Cooper Shapiro is a 4th grader at Long Lots Elementary School.
He’s also the founder of Coop’s Canteen. The pop-up snack stand is quickly becoming a fan favorite among hungry players, parents and siblings.
What started as a simple question —what happened to the snack stand? —turned into a full-fledged business idea.
With the old concession building sitting idle, Cooper saw an opportunity.
He stepped right up to the plate.
This is not, however, your average kid’s lemonade stand. Cooper brought in a very modern business partner: AI.
He used ChatGPT to work through pricing strategy, build a simple inventory tracker, and design an eye-catching logo.
Cooper Shapiro with his sign …
Of course, there’s a Venmo QR code for easy payment.
Yet the setup is more “Leave it to Beaver” than 21st century: a folding table, a lineup of snacks, and a young entrepreneur ready to serve.
The vibe is equal parts baseball, business and community.
You can usually find Coop’s Canteen on Saturdays at the Town Farm fields — somewhere between Kowalsky and White — or at Coleytown Elementary.
(It depends on where his younger brother Asher is playing.)
… and at his table, with his younger brother Asher.
Parents appreciate the convenience. Kids love the independence.
Cooper, meanwhile, is always thinking about his next restock.
What makes Coop’s Canteen special is more than the snacks. It’s the spirit behind it.
Cooper saw a problem. Then he figured out how to fix it.
He smashed this one out of the park.
(Young Westporters are doing remarkable things — and “06880” is your place to discover them. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Perrin Delorey was a 10-year-old Westport Little Leaguer, ice hockey player and Cub Scout. He died in June of 2018. following a car accident after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Perrin’s memory has been kept alive by his family, friends, Little League and Staples Tuition Grants. On Wednesday, his father James posted on Facebook:
Today is our son Perrin’s 18th birthday.
Perrin was a thoughtful young man with a great future ahead of him. Angela and I talk about him all the time, as do his little sisters, Mireille and Elodie. He truly is present in our family of 5.
Perrin Delorey earned a Little League game ball in May 2018.
Perrin’s friends and classmates are now high school seniors, making plans for career, public service, university. It is both difficult and wonderful to see all of their accomplishments these last 8 years – performing in school plays, excelling at athletics, making music, volunteering in our community, climbing mountains, becoming Eagle Scouts, becoming adults.
These dreams and hopes are like those we had for Perrin, and what we have now for Mireille and Elodie.
Perrin at McGill University.
This year Perrin’s classmates, led by his “identical cousin” Philip, have created the Perrin Ryan Delorey “Do Your Best” Award, a Staples Tuition Grant that – because of the generosity of so many – will be given in perpetuity to help students pursue their dreams of higher education.
The award is modeled, in part, on Westport Little League’s Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award, presented not to the “best” player, but to the player who works the hardest to improve and help their teammates.
Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams. He was a big Boston Red Sox fan.
We are so inspired by all the recipients of this award, and look forward to the continued adventures of Perrin’s peers as they enter adulthood.
What will they teach us? Where will they take us? What will they teach others? What kind of families will they build? How many people will they help? Who will they love?
We had all these questions and great expectations for Perrin, and now have them for his little sisters.
Perrin in a Princeton shirt, from his aunt Francesca Ryan.
Today, on Perrin’s 18th birthday, please, if you can, take a deep breath, say Perrin’s name out loud, and do your best to help someone else’s dreams come true.
(To donate to Perrin’s Staples Tuition Grants award, click here. Then choose “The Perrin Delorey ‘Do Your Best’ Award,” from the drop-down menu — it’s near the bottom of that list.)
Perrin, with his Cub Scout Eclipse Award.
Perrin at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore …
… and at his mother Angela’s Hamilton College hockey rink.
Perrin with his godfather, Professor Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos, at the University of Toronto.
