For over 300 years — long before Westport was incorporated as a town — Green’s Farms Church has been a community anchor.
Beyond its importance as a religious congregations, the church has opened its doors to all. These days it hosts numerous groups, a preschool, and much more.
This Sunday (June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Green’s Farms Church is throwing a block party. Neighbors, families all around town, local organizations,and mission partners will gather for food, music, games and connection.
The party includes live music, barbecue, an ice cream truck, inflatables, crafts, sport court games, photo booth, sidewalk chalk art, and activities for all ages.
Organizations and partners from across the region will also participate, offering opportunities to learn more about good works happening throughout Westport and beyond.
Sponsored in part by organizations that regularly gather at Green’s Farms Church — including Westport Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Homes with Hope and Scout Troop 39 — the event will celebrate community.
Everyone is warmly invited. For more information, click here or follow on social media: @greensfarmschurch.
Green’s Farms Congregational Church
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The date and time for Staples High School’s baseball state championship game is set.
The Wreckers face Trumbull on Saturday at noon. The site is Middletown’s Palmer Field. Click here for tickets.
Unfortunately, the boys lacrosse team will not join them in a state championship game. Staples fell to New Canaan yesterday in heartbreaking fashion — 9-8, in sudden-death overtime — in their “LL” semi, at Fairfield University.
It’s a tall order to beat the same team 4 times in one season. The Wreckers had topped the Rams 3 times this spring — including a thrilling sudden-death win in the FCIAC final.
Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky’s squad, on another stellar year.
Speaking of sports: The World Cup kicks off this afternoon. Mexico hosts South Africa, at 3 p.m.
Tomorrow (Friday), the US plays its first match, against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Kickoff is 9 p.m. EDT.
Sure, you can watch them — and many of the other 102 games — at home.
But it will be a lot more fun at The Clubhouse.
The sports bar/restaurant/event space/and more across the Post Road from the Delamar has Westport’s largest TV wall. They’ve added 2 new screens, so every seat now has a view.
They also offer reservations for reservations for smaller rooms. There’s also the roof deck, to watch outdoors.
Click on their website, or follow their Instagram (@theclubhouswestport) for news of watch parties for the biggest games — with DJs and other special attractions. For reservations, click here.
They begin with a recognition of retirees: Horacio Ballesteros, Christina Brooks, Maureen Cadden, Carmela Cerulo, Lisa Doran, Joanne Fasciolo, Gina Forberg, Karen Frawley, Dana Gilland, Ellen Hardy, Cheryl Hersh, Patricia Hines, Kaye Johnson, Jessica Olson, Helena Paiva, Anne Parise, Elaine Perlman, Liz Shaffer and Miguel Valentin.
They’ll also recognize their 2 student representatives — Anwara Olasewere and Souleye Kebe — and PTA co-presidents Lori Freemon, Allison O’Dell, Jennifer Sydor, Alaina Skiber, Sonam Tejpal, Catherine Young,Cheryl Morabito, Christina Royce, Alexis Eisenberg, Lindsay Brachle, Rebekah Wornow, Indy Pereira, Meghan O’Brien, Lindsay Blass, Wendy McConaghy, Gina Christie, Robin Lewis, Stefanie Shackelford and Aileen Brill.
They’ll discuss the recent screen time audit report, and will discuss and act on the employment contract of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Before “Hello, Dolly!,” there was “The Matchmaker.”
Tomorrow (Friday, June 12) the curtain rises on Westport Community Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Matchmaker” comedy. Matchmaker.
The original source for “Dolly!” is filled with romance, mischief, mistaken identities and classic characters. Decades later, it’s as fresh, funny and heartwarming as ever. his beloved American classic remains as fresh, funny, and heartwarming today as when it first delighted audiences decades ago.
The cast includes Lucy Babbitt, Ari Benmosche, TJ Chila, Rayne Darken, Henry Durham, Betsy Grover, Martha Hegley, Emily Roberson, Patrick Spaulding, Rick Stewart, Erin Wallace and Jordan Weisblatt. The director is Mark Frattaroli.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. on June 14, 21 and 28. The Westport Community Theatre is in the lower level of Town Hall. For tickets, call 203-226-1983 or click here.
