Tag Archives: Westport Parks & Recreation Department

[OPINION] Soccer Association President: Act Now To Improve Field Capacity And Quality

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 13 comments

Jim Wolf is president of the Westport Soccer Association. A star and 2-year captain on the Staples High School team (Class of 2001), he has perspective on local athletic fields as both an athlete, and now a sports organization leader.

He hopes this piece brings heightened community awareness to the capacity and condition of Westport fields, while explaining the current and expected impact on local youth sports programs.

The Westport Soccer Association delivers the town’s youth rec and travel soccer programs. Its enrollment exceeded an average of 1,700 players during the most recent fall and spring seasons, making it the largest youth sports organization and one of the largest 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations in Westport.

The WSA is driven by the community. More than 200 parent-volunteers generously donate their time, with oversight from a board of 9 volunteers.

Similar to other youth organizations in town, participation levels have increased significantly in the post-COVID years.

As our fall enrollment grew 30% compared to 2020, our need for fields expanded as well. This fall we will field 31 travel teams, and anticipate that number to increase as the current pre-K and rec players filter up into the travel program.

Our youngest age group for travel currently has a record number of 6 teams on the boys’ side, underscoring the growth.

Each additional travel team requires an incremental 4 to 5 hours of field time per week on average. At this time, current field capacity does not accommodate future levels of enrollment. Many Westport kids unfortunately will not be able to participate unless field capacity increases.

This dynamic has been shared across the town’s youth sports programs, and existing fields have become over-utilized and unrested. As a result, conditions on the grass fields deteriorated significantly over the most recent spring season.

The WSA has ongoing discussions with the town focused on our growth and concerns. Town officials and the Parks & Recreation Department have been supportive, collaborative and creative as field constraints have become more pronounced.  They continue to dedicate a considerable amount of time to field allocation and maintenance, and communicating with the programs.

The collective understanding is that there are currently limited opportunities to bring new fields on-line, and inadequate financial resources provided for by the existing Parks & Rec budget to combat the impact of the current levels of usage.

Despite these challenges, P&R is putting forth a tremendous effort, given a suboptimal set of circumstances. The WSA appreciates their time and attention.

Hundreds of young athletes march in the Memorial Day parade.

Matters are further complicated by the Long Lots Elementar School construction project. The WSA is in the early stages of planning with the town for the fields at Long Lots to go off-line during the school’s construction period.

The WSA will use Long Lots fields for a combined 60+ hours per week this fall. Losing these fields will make an already unsustainable dynamic much worse. But the WSA will be solution-oriented, and do what it can to maintain our enrollment levels and ensure that no other town program is disproportionately impacted.

We acknowledge that much of the public discussion regarding the Long Lots School project has focused on the future of the Westport Community Gardens. But it is of equal importance to consider the effect on hundreds of families and children who will be affected not only during construction, but in perpetuity if adequate space is not allocated to safe, maintanable fields.

The Long Lots School construction will have a temporary but very meaningful impact on field availability for the WSA, as the primary users. Fields are a semi-fungible resource allocated by P&R. Time slots will need to be shifted, and other programs will be impacted as well. All opportunities to expand field capacity and improve quality (ranging from lighting to turfing to irrigation) should be quickly assessed and acted upon.

Among many other more important factors, including education specifications, cost and timeline, it is appreciated that the criteria for the Long Lots School Building Committee’s decisioning is in part based on the “impact to current site elements,” and fields are being assessed with P&R’s involvement.

That said, the hope is that (i) the approval committees will appropriately consider opportunities to improve field capacity and quality on the Long Lots campus post-construction along with any trade-offs, and (ii) the town begins planning/allocating budget now to enhance its field inventory in anticipation of the Long Lots fields going off-line during the construction period.

The WSA is hopeful that all interested parties will bring a spirit of collaboration and a willingness to compromise to discussions. Any solution should not be a win/lose situation for groups, but about what works best for the entire Westport community.

(Full disclosure: “06880” executive editor Dan Woog is a co-founder of the Westport Soccer Association, and non-voting emeritus member of its board.)

(“06880” is committed to airing a variety of opinions on local topics. Please click here to help us continue our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local politics, Sports

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Roundup: Bobcats, Long Lots, Parks & Rec …

Posted on August 1, 2023 | 6 comments

Bobcats have recolonized this area for over a decade. Numerous recent sightings have caused alarm on social media.

