Tag Archives: Board of Education

Roundup: Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Board Of Ed Agenda, Senator Blumenthal …

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 5 comments

A well-known and longtime Westporter will lead the Memorial Day parade as grand marshal: Judge Edward Karazin.

Shortly after marrying in 1965, he joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a MACV advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport.

He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades

Judge Karazin has also been a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.

The Memorial Day parade is May 26. It begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue, continues on Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue to Main Street, and ends at Parker Harding Plaza.

A special program begins immediately after the parade, at Veteran Green across from Town Hall.

Judge Edward Karazin

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The Board of Education meets tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria).

Among the key agenda items: a recommendation from superintendent Thomas Scarice on smartphones and wearable technology, and a redistricting update.

The meeting begins with 15 minutes of comment by the public, on non-agenda items.


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The Sanity Podcast — Westport journalist Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerata’s extremely educational and entertaining podcast — dropped its most sizzling episode ever this week.

Senator Richard Blumenthal came to the Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue. He said that “no other scandal in American history” compares to President Trump’s crypto dealings, meme coin scams, and foreign cash grabs.

“Is America sliding into autocracy?” Dave and Alisyn ask. “Discover how $300 million was made in 100 days, and what Congress refuses to stop.”

The Sanity podcast is available here, as well as on Spotify and iTunes. Or you can click below:

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Mr. Pickleball is hanging up his racquet.

At the age of 96, Tom Lowrieis resigning as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.

The new ambassador — selected by USA Pickleball — is Brandon Osterhout. A native Westporter, Staples High School graduate and local business owner, he is as active a player has Tom has been for years.

Brandon will continue to promote the sport, through tournaments, social events, exhibitions, and new courts.

“Thank you for your years of friendship, and your shared love of pickleball,” Tom says. “You will still see me around the courts, waving from the sidelines.”

Thanks for all your service, Tom. This would not be a pickleball paradise without you!

Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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Westport has plenty of talented young artists.

But they get lots of help from their art teachers. And those instructors are very talented too.

The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition features work from educators across the district, including Stephanie Sileo, Mark DeRosa, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper, Cecily Anderson, Carla Eichler, Cameryn Robinson, Denise Cuccia, Angela Simpson, and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

The exhibition runs May 12–23 at One River School of Art + Design. A reception is set for Friday (May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited. More information on the exhibit is available here.

(Paula Morgan)

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Seen downtown: L’Occitane on Main Street is closed for renovations. They’ll reopen later this month.

Meanwhile, around the corner on Church Lane, Fig Linens is closing. “Everything must go,” the sign says.

(Hat tip and photos/Sal Liccione)

Just a few yards away, Mrs. London’s finished with her/its loadout. The final day was Sunday. New York-based Maman takeks over soon.

The final item in the truck: the cappuccino machine.

(Hat tip and photo/Matt Murray)

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It’s cool that Leo is the first American pope.

But he’s from Chicago — 840 miles from here. We can’t really claim him as one of our own.

Still, he’s got at least one connection to this area. Check out Pope Leo XIV singing “Feliz Navidad” — the jangly, popular, not-very-religious-at-all Christmas tune written and performed by Weston’s own José Feliciano.

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Andrew Wilk is a Big Name in entertainment.

The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.

He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

This Saturday (May 17), Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.

The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”

Tickets and more information are available here.

Andrew Wilk with one of his Emmys, at his Lincoln Center office.

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Pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 15, VFW Post 399, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows, dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).

He’ll be joined by trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall. Tickets are available here.

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Steven Lewine died peacefully on April 13. He was 67, and had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease just 10 days earlier, and spent that time surrounded by his many loved ones.

At age 15, the Great Neck, Long Island native was hit by a truck while walking to school. Hespent several weeks in a full body cast. Doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck. He often referred back to this experience to tap into a deep well of resilience and optimism.

He became the first person in his family to go to college. Steve studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, earning 2 master’s degrees. He married Blandine in 1984. He had a career in investment banking, working across Latin America and spending 5 years in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2013 he married Julie. He built a second career as a financial advisort. In 2021 he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him.

He was passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized fundraising and service trips to schools and nonprofit organizations in Latin America.

Steve is survived by his wife Julie; their children Chris (Natalie), Nico (Pallavi), Gabby (Jimmy), Cara Miller (Cory) and Cody Wright (Laura), and grandchildren Leonardo, Jaya, Isabelle, and Owen, and siblings Julie, Bob and Barbara. Steve was also a father figure to his late brother Danny’s eldest daughter Patricia (Jason), and counted her daughter Rosalie among his grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for May 29 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). with a celebration of life to follow that day from 5-7 p.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the CJD Foundation.

Steve Lewine

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shows a rhododendron. Photographer Bob Weingarten notes that it flowers from the bottom up.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Happy National Night Shift Workers Day!

(“06880” works 24/7 — including the night shift — to bring you all of Westport’s news, events, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Obituaries

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[OPINION] Harrington: Staples Athletic Director Must Step Down

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 36 comments

At Monday’s 14-hour Board of Education hearing, members voted 5-1 against overturning superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew the contract of boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.

Robert Harrington was the only member voting to reinstate the coach, a former Staples captain whose appeal was bolstered by the presence of dozens of players. Harrington writes to “06880”:

1)  The Board of Education failed Westport in the soccer head coach non-renewal hearing. Why did they act like a rubber stamp, and were not concerned with all the withheld evidence and witnesses from our administration?

2) At the tennis coach non-renewal hearing earlier this year, BOE chair Lee Goldstein recused herself. For this soccer hearing, it was first selectman candidate and BOE member Kevin Christie’s turn. Why did Kevin recuse himself, and avoid having to make an important decision? Is that leadership?

3) Staples Principal Thomas Stafford was not in command of any details at the hearing, and represented the Westport Public Schools poorly. Why was he asked to give evidence, yet other valuable witnesses were blocked by Westport Superintendent?

4) I am calling for athletics director VJ Sarullo to immediately step down. When will the drama in the Staples athletics department end?

5) Restoring coaches’ confidence in Westport: What is next for non-renewed soccer coaches?

Robert Harrington

I love being on the Board of Education. But during large parts of a 14-hour testimony on Monday, I felt our community was let down by both our school administration and the actions of the Board of Education.

I am not afraid to vote in a different direction than my fellow board members.

I respect my fellow Board of Education colleagues — but not on this matter. The lack of any questions by the majority of the board toward the administration speaks volumes. Their silence was deafening. The absence of sitting BOE member and nominated Democratic candidate for first selectman Kevin Christie stood out.

