This week’s Unsung Heroes selection is a no-brainer.
Four Westport first responders — Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Firefighters Patrick Dailey and Michael Durette, and Police Officer Gregory Gunter — answered the call to bring aid to North Carolina communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
They delivered food, water, essential supplies and a mobile cell unit by helicopter to isolated towns, and helped resolve a mobile communications problem at a field hospital.
Westport Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen (right) delivers supplies via Chinook helicopter. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Meanwhile, the Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs quickly organized a collection drive for food and other essentials, tolls and equipment, and medical supplies.
Many Westporters responded yesterday to the Rotarians’ appeal. A very large truck, filled with contributed goods, are already in North Carolina.
Packing supplies yesterday at Stop & Shop. (Photo/Connie Belta)
But that’s not all. The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston very quickly raised enough money to buy 10 generators for North Carolina.
Our first responders, Rotarians and Y’s Men have made important — even life-saving — efforts.
They do it because it’s the right thing to do, not for thanks.
But all of Westport joins countless hurricane victims in saying: Thank you!
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Hours have been extended for dropping off donations for victims of Hurricane Helene today(Tuesday), at Stop & Shop.
Items will be accepted now through 2:30 p.m.
The drive is being conducted by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary.
The list of desperately needed items is long. It includes food and other supplies; tools and equipment; other essentials, and medical supplies. Click here for a full list.
In other Helene news, the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston have raised enough money to buy 10 generators for North Carolina.
Jaden Waldman is spending his fall afternoons playing freshman soccer at Staples High School. The team is great, but they don’t attract many fans — just a few parents and friends.
Jaden will be seen by exponentially more people this fall in another role: as the younger Dr. Oliver Wolf, Zachary Quinto’s character on NBC’s new series “Brilliant Minds.”
Based on Dr. Oliver Sacks — the exceptionally gifted neurologist who suffers from a rare condition that gives him a unique perspective on care — it airs Mondays at 10 p.m., then streams the following day on Peacock.
The teenager — who goes by Jaden Myles Waldman professionally — is equally at home on the soccer pitch and the stage. He debuted in 2021 (after a pandemic delay) in “Caroline, or Change.”
His other credits include “Ne Zha,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Plot Against America,” “Give or Take,” “Confetti,” and as Peter Pinkerton in “Pinkalicious & Peterrific.”
Jaden may be best known for his voice role as TO-B1 in the Emmy-nominated “Star Wars: Visions,” and Kun in the Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated movie “Mirai.”
Next up: a guest role on “Law & Order: SVU” October 24.
But we will say this: His father, David Pogue — a noted TV personality himself — is proud.
Very proud.
Jeffrey Pogue (right) on Scrabble TV.
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Yesterday’s Roundup included an item about signs from Huntington Learning Center and the Patch Boys that marred Kings Highway Colonial Cemetery.
Brian Rivel, who owns Huntington with his wife, notes that he did not place or dispose of his sign there.
“I was dismayed to read that,” he says. “We would never put a sign in a cemetery.”
Huntington Learning Center on Post Road East.
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee will hold a public meeting this Thursday (October 10, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
Agenda items include the Jesup Green, Imperial Avenue and police station parking lots, and the parking study and feasibility analysis.
Remote and in-person comments from the public will be received as time is available. Comments can also be emailed to DPIC-comments@westportct.gov.
The future of the police station is one key to the development of a new downtown parking plan.
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Speaking of local politics: The Board of Finance regularly votes on big appropriations — our tax dollars at work.
But they don’t just study spreadsheets and grill town officials. Sometimes, they take field trips to better understand funding requests.
This Friday (October 11, noon), BOF members head to Old Mill Beach. They’ll walk on the pedestrian bridges and examine the tidal gates. It’s part of a request for $5,580,000 from the Public Works Department director, to rehabilitate the walkway and structure.
One of the 2 Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates. (Photo/Phil Delano)
Early voting takes place Monday, October 21 through Sunday, November 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
On October 29 and 31, the hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.
Registrations done online, at the Department of Motor Vehicles or by mail must be completed (postmarked or received by the Westport Registrar of Voters by October 18.
All applications to register to vote after October 18 must be done in person at Town Hall, Room 107, in order to vote on November 5.
Citizens may also register and vote in person during the early voting period or on Election Day through same-day registration at Westport Town Hall, Room 107.
Meanwhile, the registrars of voters will begin memory card and tabulator testing this Thursday (October 10, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall, Room 212D. The public is welcome to observe on Thursday, or until completion
Questions about any of the above? Email the registrars of voters: Deborah Greenberg (Democrats): dgreenberg@westportct.gov, 203-341-1116; Maria Signore (Republicans): msignore@westportct.gov, 203-341-1117.
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Add this to your little kids’ Halloween activity list: a “fa-boo-lous”time at Wakeman Town Farm.
Youngsters ages 0-5 are invited — in costume — for a fun event October 25 (2 to 3 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
Lynette Washington headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, October 10, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
Her extensive career in jazz, R&B and gospel has taken her around the world.