Patrick Spaulding and Lucy Babbitt in “The Matchmaker.”
Some people help Homes with Hope with cash donations. Others contribute food for the pantry, or cook and serve meals at the Gillespie Center.
The Lang family gave a car, to Susie’s House.
The vehicle will provide reliable transportation for the young women at the Compo Road North residence.
That’s “one less barrier on the road to independence,” says Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “This gift will make a real and lasting difference in their lives.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between June 39 and 9.
An 81-year-old Westport woman was charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, after a neighbor reported that 3-5 feet had been cut from the tops of 19 green giant arborvitae trees on his yard. The trees could no longer grow taller. He estimated the loss due to damage at $20,000. A review of surveillance video and a neighborhood canvas identified the suspect. She refused to speak to the officer investigating the incident, and ignored multiple requests to respond to police headquarters. Bond was set at $20,000. She was released on a written promise to appear, by order of the state bail commissioner’s office.
A 32-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after an investigation into fraudulent returns processed by a Shoe-Inn employee. The total amount was estimated to be $98,405.65. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Concord, New Hampshire woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Walgreens. She is alleged to have taken more than $297 worth of protein shakes. She was unable to post a $50,000 bond.
A 24-year-old Hamden man was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, theft of a marker plate, improper use of a marker plate and failure to appear, after a license plate reader alert of a stolen license plate. He was released on a $35,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Texting while driving: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signs: 3
Disorderly conduct: 2
Following too closely: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Illegal operation of a motor vehicle: 1
School zone violation — 2nd offense: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of marker: 1
Unauthorized insurer: 1
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Longtime Westport resident Richard “Bud” Farquhar died peacefully earlier this year in Milton, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 93.
He grew up in Redlands, California, in a prominent orange-growing family with a history of military service. Bud was an accomplished horse rider, hard-working student, and farm hand. He met beautiful Barbara Jean Penacho while in Redlands High School. They were married for 60 years.
Bud joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served in Japan with his brother Phil, flying missions in search of submarines. After discharge Bud earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
He worked for the Sperry & Hutchinson Company, spending 33 years with Green Stamps. The family moved several times for promotions. They settled in Westport in 1976, where he lived until 2024.
His last role at S&H was national director, sales and marketing, handling over 500 truck stop customers. In 1993 Bud joined Newport Communications as publisher of Truckstop Plaza Magazine.
In 1997 Bud owned and operated Stars & Stripes, LLC which produced annual truck beauty show competitions.
He loved outdoor work, from landscaping at home to firing up the snow blower.
Bud is survived by his son Richard Farquhar Jr. (Shelli) of Marietta, Georgia; daughters Amy Jackson of Milton, Georgia (Peter) and Lori (Milford); grandchildren Nathan, Duncan and Ian Farquhar, and Austin, Rhea and Sage Jackson/
A graveside celebration of life with military honors and internment of ashes will be held tomorrow (June 12, 11 a.m., Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, California), where Bud will be laid to rest next to his wife Barbara Jean Farquhar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Bud Farquhar
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Wasp nests are things of beauty.
And a bit scary.
Susan Garment spotted this one — a first of the season — underneath a mailbox on Eno Lane. It (complete with wasp) fits right in with our “Westport … Naturally” series — showcasing every variety of life in town.
A small crowd got a big look yesterday at the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool.
Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, with his committee and representatives of FCA Architects, presented exterior and interior plans of the new school, and an update on construction.
Aerial rendering of the new school. Hyde Lane is at the bottom.
Work on the foundation has begun. Geothermal wells on the lower fields have been completed.
Work on the lower athletic fields at Long Lots (right). The former baseball field as at left.
The school — set to open in January of 2028 — is on target to meet or exceed state sustainability targets.
The architecture — with gabled roofs and warm colors — aims for a “cozy and classic New England setting.”
Because the school is built on a hill, both the lower and upper levels will have at-grade access.
The lower floor will include 2nd through 5th grade classrooms, with a gym at the rear.
Gymnasium.
The upper floor will have separate entrances for kindergarten/1st grade, and the Stepping Stones preschool. The cafeteria is on that level.
