Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Tree Lighting, Holiday Giving, Wreath Sale …

Posted on December 6, 2024 | 4 comments

With a countdown by little kids (and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker), some blasts from the Westport Fire Department’s trucks, and the flick of a switch, the Town Hall holiday tree was officially lit yesterday.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and her helpers.

The Staples High School Orphenians provided music. The Westport Museum for History & Culture added hot chocolate.

Choral director Lauren Pine leads the Staples Orphenians.

The ceremony was quick, fun — and cold.

The tree will shine brightly, throughout New Year’s.

The tree — and the fire trucks that salute it. (All photos/Dan Woog)

At the start of the ceremony, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch offered this special poem, called “Lights Up”:

We spar with darkness in December.
The day’s light fed and put to bed by four.
We resist with hymns and gingerbread,
wreathes and songs, Dancer, Prancer,
Cupid, Vixen and that soul who steers the sleigh.
Tonight we gather to sing and illuminate our living tree.
No chainsaw teeth, for us, nothing felled, hoisted or hauled.
We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars.
And so our noble tree reminds us to trust the truth we know.
There is living. And there is loving.
And there is no more light than that.

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The Westport Human Services Department’s annual Holiday Giving Program is in full swing.

And it’s important.

The department is seeing more families in need. Parents are dealing with unemployment, underemployment, rising costs, and other stresses.

With multiple jobs and tight budgets, there is little or no money left over for gifts.

100% of donations go directly to families in need.

Click here for the  “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program,” or mail a check to Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services for free, confidential consultation and assistance. Call 203-341-1050, or humansrv@westportct.gov.

Questions? Contact Annette D’Augelli: adaugelli@westportct.gov; 203-341-1183.

A little gift goes a long way.

Westporters will be out in force this weekend, buying Christmas trees and gifts.

But don’t forget holiday wreaths!

Scout Troop 36 is selling wreaths Saturday (December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sunday (December 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods are also available.

Funds will help projects like the installation of Eastern bluebird houses and bat boxes at Earthplace. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.

Troop 36 Scouts, and a few of their wreaths.

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As the story above shows, Westporters help neighbors.

They also help strangers — who have become friends — thousands of miles away.

Luca Caniato is a senior at Staples High School, and president of Il Circolo Italiano (the Italian Club). He writes:

“For many children in Rione Sanità, Naples, the holiday season doesn’t come with the joy and celebration it should. This year, we have the opportunity to bring a little extra Christmas magic into their lives.

“Centro La Tenda, a beacon of hope in this community, provides a safe haven for these children, offering them education, support, and the chance to dream beyond their circumstances. With your help, we’re raising funds to buy Christmas gifts for these children. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread holiday cheer and show them they are cared for.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward purchasing gifts that will bring smiles and joy to these kids.

“Let’s come together to create a Christmas full of hope, happiness and community for the children of Centro La Tenda. Thank you for your generosity, and for helping make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most!”

Click here to donate.

Children at Centro La Tenda, in Naples.

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You may be tired of hearing “Jingle Bells” (and/or “Jingle Bell Rock”) everywhere you turn.

But the Westport Weston Family Y’MCA’s Jingle Bells Jamboree is well worth checking out.

The Saturday, December 14 family event (5:30 to 7 p.m.) includes ornament decorating, face painting, a bouncy house, and a bus ride/light show to the “North Pole” (Mahackeno Outdoor Center).

Once at Beck Lodge, children will meet Santa, explore his holiday workshop, enjoy free hot cocoa and snacks, and create a special ornament for display in the Y lobby.

A pizza truck will be on-site, serving food.

Tickets for the Jingle Bells Jamboree are $10 for Y members, $20 for non-members (admission is for children only; adults go free). Parents are required to accompany their children. Click here to purchase.

Jingle Bell Jamboree, at the Y.

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The curtain rises tonight on the Bedford Acting Group’s production of “Shrek: The Musical.”

The young actors and tech crew have worked hard on their comedic timing, beloved music, fun costumes, great puppetry and spectacular sets (with help from a “Saturday Night Live” designer).

the beloved fairytale to life with stunning performances, hilarious comedic timing, and unforgettable music.