Lynette will be joined by pianist Amina Figarova, bassist Will Goble, flutist Bart Platteau and drummer Vinton Hines, Jr. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Spice — a gift shop specializing in fashion, home, entertaining, and baby and child goods — will move into the Sconset Square space recently vacated by Bespoke Designs.
This is Spice’s second location. The first is in Delray Beach, Florida.
A bit of needed rain came and left yesterday morning.
The sun quickly came out. But not before Celia Campbell-Mohn captured this scene, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
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And finally … in honor of the arrival of Spice, Westport’s newest store (story above):
(Whether you’re scary, sporty, baby, ginger or posh, you’re part of our great online “06880” community. And we rely on you — our readers — to support our work. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
Yesterday — after years of fundraising and preparation — VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 began dredging its 50-year-old marina.
The Saugatuck River project will restore the 34-slip marina, a task required every 20 years to maintain its functionality and safety.
The initial phase began with Post members dismantling the existing marina, in preparation for the digging to start next week.
“We’re very excited and relieved that we are finally moving forward,” says Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado.
“With growing local membership and more visiting veterans taking advantage of our offerings, we realized this project was essential to ensuring our financial future.
“We will create a space where veterans, their friends and the community can enjoy the fantastic views of the Saugatuck River.”
Dock work on the Saugatuck.
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Restaurant Week begins today.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual event runs through Sunday, October 13. Yes, that’s 2 weeks. I guess “Restaurant Fortnight” sounds too confusing, in this video game age.
One of the 20 restaurants — Rizzuto’s — has added something special to its prix fixe menu.
Owner Bill Rizzuto has planned a “throwback menu” to the days the Riverside Avenue spot was Manero’s. (It was later several other restaurants, including John Harvard’s and Conte’s.)
It features a buttery garlic bread basket, prime rib, and (of course) Manero’s beloved gorgonzola salad with each main course dish.
They’ll also serve “dividend martinis and Manhattans.”
For a full list of all participating restaurants, with links to their menus, click here.
PS: This week marks Rizzuto’s 15th anniversary here. Congrats!
Rizzuto’s
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There’s a special guest at this Friday’s Sunrise Rotary Club meeting.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will share her administration’s priorities, and offer updates.
The event, at Green’s Farms Church, starts at 7 a.m., with coffee, bagels and muffins. The meeting begins at 7:30, with Tooker starting around 8.
At its regular meeting on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club will have as its speaker Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She will share her administration’s priorities and provide an update on all the great things that are happening in Westport. There will be time for Q&A.
Thomas Jendrock spotted this sign, at Sherwood Island State Park:
He calls it ambiguous.
Agreed.
“The red slash is through the person and the dog,” Thomas notes.
“Does that mean people are banned (doggie’s pets), or doggies are banned (people’s pets)?” Or both?
But the red slash does not look official. Maybe someone is trying to suggest that the sign itself should be banned?
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And so it begins.
One of the first trees to turn this fall — and the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — is this one on Peaceful Lane, off Whitney Street:
There are so many to choose from. But let’s go with one song, from one musical, with a Westport connection: 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul’s “Dear Evan Hansen”):
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Paulie Veneto is not your ordinary former flight attendant.
The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing a beverage cart 210 miles from Boston to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero in New York.
This is the 4th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” fourth tribute walk. to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.
Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.
“It’s a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that defined those tragic events” — and a fitting way to honor Paulie too — officials say.
Paulie Veneto (center), Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right), and Westport firefighter, at headquarters yesterday.
Matthew Torres — the longtime Westport Weston Family YMCA Water Rat swim team member — finished 5th in the 400 meter freestyle yesterday, at the 2024 Paralympic Summer Games in Paris.
He was clocked at 4:32.25. The winner, Alberto Amodeo of Italy, finished in 4:23.27.
This is the 2nd time on the world stage for the 23-year-old Ansonia resident. He finished 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Matthew was born with amniotic band syndrome. He is missing half his right leg, and has deformities on both hands and moderate hearing loss.
Despite those challenges, he has achieved great success. He set a world record in the 1500 meter freestyle, to go along with many medals in international competition.
He’s got another chance for gold on Friday, in the 100 meter free.
Then it’s off to Sardinia, Italy, where Matthew will represent the US in the international Open Water Cup.
Matthew Torres
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Congressman Jim Himes is the speaker at the Friday, September 13 meeting of the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club.
Now in his 8th term, Himes is ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and serves on the Financial Services Committee. He will discuss the work of both committees.
The public is invited. But you have to get up early: The meeting at Green’s Farms Congregational Church begins at 7:30 .m. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served, starting at 7. Rep. Himes will begin around 8.
Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — opened its 2024-2025 season with an “Aloha” gathering last night, at Sherwood Island State Park.
It was a picture-perfect night. Friends were elated to see each other again, after summer break.
They danced and limboed the night away, while enjoying snacks, drinks and desserts, courtesy of Alina’s Bakery.
Fun art projects were also part of the evening, thanks to MoCA CT.
Club203’s next event is October 16: Halloween bingo, at the Senior Center. Click here for more information.
