Tag Archives: Staples High School fencing club

Roundup: 29 Danbury Avenue, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Fencing …

Next up on the chopping block: 29 Danbury Avenue.

The 3,145-square foot home with the funky “Beach House” sign, built in 1930, has a demolition permit in front.

It was one of the original summer cottages, later winterized and remodeled for year-round use.

And for sale for a lot more than the first owners paid.

29 Danbury Avenue (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Nearby, almost-spring-like weather brought the touch football players to Compo Beach yesterday.

It’s a long-standing tradition, whatever the elements. But that whiff of warmth in the air must have felt good.

(Photo/Pam Washburn)

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Of course, no matter what the weather, there’s always time for s’mores.

Nômade provided the “fires” yesterday. And these hungry passersby did the rest.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Rob Fraboni, Dick Kalt, Crispin Cioe, Miggs Burroughs, Johnny Montagnese, Michael Friedman, Rusty Ford, Jonathan Moorehead and Dick Wingate are all local residents.

And each one has a wealth of stories about the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.

They’ll tell those tales — about what went on on stage, and off — this Wednesday (March 6, 7 p.m.) at Friedman’s pop-up gallery, 31 Church Lane.

(He’s the photographer who found a trove of images — lost for 50 years — and turned them into a book.)

There will be wine, beer, snacks — and tons of stories about Dylan, The Band, Springsteen, Joplin, The Beach Boys, The Stones, and many more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Michael Friedman knew Levon Helm when he was in the Hawks — the band that preceded The Band. The drummer autographed this for Friedman in 2009.

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In all the excitement over the Staples High School boys basketball and girls ice hockey teams, let’s not forget the Staples Fencing Club.

Senior Max Piterbarg won 1st place in his division, and 4 teammates medaled at the Connecticut State Individual Fencing Championship on Saturday in North Haven.

Piterbarg, Peter Loranger and Eric Wilson will compete in the state men’s foil team champions for the third consecutive year, next weekend in Clinton.

Westporter Delphine de Vore — the volunteer coach — leads the co-ed club team. It began 3 years ago. Fencers of all skill levels are welcome; no prior experience or equipment required.

From left: Olivia Zhou, 5th place women’s foil; Eva Slossberg, 5th, women’s epee; Tisha Darmawan, women’s epee; Eric Wilson, 7th, men’s foil; Vasco Peixoto, men’s saber; Max Piterbarg, 1st, men’s foil; Peter Loranger, 3rd, men’s foil; Aidan Goldberg, men’s Foil; Coach Delphine de Vore. Not pictured: Robert Stanton, men’s epee.

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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys basketball team welcomed youth players to the gym yesterday, for a day of fun.

Future Wreckers watched the varsity practice, before Thursday night’s state tournament opening game; participated in a shooting clinic, and heard about what’s ahead when they’re ready for the big time.

Staples basketball players and coaches — and the next generation.

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The Battle of Iwo Jima lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945.

This Saturday (March 9, 1 p.m.), VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 salutes that decisive Pacific victory by hosting Iwo Jima Association of America Lt. Col. Art Sifuentes, USMC (retired).

Organizers invite the community to come together to honor the brave Marines and Navy men who fought, and displayed extraordinary valor and resilience, on that island.

The iconic image of Iwo Jima.

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A small trash pick-up is set for next Sunday (March 10, 11 a.m.) at Sipperley’s Hill Road (connecting Ford Road and Weston Road). It’s sponsored by VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, and Sons of the American Legion.

Volunteers can park on the road and gather garbage, from top to bottom. Bring your own trash bags, dress warmly, and wear gloves and boots.

Questions? Email Andrew Colabella: acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

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On February 3, New York Times crossword editor entertained a packed Westport Library crowd with his usual wit, puzzles and games, at the 25th annual Crossword Contest.

The next day, he had a stroke.

Yesterday, Will shared a health update at the end of NPR’s Sunday Puzzle. He usually hosts the show.

He said he is recovering, and will be back soon.

Will’s many fans around the world — and especially here in Westport — wish him a speedy recovery.

Will Shortz, interviewing contest champion Glenn Ryan last month. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport resident and longtime Westport Emergency Services volunteer Stewart Reifler died peacefully last Wednesday. He was 69.

The Poughkeepsie native attended McGill University, and graduated from Bard College with a degree in literature. He then graduated magna cum laude from New York Law School, where he received the Law Review Award for Outstanding Editorial Contribution.

Steward became a partner in the law firm of Vedder Price, heading the firm’s executive compensation practice group in its New York office. He edited several editions of the Compensation Committee Handbook.

Stewart was active in many area non-profits. Most recently, he was an active duty EMT with Westport Volunteer EMS, and a member of its board of directors as treasurer.

He was named EMT of the Year in 2 consecutive years. He co-authoring WVEMS’ bylaws and policies, ran their annual fundraiser, and was a regular on the Wednesday morning ambulance crew.

Before becoming an EMT, Stewart was a trustee of the Westport Library. He also served as commodore, treasurer, and member of the Board of Governors of the Minuteman Yacht Club. He enjoyed spending time at the Ned Dimes Marina, and on Long Island Sound with friends.

Outside of Westport he was a board member  of the American Friends of the Franco-American Institute, serving as secretary and treasurer.

His passion for skydiving began in college. After a 25-year break, he picked it back up later in life. He completed over 300 solo jumps.

He also enjoyed summer trips to Tanglewood. His most recent hobby was target shooting, with pistols and rifles. He became an expert in gun safety.

He is survived by his son Jonathan Reifler (Kara Popowich), 2 grandchildren, and his sisters and their spouses, Ellen Reifler (Mark Messenger) and Sylvia Reifler (Chris Christensen). He is also survived by his former wife, Sheryl Vos.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Westport Volunteer EMS. To read more about the importance of WVEMS, and their need for funds, click here.

Stewart Reifler

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This handsome creature posed gracefully for our “Westport … Naturally” feature, at Grace Salmon Park.

(Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

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And finally … if you thought today’s featured song would reference Michael Friedman’s upcoming pop-up rock tales event (story above) — specifically, Levon Helm — you’re right!

(Sure, this morning’s lead story was our annual put-out-our-tin-cup request for contributions. Hope you don’t mind this gentle reminder. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)