As students return to school Tuesday — how did that happen?! — Top Hat Tutors is back too.
The long-running, well-respected teen-led organization — featuring tutors from Fairfield County (mainly Staples High) — is looking for new clients (and tutors).
Their large staff covers every major K-12 school subject, plus music, SAT/ACT prep, and more.
Every tutor has taken the classes they tutor in — and passed the class with at least a 90. Last year, they served 160 students.
To register, go to the website and click on the tutor request form. Top Hat will email the parent or guardian when a tutor has been assigned. The rate is $50 for an individual, $75 for 2, $100 for 3. Low-income students qualify for a much reduced cost.
Questions? Email president Jack Leonard and vice president Jay Hari: tophattutors@gmail.com
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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 hosts its 62nd straight monthly blood drive on Wednesday (August 27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. Or call 800-733-2767.
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“Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie” — a play based on the beloved book — kicks off the 2025-26 Westport Country Playhouse season next month.
It’s been called “a moving story, filled with warmth, humor, and heartfelt lessons about living life to the fullest.”
The first of 6 productions, “Tuesday’s with Morrie” runs from September 4 to 6. Broadway legend Len Cariou stars in the show. Click here for show times, tickets and more information.
Len Cariou (Photo/Walter Van Dyck)
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When the 2025 Staples High School freshman soccer team was announced, one name stood out.
Beckham Martino is a strong player on coach Luis Mandojar’s 9th grade squad.
He also bears the names of 2 famous soccer heroes.
David Beckham was one of the superstars of his generation. He earned 115 caps and scored 17 goals for England. He starred with Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris St.- Germain. Today he owns MLS Club Inter Miami — and helped bring Lionel Messi to the league.
Kyle Martino was the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Staples in 1999. He was named MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew. He earned 8 caps with the US men’s national team, then embarked on careers as a soccer broadcaster (NBC Sports, ESPN, Turner Sports), and as the inventor of the Goalpher self-rising soccer goal system.
Beckham and Martino were also teammates, when both played for the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.
When an alert Staples soccer fan — okay, it was me — saw the name, I texted Martino. I was the Wreckers’ assistant soccer coach, when he was the best high school player in the country.
Martino then texted Beckham.
Beckham quickly replied:
During its 67-year-history, Staples soccer has become known throughout the country for its success, its legacy, and the accomplishments of its players.
Now, even David Beckham knows of the Wreckers.
Or at least one of them.
Kyle Martino (left) and David Beckham.
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Speaking of sports: Cedar Point Yacht Club is hosting this year’s Atlantic Class National Championships.
Among the competitors: former Westporters Tom Atkinson, Vance Harrison, John Rhodes, Bill Whidden and John Yingling. Click here for a recent “06880” story on their journey back to town, decades after learning to sail at CPYC.
The Atlantics are racing right now. Eileen Lavigne caught this early morning view, from Compo Beach.
(Photo/Eileen Lavigne)
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Speaking still of sports: Lorraine Scaviola Duffy — who began her career as a Staples physical education teacher and gymnastics coach in 1976, and continued through 1985 — will be inducted into the Connecticut Gymnastics Hall of Fame in October.
She has retired from coachng — after the University of Bridgeport and at Pat King’s Gymnastics Academy — but continues to judge meets for the NCAA. (Hat tip: Karen Roehr, Staples Class of 1977)
Lorraine Scaviola, back in the day …
… and keeping a close eye on a vaulter.
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In the waning days of summer, young entrepreneurs are everywhere.
5-year-old Olly set up shop yesterday near his Greens Farms home. He was selling cars, rocks and lemonade. He earned $1, a Bic pen and a high five.
A fine day all around!
(Photo/Robin Hammond)
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22 Maple Avenue North — a house that has fallen into disrepair, most recently in the news when a rear wall collapsed — is due for demolition.
A sign has been placed outside the 1950s-era home, on the corner of Old Road.
(Photo/Jack Krayson)
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Serena Tirado, who taught science at Staples High School fromo 2008 through 2018, before taking time to focus on her battle with cancer, died earlier this month.
A colleague called her “a beautiful person inside and out — a dedicated teacher, a kind friend, and someone who was always willing to lend a hand.”
Cards and remembrances can be sent to the family at 51 Grandview Road, Fairfield, CT 06825.
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Dogs usually love car rides.
They leap in, then stick their heads out the window as the air rushes by.
Not this guy.
In the dog days of August though, he’s our pick for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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And finally … today is the birthday of Keith Moon.
The legendary Who drummer was born in 1946. He died in 1978, from an overdose of a drug intended to treat or prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
He led a short, chaotic life. But he left some great drumming behind.
(Who are you? Hopefully, someone who supports “06880”: your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here if you are one of those. Thank you!)
The Beckham Martino story really threw me initially. I was thinking: Kyle has a kid who’s already in high school?! Holy cow! But I found the real story even more fascinating.
And, it was exactly 30 years ago that Kyle made his Staples soccer debut as a freshman—but with the varsity from the start (notwithstanding his very slight stature). I still recall how you could readily see what a special player he was even at the beginning of preseason.
Best of luck to Beckham Martino.
I loved Coach Scaviola! I think I had her as a Coach at Coleytown Jr High as well. She was so fun and got me to vault properly. Congratulations to her!!