It’s a decades-long Staples High School tradition: On the first day of school, half of the 12th grade class wears specially designed shirts, proclaiming their status as “Senior Girls.”
They arrive honking, in cars they decorated the night before, drawing nicknames and “Senior Girls” with their graduation year on the windows.
A decorating party took place last night at Compo Beach. It was quite a way to celebrate the last night before becoming … senior girls.
(Photo/Lisa Newman)
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Another tradition, nearly as long: the first-day-of-school photo of elementary school youngsters on Caccamo at Juniper Road.
Pam Long has been taking that photo for years. Here’s the 2024 edition:
(Photo/Pam Long)
Have a great year, kids!
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Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.
Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.
“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published today. She celebrated by placing copies in 9 “little free libraries”
I celebrated a little early by sneaking copies into 9 “little free libraries” in Fairfield County, including Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, at Compo Beach.
It’s probably gone by now.
Click here for more information.
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Speaking of books: Next month’s Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club selection is “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan. The group meets on Thursday, September 26 (6 p.m.).
Called “a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy,” the novella is on the New York Times‘ recent list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was awarded the George Orwell Prize for political fiction, for outstanding works first published in the UK or Ireland that illuminate major social and political themes.
Registration is requested, as space is limited. Call 203-349-5141, or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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Artnletters.com is a new website featuring hand-painted, detailed, colorful custom name and word prints with scenes of animals, fairies and adventure. T
Its giclée prints are great gifts for new parents, young kids, teachers, medical professionals serving kids and, its creators say, “all who are young at ❤️ART.”
The duo behind the venture are 1976 Stapes High School grads Jackie Rogers and Patricia Elliot.
Rogers has illustrated over 150 children’s books, including the bestseller “Our Great Big Backyard” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.
Her childhood friend Elliot has practiced employment law for over 40 years. She gives Jackie’s illustrated alphabet art as gifts, and wanted to help share Jackie’s art more broadly.
Elliot handles logistics, while Rogers paints and create in her whimsical style.
A sample of Jackie Rogers’ art.
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Longtime Westport resident Jayne Mauborgne died peaceful August 8 in St. George, Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty she loved. She had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous month, with friends and family.
The Bronx native was an avid traveler, who explored Africa extensively. She also loved animals, and supported numerous animal organizations.
She founded a sales rep organization which she managed into her 80s, covering New England.
Jayne is survived by her daughters Colette Griffin and Danielle Mauborgne; grandson Peter Griffin; son-in-law Michael Printz, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barnett, and cherished friend Vivienne Nemmerson.
A memorial celebration will be held on September 22 (1 to 4 p.m., Rive Bistro). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wildlife in Crisis, 44 Indian Valley Rd. Weston, CT 06883.
Jayne Mauborgne
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I’m not sure if I’ve ever included an alpaca in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Whether or not, here’s the South American mammal — a Wakeman Town Farm favorite:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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And finally … here in Westport, it’s the first day of school!
(Another school year begins. As always, “06880” will be here to report on it. And, of course, everything else going on in town. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
