Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute — the CT United motorcycle ride — roars to life this Sunday (September 8, Sherwood Island State Park).
The event honors victims of the terrorist attack, first responders, and also state first responders who lost their lives on the job this year.
The 60-mile motorcycle ride is nonstop. Riders — escorted by police — proceed through intersections and stop lights without stopping, so drivers can expect significant delays.
From Sherwood Island, riders take I-95 to Exit 17. They head up Route 33 (Saugatuck and Riverside Avenues, and Wilton Road), through Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe and Trumbull, before ending at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park.
Proceeds from the fundraiser go to the Connecticut Professional Fire Fighters Emergency Relief Fund, and the Hundred Club of Connecticut, for loved ones of law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty.
Motorcycles mass before the start of the 2021 CT Ride United, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
Two follow-ups to yesterday’s “06880” Roundup item about Ben Casparius, the 2017 Staples High School graduate who earned his first Major League Baseball win with a 1-2-3 inning in relief Saturday night, for the Dodgers in Phoenix:
Before he was a state champion player for the Wreckers — and Connecticut’s Gatorade Player of the Year –a dominating Casparius won a Little League town title in 3rd grade. Even then, teammates, opponents, coaches and fans knew he was special.
Casparius’ girlfriend has some serious athletic chops herself.
Erin Matson is one of the most famous field hockey players ever. She led the University of North Carolina to 4 NCAA championships. Just a month after graduating, she was named head coach of the Tar Heels. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
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The 2017 Staples High School graduate — and Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, who helped the Wreckers win the state championship — was called up to the Los Angeles Dodgers exactly 2 weeks ago, then sent back to AAA Oklahoma City 3 days later without an appearance.
But he was summoned back yesterday.
He did not have far to go. Coming on in relief against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Phoenix’s Chase Field — with the score tied in the 8th inning — Casparius did not let up a run.
Ben Casparius, on the mound last night.
His team scored twice in the top of the 9th. Evan Phillips came on to pitch the bottom of the inning. He got the save — and Casparius was credited with the win.
Not a bad major league debut — in front of a crowd of 50,041.
(One other highlight: a 1st-inning inside-the-park home run for D-back’s Corbin Carroll.) (Hat tips: Jeff Mitchell, Brian Sikorski, David M. Goldstein)
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Westport Police assisted Connecticut State Police last week, in subduing and arresting a man who fled a traffic stop on I-95.
The event began when a driver left a tractor-trailer on an electric scooter near Exit 17. He crossed the highway, and headed south on the right shoulder.
After he was stopped, he reacted aggressively, and refused to sit down. He drove away, but was intercepted by troopers on the Exit 17 off-ramp. He fought attempts to be placed in handcuffs.
Westport Police and a State Police K9 dog helped the troopers gain control of the suspect, who continued his behavior, including spitting at officers. At least 2 state troopers sustained minor injuries.
The man was charged with fugitive from justice without a warrant, 6 counts of assault on a public safety officer, 2 counts of cruelty to animals, interfering with an officer, reckless use of a highway by a pedestrian, improper parking and operating an unregistered motor vehicle, according to police.
He was held at the Bridgeport Correctional Center, in lieu of $350,000 bail.
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Since COVID, many Westporters have discovered Sherwood Island.
(For those who haven’t: Connecticut’s first state park sits smack in the middle of our shoreline. It’s 238 acres of beaches, wetlands, woods, walking paths, a Nature Center — even a model airplane runway.)
Many Westporters also help keep the park shipshape, as volunteers with Friends of Sherwood Island.
They raise money in part through a great annual fundraiser. This year’s Shorefest is Friday, September 6 (6 to 9 p.m., Sherwood Island pavilion). It features dinner and a silent auction.
Dinner options include lobster, tenderloin, salmon or vegetarian, plus steamers, corn, salad and dessert. A children’s menu includes hot dog or hamburger, corn, salad and dessert.
Click here for tickets, or send a check to Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, PO Box 544, Westport, CT 06881.
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Jean Wanat — a lifelong Westport, and the former owner of Westport Electric — died Wednesday. She was 78.
