Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: Crypto Scheme, State Senate Race, Ruden Report …

Posted on July 20, 2024 | 17 comments

2011 Staples High School graduate Dylan Meissner pleaded guilty Thursday in US District Court to wire fraud. He was charged with stealing nearly $4.5 million from the crypto company, where he was vice president of finance.

He played baseball at Staples. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated with a BS in accounting from Pennsylvania State University in 2015, where he was active in the Penn State Investment Association.

In 2016, Meissner received an accounting MS from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business.

Though his company was not identified, his LinkedIn profile says he was VP of finance at Delphi Digital, during the time frame covered by the court. An FBI investigation found that he diverted $4,461,828 in the firm’s funds to cover “significant personal trading losses.”

Wire fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He will be sentenced on October 11. In the meantime, he has been order to pay restitution of $4,633,424.99.

Cryptocurrency

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Kami Evans has announced her candidacy for Connecticut’s Senate District 26.

Democratic incumbent Ceci Maher is serving her first term in Hartford. Evans — a former Westport resident — now once again lives here. The district includes Westport, Weston, Wilton, Redding, and parts of Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.

In her announcement, Evans — who has worked for non-profits and in public relations, and is running as a Republican — said: “I’m here to champion family values and focus on community strength. Our journey together will be about uniting, uplifting, and creating endless opportunities for our district that everyone will benefit from.

“Your voice matters, and I’m here to listen. Let’s engage in meaningful conversations and work hand in hand to rejuvenate our district. Together, we can achieve greatness and build a brighter, stronger future for all.”

Kami Evans

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Last night’s full moon drew a full complement of photographers.

Thanks to all who submitted images. Here’s one of the best, from Old Mill Beach:

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the “Welcome to Westport” sign at the Sherwood Island Connector and Post Road East.

Actually — depending on which direction you’re traveling — it now says “Welcome to Estport” or “Welcome to Westpor.” A recent accident sliced off a bit of the wood.

How recent? “06880” Mary Lou Roels reports: “The sign was hit on June 29, and the car caught on fire. I approached after midnight to see this (below). Fire crews managed the scene.”

(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

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For 10 years, The Ruden Report has been the go-to site for coverage of FCIAC high school athletics. All 16 schools in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference get plenty of ink — well, pixels — in a wide variety of boys and girls sports.

Now, the multi-platform source — the brainchild of 1978 Staples High School graduate Dave Ruden — has been acquired

Westport-based Connoisseur Media is the new owner. Their resources — including 6 radio stations, and various digital brands — will enable Ruden to expand reporting throughout the area.

Connoisseur operates and/or owns WEBE 108, STAR 99.9, WYBC, WICC, 99.1 WPLR, and 95.9 The Fox in Connecticut.

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It will be an exciting October for Fred Cantor.

The 1971 Staples High School graduate produced 2 films. In the span of a week, both will have their television premieres on CPTV.

“The High School That Rocked!” — a 2017 documentary that chronicles concerts at Staples by the Doors, Cream, Rascals, Animals, Remains, Sly and the Family Stone, and others (including a very young, pre-Aerosmith Steve Tyler) — is set for October 14 (9 p.m.).

Cantor made the film with Casey Denton, a 2014 Staples grad who obviously was born way after that golden era. The film earned kudos on the festival circuit.

A week later (October 21, 9 p.m.), Cantor’s “It’s a Hollywood Life!” debuts.

That film — released this year — focuses on longtime Westport resident Susan Granger’s 80-plus years connected to the movie business. (Spoiler alert: She started in childhood,  appearing with some of the biggest stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.)

BONUS REEL: People in and near New York City can see “It’s A Hollywood Life!” in a theater. Its NYC premiere is next Saturday (July 27, at the Chain NYC Film Festival). A Q-and-A after the screening features co-director Maya Weldon-Lagrimas, who recently received the Howard R. Lamar Prize in Film from Yale — the school’s top film prize. Click here for ticket information.

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Jazz at the Post has announced 3 upcoming dates: August 1 (Melissa Newman), August 15 (Uri Caine) and August 29 (Janice Friedman).

