Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Raccoon Rescue, Battle Of Compo Hill, Chili Cook-off …

Posted on October 20, 2024 | 5 comments

Another day, another animal rescue!

Michael Szeto and his wife Valerie were on their daily walk with their dog JoJo yesterday.

JoJo kept pulling them toward a sewer drain on the corner of Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road.

As they got closer, the couple saw 2 tiny claws reaching out of the storm drain. They thought it was a Halloween decoration.

But then they noticed a nose sticking out of the grate. A trapped raccoon was hanging on desperately, to escape the rising water.

They called the Westport Police. While waiting for help, passerby Althea Heisler took action.

She got on the ground and stuck her hand in the sewer, to hold the animal as it started to lose its grip on the sewer grate. Somehow, Althea kept the raccoon above water until Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, followed by the Fire Department. arrived.

They lifted the grate and freed the raccoon. Without giving thanks, it scampered off toward nearby Gray’s Creek. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)

Animal Control Officer Peter Reid (yellow vest) and Westport Fire Department officials work to free the trapped raccoon. (Photos/Michael Szeto

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Ed Hynes first became interested in the 1777 British march from Westport to Danbury as a child, when he learned his neighbor’s house was partially burned by the Redcoats during the raid.

On Thursday, he spoke to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston about that historic event. He described the landing at Compo Beach, the trek to burn the patriots’ arsenal, and the Battle of Compo Hill, as they returned to the shore.

But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to hear Hynes’ wisdom. Click below, for his very informative presentation.

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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the very depleted Remarkable Bookcycle. The Compo Beach free library was down to its last few books:

Within a couple of hours, it was almost fully restocked:

(Photos/John Richers)

“06880” readers are truly “remarkable.”

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Nearly a dozen pots of chili — beef, sausage, moose, vegetarian, you name it — were ladled out yesterday, at the VFW.

Along with many varieties of both toppings and cornbread, plus a DJ, drink special, prizes and a raffle.

Greg Gunther of the Westport Police Department repeated last year’s win in the Chili Cook-off. Second place went to Lynn Ryder of Westport Emergency Medical Services. Virginia Ferrari of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries was third.

The packed hall was a fundraiser for an important VFW and Auxiliary project: purchasing and installing posts for American flags, to honor the graves of 1,200 veterans at Westport cemeteries.

The goal is $6,000. Let’s hope those flags are flying soon.

Lots of chili choices last night at the VFW. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Also yesterday: the ALS United Connecticut event to honor all those affected by Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and remember those who have died, at Sherwood Island State Park.

Those who could walk, did. Those who could join them in wheelchairs, did too.

The weather was beautiful. The atmosphere was both serious and celebratory. The fight against ALS continues.

A few of the many participants at yesterday’s ALS United Connecticut event.

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You can’t talk about American folk music without Woody Guthrie.

Two days before Election Day, First Folk Sunday honors the influential singer/songwriter/icon of democracy and freedom.

Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s headline singer and artistic force, will be joined for the tribute by Matt Lavigni, Paul Bluestein, Susan T. Reid, Myra Healy and Colin Healy.

Doors open at noon, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. The music cover charge is $15. Table service is available for brunch, lunch and cocktails. Click here for tickets. For more information, call 203-984-7562.

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Congratulations, Mike Noonan!

The 1979 Staples High School graduate — who won a state championship with the boys soccer team, then earned All-America honors at Middlebury College — has just picked up the 400th win of his coaching career.

As head coach of the Clemson University men’s soccer team, Noonan is 5th among active Division I head coaches in career wins.

The Tigers have won 2 national championships in the past 3 years. Noonan’s squad has also captured 4 ACC titles.

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Westport attorney Frank Sisson writes:

:My faith in humanity was restored yesterday morning.

“As the sun was setting Friday, I accidentally dropped an Apple Watch keychain charger (not cheap), with my health club entry pass attached, near my car when leaving the Trout Brook Valley Preserve off-leash trail lot.

“I did not realize this until I got home. I drove back first thing Saturday morning. Not only was another dog owner kind enough to move her car to let me look where I had parked on Friday, but she aided me in the search.

“After a few minutes without luck, I checked the trail map box by the entrance. A kind soul had found my device, and placed it inside on top of the trail maps.

“It is nice to know that good people still live all around us, despite the discouraging headlines and political climate of these troubled times. Perhaps there is hope for us all yet, and a reason to be optimistic that all will be okay.

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Sugar maples make their first appearance in a “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Topsy Siderowf spotted these beauties at Long Lots Elementary School:

(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

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And finally … the First Folk Sunday tribute to Woody Guthrie (story above) reminds us that, nearly a century ago, the Oklahoma native was writing songs about America’s potential — and problems.

