Tag Archives: “06880: The Podcast”

“06880” Podcast: Jen Tooker

Posted on July 25, 2022 | 14 comments

It’s been 8 months since Jen Tooker took over the 1st Selectwoman’s office at Town Hall.

She’s spent that time settling in, setting priorities, and putting them in motion.

Now it’s time to reflect on it all.

The other day, 1st Selectwoman Tooker and I sat on the Westport Library Trefz Forum stage. We chatted about those first months: what she’s done, what she’s learned, what’s her style, and what compels her to serve.

It was a fascinating, draw-back-the-curtain half hour. It’s an instructive podcast too, for every Westporter — and those who once called this place home. Click here for the link to view.

Screenshot of Jen Tooker on “06880: The Podcast.”

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Posted in Local politics, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Diederik van Renesse

Posted on July 11, 2022 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Diederik van Renesse

It’s summer, so let’s talk about … college.

The season doesn’t really matter. In Westport — and communities around the country like it — college admissions is a year-round interest obsession.

And it starts long before the summer before senior year.

This newest “06880: The Podcast” features a very interesting chat with Diederek van Renesse. His 24 years as a teacher, admission director and private school college counselor have served him well as a senior partner at Westport’s Steinbrecher Educational Advisors.

He works with families around the world on college, boarding and day school, and therapeutic treatment placements. He’s got a fascinating, 360-degree view of admissions processes, and he shared them the other day in our chat at Westport Library’s Verso Studios.

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Posted in Education, Library, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Jane Green

Posted on April 18, 2022 | 6 comments

The world knows Jane Green as a best-selling author. Her books have sold more than 10 million copies, and been translated into 31 (!) languages.

Westport knows Jane Green as our neighbor. Her volunteer activities are broad and unique. Only she would think of building a free, mobile library “bookcycle,” naming it after our late, beloved Remarkable Book Shop — and adding its joyful “dancing man” logo.

Jane also founded Westport Back Front Porch, the Facebook page that gets even more comments than “06880.”

The other day, Jane and I chatted at the Westport Library for my “06880” podcast. We talked about her new book, “Sister Stardust”; her (yes) remarkable career from journalism and Cosmo to novelist; and of course, her life in Westport.

Click below for 30 minutes with one of Westport’s most interesting people.

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Posted in Library, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Sue Pfister

Posted on February 22, 2022 | 1 comment

From the time she visited her grandmother in a nursing home, Sue Pfister felt drawn to older people. She earned a social work degree, and in 1986 interned at Westport’s Senior Center.

She’s been there ever since.

The other day, Sue — now its beloved director — traveled the short distance from the Senior Center to the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. We chatted about her career path, the Center’s journey through many stops to its current beautiful home, the Center today and tomorrow, demographic trends in town, and much more.

As always, I learned a lot from Sue. You will too. Just click here and scroll down, for the latest “06880” podcast.

Screenshot of Sue Pfister

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Posted in Media

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“06880” Podcast: Dr. Bob Selverstone

Posted on January 11, 2022 | 7 comments

Some Westporters may not have heard of Dr. Robert Selverstone. But as Westport renews its focus on social and emotional learning, his name is as important as ever.

A longtime psychologist working with adults, couples and teenagers, he spent 35 years in the Westport Public Schools. He pioneered “human relations” courses, offering very popular — and extremely valuable — classes in Values Clarification and Sexuality Education at Staples High School.

Selverstone is a nationally known educator, and sought-after speaker. He’s conducted more than 1,000 programs in 31 states and on 3 continents, opening minds to the wonders of values, sexuality and communication — and enabling teens, parents and teachers to think and talk about them.

Our podcast at the Westport Library was exciting and eye-opening. Using plenty of examples and analogies, Selverstone tied his work in the 1970s through ’90s to the even more fraught world of today.

Click below for a riveting half hour. Click here for all the “06880” podcasts at the Library’s Verso Studios.

 

7 Comments

Posted in Education, Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

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“06880” Podcast: Thomas Scarice On Critical Race Theory

Posted on October 19, 2021 | 11 comments

Last April, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice was the first guest on my “06880” podcast. He spoke eloquently about his background, the Westport school system, and education in general.

This week he visited the Westport Library again. This time, we chatted about one specific topic: Critical Race Theory.

CRT has generated a lot of controversy, nationally and locally. The town’s chief education official discusses where it came from, what it is, and how it impacts the Westport schools.

Click below to watch.

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Posted in Education, Library, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Jimmy Izzo

Posted on October 5, 2021 | 7 comments

Everyone in Westport knows Jimmy Izzo.

Former owner of Crossroads Ace Hardware, current RTM member, he’s got his finger on the pulse of every issue in town. He knows the ins and outs, pros and cons of life here today. He’s got plenty of opinions — but he delivers them with grace, warmth and optimism.

No one loves Westport more than Jimmy. And no one articulates that love better than he.

The other day, we sat  on the Westport Library Forum stage. Thanks to Verso Studios, our conversation is now part of the “06880: The Podcast” series. Click here to enjoy Jimmy Izzo’s memories, insights and ideas.

Jimmy Izzo

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Posted in Library, Local politics, Media, Westport life

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“06880” Podcast: Bill Taibe

Posted on September 21, 2021 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Bill Taibe

Hungry to learn about Westport’s dining scene?

The other day, Bill Taibe sat down for our “06880” podcast, at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios.

The owner of The Whelk, Kawa Ni and Don Memo talked about his passion for food; how he opens a new restaurant; staffing and supply issues, and Westport’s dining scene.

So where does one of the town’s premier restaurateurs go when he eats out? Click here, for the full interview.

Bill Taibe

 

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Posted in Library, Media, Restaurants

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“06880” Podcast: Robin Tauck

Posted on August 24, 2021 | 1 comment

Robin Tauck is a 40-year Westporter. Her grandfather helped develop the modern tour business — and his Tauck Tours company was headquartered in Westport for decades.

Robin is the 3rd generation to lead Tauck, and has helped make it a global brand. She’s been particularly involved in cultural heritage, sustainable tourism and philanthropy.

In Westport — where she lives on Old Mill Beach — she has been a leading voice for environmental protection.

Robin joined me the other day at the Westport Library, for “06880: The Podcast.” We talked about Tauck’s history, the travel industry today, and of course, what it all means for Westport.

Click here to watch our wide-ranging conversation.

Robin Tauck

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Posted in Local business, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Robbie Guimond

Posted on August 9, 2021 | 2 comments

Robbie Guimond, owner of both the Westport Paddle Club and Bridgebrook Marina on Riverside Avenue, has lived and worked on the Saugatuck River for more than 20 years.

The other day, we chatted at the Westport Library for my latest podcast. Robbie has fascinating insights into the history of the river; its importance to Westport yesterday, today and tomorrow; its commerce and its pleasures — and of course, the future of the Cribari Bridge.

Click here to learn more about a piece of Westport all of us love, but few of us really know.

Screenshot of Robbie Guimond from “06880: The Podcast.”

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Media, Saugatuck

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