Something about sports intrigues photographers — and not just the action.
Athletes’ emotions are on display, for all to see.
That’s especially true in high school, where everyone is so close to the action.
Soccer is an especially great sport to shoot. With no helmets hiding faces, a talented photographer can capture the highest highs, the lowest lows, and the intense concentration and light moments in between.
Ryan Allen is an outstanding photographer. The other day, he was at Fairfield Ludlowe for the Staples match.
The Wreckers won, 3-0. They’ve won a lot lately. With a 10-2 record, they’re poised for a deep run in the FCIAC and state tournaments.
Here are a few of Ryan’s images. They show what high school sports are all about.
PS: Ryan is only a high school junior. Wow!
Wreckers get ready.
Gabe Duque
Nico Reyna
Brendan Allen (2nd from left) celebrates his goal.
Drew Hill
Coach Liam Witham
Dueling huddles, before the second half begins.
Noah Rossoni
Owen Perry (center), after his goal.
Ford Epstein
Josh Whitaker
Brendan Allen
Jack D’Amore
Chase Cammeyer
Spencer Girling, Emmett Zahler and Josh Whitaker.
The 2025 Staples boys soccer varsity team. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
It’s not just the smell of bratwurst and sausage wafting across Elm Street.
Walden Meats’ grill gets a workout.
Downtown was cooking, as the 8th annual Westoberfest drew hundreds of beer lovers, wine drinkers, little kids, and anyone else looking for all-ages fun.
What’s a Westoberfest without a petting zoo?
The weather was perfect — 80 degrees and sunny — for the Westport Downtown Association’s street fair.
Josh Allen in lederhosen; Helen McAlinden, Huong Belpedio, Annette Norton. All are with the Westport Downtown Association.
The festivities go on until 6 p.m. Prost!
“06880” celebrates with Matt Bannon. The Westporter’s Barn Brew Company offers craft beers and THC-infused beverages. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
“Make your own charcuterie” is a new feature at Westoberfest.
Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, in the beer tent.
Markus Marty (right) was on hand, with Bike Westport. Riding the stationary bike had a reward: It powered a smoothie.
Westporters — and visitors from Washington — enjoyed the day.
Earlier in the day, a League of Women Voters “Meet the RTM Candidates” session drew plenty of Representative Town Meeting incumbents and hopefuls — and a few voters — to the Westport Library.
Claudia Shaum and Velma Heller welcome candidates and voters. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
The town’s legislative body is non-partisan. There was plenty of good, friendly schmoozing, over coffee and treats.
Candidates, for a variety of offices. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
Scouts from Troops 39/139 were there too, getting out the vote by helping younger kids creat signs.
Unlike the candidates’, these were homemade.
(Photo/Joan Gillman)
Jack Klinge (left), 87, has served on the RTM for nearly 3 decades. Addison Moore (right), 21, is running for a seat. If elected, he would be its youngest member — perhaps the youngest in history.
Another group of attendees. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
The long and the short of it: Russ Burkhardt (center), with Dan Woog and Jimmy Izzo.
A few yards away, the annual Volunteer Fair filled the Trefz Forum. Several dozen non-profits and town organizations were there, inviting attendees to learn more about what they offered.
And to sign up new folks, eager to help.
VFW Post 399, and the American Legion.
Positive Directions, the mental health and substance abuse support and resource center.
Something for everyone. (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Westport’s very active Saturday spills into tonight, with the Westport Country Playhouse gala honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe — and, across town, Earthplace’s Woodside Bash.
The fun continues tomorrow.
Westport Moms’ 5th annual Family Fun Fall Festival (Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) includes a ninja wall, pottery making, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, games, basketball clinics, chess matches, hair tinsel, a DJ, Mad Science show, character photo ops, pizza and taco food trucks, and more.
There is a ton going on in Westport today. In the words of former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, “If you can’t find something to do here, you’re just not trying.”
Among the activities:
Meet Your RTM Candidates (10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library): Informal chats with the men and women running for our legislative body; coffee, donuts, snacks and art activities for youngsters. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”
Westport Volunteer Fair (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library): Dozens of local nonprofit organizations with information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.
Westoberfest (Noon to 6 p.m., Elm Street): Oktoberfest comes to downtown, with raft beers, kids’ activities, music and much more. Purchase tickets online; more expensive on-site. Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
At This Stage (5:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse): Gala fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Woodside Bash (7 to 10 p.m., Earthplace): Harvest dinner, open bar, music, line dancing, a fire pit and mechanical bull. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westoberfest — one of many activities in town today.
