The Block “S” is back.
For 60 years the handsome metal award, on a sturdy wooden base, was the highest honor given to any Staples High School athlete. Two were given at the end of every season, by each varsity team.
Last year, athletic director VJ Sarullo abruptly replaced the award with an inexpensive plaque — without even room for the honoree’s name.
After a community uproar — including heartfelt comments by past recipients, several of whom said it was the only sports award they cared about or kept — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice directed Sarullo to find a solution.
Several current and former Westporters offered to find a manufacturer, and/or fund it themselves.
Yesterday, Sarullo emailed the families of last year’s winners:
We are pleased to announce the return of the Block S Award, a longstanding tradition that recognizes and celebrates members from each athletic team for their dedication and meaningful contributions to the athletic program. This award has long held significance in acknowledging student-athletes who represent the spirit and commitment of our Staples High School Athletics Family.
He offered the “original Block S trophy design” to last year’s honorees. Click here for the order form. (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)
Block “S” award.
==================================================
“The Great Gatsby” (100 years old) has been around even longer than the Westport Country Playhouse (94).
The 2 institutions come together on September 27 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse hosts “The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music.” The evening offers a look at the lives behind one of the most enduring works of American literature — with readings by acclaimed performers Stephanie Zimbalist and Alec Baldwin. The original live score is by Forrest Gray.
At the heart of the show are letters between F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Their words reveal the love and conflict that fueled some of the 20th century’s most iconic writing. (The couple spent a spirited and memorable summer here, in 1920.)
Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Woodward Internship program at The Westport Country Playhouse. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, in front of their Compo Road South home.
=================================================
Connecticut faces a waste crisis. With the closure of key waste-to-energy facilities and no landfill capacity, the state increasingly relies on exporting trash — an unsustainable and costly practice.
On September 8 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority director Jennifer Heaton-Jones explores the state of waste management in Connecticut, including where our trash goes, the environmental and economic impacts of our current system, and why urgent action is needed.
A key focus will be on the importance of “Recycling Right” — understanding what belongs in the recycling bin, what doesn’t, and how contamination undermines the entire recycling process. Attendees will learn how small changes in behavior can lead to big improvements in recycling efficiency and environmental outcomes.
For registration and more information, click here.
What a waste!
==================================================
Carl and Jo Ann Miller’s moving sale — with proceeds benefit VFW Post 399 and “06880” — is set for this Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pleasant Valley Lane off North Avenue, opposite the Bedford Middle School entrance).
There are many gems left — including one great outdoor sculpture by Kelley Spearen.
And how about this offer: Buy an item, get a free masterpiece painting by Jo Ann Miller.
Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your generosity!
Kelley Spearen sculpture, at the moving sale.
=================================================
The Longshore Women’s Golf Association celebrated their 65th anniversary this week with their annual member/guest tournament.
The day of friendship and competition also raised funds, awareness and food for Filling in the Blanks. The Norwalk non-profit provides weekend meals for underserved Fairfield County children.
The LWGA — open to golfers from Westport and surrounding communities — plays 18-hole competitions every Tuesday, from April through October.
Winners of the memberr/guest, with a gross score of 60, are below (left to right) Leela Benaderet, Anne Palmer, Stina Sternberg and Tracey Narang. Joining them are Longshore head professional Jon Janik and Heidi Nolte, LWGA tournament chair.
(Photo/Sue Roberts)
Net team winners, with a score of 53, were Cindy Scope, Rickie Haas, Jerre Skeats and Jill Hanau.
==================================================
A few tickets remain for Shorefest — the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park evening of great food (from Westfair Fish & Chips), entertainment (John Lamb), and a silent auction with very cool local items.
The event is September 5 (6 to 9 p.m. at Sherwood Island — of course).
All proceeds fund the intern program, tree plantings, dune restoration and Nature Center. Click here for tickets, and more information.
===============================================
Online orders begin soon for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.
Members have access on Tuesday (August 26). Non-members can order on September 2. Pickup is October 3-5, at Haskins Preserve in Westport.
Offerings include perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees. Click here for the full list.
==================================================
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between August 13 and 19.
A 23-year-old Greenwich man was charged with interfering with an officer, assault of a public safety worker, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, and breach of peace, following a disturbance at Cedar Point Yacht Club. The man — allegedly intoxicated — initially ran from officers. He then disobeyed verbal commands, and physically resisted efforts to detain him, while trying to harm the officers. He posted $75,000 bond.
A 65-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful restrain, follwoing a domestic disturbance. He allegedly pushed and attempted to restrain the victim.
A 24-year-old Yonkers, New York woman was charged with larceny, after a report of shoplifting at Lululemon. She was found to have multiple bags designed to defeat security measures, and $1,122 worth of stolen merchandise.
A 51-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation, after officers responding to a disturbance at a Westport home found he was the subject of an active arrest warrant. He could not post $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Driving while texting: 9 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 8
- Failure to renew registration: 3
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
- Speeding: 1
- Distracted driving: 1
- Failure to grant right of way: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Failure to obey stop sign: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
- Improper use of markers: 1
==================================================
Scott Smith provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and an explanation:
:One of my favorite local walks is along Burying Hill Beach, at low tide.
“So imagine my surprise when I rounded Frost Point and came across a beach awash with fresh green apples. Must’ve been a whole bushel’s worth.
“Who knows how they got there — aside from the tide, current and wind. And gravity, of course.
“Some were a bit bruised, but I picked one up to sample. It was delicious, if a tad salty. Go figure.”
(Photo/Scott Smith)
==================================================
And finally (of course):
(God didn’t make little green apples … and he’s not donating to “06880” either. But you can! Please click here, to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