Club203 last night, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo courtesy of Stacie Curran)
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A novel set in Venezuela is the Westport Library’s 2024 Prize for Literature award winner.
“Freedom is a Feast” — Alejandro Puyana’s debut, a multigenerational tale of love and revolution — earned the author a $10,000 cash prize.
In addition, he’ll be honored at the Library on Saturday, September 21, between 1 and 2 p.m., as part of StoryFest.
Puyana will be in great company. The annual literary festival’s lineup of authors includes Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden, Claire Messud, Peng Shepherd, and Joyce Carol Oates. (Click here for the full list.)
“I’m extremely honored,” Puyana says. “Venezuela is going through a rough time right now, with people out on the streets fighting for freedom and democracy. It means so much to have this Venezuelan story highlighted, at a time when we need voices everywhere to stand with us.
But Staples High School graduates Ben Gault and Alex Angus are partnering with BMW of Bridgeport, on a special car show. The September 15 “Cars & Coffee” event (Sherwood Island State Park, 8 to 10 a.m.) benefits the Westport Police K9 unit.
The idea began several years ago, when Alex raised $17,000 with a similar show for Fairfield’s K9 group.
There’s a DJ, and free coffee from Jack’s of Westport (in the former Shearwater space). Local businesses — some automotive-related, some not — are also involved.
Collectors, families, kids — and everyone else — is invited. Youngsters will enjoy seeing a big Gault oil tanker.
All proceeds go to food, care and support for the Westport K9 dogs and officers.
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The Westport Senior Center celebrates “The Power of Connections” at its new outdoor sanctuary on Tuesday, September 17 (1:30 p.m.).
The landscape, pollinator and greenspace project will be dedicated to the late Irma and Joe Schachter. Funds were provided by Connecticut’s ARPA Grants for Senior Centers.
The event is part of National Senior Center Month — and includes treats from Skip’s Ice Cream Truck.
Rebecca Rose is The Westport Book Shop’s exhibitor for the month of September.
She’s showing watereolors she created for a new children’s book, “In the Beginning! A Love Story, written by Westporter Michael Hendricks.
Rebecca and Michael will both be at a reception and book signing this Sunday (September 8, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Westport Book Shop, 23 Jesup Road.
Rebecca Ross, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Just when we think we’ve seen all the spotted lanternfly photos we can handle … here comes a different view.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the underside of the pest.
Ugh is right.
(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)
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And finally … on this date in 1836, Sam Houston was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas.
Nearly 200 years later, most of us have forgotten Sam. But we haven’t forgotten another Houston:
(From the Paralympics to Congress, “06880” has you covered. If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. Now, we hope you find a few seconds to click here, and support our work. Thanks!
Non-ducky weather did not dampen yesterday’s Great Duck Race.
The annual Sunrise Rotary Club fundraiser drew its usual large crowd of bettors, kids, and everyone else looking for a family-friendly, offbeat way to have fun.
Over 3,000 small plastic ducks were dropped from a giant front loader, then raced down a 160-foot sluice course constructed by Rotary members with help from the Westport Fire Department.
Here’s some of the race action:
Before the start. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The crowd waits. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
And they’re off! (Photo/Mark Mathias)
It’s a very crowded field. (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker provides play-by-play. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The winner nears the finish chute. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
The big — as in $5,000 — winner was Will Augustyn.
George Masumian’s duck came in second, earning him $1,000.
Eight other winners picked up $500 each: Stephen Pianka, Jim Marpe, David Moore, Michael Paul, Steven Benardete, Jason Rich, Aimee Monroy Smith and Judith McBride.
It was all for a great cause.
Sunrise Rotary will give away 100% of all proceeds to local and international charities. Officials estimate that $70,000 was raised.
Congrats to all Rotarians, for a great day of entertainment and good works.
Congrats to the winners, too. You trained your ducks well.
Meanwhile, there was plenty else to do, before the actual race, like a Nerdy Derby, pin making, bubble machines and more, plus sponsors’ tents and food trucks.
Here are a few scenes:
Cub Scout Pack 39 sponsored a “Rainbow Regatta.” (Photo/James Delorey)
Kids’ activities were bubble-icious. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
In just a few months, Alina’s Cakes & Cookies has become an important part of the community. Owner Alina Dancho got into the spirit, with duck-themed treats.
Ducks know that the earth is nearly 75% water. The Great Duck Race shared Jesup Green with jUNe Day, when guests from around the globe came to town. Many stayed for the Sunrise Rotary fun. (Photo/Dan Woog)
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399/August Matthias American Legion Post 63 just passed a milestone: 4 straight years of monthly Red Cross blood drives. Over 2,220 donors have participated.
On Friday, the drive sponsored by the Goddard Schools in Westport drew over 80 donors.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado says, “thanks to sustained partnerships with other community non-profit organizations, we have become the premier Red Cross Blood donor site in Fairfield County
“Remember: One unit of blood can save up three lives.”
The next blood drive is July 31 (noon to 6 p.m). Click here for an appointment. (use this sponsor code: VFWWESTPORT), or call 800-733-2767.
