A reminder: Westport’s annual “State of the Town” event is tomorrow.
On Sunday (February 2, 2 p.m., Westport Library), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will offer their insights.
The leaders will review town and school accomplishments during the past year, and preview some upcoming initiatives and challenges. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The annual event is sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
No matter who wins the Super Bowl next weekend, the Sunrise Rotary Club will be victorious.
The civic organization is selling raffle tickets for $50 apiece. Each ticket will be assigned a randomly selected pair of numbers — one for each team.
If 2 numbers correspond to the final score of the Super Bowl (or the end of any quarter), you win.
You don’t need to watch the Super Bowl, or even care about football to collect.
50% of all ticket sales go the raffle winners (up to $1,000). The other 50% goes to charities the Sunrise Rotarians support.
Tickets will be sold through Friday morning (February 7). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Speaking of sports:
In what has become an annual tradition, the Junior Knicks partnered with Westport PAL to send travel 8th grader boys and girls basketball players to Madison Square Garden for an incredible experience this week.
The young athletes attended shootaround from courtside, played on the famed court, then stayed to watch the Knicks demolish the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Junior Knicks are a great friend to the Westport travel program, running camps together and bringing former NBA olayers like Larry Johnson, John Starks and John Wallace in to speak to the players.
Brett Tessler — who grew up here, and has returned to live — is director of fan engagement and youth programs. He’s worked hard to integrate programming between the Junior Knicks and Westport travel basketball.
Black History Month comes to the Westport Library on Thursday (February 6, 7 p.m.).
The topic is abolitionist Harriet Tubman. The presenters are special: local author Jean Marie Wiesen — and Tubman’s great-great-great-grandniece, Rita Daniels.
They’ll discuss their new book, “Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary.”
The talk will be moderated by TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, Jr. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Click here for more information.
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A special “Women Leading The Way To Wellness Galentine’s Kickoff Event fundraiser” is set for Tuesday (February 4, 6 to 9 p.m., WEST, 117 Post Road East).
Organizers say “Gather your best gal pals to sip, shop, and more.” Guests will enjoy bites, cocktails, and shopping discounts. A portion of the proceeds will support American Cancer Society research.
For questions or more information, email jessica.taylor@cancer.org.
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There’s always a new way of looking at Westport. And our “Westport … Naturally” feature (naturally) shows a different one every day.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein will offer their “State of the Town” thoughts on Sunday, February 2 (2 p.m., Westport Library).
The leaders will review town and school accomplishments during the past year, and preview some upcoming initiatives and challenges. A question-and-answer session will follow.
The annual event is sponsored by Westport Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
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The Board of Education agenda for its meeting this Thursday (January 23, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), includes
Staples auditorium sound system
Transportation efficiencies study
2025-26 proposed budget
First reading of Board of Education policies: Creation of a policiy on civility; amendment of student discipline policy
Second reading of Board of Education polices: Amendment of admission to public schools at or before age 5; amendment of policy on attendance, truancy and chronic absenteeism; proposed repeal of policy on attendance excuses and chronic absenteeism.
The Board of Education will also hold a Zoom meeting that morning (January 23, 9 a.m., Zoom; meeting ID 857 3959 1723; passcoade 405790) to discuss procedures for conducting non-renewal hearings of employees.
Among the agenda items for Thursday’s Board of Education meeting: transportation efficiencies. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
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On Friday, Sam Clachko scored his 1,000th point as a Staples High School basketball player.
And he’s only a junior! (Click here for the full story.)
Ryan Allen — Staples’ superb photographer/videographer — was there to record the milestone.
Sam has a great future ahead, on the court. Ryan’s future is equally bright — behind the lens.
Jeff Matlow was one of many Los Angeles residents affected by the recent fires.
The 1985 Staples High School graduate reports: “The Palisades fire started on the hill behind the school where my wife works, and our daughter is in 6th grade.
“They were the first people to evacuate, even before there was an official evacuation notice.
“At least half of the school is in ruins, if not more. The library is gone (along with all the books). All of the admin buildings, the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school are all gone.
“We are still not allowed in Pacific Palisades to see everything. But we know it will be a long rebuilding process.
The school just launched a fundraising campaign. “06880” readers can click here to read more, and contribute to help a fellow Westporter reconstruct his daughter and wife’s school community.
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Westport’s representatives in Hartford — State Senator Ceci Maher, and Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — invites residents to Mrs. London’s Bakery on January 30 (5:30 p.m.).
They’ll discuss issues impacting Connecticut residents, review goals and priorities for the legislative session, and answer questions.
