Whether you missed Saturday’s “LL” (extra large schools) championship football game, or were in the stands at Central Connecticut State University and want to relive the highlights: Here’s your chance.
GametimeCT created this highlight reel, including interviews. Click below. And even though you know the result — Staples High School won, 21-20 — it’s worth watching.
And re-watching.
On a related note, Staples super-fan Dan Orlovsky — the former NFL quarterback and current ESPN football analyst, as well as a Westport resident — tweeted a clip of Max Maurillo’s game-saving tackle on West Haven’s 2-point conversion attempt with 1:15 left, along with an approving comment.
It has received 2.2 million views — undoubtedly another landmark for Staples football.
As usual with Twitter X, comments were all over the place. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
This is the HS in the town we live in
Shared a play from last week and stated “if you have a young athlete show them this—season saved off effort”
Same message applies. State title game. Dreams and goals on the line. Watch kid on left of screen and his effort. Wins a state… pic.twitter.com/BZ7WKAWjKq
“I’m looking for a service or person in Westport or Weston who can check on a house as needed — perhaps deal with an alarm, make sure there is no water leak, or pick up a package. Even when we try to stop packages, they slip through. I’m in Lower Weston.
“This might be an ideal role for a senior who is still driving. This person wouldn’t need handyman skills — just come over, bring a flashlight if the power is out, and check on the house.
“We don’t have an ideal neighbor for this, and the neighborhood children are either too young or off at college.
“I could pay someone a small fee every month ($50? — so that’s $600 a year, even if they have to do nothing), plus a fee every time they had to come over to the house ($50?).”
If you’re interested, and around all the time, email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll connect you with the homeowner.
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The weather turned nasty yesterday.
But before the rain, Santa Claus forsook his sleigh for a different mode of transportation, on the not-yet-frosty streets of Westport:
The Westport Woman’s Club recently awarded a $6,000 Ruegg Grant to Positive Directions, the Westport non-profit behavioral health organization.
Ruegg Grants — established in 1995 by an endowment from former member Lea Ruegg — are awarded to projects that enhance social services, health, safety, the arts or education.
From left: Robin Clark, Westport Woman’s Club president; Vanessa Wilson, Positive Directions executive director; Hallie Preskill, WWC community services chair; Susan Loselle and Donna Richardson, WWC committee members.
The 1880 Victorian just north of Saugatuck Elementary School — owned by the town, and used previously by the Board of Education — will include 5 apartments. Four are for people with special needs; one will be rented to a staff member, who also qualifies under regulations for affordable housing.
The off-site affordable housing is part of the Richmondville Mill project. Funding came from Sam Gault and Joe Feinleib.
It’s a great example of public/private cooperation to address affordable housing needs. The town gets a $500,000 prepaid lease, on property it still owns. The historic house got a $2 million restoration (and landscaping) through Redniss & Mead.
Abilis — the 72-year-old nonprofit serving over 800 people with special needs — gets a completely redone home, gratis, for clients. Each unit includes a kitchenette and private bath
The town gets moratorium points toward affordable housing units — without going through the contentious 8-30g process.
Once a certificate of occupancy is granted, residents and a staff member will move in.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell rose, at Tuesday’s meeting, and requested time to speak on a subject he feels strongly about: antisemitism.
Less than 72 hours after announcing a holiday fund drive to heat 2,000 homes for the winter in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine, we’re already more than 3/4 of the way to our goal.
We’re aiming for $60,000. That would pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each would heat 1,000 homes — all heavily damaged in the Russian invasion, and all filled with families facing a cold, bleak winter.
Thanks to 2 large anonymous donations, and dozens of smaller ones, we’ve raised $48,112. We are less $12,000 away from helping 2,000 people — many of them elderly, and children — in the war-torn town.
Come on, Westport! Let’s close this out today! $30 will heat one apartment for the winter. $300 will heat 10. Any gift — of any amount — will make the winter bearable, in our sister city.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
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The short block of Rayfield Road between Post Road East and Spicer Road is public — and gets plenty of traffic.
For years, Volvo of Westport used both sides as a parking lot. After many complaints, the Board of Selectwomen voted to ban parking there. The “No Parking” signs went up a month ago.
Big deal.
Volvo — and others — continue to park there.
This was the scene Wednesday, at 2 p.m.: 6 cars. Plus a tractor-trailer.
Police: Take note!
(Photo/Arthur Hayes)
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Speaking of parking … a reader sends a photo from yesterday morning, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve:
He writes: “Granted, there might not be huge demand for the very limited parkin spaces this time of year.
