Sports + Recreation

From Wrecker to World Series

Staples High '17 alum Ben Casparius reflects on his whirlwind year with the World Series champion-L.A. Dodgers. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy | Photography by Jon SooHoo and Sue Jo//Los Angeles Dodgers In Westport’s nearly 400-year history, the town has produced two Major League Baseball players. The first, Hezekiah Allen, played in exactly one game, for the Philadelphia Quakers on May 16, 1884. The second, Ben Casparius, just brought home a World Series ring in his first season on the active...

Life + Culture

Poetry In Motion

Westport's Poet Laureate, Donna Disch, is on a poetry mission. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy This past September, Westport appointed its newest Poet Laureate, Donna Disch. It’s a unique position—there are only 50 towns and cities in Connecticut with Poet Laureates—and Donna is only the third to occupy the role in Westport, succeeding Jessica Noyes McEntee. The Westport Arts Advisory Committee instituted the position to “promote poetry as a form of communication, inspiration, and entertainment in...

Food + Beverage

The Art of the Dinner Party

Tips from Marcia Selden Catering on hosting an evening of connection— with food and friends. Article by Robin Selden | Photography by Studio Leon by Nico Leon In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the art of intimate dinner parties offers a refreshing opportunity to reconnect with the people who matter most. We need to celebrate the joy of gathering with friends and family for an evening of great food, engaging conversations, and meaningful moments. From hand-calligraphed gratitude...

Entertainment

Something New

Westport's Brad Tursi, the guitarist for Old Dominion, on how his solo project changed everything for him. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy | Photography by Marina Chavez and Mason Allen Brad Tursi formed his first band as a 15-year-old student at Staples High School.  (They dubbed the band Cyrus McCormick—Cyrus for short— after the inventor of the mechanical reaper whom their drummer learned about in history class.) “Since then, I’ve never not been in a band,” Brad tells Westport Lifestyle . “I...

Local Services

Message For More

Four local businesses building their brands— mostly online. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy DIPPED FROM A TO Z In early spring of 2021, Amy was on a mission to find unique dessert gifts to spark a little joy. After searching sweet shops and coming up empty, she began creating custom chocolate boxes herself. Her first creations were chocolate-covered matzo and chocolate seder plates for Passover, along with candy kebobs and custom-name chocolate bars for Easter. They were an instant hit and led...

Entertainment

Westport Is Everywhere

Fun facts about our town's special place in pop culture. Article and Photography by 1. Actor  Michael Douglas  lived in Westport from 1956 until 1963. A few years ago, he shared photos of his Westport home on Facebook, writing "revisiting my home in Westport, Ct [sic] (1956/63) where I lived with my mother Diana, brother Joel and step-father William Darrid." 2. Both  The Stepford Wives  and  American Housewife  take place in Connecticut towns based on ours, and the series  Billions is based...

Life + Culture

The State of Westport

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker shares an update about how our vibrant community is continuing to thrive. Article by Jennifer Tooker Westport is known for many things—great schools, beautiful beaches and natural assets, a vibrant arts community, amazing restaurants and retail shops, the only five-star library in the state—just to name a few. As First Selectwoman and Second Selectwoman before that, I want to ensure that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play, and learn...

Sports + Recreation

In The Zone

Estevao Divino's Staples High sports podcast PrepZone has a captive audience. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy | Photography by Brian Divino/PrepZone Media LLC/John Videler Two years ago, Estevao Divino came home one day to find his younger son Brian talking about making flyers to post all over the school. Brian, at the time a sophomore on Staples High's volleyball team, when asked responded that his team was at risk— not enough boys were signing up to play. Estevao’s wife, Alessandra, who is a...

Health + Wellness

Ones To Watch

Seven healthy Westporters share how they are helping change the ways our community sees wellness. Article and Photography by BETSY PERNA Trainer, Fit To You Fitness fittoyoufitness.com How did you get involved in fitness? I have always been into working out. In classes, I’d find myself wanting to help people that were compromising their form, and could get hurt, but didn’t want to be ‘that’ person. I decided I could start my own fitness experience, make it fun, and make sure everyone...

Health + Wellness

Bringing More Joy

Abby Dixon helps new parents feel their happiest during a challenging time. Article by Sara Gaynes Levy | Photography by Abby Cole Photography Starting a family is one of the most profoundly life-altering experiences a person can go through. For new moms, their worlds shift, often in ways they could never imagine. That time is what Abby Dixon is most passionate about. Abby is a Westport-based perinatal mental health specialist who focuses on the pre- and postnatal experience. “My passion is...