The Hamlet at Saugatuck — the retail/residential/hotel/marina proposal to remake part of Westport’s first commercial neighborhood — is moving through the regulatory process.
Yesterday, Matthew Mandell — the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member whose District 1 includes Saugatuck — sent this report.
This Monday (March 24, 6 p.m., Zoom), Planning & Zoning Commission hearings continue with a staff report, questions by the P&Z, and the first of a number of town-hired consultants speaking.
The public might be gotten to, but there is time to absorb more before speaking
Earlier on Monday (noon), the P&Z will take a field trip to Saugatuck. If you are interested in watching the P&Z tour, come along. I am sure you will learn something. (NOTE: Only the P&Z may ask questions. This is not a public hearing.)
Drones will be flown to show the heights of the buildings.
Artists’ rendering of Hamlet buildings, on Riverside Avenue.
Here is a timeline. The Thursday (March 27) hearing has been canceled. Consultants paid for by the applicant (The Hamlet) have been hired to vet and double check the application and proposal. That’s part of the process.
A major consultant, though, has not begun their work, because the fee was paid only late this week.
As there is a statutory time constraint to this process, P&Z asked the developers for a 65-day extension (the norm). Their attorney gave them 35 days.
More extensions will be required, so why not just do it all now?
What happens if time runs out, and there is more to do? IMHO, the P&Z would deliver a denial without prejudice, and a new application would need to be filed. Better to get all the extensions than go through that hassle.
The Hamlet proposal includes “re-skinning” the 21 Charles Street building (opposite Zucca Gastrobar, at the corner of Franklin Street.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board will hear the application April 2. They will probably need this new consultant’s report to properly engage. So another hearing might be needed, as time is tight now for the consultant to do their work.
This would then go to the Conservation Commission, to weigh both waterway issues and the environmental clean-up.
Those hearings begin April 23 and continue to April 30, with a decision sometime in May.
These meetings are a big part of the process. I have seen slam dunk proposals get sidetracked by conservation issues.
P&Z will continue down its road, with another hearing March 31, probably April 7, and on into late April and May.
P&Z cannot close their hearing until a Conservation decision has been handed to them. It could be into June before a full decision is made, but late May is possible.
A view of the Saugatuck area proposed for redevelopment. Rememediation would be needed in the area of Minute Man Cleaners (above). Decades ago, it was the site of an automobile dealership.
All this is besides approvals by the state Department of Transporation and possibly other agencies, governing many of the things proposed. P&Z does not usually base decisions on future third-party decisions.
There are other pieces. An 8-24 for use of town property will also need to be filed with P&Z, which could slow the timeline.
The Historic District Commission will have to weigh in as well, as every building involved is under their jurisdiction — not just the historic ones on Railroad Place.
The Board of Selectwomen, acting as the town’s Traffic Authority, will also need to render decisions on traffic and parking issues.
This is a very large proposal. Much needs to be looked at. The public has already begun to engage, with letters into the file and opinion pieces in the press. I anticipate this will continue, and increase.
(To delve into the ever-expanding list of items concerning the proposal and application, click here.)
The other day, Westport attorneys and longtime civic volunteers Ken Bernard and Lawrence Weisman spoke to 24 Ukrainian law students.
The Zoom session focused on the American legal system, and what Bernhard and Weisman believe is President Trump’s threat to the Constitution.
Ken Bernhard (top) and Lawrence Weisman, in a poster advertising their Zoom lecture.
Bernhard has taught law in Ukraine before. He became friendly with Professor Dmitriy Kamensky, who arranged this and a previous event (and translated for the Americans).
Professor Kamensky will be in Westport at the end of June.
Here is what Bernhard and Weisman told the Ukrainian law students.
I want to thank Professor Kamensky for inviting my colleague attorney Weisman and me to discuss with you our thoughts on the current political and Constitutional issues facing the US.
To avoid any misunderstanding, we are not speaking for anyone other than ourselves. We are not connected with any organization or political party.
Let me first set the stage for our discussion. Why do we have a Constitution?
A Constitution is a foundational document that establishes the basic principles, structure and processes by which a government operates. It serves as a framework for organizing political power, defining the rights of citizens, and outlining the responsibilities and limitations of various branches of government.
