Tag Archives: Block “S”

Roundup: Block “S”, F. Scott And Zelda Fitzgerald, Connecticut’s Waste …

Posted on August 21, 2025 | 8 comments

The Block “S” is back.

For 60 years the handsome metal award, on a sturdy wooden base, was the highest honor given to any Staples High School athlete. Two were given at the end of every season, by each varsity team.

Last year, athletic director VJ Sarullo abruptly replaced the award with an inexpensive plaque — without even room for the honoree’s name.

After a community uproar — including heartfelt comments by past recipients, several of whom said it was the only sports award they cared about or kept — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice directed Sarullo to find a solution.

Several current and former Westporters offered to find a manufacturer, and/or fund it themselves.

Yesterday, Sarullo emailed the families of last year’s winners:

We are pleased to announce the return of the Block S Award, a longstanding tradition that recognizes and celebrates members from each athletic team for their dedication and meaningful contributions to the athletic program.  This award has long held significance in acknowledging student-athletes who represent the spirit and commitment of our Staples High School Athletics Family.

He offered the “original Block S trophy design” to last year’s honorees. Click here for the order form. (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

Block “S” award.

==================================================

“The Great Gatsby” (100 years old) has been around even longer than the Westport Country Playhouse (94).

The 2 institutions come together on September 27 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse hosts “The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music.” The evening offers a look at the lives behind one of the most enduring works of American literature — with readings by acclaimed performers Stephanie Zimbalist and Alec Baldwin. The original live score is by Forrest Gray.

At the heart of the show are letters between F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Their words reveal the love and conflict that fueled some of the 20th century’s most iconic writing. (The couple spent a spirited and memorable summer here, in 1920.)

Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Woodward Internship program at The Westport Country Playhouse. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, in front of their Compo Road South home.

=================================================

Connecticut faces a waste crisis. With the closure of key waste-to-energy facilities and no landfill capacity, the state increasingly relies on exporting trash — an unsustainable and costly practice.

On September 8 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority director Jennifer Heaton-Jones explores the state of waste management in Connecticut, including where our trash goes, the environmental and economic impacts of our current system, and why urgent action is needed.

A key focus will be on the importance of “Recycling Right” — understanding what belongs in the recycling bin, what doesn’t, and how contamination undermines the entire recycling process. Attendees will learn how small changes in behavior can lead to big improvements in recycling efficiency and environmental outcomes.

For registration and more information, click here.

What a waste!

==================================================

Carl and Jo Ann Miller’s moving sale — with proceeds benefit VFW Post 399 and “06880” — is set for this Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pleasant Valley Lane off North Avenue, opposite the Bedford Middle School entrance).

There are many gems left — including one great outdoor sculpture by Kelley Spearen.

And how about this offer: Buy an item, get a free masterpiece painting by Jo Ann Miller.

Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your generosity!

Kelley Spearen sculpture, at the moving sale.

=================================================

The Longshore Women’s Golf Association celebrated their 65th anniversary this week with their annual member/guest tournament.

The day of friendship and competition also raised funds, awareness and food for Filling in the Blanks. The Norwalk non-profit provides weekend meals for underserved Fairfield County children.

The LWGA — open to golfers from Westport and surrounding communities — plays 18-hole competitions every Tuesday, from April through October.

Winners of the memberr/guest, with a gross score of 60, are below (left to right) Leela Benaderet, Anne Palmer, Stina Sternberg and Tracey Narang. Joining them are Longshore head professional Jon Janik and Heidi Nolte, LWGA tournament chair.

(Photo/Sue Roberts)

Net team winners, with a score of 53, were Cindy Scope, Rickie Haas, Jerre Skeats and Jill Hanau.

==================================================

A few tickets remain for Shorefest — the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park evening of great food (from Westfair Fish & Chips), entertainment (John Lamb), and a silent auction with very cool local items.

The event is September 5 (6 to 9 p.m. at Sherwood Island — of course).

All proceeds fund the intern program, tree plantings, dune restoration and  Nature Center. Click here for tickets, and more information.

===============================================

Online orders begin soon  for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.

Members have access on Tuesday (August 26). Non-members can order on September 2. Pickup is October 3-5, at Haskins Preserve in Westport.

Offerings include perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees. Click here for the full list.

==================================================

Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between August 13 and 19.

A 23-year-old Greenwich man was charged with interfering with an officer, assault of a public safety worker, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, and breach of peace, following a disturbance at Cedar Point Yacht Club. The man — allegedly intoxicated — initially ran from officers. He then disobeyed verbal commands, and physically resisted efforts to detain him, while trying to harm the officers. He posted $75,000 bond.

A 65-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful restrain, follwoing a domestic disturbance. He allegedly pushed and attempted to restrain the victim.

A 24-year-old Yonkers, New York woman was charged with larceny, after a report of shoplifting at Lululemon. She was found to have multiple bags designed to defeat security measures, and $1,122 worth of stolen merchandise.

A 51-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation, after officers responding to a disturbance at a Westport home found he was the subject of an active arrest warrant. He could not post $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 9 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 8
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

==================================================

Scott Smith provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and an explanation:

:One of my favorite local walks is along Burying Hill Beach, at low tide.

“So imagine my surprise when I rounded Frost Point and came across a beach awash with fresh green apples. Must’ve been a whole bushel’s worth.

“Who knows how they got there — aside from the tide, current and wind. And gravity, of course.

“Some were a bit bruised, but I picked one up to sample. It was delicious, if a tad salty. Go figure.”

(Photo/Scott Smith)

==================================================

And finally (of course):

(God didn’t make little green apples … and he’s not donating to “06880” either. But you can! Please click here, to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Environment, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , ,

Block “S” Sequel: Funding, Sourcing Pledged

Posted on May 5, 2025 | 13 comments

The Board of Education spent half an hour discussing Staples High School’s Block “S” honors last week.

In the end, they made vague promises to to search for a solution to resolve the 70-year-old tradition of providing handsome metal awards to 2 members of each varsity team.

The other day, board member Robert Harrington posted an “Opinion” piece on “06880,” explaining his concerns over the handling of the controversy.

Traditional Block “S” …

But it turns out a solution had been offered weeks earlier.

Chris O’Dell — owner of a local design/build firm, former Block “S” winner for baseball, and 20-year Staples soccer coach — told athletic director VJ Sarullo that he is willing to procure manufacturing, pay for and deliver Block “S”s, for all 40 boys and girls varsity teams.

O’Dell cares deeply about Staples, and the Block “S.”

A 1995 graduate who lettered in soccer, basketball, baseball and track; a soccer (state champion) and baseball captain, he built 2 soccer kickboard sheds, and the baseball trophy case.

His firm, the O’Dell Group, employs 3 Staples grads as project managers. He has hired dozens of Staples interns over the years.

… and the plaque that replaced it.

One of the reasons offered for the discontinuation of the awards was cost. The other was sourcing. O’Dell is ready to handle both.

He contacted Sarullo in March, as soon as he read on “06880” that the Block “S” tradition was in jeopardy.

Sarullo said he would be in touch soon.

“Over a dozen people have already reached out to me, offering to contribute,” O’Dell says. “I’ll get to work on it as soon as I am given the go ahead.

“There is no reason we should not be taken up on our offer to help keep this tradition alive. There would be no cost, and no headache to the school or administrators.”

Problem solved? Stay tuned.

*Full disclosure: I coached Chris O’Dell, then hired him and worked closely with him for 2 decades while I was Staples soccer head coach.

13 Comments

Posted in Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , ,

[OPINION] Harrington: Small Block “S” Is A Big Deal

Posted on April 29, 2025 | 18 comments

Robert Harrington is a member of the Board of Education. Last month he raised concerns about Staples High School’s replacement of the traditional handsome metal Block “S” award for student-athletes with a less expensive plaque. He writes:

I attempted to discuss the Block “S”  last month, but the rest of the board decided against adding it the agenda.

At the Board of Education meeting last week, a discussion finally took place.

I was pleased that chair Lee Goldstein agreed to add it to to the agenda. However, a motion that I proposed to require restoration of the 60-year old Block “S” tradition, and retroactively award trophies to fall and winter recipients of the MVP and Coaches’ Awards, failed on a 2-to-4 vote.

Only fellow board member Dorie Hordon backed my motion. The other members voted against the restoration. Abby Tolan was not present.

I was disappointed that Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo didn’t turn up to the Board of Education, to justify his decision or answer any questions.

The Block “S” award …

There is a sense that superintendent of schools Tom Scarice and the athletic director might ultimately resolve the issue, or come up with an acceptable alternative. This sounds like next school year’s business – not now. Additionally, there are no guarantees that we will see the Block “S” return.

I would like us to make this promise to our student-athletes today.

Several board members see this issue as a “systems problem,” not something for the Board of Education to get involved in. Others refer to tough choices that have been made elsewhere, such as with the elementary theater programs or eliminating middle school visits to Broadway.

I’m not really sure what any of that has to do with defending a well-established tradition for Staples athletics.

The superintendent warned the board during the meeting about making decisions based on social media outcry. I see it differently. I am making a decision because I think ending the Block “S” this was wrong. A solution should have been sought before any changes were made.

… and its replacement.

I also think it was wrong to attack and criticize a Staples captain’s parent and long standing Westport resident, Terry Brannigan. He had raised the issue on social media, and brought awareness to many community members and Staples alumni.

He had attempted to go through the “proper channels” (and is prepared to share all his email and call logs), but he did not hear back from anyone. I am glad Brannigan discussed this on social media.

I think there needs to be more urgency to fix this problem. I take a very different stance than some of my other board members. We have a voice. We have the ability to vote to support a program. I strongly think we should that voice and take action.

When current students are impacted by a decision from our administration, I don’t take kindly to being told it is not a board issue. In truth, I simply don’t think the tradition and true value in the Block “S” is fully understood by some of those making this decision.

In some respects this is such a small thing. It’s only a trophy, after all, and the student athletes are still awarded a $12.95 plaque.

However, in the words of A.A. Milne, “sometimes the smallest things take up the most room on your heart.”  I think this is actually a very big thing.

Robert Harrington

The Block “S” has been the highest award a Staples athlete can earn. Our Staples student athletes are strong like metal, so it’s fitting that for over 70 years the trophy would be a strong “S” made of metal.

It’s not only about awarding the best athletes. The Coaches’ Award is often presented to an individual who has made strong progress, or significant contributions to the team — including helping the team act like a team.

As Dan Woog said in an earlier post, “Character, integrity, commitment, passion — all count for a Block ‘S.'”

Three of my children benefited during their time at Staples. It feels wrong to let many current Staples athletes leave our school system in a few weeks without the same honor and recognition.

The cost of the Block “S” trophies has risen to $15,000 for the year. That’s over $170 per trophy. There is a current shortfall of approximately $6,000 for this school year.

However, to make this change quietly, without any detailed consultation with Staples coaches was unfortunate.

Furthermore, to fail to discuss this ahead of time with any of the booster clubs seems like a real oversight. No one was given an opportunity to offer any solutions or alternatives.

The administration has stated that coaches were consulted and there was very little pushback. I have spoken to a handful of coaches who see it differently. I want to protect the anonymity of current coaches in the system, but the commentary is pretty clear:

Coach 1: “There is a total lack of respect for this award. To end it in this way is insulting to the entire coaching staff at Staples” 

Coach 2: “This is a slap in the face of every athlete who has won it for 70 years.”

Coach 3: “We simply were not consulted, whatever you are being told. The decision was already made.”

Coach 4: “This is just more drama in the athletics department. I’m shocked how this change occurred. I hope it is reversed quickly”

Coach 5: “We were told, not asked.”

At the end of the day, mistakes occur all the time in any system or organization. The Westport Public Schools is no exception. Finding a timely path forward and rectifying such mistakes is key.

This is an easy issue to fix.  It will require just an additional $6,000 of funding per year — and that assumes that no better sourcing is secured, and none of the larger booster clubs contribute to some of the expense. Both of these routes are possible outcomes, lowering future budget needs.

