Category Archives: Education

Roundup: hi’Amba, School Bus Drivers, Canceled Debates …

Posted on October 10, 2026 | 6 comments

It was called a soft opening.

But plenty of Westporters knew. hi’Amba — Bill Taibe’s new eastern Mediterranean restaurant and market, in the space recently vacated by Basso — was packed all day yesterday.

Customers loved the ground floor bakery; the dips, salads, shawarma, skewers and more, and the indoor and outdoor dining.

hi’Amba is not yet open for dinner. In fact, after this weekend it will close for a couple of days, to prepare for the actual non-soft opening.

But judging by yesterday, one of Westport’s most creative and favorite restaurateurs has another smash.

Bill Taibe at hi’Amba (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Thursday’s Roundup included information that 3 Westport school bus drivers had been given citations for driving while using handheld phones.

That information was provided in error. Westport Police Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso explains:

“On October 1, the state of Connecticut made changes to the cellphone statutes for Utilizing a Handheld Mobile Device in a Motor Vehicle. The statute number was changed. This caused the physical order of the statutes in the mobile systems utilized by our officer to be shuffled.

“The new statute now appears in a list below the statutes that were not changed.  This change came without advertisement and led to some initial confusion when officers could not find the appropriate (original) charge within our system. In all three cases, the arresting officer selected the wrong statute number when issuing/processing the citation.

“The Westport Police Department did not issue any citations to school bus operators. All 3 were standard cell phone violations without special circumstances. I have also since been in touch with our Board of Education to clarify this matter.”

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The League of Women voters has canceled its Tuesday’s debate at Earthplace. It

Republican candidate Alma Sarelli’s campaign told organizers that she would not participate in the event, for voters in the 26th State Senate District. Democrat Sam Nestor had already agreed to appear.

LWV rules mandate that at least 2 candidates must be involved for a League-sponsored debate.

Nestor told local media that Sarelli also failed to respond to invitations from the Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield Leagues of Women Voters, causing those groups to cancel debates as well.

The 26th Senate district covers 8 towns, including Westport and Weston.

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As Staples High School seniors work on their college applications, their parents are working to figure out how to pay for the next 4 years.

Even in Westport, financial factors play a role in selecting schools. 26% of Staples students qualify for financial aid.

Since 1941, Staples Tuition Grants has helped close the funding gap. Last spring:

  • 81 students qualified for a need-based STG grant
  • Recipients received an average grant of $5,186, with a maximum grant of $7,500
  • Over 90 individuals, families and organizations privately funded named awards
  • More than 500 community members donated to STG
  • Yet with tuition rising, STG met only 13% of the financial gap

Staples Tuition Grants is asking Westporters and alumni to continue helping. For example:

  • Donate to one of over named award (the SLOBs Award, the STG Fun Run, Perrin Delorey the Max Harper Award, and many more)
  • Establish a new named award with a pledge of $2,000 a year, for at least four years ($8,000). Email donation@staplestuitiongrants.org
  • Gifts of $25,000 or more create an endow and permanent named awards, changing lives for generations.

Click here for more information, and to donate. Questions? Email donation@staplestuitiongrants.org.

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Speaking of education: Westport resident Brian Rutter works with Higher Heights.

The New Haven-based non-profit empowers, equips and encourages college-bound students as they pursue post-secondary education.

From November 2 to 6, they need volunteers to help high school seniors in Bridgeport and New Haven with their college applications. That week, the state of Connecticut will waive application fees for seniors applying to a state college or university.

Students can also complete the Common Application to apply to HBCUs.

Rutter says, “this is a great volunteer project for Westporters. Many people possess the experience and skills to help these students.”

Specifically, Rutter seeks volunteers for Bridgeport’s Bassick, Central and Harding Highs, on November 5 and 6.

“It would be just a couple of hours of commitment for a life-changing moment for these students who need guidance and help,” he says.

Click here for more information, and to sign up. Questions? Email Rutter: bprcomm0612@gmail.com.

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Aspetuck Land Trust is hosting Joan Maloof — author of “Forty Ways to Know a Tree: Exploring Trees to Understand Nature” — for this year’s Haskins Lecture.

Despite the subject and the name — the Haskins family donated a 22-acre preserve on Green Acre Lane to the ALT — the event will be held indoors.

It’s set for the Westport Library (October 22, 7 p.m.).

Maloff will discuss the incredible life of trees, and how people today perceive ancient, undisturbed ecosystems.

There is no charge. Click here to register, and for more information.

Haskins Preserve (Photo/Tomoko Meth)

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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — is today (Saturday).

And everyone is invited.

From 5 to 7 p.m, “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.

You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.

Ginger Richardson

If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)

Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.

Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.

Kiin Sauna

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Kevin Flynn knows the Westport Country Playhouse well. Each summer, he hosts an education program that teaches youngsters life skills, through stand-up comedy.

