Thanks to former media teacher Jim Honeycutt, our weekly “nutshell” series — highlight reels of Staples Players productions — rolls along to spring 2018.
That’s when directors David Roth and Kerry Long staged Stephen Sondheim’s musical.
What has the cast been up to, over the past few years?
Nick Rossi(Franklin Shepard) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys
Charlie Zuckerman (Charley Kringas) was a production assistant for “Millions” at Lincoln Center. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, he was also an intern at the 52nd Street Project, a non-profit that pairs young people with professional artists to create original theater.
Avery Mendillo (Mary Flynn) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.
Daisy Brackett(Gussie Carnegie) earned a master’s degree in advanced classical acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her credits include short films, independent projects, showcases and reels.
Mia Kobylinski(Beth Spencer Shepard) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.
Jamie Mann (Valedictorian) graduated from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program in 2025. He made his Broadway debut in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” He appeared previously on the Netflix show “Country Comfort,” and toured nationally as the lead in “Billy Elliot.”
Antonio Antonelli (Terry, Studio Owner) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”
Georgia Wright(Scotty, Frank’s Agent, Audrey, Scotty’s Significant Other) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays,
Sophia Sherman (Scotty, Frank’s Agent, Audrey, Scotty’s Significant Other) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.
Chad Celini (Bunker, An Actor) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productiosns. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”
Jake Watzman (Bunker, An Actor) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.
Ari Sklar is a senior at Staples. He is known for his work in regional theater, and providing backup vocals for the Netflix film “13: The Musical.”
Lexi Holoubek-Sebok (Mrs.Spencer, Beth’s Mother) transitioned from acting into professional marketing and data analysis, working as a community strategy and intelligence analyst at Burson.
(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Absentee Ballot
To have a ballot mailed directly to you, click here. Online Absentee Ballot Application.
Vote Early In Person
Early voting at Town Hall runs from now through November 1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Tuesday and Thursday, October 27 and 29.
Vote on Election Day
All 5 Westport polling locations are open Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Now, have a chance to learn how to prevent damage by bad guys — and to meet Sam, one of the real good guys.
The event is next Tuesday (October 27, 6 p.m., VFW Post 399). It’s hosted by (of all groups) the Wilton Drum Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (who only had to worry about Benedict Arnold).
But that’s not all.
Soon, Sam will team up with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, for a pair of Verso University “Lunch and Learn” sessions at the Westport Library.
Both are at noon, on November 13 and December 11. The first topic is “AI for Small Businesses“; the second builds on that one, for “Next Steps” (though previous attendance is not required).
No technical background required. The Library says: “Bring your lunch, your questions, and a real task you’d like help with.”
Sam Disraelly
PINKALICIOUS halloween
Halloween’s color is orange.
But this Sunday (October 25, 2 to 3 p.m.), the holiday turns pink.
Westport “Pinkalicious” author Victoria Kann will read her new book, “Snickerdoodle.” It’s a family-friendly event, with books available for purchase and signing.
Then comes trick-or-treating on Jesup Green. Westport Animal Shelters Advocates will join the fun. Guests can bring items from their wish list to donate.
Email (kids.westportlibrary@gmail.com) a photo of your dog dressed in costume, for possible inclusion in a slideshow.
EVERLASTING EVERGREEN SEWER WORK
As anyone who has tried to take the Evergreen Avenue shortcut knows, you can’t get to Myrtle Avenue from there.
As part of ongoing work, homes on that road were connected to temporary water a few weeks ago.
Now, digging has begun on Evergreen Parkway. They’ll go about 100 feet a day. That involves digging a trench navigating around gas, sewer, roots, rocks and other buried stuff; laying the pipe, then covering it all up, including an asphalt patch on the road.
Once the water main is installed, it is pressure tested for leaks. When the main is secure, workers dig up the road again and connect every house to it.
There is no estimated date for completion.
Evergreen work. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
SKELETON SAYS: SLOW DOWN!
Today’s featured Halloween home decoration doubles as an important warning to all drivers on Compo Road North, near Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Bosch)
vince mcmahon crash: charges dropped
Speaking of speeding: In July of 2025 WWE co-founder Vince McMahon was involved in a high-speed accident on the Merritt Parkway, in Westport.
Driving northbound near Exit 20 (formerly Exit 41) at a speed of 110 to 115 miles an hour, the 79-year-old Greenwich resident slammed his Bentley Continental GT into the back of a BMW. He caromed off a guardrail, then continued driving before a Connecticut state trooper pulled him over.
The WWE owner told the officer he was in a hurry to get to his granddaughter’s birthday. Click here or below for a dashcam video.
He received a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely, and was released at the scene on a $500 bond. In October, he was granted accelerated rehabilitation for one year, on the condition he make a charitable contribution.
On Thursday, a judge dismissed the charges completely.
McMahon’s lawyer, Mark Sherman, said, “As we’ve maintained in this case, not every car accident is a crime and Mr. McMahon is grateful to the court for this quick dismissal.” (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
food drive saturday at the y
Members of the National Charity League Westport chapter volunteer at — and donate food and clothes to — Person to Person.
Now, they’ve organized a food collection event, to benefit clients of the Norwalk nonprofit. It’s this Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Most-needed items include hearty soups, pasta and sauces, peanut butter and jelly, dried and canned beans, cold cereal, oatmeal, snack and granola bars, rice (1-pound boxes), mac and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix, and shelf-stable milk.
“COLOSSI” AT MOCA: WHAT IT ALL MEANS
Visitors are flocking to MoCA\CT, for Rick Schaefer’s monumental charcoal drawings.
On Saturday (October 24, 4 p.m.), the artist will discuss the historical, political and visual dimensions of his work.
He’ll be joined by Avon Theater executive director Peter Gistelinck, and artist/ educator/urban policy leader Rick Bell. MoCA director Robin Jaffee Frank will moderate.
Together, they will explore Shaefer’s “Colossi” series. His images of vast walls in open landscapes evoke ancient monuments, while addressing contemporary questions of borders, land use, security and environmental change.
The event is free, with support from the CORA Foundation.
dave kardas band rocks the vfw
Blues, rock, jazz and original music fill VFW Post 399 this Friday (October 23, 6 to 8 p.m.).
The very popular Dave Kardas Band returns. Also on tap: happy hour drinks, and bar food.
at the vfw too: jazz @ the post
Pianist Brian Marsella returns to the VFW, for Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (October 22, 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner service at 6:15). The “psychedelic Art Tatum” is joined by bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Westport resident Carolyn Landis died Friday. She was 87.
A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Barnard College, with a degree in zoology, she taught science in the New York City public schools. After moving to Connecticut, she became a technical science writer.
Carolyn was a voracious reader and tennis player. Later, water aerobics at the YMCA became a daily ritual, and a source of both exercise and friendship
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alan; sons Eric (Johanna) of Rye, New Hampshire, and Mark (Deb) of New York, and grandchildren Beau (Katie Sweeney), Aaron, Justin (Maddie) and William (Emily).
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 22, 2 p.m., Abraham L.
Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). Contributions in Carolyn’s name can be
made to the Westport Library or Saint Jude’s.
Carolyn Landis
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY
Some of the trees have turned, in Winslow Park.
But many others have not — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo sure shows.
Lights on athletic fields were not the only topic on last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission agenda. Members also addressed a text amendment regarding small businesses like Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
“06880” reporter John H. Palmer writes:
If the owners of Old Mill Grocery & Deli get their way, a new development zone
will allow them to sell and serve alcohol next summer.
Last night the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing on proposed zoning changes that would not only allow liquor sales and consumption at the former Romanacci’s, but would give the P&Z stronger governing power over similar establishments in otherwise residential neighborhoods.
Attorney Eric Bernheim, representing Soundview Empowerment Alliance, the nonprofit that owns the 107-year-old property at 222 Hillspoint Road near Old Mill Beach, outlined a proposal for Text Amendment #875 that would establish a new Food and Beverage Planned Development District (PDD) in Westport.
It would permit outdoor eating areas within 25 feet of a principal building, and allow sale of liquor for on-site consumption.
At the same time, a map amendment proposal would rezone the grocery property from its current Residential Zone B to the new PDD.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli has been a neighborhood staple since 1919.
“It makes sense for Westport, and hopefully we’ll have longevity instead of change every 2 or 3 years as the operators get worn down,” Bernheim said.
The operators for the last 3 years — Romanacci’s, owned by Graziano and Maurizio Ricci — announced in September that they would not renew their lease. A new operator has not yet been named.
The decision to close came on the heels of a legal battle questioning the commission’s November 2024 effort to allow alcohol sales at the store.
In February a Superior Court judge overturned Text Amendments 846, and earlier version 843, which allowed the sale of alcohol, as well as consumption at outdoor tables.
A group of neighbors filed lawsuits challenging the text amendments, raising questions about parking, traffic, noise and pedestrian safety in the neighborhood.
The judge concluded that the zoning changes amounted to “spot zoning,” and improperly expanded a non-conforming commercial use in a residential zone.
Old Mill Grocery’s communal table was a community gathering place.
“This is exactly what the doctor, or in this case the judge, ordered,” said chair Paul Lebowitz, who called the new text amendment very supportable. “This is exactly what is needed to save a jewel of Westport.”
Representative Town Meeting member Jimmy Izzo was one of 2 members of the public speaking in favor of the proposed zoning change.
“There were no issues at the Old Mill Deli, and I’m in favor of keeping this here,” he said. “The community really loves it, and it’s a not a crazy place.”
In opposition, attorney Joel Green, representing the Old Mill Preservation Group, cautioned that the zoning change could be a tool that could be used to turn any existing property into a non- conforming use that violates the town’s plan of conservation and development, including introducing bars and other establishments selling alcohol to quiet residential areas.
“What are you doing here, dropping businesses into residential areas?” he asked.
“I can’t imagine the residents of Westport understand the Pandora’s box of legislation that is being opened. It will not pass judicial scrutiny.”
The issue was tabled, to be revisited by the commission in November.
The original market.
(“06880” first reported on the Old Mill Grocery/Joey’s/Elvira story in 2009. We also cover Westport’s history, like the century-old building. We did it all with reader support. Click here — thanks!)
Following a long wait, 2 athletic fields in town will get lights.
After debating and hearing public comment throughout the summer, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 last night to approve site plan changes that allow permanent lights on both the Wakeman turf field next to Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
The resolutions were voted on separately. Paul Lebowitz, Craig Schiavone, Bre Injeski and Michael Cammeyer approved, while Michael Calise opposed.
Approval means that LED lights can be affixed to 4 70-foot poles at both locations. New technology, experts said, sharply reduce “light spillage.”
Rendering of what lights could look like on the Wakeman turf field.
Proponents cited field shortages for Staples and youth athletes. The issue is particularly acute in late fall and early spring.
Much of the discussion over the past several months centered around conditions governing field usage.
Last night’s plan included 16 conditions governing use of the fields.
Lights will be turned off at 9 p.m. every day. The original proposal allowed lights until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Lights will remain on for another 30 minutes — at a dimmed level — enabling attendees to leave safely and clean-up to occur.
Rendering of lights at PJ Romano Field.
In addition, the Parks & Recreation Department will work with the Board of Education to install egress lighting between Wakeman Field and parking areas.
Schiavone asked Parks & Rec to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at Staples, to cut down on traffic and ensure adequate parking.
Another area of concern for Wakeman neighbors was amplified noise — for example, speakers used for music. It will be allowed for pre-game warm-ups only.
Use of the fields will be limited to Parks & Recreation and school activities, with no multi-game tournaments allowed. No games will be played on Sundays.
In addition, 3 trees will be added to the Wakeman landscape plan.
A Parks & Rec staff member or designee will be on site, to monitor compliance with all regulations. A committee will be created to address any complains.
Calise — the lone commissioner to vote against the lights — said that there were not enough controls, the lights would be on too many nights of the week, and there is no “clear picture of who will be using these later hours.” He asked for
reassurance that the fields would not be used by outside groups.
Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri said, “We at Parks & Rec are very pleased with the P&Z’s decision. And we are happy for the thousands of kids who will benefit from the decision.
“We will ensure that all restrictions are enforced, for the safe and proper use of these lights.”
Spinnaker has filed a site plan and special permit application for 606 Riverside Avenue.
That’s the Saugatuck property — currently the site of Minute Men Cleaners, and nearby businesses — that was the site of the failed Hamlet proposal.
Spinnaker’s affiliate, Saugatuck TOD 606 LLC, hopes to build 142 rental apartments, and 3,838 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
Ten percent of the units would be deed-restricted as affordable to families making up to 80% of the statewide median income.
Another 10% would be deed-restricted as “workforce housing.” The affordable units are integrated throughout the building.
The façade along Riverside Avenue would be 3 1/2 stories tall. Higher buildings would be “stepped back into the site so that it is substantially less visible from the street.”
All parking — 241 spaces, 20 of which are tandem for a total of 261 cars — will be screened from view, on 2 separately accessed levels.
Spinnaker also proposes adding 10 new on-street public parking spots.
View from Riverside Avenue.
The plan follows several rounds of pre-application reviews by the Planning & Zoning Commission and Architectural Review Board.
Spinnaker says it has “also engaged in significant neighbor outreach, including written notices to nearly 90 neighbors, meetings with neighbors, the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck, local and State community leaders, neighborhood business owners, Town staff, Connecticut Department of Transportation staff and other interested parties.”
The application — received yesterday by the Planning & Zoning Department — is an important step on the journey to approval. Bodies like the P&Z, ARB and Conservation Commission have not yet scheduled hearings.
View from Franklin Street. The existing 21 Charles Street office building (left) is not part of the Spinnaker project, nor are the 2-story buildings currently on Franklin Street.
Spinnaker — a developer “focusing on transit-oriented developments” — is collaborating with Beinfield Architecture. Both firms are based in Norwalk.
Spinnaker calls its plan “contextually appropriate for Saugatuck, and grounded in a traditional and contextual vernacular.”
The developer adds that it:
Concentrates development near transportation nodes
Strengthens the character and economy of Saugatuck Center
Maintains appropriate building scale and character
Adds housing to support an active mixed-used area
Serves empty nesters, retirees, and children of Westport residents
Improves runoff to the Saugatuck River
Improves pedestrian friendliness in Saugatuck Center.
View from Charles Street.
An earlier “Hamlet at Saugatuck” development was first proposed in June 2022, when ROAN Ventures submitted an application to create a new zoning district for the project.
The plan — including retail, residences, a hotel, marina and public spaces — was rejected by the Planning & Zoning Commission 3 years later. ROAN then said it was considering a residential-focused project, perhaps including 500 units of 8-30g affordable housing.
Spinnaker’s first proposal was for 175 apartments, including 18 affordable units priced for households at 80% of state median income.
(“06880” has followed Saugatuck redevelopment plans closely. We’ll continue to do so. Your donation helps support our work. Please click here to help — and thank you!)
As the holidays near — yep, that’s right — there are many ways to give.
With Sweet P Bakery, you can give gifts. And give back.
The non-profit — founded in Westport by Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, and the recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award — trains and employs people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
They bake great cookies, as anyone who has had them at the Westport Country Playhouse, Longshore or Yankee Stadium knows. They’re on sale too at Bridgewater and Goldman Sachs.
And — of course — online. Sweet P ships nationwide.
The kitchen now employs 19 men and women with disabilities. They hope to expand that, as sales grow.
Last week, “06880” reported on the plight of a local woman who had donated historic family heirloom kewpie dolls to the Westport Museum for History & Culture. She wants them back, but has not been able to reach anyone at the institution.
Her plea echoes that of other residents, who wondered about the status of their gifts. For several years, they believe, the Westport Museum has “de-accessioned” — sold or otherwise gotten rid of — donated uniforms, furniture and other memorabilia.
On Saturday, Paul Delano spotted 2 of the most iconic items. For years, “Uncle Sam” and “Miss Liberty” — kinetic sculptures created by Greens Farms artists Walter and Naiad Einsel — graced the front porch of the former Westport Historical Society.
Now, Paul found, they sit broken and neglected, in the back.
(Photo/Paul Delano)
SIGNS OF COMPASSION: WESTPORT TO TAIWAN
“Signs of Compassion” — the work by local artist Miggs Burroughs with 30 lenticular photos showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and fellow Westporter Mark Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra — was first shown at the Westport Library, in 2017.
Four years later it went big time. It was displayed at the United Nations, on a 102-foot curved wall — the first time any work had been shown without sponsorship by a member nation.
“Signs of Compassion”
Now it’s really going international. From November 13 through January 26, “Signs of Compassion” will be shown at the Hsinchu City Art Museum in Taiwan.
The 30 Westporters (including yours truly) who signed words to the poem won’t be at the opening reception.
But Miggs and Mark will be. Just one more example of how 06880 — the town, not the blog — truly meets the world.
WTF! BEER GARDEN DRAWS FAMILIES
It was called a “Beer Garden.”
But yesterday’s Wakeman Town Farm event was actually a family friendly fall festival.
A crowd of 400 — plenty of them way too young to drink — enjoyed live music, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters and crafts. Plus plenty of food.
Of course, there were frosty local beers and adult beverages too, sponsored by Greens Farms Spirit Shop.
Beer Garden fun at Wakeman Town Farm.
But that was just half of the WTF day.
At night, they hosted a smaller version of the original Harvest Fest (rained out earlier this fall). Another crowd of about 250 enjoyed food, drinks, music, and a chance to support one of our town’s true jewels.
Putting on a delayed Harvest Fest was a great gesture — one the Farm did not have to do. But that’s the way they roll: serving, educating, entertaining and feeding the community.
Several Wakeman family members were at last night’s WTF event, including Louise Wakeman Remlin (right). She was joined by Susan Perrotta.
Fire pits and friends warmed the chilly night. (Photos/Susan Garment)
CATCH A LIFT RETURNS TO WESTPORT
For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
Recently — honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and 250th birthday of the United States — Catch a Lift returned to Westport.
The major fundraiser included a stirring talk by US Army combat medic Amanda Dove. Click here or below, for her inspiring speech.
FILE THIS!
Is your desktop a digital junk drawer? Is “Untitled Document” a file on your computer?
On Wednesday (October 21, 11 a.m.), the Westport Library offers an “Anyone Can Use: Smart and Simple Computer File Management” class.
Topics covered include setting up main folders so files stop floating around; sorting and viewing your files by name, date or type; filtering search by file type instead of scrolling forever, and building a monthly habit of clearing out the trash bin and old files.
WOMAN’S CLUB MAKES STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Yesterday, for the 17th year, the Westport Woman’s Club joined thousands of others in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Sherwood State State Park.
WWC members, family and friends showed support — and raised funds — for breast cancer research.
As thanks for their contribution, the club received a great banner, with their name.
ZOMBIE JAMBOREE
All over town, Westporters are getting ready for Halloween.
One of the coolest displays is on Partrick Road:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
If you see some great decorations, send a photo: 06880blog@gmail.com
Boo!
burying hill’s header
Our new header — visible on every page of “06880” — is an interesting view of the Burying Hill Beach pier. The photographer was William Weiss.
We change our header every few weeks. If you’ve got a great (very) horizontal shot, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.
“westport … naturally,” & song of the day
Our fine fall foliage “Westport … Naturally” series continues. Today we feature Whitney Street.
And finally: The Partrick Road Halloween zombie photo (above) made us think of:
(Don’t be a zombie! Please click here to support “06880” — your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, history, education, inspiration, and much, much more. Thank you!)
Remarkable art hangs throughout Staples High School.
Paintings, photos and sculptures by Westport and internationally known artists (sometimes one and the same); murals and other pieces by students; faculty works — they’re on the walls and in the halls, everywhere.
Recently, Eric von Schmidt’s spectacular 7-piece series, “Giants of the Blues,” returned to the auditorium foyer, after its loan to MoCA\CT.
But the newest addition is — literally as well as figuratively — “remarkable.”
Last week, Miggs Burroughs hung “The Remarkable Man” on a wall between the arts wing and the cafeteria.
The 8-foot tall, Edward Gorey-inspired figure danced for decades on the front of the Remarkable Book Shop. The cozy, eclectic pink store was a Main Street icon, at the corner of Parker Harding Plaza. (Today it’s the Eleish Van Breems design store.)
The Remarkable Man, on the front of the shop. (Image/Ellen Harvey)
After Remarkable closed, the figure was stored at the former Westport Historical Society.
When Cold Fusion owners Eric and Kelly Emmert decided to concentrate on online sales, they wanted the figure to find a new home. They asked “06880” to help.
Mark Kramer — son of the store’s owners (“Remarkable” serendipitously includes their last name, backwards) — and I reached out to Steve Zimmerman, town-wide arts coordinator for the Westport Public Schools.
He leaped at the idea. He made it happen. And as soon as Miggs Burroughs — Westport’s multi-talented, energetic and always-giving arts volunteer — finished hanging the Remarkable Man this week, Steve’s instinct proved right.
Miggs Burroughs at work …
He says, “Within an hour of his installation at Staples, I saw our photography students taking pictures of him and posing with him.
“I love knowing that our students will continue to create their own interpretations, make their own memories, and become part of the story, carrying on the bookstore’s legacy of celebrating the arts, culture and humanities.”
Next: a plaque and/or QR code, describing exactly what the Remarkable Man is, for all the students and visitors who will admire him.
… and the Remarkable Man’s new home. (Photos/Steve Zimmerman)
As for Miggs, who was so instrumental in making sure the figure hangs in exactly the right way — well, he’s got more than a passing interest in passing on history.
Miggs says: “Installing the Remarkable Man in Staples with Steve Zimmerman
was a joy on so many levels.
“I am a 1963 Staples grad, so it was a particular pleasure to help install him in the hall behind the theater, where I spent a lot of time as a member of Staples Players. The Remarkable Man is quite a player himself, and feels right at home in these hallowed halls.
“My family and the Kramers were great friends — and my mother Esta
worked for Mark’s mother Esther at the book shop from beginning to end.
“The Remarkable Man represents a beloved store that was also a
gathering place for conversation, gossip and reading an entire book
sitting cross-legged on the floor if you wanted to.”
Staples students are more likely today to sit cross-legged on the floor with their laptop, rather than a book.
But they always feel comfortable in that part of the school. Now they’ll be able to talk, scroll and — perhaps — read, as a remarkable piece of art smiles down at them.
Kathy Jakobsen’s “Main Street, 1993” shows the Remarkable Book Shop on the right
“06880 reports often on Westport’s past, Staples High School, and the arts — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Here at “06880” headquarters, we like to mix up our Photo Challenges.
Some Sundays, we test you with obscure, arcane or devilishly cropped images.
Other times, they take a bit of work.
Once in a while, the shot is so recognizable, readers think it’s a trick.
Last week was one of those slam dunks.
Diane Lowman’s photo indeed showed the Green’s Farms train station.* Only 1 reader out of 2 dozen got it wrong (the nearby post office). (Click here to see.)
Congratulations, and a blast of the horn to John Maloney, Rob Hauck, Susan Lloyd, John McKinney, Jan Carpenter, Rachel Sara Halperin, Derek Fuchs, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Ivy Gosseen, Sal Liccione, Jack Backiel, Seth Schachter, Beth Berkowitz, Amy Schneider, W. Gibson, Genevieve Stone, Larry Ackerman and John Kelley.
Of course, the quaint railroad stop — with its small wooden waiting area, and almost rural vibe — is a quiet cousin to the bustling Saugatuck depot.
There may be some Westporters — including recent arrivals — who don’t even know it’s there.
Shhhh. It’s our little secret.
I rate this week’s Photo Challenge as mid-tier. Your mileage may vary. But if you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Andrew Bangser)
*Green’s Farms (as it’s rendered here, with an apostrophe) or Greens Farms (without)? That’s a discussion for another day.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: danwoog@gmail.com. Thanks!)
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