Earlier today — in response to this morning’s story on public comments at last night’s Board of Education meeting, about a Staples High School library exhibit of banned books — “06880” commenter Tara Tesoriero wrote:
“Sorry, but some commenters here are misinformed. These books are neither classics nor ‘literature.’ I will send a few examples to Dan that I think he should publish. Let’s see if he does.”
She sent them. Here they are:
Twelve Staples High School seniors have qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Congratulations to Aalok Bhattacharya, James Cao, Sharmila Green, Emma Losonczy, Colin Morgeson, Gavin Thomas Rothenberg, Katharine Shackelford, Matthew Shackelford, Tegh Singh, Lucia Wang, Lilly Weisz, Tom Zhang
Nationwide, 16,000 semifinalists — fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.5 million students who took the 2021 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam –will compete for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $28 million.
From left: Aalok Bhattacharya, Tom Zhang, Colin Morgeson, Sharmila Green, Lilly Weisz, Emma Losonczy,
From left: Lucia Wang, Gavin Thomas Rothenberg, James Cao, Matthew Shackelford, Katharine Shackelford. Missing: Tegh Singh.
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A sold-out crowd loved Cyndi Lauper’s Friday night benefit concert at the Levitt Pavilion.
And she loved Westport.
That’s not just “06880” speculation. The legendary singer/actress posted “thanks” on both her Facebook and Instagram pages.
She put on a great show. It was clear the girl just wanted to have fun.
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There’s a true hometown flavor to this week’s Jazz at the Post.
“Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall will be joined by Westport’s own Melissa Newman.
She’s had a long career singing jingles for companies like AT&T and Chevrolet. Neighbors know her from performances at Blue Lemon, Tengda and Harvest.
There are 2 shows — 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. — on Thursday (October 6) at VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue). There’s a $10 cover. Food service starts at 6:30.
Guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Matt Moadel will join Greg and Melissa.
Reservations are strongly suggested. Email JazzatThePost@gmail.com.
Melissa Newman
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For thousands of years, humans have wondered about the universe: How big is it? How did it start? How will it end?
Only in the last few decades have we had the space tools to begin to find answers.
Marty Yellin has special insights. With a doctorate in biomedical engineering, he worked at PerkinElmer on a top secret program to design and build the largest spy satellite ever. Then he helped design and manage the Hubble Space Telescope.
On October 20 (10 a.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom), he offers an overview of the fascinating, often mindboggling discoveries made by modern telescopes. Click here for the Zoom link.
Just an infinitely small portion of the universe. Can you see where we are?
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Need another reason (besides great books) to go the Westport Book Shop this month?
How about Susan Lloyd’s shells?
The longtime Westporter exhibits an assortment of 2-dimensional shell art works, including mirrors and mosaics.
Over 15 years, her work has evolved to include skulls (plastic reproductions), old dolls and Saints (for their stories, not religious reasons). Colors, shapes, textures and shell varieties are all important elements n her designs.
Her work is on display through October 31, and is available for purchase. To see more of her art, click here.
Susan Lloyd at the Westport Book Shop, with shell art.
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The 13th annual Push Against Cancer is coming soon. And a group of Westport dads is pushing hard, to raise money for campers and their families at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, it offers fun, friendship and a healthy dose of mischief to seriously ill children at its great facility in upstate Connecticut, plus outreach to hospitals, clinics and communities across the Northeast. All services are free.
The event is Sunday, October 16 (10 a.m., Staples High School). Andy Berman and Adam Vengrow are spearheading the dads’ effort. Click here to help.
Adam Vengrow (far left), Andy Berman (far right) and friends get ready for the Push Against Cancer.
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It’s still early October. But Al’s Angels is getting ready for the holidays.
This year’s goal is to provide toys to over 20,000 children suffering from cancer, rare blood diseases and financial hardship.
They’ll do it by providing an Amazon wish list. Just click here; purchase as many needed items as you wish, and have them shipped to: Al’s Angels, 342 Greens Farms Road, Westport, CT 06880.
You can also make a cash donation; click here.
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Date clarification: Westport Moms’ 2nd annual Fall Family Festival is next weekend — not the coming one. It’s Saturday, October 15 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms Academy; $20 per family).
The event includes food, crafts, games and fun (bouncy houses, ninja course, music, art projects, DJ, pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, hair extensions, glitter tattoos, magic, STEM activities and more).
Many businesses will show off their products and services — all with activities for kids.
Organizers Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post ask attendees to bring gently worn jackets, for donations to a local non-profit.
A scene from last year’s Fall Family Festival.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is one of the happiest ever.
And why not? Junior, Winston and Frank are thrilled to be back (legally) at Compo Beach.
(Photo/Nicola Sharian)
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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Astronomical Society lecture (story above):
Comments Off on Roundup: Scholars, Cyndi Lauper, Universe …
Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Library, Staples HS
Tagged Adam Vengrow, Al's Angels, Jazz at the Post, Levitt Pavilion, Marty Yellin, Melissa Newman, National Merit Semifinalists, Susan Lloyd, Westport Book Shop
Last night, a controversy brewing on social media bubbled over to the Board of Education.
In the meeting’s public session, several residents spoke about a “banned books” display at the Staples High School library. The event — held for 17 years, and sponsored by the American Library Association — includes the 10 most challenged books from the previous year.
Three of the books addressed LGBTQ issues. They are “Gender Queer,” “Lawn Boy” and “This Book is Gay.” All have been in the Staples library for 3-5 years. Some or all of them are also in the school libraries of neighboring towns, and districts similar to Staples elsewhere in Connecticut and Westchester County.
Seven speakers last night spoke vehemently against the display. They called the books “pornographic” and “inappropriate for children.”
Some of the speakers said that Westport schools are “grooming” and “sexualizing” students.
One woman charged Staples with “indoctrinating” students into Marxism. “You obviously want to dismantle the nuclear family,” she said.
Two speakers voiced approval of the banned books display. “It is important for disparate views to be heard” in school, one said.
The controversy was not on the Board’s agenda. A motion to add it for discussion last night was defeated.
Last week, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent a long letter to the Board of Education. He explained relevant Westport Public Schools policies; the materials selection process; the results of his investigation into “Banned Book Week,”and the process by which residents can challenge materials.
Click here to see Scarice’s full letter.
Staples High School reunion organizers often struggle to find the right venue.
Not many places in Westport can handle a large crowd, at a decent price. In just the past few weeks, events have been held at LaKota Oaks in Norwalk (Staples Class of 1980), Norwalk Inn (Class of 1970) and the Gaelic-American Club in Southport (’72).
Class of ’71 organizer Bonnie Erickson was determined to keep her COVID-delayed 50th (51st) reunion in Westport. When she found the Westport Woman’s Club, she realized it offered more than just an in-town location.
It was also well-remembered by many classmates, from their years at the WWC-sponsored Yankee Doodle Fair.
More importantly, the Woman’s Club uses the entire rental fee in its charitable efforts. Each year, they provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid to worthy organizations — and in scholarships to Staples students.
The WWC’s Bedford Hall was packed last night with reunion-goers, thrilled to be back in their home town. They continue the festivities this afternoon, at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina.
Many reunion-goers from Staples High School’s Class of 1971 wore ’70’s-themd garb.
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After 5 years at 135 Main Street — and being closed the past 2 months — Marine Layer has moved closer to the Post Road.
The new, bigger location for the clothing shop named for an air mass in a temperature inversion is 51 Main Street. The “grand re-opening” was yesterday.
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Wondering how and why NASA is sending Dragonfly — a car-sized relocatable rotorcraft lander equipped with instruments that can examine surfaces, interiors and atmospheres of galactic bodies — to Saturn’s’ moon, Titan?
Mark October 18 (8 p.m.), for the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science lecture series.
Dr. Jani Radebaugh of Brigham Young University will tell you all you need to know. Click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link.
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I’ve always gotten the essentials at Walgreens: toothpaste, batteries, beef jerky.
This was the scene the other day, in their parking lot.
(Photo/Phil Rubin)
Now I’ll know where to go the next time, for all my dinosaur needs.
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Where do ospreys hang out, when they’re not in their nests?
This one likes the overhead wires just off of Park Lane, behind Trader Joe’s.
It showed off for today;s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Jan Van Arsdale)
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And finally … happy 71st birthday, Sting!
