Today is Staples High School’s Homecoming football game.
At 5 p.m., the Wreckers host Darien. Even with the threat of rain — and an earlier-than-usual start time — the stands will be packed. That’s the allure of “Friday Night Lights.”
Back in the day — the pre-lights day — Homecoming was a Saturday afternoon affair.
Seniors, juniors and sophomores worked for days, creating paper-mâché floats. Companies like Kowalsky lent their tractor trailers, to haul them around the track.
(The track, of course, was cinder. Today’s more expensive one would be ruined by those behemoths.)
Senior (left) and junior class floats, at the 1969 Homecoming.
Also at halftime: the crowning of Homecoming Queen.
In 1969, students chose Carol Luciano over 5 other seniors: Karen Appy, Patty Crangle, Gay Heirtzler, Jill Manning and Marilyn Briggs.
All the nominees went on to lead notable lives. Carol — the daughter of well-respected police chief Sam Luciano — still lives here.
As for Marilyn Briggs: She modeled while still at Staples, most famously as the Ivory Snow girl. She then earned fame — as Marilyn Chambers — in hardcore films like “Behind the Green Door.”
Some of the Homecoming Queen nominees were Staples cheerleaders. But they were well prepared.
From the 1950s, until 9th graders moved to the high school in 1983, junior high sports were a very big deal.
Bedford, Coleytown and Long Lots Junior Highs fielded teams. Starting with football, basketball and baseball — and then soccer, field hockey, girls basketball, wrestling, softball and track — they competed against each other, and junior highs in towns like Darien and Greenwich. There were cheerleading squads too (even for a time, spectator buses to away games).
For some young teenagers, it was a chance at competition and camaraderie they’d never achieve at Staples. For others, it was an early step on the road to athletic success, and personal fulfillment.
As for Marilyn Briggs: She may not have been Staples’ Homecoming Queen.
But among many other things, in 1966 she was a Long Lots cheerleader.
Long Lots Junior High School cheerleader Marilyn Briggs, and football captain Dave Roodhuyzen.
(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!)
Why is a historical society — or “museum for history and culture” — important?
Those are big issues. But there are many smaller, more personal ones too.
A longtime resident called “06880” yesterday, in a panic. Back when it was the Westport Historical Society, she had donated several kewpie dolls. (Fun fact: Westport illustrator Rose O’Neill created the characters, in 1909.)
The woman had heard that the Museum will hold a tag sale, to raise money. She was terrified the kewpie dolls — with both historical and emotional value — would be sold for a couple of dollars.
The woman spent all morning calling; no one answered, she said. When she went to the Myrtle Avenue building, she said, it was locked. No one was there.
I assured her the Museum would not be holding a tag sale — at least, not soon.
I said that one idea under consideration is moving their collections and archives to another, less expensive location. Perhaps, I said, Museum officials would contact donors to see if they wanted their items returned.
This woman is not the only one with concerns. Over the years, other Westporters have donated things — military uniforms, furnishings, memorabilia. There have been rumors from time to time that some of them have been “de-accessioned” — sold or discarded.
The woman who called “06880” sounded relieved that her kewpie dolls would not be sold immediately.
If anyone from the Museum for History & Culture can address the status of donated items, now and in the future — including the kewpie dolls — please email 06880blog@gmail.com.
Wheeler House — formerly the Westport Historical Society, now the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
CRIBARI BRIDGE MEETING SET
There has been little action on the Cribari Bridge in Westport.
But in Hartford, work continues.
The state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has scheduled a project update meeting for November 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
It will include an update on the status of responses to comments received previously; progress to date, and an overview of upcoming steps and timelines.
Project manager James Barrows says, “Following publication of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation this past February, we were glad to see such a high level of public engagement, with 833 comments.
“CTDOT is grateful for the strong public engagement and the thoughtful input shared by community members, agencies, and other stakeholders.
“We value stakeholder feedback throughout this project and look forward to sharing updates.”
Got unneeded medications — old, expired and/or unwanted — cluttering your medicine cabinet?
The Westport Police want them.
On Saturday, October 24 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Center for Senior Activities), they’ll take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. They’ll collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs.
Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted.
Don’t forget: A year-round bin located in the lobby of police headquarters allows drugs to be disposed of at any time. You can pick up medication disposal bags there too, to get rid of liquid and pill medications in your regular trash.
Speaking of drugs: You’ve heard about fentanyl. What about the new designer drug, cychlorphine?