The upper level, with a 2-story atrium and plenty of light.
Interior features include a double-height atrium, a multi-purpose room, a media center with 2 classrooms and 2 tiered reading areas, and quiet “nooks” throughout the school.
A courtyard will offer benches, an amphitheater, and areas for teaching.
Courtyard.
There will be 3 playgrounds: one for Stepping Stones, one for elementary students, and the current playground named for Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley, which will remain.
The bus loop and parent drop-off areas will be completely separate.
Parent drop-off (left) and bus loop (right). Hyde Lane would be at the bottom.
Attendees — a mix of Long Lots parents, school neighbors and curious residents — gave the plans and computer renderings high marks.
A main corridor, leading to the gym. Multi-purpose room is at left.
Multi-purpose room.
Classroom corridor.
Cafeteria.
(“06880” will report regularly on the new school’s progress — as we do 24/7/365, on everything from education and real estate to local politics, entertainment and more. Please click here to support us!)
For over 10 years, Westporters have wondered: What will the YMCA do with the Red Barn property?
Today, we know.
They’ll build the Red Barn Arena — a year-round ice rink facility — on the Wilton Road site, just off Merritt Parkway exit 20.
The project — funded by the Westport Weston Family Y, and a capital campaign — includes an NHL-regulation-size rink, spectator seating, locker rooms, a lobby and other amenities.
Computer-generated rendering of the Red Barn Ice Arena.
The design will pay homage to the Red Barn restaurant — a familiar spot for 8 decades — through architectural elements, the color palette, and preserved memorabilia (including its chandelier and iconic sign).
And of course, through the facility’s name.
Programs will include public skating, lessons, figure skating, youth and adult leagues, and summer camps.
The Red Barn Arena will also be home to Staples High School’s ice hockey teams. The boys now use Milford for practices and games; the girls’ base is in Stamford.
Another rendering.
The Y purchased the 3.2-acre parcel in 2015. It includes the restaurant building and a separate house.
It was owned by members of the Nistico family, who operated the Red Barn Restaurant from 1983 until July 2015. It had been a popular dining spot — and convenient meeting place for travelers — since the Merritt Parkway opened in the 1930s.
The Y explored many uses for the site (and fielded several requests from restaurateurs). Through member surveys and the input of an avid community group, YMCA officials decided that an ice arena would be both an important town asset, and fill a longstanding need.
It also fits with the Y’s mission: to provide recreational opportunities for individuals and families of all backgrounds and experience levels.
The Red Barn property, earlier this month. (Photo/Susan Garment)
“We couldn’t be more excited about this project,” says Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Glen Hale.
“This facility will serve the entire town, from a child stepping on the ice for the first time to families enjoying a Friday night skate, to our high school teams finally having a home rink.”
A concrete floor can serve additional recreational purposes when the ice is not in use.
“We are grateful to the community members who have helped champion this project, and the many supporters who will help bring it to life,” Hale adds.
Russell Sherman — a project steering community member — says, “Westport is an amazing place that offers so much. But the one thing that’s always been missing since I grew up here has been a year-round ice rink for everyone to enjoy.
“The Red Barn was a place where Westport came together for decades. Now it will be again. We’re excited to create amazing memories on the same site, for generations to come.”
John McKinney is the Y’s board of trustees chair — and a fifth generation descendant of E.T. Bedford, who endowed and founded the Westport Y in 1923.
He says, “I know my family would be as excited as I am that we are building something that fits so well with our mission, and will have such a powerful impact on the community.”
Y board of directors president Juliane Sunderland says, “The Y has set a high standard for all the programs it runs. This will be no different.
“We are excited to add this facility to the Y’s offerings, and to serve even more families in Westport and the surrounding communities.”
A popular gathering spot, back in the day.
Y officials believe the Red Barn Arena will have a “positive complementary impact” on the outdoor PAL Rink at Longshore, which operates for 3 months each winter, by introducing more people to the joy of skating.
Plans for a capital campaign will be announced soon. That phase is expected to take a year and a half. Construction will take another 18 months.
Meanwhile, the Y will begin the permitting process. They note that while the current building sits in a floodplain, the new facility will be a bit away, out of that zone.
