Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Rizzuto’s Cops, ABC’s Scholars, Sherwood Island’s Thieves …

Posted on April 27, 2025 | 3 comments

What do Westport police officers do on their time off?

They help the waiters and bussers at Rizzuto’s.

No, they’re not earning extra cash. At least, not for themselves.

For 4 hours Friday night, Westport’s finest welcomed diners, took orders and served meals. The “Tip-A-Cop” event was a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.

Customers were encouraged to leave extra tips — and boy, did they. The WPD raised a whopping $11,000.

“Rizzuto’s was an amazing host, and their guests were very generous,” says Lieutenant Eric Woods.

A tip of the “06880” hat to all!

Westport Police and Rizzuto’s staff. 

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With passion, insights, humor and love, scholars present and past honored A Better Chance of Westport last night.

The highlight of the annual Dream Event fundraising gala for the program that provides educational and enrichment opportunities to students of color from less advantaged communities was — as always — speeches by soon-to-be graduates, and a returning alum.

Seniors Michael Loya and Brian Lu traced their journeys from freshmen in an entirely new environment (Westport seemed like “a forest”), to their proud achievements in the classroom, and beyond.

They offered profuse thanks to the many volunteer host families, drivers, tutors, executive directors and board members who helped them on their journey.

Brian Lu and Michael Loya.

In the COVID year of 2020, Yoel Hooper-Antunez never gave his senior speech. He made up for it this year, with an inspiring tale of his 4 years at ABC’s Glendarcy House, his career at Grinnell College, and his work now for a gaming company in Las Vegas.

Yoel too acknowledged the cultural change he navigated, coming here. Growing up next to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the first thing he noticed about Westport was the quiet.

It was a joyful, heartfelt night. Westport does much for our ABC scholars.

But they give us much more in return.

Yoel Hooper-Antunez

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Also last night: Club203’s monthly party.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities.

They swam, played sports, rocked out to great music, made wind chimes, and enjoyed healthy snacks.

Club 203 thanks Brian Marazzi, the lifeguards, Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs), Calise Deli & Market, and MoCA CT.

Club203 and SLOBs, at the Y. 

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A reader writes, “While I was walking with a friend at Sherwood Island State Park Friday around noon, her credit card, debit card, $50 in cash and a blank check were stolen from her purse. It was camouflaged (she thought), but sitting in the console of her car. She thinks she locked her car, but isn’t positive since no windows were broken.

“A few minutes after we finished our walk, she started getting fraud alerts from her credit card company. The thieves had already been to Staples in Fairfield, trying to charge over $1,000 in merchandise.”

Sherwood Island has always seemed like a safe, secure refuge. Of course, no place always is. Always lock your car, everywhere — and double-check to make sure!

A beautiful spot for a walk. But lock your car doors!

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Sandy Cooper — the always helpful, all-knowing and much loved owner of Cooper’s Auto Parts had major heart surgery a year ago.

It has not slowed him down at all. He opens his door (across from Stop & Shop) at 7 a.m. every day. All day long, he solves problems, soothes customers, and saves them money.

This Tuesday (April 29), Sandy turns 77. John Karrel — one of his many fans and friends — urges every customer to stop by, with a birthday card.

John notes that the best ones will have “the sort of ironic sentiment one finds on the many signs in his shop.”

Sandy Cooper, in his timeless store.

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Mother’s Day is 2 weeks from today! (You knew that, right?)

And Wreathing for Community believes that moms should be celebrated in a big way.

The group collects donations from community members and businesses. then creates beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and other home decor items.

Some are donated to non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts. Others are given as gifts to grouops, volunteers and community members.

Faith Sargent says: “If you’d like to honor your mom this Mother’s Day, please email WhimsicalRedheadCrafts@gmail.com. Tell us what makes her so special.

“One wonderful mom will be chosen to receive the whimsical butterfly wreath (below).”

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Bill Shakos’ fifth “What Do I Know?” podcast is particularly compelling.

The in-depth interview with State Senator Ceci Maher focuses on mental health.

Powerfully and honestly, she discusses her husband’s struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, in the wake of September 11.

Shakos’ next podcast — featuring Homes with Hope — drops tomorrow.

Click here for links to listen.

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A great annual Staples High School baseball tradition is welcoming Little League players. This year’s Little League Day takes place Friday (May 2, 4:15 p.m.).

Youngsters will be invited onto the field for the lineup, and to run the bases on prior to the first pitch.

They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Wilton, and enjoy free pizza from the Colony truck.

Four Little Leaguers at Staples in 2019. Three are now varsity baseball players; the other calls Wrecker games on WWPT-FM. From left: current Staples varsity players Will Allott, Mark Kelly and Connor Brill, and WWPT-FM announcer Charlie Curran.

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Sure, you can honk at traffic.

Or you can fly above it — and do your honking there. Just like in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, courtesy of Carol Anne Ances.

