Category Archives: Children

Roundup: Coming Soon: VersoFest, “Newsies,” Easter Egg Hunt, Spring …

Posted on March 23, 2026 | 1 comment

If you’ve seen the Westport Library looking extra-cool these recent nights, there’s a reason.

(Graphic by John Nunziato)

The blue lights are reminders that VersoFest ’26 — the 5th annual music/media/ and much more festival — arrives soon.

There are 4 full days of concerts, panels, art shows and the like. Highlights include a concert by Wyclef Jean, and a talk with Ani DiFranco. Click here for full details.

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Speaking of VersoFest: Yesterday, “06880” explored the back story of the Library’s promotional AI jingles.

A deeper dig into how AI is shaping the music industry is on tap this coming Sunday (March 29, 10:30 a.m., Library).

Executives from Suno, LANDR, Incantio and Chord Music Partners will discuss how AI is shaping the music the industry. A special “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” panel features leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools, and licensing platforms, discussing seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Among the speakers: Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners. Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another local resident — will moderate the session. Click here for more details.

To try it yourself, Suno hosts a hands-on workshop afterward (noon to 4 p.m.). Attendees can experiment with the same tools used to create the AI jingles. Click here to reserve a 30-minute spot.

Sam Hendel

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One of Westport’s biggest and best Easter Egg Hunts is set for this Saturday (March 28, Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).

The event — sponsored colorfully, as always, by WestportMoms — is actually 2 hunts. Ages 2 to 5 start at 10:30 a.m. Ages 6 and up follow at 11:15.

Along with the egg hunts and pictures with the Easter Bunny, youngsters will enjoy fairy hair, glitter tattoos, face painting, cookie decorating, STEM and sports games, music and more (including 20 “golden eggs” with prizes).

There will also be a food truck, plus donuts from Retreat Sweets.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles were all at the Westport Country Playhouse last night.

Not in person, unfortunately. But their familiar music got fresh interpretations, in an intriguing and very well-received show.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” was an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s

Great music from half a century ago has endured well.

Including — perhaps especially — Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Laurel Canyon musicians, at the Playhouse. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Extra! Extra!

The curtain rises Friday on “Newsies.” Coleytown Company’s fun-for-all ages musical — inspired by the true story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York City — has been in high gear ever since Westport native Adam Kaplan (a member of the Broadway cast) taught a master class to the young CMS actors.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (March 27 and 28), 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (March 28 and 29).

Click here for tickets, and more information. The Company’s Instagram is @coleytown_company.

“Newsies” has a great cast — and set. (Photo/Meg Stewart)

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Spring is creeping ever so slowly into Westport.

Clarence Hayes writes: “It’s been a ritual for me to listen for spring peepers for 40 years — ever since I took my 7-year-old kids to hear them at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, coming up from the city.

“At a swamp there at dusk, it is literally deafening. I take my grandkids there now.

“But we have them in Westport too, in little bits of spring excess water scattered around town.

“This video is from a vernal pond behind my condo next to I-95. You can clearly hear them over the highway noise.”

PS: This week looks to be partly cloudy, partly sunny. The temperature will be in the 40s and 50s — except Thursday, when it could reach the low 60s.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo proves that everyone — everyone! — is sitting around, waiting for spring.

Library Riverewalk. (Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … on this date in 1857,  Elisha Otis’ first elevator was installed, at 488 Broadway in New York.

(“06880” is to local news what Aerosmith is to “elevator music.” If you enjoy our hyper-local blog — and the 4 to 6 stories we post a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering Perrin Delorey, At 18

Posted on March 20, 2026 | 7 comments

Perrin Delorey was a 10-year-old Westport Little Leaguer, ice hockey player and Cub Scout. He died in June of 2018. following a car accident after visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Perrin’s memory has been kept alive by his family, friends, Little League and Staples Tuition Grants. On Wednesday, his father James posted on Facebook:

Today is our son Perrin’s 18th birthday.

Perrin was a thoughtful young man with a great future ahead of him. Angela and I talk about him all the time, as do his little sisters, Mireille and Elodie. He truly is present in our family of 5.

Perrin Delorey earned a Little League game ball in May 2018.

Perrin’s friends and classmates are now high school seniors, making plans for career, public service, university. It is both difficult and wonderful to see all of their accomplishments these last 8 years – performing in school plays, excelling at athletics, making music, volunteering in our community, climbing mountains, becoming Eagle Scouts, becoming adults.

These dreams and hopes are like those we had for Perrin, and what we have now for Mireille and Elodie.

Perrin at McGill University.

This year Perrin’s classmates, led by his “identical cousin” Philip, have created the Perrin Ryan Delorey “Do Your Best” Award, a Staples Tuition Grant that – because of the generosity of so many – will be given in perpetuity to help students pursue their dreams of higher education.

The award is modeled, in part, on Westport Little League’s Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award, presented not to the “best” player, but to the player who works the hardest to improve and help their teammates.

Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams. He was a big Boston Red Sox fan.

We are so inspired by all the recipients of this award, and look forward to the continued adventures of Perrin’s peers as they enter adulthood.

What will they teach us? Where will they take us? What will they teach others? What kind of families will they build? How many people will they help? Who will they love?

We had all these questions and great expectations for Perrin, and now have them for his little sisters.

Perrin in a Princeton shirt, from his aunt Francesca Ryan.

Today, on Perrin’s 18th birthday, please, if you can, take a deep breath, say Perrin’s name out loud, and do your best to help someone else’s dreams come true.

(To donate to Perrin’s Staples Tuition Grants award, click here. Then choose “The Perrin Delorey ‘Do Your Best’ Award,” from the drop-down menu — it’s near the bottom of that list.)

Perrin, with his Cub Scout Eclipse Award.

Perrin at the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore …

… and at his mother Angela’s Hamilton College hockey rink. 

Perrin with his godfather, Professor Triadafilos Triadafilopoulos, at the University of Toronto.

At Yale Bowl, for the Yale-Harvard game.

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Posted in Children, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, Overdose Education, Entertainment Options …

Posted on March 14, 2026 | 3 comments

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.

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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 (basketball, volleyball and more), games, pizza from Riko’s, dessert from Stew Leonard’s, door prizes (including Starbucks gift cards, Stew’s ice cream, golf simulator time, and a Modern Dermatology facial), and music.

The cost is just $5. Click here to register.

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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.

Click here for more information, and to register. To learn more about the Y’s ballroom program, click here. 

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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.

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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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.

More information plus individual tickets, day passes, weekend passes and student discounts are available at www.norwalkfilmfestival.org. Questions? Email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com.

James Naughton in “Sit With Me While I Die.”

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … Happy Pi Day!

(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!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Social Media Is Not Healthy For …

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 4 comments

It was the most iconic anti-war image of the Vietnam era: A flower, set against a yellow background, with the words — suggesting a child’s handwriting — “War is not healthy for children and other living things.”

Designed in 1965 by activist/artist/mother Lorraine Schneider, it became the logo for an organization called Another Mother for Peace.

It was incorporated into posters, flyers, newsletters, datebooks, buttons, cards and jewelry, and became an internationally recognized plea for peace.

More than half a century later, it’s back.

Westporter Cathy Utz and Fairfield resident Grayson Craddock have resurrected, redesigned and redeployed it, to fight another war: the one against social media.

Cathy Utz

A 1979 graduate of Staples High School, Utz was too young to participate in anti-Vietnam marches or rallies.

But she knew the poster well. It hung for years in the home of Estelle Margolis, the mother of a family friend and a longtime Westport peace advocate.

Today, Utz is a therapist. Her 3 sons are adults. But in her work she sees the negative impacts of social media on young people, and their families.

Craddock’s children are 15, 13 and 7. He too knows the pressures and problems caused by social media.

Craddock — a graphic designer — works with Utz’s husband, Tom Greenwald, in Broadway advertising.

Grayson Craddock

He was unfamiliar with the “War is not healthy …” design. But when Utz came to him with the idea of recreating it for the modern era, he understood the need.

And what was needed.

He had to transfer the feel of the poster, without infringing on creative rights. And it had to feel as if a young person made it.

Craddock worked with paper. He spent a day cutting out pieces, and arranging them with a glue stick. Then he took photos.

When Craddock showed his work to friends, they understood immediately. Even more tellingly, they noticed it evoked child’s play, like crafts, which have fallen out of favor lately.

Because of the pull of social media.

In the 1960s, Schneider’s art raised money for Another Mother for Peace.

Utz and Craddock — who donated all his time and talent — searched for a modern-day non-profit that could benefit from this one.

They found the Organization for Social Media Safety. Called “the first consumer protection organization exclusively focused on social media, they help protect against social media dangers like cyberbullying, sextortion, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse and trafficking.

They work with schools, youth groups and corporations, and have developed both a K-12 curriculum and free program for parents.

Craddock also designed a website: SocialMediaIsNotHealthy.com. Through it, he and Utz offer merchandise with the updated design, including posters, mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, bumper stickers, decals — and smartphone cases.

“We are well aware of the irony that our message has to go out via social media,” Utz says.

“Social media by itself is not bad. But we have to be aware of its bad effects.”

The website, she and Craddock hope, will “remind us to be more mindful, and dial our use back.”

(“06880” encourages limited social media use. But before you shut off your device today, please click here to contribute to “06880.” Our blog IS healthy, for children and other living things. Thanks!)

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Posted in Children, History, Local business, technology, Teenagers

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Roundup: Concierge Care, Easter Eggs, Haggis …

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 2 comments

Infinity Care is a new personalized medicine/concierge practice, coming soon to town.

Dr. Lyuba Kofler — a family medicine physician –is a Westport mom who understands the realities of packed schedules. She designed her practice to offer “the kind of thoughtful, responsive care families often wish medicine still had.”

A core focus is what she calls “generational health.” Through “proactive prevention, lifestyle guidance, and personalized medical planning, she helps patients build habits and strategies that support not only their own health, but the well-being of their children, grandchildren, and future generations.”

Dr. Kofler has practiced with Yale New Haven Health and Stamford Health. She is fluent in Russian and proficient in Spanish. Click here for more information on Infinity Care. 

Dr. Lyuba Kofler

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Our first Easter-related item of 2026 is from Wakeman Town Farm. Their family fun “EGGstravaganza” is Saturday, April 4 (10 a.m.).

The 10:30 hunt is followed by egg-themed games, story readings with the Westport Book Shop, and photo opps with Big Bunny. Guests can isit the farm animals too.

There are treats for the kids, and coffee for adults, from The Granola Bar, Sweet P Bakery, and Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team at the Higgins Group.

Click here to register. The Eggstravaganza usually sells out quickly.

Easter at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of spring: Temperatures are inching up. There’s a whiff of the new season in the air.

But all around town, snow piles remain.

And because they were dumped or pushed there after the first big snowstorm of the year, after which temperatures remained far below freezing for a week — and because tons of sand was used in the process — these big boys are not going anywhere soon.

Scott Smith spotted this one at the Imperial Avenue commuter parking lot. He writes: “Photos can’t convey just how big this snow field is. It’s gargantuan!”

Snow pile. Imperial Avenue is in the distance. (Photo/Scott Smith)

The question is: Will it still be there when the Farmers’ Market opens, in mid-May?

I bet it won’t all be gone even then.

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The national dish of Scotland is haggis.

If you’ve never enjoyed it, it’s a pudding made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It’s encased in a sheep’s stomach and boiled.

However, 12 Westport Scouts headed to a jamboree there in July have decided to not serve haggis at their fundraiser.

Instead, Troops 39 and 139 offer a pancake breakfast. It’s this Sunday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., VFW post 399). The full pancake bar includes plenty of toppings, sausage, juice, coffee and tea.

There’s a free will donation; $10-15 per person, $35 per family is suggested.

Haggis …

… and Westport Scouts in Scotland, 2 years ago.

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Players from Jeff Lea’s first state championship team — and 3 others — were on hand Saturday night, as the winningest coach in Staples boys soccer history was inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.

Lea co-coached with Albie Loeffler in 1970, then served as head coach from 1978 to 2002. He earned 5 state crowns and 12 FCIAC titles. He retired in 2002, compiling a 357-77-42 record.

Congratulations, Coach Lea!

Jeff Lea (red tie) with former players (from left) Dan Woog, Jem Sollinger, Dan Donovan, Jono Sollinger, Neil Brickley, Steve Lichtman and Mike Brown.

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Compo Beach is one of Westport’s most family-friendly places.

So what does it take to get it ready for the upcoming season?

A papa machine, mama machine, and baby machine.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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One more sign of spring: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo is a blue jay, hanging out near Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Dr. Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … speaking of Scotland (see Scouts story above):

(Whether ye take the high road or low road, we hope ye feel moved to click here to support our own wee blog. Thank ye kindly.)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Unsung Heroes #424

Posted on March 4, 2026 | 1 comment

This has been quite a winter, for everyone.

Big snowstorms, freezing temperatures — it’s almost like we live in New England.

Adding to all this are frequent — 5, so far — snow days for the Westport Public Schools.

Some were no-brainers. Some were head-scratchers.

All forced parents and caregivers to improvise.

Okay, kids: Let’s have a Harry Potter party!

Work has had to be reconsidered, reconfigured, rejiggered. Plans have been made, changed, rearranged.

Kids have had to be entertained. Lunches have had to be cooked. Siblings have had to be soothed and separated.

If you are a parent or caregiver this winter — wow! You’ve been through a lot.

“06880” salutes you, as our Unsung Heroes of the Week.

Because god knows, your children will not thank you — at least, not yet — for all you do.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Rec Basketball: A Love Note

Posted on February 27, 2026 | 8 comments

Lee Shufro moved to Westport in 2020.  He serves on the executive boards of the Westport Youth Commission and Downtown Merchants Association. He is also a Rec Basketball coach. (His last year of organized basketball was the Stamford High School freshman team.)  

As March Madness approaches, Lee shoots the lights out with this paean to his passion. He writes:

Rec basketball holds a place dear to my heart. It is part of the mosaic that makes Westport such a great town.

Westport’s Park & Recreation Department operates the program, under the stewardship of Max Robbins.

Since 2019, he has done it all: promotion, registration, recruitment of commissioners and coaches, securing game officials, procurement of uniforms, creating practice and game schedules, and organizing the end-of-season events.

Fun is an important part of Rec Basketball.

The program includes pre-K and 1st- grade clinics, plus competitive leagues from 2nd grade through high school for boys and girls (though girls have not had a high school league since 2018).

This year there are 1,081 players — about 20% of all eligible students.

The program depends on adult volunteers. 174 have volunteered this year, mostly as coaches and league commissioners. As in other youth sports leagues, parents make the engine run.

I salute all the players’ parents. You schlep to schools for pick-ups and drop-offs.  You go to games intending just to watch, but you are cajoled into sitting at the scorer’s table, keeping track of fouls or maintaining the scoreboard.  Thank you! It truly does take a village.

Parents are part of the Rec Basketball village.

For the kids, it’s more than just a game. Their leagues became a social ecosystem. Post-draft Snapchats flow when kids find out who is on their team (and which one was “stacked”).

During the season they walk the halls, high-fiving a teammate who just scored their first basket or made a clutch free- throw.

Lunch tables buzz with game discussions, analyzed like an NBA finals game 7.

With 5 elementary schools feeding into 2 middle schools, and then into Staples, Rec Basketball serves as a bonding experience where everyone knows each other.

Rec’s formal rules, honed over decades, enshrine fundamental tenets of sportsmanship and equity.

First and most importantly: Everyone plays an equal amount of time. Rather than weed players out, Rec encourages players of all skill levels to participate. From the best players (often on travel teams) to kids who just like to hoop it up in their driveway, everyone plays the same. This rule is sacrosanct.

Playing …

Second: Great pains are taken to ensure the teams are fair. Leagues work together to draft players, so each team (at least on paper) is equal. That’s why we have tryouts – to evenly place players, for balanced rosters. Coaches want fun, fair and even contests.

All league regular season games are played for tournament seeding — which brings us to March Madness.

It’s the culmination of months of practice, and what distinguishes Westport’s league from other towns.

It is more than just a post-season tournament. Parks & Rec creates an entire format of fun games and experiences. From knock-out to 3-point tournaments, there is an activity for everyone.

After each team is eliminated, they get a mini-pizza party in the cafeteria. And of course, a champion is crowned. Queue up the “One Shining Moment” song!

… and warming up. (All photos courtesy of Lee Shufro)

I’ve been a volunteer coach since I moved to Westport in 2020 (my first season was post-Covid). Being a coach is one of the ways I’ve been welcomed to the town.

The season is long, stretching from mid-November tryouts to the championship in early March. Over the years, I’ve spent many hours in gyms rating players.  I’ve huddled with other coaches at Viva Zapata, drafting players with spreadsheets rivaling those found on Wall Street.

I’ve sent countless emails to parents to “remember to bring water to the game,” with play-by-play game stories. It’s been a true labor of love.

If I may speak for all players, coaches and parents: Just like all youth sports, it has been a massive commitment — but well worth it, on and off the court.

Many times I’ve been in a restaurant when a parent says hi, and thanks me for coaching their son years ago. I’ve formed bonds with other coaches, as we post game results and smooth over any issues via text chat. I’ve coached alongside other parents for years, building a rivalry that exists only in my head.

Lastly and most importantly, Rec Basketball has given me a platform to bond with my son.

We’ve been through it all. It’s crazy. but one of my fondest memories of Westport is his 5th  grade team’s run to the Final Four as the last seed.

With March Madness quickly approaching, the Rec season will come to its close.

As my son enters Staples next year, this merry-go-round will eventually stop. We will both graduate Rec Basketball. We will turn the page on another chapter of his childhood.

Goodbye and goodnight, Rec Basketball. I love thee!

(“06880” regularly covers Westport kids’ activities — and their parents’ too. If you appreciate our hyper-local, 24/7/365 focus, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Skip Gilbert: Winter Olympics Offer Lessons For Youth Sports

Posted on February 25, 2026 | 2 comments

Skip Gilbert knows his way around sports.

The former Westporter — now a Weston resident — worked with the US Tennis Association, USA Triathlon, USA Swimming and US Soccer. He was chair of the National Governing Bodies Council, and managing director of operations, marketing and development for the US Anti-Doping Agency.

Skip Gilbert

Most recently, Gilbert was CEO of US Youth Soccer.

That’s especially fitting: He was a University of Vermont goalkeeper star, played with the professional Tampa Bay Rowdies, and trained with Sheffield United, and clubs in Holland and Hong Kong.

This month, Gilbert avidly watched the Winter Olympics. He had 2 perspectives: industry insider, and sports fan.

He wrote some thoughts for a soccer publication. But his insights speak to perhaps the most burning issue in all youth sports, here and across the country: At what age should children start to specialize? How young is too young — and what will happen if they don’t choose one sport early in life? 

Gilbert said:

What did the Winter Olympics tell us about youth soccer in the US?

Plenty.

First, let me congratulate my former national governing body colleagues in putting together an impressive collection of world-class athletes to propel Team USA to its most successful Winter Games in history.

They were incredible to watch, and I could not have been prouder, absorbing every minute of every telecast.

Both the US men’s and women’s hockey teams won gold medals — both with 2-1 overtime wins against Canada.

Of all the great content delivered by NBC over the past few weeks, the most impactful regarding youth soccer was a segment by Mary Carillo, outlining the philosophy of youth development by one European country for kids under 12.

Their focus is for those kids to learn the chosen sport(s) with the goal of having fun. No pressure, no champions, no imagined expectations for parents to embrace.

Many will say that culture can’t succeed in the US.

I strongly disagree. For years, well before my recent role in youth soccer, I’ve been a strong advocate for multi-sport training for kids under 12 — and a firm believer that the only term kids under 12 should use is “player.”

No “elite.” No “travel.” Just “player.”

I also emphatically support the American Development Model (ADM) for coaching, designed by a sport national governing body and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

For kids under 12, the goal is to learn the game, have fun, and pursue a path that will allow them to love, play and enjoy the game throughout their entire life.

From there, those with the “it” factor will have the path to follow, courtesy of the ADM. Those that don’t will not need to quit the sport. They will have an alternate path to follow.

If you are skeptical, let me end with 2 questions.

What national governing body wrote the ADM with the USOPC? USA Hockey — and they have gold medals for both the women’s and men’s teams.

As for the European country? It’s Norway: population 5.5 million (the same as Minnesota; the US population is 342 million). Their performance this month produced the most gold medals — and most total medals — in Winter Olympic history.

The Winter Olympics told us clearly that youth soccer in the US has something to learn.

Many other sports can heed those lessons too.

(“06880” regularly covers sports, kids, the joys and pressures of life in Westport, and much more. If you enjoy the broad scope of this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3221

Posted on February 12, 2026 | Leave a comment

One view of the Westport PAL Rink at Longshore …

… and another (Photos/Marina Drasnin)

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Posted in Children, Longshore, Pic of the Day, Sports

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Roundup: Larry Sidney’s Olympics, Select Board’s Agenda, Students’ Screens And Sales …

Posted on February 7, 2026 | 1 comment

Sharp-eyed viewers of yesterday’s Winter Olympics opening ceremony may have spotted former Staples High School cross country coach Larry Sidney marching with Israel’s athletes.

But there is much more to the story than meets the eye.

Larry Sidney (left), at the 2026 Olympics opening ceremony.

After leaving Westport, Larry moved overseas. He was a dual athlete, competing in skeleton from 2014-18, and curling from 2018 on.

In 2024 — at 46 years old — he qualified for this year’s Olympics.

Then he was diagnosed with cancer. Almost exactly a year ago today, his right leg was amputated below the knee.

But there Larry was yesterday, walking proudly as an Olympic administration for his country.

Professionally, he’s a holistic financial advisor. He graduated from the University of Connecticut, then earned an MBA at the University of California-Berkeley.

Click here or below for an inspirational 2024 TEDx talk by Larry, on the power of pursuing audacious dreams. (Hat tip: Richard Fogel)

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The Board of Selectpersons has a full agenda for its Wednesday meeting (February 11, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream).

Among the 17 items:

♦ Approving policy changes recommended by the Parks & Recreation Commission, including”

— Change of dry stall first launch date from May 1 to April 1.

— To allow the sale of alcoholic beverages, with the exception of THC products, at the Longshore golf course by approved vendors only.

— To continue to offer, and add 1 additional, firepit rentals on South Beach at Compo Beach.

— To require parking emblems at Canal Beach from May 1 to September 30.

— Fee increases, for golf cart rentals (9 holes, to $15 from $14, 18 holes $22 from $20; Camp Compo resident $325 from $265, non-resident $350 from $285; RECinc Crew resident $400 from $315, non-resident $425 from $335).

♦  Appointing 2 alternate members to the Board of Assessment Appeals: Thomas Bloch and Robert Bass.

♦   Approving contracts for work at the Imperial Avenue lot, an for the replacement of the Levitt Pavilion stage.

Click here for the full agenda.

The Select Board is expected to approve replacement of the Levitt Pavilion stage. The Tedeschi Trucks Band was one of many acts to play there last year. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Screen time — and how to navigate it safely –– is all over the news.

It’s one thing for youngsters to hear strategies from parents and teachers. It’s another — much more important — thing to learn from almost-peers.

Recently, 6th graders at Coleytown and Bedford Middle Schools took part in iMentor. The initiative is facilitated by the Westport Youth Commission, using trained Staples High student mentors.

The high schoolers lead engaging, age-appropriate discussions that encourage middle schoolers to think critically about their online behavior and digital decision-making.

The interactive topics include civility and kindness, digital footprints, safety risks, identifying trustworthy sites and managing screen time.

iMentors also emphasize the importance of speaking with a parent or other trusted adult about anything concerning online.

iMentors in action, at Coleytown Middle School.

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The next generation of business leaders took over the Westport Library on Thursday.

The first-ever Mini Moguls Marketplace youth business fair drew (very) young vendors in grades 5–8, and plenty of shoppers.

Founded and organized by Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi, it featured over a dozen student businesses, ranging from handmade crafts to collections of gently used books and games.

Each “mini mogul” offered a poster board, outlining pricing strategies and marketing plans.

A financial literacy keynote presentation emphasized the benefits of understanding money management at a young age.

Long Lots Elementary School students Leo Rubin and Luke Capolupo made their first necklace sale to superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Phil Rubin)

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11 Beachside Commons — the 1970s contemporary home with 5 bedrooms, 7 1/2 bathrooms, a floating staircase, periscope skylights, rainbow glazing purple carpet and a 150-foot multicolored tile pathway that “meanders” through the house, and which was the home of the late biotech entrepreneur/investor/ scientist Alan Walton and his wife Elenor — will be demolished soon.

An estate sale is set for today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It’s a chance to buy some very interesting items.

And to see one of Westport’s most stunning homes, before it meets the wrecking ball.

Inside 11 Beachside Commons. (Hat tip and photo/Cindy Nigro)

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Chryse Terrill was “buzzing” with excitement during a recent visit to Caroline House in Bridgeport.

 

The Wakeman Town Farm educator brought a lesson on bees. The preschoolers were eager to learn about their lifecycles, honeycombs, and the importance of bees as pollinators. They also loved the honey from WTF’s hives.

The program is part of Wakeman’s new “Farm on the Go” initiative. It expands equitable access to nature-based education for children facing financial, transportation or other barriers. 

 

With a grant from Town Fair Tire and the motto “Grow Your Food, Know Your Food,” the initiative helps students understand where their food comes from, how natural systems work, and why environmental stewardship matters throughproject-based learning delivered by WTF educators.

 

To suggest a school that would benefit from the “Farm on the Go” program, email info@wakemantownfarm.org. 

Exploring a honeycomb, through WTF’s “Farm on the Go.”

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a flock of gulls, on the frozen Saugatuck River.

It’s so cold, a few of them can stand on one foot only.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

The cold continues all weekend. After a high of 20 today, the thermometer plunges to 1 degree tonight. That’s the coldest in several winters.

Tomorrow’s high reaches only 18. But Sunday night will be almost balmy: 7 degrees.

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And finally … in honor of Larry Sidney (story above), and all the athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics:

(Want to be a winner? Just click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Game on — and thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Environment, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Real estate, Sports, technology

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