Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: 29 North Avenue, DNR — And Happy Mothers Day!

Posted on May 11, 2025 | 7 comments

29 North Avenue — the small saltbox jutting into the sidewalk near Staples High School — is one of the most admired homes in Westport.

Now the entire state knows about it.

On Thursday owner Annette Norton received a Connecticut Preservation Award, for her loving rehabilitation of the c. 1820 Mills house.

At just 930 square feet of low-ceilinged space — and vacant through 7 years of bankruptcy proceedings — it could well have been another teardown.

But the Savvy + Grace owner, working with contractor Javier Pasato, restored, rehabilitated and preserved the historic dwelling. (And the adjacent 19th-century barn, too.)

Congratulations, Annette. Your dedication to Westport — both residential and retail — is greatly appreciated! (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)

29 North Avenue, after restoration.

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Happy Mothers Day!

And Wreathing for Community — the non-profit that creates gorgeous wreaths, then gives them to non-profits and lucky residents — has a Mothers Day winner.

Pamela Tinoco nominated her mom.

Wreathing’s Faith Sargent says that Pamela’s mom’s “love, resilience and presence have left a lasting impression on her family. The nomination was heartfelt and full of admiration — a beautiful reminder of the quiet strength so many mothers carry. I’m honored to gift this wreath in her honor.”

Pamela Tinoco, her daughter and the wreath to be delivered to Pamela’s mom.

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No one wants to hear “DNR.”

Unless they playing.

Doctors know the initials stand for “Do Not Resuscitate.”

Music lovers know it stands for one of Fairfield County’s favorite rock bands.

And — surprise! — nearly all the musicians are physicians.

On Saturday, June 14 (7 p.m.), they take their show to the Westport Library. It’s a fundraiser, for the Library’s great community programming.

Get your tickets ($40) here. There is also a cash bar.

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Some Staples High School sports get more recognition than others.

In the spring, baseball and lacrosse are big.

But hundreds of other athletes play a dozen other sports.

One of the most overlooked is girls water polo.

Today Ryan Allen — the sophomore whose photos and videos of a variety of subjects have impressed many “06880” readers — gives it the attention it deserves.

He stopped by the pool the other day, and created this video. Game on!

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Speaking of swimming (sort of): The Westport Country Playhouse celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” on June 2 (7 p.m.).

The classic film will be shown, along with a talk and trivia before and after with artistic director Mark Shanahan. Get your tickets ($25) here.

Not scared? Want more? A Script in Hand play reading of “The Shark Is Broken” — a witty, revealing play about the making of the film (directed by Shanahan) is set for June 9 (7 p.m.). Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. Get tickets and more information here.

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More than 5 dozen students were inducted into 6 Language Honor Societies recently. Felicidades to:

Società Onoraria Italica (Italian): Cooper Brundige, Sofia DiLeo, Uzi Greenman, Gabriel Hellmann, Carly Mulhern, Benjamin Peterson, Isabellal Pirkl, Myla Saperstein, Riley Sklar.

Delta Epsilon Phil (German): William Enquist, Thomas Nowak, Skye Selva, Matthewe Tybur.

Zhōngwén Róngyù Xuéhuì (Chinese): Danie Arava, Lila Boroujerdi, Ben Esser, Natalia Garment, Jay Hari, Miles Khan, Olivia Morgeson, Stella Nguyen, Olivia Saw, Rebecca Schachter, Rajan Sekhar, Andreson Seo, Brooke Shaughnessy, Michael Wang, Andersen Ye, Connor Yuan.

Associatonem Ad Promovendum Studium Latinum (Latin): Tanush Arora, Annie Bowman, Catherine Campagnino, Ava Carter, Samantha Hermus, Drew Hill, Nelly Kaminski, Olivia Kuliga, Mina Leon, Dhilan Patel, Jake Shufro, Sophie Smith, Oliver Vynerib.

Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (Spanish): Isabel Alfageme, Emma Asiel, Kevin Cano, Sofia Donroe, Kate Finger, Owen Goldfarb, Abigail Kane, Christian Michaels, Sydney Minervini, Sophia Novello, Devyn Peffer, Rei Seltzer, Taylor Serotta, Isabelle Wasserman.

Société Honoraire de Français (French): Kate Bulkeley, Penelope Eisenberger, Gunnar Eklund, Andi Jacobs, Isabel Jo, Souleye Kebe, Graysen Peters, Daniella Sacchetti, Maria Stiber.

