It’s one thing to get teenagers to Staples High School by 6 a.m. — in the dead of winter, and during summer vacation.
But a few dozen Westport boys do it. They’re fueled by the goal of becoming varsity football players.
It’s another thing entirely to get their teachers to join them at dawn in July — on one of the hottest days of the year.
But that was the scene Tuesday, at Paul Lane Field.
The first-ever “Staples Teachers & Staples Football” workout was a huge hit.
Each player invited 1 or 2 favorite teachers, Twenty — of all ages, and both genders — accepted the challenge.
The morning began with a speed and agility workout. A lift in the weight room followed. Then it was back to the turf, for relay races. Athletes competed alongside the teachers they’d invited.
Waiting for the race start.
Assistant principal Pat Micinilio impressed everyone with his bench press. English instructor Brendan Giolitto quickly emerged as the leader of his team, rallying his players with excitement.
Pat Micinilio spots Cardale Jones. The starting quarterback on Ohio State’s 2014 national championship team is a member of the Staples football coaching staff.
Social studies teacher Nell Ann Lynch was the star of the football gauntlet. (No surprise: She was an NCAA Division I volleyball player).
Nell Ann Lynch, in action.
Physical education teacher Jeb Boyrer’s team captured the overall title by winning the Tic-Tac-Toe 40-yard relay.
But the highlight may have been PE instructor Jen Telford. She completed the entire workout while carrying her 1-year-old son in a baby carrier, while 2-year-old son Braeden stole the show, enthusiastically joining every activity. (A future Staples Wrecker, perhaps?)
Future Wrecker?
The morning ended with breakfast. Players and teachers talked, laughed, and continued to build relationships outside the classroom.
The special session was the brainchild of head coach Matty Jacowleff.
All winter long, during 6 a.m. lifting sessions, phys. ed. teacher Jeff Doornweerd worked out too. He is not a football coach, but he became part of the group — offering pointers, spotting players and forming friendships.
As Jacowleff — a special education teacher — walked through the Staples halls, he noticed players gravitating toward Doornweerd. Jacowleff sought an opportunity for other teachers and athletes to build similar connections.
Tuesday’s special workout was born.
“It was incredibly meaningful to see so many teachers drive back to school at 6 a.m. during their summer vacation simply to work out alongside our players,” Jacowleff says.
It was also “a powerful reminder of the care, commitment and pride our teachers have in the Staples community.”
But, Jacowleff adds, “I believe it was equally impactful for our teachers. They had the opportunity to experience our players in an environment they truly love, and to witness firsthand the culture, standards, accountability and brotherhood that define Staples football.
Special education teacher Lauren Manosh spots her son.
“It was a special morning that reminded all of us that the Staples community extends far beyond the walls of a classroom or the lines on a football field.
“I hope they walked away with a deeper understanding of why this program means so much to our players. I also hope that they weren’t too upset when they had to do up-downs for jumping offsides.”
Post-workout group photo.
Getting ready for the season. (Photos/Oliver Lynch and Danielle McGrath)
Compo will never be as crowded as it is for the fireworks.
But don’t count out today.
Between the actual July 4th holiday and the heat, Westport’s flagship beach will see plenty of action.
By 8:30 this morning, South Beach — the area with grills and tables — was already nearly full.
(Photo/Karen Como)
Remember: Unlike the fireworks, there is no reserving spots. You can’t put your stuff down on a picnic table, then head home for a few hours and expect it to be yours when you return.
Play fair! Think of others! It says “No Reserving Tables” right there ON the tables!
Meanwhile, today’s temperature is expected to be a little better than yesterday, with a high of “only” 94.
Tomorrow, it drops to 84.
And on Monday — are you sitting down? — the high is forecast to be just a frigid 79.
Just in time for America’s birthday, the Westport Library’s Verso Studios has produced a song tribute: “Hey Hey Hey Happy 250th Birthday USA.”
The uplifting, non-political tune’s lyrics, music and vibe were all created by Verso Studios advisory board member Les Dinkin. He worked with studio producer Travis Bell to polish the song, through dozens of iterations.