“But there were 4 commercial vehicles parked there, presumably by contractors working on a nearby house.
“I know there’s not much available parking down here. But those few spaces are intended for residents’ recreational use.”
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50,000 copies of “Agent Orange” — the new book by Westport author and Vietnam veteran Carl Addison Swanson — have been delivered to 4 regional VA offices. They’ll be distributed free to former servicemembers.
“The dreadful chemicals, some 19 million pounds, sprayed on Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the war have now murdered over 300,000 veterans since we left Vietnam in 1975,” Swanson notes.
Click here for more information on the book, and to order. Click here for Swanson’s website.
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Ring cameras capture some plenty of prosaic scenes.
And some pretty interesting ones.
But even the cutest deer nuzzling up against a door, or the most brazen thief running away with an Amazon delivery, can’t compare with this video, from a couple of nights ago, in the Cranbury neighborhood:
Screenshot of Ring video (courtesy of Brian McGunagle)
That’s right. You’ve always been told there’s no such thing as a unicorn.
It was 10 years ago yesterday that the almost instantly popular restaurant opened in Playhouse Square.
To celebrate — and for a limited time only — they’re offering a Morning Zest Parfait.
It’s made with morning zest granola, Greek yogurt, almost butter and strawberry compote, it’s part of TGB’s 10th anniversary menu. The Classic Parfait, Shrek, Granola Bowl, Dana, The Good Date, Very Berry and Lemon Drop are all just $10.
And — if you use the discount code “GC10” — you get 10% off online gift cards. The offer is only good through (of course) December 10.
The Staples football team hopes for a great turnout tomorrow (Saturday, December 9, 5 p.m., Central Connecticut State University’s Arute Field), for their state “LL” (extra large schools) championship game against West Haven.
But if you can’t make it to New Britain, there’s a livestream. Click here (and follow the prompts to subscribe).
As exciting as the game is, it’s tinged with tragedy. Christopher Fidalgo-Pugh — a sophomore player for West Haven — died suddenly on Tuesday.
Carmen Roda — Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager, and director of the Fairfield County Football League — is helping raise funds for funeral costs. Click here for the GoFundMe link.
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This bobcat looked right at home yesterday, hanging out on a deck off Wilton Road and posing for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.
And finally … Denny Laine — the singer/songwriter/guitarist who co-founded both the Moody Blues and Wings — died Tuesday in Florida. He was 79, and suffered from interstitial lung disease. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on the support of readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Speaking of the Festival of Lights: The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life sponsors community menorah lighting celebrations in Westport and Weston.
The “original Westport menorah” at Compo Acres Shopping Center (Trader Joe’s/Wells Fargo parking lot) — now in its 16th year — will be lit Monday (December 11, 7 p.m.).
The day before (Sunday, December 10, 5:30 p.m.), a menorah will be lit at the Weston Shopping Center. It continues a tradition begun 20 years ago.
Both ceremonies include music, cookies, gelt and dreidels.
Westport Scout Troop is selling wreaths as a fundraiser this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last; Saugatuck Congregational Church).
Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods and hot cocoa are available too.
Funds will help projects, like the recent construction of lanternfly traps for Sherwood Island State Park. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.
Everyone should be mailing gifts and cards like crazy.
But — astonishingly — this was the scene at noon yesterday, in the post office lobby:
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Come on, Westport! This is show time for our postal clerks.
It’s when they shine: helping with packages, dispensing advice, tossing all your stuff into the back to be whisked away — all with the efficiency of a thousand Rudolphs.
Our great US Postal Service men and women are ready to serve you. Give ’em the business!
With leaves off the trees, and leaf pick-up by the town almost complete, the trash that litters our town has become quite visible.
Andrew Colabella, and his faithful crew of garbage pickers, come to the rescue.
And anyone can join.
After a successful spring, they’re starting again this Sunday. Everyone is invited to meet at 10 a.m. this Sunday (December 10), at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector. They’ll work throughout the Greens Farms neighborhood.
Volunteers should wear boots, bring gloves and trash bags — and dress warmly.
For questions, or to be added to the email list, write acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Andrew Colabella (center, front) and friends, picking up trash at the Westport train station last winter.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 29 and December 6.
A man was charged with assault, unlawful restraint, interfering with an emergency call, larceny, sale of narcotics, possession of cannabis greater than 1.5 ounces, illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle, and criminal possession of a firearm.