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You may not have heard of the “J vs. K Book Tour.”

But your kid sure has.

The other day, it took the Library by storm. Best-selling authors and Newbery Award winners Kwame Alexander (“The Crossover”) and Jerry Craft (“New Kid”) took over the Trefz Forum to celebrate comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.

“J vs. K” is the latest book project from Alexander and Craft. The illustrated story features 2 talented 5th graders — one a writer, the other a drawer — going head to head in a creative competition for the ages.

As part of the book launch, the writers are traveling the country in a special van, talking to elementary and middle school students.

The crowd of 300 at the Library came from Dunbar School in Bridgeport, ESL students from Central High School in Bridgeport, Marvin Elementary in Norwalk, and Wooster Middle School in Stratford.

The J vs. K Tour comes to the Library.

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The public is invited to the Westport Police Department’s promotional ceremony (May 23, 4 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

David Farrell will be sworn in as police chief. Also on stage for promotions: deputy chief David Wolf, captains Jillian Cabana and Eric Woods, and detective Rachel Hall.

Westport’s next police chief: David Farrell.

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Jack Krayson opened his pool opened on Friday.

It will be cleaned tomorrow.

In the meantime, it’s the perfect algae-ridden environment for this guy.

And his photo is the perfect image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jack Krayson)

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And finally … Johnny Rodriguez — one of country music’s first Hispanic stars — died Friday, at 73. Here’s his obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

(Happy Mothers Day, to all who celebrate. To celebrate my late mother, or my 2 sisters who are great mothers, please support their son/brother’s blog by making a contribution here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Police, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: My Mistakes, Canal Park’s Egrets, Compo’s Hook’d …

Posted on May 9, 2025 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup included 2 dumb errors.

The 9th annual Dog Festival is Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park). I said it was this Sunday; it’s actually a week later. Learn more here.

I also forgot to include the link to Staples High School student Jonathan Dobin-Smith’s powerful (and successful) plea at the Representative Town Meeting, to restore $25,000 to the Earthplace budget. Here is the speech; if it doesn’t start there, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

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Save the date. The always popular Staples Pops Concert is June 6 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

Free tickets are snapped up quickly. Watch this space for info (coming soon!) on how to snag yours.

Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association invites local businesses to buy ads in the program book.

Contributions cover Pops Concert expenses, and help provide resources all year lon for over 400 students in the music program. For details, email  staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.

There’s always a full house for the Staples Pops Concert. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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More SHS news: Kids in pre-K through grade 5 are too young to benefit from Staples Tuition Grants.

But they’re old enough to help raise funds, for the organization that since 1943 has helped tens of thousands of SHS graduates attend college.

The 2nd annual Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 18 (8 to 9:30 a.m., Staples’ Loeffler Field). Registration is $25; visit @STGFUNRUN on Instagram.

The morning includes games, face painting, snacks, and a kids’ run. It’s organized by juniors Will Briggs and Alexis Krenzer.

Last year alone, STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students. To learn more, visit www.staplestuitiongrants.org.

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The weather has been off and on.

But Hook’d is on.

The Compo concessionaire has opened for another season. Let’s hope for many good beach days ahead.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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“Egrets” have come to Canal Green.

That’s the name of Westport’s newest outdoor artwork.

On Wednesday, the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch joined 3 other sculptures recently placed in town parks by the Westport Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department.

Bloch is nationally known as a pioneer in laser-cut stainless steel sculpture

A celebration — including a short talk by the artist, a tribute by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch and refreshments — is set for May 31 (4 p.m.). Canal Park is at the interseection of Kings Highway North and Canal Street, just east of the Willows Medical Center.

“Egrets” at Canal Green.

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Longtime Westporter and musician Roger Kaufman’s forays into musical history have entertained and educated audiences for years.

He’s back on May 29 (7:30 p.m., The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company).

“Speaking of Music Presents Road Trip to the 5Ms” includes both a presentation and live music.

Author/bassist/Fairfield University Professor Brian Q. Torff opens, with a talk on “Race and Music of the Deep South.

Then comes a 90-minute show by the Old School Revue All-Stars with the Saugatuck Horns, with kick-ass guest vocalists Audrey Martells, Tiffany T’Zelle, Billy Cliff and Billy Genuario.

They’ll perform a great collection of classic soul and R&B tunes, from the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon and Motown.

The Old School Revue musicians have performed or recorded with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones.

I saw their previous show, in August. I give “the 5 Ms” 5 stars. Learn more about the show here.

Old School Revue All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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A large, curious crowd turned out yesterday, for an “Alternative Device Fair” at the Westport Library.

The event — sponsored by OK to Delay, the group supporting parents who delay giving their children smartphones — featured vendors selling products with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions.

Among the companies represented: Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, Dumb Wireless and Light and Tin Can.

Alternative Device Fair at Westport Library.

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Also yesterday at the Library: Over 50 people helped Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich launch their campaign for the Board of Selectmen yesterday.

The crowd included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Senator Ceci Maher, and former state senator Will Haskell.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich (center), with supporters. 

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One more event yesterday worth (very much) noting: On the company’s “Red Day” of service, agents with Keller Williams Realty’s Westport office filled 900 bags of healthy food, for Filling in the Blanks.

The Norwalk non-profit fights childhood hunger — which provides weekend meals to kids in need — has just opened a pantry at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.

Keller Williams agents, “filling in the blanks.”

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The Y’s Women have a special guest on Monday — and the public is invited.

Fiona Davis — author of 8 historical fiction novels set in iconic New York buildings, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library and Dakota — will discuss fascinating stories behind those landmarks, with veteran broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota.

The event is May 12 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Church). Non-Y’s Women (and men) can register by email: jildam00@yahoo.com

Fiona Davis

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Speaking of authors: Like any writer (and performance artist), Anya Liftig has seen her share of rejection letters.

Like perhaps no other, she has turned them into a book.

The 1995 Staples graduate — and author of “Holler Rat,” a memoir of her unique youth, balancing her lives in privileged Westport and the hollows of Kentucky — just published “Rejection/Ambition: A 25 Year Performance.”

Both a performance document and text work, it is culled from a quarter century’s “copious collection” of rejection letters.

Anya says, “Read from the Ambition side, it is clear-eyed in its determination for artistic recognition. Read from the Rejection side, it is a text about failure, mistakes, and confusion.”

You can purchase “Rejection/Ambition”on her website.

Anya Liftig (Photo/Stephen Dennett)

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The Green’s Farms Association welcomes a special guest to their annual meeting next Wednesday (May 14, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

Outgoing police chief Foti Koskinas will speak. Important topics for the neighborhood group include a police/fire/EMS facility proposed for the Sherwood Island Connector, and traffic.

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Westport native and lifelong resident Loretta Pastore died peacefully on Monday. She was 65.

Like her mother and daughters, she was a Staples graduate. Her family says, “she was known for her kindness, generosity, grace, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.”

Loretta is survived by her sister, Annmarie Pastore Santolini (Tim); daughters Isabella and Gabriella Mikaiel; best friend, ex-husband and father of her children George Mikaiel, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday (May 12, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Pastime Club (59 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to plant a tree in Loretta’s memory at Compo Beach, one of her favorite places. Donate to that fund here.

Loretta Pastore

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Whitmal Cooper sent a photo, with the caption: “Brant geese on the way to the Arctic at Compo”:

(Photo by Norm)

Who knew that’s where they’re headed?

But I do know it makes a very cool “Westport … Naturally” image.

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And finally … happy 76th birthday to the one and only Billy Joel!

(And so it goes … one more week of “06880” in the books. Thanks for being part of our online community, every day. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Staples Coaches Deserve To Be Heard Fully. They May Not Be.

Posted on May 9, 2025 | 30 comments

I’ve lived in this town my entire life.

I graduated from Staples High School. I worked there in many capacities, from 1982 until 2021. I was especially proud to spend 19 years as head coach of the boys soccer program.

I have always supported the school, the administrators who run and oversee it, and the superintendent and Board of Education.

Today however, I am heartbroken, ashamed, and furious with my alma mater, and those who oversee our school district.

Seven months after suspending head boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense and freshman boys coach Chris O’Dell — both former Staples captains who have given back to the program and town for 9 and 20 years, respectively — and 4 months after not renewing their contracts, the Board of Ed has finally granted one of them (Russell) an appeal hearing.

Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples boys soccer trophy case.

It’s scheduled for this Monday (May 12), 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.

But it may be a show trial.

A hearing is not a court of law. The Board of Ed is both judge and jury.

Their own lawyer has determined which witnesses may be called, and what evidence — for example, Freedom of Information Act-available emails — may be considered.