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Riverside Avenue. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

In other jazz news, on Wednesdays (starting September 11), Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall will coach 2 adult ensembles: beginners and intermediates/ advanced. Both provide “a gentle and stimulating opportunity to learn and refine the repertoire and language of jazz.”

All levels of musicianship and experience are welcome. The first 2 sessions are free. To learn more, email jazzrabbi@gmail.com. Include your instrument and phone number.

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Former Westporter Kathryn McCabe died June 30. She was 97, and lived in Fairfield.

The Michigan native, and 1948 graduate of the University of Michigan, spent 43 years in Westport.

She was a social worker in Detroit and Norwalk, where she worked for STAR. Kathryn also volunteered at Earthplace.

She enjoyed reading, opera, the outdoors, water and snow skiing, tennis, boating, playing piano and ukelele, and singing.

Kathryn loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. She celebrated her 90th birthday with horseback riding.

Survivors include her twin daughters, Janet Gibbons (Ken) of Hyde Park, Vermont, and Marjorie Wroblewski (Broni) of Fairfield; son Richard (Donna) of Acton, Massachusetts; grandchildren Greg Gibbons (Jennifer), Geoff Gibbons (Melissa), Lauren Wroblewski (fiancé Ferg Young) and Ryan McCabe, and great- grandchildren Emma, Colin, James, Beckett and Jackson. Kathryn was predeceased by her brothers Richard, Norman and Jack Ellison. She was predeceased by her husband, Barry McCabe.

A celebration of her life was held at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield.

Kathryn McCabe

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Among the underappreciated assets of Westport: the flower pots on Soundview Drive.

Paid for and maintained by the Compo Beach Improvement Association, they serve 2 purposes.

They slow traffic (theoretically, at least).

And — changing with the seasons — they are beautiful.

Check out one of them, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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And finally … Bernice Johnson Reagon, “whose stirring gospel voice helped provide the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, then went on to become a cultural historian, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution and the founder of the women’s a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock,” died Tuesday in Washington. She was 81.

She was a remarkable, multi-talented woman whose accomplishments may be unknown to many. Click here for her full obituary.

(Another day, another weekend … and “06880” keeps keeping you informed on all things Westport. It’s what we do — but we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Obituaries, Police, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Justin Paul, Powerful Storm, Pinkalicious …

Posted on July 18, 2024 | 2 comments

Congratulations to Justin Paul!

The 2002 Staples High School graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek — has just been nominated for an Emmy.

The category is “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.” The song is “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” The show is Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.”

An Emmy would be very cool.

It would also be very historic. Pasek and Paul have already won Grammy (“Dear Evan Hansen” cast album), Oscar (“City of Stars,” from “La La Land”) and 2 Tony awards (“Dear Evan Hansen” Best Musical; “A Strange Loop”). This would complete the coveted — and very rare — EGOT quadruple crown. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Justin Paul (left), Benj Pasek and their Grammys.

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Westporters are cleaning up, after yesterday’s swift yet strong storm.

This was the scene next to 27 Imperial Avenue. Phil Levieff, who sent the photo, says, “The early assessment is it is lucky to have minimal damage. It’s built like a tank.”

(Photo/Phil Levieff)

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The Westport Country Playhouse is for everyone.

Including kindergarten through 2nd graders.

They’re the target audience for “Pinkalicious: The Musical.” Based on the book by Westporter Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, it’s the newest show at the 93-year-old theater.

There are 2 shows on Saturday, August 17: 1 and 4 p.m. All tickets are $30.

Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Pinkalicious” character. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.

The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.

Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.

The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). There’s a full day of golf, with an after-golf event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsorships and tickets are available; so are opportunities to help with silent and live auction donations. Click here for details. Questions? Email   jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.

Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.

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The Margolis name is well known in Westport.

Manny Margolis was a nationally known civil liberties lawyer. He died in 2011, at 85.

His wife Estelle was a noted artist and longtime political activist. When she died in 2019, at 86, “06880”‘s tribute was told through the words of her grandson, Jonah Newman. He inherited his grandparents’ eloquent way with words. (Click here to read.)

The son of Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Abby Margolis still has a way with words.