On October 26 (7 p.m.), Flynn — a stand-up comedian, professional soccer player, actor, television host, and founder/executive director of the Nantucket Comedy Festival — returns to the Playhouse, with “Fear of Heights.”

The show — part of the Barnstormer series — examines the American experience through the lens of his Irish-American family, including his father and grandfather (both steelworkers ).

In this very funny biographical work, he’ll explore what it means to be a man, and how one generation measures success relative to their forebears. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Kevin Flynn

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“Belles of Steel” — a new book by Jeanette Vaughan — features strong, resilient women who have changed their corner of the world.

They include military members, nurses, and more.

One is Mary-Lou Weisman.

The longtime Westporter is one of 30 women portrayed in the book. Her son Peter was diagnosed at age 2 1/2 with a fatal disease, Duchene muscular dystrophy. He died at 15, in 1980.

Her book “Intensive Care” celebrates Peter’s life, and describes the impact of his fate on his family and friends. Click here to learn more about “Belles of Steel.”

Mary-Lou Weisman

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Purple Martins are the largest swallows in North America. They are also nearly totally dependent on humans for housing.

Sherwood Island is doing its part. These birdhouses have stood for a long time at our state park. Today, they’re featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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And finally … on this date in 1845, the Naval School opened in Annapolis, Maryland with 50 students. Today it is known as the US Naval Academy.

(We want you as a new recruit! Please click here to support this hyper-local blog, and all we do. Ahoy!)

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local business, Police, Politics, Restaurants, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Scarice Wins 2 National Superintendent Honors

Posted on October 8, 2026 | 2 comments

Congratulations to Tom Scarice!

As reported earlier by Westport Journal, Westport’s superintendent of schools has received 2 prestigious awards.

Last night, the National Association of School Superintendents named him both Superintendent of the Year, and the honoree for Excellence in Technology and AI.

The awards were announced at the annual conference in Oceanside, California.

Superintendent of the Year Thomas Scarice.

The NASS website says: “Thomas’s distinguished career in educational leadership, grounded in instructional excellence and systems thinking, has prepared him to lead at a transformative moment in public education. …

“Under his leadership, Westport Public Schools is redefining what it means to be a high performing district — advancing a bold vision to become AI-powered and human-centered, while ensuring that innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, the human experience at the heart of teaching and learning.”

Scarice is in his 7th year as Westport’s superintendent. NASS cited him for “a wide range of significant accomplishments throughout his career, including guiding school systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing comprehensive strategic plans, and leading complex initiatives such as redistricting and long-term facilities planning.

“He has aligned curriculum, instruction, and operations to support high-quality teaching and learning, while fostering strong community engagement and building highly effective leadership teams.

“In Westport, his leadership has been marked by the development of a bold, systemwide vision to become AI-powered and human-centered, positioning the district as a national leader in the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence in education. This work includes establishing a districtwide AI Code of Ethics, developing a K–12 AI literacy framework, refreshing academic integrity practices, and investing in professional learning to empower educators.”

Scarice noted that his work “is not about individual recognition, but about maintaining a relentless focus on preparing students for the future while preserving the humanity at the heart of education.”

In an interview with NASS, Scarice said, “One of the defining realities of the modern superintendency is its complexity. It is no longer just about managing a school system, but about leading through constant change and uncertainty. The role demands clarity of vision in a time when the future is evolving faster than ever before.

Superintendent Scarice, at this year’s opening convocation. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“In my view, one of the greatest challenges today is navigating the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, while preserving the human core of education. Superintendents must not only be technologically fluent, but must also model its responsible and purposeful use, setting the tone for how systems adapt.

“Equally important is communication. Stories matter. Today’s superintendent must serve as a narrator for the system, helping the community understand not just what is happening, but why it matters. In a highly engaged and often demanding environment, building trust through transparency and clarity is essential. Storytelling is central to this.

“Ultimately, today’s superintendent must be both innovator and steward, driving transformation while ensuring that relationships, ethics, and humanity remain at the center of the work.”

Click here for the full interview and more, from the NASS website.

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Posted in Education

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Roundup: Beach Resiliency, Scarice Awards, Pink Aid Kickoff …

Posted on September 29, 2026 | 9 comments

After one rain bomb and one nor’easter this month, beach resiliency is an important topic.

This Thursday (October 1, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Parks & Recreation Department hosts their 2nd forum on RACE Coastal Engineering’s Comprehensive Beach Resiliency Planning Studies.

The studies — involving Compo, Old Mill, Burying Hill and  Canal Beaches — cover existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements.

This forum follows one on July 13. Residents can learn more, and ask questions about beach resiliency.

How resilient are our beaches? We’re about to find out. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Congratulations to Tom Scarice!

Westport’s superintendent of schools is a finalist for not one, but two awards from the National Association of School Superintendents: Superintendent of the Year, and the Technology and AI Award.

The Superintendent of the Year honor recognizes extraordinary leadership and contributions to public education. Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein says his nomination “reflects his leadership of Westport Public Schools, and his focus on creating robust opportunities and stellar outcomes for our students.”

