Westport superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says:
“This morning, a call was made to the Westport Police Department that warranted a lockdown at Staples High School.
“As a precaution, Bedford Middle School was placed in a ‘shelter in place.; The WPD is on scene at this moment investigating and the building is secure.
“When a school is in a lockdown or ‘shelter in place,’ no visitors are allowed on campus. All district schools have implemented safety procedures until this matter is resolved.”
The annual downtown Children’s Halloween Parade is set for next Wednesday (October 26). Kids and parents meet at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection at 3:30 p.m.
They’ll march up Main Street, turn right to Avery Place, then turn left on Myrtle Avenue to Town Hall and Veterans Green. Children may trick-or-treat along Main Street and outside Town Hall.
Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green across from Town Hall at 4 p.m.
The Parks and Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association and Westport P.A.L. are sponsoring the event. It’s for all children — “especially those 8 and under.”
NOTE: There is no parkin on Main Street between 2 and 4 p.m. during the parade.
The Westport Education Association is raising funds to honor one of its own.
Beloved Staples High School technology education teacher Mike Sansur was killed Saturday, when his vehicle was rear-ended on I-95. His 21-year-old son — who is studying to be a teacher too — is hospitalized with serious injuries.
A GoFundMe page will help defray medical costs for Mike’s son, and help with future college costs for his 2 high school daughters.
The WEA says, “Mike touched the hearts of all students who walked through his door. A former student said was the “the only class where I felt like I belonged. He opened up a world of possibilities, and a desire to learn more. He taught the importance of attention to detail, design, and craftsmanship, which influenced me to pursue architecture. As I write this, the lamp he helped me build is still on my desk. Its light will not go out.”
Click here to contribute, and for more information.
In the wake of “The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” — Paul Newman’s new memoir — it’s hard to keep up with media mentions.
But a story in the current issue of The New Yorker caught my eye.
Twice, writer Louis Menand references the book’s genesis: over 100 interviews with and about the actor, conducted by his screenwriter friend Stewart Stern.
But in 1991, Newman asked Stern to stop. In 1998, Newman “took the cassettes to the dump and burned them all.”
Later, Menand mentions the incident again: “the auto-da-fé at the town dump seems a pretty clear indication that Newman did not want a memoir.”
The New Yorker is well known for its rigorous fact-checking.
It seems pretty clear that “the town dump” is our town dump. After all, this is where Newman lived. It’s where he kept the tapes.
But wait! We don’t have a “town dump.” It’s a “transfer station.”
And there’s no place there to burn anything.
So … maybe Paul Newman did not burn those hundreds of tapes here, but somewhere else?
One of the major themes of “From the Mississippi Delta” — the current Westport Country Playhouse production — is civil rights.
That’s inextricably tied in with voting rights. So — with an election looming next month — Westport’s League of Women Voters is offering political information in the Playhouse lobby through the show’s run. It ends on October 30.
For over 70 years, the LWV has been a non-partisan Westport institution. They do not support individual candidates; instead they advocate for voter education and enfranchisement. They actively register voters, and organize candidate debates.
Before each performance of “From the Mississippi Delta,” LWV volunteers will offer information on times, locations and requirements for voting in the November 8 mid-term election, including how to get an absentee ballot and online registration.
They will conduct in-person voter registration for people with valid identification (driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card).
The LWV will also explain the ballot referendum about adding days to voting in Connecticut. Right now, we are one of only one 4 states that limits voting to one day.
Before Halloween and Election Day, there’s another holiday.
United Nations Day is not a big one. Except for the people who believe in things like, um, world peace.
To celebrate, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut is sponsoring a talk and Q-and-A at the Westport Library (October 24, 7 p.m.).
Dr. Mary Evelyn Tucker, co-founder of the Yale Forum on Religion & Ecology, will speak on “Reimagining Our Environmental Future Together.” Her goal is to inspire people to “preserve, protect and restore the earth community.”