For project updates, renderings and more, click on the new website: RedBarnIceArena.com.
Many Westporters have followed the progress of the Ned Dimes Marina (Compo Beach) renovation project with interest. The Parks & Recreation Department says:
We are pleased to report that the bulk of the work has been completed. The construction barge was removed from the site last Friday.
While major construction activities are now complete, some finishing work remains, including final pier improvements and work by plumbers and electricians. The launch ramp will open on Monday (June 15).
Electrical service to the marina continues to be delayed, due to modifications required by Eversource.
Last week, the Department of Public Works approved a change order to install a generator bypass to the marina electrical panel. This work will be completed by June 26, though the hope is it will be sooner.
New walkway at Ned Dimes Marina. (Photo/Eric Bosch)
Generator service to the AB Dock will be delayed pending a change order approval by the Public Works Department. The generator will remain in place for the remainder of the 2026 boating season, with full power restoration anticipated for the beginning of the 2027 season.
Once the generator bypass is operational, boats will be able to charge by plugging into dock electrical service on a scheduled basis. The charging schedule will be determined based on total electrical load requirements. and will be communicated to all marina users once finalized.
With the generator providing a reduced total capacity to the marina, it is requested that boaters refrain from using air conditioning or refrigeration, as it may cause the generator to overload and turn off.
Until further notice, no fueling services will be available at Compo Marina. We will also evaluate the possibility of opening pump-out services for vessels based on marina load requirements and available generator capacity.
Please note that the South Beach restrooms will remain closed until further review of generator capabilities. If it is determined the generator can handle the electrical draw of the restrooms, they will be opened. Port-a-potties will remain at this location until the restrooms are operational.
Events scheduled at the Ned Dimes Marina clubhouse, Camp Compo, and activities utilizing the lights at the Compo basketball vourts will operate using a generator bypass and portable generator. Hosts of events should check in at the Compo Beach entrance gate upon arrival, where staff will assist with generator startup and building connections.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete the final stages of this project. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Stacey Henske is a longtime Westporter, and a Homes with Hope food pantry volunteer. She writes:
Many young people do community service because it is required. Then there are those who truly embrace what it means to help others.
That is Parker Resnick.
In April, the Bedford Middle School 7th grader organized a basketball clinic at Staples High School for 30 boys in 3rd through 5th grade.
Staples assistant coach Chris Pickens, along with varsity basketball players Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan, James Moneyhon, Declan Mayr, Declan Jandora, Ryan Marcus and Arron Schorr came too, to help make the event special for the young attendees.
They got coaching and encouragement. They had a ton of fun. There is something powerful about older athletes taking time to give back to younger kids who look up to them. Parker understood that.
Coach Chris Pickens (center left), with Staples basketball players and young athletes.
But the clinic was about much more than basketball.
The event raised $3,300 for the Homes With Hope food pantry. It was part of his bar mitzvah project. (The ceremony was last Saturday — congratulations!)
What makes Parker’s story especially inspiring is that he did not simply raise money and move on.
He personally made 4 shopping trips to purchase nonperishable food items. Then he went to the pantry, organized shelves and stocked food.
Parker Resnick, helping at the food pantry.
Community service is not always glamorous. Sometimes it is carrying boxes, organizing cans, and quietly doing work when nobody is watching. Parker understood that helping people means showing up in every part of the process.
In a world where young people often hear negative headlines, Parker reminds all of us how great the next generation can be when they lead with kindness, effort and compassion.
Sports can bring people together. Service can change lives. Parker found a way to do both.
Congratulations to Parker Resnick, this week’s Unsung Hero!
(To donate to the Homes with Hope food pantry via their Amazon Wish List — with items delivered directly to the pantry — click here.)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
The Staples High School baseball team is 6 innings away from a state championship.
The Wreckers — down 3-1 — battled back to trounce Fairfield Ludlowe 8-3 yesterday, at Waterbury’s Municipal Stadium. They vaulted into their 3rd “LL” (extra large schools) title game in 4 years. Their last state crown came in 2019.
