Category Archives: Children

Roundup: Cavalry Road Bridge, Staples Graduation, Sharkey’s Cuts …

Posted on June 18, 2022 | 8 comments

Residents in the Red Coat Road/West Branch neighborhood, straddling the Westport/Weston border, were thrilled earlier this month when the Cavalry Road bridge reopened.

For a year during the project, they’d faced long detours, constant traffic pattern changes, even property damage. They seldom complained.

But now they’re mad.

Suddenly, a large chain link fence has been installed on both sides of the new bridge. Residents call it an eyesore — and not part of the original plan. They wonder how safety measures more appropriate for a state road became part of their bucolic landscape.

Guardrail and fencing on the Cavalry Road bridge.

Resident Gery Grove — who says it is a Weston project — wrote to officials of both towns:

“This is a low speed bridge (now with extensive guardrails in place) with probably a limited to nonexistent history of injury or death. This is a pastoral residential neighborhood that people move to for quiet charms.

“Behind our backs at the dawn of a holiday weekend, it has been made to look like a downtown Manhattan parking lot with no warning. And likely no historical public record of this addition. No other small bridges that I am aware of (that don’t go over the Merritt or I95) have this extensive fencing.”

Westport 1st selectwoman replied quickly, promising to meet with residents there on Monday morning.

Weston town administrator Jnoathan Luiz said that he asked the engineering company that designed the bridge and provided construction oversight to respond.

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For the second year in a row — after a hiatus of nearly 40 years — Staples High School held its graduation ceremony outdoors.

“06880” provided photos of the 135th commencement. But those were only from ground level.

Staples sophomore Charlie Scott adds a new perspective, thanks to his drone:

(Drone photo/Charlie Scott)

The stage is at the north end (bottom of photo). Board of Education and other dignitaries are at the lower left. The 450-plus graduates are massed on Coach Paul Lane Field. The 2,000 spectators fill the bleachers on the right.

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Scalp dramatically reduces chemotherapy-induced hair loss in cancer patients.

But it’s expensive.

Scott Sharkey — founder of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, the Westport-based haircut chain – has jump-started a fund to support patients throughout New England who cannot afford the treatment.

Each Sharkey’s salon donates a percent of every haircut to charity. “Hair to Stay” will be one more beneficiary of the company’s generosity.

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Jillian Elder has a new line of Westport-themed tank tops, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and tumblers.

Some are actually more specific: They say “I’d rather be in Saugatuck” and “I’d rather be at Compo Beach.” There are also red-white-and-blue Minute Man items.

Click here for “I’d Rather Be …”; click here for the Minute Man stuff.

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Artists Collective of Westport member Lee Walther curated a new exhibit, “Sculptural Dimensions,” at the Fairfield Public Library. It features Collective artists Sooo-z Mastropietro and Louise Cadoux, plus international artist Alan Neider.

The show runs through August 6. Click here for more infromation.

Art by Sooo-z Mastropietro.

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Marie Coppotelli — one of Westport’s first girls “soccer moms” — died peacefully on June 9. She was 92 years old.  .

Stuart McCarthy — a founder of Westport’s girls soccer program, and former Staples High School coach — says:

When we started the first girls travel team in 1977, Marie took charge. She did all the great organization and coordination that comes with the job (but she had no 3-ring binder left behind by the last manager). I will always remember how she was such a sweet lady — until someone fouled one of ‘her girls.’ Marie was fiercely protective, and they were all ‘her girls.’ We were all lucky to have Marie on our team.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Donald Coppotelli and brother Anthony Cuda. She is survived by her sister Patricia Nole, sister-in-law Lynn Cuda; children Michele (Pat) Solis, Lisa Coppotelli, Alan (Nancey) Coppotelli, Renee (Mark) Dixon, and Claudine (Lee) Martin; grandchildren Emma and Reed Tso, Oliver and Madeline Dixon, Devon Mayhew, Dylan and Eileen
Martin, Ghislain and Mary Melaine, Jeff and Jessica Doerner, and great-grandchildren Molly and Benjamin Doerner and Georges Melaine.

Services will be held privately at a future date. In lieu of flowers,
everyone who knew Marie knows she loves to feed people. Donations may be made online to Connecticut Foodshare, Memories and condolences may be sent to the family: ACoppotelliNY@aol.com,

The Coppotellis, at Marie and Don’s 50th wedding celebration. From left: Renee, Claudine, Donald, Marie, Michele, Lisa, Alan.

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This “Westport … Naturally” wren seems right at home in Paul Delano’s birdhouse.

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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And finally … sure, Jillian Elder’s gear and mugs say “I’d rather be in Saugatuck” (or “at Compo Beach”).

But as the Turtles knew years ago:

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Posted in Arts, Children, Local business, Obituaries, Staples HS, Transportation

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Friday Flashback #301

Posted on June 17, 2022 | 9 comments

For decades, Westport kids have marked the end of the school year by an event having nothing to do with teachers or books.

The Yankee Doodle Fair roars into town either days before, or days after, the final bell rings. It’s as reliable a start to summer as any tradition could be.

The last 2 years have been different. COVID canceled the event in 2020; last year, it was pushed from June to September.

But now the Yankee Doodle Fair is back. It opened last night; it continues tonight (Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.), on the Westport Woman Club’s Imperial Avenue grounds

As always, it’s a major fundraiser for the WWC.

And — as these photos from Yankee Doodle Fairs past show — it’s major fun.

A classic carousel, at the Yankee Doodle Fair.

This is noted writer Parke Cummings. He may have walked over from his home on the corner of South Compo and Bridge Street.

Marjorie Teuscher and her son Phil. Her husband — a doctor — owned real estate downtown, including the building that was most recently Tavern on Main. Phil — now all grown up — still lives in Westport.

Pam Blackburn — who sent these photos from her father, George — is shown here with her sister Perii and their mom, Jessica Patton Barkentin.

The Yankee Doodle Fair, as shown in the August 11, 1947 issue of Life Magazine.

Before the Westport Woman’s Club bought their Imperial Avenue clubhouse (and parking lot next door), the Yankee Doodle Fair was held on Jesup Green. This shows National Hall (then Fairfield Furniture) in the background, across the river.

 

BONUS RIDE: In the final season of “I Love Lucy” — after the Ricardos and Mertzes moved to Westport — Lucy and Ethel celebrated a fanciful “Yankee Doodle Day.” The poster about the Yankee Doodle celebration read: “Statue Dedication at Jessup (sic) Green.”

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Posted in Children, Downtown, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: Taste Of Westport, Juneteenth, You Be You Day …

Posted on June 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)

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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.

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The Levitt Pavilion has never looked better.

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)

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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

And there was this bulletin board too:

(Photo courtesy of Leann Duggan)

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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.

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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.”

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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What could be more mundane than a midday chat?

Martin Greenberg captured this scene, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Martin Greenberg)

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And finally … in honor of our elementary schools’ great “You Be You Day” yesterday:

 

 

  

 

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Posted in Children, Environment, History, Local business, Longshore, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Yankee Doodle Comes To Town

Posted on June 15, 2022 | 3 comments

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)

(“06880” relies completely on reader support. To donate, click here.)

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Posted in Categories, Children, Entertainment

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Nobody Here But Nikki And Maeve’s Chickens

Posted on June 14, 2022 | 10 comments

Dr. Nikki Gorman is a well-known, much loved Westport pediatrician.

What may be less known is that she loves chickens.

And raises them.

Her hobby began with CT Rent-a-Hen. They deliver everything you need. You get them for 3 months, with an option to renew.

Nikki did.

This is not Duck.

Unfortunately, a predator got into the henhouse. They all perished — except for the fastest, wiliest chicken, named Duck.

It stayed close to the yard, but off her property — sometimes in trees. Nikki spent 2 weeks trying to catch it.

Finally, her neighbor Jennifer Greely offered her daughter’s help. Maeve arrived with chicken-catching gear (including a blanket), and a big smile.

Within a couple of hours, she had caught Duck. Jen offered to nurse it back to health, in her garage. Nikki happily agreed.

Several months later, Duck is still with Maeve. It is completely rehabbed, and integrated into her large group.

Nikki told Maeve that she’d be opening Westport Medical & Wellness Center, behind the CVS parking lot on Whitney Street. There was a yard, where Nikki wanted chickens. After all, they’re very calming, and produce wonderful eggs.

Maeve offered to handpick the right chickens. And, she said, she would order them herself — and grow them to where they could successfully live outside the pen.

Nikki visited often, and bonded with the chickens Maeve was raising.

It’s a great story. And, Nikki adds, at the end: Maeve is only 10 years old!

Maeve’s mother Jen adds some background.

