All those adjectives apply to the Staples High School boys basketball team.
Down by a nearly insurmountable 18 points in the 4th quarter last night, they staged a fierce, high-pressure-pressing comeback in the semifinals of the state Division II tournament, at Westhill High.
After a 15-0 run against #3 ranked Fairfield Warde, Caleb Smith’s 3-pointer with 37 seconds left tied the score at 48-48.
Here’s the 3 by Staples’ Caleb Smith to tie Warde with 37 secs left in the fourth. The Wreckers hit six 3s, five in the fourth qtr. #ctbb @GameTimeCT pic.twitter.com/44gXTsMtLq
The 57-55 victory vaults the Wreckers into the state finals for the first time since … 1937.
They won that game 26-23 over Farmington. Franklin D. Roosevelt was president of the United States.
The 2023 finals is set for either Saturday or Sunday, at Mohegan Sun Arena. #7-seeded Staples will face #1 St. Bernard-Uncasville. The Saints beat Xavier-Middletown 78-53 in the other semifinal.
The Uncasville school is just a few miles from the casino’s basketball court. St. Bernard’s will have plenty of fans at Mohegan Sun.
But the Westporters will too.
Plus the intangibles that have taken them so far already: Talent. Teamwork. Confidence. Excellent coaching.
And momentum.
EXTRA POINTS: To see the entire game, click here….
In addition to Zajac’s 17 points, Staples’ scoring was led by Cody Sale (14), Gavin Rothenberg (10), Smith (8) and Udell (6) ….
28 of the Wreckers’ 57 points — almost exactly half — came in that wild 4th quarter….
Staples head coach Dave Goldshore is in just his first year at the helm. He spent 5 years as Colin Devine’s assistant. Devine stepped down after last winter, to pursue administrative opportunities.
If you’ve been to a Staples High School sports event in the past dozen or so years, you’ve seen Mikey Bregman.
Or a Staples play. Or concert. Or just about anything else involving the school he graduated from 14 years ago.
He’s “Mr. Staples.” No one comes close.
Alert “06880” reader Lauren Barnett wants to give Mikey a shoutout. What a great idea!
Mikey Bregman, from the 2009 Staples High School yearbook.
She writes: “Whether you are a parent, a student, a participant or a Staples graduate, Michael is always there to say hello, and greet you genuinely and kindly.
“You can find him at every game cheering on every athlete of every sport, at every concert supporting all musicians, and at every performance sitting proudly in the Players audience and congratulating performers before and after every production.
“There is no detail he doesn’t remember, and no loved one he forgets to ask about. Thanks, Michael, for being everybody’s number one fan and for reminding us what being a part of a community is all about.”
Congratulations, Mikey. You are our Unsung Hero this week!
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(If you enjoy our Unsung Hero feature — or anything else — please consider contributing to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)
Posted onMarch 15, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Sweetgreen, Y Memories, March Madness …
As reported last July on “06880,” Sweetgreen will be opening in Westport.
The salad-and-bowl fast casual restaurant — with over 150 outlets in more than a dozen states — will replace Organic Krush.
Although Sweetgreen representatives went before the Architectural Review Board with plans for their new restaurant in July, Organic Krush protested vociferously that they were not leaving.
After 100 years, the Westport Weston Family YMCA knows plenty of folks have lots of memories. And memorabilia.
As part of their century celebration they ask members, former members and everyone else to haul out their photo albums, think back on the past, and share what they find. Click here to submit.
All year long, the Y will feature those photos and stories on their lobby monitor, website and social media, and in email newsletters.
Click here for the dedicated web page. Click below for a sample submission.
The media celebrity (Fox News, NBC Sports, CNN) is hosting “March Madness Fast Break” for Turner Sports. It’s noon to midnight, Thursday through Sunday on MarchMadness.com and the March Madness Live app.
Dave calls it “Red Zone for college basketball with the best live action, analysis and social media reaction.” He partners with a pair of legends: Kentucky’s Tony Delk and Wake Forest’s Randolph Childress.
The Levitt Pavilion season is still 3 months away. But — to help raise funds for over 50 nights of free entertainment — the riverside outdoor venue has just announced 2 special ticketed events.
Samara Joy — 2023 Grammy Award winner for Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album — takes the stage June 3. Triple Grammy winner Bruce Hornsby follows with the Noisemakers on July 1. Both Saturday shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Member pre-sales start today (Wednesday, March 15) at 10 a.m. Public sales start Friday (March 17, 10 a.m.).
