Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Staples Logowear Online, A Better Chance Events, Earthplace Egg Hunt …

Posted on March 11, 2026 | 2 comments

Alumni and residents often ask the Staples High School PTA if they sell logowear.

They don’t have a permanent store. However, 3 times a year they run online sales.

One of those times is now.

From today (Wednesday) through March 25, you can order alumni gear. Some youth sizes are available too.

Items include t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, shorts, flannel pants, caps, golf umbrellas, stadium seats and magnets.

Click here to shop. Your purchase will be delivered to your door.

Some of the Staples High School logowear at the online store.

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Speaking of Staples: A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — has 2 important upcoming events.

On March 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you can “Shop for a Cause” at Fred, the 30 Post Road East women’s clothing store. 10% of all sales that day will benefit ABC.

It’s a great chance to find the perfect outfit for the organization’s “Dream Event” (May 7, 6:30 p.m., House on the Hill, Norwalk). It’s an inspiring evening, saluting the young scholars of A Better Chance, who enrich our community every day.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of tickets: They’re going fast for Earthplace’s Great Egg Hunt.

One-hour slots are available April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to a nature hunt for eggs, youngsters can meet live rabbits and create spring-themed crafts. Click here to register.

Also on the Earthplace calendar: their 5th annual Arbor Day “Toast to the Trees.”

The April 25 event (4 to 6 p.m.) includes craft beer tastings, food trucks, live music, fun activities and more. Click here for more information, and registration.

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“Greens” Farms Church was an appropriate setting Monday, for Club203’s “Luck o’ the Irish” celebration.

A large crowd of adults with disabilities, and their friends, enjoyed green-themed delicious foods from Lyfe Café, desserts by Avery, and tunes from the Especially Everyone band. Attendees also made pots of gold, with MOCA\CT.

Volunteers — including many Rotarians — brought great spirit, laughter and energy to the bash.

A small part of the large green crowd at Monday’s Club203 event.

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Yesterday afternoon, Westport Police searched for a man who left a facility against the wishes of medical control.

He was located on Post Road East, near Myrtle Avenue.

The number of police vehicles and officers made the response look more significant than it otherwise might be, due to its proximity to headquarters and its occurrence during a shift change.

Police vehicles on Post Road East. (Photo/EJ Zebro)

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This year’s Democratic Women of Westport “Souper Luncheon” welcomes the co-chairs of the Connecticut House of Representatives Reproductive Rights Caucus: Jillian Gilchrest and Matt Blumenthal.

The event is March 27 (11:30 a.m.). A $40 donation supports Staples Tuition Grants’ DWW scholarship. RSVP by email: dww06880@gmail.com.

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Red Hot Mamas — the online community for menopause information founded by Westporter Karen Giblin — is looking for baby boomers to be part of a special Oprah Winfrey podcast conversation focused on “generations.”

The taping is tomorrow (March 12, 11 a.m.) in New York City.

Email info@eventstics.com if interested. Include your first and last name, email address and cell phone.

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan visited the Westport Rotary Club yesterday.

He spoke about the Playhouse’s Pulitzer Award play, “Primary Trust. Previews begin April 14.

Shanahan called it “a story of friendships and lifting people up. When I first saw this play, I choked up.”

Mark Shanahan

The main Rotary speaker was Jasmine Prezzie, program director for the Norwalk Mentor Program.

A former mentee herself, she noted the value of adults who share their triumphs and disappointments with children trying figure out their own futures.

There are 413 mentors in the school-based initiative.

Jasmine Prezzie (Photos/Dave Matlow)

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The new header on our “06880” home page features the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach. You can see it below, too.

The image — showing empty slips, just waiting to be filled — is by longtime Westporter JD Dworkow. We highlight his great work often here.

Thanks, JD!

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Our favorite nature photographer, Lou Weinberg, writes: “In addition to rooting for the UConn Huskies in the upcoming March Madness, I’m rooting for the comeback of the rusty red and blue: Eastern bluebirds.

“They scored a big win at the Newman Poses Preserve on Monday. Eastern bluebirds seem to be rebounding well. Conservation efforts and bird boxes help. Protecting open space and planting natives are important factors in their recovery as well. Go Bluebirds!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s bluebird (above):

(Is spring finally here? We have no idea. But we do know this: Any time is a good time to help support “06880.” Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Staples Players Rewind: “Merrily We Roll Along”

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 1 comment

Stephen Sondheim is a David Roth favorite.

So it was natural for the Staples Players director to choose “Merrily We Roll Along” as the spring 2003 production.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped it — and all of Roth’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions, we bring you that memorable “Merrily.” Click here or below to see.

PS: This year’s spring show — “Urinetown” — debuts Thursday (March 12, 7 p.m.). It runs Friday and Saturday (March 13 and 14) at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday (March 14 and 15) at 2 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Media, Staples HS

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Registration, Outdoor Dining, Deej Webb …

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 2 comments

A reminder: Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department’s Camp Compo and RECing Crew begins at 9 a.m. today (Tuesday).

Registration for all other spring and summer programs starts tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all activities.

Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.

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Yesterday’s stunning weather (and extra hour of daylight) turned many Westporters’ thoughts to the outdoors.

Including activities like dining al fresco.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Selectpersons will be asked to approve a request from the Westport Downtown Association for the annual temporary closure of Church Lane between Elm Street and Post Road East, for outdoor dining (and music).

The street would be closed to all but emergency traffic from May 8 to October 1. Musicians would entertain on Fridays and Saturdays (5:30 to 9 p.m.), from June 5 to September 26.

In a WDA survey last year, respondents were asked if the Church Lane closure is a benefit to the town, and something that should be continued.

2,033 — that’s 92.2% — said yes. 171 (7.8%) said no.

This would be the 7th year for the street closure and outdoor dining downtown. The tradition began during the pandemic.

Outdoor dining at Spotted Horse. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Speaking of eating: Foodies collect many things: recipes, cooking equipment, leftovers .

They also collect books.

Cookbooks, non-fiction, food memoirs — you name it, they’ve got it.

But food books — like food — are meant to be shared.

This Thursday (March 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), the winter Westport Farmers’ Market hosts a “foodie book swap.”

Bring your favorites. Trade them for something new.

The WFM puts it best: “Come hungry for stories, and leave inspired in the kitchen.”

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A celebration of the life of Richard “Deej” Webb – the Westport native, teacher and historian who turned his lifelong fascination with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s summer here into a book and documentary — is set for March 20 (1:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport).

Deej died in December, at 63. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compo Beach Improvement Association. Funds will help beautify Deej’s adult and childhood playground. Venmo: @CBIA-KristinPurcell-Tsr.

Deej Webb

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Bedford Middle School is taking “The Little Mermaid” to new heights.

Literally.

On March 19-22, the musical production will include — with help from ZFX Flying Effects — young actors soaring across the sage.

That’s in addition to the immersive underwater world, with dynamic lighting, projections, bubbles and theatrical effects.

Performances are March 19, 20 and 21 (7 p.m.), with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Flying high, in “The Little Mermaid.”

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Americans know Alisyn Camerota as an award-winning broadcast journalist and author.

Westporters know her as our neighbor.

On the weekend of April 10-12, a small group of women will know her as someone who helped reinvent their lives.

On a weekend retreat in the Catskills, Alisyn and Michelle Blieberg — a global talent manager and artist — will guide a fun, exciting experience to “design your future with purpose and confidence.”

Creative exercise and activities will help attendees map their next act.

The setting — the Menla Retreat and Spa, 330 acres — offers yoga, hiking, healing therapies, spa services and gourmet meals, along with Alisyn and Michelle’s expert guidance.

For more information, email info@reinventyourlife.biz. To register, click here.

Alisyn Camerota

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Sure, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

But Wikipedia has a much wider reach.

And of those 100 million or so who use it daily, any who click on the “Secondary Schools” page will learn everything they need to know about high schools — or senior schools, or whatever else they’re called around the globe.

There’s plenty of text, all with the necessary Wikipedia citations.

There’s only one photo, though.

And of all the images that could have been used to illustrate high schools on the planet, the one that’s used is … Staples High School.

Staples High School, on Wikipedia’s “Secondary school” page.

The reader who alerted us to this remarkable/impressive/crazy fact writes: “At first I thought it was some kind of location-based gimmick, where the website would just display whatever school was closest to your location.

“But having looked at the editing history of the page, it actually is just the picture that they chose!”

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Whether blowing bebop with the Charles Mingus Band or improvising with Anthony Braxton, Michael Rabinowitz has changed the conception of what a bassoon can do.

This Thursday (March 12, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., dinner from 7), he’ll bring his talents ot “Jazz at the Post.”

Rabinowitz will be joined by pianist Stebe Sandberg, bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer David Alvarez and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Earthplace. Luisa Francoeur was at the bridge by Frog Pond. “It was interesting to see the reflections, and how they made the image difficult to decipher,” she says.

(Photo/Luisa Francoeur)

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And finally … Country Joe McDonald — the Navy veteran whose rousing “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin-‘t0-Die Rag” served as both a symbol of Woodstock and an anti-Vietnam War anthem for a generation — died Saturday in Berkeley, California.

He was 84, and suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

After his band — Country Joe & the Fish — broke up in 1970, he had a long solo career, in a variety of styles.

Click here for a full obituary. It includes the fascinating nugget that his parents — who were communists — named him after Joseph  Stalin.

(No f-bombs here. Just a gentle reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. In Country’s Joe’s legendary memory, of course.)

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Posted in Downtown, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Roundup: Concierge Care, Easter Eggs, Haggis …

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 2 comments

Infinity Care is a new personalized medicine/concierge practice, coming soon to town.

Dr. Lyuba Kofler — a family medicine physician –is a Westport mom who understands the realities of packed schedules. She designed her practice to offer “the kind of thoughtful, responsive care families often wish medicine still had.”

A core focus is what she calls “generational health.” Through “proactive prevention, lifestyle guidance, and personalized medical planning, she helps patients build habits and strategies that support not only their own health, but the well-being of their children, grandchildren, and future generations.”

Dr. Kofler has practiced with Yale New Haven Health and Stamford Health. She is fluent in Russian and proficient in Spanish. Click here for more information on Infinity Care. 

Dr. Lyuba Kofler

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Our first Easter-related item of 2026 is from Wakeman Town Farm. Their family fun “EGGstravaganza” is Saturday, April 4 (10 a.m.).

The 10:30 hunt is followed by egg-themed games, story readings with the Westport Book Shop, and photo opps with Big Bunny. Guests can isit the farm animals too.

There are treats for the kids, and coffee for adults, from The Granola Bar, Sweet P Bakery, and Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team at the Higgins Group.

Click here to register. The Eggstravaganza usually sells out quickly.

Easter at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of spring: Temperatures are inching up. There’s a whiff of the new season in the air.

But all around town, snow piles remain.

And because they were dumped or pushed there after the first big snowstorm of the year, after which temperatures remained far below freezing for a week — and because tons of sand was used in the process — these big boys are not going anywhere soon.

Scott Smith spotted this one at the Imperial Avenue commuter parking lot. He writes: “Photos can’t convey just how big this snow field is. It’s gargantuan!”

Snow pile. Imperial Avenue is in the distance. (Photo/Scott Smith)

The question is: Will it still be there when the Farmers’ Market opens, in mid-May?

I bet it won’t all be gone even then.

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The national dish of Scotland is haggis.

If you’ve never enjoyed it, it’s a pudding made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It’s encased in a sheep’s stomach and boiled.

However, 12 Westport Scouts headed to a jamboree there in July have decided to not serve haggis at their fundraiser.

Instead, Troops 39 and 139 offer a pancake breakfast. It’s this Sunday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., VFW post 399). The full pancake bar includes plenty of toppings, sausage, juice, coffee and tea.

There’s a free will donation; $10-15 per person, $35 per family is suggested.

Haggis …

… and Westport Scouts in Scotland, 2 years ago.

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Players from Jeff Lea’s first state championship team — and 3 others — were on hand Saturday night, as the winningest coach in Staples boys soccer history was inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.

Lea co-coached with Albie Loeffler in 1970, then served as head coach from 1978 to 2002. He earned 5 state crowns and 12 FCIAC titles. He retired in 2002, compiling a 357-77-42 record.

Congratulations, Coach Lea!

Jeff Lea (red tie) with former players (from left) Dan Woog, Jem Sollinger, Dan Donovan, Jono Sollinger, Neil Brickley, Steve Lichtman and Mike Brown.

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Compo Beach is one of Westport’s most family-friendly places.

So what does it take to get it ready for the upcoming season?

A papa machine, mama machine, and baby machine.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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One more sign of spring: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo is a blue jay, hanging out near Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Dr. Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … speaking of Scotland (see Scouts story above):

(Whether ye take the high road or low road, we hope ye feel moved to click here to support our own wee blog. Thank ye kindly.)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Roundup: Daylight Saving Time Tonight! Also: History Day, Jeff White, Max Orland …

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 3 comments

Tonight, we take a big step on our long slog toward spring.

Daylight Savings Time returns! Remember to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

The bad news is: We lose an hour of sleep.

The good news: It won’t be dark at 6 p.m. anymore.

At least, not for another 8 months.

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The judges have ruled, on the Connecticut History Day regional contest.

We’re not sure if these results are historic. But Westport students did very, very well.

Students are encouraged to explore any aspect of history, from local to international. They can work individually or in groups, on topics of their choice. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”

They present projects in one of 5 categories: exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers or performances.

Winners (below) advance to the state competition in May. First and second place finishers there move on to represent Connecticut at the national contest in Maryland.