A Constitution is intended:
To limit and prevent abuses of government power;
To provide stability by establishing a clear structure, and a set of rules to foster consistency and predictability and to maintain order;
To define and protect individual rights upon which government may not infringe;
To reflect a nation’s core values and to serve as a statement of collective identity and purpose;
To distribute power among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful; and,
To promote accountability and the rule of law.
The US Constitution distributes power among 3 co-equal branches of government: the Executive (the president and his cabinet, nominated by him and approved by Congress); the Congress (made up of the Senate, with 2 senators from each state regardless of size, and the House of Representatives, reflecting the size of the population of each state); and the Judiciary.
The Founding Fathers, who wrote the Constitution in 1787, purposefully intended to separate power so that each branch could provide checks and balances to the other 2, and prevent the concentration of power in one branch or in one person. The American colonialists had just fought a revolution to separate from a king. They wanted a new form of government, where power was more democratic.
For our system to function effectively, however, each branch of government must play its part, and each must acknowledge the limits on its power. When one branch of government fails to discharge its Constitutional responsibility or to check another branch from asserting power, the stage is set for a Constitutional crisis. That is what we, Ken and me, fear we are seeing in the new administration.
President Trump is claiming executive powers that no previous president has ever asserted, and for the moment, the Republican majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives is letting him do it.
This surrender of power by the Congress can foster autocracy and corruption. It undermines cultural norms and long-standing policies that, while not specifically set out in the Constitution, are the rules by which the US has governed itself for the 240 years.
With the executive branch seemingly intent on undermining the Constitution, and the legislative branch unwilling to play its proper role, Ken and I feel that our country is facing a Constitutional crisis, and our democracy must look to the judiciary (the courts) to provide a check on the executive branch. The problem is that courts and cases take time to resolve issues.
When one branch of government asserts superiority over the others, it can have serious consequences including:
Erosion of our Constitutional government, specifically the separation of powers
A reduction in accountability where the rule of law is weakened and fundamental democratic principles violated, and
A government that causes uncertainty, public disillusionment, unrest, and political instability
That’s what Ken and I fear is happening now in the US.
Here are some examples of Trump’s overreach of executive power:
Unlawful impoundment of funds: The Trump administration unilaterally delayed or canceled appropriations enacted into law, a practice known as impoundment, which is prohibited under the Constitution.
Interference with Congressional investigations: President Trump made aggressive constitutional claims to protect his financial records, challenging congressional committees’ authority and undermining the separation of powers.
Politicization of the Justice Department: The administration’s actions, including the dismissal of inspectors general without proper notice or rationale, compromised the independence of oversight bodies designed to ensure executive accountability.
Violation of the Emoluments Clauses: President Trump received substantial payments from foreign governments through his businesses, raising concerns about violations of the Constitution’s Domestic and Foreign Emoluments Clauses.
Disregard for the Appointments Clause: The administration’s frequent use of “acting” officials in key positions without seeking Senate confirmation raised concerns about bypassing the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.
Unilateral military actions: President Trump ordered military strikes without seeking congressional approval, raising questions about the executive’s war powers under the Constitution.
First Amendment violations: The administration barred journalists from certain events, infringing on press freedoms protected by the First Amendment.
Interference with federal employment: Advisor Elon Musk’s directive requiring federal employees to justify their job roles led to confusion and legal challenges, potentially infringing on due process rights.
Erosion of democratic norms: The administration’s governance style, characterized by treating the state as personal property and rewarding loyalty over competence, led to significant corruption and incompetence within the government.
Disregard for judicial authority: Following unfavorable rulings, President Trump and his allies attacked the judiciary, undermining the constitutional principle of an independent judicial branch.
These actions collectively represent significant challenges to our constitutional framework and our democratic principles and we fear we are in the beginning of a Constitutional crisis.
Posted onMarch 22, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
Westport artist Mark Yurkiw has created over 2,000 “story-telling sculptures” during his 50-year career.
They’ve been seen on TV, films and billboards, and in magazines and newspapers.
Several are now on display at the Senior Center. They make visitors engage, think and smile.
But they do a lot more too. All are available for purchase.
Donations will help ship another 40-foot container of medical equipment to Ukraine. This is the 6th time Yurkiw has done this, for his country of ancestry.
