Attention, youth sports parents: The “06880” panel on that very topical topic is tomorrow night (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
We’ll talk about the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
I’ll moderate the event, and include time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
Sunday marked the end of Mrs. London’s Westport run.
The popular bakery closed at 7 p.m. It will reopen soon under new ownership: Maman, the New York-based café and bakery chain.
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The Democratic Town Committee inadvertently omitted the name of one candidate, in a press release announcing its Nominating Committee selections for November’s elections.
Bre Injeski has been selected as one of 3 Planning & Zoning Commission nominees. She is a current P&Z alternate, and a municpal and administrative law attorney.
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One of the main tenets of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Westport and Weston is social justice.
Responding to recent developments on immigrants and their communities, the church’s Immigration and Refugee Committee is hosting an “Accompaniment & Volunteer Information Session.”
Attendees will learn how to support refugee and immigrant communities in Fairfield County.
It’s ladybug season … and the first-ever appearance of this insect in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Cohl Katz)
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And finally … happy 75th birthday to 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!)
For 12 hours, 150 students and parents sat patiently in Town Hall. Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense was appealing to the Board of Education the decision by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice to not renew his contract.
At 11:15 p.m. — after 90 more minutes with the board cloistered in executive session — the BOE returned.
The 75 teens and adults still remaining sat in stunned silence, as the board voted 5-1 to affirm Scarice’s decision. Robert Harrington was the lone vote against. Kevin Christie recused himself, for reasons he did not explain.
Town Hall auditorium was filled, waiting for the hearing to begin.
The long day had featured extensive questioning of Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic direvctor VJ Sarullo, Oost-Lievense and freshman coach Chris O’Dell.
The major issues were a verbal argument — not physical, as erroneously reported — between a player and assistant coach Harry Ocampo at a preseason retreat, and Oost-Lievense’s alleged failure to report it to Sarullo; a subsequent conversation between the player and Ocampo in a golf cart near the players, and Oost-Lievense’s attendance at the post-season banquet.
From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Much of the discussion involved policies, procedures, training — and the lack of them.
Other discussion involved the investigation conducted by Sarullo and Thomas. Despite repeated claims of a “thorough” investigation by school officials between October 25 and December 8, not one student at the retreat was interviewed.
The coach’s attorney, Beatrice Franklin, objected strenuously to the exclusion of testimony and emails by several coaches and others, which she said would point to the lack of clear guidelines on reporting, and other issues at hand.
The mediator — appointed by the board — overruled virtually all of Franklin’s objections. He also refused to allow testimony about actions by coaches in other sports that did not result in discipline, which she said would have shown that Scarice’s action was “arbitrary and capricious” (the threshold for the board to overturn the superintendent’s decision).
Mediator Fred Dorsey (4th from left), with Board of Education members Dorie Hordon, Neil Phillips, Lee Goldstein, Abby Tolan and Jill Dillon.
Sarullo was questioned about why his evaluation of Oost-Lievense changed from “gifted head coach taking the program to new heights” in 2023, to all negative in 2024.
He said it was because of a “negative environment” on the team. That drew surprised looks from the more than 2 dozen returning players at Town Hall supporting their coach, throughout the long day.
Under extensive questioning, principal Thomas repeated often that he could not recall many of the events surrounding the investigation, and related matters.
There was discussion too of a 2022 incident, when Oost-Lievense reacted angrily to bullying incidents on the freshman and junior varsity teams. The coach — a special education teacher at Darien High — emotionally described his reactions to reports of bullying of a special education student, citing his long work in special ed.
That 2022 incident led to a Department of Children and Family Services investigation. No evidence of wrongdoing was found, and Oost-Lievense said a DCFS official apologized to him.
The complaint about this fall’s incident at the retreat also was sent to DCFS. Within a day, they declined to investigate.
Scarice explained that Westport holds its employees to “a higher standard.”
From left: Board of Education member Robert Harrington, attorney Beatrice Franklin, coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell.
