Whether you missed Saturday’s “LL” (extra large schools) championship football game, or were in the stands at Central Connecticut State University and want to relive the highlights: Here’s your chance.
GametimeCT created this highlight reel, including interviews. Click below. And even though you know the result — Staples High School won, 21-20 — it’s worth watching.
And re-watching.
On a related note, Staples super-fan Dan Orlovsky — the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN football analyst, as well as a Westport resident — tweeted a clip of Max Maurillo’s game-saving tackle on West Haven’s 2-point conversion attempt with 1:15 left, along with an approving comment.
It has received 2.2 million views — undoubtedly another landmark for Staples football.
As usual with Twitter X, comments were all over the place. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
This is the HS in the town we live in
Shared a play from last week and stated “if you have a young athlete show them this—season saved off effort”
Same message applies. State title game. Dreams and goals on the line. Watch kid on left of screen and his effort. Wins a state… pic.twitter.com/BZ7WKAWjKq
“I’m looking for a service or person in Westport or Weston who can check on a house as needed — perhaps deal with an alarm, make sure there is no water leak, or pick up a package. Even when we try to stop packages, they slip through. I’m in Lower Weston.
“This might be an ideal role for a senior who is still driving. This person wouldn’t need handyman skills — just come over, bring a flashlight if the power is out, and check on the house.
“We don’t have an ideal neighbor for this, and the neighborhood children are either too young or off at college.
“I could pay someone a small fee every month ($50? — so that’s $600 a year, even if they have to do nothing), plus a fee every time they had to come over to the house ($50?).”
If you’re interested, and around all the time, email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll connect you with the homeowner.
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The weather turned nasty yesterday.
But before the rain, Santa Claus forsook his sleigh for a different mode of transportation, on the not-yet-frosty streets of Westport:
The Westport Woman’s Club recently awarded a $6,000 Ruegg Grant to Positive Directions, the Westport non-profit behavioral health organization.
Ruegg Grants — established in 1995 by an endowment from former member Lea Ruegg — are awarded to projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.
From left: Robin Clark, Westport Woman’s Club president; Vanessa Wilson, Positive Directions executive director; Hallie Preskill, WWC community services chair; Susan Loselle and Donna Richardson, WWC committee members.
Yesterday, the Staples football team did what they’ve done all season — on the biggest stage of all.
The offensive line gave record-setting quarterback Caleb Smith all the protection he needed. The defense came through, huge.
The result — a dramatic, come-from-behind, saved-in-the-last-seconds 21-20 win over West Haven, at Central Connecticut State University — earned the Wreckers the state “LL” (extra large schools) championship.
It’s their first Connecticut crown since 2005. And it may be the one that will be remembered the longest.
The win avenged Staples’ only loss of the season: 33-22 on opening day, to the same West Haven squad.
It confirmed Smith — who ran for all 3 touchdowns, after connecting with receivers like his brother Nathan and Sam Petrosino — as one of the finest QBs in Wrecker history. He had already set career marks in passing and rushing.
But it was Max Maurillo who was the final hero. After missing a 3rd-quarter extra point attempt that left them down 14-13, he redeemed himself when the Blue Devils scored to make it 21-20 with 1:15 left in the game, then went for a 2-point conversion to win it all.
West Haven’s star receiver Armani Reid hauled in a pass. But before he reached the end zone, Maurillo hauled him down with a crunching, game-saving, state championship-winning tackle.
Congratulations to head coach Adam Behrends, his superb staff, and the entire Wrecker team. This is one for the ages.
Meanwhile, check out the photo below. It shows Maurillo’s tackle on the 2-point conversion attempt, which gave the Wreckers the state crown.
Just as impressive is the photographer: Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
The principal also took this post-game victory shot:
Due to predicted bad weather, today’s trash pick-up beginning at the transfer station is canceled. Organizer Andrew Colabella will provide details soon on a rescheduled date.
Westporters continue to react to the war in the Middle East. A new sign has joined the Israeli flags, “kidnapped” posters and blue ribbons seen around town.
This was spotted yesterday, at Myrtle Avenue by the Post Road:
Westporters are well on our way to raising $60,000, to supply our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine with 2 wood pellet machines. Each will heat over 1,000 homes through what will be a second brutal winter.
But what exactly is a wood pellet machine?
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who founded Ukraine Aid International, and helped build ties with our sister city — explains, in the video below.
It’s a simple concept. Each machine costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run for 3 months.
We are just a few thousand dollars short of our $60,000 goal. To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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Does your non-profit need money?
Of course. That’s like asking, does Santa need to go on a diet?
You’re in luck. The Westport Woman’s Club is now accepting grant applications.
Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that make a continuing difference in the community. They may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. G
Grants are given each year to organizations in education, health, and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Click here for the application form. The deadline is January 31.
‘Tis the season to be hearing the Orphenians caroling.
Yesterday, several members of Staples High School’s elite, 63-year-old a cappella group entertained shoppers at 101-year-old Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
They’ve got a full schedule this week. This coming weekend, many will be featured in a variety of choral groups at the 83rd annual Candlelight Concert.
Orphenians at Gilbertie’s. (Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)
Speaking of the Festival of Lights: The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life sponsors community menorah lighting celebrations in Westport and Weston.
The “original Westport menorah” at Compo Acres Shopping Center (Trader Joe’s/Wells Fargo parking lot) — now in its 16th year — will be lit Monday (December 11, 7 p.m.).
The day before (Sunday, December 10, 5:30 p.m.), a menorah will be lit at the Weston Shopping Center. It continues a tradition begun 20 years ago.
Both ceremonies include music, cookies, gelt and dreidels.
Westport Scout Troop is selling wreaths as a fundraiser this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last; Saugatuck Congregational Church).
Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods and hot cocoa are available too.
Funds will help projects, like the recent construction of lanternfly traps for Sherwood Island State Park. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.
Everyone should be mailing gifts and cards like crazy.
But — astonishingly — this was the scene at noon yesterday, in the post office lobby:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Come on, Westport! This is show time for our postal clerks.
It’s when they shine: helping with packages, dispensing advice, tossing all your stuff into the back to be whisked away — all with the efficiency of a thousand Rudolphs.
Our great US Postal Service men and women are ready to serve you. Give ’em the business!
With leaves off the trees, and leaf pick-up by the town almost complete, the trash that litters our town has become quite visible.
Andrew Colabella, and his faithful crew of garbage pickers, come to the rescue.
And anyone can join.
After a successful spring, they’re starting again this Sunday. Everyone is invited to meet at 10 a.m. this Sunday (December 10), at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector. They’ll work throughout the Greens Farms neighborhood.
Volunteers should wear boots, bring gloves and trash bags — and dress warmly.
For questions, or to be added to the email list, write acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Andrew Colabella (center, front) and friends, picking up trash at the Westport train station last winter.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 29 and December 6.
A man was charged with assault, unlawful restraint, interfering with an emergency call, larceny, sale of narcotics, possession of cannabis greater than 1.5 ounces, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a firearm.
The charges came after police responded to a report of domestic violence in a vehicle on the Sherwood Island Connector. After the assault, the man refused to let the victim leave, and prevented a 911 call.
The suspect left the area on foot. Officers located him in a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the I-95 northbound exit ramp, and initiated a traffic stop.
Westport Police also issues these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Distracted driving: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1.
A handgun was found, following a report of domestic violence.
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Speaking of crime:
Scooter Swanson — editor, and nephew of the TV dinner magnate — says his mail carrier tells him that leaving cash in the mailbox as a holiday gift (whether in an envelope or not) is subject to theft.
The carrier claims that UPS, FedEx and Amazon drivers yank out the cash cards intended for him and other US Postal Service colleagues. (This has not been verified.)
Swanson was ripped off of a $10,000 check for his credit card when it was robbed by a “correctional officer” making his nightly tour of mailboxes through neighborhoods.
Fortunately, People’s Bank reimbursed him for his loss. The Hartford also considered it personal property, and reimbursed him another $10,000.
PS: Swanson was once a federal attorney.
Think twice about leaving holiday cash for your mail carrier inside your mailbox.
Music is everywhere — including, often, the Westport Library.
On December 12 (7 p.m.), a multi-media presentation tracks the impact of music on a variety of art forms, in a range of venues.
Speaker John Brandt — a dancer, singer, actor, percussionist, PR consultant and lifelong Westporter — will highlight how music is “the soundtrack of our lives.”
The event — sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — is free, but registration is required (click here). For further information, email jkbrandt@aol.com or call 203-246-6280.
John Brandt
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Speaking of the Library:
The second of 3 “Short Cuts Film Festival” showings is next Thursday (December 14, 7 p.m.).