They used Verso’s free media resources, including AI toolkits. Click here to listen.
The cover of the Library’s semiquincentennial record.
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Pete Ratkiewich’s long tenure as Public Works director was supposed to end yesterday.
But the job is 24/7/365. In his final hours, he had to deal with an important issue: Both transfer station compactors went down, with electrical problems.
That could have been disastrous. The July 4 holiday weekend brings major trash.
The situation was so dire, one refuse company emailed its customers that because the town could not work on repairs until Monday — and did not know how long it would take — that the company would not pick up trash on Monday, and would adjust its schedule accordingly.
No worries!
At 6:55 a.m. today, Ratkiewich emailed “06880”: “We did have to close early yesterday. We were able to get one compactor working again by the end of the day, so we will be open again on Monday.”
That’s one more reason to thank you for your service, Pete. Thanks too to everyone at Public Works.
Now everyone can go back to celebrating America’s birthday.
And making trash. (Hat tip: Seth Schachter)
Back in action! (Photo/David Meth)
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It’s bad enough that FIFA has stripped stadiums of the names of all corporations that are not official World Cup sponsors.
MetLife is (through the finals there July 19) “New York New Jersey Stadium.” Levi’s is “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.” Gillette is “Boston Stadium” — though it’s 30 miles from Foxboro.
But that pales in comparison to the new sign on the old Carvel.
But this season, the Staples Football Wall of Fame welcomes new members.
The Gridiron Club is seeking nominations for the prestigious honor. The deadline is July 31. The ceremony takes place September 10, at halftime of the home opener against Westhill.
To be considered, players must have graduated at least 10 years ago. Areas of distinction include on-field excellence, post-high school athletic achievement, program impact and legacy, current program involvement, and character and integrity.
Coaches, staff or community members who significantly impacted the Wreckers’ success and culture can also be nominated.
To make nominations, or for more information, email Gridiron Club board member Doug Pardon: DP@brigadecapital.com.
And finally … there are so many patriotic songs we could pick from.
This — from Phil Ochs — is one of my favorites.
And its words are as insightful and important as they were 60 years ago.
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The Staples Gridiron Club nominates the Wrecker football team as this week’s Unsung Heroes, for their offseason community service. The club writes:
In early December the Staples football team was eliminated from the state championship playoffs by their rivals, Greenwich High School.
On the field, the season was over. But off it, a new season was just beginning.
Head coach Matty Jacowleff — a Staples 2014 graduate — began installing his most important playbook. He calls it “4 for 40”: the 4 years spent playing football at Staples will benefit the student-athlete for the next 40 years.
Sure, Jacowleff said, they had to get stronger and faster as athletes. But they also had to get stronger in the classroom, and become leaders in the community.
Home games attract 3,000 fans on a Friday night. It was time for the football program to give back to the community that supports them.
Over the winter and into the spring, players were offered weekly service opportunities. Sophomore parent Cher Carroll helped organize the outreach.
The results are as impressive as anything that happens on the field.
Players headed to Maplewood at Southport Senior Living, where they conversed, played bingo, and provided tech support to elderly residents. NBC News New York featured the project on a recent broadcast.
Visiting Maplewood Senior Living.
The Wreckers participated in the Hope Blooms team walk, to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s.
At the Hope Blooms walk. Head coach Matty Jacowleff is standing, 3rd from right.
At Operation Hope Fairfield, players donated food items, helped bag lunches for distribution, and unloaded donations at a local post office.
Helping at Operation Hope.
The Wreckers also traveled to the Nourish Bridgeport food pantry, where they unloaded and sorted food donations, and helped clients shop.
Players who had conflicts were encouraged to give back according to their own schedules.
Already in 2026, the student-athletes have worked with 8 organizations, and logged over 250 hours of total community service.
Those numbers are impressive. But the Wreckers also came together to help one of their own. Varsity quarterback coach Nick Chacho told the team that he was battling stage 3 colon cancer.
While maintaining their weekly community service schedule and working hard in the classroom, the team undertook several fundraising efforts.
