Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Spinnaker Saugatuck Plans, State Representative Race, Cross Highway Bridge Project …

Posted on May 20, 2026 | 9 comments

The Architectural Review Board gets its first look at the proposed development of 606 Riverside Avenue — the Minute Man Dry Cleaners property — next Tuesday (May 26, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Room 307/309).

Spinnaker Real Estate recently bought the parcel — and a nearby parking lot where boats are now stored — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s rejection of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

Among the computer-generated designs to be considered:

The ARB will also discuss proposed façade modifications, solar panels and lighting at 520 Post Road East — the former nail salon next to Five Guys (and before that, a pancake house). The new proposed use is a Pilates studio.

Click here to view the meeting materials for both projects. 

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Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein won the Democratic Party endorsement for State Representative of the 136th District last night.

She beat Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell, 38 votes to 10. The two Westporters vied to replace Jonathan Steinberg, who is retiring.

The process allows for a primary. Mandell heads to Town Hall today, to pick up petitions.

Goldstein vowed to fight for and represent “this vibrant community we love, and for a Connecticut that remains dynamic, compassionate, and full of opportunity.”

She said she will work to protect and strengthen public schools, invest in infrastructure, preserve the environment, and ensure the state budget reflects the values and pressures facing Connecticut residents and towns.

Goldstein highlighted the increasing importance of fighting for reproductive rights, gun control, and civil liberties, saying, “At a time of federal hostility, we will defend our fundamental rights, safety, and freedoms.”

Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell

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A Cross Highway construction project will restrict access to residents only, beginning next month.

The small bridge near Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman athletic fields will be replaced. Cross Highway will be closed between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, after students’ last day of school on June 18.

Local residents can access their roads. But through traffic will not be allowed.

The project will last 6 to 8 weeks. The road is planned to reopen by the end of August, before school starts.

The contractor, FGB Construction, has already put up signs announcing the work. Electronic signs will be placed there too.

Access to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields is available, as always, through Bedford Middle School on North Avenue.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128; kwilberg@westportct.gov.

Cross Highway bridge. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)

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You never know what kind of art you’ll see at the Westport Library.

And this spring, Artists Collective of Westport members didn’t know what they were creating, either.

48 artists received a printout of a single 12″ x 12″ section of a much larger, 6-foot high by 8-foot high work, and a blank panel. Each reimagined it, in his or her own way, using any medium they chose.

The result is “Piece by Piece” — a “vibrant and often surprising mosaic of styles, perspectives, and artistic voices … a playful yet powerful celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. As the individual pieces come together, the larger image is gradually revealed, reminding viewers that every contribution plays a role in the creation of something greater than itself.”

It’s one of 2 Artists Collective exhibits opening at the Library on June 4 (6 to 8 p.m.). “Piece by Piece” will be unveiled at 7.

“Piece by Piece”

The other exhibit is “American Journeys,” an all-member exhibition inspired by  America’s 250th birthday. The title reflects the idea that there is no single American journey, but rather a tapestry of countless personal paths, experiences, struggles and triumphs that together define the American story.

75 Collective members contributed works. All are available for purchase.

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Speaking of the Library: A quarter century of “Shrek” came to life last night there.

Roger Schulman — co-writer of the iconic animated fantasy comedy — spoke with Sacred Hart University professor of communication, media and the arts Todd Barnes.

Schulmanl discussed his journey from journalism to Hollywood — and took the audience behind the Shrek scenes.

Roger Schulman (right), Professor Todd Barnes, and the Shrek franchise. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of entertainment: As the Westport Pops Concert nears — it’s June 5 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion) — the Staples Music Parents Associates announces a partnership with Romanacci’s.

Meals are available by pre-order only (click here). A portion of the meal price supports Staples Music. The deadline is May 29.

There are no food trucks in the Levitt Pavilion parking lot. However, the Oggi gelato cart will be on site.

The lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO lawn chair). Pre-show groups begin performing at 6. The main show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $15 per ticket helps offset production costs. Donations in lieu of tickets can be made at the same (new) Stpales Music website — click here.

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Compo Beach got a “C” grade, while Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island both earned “B”s, in Save the Sound’s analysis of water samples during the 2025 swimming season.

55 of 72 public and private Long Island Sound beaches in Connecticut (76%) received an A or B.

Last summer, water quality samples at Compo Beach failed 9% of the time. The rates for Burying Hill and Sherwood Island were 7 and 3%, respectively.

Click here for the full interactive report.

Burying Hill Beach closure last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

 

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Mark Shapiro is buying a stake in another pro team.

This time it’s in the NFL.

The Westporter will join with his sports and entertainment industry partner Ari Emanuel in a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal is expected to close this month. The current ownership group includes Michael Dell and Tom Brady.

Shapiro’s NFL ties run deep. In 2005 he acquired Monday Night Football while running programming and production at ESPN. He later created the NFL Honors.

