Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Music, Art, Golf …

Posted on June 20, 2026 | 2 comments

Missed the recent Staples Pops Concert at Levitt Pavilion?

Were you there, and want to hear — and see — every performance again?

The Music Department has just posted a full video of the superb show.

The choral, orchestral and jazz groups — and several small ensembles — are all there. They sound (and look) great.

Click here for the entire evening. And if you only want a few numbers, there’s a link for each.

But we recommend the whole thing.

A night to remember. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: Chris Pierce returned last night with his full band. It was a moving night of folk, blues and Americana songs and stories, celebrating Juneteenth.

The set included songs from his new album, Songs for the Heavy Hearted,” to be released this August. This fall he’ll also perform at FarmAid.

There are 2 shows this weekend: Lucius with Wild & Company tonight (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.), and Dark Star Orchestra tomorrow (Sunday, 5 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and details on all shows.

Chris Pierce, at the Levitt. (Photo/Sean Bernand)

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Also last night: Another large crowd enjoyed great weather at the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The 100-plus-years annual event — a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club — continues at their Imperial Road headquarters today (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.).

A Sensory Hour tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.) is reserved for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.

 

Fun at the fair! (Photo/Johanna Shields)

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An enthusiastic crowd recently celebrated the opening of “Between Universes,” at the University of Bridgeport’s Peter Schelfhaudt Gallery.

Westport artist Eric Chiang collaborated on the show. The theme is “connecting and integrating the universes we have — one in the outside that we all live in, and the other in the inside that we sometimes sense we have and is particularly our very own.”

A special string quintet piece from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony anchored the opening reception. The exhibit runs through August 31.

Part of Eric Chiang’s exhibit.

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Indigo Wellness Group — women-led, and multidisciplinary — has moved to an expanded location, at 212 Post Road West.

Services includes acupuncture, massage therapy, functional medicine, holistic skincare, pelvic floor physical therapy, nutrition counseling and other wellness services.

The new Indigo Wellness space.

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The 3rd annual Westport Country Playhouse Golf Tournament teed up at Birchwood Country Club this week.

The winning team included (photo below, from left) Westporters Justin Brunwasser and Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson of Fairfield and Stamford’s Hudson Fetzer.

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Back in the 1980s, Mort Sherman was an assistant superintendent of Westport Schools.

He became a superintendent in other districts, including Alexandria, Virginia.

Now retired, he and his daughter Sara have written a book.

But it’s not about education.

Called “Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time,” Amazon says it “invites readers to reimagine music as a dynamic, interactive force that reshapes how we live, learn, and connect. By blending personal stories-recalling childhood car rides where ‘Ode to Joy’ was joyfully reinvented with animal noises and made-up words-with cutting-edge research and practical insights, the father/daughter writing team … help us understand how to use music intentionally.”

TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Westporter Dr. Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind, recently used Sherman’s book as a springboard for a Psychology Today article called “Body Awareness: Listening for the Resonance.” Click here to read.

Sara Sherman and Dr. Morton Sherman

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a great metaphor for … well, probably many things.

Feel free to interpret this scene at the Library Riverwalk however you wish.

And admire its beauty, too.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … Eric Chiang’s spectacular art exhibit (story above) reminds us of one of the galaxy’s greatest songs ever:

(Forget the pools of sorrow. We’ll feel waves of joy if you click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: US & The World: Patriotic Home Decor Contest, Plus jUNe Day …

Posted on June 19, 2026 | 3 comments

Hey, Westport: Show your patriotic spirit! The Patriotic Home Décor Contest — a community celebration in honor of America’s 250th anniversary — is here.

Decorate your home with red, white and blue — flags, bunting, lights, flowers, window displays, lawn décor, or any other creative expression of patriotic pride.

The contest is open to all Westport residents. Displays should be completed before the Independence Day holiday.

Winners will be announced July 8, during the “Sharing the Spirit of America: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence” event at the Westport Library.

The winner receives a parking pass for the 2027 Westport PAL Fireworks — our 251st anniversary — including reserved VIP parking.

For more information and to submit an entry, click here.

Years ago, Walter and Naiad Einsel had the right idea.

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An annual rite of early summer — Westport’s jUNe Day celebration — is set for Saturday, June 27.

For the 61st year in a row, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the town will host up to 300 UN guests.

They’ll be greeted by flags of many of the 193 UN member countries, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

The public is invited to meet our guests at the 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony on Jesup Green.

A special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be delivered, and several dignitaries will speak briefly. Then the fun begins.