(Photo/Carol Anne Ances)

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And finally … on this date in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born.

He was not the only one to invent the primary language of telegraphy. But he’s the one whose name is on it.

(Besides the tip in the item at top, here’s another one: If you click here, your tax-deductible contribution helps support “06880.” We rely on our readers, so thank you!)

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Posted in Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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[OPINION] Staples Graduation Ticket Limit Poses Problem

Posted on April 27, 2025 | 36 comments

Graduation is a time of joy and celebration. After 13 years of school, seniors don gowns and put on headgear they wouldn’t be caught dead in otherwise, to celebrate their achievements with family members who helped get them there.

If, that is, they’re lucky enough to score a ticket.

The Staples High School graduating class of 2025 is about 425 strong. (Very strong, even if a couple of them are scrambling to get to the finish line.)

Each graduate gets 4 tickets to the June ceremony at Paul Lane Field (the outdoor stadium). With parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts, that seldom covers everyone.

A concerned “06880” reader writes:

My nephew is one of the many seniors to graduate this year.

My family and I are exceptionally proud of his accomplishments and achievements, and so excited for his transition to college, and eventually “real life.”

Throughout his four years at Staples he has studied diligently, held a part-time job, completed an internship, and was accepted at nearly all the universities he applied to. In addition, he won a Student of the Month Award.

I was very disappointed to learn over spring break that only 4 tickets will be granted per family — including parents. This seems unreasonably restrictive to me.

Graduation, 2024.

When my siblings and I graduated from Staples, the ceremony was in the fieldhouse, rain or shine. More relatives were accommodated.

I wrote to “06880” expressing my frustration about this decision on behalf of my family, who will not all be able to participate in this milestone event in a young adult’s life .

Dan Woog reached out to principal Stafford Thomas, and received this reply:

Actually there were more seats in the fieldhouse than there are in the stadium. A family used to get 5-6 tickets, but with a graduating class of ~425 students and about 1,850 available bleacher seats/spaces if shoehorned in, even giving 5 tickets would clearly not work. Hence the 4 tickets.

It is true that more people have attended the recent outside graduations than they did in the fieldhouse due to the crowds on the hill and the standing room crowd around the perimeter of the stadium.

Unfortunately, the bleachers were built to hold the expected capacity of a much smaller school population at Staples (about 30/40 years ago). If they were built today, based on our current population trends, we’d easily be able to accommodate at least 6-7 tickets per family.

Bleachers are full, at Staples’ 2023 graduation. 

The ceremony does not have to be held outside. If more people can fit in the fieldhouse, why not host it there? What if it rains? You’d have to move it there anyway.

I understand that Staples can’t accommodate every family member. But they could at least offer an additional 2 tickets. I respectfully ask that you reconsider this decision. Perhaps you could allow more people with tickets to stand along the perimeter.

In the fieldhouse, parents jostled for photos as graduates marched in.

This may be the first time anyone asked for graduation to be moved back into the fieldhouse. The ceremony was moved there (from outdoors) after it was built in the early 1980s. Each year there were complaints about how hot and uncomfortable the fieldhouse was; how hard it was to hear and see, and how brutal the competition was to get good seats.

Graduation moved back outdoors in 2021 (following the COVID-related “drive-by” ceremony the previous year). Attendees liked being outside; being able to see and hear — and not having to battle for seats.

There are ways to watch without tickets. As Principal Thomas noted, some people without tickets stand on the hill by Bedford Middle School. It’s not a great view, but it’s before the ticket checkpoint.

The only way to stand closer, around the perimeter, is with a ticket.

The event is livestreamed, for all those without tickets. Viewers follow the processional and speeches, and watch each senior receive a diploma.

For over 140 years, Staples has held graduation ceremonies. Each one has had challenges. If you’ve got a memory of your Staples graduation — or a relative’s — click Comments below. And if you faced a ticket challenge, add that story too. 

The Class of 2024 celebrates.

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“06880” And Tommy Greenwald Team Up For Youth Sports Panel

Posted on April 23, 2025 | 7 comments

If your child is a pretty good athlete — or you think they are — odds are they (and you) are part of the “youth sports industrial complex.”

The phrase sounds satirical.

It isn’t.

As any parent with a young travel/elite player knows, the days of kids of varying ages meeting in the backyard, choosing teams, then playing on their own until dinnertime (all while making and enforcing their own rules), has gone the way of wooden bats and $20 soccer shoes.

Blast from the past.

Youth sports is a big business. And in a town like Westport — where personal hitting coaches, shooting coaches and fitness trainers are a dime a dozen (though exponentially more expensive) — there is an expectation that all that time and money will yield a substantial ROI.

Yet — besides rueful comments on the sidelines about yet another trip to yet another “showcase” tournament at yet another faraway place to play yet another game against a team from Wilton — how much do we really talk about this?