Shows are tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.); tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (3 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and cast lists.

Bedford actors (from left): Maya Greenblatt, Beya Altman, Dylan Post, Genevive Watras,  Maya Steigler, Olivia Wollowick.

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Ed Simek writes: “My was driving yesterday, when suddenly her ‘low tire pressure’ light went on.

“She drove to Fetzer Tire to have it checked out. The first question they asked was, ‘Have you been near Staples today?’

“We live next to the high school, so the answer was yes. Fetzer said that 7 cars pulled in already, with the same problem.

“Apparently a truck near the school spilled a box of 3-inch drywall screws all over the road.

“The guy at Fetzer pulled a screw out of our tire. One woman had 5 screws in her tires.

“I guess there’s not much we can do about it, except warn people. I’m sure there are still many screws lying in the road.”

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Johanna Keyser Rossi could not tell what kind of bird this was. It took off too quickly.

But it’s a good candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. If you know the name, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the YMCA’s Jingle Bell Jamboree (story above), here is the song you hoped I wouldn’t post.

Fortunately, it’s not the ubiquitous Bobby Helms version. This is one you may not have heard.

Plus, it’s not the song you always hear from this group, either. Party on!

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything Westport-related. If you enjoy learning about our community — and don’t mind the occasional song like this — please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Staples HS, YMCA

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Roundup: Sister Cities’ Goal, Saturday’s Stroll, Wreckers Roll …

Posted on December 4, 2024 | 1 comment

Nearly 80 years ago, Westport’s sister city relationship with Marigny, France began with Christmas gifts.

Westporters donated, then shipped dozens of presents, for youngsters in the Normandy town that was just beginning to recover from World War II.

The tradition continued for years. The boys and girls who received those gifts — now in their 80s — have never forgotten Westport’s generosity.

Now Marigny is paying it forward. For the second year in a row, they have collected, and shipped, Christmas gifts for children in Lyman, Ukraine. That’s the sister city that Marigny and Westport now share.

They’ll add others — a total of 500 — for other youngsters in Kharkiv and surrounding towns, which like Lyman have been devastated by Russia’s invasion.

Gifts galore, in Marigny.

This Saturday, Marigny residents are invited to a “symbolic send-off ceremony” of the presents.

Donors, partners and friends of the Westport-Marigny-Le-Lozon-Lyman Association, and the Rotary Clubs of the Manche region, will be there. They’ve been working on this project all year long.

The ceremony takes place in one of the central squares in the village: “Place Westport.”

Meanwhile, don’t forget: Westport is helping Lyman this holiday season too.

We’re raising $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years. That will pay for them — scattered now, as they have been evacuated from their homes — to get together, with friends, teachers and counselors, at a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains.

To help, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

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Ho ho ho!

Look who’s promoting this Saturday’s “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.

Click below to see. Then click here for full details on the festive, family-friendly event.

See you on Main Street, from 5 to 7 p.m.!

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The Staples High School football team rolled to a 42-6 victory over Manchester  last night, in the quarterfinals of the state Class “LL” (extra large schools) tournament.

There #2-ranked Wreckers move on to the semifinals on Sunday. They’ll face #3 Greenwich at 12:30 p.m. That contest, like yesterday’s, will be played at home.

The Cardinals are familiar with Paul Lane Field. Just lat week, on Thanksgiving Day, the Westporters trounced them, 27-0.

The No. 2 Staples football team put together a dominant effort in the state Class LL quarterfinals Tuesday, clobbering No. 7 Manchester 42-6.

Quarterback Neil Weil (9 of 18 completions for 155 yards; 3 touchdowns), Shane Sandrew (2 touchdowns), Anthony Armentano (2 TDs) and Nathan Smith (1 TD) keyed the decisive win.

Nathan Smith, in action against Greenwich last week. (Photo/Douglas Healey)

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Last night, Westport’s Town Representative Meeting celebrated its 75th anniversary with speeches, cake, and a commemorative booklet.

But the legislative body is also looking forward.

Their page on the town website has been updated. Gone is the dull, bureaucratic look. It’s now livelier — at least, in the confines of what a municipal website should look like. (Click here to see.)

A header shows members marching proudly (and non-partisanly) in the Memorial Day. Photos liven up the links, to pages like FAQs, Members, District Map and Minutes.

There’s even a link to that new 75th anniversary brochure.

Screenshot of the new town website RTM page.

PS: Planning way ahead: The RTM invites all Westporters to a “Community Conversation,” with members.

Mark the date: Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2 p.m. at the Westport Library.

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Also last night: A large crowd celebrated the release of Alison Milwe Grace’s new book, “Savor: Recipes to Celebrate,” last night at Wakeman Town Farm.

The energetic, talented owner of AMG Catering & Events greeted her fans and friends. She answered questions from her aunt, longtime Westporter Liz Milwe.

And, of course, she made sure her guests were well fed.

Alison Milwe Grace, her book and her chacuterie. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Easton Road was closed in both directions between Bayberry Lane and Sturges Highway this morning.

A large tree fell on a pickup truck, blocking both lanes. The driver was hospitalized.

A state crew was on the scene, cleaning debris.

(Hat tip and photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Holiday Festival this Sunday (December 8, 1 to 4 p.m.) will benefit the Survive-Oars, the great program that helps breast cancer survivors heal and find community on and off the water.

The afternoon features live music, mulled wine, spiked warm cider, fire pits, s’mores, a raw bar, charcuterie, hot cocoa, dunkable grilled cheese and tomato soup, and a cash bar.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there (1 to 2:30 p.m.).

Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for Al’s Angels.

Tickets are $50 (tax-deductible) — and kids are free. Click here for tickets.

Saugatuck Survive-Oars

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Also this Sunday: The Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Winter Choral Concert (December 8, 7 p.m.)

Two favorite groups — the Staples Orphenians and Dartmouth Brovertones — perform classic pop tunes, and Christmas favorites. Admission is free.

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“Broadway’s Bad Boys” invade the Westport Country Playhouse next month, for 5 performances (January 23-26).

They’ll showcase many of the good songs that villains sing. There’s “Phantom of the Opera,” “Beauty and the Beast,” even a little Harold Hill.

Click here for dates, tickets and more information.

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The plantings up and down Soundview Drive — courtesy of the Compo Beach Improvement Association — delight beachgoers every spring and summer.

But they have a special beauty now, as winter nears. Celia Campbell-Mohn captured their late-fall look, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash recorded together at the Sun Record Studios in Memphis. It was the only time the “Million Dollar Quartet” played together, and was entirely unplanned.

(We’re not asking for a million dollars [though we wouldn’t turn it down.] But we hope you appreciate “06880” enough to toss a few coins, or whatever feels right, our way. Just click here — thanks!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” Podcast: Steve Zimmerman

Posted on December 2, 2024 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Steve Zimmerman

Steve Zimmerman has one of the best jobs in town: coordinator of music and visual arts for the Westport Public Schools.

He came here after 25 years as band director at schools in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. He’s been named Connecticut Music Educator of the Year, and of 50 Yale Distinguished Music Educators.

Steve has sung at Carnegie Hall, and performed as a trombonist all over the East. The other day, he added “06880: The Podcast” to his resumé.

Click below, to hear — just a couple of weeks before Staples High School’s 84th annual Candlelight Concert — our wide-ranging conversation.

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Posted in Education, Media, Staples HS

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge Lighting, Lyman Fundraising, Small Business Day …

Posted on November 30, 2024 | 4 comments

Two days after they were ordered, the holiday lights to brighten the William F. Cribari Bridge arrived.

An energetic, efficient and very committed group of Westporters made sure that the beloved annual tradition — in danger when the lights were removed, and the long-time sponsor stepped back — continues.

The lights will be hung Sunday night, starting at 10 p.m. (the bridge will be closed during that time).

The gala bridge lighting is set for 5 p.m. Monday. The entire town is invited.