Among the topics he addressed: immigration, migrant workers, capitalism, religious hypocrisy, and the wonders of our nation.

(This blog is your blog … from Saugatuck Shores, to Sherwood Island. Please take a minute or two to click here, and support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, History, Sports, Staples HS

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Pic Of The Day #2740

Posted on October 18, 2024 | 1 comment

Autumn at Staples High School (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roundup: Absentee Ballots, Traffic Safety, Longshore Shed …

Posted on October 16, 2024 | 4 comments

“06880” has reported several times on early voting — used for the first time in Connecticut this fall for a presidential election. (Click here, then scroll down for details.)

Here’s info on absentee ballots:

Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if you cannot appear at your assigned polling place on Election Day because of active service in the military, absence from the town in which you are eligible to vote, sickness, religious tenets that forbid secular activity on the day of the election, duties as an election official at a polling place other than your own during all of the hours of voting, or physical disability. To receive your absentee ballot, please complete, sign, and submit an application online.

Please provide your name, date of birth, and town as it appears in the voter record in order to look up and verify your voter information.

Click here to complete an absentee ballot request.

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The second Westport Safety Action Plan public meeting is tomorrow (Thursday, October 17, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Officials will present results of the recent public survey, and offer safety analysis and information on project selection.

Click here to learn more about the Westport Safety Action Plan.

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Westport has begun the process to replace the maintenance building in Longshore.

That’s the shed that, ever since the town bought the 188-acre property in 1960, has occupied prime real estate, between the Inn and tennis court/pool parking lots.

The new site may be where the brush dump is now located.

Click here for more information.

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This is the final week for Play With Your Food.

There was a performance yesterday of the staged reading, script-in-hand series (plus delicious lunch) that has entertained and delighted audiences at local venues for 20 years.

There have been 350 performances, with 200 professional actors and 135 playwrights.

Additional shows are today (Wednesday) at the Pequot Library in Southport, and tomorrow (Thursday) at Greenwich Arts Council.

“All good things must come to an end,” Carole Schweid, artistic director for the series’ organizer, JIB Productions, told “06880” in July.

She has had health issues, and executive producer Diana Muller is retiring.

Many local actors turned out to say farewell yesterday. The cast included several long-time favorites, including Weston’s James Naughton.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker awarded Schweid honorary recognition for the 2-decade run of one-act plays.

“They have been theatrical jewels for Westport theater fans,” says Marcia Falk.

She’s volunteered with the crew for 7 years. “I loved being part of such an exceptional Westport tradition,” Marcia says.

Brava, Carole and Diana. Thank you for 20 years of inspiring, thought-provoking, and much-needed entertainment!

Of course, audiences at the final Westport “Play With Your Food” performance celebrated with cake. (Photo/Marcia Falk)

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Michael Chait is a Westport photographer, known for his fresh looks at familiar local images.

Now those photos will be on sale, at a pre-holiday discount of 30%.

The event is Sunday, November 10 (2 to 5 p.m.) at his studio — which, fittingly, is in one of Westport’s most historic buildings.

It’s on the second floor of 11 Riverside Avenue. The building — long owned by the Gault family — is where, in the 1800s, merchant ships tied up.

National Hall (Photo/Michael Chait)

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It’s been a big year for Dustin Lowman.

The 2011 Staples High School and 2015 Middlebury College graduate performed at his first music festival (Black Bear Americana Fest); began hosting a Bob Dylan series at Cafe Wha?; opened for prominent artists like Marcellus Hall, Will Dailey and Ira Wolf, and got his first radio airplay.

Now he’s released his first new music in 6 years.

“Invulnerable” — his album of original songs — is available now. It straddles 2 stylistic worlds: the discursive balladeering of archetypal folk, and the more impressionistic lyricism of post-Dylan folk.

Dustin — who performed at last summer’s Soundview Stroll at Compo Beach — is booking concerts for the coming months.

We look forward to his “bringing it all back home.” In the meantime, you can listen to “Invulnerable” below. (Be sure to click the three-stripe icon in the upper right.)

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Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are seniors Brianna Caporale and Henry Lobsenz, juniors Sarah Kalb and Grady McHugh, sophomores Jace Darby and Maya Stafford, and freshmen Derin Leon and Moni Mazaheri.

Those students “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike,” says principal Stafford Thomas.

“They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”

Nominations come from teachers, who select “all-around good citizens.”

October Students of the Month (from left): Grady McHugh, Henry Lobsenz, Derin Leon, Jace Darby, Sarah Kalb, Maya Stafford, Brianna Caporale. Missing: Moni Mazaheri.

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More Staples news: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Cohn and Olivia Saw will represent the schools next months, at the 11th Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit in Le Havre, France.

