For 10 years, special education teacher Sarah Innes has served students from kindergarten through 4th grade.
From working in the classroom to catching up with former students and parents at Trader Joe’s or Compo Beach, she feels a deep connection to Westport families.
This summer, she will take the experience she’s gained in our district, and stretch it — and herself — far beyond our borders.
Innes will volunteer overseas as a SkillCorps member with the Global Autism Project. She’ll be assigned to a school devoted specifically to children on the autism spectrum.
Sarah Innes
Innes — who began her special ed career in 2010, in the first New York City public school for children with autism — is a board certified behavior analyst. She joined the Westport Public Schools in 2015.
She does not yet know which of 4 countries she’ll be assigned to. But wherever it is, she looks forward to helping.
“Our kids here have so much more than other parts of the world,” Innes says. “There are so many places that need support and funding.”
She’ll pay for all her travel expenses. In addition, she has pledged to raise $9,500 to help with curriculum development, staff training, professional conferences and mentorship programs. She’s already nearly halfway there. (Click here to donate, and for more information.)
“I believe that location should never determine the quality of a child’s education,” Innes says.
“My career has been defined by my work in 2 of the nation’s leading school systems for individuals with disabilities.
“Having seen the life-changing results of these programs, I am passionate about taking the lessons I’ve learned and sharing them with the world. I am dedicated to enriching communities that haven’t yet had the opportunity to provide this level of specialized support.”
A small, well-spaced-apart crowd was joined by many more online participants this afternoon. They gathered, in real space and cyberspace, to hear from experts about the looming threat from COVID-19.
The Westport Library event — called “a forum in the Forum” by 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — provided plenty of detailed information. Presentations were clear and cogent; questions were wide-ranging and thoughtful; answers were direct and honest.
It was a powerful display of active, coordinated town leadership on many levels, and a reminder that good government has a powerful place in society.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe (far right), and today’s COVID-19 panel at the Westport Library.
The key takeaways, from Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper, fire chief and director of emergency management Robert Yost, Westport Public Schools health services supervisor Suzanne Levasseur and others:
It is virtually inevitable that COVID-19 will come to Westport. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when.” Our population is too mobile, and the virus is too relentless. In fact, it may already be here.
Town officials — including the 1st Selectman, Health District and public schools — are in constant contact with the state and CDC. Conversations are frequent, ongoing and productive.
There are dozens of “what-ifs.” No one knows how many people will be affected or how. Planning is taking place to cover many scenarios.
The best precautions include rigorous hand-washing, frequent cleaning of surfaces, and careful monitoring of surroundings and contacts. Plus, self-monitoring. And save face masks for health care providers and people who are already sick.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (left), who co-chairs the Legislature’s Public Health Committee, and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe demonstrate the best way to say hello, COVID-19-style.
If you feel ill but have not traveled to somewhere affected, are not in a high-risk category, or had contact with someone who is ill, contact your health care provider.
If, however, you have traveled to a high-risk area, or are in a high-risk category (elderly or immuno-compromised), contact the WWHD (www.wwhd.org; 203-227-9571).
The Westport Schools are being very proactive. This includes enhanced cleaning; education about the disease and proper hygiene procedures. and monitoring of student health. Nurses are on heightened awareness; there are signs, videos and plenty of soap and sanitizers in every school. Discussions are “ongoing” about things like field trips.
Here are some of the key questions from audience members and online participants — and the answers:
Should people over 60 be particularly worried? Those in this higher-risk group should follow CDC guidelines to limit exposure — particularly people with underlying health issues.
Where is testing being done? Right now, only in hospitals.
The in-person audience was small. But many more residents viewed the forum on the Westport Library’s streaming feed and Facebook page.
How is the Senior Center handling this? Director Sue Pfister said that, thanks to the day and night custodians, “it’s never been cleaner.” There are wipes and signs throughout the building, with an information table out front. “We are operating as normally as possible,” she said. “We are monitoring and educating, without panicking.” Clients are self-monitoring too, and not coming in if they don’t feel well. The staff is making contingency plans for meals for people who depend on the Center, in the event of closure.
