There was only one item on last night’s Board of Education meeting: the budget.
At the beginning of the session, however, a Staples High School senior addressed the members.
Granted more time than the usual 2 minutes given to the public, by prior arrangement with chair Lee Goldstein, he told the board about a physical altercation with an assistant boys soccer coach, at a pre-season retreat over Labor Day weekend.
He also alleged verbal abuse and initimidation by 2 other coaches in the program.
Assistant coach Harry Ocampo vehemently denies the allegations. He sent this email to “06880”:
I am writing to formally address and categorically deny the allegations of physical abuse and physical assault that have been brought against me by [a player and his family] during the Board of Education meeting on January 16.
The allegations in question stem from events taking place on Saturday, August 30, at the Staples boys soccer retreat. These accusations are entirely untrue, and are being fabricated to exaggerate the incident that took place in front of 30+ witnesses.
I want to state unequivocally that I have never engaged in any form of physical abuse or assault toward [the player making the charges] or any player, ever. Such actions are completely against my values and principles.
I am committed to treating all individuals with respect and dignity, and never resort to violence or harm.
I want to be clear, during the incident on August 30 between myself and [the player], at no point did I ever make physical contact with him.
The incident in question only involved yelling after I was hit in the face during a team kickball game. After being hit in the face, the game concluded at which point [the player] mocked and antagonized me.
This upset me and I responded by yelling back at him. There was no physical assault or abuse as alleged.
After a brief moment, both teams shook hands. I asked [the player] if he felt comfortable speaking with me so that we could clear the air, to which he agreed.
In that conversation, he and I both apologized for disrespecting one another, and verbalized that we weren’t thinking rationally but rather were being emotional.
Later that evening, I spoke to the team at a meeting to offer my apologies for the actions that they witnessed.
I explained to them that [the player] and I had been able to apologize to one another and clear the air about the incident that took place, which he confirmed to the team. He apologized to them as well.
These allegations are deeply distressing, not only because they are baseless but also because they have the potential to significantly harm my reputation and relationships. I am confident that a thorough and impartial investigation will reveal the truth and exonerate me of these false claims.
To ensure full transparency, I am prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation into this matter. I am willing to provide any evidence or testimony necessary to demonstrate my innocence. I encourage anyone involved in this process to approach the matter with fairness and objectivity.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
All are also made (of course) by hand. That’s why the Italian-born baker calls his business Fatto a Mano (“made by hand”).
Until now, his many fans could buy his fresh-baked goods only at the walk-up window of his commissary kitchen behind Cycle Dynamics, or at the Westport and Ridgefield Farmers’ Markets, and Wakeman Town Farm.
Now Pierluigi is taking the next step, turning a long-time dream into reality.
He’s opening a retail location at 1835 Post Road East, next to Fjord Fishery across from Stop & Shop.
Breads and other baked goods will be delivered hot out of the oven from his kitchen, just a couple of minutes away.
Pierluigi plans to add specialty coffees, cooking classes, menu tasting, a selection of high-end retail products (local and important), and Farmers’ Market foodie collaborations to the menu.
He’ll start with breakfast and lunch, probably Wednesdays through Sundays. He’s shooting for a soft opening before Valentine’s Day.
Pierluigi knows Westporters are hungry — for his breads, and the opening of his new place. “06880” will feed you all the details. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Many Westporters have donated clothing to vicitms of the Los Angeles fires.
Corri Neckritz is donating 2 entire truckloads.
As the owner of 2 Groove stores (in Westport across from Whole Foods, and New Canaan), she’s got plenty of clothes.
Her customers have more.
When she heard how many Angelenos lost everything, Corri decided to help. Her daughters helped her contact people in California, who could accept and distribute donations.
She posted on social media. She expected a few hundred views, and a few donations.
It went viral: over 60,000 views.
People — customers, and those who’d never heard of Groove — dropped off enormous bags of clothes at her shop. She took them all — plus more, off the store floor — to her garage. It’s now overflowing with clothing, shoes and bags.
