Tag Archives: Inklings

Roundup: Dogs, Chickens, Penguins …

Posted on March 25, 2026 | 5 comments

It’s no joke: April 1 is the date dogs are banned from Compo Beach.

Tomorrow — when the thermometer hits 65 — looks like the best day before next Wednesday for Fido’s final romp.

Until October 1.

Hey — that’s only 189 days away!

Enjoy it while you can! (Photo/Nancy Lally)

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

What’s going down at the farm?

It’s better to ask: What isn’t?!

Wakeman Town Farm welcomes spring, with a host of activities for all ages. They include:

  • Maple Syrup Boil (this Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free)
  • Farm classes, for all age students
  • Inclusive neurodiverse farmers’ program
  • Kids’ cooking classes (special session for homeschooling)
  • Summer camp
  • Adult workshops: tulips, cooking, chicken-keeping, flowers, needlework.

Click here for details, and registration.

Learn all about backyard chicken-keeping, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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

Speaking of spring: As Westporters venture outside for spring cleaning, they’re finding plenty to do.

Including tidying up this stretch of Old Hill Road.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Looks like quite a winter, in that part of town.

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

Here’s some stop-the-presses info: Inklings News — Staples High School’s newspaper — has won a Gold Crown Award. That’s the highest given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

The honor was for hybrid (print and web) news coverage.

This is the third time Inklings News has received this distinction, and the first in consecutive years.

Inklings News is also the only high school organization in New England to receive this recognition for both print and web coverage this year.

The award honors the work of last year’s (2024–’25) Inklings News web and paper staffs, including:

  • Editors-in-chief: Nina Bowens, Lily Hultgren
  • Creative cirectors: Alex Gaines, Olivia Signorile
  • Paper managing editors: Katherine Phelps, Mia Bomback, Angelina Matra
  • Associate paper managing editors: Cici Petrosinelli, Lily Rimm, Anna Kercher, Demi Sasson
  • Web managing editors: Rachel Olefson, Samantha Sandrew
  • Social Media Managers: Audrey Curtis, Poppy Harrington

Congratulations to all — including Inklings News advisors Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco.

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

Over 30 years ago, a concerned group of parents with learning disadvantaged children created a group called Our Vision. Their goal was to provide a rich, meaningful life for them, in a society that offered few programs to help.

Today, Our Vision members participate in summer, fall and winter Special Olympics games. Weekly training in track and field, swimming, bowling and bocce has resulted in many medals.

There are outings to community theater, pizza parties and dinner shows. Every Saturday, members take a bus to the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for sports and gym activities, swim training, social games, and arts and crafts projects.

Our Vision also participates in the Special Olympics fundraiser. This year’s event is April 11 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield). Anyone can participate (or, more warmly, cheer).

Donations can be made online here, or by check to “SOCT/Penguin Plunge,” 4 Cross Highway, Westport, CT 06880. Write “Our Vision/Peter Bradeen” on the memo line.

Peter Bradeen (right) and Penguin Plunge friends.

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

The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW benefits luncheon.

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

On Saturday, the Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) will help stock Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry.

They’ll be at Big Y from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most needed items include pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, mac ‘n’ cheese, canned foods (tuna, chicken, salmon), and laundry detergent.

Can’t make it Saturday? Click here for the Amazon wish list. Goods are shipped directly to Homes with Hope.

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

The Planning & Zoning Department warns that there are fake “invoices” coming from a false P&Z address.

They say: “Scammers are impersonating town officials regarding zoning and public hearing fees.

“The Town of Westport will never request payments via calls, texts, emails or apps (Venmo/Zelle/CashApp). Do not share personal info or send payment.

“Verify with P&Z (203-341-1030); report scams to the Westport Police non- emergency line (203-341-6000).”

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

Frank Murgalo — who wrote the great memoir “My Mid-Life Crisis at 82” — should pack ’em in at his next author talk.

The venue is tailor-made: the Senior Center.

It’s April 7 (2:45 p.m.). Reservations are required: 203-341-5099.

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

Cat Malkin thought the message at this gas station was rich.

“Seems more like the Taking Pump,” she says.

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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

You may not be ready for the Penguin Plunge (story above).

But these guys — neither humans nor penguins — took to the water this week, for an early spring swim.

Along the way, they ended up as our “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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

And finally … 2 musical giants share a birthday.

Aretha Franklin was born on this date in 1942. She died in 2018.

Elton John was born in 1947. He’s still going strong.

(Speaking of spring cleaning: As you’re plowing through your to-do list, please don’t forget to click here, to help support “06880.” Our hyper-local blog depends on our readers. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Media, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Education, Politics, Gelato …

Posted on June 7, 2025 | 11 comments

An attendee at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, which heard comments from 3 Staples High School soccer players about the non-renewal of the contract of coach Russell Oost-Lievense, writes (and asks for anonymity, out of concern for retribution): “You’re right about how well the boys spoke, and how respectful they were.

“But do you know who was not respectful? Superintendent Scarice.

“This photo (below) is how he responded as the boys spoke … scrolling his iPad.

“It turns out Tom’s correct … there is a device problem at Staples High School. But it’s the adults who are addicted.”

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice (far left), as Staples High School incoming boys soccer captain Dylan Shackelford addressed the Board of Education.

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

The first 5 items on the agenda for next Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (June 11, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) are fairly straightforward.

The final item may cause a bit more discussion. It’s a “request for recommendations for proposed traffic modifications submitted to the Board of Selectwomen acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority,” submitted by the developers of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.

