Tomorrow, Jolie Gefen graduates from Staples High School.
One of 2 “06880” interns this spring, she helped develop our new “Teens & Tweens” series, giving Westport’s youth a voice on our blog.
Jolie kicks things off today, writing honestly and impactfully about her time in high school. Please share her words with the young people in your life.
According to Google, optimism is “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.”
Jolie Gefen
As a moody high schooler undergoing all kinds of stress and drama, the idea of optimism did not come easily to me. As I anticipate graduating on Monday, I reflect on my past 4 years, and now know much more than I did as a freshman.
I wish I had prioritized keeping an open mind and staying positive.
As most of us know very well, Staples fosters an extremely competitive environment. At times, the constant stress and competition I forced myself to undergo and experience over simple assignments was far too overwhelming.
I also often kept a closed mind about taking classes outside of my comfort zone or in subjects I had yet to partake in. I deeply regret that, but I have also learned from it.
High school is a time to learn what kinds of things interest a person, and I feel I neglected to do so. It’s imperative to take advantage of the many avenues Staples offers us and to ignore anyone suggesting that the classes you take have to align with what you may pursue in college, as it is simply not true.
When it came to the topic of college, my situation also was very close-minded and pessimistic. All my life I have had one dream school. This school was pretty much do or die for me, and I made myself feel that my worth and value as a person and student relied on getting accepted by this college.
I constantly doubted my ability of success, and became frantic over each imperfect grade as it could have hurt my chances of acceptance.
I implore future seniors about to embark on this long journey to stay optimistic throughout the process, and maintain faith in yourself. You will end up where you need to be, and at the end of the day, a college does not define you.
One of the biggest regrets I have to this day is how narrow-minded I was regarding friends. Until senior year, I had failed to reach out to new people or be open to becoming friends with some people because of preconceived notions in my head. Right before senior year, however, I joined a big group of amazing girls and found my best friends.
Jolie Gefen and friends.
Although it’s impossible to know it will work out until you’re on the other side of things, I really wish I had just kept an open mind to everyone around me. The people I am closest to today are people I hadn’t even ever talked to a year ago. Things really do have a way of working out, and I believe I am living proof.
I know it’s all easier said than done, but I truly hope anyone reading this who may feel the same as I did when it came to classes, college or friends hears me when I say that keeping an open, positive mind is key. When things are tough, try your hardest to find the silver linings and stay optimistic.
When things are great, savor every moment.
I have learned that high school is truly what you make of it.
(“Teens & Tweens” is an open forum for Westport students. You can write about anything: good or bad, happy or sad, your passions and dreams, your thoughts about your life and community. You can use your name, or be anonymous. You can also submit artwork, videos or other media. If interested, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
June brings many events: graduations. Weddings. Father’s Day. Flag Day.
In Westport, it’s also dog licensing month. Licenses covering July 1 through June 30, 2025 can be obtained online, starting immediately. All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed.
Fees are $8 for neutered males and spayed females, $19 for others. Additional fees apply for online applications. There is a $1 penalty per month for renewal licenses issued after June 30. A $75 infraction will be issued for any non-licensed dog, and for any dog not wearing a current dog tag attached to a collar around its neck or body.
Click here, then scroll down to learn how to apply online.
For paper applications, mail or the drop box at the rear of Town Hall are preferred. Dog licenses can be processed in the Town Clerk’s office for those needing in-person assistance. Click here for the application.
Questions about dog licenses? Call 203-341-1110, or visit click here, then scroll down.
“I only date dogs that are licensed,” she says. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
The Westport Farmers’ Market attracts large crowds every Thursday.
This week, the crowd included Jim Himes.
Our US congressman met shoppers, local farmers and vendors. He asked plenty of questions, and also learned about the WFM’s community programs.
Congressman Jim Himes meets Rebecca Batchie, co-owner of Fort Hill Farm in New Milford.
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Mia Bomback is the newest addition to the “06880” board of directors.