Tickets are already on sale for the June 24 show: Michael Franti & Spearhead Big Big Love Tour, with Phillip Phillips.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell joins other elected officials this morning (Wednesday, March 15, 10 a.m.; Zoom).
They’ll speak prior to the state General Assembly Planning & Development Committee’s public hearing on HB 6890, the “Live Work Ride” bill that proposes withholding, withdrawing and perhaps clawing back state infrastructure funding from communities that fail to adopt regulations permitting greater density, with limited parking and a prescribed affordability component, around transit areas.
Mandell and his colleagues are part of “CT169Strong.” It’s a statewide non-partisan group “dedicated to local control and oversight, and protecting the unique qualities of Connecticut’s 169 towns.
Click here for a link to Mandell’s meeting. The ID is 455 019 2513; the passcode is 6C436A.
Love the Westport Library? Want to help make it even better?
The Library and Representative Town Meeting are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Library board of trustees.
Trustees work closely with the executive director, in areas like funding, policies and planning. They develop long-range plans, monitor the budget and help oversee fundraising. The board meets monthly; there are also committee meetings.
Trustees must be Westport residents. There are 20 members. Half are appointed by the RTM, half by the Library board itself.
More information about the role of trustees is available here.
Applicants should email a resume and letter of interest to rpowell@westportlibrary,org. by April 17, with information on how past work and experience qualify them for consideration as a trustee.
How can parents and caregivers support healthy identity development in young children?
Many ways. And you can learn about them at “Supporting Healthy Identity Development in Young Children: Race, Culture and Beyond.” The Westport Library keynote (April 4, 7 to 8:30 p.m.) is led by Takiema Bunche Smith, founder and CEO of Anahsa Consulting and a noted executive leader, advisor, coach and educator.
The session will explore “how adults socialize young children into racial, cultural and other social identities, and what that means in the context of an inequitable US society.”
Click here for more information. The event is sponsored by TEAM Westport.
Mohegan has moved into the mini-strip mall near Stanton Miles, on Post Road East by the Southport border.
Alert “06880” reader Stacie Curran noticed — particularly, the lights.
(Photo/Stacie Curran)
“I thought neon signs were prohibited in Westport,” she wrote.
I emailed my go-to at Town Hall: Planning & Zoning director Mary Young.
She was out of the office. But zoning official Laurie Montagna replied:
“Yes, we have a regulation that prohibits neon signs. 33-3.14 says, ‘Directly-illuminated gaseous signs, such as neon tube signs, that are visible from outside the building shall be prohibited.’
“Unfortunately, almost all signs installed today that look like neon, are actually LED signs.”
I’m no signage expert (or chemist). But if it looks like a duck …
Tonight’s kickoff of a 3-part Westport Library series on cardiac health has been postponed, due to anticipated bad weather.
The session on coronary artery diseases planned for this evening (March 14) has been pushed back to March 22. The discussion on valvular heart disease planned for that date will be rescheduled. The atrial fibrillation talk is still set for April 17.
The cardiac series is curated by Andrew Wilk, and led by Dr. Robert Altbaum.
Andrew Wilk’s first session on heart disease will now begin on March 22.
The Staples High School boys basketball took a huge step toward the state championship last night.
Ranked #7 in the CIAC Division II tournament, the Wreckers upset #2 Holy Cross-Waterbury 61-47, in the upstaters’ gym.
The quarterfinal win vaults the blue-and-whites into the state semis. They’ll meet #3 Fairfield Warde tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15), at a neutral site and time TBD.
The Mustangs defeated the Wreckers 51-44, in their regular season matchup earlier this year.
Staples was led by Chris Zajac and Cody Sale (16 points) each, Sam Clachko (11) and Charlie Honig (10).
The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.
Staples’ boys basketball team has snagged all the headlines this winter.
But the school also fields a fencing team.
And not just any fencing team. A 2-time state champion one.
The Wreckers’ boys foil fencers defended their Connecticut crown last weekend.
And they’re only 2 years old.
In that time they’ve grown from 9 participants to over 20 male and female fencers. Beginners are welcome.
They practice 3 times a week, all year long. They’re coached by Westport resident Delphine DeVore, a world-ranked fencer. She’s a member of the Columbia University fencing team, and volunteers her time to work with Staples.