Russell and Chris — beloved by nearly all their players, well-respected in the soccer community, Staples grads and good human beings — are being treated like criminals.

Actually, worse. Criminals have their day in court. The jury does not hire an attorney who determines what evidence they can and cannot see, and who they can and cannot hear from.

In a court of law, that’s decided by an independent judge.

Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.

They include testimony about a lack of athletic department policies and training pertaining to the case, the manner in which allegations against other coaches have been handled, and much more.

Those pieces of evidence, I believe, are crucial to the 2 coaches’ appeals.

But if the board does not see and hear them — because the superintendent objected to them, and the attorney the Board of Education hired deemed them “irrelevant” — then justice will not be served.

And two excellent coaches, excellent people, and excellent representatives of the school they graduated from (and love) will be kicked to the curb.

Our Board of Education can do better. Our superintendent can do better.

And the student-athletes who adore these coaches — and, agonizingly, cannot attend a 9 a.m. hearing to support them — deserve much, much better.

30 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Staples Students Are Not “Social Media-Addicted Zombies”

Posted on May 7, 2025 | 25 comments

On Tuesday night, the Board of Education held a listening session. The topic was a proposed “bell to bell” smartphone ban at Staples High School. Several speakers referenced the “Ok to Delay” group. 

A Staples parent, who has spent many years serving on PTAs and other youth-oriented boards, is concerned with the tone that group has tken.

She worries that the movement will impact her younger children if her family does not join in, which is why she asked for anonymity. She writes:

The name and educational mission attached to “OK to Delay” is innocuous. It implies that it is “OK” to delay your young children’s technology and social media use.

“OK” in our vernacular typically connotes a personal choice. As an educational resource for parents navigating a technologically advanced society, this mission is admirable. It is supported by many elementary and middle school parents, even those with older teens.

Highlighting the pros and cons, the realities and myths is useful, in light of many findings about technology, and children’s health and safety.

The mission of this organization, based on its own literature and website, is to “protect middle school from smartphones and social media.”

Since Ok to Delay could not achieve its goals at our already phone-free middle schools, the group decided to lobby at the high school level.

Staples parents are typically represented by our PTA, whose executive board made a unanimous recommendation against a bell-to-bell ban at Staples. They cited many valid reasons, which have already been covered on “06880.”

Rather than stating to the high school parents who approached them that the high school is outside of their purview, and that they defer to our own parent organization on this issue, Ok to Delay opted to help wage a battle against the Staples PTA.

Staples High School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

Where has this battle occurred? Ironically, on social media.

Ok to Delay has begun, through its Instagram campaign and anonymous online petition, to label the Staples students as having a crisis they are trying to help solve.

Even their recent Instagram post encouraging parents to come to the townwide meeting to discuss the topic is filled with false impressions of Staples students.

“Want to see our Staples (or future Staples) students focused on learning and socializing while in school. Us too!” As opposed to what?

Staples has a phone-free classroom policy. With some exceptions when teachers do not enforce the ban, Staples students are inside their classrooms learning.

What do Staples students do at lunch or during free periods?  They socialize.

“Want to utilize the school day as an opportunity to have 8 less hours of social media and screen time?” This statement is meant to provoke.

It is not, like many things in our time of disinformation, an accurate picture of who the Staples students are.

They do not lack for learning time. And they are certainly not inside their high school for 8 hours glued to social media; they know they don’t have the time.

Staples High School high honors graduates, with principal Stafford Thomas (far right) and vice principal Pat Micinilio (far left).

Is it perfect at Staples? The PTA has stated very clearly there are ways to improve upon the current policy.

Superintendent Scarice let the pot boil over. Without decisive action on his own proposed phone ban, he has opened the door to activism and antagonization.

Worst of all, he has let Staples students be labeled as something they are not.

They are hard workers. They are learners. They are achievers. They apply to esteemed colleges. They win academic honors. They compete for state athletic titles. They put on tremendous musical performances.

They are your babysitters. They are your lifeguards. They work downtown. They are your interns. They pick up your Christmas trees. They bring innumerable hours of community service to our town. via SLOBs and the National Charity League.

They help our elderly and our underserved. They fill our food pantries. They work your birthday parties and your summer sports camps. They are your children’s friends’ siblings.

They aren’t social media addicted zombies. Their phones support many of these pursuits, academic and job-related. Their mental health, according to our own data, is improving.

Staples High School baseball players are role models for younger children …

They drive past your signs and know they are being judged.

