Kristin Ryan Beirne — a superb Staples High School athlete, and a highly respected longtime Bedford Middle School teacher — died Saturday, after a long illness. The Southport resident was 47.
Born in Norwalk in 1978, Kristin was a member of Staples’ Class of 1996. A star on the soccer and basketball teams, she received the prestigious Albie Loeffler Scholarship, awarded for academic excellence, athletic achievement, integrity and strong family values.
Kristin played Division I soccer at the College of William & Mary. She earned All-Conference honors, and set a school record for most games played (93, including 89 starts). Her 1997 team was inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kristin Ryan Beirne
Kristin began teaching physical education in Virginia, before returning to Connecticut in 2002.
Over her 23-year career at Bedford, she touched thousands of lives through her work in the classroom, and interscholastic and intramural coaching. She also volunteered with the Westport Soccer Association.
In 2015, Kristin was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Kristin enjoyed summer days at Longshore, Compo and Southport beaches, and winter days ice skating and skiing at Mohawk and Killington.
Kristin was predeceased by her father James Ryan. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Beirne; children Alexandra and son, Grayson; her mother, Joan Ryan; siblings, Kim (Bill) Constantino and Kellie (Paul) Ouimette, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (August 10, 2 to 6 p.m.,Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). A memorial Mass will take place August 11 (11 a.m., St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield). To leave online condolences, click here.
Westport’s ever-expanding outdoor art collection dedicates its newest addition on August 13 (5 p.m., Eloise Ray Park: Riverside Avenue at Lincoln Street),
It’s a celebration of Marc Zaref’s “Enso: The Magic of Every Moment.” The sculptor will be there, to explain the piece and his process.
Aarriving here after a 2-year solo exhibit at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, it was installed yesterday.
“Enso” is the 4th sculpture that the Westport Arts Advisory Committee has installed in Westport parks since last year. The Parks and Recreation Department have helped with the initiative.
“Enso” by Marc Zaref, at Eloise Ray Park.
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There’s always something going on on Church Lane.
Last night, it was another Wednesday of free music:
Then yesterday, Dairy Boy promoted its “lifestyle brand” that “blends New England charm with modern fashion,” with an old-fashioned ice cream giveaway.
IYKYK.
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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Speaking of music: Borboletta brought their high-energy Santana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night. A large crowd rocked the amphitheater.
(Photo/Sean Bernand)
The Levitt and the band collaborated on a limited run of t-shirts. They’ll be sold at the box office throughout the weekend (while they last).
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The weekend schedule includes:
Tonight (Friday): Lulada Club: New York City’s All women Salsa Orchestra (free; dance lesson and dance party, 7 p.m.; show, 7:30).
Saturday: Adrian Quesada’s Boleros Psicodélicos (free; 7:30 p.m.).
Sunday: The Wood Brothers, with Mason Via (ticket purchase; 6 p.m.).
But athletes are deep into training. And Positive Directions is busily promoting it.
Westport’s prevention, counseling and peer supports center for individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders will benefit from the fundraising of 3 local runners.
Cam Gaylord, Brian McGarvey and Gianna Affi have set goals of raising $3,000 each for the non-profit. Click here to read their stories — and donate.
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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the winners of Westort Country Playhouse’s 2nd annual golf tournament, held recently at Birchwood Country Club.
They’re shown below: Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson, Alex Krug and Justin Brunwasser.
Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to our young neighbors to the east.
The Fairfield National 12U All-Star Little League team won the state championship. Now they’re competing in the Metro Section for a spot as one of 10 US teams in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that outfielder/pitcher Ben Herbst is the grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben is the younger son of David Herbst (Staples High School Class of 1992), and the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96).
The Metro Section championship game, against New York, is today at 7 p.m. It will be played in Bristol, Connecticut, and televised by the big network right down the road: ESPN.
Speaking of kids: Adam J. Lewis Academy — the life-changing Bridgeport school co-founded by Westporter Julie Mombelloo — had quite a year.
Their first-ever class of 6th graders moved into a sparkling new facility, complete with STEAM lab and maker space.
Music Theatre of Connecticut helped stage 2 big productions.
