I graduated from Staples High School. I worked there in many capacities, from 1982 until 2021. I was especially proud to spend 19 years as head coach of the boys soccer program.
I have always supported the school, the administrators who run and oversee it, and the superintendent and Board of Education.
Today however, I am heartbroken, ashamed, and furious with my alma mater, and those who oversee our school district.
Seven months after suspending head boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense and freshman boys coach Chris O’Dell — both former Staples captains who have given back to the program and town for 9 and 20 years, respectively — and 4 months after not renewing their contracts, the Board of Ed has finally granted one of them (Russell) an appeal hearing.
Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples boys soccer trophy case.
It’s scheduled for this Monday (May 12), 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
But it may be a show trial.
A hearing is not a court of law. The Board of Ed is both judge and jury.
Their own lawyer has determined which witnesses may be called, and what evidence — for example, Freedom of Information Act-available emails — may be considered.
Russell and Chris — beloved by nearly all their players, well-respected in the soccer community, Staples grads and good human beings — are being treated like criminals.
Actually, worse. Criminals have their day in court. The jury does not hire an attorney who determines what evidence they can and cannot see, and who they can and cannot hear from.
In a court of law, that’s decided by an independent judge.
Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.
They include testimony about a lack of athletic department policies and training pertaining to the case, the manner in which allegations against other coaches have been handled, and much more.
Those pieces of evidence, I believe, are crucial to the 2 coaches’ appeals.
But if the board does not see and hear them — because the superintendent objected to them, and the attorney the Board of Education hired deemed them “irrelevant” — then justice will not be served.
And two excellent coaches, excellent people, and excellent representatives of the school they graduated from (and love) will be kicked to the curb.
Our Board of Education can do better. Our superintendent can do better.
And the student-athletes who adore these coaches — and, agonizingly, cannot attend a 9 a.m. hearing to support them — deserve much, much better.
For nearly 20 years, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a favorite destination for healthy, delicious food.
And much more, including education, entertainment, and community.
Their 19th season begins tomorrow. The time and site are the same: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
What’s new: a special “Friend of the Market” bag. For $40 (click here), you can support the WFM — and offset vendors’ fees. That means they take home more revenue each week. Of course, they plow it right back into their farms.
To launch the season the Market will ring bells at 10 a.m., honoring a member who recently died.
Jon Jaeger — a mainstay at For Hill Farm’s booth — loved WFM, and was well loved. His sisters Sara and Jalna — also great supporters of WFM — will join the celebration. Shoppers are invited to bring their own bells to ring for Jon.
Also special this week: “Get Growing” for children, and Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” program (with seed giveaways).
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Also upcoming: the 9tn annual Westport Dog Festival.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/TAILS event is Sunday,May 18 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).
As Dog Festival once again features Police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, food trucks and more.
The winnter of the obstacle course earns a year’s supply of dog food.
Competitions offer prizes for best tail wager, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that looks most like its owner
There will be also be adoptables, and information about many non-profits.
New this year: Gilbert the Party Pig, for petting and feeding.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture booths, caricatures, games and giveaways. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.
Entrance is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So far, over $45,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups from the prior festivals. For more information, click here.
A small part of the big Dog Festival. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)
Among the 1,200+ homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens, a special selection of Connecticut native plants will be featured. Every plant has a tag with care information.
As always, there are decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day, and baked goods.
This year, shoppers can also bring garden tools to be sharpened by Edgewise.
Also new: donations of 1 gallon and larger plastic pots. The club will wash and recycle them
Members will happily offer advice on plant selection. A table with lists of native plants, and details about Westport’s Pollinator Pathway Project, will offer even more info.
Earthplace will host a children’s table, with nature-inspired activities, while the Westport Library Book Store offers a variety of garden-related books.
Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects, including maintenance of public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations. Cash and credit cards are accepted. For more information, click here.
Speaking of the environment, a reminder: Starting May 15, handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Westport. The prohibition runs through October 15.
Last year, the town received “numerous written complaints.” The Conservation office issued notices to 168 different properties.