I have been a strong supporter of superintendent Scarice on many issues. However,  I was highly disappointed with his decision to block 8+ witnesses from the hearing on Monday. This indicated a clear bias.

There are dozens of emails that board members are being prevented from seeing. What is in them?

There was only a very limited investigation into “the incident” in 2024. The investigation basically only lasted from October 24-29. After this date, no additional information or witnesses were considered.

However, there was no communication or updates to the coaches. The administration was playing the long game, and stretching thing out —  just as they had done with the tennis coach investigation.

I have serious concerns about how this administration conducts investigations. I also saw this in the antisemitic bullying situation with the Goldberg family last year. There seems to be a pattern here. It is my strong view that the very limited investigation into the soccer coaches was an egregious failure of governance and due process.

Furthermore, the performance and lack of clear answers from the three administration witnesses was highly concerning to me. It doesn’t appear that this was concerning to other board members.

An image of “3 stooges” entered my head on my midnight walk home: the superintendent, Staples principal and athletics director. They could barely recall basic facts about the case.

Staples principal Thomas Stafford seemed to recall almost zero details on any of the matters. His testimony was disrespectful to Westport, the players, and certainly the coaches. Was this the best evidence that was on offer for Westport? Are they taking you seriously?

From left: principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, at Monday’s hearing. 

I truly believe athletic director, VJ Sarullo should lose his job. He is overseeing a sports department that is bungling from one crisis to another. Soaring legal costs. A non-renewal case for a long standing tennis coach that was rightly thrown out, as the paperwork wasn’t correctly done.

A community of sportsmen and women and parents that seems to be turning against him. A tone-deaf approach to abolishing the 60+ year tradition of the Bock “S” award. The list is building. Numerous coaches have reached out to me since the hearing on Monday.

Athletic director VJ Sarullo replaced the traditional block “S” with a generic plaque this year.

Monday’s hearing was an embarrassment to Westport Public Schools and our town. There are more hearings on the way – and probably more legal challenges too.

No wonder our athletic director can longer afford to keep a 60-year+ old Block “S” tradition alive, with all these legal bills building up on his watch.

Let me summarize the lack of evidence and transparency in this hearing from your school district:

The Administration objected to 8 witnesses — including the former athletics director (who was trashed by the Superintendent during the hearing, with zero right to respond). They also did not permit the assistant suprintendent for human resources and coaches in other sports programs at Staples to testify, who could provide insight into training and policies.

The Administration prevented us (and you) from seeing dozens of emails. We will never know what is in them.

When I asked our attorney the weekend before the hearing about this exclusion of evidence, it was suggested I might need to recuse myself, and risk being responsible for a “7-fold increase” in legal costs for BOE.

No one that was a witness to either the 2022 or 2024 incidents was called as a witness by our administration. 

Students who were direct witnesses in 2024 came forward to be interviewed by our administration. This was rejected. 

Many current players supported coach Russell Oost-Lievense at Monday’s hearing. 

The administration admitted that a 2022 coach evaluation was not produced — or they don’t have it. (The notice of non-renewal from our administration did not explicitly refer to an incident in 2022. However, it formed a large part of the administration’s oral testimony)

The Administration would nor or did not make available a report into their own independent investigation of the 2022 situation for the hearing. It never presented the report to the coach back in 2022.

– The Administration would not or did not make available the Department of Children and Family Services report from 2022 that found no wrongdoing by the head coach. 

– The Administration reported a misleading call to DCF about a “physical” interaction between a student and (a different soccer coach) in 2024, and knew this not to be the case. Despite this exaggerated report, DCF declined to investigate and notified the administration the same day.

No coaches’ handbook exists in Westport Public Schools. Fortunately. we were told, “We are working on it.”

To be clear: there was no suggestion that head coach Russell Oost-Lievense was physical towards a child. He was not.

Additionally, there was also no suggestion that the head coach had any verbal integrations or disagreements was a student athlete in 2024. He is accused of not reporting a verbal disagreement between another coach and a student.

Both coaches at the hearing said the other coach and student “hugged it out” and resolved their disagreement shortly afterwards, and both apologized to the their teammates.

Furthermore, whilst suspended on full-pay the head coach attended an end-of- season banquet not hosted by the school, nor at the school, and not a school event. He received multiple invitations from booster clubs, players and parents.

He has also asked for clarity, and ultimately left a message to the athletic director informing him that he would be attending the banquet.

The athletic director did not respond or communicate with the head coach about this. Furthermore, neither the superintendent, Staples principal or athletic director attended the banquet, despite the total lack of clarity within the Boys Soccer program. Maybe it wasn’t important to them?

I am glad and proud that head coach Russell Oost-Lievense attended the end of season banquet.

No one in my family plays soccer, and I have never met any of the Staples soccer coaches who were non-renewed in late 2024, until Monday. I was impressed by the head coach and the bond he has formed with his team.

Most of them sat there for 14 hours on Monday. It was a real community. I was proud as a father, and as a board member.

Head coach Russell Oost-Lievense (standing, 3rd from left), with players during a break in Monday’s hearing.

I heard his impactful testimony about how he stood up against bullying on the team in 2022. He immediately reported a truly serious matter back in 2022 to our administration, and they seemingly did nothing.

The compassion and vulnerability from the coach was plain for all to see. He is clearly there 24/7 for these kids, in a role that probably pays $7,000 per a year. He is a full-time teacher in Darien public schools, and has been employed for many years with no issues from that district.

I would be proud for any of my children to have been taught and/or coached by him.

I am deeply concerned with the way this administration and Board of Education have treated this coach.

I know they made the argument on Monday that the program was better off without him. I disagree. The sad statement from me as a sitting Board of Education member is actually the coach maybe better off without Westport or Westport Public Schools.

I have never been more proud than to stand separately from the board, and the embarrassment of a case that the administration made and I witnessed on Monday.

Head coach Russell Oost-Lievense should be reinstated. Staples athletic director, VJ Sarullo should do the right thing, and immediately step down.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email 06880blog@gmail.com for details.)

36 Comments

Posted in Education, Sports, Staples HS

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[OPINION] Staples Students Learn Real Life Lesson About Power

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 19 comments

“06880” founder and executive editor Dan Woog writes:

I told the 50 or so Staples High School students who gathered in Town Hall on Monday morning that they would get a far better education about the real world that day than if they were sitting in class.

I did not know that 14 hours later, that lesson would be how heartless the world can be.