Club leaders, including founders and co-captains Max Peterbarg, PJ Loranger and Gleb Symonchoy are pursuing full recognition as a team sport. They hope to have enough fencers to field both boys and girls teams next year in foil, epee and saber — at both the varsity and junior varsity levesl.
For more information, check out the Instagram account: @staplesfencing.
From left: Coach Delphine DeVore, and team members Gleb Syomichev, PJ Loranger, Eric Wilson and Max Piterbarg
Refined Lash Studio on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach — is closing.
A note to clients from “Miss Vic” says: “It is with great hesitation that this chapter of my life must come to a close. I have decided to move back to the West Coast.
“I want to thank every person who ever booked with me, shared personal stories with me, and those who’ve been with me since the beginning. I hope to remain a part of your life even without a professional relationship.
“I will do my best to accommodate all schedules and send updates of my departure. I don’t have a definitive end date, I just wanted to give as much notice in advance possible.”
Sounds like it’s your “lash chance.”
=================================================
Today’s weather forecast forced the postponement of the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club’s presentation of “Exploring the Colombian Amazon” with Ida Lowe.
The new date is next Tuesday (March 21, 6:15 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). Appetizers, pasta dinner, salads, drinks and desserts will be served. It’s $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.
This week’s “What’s Next in Weston” is part 1 of a 2-part program. 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor discusses her town’s upcoming property revaluation , including how’s done, by whom, and how it leads to the mill rate used going forward.
The podcast (click below to listen) comes courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
Grammy nominee Paul Bollenback headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 16, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).
He’s joined by a hot rhythm section: Essiet Essiet on bass, Sylvia Cuenca on drums, and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” on sax.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … in honor (?) of Westport’s newest store, and its bright lights:
(Whether it’s a new smoke shop or a lash store closing, “06880” has got our retail scene covered. Please click here to help support all that we do. Thank you!)
Posted onMarch 13, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Daylight Saving Sleep Tips, Rach’s Hope, Jessica Gelman ….
Andrea Wilson is a certified pediatric sleep consultant — and a Westport mom of 2 daughters, 9 and 6. She just launched a new business: Sleep on Cue (@sleeponcue_consulting).
While she focuses mainly on babies and children under 5, she’s sent along tips for anyone struggling yesterday’s change to Daylight Saving Time. They apply to adults too!
“The main reason people find Daylight Saving a challenge is because it throws off the body’s circadian rhythms (the natural 24-hour fluctuations our bodies follow).
“Digestion, hormones, body temperature, mood, metabolic rate and sleep are all influenced by this internal clock, which runs just slightly over 24 hours. The sun, along with other cues such as meals, play time and temperature changes, help ‘reset’ them every day.
“What can you do to help get sleep back on track after DST?
“Be consistent. This is my Number 1 sleep tip for everyone! Bedtime, wake up and naps (if relevant) should all happen every day at the same time. This helps regulate our body’s circadian rhythms. Babies and small children also benefit from a consistent bedtime, nap routine and sleep environment. A warm bath/shower, gentle massage, reading and meditation are all great to wind us down for bedtime.
“Blackout shades. These are a must for children who go to bed before it gets dark outside when Daylight Saving Time begins. Darkness helps release the hormone melatonin, which helps us sleep. Start dimming the lights around dinnertime for kids. If a night light is needed, make sure it’s amber colored (not white). Adults should also be sleeping in a pitch black room.
“Let the light in. Make sure to let the sunlight in when you wake up. Especially if you’re using blackout shades, open the blinds to help let in natural light. Sunlight and darkness help reset our circadian rhythms, so it’s important for children to get outside and enjoy lots of sunlight during the day, especially in the morning. It’s great for adults too — but if not possible, try and work by a window where you can benefit from the natural light.
“No screen time before bed. Screens should not be used for at least an hour before bedtime for children, and a half hour for adults. Put the phones away, ideally in another room. If you have a digital bedside clock, turn it away from your face.
“White noise and keep cool. White noise helps block out other household sounds, and can mimic the sound of the womb for babies and children.Many adults can also benefit from white noise, especially if their partner snores. And keep the room cool at night. I recommend 68 degrees as the optimal temperature.
Saturday night’s 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala at FTC was a spectacular success.
Hundreds of former classmates, family friends, and even a few who did not know her celebrated the life of Rachel Doran.
The Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate was a rising senior at Cornell University when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.
The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.
Proceeds from the music/auction/fun event will benefit families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.