Next month, Westport youth sports parents will get a chance to do just that.

“06880” has partnered with Tommy Greenwald to present a special panel. “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World” is set for May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).

Topics will include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.

Training, competing — and competing for spots — begins at an early age.

Greenwald is a young adult author, specializing in youth sports. His latest book, “The Right Call” — a companion novel to his previous “Game Changer” —explores the growing pressures young athletes face, and the lengths some parents go to make sure their kid comes out on top. Greenwald will give away some copies of his book at the event.

The 1979 Staples High School state champion co-captain’s 3 sons were also Staples athletes and captains.

Panelists include:

  • 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
  • And of course Tommy Greenwald himself.

Moderator Dan Woog was the Staples boys soccer head coach for 19 years, and a youth coach for nearly 30 years before that. He is a co-founder of the Westport Soccer Association, and writes nationally on youth sports topics.

The event will include time for audience participation.

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Posted in Children, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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“06880” Podcast: Eric Freeman

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 2 comments

Eric Freeman is a partner in a real estate investment firm. He and his wife are raising young sons. A former viola player, he sits on the board of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

But his most important role may be as president of the board of A Better Chance of Westport.

That’s the organization that, for over 20 years, has provided educational opportunities — and much more — to young men of color, from communities less advantaged than Westport. It’s one of our town’s crown (and underpublicized) jewels.

A few days before ABC’s big fundraiser, the Dream Event — it’s Saturday, April 26 — Eric and I chatted for the “06880” podcast. Click below to learn more.

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Posted in Library, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Israeli Flag, Opossum Rescue, Compo Beach Art, Memorial & Oysters …

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 3 comments

Just a few days after Passover, the Israeli flag that hung outside Mark Scheck’s house was torn down .

All that remains of the flag.

Mark says 2 new flags will go back up. Along with a security camera.

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Another day, another rescue by Peter Reid.

Julie Loparo sends this latest story, about Westport’s animal control officer:

“At a time when local wildlife are dealing with the effect of habitat destruction due to rampant and unchecked clear cutting of trees and demolition of green space, it is not surprising that our wildlife mothers need to think outside of the box for safe lodging.

“Last week Peter (who wears another hat as intake director for Wildlife in Crisis) received a call from a resident. She calmly said there was an opossum residing in her home.

“Officer Reid responded quickly. He found the opossum — a mother with a full pouch of babies — taking a respite in the home owner’s cat tree.

“Officer Reid safely and humanely moved entire cat tree outside, and placed water and opossum nutrition near it.

“By the next morning, the mother opossum had found a new — hopefully safe — spot for shelter.

“We thank the local resident for not panicking, and instead of calling a ‘pest control’ service, contacting Animal Control Officer Reid. We also thank him too, for once again providing another wildlife rescue.

“Of course, we would be remiss not to thank our friend the opossum, who single-handedly (or single-pawedly) can devour 5,000 ticks a year, while acting as a natural pest controller in our yarda.

“Like mother opossum, we humans have to think outside the box sometimes, to live peacefully and humanely with our wildlife friends.”

Safe opossum. (Photo courtesy of Julie Loparo)

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Two follow-ups to yesterday’s Roundup item on the striking art print recently posted on the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.

Stacy Bass reports that the artist is Julie Headland.

It’s part of the Westporter’s “I’m Fine” project. Julie explains on her website:

“In early 2020 the world was succumbing to a pandemic, and my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends and neighbors continually checked in and kindly asked: ‘How are you?’

“I was numb, and typically answered: ‘I’m fine.”

“One day as the words left my mouth, I had an epiphany. My world was collapsing, but the brave little girl inside knew she must overcome and survive.

“Thus, the I’M FINE Project was born. The little girl in each piece inspires us to take heart and overcome the world.

“In time these playful parodies gave rise to both public and private comments by strangers expressing their own personal struggles. That is when I realized the I’M FINE Project was also a way to amuse and encourage others who were suffering.

“I am deeply aware of the pain and struggle in the world, and I do not wish to make light of suffering. But I have an optimistic aesthetic, which I am keen to convey with as much wit and whimsy as I can muster.”

Meanwhile, evidence that Headland’s work is truly Westport-based comes from a close-up photo, of the larger work.

Matt Murray’s image shows clearly something many viewers may have missed:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Speaking of Compo Beach: A new memorial there honors Max Harper. The Staples High School senior died in September.

Visitors to the stone — located near the cannons, not far from where a memorial service drew hundreds of classmates and friends last fall — have left rocks, flowers, a baseball hat and more, as tributes.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Speaking still of Compo: There are plenty of less permanent sights on and offshore, too.

You might see a proposal or wedding. A pop-up water polo practice. Rupert Murdoch’s old yacht.

And, this past weekend, a guy shucking oysters for 2 women, at a working bar.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Just another day at the beach …

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Lynda Bluestein’s legendary life has been captured in a documentary.