The charges came after police responded to a report of domestic violence in a vehicle on the Sherwood Island Connector. After the assault, the man refused to let the victim leave, and prevented a 911 call.
The suspect left the area on foot. Officers located him in a vehicle traveling the wrong way on the I-95 northbound exit ramp, and initiated a traffic stop.
Westport Police also issues these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Distracted driving: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1.
A handgun was found, following a report of domestic violence.
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Speaking of crime:
Scooter Swanson — editor, and nephew of the TV dinner magnate — says his mail carrier tells him that leaving cash in the mailbox as a holiday gift (whether in an envelope or not) is subject to theft.
The carrier claims that UPS, FedEx and Amazon drivers yank out the cash cards intended for him and other US Postal Service colleagues. (This has not been verified.)
Swanson was ripped off of a $10,000 check for his credit card when it was robbed by a “correctional officer” making his nightly tour of mailboxes through neighborhoods.
Fortunately, People’s Bank reimbursed him for his loss. The Hartford also considered it personal property, and reimbursed him another $10,000.
PS: Swanson was once a federal attorney.
Think twice about leaving holiday cash for your mail carrier inside your mailbox.
Music is everywhere — including, often, the Westport Library.
On December 12 (7 p.m.), a multi-media presentation tracks the impact of music on a variety of art forms, in a range of venues.
Speaker John Brandt — a dancer, singer, actor, percussionist, PR consultant and lifelong Westporter — will highlight how music is “the soundtrack of our lives.”
The event — sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston — is free, but registration is required (click here). For further information, email jkbrandt@aol.com or call 203-246-6280.
John Brandt
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Speaking of the Library:
The second of 3 “Short Cuts Film Festival” showings is next Thursday (December 14, 7 p.m.).
Documentaries selected from the Tribeca Film Festival include:
“Then Comes the Body” by Jacob Krupnick: An unlikely ballet school outside Lagos, Nigeria, gains national attention after a video of students dancing in the rain goes viral.
“In Her Element” by Idil Ibrahim: Hip-hop artist Daisha McBride takes the traditional rock and country audience in New Orleans by storm.
“Team Dream” by Luchina Fisher: Determined friends and competitive swimmers journey to the National Senior Games.
“Deciding Vote” by Jeremy Workman & Robert J. Lyons: Fifty years ago, a now-forgotten New York assemblyman cast single tiebreaking vote that legalized abortion in New York, and la the groundwork for Roe v. Wade.
After the screenings, “Team Dream” director Fisher will discuss her film, and documentary filmmaking in general.
Short Cuts Film Festival concludes on January 18, with a program of narrative shorts.
Tickets are $26.50; click here to purchase. Films are suitable for ages 12 and up. Refreshments and popcorn will be provided.
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Mark Yurkiw — whose work has lately been heavily influenced by his Ukrainian heritage — is December’s guest exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
His exhibit — “Art is Always of Its Time” — includes 12 illuminated works using large-format film transparencies of 3-D images of the 1980s and ’90s.
Yurkiw is an artist, sculptor, filmmaker, scientist, designer, creative director and consultant. His work appears in magazines, advertising, television, feature films, exhibitions and public art. It has been exhibited globally, including most recently as part of a 2-man United Nations exhibit.
A reception for Yurkiw will be held December 14 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). Reserve a spot by phone (203-349-5141) or email: bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Yurkiw’s art is on exhibit through December 31. All work is available for purchase.
The Weston Weston Family YMCA’s Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund honors its 2023 grant recipients at 5 p.m. next Tuesday (December 12) at the Y.
This year, the Fund will award $315,000 in grants to 31 organizations throughout Fairfield County. Their programs support equitable educational programs for students.
Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!
The Wreckers — seeded #1 in their division — dominated #5 Southington 41-0, in yesterday’s soggy state LL (extra large schools) semifinal game.
The blue-and-whites advance to the final for the first time since 2011. They face #3 West Haven — 26-13 victors over Greenwich — on Saturday (December 9). Kickoff is 5 p.m., at Central Connecticut State University.
The match-up is a sportswriter’s dream. The Westies defeated the Westportes 33-23, in the first week of the season. It’s Staples’ only blemish. They’ve reeled off 12 straight wins since then.
Injuries — and deaths — of ice hockey players resulting from skating injuries have highlighted the importance of neck guards.
Dr. Lynn Wilson — executive vice chair and clinical director at Yale University’s Department of Therapeutic Radiology, and the Westport father of an NCAA D-III hockey player — has teamed up with Rob Stevenson, an NHL Florida Panthers executive, and former Amherst College hockey captain and Navy SEAL, to create a neck laceration protection device.