According to the Westport Police Department, bobcats are “generally unobtrusive neighbors. They are very focused on finding prey, which primarily consists of rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. They also prey upon young or infirm deer.

“Bobcats avoid conflict with humans and pets, but could pose a threat to small, unattended dogs, particularly if the dog were to chase the cat.”

Police recommend close supervision of small pets. Dogs smaller than 35 to 40 pounds can be at risk from coyotes, particularly if the dog is older.

“Bobcats generally retreat from encounters with dogs, but there is potential for a dangerous encounter if the cat is cornered,” police say.

“As we enter late summer, parent coyotes and bobcats leave their denning areas.  Several citizens have seen bobcat kittens and coyote pups playing in their yards. These juvenile animals pose no threat to humans, and they will gradually become more wary of people as they get older.

“Any time you see a coyote or bobcat in your yard, it is advisable to keep your pets indoors for a few hours, then walk the dog on a lead when going out. Bobcats and coyotes typically cover a fair amount of ground each day, and they move on quickly.

“The same hazing strategies used for coyotes (high-decibel storm whistle or air horn) are effective for bobcats. If you are concerned about frequent sightings, or would like more information, contact Westport Animal Control: 203-341-5076.”

Bobcat (Photo/Sean Hogan)

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Tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee special meeting (Tuesday, August 1, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309) begins with public comment and/or questions about the project.

An agenda revision posted yesterday notes that the public comment portion of the agenda will be limited to 15 minutes.

Members then meet for a work session with the design team, for project status updates and review. The public can attend the work session, but cannot participate.

Long Lots Elementary School.

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Seasonal employees — lifeguards, marina staffs and guest services workers — are the summer lifeblood of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Yesterday evening, those young men and women were treated to a pizza dinner at (appropriately) Compo’s South Beach.

Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore joined department officials in saying “thanks” to the crews that guard the Sound and Longshore pool, greet visitors, and keep our town jewels shining.

Some of the guests at yesterday’s “thank you” party. Parks & Recreation officials included (far left) deputy director Rick Giunta and aquatics director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo and, from far right, waterfront operations foreman Michael Giunta and operations director Carm Roda. (Photo/Dan Woog

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Check out the new “06880” header (the photo at the top of our home page).

The beach sunset/moonrise photo comes courtesy of Chris Harris. Enjoy it below, too:

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A webinar on how to lower energy costs is set for Thursday (August 3, 6 p.m.).

Representatives from the federal Department of Energy and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will describe a variety of money-saving programs.

The online event is sponsored by Congressman Jim Himes. Click here for the link (visible when the webinar begins).

Need help paying for solar panels? Find out how at Thursday’s webinar.

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Friday’s Tacombi fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services just got even better.

In addition to a sneak peek at the sure-to-be-hot new Mexican restaurant on the Post Road near Southport — and an opportunity to support one of our town’s most important organizations — guests will be entertained by Jake Bernard.

The 2011 Staples High School graduate — known then as Jake Yarmoff — will add his own special touch to the evening.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Jake Bernard

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Speaking of new restaurants: Emmy Squared opens August 21.

The Brooklyn-based restaurant is known for its “Detroit-style pizza”: square, crisp bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy crust and sauce strpes.

Their double-stack burger — served on a pretzel bun — was named one of the “20 Best Burgers in New York” by The Infatuation.

There are 8 location: New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville. Number 9 is the site of the now-closed Amis Trattoria, in Bedford Square.

Pizzas from Emmy Squared.

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Speaking of openings:

Tend comes to town tomorrow.

The “national dental provider that promises to make you look forward to the dentist” unveils its first Connecticut location at 1375 Post Road East (next to Ulta Beauty).

It’s the 25th overall in the nation. The dentists also have “studios” in New York, Washington, Boston, Atlanta and Nashville. They launched in 2019.

A press release says: “Tend is a full service dentistry that aims to serve all your oral care needs under one roof — from exams and cleanings to restorative care, oral surgery, orthodontics, cosmetic treatments and more. Tend is technology-driven, which means booking online is seamless, there are no wait times when you arrive because all intake is done digitally and in advance, and they even have an app so you can track your treatment journey at your fingertips.”

Tend works with “most major insurance providers.”

Tend’s Westport location is between Ulta Beauty and Balducci’s.

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Carl Addison Swanson reports that his August Book of the Month — “Fat People Are Harder to Kidnap” — is in its 2nd edition. It’s also been optioned to film.

Click here for all his books. Click the “Hush McCormick” tab for “Fat People.”

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This week’s “This Week in Weston” podcast features two of the town’s 1st Selectwomen.

Elected official Sam Nestor introduces Riley Crafts, the town’s “1st Selectwoman For A Day.” Seven-year-old Riley shares her impressions, experiences and questions about her experience.

Click below to listen to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston production.

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The sun is out. Joe Carpenter’s scaevola enjoys every ray, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Joe Carpenter)

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And finally … in honor of Tend coming to Westport (story above):

(Horrors! You’ve forgotten to contribute to “06880”! Don’t fear — click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Local business, Restaurants, Weston

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Compo Lifeguards: Another Day At The Beach

Posted on July 24, 2023 | 9 comments

As record heat settles in, a national lifeguard shortage has closed beaches and pools across America.

But not in Westport.

Compo Beach is a hot place to work — as in, very popular. A full crew of 75 young men and women watch the water (and the sand), administer first aid, find lost kids, dispose of horseshoe crabs, and do all the other things that are part of what has traditionally been a well-respected, in-demand, social and fun outdoor job.

Recruitment, lack of training and low pay — 3 problems contributing to the current crisis — appear not to be issues here.

Danilo Sierra-Giraldo is in his 8th summer directing the Compo guards. He also oversees much of the staff at Longshore.

He and his staff are employed by the Parks & Recreation Department. Guards earn $17.50 an hour.

A few of the 2023 Compo Beach lifeguard crew (from left): Lauranne De Vos, Sarah Allen, Jake Peterson, Molly Whittle Jack Whittle, director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

Part of the reason he’s got a full, dedicated and well-trained staff stems from his other jobs. An avid water polo player in his native Colombia, he is now the boys and girls varsity water polo coach at Staples High School. He is also a pool assistant for phys. ed. classes there — and a lifeguard instructor.

Much of his crew comes from Staples. They start working while in high school — lifeguarding is often their first job — and many return during college.

“It’s fun. It’s convenient. It helps the community. And who doesn’t want to be at the beach in the summer?” Danilo says.

Of course, guards must be in good shape. Danile organizes workouts — long runs, pushups, lunges, swims) — that are both competitive and fun.

Danilo also reintroduced the Lifeguard Olympics. This year’s event was held Sunday morning, at 8 a.m. It was strictly local. Next year, he hopes to invite other towns.

Lifeguards work a full day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They spend an hour in the chair, then have an hour off. That’s filled with other tasks and drills, plus a break (and — very popular this summer — spikeball).

On break …

The Compo Beach regulars are almost all friendly to the guards, Danilo says. They appreciate all that the young men and women do — including updating the information board at the shack, with tides, the UV index, and an always-interesting Quote of the Day.

Though there are few true emergencies in the usually calm Long Island Sound waters, lifeguards must always be alert.

Anything can happen anywhere. Swimmers can head too far from shore. Kiteboarders head too close to shore. Kids cut their feet on shells and the jetty. 

Lifeguarding is “a great opportunity for kids to get a wider understanding of responsibility,” Danilo says.

“They see how life works. They develop a good work ethic.”

That’s the way it’s always been for Compo Beach lifeguards. Little has changed over the years.

Except now they wear hats and sunscreen.

… and on guard. (Photos/Dan Woog)

(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport life — including lifeguards. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Longshore

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Roundup: Beach Closures, Tutti’s, Town Awards …

Posted on July 18, 2023 | 5 comments

Recent beach closures (for swimming only) due to high bacteria counts after heavy rains have residents wondering: How do I know if they’re open?

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department follows a directive from the Aspetuck Health District to close when rainfall reaches an inch or more within a 24-hour period. The Health District tests the water.

(Parks & Rec notes that the problem has been exacerbated recently by heavy flooding in northern New England. That’s meant a large amount of debris and other pollutants is entering Long Island Sound, from the Connecticut River.

For updated information, Parks & Rec maintains a cancellation line for all activities: 203-341-5074. You can also check the Parks & Rec page on the town website (click here).

Everyone out of the water! (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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When the going gets tough … Westport helps the Funicello family.

Maria and Pasquale own Tutti’s — the very popular, very family-focused Saugatuck restaurant.

Their great-nephew Mason Dent was born at just 24 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 12 ounces. His medical journey has been harrowing — and expensive.

So on Sunday, Tutti’s had a special pasta-and-meatballs deal. It raised over $5,000.

Meanwhile,  the entire staff is donating all cash tips throughout this month to the Dent family.

There’s also a GoFundMe page.

“We want to thank all of our customers who helped,” Maria says. “We cannot get over the generosity of everyone! Mason has a long road ahead, and this will help them very much. God bless.”

An update on Mason, posted yesterday.

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Every day, town officials help make Westport a better place to live, work and play.

Now we can nominate them for an award.

The 8th annual Connecticut Conference of Municipalities’ Excellence Awards will recognize “innovative projects and individuals that have significantly improved the quality of life for citizens, established partnerships, and built community support.” Anyone can submit a nomination.

Towns and cities are recognized in 3 population categories. There’s also an award for “Innovation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

There are 2 individual honors too. One is for lifetime achievement; the other, for innovation.

For more information, including how to nominate, click here.

The deadline is August 25. For a list of last year’s winners, click here. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

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You may not be ready for back-to-school shopping.

But the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is already hard at work. They’re collecting supplies for residents of 2 safe houses.

They need:

  • New (unused) backpacks
  • Notebooks
  • Pens, pencils, highlighters, crayons
  • New lunchboxes
  • Graphing calculators
  • Gift cards (Staples, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.).

Donations can be left from now through July 23 in collection bins at the Westport police station lobby (50 Jesup Road), and at ASF Sports & Outdoors (1560 Post Road East).

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston (and guests) headed to a familiar (to them) spot yesterday: Flushing Meadows, site of the 1964-65 World’s Fair.

As the group passed landmarks like the Unisphere, Hall of Science and pavilions (GM, GE, Bell System and others), they shared memories of experiences there.

The latest in a series of historical walking tours  was led by member Warren Jahn.

Y’s Men (and guests) on tour. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Bunny Franco and her son Jimmy have been Westporters for 60 years.

What better place to pose Sunday than this classic spot?

PS: Jimmy is sporting Westport’s iconic 150th-anniversary t-shirt, from 1985. He’s already been here for 23 years.

(Photo/Andrew Franco)

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Fred Cantor sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

And, he adds: “Kudos to whoever planted and/or takes care of the flower bed surrounding the Doughboy statue. Truly beautiful!”

(Photo/Fred Cantor)

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And finally … since we’re talking about closing the beach to swimming (story above):

(Whether Westport’s your home — or Boston — please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Police, Restaurants

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Happy June 29th!

Posted on June 30, 2023 | 3 comments

The date doesn’t matter.

Whenever Westport celebrates July 4th, we do it right.

It wouldn’t be the fireworks without Andrew Colabella.

Once again — thanks to the generosity of Melissa and Doug Bernstein; the hard work of Westport PAL, Parks & Recreation Department, Police, Fire and EMS — several thousand Westporters and friends enjoyed the best night of the year.

Doug and Melissa Bernstein sponsor the fireworks — so that Westport PAL can make money, to support thousands of youth programs and scholarships.

The ghost chairs — empty all day — were filled by late afternoon. There was plenty of food and drink; lots of sparklers and red-white-and-blue apparel, and only a few lost kids.

The fireworks — the finale — were just part of the party.

The barge, ready for the show.

And now we’ve got 5 more days to celebrate our nation’s independence.

One party, among hundreds.

PS: After all that, the beach was immaculate at dawn today. Kudos to all the Parks & Rec employees — and anyone else who made it happen.

Parks & Rec employees worked hard, all day long — and all night too.

Arm candy. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

One of several PAL stands …

… and CJ Healy and Case Robinson set up their own stand, to raise money to build basketball courts in Cuba.

Not all the Grucci fireworks workers were on the barge. These guys took a break from working on shore.

There were parties on Soundview Drive …

… an impromptu meeting of town leaders …

,,, and a chat between Jane Green and Michael Bregman.

Not far from a massive volleyball game …

… EMTs stood ready.

It wouldn’t be the fireworks without some fun on the sand …

… and on the lifeguard stand. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Westport life

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Oystercatcher Alert: Save Our Beach Birds!