And how little some adults care about them, compared to their own desire for power.

Staples students — boys and girls soccer players, and many others — came early for Monday’s hearing.

Staples boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s appeal to the Board of Education, to overturn superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s decision to not renew his contract, had all the makings of a TV drama.

There was procedural jousting between attorneys over the admissability of evidence; witness testimony and cross-examination that was at turns riveting and rambling; and a raw, emotional explanation by Oost-Lievense about why — after all he’s been through — he still wanted to lead Staples soccer.

Discussing his work as a special education teacher, his own journey through Westport schools with a learning disability, and his father’s death during his junior year, he described his love for the soccer program, and his desire to give back.

The dozens of athletes in the front rows, there to support him, sat riveted. They’d been sitting for 8 hours already. They’d heard back-and-forth about a verbal argument at a preseason retreat they’d attended.

And they’d heard a discussion about an investigation into it, during which not one of them had been questioned.

They watched as administrators sat smugly on their side of the stage, and Board members sat stone-faced, even during the most powerful testimony.

Staples principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

“I think their minds are made up already,” one player said.

“No, they’re supposed to listen to everything, and be impartial,” a teammate countered.

As the night wore on, and the Board of Education retreated upstairs into executive session, the teenagers remained. They ate pizza. They chatted with Oost-Lievense and freshman coach Chris O’Dell.

They waited for word — after testimony, they and many others in the room believed, that showed Scarice’s decision to be “arbitrary and capricious” — that the coach who loved them, and who they loved back, would return to the program they and he adored.

At 11:15 the verdict came, with stunning finality. Five BOE members voted to uphold Scarice’s non-renewal recommendation. Only Robert Harrington voted against it.

At 11 p.m., dozens of Staples students waited for the Board of Education decision. Many left during the day for a class or two, or sports practice, then returned. All watched the proceedings closely. (Photos/Dan Woog)

The Staples players got a lesson in how the world works, for sure.

The world is not fair. It’s not always what they want. It can be arbitrary and capricious.

And so they — and Oost-Lievense’s many supporters, and other Westporters involved with all sports — wonder what’s next.

Why, for example, would any man or woman want to coach in a school district that does not support its coaches — that, in fact, casts them aside with little regard for their longtime contributions, personal reputations and heartfelt emotions?

Why would any coach not fear that an accusation of bad judgment could lead to non-renewal, without even a suggestion of working together to find a solution?

But why, on the other hand, would some coaches fear any discipline at all, knowing that in some programs, serious lapses of judgment lead to no sanctions whatsoever?

Why would any educator want to work in a district that seems so callous? Oost-Lievense testified that in Darien, where he is a special education teacher, supervisors cared deeply about how he was feeling, throughout his ordeal.

No one in Westport ever asked.

And why, in a district that so often pats itself on the back for its achievements in the classroom and beyond, is there such disregard for the very reason any school exists: the young people in it?

On Monday morning, I thought the many teenagers in the Town Hall auditorium would get a lesson in justice, fairness and compassion.

On Monday night, they got that lesson. They learned that some people care more about power than about those very human bedrock values.

19 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Board Of Ed Stuns Crowd; Votes Against Soccer Coach

Posted on May 13, 2025 | 80 comments

For 12 hours, 150 students and parents sat patiently in Town Hall. Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense was appealing to the Board of Education the decision by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice to not renew his contract.

At 11:15 p.m. — after 90 more minutes with the board cloistered in executive session — the BOE returned.

The 75 teens and adults still remaining sat in stunned silence, as the board voted 5-1 to affirm Scarice’s decision. Robert Harrington was the lone vote against. Kevin Christie recused himself, for reasons he did not explain.

Town Hall auditorium was filled, waiting for the hearing to begin.

The long day had featured extensive questioning of Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic direvctor VJ Sarullo, Oost-Lievense and freshman coach Chris O’Dell.

The major issues were a verbal argument — not physical, as erroneously reported — between a player and assistant coach Harry Ocampo at a preseason retreat, and Oost-Lievense’s alleged failure to report it to Sarullo; a subsequent conversation between the player and Ocampo in a golf cart near the players, and Oost-Lievense’s attendance at the post-season banquet.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Much of the discussion involved policies, procedures, training — and the lack of them.

Other discussion involved the investigation conducted by Sarullo and Thomas. Despite repeated claims of a “thorough” investigation by school officials between October 25 and December 8, not one student at the retreat was interviewed.

The coach’s attorney, Beatrice Franklin, objected strenuously to the exclusion of testimony and emails by several coaches and others, which she said would point to the lack of clear guidelines on reporting, and other issues at hand.

The mediator — appointed by the board — overruled virtually all of Franklin’s objections. He also refused to allow testimony about actions by coaches in other sports that did not result in discipline, which she said would have shown that Scarice’s action was “arbitrary and capricious” (the threshold for the board to overturn the superintendent’s decision).

Mediator Fred Dorsey (4th from left), with Board of Education members Dorie Hordon, Neil Phillips, Lee Goldstein, Abby Tolan and Jill Dillon.

Sarullo was questioned about why his evaluation of Oost-Lievense changed from “gifted head coach taking the program to new heights” in 2023, to all negative in 2024.

He said it was because of a “negative environment” on the team. That drew surprised looks from the more than 2 dozen returning players at Town Hall supporting their coach, throughout the long day.

Under extensive questioning, principal Thomas repeated often that he could not recall many of the events surrounding the investigation, and related matters.

There was discussion too of a 2022 incident, when Oost-Lievense reacted angrily to bullying incidents on the freshman and junior varsity teams. The coach — a special education teacher at Darien High — emotionally described his reactions to reports of bullying of a special education student, citing his long work in special ed.

That 2022 incident led to a Department of Children and Family Services investigation. No evidence of wrongdoing was found, and Oost-Lievense said a DCFS official apologized to him.

The complaint about this fall’s incident at the retreat also was sent to DCFS. Within a day, they declined to investigate.

Scarice explained that Westport holds its employees to “a higher standard.”

From left: Board of Education member Robert Harrington, attorney Beatrice Franklin, coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell.

One of the most emotional moments of the long day came when Franklin asked Oost-Lievense why — after all he’s been through — he still wanted his job back.

“I can never give back what this soccer program, the players and families, have done for me, as a player and coach,” he said, his voice breaking. “This is my alma mater, and I love it more than anything.”

He recounted his experience as a player, when his father was dying, and the soccer team was his safe haven. Among his father’s last words to him: “Look after the ones who look to you.”

