Roundup: Rye Ridge/159 Main, Row House, Staples Graduation …

Posted on June 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Yesterday, “06880” reported that Rye Ridge Deli was closing. A new place called 15 9 Main would take over.

In fact, Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. It is now officially 159 Main. It is open as usual.

Meanwhile, Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

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However, there is definitely a vacancy in Compo Acres Shopping Center.

Row House — whose 25 erg (rowing) machines once hummed with activity, with people of all ages seeking a strong workout — has closed its doors.

Row House began in New York’s Columbus Circle in 2014. The Westport location opened 5 years later.

With the closing of Westport, the nearest location is Stamford.

Row House, in its heyday.

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Did you miss Staples High School’s 137th graduation ceremony this month?

Were you there, but want to relive it?

Jim Honeycutt — who retired after many years as a teacher, including director of the media lab — has posted the entire event online.

NOTE: Sharp-eared viewers will note that the “Pomp and Circumstance” processional music in the video is not the same as was played that day.

Staples now uses a recording, which is blocked by YouTube. Honeycutt substituted music played by the Staples band, back when they performed at fieldhouse graduations.

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Yesterday morning, 25 people from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for this year’s high school youth group mission trip. They’ll help Vermont residents recover from last year’s floods that devastated the state.

20 youth and 5 leaders will work on farms, assemble furniture, clean up areas in need, and meet people affected by the disaster.

The Saugatuck Church youth group is open to all students entering, in, or just graduated from high school. Attendance at Saugatuck Church or Staples High is not required.

Heading north: Saugatuck Church youth group. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Since his birth, Wakeman Town Farm has fostered an orphaned baby goat.

“Stuart Little” has now found a home. Time Out Foundation of Lakeville — a horse rescue/sanctuary that runs a free therapeutic program for children — adopted him.

Stuart Little and friend.

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Speaking of animals: After 4 years of hibernation, Sunny the Duck is back on Jesup Green.

The much-larger-than-life waterfowl advertises the Sunrise Rotary Club’s annual Great Race.

It’s this Saturday (June 29), at Jesup Green.

The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with activities like Nerdy Derby, pin making, face painting, bubble machines, duck pond giveaway and more (plus food trucks!).

The duck race starts at 1 p.m. Thousands of plastic ducks are dropped from a giant front loader, down a 160-foot long sluice course on Jesup Green.

Each duck has a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks across the finish line win money for their ticket holders. First place gets $5,000, second place $1,000, while the next 8 earn $500 awards.

All the fun is for a great cause. Sunrise Rotary donates the proceeds to local and international charities.

Tickets can be purchased online at westportsunriserotary.org, or from any Westport Sunrise Rotarian at any time — including the morning of the event.

Wendy Krueger — daughter of Ralph Krueger, for whom Little Ralphie is named — checks out her father’s namesake with Bruce Paul, Sunrise Rotary’s Great Duck Race chair.

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The Soundview Avenue streetscape is particularly beautiful this time of year.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image complements the sculpture that — all year long — draws plenty of attention, even without the flora.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … in honor of Row House (story above):

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Schools’ Smartphone Ban: Scarice Talks Tech, Teens & Tweens

Posted on June 24, 2024 | 28 comments

Last Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a statewide ban on smartphone use in public schools.

Tom Scarice beat him by 2 weeks.

Earlier this month, Westport’s superintendent of schools offered a plan like Newsom’s, on a smaller scale: our town’s 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools — and Staples High.

It’s a stark reversal from current policy.

But it comes on the heels of a nationwide debate on smartphone use by children and teenagers.

It’s in line too with a drive by Greens Farms Elementary parents — and at other schools — to not give smartphones to youngsters until after 8th grade.

Currently, all smartphones (and wearable technology) is banned at the elementary level. Middle school students must put them in lockers or backpacks for the school day.

Staples students are required to put personal technology devices in wall-mounted holders during class time.

Smartphone holder.

Scarice’s proposal would make all Westport Public Schools “completely ‘phone-free’ environments” (including wearable technology).

The district would use “tools and/or methods that do no require faculty and staff to be responsible for the primary enforcement” of those restrictions.

That is the superintendent’s “unequivocal recommendation,” as conveyed in a memo to the Board of Education and parents. (Click here for the full document.)

However — mindful of the importance of community input — he will withhold any implementation plan until he determines there is “sound consensus (not necessarily unanimity)” supporting the move.

Scarice cites many reasons for the recommendation. They include the dangers of smartphone addiction; distraction and lack of focus; adverse effects on mental health; the potential for cyberbullying. and improved academic performance in “phone-free” schools.

He adds that smartphone use currently accounts for “a preponderance of student discipline matters,” and that teacher enforcement of the current policy is “unsustainable.”

There will be exceptions. They include students who need smartphones because of medical conditions like diabetes or disabilities.

Students may bring their own laptops and tablets. The district’s technology department will continue to block access to certain websites and apps.

Scarice understands that parents want to communicate with their children during the day. Tools exist to allow alternatives to smartphones. “It will be a matter of finding the most effective, if there is the collective will,” he says.

Addressing concerns that smartphones may be needed in the event of an emergency, the superintendent notes that there are hardwired phones throughout the schools — and over 300 smartphones in the hands of adults at Staples.

It has taken a few years — and a great deal of thought — for Scarice to come to his present position.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

He expects a robust discussion on his proposal, involving all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers, administrators, first responders, pediatricians, child psychologists and more.

He wants people to weigh in. But he holds no illusions that there will be easy answers.

“It’s like school start times. This is a heavy lift,” he says.

He also notes that there may be differences within groups. Older parents, he hypothesizes, might have one predominant view; younger ones, with elementary and middle school students, may have another.

Scarice hopes the debate will be thoughtful, and nuanced.

“Will students be against it?” he asks rhetorically.

“They could be. But the question shouldn’t just be ‘should we ban phones?’ We can ask, ‘How might your school experience be different without smartphones?'”

Scarice — who prefers conversations to surveys — plans to engage teachers and administrators in small-group settings. At Staples, he may meet with each department separately. The technological needs of science teachers, for example, may be very different from English or art instructors.

There are plenty of solutions, he says. And many of them may be obvious.

“Look at what a smartphone does. There are other devices for a lot of them. You can do a lot with a calculator and camera.”

The issue of smartphone use is not abstract. Scarice is not just the superintendent of a district with over 5,300 students.

He’s also the father of 3. Two of his children are in college. One is in high school.

“I relate to all this. I text my kids all the time,” he admits with a laugh. “I’m guilty.”

Not long ago, Scarice was about to address a PTA meeting. His phone vibrated. His son texted that he did not have enough money in his lunch account.

Scarice transferred funds, texted his son that it was done, then spoke at the meeting.

“Would it have been better if he sucked it up for a day? Sure,” Scarice says.

“And I suspect he was in class when he texted me.”

Scarice knows too that the district itself has made technology an integral part of the school day.

“Google Suite, Schoology, PowerSchool for grading — we use all of them to ‘conduct school.'” The IT department is looking into ways to use those tools without smartphones.

Superintendent Scarice (and Governor Newsom) did not start the debate about smartphones in schools. It’s simmered for a while.

But recently — sparked in part by Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” — a national conversation has blazed.

The body of research is still small, Scarice knows.

But, he says, “I wanted to open the conversation. I dug into that nascent research. I collected information, and made my recommendation to the Board of Ed.

“Now we have to engage all the stakeholders. Then we’ll come to a consensus, and figure out operationally how to make it work.”

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Posted in Children, Education, Staples HS, technology

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Pics Of The Day #2623

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 2 comments

Heading to the Sound … (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

… and a Cedar Point Yacht Club sunset … (Photo/Nathalie Jacob)

… and a Saugatuck Shores morning (Photo/Michael Fortuna)

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Photo Challenge #495

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 8 comments

Westport is filled with peace.

Or at least, with peace poles.

The tall, slender, white objects — with messages like “May Peace Prevail,” in English and other languages — can be found in the Staples High School courtyard, at the Y and Earthplace, and in front of Town Hall and Saugatuck Elementary School.

None of those were the peace poles depicted in last week’s Photo Challenge, though.

That one can be found on private property: Sherman’s Way, the small road on Compo Road South. It was placed there by the Sherman family. (Click here to see.)

Suzanne Sherman Propp proudly (and a bit sheepishly) was the first person to correctly identify the site last week. Andrew Colabella was the only other reader with the correct answer.

That’s alright. Don’t worry. May peace be with you — wherever you are.

As I went fishing for this week’s Photo Challenge, I found the Westport Striped Bass Club.

If you know where in Westport you’d find this waiting-to-be-used leaderboard, click “Comments” below.

Peace out.

(Photo/Mark Frankel)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Rye Ridge Changes, Henry Wynne Runs, Compo Cars Crash …

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 27 comments

For decades, Oscar’s was a fixture on Main Street.

When Lee Papageorge died in 2016, Westporters mourned the loss of a friend — and a great deli owner.

A year later, there was excitement when Rye Ridge Deli opened in that space.

Now, it’s changed hands.

Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. The new name is 159 Main.

Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

(Photo/Steven Goldstein)

We hope the new owners will keep the mural on the back wall. Dating back to the 1980s, it shows a group of Oscar’s regulars — and Lee Papageorge.

A Rye Ridge waiter looks at Lee Papageorge, longtime Oscar’s owner. The mural was restored by Rye Ridge Deli. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Henry Wynne continues to run toward the Olympics.

The 2013 Staples High School, 2017 University of Virginia graduate, and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records, finished third in the semi-final heat of the 1500 meters at the Olympic trials yesterday, at the University of Oregon. He ran a season-best 3:34.40.

That qualifies him for tomorrow’s (Monday) finals (8:47 p.m. EDT; NBC and Peacock) — and a spot on the US track team that will compete at the Olympics next month in Paris.

Also yesterday, another Westport athlete fell just short of her Olympic goals.

Annam Olasewere competed in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle trials in Indianapolis, and reached the semifinal of the former.

She’s got a fantastic future. A rising senior at Staples, who competes year-round for Chelsea Piers Athletic Club, she’s already committed to Stanford University for the 2025-26 school year.

Next stop: the 2028 Olympics, just down the California coast, in Los Angeles.

Annam Olasewere

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Compo Beach residents are used to drivers speeding down Bradley Street, and blowing past the stop sign at Danbury Avenue.

But they were stunned today as a car driven by a teenage boy, with another teen as his passenger, raced along Compo Road South, roared onto Bradley without stopping, then passed several vehicles in the other lane on its way to the beach.

Without stopping at Danbury Avenue, it turned left onto Compo Beach Road, slammed against a car driving past, drove off and continued into the beach.

The car that was hit …

The young driver was apprehended quickly. No one seemed injured.

But if anyone had been walking or biking on Bradley or Compo Beach Road, it could have been much, much worse.

Be careful out there — everyone!

… and the vehicle that hit it. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the beach, here’s a new trend: Cars parking on the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95.

Of the 6 cars in this photo, 4 are from out of state.

At first, it seems odd.

But apparently it’s the new way to avoid paying the daily out-of-town rate at Compo.

Signs warn that vehicles parked on Hillspoint between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill, and at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, must have beach stickers.

There are no such signs this far north.

So folks park on the bridge, and hoof it to the beach.

On the one hand, it’s great that Compo is so attractive to out-of-towners.

And they should probably be applauded for creativity.

On the other hand …

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And speaking of dangerous behaviors (see above), Rob Jackson writes:

“I live in Saugatuck Shores, and drive to and from downtown on Route 136.

“With the onset of warmer weather, the electric scooter parade begins. There are some adults, but the majority are young teenagers.

“There is no bike lane, so these kids ride in the narrow strip between the traffic and the grass. It’s terrifying to see these young people, sans helmets, at times with headphones or earbuds, speeding along at 15-20 mph with cars, trucks, etc. blowing past a foot or two away. (The 35 mph speed limit seems to be only a suggestion)

“No helmets is downright lunacy. But the small diameter tires on these scooters (as opposed to a much larger bicycle tire) are an invitation for the first small rock to send the riding flying, possibly into a passing vehicle.

“I invite any parent to come watch their child navigate this roadway on their electric scooter. This isn’t Compo Beach or Saugatuck Island. It is a disaster in the making.”

Fun … until it isn’t.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA marked its 100th annual meeting last week with a number of awards.

Honorees included Diane Dubovy Benke (Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year0; Robin Tauck (Legacy & Impact Award), and Kate Murray and Andrew Berkowitz (Youths of he Year).

Employee Recognition Awards went to James Leask, maintenance technician (Above & Beyond); Victoria Walters, lifeguard and swim instructor (Commitment to Mission); Alejandro Flores, maintenance technician (Relationship Champion), and Tina Turechek, digital marking manager (Rookie of the Year).

Robin Tauck (right) with Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick.

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The Westport Library will be buzzing this afternoon.

The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s new community-building project — brings an intriguing music-making event to the Trefz Forum stage (today, Sunday, 2 p.m.).

It’s called a “LID Session.” The acronym stands for “Lay It Down.”

Chiu — a world-renowned pianist, who lived for many years in Westport — has always been fascinated by the way pianos connects people of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences.

He has invited local people to take a chance, and “Lay It Down” for an audience of fellow community members. The 6 who will perform range in age from 12 to 94.

