Lauren Tarshis — the Staples High School graduate, and author of the wildly popular “I Survived” series — spoke to a capacity Westport Library crowd yesterday. She signed books too.
Youngsters also competed for prizes, playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.
The event was a benefit for the Westport Book Shop.
Lauren Tarshis, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
The St. Luke’s School graduate — the first Westport PAL travel basketball player to receive a 4-year Division I basketball scholarship, and the first Westporter to be selected by ESPN as a Top 100 high school basketball player in the country –finished her Big 10 career at Northwestern University on Senior Day against Purdue.
With family and friends (and PAL basketball founder and past president Howie Friedman) in attendance, Caroline was the game’s high scorer (19 points) and assists leader (13).
Most impressively, her 8.4 assists per game led all D-I players this season.
During her college career Caroline played against Caitlin Clark, Jacy Sheldon, Serah Williams, Lauren Betts, KiKi Rice, and Jazzy Davidson.
Caroline Lau (2nd from left) with her parents Steve and Genevieve, and brother Charlie.
As Westporters prepare for Thursday’s public meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (March 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), nearly 1,400 residents have already made their views known. (They have also donated $2,455 to the cause.)
They signed an online petition organized by Werner Liepolt. The former Westport teacher — who lives on Bridge Street just few hundred yards from the 143-year-old span — initiated it due to what he calls “a public perception that CTDOT had not provided opportunity for public involvement.”
Werner Liepolt painted this image of the Cribari Bridge.
Liepolt asks for “federal oversight to guarantee that all alternatives are evaluated and that the richly historic and irreplaceable nature of the bridge is given due consideration.”
He has submitted his petition into the official public comment record for the Environmental Assessment currently under review by CTDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
Under federal review procedures, public comments and petitions are part of the record considered as agencies evaluate project alternatives and potential effects on the surrounding area (including the Bridge Street National Register Historic District).
The meeting is part of the ongoing environmental and historic review process for the Cribari Bridge project.
The full petition — active until April 17 — says: “I am a resident of the Bridge Street National Register District, home to the iconic William F. Cribari Bridge—individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places that has been an integral part of our community’s identity for 141 years.
“This historic bridge, oldest operable bridge of its kind in the USA, nestled in Westport, Connecticut, is on the brink of being replaced by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) without an essential public engagement process.
“Despite its historic status, there has been a disturbing lack of transparency and involvement from the public, disregarding the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 Section 106 review procedures.
“The William F. Cribari Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it is a cherished symbol of our heritage, tying together the historical fabric of our neighborhood.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
“The sudden decision to replace such an irreplaceable landmark raises concerns not only within our community but also nationwide, as it sets a precedent for how historic sites might be handled without proper oversight.
“Why hasn’t there been an effort to engage the community in this critical decision-making process? The lack of transparency undermines the principles of fair public policy and overlooks the historical significance that this bridge brings to our region.
“It is imperative that the federal government steps in to ensure that the CTDOT considers all perspectives, from engineering experts to local residents, and follows due process in accordance with National Historic Preservation guidelines.
“The preservation of the William F. Cribari Bridge is essential for maintaining the cultural and architectural identity of our region, and its replacement should not proceed without an exhaustive review and input from all stakeholders involved.
Manually opening the Cribari Bridge.
“We need comprehensive federal oversight to guarantee that all alternatives are evaluated and that the richly historic and irreplaceable nature of the bridge is given due consideration.
“I urge you to sign this petition to demand federal oversight over the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s plans to replace the William F. Cribari Bridge.
“Together, we can safeguard the integrity of our cherished historic landmark and ensure a democratic process respects both our heritage and community voice.
“Let us be vigilant in protecting our past for the generations to
come.”
George Washington visited Westport (then part of Norwalk) at least 3 times.
In 1780 he is said to have discussed war strategy with the Marquis de Lafayette and Comte de Rochambeau at the Disbrow Tavern (where Christ & Holy Trinity Church is today). He returned twice in 1789 as president, coming and going on an inspection tour of the Northeast. He spent 1 night at the Marvin Tavern — located on the Post Road, opposite King’s Highway South — but did not have a bang-up time. In his diary, he called it “not a good house.”
A plaque commemorating one of those visits — dedicated in 1932, on the bicentennial of the Father of Our Country’s birth — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
I was pretty sure at least a few readers would guess the wrong tavern: Marvin’s “not good” one.
But every one who knew it was a tavern nailed it. The old Disbrow site is where the plaque rests — 246 years after Washington’s visit, and 94 years after it was dedicated.
Congratulations to Todd Ehrlich, Pat Saviano, Andrew Colabella, Morley Boyd, Seth Schachter, Wendy Schaefer, John Lisée, Amy Schaefer, Jonathan McClure, Janet Navon and Matt McGrath. You know your history!
But do you know the site of another historical marker? This one is not Washington-related. It’s from 1806 — 7 years after he died.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
(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!)
Among the items on tomorrow’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 16, 6 p.m., Zoom): a pre-application submitted by Richard Redniss, to “discuss some of the ways for Westport to positively respond to the requirements of 8002 prior to 7/1/2026.”
“8022” is the legislation that — among other things — incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, requires towns to create housing growth plans, and eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units.
Redniss — principal of Redniss & Mead land use consultants — tells “06880” that the new regulation gives towns .25 of a moratorium point (toward meeting the 10% threshold for affordable housing units) for any new multi-family housing of between 2 and 9 units.
“It’s a carrot by the state” to help solve the broader housing crisis, regardless of cost.
At the P&Z session, Redniss will describe 3 projects he’s working on now. One involves either 17 units (3 of them deemed “affordable,” by state formula), or 9 (with none affordable).
Another — in a “beautiful downtown location” — could have 15 units; by current regulations to earn moratorium points, 2 would have to be affordable. However, Redniss says, because of the cost of land on the river, and with floodplain and slope issues, the economics with 2 affordable units would be “very difficult.”
8002 is “a big learning curve for everyone” — developers and town officials alike, Redniss notes. “How do we deal with this in a practical way?”
The bill — whose initial provisions take effect July 1 — is “very complicated. It’s 100 pages long.”
He and the P&Z begin discussing the implications — for only those projects with between 2 and 9 units — on Monday.
Rick Redniss
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The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.
But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”
They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” 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.
On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise 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.
It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.
Speaking of heroes: Congratulations to Dave Farrell!
Westport’s police chief was inducted Thursday into Notre Dame Prep’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
The recognition highlights his leadership, dedication to service, and lasting impact within the Westport Police Department, and the broader community too.
Westport Police Chief Dave Farrell
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Brubeck comes to Mo\CT.
Not Dave — but close.
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet — led by brothers Chris and Dan — headline “A Speakeasy Jazz Night” April 12 (6 p.m.).
Concert-goers will be surrounded by the art of MoCA’s current exhibition, Art, Jazz + The Blues.”
VIP tickets ($150 per person; tables and lounges for 4 and 6) include a meet-and-greet with the musicians; a special edition t-shirt by Westport artist Miggs Burroughs; preferred seating; personal bar service. and signature cocktails and light bites by A&S Westport.
General admission ($50) includes drinks and light bites.
As St. Patrick’s Day looms — with Passover and Easter not far behind — Dave Briggs spent yesterday taking down his Christmas lights.
But he has neighbors whose lights are still up. And every night, they’re on.
The TV journalist/social media master asks: “What’s the latest date you’ve taken your holiday decorations down? At some point, is it okay just to leave them up for next year?”
Click here or below to see his Instagram on these important questions — and to answer them.
Much of March is usually pretty gross, weather-wise.
It’s windy. The skies are often gray. There are a couple of tantalizingly nice spring days, then we snap back to a reminder that it’s still a few weeks away.
But this March, things are even grosser.
Enormous piles of snow — calcified into a hard, brown mass by tons of sand that froze in January, and shows no signs of thawing any time soon — loom in parking lots and on roadsides all around town.
They’re ugly. They’re depressing. And — not for nothing — they take up valuable parking spots.
This is the scene at a medical office complex on Riverside:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Others — at the YMCA and Staples, on Imperial Avenue and nearly everywhere else — are bigger, darker, even uglier.
So what’s ahead?
Today’s high will be 44. Tomorrow it will reach 58 — with a chance of thunderstorms.
The rest of the week, look for 30s and 40s.
With partly cloudy skies, every day.
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Speaking of which: Is this (below) just a pile of all sand?
Or sand covering snow?
Whatever. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a reminder that — whatever is going on in the rest of town, and no matter what the season — this place is always there for us.
(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
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And finally … in honor of Dave Brubeck, whose sons will be playing soon at MoCA\CT (story above):
This is a tense time of year for Staples High School seniors.
Many are waiting on acceptance letters — and financial aid packages — from colleges.
Many others — already accepted — are trying to figure out if they can afford the school that wants them.
It’s an exciting time. And one tinged with fear and worry.
Twenty-six percent of Staples students — over 1 in 4 — qualify for financial aid.
The need — especially in families with more than 1 child in college, or soon to be there — is real.
Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has helped fill the gap.
That first year, one student earned a $100 scholarship.
In the 8 decades since, as tuition and other costs soared. STG expanded its reach and role.
Last year, 102 students qualified for need-based STG grants. The average was $3,900. The maximum was $7,500.
Awards go to graduating seniors, and college students who received previous grants. They attend public and private universities, community colleges and vocational schools.
They supplement their grants with jobs. They work hard. They’re grateful that college — exponentially more expensive than ever — can be a reality.
They are much more than “recipients.” They are our future.
Some of last June’s 100+ Staples Tuition Grants recipients.
Last year, funding came from over 500 individuals, families and organizations.
That’s a lot. But Staples Tuition Grants still met only 13% of the financial gap.
This year, they hope to do more.
Donors can choose one of over 90 named awards. Some honor individuals like Perrin Delorey, Max Harper and beloved teachers. Others are named for groups (like Staples Service League of Boys), or graduating classes.
In addition, donors can establish a new named award with a pledge of $2,000 a year, for at least 4 years.
Gifts of $25,000 or more create and endow a permanent named award. Donors’ generosity was live on — and change lives — for generations.
Congratulations to the Staples High School boys and girls basketball teams!
Both pulled away in the second half from solid opponents in last night’s state tournament quarterfinals, before raucous crowds in a home doubleheader.
Both now move on to the state semis — a first in school history.
Staples’ boys — ranked #1 in Division I — downed #8 New London 56-35. That vaults coach Dave Goldshore’s squad into a matchup against #5 Notre Dame Prep-Fairfield.
The girls of coach Tommy Sparks — seeded 3rd in Division II — topped South Windsor 42-35.
The neutral sites and times of the semifinals will be announced soon. Up next: #10 Bristol Central.
If you want to learn more about overdoses — and who doesn’t? — check out “CT Save a Life Day.”
The April 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) is organized through the Westport Prevention Coalition.
You’ll get liquor stickers and lock bags to prevent access to abusable substances, parent handbooks, and brief training to recognize and respond to an overdose (with a free Narcan kit). Click here to RSVP.
Narcan nasal spray.
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Speaking of Positive Directions: They’ve partnered with Westport Together, to sponsor a “Night Out” for high school students who live in Westport, or attend school here.
The March 27 event (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA) includes an open gym, games, music and food.
Speaking of the YMCA: Professional ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (“Dancing With the Stars”) offers a special ballroom master class on Tuesday (March 17, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.).
Open to all ages and experience levels, it includes a performance, Q-and-A and photo opportunity. The cost is $40 for Y members, $50 for non-members.
New restaurants are opening at a fast clip downtown.
But one just left: Gogi.
The Korean barbecue spot — located in an out-of-the-way spot, inside Bedford Square behind Emmy Squared — is not completely closed.
They’ve relocated to Shelton.
(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)
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The United Methodist Church is located on Rabbit Hill. The previous owner was Robert Lawson — author/illustrator of the beloved children’s series.
So it’s the perfect site for an Easter egg hunt on March 28 (2 p.m.). All kids are welcome. Click here to register.
There’s a suggested donation of non-perishable food, for local pantries.
Easter egg hunt, at the United Methodist Church.
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Speaking of kids: 2 new family-friendly shows come this spring to the Westport Country Playhouse.
“Click Clack Moo” — based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, aimed at pre-K through 4th graders — is set for 2 shows May 16 (1 and 4 p.m.).
“Pete the Cat” follows on June 7. It’s recommended for pre-K through grade 3.
Speaking of entertainment: Westport and Weston will have a strong presence at next weekend’s 6th annual Norwalk Film Festival.
Board member (and Staples High graduate) Jennifer Bangser notes some of the connections:
Friday, March 20: The opening night Sundance-premiered film “Little Richard: I Am Everything” takes a deep dive into the life and career of the charismatic, complicated musician. Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker/novelist/playwright/essayist/producer/professor Trey Ellis will be in conversation after the film with director/producer Lisa Cortes. Email info@norwalkfilmfestival.org for ticket information.
Saturday, March 21: Staples graduate Cynthia Gibb’s short film “Straight Laced” will be shown during the Connecticut Shorts Block (12 to 2 p.m.). It’s the story of a conscientious honors student who buckles under academic pressure in her town of overachievers and overearnest parents.
In the 2 to 4 p.m. Narrative Shorts Block, “Sit with Me While I Die” stars award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston. He plays a priest who must reconcile his lifelong dogmatic views on suffering with real-life pain.
The Norwalk Film Festival includes many more films, plus workshops and an audience-voted awards ceremony.
Chris Delorier writes: “Help, before someone gets seriously hurt!
“I live on High Point Road. At least once a week a near accident occurs from people blowing through the stop sign down the hill on Long Lots Road.
“There are many new drivers every year, many kids walking to school or on bikes. My fear is nothing will be done until it’s too late.
“Half, I bet, are innocent mistakes. It’s a tough sign to see. On Cross Highway at Bayberry Lane they put in flashing solar stop signs. At a minimum that should be done at Long Lots and High Point.
“Let’s not wait for a life to be taken. This seems like a no-brainer.”
Drivers coming down the Long Lots Road hill often ignore the stop sign (right) at High Point Road.
Congratulations to Staples’ 8 Students of the Month: seniors Isabel Jo and Henry Wood, juniors Samantha Armentano and Catalina Zapata, juniors Olivia Flinn and Nickolas Glekas, and freshmen Maya Luo and Sophia Muriel.
The honor recognizes “students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the community: the type of creative, thoughtful, conscientious students that keep the high school together, enabling it to grow and thrive.”
Recipients are nominated by teachers, in recognition of hard work, friendliness to staff and students, and positive contributions inside and outside the classroom.
Students of the Month (from left): Catalina Zapata, Samantha Armentano, Olivia Flinn, Isabel Jo, Maya Luo, Sophia Muriel, Henry Wood.
Journalist/author/former “Good Morning America” host Joan Lunden spoke about her new memoir — “Joan: Life Beyond the Script” — on Thursday, at the Westport Library.
With sports reporter and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak, Lunden talked about life transitions, and the importance of embracing change.
Joan Lunden and Lindsay Czarniak on the Westport Library stage; “Good Morning America” stage is behind. (Photo/Susan Garment)
The Sally was a Fairfield County merchant sloop that was converted into a Revolutionary War vessel.
It played an important role in espionage, raids against the British, and privateering in Long Island Sound during the The Sally – and was involved in Nathan Hale’s ill-fated spy mission.
On April 11 (2 p.m., Weston History & Culture Center), historian Edward Eckert discusses The Sally. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here.
At 3:15 p.m the same day, Laura Clark Murray speaks on for “Genetic Genealogy in Action: From Researching Patriots to Solving Cold Cases.”
It too is free, but registration is required. Click here.
Merchant ship, back in the day.
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State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan hopes to add Westport to her list of constituents.
She has joined the race to succeed Ceci Maher, for the 26th State Senate seat.
Dathan now chairs the Government Oversight Committee, and sits on both the Appropriations and Human Services Committees. Beyond her legislative work, she has been a CPA and CFO for start-ups.
The 26th district includes Westport, Weston, and all or part of 6 other towns. Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor is also running for the seat.
State Representative Lucy Dathan
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is a reflective shot of Sherwood Mill Pond.
Much more wildlife will return soon, to the tranquil 84-acre tidal pond and estuary.
(The music will never die. And — thanks to continued reader support — let’s hope “06880” won’t either. To help keep us alive, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you all!)
From the Cribari Bridge in Westport to a Buddhist temple in Asia, this week’s online art gallery once again spans the world.
It also covers a wide variety of mediums, styles and themes.
Please join us — not only as a gallery-goer, but an artist.
As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Cribari” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Into the Woods” — leather hot tool drawing (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Dave Playing Cream’s 1968 ‘Crossroads'” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
Untitled — collage (Lauri Weiser)
“Metamorphosis” (Ava Rock — age 14, One River Art student)
“New National Bird” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Spaghetti” — oil on canvas, 32 x 32 (H. Schoelhammer — Available for purchase; click here)
“FarmaCity” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Artistic Candles” (John Maloney)
“Walkabout” — acrylic on original metal sign (Jerry Kuyper)
“Pelagic Reverie” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Buddhism is Well Rooted in Many Countries” (Mike Hibbard)
“Good Housekeeping Seal” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sketching” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Eminence Gris” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Drawing of Aphrodite’s Bust” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and 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: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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