The next day (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) the Representative Town Meeting has 2 other big items.

One is a request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $101,920,000 for construction of the new elementary school.

The other is to approve an application by the town — approved already by the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board — to construct that school, along with “parking lot, athletic fields, playgrounds, and associated site and utility work.”

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

“06880” is overseen by a dedicated board of directors.

Because we are strong supporters of Staples High School’s award-winning news magazine and website — and we want to encourage the next generation of journalists — one of the board’s 7 seats is reserved for an Inklings staff member.

Rising senior Will Enquist will fill that seat in the coming school year.

As a managing editor, he oversees one of the 2 staffs responsible for producing the school’s monthly newsmagazine. He also writes on subjects including sports, politics and international affairs.

Beyond journalism, Will has a strong passion for social studies. He was a member of Staples’ 2025 “We the People” team that placed 8th nationally. He interned for State Senator Ceci Maher’s 2024 reelection campaign, and earned recognition at the 2024 Connecticut History Day competition for a collaborative research project on the Yalta Conference.

Will is also involved with the Westport Youth Commission. In his free time he enjoys reading historical nonfiction, weightlifting and watching Mets baseball.

Welcome aboard, Will!

Will Enquist

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

There is one less gelato store in Westport.

La Fenice — which opened a little less than 4 years ago — has closed its doors.

Fortunately, Cold Fusion is still serving just a short ways away, across Main Street.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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

The Westport Country Playhouse keeps adding to its already great summer schedule.

They just announced 3 new shows:

Script in Hand Jr.: “Charlotte’s Web” (June 29, 4 p.m.). This staged reading in the Barn — a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of words — is tailored to kids and families. Middle and high school students will bring the barnyard to life through their voices and imagination. Tickets $20; click here to purchase, and for more information.

“Broadway Scores at the Playhouse: From Broadway to Hollywood, a Concert Celebration of the Great Musicals of Stage and Screen” (July 24, 25, 26 at 8 p.m.; July 26 at 3 p.m.).Songs — and stories behind the musicals that made the leap from the stage to movies. Among them: “Singin’ in the Rain,” “West Side Story, “The King and I,”” Chicago,” “The Color Purple,” Wicked and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

“Ana Gasteyer” (August 8, 8 p.m.). The “Saturday Night Live” veteran brings her wit and vocals to the Playhouse stage. She’ll perform jazz standards, Broadway classics and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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

The annual Special Olympics Torch Run passed through Westport yesterday.

Liz Kaner was at Whole Foods, when she saw the “beautiful and moving” relay. With a police escort, they’re on their way to New Haven.

(Photo/Liz Kaner)

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

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows 2 “birds” flying low over Long Island Sound yesterday.

Click “Comments” if you can identify both by name.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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

And finally … happy 85th birthday to Tom Jones!

(What’s new? Well, maybe not new, but another day, another reminder that “06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to support our work.Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , ,

Board Of Ed: Much To Take Pride In

Posted on June 3, 2025 | 4 comments

The Board of Education sends this message to families in the Westport Public Schools:

As we head into the summer months, we would like to acknowledge our community and its unwavering support for our schools. The Westport Public School system continues to deliver excellent outcomes across a wide range of areas.

As a community, we should take great pride in the many impressive accomplishments of our students. They are far too numerous to list completely, but we offer here a small sampling:

Academic achievements

Staples High School sent 4 students to the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Fair. All were named finalists (top 20%). One Staples senior advanced to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, taking 4th place among thousands of entrants from around the world.

The Staples AP Government We the People class placed in the top 10 for the first time in school history at the national competition in Washington.

Staples’ We the People team.

Bedford Middle and Coleytown Middle students earned dozens of medals at the Connecticut State Science Olympiad tournament.

Across all of our elementary schools, the 3rd grade Aimsweb composite reading score is 96% (which means that 96% reached or exceeded reading benchmarks). This is the highest in the state.

Athletic achievements

Staples athletics continues to be a tremendous strength of our district. Our coaches and administrators remain committed to helping our scholar-athletes grow at all skill levels.

In addition to enjoying victories on the field, many of our hard-working athletes find sports at Staples a springboard to future academic success.

We are proud of the dozens of graduating seniors who participated in athletic recruiting and have committed to attend some of the most selective and prestigious colleges and universities in the country, including (just to name a few and in no particular order) Michigan, Duke, U Chicago, Trinity, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Stanford, Princeton, UNC, Penn State, Washington and Lee, WashU, Swarthmore, Amherst, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan and Penn.

Music, arts and other extracurriculars

In March, 14 Staples students were selected to participate in the Connecticut All-State Music Festival.

Inklings News was awarded the prestigious Gold Crown Award in the High School Hybrid General Magazine category by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for the second time in the publication’s history.

The National PTA Award of Excellence was awarded to 2 Staples students for literature and photography.

While we celebrate our achievements and honor the dedication of our students, teachers, administrators and staff who make them all possible, we must not rest on our laurels.

There are many important initiatives underway that occupy the time and attention of the Board of Education and the administration. These include:

Long Lots School Building

We are in the final weeks of town-wide approvals, and anticipate the grand opening of the new school in September 2027.

AI Pilot

Westport was one of 7 Connecticut districts to receive a state grant to participate in an AI pilot program. Secondary teachers in English, math, science and social studies experimented with school-based artificial intelligence programs, and found extraordinary benefits and frustrating drawbacks. We are committed to exploring AI in our schools and curriculum while being mindful about its risks.