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Comments Off on Roundup: Staples ’71, Saturn, Dinosaur …
Posted in Downtown, Local business, Staples HS, Totally random
Tagged dinosaur, Marine Layer, Staples High School Class of 1971, Westport Astronomical Society, Westport Woman's Club
As Westport plans major capital projects — a renovation or new Long Lots Elementary School, reimagining of Longshore and others — the Board of Finance does not want to reinvent the wheel.
A special meeting on October 3 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A) has only one agenda item: “Preparation workshop for the upcoming School and Town Building Program.'”
The board will listen to and question former Finance Board members, and officials who served Westport during the most recent major Westport building program (1998-2008, including Staples High and Bedford Middle Schools).
The public is invited. If there is time, they can ask questions.
Other workshops will be scheduled at later dates.
Westport has begun planning next steps for Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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Storm clouds did not detract from yesterday evening’s Tashlich ceremony, at Compo Beach.
Members of The Conservative Synagogue gathered for the traditional rite. On the first day of Rosh Hashana, Jews symbolically casting away sins by tossing pieces of bread in the water.
Gathering together … (Photo/Fred Cantor)
… and casting sins away. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
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Also last night: Another rainbow appeared over Westport.
This one was seen on Weston Road.
(Photo/Stephanie Webster)
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We’re lucky indeed. We’re getting much-needed rain. And gorgeous rainbows that follow.
Saturday was special in Stamford — and in Staples Players’ history.
The award-winning high school troupe added another professional page to their overflowing scrapbook. They performed at a benefit concert for Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony) at the Palace Theater.
Well, not just “performed.” Players shared the stage with actor/director Mari Friedman, who paid tribute to 3 great composers: Marvin Hamlisch, Stephen Sondheim and Michel Legrand.
Staples Players perform “I Hope I Get It” from “A Chorus Line” …
Friedman spent several hours rehearsing with the high schoolers. “She was fantastic with them, and they loved her,” says Players co-director David Roth.
… and dance to “I Hope I Get It” at the Orchestra Lumos benefit.
The invitation came from Halmisch’s widow Terre Blair. She saw a Players production of “A Chorus Line” — her husband’s work — and was “blown away.”
Maria Friedman thanks the audience, with Staples Players behind her.
Also starring on Saturday: vocalists Ross Lekites (“The Tina Turner Musical”), Lewis Cleale (“The Book of Mormon”) — and Players alumni Camille Foisie and Nick Rossi,
From left: Lewis Cleale, Ros Lekites, Maria Friedman, Camille Foisie, Nick Rossi. (All photos/Kerry Long)
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DJ Sixsmith cut his teeth — and honed his voice — at WWPT-FM. You can still hear the 2011 Staples High graduate giving the school station’s call letters at the top of every hour.
He’s now first senior manager for digital and social media at CNBC. Last week, he headed to California to interview Jay Leno — in the TV host’s iconic garage.
That makes sense. They were on YouTube Live, promoting Leno’s exclusive tour of SpaceX with Elon Musk — on the web series “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
Sixsmith gave fans the chance to ask Leno questions directly, and peek behind the curtain about the episode.
It went viral, when Musk himself commented on the video, on Twitter.
Sixsmith said on LinkedIn: “I love working for a company that is willing to let me run with new social and digital ideas like this one.”
Click below, for the full YouTube Live. (Hat tip: Mark Lassoff)
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This week’s Jazz at the Post features Serbian guitar master Rale Micic; bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Steve Johns; of course the Jazz Rabbi, Greg Wall — and new start times for the 2 sets (7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; Thursday, September 29, VFW Joseph J Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue). Dinner service begins at 7 p.m.
There is a $10 cover. Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Rale Micic
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This is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. On Friday (September 30, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport Prevention Coalition offers a free “Suicide Prevention Lunch and Learn.” It’s open to all residents, plus town employees, elected officials, commissioners and volunteers.
An RSVP is required. Click here to register.
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The Traveling School offers girls and non-binary students ages 15-18 a chance to see the world, build leadership skills, and grow personally. The semester-long program travels to Africa, South America and around the western US.
It’s nearly 20 years old, and boasts 450 alums. Students receive academic credit from their home schools, and stay on track to graduate. Nearly 60 percent receive financial support.
They host an open house on October 12 (6:30 p.m., Rowayton). For more information, click here or email admissions@travelingschool.com.
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Longtime Wesetporter Salvatore Mastromatteo passed away peacefully earlier this month. He was 90 years old.
He worked many years for Arnold Bakery. Sal enjoyed time off by going to New York City, the movies, walking at the mall, and spending time with his family.
Sal is survived by nieces Claudia Bradley fiancé William Thomas) of Tamarac, Florida and Tammy (Vinny) Guarente of Beacon Falls; great-niece Angela Guarente (Joe Darrah); great-nephew Joe (Megan) Guarente, and great-great nieces Michaela Darrah and Izabella Guarente.
He was predeceased by his sister Annamay Bradley, with whom he shared a home with after the death of their mother.
His family thanks June Richardson (conservator), and the staff at the Westport Rehabilitation Complex and Long Ridge Acute Care, for taking great care of Sal.
Private services were held at Assumption-Greens Farms Cemetery.
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Very appropriately, Jilda Manikas sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo of this insect on a screen door yesterday — Rosh Hashana, one of the Jewish High Holy Days.
It’s a praying mantis.
(Photo/Jilda Manikas)
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And finally … Jim Post died earlier this month in Iowa, of congestive heart failure. He was 82.
He and his then-wife Cathy Conn were Friend & Lover — one-hit wonders in 1968 with the song “Reach Out of the Darkness.”
Although — as this New York Times obituary explains — his lyrics “reach out in the darkness” suggest a very different message.
(I think it’s so groovy that people want to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to support this hyper-local blog.)
Before next month’s School of Visual Arts solo exhibition, Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant”-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario sat with NPR’s “The Takeaway” for an interview.
The 1991 Staples high School graduate spoke yesterday about her long career capturing intimate, human moments during devastating wars and disasters.
She discussed too why photojournalism is important, how she keeps her cool in unspeakable danger, and why she is such a positive person (spoiler alert: her parents and sisters help).
Click here for the story. (NOTE: An ad about “quicksand” may precede the interview.)
Lynsey Addario (2nd from left) says sisters Lauren, Lisa and Lesley keep her smiling.
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“06880” has reported on the gradual teardown of 117 Morningside Drive South — the famed Kowalsky farm.
Now it’s complete:
(Photo/Wynne Bohonnon)
Wynne Bohonnon lives nearby. His kids are now grown, but he remembers taking them often to see the goats, sheep and llamas there.
The new owners may not be putting up a parking lot. But, in Joni Mitchell’s famous words: “… ’til it’s gone.’
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“06880” readers sent plenty of moon photos — particularly special full ones, like harvest, wolf or strawberry.
But why watch from your back yard or Compo Beach, when you can gaze at the moon through the Westport Astronomical Society’s powerful telescope?
The public is invited to the observatory for International Observe the Moon Night. It’s next Saturday (October 1, 8 p.m.).
Green cheese is optional.
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Westport native James Backiel died last Sunday in Norwalk Hospital. He was 81 years old.
Son of Stanley and Mary Backiel. Jim grew up on Old Road, and graduated from Staples High School.
He was a US Navy veteran, and an avid bowler. In the late 1950s and early ’60s he worked at Westport Lanes and the Westport Batting Cages, which was connected to the Westport Golf Range.
Jim also worked at Nash Engineering in Norwalk.
He was predeceased by his wife Joyce,, and brothers Stanley and Michael. He is survived by his son Christopher, and cousins Jack Backiel, Barbara Cieplinski, Janet McGoldrick and Irene Hubbard.
Calling hours are Tuesday (4:30 to 6 p.m., Edmund Dougiello Funeral Home, 36 South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield). A committal service with military honors are at noon on Wednesday, at Willowbrook Cemetery.
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This guy — or perhaps it’s a gull — posed for a “Westport … Naturally” photo at Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Beth Berkowitz)
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And finally … Wynne Bohonnon reminded us of the prophetic song, “Big Yellow Taxi.” Here are 3 great versions:
(“06880” rounds up the news every day. Please click here to help support what we do.)
Posted in Media, Obituaries, Politics, Staples HS
Tagged "The Takeaway, Jim Backiel, Lynsey Addario, Westport Astronomical Society
Not every 6th grader is ready to study Mandarin.
Zachary Rybchin was.
A new student at Bedford Middle School, already interested in the world around him, he took on the challenging of learning a difficult language.
At Staples High, Zachary fed his passions for history and international relations. He joined the Model UN, Debate, Mock Trial and Junior State clubs. He took Advanced Placement courses: European History with Carol Kaye, US History with Eric Mongirdis, Economics with Drew Coyne.
And he continued to study Mandarin.
His teacher, Chris Fray, also speaks Russian. He learned the language while working on a fishing trawler there.
Zachary Rybchin
During Zachary’s sophomore year, Fray told the class about a US State Department program. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth began in 2006, as a way to encourage teenagers to learn Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Russian and Turkish — languages critical to our security, The government covers all costs.
Zachary went through the rigorous application for the Russian program. He wrote essays, and sat for interviews. Finally, out of thousands of applicants, he was one of 400 accepted.
But COVID struck that spring. The summer program was scratched.
He applied again in 2021. Again he was accepted. Again, the pandemic forced its cancelation.
The third time was the charm — almost. Because of the invasion of Ukraine, the State Department did not send students to Russia.
Instead, they went to Latvia. The Baltic nation shook off decades of Russian rule in 1991. But many Russian speakers remain.
Zachary lived with two of them. They spoke no English. When he arrived, he spoke no Russian.
Zachary Rybchin with his host mother (and her cat) on his last night in Latvia.
It was not easy. But through intensive daily classes — including work with an individual university partner — Zachary and his 19 fellow participants learned.
They also learned about Latvian history and culture. They explored the beautiful city of Riga, and beyond (including a trip to “secret” Soviet-era bunkers).
It was a great, educational and important 7 weeks — one absolutely worth waiting 3 years for.
Zachary Rybchin (back row, center) and his group in the Latvian Parliament. They met and talked with an MP there.
Now how will he retain the language skills he’s learned?
Zachary is young for his grade. So instead of heading directly to college, he’s taking a gap year in Israel. There are more Russian speakers there than in the US, he notes.
Next year, he’ll begin classes at historic St. Andrews University in Scotland. He’ll continue his Russian studies there.
And then?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Zachary says. “There are so many career paths. Give me a few years. I’ll let you know.”
удачи!
Zachary Rybchin this month, in Jaffa, Israel.
Posted in Education, Staples HS, Teenagers
Tagged Chris Fray, Latvia, Mandarin, Russia, Zachary Rybchin
In 2013, a woman spotted signs for Staples Players’ upcoming production: “A Chorus Line.” She’d never seen the acclaimed show, and called a friend suggesting they go together.
The friend called the high school box office. It was sold out.
Well, she said, if any tickets come up, please let me know. She left her name: Terre Blair.
She should have used her full name: Terre Blair Hamlisch. As the widow of the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of the 1975 Broadway musical, Players could have found her 2 seats.
Fortunately, Terre and her friend got tickets. She had seen plenty of productions of her late husband’s show. She expected to see these high school students put on a high school show.
Instead, she says, “I felt like Dorothy in Oz. Everyone — the actors, the dancers, the pit orchestra, the directors — was so talented. It blew me away. It was as good as any regional troupe I’d seen.”
Staples Players’ “A Chorus Line,” in 2013. (Photo by Kerry Long)
She was so impressed that at the end of the production, she walked — without telling directors David Roth and Kerry Long — onto the stage. She introduced herself, and said she was producing a birthday celebration for her late husband in New York, with Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey and Donna McKechnie.
Then she invited Players to join her there.
The young actors jumped up and down.
Terre realized they thought they’d be part of the audience.
No no no! she clarified. “I want you to perform there.”
Three months later, Staples Players were on stage at the Hudson Theater. “They brought the house down,” Terre recalls. You can read all about that day here.
Joel Grey poses with the Staples Players cast and directors. (Photo by Kerry Long)
But that’s not the end of this story.
These days, Terre is helping organize a benefit concert for Orchestra Lumos (formerly the Stamford Symphony). The September 24 event stars Maria Friedman. The English actor and director will recall her work with 3 of the greatest composers of all time: Stephen Sondheim, Michel Legrand and (of course) Marvin Hamlisch.