One of the most emotional moments of the long day came when Franklin asked Oost-Lievense why — after all he’s been through — he still wanted his job back.
“I can never give back what this soccer program, the players and families, have done for me, as a player and coach,” he said, his voice breaking. “This is my alma mater, and I love it more than anything.”
He recounted his experience as a player, when his father was dying, and the soccer team was his safe haven. Among his father’s last words to him: “Look after the ones who look to you.”
The audience rose, in a standing ovation.
During a break in the action, Russell Oost-Lievense (back row, 3rd from left) poses with current and returning Staples soccer players.
In closing statements, board attorney Thomas Mooney said, “this is not a popularity contest. The Board of Education has delegated decisions like this to the superintendent. You must apply that policy. There is no evidence that this was ‘arbitrary and capricious.'”
Franklin countered, “‘Arbitrary and capricious’ does not mean you rubber stamp the administration. Did they make their decision supported by evidence, and a thorough investigation?”
She cited many examples: the lack of an investigation, the pattern of not allowing evidence and witnesses, and more.
“How could Staples be better off without Russ?” she asked. “All I want for my kids is to have a coach like him.”
For 90 minutes — until 11:15 p.m. — Staples players waited for the Board of Education to exit executive session. (Photos/Dan Woog)
When — 90 minutes later — the board rendered their decision, the large crowd (including dozens of boys and girls soccer players, and alumni) who had stayed for 14 hours were stunned.
They wondered how a supposedly neutral “mediator” had ruled against Oost-Lievense dozens of times, before and during the hearing.
They asked how he could have excluded wide swaths of evidence, directly relevant to coaching, training, procedures, and discipline.
They were puzzled that the “arbitrary and capricious” discussion did not include information about the lack of disciplinary action against coaches in other sports, for sometimes more egregious offenses.
“It seemed pretty clear the board had no interest in doing actual justice,” one said. “Russell could have shown a murder weapon and a body. They still would have ruled against him.”
But the Connecticut Department of Transportation is rousing itself, for another stab at the William F. Cribari Bridge.
Rehabilitation or replacement has been discussed — fitfully — for well over those 6 years. May 8, 2019 marked the last meeting of the “Project Advisory Committee,” established “to assist CTDOT in its decision-making process.”
“We recognize it has been some time, and since then, there have been significant developments both within the community and concerning the project itself. CTDOT is now scheduling a new PAC meeting to provide updates and discuss the project’s progress,” wrote project manager James Barrow II, in an email to a select group.
It includes the 1st Selectwoman; chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission; fire, police and public works officials, some Representative Town Meeting members, and nearby residents.
The meeting — which appears to be open only to those invitees — is this Thursday (May 15, 4 to 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
CTDOT officials have said they will hold a public meeting in the future.
The Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee has recommended 10 candidates to run in November’s election.
If approved July 15 by the full DTC — along with Board of Selectperson candidates Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich — they’ll be on the municipal election ballot.
The Nominating Committee has chosen:
Board of Education:Lauren Karpf, RTM Deputy Moderator and Education Committee chair; Abby Tolan, current BOE member and former PTA Special Education co-chair.
Board of Finance:Allyson Stollenwerck, current BOF member and international nonprofit executive; Elaine Whitney, former BOE chair and healthcare management executive.
Planning & Zoning Commission; Michael Cammeyer, current P&Z secretary and mergers and acquisitions consulting executive; Neil Cohn, current P&Z vice chair and sustainable finance and digital technologies executive.
Board of Assessment Appeals:Ifeseyi Gayle, current BAA member and DTC volunteer; Lynette Pineda, current BAA member and commercial real estate executive.
Zoning Board of Appeals: Sheri Gordon, Former BOF chair and current ZBA alternate. Joe Scordato, current ZBA member and legal and compliance executive.
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On Saturday, Hannah Schneewind posted this photo on Facebook:
She wrote: “Does anyone know if there is a trend or dare involving whipped cream cans? Every day, I see them when I go for a walk. I have seen them in a variety of locations. Any ideas?”
There were plenty.
The nitrous oxide in the canisters is being inhaled. Called “whippets,” it produces a short high. But it can also cause oxygen deprivation, leading to fainting, brain damage, even death.
A Staples High School graduate died several years ago, from inhalation.
Diane Lowman — who alerted “06880” to the post — notes that finding cans on the roadside means teenagers and young adults are probably doing whippets while they or their friends are driving.
FoundHer is a Westport-based, female-focused recruiting company. They specialize in women re-entering the workforce after a brief career break, and commuters looking for a local or flexible position.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.), you can find FoundHer at Steam Coffee Bar, on Railroad Place by the train station.
You’ll also find, to your delight, that your first cup of coffee or tea is on them.
“Arrive for your train a little early and chat about the current job market,” FoundHer says.==================================================
he RTM Environment and Health & Human Services Committees meet jointly tomorrow (Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
There is one agenda item: “discussion about artificial turf ordinance.”
There are 4 artificial turf fields in Westport: Paul Lane (above) and Jinny Parker Fields at Staples, Wakeman adjacent to Bedford Middle School, and PJ Romano behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
Plenty of Westporters celebrated Mothers Day yesterday with a trip to Compo Beach.
The weather was mid-May nice. Time to take off all those layers!
(Photo/William Weiss)
When the crowds were gone, what remained was a scene we’ll see repeated often, over the next few months:
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Of course, not everyone left.
These scenes too will be familiar — as they have been for years — in the months ahead:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Staples High School junior Jade Reejhsinghani has had a life-threatening peanut allergy since she was 2.
In elementary school she felt isolated at the nut-free table. In 7th grade she was diagnosed with allergies to eggs, dairy and soy.
Eating at a restaurant with friends puts her in danger of anaphylaxis. People have told her, “just eat at home.”
Classmate Claire Harris is also allergic to peanuts. In 2020 she started oral immunotherapy. That’s changed her life for the better.
The two girls run a Staples club called Food Allergy Education. May is Food Allergy Awareness Month. They help students — especially younger ones — feel empowered living with their food allergies.
On June 1 (9 a.m. to noon Staples High School track), they’re joining with the non-profit FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to sponsor a walk. The goal is to raise both awareness and funds.
Frank Sinatra is coming to the Westport Country Playhouse.
Also Carrie Bradshaw.
Okay, one is dead. The other was never alive.
But both are “starring” on the historic stage.
On June 27 (8 p.m.), Cary Hoffman turns his “My Sinatra” PBS special into a one-man musical play.
It’s a hilarious, poignant show about his love for Ol’ Blue Eyes, and the perils of wanting to be someone else. Learn more and order tickets here.
On July 9 (8 p.m.), Candace Bushnell — creator of “Sex and the City” — takes the Playhouse audience on a tour of New York, from Studio 54 to the Lipstick Jungle. “Meet the real Carrie Bradshow!” the WCP says.
One more attraction: on July 20 (7 p.m.), Grammy Award-winning bluegreass/ Americana band Steep Canyon Rangers bring their mountain music to the Playhouse. Here’s more info on the show, and tickets.
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My Lucky Penny — a children’s clothing story at 8 Church Street South, just behind Little Barn — has its grand opening May 31 (noon to 5 p.m.).
Penny is owner Rhoda Schwartz’s daughter. Born with a brain deformity, she had 4 surgeries. Today she is a gifted artist, who also sews all types of clothing.
Rhoda Schwartz’s daughter, in My Lucky Penny.
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Congratulations to Staples grads Emma Ashe (Class of 2022) and Kate Smith (’23).
Both play on the Boston College women’s club lacrosse team — and yesterday, they won the Women’s College Lacrosse Association Division I national championship, in Wichita, Kansas. Here is the full report.
Emma is the team’s vice president. Kate will be captain next year, as the team goes for a two-fer.
Emma Ashe and Kate Smith: national champs!