Cellphones

Currently, our elementary and middle schools are cellphone-free during the entire school day. Over the summer, a team of faculty will draft an implementation and logistics plan for a cellphone-free high school. A committee of parents, students, and faculty will review and revise that plan to explore a possible phased-in approach, sequestration strategies, and curricular concerns.

As we close out the academic year, we hope all of our families have a great summer. Our heartfelt congratulations to the Staples Class of 2025!

4 Comments

Posted in Education, Staples HS

Tagged , , , ,

[OPINION] Staples Junior: Save “On The Wreckord”!

Posted on May 18, 2025 | 5 comments

Kasey Feeley is a junior at Staples High School. She’s an executive producer for “On the Wreckord,” the very creative, extremely well crafted, and highly entertaining TV interview/news/entertainment show produced by Inklings, the school news source.

However, she says, the show may be in jeopardy.

Journalism teachers Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco have dedicated dozens of hours of personal time to stay after school, and supervise filming in the TV studio.

Both have young children. They have decided — reluctantly — to step down, unless funding can be found.

(In addition to a stipend for the staff members, funds would also pay for recording technology for remote segments. Kasey has spent her own money on microphones, and brought equipment from home for others to ensure quality.)

The Board of Education Finance & Facilities Committee is in charge of stipends. Yet, Kasey says, it has not met since January.

“On the Wreckord” has not been recognized as a program, Kasey says, despite providing content for the student boyd and staff or years.

“The only way for us to advocate for ourselves is a committee that seemingly is in hibernation,” she adds.

“But I have never felt more driven to be civically engaged, and advocate for something.

Kasey sent this to assistant principal Christine Cincotta, and the Westport Board of Education:

Video editing has been a passion of mine since I was 8 or 9, meaning I’ve been filming and editing my own content as a dedicated hobby for almost 10 years.

After seeing “On the Wreckord” for the first time freshman year, I decided I wanted to become involved. This year I finally joined Inklings, taking Introduction to Journalism and Advanced Journalism for the chance of joining On the Wreckord.

Through dedication and showing my passion for media production, I was able to land the role of executive producer alongside sophomore Brooke Kirkham for 2025.

Kasey Feeley’s On the Wreckord graphic.

However, due to a lack of funding, it is highly likely the program will not continue next year. Not only is this devastating for me and Brooke, who share a passion for filmmaking, but it’s also disappointing for the Connections classes and teachers who enjoy watching once a month.

Through “On the Wreckord,” Staples students get a chance to look into the lives of their fellow students and see perspectives they might not otherwise see, whether that’s finding the best water fountain or hearing an interview from a teacher or student you haven’t met before.

It effectively turns Staples into an environment full of familiar faces, not just passing peers.

In the few weeks I have been in this role since I was appointed in April, and through preparing for this Thursday’s edition, I have seen the extent to which OTW connects our Staples community.

I watched people in and outside of Inklings show up for each other, each segment creator dedicating time from their personal and school lives to make quality segments.

While our program is not perfect, it is the heart of student broadcasting: connecting community.

The loss of this program would be detrimental to the Inklings community, as Brooke and I would lose our jobs, and our fellow Inklings staff members would lose a creative outlet unlike any other offered at Staples.

I am someone who has always done performing arts. I understand how terrifying putting yourself out there can be for anyone who didn’t grow up in a theatrical or musical environment.

But in my time at “On the Wreckord,” I have watched students take that leap and put themselves out there.

This program brings out a confidence in young adults unlike any other, as they present their passion for journalism to the entire student body and staff.

These are students who may otherwise not get the valuable performing experience that others get from Staples Players, rhetoric class, music classes, etc.

It also teaches segment creators how to use video editing software, an increasingly important skill in our rapidly developing technologically centered world.

The ending of “On the Wreckord” would be the end of one of Staples’ most valuable assets for student expression. I waited 3 years to be a part of this unique, dedicated community, and I’m not ready to give up on it just yet.

Kasey Feeley — shown here in the hallway outside Staples’ TV studio — has gained skills and confidence through On the Wreckord.

As someone who has taken classes like Radio 1 & 2, Theater, and Narrative Film Production, where you spend hours creating media that doesn’t typically leave your classroom, I have grown to appreciate the platform that On the Wreckord gives student producers, directors, broadcast hosts, etc.

Outside of “On the Wreckord,” there aren’t any programs at Staples that enable students to produce content that is published and shown to their peers outside of video editing or film classes.

I also see “On the Wreckord” as an opportunity to encourage other students. If Brooke or I can spend hours editing and filming to present something authentic with confidence, they can have confidence in their work as well.

Seeing “On the Wreckord” freshman year inspired me to pursue my passion for media production. I want to be that inspiration for any other students who want to find that confidence in themselves, who want to be involved in the Staples community, and connect with others over a shared passion for journalism and media.

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein replied to Kasey: “I will ask our superintendent for information about this program/budget and get back to you.”

(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. We especially welcome student submissions. Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

5 Comments

Posted in Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , ,

Roundup: RTM Panel, Inklings Honor, Car Seat Check …

Posted on March 24, 2025 | 2 comments

Town government can be dry, even dull, work.

But over 150 Westporters at the Westport Library yesterday heard 5 Representative Town Meeting members passionately describe their work on our town’s legislative body.

Andrew Bloom, Jimmy Izzo, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Kristin Mott Purcell represent different generations, and lengths of service.

But they share a reverence for the RTM. Over 75 years old, it is one of the last such forms of government in Connecticut.

The 5 members spoke about their work on a variety of committees; the insights they gain into Westport’s issues and residents; the importance of non-partisanship; the satisfaction they get giving back to the town (despite some long hours) — and the RTM’s unique seating arrangement.

After the panel, attendees had a chance to meet representatives from their own district. Town organizations, including the Boards of Education and Finance, and League of Women Voters, had informational tables too.

The “Community Conversation” event was arranged by RTM members David Rosenwaks and Claudia Shaum, through Nancy Kail’s RTM communications committee.

RTM members (from left): Jimmy Izzo, Kristin Mott Purcell, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Andrew Bloom. “06880”‘s own Dan Woog moderated the event. (Photo/Nancy Kail)

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

Congratulations to Inklings!

The Staplesl publication is one of only 6 in the nation to earn a Columbia Scholastic Press Association “Gold Crown,” for hybrid (web and newspaper) general magazine coverage.

This is the CSPA’s highest recognition.

And — as anyone who has seen Inklings’ consistently superb coverage knows — it is well deserved.

Two pages from the print version …

… and the award-winning staff …

… with advisors Joseph Delgobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco (standing, far left and far right).

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

Every parent knows the importance of car seats.

But most parents don’t know that 73% of them are misused, or improperly installed.

On April 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the Westport Police Department offers a free “car seat check.”

Just drive (carefully!) to police headquarters on Jesup Road. Your car seats will be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. The event is co-sponsored by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.

Qustions? Cll Corporal Craig Bergamo: 203-810-9559.

Buckle up — correctly!

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

A demolition permit has been filed for 8 Newtown Turnpike.

The legal notice lists the age of the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,710-square foot home on 3/4 acre as “155 years.”

But other sources say it was built in 1830 — making it 195 years old.

The house was once owned by Warner Brothers actor Lawrence Williams, and Maggie Williams of the Theater Actors Workshop of Westport.

8 Newtown Turnpike.

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

Many Westporters use their Connecticut driver’s license as ID at airport security.

Check yours now, to see if there’s a gold star in the upper right corner.

If not, as of May 7 you won’t be able to use it to fly.

That’s when the federal “Real ID” requirement takes effect.

Jim Cameron — CT Mirror’s transportation columnist — explains the post-9/11 background to the law, and the long extensions that will finally expire. 

Most importantly, he explains how to get a “Real ID” license, at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Click here to read.

CT driver’s license, with “Real ID” gold star. (Courtesy of CT Mirror)

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

How does plant migration help expand our native plant palette during climate change?

That’s the subject of this Friday’s Aspetuck Land Trust “Lunch and Learn” webinar (March 27, noon to 1 p.m.).

The Zoom talk will examine the role humans play in helping move plants (and animals), to aid in seed dispersal. Click here to register, and for more information.

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

Former Westport resident Adrienne Berman died Friday at the Watermark in Bridgeport, where she lived. She was 86.

The Chicago native moved to New York City, where she met her husband Bill. She career in retail, first as a business owner and later as the New York  showroom manager for Brown Jordan Furniture. Her leadership and keen eye for design left a lasting impact.

Her family calls her “the heart and brain of her home, always providing love, wisdom, and unwavering support to those she cherished most.

Adrienne is survived by her husband; daughter Randy (Scott Ellis), son Larry (Betsy), and grandchildren Robert Zachary Ellis and Jacquelyn Ellis, Madalyn Culnane, and Jake and Josh Berman. She was predeceased by her son Jason.

A private service is planned.

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

We’ll be seeing a lot more flower photos soon, in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Here’s an early season crocus:

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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

And finally … on this day in 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated 6 concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt. We know them today as the Brandenburg Concertos.

(“06880”: Where Westport meets the world. And you get the Brandenburg Concertos, too! If you enjoy your hyper-local, and always intriguing, blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

2 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local politics, Media, Police, Real estate, Staples HS

Tagged , , ,

Inklings: Giving Voices To Staples Students

Posted on March 16, 2025 | 2 comments

Inklings — Staples High’s award-winning publication — has evolved with the times. Since its founding in 1931, it has been a newspaper, magazine and online news and feature source.

All along, dedicated staffs have contributed stories on everything going on at school (and sometimes, the town, country and world).

Now, the biggest paper ever is rolling off the press.

A 54-page “Voices” supplement is the result of a year-long effort, headed by managing editor Angelina Matra.

The goal, she tells “06880” interns (and Inklings staffers) Camille Blundell and Avni Krishna, is to explore ideas and elements in depth, using student voices.

Topics include the lack of females in STEM classes, micro-aggressions, and the impact of political polarization on the school community.

The article on micro-aggressions in classes, written by junior Olivia Saw, notes that students of color repeatedly experience  “misspellings, mispronunciations, or just plain being mistaken for other students of the same race,” Blundell and Krishna say.

The Inklings micro-aggressions story.

Another spiece that Matra expects to create buzz is “Staples Divided.” Addressing whether Staples has fallen victim to political polarization, it resulted from a roundtable with 9 students: Republicans, Democrats and independents.

“Women in STEM” is one of Matra’s favorites. It notes that only 13% of students in upper-level Science, Technology, Engineering and Math classes are female, and features insightful anecdotes from them.

“I think every single person in Staples, whether that be a student, adult, whatever, will see one article they relate to or say, ‘I know this person, I have done someone similar, I hold a similar view or have had a similar experience,” Matra says.

The Inklings staff began work in October, and finished the supplement earlier this week.

“We’re bringing light to all those unheard circumstances that many kids might face,” paper editor Zara Saliba told Blundell and Krishna. “ It’s really important, especially as a public school, to have all of those opinions expressed and to create an environment where everyone can feel welcome to share their beliefs.”

Inklings is an outgrowth of Staples’ Advanced Journalism class. Students begin as staff writers, after taking Intro to Journalism.

Advisors Mary Elizabeth Fulco and Joseph DelGobbo value independence and individuality in their students’ writing.

“We strive to give them them a platform to express their views and inspire meaningful change,” Fulco told the “06880” interns.

Like their advisors, Saliba and Matra hope the supplement gets people talking. They call “Voices” an “inside look into the Staples community.”

The editors also would like the stories to bring “some empathy to understanding the perspectives of people who are different from you,” Blundell and Krishna say.

The staff hopes this can bring people together. “In high school, students can feel lost between groups. This paper proves that everybody’s experiences are different,” the “05880” interns and Inklings writers say.

Matra notes, “Every single student, teacher, administrator and staff member within the collective Staples environment is so unique. ‘Voices’ is the chatter in the hallways, locker rooms, concert stages, culinary classes, science labs and teachers lounges, all thrown together in one huge, ambitious project.”

To see the full range of stories, click here. To order a copy of Inklings’ “Voices” supplement ($10), click here.

(“06880” regular covers Westport’s schools — and the students in them. If you enjoy these stories, or any other features on this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Media, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged ,

Roundup: AI, Anna Diorio, SLOBs …

Posted on May 20, 2023 | 4 comments

Can’t get to the Westport Library this Monday (May 22, 7 p.m.) to hear David Pogue’s “Artificial Intelligence Gets Real!” talk?

Click here for the Zoom link.

Warning: AI is really real. Buckle up!

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

You gotta love SLOBs.

Yesterday afternoon, a group of SLOBs — more formally, Staples Service League of Boys — stopped by Westport Fire Department headquarters.

They handed a check for $1,340 to the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation. The money — proceeds from a fundraising basketball tournament — will help buy smoke alarms for hearing impaired people.

Not too shabby!

SLOBs deliver.

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

Speaking of Staples: Anna Diorio has won a national writing award.

The Staples High School senior earned 3rd place in the National Federation of Press Women Education Fund contest. Nearly 2,000 students participated.

Anna qualified by taking first place in the Connecticut contest, for her Inklings opinion piece and May 2022 cover story addressing gender normativity, “The Damaging Effects of: ‘I’m Just teasing.“

Meanwhile, Staples’ broadcast news program “On the Wreckord” took first place in the state, and honorable mention nationally, for “Best Newscast: Radio or Television” for Episode 6. The executive producer was Finnegan Courtney; the team included broadcast directors Diorio and Abby Nevin; anchors Zach Brody, Diorio and Ela Shi; intro producer Diorio, and other students who provided content and theme music.

Joseph DelGobboo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco serve as advisors for Inklings and “On the Wreckord.”

Anna Diorio

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

The 10th annual Dale Hopkins Memorial Golf Tourney will be held today, on Armed Forces Day. Fittingly, it is his birthday.

The event — this year, in Bermuda — raises money in honor of the man Carl Addison Swanson calls “everybody’s giant.” The Staples High School Class of 1966 athlete gained All-FCIAC honors in football and basketball. But it was his easy-going, friendly nature that attracted so many people of all ages to him.

After graduation, Dale served 2 tours in Vietnam as a Marine. He then moved into the construction business. he died in 2008.

The Dale Hopkins Memorial Fund, in correlation with the Semper Fi Fund, Annie and John Charitable Foundation and the Swanson Charitable Trust, was formed to assist a homeless classmate. It then assisted other Staples alumni who needed helping hands, and the Semper Fi Fund. 84% goes directly to veterans.

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

The New Works Initiative — the Westport Country Playhouse opportunity to see the first public meeting of a new play (and meet young playwrights) — continues June 5.

The play — “Quick Service,” by May Treuhaft-Ali — is about the precariousness of the food service industry. Four employees of a Chicago empanada shop try to make it through the dinner rush as something sinister rises up from the basement, ex-workers enact their revenge, and the oven has a mind of its own.

All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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

Punk rock from New York-based Darling blasted in MoCA Westport’s gallery Thursday — a different part of the usual “Cocktails and Conversation” event.

The evening also included a talk by Emann Odufu, curator of MoCA’s “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition of German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle. Inspired by punk and heavy metal, his color palette utilizes Day-Glo colors as an outgrowth of his fascination with psychedelic and punk aesthetics.

The next “Cocktails and Conversation” (Thursday, May 25, 6 p.m.) features a discussion on design and female entrepreneurship with Barbara Sallick of Waterworks and Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs, moderated by Jen Berniker of Designport. Click here for tickets.

Emann Odufu at MoCA.

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

Bob Gill, a longtime Westport resident and Boy Scout leader, died peacefully at home on Monday. He was 96.

After Trenton High School where he won a New Jersey diving championship, Bob enlisted in the Navy. He became a pilot, serving in the Pacific out of Hawaii’s Hickam Field until 1949.

Upon his discharge Bob was hired by American Airlines as a New York-based pilot. He married Olivia, a stewardess for American, in 1953.

In 1963 they and their 5 children moved to Westport. The next year he became a captain at American. A

As a young man Bob had enjoyed his time in the Boy Scouts, earning Eagle Scout His sons joined Troop 36. Bob became scoutmaster, spending much of his free time organizing monthly hikes and campouts throughout Connecticut. He also led the troop to national and international jamborees.

Bob took great pride in seeing his sons earn their Eagle Scout award, as well as grandson Odin, and watching daughter Kirsten participate in Girl Scouts. Even after his children left scouting, he continued on for years with the troop.

He was also an active board member of the Compo Beach Improvement Association, member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, and a volunteer Red Cross driver.

Bob also flew for 20 years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as a commander.

After 36 years with American Captain Gill retired in 1987, He continued his love of aviation by piloting his Mooney 252, flying all over the US until he was 87. He was named an FAA Wilbur and Orville Wright “Master Pilot” for 50 years of accident-free flying.

Bob was proud and honored to have his children take up professional flying with the major airlines. His granddaughter Amelia become a flight instructor.

In retirement, Robert and Olivia traveled the world by sea and air. He enjoyed physical fitness training, sailing and skiing. He marched in many Memorial Day parades as a scoutmaster, and in his Navy uniform.

He was a member of the Grey Eagles, a retired American Airlines pilots’ organization, and of the First Church of Christ Scientist Westport.

Bob was predeceased by his brother, sister, and oldest son Gary. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Olivia; their children Robert of Hawaii; Jeffrey (Dana) of Elgin, Illinois; Steven (Sally) of Exton, Pennsylvania; Kirsten (Steve Bartie) of Westport, and 10 grandchildren.

Services will be held tomorrow (Sunday, May 21, Harding Funeral Home; viewing at 10:30 a.m., funeral at noon).

Bob Gill

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

Sometimes, “Westport … Naturally” photographers have to work quickly. Birds, bobcats, and most other creatures tend to move rapidly.

Rowene Weems had no such problem Thursday, at the Library Riverwalk. This trio never budged — not before she snapped her shot, or long afterward.

They may still be there.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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

And finally … on this day in 1927 Charles Lindbergh took off for Paris from Roosevelt Field in Long Island. His Spirit of St. Louis landed in Paris 33 1/2 hours later: the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic.

(“06880” will be as lucky as Lindy, if you click here to donate to Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you!

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Library, Media, Obituaries, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Free Trees, Open Doors, Police Arrests …

Posted on April 27, 2023 | 12 comments

Get your seeds!

The Westport Tree Board celebrates Arbor Day with a tree seedling giveaway tomorrow (Friday, April 28, 3 to 5 p.m., rear of Town Hall near the softball field).

The seedlings come with planting instructions for school-age children and residents of Westport on a first-come, first-serve basis. They’re donated by Bartlett Tree Service.

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

A reader who works on Riverside Avenue writes: “A stroll down Main Street recently, on an exceptionally warm day, spurred me into action.

Almost every door to every retail establishment was propped open, air conditioning the outdoors. And as always (I walk 2-3 miles a day in town) I passed many parked cars, engines idling with owners sitting inside, engrossed mostly in cell phones.

I think emissions could be curtailed significantly 2 ways:
• A reduction of idling vehicles (epidemic even during reasonable weather)
• Stores not opening their doors to attract people (heating the outside in cold weather, cooling it in hot),

Legislatively, these things could take much longer than we have to reduce our emissions and our warming climate.

What if they both were tackled as PSAs? Part education via some easily digestible data, and part message along the lines of “What can I do?” Perhaps a campaign akin to the crying Native American of our childhood, the icon for the anti-pollution campaign that was very effective in cleaning up our littered roadways.

A national effort is needed. Perhaps we here can take a leadership position.

This photo ran on “06880” in 2012. More than a decade later, little has changed.

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

Westport Police were busy recently.

The Staples High School school resource officer was alerted to an irate parent in the front lobby. As the SRO approached the lobby he heard a man screaming at school staff. The man became increasingly agitated, about a custody issue. A staff member had to put their hand up in a defensive move.

The SRO could not de-escalate the situation, but moved the conversation outside The man continued to act aggressively, and refused to obey lawful orders from the SRO. He was arrested, and charged with criminal trespass, interfering/resisting an officer, and breach of peace.

Another shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty led to the arrest of 4 people, for larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, and illegal possession of a shoplifting device.

Westport Police also issued a number of citations, from April 19-26:

  • Operating a motor vehicle with a telephone, electronic device or texting: 16 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 8
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 8
  • Unreasonable speed: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Improper use of marker: 6
  • Distracted driving, not cell: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Failure to comply with state traffic regulations: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Improper use of high beams: 1
  • Violation of readable plates: 1
  • Illegal tint: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to carry license: 1.

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

A year ago, “06880” reported on Westport10: the social and networking group for Black men in town and their families.

The other day, News12 Connecticut picked up the story, with an insightful interview with founder Jay Norris.

He talked about the benefits and opportunities for the organization — now “Westport 100,” as it’s grown from 4 men to 55, plus their spouses and children — for the members, and all of Westport.

Click here for the full interview.

A recent Westport 100 lunch at Hudson Malone.

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

The opening of the Westport Woman’s Club’s 3-day art show will be special.

On May 5 (5-7 p.m.), Staples seniors Chloe Hackett and Mia Vindiola will be awarded scholarships of $10,000 each. The 2 very talented students plan to pursue arts careers — thanks in large part to the grants from the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.

The scholarships will be presented by Miggs Burroughs of the DFCAC, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. The scholarship project was a collaborative effort with “06880.”

The show continues May 6 and 7 (2 to 5 p.m.). Featured artists include Nina Bentley, Ola Bossin, Michael Brennecke, Ellen Ehli, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Erszebet Laurinyecz, Katya Lebrija, Diane Pollack, Tina Puckett, Jon Puzzuoli, Dorothy Robertshaw, Katherine Ross, Agata Tria and Kathleen Rampe.

All art will be on sale.

Mia Vindiola and Chloe Hackett.

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

Several Staples student journalists with Inklings were honored recently by the Connecticut Press Club, as winners of their High School Communications Contest.

Finnegan Courtney cleaned up, taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd places for Best Newscast (“On the Wreckord,” episodes 6, 5 and 3 respectively.

Also taking 1st: Genevieve Frucht (Feature Story, for “Logan Goodman ’24 Incorporates Love for Sneakers, Art into Business”), Anna Diorio (Opinion, “The Damaging Effects of ‘I’m Just Teasing'”), and Talia Moskowitz (Sports, “Report Highlights Impact of Wealth Inequality on State Championships in Connecticut”).

Caroline Zajac was 3rd in the News Story contest, for “Connecticut Swatting Incident Highlights Growing National Problem.”

Samantha Sandrew placed 3rd for Video Feature Story, for “Sneakerheads of Staples.” Anna Diorio earned honorable mention in the category, for “The Power of a Good Book: A Discussion with Staples’ Librarians.”

Congratulations to all of Staples’ superb journalists!

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

Speaking still of Staples:

The boys lacrosse team’s annual “Sticks for Soldiers” event is this Saturday (12:30 p.m., Paul Lane Field).

The ceremony — before the 1 p.m. game against Greenwich — highlights the service and sacrifice made by our military. Funds raised support wounded veterans and their families.

A minimum donation of $5 is suggested. For more information and to donate, click here or email edward.iannone@gmail.com.

Staples lacrosse players have worn special jerseys to honor “Sticks for Soldiers.”

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

Longtime Westporter Daisy McCann died last Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 98 years old.

Her family says, “She lived a long and wonderful life, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith and a commitment to giving back to her community.”

Daisy was born in New York City on May 31, 1924. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Hunter College.

After World War II she married Navy veteran Hugh (Bud) McCann. They moved to Westport in 1959, where all 6 of their children lived and attended school: Hugh Jr. (Sarah) of Venice, Florida; Marguerite Francis of New London, New Hampshire; Tom (Mary Jo) of Nantucket, Massachusetts; Rosemary Semanski (Paul) of West Hartford; Tim (Tricia) of Easton, and Rich Tina) of Darien. Daisy is also survived by her grandchildren Katie, Scott, Kristen, Brittany, Shana, Kyle, Conor, Erin, Ali, Jack and Colin, and 7 great-grandchildren. Her family says, “She loved shopping for all of the wee ones in her extended family, and nothing brought a smile to her face more than their visits.”

She was predeceased by her husband.

Daisy was a trustee at St. Luke Parish, where she organized ladies’ luncheons for several decades and hosted generations of priests at her holiday parties. “She loved to feed people; it was her love language, whether at the church, in her home, or at the Norwalk Soup Kitchen.” In recent years, attending St. Luke’s regularly became more challenging, yet she never missed her daily digital Mass.

The family will receive friends tomorrow (Friday, April 28, 4-7 p.m., Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield). A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday (10 a.m., St. Luke). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Near & Far Aid in memory of Daisy McCann at www.nearandfaraid.org (select donate); P.O. Box 717, Southport, CT 06890 (note honoree’s name in memo).

Daisy McCann

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

A Burritt’s Landing bald eagle poses for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Dan Vener)

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

And finally … on this day in 1981, Xerox PARC introduced the computer mouse.

(You never know what you’ll find on “06880,” right? Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

12 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Staples Senior Seeks Identity Beyond Sports

Posted on April 11, 2022 | 7 comments

Ella Alpert is broadcast director of Inklings, Staples High School’s newspaper/magazine.

She is also president of the Young Democrats Club, and one of the presidents of the Staples chapter of TEAM Westport.

For far longer, she’s been a competitive swimmer. After many years in the sport, Ella was named captain of last fall’s Staples swim and dive team.

It was quite a season — but not always in ways she expected. This month, Ella — who heads to Scripps College next year, to major in political science, American studies, or writing and rhetoric — wrote about her experience for Inklings. 

Her words are insightful; her message, important. With her permission, I’m reprinting them here:

Throughout my childhood, I’ve missed birthday parties, sleepovers, playdates, you name it. Instead, I was staring at the black line on the bottom of a pool. Six days a week, 3 hours a day and around 48 weeks a year. This routine lasted for my 10 years as a competitive swimmer.

I finished my senior season as captain of the Staples swim and dive team this past fall. Then I took my cap and goggles off for the last time and quit. Even after starting the college recruitment process, I was no longer willing to keep up with the commitment and pressure of it all. I can now see how pressure and toxic competition hurt my relationship with the sport that I loved and limited my ability to pursue other passions.

Ella Alpert: on the pool deck …

I joined my first club swim team in 2ndgrade, and fell in love. Something always clicked in the pool. I loved the excitement of racing, the feeling of diving into the water, nailing the turns, pushing your body to the limit and the pride of hard work paying off.

However, I was adamant that I made time for my other interests. I liked my balance of orchestra practice, dance lessons, Girl Scout meetings and swimming. But I watched as my teammates improved greatly by making swimming their priority. And I was receiving the same advice from coaches: “You have great potential but need to be more committed if you want to improve.”

They told me double practices before and after school, 6:30 a.m. Saturday workouts and hours of daily exercise outside of the pool would be what it takes to become a serious, successful swimmer.

As a competitive person, I wanted to succeed, so I became fully committed to the sport and began to see results.

For many years, my love for swimming outweighed my desire for a normal childhood. But after years of serious commitment, my love began to fade and I resented swimming for taking it all away. Yet I wouldn’t let myself think about quitting. Swimming had become my whole life, identity, purpose. The child in me who vowed she wouldn’t let swimming consume her entire life was gone — whisked away by the pressure.

… and in the water.

I was lucky that my parents never added to the pressure that I received from coaches and teammates, but many of my teammates weren’t as fortunate. My best friend’s parents pressured her to workout at home in addition to swim workouts and hired outside coaches for private lessons. They put so much pressure on her success that she pitted herself against her closest friends, damaging friendships.

Even as early as middle school, some parents were under the impression that swimming was going to get their child to college, and they needed to stay on the path to get there.

That being said, I don’t hate swimming or even regret my years in the sport. I love swimming and despite the pressure felt a deep yearning for success just like all competitive athletes. The sport introduced me to some of my best friends and taught me invaluable life lessons. However, I do wish I could have explored my other interests without the immense guilt that came with missing practice.

Now that I’m done with swimming, I have the time and flexibility to enjoy the rest of my senior year with friends, explore new hobbies and dedicate more time to the other extracurriculars that I enjoy. I’m excited to enter my college years without 6 am practices limiting my social life.

Swimming was such a huge part of my identity and for a while I didn’t know who I would be or what I would do without it. But I am excited to find out.

7 Comments

Posted in Media, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , ,

Roundup: RTM, Inklings, Pop-Up Thrift Shop …

Posted on March 21, 2022 | 3 comments

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

Admit it: You hear “RTM” all the time. And you don’t know a thing about it.

Well, for one thing, it stands for “Representative Town Meeting.” For another, it’s our special local legislative body.

For a third, Westport’s League of Women Voters is sponsoring a series of “Know Your Town” events. And — wouldn’t you know it — the first one is “Know Your RTM.”

Set for this Wednesday (March 23, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom), the all-star (and all-RTM) panel includes former moderator Velma Heller, who’ll discuss the body’s history; member Matthew Mandell (today’s RTM), and current moderator Jeff Wieser (why you should run for office).

Click here to register for in-person attendance. Click here for the Zoom link.

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

For the first time ever, Inklings — the nearly 100-year-old Staples High School publication — earned a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown award for Hybrid News. Only 16 other high schools in the country received that honor.

Inklings has won numerous Gold Circle Awards for individual reporter excellence, along with overall Silver Crowns. This is the first Gold Crown since switching to a magazine model — and it came in Inklings’ first year with the format.

“I think the change in layout and design spoke to our strengths,” says co-advisor Mary Elizabeth Fulco. ” I’m so incredibly proud of our hard-working students for achieving this national recognition.” The other advisor is Joe Del Gobbo.

In order to be eligible for a Crown, a newspaper must first achieve a Gold Circle Award for individual reporting. This year’s honorees were Lyah Muktavaram for “Piglet: The Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy Embarks on New Chapter,” and Katie Simons for “Rodrigo’s Debut Album ‘SOUR’ Captures the Essence of Adolescence.”

For more information, and a list of all winners, click here. For Inklings online,, click here.

The cover of Inklings’ February magazine featured indoor track athletes heading to the national meet.

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

Fast fashion — mass production of cheap clothing that destroys resources and pollutes the planet — is endemic.

On March 28 (6:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), WTF sponsors a “Sustainability Forum.”

Panelists will discuss the effects of fast fashion on our environment, consumers and workers. Attendees will learn how to identify sustainable businesses, make smarter buying choices, and what it means to be a conscious consumer.

There’s also a spotlight on local sustainable clothing business, including Our Woven Community, The Exchange Project and Shop Tomorrows.

Click here to register.

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

Meanwhile, a few yards south of the Town Farm, a group of Staples High School students is doing something about fast fashion too.

The school’s Zero Waste Committee is creating a pop-up thrift store, The EcoBoutique opens April 27 during lunch waves in the courtyard.

Whether you’re a student, parent or just a Westporter interested in the planet, you can help.

The Zero Waste Committee is collecting donations (gently used clothing, handers and bins) from March 28 to April 11, at Staples’ front atrium.

In addition to education the community about the importance of limiting fast fashion, and thrifting, funds from the pop-up thrift store will help the ZWC’s sustainability initiatives: composting, recycling and more.

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

Eurovision — the European singing contest that began in the 1950s, and brought fame to bands like ABBA — is coming to the US.

Instead of a variety of countries, our version — “The American Song Contest” — includes acts from all 50 states, plus US territories, possessions and Washington, DC.

The “06880” connection? Connecticut’s representative is Westport’s own Michael Bolton.

“The American Song Contest” starts tonight. Click here for more information, and to vote — hopefully for our neighbor. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Screenshot from the “American Song Contest” website.

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

For many years, this tree has captivated — and slightly concerned — Long Lots Road drivers.

It’s part of Westport’s natural beauty — and a great candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Tom Lowrie)

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

And finally … we usually say, “Spring can’t come soon enough!” Yesterday it snuck in, a day earlier than normal. Whenever it arrives, we’re more than happy to greet it.

 

 

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local politics, Media, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , ,