Last night’s Board of Education meeting began with a toast to retiring teachers and other professionals. Administrators and Board members praised nearly 2 dozen men and women, for their decades of service.
Then came comments about a coach who will not return.
With several teammates standing in support, 3 Staples High School boys soccer players spoke passionately, powerfully and clearly — yet respectfully — about their confusion, anger and disappointment in the way the BOE, superintendent of schools and administrators handled the non-renewal of coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s contract.
Incoming captains Drew Hill and Dylan Shackelford, plus fellow junior Zach Gillman, called for their coach’s reinstatement.
They described sitting in last month’s 14-hour hearing, yet not having ever been interviewed as witnesses. They were surprised at the silence of BOE members — some of whom never asked one question during the long day — as well as with the application of the “arbitrary and capricious” threshold upon which the decision was supposed to be made.
The players also noted that they were speaking for “any coach or teacher” who could be targeted next by administrators.
Board member Robert Harrington then proposed an agenda item to reopen the case, based on witnesses who were not allowed, evidence withheld, and the “impartiality” of the BOE’s mediator at the hearing.
Like the students who spoke, Harrington pleaded for the superintendent and administrators to sit down with Oost-Lievense and try to find a resuloution.
There was no second for his motion.
Harrington’s second agenda request — to allow discussion of a “privileged” letter from the BOE’s attorney — also failed, without a second.
From left: Dylan Shackelford, Drew Hill, Zach Gillman. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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Hook’d is gone.
Sort of.
The much-maligned concessionaire still has the Compo Beach and Longshore contracts (for one more year).
But they seem to have rebranded themselves as Bluestone
Their graphics (and offerings) look much the same as before. But if you’ve tried the new brand at either location, please click “Comments” to leave a review.
Bluestone at Compo Beach … (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
… and Longshore. (Photo/Brandon Malin)
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The Longshore parking lot overflowed last night, with 2 of Westport’s most popular events.
CLASP Homes‘ annual “Taste of Westport” event highlighted many of the area’s most popular restaurants (and assorted other food purveyors).
It was a huge fundraiser for the non-profit that has done such good work, for so long, providing care, support and inspiration to men and women with autism and developmental disabilities.
Among those providing (much more than) a taste of Westport, to hundreds of hungry attendees: Anan, Artisan, Bar Bushido, Barcelona, Black Bear Wines & Spirits, The Blondinit, Boathouse, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Bridgewater, Chopin Vodka, Código 1530, Don Memo, Eder Bros., Freixenet Monetto, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Gabriele’s, Gruel Brittania, La Plage, Little pub, Magic Pie Co., Nômade, Moët & Chandon, Nordic Fish, Oggi Gelato, Blue Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci Pizza Bar, Saugatuck Oyster Company, Schloss Johannisberg, Tarantino, The Whelk, Woodford Reserve and Zucca Gastrobar.
Robin Tauck and Miggs Burroughs take in the scene …
… which included plenty of serving stations, and a few hundred folks enjoying them.
Meanwhile, a few steps away on the La Plage patio, another couple of hundred folks socialized, networked and noshed at Startup Westport‘s monthly get-together.
In just 2 years, the public/private partnership for tech and entrepreneurship has established itself as a force for creativity, innovation and economic activity.
Plus, everyone involved knows how to have fun.
Dan Bikel, Tucker Peters and Jay Norris share startup tips …
… and the networking continues. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — closes out another very successful year, with a big beach jam.
The June 10 event (6:30 to 8 p.m., Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina) includes the Super Duper Weenie Truck, art by MoCA, and “music and movement” led by Susan Wright from Digital Zen Studios.
Click here to learn more about the beach bash, and Club203.
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VFW Post 399 reaches out to veterans in many ways.
Next up: a Veterans Benefits Luncheon on June 12 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
It’s free, and open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
All veterans are invited to the VFW’s free June 12 luncheon.
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Congratulations to Adam Udell!
The senior lacrosse player set a school record for career points on Wednesday, when Staples High dismantled Norwich Free Academy 23-0 in the state LL tournament round of 16.
Udell — a University of Michigan commit — now has 230 points (goals and assists). That’s one more than the previous record holder, Michael Reale, who graduated in 2016.
Udell — who also holds the school records for goals and assists in a season — has a chance to add to that total tomorrow. The #3 Wreckers host #6 Greenwich (1 p.m., Paul Lane Field) in the state quarterfinals. The Cardinals beat Staples earlier in the year.
Adam Udell
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Seen yesterday at the Westport Farmers’ Market: free seeds and seedlings …
… and fresh strawberries:
The Farmers’ Market is open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
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The Westport Rotary Club’s annual Community Service and Public Protection Awards lunch on Tuesday featured awards to 11 local activists and volunteers, plus Public Protection awards to Westport Police, Westport EMS, and Westport Fire Department personnel.
Honorees included Harold Bailey, Jr. and Bernicestine McLeod Bailey of TEAM Westport, Compo Playground Committee co-chairs Bridget Flynn and Samantha Owades, and site manager R.B. Benson.
First responders honored by the Westport Rotary Club …
… along with (from left) Harold and Bernicestine McLeod Bailey, with Rotary Club officials Eileen Lavigne Flug and Jim Marpe …
… and Samantha Owades, Rotary’s Alex Cohen, Bridget Flynn RB Benson. (Photos/Adriana Bleloch-DeLucia)
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Fran Mande turns 103 years old tomorrow!