The Technology and AI Award honors his “thoughtful work to help our schools use artificial intelligence intentionally and responsibly, while keeping students and educators at the center of teaching and learning.

Recipients will be announced October 7.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins Thursday.

Pink Aid is wasting no time kicking it off.

At 11:45 a.m., they’ll host of a free outdoor Pilates class with Sarah Sadie Newett. All levels are welcome. Mats and props are provided.

At noon, the Pink Aid flag will be raised (with snacks from The Granola Bar).

The heart of Westport is an appropriate spot. Pink Aid started right here in town, 16 years ago.

It’s grown into a national organization providing compassionate support and rapid emergency financial assistance to patients in treatment, supporting them and their families during a critical time.

Click here to register.

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A reminder: The first event in “06880”‘s newest venture — community celebrations of local businesses — comes up soon. Everyone is invited.

On October 10 (5 to 7 p.m), “06880” and Kiin Sauna host “Community, Connection and Contrast.” KiiN is at 1555 Post Road East, next to Sherpa, Longevity, Zion and CT Sports Recovery — all wellness businesses too.

You’ll see friends and neighbors. Enjoy complimentary beverages. Meet KiiN founder Ginger Richardson, who will tell you all about the benefits of a sauna and cold plunge.

Ginger Richardson

If you feel adventurous, you can try a sauna and cold plunge yourself. (Sauna and plunge space is limited; click here to sign up.)

Ginger and her crew are great hosts. It’s a fun way to learn about a new spot in town.

Dave Briggs and I will host more events soon, all over town. We look forward to this new series. If your business would like to collaborate with us, email us: 06880blog@gmail.com.

Kiin Sauna

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Security continues to be a major concern for the local Jewish community.

On  October 6 (7:30 p.m., TCS Westport). the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield hosts “The State of Security in the Jewish Community.”

Featured speaker Michael Masters is national director and CEO of Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America.

An expert on homeland and national security, terrorism, law enforcement, antisemitism and targeted violence, he has testified before Congress and appeared regularly in national media.

Masters will discuss lessons learned since October 7, the current threat landscape, and the work being done locally to help keep the Jewish community safe.

Click here to register. 

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Westport elections are always fair — and transparent.

For example: When the registrars of voters begin flash media stick and tabulator testing on October 7 (10 a.m., Town Hall room 212D), the public is invited to observe. Residents can watch until testing is complete.

Questions about anything voting related? Contact the registrars: Deborah Greenberg (Democrat), dgreenberg@westportct.gov (203-341-1116); Maria Louise Signore (Republican) msignore@westportct.gov (203-341-1117).

Voting tabuloator

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There are new show times for Jazz at the Post.

The popular Thursday series now kicks off 30 minutes earlier: 7 and 8:15 p.m.. The venue is still VFW Post 399. Dinner service begins half an hour sooner too: 6:30 p.m.

Westport’s own Melissa Newman headlines this week. She’s joined by 3 regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Melissa Newman

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Girls are on the run!

Girls on the Run is an after-school program. It’s part of a national positive youth development project for grades 3 to 7.

Twice a week, girls learn about and practice skills and positive mindsets, including positive self-talk, friendship, and the importance of individuality.

Each session includes running. Girls build endurance, culminating in that celebratory 5K.

This fall, the program “runs” at Kings Highway Elementary School. It runs for 8 weeks, beginning October 7. Wednesdays, it’s 3:45 to 5 p.m.; on Fridays it’s 7:45 to 9 a.m.  The team is led for the 3rd yearby Todd Suchotliff,

One of the Girls on the Run highlights is a 5K at the end of the season. Girls recognize their growth, celebrate their accomplishments and experience the power of working toward a goal together.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Westport resident Kathleen Weiss died peacefully on Thursday, with her family at her side. She was 84. 

The New Jersey native graduated from nursing school at Saint Francis Medical Center. She moved to Westport in 1975 and worked as a nurse at Norwalk Hospital, the Westport public school system, and for several home healthcare companies.

She returned to school to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Sacred Heart University. She later taught home healthcare at Western Connecticut State University, retiring recently. 

Kathleen was a devout parishioner at Saint Luke Church for 51 years. She taught catechism, was a lector, assisted with charitable efforts, and attended Mass without fail until she was physically unable. 

Kathleen married Timothy Weiss in 1965. They enjoyed dancing at the Fairfield County Cotillion Club, Gaelic American Club, and wherever else the spirit moved. They traveled widely, and especially enjoyed their time in Ireland and Italy. 

Kathleen is survived by her husband; sons Timothy Jr. (Laura Barron-Weiss), David (Tracy Karlbergs) and Matthew Weiss; grandchildren Adele, Watson and Kathryn; step-grandchildren Thomas Barron and Gabrielle Barron; sister Ann and brother-in-law Thomas Weiss; brother Joseph and sister-in-law Virginia Smith, and brother Leo and sister-in-law Kathleen Smith. She was predeceased by her sisters Mary Woodrum and Susan Ingersoll, and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass is set for Friday (October 2, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Burial will be private. 

Donations may be made to the Regional Hospice of Danbury. Kathleen’s family is grateful to the staff and volunteers for their wonderful care during her final days. 

Kathleen Weiss

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What do bobcats do when they think no one is watching?

Play around — just like any other cats.

This pair — our featured photo for today’s “Westport … Naturally” series — frolicked off Long Lots Road.

(Photo/Rebecca Acselrod)

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And finally … Happy National Coffee Day!

(Pour yourself a hot coffee. Enjoy the morning. Read “06880.” Learn all about Westport. Then remember that we rely on readers’ support — so please click here, then go about your day. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Obituaries, religion

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“Students Speak”: The Cafeteria Tables — And The Response

Posted on September 10, 2026 | 8 comments

With the passage of time, it’s easy to forget the importance of lunch in the cafeteria to middle school students.

Chloe Robbin is an 8th grader at Bedford Middle School. Today, she speaks out about the lunch situation there. She emailed this to her principal, Dr. Adam Rosen, and school counselors too. Chloe writes:

Lunch is supposed to be a relaxing and fun time of day. You get a break from class to eat your food and socialize with your friends.

But I didn’t know that once I entered middle school, lunch would become so much more complicated. As new friend groups began to form, so did the competition for seats at lunch tables. I often see people sprinting from their class to lunch just to claim a seat.

At Bedford Middle School, lunch tables have 8 seats attached to them. That may sound like enough, but it really isn’t because Bedford has 3 elementary schools combined into 1. Because the goal is to meet new people and expand your circle, having the same amount of seats as the elementary school tables just doesn’t make sense.

Circular lunch tables only sit 8.

What happens when 9 people want to sit at a table? Or what if someone wants to invite a new friend to sit at a table? Now all of a sudden, somebody has to sit somewhere else- and not because nobody wants them there, but simply because there is no room.

For example, so far this year my lunch table has been cramped together with 2 people trying to share the tiny circular seats. Some people are even sitting on the floor or eating standing up, just because they want to be with their friends.

But we can do better.

At BMS, we are told to include others and make sure nobody ever feels left out. These are all very important messages that I completely agree with. However, it can be impossible to follow this when there is not enough room for everyone to join, and then lunchtime becomes the cause for a lot of drama.

When my friends sit at the outdoor tables that have benches instead of individual seats, we fit a significant amount more people than before. Just yesterday, we had 12 people sitting at the table, and I saw boys next to me with 15 people all sitting on the 4 benches around the table.

Students can cram together at outdoor tables.

Keeping all of this in mind, the best solution to this issue is that we should have long rectangular tables with benches instead of individual seats in the cafeteria because these tables are way more inclusive. In fact, I have noticed that Bedford has these tables folded underneath the staircase.

Long lunch tables, unused and stored underneath the BMS stairs. (All photos/Chloe Robbin)

This is not saying that we need to fill the cafeteria with all new lunch tables, but a few new ones would be just enough for students to have a better lunch experience and invite a few more friends to join.

Then  lunch can go back to hopefully being a stress free time!

(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)

Chloe Robbin

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Very quickly. Dr. Rosen responded. The BMS principal wrote:

Hi Chloe,

Thank you for such a thoughtful email. I especially appreciate that the motivation behind your suggestion is to make lunch more inclusive and to ensure that students have opportunities to be with their friends and welcome new people into their groups. That instinct — to notice when others might be left out and think about how we can make Bedford a more inclusive community — is something I admire and hope you continue to bring to our school.

Interestingly, the history of our cafeteria tables may surprise you. Years ago, Bedford did use the larger rectangular tables with benches that you described. At first glance, they seem like the obvious solution: If a table can hold more students, more friends can sit together. In practice, however, we found almost exactly the opposite.

When we had the larger rectangular tables, the competition to get to those tables was much more pronounced. A group of 10 or 12 students could essentially claim one large table, and inevitably there would be another 2 or 3 students who considered themselves part of that same friend group but could not fit. Those students often felt even more excluded because nearly their entire social group was sitting together without them. We received frequent concerns from students and parents across all 3 grades about exactly this issue.

Dr. Adam Rosen

There was another challenge as well. At a long rectangular table, a smaller group could occupy the middle and become the center of the conversation, while students sitting farther down the benches or at the ends could technically be “at the table” but still feel socially separated from the group.

Our move to round tables was very intentional and came after considerable work involving our School Climate Committee, PTA, students, and staff. The difference was remarkable. The concerns about exclusion decreased substantially once we moved to round tables.

One reason is that a round table puts everyone on equal footing—there is no “center” or “end” of the group. Just as importantly, the 8-seat tables encourage larger friend groups to divide into smaller, more fluid groups rather than having one large clique occupy a single table. Over time, that actually creates more opportunities for students to mix, move among friends, welcome others, and develop new relationships.

