For some reason, the YouTube link to the Westport Library’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the subject of this morning’s lead story — did not come through for some readers.
If you could not access it, try below. Let’s hope this works!
Debra Kandrak is the woman behind the very successful “Paint the Town Yellow” project.
She writes: “On Friday, during my daily walk at Compo Beach, I came upon the memorial service for Max Harper — a young man taken tragically too soon.
“It was a beautiful tribute in his honor, with hundreds of people in attendance.
“So today I ask everyone to plant yellow daffodils in Max’s memory. (You may recall that the theme for ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ is to honor loved ones
“Let’s plant them all over town: around street signs, stop signs, mailbox posts, at the entrance to Staples and in front of the school.
“Let’s make this a community event. Email me (debra.kandrak@raveis.com) where you are going to plant, so I can post photos next spring for his family to see how much this community cares.
“I would like to see an explosion of yellow daffodils all around town in the spring, in honor of Max. This will be a beautiful tribute, and may give his family some peace.”
A large crowd packed Paul Lane Field last night, for the opening game of Staples’ football season.
(Photo/Luca Caniato)
The state champion Wreckers picked up right where they left off last fall, hammering non-league Hamden 48-7. Junior quarterback Nick Weil threw 5 touchdown passes.
Many attendees — including those not yet in Staples — wore “Play for Max” buttons.
(Photo/Bianca Jonas)
The buttons — honoring senior Max Harper, who died Wednesday in a dirt bike accident — were made Friday in the Staples library, by students.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
On Thursday and Friday, therapy dogs were available at Staples, to help students cope with the tragedy.
The dogs have been welcome fixtures at Staples at other times of stress. As shown below, they are always happy to help.
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 24 gifted and spirited teenagers — wind up their 2024 American tour, singing and dancing to songs from their native Africa — with a free concert on September 19 (Bedford Middle School, 7:30 p.m.).
It’s a gift to Westport from an anonymous benefactor, intended to expand the audience’s musical and cultural horizons.
Matsiko means “hope” in Ugandan. The Choir performs to help thousands of children attain a brighter future. Proceeds from the tour and merchandise sales support the organization’s worldwide educational programs for orphans.
The Matsiko World Orphan Choir has performed at the White House, US Capitol, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the Rose Bowl.
After Westport they head to Yale University, then Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Click here for free tickets, and more information.
On October 7 (Fire Engine Pizza Company, 768 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation sponsors an important event.
There’s fun, food, and valuable information, to support awareness and celebrate survivors.
Casting for Awareness — a non-profit that provides free fly-fishing wellness retreats for women with breast cancer — will receive up to 20% of the total sales at the restaurant that day.
Fire Engine Pizza Company is a great place. And there’s no better cause.
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Finally. At last!
The moment we’ve all been waiting for.
A gaping Westport need will soon be filled.
Not a moment too soon … a nail salon will open in town!
(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
I’m sure customers will flock there.
But where will they go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday …?
Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween decorations.
Or even pumpkin spice latte.
But Costco thinks this is a fine time to roll out their Christmas goods.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
On second thought: Why not?
There are only 102 days left before Santa arrives.
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Well-known former Westporter Stephen Kaye died September 2. He was 86.
The Boston-area native, who graduated from Harvard Business School and MIT, and was a 1st lieutenant in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. lived in Westport for over 50 years. His family says he was known as “funny, smart, kind, caring, quirky and unique. Steve lived his life with energy and positivity. A passionate sailor, his boat ‘Forever Young’ expressed his outlook and vigor. Steve was an avid skier of groomed blue runs, a black belt in martial arts, always made new friends at the gym and was a ping-pong player with an overpowering serve.”
After working for Procter & Gamble, Gillette and other advertising, packaging and consulting firms, he founded Steve Kaye New Products in 1977. He built it into a successful firm, working with Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies.
He helped create Huggies diapers, the “Got Milk” campaign, chocolate-covered Oreos and other products of the 1980s and ’90s.
For the past 11 years Steve was an adjunct professor of marketing and sales at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.
Steve is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Arenson of Westport; son Bruce (Misael Rodriguez) of Milford; daughter Joan Garbow (Ralph) of Ridgefield; son Peter Kaye (Andrea Mazur) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren Ben and Julia Garbow and Sally and Margot Kaye; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Wexler of Brookline, Massachusetts, and cousins Stanley and Enid Shulman of Brookline.
Donations in Steve’s honor can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.
Steve Kaye
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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Dave Kingsley died September 4, from complications of lymphoma.
He and his wife Kathy settled in Newtown in 1986, where they raised 2 daughters.
Dave’s love for fishing, boating and sailing where cultivate during his youth on Long Island Sound. He particularly enjoyed bone-fishing in the Bahamas.
Dave played basketball, baseball and softball into adulthood. He found great joy in watching his daughters play sports, coaching several of their youth basketball teams.
He was a voracious reader, full of knowledge gained through his life as a builder, designer, contractor and business owner. He designed, built and remodeled homes and businesses in Connecticut and New York, including his own home.
One of his proudest achievements was the renovation of an old building on the Fairfield Hills campus, transforming a staff dining room and library at the former psychiatric hospital into a brewery.
Dave is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Emma of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Caroline of Sausalito, California; sisters Karen of Wallingford, Patricia of San Diego, Mary Ann of Severna Park, Maryland, plus nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life is set for tomorrow (Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., at his brewery), followed by a funeral Monday (September 16, 10:30 a.m., Saint Rose of Lima Church, Newtown).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newtown Youth & Family Services.
Dave Kingsley
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature introduces its first-ever black crown night heron.
The Staples High School football team opened their state championship defense tonight. A large crowd was on hand to watch the Wreckers host Hamden High. In the 3rd quarter, the hosts were ahead, 28-7. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.
Everyone does what they can.
For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.
Hundreds of them.
On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.
But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?
The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.
Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.
And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.
Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).
The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.
“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.
“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”
That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.
Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.
But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.
James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.
Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.
The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.
You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.
Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.
Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.
Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.
The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10. Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.
Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.
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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.
But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.
Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.
According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”
He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”
Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Parker Kligerman
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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.
These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.
Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.
During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”
It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.
There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.
No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.
Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.
Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.
His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.
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Accidents, cancer, suicide — those are the tragedies that, from time to time, touch every town.
Over the years, we’ve had our share.
Yet teenagers have gotten the message about drinking and driving. Medicine has made great strides. All of us are much more aware of mental health.
Still, no place is immune to everything. No teen is invincible.
Nor is any town.
Max Harper
As Westport mourns the death of Max Harper — the 18-year-old Staples High School senior killed Wednesday afternoon on a dirt bike on Old Hill Road, not far from his home — we search for words of comfort.
Parents and teachers want to help Max’s friends and fellow students make sense of what they’re going through. For many, this is their first experience with death.
Adults want to assure each other that our kids will be okay. Of course, we’re trying reassure ourselves of the same thing.
The counseling that Staples provides is important.
So is the physical presence of each of us.
Yesterday, as school was delayed 2 hours for staff to prepare, a group of students organized a gathering at Compo Beach.
“In terms of grievance, it is crucial that you spend time with loved ones,” the teens told each other by text, and on social media.
“Regardless of your relation to Max, we encourage everyone to join the community and face this difficult time in unity.”
Those are impressive, empathic words from teenagers. It’s clear they have been raised lovingly and well.
At 9 a.m., hundreds of students gathered.
Several people — including Max’s father, Max’s and family friends, Staples’ school resource officer and the assistant principal for the Class of 2025 — spoke.
But mostly, it was a time for quiet reflection. Boys and girls took flowers, and placed them gently in the water. A student led a prayer, for those who wanted to join.
(Photos/Luca Caniato)
Westport is lucky to have avoided a teenage tragedy for so long. We are lucky to have school personnel and other adults to support our kids, as they support each other.
At times like these, words are difficult to find. They often sound hollow, or trite.
But actions are important.
Staples students have shown one way to act.
Tom Scarice offers another.
In his message to parents Wednesday night, the superintendent of schools said: “As you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”
Then, give them a hug — from yourself, and from the community.
Pat Micinilio is Staples High School’s assistant principal for the Class of 2025.
That’s the senior class Max Harper was part of.
In the aftermath of his tragic death yesterday, in a dirt bike accident, the assistant principal offers these thoughts. He incorporates some insights from Max’s counselor, Mattie Sokoloski.
Max was a beloved student at Staples High School.
I know this is said too often, but Max truly did have a larger-than-life personality.
He had only been at Staples for a little over a year, but he made his presence known from the moment he stepped onto campus.
Max Harper
He had an engaging and warm personality, filled with enthusiasm and happiness. Because of his genuine warmth, he quickly made friends here, and had so many of them.
Students were drawn to him, as evidenced by all of the kids who sat with him at lunch, walked with him in the hallways, or worked out with him in the fitness center after school.
He was such a bright spot in so many people’s day. And he had, perhaps, the best manners of any teenager with whom I have ever worked.
He was a “please” and “thank you” kid. No matter what kind of conversation we had in my office, he ended every one of those conversations with “I appreciate you.”
In fact, those were the last words he said to me.
Max loved to chat it up with many of us about his future plans. He had so many dreams and ambitions.
He often talked of wanting to start up new and unique businesses. From a clothing line to a construction business to working on automobiles, he had his sights high.
With Max’s personality, there was no doubt he would have had an amazing future in whatever avenue he decided to explore.
Max truly discovered his true self here at Staples, and flourished. He helped to make our school a brighter place by his sheer presence.
Staples assistant principal Pat Micinilio (right), speaking about Max Harper at this morning’s Compo Beach memorial. (Photo courtesy of Inklings)
Max was strong-willed and passionate about the people and things that were important to him. His ability to connect with others, no matter who they were, was unmatched.
He never shied away from a conversation or meeting someone new.
Even if you only met Max once, he was a friend for life. He greeted everyone in the hallway, no matter if he knew them or not.
His kind, laid back and fun-spirited nature made his peers gravitate to him. To know Max was to love Max.
His love for life and his big dreams were an inspiration to all. His impact on our school and our community is a true testament to how special a person Max is. He was one of a kind.
The loss we are feeling now is because of how special Max was, and how much he meant to so many at Staples.
Hundreds of Staples High School students gathered this morning at Compo Beach, for an emotional memorial to senior Max Harper.
The 18-year-old was killed yesterday on his dirt bike, in a collision with a truck near his Old Hill Road home.
The event — organized by students, and held an hour before a delayed school opening — included words from Max’s father, several friends of Max’s, and family friends; Ed Wooldridge, Staples’ school resource officer; and Pat Micinilio, assistant principal for the Class of 2025.
Many students brought flowers. Somberly, they placed them in the water, then watched them bob gently in the quiet tide.
Max Halper’s father embraces a memorial attendee. (All photos/Luca Caniato)
An 18-year-old riding a dirt bike was killed this afternoon, in a collision on Old Hill Road.
Maximilien Harper, a Staples High School senior, was riding south on Old Hill Road, just south of Partrick Road, shortly after 3 p.m.
The driver of a loaded dump truck traveling in the other direction tried to avoid the dirt bike, on a sharp corner. The truck veered off the road, hit several trees and rolled on its side.
Max was fatally injured in the collision.
The dump truck driver was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The crash is under investigation by the Westport Police Detective Bureau and Westport Police Accident investigation Team, assisted by Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas extends the condolences of the department to Max’s family.
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Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:
“I truly don’t know how to start this message. These are among the hardest messages to deliver and process, as both a father and a member of the WPS community. Tonight, as I embrace and say goodnight to my 16-year-old son, my mind will be miles away.
“Max Harper’s loss is heartbreaking for our school and extended community. I know many of you will feel its impact in the days ahead.
“In moments like these, words just fall short. But what we can offer is our unwavering support to those affected by this tragedy, beginning with Max’s family. Please come together during this difficult time. Lean on one another, and extend compassion to those who are grieving.
“In order to ensure that our faculty and staff are fully prepared to appropriately receive our students tomorrow, Staples High School will operate on a 2-hour delay. All other schools will open at their normal times.
“The entire faculty will come together, grieve, and be provided guidance and language on how to support our students when they arrive, when they see them in Connections, and also throughout the day.
“For any students needing support prior to the opening of school, the Staples counseling staff will be available to provide support to individuals and small groups of students.
“Staples principal Stafford Thomas will send a follow up email this evening to the Staples families and staff outlining the plans for the day, beginning with the early morning support, and the measures put in place to support students.
“All athletic games will be canceled Thursday, but teams will be permitted to meet for light practices or team meetings in order to provide students a place to be with one another after school.
“Finally, as you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
They’re fit, but friendly. They’re competitive, but close. They run for various reasons — to win a race, do their personal best, or simply finish — and at various paces, but they all love to run.
And they don’t get a lot of publicity.
For an activity that’s been around for over 60 years, the Westport Road Runners races get very little attention.
Unless you’re near Compo, Burying Hill Beach or Longshore on a Saturday morning, you don’t know the long-running (ho ho) series even exists.
The series of 10 races — each longer than the week before — culminates in a 10-miler the Saturday before Labor Day.
Road Runners was one of the only such events when it began in the 1960s. The Labor Day race was particularly popular, attracting some of the top athletes in the Northeast.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has sponsored Road Runners since its inception. Co-sponsors now include Pequot Runners and Fleet Feet. The selectwoman’s office and Police Department offer important assistance.
And they’re off! The start of a Westport Road Runner race.
But the man making it work for nearly all that time — all but 3 of its 62 years — is Laddie Lawrence.
A star runner in Staples High School’s Class of 1964 — and now, for well over 50 years — the Wreckers’ cross country, indoor and outdoor track coach — he does it all.
He sets up the course, oversees every aspect of each race, then cleans up. There would be no Road Runners without Laddie Lawrence.
He just finished his 59th year as Road Runners director. If that sounds like a long time: It is.
Regulars who have served for years include Jim Gerweck, Charlie Wolgast, Ray Prezkop, Dave Parise, Anne Parise and Mary Parise.
This year’s group of recent alumni or current Staples athletes includes Morgan Samuel, Will Boberski, Oliver Samuel, Jonas Varnas, Michael Bernier, Ben Buchalter, Alex Price, Luke Rabacs, Daisy Seaborne, Preston Siroka, Nate Hordon, Mikhail Mikhalchuk, Oliver Galin, Connor O’Neill and Samuel Zwick Lavinsky.
All are today’s Unsung Heroes.
But Laddie Lawrence wins this week’s gold.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
It took oh, I don’t know, about 20 years for the town to agree to put lights on the Staples football field.
(Full disclosure: My parents’ neighbors — though not them — on High Point Road were some of the biggest obstacles.)
The lights have been there for over a decade. The result: increased attendance and enthusiasm at football and lacrosse games, and other sports. More opportunities for practice for athletes on many teams.
And no issues with neighbors.
The lights at what is now called Paul Lane Field were the focus of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Diane Bosch, Diane Silfen and Dan Vener all correctly identified the scene.
There were not a lot of responses, on Labor Day weekend.
Maybe everyone was out playing games.
Now — just in time for the change of seasons — here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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For an activity that’s been around for over 60 years, the Westport Road Runners races get very little attention.
