work. Thank you!)

 

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Sports, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Cemetery Wreaths, Old Westport, $2.99 Gas …

Posted on December 17, 2023 | 11 comments

Dozens of volunteers headed to Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road yesterday, to lay wreaths on 400 veterans’ graves.

The event — part of the national Wreaths Across America program — was organized by the indefatigable Patty Kondub. She’s vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary — and her father John, a World War II veteran and VFW Post 399 member, is buried in that cemetery.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 aided the effort.

Volunteer Johanna Keyser Rossi reports, “As we placed our wreaths, we thanked each veteran personally.”

Volunteers carefully lay wreaths, at Assumption Cemetery. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Adult volunteers …

… and members of Scout Troops 39 and 139.

==================================================

How old is Westport?

Our median age is 45.2. That’s older than the median for all of Connecticut: 40.9. Overall, the American Community Survey says, our state is the 7th oldest in the country. (Maine is the oldest, with a median age of 44.8. Utah is the youngest: 31.4).

As for the Land of Steady Habits, the oldest town in Connecticut is Sherman. Its median age is 58.2. The youngest is Mansfield: 21.1. Of course, Storrs — where the University of Connecticut is located — is part of Mansfield.

Click here for the full story.

Ben Pepper — the grand marshal of last May’s Memorial Day parade — is 100 years old. That’s 55 years older than our town’s median age.

==================================================

Here’s something we haven’t seen in a while: gas below $3 a gallon.

Bob Weingarten spotted this sign at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Of course, what’s good for the consumer is not always good for the planet. The cheaper it is to fill our tanks, the more we drive.

=================================================

Ed Gerber is one of Westport’s most noted preservationists. From his 93 Cross Highway home to his work with local homeowners, he’s a gem at keeping local gems.

But he’s well known in the larger resetoration world too, for his work with Preservation Connecticut and as a trustee of Historic New England,

Now he’s gotten national recognition. The Woodrow Wilson House Museum recently presented him with a medallion from President Biden, as thanks for Gerber’s 50 years of volunteer service.

The Washington, DC home where the 28th president lived after leaving office, and where he died in an upstairs bedroom, is a National Historic Landmark. It is owned and operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Ed Gerber and his president medallion, with Woodrow Wilson House Museum director Elizabeth Karcher.

==================================================

This hawk found a home in Rick Benson’s chimney. He poses proudly for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

=================================================

And finally … in honor of how old Westport is (story above):

(Where else but “06880” would you find out Westport’s median age? Click here to support us, and keep all this stuff coming. Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Economy, Local business, Totally random

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Tree Lighting, Sherwood Diner, Wreaths Across America …

Posted on November 28, 2023 | 2 comments

Light ’em up!

Westport’s annual tree lighting is set for next Monday (December 4, 5 p.m., Town Hall).

The Staples High School Orphenians will perform. Then the tree on the lawn in front will be lit.

It’s a quick, fun ceremony. And everyone is welcome.

The Town Hall tree, 2022. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

More joyful news:

The Sherwood Diner reopened at 8 a.m. this morning!

It’s been closed for 4 weeks, as the kitchen was updated.

Now, the world is back to normal.

Whew!

Sherwood Diner (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

==================================================

Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.

Last year, for the first time, Westport joined in.

We’ll do it again this year.

The date is December 16. The time is noon. The cemetery is Assumption, on Greens Farms Road.

It wouldn’t have happened without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center fitness instructor (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.

As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.

Click here to sponsor a wreath. To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com. You can also email her to volunteer to mark graves before December 17, and place them on that date.

SPECIAL NOTE: On today — Giving Tuesday — $5 of every $17 wreath this year is donated back to the Westport VFW.

For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Marianas Islands (Saipan).

He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.

“There are over 350 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”

==================================================

The Westport Department of Human Services’ Warm-Up Fund helps households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months.

It’s especially welcome as the cost of food, housing — and heating bills — all rise.

Tax-deductible donations to the Westport Warm-Up Fund can be made online (click here, then scroll down), or by mail to Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880

==================================================

Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.

All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)

Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.

They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 2 and 3), from 8 a.m. to noon.

(From left): Alex, Chloe and Daisy Hackett, with a few of their many donations.

You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.

So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!

For more information about this amazing organization, click below:

==================================================

Chabad of Westport launches its new speaker series, “Critical Conversations,”  with a big name.

Former Israeli Minister of Justice and Interior Ayelet Shaked comes to the Newtown Turnpike center this Thursday (November 30, 7:30 p.m.). 

Shaked is a prominent political figure, known for her dedication to Israel. Her insights and perspectives on the complexities of the region are especially meaningful in the wake of last month’s terror attack by Hamas on the nation.

A Q-and-A session will follow Shaked’s presentation. For more information and reservations, click here.

==================================================

MoCA Westport’s first-ever Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) promises “a delightful day of luxury holiday shopping and art exploration.” It’s December 9 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA’s Newtown Turnpike campus.

Attendees can also enjoy the current Purvis Young exhibition (and treats from the Cowabunga Food Truck).

Admission to the Artisan Marketplace is included in the $10 gallery admission fee. Admission is free for MoCA members.

Artisans include:

  • Mediterranean Botanicals
  • Hudson & King Jewelry
  • Bedford Embroidery
  • Camille & Co.
  • COG (Jen Cogliantry Design)
  • Shawls by Sonika
  • Jennifer Hoertz Millinery
  • Tocco Studio
  • hipV Modern Vintage Jewelry
  • Lucy Curran Party
  • Runo Store
  • Ellis Sant’Andrea Fine Art
  • Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates
  • ARRA
  • SantM
  • KVO Collections

===============================================

Westport’s PTA Cultural Arts group is bringing Matthew “Magic Morgan” to all the elementary schools this week.

He and his wife Liliana — deaf magicians from Wisconsin — perform around the world. In addition to magic, students learn some American Sign Language.

Matt and Liliana will also perform for the public at Westport Town Hall tomorrow evening (Wednesday, November 29, 6 p.m.). Admission is $10.

Magic Morgan and Liliana

==================================================

Natural beauty can be found just steps from downtown.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene by the Kings Highway North bridge, near Canal Street.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

==================================================

And finally … happy 94th birthday to Berry Gordy.

He’s best known as the founder of Motown Records. But he’s also a songwriter (“Lonely Teardrops,” “Shop Around,” “Do You Love Me,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC.”)

He was the mastermind behind groups like the Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.

For several decades, Motown was was the highest-earning Black-owned business.

(“06880” is here for you this holiday season — and 24/7/365. Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Sports

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Cribari Bridge Lighting Tonight; EMS Raises All Their $$$ …

Posted on November 18, 2023 | 5 comments

If you needed any more proof that Westport is racing headlong into the holiday season: Tonight (Saturday) at 5 p.m., the William F. Cribari Bridge gets lit.

As always, Al’s Angels do the honors. Also as always, everyone is invited

Sure, it’s a few days early. But, Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”

Al’s Angels does so much for Westport — from providing the inspirational Saugatuck bridge lights, to giving holiday meals  and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. Click here to give back to this great organization.

The Cribari Bridge over the river in Saugatuck will be lit at 5 p.m. tonight. (Photo/January Stewart)

=================================================

Westport’s $217 million budget pays for a lot — everything from Public Works trucks, to Band-Aids at the Aspetuck Health District.

But one big item is missing: the Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.

Astonishingly. from the ambulance that helps save your life, to the Band-Aids they offer, they raise all their own funds.

Now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor (and hopefully, don’t need medical attention for it), read on.

Our wonderful WVEMS recently kicked off their annual fundraising drive with letters to everyone in town.

It might be easy to overlook it, in the rush of year-end pleas by many very worthy organizations (and, um, others).

Don’t.

The request comes with a new option: to donate on a recurring (weekly, monthly or yearly) basis. That’s the lifeblood (ho ho) of many groups.

Right now, they’re fund raising for a crucial need: 3 new ambulances. They have life cycles of their own, and (like many of us) they’re headed toward their expiration date.

Two of the 3 have been paid for, by very generous donors. Residents need to pitch in for the third — and for everything inside.

Including Band-Aids.

Click here to contribute.

And give till it, uh, hurts.

==================================================

Westport artist Elaine Clayton writes:

“Ever since October 7 — when I woke up to an email from a friend in Jerusalem saying “I am safe, but war has begun” — I have felt a sense of shock and sorrow as probably you have, too.

“This has been made worse by my astonishment that so many, while protesting for peace and justice for the innocent people of Gaza, did not first condemn the slaughter, rape, torture and kidnapping of innocent people on that day.

“I also want a safe, peaceful resolution for Gaza. But I do not want to live in a world where the slaughter of innocents for any cause is contextualized as reasonable, or even as ‘glorious.’

“I realized I could do something to help myself cope with the grief and to hopefully let art do the talking.”

Elaine made 4 “prayer drawing videos,” with 7 hostage children. One is below; click on, to view.

“My hope is to keep all our hearts open to our shared humanity, through the eyes of these children. B’ Shalom and with love,” she adds.

=================================================

“Below Surface” — the award-winning 19-minute documentary about the Westport Weston Family Y’s AquaFitness program — is going national.

Its TV debut is tomorrow (Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m., Lifetime Channel).

It’s inspiring, powerful — and filled with Westporters you’ll recognize.

Connecticut viewers got a sneak peek this week. AquaFit instructor (and star of the film) Patty Kondub, and producer (and AquaFitter) Mary Lake Polan were interviewed on NBC’s CTLive.

Everyone into the pool. And then out, to watch tomorrow!

==================================================

“A Father’s Promise” is a powerful story about the aftermath of Sandy Hook, and the mission to end gun violence in America.

It tells the story of musician Mark Barden. After his son Daniel was murdered 11 years ago, he became an activist. Along the way, he rediscovered his lost passion for music.

It’s appropriate that on December 7 — the night before the world premiere — a multi-artist benefit concert at New York University will raise funds (and be filmed for a documentary).

Among the performers: Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Bernie Williams — and Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Westporters Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below for the movie trailer:

==================================================

Ever wonder what Christmas was like during World War II?

The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decorated like 80 years ago. It shows what life was like when 3 generations of one family occupied the home.

Guided tours are December 7 (2 and 3 p.m.); December 9, 10, 16, 17, 21 and January 4, 6 and 7 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.).

Tickets are $5 for Weston History & Culture Center members, $10 for non-members. Click here to purchase.

================================================

The Levitt Pavilion is headed to Stamford.

Westport’s outdoor entertainment venue has teamed up with the Palace Theatre. Together they present DakhaBrakha — a world music quintet from Kyiv, Ukraine — this Sunday (November 19, 7 p.m., Palace Theatre, Stamford).

The group embraces folk, indie rock, pop, hip hop and avant-garde styles. Theie show includes global orchestrations and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation.

Click here for more information, including tickets.

==================================================

Two former 1st selectpersons joined the town’s current chief executive at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, at a memorial service for longtime town volunteer Paul Hammond. Martha Hauhuth served from 1985-89; Jim Marpe served 2 terms prior to Jen Tooker.

 

From left: Jim Marpe, Martha Hauhuth, Jen Tooker. (Photo/Andrea Moore)

==================================================

Westport resident John Murphy died Monday. He was 85.

A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, he had a long career as a sales and marketing executive at the American Can Company.

His obituary says: “John was an eternal optimist, with a kind heart and open mind. His spirit was indomitable, and he was a prodigious hiker and reader, especially history. He was a people person, keenly interested in making connections and naturally curious about everyone he met. John sidestepped small talk, instead, he was out to disarm you, with charm and a wicked sense of humor….

“He was an avid newspaper reader, often found behind a copy of the Wall Street Journal (though an ardent, active Democrat), and always curious and engaged in the world around him. He loved to travel to the European countryside, especially Italy, taking in the history, people, and wonderful food. He loved the Yankees, and the Giants, and accepted his sons’ betrayal with the Patriots.

His and his college sweetheart, Connie Dixon, raised 3 children. He coached them in sports, and was president of the Redding Boys & Girls Club.

In his later years, John found a dear companion in Marleen Salko. They spent years enjoying yoga, walks on Westport’s beaches, and time with good friends. He made great friendships through the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, especially the hiking group. He also volunteered driving people to medical appointments.

John is survived by his children Mark (Katya), Chris (Jennifer) and Kirsten Hedberg (Eric), and grandchildren Megan, Christopher and Valerie Murphy, abd Finn, Tess and Ingrid Hedberg; Diana and Charlie Healy; his longtime companion Marleen Salko, and sisters Mary and Annie Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife Connie.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Westport Library on Saturday, November 25 (2 to 4 p.m.). Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nature Conservancy.

John Murphy

================================================

The weather was great yesterday for fishing, at Burying Hill Beach. Let’s hope the fish were biting for the stars of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

==================================================

And finally … it’s hard for a cartoon character to have a birthday.

But today is considered the official birthday for Mickey Mouse. On this day in 1928 — 95 years ago — he first debuted in the short film “Steamboat Willy.”

(If you found something to do this weekend — or any other day — on “06880,” please consider supporting your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

 

 

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Looking back, Politics, Saugatuck, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: AquaFit, Crabbing, River of Roses …

Posted on September 27, 2023 | 5 comments

Westport has been the setting for many films.

But forget “The Gray Flannel Suit,” “The Swimmer” and “The Stepford Wives.”

My favorite is “Below Surface.”

The 20-minute documentary focuses on an unlikely subject: the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s AquaFit program.

Yet thanks to Patty Kondub — the energetic, creative and much-loved instructor who is the heart and soul of both the program and the film — the camaraderie, joy and, yes, life-saving experience that is AquaFit come vividly to life.

Dick Rauh — 96 years young — describes what the class has done for him. So do others, of many ages and from 4 continents. Patty melds them all into a young-feeling, tight-knit group that fulfills the Y’s dual mission of promoting healthy living and creating community.

AquaFit helped Patty herself through a dark time of her life, which she describes movingly.

But “Below Surface” is bright and alive — just like those morning classes. The cinematography makes it shine.

The film has been screened at festivals around the country, and won the “Next Great Filmmaker Award” at the Berkshires International Film Festival. It will be shown October 19 (noon, New Haven Public Library) at the New Haven Documentary Film Festival.

Now through October 1, you can watch it for free, thanks to the virtual World Peace Film Festival. Just click here.

It will be the most uplifting 19 minutes of your week.

(For the “06880” back story on “Below Surface,” click here.)

=================================================

The start of tomorrow’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been changed.

The new time is 6 p.m. (it was originally 6:30). That’s Thursday, September 28, in Town Hall Room 201/201A.

It’s a 6 p.m. start tomorrow for the Long Lots School Building Committee.

================================================

Conservation Director Colin Kelly has responded to complaints about crabbing at Sherwood Mill Pond. He says:

“The Westport Conservation Department reminds Westport residents that the act of crabbing is allowed and is covered by Connecticut Department of Engergy and Environmental Protection fishing regulations.

“People have the legal right to access state waters and fish for Blue Crab. The taking of Blue Crab requires no license, and there is no daily limit during the open season from May1 – November 30. The Conservation Office does not regulate the taking of crabs from the pond. The Sherwood Mill Pond Advisory Committee and the Shellfish Commission do not have authority to restrict the crabbing either.

“To clarify, this does not mean the Town has ignored the public requests for checking the crabbing. In fact, the Westport Police Department have conducted more than 50 patrols of Sherwood Mill Pond this summer. They have interacted with the individuals who are crabbing, they have actively provided education, and they have checked the catches to ensure proper measurements are being followed.

“The officers have used Infrared cameras to confirm that individuals were taking crabs and that any clams they have seen were dumped. They have worked individually and in conjunction with CT DEEP Encon Police. Officers have been proactive in responding to calls and will continue to provide our Town with this response.

“We want to inform the public that over 70 parking tickets have been issued along Hillspoint Road and the Old Mill parking lot in the last few weeks. One night alone had over 30 parking tickets issued. The Police Department will continue their oversight, including adding additional tactics in the future, to ensure that the laws are followed.”

Crabbing at Sherwood Mill Pond.

==================================================

For several years, Saugatuck Rowing Club has commemorated loved ones lost to breast cancer — and raised funds for survivors — by turning the Saugatuck River pink.

Literally.

Names are read aloud, and rose petals scattered into the Saugatuck River. They’re then swept out to sea.

This year’s “River of Roses” charity soirée is set for Sunday (October 1, 1 to 4 p.m.; ceremony at 3).

The $75 ticket includes  (of course) rosé cocktails, raw bar, charcuterie, lobster and pumpkin bisque, clam chowder, apple crisp, Donut Crazy and a cash bar, plus live music by Fake ID.

Proceeds support SurviveOAR, the empowering, supportive community that provides mental, physical and emotional healing to women with breast cancer after traditional treatment ends.

Six members will be compete in Head of the Charles race next month.

Click here for tickets, or to buy roses ($25 each). Click below, for highlights of the 2019 event.

==================================================

Parents of children with special needs have plenty to think about.

Including finances.

Westporter Kimberly Greenberg — a Morgan Stanley vice president — leads a free breakfast seminar for parents and caregivers, called “Protecting the Future for Your Child With Special Needs.”

Financial experts will share first-hand experiences on October 3 (9:30 a.m., STAR, 182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk_. Tours of the renovated STAR center, including the new assistive technology lab and lending library, are also available.

To reserve a spot, or for more information, email ahenry@starct.org.

==================================================

This event has flown under the radar. But it’s an important one.

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 10 a.m., Westport Library), Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Ronald Welch and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will recognize the service of Westport veterans who served during the Vietnam War era.

There will be a color guard, national anthem, and more.

Staples High School graduate Tim Barmmer was killed in Vietnam. He is memorialized at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall.

==================================================

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s Jenna Baumblatt has been named Connecticut’s 2023 EMS Youth Corps Member of the Year.

The 18-year-old joined WVEMS as an Emergency Medical Responder 4 years ago, and is now an Emergency Medical Technician. She also serves on the WVEMS board of directors.

EMS runs deep in her family. Her dad Rick is a WVEMS staff paramedic; her mom Lynn is a paramedic at Norwalk Hospital EMS, and her brother James is an EMT in Bridgeport.

WVEMS president Michael Burns calls Jenna “an amazing person and caregiver who maintains multiple jobs, in addition to her volunteer service. She is an amazing asset!”

Jenna Baumblatt

============================================

Pam Rouleau is running a fundraiser with Nuvance Health for the Integrative Medicine Department at the Smilow Breast Cancer Center.

She photographed 13 people who have battled cancer — or still are — and depicted them along with their stories of survivorship.

Several members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s “SurviveOARS” team are included. Rouleau is a Survive-OARS rower too.

A reception is set for October 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the State Capitol in Hartford. It will then be on view through October 30. Click here for details.

Kimberly Wilson, Westport resident and Saugatuck SurviveOARS member.

==================================================

Grammy Award-winning pianist Dave Kikoski headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, September 28, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

Kikoski is known for his adept post-bop style and spontaneous swinging play. He has worked with artists like Roy Haynes, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Bob Berg, Michael and Randy Brecker, Chris Potter and others.

He’ll be joined by bassist Yuriy Galkin, drummer Vinnie Sperazza and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

==================================================

Enjoy a trivia night — virtually, and for a great cause.

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 28, 7 p.m.), Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County hosts “Quiz for a Cause.” All proceeds support arts education for children, primarily those with special needs.

First prize is 2 round trip airline tickets, from Avelo Airlines. Second prize is a gift from Westporter Christian Siriano’s The Collective West. Third prize is 5 private music lessons at Neighborhood Studios.

Participants are asked for a minimum donation of $45. Click here to register, and for more information.

==================================================

Maintenance and upkeep of Baron’s South has gone to the birds.

So it’s not surprising that a flock of turkeys has taken over Golden Shadows, the “mansion” once occupied by Baron Walter Langen von Langendorff and his wife.

Morley Boyd spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Morley Boyd)

==================================================

And finally … today is the 120th anniversary of “the wreck of the old 97.” The mail train crash was not the worst rail disaster ever — though 11 people died, and 7 more were injured — but it lives on, thanks to folks like Johnny Cash.

(“06880” loves delivering news like today’s lead story, about Patty Kondub’s AquaFit movie. If you love the news “06880” delivers, please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)

 

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Police, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: AI, Free Haircuts, Change For Lyman …

Posted on May 27, 2023 | 1 comment

David Pogue’s talk the other day about the potential and perils of artificial intelligence had everyone who saw it, well, talking.

Now the Westport Library — which hosted the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston event — has posted it online.

Whether you’re excited or ambivalent about the future of AI — or don’t know what to think — click below.

It may be one of the most important hours you’ll spend as a human being.

==================================================

Yesterday’s announcement of LymanAID — the July 9 event thanking Westporters for their support of our sister city in Ukraine, and kicking off the next phase of help — created plenty of excitement.

And it brought a great offer from Felicia Catale. She’s not even waiting until July.

Felicia — the owner of Salon Nash, on Post Road West — is offering free haircuts on any Monday in June, for anyone who donates at least $60 to Lyman.

Those cuts and blow dries — for men, women and kids — usually go for a lot more than that.

Click here to donate via the Ukraine Aid International website (under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman” from the dropdown menu).

Then call or text Felicia (203-747-9753) to make an appointment. Be sure to bring your donation receipt to enjoy your free, generous hair session!

Felicia Catale

=============================================

Speaking of LymanAID: Staples High School sophomore Sam Rossoni is doing his part to help too.

It’s a big one.

He’s joined with Connie Caruso and a few other volunteers to run “Change for Ukraine: Making a Difference, One Cent at a Time.”

They bought boxes of plastic jars, and are distributing them to businesses, organizations and locations throughout Westport and nearby towns.

They in turn will give jars to individuals or families. Staples students can pick up jars at school.

Between now and early July, participants will try to fill each jar with bills, change and checks (payable to “Ukraine Aid International”). Each holds about $65 worth of coins.

Anyone who fills up a jar will have their lid entered into a raffle. One lid will be selected at random, during the July 9 LymanAID event. The winner gets a $1,000 cash prize.

Want a jar? Or want to contribute? Call or text Sam Rossoni: 917-535-0327.

Collection jars for Lyman.

================================================

One of the most dangerous intersections in town just got a bit safer.

Two new stop signs have been added to the north and south sides of West Parish and Hillandale Roads.

Previously, there were — confusingly — only 2 signs. Now drivers coming from all 4 directions must stop.

New north side stop sign on West Parish Road. (Hat tip and photo/Bob Weingarten)

==================================================

Speaking of accidents: There was a bad-looking one yesterday at the Long Lots Road/North Avenue intersection.

I’m surprised there aren’t more. Between the volume of traffic, the 3-way stop that includes a dip in the road, 2 options southbound from North Avenue and westbound on Long Lots, plus the tempting roll-through-the-stop-sign-and-take-a-right from Long Lots, it’s (as the saying goes) “an accident waiting to happen.”

=================================================

It’s more than a Teardown of the Day. Call this the Teardown of the Season.

Demolition has begun on the old Westport Inn. The 120-room Post Road East property — first built in 1960 as the New Englander Motel — is being developed by Delamar into an 85-unit boutique hotel.

Upgrades include less building and site coverage, and more green areas.

Delamar owns popular hotels in Southport, Greenwich, West Hartford and Traverse City, Michigan. A couple of miles from the old Westport Inn, they’re also redeveloping the Inn at Longshore.

The demolished front section of the Westport Inn. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

As Westport prepares for Memorial Day, our beloved Minute Man is ready.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

But those American flags didn’t fall out of the sky.

Kudos to Westport Hardware for their donation.

And to Andrew Colabella, who has placed them at the base every year since 2008.

=================================================

Another Memorial Day weekend tradition:

This morning, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 placed American flags on veterans’ graves, at cemeteries around Westport.

This was the scene at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church Upper Burial Ground:

(Photo/MaryAnn Meyer)

=================================================

“Below Surface” — the 19-minute documentary short film highlighting Patty Kondub’s life-changing Westport Weston Family YMCA Aquafit class — has earned raves. And awards.

On June 9 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special screening.

After the show, Patty joins the movie’s producers for a panel discussion. Tracey Knight Narang — a Tony Award-winning producer, and a playwright — moderates.

Admission is free. Click here to register.

=================================================

Just a few days after another “06880” report on another delay in the ongoing saga of the Bayberry Lane bridge …

… it’s open!

Andrew Colabella was there early yesterday morning, to see the finishing touches put on the long-running project — and to (happily and helpfully) move the “Road Closed” sign out of the way.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

Sotheby’s auction of a vast collection of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s personal belongings — from chairs and rugs to a “White Stag Speedo Leisure Tennis Suit Worn by Newman” — has begun.

“A Life & Legacy: The Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman Collection” is live through June 12. Click here to bid.

Or just gawk. (Hat tip: Debbie O’Malley and Bill Kutik)

This photo of Paul Newman and fellow Westporter Michael Brockman at the 1994 24 Hours of Daytona race is valued at $800 to $1,200. Bidding starts at $200.

==================================================

Comp Beach lifeguards return on Monday (Memorial Day).

But at least one was in the guard shack yesterday. Among the duties: updating the popular informational/inspirational sign, for the 2023 season.

(Photo/Karen Como)

===============================================

The newest member of Westport’s deer community poses for its first “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Scott Weiner)

==================================================

And finally … Ed Ames, whose long career stretched from lead singer of the Ames Brothers, to Fess Parker’s Native American companion on “Daniel Boone,” died last Sunday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.

Click here for a full obituary. And click not just on 2 of his most memorable songs, but on one of the most famous moments ever in Johnny Carson history. (Watch to the end!)

(Sure, it’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” is still at work, bringing you all the information you need about Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Library, Transportation, YMCA

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Patty Kondub Goes “Below Surface”

Posted on March 27, 2023 | 17 comments

Dick Rauh is 98 years old.

Barbara Rose is younger — she’s in her early 90s.

But both longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA members — and their equally veteran AquaFitness instructor, Patty Kondub — are about to become movie stars.

“Below Surface” — a documentary shot in and around the Y pool — debuted Friday at the Gasparilla Film Festival in Tampa.

The 20-minute production “reveals the extraordinary power of community through an unlikely subject: a YMCA Aquafit class.”

Her “students” skew older. But Kondub — a 1981 Staples High School graduate — melds them into a young-feeling, tight-knit group that fulfills the Y’s dual mission of promoting healthy living and creating community. 

The 1981 Staples High School graduate — and proud University of Connecticut alum — has worked for the Westport Weston Family Y for over 30 years.

Nearly 40 years ago, she saw a sign at the front desk: “Free water aerobics class tonight.” She figured that was more fun than swimming laps.

The rest is history.

Members flock to her AquaFit classes. She works hard at researching and preparing lessons. But she always welcomes members with a smile, then makes every class fun. One day she’ll wear a costume; the next day she’ll announce a game.

Patty Kondub, in her Aquafit Halloween costume.

When someone is sick, she brings a card for the class to sign. She sings “Happy Birthday” (a lot!). Whenever she sees a news story about a class member — a new book they’ve written, a promotion, or just a brief mention — she tells everyone (and posts its on the bulletin board).

When a new member joined Aquafit because of a stress fracture in her foot, Patty called her doctor, so she could design the best workout. If someone is laid up at home, Patty visits (and brings food)

For every class she picks out great music. (On Halloween it was “Monster Mash.” For the Olympics, elections and many other events, she finds something appropriate. St. Patrick’s Day features an Irish playlist — and an Irish quiz.)

Patty is no slouch. Her Aquafit students work hard. But she’s such a good teacher, they don’t even realize they’re getting a fantastic workout.

A motivational message from Patty Kondub. (Photo/Barbara Wiederecht)

The idea for the documentary sprouted in July 2021. A newer member loved the community spirit she felt in the class, and thought there was a story to be told.

The entire class agreed. They were all in.

It was funded by an AquaFitness member. A film crew followed the class, and its members, from August of 2021 to February 2022. Post-production took nearly a year.

“Below Surface” includes moving stories of a multi-cultural, multi-generational Aquafit class. It shows how kindness and caring for others — combined with exercise — can be an antidote for grief, stress and physical illness.

The interviews are honest and heartwarming. The message is important, for all ages.

“You never know what’s going on in someone’s life,” Patty says. “That’s the title: ‘Below Surface.’

“So try not to judge. Just enjoy the moment.

“The power of belonging to a group or a cause can help you get through the ups and downs of life.”

But, she adds with a smile, “AquaFitness is more than that. You’re also getting exercise — and it’s fun!”

“Below Surface” producer Lukas Hauser has edited several HBO documentaries. “The Black List,” featuring Toni Morrison and Chris Rock, won an NAACP Image Award and screened at Sundance .

After Gasparilla, the movie heads to more festivals, including Sarasota, Palm Springs, Palm Beach, St. Petersburg, San Luis Obispo and the Berkshires.

Patty hopes it can be shown in Westport too. She is a star — in and out of the pool.