Posted on May 27, 2023 | 11 comments

“06880” readers know Carolyn Doan for her gorgeous photos of the Fresh Market ospreys. For years she has documented their arrival, their food-gathering forays, the births of their chicks, and their time here.

Today she turns her attention to another beautiful bird. Carolyn writes:

For the past 2 years the American oystercatchers and piping plovers have lost their nests at Compo Beach. This is despite the area being roped off for protection.

Predation has been the main culprit in losing nests and chicks. Fish crows, gulls and canines are all serious threats. Human activity and trash left on the beach attracts predators, drawing them to the protected area on the beach.

An American oystercatcher and chick at Compo Beach, in 2021. Sadly, the young bird did not survive. 

After losing another nest earlier this season, the oystercatcher pair is back. Last night, they were incubating at least one egg.

The Audubon Alliance for Coastal Shorebirds has made every effort to protect these endangered birds. These include marked areas of the beach, large signs and metal cage-like structures placed over nests to assure that eggs are protected. Westport Parks & Recreation Department has been a huge help too.

This weekend and afterward, the American oystercatchers need our help. Please keep dogs off the beach. Canine footprints found in the area could be the result of foxes or coyotes, but of course there should be no dogs on the beach this time of year any way.

Female oystercatcher incubating at Compo.

Also, please stay away from the protected area near the cannons. The most sensitive area is closest to the shoreline where the birds are incubating, so please don’t walk that stretch of beach near the water. This flushes the birds off the nest, and makes it vulnerable to predators.

Please pick up trash and throw it away. Better yet, bring it with you.

On Friday night there was a lot of food and trash left at the beach. Fish hawks and gulls flocked to the area.

Compo Beach trash, last night. (Photos/Carolyn Doan)

And please: no drones. The birds chase them, and risk being injured.

This is their second attempt this season. Let’s help them out!

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Roundup: Winslow Park, Hillspoint Road, Social Media …

Posted on March 28, 2023 | 4 comments

What’s going on at Winslow Park?

Construction vehicles and materials are parked on the north side, by Compo Road North near East Main Street.

But no work is being done at the dog park. It’s a staging area for Burns Construction, the contractor for a sewage collection system project nearby.

The company will lay 10,000 feet of pipe, to serve 121 properties on Evergreen Parkway, Tamarac Lane, Lone Pine Lane, Gorham Avenue, Brookside Drive, and a small section of Compo North.

Because it’s a dense neighborhood with many children — and to avoid impacting residents — Burns and the town’s Public Works Department asked Parks & Rec for permission to use Winslow Park as a staging area.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

Burns is stripping the topsoil, to avoid muddying the area. They’ll fence the section in too.

Their contract runs through December 28. However, the Engineering Department’s Bryan Thompson says, the work may not take that long.

When they’re done, Burns will full restore the area, including hydroseeding.

Signs will go up soon in the area, warning of construction vehicles entering the roadway.

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“06880” has reported on the recent work done — after 3 years — on the (too)-large house being built to replace Positano restaurant, at 233 Hillspoint Road.

As Don Bergmann points out, it’s still not quite right. He writes: “The Blight Board gave the owner … 2 weeks to remove [not lower. as ‘06880’ reported] the chimney and cupola, by March 23.

“The minutes, in draft form, of the Blight Prevention Board meeting on March 9, make this very clear.  The removal of both items was to have occurred by March 23. The draft minutes are on the town website for meetings.”

The chimney at 233 Hillspoint Road must come down completely. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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At 7:15 yesterday morning, the Westport Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a disturbing social media post.

The caller — a local student — felt concerned about going to school, based on the post.

Officers immediately identified the source of the post. Working with the School Resource Officer and Detective Bureau, they identified the person responsible.

Officers went to each school until they located the responsible party. By 8 a.m., they determined that there was no threat.

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Looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day?

The Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring a “Clean Up Westport” event that Saturday (April 22).

Letters have been sent to more than 2 dozen civic organizations, asking for help.

Groups should call Parks & Rec (203-341-5091) before April 14, specifying the time and site of their effort. The town will then collect bagged garbage from each spot.

But you don’t have to be part of any pre-set location. Anyone can clean up any litter, anywhere in town.