One of the 7 seats on the non-profit’s board is reserved for a Staples High School Inklings members. Mia — a rising senior — will be paper managing editor for the 2024-25 school year. She replaces Caitlin Jacob on the board.
Mia has lived in Westport for over 10 years. A passionate student and aspiring journalist, she has already been part of the School of the New York Times, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Yale Daily News summer journalism programs.
She has also worked as an intern for the Westport Journal, and contributed to “06880.”
Outside of journalism, Mia holds leadership roles in Staples’ French Club (which she co-founded), and Model UN, and volunteers at the Westport Book Shop.
She is also involved in the town-led civil discourse initiative Common Ground, and is very active in her religious community.
In her free time Mia listens to music, plays golf, and spends time with friends at family at Compo Beach.
For more information on the “06880” board of directors, click here.
Mia Bomback
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A few tickets remain for tonight’s big Levitt Pavilion show: Keb’ Mo’, with Phillip-Michael Scales (Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.).
With 5 Grammys and 14 Blues Foundation Awards in a career of nearly 50 years, Keb’ Mo’ is one of America’s most accomplished contemporary roots artists.
Scales’ “dive bar soul” blends indie rock with passionate blues.
There is no outside food or drink. But the Blind Rhino food truck and bar by Rizzuto’s will be open. Children 6 and under are free in the bring-your-own-chair section. Click here for tickets, and more infromation.
And finally … Frank Lloyd Wright was born on this day, in 1867. The ground-breaking architect died in 1959, age 91.
(If today’s “06880” Roundup saved you from a fine for not having a dog license, please click here to support our work. You can also click if we didn’t help, but you like us anyway. Thank you!)
Colors continue to abound in our online art gallery.
No matter what 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.
“Boris the Bichon” — abstract acrylic and resin epoxy (Patricia McMahon)
“Summer in Bloom” — encaustic wax (Dorothy Robertshaw)
“Lady Slipper Wildflower” — “a sure sign of spring in the woods of Maine,” says photographer Bonnie Scott Connolly
“Orphanage in Thailand” — Photographer Mike Hibbard says, ” When these kids age out, they try to be accepted in the community. The boys find their way. Many of the girls have a very hard life ahead. How can we be kinder and more respectful to each other?”
“Barcelona Pigeons” (Cohl Katz)
“Look and Look Again” (Tom Doran)
Untitled — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)
“Irish Sunset” (Penny Pearlman)
“Down to the Sea, Pretty Soon” (Peter Barlow)
“Bill at the Net” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
“Shake on it” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
At the beginning of last night’s Staples High School Pops Concert at the Levitt Pavilion, emcee David Pogue made a joke about the number of times the concert has been moved inside due to rain and wildfire smoke — or canceled, because of COVID.
This time the skies were clear, the temperature perfect.
Suddenly — just a few minutes into the show — a fierce wind blew in.
Music sheets scattered. Banners flapped. It looked like an unexpected weather event would ruin the evening.
Suddenly, all was calm again. The “wind ensemble” left. The show went on … beautifully.
The Staples music department’s gift to the town showed off all the performing groups: the Symphonic Band and Orchestra, Choralaires, Orphenians, Jazz Ensemble, and several small ensembles.
The program ranged from Blood Sweat & Tears to Glen Campbell; Björk to the Beatles; Simon & Garfunkel to Freddie Mercury and Queen.
In less than a decade, the Pops Concert has become a cherished Westport tradition. It is entertaining, fun — and very, very professional.
Our Staples instructors and musicians are outstanding. The standing ovations they got were well-deserved.
And the rainbow over the stage made the night even more perfect.
Rainbow over the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Harris Falk)
Three groups performed before the show. Seamus Brannigan plays drums on “Ventura Highway.”
The Choralaires sing the national anthem. This is Lauren Pine’s first Pops Concert, as Staples’ new choral director.
The final performance for Phil Giampietro (left), Staples’ highly regarded band and jazz ensemble director. He’s leaving for Hall High-West Hartford, closer to his home in Cheshire and where he will remake their program. Gregg Winters (right) teaches band at Bedford Middle School, and jazz workshop at Staples.
Andrew Maskoff (keyboard) and Rohan Wadhwani (vocals) lead the Jazz Ensemble in “Spinning Wheel.”
Musicians look to the sky, as strong winds blow in.
Curtis Sullivan, Ethan Walmark, Henry Carson and Rohan Wadhwani harmonize on “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
Eva Slossberg (2nd from left) wowed the crowed with her vocals on “Would That I.” She was accompanied by (from left) pianist Andrew Maskoff, and cellists Ellia Tobben and Kai Seo. Missing is cellist Shivali Kanthan. (Contributed photo)
The full Symphonic Orchestra, Band and Choralaires close the show with a rousing “Bohemian Rhapsody.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
On Monday, Staples High School holds its 137th graduation ceremony.
Over 415 young men and women will receive diplomas, leave the Class of 2024 behind, and head out to a dangerous, unpredictable world.
More than 80 years ago, the world was even more dangerous and unpredictable.
In the 1942-43 school year, the school paper Inklings reported, wartime shortages made “the candy table supply look quite pathetic.” Mounds, Hershey Bars, O. Henry, Baby Ruth all disappeared.
Students with last period study hall were allowed to leave school early. Some worked for local industries manufacturing items needed for the war effort.
Others harvested crops on local farms, replacing older men who had been called up to serve.
The Junior Red Cross organized a scrap and tin drive. Art classes made booklets for men in Army hospitals, and contributed posters to local bond drives.
William Torno’s shop classes built 4 wood rifle racks, each holding 32 guns, for the Westport Defense Training Unit. He added an oxyacetylene course too, in the newly important skill of welding.
Bill Torno (rear) supervises a 1940s Staples High School shop class.
Miss Ossi’s home economics classes made nearly 100 cotton hospital bags. The Navy came to Staples, and gave exams for the V-12 College Training program.
A Commando Course, combining gymnastics and swimming, was held every Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the downtown YMCA (now Anthropologie), not far from the Riverside Avenue school (now Saugatuck Elementary). Instruction included diving from the side of a burning ship, and swimming under water while oil burned on the surface.
On other days boys wrestled, boxed and marched. The Commando and intensive gym courses were mandatory for all high school boys.
In perhaps the most chilling reminder of the war’s effect, 10 of the 100 graduates of the Class of 1943 – exactly 10 percent – did not attend commencement ceremonies. The stars next to their names meant they had already left school, to serve in the armed forces. The Staples High School yearbook was dedicated to them.
The “new” Staples High School opened on Riverside Avenue in 1937. When the Class of 1943 graduated, it was just 7 years old.
The next year, the 88-member Class of 1944 included 7 more service members.
At an assembly 6 months earlier, principal Douglas Young set a minimum but difficult goal of $25,000 for the 4th nationwide War Bond Drive. Six months later, the results were announced: Staples students had raised a whopping $39,500. That made graduation night special.
So did the sudden appearance, in full uniform, of Airman Sebastian (Sebby) Lauterbach. He joined the class in time to march to the stage for the ceremony.
The memory became even more poignant a few months later, when he was one of two members of the class killed in combat.
(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!)
Lyman — Westport’s Ukrainian sister city — was struck by Russian missiles recently.
A video from Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit formed by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has delivered over $300,000 donated by Westporters to our friends in that town — shows some of the horrific destruction. Click here to see.
To donate to Ukraine Aid International by credit card, click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo.
A resident of Lyman — Westport’s sister city — after a Russian air strike.
Meanwhile, Lyman’s police chief asked his counterpart, Westport Chief Foti Koskinas, for help. The town needs 2 EcoFlow batteries to power up their charging stations for the Starlink (provided by Westport), their computers and other important devices.