Delegates are  high performing students interested in world affairs. At the event, the Westporters and other teens from 18 countries around the globe will develop action plans to address an issue affecting their community and the world — then implement them.

From left: Kate Bulkeley, Olivia Saw, Olivia Cohn.

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More Staples news: The cheer team hosts an Election Day clinic for grades 1-8 (November 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

It’s fun — and a fundraiser for the squad.

The fee of $75 before November 1, $85 after includes lunch and a t-shirt. Click here to register.

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Many drivers treat the stop sign at Bayberry Lane and Easton Road as a suggestion, not a command.

Perhaps this recent addition will make them put on the brakes, and pay attention:

(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

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Several readers sent photos of the Tsuchinshan-ATLAS comet that streaked over the area yesterday.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to photograph a comet. They’re far away, and they fly by fast.

Here’s one that shows a bit of the show, from Gabriela Hayes in Weston:

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

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Affordable housing — one of Westport’s hottest topics — was the subject of yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club luncheon talk.

David Newberg — chair of the Westport Housing Authority since 2004 — discussed the past, present and future of local affordable housing.

The WSA owns, manages and develops affordable housing in town. Their 221 units house 450 people, most of whom are from Westport. The WHA has spent $65 million dollars over the years restoring and developing these units.

Newberg said that the major obstacle to building more units to meet demand is the scarcity of buildable land. The major reason that land is so hard to come by, he noted, is that people generally do not want affordable housing in their neighborhoods. It can take years to get land allocated for this purpose.

David Newberg, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Nature is always on view at Sherwood Island State Park.

This week, Deb Krayson captured an Alfred Hitchcock-themed image for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Deb Krayson)

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And finally … in honor of the Sherwood Island photo above:

(It is always the season to support “06880.” Please click here for a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Politics, Staples HS, Transportation

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Alison Milwe Grace Savors Her New Book

Posted on October 16, 2024 | 6 comments

For years, clients and friends urged Alison Milwe Grace to write a book.

One day last year, she woke up and said, “I’ll do it!”

The longtime owner of AMG Catering & Events wanted to share her culinary passion, inspire others to cook, and connect people through food.

There was only one problem: She had no theme. Alison had a huge repertoire of recipes. How could she narrow them down to an idea that made sense?

Her “aha!” moment came when she realized that “there’s always a reason to celebrate with food.”

From Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day to Sunday brunch and football games, meals are at the center of what we do.

“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” — Alison’s first book — has just been published. That’s one more reason to celebrate.

Alison — who is also a beloved culinary teacher at Staples High School (her alma mater, Class of 1988) — purposely stayed away from Christmas recipes.

“I didn’t want ‘holiday’ in the title,” she says. “This is more about all the other types of celebrations.”

Alison is used to the long time frame of setting up a catering event: planning menu, ordering food, cooking, serving, and cleaning up.

But writing “Savor” took far longer. She researched and interviewed many writers and editors, before selecting Tracy Holleran.

Alison then enlisted Eileen Clark Sawyer, a noted food photographer, to shoot the  servings.

Alison Milwe Grace’s Passover Seder meal includes Grandma Bea’s brisket, lemon potatoes and shaved Brussels sprouts salad. All are gluten-free.

The wait was worth it. The pages are filled with recipes that are delicious, fun and adventurous, but not overwhelming.

“Sunday Football Snacks” features, for example, zucchini chips with sriracha aioli, Thai mini-meatball and spicy apricot glazed wings (the latter two are gluten-free).

For Oktoberfest Alison offers soft pretzels with German beer cheese dip, chicken schnitzel with lemon herb salad, and easy apple strudel with puff pastry.

Ready for a Day of the Dead feast? She’ll help you whip up pumpkin margaritas, cabbage enchiladas, zucchini burrito cups, and turkey-taco lettuce wraps.

Celebrate the 4th of July: hanger steak with chimichurri, potato salad with mustard and watercress, and a grilled romaine wedge salad.

Though Alison knows her way around any kitchen, writing a book was hard.

“It was way outside my comfort zone,” she says. “But that was one more reason to do it. You get better by stretching yourself.”

Among the challenges: finding the right recipes, then toning them down from the large groups she’s used to working with, to just 6 or 8 people.

Plus, Alison says, “I had to make sure I included every ingredient. I know what I use in my head. But I couldn’t forget anything.”

Valentine’s dinner for 2: sexy spicy lobster pasta, winter greens with maple vinaigrette, and Bailey’s parfaits. (All photos/Eileen Clark Sawyer)

In the middle of the book is a chapter called “Savoring the Journey.” It’s Alison’s own story.

It’s a good one. And like Alison herself, it’s fun.