Corri Neckritz’s garage, 3 days ago. There are even more bags now.
Someone donaated a 26-foot truck. Corri got a very reduced rate on another — this one 58 feet long — which she is paying for.
This morning, the first truck will arrive, load up and depart.
Tomorrow, the larger truck will come. Corri has rounded up volunteers to help load it.
“I just want it all to get there soon,” Corri says.
Thanks to her — and generous customers and strangers — it will. (Hat tip: Joan Lipson)
Groove, on Post Road West.
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Another day, another animal rescue.
Yesterday, Westport animal control officer and Wildlife in Crisis intake director Peter Reid responded to a request for mutual aide from Wilton Animal Control.
A bald eagle had been sighted for a few days in the area. It was flying a bit, but staying on low branches. Yesterday, the eagle sat on a stone wall.
Officer Reid caught him safely. The eagle was very skinny and weak.
He was taken to Wildlife in Crisis, where he gorged on a large bowl of beef heart.
Officer Reid thinks the bird may be suffering from a bacterial infection, or be a victim of rodenticide poisoning.
Soon, hopefully, the eagle will soar again above our skies. (Hat tip: Westport Animal Shelter Advocates)
The Board of Education has one item on its January 16 agenda (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
But it’s a big one: the board will discuss the proposed 2025-26 budget.
The meeting can be viewed on Cablevision Channel 78, will be livestreamed at http://www.westportps.org.
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The Westport Library kicks off Super Bowl week with a talk by Jeff Benedict.
On February 3 (7 p.m.) — 6 days before the big game — the author/producer/ commentator will discuss his book on the New England Patriots, “The Dynasty.” (Spoiler alert: The Pats will not be playing in New Orleans on February 9.)
Benedict spent 5 years inside the team. Sports Illustrated says he “slips inside, lowers the drawbridge, and waves us in to see the ramparts, towers, turrets, and castle keep where the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trinity ruled.”
The event is free. Click here to reserve a seat (and, if interested, purchase a copy of “The Dynasty”).
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 8 and 15.
A 58-year-old Newtown man was charged with breath of peace, criminal attempt at assault on an elderly victim, and threatening, following a road rage incident near the Post Road East/Roseville Road intersection.
The 62-year-old complainant admitted that he instigated the incident, by blowin his horn and following a vehicle in front with the intent to harass. Both vehicles pulled into a parking lot and assaulted each other. The complainant shoved the other man, who pulled a boxcutter. The complainant returned to his vehicle, where the other man slashed at his jacket with the boxutter through an open window, ripping his jacket and undershirt.
The man who instigated the incident wsa given a misdemeanor summons for brach of peace, and following too closely with intent to harass.
A 56-year-old Fairfield man was charged with driving under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast and failure to drive in the proper lane, after an investigation into a single vehicle crash on Beachside Avenue last June.
A 19-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny and identity theft, after a complaint about fraudulent checks totaling more than $5,600. He was held on $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Driving while texting: 4
Speeding over 70 mph: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Assault: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Identity theft, and conspiracy to commit: 1
Illegal possession of personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to remove snow/ice from motor vehicle roof: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turns: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
It’s the law: You must remove snow and ice from your vehicle.
On May 18, Schoke Jewish Family Service celebrates 50 years of service to Fairfield County . The, with a gala at Temple Beth El in Stamford.
What began in the late 1970s with one secretary, a part-time director and a part-time social worker primarily focused on helping Russian immigrants resettle, has grown into a diverse service provider.
Schoke JFS now offers a wide range of programs, including counseling, geriatric care services, emergency assistance, and initiatives to combat food insecurity. The agency is also home to the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry and the Kosher Mobile Food Pantry, Connecticut’s only kosher food truck.
An Evening with Schoke JFS features a cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation and dessert.
And finally … in honor of Peter Reid’s heroic rescue yesterday:
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The good news: This week’s donation drive to help victims of the Los Angeles fires is a huge success.
The bad news: It was so successful, it had to end early.
WestportMoms — the multi-platform community resource guide — reports:
In just one day, our incredible community — supported by the amazing UPS 606 Post Road team — came together to collect and fill eight pallets of donations to help those in LA.
That’s double our original goal of four.
A huge shoutout to Don, the generous owner of the UPS store, who stepped up and covered thousands of dollars in shipping costs for the additional pallets. We couldn’t have done this without his support and the kindness of everyone involved.
WestportMoms screenshot.
Unfortunately, due to limited funds, we have no choice but to pause collections for now. We know this will upset those who planned to drop off today (Thursday).
But we are completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the outpouring of generosity.
If you’d still like to help, consider making a monetary donation to cover further shipping costs. Or click here to contact us to explore other ways to send your donations.
Thank you all for stepping up in such an extraordinary way. This initiative has already made such an impact. Together, we’re bringing light and hope to those who need it most.
Westport, you’ve done it again. Your compassion and generosity are unmatched. 💚
Longtime Westporter Scott Smith is a trenchant observer of local life. He writes:
I’m all for the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, among other personal freedoms afforded to us Americans.
That said, when it comes to the privilege of owning private property, I also think there should be some measure of public accountability and social responsibility that go along with those enshrined rights.
I say this to ask: What reason would someone who owns a strip of roadside land along Long Island Sound have to install dense landscaping that blocks the rest of us from enjoying these beautiful coastal views? Aesthetics? Erosion control? Security?
I speak of a stretch along Beachside Avenue that has been planted chock-a-block with arbor vitae and other shrubbery.
New plantings on Beachside Avenue. (Photo/Scott Smith)
But I don’t mean to single out a few property owners on this public road, as I see examples of such “privacy screens’ along other scenic Soundside drives, all of which make Westport a wonderful place to live and visit.
Hillspoint Road, between Compo and Old Mill Beaches.
I would add that this stretch of Westport’s fabled Gold Coast is adjacent to the former home of the Bedford family, which bestowed upon our community several school buildings, a firehouse, the original Y, and Camp Mahackeno, among other lasting civic gifts. (I’ve heard they also opened the private gardens of their Gilded Age estate to townspeople on occasion.)
Why rob us of such a precious public view, and why now and for many years to come? It may not be against the law, but it strikes me as against the common good.
Just asking, and saying.
(“06880” frequently posts “Opinion” pieces — along with news, events, features on residents of all ages and businesses of all types, and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last week, after the Cribari Bridge was opened to allow a vessel to pass through, the span would not close.
It was mid-afternoon. Traffic quickly jammed every major road in Westport, and many side streets.
The situation was bad. But it could have been much worse.
Phil Delgado, quartermaster of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, writes:
“Hansen Marine Contractors, a third-generation family-owned company, is performing dredging operations this winter at VFW Post 399, Bridgebrook Marina, and the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“Last week, when the Cribari Bridge was stuck open in freezing temperature and snow flurries, the Hansen team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and community spirit.
Hansen Marine equipment, dredging the VFW Marina on the Saugatuck River.
“Hansen Marine’s vessel, piloted by Erik Hansen and crew, was returning with an empty dredging barge. Radioing the Cribari Bridge maintenance crew, they learned the icy conditions were causing major mechanical issues with the bridge.
“Hansen’s master mechanic, Paul Olson, immediately stepped up. He picked up industrial-duty tools and torches, then returned to the scene to help the maintenance crew address the mechanical failures.
“His swift action and expertise were instrumental in restoring the bridge’s functionality, preventing further disruptions and ensuring the safety of our community.
“’Paul Olson saved the day,’ said a member of the Cribari Bridge maintenance team.
“His quick thinking, technical skills and willingness to help in freezing conditions make him this week’s Unsung Hero.”
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Now in its fourth season as a Westport Library Verso Studios production, the dynamic, well-respected and always-on-the-money Westport financial expert — and an impressive array of guests — teach youngsters (and their parents, guardians, and grandparents) everything they need to know about financial literacy.
This year, the podcast will include video. That makes a lot of cents.
The first episode features University of Virginia professor Chuck Howard discussing expense prediction bias. Future episodes will focus on compound interest, borrowing and credit, college savings and more.
Alert, and warm, “06880” reader Jonathan Berg writes:
“This is no longer any of my business, as my last kid graduated from Staples last year.
“But I just drove past the school bus stop. There’s a wind chill of 16 degrees right now.
“I know from my kids that no one uses lockers, and they don’t want to drag a coat around all day.
“So they’re out there waiting for the bus in 16 degrees with no coat on, shivering.
“There’s a lot of sickness going around. I would think kids are going to get sicker out there every morning. I don’t really have a solution here, other than maybe drive your kids to school when it’s this cold if you can.
“Just a thought from a habitually concerned father.”
I don’t have kids, so I’m just a habitually concerned random guy. But here’s another solution: Tell your kid to wear a coat, toss it randomly in the cafeteria along with all the sports equipment and other stuff kids leave there, then pick it up at the end of the day.
Brand Nu Apparel popped up last summer, on Post Road West. Marcello DeAguero’s temporary shop offered athletic wear and street wear, “designed for creators of all kinds — athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.”
Now Marcello has taken the next step: a long-term retail location in Westport. Brand Nu Apparel is now open at 877 Post Road East (the building between Pizza Lyfe and the Sherwood Diner). Click here for details.
The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is January 23 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).
Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, roofer, nutritionist, physical therapy, promotional products and more.
In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.
All visitors must pre-register. Contact Matthew Cummings of M&T Bank at (mcummings2@mtb.com) to sign up in advance. Click here for the BNI website.
A “Hunger Games” competition for Westport’s last parking spot.
Possible topics for “06880”‘s April Fools story? But it’s only mid-January….
Nope. They’re the inventions of Addison Moore. A 2023 Staples High School graduate, and the winner of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Young Entrepreneur award — now a pre-law student at Lafayette College — he is “a proud Westport resident.”
For the past 8 years, he’s created a positive impact in his home town. From organizing a drive-in movie night as a freshman, to launching Feed Fairfield County (300 teens provided food for more than 10,000 residents) to founding Up | Next (the state’s largest teen-led group), Addiso has focused on community building.
Addison Moore (Photo/Analise Draghi)
But he also has a sense of humor.
Last year — as Westport grappled with political and social divisions, and other challenges — Addison searched for a way to help.
“I love this town with all my heart,” Addison says. “Westport has brought me so much joy and belonging. I felt compelled to give back in a meaningful way.”
He thought abut dropping off cookies in mailboxes, or organizing a collaborative art piece.
They were good ideas. Yet he wanted something more fun and creative.
The result: a satirical newspaper, imagining his home town in the future.
He hoped people would smile, while realizing what an amazing community this is.
(Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)
“Westport 2225” was a labor of love. Addison spent weeks writing stories and designing the layout. He printed 1,000 copies on his home printer, along with an explanatory letter (each of which he signed personally).
He and several friends rolled up each newspaper, tied them with bows, and spent one very cold night driving around Westport.
It took till 2 a.m., but they slipped them into mailboxes all over town. (Probably illegal, but shhh...).
His adventure did not stop there. Addison posted an Instagram video about the project, including delivery scenes. Click below to see:
Over the next few months, Addison says, he’ll roll out new initiatives and projects to hopefuly “spark meaningful change, and bring people together in Westport.”
For sneak peeks, more information, and to help, follow his Instagram: @addison._moore. (Note the period before the underscore in the address; without it, you’ll follow a girl with the same name.)
PS: If you were not one of the lucky 1,000 recipients of Addison’s paper — no problem.
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The incident in question only involved yelling after I was hit in the face during a team kickball game. After being hit in the face, the game concluded at which point [the player] mocked and antagonized me.
