Tag Archives: First Student buses

Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …

Posted on June 25, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …

Our first “06880” Instagram Live — a discussion hosted by Dave Briggs and Dan Woog, with a Hamlet developer — drew plenty of interactive questions from viewers. We posted the link later, and thousands clicked on.

Now Dave and Dan are teaming up for a second Instagram Live. We’ll be at Old Mill Grocery & Deli tomorrow (Thursday), talking with representatives from the owner (Soundview Empowerment Alliance) and operator (Romanacci).

Our Instagram Live begins at 3 p.m. Our Instagram is 0688danwoog. See you there!

(Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Compo and Burying Hill Beaches were closed this morning, due to unaccesptable water quality.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Before the school year fades too far in the rearview mirror, here’s a great story from Saugatuck Elementary.

Students on Bus 2 wanted to show their appreciation for their driver. So they set up a lemonade stand, and raised money for a gift.

They presented it — and told a few heartfelt stories.

Ken starts and ends very day with a smile, they said. He sings “Happy Birthday” to riders. And he knows every youngster by name.

This was Ken’s first year as a First Student bus driver in Westport. We hope he’s here for many, many more!

Ken, with Saugatuck Elementary School students.

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It was not only hot yesterday — it was symmetrically steaming.

Here are 2 views of the heat, 1 minute — and 1 degree — apart.

(Courtesy of Jonathan Alloy)

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Tomorrow marks the opening of MoCA CT’s 2 photography exhibitions.

Tod Papageorge’s “At the Beach” will run alongside “In the Pool,” composed of work by Papageorge’s his graduate students, from June 26 to October 12.

Papageorge is a Connecticut-based artist and teacher. His contributions to American street photography in the 1960s helped shape the genre. His work is held in more than 30 public collections, including the New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.

“At the Beach,” making its East Coast debut, features large black-and-white photoss that Papageorge took on Los Angeles beaches in the 1970s and ’80s.

An opening reception is set for tomorrow (Thursday), from 6-8 p.m.

(Photo/Tod Papageorge)

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Retreat Sweets — the Japanese mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, Asian street food and tea drink spot next to Layla’s Falafel on Post Road East — celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday (June 29, 1-4 p.m.).

They’ll host Korean games like ddakji (folding and flipping paper tiles), and American ones like cornhole. There are plenty of prizes. Plus: free ice cream for everyone!

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The name says it all.

“Stand Up & Learn” — a program that teaches youngsters ages 8 through 16 how to write (and perform) comedic stories and bits — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.

The program runs July 15 to 18 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), finishing with a performance the last day. It emphasizes creative writing, communication, critical thinking, and team- and confidence-building.

“Stand Up & Learn” is created and directed by Kevin Flynn. A former pro soccer player, he transitioned into standup comedy, acting, writing, producing and podcasting.

Click here for details, and more information.  Questions? Email mmeath@westportplayhouse.org.

Kevin Flynn

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Henry Dodge’s 71.3% faceoff win percentage was the best in the nation for a college lacrosse player this year — by a wide margin.

Yet the 2022 Staples High School graduate (and All-American, Connecticut Player of the Year, and state champion), will not be back for his senior year at the University of Vermont.

He’s transferring to the University of Maryland, a longtime national powerhouse.

He brings America East Specialist of the Year, and All-Conference, honors to College Park.

As a Catamount this past year, Dodge averaged just under 12.5 faceoff wins per game. His 8.5 ground balls per game was 4th -best in NCAA Division I. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hart)

Henry Dodge

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Though this week’s weather has been too hot for many Westporters to do much of anything, it inspired former town poet laureate Diane Lowman to create this haiku:

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Bianca Bazante, owner and creative Director of The Artist Loft, celebrates 4 years at her 23 Post Road West location by offering deals for clients – new and old – all summer.

From now through July, she offers Brazilian Blowdry for $199, and Trissola keratin treatment that lasts up to 6 months for $340. Click here for details.

Bianca Bizante

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It’s milkweed season.

The plant — a favorite of monarch butterflies — is flowering at Winslow Park. Charmian Valante took today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo in a meadow there.

(Photo/Char Valante)

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And finally … this is National Camping Week. Enjoy!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and, with podcasts and Instagram Live, a multi-platform service, for all things Westport. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2708

Posted on September 16, 2024 | 3 comments

Waiting for students at Staples High School (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Roundup: Farmers’ Market, TEAM Westport, Striped Bass …

Posted on May 3, 2024 | 11 comments

It’s a sure sign of spring. Next Thursday, the Westport Farmers’ Market opens its 2024 season.

The Imperial Avenue parking lot is once again the spot for fresh produce, meats, herbs and more — including organic pet food, and lunch from Mexican and pizza food trucks — every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year’s Farmers’ Market runs through November 7.

New this season: stricter guidelines on plastic usage. The goal is to reach a waste-free model.

The Farmers’ Market also plans to include only Connecticut farmers, and products from state-based businesses.

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Three Staples High School students are finalists for TEAM Westport’s annual Teen Diversity Essay contest.

Sophia Lopez, Olivia Morgeson and Teya Ozgen will read their essays on Monday (May 6, 6 p.m., Westport Library) — and learn who has won the $1,000, $750 and $500 prizes.

This year’s essay prompt is about hate speech, and the balance between offensive, threatening or hurtful language, and the constitutional right of free expression.

The public is invited to Monday’s ceremony.

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In the aftermath of yesterday’s gas tanker fire on I-95 in Norwalk — the cause of enormous Westport traffic jams — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice praised the district’s bus service, First Student.

“They were on top of the travel issues long before buses started rolling and did incredible work navigating the clogged streets,” he said. “I am sure they will handle (the) afternoon commute in a similar fashion.”

Scarice also urged parents to not drive their children to school or pick them up. The buses will take a while longer than usual — but more cars on the road will make the trip even longer.

Parents can use the First View bus tracking app to see actual bus pickup and drop-off times.

Roll ’em! (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Speaking of school buses: I’m not sure how this story escaped notice on “06880” — or any other local media.

But it’s been at least a couple of weeks, and this is the first we’ve heard of a car crash that took out Westport’s nicest (and perhaps only) school bus shelter.

It happened on Saugatuck Island, right before the schools’ spring break.

Here’s a photo from that night …

,.. and one during daylight:

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A Staples High School student writes: “I often fly fish in Westport for striped bass, in the Saugatuck River. Lately, I have seen a huge amount of poaching.

“There are maybe 3 or 4 respectful, honest guys where I fish, at 5 a.m. But I also see, for example, a guy dropping nets, with a rope. He had at least 8 fish on the bank, all undersize.

“I was very upset. This is a fishery I try to protect, but because of people like him, the species has suffered badly.

“I did not speak to any of the people there. They could be dangerous, and being out alone as a kid is dangerous enough to begin with.

“I hope some action can be taken, either by local law enforcement or DEEP (state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection). If anyone sees any poaching, they should report it please.”

Striped bass, left by a poacher.

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Speaking of Staples: Non-Profit Promoters — the podcast created and hosted by juniors Zach Gorin, Cormac Mulvey, Jack Schwartz and Aaron Varsov, which tells the stories of local organizations — has just dropped a fascinating interview with Helen McAlinden.

The CEO of Homes with Hope goes into depth about their work fighting homelessness and hunger. She also talks about her career path, challenges such as COVID, and the importance of community involvement.

Click here to listen.

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Speaking of podcasts: Alec Baldwin just did a great interview with James Naughton.

The actor and longtime resident talks about the Westport Country Playhouse, his friendship with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, his advocacy work for death with dignity legislation, and much more.

Click here to listen. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)

Local residents James Naughton, Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, at the Westport Country Playhouse in 2002.

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Westport’s Representative Town Meeting has a new member.

Alma Sarelli replaces Jessica Bram in District 6. Sarelli — who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Board of Education — is president of Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport.

Bram resigned, after moving from the district.

