For nearly a century, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer.
Every June as the school year ends, the Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser has thrilled and entertained generations of kids.
Young ones go for the rides, the food, the chance to win (possibly rigged) games.
Teenagers go to strut, to flirt, to see and be seen.
Older folks enjoy the Yankee Doodle Fair too, for its raffles, bake sales, and chance to relive their childhoods with their children (until middle school, when they scoot off with friends).
“06880”‘s rock star photographer, Staples High junior Ryan Allen, was at the Imperial Avenue fairground, capturing the colorful sights.
He nailed it, as these great photos show.
To enjoy the sounds and smells though, you have to go yourself. It’s on today (Saturday) from 1 to 10 p.m., and tomorrow (Sunday) from 1 to 5 p.m.
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved a new Long Lots Elementary School.
The long — and long-delayed — project got the final go-ahead, after recent approvals from a variety of other town bodies.
Artist’s rendering of the Long Lots Elementary School courtyard.
Work remains — including putting the $103.2 million contract out to bid.
The only delay would be a townwide referendum, based on the cost. A petition would need to be signed by 10% of registered voters — 1,860 people — by June 27.
But when the vote was over last night, town officials — including selectwomen, RTM and Board of Education members, and the Long Lots School Building Committee — headed the short distance from Town Hall to the Spotted Horse, to celebrate.
(Photo/Andrea Moore)
From left: Don O’Day, Jay Keenan, Tim Wetmore, Joe Renzulli, Kevin Christie, Srikanth Puttagunta, Liz Heyer. All are on the Long Lots School Building Commitee, including ex officio members Christie (Board of Education) and Heyer (Board of Finance). (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
The Staples High School boys lacrosse team shoots for the state championship tomorrow (Saturday).
The Wreckers — seeded #3 in the “LL” (extra large schools) tournament — take on #4 Darien. Faceoff is 12:30 p.m., at Fairfield University.
That’s the same stadium where — 3 days ago — the blue-and-whites scored a spectacular semifinal victory.
Down 9-5 with less than 5 minutes to play, they stunned #2 Ridgefield with 5 straight goals. Tristan Schaefer netted the game winner, with just 2.4 seconds remaining.
Will Fleming had tied it up 9-9, with 33 seconds to go. Adam Udell notched the 2 goals before that.
Coach Will Koshansky’s squad is gunning for their 3rd state title in 4 years. They won it all in 2022 and ’23 — the first Connecticut championships in their history.
Go Wreckers!
Tristan Schaefer (91) celebrates his clutch game-winning goal against Ridgefield. (Photo courtesy of Staples Boys Lacrosse)
Speaking of sports: Last August, Ben Casparius was pulled up from the minor leagues, to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Two months later, he helped pitch them to a World Series championship.
This spring, the 2017 Staples High School graduate secured a roster spot with the team, as a relief pitcher.
Now he’s a starter.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, “he’s done nothing but produce in the majors …. His 44 innings of work this season have seen him produce a 2.86 ERA with a 1.89 FIP while striking out 26.0% of his opponents and walking just 5.1%. Those numbers are nothing short of brilliant.”
The Yankee Doodle Fair — for a century, Westport’s favorite end-of-school tradition — opened last night.
It continues today and this weekend, at the Westport Woman’s Club and adjacent Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Today (Friday) it’s 6 to 10 p.m. Tomorrow (Saturday) the fair runs from 1 to 10 p.m. It winds up Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.
In addition to carnival rides and games, there is plenty of food. And, of course, a raffle. Proceeds from the fair help the Woman’s Club fund many charitable activities and scholarships.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
More photos to come tomorrow, from the very talented Ryan Allen!
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Elle Michel Deran is an actor, the founder of Pussyboy Apparel, one of the nation’s leading trans influencers, and a 2013 Staples High School graduate.
Now — smack in the middle of Pride Month — she and Ezra Deran Michel are featured in a Cosmpolitan project called “Love Transcends.”
In it, the couple — who just moved from Los Angeles to a tiny town in Jalisco, Mexico — talkabout why they left the US, sobriety, “how accountability can be sexy, and why both being trans makes it easier to cope whenever their relationship gets tough.”
The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens tomorrow (Saturday, June 14).
It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features fresh produce, honey, artisanal baked goods, extra virgin olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs and salsas — plus fresh cut flower bouquets and WTF logowear.