It “provides superior anatomic coverage, designed with military, hockey and commercial experiences top of mind,” Wilson says.
The pair hope to create a new standard of neck laceration protection for hockey players around the world.
Wilson and Stevenson were introduced by another Westporter, Mike Hayes — Stevenson’s former SEAL commanding officer.
For more information, email lynn.wilson@yale.edu.
Dr. Lynn Wilson
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The leaves are nearly gone from the trees.
But that did not stop dozens of blackbirds from landing outside Johanna Keyser Rossi’s window yesterday morning.
Just as quickly, they were gone. But before they flew off, she snagged this photo for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And she’s inviting Westport kids and parents, too.
The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation already sponsors “Santa” runs, complete with a fire truck. But spots are limited, and not every parent who wanted to could sign up.
So on Friday, December 8, Santa (and the fire truck) will come to Lucia’s house, at 4 Narrow Rocks Road.
The Big Guy will hand presents to children. But first (kids — stop reading here!) — their parents need to make a minimum $35 donation to the Firefighters Foundation. Click here to do that.
Parents also must drop off a wrapped gift for their child (kids — you should not be reading this!) at Lucia’s house before the event.
Lucia will also provide a fire and hot chocolate. She may even lead a few carols.
And — spoiler alert — she is not just a very generous woman. Lucia is also a professional opera singer, with gigs at Carnegie Hall and the US Open, and on ESPN, Bravo, ABC and NBC.
To RSVP, and for questions, emailluciapalmieri@yahoo.com or call 917-578-8443. (Hat tip: Katherine Calise)
Also, just in time for the holidays, a shop has popped up in Westport.
West | Out East — with locations in New York City, East Hampton and Miami — is now open at 1 Main Street. That’s near the intersection of Post Road East — the previous site of POP’Tart gallery.
This is a bigger space than their previous location, 9 Riverside Avenue.
Modular products are “versatile in style and function, accentuated by customizable millwork.” The collection includes indoor and outdoor furniture, decorative and architectural lighting, closets, storage systems, kitchens, bath fixtures, rugs and accessories.
Led by quarterback Caleb Smith and the offensive line, they rallied from a 9-6 halftime deficit to nip Fairfield Prep 13-12, in last night’s state “LL” (extra large schools) quarterfinal game.
The Wreckers are seeded first; the Jesuits were 8th. Prep ended the Westporters’ season last year, with a 23-22 state playoff win.
The victory earns Staples a home semifinal contest against #5 Southington, at 12:30 p.m. this Sunday. Staples beat the upstaters 34-27 earlier this year.
Quarterback Caleb Smith. (Photo/John Nash for The Ruden Report)
Neighborhood Studios — the multi-discipline, multi-dimensional Bridgeport arts program supported by many Westporters — and the Curtis Summer Camp Fund have partnered on a very cool benefit concert.
With very cool local musicians.
“Give Kids a Chance!” (December 5, Fairfield Theatre Company; reception at 6 p.m, concert at 7 p.m.) features great local talent. They’re backed by the Zambonis: the greatest (and only) hockey rock band on the planet.
Many musicians’ names are familiar to Westporters: Jim Francis, Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Dave Hart, Stanton Lesser, Rob Morton, Leila Shields, Rick Smilow and 5th State Band. They’re joined by students and alumni of the Neighborhood Studios Contemporary & Jazz Ensemble.
Neighborhood Studios serves more than 1,000 Bridgeport youth, ages 3 to 19, with after-school programs and summer camps. It transforms lives through arts education, and empowers youngsters to make differences in their community.
The Curtis Summer Camp Fund changes lives by sending Bridgeport youths to sleepaway camp.
Dr. Robert Altbaum is now retired. But he’s still helping Westporters live healthy lives.
On Tuesday, he brought 40 years of experience to the Y’s Women meeting. Altbaum discussed osteoporosis — its causes, dangers, and how to live with it.
It was an important topic. Osteoporosis predominantly affects women over 50. 30% of women over 65 have the disease; only 4% of men do.
Altbaum said that strong bones are the key to osteoporosis prevention. He recommends weight-bearing exercises like walking, running or the elliptical; vitamin D; reduced alcohol consumption, and no smoking.
He also discussed ways to reduce falls, including night lights, getting rid of throw rugs, clearing clutter, a chair or grab bars in the shower, and always using stair rails.