And they know that suddenly, through all their work at Staples to become technologically responsible near-adults on the verge of the real world, that their families have prepared them for, our town and many residents within it have suddenly labeled them a “problem.”

High school is hard enough in 2025, without the labeling from other adults.

Be careful with our children, OK to Delay.  Don’t create a false narrative about the Staples students to serve your purposes. Don’t stereotype them to get your way.

… and entertain. Staples Players’ spring production was “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” (Photo/Kerry Long)

Educate; don’t agitate.

Consensus is not possible on this issue. The ban very well may take hold.

But caricaturing our kids in your campaign is not far off from the ills of social media you seek to protect your own kids from.

The Staples community must work together to solve the real, not globalized, issues within the high school.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. To submit a piece, email 06880blog@gmail.com)

 

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Posted in Education, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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“06880” Podcast: Jeremy Schaap

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 1 comment

Jeremy Schaap is one of ESPN’s longest tenured and most respected journalists.

He began with the network in 1994 — just 6 years after graduating from Staples High School. He hosts “e60,” “Outside the Lines,” “The Sports Reporters” and other shows.

Jeremy has covered the Olympics, World Cup, Tour de France, World Series, Super Bowl, US OPen golf and tennis, men’s and women’s Final Fours, New York Marathon, Daytona 500, NBA finals, Kentucky Derby, and … chess boxing.

Among his awards: 14 Emmys, a Peabody, 2 Edward R. Murrows, and ESPN’s first-ever Robert F. Kennedy Award for human rights and justice reporting. He earned that for revealing the conditions of migrant laborers in Qatar before the 2022 World Cup.

I could go on and on. But I won’t.

Instead, click below to see our very revealing chat on “06880: The Podcast.” Like Jeremy Schaap, it’s a winner.

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Posted in Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Neighbors’ App, Clean Up The Neighborhood, Drive Less …

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 3 comments

The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science.

Students design an app using any programming language on any platform, with no limits on topic or function. Winners from each congressional district have their apps featured online — and in the US Capitol.

And the winners this year for Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District are … Rohan Sareen and Sahil Vora.

The Staples High School sophomores’ app — “Neighborly Impact” — was selected by Representative Jim Himes, for its innovation, design and real-worldl impact.

The app allows neighbors to connect, and get items, medicine, and services.

Rohan and Sahil — the first Staples students to win the contest — are finalizing several safety features. It will then be released to the public.

Himes honored the enterprising pair last month in Washington, at the #HouseofCode ceremony.

Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen and Congressman Jim Himes, in Washington.

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Saturday was “Clean Up Westport Day.”

To celebrate, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399, and the VFW Auxiliary, picked up litter and beautified nearby Riverside Avenue.

“Our members are proud to give back to Westport,” says VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado. “Events like this allow us to stay connected to the town, and each other.”

Cleaning up at the VFW (from left): Bob Rogers, Janice Veno, Frank Veno, Steve Jenkins, Buyile Rani, Betsy Shoupm Phil Delgado. Photo/ Patty Kondub)

On the other side of the river, the Democratic Women of Westport (and one Democratic Man) cleaned up Grace Salmon Park.

Rear, from left: Nancy Axthelm, Tracy Porosoff, Allyson Stollenwerck, Becky Martin, Abby Tolan. Front: Sal Liccione. Not pictured: Candace Banks, Jessica Hill, Joan Gillman.

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Speaking of clean-ups: Josh Berkowsky wants to organize another one.

He and the Saugatuck Congregational Church usually help out at Riverside Park. However, there’s a (good) problem: It’s improved dramatically over the past few years. There’s considereably less trash there. (Thanks, Parks & Rec Department!)

Josh has been checking out new spots. But he doesn’t know every place in Westport. So he asked “06880” to help find “trash-covered waterways or shorelines.”

If you know of one for Josh, the Church (and others — maybe you?) to tackle, email jberkowsky1@gmail.com. Put “Trash” in the subject line.

Josh, and the environment, thank you.

Riverside Park: too clean! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Speaking of the environment: Bike Westport sends along news of the Drive-Less Challenge.

Sponsored by CTRides, the event promotes alternatives to driving. There are more than most people realize: train, bus, scooter, carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, telecommute.

And, in Westport, Wheels2U.

For every 17 car trips eliminated, CTRides will plant 1 tree.

Need an incentive beyond helping the environment? Just download the “CTRides” app, or click here. Record your non-car trips, from now through May 31.