I completely understand that this can feel counterintuitive when 9 friends want to sit together and there are only 8 seats. Your observation is a very reasonable one. But after many years of watching both arrangements in action at Bedford, I can tell you that the larger tables unfortunately created substantially more social difficulties and feelings of exclusion than our current round tables do.

That does not mean we should ignore the concerns you raised. Students should never be sitting on the floor, standing to eat, or squeezing two people onto a seat in order to remain connected to their friends. Mrs. Harding and I will continue to pay attention to what is happening during lunch and work with students on ways to make the experience as positive and inclusive as possible.

Most importantly, please don’t lose the spirit behind your suggestion. You saw something affecting your peers, thought carefully about a possible solution, and took the initiative to respectfully advocate for a more inclusive Bedford. I hold that kind of leadership in very high regard. While experience has taught us that the particular solution of larger tables would likely work against the outcome you are hoping for, the outcome itself—helping students feel welcomed, connected, and included—is exactly what we want as well.

Thank you for caring enough about your school community to write to us.

Warmly,
Dr. Rosen

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Posted in Education, Teenagers

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25 Years After 9/11: Turning Loss Into Legacy

Posted on September 8, 2026 | 1 comment

As the 25th anniversary of her husband Adam J. Lewis’ death in the Twin Towers nears, Patty Lewis could spend her time looking backward.

Instead, she focuses on the future.

And the future of Adam J. Lewis Academy is bright indeed.

Its preschool opened with 12 children in 2013, in a revitalized Bridgeport property. The school was the brainchild and passion project of Patty and Westporter Julie Mombello. Both were longtime friends, and educators at Greens Farms Academy.

Patty Lewis (left) and Julie Mombello

Each child it served would honor the memory of Patty’s husband, Adam. In his too-short life, the Bronx native never forgot how his own world had been transformed by an educational opportunity at the Dalton School. 

Over the next 5 years, the preschool grew to its capacity of 18 children. It was a  model for what early childhood education can be: engaging students in an innovative, enriched, nurturing environment, and bridging an achievement gap that already existed at such a young age.

The first class at Adam J. Lewis Preschool 

In 2018 the school relocated to an expanded downtown Bridgeport campus, and welcomed its first kindergarten class.

Every year after, Adam J. Lewis Academy added one grade. This fall, it reached its goal. It is now a full pre-k through 8th grade independent school, with nearly 200 students.

It is a shining success story, in a city that has not had enough of them. And — with the help of many Westporters — Patty and Julie’s school continues to change lives, one child at a time, every day of the year.

It’s a testament too that — after one of the most horrific days in American history — something good and wonderful can grow and flourish.

This year’s inaugural 8th grade includes 12 students. Four have been at the school since pre-kindergarten.

Three of this year’s 8th graders, hard at work.

Julie and Patty are excited for all 12. Part of the school year will be dedicated to placing them in appropriate high schools: Hopkins, Greens Farms Academy, Lauralton Hall, Notre Dame, Kolbe Cathedral and the like.

AJLA’s dedicated staff helps prepare students for those entrance exams. A mandatory summer program for 8th graders — part of the camp the school runs for all students — includes essay writing, interviewing skills and financial aid forms

Adam J. Lewis Academy has no theater, gym or athletic field. But they’ve partnered with organizations like Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, SquashBridge and Music Theater of Connecticut, to offer the extracurriculars that round out students’ experiences.

Adam J. Lewis Academy students and staff.

Though their growth plan — pre-K to grade 8 — is complete, Patty and Julie are not resting. Their work is not done.

They’re already looking ahead. Their goal, they say, is to continue changing young children’s lives “for the next 25, 50 and 100 years.”

A capital campaign — “Secure the Future” — has begun. The goal is $25 million.

Adam J. Lewis Academy is completely self-funded. The $5 million annual budget includes no public money.

No family pays full tuition, which covers only 8% of the total cost. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods — the investment firm where Adam worked on the 89th floor in the South Tower — has been a longtime generous donor.

Adam J. Lewis Academy 7th graders.

This year’s fundraising gala is set for September 19 (6 p.m., The Point at Norwalk Cove). As they do every year, students and teachers will show their walk, and talk about AJLA and their lives.

Those conversations are always insightful and inspiring. This year, the first class of 8th graders will make an extra special impression on guests. (Click here for tickets, and more information.)

On Sunday, Adam J. Lewis was in the national spotlight, thanks to CBS News. Caroline Lewis — one of Adam and Patty’s 4 children, who works there — pitched the story to producers.

She did not tell them her connection, until after they agreed it was a piece worth telling. (Click here to see.)

“The story of 9/11 is not done,” Caroline says in the piece. “A new chapter is being written.”

Adam J. Lewis pre-K students.

No child at the academy named for her father knew him. But his legacy is strong and alive.

Every fall, students participate in the national 9/11 Giving Day. Whether singing “America the Beautiful” at a memorial service, or — this year — packing meals for local shelters, the boys and girls at Adam J. Lewis Academy give back as much as they get.

