Yesterday morning too, a sign with an Israeli flag was found defaced at the corner of Coleytown and Lyons Plains Roads — just a few yards from Temple Israel.
The message is clear: “Israel has blood on its hands.”
At the same time, Weston Police learned that one Israel sign was stolen from a resident’s property, and 2 other flag signs were defaced similar to the one in Westport.
Weston Police are conducting neighborhood canvases and checking residential security cameras. They ask anyone with information to call 203-222-2600.
=================================================
The Westport PAL online auction now open contains the usual great local items, like gift certificates and sports tickets.
But there are a few special items too that we haven’t seen anywhere else, including a 3-month membership to the private Autostrada club, 5 hour-long boxing sessions with Rich Dean, and the chance to be police or fire chief for the day.
Click here for the full list, and to bid. Funds help build the new PAL clubhouse at PJ Romano Field. The auction ends this Thursday (November 2) at 9 p.m.
The Autostrada lounge overlooks the private car collection.
================================================
The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
After graduating from Staples High School in 2009, Cronin Cullen became an actor, filmmaker and producer.
His latest project, “12 Hours,” is about a single mother’s desperate night-long search for her fentanyl-addicted son. It is based on true events from the writer/ director, Kelly Stanphill.
The issue is close to Cronin’s heart. He has lost Westport friends to substance abuse.
A crowdsourcing campaign launched last week. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here for more information, and to contribute.
And finally … When I was a kid growing up in Westport, Halloween Eve was called “Mischief Night.” Fortunately, the statute of limitations is long past. (Don’t ask about the time I tossed my own parents’ mailbox into the pond across the street.)
In some parts of the country, it’s called Devil’s Night. Enjoy!
(Be an angel! Please support “06880.” Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
As darkness fell last night, over 300 Westporters lit Jesup Green with candles.
In the chill October air they stood shoulder to shoulder in support of Israel, and prayed for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.
They gathered, Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church said, for “comfort, support and reassurance,” and in “sadness, grief, anger, fear and frustration.”
Rabbi Yehudah Kantor of Chabad of Westport and Weston noted, “Some rise up in arms. We rise up by linking arms.”
They sang the Israeli national anthem, and America’s.
They observed a moment of silence. And then, spontaneously, they sang “Am Yisrael Chai.” The words mean: “the people of Israel live.”
The vigil was non-partisan. No politicians spoke.
But the words of the multi-faith clergy — and the size of the crowd — spoke volumes.
(From left): Rabbi Greg Wall of Beit Chaverim, Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel and Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church, before the vigil.
Organizers of the vigil distributed flyers of many of the 200 hostages held by Hamas. Like other Westporters, Lauren Soloff and Wes Malowitz (above) have relatives and friends in Israel.
Staples High School seniors Jeremy Rosenkranz (left) and Eitan Eiger.
Andrew Colabella, during the national anthem.
(From left): Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Bill Mitchell. Westport Police provided security for the event.
In the wake of the Board of Education’s 4-2 vote against keeping the Westport Community Gardens at their present Long Lots Elementary School location, Republican BOE candidates Jamie Fitzgerald and Camilo Riano issued this statement:
“If we were seated members of the Board of Education, we each would have supported the amended motion regarding the preservation of the community gardens that was defeated 4-2 on Thursday, October 19. We believe Board of Education members have an obligation to take a holistic view of all decisions and the impact they have on all Westport constituents.”
On Thursday, a Westport resident placed a lone Israel flag on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
On Friday, it was replaced by dozens of flags, of a wide variety of nations.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
Nothing nefarious was going on. The town of Westport was not trying to make a political statement.
The flags of world nations go up every year at this time, on the span named for the Westporter who spent her life volunteering for the United Nations (and started our town’s jUNe Day welcoming tradition, over 50 years ago).
The flags go up twice a year: on jUNe Day in the summer, and for UN Day. The holiday marking the founding of the organization is Tuesday.
Back to Israel: Today’s candlelight vigil supporting safe return of the hostages taken by Hamas is tonight (Sunday), 6 to 6:45 p.m. on Jesup Green. Attendees are asked to bring real or electric candles (in case of wind).
