Posted onSeptember 20, 2024|Comments Off on Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper
At the start of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Thomas Scarice offered a heartfelt tribute to Max Harper.
Westport’s superintendent of schools did not know the Staples High School senior, who died last week in a dirt bike accident.
But, Scarice said, he realized the impression the young man made in just 2 years. “He was so well known and loved, in a massive high school. From all accounts — students and faculty — he had a magnetic personality. He made a palpable impact” on the lives of many.
Scarice noted several highlights from 2 gatherings at Compo Beach: Max’s father’s words, the morning after the tragedy; the healing words of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, and the tributes from Max’s friends. Even at his age, the superintendent said, “I could not do what those students did.”
Scarice also lauded the “depth, quality and caring” of Staples’ counselors, and assistant principal Pat Micinilio.
Max made “an indelible impact,” Scarice concluded. “We grieve his loss.”
To see Thomas Scarice’s remarks at the Board of Education meeting, click here.
Max Harper
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For decades, a “trolley car” — actually a diner — was an iconic part of downtown restaurant.
Located at the corner of Post Road East (East State Street) and Taylor Place, across from Colgan’s (later Thompson’s) drug store (now Tiffany), the diner served good, basic food to generations of downtown workers, and students from nearby Staples High School (now Saugatuck Elementary).
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)
In the photo above , it’s shown next to Klaff’s, and across the street from the original Westport Public Library.
The diner — and the entire block — burned down, in a 1970s fire.
Muriel’s trolley car diner was a legendary piece of Westport history.
But why was “trolly” spelled incorrectly — in such large letters — on the side?
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Carvana — the Arizona based used car dealer selling entirely online — appears to have gone the way of the Edsel.
After 5 years on Post Road West, diagonally across from Kings Highway Elementary School — at a site previously occupied by (among others) a Volkswagen dealership, and classic car showroom — the large lot is empty.
The interior has been stripped of its fixtures.
(Photos/Adrian Little)
Looks like one more niche for Amazon to fill.
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It takes a while to write a great (or even meh) poem.
Fortunately, it does not take long to put up a poetry box.
On Tuesday, at her installation as Westport’s new poet laureate, Donna Disch announced there would soon be a poetry box at Compo Beach.
Yesterday it was installed at the end of Soundview Drive, near where Hillspoint Road becomes Compo Road South.
The Woodside Bash — Earthplace’s great under-the-stars fundraiser is well known for its great food, live music and woodsy vibe.
This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 7 to 10 p.m.) adds something new: contemporary line dancing.
After a filling harvest dinner, Bash-goers will enjoy a special lesson from experts.
All proceeds support Westport’s popular nature center. Earthplace continues its focus on bringing quality, nature-based programming and education to everyone – especially urban youth in Fairfield County and beyond.
Tickets include a harvest dinner, open bar, fire pit with s’mores, and band. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Attendees at last year’s Woodside Bash. This year, they’ll be line dancing.
StartUp Westport is starting up another season, offering innovative and impactful ideas.
This Tuesday (September 24, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features a night of cocktails, networking and information. The focus is on B Corporations, a new business model that allows companies to pursue both profit and purpose.
Hosted by Jen Gorin, founder of Impact Growth Partners, with a roundtable discussion led by Phil White and Heidi Schoeneck of Grounded World — both Westport-based Certified B Corps — the event highlights the importance of impact-driven business practices.
Michael Hermus of Westport-based mental health startup Halespring, Felicia Rubenstein of HAYVN, and Adam Thatcher of Grace Farms Tea & Coffee will share insights into how B Corp certification can enhance employee retention, market positioning and fundraising efforts.
The event is free, but registration is required; click here.
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Marc Lasry earned his billionaire status as a private equity manager.
He earned an NBA championship ring as co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now — as women sports are having a moment — the Beachside Avenue resident may buy a controlling stake in a women’s team.
Sportico reports that Lasry is nearing a dal to purchase 60% of the National Women’s Soccer League North Carolina Courage from Steve Malik. The valuation is around $108 million.
Previously, Lasry expressed interest in the Seattle Reign. Sportico says he was also in the running to buy Angel City FC, before Willow Bay and Bob Iger purchased control of the NWSL’s most valuable club ($250 million valuation).
