Tag Archives: Shell gas station

Roundup: Montessori Denied, Shell Closes, Candice Holley Resigns, Joe Black Hired …

Montessori got schooled.

A state Superior Court judge has upheld the Westport Planning & Commission’s denial of a proposal to move into the former Bank of America building next to Starbucks, on Post Road East.

The P&Z decision was based on insufficient parking — 24 spaces, instead of the required 32.4 — and traffic concerns, including cars backed up on the Post Road for the coffee chain’s drive-thru. The school — proposed over a year ago — would have served 124 children, infants through kindergarteners.

Click here for the full story, first reported by CT Insider.

The proposed Montessori School …

… at the former Bank of America site. (Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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Another vacancy on Post Road East just occurred.

After decades of operation, the Shell gas station on the Post Road at Maple Avenue South has closed.

A sign says the service and repair business has moved to 271 Post Road East — the Quality Towing & Auto Repair location.

No word on whether any place in Westport will pick up the emissions testing slack. (Hat tip: Matt Murray)

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

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Director of Human Resources Candice Holley has resigned, for personal and family reasons.

She said, “I truly appreciated the opportunity to work with town leadership in both administrations, town employees, and the broader Westport community. Westport will always remain close to my heart.”

1st Selectman Kevin Christie said, “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Candice Holley

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When Dave Goldshore stepped down as Staples High School boys basketball coach this spring, his replacement was not far away.

Yesterday, athletic director VJ Sarullo announced that Joe Black will lead the Wreckers next winter.

He began his high school coaching career at Fairfield Warde High School, then joined the Wreckers in 2023. He also works with the Westport PAL program.

At Staples, Black — the varsity defensive strategist — played a key role in helping earn back-to-back FCIAC championships.

He graduated in 2016 with a marketing and management degree from Fairfield University. Black is now is a senior coordinator at Neptune Retailer Solutions. He lives in Fairfield with his wife Marissa (also a Westport PAL basketball coach).

Sarullo says, “While his basketball knowledge, preparation and strategic approach were evident throughout the interview process, what impressed the hiring committee most was his unwavering commitment to serving as a positive role model for student-athletes. Coach Black’s vision for the program is one that represents Staples High School with pride, integrity, and excellence both on and off the court.”

Joe Black

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Every graduation is special.

For 2 Westport twins, last Friday’s Greens Farms Academy commencement was extra special.

Danya and Evie Herman were valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026.

In her address to 97 classmates, Danya reflected on the experiences, friendships and growth that shaped them all. Evie welcomed guests, on behalf of the graduates.

The ceremony featured remarks from actor/director/producer Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural,” “Days of Our Lives”). He spoke about perseverance, pursuing passions, building a life of purpose, embracing challenges, and recognizing that success often comes from resilience and determination.

Danya (left) and Evie Herman

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Speaking of changes: Here’s a visual representation of Westport today:

(Photo/Leigh Gage)

One house (foreground) was torn down yesterday, on Manitou Road.

Behind it, on a neighboring lot, a new home rises.

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Two more tournaments — mahjong and canasta — have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s 3rd annual golf tournament. The event is June 15, at Birchwood Country Club.

The golf event (7:30 a.m.) includes 9 or 18 holes; light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails, on-course drinks and afternoon reception; cart rental; access to the locker room and facilities, driving range, and practice putting green, and contests to win Playhouse season tickets and pro shop credits.

The mahjong and canasta tourneys (9:30 a.m.( includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails and afternoon reception, plus the chance to win Playhouse season tickets and other prizes. Guests can create their own foursome, or come as a pair or solo and be matched with others.

Click here for details. Questions? Email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org.

 

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The tastiest fundraiser of the year — CLASP’s “Taste of Westport” — fed and slaked the thirst of several hundred guests last night.

The 20th annual event — benefiting the non-profit that houses and supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities — had a new venue (the Fairfield County Hunt Club, while the Inn at Longshore is under renovation).

There were a few new restaurants and vendors, and many familiar ones. Thanks to all who donated food and drinks, along with staff, for a very good cause: Anan, Artisan, Barcelona, The Blondinit, Black Bear Wine & Spirits, Bridgewater Chocolates, Blue + Berries, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Boathouse, Eder Bros., Dandelion, Chopin Vodka, Gloria Ferrer, Magic Pie Co., Korbel, Gruel Britannia, Gabriele’s, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Massi Co, Moet & Crandon Champagne, Nômade,  Oggi Gelato, Nordic Fish, Rive Bistro, Tarantino, Rizzuto’s Romanacci Pizza Bar, The Whelk, Woodford Reserve and Yuzu.