=================================================
Matthew Van Gessel returned to the Westport stage last night.
As he did throughout his Staples Players career, the 2011 graduate played a psychologically fraught character, with outstanding depth and nuance.
Van Gessel was one half of the cast of “Gentle Hacksaw.” The drama — combining religion, identity and violence — had its world premier staged reading as part of the Westport Library’s 6th annual StoryFest.
The event continues today (Sunday) with a TeachRock Workshop, Pink or Treat Halloween parade with children’s author Victoria Kann, and pitchfest for authors. Click here for details.
Matthew Van Gessel (left) and Ahmad Maksoud on the Westport Library stage. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes courtesy of Betsy Amitin. She writes:
“With so many atrocities all over the news, I am trying to shift my focus to notice sweet spot small moments that give me comfort or joy throughout the day.
“Looking out my kitchen window on yet another soggy fall day, I noticed this squirrel had found shelter from the downpour underneath our outdoor table umbrella. It cracked me up.
“It stood there a while, seeming as though it too was taking a quick break from the heaviness surrounding it.”
Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel earlier this month is an international event.
But it has local implications.
At the beginning of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice spoke heartfully about what the incident means, for our students — and for him.
I can speak on behalf of the Board when I reiterate that our hearts are broken for the unspeakable acts of violence and terror that occurred in Israel the weekend of October 7, and now the continued violence that is sure to engulf the region, and world, for the foreseeable future.
Together with the community, the Westport Public Schools stand against all forms of hate and violence, including of course the desecration of human life, the murder and the kidnappings of innocent citizens in Israel.
With the Board, we stand in solidarity in condemnation of these acts, and ready to support all those impacted by these atrocities.
This week I had the fortune of meeting with 4 of our local rabbis: Rabbi Wiederhorn, Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Kantor and Rabbi Wall. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston
I asked for this meeting in search of wisdom and knowledge … but also in search of thought partners in how to best support our Jewish students, and the Jewish community of Westport.
As Rabbi Kantor pointed out to me, there are 15 million Jews in the world, and 7 million live in Israel.
It is not just a high likelihood … it is a fact that many of our Jewish students have a direct connection to family, friends and loved ones in Israel.
That puts our schools in a position where we must provide necessary school- based supports
As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.
I also had the opportunity to connect with former executive director of the Connecticut ADL, Steve Ginsburg.
I had the chance to work with Steve in confronting a very public issue a couple of years ago. We became friends. And as a friend, Steve shared some wisdom with me that I would like to share with the community.
As the local rabbis cautioned me about historical increases in antisemitism following international incidents such as October 7, they noted concern for all students.
Steve also wisely advised that we remain on high alert for incidents of Islamaphobia. He indicated that historically, incidents of Islamaphobia rise following international incidents such as October 7.
We are a public education system. We have a lane. Although I am comfortable expressing my moral clarity on violence directed towards innocent children, elderly, families, etc. anywhere, I am mindful of my professional lane when speaking publicly on these matters. And I am quite confident that my comments will not be received with unanimous support.
That said, in my lane, I am the same exact superintendent for each and every one of our approximately 5,400 students.
Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.
That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.
As I said in my message to the community, as much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.
Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students.
This means every student. We won’t be perfect, but it will not be due to a lack of caring.
All Westporters are invited to a “Bring Them Home” candlelight vigil this Sunday.
The event is at Jesup Green, from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
The vigil is “an opportunity for us to come together, united as a community, to pray for the safe return of the hostages and show our support for Israel,” organizers say. They are an ad hoc group of interfaith Westporters.
Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel, Rabbi Yehuda Leib Kantor of Chabad of Westport and Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston will lead prayers. Staples senior Ethan Walmark will sing the national anthem.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker will attend the vigil.
Allison Walmark says, “My family is honored to participate in this community-wide, multi-faith showing of support for Israel and the estimated 200 kidnapped hostages in Gaza. No parent should endure the agony of not knowing if their child is dead or alive. No person who survived the Holocaust should endure the same inhumanity a second time. We must show our children that inhumanity is never normalized.”