It’s not yet the holiday season. But it’s never too early for Earth Animal’s “Buy Joy to Gift Joy” project.
From now through December 31, the popular Post Road East store will donate 1 No-Hide Strip to shelter dogs, for every Pumpkin Spice or Holiday Feast No-Hide Chew purchase.
The goal is to donate No-Hide Chews to 80,000 shelter dogs. They’re an alternative to rawhide, offering dogs safe nutritious and enjoyable chew experiences.
Earth Animal
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We’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating.
This reminder comes from Cindy Nigro: “A basket in the lobby of Westport Police headquarters on Jesup Road is filled with lost keys. They’re dropped off by helpful folks all over town.
“I dropped off a set with an electronic fob that was unclaimed at Old Mill Beach for most of the summer.”
As anyone who has replaced them knows, those fobs are expensive! If you’ve lost one, it may be at the police station.
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
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An appreciative crowd enjoyed the Matsiko World Orphan Choir yesterday. The Jazz Society of Fairfield County presented the concert, at Bedford Middle School.
The Liberian choir performs traditional African songs around the world, to champion the rights of all children to receive a basic education.
Dancing in the aisles, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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There are still 2 days left of summer.
But squirrels have started gathering acorns for the winter already.
This guy stopped briefly, to pose for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Then it was right back to work. Those nuts don’t store themselves!
And finally … in honor of our town’s new poet laureate, and our first poetry box (story above):
(We’ll spare you a rhyme. But here’s a reason: If you enjoy these daily “06880” Roundups, please consider a tax-free contribution. Just click here. And thank you!)
If you see 90 or so white-haired, spunky septuagenarians around town this weekend, there’s a reason: The Staples High School Class of 1964 is celebrating their 60th reunion.
(Note: That sentence is not mine. It came directly from one of the organizers, Deb Holliday Kintigh.)
The weekend includes the usual reunion activities: a cocktail party, dinner and Compo Beach gathering.
But there’s a lot more — including ideas other reunion classes might steal (er, borrow).
In a “Deep Dive” this afternoon (Friday), 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — will offer insights into their careers, volunteer work and passions that impacted their lives, and others.
The diverse span of experiences features Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.
The session will be videotaped, to be shared with a wider audience.
In 1962, the Staples Class of ’64 presented the director of the World Health Organization with a check the class raised to support the WHO. Among the attendees: Tim Honey (striped jacket, center). He will be part of today’s “Deep Dive.”
The other new event is “Roundtable Short Stories,” following the Saturday morning breakfast. There will be talks from current students, and principal Stafford Thomas.
Then, after a tour of the “new” school (as of 20 years ago), led by alum (and longtime track and cross country coach) Laddie Lawrence, the class will gather in a circle.
A mic will be passed, for anyone to share 3 to 5 minutes of whatever they wish.
The Staples High School that the Class of 1964 remembers.
The Saturday banquet at the Norwalk Inn includes song parodies by Eric Multhaup, Sylvia Robinson Corrigan, Nancy Wilson and Melody James, a solo Linda Clifford, and a compilation/adapted scene from Staples Players’ 1962 production of “Our Town,” with John Parriott, Claudia Daub Crawford and Melody James.
“Then we have a playlist of ’60s and ’70s music,” says co-organizer Melody James.
“We plan to boogie — well, move and sway.”
The reunion ends Sunday. The Compo Beach picnic features a hootenanny (remember those?), games and food, plus a tribute to departed classmates with a reading of names, and music by Mike Haydn.
Welcome back, Class of 1964! Have a great reunion — and many more.
NOTE: The Class of ’64 also has one of the best reunion websites anywhere. Click here to see.
(Whether you were in Staples’ Class of 1964, 2024 — or never went there — you’re part of our community. And part of our “06880” online community too. Please click here to support our work.)
Up and down Riverside Avenue, there’s been renovation and new construction. More is on the drawing board.
Friends of Eloise A. Ray Park is comprised of neighbors, some of whom have lived in Westport for more than 30 years. They write:
Several months ago we alerted the community to attempts by a developer – Vita Design Group – to build a new luxury townhouse adjacent to Eloise A. Ray Park.