“The playing doesn’t have to be perfect, and the audience doesn’t need to know how to play,” Chiu says.

“The shared experience creates connection for everyone.

Chiu will kick things by playing a short piece. Six guest pianists then take their turn on the Library’s special Yamaha Disklavier, which captures the performance for posterity.

To close, Chiu will lead a community conversation. (For more information, click here.)

Frederic Chiu, at the Westport Library.

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A good crowd headed to the Westport Observatory yesterday, for the start of ARRL Field Day.

The Westport Astronomical Society hosted the local meeting of a nationwide ham radio event.

Attendees young and old heard from ham operators, and got on the air themselves.

ARRL Field Day continues today (Sunday) through 8 p.m. at the observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane. For more information, click here.

Coleytown Middle School student Dylan Rosen learns about ham radio yesterday from Larry Reed (AB1JC), at the Westport Observatory. Dylan contacted a ham operator in Iowa — and the hams in Westport stopped to applaud. PS: Check out Dylan’s shirt!

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Sure, “Westport … Naturally” featured a turtle the other day.

But this shot — taken yesterday morning, at the Longshore stone wall on Compo Road South — is stop-the-presses-worthy.

Quite an interesting looking character. Worth waiting for, even if he does take his time walking the golf course.

(Photo/Peter Armstrong)

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And finally … on this date in 1713, French residents of Acadia were given one year to declare allegiance to Britain or leave Nova Scotia.

They did not pledge their allegiance. The result: a vibrant Cajun culture in Louisiana.

(“06880” wants everyone to be safe. That way we can all enjoy our town — and this hyper-local blog. And if you get a chance, please consider supporting us too. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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Coming Soon To Mill Pond: Sherry Jagerson Park?

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 8 comments

Sherry Jagerson’s memorial service last weekend was an upbeat, uplifting afternoon.

The longtime Westporter — who died earlier this month at 80 — was remembered for her vibrant, can-do, do-it-yourself spirit, and for the many environmental and humanitarian projects she threw herself into, at home and around the world.

Now, she may be memorialized here for decades to come.

Andrew Colabella and Matthew Mandell have started a petition to rename the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve on Hillspoint Road “Sherry Jagerson Preserve.”

One view of Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve … (Photo/Katherine Bruan)

The petition says: “This preserve exists as it is today because of the environmental love and care of Sherry Jagerson.”

In 2009 she — along with Wendy Crowther and Liz Milwe, and Westport’s Parks & Recreation maintenance division — excavated the property, built up the land, and installed a boat launch, saltwater natural plants, and accessible walkways with benches.

Colabella credits Jagerson’s “vision and hard work” from 2009 onward with the preserve’s current look and appeal.

… and another. (Photo/Bobbi Essagof)

Jagerson could be memorialized for many things. She was a steward for Nash Pond, where she lived. She led one of the first initiatives to ban plastic bags in the country. She created the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, helped found the Westbridge Coalition, was a founding board member for United with Kenya, and served on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

But naming a wonderful piece of town property “Sherry Jagerson Preserve” is especially fitting.

Sherry Jagerson at Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)

Here’s one more story. Last Sunday — the day after her memorial service — Jagerson’s son, 2 daughters, grandchildren and friends gathered at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.

They spent the better part of a day weeding, cleaning and planting. As they did, they felt her spirit everywhere.

(The request to rename the property “Sherry Jagerson Park” will go to the Board of Selectwomen. If okayed, it heads to the Representative Town Meeting for final approval. Click here to see and sign the petition.)

Sherry Jagerson’s family and friends at the preserve last Sunday …

… with a pause for a group shot. (Photo/Jen Tooker)

Sherry Jagerson was also an accomplished sailor and racer. She founded a business that taught women how to sail.

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local politics

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Pic Of The Day #2622

Posted on June 22, 2024 | 1 comment

Hey! Those Hillspoint Road hedges won’t cut themselves! (Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Posted in Beach, Environment

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Roundup: “Which Is Which?”, WCP Interns, Winslow Park Statues …

Posted on June 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: “Which Is Which?”, WCP Interns, Winslow Park Statues …

Weston resident Roy Adams is in his 24th year of service as a New Canaan police officer. He spends his free time with his wife and 3 children (11, 3 and 21 months).

Roy always had a passion for writing. He’s written several screenplays of different genres, and reached the finals and quarterfinalist in screenplay contests.

He recently published “Which is Which? Which is Which” — an educational children’s book about homophones. The colorful illustrations and rhyme pattern of make it fun, and interesting for kids to learn.