I hope future Staples athletes will see the Block “S” trophy awarded again — starting in the 2025-26 school year. To those current athletes who missed out: I hope you will be notified before the end of this school year that you will shortly be receiving a true Block “S” award.

18 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , ,

Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …

Posted on March 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …

Westport artist Mark Yurkiw has created over 2,000 “story-telling sculptures” during his 50-year career.

They’ve been seen on TV, films and billboards, and in magazines and newspapers.

Several are now on display at the Senior Center. They make visitors engage, think and smile.

But they do a lot more too. All are available for purchase.

Donations will help ship another 40-foot container of medical equipment to Ukraine. This is the 6th time Yurkiw has done this, for his country of ancestry.

The equipment is in a warehouse, waiting for $7,800 to be raised. In addition to sculpture sales at the Senior Center, tax-deductible contributions can be made by clicking here. Include the words “For shipping” with donations.

But that’s not all.

Yurkiw is also collecting generators, chain saws and tools for auto repairs. All are also desperately needed in Ukraine.

They can be dropped off by the garage doors at 190 Cross Highway. To arrange pickup, call 646-873-0050.

Mark Yurkiw’s Senior Center sculptures.

==================================================

Over 200 Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and guests, heard US Representative Jim Himes address many important issues on Thursday.

Among the topics: tariffs, international relations, US support of Ukraine, the Mideast, Social Security, Medicare, the balance of power between the 3 branches of governmentn and much more.

Click below, to hear our congressman’s take on the world.

==================================================

The Planning & Zoning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday (March 27) has been canceled.

The only agenda item was a continuation of the discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

==================================================

Yesterday, “06880” reported on the decision by Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo to replace the handsome metal Block “S” honor — the highest honor for any Wrecker, awarded to 2 athletes on every varsity team, for over 70 years — with much less expensive, generic plaques.

The story included a photo of a typical Block “S”:

But it did not show the replacement. For comparison, here is what athletes this year receive:

Sarullo responded to “06880” yesterday. He said, “The decision was made last summer. I did not hear any complaints until this week.

“We are talking to the company that makes the Block ‘S’ awards, to see how creative we can be.”

Addressing public concerns about the change, he added, “We are not taking this lightly. I hope everyone will be patient. We’ll see what we can do.”

=================================================

Sushi Jin is ready to rock Westport.

The new restaurant — with a Main Street address, but whose main entrance is off Elm Street, opposite Serena & Lily — was packed, for a special soft opening party last night.

Hosted by Judy Michaelis, the Coldwell Banker realtor, as a benefit for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, the handsome new space drew raves from guests (and a number of off-duty EMTs).

WVEMS deputy director Marc Hartog and his granddaughter enjoy Sushi Jin. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)

The sushi, dumplings and other menu items, well-stocked bar, and warm, welcoming Japanese-style decor have all the markings of the town’s newest hot spot.

Sushi Jin chefs at work. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The official opening is tomorrow (Sunday).

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Meanwhile, around the corner at Bedford Square, The Blondinit Israeli restaurant celebrated its first anniversary with a special Shabbat candle lighting ceremony.

Families wait for candle lighting at The Blondinit. (Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

A national audience knows Craig Melvin as the new host of NBC’s “Today” show.

Westporters know him as a youth basketball coach, and an owner of the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant.

Tomorrow (Sunday, 3 p.m.), he’ll step onto the Norwalk Concert Hall stage. He’ll narrate the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra’s rendition of Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait.” The work closes with the famous words: “That government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

Also on the bill: “American in Paris, “Afro-American Symphony,” “Barber of Seville Overture” and more. Click here for more details.

Craig Melvin

=================================================

“Southern Fried” — the best in classic rock, blues and R&B — takes over the VFW tonight (March 22, 7 p.m. doors opoen, music at 8 p.m.).

Matt Zako and Barn Brew Co. promise “a night of great tunes, cold drinks, and fun with friends.”

Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 at the door.

Plus: The first draft beer is free. Now that’s Southern hospitality!