Alma Sarelli

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After reading Tuesday’s “06880” story on Westport’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds — and the possible issues of using them to fund a study for the redesign of Jesup Green — a reader writes:

“Since the funds can be utilized for sewer, maybe the town could upgrade the existing sewage treatment, and help residents connect.

“At the moment the town basically double charges residents to connect, unless they petition and can wait 5-6 years. If a connection point is a few houses away, the person looking to connect must pay for all the work involved, plus give a connection point to every house they pass by at the full expense of the person looking to connect.

“On top of that, the town levies the full assessment of the sewer line they are connecting to, even though that line has been fully paid for by all the residents it services. I’m told the extra money charged goes into a sewer Kitty.

“It definitely doesn’t make the idea of upgrading one’s sewage disposal very attractive. But it sounds like we might have potential funds available so residents don’t have to pay for it twice, and question whether connecting makes sense due to exorbitant cost.”

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This winter, the Longshore Women’s Golf Association asked the town to upgrade the women’s locker facility.

Within 4 days, the request was approved.

Work started quickly. It’s already been done — in time for the new golf season.

The LWGA says, “We are thrilled at the positive attitude of the town officials and their willingness to go above and beyond.”

The LWGA did their part, donating time and money to upgrade the locker room’s furnishings.

Last week, Westport Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava joined Mike Frawley of the Department of Public Works’ building maintenance staff, for a ribbon cutting.

Celebrating the new women’s locker room.

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Neil Roper, an active member of Staples High School’s Class of 1965, died recently in Memphis, after a short illness. He was 77.

After Staples, Neil attended the University of Virginia, and graduated from Michigan State University.

He worked in Overton Square in the 1970s, moving on to be part owner of the East End Grill, and part-owner and general manager of the Belmont Grill. He retired in 2015.

Neil enjoyed gardening, working around the house, and going on road trips. He was heavily involved Staples’ class reunions.

His obituary says, “His wonderful sense of humor consisted of practical jokes, puns and pranks. He was very well-read, and carried on lively discussions about politics, current affairs and music, which he was extremely passionate about. Those who knew him saw past his gruff exterior and loved him for his idiosyncrasies.”

He was predeceased by his wife Denise and brother Timothy. He is survived by his sisters Anne Roper of Dublin, Ireland; Margaret Trainor (John) and Erin Roper; brothers Brian and Kevin Roper of Memphis, nieces and nephews, and his loyal cat, Buscher.

Angelo Dorta and Chris Chaille were thanked for their care and friendship over the years.

A gathering honoring Neil is set for Alex’s Tavern in Memphis on May 9 (3 p.m.).

In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

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Like all animals, ospreys act on instinct.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows this one, trying to intimidate an owl near Police headquarters.

The only problem: It’s a fake owl.

Nice try, though!

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Duane Eddy — the groundbreaking 1950s guitarist, who influenced artists like George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen — died Tuesday in Tennessee. He was 86, and had been ill with cancer. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: School Bus App, Dante & Brian Keane, St. Patrick’s & VFW …

Posted on March 16, 2024 | 7 comments

The first year with First Student — Westport’s new school bus company — has gone well.

Now, the long-awaited bus tracking app is live. FirstView can be downloaded on any smartphone, desktop or laptop.

The app lets families track the location and direction of their child’s bus. Other features include customizable bus proximity notifications; custom alerts and messages, and multi-stop views.

Click here to get started. Questions? Call 888-889-8920, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email support@firstviewapp.com.

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You may come to “Dante: Inferno to Paradise” for the subject.

You’ll stay for the music.

Ric Burns’ new 2-part series on the 14th-century poet airs this Monday and Tuesday (March 18 and 19) on PBS. Dante’s “Divine Comedy” — his account of a life-changing journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise — is one of the greatest works of art in Western history.

The 4-hour show was filmed across 6 years in Italy, England and the US. it includes paintings, drawings, manuscripts, frescoes, and interviews with scholars, writers, poets, politicians, clergy and historians.

But the 4-hour show soars on the beautiful, deeply moving soundtrack. It was composed by Burns’ long-time collaborator, veteran Grammy, Oscar and Peabody Award winner Brian Keane.

