But today marks the 80th anniversary of one of our town’s worst tragedies.
On May 2, 1946 a tire on a truck filled with vulcanizing cement blew on Post Road West, near Sylvan Road.
The driver swerved into a tree. The truck exploded. A huge fire quickly erupted.
First on the scene were ambulance driver Arthur Audley, and his daughter Edna. They helped the trucker and others.
But the driver died the next morning. Also killed were Fire Chief Frank Dennert, former fire chief Francis Dunnigan, and firefighters John H. Gallagher. Dominick Zeoli died later.
Eight others were injured.
A plaque honoring the firefighters, 50 years after the tragedy.
Westporters responded quickly — including more than 2 dozen blood donors, who headed to Norwalk Hospital.
The Westporter-Herald printed an extra edition the next morning (so readers did not have to wait for the afternoon paper), and solicited contributions to the Firemen’s Fund. A benefit baseball game raised more money.
Four people seriously injured in the explosion — Zeoli, George and Jimmy Powers, and 13-year-old John Saviano — were still in the hospital more than 7 weeks later, on June 23.
Their spirits were lifted when they received a surprise visit (and autographed baseballs) from Babe Ruth. He was a frequent golfer at Birchwood Country Club, and Saviano was often his caddy.
Babe Ruth autographs a baseball for George “Nookie” Powers. His soon-to-be wife Virginia “Jinx” Closson looks on.
The fire was seared into the memories of all who were in Westport, 80 years ago today.
And now, much closer to home, a Staples High School senior — born more than 6 decades after the tragedy — has ensured that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
For his Eagle Scout project, Seamus designed and built a custom cabinet to house the helmets of Chief Frank Dennert, former Chief Dunnigan, and Gallagher and Zeoli.
Seamus Brannigan (3rd from left) in front of his cabinet with, from left, Chief Nicholas Marsan, Assistant Chief Jeason Kronenberger, and Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen. In addition to being an Eagle Scout, Brannigan is a member of Staples Players, a choral and rock group singer, and captain of the 2026 wrestling team.
There are helmets too for George Cardozo and Turker Aksoy, who died in the line of duty in 2000 and 2019, respectively.
The Westport Fire Department says that Seamus’ work “ensures their legacy is never forgotten, while creating a meaningful space for reflection for our members and visitors.”
Yesterday, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie led a solemn ceremony at fire headquarters, honoring all those who gave their lives serving our community.
“Their sacrifice remains a significant part of Westport’s history, and continues to shape the values and traditions of the fire service today,” he said.
Today, let’s all take a moment to reflect on May 2, 1946; on those 4 firefighters, and on all that our Fire Department has done for all of us, every day since then.
Memorial at Westport Fire Department Headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
But the Parks & Recreation Department has chosen a new concessionaire for the Compo Beach pavilion, as well as the Longshore pavilion and golf course halfway house.
NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport must still be approved by the Board of Finance, Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Selectpersons.
Nikki Glekas
The Westport-based group got the nod over Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport. A third vendor went to the walk-through, but did not bid.
Glekas was the choice of a special committee created by Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. It included members of the Parks & Rec Commission, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.
The town bought out the contract of previous concessionaire Hook’d earlier this year.
Glekas’ website describes her as “a restauranteur, caterer, and entertaining expert with over 2 decades of professional experience in the tri-state area.”
She began her career as the owner of EOS, an award-winning Greek restaurant in Stamford. She expanded into events and catering when she opened Bank Street Events, in Stamford. Partnerships with Chelsea Piers Connecticut and Noroton Yacht Club followed..
Glekas also hosts Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean, a YouTube show featuring her family’s Greek recipes, and entertaining tips.
The contract between the town and NG — not yet finalized — is on the Board of Finance agenda for next Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Zoom).
It then goes to the Planning & Zoning Commission — because the lease involves public property — on May 13 (6 p.m., livestream). The Board of Selectpersons has the final say.
Before Hook’d, the Compo Beach concession was run by Joey Romeo, and called Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
“Everyone feels good about putting her forward,” Barbieri tells “06880.”
If the 3 boards approve the recommendation, the director hopes Glekas can be operating by Memorial Day.
“It’s tight,” he admits. “But we’ll work with her as best we can. We’re optimistic, and she’s excited. She wants to hit the ground running.”
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What better Friday Flashback than a photo with 2 Westport icons: Ships, and Bill Cribari.