As we noted, the park is one of very few public spaces along the Saugatuck River. It would be damaged, permanently altered, and encroached upon if the project is approved.
Eloise A. Ray Park
Unfortunately, while the project was slightly delayed, Vita has now submitted plans to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
A hearing is set for this Monday (September 23, 6 p.m., Zoom).
Eloise A. Ray Park sits on the west bank of the Saugatuck, and offers incredible views up and down the river. It is used every day by people walking to and from the center of town, and also those who come specifically to sit on a bench to watch the daily river activity.
With its location and impressive views, the park is also used for family gatherings and special occasions. It’s truly a wonderful place.
Unfortunately, Vita has been able to purchase what many believed was public land immediately adjacent to the park, and has submitted plans to build a multi-level luxury home which will change the park forever.
This land – 79 Riverside Avenue – borders the park immediately to the north. It has a number of old trees, and also offers prime habitat for wildlife. For this reason among others, it has been a perfect neighbor to the park for many years.
Benches at Eloise A. Ray Park.
But all that will change – along with the character of the park itself – if the town allows this development to proceed. In particular, we can expect the following:
The park itself will effectively be unusable for long periods of time while construction is ongoing, and will be used in part as a staging area for construction equipment.
The park will be damaged by construction equipment.
Once construction is complete, the park will be forever altered by having a multi-level house, driveway, patio and walls encroaching upon it.
Construction will also require razing the land at 79 Riverside, cutting down a number of old trees and eliminating wildlife habitat,
Construction will also seriously impact traffic on Riverside Avenue — already very busy – because heavy equipment will need to use the roadway on a regular basis.
In sum, there will undoubtedly be a loss or permanent alteration of public waterfront space, of which there is very little these days. And while the developer will no doubt downplay these concerns, as they always do, those of us familiar with the reality of new development projects know better.
Autumn view, from Eloise A. Ray Park.
It is also worth noting that the Town has already allowed multiple new construction projects to proceed in the area.
Anyone who drives on the Post Road is familiar with the huge eyesore at 85 Post Road West, which now features several 2-story piles of dirt, trash and damaged construction fencing. This is only the beginning phase of what will be several years spent erecting a 68-unit apartment building that the town approved last year.
The Town also approved a multi-unit apartment building at the intersection of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North, which eliminated prime wildlife habitat along the west bank of the Saugatuck.
The town has also approved 2 additional new construction projects along the west bank of the Saugatuck near Saugatuck Elementary School. Incredibly, one involves a complete teardown of a historic 1700s house which is in good condition. Its only crime: being located just outside the official historic district.
Of course, all these projects pale in comparison with attempts by another developer to create an entirely new zoning district in Saugatuck in order to build 10 new buildings, up to 65 feet high, including a 100-seat theater, condominiums, a hotel, retail buildings and parking.
But no matter the scope or scale, each project necessarily results in eradication of the natural environment, elimination of wildlife habitat, and further urbanization of Westport.
These concerns are all the more pressing when a project is set to destroy spaces the town has officially designated as public land, such as Eloise A. Ray Park.
Anyone who would like more information can email saveeloise@gmail.com. There are fewer places like Eloise A. Ray Park every day. Each loss is a loss for all of us.
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Posted onSeptember 19, 2024|Comments Off on Read It Here: StoryFest’s Back Story
StoryFest ’24 — the Westport Library’s multi-day, genre-spanning literary festival — kicks off tomorrow (Friday, September 20).
All weekend long, the event celebrates the story in all its forms, and storytellers from across all media. Every genre is covered, from memoir to literary fiction, fantasy to cottage-core.
Over 50 award-winning and debut authors will talk about their craft. Headliners include Roxane Gay and Claire Messud.
From left: Claire Messud, Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden.
Also on tap: live podcast recordings, a special tribute to longtime and beloved Library friend Sybil Steinberg, the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, a Saturday evening storytelling event, a Sunday pitchfest, and more.
In just 7 years, StoryFest has become the largest annual literary festival in Connecticut — and one of the biggest in the Northeast.
How did it happen?
It started in a coffee shop. Westport Library associate director of program and events Alex Giannini and his colleague Cody Daigle-Orians casually chatted about bringing a literary festival to Westport.
Alex Giannini (left) and Cody Daigle-Orians.
The idea grew quickly. Soon, the Library was not asking for authors; publishers began reaching out to the Library with offers.
Giannini is involved in nearly every aspect of Library programming. But, he says, StoryFest is his favorite activity.
He’s welcomed authors like Jason Reynolds, R.L. Stine, Stephen Graham Jones and Michael Lewis.
This year — in a full-circle moment — Daigle-Orians returns to Westport. This time it’s as a featured author. “The Ace and Aro Relationship Guide” will make its debut (a month before its official publication date) at StoryFest.
You can’t make tales like that up.
(For more information on StoryFest ’24 — including a complete schedule — click here.)
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Posted onSeptember 19, 2024|Comments Off on Scarice Responds To “Swatting” Posts
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:
Last night the district received a number of “swatting” posts that were shared from social media. These messages were either shared from neighboring towns, or were messages of violent threats with no specificity, but shared among our students on social media.
We have worked with the Westport Police Department since last night and determined that there is no threat to our schools. I can assure you that our students will be safe today, and they continue to be safe in our schools.
School districts and police departments continue to be inundated with messages such as these. I ask all parents and guardians to monitor their children’s social media.
If messages such as these are received after school hours, please forward the message to the Westport Police Department. Any threatening messages received during the school day should be directed to the school administration or School Resource Officer (if at Staples).
There is no value in peer to peer forwarding of these messages. Please discourage that with your children.
Thank you for your support as we manage these matters and vigilantly work to maintain the highest levels of safety in our schools. We will continue to provide additional police presence on our campuses today.
Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice
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Donna Disch — a Westport resident for 24 years — enthusiastically accepted her charge to “to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Westport residents, and to celebrate and contribute to the town’s vibrant literary history.”
A large crowd was on hand at the Westport Library. Disch succeeds Jessice Noyes McEntee, in the 2-year appointment. The ceremony was led by Westport Arts Advisory Committee c0-chair Nancy Diamond.
She’s wasting no time. Soon, she announced, a new “poetry box” will be installed near Compo Beach.
McEntee offered her own words for the town’s new laureate, noting, “Donna appears to be an innocent, a weaver of dazzling word tapestries. I sense a trickster underneath the demure surface in her poems.”
Poet laureate Donna Disch. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
Once again this month, Westport’s National Charity League joins with Circle of Care to raise awareness of childhood cancer
The groups have decorated the town in gold ribbons. In addition, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s proclamation of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month honors Circle of Care for the work they do, making a difference for families facing the disease.
Raising awareness, one street corner at a time.
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Many Westporters know about The Carver.
The Norwalk-based non-profit Carver operates 60+ before-school, after-school, summer, and community programs in all K-12 public schools in Norwalk, plus others in Bridgeport, Stamford and Naugatuck.
It’s a wonderful organization, doing great and very important work, serving almost 3,000 students. Carver programs boast a 100% on-time high school graduation, with almost all students going on as first-generation college students.
But many other Westporters don’t know The Carver at all.
On Friday, September 27 (6 p.m., Clarendon Fine Art, 22 Main Street), the Westport Carver Connection Committee is hosting a party. The goal is to introduce The Carver to residents, and expand its geographic, financial and volunteer support.
Carver students will speak, offering inspiring stories.
The event is sponsored by several local businesses, including Bird, Clarendon, LandTech, The Post and Amazing Graze.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between September 11 and 18.
A 49-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, after a complaint of an assault by someone the man was dating when they tried to retrieve belongings from a residence.
Three women — a 22-year-old and a 21-year-old from Jamaica, New York, and a 21-year-old from Bushkill, New York, were charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report of a shoplifting from Lululemon.
While officers were en route to the business, they spotted the vehicle used on Riverside Avenue. It contained clothing with tags still affixed. The suspects were identified by witnesses.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to comply with federal regulations of flotation devices: 1
Failure to comply with federal regulations of navigation lights: 1
Operating a boat without certification or license: 1
Illegal vessel without numbers or registration: 1
Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
No dog/cat rabies vaccination: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Boats in Connecticut must be registered.