Shapiro also led Endeavor Group Holdings’ acquisition of On Location, the NFL’s exclusive hospitality provider. Shapiro is also a minority owner of MLS soccer team Los Angeles FC.

Emanuel and Shapiro are longtime business partners. Shapiro is now president and COO of TKO (comprising UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG), president and managing partner of WME Group, principal investor and board member of MARI (owner of the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze and TodayTix), and is involved with WME Basketball.

Mark Shapiro — StartUp Westport’s 2025 Innovator of the Year — was interviewed at the Westport Library by Sara Eisen of CNBC.

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Yesterday’s brief early evening rainstorm produced a nice rainbow. This was the view over downtown, from near Bartaco.

(Photo/Jennifer Renz)

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Congratulations to Katherine Rose Li!

The Bedford Middle School 6th grader placed first — and won $600 — in the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest. The event, sponsored by Population Connection, drew thousands of entries from teens in 63 countries around the world.

Her 60-second video, “Hanging by a Thread,” tackles environmental challenges created by fast fashion, and proposes the use of biodegradable fabrics in clothing production as a key to a more sustainable future.

This year’s contest challenged students to explore how population growth intersects with three critical global issues: wetlands, energy and economics.

Contest officials said, “Katherine Rose’s entry stood out for its smart analysis of fast fashion as well as its colorful animation.”

Katherine Rose Li

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Venus and a thumbnail moon lined up perfectly Monday night.

And Lou Weinberg was there to capture this shot:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Here at “06880,” we’re not supposed to play favorites.

But we gotta say: Every time we feature a barred owl in our “Westport … Naturally” series — like today’s, on Marion Road — we smile.

There are plenty of very cute, really intriguing looking creatures.

But these guys have to be in any Top 10.

(Photo/Elliot Weiler)

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

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Venus, and beyond. But we can’t do this without reader support. Please click here to help us bring the universe back home. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Library, Politics, Real estate, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Staples Players Rewind: “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”

Posted on May 19, 2026 | 3 comments

Every Staples Players show is special.

But the fall 2008 production was especially special.

For “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” directors David Roth and Kerry Long made an inspired cast choice.

Principal John Dodig delivered a tour de force — and, to some audience members, unexpected — performance, near the end of the musical.

Many did not know that the popular educator had experience in community theater. Watch his “Brotherhood of Man” number here, or below — taped and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt — to see.

Dodig retired a decade ago. But some fellow cast members — all decades younger — have gone on to remarkable careers, in the entertainment world. For example:

Max Stampa-Brown appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after studying acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He now works as a mixologist at Borochito in NYC.

Eva Hendricks is a lead singer, and Dan Shure plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band. Their current release is “Back There Now.”

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

Chris McNiff is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York. Notable credits include Phil Davis in “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Claude in “Hair.”

Brittany (Uomoleale) Baron is an actress, best known for her role as Justine Biagi in the TV series “GLOW,” and for voicing Tifa Lockhart in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” franchise, for which she received an award for Best Supporting Performance.

Zoe Apoian is a model, an actress and dancer. She starred in the 2015 movie “Karina Jones: Lazy.”

Matthew Van Gessel is an actor, director and writer based in New York.  He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Max Samuels is a New York-based stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

(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 Entertainment, Looking back, Staples HS

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Staples Science Students Rock Their Research

Posted on May 18, 2026 | 2 comments

Nolan Francis is one of just 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars in the country. (Never heard of it? It used to be called the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It’s one of the most prestigious high school honors in any field.)

Nolan Francis

That’s very cool. But Nolan is just one of many Staples High students to receive recognition this year.

He and his classmates have received a host of honors this year, in many science-related areas. For example:

Science Research Course

  • 16 of 21 students (76%) were recognized at one or more science fairs this year. 
  • Staples students submitted work to 7 different science fairs or competitions

High School Science & Humanities Symposium at UConn Health 

80 Staples students applied to present their research. 16 were selected to give an oral presentation.

  • Nolan Francis earned special merit for his oral competition

Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair

  • Sofia DiLeo took 3rd place in the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science and Engineering Awards, and won the University of Connecticut-Early College Experience Award
  • Leah Dombrow won first honors (top 20% in life science) for her Life Sciences project, and placed in the top 20% in the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science
  • Nolan Francis placed in the top 20% in the Jackson Laboratory Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Awards
  • Jay Hari won first honors (top 20% in life science) for his Life Sciences project
  • Ezra Schwartz won first honors (top 20% in life science) for his project in Life Sciences, and the JA Augustine and Glista Special Award
  • Sienna Schwartz placed in the top 20% for the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science

Staples students, at the NCC Science Fair.

CT-STEM: virtual science fair 

Four students competed in completed projects, while 17 students competed in the proposal category.