And with illustrations.

Simon & Schuster just published Newman’s “Out of Left Field.”

The graphic novel — about a nerdy gay teenager who jumps into “the bro-y world of high school baseball” is semi-autobiographical. Like his protagonist, Newman struggled to fit in in high school, playing sports while coming to terms with his sexuality.

When he’s not creating, writing or reading comics, he’s a cartoonist and editor. And when he’s not doing that, he listens to history podcasts, plays in an LGBTQ+ softball league, and follows his fantasy baseball team. He lives in Brooklyn with his husband and 2 cats.

Click here for more information on “Out of Left Field,” including how to buy it. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)

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Speaking of sports: It’s mid-July, but many Staples teams are already preparing for the fall.

Among them: the boys soccer squad.

They met for a 6:30 a.m. run yesterday at Compo Beach. Then — with the whole day still ahead — they cooled off with a quick swim in the Sound.

(Photo/Luca Caniato)

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A reminder: The 11th annual “06880” blog party is Thursday, July 25. From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach.

It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set, and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!

Three days later — on Sunday, July 28 — we’re back at Compo, for the 1st-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

Co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, this event builds on the fun and community spirit we all feel at the fireworks, when the beach exit road is closed.

Thanks to the cooperation of Parks & Rec and the Westport Police, the street will be shut again. Enjoy live music; kids’ activities like face painting and balloon-making; a photo booth; food trucks — and plenty of room for walking, biking, rollerblading, and the best street scene east of Venice, California.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the “06880” blog party, and the Soundview Summer Stroll. See you at both!

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 10 and 17.

A 27-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for larceny, forgery and identity theft, following an complaint that a fraudulent check had been written for $5,972.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
  • Operating unregistered motor vehicle: 7
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Illegal shellfishing – closed area: 3
  • Illegal taking shellfish at night: 3
  • Violation of local shellfish commission regulations: 3
  • Simple trespass: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1

3 people were issued citations for illegal shellfishing. (Photo/Barry Lytton)

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A heads-up: The Republican primary is August 13.

Early voting takes place August 5-11 (Town Hall).

On primary day, Republican electors should visit their regular polling locations (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

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You had to look carefully to see this action on a milkweed plant — or have a great camera, as Molly Alger did for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of next month’s “Pinkalicious,” at the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(Just give me a reason not to support “06880.” If you can’t, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

2 Comments

Posted in Children, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Kyle Martino & Ted Lasso, Jake Sussman & Star 99 …

Posted on July 16, 2024 | 1 comment

A billion or so people watched Sunday’s European championship. (Spoiler alert: Spain beat England, 2-1).

Plenty of Westporters watched, all around town.

In New York, Kyle Martino threw a watch party for a couple of hundred of his closest friends.

Including Jason Sudeikis.

That’s right: One of the most famous soccer coaches in the world — aka Ted Lasso — was in the “No One Home” crowd.

That’s Martino’s latest brainchild: a soccer clubhouse/meeting place.

He’s had a storied career in the game: 1999 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year, while playing for Staples High School; MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew; David Beckham’s teammate with the Los Angeles Galaxy; US men’s national team player; TV commentator (NBC Sports, Warner Brothers Discovery); creator of Goalpher (an innovative design that turns basketball courts into mini-soccer pitches), and founder of the Over Under Initiative, to bring the sport to underserved neighborhoods.

No One Home is at 141 Chrystie Street, on the Lower East Side. The place was hopping, all during the Euros and concurrent Copa América.

It will continue to grow, and attract fans of the beautiful game, all through the run-up to next year’s World Cup (hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico).

But don’t take our word for it. Check out Dave Briggs’ video below — and Kyle’s invitation to the “06880” community to visit.

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“06880” has proudly chronicled the journey of Jake Sussman.

The Westport native struggled mightily with ADHD before graduating from the Forman School, then the University of Hartford.

He learned to advocate for himself — and went on to huge success.

As co-founder (with his brother Max) and president of Superpower Mentors, he connects men and women who have gone on the same journey he did, with people who are just learning how to cope with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other learning differences.

The mentors provide guidance, advice and support based on their own lives. “They speak the same language,” Jake notes.

Now Star 99.9 has taken notice.

Jake was interviewed on Kevin & Jenna’s radio show. He told the back story of Superpower Mentors, and offered inspiring success stories.

Click here, then scroll down to listen to these very important 8 minutes.

Jake Sussman

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A storm moved in quickly yesterday afternoon. It dumped heavy rain for a few minutes, then departed just as suddenly.

Lawrence Zlatkin captured the scene over Cockenoe Island, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lawrence Zlatkin)

Today’s forecast is for a high of 92. It will be mostly sunny, with the possibility of another stray afternoon rain storm.

And, once again, very humid.

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And finally … on this date in 1941, Joe DiMaggio hit safely for the 56th consecutive game. More than 80 years later, it is still an MLB record.

(Kyle Martino, Ted Lasso, Joe DiMaggio, Simon & Garfunkel, and Mrs. Robinson agree: If you enjoy “06880,” you should support it. Just click here, they say. They — and we — thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Education, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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“06880” Podcast: Tom Scarice

Posted on July 15, 2024 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Tom Scarice

I always enjoy chatting with Tom Scarice.

Westport’s superintendent of schools is straightforward, insightful, articulate and on-target.

He does not shy away from controversy. He understands there are many sides to every story. He backs up what he says with facts, along with relatable stories and anecdotes.

Scarice’s recent visit to “06880: The Podcast” did not disappoint.

He tackled an important, contentious topic — cellphones in schools — with clarity and honesty. He offered plenty of ideas, from a wide variety of angles, while acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Scarice knows that many discussions lie ahead: in schools and district offices; at Board of Education and PTA meetings, and on this blog.

Our conversation at the Westport Library is a great start. Click below to listen, and learn:

Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Tom Scarice

Posted in Children, Education, Media, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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Roundup: Westport’s Newest World Record Holder — And More …

Posted on July 14, 2024 | 4 comments

Congratulations to Westport’s newest world record holder.

And our oldest.

Yesterday afternoon, Norma Minkowitz set an 85-89-year-old age group mark in the mile.

The longtime Westporter ran a 9:46.55, at the Nutmeg Games in New Britain.

That’s not just a new world record. Norma demolished the old one — by over a minute. The previous fastest mile — 10:55.25 — stood since 2015.

Norma is certainly a great, and inspiring, athlete. But she’s much more — including a world renowned fiber art artist. Click here for a 2019 profile of our remarkable neighbor.

Jeff Mitchell — who filmed Norma’s race (above) — interviewed the world record holder too. Also in the clip below: David Wright (owner of Westport’s Fleet Feet) and Jesse McCray (Nutmeg Games meet director, and also head coach of the Staples High School girls track and field program.

You rock, Norma!

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There’s always something new at the beach.

The latest: this odd yet cool-looking vehicle.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

But it’s got nothing to do with our Parks & Recreation Commission.

As the door says, it belongs to Westport Public Schools.

Maybe it’s a new school bus. It’s exactly the right size for all the students who still take a bus to school.

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Marc Broussard brought his special mix of  rock, blues, R&B, funk-pop and soul to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Tonight’s show features Aiofe O’Donovan and Hawktail. Click here for tickets, and more information.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Jonathan Alloy sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday morning.

He notes: “Turns out birds don’t want to get wet any more than we do.”

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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And finally … on this date in 1881, American outlaw and gunfighter Billy the Kid was killed, after allegedly committing 21 murders. He was 21 years old.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you meet remarkable people like Norma Minkowitz. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

4 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Analyze This: Tom Haberstroh Earns An Emmy

Posted on July 12, 2024 | 4 comments

By January 5, the Portland Trail Blazers’ Matisse Thybulle had blocked 19 non-paint shots. That season total was more than the entire New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets teams — combined!

If that paragraph makes your eyes glaze over — or the first sentence sends you scurrying to Google Translate, to figure out its meaning in English — then you are not an NBA fanatic.

But there are enough of those folks around to provide work for Tom Haberstroh.

The 2004 Staples High School graduate (and former Wrecker basketball star) is a leader in the sports analytics world. Last fall, he parlayed his passion and background — which included Jen Giudice’s AP Statistics course, and the strong influence of math teacher Rich Rollins — into a job as “analytics insider” for the Trail Blazers’ broadcast team.

And now — less than a year after signing on — he parlayed that into an Emmy Award.

Tom Haberstroh’s Emmy.

The Blazers’ broadcasters won for Best Live Sporting Event in the Pacific Northwest. It was based on their coverage of a game against Dallas last December.

Haberstroh augments the work of play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro, analyst Lamar Hurd and sideline reporter Brooke Olzendam, (“They’re second to none,” he praises).

He appeared before, during and after 81 of the squad’s 82 games (he missed one with the flu). Haberstroh served up a steady diet of important, arcane, overlooked, over-hyped and odd individual and team statistics — and then broke them down.

In an entertainingly informative way, he tells viewers not only what is going on, statistically speaking, but why. And why it matters.

Or doesn’t. (Click here, to see or a sample of Haberstroh’s work.)

Trail Blazer fans, coaches and front office are appreciative. So, obviously, were the Emmy judges.

But here’s a surprising stat: Haberstroh did it all from a studio in his Charlotte, North Carolina home.

(Except, of course, for when the Trail Blazers played at the Hornets’ Spectrum Center. He was courtside then.)

Tom Haberstroh, when the Trail Blazers played in Charlotte.

Covering a Pacific Northwest team from the East Coast makes for some very long nights.

But that’s not Haberstroh’s only gig.

He’s a national writer for Yahoo! Sports. He also also operates a Substack (TomTheFinder.com).

He’s got quite a following. The other day, Shaquille O’Neal called him Mr. Statistician Face Man.

Earlier in his career, Haberstroh was a national NBA insider for NBC Sports Regional Networks. He spent 8 years writing for ESPN the Magazine, ESPN Insider, and ESPN.com, while making television appearances as an NBA analytics expert.

He joined Bleacher Report in 2017, where he won an Associated Press Sports Editors Award for feature writing. 

Now — statistically speaking — he is at the top of his game.

(What are the odds that you enjoy “06880,” but don’t want to support our work? Hopefully: slim. We rely on reader support; please click here to help. Thank you!) 

4 Comments

Posted in Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Dylan Curran: Westport’s Downtown Ambassador

Posted on July 9, 2024 | 25 comments

Every Main Street landlord (and their tenant) is responsible for cleaning the sidewalk in front of their property.

Once a week, a town street sweeper clears the road.

That’s it.

If you’re wondering why parts of downtown look a bit grotty, there’s your answer.

But if you’ve noticed a change recently, there’s a reason.

Dylan Curran.

The 2020 Staples High School graduate is the first “Downtown Ambassador.” That’s the new position created by the Westport Downtown Association, in collaboration with the town’s Department of Human Services.

Since May, Dylan has been responsible for keeping Main Street clean. But he’s also the WDA’s public face, bringing smiles to shoppers and shop owners with his broad smile and optimistic attitude.

Dylan Curran: Looking good, while making Westport look good.

The project is part of Westport’s Employment is for Everyone” (E4E) program. A collaboration between the town and its Commission People with Disabilities, the goal is encourage and support local businesses to recruit, hire and advance people with disabilities, while creating a disability-friendly, inclusive culture throughout Westport.

The Downtown Ambassador program is funded by the Westport Downtown Association.

Every Monday and Friday, Dylan patrols Main Street. Armed with a bucket and trash stick, he gets right to work.

“It gives individuals a chance for employment, and there’s no better stage for that than downtown,” says WDA president Maxxwell Crowley.

“Everyone sees how hard-working, dedicated and personable someone like Dylan is, and how much he cares for the town. He’s already become a familiar face.”

From left: Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, Downtown Ambassador Dylan Curran, WDA operations employee Sean, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She connected Crowley with Human Services director Elaine Daignault, for the E4E program.

The WDA might add another day to the schedule, and hire at least one more Downtown Ambassador.

“It’s a win-win-win,” Crowley says.

Main Street looks much better. Dylan has a job he enjoys. And everyone who sees the ambassador — working hard and smiling — smiles right back.

(Every day, “06880” brings you hyper-local news, about the people, places and events that make our town special. If you enjoy these stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

25 Comments

Posted in Categories, Downtown, Staples HS

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Roundup: Sushi Jin, Careers4Kids …

Posted on July 8, 2024 | 5 comments

Save the dates!

The 11th annual “06880” blog party is Thursday, July 25. From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach.

It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set, and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!

Three days later — on Sunday, July 28 — we’re back at Compo, for the 1st-ever Soundview Stroll.

Co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, this event builds on the fun and community spirit we all feel at the fireworks, when the beach exit road is closed.

Thanks to the cooperation of Parks & Rec and the Westport Police, the street will be shut again. Enjoy live music; kids’ activities like face painting and balloon-making; a photo booth; food trucks — and plenty of room for walking, biking, rollerblading, and the best street scene east of Venice, California.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the “06880” blog party, and the Soundview Stroll. See you at both!

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A new restaurant is coming to Main Street.

Sushi Jin & Lounge will move into 44 Main Street in Westport, between recently closed home retailer Oka and Mexicue restaurant.

A sign on the all-glass door promises “the essence of contemporary Japanese cuisine … where tradition meets innovation in every dish.”

It adds: “Opening soon.”

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Kids: Meet kids!

Human youngsters can snuggle with baby goats at Wakeman Town Farm in small-group, half-hour sessions. Click here for tickets, and more information.

But that’s not the only “kids” activities at WTF.

A cooking camp — covering the basics, and promising fun — runs July 29 through August 1 (12:30 to 3 p.m.). Click here for registration, and more details.

“Little Farmers: Parent & Me” hands-on experiences for 0-3-year-olds are planned for July 29, 30 and 31 (2 to 3 p.m.). Click here to register, and learn more.

Everyone is invited to the July 13 Family Fun Day (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The event includes games, music, food, crafts and more. Click here for tickets, and a full schedule.

And of course, the Wakeman Town Farm farm stand is open every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s your spot for organic produce, microgreens, honey, flower, and rotating local artisanal products including organic coffee, bread, pastries, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet balsamic vinegars and salsas.

Baaaa! (Photo/Anne Burmeister)

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In Westport, it seems, everybody’s got an angle.*

And everybody’s got a podcast too.

To break through the clutter though, a podcaster needs an angle.

Maxwell Valencia and Henry Morrison have theirs: “careers for kids.”

If you think that’s not exactly unique, consider this: They are kids themselves.

The friends are rising 8th graders at Coleytown Middle School. They’re a few years away from careers, but they’ve gotten a head start by asking adults in a variety of jobs to talk about what they do, what they like about it, and how they got where they are.

This being Westport, they’ve lined up some interesting folks to talk about careers.

They’ve chatted with Congressman Jim Himes and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, along with an aerospace engineer, financial advisor, Westport police lieutenant and fire marshal, and the New York Knicks’ high performance coach.

None of the men or women talk down to the youngsters. They answer in depth, and seem to enjoy talking about their work.

(I particularly enjoyed hearing Himes say that he prefers calling himself a “representative,” as opposed to a “congressman.”)

The website is aimed at middle and elementary school students. But it’s available at nearly every podcast outlet — and on this website.

So — no matter how old you are, or what your job is — you can hear it too.

*Including “06880.”

Maxwell Valencia and Henry Morrison interview 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in her office.

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Interior designer Jared Frank is a 2002 graduate of Staples High School, and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Based now in California, his clients include musician Reggie Watts, actor Matthew Gubler and filmmaker Jon Watts.

The other day, the Los Angeles Times featured his $150,000 renovation of a home in Van Nuys. It includes an 18-foot, custom-built couch (Frank is also a furniture designer). Click here to read the full story.

Dwell Magazine featured the same project. Click here to see.

Jared Frank’s living room couch.

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The recent rains have created puddles all over town.

They’re a nuisance for walkers, joggers, bikers, golfers … and a welcome “Westport … Naturally” play spot at Longshore, for creatures like these.

(Photo/Carlos Garcia)

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And finally … on this date in 1947, reports were broadcast that a UFO crash-landed in Roswell, New Mexico. Reports of the incident — and a purported cover-up by the US government — persist today.(

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Roundup: Staples Band Director, Sherwood Island Surge, Newman Family T-shirts …

Posted on July 5, 2024 | 5 comments

Band director at Staples High School is one of the most important — and most visible — positions in town.

Phil Giampietro resigned this spring. He accepted a similar position at Hall High School-West Hartford, closer to his Cheshire home.

His place will be taken by Kevin Mazzarella. A press release says:

“Following interviews with a number of exemplary band directors, Kevin emerged as the unanimous choice of our students and Staples staff. He instantly connected with the students and brings to our program a unique blend of energy, warmth, and outstanding musical talent.

“Kevin was recently named Coventry Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year for 2024, where he taught Middle School Band for the past 3 years. Previously, at Cutler Middle School in Groton, he earned the 2018 Teacher of the Year award and was a quarter-finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. Under his leadership, the Cutler Jazz Band was selected as a Showcase Ensemble at the 2020 CMEA Conference.”

Mazzarella is a graduate of the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. He holds masters’ degrees in music education from Columbia University’s Teachers College, and educational technology from the University of Saint Joseph. He completed his graduate certificate in trumpet performance from the University of Connecticut in 2023.

His extensive performance credits span genres from jazz to early music

His previous principal Ross Sward, a former music educator, calls him “one of the best music teachers I’ve ever known.”

Welcome to Westport, Kevin!

Kevin Mazzarella

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Despite morning clouds, it did not take long for the Sherwood Island State Park parking lot to fill up yesterday.

That happens on holiday, and/or hot, days.

But what happened next was new: Drivers pulled to the side of the Connector — and both sides of Greens Farms Road. There were vehicles all the way to the commuter lot.

They parked, picked up their chairs, coolers and umbrellas, and walked to Sherwood Island.

(Photo/John Karrel)

There were even cars on the I-95 exit ramp. A sign there said it was “closed to walkers.”

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

A new trend? A one-off?

Stay tuned. (Hat tip: Barbara Wanamaker)

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We see a lot of different types of watercraft off Compo Beach, from jet skis to mega-yachts.

Outrigger canoes — not so much.

But there was one yesterday, off South Beach. The Ke Aloha stopped by, on its way from New Jersey to Milford. From there it will trailer the boat to Gloucester, Massachusetts, to complete in the Blackburn Challenge Race.

(Hat tip and photo/Bruce McFadden)

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Because yesterday was a holiday, I plumb forgot about the Westport Farmers’ Market.

But many others remembered. The Imperial Avenue parking lot was as packed as any other week.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

In addition to the usual shoppers, there were folks looking for something fresh to bring to an afternoon party or cookout.

The Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday, through mid-November.

Just in time to pick up food for Thanksgiving.

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During his 50-plus years in Westport, Paul Newman was everywhere in town.

We saw him in supermarkets, shops and restaurants. He and his wife Joanne Woodward handed out popcorn at the Westport Historical Society. He picked up hitchhikers (including me, 3 times).

Newman’s daughter Melissa is a giver in her own right. For 20 yeas, she volunteered at a woman’s prison.

She was casual friends with a social worker there. More than a decade ago,  he handed her the gift.

It was a framed poster of her father. Looking straight at the camera — and pointing sternly — the young actor urged all “Young Citizens for Johnson” to register to vote.

Melissa had never seen that poster. “It was one of the best presents I ever got,” she says. She hung it on her kitchen wall. It’s been there ever since.

Four years ago, Melissa’s friend Miggs Burroughs helped change the message to “Research. Register. Vote.” Melissa put that message — with her father’s pointed finger — on t-shirts.

Now she’s doing it again.

As in 2020, she wants the message to be non-partisan. Besides, LBJ is no longer on the ballot.

Click here to order a short- or long-sleeve Paul Newman/Vote t-shirt. There’s also a link in Melissa’s Instagram bio (@melissamudandmusic).

It’s not only non-partisan — it’s non-profit. Melissa will donate $5 from every sale to The Civics Center. The non-profit promotes voting and civics education for young people.

So far, she’s given given them $1,250.

The ordering deadline is July 31. They’ll be ready the last week in August.

With plenty of time left to wear them. And to register, and vote.

The Paul Newman short-sleeve t-shirt.

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Umphrey’s McGee rocked the Levitt Pavilion last night.

They were psychedelic, loud, and enthusiastically welcomed.

Tonight’s (Friday) show is a ticketed event. Moe., with Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country & Neighbor, take the stage at 4:30 p.m. Click here for details.

The weekend concerts are free: Early Clover (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; click here) and Leonardo Suarez Paz’s Cuartetango (Saturday, 7 p.m.; click here).

Umphrey’s McGee (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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For thousands of Westporters, yesterday’s menu was as as American as it gets: burgers and hot dogs.

But as our “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, others opted for fish:

(Photo/Seth Goltzer)

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And finally … on this date in 1996, Dolly the Sheep — the first mammal cloned from an adult cell — was born. It was a mammary gland cell, and whe was named after Dolly Parton.

(It would be nice to clone donations to “06880.” But we can’t. We need each individual one. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Longshore Cleanup, American Oystercatchers, Port-a-potties …

Posted on July 1, 2024 | 7 comments

Yesterday, “06880” offered tips on keeping pets safe and calm during tomorrow’s fireworks.

But what about American oystercatchers, the bird species whose nesting area is roped off and protected just west of the Compo Beach cannons? What happens when hundreds of people descend on the area for the pyrotechnics — which then go BOOM! for a solid half hour?

Jess Esposito Halka posted this yesterday, on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page:

Please try to keep at least a 25-foot buffer along the fenced nesting area, so that staff are able to move freely around the fenced area to monitor the birds before and during the event.

Nothing should hang, hover or lean against or over the fencing. If something accidentally blows into the area and you need to retrieve it, please locate an Audubon staff member to retrieve the item.

“The area behind the nesting area (closer to the sidewalk) is still a safe place to set up. But please keep space between your belongings and the fence for staff and other attendees to walk by along the outside of the fence.

“Please avoid walk through the water below the fence.

“Thank you all so much for your extra efforts this season. It has made a significant difference.

This nesting pair of American oystercatchers are the only successful mainland breeders in the entire state this season, with 1 healthy 3-week-old chick!” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Protect our American oystercatchers! (Photo/Jess Esposito Halka)

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Speaking of the environment: Longshore Sailing School cares about the water — and the coast.

On Saturday, they sponsored a coastal cleanup.

Kayaks were free — so long as kayakers removed garbage and debris from the shoreline and Saugatuck River.

Nearly 4 dozen concerned cleaner-uppers found dozens of golf balls — presumably from the nearby driving range at Hendrick’s Point.

Two folks found industrial construction material. They won t-shirts, for the largest trash pickup of the day.

From golf balls to building materials: Thank you, all who helped.

And thanks to  Longshore Sailing School too!

PS: Don’t worry. They’ve sponsored these events before. There will be more to come.

And more trash, unfortunately, to haul out.

Kayak cleanup (Hat tip and photo/Brandon Malin)

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We’re just a day away from the fireworks.

This morning, one of the most important parts of the preparation began:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Thirteen years ago, People Magazine covered the marriage of actress Eva Amurri and Kyle Martino, the 1999 Staples High School graduate/former US men’s national team player.

The couple moved to Westport and had 3 children, but divorced 5 years ago.

Now People has covered her second marriage. This weekend, Amurri — the daughter of Susan Sarandon, who is also a lifestyle blogger and still lives here — married chef Ian Hock, in the Hudson Valley.

Click here for the full story.

Eva Amurri and Ian Hock (Photo/Taralynn Lawson for People magazine)

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Hey! Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the side that’s supposed to be recycled. Not the one you’re using!

(Photo/Robert Mitchell)

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And finally … Kinky Friedman — the singer/humorist/quasi-politician best known for his band, the provocatively named Texas Jewboys — died Thursday near Austin. He was 79, and suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Click here for a full obituary.

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

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