Staples High School winners include:

1st Place

Noah Bruno (“NASA: How a Space Agency Drove Civil Rights Reforms” — individual documentary)

2nd Place

Alexandra Ben (“Marian Anderson: A Voice That Challenged a Nation” — paper)

Ruby Boroujerdi, Carol Berger, Madeleine Stiber (“Technicolor in ‘The Wizard of Oz’: Revolutionizing the Standards of Cinema” — group exhibit)

Luca Ghedini, Pranav Tamilselvan (“Igniting History: How Gunpowder Triggered a Global Transformation — group documentary)

Cameryn Brink (“We Are Columbine: How Normalized Deviance in Gun Violence has Undermined Effective Gun Reform in School Shootings” — individual website)

3rd Place

Charlotte Hoke, Cali Kingsley (“Progression Toward Gender Equality: Violence Against Women’s Act” — group exhibit)

Serena Goldfarb (“Equality Over Injustice: How Title IX Shaped Female Athletics” — individual documentary)

Honorable Mention

Madelynn Flom, Lilly Ford, Brooklynn Crawford (“The Degree that Sparked Revolution an the Woman Behind It: Elizabeth Blackwell” — group exhibit)

Alexandra Gottlieb (“Southbury vs. Fascism: When a Small Town Took a Stand” — individual documentary)

Graham Lewis, Akshay Rao, Ryan Asiel (“Revolution on the Fairway” — group documentary)

Middle school winners include:

1st Place

Mia Amin, Coleytown (“A Revolution in Medicine: How the Spanish Flu Led to Reform in American Public Health” — paper)

Henry Bach (“The Race to Discover DNA an the Dark Side of Winning” — individual exhibit)

Emily Bernier, Emmeline Cutler, Coleytown (“Lewis Hine and Adding Awareness to Child Labor” — group documentary)

Brandon Sheefel, Olivia Duran, Coleytown (“1810 May Revolution, Voice of the Cabildo” — group performance)

2nd Place

Matilda Jones, Nora Lipschutz, Coleytown (“The Legacy of Lewis Hine” — group exhibit)

Madyan Hemdan, Bedford (“The Radium Girls: Shining a Light on Injustice” — individual documentary

Leanne Wong, Bedford (“The Needle That Saved Millions: The Eradication of Smallpox” — individual website)

Brooklynn Flom, Johanna Lawton, Bedford (“Angel of the Battlefield” — group website)

3rd Place

Sofia Farquhar, Bedford (“The Radium Girls” — individual exhibit)

Honorable Mention

James Ben, Bedford (“Truman vs. McArthur: The Firing That Changed History” — individual exhibit)

Gemma Porrino, Charlotte Carr, Bedford (“A Day to Remember: The Attacks on 9/11” — group exhibit)

Dexter Abrams, Rhys Livingston, Coleytown (“The Reform on Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy” — group documentary)

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Every Thursday, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston host an interesting speaker.

Thursday’s was particularly insightful. Jeff White — a longtime Westporter, former CFO of Major League Baseball, executive vice president of the New York Mets and CFO of CBS News — offered a frank assessment of MLB”s future.

His topics ranged from gambling risks and a looming labor war, to international expansion.

White called legalized sports betting “an accident waiting to happen,” despite the advertising revenue flowing in. He noted that the people most affected by a work stoppage would be the the 500 to 1,000 game day workers, and 400 to 600 full-time staffers at each club.

And he spoke about his vision to bring the professional leagues of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea into an expanded MLB postseason (a true “World Series”).

Jeff White, at the Y’s Men meeting.

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Staples High School 2006 graduate Max Orland has a speech and language disability.

That has not stopped him from achieving many of his dreams.

His career includes positions with the New York Mets, US Open (center court, for Federer and Serena Williams), Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Northeastern University, and Winged Foot and Tiburon golf clubs, plus retail experience (with many awards) at Legends @ Yankee Stadium, J. Crew, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and Nike.

Most recently, the University of Delaware sport management graduate has been involved with the Miami Heat, and Special Olympics Florida

He writes: “No one can truly embody how I feel living with my personal challenges in speech and language, but moments like this remind me why it’s so important to keep getting involved, whether through work or in the community.

“Being featured on Heat TV wasn’t just about me. It was about the voice I share and what I represent as part of the Miami HEAT organization, and as an advocate for others. I will keep putting myself out there to speak on the importance of inclusive education and inclusion in the workplace, and to be a face for those who may need one when opportunities arise.

“My first year with the Heat has been about more than just a job. It’s about impact and the drive to help make the world a better place. I never take these opportunities for granted, and will continue striving to create meaningful change.”