On Friday, Lynn Bishop glanced out her dining room window, near Clinton Avenue — and saw this young bear ambling toward her kids’ slide.
“Barely” concealing her surprise, she snapped this “Westport … Naturally” photo:
Other “06880” readers reported seeing it nearby, in Willowbrook Cemetery, and shuffling along that stretch of Main Street.
Yesterday it was seen on Easton Road and then Northside Lane, off North Avenue.
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And finally … Florence Ballard was born on this date in 1943. A founding member of the Supremes, she sang on 10 #1 hits.
Motown owner Barry Gordy removed her from the group in 1967. She struggled with alcoholism, depression and poverty, and died of a heart attack in 1976, age 32.
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Yesterday, “06880” reported that Rye Ridge Deli was closing. A new place called 15 9 Main would take over.
In fact, Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.
That’s ended. It is now officially 159 Main. It is open as usual.
Meanwhile, Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.
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However, there is definitely a vacancy in Compo Acres Shopping Center.
Row House — whose 25 erg (rowing) machines once hummed with activity, with people of all ages seeking a strong workout — has closed its doors.
Row House began in New York’s Columbus Circle in 2014. The Westport location opened 5 years later.
With the closing of Westport, the nearest location is Stamford.
Did you miss Staples High School’s 137th graduation ceremony this month?
Were you there, but want to relive it?
Jim Honeycutt — who retired after many years as a teacher, including director of the media lab — has posted the entire event online.
NOTE: Sharp-eared viewers will note that the “Pomp and Circumstance” processional music in the video is not the same as was played that day.
Staples now uses a recording, which is blocked by YouTube. Honeycutt substituted music played by the Staples band, back when they performed at fieldhouse graduations.
Yesterday morning, 25 people from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for this year’s high school youth group mission trip. They’ll help Vermont residents recover from last year’s floods that devastated the state.
20 youth and 5 leaders will work on farms, assemble furniture, clean up areas in need, and meet people affected by the disaster.
The Saugatuck Church youth group is open to all students entering, in, or just graduated from high school. Attendance at Saugatuck Church or Staples High is not required.
Heading north: Saugatuck Church youth group. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Since his birth, Wakeman Town Farm has fostered an orphaned baby goat.
“Stuart Little” has now found a home. Time Out Foundation of Lakeville — a horse rescue/sanctuary that runs a free therapeutic program for children — adopted him.
Stuart Little and friend.
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Speaking of animals: After 4 years of hibernation, Sunny the Duck is back on Jesup Green.
The much-larger-than-life waterfowl advertises the Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Great Race.
It’s this Saturday (June 29), at Jesup Green.
The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with activities like Nerdy Derby, pin making, face painting, bubble machines, duck pond giveaway and more (plus food trucks!).
The duck race starts at 1 p.m. Thousands of plastic ducks are dropped from a giant front loader, down a 160-foot long sluice course on Jesup Green.
Each duck has a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks across the finish line win money for their ticket holders. First place gets $5,000, second place $1,000, while the next 8 earn $500 awards.
All the fun is for a great cause. Sunrise Rotary donates the proceeds to local and international charities.
Tickets can be purchased online at westportsunriserotary.org, or from any Westport Sunrise Rotarian at any time — including the morning of the event.
Wendy Krueger — daughter of Ralph Krueger, for whom Little Ralphie is named — checks out her father’s namesake with Bruce Paul, Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race chair.
Posted onJune 16, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …
After a rained-out Friday, the Yankee Doodle Fair was packed all day and night yesterday.
Ava Bierman enjoys the Yankee Doodle Fair. (Photo/Bryan Bierman)
The unofficial kickoff to summer ends today. Hours are 1-5 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue. As always, proceeds help fund dozens of grants to local non-profits, and scholarships.
It takes many volunteers to keep Yankee Doodle Fair-goers happy and safe — and not just from the WWC.
The Community Emergency Response Team — which supports first responders in Westport and Weston, and helps out with events like this — has been out in full force.
You may think they were manning (and womanning) a booth. In fact, they were keeping an all on all of us.
As they always do.
Karen Kleine, Westport Woman’s Club Yankee Doodle Fair chair, checks in with CERT president Mike Vincelli and vice president David Kinyon. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
The Westport Astronomical Society’s ham radio club K1WAS hosts ARRL Field Day — an in-person amateur radio event — at their observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane site next weekend. It runs from 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22 until 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23.
Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity with over 40,000 ham radio operators across America. They participate by establishing temporary radio stations in public locations, demonstrating their skills and service.
But you don’t need a radio license to participate. Everyone can get on the air, using radios provided by local radio clubs hosted by the observatory.
Ham operators play a crucial role in emergencies. They may be needed soon, during an active hurricane season.
“Hams have a long history of service when critical communication infrastructure like cell towers are damaged,” says Dan Wright, Westport Astronomical Society board member and amateur radio operator N3DAW.
“Field Day exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of amateur radio operators, who connect the world, no matter the circumstances.”
For more information on the Field Day event, click here.
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Yesterday was the first legit weekend beach day of the year (school’s out, 80 degrees, summer vibe).
