Posted onJune 17, 2022|Comments Off on ConGRADulations, Staples Class Of ’22!
Every graduation is special.
This was Staples High School’s first with 3 valedictorians. Natalie Bandura, Zach Bishop and Julian Weng all had the same GPA — down to one-hundredths of a point.
This was the second straight outdoors — but the first since the football field was named in honor of former coach Paul Lane.
In many ways though, graduation is timeless. Staples’ 135th commencement exercises included all the traditions: “Pomp and Circumstance,” evocative choral music (“The Road Home”), the awarding of diplomas and (of course) the turning of the tassel.
The Class of 2022 is part of history. They join 134 others, in a chain of high achievement and great honor. They move on to the next stages of their lives: college, jobs, making their marks on the world.
But in the words of principal Stafford Thomas: “This will always be your home.”
Posing for photos, before the ceremony.
Standing out in a crowd.
Assistant principals James Farnen and Penny Proskinitopoulos march in.
Soon-to-be graduates (from left): Jack Murphy, Matthew Genser, Jack Foster.
Proudly showing off the next stage in life.
A scoreboard salute to the Class of 2022.
Mazel tov!
Tri-valedictorian Zach Bishop did not give a traditional speech. Instead he played a farewell song on his viola.
Presenting diplomas (from left): superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, and principal Stafford Thomas.
Every graduate was photographed, with his or her diploma.
Newly minted grad.
(All photos/Dan Woog)
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Comments Off on ConGRADulations, Staples Class Of ’22!
Posted onJune 16, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: Taste Of Westport, Juneteenth, You Be You Day …
“A Taste of Westport” returned yesterday, after a 2-year COVID absence.
A record crowd — starved for great food for an even better cause — showed up at the Inn at Longshore. It was the perfect venue for the festive, almost-summer event.
A small portion of the large “Taste of Westport” crowd at the Inn at Longshore.
The traditional fundraiser for CLASP — the local non-profit celebrating its 40th year serving adults with autism and developmental disabilities — featured plenty of tasting stations, live music from the Bar Car Band`, a silent auction and a raffle.
Restaurants and vendors participating included Artisan, BE Chocolat, Black Bear Wines & Spirits, Boathouse, Cylinder, Evarito’s,Freixenet Mionetto, Little Dumpling House, Gabriele’s, La Plage, Little Pub, Lindsay’s Handmade, Mrs. London’s, Newsylum, Nordic Fish, Post Oak, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, Tablao, Tarantino, The Spread and Walrus Alley.
It’s not an easy time to own a restaurant. Last night, all of them went above and beyond the call.
Artisan offered (among other items) a very tasty goat dish. Inn at Longshore principal Michael Ryan is at right. (Photos/Dan Woog)
On June 19, 1865, Union troops liberated enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Fifteen men from Westport took part, with the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment.
For years, the day was informally called “Juneteenth.” Finally, it’s a federal holiday (Monday, June 20).
The Westport Museum for History & Culture celebrates with 2 events.
Tonight (Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m.) historic interpreter Dontavius Williams offers a virtual performance of the experiences of an enslaved man. Click here to register.
A walking tour — based on a 2018-19 exhibit about Westport’s African American history — is set for Saturday June 18 (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Click here to register.
The Westport Museum’s walking tour will include a stop at historic 22 1/2 Main Street.
As a quasi-town, quasi-private facility, the Pavilion itself is responsible for maintaining its ornamental plantings and beds — including the ones between the Riverwalk and lawn.
Every year, Friends of the Levitt volunteers answer the call. This year, Gault Energy helped out by donating all the mulch.
So the next time you enjoy a free show — enjoy the “free” scenery too.
Work day at the Levitt Pavilion.. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
It was “You Be You Day” yesterday, at Westport’s elementary schools.
The night before, Kings Highway families helped “chalk the walk.”
Kings Highway 1st grader Siena Adams helps chalk the walk. Her mother, Cori Caputo Adams; is a Kings Highway and Staples High School (Class of 1994) alumnus.
Dozens of youngsters and parents wrote kind, motivating chalk messages on the walkway in front of the school. The goal was to encourage every student to be proud of who he or she is — and to feel proud too of being part of a community that accepts and celebrates them exactly as they are.
In the morning, KHS staff and students were greeted with colorful, positive sayings. It was a great start to “You Be You Day,” says PTA board member Meghan Bell.
Meanwhile, Greens Farms Elementary School celebrated in several ways.
Teachers read books with positive messages to their classes. Youngsters wore “You Be You” shirts. The sidewalk was chalked
The Westport Kiwanis Club provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors who show exemplary community involvement and academic achievement.
This year’s recipients are Lena Lemcke, Elena Lim, Jaden Mueller and Ella Williams.
Funds come from Kiwanis’ annual Minuteman Triathlon. This year’s’ event is September 11, at Compo Beach. Click here for information and registration.
Kiwanis officials and scholarship recipients, at the recent awards ceremony (from left): Todd Ehrlich, Dave Fuggit, Jaden Mueller, Judy Stripp, Lena Lemcke, Rob Gould, Elena Lim, Elaine Daignault. Not pictured: Ella Williams.
Osprey admirer/expert Carolyn Doan visited the Fresh Market nest this week. She was happily surprised to find “2 heads being shaded by mom. They must have been hot, as their mouths were open in the sun directly on the nest.
“They seemed to be having a serious chat with her. She listened patiently. She made a quick trip away from the nest. When she returned, they were thrilled.”
Today is graduation, for the Staples High School Class of 2022.
It’s a day of pomp and circumstance. The ceremony takes place outdoors, at Paul Lane Field — a welcome change from too many years in the stifling, cavernous, hard-to-hear fieldhouse.
Three valedictorians — they earned the same GPA, down to hundredths of a point — will share the stage. Two will address them; one will play the violin. That’s as it should be: It’s the students’ day.
But this is my blog. So I’ll take today to deliver my own graduation address. If I had the mic, I’d say:
You did it.
I have no idea how, but you did it.
I went to Staples too, back in the last century. I know that if I faced what you faced, I could not have done what you did. And my friends and classmates — many of whom still look back very fondly on our days here — could not have done it either.
We could not have coped with COVID the way you did.
One day, you were in school, living normal teenage lives. The next day you were home, isolated by a virus that ricocheted around the world.
School became a screen. Sports, drama, music, your social lives — all screeched to a halt. You were isolated at home, with parents who were terrified and teachers who struggled to find the “unmute” button.
What did you do?
You delivered meals (at a safe distance) to elderly neighbors. You sewed masks, created informational websites, and painted inspirational slogans on rocks. Every day, patiently, you reminded your teachers where the “unmute” button was.
You returned to school in the fall as juniors, but things were far from normal. You followed hybrid schedules and one-way arrows. In the cafeteria, Plexiglas shielded you from your friends. Your sports seasons were a shell of what you’d expected. Your Candlelight Concert was online.
Senior year has been better. You’re back in the classroom, on the fields and on stage. Plexiglas is gone; masks are optional.
But you have been forever changed by COVID. You have learned that the world is a dangerous place; that close human contact can be deadly; that the science you’ve learned since elementary school means nothing to some people.
The Depression left its mark on everyone who grew up then. Long after, living comfortable lives, adults ate everything on their plates; they still worried about their next meal. They switched off lights when they left rooms, to “save the electricity.”
I don’t know what the residual effects of the coronavirus will be on you. Yet it’s marked your lives in a way unimaginable when you entered Staples as freshmen.
But cast COVID aside. I know that when I was a teenager, I could not have dealt with all the pressures you face, with as much grace as you do.
It was hard enough being a teenager before Instagram offered instant, idealized versions of everyone else’s life; before a barrage of notifications demanded constant attention, responses and concern; before every photo was scrutinized, every text examined for clues to where one stands on the social ladder.
At all hours of the day. And night.
I know I could not have dealt with the academic pressures of a school like Staples. It was high-achieving then; now it’s exponentially tougher. We knew our grades four times a year: at the end of each quarter. Our parents knew only if we showed them our report cards.
As for college, it was a part of our thinking — but only a part. It did not consume our lives (and our parents’ lives) from middle school on. We visited a few (maybe); we applied; we got accepted; we went. And we did not worry about being in debt for the rest of our lives.
For many of you, this year’s college process was brutal. It’s tough to get into any school these days; it’s tougher still when there is so much focus on “the right” one.
I hate it when commencement speakers give advice, but WTF — I’ll do it anyway. Trust me: Wherever you go, you will do fine. Your Staples education has given you a huge advantage; so has growing up in this town (despite its many faults). You are smart, creative, persistent. You are well-prepared. You will rock whatever school you attend.
So stop worrying about college decals on the car, or what you think others think. Take courses that interest you, make interesting friends, then rock the next steps in your life.
You are a wonderful class, filled with talented, accomplished, energetic, caring and compassionate young men and women. You have given of yourselves in so many ways.
You have been Best Buddies and SLOBs (that’s a good thing). You have coached youth sports teams, taught religious school, and shown elementary and middle school kids that they should be proud of whoever they are.
And you’ve done it all — well, most of the time — quietly, with generosity and smiles.
I have spent much of this speech telling you that back in the day, I could not have done what you did, in your time at Staples.
This school served me well. I am proud of many things I have done.
I am not proud, however, of the world my generation is leaving to you. It’s a mess. We’ve broken many things: our climate. Our political system. Our faith in each other.
When I was at Staples, my friends and I were sure we would change the world.
We did. Just not in the way we planned.
So, Class of 2022: Congratulations on an astonishing 4 years. You have made your school, and our community, very proud. Thank you for navigating a very difficult time, in your own very special way. It’s not something I — and very few of your parents or grandparents — could have done.
The universe is yours. Go rock it.
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The other evening, the mother of a friend had a serious fall at home while caring for her grandchildren, ages 6 and 9.
My friend rushed home to find her mother sitting on the floor with multiple injuries, and the children shaken and teary.
She called 911 for an ambulance. I arrived shortly after to stay with the children, so my friend could accompany her mother to the hospital.
The ambulance was coming from Fairfield, so it took 30+ minutes to arrive. While we waited, Westport Police officer Shawn Booth responded to the call.
Westport Police Officer Shawn Booth
Officer Booth calmly and efficiently assessed the situation. He also provided interim first aid to my friend’s mother, sat with her for nearly the entire time we waited for EMS, engaged us all in light conversation (no easy feat – we were all upset), and managed to delight 2 very frightened, teary eyed children by bringing them badge stickers and showing photos of his (adorable) dog on his phone.
To top it all off, as he was leaving Officer Booth told the children he’d return the next day with plastic badges for them.
I assumed there was little chance he’d recall saying this; the evening was chaotic, and surely he’d have another busy day serving our community.
However, a few moments ago my friend texted that Officer Booth showed up at her house as promised, with plastic badges for the kids. She said that he was “amazing,” and she was “blown away by his kindness.”
I am too. We are lucky to have someone like Officer Booth in our police department.
(This is not Officer Booth’s first nomination as Unsung Hero. He was also cited in 2020. Click here to read. If you know an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“06880” is entirely reader-funded. To contribute, click here.)
For years, Compo Beach guests have been greeted by a gorgeous display of flowers and shrubs, at the main entrance directly opposite the Soundview lot.
Sometimes they’re greeted too by small signs saying “Lot Full.” They’re hard to read, and traffic backs up as drivers try to figure out what to do next.
This year, there should be less confusion. A large electronic sign at the entrance will announce how much space is available in the Soundview, main and daily ($$$) lots.
I’m sure people will still stop and ask the gate attendants all kinds of questions, and try to talk their way in despite seeing “0” availability.
Across America yesterday, the red-white-and-blue flew in honor of Flag Day.
At the Senior Center, meanwhile, flags — and an honor guard, and dignitaries — honored Westport’s Korean War veterans.
Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Thomas Saadi and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker presided at the luncheon and ceremony.
Pete D’Amico described his experiences in that 1950s conflict. Alexander Boboc recalled a fallen comrade. Other veterans like Bill Vornkahl, Bob McCarthy and — in uniform — Tom Lowrie shared stories too.
The ranks of Korean War veterans are diminishing quickly. Yesterday’s recognition was truly important. (Hat tip: David Lowrie)
(From left):VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 3999 quartermaster Phil Delgado, Navy Lt. JG (ret.) Tom Lowrie. and fellow Westport resident Bob Tirrerno — local commissioner to the State Veterans Affairs office — look at a photo of Lowrie’s radar aviation squad.
Summer arrives Tuesday. But you can get a jump on it Saturday.
That’s the first of 2 “Summer Outdoor Shopping Days.” Main Street from the Post Road to Elm Street will be closed, for better strolling (and strollers). Brooks Corner will be closed too, for vendors. Church Lane is already closed, for the summer.
Merchants on upper Main Street and Elm Street will also participate.
Some stores will offer discounts. Others will highlight special merchandise.
Horseshoe crabs are very weird creatures. (I know: So are humans.)
Living on Long Island Sound, we’re used to them. But most of us don’t have much horseshoe crab knowledge (beyond “don’t step on them”).
This Sunday (June 19, 3 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park Nature Center), Friends of SP hosts a talk by Dr. Jennifer Mattei. The Sacred Heart University biology professor and director of Project Limulus (named for a horseshoe crab genus) will discuss why they’re important for the health of the Sound — and for your own good health.
The family-friendly session includes a walk on the beach, to look — very carefully — for spawning horseshoe crabs.
As it has for many decades, the organization recently gave grants to graduating Staples High School seniors.
This year’s total was $36,000. Recipients include Chloe Manna (Emily Duvoisin Scholarship), Tatiana Dragun (Lea Ruegg Scholarship), Juliette Savarino (Emily Fuller Scholarship), Sam Betit (Most Active Member Scholarship, in honor this year of Suzan Murphy), and Olivia Pace, George Kocadag and Malachi Evans (WWC Scholarships).
Funding for the grants comes in part from the Yankee Doodle Fair. The annual event runs tomorrow (Thursday) through Sunday, at the WWC Imperial Avenue grounds.
Attending the ceremony were Congressman Jim Himes, State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Stephanie Thomas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Staples High School administrators and counselors.
Westport Woman’s Club scholarship winners, with government and school officials.
Live theater is back at the Westport Country Playhouse.
And so is their London Theater Tour.
In April, audiences returned to the historic local institution. In October, the WCP hosts a week-long, theater-filled trip.
Managing Director Michael Barker and Artistic Director Mark Lamos led similar trips in the past, with great success. This time, Lamos will pick 5 of the most exciting shows, plus non-theater activities. Past trips have included tea with a cast member, a discussion with a London theater critic, and backstage tours.
For more information (and to book a spot), click here.
UPDATE: The mistake below is on me. Molly Alger sent 3 photos; I misunderstood her. She knows the difference between raspberry and milkweed. I don’t. My apologies.
Molly Alger sends this photo and report, from the Baron’s South walking path:
“The raspberries are ready to bloom. They must be checked daily if you want to save any from the birds and deer.”
For all its beauty and promise of summer, June is a frazzling time for Westport parents.
There are thousands of end-of-school activities, end-of-sports activities, get-ready-for-camp activities. There’s no time to stop and smell the roses, let alone tend the rest of the garden.
But all that takes a back seat on Fathers Day weekend (sorry, dads!).
It’s Yankee Doodle Fair time. Knocked out twice by COVID (and back, to much joy, last September), the Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser returns to its traditional dates this year.
A timeless scene. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Fair — on the Woman’s Club grounds at 44 Imperial Avenue — runs this Thursday and Friday (June 16 and 17) from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday’s hours are 1 to 10 p.m. Sunday’s final day is 1 to 5 p.m.
(Photo/JP Vellotti)
Among the highlights: a carousel, Flying Dumbo, Dizzy Dragon, Frog Hopper, Scrambler, Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity and Expo Wheel. One-price, unlimited-ride wristbands make the process hassle-free.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Other attractions include sand art, a bake sale, music (rock, country and bluegrass), raffles (prizes: $1,000, $500, and a gold-and-diamond necklace), and a “take a chance” tent with a ton of prizes.
(Photo/Joel Triesman)
Food court offerings range from burgers and dogs to Greek delights, waffles and ice cream. Beer and wine too (though not for the kids).
(Photo/Dan Woog)
As much fun as the Yankee Doodle Fair is, it’s serious business for the Westport Woman’s Club. Funds raised support an array of programs and grants, from a food pantry and help for organizations serving women, children, people with special needs and much more, to scholarships for graduating seniors.
This year, the WWC donated to $300,000 to Westport’s Emergency Medical Services. That pays for a much-needed new ambulance.
Between the good Westport Woman’s Clubs good works, and all the fun the Yankee Doodle Fair offers, it’s a win-win for all.
See you at the Fair!
The Yankee Doodle Fair (Drone photo/Ryan Collins)
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The event — a decades-long herald of the end of school — was missing from the June calendar for 2 years, due to COVID.
It returned last September. Now it’s back in its familiar slot: This Thursday and Friday (6 to 10 p.m.), Saturday (1 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.), at the Westport Woman’s Club on Imperial Avenue.
Also familiar: the Yankee Doodle Fair logo.
What most Westporters don’t know is that the carousel horse was designed more than 30 years ago by Angela Mata. Her mother chaired the event, for the sponsoring Westport Woman’s Club.
Growing up here, she was an avid fairgoer. She graduated from Staples High School, returned here, brought her own children — and is now a well-respected art teacher, at her alma mater.
Like the carousel on Angela’s logo, whatever goes around, comes around.
in 2019, Felicia Catale — a long-time hair stylist in Westport (Tony’s, Karen & Frank’s, Austin Rolfe) — opened her own salon in Nash’s Plaza on Post Road West.
That first year was busy. She worked long hours, on hair and also the business end.
Then came COVID. She scrambled to serve customers, and keep her salon alive.
Finally, the pandemic is easing. She’s back welcoming customers.
Finally too, she had a chance for an official “grand opening.”
A small ceremony — with the big, official ribbon-cutting scissors — was held yesterday. She welcomed her guests — and then, in another long-delayed event, she threw a party for last fall’s Staples High School boys soccer team.
“06880” would say “welcome to Westport,” Felicia. But you’ve been here all along.
Cutting the ribbon at Salon Nash (from left): business consultant Ganesh Gupta, owner Felicia Catale, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, Staples High School soccer tri-captain Bruno Guiduli.
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup included a photo of “Rev. Hezekiah Ripley.” The long-ago, long-serving Green’s Farms Church pastor showed up (looking very much like a 21st-century Westporter wearing a costume) at Sunday’s rededication service. The 1789 church on Hillandale Road has undergone an extensive renovation.
Rev. Ripley was not the only dignitary taking part in the festivities. Senator Richard Blumenthal was there too, watching former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe cut the ceremonial ribbon. A Green’s Farms parishioner, he was standing in for 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, who was out of town.
From left: Capital campaign co-chair Tony Menchaca, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, capital campaign co-chair Diane Parrish, Senior Minister Jeff Rider. (Photo/Regina Madwed, Capitol Photo).
Also this past weekend: Norwalk’s Copps Island Oysters was the place to be. A sold-out event raised important funds for Harbor Watch, the clean water research program of Earthplace.
Scientists provide data and field expertise to safeguard Connecticut waterways, educate residents about watershed issues, and train volunteers and student interns through hands-on research.
Plus, the oysters were delicious!
The Earthplace team, hanging out at the Harbor Watch fundraiser (from left): LaWanza Holder, Brenna Felt, Marisa Olavarria, Mary Donato, Nikki Spiller, Sophie Pollmann, Jess Mantzaris, Kasey Tietz, executive director Tony McDowell,
Temple Israel’s first “Shabbat on the Beach” of the season is also the synagogue’s “Pride Shabbat.”
Temple officials say: “Together, we will send our clear message of love and acceptance for ‘kol yoshvei tevel’ — all who dwell on earth. BYO beach chairs and rainbows!”
A Westport beach pass is not necessary. Tell the gate attendant you’re part of the Temple Israel service.
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