With the help of ASF Westport, they designed and sold “Team Chacho” t-shirts. The following week, over 40 players volunteered at a lemonade stand near Compo Beach.
The squad has already raised over $10,000 to help with medical costs for their coach, with minimal adult involvement and supervision.
Raising funds for their coach.
“Coach Matty” has set out to make his student-athletes model citizens, on and off the field. The Wreckers have responded not for recognition or adulation, but to help support the community that supports them each fall.
They are our unsung heroes.
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But whatever you think about the 6-time Super Bowl champions, everyone here can cheer for one player: Jake Rizy.
The 2020 Staples High School graduate — a former Wrecker captain, and longtime Pats fan — just signed a contract with the team.
He’s the first Stapleite to sign with an NFL squad since 2000. Sean Mulcahy played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Carolina Panthers, while Dave Kashetta joined the Washington Redskins (now Commanders).
Rizy heads to Foxboro on May 7, for a rookie camp.
Nothing is guaranteed. There’s a long road from here to August.
But after overcoming 2 knee injuries, a COVID year and other adversity, Rizy is ready for anything.
His road to the pros began in 8th grade. Friends convinced him to play Westport PAL football. Quickly, he was hooked.
In 9th grade, he already weighed 185 pounds. An offensive lineman, he worked his way up from the freshman and junior varsity teams, to 2 years on varsity.
The football program was in flux — Rizy had 3 head coaches in 3 years — but he was proud to be part of what proved to be Adam Behrends’ turnaround. Rizy helped lay the foundation for a state championship, 4 years later.
Jake Rizy at Staples …
“It was awesome to play football at Staples, ” Rizy — who earned All-FCIAC honors, and also captained the wrestling team as a heavyweight — says.
“I made a lot of friends. It was my life.”
Last weekend, he returned the favor. He spoke to the current squad, and liked what he saw.
“Coach Matty (Jacowleff) has them fired up. He’s got a lot of energy, just like my college coaches.”
After graduation, Rizy headed to Harvard University. But COVID canceled the Ivy League football season.
He was mainly a backup his sophomore year. He then saw action in all 10 games as a junior, and was named to the All-Ivy 2nd team.
He capped an outstanding senior season with 1st team All-Ivy honors.
… and Harvard …
Because of COVID, the NCAA granted athletes another year of eligibility — beyond the 5 years already allowed.
But Harvard permits only 4 years. So after graduating with a dual major in economics and psychology, Rizy looked for a new school.
Harvard’s coaches helped. The offensive coordinator had a connection at Florida State University. Two years ago, Rizy headed to Tallahassee.
He had a bumpy start. He began playing center behind a 6th-year starter, then moved to guard. The Seminoles had a difficult year, but he was named FSU’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
… and FSU.
The next spring, Rizy hurt his knee. (He’d injured the other one in high school.) Thanks to great trainers and weight room staff, he finished strongly that fall. He played all 12 games, at all 5 o-line positions.
He earned his second bachelor’s degree, this one in interdisciplinary social sciences.
But Rizy was not ready for a 9-to-5 job.
His FSU strength coach recommended training at the TEST Football Academy in New Jersey. They prepare prospects for the NFL Combine and Pro Days. (The Combine is a centralized event; Pro Days are individualized, campus-based workouts.)
At the FSU Pro Day on March 27, Rizy’s speed times — particularly for his 6-5, 310-pound size — were very good. Teams were encouraged to watch his game films.
The Patriots were not one of the first teams to show interest. But Rizy’s agent worked with them.
Almost immediately after the NFL draft ended Rizy signed a contract, as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Jake Rizy, ready for whatever comes next.
The upcoming rookie mini-camp is his first chance to show he can make the 53-man fall roster.
“I’m lucky to have had great coaching all the way throughout,” Rizy says. “Everyone has helped so much.
“I’m lucky to be where I am. I had injuries, but they didn’t stop me. I’m still here.
“Football is my life,” he reiterates. “I didn’t have an identify before it. It got me into Harvard and Florida State. Now it’s my job to work my butt off.”