The blue-and-whites will face Trumbull on Saturday, at Middletown’s Palmer Field (time TBD). The Wreckers thrashed them 11-1 earlier this year (the 10-run mercy rule ended that game), so the Eagles will be out for revenge. They topped Fairfield Prep 9-4, in the nightcap of yesterday’s semifinal doubleheader.
Staples is the 11th seed. They’re 18-7, outscoring their opponents 36-7 in the state tourney after falling to New Canaan in the FCIAC (league) quarterfinals.
One other Staples baseball note: Wrecker coach Jack McFarland will be inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame later this month.
But that’s not the only Staples sports news. Today (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Fairfield University), the boys lacrosse team meets New Canaan, in the state tournament semifinals. The Wreckers have beaten the Rams 3 straight times this season.
The Long Lots School Building Committee offers a presentation of the elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school project tonight (Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The opening date has been pushed back to January 2028.
Artist’s rendering of the new Long Lots Elementary School.
Fresh off the excitement of their StartUp Westport Community Impact Award, Club203 hosted their final event of the 2025-26 season last night, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Dozens of members of the social group for adults with disabilities enjoyed World Cup-themed activities, including soccer and crafts by MoCA\CT — along with dinner from the Super Duper Weenie truck. Westport Rotary Club volunteers added to the fun.
On a related (younger) note: Fathers, mothers, caregivers and interested residents are invited to an evening dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs.
Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities hosts the event this Friday (6 p.m., Senior Center).
It’s a chance to meet mentors from the Special Fathers Network, hear stories from experienced fathers, connect with others on similar journeys, meet David Hirsch (author and host of the “Dad to Dad” podcast), and receive a free copy of his book “Dads Raising Children with Special Needs.”
Westport’s director of human services Elaine Daignault says, “Whether you are the parent of a newly diagnosed child, a seasoned advocate, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive Westport, this conversation is for you.
“All family members are welcome, and we especially encourage fathers to attend. Together, we can continue building a community where every family feels connected, supported, and empowered.” To RSVP, click here.
Westport Rotary Club members are an active, creative bunch.
But they learned even more about action and creativity yesterday.
Cliff Sirlin — an entrepreneur, and president and co-founder of StartUp Westport — and colleagues Peter Propp and Dave Altman spoke about their organization, at Rotary’s weekly meeting.
The public/private partnership has grown exponentially, since its start during the pandemic. There are now 3,000 innovators and entrepreneurs, engaged in everything from networking and mentorships to a pitch competition and — most recently — an Innovator of the Year (Marc Lasry) and Community Impact (Club203) evening.
Arthur Dwight Ellis — a longtime Bedford Middle School STEM teacher, whose work in the classroom and with Science Olympiad teams inspired generations of students — died peacefully on June 2 in Westerly, Rhode Island. He was 77.
The Springfield, Massachusetts, native “lived a life guided by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to understand the world around him,” his obituary says.
“A lifelong learner, he approached every interest with enthusiasm, thoughtful inquiry, and a commitment to excellence.
His wide range of interests included sailing, model airplanes and teaching. “Whatever captured his attention, he sought not only to master it, but to understand it deeply and to share that understanding with others. He had a gift for seeing connections, interpreting ideas in creative ways, and inspiring those around him to think more broadly and learn more deeply.”
Longtime colleague and friend David Deitch said, “Art gave so much of his life to students for Science Olympiad. He often went well beyond the norm for hours on end after school, and weekend trips around the country.
“‘Selfless’ doesn’t begin to describe this Princeton grad, with a degree in engineering. He was an essential inspiration to lifelong learning and achievement. Art gifted his students, as he seamlessly unlocked the mysteries of engineering and algebra for them, en route to winning competitions.”
Art is survived by his sons, Brian and David (Roseann); granddaughters Evangeline and Victoria; his longtime partner, Louisa Bradford; brothers Dwight and Charles, and nephews Warren and Ryan.
A celebration of Art’s life will be held later this summer.
Art Ellis
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is not just any duck.
According to photographer JD Dworkow, this is a “SaugaDuck.” Rim shot …
Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting included a discussion of an upcoming evaluation of the Westport Public Schools’ special education program.