A brief illness kept the longtime Westport resident from her usual visits to the Senior Center and Compo Beach. But she’s doing better, and hopes to return soon.
Fran still lives off Clinton Avenue — her home for the past 70 years.
And she’s got email (which certainly did not exist when she moved in, during the Eisenhower administration). “06880” readers can wish Fran a happy 103rd birthday at franmande@gmail.com.
Happy birthday, Fran Mande!
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Little Beet — the “vegetarian-friendly” restaurant a few doors up from Fresh Market — closed on April 24.
Perhaps the reason we’ve just heard about it is related to the reason they’re no longer here.
Eight locations in New York and Westchester, and 2 others in New Jersey and Washington, remain open.
(Hat tip and photo/John Karrel)
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Sorelle Gallery welcomes Beth Munro, and her abstract paintings, as its next “On View” show.
An opening reception next Friday (June 13, 4 to 6 p.m.) includes a meet-and-greet, wine and light refreshments. More details are available here.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo highlights a mushroom patch on Hillandale Road.
And something that blends in, but doesn’t quite belong there.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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And finally … in honor of those mushrooms (above):
(Feed your head! And also, “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
I don’t suppose there’s any chance we could get Joey’s back after “Bluestone” is gone …….
“yet respectfully.” Whatever happened to the concept of “respect must be earned?”
On seconding…and the BOE
When I served on the RTM, numerous motions were made, some pretty silly. But no matter how silly or stupid, the motioner was ALWAYS seconded out of politeness to at least let him have his say even if everyone voted against.
The silence of those scoundrels proves it was a kangaroo court and they are incompetent and unfit to serve.
Now if I were the First Selectperson thinking about a Governorship, I’d…
The Staples student athletes – including 2 of the 2025/2026 Varsity Soccer Captains – used their voices very effectively last night. They said their comments were directly for the Board of Education, Superintendent Tom Scarice, AD VJ Sarullo and Principal Stafford Thomas. However, by this point of the evening – Stafford Thomas had already left the room and VJ Sarullo was a no-show all night. Superintendent Tom Scarice stayed 100% silence on the subject and looked distracted throughout the section on the soccer coaches.
The Board of Education had not one word beyond the Chairwoman lee Goldstein reading a brief legal statement which I assumed was written for her by the School District’s lawyer.
Not a single Board of Education member was prepared to say why they didn’t want to discuss any of these issues.
Not a single Board of Education member was prepared to go on the record and defend the thoroughness of the 3-day investigation that only interviewed one student witness.
Not a single Board of Education member was prepared to vote to make public an inappropriate letter that was sent to the board but was about me and a warning directly to me.
The Board of Education and Superintendent set a terrible example to students – including those in attendance last night.
They all had lost their voices. Thank goodness the students used theirs.
I am calling on Superintendent Tom Scarice and Board Chair Lee Goldstein to sit down in private with fired Coach Russ Oost-Lievense and try and find a solution and path forward – or tell the community explicitly that they have no intention of doing so.
I don’t understand how hard this is. The school administration and the BOE have, obviously, made their decision. You, among others, disagree with that decision. You are certainly entitled to your opinion and, of course, anyone has the right to disagree.
However, the decision has been made and, with litigation having been suggested and/or threatened, they are presumably doing what their attorneys are likely telling them to do. Usually, that would be to STFU.
If the aggrieved party feels it is appropriate, they should just file the lawsuit. In the meantime, it seems like it is time for everyone else to move on until the next election when the scoundrels can be thrown out of office.
Well when students are involved – I always hope we can reach resolution and avoid just having to turn to the courts every time and splash out dollars on a case that clearly Coach Russell Oost-Lievense would win. The actions of the Administration and this BOE have been outrageous, he hasn’t been able to properly defend himself, the Administration has prevented witnesses and held back evidence, our attorney representing the BOE has taken action in our name without even consulting us and the AD exaggerated a report to DCF who which quick to declare there was nothing to investigate.
You are most likely right – the courts will ultimately decide this once the School District is likely sued. It’s just very sad we have to go down this route and knowingly trash the reputation of one of our own.
Who loses?
The students.
And future coaches who decide to avoid our programs and avoid Staples unless they have a good lawyer.
Quite simply they should not STFU ! And they should go to court, that way this can be settled by someone other than the town attorney. I find court to be lately, and unfortunately the best and only way forward in this town.
This BOE is a disgrace. What is the point of digging their heels in and refusing to hear evidence that is necessary to clear coach Russ of any wrongdoing? This cannot be allowed! Refusing to do anything at this point is wrong and they should be embarrassed that they think they are doing wihat is best for our kids. Shame on them! Now… what can we do to get heard? Who is higher than the board of ed and who will be reasonable to listen? THIS IS NOT OVER!
My favorite JA song. Feed your mind!
It is so sad to see Staples HS soccer captains and a Board member being ignored. No discussion. No Second. Missed opportunities to settle this fairly in the minds of the team and many in the town who did not see an open presentation with witnesses of what happened and how it was resolved. This is still an open wound.
The superintendent, the principal and the athletic director were not there. The soccer players were there- eye witnesses!! So essentially this decision was made based on second hand hearsay and second hand assumptions.