(Photo courtesy of Regina Kiska)
The downtown restaurant — now Tiffany — was a favorite meeting place. Lunch, dinner, before or after the movies (a few steps away) — Ships was where parents took kids, teenagers took dates, and everyone celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and everything else.
Officer Cribari is best known for his wizard-like hand gestures, and ballet-like footwork, as he kept traffic moving near and over the Saugatuck bridge that now bears his name.
But he was equally adept at the Post Road/Main Street intersection, as this image shows.
He was always smiling. He knew everyone.
And everyone knew — and loved — both Bill Cribari, and Ships.
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In just a couple of months since its debut, our “06880” AI widget has fielded a few thousands queries.
But many readers are not getting nearly as much out of it as they can.
They use it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “Staples,” “Cribari Bridge,” “library” or “[insert your name here]” are not the best way to interact with our widget.
To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:
“What do Staples students think about the cellphone ban?”
“What is the most recent plan for the Cribari Bridge?”
“What big events are upcoming at the Westport Library?”
“What does ‘06880’ say about [insert your name here]?”
Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”
Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.
We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.
But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.
Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get.
And the smarter our AI widget will become too.
The “06880” AI widget can be found on the top right of any page on the desktop and laptop platforms.
It’s on the far left (star icon) at the bottom of the “06880” app.
The mother of all tag sales takes places tomorrow (Saturday).
Over 40 homeowners have signed up for the Nolan Team at Compass’ town-wide event. –
The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though individual homes might have different times.
Click here for a map, with all locations. Each site it clickable, so you can see what they offer.
Plan your route — and happy shopping!
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The Westport Library is a special place for everyone, no matter your age.
On the weekend of May 8-9 though, it becomes extra special, for a special age group: young kids.
The children’s staff has planned several events. They include:
Stuffed Animal Slumber Party (May 8, 4 p.m.): Bring a stuffed friend to the Library for fun and crafts — then leave your stuffie at the Library overnight, for a special toys-only sleepover.
Return Saturday morning to pick up your friend. Enjoy a special story time together, and discover what adventures they had at the Library.
For kindergarten and up. Registration required; click here.
Library Insiders(May 9, 10:30 a.m.): Meet the children’s staff members. Get an inside look at upcoming programs for babies, toddlers and young children. Experience activities, story time moments and learning at home ideas. Designed especially for families with young children. RSVP by May 4: rpowell@westportlibrary.org.
Train Room grand opening(May 9, noon, Higgins Room): The train room is back! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome, to read, relax, unwind, and “blow off steam” with the train set. Drop-ins welcome.
Reading to Rover (May 9, 4:30 p.m.) Read aloud to a therapy dog. Both early and practiced readers are welcome.
Jonathan Greenfield — a photojournalist, film director, tea importer, athlete, world traveler, environmentalist and devoted husband and father, whose battle with ALS helped and inspired countless people here and around the world — died 5 years ago at his Westport home, surrounded by family and close friends. He was just 50 years old.
He left behind quite a legacy. Breathe4ALS — a charity that he and his wife Iris created — funds research, medical equipment, and essential services for families facing the devastating disease. His children Zach, Skye and Josie have joined in too.
Their work is inspired by approaches like breathwork and cold exposure popularized by Wim Hof.
On Saturday, May 16 (3 p.m., 10 Pine Tree Drive), Skye has organized a community meditation and ice bath event. Instructor Michael Christoforo will help guests focus on mindfulness, resilience, and coming together meaningfully.
No prior experience is needed. Participants can join the guided meditation, ice bath or both, all fully supported and optional based on comfort level.
The donation of $250 per person also includes a photo book of Jonathan’s life.
To register, and for questions, email skyengreenfield@icloud.com. If you can’t attend but want to support Breathe4ALS, click here.
When the Historic District Commission meets May 12 (7 p.m., Zoom), they’ll consider demolition permits for these properties, all at least 50 years old:
Speaking of the Playhouse: In 2020, longtime benefactor Paul Newman’s daughter Melissa and graphic artist Miggs Burroughs — both longtime Westporters — repurposed a 1960s-era photo of the actor, urging “Young Citizens for Johnson” (as in, LBJ) to register and vote.
Westport’s One River School of Art + Design is gearing up for another season of immersive, hands-on summer camps.
Programs spark creativity, while helping students build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their artistic voice.
Offerings include Art Explorers, and Storybook Art (grades K-2); How to Draw a Dragon, Pour Painting, and Plushie Pals (grades 3-5), and Character Design, Fashion Design, Cosplay, digital art and portfolio development (grades 6-12).
