Our look back at Staples Players’ past shows continues today, with the fall 2005 production of “Children of Eden.”
David Roth and Kerry Roth directed the 1991 musical. Based on the Book of Genesis, it tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the flood.
Longtime media teacher Jim Honeycutt created these “nutshells,” part of “06880”‘s continuing coverage of Players, yesterday and today.
Owen Daniel is the youngest guest we’ve ever welcomed to our “06880” podcast.
The Weston High School senior balances schoolwork* with performing, songwriting and producing music events.
His songwriting draws inspiration from artists like Noah Kahan, Lewis Capaldi and Olivia Rodrigo, blending introspective lyrics with an acoustic sound.
This fall, Owen heads to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before he goes — and the world learns about him — he stopped by the Westport Library, for a wide-ranging chat.
It was a great morning. My only regret is I forgot to ask him to bring his guitar.
Click here or below to hear Owen’s take on his life, his music, and the performing and recording world in general.
*Though as a 2nd semester senior, that’s probably now just an abstract concept.
Miri Levin is a senior at Hopkins School. She has lived in Westport since she was 5 years old. Miri writes:
I stand 3,400 miles from home, dressed in surgical scrubs and a mask that hides my age and inexperience.
The operating room lights are bright. I feel at once comfortable and unnerved.
The scene is relatively familiar. I have been volunteering with the International Esperanza Project for 4 years.
But our surgical staff is makeshift by American standards. My mother, an accredited surgeon, will be performing reconstructive surgery after a gunshot wound to the eye.
I — a 17-year-old high school student — will be responsible for handing her the vital tools she needs. I shake off my discomfort, and arrange the surgical tools on a metal tray that stands within my mother’s reach.
Miri Levin and friend.
IEP provides high quality medical care to Guatemalan citizens who lack these resources. Every September I travel to Patzun, Guatemala with my mother to offer free medical care to individuals and families with circumscribed access to quality health care.
Our patients live in poverty, and frequently suffer from long-neglected health issues that have festered over time.
On any given day I move between numerous roles, taking and monitoring patient vitals, stocking operating rooms with surgical supplies, and soothing anxiety in children who may be visiting a doctor for the very first time.
International Esperanza Project takes a break.
My work with IEP forces me to engage with my greatest personal challenge: a sometimes haunting sense of self-doubt. While the imposter syndrome was certainly justified in my role among such experienced individuals, I often question whether I have the competence and experience to chase the accomplishments I want to call my own.
But by committing myself to stepping away from the familiar, whether geographically or intellectually, I can now call “positive risk-taker” as part of my identity.
The organization and compassion that Team Hope put forth during one week is unbelievable. From seeing thousands of clinic patients to performing hundreds of surgeries, the team blends seamlessly together even if most of them just met.
It doesn’t matter where you’re from, or where you’re going. If you come to Guatemala, you join a family. One that has dance parties during late night hospital trips, and one with some of the most gentle teachers out there, supporting and guiding you through a high stress environment that can be hard to adapt to.
During the most recent trip, we posted about a little girl suffering with childhood eye cancer. Both eyes had been removed at a young age, and her family could not afford prosthetic ones.
Within 24 hours, the Westport community raised $6,000. It was unbelievable to see how a group of people could be so generous to someone so close to my mom and me, yet so far from them.
I am so excited for the International Esperanza Project to come to Westport, this time in person. The event is April 2 at Hudson Malone (6 p.m.).
It is an honor being given the opportunity to speak about how much this trip impacted me. Now I have friends all over the world, and most importantly, so do all the patients.
Interested in attending the April 2 event? Email floralevin@drfloralevin.com.
Yesterday’s announcement of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” event with Governor Ned Lamont (April 13, 11 a.m., Westport Library) did not include the registration link.
Saturday’s “Hero to Hero” event drew a large, passionate crowd to the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“Hero” is a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.
Locally, 5 Westport Fire Department members are graduates of the program.
