Tag Archives: Coleytown Elementary School

Finance Board Look$ Ahead

Posted on February 2, 2024 | 9 comments

It’s a good thing the days are getting longer.

The Board of Finance will need all the time they can get at next Wednesday’s meeting (February 7, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The agenda includes 3 discussion-only items: a financial report from the Finance director, and updates on the Longshore Sailing School lease and from the audit manager.

Then come a bang-bang series of action items:

  • A request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $6.8 million for the design of the new elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school.
  • A request from the Parks & Recreation Department director to approve $104,000 to install irrigation at the Coleytown Middle School fields.
  • Another request by the Parks & Rec director to approve $80,000 for analysis, design and preparation of construction documents to replace critical elements of the Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina.
  • A request from the Fire Department deputy chief to approve $110,000 for work to update and merge Fire Department conceptual plans to include the Police Department and Emergency Medical Service in a new concept analysis, for a joint public safety facility.
  • A request from the Public Works Department director to approve $630,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for design and permitting of the redevelopment of Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

That’s a robust agenda.

And it’s an indication that Westporters will be asked to fund a number of big-ticket items, in the months and years ahead.

This is the 8-24 preliminary plan for a new $100 million Long Lots Elementary School. It may cost nearly $7 million for a complete design.

We’ve talked a bit about the redesign of the Parker Harding parking lot — though without much discussion of cost (and no firm decisions yet). Now, Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s recommendations looms on the Saugatuck River horizon.

Few people have mentioned much about plans for a join public safety facility. Police, fire and EMS have all done great work in cramped, aging buildings. A new, shared facility is important — and will soon be a topic for debate.

The request for work at Ned Dimes Marina is a rounding error, compared to what’s ahead for Parks & Rec. Officials have been working for a couple of years on a long-term redevelopment plan for Longshore.

Parks & Rec is developing a long-term plan for the renovation of Longshore.

In addition, the Coleytown Middle School field request is just one of many that Parks & Rec may make.

The Long Lots debate has underscored the woeful conditions of a number of town playing fields. Artificial turf — the modern, non-carcinogenic type — may be an answer, at sites like Wakeman, Staples’ Loeffler Field, and Kings Highway Elementary School. Lights would help alleviate the fields crunch too.

Those are costly, quality-of-life, youth-oriented projects that we’ll hear more about in the months to come.

Not on the Board of Finance’s long agenda next week, but hard to ignore: possible renovation of old-as-Long Lots Coleytown Elementary School.

Dredging the Saugatuck River.

And, I’m sure, one or two other important projects I’ve forgotten to mention, or not yet heard about.

Coleytown Elementary School is in need of modernization too.

On Wednesday, the Finance board will vote, for the most part, on initial design work.

These are small down payments on future work. Appropriations to come will have many more zeroes.

All are important to some people. Some are important to all.

But improving our town for generations to come won’t come cheap.

Buckle up.

(Click here for the full Board of Finance agenda. The meeting will be livestreamed at http://www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum channel 79.)

(“06880” will continue to cover these projects — and everything else, big and small, in Westport. But we need your help to do so. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Education, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Westport life

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Inclusive Schools Week Includes All

Posted on December 8, 2023 | 3 comments

You may not know that this is National Inclusive Schools Week.

But your kids sure do.

All 5 Westport elementary schools — and Stepping Stones Preschool — planned special programming to celebrate the annual event. Begun in 2001, it encourages schools to support cultures of inclusion, and provide quality education to an increasingly diverse student population.

“Many activities open doors to understanding and respecting different ways of thinking, reflecting on themselves as learners, and fostering a sense of belonging in our schools,” says Coleytown Elementary principal Janna Sirowich.

“We are educating students about neurodiversity  — the different ways that people’s brains work — and how disabilities do not define or limit an individual’s potential.”

Every elementary school read a book about a famed disability rights activist.

Each school designed a variety of learning opportunities and experiences, across all areas of the building.

For example, Stepping Stones classes read “It’s Ok to be Different,” by Sharon Purtil, which celebrates diversity and encourages acceptance.