Westport PAL — one of the lights’ sponsors — will have collection boxes for the toy drive they run, with the Westport Police Department. Unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the bridge, and the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.

The restaurant will also offer half-priced wine and beer from 5 to 8 p.m.

Cribari Bridge lights. (Photo/January Stewart)

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Westport’s fundraising drive — to send children from our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine to a camp in the mountains, a respite from a third winter of war — has gotten off to a slow start.

Our goal of $56,000 would enable 200 boys and girls to enjoy time together, with teachers and therapists, at Karabin. The sports, crafts, games and movies — along with schoolwork — takes place in a setting far removed from their hometown, a few miles from the Russian front.

Right now, Lyman’s youngster have been evacuated. The therapeutic camp is a chance to enjoy normalcy, with friends and trusted adults.

It costs about $280 to send one child to Karabin, for 10 days.

How about it, Westport? Can we raise $56,000, to ensure that 200 kids in our sister city enjoy time away from the terrors of the past 3 years? 

Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”

Students from Weston’s sister city of Siversk, at the Karabin camp. Westport is raising funds for children from Lyman, our sister city.

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Yesterday was Black Friday. Next week is Cyber Monday.

Today is Small Business Saturday.

There are plenty of local stores to choose from. They’re the heart and soul of our town. Think local!

Meanwhile, next Saturday — December 7 — is another opportunity to support small businesses.

The “06880” Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll features over 70 merchants, offering discounts, deals, gifts and freebies. Click here for details.

WEST Boutique on Post Road East is one of many locally owned businesses.

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Here is an update on the Thanksgiving Day house fire, near the Westport border.

At 3:42 p.m., Weston Fire was alerted to a fire at 40 Weston Road. The garage fire spread quickly into the 10,000-square-foot residence. Firefighters’ efforts were thwarted by dangerous fire conditions and structural collapse.

In addition, a vehicle drove over the water supply hose on Weston Road, damaging the line and stopping the flow of water for several minutes.

The 25 or so people inside the home escaped without injury. But the house is uninhabitable, and the heat from the fire melted the plastic on some cars in the driveway, CT Insider reports.

Personnel remained on the scene for over 16 hours, battling the blaze. Mutual aid assistance was provided by several fire departments including Westport, along with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Weston Public Works Department, Weston Police Department, Westport Police Department and Weston EMS.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Weston Fire Marshal. Preliminary investigation shows it began in the garage, the result of frying a turkey. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Thanksgiving Day house fire in Weston. (Photo and details courtesy of Weston Volunteer Firie Department)

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At Staples High School, Class of 2019 graduate Ryan Smith won 2 cross country state championships.

He went on to Bates College, where he competed in back-to-back NCAA national championships.

On Thursday, he won Pequot Runners’ 47th annual 5-mile Turkey Trot.

Wearing his Staples white singlet, he crossed the finish line, soggy but triumphant, in 24:54.

Not far behind — in third place — was current Staples track athlete Sam Zwick-Lavinsky.

Click here for all results.

Ryan Smith

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It’s a natural fit: Dogs, and wide-open beaches.

Obeying the sign to keep off the boardwalk, Bobo shows how to enjoy Compo correctly, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … today is the 100th birthday of satirist Alan Sherman. He had a brief heyday in the early 1960s — including the novelty smash hit below —  before dying in 1973, 10 days before his 49th birthday. He had been undergoing treatment for emphysema, asthma, and obesity, and died of respiratory failure.

(Celebrate Small Business Day by supporting this small business: “06880.” Your hyper-local blog relies on readers’ contributions. Please click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Politics, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS, Weston

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Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman

Posted on November 30, 2024 | Comments Off on Bleacher Family Bracelets Support Sports, Cancer Research, Lyman

Leslie and Andrew Ward’s 3 sons grew up in Westport. They played football and basketball for PAL and AAU teams, then at Staples High School. Each continued competing in college.

Every season Leslie and Andrew made bracelets showcasing their uniform numbers or initials, customized for their sport and team colors.

For good luck, they did not take them off all season long.