The audience rose, in a standing ovation.

During a break in the action, Russell Oost-Lievense (back row, 3rd from left) poses with current and returning Staples soccer players.

In closing statements, board attorney Thomas Mooney said, “this is not a popularity contest. The Board of Education has delegated decisions like this to the superintendent. You must apply that policy. There is no evidence that this was ‘arbitrary and capricious.'”

Franklin countered, “‘Arbitrary and capricious’ does not mean you rubber stamp the administration. Did they make their decision supported by evidence, and a thorough investigation?”

She cited many examples: the lack of an investigation, the pattern of not allowing evidence and witnesses, and more.

“How could Staples be better off without Russ?” she asked. “All I want for my kids is to have a coach like him.”

For 90 minutes — until 11:15 p.m. — Staples players waited for the Board of Education to exit executive session. (Photos/Dan Woog)

When — 90 minutes later — the board rendered their decision, the large crowd (including dozens of boys and girls soccer players, and alumni) who had stayed for 14 hours were stunned.

They wondered how a supposedly neutral “mediator” had ruled against Oost-Lievense dozens of times, before and during the hearing.

They asked how he could have excluded wide swaths of evidence, directly relevant to coaching, training, procedures, and discipline.

They were puzzled that the “arbitrary and capricious” discussion did not include information about the lack of disciplinary action against coaches in other sports, for sometimes more egregious offenses.

“It seemed pretty clear the board had no interest in doing actual justice,” one said. “Russell could have shown a murder weapon and a body. They still would have ruled against him.”

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Staples Coaches Deserve To Be Heard Fully. They May Not Be.

Posted on May 9, 2025 | 30 comments

I’ve lived in this town my entire life.

I graduated from Staples High School. I worked there in many capacities, from 1982 until 2021. I was especially proud to spend 19 years as head coach of the boys soccer program.

I have always supported the school, the administrators who run and oversee it, and the superintendent and Board of Education.

Today however, I am heartbroken, ashamed, and furious with my alma mater, and those who oversee our school district.

Seven months after suspending head boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense and freshman boys coach Chris O’Dell — both former Staples captains who have given back to the program and town for 9 and 20 years, respectively — and 4 months after not renewing their contracts, the Board of Ed has finally granted one of them (Russell) an appeal hearing.

Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples boys soccer trophy case.

It’s scheduled for this Monday (May 12), 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.

But it may be a show trial.

A hearing is not a court of law. The Board of Ed is both judge and jury.

Their own lawyer has determined which witnesses may be called, and what evidence — for example, Freedom of Information Act-available emails — may be considered.

Russell and Chris — beloved by nearly all their players, well-respected in the soccer community, Staples grads and good human beings — are being treated like criminals.

Actually, worse. Criminals have their day in court. The jury does not hire an attorney who determines what evidence they can and cannot see, and who they can and cannot hear from.

In a court of law, that’s decided by an independent judge.

Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.

They include testimony about a lack of athletic department policies and training pertaining to the case, the manner in which allegations against other coaches have been handled, and much more.

Those pieces of evidence, I believe, are crucial to the 2 coaches’ appeals.

But if the board does not see and hear them — because the superintendent objected to them, and the attorney the Board of Education hired deemed them “irrelevant” — then justice will not be served.

And two excellent coaches, excellent people, and excellent representatives of the school they graduated from (and love) will be kicked to the curb.

Our Board of Education can do better. Our superintendent can do better.

And the student-athletes who adore these coaches — and, agonizingly, cannot attend a 9 a.m. hearing to support them — deserve much, much better.

30 Comments

Posted in Education, Local politics, Sports, Staples HS

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As Board Of Ed Listens, Speakers Favor Staples Smartphone Ban

Posted on May 7, 2025 | 5 comments

Students don’t know their classmates’ names, because they seldom look up from their phones.

Those phones offer addictive dopamine rushes.

And when students go tech-free, it’s like they’re different people.

Those were some of the sentiments expressed last night, at a special Board of Education meeting. The session, at Coleytown Middle School, was held to hear residents’ thoughts on a proposed smartphone ban at Staples High.

Right now, phones are not supposed to be used during class. The proposal, from superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, could involve “pouches,” like those at Wilton High. They are locked at the beginning of the school day, and unlocked at the end.

Students handing in phones, to be locked in pouches. (Photo/Allan Jung for Worcester Telegram & Gazette)

The overwhelming majority of speakers favored some sort of ban.

And the vast majority of speakers were adults. Very few students attended.

Moderator Velma Heller — a retired teacher and administrator, and former Representative Town Meeting (RTM) moderator — began by asking attendees if they support a “bell to bell” phone-free high school.

Larry Perlstein, whose daughter is a junior, does not.

Larry Perlstein (Photo/Katherine Phelps)

“Today’s world is all about devices,” he said. “You can’t survive without it. Kids need to learn how to use it appropriately.” He would, however, support a “phased-in” ban.

But Perlstein proved to be an outlier.

Victoria Marcus has elementary age children. She also teaches high school in Bridgeport. She’s the one whose students don’t know classmates’ names, and said, “bell to bell is my time with students.”

Barrie Rosen — mother of a 7th grader — fully supports the ban, beginning next year. “We have heard from Wilton that it is beneficial,” she said. “It is time for action.”

Susanne Hall Armstrong, who has a junior at Staples, supports the ban. Her older children do too, she said, citing the potential for greater social interactions.

John Schwartz — who called phones “addictive,” with their dopamine rush — said that his daughter’s grades improved when he took her phone away.

Staples High math teacher Maggie Gomez recounted a conversation with a freshman. He looked up from a lunch table, and saw all his friends on phones.

“The ban will only do your children good,” Gomez said.

Some parents cited concerns about the proposed ban. One said that using pouches to lock phones is not a good use of teachers’ time.

Noting that teenagers often find ways around rules, he said, “My kids are going to have a device in the building. Period.”

He added, “as parents, we expect to be able to reach our kids.”

Tracey Brenner, the mother of elementary schoolers, countered, “A phone is not a safety device. It is a parental safety device.”

Nathaniel Martin, whose son is an 8th grader, urged the Board of Education to analyze the history of phone use. “We need excellent evidence as to why they should have phones,” he said.

Board of Ed members listened to all sides. They’ll render a decision later.

As the meeting ended, parents texted their spouses to say they’d be home soon.

Their children were already home, studying.

And perhaps on their phones.

(Reporting by “06880” intern Katherine Phelps)

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Roundup: Farmers’ Market, Teen Essays, Staples Cellphones …

Posted on May 2, 2025 | 2 comments

There is no better sign of spring than the return of the Westport Farmers’ Market.

The annual rite is set for next Thursday (May 8). It runs every Thursday, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot near Jesup Road.

WFM will hand out free packets, to “sow the seeds of another incredible season.”

“As we begin this season, we’re not just putting up tents. We’re planting ideas, nurturing community, and growing a better food system,” says executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.

The 2025 Farmers’ Market includes:

  • Over 50 local farms and vendors, committed to sustainabie practices and “real food.”
  • Non-profit partners, with informational tables, giveaways and more.
  • Cooking demonstrations, a revamped recipe program, kids’ events and community talks.
  • Live music.

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A cellphone-free Staples has been talked about for a while.

On Tuesday, the public gets its say.

A special Board of Education meeting (May 6, 7:30 p.m., Coleytown Middle School auditorium) has one agenda item: “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Free Initiative at SHS.”

The meeting notice adds: “The Westport Public Schools invite your feedback on making Staples High School a phone free school.”

Cellphone holders may be a thing of the past, if the devices are banned throughout the day at Staples High School.

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Speaking of Staples: On Monday, TEAM Westport announced the 4 winners of its 12th annual Teen Diversity Writing Contest.

As reported on “06880,” the quartet — Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Souleye Kebe and Sienna Tzou — wrote about their identities with tremendous insight, depth, honesty and clarity.

They also delivered their essays powerfully, and passionately.

Click below to view their presentations. Their personal readings give even greater meaning to their compelling words.

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Read to Grow celebrated 25 years of providing books to Connecticut’s babies and children last night, with a great gala at the Westport Library.

Host Ian O’Malley — the well-known Westport realtor and New York radio personality — and other speakers described the impact the program has had on hundreds of thousands of youngsters, and their parents. A flagship program is the gift of baby books and early literacy information to nearly every new mother in Connecticut.

Zucca Gastrobar’s superb catering, and silent auction items featuring (among others) Ron Darling and the Doobie Brothers added to the fun.

For more information on Read to Grow, click here.

Ian O’Malley, Read to Grow gala emcee.

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Also last night: A large crowd welcomed Alex Lehr to Westport.

His Post Road store — American Colors by Henry Lehr — opened in December. But the ribbon cutting for the shop, which features casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing for men and women,  a collection of vintage belts, and much more — was yesterday.

American Colors marks a return to Westport for the Lehr family. Alex’s father, Henry, operated a very successful and much-loved women’s store around the corner on Main Street for decades.

Cutting the ribbon (from left): 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Alex Lehr, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell,  brand strategist Jay Norris.

Checking out the store. (Photos/Ryan Allen)

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Yesterday’s “Westport in Focus” newsletter from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker included information about the Conservation Department.

She notes their “fascinating presentation about Westport’s natural habitats – vernal pools. They are a delicate habitat pressed by multiple stressors, yet home to a surprising array of life. Species such as fairy shrimp, spotted salamanders, and wood frogs call these places home and struggle to live anywhere else.

“Westport is lucky to contain hundreds of vernal pools, ranging from under 100 square feet to over a few thousand.”

The newsletter includes a link for more information about vernal pools. Another link to the Conservation Department’s page on the town website offers details on protecting natural resources while maintaining lawns and plants.

Vernal pool

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“06880” readers learned last week that Dave Briggs nominated me for the #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge. The videos bring awareness to, and raise funds for, youth mental health.

I was honored to be dunked (click here to see), and promptly nominated Jen Tooker, Andrea Moore and Foti Koskinas.

The selectwomen quickly rose to the challenge (the police chief was out of town). They chose Positive Directions as the next victims.

The entire board of the non-profit center for prevention and counseling accepted.

Coincidentally, PD was kicking off their New York Marathon journey the same day. Runners Gianna Affi, Cam Gaylord and Brian McGarvey will run to raise money for the organizaton. They joined Jen in dousing board members with frigid water.

Positive Directions paid it forward. They nominated Rhone, who is helping make the marathon “a huge splash” (including outfitting the runners in training and at the race), plus mental performance coach Rhodie Lorenz, who is inspiring the runners as they train.

Click here or below for the video.

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The Joggers Club — Connecticut’s largest run club — is moving from Compo Beach to Greens Farms train station.

The new routes include Beachside Avenue and nearby beaches.

Organizers say, “All the rules are the same. Have fun, all paces are welcome, enjoy free coffee from McDonald’s and bagels from Village Bagels.”

Runs begin every Saturday at 8 a.m. Membership ($50 a year) includes a free Lululemon shirt for all new members.

For more information, email thejoggersclub@gmail.com.

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Wednesday’s “06880” story — about the partnership between Staples High School drama teacher David Roth’s directing class, Westport’s Shakespeare scholar Diane Lowman and Bridgeport’s Edison Elementary School, to bring the Bard to young students — struck a chord.

Within a day, $2,125 had been raised to help fund more Bridgeport classes take part in the future. Roth and Lowman are grateful for readers’ generosity.

To help reach the $4,000 goal, click here.

Staples directing students and Edison School youngsters, working together to love Shakespeare. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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In March, “06880” profiled Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein.

The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter. The club empowers students and staff to help create a culture of safety and vigilance, while advocating for laws that promote safery schools.

In February, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature.

Yesterday, SB 1216 passed through the Senate. It calls for the installation of silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, which dramatically reduces response time

State Senator Ceci Maher — who worked closely with the Staples students — praised Elijah and Zander in her social media posts. Click here to see.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photos may be the last from the now-closed Community Gardens. As “06880” reported yesterday, the 20-year-old site will at some point be the staging area for construction of the new Long Lots elementary School. Later, an athletic field will be built on the site.

(Photo/Toni Simonetti)

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And finally … Today is the birthday of Manfred von Richthofen. The German World War I pilot was born in 1892. He was killed over France in 1918, age 25.

·(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this daily feature — or any other part of “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Budgets Passed, Playground Needs Volunteers, Longshore Golf Course Opens …

Posted on March 26, 2025 | 1 comment

Two budgets passed, in 2 days.

That was the work of the Board of Finance this week.

On Monday, the 5 members took about half an hour to unanimously approve the Board of Education’s $150.4 million 2025-26 budget.

Last night, they voted to adopt almost all of the 1st Selectwoman’s proposed $87.2 million budget.

The only cuts were to defund the Wheels2U train station ride-share program ($342,400 out of the total Westport Transit District request of $491,800), and $25,000 from Earthplace (out of $105,000),

The transportation cuts would leave the WTD with services solely for the elderly and disabled.

The BOF has voted to cut Transit District funding often in the past, citing low ridership. Nearly as often, it has been restored by the Representative Town Meeting.

Lee Caney, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Rich Hightower and Michael Keller voted for the reductions.

Danielle Dobin and Allyson Stollenwerck objected. During the Earthplace discussion, Dobin cited the importance of 62 acres of open space, and the Harbor Watch program.

On April 2 (Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.), the BOF will consider requests for restoration. The Representative Town Meeting then has the opportunity to restore funding for both items in May.

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Less than a month out from the Compo Beach playground build, there is plenty of news to report.

And there are plenty of ways to help.

Volutneers are still needed, from April 21-26. Click here to see the many jobs available. “Skilled” labor is important — but no building experinece is needed for other tasks.

Whether you renovated your home by yourself or never lifted a hammer, this is a great chance to get outside, contribute to the town, and meet interesting people.

Also needed: tools.

Saws, bolt cutters, tape measures, wheelbarrows, tents, hammers (of course): the playground committee needs them all.

They can be donated or loaned, for the duration of the build. (You don’t need to haul your own tools back and forth each day.) Click here to see all that’s needed, and click on what you can supply (and when you can drop it off). 

And for anyone who donated a picket for the previous rebuild, in 2009: If you want to keep yours as a souvenir, stop by the playground on SAturday, April 12 (9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.). You can also to before or after volunteer shifts during the build, April 21-26.

For more information on the Compo Beach playground project, click here.

Volunteers building the Compo Beach playground, in 1989. Next month, you can join the rebuild.

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The Longshore golf course opens for the season this Friday (March 28).

“We invite golfers of every level to come and enjoy the beautifully manicured 18 holes that comprise this gem of the Westport parks system,” says Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Baribieri.

“Our head professional Jon Janik and course superintendent Sean Charles have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff and course are ready.”

Click here for golf course information, including advanced and same day tee time bookings. Pro Shop phone numbers are 203-221-0900 and 203-226-9785.

Westport residents who would like to purchase a golf handpass, or whose handpass has expired, can renew or purchase online here, or in person weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Parks and Recreation Department near the first tee.

Fore! (Photo/Nicole Gorman)

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Looking for a cute puppy — especially one to bring home?

Fetch Rescue is sponsoring an adoption event this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Earth Animal.

One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.

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Staples High School students racked up awards recently in 2 different areas: business and international relations.

Nine teams placed at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University.

“Competing in FBLA allows students to show their interest and abilities in subjects we do not teach at Staples,” says Sarah White, math instructor and FBLA advisor.

Staples students who placed at the FBLA State Leadership Conference include:

First Place: Ollie Vynerib (Advertising); Ethen Perry, Aidan Stubbs, Jackson Tracey (International Business)

Second Place: Jack Jacob (Securities & Investments); Max Benke, Jonah Bomback (Sports & Entertainment Management)

Third Place: Jay Nicholds, Luke Spera, RJ Wilks (Sales Presentation); Jack Leonard (Supply Chain Management)

Fourth Place: Chris Taylor (Supply Chain Management); Matthew Tybur (Organizational Leadership)

Fifth Place: Mikael Nagy (Introduction to Financial Math).

In addition, 4 students earned recognition at the National High School Model United Nations conference. Competing against schools from around the world, they displayed strong knowledge, diplomacy, and debating and leadership skills.

“Our students were very motivated and focused with their committees,” says Spanish teacher Horacio Ballesteros.

“This was an unforgettable experience for our students, with all grades represented in diverse contemporary groups addressing important global issues.”

Receiving the National High School Model United Nations Award of Merit:
Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon (Special Political and Decolonization Committee);  Alessandra Spadea and Jori Altman (Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee).

Julien McMahon and Jacob Calandro.

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Congratulations to Lisa Wexler!

The Westport/Weston probate judge received the Henry C. Lee Award from Jane Doe No More — a Connecticut non-profit devoted to erasing the stigma of sexual abuse — at their 14th annual gala last weekend.

Noted pathologist Dr. Henry Lee and Jane Doe No More founder Donna Palomba presented the award. It recognized Wexler’s work on the radio and in court to bring awareness and empathy to victims of sexual violence.

The Lisa Wexler Show airs on WICC (600 AM/95.9 FM) weekdays, from 10 a.m. to noon. Podcasts are available on Apple and Spotify, and at lisawexler.com.

Judge Lisa Wexler (center) with Dr. Henry C. Lee and Donna Palomba.

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Earthplace — the educational and environmental center tucked away in the northwest Westport woods — has a packed calendar for families and adults in April.

Activities include:

Craft n’ Sip: Windchimes (April 3, 6-8 p.m.; make a wind chime with natural materials, guided by naturalists; BYOB and snacks; 21+).

 Winged Wonders (April 6, 1 p.m.; bird-on-glove demonstration to learn about raptors).

Family Campfire: Vernal Pool Party (April 11, 6:30-8 p.m.; s’mores, spring crafts, animals and more).

Plein Air Painting on the Trails (April 12, 10 a.m.-noon; create artwork along the trail; all levels of artists, all mediums welcome; light refreshments).

Sunday Morning Ramble (April 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; hike).

Frog Watch Hike (April 23, 7-8 p.m.)

Environmental Learning Series: Lights Out Connecticut! (April 15, 7-8 p.m.; lecture and Q-and-A via Zoom; learn about light pollution and its effects on birds, wildlife and human health.

Group Canoe Paddle (April 27, 1-3 p.m.; join naturalists on the Saugatuck River; equipment provided).

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Meanwhile, registration closs soon for several after-school programs at Earthplace, for children and teenagers. They begin early next month, and include:

Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.; open-ended outdoor play, grades K-2).

Eco Explorers (Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.; themed adventure weeks, grades 3-5).

Nature Art Club (Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; nature-based art, grades 3-6).

Free Range Homeschoolers (Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.; explore streams, meadows and woods with naturalists; ages 4-11).

Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; learn animal care skills with hands-on training

Junior Staff (Fridays, 4-5 p.m.; explore plants, insects and other local wildlife alongside naturalists, grades 6-12)

Also at Earthplace: Kids’ Night Out (March 28, 6-9 p.m.; ages 5-12). Drop your children off for an evening of fun and learning; then relax and enjoy your night off).

Click here for details, including registration, fees and more.


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Dustin Lowman — the 2011 Staples High School graduate/singer-songwriter making waves on the New York folk-ish scene — will play at Voices Café April 5.

That show is already sold out. But Dustin’s many fans can hear him interviewed by another former Westporter this Thursday (March 27, 2 p.m.).

Mike Zito has retired as a Staples radio and music production teacher. But he continues a longtime gig — hosting radio shows about American folk music — on WPKN, the eclectic and always interesting Bridgeport station.

In fact, Zito has been on ‘PKN since he was a student there, in the 1970s.

You listen on 89.5 FM, or click here for the livestream. (Hat tip: Jim Honeycutt)

Mike Zito

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo could be from anywhere along our coast. Pam Docters spotted these early spring reeds at Old Mill Beach.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue adoption event (story above):

(Another day, another Roundup. Another reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. And another link to click on, to help. And another thank you, to all our contributors!)

 

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Roundup: Hazardous Waste, Good Food, The Oscars …

Posted on March 4, 2025 | 1 comment

Get wasted!

The Department of Public Works’ annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is  Saturday, April 5 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).

This free program enables residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes.

Products like cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health if disposed of improperly.

Residents may dispose of these types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.

Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:

  • Make sure items are clearly labeled. Do not mix chemicals. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.
  • Keep products in original labeled container.
  • Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
  • Tighten lids of all containers, and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
  • Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
  • Keep your windows open.
  • Leave pets and children home.
  • Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.

Westport residents may recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector. It’s open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

The following items are not acceptable: ammunition, flares, and commercial hazardous waste.

Questions? Call Public Works: 203-341-1793.

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Sure, you shop at the Westport Farmers’ Market. You love the fresh fruits, vegetables, produce, meats and more, and you stock up every Thursday, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (spring through all), and Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (winter).

But wouldn’t it be nice to have some great recipes, to add extra creativity to all that great food?

The Farmers’ Market Recipe Program is your answer.

Directed by chef Jes Bengtson of @terraincafe, the Farmers’ Market Instagram features monthly videos by top local chefs and foodies. Each one includes information on how to source ingredients from WFM, how to prep, and how to prepare.

You can find them on the Farmers’ Market’s Instagram (click here), Facebook page and website.

Hungry yet? Look below, for a list of monthly culinary stars.

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Speaking of food: This is Soup Month in Westport.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker made the proclamation yesterday, at Calise’s Food Market. It was the first serving of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce Great Soup Contest.

All month long, 16 soup-making spots will compete in 7 categories. Judging will be done online, by soup-loving Westport residents.

And every voter is entered into a drawing to win a free soup, from one of the 7 winners.

The 16 competitors are Basso, Calise’s, Capuli, Gaetano’s, Garelick and Herbs, Gold’s Deli, Joe’s Pizza, Kawa Ni, Little Pub @ Dunville’s, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, The Whelk and Tutti’s.

The 7 categories are: Best Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, Asian, Onion and Matzoh Ball Soup, and Best Chowder. Each place can enter up to 4 categories, but can win no more than 2.

Voting runs through March 31. Visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then click here to vote.

Kicking off the Great Soup Contest (from left): town attorney Ira Bloom, Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell, assistant town attorney Eileen Flug, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Calise’s owner Carmen Cenatiempo.

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Speaking still of food: Finalmente has not served its last meal.

The Post Road East restaurant — next to Jeera Thai, across from Design Within Reach — will reopen, perhaps as early as the end of this month.

The new owners — Giuseppe Cinque, a familiar name to Fairfield County diners — will keep the old name. But he’s updating the menu, and renovating the interior.

CT Insider first reported the news. Click here for their story.

Finalmente, before it closed last May after 19 years.

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The Board of Finance begins its review of 2 proposed 2025-26 budgets tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on Cablevision Channel 79, and westportct.gov).

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer the Westport Public Schools budget.

Click here to view Tooker’s proposed budget. Click here for Scarice and Goldstein’s proposed budget.

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If you watched the Academy Awards on Sunday, you saw plenty of gorgeous dresses.

You may have especially admired Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Whoopi Goldberg’s outfits.

Each was special. But all were created by Christian Siriano. The fashion designer lives in Westport, and has his own shop-by-appointment store, The Collective West, on Post Road East. (It will close soon however, and relocate to New York.)

Click below to see Whoopi Goldberg. Click here for more of Siriano’s designs, on his Instagram page.

Whoopi Goldberg, in a Christian Siriano gown.

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Speaking of the Oscars: Michael McCorry Rose interrupted rehearsals for Westport Country Playhouse’s next show — the romantic comedy “Theatre People” — to attend Sunday night’s ceremony.

He had good reason: He was a cast member of the film “Wicked.”

But the Playhouse was on his mind. Standing on the carpet, he gave a shoutout to the character he will portray beginning March 25: the narcissistic Victor Pratt, aka “Broadway’s Favorite Baritone.”

Click here for more information, and tickets to “Theatre People.” Click below for the video of Rose, at the Oscars.

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Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport has an active March. Among the activities:

  • International Women’s Day Lunch (March 8, 11:30 a.m., Gabriele’s Steak House).
  • Girls Night Out (bring a dish for potluck dinner, BYOB drink, and karaoke energy).
  • Book group (March 27; private home): “A Hundred Summers.” Contact Peggy O’Halloran: pohal@aol.com.
  • Cooking group (date and theme TBD). Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com.

For more details, including membership, click here.

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Westport Pride’s annual drag show is going on the road.

This year’s special guest is Patty Bourée. The 18+ event — with cocktails, songs and comedy — is March 22 (7 p.m.) at The Knowlton, Bridgeport’s premier event space.

“Come dressed to spring eternal,” organizers say. And why not? It’s the second day of spring!

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Patty Bourrée

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Sara Caswell headlines this week’s “Jazz at the Post” (Thursday, March 6, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; music charge $20, $15 for veterans and students).

A classically trained string player, she has toured or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Esperanza Spalding, Regina Carter and others, and led her own band. Caswell teaches at the Berklee College of Music, New York University and the New School.

Joining her are bassist Ike Sturm, guitarist Jesse Lewis, painist Alex Browner and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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You have to look hard to see the 2 bobcats in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But that’s the idea of camouflage.

Ivan and Danielle Alexander spotted the animals on Sunday, in their Coleytown neighborhood.

