Posted onSeptember 10, 2024|Comments Off on Westport’s Sister City: Report From The Ukrainian Front
Here in Westport, fall feels like the start of a new year.
The opening of school always brings the sense that anything is possible. Energy abounds.
And with so many activities ahead — the Westport Country Playhouse gala and Wakeman Town Farm Harvest Fest this weekend; LobsterFest and Westoberfest next weekend, just to name a few — excitement fills the crisp air.
Five thousand miles away in Lyman, Ukraine, the mood is far different.
Anxiety permeates our sister city. Russian troops lurk within shelling distance. Homes, schools, businesses and hospitals are destroyed. Thousands of residents have fled. Some have died.
A damaged home in Lyman …
But the couple of thousand who remain — including some children — are resolute.
The latest report comes from Bogdan Shestopalov. The other day, the director of operations for Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — spoke by Zoom with “06880.”
He was in Kyiv. The electricity was on — not always the case, even in the capital city.
Things are tense there — and all over the country, Bogdan noted.
… and apartment building …
Nearly a year after UAI delivered generators, communications equipment, other supplies — and, for the kids, Christmas gifts courtesy of our other sister city, Marigny, France — another difficult winter looms.
Russia’s front line is just 6 miles from Lyman, Bogdan says. There are trenches, and “active warfare.”
Artillery shells from so close are difficult to shoot down. Often, residents have just 3 or 4 minutes’ warning before explosions rock the town.
After each attack, it takes a while to restore power. Basic tasks like cooking are daily struggles.
… and another structure …
Bogdan estimates there are still 600 youngsters — including 150 toddlers — in Lyman. Because of damage to school buildings, and the dangers of attacks, classes take place in small “study centers” scattered everywhere.
“There’s a constant sense of stress,” Bogdan reports.
“People are tired, but resilient. Of course the longer this goes on, the more difficult it becomes.
“It’s exhausting. But there is no other way out. Ukrainians don’t allow ourselves to give up. That’s part of our culture and tradition.”
… and bridges.
Residents and town officials are grateful for Westport’s help, Bogdan says.
As winter approaches, there are new needs: generators, devices for heating and cooking, power banks, hygiene products.
As it has done since the war began, Ukraine Aid International uses cash donations to purchase goods in Europe, then deliver them directly to where they’re needed most.
Autumn 2024 is near. As we look forward to fun and fundraisers here, we also remember our friends in our sister city who anticipate a very different time.
(To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here. Then click the “I want to support” box; next, select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
Marshall Miller, co-founder of Ukraine Aid International, in Lyman.
Comments Off on Westport’s Sister City: Report From The Ukrainian Front
When Oprah Winfrey strolled onto the Democratic National Convention stage last night in Chicago, her purple dress was not just something she grabbed from her closet.
It was not even a nod to the movie she produced: “The Color Purple.”
The symbolism was far stronger. A self-described independent, her full-throated endorsement of Kamala Harris was meant to appeal to both Democrats (blue) and Republicans (red).
Oprah
As for the eye-catching outfit — “a peplum-style jacket with sharp shoulders and matching wide-leg trousers … accessorized with simple rings and amethyst-purple earrings,” in WWD’s words — it had a Westport connection.
The Weston-based rehabilitation center — the largest in the state, caring for more than 5,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year, from hummingbirds to black bears — was severely damaged in last weekend’s rain and floods.
On Monday, WIC said:
We have been receiving victims of yesterday’s terrible flood all day today in addition to giving advice on the phone. Countless waterlogged hawks are down, many just need time to dry, others are injured.
So far today we’ve received a juvenile bald eagle, hawks and owls, dozens of baby bunnies, opossums and squirrels, songbirds, turtles, gulls, herons, and bats all drenched and weak. Lots of incubators and heating pads going to warm and dry them first, and slowly we are beginning to hand feed and medicate as necessary.
All of our patients are safe, but our facility sustained significant damage from the record rainfall. The rushing rapids tore through our hill causing interior flooding, downed trees, damaged cages, and driveway erosion. In our 37 years here, we’ve never seen anything like this.
WIC staffers and volunteers field 20,000 calls a year. The center takes in animals from all over the state, plus New York and Massachusetts. Many Westporters use its services every day.
(Another “06880” connection: Besides working at WIC, Dara’s husband Peter Reid is Westport’s animal control officer.)
To make a donation to Wildlife in Crisis, click here. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
To prepare: Sign in to your online account. Under “Account Options,” you’ll see your name with a pencil next to the edit button. Select the edit button; then choose the “Contact Info” tab.