All elementary classes read “All the Way to the Top: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything,”  the true story of disability rights advocate Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. Born with cerebral palsy, she joined the “Capitol Crawl” in Washington — which led to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Among other activities:

Stepping Stones Preschool students watched a PBS show featuring Sesame Street character Julia, who has autism. The video promotes awareness and understanding of neurodiversity at a developmentally appropriate level.

Coleytown Elementary students learned about Special Olympics and Paralympics in their physical education classes — including many athletes who achieved great success in a variety of sports.

All kindergarten through 5th grade artists at Greens Farms Elementary studied Henri Matisse. In a wheelchair and despite his physical limitations, he made incredible art. Students creating their own all-school mural, using organic shapes.

Students in Kings Highway Elementary music classes students incorporated sign language in songs they sang. They also learned about a number of musicians who use their abilities and talents in different ways.

Inclusive Schools Week bulletin board.

All Long Lots Elementary 2nd graders visited with a therapy dog. They learned how animals provide emotional comfort and support to people of all ages and circumstances.

The daily TV news show, Saugatuck Seal News, highlighted individuals with disabilities who have adapted and overcome challenges to create new opportunities once seen as impossible.

Inclusive Schools Week began last week, with a special Cultural Arts performance. “Magic Into the Deaf World” was an inspiring show with Matthew “Magic ” Morgan, who enchanted his audience. Westport science coach Phaedra Taft signed and interpreted for “Magic Morgan.”

“Magic” Morgan (far right), his wife Liliana (2nd from left), with Kings Highway principal Tracey Carbone (wearing green), and parents during Inclusive Schools Week.

“National Inclusive Schools Week provides an opportunity for educators, students, families and communities to engage in conversations and activities that foster a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within our schools,” Coleytown El principal Sirowich says.

“It encourages reflection on current practices, and the exploration of new strategies to ensure that every student feels welcomed, respected and valued.”

(“06880” highlights the often-overlooked achievements of students and teachers. Please click here to support hyper-local stories like these. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education

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Pics Of The Day #2416

Posted on November 29, 2023 | 2 comments

There are not a lot of birds around Westport these days. Hey — it’s (almost) winter.

But when they return, we’ll be ready.

At least, Coleytown Elementary School will be.

This is the welcoming scene, on Easton Road:

(Photos/Mark Mathias)

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Friday Flashback #363

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 14 comments

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the opening of Coleytown Elementary School.

That seems like a long time ago. In the 7 decades since, we’ve seen a host of school changes. From a “new” (then “modernized,” and now “really new” — though already nearly 20 years old) Staples High School, to “new” schools like Burr Farms and Hillspoint that opened, closed and now are just vague memories, to schools like Bedford and Saugatuck that have changed physical locations), tens of thousands of students have passed through Coleytown’s halls.

And — though it’s been expanded a bit — members of that first 1953 class would recognize those halls easily today.

The original Coleytown Elementary School.

However, that opening day 70 years ago is not so far away. Several former students emailed memories of their first year to “06880.”

Happily, one of the first 1st grade teachers — Dorothy Hall — is still alive.

And still in Westport.

She and her husband — retired Staples High School educator Gordon Hall — live here in town.

Jane Nordli Jessep’s 1st grade classroom, with Dorothy Hall. Twelve members of that class went all the way through the Westport schools, graduating with Staples High School’s Class of 1965.

Pat Small’s taught 2nd grade, the next year.

Ann Sheffer was in Coleytown’s first kindergarten class (and was part of the first graduating class to go all the way through the school, 6 years later).

Ann’s first grade teacher was Pat Small. That year she married Paul Lane. Every student in the class was invited to the wedding.

Paul went on to coach Staples football and track teams. Like the Halls, he and Pat lived for many years in Westport. 

Ann Sheffer’s 1st grade class, with Pat Small. Ann is at the far right. 

Those early years are vivid, in the minds of the initial cohort of students. Jane Nordli Jessep remembers “Coleytown Capers.” the fundraising show drew on the formidable talents of school parents, many of whom were in show business.

Jane’s mother Betty had been a big band singer in the late 1930s and early ’40s. In “Capers” she sang a torch song called “The Girl in the Picture.” The final line was apt: “He works all day in the city, so we can live in the country, and spend all our time apart.”

Of course, plenty of parents found time to stage and perform in “Coleytown Capers.” Among the notable: Hal James. The future Broadway producer of “Man of La Mancha” was the Capers’ producer/director.

This edition of the “Coleytown Capers” ran for 3 nights. 

Harriet Wolfson Flehinger has memories too.

Her mother, Hortense Wolfson, taught for 25 years, almost from the start.

After retiring she stayed on as a substitute teacher, until she was 80.

Hortense Wolfson’s 3rd grade class, around 1960.

Harriet’s 1st grade Coleytown El teacher was “Miss Barbara.”

“We learned later that we were asked to call her Miss Barbara because her last name was Worms. It was determined that 6-year-olds could not be trusted to call their teacher Miss Worms,” Harriet recalls.

Miss Barbara, with Harriet Wolfson’s 1st grade class.

Her father, Harry Wolfson, was a stage manager in the Coleytown Capers. One year the cast and crew gave him a small award. He kept it for 30 years.

Harriet also remembers noted artist Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

“I thought it was the biggest horse in the world,” she says. “When I envision it in my mind, I still see it from the perspective of a small child.”

Stevan Dohanos’ mural.

In around 3rd grade, Harriet says, every Coleytown student lined up in the auditorium for polio vaccine shots.

That was also the era of air raid drills. Students lined up inside hallways, and crouched down hands on top of their heads. “In retrospect,” Harriet says, “that was laughable.”

Everyone was proud of the school’s innovation: an outside door for every classroom.

During fire drills, students were told, they cold empty the school in less than 2 minutes.

There was a fort out back, on the primary grade playground. Harriet always wanted to play in it, with the boys.

Finally, they let her make mud balls that they threw at each other. “I thought I was really one of the boys,” she says.

Rear view of Coleytown Elementary School, before expansion.

Harriet recalls her teachers’ names: Miss Barbara, Miss Small, Mrs. Capasse, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Friedman, Mr Amundsen. “Funny I can remember all of them, but not what I ate for lunch yesterday!” she laughs.

As she got older and returned to the school, Harriet was struck by Coleytown’s architecture.

“It seems to fit the lay of the land so well. I’m not so sure about all the extensions. But the original building was so graceful.”

Coleytown Elementary School today …

… and the view from the air.

(Wherever you went to elementary school, you’re invited to enjoy our flashbacks, every Friday. You’re also welcome to support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

Ann Sheffer’s 5th grade teacher, Mr. Donofrio.

Ann Sheffer heads off to Coleytown Elementary School.

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Posted in Children, Education, Friday Flashback

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Roundup: School Security, Daryl Hall, DPIC …

Posted on August 25, 2023 | 7 comments

On Wednesday, the Board of Finance authorized the addition of 3 officers, to patrol 6 Westport schools.

They will be responsible for security at 2 campuses: one each at Coleytown Middle and Elementary Schools;  Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary, and Long Lots/Greens Farms Elementary.

They will remain outside, unless called to an emergency inside.

The cost for a full year is $576,084. The request must now be approved by the Representative Town Meeting.

A second security item — a fob on all Staples High School staff members’ identification lanyard, which can summon help in a 500,000 square foot building and sprawling outdoor athletic facilities that does not have full cellphone service, or access to emergency phones everywhere — was withdrawn before the meeting.

One Westport police officer will be assigned to Coleytown Elementary School (foreground) Coleytown Middle (rear).

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Before the start of last night’s Levitt Pavilion benefit concert with Daryl Hall and Todd Rundrgren, disgruntled patrons emailed “06880.”

“There is a tent blocking the view for a good portion of the patrons’ section,” one person wrote.

One view of the obstructed view …

“The sound board obstructs the view for most patrons,” someone else said.

… and another.

Carleigh Welsh — the Levitt’s director of development and marketing — responded to an “06880” email, as soon as the complaints were forwarded to her.

She wrote: “We have been moving people into non-obstructed seats. It would help greatly if they could email the box office right now if they are still in a legitimately blocked seat and we can relocate them. Some people we have approached have opted to stay put.

“Happy to share more about the rain tent covering the console in an email after show, but right now helping ushers fix any issues.”

Meanwhile — despite rain — the show went on. Todd Rundgren and Daryl Hall are pros.

And the audience raised funds to help the Levitt provide another 60 or so free concerts next year.

Daryl Hall

Todd Rundgren (Photos/Les Dinkin)

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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee says “thank you” to all who attended Tuesday’s charrette at the Westport Library.

The slideshow, and a presentation by Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, are now available at the DPIC website (scroll down; right side).

Just below that is a chance to provide comments and feedback. The deadline is September 5.

The latest plan for Parker Harding Plaza, presented Tuesday by the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee.

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True to its word, the Westport Country Playhouse is introducing new, one-day-only programming aimed at a broad audience.

Emmy- and Tony-winning actor/singer/storyteller Mandy Patinkin brings his “Being Alive” concert to Westport September 28 (8 p.m.).

It’s an evening of his favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, from Irving Berlin and Cole Porter to Stephen Sondheim and Harry Chapin.

Tickets are $175 and $150. Click here to purchase, and for more information. The event sponsors are Bud and Roz Siegel.

Mandy Patinkin

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Westport’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service responds to 2,500 9-1-1 calls each year.

As partial thanks, the Levitt Pavilion offers an annual “first responders tribute.”

This year’s event is September 8 (7:30 p.m.). As always, DNR — the great, fun and rockin’ (almost) all-physician band will play.

EMTs and volunteers will be on hand. An ambulance will be there too, for tours (and, if needed, any emergency).

Like most Levitt shows, it’s free. But tickets are required: click here.

DNR

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A new school year starts Tuesday.

Which means everyone who graduated in June from Staples is now off to college, working, in the military, taking a gap year, or otherwise amusing themselves.

Which also means: Isn’t it time you took down your “Home of a 2023 Staples High School graduate” sign?

We get it. You were proud. Congratulations!

Now let’s move on …

Graduation is over! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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MDSolarSciences — the Westport-based sunscreen company — spent a day last week on a “sun safety tour.”

They handed out products to grateful — and now-protected — police, firefighters, EMTs, and Longshore employees.

MDSolarSciences representatives, and Westport firefighters.

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Braiden Sunshine — who recently open for Leann Rimes, and mesmerized the audience — stars at the next First Folk Sunday (September 3, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 12:30 p.m.; $10).

In 2015 — just 15 years old — he reached the semifinals of “The Voice.”

Click here for tickets. For more information, email info@firstfolksunday.com, or call 203-222-1441.

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Ellie Hamby and Dr. Sandy Hazelip — 81-year-old friends — got plenty of attention last year, when they circled the globe in 80 days. They traveled to 18 countries, and visited all 7 continents.

At the Yale Club on Wednesday, Howard Matson — a Westporter, and past international president of the Circumnavigators Club — honored the women with honorary memberships in the 121-year-old organization.

Howard Matson, with octogenarian circumnavigators.

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It’s a “Westport … Naturally” scene many Westporters don’t see.

But Mary Sikorski was up early, and captured it:

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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And finally … in honor of last night’s Levitt Pavilion benefit concert (story above):

(Another day, another Roundup of all things Westport. If you enjoy this daily feature, please consider supporting our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remember Your 2nd Grade Teacher? Coleytown El Grads Sure Do!

Posted on December 22, 2022 | 29 comments

Some of us remember key teachers in our lives.

Usually they’re from high school. Occasionally, middle high.

Elementary school teachers seldom get the love and respect they deserve. We were too young to appreciate them. Often, we forget their names.

Nancy Saipe is not one of those people.

This summer — just before her Staples High School Class of 1971 held its 50th (plus COVID 1) reunion —  she hosted a lunch honoring her 2nd grade teacher, Nicky Bleifeld.

Nancy and several other Coleytown Elementary School classmates from 1960-61 — still friends, half a century later — reminisced about Mrs. Bleifeld’s impact on them.

She was there too — in good health and great spirits. It was a wonderful afternoon, for the former teacher and her (now almost-contemporary) former pupils.

Coleytown Elementary School.

But that’s only part of this story

To honor Mrs. Bleifeld, the women made a donation to the current 2nd grade classrooms at Coletown El. The funds will purchase books for the students.

But that’s still not the end.

On Tuesday, Nancy Saipe — and Nicky Bleifeld — visited CES, the current 2nd graders and their teachers.

Nicky Bleifeld with current Coleytown Elementary School 2nd grade teachers (from left): Melanie Tribe, Abby Miraballes, Caitlin Spisso and Alyssa Carroll. On the wall behind are welcome notes, written by the children.

Principal Janna Sirowich began by reading “Things I Learned in Second Grade” to the students. Then came questions.

The youngsters wanted to know what Coleytown was like, back before some of their grandparents were even born. For example:

  • Did you have a Smartboard in your classroom? (No. They didn’t even have computers! This really surprised the children.)
  • How many students were in your second-grade class?  (30 — wow!)
  • How many recesses did you have each day? (2 — the same same as now.)
  • What subjects did you teach?  (Math, Reading, Current Events, Science)
  • Did you have Field Day? (Yes)

 

The rear view of Coleytown Elementary School, before expansion and modernization.

Principal Janna Sirowich says, “The students and staff were enthralled as they listened to Mrs. Bleifeld and Mrs. Saipe talk about Coleytown. They had such detailed and positive memories to share.

“Mrs. Saipe also encouraged the students to treasure their friendships and their teachers. She spoke about the lasting impact that Mrs. Bleifeld had on her as a student, reader, and friend, and how she remembers these lessons today.”

A photo for the ages: Coleytown Elementary School 2nd graders with former teacher Nicky Bleifeld (right). Current teachers are in the back; Nancy Saipe is seated, far right.

The CES staff presented Mrs. Bleifeld with a Coleytown bag, t-shirt and stuffed animal — and an open invitation to visit Coleytown anytime.

“It was a heartwarming experience,” Ms. Sirowich adds. “We are so grateful to Mrs. Bleifeld and Mrs. Saipe for visiting our community.”

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Posted in Children, Education, Looking back

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Roundup: Lyman Logo, Saugatuck Church Card, Joan Walsh Anglund …

Posted on December 21, 2022 | 1 comment

Westport’s drive to raise $250,000 for our new sister city in Lyman, Ukraine now has a logo.

Miggs Burroughs — the native Westporter/graphic artist/creator of lenticular exhibits at the downtown and train station pedestrian tunnels/designer of the Westport town flag/Westport Artists’ Collective co-founder — has once again donated his talents for a great cause.

His design — in Ukraine’s famous blue and yellow colors — shows Lyman nestled under the bridge being built by both Westport and Marigny-le-Louzon, the French town we adopted after World War II, and helped rebuild. They’re joining us now, to aid another devastated place.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 —  by Christmas. That would provide materials to build 150 homes, with a generator for every one, plus a water filtration system for the Donetsk region town. Thanks to our partner on the ground, it can all be delivered within 3 days.

As of last night — 2 days after announcing our drive — we had over $85,000. Just $165,000 left to raise!

To help, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here). 

Ukraine Aid International is a non-profit organization. It was co-founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer. Click here for more information on our sister city, Lyman.

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Tonight, Saugatuck Congregational Church unveils a big gift for the community.

That’s not an exaggeration. It’s a giant video Christmas card.

From 5 to 8 p.m. today (Wednesday), Craig Patton and Mark Mathias — creators of the “card,” and leaders of the church’s audio-visual team — will be on the Great Lawn on the Post Road near Myrtle Avenue, projecting a video greeting on the front of the building. It will be augmented by an audio broadcast on 89.3 FM.

Look for the enormous holiday card on the front of the Saugatuck Church as you drive by. Better yet, stop and share some holiday cheer with Craig and Mark.

If the weather allows, the greeting card will be presented again tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, also from 5 to 8 p.m.

Happy holidays!

Sneak peek at the Saugatuck Church holiday card.

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Back in the day, Joan Walsh Anglund was a world-popular illustrator.

And a Westport resident.

In the 1960s and ’70s, nearly every child had at least one of her books, prints or dolls. Her characters all bore big heads and eyes, with no mouth.

The other day, Elizabeth DeVoll sent a few images from Anglund’s Christmas books.

For generations of Westporters, they — and their author — evoke fond memories. For younger parents and kids: Seek them out. They’re timeless.

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Last week, students in Alyssa Carroll’s 2nd grade Coleytown Elementary School class made over 50 bagged lunches for Homes with Hope.

They proudly learned what it means to give back to their community. What a great idea for other classes throughout Westport to follow!

Coleytown Elementary School students, with lunches they made for Homes with Hope.

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Terry, Eamon and Seamus Brannigan are part of a band that plays often at Littlel Barn. Their next gig is Friday (December 23), at 8:30 p.m.

They’re great. They play plenty of classic (and other) rock.

They’ve got a typical band name: Hibachi Dinner.

But they go by another name too — one that’s spectacularly clever, given that the 3 brothers are now, or once were, on the Staples wrestling team.

Just call them The Sing-lets.

Hibachi Dinner (aka The Sing-lets) from left: Seamus Brannigan, Maddy Cerito, Terry Brannigan, Eamon Brannigan, Dylan Curran. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)

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On Sunday, Westport Troop 100 held an Eagle Court of Honor at VFW Post 399. They presented Eagle Scout awards, and celebrated the outstanding achievement of 4 Scouts:

  • 2021 Staples High School graduate PJ Shaum, who coordinated a musical instruments drive for Bridgeport Schools’ Music program.
  • Purdue Polytechnic University freshman Maxim Zotkin Williams, who created an outdoor picnic area for St. Mary’s Holy Assumption Church in Stamford.
  • Staples High School senior and fencing team captain Gleb Syomichev, who helped clean and repaint the parking lot at VFW Post 399.
  • Staples High senior and fencing team member Jack Martens, who helped to clean up and paint the kitchen at VFW Post 399.

Troop 100 has a 54-year history in Westport — and, now, 90 Eagle Scouts. Congratulations to all!

Troop 100 Eagle Scouts, clockwise from top left: PJ Shaum, Maxim Zotkin Williams, Jack Martens, Gleb Syomichev,

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Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate Shira Helena Gitlin is directing a new production of “Indecent,” by Massachusetts’ Concord Players.

Shira was involved with another Players group — the Staples ones — on the tech side, in high school. They also sang with the Orphenians. Shira is now building a career as a theater maker, in the Boston area.

Click here for a video about “Indecent.” They talk about its relevance today, beginning at 5:01.

Shira Helena Gitlin

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From sneakers to New Year’s resolutions to a backstage look at the Candlelight Concert, Staples’ December “On the Wreckord” TV broadcast has it all.

Click below to watch the well-produced, clever and wide-ranging high school show:

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There’s plenty of natural beauty — and some nice man-made stuff too — in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s a view from the footbridge over Deadman Brook, on the north side of Winslow Park.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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And finally … winter arrives today at 4:48 p.m.

Only 89 days until spring!

(Searching for the perfect “06880” gift? Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, religion, Restaurants, Staples HS

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Roundup: Power Outages, Coleytown Portable, Optimum Bill …

Posted on April 19, 2022 | 7 comments

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Eversource continues to restore power to the 1,450-plus customers who lost it in last night’s rain-and-wind storm.

The worst affected area was Hillspoint Road south of the I-95 bridge, down to Soundview Road. 550 customers were affected.

We’re lucky. Most trees still don’t have full leaves. If this happened a few weeks later, the damage could be much worse.

Downed tree, on Hillandale Road. (Photo/Bob
Weingarten)

We’re also lucky that this is spring break for public schools. Easton Road is closed west of North Avenue, with a number of trees down. That would have played havoc with this morning’s bus rides to our 4 North Avenue schools.

Easton Road scene. (Photo/Jeff Mitchell)

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It’s not quite the “Teardown of the Day.”

But work has begun to replace a 1,114-square foot Coleytown Elementary School portable classroom with a more modern, efficient and bigger (2,713 square feet) one.

The classroom — used most recently at Fairfield’s Holland Hill Elementary School — will solve a space crunch, due to increasing enrollment at CES.

Preparing for a new portable classroom at Coleytown Elementary School. (Photo/Jeff Mitchell)

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Matt Murray jut got his Optimum bill. Tucked inside were new “Terms of Service & Information.”

They seemed long. Really long.

Matt spread them out in his kitchen. Then he took out a tape measure.

He was right. Unfolded, they’re 35 inches long.

That’s twice the length of a newborn baby.

Optimum’s “Terms of Service & Information.” (Photo/Matt Murray)

But don’t try to read them all. They’re in a type size Matt estimates at “less than 5-point.”

On the upside, there’s a Spanish-language version on back.

“I get the feeling Optimum really cares about its customers,” Matt says, tongue firmly planted in cheeck. “I can’t figure out why people say such bad things about our cable service provider.”

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The past 2 years have turned the world upside down.

Now Beechwood Arts — the intimate, immersive arts-and-more salon — is back. They’re celebrating the resilience of the human spirt — especially the artistic innovation and reinvention that’s occurred during these upside-down times.

Beechwood’s spring season is called “Upside Down.” Both are hosted by the Westport Library, produced by their superb Verso Studios staff.

On Friday, May 6 (7 p.m.): Dan Tepfer’s #BachUpside Down. He’s performed this innovative project worldwide. He’ll then join internationally famed pianist — and Beechwood co-founder — Frederic Chiu onstage, for a lively conversation.

The following Friday (May 13, 7 p.m.), “GatherRound UpsideDown Art & Story Share” brings the community together. Art will be projected o the Library’s large screen, as artists tell their stories. The first “GatherRound” drew over 200 people.

Click here to register for Dan Tepfer’s #BachUpsideDown. Click here to register for “Gather Round Upside Down Art & Story Share.” For more information, click here.

Note about the logo below: In some Yogic traditions the Tree of Life is turned upside down. The tree exposes its essence — that which grounds it and gives it life. That reflects how this period has caused many artists to tap into their essence, discovering what truly grounds them.

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Jillian Elder — of “Finding Westport” fame — has rolled out new designs.

She’s got new tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies and mugs, all saying “203 Westport.” Click here to see, and order.

She’s also got a rainbow-colored Pride line, with more to come soon. Click here to see, and order.

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Jeff Bullwinkel grew up in Westport. He and his wife spend most of their time in Amsterdam. But they were back this weekend — just in time to enjoy the magnificent cherry trees on their South Compo Road property.

Jeff shares their beauty, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jeff Bullwinkel)

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Every 33 years, 3 of the world’s most popular religions celebrate very important holidays at the same time.

This is one of those rare years. The Christian celebration of Holy Week, Jewish observation of Passover, and Muslim month of Ramadan all coincided this past weekend.

Happy Easter! Chag Sameach! Ramadan Mubarak!

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Posted in Arts, Education, Library, Local business, religion, Totally random, Weather

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Roundup: Kenny Mayne & Coleytown El, Rock Sculpture, Graphix …

Posted on May 16, 2021 | 1 comment

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The news that Kenny Mayne would be leaving ESPN after 27 years reminded Tommy Greenwald of the time the noted sportscaster visited Coleytown Elementary School.

Greenwald — himself a noted Westport marketer, children’s book author and the father of 3 athletes — directed Mayne in a truly funny video. The premise was: What would happen if sports were banned?

Mayne’s dry sense of humor is on great display. And the “cast” — CES kids, teachers, nurses and the principal — play their parts to perfection. Enjoy!

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For years, passersby have marveled at the rock sculptures that seem to magically appear at Schlaet’s Point, Compo Cove and other beach-type sites in Westport.

The other day, Bill Kutik spotted a similar one — he calls it a “cairn” — at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Honey Hill Preserve in Weston.

We have no idea if it’s the same sculptor. These works of art simply appear.

For our enjoyment, and wonder.

(Photo/Bill Kutik)

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In 7th grade, Michael Bernier started a graphics business.

He paused it during COVID. But now — as his freshman year at Staples High School ends, and graduation celebrations begin again — he’s started back up.

Through gr8graphix, Michael creates personalized framed posters, which can be given as gifts for graduations and new baby announcements. He’s created a website  and Instagram (@gra8graphixshop) with great examples. Two samples are below:

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Alexander Lobrano is a noted food writer (New York Times, Gourmet, books). He’s also a former Westporter, and a Weston High School graduate.

This weekend, his “Traveler’s Tale” piece runs in the Wall Street Journal. “My Teenage Grand Tour: Delectable and Life-Changing” is a remembrance of his 14-year-old summer in Europe, with his mother. Click here to read. (Hat tip: Jeff Jacobs)

Alexander Lobrano (Photo/Steven Rothfeld)

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Dr. Hilary Blumberg — the director of Yale School of Medicine’s’ Mood Disorders program, Yale professor of psychiatric neuroscience, and a 30-year Westport resident — has just won a prestigious prize.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders has given her its Mogens Schou Award, in honor of her career of research.

Congratulations, Dr. Blumberg!

Dr. Hilary Blumberg

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Today’s first of 2 “Westport … Naturally” shows a snowy egret on the Saugatuck River:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

And here’s a familiar scene at Compo Beach:

(Photo/MaryLou Roels)

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And finally … Pervis Staples — who with his sisters and father was an original member of the groundbreaking, socially conscious Staple Singers gospel and soul group — died earlier this month in Illinois. He was 85.

Hidden in his New York Times obituary is this line: “He attended grammar school with the future singing stars Sam Cooke and Lou Rawls.”

They must have had an astonishing talent show.

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Environment, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Remembering Dan Sullivan

Posted on November 27, 2020 | 18 comments

Dan Sullivan — a longtime teacher and administrator, who had a profound impact on the Westport Public Schools — died Monday, surrounded by his family. He was 81.

Sullivan (not to be confused with the Staples High School Latin teacher with the same name) began his career here in 1964, as a Long Lots Junior High School math teacher.

He was named department chair in 1969, then vice principal in 1973. In 1986 he moved to Coleytown Elementary School as principal. He retired in 1997; served as a special assistant for building, planning and construction, then returned full-time in 2001 as principal of Greens Farms Elementary.

Those are the facts. But they don’t convey the warmth, empathy or great good humor that made Dan Sullivan a legend in Westport education.

I was not exactly an Einsteinian math pupil. But I had Mr. Sullivan in 8th grade, and he made math actually fun. Like any great teacher, he loved his subject. But he understood that not all of us would be mathematicians — and that was okay. He also had a wicked sense of humor.

Dan Sullivan

Later, when I was a substitute teacher, Long Lots was a favorite school. Mr. Sullivan fostered a warm, loving schoolwide environment. I saw how he treated every student sent to the office as a special individual, worthy of his time, his ear and his respect.

In the 1980s and ’80s, Long Lots had a very complex schedule. Classes were varying lengths: science labs were long and met only a couple of times a week; foreign language classes were short but met often, for example.

Because of those time periods, very few classes let out at the same time. The halls were never crowded — the bane of any school.

It was a brilliant schedule. It was devised completely by Mr. Sullivan — all by hand. Many schools could have benefited from the setup. Of course, no other other had a Dan Sullivan to create and implement it.

And — this would never happen today, for many reasons — he allowed a neighborhood dog the free run of school. One day Doozer wandered in to Long Lots, and never left. He roamed the halls, sat in on classes, and lay down in the cafeteria.

Most vice principals would have called Animal Control. Mr. Sullivan turned a blind eye (when he wasn’t petting him). It helped make Long Lots feel not like a school, but a home.

Mr. Sullivan had a similar impact on colleagues throughout the Westport Public Schools. He was an innovative thinker, a wise mentor, and a very funny guy.

Dan Sullivan graduated from Milford High School in 1957. He earned a BS from Southern Connecticut State College, an MS in secondary supervision from the University of Bridgeport, and certificates in advanced studies for administration and supervision from Fairfield University and Teachers College, Columbia University.

He later became an adjunct professor at both the University of Bridgeport and Sacred Heart University.

Mr. Sullivan is survived by 4 children: Kevin of Los Angeles, Maureen and Lorna of Philadelphia, Daniel of Fairfield, and 6 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Lorna.

A private service will be held tomorrow. Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s research, in his memory. Click here to send condolences to his family.

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Posted in Education, People

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