But she can’t wait for her Aquafit students — even those not yet 90 — to share the spotlight.

(Click here, then scroll down, for the “Below Surface” trailer. Want to see the whole documentary? It’s available for $10, on the Saratoga Film Festival site.)

(“06880” is proud to feature stories like these. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please support us with a contribution. Just click here — and thank you!)  

17 Comments

Posted in YMCA

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Veterans’ Wreaths, Nicholas Britell, Senator Blumenthal …

Posted on December 19, 2022 | 2 comments

Wreaths Across America is a national program, honoring fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.

This year, for the first time, Westport joined in.

On Saturday, Scouts from Troops 139 and 39 honored Westport veterans buried at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.  They placed a remembrance wreath on each grave, after a short but moving ceremony.

Kudos to the Scouts, and local coordinator Patty Kondub. Among many other activities, she’s vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.

Thanks too to all who donated, to help decorate our veterans’ graves. It sounds like the start of an important new Westport tradition.

Scouts who participated in Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event.

=======================================================

Our “06880” Roundup often links to David Pogue’s “CBS Sunday Morning” segments. Our Westport neighbor frequently films his pieces here — at his home, on his street and in random spots around town.

Yesterday, he offered a double dose of Westport. He interviewed Nicholas Britell, The composer — who scoed “Succession,” “Moonlight,” “12 Years a Slave” and “The Underground Railroad,” among others — moved here at age 13. He graduated from Hopkins School in New Haven in 1998, then headed to Juilliard and Harvard.

Pogue — who has his own musical theater chops, including stints as a Broadway musical director, conductor and arranger, before wandering off to become a New York Times tech writer, PBS “Nova” personality and CBS “professional explainer,” among many other things — interviewed Britell.

They talked about how movie scores are written. Or not written. The Westport native noted that sometimes, it’s best to leave the music out altogether.

Click below to see. (Hat tip: Hedi Lieberman)

=======================================================

An accident yesterday temporarily shut down Riverside Avenue, and sent one person to the hospital.

Westport Fire and Police Departments, and EMS, responded to the vehicle rollover. After stabilizing the vehicle and removing the occupant, firefighters used grip hoists to perform a controlled roll and put the car back on its wheels.

The scene on Riverside Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

=====================================================

Senator Richard Blumenthal worked Thursday night in Washington, until 10 p.m.

But he returned to Connecticut early Friday morning, and joined the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston for their 10 a.m. meeting at the Westport Library.

Click below to hear the Senator’s thoughts — and his responses to questions from former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe.

======================================================

Frank Sisson describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“This magnificent tree spotlit by the late afternoon sun, and the stripes painted by its shadows and those of its fellow trees in the golden hour lighting around 3:30 p.m. at Winslow Park seemed particularly striking and photo-worthy.”

Agreed!

(Photo/Frank Sisson)

======================================================

And finally … as Adam Sandler notes, there are far more Christmas carols than Hanukkah songs.

He’s doing his part to narrow the gap. Oy!

(Feel free to send some Hanukkah gelt the “06880” way. Just click here — and thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Media, Politics

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Wreaths, War, WPD Toys …

Posted on November 23, 2022 | 2 comments

Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.

This year, for the first time, Westport joins in.

The date is December 17. The time is noon. The cemetery is Assumption, on Greens Farms Road.

It wouldn’t have happened without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.

As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.

Click here to sponsor a wreath (the deadline is November 29). To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com. You can also email her to volunteer to mark graves before December 17, and place them on that date

For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Japanese Islands.

He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.

“There are over 200 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”

=====================================================

Liz and Richard are true heroes.

She’s from Florida, and speaks 5 languages. He’s a German attorney. They met and formed a group that braves drones and missiles to drive desperately needed supplies to the front lines in Ukraine. Their supplies include water filtration systems and wood burning stoves for civilians, who are starving and bracing for a cold winter.

In Ukraine they met Brian Mayer. The Westporter spent several months helping coordinate relief efforts. He also helped fund Liz and Richard’s work.

After several months of non-stop work, the pair needed a rest. Brian invited them to Westport, for a few days of R&R.

On Monday they met with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Ken Bernhard, another Westporter deeply involved in humanitarian aid.

Liz and Richard were taking a breather. But they did not stop working. The group discussed how Westport can be even more helpful in the global fight against Russian aggression.

(From left): Richard, Brian Mayer, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Liz and Ken Bernhard discuss how Westport can aid Ukraine.

=====================================================

One of Westport’s favorite toy drives takes place soon.

The Police Department Benevolent Association and Westport Police Athletic League will again collect gifts for underprivileged children in Fairfield County.

Officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — plus cash donations — in the ASF Sports & Outdoors parking lot (1560 Post Road East), on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4 and 10-11, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Toy collection boxes will also be available at:

  • Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road
  • ASF Sports & Outdoors, 1560 Post Road East
  • PAL ice rink, Longshore
  • Awesome Toys & Gifts, 429 Post Road East
  • The Toy Post, 180 Post Road East.