Verify that your email address is current; select the save button at the bottom. You will be directed back to the “account options” page.
Under your family name, you will see your family members. Follow the steps below for each family member.
select “manage family members”
choose a name from the list
Under “Family Member Information,” make any necessary changes. Make sure that the grade (if applicable) is correct; hit “Save.”
Go to “Contact Information” to verify your cell/home phone, and provide carrier if interested in receiving text messages. Make sure your email is current. Click “Save.”
If you are not able to log into your online account, do not create another profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152.
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Ukraine Aid International — the relief agency founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — has done incredible work.
Since its creating just a few days after the Russian invasion began, the non-profit has provided over 300,000 people on the front lines with clean water, heat, medicine, food, and critical medical services.
Among its many projects, UAI has developed 9 “sister city” relationships with American and Ukrainian towns.
Westport was the first, with Lyman. In 2 years, we have donated over $300,000 — along with much-needed communications equipment, bulletproof vests, and more. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas are in regular touch with their counterparts, and visited Lyman in May 2023.
Now Ukraine Aid International has been recognized — internationally.
The group earned 3rd place in the “Help From Abroad” category, at the Charitable Ukraine ceremony. There was stiff competition: 1,600 nominees.
The Mayers and UAI president Katya Wauchope say: “To be recognized on this stage, alongside global giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsico, underscores the significance of the work we’re doing together for Ukraine.”
The honor spurs Ukraine Aid International to redouble its efforts.
To donate, click here. Then click the “I want to support” box; next, select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
There are many tragic stories from the floods that roared across Connecticut Sunday.
The collapse of Oxford resident Randi Marcucio’s house was particularly devastating. The ER nurse and single mother lost everything. (Click here for a harrowing News12 video.)
But yesterday, she was reunited with a special item she thought was washed away by the Housatonic River, forever: her son’s sonogram.
It was found 35 miles away — at Compo Beach.
Nancy Lewis found it, on her daily walk. Realizing it was important to someone, she Googled the name. Up came a GoFundMe to help Marcucio.
Lewis took it from there. She drove to Oxford, to give Marcucio the sonogram. The grateful mom called it “a miracle.”
Click below for the full story. (Hat tip: Peggy Lehn)
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Westport Police did not make any custodial arrests between August 14 and 21.
They issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic control regulations: 10 citations
Distracted driving: 7
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Following too closely: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Larceny :1
Simple trespass: 1
Transporting a child under 2 without a restraint: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turn: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to carry insurance card: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
In Connecticut, children under 2 years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must ride in a rear-facing car seat.
Speaking of police: Janet Sparre reminds “06880” readers to pull to the side — and stop — when emergency vehicles with flashing lights or sirens on are approaching your vehicle from the front or the rear.
In fact, it’s a Connecticut law.
It’s also common sense.
Those lights and sirens are on for a reason. Today, first responders are racing to help someone else.
Yesterday’s Roundup included an incorrect date for the Japan Festival.
The correct date is Saturday, September 7 (1 to 4 p.m., Jesup Green).
The family-friendly festival — sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County — features taiko drum performances, live plays of Japanese folktales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
And finally … on this date in 1902, the Cadillac Motor Company was founded.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — from local wildlife, to Lyman. We’ve been doing it since 2009. But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Lyman — Westport’s Ukrainian sister city — was struck by Russian missiles recently.
A video from Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit formed by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has delivered over $300,000 donated by Westporters to our friends in that town — shows some of the horrific destruction. Click here to see.
To donate to Ukraine Aid International by credit card, click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo.
A resident of Lyman — Westport’s sister city — after a Russian air strike.
Meanwhile, Lyman’s police chief asked his counterpart, Westport Chief Foti Koskinas, for help. The town needs 2 EcoFlow batteries to power up their charging stations for the Starlink (provided by Westport), their computers and other important devices.
Ukraine Aid International is providing the funds, using money from last summer’s LymanAID fundraiser.
Wednesday’s Roundup included an email from a reader who slammed me for reckless driving on Thomas Road, in “my” BMW with “06880” plates.
I noted that I don’t have a BMW, and that just because I publish “06880,” it doesn’t mean that’s my license plate.
Yesterday, I heard from Gary Shelton, who has some skin in this game. He wrote:
“I’m the driver of the blue BMW ‘06880,’ and a very aware and careful driver.
“The man who wrote you should learn how to properly walk a dog between himself and the side of the road. He had the dog on a long leash between himself and the middle of the road on a blind corner.