Once again, jUNe Day is partnering with the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Duck Race fundraising event, taking place on Jesup Green at 1 p.m.

Other events for guests include a soccer match, tennis and golf at Longshore; nature walk and visit to Earthplace; tour of Wakeman Town Farm, and free access to Compo Beach and Longshore.

They’re also invited to visit the Westport Museum of History & Culture’s exhibit on the 250th anniversary of the U.S., and restaurants and shops.

jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut, in observance of the signing of the UN Charter on June 26th, 1945. Her goal was to honor the work of the United Nations, and promote world peace and international friendship through educational programs and hospitality.

To volunteer, contact MsAndrea Dostal (203-526-3275; Andreasusa@yahoo.com).  For more information on the event, call Bill Hass: (203-454-7685.

jUNe Day flags (Photo/Jeff Simon)

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The summer’s nerdiest evening gala — hey that’s what the sponsors, Earthplace, say! — is set for next Friday (June 26, 8 to 11 p.m.).

Moth Ball — their 4th annual celebration of nature at night — includes crafts, drinks, trivia, vendors, an expert-led moth observation, and more.

Nature picture book author John Himmelman will be there too, for a book signing and special giveaway.

Every Moth Ball ticket purchased before noon on June 25th is eligible to win a signed copy of Himmelman’s new adult book, “Discovering Moths.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

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To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” — which is the Westport Country Playhouse’s upcoming show — the Westport Library and Playhouse invite readers on “a one-of-a-kind journey from page to stage.”

You can pick up artistic director Mark Shanahan’s adaptation of the classic murder mystery, then discuss the script with fellow theater lovers (and Shanahan himself) at the Library on July 1 (7 p.m., Room 210).

Next: Watch it live at the Playhouse, from July 14 through August 1.

Click here for more information on the Library website. For the Playhouse website, including tickets and more, click here.

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“06880” does not promote tag sales — unless they’re big.

This one is.

Tomorrow (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), residents of Pine Tree Drive and Diamond Hill Lane (off Roseville Road, near Cross Highway) are combining on a giant one.

A number of families are offering the usual tag sale stuff — and unusual items too.

Plus lemonade and cookies.

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The Westport Library has elected 5 new members to its board of trustees.

Brett Adams brings more than 2 decades of leadership in fintech and AI strategy, with senior roles at Mastercard and Accenture and head-of-product experience at 3 fintech startups. A Westport resident and Staples High School parent, he has been active in educational and AI advisory initiatives across Fairfield County.

Galen Blumenthal is Managing Principal at SEI – New York, a management and technology consulting firm, where he guides organizations through complex transformations and leads practice expansion and talent development. A Staples High School and University of Texas at Austin graduate, he previously served on the board of Staples Tuition Grants. His first library card came from a Kings Highway Elementary School field trip.

Tanya Kaur Guleria is a strategy and operations leader, with more than 15 years of experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her nonprofit work with Read Ahead and the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation has focused on educational access and mentorship. She is a commissioner on the Westport Fair Rent Commission.

Stacey Babson Kaplan is a retired C-suite executive, board director and attorney with deep experience in governance, risk oversight, and organizational strategy. She served as senior vice president, chief sustainability and compliance officer at Terex Corporation. .

Paul Quinsee is a managing director at JPMorgan Asset Management, with more than 40 years in finance. Born in the UK and a Connecticut resident for 3 decades, he serves on the boards of the Financial Accounting Foundation, the Egmont Foundation USA, and The Southport School, where he chairs the Finance Committee.

Westport Library

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It’s been a big month for Jack McFarland.

First, his Staples High baseball team won the state championship.

Then last night, he was inducted into the FCIAC (Fairfield County League) Hall of Fame.

The all-time winningest baseball coach in school history was joined by fellow Staples coaches and administrators, some of his players, and longtime friend and baseball supporter Dylan Curran.

Jack McFarland (right) with Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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We’ve featured some gorgeous creatures, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.

But this glossy ibis — spotted at Burying Hill Beach — is particularly stunning.

At least, photographer Ed Simek thinks that what it is. He’d never seen one, so he went searching online.

Whatever its name, it’s beautiful.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Country Playhouse show (and its related event at the Library) — item above:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We’re here for you, 24/7/365. If you enjoy these Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Rent”

Posted on June 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

In 2008, David Roth and Kerry Long staged a Staples Players production of “Les Misérables.”

It’s ambitious for any high school troupe. It was especially challenging as a summer show, with its very tight time frame.