The music director is the electrifying Todd Ellison. His Broadway conducting, composing and arranging credits include “La Cage aux Folles,” “Spamalot,” “42nd Street, “How to Succeed …” (and many more).
Also on stage: Current and former Staples Players.
“These are incredibly talented kids,” Ellison says of the Players troupe. “And the people devoted to these kids are making sure they get the best of the best.”
Staples Players prepare for the September 24 benefit. (Photo/Kerry Long)
Vocalists are Ross Lekites (“The Tina Turner Musical”), Lewis Cleale (“The Book of Mormon”) — and Staples Players alums Camille Foisie and Nick Rossi.
Friedman is working with the current Players, before their appearance.
“She’s bringing them into the fold,” Terre notes. “Lumos is all about community, and keeping the symphony world alive. The kids understand that community.
“This benefit concert is now in the hands of the next generation. They’ll help pass along the wonders of Sondheim, Legrand and Marvin Hamlisch.”
All proceeds from the September 24 Maria Friedman benefit go to the Lumos Education Fund, to help schools that lack music programs.
“As music and theater programs are being cut, look at what Staples has,” Terre says.
“We are so lucky to have it, and have it supported the way it is. Culture and the arts are not a luxury. They’re necessary, for all ages.”
And Staples Players are lucky that when Terre Blair Hamlisch called seeking 2 tickets to “A Chorus Line” nearly a decade ago, they found them for her.
(“Orchestra Lumos Presents Maria Friedman in Concert” is set for September 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater in Stamford. Click here for tickets and more information.)
(“06880” reports on all things artistic, cultural and Staples-related — among everything else. Please click here to support this blog.)
The Hamlet at Saugatuck — a retail/residential/hotel/marina plan that would reimagine the neighborhood between the train station and I-95 bridge — got its first Planning & Zoning Commission hearing last night.
Representatives from ROAN Ventures — the local developers — and their architectural, environmental, traffic and legal partners began their application for text and map amendments. Both are needed to begin remediation efforts of the contaminated land, followed by construction.
The hour-long presentation included a video, maps, and conceptual artists’ renderings. The actual design process has not yet begun.
Applicants addressed issues like traffic, with solutions that include underground parking, and working with the state to synchronize lights. They also noted that 50% of the land will be open space.
Commission members and residents had mixed reactions. There praised the thoughtfulness of the planning and the depth of the presentation, and questioned density and traffic.
No action was taken. The P&Z will continue its discussion on October 3.
A conceptual view of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project, from the river.
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In less than 2 months, Connecticut will elect a governor.
If you don’t know anything about the candidates — or do, and want to ask a question — you don’t have to go far.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston has partnered with the Westport Library to host 2 forums. Both are in the Trefz Forum.
This Thursday (September 15, 10 a.m.), Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski speaks, and takes questions. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont does the same next Monday (September 19, 1 p.m.). Both visits will also be livestreamed.
Click here to register for either or both session, in-person or via livestream. Attendees should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start.
(Graphic courtesy of Connecticut Education Association)
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A Better Chance of Westport’s 21st year is off to a rousing start.
New resident directors, 7 multi-talented scholars, and a chance to really be part of (and give back to) the community after 2 COVID years has energized Glendarcy House, the program’s North Avenue home.
The scholars — in grades 9 through 12 — are engaged in a range of activities, at Staples High School and beyond. Because they are not allowed to drive, they need rides after school and in early evenings.
Community volunteers have always come through. To help transport — and get to know — these great young men, and for more information, email abcwestportrides@gmail.com.
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On Sunday, Jeff Manchester took his kids to the 9/11 Memorial.
Not the one at Sherwood Island State Park, though. Jeff is drawn to the one at Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum, off Bronson Road. It’s a 100-acre site where people have remembered loved ones for more than 150 years.
The memorial is a pair of 9-foot granite towers atop a pentagon-shaped granite base. A rock engraved with “Let’s Roll” honors the heroes of Flight 93.
Dedicated last September, it was designed by Dean Powers, a native Westporter and Oak Lawn’s longtime groundskeeper.
He never saw it completed. He died of cancer in 2020.
