“The slide” — the simultaneously high-tech and low-tech effort to replace the aging I-95 Saugatuck Avenue bridge with a new one, constructed alongside it — began Friday afternoon.
Dire warnings of gridlock aside, traffic flowed smoothly through Westport Friday night. And all day Saturday. And Sunday morning.
Anyone who expected a long journey on the Post Road, or through Saugatuck, zipped right along.
Until yesterday afternoon.
Suddenly, things were as bad as we’ve ever seen. The Post Road was jammed for miles, and drivers were not playing nice. Running red lights, blocking side streets, pulling into oncoming traffic — if there was a way to be a jerk, they found it.
Meanwhile, Waze and similar apps were routing drivers through parts of Westport that seldom see traffic, like Gorham Avenue and Hermit Lane. Hermit Lane!
The bizarre thing is: “The slide” was completed far earlier than expected. By mid-afternoon yesterday, the new bridge was in place.
The state Department of Transportation send out this message:
So yeah, we survived “the slide.”
Now we just have to do it all over again, 2 weeks from now.
The other side of the bridge is not going to move itself. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)
Michael Beebe reports from the Westport Community Gardens:
“Despite the soggy weather and the pall cast by the Long Lots School Building Committee recommendation, our final workday of the 2023 gardening season was Saturday,
“24 volunteers cleaned up the garden grounds, and made them ready for winter. We are all hopeful that come spring, we will be readying our plots for planting our seedlings, as we have for 20 years.
Erin and Steve Loranger, getting the Community Garden ready for winter.
“In many ways it was business as usual. But between loads of wood chips, there
was a lot of discussion of the town’s decision to destroy the hard work of this hearty community.
“We even had a couple of visitors: a Long Lots parent and her kindergarten daughter. They wanted to learn more about the garden, in light of the controversy. The mom seemed concerned that the controversy about the garden was holding up construction of the school.
“I pointed out that the actual debate is about sports fields vs the garden. In fact, the LLSBC had an option which left the garden right where it was — proving that the garden itself is not an obstacle to a timely start. They just chose a different option.”
Michael sent photos of “a cheerful crew doing what we have always done: getting fresh air, working together as a community, and keeping the gardens beautiful.”
Volunteering at the Community Gardens work day (from left):Andrew Giangrave, Julie O’Grady, Teresa Roth, Franco Fellah, Patty Duecy, Pipa Ader.
Just after 4 p.m. yesterday, Westport Police were alerted to a boating incident, with missing people.
Sometime after 9:30 a.m., a small fishing boat anchored on the south side of Cockenoe Island sank, in choppy waters.
There were 5 people on the small vessel; all ended up in Long Island Sound. The Westport Police Marine Unit rescued 3. Assisted by the US Coast Guard Marine and Air Units, Norwalk and Fairfield Police Marine Divisions, and Suffolk County Air Unit, they searched for the other 2.
The 2 missing men are from Spring Valley and Suffern, New York. A significant language barrier hampered ability to identify the missing men. Police are working with translators during the investigation.
Any boaters near Cockenoe Island between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. yesterday are asked to call the Westport Police Department: 203-341-6000.
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This marks the 50th anniversary of the release of “The Exorcist.”
It’s hard to remember now, but reaction to the film was vehement. Much of it centered around Regan, the girl who was possessed (and whose head swiveled completely around, and who spewed green vomit and did unspeakable things with a crucifix).
Come to think of it, maybe that reaction wasn’t so unpredictable.
Regan was played by Linda Blair. A 14-year-old Staples High School student who had been working as a model and actress since she was 6, she was chosen from 600 others for the role.
Blair earned a Golden Globe Award, was nominated for an Oscar — and received death threats for her “blasphemy.” (She also dated Rick Springfield who, age 25, was 10 years older.)
All of that background is because yesterday’s New York Times included a 50-year retrospective of “The Exorcist.” Three critics assess the film’s impact, then and now. Click here to read. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods by giving new life to old properties.
Which is why our first-ever “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour is so special. On Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.), you’ll have a chance to check out 4 of our town’s oldest, most interesting homes.
The go-at-your-own-pace tour includes:
29 North Avenue, the fascinating tiny 1700s home that Annette Norton has lovingly restored
39 Cross Highway, the handsome remodeled house at the corner of Weston Road that recently won a preservation award
190 Cross Highway, the intriguing barn/artists’ studio that the British passed on their way to burn the Danbury arsenal, and
6 Old Hill Road, the 1707 home that was lovingly restored after a 2-year renovation project.
Homeowners, members of “06880”‘s board of directors, and our friends from KMS Team at Compass will point out cool aspects of each home. We’ll answer questions. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Click here for tickets. It’s our “Donate” page. Please note “Historic Homes of ‘06880’” with your order.
A large crowd enjoyed Neil Gaiman’s StoryFest lecture on Friday.
It also doubled as the fall 2023 Malloy Lecture in the Arts. The twice-annual event was endowed by Susan Malloy.
But who was she?
Before Gaiman spoke, Ann Sheffer — Malloy’s niece — gave some insights into the woman who devoted her life the arts, libraries, and Westport (and who would have been 100 years this coming February 28):
Ann said:
“Susan was my mother’s younger sister. They, their brother and their parents started coming to Westport in the early 1930s. In 1935 they bought a 1790 house on Cross Highway.
“My parents moved to Westport in the early 1950s, and Susan and family moved here in the early ’60s. They were all deeply enmeshed in the political, educational and cultural life of our community.