Owners were told about the ordinance, and given information highlighting alternative options, impacts of noise, and how to limit emissions.
There were few surprises Tuesday night, when the Representative Town Meeting passed the town budget. There had been little controversy throughout the entire process.
In addition to a yearly ritual of restoring funds to the Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U program, the RTM voted 28-1 to add $25,000, which had previously been cut, for Earthplace.
One of the highlights of the night was a heartfelt speech by Jonathan Dobin-Smith. The Staples High School student spoke on behalf of classmates in his Science Research Honors program. He earned solid applause at the end.
Click here to see. If the link does not start at his remarks, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.
Connoisseur Media is a big name in Connecticut and New York radio.
Now they’re going national.
The Post Road East-based owner of 11 stations is buying Alpha Media. The Portland-based company owns some of Oregon’s best-known stations — and dozens of others around the country.
In fact, they own over 200 in all.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw, and his expansive view of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between April 30 and May 7.
A 68-year-old Milford woman was charged with DUI and evading responsibility, following a hit-and-run accident at Compo Road South and Bradley Street. The driver rode over a lawn, struck a fence and light post, and left the scene. She was released on $25,000 bond.
A 25-year-old West Haven man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, followin an investigation into 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen off of vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. He was held, after being unable to post $50,000 bond.
A 25-year-old New York City man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a theft at Ulta Beauty. He was transported to Westport, after being arrested in New Jersey, and held on an active arrest warrant.
A 67-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with larceny, after a purse was stolen from a table at Nômade. She was released on $50,000 bond.
A 35-year-old Fairfield woman was arrested on an active failure to appear warrant, after police responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 13 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Simple trespass: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Texting while driving (2nd offense): 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
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The “Shake It For Shea” silent auction is live.
Every dollar raised helps fund Long QT Syndrome research. The event is organized by Mark and Kira Greenfield, whose daughter was diagnosed with the cardiac condition. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
Items include:
Carbone dinner for 4 at any Carbone location
Grove XXIII golf foursome: Play at Michael Jordan’s exclusive club in Hobe Sound, Florida
VIP Knicks experience: 2 front-row seats, post-game photo on the MSG floor, and the option for your child to be the “ball kid” for pregame shoot-around
Golf and lunch with Knicks legends John Starks and Larry Johnson, at Westport’s own Birchwood Country Club.
Winged Foot golf for 3
Dinner for 3 with Stephon Marbury
Luxury hotel stays at Le Barthelemy (St. Barth), The Brazilian Court (Palm Beach), The Little Nell (Aspen) and Ocean House (Rhode Island)
Autographed sports memorabilia
Fine jewelry, including pieces from Howard Engle, Josh Levkoff Jewelry and JL Rocks.
The auction closes Sunday (May 11, 9 p.m.). Click here for all items, and to bid.
Tickts are still available for tomorrow’s gala (May 8, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). Click here to purchase.
And finally … in honor of the “Shake it For Shea” live auction, underway right now (story above):
(There’s plenty to do in Westport — and “06880” makes sure you know all about it all. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other blog features, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Many Westporters have seen yard signs that say “OK to Delay.”
They’re the work of a group advocating to push back the age at which children begin using cellphones and social media. Organizers say:
We recognize that there may be some confusion among some community members about our mission.
“Our goal is to unite parents who share a growing concern about the effects of early and excessive use of smartphones and social media. We’re dedicated to building a community of informed parents who are choosing to delay giving their kids smartphones, and to push back against the troubling trends we’re seeing in teen mental health. We believe that phone-free schools are an important piece of this puzzle.
“Our mission is rooted in community, and we feel lucky to live in a town filled with dedicated parents and educators. We welcome respectful conversations, and we aim to be approachable and inclusive.
“This is a non-shaming movement. We welcome families at all stages of technology use. It’s about learning how to delay and, eventually, how to help our kids use technology with healthy boundaries in the world we live in today.
“We don’t expect perfection in how we carry out this mission, or in our kids. But we do believe that, as adults, we have a responsibility to protect our children from the mental health impacts of smartphones and social media.
“To learn more, plese join us at any of our meetings or events, email us at oktodelay@gmail.com, or follow us on Instagram at @OKtoDelayWestport.”
OK to Delay is sponsoring an “Alternative Device Fair” this afternoon (Thursday, May 8, 2 to 6 p.m., Westport Library). A variety of non-smartphone brands — with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions — will show their products.
Dumber smartphones on display at today’s Ok to Delay “Alternative Device Fair.”
Posted onMay 8, 2025|Comments Off on In A Heartbeat, Your Child’s Life Can Be Saved
It was supposed to be a routine heart screening.
Christina Langone and her husband Chris were watching a Euro Championship soccer match when a Danish player suffered cardiac arrest.
A couple of years later in 2023, LeBron James’ son Bronny collapsed during a basketball workout at the University of Southern California. He too recovered from his cardiac arrest.
Lachlan Langones was a healthy, active Coleytown Middle School 7th grader, and a high-level soccer player. But when his parents saw a notice for free heart screening sponsored by the non-profit In a Heartbeat organization, they figured “why not”?
Lachlan Langone, around the time of his cardiac screening.
Christina and Lachlan got to the Staples High School cafeteria late. She apologized, but a volunteer said, “We’ll be here as long as we need to.”
Lachlan was tested like everyone else, in a private tent. It was quick and painless. The toughest part was taking the electrodes off.
That was that. Until the next day, when Christina got a call from a pediatric cardiologist who works with In a Heartbeat.
Lachlan’s EKG showed an abnormality. Like everyone the group screened, he could be seen within 48 hours at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in Darien.
The abnormality was Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome. WPW is asymptomatic.An extra electrical pathway leads to a rapid heartbeat. But in rare cases, it can lead to sudden death.
Soon, Lachlan had an ablation at Yale New Haven Children’s Center. A wire was inserted into a blood vessel, to burn an extra piece of nerve fiber conducting the electricity. The outpatient procedure has a high success rate, with low risk.
Lachlan went home that day. Soon he was back to soccer, and headed to Norway for a long-awaited hike.
Lachlan Langone gives a thumb’s-up to In a Heartbeat.
The other day, Christina and 2 other volunteers with In a Heartbeat talked about the organization.
Lachlan — now an 8th grader — was not there. He was in Florida, playing in a soccer tournament. The nerve did not regrow, so he is considered cured.
Without screening, he might have been at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Mike Papale and Caroline de Lasa, who joined Christina, both survived near-death experiences. They too want to spread the word about In a Heartbeat.
The next local screening is Tuesday, May 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Staples High School cafeteria. Pre-registration is requested (click here), but walk-ins are welcome too. It is open to children, teenagers and young adults.
Caroline’s harrowing story took place at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. She collapsed suddenly, while working out.
The stars were aligned. A trainer recognized she was in cardiac arrest. Another trainer performed high-quality CPR. Firefighters at the nearby Saugatuck station raced over, and used an AED (automated external defibrillator) to restart her heart.
“My kids might not have had their mother,” she says. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of screening.”
Caroline de Lasa, after her sudden cardiac arrest, and with her girls.
Mike agrees. He survived sudden cardiac arrest at 17. Two decades later, his heart condition is treated by medication.
Lachlan’s is hardly the only In a Heartbeat success story. Since 2021, they have screened over 10,000 Connecticut youngsters. At least 52 have needed follow-up care.
In addition to screening, In a Heartbeat has placed over 800 AEDs throughout Fairfield County. They know of at least 5 lives that have been saved directly through the easy-to-use devices.
About 23,000 children die in the US each year from sudden cardiac arrest. Ninety percent have conditions detectable by screening.
Statistically, Caroline says, 15 to 17 boys and girls in Westport have heart issues that can be caught through screening.
Christina, Caroline and Mike urge Westport parents to bring their children to the May 27 screening at Staples. They hope sports coaches will pass the word to their teams, too.
In a Heartbeat is a full-service program. While children are being screened, adults can practice CPR.
It costs $25 to screen each child. However, the service is free. In a Heartbeak relies on donations and grants to do its life-saving work. (Click here to contribute.)
Their goal is ambitious. Within 2 years, In a Heartbeat hopes to screen all 490,000 Connecticut K-12 youngsters. They would find 1,500 to 2,000 with detectable cardiac issues. The cost would be $12.25 million.
“For a family that’s never been affected by heart disease, it may be hard to understand,” Mike says. “Most kids are young, healthy people.
“And some people are afraid of knowing their kids may be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. But most cases are treatable. If doctors know enough, they can keep them safe.”
Mike papale, in the hospital nearly 20 years ago, and today.
If he had been screened, Mike could have been treated with an implanted defibrillator.
Nearly 2 decades after his own near-death experience — which ended well, because an off-duty EMT nearby provided high-quality CPR — Mike runs, works out, bikes, hikes and coaches basketball.
And — along with Mike — the EMT who saved his life goes to nearly every In a Heartbeat screening he can.
The next local screening is Tuesday, May 27, from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Staples High School cafeteria. Pre-registration is requested (click here), but walk-ins are welcome too.
Comments Off on In A Heartbeat, Your Child’s Life Can Be Saved
On Tuesday night, the Board of Education held a listening session. The topic was a proposed “bell to bell” smartphone ban at Staples High School. Several speakers referenced the “Ok to Delay” group.
A Staples parent, who has spent many years serving on PTAs and other youth-oriented boards, is concerned with the tone that group has tken.
She worries that the movement will impact her younger children if her family does not join in, which is why she asked for anonymity. She writes:
The name and educational mission attached to “OK to Delay” is innocuous. It implies that it is “OK” to delay your young children’s technology and social media use.
“OK” in our vernacular typically connotes a personal choice. As an educational resource for parents navigating a technologically advanced society, this mission is admirable. It is supported by many elementary and middle school parents, even those with older teens.
Highlighting the pros and cons, the realities and myths is useful, in light of many findings about technology, and children’s health and safety.
The mission of this organization, based on its own literature and website, is to “protect middle school from smartphones and social media.”
Since Ok to Delay could not achieve its goals at our already phone-free middle schools, the group decided to lobby at the high school level.
Staples parents are typically represented by our PTA, whose executive board made a unanimous recommendation against a bell-to-bell ban at Staples. They cited many valid reasons, which have already been covered on “06880.”
Rather than stating to the high school parents who approached them that the high school is outside of their purview, and that they defer to our own parent organization on this issue, Ok to Delay opted to help wage a battle against the Staples PTA.
Staples High School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Where has this battle occurred? Ironically, on social media.
Ok to Delay has begun, through its Instagram campaign and anonymous online petition, to label the Staples students as having a crisis they are trying to help solve.
Even their recent Instagram post encouraging parents to come to the townwide meeting to discuss the topic is filled with false impressions of Staples students.
“Want to see our Staples (or future Staples) students focused on learning and socializing while in school. Us too!” As opposed to what?
Staples has a phone-free classroom policy. With some exceptions when teachers do not enforce the ban, Staples students are inside their classrooms learning.
What do Staples students do at lunch or during free periods? They socialize.
“Want to utilize the school day as an opportunity to have 8 less hours of social media and screen time?” This statement is meant to provoke.
It is not, like many things in our time of disinformation, an accurate picture of who the Staples students are.
They do not lack for learning time. And they are certainly not inside their high school for 8 hours glued to social media; they know they don’t have the time.
Staples High School high honors graduates, with principal Stafford Thomas (far right) and vice principal Pat Micinilio (far left).
Is it perfect at Staples? The PTA has stated very clearly there are ways to improve upon the current policy.
Superintendent Scarice let the pot boil over. Without decisive action on his own proposed phone ban, he has opened the door to activism and antagonization.
Worst of all, he has let Staples students be labeled as something they are not.
