Category Archives: Staples HS

[OPINION] Staples Coaches Deserve Support, Not Dismissal

Posted on January 13, 2025 | 36 comments

Westporters are justifiably proud of the Staples High School sports program.

Teams win championships, and represent their community well. Strong coaching staffs teach skills and sportsmanship, and impact their student-athletes positively by teaching life lessons on and off the fields and courts.

But in recent months, several Staples High School athletic coaches have been told their contracts will not be renewed, after complaints from a very small number of parents. At least one resigned, also after parental pressure.

A much larger group of parents is concerned about the current Staples athletics environment. This weekend, they circulated a letter. 

In just 2 days it was signed by over 225 parents, other community leaders, and former student-athletes. 

Their goal is to fix a flawed system. They want to make currently opaque policies about the supervision and renewal decisions of coaches more transparent; ensure that a small group of parents do not have undue power over coaching decisions, and see that administrators and the Board of Education give coaches the tools to succeed, not terminate them without providing important feedback or support. 

The letter signers offer solutions to fix the problem. They say:

Last week’s “06880” piece (“Parents, Coaches, and the State of Staples Sports”) is not unique to Westport.

But Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice and our Board of Education have a unique opportunity to fix this problem here, in a way that sets a standard for towns across the state and beyond.

As people with a stake in getting this right — including former Staples student-athletes, and parents of Staples student-athletes past, present and future — we urge Mr. Scarice and the board to fix it, for the sake of our town, our dedicated coaches, and most importantly, our kids.

Dan Woog laid out the problem well: a broken system where high school coaches can be pressured to make coaching decisions, and even forced out of a job, by a small group of unhappy parents. A broken system where a long-tenured and highly successful coach beloved by most of his or her players can lose his or her job based on a single amorphous allegation of “lapse in judgment,” despite never having been trained or given constructive feedback on the issue at hand, and despite there being no clear policy in place that the coach was supposed to have followed.

The only common through-line we can see is that the coaches unfortunate enough to have been caught up in this are coaches who have been relentlessly targeted by a small group of unhappy parents.

We do not write this letter to shut parents up. Every one of us — every parent of any athlete in history, we’d bet — has been unhappy with their kids’ coaches at one time or another. Sometimes it is justified; sometimes not.

We respect the rights of individuals concerned about any child’s welfare to raise their concerns appropriately. But here’s the key: This town needs to put clear policies in place to ensure parental concerns are handled in a way that is consistent, transparent, timely, and fair, not just to the unhappy parents and kids, but to the rest of the kids on the team and to the coaches.

No one should accept a position, especially a coaching position, in Westport schools unless it is clear to them what is expected of them to excel, and what policies and best practices they are expected to follow, including how to deal with concerned (and potentially intrusive) parents.

Those policies are not in place in Westport today, and that has left all our coaches exposed to being suspended or “non-renewed” as a result of parental complaints for alleged conduct violations not covered in any policy. Coaches are being blindsided, having received no constructive or critical feedback on performance during the season or the previous seasons. Other employees are resigning or capitulating to parental pressure to keep their jobs.

No coach should want to work under these conditions.

Mr. Scarice and the Board of Education need to step up and reset. They should suspend all current actions against coaches until proper policies and procedures are adopted, so our coaches know what they’re aiming for — and can have confidence that they are being treated fairly when inevitable parent complaints arise.

We believe they should enact policies that:

  1. Clearly state written expectations for coaches and employees, with specific examples, which every student, parent, coach and teacher should be able to read and clearly understand;
  2. Provide a mechanism, and hold the administration accountable, for updating these expectations and policies as situations arise that are not clearly addressed, so all our coaches can benefit from lessons learned in particular sports;
  3. Prioritize the safety and well-being of the students during the year/season;
  4. Consider the risks and harm done to students where there is a suspension or investigation;
  5. Set expectations for how the administration evaluates and provides constructive feedback to employees — it should be in writing, and it should be timely;
  6. Enforce a consistent and transparent process for responding to (and, if necessary, escalating) student-athlete and parental criticisms or complaints about coaches; this policy should clearly address how to deal with parental complaints about coaching decisions such as starting lineups, playing time, and captaincies; and
  7. Fully spell out the potential consequences for violating the policies.

These policy improvements, needed now, are long overdue.

Sports are a wonderful way to teach our kids critical life lessons, including how to handle disappointment.

Right now, the way we treat long-tenured and dedicated coaches is teaching our kids exactly the wrong lessons: that if a parent can reframe disappointment in coaching decisions as a coach having been “vindictive” (an argument any parent can always try to make), that’s the ticket to getting rid of a coach.

We should instead be teaching our kids how to deal with disappointment, while also modeling a system of constructive feedback and clear expectations that improves our sports programs, while treating everyone — including our coaches — fairly.

Mr. Scarice and the Board of Education owe it to our town, our student-athletes, and every employee to get this right, and set our town up as the best place in the state for coaches to work and student-athletes to compete.