The next summer, the Players’ directors chose another great, but complex and super-difficult, musical: “Rent.”

As he’s done with every Players mainstage and summer show since 2000, former media teacher Jim Honeycutt took on the nearly equally tough task of distilling it into a highlight reel.

Click here or below to relive “Rent.”

As with so many Players shows, a number of actors went on to careers in entertainment. They include:

Chris McNiff (Mark Cohen) ) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”

Dan Shure (Mark Cohen) plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band, with Eva Hendricks (Maureen Johnson). Their current release is “Back There Now.”

Clay Singer (Roger Davis) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).

Steve Autore (Roger Davis) is a humorist, writer, actor and singer, and produces unique, original original media content. After Elon University he founded an independent dark comedy production group, Nice Hog! Productions. They’re currently in development for 2 animated series, CREEPS and Drop Dead.

David Ressler (Tom Collins) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

Johnny Shea (Angel Dumont Schunard) is a New York based actor. Credits include “Spring Awaking,” “Deathless” and “Peter Pan,” in theaters ranging from Goodspeed and the Shakepeare in Chicago to the Portland Stage Company.

Charlie Greenwald (Benjamin Coffin III) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”

Audrey Twitchell (Mimi Marques) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”

Michelle Pauker (Mimi Marques) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse).

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

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Staples Graduation: The Video!

Posted on June 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

If you missed yesterday’s Staples High School Class of 2026 video — or were there, and want to see it again — you’re in luck! It was just posted to YouTube.

Huge thanks go to Jim Honeycutt. The retired Staples media instructor filmed the entire ceremony — the processional; music; speeches by principal Stafford Thomas, the valedictorian and salutatorian; awarding of diplomas; turning of tassels; tossing of caps; recessional — and edited it last night.

Staples has graduation down to a science. The entire event took less than 90 minutes. Enjoy! And as principal Thomas often says: Go Wreckers!

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Staples Seniors’ Very “Classy” Graduation

Posted on June 16, 2026 | 4 comments

Gorgeous weather, inspiring words — and of course decorated caps and celebratory cigars — helped make yesterday evening special for the 412 graduating seniors in Staples High School’s Class of 2016.

“06880” covered the event last night, with words and a few photos. Here are many more.

Staples junior Ryan Allen captured every emotion — the joy, the warmth, the poignancy — of the momentous event.

A memorial bench honors Timari Rivera, Staples ’21. In his remarks, principal Stafford Thomas asked for a moment of silence for Perrin Delorey, who would have graduated with the Class of ’26, and his own executive assistant, Arvinder Chadha, who died this year.

Principal Stafford Thomas carries the ceremonial mace.

The processional begins …

… and includes a hug from one teacher …

… and a high five from Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore to True Moyer Chung.

Choral members — seniors wearing robes, underclassmen without — sing the national anthem, and the tender “The Road Home.”

Principal Stafford Thomas prepares to give remarks.

Valedictorian Isabel Jo …

… and salutatorian Uma Choudhury.

Gabe Hellmann gets his diploma …

… as does Souleye Kebe. He was a student representative on the Board of Education, president of the Staples government — and the Wrecker mascot at football games.

ConGRADulations!

Well done!

Elijah Falkenstein and Kaia Levine announce the turning of tassels …

… and it’s official!

Brendan Allen — wearing his state championship soccer ring — enjoys a celebratory cigar.

After the ceremony: chatting with family, posing for photos …

… and one final moment together, at home plate. (All photos/Ryan Allen)

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Pic Of The Day #3344

Posted on June 15, 2026 | 1 comment

An assistant principal’s job is never done. An hour after sending her Class of 2026 into the world at graduation, Staples High School’s Christine Cincotta was finally ready to head home. But first, she stopped to snap this gorgeous picture. (Photo/Christine Cincotta)

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ConGRADulations, Class Of 2026!

Posted on June 15, 2026 | 4 comments

The 139th commencement class of Staples High School is now part of history.

With pomp, circumstance and inspiring words from principal Stafford Thomas, 412 students graduated this evening, in beautiful — if a bit windy — weather at Paul Lane Field.

Presiding over his 7th graduation ceremony, Thomas lauded the Class of 2026’s leadership and “willingness to try,” when a schoolwide cellphone ban went into effect this fall.

Seniors embraced the change, made connections with each other — and came together around the game of hacky sack.

Looking back years from now, Thomas said, class members will see how the dots of their lives — including those formed at Staples — will similarly connect.

