Dave Grossman is the rowing director and boys head coach at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
His rowing career began there in 2005. He quickly began coaching too. Dave was a 4-year member of the Hobart College team. He competed at the Head of the Charles Regatta, national championships and Henley Royal Regatta.
The other day, Dave came ashore to the Westport Library. We looked back, in this 25th anniversary year for Saugatuck Rowing Club’s modern facility, at its growth and evolution (and the role the Winklevoss family has played). We talked about the sport of crew: who it attracts, what it takes to compete, and the impact it has on rowers of all ages.
We talked too about Dave’s life, on and off the water. Click here or below, for a fascinating half hour.
I’ve had these illustrations set aside for years, because I am a water skier and I thought they were really cool.
Ed had told me they were of Stew Leonard and done a long time ago, but I didn’t see much info on the drawings.
Stew Leonard, by Ed Vebell
I recently ran into Stew Jr. I asked him if he wanted them, and brought them over.
Stew Sr.’s wife Marianne was overjoyed. She is putting them up in her house, along with his trophies.
Turns out Stew was a national champion trick skier in 1957. Ed, who had moved to Westport in 1953, had been commissioned to do illustrations of him for a 1956 Sports Illustrated story, “Water Fun.”
The connection between these 2 guys just came to light when Marianne called to thank us. We started to realize what a great story this is.
Stew was famous for his revolutionary marketing concepts (recognized by Harvard Business School) and a national champion water skier.
Ed was a famous illustrator (his Nuremberg Court drawings are in the Holocaust Museum) and an Olympic fencer (qualifying for the 1952, ‘56 and ‘60 Games).
Their paths crossed in 1957. But both families are just now getting all the details of their story together.
According to a 2018 Norwalk Hour story by George Albano, the 26-year-old “Norwalk milkman” won the North American Water Ski Championship in ’57 — after picking up the sport just a year earlier.
He learned through trial and error on Saugatuck Shores. He and his brothers Leo and Jim dug out what they called “Bermuda Lagoon,” and practiced.
Stew Leonard in action. (Photo courtesy of The Hour)
Leonard told Albano, “Those days you delivered milk to people’s houses. So I started work at 3 a.m., and was done by 11:30. That was the edge I had, that and I had the lagoon. I was able to practice till dark.”
At the national event, he competed against water skiers from Florida and California, who practiced all year. “We had July and August,” he said.
Leonard also invented and patented a “Skee-Trainer.” Attached to a tow rope, it was designed to teach people to water ski. He sold them through Sears & Roebuck.
The future supermarket mogul was a multi-sport athlete. He was a goalie on the Norwalk High School ice hockey team. They played at the old Crystal Rink on Crescent Street. (The ramshackle building — fondly called the “Crystal Ice Palace” — drew notables like Olympians Carol Heiss and Dorothy Hamill. It’s where Paul Newman practiced too, for his 1977 movie “Slap Shot.”)
Stew Sr. also pole vaulted for Norwalk High and the University of Connecticut. But water skiing was his favorite sport. He retired in 1961 after injuring his back while practicing tricks. He became a lifetime member of the American Water Ski Association.
In 1976, Stew Leonard was honored for his water ski achievements by the Sportsmen of Westport.
His other accomplishments — including turning his father’s milk business into what Ripley’s called “the world’s largest dairy store” (albeit one that sells lobsters, flowers, wine and cashmere) — are stories to be told another day.
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The honors keep coming for the Staples High School boys soccer team.
In addition to being state champions, they are ranked #1 in the nation by Max Preps.
It’s been more than 20 years since the Wreckers were rated that high. This week, they edged out perennial #1 St. Benedict’s Prep of New Jersey. What a kick!
Speaking of remarkable Staples achievements: Players actors, pit orchestra — even the box office — have all received lavish praise, for their part in the rousing success of “Les Misérables.”
The tech crew — set designers and builders, lighting and sound — have gotten well-deserved kudos too. The turntable was particularly impressive.
But here’s one more member who may have been overlooked.