Maeve was just 3 when she and her mom (and a chicken) did a “Caregiver and Me” class at Wakeman Town Farm. Jen was not ready for chickens, so instead she got Maeve a puppy.

Maeve was very young when she caught the chicken bug.

At 6, the youngster began raising chickens. Her passion grew, even when a raccoon killed many of her chicks. One was maimed so badly, it lost a wing. Maeve gave it round-the-clock pain meds and antibiotics, and cared for it until its death 3 1/2 years later.

At 7, she had her own booth at the Maker Faire.

“We call Maeve ‘the chicken whisperer,'” Jen says. “She really seems to understand their personalities, sounds, and the social dynamics of a flock.

“I asked her what it is about chickens that draws her to them. She said that people think they’re stupid, but they have a very strong social support structure, and each chicken is accepted into the flock for who they are.

Maeve relaxes, with her backyard flock.

“Maeve used Nikki’s chicken Duck as an example. She said when she was getting Duck strong enough to integrate into the flock, only one other hen came to peck Duck, as a way to put her in her place.

“But that quickly ended. The other chickens just ignored Duck — which rarely happens. Maeve said this is because the other chickens could tell that Duck had been traumatized by having to survive in the wild alone.

“Maeve said the other chickens recognized that Duck wasn’t a threat to the flock pecking order. She just needed to feel safe and be with others.”

Jen adds, “Honestly, isn’t that what all of us, chicken or human, need in this world?

Galia Gichon, Dr. Nikki Gorman and friend.

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Roundup: Staples Lacrosse, Levitt Kids, Rev. Hezekiah Ripley …

Posted on June 13, 2022 | 10 comments

In a seismic performance that rocked the state, the Staples boys lacrosse team stunned perennial powerhouse Darien 12-3 yesterday. It was the Wreckers’ first-ever state L (large schools) championship.

The game, played before a large crowd at Sacred Heart University, was even more one-sided than that. Staples led 9-1 at halftime, and never looked back.

Though the Westporters were seeded #2, and the Blue Wave #1, the only people not surprised by the overpowering win were the winners themselves.

Coach Will Koshansky and his staff prepared their squad well. The game plan — hold on to the ball on each possession, frustrating Darien’s offense and defense — worked to perfection.

Staples was led by Mason Schaefer (first goal, 1:23 into the game), Gavin Rothenberg (4 goals), Charlie Howard (3 goals, adding to his career-record total), Derek Sale (2 goals, 1 assist), Ryan Thompson (3 assists), and faceoff specialist Henry Dodge, who took away one of the Wavers’ most potent weapons.

Darien came back from a 9-7 deficit to win the regular season game, 15-10. There was no comeback yesterday — only an ever-lengthening Wrecker lead, and soon the state crown.

Congratulations to Coach Koshansky, his staff, and the entire Staples boys lacrosse program!

The state champion Staples High School boys lacrosse team.

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The Levitt Pavilion’s popular Children’s Series returns next week. It begins June 22, and runs every Wednesday at 7 p.m. through August 24. All 10 shows are free, with a ticket. Member online access began yesterday; public access begins today (Monday) at noon. Click here to reserve a ticket.

The Children’s Series kicks off with Josh Lovelace, whose new release is a modern pop-infused take on his trademark family-style Americana music.

Other performers include:

  • June 29: Falu (2022 Grammy Award-winner, Best Children’s Album)
  • July 6: Joanie Leeds (2021 Grammy winner, Best Children’s Music Album)
  • July 13: The Hall Family (beloved annual tradition)
  • July 20: Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could (3 Grammy nominations)
  • July 27: Smity + Yarn (reggae funk, folk, country and roots)
  • August 3: Lucy Kalantari & the Jazz Cats (2 Grammy nominations)
  • August 10: Elena Moon Park & Friends (folk and children’s songs from Asia)
  • August 17: Divinity Roxx (Grammy nominated)
  • August 24: Tim Kubart & the Space Cadets (2016 Grammy winner, Best Children’s album).

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Speaking of the Levitt: Fleetwood Mac tribute band Tusk entertained a large crowd there last night. The summer has begun!

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Yesterday’s rededication of the newly restored Green’s Farms Church included the usual: speeches, a ribbon-cutting, refreshments.

It also included the unusual: a visit from Rev. Hezekiah Ripley, one of the most noted pastors in the 311-year-old church’s history. He served from 1762 to 1821; Martha Washington honored him with a gift of pewter.

Rev. Hezekiah Ripley in the Green’s Farms Church cemetery,, yesterday. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)

Green’s Farms Church began in 1711 as the parish’s religious, educational and social center, at what is now the corner of the I-95 Exit 18 parking lot, near the Sherwood Island Connector and Greens Farms Road.

It moved to its current Hillandale Road location in 1789. The current building dates to 1853. Click here for more details of this remarkable institution.

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Robert Braczyk sends a photo …

… and writes:

“We discovered this pattern in our Cross Highway back yard a week ago. It is 3 28-inch singed squares of grass in a roughly equilateral triangle, approximately 13 feet on each side.

“We have owned our house since 1968, and know there is nothing under the ground in that area.

“We consulted our lawn service, pool service and an arborist, who had been over the area 2 months earlier. We’ve asked our adjoining neighbors to look at it.

“People have suggested it could be grubs, a hot barbecue grill on the grass, spilled weed killer, a prank, and a couple of others ideas. None of those explanations are possible. We were at home throughout the time that it developed. I wonder if anyone else in Westport has seen anything like this.”

So, “06880” readers: What’s up (or down)? If you have an idea, click “Comments” below.

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“Westport … Naturally” kicks off the week with a beautiful photo.

(Photo … Elisabeth Lewey)

Beautiful, that is, unless she’s in your garden, or leaping in front of your car.

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And finally … in honor of the Staples boys lacrosse team’s huge state championship win yesterday: Sure, it’s a trite musical selection. But this song says it all.

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Looking back, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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A Proud Day For Westport

Posted on June 12, 2022 | 5 comments

The rain that chased Westport’s 2nd annual Pride festival from Jesup Green to Staples High School never materialized. So there were no rainbows in the sky above the courtyard.

But nearby, in the auditorium foyer, hundreds of rainbows were on display. Buttons, artwork, t-shirts, bagels  — rainbows were everywhere.

The rainbow arch was a popular spot for photos.

And a rainbow constellation of Westporters — parents, grandparents, couples without children, 20somethings, clergy members, musicians, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, and scores of kids of all ages — smiled, applauded and hugged all afternoon long.

A small part of the large Pride crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

From the opening remarks by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — who said that the sponsors, Westport Pride, have made Westport “a better community” — to heartfelt stories from people like former Staples principal John Dodig, former tennis captain Luke Foreman, current students and Amis/Terrain executive chef Jes Bengtson, to entertainment by very talented teens,  and on through closing blessings by Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain, it was a day to celebrate inclusivity in our schools and community.

Luke Foreman describes his journey. (Photo/Marjorie Almansi)

The event drew nearly 1,000 members of the LGBTQ+ community, and many allies. They had — in both senses of the word — a very gay time.

Who doesn’t like rainbow bagels? (Photo/Dan Woog)

Staples Class of 2021 graduate Benny Zack returned for the event. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Former Bedford Middle School teacher Kerstin Rao, and Dr. Nikki Gorman. The pediatrician, and owner of Westport Medical & Wellness Center, was a featured speaker. (Photo/Bethany Eppner)

Rainbows were everywhere at Westport Pride. Kids’ activities included arts and crafts and face painting. (Photo/Bethany Eppner)

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, with an official town proclamation. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Former Staples High principal John Dodig inspired listeners with his story. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Westport RTM member Harris Falk dressed for the occasion … (Photo/Dan Woog)

… as did Rev. John Betit of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church … (Photo/Dan Woog)

… while former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe sported an appropriate tie. (Photo/Dan Woog)

State Representative Stephanie Thomas lent her support. She’s running for Secretary of the State. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Westport Pride founder and festival co-organizer Brian McGunagle introduced his 3-year-old son Henry to the crowd. They loved him.  (Photo/Dan Woog)

Love is love. (Photo/Marjorie Almansi)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, religion, Staples HS, Teenagers, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #1879

Posted on June 9, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1879

The Yankee Doodle Fair is still a week away — it opens next Thursday, June 16. But the first rides have already been delivered to the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Summer can’t be far behind. (Photo./Fred Cantor)

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Help Haleigh Donovan — Make Her Classroom Great!

Posted on June 2, 2022 | 5 comments

Haleigh Donovan says she was fortunate to grow up in Westport. Among her many advantages: “tons of books,” in school and at home.

After graduating from Staples High in 2014, and with a major in communications and a minor in international studies 4 from the College of Charleston 4 years later, she headed to Thailand.

Her year teaching math and science to 1st graders was a “fantastic” experience. She is still in touch with students’ parents, via Facebook.

Haleigh Donovan, with her students in Thailand.

Haleigh returned to the US, and worked as a dining coordinator. She was furloughed during COVID, and pivoted to healthcare PR.

But that was not her passion. She remembered her excitement about teaching. Every Sunday, she was excited for the week ahead.

Last spring, she explored College of Charleston’s masters in elementary education program. Her parents — Dan and Nicole Donovan, both of whom also graduated from Staples — supported her fully.

This fall, she will teach 4th graders at Pinehurst Elementary School, in North Charleston.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, it’s a Title I school: low income, high need. Most students are Hispanic; many are not native English speakers.

Every student eats breakfast there. Before remote learning days, they’re sent home with food.

Haleigh is excited. And she wants to make sure her students have a solid classroom library.

The Donovan family is large. She began by asking her 5 siblings and many cousins – spread across the country — for contributions.

Haleigh Donovan (center) with her siblings, at her master’s degree graduation last month.

But they’re around her age. They don’t have many children’s books lying around.

So she’s asking “06880” readers for their picture and chapter books.

“I’m old-fashioned,” Haleigh says. “There’s nothing better than an actual book you can hold. I want to give these incredible kids access to those books.”

She is grateful for the opportunities she had growing up. She thinks back to her Staples senior internship at Coleytown Elementary School — where she also substitute taught this winter, when she was back in Westport.

There’s no reason, she says, her Pinehurst students should not have books too.

Haleigh invites anyone with books to contribute to her 4th grade classroom to email her: haleighdonovan@gmail.com.

She’ll be in Westport until mid-June. Then she’ll be back in Charleston, getting her classroom — and its library — ready for fall.

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Union Square Play Comes To Suburbs

Posted on May 31, 2022 | 1 comment

Kira Greenfield’s first son was born on April 3, 2020.

it was a “crazy time” in Manhattan. COVID was new, and terrifying. The world had screeched to a halt. No one would visit.

Scared and alone, Kira googled “virtual mom groups.” She found one with 10 other new mothers — all in similar, vulnerable positions.

Suddenly, Kira no longer felt like the only woman with a new baby. She connected with a wonderful, online village.

Last summer, Kira and her husband Mark moved to Westport. Earlier, they discovered the town, and called it their “secret place.” They figured they’d eventually move here. The pandemic speeded the process dramatically.

Kira’s parents moved here too. So did her brother. Several friends followed from New York. All have loved the town: its beauty, amenities and lifestyle.

Kira and Mark Greenfield, and their son.

Around the time Kira moved here, Jennie Monness — co-founder of Union Square Play — reached out. Her company — which runs classes, activities, groups and events for kids, parents and caregivers at 3 New York sites — was expanding.

Kira became Union Square Play’s community manager. Of course, one of those new communities is Westport.

In yurts set up outside Chabad on Newtown Turnpike, special programs will be offered to moms, dads, grandparents and other caregivers. “Mo’ Flow” (play) classes are planned for Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays; “Ramblin’ Dan” music classes run on Thursdays.

“They’re imaginative and open-ended,” Kira says. Each has a different theme and style of play. The idea is for youngsters to “think outside the box.”

Kira has incorporated one of her favorite parts of Westport — the water — into her new offerings. The summer series runs July 5 to August 12.

As she walked her hour-long loop from Compo Beach to Old Mill, then up Compo Hill, she felt “transported.” Along the way, she met other moms.

A prefect place for moms to bond. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

So starting next Monday (June 6), Kira has organized “mom walks.” They’ll start at 9:30 a.m., at the cannons. She’ll provide the coffee; then off everyone goes.

No registration or prior notice is needed. Kira will introduce anyone feeling shy or uncomfortable to others.

And although there are suggested days for mothers with different ages (Mondays, babies too young for school this fall; Tuesdays, moms with kids in the 2s this fall; Wednesdays, kids in the 3s; Thursdays, the 4s; Fridays, moms with kids entering kindergarten), it’s fine to show up on any day that’s convenient.

The “mom walks” will continue at least through June.

“We want to make the early years of parenting fun and communal,” Kira says.

A Union Square Play mom’s group gathering in New York.

Westport is not quite Union Square. But plenty of new moms and dads have arrived here recently, from there.

Now — in their new community — they have their own parenting community: Westport’s Union Square Play.

(The Westport classes will be available on the Union Square Play website tomorrow — June 1.)

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