  • Nathaniel Armstrong, proposal, physical science, 3rd place
  • Serena Diamond, completed project, physical science category, 2nd place
  • Altay Erucar-Mathews, proposal, environmental category, 4th place
  • Noa Katz, proposal, behavior category, 1st place
  • Ishan Pasham, proposal, physical science, tied for 1st place
  • William Kwong, proposal, environmental category, 1st place
  • Jessica Willis, proposal, physical science, tied for 1st place

NCC Science Fair: live science fair 

  • Nathaniel Armstrong won 2nd place overall
  • Leah Dombrow received honorable mention (top 10%)
  • Aanya Shrivastava received honorable mention (top 10%)

13th International Young Researchers’ Conference 2026

2 students were selected to orally present their research at a Virtual Conference:

  • Hayley Epstein 
  • Elise Yan

Southern Connecticut State University Research Day

  • 5 second year dual-enrolled SCSU students (Nolan Francis, Jay Hari, William Kwong, Ezra Schwartz, Elise Yan) presented their research alongside undergraduates. Nolan won first place in the Honors College at the SCSU Undergraduate Student Research and Creativity Conference.

List of Projects 

Nate Armstrong: The Effect of Surface Texture on the Aerodynamic Drag of 3D-Printed Rocket Nose Cones

Lily Bottner: The Effect of Increased Temperature and Salinity on H. Exemplaris to Evaluate Tolerance Limits and Understand the Impact of Multiple Simultaneous Climate Changes

Serena Diamond: A Direct Comparison of Vision Transformers (ViT) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for Exoplanet Transit Classification

Sofia DiLeo: Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin in Improving Motor Neuron Health in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Leah Dombrow: The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Epigallocatechin Gallate on Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Hayley Epstein: Evaluating Caffeine and the Antioxidant Chlorogenic Acid (components of coffee) on Depression in a Drosophila Model

Altay Eruçar-Matthews: Reducing Algal Growth of Chlorella Vulgaris by Chemically Inhibiting the Absorption of Nutrients with Humic Acid

Alex Fetner: Effects of Probiotics Pediococcus acidilactici and Bifidobacterium longum on the Fat Accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans with Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Nolan Francis: Vitamin D3 Supplementation Ameliorates Muscle Degeneration through Calcium Regulation in a C. elegans Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Jay Hari: Discovering Novel Targets for the FMN Riboswitch to Test the Utility of Computational RNA-folding Methods to Address Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance

Noa Katz: Intergenerational Effects of Isolation on Hsp70 Expression in Drosophila Melanogaster to Understand the Epigenetic Mechanisms of Stress Response

William Kwong: The activation of SKN-1 via the RNAi knockdown of wdr-23 to reduce oxidative stress from microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ana Losic: Evaluating the Neurobiological Effects Of Stevia in an Amyloid-β Based Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Vani Punia: Evaluating Toxicity of Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Caenorhabditis elegans: Identifying Safer Options for Consumables

Ezra Schwartz: Using a novel Bidirectional Neural Network for advanced early detection of Black Cutworms on Bush Beans

Sienna Schwartz: Can Your Diet Protect Against Microplastics? Discovering the Impact of Probiotic E. coli Strains on Microplastic-Induced Toxicity in C. elegans

Aanya Shrivastava: Effect of Batch Emulsion Speed on Hydrogel Microparticle Size to Improve Bovine Serum Albumin Release Kinetics in a Simulated Bloodstream and Support Blood Supply Solutions

Jessica Willis: Classifying Cataclysmic Variable Candidates Through a Multi-Time Scale Analysis of AAVSO Photometric Light Curves

Elise Yan: Enhancing Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) stability by inserting it in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs) in C. elegans to determine its Potential Role in Breast Cancer Treatment

List of Proposals

Sierra Denkin: Effect of Combined Intermittent Fasting and Curcumin Treatment on Colon Cancer in Drosophila Melanogaster

Ishan Pasham: Effect of innovative design using additive manufacturing on discreet body armor to improve EMS safety and cost efficiency 

(“06880” regularly covers the accomplishments of Westport students. We rely on reader support to help. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Staples HS

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Sauraj Singh: Westport’s Teenage Financial Whiz

Posted on May 18, 2026 | 11 comments

Sauraj Singh is passionate about investing.

He wants his peers — and everyone else — to be as excited as he is.

Sauraj Singh

But when the Staples High School senior went looking for a financial literacy platform that could educate and inspire potential investors, he found them lacking.

So he created his own.

InvestiSight focuses on financial education at the fundamental level. It is beginner friendly.

But it transitions into advanced territory too. There is an enormous wealth (ho ho) of information to be found.

InvestiSight features 3 key elements

  • Comprehensive Learning Hub: 6 modules with lessons pertaining to financial knowledge, from basic compounding to discounted cash flow modeling.
  • Interactive Trading Simulator: parallels the US stock market in real time. It includes data storage for cross-device tracking, and has an AI portfolio health auditor that provides feedback on diversification and risk management. (For example: “too much reliance on one sector.”)
  • SEC Filings Search Tool: Pulls raw 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and DEF 14A datea from the EDGAR database, encouraging users to research primary sources.

