Even if he’s spent the entire time going backwards to reach it.
The 2016 Staples High School graduate has just been named to USRowing’s national team. This summer, he heads to Paris to race in the Olympics.
Rowing is a natural sport for Bub — and not just because he’s 6-6. Both parents rowed at Boston University; his 2 older brothers were rowers too. Every year the family headed to Boston, to watch the Head of the Charles races.
As a freshman, Bub joined the Saugatuck Rowing Club program. It was a perfect fit.
“It’s such a great team sport,” he says. “You’re quite literally in the same boat as your teammates.” The people he met through rowing remain his closest friends.
Bub achieved plenty of success. He and fellow Staples 11th grader Lucas Manning won the Junior Nationals pairs race, then finished 9th at the world competition in Rio de Janeiro.
Oliver Bub (center), with Saugatuck Rowing Club coach Sharon Kriz and teammate Lucas Manning.
He gives much of the credit to SRC’s former head coach Sharon Kriz, and former assistant (now head) coach Dave Grossman.
“Their early guidance was so helpful,” Bub says. “I’m super grateful.”
Colleges came calling. He chose Dartmouth, whose coach was a 2-time Olympian. Bub earned Freshman of the Year honors in 2016-17.
But his senior season was canceled by COVID.
Graduating with a degree in economics, Bub took a job with Citibank’s Bay Area tech lending group.
In June of 2023 he was chosen for the senior national team, to compete in Belgrade. He a bold move: He left the industry, to train full time.
Oliver Bub, on the water.
Rowing is not a lucrative sport. USRowing and the US Olympic Committee offer small stipends. He’s lived off savings, in Oakland.
It’s a frugal life (though, Bub admits, “I do eat a lot”).
He spends his days training and racing with the California Rowing Club. “It’s a simple life. I don’t have the daily stresses that could get in the way of optimized performance,” he says. “I’m always keeping the end goal in mind.”
That goal grows closer every day.
Bub will spend the next 6 weeks training with the team in Oakland. (It helps that it’s now his home city.)
Then he’s off to Lucerne, Switzerland, where the US will face many of the boats they’ll see at the Olympics.
Back in the US, they’ll train at Dartmouth (another “homecoming”) and Princeton, then compete in Italy. After that: Paris.
Bub’s teammate in men’s pair is Billy Bender, a Dartmouth student taking his senior year off to concentrate on the Olympics. Last year, with another partner, Bender placed 5th in the world championship.
Oliver Bub and Billy Bender, earlier this month.
Bender and Bub’s aim is simple: to win a medal. “There’s no real difference after third,” Bub notes.
When that race is over — after 11 years of grueling work, for a few fleeting minutes on the world stage — Bub will …
Well, he’s not sure.
“It will be time to get back to work, move on with my career,” he says. “I probably should figure it out.”
While he expects to spend a year away from competitive rowing, he won’t give up certain routines.
“I enjoy exercising and working out, so I expect to continue that,” Bub says.
“And If rowing calls my name back — we’ll see.”
(Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)
(“The Olympics unites the world. “06880” does the same for Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here to help. Thank you!)
I’m talking (of course) about Westport’s Fire and Police Departments, and Emergency Medical Service.
Their lightning-quick, well-coordinated, extremely professional and exceptionally efficient response yesterday turned what could have been a mass casualty event — 27 teenage rowers and 2 coaches, in the frigid water off Compo Beach in gale conditions — into what Police Chief Foti Koskinas calls “a very good outcome.”
From the moment the first 911 call came, at 5:06 p.m. — from a young rower in the water — to an hour later, when the last victim was rescued, and on through the extra hour spent making sure everyone was safe, then into the very clear, direct and honest 8:30 p.m. press conference, with media from as far as New York, the incident serves as an important reminder that our first responders are even more than first class.
They are the best of the best.
We don’t often think about the training that goes into a response like yesterday’s. We don’t see the hours spent planning for every conceivable what-if, while knowing that not every conceivable situation can be foreseen — and the way that response plays out when a call arrives that 29 people are offshore, in 40-degree temperatures.