Click here or below for a video, including words from Max.

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After more than 25, Jane Ross,  founder and executive director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — retired yesterday.

Since launching the non-profit — which serves many Westport families — in 2000, Ross has helped transform the landscape for families raising children with learning and attention challenges.

At a time when parents often felt isolated and unsure where to turn, she helped provide information, guidance, and a community of supportive families.

Click here for more information on Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.

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We mentioned the advent of spring in the first item (Daylight Saving Time).

Here’s another sign: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Liza Emilio)

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And finally … one more reminder to turn those clocks ahead tonight!

(Speaking of which: This is as good a “time” as any to show your support for “06880.” Please click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Education, History, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: School Calendar, Ceci Maher, AI App Widget …

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 3 comments

A few tweaks are coming to the school calendar.

But there will be no changes to April vacation.

Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.

Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.

The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18. 

Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.

The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.

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Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.

Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.

As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”

She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.

“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”

Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.

This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

State Senator Ceci Maher

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Great news for “06880” app users: Our AI widget is now available on that platform too.

The widget — developed by Westport-based ThoughtPartnr, and rolled out on our desktop, laptop and mobile sites last month, and located on the upper right of any page — allows users to ask questions about all 17 years of “06880” content, AI-style.

It takes some getting used to. Typing in a name (as in a Google search) is less effective than a question (“Why was the Hamlet plan rejected?”).

The widget is learning too. It gets better, as more readers engage with it.

On the “06880” app (available for iPhones and Androids), the widget button is the furthest left button (AI “stars” icon) at the bottom:

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Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.

Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.

But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”

The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.

Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.

This is a very different interview. Click here for the link.

Screenshot: Joe Walsh and Alisyn Camerota.

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Staples student-athletes get plenty of recognition.

But Staples teacher-athletes are no slouches, either.

Congratulations to Dr. Wole Ogunkoya. The social studies instructor (and girls track and field assistant coach) is a national champion!

He earned a gold medal in the  men’s 45-49-year-old long jump at USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships last month in Albuquerque.

Dr. Ogunkoya is truly a “master” athlete — and teacher.

Dr. Wole Ogunkoya

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Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.

Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.

Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.

The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.

There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).

Click here for details and registration.

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Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.

Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).

Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.

100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance

Click here to learn how to support Team Positive Directions.

New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.

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Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi

Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.

The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.

Oscar Edelman (Photo/Steve McLaughlin)

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State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.

The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.

Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).

The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.

The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong).  Click here for more information. 

State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.

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The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.

Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.

Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.

To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.

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The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.

They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”

The opening act is Magoo.

The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).

Levitt Pavilion (Photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Reeds along the Longshore exit road offer a hint of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of Dr. Wole Ogunkoya’s gold medal (story above):

(You don’t have to run — or even walk — anywhere to support “06880.” Just click here. We will very quickly thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Staples Boys Hoops: FCIAC Champs! Plus Fire Heroes, PFAS Info, New Dive Club …

Posted on March 5, 2026 | 1 comment

The undefeated Staples boys basketball team was tested by Ridgefield last night.

But the #1-seeded Wreckers — talented, tough, defensive-minded and driven — pulled away late. Their 62-48 win over #3 Ridgefield at Fairfield University earned them their second straight FCIAC (league) championship.

It cements their spot in the school’s storied sports history. Before last year, Staples’ previous FCIAC title was in 1963.

Sam Clachko — the senior and one of the Wreckers’ best basketball players ever — was named Most Valuable Player. It was a fitting FCIAC finish, after missing last year’s championship with a broken wrist.

Clachko finished with 13 points. Mason Tobias had 14, Austin Heyer 12, Matty Corrigan 11 and Dhilan Lowman 7.

The blue-and-whites — now 23-0 — head to the state tournament. They’ll chase their first title there since 1937.

Click here for the full game story on The Ruden Report (paywall).

Staples boys basketball: FCIAC champs again. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

The Staples girls basketball, meanwhile, fell just short in their quest for an FCIAC title.

In the first game of last night’s doubleheader, the #2-seeded Wreckers dropped a 65-49 decision to top-ranked Greenwich.

It was just the third loss of the season for Staples.

Like the boys, they too begin state tournament competition.

Click here for the full girls game story, on The Ruden Report (paywall).

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The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.

But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”

They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.

On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.

The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.

It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.

Tickets to the benefit include food, beer, wine, a specialty Hero cocktail, an auction and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of the Fire Department: Traffic was snarled downtown yesterday, as firefighters responded to an alarm at Barnes & Noble.

A small fire on the roof was quickly extinguished.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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The Westport Conservation Department, Shellfish Commission and Sustainable Westport are hosting a community conversation about PFAS — the synthetics known as “forever chemicals” — in Connecticut’s coastal waters, and their effect on pollution and climate change.

The free event is March 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Marine environmentalist Dick Harris will examine the persistence of PFAS chemicals in aquatic environments, their movement through waterways, and emerging challenges facing coastal communities.

For more information, click here.

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The search is on for a new Westport Transit District co-director.

In the upcoming 4-year term, the Transit District co-director will be expected to:

  • Maintain safe and dependable daily operations
  • Strengthen financial management and long-term planning
  • Pursue state and federal funding opportunities
  • Enhance community engagement and rider experience
  • Advance sustainability and environmental initiatives

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will conduct a comprehensive process to identify qualified candidates. A background in strategic planning, budgeting and regulatory compliance is highly desirable. Eligible candidates must be registered voters in Westport.

Applications will be accepted through March. The 4-year term will begin in May.

Interested candidates for this volunteer position should email a resume and/or statement of interest, including contact information, to mlevy@westportct.gov. For more information about Westport Transit services, click here.

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The Westport Swim Club does a great job preparing youngsters for the Staples High School swim team.

But the Wreckers also sponsor a dive team. To stock that pipeline, the WSC has created a new Westport Dive Club.

It’s the first — and only — springboard diving program in town.

Coach Grace Slama — who also serves as Staples’ boys and girls dive coach — is a former Taiwanese national diver, and NCAA Division I All-America.

No experience is necessary. Diving is a great activity for any child who loves gymnastics, parkour, trampolining, skateboarding, snowboarding — or any other sport!

Meanwhile, Westport Swim Club continues to grow. Over 76 boys and girls are on the roster.

They now call themselves the WSC Whale Sharks. Here’s the great back story:

Staples co-captain Charlotte Roberts began with WSC. At a recent team event, the coaches held a backstroke rock-painting contest.

Charlotte’s whale shark design won. WSC has adopted it as their new identity. It symbolizes a swimmer’s journey from youth program to high school leadership.

Registration for the Westport Swim Club and Westport Dive Club opens March 11, on the Parks & Recreation Department website.

Click here for the Swim Club. Click here for the Dive Club.

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We can’t link to Ring videos.

But here’s a screenshot of a harrowing one, sent by Susan Garment.

Huge sheets of ice are falling from a Morningside Drive roof. Just moments earlier, a woman — shown walking gingerly on her driveway — walked underneath that roof.

Be careful out there!

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Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (March 8, 3 p.m.). Pianist/composer Dr. Hayk Arsenyan will perform Chopin’s “24 Preludes,” and selections from Rachmaninoff’s “Op. 32 Preludes.”

The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Dr. Hayk Arsenyan

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Nearly everyone has old books, somewhere at home.

Are they worth anything?

Bookseller Edward Crafts comes to the Weston History & Culture Center (March 21, 2 p.m.) to discuss “Rare Books: What Are They Worth?”

The talk concludes with one-on-one valuations (1 book per family). It’s free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up, and for more information. 

Edward Crafts

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 25 and March 3.

A 50-year-old Pleasantville, New York woman was charged with 2 counts of assault of an elderly person, 2 counts of 2nd degree assault, failure to appear and failure to comply with fingerprinting requirements, following an investigation into a July incident in a Westport home.

Police and Emergency Medical Services found 3 patients experiencing the same symptoms. They were transported to a hospital, and all recovered. A relative was found to be linked to prescription medication, which was present in a communal water container.

The woman was held on a $1.01 million bond.

A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with assault of a pregnant woman, criminal attempt at strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct, following a domestic argument that turned physical. He was released on a $100,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Texting while driving: 12 citations

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Speeding: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Unsafe passing: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Failure to remove snow/ice: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Articles obstructing view: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1

It’s illegal to drive with an obstructed view — front or rear.

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Longtime Westporter, noted writer and civic volunteer Gloria Stashower died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.

She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1950, the year she married Mike Stashower, her husband of 72 years.

While raising 3 children she earned a master’s degree in English from Hunter College, pursued various civic endeavors and began work as a freelance writer.

The Stashowers settled in Westport in 1970. Gloria embarked on a career in corporate communications, working for CIT Financial Corporation and IBM.

After retirement she continued to take freelance assignments, and immersed herself in community activities. They ranged from the League of Women Voters and Democratic Town Committee to the boards of the Westport Arts Center, Senior Center, Westport Library and Y’s Women (serving as president of the last 2).

She loved books, theater, movies, politics and travel.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her children, Susan (Paul), Debby (Michael) and Jon (Allison); grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew, and great-granddaughter Greer.

A private graveside service will be held, followed by shiva for family and friends at Gloria’s home on Friday (March 6, 2 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Westport Library.

Gloria Stashower

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Lynn Flint offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story.

(Photo/Lynn Flint)

This swan plopped itself down on Canal Street, in Saugatuck Shores. Lynn blocked the road, until Animal Control arrived.

Lynn’s neighbor Glenn Ferrari got there first. He got out of the car, and said that the swan always sleeps in the road.

Glenn clapped his hands, and said “Get out of here!”

The swan stood up, walked down to the edge of the water, jumped in and swam away.

Animal Control came a few minutes later. They thanked Lynn for helping out.

And said they’d just responded to a similar call near the Library: another swan, not budging, in the middle of the road.

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And finally … on this day in 1963, country music stars Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and their pilot were killed in a plane crash in Tennessee.

(Another day, another “06880” Roundup chock full o’ stuff. If you appreciate this feature — or anything else we offer — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, UnPlastic Bathrooms, New Tailor …

Posted on March 4, 2026 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s two basketball teams have had magical seasons.

Coach Dave Goldshore’s boys are undefeated: 22-0. Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls have lost only twice; they’re 20-2.

The magic continues tonight (Wednesday). Both squads battle for the FCIAC championship. It’s a Wrecker doubleheader, at Fairfield University. The girls tip off at 5:30 p.m.; the boys follow at 7:30.

The top-seeded boys team faces #3 Ridgefield, for a rematch of last year’s final –won by the Westporters, for their first league title in 62 years.

A week ago, in the regular season finale, Staples downed the Tigers 67-49.

The #2-ranked girls play #1 Greenwich. Earlier this year, the Cardinals handed the Wreckers their first defeat, 55-42.

Click here for tickets, and livestream information.

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Last month, Sustainable Westport rolled out their “UnPlastic Westport” initiative. The initial focus was on reducing use of plastic in the bathroom.

Now they’ve augmented it with an easy-to-follow video. What’s particularly impressive is that it includes not just successes, but “compromises” and a “fail.”

Gretchen Hoffmann — Sustainable Westport’s program manager — shows how she’s tried to UnPlastic her own bathroom.

She’s swapped out soap, toilet paper and a loofah, with great results. She’s had to compromise around her use of face care products and disposable contact lenses. She’s had the least success with shampoo and conditioner.

Gretchen talks honestly about all that in the video below.

Sustainable Westport asks for feedback, in the Comments section here or on YouTube. You can also take the UnPlastic Pledge, and let them know one swap you’re committed to making.

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The 69th consecutive monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive takes place tomorrow (Thursday, 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.

Donors can get a $15 gift card by email, and A1C testing, to diagnose and monitor prediabetes and diabetes. Click here for details.

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There’s a new tailor in town.

Welvin Rosario has just opened up on the 2nd floor of 141 Main Street — a few steps north of The Gap.

He offers style consultations, bespoke fittings and alterations. Click here for the website. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Westport youngsters have many opportunities to discover and thrive in the arts.

Those in Bridgeport have fewer chances.

Neighborhood Studios fills a vital role. For nearly 50 years, the non-profit has provided an inclusive, welcoming environment that offers high-quality art, music, theater and dance instruction to children of all ages, regardless of ability, background or finances.

They do it through after-school, Saturday and summer programs; partnerships with schools and non-profits; performances, and transportation and financial assistance.

Many Westporters support Neighborhood Studios.

On March 20 (6 p.m., Foolproof Brewery, Bridgeport), several local couples –Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Jim and Lizzie Wolf, Zach and Erica Barratt, and Zack and Sheera Gross — are sponsoring a “Spring Fling Fundraiser.”

The night features live music from Sonic Bullet, food, an open bar, beer tastings, a silent auction — and of course, memorable performances from the students at Neighborhood Studios.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of young artists: The Westport School of Music combines its former fall faculty chamber concert and its  biennial student chamber music concert on Saturday, March 21 (1 p.m., Pequot Library).

Faculty members will join some of the duos. The concert will feature classical jazz and pop music for voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass and flute.

The performance is free/ For more information, call 203-227-4931, or email  smiller@wsmusic.org.

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Upcoming this month at (or sponsored by) the Westport Book Shop:

An afternoon with children’s author Lauren Tarshis (March 15, 3 p.m., Westport Library): The Staples High School graduate talks about her “I Survived” series, and signs book. Participants can win prizes playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.

