Tag Archives: William F. Cribari Bridge

Roundup: Field Hockey Champs, Devastating Fire, Holiday Lights And Tips …

Posted on November 19, 2023 | 3 comments

The 3rd time was indeed the charm.

And the biggest.

The Staples High School field hockey team lost 3-2 in overtime to Darien during the regular season. The Blue Wave shut out the Wreckers 3-0 in the FCIAC championship earlier this month.

But Staples won the game that really counted: the state class “L” (large schools) championship.

The #2-seeded Wreckers prevailed 3-1 over their #1-ranked archrivals yesterday, at Wethersfield High School.

Darien led 1-0 in the second quarter, but Sofia Fidalgo-Schioppa equalized 4;40 before, the half, on Staples’ first shot of the game.

Soon after intermission, freshman Leah Larit knocked in a rebound off a penalty corner, giving the Wreckers the lead. Storey Ahl added an insurance goal in the final quarter.

Goalie Paige Knesich and her defense secured the win.

it was the 5th Connecticut crown for coach Ian Tapsall’s girls, but the first since their 4 consecutive titles from 2016-19.

Congratulations to all. You kept your eye on the prize — and now its yours.

State champion Staples High School field hockey team.

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A popular barista at the downtown Starbucks, and her 3 sons — in 11th, 10th and 7th grade — lost everything in a Bridgeport house fire this week.

They need everything: money, food, clothes, shoes … you name it.

A GoFundMe page has been organized. Click here to help.

Help needed family.

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The holidays are here!

Now everyone living, shopping or dining in Saugatuck — or driving through it — knows it for sure.

The William F. Cribari Bridge lights were lit last night. They’re a gift to the town — and visitors — from Al’s Angels. The non-profit provides holiday meals and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. (Click here to give back to Al’s Angels.)

The lights are traditionally lit the day after Thanksgiving. This year, they came on a few days early,

Al’s Angels founder Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”

The Cribari Bridge lights are on! (Photo/Patti Brill)

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The holidays are here! (See above).

And with it, spectacular amounts of food and consumer waste.

Sustainable Westport can help. Westport’s non-profit environmental advisory group says:

“This holiday season, we encourage you to consider small changes that will help you minimize your impact on the environment.

“It is estimated that 305 million pounds of Thanksgiving food is thrown out each year. Click here for our tips on how to ‘rethink the feast,’ and minimize the food waste you produce at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.

“Speaking of gatherings, if you are hosting this season, click here for our sustainable hospitality guide for recommendations on how to make your party less wasteful and more eco-friendly.”

With so much to celebrate and so much pressure to “make magic,” Sustainable Westport knows it can be hard to commit to change.

To encourage residents to reduce food waste and participate in the Westport Zero Food Waste Challenge, they are giving away an Alabama Sawyer countertop compost bin (retail value $195) to one Instagram or Facebook follower.

To enter, follow Sustainable Westport on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the post shown below, like the “Compost Bin Giveaway” post, and tag a Westporter who you think should follow them. The deadline is this Tuesday (November 21).

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The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring season 1 of “First Folk Sunday” to a rousing close.

They group — featuring washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp and stove pipe — are booked for December 3 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

Former Westonite David Barron joins them, on banjo and mandolin.

Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s lead singer, recently saw the Flying Fingers perform, and recruited them for her series.

Click here for tickets. The music cover charge is $10. A special holiday brunch buffet and cash bar are available for an additional cost. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

Flying Fingers Jug Band

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Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — a kingfisher — at Grace Salmon Park. She was surprised he has not yet headed south for the winter.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he spotted the previous day. He named it San Juan Bautista. It is now called Puerto Rico,

(From Saugatuck to Bridgeport — and beyond — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged Al's Angels, First Folk Sunday, GoFundMe, Staples High School field hockey, Starbucks, Sustainable Westport, Suzanne Sheridan, William F. Cribari Bridge

Roundup: Cribari Bridge Lighting Tonight; EMS Raises All Their $$$ …

Posted on November 18, 2023 | 5 comments

If you needed any more proof that Westport is racing headlong into the holiday season: Tonight (Saturday) at 5 p.m., the William F. Cribari Bridge gets lit.

As always, Al’s Angels do the honors. Also as always, everyone is invited

Sure, it’s a few days early. But, Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”

Al’s Angels does so much for Westport — from providing the inspirational Saugatuck bridge lights, to giving holiday meals and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. Click here to give back to this great organization.

The Cribari Bridge over the river in Saugatuck will be lit at 5 p.m. tonight. (Photo/January Stewart)

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Westport’s $217 million budget pays for a lot — everything from Public Works trucks, to Band-Aids at the Aspetuck Health District.

But one big item is missing: the Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.

Astonishingly. from the ambulance that helps save your life, to the Band-Aids they offer, they raise all their own funds.

Now that you’ve picked yourself up off the floor (and hopefully, don’t need medical attention for it), read on.

Our wonderful WVEMS recently kicked off their annual fundraising drive with letters to everyone in town.

It might be easy to overlook it, in the rush of year-end pleas by many very worthy organizations (and, um, others).

Don’t.

The request comes with a new option: to donate on a recurring (weekly, monthly or yearly) basis. That’s the lifeblood (ho ho) of many groups.

Right now, they’re fund raising for a crucial need: 3 new ambulances. They have life cycles of their own, and (like many of us) they’re headed toward their expiration date.

Two of the 3 have been paid for, by very generous donors. Residents need to pitch in for the third — and for everything inside.

Including Band-Aids.

Click here to contribute.

And give till it, uh, hurts.

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Westport artist Elaine Clayton writes:

“Ever since October 7 — when I woke up to an email from a friend in Jerusalem saying “I am safe, but war has begun” — I have felt a sense of shock and sorrow as probably you have, too.

“This has been made worse by my astonishment that so many, while protesting for peace and justice for the innocent people of Gaza, did not first condemn the slaughter, rape, torture and kidnapping of innocent people on that day.

“I also want a safe, peaceful resolution for Gaza. But I do not want to live in a world where the slaughter of innocents for any cause is contextualized as reasonable, or even as ‘glorious.’

“I realized I could do something to help myself cope with the grief and to hopefully let art do the talking.”

Elaine made 4 “prayer drawing videos,” with 7 hostage children. One is below; click on, to view.

“My hope is to keep all our hearts open to our shared humanity, through the eyes of these children. B’ Shalom and with love,” she adds.

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“Below Surface” — the award-winning 19-minute documentary about the Westport Weston Family Y’s AquaFitness program — is going national.

Its TV debut is tomorrow (Sunday, November 19, 10 a.m., Lifetime Channel).

It’s inspiring, powerful — and filled with Westporters you’ll recognize.

Connecticut viewers got a sneak peek this week. AquaFit instructor (and star of the film) Patty Kondub, and producer (and AquaFitter) Mary Lake Polan were interviewed on NBC’s CTLive.

Everyone into the pool. And then out, to watch tomorrow!

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“A Father’s Promise” is a powerful story about the aftermath of Sandy Hook, and the mission to end gun violence in America.

It tells the story of musician Mark Barden. After his son Daniel was murdered 11 years ago, he became an activist. Along the way, he rediscovered his lost passion for music.

It’s appropriate that on December 7 — the night before the world premiere — a multi-artist benefit concert at New York University will raise funds (and be filmed for a documentary).

Among the performers: Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, Bernie Williams — and Aztec Two-Step 2.0, featuring Westporters Rex Fowler and Dodie Pettit.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below for the movie trailer:

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Ever wonder what Christmas was like during World War II?

The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decorated like 80 years ago. It shows what life was like when 3 generations of one family occupied the home.

Guided tours are December 7 (2 and 3 p.m.); December 9, 10, 16, 17, 21 and January 4, 6 and 7 (1, 2 and 3 p.m.).

Tickets are $5 for Weston History & Culture Center members, $10 for non-members. Click here to purchase.

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The Levitt Pavilion is headed to Stamford.

Westport’s outdoor entertainment venue has teamed up with the Palace Theatre. Together they present DakhaBrakha — a world music quintet from Kyiv, Ukraine — this Sunday (November 19, 7 p.m., Palace Theatre, Stamford).