The equipment is in a warehouse, waiting for $7,800 to be raised. In addition to sculpture sales at the Senior Center, tax-deductible contributions can be made by clicking here. Include the words “For shipping” with donations.
But that’s not all.
Yurkiw is also collecting generators, chain saws and tools for auto repairs. All are also desperately needed in Ukraine.
They can be dropped off by the garage doors at 190 Cross Highway. To arrange pickup, call 646-873-0050.
Over 200 Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and guests, heard US Representative Jim Himes address many important issues on Thursday.
Among the topics: tariffs, international relations, US support of Ukraine, the Mideast, Social Security, Medicare, the balance of power between the 3 branches of governmentn and much more.
Click below, to hear our congressman’s take on the world.
Yesterday, “06880” reported on the decision by Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo to replace the handsome metal Block “S” honor — the highest honor for any Wrecker, awarded to 2 athletes on every varsity team, for over 70 years — with much less expensive, generic plaques.
The story included a photo of a typical Block “S”:
But it did not show the replacement. For comparison, here is what athletes this year receive:
Sarullo responded to “06880” yesterday. He said, “The decision was made last summer. I did not hear any complaints until this week.
“We are talking to the company that makes the Block ‘S’ awards, to see how creative we can be.”
Addressing public concerns about the change, he added, “We are not taking this lightly. I hope everyone will be patient. We’ll see what we can do.”
The new restaurant — with a Main Street address, but whose main entrance is off Elm Street, opposite Serena & Lily — was packed, for a special soft opening party last night.
WVEMS deputy director Marc Hartog and his granddaughter enjoy Sushi Jin. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)
The sushi, dumplings and other menu items, well-stocked bar, and warm, welcoming Japanese-style decor have all the markings of the town’s newest hot spot.
Sushi Jin chefs at work. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The official opening is tomorrow (Sunday).
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, around the corner at Bedford Square, The Blondinit Israeli restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Shabbat candle lighting ceremony.
Families wait for candle lighting at The Blondinit. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A national audience knows Craig Melvin as the new host of NBC’s “Today” show.
Westporters know him as a youth basketball coach, and an owner of the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.
Tomorrow (Sunday, 3 p.m.), he’ll step onto the Norwalk Concert Hall stage. He’ll narrate the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” The work closes with the famous words: “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Also on the bill: “American in Paris, “Afro-American Symphony,” “Barber of Seville Overture” and more. Click here for more details.
Craig Melvin
=================================================
“Southern Fried” — the best in classic rock, blues and R&B — takes over the VFW tonight (March 22, 7 p.m. doors opoen, music at 8 p.m.).
Matt Zako and Barn Brew Co. promise “a night of great tunes, cold drinks, and fun with friends.”
Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 at the door.
Plus: The first draft beer is free. Now that’s Southern hospitality!
For 14 years, longtime Westporter Peter Bradeen and his son Peter Jr. have jumped into Long Island Sound long before the rest of us. His other sons, Ethan and Luke, are regulars too.
They’ve joined a fundraiser for Connecticut Special Olympics. More than 12,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports, and participate in 4 annual state games.
This year’s event is April 6 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield).To help Peter Jr. reach his goal, click here.
In the wake of a second discovery of a swastika in a Weston school, 2 Westport rabbis, and the pastors of 2 Weston churches, issued this statement:
“Echoing the words used by Weston Board of Education chair Steve Ezzes in his recent message, we too are ‘full of sadness and frustration’ at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.
“Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.
“Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.
“We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.
“As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.
“In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.
“We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.
“We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.
“Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.”
L’shalom — in peace,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue
In Solidarity,
Rev. Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Rev. Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church
And finally … Stephen Sondheim was born on this date, 95 years ago. He died in 2021 — 71 years after spending the summer as an apprentice at the Westport Country Playhouse.
There are so many great songs to choose from. Here are 3 — all starting with his initials, “S.”
(“Isn’t it rich …” Hey, we couldn’t resist using that line to remind readers that “06880” relies on your support. Please click here to help us continue our work. No clowning around. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …
We’re beginning our 6th year of this feature. It started in the very early days of COVID. The goal was to encourage homebound residents a chance to paint, draw or photograph their feelings about the pandemic.
It quickly evolved into a gallery for art of all themes, and all genres. Submissios poured in, from Westporters and “06880” readers far away.
When the immediate crisis eased, we kept going.
Now — 5 years later — today’s edition includes the most number of works ever: 17.
Thanks to all who are represented today. And all who have helped make this a valued and much-anticipated feature of “06880,” every Saturday morning since March of 2020.
So, to reiterate: We invite submissions from all “06880” readers. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Go Outside and Play!” — digital illustration (Ken Runkel)
“Take Down These Barriers and Get Out of My Way!” (Mike Hibbard)
A year ago, Sweet P Bakery was selling “Colossal Cookies” at The Porch.
They were big, soft and delicious. Everyone loved them. But the small Cross Highway deli was — admit it — the minor leagues.
This month, Sweet P Bakery owners Bill and Andrea Pecoriello got called up to the Majors.
That’s not a metaphor.
Thursday is opening day at Yankee Stadium. And — along with Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Anthony Volpe — fans will cheer for Sweet P’s sweet & salty, chocolate chip and M&M cookies.
Sooooo good!
They’ll join Bobby Flay, The Halal Guys, Benihana and other legendary purveyors at the famed ballpark’s concession stands and luxury suites.
As often happens in sports, the call-up came quickly — after years of hard work.
Westporter Mike Loparo was a frequent customer at The Porch, the Pecoriello’s business. It began as an outgrowth of Sweet P, the couple’s non-profit bakery that offers training and employment for adults with disabilities.
Loparo’s day job is vice president of retail, marketing and licensing at Legends Hospitality. The company runs food, beverage, merchandise and retail operations at professional and college stadiums around the country.
Why, he asked, aren’t Sweet P’s cookies at Yankee Stadium?
Why not indeed? the Pecoriellos asked. Get us a meeting!
Andrea and Bill Pecoriello.
Last July, Loparo delivered cookies to Robert Flowers, the stadium’s new executive chef.
He loved them. He also loved Sweet P’s mission, working with people with disabilities.
A lot of non-profit food companies have great stories, Flowers said. Not a lot have great products too.
From late August through the World Series, Sweet P supplied cookies for dessert carts in luxury suites. A small card on the cart described the company’s work.
The cookies were always fresh. Loparo hand-delivered them every day.
Legends brought Sweet P on, for the 2025 season. Last week they were showcased — along with returning and new food companies — at the Yankees’ big media day.
All of Sweet P’s bakers were there. Major TV station and key social media influencers interviewed them about their cookies. They were eager to talk about their products — and the way Sweet P helped them find employment, make friends, and enriched their lives.
Telling the Sweet P story for TV.
Stadium executives, even other chefs, jostled to have photos taken with the Sweet P employees.
The added demand for Sweet P cookies will likely lead to more employment opportunities.
The Pecoriellos get several calls a week from parents with adult children with disabilities who like baking. Sweet P may now be able to teach even more of them those skills — along with others, like packng and shipping.
Sweet P has a 3,000-square foot commercial kitchen in Norwalk, with a loading dock.
“We can handle whatever the Yankees throw at us,” Andrea says confidently.
Getting ready, at Yankee Stadium.
This is a feel-good, up-to-the-majors story for sure. “It’s literally a home run,” Andrea says.
But unlike one about a big league ballplayer, this might have a different ending.
As good as Aaron Judge is, he can only play for one team at a time.
Legends executives have already started talking with the Pecoriellos about supplying cookies to other stadiums around the country. A major hotel in Boston is interested too.
What a grand slam that would be!
(Sweet P’s Colossal Cookies will be available at Yankee Stadium concourses by Sections 121 and 211. To learn more about Sweet P — and order online — click here. To learn more about Yankee Stadium food services, click here.)
(Play ball! “06880” often highlights local businesses, non-profits — and the many Westporters doing good things, here and everywhere. If you enjoy these stories, please click here to support our work.)
The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge was the site of recent rallies against the Trump administration.
Three years ago, it was where crowds gathered after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Two years earlier, there were Black Lives Matter protests there.
Wars — Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam — have been the target of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge gatherings too.
In fact, just about any controversial national event ends up being argued about on the Post Road span. (With plenty of approving honks, and disapproving middle finger salutes, from passing drivers.)
But the bridge did not always look as broad — or provide as much amble room to stand — as it does today.
Here’s a view of the previous wooden bridge, in an early 1900s postcard from Jack Whittle’s collectin. Relics from an old toll collection system can be seen at the bottom (east bank of the Saugatuck River).
An even earlier view was recently posted to social media.
It too shows National Hall — the town’s first meeting place (and site of its newspaper, Horace Staples’ bank, and the very first location for his Staples High School) — along with a streetcar.
Plus a few men. They may be fishing, walking or chatting.
But they probably were not protesting.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
For the past couple of years, Westport has suffered thefts from private mailboxes. Checks are stolen, altered and cashed.
Amazingly, thieves also hit the big blue drop box outside Westport’s main post office in Playhouse Square.
Last Friday night — in a stupendously surprising and brazen move — the mail drop inside the post office was victimized. (The outside box was too).
Bad guys apparently “fish” for mail through the small slot. The staff is gone at night, but the front part of the building is open.
Westport’s postal clerks (who are perhaps the friendliest and most helpful in the entire US Postal Service) advise handing mail — particularly checks — directly to them.
Even the mail slot on the left is no longer safe (after hours).
================================================
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets next Thursday (March 27, 6 p.m., Zoom).
They’ll continue to discuss a request for special permit/coastal site plan approval for The Hamlet at Saugatuck: the mix of hotel, residential and non-residential uses in the area bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place, Franklin Street and Charles Street.
Part of the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan: a market, adjacent to Luciano Park, where boats are now stored in a private parking lot.
For nearly 50 years, Neighborhood Studios has helped underserved children and those with special needs throughout Fairfield County.
Programs include an art institute for children ages 4-12; a dance academy for those as young as 3; theater for 6-12-year-olds; a Saturday studio; a music school, and a conservatory for teenagers serious about the visual arts, media, music, theater and dance. It’s hands-on, dynamic, fun. Neighborhood Studios offers hope, and changes lives.
Program graduates have gone on to attend colleges like Yale, the University of Connecticut, Howard University, Art Institute, Parsons School of Design, the New School, and Berklee College of Music. Some have become music or art teachers — and Broadway performers.
(That’s an added bonus. The goal of Neighborhood Studios is not to produce lifelong artists. It’s to use the arts to help each child achieve his or her potential — and, hopefully, nurture a lifelong love of the arts.)
It’s a small operation, with a big mission. And some of Neighborhood Studios’ driving forces are Westporters. Board members include Rita Appel, Bob Jacobs and Laurie Gross.
Laurie and Jeff Gross, their son Zack and his wife Sheera, Jim and Lizzie Wolf, Tauck and Brigade Capital Management are sponsors of a very cool “Dueling Pianos” fundraiser.
The April 24 event (7 p.m., Park City Music Hall, Black Rock) includes (or course) music — with a twist. Attendees can request favorite songs, then sing and dance along. There’s plenty of food and drinks, too. Click here for tickets, and more information.
=================================================
Speaking of the arts: Cabaret Olé — the fundraiser for the Staples High School Orphenians and VOCES8 Foundation that includes entertainment, Spanish tapas, a raffle and a silent auction — just got even better.
A VIP Flash Sale ticket — now just $170 — includes special seating, and a meet-and-greet (with photos) with “Wicked” star Mary Kate Morrissey, “Wicked” music director Dan Micciche, and more.
The raffle includes up to 10 nights at the Pineapple Beach Club in Antigua, theater tickets, restaurant gift cards and more. The silent auction features over 80 experiences and items. Bidding begins at noon on March 30; click here.
Cabaret Olé is March 30 (6 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Preferred tickets are $150; general admission is $125. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Speaking (still) of entertanment: VersoFest has added another big name to next month’s music-and-more Westport Library event: 3-time Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist and co-founder of The Roots, Black Thought.
A conversation with “one of the best lyricists in hip hop history” and community leader June Archer is set for April 5 (4 p.m.; free).
Copies of Black Thought’s memoir, “The Upcycled Self: A Memoir on the Art of Becoming Who We Are,” will be for sale, with the author signing copies after the talk.
Black Thought and Questlove founded The Roots in 1987. From humble beginnings performing on Philadelphia street corners to commercial success, they expanded their reach as the house band for Jimmy Fallon, on “Late Night” and “The Tonight Show.”
Click here for more information on Black Thought. Click here for full details on VersoFest ’25.
Black Thought
================================================
And more about music: Voices Café often attracts interesting artists, from up and down the East Coast.
On April 5, one of them is a homegrown talent.
In fact, very talented.
Dustin Lowman — a 2011 Staples High School graduate, now making his name as a New York-based singer/songwriter — opens for Lucy Kaplansky.
Dustin says: “In the years since leaving Westport, I’ve forged an unconventional path, using the tools that growing up there afforded me.
Livingston Taylor says,“Dustin is on the path of a terrific musical career. His musical voice is waiting to be heard by those hungry for the next real thing.”
Kaplansky has gained a fervid following over 3 decades for her folk-inflected singing and songwriting.
Click here for tickets about the show at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, and more information.
Hey, Staples High School Class of 1985: Your 40th (!) reunion is coming!
Organizers have planned a welcome gathering on July 18 at the Black Duck, followed by a July 19 dinner at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club, and brunch at Compo the next morning.
Female high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a college or vocational school can apply for a $3,000 Philanthropic Educational Organization scholarship.
Criteria include academic success, community service and financial need. For more information click here, or email pal9948@aol.com.
Staples graduate and prolific author Carl Addison Swanson has a new book out. It’s called “Thank You For Your Service!”
The author says: “The beloved boat bum Hush McCormick is back on center stage as he is hired by a veteran’s wife to get her husband out of an immigrant detention center in Buffalo.
“While the vet in question served his country honorably in Iraq with 2 deployments, he is not a naturalized citizen, and subject to deportation if he commits 3 misdemeanors or 1 felony. Follow Hush and his small band of Marines who try the impossible: help a fellow Marine get out of federal prison.”
And finally … hey, didn’t Bob Dylan kind of predict the mail drop thefts (story above) in this song?
(Whether you’re in Westport, Mobile, Memphis — or anywhere else in the world — if you enjoy “06880,” we hope you support our work. As Dylan says; “I want you.” Please click here to donate. Thanks!)
Last night, the Board of Education confirmed the appointment of Dr. Anna Mahon as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.
The Brookfield educator — and former Olympic athlete — joins the Westport Public Schools on July 1. She replaces Dr. Anthony Buono, who is retiring.
In announcing her selection last night, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice cited a “rigorous” interview process. He said Dr. Mahon impressed staff, parents, BOE members and administrators with her experience, passion, commitment to students, clarity of thought and communication skills.
A press release from the Westport Public Schools says:
Dr. Mahon brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in education to the Westport Public Schools.
She currently serves as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and human resources with the Brookfield Public Schools.
Dr. Anna Mahon
Prior to this role, which she assumed in August 2022, Dr. Mahon had a long and accomplished tenure at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge. She began as an English teacher in 2000, advanced to English Department chair in 2007, was promoted to associate principal in 2010, and served as principal from 2015 to 2022. Dr. Mahon has also taught high school English in Darien and Stamford.
She recently completed a term as a member with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. She has also served on the National Merit Scholarship Corporation advisory board and the Executive Board for the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) board of control.
Additionally, Dr. Mahon is an adjunct professor in the doctoral Program in educational leadership at the University of Bridgeport.
Dr. Mahon holds a bachelor of arts degree in English and psychology from the University of Vermont. She earned a master of arts in teaching secondary English from Boston University.
She continued her studies with a sixth year degree in educational leadership from Southern Connecticut State University and a doctor of education in educational leadership and internatiolnal educational studies from the University of Bridgeport.
Beyond her contributions to education, Dr. Mahon is also a former Olympic athlete. She competed with the US track and field team in the 4-kilogram hammer throw at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
She later served as an assistant coach for Yale University’s men’s and women’s track and field teams (2004 to 2012).
Her experiences as both an elite athlete and coach have further shaped her leadership skills and dedication to excellence. Colleagues who have worked with Dr. Mahon speak highly of her leadership skills.
Scarice said, “It is rare to find a candidate with the depth and range of leadership experience and expertise that Anna brings. She brings a long track record of success as a leader from the building level and central office level. In addition to her expertise and experience, Anna brings an extraordinary moral compass to her work. This was noted throughout the search process and across the reference checks.”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Her experiences as both an elite athlete and coach have further shaped her leadership skills and dedication to excellence. Colleagues who have worked with Dr. Mahon speak highly of her leadership skills.