For every 1+ trips, you’re eligible to win 1 of 10 $25 gift cards. For 20 or more trips, you can win 1 of 4 $100 cards. For 30+ trips, you can win 1 of 2 $250 gift cards — and for 50 or more trips, you’re eligible for a $500 card.

As of yesterday, CTRides recorded 9,518 car trips eliminated; 149,953 miles, $104,967  and 6,606 gallons of gas saved. So far too, 559 trees will be planted.

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As beautiful as spring is, it’s also prime pollen season.

We’re familiar with high tide, low tide, ebb tide, neap tide, and red tide.

Yesterday was yellow tide.

This was the scene at Compo Beach, as way too much pollen washed ashore:

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Speaking of the beach: It’s not too early to think about the fireworks.

And to worry about them.

Alert reader Sunil Hirani sent a news article about President Trump’s tariffs. It notes that over 90% of fireworks used in the US are imported — and 95% of those imports come from China.

“06880” reached out to Corporal Craig Bergamo, president of the Independence Day’s longtime sponsor, Westport PAL.

He replied quickly. He’s checked with his fireworks guy, who says everything is okay.

Party on!

(Photo/Elissa Moses)

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Over 225 people enjoyed the next best thing to Creedence Clearwater Revival Saturday night, at the Westport Library.

Green River — the CCR/John Fogerty tribute band — rocked all their hits.

It was part of “Supper & Soul,” the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing series that combines dinner at one of 11 restaurants, a concert, and after-party drinks.

Next up for the Chamber: the much-loved Dog Festival, May 18 at Winslow Park.

Green River, at Supper & Soul. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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For a cemetery, there’s a lot of life at Willowbrook.

JC Martin offers today’s lively “Westport … Naturally” shot, of a mallard in the water just off Main Street:

(Photo/JC Martin)

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And finally … Happy Cinco de Mayo!

(Another Monday, another week of “06880” Roundups. They’re informative and fun … but they don’t just fall from the sky. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, technology, Transportation

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Block “S” Sequel: Funding, Sourcing Pledged

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 13 comments

The Board of Education spent half an hour discussing Staples High School’s Block “S” honors last week.

In the end, they made vague promises to to search for a solution to resolve the 70-year-old tradition of providing handsome metal awards to 2 members of each varsity team.

The other day, board member Robert Harrington posted an “Opinion” piece on “06880,” explaining his concerns over the handling of the controversy.

Traditional Block “S” …

But it turns out a solution had been offered weeks earlier.

Chris O’Dell — owner of a local design/build firm, former Block “S” winner for baseball, and 20-year Staples soccer coach — told athletic director VJ Sarullo that he is willing to procure manufacturing, pay for and deliver Block “S”s, for all 40 boys and girls varsity teams.

O’Dell cares deeply about Staples, and the Block “S.”

A 1995 graduate who lettered in soccer, basketball, baseball and track; a soccer (state champion) and baseball captain, he built 2 soccer kickboard sheds, and the baseball trophy case.

His firm, the O’Dell Group, employs 3 Staples grads as project managers. He has hired dozens of Staples interns over the years.

… and the plaque that replaced it.

One of the reasons offered for the discontinuation of the awards was cost. The other was sourcing. O’Dell is ready to handle both.

He contacted Sarullo in March, as soon as he read on “06880” that the Block “S” tradition was in jeopardy.

Sarullo said he would be in touch soon.

“Over a dozen people have already reached out to me, offering to contribute,” O’Dell says. “I’ll get to work on it as soon as I am given the go ahead.

“There is no reason we should not be taken up on our offer to help keep this tradition alive. There would be no cost, and no headache to the school or administrators.”

Problem solved? Stay tuned.

*Full disclosure: I coached Chris O’Dell, then hired him and worked closely with him for 2 decades while I was Staples soccer head coach.

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Posted in Sports, Staples HS

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Dylan Robbin’s Holocaust Story: 9th Grader Says “Never Forget”

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 15 comments

“Never forget.”

One of the great fears of the rapidly dwindling number of Holocaust survivors is that it will be forgotten.

The horrors of the 1930s and ’40s, the evil that can be done when no one stands up, the lessons learned — all may be lost in just a couple of generations.

Dylan Robbin is 3 generations removed from Nazi Germany. But he is making sure that no one will forget.

Dylan Robbin

Dylan is a typical Staples High School freshman. He plays football, and is part of Inklings, WWPT-FM and the Service League of Boys.