The idea came during the nightly ritual of reading to his kids before bed. Roy reflected on a poem he had written in high school, titled “Which is Which.” It got him to thinking about vocabulary, and how the English language is more complex than many people realize.

Now Roy is sharing his love for words and writing with kids — and introducing them to the amazing world of homophones.

Click here for more information, and to order.

Roy Adams

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“06880” gets a dozen or so sunset shots nearly every day. Many are from Compo Beach. Unfortunately, we can’t use 99% of them.

We get fewer moon photos — but still a lot. Submissions spike during a full moon. They’re even harder to photograph, and they tend not to reproduce well in this blog format.

But James White captured a special image last night, over Sherwood Mill Pond.

The color makes it stand out. He writes: “I didn’t think with the weather I would catch the moon. But then I saw this red glow.”

(Photo/James White)

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Four aspiring theater professionals make up the 2024 Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internship class.

The quartet will gain on-the-job experience working directly with  senior staff through July. They were selected from nearly 75 applicants.

Internships have formed a vital part of the Playhouse’s mission since the 1940s. Stephen Sondheim is the most famous alum.

In addition to immersive work in their departments, interns attend seminars with a variety of guest speakers. Interns receive a living wage stipend, and housing.

Interns include Ahnecia Gary (marketing; University of Connecticut ’24, from Stamford); Kiley Snobeck (development/fundraising; Concordia College ‘24.5, from Farmington, Minnesota); Jessi Stier (artistic/engagement; Muhlenberg College ’21, from New Jersey); Matt Thompson (production; Pennsylvania State University ’25, from Dallas/Fort Worth).

Westport Country Playhouse interns (from left): Ahnecia Gary, Matt Thompson, Kiley Snobeck, Jessi Stier. (Photo/Chris Conte)

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With 12 days to go before July 4th — and 10 until the fireworks — Winslow Park Animal Hospital is already ready.

Happy (early) birthday, America!

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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Most Compo Beach gull photos show them swarming on the sand, or swooping down to steal food.

Recent high school graduate Jay Babina spotted this pensive one, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jay Babina)

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And finally … on this day in 1633, the Holy Office in Rome forced Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the sun — not the earth — was the center of the universe.

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Online Art Gallery #219

Posted on June 22, 2024 | 1 comment

Lots of yellow this week!

No matter what color (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.

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Inspire” (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“The Taste of Summer” (Ellen Wentworth)

“Beach Days” — hand-drawn digital composition (Maj Kalfus)

“The Butterflies Are Back!” (Steve Stein)

“Backyard Bird With Trumpet Vine” (Peter Barlow)

Artist Kathleen Burke says: “Southport Village, the former Connecticut Bank built 1832, now a home, design inspired by 2 banks in Philadelphia. Greek Revival, Doric columns.”

“Contemplating” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Brother Jeff Hits a Winner” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Felicitations! Clayton Chalfant Receives French Legion Of Honor

Posted on June 22, 2024 | 6 comments

Four months ago, family members and friends celebrated Clayton Chalfant, as turned 100.

On July 7 the centenarian and war hero will be feted again, in a big way.

This time, the Consul General of France does the honors.

In a private ceremony at Town Hall, Chalfant will receive France’s Legion of Honor.

Born in Connecticut on February 21, 1924, Chalfant enlisted in the US Army
when he was 18 years old.

Heavy machine gunner Clayton Chalfant.

He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division’s 486th Armored Anti-Aircraft Battalion. They protected Allied forces from aerial attacks, while providing fire support against enemy infantry, vehicles and fortifications.

He saw action in the Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns.

His battalion encountered every type of German weapon and endured numerous hardships, notably at the Battle of the Bulge.

After returning to Westport, Chalfant married Mary Speer. They recently celebrated their 76th anniversary.

Chalfant and other Westporters helped establish a sister city relationship with Marigny, France. In 1994, officials invited him to visit the historic Normandy town.

The Legion of Honor is the French Republic’s highest honorary distinction. It was created by Emperor Napoleon to recognize men and women who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France and its people.

Two view of Clayton Chalfant.é

In 2004 — the 60th anniversary of D-Day — French President Jacques Chirac decided his country would bestow the award upon all American WWII veterans who fought on its soil

“We feel it is our duty to thank the heroes who helped liberate our nation during
WWII, while we still can. We owe them our freedom, democracy, and way of life,” says Damien Laban, acting consul general of France in New York.

(Click here for a full story on Clayton Chalfant’s 100th birthday, and his century of life.)

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