Free trash bags are available at the Parks & Rec office by the Longshore first tee on April 20, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. There’s a limit of 6 bags per organization, and they must be requested by April 19.

Westport is a mess. Do your part on Earth Day (or any day, really). (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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There were 2 sure signs of spring yesterday at Compo Beach:

Sand grooming equipment, and a kite.

Another springtime reminder: Starting Saturday (April 1), dogs are not allowed anywhere on the beach.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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“What’s Next in Weston” — the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston bi-weekly podcast — continues today.

It’s Part 2 of a discussion with 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor of the the town’s grand list, mill rate, home values, and how it all relates to real estate taxes.

Click below to see:

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Did you know there is only one zoo in Connecticut?

That it’s 99 years old, features 350 animals, and is just a few miles away in Bridgeport?

The Y’s Women learned all about the Beardsley Zoo, at a presentation by curators of education Jim Knox and Carolyn Rinaldi.

They described saving species from extinction, and the reintroduction of wild species into the state and beyond.

Beardsley Zoo’s Jim Knox, at the Y’s Women meeting.

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Bassist Rich Zurkowski and his guitarist daughter Chloe bring their instruments — and voices — to this week’s Jazz at the Post.

There are 2 shows this Thursday (March 30), at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399). Dinner service begins at 7.

They’re joined by pianist Jesse Gribbon, drummer Eric Kalb and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — the Norwalk-based non-profit founded by former Westporter Jane Ross — has grown into an important, influential organization. They educate and empower parents of children with learning and attention differences

Like many groups, they rely on annual benefits for funding. This year’s gala —  “Minds in Bloom: Cultivating Growth for Kids with Learning Differences — is set for April 20, at Darien’s Woodway Country Club,

The evening includes a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $250 per person, $2,500 per table; click here to purchase. For sponsorships, call Ross: 203-216-3196. For more information, click here.

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Longtime Westport teacher and devout Catholic mother and wife Mary Murphy died peacefully earlier this month in Trumbull, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

The Medford, Massachusetts native spent her life devoted to her faith, family and friends.

She served as eucharistic minister, Bible study leader and volunteer in her parishes. Mary also volunteered at CRIS radio. and taught English as a second language at the Mercy Learning Center.

Her family says, “Through hard times and happy times, Mary stayed true to her husband, family, friends and herself. She was a devoted wife to Ed for 39 years, raising their family and then caring for Ed until his death in 1993.

“As the central figure of her large family, Mary was present at just about all her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, school activities, concerts, graduations and parties. Our family was blessed to experience Mary’s love, light, wisdom, compassion and inner strength. She was a role model for all of us on how to ‘do it right’.”

Mary graduated from Regis College, and obtained her master’s degree in education from Fairfield University. She worked for the Westport Public Schools as a foreign language teacher for 25 years.

Mary passionately followed the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, and the Boston Red Sox. She loved to travel, read, and play bridge and golf.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated this Saturday (March 25, 10 a.m., Church of the Assumption). Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday (March 24, 4 to 7 p.m., Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull).

Mary is survived by her children Ed (Carol) of Windham, New Hampshire, Ken (Pam) of Epping, New Hampshire, Kevin (Janet) of Sacramento, Sharon of Torrington, Maureen Burdick of Trumbull, and Terri Matsen (Eric) of LaGrange, Kentucky; daughter-in-law Kate Murphy of Newburyport, Massachusetts; grandchildren Kahley Apostolou (Mike); Erin, John and Brian Murphy; Peter, Edward and Mary Grace Burdick; Conor, Nolan, Bridget and Jack Matsen; Jillian and Shane Murphy (Marisa), and great-grandchildren Logan Burdick, and Lyla and Mason Apostolou; brothers John V. Gibbons Jr. of North Kingston, Rhode Island and Robert Gibbons of Mirror Lake, New Hampshire, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Ed, son Dennis, grandson Christopher Stephen Murphy Burdick, son-in-law Carl Burdick, and sister Claire Gibbons Boyle.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Down’s Syndrome of Louisville, 5001 South Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40291 or Wigglewow, 10529 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY 40299 (a natural dog biscuit company and retail center committed to providing disabled adults with supportive, purposeful employment opportunities).

Mary Murphy

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It’s not often we run a “sky” image as our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But it’s not often a photographer captures both the moon and Venus in the same shot.