Click here for the back story on the monument, and Dean’s remarkable contributions to it.
Rock and trees at Oak Lawn Cemetery.
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Do you want some money?
If you’re involved with a non-profit organization, read on.
The Westport Woman’s Club is accepting grant proposals for 2022-2023. Click here for more information, and the form.
Requests for projects that will make a difference in the community may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. Grants go each year to organizations in education, health and safety-related programs, and the arts.
Community groups should submit their proposals by October 31 to Westport Woman’s Club, Attention: Community Service Grants, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information, call 203-227-4240.
Organizations can apply for a one-time use of Bedford Hall at the Westport Woman’s Club.
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Like many Staples High School reunions, the Class of 1971’s fell victim to COVID.
Organizers Bonnie Housner Erickson, Tucker Sweitzer and Joanne Romano-Csonka felt the 50th was too big to let pass. So — a year later — the reunion is on (September 30-October 2).
Bonnie and her crew want to make sure “all classmates feel like they matter,” even though some may not have felt that back then. The organizers sought to “remind them they were an integral part of a life-changing period in history.”
In keeping with the late ’60s/early ’70s zeitgeist, they wanted to create an environment of peace and harmony, with “no hierarchy, no difference in status.”
The theme is “Welcome Home” — and the website (hey, this is 2022, not 1971) may be the best for any reunion class, ever. Click here to see.
Bonnie spent hours designing it. Much of it is class-specific of course. But the 1971 flashbacks and photos will interest many people, whether or not they (or their parents) were even alive then.
The reunion itself will feature peace signs, and memories of hangouts like the Ice Cream Parlor and beach. Music is supplied by the Reunion Band — featuring ’71 alums Brian Keane, Michael Mugrage, Bill Sims, Rob and Julie Aldworth McClenathan, Dave Barton and Bonnie Erickson — who rocked the Levitt Pavilion in 2019, the Class of ’70 reunion several weeks ago, and the Class of ’72 reunion last weekend.
Screenshot, Staples High school Class of 1971 reunion website home page.
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Today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” comes from Saugatuck Shores, via Ken Yormark:
(Photo/Ken Yormark)
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And finally … Ramsey Lewis — a towering jazz figure for over 50 years — died yesterday in Chicago. He was 87.
His trio hit the pop charts a few times in the 1960s. In 2007 the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor for a jazz musician.
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For 21 years, Stacie Curran and friends have ridden in the CT United Ride. The largest motorcycle ride in Connecticut pays tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11.
Yesterday’s event took place on the actual date: September 11. Before the start at Sherwood Island, the group met at Stacie’s house:
The entire group — hundreds strong — gathered at the state park:
(Photo/Tom Lowrie)
Soon — with a police escort from several towns — they headed onto I-95. Their route of remembrance took them to Exit 17, Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road, and through 8 other Fairfield County towns.
(Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)
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Every year, the arrival of spring in Westport is heralded by the “Daffodil Mile” — the long, winding rows of daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery on Main Street.
Daffodil Mile, at Willowbrook Cemetery … (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
For the past few years, daffodils have also bloomed throughout the rest of Westport. On Prospect Road, in Saugatuck, in traffic islands everywhere, the week of yellow flowers brings smiles to Westporters sick and tired of snow and slush.
Greens Farms Road, at Prospect Road.
Those daffodils don’t just fall from the sky (to mix metaphors). They’re the product of plenty of planning — and planting.
“Paint the Town Yellow” is a project begun 4 years ago by Debra Kandrak. This fall — prime daffodil-planting time — she encourages everyone, of all ages, to plant “around our neighborhoods, around street signs, mailbox posts, in front of your business, in front of the Police and Fire Departments.” She’d love for schools to be involved too.
This year’s theme is “plant in memory of a loved one lost.”
The easiest way to plant, Debra says, is to dig a trench and pop the bulbs in (pointy side up). Costco sells 50 bulbs for $13.99.
After you plant, email the location to debra.kandrak@raveis.com. She’ll come around next spring, and take photos.
Which, of course, she will share with “06880.”
So get going. Spring is only 7 months away.
Daffodil bulbs from Costco. (Photo/Debra Kandrak)
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The New York Times says that this November’s Metropolitan Opera staged premiere of “The Hours” is “New York City’s opera event of the fall.”