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In more police news, officers were called to TD Bank yesterday, when a man tried to pass a bad check. Eyewitnesses said he “decided to run,” before being detained.
(Photo/Robin Frank)
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Up to 20% of the population can be classified as “highly sensitive.”
Now Westport therapist Ilise Gold, Weston actor Scott Bryce and Christie Laracuente have formed a group serving the “Highly Sensitive Person” community.
On October 19 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Gold will host a seminar called “Connect With Me, I’m an HSP!”
The audience is HSPs, and those living or working with them. The cost is $250 per person; $225 for additional family members ages 15 and up. Click here to register.
Ilise Gold
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A black-capped chickadee makes its first-ever “06880” appearance today, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature image:
And finally … JD Souther, who wrote many hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, and later played a version of himself on the TV show “Nashville,” died Tuesday in New Mexico. He was 78.
(Today — as we do every day, 7/24/366 — “06880” brings you a Roundup of info chock full of news you can use, think about and enjoy. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Mimi Duvall-Sajda’s family lived through the pandemic in New York City. When their oldest child was on the cusp of middle school, with changes happening in their neighborhood and schools, they opted for a lifestyle change.
Westport offered proximity to the city, she says, “with beautiful surroundings, top-notch schools, and a tight-knit community.” They moved here in August 2022.
Mimi is a designer/artist and life coach. She is also a dog lover. She writes to “06880”:
As a still-new resident of Westport and a dedicated dog owner (we have 2 cavaliers), I realize our wonderful community is missing one crucial element: a dedicated, fully enclosed space for dogs to run and play off-leash.
It’s time for Westport to have a dog run.
I believe it would be a huge boon for several reasons.
Currently, many dog owners in Westport make do keeping our beloved canine companions on a leash, or traveling to neighboring towns with dog runs.
While some consider Winslow Park to be dog-friendly, the lack of an enclosed space for pups to run freely excludes a significant portion of the Westport canine population.
Fences have not prevented tragedies at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Dogs need to run for their health and well-being. It’s heartbreaking to see them confined to leash-walking, as owners try to avoid repeating tragedies on Compo North and Post Road ast.
An October 2022 petition made clear that at least 1,000 Westport dog owners are clamoring for a safe, enclosed dog run.
The absence of a safe, fully enclosed space not only inconveniences us as residents, but also limits our dogs’ opportunities for physical activity and socialization.
Enclosed dog run.
A dedicated dog run would provide a secure environment for exercise and socialization, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of our community.
I believe now is the time for Westport to consider the numerous advantages a designated area would bring, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality.
Probably the easiest, no-brained placement would be Winslow Park along Compo Road North, where the sewer work and fencing was done. The Representative Town Meeting or Parks & Recreation Department may have other ideas, however.
Winslow Park (bottom half of photo).
From a community perspective, a well-designed dog run can have positive social and economic impacts. Dog owners are more likely to frequent local establishments and outdoor spaces when they have a safe and enjoyable place to take their pets for exercise and socialization.
This increased foot traffic can benefit local businesses, and contribute to a vibrant and active community.
Moreover, a dog run can foster a stronger sense of community among dog owners. It provides a shared space where individuals with a common interest in pet ownership can come together, share experiences and build connections.
This sense of community not only benefits the dog owners themselves but also contributes to the overall social fabric of the town.
This enclosed dog run includes amenities.
Local authorities and community leaders should consider the numerous advantages a dog run would bring to Westport, and take the necessary steps to make this vision a reality. It’s time for our 4-legged residents and their dedicated owners to see a well-maintained dog run.
By providing a secure space for dogs to exercise and socialize, complete with separate areas, essential amenities and vaccination requirements, a dog run (possibly named “Winnie’s Run,” after a dog that was killed on the road) would become a valuable asset that enhances the quality of life for both dogs and their human companions.
(“06880” frequently publishes opinion pieces by local residents. It’s part of our mission as Westport’s hyper-local blog. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
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