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It’s tulip time now — for a beautiful payoff this spring.
Tomorrow (Sunday, October 5, 9 a.m.), volunteers will gather at the entrance to Compo Beach, to continue the annual planting project.
Andrew Colabella has donated 1,500 bulbs. All are welcome to help get them in the ground. Bring a small trowel; Andrew will have power tools.
He hopes to raise money through the Sons of American Legion to continue the tradition. For details, email mshornick@optonline.net.
Andrew Colabella (front, right) joined fellow Representative Town Meeting members in 2023, to plant tulips at the Minute Man Monument.
Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are 3 parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions in which businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pin-up Fundraiser ($5+ donations fill out a mitten, and will be displayed in Earth Animal’s store windows)
Pies for Good (Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; pre-order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
NASA is shut down. But the Westport Observatory is wide open.
The Westport Astronomical Society invites everyone to visit tonight (Saturday, October 4, 8 p.m.), to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night.
The annual event encourages everyone on Earth to observe, learn about, and celebrate the Moon together.
At the Bayberry Lane site, visitors can see the 10 1/2-day, 80% illuminated waxing gibbous moon (and other stuff) through a number of telescopes. (Bonus view: Saturn.)
There’s a lot going on at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
And you don’t have to be a veteran to take part. All are welcome!
Mark your calendars for:
Comedy Night (October 17, 8 p.m.; $20): Four comedians will keep you laughing.
Chili Cookoff (October 18, 6 p.m.; $25). Benefit for Westport Police Department, Westport Fire Department, Westport Emergency Medical Services, and veterans.
Veterans’ luncheon (October 23, 11 a.m.). An ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned. Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
Blues party: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin and friends (November 1, 7:30 p.m.; $15).
Plus: Sunday specials during NFL football games: $5 shots, $6 drafts.
Questions about any of these events? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
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There’s also a lot this month at MoCA CT. For example:
Staples High School senior Myla Saperstein is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.
She is showing photos from some of her favorite places around the world, from the beaches of Westport to the shores of Cabo San Lucas. Her work highlights the sky in different lights and colors. All works are available for purchase.
Speaking of great photos: Our celebration of dogs returning to Compo Beach — the annual October 1 event — continues, with this peaceful image by Nicola Sharian:
And finally … thinking of tomorrow’s tulip-planting event (story above):
(Another weekend, another day packed with a news-you-can-use Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
No matter how young (or old) you are; what style 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, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Bookmobile, Compo Beach” (John Maloney)
“Luna” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
“Skyscraper” — digital improvisation (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Golden Gate Bridge — Detail” (Jerry Kuyper)
“Peeping Rose” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Red Geranium in Clay Pot” (Eric Bosch)
“Busy Intersection! Would a Traffic Circle Help?” (Mike Hibbard)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick)
“Black Sailed Ketch at Anchor” — charcoal (Steve Stein)
“Dental Aggression” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Some hope to bulk up their transcript. Most have a genuine interest in expanding their horizons, giving back to the community, and doing something good for someone else.
But students have busy lives — and limited knowledge of the non-profit world. They seldom have the time, energy or ability to search out a cause that sounds interesting, then figure out how, when and where they can help.
Similarly, organizations looking for volunteers don’t have an easy way of finding them, communicating their needs, and scheduling their hours.
Until now.
Fittingly, the solution to those twin problems comes from a young person.
Jared Gordon
Jared Gordon is a lifelong Westporter. A senior at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan — where he is editor of the paper, a leader of the Finance and Civic Engagement Clubs, and whose internship experiences include an affordable housing group, Congressman Jim Himes and the Lansing, Michigan mayor’s office — he seems to have an overflowing plate already.
But Jared — whose volunteerism began in 8th grade, when he started a club to help with Clothes to Kids of Fairfield County‘s winter drive — found time for one more effort.
Two years ago, he reached out to other non-profits. His goal was to connect organizations with potential student volunteers.
Jared gathered information — on groups’ missions, and their needs (both general and specific). He created a website — called simply CARE — that makes connections easy and clear.
Nearly 20 signed up. They range from New Covenant Center and the Family & Children’s Agency to Earthplace, Food Rescue US an the Connecticut Institute or Refugees & Immigrants.
That was just the start.
