Tag Archives: Positive Directions Westport

Roundup: Staples Hoops, Blau Gardens, Special Olympics …

Posted on March 20, 2023 | 11 comments

The Staples High School boys basketball team reached the end of the line yesterday.

#1 ranked St. Bernard-Uncasville topped the #7 Wreckers, 63-50 in the state Division II finals, at Mohegan Sun.

But Staples’ heads are high. First-year coach Dave Goldshore’s squad enjoyed a storybook season. They reached the FCIAC championship game, then electrified everyone with a stunning 4th-quarter comeback from 18 points down in the state semifinal to advance to the title game for the first time in 86 years.

And they did it all with talent, teamwork, tenacity, passion, poise — and plenty of class.

Thanks, Wreckers, for entertaining and inspiring an entire town, all season long!

The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.

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Blau House & Gardens is one of Westport’s hidden gems.

High on a Bayberry Ridge hill, the mid-century home (designed by noted Broadway set designer Ralph Alswang) and bountiful gardens (inspired by the Villa Ephrussi de Rotshchild) were developed over more than half a century by advertising entrepreneur Barry Blau.

Blau House & Gardens.

It’s a special property. A recent visitor called it “spectacular! Soothing, cool and wonderful to experience the calm and peacefulness of this environment.” Another described it as “nirvana in Westport.”

BHG is a public charity. Its mission is to acquire and transform the intimate, beautiful midcentury building and space into a public asset for arts, horticulture and garden enjoyment.

Blau house, designed by Ralph Alswang.

Pilot programming has included a book reading by a New York Times best- selling author, a college horticulture field trip, a garden lecture for the Garden Conservancy, and several garden tours.

But Blau’s widow Eileen died last week. The future of the property is uncertain. The estate will have to sell the property to meet mortgage and property expenses.

BHG has the opportunity to acquire it — essential to supporting their mission. They need to raise funds now.

$3 million would include:

  • $1.5 million for the house and gardens
  • $1 million for adjacent property on Fairview Drive, for parking and support facilities
  • $500,000 to start an endowment for operations and maintenance, for 5 years.

The minimum needed is $1.5 million, for the Bayberry Ridge property and gardens.

To help, or for more information, email r@blauhouseandgardens.org, or call 203-952-3335. For a PowerPoint presentation on the project, click here. For the Blau House & Gardens website, click here.

Another view of the gardens.

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With March Madness in full swing, this event tonight seems quite timely:

Positive Directions sends news of a Region I Gambling Awareness Team webinar tonight called “Betting on Your Future: What Parents, Teens and Young Adults Need to Know About Sports Betting.”

The Zoom session covers, among other topics, the import of sports betting on youth and the developing brain, and its correlation to mental health.

The webinar is tonight (Monday, March 20, 7 p.m.). To register, click here.

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Long-time Westporter, watercolorist and Save Westport Now board member Matthew Levine has one more passion: healthy vision.

Having worked in eye research grant-making for the past 20 years, he knows that 80% of vision loss is preventable — if people practice healthy habits.

“I wish I’d known years ago what I know about eye health,” he says. “I might have been able to help my father (renowned caricaturist David Levine) from losing his career to macular degeneration.”

But Matthew Levine is helping many others. He appears in a new documentary, “Losing Sight, Finding Hope: Loving with Macular Degeneration,” created by the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

It premieres tonight (Monday, March 20), at 8 p.m. on YouTube. Click here to see.

If you miss it, no problem. The film will be available afterward, at the same link.

Click below for the teaser:

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For over 45 years, Our Vision has provided recreational and social activities for people with disabilities.

Among the most popular activities: Special Olympics competitions in bowling, track and swimming.

On April 15, nearly 2 dozen Our Vision members and friends will take part in a Penguin Plunge at Fairfield’s Jennings Beach in Fairfield to raise money for Special Olympics.

As of this morning, Westporter Michael Johnson led, with the most number of donors. Click here to contribute to his campaign, or the team in general.

To learn more about Our Vision, email ourvisioninfo@yahoo.com.

Our Vision Penguin Plunge. (Photo/Bob Schroeder)

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“06880” has been proud to feature photos by Tom Kretsch. The Westporter — a retired educator — has a keen eye for compelling landscapes.

The Wilton Library appreciates his talent too. A pair of Kretsch’s shots were just awarded prizes at their “Focus 2 Photo Exhibit.”

Three judges scored images based on content, execution, subject matter, lighting and visualization.

“Winter Peace for Two, Southport” earned a 2nd place ribbon.

“Winter Peace for Two, Southport” (Tom Kretsch)

“The Poetry of Barns, Serene” — taken in Litchfield — placed 3rd.

“The Poetry of Barns, Serene” (Tom Kretsch)

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Rock sculptor/photographer Jerry Kuyper submitted today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, from his property on Rayfield Road.

He asks: “Nurture or nature? This stood for years. But I needed to rebuild it after recent strong winds.”

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … Bobby Caldwell died last week, of long-term complications of a toxic reaction to antibiotics. He was 71.

The New York Times called him “a singer-songwriter whose sultry R&B hit “What You Won’t Do for Love” propelled his debut album to double-platinum status in 1978 and was later covered by chart-toppers like Boyz II Men and Michael Bolton….

“Over his 4-decade career Mr. Caldwell swerved freely among genres, exploring R&B, reggae, soft rock and smooth jazz, as well as standards from the Great American Songbook.” Click here for a full obituary.

(From basketball to beauty, “06880” covers Westport. As a non-profit, we rely on readers’ contributions. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Longshore, Angela Lansbury, Cumby …

Posted on October 12, 2022 | 3 comments

The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan is moving ahead.

The next phase of public input takes place soon.

Stantec — the town’s consultant — will present preliminary concept diagrams at  the October 19 Parks & Recreation Commission public meeting (7:30 p.m.). The Zoom link will be available when the agenda is posted here.

Open houses will follow, at the Westport Library:

  • Wednesday, October 26: (10 to 11:30 a.m.; 3 to 4:30 p.m.; 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, October 29:  (9:30 to 11 a.m.; 1 to 2:30 p.m.).

At the open houses residents can examine diagrams up close, and ask questions and offer feedback to the consultants.

The presentation will be available on the project website Stantec Longshore Club Park, starting October 20.

A survey will be available on the website beginning October 31.

Public input is sought for the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

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Angela Lansbury died yesterday, age 96.

In 2008, in honor of her dedication to the performing arts, she was presented with a special tribute by Bernadette Peters at Westport Country Playhouse.

Lansbury said, “I never played (at the Playhouse). I wasn’t a big enough star! If I don’t perform one small thing on this stage tonight, I’ll feel I’ve missed the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Then she enthralled the audience with “Not While I’m Around,” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”

A legendary shot from the Westport Country Playhouse green room. prior to the 2008 gala performance, From left: Bernadette Peters; Joanne Woodward, Playhouse co-artistic director; Julia Roberts, gala host; Angela Lansbury, honoree; Anne Keefe, Playhouse co-artistic director. (Photo/Kathleen O’Rourke)

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For several years, Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Brandon Malin has contributed great photos and drone videos to “06880.”

His most recent effort is one of his most intriguing.

The other day — home for a quick break from the University of Michigan, where he is studying lighting design — Brandon headed to the Westport Library.

When he spotted the paving project on Jesup Road, the ever-curious Brandon grabbed his drone. He wanted to see what it looked like above.

It looks very cool.

He saw the road get chewed up by a milling machine, and watched various types of machinery work together.

Brandon send the video along. He recommends watching at 2x speed. “The machines move slowly,” he notes.

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Robbie Guimond lives in Saugatuck. But he battles traffic nearly every to head across town to The Porch @ Christie’s.

They serve “the best bacon egg and cheese in Westport,” he says.

But the vibe is just as great too.

Robbie writes: “The staff has impromptu ‘contests.’ This one in this photo was ‘Pride in Your Culture/Heritage Day.'”

(Photo/Robbie Guimond)

They also have “Best Hat,” “Favorite Sports Team,” etc. Customers vote throughout the day. The winner gets bragging rights — and more importantly, smiles.

“They’re a lovely group, and a wonderful part of Westport,” Robbie says. “I go there for the food. But mostly for the employees, and to support this business model of inclusivity and diversity.

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Everyone wonders about “The Cost of Success: What Pressure is Doing to Our Kids.”

Positive Directions wants to talk about it — positively.

That’s the topic of a program they and the Westport Weston Family Y are sponsoring (October 19, 7 p.m., Westport Library; reception at 6:30).

Panelists include Valerie Babich, Westport Public Schools coordinator of psychological services; Frank Castorina, Positive Directions clinical supervisor; Alicia Briggs, pediatric hospitalist, and students from Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group.

They’ll discuss what causes pressure; how to recognize signs that your child is struggling; strategies for reducing anxieties, and local resources.

Positive Directions will host a follow-up “Lunch and Learn” series at the Y, on related topics. More information will follow.

For more information, call 203-227-7644.

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Spotted on social media, by MaryLou Roels:

“Please avoid getting gas at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop. I was charged for Super Premium, after clearly choosing the Unleaded button.

“The police reviewed the video, which confirms the Unleaded button being pushed. The manager insisted the video would be backwards when speaking with the officer so would be difficult to determine. The officer assured him it would not, as it would be the furthest button from the nozzle.

“He insisted it is a franchise, and he has no idea who he works for. We are pursuing a refund from Corporate, but it’s really the principle at this point.

“Please let Officer Kelly in Westport know if you have experienced similar there, or any other station.”

She added a PS: “When he printed the receipt inside, it read for Super Premium. Clearly something being manipulated, and was a $25 difference from the Unleaded choice that was made.”

NOTE: This took place at the Cumberland Farms by Stop & Shop — not the one  near McDonald’s and Sakura.

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The Staples boys basketball  program invites all elementary and middle school players to play ball with the Wreckers varsity.

It’s Sunday, October 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There’s a tour of the gym — and, for the parents, a silent auction.

Funds are being raised to revamp the “Players’ Lounge,” improve film and video, and defray the cost of a new varsity preseason training camp.

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Westport Representative Town Meeting District 2 has a new rep.

Michael Perry — a Westporter for over 30 years who recently retired from a career in sales and marketing — was sworn in at last night’s meeting.

He was selected by District 2 members to fill the vacancy of Christine Meier Schatz.

Michael Perry isi sworn in at last night’s RTM meeting. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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As traffic rushed past on nearby I-95 yesterday morning, there was this Sherwood Mill Pond congestion of cormorants too.

Matt Murray captured the peaceful-yet-cluttered scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this date in 1810, citizens of Munich hold the first Oktoberfest. It celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Prost!

(Celebrate Oktoberfest with a donation to “06880.” Please click here!)

3 Comments

Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Longshore, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers, Westport Country Playhouse

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A Positive Start For Jen Hrbek

Posted on December 22, 2017 | 2 comments

In her first week on the job, Jeff Wieser took Jen Hrbek to lunch.

That simple gesture reinforced Positive Directions‘ new executive director’s impression that Westport is “a very special community.”

The CEO of Homes With Hope “took hours out of his busy day” to meet with and mentor Hrbek, she marvels. “I’d already felt a big hug from Westport. This made me feel even more welcome.”

Jen Hrbek

Hrbek brings a wide-ranging resume to the helm of the well-respected Westport-based non-profit provider of alcohol and substance misuse prevention, and individual counseling services.

She combines 9 years’ experience helping small businesses grow, with a clinical background that includes work at Silver Hill and a private counseling agency.

She’s young, energetic — and ready to tackle some of the area’s most serious problems.

Growing up near Boston, Hrbek was involved in church activities, senior centers and soup kitchens. But she was an entrepreneur too, breeding rabbits with her brother and selling gimp bracelets at school.

Hrbek majored in human development and family services at the University of Connecticut. She volunteered with the homeless, worked as a family and civil defense monitor at the Stamford courthouse, then worked for a criminal attorney.

She considered law school — until her boss was indicted for obstruction of justice. “I had to get out of that field,” she says.

She spent nearly a decade at the Women’s Business Development Council. At the same time she earned a grad school degree from Fordham in social work. That led to her position at Silver Hill — the New Canaan hospital specializing in psychiatric and addiction disorders — along with part-time work as a counselor.

Hrbek calls Positive Directions “my dream job. It’s what I love. It marries my drive to build and grow organizations to their full capacity, with delivering clinical services.”

She says the agency is best known for substance abuse and gambling programs. She’d like to expand its “robust, multi-disciplinary clinical team” to include mood, anxiety, personality and eating disorders. Her goal is to be “the go-to resource for affordable counseling.”

In her first weeks on the job, Hrbek has been inspired by lunches like the one with Wieser. She’s impressed with the hands-on work of Positive Directions’ board.

She’s just 35 years old. But as she settles into her new job, it’s clear that Hrbek connects with people of all ages.

For the past decade, she volunteered weekly with Alzheimer’s patients. She’s also the mom of 2 kids, ages 3 and 1.

“We wake up blowing bubbles, and go to sleep after a dance party,” she says.

It’s clear: Whatever she does and wherever she goes, Jennifer Hrbek heads in a positive direction.

Jen Hrbek, her husband and kids.

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Posted in Organizations, People

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Marty Hauhuth Moves In Positive Directions

Posted on May 27, 2015 | 8 comments

In the next month, several pillars of Westport life — men and women who for decades have made this place special — will retire: Westport Library director Maxine Bleiweis. Staples principal John Dodig. Parks & Rec head Stuart McCarthy.

Add one more name to the list: Marty Hauhuth.

She may not be as well known — though Westporters of a certain age remember her as first selectman from 1985-89.

Marty Hauhuth

Marty Hauhuth

For the past 24 years, she’s served as the low-key — but highly effective — executive director of Positive Directions. That’s the non-profit providing mental health and addiction counseling, alcohol and substance abuse education and prevention, and support programs in Westport, Weston, Wilton and Fairfield.

Positive Directions serves anyone, of any age — regardless of ability to pay — with evaluations and referrals. It treats anxiety, depression, and addictive and destructive behaviors of all kinds.

One of Marty’s last projects was a survey of all Westport students grades 7-12, and their parents. It showed that — in large part due to her efforts —

  • Tobacco, alcohol and marijuana youth use has steadily declined since 2000
  • “Past 30-day use of alcohol” has decreased dramatically in grades 7-10
  • From 2011-14, Westport youth “early use of alcohol” has decreased substantially
  • Westport youth marijuana use has declined, and overall use is lower than in some neighboring towns.

Positive DirectionsMarty was a founding member of Positive Youth Development, a Westport coalition that arms parents and youngsters with information to make good choices — and counseling for those who struggle.

Positive Directions celebrates Marty’s contributions (and retirement) on Wednesday, June 3 (4:30-6:30 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church  Fellowship  Room).

Other honors include a tribute book (click “Comments” below and add stories and accolades, or mail to Positive Directions, 420 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880), and contributions in her name to the organization (click here).

Marty downplays her role in Positive Directions. But, she admits, “I look forward to the celebration. I hope to see a lot of friends there.”

The nicest gift she could get, she says, is “to come visit and support Positive Directions.”

8 Comments

Posted in Children, Organizations, People, Teenagers

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Sailing Off To College

Posted on September 22, 2009 | 2 comments

Brown University

A couple of years ago, Marilee Jones spoke in Westport.  As dean of admissions at MIT and (according to the New York Times) “guru of the movement to tame the college-admissions frenzy,” she had strong words for parents.

Let the college process be theirs, Jones said.  Don’t steal it from your kid.

She bolstered her message with a vivid analogy.  Your college-searching child is in a boat.  He’s on his own; you’re walking along the shore.   You can see the boat; you know he’s safe.  You can wade in, straighten the bow or do anything needed to help sail the boat — but if you do, you might tip it over.  This is your child’s journey; if you take it from him, you will remove the first really big thing he does as an adult.

Jones’ words resonated with many parents.  She is no longer on the lecture circuit — she resigned after MIT officials learned she fabricated 3 academic degrees when she applied for her 1st job at MIT — but Westport parents continue to grapple with how to manage the college application process.  And how to let it go.

On October 15, 22 and 29, plus November 5, Positive Directions offers a “Taming the College Process” workshop for parents of 9th through 11th graders (senior parents are also welcome).  It’s an important recognition of the fact that we often focus so much on preparing our kids academically for college, that we forget the importance of emotional maturity.

Navigating the headwinds of college is not easy.  But it helps to know who should steer the boat, and who should watch from shore.

(“Taming the College Process” meets at Positive Directions, 420 Post Road West [across from Whole Foods].  The fee is $195, and registration is limited.  For more information click here, or call 203-227-7644, ext. 132.)

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Posted in Education, Organizations

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