They are hard workers. They are learners. They are achievers. They apply to esteemed colleges. They win academic honors. They compete for state athletic titles. They put on tremendous musical performances.
They are your babysitters. They are your lifeguards. They work downtown. They are your interns. They pick up your Christmas trees. They bring innumerable hours of community service to our town. via SLOBs and the National Charity League.
They help our elderly and our underserved. They fill our food pantries. They work your birthday parties and your summer sports camps. They are your children’s friends’ siblings.
They aren’t social media addicted zombies. Their phones support many of these pursuits, academic and job-related. Their mental health, according to our own data, is improving.
Staples High School baseball players are role models for younger children …
They drive past your signs and know they are being judged.
And they know that suddenly, through all their work at Staples to become technologically responsible near-adults on the verge of the real world, that their families have prepared them for, our town and many residents within it have suddenly labeled them a “problem.”
High school is hard enough in 2025, without the labeling from other adults.
Be careful with our children, OK to Delay. Don’t create a false narrative about the Staples students to serve your purposes. Don’t stereotype them to get your way.
… and entertain. Staples Players’ spring production was “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
Educate; don’t agitate.
Consensus is not possible on this issue. The ban very well may take hold.
But caricaturing our kids in your campaign is not far off from the ills of social media you seek to protect your own kids from.
The Staples community must work together to solve the real, not globalized, issues within the high school.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. To submit a piece, email 06880blog@gmail.com)
For many years, Paul Newman was an ardent Westport Country Playhouse supporter — publicly, and behind the scenes.
That was just one of his many philanthropic passions. The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — founded by the actor/race car driver/salad and lemonade king to provide opportunities for children with cancer and other serious illnesses to experience the joys of summer camp — has since evolved into a year-round, transformational program for thousands of children and their families.
For the last 2 winters, the Playhouse has collected audience donations during “A Sherlock Carol” to support camperships. For many years, they have also donated to the camp through their internal Sunshine Fund.
But several staff members wanted to become more actively involved. Bruce Miller, Playhouse archivist and long-time Hole in the Wall Gang camp volunteer, learned of “Helping Hands Work Days,” when groups help prepare for the summer.
Last week, Playhouse staff lent their hands.
Twelve people — led by artistic director Mark Shanahan — headed to the camp in Ashford, near Storrs. They cleared trails, cleaned yurts, spread gravel and prepped equipment.
Paul Newman died in 2008. But his spirit — at the Playhouse, and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — lives on.
And the Westport Country Playhouse is making sure it will continue, for many years to come.
From left: Maggie Meath, Andrea Quiles, Matthew Melchiore, Kelly Richards Mikolasy, Brad Baldwin, Lisa Ficco, Bruce miller, Beth Miller, Markk Shanahan, Beth Huisking, Rick Davis, Molly Sackett.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
After several years and 2 attempts, the Fairfield County Hunt Club will build a new racquets facility.
On Monday, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve the 22,000-square foot indoor tennis and squash court building.
The original plan — for outdoor paddleball courts — met strong opposition from neighbors.
This time, residents on nearby Hunt Club Lane opposed the size of the structure, and possible noise from HVAC machinery.
The P&Z vote was 6-1. John Bolton opposed.
Also on Monday, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved the Board of Education’s $150.4 million operating budget.
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Last night, in what has become an annual ritual, the RTM voted 28-2 to restore Wheels2U’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Westport Transit District directors Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad thanked the 400 residents who wrote letters in support of the service, which links riders with the 2 train stations, and their homes, jobs and other spots in town.
To raise awareness about safety, the Westport Police Department is sponsoring a community forum.
The May 13 event (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will cover rules and regulations (for riders and motorists), street awareness, and tips and resources for all ages. A Q-and-A session will follow.
The evening will feature law enforcement officials and safety director Charles Foster of SCBC Safe Rides.
Class 3 e-bike.
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Speaking of safety: a car fire broke out during the Westport Rotary Club’s meeting yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.