Jared connected other schools, inviting them to join. A dozen or quickly did.
The Staples High School chapter — led by Dylan Johnson — is among the largest. At last month’s Involvement Fair, 75 students signed up.
Weston High School also has a chapter.
Already, CARE’s kids have clocked thousands of volunteer hours.
The enthusiasm from both sides has surprised even Jared.
“It’s a lot to ask students to give up their time,” he says. “But a lot of them say they love the organization they find. They’re meeting great people, and doing rewarding work.”
CARE volunteers, on the job at Pacific House in Stamford.
“It’s wonderful to know that I could just go online, open up a tab and put in a resource that is needed right then and there. and how quickly the response comes back,” says Lisa Habasinski, manager of community engagement at Family & Children’s Agency.
“It’s so important for the younger generation to realize that there’s a true need right in their own community, and that they’re able to do something either individually or as a group and give back. Partnering with CARE has been such an incredible opportunity for us.”
Jared graduates this spring. But at St. Luke’s and other schools, younger students are in the leadership pipeline, to continue the work.
That’s one more way that young people in Fairfield County volunteer. And CARE.
In 2025, Westport Police cars come in a variety of styles. They’ve got multi-colored lights on top, a computer with access to all kinds of databases inside, and the ability to instill fear in any driver who spots one in their rearview mirror.
In 1968, this was the standard issue Westport cop car:
The officer standing proudly beside it was Ed Audley.
When he died this June in Florida at 87, the 1955 Staples High School graduate had a long history of service. He joined the WPD in 1961, rose to captain, and retired in 1993. He also helped found the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Here’s another shot of Ed Audley. He’s on State Street (Post Road East) near Main Street, using the special “police phone” to communicate with headquarters, a block away.
(Photos courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(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!)
Posted onOctober 3, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Masquerade, Psycho, Lynsey …
“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — has officially opened.
It certainly is different.
When audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
Speaking of spooky: Westport Country Playhouse’s classic film series presents “Psycho” — Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1960 horror film — Friday (October 10, 7 p.m.)
Mark Shanahan — the Playhouse artistic director, who taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years — will offer pre- and post-show insights, from details to watch for to hidden moments you may have missed.
Shanahan taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 20 years.
Vanity Fair says: “New York Times photographer [and 1991 Staples High raduate] Lynsey Addario has captured some of the most powerful images from conflict zones around the world. But in the new documentary ‘Love+War,’ it’s her turn to step in front of the camera.
Oscar-winning directors Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin capture her journey as she travels to some of the most dangerous places in the world — from the Middle East and Afghanistan to Ukraine — to photograph the stark realities of war. In the new trailer for the National Geographic Documentary Films project ,,, Addario is seen running from danger and explosions in Ukraine as her husband and 2 young sons wait back home in London.
“The film explores the central tension of Addario’s life. ‘I’m a conflict photographer,” she says. ‘Very few people understand why we do what we do.’” (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
Lynsey Addario on assignment at a refugee camp in Chad. (Photo/Caitlin Kelly for Vanity Fair)
All “Warriors, supporters, caregivers, medical heroes and friends” are invited to Jesup Green on Monday (October 6, 11 a.m.), to raise the Pink Aid flag.
The ceremony will raise something else: awareness of breast cancer, during this special month.
And After a decade away, Jane Pimentel returned to competitive sailing last weekend — in a big way.
Representing Longshore Sailing School, she and partner Jessica Koenig earned a silver medal, at the US Para Sailing Championship in the Martin 16 class, at Coronado Yacht Club in California.
It was the team’s first time sailing together — and their first time in the Martin 16 — with only one day of practice ahead of the event.
Pimentel will continue to compete, nationally and internationally. She will launch a fundraising campaign to cover travel expenses and entry fees.
Longtime Westport resident Martha Lucci died peacefully in April, in Norwalk. She was 76.
She worked for many years at Burndy Corporation. She met her husband, native Westporter Sal Lucci, there in 1969.
Later, she brought her artistic talents to the studios of her father-in-law Patrick Lucci, working as a creative artist in New York and Westport.
Martha was a familiar presence at Compo Beach and Longshore. For over 35 years, took early morning walks with friends Sharon Smith and Susan Goldman. She often stopped to help injured birds and lost dogs.
Martha took pride in cultivating flower and vegetable gardens. Her home was filled with hand-knitted pieces, shelves of books, homemade Christmas cards and the bustle of holiday gatherings.