Some of Bleacher Family’s bracelets, customized by sport, uniform number and school colors.

Family members, friends and fans noticed their bracelets, and asked for ones for their own kids’ teams.

As word spread, the Wards launched a small family-run online business, so people in Westport (and beyond) could order their own personalized/customized bracelets.

They called it Bleacher Family.

To honor a family member who died, the Wards donate a portion of each year’s profits to help fund cancer research.

This year — intrigued by a recent “06880” post about Westport’s efforts to support the children of our Ukrainian sister city, Lyman — they’ve added this worthy cause to their charitable contributions. (Click here to read about our fund drive, to send kids from the war-torn city to a therapeutic camp.)

To use a sports analogy: It’s a grand slam.

You can order a bracelet to support your favorite athlete or team. At the same time, you support a local business — plus cancer research, and the children of Westport’s sister city. Click here to see a great selection of bracelets, plus ordering information.

PS: They make great stocking stuffers!

(Want to support the Lyman project directly? Just click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”)

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Posted in Local business, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Friday Flashback #427

Posted on November 29, 2024 | 4 comments

A few weeks ago, our Friday Flashback featured the Staples High School Class of 1988 video yearbook.

It was a fascinating look back, to a time of computers in classrooms, but no laptops or cell phones; of hair and clothes styles which are both out of date today, yet also quite familiar; and a school building that no longer exists — except the auditorium, gym, fieldhouse and pool still do.

Here are 3 more videos from that era.

Whether you went to Staples in the ’80s and ’90s, or not; whether you were an adult or teenager then, or not yet born — click on and enjoy!

And if you’ve got some insights into how things have changed — or not — in school since the late last century, click “Comments” below.

The Staples Class of 1987:

The Staples Class of 1995:

Click here for the Class of 1997.

(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: Turkey Trot, Football, Soccer …

Posted on November 29, 2024 | 8 comments

Yesterday’s rain did not dampen the Turkey Trot.

Hundreds of runners — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — took part in the annual event. They got some exercise, saw some friends, and worked up an appetite for the feasts that followed.

(Photo/Jim Wolf)

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Rain did not deter the Staples football team, either.

Both the offense and defense excelled, in a 27-0 pasting of traditional Thanksgiving Day rival Greenwich at Paul Lane Field. The Cardinals are now 8-2.

The decisive win lifts the Wreckers’ record to 9-1, and gives them the #2 spot in the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament. Fairfield Prep is #1.

Staples will host #7 Manchester (6-4) in the LL quarterfinals. The game is set for Tuesday (December 3), at a time to be determined.

Nathan Smith intercepts a pass, and scores.

Action from yesteray’s Staples (blue) vs. Greenwich football game. (Photos/Douglas Healey)

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Meanwhile, not far away at Wakeman Field, nearly 30 current and former Staples boys soccer players ignored the rain, and enjoyed their annual Turkey Bowl alumni game.

The oldest participant was Dave Wilson. He captained the Wreckers in 1975, then led the Dartmouth College squad too.

Among the players: Dylan Hoke. A Connecticut College freshman, he’ll be playing in the NCAA Division III national semifinals Thursday. The Camels face Washington & Lee, in Las Vegas.

Turkey Bowl players. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

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Westport Police and Fire Departments assisted their Weston counterparts yesterday, in battling a fire that desroyed a home near the Broad Street and Weston Road intersection.

Traffic was diverted for several hours, as firefighters from Westport, Weston and Georgetown fought the blaze.

Water was pumped from the pond between West Branch Road and Broad Street. Smoke was smelled as far away as North Avenue, nearly 2 miles away.

(Photo/Sayje Benjamin Photo, via Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services)

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These 2 hooded mergansers have not headed south yet for the winter. They joined a black duck, paddling around Burying Hill Beach and posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Happy Black Friday!

(Shopping for deals? How about “06880”?! Delivered to you, 24/7/365. We can’t do it without readers’ support, though. Please click here to keep this great deal coming. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Sports, Staples HS, Weston

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Roundup: RTM’s 75th, PAL & YMCA’s Sponsors, Cribari’s Lights …

Posted on November 28, 2024 | 4 comments

The Westport Representative Town Meeting celebrates the 75th anniversary of its first meeting this coming Tuesday (December 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall).

