Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Rye Ridge Changes, Henry Wynne Runs, Compo Cars Crash …

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 27 comments

For decades, Oscar’s was a fixture on Main Street.

When Lee Papageorge died in 2016, Westporters mourned the loss of a friend — and a great deli owner.

A year later, there was excitement when Rye Ridge Deli opened in that space.

Now, it’s changed hands.

Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. The new name is 159 Main.

Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

(Photo/Steven Goldstein)

We hope the new owners will keep the mural on the back wall. Dating back to the 1980s, it shows a group of Oscar’s regulars — and Lee Papageorge.

A Rye Ridge waiter looks at Lee Papageorge, longtime Oscar’s owner. The mural was restored by Rye Ridge Deli. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Henry Wynne continues to run toward the Olympics.

The 2013 Staples High School, 2017 University of Virginia graduate, and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records, finished third in the semi-final heat of the 1500 meters at the Olympic trials yesterday, at the University of Oregon. He ran a season-best 3:34.40.

That qualifies him for tomorrow’s (Monday) finals (8:47 p.m. EDT; NBC and Peacock) — and a spot on the US track team that will compete at the Olympics next month in Paris.

Also yesterday, another Westport athlete fell just short of her Olympic goals.

Annam Olasewere competed in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle trials in Indianapolis, and reached the semifinal of the former.

She’s got a fantastic future. A rising senior at Staples, who competes year-round for Chelsea Piers Athletic Club, she’s already committed to Stanford University for the 2025-26 school year.

Next stop: the 2028 Olympics, just down the California coast, in Los Angeles.

Annam Olasewere

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Compo Beach residents are used to drivers speeding down Bradley Street, and blowing past the stop sign at Danbury Avenue.

But they were stunned today as a car driven by a teenage boy, with another teen as his passenger, raced along Compo Road South, roared onto Bradley without stopping, then passed several vehicles in the other lane on its way to the beach.

Without stopping at Danbury Avenue, it turned left onto Compo Beach Road, slammed against a car driving past, drove off and continued into the beach.

The car that was hit …

The young driver was apprehended quickly. No one seemed injured.

But if anyone had been walking or biking on Bradley or Compo Beach Road, it could have been much, much worse.

Be careful out there — everyone!

… and the vehicle that hit it. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the beach, here’s a new trend: Cars parking on the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95.

Of the 6 cars in this photo, 4 are from out of state.

At first, it seems odd.

But apparently it’s the new way to avoid paying the daily out-of-town rate at Compo.

Signs warn that vehicles parked on Hillspoint between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill, and at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, must have beach stickers.

There are no such signs this far north.

So folks park on the bridge, and hoof it to the beach.

On the one hand, it’s great that Compo is so attractive to out-of-towners.

And they should probably be applauded for creativity.

On the other hand …

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And speaking of dangerous behaviors (see above), Rob Jackson writes:

“I live in Saugatuck Shores, and drive to and from downtown on Route 136.

“With the onset of warmer weather, the electric scooter parade begins. There are some adults, but the majority are young teenagers.

“There is no bike lane, so these kids ride in the narrow strip between the traffic and the grass. It’s terrifying to see these young people, sans helmets, at times with headphones or earbuds, speeding along at 15-20 mph with cars, trucks, etc. blowing past a foot or two away. (The 35 mph speed limit seems to be only a suggestion)

“No helmets is downright lunacy. But the small diameter tires on these scooters (as opposed to a much larger bicycle tire) are an invitation for the first small rock to send the riding flying, possibly into a passing vehicle.

“I invite any parent to come watch their child navigate this roadway on their electric scooter. This isn’t Compo Beach or Saugatuck Island. It is a disaster in the making.”

Fun … until it isn’t.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA marked its 100th annual meeting last week with a number of awards.

Honorees included Diane Dubovy Benke (Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year0; Robin Tauck (Legacy & Impact Award), and Kate Murray and Andrew Berkowitz (Youths of he Year).

Employee Recognition Awards went to James Leask, maintenance technician (Above & Beyond); Victoria Walters, lifeguard and swim instructor (Commitment to Mission); Alejandro Flores, maintenance technician (Relationship Champion), and Tina Turechek, digital marking manager (Rookie of the Year).

Robin Tauck (right) with Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick.

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The Westport Library will be buzzing this afternoon.

The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s new community-building project — brings an intriguing music-making event to the Trefz Forum stage (today, Sunday, 2 p.m.).

It’s called a “LID Session.” The acronym stands for “Lay It Down.”

Chiu — a world-renowned pianist, who lived for many years in Westport — has always been fascinated by the way pianos connects people of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences.

He has invited local people to take a chance, and “Lay It Down” for an audience of fellow community members. The 6 who will perform range in age from 12 to 94.

“The playing doesn’t have to be perfect, and the audience doesn’t need to know how to play,” Chiu says.

“The shared experience creates connection for everyone.

Chiu will kick things by playing a short piece. Six guest pianists then take their turn on the Library’s special Yamaha Disklavier, which captures the performance for posterity.

To close, Chiu will lead a community conversation. (For more information, click here.)

Frederic Chiu, at the Westport Library.

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A good crowd headed to the Westport Observatory yesterday, for the start of ARRL Field Day.

The Westport Astronomical Society hosted the local meeting of a nationwide ham radio event.

Attendees young and old heard from ham operators, and got on the air themselves.

ARRL Field Day continues today (Sunday) through 8 p.m. at the observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane. For more information, click here.

Coleytown Middle School student Dylan Rosen learns about ham radio yesterday from Larry Reed (AB1JC), at the Westport Observatory. Dylan contacted a ham operator in Iowa — and the hams in Westport stopped to applaud. PS: Check out Dylan’s shirt!

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Sure, “Westport … Naturally” featured a turtle the other day.

But this shot — taken yesterday morning, at the Longshore stone wall on Compo Road South — is stop-the-presses-worthy.

Quite an interesting looking character. Worth waiting for, even if he does take his time walking the golf course.

(Photo/Peter Armstrong)

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And finally … on this date in 1713, French residents of Acadia were given one year to declare allegiance to Britain or leave Nova Scotia.

They did not pledge their allegiance. The result: a vibrant Cajun culture in Louisiana.

(“06880” wants everyone to be safe. That way we can all enjoy our town — and this hyper-local blog. And if you get a chance, please consider supporting us too. Just click here. Thank you!)

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

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Roundup: Air Quality, Graduation Signs, Leonard Everett Fisher …

Posted on June 21, 2024 | 17 comments

Lynn Flint wrote yesterday: “The ground ozone count for today in Westport is 122 (way high).

“Anything above 70 is considered USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Normal is around 10.

“The same high count is forecast for Friday.

“This condition is invisible, not like forest fire smoke. I’ve noticed it the last few days whenever I was outside my eyes started to burn, my vision became blurry, and I started to cough vigorously.”

Be careful out there!

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A reader writes: “Students graduating during the COVID lockdown in 2020 were denied graduation ceremonies, and the accompanying fanfare and celebrations.

“To create alternative markers of these students’ accomplishments, schools produced and distributed lawn signs for each graduate’s family to display.

“Now, 4 years later, I see lawn signs for Staples, Bedford, even Goddard School graduates. Why?

“Can we please stop, for the sake of our landfills? Graduates are able once again to celebrate and be celebrated.

“So let’s end the practice of producing plastic signs that do not get recycled. biodegrade or do anything useful.”

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for this coming Monday (June 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

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

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Only 2 athletic facilities in Westport — Paul Lane Field at Staples High School, and PJ Roman Field behind Saugatuck Elementary — have lights.

That may change.

Now that a 10-year agreement with Staples neighbors has expired — and with more demands on fields than ever, due to the growth of sports like rugby and girls lacrosse — discussions are beginning about lighting more places.

The Planning & Zoning Commission Recreation Subcommittee meets next Thursday (June 27, noon, Zoom; click here for the town website livestream).

The agenda includes:

  • Review of participant feedback on athletic field lighting for properties (seen here).
  • Discussion of temporary vs. permanent lighting, and times of the day.
  • Discussion of the next steps in implementing athletic field lighting.

Paul Lane Field (lower right) is Staples’ only lighted athletic facility. the baseball diamond, and adjacent Albie Loeffler Field and Jinny Park Field are not. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Book the date!

Tickets for Billie Jean King’s appearance at the 25th annual “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s signature fundraiser  (September 12) — go on sale Monday, July 15, at 10 am.

“Bookmark” this page to order yours.

Billie Jean King

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What’s “low income” in Fairfield County?

A household income of $100,000 for a family of 4.

A study by MarketWatch Guides examined date from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In much of the rest of the country, low income is closer to $50,000 or less, says Claudia Phillips of MarketWatch.

Click here for the full story, in CT Mirror.

Not a lot of money.

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Summer arrived yesterday.

And so — right on cue — did the Good Humor woman.

There are other ice cream trucks around. But for generations of Westporters, this is the only one that counts.

Bonus points if you remember Ray.

(Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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Westport Garden Club members were out in force recently, at Grace Salmon Park.

They’ve been planting, trimming, weeding and overseeing the gardens and new sundial.

It takes a village. The Westport Garden Club makes sure ours always looks gorgeous.


Westport Garden Club members (from left): Joanne Heller, Kelly Frey Pollard, Nathalie Fonteyne, Orna Stern and Joellen Bradford.

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The “dog days” of summer are in August.

But tomorrow o(Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green), the Westport Book Shop is hosting “Doggy Days of Summer.”

There’s a reading by Denis O’Neill, dog-themed art, games, and a chance to meet Woofgang & Co.

Excited for the “Doggy Days of Summer.” (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Speaking of summer: It was the solstice — and a full moon last night.

Dalma Heyn captured the scene, at Old Mill Beach:

(Photo/Dalma Heyn)

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Congratulations to Katie Augustyn. The longtime Westporter is the Sunrise Rotary Club’s new president for 2024-25. She was inducted Wednesday.

Katie Augustyn (center), at her Sunrise Rotary presidency induction. Looking on are the 2023-24 president Liz Wong, and Robert Friend, Rotary district governor.

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Brendan Toller has a new job too.

The former marketing manager of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — who is also a film director and musician — has been named director of operations and new initiatives at WPKN, Bridgeport’s free-form, listener-supported FM radio station.

At Verso Studios, Toller helped develop the mission, partnerships, and programming and marketing efforts.

Brendan Toller (Photo/Michael Civitello)

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Jianmei “Jamie” Zheng died June 14 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with her family by her side, after a battle with lymphoma. She was 61.

She was born in China. After she and Ping Zhou married in 1986, Jamie earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

They and their 2 children eventually settled in Westport, where they lived for the past 18 years.

Jamie was a lifelong enthusiast of music and the arts. As a girls she performed traditional Chinese dance onstage, and later developed a love for classical music and opera. She followed that passion through world travel. Locally, she enjoyed MoCA CT, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theatre, the Music Theatre of Connecticut and Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

Jamie practiced yoga, and was a founding member of a book club. She also found great happiness at Sherwood Island State Park, and relished in her daughter’s accomplishments.

In addition to her beloved husband Ping of 38 years, Jamie is survived by her daughters Connie (Scott) and Katie, and brothers Jianquan and Jianbin.

A memorial service is set for June 29 (11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport). 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jamie’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jamie Zheng

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While Westporters sweltered, these swans enjoyed cool Lees Pond.

Amy Swanson spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Swanson)

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And finally … On this date in 1978, the original production of “Evita,” based on the life of Eva Perón, opened in London.

(Don’t cry for “06880.” But please: Help support us, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Environment, Library, Local politics, Media, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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“Teens & Tweens”: Carry Me Comfort Promotes Community

Posted on June 20, 2024 | 7 comments

“Teens & Tweens” provides an “06880” voice for Westport youth. Today, rising juniors Taylor Serotta and Emma Asiel write about a Staples High School club that works with children in foster care.

During the pandemic, my sister Blake and I (Taylor) were participating in a Zoom benefit for a California-based charity when we learned something heartbreaking: Many children in foster care carry their belongings in garbage bags while transitioning between homes.

This was a stark reminder of how different our lives were, inspiring us to make a meaningful impact. 

Despite our search, we were unable to find an organization that specifically donated duffle bags to foster children in the area, leading us to start Carry Me Comfort in 2021. 

We began by reaching out to 2 foster care agencies in New York City, The Foundling and JCCA, and formed partnerships with them. We coordinated with these agencies to identify specific needs of the children.

We then gathered donations of duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals — items that would provide a sense of dignity, security and comfort. 

Taylor Serotta and her mom Erica drop off more than 50 bags, at The Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk. 

At first we were unsure of the impact we would be able to make, but we soon realized that our small gestures meant the world to both the children and the administrators at the foster care agencies. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when we walked in with loads of boxes was incredibly moving. 

Moments like this reaffirmed why Taylor and Blake started Carry Me Comfort. It wasn’t just about the tangible items; it was about offering a sense of love and support in times when these children needed it the most.

To expand involvement in our organization to a larger community, we started the Carry Me Comfort Club at Staples High School. Despite the many clubs Staples offers, there weren’t any dedicated to foster care. We knew that our small family of 4 could only make so much of an impact as we searched for new fundraising ideas, shaping the desire to collaborate with our peers. 

As we introduced the club and our email list grew, we found that this issue resonated with many students who were passionate about working with us.

Carry Me Comfort members discuss fundraising ideas.

During our first club meeting, we presented stories and images showcasing our progress so far. We observed looks of empathy and determination on the students’ faces as they shared ideas for new fundraising events. Witnessing this immediate enthusiasm and commitment, we became certain that together, we could make a much larger impact. 

From there, we created various leadership positions to encourage engagement. Providing this incentive, along with our monthly meetings, made joining the club both doable and rewarding.

Although it is often difficult to maintain involvement in clubs and organize meetings during sports seasons, we adapted and persevered. We offered simple ways for members to suggest ideas, and put those plans into action.

Making holiday cards to send with duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals.

Through individual donations as well as a raffle fundraiser, we have raised $3,000 this year so far, bringing our total to over $15,000. We also partnered with the Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk to provide duffle bags, expanding our organization to support local agencies. 

The impact of Carry Me Comfort has been empowering, both for the children we serve and for us personally. Witnessing the difference our efforts have made in their lives – from providing a more comfortable night’s rest to enabling them to travel with ease – has been deeply rewarding, instilling a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

While it is difficult to imagine the everyday struggles of children in foster care, being able to assist them in seemingly minor ways has helped us to understand what profound impact small acts of service — providing blankets, stuffed animals, a place to store their belongings —  can have. 

We’re filled with a sense of hope and determination to continue growing Carry Me Comfort’s impact. Even in the face of challenges, our actions matter. We are ready to make a difference – one duffle bag, one blanket and one act of kindness at a time.

(Click here for the Carry Me Comfort website. To learn more about donations or getting involved, email info@carrymecomfort.org.)

(“Teens & Tweens” is an open forum for Westport students. You can write about anything: good or bad, happy or sad, your passions and dreams, your thoughts about your life and community. You can use your name, or be anonymous. You can also submit artwork, videos or other media. If interested, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

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Posted in Children, Staples HS

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Unsung Hero #339

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 10 comments

Caroline Sherman is a Renaissance woman.

As a member of Staples High School’s Class of 1983 — where she starred on the swimming, basketball and softball teams, played in the orchestra and sang in the choir — the native Westporter spent her senior spring interning for Congressman Sam Gejdenson in Washington.

At Colgate University she swam, played rugby and ice hockey, and served as editor of the student newspaper. 

Caroline Sherman

While getting her MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School, she started a singing group (and invented a game called “Zoomball”).

She’s an avid collector of friends, and a builder of, what she likes to call “captured communities.”

So her latest accomplishment may not surprise you. Caroline has written and produced “Empire the Musical.”

Opening off-Broadway on July 11 (previews start July 1), it celebrates the construction of the Empire State Building from different perspectives, including the Mohawk “skywalkers.” Click here for more information.

Before this theatrical foray, Caroline had careers in mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs, and product management at Richardson-Vicks and Procter & Gamble.

She assisted a Sports Illustrated photographer at the 1984 Olympics, taught skiing at Steamboat, and wrote for a sitcom in Los Angeles (while simultaneously earning her helicopter pilot’s license.

Caroline has biked across the US with her 2 brothers, ridden the 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer more than 10 times, is a certified Scuba Diver, and has written and produced 3 short films featured in festivals.

Caroline Sherman (left) after a 2,000-mile bike ride, with friend and “Empire” co-producer Lynne Walder.


Her partner in the “Empire” project is Bob Hull. They have written lyrics and music together for over 25 years. 

Caroline credits her Westport education — including teachers like Pat Beasley at Bedford Elementary School, and George Weigle, John Hanulik and Gerry Kuroghlian at Staples — as well as professors at Colgate and Kellogg, and (especially) her parents Ruth and Larry Sherman, for nurturing her wide-ranging interests and unstoppable drive.

Caroline Sherman (standing, rear) at a recent Westport Country Playhouse reading with her writing partner Bob Hull, sister Suzanne Sherman Propp, longtime friend Camille Addario and mother Ruth Sherman.

Her sister, the also spectacularly talented and accomplished Suzanne Sherman Propp, told “06880” about Caroline’s many careers, and latest venture.

“Hers is an inspiring story about a person who knows we’re only on this earth for a short time, and it’s our responsibility to squeeze every bit of juice out of this potentially fruitful life,” Suzanne says.

Hear, hear! Congratulations to Caroline Sherman, our “06880” Unsung Hero of the Week.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Sports, Staples HS, Unsung Heroes

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Graham Zemel: Teenager Hacks For Greater Good

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 3 comments

All throughout high school, Graham Zemel chased bugs.

It’s a passion project. And it pays.

Graham — who graduated from Staples last week — estimates he’s earned somewhere between “a tank of gas, and four years of college.”

Graham is not chasing beetles, mosquitoes or cicadas.

He’s after bugs in computer code. They can cost companies big bucks, if the bad guys — “black hat hackers” — find them.

Graham is a good guy: a “white hat hacker.” He’s part of a group that gets paid bounties by those companies, before the black hats hit.

Payments range from $50 to $2 million.

Graham Zemel: White hat hacker.

But Graham is not just a member of the white hat hacker community.

He’s a leader in it.

Though still a couple of months away from freshman year at the University of Colorado, Graham is the real deal.

He took all 8 computer science courses at Staples (plus discrete math, his favorite, studying subjects like cryptography and fractals).

But he’s also self-taught. Starting during COVID — when, to battle boredom, he built his own computer — Graham explored the internet. He learned how to code, on his own.

Then — still in his mid-teens — he put his mathematical mind and creative skills to work.

The more Graham learned about ethical hacking, the more he wanted to share. On his website — where he calls himself “a full-stack developer, cybersecurity programmer, and IT enthusiast” — he links to The Gray Area.

He began the site by providing educational resources to beginning programmers and cybersecurity enthusiasts.

But it evolved to much more. Over 30 writers have contributed more than 250 posts. More than 2 million readers have learned about topics like “How I Hacked the Dutch Government” and “The Akira Ransomware Saga.”

Meanwhile, GrahamZemel.com is the place to find projects like Game Bank (where users play online games with friends, or alone); a variety of hacking tools, and links to resources like the book he wrote about ethical hacking (“A Beginner’s Guide to Bug Bounty Hunting” is on Amazon).

It’s hard to believe, looking at his vast web presence, that until a few days ago, Graham was still a high school student.

He made his mark there too. He founded the Crypto Club, and was president of both the Cybersecurity Club and Coding Club.

In his spare time he developed the PowerSchool GPA Calculator. The Chrome extension helps students navigate their grades efficiently. Nearly every student at Staples uses it. So do thousands of others, across the country.

Clearly, Graham could be a black hat hacker if he wanted. There’s money to be made extorting companies after discovering their vulnerabilities.

Yet, he says, “it gives me a high to find vulnerabilities, and report them.” Plus, he adds, “I don’t want to go to jail.”

He has discovered 7 “high-quality” vulnerabilities, and hundreds more lower-level ones.

Graham Zemel, at work.

Bug hunting requires “divergent thinking,” Graham says. He sifts through code, runs a variety of tests, and sometimes spends hours searching for a particular bug.

He’s a very motivated young man. He’s accomplished a lot on his own.

But Graham has plenty of praise for his Staples education. Teachers like Dave Scrofani, Nick Morgan, John Wetzel and Maxim Kolb do a “fantastic” job, he says.

He tips his (white) hat to them.

(“06880” often highlights the accomplishments of Staples students — and everyone else in town. If you enjoy reading stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Staples HS, Teenagers

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Roundup: Cooling Stations, Shonda Rhimes, Charlie Scott …

Posted on June 18, 2024 | 4 comments

With temperatures expected to push past 90 all week, Governor Lamont has activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol. It’s in effect through noon on Sunday.

Several cooling centers are open in Westport:

  • Senior Center (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • MoCA CT (19 Newtown Turnpike): Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Westport Museum for History & Culture (25 Avery Place): Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Speaking of heat: The Westport Library was the hot place to be last night.

Shonda Rhimes introduced — and showed — her film, “Black Barbie.”

The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident then took questions from the of-course-SRO audience.

“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix this Wednesday (Juneteenth). It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.

Among her most memorable lines, regarding Black dolls and representation: “You cannot be what you cannot see.”

Shonda Rhimes (right), in conversation with Bernicestine McLeod Bailey at the Westport Library. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

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Oyster harvesting is back on Sherwood Mill Pond.

This was the busy action yesterday:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Chris Wood writes: “Sadly, I heard that the ‘white barn’ at Sherwood Island State Park will be demolished.

“I spent many years working in and around it in the 1960s and ’70s. I even lived in it one summer.

“It is believed to be the former stables for the Sherwood estate — just down from the ‘stone barn,’ which was the carriage barn.”

Sherwood Island “white barn.” (Photo/Chris Wood)

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Charlie Scott is a Staples High School legend.

During his 4 years, the recently graduated senior played soccer, ran cross country and track, and announced dozens of athletic contests on WWPT-FM.

But he is best known for his videos.

Charlie shot them himself (sometimes via drone). Then he edited them into highlight reels, for games and entire seasons. He posted them as game-day previews. He flooded social media with his “Charlie 33 Prod” productions.

Before he heads of to Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications — where he will take his prodigious talent to even higher stratospheres — Charlie posted one last reel.

He prefaced it in his typically humble fashion: “Thank you Staples Athletics for an incredible 2 years of filming games. My edits are only as good as the players that are in them, so I truly couldn’t have done it without my fellow Wreckers.”

Congratulations, and thank you, Charlie. And now, “06880”: Click below, to enjoy the show!

 

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Speaking of sports: Kyle Martino is a Big Name in the soccer world.

In 1999, the Staples High School star was named Gatorade National Player of the Year.

He went on to play in MLS for Columbus and Chicago, then with the US national team. He was an analyst for the Premier League on NBC Sports, and now covers the national teams for Turner Sports.

He ran for US Soccer president, developed an innovative goal that turns basketball courts into small-sided fields, and has reached out to underserved communities through the Over Under Initiative.

His entire career has been about connecting people through the game he loves.

Martino’s newest venture is No One Home. Begun as a pop-up for the 2022 and ’23 men’s and women’s World Cups, and now remodeled, it’s now hidden in plain sight behind a row of avocado distributors at 141 Chrystie Street in Manhattan’s historic Bowery district

No One Home is a soccer and social club. The ground floor features a large theater-style viewing area, with a massive 172-inch LED screen.

The second floor is a high-end membership lounge for New York’s most passionate soccer fans.

Martino’s goal (ho ho) is to unite the soccer, fashion, art, food and drink communities through a shared love of the sport and culture.

The official opening is Thursday (June 20), with 3 big matches: The European Championship’s Denmark vs. England (noon) and Spain vs. Italy (3 p.m.), followed by Copa América’s Argentina vs. Canada (8 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and reservations. Click here for the Instagram (@noonehome141).

Kyle Martino (far right) at his pop-up, as fans watched the 2022 World Cup (left).

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Here’s another great idea.

Content Studio is a cool new — well, concept and studio, for podcasts and more — in the former quick mart at 20 Saugatuck Avenue (next to the Goddard School, and opposite Dunville’s).

This Wednesday (June 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), Jay Norris hosts a preview. There will be light bites, networking, and — because of the date — a chance to learn a bit more about Juneteenth.

Click here to RSVP. The deadline is 5 p.m. today (Tuesday).

Jay Norris at Content Studio.

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The public is invited to the promotion ceremony of Nick Marsan.

Westport’s deputy fire chief is officially installed as Fire Department chief on Monday, July 1 (3:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Soon-to-be Fire Chief Nick Marsan.

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Happy Pollinator Week!

Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates this Friday (June 21, noon; Zoom) with a “Lunch & Learn.” The topic is how to grow pollinator gardens in containers anywhere.

Kim Eierman will discuss the best choices of pollinator-friendly native plants that grow in containers, and the important pollinators — butterflies, beneficial insects, hummingbirds and more — they support.

Members are free; non-members pay $10. For more details and to register, click here.

Busy-as-a-bee pollinator.

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Wakeman Town Farm’s Family Fun Day returns July 13.

The biggest summer event offers kids’ farm crafts and games; visits with the animals; a scavenger hunt, and bubble show; music, and fun summer foods.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Laura Von Stein — an actor, comedian, 1-woman entertainer and 1983 Staples High School graduate — died peacefully on May 11 in Ridgefield, after a brief battle with colon cancer. She was 58.

Laura was part of Staples Players. She graduated Phi Kappa Phi from the University of Bridgeport, where she received a performing arts scholarship. Laura also studied classical acting at Marymount International School under the auspices of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Laura was a member of Actors’ Equity. Her patient waits at stage doors helped her build an impressive collection of signed Playbills.

Laura also accumulated an impressive library, largely from the annual Pequot Library book sale.

She is survived by her mother, Eleanor Von Stein of Westport and Trumbull; brother Robert Von Stein (Linda Guliuzza) of Trumbull and Massachusetts; nephews Rob (Molly) of Massachusetts, Mike (Laura) of Rhode Island and Scott (Paul) of Massachusetts, and many cousins. Laura was predeceased by her father Robert in 2019.

Laura is also survived by her extended family, including Roger Wolfe; Christine O’Leary; Duane, Gayle, Mike and Stephen Lovello; Jill Lovello and Charlie Sullivan, Christine Lovello, and Tom, Susan, Matt, Sam and Rae Iacovacci, along with many friends from the comedy and theater world.

Laura’s wish is for everyone to support theaters, encourage actors of all ages to keep going, read a good book and enjoy a movie with lots of popcorn. Laura’s life will be celebrated at 5 p.m. on September 15 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

Laura Von Stein

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The water is still a bit chilly.

But  — as this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — that doesn’t stop at least one swimmer.

And one dog paddler.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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And finally … Mark James — described by the New York Times as “a genre-defying, Grammy Award-winning songwriter,” died on Saturday in Nashville. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.

Among his works:

(Sure, it will be hot this week. But “06880” is the coolest place around. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Grads Walk Back To Elementary School

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 11 comments

As graduation approaches each year, many Staples seniors think back on their 4 years in high school. They thank the teachers who got them where they are.

Some recall their middle school instructors. A few might even remember those from elementary school.

But they seldom thank them. They just don’t have the chance.

This year, Staples High School provided that opportunity. A first-ever “Senior Walk” in early June offered 200 of the 426 soon-to-be graduates a nostalgic walk through Coleytown, Greens Farms, Kings Highway, Long Lots and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.

Wearing caps and gowns — and accompanied by a playlist of 2017 tunes — they were cheered and high-fived by former teachers and current youngsters.

Staples High School seniors Emma Booth, Brynn Fleisig, Harrison Putman, Mabel Propper, Katherine Frank, Hailey Johnson and Elise Eisenberger visit Greens Farms Elementary School for Westport’s first-ever Senior Walk.

It was gratifying for the educators, inspiring for the current elementary kids, and a literal trip down memory lane for the seniors.

The event will become an annual — and much looked forward to — tradition.

“Bringing the seniors back to their elementary school is a powerful reminder of the community’s impact on their educational journey,” says Staples principal Stafford Thomas.

“It’s a full-circle moment that highlights their achievements, and inspires the next generation to dream big.”

Avery Mueller (left) and Oliver Howard return triumphantly to Coleytown Elementary School.

But one set of graduates went even further. More than half of Talia Varsano’s former Long Lots kindergarten class gathered together, to salute their teacher Roseann Caruso.

The idea originated with Terri Dusch, whose daughter Anna was in the class. Though they’ve moved away she contacted Talia’s mother Karen, who collected contact info and helped make it happen.

The event — at the home of classmate Kai Seo — was rewarding for all. Caruso presented her “old” students with time capsules they’d made 12 years earlier. They compared long-ago hand prints with their much bigger ones now, and read notes they and their parents had written.

Roseann Caruso’s Long Lots kindergarten class in 2012 …

A dozen years ago, neither Caruso nor the students knew that the future Class of 2024 valedictorian was among them. With her friends, Leigh Foran was learning her ABCs — and how to be kind — in that Long Lots kindergarten room.

Over the years, that class — and so many others — have taken different paths. Some are athletes. Others are musicians and actors.

… and 2024.

Talia became an Inklings editor. Now she’s an “06880” intern.

She taped some of the fun at the Caruso reunion. Her video (below) is an important reminder of the difference one teacher can make in many lives.

And — as we all move forward — the importance of remembering our past.

(“06880” is proud to chronicle the journeys of many Westport young people. And older ones too, of course. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: WPD Leaf Blower, Shonda Rhimes, Winfield Street Deli …

Posted on June 11, 2024 | 15 comments

When the Representative Town Meeting banned gas-powered leaf blowers between May 15 and October 15, they exempted town departments.

But the Westport Police decided not to break the general law.

They use a fully electric blower, in and around the train stations (which the WPD oversees).

“It completely meets our needs,” says Chief Foti Koskinas. “Our use is intermittent. The battery life allows us to complete a job.

“It’s quiet. And it doesn’t interfere with the busy train station, with people waiting for trains, with restaurants close by.”

Police Department employee Jose Rodriguez, with his electric leaf blower.

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Coming attraction: Shonda Rhimes — and her film “Black Barbie” — at the Westport Library.

The award-winning producer, Shondaland visionary and Westport resident brings her latest project to the Trefz Forum next Monday (June 17), for a special screening.

The documentary will be shown at 6 p.m. A Q-and-A with Rhimes follows.

“Black Barbie” debuts on Netflix on Juneteenth. It tells the story of the 3 Black women at Mattel who were determined to create a doll that looked like them, and the impact that had on the Barbie brand.

The film explores the history of Black dolls, their impact on civil rights and Black entrepreneurship, and the significant role of imaginative play in shaping children’s identity. It includes celebrity and fan reflections on the impact of the doll.

All tickets have been distributed. Click here to join the waitlist.

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Winfield Street Italian Deli has closed.

The Post Road West coffee-and-more spot — just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, for decades earlier the site of Art’s Deli — opened several years ago.

Owner Breno Donatti tells “06880”: “Thank you to the incredible community in Westport. We hope to be back in the future. We will dearly miss our regulars. We will focus on the other stores in Stamford, New York City and Croton for now.”

The Manhattan locations are on 86th and 72nd Streets.

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Underwear doesn’t weigh a lot.

Just imagine 125 pounds of it. That’s well over 1,020 pairs

They — along with dozens of bras, men’s t-shirts and socks — were donated by generous Westporters in less than 2 hours Saturday.

Marcy Sansolo headed up the collection, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Lisa Marriott, and many others, lent their hands.

Two days later — yesterday — all those much-needed items were delivered to the Open Doors Shelter in Norwalk.

Missed out on Saturday? Want to donate or volunteer? Opoen Doors can always use help. Click here for details.

Lisa Marriott (left) and an Open Doors volunteer, with some of yesterday’s donations.

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Father’s Day is Sunday. Time to dunk dad!

The day before — Saturday, June 15 (4 to 6 p.m.), Pivot Ministries celebrates “Cool Dads Day” at Green’s Farms Church.

There’s a tank, to dunk your dad (or for him to do the honors on his kids). Plus basketball and cornhole challenges, and burgers and dogs. The Pivot Men’s Choir will sing.

The event is free, and the public is invited. Donations are welcome, to benefit Pivot Ministries. They’ve been returning addicted men to their families in Bridgeport, for 54 years.

Supporting them is a slam dunk.

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Westport students have won 6 Access Awareness Awards.

The annual contest — sponsored by the Area 9 Cable Council and Altice — recognizes student productions broadcast on Altice’s educational access Channel 78 during the school year.

The winners are:

  • “KHS Buddy Bench” (1st place, Elementary School PSA). Brayden Levy, Shane Warshaw, Alexander Wilson and Jude Hix’s instructor was Tara Doyle, technology teacher at Kings Highway.
  • “Women’s History Month: Community Highlight” (1st place, Elementary School General Interest Story). KHS students Harper Bell and Madeline Olsen were also taught by Doyle.
  • “Stress” (2nd place, High School PSA). Jack Schwartz, Allison Cancro, Pranav Pothukuchi and Sanchit were supported by Nicole Moeller, co-librarian at Staples High School.
  • “On the Wreckord: Inklings: World Language Week” (2nd place, High School School News Story. Mary Elizabeth Fulco teaches Advanced Journalism, the course that produces Inklings.
  • “Cheetah Vision Special: Women’s History Community Highlight” (2nd place, Elementary School General Interest Story). Jack Bell and Sable Shurman, KHS students, were also taught by Doyle.
  • “Inklings On the Wreckord” (3rd place, High School News Show).

Congratulations to all the young media stars, and their teachers.

Jack Schwartz, with his Eddy.

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Westport’s own Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, June 13; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).

The popular vocalist is joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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It’s been a long process for Evergreen Parkway.

Earlier this year, they got new sewer lines.

Today — after all that digging — the road was paved.

Once again, everything on the street is “flush.”

Almost done! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, this guy seems to have a question about the chicken wings.

Or maybe he had an issue at the pump.

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … Jacques Cousteau was born on this date, in 1910. The French biologist and author co-invented the first successful open-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) — also called the Aqua-Lung — which he used to make some of the first underwater documentary films.

He died in 1997, age 89.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Staples Graduation: Gallery #3

Posted on June 11, 2024 | 2 comments

One final salute, to the 426 graduates of Staples High School’s Class of 2024!

(For previous photo galleries of last night’s ceremony, click here and here.)

(All photos/George Maddaloni)

 

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Staples Graduation: Gallery #2

Posted on June 11, 2024 | 2 comments

They weathered mold — which closed Coleytown Middle School, and sent those students into classrooms (and trailers and stairwells) at Bedford.

Then came COVID, which made their introduction to Staples a strange hybrid experience (with a shout-out to shortened Wednesdays).

But the Class of 2024 persevered through it all. Yesterday, at the high school’s 137th commencement ceremony, 426 of them celebrated the end of one phase of their lives.

And all they had to weather was a bit of a breeze.

“06880” photographer George Maddaloni captured the joyful faces of some of those graduates. For a previous gallery of photos, click here.

(All photos/George Maddaloni)

 

 

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