“The ‘heads up display’ in my car says the speed limit on Thomas is 25. I was going 20 mph up the hill approaching that blind curve. He gave me a choice of slamming on my brakes and hitting his dog, or accelerating and going quickly around him.
“Fortunately I have extensive evasive maneuver driver training. I would much rather have hit the other car than his dog. He should have been appreciative of that, but clearly is not a good dog parent.
“The other car simply went on the small shoulder as I was around him and back in my lane before he was at any impact point. Cars can be fixed; lives cannot.
“I hope you add this to your blog as a response. I have been a longtime Westporter, and that has been a longstanding family license plate.”
The Staples High School baseball team plays for the state “LL” (extra large schools) state championship tomorrow (Saturday, June 8, 12 p.m., Palmer Field, Middletown).
The #19th-ranked Wreckers face #4 Amity.
Fans are invited to gather at the Staples fieldhouse at 9:15 a.m., to give them a great send-off.
Tickets must be purchased through GoFan. The game will be live-streamed here on game day.
Club 203 celebrated the end of another great year on Wednesday.
Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities hosted a party at Ned Dimes Marina. It was their biggest turnout ever: 175 guests.
The Super Duper Weenie truck served delicious treats, with kind service. Guests enjoyed games, MoCA art projects like message-in-a-bottle and decorate-your-own kites, and cookies from Big G.
Club 203 volunteers were joined by others from the Westport Rotary Club. Special thanks go to the town’s Department of Human Services and the Commission on People with Disabilities. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore stopped by to enjoy the event.
Staples High School students respect and admire Cathy Dancz Schager.
Now the Contemporary World Studies teacher has been recognized as a “US Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher,” and through the University of Connecticut Office of Early College Experience Teacher Appreciation Campaign.
Leigh Foran, a senior — also the Class of 2024 valedictorian and a US Presidential Scholar honoree — chose Schager as the teacher who inspired her, and contributed the most to her success as part of the Scholar process.
“I’m so thankful to have had a teacher like Ms. Schager who teaches her students to apply what we learn in the classroom to the real world,” Foran says. “She’s truly encouraged us to become global citizens, which I deeply admire.”
In addition, students participating in UConn’s ECE program nominated Schager for her dedication, passion and commitment to supporting students and creating an incredible UConn course experience.
Cathy Schager
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As the LGBTQ community celebrates Pride Month, many look back at a time when they were less certain of their place in the world.
On June 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Alan Downs discusses his book “The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Men’s World.”
Downs is a clinical psychologist. The vent is sponsored by Westport Pride.
He sends this photo, from Kings Highway North between Main Street and Canal Street …
(Photo/Michael Lonsdale)
… and writes: “Wiring in Westport is a mess. It depresses me to drive around.
“It’s time for the town to come down on independent vendors who are wiring massive amounts of cable with no protocol. Ridiculous. It is out of control!”
He’s right. Wires are always added — never subtracted.
There’s no incentive for cable or utility companies to remove unused or obsolete wires. It’s easier for them to leave it in place, and move on to the next job.
Of course, they have to return when it all comes tumbling down. But hey …
Nearly every Westporter of a certain age has a story about Paul Newman, and his Volvos.
(Mine: He picked me up hitchhiking a few times. “Hop in, son!” he’d say.)
“06880” reader Todd Suchotliff sends along a link to a car website called The Autopian.
The story is about the legendary actor and his souped-up Volvo wagons.
It’s an insanely long story, of interest to auto enthusiasts — but also anyone who knows Ian Warburg and the late Michael Brockman, 2 Westporters who feature prominently in the piece.
The article also mentions a “missing” Volvo wagon, of which Suchotliff says, “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen bit before around town, and parked at a house on Compo Road South close to Soundview. It’s a Volvo wagon, with an ‘RR’ emblem on its grille.”
If you’ve ever had an experience where you found yourself coming together with others whose mindsets, approaches, and/or backgrounds were completely different from your own — yet ended up with surprising or inspiring results — you’ll know what this Sunday will be like at the Westport Library.
In “Unexpected Human Pollination” (June 9, 2 to 4 p.m.), artists will share art and true stories about those times. The storytelling ends with a community conversation on the subject.
It’s the first public event of The Hive — the new project of Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito. The mission is to create opportunities to engage, discover connections and build understanding fueled by the arts, dialogue, ideas and transformation.
The HIVE partners delivers programs in “cross-pollinating community gatherings, arts immersions, and transformation workshops.”
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Art is soothing. So is a sound bath.
On June 20 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), Sorelle Gallery hosts a “Sound Bath Meditation” evening.
The evening begins with a look at Sorelle’s coastal exhibit, Summer Crush. Attendees will then relax on yoga mats for a soothing session led by Hummingbird healing Center founder Lisa Pak.
Tickets are $25 each. There is room for 20 guests. Click here to register, and for more details.
Johanna Keyser Rossi reports that a pair has been hanging around the high tower behind by the police station for a few weeks. Their most recent activity: building a nest.
Today is the day Westport’s gas-powered leaf blower ban goes into effect.
From now until October 15, handheld and backpack leaf blowers may not be used. Make sure your landscapers and neighbors know. Click here for the full ordinance.
PS: If you see a violation, email ckelly@westportct.gov, or write: Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. (Hat tip: Liz Milwe)
The war in Ukraine has been pushed off the front pages, by other world events.
But for residents there — including Westport’s sister city of Lyman — the situation remains very, very real.
Ukraine Aid International — the organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which helped connect our town with our friends in Donetsk — report that Russia is putting more pressure on the front, while attempting to open a new front on the northern border.
With the recent US aid package, 1 million Czech artillery shells, new German air defense systems and more — plus the expected delivery of F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine, the Mayers are optimistic.
In Lyman specifically, they have not seen any movement in the front line, despite stepped-up attacks.
A new Westport project to aid Lyman will be announced soon. In the meantime, aid to Lyman is always needed.
To donate by credit card, click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo.
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The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens June 8.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October, it’s open. Regular items include fresh organic produce, microgreens, honey and flower bouquets grown on the Farm, pls WTF logowear.
Rotating local artisanal products include organic coffee, bread, pastries, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet balsamic vinegars and salsas.
It’s a fun family outing. Other attractions include the Farm’s flower and vegetable gardens, visits with the animals, and chats with the farmers.
As a non-profit focused on community building, the Westport Weston Family YMCA knows the importance of innovative ideas and collaborative projects.
Those things doesn’t just happen, of course. So on June 4, the Y’ will host a “Pollinator” cross-networking event.
Local non-profits, and the Y’s Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund’s grant recipients, will gather for a working lunch.
Attendees will discuss topics like digital marketing, volunteer recruitment, grant writing, fundraising, operational efficiencies and strategic planning.
The guest list is by invitation only. To learn more, contact Kate Guthrie, the Y’s director of development: 203-571-6043; kguthrie@westporty.org.
Speaking of the Y: Congratulations to their masters swim team.
For the second straight year, they won the Masters National Championship, in Fort Lauderdale last weekend. Former Westport Y swimmers, now living in Florida and New Jersey, joined the local team for the meet.
The women crushed the competition with 1501 points, far ahead of second place finisher Greater Cincinnati (1041). The men’s team finished third with 1123 points, behind Cincinnati 1372.
Joan Campbell, formerly of Westport, was the team inspiration. At age 94, she swam 9 individual events and 2 relays. She won all of them, racking up 81 points.
Kristin Gary, previously a Westport Water Rat age grouper, won all 9 individual events, worth 72 points. She broke Y national records in the 100 and 200 backstroke.
Current Westport residents had a strong showing too. Tait Michael won 5 individual events, and broke the national record in the 100 freestyle.
Pam Henry-Moss defended her national title in the 50 breast stroke. Lauren Fabian won the 200 butterfly, while Nancy Saipe, in her first YMCA nationals, swam 10 individual events.
On the men’s side, longtime Westport resident Michael Laux and former Staples High School girls swim coach, won all 7 of his individual events. Matthew Rossi captured the 100 butterfly. Russell Greenberg, in his first Y Nationals (and one year after major heart surgery), swam 4 individual events and 4 relays.
Jeff Sargent who marshaled the Connecticut squad; Cheryl Kupan, originally from Westport, organized the Florida contingent. Both contributed important points to the Y team’s total too.
Westport Y masters swimmers, at the national championship.
Westport architect John Rountree’s son Ben — a 2009 Staples High School graduate — made a short film about Becker’s Hotel Marcel project.
It was entered into the American Institute of Architects’ film challenge. It was selected as one of 10 finalists, out of 140 submissions. Click below to watch:
Kathleen Mitchell, a 25-year resident of Westport, died peacefully on April 18. She was 81 years old, and had suffered from health issues for several years.
The Medway, Massachusetts native received an associates degree from Becker College in 1962. She worked in Boston for the Chamber of Commerce, then moved to New York City.
In 1975, Kathi and Bob Mitchell met on a plane. They married a year later. She had a career in marketing and communications, working for Hilton Hotels International and Meetings and Conventions magazine, where she ran trade shows for the travel industry.
Her true passion was decorating. She studied at the New York School of Interior Design. Kathi also loved dogs, flowers, cabaret singing and shopping. Her family says, “Those who knew her remember a bright, friendly, talented person who always lit up a room.”
In addition to her husband, Kathi is survived by her sisters, Ellie Fenton of Mesa, Arizona, and Carol Devine of Harwich, Massachusetts.
A memorial service will be held at Saugatuck Congregational Church this Saturday (May 18, 2 p.m.). Donations in her name may be made to the church.
Kathi Mitchell
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Claudia Sherwood Servidio has the perfect caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, captured near Cross Highway: “Bambi and Thumper.”
And finally … on this day in 1905, Las Vegas was founded in the Nevada desert, when 110 acres of land next to to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks were auctioned off. The city was incorporated in 1911.
(Viva “06880”! If Elvis were here, he’d say: “Don’t be cruel. Support your local blog.” We won’t hound you any more. But please: Click here. Thank you!)
On the exact (to the day) 100th anniversary of their founding, the Westport Rotary Club celebrated with a gala dinner last night, at the Inn at Longshore.
Rotarians from near and far, town officials and friends honored the club’s long and storied history, from the early days (largely, but not always, strait-laced), to the easing of membership rules and the admission of women, to the current strong and generous nature of the club.
(Everyone received a book by Ron Henkoff chronicling Westport Rotary’s first 100 years, too. Click here for details.)
Videos and slides showed the enormous, multi-million dollar impact Westport Rotary has had on Westport, and the world.
As the next 100 years begin, the Westport Rotary Club prepares for its centennial gift: lead sponsor of the renovation of the Compo Beach playground.
Congratulations to all who made last night (and the reason for the celebration) possible. Special shout-outs go to longtime Rotary organizer and advocate Rick Benson, and last night’s MC, former president Jeff Wieser. Well done, all!
Twenty Westport Rotary Club presidents — representing exactly 1/5 of the club’s 100-year history — gathered for a photo at last night’s celebration. The oldest living former president (1968), George Damman, sent video greetings from Florida.
MC (and former president) Jeff Wieser models 100-year glasses. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this update yesterday:
The deadline for submission of Request for Proposals/Quotes qualification statements from interested construction managers and architects was February 22.
The committee met on March 5 to discuss the submissions. They agreed on which respondents would be invited to submit proposals and be interviewed by the LLSBC.
Each of the selected firms will be contacted this week. The interview process is expected to be completed over the next 2 weeks. The goal is to select a construction manager and architect by the end of the month.
The design phase can then begin.
The Long Lots School Building Committee is moving forward to select a construction manager and architect for the project.
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On Wednesday, Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which organizes and delivers aid to residents and first responders — hosted a roundtable for officials and volunteers in Fairfield County towns that have sister city relationships with that war-torn nation.
Westport — whose sister city, Lyman, was UAI’s first such project — was well represented. Police Chief Foti Koskinas described his trip there last year, and emphasized the importance of his ongoing relationships with his counterparts in the Donetsk region.
Just hours earlier, he said, he had been texting with the Lyman police chief. The Ukrainian chief — who says often that Westport’s support inspires everyone in his town — proudly wears with a Westport Police Department patch.
Lyman police chief, with the Westport Police logo.
But the star of the event, held at the Ukrainian-American Club in Southport, was 4-month-old Archie Wauchope.
The son of Staples High School graduate Clyde Wauchope and his wife Katya, UAI’s director of development, he wore a bib that said — in Cyrillic letters — “Slava Ukraini! Slava Archie!”
In other words: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Archie!”
Archie Wauchope, his bib and his parents.
To learn more about Ukraine Aid International, and donate to Westport’s sister city Lyman, click here.
As the Norwalk Transit District — which oversees the Westport Transit District — “re-envisions” bus service here, they invite Westport residents to a meeting March 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The charrette-session format will include remarks from Transit District officials, then a chance for attendees to give feedback on improvements they’d like to see.
The unique Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Saturday night entertainment — dinner at one of 12 downtown restaurants, then a dance party with 8-piece funk and soul band West End Blend at the Westport Library — followed by post-concert happy hour pricing for drinks at any of the 12 participating restaurants (Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Goji, Il Pastaficio, Mexicue, Nômade, Spotted Horse and Walrus Alley.
Tickets ($87) include the concert, dinner, tax and tip (drinks are not included). Tickets for the concert only are $35. Click here to buy, and for more information.
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Aargh!
There was another confusing date in yesterday’s item about beach emblem sales. Here is the re-corrected info. “06880” apologizes for the confusion:
Beach parking emblems go on sale online, and in the Westport Parks & Recreation Department office, at 9 a.m. next Monday (March 11) for Westport and Weston residents. The number of sales to Westport and Weston residents is not limited, and they are not required until May 1.
Sales of emblems to people not living in Westport or Westonbegin online, and in the Parks & Rec office, at 9 a.m. next Wednesday (March 13). A limit of 450 will be sold.
If you have purchased emblems or registered for Parks & Rec programs in prior seasons, you already have an online account established. Click here to log into your account. Then choose memberships; in the search box, type “Resident.” This brings all Westport resident vehicle packages to the top page. Weston residents should type “Weston” in search box.
After verification (Parks & Rec may request a copy of your current registration, or updated proof of residency), online purchases will be mailed to you. It may take 14-21 days.
Longtime Westport resident Phyllis Markoff died Tuesday. From 1982-88, she served proudly as president of Temple Israel.
She is survived by her children John (Laurie), Cathy (Jim Bessent), Janet and Nancy (Jeffrey Burt); grandchildren Alisa (Andy), Bill (Anita), Briana, Lily, Jack (Hanna Wallace), Kane (Lana Holley) and Blaze, and great-grandchildren Aaron, Alec, Sophia, Lydia, Isabella and Axel. She was predeceased by her husband Del.
The family will hold a private memorial service next month.
Today is International Women’s Day. In its honor, Westport-based non-profit Nest Egg Foundation is sponsoring a free online chat about women’s health and reproductive care (including in vitro fertilization).
The event begins at 3 p.m. today (March 8). Click here for the Zoom link.
And finally … in honor of the inaugural boxing exhibition taking place next month at the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):
(“06880” is your one-stop spot for news about beach stickers, buses, boxing, and much much more. Please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
That’s all that’s needed for Westport to reach its goal of $60,000. With just $3,348 more, we can fund two wood pellet machines — and provide heat, all winter long, to 2,000 residents of our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
Within minutes, we got it.
A generous and swift gift from a Westport couple — of exactly $3,348 — ensured that both wood pellet machines will be delivered almost immediately to the war-torn town.
Each machine provides wood for 1,000 people, living in badly damaged apartments after nearly 2 years of Russian attacks.
One of the wood pellet machines helping to heat Lyman.
With other donations that followed, Westport’s holiday fund drive has raised $62,672.14.
That’s on top of last winter’s $252,000, and a summertime “thank you” party that brought in nearly $50,000. Those funds have paid for an enormous variety of much-needed aid: emergency communication equipment, police and trash vehicles, meals, bulletproof vests for utility workers, children’s gifts, repairs to hundreds of apartments, portable heaters and more.
The sister city relationship between Westport and Lyman grew out of a similar project with Westport and Marigny-le-Lozon, France. That one began nearly 80 years ago, in the aftermath of World War II.
For 2 decades, Westporters helped our French friends rebuild. Youngsters who received Christmas gifts never forgot our town’s generosity. In 2022, when officials named a room in their Town Hall after Charlotte MacLear — the Staples High School French teacher who was an instrumental bridge — they suggested that Westport and Marigny join together to help a Ukrainian town. Russia had invaded that nation less than 3 months earlier.
Brian and Marshall Mayer — Westporters who founded Ukraine Aid International, a non-profit that ensures goods and supplies are delivered where they are needed most — identified Lyman, in the Donetsk region, as a place in desperate need of help.
Westport is proud of its relationship with Lyman. In addition to 3 separate fundraising drives, Bedford Middle School students sent artwork and letters. They were delivered by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas, who last spring became the first American officials to travel east of Kiev, when they visited their counterparts in Lyman.
Marigny too has been very generous. Beginning this summer, they collected 500 toys.
Thanks to Ukraine Aid International, they’re being delivered in time for Christmas.
For the second year in a row, Lyman residents are spending the holidays under siege.
But — thanks to Westport and Marigny — for the second year in a row, they know they are not alone.
Aid to Lyman is always welcome. To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Yesterday, the Staples football team did what they’ve done all season — on the biggest stage of all.