The group embraces folk, indie rock, pop, hip hop and avant-garde styles. Theie show includes global orchestrations and Ukrainian traditional instrumentation.

Click here for more information, including tickets.

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Two former 1st selectpersons joined the town’s current chief executive at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, at a memorial service for longtime town volunteer Paul Hammond. Martha Hauhuth served from 1985-89; Jim Marpe served 2 terms prior to Jen Tooker.

From left: Jim Marpe, Martha Hauhuth, Jen Tooker. (Photo/Andrea Moore)

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Westport resident John Murphy died Monday. He was 85.

A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, he had a long career as a sales and marketing executive at the American Can Company.

His obituary says: “John was an eternal optimist, with a kind heart and open mind. His spirit was indomitable, and he was a prodigious hiker and reader, especially history. He was a people person, keenly interested in making connections and naturally curious about everyone he met. John sidestepped small talk, instead, he was out to disarm you, with charm and a wicked sense of humor….

“He was an avid newspaper reader, often found behind a copy of the Wall Street Journal (though an ardent, active Democrat), and always curious and engaged in the world around him. He loved to travel to the European countryside, especially Italy, taking in the history, people, and wonderful food. He loved the Yankees, and the Giants, and accepted his sons’ betrayal with the Patriots.

His and his college sweetheart, Connie Dixon, raised 3 children. He coached them in sports, and was president of the Redding Boys & Girls Club.

In his later years, John found a dear companion in Marleen Salko. They spent years enjoying yoga, walks on Westport’s beaches, and time with good friends. He made great friendships through the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, especially the hiking group. He also volunteered driving people to medical appointments.

John is survived by his children Mark (Katya), Chris (Jennifer) and Kirsten Hedberg (Eric), and grandchildren Megan, Christopher and Valerie Murphy, abd Finn, Tess and Ingrid Hedberg; Diana and Charlie Healy; his longtime companion Marleen Salko, and sisters Mary and Annie Murphy. He was predeceased by his wife Connie.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at the Westport Library on Saturday, November 25 (2 to 4 p.m.). Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Nature Conservancy.

John Murphy

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The weather was great yesterday for fishing, at Burying Hill Beach. Let’s hope the fish were biting for the stars of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … it’s hard for a cartoon character to have a birthday.

But today is considered the official birthday for Mickey Mouse. On this day in 1928 — 95 years ago — he first debuted in the short film “Steamboat Willy.”

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5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Looking back, Politics, Saugatuck, YMCA

Tagged "Below Surface", ALS, Aztec Two-Step, Elaine clayton, Israel, Patty Kondub, Weston History & Culture Center, William F. Cribari Bridge

Photo Challenge #451

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 21 comments

Last week’s Photo Challenge was interesting — both the image, and the answers.

Nearly a dozen readers quickly checked in with the correct response: Bruce McFadden’s shot of big beams and heavy machinery indeed showed the swing turntable underneath the William F. Cribari Bridge over the Saugatuck River, connecting Bridge Street and Saugatuck Avenue. (Click here to see.)

But then several others all said it was the underside of the I-95 Saugatuck River bridge, or perhaps another on the same highway.

Fortunately, the I-95 span does not swing open. Imagine the traffic jams if it did!

Congratulations to Morley Boyd, Alfred Herman, Jonathan McClure, Tom Risch, Jim McKay, Diane Silfen, Ken Runkel, Abby Gordon-Tolan, Seth Schachter, Craig Clark, Ann Bacharach, Micheal Simso, Ralph Balducci, Andrew Colabella, Matt McGrath and Howard Potter. You know your undersides of bridge machinery!

Here’s a nice late-summer one challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this peaceful scene, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Patti Brill)

(Here’s a challenge: Please support your hyper-local blog. Click here to donate. And thank you!)

21 Comments

Posted in Photo Challenge, Saugatuck

Tagged William F. Cribari Bridge

Friday Flashback #357

Posted on July 21, 2023 | 4 comments

We haven’t heard much lately about plans for renovating — or replacing — the William F. Cribari Bridge.

The span connecting Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street was completed around 1890. Which means that when this photo was taken in 1937, it was already nearly half a century old.