While the service organization was handing out $285,000 in grants at its annual awards luncheon, to 46 Fairfield County non-profits, Westport firefighters doused the blaze. There were no injuries, and no damage to the building.
Meanwhile, all the funds were handed out successfully, and received gratefully. The recipients provide services for victims of homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health and other challenges. Of the nearly 4 dozen awardees, 1/3 ar based in Westport.
The grants come from the Rotary Club’s annaul LobsterFest. Mark your calendar: This year’s is September 20.
A small part of the large Rotary Club crowd. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
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If you’ve ever sat on the beach, watched sailboat races and wondered what it’s like to be on the water: This could be your summer.
You can join a boat — for free.
Cedar Point Yacht Club is looking for crews, for various fleets:
Atlantic (Saturdays, Sundays)
Flying Scot, Lightning, Thistle (Saturdays)
Vanguard 15 (Thursday, Fridays [women], Sundays
Cruising Class (Wednesdays, Saturdays). Click here for opportunities. Captains will welcome you aboard.
Cedar Point racing. (Photo/Richard Gordon)
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Wakeman Town Farm thinks of everything.
Including “Sensory Safari: Farm Fun for Neurodiverse Kids.”
The gentle, sensory-friendly animal adventure is designed for children ages 3-8.
The 45-minute session includes the chance to interact with goats, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and chickens.
The relaxed pace includes plenty of time to observe, touch (as comfortable), and engage with the animals in a calm, supportive environment.
The class is run by Jewell Ailes, an educator who works in an intensive resource room one-on-one with students with ASD and other special needs.
Wednesday classes are May 21 and 28, and June 4 and 11 (4:15 to 5 p.m.). For more information and to register, click here.
Fun at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Last month, Cory Booker delivered the longest recorded speech in US Senate history. For 25 hours and 5 minutes, he protested President Trump, and his administration.
He’ll speak for considerably less time next month, in Westport.
But the New Jersey Democrat will be here, raising funds for his re-election campaign. The event is June 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. For details, email lizmilwe@gmail.com.
Henry Patrick Raleigh was a noted Westport illustrator. He drew for magazines like the Saturday Evening Post and Colliers.
The Society of Illustrators calls him a “’star’ during the Golden Age of American Illustration (1900–1930). His graceful, fluid drawings, usually of crowded social scenes, were done in line, wash or colored inks and seemed to flow from his fingertips….
“Home to Raleigh was what is now the famous artist’s colony of Westport, Connectict. He, George Wright, Frederick Dorr Steele and Rose O’Neill helped pioneer that area’s popularity.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald — another noted Westporter — called his work “the best illustrations I’ve ever seen.” Decades later, in 1991, art historian Benjamin Eisenstat said, “Raleigh was the highest paid illustrator in America, and perhaps the world.”
The home he once lived in — 167A Compo Road South — is now on the market.
Built in 1913, the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2,103-square foot house on 2 acres is listed for $1.895 million.
Let’s hope it appeals to someone who appreciates the history behind it.
Plenty of Westporters celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Monday, at several of our town’s Mexican restaurants.
But no one had a better time than Andrew Colabella. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, and man about town, celebrated in style at Viva Zapata.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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From the Revolutionary Era to today, artists have explored our nation’s evolving understanding of itself through depictions of Old Glory.
On May 29 (6 p.m., MoCA CT), Dr. Robin Jaffee Frank’s “O Say Can You See: Artists Reimagine the Flag” gallery talk will describe how artists incorporate the stars and stripes into their work, to “achieve aesthetic ends, critique social and political inequities, celebrate freedom and democracy, support and mourn our troops, and express despair and hope.”
The “06880” panel on youth sports is 1 week from today.
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
It’s May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
Topics include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
I’ll moderate the event, and include time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
And finally … on this date in 1824, Beehoven’s Ninth Symphony — perhaps his most famous — had its world premiere in Vienna.
(Beethoven had patrons. “06880” is not a musical genius — just a hyper-local blog. But we depend on donors too. Please click here to support our work. Meanwhile, enjoy the music!)
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Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.
