
Long Island Sound, from Sherwood Island (Photo/Clarence Hayes)

Long Island Sound, from Sherwood Island (Photo/Clarence Hayes)
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent this note today to the Westport School Community:
I am writing to provide an update regarding police activity along Long Lots Road this morning that led Staples High School and Bedford Middle School to activate the district’s security protocol and place both buildings in temporary holds.
Shortly before 8 a.m., the Westport Police Department received reports of a man acting erratically and yelling at vehicles in the area of Long Lots Road. In response, police officers, including multiple members of the department’s School Security Unit, acted quickly to assess the situation and identify the individual.
Through their coordinated efforts and ongoing communication with school administrators, the situation was addressed, and both schools were able to return to normal operations.
We understand that any situation requiring the activation of our school security protocols can be concerning for students, staff, and families. Please know that these protocols are in place to help protect our school communities, and decisions to implement them are made with careful consideration of the information available at the time.
This morning’s response demonstrated the importance of our strong partnership with the Westport Police Department and the constant communication between law enforcement and school administrators. That coordination allowed us to respond promptly, take appropriate precautions, and return both schools to normal operations as quickly as possible.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We are grateful to the Westport Police Department and our school security personnel for their swift response and continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.

Gigi New wanted to be an actor.
She earned a BFA in acting at Virginia Commonwealth University, then moved to Chicago and Los Angeles.
But with her Italian and Panamanian background, she says, she was pigeonholed as “the maid or nanny.”
Disheartened, she told her story to Nick Sadler, the actor she was dating. (And, since 2003, her husband.)
He encouraged her to write it down.
She realized that — based on her years spent learning dialogue — she had an ear for it.

Gigi New
Gigi landed a job as a personal assistant on “Everybody Loves Raymond.” On the set, she watched how scenes were put together. That led to work as a writer for Nickelodeon. She then developed film and television projects with Killer Films, AGC and Lifetime.
Writers often critique other writers’ work. Gigi realized she had a talent for that too.
Gradually, she turned a side hustle — teaching writing — into a full-time gig.
In 2016 Gigi, Nick and their son Cooper moved to Connecticut. Nick had been in the cast of “All the Queen’s Men” at the Westport Country Playhouse, and loved the town.
Cooper joined Staples Players; he’s now a junior at NYU Tisch School of the Arts.
Gigi set up an office in an old caboose, set in the woods off Newtown Turnpike, between the Country Store and Bette Davis’ old house. (That’s a story in itself; click here to read.)

Gigi New, at work in her caboose.
Gigi taught at the Westport Writers’ Workshop. Word of mouth grew. She branched out.
The result: New Way Writer (get it?). It’s a one-stop shop for aspiring and professional television and film writers. Services include personal consultation, online classes, special workshops, and work with film school applicants, plus high school and middle school students.
She helps analyze scripts and explore ideas. She also consults on projects.
Workshop topics include story fundamentals, creating a character or series, finding your voice, and writing a pilot.
It sounds straightforward. But Gigi wants clients to dig deep. “Everyone has a story. I always ask, ‘Why are you the one to tell this story?'” she says.
“Things pour out from there. We begin with the emotional side of storytelling.”
Feelings are key. “You have to put yourself into your writing,” she says. “Lean into the mess — because life is messy.” She helps writers understand “how your character can grow out of this mess.”
Writers grow as well, finding stories inside themselves that are “scratching to get out.”
Gigi grows too. “The process of teaching makes me a better writer,” she notes.
Some writers want a single conversation, in which Gigi critiques their work. Others work with her in 4- or 6-week blocks.
Success can be measured in many ways. One student recently won the Nantucket Film Festival — and with it a chance for meetings in Los Angeles with studios and agents.
Another just sold a script.
For some writers though, success means the satisfaction of putting ideas on paper, and molding them into a script.
Every client is different. (They’re in different places, too, from New York and Atlanta to Dallas and San Francisco. Gigi works primarily by Zoom.)
With some, she speaks “script shorthand.” With others, she patiently explores every angle and possibility.
High school students are especially exciting. “Their minds are so open and fertile,” Gigi says. “Anything goes!” Teenagers get a special discount rate.
Gigi New is not the actor she once thought she’d be.
But her journey might make an interesting film or TV show.
Anyone want to learn how to write it?
(To learn more about Gigi and New Way Writer, click here.)
(“06880” often covers entertainment, the lives of interesting Westporters — and, like today their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Compo Beach (Photo/Larry Silver)
A few times a year, a few lucky folks get to share a private Saturday morning of movement, breakfast, conversation and community, on a rooftop overlooking the Saugatuck River.
Jennifer Ruspini’s Above Saugatuck offers a chance to “step away from the noise. Say hello to the neighbor you have not had time to meet. Move gently. Enjoy the morning without pressure, a sales pitch, or a crowded room.”

Jennifer’s rooftop event, in Saugatuck.
The most recent one was scheduled for this past Saturday morning. A dozen or so people were ready.
But the weather forecast seemed too cold for the rooftop.
She headed to Dandelion, the popular restaurant in the Delamar Westport hotel.
The manager knows Jennifer. “Your community got a nice writeup in ‘06880!'” she noted.
“That’s what I need to talk to you about,” Jennifer said.
Within minutes, Dandelion had agreed to host the event indoors.
And the room, coffee, pastries — all were complimentary.

From dining room to yoga, at Dandelion.
“They loved the idea of having something like Above Saugatuck in Westport,” Jennifer says — even if it as the opposite end of town.
“This is what a community gathering is all about: People coming together and helping each other,” Jennifer says.
Kudos to her, for creating such an interesting, unique space.
And a big shout-out to Dandelion and the Delamar for helping out, when Jennifer and her guests had to come in from the cold.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Unsung Heroes
Tagged Dandelion, Delamar Westport, Jennifer Ruspini
Yesterday, the Westport Police Department responded to multiple reports of mail stolen overnight from mailboxes, and discarded in several neighborhoods.
Areas include Hillspoint Road, Prospect Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Beach area.
Police suspect that thieves were seeking items of value and checks, credit cards, etc.
Residents can help reduce opportunities for theft by:
If you believe your mail or a package has been stolen, report the incident and provide tracking information, delivery confirmations, photographs or video footage.
Residents should also notify the delivery carrier or postal service and contact the sender or retailer regarding missing shipments.
Anyone with information about these incidents should call the WPD: 203-341-6000.

Discarded mail after thefts, in the Compo Beach neighborhood.
Registration has begun, for Parks & Recreation Department winter programs.
They include:
For youth basketball: Click here for grades 2-12. Click here for pre-K and 1st grade.
A water polo clinic over the Thanksgiving holiday, led by Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, focuses on skill development and tactical training.
A new beginner fencing program for ages 10–14 launches in January.
For program details, registration, fees and other information, click here. Questions? Call 203-341-5152.

Yesterday, “06880” reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to allow lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields.
Two clarifications: commissioner Craig Schiavone asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at Saugatuck Elementary School — not Staples, as originally reported — to cut down on traffic, and ensure adequate parking.
It should be noted too that lights will be allowed Mondays through Saturdays only. There will be no lights on Sundays.

Restrictions on the use of lights at PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School, will help alleviate traffic concerns. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Voting is underway. On the ballot: Candidates for governor, Congress, and the Connecticut General Assembly.
Who you gonna vote for? Check out CT Mirror’s comprehensive Voter Guide. It includes candidate information, district maps, and links to the site’s non-profit, non-partisan election coverage. Click here for all you ever wanted to know about today’s state politics.

Don’t dog it! Check out CT Mirror’s Voter Guide. (Photo/Jo Shields)
Speaking of the election: on Monday, the League of Women Voters Westport hosted a debate with 4th District congressional candidates Jim Himes, Michael Goldstein and Ben Wesley, at the Westport Library.
Click here or below to watch. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling has been awarded a 5-year grant of $125,000. The funds, from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will expand efforts to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use in Westport.
The grant builds on a collaboration between Positive Directions, Westport’s Human Services and Police Departments, the Aspetuck Health District, Westport Public Schools, parents and guardians, youth, and other community partners.
The grant will fund a full-time prevention coordinator and youth peer advocate at Positive Directions. It will also support expanded youth leadership opportunities, parent and caregiver education, community awareness efforts, substance-free teen activities, and enhanced prevention strategies.

This spring, the Staples High School Robotics Club team won the RAINS Drone Competition. as All-Around Champions.
This year, they’re spreading their robotic wings. They’ll compete in Aerial Drone and SeaPerch.
The “Robo Wreckers” are giving back too. Club members are writing an open-source drone curriculum for other Connecticut schools. They hope to get drone kits into schools that can’t afford them.
To make it all happen, they’ve started a GoFundMe. Donations will go toward competition fees, drone kits, parts, travel and more. Click here to help.

Staples Robotics Club
The new water refill station at Winslow Park has an even newer name.
On Sunday, Sustainable Westport dedicated its contribution to conservation in memory of Sherry Jagerson.
Family, friends and neighbors celebrated the longtime environmental activist.
Earth Animal joined Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department as partners. The many dogs on hand enjoyed natural dog treats, and a basket of earth-friendly toys and accessories.
The Winslow Park refill station is part of UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport’s community-wide effort to reduce single-use plastic. More stations are planned around town. To help fund the next one, click here.

Fill ‘er up!
Good Vibez is a great idea.
Two Westport moms organize retreats for girls ages 11–15. They build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat is led by a team of professionals. Activities include yoga, mindfulness and meditation, healthy cooking lessons. art projects, group discussions and opportunities for reflection and connection.
The goal is to create a warm, uplifting environment where girls can unplug, recharge, and leave feeling more confident and grounded.
The next retreat is Sunday, November 22 (10:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). For more information and registration, click here.

The “Career Coach” returns to the Westport Library parking lot tomorrow (Thursday, October 22), for a session on “Job Seeker Strategies for the Digital Age.”
Future sessions include “Excel II” (November 19) and “Intro to PowerPoint” (December 17).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.

Today’s spooky Halloween decorating scene comes from the free library at the Hillandale Road/Morningside Drive South corner:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Noted television comedy writer and producer, and longtime Westport and Weston resident, Bernie Orenstein died September 14. He was 95.
Throughout his 40-year career he collaborated with stars like Joan Rivers, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, Marlo Thomas, Redd Foxx and Bing Crosby.
With creative partner Saul Turteltaub he wrote and produced classics including “That Girl,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Cosby,” “What’s Happening!!” and
“Sanford and Son.”
Bernie was also a generous mentor and educator, inspiring a new generation of writers and producers through LIU Brooklyn’s TV Writers Studio MFA program.
He is survived by beloved wife Barbara Rhoades Orenstein; children Lisa, Barbara, Jenny and Alec; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
For an obituary in the Hollywood Reporter, click here.

Bernie Orenstein
“Egrets” — the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Babette Bloch — enhances Canal Park every day.
These days, it too is enhanced — by the trees and plants that surround it. John Maloney’s autumnal shot is a golden addition to our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … mail theft is no laughing matter.
But it did remind us of:
(You don’t need to take an airplane, or even a fast train. Just click here to support “06880.” We don’t care how much money you spend — we’re just glad you’ve got our hyper-local blog’s back. Thanks!)
Daniel Maya was born to be a fighter.
Born 16 weeks early, he weighed just 621 grams.
His wellness journey began that day.
Doctors said he would be blind, and never walk.
But no one told Daniel that.
Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
And thrived.
At Staples High School he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
That was only the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College; he’s now an adaptive special needs master trainer and special education paraeducator. His passions are physical activity and wellness science.

Triumphant Daniel Maya, after the New York City Marathon.
He earned Red Cross certification as a lifeguard and water safety instructor. He’s also a certified personal trainer, with master certification in adaptive special needs.
He works with special needs children and adults. Most satisfying, he says, is training and mentoring autistic young adults, as well as helping young adults with disabilities perform aquatic exercises. (Particularly satisfying: teaching a boy with cerebral palsy how to swim).
Oh, yeah: Daniel also serves on Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities.
Two years ago, he helped start a social club for people between the ages of 18 and 30. They meet for lunch or dinner, and take walks around Compo Beach and Longshore.
He is grateful for all that he has — including his vision. (One eye is better than the other.)
He never had a mindset of “I can’t do this,” he says. It’s always been, “I can do it!”
Daniel’s athletic career began early, accompanying his mother on runs throughout Westport.

Running in the rain …
It was work. But as he got faster, he enjoyed it more. Training for Staples — and then for 5 and 10Ks, half-marathons and marathons (including New York City) — were a satisfying break from school (and life).
Running remains a way to stay in shape, and “clear my head.”
His latest project: starting a fitness group — Miles4Smiles — for neurodiverse individuals.
“Fitness is about more than exercise,” Daniel says.
“It can be an opportunity to build confidence, make friends, develop social skills, and discover what you are capable of.”
Miles4Smiles would include group fitness classes, walking, jogging and other activities.
His goal is simple: to “create a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged to participate at their own level.
“You don’t have to be an athlete. You don’t have to be an experienced exerciser. You simply have to be willing to take that first step.
“Every mile matters,” Daniel adds. “Every smile matters. Every person matters.”
Right now, he is looking for feedback on interest and activities. Email danielimaya@gmail.com, or text 203-644-6877. Click here for Daniel’s website.

… and better weather.
(“06880” often celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding Westporters. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Sunrise view from Compo Beach at Schlaet’s Point (Photo/Mary Sikorski)
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.
Click below or here to relive the show.
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!)
Posted in Arts, Looking back, Staples HS
Tagged "Merrily We Roll Along", David Roth, Jim Honeycutt, Kerry Long