Tag Archives: Staples High School Zero Waste Committee

Roundup: Lights Out, Rainbow Crosswalk, Book Shop Pumpkin Fest …

Posted on October 1, 2023 | 4 comments

Sarah Gross reminds us that now through November 15 is “Lights Out Connecticut.”

A bill signed by Governor Lamont requires all state-owned buildings to dim or turn off non-essential outdoor lights.

All residents are asked to dim or turn off outdoor and indoor lights too.

The goal is to protect migratory birds, who are put at risk from light pollution. Click here for more information.

Nearly 30% of birds in the US and Canada have vanished since 1970. Click here to learn more.

 

Connecticut warbler (Photo/Ryan Sanderson for Macaulay Library)

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The rainbow crosswalk at Jesup Road and Taylor Place — installed temporarily in June, for Pride Month — is showing signs of wear.

So on Monday, October 2 — the start of LGBTQ History Month — a new, permanent rainbow crosswalk will take its place.

And the official dedication is at 1 p.m. on October 11: National Coming Out Day.

The project — developed by Westport Pride, paid for by private donations, and supported by the Board of Selectwomen and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich — promotes diversity, inclusion and acceptance in the community.

Nearly 40 individuals, families and businesses from all walks of life contributed funds.

The design and colors– created by Westport Pride founder Brian McGunagle — symbolize “the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community,” he says.

“It adds a vibrant touch to our town’s streetscape, but also serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance, unity, and love. We believe it will be a source of pride and inspiration for all Westport residents.”

Dr. Nikki Gorman — who helped sponsor the original temporary rainbow crosswalk, as well as the new permanent one — also took part in the first installation in June.

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The Westport Book Shop is just a few yards from the crosswalk.

This Saturday (October 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon), they partner with Earthplace and the Westport Tree Board for their 3rd annual Family Fun + Halloween Pumpkin Painting Project.

It’s a morning of crafts, guest animals from Earthplace, and giveaways from the Tree Board.  Michael Zenetti will read from his book “The Sloth and His Friends.” Halloween costumes are optional, but encouraged.

RSVP to the Book Shop: 203-349-5141.

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EcoFest — Westport’s sustainable holiday celebration — is set for November 11, at Staples High School.

The sponsors — the school’s Zero Waste Committee — invites all organizations, businesses, artists, crafters and sustainable groups to participate.

A wide variety of exhibitors are welcome. Click here to register. The deadline is October 31.

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MyTeamTriumph — whose volunteers help youth, adults and veterans with disabilities to participate in triathlons and road races — is a great non-profit.

Their fundraiser will be a great one too.

“Stories of Triumph & Inclusion” (November 2,6:15 p.m., Westport Library), will feature Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman. He also won the Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perserverance.

The evening includes inspiration from other athletes with disabilities, raffles, drinks, and catering by Marcia Selden.

Click here for tickets and more information, including sponsorships.

My Team Triumph, at the Westport Triathlon.

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MoCA Westport’s MoCA Westport’s annual benefit — held last night — was called The Surrealist Soiree.

It featured imaginative décor, avant-garde performers. a DJ, delicious food from Marcia Selden, Spencer Heyfron‘s surreal photo sessions, never-before-seen works by Purvis Young — and this:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Rain and high tides combined to close Burying Hill Beach yesterday.

Ed Simek got this far — and no further — as he snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … in honor of migrating birds (story above), this seems appropriate in a couple of ways:

(It’s always the season to think about supporting local journalism — aka “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: River Dredging, Beach Cleanup, Ukraine …

Posted on April 25, 2022 | 3 comments

The other day, 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, Congressman Jim Himes and Senator Richard Blumenthal took a boat tour of the Saugatuck River. They surveyed conditions, and announced $2.81 million in federal funding for proposed dredging.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich were on board too.

Tooker calls the river “one of Westport’s greatest assets. Westport is fortunate that this long-needed project is on the near horizon. For years, the sediment coming down the river has caused shoaling of the federal channel, and has diminished the multi-use capacity of the river.

“With funding now earmarked for this important dredging program, the outlook for downtown, the Saugatuck neighborhoods and the river shoreline is positive and vibrant for our businesses and our residents.“

Ratkiewich adds, “the dredging project will increase recreational opportunities on the river, allow for maritime connectivity between downtown and Saugatuck, and most importantly will enhance the ability of our emergency services to respond to emergencies that happen on or near the river.”

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich, 1st Selectman Jen Tooker and Congressman Jim Himes on the Saugatuck River. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Himes’ office)

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Sustainable Westport, the Zero Waste Committees of all Westport schools and ZenWTR join together to sponsor a community Compo Beach cleanup this Saturday (April 30, noon to 2 p.m.).

Everyone is invited to help. Meet at the pavilion by the volleyball court and playground.

Questions? Email zwcstapleshs@westportps.org.

Beach garbage, from a previous cleanup. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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As reported last week, Lynsey Addario is back in Ukraine.

The 1991 Staples High School graduate  — and Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, and MacArthur “genius grant” fellow — captured grim scenes of Orthodox Easter services yesterday along the frontline in the Zaporizhzhia region.