Several parents asked that the review be fully independent, and devoid of any financial ties to the district. They advocate for a transparent review of administration, leadership and governance of special education, overseen directly by the BOE, led by a steering committee that includes parents with lived experience, to ensure a “credible and effective” process.
One student also addressed the BOE. Staples High School senior Wynston Browne — a non-speaking student who communicates by spelling — made a strong case for systemic change in the Special Education department.
Wynston spoke about the need for genuine collaboration, individualized access, and a commitment to “presumed competence,” so all students can fully participate in the decisions that shape their education. He typed this message, shown on a screen:
I would be interested in addressing the Board. The most important idea that I would like to express is that at every PPT [Planning and Placement Team meeting] my input was ignored.
My name is Wynston Browne, and this June I will become the first non-speaking autistic student who communicates by spelling to graduate from Staples HS with a fully credited diploma.
I am proud of this accomplishment and excited to continue my education in college, pursuing the broad range of subjects that inspire and challenge me.
Wynston Browne
While I celebrate this milestone, I must also speak honestly about the barriers I faced along the way. I have always entered my PPT meetings and educational discussions with a collaborative mindset. As the first speller in my district, I was consistently willing to demonstrate my abilities to my entire educational team, from paraprofessionals to administrators and even the superintendent. My goal was never to fight the district, but to work together to create an educational experience that reflected my true abilities and learning needs.
Unfortunately, despite advocating consistently and providing clear evidence of what accommodations were necessary for me to access the curriculum successfully, most of my requests were denied or delayed, even when they required no additional staffing or financial burden.
Wynston Browne and his date, Nina Meehan, before Staples’ senior prom.
One of the greatest barriers I faced was the lack of presumed competence. My outward physical movements, due to severe apraxia, do not reflect my intellectual ability. I have repeatedly explained that presuming competence is the foundation of understanding spelling and non-speaking autism.
This became especially clear in subjects like geometry. When I was denied accommodations that supported my ocular planning challenges, my grades suffered. Yet when I demonstrated how materials could be organized in a way my brain could process, my grades became As. That success was not accidental. It was evidence that individualized access works.
Next week, Wynston Browne will become the first non-speaking autistic student who communicates by spelling to graduate from Staples.
I experienced similar challenges in Spanish. Although I demonstrated fluency, I was placed in a B level class and denied access to a Spanish-speaking Communication and Regulation Partner (CRP). This left me feeling underestimated, dismissed, and intellectually stifled.
A CRP is not simply someone supervising typing. It is a partnership built on trust, rhythm, and skilled inquiry. Like ballroom dancing, success depends on being in sync. The way questions are asked directly impacts my ability to access and express higher level thinking. I do not struggle with intelligence! I struggle with motor planning and access to proper communication support.
When I am not challenged appropriately, “doing busy work” or placed in classes that aren’t reflective of my true abilities, I become fatigued which causes dysregulation. So being underestimated does not support my learning; it limits it.
Three years ago, Wynton Browne starred in a movie, “Presumed Incompetent,” about his journey. He holds a film poster with his parents, David Browne and Lynda Kommel-Browne.
My hope is that Staples HS will do better! That Staples HS will reflect on my experiences and make the necessary changes that benefit all students. Students like me deserve collaboration, individualized access, and educational decisions guided by demonstrated ability rather than disability stereotypes or outward appearance.
These supports are not special treatment. They are necessary steps toward an equitable education and toward schools to recognize and nurture the competence already present within every student. After all, it is our civil rights.
“06880” has chronicled Wynston and his journey several times. To read 2 stories, click here, and click here. For a short film starring Wynston, click here. (The password is Chance.) For a movie about the spelling movement, click here. In 2023 — shortly after he began using a spelling device — Wynston was a guest on our “06880” podcast. Click here to see (and note: His communication skills have increased dramatically since then).
Wynston Browne, with (left) his Communication & Regulation Partner Elisa Feinman, and Mayim Bialik, star of “Big Bang Theory.” She hosted Wynston and his parents at her Los Angeles home, when Wynston filmed “Days of Our Lives.” She invited him onto her “Breakdown” podcast.
Amy Chatterjee moved to Westport with her husband Rit and children (Dylan, 21, and Mia, 18) 13 years ago. Amy has been a college counselor for 25 years, beginning in the New York City public Schools. Since moving to Westport she has worked with Collegewise, advising Staples students and their families. Amy writes:
I’ll never forget the afternoon my daughter Mia told me she was going to try rugby.
My gut reaction was pure, unfiltered terror. I had caught a few Staples High School boys games over the years. I could not picture my daughter charging across a field with no pads, no helmet, nothing between her and the ground.
Four years later, I’ll admit that particular anxiety never fully went away. I still quietly exhale with relief at the end of every game when she walks off the field in one piece.
But that first practice changed everything.
When I arrived to pick Mia up, she was buzzing with news: The upperclassmen had invited all the new players to Sherwood Diner, and offered a ride.
I smiled, said “of course, have fun!” — and the moment she walked away, every question a parent asks themselves flooded in. Are these seniors good drivers? Who are their parents? What if she wants to leave and feels stuck?
I did what parents do: I worried quietly and let her go anyway.
Go Wreckers! (Photo/Dylan Chatterjee)
That decision was one of the best I ever made.
What happened next is hard to fully describe, unless you’ve watched a teenager discover exactly where they belong. Almost overnight, Mia’s confidence began to emerge.
Rugby didn’t just give her something to do after school; it gave her a community that claimed her immediately and completely.
She threw herself into all of it: fall coed touch rugby on Sunday mornings at Staples; joining Aspetuck Rugby Club her sophomore year alongside teammates to build her skills; summer training camps — and last season, the honor of being named co-captain of the Staples girls rugby team alongside her former freshman teammate, Isabella Pirkle.
From left: Maddie Leventhal, Isabella Pirkl, Mia Chatterjee. They started together as freshmen, and finished together as seniors. (Photo/Dylan Chatterjee)
I watched this girl, who once nervously climbed into a car full of strangers, grow into someone who now sets the tone for an entire team.
Life, of course, has a way of testing everything you think you know.
Two and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with stage three triple-negative breast cancer. Ten brutal months of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation followed — and then I was cancer-free.
Four months later, routine blood work delivered a second blow: ALL B-Cell leukemia.
The next 8 months were spent at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where I received rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and ultimately a bone marrow transplant.
Plus the everyday teenage moments: the eye rolls, the messy kitchen after a long day. Those moments that you never think to treasure until they’re gone.
Lying in that hospital bed, I thought about all of it. But what I wanted most, in the quietest and most honest corner of my heart, was simply to watch my daughter play rugby one more time.
Amy and Mia Chatterjee.
Here is what I observed from a distance during those months, through countless phone calls and text messages: Mia didn’t fall apart.
She kept showing up to school and practice. She kept competing. She kept leading.
Cancer has the potential to unravel a teenager’s world completely, and no one would have blamed her for losing her footing.
But rugby had already taught her something essential: You keep pushing, you lean on your teammates, and you don’t quit when things get hard.
Mia Chatterjee, with a textbook tackle at Greenwich. (Photo/Dylan Chatterjee)
The sport didn’t just build her athleticism. It built her character, and that character carried her through the hardest time in both our lives.
I am beyond thrilled to tell you that I made it home for Mia’s senior season. I was at every single game. After the final whistle of her last match, we found each other on the sideline.
I hugged her and cried. Happy tears, relieved tears, grateful tears. It was the moment I had dreamed about in that sterile hospital room, and it was more beautiful than I could ever have imagined.
Mia Chatterjee was this year’s girls rugby Scholar-Athlete. She was joined at Sunday’s dinner by her parents, Rit and Amy.
This fall, Mia heads to Lafayette College to study law and government. She hopes to join the Lafayette women’s rugby team. Because some things, once they find you, don’t let go.
Rugby gave my daughter a community, an identity, and a resilience she carried into the hardest chapter of our family’s life. That is not a small thing. That is everything.
(If you have a daughter or son who is even a little bit curious about the sport, please don’t wait. Westport PAL is offering a one-week rugby camp this summer for girls and boys entering 4th through 12th grade. When I heard about it, my only thought was that I wished Mia had found rugby even sooner!)
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