The Bridge at Saugatuck — one of 30 tasting stations. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Four great volunteers and organizations were honored with Westport Community Service Awards on Tuesday:

  • Jocelyn Baraniaran, Westport Book Sales Ventures presisdent
  • Dave Matlow, Westport documentary photographer
  • Westport Police Athletic League
  • Staples Tuition Grants.

The Rotarians also presented Public Protection Awards to members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments. Deputy fire marshal Dan Mascolo and firefighter Pete Nichio earned a Public Safety Award, for their work building and maintaining the Fire Department’s Peer Support Team.

Rotarians and honorees (from left): Rick Benson, Jim Marpe, Ruairi Powers, Jocelyn Barandiarian, Peter Helt, Leslie Roberts, Bob Wickey, Dave Matlow, Kevin Christie, Craig Mergamo, Maggie Hudson Blau, Pat Carey. (Photo/Rady Johnson)

Westport Rotary Club president Peter Helt and Deputy Police Chief David Wolf, and officers honored with Public Protection Award certificates. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

From right: Rotary president Peter Helt, Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, Dan Mascolo and Pete Nichio with their awards. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Teenagers sometimes space out.

Now that can do it in a good way. The Northeast Occultation Network — a student astronomy research program — is accepting applications for its next research cohort, at the Westport Observatory.

Curious students, from beginners to advanced, will join NEON’s research team to contribute real data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The program, guided by University of New Haven astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green, covers everything from basic telescope operation to capturing high-precision data from asteroid occultations. Sessions are held from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information and to apply, click here.

NEON students, at work.

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John Bygott is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for June. The local artist is exhibiting a selection of oil paintings of seascapes.

A professional painter for nearly 20 years, his artwork is represented in galleries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Florida.

A reception is set for June 17 (6 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.

John Bygott with his work, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 27 and June 2.

Three Bridgeport women, ages 21, 25 and 26, were charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into alleged shoplifting at the Gap. An eyewitness told an officer they had just observed 3 women run out of Lululemon, carrying multiple items, and described the vehicle they entered. It was observed soon after on the Sherwood Island connector, and stopped. Lululemon clothing with a value of $2,838 was in the vehicle. All 3 posted bonds of $3,000, $7,500 and $7,500.

A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a single vehicle accident at the Hillandale Road/Wakeman Road  intersection. The driver struck a mailbox and fire hydrant, before hitting a tree that snapped and damaged a fence. He was released on a $500 bond.

A 38-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, and violation of probation, after being held at Rikers Island. He ws unable to post a a $159,500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 18 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 6
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Texting while driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license more than 60 days: 1
  • Failure to carry registration/insurance card: 1
  • Leaving a motor vehicle without setting brake: 1
  • Driving wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Illegal operation of a motor vehicle on rapid transit road: 1
  • Defective windshield wiper: 1
  • Violation of tinted glass requirements: 1

Failure to set a car brake can lead to a citation.

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Before the full moon becomes too un-full, we’ve got this great “Westport … Naturally” image, from Schlaet’s Point:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … on this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing suffrage to women. The next step: ratification by the states.

(Keep marching … you’ll reach your goal. And oh yeah, click here to keep supporting this hyper-local blog. We’ll reach our goal to keep serving you, 24/7/365. Thank you!)

Roundup: Downtown Book Shop, Sidewalks, Retail …

Is there any local organization Miggs Burroughs does not help?

The noted Westport artist — whose roots here go back to elementary school, and whose artistic career took off in his 20s with a Time magazine cover and US postage stamp — has created 4 limited edition lenticular artworks, to be auctioned at the Westport Book Shop’s March benefit.

Miggs’ “Icons of Justice, Courage, Innovation, and Style” are on exhibit at the Jesup Road store through the end of February.

Everyone is invited to a reception for Miggs and the exhibit on February 19 (6 p.m.).

As for the benefit: It’s March 13 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Since early 2021, the Westport Book Shop has provided over 8,750 hours of paid employment and job training for more than a dozen people with disabilities.