Now, as teachers prepare to welcome pre-K through 7th graders, they’re sharing an important wish list.
From arts and science equipment to books, calculators and many other classoom needs — the kind available without a second thought in a district like Westport — each request is important. Amazon gift cards are welcome too.
Click here for the full list. All items can be shipped directly to Adam J. Lewis Academy, 500 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Westport native Sherri Manuel died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday. She was 52
She graduated with typical excitement and enthusiasm from Staples High School and Camp Hill Soltane in Pennsylvania, a program for adults with intellectual differences. S
She had a successful career at Village Market in Wilton for over 25 years.
Sherri enjoyed many activities and field trips with Star Inc. of Norwalk, a full and active social life with Our Vision of Westport, and an independent residential lifestyle provided by CLASP Homes of Westport.
Sherri was an accomplished Special Olympian, earning many medals. Her greatest achievement was a gold medal winner in equestrian riding.
Highlights of Sherri’s life include a cover story in Westport Magazine (“A Day in the Life of Sherri Manuel”), being a runway model for CLASP Homes fundraisers, and the opportunity to meet her hero, Micheal J. Fox, at a show taping, which resulted in a long friendship.
Her family says, “Above all else, Sherri brought joy, happiness and humor to all who knew her.”
She is survived by her parents, Tom and Julie McNamee, siblings Charlie (Becky), sister Christina Parker (Dan Parker) and Mandy, nephews Max, Benny, Bennett, Logan, John and Elliot, niece Morgan, stepbrothers Ryan McNamee (Taylor), Andrew McNamee (Stephanie), nephews Logan, John and Elliot, and many friends from CLASP Homes, Star Inc. and Our Vision.
A wake will be held tomorrow (Saturday August 9, 2 to 6 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield).
And finally … in honor of Dairy Boy’s popup yesterday on Church Lane (story above):
(No milk today. But donations are always accepted at “06880,” to keep this hyper-local blog healthy and strong. Please click here. We appreciate your help!)
“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — opened last week.
It’s unique.
Once audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
The show operates in 6 “pulses,” beginning every 15 minutes. Clay performs in the 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. (matinee) pulses. (Select one of those time slots when buying tickets.)
As part of the series, Amurri invites Westporters to celebrate “the best local gems.” Winners will be featured in upcoming episoes. Click here — but hurry! Nominations close tomorrow — Thursday.
Categories include best breakfast sandwich, iced coffee, workout class, kids’ activity, boutique, girls’ lunch, blowout, mani/pedi, pizza, date night dinner, dessert, bar scene and local creator.
Screenshot from “The Westport Project”: Chris O’Dell and Eva Amurri.
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After months of major, urgent agenda items, the Representative Town Meeting took a break in August.
Members gathered at the Ned Dimes Marina for a BBQ, casusal conversation, and a chance to enjoy the sunset just like their constituents often do.
(Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
Meanwhile, Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-3411105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov
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Calling all high school artists!
MoCA CT announces an open call for their 11th annual scholastic exhibition, “the Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
It explores the effects of contemporary music on youth culture. Music today is more immediate, interactive and personal than in previous generations. This shapes the way young people communicate, form communities and express themselves, from slang and style to activism and identity.
Artists will select a song from 2020 to now, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
The Westport Rotary Club’s recent instrument collection project was a resounding success.
Yesterday, 225 guitars, clarinets, a piano and more were shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
But the music continues.
Diego Carneiro — a Brazilian cellist and Rotary Peace Fellow who travels the world, promoting peace and understanding through music and community empowerment — headlines an evening of classical music (August 13, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
He’s joined by soprano Jurate Svedaite, and the church’s msuic director Dylan Sauerwald.
Hundreds of classic and exotic cars — and thousands of auto enthusiasts — will fill the parking lot at 148 East Avenue in Norwalk this Sunday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
It’s a benefit for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Penna died unexpectedly in 2020 at 51, leaving behind a wife and teenage sons. He was a highly respected Westport Police officer for 26 years, rising to deputy chief before retirement.