She began by baking cakes in elementary school. She worked as a cheese monger in high school, waitressed her way through college, managed fine dining establishments post-graduation, then became executive chef at an award-winning restaurant

Alison has appeared on the Food Network’s “Kitchen Casino” and “Supermarket Stakeout,” and won a James Beard Scholarship.

“I love to share my passion for food and cooking,” the first-time author says.

“This is an extension of that. It just happens to be on paper.”

Now her many satisfied, well-fed clients can savor one more of Alison Milwe Grace’s treats.

(For more information, and to order “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate,” click here.)

(“06880” covers Westport’s broad and deep dining scene, in all its forms. But we’ll starve without reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Library Book Sale, Waxing The City, Kings Highway Pink Day …

Posted on October 15, 2024 | 8 comments

A true fall highlight — the Westport Library’s book sale — returns November 1-4.

The event includes thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories, plus antiquarian items, vinyl records, CDs (music, movies and TV), plus more.

This year’s highlights include:

  • Contemporary novels and poetry from the personal library of former Publisher’s Weekly editor Sybil Steinberg — signed by their authors
  • Library of America volumes, first editions, in slip cases
  • An extensive collection of history books, especially military, with many scarce titles
  • A broad assortment of fiction, nonfiction and collectible books in more than a dozen languages, including Turkish and German
  • A large assortment of framed art, from small desktop pieces to large wall
  • “Fiction for $1 Room” — mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction, etc., with new copies of Jane Green’s novels (many of them in foreign languages).

Hours: Friday, November 1 (12 to 6 p.m.); Saturday, November 2 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.);  Sunday, November 3 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; half-price day); Monday, November 4 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library’s logo bag for $10, or yours for $8; individual items half-price). For more details, click here.

NOTE: 125 early-access tickets will be sold, for $35 each (Friday, November 1, 8:45 a.m. to noon); click here for tickets.

Westport Library Book Sale.

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Most businesses wax and wane.

Westport’s newest one will always wax.

Waxing the City opens on Halloween Day in Playhouse Square, between The Granola Bar and Innovation Luggage. The previous tenant was, interestingly, Kennedy’s All-American Barber.

Studio manager Destani Station says, “We are a premium waxing studio dedicated to providing expert hair removal services with a focus on comfort, care and personalized experience.

“We specialize in a full range of waxing services for both men and women, from brows to full-body, ensuring top-quality results with our highly trained cerologists. Our studios feature cutting-edge techniques and products that leave clients feeling confident and refreshed after each visit.

“What sets us apart are our enhancements: from customized brow shaping to skincare treatments that elevate the post-wax glow, we offer tailored services that go beyond the basics.

“We chose to open in Westport because the community here thrives on mutual support, and we felt our services were genuinely needed in the area. Westport’s close-knit vibe made it the perfect location for a Waxing the City studio, and we’re thrilled to be part of such a dynamic community.”

Bookings (now 50% off) are available via the website or phone: 203-293-4401.

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Kings Highway School recently celebrated its annual Pink Day. And they did not mess around.

The entire campus was decorated. Ribbons fluttered all around, and students and staff proudly wore pink attire.

The Westport Police Department joined in, providing fire safety talks to all classes.

As part of the event students placed dollars in pink boots.

The highlight: everyone created a stunning ribbon garden, symbolizing unity and hope.

It was a powerful demonstration of the importance of making a difference, raising awareness, and donating funds to support breast cancer research.

Aerial view: Kings Highway students form a pink ribbon.

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Every Staples High School (and every other school) reunion class says the same thing: “I can’t believe it’s been [insert number of] years!”

For the SHS Class of 2004, the number is 20. Yikes!

On Friday, November 1, all grads are invited to watch the Wrecker football team play Danbury, 7 p.m. at home. Members of the class and their families will be admitted free.

On Saturday, November 2 (5:30 p.m.), there’s a guided tour of the “new” Staples (the one under construction while the ’04 class was there).

They’ll follow with a celebration at Little Barn (7 to 10 p.m.). Alumni and guests can RVSP here.

In 2004, the Homecoming pep rally was held in the gym.

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Save the Children’s Fairfield County Leadership Council hosts a cooking demonstration, cocktails and conversation with Chef Fariyal Abdullahi (October 30, 6:30 p.m., The Patterson Club, Fairfield).

It’s a benefit for STC’s Emergency Fund. Fariyal will discuss her work with Save the Children, including a recent visit to Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian-born chef earned a degree in clinical child psychology, before pursuing her passion for cooking at the Culinary Institute of America. She has traveled the world, and worked at renowned establishments on several continents.

Fariayal’s Ethiopian-inspired dishes have been showcased at the Met Gala and in Vogue. She is the executive chef at Hav & Mar in New York, and a judge on Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Alex vs. America.”

For tickets, click here or email mleffel@savethechildren.org.

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Jazz vocalist Alma Micic first came to Jazz at the Post with her husband — guitarist Rale Micic’s — ensemble. She tore the place apart.

She returns this Thursday (October 17), as part of a monthlong celebration of female bandleaders.

Alms is joined by her husband Rale, bassist Peter Slavoy and drummer Jason Tiemann. Tenor titan Eric Alexander fills in for Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

There are 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here for tickets.

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Fred Hunter III of Wilton died unexpectedly on October 2. He was 80.

He moved several times during his youth, as his father was a minor league coach with the Cincinnati Reds. He graduated from Heidelberg University in 1966, married his wife of 48 years, Carole Sue (Harper), in 1967, then embarked on s sales career in the paper industry, starting in Dallas. He spent many years in Centerville, Ohio before settling in Westport in 1982.

Fred was an accomplished golfer. He won club championships, recorded holes-in-one, and recently shot his age or better several times.

He was involved with the Longshore Men’s Golf Association and Y’s Men of Westport and Weston for many years. He was also a youth baseball coach, and a fan of the Reds and Dallas Cowboys.

Fred is survived by his sons Paul (Wendy) and James (partner Courtney Bauknecht), grandchildren Lauren and Chase of Hinsdale, Illinois, and dear friend and companion Kathleen Lala of Wilton. He was preceded by his wife Carole and brother Edwin.

The family will receive friends at the Harding Funeral Home on October 24 (3 to 7 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Y’s Men of Westport, Box Box 167, Westport, CT 06881.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit, um, unusual.

(Photo/Christen Worobec)

Look closely. That’s something very natural, but gross: A pile of dog poop.

Yes, on Compo Beach.

And tied next to it — perhaps as a warning, perhaps making a diamond out of dung — is a pretty bow, tied to a pick-up-poop bag.

We don’t know the back story. But we do know this: Clean up after your dog, people. The beach belongs to all of us. We don’t need anyone acting like a piece of —-!

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And finally … on this day in 1878, the Edison Electric Light Company began operation.

(New businesses, non-profit benefits, dogs on the beach — “06880” covers them all. If you enjoy Westport’s hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Roundup: Ben Casparius’ Historic Inning, Staples’ Famous Concerts, Lynsey Addario’s Compelling Story …

Posted on October 14, 2024 | 5 comments

New York Mets fans were not pleased.

But plenty of Westport who root for the Queens team were nonetheless excited in the 9th inning of last night’s Game 1 of the National League Championship Series.

Ben Casparius — the 2017 Staples High School graduate, who was called up to the majors in August, and has responded well in relief — closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-0 win, at Dodger Stadium.

The Mets went down 1-2-3, in the fourth-largest shutout win in postseason history.

The Dodgers have now matched the 1966 Baltimore Orioles for the longest scoreless streak ever — 33 innings — in a single postseason.

Game 2 is today at 4 p.m. EDT (Fox/FS 1).

Ben Casparius (Photo courtesy of Dave Briggs)

Click here to watch the inning he pitched. Click below for a great post-game interview.

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Three days ago, our Friday Flashback referenced the many bands that played concerts at Staples High School, in the 1960s and ’70s.

If it sounded too good to be true — a hallucination, perhaps — here’s proof.

“The High School That Rocked!” — the 2017 documentary that chronicles concerts at Staples by the Doors, Cream, Rascals, Animals, Remains, Sly and the Family Stone, and others (including a very young, pre-Aerosmith Steve Tyler) — is available to stream today.

Fred Cantor — a 1971 Staples grad who, to his everlasting regret, missed those shows — made the film with Casey Denton, a 2014 Staples grad who was born way after that golden era. The film earned kudos on the festival circuit.

You can find it by clicking here.

Better yet, click below.

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Lynsey Addario’s latest New York Times story is one of her most harrowing.

“Mom, I Want to Live” chronicles the struggles of a young 6-year-old Ukrainian girl. She’s battling cancer, while her country battles the Russian invasion.

Her father was killed on the front line.

Addario — a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner, who graduated from Staples in 1991 — contributed both the compelling photos and riveting text.

Click here to see, and read. (Hat tip: Mary Condon)

Lynsey Addario’s photos capture the heartbreak — and occasional joys — of a 6-year-old girl in Ukraine. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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There is plenty of nature — flowers, birds and more — in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, by Audrey Hertzel:

(Photo/Audrey Hertzel)

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Today is both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.

The second holiday began in Berkeley, California, in 1992, to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus in the Americas (October 12, 1492). It recognizes that America was not “discovered”; millions of people already lived here.

Indigenous Peoples Day has since been adopted by other cities and states.

In 2021, Joe Biden became the first president to issue a proclamation honoring the holiday.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support, today and every day. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Brad Tursi, Recovery Benefit, Lynsey Addario …

Posted on October 13, 2024 | 1 comment

Brad Tursi rocked his return to Westport.

The Old Dominion singer/songwriter/guitarist — with a passel of Country Music Association awards — is a 1997 Staples High School graduate.

Brad was best known there as a soccer player.

But he’s honed his musical craft in the years since. Now — while still a member of Old Dominion — he’s embarked on a solo career.

Backed by a very tight 5-piece band, and hot off the release of his new “Parallel Love” album, Brad delighted a full house at the Levitt Pavilion last night.

It was the group’s first public performance, he said. And his first as a solo artist.

The Levitt was also, he noted, where he first played, with Staples friends Ryan O’Neill and Dan Asher. O’Neill (now known as Ryan Smith) joined him for a final number.

Brad bantered with the audience. Many were long-time Westport friends (and a couple of his old soccer coaches). He gave shout-outs to his mom.

It was a wonderful Westport night, with a big-time entertainer who was nonetheless thrilled to be back home.

Brad Tursi, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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It’s late notice. But an event today is worth noting, even with just a few hours to go.

This afternoon (4 p.m.), Mitchells of Westport hosts a benefit for Recovery Community Development. The non-profit offers men and women in 12-step and other addiction economic programs the job skills, supportive housing and social services needed to become productive citizens in Bridgeport and Norwalk.

Guest speaker Craig Melvin — the NBC “Today” News anchor, and a Westport resident — will discuss his own family legacy of addiction and incarceration. He’ll describe the power of transformation, redemption and faith, and explore the challenges facing all dads. (He’s the father of 2 young children.) Click here for tickets.

Tony Kiniry, executive director of Recovery Community Development, spoke about the work his organization does — and previewed today’s event — at Friday’s Sunrise Rotary Club meeting. Bill Mitchell also praised RDC’s work.

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Our “06880” blog is “where Westport meets the world.”

And today we’ve got a small-world story, courtesy of Wakeman Town Farm.

The other day, on a random spot on a random island in the out-of-the-way Azores, 2 groups of travelers randomly found each other.

Ashley Constantino — a descendant of the Wakeman family, which for decades owned the Cross Highway farm property — was with one group. Alex Brandfon was with another. He spotted Ashley’s boyfriend’s WTF hoodie.

They chatted, discovered their local connection, and took this photo. WTF!

Chance encounter, in the Azores.

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Speaking of the world: Internationally renowned New York Times photojournalist (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario’s new exhibit, “RAW,” opened Friday, at Lyle & King Gallery on Henry Street, in lower Manhattan.

Dave Matlow was at the gallery yesterday. He took photos of Lynsey’s images, which were shot in Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, Kenya, Panama and many other countries.

The exhibit runs through November 9.

Lynsey Addario’s work, on display. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” features our first-ever Eastern kingbird.

Naturally, the regal-looking image comes from one of our favorite wildlife photographers: Lou Weinberg.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Happy Father-Daughter Day!

(Fathers! Daughters! And everyone else! If you enjoy “06880,” please click here to help support our work. We rely almost entirely on contributions from readers like you. Thank you.)

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Friday Flashback #420

Posted on October 11, 2024 | 8 comments

This month marks the 58th anniversary of the Yardbirds’ concert at Staples High School.

The blues-influenced rock band was one of many top groups that played in the local auditorium, from 1965 through the early ’70s. Others included the Doors, Animals, Rascals, Byrds, J. Geils and Peter Frampton. Sly & the Family Stone played at a dance, in the gym.

(For the back story on how all that musical history went down, click here.)

The Yardbirds’ lineup on October 22, 1966 did not include Eric Clapton. He left the year before, to join John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers. But Clapton was on the Staples stage on March 27, 1968, with his supergroup Cream: drummer Ginger Baker and guitarist Jack Bruce.

The Yardbirds who played at Staples did include Jimmy Page (who earned even more fame later with Led Zeppelin) and Jeff Beck. Both (with Clapton) are in Rolling Stone’s list of “100 Greatest Guitarists.”

Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck tuning up in what was (and still is) the Staples High School choral room. The photo was taken by Linda Eastman — the woman who became Paul McCartney’s wife and fellow Wings musician. In 1966 she was a young photographer. She heard the Yardbirds were playing in Westport, and came to see them.

That concert was memorable for one other reason. The lead singer for the opening act — the Chain Reaction — was a young guy named Steve Tallarico.

He later changed it to Steve Tyler. Yep, that Steve Tyler — the Aerosmith guy.

Steve Tallarico (later Steve Tyler), with the Chain Reaction at Staples. (Photo from Mark Smollin’s “The Real Rock & Roll High School.”)

That Yardbirds gig at Staples was a pivotal moment in young Steve’s career. It inspired him to have a career in music.

In 1995, he told that story when Aerosmith inducted Led Zeppelin in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

It’s played on an endless loop there ever since. Listen below:

(Hat tip: Mark Smollin’s “The Real Rock & Roll High School”)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Long Lots Plans, Political Lawn Sign, Staples Players’ “Elf” …

Posted on October 11, 2024 | 39 comments

This week, the Long Lots School Building Committee provided updates to the Boards of Finance and Education.

In the weeks ahead, they plan to meet with Long Lots neighbors. The LLSBC will
“listen to all questions, suggestions and concerns from the neighbors and discuss the current school design. We will restate that water management, both during and after the project, is a key priority for the LLSBC and the town. We will acknowledge that the project will be disruptive for the neighbors and affirm that we will do our best to mitigate the disruption and listen to the neighbors throughout the process.

The LLSBC will also meet with the Long Lots PTA, to “discuss the project and listen to parents’ questions, suggestions and concerns about the design of the new school including parent and bus drop offs, project timing, safety, and efforts to minimize disruption for all parties during construction.

In a meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission, they provide an update on the project.

The LLSBC and design team will also meet with the members of the Westport Community Gardens. They will “listen to questions and seek input and suggestions about the construction of the new relocated Community Garden. The new garden is currently forecast to be ready, along with the new athletic fields and parking lots, the year following completion of the new school building.

“Currently the first planting season in the new relocated garden would be in the spring of 2028. We’ll reaffirm that this growing season (2024) will be the last for the current garden as mobilization and construction is forecast to begin in the spring of 2025.”

They will “also highlight that the First Selectwoman met with the Garden Steering Committee in late August and offered to work with the gardeners to move them to the Baron’s South property adjacent to the Senior Center. This move would allow the new gardens to open significantly sooner than the spring of 2028, which was the main impetus for the LLSBC to suggest this in our initial recommendation in October of 2023. The discussions between the First Selectwoman and the Garden Steering Committee regarding a move to Baron’s South are outside the scope of the LLSBC and the construction of the new Long Lots school.”

Plans are moving ahead for construction of the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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With less than a month to go before the presidential election, political signs are popping up all around town.

Some are for Harris/Walz. Others tout Trump/Vance.

They’re not generally noteworthy. But one on Saugatuck Shores caught our eye.

It wasn’t the message. It was the messenger.

The sign belongs to Betty Lou Cummings.

The 90-year-old and still very active volunteer is well known in town. In nearly 50 years here she founded the long-running Apple Festival, organized fundraisers like the Riverwalk and Westport Library River of Names, advocated for the Senior Center advocate, and served on the Representative Town Meeting.

She is also a former 2nd Selectwoman.

A Republican 2nd Selectwoman.

Betty Lou Cummings. Back in the day, she was a Michigan State cheerleader.

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Tickets to Staples Players’ “Elf: The Musical” go on sale tomorrow (Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase.

Performances for the family-friendly show are November 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7 p.m., and November 16, 17, 23 at 2 p.m.

“Elf” tells the story of a suspiciously oversized elf named Buddy who has been raised by Santa in the North Pole. Overhearing the news that he’s actually a human, he embarks on a journey to New York City in a quest to find his father, who, he soon discovers, is on the naughty list.

Buddy’s own half-brother also doesn’t believe in Santa. Buddy decides to change the outlook of his new family and bring the true meaning of Christmas back into New York City. Along the way he discovers friendship, romance, and his true identity.

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A rare sighting on the Saugatuck River yesterday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 stirred excitement: the arrival of dredging equipment.

The last previous work there was 20 years ago.

Dredging operations are expected to begin today.

(Photo/Phil Delgado)

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Twenty current and former members of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting celebrated Restaurant Week yesterday, with lunch at The Boathouse.

The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event — actually 2 weeks — ends Sunday. Click here for a list of participating restaurants, with links to their menus.

RTM members lunch locally, at The Boathouse.

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Ken Feinberg — who as special master of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was responsible for the disbursement of over $7 billion dollars — is the special guest at next Thursday’s “Common Ground Conversation” at the Westport Library.

At “Civil Discourse to Resolve Complex Disputes,” the October event (7 p.m.)
Feinberg will share his experience and expertise in bringing people together to analyze, understand, and resolve complex disputes. Steve Parrish will moderate the discussion.

The Common Ground initiative will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

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Speaking of the Library: How much we know about our environment and how we interact with it is the theme of their newest Verso Studios podcast, “Real World.”