Morning and afternoon sessions are available. For more information and registration, click here.
Speaking of One River: Staples High School’s Advanced Placement Art & Design students will showcase their work in a special exhibition there, later this month.
The show’s works reflect a wide range of ideas, materials, and personal expression.
During the year-long class students explore a central idea, question or theme.
Featured artists include Cole Cummings, Alexandra Emmert, Dylan Endich, Eliza Greenspan, Piper Grove, Matthew Jahn, Chloe Jordan, Aurelia Laitmon, Isabella Larson, Emersyn Miller, Sydney Minervini, Sally Nathan, Olivia Schiavone, Benjamin Serfaty, Jessie Zhang, Charlotte Booth, Dexter Chadwick, Jonathan Deitch, Natalia Garment, Kaya Halper, Nina Katz, Ava Kindt, Risa Mass, Harry McLaughlin and Penn Videler.
An opening reception is set for next Friday (May 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
Chromatic work, by Matthew Jahn.
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Terrain celebrates the season tomorrow (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with a special “Dig Into Spring” event. It includes:
Kids seed potting, a native plant tour and free potting in the nursery
Make a Mother’s Day card
Bring your garden tool, scissors or knives for sharpening
And finally … David Allan Coe — the country singer whose outlandish exploits, prison tales and obscenity-laden performances earned him notoriety as perhaps the most transgressive exponent of the outlaw country movement of the 1970s and ’80s,” according to the New York Times, died Wednesday. He was 86.
(Unlike David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, we love our “06880” job. But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Thanks for clicking here, and helping us keep working here some more!)
Bountiful fruit trees. Rows of crops. The Westport Farmers’ Market.
Twenty years ago, good friends Paul Newman and Michel Nischan had the germ of an idea.
Besides being an acting idol, Newman had developed best-selling salad dressings, lemonade and popcorn — and given all the profits to charity.
Nischan was a James Beard Award-winning chef.
Together, Newman and Nischan — Westport and Fairfield residents, respectively — owned The Dressing Room restaurant, next to the Westport Country Playhouse.
They knew the importance of healthful, locally sourced food. They recognized too the importance of community institutions.
So they launched the Westport Farmers’ Market, in the Playhouse and Dressing Room parking lot.
From left: Orna Stern, Paul Newman and Michel Nischan.
On Thursday, May 7, the WFM launches its 20th season. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, their current — and much larger — location, they’ll celebrate that milestone.
It truly is special. Fewer than 1 in 4 season markets make it to 2 decades.
The opening day ceremony honors 20 years of award-winning leadership, community building, and a commitment to a healthier, more equitable local food system.
Since that initial season, the WFM has grown from a small neighborhood market into one of Connecticut’s most respected agricultural and community institutions.
(Photo/Fielden Bretsford)
For the past 17 years, executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall has led it. Her mission extends far beyond fresh produce. The Westport Farmers’ Market is also about connecting neighbors, sustaining regional farmers, and building a food system that works for everyone.
Creative programming has included children and teenagers, veterans, and of course farmers themselves.
At the heart of it all is the belief that ingredients found at the Westport Farmers’ Market is healthy, sustainable — and very, very tast
“This market was born from an extraordinary vision — that food could be a force for connection, health, and justice,” Cochran-Dougall says.
“Twenty years later, that vision has never felt more urgent or more alive. Every vendor, every shopper, every season has been a testament to what a community can build when it shows up for each other. I couldn’t be more proud — or more excited about where we go from here.”
One of the WFM’s many community initiatives is “Grow a Row.” Shoppers donate fresh produce, for underserved communities. Director Lori Cochran-Dougall is at far left.
Opening Day features a festive community atmosphere, a noon toast, live music, youth programming, popular returning vendors, and exciting new participants.
As they’ve done since the beginning, visitors can shop fresh seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and connect directly with the farmers and makers behind their food.
In addition this season, WFM will unveil new programs, and a renewed vision for its third decade. They’ll expand educational offerings, deepen partnerships with local growers, and strengthen access to fresh, healthy food across the broader community.
Bill Taibe has been a staunch Westport Farmers’ Market supporter from the start. He’s now a board member.
“It isn’t just a place to shop — it’s where relationships between cooks, farmers and community actually happen,” he says.
“Farmers are the backbone of our industry; they shape how we cook, what we serve, and ultimately how we eat. Their work impacts not just the quality of our food, but the health of our community and the strength of our local economy.
“For those of us who work with food every day, it’s an essential resource. But more importantly, it’s a reflection of what a town can be when it truly supports the people growing and making things the right way.”
For 20 years — week after week, month after month, season after season — the Westport Farmers’ Market has served shoppers, farmers, sponsors, and the entire community.
It’s become a cornerstone of Westport’s cultural, agricultural and economic life.
Something amazing has sprouted from Paul Newman and Michel Nischan’s first seed.
And as the Westport Farmers’ Market enters its third decade, there’s still plenty of room to grow.
(“06880” reports on the Farmers’ Market from many angles — along with stories about the environment, local businesses and more. If you enjoy our coverage, click here to support this blog. Thanks!)
Starting tomorrow (Friday), beach stickers are required for all Westport beach parking lots.
Receipts will not be accepted. Emblems must be displayed on windshields.
If you order online, delivery takes up to 2 weeks. For quicker service, stop by the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together on Saturday, May 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,, William Raveis Real Estate rear parking lot), 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $5 per shopping bag, $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check credit card or Venmo.
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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On May 3, Histoury brings its look at colonial-era homes to Westport and Weston.
The charter bus will highlight many sites. Four will be open for inside looks: the oldest home in Westport, an 18th-century house almost destroyed during the Revolutionary War and retains original Delft Blue tiles, the Rachel Beers dowager home, and the Osborn Dairy farmhouse.
Vernacular farmhouses, Georgian and Federal homes, and the Cape Cod style are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed, along with stories about the people and history of those places.
Over the past few months, VFW Post 399 has become one of Westport’s premier music venues.
This Saturday (May 2, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show), the Connecticut Grateful Dead All Stars take the stage.
A great show will be made even greater, thanks to Crispin Cioe. The saxophonist (and longtime Westporter) — a member of the legendary Uptown Horns — has performed with The Rolling Stones. He’s also heard on “Love Shack” and “Living in America.”
A light bar menu (including hot dogs and pizza by the slice) is available. Tickets are $17.85 here, $20 at the door.
Where else can you see the Dead — or Crispin Cioe — for that price?
Speaking of music: Just added, to MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit: a screening of “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” (May 28, 6:30 p.m.).
The 1959 film — captured against the backdrop of the Newport Jazz Festival and America’s Cup — features legends like Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and Mahalia Jackson. All 3, and others, inspired the works currently hanging in the MoCA galleries
The screening will be followed by a Q-and-A with Yale professor of music and film & media studies Brian Kane. He’ll explore how 20th-century icons continue to shape American culture.
Village Pediatrics’ “Story Walk” — the often-changing displays along the Saugatuck River, outside their Riverside Avenue office — is always worth a look.
The current display sends a particularly important message:
As part of our tribute, we noted that the renowned dancer and longtime Westport resident helped choreograph 2 Staples Players shows (both of which she had starred in): “Alice in Wonderland” in 1964, and “Oklahoma!” 10 years later.
But, Players co-director David Roth notes, there’s another connection.
Her daughter Jennifer DeJesus played Louise — the role Bambi Linn originated on Broadway) in the high school troupe’s 1981 production of “Carousel.”
That Players production is famous for another reason: It featured Michael Hayden as Billy Bigelow.
The Staples star eventually played that role on Broadway, too.
Michael Hayden
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Another “06880” Roundup entertainment follow-up:
Yesterday, we reported that Westport neighbor Nile Rodgers was one of the New York Times’ “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.”
That item followed directly after an item about Wynton Marsalis’ upcoming show at the Levitt Pavilion. (It’s June 28. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow.)
The Levitt’s Carleigh Walsh quickly reminded me that Rodgers — and Chic — played a memorable show at the outdoor venue too. The year was 2016.
The video (click here or below) shows the intro to his “Get Lucky” hit. It’s very personal, and emphasizes his artistic identity as a songwriter on countless hits he has created, produced, recorded and influenced.
The video also includes a stage-side view of Rodgers, playing his signature guitar.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 22 and 28.
A 34-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with 2 counts of operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, failure to meet minimum insurance requirements and failure to appear, after an officer on Post Road West noticed a vehicle with a suspended and expired registration, unconfirmed insurance coverage and a possible active arrest warrant. He was released on a $7,500 bond.
A 37-year-old Stamford woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to grant right of way, following a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Riverside Avenue. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police continued their month-long crackdown on texting while driving. They issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 48 citations
Distracted driving: 12
Violation in a school zone: 9
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Failure to renew registration: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Breach of peace: 1
Failure to move over for an emergency vehicle: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Tinted glass violation: 1
Violation of permit requirements: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
If you see these in your rear view mirror — or coming the other direction — pull over!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a bleeding heart — the floral, not the political kind!
And finally … the Nile Rodgers item above got us thinking about his mega-monster hit. It definitely deserves another spin, here on his hometown “06880”:
But whatever you think about the 6-time Super Bowl champions, everyone here can cheer for one player: Jake Rizy.
The 2020 Staples High School graduate — a former Wrecker captain, and longtime Pats fan — just signed a contract with the team.
He’s the first Stapleite to sign with an NFL squad since 2000. Sean Mulcahy played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers, while Dave Kashetta joined the Washington Redskins (now Commanders).
Rizy heads to Foxboro on May 7, for a rookie camp.
Nothing is guaranteed. There’s a long road from here to August.
But after overcoming 2 knee injuries, a COVID year and other adversity, Rizy is ready for anything.
His road to the pros began in 8th grade. Friends convinced him to play Westport PAL football. Quickly, he was hooked.
In 9th grade, he already weighed 185 pounds. An offensive lineman, he worked his way up from the freshman and junior varsity teams, to 2 years on varsity.
The football program was in flux — Rizy had 3 head coaches in 3 years — but he was proud to be part of what proved to be Adam Behrends’ turnaround. Rizy helped lay the foundation for a state championship, 4 years later.
Jake Rizy at Staples …
“It was awesome to play football at Staples, ” Rizy — who earned All-FCIAC honors, and also captained the wrestling team as a heavyweight — says.
“I made a lot of friends. It was my life.”
Last weekend, he returned the favor. He spoke to the current squad, and liked what he saw.
“Coach Matty (Jacowleff) has them fired up. He’s got a lot of energy, just like my college coaches.”
After graduation, Rizy headed to Harvard University. But COVID canceled the Ivy League football season.
He was mainly a backup his sophomore year. He then saw action in all 10 games as a junior, and was named to the All-Ivy 2nd team.
He capped an outstanding senior season with 1st team All-Ivy honors.
… and Harvard …
Because of COVID, the NCAA granted athletes another year of eligibility — beyond the 5 years already allowed.
But Harvard permits only 4 years. So after graduating with a dual major in economics and psychology, Rizy looked for a new school.
Harvard’s coaches helped. The offensive coordinator had a connection at Florida State University. Two years ago, Rizy headed to Tallahassee.
He had a bumpy start. He began playing center behind a 6th-year starter, then moved to guard. The Seminoles had a difficult year, but he was named FSU’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
… and FSU.
The next spring, Rizy hurt his knee. (He’d injured the other one in high school.) Thanks to great trainers and weight room staff, he finished strongly that fall. He played all 12 games, at all 5 o-line positions.
He earned his second bachelor’s degree, this one in interdisciplinary social sciences.
But Rizy was not ready for a 9-to-5 job.
His FSU strength coach recommended training at the TEST Football Academy in New Jersey. They prepare prospects for the NFL Combine and Pro Days. (The Combine is a centralized event; Pro Days are individualized, campus-based workouts.)
At the FSU Pro Day on March 27, Rizy’s speed times — particularly for his 6-5, 310-pound size — were very good. Teams were encouraged to watch his game films.
The Patriots were not one of the first teams to show interest. But Rizy’s agent worked with them.
Almost immediately after the NFL draft ended Rizy signed a contract, as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Jake Rizy, ready for whatever comes next.
The upcoming rookie mini-camp is his first chance to show he can make the 53-man fall roster.
“I’m lucky to have had great coaching all the way throughout,” Rizy says. “Everyone has helped so much.
“I’m lucky to be where I am. I had injuries, but they didn’t stop me. I’m still here.
“Football is my life,” he reiterates. “I didn’t have an identify before it. It got me into Harvard and Florida State. Now it’s my job to work my butt off.”
He’s spent the past couple of weeks in Zoom meetings, and working out with Renick Jeune, the Stamford trainer he’s had since 9th grade. (Like Rizy and his parents, Jeune is a Pats fan.)
Rizy was a Staples freshman the first year Matty Jacowleff joined the Staples football staff.
Jacowleff — now the head coach — says, “We are incredibly proud of Jake and this remarkable achievement in his dream of playing in the NFL.
“What says even more about his character is that one of his first calls after being signed was to ask how he could give back to Staples football.
“For our kids in Westport, seeing someone commit to hard work, achieve at the highest level, and then come back to support the program has a lasting impact on our amazing community, and our football program.”
Soon, Jacowleff — like the rest of Westport — can root rabidly for the Patriots. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
(“06880” reports often on Staples, sports, and the achievements of our young people. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last year, Greens Farms Elementary School turned 100 years old. That’s quite a milestone.
The original school.
Fortunately, Suzanne Sherman Propp was on it.
The longtime (and much loved) GFS music teacher commemorated the centennial with a small book of history. And, of course, songs.
Published privately, it honors the tens of thousands of students and teachers who have passed through its classic halls.
Suzanne Sherman Propp’s book.
Propp’s book will be on display today, in the auditorium.
Westport’s elementary schools are celebrating Culture & International Day. With the theme “Together We Belong,” GFS students and staff are invited to bring a poster or artifacts representing their background.
Propp will present a slide show, with info from her book. (Culture & International Day continues this evening, for parents and families.)
Bulletin board display, for today’s event.
Here’s some of what students and others will learn: The school was built on land originally occupied by the Paugussett Native American tribe. It later became the Bumblebee Hill onion farm.
From 1713 to 1905, a small school sat on that site, or nearby.
All of the land in the area became the property of John Green — hence the area’s name, Green’s Farms.
(Propp notes that there is “much debate about the appropriateness of the apostrophe.” Interestingly, she calls it Green’s Farms School — but the Westport Public Schools website refers to Greens Farms Elementary School.)
The main part of the building was designed by architect Charles Cutler, in a Tudor Revival style. Built to accommodate 200 students, the original entrance was the brick arched doorway facing the Post Road and softball field.
The original entrance.
In 1935 — 10 years after the school opened — artist Robert Garrett Thew crated artwork, to enhance the entrance.
With Works Progress Administration (WPA) money, he designed a fountain, with a bronze statue of his daughter Robin dipping her foot in the water, and metal gulls flying overhead. Today, that area is called “the Fountain Room.”
The fountain area, today.
In 1950 — as Westport’s post-war population boom began — the school was renovated to serve many more students and staff. The entrance was moved to the current site, facing Morningside Drive South.
In 1983 — as the student population plummeted — Greens Farms was closed. Two much newer elementary schools — Burr Farms (built in 1957) and Hillspoint (1960) were also shuttered.
In 1986, GFS was repurposed as the Westport Arts Center. Classrooms became studios for dozens of painters, sculptors and musicians.
The gym was turned into a state-of-the-art auditorium, dedicated to pianist Heida Hermanns by her husband, Artur Holde.
In 1991, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Six years later, with enrollment rising, the town reclaimed the building as a school. Artists — unhappy at losing their studios — moved the WAC to Riverside Avenue.
In 1999, the “new” Greens Farms opened. Renovations included 25 new classrooms, an auditorium, gym, art room, music rooms, offices and meeting spaces. Students came from the Long Lots and Kings Highway districts.
Greens Farms Elementary School, today.
Propp — who was hired by principal Angela Wormser, after a long career in the music industry, when she answered a request to write a school song, then performed it in the pouring rain — includes that tune, and others, in her book.
The reopening was a chance for the school to create new traditions. They created a new mascot: a giraffe. (Surprise! Many people expected a bee, in honor of “Bumblebee Hill.”)
Suzanne Sherman Propp.
Traditions are important, Propp says. There were 400 students that first “new” year; every fall, 80 new ones enter.
All 2,500 youngsters since 1999 have learned the Greens Farms school song (“Plant the Seed”); the “GFS Rules!” tune; “Patches” (about the mascot, who took an imaginary trip around the world); “Kindness” (written by students with their music teacher, to celebrate the life of a teacher who died shortly after retiring), and “In Wonderful Westport” (composed by 2nd graders studying the town’s history).
Suzanne Sherman Propp (center, in back) with young Greens Farms Elementary School singers, in 2018.
Greens Farms students also learn “It Makes a Difference.” That song, celebrating diversity and empathy, was written for Diversity Day at the request of late assistant principal Beth Heroux.
The “new” Greens Farms Elementary School — now 27 years old — already has plenty of traditions.
They build on a 101-year legacy.
EXTRA CREDIT: Propp dedicated her book to the Greens Farms principals who, since the reopening, have “helped students navigate their young lives, as they pass through the hallways”: Angie Wormser, Dan Sullivan, John Bayers, Kevin Cazzetta and Brian Byrne. She also honors all those who came before.
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