Tag Archives: Westport Parks & Recreation Department

Roundup: Old Mill Trees, Compo Bookcycle, White House Visit …

Posted on July 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Several “06880” readers were saddened to report the removal of 3 shade trees at Old Mill Beach.

I asked Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department for the back story. Here’s the answer, from parks superintendent Mike West:

“During last Wednesday evening’s thunderstorms, 1 of the 3 leaders of that Norway Maple came down (see photo).

(Photo courtesy of Westport Parks & Recreation Department)

“When I inspected the tree with our team, we identified other points of concern on both of the remaining leaders.

“Unfortunately, the only way to eliminate any safety concerns was to remove the remaining portion of the tree.

“It was sad to see the tree removed, but we’re lucky no was injured.”

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The Remarkable Bookcycle — the free, funky mobile library that wheels around town — is back at Compo Beach.

It’s been rehabbed by Ryan Peterson. It looks great!

Feel free to grab a book. Or donate one.

Or do both.

(Photo/Ryan Peterson)

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Three Westporters were honored at the White House yesterday, as part of a salute to all 2023-24 NCAA champions.

Staples High School 2021 graduate Paddy Donovan is a goalkeeper on the Clemson University men’s Division I soccer national championship. It’s coached by Mike Noonan, a ’79 Staples alum and star on the Wrecker’s ’78 state title squad. This was the 2nd NCAA title in 3 years for Noonan and the Tigers.

Congratulations to both!

Head coach Mike Noonan (front row, 2nd from left, white shirt), Paddy Donovan (middle row, far right, orange shirt), and Clemson Tigers at the White House.

Also honored: Janna Moore. The Tufts University rising sophomore — and daughter of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore — was a member of the Jumbos’ Division III national champion crew team.

Janna Moore (2nd from left) with her Tufts teammates.

NOTE: When the visit was scheduled, no one knew it would mark the first official appearance for Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate. She was subbing for President Biden, recovering from COVID at his Delaware home.

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The Westport Police Department reminds residents to “stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes.”

Last weekend, Westport saw an increase in stolen vehicle attempts and larcenies from unlocked cars.

“Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department,” the WPD says.

Lock your car! And don’t leave your key in the ignition!

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Scarcely believing that 40 years have passed, the Staples High School Class of 1984 gathered Saturday night at Saugatuck Rowing Club.

They partied like it was … well, 1984.

And they sure look good!

Staples Class of 1984.

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In his new book — “Better Pissed Off … Than Pissed On: Narratives on Fubar America” — prolific Westport author Carl Addison Swanson rants and raves about everything: cell phones in schools, leaf blowers, the rise of pickleball, diminishing manners in this country, bad television, dress codes in daily life,  teachers making a difference in one’s life, our money-grubbing health system, love and being a father, the puzzling new array of new products on the shelves, bad skin commercials, why siblings fight after the parents are gone — you get the ida.

“Four stars, a hoot,” says Booklist. Click here to purchase. Click here for Carl’s website.

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A Westport boat owner writes: “We found all kinds of ‘critter foot prints’ on our boat after the last storm. So we put a camera in, to see what it was all about.

“This photo says it all. It’s amazing who likes boats in Westport!”

The owner called Animal Control, to get rid of the critter peacefully.

The owner adds: “I’m glad he or she did not have the key!”

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Frank Zappa once said, “If you want an education, go to the library.”

On August 1 (6 p.m.), his proteges take his advice to heart. Tribute act Banned From Utopia and the Paul Green Rock Academy bringing the “authentic Zappa experience” to the Westport Library.

General admission tickets are $20. A VIP Meet and Greet ticket ($60) offers early admission to enjoy the company of Banned From Utopia members Robert Martin, Ray White and Scott Thunes, all of whom played in Zappa’s band.

It’s a chance to chat, listen to stories, take pictures, have a cocktail, and hang out with band members who toured with Zappa in his prime.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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How secure are our elections?

The office of the Registrars of Voters will conduct memory card and tabulator testing beginning today (Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).

The public is invited to observe today, or any continued testing tomorrow (Wednesday).

Election Day.

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One of nature’s wonders is the starfish.

This guy happily (?!) posed at Compo Beach, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Marcus Forman)

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And finally … in honor of Frank Zappa (story above):

(We may not be as eloquent as Frank Zappa, but our message is just as heartfelt: Please click here to support “06880.” We rely on our readers! Thank you.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Westport Celebrates With A Bang!

Posted on July 3, 2024 | 18 comments

Spectacular weather, a great vibe on a crowded beach, enough food to feed an army (though far better than any mess hall), and a sea of red, white and blue provided a perfect backdrop for last night’s 2-days-early 4th of July fireworks.

Westport PAL, Melissa and Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation — and everyone else who helped — threw what is always our town’s best party of the year.

And this one was right up there with the best of the best.

Here are some images from the day. Stay tuned for a second set later today.

Compo Beach, from the air. Can you find yourself? (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)

A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)

Young families already know the drill ,,,

… and so do those who have been here a while.

Relaxing, a bit away from the crowd.

Stacie Curran and Jim Izzo.

Lifeguards had a long day. Downtime was always welcome.

Cornhole was fun too, at Old Mill Beach.

Camp Compo artwork. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Mom and daughter: red, white and blue.

Westport PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo. flanked by PAL representatives Duke Saltus (left) and Andrew Colabella.

Fairfield Police offered motorcycle assistance. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Hanging out at the beach …  (Photo/Nancy Lally)

… and a view of the barge … (Photo/Nancy Lally)

… and the view from the water. (Photo courtesy of Linda Mezzullo)

Cool stuff for sale. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Flags and guns, for sale. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

The view from Longshore. (Photo/Amy Buckman)

The finale! (Photo/Matt Murray)

(“0688o” celebrates Westport, every day and in every way. But we can’t do it without readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Westport life

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When You Gotta Go …

Posted on May 24, 2024 | 10 comments

Cheryl Kinnaman McCarthy was frustrated.

For the past several years the bathrooms at Compo Beach have been locked around 4 p.m. on the afternoon of the July 4th fireworks — by far, the biggest day of the year there.

After spending hours eating and drinking before the 9 p.m. show, thousands of people have waited in lines, for rows of porta-potties.

Portable toilets, ready for use last year. (Photo/Dan Woog)

It was a crappy situation.

“Among the masses are elderly, handicapped, and parents with young children,” Cheryl says.

“Sometimes a real bathroom with running water, lighting and room for several people to move around is needed.”

After several decades of fireworks, Cheryl’s mother did not want to go back this year — just because of the bathroom situation.

Cheryl understood the demands on Westport’s Parks & Recreation staff, to keep the bathrooms clean (and toilet papered) during the crush of users.

But, she wondered, couldn’t the policy be re-examined?

Earlier this week, Cheryl emailed Parks & Rec, Town Hall, and Westport PAL, the fireworks’ organizer. She copied “06880.” I followed up with a question to Parks & Rec.

Cheryl wasn’t holding her breath.

But — are you sitting down? — in less than 24 hours, we got a response.

Interim Parks & Rec director Rick Giunta wrote:

In the past, we’ve allowed the restrooms at the marina to remain open for the night of the fireworks.

However, in most recent years vandalism has become more prevalent and commonplace, forcing us to make the difficult decision to lock the permanent restroom facilities and supplement them with portable restrooms. Included with the portable restrooms were several handicap accessible units.

We do understand the frustration and inconvenience of not having the permanent facilities available during the largely attended event. However, the repairs were both time-consuming and very costly.

After consulting with operations manager Carmen Roda and parks superintendent Mike West, as a gesture of good faith and on a trial basis, for the night of the fireworks, we will allow access to the permanent restrooms located at the marina, as well as the restrooms located in the locker area.

Should there be any vandalism to these restroom facilities this year, we will revert back to portable facilities only for the fireworks event going forward.

Hopefully the vandalism phase has passed and we can all enjoy all of our wonderful facilities during these fun events going forward.

At a time when Westporters feel their voices are not always heard, this is great evidence that you can fight City Hall.

Or at least, get quick action from the new regime at Parks & Rec.

Kudos to Rick Giunta, Carm Roda, Mike West and anyone else who had a hand in hearing about a problem, discussing it, figuring out a solution, and explaining it clearly.

Now it’s up to all of us to respect the bathrooms, and make things easy for the great Parks & Rec maintenance staff.

It wouldn’t hurt to clean up after ourselves on the beach, too.

No s—.

A small bit of the tons of trash left after last year’s fireworks. (Photo/Totney Benson)

(“06880” serves Westport in many ways. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Westport life

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Parks & Rec: All You Need To Know About Beaches, Boats, Golf And More

Posted on March 23, 2024 | 6 comments

One of the best things about Westport is the Parks & Recreation Department amenities.

And one of the best things about spring is the chance to get outside and enjoy them.

Here is just a sampling of what Parks & Rec offers:

Longshore Golf Course:
The course opens Monday, April 1 (no fooling — and of “course,” weather permitting). To book a tee time, click here.

18th hole. (Drone photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)

Beach parking stickers:
Vehicle parking emblems are required for all town beaches beginning  May 1. They can be purchased online, or at the Parks & Recreation office (at Longshore, near the golf course 1st tee) weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

(Photo/Mark Marcus)

Dogs at town beaches:
Animals are not allowed at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill beaches, in or out of vehicles, from April 1 through September 30.

Soon to be a scene of the past (for a while). (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

Compo Beach playground renovation project:
The Compo Beach Playground Committee, led by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League, will renovate the iconic structure.

They’ll present a proposed plan to the Parks & Recreation Commission on Wednesday, March 27 (7:30 p.m.,  Zoom). Click here for information.

Compo Beach playground.

Annual Clean-Up Day:
Westport Parks & Recreation’s Annual Clean-Up Day is set for Saturday, April 27. Past participants will receive invitations this coming week.

If you or your civic group have not participated in the past but want to get involved, email jboone@westportct.gov

Parks and Recreation Programs:
Some spaces are available in spring and summer programs. Click here for information.

Boating:
Residents who have a slip at a town marina may bring their boats in starting April 1. If you need assistance docking, contact the dockmaster on VHF channel 11 or by calling 203-341-1062. Boaters must send a copy of this year’s boat registration to Rick Giunta (email rgiunta@westportct.gov, or deliver to the Parks & Rec office at Longshore, near the 1st tee).

Dry stall assignees:
Dry stall decals will be mailed to you before May 1. Place the decal on your vessel where it can be seen by staff. Dry stall vessels may be placed on storage racks beginning May 1. Any vessel stored before May 1 will be removed, and may be auctioned off.

If you’re interested in a place to store your kayak, sunfish, paddleboard or other small boat for the summer season, click here for a dry stall application. Wait times are 1-2 years.

Kayaks at Compo Beach. (Photo/Eric Bosch)

Animals on town athletic fields, playgrounds, beaches and Longshore Golf Course:
Animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at any time, including the Longshore golf course. Animals are prohibited from town beaches from April 1 through September 30.

Dogs at Wakeman Field. (Photo/Marc Katz)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything you need to enjoy spring — and summer, fall and winter. Please click here to support our work with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

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Roundup: Summer Camps, Charcuterie, Charlie Capalbo …

Posted on March 5, 2024 | 5 comments

Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer program offerings are now online. There are 2 registration dates.

Registration is now open for Camp Compo and RECing Crew.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, March 6) for all other spring and summer programs.

If a program is full, names can be added to the waitlist. There is no charge at that time.

Parents should click here to access their account.

Log into your profile and choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. This brings you to the “My Family Members” page. Click on the first name in the column. In “Family Member Information,” verify date of birth, and make sure that children’s grades are correct (it is the grade going into as of September 2024). Hit “Save” at the bottom. Complete the process for every family member.

For address changes, email recreation@westportct.gov. For problems, including inability to log in to your account, email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Registration is also open for the Westport Library’s summer learning camps: Camp Explore and Summer Learning Clubs.

Both fill up quickly.

Camp Explore returns for its 4th year of free STEAM exploration. Workshops begin June 25, and run through late July.

This year’s courses include Coding LightLego with Josh Burker (for students entering grades 7-9), Sculpture with Iyaba Ibo Mandingo (grades 6-8), and Bats Langley’s Impressionist Picnic (grades 6-8).

Summer Learning Clubs integrate math, literacy and STEAM activities into a thematic approach. Each class blends inquiry, design, research, writing, and the arts.

Taught by certified teachers, the program melds traditional academic activities into a project-based learning experience and student-driven study. The Library offers 3 sessions for students entering 1st through 8th grades.

Starting June 25 and running until August 14, weekly sessions include plant science, collage and mosaic, poetry, environmental sciences, paper and print making, music, and edible science.

In addition to Camp Explore and the Summer Learning Clubs, the Children’s Library’s early literacy programming will continue throughout the summer. For details, click here.

Camp Explore and the Summer Learning Clubs are sponsored by Roz and Bud Siegel.

Painter, poet, writer, actor, playwright and arts educator Iyaba Ibo Mondingo will teacher sculpture this summer.

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Staples High School Class of 2016 graduate Gillian Rozynek is the Queen of Charcuterie.

During a college semester in Madrid, she was intrigued by the combination of meats, cheeses and sides — and the way people ate them communally, and on the go.

When the pandemic struck, Gillian spent the summer of 2020 participating in Boston College’s summer accelerator program.

She launched Kured as a build-your-own charcuterie delivery startup in Boston. Now there’s a second location, in Greenwich Village.

Yesterday, Kellyu Clarkson interviewed Gillian on her NBC show. She described Kured as “the Chipotle of Charcuterie” — and announced that Pilot Pen was giving Gillian $1,000.

Click here for Gillian’s fun segment. (Hat tip: Julie Whamond)

Screen shot of Gillian Rozynek, on the Kelly Clarkson Show.

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This week won’t be beach weather.

But it will be here before we know it.

Our Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments are ahead of the game. Sand grooming has already begun.

Making Compo look great is harder and more complicated than it seems. First comes the sifting.

Thanks to all who make it happen!

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Charlie Capalbo’s battle with lymphoma and leukemia inspired countless people, locally and across the nation.

The 2017 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School — and grandson of noted Westport writer Ina Chadwick — was a 3-time recipient of cells from his brother Will. The procedure helped Charlie live a few extra years, before he died in 2022.

To help cancer research — and because Charlie was a passionate hockey goalie — his friends and family have a special “Capalbo Strong” Night this Saturday (March 9, 7 p.m., Total Mortgage Arena, Bridgeport), when the Bridgeport Islanders host the Hartford Wolf Pack.

Tickets are just $24.24. Each ticket includes a donation to the Jimmy Fund via Capalbo Strong; free parking; an Islanders hat, and a 15% concessions discount.

There’s also a National Marrow Donor Program drive. Everyone ages 18 to 35 is encouraged to visit the Harbor Club at the arena, to register with NMDP.

How important is bone marrow registration? Last year, as an Albertus Magnus College senior, Will Capalbo ran a drive with his lacrosse team. Out of 65 registrations, they’ve already had 3 matches and 2 donations.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)

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C-SPAN’s Student Cam contest is looking for the best student documentary in the country. The 15 finalists include one produced at Weston High School.

Nate Colman and Jonah Rothlein’s film “Innocents Held Hostage” tells the story of Morad Tahbaz, a Weston resident held captive in an Iranian prison for 6 years.

The film explores Morad’s harrowing experience, and examines the strained relations between the US and Iran. It includes interviews with New York Times journalist Michael Shear, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Jim Himes, and Tahbaz.

Through March 10, the film is part of a “fan favorite vote.” Click below to see the full 14-minute documentary.

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“06880” readers know Ken Runkel from his spectacular photos in our Saturday morning online art gallery.

This Thursday (March 7, 5 to 8 p.m.), you can enjoying them in sizes much larger than a computer or phone screen.

Serendipity Labs (55 Post Road West) hosts an art reception for his new exhibit, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. It’s free; register by email at concierge.westport@serendipitylabs.com.

“Spy Balloons” (Ken Runkel)

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Young piano wizard Caelan Cardello first played Jazz at the Post last year. He blew everyone away.

This Thursday he and 2 other young musicians — bassist Mikey Migliore and drummer Aaron Seeber — join veteran saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, to kick off March (Jazz) Madness.

There are 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover charge is $20 ($15 for students and veterans). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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The other day, “06880” ran a photo of a license plate propped up against the flag pole at the Westport post office.

It’s gone now. Randi Mondshine reclaimed it, and put it back on her car.

I’d like to say “06880” is responsible for the happy ending. But we’re not: when the plate went missing, she realized it must have been knocked off when she parked in a snow bank in the lot.

However, “06880” does figure into the story. The day she retrieved it, Randi was reading our “Roundup.”

There was a photo of her license plate, propped against a tree.

She thanks the Good Samaritan who found it, and placed it in a spot where it could easily be seen. By the owner, and a blogger.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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On Sunday, the “06880” Roundup included a photo of a plastic bin filled with tennis balls.

Vuori put them by the drinking fountain at Winslow Park, for dogs to snag and play with.

The idea was a winner. Just a day later, they were nearly all gone.

Soon — as Vuori’s sign recommends — the bin itself will be ready for re-use.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Are you ready for Solar Cycle 25, and NASA’s Heliophysics Big Year/

The Westport Astronomical Society is.

Their free online lecture series continues March 19 (8 p.m.), with Dr. Lisa Upton of the Southwest Research Institute.

She’ll discuss how the solar cycle compares to the prediction she shared with the WAS in 2021, and what we can expect from the sun over the next few years.

Click here for the Zoom link. Click here for the YouTube livestream.

Our sun.

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On a gray day, Gray’s Creek at low tide is a great subject for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Astronomical Society event, I wanted to post a “sun” song.

I could have chosen a squintillion. “Here Comes the Sun”? “House of the Rising Sun”? “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”?

Nah.

I had to go with the simplest title: “The Sun.”

But wait! There’s more!

This song — which 99% of “06880” readers have never heard of — is by a Yonkers-based band called The Chain Reaction.

Staples High School concert-goers from the 1960s know where this is heading.

In 1966, they opened for the Yardbirds — with Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck — in our own auditorium.

But wait! There’s more!

The Chain Reaction’s lead singer was Steve Tallarico. He later changed it to Steve Tyler. Yep, that Steve Tyler — the Aerosmith guy.

But wait! There’s even more!

That Yardbirds gig at Staples was a pivotal moment in young Steve’s career. It inspired him to have a career in music.

In 1995, he told that story when Aerosmith inducted Led Zeppelin in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

It’s played on an endless loop there ever since. Listen below:

And now, without further ado: The Chain Reaction’s “The Sun.” Co-written by a very young Steve Tallarico.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Steve Tyler. If you enjoy our musical selections (or anything else on this hyper-local blog), please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Library, Local business, Media, Sports

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Roundup: Cigar & Vape Break-In, Muddy Brook Meeting, Finance Workshop …

Posted on February 21, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Cigar & Vape Break-In, Muddy Brook Meeting, Finance Workshop …

Thieves slammed a car into Westport Cigar & Vape early yesterday morning. They grabbed the cash register and some e-cigarette items, then fled.

Westport Police officers arriving at the shop between Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirits shortly after the alarm was activated at 4:50 a.m. found the front door smashed in.

Surveillance video showed 3 teenagers, wearing dark clothing, hoodies and gloves.

The incident is under investigation. Police are unsure if it is related to a similar incident — also yesterday morning — in Shelton.

Westport Cigar & Vape, before the break-in.

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An informational meeting to discuss flood mitigation measures and bridge replacements planned along Muddy Brook, from Hillandale Road to Greens Farms Road, is set for March 7 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Department of Public Works engineers, and the bridge project’s design engineer, will present the latest plans and findings. They’ll also answer questions from the public.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilerg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.

The Greens Farms Road bridge, at Muddy Brook. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)

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The Board of Finance will hold an informal budget workshop next Tuesday (February 27, 6 p.m., Westport Library).

They’ll discuss the 1st Selectwoman’s preliminary budget requests for the Department of Human Services, the Parks & Recreation Department/Wakeman Town Farm, and the Department of Public Works/Sewer Fund.

Wakeman Town Farm funding is on the Board of Finance workshop agenda. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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For kids at Wakeman Town Farm, spring* means spending time with baby animals, planting, and fun projects.

Click here for information on WTF’s youth program. Registration — via the Parks & Recreation Department website — begins at 9 a.m. on March 14. Click here to access that site.

*Here in less than a month — it arrives March 19.

How you gonna keep ’em down on the Farm?

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Choral Chameleon is well named.

The New York ensemble works in a dynamic blend of genres and art forms — whatever type of choral music is called for, whenever they’re called to perform.

This Saturday (February 24, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), they’ll perform a world premiere a cappella concert. Their theme this year is “Changing,” and the show includes a wide variety of musical genres.

There’s a light reception afterward, with group members.

The suggested ticket price is $25. Click here to order. For more information,  click here.

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Warrior posed near the Compo Beach war memorial — the cannons honoring our battle against the British in 1777 — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Cohl Katz)

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And finally … Randy Sparks, a founder of the long-lived and influential New Christy Minstrels, died Sunday in San Diego. He was 90.

Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Parks & Rec, Dave Brubeck …

Posted on February 16, 2024 | 12 comments

After nearly 5 years, there’s finally some action on the William F. Cribari Bridge.

The state Department of Transportation is preparing a long-overdue environmental document. It will examine many issues pertaining to the 133-year-old swing span over the Saugatuck River.

It will include a “preferred alternative” — probably, a replacement.

When the document is published, there will be public hearings and comments. DOT will then forge ahead.

Yesterday, the South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization moved ahead with an endorsement for a $4.1 million addition to the DOT’s Transportation Improvement Plan for the design phase for the bridge.

William F. Cribari Bridge (Photo/Sam Levenson)

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Hot off the mic!

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS recently returned from a trip to Israel, with Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel, and congregants from the 2 synagogues.

Soon after he returned, Rabbi Wiederhorn sat with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, for the Y’s Men’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast.

Click below to listen to their informative, emotional conversation.

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Spring and summer Westport Parks & Recreation Department program offerings are now viewable online.

There will be 2 online registration dates.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5   for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6 for all other spring and summer programs.

Officials urge residents to login in to their online account to verify family information.

In the profile, choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. Then, on the “My Family Members” page, click on the first name in the column. Verify date of birth, and the correct grade (as of December 31, 2024). Then hit “save.”

Unable to log in? Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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The Westport Fire Department responded with 4 fire engines, 1 ladder truck and the shift commander to a fire last night on Burr Farms Road.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke coming from the garage. Entry was made, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

All occupants safely evacuated the house. There were no injuries.

The WFD reminds everyone to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Homeowners were alerted to this fire by a smoke detector.

Westport EMS and Police assisted on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Aftermath of the Burr Farms Road fire.

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Dave Brubeck — a longtime area resident who earned a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, before his death in 2012 a day before his 92nd birthday — lives on.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is set for a special fundraising event March 9, (Westport Library). Proceeds support the Library’s vast array of free programs and offerings.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is led by Chris (bass and trombone) and Dan Brubeck (drums), sons of the jazz legend. They recorded their first record in 1966. Rounding out the group is guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb.

They have performed across North America and Europe, including Newport, Detroit, Montreal, The Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz festivals.

General admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets ($125) include a pre-event reception with the Brubeck family and gifts, including a vinyl LP exclusive pressing of “Time OutTakes,” featuring previously unreleased takes from the original Brubeck masterpiece “Time Out” — the first jazz album to sell 1 million copies.

 Click here for tickets, and more information.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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Next up in the Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series: “The Trip To Bountiful” (March 11, 7 p.m.).

Carrie Watts dreams to escape the city, and return to simpler times in her beloved Bountiful, Texas. On her risky journey she encounters kindness and compassion — and makes a remarkable discovery about the true meaning of home.

Click here for tickets ($30), and more information.

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Also at the Playhouse: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” — originally seen on Broadway in 2013 — is set for a limited run this weekend and next. Dates are February 17-25.

Click here for more information, including the all-star cast and tickets.

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MoCA Westport’s current “60s Mod” exhibition showcases iconic works by established artists, and submissions from high school artists who interpret the era.

One influential featured artist — and quite appropriate for Black History Month — is the late Richard Hunt. He pioneered using industrial machine imagery as a staple of modern art.

Inspired by modernism and abstract expressionism, the sculptor took to junkyard metals to recreate organic figures. His monuments to civil rights heroes include Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens and Ida B. Wells.

At 35, he was the first African American to have a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, and the first to serve on the National Endowment for the Arts governing body. The MoMA has presented 12 exhibitions of his work.

MoCA Westport’s exhibition features a Hunt lithograph and serigraph. The Westport Arts Collection curated this exhibition, and has 21 other prints related to his 3-dimensional sculptures. 

Click here for more information on the exhibit.

Richard Hunt, in his studio.

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In the 1940s, whist parties were all the rage in Weston. James and Cleora Coley — the last owners of the history Coley house — won many tournaments.

They return March 27 (6:30 p.m.), when the Weston History & Culture Center hosts its own event. That’s the site of the same Coley house where James and Cleora lived (and played).

The evening includes its card playing, and retro-inspired snacks and cocktails. Experienced players will be at each table of 4 to teach whist, and assist.

Tickets are $15 each; click here to purchase.

Whist!

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Snowmen linger all over Westport, after Tuesday’s storm.

This one — a bit the worse for wear (and warmer weather) entertains beachgoers at Old Mill:

(Photo/Jill McGrath)

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Meanwhile, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature stars Anne Bernier’s tunnels and perches, made by her son and daughter (ages 15 and 10) for Toby (the dog). They stood yesterday, despite the melting snow.

Today will be mostly sunny, with a high of about 42. Saturday may bring snow showers.

(Photo/Anne Bernier)

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And finally … today is the 101st anniversary of Howard Carter’s unsealing of the burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, as well as the birthdays of Sonny Bono (he would have been 89 years old) and Ice-T (66).

I’m pretty sure this is the first time in history that King Tut, Sonny Bono and Ice-T have appeared in the same sentence.

(“06880” is indeed “Where Westport Meets the World.” But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Local politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Behind The Scenes: A Look At Field Scheduling

Posted on February 7, 2024 | 25 comments

Jeff Mitchell has been a Westport resident for over 30 years, and a Westport Baseball and Softball volunteer for more than 20. For the last decade, he has scheduled baseball games and practices in town, and worked with the Parks & Recreation Department on reserving and preserving baseball field space. He writes:

For the upcoming spring season, Westport’s youth sports programs will schedule hundreds of teams for games and practices on our scarce few athletics fields.

This process is complex, time-consuming, unrelenting — and apparently completely misunderstood.

Every field in Westport is considered multipurpose. Like rooms in a house, some are obviously more suited for one purpose than another. But very often it boils down to which location is available when you need it. It therefore makes the most sense to make every location as multipurpose (flexible) as possible. In simple terms, that means drawing as many different lines on them as feasible.

The Wakeman Fields adjacent to Bedford Middle School are used for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football practice, school sports, frisbee and more. The “B” field (center left) is artificial turf. The rest are grass.

At the start of all 4 seasons, schedulers of all the youth sports meet with Parks & Rec to make their case for who gets priority on which fields on what days, and at what times.

There is no such convenience that soccer gets to use all the soccer fields, baseball all the baseball fields, etc. That’s because field space is so tight in Westport that no town-administered field can afford to be deemed single use.

For example, even the wonderfully renovated Staples baseball and soccer terraces are used seasonally. The 2 sports have shared the same field since 1958.

Youth sports has exploded lately. Kids not only play on Westport’s recreational teams, but also on our many travel teams. Sports are no longer seasonal; they are year-round. Girls now play sports such as lacrosse and rugby that traditionally were played by boys. Just because there are fewer girls playing a particular sport doesn’t mean they don’t deserve equal access to field space. How else can they grow their sport?

Westport PAL lacrosse players, at Paul Lane Stadium.

Schedulers never know until after our registration deadlines how many kids we’ll need to accommodate, hence how many fields of what size we’ll need to reserve. Even once we know, there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to reserve that number of fields.

Worse, our travel team schedules are beholden to whatever external leagues we enter them in. The result is often one sport calling another asking if a field primarily reserved for that sport’s use might miraculously be free. That’s the benefit of fields being as multipurpose as possible.

Parks & Rec’s maintenance staff schedules athletic field maintenance for when the sun comes up, so that our kids can use them when they wake up.

Their schedules are based on what else they need to do the rest of the day. How many guys they have on call on any given day in the morning varies with how many fields need prepping, which we schedulers try to give them a reasonable idea on as long in advance as possible.

Because Little League uses the baseball fields at Town Farms and Coleytown Elementary School almost every daylight hour school is not in session, we pay a third-party landscaper 6 figures specifically to assure as little downtime as possible.

Westport Baseball and Softball outsources some maintenance to third party vendors. (Photo/Eric Bosch)

The problem with having such a demand for field space is that the wear and tear on fields is horrendous. When it rains, baseball fields turn to mud. If the clay is not immediately properly raked, it gets rock hard in the sun.

One tournament on a grass field can destroy it for an entire season. For example, in the summers of 2022 and ’23, a well-attended lacrosse tournament damaged the Staples soccer field so badly that the boys and girls varsity soccer teams had to move all their remaining home games to Wakeman.

A private organization rented Staples’ Loeffler Field in the summers of 2022 and ’23. It rendered the field unplayable for the varsity boys and girls soccer teams for those fall seasons.

Parks & Rec has asked us to please keep a field free for just one season so they can remediate it. That’s sadly not feasible in Westport.

Why do so many kids play sports these days? Of course, for fun — but also for opportunity. A recent Fortune Magazine article cites a 2003 book, Reclaiming the Game: “athletes are twice as likely to be admitted to an elite college as legacies and four times that of under-represented students. Since this study came out, the number of recruited athletes has increased 45%, compared to overall college growth of 33%.”

Parents know this. Parents see that Staples High School has won numerous state championships in a wide variety of sports. Staples baseball just had one player, Hiro Wyatt, sign for $1.5 million with the Kansas City Royals right out of high school.

The list of top schools our student-athletes have gotten admitted to is mind-boggling. These kids began their sports careers playing youth sports. People even tell us they moved to Westport because we are such a phenomenal sports town.

Yes, we are. But we have the ability to be even better.

(“06880” covers youth issues, sports, town politics — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Beach Playground, Rach’s Hope, Busta Rhymes …

Posted on January 17, 2024 | 4 comments

While assisting with a tree that fell across Compo Road South yesterday, the Westport Fire Department responded to a house fire nearby.

All occupants were safe, but a pet was killed in the blaze. Residents were unable to return home last night.

House fire on Compo Road South

Utility crews worked late into the night to replace multiple poles on South Compo, damaged by the downed tree.

(Photo/Alex Sherman)

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What do you want — or not want — in the Compo Beach playground renovation project?

All Westporters are invited to an open house this Saturday (January 20, noon to 1:30 p.m., Bedford Middle School cafeteria).

Play by Design, an offshoot of the original playground design company, is leading this project. Lisa Deshano will present the preliminary designs. A Q-and-A session and comments from key committee members follows.

The renovation is the centennial project of the Westport Rotary Club, which constructed the original playground in 1986 and subsequent renovation in 2006. Both were done in conjunction with the Westport Young Woman’s League.

The Compo Beach playground is quiet in winter. Soon — with community input — it will be hopping again. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Clarence Hayes saw this morning’s “06880” post by Scott Smith — about clear-cutting trees before building new, large homes — and immediately thought of Newtown Turnpike.

He sent this photo, calling it “a perfect picture to illustrate mindless cutting for the convenience of a developer.”

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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Each year, Milford‘s Foran High School wrestling team chooses a charity to support. This year they selected Rach’s Hope — the non-profit that honors the memory of the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication.

Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care

The Foran wrestlers helped at the annual Walk for Rach’s Hope at Compo Beach in October. They sold t-shirts with the tagline “We Choose Hope,” which they designed.

Last week, they dedicated their home opening match to Rach’s Hope. The gym was filled with supporters.

Team captains eloquently shared the story and mission of Rach’s Hope — and then presented Rachel’s parents, Alan and Lisa, with a $5,000 check.

“The love and support in the gym from spectators and the team were palpable,” says Lisa.

“The wrestlers wore Rach’s Hope singlets with pride. It was an extraordinary event.

“What an incredibly warm group of high school students. They are not only dedicated and empathic to both their sport and our cause, but the effort they put into raising funds for Rach’s Hope was over the top.”

Next up for Rach’s Hope: the 5th annual PJ Gala (FTC in Fairfield). Click here for tickets. Click here to learn more about Rach’s Hope.

The Foran High School wrestling team. The backs of their shirts say, “We Choose Hope.”

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COQODAQ — a new fried chicken “concept” — opened recently in the heart of New York’s Flatiron district. Mayor Eric Adams cut the ribbon, and Busta Rhymes delivered a surprise performance.

The “06880” connection: Staples High School graduate and returned-to-Westport resident Jacqueline Broder Hensel is a partner in Gracious Hospitality Management, which developed COQODAQ.

Romilly Newman (“the Gen-Z Martha Stewart”), Jacqueline Broder Hensel and Busta Rhymes. 

Grub Street says they

turned the space that once housed Rocco DiSpirito’s reality-TV restaurant into a glittering room dedicated to the veneration of this humble bird: A series of luminescent golden arches form a nave under which two banks of booths scallop out, and the walls are covered in a dermis of subtly textured golden panels.

“We wanted to create a cathedral of fried chicken,” (award-winning restaurateur  Simon) Kim says.

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Westport Writers’ Workshop picked the perfect spot for their 3rd annual Pitch & Publish Conference (March 16): the Westport Library.

The event is aimed at anyone seeking a literary agent, hoping to be educated about the industry at large, or looking to meet and be inspired by authors, agents and editors. T

Keynote speaker Leigh Stein is a fiction writer, poet and memoirist.

The conference begins Friday, March 15 with a welcome party at WWW (25 Sylvan Lane), followed by Saturday’s panels, one-on-one pitches, and a wrap party.

New this year: Each agent will read 5 pages of a writer’s work (in addition to their query letter); a mini “practice your pitch” session, and a catered lunch.

The after-party is at Basso.

Individual tickets for the conference only are $350 each (walk-ins accepted); tickets for the conference plus 2 one-on-one pitches with literary agents are $600 each before February 9, $675 each thereafter. Click here to register, and for more information.

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Longtime Westport resident Nancy Wilder died peacefully on January 6. She was 95.

A 1949 Mt. Holyoke College graduate, she remained active throughout her life keeping alumnae connected with each other, and the school.

Nancy was married to Milo Wilder for over 50 years. They had 2 sons, Sandy and Scott (“Hoover”). Scott died in 2008, after becoming a quadriplegic in 1974. They joyfully cared for him all those years until Milo’s death 2000. She then selflessly cared for him alone for the rest of his life. Sandy now lives in the St. Louis area. Nancy lived in Westport for the last 67 years.

Nancy is survived by her grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Duncan Wilder, Holly Wilder, Katharine Burgdorff Tyler, Lauren Burgdorff Frederick, and Douglas James Burgdorff.

Nancy was very active in her boys’ education, serving on many PTA boards and traveling often to watch their sports events from childhood through college. She was primarily a stay-at-home mom, although she did bookkeping for her husband’s company for many years.

Nancy adored her many golden retrievers and cats, was an active boater with her husband, and played tennis weekly with many good friends for much of her adult life. She loved watching tennis, golf, the New York Yankees and University of Connecticut women’s basketball.

Her (and her family’s) favorite place is Southwest Harbor, Maine. She went there every summer of her life. She met her husband-to-be there, and has ancestors in the region dating to the 1600s. She felt especially grateful that she got to spend all of July and August there last summer. Her favorite activity was visiting with family on the deck, looking out at Norwood Cove, the Causeway Club, and the mountains of Acadia National Park.

Nancy loved to do jigsaw puzzles, read, and visit with family She had a special knack for helping people feel deeply valued and appreciated independent of their age, like a cheerleader of the soul.

She had many friends she kept in touch with. After Scott’s death, many of his friends adopted her as their “second mom.”

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held March 2 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy’s memory can be made to Community Servings, Euphrates Institute or Rumphius Foundation.

Nancy Wilder

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As winter weather finally sets in this week, Pam Docters captured this “Westport … Naturally” image.

It shows the Saugatuck River downtown, looking toward Gorham Island. For the first time in a while: brrrrrr. (With apologies to our friends in Buffalo, where it actually is cold.)

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … it’s a short hop from COCODAQ (story above) to “06880.” Welcome to Westport (or at least, our hyper-local blog), Busta Rhymes!

(To honor Busta Rhymes’ first appearance in our “06880” pages, please click here. You can donate in honor of anyone else on earth there too. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Obituaries, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: Broadway In Westport, Compo Vandals, Pickleball …

Posted on December 22, 2023 | 4 comments

After successfully producing “An Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?

Why not another great show?

The Coleytown Company director and Staples High School graduate is producing and directing another one-night-only extravaganza.

Once again, he’s tapped (mostly) local friends and former students.

All are (of course) enormously talented.

As in: Broadway professionals.

The evening of song — honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24.

Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.

Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.

Click here for tickets, and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.

The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.

Mia Gentile

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Either vandals struck Compo Beach, or there is a very poor (or intoxicated) driver out there.

JD Dworkow spotted these “Stop” signs, all knocked over at a variety of spots:

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

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The beach vandals remain at large. But Westport Police did make 2 custodial arrests between December 13 and 20.

A Westport woman was arrested for violation of the Deadly Weapon Offender Registry. She failed to register, 9 months after being released from incarceration.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and failure to drive to the right, following a motor vehicle accident on the Parker Harding Plaza exit road.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Speeding: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.

Connecticut defines a deadly weapon as any device, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged — as well as a switchblade or gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles.

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You may not have gotten the Westport Transit District anything for the holidays.

But they’ve got a gift for you.

Between December 26 and 29, the Westport Transit District will provide free rides to all Wheels2U users.

Wheels2U is the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service. It’s ideal for anyone going to New York, or coming here, by train.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., to be taken to or from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms train platform and their front door or other Westport location. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, click here. To learn about services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

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If your New Year’s resolution is “learn to play pickleball” — or “play more” — you’re in luck.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with Norwalk’s Northeast Athletic Club, to offer indoor clinics. The instructor is well-known Westporter Kevin Cunningham.

Beginners and intermediate clinics run Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are January 2-31, and February 5-March 14. Click here for more information, and to register.

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The final Winter Farmers’ Market before Christmas was packed yesterday.

Shoppers jammed Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center to picked up everything from, well, jam and herbs to pies and olive oil.

Some of the longest lines were at Fatto a Mano. Pierluigi Mazzella’s focaccias and panettoni were selling like, um, hotcakes.

Fatto a Mano — and many other vendors — had plenty of customers at yesterday’s Winter Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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At most lunch meetings, Westport Rotary Club members hear from guest speakers.

On Tuesday, they heard something especially meaningful: holiday music from Staples Orphenians.

The elite a cappella group carried on a Rotary tradition that began at least 30 years ago.

The set included popular numbers like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” traditional carols like “Silent Night,” and complex, beautiful and less-known songs like “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.”

Orphenians, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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All month long, Kings Highway Elementary School students have collected gifts for their annual “Holiday Bear” drive. The Connecticut Education Foundation provides gifts for children whose families face financial or other hardships.

This week, the KHS Caring Council helped package up 27 Holiday Bear bags.

In addition, the school collected enough gifts to support 3 other families, through Westport’s Department of Human Services.

Kings Highway’s Caring Council, with staff members John Brakeman and Tara Doyle, and principal Tracey Carbone.

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 Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service.

On January 21 (4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its 4th jazz vespers service ever. Like the others, it will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.

Featured musicians include Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Matthew Munzer (bass), and Conor Brennan (drums). Hoddinott is the Methodist Church’s music director.

Jazz vespers at United Methodist Church.

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The day after the longest night of the year is a good time to post this “Westport … Naturally” sunset, from Compo Road South:

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … today was quite a day in Vienna, back in 1808. Ludwig van Beethoven conducted and performed the premiere of his Fifth Symphony — along with his Sixth Symphony, Fourth Piano Concerto and “Choral Fantasy.”

(Beethoven had his patrons. “06880” has some too. You can be one, simply by clicking here. Thank you, from our blog and — if he were here, probably Beethoven too.)

 

 

 

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Posted in Beach, Police, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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