Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: VFW Dredging, Restaurant Week, Sunrise Rotary …

Posted on September 29, 2024 | 7 comments

Yesterday — after years of fundraising and preparation — VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 began dredging its 50-year-old marina.

The Saugatuck River project will restore the 34-slip marina, a task required every 20 years to maintain its functionality and safety.

The initial phase began with Post members dismantling the existing marina, in preparation for the digging to start next week.

 

“We’re very excited and relieved that we are finally moving forward,” says Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado.

“With growing local membership and more visiting veterans taking advantage of our offerings, we realized this project was essential to ensuring our financial future.

“We will create a space where veterans, their friends and the community can enjoy the fantastic views of the Saugatuck River.”

 

Dock work on the Saugatuck.

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Restaurant Week begins today.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual event runs through Sunday, October 13. Yes, that’s 2 weeks. I guess “Restaurant Fortnight” sounds too confusing, in this video game age.

One of the 20 restaurants — Rizzuto’s — has added something special to its prix fixe menu.

Owner Bill Rizzuto has planned a “throwback menu” to the days the Riverside Avenue spot was Manero’s. (It was later several other restaurants, including John Harvard’s and Conte’s.)

It features a buttery garlic bread basket, prime rib, and (of course) Manero’s beloved gorgonzola salad with each main course dish.

They’ll also serve “dividend martinis and Manhattans.”

For a full list of all participating restaurants, with links to their menus, click here.

PS: This week marks Rizzuto’s 15th anniversary here. Congrats!

Rizzuto’s

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There’s a special guest at this Friday’s Sunrise Rotary Club meeting.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will share her administration’s priorities, and offer updates.

The event, at Green’s Farms Church, starts at 7 a.m., with coffee, bagels and muffins. The meeting begins at 7:30, with Tooker starting around 8.

At its regular meeting on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club will have as its speaker Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She will share her administration’s priorities and provide an update on all the great things that are happening in Westport. There will be time for Q&A.

The public is invited,witht RSVPs requested:  info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.

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Many Staples High School sports teams run car wash fundraisers.

All are high-energy. They almost always attract a few interesting vehicles.

Yesterday’s boys soccer squad car wash, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, drew a very interesting one.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

The Westport Fire Department stopped by, after answering a call for a possible gas leak at nearby Church Lane.

No, the boys did not wash the truck. Firefighters take care of that on their own.

They are very smart men and women.

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Thomas Jendrock spotted this sign, at Sherwood Island State Park:

He calls it ambiguous.

Agreed.

“The red slash is through the person and the dog,” Thomas notes.

“Does that mean people are banned (doggie’s pets), or doggies are banned (people’s pets)?” Or both?

But the red slash does not look official. Maybe someone is trying to suggest that the sign itself should be banned?

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And so it begins.

One of the first trees to turn this fall — and the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — is this one on Peaceful Lane, off Whitney Street:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

There are thousands more to come.

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And finally … today is Broadway Musicals Day.

There are so many to choose from. But let’s go with one song, from one musical, with a Westport connection: 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul’s “Dear Evan Hansen”):

(Since 2009, “06880” has been your source for hyper-local news and journalism. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Remembering Frank Henrick

Posted on September 28, 2024 | 24 comments

Francis “Frank” Henrick — a longtime Staples High School educator and coach, and civic volunteer — died August 23 in Florida, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was 88.

He grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. After graduating from Phillips Academy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he earned a master’s degree at Colby College.

He spent two years in the US Army.

Though Frank’s career plan was  to become a doctor, when a teaching job became available at Bristol Eastern High School, he was encouraged to apply by his in-laws.

Frank found his true calling to be teaching. He was enthusiastic about impacting young people’s learning. After 3 years in Bristol, he began his 35-year tenure at Staples, teaching chemistry, physics and math.

He also coached baseball and soccer. In 1969, serving as boys soccer interim head coach when Albie Loeffler was on sabbatical, he won a state championship. Twenty years later, as head coach of the girls soccer team, he won another state crown.

He was an avid tennis player and semi-pro pitcher but enjoyed all sports.