Dr. Robert Altbaum, at yesterday’s Y’s Women meeting.
Tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post features The Caribbean Jazz Connection (Thursday, November 30, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; dinner at 7 p.m.; $15 music charge).
Led by drummer Jim Royle, who crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles, it features steel pan player Bryan Garbe, an internationally acclaimed percussionist who grew up in Fairfield.
The band also includes bassist John Mobilio and pianist David Childs.
Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
“Lux Freer” — the award-winning short film shot and produced in Westport last year — screens this Sunday at the Dances With Films festival in New York.
Show time is 2 p.m., at Regal Union Square.
It was the first film directed by actress (and Staples High School graduate) Cynthia Gibb, known for her on-screen work in “Gypsy,” “Fame” and “Youngblood.”
“Lux Freer” won Best USA Film, and Gibb was named Best First-Time Director, at the New York Cinematography Awards. It was also honored as Outstanding Narrative Short at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival). Gibb’s film also earned Honorable Mention in the Best LGBTQ Short Film category at Los Angeles’ Indie Short Fest.
The lead, Echo Bodell, will attend the New York showing, along with Gibb, writer Jill Johnson Mann and other cast members, including Staples senior Cameron Mann (who played the killer in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown.”
And finally … Jean Knight — whose only hit (“Mr. Big Stuff”) lives on more than 50 years after its release — died last week in Florida. She was 80.
It was nominated for a 1971 Grammy Award nomination for best female R&B vocal performance (Aretha Franklin won for “Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and best R&B song (Bill Withers won for “Ain’t No Sunshine”).
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting this Tuesday September 26, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A ).
The agenda includes 15 minutes of public comment and/or questions regarding the feasibility study project, followed by a work session with the design team for project status updates, review and discussion. The public can attend the work session, but not participate.
The Long Lots School Building Committee will continue to discuss plans at its Tuesday meeting.
Another meeting of note: The Joint Committee of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will hold a public Zoom meeting on October 3 (7 p.m.). to review and comment on the proposed redevelopment of Parker Harding Plaza.
The notice says, “Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
Meanwhile, in the other direction, Old Dominion ripped it up at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
The multi-award-winning Nashville-based band is fronted by guitarist/vocalist Brad Tursi. Westporters know him as a 1997 graduate of Staples High School — and a former soccer star for the state finalist Wreckers.
Brad Tursi (left) with Old Dominion at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Tom Scarice)
Here’s a truly cool event: Small Car Company’s annual Air-Cooled Charity Car Show on October 8 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Veterans Green; free, and family-friendly).
It’s a benefit to raise funds and awareness for 2 non-profits: Northeast Community Cycles (which provides bikes free of charge to underprivileged children) and the Bikeport Co-Op (a program where youth earn bikes by attending bike safety and maintenance courses, and performing volunteer hours with local organizations).
The show features dozens of vintage Porsches, Volkswagens, Corvairs and other rare and special air-cooled cars and motorcycles from around the tri-state area.
In conjunction with the classic car show, Small Car Company has partnered with Westport’s Total Training & Endurance for a bike tour, starting and finishing at Veterans Green. The $40 per rider cost includes a post-ride meal. Funds benefit Northeast Community Cycles and Bikeport Co-Op.
Small Car Company does other good work too — for example, hosting students who attend skilled trade auto-technology schools in a “Mentors & Motors” program during the show.
Students meet and learn from experienced mentors from many sectors of the automotive industry, including historic restoration, modern production automotive repair, sales, design, and photography.
The Gridiron Club has announced its 2023 inductees for the Staples High School Wall of Fame.
Congratulations to former players DJ Stefkovich (2006), Brian Levine (’06), Josh Kozel (’08), Matt Kelly (’09), Rob Gau (’11), James Frusciante (’13), Joey Zelkowitz (’13), Declan O’Keefe, plus Staples assistant principal James Farnen and Westport PAL football president and former PAL coach Carmen Roda.
Congratulations to all! The ceremony takes place November 3, at halftime of the Wreckers’ game against Trumbull.
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Speaking of sports: The 10th annual Westport Police Benevolent Association Golf Tournament is October 23, at Tashua Knolls in Trumbull.
It’s a scramble format. Funds raised go to college scholarships for PBA members, as well as 2 to Staples High seniors who will pursue degrees in law enforcement.
The day includes raffles, and prizes for longest drive, closest to pin, closest to line, and the winning foursome.
Checks ($250 for one participant, $1,000 for a foursome) can be sent to Westport PBA Scholarship Fund, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Call 203-803-0215, or email jlauria@westportct.gov.