Organizers say, “Bring a candle. Bring family too.”
Both the Westport Police and Connecticut State Police will provide security.
We can’t emphasize it enough: I-95 will be a mess this weekend.
And local roads will be collateral damage.
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will remain closed from now through Friday, October 31. Traffic is being detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. this Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting tonight (Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to “meet briefly to accept the written recommendation for presentation to the First Selectwoman.”
That recommendation of a new building is for “Option C,” voted unanimously by the LLSBC earlier this month.
An hour later tonight (Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), the Board of Education agenda includes a discussion/action item: “Long Lots Building Committee Update.”
It will be presented by LLSBC chair Jay Keenan.
The Long Lots project moves forward next Tuesday (October 24, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), with a special session of the Board of Finance. They’ll meet with the Building Committee and Board of Education, “to discuss only their recommendations.”
The Board of Finance will take comments from the public for 30 minutes.
Long Lots School Building Committee.
=================================================
A third arrest has been made, in connection with last month’s carjacking incident at a resident’s Bayberry Lane garage.
Vineys Baez, a 20-year-old Waterbury resident, was arrested yesterday.
He was charged with:
Home invasion
Burglary, 1st degree
Robbery by carjacking
Assault, 3rd degree
Reckless endangerment
Larceny 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit larceny, 1st degree
Robbery, 1st degree
Conspiracy to commit robbery, 1st degree.
Baez is the second person identified through surveillance video. A third person was also arrested.
Baez was held on $500,000 court set bond.
The Westport Police Detective Bureau has completed their investigation into the carjacking.
Two men were caught on surveillance video taking an Aston martin, as the owner was in the vehicle in his Bayberry Lane garage.
Westport’s annual Children’s Halloween Parade returns to Main Street next Wednesday (October 25). It’s free for all kids (especially those age 8 and younger).
Children and parents will meet at the Main Street/Post Road East corner at 3:30 p.m. The parade heads up Main Street, then goes right on Avery Place and left on Myrtle Avenue to Town Hall and Veterans Green.
Youngsters may trick or treat along Main Street, and in front of Town Hall. Entertainment, refreshments and a small gift will be provided on Veterans Green (across from Town Hall) at 4 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Westport Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL.
This photo is from 2011. Where is this former Halloween parade-goer today?
=================================================
The United Methodist Church invites everyone to a couple of cool — and very different — events.
This Saturday (October 21, 1 to 3 p.m.), “Trunk or Treat” offers a fun, safe Halloween alternative for kids under 12, with snacks and games.
The suggested admission price is simple: 5 non-perishable food items for the Person to Person pantry, per child.
Don’t be spooked by the weather forecast. It’s on, rain or shine. (Heavy rain will move it indoors.)
On Sunday, October 29 (4 p.m.). “Jazz Vespers” is an inspiring service of words and music with a quartet featuring UMC’s new music director, John Hoddinott. A free will offering will be received.
The jolting news of Hamas’ invasion of Israel paralyzed many Westporters earlier this month. They spent the weekend trying to absorb increasingly horrific reports.
But 2 young girls did more than mourn. They swung into action.
Remi Rutstein and Allyson Post — both 11 years old — were in a car headed to a soccer tournament. They peppered the adults with questions, trying to understand what was happening.
Much of the story was above their heads. But they kept asking what they could do.
On their own, they decided to make and sell bracelets. Funds would be donated to Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service.
Back home, Remi and Allyson made bracelets and signs. Allyson’s sister Dylan Post baked cookies.
Allyson Post and Remi Rutstein show off their bracelets.
Then they recruited friends — of many different religions — to help them make more bracelets.
In just 2 hours downtown, the girls raised $5,000. People bought bracelets, made bracelets together, talked to the girls and shared stories about being in Israel. One customer was an Israeli soldier.
Bloomberg matched it — making a $10,000 gift for Magen David Adom.
Allyson and Remi also made signs, to honk for Israel. For 2 hours, many drivers did.
Honking for Israel.
“People were so generous,” says Remi’s mom Megan Rutstein. “They left feeling inspired seeing young kids taking action.
“Melissa Post and I are so proud of our girls. They did this completely on their own. They made a real difference, and gave people a reason to smile amidst a dark time.”
Congratulations and thank you, Remi Rutstein and Allyson Post. You are both our young Heroes of the Week!
Remi Rutstein, Allyson Post and friends.
Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com.
(“Unsung Heroes” is a weekly “06880” feature. If you appreciate this — or anything else we do — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Last Sunday — just 24 hours after Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released a strong statement.
She said then:
The attack on Israel and its citizens is horrifying. There is no justification for senseless acts of violence.
I as the 1st Selectwoman of Wesetport, along with our residents, stand with the people of Israel as they defend their country in the face of unspeakable terrorist acts.
Many Westporters have family and friends in Israel. Our community is profoundly affected by this tragedy. I extend my deepest condolences for the lives lost.
We are with you, Israel.
She reiterated her words yesterday. In a joint statement, Tooker and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey said:
TEAM Westport joins the Town of Westport and our First Selectwoman in offering its deepest solidarity and sorrow to the people of Israel for the unspeakable and unfathomable acts of inhumanity they have suffered at the hands of Hamas. As such, we also decry any attempts to justify or celebrate those atrocities. While there is much to be done to ensure stability over the long-term, in whatever is done, we urge the unrelenting focus on the humanity of all potential victims involved.
On the home front, we fully support the increased protection of the Jewish community within Westport and the greater U.S. against the rising scourge of antisemitism. Overall, we encourage all segments of our community to join as one in this support with the full understanding that when one of us is harmed, we are all harmed.
Many town officials — including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, in the front row directly in front of Senator Richard Blumenthal — were at Monday’s solidarity gathering at Temple Israel. (Photo/Allison Wachstein)
The I-95 northbound entrance ramp at Exit 17 will be closed beginning Monday, October 16 through Friday, October 31. The closure is part of the ongoing bridge rehabilitation project. Traffic will be detoured to Riverside Avenue, then to the Post Road, Sherwood Island Connector, and onto Exit 18.
In addition, parts of I-95 itself will be closed — as will the northbound Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps, and the southbound exit ramp — along with nearby Saugatuck Avenue, from 8 p.m. Friday, October 20, through 6 a.m. Monday, October 23.
The closures are necessary for the new I-95 northbound bridge to be placed using Accelerated Bridge Construction techniques. While I-95 northbound is closed, 2 lanes of I-95 northbound traffic will be crossed over on the I-95 southbound bridge. Traffic flow in both directions will be severely impacted all weekend.
For additional information on the project, including detours, click here.
The I-95 Exit 17 entrance and exit ramps were closed intermittently last week. Blasting helped prepare the site for the “bridge slide” coming soon.
For several years, James Naughton has been a passionate, articulate advocate for proposed medical aid in dying state legislation.
On Monday (October 16, 7 p.m., Westport Library) the Tony-winning actor and Weston resident — whose wife died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer — leads an important discussion.
“Medical Aid in Dying: Connecticut Wants It; Why Isn’t It the Law?” includes State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (former co-chair of the Public Health Committee); State Senator Ceci Maher; filmmaker Maribeth Abrams, who is producing a documentary about advocate Kim Hoffman, who died in 2022, and Tim Appleton, campaign director of Compassion & Choices.
“Houdini” (Jackson) and well over 100 other Club 203 guests packed the Senior Center Thursday, for the social club for adults disabilities monthly get-together.
Houdini (aka Jackson) at the Club 203 Halloween party.
This one was (of course) Halloween-themed. Attendees enjoyed Spooky Bingo, a barbecue, baked goods, candy (of course) and more.
Senior Center staff helped facilitate the event. Sweet P Bakery, Fresh Market, Stop & Shop and CVS provided donations, while MOCA led “frightening” art projects. Club 203 co-founders Stacie Curran and Sharuna Mahesh also thanked the many volunteers who helped.
Good times at the Senior Center, for Club 203 members and friends.
In what has become an annual tradition, RTM members celebrated Restaurant Week with a lunch last yesterday. This year’s site: Zucca, which has replaced Tarry Lodge in Saugatuck.
On hand were 24 of the 36 representatives, plus 2 former moderators (assistant town attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug and Velma Heller), plus Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton and Tatiana Plachi of the town clerk’s office.
Pro tip: Restaurant Week is actually two weeks. The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event ends tomorrow (Sunday). For a list of restaurants and their special deals, click here.
RTM members and friends celebrate Restaurant Week at Zucca.
=================================================
Amidst a gaggle of signs — for political candidates, upcoming galas, sports registration, driveway paving companies and everything else — there is a new, official looking one, in the rear of Compo Acres Shopping Center, by Compo Road South:
That’s a sign we can all agree belongs there. 988 is the new, important, easy-to-remember 24-hour hotline for people in crisis, including those considering suicide.
=================================================
Fred Cantor and his wife Debbie Silberstein recently visited their former neighbors, Gordon and Dot Hall.
They’ve lived in the same house near Hillspoint Road since 1955.
Dot recently celebrated her 92nd birthday. Gordon will soon be 96.
This fall marks the 70th anniversary of the beginning of their Westport teaching careers.
Fred wonders if there are any other married teaching couples around from the 1950s?
To which I’ll add: Are there any other teachers — period — from that decade still in Westport?
Westport was not the only artists’ colony in these parts.
Weston had a robust arts history too. On November 15 and 16 (6:30 p.m.), the Weston History & Cultural Center offers a look into their lives — along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and insights from curator Laurie Weiss.
It’s called “Weston Illustrated: Penned, Painted and Sculpted.” Among the featured artists, who lived and/or worked in Weston during the first half of the 20th century: Wood Cowan, Charles and James Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, John Held Jr., Ada “Johnny” Held, William Meade Prince, Laura Gardin Fraser and Stuart Benson
The event is limited to 12 people per night. Tickets $30 for members, $40 for non-members) include a signature cocktail and light appetizers. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar is Friday (October 20, noon to 1:15 p.m.).
The topic is “Cultivating Backyard Habitat for Pollinators in Every Season.” It will be led by Desiree Narango, conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies.
Diva Showstoppers — featuring a Glinda and Elphaba from the Broadway company of “Wicked” — flies into Westport for two shows on one day this winter: January 20.
“Good Witch/Bad Witch” has entertained audiences across the US, with its vocals and banter.
It’s recommended for ages 7 and up — including parents. All tickets are $40. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Former Staples High School assistant coach Ty Matthew Guarente died Wednesday, surrounded by his family. He was 28.
His obituary says: “the son of the late Lisa Marie Guarente and Gary Guarente faced life’s challenges with remarkable bravery, inspiring all who knew him. Despite the obstacles he encountered, his spirit remained unbreakable. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, resilience, infectious smile and sense of humor.”
Ty was a 2012 graduate of Brien McMahon High School, where he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and lacrosse. He earned a bachelor of science in sports management from West Virginia University. He was treasurer and head of recruiting for Theta Chi fraternity.
After graduating Ty returned home to Norwalk and began a career in coaching, impacting the lives of student-athletes at several local high schools across many different sports, including football, wrestling and lacrosse.
“Despite being involved in a car accident in 2019 that deprived him of the ability to walk, Ty endured, continuing his coaching career and remaining a fixture in the local sports community. His family and many friends from both near and far made sure that Ty was never without love and support, and he cherished every call, text, and visit.”
In addition to his father, Ty is survived by his brother Michael (Luz), sisters Jessica Guarente and Jessica Wilchfort (William), brother John Andresen (Jennifer), 8 nieces and nephews, and grandmother Ginger Sollazzo Raymond.
A celebration of Ty’s life will be held tomorrow (Sunday, October 15, 3 to 7 p.m., Collins Funeral Home, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (October 16, 10 a.m., St. Matthew Church, Norwalk).
Ty Guarente
==============================================
Today is not much of a beach day.
But yesterday was. Lauri Weiser spotted this scene — just right for “Westport … Naturally.”
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
=================================================
And finally … Rudolph Isley, one of the Isley Brothers as well as a co-writer of many of their hits during their decades-long (and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame) career, died Wednesday in his sleep, at his Chicago home. He was 84.
The Isley Brothers pre-dated the Beatles (who had a hit with their cover of the group’s “Twist and Shout”), and lasted long after the Fab 4 disbanded. Click here for a full obituary.
Here are just 3 of their classics:
(It’s your thing … do what you want to do! But please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here. Thank you!)
In the wake of last weekend’s attack on Israel — and several security issues that followed this week, at schools across the country — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers these words to the Westport community:
Like all of you I have watched and listened in horror to the atrocities committed in Israel over the past week. Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.
Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students. That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.
As much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.
Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students. This is evident in how our teachers and support staff earnestly seek resources to support our students, in how our police and first responders organize to ensure our schools remain safe, and in how local community groups, such as our faith community and town Human Services Department mobilize in times of need.
In the Spirit of Our Shared Humanity
I came across this last night. In the spirit of our shared humanity, in the face of inhumane acts, I find this to be someone who can sometimes say the difficult things out loud while transcending whatever boundaries exist between us. I’m dating myself a bit here, and I’m not even a diehard U2 fan, but as I experienced a range of emotions this week, from abject sadness to outright fury, his voice and language spoke to me, and I hope it resonates with you.
School Security
Given the current and enduring climate of social media, I’d like to reiterate my security message to the school community from September. I expect a continued assault on our senses from social media in the coming weeks and months. Social media has proven to exploit some of the very worst of humanity. These messages will likely stir profound fear.
Yet I want to assure our school community that we have tremendous resources in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Last month the town approved funding for additional armed police officers who are assigned exclusively to our campuses. These 4 school security officers are dedicated entirely to patrol our campuses. They do not act as general patrol officers for our town, but as police officers for our school campuses.
One SSO is assigned to each of the following: Coleytown Middle and Elementary; Kings Highway/Saugatuck Elementary, Staples High/Bedford Middle, and Greens Farms/Long Lots. Their schedules align with arrival and dismissal times of the schools.
In addition to these 4 police officers assigned to our schools, the district hosts another police officer, a school resource officer at Staples High School. This officer implements the “triad model” of “school resource officer policing”: educator, informal counselor, law enforcement officer.
Ed Wooldridge is Staples’ highly regarded and very popular school resource officer.
Furthermore, each school has a full-time security guard who is assigned to the interior of our schools. Together with the building administration, each security guard is in close contact with each campus assigned SSO.
As the building administration and security guards work to ensure safety inside our schools, the SSOs are assigned to patrol our school campuses, school grounds, and assist with traffic, pedestrians, and overall safety measures. SSOs are invited in our schools by building administrators when necessary.
Above all, these additional officers significantly increase response time in the event of an emergency, a critical strategy in school security.
We are on high alert every day. This is the reality of school security in the modern world. We are well resourced and prepared each day to provide a safe learning environment.
Other Responsive Efforts to Coordinate Support for Students
In order to coordinate our responsive efforts, I discussed our approach with the PTA presidents from all 8 schools in our monthly meeting on Wednesday. This group is instrumental in providing me feedback from the parent population. Furthermore, this group of parent leaders/volunteers offers consequential input into the district’s decisions and has an ongoing opportunity to share insights and feedback from the parent population. I am a better educational leader as a result of their critical feedback.
In addition, I reached out to Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, president of the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston, to schedule a meeting next week with the local rabbis as I seek additional guidance on how to best support our Jewish students. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston.
Our team has been in contact with Jewish Family Services in order to coordinate and provide support to Jewish families or staff in need. Jewish Family Services provides open office hours with trained social workers who offer clinical support in the following areas for those in need:
coping with emotional responses to trauma
expressing grief and fear
finding comfort in community
Finally, I held the monthly meeting of our district Leadership Team, composed of all 45 district administrators. We reviewed our security protocols, discussed how to best support students and staff, and coordinated resources within, and outside, the school buildings.