“Susan studied at the Art Students League after college. In Westport she a studio in her house, and painted every day – between carpooling, PTA meetings, and working to create the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection and Arts Center, among other Westport institutions. She also created birdhouses for the Project Return auction.
“In our family, a common theme was a love of libraries. My grandfather, an immigrant who dropped out of school after 8th grade, loved books, bought libraries at estate sales and gave them away. He endowed libraries, including this one, through his Tudor Foundation.
“The Malloy Lecture represents the convergence of all of Susan’s interests and talents.”
The Staples High School boys soccer team is enjoying a banner year. They head into this week’s FCIAC playoffs, and next month’s state tournament, as the #2 team in Connecticut.
To keep their program on top — and pay for things like assistant coaches, field maintenance and more — they’re running an online auction.
Items include a ski house, cooking classes, boat trips, Broadway tickets and more.
Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction ends next Sunday (October 29, 10 p.m.).
The 2023 Staples boys varsity, JV and freshman teams. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — of last of the fall” dahlias — comes courtesy of Peter J. Swift (and the Westport Community Gardens).
Yet a June graduate has taken the internet by storm, with TikTok videos explaining to her father how concert tickets, Venmo accounts, free shipping and the like can be “free” money.
It’s all tongue in cheek, of course.
I hope.
The teenager is Marley Brown. The 2023 Staples grad is now a first year student at the University of Massachusetts.
Her father is Austin Brown.
Their 4-part TikTok series is called “Girl Math.”
In the first video Marley said, “If I buy concert tickets for two people, and those people pay me back, the money they pay me back for is free” — because the funds had already left her bank account.
“But then you just use the money twice,” Austin noted.
Marley disagreed. According to “girl math,” getting the money back meant it was free.
That’s nothing compared to their third TikTok. Explaining — quite clearly, according to many followers — that paying Starbucks out of money already in the app makes it free (though her dad disagrees), they were watched over 11.5 million times.
Who you gonna believe: the comments section of “06880,” or your own ears?
With local elections looming, Westport’s League of Women Voters has scheduled 3 important debates. All take place in the Town Hall auditorium.
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the stage October 11 (7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
This is your chance to hear — and assess — the men and women vying to lead our town. Come to Town Hall; then make an informed decision.
Yesterday, with the help of the Waterbury Police Department, Westport detectives took 22-year-old Garrett Gibbs of Waterbury into custody for his involvement in the September 17th carjacking incident.
The arrest followed an intense investigation. Gibbs was charged with the following crimes:
Home Invasion
Burglary 1st degree
Robbery by carjacking
Assault 3rd degree
Larceny 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit larceny 1st degree
Robbery 1st degree
he is being held at the Westport Police Department on a $500,000.00 bond. He will appear in Stamford Superior Court on October 16.
Westport Police detectives are still working this case, and anticipate additional arrests.
Yesterday was a busy one for the WPD. They also arrested a 17-year-old juvenile from Stratford for an incident on July 11, when shots fired in Saugatuck.
The youth is currently incarcerated at Manson Youth Institute, following a previous arrest by another agency. The arrest came after a lengthy investigation by the Detective Bureau, involving multiple interviews and search warrants.
The teen was charged with:
Unlawful discharge of a firearm
Conspiracy to commit unlawful discharge of a firearm
Reckless endangerment 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment 1s degree
Breach of peace
Conspiracy to commit breach of peace.
He will appear in Bridgeport Juvenile Court on October 13. Police anticipate additional arrests.
A twice-postponed Parks & Recreation Commission meeting has been rescheduled to October 18 (Town Hall Room 201, 7:30 p.m.). The agenda includes discussion of the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.
The first meeting was interrupted due to a medical emergency. The second — this past Thursday — was planned as a virtual session. It never began, due to technical issues.
Among the concerns of attendees: where on the property to place the planned pickleball courts.
Gaetano’s Deli is a favorite with Staples students.
So it’s a natural location for the high school radio station’s live broadcasts today.
Award-winning WWPT will set up a tent and remote facility outside the Post Road East spot. Everyone is welcome to stop by, and see these great young radio broadcasters in action.
And if you can’t be there, listen in: 90.3 FM, or online.
It’s tough: How can parents talk honestly with their children about drug use, without sounding preachy, unrealistic or clueless?
All this month, the Westport Prevention Coalition is offering free streaming access to a 52-minute documentary, “Don’t Wait.”e.
Substances have changed over the years. Cannabis concentrates can deliver 96% pure THC with no CBD or plant matter. Delivery mechanisms like vapes and pouches are relatively new too.
The film updates parents’ knowledge, and helps them answer tough questions from their kids. Click here to stream the video.
As follow-up for parents who want more information, WPC plans 2 Zoom sessions for parents (October 24 and 26). Click here to register.
PinkLand — the Pink Aid online auction, raising funds to help people with breast cancer — opens Monday. It runs through Thursday.
Over 300 items are available for online bidding. They include:
Brendan Murphy painting (value: $21,000)
Yankees Legends seats for 2024 ($3,000)
2 tickets to “Watch What Happens Live” with Andy Cohen (TBD)
4 VIP wristbands for Governor’s Ball Music Festival 2024 ($3,200)
3 night Oceanview King stay at Mauna Lani, including buffet breakfast ($5,000)
Clase Azul Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Reposado tequila ($4,999)
Keith Urban Guitar ($500)
Courtside Knicks tickets ($2,500)
4 tickets and field passes to Mets-Giants ($150)
Sholeh Janati painting ($5,800)
Tickets are still available for the October 12th luncheon at Mitchells of Westport (11 a.m.). Click here for more information — and to see all auction items, and bid.
Westport celebrates UN Day with a special Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture.
Kuwait Ambassador to the UN Tareq Albanai will speak on “Identifying Opportunities for Creative Diplomacy to Solve Global Challenges: A View from the Arabian Gulf” (October 24, 7 p.m., Westport Library). He’ll take audience questions afterward.
Ambassador Albanai has long experience dealing with issues of disarmament. A graduate of George Washington University, he is fluent in Arabic, English and Spanish.
Click here to register for in-person participation or streaming. The event is co-sponsored by the Library, and the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.
Kuwait Ambassador to the United Nations Tareq Albanai.
Rachel Rose is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She now lives in Fairfield.
The former Orphenian, who studied privately with Cynthia Gibb, is now a professional singer. She calls her style achel calls her style “Jewish soul, contemporary soul and R&B.”
She entered a Jimmy Fallon “Battle of the Instant Songwriters” contest a year ago. On Wednesday, a representative called to see if she wanted to appear on the show.
On Thursday, there she was: on national TV. She and a fellow musician were given an hour to write a song, then perform it.
The title she was provided: “I Think This Airbnb is Haunted.”
Alert “06880” reader Rita Corridon was checking out the New York Times’ “The Morning” feature today.
One piece began:
My hometown has a gardening store so lavish, so over-the-top curated with weather-stained terra-cotta planters the size of vintners’ casks, crumbling concrete birdbaths rescued from Eden and a jungle’s worth of fronds and boughs and leaves that it is a destination.
Out-of-towners come to gaze at its tableaux of mosses, hand-forged shears and fairy lights, to dine on seasonal produce at its in-house café. I think there might be an actual waterfall back by the table linens.
I love going to this store, wandering its aisles and imagining how different my life would be if I could inhabit its forever-green promise, like Keats gazing on the Grecian urn.
“That must be Terrain!” Rita thought.
She looked up the author, Melissa Kirsch.
Sure enough, the “hometown” she talks about is Westport.
Another teardown: Tom Lowrie reports: “A week ago, the house at 148 Old Road was demolished.
148 Old Road then … (Photo/courtesy of Google Maps)
“The site was covered with large trees and brush. The following week all but the best trees were cut down. A mountain of wood chips, logs and house materials were carted away.
“Then the CAT machines went to work, digging out stumps and and piling all the topsoil for future leveling of the site.”
Just another day in the world of Westport real estate.
Westporter Howard Matson — a past international president of the Circumnavigators Club — hosted a dinner last nigh at New York’s Union League Club honoring Tony and Maureen Wheeler, writers and publishers of the Lonely Planet guidebook empire. The couple received the club’s highest recognition: the Order of Magellan.
Matson, who now serves on the club’s Board of Governors, has hosted in past years Jacques Cousteau, Walter Cronkite and Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Howard Matson (center) with Maureen and Tony Wheeler.
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“Westport … Naturally” features our town’s natural wonders. Horseshoe crabs — which have been around for 440 million years — certainly qualify.
But these guys didn’t climb on the (man-made) Burying Hill Beach pier by themselves.
They needed help from humans. Our species is about 300,000 years old.
And finally … speaking of the candidates’ debates next week (story above):
(“06880” is your place for healthy debate — and local journalism. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here — thank you!)
The New England Music Hall of Fame has a new member: Charlie Karp.
The Staples High School Class of 1971 member — who left school to play with Buddy Miles, then worked with Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards, wrote songs for Joan Jett and Joe Perry, before returning home to earn a fanatic following with bands like Dirty Angels, White Chocolate, Slo Leak and the Namedroppers, while simultaneously earning Emmys as a producer of music for sports networks, documentaries and feature films, and becoming a guitar teaching mentor to generations of aspiring young stars — was inducted posthumously.
Karp died in 2019, a few weeks after being diagnosed with liver cancer.
The ceremony was led, fittingly, by Brian Keane. A Staples classmate (and friend since Coleytown Junior High) — and himself a Grammy-winning artist, songwriter and producer — he and Karp often collaborated on musical projects. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Brian Kean (left) and Charlie Karp. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Westport’s rainbow crosswalk was installed yesterday, by the Department of Public Works.
As the photo below shows, this one will last quite a while. It replaces the temporary one laid down in June on Jesup Road at Taylor Place, to celebrate Pride Month.
This crosswalk — funded by private donations — will be dedicated at 1 p.m. October 11: National Coming Out Day.
Nearly 80 members and guests of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston enjoyed a tour of an architectural landmark on Sunday.
Fellow Y’s Man Win Allen opened his historic home on Burritt’s Landing North.
He’s notable too. Allen founded the first Black-owned broker dealer firm on Wall Street. His book “I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962” chronicles his journey.
He and his late wife Ruby bought their home in 1975. Built in 1957, it was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s protégé Roy Binkley. His Wikipedia entry mentions the Allen House in Westport — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — as one of his masterpieces.
Allen told the Y’s men that Marilyn Monroe spent months in the house as a guest of director Lee Strasberg, when he conducted workshops for prominent actors there.
Win Allen’s landmark home ..,
… and Allen (center) with his guests. (Photos/Dave Matlow)
The Westport Farmers’ Market is a Thursday tradition for shoppers of all ages.
Including the youngest.
Each week, the WFM’s “Get Growing” program includes a craft or activity for kids and toddlers. It introduces them early to the importance of shopping locally and sustainably.
Program leader Mae Farrell loves interacting with kids and their families, while providing a fun place to visit.
As the program grows, so has its need for craft items. On October 12 and 19, WFM hosts a craft material drive. They’re looking for cheese cloth, paper, pom pons, markers, crayons, shells, toilet paper rolls, mini wooden ornament slabs, cookie cutters, felt, dried beans and lentils, ribbon, clay, washable paints, paper straws and white paper plates.
The Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Little kids love the Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Margaret Kraus)
Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s new “Music & Arts” year kicks off this Saturday (October 7), with an afternoon of all things Celtic.
Attendees will enjoy Irish dancing, learn to play a bodhran, and discover other Celtic activities for all ages. All activities are free, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.; everyone is invited.
At 4:30, a concert in Branson Hall features Ringrose and Freeman, accompanied by Loretta Murphy on accordion and Mary Gardner on bodhran. Food, drink and s’mores follow at the fire pit.
Tickets for the concert are $35 for adults; children are free. Click here to purchase.
Speaking of music: One of Jazz at the Post’s most popular performers — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns this Thursday (October 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover; reservations: JazzatthePost@gmail.com).
The Westporter will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Another iconic Westporter — internationally best-selling author Jane Green — takes the Sacred Heart University Theatre stage this winter.
She’ll be Chris Sarandon’s guest on his podcast, “Cooking by Heart.” The “worlds of literature and gastronomy (will) converge in a symphony of flavors, anecdotes, and inspiration” as she and Sarandon talk about childhood memories, share recipes, and chat about their culinary creations.
Scott Smith writes: “I was in the yard this weekend after Friday’s deluge and took these photos. Fungi were on the logs that enclose my compost heap.
“What strikes me about the mushroom colonies is how similar in structure they are to mineral formations and coral reefs, though I bet Mother Nature already knew that. The ephemeral bulbs sprout up in the yard this time of year. Life blossoms even as the decay and decomposition of fall sets in.”
And finally … if you never heard Charlie Karp (story above), click the videos below.
And if you are a Charlie Karp fan, here are a few memories to enjoy.
(Music, the Farmers’ Market, real estate, downtown — it’s all part of the daily “06880” mix. If you enjoy our daily “Roundup,” please support our work. Just click here to contribute. Thank you!)
Dave Briggs headed to Compo Beach yesterday. He expected to enjoy the first dogs-allowed day of the season.
It was ruined by creatures of a different kind. There were spotted lanternflies everywhere — “all over everybody” — Dave reports.
Leigh Gage adds: “I did my part in eradicating about 100 of this invasive species at Compo. There’s a tree of heaven out on the spit of land past the kayaks, and they’re all over it.
“Perhaps some others can come squash these bugs too. I felt a little funny/ murderous killing so many — but my understanding is it’s my environmental duty.”
Spotted lanternflies on the Compo Beach cannons … (Photo/Dave Briggs)
… and nearby. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)
Bruce McFadden adds:
“Although I know lantern flies are not new to Westport, my wife and I and many others were surprised to find them everywhere on Sunday.
“During our paddle they were all over the water surface and on sea grasses just out of the E.R Strait Marina into Gray’s Creek.
“They were on our picnic table at lunch, and all over our car and tires as we departed for Compo. All sidewalks at Compo were spotted by the less fortunate members of the species.
“The Lanternfly Stomp was clearly big at the beach today, and probably all over town!”
Spotted lanternfly on the water. (Photo/Bruce McFadden)
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And another “ugh” report from Compo:
On September 26, a reader got this email from the Parks & Recreation Department:
A reminder…Our policy states that all bathhouse assignees are to clean out their lockers no later than September 30th.
You may use Sunday, October 1st to make sure that your bathhouse has been cleaned out and your lock has been removed. Any locks remaining as of Monday, October 2nd, will be cut off and the contents will be removed and discarded.
Thanking you in advance for your attention in this matter. Have a great day!
The bold items were there in the original message.
Yesterday — October 1 — he went to the beach to remove his lock.
It was already gone.
“They cut off locks and started removing everyone’s things today,” the reader says.
“Seems like a huge mistake. It’s going to cost people lots of money in ruined locks and trashed property.”
Another teed-off beachgoer posted on social media:
Our lock was cut as of 12 p.m. We found most of our stuff in a pile by the bathrooms, but there was a tractor carting piles of stuff away. There was a lot of nice stuff being removed. I believe our email said this would happen tomorrow, not today.
Compo lockers cleaned out, with contents ready for removal. (Photo/Jason Stiber)
Jason Stiber was more blunt. He told “06880”: “I have never understood logic of having no grace period. This year, even worse, they removed stuff one day early to their email.
“We’re talking thousands of dollars lost collectively, and such a waste of good, expensive beach furniture, sand toys, umbrellas, boogie boards and beach wagons.”
But there’s good news from Compo Beach. Jo Shields Sherman reports:
“I imagine you probably got quite a few doggy pictures from yesterday, the first day dogs were allowed back on the beach.
“But here’s a nighttime one. Buggy, my service dog, has battled lymphoma for a little over a year now. Most days she feels like a puppy, and acts like one too.
“She actually started swimming this summer. She loves the beach. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?”
Westport Pride, the Westport Library and Triangle Community Center are offering a 2-part community education series. The aim is to address an abundance of misinformation about the queer community.
The October 11 event — “LGBTQ+ 101” — covers basic vocabulary concepts and history.
The November 9 session applies information from the first training to real-world examples. Participants will brainstorm ways to be inclusive and affirming, and how to address bias.
Both are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration is required; click here.
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“Bad Influencer” — the new immersive fiction podcast whos stars include Deuxmoi, Kristen Doute, Perez Hilton and Christy Carlson Romano debuts tomorrow (October 3).
The 9-episode romantic comedy is told through the eyes of a 20-something wannabe living in New York. She makes a wish and wakes up a famous
influencer, but finds that the glitzy, glamourous world is not always what it seems.
“Bad Influencer” was written by Staples High School Class of 2005 graduate Gabi Conti. She’s the author of “Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties.”
It was co-created by fellow Westporter and international best-selling author Jane Green.
To listen on all major streaming platforms, click here.
Gabi Conti
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How much can I afford to pay at Saugatuck Sweets?
The ice cream-and-more shop, with outlets in Westport and Fairfield, is offering free classes on a wide range of financial literacy topics.
It’s a partnership with Merrill Lynch Fairfield and Junior Achievement. Sessions are scheduled for high school and middle school students.
The next one is this Saturday (October 7, noon to 1:30 p.m., 28 Reef Road). Parents are welcome to accompany their kids.
And finally … in honor of the Compo Beach lockers …
(There’s always lots of Compo news in town — and plenty more. “06880” is your source for whatever is happening. But we need your support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
Being chosen as captain of a Staples High School sports team is a great honor.
Coaches congratulate the young man or woman. Parents beam with pride. Teammates look to their peer with new respect.
And then — just like that — everyone expects the teenager to lead.
For better or worse, sports programs help define a high school’s environment and culture.
Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo wants to make sure that at his school, that’s a positive one.
For that to happen, he says, leaders must know how to lead.
VJ Sarullo
So, starting this year, Sarullo is bringing together dozens of captains and future leaders. He’ll give them the tools to create a positive culture — one, he says, that can spill over into the entire community.
Actually, he won’t “give them” those resources. He’ll help them discover them on their own.
Sarullo became athletic director in March. He organized a similar Leadership Council at his previous school, Jonathan Law High.
But there were only a couple of dozen varsity sports at the Milford school. Staples fields 39 varsity teams. That’s a lot of students thrust into leadership roles.
This summer, Sarullo asked all 39 varsity coaches for the names of captains. For winter and spring teams that did not yet have them, he asked for potential leaders.
He got 98 names.
The AD asked them all:
What are your personal goals, as a Leadership Council member?
What areas should we focus on, to improve our Athletic Department?
What areas should we focus on, to improve Staples High School overall?
What other suggestions do you have?
Answers came quickly. Major themes included:
Equal treatment for all teams and genders, in areas like funding and facility usage.
A voice for athletes.
Increased recognition of student-athletes, in areas like social media.
Ensuring that everyone — including freshmen, transfers, and newcomers to a sport — feels welcome and involved.
Two weeks ago, the Leadership Council held its first meeting. It was, Sarullo told attendees, “the only time all year I want to start off by talking to you. From here on, I want you to drive this.”
The first meeting of the Staples High School Leadership Council.
After presenting the survey results, the leaders broke into small groups. Each included a wide range of teams, and both genders.
They brainstormed ideas. Some were broad: a welcoming field day for all athletes. Others were specific: an explanation of the budget process.
All, Sarullo says, will help focus the Leadership Council the rest of the year.
“This is all about being better,” Sarullo says. “This department already has a great culture. But we want to make sure that everyone feels welcome, feels that they’re treated equally, and supports each other. And that affects the entire school.”
The next meeting will feature Dan Switchenko, former baseball coach at Eastern Connecticut State University. He’ll help the teenagers understand the connection between leading by example, and team culture.
The Leadership Council will meet monthly, at 7 p.m. (Chartwells — Staples’ food service — provides food for athletes just coming off a practice or game.)
Student-athletes like Santi Alfageme (#15) are learning to lead, on and off the field. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
As they learn about leadership, Sarullo is learning from them.
“These kids are honest, and incredible,” he says.
“They all dug in, right from the start. I had to get them to stop their meetings, so they could get out of there by 8:30.”
After all, they still had homework to do. Games to prepare for. Teams to lead.
A captain’s work is never done.
(If it happens at Staples — or any other Westport school — “06880” wants you to know about it. Please click here to support local journalism. Thank you!)
Today’s Slice of Saugatuck is on! The weather prediction is for clearing this afternoon:
Come out from indoors! Enjoy the rest of the day in Saugatuck. There’s food, fun, kids’ activities, and 7 bands.
It’s starts at 2 p.m., and runs until 5. Click here for more information.
Members of Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs) braved the rain to help set up for the Slice of Saugatuck.
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Tomorrow is October 1. Which means that from Sunday through March 31:
Dogs are prohibited from the Compo Beach Pavilion, playground and walkways.
All dogs must be leashed in all areas, except the designated off-leash area south of the Pavilion, including South Beach.
You are required by law to pick up your dog’s feces.
Violators will be fined $77.
In addition, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava notes that animals are prohibited from all athletic fields and playgrounds at all times.
As of October 1, dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach. It’s okay, Yogi – you can go in! (Photo/Cathy Malkin)
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Tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine includes a long story on Josh Koskoff. The 3rd-generation lawyer — and longtime Westporter — is profiled for his lawsuits against companies that make assault rifles.
Author Michael Steinberger notes that he grew up a year behind Koskoff here, though they cannot recall ever talking.
In May, the Westport Police Detective Bureau initiated an investigation after a victim reported they had fallen for an elaborate financial scam.
In January, the victim was convinced to move money from a retirement account into a “Kraken” cryptocurrency account. Between January and March, over $3 million worth of Bitcoin was withdrawn and transferred to cryptocurrency wallets the victim did not control.
Working with the State Police Organized Crime Task Force, Westport detectives tracked the transactions and froze all accounts associated with the scam.
The investigation led to individuals in Pakistan. Although arrests are highly unlikely, Westport detectives recovered $3.2 million, which was returned to the victim.
The other day, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston hosted legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.
On Monday (October 2), their guest will discuss a different kind of “court.”
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong comes to the Westport Library at 7 p.m.
His talk is called
“From Bierbaum to the Sacklers: How Connecticut Attorney General William Tong Looks Out for Connecticut Citizens.” Just this week, Connecticut joined federal regulators and 16 other states in suing Amazon over allegations that the e-commerce giant took advantage of its market dominance to inflate prices, overcharge sellers and suppress competition.
Tong will talk about the collapse of Joseph Bierbaum’s for-profit colleges, Stone Academy and Paier School of Art, as well as the cooperative, multi-state effort to hold the Sacklers and Purdue Pharma accountable for their actions.
The event is open to the public.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
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The next Friday the 13th comes just weeks before Halloween. The best way to celebrate? With Fireside Mystery Theatre at the Westport Library.
At 6:30 p.m., the award-winning audio theater production company premiers “Nightfall on the Nutmeg State.” The 4 pieces were written especially for the Library.
The troupe’s actors will read live on stage, in full costume, each in front of a mic with script in hand.
The live performance will be recorded and later featured on Fireside Mystery Theatre’s podcast feed, which has reached millions of listeners around the world. It bridges the gap between the Golden Age of Radio and the podcast era.
Tickets are $20. The event is a warmup to StoryFest, the annual literary festival. It runs October 20-22, featuring Neil Gaiman, Angie Kim, Gabino Iglesias, Caroline Kepnes, Eric LaRocca, Josh Malerman and many more.
The other day, Carolyn Wilkinson noticed something was wrong.
The iconic sign — “Bridge Square, Saugatuck, Conn.” is gone.
It hung there for over 50 years, Carolyn said.
Hey, it was nice while it lasted.
(Photo/Izzy Sareen for Inklings)
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Each year around this time, Green’s Farms Church members fan out in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport, to work on Service Day projects with partners.
Last Sunday they did landscaping, kitchen clean-up, carpentry, community closet organization, and many other tasks, alongside Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, Open Doors Shelter, Pivot Ministries, Recovery Community Development and Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
As the photo below shows, there were plenty of them. And they spanned all ages.
Mark Shanahan does not take over as Westport Country Playhouse artistic director until next year.
But he’s written, and will direct, “A Sherlock Carol,” Set for December 19-23, it brings characters from Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan Doyle together in a story of intrigue and suspense (plus holiday cheer).
Larry Kastriner died September 14. He was 92, and lived in Westport for 52 years.
He was born in what was Czechoslovakia to Hungarian parents. He emigrated with them in 1940 to Bridgeport, where where he excelled in academics and competed for the high school swim team.
Larry received a full scholarship to Columbia University. He majored in chemical engineering and was a varsity swimmer. He then earned a master’s degree, and pivoted to patent law.
Newly married to Mary Tydor, Larry attended George Washington University Law School evenings while working full time at the US Patent and Trademark Office. He also clerked at the Court of Customs & Patent Appeals.
Following the birth of their daughter, Marianne, he and Mary moved to Yonkers. He began his career at Union Carbide as a patent attorney. A second daughter, Susan was born. The family moved to Westport in 1965, where they had their third daughter, Cathryn.
Larry enjoyed a long and successful career with Union Carbide (later Praxair) as chief patent counsel.
The family was very involved in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Westport. He served on the Board of Tax Review and was a dedicated member of the YMCA, where he swam and played volleyball. He was a regular attendee at Y’s Men events.
He and Mary spent many evenings walking on the beach or watching the sunset, socializing with friends, and swimming, sailing and playing tennis at Longshore.
While working full time, Larry also taught patent law at the Pace University Law School, as an adjunct professor. In retirement Larry enjoyed gardening, sculpting, and spending winters at the condo that he and Mary owned in Longboat Key, FL.
Larry and Mary moved to Rockville, Maryland in 2017, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Larry is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Mary; daughters Marianne (Dean) Schwanke, Susan (Andrew) Lawrence, and Cathy Kastriner, and grandchildren Billy and Matthew Schwanke, Anna Lawrence, and Sophie and Kel Kastriner.
A celebration of life will be held October 14 in Rockville. Larry’s ashes will be interred at the Unitarian Church in Westport in connection with a service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to contribute to Larry’s memory may donate to the organization of their choice, or plant a tree in his memory.
Larry Kastriner
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the force of nature.
If you want to make decisions based on more than yard signs, come to the Westport League of Women Voters’ candidate debates.
There are 3, all in the Town Hall auditorium. Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the stage on October 11 (7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
The I-95 reconstruction project is getting more complicatd.
I-95 north and southbound between Exits 17, and the southbound Exit 17 ramp will be closed periodically between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., from October 2 to October 27.
Traffic will be detoured along the Sherwood Island Connector, Post Road and Riverside Avenue.
The state Department of Transportation says closures will be “not more than 15 minutes” at a time.
Should be fun!
Work continues on the I-95 project. (Photo/Dave Stone)
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Yesterday morning, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice promised that the buses parked at Staples High School — a temporary solution, while First Student searches for a permanent site — would be relocated to the Greens Farms train station by early next week.
A couple of hours later — before noon — they were already there.
Westport school buses, at their new Greens Farms train station home.
Westport Transit District co-directors Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad will be at the Saugatuck train station next Tuesday (October 3, 6 to 10 a.m.; sidewalk near the elevator on the westbound side, corner of Franklin Street and Railroad Place). They’ll meet commuters (and anyone else who wants to attend).
Peter and Karina want to hear what people think about Wheels2U, and transportation issues in Westport overall.
Ever since Evan Sheiber was born with half a heart (hypo-plastic right heart syndrome). his mother Britt Melsheimer has fundraised for research and support.
“Hoops for Heart” is her latest project (October 15, 10 a.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA).
It’s a non-competitive basketball tournament for players over 10 years old. No experience is necessary.
All money raised supports the Fontan Registry at Boston Children’s Hospital. Click below for a superb video about the registry. (It includes Evan, his twin brother James, Britt, and Evan’s cardiologist.
Teams are already established (Bird and SolidCore have created teams; the other 7 are local families). Click here to be added to one. Spectators are welcome. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation. and for more information.
Granola Bar and Stylish Spoon are donating breakfasts. There’s also a raffle, with Invisalign & Zoom by Imperial Dental Associates, and diamond hoop earrings and a $500 gift card from Sarah Kaplan owner of Middlemarch.
DJ Mo hosts the event, ensuring an especially fun time.
Speaking of Staples students on the national stage: 3 juniors are heading to France.
The Institution Saint Joseph in Le Havre has invited Staples to the 10th ‘Normandy International Youth Leadership Summit (November 27 to December 1). School officials selected Mia Bombeck (an “06880” intern!), Ryder Levine and Sam Rossoni, as high performing students interested in world affairs.
They’ll join representatives from Brazil, South Africa, Netherlands, Great Britain, Italy, Romania, Costa Rica, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Finland, Senegal, Indonesia and Estonia at the event.
Félicitations!
From left: Ryder Levine, Mia Bombeck, Sam Rossoni.
Gently-used items — racquets, gear, shoes, even household items — can be dropped off today and tomorrow (Saturday, September 30) at 104 Long Lots Road — not Lane.
Fortunately, there are no surprised homeowners. 104 Long Lots Lane does not exist.
Every year around this time, a cashmere pop-up shop pops up at a new location.
This year it’s 180 Post Road East (the Da Tapas building).
It opens October 6, and runs through December 17. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (Hat tip: Patti Brill)
Bed Beth & Beyond has gone to, well, the great beyond.
The sign on the bankrupt chain was carted away yesterday.
In its place: a new one, for Summit Health.
(Photo and hat tip/Dinkin Fotografix)
So it looks like — contrary to media reports earlier this month — the new tenant in the space just over the Norwalk border will not be a combined Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.
“Innovators in Wellness Week” begins October 2 at Pause + Purpose (21 Jesup Road).
Five days of special events highlight local businesses that “blend the wisdom of old and new, and offer groundbreaking approaches to nurture your mind, body and soul.”
There are speakers, Q-and-As, massages and more. Clear here for details.
(Daytime, nighttime, 24/7/365 — “06880” is here for you. Please help us continue our work. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
On Monday (7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will review text amendment application #835, for Cottage Cluster Developments. The amendment would create an opportunity for 100% affordable cottage cluster housing on town-owned land.
The targeted beneficiary of this text amendment is 655 Post Road East — Linxweiler House, across Crescent Road from McDonald’s.
The amendment would “promote sustainable development practices through smaller, more efficient housing and effective use of residential land, increase the diversity of housing choices by allowing for a grouping of smaller, single-family dwellings on one lot, and provide additional below market rate housing within Westport, located on lots owned by the Town of Westport.”
The proposed regulations would apply to 63 town-owned properties. However, regulations limits the number of developments in town to 5.
Deputy P&Z director Michelle Perillie says her department “is working to implement the goals of the Town of Westport Affordable Housing Plan, which recommends encouraging sustainably developed modular construction kits and prefabricated cottages to build multifamily and small houses quickly and efficient.”
All application materials may be viewed on the Town’s website. Click here to see all application materials. To see all eligible properties, scroll down to Text Amendment #835: “Cottage Cluster Developments.”
The meeting will be livestreamed on the town website, and aired on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020. Comments can be sent prior to the meeting: PandZ@westportct.gov or offered during the meeting. Click here for the Zoom link.
If passed, a text amendment would allow cluster cottage housing at Linxweiler House on the Post Road.
The night before (Monday, October 2, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the RTM Rules Committee meets.
They’ll address a petition, submitted by 38 electors. It says:
RESOLVED, that the full Westport RTM at its October 3, 2023 meeting affirms that the meaning of the term “Shall” in “Sec. A 162-6. – Agenda” of the “Representative Town Meeting Rules of Procedures” as found in Exhibit A of the “Code of Ordinances of Westport Connecticut” is to be “construed as being mandatory”, per the definition of the word “Shall” in “Sec. 1-2. – Definitions and rules of construction” and that “Sec. A 162-6. -Agenda” compels and requires the Moderator, or in the event of the Moderator’s inability to act, the Deputy Moderator or, in the event of the inability of both, the Town Clerk to place on the RTM meeting agenda such matters as petitioned by at least 20 Westport Electors not less than 14 days prior to a Representative Town Meeting.
The agenda item was submitted by Jeff Wieser. He’s the RTM moderator, and also chair of its Rules Committee.
Bill Mitchell — self-styled “socks salesman” and “doorman,” but actually one of Westport’s most beloved figures, thanks to his generosity, grace, spirit, and senses of humor and fun — will sell his last pair of socks, and open his last door, at Mitchells this Saturday.
He’s been his parents’ employee, then co-owner, and always the public face of the high-end, customer-centered clothing and jewelry store.
He’s retiring now, after 58 years with the family business. His squintillion friends are invited to say thanks and goodbye — or, more realistically, to share stories and laughs — this Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The coffee pot (well, its 2023 equivalent) will be on. There will be plenty to eat (as always).
It’s just another Saturday at Mitchells. But also one for the ages.
Bill Mitchell says goodbye.
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Longtime Westporter Stacie Curran is proud of her town.
So she was very distressed to learn that “the hard-working, super-kind, smart, approachable construction crew” on the Post Road renovation project at Roseville/Hillspoint Roads and Bulkley Avenue “believe we are the most arrogant, horrid town of drivers they have ever worked among — well worse than Greenwich, Darien, Ridgefield (they named a few).”
They cited frequent behaviors: “cursing, speeding, flipping them off, not caring about safety…”
So Stacie did what Stacie does: She brought them homemade chocolate chip cookies, and pounds of donated coffee cake from The Porch at Christie’s and their Sweet P Bakery.
It helped.
Marlin (on the far right in the photo below, holding a tray of cookies and box of coffee crumb cakes) of Guerrera Construction Company said, “Westport, you’re not all that bad.”
But some of us are.
These guys are just doing their job. And their job is to make the Post Road safer, in the long run.
So don’t cruse, speed or flip them off.
Be kind. Smile. Wave.
And if you really care: Be like Stacie. Give them cookies and cakes, not the bird.
Smiles from the Post Road crew. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
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Paul Newman died 15 years ago this week.
But his memory lives on. It’s particularly strong here in Westport, the town he lived in for 50 years, loved — and where he and his wife Joanne Woodward raised their family.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), their daughter Melissa will launch her new book: “Head Over Heels: Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman, A Love Affair in Words and Pictures.”
She and her longtime friend — filmmaker/Remarkable Theater co-founder Doug Tirola — will chat, in the Trefz Forum. Melissa will share insights into her affectionately curated and lushly illustrated book, which offers a fresh perspective on her parents.
Newman will sign copies of the book too, which will be available for purchase there.
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Staples Players staged 2 memorable productions of “The Laramie Project” (and one of “The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later”).
Now there’s another Players connection with the ground-breaking play about a town’s reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.
Staples Class of 2011 grad Matt Greenberg is producing a staged reading of “The Laramie Project” — with its originators, the Tectonic Theater Project.
And it will take place at the University of Wyoming, in Laramie.
The event is October 11 — the day before the 25th anniversary of the 21-year-old’s death.
Greenberg — who starred in Players’ “Curtains,” among other shows — is now assistant professor of acting and musical theater at Wyoming.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 20 and 27.
A woman was arrested for driving under the influence and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a 1-car accident at 11:30 p.m. on Cross Highway.
A man was arrested on 4 counts of failure to appear.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4 citations
For 24 years, the non-profit Westport-based Oyebog Tennis Academy has supported underserved children in Cameroon, More than 20,000 children have participated in tennis programs starting at age 3. Two OTA students earned full scholarships, and are competing on NCAA Division I college teams.
This year the Staples girls tennis team raised thousands of dollars for OTA. But the need is great, as demand keeps growing.
Gently-used items — racquets, gear, shoes, even household items — will be shipped soon. Donations can be dropped off today through Saturday, September 30 at 104 Long Lots Lane.
OTA will also sponsor a pro-am tennis event at the Country Club of New Canaan on September 30. The Bryan Brothers will compete against local players, and some of the best young players from Cameroon. Click here for tickets, and more information.
First, Make-a-Wish Connecticut announced the stars of their October 3 (6 p.m., Aitoro Appliance, Norwalk) “Taste of Wishes” event. Six boys and girls will have their wishes come true: They’ll cook with the area’s top chefs.
Now Make-a-Wish has announced the menus.
Jes Bengston: Swedish meatballs, pomme puree, apple and kohlrabi relish.
Matt Storch: Ricotta gnocchi “Rolled Live,” tossed with vodka sauce and garlic bread,
Robin Selden: Braised short ribs with shiitake beurre blanc and butternut squash puree, and salted dark chocolate Bridgewater chocolate chip cookies baked to order.
Dan Kardos: coconut mussels with basil and curry butter.
Anthony Kostelis: Tomato risotto with sundried peppers and taleggio.
Christian Petroni: Surprise dish.
Additional food vendors include Sweet Brioche Artisan Pastries, Forever Sweet, Copps Island Oysters, Crust Issues, Amit, Dave & Charlie’s Hometown Deli, Blind Rhino, Bartaco and Candy Connections.
A VIP ticket includes early entrance and a sneak peek, Prosecco, and great swag. Click here for VIP and general admission tickets, and more information.
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Today’s wonderful “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the wide-ranging and talented Johanna Keyser Rossi:
And finally … Terry Kirkman, who sang, played 2 dozen instruments, wrote music and formed the group the Association, died last weekend in California. He was 83, and suffered from congestive heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.
If you don’t remember their name, you know at least some of their songs:
(Every day, we “round up” the most important Westport news. If you appreciate our local journalism, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
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