Staples principal Stafford Thomas.

The graduates — and family members packing the bleachers, and sitting on the hill beyond the field — also heard from valedictorian Isabel Jo and salutatorian Uma Choudhury.

Valedictorian Isabel Jo.

Thomas singled out 4 graduates who will be entering the military: Jennifer Londono and Finn Martens (Navy), Rhodes Redd (Marines) and Alessio Ramirez (Army).

A sea of blue, ready to graduate.

Then it was time for the real show. The diplomas were awarded. Official photos were taken. Kaia Levine and Elijah Falkenstein led the ceremonial turning of the tassel.

And just like that — 13 years after they entered kindergarten — the Staples High School Class of 2026 is ready to take on the world.

Faculty members greet graduates, as class members march in …

… and the graduates keep coming. 

Dignitaries included (front row, from left) Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and assistant principal for the senior class Christine Cincotta. Standing at far left is 1st Selectman Kevin Christie.

Gunnar Eklund was one of many seniors with a decorative cap.

The final task before receiving diplomas: keeping those caps on.

Wynston Browne makes history. He is the the first non-speaking autistic student who communicates by spelling to graduate from Staples with a fully credited diploma.

After receiving their diploma, each graduate had an official photo taken. Congratulations, Seamus Brannigan! (All photos/Dan Woog)

(Check back tomorrow, for more “06880” graduation photos.)

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Roundup: Graduation Livestream, Pepperidge Farm Cleanup …

Posted on June 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

Today is Staples High School graduation.

It’s a special day for the 450-plus members of the Class of 2026 — and their families.

But seating at Paul Lane Field (the football stadium) is limited. Each graduate is allowed only 4 tickets.

Fortunately, the ceremony is livestreamed. Viewers have 2 options: the town of Westport website (click here), and Optimum Channel 78.

“Pomp and Circumstance” begins at 6 p.m.

Hats off to the Staples Class of 2026!

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We’re not saying there’s a connection.

But last Tuesday, “06880” ran an item about the shabby conditions at the former Pepperidge Farm headquarters n the Westport/Norwalk line.

On Saturday, gardeners began restoring the grounds.

While there is still work to be done, neighbors noted the transformation.

One said, “the property once again reflects the pride and beauty that made it such a local icon.”

Lookin’ good!

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The Levitt Pavilion gets (deserved) headlines, for its 50-plus nights of entertainment each year. (The Disco Biscuits played 2 shows this past weekend. Coming up: Bonnie Raitt, Wynton Marsalis … and a lot more.)

But very quietly — well, not really; the shows are loud — VFW Post 399 has become one more Westport hot spot.

Matt Zako does a great job booking diverse acts.

Matt at the VFW does a great job of getting diverse acts to entertain, helping to keep this institution vibrant.

Saturday night, Black Dog rocked the house.

They’re (duh) a Led Zeppelin tribute band. And, as Lou Weinberg notes, “if you weren’t there, you can say it’s ‘nobody’s fault but mine.'”

Black Dog at the VFW. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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This may be the first moth we’ve ever featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

It’s a huge one.

Photographer Tracy Porosoff explains, “according to my phone’s AI, it’s a polyphemus moth. The internet says it is common, but hard to see because it’s nocturnal and does not live long.”

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of Black Dog at the VFW Saturday night (item above):

(It’s nobody’s fault but yours if you don’t click here to support this hyper-local blog. But if no one else does, we won’t be here to serve you 24/7/365 any more. Thank you for chipping in.)

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Perrin’s Wins

Posted on June 15, 2026 | 3 comments

Perrin Delorey was an avid Little League player.

Eight years ago, the Greens Farms Elementary School 4th grader died in an automobile accident.

Every year since, Westport Little League has presented Perrin Delorey Awards to deserving young players.

Saturday’s ceremony was particularly special — and poignant. Today, Perrin’s friends, teammates and classmates graduate from Staples High School.

Saturday was a big day in Westport baseball for another reason: The Staples Wreckers won the state championship.

Westport Little League president Jeff Brill is the father of Connor Brill — a senior, and a Staples star.

It was a big day for Jeff, and he could not be in 2 places — Westport, and Middletown’s Palmer Field — at once. But on Friday, he wrote this note to the Delorey family. 

We historically play all of our Little League championship games on the same Saturday, and present the awards at a single ceremony.

It was not possible this year to schedule all of the games on the same Saturday, due to various conflicts for the kids and coaches with other events. As a result, we are bringing the other 2026 winners and their families to this ceremony.