And there were proceeds a-plenty. An anonymous matching donor pledged $10,000, if that amount could be raised in 30 minutes. They did it in under 4.
The evening brought in more than $100,000. The number of lives that will be impacted in countless.
AMG catered Saturday’s Rach’s Hope gala — and, like many guests, wore pajama bottoms. They honored Rachel Doran, who created a pajama design business before her death in 2018. (Photo/Videler Photography)
Jessica Gelman was a Staples High School (Class of 1996), Harvard University and European professional basketball star. She’s in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Now she’s a professional sports team owner.
In soccer.
Gelman is part of a 5-person group that bought the Utah Royals. They’ll return to the National Women’s Soccer League — the top rung in the US — next year.
Also in Gelman’s group: Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.
The Royals played 3 seasons in the NWSL, ranking 2nd in attendance in 2018 and ’19. They folded after reports of ongoing racist behavior by the then-owner.
Investors include 42 Futbol Group, which consists of five business leaders, three of whom are women. They include Jessica Gelman, who will serve on the NWSL’s board of governors for the Royals. She is the CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.
Gelman is CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group, and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. In 2014, Sports Business Journal named her to their “Forty Under 40” team.
Jessica Gelman, at work. (Photo/Sports Business Journal)
Gardens director Lou Weinberg says: “The Long Lots Preserve team is looking for donations of birdhouses, butterfly houses, mason bee houses and a bat house.
“If anyone has these lying around unused, we will take them. They will be strategically placed in the Long Lots Preserve. Email: Longlotspreserve@gmail.com.
In the aftermath of the death of Matthew Balga — the chef killed on Riverside Avenue last Saturday night, after leaving work at The Whelk — his co-workers and family have organized a fundraiser. Money raised will support culinary education in Connecticut.
“Chef Matteo” had worked for For the Food restaurant owners Bill Taibe and Rachel Golan for over 18 years. Friends said he loved classic cars, played the guitar, had a sarcastic wit, and “most of all, was a loving man who loved to cook.”
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) is the non-profit philanthropic arm of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. It provides education for future restaurant industry professionals, workforce development opportunities and scholarships. Click here to contribute. (Hat tip: Westport Magazine)
The Westport Library offers plenty of innovative spaces and technologies, aimed at 21st century models of literacy and learning.
This spring, there will be more.
The Library is launching “Verso University.” The year-round series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures will further education and “learning for a lifetime.”
Offerings include one-time lectures, ongoing courses, and classes that meet weekly or monthly. They cover a wide variety of topics, with appeal to all ages and interests.
“Spring semester” includes
Launch Lecture: Martin Yellin on Space (Monday, March 13, 1 to 2 p.m.): Longtime Westporter and scientist Martin Yellin will provide an overview of the fascinating and unexpected discoveries made in space, and how we’ve begun to understand where we are and how we got here. Click here for more information.
The Range of Literary Realism: 4 Masterpieces of 21st Century Fiction, with Dr. Mark Schenker (Tuesdays, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16, 2 to 3 p.m.): The noted lecturer in English at Yale University examines novels that reflect the range of literary realism as portrayed in 21st century fiction:
April 4: Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel
April 18: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
May 2: Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson
May 16: Small Things Like These, by Claire Keegan
Got Problems? Think Them Through for Better Problem Solving! (May) Problem-solving coaches Mike Hibbard and Patricia Cyganovich will teach problem-solving processes to use in any area of life.
Fiction Writing Master Class, with Gabino Iglesias (May): Renowned noir writer and Westport Library StoryFest alum Gabino Iglesias teaches a master class-style writing workshop.
Crew Call (Rolling admission, spring through fall): Crew Call is a training program focused on live media production skills. Volunteers of all ages gain real-world experience in video recording and production. Crew Call participants support many Library productions.
Marty Yellin launches the Verso University series.
Rowers love to hate the erg machine. That’s the fitness machine they use relentlessly on land.
But recently, junior members of Saugatuck Rowing Club eagerly jumped on board. The occasion: a “Row for Dough Erg-a-thon” fundraiser for Homes with Hope. The local non-profit provides supportive housing and a food pantry, in downtown Westport.
Both boys and girls teams participated in individual 10K races (over 6.2 miles), and raised over $6,500.
SRC junior rowers also volunteer at the Gillespie Center food pantry, and helping with other Homes with Hope projects.