On the 25th anniversary of a day that changed America forever, Patty Lewis says, “We’ve changed the narrative from horror and tragedy, to a sense of coming together. This is a reminder of who we as a country can be.”

(To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy, click here.)

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Posted in Education, History, Looking back

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“06880” Podcast: Jake Sussman

Posted on August 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Special education has been in the Westport news lately.

And no one talks about it better than Jake Sussman.

The Westport native — diagnosed with a learning disability while in the Westport Public Schools — had both positive and negative experiences in the district.

He went on to found Superpower Mentors, an online platform supporting youth and young adults with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning diffeences.

Jake has earned the “Be the Difference” Award from Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities (awarded only twice in the organization’s 25-year history). He has been featured on NBC News, and spoken at Harvard.

Last week Jake joined me on the Westport Library stage, for a very important episode of our “06880” podcast. Our conversation should be “must” viewing for all our readers — those with learning differences, their family and friends, and everyone else who shares this world with them.

Click here or below to see.

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Roundup: 1st Day Of School, Rosh Hashanah, Farmers’ Markets …

Posted on August 26, 2026 | 5 comments

Yesterday was Westport’s 1st day of school.

In a scene repeated all over town (and the country) (and every August), the kids at the Vani Court bus stop got ready for another (hopefully great) year.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

We look forward to a similar photo in June. Let’s see how they grow!

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For nearly 40 years, the Hole in the Wall Gang — founded by our longtime neighbor Paul Newman — has provided “pure camp magic” to children with serious illnesses. They have fun, they laugh, and form great friendships.

All free of charge.

Jordan Glick — the son-in-law of Westporter Jamie Klein — has spent many summers as a camp volunteer. His wife — the Klein’s daughter Stevie Klein-Glick — recently joined him.

This year, both families are collecting and donating items from the Hole in the Wall Gang’s “wish list” (click here to see).  Several are running low in the General, Sports & Rec and Workshop categories.

Items can be dropped off on the covered front porch at 20 Manitou Road, now through September 4.

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“Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — the newest piece of MoCA\CT’s larger “Looking for History” exhibition — features a monumental mural of 8 5 foot-by-10-foot painted panels. Together, they offers a sweeping visual account of Connecticut’s 8 counties.

Created over more than 2 decades and informed by years of research, the mural traces the state’s history, from Indigenous presence and colonial settlement to industrial expansion, technological invention, and contemporary community life.

Borders incorporates local figures, regional industries, landscapes, tools, machinery, and symbols of labor into his vivid, detailed composition.

An opening reception is set for September 10 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information on the exhibit, click here and scroll down.

Michael Borders, in his studio. 

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In advance of Rosh Hashanah (September 11), The Blondinit is preparing a catering menu of Israeli-inspired cooking.

Options include entrees like pistachio-crusted black sea bass, salmon, chicken and chicken shawarma, schnitzel and brisket), plus appetizers, salads and sides.

To order, click here (then scroll all the way down), call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.

 

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Weston’s Farmers Market returns to Lachat Town Farm this Friday (August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.). There are 25 vendors — and live music, Canyon (4:30 to 5:30) and Bar Car (6 to 8). Click here for more information.

Of course, the Westport Farmers’ Market continues tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). Click here for more information.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Youngsters in grades 6 to 12 who enjoy camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and hands-on life skills: Scouting may be for you.

They and their families can learn more about Troop 36 next Monday (August 31, 7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

Founded in 1949, Troop 36 is Westport’s only Scouting America Family Troop, welcoming both girls and boys. They usually meet once a week, with at least 1 weekend outing a month (camping, city tour, merit badge courses). They participate in several community service projects throughout the year.

Questions? Email Scoutmaster Srikanth Puttagunta: sputtagu79@gmail.com.

Troop 36 in action.

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On Monday night, “Get Up With It” — the 10-member jazz ensemble co-founded by Greens Farms Academy graduate Charlie Hall — wowed a large Levitt Pavilion Crowd with a dazzling tapestry of Miles Davis works.

After the show, members of the group — now in its 3rd decade — said this was their first time on a stage large enough that they could all see each other while playing.

It was also their first outdoor performance as this collective. The setting created a new dynamic for the artists — and the audience.

Ahead this week: Lissy & the Triggermen (Friday, August 28) and Billy & the Showmen (Saturday, August 29). Both shows are 7:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Get Up With It: outdoors, at the Levitt. (Photo/Sean Bemand)

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Carrie Kuhn sent this photo, of last night’s almost full moon over Compo Beach:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

As for tomorrow: a deep partial eclipse will begin shortly after 9:20 p.m. Thursday, and peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

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Meanwhile, shore birds along Schlaet’s Point watch sailboats, in today’s serene “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally …. the New York Times reported this sad news well:

Dolly Parton, a rhinestone-studded, rags-to-riches daughter of Appalachia who for six decades ruled country music — and much of pop culture — with an outsize personality and down-home wit that enshrined her as one of America’s most cherished originals, died on Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.