Visitors can also walk through the gardens, say hi to the animals, and chat with the farmers.
Meanwhile, Wakeman Town Farm is looking for volunteers (ages 16+) to prepare and plant gardens (Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Email info@wakemantownfarm.org.
Among their many tasks, Westport’s League of Women Voters does a great job educating residents about the political process — everything from registering and voting, to why municipal elections are important.
Yesterday, LWV members got educated themselves.
The guest speaker at their annual luncheon was Stephanie Thomas. Connecticut’s secretary of the state spoke in depth — and passionately — about our relatively new early voting process. She provided background, statistics, and strong affirmation for its impact on turnout.
She also stressed the need for continuing voter education.
That’s what the League of Women Voters does constantly. And as Thomas knows, in Westport they do it very, very well.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, at the LWV’s annual meeting at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Much of today’s national politics has been called a dumpster fire. We can argue that all day.
But yesterday, there was a literal dumpster fire on Hales Court.
Quick work by the Westport Fire Department kept it from spsreading to a nearby residence.
There are still a few random spots in town — a bank and store, for example — with signs or floor decals reminding patrons of the need for “social distance.”
That COVID-era phrase is now just a bad memory. If we notice the notices at all, we just ignore them.
But what about these signs, at Fresh Market?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
When was the last time anyone called in a curbside order?
Probably the same time the sidewalk and road in front of the entrance was not under construction.
Julie Loparo of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates writes: “We hope to find not only a possible owner, but to secure donations for a young cat’s emergency care.
“After being struck by a car on Tuesday, on Easton Road, he was taken to the VCA emergency clinic in Norwalk by Westport animal control officer Joe Saponare. He has been treated for shock, abrasions and a fractured pelvis.
“He will be released to the care of a WASA volunteer today. His emergency care to date has cost $2,750. Donations can be made here. For more information, email wasa1@optonline.net, or call (203) 557-0361.
Emergency cat care needed.
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Speaking of animals: Deer are everywhere in Westport.
Including Old Mill Beach.
Robin Tauck spotted this pair yesterday — heading in opposite directions — and sent us this photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Robin Tauck)
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And finally … happy Friday the 13th!
(From sports stars to trans influencers, and Wakeman Town Farm to the League of Women Voters, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Staples High School senior received the school’s highest honor — the Staples Key — at Wednesday’s awards ceremony.
Alexis — a Learning Center and middle school tutor; LinkCrew member for freshmen; member of the National, Science, Math and Chinese Honor Socieites; organizer of the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run; ski team captain and soccer player — also took first place in the state STEM fair for her cancer research.
Alexis will study chemistry and math at Northwestern University.
The other 2 finalists for the Staples Key were Abe Lobsenz and Sam Rossoni.
Over 90 awards were given out. Among the other big ones:
Lily Rimm won the James Bacharach Award Service to the Community Award. It’s been presented for over 35 years by the Westport Youth Commission, in honoro of the founder and president of the Youth Adult Council, and a founder of what is now Homes with Hope.
Principal’s Awards for Outstanding Service went to William Boberski, Nina Bowens, Luca Caniato, Mia Ferrigno, Derek Hafiz, Christina Kavanah, Kensley Laguerre, Annam Olasawere, Molly Oliver, Andrew Rebello, Madeleine Saounatsos, Zelie Saounatsos, Danielle Schwartz and Jackson Tracey.
Staples Awards for Character were given to Kody Goldman and Kylie Kirkham (Class of 2025), Taylor Serotta and Eva Slossberg (Class of ’26), Nicolas Reyna and Vanii Punia (Class of ’27), and Kai Massicott and Azita Vazhayil (Class of ’28).
Alexis Krenzer
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More awards!
On Thursday, the Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Foundation handed grants of $2,500 each to 17 students.
The Scholarship Foundation was founded and principally funded by Dr. Joan Poster and her late husband, Dennis Poster.
From left: Joseph Sabin, Reese Aliberti, Jaden Aliberti, Meghan Velky, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Sara Sabin, Samantha Sabin, Gabrielle Hayes, Lily Rimm. Not pictured: Zachary Benson, Grace Biagiotti, Olivia Biagiotti, Jacqueline Kelley, April Nowinski, Edward Nowinski, Brandon Smith, Connor Woods, Ava Wooldridge. (Photo: Harry Rimm)
The dream of Staples Players actors is to be on Broadway.
Jamie Mann is.
Just a few days after graduating from the University of Michigan, the 2021 Staples High School alum has a featured role — and some very funny moments — in the new hit “Stranger Things.”
The other day, 26 current Players (and aspiring Great White Way stars) headed to New York. Jamie, they and directors David Roth and Kerry Long had dinner before the show.
After the curtain, Jamie posed for photos and autographs.
Jamie Mann (front row, 2nd from left) with Staples Players. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The dedades-old tradition returns next weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.). The site is (of course) the Westport Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue)
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food trucks and baked goods, raffles — you name it. Sand art is back too.
The “Take a Chance” tent makes a comeback, with prizes donated by local merchants and restaurants. Winners do not have to be present at the drawings.
A pay-one-price, unlimited ride wristband option is available.
Proceeds help benefit a variety of local charities, provide scholarships to Staples students, and support the Woman’s Club’s 50-year-old food closet.
This year, the organization awarded $124,200 in grants and scholarships.
Yankee Doodle comes to town!
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“Egrets” — the new 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch — will be dedicated tomorrow (May 31, 4 p.m., Canal Park, Canal Street at Kings Highway North).
It’s the latest in a series of local outdoor art, courtesy of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and our Parks & Recreation Department.
Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak, and refreshments will be served.
A Parks & Rec employee lays grass, so “Egrets” is in its element.
Former Westporter Rev. Dr. Peter Haile died May 16. He was 100.
He moved into The Saugatuck on Bridge Street when he was 80 to be closer to his daughter, Rebecca Swanson. He created, wrote and published a very popular newsletter for residents, “The Saugatalk.”
He was born at a school run by the London Missionary Society for the education of Black South Africans, where his father was principal for 40 years. The school, which refused to compromise its mission, was closed by the apartheid government in 1962. It reopened in 1995.
At 10, Peter was sent to live with an aunt in London, until the Blitz forced him, and many other children, to evacuate. At his new school he excelled in academics and competed in rugby, field hockey and cross country.
He spent 3 years in the Royal Navy. Discharged in South Africa, he was reunited with his parents for the first time in 12 years.
Peter earned his teaching certificate at Oxford, where he ran cross country with Roger Bannister. On a mission year in the US he met and married Jane Hollingsworth. They moved to Boston, where Peter ministered to college students.
In 1961 he began a 29-year stint at the Stony Brook School on Long Island, as an English teacher, chaplain and assistant headmaster. After retiring, he spent 10 years as assistant pastor at the Three Village Church in Setauket, New York.
Peter was was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son John (Susan), daughter Rebecca Swanson (David); grandchildren CMDR David Haile (Michelle), Andrew Haile (René), Sarah Haile, Dr. David Swanson III (Katharine), and Peter Swanson (Marissa);,and great-grandchildren Nora, James, Christopher, Brandon, Alethea and Naomi.
And finally … Rick Derringer, who hit Number 1 as a 17-year-old guitarist with “Hang On Sloopy,” had a smash several years later as a solo artist with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” then became a producer with artists ranging from Peter Frampton, Barbra Streisand and Kiss to Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Weird Al Yankovic — died Monday in Florida. He was 77.
(Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town. But you’re in Westport — or you’ve got some connection to it. If you enjoy this “06880” community, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.
They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.
Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Johnson)
It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.
And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.
Jolly good!
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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.
As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.
As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.
Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)
Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.
And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.
Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.
Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.
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Westport has Winslow Park.
Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.
Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.
Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.
It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.
Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.
Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.
Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.
This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).
The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.
Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.
She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.
“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role. I am a person whom people think they know. This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.
“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”
Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.
The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.
He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”
And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):
(From the UK to the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you Westport-oriented news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJune 16, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …
After a rained-out Friday, the Yankee Doodle Fair was packed all day and night yesterday.
Ava Bierman enjoys the Yankee Doodle Fair. (Photo/Bryan Bierman)
The unofficial kickoff to summer ends today. Hours are 1-5 p.m. at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue. As always, proceeds help fund dozens of grants to local non-profits, and scholarships.
It takes many volunteers to keep Yankee Doodle Fair-goers happy and safe — and not just from the WWC.
The Community Emergency Response Team — which supports first responders in Westport and Weston, and helps out with events like this — has been out in full force.