Right on cue, Compo Beach was packed.
The photo below is just a taste of what’s to come. Enjoy!
One other sign of summer: the hot dog grill outside Mitchells of Westport.
They’re known far and wide for their coffee (always) and bagels (weekend). But on select days, you can grab a dog with your suits, shirts, slacks and jewelry.
What started as a mom-and-pop shop has come a long way since 1958. The 4th generation of Mitchells has just joined the ranks.
But they never forget their down-home roots.
Hot dogs al fresco, at Mitchells. (Photo/Ed Simek)
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You’ve probably seen Little Ralphie — the inflatable yellow duck — at various spots around town.
While he’s promoting the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race, human Rotarians are busy sorting Ralphie’s plastic brethren.
They’re getting ready for the family-friendly event on Saturday, June 29 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jesup Green).
Attendance — and fun — is free. Click here to purchase tickets for the raffle.
PS: The top prize is $5,000. And all proceeds go to Sunrise Rotary’s charity efforts.
Sunrise Rotarians, sorting ducks. From left: Joe Scordato, Pete Wolgast, president Liz Wong, president-elect Katie Augustyn, Bruce Fritz, Mazie Zdanowicz.
But there’s no limit to the amount of non-humans that can enjoy the facility. This was the “Westport … Naturally” scene recently, at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … Tupac Shakur was born on this day in 1971. The rapper and producer was killed in 1996, age 25.
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Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …
Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the annual Day of Champions.
Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.
A small part of the large Day of Champions crowd.
In just a few years, the Day of Champions has become one of Westport’s favorite traditions.
Jordan Schur’s GOATS team.
The event raised over $150,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings.
This boy named Will, his twin sister (not pictured) and younger sister lost their dad in 2022. Will gave an inspiring speech, about the importance of Experience Camps in his life.
So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?
Experience Camps, for sure.
Crushin’ it, at the Day of Champions. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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A few yards away from Winslow Park — and just a few hours later — Bernadette Peters wowed a sold-out Westport Country Playhouse crowd.
The Tony Award-winning stage, film, television and recording star gave shout-outs to the historic Playhouse (where she has performed before), as she offered unique interpretations of beloved Broadway songs by Stephen Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammerstein and others.
Her haunting “Send in the Clowns” was a special highlight.
Peters referenced the Dog Festival, when she talked about co-founding Broadway Barks with Mary Tyler Moore. Unfortunately, she said, she didn’t make it over to the park; she was doing her sound check.
It was a warm, wonderful evening. And one more sign that the Westport Country Playhouse’s 93rd year will be one of its best ever.
Bernadette Peters (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club joined Saturday’s international Day of Service.
Working with Westport’s Department of Human Services, volunteers cleaned up a Westport yard that needed help. They filled 30 large lawn and leaf bags — a small act that made a big difference.
Sunrise Rotarians (from left to right): Bob Galan, Bruce Fritz, Rob Hauck, Bruce Paul and Ted Freeman.
Also yesterday: the Staples wrestlers’ car wash, at the Shell station across from Winslow Park (and the well-attended Dog Festival).
Many high school teams raise funds this way.
But not many do it with the grapplers’ style: They all wore their singlets.
At least, they started out that way.
(Photo/Jennifer Rosen)
PS: This is not the only way the wrestlers help the community. They’re well known for taking on a variety of heavy labor tasks, like moving furniture or hauling rocks. Whatever people pay goes right back to their program.
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Meanwhile, some folks are not contributing to their community.
Cindy Blount send this photo …
… and writes: “Walking my dog in Winslow park on Saturday, I was astounded to find a number of dog poop bags left on the side of the trails in the woods.
“I picked them up. How about a reminder to dog owners to either drop them in the trash cans provided at the park, or take them home and toss them?”
It is astonishing that people will take the time to clean up after their dog — perhaps because someone is watching — but can’t be bothered to carry it a few more minutes, or yards, to a trash can.
I’ve written about this before. It doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Also yesterday: the Sound Cyclists Bicycle Club’s Bloomin’ Metric event.
There were 4 rides — 25, 40, 75 and 100 kilometers — starting and ending at Sherwood Island State Park.
Attendees enjoyed food trucks, bike inspections and vendors.
Among the booths: Bike Westport.
Markus Marty, a founder of the local group — which advocates for safer streets throughout town, for riders, pedestrians and drivers — brought his “smoothie blender bike.”
He gave out free smoothies, to raise awareness of the cause.
Well, Markus, notes, “they weren’t completely free. People had to work for them.”
How? As the photo below shows, the smoothie blender worked not on electricity, but on people pedal power.
Which made the drink even more enjoyable.
(Photo/Markus Marty)
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There hasn’t been a lot of sun for the past few days (weeks) (months).
But when there is, this green frog (rana clamitans, according to Morgan Veltri of Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center enjoys it.
And — while posing for our “Westport … Naturally” feature — also blends in well with the surroundings.
And finally … on this date in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis receive a U.S. patent for blue jeans with copper rivets. Strauss went on to form a company to manufacture them, which is why today they are called “Levis,” and not “Jacobs.”