This weekend’s event raised awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raised funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.
The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer. She says:
“Our community came together in a powerful way — united by purpose, storytelling, and a shared commitment to those who have served our country.
“The fundraiser was a reminder of what’s possible when community, creativity and compassion align. From heartfelt remarks by veterans to the overwhelming generosity in the room, and the passion behind Senator Blumenthal’s speech, the evening reflected the very mission we stand behind: supporting our veterans as they transition from active duty into meaningful roles as first responders, while using storytelling to shine a light on the realities of veteran mental health.
“For those who couldn’t attend, but believe in supporting our veterans and the mission of Hero To Hero as well as independent filmmaking that will hire veterans for on screen and behind the scenes roles, we invite you to donate. Great auction items are still available too. Click here to help.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and Deputy Chief Matt Cohen (far left) with (from left): Clayton Janssen (Navy), Cody Ruschmeyer (Army), Liam Chrzanowski (Marines) and Zach Oullette (Marines). Not pictured: Kyle Sanzo (Marines.)
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Everyone who has heard the Bedford Middle School Jazz Band knows they’re special.
Now music educators all over the state know too.
The group performed as a “showcase ensemble” for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State conference, at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Gregg Winters’ 25 student musicians’ set included “Front Burner,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “The Girl from Ipanema” and “On Broadway,” a mix of swing, Latin and contemporary styles. All students also performed improvised solos.
Bedford Middle School Jazz Band.
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This may be a first, in Staples’ long sports history:
For 3 consecutive years, a Manchester sibling served as captain of the Staples High School ski team.
And … all 3 received the Coaches’ Award at the end of their senior year, for their contributions to the program.
Congratulations, Logan (2024), Max (2025) and Ella (2026)!
PS: Their father, Jeff Manchester, earned plenty of awards too, as a Staples wrestler back in the day.
Three Manchesters: From left: Logan (now a sophomore at Bentley College), Ella (headed to the University of Colorado) and Max (Bentley freshman).
Speaking of teenagers: The Westport Senior Center is looking for high school students to volunteer in their Tech Hub on Thursdays (3 to 4:30 p.m.).
It’s a flexible opportunity. Weekly emails are sent to check availability.
This is a great chance for tech-savvy youngsters to show what they know — and give back to their community. Most probably have experience already, helping their grandparents (and parents).
For more information or to sign up, email Diana Andrews: dandrews@westportct.gov.
Tech help, at the Senior Center.
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The stairs from the Westport Library’s main entrance to the Riverwalk below have been in disrepair for a while.
The Riverwalk — stretching from the Taylor parking lot all the way behind the Levitt Pavilion, ending at Deadman Brook — is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.
Soon, we’ll have one more way to access it — again.
Melissa Newman — a longtime Westporter, and Jazz at the Post favorite — kicks off the series’ first-ever Voices of Spring festival, this Thursday (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
And finally … on this date in 1930, the Motion Picture Production Code began. It imposed strict guidelines on sex, crime, religion and violence in film, until it was replaced in 1968 with 4 ratings: G(eneral), M(ature), R(estricted to under 16, unless accompanied by an adult) and X (no one under 16 admitted).
(There are no restrictions on “06880.” Anyone can read anything we post — and anyone can click here too, to support our work. Thank you for your patronage!)
But 2 of the properties proposed for that redevelopment project recently changed hands.
As first reported by Westport Journal, Spinnaker Real Estate Partners — a Norwalk-based commercial real estate firm that has developed mixed-use properties in South Norwalk and New Haven — bought 606 Riverside Avenue for $12.795 million, and 96 Franklin Street for $3.25 million.
The larger Riverside Avenue site includes Minutemen Cleaners and 2 other businesses. Previously, it was an automobile dealership. The smaller nearby property is a parking lot.
Spinnaker has not yet disclosed plans for the site. They did not respond to requests for comment.
Some residents applauded some parts of the proposal, developed by ROAN Ventures. Others found it too dense, too massive, too out of character for the neighborhood.
New commercial development in the area — particularly around dilapidated 606 Riverside Avenue — could be the next step for Spinnaker. It would follow the renovation pioneered by Gault that brought the Whelk, other businesses and apartments to the area near Bridge Square (and which, when proposed, was also hotly debated).
New apartments a few steps from the train station could attract both young people, and older Westporters looking to downsize. Spinnaker has experience with transit-oriented development: Their Platform apartments are just steps from the South Norwalk station.
Spinnaker’s “The Platform” apartments, by the South Norwalk train station. They include studios, and 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms.
Hamlet’s hotel idea was welcomed by some. Others questioned the economics of a boutique property with just a few dozen rooms, in the shadow of I-95.
After the P&Z squelched the Hamlet, ROAN threatened a massive 8-30g affordable housing development. They later withdrew that plan.
Spinnaker has not previously pursued 8-30g projects. Their work leans toward projects like SoNo Central, a 150-unit apartment building with 3,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, and The Audubon, luxury apartments near Yale New Haven Hospital and the Audubon Arts District.
ROAN proposed to renovate and “re-skin” the 21 Charles Street office building opposite Zucca Gastrobar. The structure has been a thorn in the side of many locals. Spinnaker did not buy that property, however.
Spinnaker’s purchases also did not include any riverfront property. ROAN’s plans for water taxis were derided by some. Others liked the idea of a marina, and the concept of opening up the river — now hidden behind nondescript buildings, and a boatyard.
One of the Hamlet’s marina plans.
All of which is to say: Saugatuck development may soon be back in the news.
In which case, it will share headlines with another Saugatuck project: the future of the Cribari Bridge.
The 2 would not be related — except for their impact on traffic through the area.
That is an important consideration.
One of ROAN’s proposals involved rethinking and synchronizing traffic lights, from I-95 Exit 17 down Charles Street and Riverside Avenue, to the bridge.
Whatever Spinnaker decides, that would be a welcome step toward solving some of the thorniest issues Saugatuck has seen in its long, storied history.
(“06880” covers Saugatuck, real estate, commercial development, housing — and everything else in town. We rely on our readers to help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The 4th in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” series will feature the biggest name of all.
Governor Ned Lamont speaks at the Westport Library on April 13 (11 a.m.).
The series began earlier this month, with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. It continues this Thursday (April 2, 11 a.m.), with Attorney General William Tong.
Governor Lamont’s session will focus on Connecticut’s fiscal stability and economic outlook, highlighting efforts to maintain affordability through initiatives like tax rebates and energy cost relief. Following his talk, Governor Lamont will join in a conversation with Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell, followed by an audience Q&A.
Last week’s osprey sighting may have been a false alarm.
Carolyn Doan — who has tracked the raptors’ Westport sojourns for years — writes: “The photo that was sent to you could have been a hawk. As far as I know, the osprey haven’t returned yet.
“I hope I’m wrong. It’s possible I keep missing them, but I have engaged the help and eyes of some friends as well. Nobody has seen them yet.
“I talked with the manager at Fresh Market. They are on the lookout also
“The nest itself hasn’t changed. No new sticks or dangling sticks moved. No visible spiffing up has occurred.
“If they haven’t returned, then they are about a week late. Other nests in town have late arrivals also.
I’ll let you know if anything changes or I hear differently.”
Osprey or hawk? Last week, at Fresh Market. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)
This past weekend, the Westport Library turned into a concert venue.
Next month (Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.), it becomes a fashion runway.
In just 6 years, the Westport Downtown Association’s Fashionably Westport show has become one of the hottest spring tickets.
For good reason. In addition to the latest styles from over 20 local fashion and accessories retailers and salons — all modeled by local residents — plus a silent auction, food, music, and high-energy MC Dave Briggs, it’s a fundraiser for a wonderful organization: Homes with Hope. They run the town’s men’s and women’s shelter and food pantry (among many other good works).
This year will be special for Laura. For over 30 years she took care of Jenna Herbst, a fellow Westporter and STAR client.
Jenna died earlier this month. Laura is dedicating this year’s Walk & Stroll to her, and other friends Laura has met at STAR who, like Jenna, rely on the organization for help.
Money raised funds birth-to-8 early intervention therapies, customized job training, placement for transitioning high school students and adults, and scholarships for self-enrichment programs for over 600 people in Fairfield County.
Westporter Sam Hendel — a music industry leader at Chord Music rights platform, and Dundee Partners (a private equity and venture capital firm, focusing on music, media, and technology) — helped draw a large crowd yesterday morning, to “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier.”
The event — the first on the final day of the Westport Library’s VersoFest — examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping how music is created, distributed, licensed and monetized.
Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another Westporter — moderated the fascinating, forward-looking discussion.
Sam Hendel (far right), on the AI-and-music panel. Other participants (from left): Daniel Rowland, Danny Newcomb, Paul Sinclair. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
The 4-day event closed with an interview with Peter Shapiro — who has owned the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and produced numerous music festivals — followed by a screening of the Grateful Dead movie “Dead Ahead,” filmed in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall.
The 2024 Staples graduate — who quarterbacked the Wreckers to the state championship and was named Connecticut Football Player of the Year; earned All-America honors in lacrosse; captained the basketball team and was honored as a statewide Scholar-Athlete — was inducted into the Fairfield County Gridiron Hall of Fame last week.
He was the youngest honoree, among this year’s 13 players and coaches.
In his career, culminating in the state crown (and #1 ranking in Connecticut), Caleb passed for 5,138 yards and 49 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,307 yards and 43 TDs, and holds 7 school passing records.
After playing quarterback at the University of Connecticut his freshman year, Caleb transferred to Boston University this year. He is playing lacrosse, and studying finance.
Caleb Smith, with his family and state championship plaque.
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Who doesn’t like chocolate? And who doesn’t like wine?
Those indulgences are doubly enjoyable together. Which is exactly why Chocolatieree and The Grapevine are collaborating on a “Pairing Table.” It’s where handcrafted ganache bonbons meet thoughtfully curated wines.
There are 2 dates: April 21 and 23 (at Chocalatieree; $115). Three rounds “contrast Old and New World styles,”; each pairing includes a wine category matched with a chocolate, unlocking a flavor that “might bloom, soften, brighten, or surprise you entirely.”
It’s “part tasting, part discovery, part lively conversation, and completely” delicious. Participants leave with a box, to “savor and reminisce later.” Click here to register, and for more information.
Sure, you can always find great artwork at Westport River Gallery.
But now you can also see a pair of the replica ruby slippers — created to exact detail of those worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy, in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” film — at the Riverside Avenue space.
Connecticut-based artist Kyle LaRue constructed each slipper using a vintage size 5 shoe (the actress’ size) from the 1930s. Each features sequins, bugle beads and rhinestone.
The slippers at the gallery are the most authentic pair available. More durable, wearable versions in any size can be made on commission.
Artist Kyle LaRue (left) with Westport River Gallery owner Ken Warren, and Dorothy’s slippers. (Photo/Koleen Kaffan)
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Just in time for hydrangea season, the Greens Farms Garden Club is sponsoring an expert speaker.
Horticulturist/photographer/New York Botanical Garden instructor Lorraine Ballato — author of “Success With Hydrangeas,” and a blogger with a site dedicated to the plant — will speak on April 7 (11 a.m., Southport Congregational Church). RSVP: cafedame@aol.com.
Lucas Flesch is a junior at Staples — and a talented and passionate artist.
He was was accepted into Pratt Institute’s prestigious Summer Pre-College Intensive program.
His family does not qualify for the school’s financial aid. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help.
It says: “The pre-program would be an incredible next step for Lucas. It would allow him to experience a structured, college-level environment and be surrounded by other students who are just as passionate about art. This experience could be transformative, helping him build confidence and skills for his future. Any support, in any amount, truly helps, and we really appreciate it.”
“Dead/Lucid Self Portrait” — graphite on paper, 2024. Lucas writes: “In this piece, I was thinking about religion. And how we justify with religion and overcome our greatest fear. The unknown. In old literature (Romeo and Juliet, and Catullus 5) the writers play this metaphor of this very short life we live and how we should spend it with loving. Everyone does things in preface to death, either it being memorable for things done in your life or loved by others. This self- portrait talks about how death is a part of everyone living or not. Death might be the one thing that controls your life.”
We get a lot of sunset photos, here at “06880” headquarters.
We can’t run 95% of them.
But this one — over Sherwood Mill Pond — caught our eye, for its color and composition. So it made the cut, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
Nearly every night for the next couple of months, local organizations will host fundraisers. There’s catered food, auctions, and appeals to give generously.
All are worthwhile. The amount of good works, and the number of philanthropic Westporters, is impressive.
The 24-year-old program brings academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color to Westport, where they live together and attend Staples High School. It is one of our town’s shining jewels.
The Dream Event is a chance not only to raise much-needed funds, but to celebrate ABC’s scholars, their families, and the community volunteers who make the program run, as host parents, mentors, tutors, drivers and more.
Like many fundraisers, there will be speeches about the impact the non-profit has made on individual lives.
Some of those remarks will come from Westporters associated with the program.
Some will come from alumni, who every year return from around the country — where they have successful careers, and growing families — to give back a bit of what they’ve gotten.
Scholars and alumni, at an A Better Chance Dream Event.
But the most impactful words will come from current ABC scholars.
Every year, the graduating seniors speak.
Every year, their words move listeners to tears.
They describe — with great insight, and devastating honesty — the road they’ve traveled since leaving their familiar homes and loving families, to arrive in a strange town, surrounded by people who don’t look like them, and attend a high-powered, highly competitive school, where most students already enjoy built-in friend groups and activities.
Their 4 years here are not easy. At the Dream Event, the scholars talk about their challenges, hardships and detours.
But they also acknowledge the many people who have helped them get where they are today. Movingly, they thank their host parents, who have offered a home away from home — and their own parents, who entrusted them to this program, our town, and their host families.
During 4 years as a host family, the Propps formed strong bonds with scholar Manny Ogutu.
Graduation season is a time for congratulations. It’s a time for looking both backward, and ahead.
Some — but not all — Staples seniors take time for self-reflection.
The A Better Chance of Westport seniors always do. Their words are important highlights, of a very important fundraiser.
Two resilient, remarkable Staples Class of 2026 ABC scholars — Souleye Kebe and Vincent Vega — will share the spotlight at this year’s Dream Event. It’s May 7 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) at House on the Hill in Norwalk.
Vincent Vega and Souleye Kebe. (Photo/Pamela Einarsen)
Souleye has made his mark in Westport as a 2-year student representative on Westport’s Board of Education, and this year serves as student government president. He has participated in the national award-level We The People class and competition, ran cross country and track, and has worked with the Democratic Town Committee.
Vincent is a 4-year baseball player, and a captain for his upcoming senior season. Last year, he was named to the All-FCIAC honorable mention team. He has volunteered with Westport Little League, and with Staples culinary instructor chef Cecily Gans, cooking for a variety of events.
Another key member of the A Better Chance community will be honored too. Maggie Gomez — a longtime Staples math teacher — has served as the ABC/Staples liaison for more than a decade.
In addition, for the past 4 years she has opened her home as a host family. Her commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom will be feted, as she receives ABC’s 2nd annual Community Award.
In 2018, Maggie Gomez met ABC scholar Jarod Ferguson in her Staples office.
The evening also includes food from Marcia Selden Catering, plus live and silent auctions.
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