Questions? Contact Officer Craig Bergamo: 203-341-6000; cbergamo@Westportct.gov.

Westport Police accept toy donations at ASF.

======================================================

Speaking of police: As they do every year just before Thanksgiving, dozens of Staples High School students dodged cops.

The teenagers and officers had a ball.

The event was the annual Dodge-a-Cop dodgeball tournament. Each team of students included at least one member of the Westport force.

They hurled dodgeballs at each other. They protected their teammates.

The event — sponsored by the Westport Youth Commission and Staples’ Teen Awareness Group — was for a great cause. Entry fees supported the Toys for Tots holiday drive.

Staples school resource officer Ed Woolridge (back row, white shirt, blue headband) was on the winning Dodge-a-Cop team. The winners posed with Andrew Colabella — longtime Dodge-a-Cop referee, former Youth Commission member, and current RTM member. (far right).

======================================================

The poster evokes the Roaring ’20s:

That’s appropriate. Longshore — the site of this Saturday night’s first-ever Café Noir — is said to have been the setting for nearby resident (okay, renter) F. Scott Fitzgerald) when he later wrote “The Great Gatsby.”

But the music and vibe will be “classic house, funk and disco” at 9 p.m., when a pair of Westport DJs (self-described “middle-aged British dudes, aka “Bangers and Mash”) host the event at Longshore’s La Plage restaurant.

“We’re looking to introduce a bit of suave and sophistication to the evening,” says Phil White, who is Banger.

Tom Fielding is Mash. He’s also an accomplished house DJ. He founded London’s famed dance club The End back in the late 90s.

White DJed in college, then toured Europe putting on raves. before getting sucked into “the big bad world of global advertising.” (Hey, at least he’s advertising Café Noir well.)

The pair will run their Saturday night events at La Plage through Christmas. In the spring, they’ll take their act out on the terrace.

“So get out,” White urges. “Get your groove on. And dress to impress!”

=======================================================

Westporter Jen Dennison and her colleague Kelly Gipson (who grew up here) are teachers at the Learning Community Day School on Hillspoint Road.

Recently, their class read “Pearl and Squirrel Give Thanks.” (The plot, if you don’t have a preschooler, is about 2 homeless pets.)

The class talked about people who have no homes, or money for food. They decided to help.

The children took home a letter about donations. In 3 days, they collected a truck full.

“They were so proud,” Kelly reports.

On Tuesday, they brought their donations to Operation Hope in Fairfield.

It’s never too early to learn about giving. Thanks and congratulations — you are a true Learning “Community.”

Giving back, at the Learning Community.

====================================================

Given the alleged nature of La Plage at Longshore ( the original millionaires party venue for the Great Gatsby?)…we’re looking to introduce a bit of swarve and sophicats to the evening proceeding and get 06680’s well healed and otherwise housebound cognoscenti to get out and get their groove on!

No shoe? No problem!

Ryan Smith — Bates College’s men’s cross country captain, and a Staples High School running star with the Class of 2019 — lost a shoe in the first mile of the 8K NCAA East Regional Championship, at Bowdoin College.

When his shoe was stepped on, there were 100 runners behind Smith. He could not slow down to fix it, so he kicked it into the woods and kept going.

He finished 11th out of more than 200 runners, helping the Bobcats to 2nd place overall. That helped them qualify for the NCAA Championships, (Hat tip: Brian Strong)

Ryan Smith

====================================================

Westport’s founding fathers did not wear t-shirts. And they sure didn’t have mouse pads.

But you can sport a tee (or tank top, sweatshirt or hoodie), wrap yourself in a fleece blanket, drink from a mug or use a mouse pad that commemorates 1835 — the year Westport became its own town.

Those items are part of Finding Westport’s newest offerings. There are 2 lines: the 1835 Collection, and one called Westport Est.

Daniel Nash would be proud.

===================================================

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston took a brisk 5-mile walk Monday — in Manhattan.

The group headed out from Grand Central to the United Nations, Sutton Place, Rockefeller University, Carl Shurz Park and Gracie Mansion.

It was the 7th in their series of New York City explorations. Many Y’s Men spent their careers working there. They seldom had a chance to be tourists, though.

Y’sMen at the New York Daily News building. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

======================================================

It’s not even Thanksgiving, but the raccoons are scavenging.

Jill Grayson went to fill the back yard bird feeder, and found a skunk. A short time later, these 2 guys appeared.

All creatures, great and small — and smelly — are part of our “Westport … Naturally” world. Happy Thanksgiving1

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

=======================================================

And finally … Michael Butler, the wealthy financier and producer who brought “Hair” to Broadway in 1968, died earlier this month in a nursing home in California. He was 95.

He was hardly a hippie. But he made his mark on American theater with the “tribal love-rock musical.” Click here for a full obituary.

(“Easy to be hard …” — and easy to support “06880.” Just click here. And thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Longshore, Police, Restaurants, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,