The very accomplished composer/musician is a 1971 graduate of Staples High School.

Brian Keane

Keane’s hauntingly beautiful score brings alive Dante’s life and work, in a hallucinatory, almost cinematically vivid way. It captures the depth and breadth of Dante’s experiences in the 3 realms of the afterlife.

“Dante” will stream for free on PBS for 2 weeks after the broadcast. It will then go to PBS subscription, and eventually pay-per-view.

Excerpts of the music score ere premiered at the Westport Library Orchestra Lumos concert earlier this month. 

The single will be released March 22. The album follows a week later.

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St. Patrick’s Day is tomorrow.

But the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 celebration begins soon: Noon today (Saturday, March 16).

It includes an all-you-can-eat feast, featuring (of course) corned beef and cabbage; $3 green beer, $4 Space Cat and $5 Guinness specials.

The $25 ticket includes lunch/dinner.

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There is a new date for the fundraiser to provide new AEDs in all fire, police and Emergency Medical Service vehicles in town.

Automated External Defibrillators are portable devices that deliver electric shocks to the heart during cardiac arrest. The current ones are reaching the ends of their useful lives.

On April 24 (5:30 to 10 p.m., Autostrada), the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts its 2nd annual Whiskey Tasting.

The evening includes drinks, light bites, and a silent auction. The target is $75,000.

Many of us know people whose lives have been saved by AEDs. Any of us could be next.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

AEDs — with clear instructions on how to use them — save lives.

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When Amazon Fresh planned to open in the old Barnes & Noble — that’s the long-vacant store in the Angelina’s Pizza plaza, for you newcomers — they ran into some issues with their sign.

Last year, they bailed. The site became a “zombie store” — one of a number of Amazon Freshes nationwide that were abandoned, after being announced with great fanfare.

Now, Big Y is poised to take over the spot (which, intriguingly, started life as a supermarket — Waldbaum’s).

Their request for signage will be heard at Tuesday’s Architectural Review Board meeting (7:30 p.m.; Zoom).

There is no indication that there will be any issues with this proposal.

And — unlike Amazon Fresh — it looks like this store will actually open.

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Speaking of the VFW (as we were above): The John Lamb Show runs there every Sunday, from 6 to 8 p.m. And it’s free!

The Staples graduate plays jazz, Paula Gallo sings pop numbers, and there’s comedy (Stephanie Bass appears tomorrow), a trivia game, and a raffle.

The weekly series debuted last month, and is quickly gaining a devoted following.

Click here for more information. Questions? Want to donate raffle prizes? Email JohnLambMusic@aol.com.

John Lamb

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Next month, astronomy buffs across the world head to Texas. That’s where, on April 8, they can see a total eclipse along the totality line.

But Westport will be part of the event too.

The Westport Astronomical Society and its amateur radio station club (K1WAS) — along with other amateur radio operators and balloon enthusiasts — will help launch high-altitude balloons with cameras, sensors and radio transmitters, to capture the eclipse from a vantage point high above the Earth’s surface.

The WAS project is a collaboration with the University of Bridgeport and the University of New Haven, through the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of this celestial event,” says WAS board member. Dan Wright. “These high altitude balloon missions will offer a perspective of the eclipse that is both breathtaking and informative, helping researchers study the Sun’s corona and the Earth’s atmosphere in new and exciting ways.”

Amateur radio operators and astronomy enthusiasts can follow the balloon’s location, and participate in related events and discussions. Details will be posted soon on the Westport Astronomical Society website.

The total solar eclipse, a rare event in which the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, will be visible across parts of North America. The sun is only 90% obscured in Westport and much of New England.

But the WAS will host a “watch party” at the Westport Library (April 8, 2 to 4 p.m.).

In Connecticut, the next partial solar eclipse is not until 2028. It will not obscure the sun anywhere near what we’ll see in April, though.

For that, you have to wait until May 1, 2079.

Mark your calendars now!

Here’s what the April 8 eclipse will look like. You saw it here first!

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Jolantha does not sound like an Irish name.

But Weston’s favorite pig is all decked for St. Patrick’s Day.

Swing by 70 Kellogg Hill Road Say hi. She’ll bring you luck!

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

One more sign that spring is near:

(Photo/Ben Gosseen)

Ivy Gosseen’s husband spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature in their Regents Park yard.

She writes: “I love that there are clovers nearby, because we are just shy of St. Patty’s day!”

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And finally … in honor of next month’s Westport Astronomical Society event (story above):

(Today — and every day — “06880” serves up a potpourri of news, information and “stuff.” But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help.  Thank you!)

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School Bus Fleet Solution: Greens Farms Station

Posted on September 28, 2023 | 6 comments

The school buses parked at Staples High School that have annoyed neighbors with early morning noise and idling — and impacted parking in front of the building — may soon move.

Other buses may join them.

Their destination: the Greens Farms train station.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “We have worked collaboratively with the town. We expect by the beginning of next week to have most of the fleet stationed at Staples to be relocated to the Greens Farms train station. We are doing our best to get the entire fleet there. Concurrently, we continue to pursue permanent options.

Buses parked during the day at Staples High School. (Photo/Stefanie Lemcke)

“On a separate note, the last couple of weeks have shown demonstrably better arrival and departure times to and from school. The service continues to improve, and we are getting significantly more positive feedback from our school and our families.

“It is remarkable to continue to improve the level of performance in the face of some significant headwinds, such as pervasive traffic volume in town that is likely the new norm, a decentralized bus parking model at the schools at the current moment, and be continued struggle to fully staff our bus drivers.

“That said, given these challenges, we will never be perfect, and delays will occur from time to time. However, our focus is on the pattern of performance and ensuring we can deliver a consistent pattern over time high performance.

Several years ago, utility crews used the Greens Farms railroad station as a staging area. (Photo/Robert Cornfield)

“We have now had 2 separate bus companies recommend 45 minutes between our tiers. We have operated with 30 minutes between tiers for years.  Given what we see as a new normal for volume and traffic in town, this may need to be revisited again at some point. I shared this observation with the Board of Education recently.

“Since the contract was approved, and we had approval to park at our schools, we have continued from that moment on to pursue a range of long-term options.

“We knew that changing transportation providers, which had been a community priority for many years, even with special committees at the town and Board of Finance level, we would have to persist in resolving the parking challenge.

“We currently operate in an interim plan with a long-term plan being pursued. We will go back to Planning & Zoning on an ‘as needed’ basis to bridge the time between now and establishing a permanent parking solution.

“I am most optimistic. We will do this, and we will continue to provide markedly better service to our schools and families, as evidenced by the performance over the last couple of weeks.

“I could not be more appreciative of the patience of our families and schools in the interim.”

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Roundup: First School Day, First Student Buses, Long Lots Meeting …

Posted on August 29, 2023 | 6 comments

Today is the first day of school.

On Sylvan Road North, motorcycle officer/PAL president/all-around good guy Craig Bergamo rode by.

He was doing a check of bus routes. But he took the time to stop, chat, and wish Dylan Rosen a great start to the year, as he begins 6th grade at Coleytown Middle School.

Dylan Rosen, his mom Barrie and Officer Craig Bergamo. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

And, in what has become one of our favorite “06880” traditions, Pam Long sends this photo of the first day, waiting for the bus at Juniper Road and Caccamo Lane.

(Photo/Pam Long)

Each year the faces change. Kids get older. They move on to a new school; younger ones take their place. But always, there are lots of them.

Meanwhile, this was the scene at Grouse Path and Woodcock Lane, off Newtown Turnpike:

(Photo/Elizabeth DeVoll)

All over town, kids are eager, excited, energetic — and perhaps a bit nervous too.

It’s all natural. For decades in Westport — and across the country — those emotions have not changed.

Good luck to all. Here’s to the best school year ever!

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Speaking of buses: Today also marks the first day of a contract with a new company: aptly named First Student.

The first couple of weeks back are an adjustment in every area — including transportation.

Here’s wishing all good things to First Student. Fortunately, many of the best drivers have been hired by the new company.

Managerially, many Westporters hope for an improvement over the previous provider.

The bar certainly is set low.

School buses, in the Imperial Avenue lot. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting this Thursday (August 31, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201). The agenda includes:

  • Public Comment and/or questions regarding the project (15 minutes)
  • Work session with the design team for project status updates and review. The public is welcome to attend the work session, but may not participate.
  • Additional Public comment and/or questions regarding the project.

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets Thursday, at 6 p.m.

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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha warns everyone that with school back in session: Drive carefully!

That sure is one “ham-some” guy behind the wheel.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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The package had a false return address. The letter inside was signed “Sam Elliott (not really, but you’ll get the 1976 movie reference).” The only clue to the sender is slim: It was mailed from Zip code 06376 (Old Lyme, Connecticut).

The note said: “A few years back you wrote about a lifeguard reunion, and that a former lifeguard brought along a vintage red jacket.” (Click here for that story.)

He was a lifeguard “50-plus years ago,” he said. And he too “forgot” to turn in his jacket.

He worked 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, for $1.25 an hour. (Shifts ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and noon to 8 p.m.)

It was a great job — especially uncrowded early mornings and late evenings. The sun rising or setting, with the waves lapping quietly, were “idyllic.”

Even today, the former guard wrote, hearing certain songs — “Black is Black,” “Summer in the City,” “See You in September” — brought him back to those days.

He’d kept his guard jacket for over 5 decades. Now, he said: “I entrust it to you for appropriate disposition — to the Recreation Department, the guard shack, a lifeguard groupie, etc.”

There — folded neatly underneath the note — was his vintage jacket.

The note ended:

“I just couldn’t put it in the textile recycling bin without giving it the possibility of one last trip to Compo Beach before summer’s end.”

Thank you, whoever you are. This weekend — the last of the season for the guards — I’ll bring it down to the shack you remember so well.

PS: That “Sam Elliott 1976 movie” comment? He starred in “Lifeguard.”

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Jazz at the Post has taken five this summer.

The Thursday night series resumes September 7.

But there’s a warmup act.

This Thursday (August 31, 6:30 p.m.), the Fairfield Museum hosts a free concert. Pianist (and Fairfield native) Jamie Saft headlines the show, with Steve LaSpina and Tim Horner.

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Speaking of music: Every picture tells a story.

But I sure can’t figure out the tale behind this photo.

I took it in the back parking lot at Saugatuck Congregation Church.

At any rate, if you are praying that someone found you’re music stand: You know where to find it.

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Recently, Bob Weingarten noticed many varieties of mushrooms on the lawn at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.

He assembled some favorites for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

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And finally … in honor of the songs that — nearly 60 years later — still remind a former lifeguard of his idyllic days at Compo Beach (story above):

(Today the kids are back in class! Celebrate with a donation to “06880” — a great source for local education news. And, of course, lots else. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: DATTCO Buses, Capt. Nash’s House, AAPI Month …

Posted on April 30, 2023 | 9 comments

Westport’s school buses may look different next fall.

They’ll still be yellow. But “Dattco” may not be on the sides.

The New Britain-based company’s contract is up for renewal this year. When the Board of Education meets Monday (May 1, 7 p.m., Staples High School), Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will recommend that the 5-year contract beginning July 1 be awarded to First Student. They’re a national company, with a strong presence in this area.

They were the only 2 providers to bid. Scarice and Westport Public Schools CFO Elio Longo found that:

  • Over 5 years, the district will save $126,011 for the base transportation services provided by First Student.
  • Dattco offered $6 million in coverage for sexual misconduct insurance, but the RFP required $11 million. First Student provided the required amount.
  • Dattco failed to submit a letter from its insurance carrier stating that the minimal insurance limits required in the RFP will be met.
  • Dattco gave a “0” credit for use of a bus lot provided by the district. First Student provided a credit of $1,529,031 over 5 years for use of the lot.

The Board of Ed will have a busy agenda, beyond the bus contract. They’ll also discuss the Staples High School roof project, an equity action plan, and policies on weighted grading and calculation of grade point averages, credit for online courses, graduating requirements, and enrollment in advanced courses and programs.

For full details on the bus contract and other agenda items, click here.

A familiar sight. (Photo/Joyce Joiner)

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“06880” doesn’t usually promote real estate open houses.

But we also don’t usually get a chance to see a 1740 home.

18 West Parish Road is the house; today (Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.) is the date.

18 West Parish Road

Built nearly 300 years ago by Captain Thomas Nash for Zachariah Burr — Aaron’s brother — it was an inn during the Revolutionary War.

It’s filled with history. For instance, the Delft blue tile fireplace is original

And — allegedly — Captain Nash galloped up the steep, original stairs on his horse, as he chased his wife in anger.

Captain Nash’s stairs.

In the 1930s another famous owner — Edward T. Bedford — maintained stables and a trotting track just north of the residence.

A 20th century bonus: The kitchen in the attached cottage was a bomb shelter in the 1950s.

Toni Horton Mickiewicz (Staples High School class of 1978) is the realtor.

It sounds like an extremely interesting home. But if you plan to buy it to tear it down: Please, please, PLEASE: Find yourself another open house to go to. (Hat tip: Pam Docters)

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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month begins tomorrow.

AAPI Westport celebrates with a variety of events. They include:

The Story and Legacy of Vincent and Lily Chin (May 1-31, New Canaan Library). Learn more about Vincent and Lily Chin. His racially motivated murder more than 40 years ago galvanized the Asian American community.

Healing Asian Hate Since Vincent Chin (May 8, 6:30 p.m., New Canaan Library):  Panel discussion, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, and Stamford DEI officer Carmen Hughes.  Click here for more information. and to register.

AAPI Westport Book Club reads “From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: the Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement,” by Paula Yoo.” This young adult book is suggested for ages 13 and up. Book discussion date and location TBD.

Meet children’s book author Karina Yan Glaser (May 13, 1 to 3 p.m., Westport Library). She will discuss “What Do You Need to be a Writer?,” and talk about how being an Asian American author has influenced her work. A book signing follows. This is an all ages event; best for grades 1-6. Click here for more information.

AAPI Happy Hour at MoCA (May 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.).

To learn more about AAPI Westport, click on the video below.

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Pamela Turnure Timmins — Jacqueline Kennedy press secretary (and the first ever hired by a first lady), and who may or may not have had an affair with her husband, President Kennedy — died Tuesday in Colorado. She was 85, and had  lung cancer.

What makes her death “06880”-worthy is that she graduated in the mid-1950s from the Bolton School for girls in Westport.

Her Washington Post obituary does not explain what she was doing in this area as a teenager. But she certainly led an interesting life. (Hat tip: Allen Siegert)

Pamela Turnure Timmins

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The Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club brings one of their most popular speakers to Saugatuck Congregational Church.

David Pressler will discuss “Exploring the Californian Anza — Borrego Desert and Beyond.” The event is May 9.

From snow-covered landscapes, high mountains, lakes and the Salton Sea, to dry desert vistas and unusual lava-formed rock landscapes (that were the “American West” of movies from the 1930s to the ’50s) — home once to dinosaurs, mammoths, giant turtles and other animals — it’s a vast, beautiful place.

Wine, dinner and dessert begins at 6:15 p.m. Pressler’s presentation is at 7:30. The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members (pay at the door). For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.

California’s Borrego Desert. (Photo/David Pressler)

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Westport’s ospreys continue to fascinate us — and there are more than the most famous (and visible) pair, at Fresh Market.

Daniel Johnson captured (on film) one of the Burying Hill Beach pair. It’s a natural for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Daniel Johnson)

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And finally … in honor of the soon-to-come (and likely little-mourned) end of the DATTCO era:

(School buses? Ospreys? Jackie Kennedy’s press secretary? If there’s a Westport connection, “06880” covers it. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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