Documentaries selected from the Tribeca Film Festival include:
“Then Comes the Body” by Jacob Krupnick: An unlikely ballet school outside Lagos, Nigeria, gains national attention after a video of students dancing in the rain goes viral.
“In Her Element” by Idil Ibrahim: Hip-hop artist Daisha McBride takes the traditional rock and country audience in New Orleans by storm.
“Team Dream” by Luchina Fisher: Determined friends and competitive swimmers journey to the National Senior Games.
“Deciding Vote” by Jeremy Workman & Robert J. Lyons: Fifty years ago, a now-forgotten New York assemblyman cast single tiebreaking vote that legalized abortion in New York, and la the groundwork for Roe v. Wade.
After the screenings, “Team Dream” director Fisher will discuss her film, and documentary filmmaking in general.
Short Cuts Film Festival concludes on January 18, with a program of narrative shorts.
Tickets are $26.50; click here to purchase. Films are suitable for ages 12 and up. Refreshments and popcorn will be provided.
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Mark Yurkiw — whose work has lately been heavily influenced by his Ukrainian heritage — is December’s guest exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
His exhibit — “Art is Always of Its Time” — includes 12 illuminated works using large-format film transparencies of 3-D images of the 1980s and ’90s.
Yurkiw is an artist, sculptor, filmmaker, scientist, designer, creative director and consultant. His work appears in magazines, advertising, television, feature films, exhibitions and public art. It has been exhibited globally, including most recently as part of a 2-man United Nations exhibit.
A reception for Yurkiw will be held December 14 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Reserve a spot by phone (203-349-5141) or email: bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Yurkiw’s art is on exhibit through December 31. All work is available for purchase.
The Weston Weston Family YMCA’s Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund honors its 2023 grant recipients at 5 p.m. next Tuesday (December 12) at the Y.
This year, the Fund will award $315,000 in grants to 31 organizations throughout Fairfield County. Their programs support equitable educational programs for students.
Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!
The Wreckers — seeded #1 in their division — dominated #5 Southington 41-0, in yesterday’s soggy state LL (extra large schools) semifinal game.
The blue-and-whites advance to the final for the first time since 2011. They face #3 West Haven — 26-13 victors over Greenwich — on Saturday (December 9). Kickoff is 5 p.m., at Central Connecticut State University.
The match-up is a sportswriter’s dream. The Westies defeated the Westportes 33-23, in the first week of the season. It’s Staples’ only blemish. They’ve reeled off 12 straight wins since then.
Injuries — and deaths — of ice hockey players resulting from skating injuries have highlighted the importance of neck guards.
Dr. Lynn Wilson — executive vice chair and clinical director at Yale University’s Department of Therapeutic Radiology, and the Westport father of an NCAA D-III hockey player — has teamed up with Rob Stevenson, an NHL Florida Panthers executive, and former Amherst College hockey captain and Navy SEAL, to create a neck laceration protection device.
It “provides superior anatomic coverage, designed with military, hockey and commercial experiences top of mind,” Wilson says.
The pair hope to create a new standard of neck laceration protection for hockey players around the world.
Wilson and Stevenson were introduced by another Westporter, Mike Hayes — Stevenson’s former SEAL commanding officer.
For more information, email lynn.wilson@yale.edu.
Dr. Lynn Wilson
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The leaves are nearly gone from the trees.
But that did not stop dozens of blackbirds from landing outside Johanna Keyser Rossi’s window yesterday morning.
Just as quickly, they were gone. But before they flew off, she snagged this photo for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And she’s inviting Westport kids and parents, too.
The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation already sponsors “Santa” runs, complete with a fire truck. But spots are limited, and not every parent who wanted to could sign up.
So on Friday, December 8, Santa (and the fire truck) will come to Lucia’s house, at 4 Narrow Rocks Road.
The Big Guy will hand presents to children. But first (kids — stop reading here!) — their parents need to make a minimum $35 donation to the Firefighters Foundation. Click here to do that.
Parents also must drop off a wrapped gift for their child (kids — you should not be reading this!) at Lucia’s house before the event.
Lucia will also provide a fire and hot chocolate. She may even lead a few carols.
And — spoiler alert — she is not just a very generous woman. Lucia is also a professional opera singer, with gigs at Carnegie Hall and the US Open, and on ESPN, Bravo, ABC and NBC.
To RSVP, and for questions, emailluciapalmieri@yahoo.com or call 917-578-8443. (Hat tip: Katherine Calise)
Also, just in time for the holidays, a shop has popped up in Westport.
West | Out East — with locations in New York City, East Hampton and Miami — is now open at 1 Main Street. That’s near the intersection of Post Road East — the previous site of POP’Tart gallery.
This is a bigger space than their previous location, 9 Riverside Avenue.
Modular products are “versatile in style and function, accentuated by customizable millwork.” The collection includes indoor and outdoor furniture, decorative and architectural lighting, closets, storage systems, kitchens, bath fixtures, rugs and accessories.
Led by quarterback Caleb Smith and the offensive line, they rallied from a 9-6 halftime deficit to nip Fairfield Prep 13-12, in last night’s state “LL” (extra large schools) quarterfinal game.
The Wreckers are seeded first; the Jesuits were 8th. Prep ended the Westporters’ season last year, with a 23-22 state playoff win.
The victory earns Staples a home semifinal contest against #5 Southington, at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday. Staples beat the upstaters 34-27 earlier this year.
Quarterback Caleb Smith. (Photo/John Nash for The Ruden Report)
Neighborhood Studios — the multi-discipline, multi-dimensional Bridgeport arts program supported by many Westporters — and the Curtis Summer Camp Fund have partnered on a very cool benefit concert.
With very cool local musicians.
“Give Kids a Chance!” (December 5, Fairfield Theatre Company; reception at 6 p.m, concert at 7 p.m.) features great local talent. They’re backed by the Zambonis: the greatest (and only) hockey rock band on the planet.
Many musicians’ names are familiar to Westporters: Jim Francis, Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Dave Hart, Stanton Lesser, Rob Morton, Leila Shields, Rick Smilow and 5th State Band. They’re joined by students and alumni of the Neighborhood Studios Contemporary & Jazz Ensemble.
Neighborhood Studios serves more than 1,000 Bridgeport youth, ages 3 to 19, with after-school programs and summer camps. It transforms lives through arts education, and empowers youngsters to make differences in their community.
The Curtis Summer Camp Fund changes lives by sending Bridgeport youths to sleepaway camp.
Dr. Robert Altbaum is now retired. But he’s still helping Westporters live healthy lives.
On Tuesday, he brought 40 years of experience to the Y’s Women meeting. Altbaum discussed osteoporosis — its causes, dangers, and how to live with it.
It was an important topic. Osteoporosis predominantly affects women over 50. 30% of women over 65 have the disease; only 4% of men do.
Altbaum said that strong bones are the key to osteoporosis prevention. He recommends weight-bearing exercises like walking, running or the elliptical; vitamin D; reduced alcohol consumption, and no smoking.
He also discussed ways to reduce falls, including night lights, getting rid of throw rugs, clearing clutter, a chair or grab bars in the shower, and always using stair rails.
Dr. Robert Altbaum, at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, November 30, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; dinner at 7 p.m.; $15 music charge).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles, it features steel pan player Bryan Garbe, an internationally acclaimed percussionist who grew up in Fairfield.
The band also includes bassist John Mobilio and pianist David Childs.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
“Lux Freer” — the award-winning short film shot and produced in Westport last year — screens this Sunday at the Dances With Films festival in New York.
Show time is 2 p.m., at Regal Union Square.
It was the first film directed by actress (and Staples High School graduate) Cynthia Gibb, known for her on-screen work in “Gypsy,” “Fame” and “Youngblood.”
“Lux Freer” won Best USA Film, and Gibb was named Best First-Time Director, at the New York Cinematography Awards. It was also honored as Outstanding Narrative Short at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival). Gibb’s film also earned Honorable Mention in the Best LGBTQ Short Film category at Los Angeles’ Indie Short Fest.
The lead, Echo Bodell, will attend the New York showing, along with Gibb, writer Jill Johnson Mann and other cast members, including Staples senior Cameron Mann (who played the killer in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown.”
And finally … Jean Knight — whose only hit (“Mr. Big Stuff”) lives on more than 50 years after its release — died last week in Florida. She was 80.
It was nominated for a 1971 Grammy Award nomination for best female R&B vocal performance (Aretha Franklin won for “Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and best R&B song (Bill Withers won for “Ain’t No Sunshine”).
Each Christmas season, the Wreaths Across America program honors fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.
Last year, for the first time, Westport joined in.
We’ll do it again this year.
The date is December 16. The time is noon. The cemetery is Assumption, on Greens Farms Road.
It wouldn’t have happened without Patty Kondub. The popular Westport Family YMCA and Senior Center fitness instructor (and Staples High School girls golf coach) is the local coordinator.
As part of her many other Westport activities, she’s also vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.
Click here to sponsor a wreath. To designate a wreath for a specific veteran at the Assumption cemetery, email Patty: nortonpk@aol.com. You can also email her to volunteer to mark graves before December 17, and place them on that date.
SPECIAL NOTE: On today — Giving Tuesday — $5 of every $17 wreath this year is donated back to the Westport VFW.
For Patty, the project is personal. Her father — John Kondub — was a World War II Marine, and VFW Post 399 member. He earned a Purple Heart, for hand-to-hand combat in the Marianas Islands (Saipan).
He is buried at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery — almost across from the farm where he was born, before I-95 was built.
“There are over 350 veterans buried in this cemetery,” Patty says. “I hope they all get wreaths.”
The Westport Department of Human Services’ Warm-Up Fund helps households with home heating expenses through the cold winter months.
It’s especially welcome as the cost of food, housing — and heating bills — all rise.
Tax-deductible donations to the Westport Warm-Up Fund can be made online (click here, then scroll down), or by mail to Department of Human Services, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880
Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.
All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)
Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.
They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 2 and 3), from 8 a.m. to noon.
(From left): Alex, Chloe and Daisy Hackett, with a few of their many donations.
You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.
So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!
For more information about this amazing organization, click below:
Chabad of Westport launches its new speaker series, “Critical Conversations,” with a big name.
Former Israeli Minister of Justice and Interior Ayelet Shaked comes to the Newtown Turnpike center this Thursday (November 30, 7:30 p.m.).
Shaked is a prominent political figure, known for her dedication to Israel. Her insights and perspectives on the complexities of the region are especially meaningful in the wake of last month’s terror attack by Hamas on the nation.
A Q-and-A session will follow Shaked’s presentation. For more information and reservations, click here.
MoCA Westport’s first-ever Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) promises “a delightful day of luxury holiday shopping and art exploration.” It’s December 9 (noon to 4 p.m.), at MoCA’s Newtown Turnpike campus.
Attendees can also enjoy the current Purvis Young exhibition (and treats from the Cowabunga Food Truck).
Admission to the Artisan Marketplace is included in the $10 gallery admission fee. Admission is free for MoCA members.
Artisans include:
Mediterranean Botanicals
Hudson & King Jewelry
Bedford Embroidery
Camille & Co.
COG (Jen Cogliantry Design)
Shawls by Sonika
Jennifer Hoertz Millinery
Tocco Studio
hipV Modern Vintage Jewelry
Lucy Curran Party
Runo Store
Ellis Sant’Andrea Fine Art
Le Rouge Aartisan Chocolates
ARRA
SantM
KVO Collections
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Westport’s PTA Cultural Arts group is bringing Matthew “Magic Morgan” to all the elementary schools this week.
He and his wife Liliana — deaf magicians from Wisconsin — perform around the world. In addition to magic, students learn some American Sign Language.
Matt and Liliana will also perform for the public at Westport Town Hall tomorrow evening (Wednesday, November 29, 6 p.m.). Admission is $10.
He’s best known as the founder of Motown Records. But he’s also a songwriter (“Lonely Teardrops,” “Shop Around,” “Do You Love Me,” “I Want You Back,” “ABC.”)
He was the mastermind behind groups like the Miracles, the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Stevie Wonder.
For several decades, Motown was was the highest-earning Black-owned business.
(“06880” is here for you this holiday season — and 24/7/365. Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
I-95 (aka the Connecticut Turnpike or Thruway — though definitely not the “John Davis Lodge Turnpike”) has been part of Westport for so long that its path through here, largely paralleling the railroad tracks, seems foreordained.
Of course, it was not.
In 1951 — when planning for the highway was underway — 2 different routes were proposed.
One was very similar to what was ultimately decided — though it appears a second, or alternate, exit was included, at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/ Bridge street intersection. (Greens Farms Road was further south then than it is now.)
But a northern highway was also considered.
Two proposed routes, from the October 18, 1951 Westporter-Herald. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
It would veer off just after the Norwalk border. It would rip through Treadwell Avenue and Kings Highway South, cross over Post Road West (with an exit by Birchwood Country Club), then head east at Riverside Avenue (another possible exit).
The “expressway” would continue just south of Post Road East (known at the time as State Street East), obliterating residences in its path through Hillandale Road, then just south of Greens Farms Elementary School (another potential exit), and on eastward through Maple Avenue South.
At the Fairfield line, the highway would continue at what is now its current location.
Legend has it that the more southern route was chosen because the governor — a Westport resident — lived on Easton Road, closer to the northern path.
The Staples High School boys soccer team, coached by Albie Loeffler, earned its 5th consecutive state title (a Connecticut record).
Jimmy Manning headed in a beautiful cross from Kenny Murphy in sudden-death overtime to defeat #1-ranked Manchester. The upstaters had a perfect record going into the state final.
Staples finished 13-1-5.
(Every day, “06880” covers the Westport of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)
The Staples High School field hockey team lost 3-2 in overtime to Darien during the regular season. The Blue Wave shut out the Wreckers 3-0 in the FCIAC championship earlier this month.
But Staples won the game that really counted: the state class “L” (large schools) championship.
The #2-seeded Wreckers prevailed 3-1 over their #1-ranked archrivals yesterday, at Wethersfield High School.
Darien led 1-0 in the second quarter, but Sofia Fidalgo-Schioppa equalized 4;40 before, the half, on Staples’ first shot of the game.
Soon after intermission, freshman Leah Larit knocked in a rebound off a penalty corner, giving the Wreckers the lead. Storey Ahl added an insurance goal in the final quarter.
Goalie Paige Knesich and her defense secured the win.
it was the 5th Connecticut crown for coach Ian Tapsall’s girls, but the first since their 4 consecutive titles from 2016-19.
Congratulations to all. You kept your eye on the prize — and now its yours.
State champion Staples High School field hockey team.
Now everyone living, shopping or dining in Saugatuck — or driving through it — knows it for sure.
The William F. Cribari Bridge lights were lit last night. They’re a gift to the town — and visitors — from Al’s Angels. The non-profit provides holiday meals and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. (Click here to give back to Al’s Angels.)
The lights are traditionally lit the day after Thanksgiving. This year, they came on a few days early,
Al’s Angels founder Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”
The Cribari Bridge lights are on! (Photo/Patti Brill)
And with it, spectacular amounts of food and consumer waste.
Sustainable Westport can help. Westport’s non-profit environmental advisory group says:
“This holiday season, we encourage you to consider small changes that will help you minimize your impact on the environment.
“It is estimated that 305 million pounds of Thanksgiving food is thrown out each year. Click here for our tips on how to ‘rethink the feast,’ and minimize the food waste you produce at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.
“Speaking of gatherings, if you are hosting this season, click here for our sustainable hospitality guide for recommendations on how to make your party less wasteful and more eco-friendly.”
With so much to celebrate and so much pressure to “make magic,” Sustainable Westport knows it can be hard to commit to change.
To encourage residents to reduce food waste and participate in the Westport Zero Food Waste Challenge, they are giving away an Alabama Sawyer countertop compost bin (retail value $195) to one Instagram or Facebook follower.
To enter, follow Sustainable Westport on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the post shown below, like the “Compost Bin Giveaway” post, and tag a Westporter who you think should follow them. The deadline is this Tuesday (November 21).
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The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring season 1 of “First Folk Sunday” to a rousing close.
They group — featuring washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp and stove pipe — are booked for December 3 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
Former Westonite David Barron joins them, on banjo and mandolin.
Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s lead singer, recently saw the Flying Fingers perform, and recruited them for her series.
Click here for tickets. The music cover charge is $10. A special holiday brunch buffet and cash bar are available for an additional cost. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.
Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — a kingfisher — at Grace Salmon Park. She was surprised he has not yet headed south for the winter.
And finally … on this date in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he spotted the previous day. He named it San Juan Bautista. It is now called Puerto Rico,
(From Saugatuck to Bridgeport — and beyond — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Staples High School field hockey team is one win away from a state championship.
The #2-seeded Wreckers dominated #3 Glastonbury yesterday, in the Class “L” (large schools) semifinal at Amity High.
The score was only 2-0 — on goals by Mary Stevens and Leah Larit — but the Westporters did not allow the Guardians any shots on goal.
The title match is this Saturday (November 18, Wethersfield High School, 11 a.m.). The Wreckers face #1-ranked Darien. The Blue Wave squeaked by Wilton, 3-2 in overtime, yesterday.
Darien captured the first 2 meetings of the schools this year. They edged Staples 3-2 in overtime during the regular season, then took the FCIAC (league) championship 3-0 earlier this month.
Coach Ian Tapsall’s girls are shooting for their 5th Connecticut crown. They won it all 4 years in a row, from 2016-19, but have not been back to the final since.
Staples’ girls soccer team was denied a chance at their 3rd straight state championship. Seeded 3rd in “LL” (extra large schools), they fell 4-3 to their archrival, #2 St. Joseph, 4-3 at Fairfield Warde last night.
The Cadets — 2-time reigning champions in the “L” (large) division who moved up to “LL” this year, and who as a private school draw players from outside Trumbull — overcame a 2-goal deficit to win.
Staples and St. Joseph tied 1-1 in the regular season — the only blemish on the Cadets’ 20-0-1 record. They took the FCIAC title over coach Barry Beattie’s Wreckers, with a nail-biting 2-1 win.
US youth national team player Natalie Chudowsky scored twice for Staples last night. Annabel Edwards added the other.
The 2023 Staples field hockey team.
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You may know Rex Fowler as the very talented founder of Aztec Two-Step, the folk-rock duo that, despite being “no hit wonders,” has enjoyed a devoted cult following for half a century.
You may also know Rex Fowler as a fellow Westporter. He and his wife, Dodie Pettit — an even longer resident — now comprise Aztec Two-Step 2.0.
Now Rex has added another credit to his long list of achievements. “200 Cadillacs” — his new documentary featuring interviews with people who were recipients of Elvis Presley’s gift of choice (a shiny new car) will show tomorrow (Thursday, November 16, Sacred Heart Community Theatre, downtown Fairfield).
A talkback with Rex — who wrote most of the music — follows the screening. It’s hosted by Susan Granger.
Reviewer Leonard Maltin wrote: “I like Elvis well enough, but I’m not a
devotee, and I never thought I’d find this film as compelling as I did.”
Irwin Lebish has been a veterinarian for almost 70 years, and a member of the Westport Rotary Club for 23 years (president from 2011-’12).
But, he says, he has been playing piano “always. Area residents known him from many bands, and the Jazz Doctors trio.
Yesterday, he treated his fellow Rotarians to a jazz concert, with songs like “I’ll Remember April,” “Fried Pies,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.’
He was accompanied by his son Scott on electric bass guitar.
Irwin’s pre-holiday recitals are a Rotary tradition.
And finally … in honor of Rex Fowler’s Elvis-themed “200 Cadillacs” film (story above):
(Elvis never gave “06880 a Cadillac. But our readers are welcome to contribute to this hyper-local blog. Please click here. Thank you — and viva Westport!)
Smoke shops threatened to join nail salons as Westport’s most ubiquitous businesses.
But a Planning & Zoning Commission vote last night snuffed out more openings.
After lengthy debate on the proliferation of the stores — which sell vaping and related products, and often include bright lighting — the board voted 5-2 on a text amendment to prohibit all future shops with more than 20% of the inventory or square footage devoted to smoking merchandise.
Danielle Dobin, Michael Cammeyer, Neil Cohn, Paul Lebowitz and Jon Olefson were in favor of the regulation. Patrizia Zucaro and John Bolton were against it.
In addition, stores selling smoking- and vaping-related products below the 20% threshold must now secure a special permit via a special hearing. The regulation will prohibit “candy stores” from skirting the smoking rules.
The P&Z also voted to ban all neon-like signs and displays (including LED lights) that project outside stores.
The P&Z meeting was chair Danielle Dobin’s last. Earlier this month, she was elected to the Board of Finance.
Current members — and attorney Eric Bernheim, who represented a client on a non-smoking matter — praised her for her service.
This morning, she told “06880” that she was proud to have accomplished the smoking-shop text amendment before leaving the P&Z.
Savvy Smoker on Post Road East drew criticism last night, for its products, its exterior signage, and its bright interior displays.
Six million American children experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they turn 18 — 1 in 12 kids. Yet many people struggle with what to say when someone dies, making kids (and adults) feel different and alone.
November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month. Doing its part, Westport-based non-profit Experience Camps offers concrete language tweaks everyone can use, to create a more grief-sensitive society.
They’re “flipping the script” — literally. Click here to read some comments we often say (“You need to be strong”); then click the comment to flip it to something more meaningful (“You may feel like you need to be strong, but you don’t have to be with me”).
Experience Camps helps children cope with the death of a parent or sibling, with an extensive and innovative series of summer camps and year-round programs.
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Two Staples High School teams have reached the semifinals of state tournaments.
Both games are today. And both promise to be great matches.
The 2-time defending state champion girls soccer squad — ranked #3 in the CIAC “LL” (extra large schools) division — faces #2 St. Joseph at 6:30 p.m. tonight, at Fairfield Warde High.
It will be the third meeting of the year between the longtime rivals. In the regular season, they battled to a 1-1 draw. The Cadets eked out a 1-0 victory in the FCIAC (league) final.
Two hours earlier — 4:30 p.m., at Amity Regional in Woodbridge — the #2-ranked Wrecker field hockey team takes on #3 Glastonbury.
The timing is tight. But with a little luck, fans can catch at least part of each game.
And with all their talent (and a little luck), both Staples teams will be victorious.
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Amazon Fresh — the highly anticipated, high-tech grocery store that was supposed to replace Barnes & Noble near Little Barn, then turned into a half-finished, unopened “zombie store” — may soon sprout back to life.
Bisnow reports that Amazon is moving forward with expansion plans.
Stores will be redesigned, and add coffee and donuts. It’s a pivot away from what Bloomberg calls its “tech-heavy strategy” of the past.
Amazon will redesign stores and add offerings like coffee and donuts, with an emphasis on these items instead of the tech-heavy strategy it employed in the past, according to Bloomberg.
“We will have a good pipeline for next year,” Amazon Fresh worldwide vice president Claire Peters said. “What we won’t do is open stores aimlessly.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Don Spiegelman)
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Was politics on or off the table last night at Tarantino?
We’re not sure. But there definitely was a ton of experience last night, at the Saugatuck restaurant.
Five current or former members of the Board of Selectmen/women got together, along with a former Board of Finance member. Can you name all these once and present town officials?
Sitting (from left): Former 3rd selectman Charlie Haberstroh, Karen Hess, current 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, former Board of Finance member Ed Iannone, former 2nd selectman Avi Kaner. Standing: Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, current 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The VFW is well known for its “Jazz at the Post” Thursday night series.
But there’s more jazz at Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Riverside Avenue this Wednesday (November 15 (7 p.m.).
The US Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble — featuring Westport trumpeter Michael Mossman — comes to town for a concert. It’s part of their extended Veterans Day tour in the tri-state area.
They’ll also host students from Westport and Bridgeport, for pre-concert workshops.
It’s all free — courtesy of the United States Air Force.
Yesterday’s Roundup included the great news that Clemson University’s men soccer teams won their 2nd ACC championship in 4 years, with a penalty kick win over the University of North Carolina.
The Tigers boast 2 Westport connections: Head coach Mike Noonan (a star on Staples’ 1978 state championship team), and reserve keeper Paddy Donovan (Staples ’22).
Somehow, a photo of the 2 was not published. It’s a great one (below). Go Tigers!
Coach Mike Noonan and goalkeeper Paddy Donovan.
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Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Sam Green pushes the bounds of theatrical experience with live score/narrated documentaries like “The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller” with Yo La Tengo, “A Thousand Thoughts” with the Kronos Quartet, and “The Weather Underground,” chronicling the rise and fall of the radical political organization.
On December 8 (6:30 p.m.), the Lundberg Family Foundation Master Film Series welcomes Green’s latest Sundance and South by Southwest-selected documentary, “32 Sounds.”
The film is “a meditation on the power of sound to bend time, cross borders, and profoundly shape our perception of the world around us (through a) wholly unique, sensory rich experience.”
Each member of the audience receives headphones for an immersive “binaural audio experience” (spatial sound technology that gives listeners a clear sense of space).
Green will take part in a post-screening Q&A with the audience. The event is free. bit requires registration (click here).
“The One Note Man” — an award-winning Christmas love story about a lonely bassoonist, produced by Westporter Rita Marcocci — will be shown at the Westport Library on December 10 (2 p.m.).
A talkback follows with the film’s actor star Jason Watkins; Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, writer/director George Siougas, and executive producer — and Westporter — Rita Marcocci.
Matt Murray describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, of Compo Road South near Bradley Street:
“Every year since I’ve lived near the beach. I go by this street as it changes colors. Some years it’s very red. Some, like this year, it’s this shade of orange.”
And finally … on this day in 1900, composer Aaron Copland was born. The “Dean of American Composers” died 90 years later, leaving behind a rich legacy of music evoking the vast American landscape, and pioneer spirit.
(Joy, grief; music, sports, film — it’s all here, like every “Roundup” every day. If you appreciate this feature, or any other on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
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