(Another week of Roundups begins. “06880” keeps you up to date on everything happening in town — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Following Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission vote approving plans to redesign the Parker Harding and Jesup Green parking lots, longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Lawrence Weisman has launched a petition.
Its goal is to for Representative Town Meeting moderator Jeff Wieser to place on the agenda “the matter of how best to supplement and improve downtown parking.”
Westport is a vibrant town which owes great deal to its downtown and its merchants for whom adequate, convenient parking is a priority. The scheme which is making its way through the approvals process, involving an unnecessary complete restriping of the Parker Harding lot without loading spaces and with parallel (as opposed to angled) parking is inadequate and poorly conceived.
A parking deck on the Baldwin lot will provide additional parking in an easily accessible location at affordable cost without the need to encroach upon the town green. If you want to keep Westport vibrant, sign our petition so we can make the case to the RTM.
The petition to the RTM includes the idea of a parking deck on the Baldwin lot, off Elm Street.
Another Change.org petition — also opposing changes to Jesup Green and aimed at the RTM, though it does not seek an agenda item — was started by Tracy Porosoff. It says:
Save Jesup Green and mature, beautiful trees from being turned into parking spots!
As Dr. Seuss said, we must speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.
Please ask the RTM to reject the funding to convert 1/3 of Jesup Green, an inviting green, open space in the heart of downtown, into parking spots that the downtown merchants do not even want.
Turning this area into paved parking spots will only exacerbate existing flooding problems near the Saugatuck River.
This proposal is not a solution to Westport’s parking issues- it is a sad attempt to destroy our precious trees and open, green spaces. The Westport Library conducts story times in this area. Children play in this area. Birds build nests and rest in the leafy branches. People walk their dogs and sit outside and relax in the shade of these magnificent trees. Jesup Green has been a community meeting space for protest groups, Westport Youth Commission events and the annual Westport Library book sale.
Tell our RTM representatives to preserve Jesup Green and vote against cutting down trees to fund a Jesup parking lot.
Use your voice to keep Jesup Green green, open and beautiful for our town! Vote against funding the destruction of Jesup Green to create inconvenient, unwanted and environmentally unsustainable parking.
We must speak for the trees, which some people are chopping as fast as you please!
Jesup Green, looking south toward the Westport Library.
In the 6 years since the Parkland High School shooting, Fred Guttenberg has become one of America’s most prominent anti-gun violence advocates.
On May 21 (noon), he’s the guest speaker at CT Against Gun Violence’s spring benefit luncheon. He’ll discuss his — and his fellow activists’ — efforts to turn pain into purpose, as well his book “Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me about Recovery, Purpose and Hope.”
Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for some of the strongest gun laws in the country.
They were behind Connecticut’s 1993 assault weapons ban, the 3rd in the nation. Since Sandy Hook, they’ve worked closely with the state legislature to enact universal background checks, an expanded assault weapons ban, and limits on large capacity magazines.
The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club is proud of its interesting guest speakers.
Next Friday (April 19, Green’s Farms Church), US Senator Richard Blumenthal takes the mic.
The public is invited. Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m.; the meeting begins at 7:45.
Senator Richard Blumenthal
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Speaking of politics: Congratulations to the Staples High School Class of 2024!
On Wednesday, the Westport League of Women Voters registered 112 seniors who will turn 18 by Election Day (November 5). Another 15-2 took home forms to complete there.
Last year, 57 seniors registered. So the Class of ’24 set a Staples LWV single-day voter registration record — by a landslide.
Och and oy! Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro are a powerful 1-2 punch.
The Scottish actor (“Cabaret,” “The Good Wife”) and American journalist and singer (NPR’s “All Things Considered,” Pink Martini) join forces for an evening of entertainment at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The November 22 event is called “Och & Oy.” The title pays homage to Cumming’s Scottish and Shapiro’s Jewish roots.
The show combines the best bits of public radio and a musical, with “deep, thought-provoking conversations and also entertaining, perhaps slightly bawdy, musical numbers.” It’s a mix of songs, Q&A and personal storytelling.
Click here for tickets (on sale at 1 p.m. today), and more information.
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The Westport Weston Family YMCA is all about health for all — especially youth.
So it’s a no-brainer for them to invite everyone to Healthy Kids Day (April 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Part of a national Y program, Healthy Kids Day highlights the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, mental resilience, and developing lifelong healthy habits.
The event includes mini-classes, food trucks with healthy options, a bounce house, water safety demonstrations, and community vendors and partners.
The “swirling, ethereal” voices of Lyyra Ensemble’s women’s choral comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, April 21 (5 p.m.).
The repertoire includes jazz, folk and classical pieces. Afterward, attendees can meet the singers at a special reception.
Tickets are available at the door, or by clicking here.
Lyyra
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There are garage sales.
And then there is MoCA and Designport’s “Upscale Garage Sale.” It’s set for May 4 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA Westport.
Interior designers, stagers and local shops will join together to “spring clean” excess inventory at discounted prices — for example, furniture pieces like end tables, dining chairs and ottomans), tableware, vases, lamps, pillows, accessories, throws, frames, small rugs, coffee table books and more.