Because he toiled — literally — behind the scenes.
Junior Theo Rowan spent all 10 performances on stage, but beneath the back bridge. He made sure that each turntable cue went according to plan.
A couple of times, it malfunctioned. Theo thought quickly, and solved the problems so the show could go on.
Bravo, Theo! You were indeed the “master of the house.”
Theo Rowan, on stage. (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Speaking still of Staples Players: 2024 graduate Cameron Mann has been added to Hulu’s “Foster Dade” pilot, Variety reports.
The show is a “sophisticated mystery set at an East Coast boarding school that explores privilege, scandal, sexuality, and masculinity amid the rise of social media, millennial anxiety and pharmaceuticals.”
Cameron has appeared on TV and movie screens in a number of roles, including “Mare of Easttown” and “Eddington.” He is a sophomore at the University of Michigan.
Fun fact: His mother, Jill Johnson Mann, grew up 2 houses from Aimee East, in a small Rochester, New York suburb. Aimee’s daughter Chloe East is also in the “Foster Dade” cast.
Class of 2003 graduate Justin Paul and his writing partner Benj Pasek are teaming up with J.P. Brammer to bring one of their favorite animals to the page.
People magazine calls their new book, “Axl the Axolotl Is Not a Frog,” a “funny and inspiring picture book about ‘learning to love and what makes you different.'”
Pasek and Paul — whose previous Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning projects include “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman” — tell People: “We hope this character and the world he inhabits inspire readers of all ages to embrace and celebrate the things that make them uniquely themselves, in this first of hopefully many Axl stories to come.” Click here for the full story.
Justin Paul has not forgotten his Staples Players roots. Last year, he worked with the cast of one of his earliest shows: “James and the Giant Peach.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
Tacombi — Danny Meyer’s Mexican restaurant — appears to have closed. It opened near Stop & Stop just over 2 years ago, building on 11 locations in trendy New York neighborhoods.
Google says it is “temporarily closed,” but a recording on its phone number says “closed” — leaving out “temporarily.”
Meyer’s other Westport eatery — Shake Shack — appears to be doing quite well.
Westport psychotherapist Dr. Allyson Maida has published a new book.
“180: A Counterintuitive Method for Personal and Professional Change” is about brain function and behavior. Written in an easy, conversational style, it’s brief, to the point, and filled with relatable examples
The “180” comes from the fact that while people often promise themselves things will be different, somehow and somewhere, they tend to end up back (or close to) where they began.
Maida offers a 5-step guide to reshape brain connections rather than battling them, so real change can last. “for the most part, it’s all in your head,” she says.
And finally … Jimmy Cliff died yesterday. The singer who helped introduce reggae to the world was 81.
I was part of that audience. Shortly after “The Harder They Come” — the film he starred in — was released, it was shown at the Westport Country Playhouse.
That was my introduction to the Jamaican genre. Though Cliff’s fame was eclipsed by Bob Marley, that soundtrack remains one of my favorite albums of all time.
(“06880” continues to salute the many achievements of Staples students and graduates. We cover everything else in Westport, too. If you enjoy this blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
On Friday evening, the Staples High School fieldhouse rocked. Over 120 Service League of Boys members and friends paid $25 each to join an energetic basketball fundraiser.
But the event was even more meaningful, for the many participants who remember Perrin Delorey: an elementary school baseball and hockey player, and Cub Scout. In his honor, Westport Little League presents a Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award each year, to players who model his sportsmanship and team spirit on the field.
Perrin Delorey at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, with Ted Williams. Perrin was a huge Boston Red Sox fan.
He would have been a Staples senior this year.
His friend Philip Sullivan writes:
This evening, I participated in my 4th and final SLOBS basketball fundraiser.
Next spring, the class of 2026 will graduate without our beloved classmate, Perrin Delorey. Tonight’s basketball fundraiser will benefit a scholarship named to honor Perrin’s memory.
Perrin was a 4th grade student at Greens Farms Elementary in 2018 when he died in a car accident shortly before summer break.