==================================================

For 14 years, longtime Westporter Peter Bradeen and his son Peter Jr. have jumped into Long Island Sound long before the rest of us. His other sons, Ethan and Luke, are regulars too.

They’ve joined a fundraiser for Connecticut Special Olympics. More than 12,000 athletes and Unified Sports partners train and compete in 27 Olympic-type sports, and participate in 4 annual state games.

This year’s event is April 6 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield).To help Peter Jr. reach his goal, click here.

The Bradeen family, and friends.

==================================================

In the wake of a second discovery of a swastika in a Weston school, 2 Westport rabbis, and the pastors of 2 Weston churches, issued this statement:

“Echoing the words used by Weston Board of Education chair Steve Ezzes in his recent message, we too are ‘full of sadness and frustration’ at the unacceptable repeated appearance of swastikas in the Weston Public Schools. These incidents occur in a context of rising antisemitism and a sense of heightened vulnerability within the Jewish community following the October 7 attack.

“Along with our interfaith partners who are supporting this letter, we are committed to opposing antisemitism, bigotry, racism and discrimination in all its forms. We likewise stand united in support of one another when any of our faith communities feels unsafe.

“Today we say clearly: It is essential that our schools are a safe place for ALL our children.

“We emphasize that Weston is a strong, safe Jewish community. We want Weston to remain a great place to raise Jewish children, and a place where people of all faiths feel comfortable and welcome.

“As leaders of the Jewish community, we are grateful for the wonderful support we have received from neighbors, including PTO leaders, and school administrators. The district has reached out to us with a desire to collaborate in solving what they have acknowledged is a significant problem in our schools.

“In dialogue with district leaders, we proposed the following step, to which the administration quickly agreed. The district will post a notice in many public spaces, including restrooms and locker rooms, where many of these incidents seem to have occurred. The message, which will be adjusted for age-appropriate language, will make clear that anyone who writes hate symbols like a swastika or other expressions of hate will be subject to meaningful consequences which could include suspension or expulsion.

“We believe clear public messaging and accountability are important steps in halting this awful pattern, establishing consequences for students, and most importantly changing the culture. It is impossible for school leaders to guarantee that antisemitic incidents will not happen. However, they can create the proper atmosphere and culture within the school, accompanied by the proper curricula and policies.

“We are grateful for the many additional helpful suggestions offered by the PTOs and other parent groups. We know that the district leadership will take them seriously and will explore many of them.

“Please know that we are available for support and guidance as our community moves forward together.”

L’shalom — in peace,
Rabbi Michael S. Friedman, Temple Israel
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, The Community Synagogue

In Solidarity,
Rev. Katy Piazza, Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Rev. Bernard R. Wilson, Norfield Congregational Church

==================================================

In a few days, Willowbrook Cemetery will be awash in daffodils. It’s one of Westport’s annual delights.

But there’s always something interesting to see, at the large graveyard off Main Street.

The other day, JC Martin spotted this, outside a mausoleum:

(Photo/JC Martin)

==================================================

Dick Wingate sends along today’s “Westport (and Weston) … Naturally” photo, and asks: “Which one isn’t real?”

(Photo/Dick Wingate)

==================================================

And finally … Stephen Sondheim was born on this date, 95 years ago. He died in 2021 — 71 years after spending the summer as an apprentice at the Westport Country Playhouse.

There are so many great songs to choose from. Here are 3 — all starting with his initials, “S.”

(“Isn’t it rich …” Hey, we couldn’t resist using that line to remind readers that “06880” relies on your support. Please click here to help us continue our work. No clowning around. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Mark Yurkiw’s Ukraine, Jim Himes’ Insights, Judy Michaelis’ Sushi Jin …

Posted in religion, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Block “S”: Staples Award Shift Stirs Controversy

Posted on March 21, 2025 | 36 comments

In a world grappling with conflicts in Ukraine and the Mideast, a nation divided over nearly everything, and a town facing crucial decisions on capital expenditures and Saugatuck redevelopment, Staples High School’s Block “S” is not the biggest concern.

Except — when it stands for something bigger, like respect for tradition — it is.

For 70 years, the Block “S” has been the highest award a Staples athlete can earn. Made of metal, mounted on a wooden base, it is handsome, strong, classy.

Lili Tucker’s Block “S” shows a few dings and scars — similar to what an athlete goes through during a sports season.

Each varsity sport gets 2 Block “S”s. The coaching staff awards them at the end of the season. Most teams give one to the Most Valuable Athlete. The other is for Most Improved, Outstanding Service, or some other admirable quality.

Character, integrity, commitment, passion — they all count for a Block “S.”

Athletes cherish their award. Long after they’ve gotten rid of other mementoes — trophies, medals, certificates — they hold on to their Block “S.”

That’s not just me talking. Stories about the Block “S” filled social media the past few days.

The reason: This year, Staples did away with the Block “S.”

Well, not really. Coaches still give them out. But instead of the handsome, strong, classy award, they hand athletes a generic, flimsy, $12.95 plaque that simply says “Block ‘S.”

Without even space for the honoree’s name.

I received an honorary Block “S” when I stepped down as head coach of the boys soccer program. It is one of the most cherished awards I have ever received.

To use a sports analogy: This was an unforced error.

The change was made this fall by Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo — about to embark in his second year in the role — for budgetary reasons.

That’s reasonable. Two Block “S”s, times 40 varsity teams, adds up.

But … the change was made without consultation with coaches, athletes, or anyone else.

It was done without exploring other options, like asking booster clubs, supportive businesses, or anyone else to contribute.

Or finding a supplier who charged less.

All of this would have been limited to complaints, disappointment and hand-wringing on social media. (To read some of the 100+ comments on Facebook’s Westport Front Porch page — including passionate responses from previous awardees, and those who never won it but wish they did — click here.)

Yet at last night’s Board of Education meeting, the topic exploded into public view.

After announcing the appointment of Dr. Anna Mahon to replace retiring assistant superintent for teaching and learning Dr. Anthony Buono, and then accepting gifts to pay for non-budgeted coaches for spring sports, the board was ready to move on to the next agenda item.

However, member Robert Harrington spoke up. Acknowledging the social media firestorm, he asked the board to discuss the topic.

No one seconded his motion.

Member Kevin Christie said that while he loved tradition and athletics, he trusts the suprintendent and staff ot make decisions. “I’m concerned about micro-managing,” he said.

Harrington and chair Lee Goldstein then engaged in an acrimonious back-and-forth.

“This is an embarrassment to 70 years of tradition,” Harrington said.

“We’re in the middle of a $150 million budget,” Goldstein replied, before moving on.

In 2019, Greens Farms Elementary School teacher Stacy Fowle was named Westport’s Teacher of the Year. Proud of her Westport roots, she sent this photo to “06880.” It shows her posing as a Staples soccer player with her Block S.”

Harrington soon took to Westport Front Porch. He wrote:

“I gave the superintendent and full board advance notice that I was going to simply ask for the goard to vote to discuss this at the BOE tonight. I didn’t even get to propose a solution or a recommendation. I simply wanted to have a discussion in front of attendees and members of our community.

“Jill (Dillon) and Dorie (Hordon) were out sick/traveling. The 4 remaining members wouldn’t even second the motion to simply discuss this issue in public.

“They argued it wasn’t in our purview. They didn’t want to micromanage the administration. The chair said she had to think of the whole community, not just the recipients of a ‘trophy.’ The Block ‘S’ award is more than just a trophy for the 70 years of students who received it.

“Three of my kids did. I am embarrassed as a dad and a Board of Ed member that current and future students won’t enjoy the same honor in the way that past student athletes did.

“We can and should do better than ask our community for a better answer. To not even have a simple discussion of this in public at a Board of Education meeting is an embarrassment.”

Athletic director Sarullo has promised to investigate other options.

The ball is now in his court.

(Two years ago, ESPN anchor Dave Lloyd — a 1979 Staples graduate — gave a shoutout to the Wrecker wrestling team. The crowning moment comes at the end, when he proudly shows his Block “S,” from over 45 years ago. Watch the video below.)

36 Comments

Posted in Education, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , ,