Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Budgets, Boathouse, Big Air …

Posted on February 18, 2026 | 3 comments

It’s budget time.

But before the Board of Finance discusses and votes to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, they want to hear from you.

Questions? Concerns? Just want to chat with a member?

Board of Finance “office hours” are this Thursday (February 19), in the Westport Library’s Room 213. Two sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — ensure that just about any resident who wants to be heard, will be.

On March 4, the 1st selectman and Board of Education will informally present their budgets. On March 9 (BOE) and 10 (town), the BOF will conduct formal hearings.

Click here for the full Board of Education budget. 

Click here for the full 1st selectman’s town budget.

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The Boathouse is one of Westport’s most interesting restaurants.

It’s got a great seafood-and-more menu. The vibe is classy, but relaxed. The view of the Saugatuck River — especially from tables on the outdoor deck — can’t be beat.

The one downside: The only way to the 2nd-floor dining area is through the Saugatuck Rowing Club entrance, past the locker rooms and fitness center.

People finishing their workouts mingle with those about to dine.

That may soon be solved. On Monday (February 23, 6 p.m., Zoom), the Rowing Club will ask the Planning & Zoning Commission for a permit, to build a separate entrance. It would be located on the parking lot side.

The Boathouse restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

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Some — okay, many — Westporters are spending the schools’ winter break on ski slopes or beaches.

Fun. But also a bit, well, ordinary.

Rob Simmelkjaer and his daughters run with a different crowd.

They’re in Kaptagat, Kenya. Eliud Kipchoge — the greatest marathoner of all time — runs (ho ho) the Global Sports Camp there. Over 25 world class distance runners are training there now.

They were joined by Rob, Julia (a Staples High School junior) and Annika (a Coleytown Middle School 7th grader). 

It was a business trip (of sorts) for Rob. The CEO of New York Road Runners, he told brought his team along.

He did not specify to “06880” whether that was his management team, or racing team.

This being the Road Runners, perhaps they’re the same.

Eliud Kipchoge, with Annika and Julia Simmelkjaer.

Rob Simmelkjaer, in Kenya.

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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to Mac Forehand!

The US Olympic team freestyle skier Mac Forehand —  a Southport native, and son of Staples High School 1976 graduate Ray Forehand — earned a silver medal in Livigno, Italy yesterday.

He lost by just .25 of a second in the men’s freeski big air, to Norwegian Tormod Frostad.

NBC Sports reports: “Forehand nailed a pair of triple cork 2160s — one switch (95.00) and one regular with nose butter (98.25) — for 193.25 points and briefly jumped into 1st place, one point clear of Frostad with only the Norwegian left to drop. But Frostad answered in the clutch, retaking the lead, and the gold.

“‘I knew I had to one-up one of the tricks and I deliberated with my coaches for like five minutes at the top about what I should do,’ Forehand said. ‘The level of tricks I’ve been doing tonight were insane. … The top five guys all landed insane tricks that would win any other contest day.’

“While Forehand’s tricks featured more rotation, Frostad’s edge came in his technicality: nose-butter takeoffs, high-difficulty grabs and unique, sideway rotations that force blind landings — the kind of details judges heavily reward.”

Click here for the full story. Click here for the video. (Hat tips: Dan Donovan and Elaine Marino) 

Screenshot from NBC Sports.

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Most Westporters love most things about Trader Joe’s.

It is definitely a different experience than Stop & Shop, Big Y and Whole Foods.

And it’s an experience that shoppers at Trader Joe’ses around the country can relate to.

Comedian Nate Meeker sure can. Click here or below for his take.

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Anne Bernier took this otherworldly-looking photo on Monday:

Where was it? Antarctica? Greenland?

Nope.

Compo Beach.

The massive block of snow — over 6 feet, she guesses — in a bizarre shape was balanced on one ice sliver.

Here’s a more recognizable view:

(Photos/Anne Bernier)

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Mushrooms are on the menu next month.

Wakeman Town Farms hosts a cooking class (March 10, 7 p.m.; $125; BYOB), centered on the fungi.

Chef Genee Habansky of Herbaceous Catering will showcase varieties like blue oysters, hen of the woods, shiitakes and lions mane, while preparing (and tasting) dishes such as mushroom parmigiana, fricassee, mushroom “crab cakes” and crispy chicken-fried mushrooms.

Attendees will learn techniques, flavor pairing, and how to make mushrooms the star of the plate. Click here for details, and to register.

Edible? (Photo/Peter Gold)

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The Levitt Pavilion just added another ticketed event.

Eggy — the Connecticut-based jam band — returns to the outdoor stage July 11.

Their Levitt Pavilion roots run deep. Eggy first performed in 2016, as part of the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival. They returned in 2019, and played to a full house 2 years later.

In 2022 Eggy was part of the sold-out Twiddle Festival. This year marks their first headline appearance.

But wait! There’s more! $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Backline Care. The non-profit offer mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families.

Tickets go on sale Friday (February 20, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Eggy

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Longtime Westport resident, softball star and youth coach Michael Calise died February 9, surrounded by his family, in Gilbert, Arizona, where he had retired. He was 87.

A proud US Marine, he served as a tank crewman and rifle range coach. After his discharge he worked as an electrician for Tarala in Norwalk.

He dedicated many hours to mentoring young athletes. He coached St. Luke’s CYO basketball; the Westport Little League Jaguars, leading them to 3 town championships, and the Westport Babe Ruth League Schaefer’s Sporting Goods team, guiding them to 2 titles. He was twice named Babe Ruth League head All-Star coach.

Mike also enjoyed a distinguished softball career. He was inducted into the Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame, and recognized by the Sportsmen of Westport. A Senior Softball world champion and Connecticut ASA state champion in 1962, he earned multiple batting titles and MVP honors as a player.

He spent much of his career with Sonny’s softball team, contributing to a remarkable 120–10 season. He also played with Chatham Oaks and Laurels AC, and competed in several world tournaments.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carol Valiante Calise; children Michael Calise, Debbie Wohlforth, Dominick Calise and Grace Hodges; grandchildren Michael Calise (Samantha), Heather Hohimer (Stephen), Christy Leon (Matt), Christopher Wohlforth (Christina), Erika Calise, Caitlin Hodges (Zach), Anthony Calise and Nicholas Hodges; great-grandchildren Cameron, Austin, Madison, Troy, Wyatt, Dylan, Harper and Blake; great-great-grandchild Makayla, and sister Katherine Calise.

He was predeceased by his brother Douglas Winton, and son-in-law Bruce Hodges, who shared a special bond with him.

A funeral Mass is set for All Saints Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona, on February 27, 2026 (10 a.m.).

Michael Calise

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With temperatures in the 40s — and rain ahead — the Saugatuck River won’t be frozen too much longer.

But it was on Monday. And Rowene Weems snapped this shadowy shot, for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … in honor of the Simmelkjaers’ trip to Kenya, and the great Eliud Kipchoge, of course we give you:

(There’s only one Bruce Springsteen. There’s only one “06880” too. Since he’s got plenty of money, but we rely on reader support, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Staples Players Rewind: “The Music Man”

Posted on February 17, 2026 | 4 comments

In 2001, David Roth kicked off his second year as Staples Players director with a surefire favorite: “The Music Man.”

His troupe did not disappoint. Today “06880” offers our audience — those who saw it, those who missed it, those who were not here and those who were not yet born — a chance to relive its high-energy magic.

Former Staples High School media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped all of Roth’s shows. Now, he’s selecting highlights to share with our readers.

Click here or below, for “Trouble in River City,” “76 Trombones,” “Lida Rose and more.

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Roundup: Basketball, Wrestling, Karting …

Posted on February 16, 2026 | 1 comment

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have a number of sub-groups. They cover many interests, like technology, travel and food.

Plus music.

Last week, the Y’s Men’s Classical Society hosted the Staples Jazz Band, at the Westport Library.

The group, directed by Kevin Mazzarella, “displayed musicianship well beyond their years,” the Y’s Men newsletter says.

The concert was the second of 4 performances. Coming soon: the Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and the Art Greenberg Memorial Olga Vinokur Piano.

But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to enjoy the Jazz Band. Click here or below to watch and listen. (The concert starts at the 4:30 mark.)

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Tommy Greenwald got more than he bargained for, when he watched the Harvard-Yale men’s basketball game on ESPNU.

Cooper Boardman was on the call.

The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University grad has broadcast Boston Red Sox games on the  WEEI radio network. He also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, doing college basketball, softball and lacrosse.

Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards.

(Screenshot/Tommy Greenwald)

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Speaking of sports: congratulations to Staples wrestlers.

Seamus Brannigan and Julian Rousseau finished first, at this weekend’s FCIAC (league) championships.

Damian Rousseau and Gavin Donaldson placed second, while Kai Schwartz was fourth.

Up next: the state and open meets. Go Wreckers:

From left: Head coach Jordan Marion, Gavin Donaldson, Damian Rousseau, Seamus Brannigan, Julian Rousseau, Kai Schwartz, Francesco Beccarra, Charlie Goldman, Amelia Guimond, coach Will Switzer. Not pictured: Jessiah Jones, Amere Miller, Grady McHugh, Kia Halper.

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Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to Dylan Rosen!

The Coleytown Middle School 8th grader recently placed 3rd in Junior 3 Clone Class. It was his first full season of racing with the Norwalk Karting Association, at Calf Pasture Beach.

Dylan is coached by 66 year-old Hugh Gorman. They began a trackside friendship during repairs, and Hugh began offering tips to improve the kart and Dylan’s driving skills.

“He has a lot of patience to talk through things and share his knowledge.” said the 13-year-old racer.

When the season ended in November, Dylan’s 25-year-old Coyote Kart was beyond repair. He and his dad, Frank, called the company. They offered a steep discount on a 15-year-old frame, which they could transfer their working parts to.

Dylan did all the work on it himself. He plans to compete in regional races, beginning next month — with a goal of qualifying for Daytona kart week.

He is looking for local sponsors, to help with karting expenses. Email rosenfamilyracing@gmail.com for details.

Dylan Rosen, at work on his kart.

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The VFW is many things, to many people.

This Friday (February 20, 5:30 p.m.), it becomes a piano karaoke bar.

All singers, of all levels, are welcome. Songs range from rock and pop to standards and Broadway. A piano accompanist will help you sound great.

Admission is free. There’s a cash bar too.

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Bob Mitchell — who hopefully was a passenger in this car, and not the driver — sends this photo …

… and writes: “Will this ever change? It’s been what, 6 years? Doesn’t Delamar want their own signs now?

“But the underlying question: Do these signs really cause travelers to come off the highway looking for accommodations? In this age of ubiquitous GPS?

“Nevertheless, come on, Department of Transporation.”

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos show close-ups: birds, flowers and the like.

Today’s is a wider view. There is plenty of natural wonder here, in this shot of Old Mill, Long Island Sound and more, from Hillspoint Road.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Happy Presidents Day!

We honor them both straightforwardly …

… and humorously:

(Hail to the chief! And hail to “06880”! Honor your favorite president, by clicking here to support your hyper-local blog. Let us know who he is. Democrats, Republicans, Whigs — all are welcome!)

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Seniors Meet Seniors

Posted on February 13, 2026 | 5 comments

When Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters headed to the Senior Center last Friday to meet with members, they figured there would be a generation gap.

After all, they’re a very different type of senior: 12th graders.

But instead of trying to explain their lives to a bunch of older people, they settled into an easy conversation. Amid banter and laughter, both sides asked questions, and offered honest responses.

The Senior Center seniors surprised the Staples seniors with their knowledge of AI. The teenagers surprised the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation by not reflexively opposing the high school cellphone ban.

And when their time was up, they all stayed for another hour, chatting and listening and learning from each other.

Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters (standing), at the Senior Center.

The “Seniors Meet Seniors” event began with an invitation from the Center, to Steven Greenberg’s Friday morning chat group. Staples assistant principal Christine Cincotta recommended Gunnar and Graysen.

Through their activities — he’s on the debate team; she’s in Model UN; both competed nationally with Staples’ We the People class — they know how to communicate.

Still, they wondered how well they could connect with a much older group.

Yet barriers quickly fell. What they thought would be a “presentation” turned into, Gunnar says, “a Socratic seminar.”

Gunnar Eklund

The Senior Center attendees wanted to know, for example, the best way to communicate with their grandchildren. Together, they agreed that phone calls — scheduled consistently, if possible —  have much more impact than texts. Actual written letters are important too.

That resonated with the teens, They knew their own grandparents enjoyed connecting with them. But the conversation reinforced how important that is.

The men and women had heard about Staples’ cellphone ban. They were surprised — and pleased — to hear Gunnar and Graysen say they both feel more connected to others now, at lunch.

The older seniors were curious whether cursive writing is still taught. Graysen feels fortunate that her parents taught her how to sign her name; she and her friends struggle though to read cursive. Gunnar, meanwhile, learned it in a previous private school.

The Stapleites were surprised — and impressed — that the Senior Center members know a lot about artificial intelligence. Many use it.

Graysen Peters

When asked whether AI affects critical thinking, the teens offered personal perspectives.

Graysen said her teachers have taught her to use it in a good way. She knows how to fact-check. She does see some students use it as a shortcut.

Gunnar and his friends don’t really want to use it, he said; it takes away from critical thinking. He thinks many Staples teachers are too lenient about AI use.

Both explained about the technology to supposedly detect if students use artificial intelligence to write papers — and the harm that has come from false accusations.

Near the end, Gunnar asked what advice the seniors had for young people.

The main idea was simple: “Be kind!” (“Be kind on the road, too!” one joked.)

They’ve learned that being kind pays off in the long run, they told the teens.

“They said being kind makes you feel better,” Gunnar noted. “It gives you more positive experiences in life.”

Like, say, the experience of chatting about the world as it was, is, and will be one day, when today’s high school seniors are senior citizens.

Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters (middle row, 2nd and 4th from left), and the 2025 We the People team in Washington, DC.

(“06880” regularly covers Staples High School, the Senior Center — and everyone of every other age in Westport too. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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Roundup: Jackie Robinson, Son Little, Little Books …

Posted on February 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.

This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.

Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”

This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”

Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).

Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers. Click here to submit your entry, and for more details. The deadline is March 15.

Jackie Robinson

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Yesterday, the Levitt Pavilion announced Big News: Matteo Bocelli has been booked for July 10.

Today, there’s more. Grammy Award winner Son Little has been booked for June 24 — and it’s free!

Tickets for the soul/blues/folk/hip hop/R&B artist become available to the public tomorrow (click here).

More announcements — for 50+ free nights of entertainment, and several ticketed shows — will be coming soon.

Son Little

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Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.

For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).

They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.

Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!

Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.

They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.

Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.

Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.

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Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”

Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.

Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence. 

The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

STORMAC invites “06880” readers to join their fundraising. Click here to help them reach their goal.

STORMAC boys ice hockey team.

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For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.

By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.

Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.

On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.

Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.

She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.

Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Border Grill has closed.

The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”

But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”

We assume that means another Mexican spot.

It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.

The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

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It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.

Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.

The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.

Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)

The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?

Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!

In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.

Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …

… and next door, the Mobil station.

M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.

A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 9 citations
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1

It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.

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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.

The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.

Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline);  grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).

Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Andrew Ippolito

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Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.

But it could have been anywhere in town.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!

(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)

 

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Staples Players Rewind: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood”

Posted on February 10, 2026 | Leave a comment

Last week, “06880” introduced a new feature: a video look back at Staples Players’ productions.

Staples High School media teacher Jim Honeycutt started taping shows when David Roth became director, in 2000. His first — and Honeycutt’s first “nutshell” highlight video — was “Guys & Dolls.”

Today we rewind back to Roth’s second musical: Rupert Holmes’ “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” the show-within-a-show based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel.

Click here or below, to see 9 minutes from the spring 2001 show.

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Obituary: Pete Romano

Posted on February 7, 2026 | 5 comments

On Wednesday, “06880” paid tribute to Pete Romano.

Yesterday, his family released an obituary for the native Westporter, Staples High School graduate, longtime volunteer, generous philanthropist, and beloved friend and neighbor.

Peter Romano died Tuesday, at Greenwich Hospital. He was 70 years old.

After Westport schools, Pete earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering at Roger Williams University. He spent his career in that field, including nearly 30 years as the principal and owner of Landtech in Saugatuck.

Pete was heavily involved and invested in the Westport community. He led the Sons of Italy and Festival Italiano for many years.

He followed in the footsteps of his father and mother, PJ and Joan Romano, as a driving force in the Westport PAL, supporting youth athletics and upholding their motto: “It’s for the kids.”

Pete devoted himself fully to local projects, including Wakeman Town Farm, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and many athletic fields around town.

He also dedicated countless hours in support of local causes like Al’s Angels. to provide for families in need.

Pete was consistently recognized as a community leader. He was honored at the Westport YMCA Faces of Achievement dinner alongside his father, and was named an :06880″ Unsung Hero.

He also served Westport’s youth as Santa Claus for many years at Longshore, the VFW, and by boat in Saugatuck Center.

Pete lived for hosting parties and entertaining others. He made every celebration one to remember, and enjoyed connecting people. He never missed an opportunity to hold the microphone.

More than anything, Pete showed up for the people in his life. He would do anything to help a friend or stranger.

Pete was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his mother, Joan Romano; daughters Christen Romano Lert (Jordan) and Mary Kate Romano; sister Pamela Gorman (Robert), and grandchildren Olivia and Roman Lert.

A funeral is set for Friday, February 13 (11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will be private. A celebration of Peter’s life will be announced at a later date. Condolences in memory of Peter may be left online here.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name may be made to Westport PAL. Click here, or mail to Westport PAL, PO Box 3222, Westport, CT 06881.

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Staples Players Rewind: “Guys & Dolls”

Posted on February 3, 2026 | 5 comments

During his 3 decades teaching at Staples High School, Jim Honeycutt helped develop the Media Lab.

It grew from radio and television production into a full-fledged, versatile studio.

Jim and his students recorded TV shows, Candlelight Concerts, and many Staples Players productions.

For several months, Jim — now retired — has been creating “nutshells” from the archives. They’re brief (10 minutes or so) highlights of every show, beginning with director David Roth’s first one in 2000.

It was “Guys and Dolls.”

Jim is sending these nutshells to “06880.” He hopes readers enjoy the shows — whether they were there then or not. Click here or below, for “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” and many more classics.

 

(“06880”  covers Staples High School, Westport’s entertainment scene, and so much more — and we do it 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: MLK Day Video, HWH Food Drive, WTF Lambs …

Posted on January 31, 2026 | 1 comment

The inspirational Martin Luther King Day conversation between author/writer/ Columbia School of Journalism dean Dr. Jelani Cobb and Westport writer/ professor Trey Ellis is now online.

Click here; then use password Jelani_Cobb_2026. The video is available through February 27.

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We’re just a week from Homes with Hope’s “Soup-er Bowl” food drive.

The event — next Saturday (February 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), is sponsored by the Westport Police Department, and the Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary clubs.

It’s a way to help our town’s homeless shelter and food pantry stock up on most-needed items, before the game.

They include cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, pasta sauce, canned chicken, peanut butter and jelly, rice, laundry detergent and deodorant.

Not headed to Stop & Shop next Saturday? There’s an even easier way to donate needed items: Just click here, and select from the  Amazon wish list.

They’ll be delivered directly to the food pantry.

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Speaking of great causes: Earth Animal is well known for its care for canines.

But it sure does a lot for their 2-legged friends.

The Post Road store’s 18th annual Mitten Project raised a whopping — and record-breaking — $100,834.62 this holiday season.

The funds — coming from customers and other concerned residents — supports Connecticut Foodshare.

That translates to over 200,000 nutritional meals — and other resources — provided to families across the state.

The campaign was powered by Earth Animal retail sales, “Shop & Give” events with local businesses, donations, and customer support.

A matching contribution from Earth Animal Ventures, headquartered in Norwalk, amplified the campaign’s impact.

Thanks to all who participated — and of course to Earth Animal, for making it happen.

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Speaking of animals: Wakeman Town Farm just received 4 newborn lambs, from Bluebird Farm in Willington.

The southdown babydoll sheep — a sweet and loving breed — are 2 weeks old, all female, and related to the sheep that currently reside at WTF.

Farm educators, headed by Judy Panzer, train volunteers to help patiently teach the babies how to drink from bottles.

Wakeman Town Farm also offers “Lamb Cuddles,” a hands-on experience through which residents cuddle, socialize and connect with the animals while learning about their care and personalities. Click here for tickets, and more information.

To help defray the costs of care and feeding, WTF is running a fun “Name the Newest Farm Babies” contest.For $10, you can submit up to 4 name suggestions (one per lamb — remember, all are girls!). 


Winning names will be drawn February 9. Click here to enter.

 

Awww … too cute!

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We’re just a few days away from the Winter Olympics. The eyes of the world will be on Milan.

Of course, there’s a Westport connection.

Longtime resident/veteran sports and news journalist Dave Briggs has teamed up with Saatva — the  luxury mattress company founded by fellow resident Ron Rudzin, and the official provider of mattresses and bedding for the 2026 and ’28 Olympic and Paralympic Games — on a series of “Superpower” podcasts.

Briggs interviewed gold medalists Tara Lipinski (figure skating), Jessie Diggins (the most decorated American cross country skier), Jessica Long (the Michael Phelps of the Paralympics), and gold medalist Brenna Huckaby (Paralympic snowboarder) — all in bed, on Saatva mattresses.

These are in-depth interviews about the athletes’ lives — including personal challenges. Despite the luxurious and sports-related settings, there are no softball questions. Lipinski, for example, talks about pressure and performance, infertility, pregnancy loss and the LA fires.

Click here or below to see Briggs’ interview with Lipinski. Click here for the podcast on iTunes; click here for Spotify.

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Congratulations to the students involved with Soundings and QED.

Staples High School’s 2 literary magazines have been awarded “Superior” rankings, in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest. The honors come from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Publications are evaluated by a panel of judges. Criteria include the quality of writing, variety of genres featured, excellence of art and graphic design, and overall editorial layout.

At Staples, students oversee everything from the initial call for submissions to the final technical production. Editor-in chief Allison Cancro, and associate editors Eva Slossberg and Jack Robinson, worked with faculty advisor Kim Herzog.

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Westport is filled with entrepreneurs.

Plenty of youngsters are excited by the opportunity to run their own business. How can they start?

This Thursday (February 5, 5 p.m., Westport Library), they can head to the Mini Moguls Marketplace.

Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi organized the event, for students in grades 5-8.

Participants will run their own business by selling a product (handmade items; gently used toys, books and games, etc. — no food please!), and creating posters explaining their product, pricing, and marketing strategy, while learning
valuable financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

Families are welcome to attend as customers. Click here for more information. Questions? Email aanyagandhi1213@gmail.com.

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Speaking of the Library: VersoFest audiences tap their feet to the music. Sometimes they dance.

On March 28 (10 a.m.), no one will be in their seats.

The Westport Library’s 5th annual music and media conference and festival welcomes master artist Andoche Loubaki. He’ll lead a lively traditional Congolese Dance and Drum workshop, presented by Brooklyn-based Cumbe Dance.

It’s a great family event. After all, who doesn’t want to dance in a library?

Click here for more information on the Congolese workshop. Click here for the VersoFest home page.

Cumbe Dance

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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — gets a jump on Valentine’s Day.

Their next event (February 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399) includes music, dancing, art by MoCA\CT — plus heart-shaped pizza from Planet Pizza, sweet treats, and plenty of Club203 love.

Parents and caregivers can mix and mingle at the VFW cash bar. Click here for the Club203 website.

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For more than half a century, Larry Silver has been taking photos. They hang in some of the most prestigious galleries and museums in the world.

He’s still shooting. He’s been all over the planet, but Westport remains one of his favorite places.

The other day, Larry was at Old Mill Beach. He sent this image to “06880”:

(Photo/Larry Silver)

The cold continues this weekend. Temperatures will reach only the mid-20s today and tomorrow. Nighttime will see them dip to the low teens. Stay warm!

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Meanwhile, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a no-brainer.

It’s a scene we’re all (too) familiar with these days:

(Photo/copyright Ted Horowitz)

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And finally … that’s a smooth segue into today’s featured song:

(Looking to warm up — and warm our heart too? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” That’s such a cool thing to do, and we thank you from — well, the bottom of our heart.)

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Posted in Children, Environment, Library, Staples HS

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From Beach To Best: 60 Years Of Teen Radio

Posted on January 29, 2026 | 14 comments

WWPT-FM is the best high school radio station in the country.

That’s not just my opinion. Staples’ “PT” earned that John Drury Award honor last year — to go with similar “Best High School Radio Station in the Nation” trophies in 2011, ’17 and ’18.

WWPT 90.3 picks up plenty of other Drury trophies each year too, for everything from news features and public affairs, to sports and radio dramas.

The station draws a wide audience. Live sports are particularly popular. They’ve launched the professional careers of sportscasters like D.J. Sixsmith, Eric Gallanty and Cam Manna.

Celebrating at the 2010 John Drury Awards ceremony (from left): advisor Mike Zito, and students Eric Gallanty, DJ Sixsmith, Brendan Rand and Jake Chernok.

But listeners may not realize that WWPT is more than 50 years old.

Or that a radio station featuring Westport teenagers stretches back to the Eisenhower administration.

Pam Docters knows.

And now anyone who pays $9.03 0n Amazon (yes, the price is deliberate — get it?!) can read all about that storied history.

Docters — a 1978 Staples graduate, and proud ‘PT alum — has just published “Radio Whoopie at Compo.” The slim, 49-page paperback tells the story of the station, in the words of those who were there. And with an impressive number of archival photos.

It focuses on the late 1950’s through ’80s. The pioneers who Docters spoke with were the most fervent WWPT alums, she says.

The story begins with  Stuart Soroka. He hung a speaker outside his bedroom window on Wake Robin Road, and hosted a “radio show.”

That evolved into a 100-megawatt AM station — called WWPT, for “Westport” — at 1160: “The Sound on the Sound.”

Soroka, Gordon Joseloff and others broadcast from the YMCA and Compo Beach, with a transmitter the size of a cereal box.

Teenagers at Compo Beach, listening to “The Sound on the Sound.”

They attracted the attention of the New York Times, World Book Encyclopedia, Scholastic Magazine — and the Federal Communications Commission, which reluctantly shut them down.

Soroka — a 1961 Staples graduate — went on to became a noted Boston weatherman. Joseloff had a career as a CBS News correspondent, then served 2 terms as Westport’s first selectman.

This July 1961 New York Times story alerted the FCC to the existence of the unlicensed radio station. 

In 1968, Keith Satter and others built an AM transmitter that broadcast throughout Staples, from what had once been a storage room. WSRB — for “Staples Radio Broadcasting” — is believed to be the first high school radio station in Connecticut.

In the early 1970s it evolved into WWPT-FM. At 110 to 330 watts, it was the 12th high school radio station in the country.

The designer of the original 1970s logo is unknown. It’s still used today.

Docters uses interviews with former staff members like Dennis Jackson, Mark Potts and Larry Perlstein to describe the growth of the station: its antenna at the old Nike missile site on Bayberry Lane; live broadcasts from the Yankee Doodle Fair, and of Candlelight Concerts; coverage of Board of Finance, Board of Education meetings; an interview with former Stapleite Charlie Karp, who had played with Jimi Hendrix but was excited that his new band’s music was being played on “this little station.”

In 1975, WWPT sponsored a fundraising concert in the Staples auditorium with the James Gang, and an up-and-coming English musician named Peter Frampton.

On Election Day 1977, ‘PT scooped all the other local media with the local results. Station members headed to polling places across town, and called in the results via pay phone.

Marta Flanigan waits for election results, in the WWPT studio.

Chuck Davis and Neil Hartman built a robust sports department. WWPT aired football, soccer, basketball and baseball games. They scored press passes from the Yankees, Giants, Knicks, Whalers (and Bridgeport Jai-Alai), and interviewed top athletes.

Davis went on to work at Sports Illustrated; Hartman headed to Comcast SportsNet. Another member, Jon Stashower, became a noted ESPN radio anchor.

Photos in Pam Docters’ book show (top to bottom) Chuck Davis and Neil Hartman interviewing Cosmos soccer stars Giorgio Chinaglia and Pele, respectively.

Thanksgiving fundraising marathons became legendary. With pitches from famous New York DJs like Don Imus, Cousin Brucie and Murray the K, plus celebrities like Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, Jim McKay, Dave Winfield, Jack Lemmon and Ben Vereen, students raised thousands of dollars each year.

1977 fundraising marathon poster.

WWPT was a formative experience for Docters, and her love for it is clear in her book.

She tells “06880” about her long days at the station. “We were in the lower 9 building, away from everything. We never, ever saw an adult. We were independent, and responsible. We MacGyvered everything. Fixing the tower at 11 p.m., whatever — we made it work.”

Docters remains “in awe” of her predecessors. “They were there before anyone, in radio. It’s phenomenal what they did. You couldn’t recreate that today. There are so many rules and regulations now.”

40 years after graduating, 1978 WWPT members (from left) Malcolm Doak, David Schaffer, Laurel Rech, Chuck Davis, Doug Meny and author Pam Docters enjoyed a tour of the 2018 studios.

She knows “Radio Whoopie at Compo” will not be a big seller. That’s fine.

Docters just wanted to preserve WWPT’s remarkable history. She donated copies to the Staples and Westport libraries, and current station advisor and radio production teacher Geno Heiter.

That’s right: Radio is now a legit Staples class.

It’s come a long way from the outlaw transmitters at the beach and the Y; closed-circuit broadcasts that could only be heard in the cafeteria; then gangs of teenagers hanging out all day and night, playing records and planning shows and fixing transmitters.

Pam Docters is proud of the role she played. Dennis Jackson, Larry Perlstein and all the others she interview for her book are too.

And in that great radio station in the sky, Stuart Soroka and Gordon Joseloff are listening and smiling too.

(“o6880”  regularly covers Staples High School, Westport teenagers, our town’s history — and much more. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

2025 John Drury Awards.

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Posted in Looking back, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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