The image — showing the westbound lane, and posted recently to social media by Gail Comden — is fascinating.

Is that wooden structure a tollbooth? Or perhaps a guard shack, housing people who regulated the one-way traffic?

Was traffic always one-way? When did that begin and end?

If any Westporters remember those “Bridge Street Bridge” days (it was not named for famed traffic cop Bill Cribari for another half century or so), click “Comments” below.

(“06880” has covered the Cribari Bridge saga — and plenty of other controversies — since we began publishing in 2009. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Saugatuck

Tagged William F. Cribari Bridge

Friday Flashback #346

Posted on May 5, 2023 | 22 comments

Traffic often backs up on the Cribari Bridge. Drivers can wait quite a while to turn onto Riverside Avenue.

Things were not as bad in 1962 — even without a dedicated right-hand turn lane.

Instead — as Gail Comden’s photo shows — there was a gas station. (In fact there were several in Saugatuck. Now there is one.)

(Photo courtesy of Gail Comden via Facebook)

Just north of the gas station is Mansion Clam House. After several decades, it became Parker Mansion. Now it’s vacant.

What’s next? Another restaurant? A business or real estate office?

Or a teardown, to help ease — somehow — the traffic that plagues Saugatuck?

(Friday Flashback is one of many special “06880” features. If you enjoy it, please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

22 Comments

Posted in Friday Flashback, Saugatuck

Tagged William F. Cribari Bridge

Roundup: Ignazio’s Pizza, Grace Salmon Park, Cribari Bridge …

Posted on July 15, 2022 | 6 comments

In May, “06880” reported that Ignazio’s was looking for a new owner.

The asking price was $275,000. Rent is $8,000 a month.

The restaurant in the former Bertucci’s space is now closed. Tables and chairs are stacked outside, and lights are off inside.

A phone call brings this cheery-sounding message: “Hi! You’ve reached Pizza Life, formerly Ignazio’s. We are remodeling, and will be back soon!”

Meanwhile, Ignazio’s’ website — still live — promises a new location, coming soon to Mystic. The original location was in Brooklyn.

Iganzio’s opened in Westport in November 2019, just 4 months before COVID struck.

Ignazio’s, this week. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Grace Salmon Park is one of Westport’s most beautiful — and underrated — places to relax.

Yesterday, it was a classroom.

University of Connecticut master gardeners (and Westport residents) Monica Buesser, Alice Ely and Nathalie Fonteyne conducted an invasive plant workshop. It was sponsored by the Westport Garden Club.

Sixteen participants learned about the park’s top 15 invasive plants. They then broke into 4 groups, each canvasing a quarter of the site — and found several different invasives.

The next step: using the data to apply for a grant for removal of invasives from Grace Salmon.

Buesser — the conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club — plans to be at Grace Salmon Park every Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. (weather permitting). She invites everyone interested in weeding or learning more about the park’s plants to join her.

“You can’t miss me. I wear overalls!” she says.

Grace Salmon Park is a beautiful spot. Like many in Westport, however, it is home to several invasive species. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Seen on the Town of Westport’s Instagram:

The Public Works Department was out in force on Bridge Street. Workers cut back branches and brush that had encroached on the pedestrian walkway leading to Saugatuck.

It won’t make your drive over the Cribari Bridge any quicker. But it’s sure a boon to the many bikers, joggers and walkers who love the view.

(Photo courtesy of Department of Public Works)

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Three Westport non-profits have received CT Humanities grants:

United Nations Association Southwestern Connecticut, Westport: $4,980, for “When the Stars are Scattered” author/illustrator visits.
Westport Country Playhouse: $14,750 for the production of “From the Mississippi Delta” this coming October.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: $4,074 for “Saugatuck Stories: Walking Tour Exploring Diverse Experiences.”

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Sure, NASA is excited about the James Webb Space Telescope.

But the Westport Astronomical Society has Cal Powell.

The former WAS president hosts the “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party” on Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.).

Cal received his first meteorite in 2010, as a going-away gift from WAS. He started collecting them a few years later. His collection of nearly 400 specimens covers most meteorite classifications.

Cal will his present his extensive personal meteorite collection, and introduce Stefan Nicolescu with rare samples from Yale’s Peabody Museum. The WAS adds: “Bring your own meteorites and assemble your meteorwrongs!” Click here for more information.

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Noted local artists Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow hosted the third and final noir film last night, on the Westport Library’s large Trefz Forum screen.

“Nightmare Alley” was part of the series accompanying the artists’ “Double Indemnity” art exhibit, in the Library’s Sheffer Gallery. It runs through August 6.

Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is as delectable as it gets: raspberries, straight from Lauri Weiser’s back yard.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Lauri Weiser’s photo (above) reminds us of …

(If you enjoy the daily Roundup, please support “06880.” Click here to donate.)

6 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Restaurants, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged Ann Chernow, Department of Public Works, Grace Salmon Park, Ignazio's Pizza, Miggs Burroughs, Westport Astronomical Society, Westport Museum of History & Culture, William F. Cribari Bridge

Roundup: Bill Cribari, Harry Breitman, Mark LeMoult …

Posted on May 30, 2022 | 1 comment

Everyone knows — or should know — that the William F. Cribari Bridge honors the long-time traffic officer who, with flair, dramatic moves and plenty of smarts directed traffic from and over the Saugatuck River span that now bears his name.

But only folks with long memories remember that Bill Cribari was also a high-strutting major with Nash Engineering’s crack drum and bugle corps.

He was at his finest every Memorial Day.

Here — decades later, thanks to his daughter, Sharon Saccary — is a wonderful shot of Bill Cribari: man, major, myth.

NOTE: I’m not sure what year this was from. I never recall the Memorial Day parade route going this direction past what is now Patagonia.

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When the Westport Police Department saw a couple of kids had set up a lemonade stand on South Compo Road, and traffic was pulling over, they …

… pulled over too.

They learned the youngsters were raisin money for the Connecticut Humane Society. So the WPD posted a photo on social media, urging everyone to stop by.

We saw this too late to help. But it’s never too late to thank young Westporters like these 2 — or our always helpful, very caring Westport Police.

Cops and kids, on South Compo.

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Many of the thousands of visitors to the 49th annual Westport Fine Arts Festival agreed: This was the best ever.

The (almost the entire time) great weather, the holiday weekend, the dozens of excellent artists, and the back-together-again vibe all contributed to the success of the weekend.

So did the great organizational skills and promotion of the Westport Downtown Association.

Congrats to all. And of course to the Best in Show artist: Dean DiMarzo.

2022 WEstport Fine Arts Festival Best in Show: Dean DieMarzo. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)

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Dick Lowenstein was intrigued by yesterday’s lead story. Tom Feeley honored a Westport VFW friend, whose life was saved in World War II by a guard in a German prisoner of war camp. The man — an American, who had been conscripted by the Nazis — altered Tom’s friend’s dog tags, erasing a reference to the soldier’s Jewish faith. That saved him from execution the following day.

Dick writes:

My uncle Donahl Breitman (born Heschel, later known as Harry) was a Brooklyn Jew who served in the 743rd Tank Battalion. They landed in Europe during the D-Day invasion.

His dog tag lacked the “H” for Hebrew. (The religion indicator was apparently optional. “C” for Catholic and “P” for Protestant were the other choices.)

Because he spoke Yiddish and understood German, he was tasked with interrogating German prisoners. With the war near an end, my uncle was asked to accompany his commanding officer to meet a Russian unit approaching from the east. My uncle and the Russian noncom communicated in Yiddish.

His older Russian-born cousin, Marine Capt. David Kipness, fought in World War I, and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in the Battle of Belleau Wood.

Dick Lowenstein’s uncle’s dog tag — without the religious indicator.

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Mark LeMoult, was killed last week, in an automobile accident on Saugatuck Avenue, while driving his cherished 1968 Pontiac Catalina He was 58, and lived in Norwalk.

Born in Bronxville, New York, he was raised here and was a lifelong area resident. He attended Staples High School and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America.

Mark was a highly esteemed chef. His culinary career began at age 13, squeezing limes at Viva Zapata. Mark worked at Café Christina in Westport, the Hudson River Club and Rainbow Room in New York, and Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich. He had been the executive chef at the Field Club of Greenwich for the past 14 years. He met his fiancée Elizabeth 21 years ago, while working at Stamford’s Beacon Restaurant.

One of the highlights of Mark’s career was serving as the president of the Club Chefs of Connecticut from 2006-2010.

Mark enjoyed camping, river rafting and spending as much quality time with his sons as possible. Many “Tuesday Dad Days” were spent barbecuing and cheering on the New York Yankees.

His favorite places to visit were Lake George and Cape Cod with family. He loved to get his hands dirty planting in his garden. He cherished his dogs Leo and Teddy, and loved mornings at the dog park and walks through the neighborhood.

He was a cigar aficionado, and relished his relaxing evening. Mark and Elizabeth enjoyed entertaining in the backyard with friends and family around the firepit, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion, and experiencing wonderful meals at local restaurants.

His family says, “All those who knew him will always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs, and his gentle heart and soul.”

Mark is survived by his sons Scott of Stamford and Eric of Fairfield; fiancée Elizabeth Kenny of Norwalk; brothers, Michael (Mary) LeMoult of Trumbull, Chris (Carole) of Trumbull, and Kevin of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; the mother of his children, Ellen LeMoult of Fairfield; stepfather, Bert Furgess of Murrells Inlet, SC, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Kelly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated June 1 (10 a.m., Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Fairfield). Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Friends may greet the family Tuesday, May 31 (4 to 8 p.m., Spear-Miller Funeral Home, Fairfield). Cheerful attire is encouraged to honor the vivacious life that Mark lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mark’s memory to the Culinary Institute of America’s scholarship fund: www.ciachef.edu/give. For information or to offer an online condolence, click here.

Mark LeMoult

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Everyone is at today’s Memorial Day parade — except these guys. They’re cooped up at Wakeman Town Farm. But they do make a nice, tight “Westport … Naturally” shot.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally …. today is Memorial Day. As we enjoy our holiday — at the beach, at backyard barbecues, with friends and family — let us not forget what this day is rally about.

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Looking back, Obituaries, Police, Saugatuck

Tagged Bill Cribari, Dean DeMarzo, Dick Lowenstein, lemonade stand, Mark LeMoult, Memorial Day parade, Westport Fine Arts Festival, William F. Cribari Bridge

Pic Of The Day #1725

Posted on January 6, 2022 | 2 comments

Cribari Bridge, lit for the holidays. Will the new year bring a new bridge? (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography

2 Comments

Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

Tagged I-95 bridge, William F. Cribari Bridge

Roundup: COVID Vaccine, Cribari Lights, Staples Soccer …

Posted on November 14, 2021 | 1 comment

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900 kids showed up yesterday at the Staples High School fieldhouse.

Most came willingly, even eagerly. A few had to be dragged in.

All were 5 to 11 years old — and now all are vaccinated against COVID. They enjoyed (appreciated? tolerated?) a clinic sponsored by Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Westport’s Emergency Medical Services personnel, and Community Emergency Response Team, were on hand to help. So were Westport Public School nurses, assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers, and State Senator Will Haskell.

The youngsters were given balloons. Most smiled. Their parents smiled too — with relief.

State Senator Will Haskell and Long Lots Elementary School nurse Max Zimmer, at yesterday’s clinic. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Colorful lights on the Cribari Bridge are as much a part of Westport life as — well, traffic on the Cribari Bridge.

The annual lighting ceremony is set for Friday, November 26 — the day after Thanksgiving — at the Saugatuck Rowing Club (click here for details).

But before that happens, each of the thousands of lights must be individually checked, and repaired.

Volunteers from Al’s Angels and AJ Penna Construction performed that task in the cold pre-dawn yesterday. It took several painstaking hours.

But their great work will provide many days of joy, for very thankful Westporters.

Testing the lights this weekend. The next time the lights will be on is November 26. (Photo/Magnus Larsson)

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What an exciting time to be a Staples High School soccer fan! The boys and girls teams won 3 state tournament games each last week. Both have roared into the semifinals.

Yesterday, the 6th-seeded Wrecker boys team knocked off #3 Fairfield Prep, 1-0. Reese Watkins power-headed Matthew Jordan’s corner kick in the second half. Outstanding defense by Bruno Guiduli, Jackson Hochhauser, Caleb Tobias, Hunter Smith, Jack Foster and keeper Jacob Greenberger secured the win. The boys face Farmington in the semis,

The girls also won off a corner kick, against Farmington on Thursday. Neva Mermagen nailed Maddie Sansone’s cross for the dramatic overtime game winner. The Wreckers meet Fairfield Warde in their semifinal match.

Both games will be played at neutral sites, later this week. Days, times and sites have not yet been announced.

Reese Watkins (left) celebrates his goal against Fairfield Prep with (from left) Dylan Hoke, Murilo Moreno, Tim Liakh and Hunter Smith. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

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Hungry for another Westport Library’s Trefz Newsmakers Series conversation?

The series — featuring Emmy-winning CBS News justice and security correspondent (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Jeff Pegues — continues next month, with acclaimed chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. It’s set for the Trefz Forum on December 2 (7 p.m.).

Samuelsson is the chef behind restaurants worldwide, including Red Rooster Harlem, Red Rooster Shoreditch and Marcus B&P. He was the youngest person to ever receive a 3-star review from The New York Times, and has won multiple James Beard Foundation Awards.

A noted philanthropist, Samuelsson co-produces the annual week-long festival Harlem EatUp!. He also co-chairs the Careers through Culinary Arts program.

The Trefz Newsmakers Series is free. To register for a seat, click here.

Marcus Samuelsson

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“The Band’s Visit” continues its national tour at the Bushnell in Hartford this week.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Staples High School 2013 graduate Clay Singer. The former Players star plays Itzik — unemployed, raising an infant with a frustrated wife — with “aching honesty.”

The Tony Award-winning show runs November 16-21. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Clay Singer in “The Band’s Visit.”

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Westporter Jacquelin Mullin died peacefully after a brief illness last week, with her sons at her side.

She spent her childhood in Bronxville, New York. After graduating from Pace Business School Jacquie married her high school beau, Gerard Mullin, in 1946, They lived in Florida and Illinois and New Canaan. Their growing family moved to Westport in 1954.

Jacquie raised their 3 sons while Gerry worked in NYC. She volunteered in Westport schools. Her active boys kept her busy transporting them to sports events, dealing with a menagerie of wild “pets,” and worrying about motorcycle mishaps.

Divorced in 1973, Jacquie remained in her Westport home and entered the workplace as an administrative assistant, working her way through a number of marketing positions until she retired from GTE.

She also volunteered with the Westport Historical Society, Westport Woman’s Club and Nature Center (now Earthplace), among others.

She was a devoted gardener. In later years she surrounded herself with flowering plants on her deck, where she spent many hours.

She traveled extensively with friends and family members. Proud of her Irish heritage, visiting “the auld sod” was an important journey. She was inseparable from her beloved cars, driving solo south each winter to visit friends and family.

She also enjoyed Compo Beach, watching the ever-changing seasons of children, dogs and beach walkers.

With her sons grown, her best times centered on sharing a meal or driving adventures with old friends from work, and new friends from all walks of life. Her family thanks everyone who enriched her life with their companionship and wit, and to the aides that made her later-life lunches possible.

Family was the center of Jacquie’s existence. She hosted holiday dinners until the younger generation took over, and kept track of everyone’s birthdays. She was pre-deceased by her former husband (1997), her middle son Randall James Mullin (2017), and daughter-in-law Audrey (Albright) Mullin (2005).

She is survived by her brother, John Sheedy Jr. of New York City and Red Rock, New York; sisters Marie Ponce of Charlotte and Marguerite Adams of Garrison, New York; sons Jeffrey (Joan Hall) of Bourne, Massachusetts and Scott of Ridgefield; daughter-in-law Jackie Mullin of Neptune Beach, Florida; grandchildren Amy and Brian Mullin; great-grandchild Ethan Mullin, plus nieces, nephews, and their children:

A private graveside service will be held at Assumption Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society; Wakeman Town Farm, or Earthplace. Her family adds: “Plant perennial flowers in your garden in her memory!”