Oh, yeah: It’s free to users.

Screenshot from the Trading Simulator page.

InvestiSight — which already has several thousand users, in over 30 countries — would be quite an accomplishment for anyone.

For a 12th grader, it is extraordinary.

But it’s just one of Sauraj’s projects. He’s also co-president of Staples’ AI Club, vice president of the Sikorsky Stem Challenge, and a team leader for the school’s Investment & Trading Society.

He began building InvesiSight last summer. “Financial literacy is a skill that goes a long way,” he explains. “Financial knowledge plays a huge role in the trajectory of life.”

Though Staples offers a Financial Literacy course, Sauraj wanted to reach more peers — and anyone else who might not know where or how to start in the stock market.

The site — clear, clean, professional, deep and broad — does not look like it was designed by a teenager. Then again, Sauraj’s knowledge of stocks and investing is far beyond that of most high school students.

And many adults.

As for monetization: Sauraj says the platform is primarily intended to remain free. However, he’s exploring the potential to implement a premium, educational tier called InvestiSight Pro.

It would lie behind a cheap, subscription-based paywall with an AI model that analyzes portfolio holdings, and summarizes daily financial news pertaining to various sectors of interest for serious investors.

Sauraj’s project is — like the markets themselves — dynamic, and constantly changing. His most recent module addition, for example, covers real world skills like W-2/W-4 tax onboarding, credit scores and budgeting.

Also new: a Macro Stress Tester within the trading simulator. It lets users test their portfolios against major historical bull and bear markets, like the 2008 financial crisis.

As for college: That can wait.

Sauraj will take a gap year. He’ll complete a marketing internship at LifeCare Concierge, and hopes to secure an apprenticeship under a former Wall Street portfolio manager to deepen his market analysis skills.

Sauraj will I’ll also work part time, to establish financial independence.

But that’s not all. He will take independent coursework grounded in data science and AI, volunteer locally, and travel later in the year.

Of course, Sauraj will continue to hone his platform — and educate his peers, and anyone else hoping to become financially literate.

To test drive InvestiSight, and learn more, click here.

(“06880” often highlights the accomplishments of Westport’s young people, in a wide range of activities. If you enjoy stories like these — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Economy, Education, Staples HS

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Roundup: Leaf Blowers, Beach Water Testing, Dog Fest …

Posted on May 15, 2026 | 7 comments

It’s that time again.

Effective today (May 15), the use of hand-held and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited. The ban is effective through October 15.

Conservation Department director Colin Kelly says, “Let’s keep up the efforts to follow this ordinance. Let us know by email or letter if a property is using a prohibited blower. We will follow up by reviewing each complaint and sending educational materials to those who are not adhering to the ordinance.”

Contact the Conservation Office by email at leafblowercomplaints@westportct.gov, or write Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, click here.

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This is also the time of year for beach water testing.

But long closures — like those seen last year — may be a thing of the past.

Aspetuck Health District and the town of Westport will begin Monday, with enhanced testing and reporting protocols.

The Health District will collect samples every Monday morning from Compo and Burying Hill Beaches. They will go to the Department of Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill for analysis.

If bacteria levels are high, the water will be closed for swimming and other water activities. The water will be immediately resampled, and sent to the City of Stamford Laboratory for analysis.

This decreases turnaround time. and enable officials to lift closures faster than in previous years.

“Safety is our top priority. says Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango.

“Beach water is sampled weekly during the season to monitor harmful bacteria or the potential presence of pathogens. These tests help us decide when to close waters for swimming and other water activities, to reduce the risk of illnesses like gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, or ear infection.”

Elevated bacterial levels in water bodies can occur during excessive heat or rainfall.

Burying Hill Beach, last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Hundreds of dogs — and even more humans — will enjoy this Sunday’s Dog Festival at Winslow Park.

It’s fun for everyone. But note: Parking is not available at the Westport Country Playhouse. That lot is reserved for attendees of a youth ballet performance, and patrons of Gabriele’s Steakhouse.

Businesses west of the Mobil station on Post Road East will open their parking lots for festival attendees. Saugatuck Congregational Church is available beginning at noon,, after services.

Parking locations will be marked with signs along Post Road.

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The Democratic Women of Westport have planned morning of service at Wakeman Town Farm tomorrow (May 16, 10 a.m. to noon).

They’ll work with Farmer Frank and master gardener Paul Rossi to plant tubers, and learn about their care and keeping.

All — of every political affiliation — are welcome. Click here to sign up.

Meanwhile, WTF has put together a list of items to support their work — everything from plant labels and markers to garden seeders. Click here to order via Amazon. 

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Congratulations, Sophie Rossman!

The 2021 Staples High School and NYU Tisch Drama graduate is making her Off-Broadway debut in “Dad Don’t Read This.” The show, at the St. Luke’s Theatre, has been extended to May 29.