From her hardscrabble beginnings to glittering stardom, Ms. Parton’s life was the stuff of make-believe. With her voluptuous figure, sparkly stage costumes and blond bouffant wigs, she was likened by the writer Chet Flippo to the Big Rock Candy Mountain, the Depression-era symbol of abundance. Her songs spoke to millions, confronting privation and loss even as they radiated possibility and hope.

She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people. In 2019, The New York Times ran a story with the headline “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

Inducted into both the country music and rock ’n’ roll halls of fame, Ms. Parton was the top-ranking female singer on country radio from 1967 to 1993, and had a total of 25 No. 1 country singles.

Click here for a full obituary. And then relive some of the joy she brought so many of us, for so many years.

And enjoy this great 1991 collaboration between Dolly and Weston’s own José Feliciano.

(Dolly Parton worked a lot longer than 9 to 5. So does “06880.” If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. PS: We will always love you!)

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New Long Lots Website Sets Standard For Town Info

Posted on August 25, 2026 | 2 comments

Tanya Kaur Guleria has a 1-year-old son. In a few years, he’ll enter Long Lots Elementary School.

The new Long Lots.

Tanya — a strategic and operations professional who moved here in 2023, and has already gotten involved in town activities as a Westport Library trustee and member of the Fair Rent Commission — wanted to learn more about the project.

What are the plans? What will it look like? What’s the timeline?

She reached out to the Long Lots School Building Committee, and offered to help.

They quickly accepted her offer.

This week, her contribution — a new, clear, informative and very user-friendly website — launched.

Handsome typeface and easy navigation are 2 key features.

Though not part of the official westportct.gov website — its URL is https://llsbc.org/ — it may be the best “town site” of all.

If you’re looking for any information, of any kind, on the Long Lots (and Stepping Stones Pre-School) project, it’s here.

  • Animated and 3D views of plans
  • Timeline: recently completed work (site preparation and grading); in progress (footings and foundation); what’s next (structural framing) — plus many more “dig deep” details
  • News (for example, $1 million in energy incentives from Eversource)
  • Background information (project history; why it’s needed; construction manager, architect, engineers and more)
  • Photos of current construction
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Link to official documents, organized by topic.
  • “Ask a question” button.

Timelapse videos will allow users to see the actual progress being made.

Photos, and clear captions, show progress as it’s made.

Tanya worked closely with the Long Lots School Building Committee on the site’s design. She approached it as a parent interested in learning more about the project.

“It’s a good way to orient yourself to the job site. It’s not too technical,” she explains.

But users with a technical bent find plenty of links to satisfy their inner engineer, too.

Tanya will continue to update the LLSBC website over the next couple of years. (Move-in date for students, it notes, is expected to be January of 2028.)

Meanwhile, let’s hope she has time for a new project.

Starting, perhaps, with the serviceable — but clunky, inconsistent, and very-much-in-need-of-an-upgrade — town website itself.

 

This video is part of the LLSBC website.

“06880” regularly covers town government, in all its shapes and forms. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Schools Convocation: From Custodians To Teachers Of The Year, Scarice Welcomes All

Posted on August 24, 2026 | 6 comments

A new school year begins, with excitement sky-high.

And not just for students.

Hundreds of teachers, administrators and support staff packed the newly renovated Staples High School auditorium this morning, for the Westport Public Schools’ annual opening convocation.

There were several highlights, like the announcement of the district Teacher of the Year (Saugatuck Elementary School literacy coach Jessica Carey), and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s keynote address (including a video appearance by comedian Colin Mochrie).

But the most rousing applause — and a prolonged standing ovation — came near the beginning, when Scarice invited the facilities team and security officers to the front of the room.

Scarice offered anecdotes of the work the often-unheralded work performed every day by custodians, maintenance staff, and security officers. Their value to the district was recognized long and loudly, by the men and women they work with.

A standing ovation for custodians and maintenance staff …

Scarice also hailed the educators, administrators, nurses, counselors, paraprofessionals and others who  make the district successful. He said that in his 30 years in education, “this is the most incredible faculty, from pre-K through high school.”

He thanked the 3 Board of Education members — Jill Dillon, Lee Goldstein and Stephen Shackelford — in attendance too, along with all staff members with 20 or more years of service.

There are 31 new teachers this year, plus another 31 support staff and 15 interns.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice congratulates Westport Teacher of the year Jessica Carey.

Introducing Carey as Teacher of the Year, Saugatuck principal Beth Messler cited her work helping students become “readers, writers, communicators and kind human beings.”

Carey — a Westport teacher since 2005, and No Place for Hate co-leader — also “influences colleagues and administrators,” Messler said. “And she makes sure that real, authentic books stay in kids’ hands.”

(Click here for an “06880” story on Carey’s annual project that encourages SES adults to write about their lives, passions, accomplishments, joys, challenges and more.)