Two years ago, Dylan was preparing for his bar mitzvah. A key part of the coming-of-age rite is a project demonstrating commitment to Jewish values.

Dylan had had heard stories of his family’s personal history in the Holocaust. In some ways, it was similar to millions of others: His paternal great-grandfather, a cardiologist named Samek “Samuel” Rubinstein from Krakow, Poland, was targeted by the Nazis.

In another way though, it was special. Dr. Rubinstein was Oskar Schindler’s physician.

The German industrialist — a member of the Nazi party — saved the lives of 1,200 Jews, by hiring them for his enamelware and munitions factories in occupied Poland.

Dylan’s great-grandfather worked there, treating Schindler and his employees

Dr. Rubenstein’s Krakow ghetto ID card.

But that’s not all.

In 1944, as the Russians closed in on the Eastern Front, Dr. Rubinstein and many of Schindler’s employees were transported to Auschwitz and Mauthausen.

While at the Mauthausen concentration camp — where he helped treat prisoners — Dr. Rubinstein met Simon Wiesenthal. After surviving 4 camps and a death march, Wiesenthal dedicated his life to tracking down Nazi war criminals. The Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles is named in his honor.

Yet there may have been no center — and no convictions of Adolf Eichmann, and many other Nazis — if not for Dr. Rubinstein.

At Mauthausen, as Wiesenthal shrank to just 80 pounds, the doctor kept his spirits up.

Simon Wiesenthal (left) and Dylan Robbin’s grandfather reunited after the Holocaust.

In gratitude, Wiesenthal gave him several drawings. Years later while cleaning out his apartment, Dylan’s grandfather found them. The family donated them to the United States Holocaust Musuem in Washington.

A drawing by Simon Wiesenthal, given to Dr. Rubinstein. It is now housed at the United States Holocaust Memory.

Though his great-grandfather was not on Schindler’s list of Jews he saved — memorialized in the 1982 book “Schindler’s Ark” and 1993 movie “Schindler’s List” — Dylan realized that his ancestor’s story needed to be told.

He began researching it. The more he learned — including watching “Schindler’s List” — the more fascinated he became.

There was, for example, the story of Sam Soldinger. He survived Mauthausen — and 6 other concentration camps — and knew Dr. Rubinstein.

Dylan discovered that Sam’s story is told in a museum exhibit in Chandler, Arizona, and that Sam’s daughter Laura wrote a book called “Death & Diamonds: A Holocaust Survivor’s Inspiring Journey of Survival, Faith, Hope, Luck and the American Dream.”

Amazingly, Laura lived just 30 miles from Dylan’s grandparents in Arizona. The 2 families had an emotional visit, sharing stories about their relatives, Schindler, and the journeys their families have taken.

Laura told Dylan’s grandfather, Mark Robbin, “I would not be alive if were not for your father.”

“That’s a story that needs to be shared,” Dylan says.

He has many other stories. And — beyond his bar mitzvah project — the teenager wants to share them with as many people as he can.

One way is through the video he made 2 years ago. (Click here to see.)

“There’s so much antisemitism today,” he says. “There were swastikas in Weston and Wilton. It may never go away. But if people in Westport and the US hear personal stories, it could help.

“I want to get this out. People need to realize the Holocaust was a real thing. It was awful. It was inhumane. This needs to be told. I haven’t done enough of that yet.”

Dylan Robbin, at his 2023 bar mitzvah.

While at Bedford Middle School last year, Dylan’s language arts class read “Night,” by Elie Wiesel. Dylan mentioned his project to his teacher, Alison Antunovich, who suggested he present it to the class.

This year, the BMS Culture Club watched the video.

“People my age know what the Holocaust was. But they don’t understand it,” Dylan notes.

“Personal stories can convey the reality of it. We need this now, more than ever.”

Dylan’s family’s story is certainly personal. After being freed from Mauthausen, and making his way to the US, Dr. Rubinstein changed his name. Samek “Samuel” Rubinstein became Dr. Stanly Robbin.

He had a successful career in this country. In addition to medicine, he founded and chaired the Long Island Holocaust Memorial Commission. He designed the Long Beach Holocaust Memorial Monument in Nassau County. Dedicated in 1987, it received international recognition, and was the subject of an Austrian Broadcasting Corporation documentary.

Long Beach Holocaust Memorial, designed by Dr. Stanley Robbin.

Dr. Robbin’s great-grandson Dylan Robbin now lives comfortably in Westport.