It’s a ticketed event, to benefit the Westport Book Shop. Children’s tickets are $10, and include 1 book. Chaperone tickets (or for those who do not want a book) are $5. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Meet children’s author/social advocate/actress/producer Ebbe Bassey (March 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop): On World Down Syndrome Day, Bassey reads from and discusses her children’s book “Anoushka’s Extraordinary Heroes.” A spunky 5-year-old and a diverse group of superheroes show that true strength comes from friendship, compassion, inclusivity, and embracing what makes us different.

March Short Story Club: March 25 (6 p.m.): The selection will be about the immigrant experience, and announced soon. Registration is required: 203-349-5141, or RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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Meanwhile, Shark Week comes early to Westport.

This Sunday (March 8, 2 p.m. Westport Library, Emmy Award-winning natural history filmmaker Kevin Bachar offers “Sharks by The Saugatuck”: stories and films for the whole family. (Arrive early, for family-friendly shark crafts).

In the event — presented by Andrew Wilk — Bachar will talk about swimming with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and the fearsome great white.

He’ll also show photos and videos of killer whales, on the rim of exploding volcanoes, and tracking moose in the north woods of Connecticut. Click here for more information.

In 2023, a baby shark washed up on Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)

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The subject of last night’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series was “The Subject Was Roses.”

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner has been performed on stage at the historic theater before. This was its first incarnation as a play reading.

From left: director Joe Delafield, stage director Faith Sandberg, actors Lenny Wolpe, Isabel Keating and Etai Benson, artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage manager Caitlyn Ostrowski. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)

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We’ve run bobcat photos before, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature of the day.

Most show them slinking around at the edge of a property.

This one — on Richmondville Avenue — came close enough Monday to pause, and pose.

Be careful out there!

(Photo/Natalie Kollman)

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And finally … in honor of Sunday’s “shark” event at the Westport Library (story above):

(You don’t need to draw out all your hard-earned cash to support “06880.” Whatever you can afford is great! Just click here. We’re not “back in town,” after all. We’re here, and not going anywhere.)

 

 

 

 

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“Urinetown”: Staples Players Present “Pee-G” Show

Posted on March 4, 2026 | 7 comments

Big corporations are not charging us to take a leak — yet.

But the way things are going, you never know.

That dystopian — dysto-pee-an? — premise is the heart of “Urinetown.”

The curtain rises next week on Staples Players’ production of the Tony Award-winning satirical musical. There are 5 performances only: Thursday, March 12 (7 p.m.); Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14 (7:30 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 (2 p.m.).

Grayson Jandora (center) as Officer Lockstock, with the ensemble of “Urinetown.”

This marks the third time that Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long have staged the darkly humorous show.

As with all Players revivals, there are important differences. The show is set in no specific time period. The first 2 times, Roth and Kerry imagined it in the 1940s. This time around, it’s a time “adjacent” to ours.

For the first time, there will be port-a-potties on stage.

And — in a nod both to “Urinetown’s” winking references to “Les Misérables,” and Players’ stunning production of that show last fall — Colin Walker, Jordan Janota and his tech crew have built a barricade out of toilet paper.

“Audiences who saw ‘Les Mis’ will definitely get the reference,” Long says.

She and Roth are as excited about this version as they were the first two.

“It’s very funny. The music and characters are great,” Roth says.

“And it’s really relevant today — the whole idea of big corporations taking advantage of poor people, and resources drying up.” (A 20-year drought has caused a government ban on private toilets; a single company now owns all the paid public toilets.)

Cat Betit (Penelope Pennywise) with Harry McLaughlin (Old Man Strong), and the ensemble. (Photos/Kerry Long)

The directors know that a show called “Urinetown” may cause parents with children to hesitate.

“It’s very appropriate for younger kids,” Roth says. “If your kids talk about peeing, this is fine for them.”

“Children will get the potty humor,” Long adds. “But adults understand the bigger themes — and they’re not as silly.”

As always, Players will collect donations for a good, theme-related cause. This time it’s a UNICEF’s Safe Water for Every Child Fund.

In a special twist, actors will be stationed at restroom doors during intermission. They won’t charge audience members to go — but they will have buckets for cash.

(Tickets are on sale now for “Urinetown.” Click here to purchase, and for more information.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Staples Players Rewind: “Hello, Dolly!”

Posted on March 3, 2026 | 2 comments

Who doesn’t love “Hello, Dolly!”?

Staples Players sure did. The cast and crew dove into the 1964 musical rom-com, when they staged it as their fall 2002 production.

Former SHS media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped that, and all of Players director David Roth’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past shows, we bring you that memorable “Dolly.” Click here or below to see.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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