The other day, Andrew Colabella did — framed by Saugatuck:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … in honor of the Earth Day town-wide cleanup (story above):

“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We’re a non-profit (click here for more info about our work). We rely on reader donations. Thank you!

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Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, Weston

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Woodman Does Not Spare Longshore Trees

Posted on March 1, 2023 | 15 comments

The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan — including pickleball courts; a new golf clubhouse; renovations to the tennis courts, pool and playground, and more — will take 10 years to complete. 

If it’s approved by the appropriate town bodies, funded, and not altered along the way.

Of more immediate concern are Longshore’s trees. 

Alert reader Clarence Hayes writes:

I am perplexed by the seemingly random cutting of trees at Longshore Park this winter.

Virtually all of them were healthy. When I examined the cut trunks, there are no signs of disease. They were not interfering with the road.

Some seemed entirely gratuitous exercises in tree mutilation, in which main branches I knew to be fully healthy were cut off for at best someone’s idea of symmetry, in locations where no people or traffic go.

I know that at least a couple were selected by Westport’s tree warden, since there were notices posted on the trees saying the warden had condemned the tree. All of them appear to be on Longshore park property, which leads me to conclude that all of them were based on the tree warden decision, or if not the warden, then the Parks & Recreation Department.

There are several cuts of 150-plus-year-old trees just off the golf course parking lot that are not near anything. It is bizarre why they were cut.

“06880” emailed Parks & Recreation Department director Jen Fava, and tree warden Ben Sykas, for comments. Neither replied.

(“06880 keeps an eye on trees — and the rest of Westport. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Longshore

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[UPDATE] Longshore Plan Ready For Parks & Rec Vote

Posted on February 28, 2023 | 13 comments

This story has been updated, to include a correct rendering of the proposed new golf clubhouse. The previous image did not show the location near the 1st tee.

When the Parks & Recreation Commission meets on Thursday (March 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall), they’ll vote on a long-awaited Capital Improvement Plan for Longshore.

A much-derided idea of turning the entrance into a 2-way road has been scrapped.

But many other elements presented earlier — including a new golf clubhouse; pickleball courts; relocation of the maintenance facility to the brush dump; improvements to the platform tennis and tennis area, pool and playground, plus construction of shoreline and pedestrian paths — are in the plan.

Changes will be coming to Longshore.

Parks & Recreation Department staff has approved the recommendation. It’s the culmination of work done by the Stantec consulting firm. Beginning in January 2022, they held meetings with 14 user groups and town departments; conducted a community survey; held 5 open houses; sent out a second survey, and held several public meetings.

Parks & Rec calls the plan “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make improvements to connectivity, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, safety, functionality, support of uses, accessibility, aesthetics, capacity, ease of use, and recreation opportunities for an increasingly diverse population of park enthusiasts.”

Among the specifics:

A new golf clubhouse by the 1st tee will provide:

  • Restrooms and locker rooms for golfers, and restrooms for other park users
  • A pro shop
  • Indoor instruction and club fit
  • Golfer check-in and payment location
  • Practice green
  • Golf cart paddock area
  • Grill room and patio.

The golf plan includes a clubhouse and golf cart storage (orange), and pedestrian paths (dotted lines).

The current pools are outdated. The improvement plan will include a zero entry pool and splash pad. The redesign will capture water views currently blocked by mechanical systems.

Playground replacement and redesign will separate it from the Sailing School congestion, and improve safety.

Realigning the platform tennis and tennis area will move the platform tennis courts closer to parking, add up to 12 parking spaces, and allow for the possible installation of a bubble in the future.

Plans show changes to the racquets are (blue), the relocated playground (pink), and the pool complex.

Relocating the parks maintenance facility to the brush dump will:

  • Remove an eyesore from a high-use area
  • Create space for platform tennis
  • Reduce maintenance vehicular traffic within the park
  • Add up to 30 parking spaces.

A new traffic circle will improve vehicular circulation, especially for drivers unfamiliar with Longshore, and improve usability of the Cuttings Lane loop road.

Modifications and changes could be made during the design phase.

The Parks & Rec Department recommends a timeline beginning with the “much-needed” pickleball and platform tennis facilities to be built first.

“While we understand the golf community has been waiting for a longer period of time,” officials say, “the golf operations can continue to function while the other uses do not have facilities available to meet the demand.”