“Other Side” tells the story of the last months of her life. The longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member won a landmark legal case allowing her, as an out-of-state resident to take advantage of Vermont’s medical aid in dying law.

The film will be shown at the Westport Library on June 29 (1:30 p.m.). Seating is limited. Click here to register.

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Birchwood Country Club’s Easter brunch drew 160 people. Among them: a number of children, who participated in an Easter egg hunt.

Golfers were happy to cede their tee times for the special event.

Birchwood general manager Danny Jones explains the rules.

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Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Road South, near Longshore, and writes: “While big bursts of color from the cherry trees, dogwoods and forsythias grab all the attention, I love the smaller flowers in all their glory.”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … I had never heard of Mac Gayden before yesterday.

But the musician — who died on Wednesday in Nashville at 83, from complications of Parkinson’s — had an intriguing resume.

He co-wrote “Everlasting Love” — a Top 40 hit in 4 straight decades — and played guitar on Bob Dylan’s “Absolutely Sweet Marie.” Click here for his obituary.

(Please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. You’ll absolutely have our everlasting love. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Library, Politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Josh Koskoff Makes Time, Police Make Arrests, Sweet P Makes Friends …

Posted on April 17, 2025 | 1 comment

What do Donald Trump, Elon Musk, JD Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ed Sheeran, Adrien Brody, Megan Kelly, Serena Williams, Loren Michaels, Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Rogan, Snoop Dogg — and Josh Koskoff — have in common?

All have just been named to Time Magazine’s list of 2025’s 100 Most Influential People.

If the name “Josh Koskoff” doesn’t ring a bell: Shame on you!

The Staples High School graduate, longtime resident and attorney is the third generation of his family at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

But he does much more than just “practice law.”

Chris Murphy wrote the text for Koskoff’s Time Magazine honor. The Connecticut senator said:

For almost 2 decades, the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act prevented gun manufacturers from being held accountable for their role in the uniquely American epidemic of gun violence. Josh Koskoff, a feisty, public-­interest-minded lawyer in Connecticut, dared to challenge what was believed to be an impenetrable shield—and won.

When Josh agreed to help the families of Sandy Hook victims take on Remington, the company that manufactured and marketed the AR-15-style rifle used to murder 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Conn., he knew it would be an uphill battle. But in 2022, his novel approach won a $73 ­million settlement for the families.

Josh’s arguments — focused on corporate misconduct, not the Second Amendment — have become the model for holding the gun industry to account. In May, he filed lawsuits on behalf of Uvalde, Texas, families against gun manufacturer Daniel Defense, Meta, and Activision for their alleged roles in marketing AR-15-style rifles to a teenager who turned 18 just minutes before purchasing that rifle. No amount of money will bring back loved ones. But Josh gives the families he represents a real chance to seek justice.

That’s some record. And some recognition. Congratulations, Josh! (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Josh Koskoff

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 9 and 16.

An 83-year-old Weston man was charged with driving under the influence, after a report of a vehicle operating erratically. The driver had pulled into Coleytown Elementary School. The driver then drove over a curb and through the grass.

A 22-year-old Hamden man was charged with 4 counts of larceny, and 4 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, after 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen from vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. After posting a $150,000 bond, he was turned over to Torrington Police, who had an active arrest warrant.

Meanwhile, the local crackdown on driving while texting — part of a statewide effort — was quite effective.

Westport Police issued 70 citations for drivers who texted. Interestingly, not one of the 70 was under the age of 20. Teenagers seem to have gotten the (text?) message well.

The most ticketed age group (21 citations) was 30-39. Overall, women received 43 tickets; men got 27.

The breakdown by age:

  • 20-29: 10 citations (women 7, men 3)
  • 30-39: 21 (women 12, men 9)
  • 40-49: 13 (women 9, men 4)
  • 50-59: 15 (women 11, men 4)
  • 60-69: 7 (women 4, men 3)
  • 70-79: 4 (all men)

Other citations include:

Distracted driving (not texting): 9 citations

  • Speeding: 8
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to carry license: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1

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Yankee fans are not the only ones raving about Sweet P Bakery cookies.

The colossal treats — from the company founded by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, which provides training and employment for people with disabilities  — are available at Yankee Stadium concession stands in sections 121 and 211.

On Tuesday, Yankee stars Austin Wells, Jasson Domínguez, and the aptly nicknamed Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco met with the Sweet P team.

Did the treats make it onto the post-game buffet table in the clubhouse? Or did the 3 players keep the stash for themselves?

Click here for a video of the afternoon.

Just another day at the ballpark.

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Speaking of sports: Girls rugby is one of the fastest growing programs in town.

On May 1 (5:30 p.m., Staples High School), girls of all — experienced or not — have a great opportunity to learn more.

Staples rugby will host the Vassar College women’s team. They’ll play an exhibition game, and lead drills.

The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. Click here to sign up.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris spoke to the Westport Rotary Club on Thursday.

He described the work and challenges of the 46-year-old non-profit, and — with EMS associate Fergal Moore — demonstrated CPR.

Jaime Bairaktaris’ slide shows important ways Westporters can help WVEMS. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Circle of Friends is a great group. Young volunteers join children and adults with special needs in an array of social programs and weekly play dates.

On May 4 (Inn at Longshore), the organization celebrates 18 years of friendship and impact. They’ll honor over 150 teen volunteers, and 2 Westport couples —Larissa Kirschner and Michael Chaney, and Elena and Marco Caggiano — for their longtime involvement with the group.

The Caggianos’ son John is also involved.

Governor Lamont and Senator Blumenthal plan to present the awards. For tickets and more information, click here.

From left: Larissa Kirschner and Michael Chaney; Elena and Marco Caggiano.

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The recent “06880” story on myTeam Triumph — the nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities (called “captains”) to participate in endurance events, with the support of men, women and teenagers (“angels”) who run, bike or swim alongside — brought several new captains to last Sunday’s practice.

The first race of the season is April 27. It’s the 46th annual Minute Man 10K, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run, and continues a long relationship between mTT and the sponsoring Westport Young Woman’s League.

There’s still time for captains, angels and non-running my Team Triumph volunteers to take part. Click here to sign up, and for more information.

The first practice run of the season, at Compo Beach.

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Peggy Bud and Tamara Jacobson have more than 60 years of combined experience in education, as educators, administrators and consultants. They wrote 2 books, to connect parents and educators around positive learning scenarios.

Their next project: a collaboration with the Westport Library’s Verso Studios on a new community podcast.

“Ask the Educators” debuted yesterday, with three 15-minute episodes. New episodes will drop every other week.

The podcast is available on the Verso Studios podcast page, through regular podcast distributors such as Apple and Spotify, and the Ask the Educators Substack.

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Is spring finally — fitfully — here?

Today’s “Westport … Naturall” photo — showing buds outside June Rose Whittaker’s window on Jennie Lane, off Compo Road South — seem to suggest “Yes! At last!”

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … in honor of Sweet P Bakery’s “hit” with the Yankees, here is today’s song:

This version is from 1908. After 117 years, it’s time to add “colossal cookies” to the line about “peanuts and Crackerjacks.”

(Every day, the “06880” Roundup is a grand slam. If you enjoy our daily dose of information, events and news you can use, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples’ “We The People” Team Makes School History

Posted on April 15, 2025 | 6 comments

One of the joys of March Madness is watching low-seeded teams succeed.

“We the People” is not the NCAA basketball tournament.

But don’t tell that to the high school students who compete every year.

For 11 years, Staples High School juniors and seniors in Suzanne Kammerman’s Advanced Placement Politics & Government class have participated in the event.

They’re spurred by their interest in the subject, a strong desire to win, and the fierce passion their teacher — a former “We the People” competitor herself, at Shelton High School — brings to the classroom.

This is not exactly a “name the president and your 2 US senators” contest,

Here is one example of the questions they tackle, from a previous year:

Supreme Court Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote, “I think that we should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions that we loathe and believe to be fraught with death, unless they so imminently threaten immediate interference with the lawful and pressing purposes of the law that an immediate check is required to save the country.” Do you agree or disagree with Justice Holmes? Why?

That’s a tough question. It takes a ton of work just to understand what Holmes said — let alone figure out what you think, then devise arguments for or against it.

But that’s what Staples students — under the direction of Kammerman (with help from Westport men and women with experience in government and law, who volunteer their time, plus several alumni) — have done since September.

In addition to the regular classroom component, they prepare and present oral arguments on specific sections of the Constitution in simulated congressional hearings, followed by a questi9n-and-answer session with a panel of judges.

It is not for the faint of heart. The students grapple with difficult constitutional questions — and the judges demand clear, compelling answers.

After months of preparation, the Staples team placed second at February’s state competition. Trumbull — their traditional “We the People” rival, who they’ve edged out in the past — took the top spot.

But the Westporters’ performance earned them a wild card spot. They began feverish preparations, for the 4-day trip to Washington.

Staples High School’s “We the People” team …

There were 48 teams in DC (making it more difficult, in a sense, than March Madness, with 68).

The first 2 rounds — and a meeting with Senator Chris Murphy in his office — were followed by a Thursday night DJ dance party. The highlight there was not grinding, but the announcement of the top 10 teams.

Among them: Staples High.

Kammerman’s kids were ecstatic. But they quickly settled down.

The first rounds had been held in a convention center. Friday was more historic: The finals were set for the National Union Building, an 1890 event space.

Friday night featured the awards ceremony. Staples’ “We the People” team finished 8th in the nation.

… and their national competition award.