Can we trust the CDC? Cooper said the organization is filled with excellent scientists, who are coordinating with colleagues around the world.
Who decides if schools will close? The superintendent — though Governor Lamont could make an emergency declaration. The cause could be infected students or staff, or as a preventive measure to avoid further spread. Daycare centers are also making contingency plans. Marpe noted that because many teachers — and other town employees — live elsewhere, decisions on closing are “complex.” For that reason, they may be made on a regional or statewide basis, rather than town by town.
What about budget implications? Marpe said he and the town’s legal staff are examining the implications of not being able to meet publicly for discussions — though public meetings are mandated for things like budget decisions.
What about Metro-North? They have enhanced their cleaning procedures — and have seen a drop in ridership. The most at-risk riders should think about using alternative travel methods.
What about restaurants? Owners should check the CDC for checklists. Clorox solutions are the best way to clean. The WWHD will send owners detailed information, if the risk increases.
What about gyms, fitness centers and the Y? They are no more (or less) at risk than other gathering places. Most places seem to be wiping their equipment well; users can do the same. “Social distancing” is important, as is good hygiene. There is no evidence that the virus is spread by sweat; it is spread through coughing, sneezing, and on surfaces.
What about Westport business with many employees who live elsewhere? Some are encouraging them to work from home. Bridgewater, for example, has taken the virus “extremely seriously.” They are in contact with the WWHD, and have limited travel by their employees.
Do Westport’s first responders have enough equipment? Yost says we have been very proactive. And if the situation goes on for a very long period of time? “Probably.”
Westport’s Emergency Medical Services staff were out in force at today’s COVID-19 forum. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Anything else we should know? Our emergency responders and the Health District are watching everything carefully — and everything else too. “We could have severe weather tomorrow that takes out power to everyone,” one panelist said. “We’re preparing for that too.”
In conclusion: Every action has a reaction. We don’t know what the reaction to all this will be, but town officials are planning assiduously and relentlessly. As for the tipping point of this pandemic: “We don’t know when it will come. But we do know it won’t disappear. We’ll keep watching, offering information, and making recommendations.”
The best sources of information:
www.wwhd.org (Health District phone: 203-227-9571)
The weather outside Town Hall was springlike and beautiful.
The faces on the officials arrayed on the front steps were grim.
First selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper, Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers and others outlined today’s rapid developments regarding COVID-19.
Flanked by town officials, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe announces the latest COVID-19 news. From left: Fire Chief and town emergency management head Robert Yost; Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper; Police Chief Foti Koskinas; Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers; 2nd Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and 3rd Selectwoman Melissa Kane.
Last Thursday (March 5), approximately 40 people attended a private party in Westport.
One attendee — a man from an unnamed other nation — was there. He’d been in the US, and was headed home. He did not feel ill.
When he returned to his home country, he developed flu-like symptoms. WWHD officials received verbal notification today that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Of the 40 or so attendees at the party, approximately 14 have since reported flu-like symptoms. “We’re making the assumption it’s COVID-19,” Cooper said. The Health District is compiling a list of all attendees, and assessing their conditions.
“It’s likely many people were exposed,” Cooper said. “And others will be.”
Westport Weston Health District director Mark Cooper.
The party included school-age children. When education officials learned the news, shortly before noon, they made the decision to close all Westport public schools.
Schools will be closed — along with all related activities — for an undetermined period of time. Meanwhile, deep cleaning of all buildings will begin.
“The schools have been working closely for several weeks with the Health District,” Bayers noted. “Our plans were accelerated today.”
His office will communicate information about next steps for students tonight and tomorrow. More updates will follow, in the days ahead.
Westport Public Schools director of administration John Bayers.
Also closed: Town Hall.
Marpe announced it will be shut tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday. Officials will spend time determining how best to offer essential services to the public, while maintenance staff performs deep cleaning.
All municipal meetings are canceled for “the foreseeable future,” Marpe said. The first casualties: Thursday’s Planning & Zoning and Board of Finance sessions.