Do you know how to recognize and overdose? Or how to get — and use — Narcan, to treat it?
Positive Directions is sponsoring a virtual overdose awareness and Narcan training for Westport and Norwalk residents. It’s 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Email positivedirections.org/events for the Zoom link.
PS: Free Narcan kits are available for Westporters and Norwalkers who attend the training. They can be picked up at Positive Directions, across from Whole Foods.
CRASH CLOSES TURKEY HILL NORTH
A 1-car rollover crash closed Turkey Hill Road North for several hours yesterday.
One person was extricated from the vehicle.
A broken utility pole necessitated the road closure.
Westport Fire Department personnel assist at the scene. (Photo courtesy of WFD)
$25 TICKETS FOR PLAYHOUSE WORLD PREMIERE
The world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” is near.
And the Westport Country Playhouse is offering special $25 preview tickets.
Shows are Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20-21 (7 p.m.), and Friday, October 23 (8 p.m.). The deadline to order is Sunday. Click here to purchase.
looking ahead: snow and ice removal 🙂
Do you have a plow? A shovel?
Westport seeks proposals for emergency snow and ice removal.
Bids will be received until 11 a.m. October 29, at the Town Hall finance office (Room 313). To see the RFP, click here
Sure, it’s still mid-October. But town officials want to be ready.
STAPLES HOMECOMING KICKOFF: NEW TIME
The start time for tonight’s Homecoming football game against Darien at Paul Lane Field has been moved to 5 p.m. Thunderstorms are predicted later in hte evening.
The celebration of all Staples sports captains has been moved to November 13 (Senior Night, vs. Fairfield Ludlowe).
Go Wreckers!
KNEADS EXPANDS
Kneads is rising — and we don’t mean their yeast.
Last weekend, popular Saugatuck bakery opened a café at 1916 Post Road in Fairfield.
That site will handle all bread production for both Kneadses. The original location will focus exclusively on pastry production.
In the works: a 3rd locale, at 32 Railroad Avenue in Greenwich.
MOTHERS WITH ADHD: INCORRECT DATE GIVEN
Incorrect information was provided to “06880” about the upcoming “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity” event. The correct date is November 8 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street).
The morning combines movement, conversation, support, and connection with other women who understand the experience. In addition to coffee and light bites, Beyond Yoga will offer attendees 20% off in-store shopping after the event.
This week, retiring State Representative Jonathan Steinberg kicked off his 4-part series on how Connecticut’s state government works.
The sessions continue October 27, November 17 and December 8, at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
It is not a political discussion; it’s about the nuts-and-bolts of Hartford. For information on the series, call 203-341-5099.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Diane Lowman)
sTELLAR OCCULATIONS ON PLUTO AND TRITON
If you’ve always wondered how to use stellar occultations to monitor the tenuous atmospheres of Pluto and Triton, you’re in luck!
The Westport Astronomical Society hosts Dr. Michael Person of MIT for an in-person lecture (October 20, 8 p.m.). The talk will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom, and posted to the WAS YouTube channel afterward.
COLEYTOWN COMPANY’S “PURE IMAGINATION”
Katie Bloom’s first show as director of Coleytown Company is a “Pure Imagination.”
The 14 numbers in the musical revue include selections from “Willy Wonka,” “Frozen,” “Shrek” and more.
Mark Edwards is a familiar Staples High School name.
The 1988 graduate captained the lacrosse and ski teams. He played football and tennis too. This summer, he revived the Compo Beach volleyball tournament.
Now a highly regarded speaker to sales teams, corporate leaders and college audiences about reading people and managing pressure, he’s written his first book.
“The Elements of Golf and Business: Reading the Green, Reading the Room” maps the Big 5 personality traits onto 5 classical elements (fire, earth, air, water and aether) to show how the instincts revealed over 18 holes are the same ones that shape a negotiation, leadership decision or client relationship.
It includes a self-assessment and an original golf game for foursomes.
On October 19 (6 p.m., The Clubhouse), Mark gives his first public talk based on the book.
He’ll discuss each trait using case studies from names like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Scottie Scheffler and Ben Hogan, along with pop culture moments and business lessons learned over the past 25 years.
“I want my first audience to be the community I grew up in,” Edwards says.
“Golf has a way of showing you who people really are when the pressure is on. I’m happy to put myself in that seat first.”
A $10 ticket includes appetizers. For $20, you also get a signed copy of the book. Click here to purchase. After the talk, guests can stay for Monday Night Football.
Mark Edwards
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Westport Country Playhouse was buzzing on Monday.
Tom Hanks, Wendie Malick and Tony Shalhoub performed in the 100th play reading in the 20-year-old Script in Hand series.
If you missed the historic event: too bad! In any event, here’s the curtain call:
Tony Shalhoub, Wendie Malick, Tom Hanks. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The museum’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank, artist Rick Shaefer, architect and urban policy leader Rick Bell and executive director of the Avon Theatre Film Center Peter Gistelinck offer a provocative conversation, inspired by Shaefer’s monumental “Colossi” drawings on exhibit now (October 24, 4 p.m.).
They’ll discuss the enduring human impulse to build walls, and what they reveal about ambition, history, borders and our relationship to the landscape.
The event is free, but registration is required; click here.
On October 29 (7 p.m.), the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Salon Series comes to MoCA, for an intimate evening of dance, discovery and conversation.
They’ll present a short excerpt from their upcoming fall season, then go behind the scenes to show their creative journey. Click here for tickets.
Coming up at Lachat Town Farm: “Spirits of 1776: A Haunted Experience.”
The Weston farm takes visitors back to the 1770s, as the Revolution unfolded and danger lurked in every field.
In an immersive, interactive production, audiences encounter ghostly battles of fallen soldiers and rebels, along with witches, tricksters and evil spirits.
Participants walk on wooded trails and varied terrain in a 45-minute guided adventure filled with live actors and chilling surprises. Parental discretion is strongly advised, as some scenes may be too scary for younger audiences.
Performances are October 22-25, at 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30 7:50, 8:10 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
The Bridgeport non-profit provides free music lessons and musical summer camp to public school students in grades K-12.
It fills an enormous need: Only 8 out of the city’s 34 public schools offer any type of music programming.
On November 8 (5 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company), KEYS hosts their annual fundraiser.
It’s free — the board covers the cost. Of course, contributions are warmly welcomed.
$300 covers 15 music lessons for 1 student; $450, 1 day’s lunch for KEYS
summer program students; $600, a 1-month paid internship for a KEYS alumnus; $1,200, a 4-week summer program scholarship; $1,500, a concert at the University of Bridgeport; $2,500, a KEYS scholarship for the University of Bridgeport; $5,000, instruments, maintenance, repairs, and supplies; $7,000, 1 student for 2 years of music education; $10,000, a KEYS music program at1 school for a full year; $15,000, 1 ensemble at the Saturday program
Last year, 3 New York City Marathon runners raised $19,000 for Positive Directions.
This year, 5 — George DeNoto, Doug Feinberg, Piya, Brian McGarvey and Gianna — are aiming far higher: $60,000. They’re already more than 1/3 of the way there.
Each has their own reason for running. But all involve mental health.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 30 and October 6.
A 37-year-old Westport man was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, after 2 videos of child pornography were emailed to him. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 48-year-old Westport man was charged wit assault and disorderly conduct, after a verbal argument escalated into a physical one. He was released on a $7,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating a school bus while using a handheld telephone: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to grant right of way: 2
School zone violation: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper use of marker: 1
Violation of motor vehicle license class: 1
Three school bus drivers were charged recently with using handheld telephones. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Bob Weingarten spotted this bird — today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — sitting on a mailbox.
However, he says, when he got closer it did not move.
And finally … in honor of the 5 people raising funds for Positive Directions, at the New York Marathon (item above):
(You don’t have to run — or even walk — to support “06880.” Just click here, to make a tax-deductible donation that keeps this hyper-local blog running smoothly. Thank you!)
There will be no decision on athletic field lights tonight.
The Planning & Zoning Commission — which was scheduled to discuss a proposal for both Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields — canceled its public hearing. Not all members were able to attend.
The next meeting is scheduled for October 19.
That frees up commissioners and interested residents to attend tonight’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading of “Portrait of a Woman in Repose.”
Earlier today, it was announced that Tom Hanks will join Wendie Malick and Tony Shalhoub at the event. It’s a milestone: the 100th show in the series.
Unfortunately for the P&Z, and anyone else thinking of attending: It’s already sold out.
Last year, Walk Bike Westport sponsored a fall “Bridge to Bridge” walk.
Dozens of residents and politicians — hey, it was the height of campaign season — strolled from Jesup Green, over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to Saugatuck.
They passed the Cribari Bridge, and had breakfast at Kneads.
The “Bridge to Bridge” event returns Sunday, October 18 — this time on wheels.
It begins at 3:30 p.m. with a bike safety talk. Then comes a 3-mile ride to Saugatuck, and back. Everyone ages 8 and up is welcome. Helmets are required.
The 2001 Staples High School graduate has just been named to Variety’s 2026 edition of its annual “10 Broadway Stars to Watch.”
Variety says: “Years ago, Duchan was warned not to expect success as a librettist until he was in his 40s: ‘I’ve always understood this career as something of an endurance test.’
“At 43, he’s making his Broadway debut with ‘Purple Rain,’ the stage version of the classic Prince album and film, about the rise of a tormented young musician known as the Kid. Duchan’s big break comes more than a decade after he emerged on the New York theater scene with 2012’s Off Broadway musical “Dogfight,” based on the 1991 movie starring River Phoenix. [Co-written by former Staples Player and friend Justin Paul.]
“’We’re trying to honor what’s singular about Prince while crafting a fictional character separate from him,’” Duchan says.
“An adept multitasker (and an expert at translating from screen to stage), Duchan is working on another major musical adaptation, ‘Practical Magic,’ based on the 1998 fantasy comedy starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witchy sisters.
“’These are just the two you know about!’ Duchan teases. ‘I spend all day, every day, thinking about musical-theater storytelling. If I haven’t clocked my 10,000 hours yet, I’ve gotta be pretty close.’”
After yesterday’s very active afternoon — including the Slice of Saugatuck, Westoberfest and Earthplace’s Fall Festival — the action continued at night.
The Westport Country Playhouse celebrated 95 years of entertainment with a high-energy gala.
From “Hamilton,” “Shrinking” and “The Wonder Years” to our own Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton, the stars were out in force.
The pre- and post-parties were off the charts too.
Gala performers (from left): Santino Fontana, Kelli O’Hara, James Naughton, Wendie Malick, NaTasha Yvetter Williams, Tamar Greene, Javier Muñoz, Patty McCormack, Dan Lauria. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Pride — the town’s non-profit dedicated to creating an affirming, supportive LGBTQ+ community — “proudly” announces a leadership transition.
Liz Falk takes over as president; Kate Grodd is vice president. Brian McGunagle moves into the role of president emeritus.
McGunagle founded Westport Pride in 2020. Under his leadership the organization established the annual Westport Pride celebration, built partnerships with Westport’s public schools, and helped bring the town’s rainbow crosswalk to life.
He is stepping back from day-to-day leadership to focus on his family and new business ventures. He will also take a more active role in his sons’ PTA.
Falk has served on the Westport Pride board as treasurer. She has a background in non-profit and for-profit management and consulting, and has started and run small businesses.
The Staples boys soccer silent auction is halfway to its fundraising goal. Plenty of items are still available.
Among the highlights: Stowe and Okemo stays, Yankees tickets and memorabilia, performance training sessions, college consulting, wellness packages, and private soccer clinics with varsity players. (Who, by the way, are 9-0-0 so far this season.)
Proceeds help fund coaches, fields, equipment and other resources that keep the program running.
And finally … congratulations again to Peter Duchan (story above).
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With significant storm impacts expected to continue through today, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has closed all town parks, athletic fields, beaches and racquet facilities.
Staff will assess conditions, and provide an update regarding Monday operations.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. Remain alert for downed trees, falling branches, flooding and potential power outages.
Do not drive through flooded roadways, or drive around barricades or road closures. Barricades are in place for your safety. Turn around and use an alternate route.
For additional storm information and preparedness guidance, click here.
One reason Compo Beach will remain closed today. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
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Meanwhile: It’s tough to see in this photo, but there was one surfer on Long Island Sound yesterday afternoon.
(Photo/Shelley Lowenstein)
Let’s hope he made it to shore safely.
And did not endanger any rescuers in the process.
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Congratulations to this year’s inductees in the Staples High School football program’s Wall of Fame.
Honored earlier this season were:
Ryan Bohling: In 2004 and ’05 as a running back, he helped lead Staples to 2 state championship. A 2-time All-FCIAC pick, he was a 4-year varsity player at Middlebury College. He now lives in Westchester County with his wife and 2 sons.
Ryan Bohling
Scott Clukies; Co-captain of the 1996 team that posted the first winning season in 12 yeas; 2-year All-FCIAC pick, playing fullback and outside linebacker. After playing at Bates College, Scott now lives in London with his wife and 2 daughters.
Scott Clukies
Doron Stember: Co-captain of the 1991 team; running back and special teams star; Block “S” MVP. Doron played at Tufts University, and is a urologist. He livs in New York with his family.
Bill Kashetta: One of the greatest athletes in Staples history (football, basketball, baseball). First team All-State in football; earned a Division I scholarship to the University of Idaho. A stalwart Staples sports fan who died in 2020, his 2ons David and Daniel also played for the Wreckers.
Bill Kashetta
Jack McFarland: Joined the football staff in 1994; with coach Marce Petroccio, their teams won 3 state championships and 5 FCIAC titles. As head baseball coach since 2005, he has won 3 state and 4 FCIAC crowns. A grade level assistant at Staples, he lives in Monroe with his wife and 4 daughters.
Jack McFarland
Jesse McCray: Joined the football staff in 1993; with coach Marce Petroccio, their teams won 3 state championships and 5 FCIAC titles. Now the head girls track and field coach, his teams have won 3 state and 4 FCIAC championships. A grate level assistant at Staples, he lives in Hamden with his wife and 2 sons.
Save the date: CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 7 and 8.
Over 165 artists and makers will be there, for “handmade holiday shopping.”
It’s a major fundraiser for the Women’s League of Westport, which provides financial support to area non-profits.
One of over 165 booths at CraftWestport.
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Longtime Westport resident Fausto Carusone died peacefully. surrounded by his family. He was 78.
Born in Italy, in 1969 he married Stefana.
For more than 30 years, Fausto was a Connecticut state marshal. He was respected for his strong work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to public service.
He is survived by his sons Salvatore (Sarah), Fausto Jr. (Rachel) and Steven (Athena), and grandchildren Madeline, Eugenio, Lia, Isa and Christian.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday (September 30, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Entombment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday (September 29, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Fausto Carusone
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Many Westporters hunkered down in yesterday’s storm.
Diane Lowman was out — and spotted this creature by the Cribari Bridge, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … on this date in 1825, the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives — the Stockton and Darlington — was opened. The engine “Locomotion” pulled wagons with coal and passengers from Shildon to Darlington to Stockton.
Yesterday — based on inaccurate information — our “06880” Roundup reported that the Board of Finance turned down a Public Works Department request for equipment for the Ned Dimes Marina renovation project.
Public Works director Larry Roberts clarifies: “We brought an appropriation request to the Board of Finance, but it was withdrawn due to inaccuracies in the accompanying materials.
“In any event, the work was not anticipated to begin until after the summer boating season.”
Speaking of last Sunday’s flood: In 2021, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee partnered with landowner David Waldman. They installed 5 mini-murals in the alley behind Anthropologie.
This one depicts what Westport artist Rebecca Ross thought Westport would look like in 50 years.
As Miggs Burroughs notes: “She was off by only 45.”
Westoberfest is less than 2 weeks away.
The 9th annual craft beer and family fall event returns Saturday, October 3 (1 to 5 p.m., Elm Street. Among the highlights: craft beer, music, food, art, shopping, and family-fun activities.
Admission is free. Guests who want to sample more than 50 local and regional beers, from over 20 breweries, can purchase a tasting pass.
This year, Westoberfest introduces a collaboration with 3 local arts organizations for hands-on creativity in the family area.
MoCA\CT invites families to design tote bags using colorful stamps, patterns and doodles, then take them home. One River School of Art + Design offers a fall-inspired mandala activity, while Whimsy Works Atelier brings parent-child creative play.
The family area, sponsored by Gault Family Companies, will feature carnival games from Chris and Pete Amusements, pumpkin decorating, and more.
For friendly competition, the annual stein-holding competition, hosted by CBS News weather anchor and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn, will once again challenge participants to show off their strength and stamina.
One Bad Oyster takes the stage with their energetic ska-surf sound.
Food and treats will be served by Blind Rhino, Freshko by Krisia, Fryborg, LemoNate’s, Lovely Chocolate by Talita Dupin, Paradise Island Food, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Elm Street will also feature a shopping and services vendor area
A beer tasting pass is $50 now, $55 on-site. Click here to purchase. Beer tasting participants receive a Westoberfest tasting glass and koozie.
Wakeman Town Farm’s “Fantastic Farmhands” welcomed a special guest last week: monarch watch conservation specialist Alice Ely.
She helped the youngsters release Petey, a monarch butterfly, and provided a fascinating peek into the science behind monarch migration.
Before Petey took off, Alice attached a tiny radio tag to his back using eyelash adhesive. The transmitter weighs no more than a grain of rice, so it’s light enough for Petey to fly freely.
Petey wasted no time.
In 2 days, the feisty butterfly traveled 109 miles, heading southwest toward Mexico.
To follow his journey, download the Project Monarch app, then search for Petey2026. You can track his migration in real time as he flies south.
Once they arrive in Mexico, the butterflies stay there until late winter. As temperatures warm and the days get longer, they receive their cue to head north, where they mate and lay eggs on the first milkweed they find — often in Texas.
The tiny tags are powered by solar cells, so Petey may occasionally disappear from the radar while his tag recharges. The WTF butterfly — the first monarch ever released from Connecticut with this type of radio tag — could make it all the way to Mexico.
Alice Ely, with monarch butterfly and Wakeman Town Farm “farmhands.”
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Sure, it’s another Sunday with rain in the forecast. (Though nowhere near as much as last week … knock wood.)
But the Staples High School girls swim and dive team is washing cars today, rain or (fingers crossed) shine.
They’ll be at 176 Post Road West — the old Carvana spot, opposite Kings Highway Elementary School — from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A suggested donation is $20. Stop in for a wash. If these girls can spend hours a day in the pool, the least you can do is get wet, while supporting the squad.
This was the scene at an old sea captain’s home, on Sylvan Routh South:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Actors have to flexible.
So does their entire company.
Westport Community Theatre had an unexpected change in their season lineup just a few weeks before opening.
“Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play” moved into the first slot.
It showcases a talented cast of Fairfield County actors, as well as Fairfield playwright Joe Landry.
The show — featuring suspense, intrigue, murder and touch of dark humor — runs through October 4, in the basement level of Town Hall.
Landry transforms 3 Hitchcock thrillers – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – into a 1940s-style radio broadcast performed before a live audience.
The 7-member cast moves among multiple roles, voices and characters as the stories unfold, creating the world of Hitchcock with microphones, scripts, music, and an elaborate soundscape.
Remaining performances are at 2 p.m. Sundays (today, and September 27 and October 4), and 7:30 p.m. on September 24, 25, 26, and October 2 and 3.
A 6-play subscription for the year is available for $140. WCT’s 69th season includes “Betrayal” by Harold Pinter; “Summer, 1976” by David Auburn; “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck; “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, and “Happy Days” by Samuel Beckett.
Tom Rusen and John Bachelder in “Vintage Hitchcock.”
Looking for a fun afternoon, with competition, food, camaraderie — and a chance to help support a new initiative?
A Better Chance of Westport’s inaugural Cornhole Tournament is set for Saturday, October 3 (11:30 to 3 p.m., Longshore’s Evan Harding Point).
Proceeds will help launch ABC’s College Scholarship Fund. It’s a way to expand their commitment to the scholars they sponsor and support during their time at Staples High School, as they move on to the next chapter of their educational journeys.
And finally … on this day in 1973, Jim Croce and 5 others died when their light plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Natchitoches Airport in Louisiana.
(It’s been a week since a huge “rain bomb” hit Westport. “06880” reported that story all day, and every day since. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thanks!)
Closure of the Green’s Farms post office after Sunday’s storm has been an inconvenience to patrons.
And not just because it’s an easy-to-park-it, always-uncrowded alternative to the always-busy Playhouse Square location.
Locked doors meant people with PO boxes could not access them.
Now, a note alerts all box holders to knock on the side door. Postmaster Suzannie Swaine will hand you your mail.
The building suffered serious damage. At the height of the storm, the interior was inundated with up to 5 inches of water. In nearly 25 years at Green’s Farms, Swaine had never seen that.
She and a fellow postal worker spent Monday and Tuesday cleaning up, and throwing away water-damaged materials. Not a single piece of mail was lost.
A postal technician was scheduled to reset or replace the server that works the computerized mail and postage equipment. Until that is done, the branch is closed to walk-in traffic.
Box holders may get their mail weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Green’s Farms post office, in dryer days.(Photo/Bobbie Herman)
He said that DPW is also reviewing reports of lingering standing water near Bradley Street and Fairfield Avenue, and debris in nearby drainage structures.
A homeowner on nearby Norwalk Avenue — one of 4 roads between Soundview Drive and Bradley Street — wants to make sure that town officials know about their plight too.
He writes: “The drains in front of 6 Norwalk have backed up several times this summer, even before this most recent storm.
“I’ve been in contact with the town engineer. He assured me everything operated as intended, but I want to be sure the right town officials are aware that the marina pump situation responsible for the drains on our street should be evaluated as well.”
Here are 2 photos of the flooding on Sunday, after the rain ended.
Westport resident Meredith Gerard is a sepsis survivor.
She has worked hard to bring more awareness to the life-threatening medical emergency: knowing the signs, understanding how quickly it can happen, and the importance of getting treatment fast.
Her advocacy to get the state to recognize September as Sepsis Awareness Month has paid off.
Locally, Westport declared September 14 Sepsis Awareness Day. 1st Selectman Kevin Christie presented the proclamation to Meredith and and her family at Town Hall.
The effects of sepsis did not end when she left the hospital. It has had a lasting impact on me and my family over the past several years. She is proud that her children see that when something difficult happens, it can turn into an experience that helps others.
Among the signs of sepsis:
Fever above 100.4°F, or body temperature below 96.5°F.
Signs or symptoms of a current infection (like a cough, painful urination, or a red wound).
Mental Decline: Extreme confusion, sleepiness, or trouble waking up.
Extremely Ill: Severe pain, shortness of breath, or a feeling like you might die.
Meredith Gerard (2nd from right), 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (holding proclamation), and family and friends.
Ruff to Radiant is a mobile pet grooming service in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.
The other day Katie, the owner, was working with a dog named Stella. When Katie was done, Stella ran into her back yard.
She fell into a pool, and was drowning.
When the owner jumped in and got her out, she was not breathing. Katie laid her on the driveway, and performed chest compressions and “mouth to snout” CPR.
Within a minute, she regained her pulse.
Stella was taken to the vet. She went home that day, with oxygen and a heating blanket.
Earth Animal has asked Katie to teach a class on dog CPR. We’ll provide more details when we get them. (Hat tip: Jann Colabella)
Mark Mathias writes: “A big, noisy, yellow truck came down Juniper Road this morning.
“It was cleaning and filling cracks in the road with tar. Then another worker put some sand or other abrasive on top of the tar to give it some traction.
“Hopefully, this will keep water from getting into the roads, freezing (and expanding), and then cracking the roads during the winter.
“Thanks to our Public Works department for making this investment in our roads!”
Three Indigenous grandmothers lead a day of conversation and learning tomorrow (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Indigenous grandmothers: Nana Williams (Mayan spiritual guide), Marsha Forest (Wisdom Keeper of Mohawk ancestry), and Nancy Andry (Algonquin and French heritage).
This Sunday (September 20, 9 to 11 a.m.), ALT executive director David Brant leads a hike of its newest addition: the 15-acre Plummer property, formerly owned by actor Christopher Plummer and his wife Elaine. The hike is of intermediate difficulty. Click here for more information.
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The next Staples High School sports team fundraising car wash is tomorrow (Saturday, September 19, 12 to 4 p.m., 176 Post Road West — former Carvana property opposite Kings Highway School)
Clarendon Fine Art’s next exhibit features Brian Keith Stephens.
His paintings use familiar creatures to explore human emotion and behavior. His work has appeared in more than 100 exhibitions internationally since 1996.
Stephens will be at the opening reception (October 3, 6 to 8 p.m.).
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Barboletta — a Santana tribute band — brought their powerhouse music to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
They’ve become a Levitt tradition. The band includes local musicians from different national and international touring acts, including Lotus, Twiddle, The Machine, Deep Banana Blackout and Kung Fu.
Special guest Jason L Terry was an added attraction.
The final event listed on the Levitt calendar is this coming Wednesday (September 23, 7:30 p.m.; free). King Stingray plays “Yoluu surf rock” — with indie and funk influences — that has captivated all of Australia. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Barboletta rocks the Levitt. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Westport Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd has lived here for over 30 years.
A football, basketball and track athlete at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland, and a University of Maryland graduate, he helps oversee so many local amenities: our beaches, Longshore, athletic fields, parks, and much more.
The other day, David came to the Westport Library, for an “06880” podcast chat. Click here or below, for an inside look at some of the most special places and programs in town.
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Staples High School girls soccer.