(Photo/Ivan Alexander)

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And finally … in honor of Westport Pride’s upcoming drag show (story above):

(Where else but “06880” can you learn about hazardous waste, the Oscars and a drag show, all at once? If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: BOF Budgets, Remains On PBS, Staples STEM Champs …

Posted on February 21, 2025 | 2 comments

The Board of Finance begins its review of 2 proposed 2025-26 budgets on March 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on Cablevision Channel 79, and westportct.gov).

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker will present the town budget. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer the Westport Public Schools budget.

Click here to view Tooker’s proposed budget. Click here for Scarice and Goldstein’s proposed budget.

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The Remains remain Westport legends.

The band — including Staples High School grads Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs — were “how you told a stranger about rock ‘n’ roll,” raved young music critic Jon Landau.

They tore up Boston and New York, were signed by Epic Records, appeared on “Ed Sullivan” and “Hullabaloo” — and, in 1966, were an opening act on the Beatles’ last tour.

Then — on the brink, perhaps, of superstardom — the Remains broke up.

The Remains, back in the day.

Their story was told off-Broadway. Now they’re the stars of a PBS documentary.

“America’s Lost Band” captures the group on its return to Los Angeles, for the first time in 40 years. It shows the bond between 4 close friends, and the power of music that united them, decades after comingthisclose to the top.

The documentary was adapted from a feature-length film that played at film festivals 15 years ago. It was never released publicly, due to licensing costs and rights issues.

The film was produced by Fred Cantor. The 1971 Staples High School graduate — a longtime Remains fan and chronicler — previously produced “The High School That Rocked!,” about bands like the Doors, Yardbirds and Cream who played at Staples. It was the only documentary short at the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Film Series.

“Lost Band” was directed by Michael Stich, longtime director of “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

It will premiere on Connecticut’s PBS station, CPTV on April 7 (9:30 p.m.), and stream nationwide on CPTV’s platforms.

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The checks have been cashed. The food has been distributed.

And Earth Animal thanks everyone who contributed to the Post Road store’s holiday Mitten Project.

The pet supply store raised an astonishing $75,737 to combat food insecurity in Connecticut.

The money came from sales at Earth Animal, participation in Shop & Give events hosted by the local business community, private donations, and contributions from customers.

Earth Animal Ventures, based in Southport, matched every dollar raised.

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Staples High School students struck gold (and silver, and bronze) at the Connecticut STEM Fair.

Under the mentorship of teacher Amy Parent, young researchers presented innovative work across multiple categories at the virtual event earlier this month.

William Boberski captured first place in the Health and Medical Science category (completed projects), for research on diet composition’s effects on lifespan and colorectal cancer progression, using the Drosophila midgut model.

In the same category (for research proposals), Alexis Krenzer placed first for her plan to study curcumin’s potential role in epidermal growth factor driven cancers using C. elegans.

Ezra Schwartz took third, for his proposal on improving glenoid labral tear diagnosis through deep learning applications.

Jonathan Dobin-Smith snagged first place in the Environmental category, for a proposal to mitigate CO2 emissions through bio-concrete development using Cupriavidus necator.

William Kwong tied for second, with research on using curcumin to protect against microplastic damage in C. elegans.

Kendra Chen presented compelling research on generating biofuels from Connecticut microalgae, using bicarbonate as a carbon source.

The STEM Fair drew more than 250 student researchers, and as many judges from science and technology professions.

CT Stem Foundation is an all-volunteer organization. They are always looking for volunteers, including fair judges. Click here for more information.

Jonny Dobin-Smith, with his STEM Fair project.

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Seniors Aviva Ross and Amire Williams, juniors Benjamin Peterson and Emmett Zahler, sophomore Giselle Colon and freshman Noa Katz are Staples High School’s February Students of the Month.

Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the school community: kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who make Staples the special place it is.” 

From left: Emmett Zahler, Aviva Ross, Amire Williams, Noa Katz,, Giselle Colon, Benjamin Peterson.

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Of the many fundraisers at Sherwood Island State Park, STAR’s Walk & Roll is one of Westport’s favorites.

The non-profit supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. This year’s event — bringing together people of all ages and abilities (the “roll” refers to the many attendees in wheelchairs) — is May 4. Money raised helps STAR continue providing essential programs and services.

For this year’s 20th annual event, STAR invites artists, designers and other creative types design the logo. The winning entry will be featured on t-shirts and promotional materials.

Contestants must take a guided tour of STAR’s Norwalk headquarters to gain inspiration and insight into STAR’s mission. Email kguthrie@starct.org to schedule a visit, or more information. The deadline is March 7.

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Yesterday’s Roundup described Mark Yurkiw’s Westport Rotary Club presentation, about relief efforts in Ukraine.

He partners with 2 non-profits. Ukraine Aid International restores infrastructure, while Ridgefield Responds focuses on family relocation.

Today, Yurkiw and his fellow volunteers will ship another container. This one is filled with $250,000 worth of used medical equipment, from a nursing home in Wilton.

They’re also raising another $8,000, to cover the costs of whatever they can’t ship today.

To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.

Mark Yurkiw has not forgotten his Ukrainian roots.

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Caribbean mountain folk music, bluegrass, country and gospel come together March 1, at Voices Cafe.

And it’s all in one show.

Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo highlight the 8 p.m. concert, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport. The band includes guitar, drums, sax, bass and cuarto.

Voices Cafe offers tables or individual seating. Coffee and sweets are vailable for purchase; guests can bring their own beverages and snacks. Cconcerts support social justice programs in the area.

Tickets are $25 each. Click here for more information.

Rick Reyes

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Longtime Westporter Mary-Lou Weisman offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

And back story. She writes: “It’s morning. I lie in bed wrapped snug as a mummy in my quilt. I can see through the slit of space between the window and the shade that the leaves on the rhododendron bush outside are curled as tight as a Cuban cigar against the frigid polar air. Maybe I’ll stay in bed for a while. Maybe I’ll fall back asleep.

“But no. I spot 2 invading stink bugs, seeking indoor warmth — one clinging with all six legs to the TV screen, perhaps remembering the heat of last night’s news; the other snug as a bug on the the rug.

“Oh wee beasties, innocent intruders, I should feel sorry for you. You mean no harm. Like me, you only want to be warm.

“And you don’t even stink until I squish you.”

Stink bug, before squishing. (Photo/Mary-Lou Weisman)

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And finally … on this date in 1878, the first telephone directory was issued. The city: New Haven, Connecticut.

(“You can keep the dime,” Jim Croce sings. Or, you can give it — and any other amount — to “06880,” to help support this hyper-local blog. Please click here. And thank you!)

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