Posted onJuly 3, 2025|Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2997
Westport’s 10u all star team earned a 5-4 walkoff win againt Trumbull in the Little League district tournament last night. Then they celebrated together at the Compo Beach fireworks. (Photo/Rick Lane)
One other cool look at the colorful show … (Photo/Joanne Precouri)
… plus the view from Old Mill. (Photo/Sue Pfister)
Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner last night was — as always — a highlight of graduation week.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo and coaches presented plaques to one senior from each varsity sport. They were honored for their achievements beyond the field, court, track or pool. They were leaders in the classroom too, and the community.
Each answered one question about their academic interests, passions and hobbies. Those ranged from cancer research with fruit flies to ballroom dancing; from using a 3D printer to create prosthetic limbs, to gardening.
There are 40 varsity sports at Staples. Fall honorees were Sawyer Dalzell, Annabel Edwards, Tyla Ozgen, Perrin Root, Samantha Sandrew, Megan Sargent, Danielle Schwartz, Leo Skatoff, Aidan Stubbs, Grace Zhang and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.
Winter sports honorees were Sofia Alarcon-Frias, Alessandro Alderucci, Rhiya Anand, Will Boberski, Audrey Curtis, Josh Ginsburg, Alexandra Hackett, Ella Harrington, Alexis Krenzer, Cooper Paul, Katherine Phelps, Tyler Signorile, Adam Udell, Evan Wallitt and Ben Zwick.
Spring sports honorees were Mark Adipietro, Nina Bowens, Ben Cukier, Shreyas Gorre, Madeline Hendley, Nate Hordon, Sophia Novello, Rachel Pontoriero, Cameron Prior, Vivian Shamie, Ryan Tzou, Edward van der Merwe and Sadie Vincini.
Sarullo handed out other awards too. The athletic department’s top 2 honors — the Thomas DeHuff and Jinny Parker Awards — went to Jake Goldshore and Addison Coughlin, respectively.
Laddie Lawrence Foundation scholarships of $7,000 each were presented to Sam Rondon, Preston Sirok and Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.
Nolan Francis won the Junior Leadership Award.
FCIAC Life Teammate Awards went to Brian Divino and Molly Whittle.
Prepzone founder Steve Divino and longtime trainer Corey Iamonico received Staples Athletics Appreciation Awards.
Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo, and trainer Corey Iamonico. (Photo/Michelle Garrity)
Speaking of sports: James Delorey sends this “love letter to Westport Little League”:
“On Saturday, the Westport Little League presented Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Awards in each of the league’s 4 divisions. What a beautiful day!
“Players nominate the teammate they believe exemplifies sportsmanship and effort to improve. The coaches say the kids ‘get it,’ and always seem to nominate players who, like Perrin, may not the star players but support their teammates and do their best to improve their game.
“Seven years ago this month — even before Perrin’s funeral had taken place — Westport Little League held a moving celebration of his life. They retired his Cubs #5 on the wall of Kowalsky Field, where he played his last game days before, and announced their intention to make sure players and their families remembered him and his spirit.
“Every year we hear from the Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award nominees, and the winners and their families, about how much this award means to them.
“Yesterday Perrin’s sisters Mireille and Elodie got to celebrate with some of the nominees and winners — including one who lives on our road and who never met Perrin — and hear how Perrin’s memory is now a meaningful part of their lives. Tears now as I write.
“Our family is so grateful to Westport Little League and to the players, coaches and families who join, give, volunteer, and do their best to build a community of good. Play ball!”
AA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Rivington Hall (holding plaque), with fellow AA Division nominees, Perrin’s father James, and sisters Mireille and Elodie Delorey. (Photo/Adam Hall)
Presentation to AAA Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Benjamin Gionfriddo. (Photo/Brian Marcucio )
A Division nominees with Perrin’s friend, Staples High School junior Harrison Sydor. Finnegan McDuffie (not pictured) was the A Division winner. Other nominees were (from left) James Ettinger, Patrick Downing, Kyle McInerny and Colton Galati. Also not shown: Royal Anderson. (Photo/Brian Marcucio)
Majors Division Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award winner Sam Katz. (Photo/Bill Ryan)
One of the founding members of the all-female Troop 139, just finishing her junior year at Staples, she had her Eagle Court of Honor yesterday.
