A Staples High School graduate was among 9 people arrested, after more than 200 protestors took over Barnard College’s main library on Wednesday.
Gabrielle Wimer was part of the pro-Palestinian group. According to the New York Times, they demanded “the reversal of the expulsions of two Barnard students who were punished for interrupting a ‘History of Modern Israel’ class on Jan. 21 and distributing fliers, including one that showed a jackboot squashing a Jewish star.
“They also called for the reinstatement of a student expelled for participating in the takeover of Hamilton Hall on the Columbia campus last spring.”
The New York Post said that “the protesters smashed glass, barricaded the building from the inside and draped a large flag calling for ‘intifada.'”
Pro-Palestinian protestors at Barnard College. Many wore masks and keffiyehs. (Photo/Michael Nagle for New York Post)
It added, “the disruptors taken into custody included several from privileged backgrounds, including one whose family founded the popular Hampton Jitney bus service in the 1970s — and one rabble rouser who had been busted at two other protests and has called for the ‘overthrow’ of America.”
The Washington Free Beacon said, “Wimer is a medical student at Columbia’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. According to screenshots of her LinkedIn that has since been deleted, she is ‘passionate about global health and human rights’ and has ‘experience in research, program management, and community outreach in multicultural settings.’
“Wimer is the Class of 2025 president, the programming coordinator for Columbia’s Human Rights and Asylum Clinic, and an active member of Columbia’s chapters of White Coats for Black Lives and Students for a National Health Program, according to an online bio.”
Gabrielle Wimer’s LinkedIn profile. It has since been deleted.
A 2016 “06880” story focused on Wimer’s work with mealworms. The larval form of a beetle — once thought of as a pest — can be baked or fried, for human consumption as a healthful snack food. They help improve nutrition in areas that desperately need it.
She was part of a group that won $20,000 in seed funding, from 3 organizations, including the Clinton Global Initiative University Resolution Project, for work that could help solve pressing health issues.
“This is perfect for me,” she said. “It combines science, sustainable agriculture and public health.”
Part of her mealworm research took place at Wakeman Town Farm.
Gabby Wimer
The story noted that in Wimer was a 4-year varsity swimmer and water polo player at Staples, where she also played violin, and sang in the choir.
She spent 8 years swimming with the Y’s Water Rats, and helped out with Amnesty International.
She majored in history, philosophy, and social study of science and medicine, as well as human rights. at the University of Chicago, and did volunteer work in Rwanda.
Before medical school at Columbia, Gabrielle worked in global health and education in Guatemala and Jordan.
“I always wanted to do global health work. But I never knew about mealworms,” Gabby told “06880.”
Westporters reacted strongly to the news.
“God help us all if Columbia allows her to remain in medical school,” one woman wrote to “06880.”
A post on social media said: “This young individual did great things in the past … what happened to make her lose her moral compass?
Protests continued Thursday, at Columbia University.
Wimer and the others were released with desk appearance tickets.
The Westport Fire Department responded yesterday afternoon to a house fire on Tarone Drive. One resident was injured, and taken to Norwalk Hospital.
The WPD reminds everyone to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.
Dayling Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Move your clocks forward one hour! Whenever you change your clocks, remember to change your batteries!
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More than half a century after graduating from Staples High School, I made my Players debut.
I was a guest speller last night in their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
It was short-lived. I got knocked out on my first word: kumis. As I sure as heck did not know, the fermented milk drink from Central and East Asia is spelled not with a “c,” but with a “k.” (It’s also known as koumis or kumyz, neither of which I would have gotten either.)
Yours truly being given a loser’s prize by Mitch Mahoney (Yusef Abdallah), after failing in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
My fellow guest spellers — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and Bedford Acting Group director Ryan Smith — lasted longer than I did.
Neither of them won, either. (Spoiler alert: No guest speller has ever won, in the history of the Broadway show. It’s rigged!)
“Older” spellers (from left) Stafford Thomas, Dan Woog, Jen Tooker and Ryan Smith, on stage with the Staples cast, who are much better spellers (and actors).
But boy, did we have fun. Thank you, Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long, for the invitation. And great job Players, making us all feel welcome!