That’s their highest finish ever. In 2020, the pandemic forced the competition into a virtual format. With fewer states competing, and a trunacated format — 1 round of competition, instead of 3 — Staples placed 5th.

Staples was not the only wild card team to succeed this year. Five of the top 10 teams shared that honor — including national champion Sprague High of Oregon.

Perhaps the NCAA could benefit from some of that excitement.

“We the People” take their show on the road.

Congratulations to Kammerman and her students: Lila Boroujerdi, Kate Bulkeley, Lucas Ceballos-Cala, Olivia Cohn, Sofia Donroe, Gunnar Eklund, Will Enquist, Kasey Feeley, Nolan Francis, Jay Hari, Hugo Jacques, Souleye Kebe, Miles Kahn, Aidan Lapatine, Ryder Levine, Gray Peters, Andrew Rebello, Jack Robinson, Zara Saliba, R E I Seltzer, Jake Shufro, Alex Sod.

We — the Westport people — are very proud of you!

PS: Kammerman and the entire team give thanks to their “guest judges” who helped this year — Ira Bloom, J. Russell Bulkeley, Rachel Cohn, Danielle Dobin, Jamie Dockray, Jonathan Francis, Steve Gerber, Deb Goldfarb, Lee Goldstein, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Lauren Karpf, Rob Hordon, Andy Laskin, Jim Marpe, Nita Prasad, Candice Savin and Maria Signore.

Alumni who assisted include Andrew Berkowitz, Will Boberski, Mia Bomback, Nina Bowens, Emerson Briggs, Kendra Cheng, Alex Cozzolino, Dylan Fiore, Mack Haymond, Nate Hordon, Sorel Kennedy, Sam Laskin, Tucker Peters, Srish Popuri, Ko Seltzer, Jack Srihari and Lilly Weiz.

(For more information on “We the People,” and its sponsor The Center For Civic Education, click here.)

Staples’ “We the People” team, with Senator Chris Murphy. There may be a future US senator in Suzanne Kammerman’s class.

The video below features one of the 6 “units” of the Staples “We the People” calss. This panel focused on the Bill of Rights, exploring the rights and protections it guarantees.  The team includes Olivia Cohn, Graysen Peters and Alex Sod. Nolan Francis was on this team, but could not participate in Washington because of an injury.

(“06880” often highlights the achivements of Staples students. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Politics, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #2916

Posted on April 13, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2916

Ready for lacrosse, at the Paul Lane Field pressbox (Photo/Richard Fogel)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2916

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Roundup: Savvy Smoker, Ramadan, Gatsby …

Posted on April 12, 2025 | 15 comments

Savvy Smoker was busted this week.

That’s as regular a headline as “New York Giants lose.”

Law enforcement has served 4 warrants since December 2023 — including twice in the past 2 months — after complaints of non-licensed cannabis sales, and selling to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.

So why hasn’t the store been shut down?

“Its frustrating,” Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas acknowledges.

“We report every incident to the state. But they, and the Department of Consumer Protection, say they can’t do anything.”

Koskinas will meet with Representative Town Meeting leaders next week. He hopes the RTM can draft an ordinance to take action against a store, after a certain number of violations.

The chief also spoke with the Aspetuck Health District. They were sympathetic, but could not find language to make repeated arrests a public health issue.

“They pay fines,” Koskinas says of the Savvy Smoker, which seems to be living up to its name. “But they keep on going.”

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Today is the beginning of Passover. Next Sunday is Easter.

And this past week marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

It’s a tholiday tradition to visit civil service offices, meet the executive officers, and give thanks and appreciation for the contributions and services they provide.

Members of the Ismaili Muslim community gave Eid al-Fitr gifts of appreciation to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Nick Marsan, for their efforts on behalf of the Ismaili Muslim community and the people of Westport.

Town officials, with representatives of the Ismaili Muslim community.

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Happy 100th birthday, “Great Gatsby”!

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel — hailed as “the Sistine Chapel of American literature” — was published a century ago this week.

In its honor, the Boston Globe has looked back at the author, and his muse.

The path leads to Westport.

Taking note of the work of Robert Steven Williams and Richard Webb — Westporters who have written and made a film about the possible role our town played in inspired some of the characters and scenes — the Globe says:

When Fitzgerald arrived in Westport in May of 1920, both he and it were entering new eras. He was newly married and on honeymoon with Zelda, a vivacious 19-year-old Alabaman who later became a writer as well. Westport, meanwhile, was leaving its agricultural roots behind and becoming a more industrialized, suburban enclave that parades of wealthy New Yorkers, Bostonians, and other city dwellers took the train to visit. Artists like the Fitzgeralds, priced out of more established communities like Greenwich, came too.