Support for Families In Talking with Your Children
One of our roles as educators is to provide parents with resources to support the development of your children. Although this is a very challenging topic, the following resources should prove helpful if you are struggling with a discussion with your child:
Please do not hesitate to contact one of our counselors, school psychologists, or building administrators if you need additional support and guidance with your child.
A wrong location was posted yesterday for this week’s candidate debates. Here’s the correct info:
Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage tomorrow (Wednesday, October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.
Questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Email: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.
The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.
An overflow crowd of 1,000 — including Governor Ned Lamont and Senator Richard Blumenthal, local officials and many clergy — packed Temple Israel last night, for a “We Stand With Israel” solidarity gathering.
Representatives from nearly 2 dozen area synagogues and other organizations hosted the event, which was organized in just 48 hours by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (bottom center), at last night’s “We Stand With Israel” gathering.
Religious leaders and others, at Temple Israel. (Photos/Allison Wachstein)
Westporters Arthur and Lisa Hayes are in Paris this week.
On a boat in the Seine yesterday night, they saw from a distance that the Eiffel Tower was not lit in white, as usual. One half seemed to be dark; the other was very dark blue.
As they got closer, they all understood. The tour boat grew very quiet, as they passed by.
In this week’s timely “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses a recent study on the growing lack of civility in small towns, and her own public comments on the issue.
The podcasts are sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Click below to listen:
Owner/chef Federico Perandin will appear on Guy Fieri’s legendary “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” Food Network show. The episode airs this Friday (October 13, 9 p.m.).
Westport’s own David Briggs will conduct an Instagram interview tonight (Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m., @westportlibrary) with Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts. They’ll talk about how the men’s wellness brand — which opened on Main Street this summer — is committed to men’s mental health issues.
From left: ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky and Nate Checketts at Rhone’s Westport store.
===============================================
Longtime Westporter Marty Yellen offered a presentation on aging — and a cancer treatment update — at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Yellen was an engineer on the Hubble Space Telescope. He then earned a doctorate in medical biology engineering. He works now with Yale scientists, biologists and engineers on diseases that come with aging, researching techniques and treatments to alleviate them.
Yellen warned the large audience to stay away from beef (particularly grilling), processed meats that can stand at room temperature like salami, and animal fats.
He suggested instead lamb, chicken, fish, plenty of fiber and vegetables, nuts, yogurt, beans — and most importantly, virgin olive oil rather than butter.
Daily exercise daily — for example, 30 minutes of walking — is especially important.
“You are your own doctor,” Yellen said. “Take care of your body, eat right, exercise daily — and don’t smoke!”
Speaking of health: The 29th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Fairfield County event is always a celebration of courage and hope
Over 5,000 participants will gather this Sunday (October 15, 9 a.m. to noon), at Sherwood Island State Park.
Over 3 decades, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s 3- to 5-mile walks have provided a supportive community for survivors, caregivers and families. The event funds breast cancer research, programs and services.
From Azerbaijan to Westport: Amina Figarova has moved from her upbringing behind the Iron Curtain to become a celebrated jazz pianist and composer.
On Thursday (October 12, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) she makes her “Jazz at the Post” debut. Rudy Royston, Boots Maleson, Bart Platteau and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall join her for two shows: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Their first-ever dance performance this Saturday (October 14, 7 p.m.) features the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Company, in collaboration with Alturas Duo and Yale University’s Calllisto Quartet.
“Strings and Asymmetry” offers a fusion of styles, instruments and artistic
expressions.
Tickets include admission to the current exhibit. For details and tickets, click here or call (203) 222-7070.
And finally … on this day in 1845, the Naval School opened with 50 students in Annapolis, Maryland.
Today it’s known as the United States Naval Academy. Its enrollment is about 4,450.
(Another Roundup filled with political, entertainment, restaurant and health news — and another reminder that “06880” relies entirely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Together with the community, the Westport Public Schools stand against all forms of hate and violence, including of course the desecration of human life, the murder and the kidnappings of innocent citizens in Israel.
As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.
Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.