They are Ryan Acampora (Majors), Wynn Donnerstag (AAA), Colton Galati (AA) and Major Martino (A).

The Delorey family (left), and Perrin Delorey Award winners.

I am pleased to tell you that the Cubs (with number 5 retired for Perrin) beat the Phillies today on the 8th anniversary in a karmic ending and won the game, including for Perrin.

That brings me to my own conflict. The Staples varsity baseball team is playing in the championship game at noon tomorrow in Middletown. It will be the end of the baseball journey for many of these boys, including my son.

It is with a heavy heart that I will be unable attend the ceremony tomorrow at Kowalsky Field (where Perrin’s bench and banner are located) with you, as we honor the 2026 winners of Perrin’s award prior to the A League championship game.

It was very important to me to attend and introduce the awards this year, given that he would have graduated on Monday and the inaugural Staples Tuition Grants fund was launched this year.

Despite my best efforts to re-schedule the Little League championship game to morning or late afternoon tomorrow, and with some optimism hoped the Staples game would be scheduled for the late afternoon or evening slot, I was unsuccessful given other scheduling conflicts.

Desmin Borges, one of our commissioners (and the 2026 Cubs manager coincidentally) will be presenting tomorrow on my behalf.

Perrin Award ceremony.

While Desmin may lack in interaction with Perrin and unfamiliarity with the prior history of the award, he surpasses me in passion, energy and presentation. He will ensure that the winners are duly acknowledged, and welcomed into the pantheon of prior winners in your presence.

I learned that he has a deep understanding of the importance of these awards, and how special the moment is, when we met today to prepare. When the rainbow appeared, Desmin noted, “Perrin is here with us.”

You will hear this passion when he introduces the teams before the national anthem.

Other members of our board will attend as well.  I have asked one of them to record the proceedings so I can watch later in the day.

And starting at noon, 2 of Perrin’s former Cub teammates and several of his classmates and friends will take the field to try to bring home the state championship for Staples 2 days before graduation, while another of his friends going back to elementary school calls the game on the radio.

The team will once again try its best, and seek to win one for Perrin. I will have his baseball card in my pocket.

Go Wreckers — and congratulation to the 2026 Cubs and the Perry Delorey winners.

PS: James Delorey and his 2 daughters came to the bus send-off for the baseball team at Staples on Saturday morning. They wore Cubs and Westport baseball jerseys.

PPS: So how did the Wreckers celebrate? They and their families headed over to the Brills’ house.

Icing on the cake: They watched the New York Knicks win a championship of their own.

PPPS: Jeff Brill coached Perrin and Connor Brill, when both were Cubs.

Westport Little League canceled the championship game that year. A memorial service was held.

Now, 8 year later, the Cubs won the AA Little League title — and Perrin’s former teammates won the high school state championship. It is quite a story. 

Major Martino (left), one of the 4 Perrin Delorey Award winners.

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A Very Proud Westport Day

Posted on June 14, 2026 | 1 comment

Westport celebrated its 6th annual Pride Day today with the largest crowd, the most community organizations — and the best weather — ever.

Jesup Green was awash in rainbows: flags, t-shirts, even dog collars.

Politicians, from Senator Richard Blumenthal to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, spoke. All sent strong messages of inclusivity, joy, and the power of love.

Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what America looks like.”

But the stage really belonged to entertainers. Staples Players, former Player (and Broadway actor) Jamie Martin Mann, a drag queen — and a young dancer — made the day special for the hundreds of LGBTQ attendees, and allies.

Staples Players — many wearing “Players Pride” t-shirts — sang “One Day More,” a rousing song about conflicting hopes, fears and destinies, from “Les Misérables.”

it was a very prideful day indeed.

Vendors, non-partisan groups and religious organizations all had booths at Jesup Green. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

Van Goldberg wowed the crowd with his dance routine.

Political figures from Hartford and Westport were all smiles. The group sang “Happy Birthday” to Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan. Both  Board of Education members celebrated birthdays today.

The Saugatuck Church contingent — and Westport Police — were all smiles.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (2nd from left) and the Homes with Hope crew: Katherine Murray, Helen McAlinden, Thomas Samaranayake. (Contributed photo)

Broadway actor Jamie Martin Mann sang, and gave a speech and poem about growing up in Westport. He credited Greens Farms Elementary School music teacher Suzanne Sherman Propp, Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen and Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long with creating safe environments, where he could learn to be himself. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

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