This year, there were 23 other nominees for Teacher of the Year: Philip Abraham, Louise D’Amore, Caroline Davis, Sandra Decembre, Kelly Falcone, Deirdre Flores, Ben Frimmer, Kristen Gerner, Erin Hines, Amy Howland, Alyssa Improglou, Matty Jacowleff, Gretchen Jankura, Eric Lawrence, Carla Magnano, Ursula Malizia, Ashley Namnum, Suzanne Propp, Kelly Shamus, Meghan Stewart, Liuba Ulianova, Lisa Weand and Sarah White.

Teacher of the Year nominees, on stage.

Nominations come from the staff. The final selection is made by former Teachers of the Year, with assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice

Scarice’s keynote included 3 pieces of advice he has offered his 3 children — Where is your focus? What does it mean? What are you going to do? — and 4 premises he hopes all Westport Public Schools employees will think about:

  • The world has changed.
  • We have a moral imperative to prepare students for that world.
  • AI is a force multiplier.
  • Technology must serve humanity — not the other way around.

The convocation began with performances by the Staples High Jazz Band and cheerleaders, and the national anthem sung by choral students.

Lauren Pine (right) leads choral students in the national anthem.

Jazz band director Kevin Mazzarella (right) and his musicians, in the foyer outside the auditorium.

Staples cheerleaders perform in the courtyard, during the pre-convocation breakfast. 

Security officers receive recognition. (All photos/Dan Woog)

(“06880” often reports on Westport’s schools. If you enjoy our coverage — or anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work.)

 

 

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Back To School!

Posted on August 24, 2026 | 1 comment

This story ran 2 years ago, as the new school year began. Several readers asked to see it again. It’s just as timely — and timeless — today. Have a great year!

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Forget January 1. Pshaw, Rosh Hashanah. Tomorrow — at least for Westport parents and students — is the real start of the new year.

It’s the first day of school.

Whether you’re a kindergartner heading off on your own, a Staples senior already counting the days to graduation, or a mom or dad feeling pride, trepidation and the warp-speed passage of time — or anyone else, who has ever gone to school — this story is for you. 

Summer vacation ends with a thud tomorrow. Each year it’s the same: One day a kid’s free as a bird; the next he’s trapped, chained to the rhythm of the school calendar for 10 long months.

Greens Farms Elementary School

Some youngsters love this time of year; they’re eager to greet old friends, and meet new ones. Or they can’t wait for the smell of newly waxed floors, the security of assigned seats, the praise they know will be lavished on them day after day.

Others abhor it. The thought of entering a strange building filled with strange faces, or trying to be part of a group of peers who won’t accept them, or sitting for hours at a time, doing work they can’t stand, is excruciating — even physically sickening.

Around this time each year, I think about the entire school experience. I wonder which kindergartner will hate school for the rest of the year because his teacher makes a face the morning he throws up in front of everyone, and which will love school because an aide congratulates her the afternoon she almost puts on her coat all by herself.

Which 1st grader will invent any excuse not to go to gym because he can’t throw a ball, and which will get through the school day only because he knows gym is coming soon?

Saugatuck Elementary School

Which 4th grader will walk meekly into class each morning with just one ambition — to get through the day without anyone noticing how ugly, or stupid, or poorly dressed she is — and which will look back on 4th grade as a turning point in her life because a guidance counselor took the time to talk to her, to show her how to comb her hair better, to make her feel good about herself?

Which 5th grader will have a teacher who does nothing when she catches him cheating on a test — too much effort to raise such a touchy issue — and which will have a teacher who scares him so much when he’s caught that he vows to never cheat in school again?

Which 6th grader will enter middle school intent on making a name for himself as the best fighter in his class, and which with the aim of never getting a grade lower than an A?  Which 6th grader’s ambition will change, and which will remain the same?

Bedford Middle School

Which 9th grader will temper his fledgling interest in current events with the feeling “it’s not cool; no one else in class cares,” and which will visit the New York Times website every day because her class is working on “this really neat project”?

Which 10th grader will hate English because all she does is read stupid books assigned by the stupid teacher from some stupid list, and which will go to Barnes & Noble on his own for the first time because his teacher suggests there are more books by the same author he might enjoy?

Which 12th grader will have the brains to apply to 3 Ivy League schools, but lack the common courtesy to thank a teacher who wrote glowing recommendation to all of them? And which will slip a note in a teacher’s box the morning of graduation that says, “Thanks.  I’m really glad I had you this year”?

Staples High School

It’s easy to wrap our school years in nostalgic gauze, or try to stuff the bad memories down our mental garbage disposals.

We also tend not to think in concrete terms about what goes on inside school walls every day. Learning, we assume, happens. Kids read, write, use laptops, draw, eat and see their friends.

We seldom realize how much of an impact this institution we call “school” has on our kids.

Or how much it has had on us.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We cover Westport schools — students, teachers, activities, you name it — 24/7/365. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

The message on Pumpkin Hill. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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