From left: State Senator Ceci Mahr; Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
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Speaking of politics: Tomorrow is Inauguration Day.
The next full production at the Westport Country Playhouse is less than a month away.
The curtain rises for “Season of Laughter” on February 18.
The Playhouse says: “When expecting parents move next door to longtime suburbanites, a dispute over their yard’s property line spirals into an epic, flower-flinging war over taste, class, personal identity — and gardening. Can these couples ever learn to love their neighbor and mend the fences that separate them?!
The show runs through March 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Brian Torff Group headline the next Voices Café show at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, on February 1 (8 p.m).
They’re “a band driven by a desire to capture the complexity of the American story ‘through American roots music with an updated twist.’”
The concert will blend Torff’s Southern music and race research with original songs, and new interpretations of artists like Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Mose Allison and Elvis Presley.
Torff — a professor of music at Fairfield University since 1993 — says, “we’ll honor Black History Month by taking a close look at the profound contributions of African Americans to our nation’s music culture.”
Suznne (Suzy) Fiore — a Westport residence since 1951 — died peacefully at home on January 13. She was 86.
In 1972 Suzy began teaching at the Green’s Farms Preschool, became the director in 2001 and retired in 2009. She cared deeply for the children, their families, and teachers she taught and worked with over the years.
Suzy was a long-time member of Green’s Farms Congregational Church and the Westport Women’s Club. Since 1978 she was very active member in the PEO, Chapter B in Westport, serving as chapter president and holding several other officer positions.
She enjoyed traveling, caring for plants, being the family historian, and watching birds.
Suzy was predeceased by her husband Anthony Fiore Jr, daughter Cynthia Ann Watson, step-son Michael Fiore, and brother Charles Kline, Jr.
She is survived by her sons John Watson III (Deborah) of Summerville, South Carolina, Charles Watson of Westport, and William Craig Watson (Shery) of Redding; step-son Paul Fiore of Fruita, Colorado; nephew Charles Kline III (Christy); grandchildren Lynsay D’Aiuto, Jennie Moon (Josh), Rebecca Watson, John Watson IV (Molly), Charles Watson, Sadie Watson and Chase Alexander Watson, and 5 great-grandchildren
A memorial service will be held February 10 (1 p.m., Green’s Farms Church).
And finally … on this date in 1901, Queen Victoria was stricken with paralysis. She died 3 days later, at 81.
(Jen Tooker discusses the state of the town next month. But here at “06880,” we do that every day. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Sure, the weather is unseasonably warm for late fall.
But winter will come. So will heating bills.
The Westport Warm-Up Fund helps income-qualified households handle those expenses. The program is essential for residents whose earnings fall narrowly above state income guidelines. Though ineligible for state or federal assistance, they still need help with utility costs.
Funds come from individuals, businesses and community organizations.
Westport Department of Human Services Elaine Daignault says, “Warm-up donations allow our department to assist our ‘invisible; neighbors in need. Despite a wealth of resources, many neighbors quietly struggle to keep the lights on and their houses warm.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made online (scroll down to top item), or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880. Questions? In need of assistance? Call 203-341-1050.
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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s 33rd annual “Westport Uncorked” — an international wine tasting — packed The Inn at Longshore last night.
Over 100 sustainable, organic wines were served, along with plenty of hors d’oeuvres.
Proceeds aid Sunrise Rotary’s charitable work, locally and abroad. It’s one of 2 major fundraisers (the other is the Great Duck Race).
We’ll drink to that!
Wine importer David Squires’ table was one of 18, serving a wide variety of sustainable, organic wines.
The Constitution is a huge topic of national conversation, in the run-up to this year’s presidential election.
On Monday (October 28, 7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts Akhil Reed Amar.
The Yale University law and political science professor, and noted Constitutional scholar, will discuss his book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.”
He’ll also cover a wide range of topics, including the Electoral College, the pardoning power of the presidency, presidential immunity, and the role and shaping of the judiciary. After the talk, Professor Amar will answer questions about the Constitution.
Also at the Library: a display of campaign buttons and other presidential memorabilia (including a metal button from George Washington’s inauguration!).
It’s a fascinating exhibit. We vote that everyone should see it.
Professor Akhil Reed Amar, with author Stephen Bowling.
The United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston has an exciting weekend ahead.
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m.), kids up to age 12 enjoy “Trunk or Treat.”
The public is invited. Admission is free; donations of cash or 3-5 food items for local pantries are a “treat” for neighbors.
Youngsters can wear costumes, for a fun, safe, “non-scary” Halloween event. To host a trunk, email george.hanze@gmail.com.
On Sunday (October 27, 4 p.m.), Jazz Vespers brings together live music, inspiring poetry and Scripture. Musicians include: Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinot (guitar), Matthew Munzner (bass) and Conor Brennan, drums. A free will offering for the music program will be received.
Trunk or Treat, at the United Methodist Church.
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Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White headline the next Voices Café (November 2, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Wheeler is a gifted singer-songwriter, and a storyteller with a great sense of humor. Her songs are often emotional portraits of people.
White has a deep career as a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist,
Voices Café concerts support the church’s social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Bryan Alix died October 3. He was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer last year. He was 69.
Bryan represented many ocean shipping lines. His family says: “He always found a way to deliver the most logistically difficult cargo, ranging from food aid to turbines to houses to locomotives, to ports from Egypt to Tajikistan and everywhere in between. It was impossible to stump him on questions of geography and geopolitics. His stories of shipping on the high seas are legendary.”
Bryan earned a BA in economics from Columbia University, and an MS in international transportation management from SUNY Maritime College. He served on the Maritime Association NATO Panel of Ocean Shipping, as a US delegate.
Bryan played softball with the Westport Boys of Summer, and was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. He was a soccer coach for Westport teams, an umpire for Westport Little League, and he continued his college passion of ice hockey by coaching at Wonderland of Ice.
His family says, “Bryan was the most reliable friend to anyone in need, and the person everyone wanted at their dinner table with stories and laughter guaranteed.”
He is survived by his wife Jane, sons Daniel (Michelle) of Redondo Beach, California, and Andrew (Allie Gluck) of Seattle; grandson Liam; sister Suzanne Lockhart (Jim), sister Maryann Finn (Dan); brother Charles Alix (Julie), and nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held November 2 (1 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). Donations in his name may be made to Westport Emergency Medical Service; Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport; and Paula Takacs Foundation of Sarcoma Research.
Bryan Alix
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Today, acorns make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Jerry Kuyper spotted these nuts on his deck. He notes: “Some of these acorn caps appear to have small clocks inside of their cupules, to time their launch.”
And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s great “Uncorked” event last night:
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. It’s “where Westport meets the world.” But we can’t do it without your help. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
Westport’s Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are joining other clubs in Connecticut to help another Rotary group in western North Carolina, as it aids victims of Hurricane Helen.
They’re asking “06880” readers to help too.
Two members of the East Hampton Rotary Club have donated a 50-foot semi-truck, and a 26-foot box truck, to transport collected materials.
The collection is set for Tuesday (October 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Stop & Shop).
Items needed include:
Canned or packaged food with a long shelf life (especially cases of ramen, pasta and rice)
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels and plates, plastic utensils, feminine hygiene products)
All types of batteries
Pet food and cat litter
Shelf-stable milk
Bug spray
Baby food, diapers, formula
Hand-held can openers
Disinfectant spray
Over-the-counter meds
First aid supplies
Sports drinks
Water (low priority)
Other items that are not available at Stop & Shop, but still needed, are:
Tools and equipment
Heavy-duty extension cords
Small generators
Gas & diesel fuel (many residents are using their own equipment to push through roads, and are running out)
Bar and chain oil for chainsaws
2-cycle fuel mix for chainsaws
Chains and sharpeners
Other essentials
Car batteries
Propane
Hay
Starlinks
Cots, tents, sleeping bags
Medical Supplies
Tourniquets
Medical scissors
First aid kits
Once items are collected Tuesday at Stop & Shop, the trucks will be driven directly to Asheville, then distributed by the Rotary Club there.
North Carolina needs help. Westport’s Rotary Clubs are answering the call — with help from the rest of the town.
Staples High School’s Class of 1964’s 60th reunion this past weekend had all the usual trappings of a great celebration: a cocktail party, dinner banquet, Compo Beach cookout … you know the drill.
But the still energetic, now-in-their-late-70s, once-and-always Wreckers, added a unique twist.
In a “Deep Dive” session, 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — offered insights into their careers, volunteer work and the passions that impacted their lives, and others.
The group included Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.
It was a wonderful afternoon.
Even more wonderfully, classmate Nick Passaro Jr. taped it — and put it online.
Now, all those members of the Class of ’64 who were not there can enjoy it.
So can the thousands of others of us who were not fortunately to be in that high-powered, tight, and very creative Staples class.
The Westport Library has benefited from many donors. They’ve endowed the building, sponsored programs, and bought books.