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Speaking of former Staples athletes: George Robbins’ Raleigh Bombers team just won the Over-50 Triangle Adult Soccer League championship.
George — a 1990 SHS grad, and former soccer captain — plays central midfield.
And he could probably play pretty well with today’s much-younger-than-50 crowd too.
George Robbins
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Another season of live music on Church Lane begins May 22.
Featured artists are Staples senior Vivian Shamie and her sophomore sister Willa. They sing contemporary pop, and covers. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
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What would we do without the month of May?!
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” super-spring foliage shot comes from Ellen Wentworth, on Highland Road:
And finally … Yogi Berra was born 100 years ago today. The Hall of Fame catcher and homespun philosopher may not have said everything he said he said, but who cares? Happy birthday, Yogi!
(Yogi once said, “The future ain’t what it used to be.” We say, “The future ain’t the future if you don’t support ‘06880.’” Yogi joins us in saying, “Please click here to help!”)
Published more than 70 years ago, “The Diary of Anne Frank” teaches crucial lessons about hatred, authoritarianism, perseverance, the human spirit and hope.
A subsequent theatrical production brought the Dutch teenager’s story to the stage, dramatizing visually for audiences the horrors and toll that two years of hiding takes on a family.
In that sense, “The Diary of Anne Frank” is timeless.
But theater is never static. When Staples Players presents their production later this month, it will look different from the one they staged 19 years ago.
David Roth and Kerry Long directed that version too. This one is shorter — 80 minutes — and includes new text, in an adaptation by the playwright.
Sara Stanley, as Anne Frank, writes in her diary. (Photo/Kerry Long)
It is at least as relevant now as it was 2 decades ago, the directors say. And not just because so many Holocaust survivors have died since then.
“With the rise of hatred around the world, this is a good time to tell the story of what happens when it goes unchecked,” Long says.
“The Franks were an educated, well-to-do family. And if this could happen to them …”
“This is not a play about evil, though,” Roth notes. “It’s about surviving in the face of evil. We’ve emphasized with the actors that this is a story of resilience, of people coming together in adversity. There is something in these characters that everyone can relate to.”
“Anne Frank” actors, in the annex. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Despite being one of the most powerful stories in modern history, many students today are only vaguely familiar with Anne Frank, Roth says.
Eighth graders in Westport study the Holocaust. They read “Night,” by Elie Wiesel. But not Frank’s diary.
(Thanks to a collaboration between Players and Bedford and Coleytown Middle School, all 8th graders will attend special in-school performances of the show.)
Roth and Long’s actors have been surprised to find that a teenager not so different from them could live in an attic for more than two years.
And do more than just survive. Anne Frank also fell in love.
As part of their preparation, the directors took the cast to an Anne Frank exhibit at New York’s Center for Jewish History. It includes a full-scale replica of the annex.
“It was so powerful for the kids to walk through,” Long says. “They got a much better understanding of Holland during the war, and what the Franks went through.
“A lot of them bought the exhibit book. One of them said it was the best museum they’d ever been to.”
Staples Players, at the Center for Jewish History. David Roth and Kerry Long are standing, 3rd and 4th from left.
Though being quarantined for long periods of time with their family during COVID was nowhere near the scale of horror the Franks endured, the young actors do bring that perspective to their characters.
But they also realize that the show will have special resonance for older audience members.
Players’ previous performance of “Anne Frank,” in 2006, drew more people with direct knowledge of the Holocaust — as survivors, or their relatives — than this one will.
However, at least one survivor will see this show. Now 89 years old, they’ll do a talkback after the May 22 perfromance.
When he published his daughter’s diary, Anne Frank’s father Otto said he wanted her story to be read by as many people as possible all over the world.
Anne Frank’s dream was to be a famous writer. In death, she is.
Roth, Long, and the talented teenagers of Staples Players, are keeping her dream, and her father’s wishes, alive and strong.
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)
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.
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.
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 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!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.”
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.
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!)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
(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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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.
