Whether you missed Saturday’s “LL” (extra large schools) championship football game, or were in the stands at Central Connecticut State University and want to relive the highlights: Here’s your chance.
GametimeCT created this highlight reel, including interviews. Click below. And even though you know the result — Staples High School won, 21-20 — it’s worth watching.
And re-watching.
On a related note, Staples super-fan Dan Orlovsky — the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN football analyst, as well as a Westport resident — tweeted a clip of Max Maurillo’s game-saving tackle on West Haven’s 2-point conversion attempt with 1:15 left, along with an approving comment.
It has received 2.2 million views — undoubtedly another landmark for Staples football.
As usual with Twitter X, comments were all over the place. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
This is the HS in the town we live in
Shared a play from last week and stated “if you have a young athlete show them this—season saved off effort”
Same message applies. State title game. Dreams and goals on the line. Watch kid on left of screen and his effort. Wins a state… pic.twitter.com/BZ7WKAWjKq
“I’m looking for a service or person in Westport or Weston who can check on a house as needed — perhaps deal with an alarm, make sure there is no water leak, or pick up a package. Even when we try to stop packages, they slip through. I’m in Lower Weston.
“This might be an ideal role for a senior who is still driving. This person wouldn’t need handyman skills — just come over, bring a flashlight if the power is out, and check on the house.
“We don’t have an ideal neighbor for this, and the neighborhood children are either too young or off at college.
“I could pay someone a small fee every month ($50? — so that’s $600 a year, even if they have to do nothing), plus a fee every time they had to come over to the house ($50?).”
If you’re interested, and around all the time, email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll connect you with the homeowner.
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The weather turned nasty yesterday.
But before the rain, Santa Claus forsook his sleigh for a different mode of transportation, on the not-yet-frosty streets of Westport:
The Westport Woman’s Club recently awarded a $6,000 Ruegg Grant to Positive Directions, the Westport non-profit behavioral health organization.
Ruegg Grants — established in 1995 by an endowment from former member Lea Ruegg — are awarded to projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.
From left: Robin Clark, Westport Woman’s Club president; Vanessa Wilson, Positive Directions executive director; Hallie Preskill, WWC community services chair; Susan Loselle and Donna Richardson, WWC committee members.
Yesterday, the Staples football team did what they’ve done all season — on the biggest stage of all.
The offensive line gave record-setting quarterback Caleb Smith all the protection he needed. The defense came through, huge.
The result — a dramatic, come-from-behind, saved-in-the-last-seconds 21-20 win over West Haven, at Central Connecticut State University — earned the Wreckers the state “LL” (extra large schools) championship.
It’s their first Connecticut crown since 2005. And it may be the one that will be remembered the longest.
The win avenged Staples’ only loss of the season: 33-22 on opening day, to the same West Haven squad.
It confirmed Smith — who ran for all 3 touchdowns, after connecting with receivers like his brother Nathan and Sam Petrosino — as one of the finest QBs in Wrecker history. He had already set career marks in passing and rushing.
But it was Max Maurillo who was the final hero. After missing a 3rd-quarter extra point attempt that left them down 14-13, he redeemed himself when the Blue Devils scored to make it 21-20 with 1:15 left in the game, then went for a 2-point conversion to win it all.
West Haven’s star receiver Armani Reid hauled in a pass. But before he reached the end zone, Maurillo hauled him down with a crunching, game-saving, state championship-winning tackle.
Congratulations to head coach Adam Behrends, his superb staff, and the entire Wrecker team. This is one for the ages.
Meanwhile, check out the photo below. It shows Maurillo’s tackle on the 2-point conversion attempt, which gave the Wreckers the state crown.
Just as impressive is the photographer: Staples principal Stafford Thomas.
The principal also took this post-game victory shot:
Due to predicted bad weather, today’s trash pick-up beginning at the transfer station is canceled. Organizer Andrew Colabella will provide details soon on a rescheduled date.
Westporters continue to react to the war in the Middle East. A new sign has joined the Israeli flags, “kidnapped” posters and blue ribbons seen around town.
This was spotted yesterday, at Myrtle Avenue by the Post Road:
Westporters are well on our way to raising $60,000, to supply our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine with 2 wood pellet machines. Each will heat over 1,000 homes through what will be a second brutal winter.
But what exactly is a wood pellet machine?
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who founded Ukraine Aid International, and helped build ties with our sister city — explains, in the video below.
It’s a simple concept. Each machine costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run for 3 months.
We are just a few thousand dollars short of our $60,000 goal. 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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Does your non-profit need money?
Of course. That’s like asking, does Santa need to go on a diet?
You’re in luck. The Westport Woman’s Club is now accepting grant applications.
Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that make a continuing difference in the community. They may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. G
Grants are given each year to organizations in education, health, and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Click here for the application form. The deadline is January 31.
‘Tis the season to be hearing the Orphenians caroling.
Yesterday, several members of Staples High School’s elite, 63-year-old a cappella group entertained shoppers at 101-year-old Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
They’ve got a full schedule this week. This coming weekend, many will be featured in a variety of choral groups at the 83rd annual Candlelight Concert.
Orphenians at Gilbertie’s. (Photo/Allison Ziering Walmark)
Staples High School’s Internship Program is a win-win-win.
Every spring, talented and eager seniors leave school 3-4 weeks before graduation. They spend the final month out in the real world.
They work everywhere: retail stores, salons, restaurants, non-profits, medical offices, financial firms, design shops, farms, marketing companies, photography studios, publishers … you name it. If there’s a job to be learned and done, they do it.
(And not just in Westport. Interns head to New York City — even beyond.)
The work and real life experience they gain is invaluable. The energy, creativity — and help — they bring to the workplace is huge. And the internships get them out of high school at a time when senioritis would otherwise kick in (that’s the third “win”).
But as hard as they work, the program coordinators work equally hard right now arranging 420 or so internships.
So they’re asking the greater “06880” community: Can you help?
Do you need a senior (or 2, or 3) for daily onsite (or remote) work? Perhaps you’re beefing up your social media presence. Or looking for research help, design work, web content, data entry. Or hundreds of other tasks.
You can be a small, medium or large size firm– or a single proprietor. Maybe you were an intern once yourself, and want to give back.
Internships begin May 20. Students are expected to work 5 hours a day for 3-4 weeks, onsite, remotely or in a hybrid model. Program leaders provide guidance and oversight.
The Board of Finance holds a special meeting this Monday (December 11, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
There is one agenda item: “Second discussion of the Long Lots Building Project.” It’s a discussion only; no vote will be taken.
The Long Lots Elementary School building project’s next step is the Board of Finance. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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Speaking of local politics: 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker is seeking residents registered to vote in Westport to serve on the Fair Rent Commission. This group, was recently established by the Representative Town Meeting.
Five members will be appointed to staggered 4-year terms. Click here for the full language of the ordinance, including its makeup and powers.
In addition to the Fair Rent Commission, Westport residents with varying interests, talents, backgrounds and political affiliations are encouraged to volunteer to serve on other appointed committees that currently have vacancies or upcoming member term limits:
Architectural Review Board
Arts Advisory Committee
Blight Prevention Board
Commission for Senior Services
Conservation Commission
Flood and Erosion Control Board (Alternates)
Historic District Commission
Parks Advisory Committee
Tree Board
Youth Commission
Click here for descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of these appointed boards, commissions and committees.
Registered voters seeking any appointment should submit an Interest Form, including a brief description of your background, biography or resume to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
Westport’s November residential home real estate market was stronger than a year ago.
There were 25 unit sales — up 8.7% compared to November 2022.
The median sales price of $1,75 million was up 9.7%; the median sales price per square foot of $434 is a 3% increase.
76% of homes sold for 95% or more of the list price. 84% sold within 90 days of listing.
The inventory of 91 homes represents a 12.5% decline compared to a year ago. The days on market — 48 — is a 15.8% decline. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen/Raveis)
This 5-bedroom, 5 1/2-bathroom house at 2 Owenoke Park is listed for $8.795 million. It is 4,820 square feet, on 0.47 acres.
La Plage celebrates the holidays with 2 special dinners.
There are 3-course prix fixe meals on Christmas Eve (4 to 10 p.m.) and Christmas Day (noon to 7 p.m.; $90 per person; $55 for 12 and under; $20 for kid’s menu). Click here for the menu, and reservations (required).
New Year’s Eve features a la carte seating from 5 to 7 p.m. A gala dinner, with 5- course tasting menu, is served from 8:30 on. Click here for the menu, and reservations.
Speaking of the holidays: It will be a cold one in Lyman, Ukraine. For the second winter in a row, our sister city is dealing with the effects of Russia’s invasion.
Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International — is in Lyman this week.
Yesterday, he sent a video. It shows both the destruction, and the opportunity to help.
Our goal this month is to raise $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides pellets to heat 1,000 homes. In just 96 hours, “06880” readers have donated nearly $51,000.
With your help, the machines can be funded — and delivered — by Christmas. $30 will heat one home all winter. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100. And 3 of those $3,000 donations will enable us to reach our goal.
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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Pizza and a play.
That’s on the menu December 20. Westport Country Playhouse hosts “Together at the Table Family Dinner,” before a performance of the holiday production “A Sherlock Carol.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a pizza dinner, followed by the show at 7.
Families can enjoy a communal dinner in the Playhouse’s rehearsal barn and a casual conversation with an artist from the show before the performance together – all for $10 per ticket (must attend as a family, with student-age children. For reservations, call 203-227-4177.
“A Sherlock Carol” runs from December 19-23. Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
Former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell returns to Westport.
This time, she’s the deputy under secretary for international trade, in the office of the Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce.
She’ll speak to the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club this Friday (December 15, 7:45 a.m.,; coffee, bagels and muffins at 7; Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Kerri Rosenthal turns its attention from women’s clothes to women’s work.
On Tuesday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m.), the Main Street store hosts a launch and discussion for Dr. Hilary Berger’s new book, “Work Like a Mother: Rewriting the Script for a Mother’s Career and Wellness Journey.”
Congratulations to Staples High School’s December Students of the Month: seniors Deneil Betfarhad and William Lacend Duprey; juniors Elsa D’Elia, Christina Kavanah and Kelpin Gomez Ramos; sophomore Reese Rein, and freshmen Lila Roach and Simon Van Aken.
Students of the Month “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together, making it the special place that it is.”
Staples Students of the Month (from left): Simon Van Aken, Lila Roach, Kelpin Gomez Ramos, Deneil Betfarhad, Christina Kavanah, Elsa D’Elia, William Lacend Duprey. Missing: Reese Rein.
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Speaking of Staples: 1979 graduate and Clemson University men’s soccer head coach Mike Noonan is headed to the NCAA championship.
His Tigers beat West Virginia University 1-0 yesterday in the Division I semifinal. They face Notre Dame in Monday’s final (6 p.m.).
Noonan had a legendary soccer career at Staples, helping lead the Wreckers to the 1978 state championship. After earning All-America status at Middlebury College, he played professionally — including in Louisville, where the Final 4 is being held.
Several of Noonan’s former Staples teammates and friends made the trip there for yesterday’s match, including Rich Hiltz, Eric Strausser and Dan Donovan. Donovan’s son Paddy is a reserve goalkeeper for Clemson.
Mike Noonan greets Westport fans after yesterday’s NCAA Division I semifinal win.
The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues December 19 (8 p.m.), with an out-of-this-world topic.
Dr. Catherine S. Plesko will discuss “Planetary Defense: Using Supercomputers to Prevent Asteroid Impacts on Earth.” She is the principal investigator for planetary defense at Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery, with this comment: “There’s still color out there!”
And finally … in honor of Dr. Hilary Berger’s book launch (story above):
(Once again — as we’ve done every day since 2009 — “06880” delivers tons of useful, hyper-local news and information. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Among the many great elements of last Saturday’s “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll: the decorations.
Main Street and Church Lane look especially festive this year. with lights, wreaths, trees and more, everywhere you look.
Many Westporters have fond memories of downtown decorations from years past too.
But not in 1975.
As noted in a Friday Flashback 6 years ago, on Christmas Day that year Fred Cantor drove through town. He captured several scenes. Here is one:
Snow had fallen earlier. The plowed, shoveled and congealed streets and sidewalks have that bleak midwinter look.
There’s nary a star, ornament or whimsical Santa on any pole. You don’t see any twinkling lights either.
The only wreaths are on Sport Mart (far left).
But the view of the Mobil station (now Vineyard Vines) brings back fond memories. Every year — a few days before Christmas — owners Gene and Mary Hallowell lowered the hydraulic lifts. They covered them with table cloths. Then they laid out a feast.
The party was supposed to be for loyal customers. But anyone could wander by for food and (of course) drink.
And everyone did.
Further down Main Street, Fred found this:
The Remarkable Book Shop hummed with activity at holiday time. It was the perfect place for gifts — there were toys, puzzles and trinkets, plus a joyfully eclectic collection of books, maps and whatnot — as well as a great spot for curling up in an easy chair to read, relax or just people-watch.
But the Remarkable Book Shop did not go all out with holiday decorations either. In fact, as Fred’s photo shows, in 1975 there were none.
One place did get into the holiday spirit.
And with good reason: The Corner Spirit Shop — on Wilton Road, at the Post Road West intersection — was one of the most visible spots in town.
Plus — then, as now — a liquor store hops at holiday time.
So of course they threw a couple of wreaths on their windows.
That’s what Westport looked like, 48 years ago this holiday season.
The Sport Mart is gone. Remarkable, too. And the building that housed the Corner Spirit Shop is one more fond memory.
Just like some of those Christmas decorations of yore.
Organizers of last month’s fascinating presentation on easing the toxic achievement culture so prevalent in Westport promised it would not be a one-off event.
Members of the Westport Public Schools and Westport Together vowed to continue discussions on ways to address the relentless pressures felt by Westport kids, following Jennifer Wallace’s SRO talk.
Last week, nearly 2 dozen middle and high school parents met for the first follow-up, in the Staples library. The goal was to gain specific ideas from parents.
After sharing personal stories of raising children in a high-achievement culture, they broke into small groups to discuss “what messages are our kids hearing at school, in the community, online, and in society about what matters most in the world.”
Among the themes that emerged:
Students often believe their worth is determined by acceptance by a college with the lowest possible acceptance rate.
Many students believe they matter if they take AP and/or Honors-level classes, succeed in sports, etc., to the point where they take pride in who works the longest hours and sleeps the least.
It feels as if every student activity is about resumé-building. Nothing is done for fun, and students rarely try something new.
Tutoring and coaching begins in elementary school. Parents who choose not to use these services worry their children will be at a disadvantage. Parents call it “an arms race.”
The next question was: “What actions can you take to make your home a ‘mattering’ place?”
Parents offered ideas like:
Schedule non-negotiable family time together, and establish family traditions like board games, creating a family music playlist, family meals and/or family meetings.
Be willing to set up “guardrails” — putting appropriate boundaries around taking on activities and higher-level classes, and ensuring children get sufficient sleep and downtime.
Emphasize family values, both through what parents say in conversations and by setting examples through their own actions (for example, how they manage stress and set their schedules).
Share failures regularly, so children see that adults can fail, learn and move on.
Support children in stopping an activity if it is too time-consuming, and not something they genuinely enjoy.
Limit conversations about grades, focusing instead on effort expended and the learning process. Avoid excessive checking of PowerSchool (the online gradebook).
Online tools offer parents instant access to their children’s grades.
Staples school counselor Sarah Magilnick felt “energized” by parents’ insights and engagement.
“I would love to inspire my students to be their most authentic selves, where they navigate a world without feeling pressured to be someone that dee in their core isn’t filled with joy or aligns with their personal values,” she said.
Jeff Doornweerd, a Staples physical education teacher and Link Crew advisor who facilitated the program with Westport Youth Services program director Kevin Godburn, Staples student support specialist Allison Follett, and members of Staples’ school counseling staff, was heartened that “many parents recognize that there is a problem that many of our students are struggling with, and are open and willing to work towards finding solutions.”
School counselor Kim Curran added, “We all want Westport to be a place where everyone feels that they matter. The common goal of raising individuals who will contribute to the world in meaningful ways to both themselves and others was something we all shared.”
Parents expressed an interest in continuing the conversation, and joining efforts to reduce the negative impact that “achievement culture” has on Westport youngsters.
A similar meeting, following up on Jennifer Wallace’s talk, took place for elementary school parents yesterday.
Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!
The Wreckers — seeded #1 in their division — dominated #5 Southington 41-0, in yesterday’s soggy state LL (extra large schools) semifinal game.
The blue-and-whites advance to the final for the first time since 2011. They face #3 West Haven — 26-13 victors over Greenwich — on Saturday (December 9). Kickoff is 5 p.m., at Central Connecticut State University.
The match-up is a sportswriter’s dream. The Westies defeated the Westportes 33-23, in the first week of the season. It’s Staples’ only blemish. They’ve reeled off 12 straight wins since then.
Injuries — and deaths — of ice hockey players resulting from skating injuries have highlighted the importance of neck guards.
Dr. Lynn Wilson — executive vice chair and clinical director at Yale University’s Department of Therapeutic Radiology, and the Westport father of an NCAA D-III hockey player — has teamed up with Rob Stevenson, an NHL Florida Panthers executive, and former Amherst College hockey captain and Navy SEAL, to create a neck laceration protection device.
It “provides superior anatomic coverage, designed with military, hockey and commercial experiences top of mind,” Wilson says.
The pair hope to create a new standard of neck laceration protection for hockey players around the world.
Wilson and Stevenson were introduced by another Westporter, Mike Hayes — Stevenson’s former SEAL commanding officer.
For more information, email lynn.wilson@yale.edu.
Dr. Lynn Wilson
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The leaves are nearly gone from the trees.
But that did not stop dozens of blackbirds from landing outside Johanna Keyser Rossi’s window yesterday morning.
Just as quickly, they were gone. But before they flew off, she snagged this photo for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Posted onDecember 2, 2023|Comments Off on See You Tonight At The Holiday Stroll!
The weather looks great for today’s big, family-friendly and fun event: the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
Temperatures will be in the low 50s — with not a raindrop in sight — for tonight’s 5 to 7 p.m. event.
Up and down Main Street, and on Church Lane, Sconset Square and the Post Road, carolers will sing, 60 merchants and restaurants will offer freebies and deals, and everyone will enjoy a traditional, community-wide and very holiday-esque time (complete with “strolling” carolers).
At Stroll “headquarters” — in front of Savvy + Grace, in between Brandy Melville and Cold Fusion — kids can visit with Santa. They’ll meet costumed characters, jump into a photo booth, and be entertained by Staples High’s elite Orphenians.
Youngsters can drop off letters to Santa too (he’ll personally answer each one, with a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Here’s the latest list of the 60 stores, restaurants and more who will hand out goodies, offer discounts, or find other creative ways to welcome Strollers.
Arogya Holistic Healing & Tea: Hot tea to go
Artistex Salon & Spa: Buy 1, get 2 free; sale on service packages
Awesome Toys & Gifts: Giveaway (TBD)
Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar: 15% off for guests mentioning the “06880” Stroll (seating between 4 and 6 p.m.)
Birddogs: Free duffle bag with any 5-pair purchase
Bobbles & Lace: wine and Bobbles Bucks
Bond Vet: Swag and treats
Castle Wine & Spirits: Expert wine pairings, with hand-picked selections
Clarendon Fine Art: Bubbly, tasty treats, décor and music; framed, limited edition still life from Tim Fowler (valued at $300)
Cloud Nine Designers: Holiday beverages
Club Sweat: 3 weeks of classes for $69
Cold Fusion Gelato: Free chocolates
Cove Collective: 10% off; wine, champagne and a sweet treat
Courtgirl: 20% off storewide
Crafty Kids: TBA
Don Memo: Festive holiday beverage
Fred: Holiday treats
Gogi Steakhouse: $40 vouchers for dine-in customers
Gordon Fine Arts: Light hospitality and hot mulled cider
Hummingbird Healing Center: Discounted Harmonic Egg session of $99.99; free gift to everyone visiting the center on the 2nd floor
J. Crew: Free pair of cashmere socks, and discount of 15% with any purchase of $125 or more; free tee with every 2 purchased; free tech hat with every 3 purchased; long-sleeve tee or water bottle with every 4
Jeweled Coquette: 14K gold “express” permanent bracelet for $100; hot cocoa bar
Johnny Was: GWP while supplies last; raffle to win a $250 gift card
Kerri Rosenthal: 20% of all KR products; rosé and Prosecco
La Plage: 10% off when you mention the Stroll
Le Rouge Artisan: White chocolate raspberry hot chocolate
Lomito: Peruvian-style hot chocolate with Peruvian paneton or rotisserie chicken mini-sandwich
Maxine Salon & Beauty: $20 voucher for any service (except blowouts, men’s/kids and retail); 20% off R & Co. retail products; 10% off all other retail products
Mexicue: Happy hour drinks: house margarita $8.50; wine by the glass $8; beer $5
Middlemarch: Raffle for $250 gift card, with purchase
Naturino Kids Shoes & More: 25% off single item all day long
Nômade: Firepit to make your own s’mores
Offline by Aerie: 30% off select items; free yoga mat or water bottle with a booked appointment
Party Harty: 10% of all Westport-related merchandise
Penfield Collective: Prosecco
Rhone: Holiday cheer, wellness and gift giving
Rive Bistro: Festive cocktail
Ron Lakek Gallery: 20% off all framed photos, plus wine and chocolate
Rowan: Free pair of earrings with purchase of $75 or more
Savvy + Grace: A “north Pole” mailbox for kids’ letters to Santa; holiday cookies
Scout & Molly’s: 20% off total purchase
Serendipity Labs: Complimentary week of co-working
Sorelle Gallery: 20% off in store, all day
South Moon Under: 20% off when you spend $100 or more
State & Liberty Clothing: 10-15% off bulk purchases of shirts and pants
Stretch Zone: Stretches and free stretch vouchers
The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and hot chocolate; 50% off on all pillows
Town of Weston Ukraine Sister City Partnership: Apple cider, water, bracelets, ornaments
Toy Post: Free giveaway to children
Vince: 15% off full price merchandise when you sign up for texts
Vivid Cottage: 5 free holiday cards with purchase
Walrus Alley: Happy hour prices
WEST: $50 gift card for holiday shopping, through December 31
West/Out East: Prosecco and presents
Westport Book Shop: free gift with purchase, and coupon valid through December 31
Westport Country Playhouse: Buy 1 ticket for “A Sherwood Carol,” get 1 free (December 22 2 p.m. or December 23 7 p.m. shows)
Whip Salon: $10 gift card for stopping to say hi (18 and over); holiday treats
Williams Sonoma: Hot apple cider and peppermint bark
Winfield Street Coffee: $3 hot chocolates with candy canes
Merchants and restaurants wishing to participate should click here, to fill out an online form.
The Holiday Stroll includes vendor booths too, including Tend, Stretch Zone, SugarKrisp and Westport is the Bestport. Non-profit booths like Homes with Hope and MOSS will also be in attendance. Sponsors David Adams Realty and SCA Crowley make it all possible.
See you from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
Santa hats and ugly sweaters are optional.
The Staples High School Orphenians are a huge attraction at the Holiday Stroll.
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Like many Staples High School students, Zoe Alpert took lessons at the Next Street driving school.
Her program allowed her to earn a license 4 months after getting her permit — with at least 40 hours of road practice.
At the start, she drove around her neighborhood. But she needed experience with real driving: merging onto highways, facing all the situations that challenge new drivers once they’re on their own.
Zoe’s parents are Food Rescue US volunteers. They pick up excess healthy food from local donors — markets, stores and restaurants — and deliver it directly to area social service agencies like pantries and shelters that help feed the food insecure.
On Saturday mornings Zoe accompanied her father as he gathered food, and brought it to Stamford.
That sparked an idea. The Staples junior signed up for Food Rescue missions in Greenwich, Stamford and Fairfield.
Zoe Alpert, in action: delivering crates of food.
Volunteering with Food Rescue was “an amazing way to support those in need, while also getting plenty of behind-the-wheel practice and gaining confidence as a new driver.”
Food rescue has shown Zoe the great disparities in access to food, even in Fairfield County. The more she drove, the more appreciative she became of her abundance of food — and the more she realized that many Westporters take this for granted.
One rescue stands out. On the way from Costco in Norwalk to the New Covenant Center in Stamford, she delivered an enormous amount of food: fruits, vegetables, muffins and salads.
As she handed the last crate to a volunteer, kitchen workers rushed eagerly toward it.
“I’ll never forget seeing people so enthusiastic for something as simple as a banana,” Zoe says.
“It was a severe reminder to me that food is extremely scarce for way too many people. They don’t have the luxury of taking it for granted. I saw an immediate, direct impact.
“I will never forget that day. I look forward to every food rescue, and the pleasure of seeing the faces of people the food is helping.”
A full load, for Zoe Alpert.
Zoe looks forward to continuing to work with Food Rescue US. But she also wants to spread the message to other teenagers getting their permits: You can get great driving practice while also helping out our communities.
Congratulations, Zoe! You are this week’s Unsung Hero — for your volunteer contributions, your creative idea, and your passion for spreading the word.
Anyone in Fairfield County interested in food rescue — whether new drivers or experienced ones — can click here. For more information, contact Haley Schulman: haley@foodrescue.us; 800-280-3298 ext. 10.
Food Rescue US operates around the country. For a location near you, click here.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. Want to support “06880,” so we can keep posting stories like this? Please click here. Thank you!)
When sirens sounded in the distance in the early morning of October 7, Ariella Torv woke briefly in her Tel Aviv apartment. Then she went back to sleep.
The 2011 Staples High School graduate had lived in Israel for 6 years. She’d heard sirens before.
But an hour later, at 7:30 a.m., they blared directly above her.
Ariella’s building has no bomb shelter. She ran to the stairwell, where other residents gathered. Soon, sensing no danger, they headed to their apartments.
Ariella Torv (right) and her mother Denise, when she visited Israel this fall. Denise returned to Westport a week before the Hamas attack.
Ariella planned to go back to sleep. But a worried friend texted: “Are you okay?”
“This is serious!” she thought. She texted her boss, who told her: “Pack a bag. Go to a friend’s house, with a shelter.”
Ariella took her scooter to the building nearby. When she arrived, she learned the extent of the horror happening just 2 hours away.
Arielle and her friend spent the day glued to the news.
“I never experienced anything like that,” she recalls. “Israelis who are very used to things like this were scared. So I was scared.
“I’m very liberal. I vote Democratic. I thought I understood one of the world’s most complex situations. I thought a 2-state solution was possible.”
Now, she explains, “October 7 changed everything. I’m still processing it. It feels like the longest day — like that day is still happening.”
Empty cribs and beds symbolize the Israelis — including many children — held hostage by Hamas.
Growing up, Ariella’s family observed the High Holy Days. But they were not particularly religious.
After graduating from the University of Hartford with a degree in communications, she moved to New York for a job with the Ogilvy ad agency.
On a 10-day Birthright trip to Israel in 2017, she fell in love with the country and culture. She signed up for a 6-month internship with a Tel Aviv tech startup. She grew to love even more the people and energy of Israel.
She decided to stay.
“At 24, I didn’t understand what it meant to move to a foreign country,” Ariella says. “it took 3 years to really feel at home.”
A serene scene, not far from Ariella’s Tel Aviv apartment, belies a nation at war.
Gradually, she learned about the nuances of life there. Over the past few months she attended protest rallies against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his judicial reforms.
Then came October 7. She watched in real time as people living on kibbutzim called, pleading for the army and police to help.
“It’s insane to think about that,” Ariella says. “I can’t move past that day.”
She did not go to work for nearly 3 weeks. She was not alone. Friends and colleagues could not focus either. Two and a half hours away, 200 hostages huddled in tunnels.
Reminders of the hostages are everywhere in Israel.
At night, Ariella checked the locks on her apartment door obsessively. She had to take photos on her phone, to prove to herself she was safe.
Ariella had planned to return to Westport for Thanksgiving. It would be her first trip back in 13 months.
She felt torn. “I didn’t want people to think I was running away,” she says.
But friends said, “Be with your family. Gather strength from them. They want to see you. Remember, this is a difficult time for them too.”
Being in Westport is “very weird,” she admits. “I love being home, hugging my mom, seeing my nephews. But I feel disconnected. My head and heart are in Israel.”
One morning, out buying milk, a tire made a strange sound. She looked for an escape route. Then she realized: “I’m safe.”
It is hard to talk with family and friends about what Israel is going through. “It’s all so overwhelming,” Ariella notes.
“I have so much to say. But I don’t know how to say it.”
Many people in Westport are concerned about what’s happening. She is inspired by blue ribbons and posters of hostages on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, and Israeli flags on many lawns.
She sent photos to friends in Israel. “They love it!” she reports.
Ribbons and flyers on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge buoy Ariella Torv. (Photo/Jennifer Wolff)
At the same time, Ariella says, there is plenty of “misinformation,” in Westport and throughout the US.
She has no idea what will happen when she returns to Israel next week.
“I’m a bit scared. After the ceasefire, we’ll go right back to war. We have a mission.”
A soldier and his scooter, on the streets of Israel. (Israel photos courtesy of Ariella Torv)
But she also knows she will be welcomed “Israelis treat people like family,” she says. “For the past few weeks, they welcomed me into their home for Shabbat dinner. They invited me to sleep over. We text each other all the time.
“Israel is incredibly strong. It’s inspiring how regular citizens turned into warriors, fighting to protect their land.”
She never considered not returning.
Does Ariella have a message for “06880” readers?
“Israel will live,” she says firmly. “I have full faith in the country, and the IDF. There is no left or right now. Every Israeli is united, for the country.”
Soon, Ariella Torv returns to her adopted home, to join them.
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Members of the Westport Public Schools and Westport Together vowed to continue discussions on ways to address the relentless pressures felt by Westport kids, following Jennifer Wallace’s SRO talk.
Up and down Main Street, and on Church Lane, Sconset Square and the Post Road, carolers will sing, 60 merchants and restaurants will offer freebies and deals, and everyone will enjoy a traditional, community-wide and very holiday-esque time (complete with “strolling” carolers).