The public is invited. The legislative body’s regular monthly meeting follows in the Town Hall auditorium, at 7:30.

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Sponsors have flocked to the new PAL/YMCA Westport travel basketball program.

And it’s not just local busineses and services. In addition to orthodontists, a cleaning company and restaurants, 3 families sponsored teams.

But their names on not on the young players’ jerseys. Instead, thanks to donations from the McCalisters, Liz Hauer and Groves, the causes they believe in — Adrienne Flemming fitness program, Hearts in Harmony and CT Children’s Hospital, respectively — are emblazoned on the back.

Sponsorship includes game jerseys and shorts, practice jerseys, a shooting shirt and backpack, at no cost to players.

The 8th grade (oldest) jerseys were sponsored by PAL. Both teams chose a message that reflects the core belief of the Staples High School program.

On the boys’ jerseys is “STANCE,” an acronym the Wreckers boys live by. The girls’ jersey say “DRIVE,” which this year’s captains and new coach Tommy Sparks chose to reflect the program’s beliefs.

This year’s travel basketball program involves 11 boys and 9 girls teams, plus a 3rd grade girls developmental squad.

Sponsors include Electric Symphony, Fairfield Dermatology, CT ENT, Purple Cow Cleaners, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Outpost Pizza, Academy Camps, The O’Dell Group, Embrace Orthodontics, Metta Management, Heartlent and The Cal Group.

Honoring a favorite non-profit.

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is beloved for its home-grown produce, baked goods, cheese mongers and more. Savvy shoppers know it’s the place to be, every Thursday.

Once a year — on a Saturday — the WFM hosts a special Holiday Artists’ Market. This time, the fare is courtesy of local artists.

This year’s event is Saturday, December 7 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).

Over 40 artists will show and sell their wares. The Bubble & Brew mobile café will be there; carolers, too, plus a photo booth.

Among the attractions: Ms President US‘s Clara Scotto, of Westport, will showcase upcycled, upmarket teen fashion. All proceeds from t-thrift sales will be donated to Person to Person in Darien.

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What’s so funny about Walrus Alley?

Once a month — usually the last Tuesday — the downtown restaurants hosts 3 comics.

This week’s headliner was Chris Clarke.

Chris Clarke, at Walrus Alley on Tuesday night. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Yesterday’s story about the return of lights to the William F. Cribari Bridge — we’ll have them after all! — reminded readers of the joys of crossing the 135-year-old span during the holidays.

And it reminded Westport artist Michael Chait of this video he produced, illustating the dazzling colors over the Saugatuck River.

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“Fifteen Cents on the Dollar: How Americans Made the Black-White Wealth Gap” is the subject of a special Westport Library conversation.

The December 4 (7 p.m.) event exploring inequality with authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed. It’s part of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s “In Community Conversation” series, in partnership with TEAM Westport.

“Fifteen Cents” authors Louise Story and Ebony Reed join FCCF president and CEO Mendi Blue Paca for a panel discussion with local community leaders, followed by an audience Q & A. Click here for more information.

Louise Story and Ebony Reed.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between November 20 and 27.

A 22-year-old Astoria, New York woman was charged with larceny, identity theft, and conspiracy to commiti thosoe crimes, after an investigation into a complaint about a stolen IRS refund check that had been stolen and deposited. She was held on a $150,000 bond.

A 30-year-old Cos Cob man was arrested for larceny and identity theft, based on $5,500 in fraudulent charges. He posted a $10,000 bond.

A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation. He was held on a $20,000 bond.

A 59-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure to appear.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with traffic control signals: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Improper marker lamps: 1
  • Improper number of headlamps: 1

Be sure you have the right number of headlights!

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Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all dolled up for Thanksgiving.

She is also very glad that the meal of choice on this holiday is turkey, not pork.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Sure, it’s Thanksgiving — and the latest date possible for the fall holiday.

But a bearded iris still blooms. Amy Schneider sent this photo along, for today’s can-it-be-late-November “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … it’s amazing the things I remember from my childhood, decades back. (Just as amazing: how easily I forget things from seconds ago, like why did I just walk into this room?).

Every Thanksgiving at Burr Farms Elementary School, we sang this song:

I thought it was a nice holiday tune. Not until decades later did I realize it was a hymn.

But that wasn’t the only religious component of my Westport public school education. In first and second grade — until the Supreme Court outlawed it — every day began with the Lord’s Prayer.

That’s right. Just after the Pledge of Allegiance, our entire class — Catholics, Protestants, Jews, and everyone else — bowed our heads, and said, “Our Father, who art in heaven …”

(Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am thankful for the chance to share my love of Westport with our wonderful online community. Enjoy the day!)

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Young Staples Grads Spark Startup Forum

Posted on November 26, 2024 | 5 comments

The Westport Library was packed last night with entrepreneurs (current and future), tech types, and friends and fans of our town’s best and brightest recent Staples High School graduates.

Startup Westport’s “Young Innovators” forum featured 4 alums — none over 25 years old — and an only slightly older venture capitalist.

Dylan Diamond (CEO of Saturn Technologies), Max Hammer and Josh Karol (CEO and CTO, respectively, of CrowdVolt), and Whop CTO Jack Sharkey chatted with Molly O’Shea about the challenges, perils and joys of starting — then running — a multimillion-dollar business while still in college.

Or making the decision to drop out, to do so.

Panelists (from left) Max Hammer, Jack Sharkey, Josh Karol and Dylan Diamond, with moderator Molly O’Shea. (Photo/Kara Curtis)

The money they’ve raised is mind-boggling. So is the creativity they’ve shown, the detours they’ve taken, and the humility with which they talk about their work (which, in all 5 cases, is also their passion).

All gave enormous credit to Staples’ computer science program, which offered the tools to code, create and collaborate.

Diamond noted that then-principal John Dodig and instructor Dave Scrofani provided important backing, when certain administrators wanted to shut down his iStaples app.

(It gave students easy access to schedules, classmates and grades. Now, as Saturn, it’s used by students in 22,000 schools nationwide. Coming soon: colleges.)

Their career paths have already taken them to big companies like Tesla. But the panelists prefer entrepreneurship.

“Shoot for the moon,” Sharkey said. “If you miss, you can always get a job.”

“The opportunity cost in high school and college is so low,” said former University of Pennsylvania student Diamond, adding that young people have great insight into “how to build things.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (far left) read a proclamation honoring Staples’ computer science program. From left: former principal John Dodig, instructors Dave Scrofani and Joanne Klouda, department chair John DeLuca. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The 4 learned the financial side of entrepreneurship along the way (including the importance of giving equity to new hires, at the start).

The young entrepreneurs all echoed Diamond’s advice: “Hire people smarter than you. Don’t pretend you know everything. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know.'”

“Don’t get too attached to resumes,” Kozol added.

It has not always been easy. During COVID, when schools were closed, Diamond’s user base quickly dropped to “zero.”

But he and his classmates quickly learned the importance of pivoting.

Now Diamond is on his way to making Saturn “the world’s most fun personal calendar.” Google and Microsoft will never know what hit them.

(“06880” often highlights the success of Staples graduates, of all ages and types. If you enjoy this coverage on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …

Posted on November 26, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …

Westport’s annual holiday tree lighting takes place at Town Hall on Thursday, December 5 (5 p.m.).

The Staples High School Orphenians will perform, and the Westport Museum for History & Culture will provide hot chocolate. All are invited!

The Town Hall tree. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Andrew Colabella reports: “Over the last 2 years, a group of volunteers from the Representative Town Meeting planted 500 tulips. Most were at the Minute Man monument.

“In late spring, a landscaper mistook the stems there for weeds. Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent Michael West was upset, and wanted to make up for it.”

Colabella requested 500 tulip bulbs as replacements. West, and Parks & Rec’s Jamie Boone and Rick Giunta, surprised him with 1,500.