Upscale Garage Sale sellers include Apadana Fine Rugs, Kerri Rosenthal, House of Prim, The Post, The Rath Project, House of Huck, Maison Sheik, Smart Playrooms and Innate Studios.
A “Drop In Kids’ Art Studio” will entertain youngsters. There’s also music by LeRoy Decker.
There is a suggested $10 donation. Click here for more information.
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Molly Doe Wensberg.is Sorelle Gallery’s new featured artist. Her abstract landscapes of New England scenery — from rolling hills to coastal sunsets — are on view through May 4.
The show opens tomorrow (Saturday). Click here for more information about her work.
Westport resident and tennis aficionado Christian Le Brun died Saturday at home. He was 56, and had been diagnosed 22 months earlier with glioblastoma brain cancer.
Born in Buenos Aires, he grew up in Scarsdale, New York. He played tennis for Scarsdale High School and Lehigh University, and met his wife Oona on the tennis courts of Roosevelt Island.
A voracious competitor, Chris had a rich social life built around tennis. He spent many hours while ill watching the Tennis Channel, with a sprinkling of news. He also played canasta with his sister and parents.
His family says, “Chris was a stylish and elegant man, tall and slim, always impeccably groomed. On the work front he was unusual: a lawyer who loved being a lawyer.”
After working in New York for Chadbourne & Parke, Chris joined Orbcomm as general counsel in 2005. He played a key strategic role through an IPO, multiple satellite launches, 12 acquisitions and a go-private transaction.
His family says, “Chris loved family dinners with his wife and 1 boys, taking long walks with Oona and their chocolate lab Latte, and playing as much tennis as his busy schedule would allow.”
In addition to his wife and sons Nicolas and Jacque, Chris is survived by his parents Yves and Ana, brothers Lee and Paul, and sister Ceci.
A memorial service is set for on April 22 (2 p.m., Greens Farms Congregational Church). Click here to leave online condolences.
To honor Chris’s love for tennis, his family encourage donations to OTA, which supports underprivileged children in Cameroon through tennis and education.
And finally … happy birthday to Herbie Hancock! The jazz great is 84 years old today.
(And finally … every day, “06880” brings news of upcoming shows, talks, gallery openings and every other event imaginable. Please click here to support our wide-ranging blog. Thanks for your help!)
A reminder: This Sunday is the “State of the Town” forum.
The annual event — featuring 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein — is February 4 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Westport Library; click here for livestream).
They’ll discuss the past year for the town and Board of Ed, respectively, and look to the future. They’ll take questions from the audience too.
As always, it’s a co-production of Westport Sunrise Rotary, and the Rotary Club of Westport.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
Cava opens Friday next to Westport Hardware, across from Fresh Market.
The national fast food chain has over 300 outlets. The menu includes pitas (crispy falafel, spicy chicken and avocado, spicy lamb meatball and Greek chicken), and salad bowls (spicy chicken, zesty falafel, lemon chicken, harissa avocado, lentil avocado, tahini Caesar and more).
CAVA is known for its community involvement. Even before its official opening, they’re showing Westport why.
On Thursday (February 1), guests are invited for a free lunch (10:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or dinner (5 to 8 p.m.). Donations to Food Rescue US are encouraged — and CAVA will match them, up to $1,000. Advance registrations are required; click here.
Since 2019, CAVA’s nationwide Community Day program has donated more than $350,000 to over 60 non-profit organizations. Much of the funding is aimed at improving food security.
Westporter Kelli O’Hara’s performance as Kirsten Arnesen in “Days of Wine and Roses” earned a stellar review in Sunday’s New York Times.
Laura Collins-Hughes wrote:
O’Hara, who starred in Lucas and Guettel’s “The Light in the Piazza” on Broadway in 2005, is particularly sublime. Her nuanced and variable performance is as technically impressive and fully human in its acting as in its singing — and the singing is considerable.
Of the show’s 18 numbers, she has 14, seven of them solos. In her crystalline tone are secrets of Kirsten’s soul that aren’t explicit in Guettel’s lyrics; when she sings “Sammen I Himmelen,” a kind of prayer as lullaby, to baby Lila, we can hear Kirsten missing her own dead mother.
The same edition of the Times also included an in-depth story of the play’s route from movie to Broadway. O’Hara gets much of the credit.
The piece begins:
As origin stories go, the transformation of “Days of Wine and Roses” from a movie into a musical is a straight shot, with a twist. Kelli O’Hara and Adam Guettel had the inkling more than 20 years ago, when she was a Broadway ingénue, working on what became her breakthrough Tony-nominated role in “Light in the Piazza.”
Guettel had written the music and lyrics for that musical, which went on to earn him a Tony Award for best score. They talked through their coordinating vision for evolving “Wine and Roses,” the midcentury classic of a romance ruined by addiction. “I think I used the words ‘a weird dark opera,’” O’Hara recalled.
Later, Melena Ryzik writes:
In her New York Times review of its premiere last year, at Off Broadway’s Atlantic Theater Company, Laura Collins-Hughes called it “a jazzy, aching musical” with an “awfully glamorous” central pair. And O’Hara, who then as now sings 14 of the 18 numbers in the show, was, she wrote, “in exquisite voice.”
During that run and in previews on Broadway, O’Hara said she quickly understood how viscerally the narrative connected with audiences. One theatergoer came up to her after a show, “with a full drink in her hand,” she said, “crying and hugging me and saying, ‘you know, I’m a mother and I worry about my drinking.’ And she was quite past sobriety at that point.”
Another woman walked by and thanked her, quietly adding, “‘23 years’ — meaning 23 years sober,” O’Hara said.
Few people’s lives, she noted, have not been touched by addiction. “I lost a couple of friends to this over the pandemic, and I think many people got sober over the pandemic,” she said. Even though there’s more understanding of its pervasiveness than “in the time of Kirsten and Joe, it’s not changing, it’s not ending, and it won’t.”
The very same Times Arts & Leisure section included a review of Sarah Jarosz’s new album, “Polaroid Lovers.” It was produced by — and includes several songs written by — Daniel Tashian.
The Nashville-based singer/songwriter/producer is the son of country artists Barry and Holly Tashian. Both are Staples High School graduates; Barry was the founder and front man of The Remains, the band that camethisclose to national stardom, and opened for the Beatles on their final American tour.
Click here for the story on Sarah Jarosz and Daniel Tashian. (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Kelli O’Hara and Brian D’Arcy James in “Days of Wine and Roses” at Studio 54. (Photo/Sara Krulwich for The New York Times)
From art exhibits and speakers to drag shows, MoCA Westport offers plenty of interesting programs.
Always among the most popular: concerts by Michelle Pauker February 8 (7 p.m.) for a special pre-Valentine’s Day “Songs for Lovers” show. From Broadway and jazz to folk and pop, she’ll cover just about every “love-ly” genre.
She has performed around the country. But MoCA remains one of her favorite venues.
Like Michelle’s 2 previous performances, this will sell out. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Michelle Pauker
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Cathy Malkin — a “humane educator” who teaches responsible pet care and safety around dogs, as well as an animal reiki teacher/practitioner — is offering 2 in-person classes for area animals (and their people).
”Learning to Communicate Telepathically with Animals (Especially Your Pet!) is February 3 (2 to 3:30 p.m., The Transformation Center, Westport).
The class includes a Q-and-A session where Cathy will answer one question about your pet, whether living or departed, so attendees can hear their wisdom and guidance. Bring a photo of the pet on your phone.
In addition, dogs are invited to an ”Animal Reiki and Sound Healing Bath Meditation” (February 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Hummingbird Healing Center, Westport).
The event combines the healing power of a guided animal reiki meditation with a soothing multi-instrumental sound bath, designed to help guests and their dogs relax on “a journey into a shared space of inner peace and heart connection with dogs.” (Dogs are optional.)
The County Assembly formal dance, for high school students, was held this past weekend. Among the attendees (below, from left): Samantha Henske, Megan Healy and Ava Chun.
Meanwhile, Village Pediatrics showed up in force. Doctors and office staff showed up in force, to ensure a smooth check-in for their patients — and everyone else.
Genna Grushkin, Evelyn Anderson, Crystal Perez and Dr. Nikki Gorman join parents at the County Assembly dance.
Chef Raquel Rivera teaches braising techniques that can be used for many Dutch oven meals, at a “Cozy Winter Meals” class on March 7 (7 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.
Click here for tickets, and more information. (PS: It’s BYOB.)
Coq au vin
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Pianist Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (February 1, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399l music charge $20, $15 for students and veterans).
Her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”
She’s joined by Mike Camacho (drums), Sameer Shankar (bass), and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Darcy Miller Boyd Austin died Friday peacefully at her home in Damariscotta, Maine, surrounded by family and friends. She was 81.
After moving from Manhattan to Westport in 1948, she attended Saugatuck Elementary, Long Lots Junior High and Staples High School. She graduated from Connecticut College, then earned a master’s in special education from Columbia University.
She married Warwick Boyd and moved to New Mexico with VISTA, and had a son, Jesse Boyd, in 1970. She divorced, and moved to Maine. She lived at the Pemaquid Lighthouse in keepers’ cottage from 1984 to 2004.
Darcy taught school in Bristol, then worked at the daycare in the YMCA, and got her CNA certification in 2004. She married Jim Austin in 1993.
After retiring, she volunteered for many organizations.
Darcy is survived by her husband, Jim Austin; Jim’s son Christopher Austin; his granddaughters Guinevere and Penelope Austin; her son Jesse Boyd (Sheila) and and her grandson Elliott Boyd; her sister Holly Watts (Michael); her brother John Miller; nieces Sara Miller, Kate Watts Gregory, Tory Watts Donohue, Ali Watts Sise, their spouses, and 8 grandnieces and grandnephews.
A celebration of her life will be held in Maine this June.
And finally … on this date in 1969, the Beatles gave their last public performance. Their impromptu concert on the roof of Apple Records in London was broken up by police.
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