We don’t know how they do what they do: ensuring that mutual aid arrives from nearby towns; setting up a command post; coordinating efforts in a chaotic scene; getting an accurate count, then accounting for everyone.
We don’t understand the courage it takes to head out in dangerous conditions, or the emotional toll such an event takes on everyone involved.
We don’t give much thought to the men and women in our Fire, Police and EMS departments — the rank-and-file, and their leaders.
Nor do we give much thoughts to their annual budget requests, and how they use our tax dollars.
But — as yesterday proved — every penny they spend is well-deserved.
And well earned.
Westport gives grateful thanks to our Fire, Police and EMS first responders. Sung or unsung, they are our heroes — today, and every day.
The Westport Police Department offers this update on yesterday’s rescue of more than 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club teenagers:
Westport Police Marine Division continue the investigation into the boating incident. As of this morning, the following information is known:
One of the capsized rowing sculls has not been recovered, and is missing. The other 2 sculls were brought to Ned Dimes Marina last night.
The “chase boat” that sank has been located, submerged near Cockenoe Island, and will be recovered later this afternoon.
Both rowers who were transported to Norwalk Hospital and treated for cold exposure have been released from the hospital.
The total number of rowers/coaches involved in this incident stands at 29. We have determined that 19 people were in the water and 10 (9 rowers and 1 coach) were able to remain in their vessels.
The investigation will focus on any weather advisories that were posted, available life jackets, experience of the rowers and coaches, and suitability of the vessels.
As Chief Foti Koskinas stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again. We feel this investigation will aid in that mission.
Rescue operations yesterday, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
The Westport Fire Department has released photos of yesterday’s dramatic rescue of 27 teenage rowers, and 1 coach, from Long Island Sound.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club athletes and adult were in 3 sculls and 1 chase boat when the weather suddenly turned nasty. The sculls filled with water; 2 overturned, as did the chase boat when the young rowers clung to it.
Click here for the full story of the event, including the superb efforts of Westport’s Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Service, aided by mutual aid from surrounding towns.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brings rowers to shore.
First responders assist victims.
Emergency personnel remained for an hour after the last rower was rescued at 6 p.m., an hour after the incident began, to ensure that everyone was accounted for.
Emergency vehicles from many units raced to Compo Beach.
Twenty-eight people — 27 teenager rowers and 1 coach — were thrown into the water off Compo Beach late yesterday afternoon, when glass water suddenly turned rough.
But a mass casualty was averted, thanks to the quick and coordinated efforts of first responders from several towns.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan described the dramatic rescues last night, at a police headquarters press conference that drew media from as far as New York.
What Koskinas called “a very serious incident with a very good outcome” began around 5 p.m. A Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete called 911, reporting that boats had capsized and there were people in the water.
Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service responders raced to Compo. They found a “chaotic” scene, Koskinas said, with a number of young rowers clinging to boats, between the beach and Cockenoe Island. Others were swimming to shore.
The 3 60-foot rowing sculls — with 9 boys, ages 14 to 18, in each — had been swamped when calm weather suddenly turned very windy. Two of them capsized.
Just an hour before the near-tragedy, Alli DiVincenzo took a photo of the Saugatuck Rowing Club boat on calm water.
Some swam to a much smaller launch boat, manned by a coach. Another launch boat soon arrived.
As the young rowers clung to the first launch boat, it too overturned.
The water temperature was 44 degrees. The air temperature was 40.
The Westport Fire Department sent trained dive personnel. Fairfield, Norwalk and Stamford marine units soon arrived to assist. So did the US Coast Guard. There were 8 ambulances on the scene too.
Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Cohen immediately established a command post.
The Fire Department’s inflatable vessel brought 6 victims to shore. The Westport Police Marine boat brought 6 more to Ned Dimes Marina. First responders assisted other victims as they reached the beach on their own.
The chaotic scene yesterday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Larry Hoy)
Emergency personnel initially believed 25 people were involved. The number was raised to 29. Several of the young rowers had reached shore, and gone in to nearby homes to warm up and shower.
Eventually, all were found, and matched with lists of those who had been on the water.
Responders remained at the scene for an extra hour after the last rower was removed from the water at 6 p.m.. They made sure no one was still unaccounted for.