Frank Henrick

Frank volunteered countless hours to different organizations, including the Monroe Jaycees; Assumption Church in Westport, St. John’s Church in Old Saybrook, and St. Thomas More in Sarasota, along with Emmaus, Cursillo, Danbury Prison Ministry, Hospice, the Connecticut Club of Sarasota, and the Little Venice Theater.

He and his first wife, Barbara “Bobbee” had 5 children. They shared 44 years raising their family, and building friendships and fellowship. They retired retired to Old Saybrook and Vero Beach, Florida. Bobbee died in 2003.

Frank was then reunited with, and married, his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Patsy” Doyle in 2004. They spent 20 years together, in Sarasota.

His family says: “Of all the accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of and grateful to God for his wife, family and friends. This is where he truly felt alive, or ‘terrific’ as he so often exclaimed.

“Whether hanging with his ‘kids’ and their families, at a Red Sox spring training game with his brother and the ‘old gang’ from New England, at the CT Club with his ‘old’ teacher friendships and newly formed friendships, playing 45s, dining at his favorite restaurants, or simply working in the yard, he couldn’t help but display a magnificent smile.”

Frank is survived by his wife, Patricia Doyle Henrick; sons Michael (Katrina), Jon (Justine) and Stephen (Gail); daughters Cheryl Henrick and Karen Tedeschi; stepson Lyden (Araceli) Anderson; sister Janemarie Henrick; sister-in-law Marilou Petroff; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Carla Petroff; sister and brother-in-law Eileen and Warren Hastings; 16 grandchildren, 6 great- grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves his long-time best friend Jim Noonan.

In addition to his first wife, Francis was predeceased by his brother George, sister Ann Mulrooney; sister-in-law Sonya Petroff, and stepson Mark Anderson.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 2 (1 p.m., Mill River Country Club, Stratford).

Donations in Frank’s memory may be bade to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Posted in Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Scarice’s Update, Homecoming, Heating Bills Help …

Posted on September 28, 2024 | 1 comment

As the first month of classes ends — that was quick! — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:

Civics Hub: The Westport Public Schools recently added a “Civics Hub” page to its website.

The goal is to make civic learning fun and engaging for all. The district’s social studies team developed lessons and resources for the election season.

Scarice says, “The objective in all of our classes is to teach students about civics, and model civic engagement, in order to support their development as informed and engaged citizens.

“While there might be a lot of intense, passionate, and at times divisive conversations outside of our schools, we work hard to foster productive and respectful discourse in classrooms through a nonpartisan teaching approach.

“Our schools and classrooms should always be spaces where students feel a sense of belonging as part of a community of learners.” Click here for the Civics Hub page.

Security: Following security concerns last week, the district has worked closely with the Westport Police Department to provide answers to many questions about school security. Click here for those security Frequently Asked Questions.

Growth Mindset Community/Parent Workshop October 16:  The entire school community is reading the book “Grit,” by Angela Duckworth.

In addition to a day of professional development for faculty dedicated to the primary tenets of a “growth mindset” last week, WPS hosts a community/parent workshop on October 16 (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and 7-8:15 p.m., Westport Library. Registration is required; click here.

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Speaking of schools: Yesterday was Homecoming at Staples High.

The afternoon pep rally included shout-outs to all fall sports teams.

It sure worked.

Kody Goldman’s bulled in for a touchdown from 1 yard out — his 4th of the night — with just 8 seconds left — gave the Wreckers a thrilling, and well-earned 28-21 victory over Maloney-Meriden at Paul Lane Field last night.

Staples is now 3-0. They host Westhill next Friday, at 7 p.m.

Staples cheerleaders, at yesterday’s pep rally. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Speaking still of sports: 2017 Staples graduate Ben Casparius earned his second MLB win — against no losses — last night.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher struck out 7 Colorado Rockies in 4 2/3 innings at Coors Field, in an 11-4 victory. He gave up 2 runs and 6 hits, and walked 2.

It was only his third big league appearance. Click here for highlights of his game. (Hat tip: Carl Leaman)

Ben Casparius, last night.

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Home heating season is here.

And financial help is available for low-income households.