The offensive line gave record-setting quarterback Caleb Smith all the protection he needed. The defense came through, huge.
The result — a dramatic, come-from-behind, saved-in-the-last-seconds 21-20 win over West Haven, at Central Connecticut State University — earned the Wreckers the state “LL” (extra large schools) championship.
It’s their first Connecticut crown since 2005. And it may be the one that will be remembered the longest.
The win avenged Staples’ only loss of the season: 33-22 on opening day, to the same West Haven squad.
It confirmed Smith — who ran for all 3 touchdowns, after connecting with receivers like his brother Nathan and Sam Petrosino — as one of the finest QBs in Wrecker history. He had already set career marks in passing and rushing.
But it was Max Maurillo who was the final hero. After missing a 3rd-quarter extra point attempt that left them down 14-13, he redeemed himself when the Blue Devils scored to make it 21-20 with 1:15 left in the game, then went for a 2-point conversion to win it all.
West Haven’s star receiver Armani Reid hauled in a pass. But before he reached the end zone, Maurillo hauled him down with a crunching, game-saving, state championship-winning tackle.
Congratulations to head coach Adam Behrends, his superb staff, and the entire Wrecker team. This is one for the ages.
Meanwhile, check out the photo below. It shows Maurillo’s tackle on the 2-point conversion attempt, which gave the Wreckers the state crown.
Just as impressive is the photographer: Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
The principal also took this post-game victory shot:
Due to predicted bad weather, today’s trash pick-up beginning at the transfer station is canceled. Organizer Andrew Colabella will provide details soon on a rescheduled date.
Westporters continue to react to the war in the Middle East. A new sign has joined the Israeli flags, “kidnapped” posters and blue ribbons seen around town.
This was spotted yesterday, at Myrtle Avenue by the Post Road:
Westporters are well on our way to raising $60,000, to supply our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine with 2 wood pellet machines. Each will heat over 1,000 homes through what will be a second brutal winter.
But what exactly is a wood pellet machine?
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who founded Ukraine Aid International, and helped build ties with our sister city — explains, in the video below.
It’s a simple concept. Each machine costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run for 3 months.
We are just a few thousand dollars short of our $60,000 goal. To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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Does your non-profit need money?
Of course. That’s like asking, does Santa need to go on a diet?
You’re in luck. The Westport Woman’s Club is now accepting grant applications.
Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that make a continuing difference in the community. They may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. G
Grants are given each year to organizations in education, health, and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Click here for the application form. The deadline is January 31.
‘Tis the season to be hearing the Orphenians caroling.
Yesterday, several members of Staples High School’s elite, 63-year-old a cappella group entertained shoppers at 101-year-old Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
They’ve got a full schedule this week. This coming weekend, many will be featured in a variety of choral groups at the 83rd annual Candlelight Concert.
Orphenians at Gilbertie’s. (Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)
Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.
Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.
They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.
(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)
The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).
But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.
So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?
Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.
You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.
Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.
The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.
The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.
Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.
In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:
Architectural Review Board
Arts Advisory Committee
Blight Prevention Board
Commission for Senior Services
Conservation Commission
Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
Historic District Commission
Parks Advisory Committee
Tree Board
Youth Commission
Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.
Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form, including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.
There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.
The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.
76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.
The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)
This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.
La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.
There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).
New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.
Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.
Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.
Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.
With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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Pizza and a play.
That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.
Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.
“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.
This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.
She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7; Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.
On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”
Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein.
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Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.
His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).
Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.
Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.
Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.
Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”
And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):
(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As the second winter of Russia’s war on Ukraine nears, the need for help is greater than ever.
In Westport’s sister city of Lyman, the most urgent necessity is heat.
Our other sister city of Marigny-le-Lozon, France –the village that sparked the idea of uniting to help a Ukrainian town — has paid forward Westport’s post-World War II generosity. Marigny spent the summer gathering hundreds of Christmas gifts for Lyman’s children. They were shipped recently, for distribution soon to grateful, war-torn kids.
Of the 5,000 families remaining in Lyman, many lack heat. Ukrainian Aid International — the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — has helped put roofs on hundreds of apartments.
But thousands of people still need electricity and/or central heating. They rely on wood-burning stoves and diesel generators. They are not enough.
Ukraine Aid International has already supplied a wood pellet machine. It costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run one for the entire winter. It provides enough pellets to heat 1,000 homes. That’s $30 per home.
Feeding wood pellets into the machine; the process, and the pellets that heat 1,000 homes.
More is needed.
This holiday season, Westport”s goal is to provide 2 more machines. The total cost is $60,000.
The great news is: An anonymous donor has already guaranteed $30,000 — half of that goal!
Our job is to raise the other $30,000 by Christmas. It costs just $30 per home to heat 1,000 homes — so if we get 1,000 Westport donors to give $30 each, we’ll provide that second wood pellet machine.
Of course, you can give more — in $30 increments, or any amount you wish.
Ukraine Aid International is distributing Marigny’s holiday presents. They’ll ensure that the stoves are procured too, and make their way exactly as they’re promised.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
The Westport Police Department’s latest donation of excess used equipment — including communication devices, and much-needed hats — has been delivered to their counterparts in our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.
It is much needed, as the war grinds on and heads into a second winter.
NOTE: Donations to Lyman are always welcome. Click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
Lyman police officer, with a Westport Police walkie-talkie — and hat.
The town of Westport has hired a human resources director.
Candice Holley’s appointment is effective immediately.
She has over 20 years’ experience in human capital and human resources implementation, with a strong background in talent acquisition, recruitment and retention.
Most recently, Holley served as an independent HR consultant. Previous positions include vice president, people and operations, for the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation, and global director, human resources, with Barnes Group.
She graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in social and behavioral Sciences. She also attended the University of Mississippi to earn a degree in Psychology, and the University of Cincinnati for political science.
Candice Holley
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One of Westport’s favorite holiday toy drives — the Westport Police Department’s, in partnership with the Police Benevolent Association and Police Athletic League — is open for donations.
Toys will be provided to children in need throughout Fairfield County, and at area hospitals.
Officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — and cash donations — in the ASF Sports & Outdoors parking lot (1560 Post Road East), between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., on the next 2 weekends (Saturday and Sunday, December 2-3 and 9-10).
There will also be toy collection boxes at:
• Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road
• ASF Sports & Outdoors Store, 1560 Post Road East
• Awesome Toys & Gifts, 429 Post Road East
• The Toy Post , 180 Post Road East
Questions? Contact Craig Bergamo by phone at (203) 341-6000, or
email (cbergamo@westportct.gov).
More than a dozen teams — each including Staples students, and at least one Westport Police Department officer — battled last night, in the high school fieldhouse.
A portion of the large group of students and cops. (Photo/Dan Woog)
It was all in good fun. The annual “Dodge-a-Cop” event was a way for teenagers and cops to meet and bond — and for the Westport Youth Commission to raise funds for the Homes with Hope and Westport Woman’s Club food pantries.
Kevin Godburn, longtime Youth Commission member through the Department of Human Services (2nd from left) with (from left) members Jake Shufro, Cabry Lueker (president) and Anaam Olasewere (secretary, Dodge-a-Cop manager). (Photo/Dan Woog)
Gault Energy and Mitchells co-sponsored the evening, which included prizes, pizza and drinks.
And plenty of good, clean, cops-and-kids competition.
The winning Dodge-a-Cop team included Corporal (and Westport PAL president) Craig Bergamo (right). (Photo/Cabry Lueker)
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Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates the holidays next week.
The party is set for MoCA, next Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It’s a “hoedown,” so Western-themed attire is suggested.
There’s square dancing, a Western photo area, food and giveaways. Parents are invited to stay and celebrate too.
Click here for reservations, and more information. Questions? Email club203ct@gmail.com
Westporter Rosie Jon — who paints with her toes better than nearly anyone can using hands — celebrates 10 years as an artist with her first-ever exhibition.
It’s set for the gallery at Green’s Farm’s Church, from December 1 to January 12.
Opening night begins at 6 p.m., and includes a chance to watch Rosie create her beautiful art, and a Q-and-A.
The Westport Library welcomed Norm Siegel last night.
The noted local artist discussed his new exhibit, “Visual Curiosities.” It’s on view through January 8.
Norm Siegel (far right) with (from left) admirers Nina Bentley, Miggs Burroughs and Lynn Untermeyer Miller, last night at the Westport Library. (Photo/Carole Erger-Fass)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject is getting ready for winter, at Winslow Park?
And finally … on this date more than 80 years apart, 2 key entertainment events happened.
In 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph: a machine that can record and play sound.
In 1959, disc jockey Alan Freed, who popularized the term “rock and roll,” was fired from New York’s WABC radio over allegations he had participated in a payola scandal.
(Art, music, kids, Town Hall — it’s all here in the Roundup, just like every day. But all this stuff takes time and effort. “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
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