But he will never forget.

And he is doing his best to make sure that no one else does, either.

(Dr. Rubinstein’s stories — and many others — are told in “Schindler’s Legacy.” Dylan used the 1995 book as oart  of his research.

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Posted in Education, History, religion, Staples HS

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Roundup: Porch, Protest, Dog Park …

Posted on May 4, 2025 | 18 comments

The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.

They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.

Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:

(Photo/Diane Johnson)

It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.

And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.

Jolly good!

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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.

As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.

As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.

Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)

Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).

As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.

And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.

Yankee Doodle comes to town.

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Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.

Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.

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Westport has Winslow Park.

Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.

Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.

Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.

It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.

Happy days (and dogs) in Weston.

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Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.

Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.

Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.

This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).

The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.

Apparel questions? Email teamstore@macwear.com. Lacrosse Sticks for Soldiers questions? Email a.vengrow@ven2port.com.

Sticks for Soldiers gear.

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Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.

Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.

She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.

“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role.  I am a person whom people think they know.  This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.

“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”

Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.

A reception is set for May 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). To RSVP, email   RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org or call 203-349-5141.

Mary Himes, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Swimming season has begun.

At Burying Hill Beach, anyway.

These 2 intrepid bathers took to the water yesterday.

The air was warm. The water … judging from their reactions, less so.

(Photos/Rob Grodman)

A reminder: Stickers are now required to park at all Westport beaches.

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The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.

He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Longshore. It’s one more reminder of how lucky we are to live here — especially in May.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):

(From the UK to the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you Westport-oriented news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Politics, Restaurants, Staples HS, Weston

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Fencegate: No Answers To Staples’ New Padlocks

Posted on May 4, 2025 | 22 comments

In the 1960s I walked across the street from my house on High Point Road, up a hill, and onto the back fields at Staples High School.

My friends and I strolled through, on our way to Burr Farms Elementary. It was our time to be free, and talk about life through our 11-year-0ld eyes.

After school, we raced back up to play touch football and baseball on the Staples field.

When I became a high school student, it was my route to school. After soccer practice, it took me 2 minutes to walk home. That proximity was one of the joys of my childhood.

Generations of kids followed me — literally — to and from Staples.

At some point, a chain link fence was erected. Two gate doors — one at the corner of Jinny Parker Field, the other near left field of the baseball diamond — kept access open.

Suddenly — right after spring break last month — those gates were padlocked.

Padlock at the edge of Jinny Parker Field. 

There was no warning. No explanation.

And definitely, no entrance.

For nearly 20 years, Dave Briggs has lived a few yards behind Jinny Parker Field. His daughter — now in college — walked to Staples that way. His son, a junior, did too.

Now he — and many other High Point and nearby students — drive.

Others throw their backpacks over, and hop the fence. One may have rolled his ankle doing so.

Dave is furious. He says that neighbors — many of whom bought homes in part because it was so close to Staples (and Bedford Middle School, where High Point kids walked also) — are too.

High Point Road path, with fence at right. Brush and rocks on both sides shows the difficulty and danger of hopping the fence. (Photos/Dave Briggs)

Homeowners whose properties abut Staples have always allowed walkers to cut through their property. It’s a decades-old High Point Road tradition.

“Kids today don’t do enough independently,” Briggs says. “We should celebrate that they walk to school. And environmentally, we’re adding all these cars to the road.”

(Many students have after-school activities, so buses are impractical. Like I did decades ago, athletes who could walk 2 minutes home after practice now must drive, or be picked up.)

This aerial photo from 1965 shows the several buildings that comprised Staples High School; the athletic fields in back, and High Point Road behind it. The arrow marks where I grew up.

People are also angry that they were not warned about the padlocks. And their requests for explanation, Briggs says, have not been answered.

No one knows who made and approved the decision, or why. Staples administrators? The superintendent of schools?

“06880” asked superintendent Thomas Scarice: “Can you provide any info on who made the decision, and why they’ve been put in place?”

He replied quickly on Wednesday: “Not at this time. I am trying to learn about the purpose of these gates, the fence itself, who’s responsible for the land behind the fence, the history, etc. I walked the area today with facilities and our school security office from the Westport Police Department, also I’m meeting with the Conservation Dept as one area is specifically monitored by their department.  Working on it.”

In the meantime, the padlocks remain in place.

And — for the first time since Staples High School was built on North Avenue, in 1958 — students living nearby are fenced out.

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