You may think they were manning (and womanning) a booth. In fact, they were keeping an all on all of us.
As they always do.
Karen Kleine, Westport Woman’s Club Yankee Doodle Fair chair, checks in with CERT president Mike Vincelli and vice president David Kinyon. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
The Westport Astronomical Society’s ham radio club K1WAS hosts ARRL Field Day — an in-person amateur radio event — at their observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane site next weekend. It runs from 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22 until 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23.
Field Day is an annual amateur radio activity with over 40,000 ham radio operators across America. They participate by establishing temporary radio stations in public locations, demonstrating their skills and service.
But you don’t need a radio license to participate. Everyone can get on the air, using radios provided by local radio clubs hosted by the observatory.
Ham operators play a crucial role in emergencies. They may be needed soon, during an active hurricane season.
“Hams have a long history of service when critical communication infrastructure like cell towers are damaged,” says Dan Wright, Westport Astronomical Society board member and amateur radio operator N3DAW.
“Field Day exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of amateur radio operators, who connect the world, no matter the circumstances.”
For more information on the Field Day event, click here.
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Yesterday was the first legit weekend beach day of the year (school’s out, 80 degrees, summer vibe).
Right on cue, Compo Beach was packed.
The photo below is just a taste of what’s to come. Enjoy!
One other sign of summer: the hot dog grill outside Mitchells of Westport.
They’re known far and wide for their coffee (always) and bagels (weekend). But on select days, you can grab a dog with your suits, shirts, slacks and jewelry.
What started as a mom-and-pop shop has come a long way since 1958. The 4th generation of Mitchells has just joined the ranks.
But they never forget their down-home roots.
Hot dogs al fresco, at Mitchells. (Photo/Ed Simek)
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You’ve probably seen Little Ralphie — the inflatable yellow duck — at various spots around town.
While he’s promoting the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race, human Rotarians are busy sorting Ralphie’s plastic brethren.
They’re getting ready for the family-friendly event on Saturday, June 29 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jesup Green).
Attendance — and fun — is free. Click here to purchase tickets for the raffle.
PS: The top prize is $5,000. And all proceeds go to Sunrise Rotary’s charity efforts.
Sunrise Rotarians, sorting ducks. From left: Joe Scordato, Pete Wolgast, president Liz Wong, president-elect Katie Augustyn, Bruce Fritz, Mazie Zdanowicz.
But there’s no limit to the amount of non-humans that can enjoy the facility. This was the “Westport … Naturally” scene recently, at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … Tupac Shakur was born on this day in 1971. The rapper and producer was killed in 1996, age 25.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on the support of readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle, Ham Operators, Compo Crowds …
Friday’s Yankee Doodle Fair rainout made yesterday’s event even more special.
Folks of all ages packed the Westport Woman’s Club parking lot on Imperial Avenue, for the annual start-of-summer rite.
There were games of chance, a bake sale, and much more. But — as always — the carnival rides were king. And kids flocked to them. “06880” photographer Charlie Scott captured some of the scenes.
The Yankee Doodle Fair runs today (Sunday) from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds support the WWC’s grants to area non-profits, and scholarships.
The Westport Astronomical Society will be there in force tomorrow (Saturday). But they won’t be riding the Ferris wheel, or even playing one of those galactic games.
The WAS will set up solar telescopes, so fairgoers can view the sun.
It’s full circle (ho ho). In 2017, the organization received a Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grant. They bought a Lunt 100mm solar telescope, for pristine views of the sun and its active atmosphere.
It, and other telescopes, will be there tomorrow. See the sun like never before!
If you were at Staples Pops Concert last week — or the Candlelight Concert, or any other show at the high school, middle schools or elementary schools this year — this is not exactly stop-the-presses news:
The Westport Public Schools have been honored with another “Best Communities for Music Education” award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
The honor is getting routine. We’ve won it every year since 2013.
“Best Communities Music Education” designations go to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Criteria include funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.
Over 200 students take part in the Candlelight Concert each year. Hundreds more participate in music programs at the middle and elementary schools.
Speaking of awards: Dozens of Westporters were proudly in the Hartford crowd Wednesday, as the Town of Westport, Westport Housing Authority and Homes with Hope were all honored by the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness.