She was a lifetime member of Assumption Church, and participated in many festivals. Her family recalls her “sense of humor and zest for life.”
She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Phil Palmer, Carlo Palmer and his wife Ann Marie, Peter Palmer Jr., sister-in-law Arlene Wanat, and brothers-in-law William Wanat and George Wanat.
Jean is survived by her son John Wanat Jr (Sharon), daughter Jeanmarie (partner Ed Mackowski)l grandchildren Scott, Jamie and Aryn; daughter Jeanmarie Wanat, her partner Ed Mackowski and his children Shelby and Eric; brother Tony Palmer (Susan), sisters-in law Rosaland Palmer and Judy Wanat, and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral is set for Assumption Church on Tuesday (September 3, 10 a.m.), followed by committal services in Willowbrook Cemeter.
Contributions may be made to Assumption Church or Connecticut Humane Society.
“We put in our first bee and butterfly garden this summer. We have seen so many different bugs, bees and hummingbirds. Recently. some monarch butterflies found us.
“Yesterday I saw this praying mantis in the garden happily munching a bug. I hope he finds some lanternflies.
And finally … today is September 1. It’s the day we were supposed to be seen again.
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How busy has the Department of Public Works been this summer?
One very visible project: the new sidewalk and re-paved 0.6 miles of Hillspoint Road, from Greens Farms Road South to Old Mill. It’s getting raves for both its quality of construction, and the safety it provides.
The summer paving program resulted in upgrades and safety enhancements on 4 miles of roadways and Town properties, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports.
This includes Imperial Avenue and the Staples High School and Bedford Middle School parking lots and sidewalks.
Construction and improvements continue on and around Cross Highway. It includes:
Began reconstruction of the sidewalk from Compo Road North to Roseville (0.48 miles).
Made sightline and safety improvements at the North Avenue intersection.
Installed illuminated stop signage at the Bayberry Lane intersection.
The DPW managed and oversaw:
Completing sewer extensions projects at the Evergreen Avenue/ Tamarac Road and Whitney Street neighborhoods.
Sweeping 125 miles of roadway, 25 miles of sidewalk, and all municipal parking lots.
Installing and upgrading equipment for various pump stations, including installation of new generators, lining 3,500 linear feet of sewer pipe, and installing new elevators.
Installing a new cardboard compactor, and rehabilitating and reconstructing main waste compactor #1 at the town transfer station.
Tooker says: “Many thanks are due to our hard-working highway crews and public works employees who kept these projects on track, and on budget. And thank you to everyone who remained patient while the construction work was occurring. The upgrades to Westport’s infrastructure are worth it.”
Part of the sidewalk project, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
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Yesterday morning, the last of 5 kittens — trapped in a storm drain with their mother, underneath a grate on Post Road East — was rescued.
They’ll be named soon (based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, courtesy of the foster family’s 5-year-old daughter).
They will soon be vetted, and available for adoption through Wilton-based Animals in Distress.
Additional information and photos will be posted on WASA’s Facebook,
WASA thanks Katherine Reid of Animals in Distress, the Westport Fire Department (particularly Engine Company No. 5 and Jennifer Petrosinelli), Bryan Thomas and Ralph Ramos of Westport’s Public Works Department, Schulhof Animal Hospital, the kind staff of Mattress Firm (adjacent to the storm drain; they allowed WASA to use their business to transfer the kittens and wash volunteers’ sardine-scented hands as a result of trap baiting), and special WASA helpers Sandy Young and Jess Zullo, who spent countless hours setting and monitoring the trapping operation, despite family and work demands.
Rescued!
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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys golf team.
On Thursday at Longshore, they beat the team record — by 3 strokes.
And Philip Sullivan set a new school individual 9-hole match record. The junior shot a scintillating 30.
The top 4 scorers count for the team score. Besides Sullivan’s, they were George Targowski (34), Gus Palmer (36) and Tommy Riley (36). Chris Taylor came in 5th, with a 38 — but that still would have been good enough to secure Staples’ record.
The future for coach Pete Caligiure’s Wreckers is bright. All 5 golfers are juniors.
The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter’s 10th annual Optimism Walk is in Westport next month.
And a Westport volunteer will be honored there.
The event is set for Sherwood Island State Park on September 21 (10 a.m.). When it’s done, Holly Betts — assistant director of the Westport Senior Center — will receive the Tiedemann Award, for her support of the APDA.
Gladys Tiedemann volunteered for APDA CT for more than 30 years.
Holly schedules weekly Parkinson’s exercise classes, support groups for those diagnosed with the disease and their care partners, as well as wellness programs for the Senior Center and greater community.
For the past several years, Holly has led a fundraising team of Senior Center members called “Stand by Me,” at the annual Westport Optimism Walk. Click here to support her team.
The APDA Westport Optimism Walk is a family-friendly event. It includes a short walk of up to 1.5 miles, as well as educational opportunities, raffles, sponsor activities, music, kid’s crafts, fall risk assessments, Tai Chi, and camaraderie.
Holly Betts
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Big Y moved one step closer to opening this week.
Their shopping carts have arrived, at the Post Road East store.
(Photo/Dave Shea)
Enjoy the photo.
No matter how different the new supermarket may be from Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Stew Leonard’s and any other store, the end result will be the same.
These carts will soon end up all over the lot.
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Here is our first X-rated “Westport … Naturally” photo ever:
(Photo/Jay Walshon)
In case you don’t know: It’s 2 moths mating.
Normally, we wouldn’t invade their privacy.
But they did it in public.
Or at least, on Jay Walshon’s back door screen.
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And finally … congratulations again to the record-setting Staples golf team! (Story above)
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Lisabeth Comm — a beloved and innovative educator who impacted thousands of Westport students, and was also a world traveler and arts aficionado — died Friday in Florida, from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was 76 years old.
The Ohio native loved her role as an educator, in all forms.
She was a highly respected English teacher and department chair at Staples High School. Her leadership and vision changed the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Lis Comm
Over her 44-year career in Westport, Lis inspired generations of students with her passion for literature, and her commitment to expanding their horizons through a wide array of English courses.
She was particularly proud of 2 she designed: Mythology and Bible, and Women in Literature.
She was an early advocate of integrating literature from diverse cultures, including Native American, Asian, Black and Latin American — into the traditional English curriculum.
Lis was also instrumental in introducing feminist literary criticism to the Staples English Department.
Lis Comm and her husband, Math Department chair Frank Corbo, promoted reading for pleasure at Staples. The book they chose was, appropriately, “Romeo & Juliet.”
Her love for education extended beyond the classroom. After retirement Lis volunteered as a docent at the Baker Museum in Naples, Florida, where she shared her passion for art and culture with visitors. Her warmth, knowledge and enthusiasm enriched the lives of many.
Lis is survived by her husband Frank Corbo, former head of the Staples math department, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years. Together, they visited all 7 continents, including a final trip a year ago to Norway.
Lis Comm, on one of her many journeys.
Frank calls Lis “the most incredible, beautiful, brilliant partner anyone could have. I’m an extremely lucky man.”
Lis is also survived by her sisters Julie Kireta and Clare Comm, and brother James Comm.
A celebration of Lis’s life will be held in Westport at a time and place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
It’s a decades-long Staples High School tradition: On the first day of school, half of the 12th grade class wears specially designed shirts, proclaiming their status as “Senior Girls.”
They arrive honking, in cars they decorated the night before, drawing nicknames and “Senior Girls” with their graduation year on the windows.
A decorating party took place last night at Compo Beach. It was quite a way to celebrate the last night before becoming … senior girls.
Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.
Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.
“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published today. She celebrated by placing copies in 9 “little free libraries”
I celebrated a little early by sneaking copies into 9 “little free libraries” in Fairfield County, including Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, at Compo Beach.
Speaking of books: Next month’s Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club selection is “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan. The group meets on Thursday, September 26 (6 p.m.).
Called “a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy,” the novella is on the New York Times‘ recent list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was awarded the George Orwell Prize for political fiction, for outstanding works first published in the UK or Ireland that illuminate major social and political themes.
Registration is requested, as space is limited. Call 203-349-5141, or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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Artnletters.com is a new website featuring hand-painted, detailed, colorful custom name and word prints with scenes of animals, fairies and adventure. T
Its giclée prints are great gifts for new parents, young kids, teachers, medical professionals serving kids and, its creators say, “all who are young at ❤️ART.”
The duo behind the venture are 1976 Stapes High School grads Jackie Rogers and Patricia Elliot.
Rogers has illustrated over 150 children’s books, including the bestseller “Our Great Big Backyard” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.
Her childhood friend Elliot has practiced employment law for over 40 years. She gives Jackie’s illustrated alphabet art as gifts, and wanted to help share Jackie’s art more broadly.
Elliot handles logistics, while Rogers paints and create in her whimsical style.
A sample of Jackie Rogers’ art.
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Longtime Westport resident Jayne Mauborgne died peaceful August 8 in St. George, Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty she loved. She had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous month, with friends and family.
The Bronx native was an avid traveler, who explored Africa extensively. She also loved animals, and supported numerous animal organizations.
She founded a sales rep organization which she managed into her 80s, covering New England.
Jayne is survived by her daughters Colette Griffin and Danielle Mauborgne; grandson Peter Griffin; son-in-law Michael Printz, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barnett, and cherished friend Vivienne Nemmerson.
A memorial celebration will be held on September 22 (1 to 4 p.m., Rive Bistro). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wildlife in Crisis, 44 Indian Valley Rd. Weston, CT 06883.
Jayne Mauborgne
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I’m not sure if I’ve ever included an alpaca in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Whether or not, here’s the South American mammal — a Wakeman Town Farm favorite:
And finally … here in Westport, it’s the first day of school!
(Another school year begins. As always, “06880” will be here to report on it. And, of course, everything else going on in town. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The first day of a new school year is always exciting, fresh and fun.
The building sparkles. People greet friends they haven’t seen in months. Anticipation is high; anything is possible.
That’s as true for staff members as it is for kids.
Nearly 1,000 teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and Board of Education members filled the Staples High School auditorium yesterday, for the district’s opening convocation.
Director Lauren Pine leads the Staples choir in the national anthem. Some singers have been in the Westport Public Schools since kindergarten.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice gave his fifth welcome. The Staples choir sang the national anthem; cheerleaders cheered the educators. Performance coach Sebastian Little pumped up the crowd.
And everyone honored Westport’s Teacher of the Year: Staples media specialist Jen Cirino.
In his opening remarks, Scarice reminded the audience of his first convocation. Just a few months into the pandemic, he had stood alone in the auditorium, speaking via Zoom to educators about to begin an excruciatingly difficult year.
Out of that tough time has come a renewed emphasis on “humanity,” the superintendent said. The district has redoubled its focus on social and emotional learning, and its recognition of the impact every staff member has on every student.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Scarice emphasized his point by telling the stories of 2 June graduates, who went all the way through the Westport system. One was a multi-talented girl, now at Harvard; the other was the son of a single mother who, despite many challenges, was the kind of young man whom every teacher wanted in class.
Scarice also singled out every employee — including secretaries, nurses, mental health professionals and central office staff — who impact every child.
After an introduction of 49 new staff members, assistant superintendent John Bayers announced the finalists for Teacher of the Year: Michele Anderson (music, Bedford Middle School), Nicole Comerford (health, Staples), Colleen Cooney (music, Saugatuck Elementary), Victoria Davis (special education, Greens Farms Elementary), Joseph Del Gobbo (English, Staples), Kelly Falcone (academic support, Staples), and Joanne Klouda (physics, Staples).
The winner — Cirino — is multi-talented, highly respected, and a hometown girl. A 5th generation Westporter, she went through the entire school system, and won a state championship on the Staples basketball team. Her children now attend Coleytown Elementary School.
Teacher of the Year Jen Cirino. Behind her is Staples assistant principal Jim Farnen; to the right is Board of Education member Kevin Christie.
Cirino makes the high school library an accessible, welcoming, enriching and exciting space for hundreds of students at a time.
The library was her haven as a youngster, Cirino said. Her goal is to make the Staples library “a powerful place for everyone, so they can accomplish all that they want.”
Through her “Friday Fun Days,” she involves students in activities ranging from breast cancer awareness keychains, Juneteenth bracelets and Pride buttons, to mini-golf, Legos and bird feeders.
Her reach extends far beyond its walls though, through her work on environmental and sustainable issues, her advocacy for student rights, and her collaboration with teenagers and teachers throughout the building.
The final speaker, Sebastian Little, has worked with the Westport Public Schools for several years, as well as high level athletes and leading business professionals.
Sebastian Little (All photos/Dan Woog)
A former football player at Yale, he tied the recent Olympics in with the work of educators.
“Own your greatness,” he encouraged the Westport staff.
The convocation was an energetic kickoff to the coming school year.
Now: Let the games begin.
(“06880” regularly covers education in Westport, from pre-K to high school and beyond. If you enjoy our stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Compo Beach playground renovation project takes place next April.
But the planning committee is already working hard, leaving, um, no stone unturned.
They’ve just unveiled a cool new website.
In includes a detailed drawing of the new playground (see below); plenty of options for support (as families and corporate sponsors); apparel like t-shirts (bearing the logo designed by Greens Farms Elementary student Jack Burke), and opportunities to volunteer.
Click here for the website. And get ready: April will be here before we know it.
The new Compo Beach playground.
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Brad Tursi — the 1997 Staples High School graduate whose band Old Dominion has won numerous country music awards — is simultaneously embarking on a solo career.
He’s having just as much success as he is with his group.
The other day, he played at the Grand Ole Opry.
“Surreal, and an opportunity I’ll never forget,” the former Wrecker soccer star says.
“Thank you to everyone at the Opry for the warm welcome and sweet hospitality.”
Westporters who were not in Nashville will get a chance to see Brad much closer to his old home.
He plays the Levitt Pavilion on October 12. Click here for tickets, and more information. (Hat tip: Curtis Lueker)
Brad Tursi, outside the famed venue.
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For over 20 years Movers Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty have entertained families.
Their Emmy-winning Disney show and catalog of more than 250 original compositions make the Imagination Movers story — well, the stuff of dreams.
The fun-for-the-whole-family show comes to the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, September 22 (1 p.m.).
Tickets are $45 and $40 (click here). For an additional $50, there’s a pre-show meet-and-greet (click here).
“06880” gets tons of photos of bad and/or entitled parkers.
I reject some many submissions. The bar for egregious behavior is high. For example, a car hogging 2 spaces just won’t cut it anymore. That’s low-level douchebaggery.
So when I glanced at Glenn Payne’s photo, I was ready to toss it. The guy probably just went in to pay cash, I thought. There’s nothing bad here.
(Photo/Glenn Payne)
I confess: I had to ask Glenn what I was missing.
Duh!
Look closely. This one is truly gob-smacking.
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Nature is amazing.
Hard to believe such small insects can make such astonishing creations.
And hard to believe they also strike such fear in us.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Susan Garment’s front yard.
Hopefully not too close to her door.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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And finally … last night was International Bat Night.
How did you celebrate?
“06880” CONNECTION: Meat Loaf lived in Westport, a couple of decades ago. He was a regular presence in town, including playing softball at Compo Beach, and coaching a girls softball team too.
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When school begins next week, youngsters will head back to a variety of buildings.
There are well-built, well-renovated structures like Greens Farms, Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools. One needs renovation (Coleytown El); another is slated for demolition, then an entirely new school (Long Lots).
Bedford Middle School works well, after a quarter century; Coleytown Middle shines, after a mold-induced closing and remodeling.
Then there is our high school. Already 20 years old, the “new” Staples still looks fresh, bright and modern. The $84 million price tag was worth it. It has served generations of students, and will serve many generations more.
But this is only the latest incarnation of Staples High School. Here is a pictorial history, through the years.
In 1884, Horace Staples donated both land and funds to construct the first building. It was on Riverside Avenue, not far from his own home.
Today, the site of the original Staples is the area behind the Saugatuck Elementary School auditorium.
It continued to be used by Bedford Junior High teachers and students until 1967, when it was demolished.
In 1936 — in time for the 50th anniversary of Staples’ first graduating class — a new building was constructed, just north of the original. Today, it’s the central wing of Saugatuck El.
A $800,000 north wing was added 12 years later. It included 5 classrooms, a gym and cafeteria.
The “new” 1948 wing. The original Staples building can be seen in the far background.
In 1959, with school populations surging, the high school moved to a modern new campus on North Avenue.
The California-style architecture included 7 separate buildings, connected by walkways. The design worked well in September, October, May and June. It was a bit problematic the rest of the year.
Clockwise from left: auditorium; vocational arts building; cafeteria; gym; foreign language and other classes; English and social studies; science and math; administration and library.
The view, looking north.
In 1964, an addition on the south added more social studies, math and science classrooms.
A 1978-81 project addressed the many issues of a multi-building, open-air campus (including heating pipes buried inadequately, resulting in frequent malfunctions and disruptions).
The 9 separate structures were all connected. But students and staff continued to refer to the “4 Building” (arts), “6 building” (English and math), etc.
(Photo/Steve Turner)
Eventually, that renovation outlived its usefulness too.
Work began in 2003 on an entirely new Staples. That 3-story building rose, while classes continued in the old one.
Gradually, piece by piece, the old structure was removed.
This was the result, shortly before construction was completed:
And the current view (circa 2020):
(Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Since 1884, generations of Westporters (and, for a long time, Westonites and Wiltonians) have their own memories of Staples’ buildings.
What are yours? Click “Comments” below.
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When it comes to musical performances, the Westport Library consistently sets the bar (ho ho) high.
Yesterday afternoon, they exceeded even their own stellar standards.
Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series focused on the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much musical history.
The mesmerized, hand-clapping (and occasionally dancing) crowd was wowed by the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.
Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).
Special guest — author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — provided important back stories to the 5 historic towns.
We often say our Library rocks. Yesterday, it showed its soul.
These 2 took advantage of yesterday’s torrential rain. They taped themselves (well, someone else did) into garbage bags, then rolled down the hill at Staples High School’s Loeffler Field.
Also making their own fun: Westport’s Wiffle ball team.
Last week, “06880” featured Grant Theisinger. The rising Staples freshman and friends have created a competitive league, which plays on a full field in Grant’s back yard.
It’s a great concept, executed brilliantly by the boys.
This past weekend, they went on a road trip. Three players — Grant, Kyle Marcucio and Finn Edwards — represented Westport at the Major League Wiffle Ball Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank.
Competing in the 13-15 age division — with 29 teams from 7 states — “High Heat
won both pool play games Saturday against teams from New York City and Pennsylvania, gaining the #6 seed.
They won their first playoff game yesterday in exciting fashion 11-10, but then lost to the eventual tournament champs.
Most importantly, the boys had a blast. They also met Kyle Schultz, the founder of MLW.
Congratulations, guys. You’ll get ’em next year!
From left: Kyle Marcucio, Finn Edwards, Kyle Schultz, Grant Theisinger. (Photo/Marc Theisinger)
“I live on Quentin Road down by the beach. I have the good fortune of being able to work from home many days of the week. Often, I work on my laptop on my back deck.
“Ever day since we moved into this house in 2021 (at least from May through October, when the weather cooperates), a small airplane flies over Compo Beach making loop after loop, at least 10-15 times a day. It’s crazy!
“It happens so often, and I’ve gotten to know the sound of the engine so well, that I’m able to tell if it’s a different plane just by the sound, even when off in the distance!
“I’ve tried to figure out where it comes from, whether it’s a tour guide or a flight training school, if it’s from Sikorsky or Danbury, etc., but to no avail!
“Any info? Any knowledge?”
I sure don’t know (though I’d sure like to figure out the deal with the helicopter that often flies over my condo at 10:30 many nights.)
If you can solve Jeff’s Compo Beach small plane mystery, click “Comments” below.
This is not the plane Jeff Laska often hears from his deck. In fact, it’s probably been “Photoshopped” in (or whatever technology was used over 100 years ago). If it was a real plane, at least some of the (very formally dressed) beachgoers would be looking up.
In its 8 years, the Cello Camp has become an established part of Westport’s musical summer.
Nearly 3 dozen campers — mainly cellists, with a few bass players — spend a week learning new repertoire, and warming up their fingers for the school year ahead. Danielle Merlis and Lucas DeValdivia — Staples graduates, who played together since Long Lots Elementary School — lead the sessions.
The camp culminates in a free concert. The public is invited this Saturday (August 24, 5 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
The program ranges from Bizet, Dvorák and Vivaldi to “The Greatest Showman,” “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and “Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter.”
Last week, the Staples football team did the “Murph” workout.
It was a fundraiser for both the Catch A Lift Fund, and the football program. Retired Army sergeant Jason Smith — who lost both legs, and suffered extensive damage to his right hand, when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, then recovered to win 8 medals at the Invictus Games — addressed the players and spectators. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)
Staples football staff, Gridiron Club members, town and police officials and Catch a Lift representatives, with the “Murph” participants. (Photo/JC Martin)
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Every day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights some aspect of nature, somewhere in town.
Usually it’s an animal. Occasionally it’s a flower, bush or tree.
But weather is also part of Westport’s nature. Today’s Compo Beach image is one more example of the power — and surprising beauty — of Mother Nature.
And finally … one more salute to Grant Theisinger, and Westport’s Wiffle Ball wonders:
(Weather or not you had a great weekend, “06880” is here to chronicle it. We serve Westport in many ways. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
But another big sporting event drew thousands of athletes too.
The Maccabi Youth games, in London, are called “the Jewish Olympics.” Participants are Jewish athletes from around the world.
Among them: Jonny Costello. The Staples High School rising senior — about to begin his 3rd varsity season for the Wreckers — was among the 18 players representing the US in Under-18 age group competition.
Jonny Costello (#24), as a junior playing for Staples. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
He did more than just “represent.” Jonny was the team’s leading scorer, and was chosen as captain for the 3rd place match against Germany. He came through big time with 2 goals and an assist, helping the US win the bronze.
The Americans — with players from across the country — faced teams from the UK, France, Argentina and Germany.
Though they met for the first time at the airport, they meshed quickly and played excellent soccer.
Jonny Costello, at the Maccabi Games.
There’s more to Jonny’s story than soccer, though.
He has stuttered since he was 5. It hindered him socially when he was younger, in New York City.
Before his family moved to Westport just before 4th grade, he worried his new classmates might think he was “weird.”
But he blasted a home run on his first day at Coleytown Elementary School. That was all he needed, to make his mark — and make friends.
In 2019, as his bar mitzvah loomed — a time when a 13-year-old must speak publicly, and confidently — Jonny did his project about his stutter.
He created a “crash course” video, using quick illustrations to explain concepts. (His vocal cords shut when he speaks. He has no trouble putting thoughts together. They just don’t always come out as quickly as he’d like.)
In the video, he talked about his own life (including a worker at Subway, who asks what’s wrong when he’s trying to order).
He offered strategies for family members, teachers, friends and strangers: Be patient. Don’t finish sentences for someone. Be kind.
The video was shown at his bar mitzvah. The synagogue erupted in cheers.
Jonny’s parents, Sean and Lauren, emailed it to the guests. It was uploaded to YouTube.
Almost immediately, the video went viral.
Speech therapists in Sweden and Portugal asked for translations. A girl watched it 4 times, then asked her teacher to show it to the class. An 18-year-old who had lived his life “in the shadows” said that Jonathan’s video perfectly articulated his life.
It even reached the most famous stutterer in the world: Joe Biden.
Soon, Jonny met the former vice president.
Fast forward to London, where Jonny assumed a leadership role on the Maccabi squad.
The event’s media team was impressed. They made their own video, highlighting Jonny’s accomplishments on and off the pitch.
There’s an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”
In Jonny Costello’s case, it should be: “His actions speak as clearly as his words.”
(In 2019, “06880” reported on Jonny’s bar mitzvah video. Click here for that story.”)
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