After nearly 3 COVID years away from cabaret, Leslie Orofino is back. And “Laughing at Life.”
This Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Lecture honors the founder of the UNASC. She was a longtime Westporter, and advocate for all things UN-related.
Speaking of world peace: World-famous photojournalist (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario has spent more than 2 decades reporting in the face of conflict, corruption and censorship. She’s done it in the Middle East and Africa; now she capturing the horrors of war in Ukraine.
On November 9, she’ll receive a “Courage in Journalism” award from the International Women’s Media Foundation.
The virtual ceremony is set for November 9 (5:30 p.m.). CBS News’ Norah O’Donnell will host. Click here for free registration, and more information. (Hat tip: Naree Viner)
Westport’s prized vocalist joins director (and fellow townie) Louis Pietig in 2 performances at New York City’s Don’t Tell Mama.
“Laughing at Life” — that’s the show’s name — is a “foot-stomping, life-affirming journey of love.” It includes songs by Alberta Hunter, Fats Waller, Cole Porter, Bob Dylan and many others.
The first show is this Saturday (October 22); the next is Sunday, October 30. Both are at 4 p.m. There’s a $20 cover, with a 2-drink minimum. Click here for reservations.
Leslie Orofino
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Not much gets by Bob Weingarten.
He spotted frost yesterday morning on a Morningside Drive South roof.
Autumn continues to awe. Jonathan Alloy sends along today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” foliage. It’s at Long Lots Elementary School. Similar scenes can be found all over town.
For Logan Goodman, karate is more than a sport or a discipline.
“It’s like a performance, where I capture people with my eyes,” the Staples High School junior says.
“I look past the judges. I’m fully in the zone. My eyes tell a story.”
AT the US Open ISKA World Martial Arts Championship in Orlando last July, Logan Goodman placed 2nd in Traditional Kata performance. (Photo/Lindsey Little Photography)
Logan has quite a story to tell.
A lifelong Westporter (Long Lots Elementary Bedford Middle Schools) with varied interests (Staples math team; Student Assembly executive board; Sikorsky STEM Challenge; Top Hat tutor in math, science, and US history and government), she was introduced to karate 10 years ago.
A master visited Camp Playland. Intrigued, she soon started lessons at Kempo Westport.
Logan quickly learned to appreciate the martial art’s discipline. She learned respect, life lessons, even history.
“Karate is not a sport,” she explains. “It’s a mindset.”
Several years ago, Logan began training in East Haven. Now she’s at Stratford Shotokan with Samuel Diaz III. A multi-world champion, he’s helped make her personality part of everything she does.
Logan Goodman with sensei Samuel Diaz III. (Photo/Lindsey Little Phtography)
Logan specializes in kata. That’s a form of karate in which detailed patterns of movements are practiced solo or in pairs. Kata is executed as a variety of moves with stepping and turning, while attempting to maintain perfect form.
But moves are not all, Logan notes. Kata is also about spirit.
Including the spirit of discipline.
Success at karate demands understanding moves, strength, balance, stances and technique.
“It’s not just showing up twice a week for an hour,” Logan explains.
“You have to be able to take feedback on tiny details — moving your feet an inch, or stringing your fingers.
“You have to practice deliberately, as a lifestyle. It’s not checking off a box.”
In August, Logan Goodman medaled at the AmeriKick Internationals in Atlantic City.
There is always more to do, something else to learn. And karate is a daily discipline — “24/7,” says Logan.
That discipline has helped in many areas of her life, far beyond the dojo — school, for example, and talking to adults.
Logan — who is ranked 5th nationally by Black Belt magazine — began competing last November. Scores are based on technique, application, overall performance, strength and balance.
Last week — the night of the Homecoming Dance (which she missed) and PSATs (which she rose early to take) — Logan returned from the 14-nation World Karate & Kickboxing Commission tournament in Killarney, Ireland.
Earning 2 bronze medals, out of 4 categories, she was the only American on the podium.
Logan Goodman (far left) at last week’s international tournament in Ireland.
She had qualified as one of 4 Team USA members at the national tournament in Detroit.
This week Logan leaves for a big national tournament on another circuit, in Minneapolis.
Logan says she is grateful for the opportunities she’s had — the places to go, and people she’s met. She is “always hungry to hear feedback, get better, and score higher.”
She also appreciates her teachers’ flexibility and support. She took finals early last June before the nationals. “I love school,” she says.
Those teachers no doubt appreciate Logan’s dedication to their classes. While her teammates were out celebrating in Ireland, she studied for hours, to keep up with classes.
That takes great focus and discipline. Then again, those are traits Logan Goodman learned — thanks to karate — long ago.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston took a tasty tour yesterday.
They headed to Copps Island Oysters, the 4th- generation shellfish farm in Norwalk.
Don Bell — the environmental health director who led the tour — said that Copps Island’s oyster farming, harvesting, processing, sorting and packaging business is Connecticut’s largest fishery.
Don Bell leads the oyster museum tour. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
If you missed last week’s Coming Out Day panel at the Westport Library — titled “When Did You Know,” and featuring several members of the LGBTQ community discussing their coming out stories — click below. The event was sponsored by Westport Pride.
(NOTE: The program begins at the 4:30 mark — skip ahead to that point.)
A local favorite — the Chris Coogan Trio, featuring bassist John Mobilio and drummer Jim Royle — headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post.”
Of course, Greg Wall — the “Jazz Rabbi” — will bring his saxophone too.
Pianist Coogan grew up here. He travels the world, but still calls this area home. He is a sensitive, in-demand accompanist for singers, a powerhouse gospel pianist, choir director and bandleader, a highly effective and inspiring educator, and an all-around good guy.
There are 2 sets October 20: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m (VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue). Dinner begins at 7 p.m. There’s a $10 cover; reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatThePost@gmail.com.
Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are senior Jeffrey Pogue, juniors Nina Lauterbach and Morgan Tamm, sophomores Samantha Henske and Logan Noorily, and Eleni Bragi.
Students of the Month are those who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers. Principal Stafford Thomas says, “they are the ‘glue’ of the community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together. They are friendly to the staff and fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as to the Staples community.”
Staples’ October Students of the Month (from left): Eleni Braga, Nina Lauterbach, Logan Noorily, Samantha Henske, Jeffrey Pogue, Morgan Tamm.
Mike Sansur — a highly regarded and longtime technology education teacher at Staples High School — was killed in an automobile accident yesterday morning.
Mike Sansur
According to The Day of New London, Sansur — who was 52 years old, and lived in Darien — was driving northbound on I-95. He stopped in the left lane for an unknown reason, between Exits 70 and 71 in Old Lyme, just before 7:30 a.m.
Fernando Dixon, 26, of Oxford, driving a Kia, rear-ended the car. Sansur was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he died of his injuries,
His son Michael, 21. of Milford, was a passenger. He was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital by Life Star helicopter. Dixon sustained minor injuries.
Sansur was in his 18th year at Staples High School. He taught previously at Ansonia High.
In a message to Westport families and staff, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice called Sansur a “beloved” teacher.
“We are devastated by this news, and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time,” he said.
“Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff. His career has been marked by inspirational stories of positively impacting the lives of students at Staples, and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.”
Working collaboratively to solve tech ed. problems, in Mike Sansur’s room.
As a technology education teacher, Sansur created courses teaching hands-on skills, while integrating STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) into his curriculum.
His goal was to “encourage students to unearth talents, learn lifelong skills, and discover further courses of study or career paths.” Many went on to careers in fields like electronics, engineering, automotive technology, construction management and architecture. (Click here for a story about a student inspired by Sansur to pursue a career as an electrician.)
Shane Lozyniak wired this electrical panel in Mike Sansur’s class.
He challenged students to build miniature race cars for competitions, bridges out of thin wood to support heavy weights, and projects like lamps and skateboards.
Mike Sansur introduced architecture and construction management skills into his tech ed. curriculum.
Last May in “06880,” Sansur proudly described the number of girls enrolled in what was once a male-dominated department. (Click here to read.)
Last spring, Parker Pretty posed at her workstation.
Scarice said that the Staples and district-wide crisis teams are developing plans to support students and staff.
When you see a baby stroller, do you think: I’ve got to see that cute baby?
Or: That thing is really in my way!
Perhaps: I can’t believe I have to lug this thing in and out of my car.
Amanda Parrish Morgan saw a stroller and thought: Book idea!
Amanda Parrish Morgan
The 2000 Staples High School graduate earned a history degree from the University of Chicago, and a master’s in English literature from American University.
She taught English first at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, then at Staples from 2011 to ’14. (She was a cross country and track coach at her alma mater too, through 2017.)
Morgan also taught writing through Westport’s Continuing Education program and the Connecticut Writing Project. Her current gigs are at the Westport Writers’ Workshop and Fairfield University.
Writers are readers. Morgan was intrigued by “Object Lessons.” The essay (The Atlantic) and book (Bloomsbury) series explores a single object — a driver’s license, golf ball or shipping container, say — through a variety of approaches, often in unexpected ways.
As the mother of 2 young children, Morgan was very familiar with strollers. She also realized that although there are many parenting books, most are either “how-to or cheesy, isn’t-this-so-wonderful.”
Very few look at parenthood from a “cultural, emotional and societal” lens.
Bloomsbury liked the idea. The book — “Stroller” — will be published October 20.
Morgan runs with the idea of a stroller — literally. A runner herself, she examines society’s twin expectations of female athletes: They should be good mothers (running with their strollers), while also getting back to competition as quickly as possible.
Amanda Parrish Morgan, running with Thea.
Morgan also explores the metaphor of pushing a child away in a stroller, while keeping them close. She examines the consumerism and status symbol role of strollers; their history; even strollers in art and literature (who knew?).
Writing about strollers pushed Morgan to think about other mobility-aid devices, like wheelchairs. She realized the similarities between navigating Grand Central and subways with a stroller and in a wheelchair — and then studied other nations’ approaches.
“The US is child-centric, but not child-friendly,” she says. “Germany is the opposite.”
Amanda Parrish Morgan, her kids and a stroller in Grand Central Terminal.
“Stroller” straddles the line between memoir and a research-based study. “Some people may wish it was more of one, or more of the other,” she admits.
But “Object Lessons” is a wildly popular series.
Reviewers like “Stroller” too. One said it “compellingly depicts the history and taxonomy of this most weighty and unruly device, ally, and antagonist.”
Morgan looks forward to area readings and book signings, including Barnes & Noble in Westport November 12.
Strollers are welcome.
(For more information on “Stroller,” including how to order, click here.)
(“06880” often highlights local authors and the accomplishments of Staples graduates — sometimes like this, one and the same. Please click here to support our work.)
In the wake of yesterday’s jury determination that Infowars fabulist/Sandy Hook denier Alex Jones must pay nearly $1 billion to families of victims of that school massacre, “06880” reader Kristan Hamlin lauds the work of Westport attorney Josh Koskoff and his law firm, Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.
She writes: “Congratulations to the lead counsel in the case, Christopher Mattei, a fine human being and an excellent lawyer — the best of our profession — and to the entire Koskoff law firm.
“As Robbie Parker (a parent of a slaughtered 6-year-old) so eloquently said, you gave back to these re-victimized victims their voices. I am so proud of all of them, and to the Connecticut jury and the Connecticut judge in this case.”
To make a real difference, Westport’s Department of Human Services and Domestic Violence Task Force are collecting used cell phones and iPads, to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford. Clients can use them to ensure their safety, and avoid tracking by their abuser.
The DVCC provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport and surrounding towns.
Donation bins are located at Westport Town Hall and the Senior Center, and available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Questions? Call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov. For information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, click here.
The list of Westport barbers has been shaved by one.
Kennedy’s All-American Barber emailed members yesterday: “Effective immediately, all memberships have been frozen. Due to company wide and market changes we are ceasing operations as it was and starting something new and special.
“We helped rejuvenate a dying industry of men’s grooming 13 years ago. Hundreds of shops opened as a direct result of our brining [sic] high end men’s grooming shops back to its former glory. We lead an industry wide movement to bring back high end men’s grooming.
“We are entering a new economic and business climate and healing from the two years of drastic sales decline due to covid. Men that go to the office instantly became a thing of the past. That was our typical client. So we are adapting once more. We are going mobile. Brining [sic] the barbershop to you. In a high end mobile showpiece packed with all the equipment and luxury you are used to, and many of the same staff you have grown to love.” (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)
Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Rachel Doran was just 21 years old when she died. But her memory lives on strongly. And her relatives and friends use it to help other families facing critical illnesses, by providing lodging, food and transportation aid.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit founded in her name — holds its 2nd annual Family Fun Walk this Sunday at Compo Beach (3 p.m.).
Need extra incentive? Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg has pledged to walk 1,000 miles yearly for Rach’s Hope. All you need to do is walk 1 mile!
Participants will receive special prizes, hear live music, and enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks from Pizza Pie Wagon and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.
To purchase tickets, donate or learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here. You can follow Rach’s Hope on Facebook and Instagram: @rachs.hope.
The Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate — now a student at Berklee College of Music — has been working on her EP for over a year. She started it in Westport, during the pandemic.
The producer is Staples classmate Zach Rogers. Her manager — fellow SHS ’19 alum Kevin Ludy — helped make the album cover. It includes a familiar Compo Beach cannon scene:
Most Westport Rotary Club speakers talk about current issues.
Tuesday’s guest – Westport resident Robert Augustyn — went back in time. The owner of Robert Augustyn Rare Maps & Prints discussed historical maps, including one from 1478 that represents a recovery of knowledge from the Roman Empire.
He also highlighted a 1507 map by Johannes Ruysch that was the one of the first to portray America; an 1878 bird’s-eye view of Westport, and a local business directory poster from 1854 that features the Metropolitan Oyster House restaurant and a “mechanical” dentist who made house calls.
Robert Augustyn describes a Westport map at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
This Sunday’s “Andrew Wilk Presents…” features a special performance by American String Quartet violinist Peter Winograd, and celebrated pianist Rohan De Silva. Wilk himself — the noted executive producer of “Live at Lincoln Center” — will lead a Q-and-A with the artists.
The event is October 16 (2 p.m., Westport Library).
From left: Rohan De Silva, Andrew Wilk, Peter Winograd.
If you’re a psychic you know this already, but: “celebrity psychic medium” Karyn Reece will be in Westport for a “VIP event” November 12 (7:30 p.m., Amy Simon Fine Arts).
The event features (as you also already know) light bites, wine, and “audience-style readings and messages with Karyn.”
At 99 years old, he’s just published a new book: Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy
On Friday, October 21 (1 p.m.), Staples High School 1972 graduate/lawyer/writer Talmage Boston interviews the former Secretary of State for his “Cross Examining History” podcast. Click here for he Zoom link.
The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan is moving ahead.
The next phase of public input takes place soon.
Stantec — the town’s consultant — will present preliminary concept diagrams at the October 19 Parks & Recreation Commission public meeting (7:30 p.m.). The Zoom link will be available when the agenda is posted here.
Open houses will follow, at the Westport Library:
Wednesday, October 26: (10 to 11:30 a.m.; 3 to 4:30 p.m.; 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, October 29: (9:30 to 11 a.m.; 1 to 2:30 p.m.).
At the open houses residents can examine diagrams up close, and ask questions and offer feedback to the consultants.
In 2008, in honor of her dedication to the performing arts, she was presented with a special tribute by Bernadette Peters at Westport Country Playhouse.
Lansbury said, “I never played (at the Playhouse). I wasn’t a big enough star! If I don’t perform one small thing on this stage tonight, I’ll feel I’ve missed the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Then she enthralled the audience with “Not While I’m Around,” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”
A legendary shot from the Westport Country Playhouse green room. prior to the 2008 gala performance, From left: Bernadette Peters; Joanne Woodward, Playhouse co-artistic director; Julia Roberts, gala host; Angela Lansbury, honoree; Anne Keefe, Playhouse co-artistic director. (Photo/Kathleen O’Rourke)
Robbie Guimond lives in Saugatuck. But he battles traffic nearly every to head across town to The Porch @ Christie’s.
They serve “the best bacon egg and cheese in Westport,” he says.
But the vibe is just as great too.
Robbie writes: “The staff has impromptu ‘contests.’ This one in this photo was ‘Pride in Your Culture/Heritage Day.'”
(Photo/Robbie Guimond)
They also have “Best Hat,” “Favorite Sports Team,” etc. Customers vote throughout the day. The winner gets bragging rights — and more importantly, smiles.
“They’re a lovely group, and a wonderful part of Westport,” Robbie says. “I go there for the food. But mostly for the employees, and to support this business model of inclusivity and diversity.
Everyone wonders about “The Cost of Success: What Pressure is Doing to Our Kids.”
Positive Directions wants to talk about it — positively.
That’s the topic of a program they and the Westport Weston Family Y are sponsoring (October 19, 7 p.m., Westport Library; reception at 6:30).
Panelists include Valerie Babich, Westport Public Schools coordinator of psychological services; Frank Castorina, Positive Directions clinical supervisor; Alicia Briggs, pediatric hospitalist, and students from Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group.
They’ll discuss what causes pressure; how to recognize signs that your child is struggling; strategies for reducing anxieties, and local resources.
Positive Directions will host a follow-up “Lunch and Learn” series at the Y, on related topics. More information will follow.
“Please avoid getting gas at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop. I was charged for Super Premium, after clearly choosing the Unleaded button.
“The police reviewed the video, which confirms the Unleaded button being pushed. The manager insisted the video would be backwards when speaking with the officer so would be difficult to determine. The officer assured him it would not, as it would be the furthest button from the nozzle.
“He insisted it is a franchise, and he has no idea who he works for. We are pursuing a refund from Corporate, but it’s really the principle at this point.
“Please let Officer Kelly in Westport know if you have experienced similar there, or any other station.”
She added a PS: “When he printed the receipt inside, it read for Super Premium. Clearly something being manipulated, and was a $25 difference from the Unleaded choice that was made.”
NOTE: This took place at the Cumberland Farms by Stop & Shop — not the one near McDonald’s and Sakura.
And finally … on this date in 1810, citizens of Munich hold the first Oktoberfest. It celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Prost!
(Celebrate Oktoberfest with a donation to “06880.” Please click here!)
Earlier today, I posted a “Roundup” item from a reader who had emailed me over the weekend. She said she had changed her mind about the recent “banned book” display at the Staples High School library, having recently learned that the book jackets were covered.
Several readers pointed me to a Westport Journal story that includes a photo of the banned book display at the Staples High School library. The book covers are exhibited, and students could have browsed the contents.
Similar displays have been part of the library’s National Banned Book Week for about 15 years.
I have deleted the “Roundup” story, and removed 4 comments pertaining to it.
I apologize for posting the reader’s erroneous story.
[UPDATE] Several readers have pointed to a Westport Journal story that includes a photo of the banned book display at the Staples High School library. The book covers are exhibited, and students could browse the contents.
I have removed a story posted earlier today, citing a reader who emailed me saying she had changed her mind about the display, after learning that the book jackets had been covered.
That appears to be erroneous information. I have deleted this story, and will also remove other comments pertaining to it.
The “garden” part of Westport Community Gardens is clear to anyone wandering by the 100 plots just south of Long Lots Elementary School. They’re beautiful, and bountiful.
But the “community” part is just as important. Led by Lou Weinberg — and with plenty of help from everyone else — there’s as much camaraderie and spirit as there are vegetables, flowers and birds.
Yesterday, the Gardens community celebrated with a fall harvest party. Dozens of families shared friendship, music, pizza, gelato — and of course, plenty of salads.
No, you did not miss the Westport Library’s summer book sale.
The mega-event has been moved to fall. This year, it’s Friday, November 11 through Monday, November 14.
There are thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories: non-fiction, fiction, romance, cookbooks, antiquarian, plus music CDs, and movie and TV series DVDs. Also, “a limited selection of artworks and ephemera.”
Westport resident Joseph Califano — President Carter’s Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare — has donated dozens of books signed and inscribed to him, from his personal library.
There’s a new “Fiction for $1 Room”: an entire conference room filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction and paperback novels — all just $1 each.
Also: a large selection of holiday-themed books, CDs and DVDs. Crank up that Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!
Click here for information on prices, hours (and early-bird access).
Staples High School Class of 1978 graduate Dave Ruden served as chair emeritus of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He lost his mother to the disease.
Ruden’s day job is publisher of The Ruden Report — the go-to multi-platform site for coverage of Fairfield County sports. So he put out the word to all 16 FCIAC schools — asking all sports, all seasons to help.
Over 60 responded, raising funds and walking yesterday at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.
Among them: Staples baseball, cheer, boys ice hockey and girls tennis volleyball.
The Staples boys soccer program participated too — big time. Led by tri-captain Alex Laskin, they raised $9,428. That was the most of any FCIAC team — and 5th highest, among the 284 groups that raised funds.
Way to go, all you Wreckers!
Boys soccer varsity team, at the Alzheimer’s Walk. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Speaking of sports: On Election Day night, you may be cheering or crying.
Earlier in the day, your kids will definitely cheer.
That is, if they’re part of the Staples High School cheer team’s clinic (November 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). It’s open to children in grades kindergarten through 8 (
The $75 fee includes lunch and a t-shirt. It’s a fundraiser for the team. Click here to register, and for more information.
“The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” — Paul Newman’s memoir — will be published October 18.
Next month (November 20, 3 p.m.), it’s the topic of a Westport Country Playhouse discussion.
Who better to talk about the beloved actor/philanthropist/race car driver — and longtime Westporter — than Melissa Newman? She wrote the book’s foreword — and is his daughter.
She’ll be joined by Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist, who served WCP co-artistic director with Newman’s wife, actor Joanne Woodward.
An audience Q-and-A will follow the talk.
Tickets are $45, and include a copy of the book. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
It included an interview with the editor of CD Media. The initials stand for “Creative Destruction,” which is “reopening newspapers up and down the Colonies.”
CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan comes to Westport on November 1 (6:45 p.m., Westport Library). She’ll bring her “American Conversation” series, to discuss “How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The event is co-sponsored by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Among the topics her panel will address:
“Significant increase in child human trafficking”
“Exponential increase in youth deaths from fentanyl”
“Alarming increase in suicides of young people”
“Decrease in mastery of basic academic skills.”
Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
Promotional photo for CD Media’s November 1 event.
Soccer’s World Cup kicks off next month, in Qatar.
Games will be played primarily from what is early morning to mid-afternoon, Eastern Standard Time. An “06880” reader named Fernando asks:
“What are the bars and other places in the area that will be open for all the matches? Are there any places that did this in 2018 that can be counted on to do it again, or new venues that will do so?”
And finally … contrary to what I learned in school, Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America. It was already here — and was home to a thriving population.
It took hundreds of years, but today we celebrate the indigenous people of North America — those millions who were here first.
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