Ron Berler is a 1967 Staples High School graduate, and noted magazine and newspaper writer on a variety of subjects, from education to baseball. Today, he turns his focus on guns.
Ron says:
How fearful are Westporters?
In 2001, the town’s police department issued a total of 26 gun permits. That number jumped to 181 in 2021.
According to the Connecticut State Police, as of April 2021 there were 5,212 registered firearms in town – 2,877 handguns and 2,079 long guns, a category that includes assault-style weapons.
That’s a lot more firepower than the Minutemen who faced down the British at Compo Beach had. And those fellows had an actual need.
Ron Berler
I grew up in Westport. Walking the quiet streets, even the unlighted ones, even at night, I can’t recall a single instance of fear – other than the time I egged a car on Halloween night and the driver chased me through woods that, thankfully, I knew better than he.
Now I live in Stamford. I walk the streets of my suburban neighborhood nightly, armed with a flashlight, doggie bag and miniature poodle while keeping my eyes peeled – for the hawk and the occasional coyote that have claimed as their turf what I had imagined to be mine.
I don’t own a gun. Never have, never will. Yet I don’t pretend that Westport, or the US, will ever be a gun-free zone. Or that it even should be.
I do believe in a nuanced approach to firearms possession.
Shortly after the Uvalde massacre, I wrote an op-ed about nuance and gun reform. It ran in the Houston Chronicle. I wanted it in a Texas paper for a reason. Here it is. (The Chronicle has a paywall, so I’ve posted it on Medium.com.)
I hope it resonates with you.
The type of weapon the 2nd Amendment had in mind, for a well regulated militia.
Posted onNovember 4, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Sports, Craft Fair, Black Holes …
Two Staples High School sports teams fell in their quests for FCIAC (league) championships last night.
Both were seeded #3. Both lost to the #1 seeds.
The field hockey team dropped a 3-0 decision to Darien, at Brien McMahon High School. The Blue Wave earned their 5th consecutive title.
The girls soccer squad lost 3-1 to St. Joseph. Evelyn Chudowsky scored the Wreckers’ goal, assisted by her sister Natalie.
Both teams — along with boys soccer — start state tournament play next week. The football team, meanwhile, is still in contention for a state playoff berth.
Meanwhile, the Staples fieldhouse shifts from sports to crafts this weekend.
CraftWestport — a favorite Westport Young Woman’s League fundraiser for over 45 years — returns Saturday and Sunday (November 5-6). Like so many other events, it’s been a COVID-induced hiatus for 2 years.
Over 175 contemporary crafters and makers from across the country will exhibit at what has become Connecticut’s largest indoor crafts festival.
Ticket sales sales fund the WYWL’s community grants to are charities like Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Homes with Hope, Westport Emergency Medical Services and many others.
CraftWestport includes original fashions, accessories, jewelry, home décor, furniture, photography, and artwork like ceramic, glass, metal, wood and mixed media. Food items including honey, maples syrup, cheese and more are also for sale.
Show hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket s are $11 adults, $10 seniors, $5 ages 12-18; children under 12 are free; click here to buy.
I’m guessing I wasn’t the only one who didn’t go there much.
Black holes: fact or fiction?
Defy the gravitational pull of Netflix. On November 15 (8 p.m.), open your laptop to the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science lecture series. Dr. Jeremy Schnittman — a NASA research astrophysicist — highlights the most interesting and exciting aspects of black holes, explores recent discoveries, and notes some science fiction hits and misses.
Chris Frantz — of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club fame — returns to the Westport Library.
On November 19 (7:30 p.m.), he brings his Emerging Musicians series back to the Trefz Forum. He’ll spotlight 2 Fairfield County acts: Residual Groove (a funk-fusion, improv-heavy dance band) and contemporary singer-songwriter Brian Dolzani.
The Emerging Musicians series features up-and-coming regional, national, and international music, hand-picked by Frantz. The goal is to bring new music to new ears, and incubate rising talent. The concert is a collaboration and production of Verso Studios at The Library, and the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Tickets are $10; there’s also a cash bar. Click here for more information.
Mike Evans is a Westport Weston Family YMCA basketball coach. The Weston native is also the founder of Full Court Peace, a non-profit that repairs basketball courts in underserved communities, then uses the sport to bring people together.
Now he’s written a book about his time in Belfast, where he brought rival Protestant and Catholic teenagers together to play as one team
In “The Belfast Blazers,” Evans dives into the Irish city’s dark history. He describes meeting members of the Irish Republican Army (and the Dalai Lama). Click here for more information.
TAP Strength is well known for its comprehensive, personalized approach to wellness.
On November 16 (6 to 8 p.m., 180 Post Road East), the fitness studio turns into an art studio. Miggs Burroughs, Bonnie Edelman and Alex Silver will show their work. 2 Roads Brewery will provide libations.
For more than 100 years, Save the Children has been saving children.
On November 14 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church), Ann Marie and miles and Kim Kilroy — high-ranking members of the non-profit’s leadership ship — will tell the Y’s Women how Save the Children does it. The public is invited.
For decades, Save the Children was headquartered on Wilton Road. The main office is now in Fairfield.
Lauren Tarshis — a Staples High School graduate, longtime Westporter and author of the wildly popular “I Survived” children’s book series — will read from her latest book and answer children’s questions at the Westport Library.
The event is this Saturday (November 5, 3:30 p.m.).
We’ve got a question: Will Lauren survive all those kids?!
And finally … on this day in 1783, Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 was performed for the first time in Linz, Austria. It is also known as (surprise!) the Linz Symphony.
Most Staples High School students are not yet eligible to vote.
But Connecticut’s 4th District congressional candidates made their cases yesterday to 120 students, from a half dozen social studies classes.
Scheduling issues prevented an actual debate between Democratic Congressman Jim Himes and his challenger, Republican Jayme Stevenson. They appeared at different times.
But both offered opening statements, and responded to written questions from the teenagers.
Himes began by noting his experience, and his accomplishments during his 7 terms in Washington. He highlighted large spending packages passed by Democrats, like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment Act.
Congressman Jim Himes speaks at Staples High School.
Stevenson detailed her experience as Darien’s former first selectwoman, and how she hopes to change the political environment in the nation’s capital.
Questions covered a wide-range of topics, including inflation and the economy, crime, school safety and education, climate change, and energy policy.
Himes defended the Democrats’ record under President Biden, highlighting in part the American Rescue Plan while conceding that it did influence inflation.
Stevenson discussed how an all-of-the-above energy policy is necessary to combat gas prices. She said that her oil bill is $500 more this year than last.
Himes was passionate about school safety and guns, promising to deliver more legislation if reelected. He said that the bipartisan gun control bill was a worthwhile step that lacked ambition.
Stevenson explained her proposal to fund school resource officers. She said she supports universal background checks, and has a pistol permit.
On the issue of education, Stevenson advocated for greater parental rights and school choice for low-income students.
Himes seemed open to late-term abortion restrictions, and said he would support returning the standard to Roe v. Wade.
Stevenson explained her pro-choice stand with “common-sense” restrictions, saying she would not support the 15-week abortion ban proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham.
On climate change, both candidates expressed the urgent need for action. Himes called it a “national security threat,” while Stevenson discussed conservation and innovative sustainability efforts.
Part of the large crowd at the Staples High School library yesterday.
Both candidates received the same final question: Despite the political tension and climate, what is one thing you respect about your opponent?
Himes pointed to his “strong working relationship” with Stevenson. He commended her for her leadership in Darien, and her anti-Trump opposition to election denialism.
Stevenson emphasized Himes’ family roots as a father.
The event was organized largely by Staples High School senior Spencer Yim, with help from both campaigns, social studies teacher Suzanne Kammerman and school administrators.
Bringing the candidates to Staples was a goal of the Your Vote Matters Club, which Yim founded. Kammerman is the faculty advisor.
“Today was an amazing opportunity to hear directly from the candidates themselves,” Yim says.
“Even though many students won’t be able to vote in this election, I hope this experience empowered them to explore, engage civically in the community, and be educated about the various issues and candidates so that they can be informed voters in the future.”
The Parks & Rec Department has held open houses on its Longshore Capital Improvement Plan. Residents weighed in — pro and con.
Now there’s another way to provide feedback. They’ve posted a survey on the project website, along with all the concepts already presented. It’s open through November 9.
Click here to take the survey. Be sure you have some time — it’s comprehensive.
A new, revised leaf blower ordinance got its first reading at last night’s Representative Town Meeting.
Because there are a number of changes from the original proposal — including the elimination of fines — there was no vote. After new committee hearings, the ordinance may be voted on in January.
Actor/director/Weston resident Jim Naughton writes:
“State Senator Will Haskell has told me that when he visited senior centers in several of the towns in his 26th District, he found that ‘Medical Aid in Dying’ was the bill they most wanted passed.
“This did not surprise to me. When my wife Pamela, having battled pancreatic cancer for 4 years, got to the end of her journey, she said to me, ‘Jimmy, I don’t want to wake up anymore.’ If Connecticut had made it available to her then, she would have used it.
“Also known as ‘Death With Dignity,’ the law has been adopted in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It came within one vote of making it out of the Connecticut Legislature’s Judiciary Committee last spring. A Gallup poll determined that 75% of Connecticut residents want it.
“I urge our neighbors to know where the candidates stand on the issue before voting next week. It will be revisited in the next session.”
Earth Animal cares about pets — and the humans who love them.
For the 15th straight year, they’re participating in the Mitten Project, for Connecticut Food Share. Last year, they raised over $40,000. This year — with increased need for help — the goal is $45,000.
Froom now through December 31, people can buy “mittens” at the store (and others in the area). Each “purchase” is a $5 donation.
In addition, cashmere mittens, Advent calendars and wreaths will be sold December 3 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at Earth Animal. The store will match every dollar donated.
Special “Sip and Shop” events will also benefit CFS at:
J. Mclaughlin (342 Pequot Avenue, Southport,, November 17, 1-5 p.m.)
The Post (1799 Post Road East, November 17, 3 to 6 p.m.)
Millie Rae’s (1011 Post Road East, December 8, 4 to 6 p.m.)
Scout & Molly (283 Post Road East, November 16, 2 to 6 p.m.)
Outdoor Design and Living (1301 Bronson Road, Fairfield, November 17, 4 to 7 p.m.)
Mo’s Wine and Spirits (957 Post Road, Fairfield, December 8, 7 to 9 p.m.)
Milestone Restaurant (2 Main Street, Redding, CT, December 8, noon to 5 p.m.).
In addition, a homemade pie sale (apple, apple crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, pumpkin) at Wakeman Town Farm will send all proceeds to Connecticut Food Share. Click here to order between November 14 and 18. Pickup is November 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at WTF.
And … Earth Animal is selling wreaths December 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), also for the CFS cause.
Want to make a donation without a purchase? Click here.
Sami DeWitt scored on a pair of corner kicks, and Annabel Edwards knocked in a third goal, as Staples High School’s girls soccer team downed Greenwich 3-1 last night, in the FCIAC tournament semifinals. A late Cardinal goal ruined Cami Kolek’s shutout bid.
The Wreckers — defending state and FCIAC champs — look to add another league title in tomorrow’s championship match against longtime rival St. Joseph (Thursday, November 3, 7 p.m., Wilton High School’s Kristine Lilly Field).
The Wreckers are ranked 3rd in the tourney. The Cadets are first. St. Joseph won the teams’ regular season match 2-1, less than 2 weeks ago.
Congratulations too to the Staples field hockey team!
They also play for an FCIAC championship tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Brien McMahon High School).
The #3-seeded Wreckers topped #2 Wilton 3-1 last night. Their opponents tomorrow are top-rated Darien. Staples will seek to avenge a 3-0 loss to the Blue Wave earlier this year.
The Staples field hockey team, after last night’s FCIAC semifinal win. (Photo courtesy of Inklings/India Ahl)
“Without much fanfare, a new stop sign appeared at the intersection of Greens Farms Road and Bulkley Avenue South.
“It seems that no one is observing it. Waze and other apps direct traffic this way when I-95 get congested- The morning (race car) commuters are in their zone, and blissfully unaware of this change.
“Without some police presence (or the addition of a stop sign 🛑 to map-apps), this interaction is actually more dangerous now.”
Greens Farms Road, looking west. South Bulkley Avenue is to the right; Stop and Shop (not pictured) is off it. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Michael Chait has a large and well-deserved following for his original photographs, which he blends with aspects of paint technique. He is particularly fond of photographing Westport and New York City.
His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Natural History and the permanent collection of the Brooklyn Museum.
Now — just in time for the holidays — he’s got a new website. Click here to explore.
Folk and other music lovers know Voices Café — tucked inside Westport’s Unitarian Church — is a hidden gem.
Now kids can enjoy it too.
A special Voices youngsters’ event brings Dan and Claudia Zanes back to Westport this Saturday (November 5, 4 p.m.). They entertained a large Levitt Pavilion Chidren’s Series crowd a couple of years ago.
Voices Café is a sensory-friendly, open environment. There’s space up front for movement and fun.. Tickets are $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 2 to 17; children under 2 are free. A 15% discount is available for families of 4 or more. Click here for tickets and more information.
======================================================= (On this Day of the Dead, help keep “06880” alive. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
“Guys and Dolls” holds a special place in David Roth’s heart.
The Broadway classic was the very first show he staged at Staples High School, after being named Players director in 2000.
Nine years later, when he revived the show, his and co-director Kerry Long’s daughter was born on opening night — just 17 minutes after the curtain rose.
“Guys and Dolls” holds a special place for other Players directors too. It debuted in 1973; was reprised in 1983 (as a summer show), 1985 nd again in 1993.
When the curtain rises on November 11, the seventh production will make it the most popular in Staples Players history.
“Oldest Established” with the Gangster Ensemble. (Photo/Kerry Long)
“It’s such a great show!” Roth notes. “It’s got wonderful characters and great dancing. It’s funny. It’s been called ‘the best musical ever written.’ Audiences love it, and kids love working on it.”
“Guys and Dolls” is as perfect for Roth today as it was when he took Players’ reins 22 years ago. Back then he wanted to build 2 strong bases: actors and audiences.
Now — after COVID — he’s rebuilding both.
Though Roth and Long have directed “Guys and Dolls” twice before, this is an entirely new show. The set designer, technical director, choreographer and musical director are all new.
Roth says the set “is not to be believed.” Designed by Jordan Janota, and overseen by tech director Jeff Hauser, it features vintage light-up signs.
“Rockin’ the Boat” — on the great “Guys and Dolls” set. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Of course — this being high school — the cast is entirely new too. “New actors always make roles their own,” Roth explains.
The teenagers — born more than half a century after the show debuted, and not yet alive the first time Roth directed it — knew of the show, he says. But most had never seen it.
“They’ve been excited since the beginning,” he adds. “They’ve embraced these bigger-than-life characters.
“And Kerry and I are excited to expose them — and younger audiences — to a classic show like this.’
Fugue for Tinhorns with Jayden Saenz, Finley Chevrier and Sebastian Gikas
“Guys and Dolls” is 72 years old, but it always seems fresh and new. It was revived this month at Washington’s Kennedy Center, and will run next year in London.
It’s been produced 4 times on Broadway.
Seems like the Great White Way has a bit of catching up to do with Staples Players.
(“Guys and Dolls” will be performed on Friday and Saturday, November 11, 12, 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on November 12, 13 and 19 at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
ENCORE! Choreographer Rachel MacIsaac is about to deliver her second child. What are the odds that — like Lucy Roth — it too will be born on opening night?
(“06880” is almost as entertaining as Staples Players. Please click here to help support this blog.)
Sarah Brown (played by Madelyn Spera) and Sky Masterson (James Dobin-Smith). (Photo/Kerry Long)
Actually, it’s great. And exciting. empowering, even life-changing.
They’re using 2 new ropes courses. They climb, swing, and get far beyond their comfort zones.
Teenagers support, encourage and motivate each other to heights — both physical and mental — they never thought they could achieve.
For years, the physical education department taught cooperative games to sophomores. But without much perceived risk, most attempts to collaborate and problem-solve together fell flat.
High ropes and harnesses were the answer.
Students on Staples High School’s outdoor high ropes course — and their supporters on the ground. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Scarice)
Funds came from a $63,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant to schools, to use during and after COVID for the social development of students.
Townwide physical education coordinator Christine Wanner made the proposal. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and the Board of Education were fully supportive. The project aligns with the Westport Public Schools’ holistic approach to social emotional learning, mental health and wellness.
The ropes were installed outdoors in a now-unused community garden, and in the indoor fieldhouse.
There are 2 elements: low (without harnesses), and high ones (with them).
Physical education teacher Jeff Doornweerd instructs students in the fieldhouse …
Despite the perceived danger, the ropes elements are much safer than most other physical activities.
“Everything is double- and triple-checked, and backed up,” notes Jeff Doornweerd, a phys. ed. instructor who was instrumental in developing the course.
“Kids approach this with some nerves. They’re very careful.”
Before anyone climbs, student belayers ask: “How are you feeling? How can we support you?”
Many teens have never had to answer those questions, Doornweerd explains. They say honestly: “I’m worried about one certain point. Can you be extra careful there?”
Instructors underwent rigorous training, in Vermont.
… and 2 then climb, helping each other, to the ceiling. (PHotos/Phoebe Miller and Caroline Zajac for Inklings)
The course is “not really about how good you are at climbing ropes,” Doornweerd says. “It’s about how and why you get out of your comfort zone. We spend a lot of time in class talking about that.”
No one is forced to climb. Eventually, most do.
They feel “ecstatic” afterward, Doornweerd says. And that feeling of taking a risk, and overcoming the fear of failure, can stay with them far in the future, in the classroom, the workplace and home.
One athlete — who otherwise would excel in phys. ed. — was extremely hesitant. He changed his mind when he saw how powerfully excited everyone else was.
As the class debriefed, he said, “The only reason I’m telling you this is because I want other people to know and feel the same.”
Up, up and away! (Photo courtesy of Thomas Scarice)
Though the ropes were originally planned for sophomore classes only, Doornweerd worked it into the Bridge program, an academic support initiative that includes 9th graders.
Two weeks ago, Staples went into full lockdown after a bomb threat. That afternoon, teachers focused on students’ emotional needs.
Doornweerd did some leadup activities with his Bridge group, then took them to the ropes course.
As they climbed, teachers leading their own classes on walks outside stopped to watch.
“Students were cheering for freshmen they didn’t know,” Doornweerd says with pride. “It was so powerful. Those kids will never forget that day.”
The phys. ed. instructor is not stopping there.
“Now that it’s here, there are so many ways to utilize this,” Doornweerd says.
“Sports teams — even other groups — can enhance team-building. I can see community events happening too.”
Soon perhaps, many more Westporters will enjoy getting high at Staples.
(If you liked this story, and our continuing coverage of Westport schools, please click here to support “06880.”)
Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall), the Representative Town Meeting holds a first reading. of the newly revised leaf blower regulation.
Click here to read the full proposal. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Jim Kemish — son of former 1st Selectman John Kemish — now lives in Boca Raton, Florida.
The other day his neighbor Adam, and Adam’s daughter, knocked on Jim’s door. She was selling coupon books to fund her class trip to Washington.
Jim asked them in, and Adam admired the art on the walls.
Jim pointed to his favorite print and said proudly, “That was done by one of my high school art teachers.”
He was stunned when Adam replied, “That’s a Jim Wheeler!”
Jim Kemish and Adam Goby had been dog-walking buddies for a couple of years. But they never knew they both went to Staples — in fact, Adam’s father Dave was a highly respected biology teacher there — and that, to top it off, both were Jim Wheeler fans.
Jim and Adam both wondered if Jim is still alive.
I told them: Not only alive, but healthy, active — and still drawing!
Meanwhile, as Halloween fades into the rear view mirror — except, of course, for your kids’ 3 tons of candy — it’s time to think about our 2nd “06880” Holiday Stroll.
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 2 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.). It’s right after the tree lighting — just walk down the Town Hall hill to Main Street.
This year, we’re partnering with the Westport Downtown Association. Details will be announced soon — but right now we’re looking for a Santa Claus and a face painter.
If you can help in either role, please email 06880blog@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!
Staples Orphenians’ will once again sing at the Holiday Stroll.
The weather is turning colder. But last week was delightful — perfect beach weather. And there’s no better place to catch some rays — and catch up on reading than Compo.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio took her first hike yesterday at Haskins Preserve. Like everyone who discovers the hidden gem on Green Acre Lane, off Compo Road South, she was awed.
For a bit of what you’ll see, at this Aspetuck Land Trust property, check out this “Westport … Naturally” image:
Chocolatieree is trying to find the sweet spot among Westport’s 3 artisanal chocolate shops.
Besides its hard-to-remember-and-pronounce name, it’s tucked a bit back on Church Lane — behind a parking area between Myrtle Avenue and Elm Street (across from Christ & Holy Trinity Church, if you still don’t know).
You can’t see its little designer chocolates from the road. But its window is now colorful, attractive and enticing.
Chocolatieree, and its colorful window.
It was decorated by artist Sophia Livecchi. It’s the first piece of public art in Westport for the 2017 Staples High School graduate — though not her first anywhere.
The project has sparked her interest in doing more such work — including murals — in her home town.
Sophia — a soccer and tennis player, and radio show host, at Staples who went on to major in environmental studies at Skidmore College — grew interested in the intersection of art and urban design during a semester in Copenhagen.
Since graduating last year she’s created an 800-square foot mural for a rugmaking studio in Brooklyn and helped turn an abandoned building facing I-91 in Hartford into a piece of art. She’s also served as marketing manager for The Knowlton, the exciting Bridgeport waterfront event venue, artist studios and mural park.
Sophia Livecchi, with one of her murals.
Sophia spent 2 days on the Chocaltieree windows, creating an intriguing fall scene.
As she worked, passsersby watched and chatted. That’s the power of public art, she says: It brings people and communities together.
“We need more of that here,” Sophia notes. “We have a lot of artists, but not a lot of outdoor art.”
There are plenty of empty walls, from the beach and the narrow driveway heading to CVS’ back parking lot, to the railroad station underpass across from Miggs Burroughs’ lenticular photos.
Meanwhile, Sophia continues to create art, indoors and out. Blow Dry Bar — near Chocolatieree — asked her to design a window too. She’s also painting a mural in a Westport family’s bathroom, and a Queens art studio.
Sophia Livecchi, at work.
In a couple of months, Sophia will be back at her first local project. Winter is coming, so she’ll update Chocolatieree’s windows for the new season.
By then, she and the owners hope, many more Westporters will know exactly where the shop is. They’ll appreciate the little pieces of artisanal chocolate — and the much larger public art on exhibit there.
(To learn more about Sophia Livecchi’s work — including commissions — click here; email livecchisophia@gmail.com, or follow her on Instagram: @Sophlive.
Phone calls from a demented human being to police departments around the state — while many were honoring 2 slain officers at a Rentschler Field ceremony — forced high-level security measures.
At Staples High School, nearly 2,000 students and scores of staff members went into lockdown. At nearby Bedford Middle School, a “shelter in place” order was given.
Nearly an hour after Staples High School went into lockdown Friday morning, an ambulance and police car sat outside the building. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
Officials — rightly — erred on the side of caution. Before the lockdown was lifted, armed officers checked every room.
With police weapons visible to students and staff, superintendent of school Thomas Scarice asked teachers were to focus the rest of the day on the social/emotional needs of students. Emotional support was available for anyone who needed it.
Welcome to America, 2022.
That afternoon, longtime Westporter (and Staples High School graduate) Stacie Curran wrote:
“Once again (and sadly), please publicly recognize all of our teachers, staff, administrators, and our incredible police force for their attention, their dedication, their care and brave protection our children through this lockdown.”
Stacie is right. Scarice, his staff, and administrators at Staples and Bedford acted swiftly and decisively. Police officers were on the scene quickly. Working with Staples’ school resource officer, they believed soon that the call was a hoax.
Still, they made absolutely certain that the school was safe. Meanwhile, Westport’s Emergency Medical Services were on hand, standing by if needed.
The response and collaboration of all involved was impressive. As Stacie notes, we owe thanks to all of Friday’s Unsung Heroes, for keeping our community secure.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
(“06880 celebrates an Unsung Hero every Wednesday. To help support this and all other featus, please click here.)
Coming soon to Saugatuck: Original Craft Butchery co-owner Paul Nessel will reopen — with a new business — in the former Fleishers Craft Butchery space on Riverside Avenue, across from Saugatuck Sweets.
The target date for “Saugatuck Provisions” is a few weeks. (Hat tip: JD Dworkow)
Paul Nessel (Photo courtesy of Modern Farmer magazine)
Somehow I missed last week’s Bravocon video of Christian Siriano judging the looks of “Real Housewives” cast members.
But Stephanie Ostroff caught it.
She sent a link to “06880.” Click below to watch — particularly at the 4:30 mark, when he talks about Westport, his new store here, and the possibility of a “Real Housewives of Westport.”
The longtime Westporter and always-eager civic volunteer celebrated his 75th birthday. It was also the 77th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter — an organization supported from the start by Rotary International, of which Benson is a proud, active and long-serving member.
Throughout his 33 years in Rotary, he has taken on many roles. He and his wife Totney have also given generously.
So generously, that they are one of only 3 couples from Connecticut to achieve membership in Rotary’s Arch Klumph Society. They’re in the Trustee’s Circle, for gifts of $250,000 to $499,999.
Oh, yeah: yesterday was also the 34th anniversary of a promise Rotary made to the children of the world: to eradicate wild polio. In that time, the disease has gone from 350,000 cases globally to only 29 cases this year, in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Happy birthday, Rick. And thanks, Rick and Totney, for all you do, in Westport and around the planet. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Rick and Totney Benson, with Rotary officials in Kampala, Uganda.
For more than 2 decades, the US Drug Enforcement Administration has run a “Drug Take Back Day” program. Over 16 million pounds of prescription medicines have been removed from circulation.
This Saturday (October 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport Police Department again partners in this effort. Medications can be dropped off at the Senior Center, on Imperial Avenue. The event is free, and anonymous; no questions are asked.
Liquids or needles cannot be accepted; only pills or patches. Vape pens are accepted if the batteries are removed.
A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of police headquarters on Jesup Road. For more information, click here.
This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features guitarist Bob DeVos. He’s joined by Dan Kostelnik on bass, drummer Steve Johns, and of course Greg Wall, Westport’s own “Jazz Rabbi” saxophonist.
There are 2 sets on Thursday (October 27, VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue): 7:30 and 8:40 p.m. Dinner is available from 7 p.m. on. For reservations, email jazzatthepost@gmail.com.
This past weekend’s Staples High School boys basketball fundraiser was a great success. Kids of all ages participated, helping raise funds for a players’ lounge, video equipment and pre-season camp.
The second part of the fundraiser — a virtual silent auction — runs through this coming Friday (October 28). Items include Knicks, Broadway and Stephen Colbert tickets; autographed basketballs; a lesson with a varsity player, and more. Click here for details, and bids.
Taking a break during the Staples basketball fundraiser: Nicholas Fey, Jackson Shapiro and Ryder Shapiro,
Former Westporter John Preston died earlier this month, at 75.
The Michigan native met his future wife Janet at the University of Michigan. They married in 1970.
He attended the Department of Defense Language Institute, and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975.
He and his family lived in Westport for nearly 2 decades. They raised 3 children and had many friends here.
John spent 21 years at The Seagram Company, rising to senior vice president and treasurer. In 2004 he and Janet moved to Miami where he spent 14 years at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as vice president of finance and administration. She died in 2016.
He moved in 2020 to Portland, Oregon to be closer to his son and daughter, and their families. He moved to Wilmette, Illinois, shortly before his death.
John was an avid golfer, voracious reader and lifelong lover of speaking Spanish..
John is survived by his three children Regan, Lilly and Wells; their spouses Jordan, Nik, and Chrissy; granddaughters, Maylin, Marlowe, Daphne, Oona and June; and siblings Susan Root, Thomas Preston and Sarah Linthicum.
A memorial will be held December 3 in Wilmette, Illinois. Click here for details.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