Julie and Rob Haroun have done something different. The Westport couple has improved and maintained the landscaping outside.
Among their improvements: a new irrigation system and plantings along Jesup Green, the Riverwalk path, and the hill below the café deck.
On Thursday (September 26, 4 p.m.), the Library will honor the Harouns with a special ceremony, on the Riverwalk Level. A plaque will be unveiled at the front of the building, near the police parking lot.
Outdoor Design and Living executed the makeover, at a discount as a generous donation to the Library.
“Having worked as a real estate developer for over 30 years, primarily focusing on properties in Westport, I was intent on ensuring that the exterior of the building was properly landscaped to reflect the first-class facility that we all enjoy in this town,” says Rob Haroun. He was a Library trustee from 2016 to ’23.
“We are confident that these funds will cover the maintenance for the next 5 to 10 years,” he adds.
“We have lived in town since 1992, raised 3 children, and built a business here. This is our way of giving back to an institution that is near and dear to our hearts.”
Several views of the Westport Library landscaping.
The 4th annual Westport Moms Fall Family Fun Festival returns this Saturday (September 28, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Compo Beach fields — no beach sticker needed).
Among the activities: pumpkin decorating, Grit Ninja obstacle course, music, yoga (kids’ class by Child’s Pose Westport at 10:30 a.m.), bubble show, bouncy house, face painting, art projects, sports, chess and more.
If you’re a kid, you’ll find something to love.
There ae food trucks from Jr’s Deli and Coalhoue Pizza.
Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to pre-purchase, and avoid lines the lines:
Twelve Staples High School seniors are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
William Boberski, Kendra Cheng, Alexander Esser, Anna Ji, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Andrew Rebello, Samuel Rossoni, Megan Sargent, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey and Ryan Tzou join 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.
That’s fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.
All will compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.
From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Jr., Samuel Rossoni, Andrew Rebello, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Megan Sargent, Anna Ji, Kendra Cheng, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio. Missing: Alexander Esser and Ryan Tzou.
Podcasts are everywhere. I’ve got one of my own, thanks to the Westport Library. Every 2 weeks, I chat with interesting Westporters, from all walks of life.
Every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the mic.
The Westport business/tech/media/retail/real estate leader — a visionary himself — launched his series at Content Studio, Chirag Shah’s Saugatuck space.
The goal of the podcast is to talk about visions, goals and dreams. And, of course, how to achieve them.
Jay says he’s “flipping the switch,” interviewing me instead of the other way around.
It was a great chat. I learned a lot, and hopefully threw in a couple of ideas that viewers can use.
Click below to listen to the very first “Visionary’s” podcast.
Adele Jacobs from Voices of Hope spoke on Friday to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Voices of Hope is an educational non-profit organization established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut (including Jacobs). It promotes a culture of courage to stand up against hatred, through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.
Adele Jacobs, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)
Fairfield County bassist Phil Bowler has played with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis (with whom he received a Grammy for Marsalis’ album “Think of One”), Lightning Hopkins, Dr. John, Max Roach and Ralph Peterson.
He’s a frequent guest at Jazz at the Post. This Thursday (September 26), he headlines the event.
He’s joined by vocalist Janice Dempsey, pianist Joe McWilliams, guitarist Bob Riccio, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … after seeing Andrew’s photo (above), you may have seen this coming:
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For some reason, the YouTube link to the Westport Library’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the subject of this morning’s lead story — did not come through for some readers.
If you could not access it, try below. Let’s hope this works!
Debra Kandrak is the woman behind the very successful “Paint the Town Yellow” project.
She writes: “On Friday, during my daily walk at Compo Beach, I came upon the memorial service for Max Harper — a young man taken tragically too soon.
“It was a beautiful tribute in his honor, with hundreds of people in attendance.
“So today I ask everyone to plant yellow daffodils in Max’s memory. (You may recall that the theme for ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ is to honor loved ones
“Let’s plant them all over town: around street signs, stop signs, mailbox posts, at the entrance to Staples and in front of the school.
“Let’s make this a community event. Email me (debra.kandrak@raveis.com) where you are going to plant, so I can post photos next spring for his family to see how much this community cares.
“I would like to see an explosion of yellow daffodils all around town in the spring, in honor of Max. This will be a beautiful tribute, and may give his family some peace.”
A large crowd packed Paul Lane Field last night, for the opening game of Staples’ football season.
(Photo/Luca Caniato)
The state champion Wreckers picked up right where they left off last fall, hammering non-league Hamden 48-7. Junior quarterback Nick Weil threw 5 touchdown passes.
Many attendees — including those not yet in Staples — wore “Play for Max” buttons.
(Photo/Bianca Jonas)
The buttons — honoring senior Max Harper, who died Wednesday in a dirt bike accident — were made Friday in the Staples library, by students.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
On Thursday and Friday, therapy dogs were available at Staples, to help students cope with the tragedy.
The dogs have been welcome fixtures at Staples at other times of stress. As shown below, they are always happy to help.
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 24 gifted and spirited teenagers — wind up their 2024 American tour, singing and dancing to songs from their native Africa — with a free concert on September 19 (Bedford Middle School, 7:30 p.m.).
It’s a gift to Westport from an anonymous benefactor, intended to expand the audience’s musical and cultural horizons.
Matsiko means “hope” in Ugandan. The Choir performs to help thousands of children attain a brighter future. Proceeds from the tour and merchandise sales support the organization’s worldwide educational programs for orphans.
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir has performed at the White House, US Capitol, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the Rose Bowl.
After Westport they head to Yale University, then Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Click here for free tickets, and more information.
On October 7 (Fire Engine Pizza Company, 768 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation sponsors an important event.
There’s fun, food, and valuable information, to support awareness and celebrate survivors.
Casting for Awareness — a non-profit that provides free fly-fishing wellness retreats for women with breast cancer — will receive up to 20% of the total sales at the restaurant that day.
Fire Engine Pizza Company is a great place. And there’s no better cause.
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Finally. At last!
The moment we’ve all been waiting for.
A gaping Westport need will soon be filled.
Not a moment too soon … a nail salon will open in town!
(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
I’m sure customers will flock there.
But where will they go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday …?
Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween decorations.
Or even pumpkin spice latte.
But Costco thinks this is a fine time to roll out their Christmas goods.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
On second thought: Why not?
There are only 102 days left before Santa arrives.
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Well-known former Westporter Stephen Kaye died September 2. He was 86.
The Boston-area native, who graduated from Harvard Business School and MIT, and was a 1st lieutenant in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. lived in Westport for over 50 years. His family says he was known as “funny, smart, kind, caring, quirky and unique. Steve lived his life with energy and positivity. A passionate sailor, his boat ‘Forever Young’ expressed his outlook and vigor. Steve was an avid skier of groomed blue runs, a black belt in martial arts, always made new friends at the gym and was a ping-pong player with an overpowering serve.”
After working for Procter & Gamble, Gillette and other advertising, packaging and consulting firms, he founded Steve Kaye New Products in 1977. He built it into a successful firm, working with Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies.
He helped create Huggies diapers, the “Got Milk” campaign, chocolate-covered Oreos and other products of the 1980s and ’90s.
For the past 11 years Steve was an adjunct professor of marketing and sales at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.
Steve is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Arenson of Westport; son Bruce (Misael Rodriguez) of Milford; daughter Joan Garbow (Ralph) of Ridgefield; son Peter Kaye (Andrea Mazur) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren Ben and Julia Garbow and Sally and Margot Kaye; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Wexler of Brookline, Massachusetts, and cousins Stanley and Enid Shulman of Brookline.
Donations in Steve’s honor can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Steve Kaye
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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Dave Kingsley died September 4, from complications of lymphoma.
He and his wife Kathy settled in Newtown in 1986, where they raised 2 daughters.
Dave’s love for fishing, boating and sailing where cultivate during his youth on Long Island Sound. He particularly enjoyed bone-fishing in the Bahamas.
Dave played basketball, baseball and softball into adulthood. He found great joy in watching his daughters play sports, coaching several of their youth basketball teams.
He was a voracious reader, full of knowledge gained through his life as a builder, designer, contractor and business owner. He designed, built and remodeled homes and businesses in Connecticut and New York, including his own home.
One of his proudest achievements was the renovation of an old building on the Fairfield Hills campus, transforming a staff dining room and library at the former psychiatric hospital into a brewery.
Dave is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Emma of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Caroline of Sausalito, California; sisters Karen of Wallingford, Patricia of San Diego, Mary Ann of Severna Park, Maryland, plus nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life is set for tomorrow (Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., at his brewery), followed by a funeral Monday (September 16, 10:30 a.m., Saint Rose of Lima Church, Newtown).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newtown Youth & Family Services.
Dave Kingsley
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature introduces its first-ever black crown night heron.
A reminder: the family-friendly, fun Westport Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race event begins at 10 a.m. today on Jesup Green, and runs until 2 p.m. The ducks themselves cascade down a chute at 1 p.m. Raffle tickets — with a top prize of $5,000, and many others — will be available there.
Also at 10:30 a.m. today on Jesup Green: a brief welcoming ceremony for our 200 United Nations guests. Before heading off for a day of recreation, shopping and (if the sun comes out) beach activities, they will be greeted officially. The public is invited.
And of course all day long, the Westport Downtown Association sidewalk sale rocks Main Street and environs.
jUNe Day flags on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Nancy Lally)
Lulada Club: NYC’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra got the women — and men — dancing last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
The free weekend entertainment continues tonight (Saturday), with blues trio Buffalo Nichols (7:30 p.m.), and tomorrow (Sunday), with the NYC Ska Orchestra (7 p.m.).
The (somewhat) new Ethan Allen Design Center in the Fresh Foods shopping plaza chose 10 members of the Artists Collective of Westport to exhibit their work for a month.
The art will be displayed throughout the separate room settings, on the walls and easels. The intiative originated with EA’s design director, Westporter, Melissa Mack.
A reception is set for July 9 (5 to 7:30 p.m.).
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Several osprey pairs continue to enjoy Westport. Betsy Kravitz spotted 2 in one day.
One was at the Saugatuck train station, where the nest is atop a trestle.
The other was our town’s most visible, with its very large nest between Fresh Market and Terrain. She snapped this photo, for our “Westport … Naturally” series:
And finally … today is the first day of the Tour de France.
The 111th edition begins in Florence, Italy, and ends in Nice, France, on July 21. The race will not finish in Paris for the first time ever, because of preparations for the Olympics.
(Happy jUNe Day! “06880” accepts currencies from around the world. Dollars, euros, yuans, rials, dinars … we honor it all. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog, Thank you!)
Lynn Flint wrote yesterday: “The ground ozone count for today in Westport is 122 (way high).
“Anything above 70 is considered USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Normal is around 10.
“The same high count is forecast for Friday.
“This condition is invisible, not like forest fire smoke. I’ve noticed it the last few days whenever I was outside my eyes started to burn, my vision became blurry, and I started to cough vigorously.”
Be careful out there!
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A reader writes: “Students graduating during the COVID lockdown in 2020 were denied graduation ceremonies, and the accompanying fanfare and celebrations.
“To create alternative markers of these students’ accomplishments, schools produced and distributed lawn signs for each graduate’s family to display.
“Now, 4 years later, I see lawn signs for Staples, Bedford, even Goddard School graduates. Why?
“Can we please stop, for the sake of our landfills? Graduates are able once again to celebrate and be celebrated.
“So let’s end the practice of producing plastic signs that do not get recycled. biodegrade or do anything useful.”
A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for this coming Monday (June 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).
The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.
Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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Only 2 athletic facilities in Westport — Paul Lane Field at Staples High School, and PJ Roman Field behind Saugatuck Elementary — have lights.
That may change.
Now that a 10-year agreement with Staples neighbors has expired — and with more demands on fields than ever, due to the growth of sports like rugby and girls lacrosse — discussions are beginning about lighting more places.
The Planning & Zoning Commission Recreation Subcommittee meets next Thursday (June 27, noon, Zoom; click here for the town website livestream).
The agenda includes:
Review of participant feedback on athletic field lighting for properties (seen here).
Discussion of temporary vs. permanent lighting, and times of the day.
Discussion of the next steps in implementing athletic field lighting.
Paul Lane Field (lower right) is Staples’ only lighted athletic facility. the baseball diamond, and adjacent Albie Loeffler Field and Jinny Park Field are not. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tickets for Billie Jean King’s appearance at the 25th annual “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s signature fundraiser (September 12) — go on sale Monday, July 15, at 10 am.
Speaking of summer: It was the solstice — and a full moon last night.
Dalma Heyn captured the scene, at Old Mill Beach:
(Photo/Dalma Heyn)
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Congratulations to Katie Augustyn. The longtime Westporter is the Sunrise Rotary Club’s new president for 2024-25. She was inducted Wednesday.
Katie Augustyn (center), at her Sunrise Rotary presidency induction. Looking on are the 2023-24 president Liz Wong, and Robert Friend, Rotary district governor.
The former marketing manager of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — who is also a film director and musician — has been named director of operations and new initiatives at WPKN, Bridgeport’s free-form, listener-supported FM radio station.
At Verso Studios, Toller helped develop the mission, partnerships, and programming and marketing efforts.
Brendan Toller (Photo/Michael Civitello)
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Jianmei “Jamie” Zheng died June 14 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with her family by her side, after a battle with lymphoma. She was 61.
She was born in China. After she and Ping Zhou married in 1986, Jamie earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
They and their 2 children eventually settled in Westport, where they lived for the past 18 years.
Jamie was a lifelong enthusiast of music and the arts. As a girls she performed traditional Chinese dance onstage, and later developed a love for classical music and opera. She followed that passion through world travel. Locally, she enjoyed MoCA CT, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theatre, the Music Theatre of Connecticut and Fairfield University’s Quick Center.
Jamie practiced yoga, and was a founding member of a book club. She also found great happiness at Sherwood Island State Park, and relished in her daughter’s accomplishments.
In addition to her beloved husband Ping of 38 years, Jamie is survived by her daughters Connie (Scott) and Katie, and brothers Jianquan and Jianbin.
A memorial service is set for June 29 (11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jamie’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Jamie Zheng
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While Westporters sweltered, these swans enjoyed cool Lees Pond.
Amy Swanson spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
The Westport Sunshine Rotary Club’s annual day of family fun begins at Jesup Green at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29.
The Family Fun Fair includes activities like Nerdy Derby, pin making, face painting, bubble machines, duck pond giveaway and more (plus food trucks!).
The duck race event starts at 1 p.m. Thousands of plastic ducks are dropped from a giant front loader, down a 160-foot long sluice course on Jesup Green.
Each duck has a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks across the finish line win money for their ticket holders. First place gets $5,000, second place $1,000, while the next 8 earn $500 awards.
All the fun is for a great cause. Sunrise Rotary donates the proceeds to local and international charities.
Tickets can be purchased online at westportsunriserotary.org, or from any Westport Sunrise Rotarian at any time — uncluding the morning of the event.
A few of the thousands of racing ducks. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Paul Newman’s family was front and center last week, when Aspetuck Land Trust celebrated the 25th acquisition of Trout Brook Valley, at the Pequot Library.
Purchasing the 730 acre preserve in Easton for $11.3 million — and saving it in perpetuity — was an enormous effort, involving hundreds of people.
But, ALT says, during the long saga “there was no moment more pivotal than when 3 (Newman) daughters, Lissy, Clea, and Nell, discovered that the beautiful property they knew so well was going to become a luxury home development with an 18-hole golf course.”
Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward jumped into action. They donated $500,000 towards the purchase, then starred in a benefit performance of “Love Letters” at the Westport Country Playhouse, raising another $175,000.
“There is no doubt that when the Newmans showed that they cared, people followed,” the Land Trust said.
Lissy Newman accepted the award, on behalf of her family.
Lissy Newman, at the Aspetuck Land Trust event.
The ALT event also included the Native Landscape of the Year Award, to Ann and Charles Stebbins.
Among many other activities, the longtime native landscapers have dedicated themselves to a 36-acre site in Westport.
“It took years to eradicate all of the invasives and plant natives,” Aspetuck Land Trust says, “but this property is now the beautiful CT Audubon’s Smith Richardson Preserve, open to the public attracting and supporting a wide array of wildlife. Their dedication is an inspiration to home and landowners everywhere who want to build back the ecosystem upon which all species rely.”
Renovations have begun on 2 Homes with Hope facilities.
Both the Gillespie Center/Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters downtown, and Project Return/Susie’s Place for young women on Compo Road North will undergo significant alterations and upgrades.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between June 12 and 19.
A 59-year-old Stamford man was charged with driving under the influence, failure to drive right and illegal possession of a controlled substance, following a report of a hit-and-run accident at 1:30 a.m. on June 14 at 515 Post Road East.
The driver stopped on Compo Road North, when his vehicle became disabled. He was unable to provide police with any information on how the crash occurred.
A 44-year-old Westport man was arrested for assault and strangulation, folliwng a domestic violence incident at 6:45 a.m. on June 15.
A 64-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure appear, after a motor vehicle stop revealed he had an active re-arrest warrant.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
Failure to obey state traffic commission signals: 4
Improper use of markers: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Anne Leskow was one of 3 winners in our recent “Cool Cohl Katz Contest.”
She correctly identified the former Westporter who started their career as a stockbroker, before moving on to fame in other areas: Martha Stewart. Her name was pulled randomly, out of all 47 correct answers.
Yesterday she got her prize: a haircut and makeup application, from Cohl.
Lookin’ good!
Anne Leskow, before (left) and after her session with Cohl Katz.
Former Westporters Peter Garcia and Gloria Garcia died this year in Broomfield, Colorado, within months of each other.
Peter, 80, passed away peacefully on January 18, from complications of pneumonia.
Born in San Francisco, he grew up in the US, Vietnam, Cambodia, Peru and other countries.
His loving wife of 45 years, Gloria, also died peacefully on May 29, following a head injury and a long struggle with dementia.
She was born in the Canary Islands. She lived in Spain, Panama, Germany, Venezuela, Guatemala and the US (mostly in Westport, as well as Atlanta and Colorado).
Before meeting Peter, Gloria was married to Bernd Planton. He died in 1977, leaving children Klaus and Christian.
Peter and Gloria are survived by their four children (all graduates of Staples High School) and 7 grandchildren: Klaus, son Sebastian and daughter Marissa; Christian (Marit) and daughter Isabella; Jen Garcia Allen (Jefferson Allen) and daughters Flynn and Liv, and David (Ashley), daughter Arianna and son Jaxon.
Peter was a graduate of Oakland University. He spent his entire career with Xerox, retiring as a marketing and customer service executive.
Peter loved politics, travel, bridge, and reading the New York Times cover to cover.
Gloria attended college in Panama City. She worked for Procter & Gamble and Xerox in South America, before devoting her life to caring for her family.
Gloria enjoyed reading, the arts, painting, bridge, tennis and gardening.
Peter and Gloria lived in Westport for over 35 years. Both participated in New Neighbors and Graduates. Peter was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Gloria was a member of both the Spanish Group and International Group of Westport.
Donations in the couple’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s of America and Tobacco Free Kids. Their interment will be private, on July 5 in Willowbrook Cemetery.
Gloria and Peter Garcia
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Lou Weinberg describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image: “This baby chickadee is waiting for mom and dad to bring back more food before it fledges.
“They bring an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 baby caterpillars to raise a successful brood.
“The Long Lots Preserve, with its green open space and hundreds of newly planted trees, shrubs and wildflowers provides the habitat to produce this much-needed starter food.”
And finally … Willie Mays — “the spirited center fielder whose brilliance at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths for the Giants led many to call him the greatest all-around player in baseball history,” and the oldest living Baseball Hall of Fame member, died on Tuesday in Palo Alto. He was 93.
Click here for a full obituary on the legendary, beloved athlete and pioneer.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, history and more. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Club 203 “spared” nothing for their monthly party on Tuesday, at Nutmeg Bowl.
And they “struck” a perfect chord for all attendees.
Bowling, prizes, pizza — it was right down everyone’s alley.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities gets ready now for their final event before their summer break: a Compo Beach bash on June 5. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 8 and 15.
A 47-year-old Westport woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, violation of a protective order and assault, after a report of a domestic violence incident.
A 36-year old Tracy, California man was arrested for identity theft and forgery, after he deposited fraudulent checks, then attempted to withdraw money from a credit card account.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
MoCA Westport’s “Gallery of Games” begins at 7 p.m.
The arts center will be filled with poker, blackjack and craps tables. Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker provides entertainment; there’s tarot card reading too, and a silent auction.
Staples High School juniors Jack Schwartz, Ryan Sunjka, Jackson Tracey and Lucy Barney, plus freshman Sienna Schwartz, serve on the Friends of Yale New Haven Children Hospital’s Junior Board.
They volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house, participate in toy drives, and have special guest speakers at monthly meetings.
They also fundraise.
A lot.
This year’s goal is $30,000.
The money will support sick children and under-resourced families as they struggle through unimaginable medical complications.
The 2nd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” is set for Orange Theory in Westport this Saturday (May 18, noon) and June 1 (1 p.m.). Teams of 3 compete in running and rowing workouts.
There is no entry fee. But to win big prizes, participants are asked to raise at least $450 per team ($150 per person) from families, friends, neighbors and others.
Prizes to the teams with the top times and most amount of money raised include high value tickets (University of Connecticut basketball, Yankees Legends behind home plate, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets), gift baskets and gift cards. Participants also receive t-shirts. Click here to join the fundraiser; then click “Support Me.”
The Junior Board members hope “06880” readers will donate, even if they can’t participate. Click here for the donation page.
Staples high School members of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Junior Board.
And finally … on this date in 1888, Nikola Tesla described the equipment that allows alternating currents to transmit electric power over long distances.
(Casino nights, jazz, police reports, duck races — as usual, it’s all here in the “06880” Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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Two members of the East Hampton Rotary Club have donated a 50-foot semi-truck, and a 26-foot box truck, to transport collected materials.