Jordan’s parents are heavily involved in scouting. Katherine O’Brien served as Troop 139 scoutmaster for many years, while her father Andy O’Brien is scoutmaster of Troop 36 (where Jordan’s 2 brothers are also Scouts.)
Jordan O’Brien (center) and her family. (Hat tip and photo/Maggie Gomez)
Werner Liepolt says: “Respect your local snapping turtle” — especially during egg laying season. “She can easily snap off a finger, or a dog’s nosy nose.”
He “snapped” today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo on Green Acre Lane.
Members of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 know the importance of displaying the American flag.
And disposing of it properly.
That got a bit easier yesterday. Will Bernard donated a handcrafted US flag retirement drop box to the Riverside Avenue post. It’s part of his Scout Troop 39 Eagle Scout project.
The custom-built box offers a respectful way for anyone to retire worn and weathered US flags.
VFW Post 399 conducts ceremonial flag retirements throughout the year. Each flag is respectfully and properly disposed of, in accordance with the American Flag Code.
Will Bernard and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, with Will’s US flag retirement drop box.
Over 250 people honored 2 non-profits last week: Circle of Care and Project Morry.
The event was held by !mpaCT – a group of mostly Westport residents who raise money and awareness for local charities primarily focused on helping children.
!mpaCT was formed in 2017 by parents of children at TCS Preschool. They wanted their youngsters to learn empathy and the importance of volunteering,” says co-founder Eric Ritter.
Each year they select 1 or 2 charities, which receives 100% of the funds raised at a gala. That’s $100,000 to $200,000 each time.
Also raised: awareness. Attendees learn about each organization’s impact — and needs.
Circle of Care provides financial, emotional and practical support to children with cancer and their families. They have helped over 3,800 area families with programs like day-of-diagnosis care bags, dream room makeovers and non-medical financial assistance.
Project Morry empowers young children from under-resourced communities in the tri-state area through comprehensive academic enrichment and educational programs, summer learning, life-changing camp experiences, and one-on-one mentoring. Over 255 children have graduated from their programs.
Congratulations to the Rangers — Westport Little League Majors champions. They beat the Mets in the big title game.
From left: Kneeling: Blake Stuart, Cole Stanger, Christian Jo. Middle row: Akash Mattoo, John Conry, Jack Kingsley, Ashton Rubin, Justin Mastrocciolo, Cameron Gregory. Coaches: Kelly Stuart, Ken Stanger, James Kingsley, Scott Mastrocciolo.
Spotted at Sherwood Mill Pond, on the way to Compo Cove:
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
There must be a back story. If you know it, please click “Comments” below.
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Longtime Westporter Patricia Lewis died last Sunday at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport. She was 88.
The Bridgeport native was married to Raymond H. Lewis for 50 years, before his death in 2008.
She had a long career in marketing, and enjoyed her time as a technical writer.
While raising her children and working, she obtained her bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University.
Patricia loved traveling, and cooking for her family.
Survivors include her son Vernon (Lynn) of Trumbull; daughter Lisa Setian (Steve) of Harwichport, Massachusetts; grandchildren Christopher, Cassidy, Taylor, Jeremy and Melany; great-grandchild Tyson, and daughter-in-law Leslie Fairbaugh. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son Stephen and sister Barbara Money.
The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on Tuesday (June 10, 10 a.m.). A funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 11 a.m.. Burial will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Patricia Lewis
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is one of our best — and coolest — ever.
Photographer Lou Weinberg writes: “Pollination is awesome…and essential.
“This photo is of one of Connecticut’s native bees, taking time to clean its antenna while gathering pollen from, and pollinating, a Lupine flower.
“Bee antenna perform the critical sensory functions of touch, smell, taste, and even hearing. They also help with navigation, orientation, communication, detecting carbon dioxide, and building honeycomb. There are over 300 different species of native bees in Connecticut.
“The sharp spike on the flower, called the ‘keel,’ is exposed when the bee lands on the bottom petal of the flower. The keel houses both the male and female parts of the flower.
“You can tell this bee has been gathering for a while, because of the large yellow/gold pollen sacks on its back legs.”
What do Westport police officers do on their time off?
They help the waiters and bussers at Rizzuto’s.
No, they’re not earning extra cash. At least, not for themselves.
For 4 hours Friday night, Westport’s finest welcomed diners, took orders and served meals. The “Tip-A-Cop” event was a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Customers were encouraged to leave extra tips — and boy, did they. The WPD raised a whopping $11,000.
“Rizzuto’s was an amazing host, and their guests were very generous,” says Lieutenant Eric Woods.
With passion, insights, humor and love, scholars present and past honored A Better Chance of Westport last night.
The highlight of the annual Dream Event fundraising gala for the program that provides educational and enrichment opportunities to students of color from less advantaged communities was — as always — speeches by soon-to-be graduates, and a returning alum.
Seniors Michael Loya and Brian Lu traced their journeys from freshmen in an entirely new environment (Westport seemed like “a forest”), to their proud achievements in the classroom, and beyond.
They offered profuse thanks to the many volunteer host families, drivers, tutors, executive directors and board members who helped them on their journey.
Brian Lu and Michael Loya.
In the COVID year of 2020, Yoel Hooper-Antunez never gave his senior speech. He made up for it this year, with an inspiring tale of his 4 years at ABC’s Glendarcy House, his career at Grinnell College, and his work now for a gaming company in Las Vegas.
Yoel too acknowledged the cultural change he navigated, coming here. Growing up next to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the first thing he noticed about Westport was the quiet.
It was a joyful, heartfelt night. Westport does much for our ABC scholars.
A reader writes, “While I was walking with a friend at Sherwood Island State Park Friday around noon, her credit card, debit card, $50 in cash and a blank check were stolen from her purse. It was camouflaged (she thought), but sitting in the console of her car. She thinks she locked her car, but isn’t positive since no windows were broken.
“A few minutes after we finished our walk, she started getting fraud alerts from her credit card company. The thieves had already been to Staples in Fairfield, trying to charge over $1,000 in merchandise.”
Sherwood Island has always seemed like a safe, secure refuge. Of course, no place always is. Always lock your car, everywhere — and double-check to make sure!
A beautiful spot for a walk. But lock your car doors!
Sandy Cooper — the always helpful, all-knowing and much loved owner of Cooper’s Auto Parts had major heart surgery a year ago.
It has not slowed him down at all. He opens his door (across from Stop & Shop) at 7 a.m. every day. All day long, he solves problems, soothes customers, and saves them money.
This Tuesday (April 29), Sandy turns 77. John Karrel — one of his many fans and friends — urges every customer to stop by, with a birthday card.
John notes that the best ones will have “the sort of ironic sentiment one finds on the many signs in his shop.”
Mother’s Day is 2 weeks from today! (You knew that, right?)
And Wreathing for Community believes that moms should be celebrated in a big way.
The group collects donations from community members and businesses. then creates beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and other home decor items.
Some are donated to non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts. Others are given as gifts to grouops, volunteers and community members.
Faith Sargent says: “If you’d like to honor your mom this Mother’s Day, please email WhimsicalRedheadCrafts@gmail.com. Tell us what makes her so special.
“One wonderful mom will be chosen to receive the whimsical butterfly wreath (below).”
A great annual Staples High School baseball tradition is welcoming Little League players. This year’s Little League Day takes place Friday (May 2, 4:15 p.m.).
Youngsters will be invited onto the field for the lineup, and to run the bases on prior to the first pitch.
They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Wilton, and enjoy free pizza from the Colony truck.
Four Little Leaguers at Staples in 2019. Three are now varsity baseball players; the other calls Wrecker games on WWPT-FM. From left: current Staples varsity players Will Allott, Mark Kelly and Connor Brill, and WWPT-FM announcer Charlie Curran.
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Sure, you can honk at traffic.
Or you can fly above it — and do your honking there. Just like in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, courtesy of Carol Anne Ances.
And finally … on this date in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born.
He was not the only one to invent the primary language of telegraphy. But he’s the one whose name is on it.
(Besides the tip in the item at top, here’s another one: If you click here, your tax-deductible contribution helps support “06880.” We rely on our readers, so thank you!)
Major League Baseball’s opening day is Tuesday, March 18 — in Tokyo. (Don’t ask.)
Westport Little Leaguers have already started practicing. Their season starts March 31 (weather permitting).
Jeff Mitchell has been a Westport resident for over 30 years, and a Westport Baseball and Softball volunteer for more than 20. Today, he shares his thoughts on what makes Westport Little League special.
In an era when “travel ball” dominates youth sports, Little League Baseball remains a cherished tradition. It is a rite of passage for young athletes experiencing their first team sport.
Despite the allure of high-level competition, town-based Little League continues to thrive, offering an experience that is as much about community as it is about competition.
Playing baseball, having fun with friends.
Unlike many other team sports, baseball ensures every player gets their moment in the spotlight at the plate, making for great photo opportunities and proud family memories. The game’s pace also creates natural pauses, allowing parents to connect, share advice, and organize playdates.
Baseball has a role for every child, whether they have speed, power, strong hand-eye coordination, or even just the advantage of being left-handed. Additionally the sport is highly adaptable for children with disabilities, which is why Westport’s Challenger Program continues to thrive.
Challenger baseball is a hit! (Photo collage/Beth Cody)
Many families trace their longest-lasting friendships back to their child’s first pre-K/kindergarten team, reinforcing the sense of community that makes Little League special. To help maintain these connections, we encourage parents to send us their friend requests to help keep existing playgroups intact.
For players, dugout time is bonding time. With half the game spent on offense, teammates have plenty of time to talk, cheer each other on, and build friendships that last beyond the field.
Westport Little League is organized by grade level: pre-K/K, Grade 1, Grade 2, A (Grade 3), AA (Grade 4), AAA (Grade 5), and Majors (Grades 6/7).
This allows kids to play with their peers, rather than being placed strictly on skill, as is often the case in travel ball.
Since the top Little League players frequently also play travel, aspiring athletes — especially developing pitchers — get ample opportunities to take the mound and gain valuable experience. Additionally, every player is included in the batting order, unlike travel ball, where lineups can be selective.
Westport takes pride in having one of the most unique umpiring programs in the country. Most of our officials are middle and high school students.
The discipline and understanding required to officiate the game often translate to a deeper baseball IQ, giving these Westport players an edge when competing at higher levels.
Our umpires are trained by certified professionals, ensuring they develop skills that benefit them both on and off the field.
Our Little League teams have won many district and state championships, even reaching the Little League World Series final game in 2013.
Staples Baseball has won multiple FCIAC and state championships, and produced 3 Connecticut Gatorade Players of the Year. All went on to be drafted by the pros. One now wears a World Series championship ring.
Westport Little League players learned from Staples athletes, at a recent clinic in the fieldhouse.
Westport Little League isn’t just about baseball. It’s about building friendships, developing skills, and fostering a love for the game that lasts a lifetime. Whether a child dreams of making it to the big leagues or simply wants to be part of a team, Little League is where it all begins.
Not Westport. At least, not MoCA Westport anymore.
The gallery/performing arts center — whose official name was the Museum of Contemporary Art Westport — is now MoCA CT.
MoCA’s entrance is on Newtown Turnpike in Westport. But the bulk of the property — which includes Martha Stewart’s former TV studio, and was once a ball bearing factory — is in Norwalk.
MoCA explains the name change:
While our roots are in Westport, our impact and reach extend across the entire state of Connecticut.
The new name, MoCA CT, better represents our commitment to serving and engaging with communities throughout Connecticut. The name MoCA CT emphasizes our dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. It signals that we welcome artists, visitors, and participants from all corners of the state, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Our mission is to celebrate contemporary art and foster a creative, engaging environment for all.
The new name aligns more closely with this mission by removing geographic limitations and highlighting our statewide aspirations.
MoCA was previously known as the Westport Arts Center. Its name was changed in 2019, when it moved to its present location from Riverside Avenue.
As of yesterday, a new logo had not been posted on the website (which is still mocawestport.org).
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) begins with a recognition of 15 retiring staff members: Susan Bambach, Peter Barcello, Anitha Bolar, Barbara Burns, Catherine Carlson, Karen DeFelice-During, David DuBois, Denise Emmerthal, Agustin Feliciano, Joyce Horne, Ann Neary Adalberto Orozco Jr., Jane Sandri, Bruce Smith, Mary Sue Welch.
The 2 Staples students on the Board — Calum Madigan and Anya Nair — will also be recognized, along with PTA co-presidents.
After a brief reception, agenda items include a teacher evaluation plan, and a second reading of Board polices on assignment of students to classes, ages of attendance and graduation requirements.
Staples High School English teacher Ann Neary is one of 15 retiring staff members.
The Levitt Pavilion’s popular Wednesday Children’s Series launches tonight (June 12, 7 p.m.).
Grammy winners Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats headline the family-friendly show. They promise “an elegantly silly time, loaded with bilingual and swingin’ sounds of jazz and beyond.”
Click here to reserve free tickets. Click here for more information on the Levitt Pavilion’s 50-plus free shows — and ticket sales for others.
Flag Day is this Friday (June 14). It celebrates the day in 1777 when our nation officially adopted its 13-stars, 13-stripes banner.
Carl Addison Swanson says, “on all such occasions, flags line Pleasant Valley Lane in honor of patriotism. It is a regular flag fest. And it is a fine time, in our divided country, that we remember we are all Americans.”
(Photo/Tom Cook)
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Speaking of patriotism: VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 31st annual golf tournament, held Monday at Longshore, was a huge success.
Thanks to 96 golfers, plus friends, sponsors, auxiliaries and volunteers, it will help the organization and American Legion Post 63 offer support veterans throughout Fairfield County — and give them a welcoming place to gather.
VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue) is open to the public. and serves the community in many ways.
They host a weekly Jazz Night every Thursday; conduct monthly Red Cross Blood Drives (47 consecutive months so far), and organize open houses and ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
The VFW partners with community institutions like PAL, the Fire Department, Westport Weston Family Y, Senior Center and Chamber of Commerce. They are also involved in youth activities in schools, Scouts, boating and sports teams.
For more information about Westport’s VFW Post 399/American Legion Post 63 and their community initiatives, click here.
Patty Kondub, VFW/American Auxiliary, is flanked by Honda of Westport sponsor representatives Evan Perkins and Steve Perkins.
“To his students at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Fordham University, Manhattanville College, Fairfield University, and the Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and patients at his clinical and forensic psychology practice in Westport, he was known as Dr. Norman Klein.
“To the thousands of Westporters he coached in the mid-1990s and then umpired behind the plate at Kowalsky Field, he was simply ‘Norm!’”
On Monday, young and old honored Norm for his nearly 30 years of service to Westport Little League.
Extolling Norm’s “flair for the dramatic, and his youthful exuberance,” longtime umpire-in-chief Brian Kurtz noted, “Your work was always your play. Which is the way it should be.”
Westport Baseball president Jeff Brill added, “His spirited and emphatic umpire calls on Saturday mornings of Majors games were hallmarks of better spring weather and Little League baseball fun. He will be sorely missed.”
In his bellowing umpire voice Norm said, “I am forever grateful, and just know: I loved every single inning.”
Westport Little League will permanently honor Norm with a plaque on the backstop at Kowalsky Field.
Norm Klein (right) and Little Leaguers, at Kowalsky Field.
The Hillspoint Road sidewalk project is making good progress.
Yesterday, workers were busy in front of Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Unfortunately, if they wanted a cold brew after work, they had to go elsewhere.
Though the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 5-2 earlier this month to amend zoning regulations, to allow retail food establishments with seating inside for up to 10 people to serve alcoholic beverages, OMG’s application is not yet finalized.
For a couple of weeks, Westporters brought new and slightly used shoes to Town Hall and the Senior Center.
This week, town officials helped Souls4Soles organizers Ken Bernhard and Ted Freedman transport 35 boxes — filled with 450 pairs — to the UPS store for delivery to Tennessee.
This is the 5th time the town has rallied to provide footwear for people around the world who need them.
From left: Officer Greg Gunther, Ken Bernhard, Detective James Baker, Ted Freedman, Sgt. Sean Kelley and Sgt. Sharon Russo, with Soles4Soles boxes.
The volunteer organization — which collects, curates and distributes artwork for schools and municipal buildings — sold 30 paintings. The $16,000 raised will go a long way to ensuring that the arts are alive and well, all around town.
“Dream Town” by Lisa Daugherty was one of WestPAC’s auctioned items.
Another successful event: The “Evening of Mental Fitness,” sponsored by Rhone. 125 guests gathered at the Westport Woman’s Club to raise awareness and funds for Positive Directions’ prevention and counseling programs.
The non-profit collected nearly $30,000 through tickets, donations, a silent auction and 10% of Rhone’s Westport sales over the weekend.
At the mental health fundraiser (from left): Vanessa Wilson of Positive Directions, Zac Clark of Release Recovery, Kate Sweeney and Nate Checketts of Rhone, Staples High School boys basketball coach Dave Goldshore, and Westport 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker.
“This was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father, and Me” has just been released as an audiobook, on all digital platforms.
There are 2 local angles. It was written by Westporter Lucy Antek Johnson, with her late father Samuel Antek. He was NBC Symphony’s first violinist.
And it was produced at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. Johnson and actor David Garrison did all the narration, while Verso director Travis Bell handled the music editing.
Excerpts from the famed conductor’s original NBC Symphony performances replace the iconic photos, in the hardcover edition.
For example, when Toscanini bellows “Brahms!” at the first rehearsal, listeners hear the opening of his First Symphony.
The release is particularly noteworthy now. June is Audibook Appreciation Month.
Two of Jeff Mitchell’s many fans want to make sure he’s recognized as an Unsung Hero.
They prefer anonymity. Yet their admiration and respect for Jeff is clear. One writes:
Jeff’s gift of his time, to strengthen our community and make it a more enjoyable place for others, is striking. And he seeks no attention, fanfare, credit, praise or accolades.
As a volunteer for the Remarkable Theater, Jeff did not miss an opportunity to help every night of film, for the past 3 years. He did not miss one screening!
Beyond assisting in various roles, Jeff took tremendous extra steps, ensuring all would have a “remarkable” time.
Jeff Mitchell
He created a grid-like parking system, with an arc design, so every car enjoyed clear sight lines.
Jeff brought receivers/speakers from home and wired them up nightly, so guests who wanted to sit outside their cars could easily hear the soundtrack.
Jeff stayed late to jump-start all makes and models of cars if they had drained their batteries. People could not praise and thank him enough.
With unmeasurable patience and encouragement, Jeff taught members of the Remarkable Workforce (adults with disabilities) how to become proficient and independent at new tasks and responsibilities.
Jeff assisted with Wi-fi issues, projector issues, car tech issues — any tech issues, for that matter. He enjoyed the challenge, and giving his knowledge, attention and time, to help others.
Jeff advocates for the Remarkable Theater, giving those who struggle to represent themselves a voice. He promotes the Remarkable Theater, continuously suggesting new and exciting possibilities for future fun around the theater and town,
In his world of Westport Little League baseball, he endlessly does those same sorts of things too.
If a kid nails a home run, Jeff quietly climbs through the woods to retrieve the ball. The joy on a child’s face when Jeff hands over the prize is palpable.
Knowing how much the co-ed Challenger team (for players with disabilities) and their families look forward to baseball, Jeff goes out of his way to ensure they have a playable field. He brings rakes from home, and flour if necessary to stripe the baselines. The families respond with delight and glee.
He’s the guy in the shadows who goes unnoticed. But whatever the circumstance, Jeff is there, always ready to help, working from the heart. He is your friendly, neighborhood superhero (Unsung Hero too).
Another fan adds:
Jeff coached his own kids in Little League. They are now 29 and 27, so you can see he goes way back. Plus he’s been on the Westport Baseball & Softball board, and has volunteered for the last 20 years.
He does so many tasks, they’d need 10 people to replace him.
Despite it being a very complex job, with tons of moving parts and logistics, he is never impatient. He does not raise his voice or get angry.
Among his contributions:
Tech guy; internet issues.
Liaison with League Athletics — umpire coordinator. He has the thankless job of getting young umpires scheduled. He has to deal with frequent no-shows and replacements, at the last minute.
He schedules the fields for a large number of teams, and has to coordinate timing with other youth sports.
He sends out all league emails, and inputs all fees for billing.
He is the ultimate Superfan. He attends Little League, Challenger and Staples games regularly.
He is the liaison between Little League and the Staples Diamond Club. He runs LL Day, when all Little Leaguers attend a Staples game, meet the players, run on the field (and get free pizza).
He broadcasts summer games on Facebook Live, enabling lazy people (like me), out-of-towners and parents who can’t attend to see the entire game, with his commentary. Even when it’s 95 degrees!
He gathers game scores and posts them on the website.
He has volunteered as kindergarten commissioner for many years. He loves to organize teams so kids from the same school can be together. He happily fields annoying parent requests to change teams so “Johnny can play with Timmy.” Has to recruit tons of coaches (because many pre-K/K kids means many coaches).
He arranged for Challenger to play at the East Regional Tournament game in Bristol next year — the one that determines which teams go to the Little League World Seriies.
Oh, yeah: Jeff drops off ice cream in the concession stand freezer for Challenger.
I’m exhausted reading all this!
Congratulations, Jeff Mitchell. You are our VERY well-deserving “06880” Unsung Hero of the week.
(Anyone can nominate an Unsung Hero. Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
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Toby Slavin’s 2-out, bases loaded grand slam helped the Westport 12U Little League team win the district title yesterday.
They beat a very tough Fairfield National squad, 6-2 in 9 innings (regulation is 6).
And they did it even though the home team had a runner on 2nd with no outs in all 3 extra innings.
Oh, yeah: After his grand slam, Toby pitched his 2nd straight scoreless inning, to secure the win.
This is their third straight district championship, after winning at U-10 and U-11 . But it’s the first 12U district title for Westport since 2013, and only the third 12U title since 1957.
The sectional tourney — the next stop on the road to the Little League World Series in Williamsport — is tomorrow (Monday), 5:45 p.m. at Unity Park in Trumbull.
Congratulations to players Henry Ellis, Chase Landgraf, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger, Evan Sealove, Nolan Walters, Christopher Lambert, Luke Moneyhon, Jack McGrathm Torrey Rossetter, Miles Delorier and Justin Goldshore, and coaches Jonathon Ellis, Justin Walters, Marc Theisinger and Thomas Whelan.
Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — will be honored on August 12.
Cornell Human Ecology will remember her contributions to the campus through her “intellect, creativity, warmth and sense of humor.”
Her legacy will be recognized through the naming of an exhibit space in the Human Ecology Building, where she developed her talents as a curator.
Rachel Doran, at Cornell University.
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Johanna Keyser Rossi is a frequent contributor to “Westport … Naturally.” With images like these, it’s easy to see why.
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Since the top Little League players frequently also play travel, aspiring athletes — especially developing pitchers — get ample opportunities to take the mound and gain valuable experience. Additionally, every player is included in the batting order, unlike travel ball, where lineups can be selective.
If a kid nails a home run, Jeff quietly climbs through the woods to retrieve the ball. The joy on a child’s face when Jeff hands over the prize is palpable.
He is the liaison between Little League and the Staples Diamond Club. He runs LL Day, when all Little Leaguers attend a Staples game, meet the players, run on the field (and get free pizza).