As a class, we were devastated. But for me the tragedy struck also at home. Perrin was my first cousin, and my best friend.
Perrin Delorey’s cousin Philip Sullivan (right), with Staples Service League of Boys fundraising chair Zach Gillman.
To preserve his memory, and to honor him by recognizing another member of our class with a Staples Tuition Grant, I am partnering with friends and family to create an endowed award in Perrin’s name.
The first award will be given to a member of the Staples class of 2026 this spring.
We have already raised more than $10,000 toward our goal of $25,000 to establish the award. Last night, the award was the very fortunate beneficiary of the basketball fundraiser.
A huge turnout for the Perrin Delorey Staples Tuition Grants fundraiser.
Many of Perrin’s friends were there, as was Perrin’s and my grandfather, Bill Ryan. He served as one of the referees.
To all who have participated and supported our efforts to grow this award, I extend my warmest thank you. If you would like to contribute directly to the Perrin Ryan Delorey “Do Your Best” Award, please click here.
Congratulations to SLOBs organizers: president Rei Seltzer, fundraising chair Zach Gillman, Philip Sullivan, and all the SLOBs who helped run the event. There are over SLOBs this year. Besides the STG fundraiser, they participate in a wide variety of volunteer projects, all year long.
Congrats too to the basketball champions: Evan Sealove’s team; to all 40 teams of participants, and to all the parent and student volunteers as referees, timers and more.
Thanks too to Pizza Lyfe: donors of 35 pizzas for the hungry crowd.
The winners were all freshmen! From left: Emanuel Linvald, Augie Francis, Brody Chlupsa, Evan Sealove.
Jordan Ginsberg, Sportsmanship Award winner.
Among the many participants: Perrin’s friends (from left) Michael Brennan, Jacob Marcucio and Charlie Curran.
As the weather cools down, Wakeman Town Farm heats up.
On the calendar:
“Wreath-making Class” (December 10, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). Create a custom wreath using local berries and natural materials. Beginners to seasoned crafters welcome.
“Warm Bites for Cold Nights”(Grades 2-6; 2 different 5-week sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in January): Hearty, hands-on dishes, with kids-safe techniques.
“Winter Cooking for the Minis” (Grades K-2; 6 Monday sessions, 4:15 to 5:30 p.m., beginning in December):
“Frosty Bites and Holiday Treats Cooking Class for Kids” (Ages 6-12; December 12, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
“Warm & Cozy Winter Desserts”baking class (adults; December 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m.). For beginning to intermediate bakers; BYOB.
And on January 24, the Sweet Remains take the stage.
Greg Naughton’s folk-rock trio — with their acoustic sound, 3-part harmonies and 65 million Spotify streams — performs January 24 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s Jewish Business Network hosts Melissa Bernstein — the co-founder of legendary toy company Melissa & Doug, and the wellness brand Lifelines — for a celebration of her new book, “The Heart of Entrepreneurship.”
Stephanie Phillips was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club.
The district governor applauded members for their leadership in categories including foundation giving and membership growth, and their energy supporting community initiatives.
That good work was clear, as Rotary Club members supported the Westport Fire Department’s winter clothing drive.
Stephanie Phillips, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Sure, it’s almost Thanksgiving. But fall foliage continues to hang on in Westport … and to awe us.
We give thanks for this spectacular scene on Highland Road — and to JD Dworkow, for capturing it as today’s “Westport … Naturally feature photo.
And finally … on this date in 1877, Thomas Edison announced his invention of the phonograph: a machine that could record and play sound.
On this same date in 1959, disc jockey Alan Freed — the man who popularized the term “rock and roll” — was fired by New York’s WABC radio. He was alleged to have participated in a payola scandal.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source of news, events, photos and much more — 24/7/365. These Roundup songs are icing on the cake. If you enjoy any of it, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
On Sunday, the Staples High School boys soccer team won the state championship.
It was the 13th in the program’s storied history — but the first since 2009.
That’s a heroic achievement.
But there is so much more to the story that makes the 2025 Wreckers our Unsung Heroes of the Week.
The 2025 Staples boys soccer team. (Photo/Melissa Garrity)
For more than 8 months — from late October through early July — the program was engulfed in chaos.
A town-wide controversy over the non-renewal of the contracts of head coach Russell Oost-Lievense, and equally popular freshman coach Chris O’Dell, threatened to upend 67 years of tradition, high standards and success.
For more than 8 months, the Staples boys soccer program had no leader.
No adult leader, that is.
Into the breach strode the rising seniors.
They were confused, hurt — and angry. They felt disrespected, unheard.
But instead of complaining, these teenagers acted like the adults in the room.
The 4 incoming captains — Gabe Duque, Gabe Hellmann, Drew Hill and Dylan Shackelford — took the reins.
Captains (from left): Gabe Hellmann, Drew Hill, Dylan Shackelford, Gabe Duque. (Photo/Melissa Garrity)
They made sure the off-season weight room program ran smoothly.
They coached themselves in the Norwalk summer league — and won it all, with an undefeated record.
They ran the in-town summer Watermelon Cup league for current players and alumni, all on their own. For decades past, that had been the head coach’s job.
They kept key players from leaving the program, to play instead for outside “academy” club teams. It would have been easy to abandon the coach-less Staples program, with an uncertain future. But no one did.
In an era when too few teenagers know how, or even want, to lead, the 4 captains did so with maturity, wisdom and strength.
They were not afraid to talk about Staples soccer’s values and expectations. They held their teammates accountable.
They kept the program intact.
Staples players — Norwalk Summer League champions — with the first of 3 medals they earned this year.
Just as crucially, the rest of the team bought into it all.
Other leaders emerged. Younger players followed.
When Liam Witham was named head coach in early July, he met with the captains. They were excited. They embraced him, and together they led the team forward.
And they did it without abandoning their support and admiration for the non-renewed coaches. It was a difficult balance. Yet these teenagers did it, with grace and aplomb.
The Wreckers had a storybook season. All the ingredients for success — talent, speed, physicality, high soccer IQs, passion, poise, chemistry and heart — were there.
Still, success was not a given. They had to earn it.
And earn it they did, with a convincing march through the regular season, and the FCIAC (league) and state tournaments. Winning double championships had been done only 7 times before, by Staples boys soccer teams.
State champs! (Photo/John Walker)
On Sunday — after their decisive 3-0 win over Greenwich — the players hugged and high-fived exuberantly.
They were celebrating their state championship, sure. But — without realizing it — they were celebrating too the joy of setting a goal, committing to it, and achieving it, with tons of hard work, the maturity to look forward instead of back, and the unwavering support of each other.
This week’s Unsung Heroes award goes to the 4 captains, and all their teammates, on the 2025 Staples boys soccer team.
But calling them “boys” does not do this squad justice.
Over the past year, they proved themselves to be men.
Staples High School soccer seniors. (Photo/Melissa Garrity)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
More holiday help: A&S Westport Fine Foods is partnering with the Southport law firm Conlon Amendola, to donate 50 full Thanksgiving dinners.
They’ll go to student families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport, who face food insecurity. The tuition-free charter school has a 100% college acceptance rate.
A&S will prepare fresh turkeys, and trays of sides. The Post Road West market is donating the birds; the law firm is covering other costs.
Westporters who wish to provide funds for dessert (pies) can email A&S (chefalpiz@gmail.com), or call 203-293-4042.
The meals will be delivered Friday, with freezing and reheating instructions.
One of America’s most urgent civil liberties issues is the focus of a documentary screening and panel discussion this Friday (November 21, 7 p.m.) at the Westport Library.
Director/producer Kim Snyder brings her award-winning, gripping and very timely film “The Librarians” to the Trefz Forum.
It explores “the growing movement to censor ideas, stories, and voices across the country, and celebrates the everyday heroes standing in its way.” Librarians across the country are “fighting on the front lines for the freedom to read and the right to think critically.”
Westport Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer Trey Ellis, and producer Maria Cuomo Cole, join Snyder and author Oliver Radclyffe on the panel, following the documentary.
Sticks Westport opened earlier this month at 772 Post Road East, the strip mall that includes TTEndurance and Picture This, between Calise’s Deli and Wheels.
There are no drop-ins. Instead, monthly and annual members get protected time, in a private setting.
The headline feature is a cutting-edge Trackman iO golf simulator. It usees a combination of radar, infrared and high-speed imaging to deliver real-time club and ball analytics.
There is also a big screen TV, comfortable seating area and kitchenette.
Owner Ali Lloyd says, “Sticks’ small, cozy space is meant to feel like an extension of your house. It was born out of the dream of having a golf simulator in our own home.”
She worked with an interior designer, and collected antiques and art to create “a Westport-level space that’s comfortable and inviting.”
Membership will be capped at “a pretty low number.” After 2 weeks, Lloyd says, they are halfway toward being sold out.
The UU Players are staging “The Gin Game” this weekend, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
The play — featuring Westporters Tom Croarkin and Candace Clinger — centers on 2 “old age home” residents who become friends over a series of card games. In the process they reveal any things about themselves — including their darker sides.
Easton residents Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn opened the show on Broadway in 1977.
Dates are Friday and Saturday (November 21 and 22, 7 p.m.) and Sunday (November 23, 2 p.m.). The suggested donation is $25, cash or Venmo at the door. Questions? Call 203-227-7205, ext. 10.
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Bike Westport is sponsoring a Zoom session on an important topic: “Smart/Safe Cycling for Youth & Adults.”
The event — including topics like e-bike laws, what parents should know about e-bikes for youths, and how to ride safely in traffic — is tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.). Click here for the Zoom link.
Karl Kuechenmeister died on Saturday, surrounded by family. He was 78.
He was a graduate of Staples High School and Dickinson College.
Karl served in the US Navy as a lieutenant and aviator. He was assigned to Flight Squadron 101 — “The Grim Reapers” — where he flew T-2 Buckeyes, F-9 Cougars and F-4 Phantoms.
He later became a senior media sales executive with CBS and NBC Television, Warner Bros. Domestic TV, Lorimar, Time Warner, MTV Networks and Turner Broadcasting Sales.
Karl was a volunteer with Connecticut Special Olympics and a Board Member of the Saugatuck Shores Club. He held dual citizenship with
Ireland.
Working at NBC, he Karl met Elizabeth. They were married at St. Luke Church.
After raising 2 children in Westport and Cape Cod, Karl and Elizabeth moved to Palm Beach Shores, Florida in 2016. He lovd the town, and lunch with “the Gang.”
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; son Lt. Col. Karl Kuechenmeister (Carly), daughter Britt Kuechenmeister (Theo); grandchildren Gavin and Logan; sisters Karen, Janis and Mary, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The Veterans Administration Medical Center and VA Hospice Center in West Palm Beach provided exceptional and tender care of Karl.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date. There are no calling hours.
Karl Kuechenmeister
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Organizational psychologist and author Dr. Melvin Sorcher died Saturday in Westport. He was 95.
The Brooklyn native and Korean War US Army sergeant earned a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.
He developed and implemented “behavior modeling” in business and other non-clinical settings. He headed General Electric’s corporate behavioral research group, and served as worldwide director of management development for Richardson-Vicks.
Mel wrote 4 books, and more than 40 articles and chapters. He was honored in 1978 for distinguished professional practice throughout his career, including his work to bring behavior modeling to address the problem of apartheid in South Africa by breaking down racial barriers in industry.
Before retiring at 72, Mel started a consulting firm specializing in CEO and senior management evaluation and selection. His 1 decades of retirement were filled with projects until the last days of his life.
He published another book, to help recent college graduates secure their first jobs, and helped make Westport the first town east of the Mississippi River to ban nonbiodegradable plastic bags.
He was a prolific painter, taught English as a second language, took Spanish lessons, and traveled around the country to see his large family.
Mel is survived by his wife Sylvia; sons and in-laws Michael (Jill) of Overland Park, Kansas; Robert (Nicolas Ospina) of Denver, and Peter (Erin) of Mill Valley, California, and grandchildren Sara (Arie Lipnick), Gary, Danielle, Jessica , Rachael, Caroline, Kaya and Shea.
Funeral services will be held this Sunday (November 23, 12 p.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield. Visitation begins at 11:30 a.m.
Dr. Melvin Sorcher
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Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg is back, with another spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image.
This one is a downy woodpecker. Check out that beak!
And finally … in honor of “The Librarians” — the documentary film, and the real-life professionals (story above):
(We can’t keep library-quiet about this: “06880” relies on donations from readers! If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Westporters love the (finally) completed Post Road reconstruction project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.
And employees of the businesses in that area — on both sides of the street — love the new bus shelters that have just been completed too.
“06880” reader Lawrence Weisman notes, “they are the result of a multi-year effort of a small group of citizens, ably assisted by Public Works Department director Pete Ratkiewitch and his staff, and ultimately by the state Department of Transportation (including former commissioner Emil Frankel).
“Those primarily involved include Ron Corwin, Jenny Johnson and Pippa Bell Ader. They took the initiative after noticing that many of those who commute to Westport to staff the establishments that serve us often had to wait for their buses in bad weather.”
“Thanks to all who helped make life better for the men and women who work here.”
Workers put the finishing touches on the bus shelter at Volvo of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (November 24, 6 p.m., Zoom) — the first with its newly elected members — features a full agenda.
Items include:
A discussion of a plan to build an office building, with parking, at 715 Post Road East — the vacant lot currently used to store logs, at the corner of Roseville Road.
An application to subdivide 107 Old Road, into 4 single family residential lots, with an open space parcel.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are hosting the 65th straight monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.
After 3 outstanding performances at MoCA\CT, judges of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition made a rare decision Saturday night. They named 2 winners: Ye‑Eun Hyun and Zhu Wang.
Though stylistically distinct, both impressed the jury with technical brilliance and emotional depth. Each was awarded the $20,000 first prize, sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. Jiahao Han earned the $10,000 second prize, plus $500 for Best Performance of a Commissioned Piece.
Now in its 54th year, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition honors the legacy of pianist and philanthropist Heida Hermanns, the longtime Westporter who championed emerging artists on the world stage.
“I think we all had very strong opinions about the order, and the first two were equals in our minds,” said head judge Frederic Chiu, a renowned pianist and former winner of the Heida Competition. First prize has only been shared once before, in 2013.
Staples High School is not the only school with a soccer champion this fall.
The Greens Farms Academy girls varsity capped their undefeated Fairchester Athletic Conference title season by winning the New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class C title this weekend.
The final was a 4-1 victory over Brewster Academy.
Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jane Krauss won a Lone Star Emmy last weekend. She was part of the team that produced a segment called “Austin Really Moves.”
Jane graduated from the University of Austin in May. She was a coordinating producer on the KXAN production that won, as a spring intern.
She is now in Madrid, doing social media marketing strategy for a study abroad company and teaching English.
Staples High School graduate Peter Kluchnick has died.
He grew up on Bauer Place Extension, and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966 with several Staples High School Class of 1966 classmates. He served one year in Vietnam.
Family and friends will gather this Friday (November 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Cody-White Funeral Home, Milford).
The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.
The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.
Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.
The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.
The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.
Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)
And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.
Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.
They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.
They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.
Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.
The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.
The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.
“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”
Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.
Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Brian Claar
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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.
They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.
“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”
Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.
And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):
(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”
Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.
Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.
Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.
“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.
“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).
“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)
“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”
Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.
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There is need in Westport too.
The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.
Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.
Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.
Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.
The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.
In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).
Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.
Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.
The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.
Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.
Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.
Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.
The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.
They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.
The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.
The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”
In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.
The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.
The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.
The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.
Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.
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Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.
There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.
Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.
They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.
Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.
Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.
To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.
Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.
The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.
“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.
The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”
And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):
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