Human Services Department head Elaine Daignault noted that — as announced earlier today — the Senior Center is closed. The Toquet Hall teen center is similarly shut.
Senior Center director Sue Pfister (far right) listens to the press conference.
Daignault reiterated that staff will assist anyone, such as seniors and people with financial need, despite the closures. Meals to homebound residents will continue to be delivered. For questions or more information, call 203-341-1050.
“We’ll maintain essential services,” she said, urging Westporters to be “good neighbors” to those in need.
Westport Library director Bill Harmer said that his facility will be closed tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday for deep cleaning. Meanwhile, the staff will devise plans moving forward.
The library will reopen Monday for “essential services” only: book checkouts, and reference questions. Harmer encouraged residents to use the library’s extensive digital resources.
Print and television reporters kept their distance from each other, at the press conference on the steps of Town Hall. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The Parks & Recreation Department is limiting the use of fields. The goal is to “avoid gatherings,” Marpe said.
Marpe called the COVID-19 crisis “a constantly evolving situation,” then asked for questions.
In response to one about the availability of test kits, Cooper said that the Health District has been told, “they’re coming.”
Marpe has spoken with Governor Ned Lamont about the issue.
“He’s as frustrated as we are that the kits are not available yet,” the first selectman said. “He’s using every technique possible to get them.”
Marpe reiterated the basic health advice — “wash your hands!” — and noted the importance of avoiding large gatherings.
Private institutions must decide for themselves which events to cancel. “We recognize these are tough decisions,” he said.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
A second Westporter has joined the race to succeed State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein joins Matthew Mandell in the campaign for the 136th District. Steinberg is retiring.
Goldstein — a Yale University graduate and former high school English teacher, writer, editor and manager of a family foundation, and volunteer with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Mercy Learning Center — filed paperwork on Thursday.
“Westport deserves experienced, thoughtful leadership that protects our schools, strengthens our communities, and takes the rising cost of living seriously,” says Goldstein. “I’m running to bring that leadership to Hartford.”
As BOE chair for 4 years, Goldstein helped lead the renovation of Coleytown Middle School, plan for a new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool, and develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan.
School budgets have passed unanimously, which she attributes to collaboration she fostered between the Board of Ed, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.
Lee Goldstein
However, she notes, “Federal instability threatens funding, public health and safety, education, reproductive rights, and common-sense gun safety laws. Connecticut needs steady, values-driven leaders in Hartford who recognize what’s at stake and bring people together to solve problems.”
Goldstein tells “06880”: “I am proud of our remarkable schools. But over the past 4 years on the Board, I’ve learned that more depends on relationships and trust than on any single decision.
“Whether we’re aligning budgets with long-term priorities, advancing overdue capital work or developing complex strategic plans, progress comes from listening, persistence, and a willingness to bring people together around shared goals. The most durable decisions are rarely the most dramatic ones — they’re the ones people have a hand in creating themselves.
“What is drawing me toward Hartford right now is a mix of optimism and urgency. I think Connecticut has the capacity to respond thoughtfully to this moment -strengthening public education, protecting reproductive rights, public health, and gun safety laws, addressing affordability pressures, and helping communities plan responsibly for the long term.
“But optimism only matters if you’re willing to take responsibility for what comes next. Over time, I’ve come to feel that the next phase of the work I care about needs to happen at the state level.”
At 18 months old, Jocelyn Cutie was diagnosed with autism. That was over 30 years ago.
In terms of what was known about the disorder, it might have been 300 years.
Much has been learned since then, says Jocelyn’s father Jim, a longtime Westport resident.
But what he and his wife Chris have learned — about autism, and what was locked inside Jocelyn for nearly her entire life — is breathtaking.
Jocelyn’s condition — apraxia — involves motor function, not cognition.
“She understands every word you’re saying,” Jim explains. “She just can’t respond verbally, vocally.”
Jocelyn Cutie (right) and her parents, at a party.
Until 2 years ago, Jim and Chris had no idea what was going on in their daughter’s brain.
But when she began to use a spelling board to communicate at the Mouth to Hand Learning Center in Mount Kisco, New York, her world has joined theirs.
In that short span of time Jocelyn has taken college-level poetry, literature and biology classes. She started a blog.
And she has become an advocate, speaking on panels about the use of spelling to communicate. Her words are insightful, smart — “even sarcastic,” Jim says.
Jocelyn’s story is not unique. Jim and Chris now know more than 50 spellers.
“They suffer from motor impairment, not language skill impairment,” Jim says.
“Their bodies are so greatly dis-regulated that they cannot physically execute what their cognitive brains tell them to do. Speech is physical; language is cognitive.”
Jocelyn Cutie (center) using a spelling board, with Mouth to Hand director Judy Chinitz (left) and her mother Chris.
Jocelyn’s story is similar to Wynston Browne’s, another Westporter. “06880” has reported regularly on his journey, from a non-speaker “presumed incompetent” to a teenager who can multiply three-digit numbers in his head, understands Mandarin, stars in a movie, and wants to become a neuroscientist. (Click here for several stories about Wynston.)
Jim knows there are spelling skeptics. He and his wife had a number of false starts and met some “phonies,” during their 30-year quest to help their daughter.
They even waited a year, after friends told them about spelling devices — simple devices with letters arranged alphabetically, not like a keyboard — before agreeing to give it a try. (Eye commands are used, because apraxia makes motor tasks difficult. The brain knows what to do, but the body cannot execute those commands.)
Mouth to Hand founder/director Judy Chinitz showed Jocelyn 3 boards (fewer letters makes eye tracking easier than only one), then read her a story about Stephen Hawking and disabilities. As Judy asked questions, Jocelyn answered.
“Chris and I wondered, ‘how did she know all this stuff?'” Jim recalls. “She’d been listening all those years.”
Before spelling there was nothing. There sometimes was the slightest glimmer of light in whatever hell I inhabited. The light was mainly emanated by my parents.
But the world was mainly dark: I had no way of telling them that I was in this body. I had no means of communication.
But I was totally one of the lucky ones. Had Mom and Dad not taken me to se Judy, the nightmare would never have ended. I am getting so teary now, just thinking about then and now.
Jocelyn Cutie, spelling with her father Jim.
On her blog, Jocelyn expressed herself eloquently. Describing her “self-improvement kick,” she wrote: “I am really going to try to become more of what I should have been if autism hadn’t happened. I would have been a great student and I would have been popular. Having the opportunity to do both is what M2H is all about.”
She cited “Hallmark Moments”: having friends, and thinking about life before and after Mouth to Hand.
Jocelyn with her mother. Chris is an art instructor at Mouth to Hand, teaching art history, painting, printing and photography.
She has become particularly close to another non-speaker, Judy’s 32-year-old son Alex. She wrote about inviting him and Judy to dinner. (“I will cook. Mom can be my sous chef.”)
She also went to Alex’s bar mitzvah.
I loved that service more than I can express. Everything about it was beautiful, from the singing to Alex reading Hebrew prayers and the Torah, to Judy chanting what he typed.
The rabbis were amazing, and my part in the service was lovely. Seeing Alex up on the stage for 2 hours was happiness itself; he awed all of us.
And, she wrote:
Maybe miracles can happen.
On Saturday I sat on a panel of nonspeakers at the M2H ribbon cutting ceremony. I am still riding the high. A year or so ago I couldn’t even talk. Now I am sitting on public panels, talking in front of dozens of people. I got to meet the mayor of Mount Kisco.
Can you believe this is the same Joss Cutie?
I am still in shock. Definitely, letting me talk on that panel was the greatest thing to ever happen to me.
The whole event was great. I am living the dream these days.
Jocelyn uses her spelling board, while speaking on a panel.
Jocelyn spends 3 days a week at the center. (She wishes she could go even more.) She takes poetry writing, songwriting and dance classes.
She’s in a book club there too (they just finished discussing a Robert Heinlein novel).
Looking back at Jocelyn’s previous life — including her years at Giant Steps in Fairfield, which she attended until she was 21 — Jim says, “Chris and I get pretty emotional. We can’t get certain things back. We talked ‘child talk’ to her even when she was an adult, and she called us out on it.
“Jocelyn is taking 8 serious courses. She’s talking about college courses.
“For us, we’re trying to do what she wants. She’s really a different person. Obviously, we have regrets. But we’re so glad we found Mouth to Hand. She’s harping on the ‘now,’ not the ‘then.’ And so are we.”
Jocelyn is also looking ahead. With a voice that rings out now — after 30 years of silence — she is determined to advocate for those who cannot yet speak.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — in all its complexity and wonder. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Staples High School Counseling Department works hard to encourage students and families to look beyond rankings and “prestige” when considering college, focusing instead on fit, engagement and long-term outcomes.
Last week, a large Westport Library audience heard a nationally recognized education expert emphasize those same ideas.
Jeff Selingo — the author of “Dream School: Finding the Fit That’s Right For You” — made several key points.
He noted that although the average acceptance rate across US colleges hovers around 65%, competition feels more intense than ever. Among the reasons: Students are more willing to travel longer distances to attend “name brand” colleges; it has become much easier to apply to a larger number of schools, and families increasingly see admission to a highly selective college as an “insurance policy” for the future.
Families often approach the admissions process as something that can be carefully optimized, with the right strategy. Selingo said that this often smacks into the reality of holistic admissions, where there is limited transparency about exactly what colleges look for. At the most selective schools, even highly accomplished students compete with thousands of similarly strong applicants from across the country.
Selingo emphasized that long-term outcomes depend less on where a student goes, and more on what they do once they arrive. He encouraged families to look for colleges that provide strong first-year support, opportunities for mentorship with faculty, access to experiential learning such as internships, co-ops or undergraduate research, and strong return on investment.
He also encouraged students to build balanced college lists — and think carefully about why they want to attend college in the first place. When visiting campuses, he suggested taking time to observe the culture, visit academic departments, and look beyond surface impressions to see how students actually engage with the community.
Before the presentation, Selingo met with Staples counselors for a professional development conversation about current trends in higher education and the admissions landscape.
Jeff Selingo (2nd from right), with Staples High counselors.
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Meanwhile, was not another manic Monday at the Westport Library.
Instead, it was a fulfilling Friday.
Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs — who also had a thriving career as a solo performer, and published a novel (“This Bird Has Flown”) — had a spirited and insightful conversation with former CNN journalist (and rock memoirist) Alisyn Camerota. and performed.
Hoffs said she’s still “living inside a dream” of music. She’s stretching that obsession into fiction and new songs rather than arena tours. She added that growing up as the daughter of a psychoanalyst and an artist made it natural to talk through the emotional toll of sudden fame.
Among the audience members: former Talking Heads musicians.
It was an early part of VersoFest. The Library’s annual music/media and more celebration kicks into full gear March 26 (click here for details). (Hat tips: Susan Garment, Allan Siegert)
Susanna Hoffs (left) and Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of music: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.
The legendary drummer for Mountain has played here before. He was a frequent guest of music executive Terry Coen and his wife Gail, at their Soundview Drive home.
Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.
And Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.
He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.
“Fashionably Westport” is one of the hottest tickets on the local events calendar.
The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with models everyone can relate to — because they’re friends and neighbors. (Spoiler alert: One of them will be yours truly.)
The evening includes a great silent auction. The WDA is finalizing the items now. If you’re a business looking to contribute to a great cause — or an individual with a second home to offer, a connection to Broadway or sports or other entertainment, or have something unique to donate — click here.
And finally … In honor of Corky Laing and Mountain (story above):
(From here to Mississippi — and everywhere else — “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Tonight, we take a big step on our long slog toward spring.
Daylight Savings Time returns! Remember to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.
The bad news is: We lose an hour of sleep.
The good news: It won’t be dark at 6 p.m. anymore.
At least, not for another 8 months.
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The judges have ruled, on the Connecticut History Day regional contest.
We’re not sure if these results are historic. But Westport students did very, very well.
Students are encouraged to explore any aspect of history, from local to international. They can work individually or in groups, on topics of their choice. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”
They present projects in one of 5 categories: exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers or performances.
Winners (below) advance to the state competition in May. First and second place finishers there move on to represent Connecticut at the national contest in Maryland.
Staples High School winners include:
1st Place
Noah Bruno (“NASA: How a Space Agency Drove Civil Rights Reforms” — individual documentary)
2nd Place
Alexandra Ben (“Marian Anderson: A Voice That Challenged a Nation” — paper)
Ruby Boroujerdi, Carol Berger, Madeleine Stiber (“Technicolor in ‘The Wizard of Oz’: Revolutionizing the Standards of Cinema” — group exhibit)
Luca Ghedini, Pranav Tamilselvan (“Igniting History: How Gunpowder Triggered a Global Transformation — group documentary)
Cameryn Brink (“We Are Columbine: How Normalized Deviance in Gun Violence has Undermined Effective Gun Reform in School Shootings” — individual website)
3rd Place
Charlotte Hoke, Cali Kingsley (“Progression Toward Gender Equality: Violence Against Women’s Act” — group exhibit)
Serena Goldfarb (“Equality Over Injustice: How Title IX Shaped Female Athletics” — individual documentary)
Honorable Mention
Madelynn Flom, Lilly Ford, Brooklynn Crawford (“The Degree that Sparked Revolution an the Woman Behind It: Elizabeth Blackwell” — group exhibit)
Alexandra Gottlieb (“Southbury vs. Fascism: When a Small Town Took a Stand” — individual documentary)
Graham Lewis, Akshay Rao, Ryan Asiel (“Revolution on the Fairway” — group documentary)
Middle school winners include:
1st Place
Mia Amin, Coleytown (“A Revolution in Medicine: How the Spanish Flu Led to Reform in American Public Health” — paper)
Henry Bach (“The Race to Discover DNA an the Dark Side of Winning” — individual exhibit)
Emily Bernier, Emmeline Cutler, Coleytown (“Lewis Hine and Adding Awareness to Child Labor” — group documentary)
Brandon Sheefel, Olivia Duran, Coleytown (“1810 May Revolution, Voice of the Cabildo” — group performance)
2nd Place
Matilda Jones, Nora Lipschutz, Coleytown (“The Legacy of Lewis Hine” — group exhibit)
Madyan Hemdan, Bedford (“The Radium Girls: Shining a Light on Injustice” — individual documentary
Leanne Wong, Bedford (“The Needle That Saved Millions: The Eradication of Smallpox” — individual website)
Brooklynn Flom, Johanna Lawton, Bedford (“Angel of the Battlefield” — group website)
3rd Place
Sofia Farquhar, Bedford (“The Radium Girls” — individual exhibit)
Honorable Mention
James Ben, Bedford (“Truman vs. McArthur: The Firing That Changed History” — individual exhibit)
Gemma Porrino, Charlotte Carr, Bedford (“A Day to Remember: The Attacks on 9/11” — group exhibit)
Dexter Abrams, Rhys Livingston, Coleytown (“The Reform on Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy” — group documentary)
Thursday’s was particularly insightful. Jeff White — a longtime Westporter, former CFO of Major League Baseball, executive vice president of the New York Mets and CFO of CBS News — offered a frank assessment of MLB”s future.
His topics ranged from gambling risks and a looming labor war, to international expansion.
White called legalized sports betting “an accident waiting to happen,” despite the advertising revenue flowing in. He noted that the people most affected by a work stoppage would be the the 500 to 1,000 game day workers, and 400 to 600 full-time staffers at each club.
And he spoke about his vision to bring the professional leagues of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea into an expanded MLB postseason (a true “World Series”).
Jeff White, at the Y’s Men meeting.
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Staples High School 2006 graduate Max Orland has a speech and language disability.
That has not stopped him from achieving many of his dreams.