Admission is free, but there is a $20 fee to enter a car (no cutoff years). The day includes live music, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the Italian American Police Society of Southern Connecticut will give away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
Classic cars like these will be on display Sunday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
As one group tries to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan tribe — for a league record $325 million (and relocate it from Mohegan Sun to Boston) — another group has countered with over $300 million (and a move to Hartford).
That second group is led by Westporter Marc Lasry. He’s got the money — he’s a billionaire businessman and private equity manager.
But he’s also got basketball chops. He was a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2023.
Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario was a guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today.
The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist/author/MacArthur “genius grant” winner discussed US aid to Sudan, and the impact of budget cuts.
Addario noted that images must be repeated and seen multiple times, for them to have an effect on people.
Also in the media: Delano Melvin was on national television yesterday.
The 11-year-old Westporter asked “Today” show guest MrBeast — one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People — what he most likes about being a YouTuber.
Delano had an in for his question. His father, Craig, is a co-host of the NBC morning show.
The new, wide Hillspoint Road sidewalk between Soundview Drive and Old Mill Beach was finished in time for the summer.
Except for one stretch, near Schlaet’s Point (the Compo jetty). Weeks later, it remains incomplete: an unlevel patch of dirt and gravel.
Several residents reached out to town officials.
The Department of Public Works is waiting for Eversource to set a push pole at the intersection of Hillspoint and Soundview, then adjust the guy wires so they are not a hazard to pedestrians.
They utility company must reset and reconfigure some wires in several places around the corner on Hillspoint.
Once that is done, the paving contractor will return.
In the meantime, a DPW crew was scheduled to add cold patch ramps today, to ease the transition on the sidewalk.
Harvest Fest is one of the best parties of the year.
Tickets are now on sale. But they go fast!
The September 13 food-and-wine event (6 p.m.) is Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser.
There’s great seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, wine and cocktails, live music, an auction (including private chef dinners in WTF’s Tim’s Kitchen, VIP trips, a stay at Watch Hill’s Ocean House resort and a wine wall, and a paddle raise for the new Farm on the Go program.
Speaking of farms: This Friday is the deadline for submission to the Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Young Shoots” photo contest.
So there’s one more day for photographers ages 5-18 to shoot images: this Thursday (August 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
The contest — with cash prizes, in 3 age groups — is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center. Click here for details.
What’s the competition? Here are a few of the submissions so far:
Zoe Monschein — the 2024 Greens Farms Academy valedictorian — is a physics and applied math double major at the University of California – Berkeley.
But those are not her only talents.
The other day, at the 17th annual Women’s Major Softball Championship hosted by the fabled Stratford Brakettes, Zoe — a rightfielder for the Junior Brakettes — won the batting title, with a remarkable .636 average. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Though Zoe does not play softball for the Cal Bears, the tournament featured a number of NCAA Division I players.
Congratulations, Zoe! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Zoe Monschein
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Last weekend might have been the nicest of the summer in Westport.
Just about everyone headed to beaches, pools, or out on the Sound.
So did many non-humans — including today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured gull, enjoying a dip at Bluff Point.
And finally … on this date in 1962, Marilyn Monroe is found dead at her Los Angeles home, from a drug overdose. She was 36.
(From handicap access and sidewalks to Harvest Fest and the Farmers’ Market, “06880” is here for you: 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In May, the Board of Education rejected an appeal by Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract.
Freshman coach Chris O’Dell was also not renewed by Scarice. His appeal hearing is set for September 12.
Westport’s loss is Fairfield’s gain.
The pair have joined the coaching staff at Fairfield Warde High School, and been embraced by the Mustang community.
Despite the ordeal, both coaches retain their love for the Staples soccer program. Both are graduates of the school, and former captains.
In heartfelt letters to players and parents, Oost-Lievense and O’Dell describe their long connection to Wrecker soccer; thank their supporters, and note that Staples and Warde will collaborate in the future — including a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research, when the teams meet on September 27.
As students head off to college, they pack many things: Clothes. Electronics. Favorite items from home.
And: Narcan.
Positive Directions offers a safety kit with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips and more.
There’s also a 15-20 minute info session on mental health, substance risks and resources at college, including overdose signs and how to administer Narcan.
“Who knows what will come of the legendary caboose that has lived off Newtown Turnpike for decades?
“For months, a large demolition sign has been on the door of the house (120 Newtown Turnpike, or 1 Crow Hollow Lane) that the caboose sits in the rear of.”
The demolition sign …
“Legend has it the caboose was flown in, as in literally dropped via air, by a doting father for his daughter’s birthday party. And so it has been there for years, now encroached by brush, no one living in or near, though at one point it was an office for the nearby house.
… and the caboose today. (Photos/Jessica Branson)
“Neighbors hope the caboose will stay when ‘the little red house’ is finally torn down.”
In 2016, “06880” featured the caboose — and Gigi New, the writer who used it as her office (and muse). Click here for that fascinating back story.(Spoiler alert: It includes plenty of facts. And a lot of mystery.)
The caboose in 2016 …
and writer Gigi New, who used it as an office. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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For Steve Moen, painting means returning — to physical places and emotional landscapes.
For the 1972 Staples High School artist, his “Circling Back” series began with visits back to Westport, where his childhood memories live in tidal marshes, rocks and boulders along the shore.
The exhibit is on display at the Westport Library’s Sheffer Gallery from now through October 5. On August 13 Moen returns, for a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. conversation with Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Click here for more information.
Speaking of sports: An “06880” story about Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force request for donations of items needed by their clients caught the eye of the Staples cheerleaders. They wanted to help women in need.
The captains asked dteammates to bring an item from the list to the next practice.
But — wanting to raise more awareness, and collect more items — they reached out to the football team.
With help from the Gridiron Club and captains, they collected many more items.
The other day, they dropped off their donations at the police station. The officers — and “06880” — thank the Staples cheerleaders and football team!
A portion of the cheeerleading and football teams’ donations.
Speaking of community service: In just 2 weeks, the Westport Rotary Club collected 153 musical instruments, and assorted sound gear.
They ranged from drums, guitars and keyboards to ukeleles, clarinets, flutes — even music stands and conductor’s batons.
The collection — worth about $14,000 — is being shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
Green’s Farms Church served as the collection point. Westport Rotary president Peter Helt drove all over Fairfield County to pick up donations, then hauled it all to New London, for shipping.
Speaking still of community service: Staples High rising junior Mika Smith volunteers with the National Charity League.
Organizing book drives for Caroline House in Bridgeport, she has collected 2,000 books over the past 3 years.
This year Mike and her sister Gretchen — a rising freshman — also customized tote bags to deliver the books. They’ll be used long after the books are delivered — and will be a constant reminder of Caroline House’s great work.
Mika and Gretchen Smith, with their donated books and tote bags.
Low Cut Connie got the Levitt Pavilion rocking last night.
They brought a creative, inclusive take on rock ‘n’ roll, channeling early Elton John, punk, Rod Stewart, Philly soul and other genres into a musical stew.
(Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Frontman Adam Weiner often jumped into the audience, to sing — and dole out hugs.
(Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)
This week’s free shows include:
Tuesday, August 5: Comedy Night, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6: Children’s Series: Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band, 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 7: Barboletta: A Tribute to Santana, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8: Lulada Club: New York City’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra, 7 p.m. dance lesson, 7:30 show.
For over 20 years, St. Vincent’s Hospital “Swim Across the Sound” has raised funds to help cancer patients facing financial hardships. Last year’s event raised $590,000, to help pay for rent, utility bills and groceries.
The 17-mile swim begins in Port Jefferson, Long Island, and ends at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.
Among the boaters escorting swimmers yesterday: Westport Josh Schwartz. Here is the Clarkson University swim team — before they got wet:
When they got in the water — and back out — they finished third, in the college division.
“They weigh about as much as a penny, and have approximately 20 heartbeats per second. It takes a lot of energy to keep up that pace, so the hummingbird will eat up to 3 times its body weight a day. One of their favorite sources of energy is the jewelweed, a native yellow flower.
“Some of them migrate from Southern Canada as far as Costa Rica. They can cross the Gulf of Mexico — approximately 500 miles — in a non-stop single flight.
“Their aerial displays are unmatched. Up, down, backwards and forwards, hovering and with great speed, they are marvels to watch.
“As we continue to eradicate green open space, such as the planned destruction of the 4 acres of open space adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, we continue chipping away at the ability of our beautiful natural environment to sustain itself.
“Destroying green open space like this is exactly the opposite of what we are teaching our kids in school, and is in direct contrast to helping a world that seems to be falling apart at its environmental seams.”
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And finally … tying together a couple of the first items in today’s Roundup:
(You never know what you’ll find in our Roundup. But there’s always something special here — and, hopefully, news and info you can use. We also hope you’ll click here to support us. Thank you!)
NCAA Division I football and basketball teams don’t often recruit Westport and Weston teenagers.
Lacrosse, soccer, golf, tennis, track, rowing — that’s a different story.
But whatever their sport, many local athletes may feel ripple effects from recent changes on the college sports scene.
“Revenue sharing” began on July 1. D-I schools can now pay players directly, up to a minimum of $20.5 million per college this year. Realistically, nearly all will go to football and men’s basketball athletes.
The change — the result of long years of litigation — also eliminates scholarship limits in Division I sports.
The Ivy League and Patriot League (Boston University, Colgate, Lafayette, Lehigh and others) have opted out. Those conferences have attracted many area student-athletes.
Yet the Ivies do not offer athletic scholarships, and the money offered by Patriot League schools is far less than the Power 4 (Big Ten, SEC, ACC and Big 12). That’s where the first changes will be felt.
Then, they’ll cascade throughout college sports.
Richard Kent has been watching the soon-to-be seismic shift closely.
A Westport resident since 1992 whose day job is in litigation (specializing in fathers rights), his passion is college sports — particularly basketball.
As a side gig, he teaches sports law at Fairfield University, Manhattanville College and Rutgers University.
Richard Kent
Kent says that many of the sports that Westport teenagers play — lacrosse, soccer, tennis, golf, track, crew — could be eliminated by D-I schools.
They have finite resources. The millions of dollars they can now pay athletes — in fact, “must” pay them, to remain competitive — will come from other budget lines.
Non-revenue (or worse, money-losing) sports like those that many Westport youths enjoy (or endure, with the hopes of landing a college scholarship — or at least a foot in the admissions door) may soon be eliminated.
Roster caps are also part of the settlement. D-I colleges are now limited to squads of 15 for basketball, and 105 for football. There are limits in other sports too — 48 for men’s lacrosse and 38 for women’s lax, for example.
Though schools faced scholarship caps previously, there were no roster restrictions. The result was that sports could help an applicant get into a school (even if he or she did not have a scholarship). There were opportunities too to “walk on” without being recruited.
At the D-I level, roster caps will lessen the opportunities for applicants from towns like Westport to use sports as a springboard to college.
As a result, the Ivy and Patriot Leagues — which opted out of the settlement, and will not face roster caps — may see increased interest in their programs.
Opportunities for a Staples football player like Jake Thaw to walk on at a school like Michigan may become more limited.
Of course, D-I is not the only game in town.
As D-I athletic departments grapple with change, Division III schools — Wesleyan, Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, Union and many more, where athletic scholarships are prohibited and sports programs are less intense (though still very competitive) — may see a bump in interest.
They won’t start paying athletes, cutting programs or facing roster caps. Westport student-athletes who may have tried for a D-I spot may realize D-3 is a more realistic option.
So what’s the game plan for current Staples, Weston and Greens Farms Academy teenage athletes?
“Read everything you can about this,” Kent advises.
“If you’re a highly recruited athlete who will be paid a lot of money, get an NIL agent.
“In all cases, be very careful about any offers that are not in writing, and signed by both parties.”
And of course: Look closely at D-III.
Play ball!
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. And when there’s a national story with a Westport angle, we cover it. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As every youth sports parent knows, young athletes quickly outgrow their uniforms.
Very quickly.
Occasionally, a club or league organizes a day for parents to pass jerseys along. But Westport PAL basketball has done more.
Full Court Peace is a non-profit founded by local resident Mike Evans. It provides basketballs, sneakers, court repair — and uniforms — to underserved communities in Norwalk, Bridgeport, Stamford and Queens.