At the time, Westport was practically lawless. The town’s police had little interest in enforcing Prohibition and bootleggers smuggling Canadian liquor criss-crossed Long Island Sound. The Fitzgeralds drank heavily at speakeasies, skinny dipped, and partied on the beach. “It was a bit like the Wild West,” said Robert Steven Williams, a Westport resident and one of the filmmakers behind “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story,” a 2020 documentary.

Click here for the full Boston Globe article. (Hat tips: Fred Cantor, Gwen Tutun)

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Speaking of important novels: As a student at Staples High School, Shelley Fisher’s most memorable assignment came from English teacher Tony Arciola: a paper on how Mark Twain used irony to attack racism in “Huckleberry Finn.”

She became a member of Yale’s first graduating class to include women. She earned a doctorate in American studies, and — as a professor of English at Stanford — Shelley Fisher Fishkin is now one of the nation’s foremost Twain scholars.

Her newest book — to be published Tuesday — is “Jim: The Life and Afterlives of Huckleberry Finn’s Comrades.” It explores the influence of the enslaved made on his young white companion.

Press materials call Jim “a highly polarizing figure: hH is viewed as an emblem both of Twain’s alleged racism and of his opposition to racism; a diminished character inflected by minstrelsy and a powerful challenge to minstrel stereotypes; a reason for banning ‘Huckleberry Finn’ and a reason for teaching it; an embarrassment and a source of pride for Black readers.”

Fishkin explores Twain’s portrayal of him, as well as Jim’s “afterlife” in film, translation, and classrooms today. “The result is Jim as we have never seen him before — a fresh and compelling portrait of one of the most memorable Black characters in American fiction.” Click here to order, and for more information. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

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Speaking of Staples: Ben Casparius made his Major League Baseball debut last season.

Cooper Boardman made it Thursday night.

Casparius — a 2017 Wrecker grad — did it on the mound, for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Boardman’s achievement was in the broadcast booth.

The 2017 Staples and 2021 Syracuse University grad called his first major league game, for the Boston Red Sox’s WEEI radio network. He’s doing all 3 games of the series in Chicago, against the White Sox.

According to the Ruden Report, which broke the story, Boardman has been broadcasting Boston’s AAA Worcester games since 2021. He has also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, working college basketball, softball and lacrosse.

Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards. Click here for the WEEI Tweet.

Cooper Boardman

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Speaking still of Staples: Democracy is not dead.

Every spring and fall, Westport’s League of Women Voters registers new voters at Staples High School.

This week, they enrolled 39 seniors, in both parties. They handed out about 20 applications to others.

The new voters’ first chance will come this November, in local elections.

Westport’s newest voters, at Staples High School.

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Harbor Watch knows their people.

Every year, Earthplace’s water quality research program hosts a “Cocktails & Clams” fundraiser.

Every year, it sells out.

This year’s event is May 31 (5 to 7 p.m., Copps Island Oysters).

As always, the draw is an unlimited raw bar with fresh oysters and clams, canapés, drinks and live music, at the scenic Norwalk Harbor venue.

All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s science education programs. Faced with significant federal funding cuts, this year’s gala is crucial to empower local youth as future environmental stewards.

To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or make a tax-deductible donation, click here.

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Party planning is stressful.

Marinda Freeman can help. The former executive director of Martha Stewart Catering will discuss her new book, “Everything is an Event,” on May 2 (4 p.m., Westport Library).

A Q-and-A and signing session will follow. Registration is $5. Attendees receive a 25% book discount. Click here for more information.

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One of the joys of this time of year is the return of chirping birds.

This blue jay hung out at Richard Fogel’s feeder — and posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … you may have figured this one was coming, based on the photo above.

Or not.

(Mark Twain, F. Scott Fitzgerald — today, Westport meets the world AND some literary superstars. Just another “06880” day. If you enjoy Roundups like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Police, religion, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Church Lane Closure, Savvy Smoker Seizure, Our Climate …

Posted on April 10, 2025 | 11 comments

With strong support from landlords, and a boost from Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, the Board of Selectwomen voted yesterday to once again close Church Lane to parking, paving the way for outdoor dining, pedestrian strolling and music.

This year’s dates — May 15 to October 5 — are slightly less than in previous years. But they’re a bit longer than the original proposal.

Major landlords David Waldman and Roger Leifer supported the closure. So did restaurateurs from Spotted Horse, The Blondinit and Pink Sumo, who noted they were in favor despite losing parking in front of their businesses. One business owner in Sconset Square (Bungalow) objected.

This will be the sixth summer for the Church Lane closure. It began in 2020, in response to the COVID pandemic.

Donations to the Westport Downtown Association help pay for the music. Venmo @WDA-DowntownWestport, or click here.

Outdoor dining on Church Lane. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The third time was not the charm.

Or the fourth.

For the fourth time since December 2023 — and second in 2 months — Savvy Smoker has been busted.

The vape-and-more — apparently, much more — Post Road East store was searched yesterday by Westport Police detectives, and members of the state Drug Control Division.