All 3 groups received “Community Champions Awards,” for their continuing innovative practices and collaborative efforts, significantly impacting hundreds of people needing shelter and food.
Congratulations to all, on this major recognition!
Officials representing the town of Westport, Homes with Hope and Westport Housing Authority, and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, at Wednesday’s ceremony.
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There’s an old saying: “When you fall off a horse, get right back up.”
The same can be said about rowing shells.
In late March, over 2 dozen Saugatuck Rowing Club rowers and coaches were rescued from the frigid Long Island Sound after 3 shells capsized in a sudden squall. Significant equipment was lost.
Despite their challenging spring, the team put 8 boats into the A finals at USRowing Nationals last week — the most in the club history.
Now, for the first time, SRC will send a crew to the Henley Royal Regatta in England June 28 through July 8. It’s a great international test for the local club.
Though their commitments to attend the US Naval Academy and Military Academy, respectively, prevent them from competing in England, captains George Bentley and Dillon Bhutani have led fundraising effort for the trip by seeking sponsors for feats of endurance.
Travel to England is expensive, and requires specialized clothing (including a specific blazer and hat). Not all rowing families can manage the financial burden. To defray expenses, the team will stay with a host family rather than a hotel.
Donations of any size are welcome. Click here to help.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests last week.
An 18-year-old Weston man was charged with reckless driving, DUI under 21 years, passing in a no-passing zone and failure to drive n the proper lane, following a single-car rollover accident around 8:44 p.m. on May 14. Several witnesses described the driver’s reckless, aggressive habits prior to the crash.
A 26-year-old Danbury man was charged with evading responsibility, following too closely, and driving without a license, following an accident at 8:18 a.m. on May 9. A woman stopped in traffic on Bayberry Lane at Long Lots Road was struck from behind by an SUV. As she inspected the damage, the driver shrugged his shoulders and drove away. The woman took a photo of his license plate.
A 52-year-old Southbury man was charged with reckless burning, criminal mischief and threatening, following an investigation into an early morning April 2019 fire at the Saugatuck train station. Due to the man’s mental state at the time of the incident, he was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
A 36-year-old Torrington man was charged with burglary and larceny, following a November report of a burglary while a family was not home. A security camera showed the man entering the home. He was arrested after being implicated in another burglary in the neighborhood.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 19 citatiosn
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Distracted driving 1
Improper passing: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Unreadable license plates: 1
Failure to wear seat belt: 1
Improper turn signal lamps: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
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April Cunningham’s Westport roots run deep.
Her maiden name is Carusone. Her father was a Westport police officer. Her grandfather James Dorta worked for the town.
She fell on hard times. Both she and her husband are on disability. She has severe arthritis, while he has cataracts and needs surgery.
A couple of months ago, generous Westporters helped her and her husband with housing and food, in Milford.
Once again, they are on the verge of homelessness and hunger.
Click here to read the story of a local resident in need, with a link to a fund for assistance.
Russell Barnard, co-founder and publisher of Country Music Magazine, and longtime resident of Westport, died on February 5. He was 86.
He grew up in Pampa, Texas, then earned a degree in chemical engineering from Yale University in 1960.
After beginning his career at Sinclair Oil he soon moved to the music industry, working for Columbia Records in New York from 1963 to 1970, before turning to media and publishing.
In the early 70s he was a consultant to various media outlets and publications. He served as publisher of Harper’s Magazine from 1972 to 1976.
In 1972, he co-founded Country Music Magazine. With over 700,000 subscribers, it appealed to fans, music artists and industry executives, while never shying away from controversy or honest criticism.
Longtime contributor Rich Kienzle said that Barnard encouraged his writers —including luminaries like Patrick Carr, Nick Tosches and Peter Guralnick — to be “outlaw journalists,” like some country artists.
Barnard’s ability to spot, and foster, writing talent was as important to the magazine’s success as his ability to spot musical trends.
In 1988 he moved the magazine and his family from New York to Westport. Country Music had offices on Riverside Avenue and then Post Road East at Turkey Hill Road, where it remained until Barnard sold the magazine in 1999. The last issue was published in 2003.
In 2012, Barnard and his wife Helen — who worked as an editor of the magazine in Westport — moved back to New York City. He donated a collection of archived material to the University of North Carolina Wilson Special Collections Library, which Ken Burns drew on extensively for his documentary on the history of country music.