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Eleven Staples High School seniors have qualified as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
Congratulations to Emerson Briggs, Leigh Foran, Dania Hemdan, Peter Loranger, Ellen Ou, Surya Rao, Jameson Russell, Ella Tobben, Elizabeth Turner, Darren T Weng and Gabriel Weng.
Fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.5 million students who took the PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam will compete for 7,140 National Merit scholarships, worth more than $28 million.
National Merit semifinalists (from left): Leigh Foran, Emerson Briggs, Elizabeth Turner, Peter Loranger, Dania Hemdan, Jameson Russell, Surya Rao, Darren Weng, Gabriel Weng, Ellen Ou. Missing: Ella Tobben.
On Thursday, the former Bridgewater CEO announced his candidacy for the Pennsylvania US Senate seat held by Democrat Bob Casey.
The Republican — born and raised near Pittsburgh — laid out his bona fides as a “7th-generation Pennsylvanian.”
But he also maintains a home on Beachside Avenue. And, critics say, that’s where he spends most of his time.
On Monday, as he sought the endorse of Doug Mastriano — the losing gubernatorial nominee last fall, who had considered a Senate run himself — flight records show that a plane co-owned by McCormick flew from Bridgeport to Harrisburg at 8:28 a.m. It returned to Connecticut that afternoon.
Click here for the Politico story. (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Sorelle Gallery’s next exhibition, “A Million Possibilities,” features new works by Connecticut artist Sofie Swann. It opens Friday (September 29), with a reception no Saturday (September 30, 3 to 5 p.m.).
Born in Iran, Swann’s abstract paintings are centered around her emotional response to experiences and memories, particularly her struggle to find a place to call home after being forced to leave Iran and immigrate to the US. For more information, click here.
Artwork by Sofie Swann.
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Jay Babina earned “06880” fame as the founder/curator/mastermind of the great, creative and very wide-ranging Westport Tech Museum.
Today he returns as a contributing photographer for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Another Staples High School football season has begun.
As is traditional, the Wreckers are gunning for their 5th state championship.
The first came in 1975. That’s around the time Fred Cantor took this photo:
(Photo/Fred Cantor)
Much has changed since then.
The stands have been enlarged. There’s a new press box. The track is no longer cinder. The area behind the gym (right side of photo, with parking lot) was “modernized” between 1978-81, when a fieldhouse and swimming pool were added.
Thanks to lights, Staples now plays football games on Friday nights, not Saturday afternoons.
The field itself finally has a name. It honors Paul Lane — coach of that 1975 state championship squad.
But much has not changed. A new fall season still brings excitement, fun — and the belief that anything is possible.
Today, “06880” introduces a new addition to our “Friday Flashback.” Each week (hopefully!) we’ll include a “50 Years Ago This Week” tidbit at the end. (Okay, maybe it will be “25 Years Ago…” or some other number.)
Thanks to Carl Addison Swanson for the idea. And big props to Fred Cantor: Staples Class of 1971 graduate and amateur historian, who loves digging into newspaper archives.
So … 50 Years Ago This Week:
Tennessee Williams, Sandy Dennis, and Dave Brubeck were among the prominent names featured in an ad for the new Connecticut Center for Continuing Education at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The Center promised “over 100 courses” during the Playhouse’s “nine-month ‘intermission.’”
(Whether you’ve been here 50 years or 50 days, if you like “06880,” please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Posted onJuly 29, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Long Lots Meeting, Bike Challenges, Football Workout …
The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting on Tuesday (August 1, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
The first part of the meeting includes public comment and/or questions about the project.
Members will then meet for a work session with the design team, for project status updates and review. The public can attend the work session, but cannot participate.
Discussion continues on next steps for Long Lots School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
Stephanie Retcho just sent a great email. There was no better way to start the morning.
She writes:
“I was traveling for work this week. I arrived at La Guardia last night around 7:30 p.m. to a ground stop, and complete chaos.
“We sat on the plane for 3 hours waiting for a gate. I’m still unclear about the issue. The person in front of me, who seemed to have access to FAA information, suggested it was a bomb threat.
“I can’t find any news about it this morning. I’ve traveled for work for almost 30 years and I’ve never seen so many planes on a tarmac at once.
“The passengers held it together amazingly well — all except one older gentleman who unspooled on the pilot and crew upon deplaning. I wanted to tell him that ground stops have nothing to do with the airline, pilots or crew. They want to get where they are going too.