Norwalk Hospital was advised to prepare for a mass casualty event. Ultimately, only 2 young rowers required medical attention there, for hypothermia.
“The weather changed so quickly,” said Weston High School junior Davis Evans, a 4-year Saugatuck Rowing Club athlete.
“The water was glassy. Then it suddenly got windy. Two- to 3-foot swells crashed into the boat. That was really scary.”
Davis Evans describes the dramatic events. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Three hours after the rescue, he said, “it still hasn’t really sunk in yet.”
But, he noted, his fellow rowers remained calm. “I was really impressed by how mature everyone was.” He cited Alex Vogt, the coach on the launch boat that overturned, as “the reason everything worked out okay.”
Westport Public Schools quickly sent a bus to Compo. The rowers warmed up there, then were transported to the Saugatuck Rowing Club to be reunited with families.
“It was an incredible team effort,” Koskinas said. “The most important thing is that all 29 people are safe tonight with their families.”
“As the mother of 3 athletes, I can’t imagine the range of emotions today,” 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker said.
Noting that 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore had a daughter who rowed with the Saugatuck Club, Tooker added, “We hope that all the kids and families feel safe, and well taken care of, tonight.”
She thanked “this amazing leadership team. We are so blessed to have such a professional group of Fire, Police and EMS first responders.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas describes the events, at last night’s press conference. Behind him are (from left) Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Lieutenant Eric Woods, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Cohen, EMS Deputy Director Marc Hartog and EMS’ Rick Baumblatt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“You can’t really prepare for something like this,” said Evans, the Weston High rower.
“We practice 6 days a week, from 3 to 6 p.m. We were out that far because the water was really nice. There was no sense of bad weather, until it was there.
“You don’t think something like this can happen to you — until it does.”
But, he said, he will be back on the water soon.
“This is my sport.”
Koskinas said that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
(Assistance was provided by the Fairfield Police Marine Division, Stamford Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Boat, Norwalk Police Marine Division, Norwalk Fire Marine Division and US Coast Guard. Eight ambulances and 20 personnel were provided by Norwalk Hospital, American Medical Response and Darien EMS.)
Two dozen residents heard an update last night from the Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, at Town Hall.
Representatives from the Police, Fire and Public Works Departments, and town operations director Tom Kiely, offered updates on the coordinated effort to identify and address trouble spots.
They provided statistics — 491 special enforcement details over the past 6 months, and 2,526 traffic stops — along with tangible actions, like a new 4-way stop sign at Hillandale and West Parish Roads, and sidewalks on Main Street, Compo Road North and Cross Highway.
Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force members (from left): Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Police Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson, town operations director Tom Kiely, town engineer Keith Wilberg, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker also attended. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Then many residents offered trouble spots of their own.
Several mentioned Kings Highway North (east of the speed humps). Others spoke about Bayberry Lane, Imperial Avenue, Thomas Avenue, and Harbor Road on Saugatuck Shores.
A resident wants a traffic agent at Treadwell Avenue starting at 3 p.m., to handle Saugatuck Rowing Club traffic.
One person asked police to teach children about pedestrian safety. Another wondered how Westporters can help push the state Department of Transportation to move beyond its glacial pace. (One example: The town has been requesting left-turn arrows at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street light for 3 years.)
One resident suggested painting “Don’t block the box” rectangles at intersections like Post Road West/Riverside Avenue/Wilton Road, then installing cameras and fining miscreants.
Another wondered why she never sees police ticketing drivers who run red lights on the Post Road near Trader Joe’s and Compo Road.
One Westporter urged Public Works to request more staff.
Last night’s meeting followed 9 other Task Force sessions — one for each Representative Town Meeting district — last year, and a town-wide summary meeting.
“We’ll be back again in 6 months,” promised Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson.
The map on the left shows the location of “enforcement details” between April and October of this year. The one on the right shows the location of traffic stops. (Photos/Dan Woog)
As planning progresses for the Compo Beach Playground makeover, organizers want Westporters’ input.
From all ages.
The Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League are partnering on the rebuild. They’re the same great groups that developed the original playground in 1986, and renovated it a couple of decades later.
The Compo Beach Playground Rebuild Committee designed a survey to capture ideas. It doesn’t take long. But residents’ input will help create a fun, safe and much-loved playground.
But act soon! The survey closes Monday (October 30). Click here for the link.
Compo Beach playground: ready for a rebuild. (Drone photo/David Szymanski)
=================================================
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 kicks off Halloween weekend tonight (Friday, October 27, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.; $5 cover ) with a Happy Hour special.
Beer and wine is $6, with chances at free drinks every hour. The food is (as always) great, and there are prizes for best costumes.
Matt Zako — founder of The City’s Backyard podcast — is host.
================================================
Halloween weekend continues tomorrow (Saturday, October 28, 8 p.m., Westport Library), with a Halloween Concert and Costume Ball.
Costumes are encouraged. Prizes will awarded for best outfits, in several categories. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine complement music by Bella’s Bartok, a funk/pop/folk band.
It is, says the sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, an event “to die for.”
Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Bella’s Bartok
=================================================
Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s kids’ parade downtown — sponsored by Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL and the Westport Downtown Association — included these trick-or-treaters, at Town Hall.
Andrew Wilk’s “Library Medical Series” continues Monday (October 30, 7 p.m., Westport Library), with the second of a 3-part series on the brain.
“Headaches and Migraine: Better Understanding the Diagnosis and New Therapies Available” features Dr. Dario Zagar and Dr. Robert Altbaum. A Q-and-A follows their presentation.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club Junior Program had its best-ever overall showing at the Head of The Charles regatta in Boston this month.
Current and former rowers, now competing for their colleges, contributed to the success.
In a very close finish, the men’s 8+ boat, including Westporters George Bentley, Ben Whelan, Campbell Cohen and Jack Kiely, plus Gavin Marshall of Weston, placed second, behind a late entry from the U.K. That makes them the current fastest men’s youth 8 boat in the US.
The men’s youth 8+ boat.
The women’s U17 4+ boat, with Rylie Cordell and Kate Weitz of Westport, and Anne Studnicky of Weston, captured gold. That continues SRC’s’ national streak in the category.
The women’s U-17 4+ boat (from left): Grace Baker Kate Weitz, Madeline Casano, Anne Studnicky, Rylie Cordella, coach Cody Silvester.
In other Saugatuck Rowing Club women’s junior news, the public is invited to a special event on November 7 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lululemon).
Rowers from novice and varsity teams will talk about their experiences, and demonstrate their rowing machine workouts. Coaches be available to talk about the benefits of the program. The event includes giveaways from Lululemon and Saugatuck Rowing Club, and treats from GG & Joe’s.
All are invited (schools are not in session, for Election Day).
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a porta-potty, nestled in one of the Old Mill garages near Sherwood Mill Pond, and the pedestrian path to Compo Cove.
There’s a back story. (There always is.)
A homeowner on the Cove is having work done. Either the bathrooms don’t work, or they don’t want workers using them. So they set up the portable toilet.
Of course, those potties need to be serviced. Vehicles are not allowed on the Cove.
That’s why it’s there, in the garage.
And here is what that cleaning looked like yesterday:
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.
“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.”
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.
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!)
But the much-anticipated restaurant has already made a great impression on Westport.
Tacombi Community Kitchen launched in 2020, during the early days of the pandemic. The goal was to provide food relief in New York City, where the restaurant began.
Today, under the auspices of the 501(c)(3) Tacombi Foundation, it provides over 9,000 meals weekly out of all 16 taquerias, in New York, Miami and Washington, DC.
They’ve given away over 750,000 meals to people in need. Each one is prepared specifically to be donated, with the same care as meals served to customers.
On Friday, Tacombi brought their generosity to Westport. They donated 50 meals to clients at Homes with Hope‘s Gillespie Center and Westport Community Kitchen. They gave another 200 to other area organizations.
Tacombi meals, in the Homes with Hope kitchen.
“This is amazing,” says Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden.
“They are a truly welcomed partner to Westport. Our clients loved the food!”
Friday’s delivery was just the start. Tacombi will continue to provide Homes with Hope with 50 meals a week.
Imagine what they’ll do for the town once they’re actually in business here.
FUN FACT: The name “Tacombi” is a combination of “taco” and “combi” — what Mexicans call a VW bus. The restaurant started as a retrofitted combi, serving as a food truck selling tacos on the beaches at Playa del Carmen.
It’s been a big — and hopeful — few days for Homes with Hope. Yesterday, 4 important groups — Sunrise Rotary, the Westport Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Saugatuck Rowing Club — joined forces at Stop & Shop for a perishable food collection.
Some folks donated cash. Others picked up a flyer listing most-needed items, purchased them, and dropped them off as they left.
One family — a woman and 2 young sons — came for only one reason: to shop for the Gillespie Center.
“How generous!” McAlinden says.
The generosity continued all day long. Homes with Hope thanks the hundreds of donors and volunteers who stood outside for hours in the heat.
In a town with plenty, there are plenty who give back.
Rob Hauck of Sunrise Rotary with a cart full of groceries, donated by a woman and her sons.
(Homes with Hope can always use help. Click here for information on its food pantry needs; click here for information on all its programs.)
The Republican Party of Westport’s slate for the November elections features a mix of current and experienced candidates, and 3 new faces.
Meeting Thursday night at Town Hall, the GOP chose incumbent Liz Heyer, and newcomer Judy Domkowski.
Former Board of Finance member Tom Lasersohn joins Rich Hightower and Perry Winter in the Board of Finance race. Two current members will not run for re-election. Jay DesMarteau is moving, and Jim Foster has switched his registration to unaffiliated.
Incumbents Amie Tesler and Patricia Zucaro, alternate John Bolton, and former member Jack Whittle will vie for seats on the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Zoning Board of Appeals vice chair Liz Won and alternate Michelle Hopson are running again, while Joe Sledge was nominated to remain on the Board of Assessment Appeals.
=================================================
Only 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets remain before the “Young Shoots” photography contest deadline.
The 7th annual event — for students ages 5-18 — offers cash prizes in three age groups (and a chance to attend a MoCA art class). Click here to submit, and for more details.
But the WFM is a great place for artists too.
Quinn Fitts is a 14-year-old Westporter. He works in sculpture, pottery and watercolors. He’s also an accomplished glassblower and blacksmith.
A favorite subject is Farmers’ Market food. Here are 2 of his works:
“Carrots” (Quinn Fitts)
“Mushrooms” (Quinn Fitts)
Maybe next year, the “Young Shoots” contest will add an artists’ category.
Another creative shopper is Nisha Amir. She personalized her tote bag with a photo of her son, at the Bees Knees Ice Pops stand.
And maybe a “personalized tote bag” category too …?
===============================================
You won’t find this in the Westport Police reports.
But maybe in New York’s.
Yesterday, the cops were called when the line at Popup Bagels’ Thompson Street location in SoHo got too long.
At one time, over 400 people were waiting at the site that opened in May. Several platforms have named Westport-based Popup the “best bagel in New York.”
The next location is the Upper East Side. Details soon, for the fall opening.
This is only half the line yesterday. It wrapped around the block in the other direction too.
Mason Banks joined fellow US Naval Academy midshipman/crew teammate Jackson Fuller to capture the lightweight men’s pair title yesterday at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships in Bulgaria.
Though it was well before dawn here in Westport, he was “cheered on” by a group of fellow Staples High School alums, watching the livestream.
Banks’ team won the race in 6:36.37, nearly 4 seconds faster than the Italian runners-up.
“It’s everything I imagined and more,” Banks says. “It’s one of the greatest honors that I could achieve at this age.”
Click here for a full USRowing report. (Hat tips: Jill Johnson Mann, Scott Robins)
Mason Banks and Jackson Fuller, on the winners’ stand.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club was the site of a recent marriage proposal.
This was the scene:
(Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The answer was: Yes!
=================================================
Everyone loves the Westport Community Gardens.
And everything.
Plants, herbs and flowers attract an astonishing array of wildlife. This dragonfly paused just long enough to be captured — on camera — by Gardens director Lou Weinberg, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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.