The coming-of-age story centers on 4 teenage girls navigating friendship, identity, and the confusing transition into adulthood. Set during a series of suburban sleepovers, it’s both humorous and emotionally honest. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Sophie Rossman, in “Dad Don’t Read This.”

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Speaking of debuts: Sara Robbin is a former attorney. She spent over a decade as a writing professor at Fordham Law School before finding her niche assisting students with college essays.

Now the Westporter adds “screenwriter” to her resume. “Pinky Swear” premiered Monday at the Angelika Theater, as part of the Big Apple Film Festival.

It offers a window into the complex emotions fame causes for children. The film was inspired by Sara’s acting experiences with her daughter Chloe, a Bedford Middle School student, who is part of the cast.

The role of a “crazy stage mom” is played by Westport native Ashley Schoff Iglehart, a former child actor. Her daughter Harper, a 10th grade Staples Player, assisted on set.

The cast and crew, including Chloe Robbin (3rd from left), Ashley Schoff Iglehart (in black, behind her), and Sarah Robbin (blue).

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You never know what will pop up on our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

This may be our first crane … and one of our must beautiful creatures ever.

[UPDATE] It’s an egret, not a crane. I need to stop relying on what photographers tell me! And we sure have featured egrets before!

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … our item above about the gas-powered leaf blower ban got us thinking about:

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS

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Roundup: Kyle Martino, Zohran Mamdani, Dick Fincher …

Posted on May 13, 2026 | 8 comments

Hey, Westport: There’s a problem in town. Recycling contamination is rampant.

Sp the Department of Public Works has launched a campaign to educate residents on proper practices.

Six days a week, residents and private haulers bring recyclables to the transfer station. The next stop is a waste recovery facility in Shelton, where it’s sorted, then sold as commodities to manufacturers for reuse.

Some materials arrive clean, dry and loose. Others don’t. Containers filled with leftover food and cardboard boxes still packed with Styrofoam are common issues.

Small changes can make a big difference.

The 3 major sources of contamination are easy to remember: “No Bags, No Food, No Foam.”

No Bags: Never place recyclables in plastic bags. Although it may seem convenient, all bagged recycling must be discarded at the Materials Recovery Facility due to OSHA safety regulations.

No Food: Empty and rinse all containers before recycling. Food and liquid residue can contaminate entire loads, causing them to be rejected.

No Foam: Styrofoam cannot be recycled in our area. Dispose of it in the trash, and remove packing materials from boxes before recycling them. Styrofoam easily breaks apart and spreads, contaminating other recyclables.

DPW director Pete Ratkiewich says, “Improper recycling creates additional processing costs for the town — costs that are ultimately passed on to residents. By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep Westport’s recycling program efficient and cost-effective.”

Rinse thoroughly before recycling!

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Yesterday’s item about tickets for Staples High School’s Pops Concert (Friday, June 5), included confusing information on the day tickets are available online.

You can order tickets beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 22. Click here for the link. Remember: first-come, first-served!

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Kyle Martino is many things.

At Staples High School he was the 1999 Gatorade High School Soccer Player of the Year. He was MLS Rookie of the Year, and earned 8 caps with the US men’s national team. He’s one of the best soccer broadcasters around, and the inventor of Goalpher, an innovation that turns basketball courts into mini-pitches.

Oh, yeah: Kyle, who now lives back in Westport, also created Street FC. They host street-style pickup games in unexpected spaces, from basketball and tennis courts to rooftops and empty lots, making it easy for anyone to show up and play.

Who showed up the other day with Kyle, on a Bronx street?

Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Wearing an Arsenal jersey, he joined Kyle — and a gang of kids — in an impromptu game.

Click here or below, to watch.

PS: Who has better skills: Kyle or the mayor?

It’s actually pretty close.

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Former Tree Board chair Dick Fincher died in 2024. Over many decades he contributed greatly to Westport, in many ways.

One was as a driving force behind the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, adjacent to Earthplace and just a few steps from his Old Hill home.

Soon, the Tree Board will honor him with a plaque, celebrating his dedication and love in creating the 12-acre park, then maintaining and caring for it.

Volunteers will reclaim a small area overtaken by invasives. Fittingly, it’s a spot Dick often watered, tending to daffodils and jack-in-the-pulpits.

Dick Fincher, at the Wadsworth Arboretum. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The “Shake It For Shea” online auction is now live.

Whether you’ll be at tomorrow’s 4th annual gala (Thursday, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport)  to raise money for Long QT Syndrome research at Mayo Clinic through Project Shea — Westporter Mark and Kira Greenfield’s great cause — or not, everyone can click here to bid.

Highlights include:

Golf: Grove XXIII, Winged Foot, Sleepy Hollow, Quaker Ridge, Philadelphia Cricket Club and more.

New York Knicks: First row seats at Madison Square Garden, a private shooting clinic at your home court with Allan Houston, a round of golf with John Starks and Larry, or watching a road game alongside Stephon Marbury.

Entertainment: A live taping of “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen, 2 tickets to “& Juliet” on Broadway, a “Dancing with the Stars” taping, or VIP access to a closed-door Broadway show reading.

Dining: Dinner for 4 at Carbone NYC, the tasting menu at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, an 8-person in-home dinner cooked by celebrity chef Chris Nirschel, and more.

Travel: A week in a brand-new 4-bedroom villa in Cap Cana with a private chef and staff, plus stays at Ocean House, Brazilian Court Palm Beach, Plaza Athenee, Commodore Perry Estate, and more.

Sports memorabilia: Authenticated autographed pieces from Eli Manning, Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Malik Nabers, Ray Lewis, Cal Raleigh, Paul Skenes and many more.

And those are just some of the great items.

Every dollar raised goes toward Long QT Syndrome research at Mayo Clinic through Project Shea.

The Shake It For Shea fundraiser.

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There’s plenty of purple in the photo above — and a ton of fuchsia in the “Westport … Naturally” image below:

(Photo/Niki van Praag)

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to the great (and ageless) Stevie Wonder!

We could have picked dozens of great songs. Here are just 3:

(It would be “wonder”-ful if every reader supported “06880.” Or just half! Or a quarter, even. Please click here to show some love for this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Sports, Staples HS

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“12 Angry Men”: Staples Players’ Dramatic Twists

Posted on May 13, 2026 | 2 comments

In 2018, Staples Players put on “12 Angry Men.”

In the Black Box, the audience surrounded the courtroom set on all 4 sides. I saw 3 productions. Each time, I sat in a different spot. Each time, the show felt completely different.

On May 28-31, Players will stage “12 Angry Men” for the third time. (They premiered it in 2009. As before, some of the “men” are females.)

The drama — a compelling exploration of human morals and values, and a sharp critique of the American legal system — is familiar. But directors David Roth and Kerry Long have made sure that, like the variety of views from each seat, this one will be quite different from previous productions.

For example, this — like the Sidney Lumet film starring Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley and E.G. Marshall  — is set in the McCarthy-era 1950s. (Players’ 2 others were updated to the ’70s.)

For another, the set and costumes are all black and white. They pay homage to the 1957 movie.

From left: Brady Walker, Lilliana Gomez, Griffin Delmhorst.

For a third, it’s the first time that Staples actors have worked with a dramaturg. Former Player AnnaMaria Fernandez helps the ensemble understand the political, racial and social realities of the play’s era.

She brings plenty of insight into the role. She was a juror in the 2018 show.

Perhaps most interestingly, the show is double-cast — but the combinations will be different for every production. That makes each one unique, as actors play off each other in different ways.

“’12 Angry Men is great, for the cast and audiences,” Roth says. “It’s a real ensemble show, with everyone on stage all the time.

From left: Harper Iglehart, Denver Razza, Ari Sklar.

“It’s a fantastic script. It teaches everyone about the judicial process. The jury doesn’t have to believe the alleged murderer is innocent. They do have to agree 100% — all of them — that he is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The stakes are high. There was a mandatory death sentence for the crime of murder.”‘

Long adds, “It really deals with the prejudices we have inherent in ourselves, while a group of strangers comes together, and figures out how to work as a team.”

“12 Angry Men” will be the last show for several Players, members of a strong senior class. Some will study theater in college.

From left: Blake Raho, Will McCrea, Sara Stanley. (Photos/Kerry Long)

ENCORE: Will McCrae plays Juror #8. That’s the same role his grandfather — the legendary Jack Lemmon — played in the 1997 Showtime film version of “12 Angry Men.”

Will — a familiar face for Players’ audiences over the past 4 years — says that when he learned he would share a role with his grandfather, “I was ecstatic. Realistically, I’m not going to get another chance like this.

“I’ve got some tremendous shoes to fill — and yes, I am a bit scared. But I am determined not to play the role as ‘well’ as he did. I want to bring my own interpretation to the part, and not try to mirror his choices simply because I feel an obligation by blood.

“My grandfather died several years before I was born. Playing this part is the closest I’ll ever get to meting him. I’m honored, terrified, and really, really excited.”

(“12 Angry Men” is set for 7:30 p.m. on May 28, 29 and 30; 5 p.m. on May 30, and 2 p.m. on May 31. Click here for tickets. Click here for each show’s cast.)

(“06880” regularly covers Staples High School, the arts — and politics, and more. We rely on reader support to help us do it all. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thanks!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Cabaret”

Posted on May 12, 2026 | 5 comments

“Cabaret” is a remarkable play.

But the 1967 Tony Award-winning musical — set in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power, and which portrays hedonistic nightlife, an interreligious romance, and other adult themes — is a tremendous challenge for high school students.

Which is why Staples Players has produced it, several times.

Two shows were 20 years apart. But they’re tied together by a common thread.

In 1984, under director Al Pia, 12th grader David Roth played the sinister Kit Kat Club emcee. The role — made famous by Joel Grey and Alan Cumming — shifts frequently between playful, vulgar and menacing. It’s difficult for anyone to pull off — let alone a teenager. But Roth is superb.

Twenty years later, he was in his first years as Players co-director, at his alma mater. This time, Brandon Floch embraced the emcee role.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt filmed that 2004 production. He also unearthed a videotape of the previous one.

He went to work, editing both. He cut them exactly the same — same highlights, same length, everything.

The only thing different is 2 decades’ worth of technological advances. The ’84 show was shot with one camera, at the back of the auditorium. Audio was captured — not always well — by the microphone on top of the camera.

By ’04, technology had advanced considerably.

Now click here and click here — or below — to enjoy this double feature.

PS: Honeycutt even hunted down the casts of both shows. They included:

Fall, 1984

  • Emcee – David Roth
  • Sally Bowles – Marjorie Levine
  • Fräulein Schneider – Traci Davis
  • Herr Schultz – John Donovan
  • Clifford Bradshaw – Micu Oprea
  • Ernst Ludwig – Mark Donovan

Fall, 2004

  • Emcee – Brandon Floch
  • Sally Bowles – Mia Gentile
  • Fräulein Schneider – Sally Eidman
  • Herr Schultz – Zach Shornick
  • Clifford Bradshaw – Steven Fuentes and Peter Stonbely
  • Ernst Ludwig – Noah Schnoll and Clayton Morrell

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

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Roundup: Spring In Full Swing: Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Pops Concert, Taste of Westport …

Posted on May 12, 2026 | 2 comments

Once again, the Memorial Day parade is honored to honor a World War II veteran.

Herb Podel is this year’s grand marshal, for the May 25 event.

The 101-year-old longtime Westporter served in the Pacific Theater. He was attached to a Seabee unit as an aviation and electronics specialist. Their primary focus was preparation for the planned invasion of Japan.

A resident here since 1965, Herb spent decades contributing to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement. The father of 2 daughters, Alison Bricken and Jacqueline Podel, he owned a company that manufactured recreation equipment for many years.

Herb has received 2 awards from the town of Westport recognizing his volunteer efforts. He served for many years as president of the Saugatuck Senior Cooperative board. He founded and facilitated the longtime Cultural Salon discussion group in Westport, and held numerous roles at Temple Israel.

Herb now lives at The Residence at Westport. He continues to be an active member of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, where he regularly participates in classes, discussion groups, special events and community lunches.

In February of 2025, Herb Podel celebrated his 100th birthday at the Senior Center with director Wendy Petty (right) and then-2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.

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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade: Westport groups, civic organizations and businesses interested in participating in the community event should register here. The deadline is May 17.

(Photo/Kelly Freitag)

All ages, and all kind of groups, “march” in the Memorial Day parade.

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Hard to believe, but the Westport Pops Concert is now 10 years old.

From its first performance in 2016, the Staples High School-meets-Levitt Pavilion event became a beloved (and quickly sold-out) tradition.

This year’s show is Friday, June 5. Featured musicians include the nationally recognized Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and small group ensembles.

James Naughton returns as emcee.

The Levitt lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO chair); the concert begins at 7. Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset production costs.

Tickets are available at wpsarts.org/staplesmusic on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.; first-come, first-served.

Westport Pops poster graphic inspired by senior Connor Yuan.

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Another great Westport tradition is also near. And it too celebrates a milestone.

The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3 (6 p.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.

The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Restaurants serving up their favorite dishes include Gabriele’s, The Bridge, Nômade, Massi Co, The Whelk, Artisan and Dandelion — and many others.

Guests will also enjoy signature cocktails, a Champagne and caviar bar, and a bourbon tasting experience. A silent auction adds to the fun.

A few tickets remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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One more event of note: A few foursomes remain for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 10th annual Golf for Good tournament (May 18, Aspetuck Valley Country Club).

he Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to announce its 10th Annual Golf for Good Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.

Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, enabling individuals and families to participate in programs regardless of financial circumstances. Funds also support youth sports and camp, Parkinson’s wellness and independence programs, cancer survivorship support, and access for veterans.

For more details and to register, click here.

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We’re not sure how many Westporters follow the Library of Congress on Twitter (aka “X”).

But it’s a good thing for “06880” that Josh Berkowsky does.

A recent tweet celebrating National Cartoonist Day (May 5 — we all missed it) gave several examples of cartoons drawn on letters by soldiers in World War II.

Two very colorful ones were sent from a Sgt. Duquette in San Francisco, to Mrs. Gerald Duquette, on Sturges Highway here.

They are not the work of Sgt. Duquette. Josh says that the Library of Congress website credits the art to his friend, Technical Sgt. Samuel Lionel Boylston of South Carolina.

The recipient is Duquette’s wife, “Mrs. Gerald Duquette.”

One more local connection: Tom Duquette is a frequent “06880” commenter. He always adds “SHS ’75” (Staples Class of 1975).

Tom: If you’re reading this, please click “Comments” to let us know the connection!

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Four properties are on the agenda, for the Blight Prevention Board’s May 14 meeting (7 p.m., Zoom):

  • 20 Center Street
  • 5 Hiawatha Lane
  • 7 Hiawatha Lane
  • 20 Meeker Road

20 Center Street

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Norwalk’s Mike Camacho will not have far to travel Thursday.

The drummer headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (May 14, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

He’ll be joined by bassist Phil Bowler, pianist Steve Einorson, trumpeter Josh Bruneau and saxophonist Nathan Bellot. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Spring foliage continues spectacularly, on Hillandale Road (and many other spots, all around town).

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Greens Farms resident Bob Weingarten.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … in honor of 2 World War II stories today (Herb Podel and Sgt. Duquette, above):

(We don’t want to toot our horn, but since our first “06880” in 2009, we’ve posted over 20,000 stories — and haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Mother’s Day Edition

Posted on May 10, 2026 | 1 comment

Happy Mother’s Day, to all who celebrate!

Best wishes from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite sow. (Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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An update on the AWARE event May 30: The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education. Each year the organization selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.

This year, they’re working with Susie’s House.

The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 24 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

Susie’s House helps resident get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman has a mentor, community support and case management.

The goal for this event is to raise $12,000 in educational scholarships — $2,000 for each of the 6 women. Grants go toward educational expenses such as 4-year or community college, driving classes or professional training.

Pop-Up Bagels and Granola Bar will provide brunch. Local experts will offer gardening tips. And 2 women graduating from college will be celebrated too.

Click here to buy tickets, and for more information.

Susie’s House

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Rhododendrons are getting ready to bloom.

And area residents can get ready, at a special event with Wakeman Town Farm, Blau House & Garden, and the Connecticut chapter of the American Rhododendron Society.

On Sunday, May 17 (10 a.m., Wakeman Town Farm)Melissa Finley, senior curator at the New York Botanical Garden, will speak on “Rhododendrons: From Wild Roots to Modern Blooms.”

Guests then head to Blau House — the spectacular garden off Bayberry Lane — for a private tour.

The day includes coffee and pastries at 9:30 a.m., and a box lunch. Click here for registration, and more information.

Rhododendrons at Blau Garden.

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For nearly 20 years, the Staples High School boys lacrosse team has sponsored a “Sticks for Soldiers” game. 100% of funds raised go to a military veteran who was injured in combat.

This year’s honoree is Master Sergeant (ret.) Joseph Deslauriers. The Massachusetts native and Silver Star recipient lost one arm and both legs, and suffered a traumatic brain injury and PTSD after stepping on an IED in Afghanistan.

The game is May 19 (5 p.m., Paul Lane Field) against Wilton — an important one.

A custom store is open, for special shirts and hats that youth players and families can wear to the game. $8 from each sale will also be donated to Sgt. Deslauriers. Sales close tonight!

For apparel questions, email Jim at teamstore@macwear.com. For Staples lacrosse “Sticks for Soldiers: questions, email Adam Vengrow: vengrow@ven2port.com.

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Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer!

The 2 seniors are winners of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Ralph J. Monaco Memorial Award for excellence in civics education and civic engagement.

They were recognized at the annual Law Day Ceremony last week, at the Connecticut Appellate Court in Hartford. Each student received a $1,000 grant.

The honor is presented to one or more Connecticut high school students who demonstrate a significant commitment to advancing civic engagement, civics education, and/or the rule of law. .

The pair co-founded the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe. It empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safer schools.

Last year, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature, for a bill calling for installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time. The legislation passed.

This year they traveled to Washington.  They advocated for passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.

Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer with “Stop the Bleed” kits — another project of the Make Our Schools Safe club.

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The Clubhouse has everything: golf and other sports simulators. A bar and restaurant. Karaoke. A rooftop lounge.

Plus speed dating.

A special event is set for May 13, 7 to 9 p.m.). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.

It’s advertised for singles ages 35-49. But, organizers — the private Sips & Sparks group — say, “it’s not a strict rule. If you feel like you’d vibe with this crowd, you’re welcome to join. Our goal is to create a well-balanced group where connections actually make sense.”

Click here for more information, and tickets.

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For its first 9 years, the Dog Festival has advertised itself with yard signs, a banner at the Winslow Park site, emails, and (of course) mentions on “06880.”

This year, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — the hard-working sponsors — add YouTube (and AI) into the mix.

The host Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has produced a short, cute video starring “Wrex” (a play on Staples Wreckers, and a typical dog’s name).

Click here or below to view. But if you need another reminder: It’s next Sunday (May 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).

 

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Mother’s Day is all about flowers.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes, appropriately enough, from a very talented photographer with the happily apt name of June Rose Whittaker.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … our traditional Mother’s Day song:

(Like every good mama, “06880” is here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate all the work we put in — it’s a motherload, BTW — please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

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