“I resisted, knowing that the nervous system, when triggered, doesn’t respond well to reason. The 5-year old girl behind me, on the other hand, was a marvel. She only cried twice. No one complained. We all felt it too.
“That context makes it easier to understand my response to what I experienced this morning.
“I’m an early riser. So despite getting home from the airport around midnight, I was up early this morning. I took my dog on her early walk along Long Lots Road as usual.
“I’m a regular on that walk. My neighbors wave at me when they see me, and I wave back. That interaction may mean little to a lot of folks. I love it. It’s community.
“As I approached the intersection at North Avenue, I noticed the CT Challenge bike event was going on. A police officer guided the riders to turn right up North Avenue.
“As I approached them, I heard everyone saying good morning to the officer — and thank you.
“Maybe that doesn’t seem like such a big deal, or maybe I’m just a softie. But I love to see it so much. I stopped to watch them for a minute (so did my dog). It refilled my tank.
“Kindness takes little. And it does so much good. After witnessing the other side of it last night, I felt the order of the universe restored. My heart is full, and I’m ready for whatever today brings.
“Thank you to the officer who was there, and to the riders for their kindness.
Next weekend, more than 6,000 riders from around the globe — including 14 from Westport, and 3 from Weston — will pedal in the 44thPan-Mass Challenge.
Their goal: raise a record-breaking $70 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
The nation’s single most successful athletic fundraiser includes 1 and 2-day routes, from 25 to 211 miles, for all levels of cycling and fundraising ability.
Westport riders include Matthew Barry, Tina Cerrito, Maria Chatman, Adam Drake, Tom Epes, Doug Fincher, Tony Howell, Bill Loftus, Theodore Lundberg, Peter Massey, Scot Parnell, Christopher Powers, Steve Rowland and Suzanne Slade.
Representing Weston are Robert Krauss, William Lomas and Walter Shanley.
Team captain Dave Hazard and Bill Loftus crossing the finish line at mile 192 in Provincetown last year.
And finally … Randy Meisner, an original member of the Eagles, died Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 77, and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on readers for support. Please click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Long Lots Meeting, Bike Challenges, Football Workout …
Win Headley — one of the most storied athletes in Staples High School history — died last Wednesday in Naples, Florida. He was 73 years old. His family says:
Born on the Fourth of July 1949, Winthrop (Win) Sargent Headley was a real-life Yankee Doodle Dandy.
He became an All-American football player, a lifelong football coach, a successful Wall Streeter, a loving family man, a passionate volunteer, an avid golfer, a loyal friend and a man of faith.
Win was born in California and raised in Westport. He starred as a Staples football player, and state champion heavyweight wrestler.
Win attended Wake Forest University, where he was a football All-American, captain and MVP on its ACC championship team. He received WFU’s first annual prestigious Arnold Palmer and Brian Piccolo Awards as an outstanding athlete, and is in the university’s Hall of Fame.
Win Headley at Wake Forest University.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers, and played for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. His career was shortened by injury.
He found a true calling as a coach. Over the years, Win coached at 3 universities (Winston-Salem State, Wake Forest and Princeton) and several high schools.
While in Princeton, New Jersey Win married Patty Cashill. They raised a family, and he had a long, successful career as a financial advisor for institutional investments.
In retirement in Naples Win continued to coach. He also volunteered in libraries, animal shelters and with the Knights of Columbus.
As Arnold Palmer would say, Win “played on through” when he peacefully passed away in his sleep on January 18.
Win Headley
Win is survived by his wife Patty; children Summer and Jonathan; sister Lynn Kelly (Michael); 2 nieces, 1 nephew; stepdaughter-in-law Rachel Y. Watlington, and step-grandson Christopher T. Watlington. He was predeceased by his stepson, Thomas Watlington III.
As Win would say, “The long and short of it”: Winthrop Sargent Headley was a man of passion and faith. He was a loving father and husband, and a devoted friend.
There will be a celebration of his life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Win would have appreciated your support for the Deacon Club (499 Deacon Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27105) and the Humane Society of Naples (370 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples, FL 34104).
As of last night, over $73,000 had been donated. That’s nearly 1/3 of the way to repair 150 homes destroyed by Russian forces, give generators to all, and provide a water filtration system to the town.
Thanks to a partnership with Brian and Marshall Mayer — the Westporters who founded the non-profit Ukraine Aid International — the supplies can be delivered to the desperate town within 3 days.
As noted yesterday, the goal of $250,000 — by Christmas — is certainly reachable. It’s only $10 for every resident of Westport.