The letter was signed by over 225 parents of current and former student-athletes; former student-athletes, and other community members.

Natalia and Claudio Alarcon-Frias
Rafael and Maria Alfaro
Suzanne and Josh Allen
Eva Amurri
Rahul and Meredith Anand
Eva and Kevin Audit
Nancy Austin and Al Gratix
Stephen Axthelm
Candace Banks
Diana and Pete Barnes
Jen and Ken Barnes
Chris Barnett
Caroline and Craig Barney
Christina Bassler
Peter Bassler
Michael Beebe
Sophie Blondeau
Sam Bowlby
Brandi and David Briggs
Adam Brodsky
Melissa and Grant Byczek
Mafe Cala and Ricardo Ceballos
Ali and Michael Cammeyer
Carolyn and Lee Caney
Aly and Bobby Christoph
Robin and Pierre Chung
Jeff Clachko
Luciano and Leila Cocito
Andrew Colabella
Darrin Cozzolino
Louisa and Peppe D’Amore
Barbara Jean Davis
Jonathan and Erica Davis
Lisa Dearbourne
Karen and Paul DeDomenico
Stephanie and Mac DeVito
Anna and Danny DeVito
Sam and Julie Diederich
Frank DiScala
Jennifer and Tim Dolnier
Joanna, Jack and Drew Douglas
Greg Downes
Cherie Duque
Julia and Anel Dzafic
Cindy and David Eigan
Robin Eisenberger
Jason Epstein
Julia and Collin Felleman
Bettina and David Fiore
Patrick Fontana
Daniela and Mike Forde
Mary Garone
Steve and Nicole Gerber
Joan and Ted Gillman
Stephanie and Steve Girling
Marty and Cathy Gitlin
Deb and Matt Goldfarb
Lynn Gonsor
Ram and Srividya Gorre
Shayna and Andy Green
Zack Gross
Trudie Gubitz
Margaret Armstrong, and Barry and Bruno Guiduli
Kim Gullens
Jacque and Chuck Haberstroh
Robin and Allon Hellman
Karen Hess
Lisa and Jay Hill
Jonathan, Amy and Jackson Hochhauser
Jeff and Amelia Holl
Sam and Lara Jacob
Wendy and Richard Jones
Meredith and David Kamo
Rinat and Victoria Khisyamov
Jean and Mark Kirkham
Matt and Kendall Kremer
Sandra and Greg Krenzer
Marcio and Patricia Krug
Jeffrey Lampert
Dean Landis
Allan and Caroline Landis
Andy and Nicole Laskin
Sal Liccione
Brett and Jennifer Lieberman
Jason Little
Donald Lowman
Alyson Luck
Patty Lynch
Maryanne and Dean Martire
Jennifer and Jimmy McGeehan
Danielle and John McGrath
Kevin McGrath
Patrick and Morgan Mermagen
Alex and Jeremy Metz
Bill Mitchell
Sandro and Eduarda Moreno
Sile Marrinan and Colin Morris
Rich Morse
Merri and Adrian Mueller
Katherine and Austin Murray
Janine and Tony Nashawaty
Steve O’Dell
Liz and Doug Pardon
Meena Pellerin
Rolando and Angelica Perez Elorza
Rick and Kim Perlen
John Petrsoric
Maria Petti
Swapna Podlich
Mackenzie and Thomas Pretty
Lori, Chris and Zach Pulichino
Gustavo and Daniela Reyna
Ana and CJ Rinaldi
Rima Fawaz and Leonel Rodriguez
Brant Root
Caio and Danielle Rossoni
Mark Rubino
Parma Ayodhimani and Bala Sathyanarayanan
Jordan Schur
Karen and Robert Scott
Neal and Michelle Seideman
Beth and Dan Selig
Stefanie and Stephen Shackelford
Ken Shapiro
Courtney and Matt Shiel
Nicole and Isaac Sine
Chandy Smith
Kathryn and Jim St. Andre
Meredith and Jon Stoler
Will and Susan Suarez
Cindi and Nick Sunjka
Joanna and Tom Triscari
Vanessa Valadares
Jeff and Sam Vannart
Ted and Stephanie Vergakis
Kecia and Greg Von der Ahe
Kathy and Colin Walker
Scott and Lisa Waller
Jeff Warshaw
Niccola and Gavin Whitaker
Jim and Lizzie Wolf
Andy and Jessica Wolff
Janet and Howard Zev
Rong and Kevin Zhu

[Full disclosure: I served as the Staples varsity soccer coach from 2003 to 2021. I was an assistant coach for over 20 years before that. — Dan Woog, executive editor, “06880”]

36 Comments

Posted in Education, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Rink Ring, Hillspoint Homes, Newman’s Own …

Posted on January 11, 2025 | 6 comments

Longshore is Amy Feder’s happy place.

So it was a natural place for John Recine to propose to her.

What he didn’t expect was that — as he popped the question, on the PAL Ice Rink — a skating stranger would capture the moment on camera.

Amy was there with Ali, her 22-year-old daughter, and Johnny’s daughter Angela and boyfriend Zach (visiting from Austin).

The happy couple have not set a date or place yet. No one asked me, but I can think of a great spot very close to that rink …

From left: Zach Springer, Angela Recine, Amy Feder, Johnny Recine, Ali Feder. (Photo/A random but great stranger)

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As a large new house rises near Schlaet’s Point, anoather big house will not be built a few yards away.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has denied an application for a 36-foot tall house at 238 Hillspoint Road. The proposed 2,200-square foot structure would have replaced a one-story cottage, built in 1920.

The current home at 238 Hillspoint Road.

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On January 26, Paul Newman would have been 100 years old.

In his honor, Newman’s Own — the philanthropy started in Westport, where the actor/race car driver/humanitarian lived for over 50 years — will launch “Paul Newman Generosity Day.”

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, local officials and celebrities will gather at the Newman’s Own office on the Post Road at Morningside Road North for an afternoon of “celebration and generosity.”

Newman’s Own will unveil the “100 Acts of Generosity Challenge.” Participants will perform acts of kindness, share stories, and inspire others to do the same on social media.

Nearly 100, and still looking good.

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Richard Huntley is an internist/primary care doctor in Norwalk, and a Westport resident since 1988.

In 2023 he got a chance to do charitable medical work. He traveled to Kenya to screen for high blood pressure (Africa has the highest rate of hypertension globally.

80% of hypertension cases in Kenya are unrecognized, and only 10% is treated. Only 2% of the population has health insurance, so most people focus on illness rather than preventive care.

Dr. Huntley first worked in rural areas of Kenya. In 2024 he volunteered in Kibera — Africa’s largest slum, with over a million people.

He has partnered with Crossing Thresholds, a New Canaan-based nonprofit, to start a clinic to screen and treat high blood pressure. He organized a fundraiser to provide hypertension medications. For more information on the project, and donate, click here.

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After leading Williams College to a 3-0 record, and averaging 22.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game, senior captain (and 2021 Staples High School graduate) Arianna Gerig was named New England Small College Athletic Conference Player of the Week honors.

She was also selected for the First Team of the Week, the New England Women’s Basketball Association. (Hat tip: Don Kubie)

Arianna Gerig

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David Kaplan started his movie-making career the way you always hear it should be done: in the mailroom of a Los Angeles talent agency.

In 2013, “06880” profiled the 2003 Staples High School graduate. His film “Short Term 12” had just won the SXSW Grand Jury Award for Narrative Feature.

Now he’s got a Golden Globe

“The Brutalist” — backed by Kaplan Morrison, Kaplan’s New York-based production company — won 3 awards Sunday night, including Best Motion Picture – Drama. (Hat tip: Adam Friedland)

David Kaplan

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Andrew Wilk is a Big Name in entertainment.

The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.

He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

On May 17, Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.

The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Andrew Wilk with one of his Emmys, at his Lincoln Center office.

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And finally … today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, from the Balducci’s parking lot, gives new meaning to the “Rover” in Range Rover.

(Photo/Neal Radding)

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And finally … in honor of Andrew Wilk’s upcoming show at the Waterbury Palace Theater (story above):

(Do you hear the people contributing to “06880”? Just click here to join in. Merci!)

6 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Longshore, Real estate, Staples HS, Totally random

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Jim Calkins: Principally Speaking

Posted on January 10, 2025 | 22 comments

Jim Calkins was an accidental principal.

In mid-August of 1966, the Board of Education still had not found someone to replace Ray Walch, who resigned after less than a year at Staples High School.

Almost in desperation, they offered the job to the 42-year-old World War II veteran. He had just completed his first year in Westport as an assistant superintendent, after serving as a Norwalk guidance counselor.

The Board of Ed figured he’d be a decent caretaker, while they looked for someone more qualified.

Calkins came in with a mission. He wanted to harness the talents of students and faculty alike, to make Staples “unique.”

He was the right man, at the right time.

Jim Calkins

The massive unrest of the 1960s — the Vietnam War, drugs, the sexual revolution — were all underway when Calkins arrived. While other schools were rocked by change, Calkins charted a different course.

He embraced students — intellectually, emotionally, even literally, with an arm around the shoulder or a hug.

His office door was open to all (though some students bypassed his secretary, and climbed in through an open window). He addressed problems with reasoned discussions and compromise, rather than one-sided edicts. He said he loved his students, and they loved him back.

In January of 1967 — less than half a year after arriving — the Board of Ed made Calkins’ position permanent.

Over the next 8 years, he made quite a mark on Staples. He abolished study halls, and instituted an open campus. He liberalized the dress code; girls could now wear slacks, and boys blue jeans. He encouraged experimental courses, and championed a Student Lounge.

