Category Archives: Staples HS

Roundup: $$$: Donated, Found, And Plunged For …

Posted on January 2, 2024 | 8 comments

Sustainable Westport says:

“We did it! We have reached our goal of inspiring (over) 150 Westporters to make a gift in support of Sustainable Westport.

“We deeply appreciate every individual who participated in our first-ever Community Giving Challenge.

“Your support helped us raise money to expand our programming in 2024, demonstrated our community’s continued commitment to sustainability, and helped us unlock an additional $10,000 challenge grant from a generous Sustainable Westport donor. When we come together, even small actions have an incredible impact! Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

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More fundraising:

While you were sleeping in on New Year’s Day, dozens of others were performing a mitzvah.

They headed to Compo Beach, and took a polar plunge.

Which they paid for.

Proceeds from the event — sponsored by Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County — went to the Israel Emergency Fund.

Despite the winter temperatures, that will warm many hearts. (Hat tip: Bryan Bierman)

These Polar Plungers were freezin’ for a reason. 

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This is not a proverb, but perhaps it should be: “If you find money in a tree on New Year’s Day, you will have a very prosperous year.”

And if there was such a saying, then one Westporter — out for a stroll yesterday downtown — would be in for a very lucky 2024 indeed.

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Jake Thaw is going to the College Football Playoff championship.

His University of Michigan Wolverines edged Alabama 27-20 in overtime yesterday, at the Rose Bowl. They’ll face the University of Washington next Monday in Houston (January 8, 8:15 p.m., ESPN).

It almost didn’t happen, though. The only punt that came the 2020 Staples High School graduate’s way was muffed, at the 5-yard line. Thaw did a great job of avoiding a safety, under intense pressure.

Jay Harbaugh — the UM special teams coordinator, and son of head coach Jim Harbaugh — was heavily criticized on social media for allowing Thaw to attempt the catch inside the 10, and not simply letting it bounce.

Jake Thaw, moments before the last-minute punt.

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Bridgewater Associates — the Westport-based world’s largest hedge fund, and the object of so much interest and mystery in that world — is under the media microscope again.

Not long after the publication of Rob Copeland’s tell-almost-all book “The Fund,” a Bloomberg story examines charges against the company of favoritism, age and sex discrimination.

The article includes this description of what goes on inside the office:

Because many employees at Bridgewater are in their 20s and 30s and work long hours in the Connecticut suburbs far outside New York City, romantic relationships are common, people who have worked there said….

And the togetherness extends beyond work. There are almost 100 clubs where employees can do everything from play softball to rescue pets.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

Bridgewater’s Nyala Farm headquarters, where romance blooms. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

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Bassist/composer/producer Harvie S and guitarist Sheryl Bailey kick off the 2024 Jazz at the Post year this Thursday (January 4, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:30 p.m. on).

The two highly regarded musicians will be joined by saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall and drummer Steve Johns.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows 4 very lucky creatures.

All survived Thanksgiving and Christmas. They’re now free to stroll leisurely on Salem Road.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Roger Miller. He was born in 1936.

He died of lung and throat cancer, at 56. But not before he wrote and recorded these classics:

(Congratulations to Sustainable Westport. To sustain “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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Superficial Love: Finding Purpose Through Debilitating Disease

Posted on January 2, 2024 | 18 comments

Imagine what it’s like to wake up every morning, knowing you’ll have just 10% of the energy you once had.

With your physical and emotional battery so low, it’s a challenge just to eat or brush your teeth.

You seldom leave the house. It’s almost impossible to work. You think often of your old, “regular” life, when you traveled, hung out with friends, and got up the next morning to do it all again.

Caroline Riddle Ranere doesn’t imagine that. It’s the reality of her life.

And it has been for 17 years.

It’s a far cry from her Staples High School years. Back then the 1993 graduate played violin in the orchestra, performed with the Academy of Dance, and took Saturday classes at the Manhattan School of Music.

Caroline Riddle dancing as the mother in “The Nutcracker,” 1991.

She headed to Furman University. After graduation, she moved to San Francisco. She’s now in Baltimore.

But for nearly 2 decades, she’s suffered from ME/CFS. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue. It worsens with activity, and does not improve with rest.

Caroline is mostly homebound. “My iPad is my world,” she says.

But lately, that same device has given her an outlet. More of a life. And hope.

Caroline’s symptoms began around 2006 — the year she was married.

Caroline and her husband, just before the onset of ME/CFS.

At first she did not feel well. She had trouble working as an interior designer. and going to the gym. 

She pushed through her honeymoon, but soon had her first “crash” — post-exertional malaise, it’s called.

“You’re getting older,” doctors told her.

“I was in my 30s!” Caroline says.

Unable to offer a diagnosis, doctors sent her to a mental health therapist. Even family and friends did not understand what she was going through.

Caroline spent 10 “pretty dark” years. In 2010 she retired from a work project. “I was devastated to let down a client. But I just didn’t have it in me,” she recalls.

Caroline Ranere’s work, as an interior designer.

Finally, in 2015, she was diagnosed with ME/CFS.

She was lucky. Living not far from Stanford University, she entered its clinic.

At last, “everything I said was understood. No one looked at me like I was a head case. It was the best appointment I’d ever had.”

The cause of the disease is unclear. One theory, Caroline says, is that she never recovered from previously undiagnosed Epstein-Barr virus, or mononucleosis.

What is known is that if ME/CFS is not diagnosed early, a patient is unaware of the “crashes” that can occur — and that over-exertion can cause them.

A crash can lower the baseline of functioning for several days, weeks, even months. That leads to more severe symptoms, a prolonged recovery, even an irreversible decline in health.

Caroline would rest all week before a dinner with friends. She would then over-exert herself, causing a downward spiral of even more fatigue.

ME/CFS is called an “invisible illness,” because sufferers often look “normal.”

At least 3.3 million Americans have ME/CFS. Caroline suspects the number is far greater, because long COVID is believed to be a new form of the disease.

When Caroline got the coronavirus, she was prescribed Paxlovid. For the first time in 17 years, she felt “like a normal person.”

But the feeling did not last. It was just a tantalizing taste of her life before ME/CFS.

Caroline Ranere’s self-portrait.

Three years ago, during a particularly bleak period, Caroline picked up her iPad, and drew.

She liked what she created. Finally, she had something positive to share on social media.

She could draw for hours, without zapping her energy. At times, in fact, she felt better after drawing.

She drew almost every day. Then, she realized, she could sell her work online.

And those designs could be printed and sold on a variety of products.

Six months ago, she started a website. Superficial Love is filled with Caroline’s work: prints (acrylic, canvas, metal, silk and wood); tapestries and wall hangings; backpacks, bags and jewelry; keychains; iPhone cases and laptop sleeves; t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, dresses, pants and footwear; pillows, candles, and more.

One of Caroline Ranere’s art prints …

But Caroline’s website is more than just an outlet for her brand.

It’s a testament to what she can accomplish, despite suffering from a debilitating disease.

“Behind every post is a struggle, a victory against odds you might not fully comprehend,” she writes.

“Each day, I balance sharing my creativity with conserving energy just to make it through. When I’m silent online, it’s not a lack of interest in your lives; it’s a battle for my own.”

Though she yearns for the days of active friendships, her website has become a way to connect with others. She draws sustenance — if not energy — from hearing other people’s stories, and knowing that both her products and her story inspire them.

If Caroline has one message, it’s this: “Those of us with ME/CFS are not lazy, useless, weak or mentally unstable. But when no one understands our struggle, we lose our identity. Whatever we’ve achieved just fades away.

“It takes effort to find happiness and purpose. But we can find it.”

She is fortunate to have found something that gives her life meaning — despite the need to constantly rest, save her energy, realize her limitations, and balance what she wants to do with what she can do.

… and 3 pillows.

She feels fortunate too that her husband, his family, and her longtime Westport friend Leah Nash have supported her strongly.

Her hometown holds a special place in Caroline’s heart. She has few memories of the past 17 years, because she has been homebound and spent so little time with others.

The people she grew up with here “know who I was, and what I did,” she says.

Meanwhile, while she waits for a cure, she vows to live a life “with purpose and fulfillment.”

Superficial Love proves to Caroline — every exciting, yet exhausting, day — that she is doing exactly that.

(To learn more about Superficial Love, click here. For Caroline Ranere’s Instagram, click here.) 

(“06880” covers the interesting and inspiring lives of many Staples High School graduates. Please click here to support our hyper-local work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Polar Plunge, Jake Thaw, Nile Rodgers, Brad Tursi …

Posted on January 1, 2024 | 10 comments

Sure, it’s short notice.

But you’re going to be spending a very short time in the water, right?

Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County are sponsoring a Polar Plunge today — Monday, January 1, 11 a.m., at Compo Beach.

It’s a fundraiser for the Israel Emergency Fund.

Donations will help pay for evacuation, transport, housing and support for frontline communities; trauma relief and psychosocial support; emergency medical services and health care, volunteers, and much more, for victims of Hamas’ October 7 attacks.

Click here to register, and more information.

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Whether you’re a football fan or not, Westporters should pay attention to today’s national semifinal game between #1 Michigan and #4 Alabama (January 1, 5 p.m., ESPN).

On the roster for the undefeated Wolverines (that’s Michigan, for you non-football fans):  Jake Thaw.

A Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate (and football and basketball star), he’s a punt return specialist and wide receiver.

Jake is a senior, in the Ross School of Business.

Let’s go, Michigan!

Jake Thaw

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If you invited Nile Rodgers to your New Year’s Eve party, and he said he was already taken: He’s telling the truth.

Our Westport neighbor spent last night in Hollywood. He performed with his band Chic, as part of ABC-TV’s awkwardly named say-goodbye-to-’23 show, the awkwardly named “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”

Here’s a screenshot, in case you really need proof:

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

Not to be outdone, CBS featured another Westporter: Brad Tursi.

The 1997 Staples High graduate (and former soccer star) is lead guitarist and vocalist with Old Dominion, the multiple award-winning country band.

Brad Tursi. (Photo/Matthew Mandell; hat tips, Neil Brickley and Karen Kramer)

If you know of any other local New Year’s Eve entertainers we missed — José Feliciano? Keith Richards? — click “Comments” below.

ENCORE: CBS featured another Westporter last night too: meteorologist Lonnie Quinn.

Our had a busy night on the tube, for sure. And Matthew Mandell managed to catch all of it.

Lonnie Quinn (left). (Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)

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Like many restaurants, La Plage celebrated New Year’s Eve with a special party.

The staff was ready. Here was the scene, a few hours before midnight:

After a brief break starting today, the Longshore restaurant will reopen January 5 for dinner, with a new winter menu.

Speaking of restaurants: Don’t forget “06880”‘s guide. Click here — or click the “Restaurants” tab at the top of our blog (or the bottom of our iPhone or Android app), for a list of local spots, complete with menu and website links.

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Want to ring in the new year with a nice oil painting of Westport?

How about this one by Arnold Knauth. It’s listed on eBay for $595 (or best offer):

Don’t recognize it?

Neither do I.

The listing says “Westport, CT.” It looks more like Westport, VT. (Except there is no such place.)

Mary Gai — who spotted the artwork, and sent the link to “06880” — wonders if it could be the now-flattened hilltop where the Gault development is now.

Seems kind of mountainous for that location.

If readers have any idea where this could be in Westport — or where else it could show — click “Comments” below.

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Tammy Barry checks in with the first “Westport … Naturally” feature of 2024. It shows the last kayak of 2023, for these folks:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … in honor of today’s Polar Bear Plunge (story above):

(If your New Year’s resolution is to support “06880,” you’re in luck. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, religion, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Wynston Browne; 2024 …

Posted on December 31, 2023 | 3 comments

If you’re looking for an inspiring story to end 2023 — or a great way to ring in ’24 — it’s right here.

Yesterday, News12 aired a warm, insightful and important story about Wynston Browne.

As first reported on “06880” in 2022, the 16-year-old Staples High School junior has non-speaking autism.

But boy, can he talk.

With the help of a spelling device and communication specialist, he has spent the past year and a half letting the world know that he has a brilliant mind, a kind and loving spirit, and the same dreams as any kid.

He wants to be challenged in school — not presumed to be stupid or incompetent, because he can’t speak out loud.

He wants to have friends. He wants to sit in the cafeteria and laugh with them, not be laughed at.

News12’s Mark Sudol story brings Wynston’s story to a broad audience.

“I like to be called Winnie, because winners never give up,” he says.

Click here to see Winnie’s News12 story. It may be the best 5 minutes you spend in 2023.

Or ’24.

(To read more “06880” stories on Winnie Browne, click here.)

Wynston Browne

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2024 is not yet here, but you’ve probably already been wished “Happy New Year!” by many people.

But let “06880” be the first blog to do so.

And Weston’s Jolantha is definitely the first pig.

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Speaking of the holiday: If it’s New Year’s, it must be SyFy’s annual “Twilight Zone” marathon.

The annual event — an homage to the show and its creator, former Westporter Rod Serling — began yesterday. It runs through 3 a.m. on Tuesday.

Click here for the full schedule.  (In case you’re wondering: “A Stop at Willoughby” — the classic Westport-themed episode — aired yesterday.)

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The sun finally broke through Friday.

Toni Simonetti was at the Library Riverwalk behind the Levitt Pavilion, to capture the moment, for “Westport … Naturally.”

So were her husband and dog.

(Photo/Toni Simonetti)

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And finally … one pretty old, and one only relatively old, songs to ring out the “old” year:

(Happy New Year! We promise, this is the last request to support “06880” you’ll get in 2023. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Firefighters’ Coat Drive, “Wiz” Revival, Jackson Cregan’s Project …

Posted on December 24, 2023 | 1 comment

The Westporter Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation thanks the community for their generous donation: nearly 1 ton of coats and other winter items.

Last week, firefighters packed and transported it all to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Special thanks go to volunteer coordinator Anna Rycenga, Staples Service League of Boys, the Westport Public Schools, and many town employees who supported the project.

Firefighters and friends, ready to head to Bridgeport.

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Also very successful: the Hackett family’s gently used sports equipment drive.

They collected gear for Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youngsters.

Like the firefighters, the Hacketts thank the community for their outpouring of support.


Bill, Gina, Alex and Daisy Hackett, with donated sports equipment.

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“The Wiz” is being revived on Broadway.

Of course, there’s a Westport connection.

Actually, two.

The original script was by Bill Brown, a longtime resident.

And the revival is co-produced by Ari Edelson.

After he starred with Staples Players — including directing the groundbreaking production of “Falsettos” — the 1994 alum graduated from both Yale and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

He’s gone on to fame as a producer and director in the US and Europe.

Performances begin March 29. Click here for more information. (Hat tips: David Roth, Kerry Long)

A few years ago, Ari Edelson was honored with a Westport Arts Center Horizon Award. (Photo/Emily Hamilton Laux)

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Staples High School senior Jackson Cregan has made history.

Already an Eagle Scout, he received the Boy Scouts of America’s highest conservation award. He is only the third Scout so honored in Connecticut, in 108 years.

Jackson got the  Distinguished Conservation Service Award for completing 2 projects, and earning 13 natural science and conservation merit badges.

For his first project, he restored and created new dunes at Sherwood Island State Park. Jackson planted over 6,000 square feet of beach grass to do so, to prevent erosion.

His other project created a 17,000-square foot pollinator pathway. Jackson replaced invasive plants with native ones.

 

Congratulations, Jackson!

Jackson Cregan, at Sherwood Island State Park.

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Most Westporters spent yesterday scurrying around. With only 2 days until Christmas, it was a hectic — not a holly, jolly — time.

 

But “most” is not all.

 

At Compo Beach, a group of friends had plenty of time for football:

 

Meanwhile, not far away — despite air temperature of 27 degrees — a couple lounged in the water.

(Photos/Deirdre O’Farrelly)

 

Their dog had a different idea.

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To honor actor Paxton Whitehead, who died earlier this year, Westport Country Playhouse re-released “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” a radio drama from 2020.

Whitehead — who performed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge — had graced the Playhouse stage many times previously.

The re-release includes an introduction by incoming artistic director Mark Shanahan, highlighting Whitehead and his career in the performing arts.

Click below to see:

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The boats are all gone from Ned Dimes Marina.

All that’s left are the docks and the reeds — and this wintry “Westport … Naturally” scene.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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And finally … in honor of the “Wiz” revival:

(Ease your fingers on down to this link. Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and Merry Christmas!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Compo Winds, Fire Training, Greens Farms Poles …

Posted on December 23, 2023 | 5 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup included a collage of 4 stop signs, all lying on the ground at Compo Beach.

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

I suggested the cause was vandalism (or a particularly intoxicated driver).

Well, you could have knocked me over with a feather.

Turns out the signs were blown down in last week’s wind-and-rain storm.

I apologize to all the vandals and drunk drivers out there. My bad.

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Earlier this month, a soon-to-be-demolished home on Ferry Lane East served as a site for SWAT team training.

Yesterday, the Westport Fire Department took their turn

Honing their upper-floor rescue skills, they set up a ladder, broke open a window, went inside, and handed an “infant” (doll) out the window.

While most of Westport was preparing for the holidays, our firefighters continued to ensure that every day here is the safest it can be.

Fire Department training on Ferry Lane East. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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A group of Staples High School students has taken “the season of giving” to heart.

Sophomore Sophie Smith started Peter’s Heart, a club that raises funds for education and mentorship in Uganda.

They were out in force yesterday at Anthropologie, hard at work.

From left: Addison Welling, Rebecca Schachter, Sophie Smith, Olivia Kuliga.

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Josh Koskoff — the Staples High School graduate, longtime resident and attorney who helped Sandy Hook families win a massive defamation suit against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones — is handling another important case.

Along with colleagues at the Bridgeport firm of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder, he’s representing over 100 plaintiffs. They are women who received fertility treatment at the Yale reproductive, endocrinology and infertility clinic, and their spouses.

Without medication, they were subjected to excruciating pain — which was ignored for years. Their medication was being diverted (stolen) by a drug addicted fertility nurse with keys to the medication cabinet. Yale personnel disregard the women’s complaints. The case is currently in discovery.

The “Retrievals” serial podcast chronicling the case was recently named the #1 podcast of 2023 by both Time and New York Magazine. Click here to listen.

Josh Koskoff

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After years of controversy, the cell tower built on private Greens Farms Road property is up.

Yesterday, a crew did some work, midway up the structure.

(Photo/Rob Haroun)

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Meanwhile, a few yards away — at the Greens Farms Road/Hillspoint Road intersection — there’s a different pole.

Happy Festivus, to all who celebrate!

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Also meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — the town’s favorite pig — is dreaming of a pink and purple Christmas.

And dreaming too that someone else will be someone else’s holiday dinner on Monday.

 

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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Sure, the temperature was 27 degrees this morning.

But at least it’s warmer than the North Pole.

So this couple embraced the relative warmth, at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Spotted yesterday on the Post Road:

(Photo/Shirlee Gordon)

“I guess his sleigh was in the shop,” says photographer Shirlee Gordon.

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Sure, traffic was nuts yesterday.

But this guy didn’t care. He chilled on top of the Sherwood Mill Pond garage. Matt Murray — who did his part by not driving downtown — spotted him, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … since this Roundup includes 2 stories about poles (above), why not celebrate Christmas with these Polish carols:

(There are just 2 days till Christmas — and you’re still wondering what to get “06880”? Just click here, for a tax-deductible contribution. Your hyperlocal blog thanks you!)

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Roundup: Broadway In Westport, Compo Vandals, Pickleball …

Posted on December 22, 2023 | 4 comments

After successfully producing “An Evening With Justin Paul, Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” at the Westport Country Playhouse, what can Ben Frimmer do for an encore?

Why not another great show?

The Coleytown Company director and Staples High School graduate is producing and directing another one-night-only extravaganza.

Once again, he’s tapped (mostly) local friends and former students.

All are (of course) enormously talented.

As in: Broadway professionals.

The evening of song — honoring people who volunteer their time in support of Westport-area organizations — is set for Wednesday, January 24.

Among the Broadway headliners: Staples graduates Adam Kaplan, Mia Gentile, Jacob Heimer and Remy Leifer.

Joining them are cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann from Temple Israel.

Click here for tickets, and more information (including how to underwrite tickets for volunteers). Organizations can purchase tickets for their volunteers too. Bundles of 10 tickets ($400) are available through the box office: 203-227-4177.

The Elayne and James Schoke Jewish Family Service of Fairfield County is co-sponsoring the event, with the Playhouse.

Mia Gentile

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Either vandals struck Compo Beach, or there is a very poor (or intoxicated) driver out there.

JD Dworkow spotted these “Stop” signs, all knocked over at a variety of spots:

(Photos/JD Dworkow)

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The beach vandals remain at large. But Westport Police did make 2 custodial arrests between December 13 and 20.

A Westport woman was arrested for violation of the Deadly Weapon Offender Registry. She failed to register, 9 months after being released from incarceration.

A man was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and failure to drive to the right, following a motor vehicle accident on the Parker Harding Plaza exit road.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Speeding: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.

Connecticut defines a deadly weapon as any device, whether loaded or unloaded, from which a shot may be discharged — as well as a switchblade or gravity knife, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, or metal knuckles.

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You may not have gotten the Westport Transit District anything for the holidays.

But they’ve got a gift for you.

Between December 26 and 29, the Westport Transit District will provide free rides to all Wheels2U users.

Wheels2U is the WTD’s on-demand, group ride, door-to -train platform shuttle service. It’s ideal for anyone going to New York, or coming here, by train.

Riders use the Wheels2U Westport app to request a pickup  between 5:45 and 10 a.m., and 4 and 9:30 p.m., to be taken to or from the Saugatuck or Greens Farms train platform and their front door or other Westport location. Pickups should be requested about 20 minutes before normally leaving to drive to the station.

For more information about Wheels2U, click here. To learn about services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.

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If your New Year’s resolution is “learn to play pickleball” — or “play more” — you’re in luck.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department is partnering with Norwalk’s Northeast Athletic Club, to offer indoor clinics. The instructor is well-known Westporter Kevin Cunningham.

Beginners and intermediate clinics run Mondays and Wednesdays, or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sessions are January 2-31, and February 5-March 14. Click here for more information, and to register.

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The final Winter Farmers’ Market before Christmas was packed yesterday.

Shoppers jammed Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center to picked up everything from, well, jam and herbs to pies and olive oil.

Some of the longest lines were at Fatto a Mano. Pierluigi Mazzella’s focaccias and panettoni were selling like, um, hotcakes.

Fatto a Mano — and many other vendors — had plenty of customers at yesterday’s Winter Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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At most lunch meetings, Westport Rotary Club members hear from guest speakers.

On Tuesday, they heard something especially meaningful: holiday music from Staples Orphenians.

The elite a cappella group carried on a Rotary tradition that began at least 30 years ago.

The set included popular numbers like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” traditional carols like “Silent Night,” and complex, beautiful and less-known songs like “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.”

Orphenians, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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All month long, Kings Highway Elementary School students have collected gifts for their annual “Holiday Bear” drive. The Connecticut Education Foundation provides gifts for children whose families face financial or other hardships.

This week, the KHS Caring Council helped package up 27 Holiday Bear bags.

In addition, the school collected enough gifts to support 3 other families, through Westport’s Department of Human Services.

Kings Highway’s Caring Council, with staff members John Brakeman and Tara Doyle, and principal Tracey Carbone.

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 Jazz Vespers is a modern take on the ancient tradition of evening prayer service.

On January 21 (4 p.m.), the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosts its 4th jazz vespers service ever. Like the others, it will incorporate live jazz music, poetry and prayer.

Featured musicians include Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinott (guitar), Matthew Munzer (bass), and Conor Brennan (drums). Hoddinott is the Methodist Church’s music director.

Jazz vespers at United Methodist Church.

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The day after the longest night of the year is a good time to post this “Westport … Naturally” sunset, from Compo Road South:

(Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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And finally … today was quite a day in Vienna, back in 1808. Ludwig van Beethoven conducted and performed the premiere of his Fifth Symphony — along with his Sixth Symphony, Fourth Piano Concerto and “Choral Fantasy.”

(Beethoven had his patrons. “06880” has some too. You can be one, simply by clicking here. Thank you, from our blog and — if he were here, probably Beethoven too.)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Supreme Party, Christmas Tree Pickup, Larry Johnson …

Posted on December 19, 2023 | 6 comments

Last weekend was filled with holiday parties.

But yours probably paled in comparison with the one Andrew Colabella attended.

The Westport Representative Town Meeting member headed to Washington, and a special Supreme Court gathering in their East Conference Room.

He and his date, Viviana Vasiu, hung out with the justices.

And sang Christmas carols led by a great tenor (Chief Justice John Roberts), a gifted alto (Justice Amy Coney Barrett), and some of the high court’s most interesting colleagues and friends.

Andrew calls himself Viviana’s “very lucky” date. She is one of 4 fellows selected each year for a prestigious fellowship program created by former Chief Justice Warren Burger.

Andrew Colabella and Viviana Vasiu, at the Supreme Court party.

This was the fellowship’s first holiday party since 2020.

“I was walking among the brightest and most successful law and policy makers, in the last great cathedral of the United States,” Andrew reports.

All of the justices were “very friendly and warm. They conversed with everyone.”

He says that Viviana is “proof that the American Dream still exists.” She came to the US at 18 from Eastern Europe. After starting at a community college, she graduated at the top of her class at both Stetson University and its law school. He calls himself “her biggest supporter and fan.”

As for Chief Justice Roberts’ excellent singing voice: “He killed it,” Andrew says.

Chief Justice John Roberts leads the caroling. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Can we get $3,348?

That’s all that’s needed for Westport to reach its goal of $60,000. With just $3,348, we can fund two wood pellet machines — and provide heat, all winter long, to 2,000 residents of our sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.

Two anonymous gifts — and many smaller ones — have brought us thisclose to the end of our holiday fund drive.

One donation of $30 can help one family through the long winter. $300 can help 10 families. One gift of $3,000 will put us almost over the top.

To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!

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Christmas is still 6 days away. We’re sure your tree looks gorgeous.

But a few days after that, you’ll start thinking about how to get rid of it.

As they do every year, Scout Troops 39 and 139 can help.

Their annual Christmas tree pickup is January 6. Just fill out this form.

Then put your tree by your mailbox by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 6. The suggested donation is $20 per tree (though you can of course give more!). Put it in an envelope (cash or check made payable to “Troop 39”); tape it to you front door.

All trees will be mulched into wood chips, and donated to the town for landscaping projects. Funds raised help pay for Scout activities all year long, and for chipping expenses.

NOTE: Scouts cannot take wreaths or garlands. The wires ruin tree chippers.

Scouts in action last year.

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A raucous home crowd cheered on the Staples High School boys basketball team last night, as they started on the road to their 2nd straight state championship appearance by dominating Newtown, 73-57.

Dozens of young Westport PAL players were in the packed stands. They got an extra-special treat when Larry Johnson — the former New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets player — joined them.

At halftime, they swamped the ex-pro with autograph requests. Smiling, he signed every one — including a paper towel.

Larry Johnson, and young fans. (Photo/Lisa Newman)

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“Sheppy” has worked at The Home Cook on Saugatuck Avenue for almost 3 years. He’s a key member of the “heat and eat” food service.

After a recent diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, an infection in his foot required amputation. Owner Stephanie Berghoff organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with Sheppy’s significant medical bills.

Click here for more information, and to donate.

Sheppy, of The Home Cook.

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Brian Marsella returns to Westport, for this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 21, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

Called “a psychedelic Art Tatum,” the pianist has toured the world. Now he’s back wit bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg Wall.

All wowed the Jazz at the Post crowd, earlier this fall.

There’s a $15 music charge. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Deadman Brook is usually a quiet little waterway, running through town into the Saugatuck River.

Occasionally, heavy rains turn it into a torrent.

That was the case yesterday. Which is why it is today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

Deadman Brook. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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And finally … in honor of Andrew Colabella’s holiday party invitation (story above):

(The Supreme Court has ruled unanimously: “06880” readers should support their hyper-local blog. They advise: Click here. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2434

Posted on December 17, 2023 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2434

At this weekend’s Candlelight Concert, Staples High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society collected cans and non-perishable food for Homes with Hope. Hundreds of concert-goers contributed to the “Can-Delight” drive. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Candlelight Shines

Posted on December 17, 2023 | 3 comments

The 83rd annual Candlelight Concert is -= as always — a treasure.

The Staples High School Music Department’s gift to the town debuted Friday night. It continued with 2 more performances, yesterday afternoon and evening.

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

This year’s production included the world premiere of “I Found the Light,” a commissioned work by 2013 graduates Jake Landau and Emily Garber. The composers took well-deserved bows from the audience.

“I Found the Light” composers Emily Garber and Jake Landau.

Hundreds of orchestra, band and choral members participated. Bravo to directors Jeri Brima, Philip Giampietro, Carrie Mascaro, Lauren Pine and Caitlin Serpliss for their wonderful work!

One view of the “Sing We Noel” processional … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

… and another. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The Symphonic Orchestra, during the “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Brassy “La Morisque.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Orchestral concentration. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Among the small ensembles: The Jazz Combo played “O Hanukkah.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Rudolph — the famous reindeer — joined the production number. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Alumni of all ages headed to the stage for the “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

The combined symphonic orchestra and choral ensembles — plus alumni — at Friday’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” As is traditional, the audience stands. (Photo/Mark Potts)

View from the risers, before Saturday’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Lauren Pine made her debut as Staples choral director. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Phil Giampietro, after conducting “I Found the Light.” (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

 

 

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