He is survived by Helen; their children Anne, John and Christopher, as well as 2 grandchildren. A small funeral was held in February at Willowbrook Cemetery, where he is buried.
Russ Barnard and Johnny Cash, at the singer’s Tennessee cabin.
That’s not the only local spot to tread lightly. This is a shot from Sherwood Island State Park — an excellent reminder of the wonders of “Westport … Naturally:
Okay, now we know summer is just around the corner.
The Westport Woman’s Club has announced the dates for the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The century-old tradition returns Fathers Day weekend. From Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, the grounds and parking lot on Imperial Avenue will transform from a staid club into a carnival, for “kids” of all ages.
Profits support charities throughout Fairfield County, need-based scholarships to Staples High School students, and the Woman’s Club food closet.
Among the rides: a carousel, Flying Dumbo, Dizzy Dragon, Frog Hopper, Scrambler, Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity and Expo Wheel. Unlimited ride wristbands make things easy (and inexpensive).
The youngest fairgoers will enjoy sand art and snowflake painting.
Entertainment includes rock and country/bluegrass bands. There are raffle prizes and a “take a chance” tent.
Plus of course a food court with hamburgers, hot dogs, Greek food, Good Humor ice cream, baked goods — and beer and wine.
Proceeds help support a wide array of Fairfield County charities, need-based scholarships for Staples High School students, and the WWC food closet.
Yankee Doodle Fair sponsors include Belta’s Farm Legacy, Ellen Hooker, Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness, Salon Paul Michael, Sam Sloat Coins, Westport National Bank, Continuum Card, National Express, Izzo’s Landscapes, JMG Insurance, Principal Wealth Partners, Toni Mickiewicz-William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.
Effective immediately — well, at its next (June 3) meeting anyway — Planning & Zoning Commission sessions will begin at 6 p.m. The previous start time was 7.
P&Z Chair Paul Lebowitz says: “After many late night meetings, the Commission decided to start one hour, earlier with the hope of completing our meetings earlier.
“Our goal is to allow for more convenient opportunities for public participation, and also ensure a more focused and productive discussion between the applicants and Commission members.”
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Many Westporters love Earthplace, for its property, programs, and friendly, inclusive vibe.
Many other Westporters have never heard of it. Or if they have, they haven’t checked it out.
The non-profit science, conservation and education center, tucked into Westport’s northwest corner off Stony Brook Road, has an extensive menu of summer offerings. Click here for the program guide, listing drop-in activities, teen programs, and family and adult events.
There’s a summer camp for grades 3-8, and leadership training for 14- and 15-year-olds. Click here for camp offerings.
Taylor Swift joined over 50 Kings Highway Elementary School students on Wednesday, for their first-ever Rise ‘n’ Ride.
Well, at least “Shake It Off” played through a speaker.
Youngsters rode loops around the PJ Romano track. Westport Police representatives Gregory Gunter and Rachel Hall — the KHS School Safety Officer — talked about the importance of always wearing a helmet.
The event was a collaboration with Bike Westport, whose goal is to promote safer cycling and walking in Westport.
Principal Tracey Carbone called it “an incredible and energizing way to start the day. This might be the start of a new tradition at KHS.”
Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty — a KHS parent — said, “There is nothing more joyful than seeing children’s happy faces, enjoying their independence pedaling on their own.”
Officer Gregory Gunter, and the Kings Highway bike riders.
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Multi-talented Andrew Wilk discussed his career in the arts on Wednesday, at a Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-hosted Library event.
Former Y’s Men president John Brandt interviewed his fellow Westporter. The former executive producer and director of “Live From Lincoln Center” — and much more — discussed the wide variety of music, theater, dance and solo performances he captured, over a 30-year span.
Bedside Reading is “a luxury amenity program that places books by the bedsides in 5 -star hotels and boutique properties.”
Serendipity Labs is neither. It’s a co-working space on Post Road West, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
But Beside Reading has partnered with Serendipity Labs, for a “Books & Cocktails” event June 11 (5 to 7 p.m.), featurinng authors Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg, Stacey L. Tucker and Philip Myles Dane. Jane Ubell-Meyer, founder of Bedside Reading and book columnist for luxury lifestyle magazines and websites will host.
There’s also an oracle/tarot card reading. The event is open to the public. Reservations are necessary (click here), and books will be available for sale.
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