Plus Havana, Santo Domingo, San Juan, and a refugee camp in Jordan.
Recently, Westport PAL partnered with Full Court Peace. Greg Downes and Gery Grove led the effort.
Six players — all PAL alums — traveled to the Dominican Republic. They restored 2 courts, and handed out 30 basketballs and 50 Westport uniforms to young players.
They also joined in games with the youngsters.
This is not the first time Full Court Peace has brought Westport teenagers and their parents. In the psat 10 years, over 100 have traveled to Cuba, Puerto Rico and the DR.
This week’s Unsung Heroes are Mike, Greg, Gery, Westport PAL basketball president Jordan Schur, and Full Court Peace players Ryder Flaherty, Luke Moneyhon, Jasper Robinson, Jared Sale, Aaron Schor and Micah Turner.
You are all true champions!
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
A number of Westport residents were surprised yesterday to receive this email, from “Westport Parks & Recreation Department”:
“Hi! You used our online services to purchase a parking emblem. The registration is only in Lisa’s name, and she is not a senior, the fee for this purchase is $60 plus CT sales tax. You may contact us at 203-341-5152 to provide us with your credit card information for the difference or you are more than welcome to stop into the office. We are here Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Look forward to hearing from you!”
There was one little issue: Recipients did not purchase a parking emblem “in Lisa’s name.”
A call to the number brought up a recording, saying it was sent in error, and to disregard the message.
As for Lisa: Well, most people lie about their age to seem younger.
Westport 10 — our town’s social and networking group of Black men, which has grown to far more than 10 members — celebrated their annual Jamaican BBQ on Sunday, with wives and children.
Westport 10 men …
Howard and Olga Roberts hosted the event. The menu included the national dish — ackee and saltfish, along with oxtails, curry goat, rice and peas, cabbage and more.
The annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” comedy show (get it?) has snagged a great headliner.
Tom Papa — star of 6 specials, including a recent Netflix show, and with more than 20 years’ experience as an actor, host and author, in film, TV, radio, podcasts and the live stage — comes to Fairfield University’s Quick Center on October 17.
The fundraiser helps the Westport non-profit continue its 40-year mission of addressing homelessness and food insecurity.
That’s not the only difficult spot in town. (Surprise!)
Sandy Rothenberg sends this photo of Compo Road South, heading north to Post Road East:
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
With only 3 cars able to make the left turn onto the Post Road — but many others backed up waiting to go straight or turn right — drivers sometimes have to wait several cycles just to get into that left lane.
Others — like the one above — often take matters into their own hands.
And the cluster*** that is cars exiting or entering Compo Acres Shopping Center, by the narrow passage by [solidcore]* is a whole other sorry story.
*Don’t get me started on their absurd punctuation.
The Caribbean Jazz Connection headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
Drummer Jim Royle crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles. His band features steel pan player Bryan Garbe. A former student of Royle’s, he grew up in Fairfield.
Other members include bassist John Mobilio, pianist Dave childs, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Jim Royle
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Congratulations to Westport Softball’s CT Wreckers 10U team. They won the Southwest CT Fastpast League Silver Division championship in Southbury, finishing their league season undefeated.
Front row (from left): Megan Acampora, Zoey Klauser, Lila Salotollo, Natalia Hernandez, Addie Lewis, Lane Haberstroh, Juliette Rocco, Blythe Yanover, Amara Stocker, Bella Sable. Coaches (rear): Jeff Yanover, Ried Salotollo, Jason Sable. Not pictured: Ava Konig.
And finally … following up on the erroneous Parks & Rec message yesterday:
(A gentle, mid-summer reminder: “06880” — your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog — relies on the generosity of readers like you. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to donate. Thank you!)
It’s late July. If you’re a youth sports parent, this may be one of those rare times: a weekend without your kid’s “elite” team playing a couple of games, or traveling to a “showcase” tournament.
Maybe your child’s batting, shooting or goalkeeping coach is on his own vacation.
But the clock is ticking. The fall season — for youth and high school sports — starts in a few minutes. The 11 1/2-month cycle begins again.
Much of it is driven by one goal: to catch the eye of college coaches.
Dave Smith has an important perspective on it all.
He and his wife Jeanne have lived in Westport for over 15 years. Their 4 children played multiple sports, including football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and volleyball.
Caleb (Staples High School Class of ’24) is playing lacrosse at Boston University. Nathan, a Staples senior, will play football at Trinity College. Chloe is a Staples sophomore, while Noah looks forward to being a freshman there next fall.
From left: Nathan, Caleb, Dave, Noah, Chloe and Jeanne Smith. Caleb and Nathan starred on Staples’ 2024 state champion football team.
Dave played basketball and ran track at Trinity. He runs a leadership coaching practice. Today — with years of youth sports experience behind him — he offers these insights into college recruiting:
Lots of parents shell out lots of money, while trekking all over the country to help their kids succeed in sports.
“Two in 10 youth sports parents,” the article says, “think their child has the ability to play Division I college sports.”
Playing college sports is a terrific dream, one our family has pursued for all our kids. And we contributed mightily to the youth travel industry along the way.
Recently, my oldest Caleb and I were on an “06880” panel discussing the challenges of navigating youth sports. The notoriously opaque process of college recruiting can be even more bewildering. Having stumbled through recruiting with 3 of ours, my perspectives may be helpful for parents mapping out your child’s journey.
Staples High School sports signing day ceremony, 2024. College sports is a goal for many young athletes (and their parents). But the road is far from smooth. (Photo/Lynda Kommel-Browne)
√ With the NCAA athlete settlement in June, universities opting in (to avoid future litigation) will have roster limits (no more walk-ons), and pay athletes a portion of the school’s revenues. NCAA football and basketball will become the equivalent of baseball’s minor leagues. To play at these Power Conference schools, D1 recruits typically attend specialized private/prep schools, and oftentimes “re-class” (repeat a grade) to have a chance.
√ For smaller D1 schools who don’t opt in (like the Ivy and Patriot Leagues), competition for recruitment is fierce. Even at this level, if you don’t fit the D1 football or basketball measurables for size and speed, you’re unlikely to be considered, regardless of your high school career success or performance at showcases and camps.
√ Some college sports – such as swimming, rowing (erg stats) and track – recruit solely on times.
√ Lacrosse (boys and girls) remains the most viable college recruitment path for Fairfield County public school athletes. The Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) is one of the top high school lax leagues in the country. Size does not matter as much as speed and athleticism, making lacrosse viable for many more athletes. As a result of Title IX, the path is easier for girls (125 D1 lax programs) than boys (73 D1 lax programs).
√ Rugby is an up-and-coming sport, with a blossoming youth league and a nationally ranked program at Staples. Size is less of a factor in rugby recruiting than in football.
√ College coaches still value multi-sport high school athletes. They demonstrate a variety of skills, and can adapt to play multiple positions — providing teams with the flexibility needed in today’s college game.
Playing more than one sport is appealing to college coaches. Athletes learn how to deal with a variety of pressure situations, and learn from various coaching styles — while avoiding burnout and overuse injuries. (Photo/Mark Conrad for Ruden Report)
√ D1 recruiting for most sports is heaviest after one’s junior season. Communication with college coaches is conducted through the high school coach. D1 lacrosse recruiting (boys and girls) is heaviest after their sophomore season, and is conducted through their summer club team coach.
√ College coaches prefer not to communicate through parents. In fact, pushy parents are seen as a negative, and can hinder prospects. In my view, college recruiting firms are not worth the money.
√ Lastly, D3 sports are grossly underrated. The quality of competition is tremendous, much better than when I played. Most D3 schools participate in both conference tournaments and national D3 championships. D3 may be an ideal target for public school athletes, especially those who are undersized by D1 standards.
Playing a sport in college is a fantastic experience, and an awesome goal for any athlete. But I try to remember what Tony Boselli, a National Footbal League Hall of Fame lineman and All-American at the University of Southern California told an audience of all-staters: His fondest memories across his entire football career were those high school Friday nights, running onto the field representing his classmates and his town.
Yes, work for the future. But be sure to enjoy the present!
Some Staples High School lacrosse players will continue in college. All will always remember their state championship. (Photo/JC Martin)
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