Of course, not everyone can afford that. If you can, please consider a donation for those who cannot.
To donate to the non-profit, just click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here).
“06880” reader Jamie Klein has a great idea. She sent yesterday’s story to neighbors and friends, with this note:
This is one example of what is special about living in this town. What a great gift for someone in your family, or as a thoughtful hostess gift for one of the parties you may be attending.
As we enter the holiday season the message of miracles and hope are a theme across all faiths, and from our small place on this earth, we can make a miracle happen.
Thanks for all who have contributed to help rebuild Lyman, and all who will do so. Let’s double that $73,000 by tonight!
Christmas in Lyman. 150 out of 240 homes have been destroyed — including this one.
Meanwhile, another local drive for Ukrainian aid bore fantastic fruit.
When Mark Yurkiw learned there was space in a container leaving in 10 days, he acted fast.
He put out the word on “06880.” In just over a week, readers delivered 8 whole house generators, 8 gas chain saws, 8 phone power banks, 20 sleeping bags, 20 flashlights, 2 kerosene heaters, plus boxes of rechargeable batteries, winter blankets, pillows, and children’s warm winter clothing, to his door.
All those items are now on their way to that embattled nation. Each one can help change lives.
“Thank you, Westport!” Mark says. “It takes a village.”
Ukrainians Ross Voytovych (now of Ridgefield) and Dima Dovgan (Redding) move equipment to be loaded on to a tractor trailer.
It will be lit tomorrow (Wednesday, December 21) at 5:30 p.m., in front of Anthropologie on the Post Road at Church Lane. The entire community is invited, with jelly doughnuts and chocolate gelt for all.
Bill Mitchell of Mitchells — long involved in interfaith efforts — will have the honor of lighting the candles.
This menorah and lighting is a joint effort of Beit Chaverim, Chabad of Westport, Temple Israel, and The Conservative Synagogue.
The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)
Who knew so many Westporters read the New York Post?
A dozen or so readers sent links yesterday to the tabloid’s story that began:
A former New York University director of finance allegedly siphoned $3.5 million meant for minority and women-owned businesses and blew some of the cash on herself — including on an $80,000 pool for her Connecticut home, prosecutors said Monday.
Cindy Tappe, 57, was charged with diverting funds from New York State Education Department grants into shell companies that she created over a six-year scheme that was discovered in 2018, when she left NYU, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Some of the embezzled money went to expenses related to the grants or employee reimbursements — but at least $660,000 ended up in Tappe’s own pockets, according to the indictment.
She allegedly spent the dough on personal expenses, including the pool and renovations on her her home in Westport, Connecticut.
The scam started with a $23 million grant awarded to NYU’s Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and Transformation, where Tappe worked, with the cash meant to go to state programs to help special education students and those learning English.
The good news is: Staples High School has two All-State first team selections — out of only 26 in all of Connecticut. Congratulations, Caleb Smith and Tyler Clark!
The interesting twist: They’re longtime friends — and grew up on the same small street.
There are only 9 homes on Twin Falls Lane. So more than 20% of them are the homes of All-State football players!
PS: Congrats too to James Hillhouse, who made the All-LL/L (large schools) all-state squad.
(From left): Tyler Clark, Caleb Smith, James Hillhouse.
All you ever wanted to know about white oaks is now on a video starring Westport Tree Board member Dick Stein.
Produced by fellow member Frank Rosen, the 8-minute piece covers their distinguishing features, history in Westport (the Bedford family helped with acorns), and more.
It was filmed in familiar places, like Sherwood Island State Park. Click below to learn about those ubiquitous (and handsome) species.
Speaking of Hanukkah etc. … The Jazz at the Post folks say: “It’s that time of year again. Why have our favorite holiday tunes been relegated to lifeless background music, advertising jingles or Muzak?
“In the hands of inspired musicians, the holiday repertoire makes for a fine opportunity for a night of hard swinging jazz.
“Name your holiday: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, even Festivus (for the rest of us) — we got it covered!”
This Thursday (December 22), Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) hosts a “Holiday Swingfest.” The lineup includes pianist Dave Childs, drummer Greg Burrows, bassist Joe Fitzgerald, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
“Special guests and elves are sure to drop by” too, they say.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:30. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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And speaking (still) of the holidays:
Cecily Anderson is a talented art teacher.
How talented? Check out this great holiday installation piece. It’s drawing stares — and raves — at its pop-up location, right there at BMS. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
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!)
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