The show continues today (Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Leaf Coneybear (Cooper Gusick, center) entertains Staples principal Stafford Thomas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. (All photos/Kerry Long)
Chef Brian Lewis — whose OKO and The Cottage are Westport favorites — was recently named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award (“Best Chef Northeast” category).
Now he’s introducing a new dining experience.
The OKO-KASE menu includes Popcorn Dashi Lions Mane, Hokkaido Uni, Osetra Caviar, Bread and Butter Lobster, Passion Fruit and Stracciatella
Black Truffle Chawanmushi.
That’s followed by a selection of nigiri sushi, hand rolls, and flavorful dishes like Chili-Lime King Crab Hand Roll, St. Canut Pork Belly with Walnut Miso and Fermented Apple Butter, and Yuzu White Chocolate Huckleberry Kiss.
The price is $200 per guest; $75 sake pairing per guest. Reservations (203-557-8404) require 48-hour notice, and a $50 deposit per guest.
Westport escaped major damage in yesterday’s high winds.
Residents of Hickory Drive were not as lucky, however. Power went out when a tree took down live wires.
(Photo/Ron Poserina)
Winds continue today, 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40. The temperature will be in the mid 40s.
The week ahead looks good. Tuesday could see 60 degrees.
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Last year, Rach’s Hope Walk the Extra Mile raised more than $20,000. The funds helped the non-profit that supports families with critically ill children in the ICU with an additional 100 nights of hotel stays, so parents can rest and recharge while staying close to their kids.
Rach’s Hope — which honors Rachel Doran, the Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior, who died after developin a rare reaction to common medications — is getting ready for their 6th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala.
(Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.)
The date is Saturday, March 29 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield). Click here for tickets.
Festivities include an open bar with Tito’s cocktails, beer, wine and prosecco; heavy appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering; live music kicked off by Westport’s own Michael Cantor and Frog Salon, plus Rach’s Hope’s signature band, Ellis Island — and live and silent auctions too.
The Staples High School freshman was the only 9th grader in the entire country to win the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy annual Civics Challenge His entry was Crafting Change: The Art of Lawmaking in Congress.
The Civics Challenge is a very competitive national contest open to students in grades 6 through 12. Participants demonstrate civics knowledge through essays, short videos or original songs.
Tucker — one of just 10 winners nationwide — earned a $500 prize.
And the admiration of everyone who mourns the loss of civics education in America today.
Speaking of education: Adam Shapiro recently spent 2 days at Greens Farms Academy.
The noted actor (“The Bear,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Waitress”)was the school’s 2025 Hartwell Visiting Artist.
Shapiro presented at student assemblies, delivered a keynote to parents on “Cultivating Creativity,” coached the Middle School cast of “Frozen Jr.,” and shared his stories and advice about building a career in the arts.
Click here to read more about Shapiro’s visit. Click below for a highlight reel:
Speaking of school: Congratulations too to Weston High School’s robotics team!
They won the engineering design Innovate Champion Award at the state robotics championship recently.
That earned them a spot at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas in May. Good luck to the squad: Emily Arias, Angela Zhao, Joshua Miranda and Cooper Schleef.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong — an early opponent, with counterparts across the country, of some of President Trump’s first funding cuts — is the guest at the Democratic Women of Westport’s annual Souper Luncheon.
The event is March 28 (11:30 a.m.). The DWW invites the public to join the AG, and learn more about his work on behalf of state residents. To RSVP, email dww06880@gmail.com.
On April 22, the Democratic Women sponsor a forum with Yale Law School professor Paul Kahn, author of Democracy in Our America: Can We Still Govern Ourselves? He’ll be joined in conversation by the Representative Town Meeting’s current and former moderators, Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
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Saugatuck Congregational Church host’s Connecticut’s first “Music for Food” concert (March 16, 3 p.m.), with classical pianist Emma Tahmizian.
The Bulgarian musician debuted internationally at age 11, at a concert series in Moscow. She has performed and recorded regularly, since winning the 1977 Robert Schumann Competition.
The event is free, but donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit Homes with Hope, to support area residents facing food insecurity.
Emma Tahmizian
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The Gallery @ Green’s Farms Church welcomes photographer Sally Harris, and her latest work: “The Colors and Culture of Oaxaca.”
The show runs from March 14 to May 14. An opening reception is March 14 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information, click here.
Speaking of art: Brian Whelan’s work is always a highlight of our “06880” online gallery.
Now it’s on view at Trinity Church Wall Street, in New York.
“Holy City” is a series inspired by medieval artwork, contemporary expressionism, and Whelan’s Catholic roots. blending the temporal and the spiritual.
The 9-panel painting at the center of the exhibit depicts Christianity, Islam and Judaism existing in harmony, with houses of worship supporting and uplifting one another.
The exhibit is open through March 18. Click here for more information.
Speaking still of the arts: A large crowd learned a lot at Thursday’s Malloy Fund for the Arts’ presentation “Reimagined: Westport as an Arts Town, Past, Present and Future.”
Actor James Naughton moderated a panel, with Miggs Burroughs, Melissa Newman and Meloday James.
Ann Sheffer — a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist (and donor Susan Malloy’s niece), whose family’s contributions helped shape Westport’s cultural fabric — also spoke.
If you missed it: no worries. Just click below, to see the entire event.
The Westport Astronomical Society will be open from 1 a.m. to 3:40 a.m. (weather permitting) on March 14, to observe the total lunar eclipse.
In other WAS news, the next free online lecture features Sarah Elizabeth McCandless. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory navigation engineer discusses “Exploring an Icy World with Europa Clipper.”
Posted onMarch 8, 2025|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #256
The doors are open — as they are each week — to our online art gallery.
Scroll down, to stroll around. Take your time. Enjoy the show!
As always, we invited 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 is invited to contribute.
Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
“Madonna and Child” — oil on canvas (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)
“A Spectrum of Colors” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Duane Cohen)
“The Curl” (Tom Doran)
“Late Sun and Shadows Bring Out the Design in this Building” (Peter Barlow)
Long QT Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening heart condition, affecting 1 in 2,000 children. Early detection helps prevent serious complications.
A couple of Saturdays ago, Connecticut Children’s and Hearts in Harmony sposnored free EKG screenings at their Post Road West center.
It was a fun event, with kid-friendly activities, a fashion show and food.
For one family, it was much more.
Kasey was one of 60 children tested. Her EKG was abnormal.
Pediatrician Dr. Sarah Siegel, called immediately.
Kasey’s mother Andi had just arrived in Boston when she got the call.
“Dr. Siegel said that my daughter’s upper atria appeared enlarged, but it could also be an abnormal reading. I literally felt sick to my stomach.”
Within 24 hours, Kasey was scheduled to see a Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist. Andi drove back to Westport.
“The fact that Connecticut Children’s held appointments for all 5 families that received abnormal EKGs blew me away,” Andi says. “Knowing that my daughter would be seen the next morning was such a relief.”
Andi, her husband and Kasey met with Dr. Enos, a Connecticut Children’s pediatric cardiologist, who delivered the good news: Kasey’s heart was perfectly healthy.
“Dr. Enos was amazing. He took the time to explain everything, and we walked away feeling reassured and grateful,” Andi says.
She says the experience changed her perspective on early detection and heart screenings.
“As scared as I was when I got that call, I felt relieved that we were able to catch something we may never have known about until my daughter was an adult. Or worse, when it was too late.
“We waited about 3 minutes before they took my daughter in for her echocardiogram. The test was painless, and they even had the TV on for her. It was over quickly.
“Events like Check Your Beat are invaluable. You never know what you might find — and catching something early could make all the difference.”
Kasey and Andi.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and the only place to read stories like this. We rely on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
The Compo Beach playground is one of Westport’s cherished jewels.
All year long — but especially on gorgeous weekends — it draws delighted youngsters. They scamper in and out of a variety of play structures. They run, jump and swing.
Parents, grandparents, au pairs and nannies sit back and watch the show.
Who could not like a place like our playground?
Before it was built, the answer was: Plenty of folks.
A group of Westporters — primarily neighbors, but others around town — opposed the idea, when it was proposed in the late 1980s.
Their opposition continued, after hundreds of kids — working with noted playground designer Robert Leathers — helped design castles, ships and more.
The new playground — which would replace a couple of swings and monkey bars near the basketball court — was too close to the water, opponents argued.
It would destroy the “vista.” It would attract out-of-towners. It would also attract teenagers, who would drink, smoke and have sex in the wooden structures, and on the swings.
So the anti-playground crowd did a very Westport thing: They sued.
A protracted court battle followed. Construction plans were put on hold.
And then — one early spring day in 1989 — a court injunction was lifted.
Word spread quickly (though without cell phones, probably not instantly).
Building began. Here’s what it looked like:
Almost instantly, many of the residents who had fought the playground became huge fans. Their kids and grandkids loved it.
Out-of-towners appeciate it too (in the off-season, when they don’t need beach stickers.)
The smoking, drinking, sex-having teenagers must have found somewhere else to go.
Now — 36 years later, and nearly 2 decades after its first renovation — a second rebuild is about to begin.
The Westport Rotary Club, Westport Young Woman’s League, and hundreds of donors have raised $650,000 to make the playground better, safer, and even more fun.
Once again, scores of volunteers are ready to provide important man (and woman) power.
Just like in the 1989 photo below, souvenir t-shirts commemorate the event.
It’s another great Westport project.
With one important difference: No one has filed a lawsuit to stop it.
(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!)
Since 2002, the Malloy Lecture in the Arts — sponsored by the late artist Susan Malloy — has brought major creative voices to Westport. Speakers included Arthur Miller, Joyce Carol Oates, Christopher Plummer, Clive Davis and Salman Rushdie sparking thought-provoking and engaging conversations.
Now, through the Malloy Fund for the Arts, The Westport Library has relaunched the series. A new event celebrates Westport’s artistic legacy, while looking toward its future.
A large crowd attended last night’s reimagined concept. Weston actor James Naughton moderated a panel with graphic artist Miggs Burroughs, Staples High School graduate and Broadway director Gina Rattan, artist/singer/actress Lissy Newman, and arts leader Melody James.
Ann Sheffer — the passionate arts advocate, philanthropist and Malloy’s niece, whose family’s contributions have helped shape the cultural fabric of Westport, opened the evening.
From left: Melody James, Lissy Newman, Gina Rattan, Miggs Burroughs, James Naughton last night. Behind them on the Westport Library stage are posters of Westport Country Playhous shows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Also last night: the Staples High School boys basketball season came to an end.
The Wreckers — ranked #4 in the state Division I basketball tournament — fell 67-56 to #5 St. Bernard-Uncasville, in the quarterfinals. The game was played before a large, raucous crowd at Fairfield Warde High.
The loss was bitter. The Saints edged Staples earlier in the regular season, and topped them 2 years ago in the state championship.
But the future is very bright. The blue-and-whites graduate only 2 seniors who saw substantial time: Adam Udell, the MVP of the FCIAC title game who led his squad to their first league championship in 62 years, and Charlie Bowman
All the other retutnrees — and the deep bench — are underclassmen.
Congratulations to coach Dave Goldshore, and his team, on a superb year!
Last night was filled with activity. StartUp Westport (the town’s public/private tech entrepreneur/innovator partnership) packed The Clubhouse (the town’s neweset and coolest event space) for their annual networking and social get-together.
Among the energetic crowd (below, from left): Nat Brogadir, Sam Hendel, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn and Dan Bikel.
The Board of Assessment Appeals meets Monday (March 10, 7 p.m., Town Hall room 201) to hear from taxpayers who are “aggrieved by the doings of the assessor on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, and the 2023 Supplemental Motor Vehicle list.”
Residents should bring supporting documents to the session.
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After very successful events focused on women, minorities and young entrepreneurs, StartUp Westport is planning its next major event.
This time, it’s “Innovation in Sports.” The event is April 30 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
Among the topics: emerging technologies in athlete performance and data analytics; advancements in fan engagement, sponsorships, and media, and how startups and leaders are reshaping the sports business landscape.
Moderator Andrew Marchand is senior sports media columnist at The Athletic (and a 1986 Staples High School graduate). Panelists include NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, and Westporter Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of the New York Roadrunners Club.
In other StartUp Westport news, the mentorship program continues to thrive. This month’s session — “Legal Bootcamp for Startups and Founders” — will be led by Jack Sousa, partner at Wiggin & Dana, on Monday (March 10).
Next month’s Mentorship Circle is on “The Key Steps to Launching a Successful Non-Profit.”
StartUp Westport’s special interest groups are very active too. Upcoming:
Investor SIG: Advanced Startup Due Diligence (March 24, 2025, 6 p.m., Serendipity Labs). Connect with other experienced investors; gain advice on how navigating the world of startup due diligence and fundraising.
Women in Tech & Innovation SIG: BRAND YOU: Creating and Managing Your Personal Brand (April 24, 6 p.m., Serendipity Labs). Insights, tools and tips to help build a strong, authentic personal brand. Click here to learn more about Startup Westport’s special interest groups.
Andrew Marchand
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“Pink Chicken” does not sound particularly appetizing.
But that’s the name of a new children’s clothing store — “renowned for its vibrant colors, original prints and family focused designs” — opened yesterday in Sconset Square.
The boutique is Pink Chicken’s ninth US store, joining those in New York, Maryland, North and South Carolina, and California.
A “Flock Party” is set for Saturday (March 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The event includes special offers, face painting, florals and sweet treats.
It’s not great that they grow out of their equipment. It just hangs around, cluttering your house.
Sustainable Westport can help. They’ve launched a “Play It Forward” program, giving used sports equipment a new life.
They’re kicking off with soccer. Westporters can drop off shoes, shin guards and balls at the Westport Weston YMCA from today (March 7) through March 22.
On March 24 (4 to 7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), residents can brose for needed items. It’s not necessary to have donated anything to shop.
Any remaining items will be donated to the Bridgeport Field of Dreams Foundation. For more information, click here.
Online registration begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday (March 11) for 2 of the most popular Parks & Recreation Department summer programs: Camp Compo and RECing Crew.
Registration opens the next day (March 12, 9 a.m.) for all other spring and summer offerings.
Parks & Rec officials urge residents to log in now to their online accounts, to verify family information.
Log in and select “Manage Family Member” (bottom right). Click the first name in the column under “My Family Members” to check key details. Verify date of birth and ensure your child’s grade (as of September 2025) is correct. Click “Save” at the bottom.
Go to the “Contact Information” tab and review/update your contact details. Click “Save” again. Repeat for each family member in your profile.
Address Change? Email us at recreation@westportct.gov with updated information.
Login issue? Don’t create a new profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
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Speaking of Parks & Rec: It’s that time of year again.
(Photo/Karen Como)
Contractors are busy preparing Compo Beach for the upcoming season.
The sand is looking good. Let’s hope the weather gods are with us, and that there’s no late-winter storm to wreck all that good work.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests betwen February 26 and March 5.
A 26-year-old Westport man was charged with assault, strangulation, unlawful restraint, threatening and interfering with an emergency call. A complainant reported that over the course of the past few years, they were the victim of mental and physical abuse by their live-in boyfriend. He was released after posting $100,000 bond.
A 57-year-old Fitchburg, Massachusetts man was charged with larceny, payment card theft and identity theft, following an investigation into valuables taken from a locker at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
A 52-year-old Norwalk man was charged with identity theft and criminal attempt at larceny, after an investigation intoto 2 checks stolen from a mailbox in September. He was held on $25,000 bond.
A 40-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with failure to appear. She was pulled over for a motor vehicle violation, and was found to have an active rearrest warrant for an incident that occurred in Newington in 2013.
A 41-year-old Eastchester, New York man was charged with failure to appear, after being pulled over for a motor vehicle violation. He had an active rearrest warrant for an incident that occurred last year in Westport.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Driving while texting: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Improper marker lights: 1
Failure to obey traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
And finally … in honor of Westport’s newest store, Pink Chicken (story above):
(Seriously, where else but “06880” would you find all this stuff? And in one place?! Crazy. But it’s here — every day — on your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It’s been nearly 5 years since COVID slammed into Westport.
And the world.
This week half a decade ago, we had moved from obliviousness about “the coronavirus” to concern.
A few days later, we were fearful. Then came the lockdown, and a tsunami of emotions all the way up to panic.
At the same time, we had all the time in the world to process it.
We weren’t going anywhere. And neither was anyone else.
The final 3 months of the school year were conducted online, haltingly and not very happily. Staples High School’s graduation was a drive-by affair.
A parade of cars passed in front of Staples’ main entrance, during the drive-by graduation ceremony. (Drone photo/Ryan Felner)
Six-foot social distancing signs appeared everywhere: Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop, CVS, banks. We washed our hands obsessively, humming 2 stanzas of “Happy Birthday to You.”
Restaurants pivoted to takeout only. Gyms closed. Even doctors cut back on seeing patients.
Amid all the misery, there were unexpected upsides.
Neighbors gathered at the ends of driveways (socially distanced, of course) for drinks and conversation.
Westporters discovered Sherwood Island State Park, for strolling and solace.
Kids painted encouraging messages on rocks, created helpful apps, and helped senior citizens. Families bonded over board games. A “yarn bomber” decorated trees. The Remarkable Theater drive-in popped up (all cars socially distanced, of course).
The yarn bomber strikes at Compo Beach, near the Soundview Drive parking lot.
“06880” started a “COVID Roundup.” It evolved into today’s daily, all-inclusive (and non-COVID) Roundup. We started the online art gallery that first week of the pandemic too.
Some of that seems like it happened 5 centuries ago. Some of it seems like yesterday.
Now — half a decade later — “06880” wants to know: How has COVID changed you, and your life in Westport?
If you lived here a long time, has there been a lasting impact on your relationship to this town? If you were one of the “COVID people” who moved here because of the pandemic, how has that worked out?
What are the permanent changes we’ve seen, now that the virus has receded? What were some that did not last, but maybe should have?
Please email your experiences and insights (and photos, if you’ve got any) to 06880blog@gmail.com. We’ll post them soon.
In the meantime: Stay safe.
But enjoy the world, and Westport, every day.
You never know what lurks around the corner.
(“06880” is your place for hyper-local news — and community conversation. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Tonight’s (Thursday) boys basketball state tournament quarterfinal between Staples and St. Bernard has been moved to Fairfield Warde High School. Tip-off is 7 p.m.
The Wreckers — ranked #4 in Division I — are the host team, against the #5 easterners. The site was changed because Warde’s gym is larger than Staples’.
Staples and St. Bernard have developed a great rivalry. In 2023, #1 ranked St. Bernard-Uncasville topped the #7 Wreckers 63-50, in the state Division II finals at Mohegan Sun.
Earlier this year, in a non-league game, St. Bernard beat Staples 63-56 in Uncasville.
The Wreckers are betting that the third time the charm — especially at “home.”
The FCIAC champion Staples boys basketball team hope to advance in the state tournament tonight.
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Discussions about The Hamlet — the new Saugatuck project — begin Monday (March 10, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for special permit/coastal site plan approval for 601, 606 and 609 Riverside Avenue, 91 and 96 Franklin Street, and 2 and 16 Railroad Place, for “a mix of non-residential, hotel and residential uses as part of an integrated site development, for property located in the General Business District/Saugatuck Marina.”
The public may observe and participate in the hearing.
Part of the land under consideration for The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
You’ve heard of the TEAM Westport Diversity Writing Contest, open to local teenagers. And the Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest, also for kids.
What about older residents?
If you’re 60 or older: You’re in luck.
The Westport Library, the Westport Center for Senior Activities, and Meryl Moss Media Group have just announced the first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest.
Organized by the Library’s Common Ground Initiative, it invites submissions (800 words or less) based on this prompt: “Jackie Robinson stands as an icon of equality and civil rights. What does that say about the power of his legacy, of the place of sports in our culture, and about our modern-day society?”
Click here to submit essays. The deadline is March 24. A panel will choose the winners, to be announced on April 15 — Jackie Robinson Day.
Winners will receive Jackie Robinson memorabilia, a chance to be featured by the Jackie Robinson Museum, and tickets to a New York Mets game at Citi Field — home to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda.
Jackie Robinson. He was a longtime resident of Stamford.
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Earthplace continues to have a full calendar, for children, adults and families. They include:
If you wonder what lies beneath your property or under your floorboards, check out “Hidden History in Your Backyard.”
The Weston History & Culture Center hosts Instagram-famous Maryclare Roos for a March 30 presentation (3 p.m.; $5).
It’s followed by a wine and cheese closing reception of the exhibit, “Weston…What Lies Beneath.” The show features many treasures excavated by Roos on her antique property. Click here for more details.
Maryclare Roos
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Human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein — founder and executive director of The Lawfare Project — is the special guest at a March 27 fundraiser (6:30 p.m., private home).
Called “An Evening of Impact to #EndJewHatred,” it benefits that Lawfare Project program of the same name.
Yale University student Sahar Tartak will be there too, discussing a recent antisemitic attack she experienced, and how The Lawfare Project is fighting to protect her and the rights of Jewish students across the country.
Donna Disch dished on her role as Westport poet laureate, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.
She described initiatives like the poetry box on Soundview Drive (there’s a new poem every day), and a weekly poetry workshop. \
“If I didn’t have poetry, I’d feel quite hemmed in,” Disch said. “Poetry offers a focus, a refuge, a respite. It gives me a great deal of contentment.” She encouraged Rotarians to open their minds to the benefits of verse.
The laureate also read poems by Homer Winslow, Wendell Berry, Robert Frost and others.
Donna Disch, at the Westport Rotary Club meeting. Her poetry box is on the slide in the background. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra — a Staples High School elite musical ensemble — entertained the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston at Saugatuck Congregational Church on Tuesday. The concert was arranged by the Y’s Men Classical Music Society.
Carrie Mascaro conducts the group. The program included music by Mozart, Telemann, Copland, Joplin and others.
Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, at Saugatuck Church. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The women’s swimwear and resort wear retailer will move into Elm & Main (formerly called Brooks Corner) downtown.
Everything But Water has been in business for over 35 years. They currently operate over 85 stores across the United States. The closest location now is in Greenwich.
“One piece wonder,” from Everything But Water.
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State Senator Tony Hwang delivered the invocation at Tuesday’s Representative Town Meeting session.
He said “we are better together,” and expressed the importance of community involvement and public service.
State Senator Tony Hwang (right) and RTM moderator Jeff Wieser, before Tuesday’s meeting. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
Coleytown Middle School’s Company is hard at work on their spring production.
“Matilda The Musical” — inspired by the beloved Roald Dahl novel — runs for 4 performances, April 4-6.
Coleytown Company promises “colorful characters, rousing songs, and an inspiring storyline.” The show will entertain audiences of all ages — especially elementary school, with its “relatable and magical” story.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow (March 7). Click here to order, and for more information.
Coleytown Company presents “Matilda The Musical.”
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Westport native and 1961 Staples High School graduate Jonathan Jaeger died peacefully on Tuesday, at the VA Hospital in West Haven. He was 81, and had been in failing health for several months. He was very grateful for the wonderful care and heartfelt attention he received from excellent doctors and nurses there.
Jon attended Greens Farms Elementary and Assumption Schools before Staples. After graduation he joined the Air Force. He served from 1961 to 1965 in New Jersey and Newfoundland.
Jon then spent 8 years working at Norden Systems in Norwalk. In 1973 he joined his father Andre in the family business, Greens Farms Cut Flower Exchange. In 1981 Jon and his sister Sara bought it from their father, and operated it for the next 28 years. They sold their business and Hyde Lane greenhouses in 2003, and moved to a new location in Norwalk. With changes in the sourcing of wholesale flowers, they closed it in 2009.
Jon loved everything about flowers. He was a passionate gardener, and he enjoyed the fascinating people he met through business.
After retirement, Jon continued to work with East Coast Wholesale Flowers of
Norwalk and at the Fort Hill Farmer’s Market Stand, until shortly before his death.
He is survived by 3 of his 8 siblings: Rene of Woodinville, Washington; Sara of Fairfield, and Jalna of Norwalk.
And finally … in honor of Westport’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest (story above):
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