Ukraine Aid International is providing the funds, using money from last summer’s LymanAID fundraiser.
Wednesday’s Roundup included an email from a reader who slammed me for reckless driving on Thomas Road, in “my” BMW with “06880” plates.
I noted that I don’t have a BMW, and that just because I publish “06880,” it doesn’t mean that’s my license plate.
Yesterday, I heard from Gary Shelton, who has some skin in this game. He wrote:
“I’m the driver of the blue BMW ‘06880,’ and a very aware and careful driver.
“The man who wrote you should learn how to properly walk a dog between himself and the side of the road. He had the dog on a long leash between himself and the middle of the road on a blind corner.
“The ‘heads up display’ in my car says the speed limit on Thomas is 25. I was going 20 mph up the hill approaching that blind curve. He gave me a choice of slamming on my brakes and hitting his dog, or accelerating and going quickly around him.
“Fortunately I have extensive evasive maneuver driver training. I would much rather have hit the other car than his dog. He should have been appreciative of that, but clearly is not a good dog parent.
“The other car simply went on the small shoulder as I was around him and back in my lane before he was at any impact point. Cars can be fixed; lives cannot.
“I hope you add this to your blog as a response. I have been a longtime Westporter, and that has been a longstanding family license plate.”
The Staples High School baseball team plays for the state “LL” (extra large schools) state championship tomorrow (Saturday, June 8, 12 p.m., Palmer Field, Middletown).
The #19th-ranked Wreckers face #4 Amity.
Fans are invited to gather at the Staples fieldhouse at 9:15 a.m., to give them a great send-off.
Tickets must be purchased through GoFan. The game will be live-streamed here on game day.
Club 203 celebrated the end of another great year on Wednesday.
Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities hosted a party at Ned Dimes Marina. It was their biggest turnout ever: 175 guests.
The Super Duper Weenie truck served delicious treats, with kind service. Guests enjoyed games, MoCA art projects like message-in-a-bottle and decorate-your-own kites, and cookies from Big G.
Club 203 volunteers were joined by others from the Westport Rotary Club. Special thanks go to the town’s Department of Human Services and the Commission on People with Disabilities. Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore stopped by to enjoy the event.
Staples High School students respect and admire Cathy Dancz Schager.
Now the Contemporary World Studies teacher has been recognized as a “US Presidential Scholars Most Influential Teacher,” and through the University of Connecticut Office of Early College Experience Teacher Appreciation Campaign.
Leigh Foran, a senior — also the Class of 2024 valedictorian and a US Presidential Scholar honoree — chose Schager as the teacher who inspired her, and contributed the most to her success as part of the Scholar process.
“I’m so thankful to have had a teacher like Ms. Schager who teaches her students to apply what we learn in the classroom to the real world,” Foran says. “She’s truly encouraged us to become global citizens, which I deeply admire.”
In addition, students participating in UConn’s ECE program nominated Schager for her dedication, passion and commitment to supporting students and creating an incredible UConn course experience.
Cathy Schager
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As the LGBTQ community celebrates Pride Month, many look back at a time when they were less certain of their place in the world.
On June 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Alan Downs discusses his book “The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Men’s World.”
Downs is a clinical psychologist. The vent is sponsored by Westport Pride.
He sends this photo, from Kings Highway North between Main Street and Canal Street …
(Photo/Michael Lonsdale)
… and writes: “Wiring in Westport is a mess. It depresses me to drive around.
“It’s time for the town to come down on independent vendors who are wiring massive amounts of cable with no protocol. Ridiculous. It is out of control!”
He’s right. Wires are always added — never subtracted.
There’s no incentive for cable or utility companies to remove unused or obsolete wires. It’s easier for them to leave it in place, and move on to the next job.
Of course, they have to return when it all comes tumbling down. But hey …
Nearly every Westporter of a certain age has a story about Paul Newman, and his Volvos.
(Mine: He picked me up hitchhiking a few times. “Hop in, son!” he’d say.)
“06880” reader Todd Suchotliff sends along a link to a car website called The Autopian.
The story is about the legendary actor and his souped-up Volvo wagons.
It’s an insanely long story, of interest to auto enthusiasts — but also anyone who knows Ian Warburg and the late Michael Brockman, 2 Westporters who feature prominently in the piece.
The article also mentions a “missing” Volvo wagon, of which Suchotliff says, “I’m pretty sure I’ve seen bit before around town, and parked at a house on Compo Road South close to Soundview. It’s a Volvo wagon, with an ‘RR’ emblem on its grille.”
If you’ve ever had an experience where you found yourself coming together with others whose mindsets, approaches, and/or backgrounds were completely different from your own — yet ended up with surprising or inspiring results — you’ll know what this Sunday will be like at the Westport Library.
In “Unexpected Human Pollination” (June 9, 2 to 4 p.m.), artists will share art and true stories about those times. The storytelling ends with a community conversation on the subject.
It’s the first public event of The Hive — the new project of Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito. The mission is to create opportunities to engage, discover connections and build understanding fueled by the arts, dialogue, ideas and transformation.
The HIVE partners delivers programs in “cross-pollinating community gatherings, arts immersions, and transformation workshops.”
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Art is soothing. So is a sound bath.
On June 20 (6:30 to 8 p.m.), Sorelle Gallery hosts a “Sound Bath Meditation” evening.
The evening begins with a look at Sorelle’s coastal exhibit, Summer Crush. Attendees will then relax on yoga mats for a soothing session led by Hummingbird healing Center founder Lisa Pak.
Tickets are $25 each. There is room for 20 guests. Click here to register, and for more details.
Johanna Keyser Rossi reports that a pair has been hanging around the high tower behind by the police station for a few weeks. Their most recent activity: building a nest.
Posted onJune 7, 2024|Comments Off on Garden Tour: An Intriguing Prospect
Every day — but particularly in springtime — Westporters drive past Prospect Gardens, and marvel at its beauty.
The property, on Prospect Road in Greens Farms, includes nearly 9 acres of flowers, shrubs, lawns, walking paths, meadows, orchards, trees and more.
For over 20 years John and Melissa Ceriale bought adjacent land. Working with the very talented garden designer Cindy Shumate, they created a magical oasis, stretching far and wide.
Looking northeast, on the Ceriales’ property.
Usually, that street view is all that most people see.
But this Saturday (June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Prospect Gardens is open to the public.
It’s part of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program.
Mature deciduous and evergreen trees create a sweeping canvas, providing a sense of scale, shape and texture.
Key features include a Mediterranean graveled entry garden, 2 orchards, a stone-tiered vegetable garden, blueberry and raspberry houses, beehives, a sunny perennial garden, shady perennial woodland walk, conifer collection, flowering shrub and grass borders, a Japanese-inspired meditation garden and maple collection, 2 pools, containers featuring citrus and cacti, a glasshouse, an internationally renowned sculpture, and a 1-acre perennial/native wildflower meadow.
The most recent addition is a 4-tiered amphitheater, with a stone-medallioned stage.
Pyramid grasses on Prospect Road.
Shumate will be on site all day, explaining the wonders of the land, answering questions and describing Prospect Gardens’ evolution, from just 1 acre in 1996 to today.
She’ll be joined by Judy Gardner of Gardener’s Touch. The perennials expert created 3 specialty gardens plus the containers.
Gabriele Kallenborn will talk about the reproductive cycle of bees, and their importance.
Paul Sztremer of Wildflower Grounds Management will discuss how he and his crew keep the place pruned, planted, fed and weed-free.
Click here for tickets ($10 each), and more information.
One more view of Prospect Gardens.
(“06880” offers a window into Westport’s environmental life — and so much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Garden Tour: An Intriguing Prospect
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