A collaboration with Marisa Manley, the goal is “to explore, celebrate, and help listeners understand and possibly improve the built and created environment which surrounds us,” she says.

“We examine what the world is made of, how it came to be this way, and how it functions — in sometimes surprising ways.”

Episodes focus on everything from high-rise buildings and street signs to leggings and rocking chairs. Manley explores how they were designed, how they can be improved, and how they benefit all of us.

The podcast debuted Wednesday with 3 episodes, each 15 minutes long. An additional episode drops every other week.

It’s available on the Verso Studios podcast page, and through podcast distributors like Apple and Spotify.

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Two of our town’s most exciting groups of people — StartUp Westport, and creative Staples High School graduates — join forces on November 25 (Westport Library, 6:30 p.m.).

The public/private partnership for our tech and innovation community hosts the first Young Innovators Forum. It’s a celebration of the groundbreaking innovations developed by remarkable alums.

Staples’ computer science program has nurtured a generation of young entrepreneurs. Visionary founders — all under the age of 26 — have launched transformative technologies and startups that are reshaping industries and attracting significant investment.

They’ll speak about challenges they’ve faced, solutions they’ve found, funding and investment, and the future of innovation in Westport.

Panelists — all from Staples — include Dylan Diamond, co-founder and CEO, Saturn Technologies; Max Hammer, co-Ffounder and CEO, CrowdVolt; Josh Karol, co-founder and CTO, CrowdVolt, and Jack Sharkey, co-founder and CTO, Whop

Staples alum Molly O’Shea — a venture capital investor and founder of Sourcey, will moderate.

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On Monday, “06880” reported that Pure Salon has closed.

Despite a “Retail Space For Lease” sign in the window, the Taylor Place shop remains open.

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Staples boys soccer fans were excited yesterday by the Wreckers’ 7-0 defeat of St. Joseph, at Wakeman Field.

But no one was more thrilled than several dozen boys and girls from Luis Marin Elementary School. The Bridgeport youngsters — participants in the Lighthouse program — have been mentored this year by members of the Staples team.

Among the project leaders: senior Alex Kuster. He also donated 1,200 childhood books to the program.

They took a special bus trip to Westport yesterday, to cheer on their idols. They were greeted before the game. At halftime, they participated in a penalty kick contest.

And afterward, they celebrated with the teenagers who this fall have become their friends.

Staples players and Luis Marin students, after the game. (Photo/Mike Beebe)

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Speaking of sports: This weekend, the Staples rugby team starts its fall touch program. It runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sundays through November 24, at Staples’ Loeffler Field, for 8th-12th graders — and parents. No experience is necessary.

An open house is set for October 20, to answer parents’ questions.

Staples High School rugby team.

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In the interest of safety and efficiency — and to accommodate commuters and school traffic — the milling and paving project of Long Lots Road will be conducted outside regularly established days and hours.

Work will be done on two Saturdays — tomorrow and October 19 — and this Monday, the Columbus Day holiday.

Work will begin at 7 a.m., and end at 3 p.m.

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Daisies in the morning Compo Beach light are the focus of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … today, in honor of National Coming Out Day for the LGBTQ+ community:

(Happy Coming Out Day! To celebrate, please click here and make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” We could not publish this hyper-local blog without reader support.)

 

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Superintendent Reassures Residents After Swatting Incident

Posted on October 3, 2024 | 5 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:

Last evening the Westport Police Department was informed of the potential of an international group planning to send swatting calls nationwide to schools reporting that a shooter was in the school building.

The information was shared with chiefs of police statewide. The Connecticut State Police command staff was also notified. The information was described as very vague.

Given the (Rosh Hashanah) holiday, the WPD shared the information. We remained on standby in the event Westport received this potential swatting call. The WPD confirmed that a call was received identifying Staples High School with information similar to the warning last night.

As a precaution, a number of WPD officers were dispatched to Staples. They walked the building, particularly the bathrooms, the place identified in the swatting call.  The entire facility was cleared by the WPD.

Westport Police presence at Staples today, after the swatting call.

I have been in communication with Police Chief Foti Koskinsas. We agreed that an additional presence will be on, and near, our campuses tomorrow, all arriving well before school starts.

Fortunately, our effective partnership with the WPD enabled us to prepare well in advance for this potential report. Although the holiday made it easier with our schools largely empty, we did not soften our preparation, and the WPD communicated an assertive response once the actual call was received.

A swatting call is a false report to emergency services to prompt a strong police response to a specific address. The goal is to frighten, harass, or cause problems for the target.

I can assure the community that our strong safety protocols and continued partnership with the WPD provide a safe school environment for all of our students and staff.

 

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Posted in Education, Police, Staples HS

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