She and Sal hosted an Independence Day party for over 20 years.
Martha is survived by her husband of 49 years, Sal; brothers Cary Muenzen of Danbury and Mark Muenzen (Theresa) of Fairfield; several nieces and nephews, and her cats Cinnamon and Penny. She was predeceased by her brother Bryant Muenzen, and felines Lassie, Peach and Simon.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society, ASPCA, Wildlife in Crisis, or Peaceful Valley Donkey Reserve.
And finally … in honor of Jay Walshon’s wonderful image above:
(Just as elusive as a butterfly: helping people understand that “06880” relies on the support of its readers. We need you. Please take a moment to click here, and show us some love. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Masquerade, Psycho, Lynsey …
Last week, “06880” introduced a new feature. “Students Speak” gives Westport students a voice on any issue important to their lives.
Today, Will Enquist looks at artificial intellgence.
A Staples High School senior, managing editor of Inklings, and a member of both the Westport Youth Commission and “06880” board, he enjoys reading the Wall Street Journal, and watching the New England Patriots “slowly regain relevance.”
He plans to major in political science, and contribute to his college’s newspaper. Will writes:
Throughout my time at Staples, I have witnessed several changes both in the local community and the broader world: our football team has become a perennial state championship contender, societal faith in “the media” has broadly decreased, and baggy clothes are now back in style.
But the most profound change — one that is certain to fundamentally change our world (if it already hasn’t) — came in the fall of my freshman year: publicly available artificial intelligence.
Overnight, students around the world (and in Westport) gained access to arguably the greatest tool for academic dishonesty ever invented.
Topic selection, research, outlining, drafting, revising — processes that usually take days if not weeks, given the rigor of a school like Staples — could now be completed with the click of a button (and a lapse in judgment).
At that point — the fall of 2022 — using AI for direct cheating on school work was largely unheard of. Early versions of ChatGPT produced crude, rudimentary and unrefined outputs.
Still, within weeks of the chatbot’s release, rumors reverberated through the halls of the first students – pioneers in some sense – who had used AI on their assignments.
Today, the relationship between Staples, AI and students is far different. The technology has exponentially improved, but so too has the effort around detection.
Teachers are hyper-cognizant of the technology, and one cannot make it 5 minutes into the first week of school without hearing a teacher clearly outline the limits on AI use in their class.
Teachers can help guide students as to the benefits — and pitfalls — of AI. (Photo/Camryn Zukowski)
Over the past 3 years, I have had many discussions with students and teachers about the role of AI in modern education. Opinions on the topic vary widely, but almost always excluded from that discussion is the question of why students use AI.
On the surface it is easy for one to think that those who turn to AI do so simply out of laziness or a desire to avoid effort. While lethargy is certainly the culprit in some cases, the term does not always apply.
At a school like Staples where academic achievement looms large, the pressure to perform can be quite high. In that environment I understand why students are willing to turn to AI as a shortcut; it’s a way to keep up when the pace of academics, sports and extracurriculars becomes too great.
But while I may be able to empathize with the reasons students use AI, I absolutely disagree with its use in replacing the skills of critical thinking that high school, and education more broadly, aim to instill in students.
To me, relying on a chatbot only adds to the pressure that can make school so stressful. Sure, AI might be able to relieve you of an especially heavy workload one evening, but in the long run the diminishment of your ability to think critically and create polished academic writing will surely catch up with you.
The central challenge of AI as it relates to students is choice. Today, each time a student sits down to complete a writing assignment, they are faced with a decision between a dishonest shortcut and a genuine effort.
I can’t force my classmates to recognize the lost opportunity that comes with using AI on an assignment. But I can say those moments of persistence – the late nights, the drafts, the rewrites, the Red Bulls – have contributed more to my growth as a student than any violation of the student handbook could.
The pride and growth that comes from completing a lengthy essay, project, or draft after numerous hours of work is something no algorithm could ever replace.
(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)
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Nearly 20 signed up. They range from New Covenant Center and the Family & Children’s Agency to Earthplace, Food Rescue US an the Connecticut Institute or Refugees & Immigrants.
Today, Will Enquist looks at artificial intellgence. 
To me, relying on a chatbot only adds to the pressure that can make school so stressful. Sure, AI might be able to relieve you of an especially heavy workload one evening, but in the long run the diminishment of your ability to think critically and create polished academic writing will surely catch up with you.