In addition to renowned soprano Renée Fleming, it stars Kelli O’Hara. The Times calls the Westport resident “a Tony Award-decorated musical theater actress with opera bona fides (even at the Met, where she was a standout as Despina in Mozart’s ‘Così Fan Tutte’).”
That’s part of the intro to an interview published yesterday with Fleming, O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato.
Click here for the full (and very interesting) piece.
Kelli O’Hara (Photo/Thea Traff for New York Times)
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Every Staples High School reunion is a cause for celebration and remembrance.
COVID caused the Class of 1980 to wait an extra 2 years to gather for their 40th. But as they got together last month (and shook their heads that they’re all now 60 years old, or about to be) they turned their thoughts to classmate Susan Lloyd.
The popular, always-active native Westporter was diagnosed with cancer as a senior. She passed away while at Colgate University. Her parents and friends created the Susan Fund in her honor. For 4 decades, it has provided important educational scholarships to Fairfield County students diagnosed with cancer.
Ten years ago, the reunion class raised $2,300 for the Susan Fund. This year, they contributed $5,500.
Kelly Frey Pollard — Susan’s good friend, and a Susan Fund board member — created a beautiful display, with letters from classmates to Susan and her family during her battle with cancer. Classmates were encouraged to take their letters home, as mementoes.
Over 130 alumni attended the reunion. A 45th is planned for 2025 — with another contribution to the Susan Fund. To find out, more follow the “Staples Class 1980” Facebook page, or email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com,
The Class of 1980 display, of cards and letters sent to Susan Lloyd.
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The Westport Woman’s Club big clothing tag sale is next month. They’re getting ready — which means, they need items to sell.
Tax-deductible donations of new or gently-worn women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, handbags, scarves, hats and jewelry, can be dropped off weekdays (9 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.) at the WWC (44 Imperial Avenue).
Funds raised from this clothing tag sale support the town food closet, local charities throughout Fairfield County, and student scholarships.
The clothing tag sale is set for October 28-29 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and October 30 (noon to 3 p.m.). For more information, call 203-227-4240 or email wwc@westportwomansclub.org.
Westport Woman’s Club tag sale.
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Longtime Westporter Geoffrey Hooper died last week. He was 87 years old.
He was born in Victoria, British Columbia. After serving in the Canadian Air Force he met his first wife, Jeannette Lauzon, and moved to Connecticut to work for his father-in-law at Stamford Typesetting Corporation. In 1976 he bought the company with a partner, Frank DeBartolo.
At Stamford Type Geoff was a force to be reckoned with as a typesetter, salesman, accountant, proofreader and generous employer. He loved taking clients out charter fishing from Old Saybrook, and delivering bags of bluefish fillets to clients and friends. As the business changed from linotype to computers to desktop publishing and scanning, he kept up with all the new technologies.
When his children were growing up in Westport, Geoff was active in the Westport Community Theater and other acting groups.
After retiring in 2008 he spent most of his time at his favorite place: home. Geoff was a talented gardener who always grew too many seedlings, but was happy to share them with family and friends. He enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling, theatergoing, and the YMCA’s water aerobics classes.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Suzy; his brother Murray (Barbara); his children and their partners Debbie (Norman), Lynne (Gary), Geoff Jr. (Susan) and Kenneth (Kim); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother- and sister-in-law, Ken Solomon and Janice Lakey, and many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause of your choice.
Geoff Hooper, in the water.
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Last March, 3 dolphins hung out for a few days in Bermuda Lagoon, by Saugatuck Shores.
Westport architect Peter Cadoux did not see them. In all his years has boating on Long Island Sound, in fact, he has not seen a single dolphin.
Yesterday he made up for that. Peter was awed by a pod of about 100 dolphins, cavorting a couple of miles off Smithtown Bay. That’s almost directly across the water from Westport.
Here’s a close-up, for today’s fascinating “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photos/Peter Cadoux)
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And finally … in honor of the pod of dolphins, last seen frolicking in Long Island Sound:
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(Without “06880,” would you know there were dolphins right off our coast? Please click here, to help us continue to bring you all the stories of where Westport meets the world.)
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