They found  pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, canisters of THC flower, THC resin products, THC vape cartridges, and THC edible products. All are illegal, at that location.

Less than 2 months ago — on March 11 — police investigated non-licensed cannabis sales, and complaints of sales to minors. Numerous marijuana and THC products were seized, and a sales associate arrested.

Westport Police received information that non-licensed cannabis sales were continuing, resulting in yesterday’s search.

The investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests are anticipated.

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Speaking of police: They made 3 custodial arrests between April 2 and 9.

A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, identity theft and forgery, after an investigation into the theft of mail containing personal checks.

A 41-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny, following the theft of $2,700 worth of merchandise from Ulta Bueaty. Employees described his vehicle, and he was stopped on the Sherwood Island Connector.

A 62-year-old Weston woman was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to drive in the propero lane, following a 12:15 a.m. accident at Weston Road and Merritt Parkway Exit 42.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 39 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 11
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Driving while texting (3rd or subsequent offense): 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to display license plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Improper rear marker lamps: 1

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It’s your yard. And our climate.

That’s the name of Sustainable Westport’s newest initiative.

“Your Yard, Our Climate” invites Westporters to “reimagine their outdoor spaces as powerful tools in the fight against climate change — demonstrating that meaningful environmental progress can start right at home.”

From April through June, the program will feature a series of events and educational programs to help residents transform their yards into vibrant, climate-positive habitats.

Experts will help residents explore practical ways to rethink lawns, support pollinators, choose native plantings, and adopt sustainable landscaping practices, on any size property.

Events include a native plant sale, “Lights Out Connecticut,” compost workshop, Spring Garden Fest at Wakeman Town Farm, tomato master class and more.

Sustainable Westport says: “The initiative emphasizes the significant role that personal choices in our outdoor spaces play in addressing the climate crisis. Whether it’s planting trees that improve air quality, reducing lawn space to support biodiversity, or shifting to eco-friendly yard care practices, each action contributes to a healthier, more climate-friendly Westport — and planet.”

For more information on events, click here.

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Speaking of nature: A dolphin washed up on Saugatuck Shores yesterday, near Cedar Point Yacht Club.

Andrew Colabella emailed the Conservation Department, Aspetuck Health District and Animal Control, for assistance in removing it. He hopes a test will reveal what happened.

(Photo/Haley Burns and Andrew Colabella)

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In the 2 months since it opened, The Clubhouse has become Westport’s go-to events space.

Between its simulators, karaoke rooms and bar/restaurant with ginormous screens (March Madness was huge), the Post Road East gathering spot is taking the town by storm.

Owners Tim and Emily Zobl paused yesterday, for the official ribbon cutting.

From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, owner Tim Zobl, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, owner Emily Zobl, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, 3rd Selectwoman Candice Savin. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Guests then headed upstairs, for the reveal of the new rooftop lounge.

It’s a large, open and fun space, with tables, TV screens, cornhole — and another bar.

When it opens next week, it will add one more outdoor option to Westport’s entertainment scene.

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Since 1943, Staples Tuition Grants has provided need-based assistance to Staples High School graduates. Last year STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students.

That money comes from donations. And, on May 1, some of it will come from Millie Rae’s shoppers.

On that day, the store at 1011 Post Road East will give 10% of all proceeds from sales of its gifts, decorations, jewelry and household items to STG. From 3 to 6 p.m., there will be “sips and nibbles” too.

The event comes right before Mother’s Day, graduation day — and the awarding of Staples Tuition Grants’ 2025 scholarships.

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Speaking of Staples: The school’s University of Connecticut Early College Experience program flies under the radar. (Though a story last year described how Staples students take courses in high school for a fraction of the cost of normal college tuition; they’re weighted like AP courses, to determine GPAs).

But the word is out. And UConn just announced that Staples has the sixth highest number of students enrolled in the program in the state: 354.

Go Wreckers! Go Huskies!

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It’s not often that national events find their way onto the agenda of a local board.

But this morning’s meeting of the town’s Pension Investment Committee (11 a.m., Zoom: Meeting ID: 835 5789 3813; Passcode: 452326) has just one item to discuss: “current market volatility.”

Let’s hope they know what they’re doing. Because not too many others do.

 

S&P 500, April 2-9.

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The Westport Country Playhouse “Family Festivities” series continues May 3 (1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with “Pete the Cat: The Musical.”

It’s recommended for grades pre-K through 3. All tickets are $30. Check out the trailer below, then click here for tickets.

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You can almost feel the buds about to burst, in today’s evocative “Westport … Naturally” photo of Schlaet’s Point, where Compo Beach laps up against Hillspoint Road.

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … in response to the getting-to-be-regular news about Savvy Smoker (story above):

(Downtown, business, police, environmental — if there’s news in Westport, you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers to help us do it. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Local business, Restaurants, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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