They learn workplace skills transferable to other retail environments, and enjoy frequent, everyday interactions with the community.

Over that time, thanks to sales, the Book Shop has provided more than $200,000 of support to The Westport Library.

The fundraisers will build on that financial foundation, and help grow the employment program.

The evening includes live music, light bites and beverages, a paddle raise, and live and silents auction of unique books, vinyl, artworks and experiences.

Auction items include 2 copies of “The New Yorker in Westport” by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; signed copies of Rod Serling’s book “Patterns,” and Amor Towles’ “Rules of Civility”; tickets and tours of local attractions, and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Miggs Burroughs, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Shame on Shell!

A Westport ordinance says that businesses must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.

Our last snowfall was a week ago.

This was the scene yesterday, on the sidewalk in front of the Shell gas station opposite the Westport Country Playhouse entrance:

Sure, it’s a lot harder to remove now.

But it should have been done the first time.

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Speaking of ice: The Westport Fire Department has been notified of a hydrant issue downtown, near GG & Joe’s.

It is leaking, forming ice on the sidewalk and street. Aquarion is working to fix it.

Leaking hydrant. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Speaking of downtown: 2nd Street opens February 7..

The second-hand clothes and accessories store moves into space vacated by The Loft, next to Shoe-Inn.

Their first Connecticut location — one of about 50 nationwide — opened last year, in New Haven.

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Meanwhile, across the street Timothy Oulton is closing March 31.

The UK-based furniture and home accessories firm is 2 doors from Oka. That British furniture store closed last summer.

Next door is Mexicue. That 2nd-floor restaurant shut down in December.

 

Timothy Oulton (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Hunter Peterson — the Staples High School graduate and shellfisherman who was profiled  yesterday on “06880” — has a new Instagram account.

You can follow him @saugatuck_oyster_company.

One of Hunter Peterson’s crabs.

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“Westport … Naturally” has received lots of Sherwood Island photos recently.

Looks like Connecticut’s first state park has been discovered — after nearly a century — but more than a few local residents.

There’s a lot there to explore. And — as Rob Grodman’s image shows — winter is as good a time as any to do it.

(Photo/Rob Grodman)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Lewis Carroll. He was born in 1832, and died in 1898.

(Feed your head! Feed “06880,” too. We can always use the support of readers. Please click here. Your hyper-local blog — and the dormouse — thank you.)

Roundup: Superman, Madame Web, Richard Scarry …

It’s taken a while.

But last night, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic study of Cross Highway, North Avenue and Bayberry Lane.

The project will look at intersection safety, as well as adding a sidewalk on Cross Highway and a crosswalk near The Porch @ Christie’s.

Next stop: an appropriation request to the RTM.

The North Avenue/Cross Highway intersection may be the most dangerous one in Westport without a traffic light. Another contender: Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane.

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Superman came to the Westport Library last night.

The Man of Steel arrived on the Trefz Forum big screen. Westporter Arlen Schumer presented an in-depth lecture on Curt Swan — the longtime local illustrator who for 29 years was DC Comics’ primary Superman artist.

it’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Arlen Schumer and Curt Swan at the Westport Library! (Photo/Dave Matlow)

Swan’s 3 children were all in the audience. Chris lives in Westport;  Karen Brooks is in Wilton, and Ceal Swift is in Westbrook.. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Chris Swan and his sisters Ceal and Karen, in the Westport Library audience. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Camp A Cappella CT — the innovative program teaching vocal technique, beatboxing, ensemble skills and choreography to area youngsters —  returns this summer with an in-person program.

And another star on its faculty.

Michelle Pauker — the 2013 Staples High School graduate/Broadway performer who wowed a recent SRO MoCA crowd with an evening of song — will work her considerable magic.

Michelle earned a BA in music from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, concentrating in musical theater. Many Westporters already know her through her private lessons.

Michelle joins music educator Amanda Violone, in the upbeat, fun camp program.

Camp A Cappella CT was created by Danielle Merlis, following the success of her Cello Camp. The award-winning musician was initially inspired at Long Lots Elementary School, earned first chair honors in the Staples High orchestra, and went on to perform with Chris Brubeck and the Eagles, at venues like Lincoln Center.

Camp A Cappella CT welcomes singers in grades 1 to 12. It runs August 22 to 27  at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, alongside The Cello Camp, now in its 7th year.

For information and registration for Camp A Cappella CT. click here.

PS: You don’t have to attend (or have a kid who does) to enjoy the camps’ final concerts (August 27, 5 p.m. cellists, 7 p.m. singers, Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Everyone is welcome.

One day at Cello Camp …

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Next up on the big screen: Westporter Kathy-Ann Hart.

She’s the latest addition to the cast of “Madame Web.” The Marvel comics-based film’s cast includes Dakota Johnson, Mike Epps, Adam Scott and Sydney Sweeney.

Though she began performing as a child in her native Trinidad, Hart is a newcomer to film. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 2003, she worked for many years as a corporate attorney and non-profit executive. She moved to Westport in 2017.

Kathy-Ann Hart

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Gas prices have dropped for over 50 straight days. They’re now nearly $1 less than this spring’s (very high) highs.

Today — and today only — you can get $1 off each gallon, at the Shell station across from Westport Country Playhouse.

They’ve renovated their interior, so it’s a brighter and better-stocked (if not particularly healthy) convenience story mart than before. They’re celebrating today, with the special $1 off offer. (Hat tip: Ifeseyi Gayle)

The Shell station opposite Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Ifeseyi Gayle)

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Like many places of worship, the Unitarian Church in Westport welcomes guest speakers.

But this Sunday (August 7, 10 a.m.) is special. Darcy Hicks will also make art with the congregation.

As “06880” reported last week, Darcy is part of Wings4Peace. The grassroots gun safety coalition, formed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting, creates “wings” artwork all across the nation.

The UU church invites artists, non-artists, students, builders, artisans and activists to join them, and Darcy, on Sunday.

Darcy Hicks, with her “Wings4Prace.”

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The Weston Flea is Saturday, September 10 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Weston High School). This month, organizers invite anyone looking to sell home goods, tag sale items, crafts, art, new business ideas and more, to reserve space.

Popular items include toys, garage and garden items, tools, rugs, candles, soap and jewelry. The cost is $25 for 2 parking spaces ($20 for seniors).

To reserve a spot, call 203-222-2608 or email wpetty@westonct.gov.

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This fall, Fairfield Museum presents an immersive exhibit on the life and work of Richard Scarry.

The children’s book author and illustrator — known for the book “Busytown,” and characters like Huckle the Cat, Lowly Worm, Miss Honey and Mr. Frumble — lived in Westport. He began illustrating in 1948, but his work remains popular today. The Fairfield Museum show will introduce him to the next generation.

It will include original artwork, unpublished drawings, rare books, large-scale reproductions of his illustrations, a reading nook, and a museum-wide scavenger hunt.

Click here for more information. Click here and click here for 2 “06880” stories on Richard Scarry’s connections to Westport.

 

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Yale New Haven Health cut the ribbon on its new Digestive Health Center yesterday.

The facility, at 325 Riverside Avenue, provides care for medical and surgical patients, including bariatric, colorectal and hernia surgery and gastroenterology.

Yale New Haven Health, at 325 Riverside Avenue.

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Lauri Weiser writes: “I have no idea why this iris wanted to bloom again now, in my back yard. Maybe it just wanted to be a “Westport … Naturally” photo!”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … getting ready for next month’s Weston Flea (see story above):

 (“06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support this blog.)

Westport Fill-Up: It’s A Gas

Last month, Governor Lamont signed emergency legislation — passed unanimously by the state Senate and House — suspending Connecticut’s excise tax on gasoline from April 1 to June 30. The state collected 25 cents per gallon.

The legislation says that retailers’ failure to reduce the per-gallon price of gasoline by that amount will be considered an “unfair or deceptive trade practice.”

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell decided to see which local gas stations followed the rules.

He took photos of several Westport gas stations on the Thursday evening of March 31, then again on the afternoon of April 1.

The Shell station across from the Westport Country Playhouse dropped its prices by 25 cents …

Mandell says: “WCBS radio reports that stations pay the tax upon delivery of their fuel, so prices might not come down until the next delivery.

“Nonetheless, the majority of stations did indeed change their prices — some 20 cents, some 25 cents, some even 30 cents.

“Some did not change their price at all.

“What should also be noted is the difference in prices overall — up to $1 per gallon — and that some places have different prices for cash and credit transactions.”

Here are the stations in Mandell’s cross-section:

  • Citgo  $4.13 to $3.88: 25 cents
  • Cumberland Farms Hillspoint Road:  $4.13 to $3.93: 20 cents
  • Cumberland Farms Bulkley Avenue South: $4.13 to $3.93: 20 cents
  • Exxon: $4.23 to $3.93: 30 cents
  • Mobil: $5.27 to $5.27: no change
  • Phillips: $4.29 to $3.99: 30 cents
  • Shell downtown: $4.09 to $3.84: 25 cents
  • Shell Maple Avenue South: $4.87 to $4.87: no change
  • Sunoco Riverside: $4.29 to $3.99: 30 cents

… while the Shell near Maple Avenue showed no change.

Roundup: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, Networking, No …

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Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.

The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.

Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?

Click here for more information, and to order his book.

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Connectalent is a Westport-founded firm that connects skilled employees with employers who value work/life balance.

They’re partnering with Indeed to sponsor a workshop and networking event for mothers — “Returning to Work with Confidence” — on October 5 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Among the topics: positioning yourself for jobs, how to fill in any resume gaps, and helpful interviewing and networking tips.

There will be time to network — and enjoy light refreshments and cocktails. Click here to register.

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Miggs Burroughs spotted this sign in a car at the Trader Joe’s parking lot:

(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

He adds one more “no”: “No education. Bidon?!”

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Speaking of cars: The longtime Sunoco station across from the Westport Country Playhouse is now a Shell.

Probably not much will change, besides the sign. Prices will no doubt be in line with every other gas station in town.

Except the Mobil next door. It’s one of the last actual “service” stations — as in, they do repairs too — in town.

But their prices are always $1 a gallon more than anywhere else.

The new Shell station. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. To raise awareness, Kings Highway Elementary School was filled recently with gold ribbons.Staff and students wore gold, and donated funds.

“KHS” means more than the school’s initials. You could also say: “Kind Hearts Shine.”

Staff members support Kings Highway School’s Childhood Cancer Awareness drive.

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Speaking of kids doing good: In August 2020, 10-year-old Suzuki violin students Isabella and Alexander Mariani — with help from their mom, Carole Chinn Mariani — created “Make Music Feed.” The small, socially distanced concert raised money for the Connecticut Food Bank. The young musicians are products of Westport’s Suzuki School of Music.

A year later — with food insecurity still rampant — Isabella and Alexander once again gathered friends. On Saturday, a second concert was held on the Marianis’ front lawn. The beneficiary was Connecticut Foodshare.

Joel Pitkin accompanied his children Mia and Noah Jung-Pitkin, and Grant Zimmerman.

A special guest was Staples High School sophomore Janna Moore. She was Alexander’s “Practice Buddies” partner. The program pairs Staples musicians with 5th grade orchestra students.

Contributions are still being accepted. Click here to help.

Suzuki concert musicians (from left): Alexander Mariani, Noah Jung-Pitkin, Isabella Mariani, Mia Jung-Pitkin, Grant Zimmerman, James McNamara, Julie McNamara and Janna Moore.(Photo: Carole Chinn Mariani)

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Quietly — just like an electric vehicle — the EV Club of CT is getting pumped for National Drive Electric Week. (It’s September 25 through October 3, if you’re celebrating.)

A Green Wheels EV Parade and Showcase is set for Saturday, October 2 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The parade begins at the Westport train station, and ends at Bob’s plaza lot in Fairfield.

For details and registration, click here.

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When COVID canceled Emory University’s varsity soccer season last fall, former Staples High School captain Josh Berman decided to stay on for one more semester. He will graduate this winter.

His team is glad he did. Berman scored with just 14 seconds remaining Saturday night, lifting the Eagles to a 1- victory over the University of Lynchburg.

After playing a great match as a defender, Berman raced up the left side on the attack. then blasted a shot past the diving Hornet keeper. It was his first goal of the season.

It was as exciting as it sounds. Click here, then scroll down for the video.

Josh Berman

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They’re not quite Canada goose-level obnoxious. But — when they steal your food and poop on your head, seagulls can be pretty annoying.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows them in a different, um, light.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … the Harvest Moon rose last night. It’s called that because its bright early evening light was very helpful to farmers harvesting late summer crops.

Of course you know what that means for today’s song …