He’s spent the past couple of weeks in Zoom meetings, and working out with Renick Jeune, the Stamford trainer he’s had since 9th grade. (Like Rizy and his parents, Jeune is a Pats fan.)
Rizy was a Staples freshman the first year Matty Jacowleff joined the Staples football staff.
Jacowleff — now the head coach — says, “We are incredibly proud of Jake and this remarkable achievement in his dream of playing in the NFL.
“What says even more about his character is that one of his first calls after being signed was to ask how he could give back to Staples football.
“For our kids in Westport, seeing someone commit to hard work, achieve at the highest level, and then come back to support the program has a lasting impact on our amazing community, and our football program.”
Soon, Jacowleff — like the rest of Westport — can root rabidly for the Patriots. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
(“06880” reports often on Staples, sports, and the achievements of our young people. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
NOTE: Registration for new voters is now only in person, at Town Hall.
Democracy in action. (Photo/Jo Shields)
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Although Sephora will replace Brooks Brothers at the “Elm & Main” shopping plaza downtown, the men’s clothiers is not leaving Westport.
The move will not come until late 2027 or early 2028, when Brooks Brothers’ lease expires. That gives them plenty of time to find a new location.
And, they assure customers, it will be somewhere in Westport.
FUN FACT: “Elm & Main” is the new (not very popular) name for what used to be called Brooks Corner, on Main Street at (duh) Elm.
But the name did not come from the store. It was developed — decades earlier — by the Brooks family. The commercial real estate company also owned the Westport News, whose offices took up much of the building.
(Photo/Sutton Bulkeley for Inklings)
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Over the last 2 weekends — one rainy, one gorgeous — Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members volunteered for annual tulip planting.
This year, member Andrew Colabella donated 1,500 bulbs, to jump start fundraising for the Sons of the American Legion.
The multi-colored tulips come directly from the Netherlands.
This year they were planted along the entrance to Compo Beach, and at Grace Salmon Park (suggested by RTMer Nancy Kail).
That makes over 5,000 total tulip bulbs, thanks to the RTM.
Colabella thanks Colorblends in Bridgeport for their amazing inventory, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department maintanance division for grass seed, SCA-Crowley for topsoil, and Sons of the American Legion treasurer Mark Shornick for handling funds.
The SAL is still accepting donations. Cash or checks can be dropped off or mailed to: VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
After graduating from Staples High School in 2010, Raechel Alaimo worked at the Black Duck for 10 years.
She worked at a boutique salon too in Stamford, to put herself through hairdressing school.
She worked at a variety of salons, received advanced training, an spent the past couple of years at Effi’s Salon in Saugatuck.
Now she’s opened her own salon, Studio 111, as part of the Sola Salons suite at 495 Post Road East (between Autostrada and the former Humane Society).
She offers hair coloring, cutting, styling and keratin treatments. She will soon add Bellami extensions
Raechel and her clients appreciate that Sola Salons includes more than just hairstyling. The building includes professionals specializing in Botox, waxing, skin care, makeup, barbering, event styling and more.
“It’s a one-stop shop for a slew of services in a private environment, eliminating the chaos that can come with the standard salon atmosphere,” Raechel says.
Former Staples High administrative assistant Lynette “Lyn” Birkmaier died Friday. She was 95, and lived in Trumbull.
The Illinois native spent 40 years in the school’s front office, including time as the principal’s assistant. She is survived by her son Gary (Lisa Laplante), grandson Karl Birkmaier, sister, Joyce and brother Paul.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Faith Food Pantry in Newtown. Click here to send online condolences.
And finally … on this date in 1977, a plane carrying Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Mississippi. Six people, including 3 band members, were killed.
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Comments Off on Roundup: Sephora & Brooks Brothers, Raechel & Studio 111, ALS & Cancer Walks …
The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected the Staples football team’s first-year coach as High School Coach of the Week.
The Wreckers are now 4-0, after pummeling Darien on the road last Saturday, 31-6. It was Staples’ first victory over the Blue Wave in 13 years.
The honor comes with a $2,000 check from the Giants Foundation and Gatorade for the football program. Jacowleff will also receive a certificate signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, and be honored at a dinner following the season, and a 2026 pre-season game.