The improvement plan is projected to take 10 years. The projected cost is $47,099,000.

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Posted in Local politics, Longshore

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Remembering Joey Arciola

Posted on February 20, 2023 | 12 comments

Westport native and longtime, well-respected Parks & Recreation Department employee Joseph “Joey” Arciola died peacefully on February 14. He was 52 years old.

Joey came from a long line of family members who served the town of Westport, as Public Works employees, police officers, firefighters and teachers.

Joey was retired from Parks & Rec, where he started his career as dock master at the age of 19. He worked his way to foreman for the department.

Joey Arciola

Joey was an avid sailor, hiker and camper. He loved Cockenoe Island. He was a passionate sports fan who never missed a Yankees, New York Rangers or Dallas Cowboys game.

His family says: “Joey devoted himself to his friends and family with unwavering commitment, love and loyalty. Throughout his life, he prided himself on making everyone around him a better person as well.”

Joey is survived by his parents, Sam Arciola Jr. and Jo Ann (Austin) Arciola, brother Sam Arciola III (Kelly), nephews Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola whom he adored and treasured, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joey’s memory to Save the Sound.

Friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial this Friday (February 24, 10 a.m., Assumption Church).

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Longtime friend Andrew Colabella adds a tribute to Joey. He writes:

Joey Arciola lived and loved like every day was his last day fearlessly. He was a man who lived life to the fullest.

Today, Joey would have been 53. Six days ago, Joey left the earth, after making an imprint on thousands of lives.

Joey grew up in Westport, with his wonderful brother Sam. His hardworking parents, Samuel and Joanne, who still live in the same house today, still happily married. They followed in the same footsteps as their father, serving Westport.

Their father worked at the sewage treatment plant. Sam recently retired from the Westport Police Department, with over 30 years of service. Joey started working for the town on the docks and marinas, eventually making his way to the Parks & Recreation maintanence division as a laborer.

Joey spent the next 20-plus years in that department shape the town’s athletic and recreational fields. His work partner was Joey Saviano (click here),

The 2 Joes could be seen riding around in Truck 100, a blue single cab long bed, checking on all their hard work. Joey was easy to spot, always in cargo shorts, sneakers, a Yankees ball cap with perfectly trimmed short hair, walking fast on the ball of his feet.

He never stopped moving, except to stop at Junior’s Hot Dog Stand. He’d sit at the counter having lunch with the other Westport local legends and celebrities. His cousin Jeff was behind the counter.

In 8 hours his crew of guys had the lines stripped, grass rolled and cut, PH soil levels balanced, sprinklers timed, baseball fields ready, beach raked, trash picked up, guardrails weed whacked, and equipment ready to go. It all fell under Joey.

The town was ready to go, for all to enjoy. His style of management was sincere, yet tough. He expected the work that day to be done. But if variables beyond our control prevented completion, Joey would either show up to pitch in and help, never afraid but excited to teach, or call before it was started so that no one’s time was wasted. Joey was resourceful, fast thinking and organized.

Joey was elected president of his union, AFSCME 1303-194. He fearlessly went head to head with any and all for fair wages, incentives, protecting pensions and benefits for his employees. Joey knew the value of his talented workers and colleagues, and how much family meant to him.

Joey Arciola, enjoying Cockenoe Island. (Photo courtesy of Linda Gilleran)

Joey had no kids, but was there every step of the way from the birth of his nephews Samuel and Dominic. Those independent and successful bright boys both graduated from Staples, and went on to the University of Alabama.

Joey’s extended family members all too were influenced by his strong determination to give all and be all. Hard work, dedication and loyalty runs in all their blood.

If he had not employed me in his department for 9 years seasonally as I juggled school full time, I am not sure where I would be today. Joey gave me a chance. He gave me life, an education, knowledge, strength, determination, laughter (a lot), honesty and integrity. But he was also a boss at the same time. Respect was given and returned.

So whether you are an Arciola or a Meier, a child or adult who played on any of our athletic and recreational fields in town, or visited the Saugatuck restaurants and bars, or if you were lucky enough to go to a Yankees game with Joey, his impact is eternal.

So as I write this, knowing I unfortunately will not see Joey tomorrow, or every other tomorrow for the remainder of my existence, the ripples of his fingerprint on earth in this town will remain for decades to come.

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Posted in People, Sports

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