The other day,Colabella and several fellow RTM members planted the bulbs at the Minute Man, and other spots in town like the Compo Beach entrance and Compo cemetery.

In addition, each RTM member who planted tulips took bulbs to plant in a public spot of their choice — without telling the others where it is.

We won’t see the results of their work until spring. But it will be fun to discover, and beautiful to see.

Planting tulips at the Minute Man monument. Front row (from left): Nancy Kail, Kristin Mott Purcell. Rear: Melissa Levy, Andrew Colabella, Don O’Day.

Planting bulbs at Compo Beach. RTM members Claudia Shaum and Julie Whamond flank Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd.

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Looking for non-shopping activities over Thanksgiving? Got relatives from out of town, who want to do something Westport-special?

Earthplace is your place.

Their Story and Animal program, Birds of Prey feeding, “Saturdays at Earthplace” and Winged Wonders program are all intriguing. And Earthplace trails and 62-acre sanctuary are open to the public, from dawn to dusk.

The Story and Animal program (Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; age 5 and under) includes an animal-themed story, and an “encounter” with an Animal Hall resident.

Birds of Prey Feeding (daily, 11 a.m.; all ages), includes information about birds’ eating habits and behaviors.

Saturdays at Earthplace (November 30, noon; all ages; parent or caregiver must be present) is a nature-based arts and crafts activity.

Winged Wonders (December 1, 1 p.m.) is a bird-on-glove demonstration, to learn about raptors. This Sunday features Earthplace’s barred owl, Moody.

Also, starting Sunday, Earthplace participates in Westport Moms’ first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt The “Earthplace Elf” will hide somewhere indoors, for one week. Spot it between December 1 and 8, and win a prize.

For more information on Earthplace and its programs, click here.

An Earthplace Winged Wonders demonstration.

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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, November 26, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Room 201/201A).

The agenda includes a project update; work session to review progress on schematic plans, and public comment.

Long Lots School Building Committee, in a meeting last year.

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As part of the Cross Highway Traffic Improvement project between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, the Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge.

The existing bridge is in bad shape, and cannot be modified to include the new sidewalk proposed for the corridor.

Construction is proposed for 2025. The goal is to replace the bridge during the summer, when school is not in session.

The town has submitted applications to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for an 8-24.

Meetings of those groups are December 4, 11 and 16, respectively. Meeting materials are or will be available on the town’s website for each board.

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

Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook.

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Achtung!

Staples High School German students did more than just showcase their skills and knowledge at the recent University of Connecticut German Quiz Bowl, competing against other high school German programs.

They finished Nummer Eins — Number One!

In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops. They also learned about job prospects with over 150 German companies operating in Connecticut. (Since 2019, Germany has been Connecticut’s number one business partner.)

Staples German students, at the University of Connecticut.

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Speaking of school: Last week, Greens Farms Academy broke ground for it new Athletics and Wellness Center.

The 30,000-square foot facility — set to open in the spring of 2026 — will
include 2 full-size basketball courts, 2 wrestling rooms, 2 squash courts with viewing galleries, a fitness center and training room.

It follows the expansion of Lower School facilities, including a new dining and student commons and a renovated assembly room, which opened last year.

The projects are funded through GFA’s Centennial Campaign, which will officially launch next fall 2025 as the school nears its 100th anniversary.

A model of Greens Farms Academy’s Athletics & Wellness Center.

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Jazz at the Post celebrates Thanksgiving a day early.

This year’s weekly musical treat is tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27; VFW Post 399), instead of the traditional Thursday.

Bassist Fima Ephrom headlines. He’s joined by his First Light Band: guitarists Idan Morim and Tim Jago, keyboardist William Evans, drummer Ben Silashi and saxophonist Greg Wall.

Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.

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As Thanksgiving nears, Tammy Barry is grateful for an “extended autumn.” She spotted these “Westport … Naturally” beauties on Owenoke.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … Tina Turner was born on this date, in 1939. After a dynamic musical career, first with her husband Ike and then as a solo artist, she died last year, at 83.

 

(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

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