Staples football head coach Matty Jacowleff.
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The art featured this fall in the Westport Library aligns with StoryFest — the multimedia homage to storytelling.
The exhibits — on display now through December 16, include:
The exhibit features renowned photographers Philippe Halsman, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Eliot Porter and Lucia Nebel White, and Westport photographers Larry Silver, David Kalman, Spencer Platt, Lynsey Addario and more.
Larry Morse’s “Black Men Reading” (opening reception October 29 at 6 p.m.; conversation between Morse and Westport artist Miggs Burroughs at 7).
The idea for this series began in 2020, inspired by daily subway commutes where Morse observed fellow passengers, including the occasional sight of Black men with books in hand. Those moments transcended timely happenings, and spoke to deep-rooted aspects of identity, dignity, and representation.
“Art of the Album: Modern Blues” showcases a selection of LPs featuring Westport resident and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin’s performances on keyboard, including with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. From Mother Earth’s “Living With the Animals” to Brewer & Shipley’s “Tarkio,” these albums capture the cultural time when vinyl packaging were both a canvas and a keepsake.
Staples High School Class of 1973 graduate Bob Gill died peacefully in February in Honolulu. He was 69.
An Eagle Scout, Bob earned a gymnastics scholarship — and a bachelor arts in education — at Arizona State University.
Bob in the Los Angeles and Honolulu public schools. The North Shore, with its culture and surfing challenge, became his home.
He was also an actor, model and house painter.
Bob is survived by his siblings Jeffrey, Steven (Sally) and Kirsten Bartie (Steve). He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Olivia, and brother Gary.
A memorial will be held this Sunday (October 12, 11:45 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Longtime Westporter Jo Ann Arciola died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was 78.
The Boston native found her professional home at Resnick Advisories, where she spent more than 20 years. She was noted for her dedication, integrity and kindness.
Jo Ann was an avid reader, traveler and cook. Her family says, “her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and love.”
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Sam Arciola, Jr.; son Sam Arciola III (Kelly); grandsons Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola; brothers-in-law Carmen Arciola of Florida and Jay Westerhold of Virginia; many nieces and nephews, and her dog Romeo. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Austin, sister Eleanor Westerhold, and Joseph Arciola.
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 16, 11 a.m., Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road).
And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, and the album cover exhibit at the Westport Library (story above):
(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog — your source for news, events, photos, and everything else about our town. We rely on reader support. Please click here — and thank you!)
As Westport’s selectperson’s race ramps up, “06880” is there.
This afternoon (4 p.m.), Dan Woog and TV journalist Dave Briggs take their InstagramLive camera into the political arena. We’ll chat with Republican-endorsed candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. It’s the first in a series we’ll do, with all those running.
Find us @06880danwoog at 4 today. We’ll take your questions, and listen to your comments.
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Westport Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday), at 10 a.m.
Rotary officials sent an incorrect link, which was posted yesterday. Here’s how to get tickets tomorrow morning, starting at 10: Click here, then follow the prompts.
Yesterday morning, alert “06880” reader Mark Mathias spotted 4 of them.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
Mark has no idea where they came from. Perhaps, he says, they’re friends of the stuffed animal at Trader Joe’s. (It’s “hidden” in the store. If a child finds it and brings it to the front, he or she is rewarded with candy or a sticker.)
There are many mysteries in Westport. (Including at Winslow — for example, the oddly symmetrical, strangely placed slightly creepy hill near the entrance.)
If you’ve got any info — or even a theory — about these stuffed animals, click “Comments” below.
On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Westport resident Stew Leonard Jr. threw out the first pitch, against the Minnesota Twins. It was a perfect strike.
The supermarket mogul wore a custom jersey, courtesy of the Yanks, emblazoned with #38 and “Stewie.”
It honored his toddler son, Stew Leonard III, who drowned in 1989. Stewie would have been 38 this year.
Stew was selected for the honor of throwing out the first pitch by Yankees sponsor Mike’s Amazing, in recognition of his quick action in saving a choking crew member at the WPIX Channel 11 studio on August 1.
Mayor Adams declared yesterday “Stew Leonard Day” in New York, in honor of his heroics. Click here or below for the Instagram. (Hat tip: Susan Farley)
Speaking of sports: Staples High School football is just beginning its new season. They’ve got a new coach, Matty Jacowleff.
But some things don’t change. This afternoon, the program hosts its 6th annual Murph Challenge.
It’s a culmination of their summer fundraising, for both the football program and the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The event begins at 4:30 p.m., with Catch a Lift veteran Andy Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Then the athletes take on the Murph Challenge. It includes a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run. (With a modified version for linemen!)
Everyone is invited to Paul Lane Field, to listen to Smith’s talk, and watch the Wreckers take on the Murph. Donations are welcome by Venmo: @Staples-Gridiron.
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Westport Police made 11 custodial arrests, in the 2 weeks between July 30 and August 12.
Five New York City males, ages 31, 18, 18, 17 and 15, were charged with forgery, and conspiracy to commit forgery, after attempting to pass counterfeit bills at local businesses. The 31-year-old was also charged with risk of injury to a minor.
A 38-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, criminal attempt and conspiracy to commit larceny, and failure to appear, after officers responded at 3:44 a.m. to a report from a homeowner that someone had entered and searched her unlocked vehicle, parked in her driveway. A nearby resident reported that items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle too. An officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the middle of the road on an adjacent street. The operator fled, but at the same time another man was seen walking toward the vehicle. He admitted to entering the unlocked vehicles. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond. The second suspect’s identity is still under investigation.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after complaints from 3 residents regarding missing jewelry from their homes. An investigation revealed that all 3 employed the same cleaning service. An employee of the service was pawning the jewelry. She was unable to post a $250,000 bond.
A 25-year-old Old Greenwich woman was charged with larceny, after shoplifting $14,651 worth of goods at Michells. She was released on a $10,000 bond.
A 41-year-old Stamford man was charge with larceny, after a report that jewelry valued at $10,000 was missing from a home. The suspect worked for a company that provided service at the victim’s home. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with criminal possession of a firearm. He was ineligible to possess the Taurus .357 magnum handgun. He was unable to post a $100,000 bond.
A 59-year-old Stratford man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $10,000 bond.
WEstport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 17 citations
Driving while texting: 12
Failure to obey stop sign: 12
Speeding: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Texting while driving (2nd offense): 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
Permitting a dog to roam: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper stop: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
A citation was issued for a vicious/barking dog. This is not it.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets in executive session at 4 p.m. today, at the law office f Berchem Moses.
There is one agenda item: “Discussion of pending litigation, Roan Development Ventures LLC v. Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Westport, for property at 601, 606, and 609 Riverside Ave, 91 and 96 Franklin St, 2 and 16 Railroad Place (The Hamlet at Saugatuck).”
It is the first of many such discussions, following the filing of a lawsuit against the P&Z by the developer, following denial of its proposed Saugatuck project.
Speaking of public hearings: The Planning & Zoning Department says that scammers have contacted residents regarding zoning and/or public hearing applications.
The bad guys falsely claim that a “public hearing fee” must be paid directly to them before an application can proceed.
The town of Westport will never request payment fees through phone calls, texts, emails or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle or CashApp.
All official fees are paid directly to the town through established, secure payment methods.
Scammers may use official-sounding titles, fake letterheads, or spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious request:
Do not provide personal or financial information.
Do not send payment.
Contact the P&Z Department immediately (203 341-1030) to verify the legitimacy of any request.
Report the incident to the Westport Police Department: 203- 341-6000.
The other day, “06880” published a photo of parking signs downtown.
They showed new 2-hour limits (down from 3) on several streets. (Parking lots are not affected.)
The signs said the limits were in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — even though the new regulation does not start until 8 .m.
In fact the erroneous signs had already been changed, by the town Highway Department.
They were clearly way ahead of “06880.”
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Speaking of downtown: The public is invited to his year’s free Japanese Fall Festival (Saturday, September 6, 1-4 p.m., Jesup Geen).
The family-friendly festival is sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County. It features taiko drum performances, brief plays of Japanese folk tales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
We’ve reported on the success of the Fairfield Little League team — regional champs, now competing in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvan — several times, because pitcher Ben Herbst is the son of a Staples grad, nephew of another, and grandson of Mickey and Candace Herbst.
But there are other reasons to root for our neighbors, too.
Jennifer (Zeoli) Curley is a 1996 Staples graduate. Her son Colin is on the team — and her husband Tom is one of the coaches.
Britt (Horton) Dunlap is a 1999 Staples grad. Her son Boden is on the squad too.
Fairfield won their first game in Williamsport last night. They play tomorrow night (Friday, 7 p.m.) against Hawaii. The game will be televised on ESPN.
Here’s hoping they go at least as far as the 2013 Westport team — World Series finalists! (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)
Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley are all in this photo.
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Pam Docters describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo: “Gorgeous contrast of the blue sky and the white hydrangeas on Saugatuck Shores!”
And finally … you may have predicted this, from the Police Reports (above):
(Winslow Park, Staples football, Westport police — a few of the things that make our town special, all together in one Roundup. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
As students head off to college, they pack many things: Clothes. Electronics. Favorite items from home.
And: Narcan.
Positive Directions offers a safety kit with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips and more.
There’s also a 15-20 minute info session on mental health, substance risks and resources at college, including overdose signs and how to administer Narcan.
“Who knows what will come of the legendary caboose that has lived off Newtown Turnpike for decades?
“For months, a large demolition sign has been on the door of the house (120 Newtown Turnpike, or 1 Crow Hollow Lane) that the caboose sits in the rear of.”
The demolition sign …
“Legend has it the caboose was flown in, as in literally dropped via air, by a doting father for his daughter’s birthday party. And so it has been there for years, now encroached by brush, no one living in or near, though at one point it was an office for the nearby house.
… and the caboose today. (Photos/Jessica Branson)
“Neighbors hope the caboose will stay when ‘the little red house’ is finally torn down.”
In 2016, “06880” featured the caboose — and Gigi New, the writer who used it as her office (and muse). Click here for that fascinating back story.(Spoiler alert: It includes plenty of facts. And a lot of mystery.)
The caboose in 2016 …
and writer Gigi New, who used it as an office. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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For Steve Moen, painting means returning — to physical places and emotional landscapes.
For the 1972 Staples High School artist, his “Circling Back” series began with visits back to Westport, where his childhood memories live in tidal marshes, rocks and boulders along the shore.
The exhibit is on display at the Westport Library’s Sheffer Gallery from now through October 5. On August 13 Moen returns, for a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. conversation with Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Click here for more information.
Speaking of sports: An “06880” story about Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force request for donations of items needed by their clients caught the eye of the Staples cheerleaders. They wanted to help women in need.
The captains asked dteammates to bring an item from the list to the next practice.
But — wanting to raise more awareness, and collect more items — they reached out to the football team.
With help from the Gridiron Club and captains, they collected many more items.
The other day, they dropped off their donations at the police station. The officers — and “06880” — thank the Staples cheerleaders and football team!
A portion of the cheeerleading and football teams’ donations.
Speaking of community service: In just 2 weeks, the Westport Rotary Club collected 153 musical instruments, and assorted sound gear.
They ranged from drums, guitars and keyboards to ukeleles, clarinets, flutes — even music stands and conductor’s batons.
The collection — worth about $14,000 — is being shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
Green’s Farms Church served as the collection point. Westport Rotary president Peter Helt drove all over Fairfield County to pick up donations, then hauled it all to New London, for shipping.
Speaking still of community service: Staples High rising junior Mika Smith volunteers with the National Charity League.
Organizing book drives for Caroline House in Bridgeport, she has collected 2,000 books over the past 3 years.
This year Mike and her sister Gretchen — a rising freshman — also customized tote bags to deliver the books. They’ll be used long after the books are delivered — and will be a constant reminder of Caroline House’s great work.
Mika and Gretchen Smith, with their donated books and tote bags.
Low Cut Connie got the Levitt Pavilion rocking last night.
They brought a creative, inclusive take on rock ‘n’ roll, channeling early Elton John, punk, Rod Stewart, Philly soul and other genres into a musical stew.
(Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Frontman Adam Weiner often jumped into the audience, to sing — and dole out hugs.
(Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)
This week’s free shows include:
Tuesday, August 5: Comedy Night, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6: Children’s Series: Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band, 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 7: Barboletta: A Tribute to Santana, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8: Lulada Club: New York City’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra, 7 p.m. dance lesson, 7:30 show.
For over 20 years, St. Vincent’s Hospital “Swim Across the Sound” has raised funds to help cancer patients facing financial hardships. Last year’s event raised $590,000, to help pay for rent, utility bills and groceries.
The 17-mile swim begins in Port Jefferson, Long Island, and ends at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.
Among the boaters escorting swimmers yesterday: Westport Josh Schwartz. Here is the Clarkson University swim team — before they got wet:
When they got in the water — and back out — they finished third, in the college division.
“They weigh about as much as a penny, and have approximately 20 heartbeats per second. It takes a lot of energy to keep up that pace, so the hummingbird will eat up to 3 times its body weight a day. One of their favorite sources of energy is the jewelweed, a native yellow flower.
“Some of them migrate from Southern Canada as far as Costa Rica. They can cross the Gulf of Mexico — approximately 500 miles — in a non-stop single flight.
“Their aerial displays are unmatched. Up, down, backwards and forwards, hovering and with great speed, they are marvels to watch.
“As we continue to eradicate green open space, such as the planned destruction of the 4 acres of open space adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, we continue chipping away at the ability of our beautiful natural environment to sustain itself.
“Destroying green open space like this is exactly the opposite of what we are teaching our kids in school, and is in direct contrast to helping a world that seems to be falling apart at its environmental seams.”
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And finally … tying together a couple of the first items in today’s Roundup:
(You never know what you’ll find in our Roundup. But there’s always something special here — and, hopefully, news and info you can use. We also hope you’ll click here to support us. Thank you!)
When Staples High School head football coach Adam Behrends resigned this winter, he took a position far away: on the staff at the University of New Mexico.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo did not look far for his replacement.
Matty Jacowleff — announced as the Wreckers’ new head coach this afternoon — was already on staff.
He’s been an assistant football coach since 2019. He’s also an assistant lacrosse coach — and a special education teacher at the school.
Jacowleff is also a 2015 Staples graduate. He captained the 2014 football squad.
At 27, he is the youngest head football coach in Wrecker history.
Matty Jacowleff (Photo courtesy of Staples Football)
Jacowleff earned a BS degree in business administration from Northeastern University, and an MA in secondary education from Fairfield University.
He joined the Staples football coaching staff right after college. He has served as associate head coach, offensive coordinator, wide receiver and defensive backs coach, and head junior varsity coach.
Sarullo says, “Coach Jacowleff brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and unmatched passion to this new role.
“As a lifelong Wrecker, Coach Matty exhibits great pride for the community, school, program and student-athletes.
“Throughout the interview process, Coach Matty communicated a clear vision for the future of the program, ensuring continued success both on and off the field.”
Adam Behrends — the inspirational head coach who took a moribund Staples High School football program to a state championship in just 5 years — is leaving Westport.
Behrends told his players earlier this afternoon that he has accepted a college assistant coaching position.
In 6 years, the Iowa native — who came to North Avenue following 9 years at IMG in Florida, where he helped launch the football program — compiled a 40-16 record. In 2023, the Wreckers captured the “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.
Adam Behrends
Athletic director VJ Sarullo says, “Even more impressive than the on-field results were the lessons and values that Coach Behrends taught to all that participated in the football program. These will stay with our student-athletes long after their time here has concluded.”
Sarullo adds, “As good a football coach as he is, he’s an even better person. I’ll miss him, but I know this is a great opportunity for him.”
A search committee will be formed, to find Behrends’ successor.
Head coach Adam Behrends (far left), with players and coaches after the 2023 state championship win.
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