Saugatuck Rowing Club captains (from left): Jack Kiely, Lauren Schramm, Hannah Clemens, Dylan Halky, Cooper Levinson, Janna Moore.
Over 200 fans filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum for last night’s Blue Coupe concert. The band includes former Alice Cooper guitarist Dennis Dunaway, and Joe and Albert Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult.
The event — a benefit for VersoFest, the music and media festival that kicks off March 30 — was co-produced by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
They’re collaborating on upcoming shows too, including Verso Fest‘s Sunflower Bean (March 30), the Smithereens (March 31) and the Johnny Folsom 4 at “Supper & Soul” (May 13).
Blue Coupe, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong got up early yesterday, for an important session: He addressed the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club’s meeting at Greens Farms Church.
Tong discussed his role as the chief civil attorney for the state, including notable litigation on tobacco, opioids and gun control.
Attorney General William Tong at Westport Sunrise Rotary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
And finally … in honor of the very entitled dude who doesn’t know how to park his motorcycle (story above):
(Two important things to do before bed tonight: 1) Turn your clocks ahead; 2) Thank “06880” for reminding you. Please click here to make a contribution. Thank you!)
Last night’s Fashionably Westport benefit drew hundreds of guests to the Westport Library — and raised thousands of dollars for Homes with Hope.
The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored event featured over 60 models, in apparel from 21 local stores. Their hair and makeup was done by 6 salons.
A ton of work by tons of folks made last night a success. Thanks to all who pitched in, for fun and — more importantly — helping people in need of shelter and food.
The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum became a runway for the night.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and social media influencer Zac Mathias pose, before their star turns as models.
Andrew Colabella, Viviana Vasiu and Diane Lowman look sharp.
Not models — but they could have been. (All photos/Dan Woog)
As the calendar sprints (or slogs) toward spring, The Joggers Club offers this incentive: a free trial membership in March. For information, email TheJoggersClub@gmail.com.
The group — which emphasizes fun and friendship, for all levels — offers:
Fun Runs: Every Saturday 8 a.m. at Compo Beach; $50 for the season, and a free Brooks running shirt for all new members. Each run is followed by coffee and treats from McDonald’s and Village Bagels.
Track Nights: Every Thursday, 6:15 p.m., Norwalk High School (included in membership)
Running Camp (Sundays, April 23 to June 11, 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Staples High School track; kindergarten through 8th grade; $75 for members, $125 for non-members; only 10 spots left).
The Joggers Club also notes these upcoming races:
25k Boston Build-up.
United Airlines NYC Half: Run across Times Square and loop Central Park — with no cars.
Minute Man 10k: A Joggers Club favorite. The most beautiful course in New England; help support the great Westport Young Woman’s League.
Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates St. Patrick’s Day at The Porch @ Christie’s (March 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
It’s a perfect place. The Cross Highway spot has always offered training and employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — and all pastries come from Sweet P Bakery, which does the same.
Click here for more information on this month’s party.
Future Frogmen is a non-profit organization that empowers high school and college students to be ocean ambassadors and future leaders. Through experiential learning, communication, action, leadership and exploration, they generate public awareness about the ocean and deepen the connection between people and nature.
Future Frogmen have a new home. Save the Sound will now handle its archive of original environmental content, including videos, a blog and the “Blue Earth” podcast.
Save the Sound — a 50-year-old environmental action organization — will expand its own content creation efforts, launching a podcast series with the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. A 6-episode season will explore environmental issues challenging the Long Island Sound watershed.
Future Frogmen was founded by Richard Hyman, a local educator, conservationist, businessman and former crew member for Jacques Cousteau.
Broadway star (and Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate) Michael Hayden has been cast as Fredrik Egerman in the Pasadena Playhouse’s 50th anniversary production of “A Little Night Music.”
The production is part of the theater’s 6-month celebration of Stephen Sondheim.
Vibraphonist and composer Chris Dingman and his trio rock Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s Branson Hall next Saturday (March 11, 5 p.m.). They merge jazz and global influences in exciting ways.
Click here for tickets; they’re also available at the door.
Dexter Abrams and his dad Jason were fascinated by this swan yesterday.
Walking in Parker Harding Plaza, they stopped to watch her build a nest. Dexter snapped this “Westport … Naturally” photo. Just 9 years old, he’s our youngest contributor ever.
Father and son plan to watch the swan as she lays eggs, and hatches them — from a safe, respectful distance of course.