His career includes positions with the New York Mets, US Open (center court, for Federer and Serena Williams), Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Northeastern University, and Winged Foot and Tiburon golf clubs, plus retail experience (with many awards) at Legends @ Yankee Stadium, J. Crew, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and Nike.
Most recently, the University of Delaware sport management graduate has been involved with the Miami Heat, and Special Olympics Florida
He writes: “No one can truly embody how I feel living with my personal challenges in speech and language, but moments like this remind me why it’s so important to keep getting involved, whether through work or in the community.
“Being featured on Heat TV wasn’t just about me. It was about the voice I share and what I represent as part of the Miami HEAT organization, and as an advocate for others. I will keep putting myself out there to speak on the importance of inclusive education and inclusion in the workplace, and to be a face for those who may need one when opportunities arise.
“My first year with the Heat has been about more than just a job. It’s about impact and the drive to help make the world a better place. I never take these opportunities for granted, and will continue striving to create meaningful change.”
Click here or below for a video, including words from Max.
After more than 25, Jane Ross, founder and executive director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — retired yesterday.
Since launching the non-profit — which serves many Westport families — in 2000, Ross has helped transform the landscape for families raising children with learning and attention challenges.
At a time when parents often felt isolated and unsure where to turn, she helped provide information, guidance, and a community of supportive families.
Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.
Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.
The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18.
Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.
The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.
Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.
Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.
As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”
She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.
“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”
Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.
This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.
Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.
Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.
But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”
The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.
Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.
Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.
Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.
Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.
The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.
There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).
Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.
Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).
Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.
100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance
New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.
Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi
Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.
The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.
The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.
Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).
The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.
The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong). Click here for more information.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.
Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.
Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.
To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.
They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”
The opening act is Magoo.
The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).
After a frustrating morning, I want to share an update following today’s weather-related school closure, and explain the steps we’re taking to protect the end of the school year calendar.
Recommendations to End Student School Calendar on June 18
I will make 2 recommendations to the Board of Education, so that the student school calendar ends on June 18.
To keep the school year on track, I will recommend that the Board of Education take action at a short, 1-item meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. to:
Reduce the student calendar from 182 to 180 school days, and
Make Friday, March 20 a regular student school day, moving the scheduled professional development day to Wednesday, June 24.
If approved, this plan would allow:
Students to finish the school year on Thursday, June 18 (school is closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth.) and
No changes to April vacation (barring additional cancellations).
To make sure this adjustment is workable and does not create avoidable disruption I communicated with most bargaining unit leadership (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.) and First Student Transportation to confirm March 20 can become a student day without complications.
Assuming the Board proceeds with the agenda as planned and approves my recommendation, I will communicate the final decision to families as soon as possible after Thursday’s meeting.
School Closure Decision Today
As an aside, I provided the following information to a media inquiry related to the decision to close today. I share this information with you in the event you are interested.
“We began with a conference call with meteorologist John Bagioni at 4:10 a.m. The guidance at this time indicated that precipitation would begin in the 10 a.m.-12 p.m. window, likely on the early side. It also indicated that the cold air mass was not showing signs of moving out of the area as quickly as originally forecasted.
“I sent a message to families last night to provide prior notice of a possible early dismissal. Given the storm’s timing in the 4:10 a.m. update, an early dismissal would be problematic since it would put buses and drivers on the road during the worst of the snow/ice (early dismissal bus runs are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m). Additionally, given the cold temperatures over the past few days, it was predicted any precipitation would freeze on contact.
“I communicated with our Department of Public Works to determine their capability to treat the roads so that buses and drivers could safely return home between 2:45 and 4:45 p.m., the window of our normal afternoon dismissal runs.
School buses are an important part of any closure decision. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
“Then the final email update came shortly after 5:30 a.m. I have pasted the part of the updated forecast from our meteorologist that led to the closure decision:
The overall atmospheric pattern has trended colder, and while much of the initial snow and sleet will likely fall at light intensities, the surge of warmer air at cloud level could allow bursts of moderate snow at times. Periods of snow and sleet will continue into the afternoon, but there should be a tendency for the snow to mix with or change to mainly freezing rain or freezing drizzle during the afternoon.