Principal Jim Calkins often called school-wide meetings in the gym. He stands far right in this 1970 photo, nearly engulfed by students.

Calkins’ most notable accomplishment may have been the Staples Governing Board. A toothless student council was out; taking its place was a unique body with 10 students (4 seniors, 3 juniors, 3 sophomores) and an equal number of adults (3 administrators, 7 teachers).

It was not an advisory board. The SGB had real power — over curriculum, school rules, use of the building — everything, in fact, except staffing and budgets.

The principal had a “suspensive veto.” But it could be overridden by a 75% vote of the SGB.

In 1970, the SGB debated removing special dress codes for athletic teams. Junior Greg Katz (standing left) wanted to try out for the baseball team without cutting his hair. The SGB affirmed that right. Katz went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

The Staples Governing Board drew national attention — both positive and negative.

The SGB lasted only a few years. It was weakened when Calkins took a sabbatical leave during the 1972-73 school year; it survived only a few years after he resigned in 1975, for personal and professional reasons (including earning his doctorate).

But in his near decade as Staples principal, Jim Calkins made an enormous impression on the school, and everyone in it.

Jim Calkins died in 2006. This year, his son Michael finally cleared out his family’s home.

Not long ago, Michael gave me a gift: a large box, filled with Staples memorabilia, his father’s Ph.D. dissertation, national magazine and newspaper stories about the SGB, and more.

The clippings, Staples Players programs and other items in the box were interesting. But what was most compelling were dozens of letters Calkins had saved.

They came from grateful students, parents, teachers and town leaders. They were intensely personal, filled with cherished anecdotes.

A typical note to Mr. Calkins, from 2 students.

Today, very few people thank others — let alone a school principal. If we do, it’s by email. Unless we print that out, it’s gone forever.

But these letters — written in distinctive handwriting, or typed by a secretary; on flowered notecards and lined paper; meticulously saved, over half a century ago — tell a remarkable story.

I have skipped on Senior Skip Day since I was a soph. But this year was different. We thought that maybe we could prove to you that we appreciate all the things you have done for us. It isn’t so bad to go to school. Thank you for everything Mr. Calkins. You’re the greatest.

I would like to express my wholehearted thanks to you for allowing the girls to wear slacks during exam week. It made many of us feel much more comfortable than we could be dressed in regular school clothes, especially during times of such intense pressure.

My wife and I want to express our gratitude and thanks for appearing as a character witness for my son and the other 4 boys on Tuesdays. Our lawyer felt you alone turned the tide, resulting in jail sentences being suspended. It’s been a long 3 months, but if our son becomes a better man because of this, and you, it’s all been worth it.

You have taught me how to live. You have shown me what I’ve got and how to use it. I am proud to say “I go to Staples High School.” I hope you will say one day of me, “I am proud he went here.”

(“06880” is your source for all things Westport — including history. If you appreciate an occasional look back — or anything else we post — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

22 Comments

Posted in Education, Looking back, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Parents, Coaches, And The State Of Staples Sports

Posted on January 8, 2025 | 42 comments

The chatter is too loud to ignore. All around town, people are asking: What is happening with Staples High School sports?

Rumors abound: of parents demanding more playing time — and captaincies — for their kids. Of highly respected coaches being suspended, or not having their contracts renewed. 

Of an opaque environment in which coaches have few rights and little guidance, athletes see so much yet have such little say, and rules — for players and parents — are not always followed.

[Full disclosure: I served as the Staples varsity soccer coach from 2003 to 2021. I was an assistant coach for over 20 years before that.]

The stories circulating around town involve several sports, and boys and girls teams. Details differ, but one element is the same: parental involvement in personnel issues.

High school coaches are not in the job for the income. They’re in it for the outcome.

They love their sport. They love their athletes. They love the chance to give back to both.

Several of the coaches affected by parental pressure are Staples graduates. Giving back to their alma mater is a gift they cherish.

No coach is loved by 100% of their athletes. That’s life.

No teacher is loved by 100% of their students, either. And no boss by 100% of their employees. That’s life too.

Here’s what else is life: Getting cut. Getting benched. Getting put in a new position. Not getting named captain. Not getting recruited.

Sports teaches many lessons, including how to deal with setbacks like those. Who hasn’t heard the story of Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team as a sophomore?

As a sophomore, Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. The rest is history.

There are no Michael Jordans at Staples right now. There are just a few hundred boys and girls playing sports they enjoy, for competition and camaraderie and (in a few cases) college, with friends they like and coaches they (most of the time) admire and look up to.

But those coaches now operate in an atmosphere of uncertainty, even fear. They feel they can be targeted easily, by one or a few parents.

Coaching is stressful enough, without worrying about parental interference (or just the threat of it), compounded by educators unwilling to back their coaches, and give them the tools to succeed.

The troubling environment can continue after the season ends. Even after years of coaching, coaches may be held to inconsistent or unwritten expectations.

All they have is the good will of the athletes they’ve coached, and those athletes’ parents — along with their records, both those that can be quantified (wins and losses), and those that can’t (life lessons taught, impacts on players’ lives).

That means something. But, it seems, that does not mean enough when a parent complains.

The rumblings around town about Staples sports are real, and rising.

And the rumblings won’t go away. As in any sport, this won’t be over until the final whistle blows.

Sports are filled with intense highs — and disappointments too. All are part of the high school experience. (Photo/Brian Watkins)

42 Comments

Posted in Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Staples Students Offer Light To The Homeless

Posted on January 5, 2025 | 1 comment

As our nation’s housing crisis worsens, Americans want to help.

We donate funds, clothes and toiletries to organizations that work with unhoused people. We hope this lightens their burdens.

Two Staples High School students have given them light — literally.

Last summer, rising senior Shreyas Gorre and sophomore Rohan Sareen were looking for a way to use their engineering skills to help the community.

The teens designed a solar-powered lantern. Incorporating lights, wires, batteries and solar panels, they provide safety and comfort for people living many hours a day in darkness.

But how could 2 teenagers produce solar-powered lanterns?

With a 3D printer, naturally.

Rohan Sareen (left) and Shreyas Gorre, with solar-powered lanterns.

In November, Shreyas and Rohan invited residents to the Westport Library. There, they taught attendees — some of whom had no experience with the MakerSpace — how to assemble the lanterns. In addition to 3D printing, the project included soldering and circuitry.

Shreyas and Rohan know the MakerSpace well. They serve as senior coordinator and technology coordinator, respectively.

In late December — thanks to the Library Makerspace’s Ultimaker S5 and brand-new Bambu P1S 3D printer — the devices were finished.

Eight solar-powered lanterns were distributed to Open Doors, the Norwalk-based nonprofit that provides services to unhoused people.

The volunteers “loved seeing their printed parts turn into something that can truly improve lives,” Rohan says.

“It is incredible to see the work you have done have a real impact on the community,” Shreyas adds.

The 2 friends hope to run this program again this winter, with an updated lantern design and more volunteers. Anyone — of any age — interested in joining the program should email rohanjsareen@gmail.com or shreyasgorre@gmail.com.

Contributions to cover the costs for materials of these lanterns, and help fund similar projects at MakerSpace, are always welcome.  Click here to donate.

MORE LIGHT: This is not Shreyas Gorre’s first community-minded venture. Last spring, “06880” profiled his work with Serve2Sustain.

The non-profit workd with local tennis clubs to collect used balls. They’re sent to a facility where machinery separates materials for reuse. They then go to RecycleBalls and Laykold, which supplies tennis courts for events like the US Open. Click here for that story.

1 Comment

Posted in Library, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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World For Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2024 | 3 comments

One of the many joys of Staples High School’s 84th annual Candlelight Concert was the debut of a stunning a cappella song.

Eight singers performed “World for Christmas” — Anders Edenroth’s quiet message of concern yet hope for our planet, delivered through the eyes and voice of a newborn child — with beauty, love, and teenage optimism.

Copyright issues prohibit a link to the Staples performance. But today — a day to celebrate faith, hope and joy, in a world filled with negativity, and teetering on the brink of self-destruction — “06880” offers this version of the stunning Candlelight Concert song.

It’s the night before Christmas and all through the house
Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings are hung by the chimney with care
But hopes for Saint Nicholas I wish I could share

I am new to this world, I arrived here this morn
To this beautiful planet, though beat up and torn
I don’t need a gift, need no more than I’ve got
Hear the unspoken wish from a tiny, tiny tot

I only want the world for Christmas
The blue green for ever turning world for Chistmas
Nothing more nothing less
I want it for keeps and I promise to share
So that everyone who wants can cuddle and care
I only want the world for chistmas
The blue green for ever turning world for christmas
To restore to repossess
Please make it last, my fate is in your hands
Oh give me a present for the future

You could follow your heart, but you follow a whim
And fill up your stockings way over the brim
Ignoring the signs in your frail crystal ball
You wish away, wish away, wish away all

 The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gives a luster of midday to objects below
Why your eyes won’t see
When they’re given all this light
I wonder, I wonder this very special night

I only want the world for Chistmas
The blue green for ever turning world for Chistmas
To restore to repossess
Please make it last, my fate is in your hands
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me, oh give me
Oh give me a present for the future.

“Earthrise.” This iconic photograph was taken during a lunar orbit  by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders on December 24, 1968.

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, History, Staples HS

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Roundup: Watercolors, River Dredging, Ice Hockey

Posted on December 22, 2024 | 4 comments

One of the joys of the holiday season is admiring the decorations on so many Westport homes and lawns.

“06880” is ready to honor them, in a special photo story.

Want to show off your home? Or your neighbor’s, or friend’s?

Nighttime or daytime views — all are welcome.

Please send a jpeg today to 06880blog@gmail.com. Be sure to include the location. Thank you!

Standing guard on Sylvan Road. (Photo/Karen Como)

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From the early days of the pandemic, Ellin Spadone’s watercolors have inspired “06880” readers.

For good reason: Ellin is a pro.

She has exhibited widely, in galleries and shows. Her work is enjoyed in private collections throughout the country (and one of her Easter eggs was part of the White House celebration). She specializes in gardens, landscapes and still lifes.

Now, Ellin has taken some of her most engaging works — all of them posted on “06880” — and collected them into a book.

Each piece in “Corona Bules: An Artist’s Visual Journey” includes a detailed description or comment, by Ellin.

For example, “And Miles to Go” notes:

The title is inspired by Robert Frost’s lovely poem, “Stoppy by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” We had come so far in the fight against Covid, but we still had many challenges ahead.

Not only was the loss of our loved ones profound — but due to hosptial restrictions many families were denied the comfort of last goodbyes.

No clasped hands, no last loving farewell.

Ellin published her book privately. If enough “06880” readers show interest, she will make it available to them. Email ecspadone@gmail.com to learn more.

“And Miles To Go” (Ellin Spadone)

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The VFW Post 399 dredging project continues, at the Saugatuck River marina behind the club. Deeper access will allow the VFW to expand its services.

The work is unrelated to the larger Saugatuck River dredging. After years of discussion, it’s still in the planning stages.

(Photo/Stacie Curran)

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Attention youth hockey players: Learn from local experts!

Varsity coaches and players from Staples High School’s boys and girls co-op teams will host 3 Sunday clinics this winter, at the Westport PAL Longshore rink.

Open to grades 4-8, the sessions will include skill drills and small games.

The dates are January 5, and February 2 and 16 (8 to 9 a.m.).

Full equipment is required. To register, email Staples boys coach Matt Bohn: mbohn@westportps.org.

Hockey at the Westport PAL Longshore rink. (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

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When we hear “beach,” we don’t often think: trees.

But — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo shows, they are as important a part of Compo as the sand, Sound and sun.

(Photo/Mary-Beth Murray)

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And finally … with several of today’s stories being about water (in many forms), we present:

(From arts to sports — and all over Westport — “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, insights and much more. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to donate. Thanks!) 

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Sports, Staples HS

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Candlelight Concert: A Trumpeter’s View

Posted on December 19, 2024 | 10 comments

Staples High School sophomore Sam Abramowitz plays trumpet in the school’s Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, and Western Regional band. He also volunteers for the Little League Challenger baseball program, skis and plays squash.

Sam took part in this year’s Candlelight Concert. Today he shares what it’s like to be part of that great tradition.

Every year since I moved to Westport in 2012, I have attended the Staples Music Department’s Candlelight Concert.

It has always symbolized both the start of the holiday season, and the end of the year. I have always loved how each year the entire Westport community comes together to continue a tradition that has been going on for over 80 years. 

This year was different. I was finally going to be a performer instead of an audience member.

Trumpeter Sam Abramowitz, at the Candlelight Concert. (Photo/Kerry Long)

When we got the music back in October, it was a bit overwhelming to have to learn so many new pieces, with all 3 sections of the music department.

But one of the best parts of Candlelight is that the band, orchestra and choir all come together and perform as one big ensemble.

This year 2 new groups made their debuts at the Candlelight Concert. The Jazz Ensemble and Wreckapellas performed “We Need a Little Christmas,” directed by new band director Mr. Kevin Mazzarella. Having these groups join the concert added a new layer, while still embracing the festive tradition.

We spent the last couple of weeks at night rehearsing our music and making sure we were prepared for the performance. There was a sense of purpose that everyone had, as we all were working toward perfecting each piece.

We completed our dress rehearsal in front of some of the Staples faculty, and many people from the Westport Y’s Men and Y’s Women. This was a great way to practice performing our songs in front of a live audience.

Although the rehearsals were long and tiring, our hard work paid off. We were able to put on 3 separate shows. 

Every Candlelight starts with the beloved “Sing We Noel.” Members of the choir walk in with candles, and sing surrounded by the audience. This makes audience members feel a part of the show, because they see how the performance works up close.

Likewise, Candlelight always ends with the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Staples alumni are encouraged to join the stage with us. This is one of my favorite traditions, because it allows current students to connect with the students who performed in years prior.

Kevin Mazzarella conducts the “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Along with these classics, this year we played some new pieces. One of my favorites was “Selections from the Polar Express.” This was split into 4 songs from the popular movie, and included some jazz influence as well as a strong vocal section. This was a great way to embrace the holiday spirit, by offering an upbeat and vibrant song that many people were familiar with.

Another one of my favorite pieces was “March of the Toys” from the movie “Babes in Toyland.” This song showcased a strong trumpet section, which I am a part of, and marked the first piece played solely by the band and orchestra.

The 2024 Candlelight concert was a huge success, and enjoyed by many members of the Westport community. The tradition remains strong, and is something I am proud to have participated in this year from the stage.

I am excited to help continue the tradition in the next 2 years, as I play my trumpet in the “Hallelujah Chorus.” I am also excited to rehearse and perform new additions to each Candlelight Concert.

And I look forward to joining fellow alumni on stage in December 2027.

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Posted in Arts, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Board Of Ed Bats Around Coaches’ Contracts

Posted on December 18, 2024 | 12 comments

The fair and just treatment of Staples High School athletic coaches, the role of parental involvement in Board of Education decisions, and the impartiality of an outside arbiter were among the topics discussed at this morning’s BOE Policy Committee meeting.

More than a dozen residents attended the session, in a small Town Hall meeting room.

The turnout — perhaps the largest ever for the Policy Committeee — was driven by recent decisions to not renew contracts for several Staples coaches.

Currently the Board of Ed, or a sub-committee of members, hears appeals by coaches if their contracts are not renewed.

From left: Board of Education member and Policy Committee chair Kevin Christie; assistant superintendent of human resources John Bayers; Board of Ed chair Lee Goldstein, and BOE member Dorie Hordon, at today’s meeting in Town Hall. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A change, added to the Policy Commitee’s agenda earlier this week, would add an option for the BOE to appoint an “impartial hearing board” of 1 or more people.

Policy Committee chair Kevin Christie explained that this change would bring the appeals process in line with other appeals to the board, over issues like expulsion or residency.

During public comment, residents noted that those appeals involve individual students, while decisions on coaches affect teams with dozens of athletes.

A broader question was raised, regarding the role of Board of Education members in personnel issues. Policy Committee members and residents debated whether the BOE, as elected officials, should listen to public input about coaches, then render an impartial verdict, or if someone impartial could do a fairer job.

That raised the question of the impartiality of an outside individual. Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice said that person would be selected from a group of attorneys who regularly do such work.

Committee member Dorie Hordon wondered how impartial those outside arbiters might be. They are hired by the superintendent and paid by the school district, she noted. How often do they not affirm his or her decision?

That led to a discussion of how much information board members and the public know about any particular non-renewal decision, then back to a debate about whether the Board of Education should weigh the views of parents and athletes in coaches’ non-renewal decisions.

Policy Committee member and BOE chair Lee Goldstein said that although the public should have input in how the athletic director runs his department, it should not have a say in hiring and firing.

“It is dangerous,” she noted, for either the public or administrators to try to pressure the board, one way or the other.

Hordon injected the idea of treating coaches “justly and fairly” into the discussion.

“I understand the reasoning, but I’m not sure about changing the policy,” she said.

“If we are elected by the community, the community has trusted us to make decisions.”

Resident Joan Gillman urged the Board of Education to focus on “how we can best set up our employees for success.” That includes written reviews about ways to improve, and “a chance for a clear change of direction” before non-renewal.

No decision was reached. Christie and his colleagues said they need time to reflect on the change.

Any policy change would need at least one more discussion in committee, then at least two public discussions by the full Board of Education.

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Posted in Education, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Orphenians’ Caroling Crawl, Startup Westport’s Party, Dick Fincher’s Memorial …

Posted on December 18, 2024 | 2 comments

“Caroling Crawl” — a Saugatuck tradition — continues this Saturday (December 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.).

Staples High School’s elite a cappella group the Orphenians will entertain diners at several restaurants, in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.

They’ll start at the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Boathouse, then make their rounds at other restaurants around Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and the rest of the neighborhood, ending at the Little Pub at Dunville’s.

Add that to the list of specials on Saturday’s menu!

Staples Orphenians’ Caroling Crawl.

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Speaking of Christmas in Saugatuck: Startup Westport — the public/private partnershp for tech entrepreneurs and innovators — chose a perfect location for their holiday party.

Nearly 150 people gathered at Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio/meeting/media location — to celebrate the season.

Startup Westport events are always high-energy, with plenty of creative men and women sharing ideas and networking.

Throw in food, drinks, and a DJ, and it was one of the organization’s best events in their very busy 2 years.

Some of the many attendees enjoying yesterday’s Startup Westport holidy party, at Content Studio.

Startup Westport co-founder Jay Norris and his wife Crystal. They celebrated both the party, and her birthday.

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A memorial service for Dick Fincher — the Tree Board chair, Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member, and church vestryman, who died October 31 at 86 — will be held Saturday, December 28, at 11;30 a.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

A reception will follow. The public is invited to attend.

Dick Fincher

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16 teams of Staples High School students and Westport Police officers hurled balls at each other Monday, in the annual Westport Youth Commission dodgeball tournament.

The event — held in the Staples fieldhouse — has 2 important rules. Each team must include 1 cop. And no aiming at heads.

Otherwise, is a night for ducking, diving, and of course dodging.

Staples’ Teen Awareness Group co-sponsored the tourney. Entry fees help fund their projects.

The Dodge-a-Cop champs! From left: James Penny, Anthony Armentano, Charles Clark, Casey Bag, Nicholas Weil, Officer Mike Davis. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Over the summer, herbicide was applied to the Jesup Road median, near Westport Pride’s rainbow crosswalk.

The strip between Westport Book Shop and Jesup Green started to look a bit ratty.

Two local businesses rode to the rescue.

SCA Crowley donated a cleanup crew, and mulched the site.

Then Tuliptree Site Design of Norwalk reseeded the pollinator pathway.

Next spring, the colors of the blooms will rival that of the crosswalk nearby.

Mike Mushak of Tuliptree Site Design tends to the Jesup Road median.

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The New Orleans Museum of Art’s current exhibit “Show & Tell: A Brief History of Photography and Text,” explores t marriage of photos and words.

It includes a work by Larry Silver, the Westport-based, internationlly known photographer.

His image of the Grand Central Terminal waiting room was taken in 1952.

(Photo/copyright Larry Silver)

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Margery Fisher — a longtime Coleytown Middle School librarian, children’s book author and the wife of noted illustrated Leonard Everett Fisher — died peacefully at home on Friday. She was 94.

After majoring in mathematics and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors at Mount Holyoke College, Margery was recruited by IBM to teach at their school in New York City.

She soon became a system service representative, one of the very few women in the IBM business machine program and pioneering computer path.

While at IBM she met and married her husband of 71 years. She and Leonard  moved to New Haven. IBM transferred Margery to its office there. For the next several years she serviced IBM’s growing business machine products, from industrial computers installed in hardware stores and grocery stores to the United States Navy’s first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus.

Margery left IBM prior to the birth of their children. After moving to Westport she earned a master’s degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University.

She served as Coleytown Middle School’s librarian for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

Margery was the author of 2 children’s books, for which her husband provided the illustrations: “But Not Our Daddy” and “One and One.”

Margery continued her interest in children’s literature after retiring. She joined the Bank Street College Book Committee, creating, editing and publishing world-wide yearly lists of the best in North American children’s literature.

Margery and Leonard lived in Westport for more than 68 years. They traveled the world together from England (33 times) to the Panama Canal, Italy, Russia, Egypt, China, Hawaii, Normandy and Maine.

Margery is survived by her children Julie Fisher (Robert Aldoroty), Susan Fisher Plotner, and James Fisher (Pamela Viglielmo); grandchildren Lauren, Michael, Samuel, Jordan, Gregory and Danielle, and her sister Betty Meskin Pincus.

Donations in Margery and Leonard’s name can be made to the “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Margery Fisher

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Longtime Westport arts community member and philanthropist Gary Cosgrave died peacefully on Monday. He was 82.

A graduate of Mamaroneck (New York) High School, Gary did not go to college because he suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. Nevertheless, he achieved remarkable business success.

After the passing of his father, Paul, Gary took over the family business, PROGroup, and as chair and CEO turned it into a conglomerate of 5 businesses: Pro Hardware. Garden Master and Farm Mart, as well an advertising agency and distribution business.

For over 25 years Gary was an active member of Vistage, a worldwide business advisor group.  After selling his business in 2011, Gary continued to mentor business executives and entrepreneurs, and was on the board of Soluxe Inc., parent company of Solomon Community Solar LLC.

Gary served for many years on the boards of the Westport Country Playhouse and MoCA CT.  In 2012 he was honored by the Westport Art Center for his success as chair in stabilizing the group’s finances and developing a new strategic vision.

He was a major donor to the Southport School, an independent day school for cerebrodiverse children dealing with challenges like dyslexia, and to Seeds for Peace and Operation Smile.

An accomplished sailor and scuba diver, Gary threw himself into underwater photography. He built an impressive portfolio of stunning images that he published as books, sold and displayed widely.  He co-authored a book, “Stop, Think and Dream: Be the Difference That Makes a Difference (Teens for Planet Earth),” empowering New York City teenagers.

Gary survived by his fiancé Dina Upton of Westport; son Terry Cosgrave of Colorado Springs, and grandchildren Michaela Patry, Lily Cosgrave, Isabell and Ella Rosenberg.  He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby, daughter Tracey, and brothers Jack and Victor.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at his family plot at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan on February 8 (10:30 a.m.), followed by a celebration of his life at Rive Bistro (11:30 a.m.).

Memorial donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gary Cosgrave

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio — one of our very talented “Westport … Naturally” contributors — finds beauty everywhere.

She shot this image yesterday, at rainy Sherwood Island State Park:

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And finally … Robert Moses — the urban planner responsible for the construction of hundreds of highways, bridges, tunnels, playgrounds, beaches — and a World’s Fair — in and around New York, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse, was born on this day in 1888. He died in 1981.

(Holy Moses! If you appreciate “06880”‘s daily coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Obituaries, Police, Saugatuck, Staples HS

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