Jesup Green has been in the news lately. Plans to add parking spots at the top — and, later, more green space near the Saugatuck River — have sparked controversy.
The small park in the center of town has long been a gathering spot, for joyful celebrations and solemn ceremonies.
For decades, it was the end point for the Memorial Day parade. Speeches, patriotic songs and 21-gun salutes followed (as kids rode their bikes in the parking lot, and the Good Humor man did a brisk business).
In 1965, Staples student Adam Stolpen delivered the Memorial Day address. Others in the photo include Westport resident and former Connecticut Governor John Davis Lodge (Navy cap) and World War I veteran and grand marshal E.O. Nigel Cholmeley-Jones (in uniform).
In August of 2013, Jesup Green was packed for a different type of ceremony.
Hundreds of Westporters honored the town’s Little League all-stars. They’d just returned from the Little League World Series, where they made a magical run all the way to the finals.
Jeb Backus marveled, “As a 3rd-generation Westporter living here for 50 years, this was the most special town event I have ever attended. Absolutely amazing.”
(Photo/Jeb Backus)
NOTE: That’s not the first connection between Jesup Green and Little League. In the 1950s and ’60s, there was a baseball diamond a few yards away — near where the Westport Library is now.
And next to both: the town dump. I’m not making this up.
More recently, Jesup Green has been the site of rallies: for Black Lives Matter, and against anti-Asian and antisemitic incidents.
It’s also where Westport Pride holds its LGBTQ+ celebration every June.
Local clergy members on Jesup Green, at Westport Pride.
Jesup Green is where Westporters gather, in good times and bad.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945 — exactly 79 years ago today.
Two days later, stores throughout Westport closed.
Residents headed to the green. They sang “America,” “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Abide With Me.”
Veterans fired a military salute. The somber sounds of “Taps” filled the air.
As it had been for decades — and continues to be today, Jesup Green was Westport’s town square.
(Courtesy of Cindy Buckley)
(Every Friday, “06880” takes a look back. If you enjoy this — or any other feature — please support your hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
Vinny Penna — the longtime Westport police officer and deputy chief whose death in 2021, at 51 from a heart attack, stunned the town — was honored yesterday.
A statue in his honor was dedicated at Assumption Church. Members of the Penna family were joined by law enforcement members from across the Northeast, as well as Westport Police officials, the Westport Police Athletic League, and other residents whose lives he touched.
Funds came from the PAL, Assumption Church, and Vinny’s many friends.
Vinny Penna statue at Assumption Church. (Photo and hat tip/ Andrew Colabella)
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The Levitt Pavilion has added a new ticketed event.
Billy Prine & the Prine Time Band play “Songs of John Prine” on Saturday, September 30. Scarlett Egan is the opening act.
Meanwhile, this week is filled with free shows. They include:
Tuesday, 7 p.m.: Sona Jobarteh, Africa’s first female griot kora virtuoso.
Westport’s 12U Little League team continues its winning ways. They captured the sectional championship, beating Wilton 5-0.
Next up: the state championship, beginning Wednesday (6 p.m. vs Shelton, at Unity Park, Trumbull).
Westport has not won the 12U state title since 2013. That year, they went all the way to the Little League World Series final in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
It’s almost here: StoryFest, the Westport Library’s genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest one in the state). Plus: It’s free!
StoryFest celebrates all forms of stories, and storytellers from across all media.
Among the highlights:
StoryFest Kick-Off: Isaac Fitzgerald in Conversation with Saeed Jones (Friday, September 9, 6 p.m. — click here to register)
Tessa Smith McGovern and Patricia Dunn launch their new podcast, “Go Ahead, Write Something” with bestselling author Naomi Novik (Saturday, September 10, 4:30 p.m. — click here to register)
Raise a glass to StoryFest weekend with specialty cocktails. Mallory O’Meara (James Beard Book Award-winning author) and Brea Grant (filmmaker/actress) bring their podcast “Reading Glasses” to the Library stage, with guest stars: Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Alexis Henderson and Clay McLeod Chapman (Saturday, September 10, 6 p.m. — click here to register).
Several authors authors are releasing new books early, for StoryFest. They include:
It’s been nearly 30 months since the pandemic struck.
Westport — a town of commuters — changed immediately. Anyone who could work from home, did.
Metro-North slashed service. The railroad parking lots stayed empty. People who had waited for years for parking permits suddenly had them.
Offices re-opened slowly, often only 2 or 3 days a week. But many men and women — unwilling to sit next to others on trains where conductors did not enforce mask mandates — traded trains for cars.
Yesterday though, “06880” reader Ellen Bowen noticed something: The Westport train station’s eastbound lot was once again full. From Donut Crazy to the lower spots by Saugatuck Avenue, every spot was taken.
A sign that things are pretty much back to normal? A cause for celebration? Concern that the great experiment in working from home is ending?
Click “Comments,” to offer your take.
No spots — not even by Saugatuck Avenue. (Photo/Ellen Bowen)
Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.
Public hearings will be held today (Thursday, September 8, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall), and Thursday, October 6 (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here).
For more information, click here. (Hat tip: Mark Lemcke)
This Sunday (September 11, 10 a.m. to noon), the popular Cross Highway spot will be overrun by puppies.
Westport animal Shelter Advocates will bring a litter of 11, and other furry friends, including older dogs — all available for adoption.
There is no on-site adoption. But for those who follow up through WASA, Earth Animal is donating pup packs. (They’ve already provided nutritious puppy food.)
WASA will also hold a silent auction at the Porch, to raise funds to assist and advocate for neglected and homeless dogs. Featured items include a certified signed Aaron Judge baseball, and four VIP Yankee Stadium Legends seats for the September 24 Yankees-Red Sox game.
For more information, call 203-557-0361. or email wasa1@optonline.net.
It’s a paradox: There are so many utility wires, we often don’t really notice them.
But Michael Brennecke does.
The native Westporter thinks there are too many. He cites this “particularly egregious example of wire pollution,” where Hillspoint Road and Prospect Road meet:
The all-runners-welcome group once again sponsors Saturday morning events, starting at the Greens Farms train station at 8 a.m. The $50 yearly fee includes all paces, 2 new routes each week, free Brooks Endurance running shirts for all new members, unlimited post-run coffee, along with track nights and the Joggers Club Jr., for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 8th.
For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker honored Westport’s 11U Little League district all-star state champion team yesterday. Each player received a commendation for their “hard work and perseverance.”
Rear (from left):1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Nolan Walters, Wyatt Johnson, Justin Goldshore, Henry Ellis, Toby Slavin Jack McGrath, coach Jon Ellis, Dylan Burdeshaw, coach Marc Theisinger, manager Justin Walters Front: Torrey Rossetter, Chase Landgraf, Luke Moneyhon, Grant Theisinger, Miles Delorier, Christopher Lambert.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than most.
Maggie Boroujerdi writes: “Tuesday’s much-needed rain revived our dry stream along Morningside Drive North and Keenes Road.
“We’re relatively new to the neighborhood. At the bus stop the other morning, neighbors said this is the first year they’ve seen the little stream dry up completely, for weeks. I took this photo:
Westport’s 11U District All-Star baseball team defeated Glastonbury 14-8 on Wednesday night. That’s the second straight state championship for the team!
Congratulations to Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger. Nolan Walters, plus manager Justin Walters and coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.
Now it’s on to the regional championship, started Monday in Beverly, Massachusetts. Good luck, guys!
Speaking of sports: Oscar Edelman is a gold medalist.
The rising Greens Farms Academy senior just returned from Israel. He represented the US in the Maccabi Games — and his U-18 basketball team finished first.
Over 60 countries compete in the Maccabi Games — sometimes called “the Jewish Olympics. More than 600 players, from across the US, tried out for the U-18 hoops team.
Oscar — who stands an imposing 6-7 — was the second youngest on the squad.
The Americans went undefeated. They faced the host Israeli team in the finals — and won, 91-79.
Click here for the full back story, courtesy of GFA.
Oscar Edelman, at the line. (Photo/Bonnie Edelman)
The CT Challenge Bicycle Ride rolls through here tomorrow (Saturday, July 30). The shorter rides use Beachside Avenue; the longer routes are on Long Lots and surrounding roads.
The heaviest traffic is between 7 and 10 a.m. e of Westport and surrounding towns.
This is an important fundraiser, for a great organization that helps people battling cancer, and survivors. So when you see all those riders tomorrow, slow down!
Don’t honk. But show your support with a hearty thumbs-up! (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)
The home off Bulkley Avenue North was more than 50 years old. The Westport Historic District Commission waived the waiting period, and the Conservation Department okayed a new larger build.
It’s been a while since we ran a cat photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Michael Catarevas says: “At Costco, we get free cardboard boxes to carry stuff. We put them on the floor the other day before taking them to the car to reuse, but they were taken over.”
Just a year after SIR Development purchased Roger’s Septic Tanks — and less than a year after the 73-year-old facility was demolished — a new rental complex is open for leasing.
“1480 Post” — on US1, near Maple Avenue South — is the latest project from SIR president Robert Haroun. A trustee of both the Westport Library and Westport Weston YMCA, he’s been involved in building projects at both places.
The 32-unit complex includes 25 market rate units, and 7 designated as “affordable housing.” Haroun says the 1- and 2-bedroom condo-style apartments will attract residents who want to downsize but remain in Westport. Pets are welcome.
The first open house for the leasing office is next Sunday (August 1), from 1 to 3 p.m. Occupancy is available September 1. Click here for details.
And finally … today is a musical birthday bonanza. Darlene Love turns 80. Mick Jagger is 78. Bobby Hebb, Dobie Gray and Brenton Wood were all born on July 26 too.
Rather than single any one entertainer out, I’ll honor another anniversary. On this date in 1775, the office that later became the US Post Office was established by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin was named our first Postmaster General.
PS: Alex Chilton was just 16 years old when he sang lead on this #1 hit. He and the rest of the Box Tops did not even pretend they were faking it on this show.
Between January 1 and June 30, Westport’s total volume of single-family homes was $493,710,999. An additional $17,508,061 worth of condos and townhouses was sold.
That’s a 78% jump from 2020 for homes, and a 141% increases for condos/ townhouses.
The number of sales (267 for homes, 28 for condos etc.) represents rises of 34 and 87%, respectively.
The median sales prices of homes ($1.575 million) and condos/townhouses ($493,000) are up 30 and 4 percent from 2020, respectively.
Single family homes were on the market for a median of 33 days; condos etc., 65.
The most expensive home sale recorded last week in Westport was 10 Gray Lane, off Sasco Creek Road. It fetched $10 million.
Weston resident Ed Whitley is global head of content partnerships for Bridgeman Images. They represent over 2,500 museums, galleries and artists around the world.
He had a great — and pleasant surprise — yesterday, at Weston’s inaugural Art Fine Arts Festival. One of his own contemporary artists — Ben Bonart — exhibited.
Yesterday’s festival included Weston’s own José Feliciano, in his first live performance since the pandemic struck.
The Weston Fine Arts Festival continues today, through 5 p.m. on School Road.
Ben Bonart (left) at the Weston Fine Arts Festival, with Edward and Susie Whitley,
Congratulations to Westport Little League’s champion 10U All-Star district team. They won the title Friday, beating Fairfield National. with a score of 14 to 1 beating Fairfield National.
Team members are Dylan Burdeshaw, Brody Chiupsa, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGratah, Luke Moneyhon, Noah Smith, Grant Theisinger, Nolan Walters and Wes Walters. Coaches are Justin Walters, Marc Theisinger and Dave Smith.
Speaking of sports: Two soccer events yesterday highlighted the importance of the game for all youngsters, regardless of physical or mental disability, or socioeconomic status.
Staples High School boys team tri-captain Bruno Guiduli continued his fundraising and awareness campaign for TOPSoccer, a national program for players with intellectual, physical or emotional challenges.
Bruno began his efforts in November. He brought his specially made goal — with the “O” in “TOP”soccer cut out — to Wakeman Field. Four hours later, his total raised passed $3,000.
Bruno Guiduli, with some of his TOPSoccer supporters/kickers. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)
A couple of hours later at Cesar Batalla School in Bridgeport, 1999 Staples High School grad — and former MLS pro/national team player — Kyle Martino unveiled his Over Under Initiative.
Martino designed a goal that converts any basketball court into a field for soccer, street hockey or handball. It’s easy to set up, and — through his non-profit foundation — will provide access to added recreational opportunities for millions of underserved youth.
The Cesar Batalla court is the first in the nation. Martino was joined by Bridgeport superintendent of schools Michael Testani, coaches and players from Beachside Soccer Club, and — of course — a ton of eager kids.
Youngsters play at Cesar Batalla School’s new multi-sport court. The soccer goal can be pulled out of the ground, then sunk back into the ground, with ease.
Add one more local name to the list of 2021 Emmy nominees: Michael Lonsdale.
The longtime Westporter is up for Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special. He was the production mixer on HBO’s “David Byrne’s American Utopia.
And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Dion DiMucci. Known just by one name, Dion made his mark as a doo-wop singer with the Belmonts.
In 1968 he shifted gears, recording a song memorializing 4 slain American heroes: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.
Dion is lucky to have made it past 19. In early February 1959, he was part of a star-studded “Dance Party” tour. When asked to spend $36 on a flight from Clear Lake, Iowa to the next stop, Dion said no to the extravagance. He took the tour bus.
The plane crashed, killing all on board: Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, J.W. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, and pilot Roger Peterson.
Six years ago, 11 6th and 7th grade baseball players mesmerized Westport.
The youngsters battled their way through through local, state and regional competition. They won in blowouts, and in nail-biting fashion.
They kept winning — all the way to the Little League World Series finals, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
In 2013, Westport Little League All-Stars (front from left) Tatin Llamas, Chris Drbal and Chad Knight, plus Harry Azadian (rear) celebrated one of their many wins.
The dream ended in the championship game — on national TV — but they returned home to a heroes’ welcome.
It was a fantastic run. Unfortunately, too many times in youth sports, success at an early age is a recipe for disaster later on.
All that attention turns their heads. Other kids catch up — and surpass them. They discover other interests. Or they burn out.
Not every 12-year-old gets interviewed by ESPN. Harry Azadian did.
Thankfully, that is definitely not the case here.
Six years later, the Westport Little League All-Stars have become stars of the Staples High School baseball team.
Two years ago, they won the state LL (extra large schools) championship. This year, they’re battling for it again.
It’s a bittersweet time for them — and their parents. Four of the 11 players are seniors (the other 7 graduated last year). They’ve been together since they were 9 years old.
Soon — hopefully later rather than sooner, but in a single-elimination tournament, you never know — they will play their last game together.
Drew Rogers (7) and Chad Knight (27) celebrate. (Photo copyright Chris Greer)
It’s an especially emotional time for Tim Rogers. He was their head coach, from those 9-year-old days through Williamsport, then beyond in travel baseball.
He’s watched with pride — and helped immensely — as his son Drew, and fellow seniors Harry Azadian, Chad Knight, Charlie Roof, have grown as baseball players.
And grown up, from boys into young men.
Rogers is proud of many things. One is that they handled that Little League World Series experience so well. Despite the demands of the sport — and the media — they were still kids. They met other players from around the world. They hung out, and made friends.
Enjoying the 2013 parade, in the streets of Williamsport.
Then they took that experience, and brought it into the rest of their lives far beyond Williamsport.
Rogers is also proud that they have continued to play — and love — baseball. No one burned out. No one quit. No one peaked as a 12-year-old.
He is proud that 2 years ago — when other All-Stars, including Matt Stone, Tatin Llamas, Max Popken, Chris Drbal and Alex Reiner were still playing together — Staples beat 4-time defending state champion Amity High 5-1, in the LL title game.
Four years after the Little League World Series: pure joy, as Staples stops 4-time defending champion Amity High in the state class LL final.
All along, Rogers says, “they’ve found a way to win. They’re deep as a team, but that winning mentality is something intangible.”
He’s proud that they have become leaders. His son, Azadian and Knight are captains of this year’s Wreckers. They’re passing their competitiveness and values on to the younger players.
Rogers is proud that the Little League World Series finalists remained poised and humble. Ever since Williamsport, whenever they’re interviewed, they’ve put baseball in perspective.
Rogers may be proudest though that the longtime teammates still love being together. Through all their success — and occasional disappointments — they’ve remained close friends.
Captains (from left) Drew Rogers, Chad Knight and Harry Azadian, with Staples coach Jack McFarland. (Photo copyright Chris Greer)
Staples’ Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference is a brutal league. The Wreckers have had to fight for what they’ve gotten, every year.
This spring, they finished with the best record. On Wednesday night they avenged a regular season defeat to Fairfield Ludlowe by winning the FCIAC championship in storybook fashion.
Jake D’Amico — one of those younger players — drove in the winning run. On a 3-2 pitch. With 2 outs. In the bottom of the last inning.
Knight pitched a complete game, giving up only 2 hits and striking out 5.
Chad Knight (center) jumps for joy, as the Wreckers race onto the field after their dramatic FCIAC title win. (Photo copyright Chris Greer)
The final quest — the state championship — starts Tuesday.
Graduations are always wonderful, and hard. For Rogers — who just turned 50, and saw his oldest son graduate from college — watching Drew and his baseball teammates march down the aisle, and out of high school, will be “one more step in my process,” he laughs.
So right now, he — and all the other parents, who have been together through so much and so long — are hoping the season lasts as long as it can.
So do the boys of so many summers.
The FCIAC champion 2019 Staples High School baseball team. (Photo copyright Chris Greer)
Thousands of Westporters jammed Main Street and Jesup Green late today. They honored the Westport Little League all-stars — home at last after their storybook run to the World Series championship game — as well as the state champion girls softball team.
It was, everyone said, the best town event they’d ever seen.
And talented photographer Kim Lake was there to snap all the action.
All ages turned out to celebrate the young athletes.
The softball team enjoyed their moment in the sun.
Politicians love a parade too. (From left) Senator Murphy, Senator Blumenthal, Congressman Himes and First Selectman Joseloff all wanted to rub shoulders with the Little Leaguers…
…but in the end, it was all about the boys. (Photos by Kim Lake)
The longtime Westporter snapped this great shot moments ago, as the parade honoring Westport’s 4th-in-the-world Little League all-stars — and the state champion 11-year-old softball girls — wound its way from Main Street to Jesup Green.
“I never saw such togetherness and positive spirit in 06880 in my time,” Chip says — meaning the town, not the blog.
Though, come to think of it, all the comments on “06880” about our town’s newest heroes have been all warm and fuzzy, too.
Just as they should be.
Meanwhile, here’s another view (hover over it to enlarge). Photographer Jeb Backus says, “As a 3rd-generation Westporter living here for 50 years, this was the most special town event I have ever attended. Absolutely amazing.”
The Duck — site of numerous Westport Little League all-star-watching parties this summer — hosted the team when they (finally!) returned home tonight.
Photo by Rob Stone
The boys have been on the road for weeks: first Bristol for the state and New England championships, then Williamsport for the Little League World Series.
They come back to earth — and go back to school — Tuesday.
But first — at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Monday) — there’s a parade down Main Street.
Just your usual hometown event. With the governor, at least one US senator, and our congressman.
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