Posted onMarch 5, 2023|Comments Off on Squash Grows At Staples
The Staples High School gym — and many away ones — rocked this winter. Fans flocked in, and roared their support, as the Wreckers chased their first FCIAC championship since 1963.
Girls basketball and wrestling drew plenty of spectators too. In the fall, the stands fill for football and soccer; the big spring draws are baseball and lacrosse.
Athletes in other sports, meanwhile, pursue their passions virtually unnoticed. No one other than a devoted parent attends, for example, a squash match. Few teachers ever ask students,, “How did the squash team do yesterday?”
But boys and girls squash flourishes at the high school — well, at their home courts in Norwalk, anyway.
In just 8 years, the program has grown from 1 to 4 teams (boys and girls varsity and junior varsity). Both varsities just competed in the national tournament.
The Staples girls team competed at nationals: Lilly Weisz and Rebecca Schussheim (captains), Rebecca Schachter, Gena Frucht, Sophie Smith, Annika Reddy, Anna Diorio and Rhiya Anand.
And they’re doing it with a coach who — less than a decade ago — helped form that first club.
In his first 2 years at Staples, Shane Fries played soccer. But his father — a longtime squash player — had introduced him to that sport. As a junior, Fries and Mia Krishnamurthy started Staples’ first squash team.
“It’s a great game, with physical, mental and technical aspects,” Fries says.
“You can’t power your way through. You have to concentrate hard. And there’s a steep learning curve.”
Though squash is played 1-on-1, it’s a team sport. Seven players compete for their school; whoever wins the most matches gets the victory.
The Staples boys team that competed in the national tournament (from left): Oliver Grodman, Aidan Zer, Dhilan Patel; captains Ariston Liu, Brett Lampert, Ben Saxon and Ryan Salik; coach Shane Fries.
When Fries helped start the club, only a couple of players knew the game. Most were tennis players, looking to stay in shape in the off-season. That’s still the case with some, but more freshmen come out each year with squash backgrounds.
It is not an official Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference sport. Staples competes in the FairWest League, against schools from Fairfield, Darien, New Canaan, Greenwich, Harrison, Rye, Scarsdale, Bronxville and Briarcliff Manor. It’s the largest public school conference in the country.
Fries’ route to coaching began while he was still in high school. His senior internship was with Squash Haven, a non-profit program in New Haven that combines teaching and playing with academic support.
Fries captained his team at New York University, where he majored in computer science and minored in finance. But he continued volunteering with Squash Haven.
He worked from home during COVID as a software engineer, and began coaching part-time at Intensity in Norwalk. He met high school and middle school players there.
When the Staples job opened up this season, Fries jumped in.
Running a squash program is not easy. Intensity has only 4 courts. The increasing number of players puts a premium on practice time.
And because the courts are in a private facility, the cost to play can be high. That could deter newcomers.
Fries hopes to get more financial support from Staples’ athletic department, to give as many players as possible a chance.
Ariston Liu, in action.
Despite the challenges, Fries shepherded the boys and girls teams to strong seasons. They showed well at the national tournament in Philadelphia last month, competing against the top teams in the country.
A national tournament appearance did not generate much buzz at Staples.
But for the several dozen squash players, the love — and “intensity” of the sport — is all they need.
(Big stories and small; well-known and small — “06880” covers them all. Please click here to help support our work. Thank you!)
This has been the Westport Farmers’ Market best season to date.
Next Thursday (March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), they’ll celebrate with their annual seed exchange.
“Collecting, sharing and growing seeds saved by our very own shoppers, farmers and vendors – especially heirloom varieties – involves the community personally in promoting local food and flora,” says executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.
“This year more than ever, we want to seed it with love and health.”
Dina Brewster of farmer-led seed collective Eco59 will discuss seed saving.
People can bring seeds they have saved from their own gardens, or take home a few saved by others. WFM farmers will donate seeds from their favorite crops, to try at home.
All seeds except those of invasive species* are welcome. However, the Market requests people bring and take home heirloom or organic varieties.
“Heirloom seeds are critical to reclaiming our food system,” Cochran-Dougall notes.
“These open-pollinated plants have been passed down from generation to generation without human intervention or manipulation. They taste better, are more nutritious, and help protect plant diversity.”
*For a list of plants considered invasive in Connecticut, click here,
And the winner for Best “Guess the Winners” Contest is … the Westport Book Shop and the Remarkable Theater.
For the second year in a row, they’re co-starring in the local event.
Just fill out a ballot for who you think will win the Academy Award in each of 9 categories this year (plus a tie-breaker).
The 3 people with the most correct guesses will each receive a ticket for any showing at the Remarkable Theater’s 2023 season (a $50 value) — plus a $25 Westport Book Shop gift card, and Remarkable Theater and Westport Book Shop swag.
Ballots are available at the Westport Book Shop (23 Jesup Road, across Jesup Green from the Westport Library). You can also download them from the Book Shop website. or Remarkable Theater website. All ballots must be returned to the Westport Book Shop by 5 p.m. March 12. (The Oscars are that night.)
Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Kirk Combe has an intriguing new blog.
“Rant Against the Regime” examines culture (movies, politics, current events, literature, media, social issues … you name it) — while at the same time exploring how we take a look at culture.
Combe is professor emeritus of English and cultural studies at Denison University, where he won an award for excellence in teaching.
He earned a doctor of philosophy in literature at Oxford University. At Davidson College he played varsity basketball. As a senior, he captained the Staples team.
Fittingly, his first piece is about … Ted Lasso.
Click here for Combe’s blog. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Professor Kirk Combe
======================================================
VersoFest is the Westport Library’s annual celebration of music, media — and creativity. This year, it adds an arts component.
The Artists Collective of Westport celebrates “music through visual arts” with a 2-part exhibition, in all 3 Library galleries.
The exhibits run March 4 through May 9. A “reveal” of “Piece by Piece” kicks things off at a March 8 reception (6 p.m.)
“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 10-foot installation comprising the work of 60 Artists Collective members. Each artist received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 6-inch square section randomly selected from a single iconic music-themed painting.
The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style. They will not know what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception.
Contributors include Miggs Burroughs, Katherine Ross, Michael Brennecke, Nina Bentley, Susan Fehlinger, Eric Chiang and Elizabeth DeVoll.
For “Music to Our Eyes,” each Collective member was invited to display a work in the medium of their choice — interpreting music through painting, drawing, photography, and collage.
Over 50 local artists will exhibit their musically themed paintings in the Library’s Sheffer Gallery. Some works were inspired by a style of music; some were inspired by a specific piece. But all are related to the artists’ musical experience.
Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of Piece by Piece is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100. 50% of the proceeds support the Library’s art programs; 50% goes to the artist
Additional art on display in the Sheffer and Jesup Galleries will also be available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds benefiting the Library.
Last year’s “Piece by Piece” impressed the Westport Library crowd. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
The Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club heads to another continent soon.
On March 14 (6:15 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church), Ida Lowe headlines a dinner presentation on “Exploring the Colombian Amazon: The Painted Forest.”
The hiker/world traveler/Colombia native/Westport resident will share her experiences and photographs of trekking through Guaviare, including the recent discovery of 12,600-year old drawings in the middle of the jungle. Her trek included colorful rivers, steep climbs and amazing rock formations, through dense jungle.
Appetizers, wine, soft drinks, pasta dinner, salads and desserts will be served. The cost for members is $10; for non-members, $15. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s next free online lecture is titled “Solar Orbiter: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Sun.”
Dr. Teresa Nieves-Chinchilla — NASA project scientist for the Solar Orbiter Collaboration — will be livestreamed on March 21 (8 p.m.).
The Solar Orbiter is “the most complex scientific laboratory ever sent to the Sun. By combining observations from its 6 remote-sensing instruments and 4 suites of in situ instruments, the scientific community will explore how the Sun creates and controls the heliosphere?’
In the first round of the state tournament n Wednesday, the 12th-ranked Stamford/Westhill/Staples co-op girls ice hockey team upset #5 Simsbury 5-2. Staples junior Maya Sherman had 2 goals, while freshman goalie Clara Peroni of Staples notched 16 saves.
Yesterday in the quarterfinals, they fell to #4 seed East Catholic, 4-1.
Earlier, the girls reached the FCIAC semifinal. That game ended in a heartbreaking, triple overtime loss to New Canaan.
Congratulations to all the girls, and to John Fay — the team’s coach, and captain of the Staples boys hockey team in 1980-81.
Action from yesterday’s girls ice hockey state quarterfinal.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Farmers’ Market seed exchange (story above):
(Here’s another great exchange: support for “06880” enables us to keep bringing you the daily Roundup (and everything else). Please click here. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