The federally funded Energy Assistance Program is administered through Connecticut’s Department of Social Services, and Westport’s Department of Human Services.

If your household’s gross annual income is at or below 60% of the state median income, you can qualify for assistance.

For a household of one, the maximum income is $45,505. It increases to $59,507 for a household of 2; $73,509 for 3; $87,751 for 4, and $101,513 for a household of 5.

Email http://www.westportct.gov/humanservices for more information.

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston often host interesting speakers.

This week, their guests’ message was music.

Lyricist Barry Kleinbort and musical theater star Kim Maresca discussed and demonstrated their creativity in writing, composing and performing music theater.

During their interview by Y’s Men’s president Bruce Borner, they pulled back the curtain to show what it takes to make lyrics and music come alive on stage.

Click below for their presentation:

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There’s a lot to like about the Senior Center.

A hidden gem — well, to the public maybe, but not to seniors and volunteers — is the garden behind the Imperial Avenue building.

Molly Alger captures its colors, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of Staples’ Homecoming (story above):

(Be true to your school — AND “06880.” Please show your Westport spirit by clicking here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Sports, Staples HS

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Unsung Heroes #352

Posted on September 25, 2024 | 18 comments

On the heels of last weekend’s very successful reunion of Staples High School’s Class of 1964 — and, the weekend before, a mini-reunion for the Class of ’71 — Fred Cantor writes:

I nominate Staples reunion organizers for Unsung Heroes recognition.

Think about it: The rest of us simply show up and enjoy seeing old friends and/or reconnecting with old classmates — a bond we perhaps recognize as increasingly special as we age (and lose old friends as part of the life cycle).

How many people are out there who have shared memories with you of events, both big and small, that happened not just at Staples, but also at your elementary school or junior high? 

And how many people exist who might remember some small incident involving your parents at your home or elsewhere that was lost in the deep recesses of your brain, until a decades-old friend triggered that recollection?

Long-lost precious memories perhaps waiting to be rediscovered — these are just some of the benefits of a reunion. Again, virtually all of us simply sign up, attend and reap those rewards.

Staples High School Class of 1971 (and friends) gather in the Ned Dimes Marina clubhouse, for a recent mini-reunion. (Photo/George Drapeau)

But a great deal of work goes into making it happen, by volunteer organizers.

These responsibilities include outreach via social media, email and texts to classmates and teachers; negotiating terms and contracting with hotels, restaurants and other venues; creating a website; decorations; creating favor bags and name tags; recognition of students who have passed; coordinating it all, and much, much more. 

Reunion-goers enjoy events that seem seamless. But the work put in by organizers is enormous — and unseen.

The results are certainly worth it. The organizers are unsung heroes.

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

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Posted in Staples HS, Unsung Heroes

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Here’s A Rare Headline For Staples’ Niche Sports

Posted on September 25, 2024 | 22 comments

There are 40 varsity sports at Staples High School. That may be the most in the state.

Twenty are girls teams. Eighteen are boys. Two are coed: sailing and fencing.

The latter is the newest Wrecker squad. Their first varsity season will be this winter.

Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo says that it takes at least 3 years as a club before a sport can attain varsity status. That’s to show that a program can sustain itself, in the years ahead.

The Staples club was founded 3 years ago, by PJ Loranger, Gleb Syomichev, Max Pieterbarg and Anna Pan ’22. (Syomichev was then recruited to fence at Division I Sacred Heart University.)

The squad won the state championship in 2022 and ’23, then finished second last winter. Pieterbarg capture the 2024 individual title.

The Staples fencing team hopes to continue its club success, now as a varsity sport. From left: Alessandro Alderucci, coach Delphine de Vore, Gleb Syomichev, PJ Loranger, Eric Wilson, and Max Piterbarg.

Fencing is not an expensive sport. Most funds will go to coaches, equipment and transportation. Fencers will be recognized at the Scholar-Athlete banquet in June.

Yet varsity status is important to the students attracted to it.

“Fencing is not like basketball, soccer or baseball, which you can pick up when you’re 4 and always find people to play with and against,” Sarullo notes.

“You really have to work at fencing to learn it, and find competition. These kids put so much time and energy into it. They deserve the recognition.”

As a club sport, fencers have practiced in areas like the cafeteria. Now, Sarullo will make sure they have a dedicated space to train.

En garde!

Only a few public high schools, like Guilford, have a fencing team. Staples will compete primarily against private schools and clubs. “We’ll take on anyone,” Sarullo says.

The Wrecker fencers will be well coached. Delphine de Vore — who, as club coach, helped the team earn varsity recognition — is a former world champion with the US junior women’s team. She has competed in over 30 countries.

She finished this past season as the national champion, and was an alternate for the 2024 Olympic Games. (The women’s foil squad — the weapon she fences — won gold.)

De Vore started fencing 16 years ago, at age 7. She was recruited by Columbia University, where she become an All-America second team selection.

Fencing appeals to athletes looking for a niche sport, de Vore says, and who appreciate its strong community spirit.

It attracts a wide range: musicians, artists, people into robotics, board game enthusiasts, and of course athletes from other sports.

Fencing demands “a mix of creativity, technique and tempo,” de Vore says.

She is excited that now, as a varsity sport, fencing will get more publicity, and Staples fencers will gain a bit more recognition.

Even if it’s not yet what football, soccer, basketball and lacrosse athletes enjoy.

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Meanwhile, Staples High School fall sports are in full swing.

Football and field hockey hope to repeat as state champions. Girls and boys soccer and cross country, girls volleyball and swimming, and boys golf are all — as always — very competitive.

Another fall sport gets virtually no recognition. But the athletes work as hard as any others, away from the spotlight, in a far corner of the campus.

Boys water polo has been around for a decade or so. Still, it’s one of the most unheralded teams at Staples. (There’s a girls water polo team too; they play in spring.)

Danilo Sierra-Giraldo — who coaches both boys and girls — has slowly built a program. He’s developed a pipeline, through Parks & Recreation Department programs at Longshore and Staples.

Since the pandemic, he’s offered water polo in the summer on Long Island Sound, off Schlaet’s Point.

Water polo in the Sound.

Water polo is not an official Connecticut high school sport. The Wreckers compete against private schools like Hopkins, Horace Mann and Greenwich Country Day.

The Staples squad includes players from Weston, Norwalk and New Canaan. Like the rest of the team, they’re attracted to so many elements: the skill and stamina required, the physicality (athletes fight both the water, and opponents who can push and kick under the surface). the quirky uniqueness of the sport.

The Staples water polo players are very committed. Several travel to the West Coast — where the sport is very popular — to play in club tournaments in February, and the summer.

Staples’ new assistant coach, Kade Ramirez, has coached many players  on his Connecticut Premier team in competitions out West.

A number of former Wreckers have gone on to play club water polo in college. Two — Quinn Wagner and Kai Ross — are playing in NCAA Division I.

Senior captain Leo Skatoff.

The photos here tell part of the story.

You can see the sport for yourself, at the Staples pool. The first home game of the season is today (Wednesday, September 25, 4:30 p.m.), vs. Horace Mann.

(Photos and hat tip/Ashley Skatoff)

(Where else but “06880” would you read about the Staples water polo and fencing teams? If you enjoy this type of coverage, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Class Of ’64’s “Deep Dive,” Library’s Landscaping, WestportMoms’ Fun Festival …

Posted on September 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s Class of 1964’s 60th reunion this past weekend had all the usual trappings of a great celebration: a cocktail party, dinner banquet, Compo Beach cookout … you know the drill.

But the still energetic, now-in-their-late-70s, once-and-always Wreckers, added a unique twist.

In a “Deep Dive” session, 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — offered insights into their careers, volunteer work and the passions that impacted their lives, and others.

The group included Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.

It was a wonderful afternoon.

Even more wonderfully, classmate Nick Passaro Jr. taped it — and put it online.

Now, all those members of the Class of ’64 who were not there can enjoy it.

So can the thousands of others of us who were not fortunately to be in that high-powered, tight, and very creative Staples class.

Click below. And prepare to be inspired.

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The Westport Library has benefited from many donors. They’ve endowed the building, sponsored programs, and bought books.

Julie and Rob Haroun have done something different. The Westport couple has improved and maintained the landscaping outside.

Among their improvements: a new irrigation system and plantings along Jesup Green, the Riverwalk path, and the hill below the café deck.

On Thursday (September 26, 4 p.m.), the Library will honor the Harouns with a special ceremony, on the Riverwalk Level. A plaque will be unveiled at the front of the building, near the police parking lot.

Outdoor Design and Living executed the makeover, at a discount as a generous donation to the Library.

“Having worked as a real estate developer for over 30 years, primarily focusing on properties in Westport, I was intent on ensuring that the exterior of the building was properly landscaped to reflect the first-class facility that we all enjoy in this town,” says Rob Haroun. He was a Library trustee from 2016 to ’23.

“We are confident that these funds will cover the maintenance for the next 5 to 10 years,” he adds.

“We have lived in town since 1992, raised 3 children, and built a business here. This is our way of giving back to an institution that is near and dear to our hearts.”

Several views of the Westport Library landscaping.

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The 4th annual Westport Moms Fall Family Fun Festival returns this Saturday (September 28, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Compo Beach fields — no beach sticker needed).

Among the activities: pumpkin decorating, Grit Ninja obstacle course, music, yoga (kids’ class by Child’s Pose Westport at 10:30 a.m.), bubble show, bouncy house, face painting, art projects, sports, chess and more.

If you’re a kid, you’ll find something to love.

There ae food trucks from Jr’s Deli and Coalhoue Pizza.

Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to pre-purchase, and avoid lines the lines:

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Twelve Staples High School seniors are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

William Boberski, Kendra Cheng, Alexander Esser, Anna Ji, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Andrew Rebello, Samuel Rossoni, Megan Sargent, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey and Ryan Tzou join 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.

That’s fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.

All will compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Jr.,  Samuel Rossoni, Andrew Rebello, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Megan Sargent,  Anna Ji, Kendra Cheng, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio. Missing: Alexander Esser and Ryan Tzou.

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Podcasts are everywhere. I’ve got one of my own, thanks to the Westport Library. Every 2 weeks, I chat with interesting Westporters, from all walks of life.

Every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the mic.

One of those times was this summer. I was honored to be a guest — actually, the very first guest — on Jay Norris’ new “Visionary’s” podcast.

The Westport business/tech/media/retail/real estate leader — a visionary himself — launched his series at Content Studio, Chirag Shah’s Saugatuck space.

The goal of the podcast is to talk about visions, goals and dreams. And, of course, how to achieve them.

Jay says he’s “flipping the switch,” interviewing me instead of the other way around.

It was a great chat. I learned a lot, and hopefully threw in a couple of ideas that viewers can use.

Click below to listen to the very first “Visionary’s” podcast.

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Adele Jacobs from Voices of Hope spoke on Friday to the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Voices of Hope is an educational non-profit organization established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut (including Jacobs). It promotes a culture of courage to stand up against hatred, through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.

Adele Jacobs, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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Fairfield County bassist Phil Bowler has played with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis (with whom he received a Grammy for Marsalis’ album “Think of One”), Lightning Hopkins, Dr. John, Max Roach and Ralph Peterson.

He’s a frequent guest at Jazz at the Post. This Thursday (September 26), he headlines the event.

He’s joined by vocalist Janice Dempsey, pianist Joe McWilliams, guitarist Bob Riccio, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” series sometimes features panoramas of animals, trees or flowers.

Sometimes we highlight one: a hummingbird or gull, say, or maple tree.

Occasionally, a photographer captures a great close-up. But today’s image may be our most amazing one ever.

Andrew Colabella did the honors, with an Aspetuck Land Trust spider.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … after seeing Andrew’s photo (above), you may have seen this coming:

(“Who” doesn’t enjoy “06880”? If you’re one of our 20,000 daily readers who do, please click here to support our work. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks!)

 

 

 

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Media, Staples HS

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“06880” Podcast: David Roth & Kerry Long

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 1 comment

David Roth and Kerry Long are co-directors of Staples Players.

That’s our local high school drama troupe. But if you’ve ever been to a Players show — and if you haven’t, why not?! — you know it is anything but a high school production.

In addition to their spectacularly professional work, both David and Kerry are Staples graduates. The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about Players’ 66-year past, present and future (don’t miss “Elf” this November!).

Click below, to learn more about this amazing — and amazingly entertaining — organization.

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Roundup: Westoberfest, Kyle Martino, Burying Hill …

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Westoberfest had all the elements of an early fall (okay, last day of summer) celebration on Saturday.

Beer (from 22 breweries) and pumpkin crafts drew perhaps the largest crowd in the 7-year history of the Westport Downtown Association event, to Elm Street and environs.

But plenty else kept them there, including 2 dozen vendors, 6 food trucks, music, and kids’ activities.

Westoberfest has quickly become one of the highlights of the WDA — and entire Westport — calendar.

We’ll drink to that!

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When Kyle Martino was growing up in Westport, he played pickup soccer with and against much older players — including college stars who had graduated from Staples.

The training worked. Martino went on to become 1999 National High School Player of the Year; MLS Rookie of the Year; a teammate of David Beckham’s on the Los Angeles Galaxy, and an 8-time US men’s national team player.

Martino’s passion for the game continues unabated. He has developed a unique retractable goal that turns any basketball court or blacktop into a small-sided field, and a non profit (Over Under Initiative) to bring soccer to underserved communities.

On Friday Martino was in Westport, discussing his ideas, seeking input and help, and encouraging his home town to be a national leader in the movement back to small-sided soccer, and encouraging informal play by all ages.

He brought some heavy hitters to the meeting at a private home: Cobi Jones, his former Galaxy teammate and the all-time leader in US men’s national team appearances (164), plus Edson Buddle, his longtime friend from New Rochelle who scored over 100 MLS goals.

Dave Briggs was at the meeting. He asked Martino to explain his mission. Click below to listen:

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According to Reproductive Equity Now, anti-abortion centers — also called “crisis pregnancy centers” — are “facilities that pretend to be reproductive health clinics, but in reality, exist to dissuade people from accessing abortion care using deceptive advertising, abortion stigma, and medical disinformation.” REN says that in Connecticut, they outnumber “legitimate abortion clinics’ nearly 2 to 1.

On October 16 at MoCA CT, the organization will screen “Preconceived.” The new documentary “exposes anti-abortion centers’ deceptive and dangerous practices.”

There are 2 showings: 10 a.m. (click here for tickets) and 7 p.m. (click here for tickets). The evening event includes light refreshments at 6:30, and a brief post-screening panel with elected officials and providers.

All proceeds benefit Reproductive Equity Now.

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Regular visitors to Burying Hill Beach know that the entrance road floods routinely.

But the breadth of yesterday’s water — particularly in the absence of any rain — surprised even veteran beach-goers.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

As with Saturday’s flooding at Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road, we may be heading into a new “new normal.”

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Adam Vengrow gives a shout-out to Billi at the Post Road East Mobil station, across from Playhouse Square.

Adam writes: “I popped a tire yesterday, and couldn’t find where.

I went right tot he best. It was Sunday morning, but Billi stopped what he was doing and fixed us right up. Love them!”

(Photo/Adam Vengrow)

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Visitors can relive the golden age of Weston at The Peter Thorp House on Sunday (September 29, 4 to 7 p.m.).

The Weston History & Culture is hosting a fundraiser, with guided tours of the historic property, a cocktail party in the rose garden, a musical performance, and raffles.

Early bird tickets ($125) include 5 raffle tickets; click here.

Peter Thorp House garden.

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The Pantry — the Fairfield market very popular with Westporters — has reopened, following a recent fire.

Owners were buoyed by support from local merchants. Westport’s Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center sent parsley, basil and edible flowers. Harry’s Wine & Liquor offered beer and wine for the clean-up crew. Other businesses helped too, Mary Condon reports.

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The only downside to Saturday’s LobsterFest were the spotted lanternflies covering trees at nearby Compo Beach South Beach.

They landed on a few attendees, who brushed them off, then squished them.

“You hate to do it, because they’re really so pretty,” one festival-goer said.

“But they really are gross.”

And invasive.

Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” photo of a dead lanternfly. It is indeed both pretty and gross.

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And finally … songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler died this past week in North Carolina. He was 91. Click here for a full obituary, and click below for his most famous song.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution, to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Weston

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Devin Wells’ Intriguing Career Path: From Westfield To Westport

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Devin Wells did not expect to wind up in a place like Westport.

The son of a 19-year-old mother who immigrated from Portugal, and a 20-year-old Black father, he grew up in Westfield, a working-class town outside of Springfield, Massachusetts.

His parents were great role models. Devin’s mother worked her way up from receptionist to chief operating officer of a law firm — without a college degree. His father is a truck driver. Both modeled hard work, and consistency in their relationship.

Wells was an All-State (and All-Scholastic) basketball player at Westfield High School. He still holds the school’s rebounding record.

He went to local Westfield State University — the first person in his family to attend college — and lived at home, to save money. In addition to classes, he worked full-time at the YMCA.

A marketing internship led to a full-time position senior year. That in turn led to interviews PURE Insurance, focusing on high net worth clients.

Wells won the job, over others from Ivy League universities.

He worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 3 years. When he was named sales marketing manager for Connecticut, he and his wife — a registered nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital — moved to Avon.

Wells traveled all over the state.

Devin Wells, and his wife Victoria.

 He was recruited by Berkley One, handling the Northeast territory. Organizing golf outings at Longshore, he became familiar with the town.

Wells was very good at his work. But, he says, “I didn’t feel I was making an impact on anyone’s life.”

Eighteen months ago, he took a risk. He changed his career path, and became vice president at Howard & Gay. He had met the partners while working at Berkley One.

Devin Wells

Wells calls it “the best decision I ever made. Making clients in Westport is more like making friends. I speak daily with people who were complete strangers  before. We talk about our lives.

“I have clients everywhere. But the ones I have coffee and dinner with are here.

 

“Where I grew up, people were just trying to get by and survive. There is such a strong sense of community in Westport. I don’t think a lot of places have that.”

Under partners Livy Howard & Willis Gay, the company has always been community-oriented. Wells likes that approach.

The company sponsors Staples High School sports, including football, soccer and basketball, along with other local events.

For Wells, the community feeling is especially meaningful.

“One of my biggest fears coming into high net worth insurance was that my family wasn’t wealthy,” he admits.

“But I never felt that my opinion was not valued.”

Howard & Gay’s recent Client Appreciation Day at Compo Beach — complete with food trucks and a fun vibe — was a chance for Wells to greet clients he’d never met in person.

The Howard & Gay team, at Compo Beach.

“I’m a large man of color,” he notes. “But I never felt unwanted there, or in any room.

“Having that burden off my shoulders is huge. Still, it’s a real issue in a job dominated by white men.”

Wells is enjoying meeting the many Westporters who come from different countries and cultures. This is a town he feels increasingly at home in.

“I plan to be here for a very long time — working, and hopefully living,” he says. “Over the past 18 months, Westport has proven itself as the right place to make a career.”

His story is “not a miracle,” he knows. Still, he says, “I hope other people can relate, and be inspired by it.”

(“06880” often highlights interesting people who live and work in Westport. If you enjoy these stories — or any other feature of our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper

Posted on September 20, 2024 | Comments Off on Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper

At the start of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Thomas Scarice offered a heartfelt tribute to Max Harper.

Westport’s superintendent of schools did not know the Staples High School senior, who died last week in a dirt bike accident.

But, Scarice said, he realized the impression the young man made in just 2 years. “He was so well known and loved, in a massive high school. From all accounts — students and faculty — he had a magnetic personality. He made a palpable impact” on the lives of many.

Scarice noted several highlights from 2 gatherings at Compo Beach: Max’s father’s words, the morning after the tragedy; the healing words of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, and the tributes from Max’s friends. Even at his age, the superintendent said, “I could not do what those students did.”

Scarice also lauded the “depth, quality and caring” of Staples’ counselors, and assistant principal Pat Micinilio.

Max made “an indelible impact,” Scarice concluded. “We grieve his loss.”

To see Thomas Scarice’s remarks at the Board of Education meeting, click here.

Max Harper 

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