The immediate I-95 corridor may be able to nudge above freezing this afternoon, but the current cold air mass will only grudgingly moderate, and freezing or sub-freezing temperatures are expected across most of inland CT and interior eastern NY through the daytime period. And there is some support for freezing rain to continue in some areas well into the evening or early nighttime period.
Neil Sedaka — who, the New York Times said, “went from classical music prodigy to precocious songwriter to teenage idol to pop music fixture in a celebrated career that spanned seven decades” — died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
Obituaries and tributes mention his Brooklyn upbringing (he dated Carole King in high school, and Neil Diamond lived across the street).
But after achieving stardom with hits like “Calendar Girl” — and, more than a decade later, “Laughter in the Rain” — he moved to Westport, in the 1970s.
Sedaka lived in the Old Hill neighborhood for about 20 years. In 1982, he headlined one of the first benefit concerts at the Levitt Pavilion.
Several Westporters have wondered what’s going on at Gray’s Creek. A dozen or so trees have been removed just west of the Minute Man Monument, near the small burial ground of patriots killed in the Battle of Compo Hill.
“06880” reached out to the Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees the site. (It’s not in the right of way, so it’s out of the tree warden’s jurisdiction.)
Parks superintendent Nick Quatrano says that he contracted Knapp Tree, due to concerns for public safety.
The trees include black locust (invasive), black cherry, Norway maple (invasive), and a few too dead for him to identify.
Once all are removed, he’ll replant trees that can better tolerate the salty environment. Among the contenders: black pine, red cedar, thornless honey locust, and white oak.
Gray’s Creek cemetery.
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The Board of Finance will hold its formal budget reviews next month, in the Town Hall auditorium.
They’re set for March 9 (Board of Education) and March 10 (1st Selectman’s town budget).
The meetings will also be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed at www.westportct.gov.
Westport has voted on its favorite pizzas, burgers, soups and salads.
On this year’s menu: sandwiches.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual event runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.
Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.
The 21 competitors are: A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café, Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.
The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.
Starting March 1, residents can visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, then vote here.
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Speaking of food: Ordering delivery is fast and easy.
Unless people at one place want different restaurants.
Starting Thursday, there’s an app for that.
Wonder comes to Westport. It’s at 1300 Post Road East, just east of Turkey Hill Road.
A press release says, “With free delivery, pickup or dine-in options at over 100 locations, Wonder features world-renowned chefs including Bobby Flay, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson, alongside award-winning restaurants like Tejas Barbecue and Di Fara Pizza.”
Customers can combine dishes from a variety of Wonder restaurants in a single order. Menus are developed by Wonder’s culinary team, in collaboration with chefs and restaurant partners. Every dish is “made to order” in local Wonder kitchens.
Westport’s Wonder joins over 100 locations in the Eastern US.
The grand opening on Thursday includes a ribbon-cutting. The first 100 guests enjoy giveaways and food samples.
The Thing — the hot Brooklyn-based rock band, featuring Weston native Jack Bradley on guitar — kicked off VersoFest 2026 last night. A large, enthusiastic and multi-age crowd packed the Trefz Forum for the show.
The bulk of the 5th annual music-media-and-more festival takes place at the end of next month. But the dates did not work, so The Thing kicked off their new tour in late February, at a venue that audiences in the tri-state area have come to know is a bit out of the mainstream, but where loud music thrives: the Westport Library.
TAP Strength’s next “Effortless Effort” talk covers “Effortless Eating.” It’s March 11 (180 Post Road East, 6 p.m.
Nutrition specialist Kevin Knight will offer “a mindful approach to eating your way to your best life.”
TAP founder EJ Zebro will add practical cools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into your daily life. It’s free, but RSVPs are requested: info@tapstrength.com.
And finally … in honor of Westport’s new “Wonder” restaurant (story above):
We wonder if you know how much work it takes to provide daily Roundups — and everything else on “06880.” We wonder too if you’ll click here, to support our work. It’s no wonder we thank you!)
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