“Hopes for a cease-fire over the holiday weekend were quickly dashed,” the Times reported, “as Russian artillery fire and missiles continued to strike Ukrainian infrastructure, government buildings and residential homes.”

(Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)

Her fellow Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner — and Staples ’88 grad — Tyler Hicks has been in the embattled nation all along.

Today his photos illustrated a story about 12 people who have chosen to stay in the basement of a shattered school building. Click here for the piece.

The view from a bombed-out apartment in Saltivka, one of Kharkiv’s most brutalized neighborhoods. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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“The Art of Nature” — Earthplace’s first benefit art show and sale — opens this Thursday (April 28, 5 to 9 p.m.).

Each artist has up to a dozen pieces. All are inspired by the natural world.

Westporters in the show include Jennifer Williams, Kris Toohey and Nancy Breakstone.

The opening reception includes wine, light bites donated by Rizutto’s, and a $15 donation to Earthplace. 35% of each piece sold is tax-deductible.

The show continues with free admission Friday (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Kris Toohey’s “Sunkissed Marsh” is one of dozens of works at Earthplace’s art show.

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It takes all kinds.

And all kinds were out in force the other day, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … on this day in 1792, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed “La Marseillaise.” It became the French national anthem.

Quelle coincidence! France is in the world headlines this morning, thanks to a very important election yesterday.

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Roundup: Jersey Mike’s, Osprey, Kiwanis …

Posted on March 22, 2022 | 6 comments

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Jersey Mike’s — the “fast-casual sub sandwich” shop in Compo Acres Center — has closed permanently.

That’s what a sign on the door says. The location — which opened in September 2015 — is already gone from the website of the 2,171-store chain.

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Meanwhile — not far away — an osprey has returned to its Fresh Market perch.

Alert “06880” reader Wendy Crowther reported last evening: “He was primping the nest as I passed by just now. I drive by Fresh Market to and from work or doing errands nearly every day. I always look in that direction.

“This is my first sighting since he left for parts south last fall. I was in my car so I don’t have a photo.”

So this one from last year will have to do:

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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Like many Westporters, Stephan Taranko has followed the news from Ukraine closely.

He has a special interest: His family is from there.

Earlier this month, he ordered 50 flags, to hand out at the Stand With Ukraine rally on Jesup Green.

They did not arrive in time. When he finally got them, he did the next best thing: He put them on his mailbox, with a sign inviting people to take one.

Steve lives on a private road, off Sturges Highway. Yet all 50 were taken quickly.

Westporters around town are also decorating their homes and yards with Ukrainian flags. Several line Prospect Road, in a show of support for that courageous nation.

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The Kiwanis Club is one of Westport’s less publicized civic groups. But they’ve been around for decades, aiding everything from Safe Rides and local playgrounds to gear for the EMS bicycle unit.

Very quietly, they continue to enrich our town.

The other day, they donated $5,000 to Save the Children’s relief efforts in Ukraine. Now Kiwanis is gearing up for their grant program for high school seniors. Funding comes from their annual family-friendly Mini-Triathlon at Compo Beach.

The Kiwanis College Grant application is open to income-qualified Staples High School who have demonstrated academic excellence and service to the community. Click here for an application. The deadline is April 15.

The Triathlon is open to all ability levels. It includes a point-to-point swim at Compo Beach, followed by short bike and run courses in the Compo neighborhood.

The event is great for first-timers, and families wishing to race together. To register for the September 11 event or donate to the college grant program, click here.

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What do Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Katharine Hepburn, Golda Meir, Jackie Kennedy, Peggy Guggenheim and Mother Teresa have in common?

All will be celebrated this Saturday by Westporter Suzanne Tanner, in her inspiring millinery musical “Voices of Herstory.”

The event (March 26, 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s Church, Kent) coincides with Women’s History Month. And it’s for a great cause: Proceeds benefit Ukrainian refugees, honoring the memory of Tanner’s daughter Tess.

PS: Wear a hat!

Suzanne Tanner

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We all know how “Romeo and Juliet” ends, right? (Spoiler alert if you don’t: badly.)

On April 8 and 9 (7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively; Sacred Heart Community Theatre, Fairfield) you’ve got a chance to change Shakespeare’s 425-year-old classic. Internationally renowned pianist — and Westport neighbor —  Frederic Chiu is a Prokofiev expert. Among his most noted works: the piano suite from the composer’s “Romeo and Juliet” ballet.

Almost 30 years ago, Chiu discovered the original score. Written entirely for the piano, it contained a revised ending. The lovers do not die.

Twenty-five years later, he commissioned choreographer Sandra Shih Parks to collaborate on “Romeo & Juliet: The Choice.” The audience votes on which ending — Prokofiev’s original happy one, or the traditional dismal version — will be performed.

It debuted at Drexel University in 2018, with Chiu playing the entire ballet on piano, while dancers performed — and the enthralled audience waited for the outcome.

Now, WSHU brings it to Fairfield. Click here for tickets and more information.

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Staples High School’s Zero Waste Committee is wasting zero time making an impact.

In addition to next month’s pop-up thrift shop, countering the wasteful “fast fashion” shopping trend, co-chairs Kayla Iannetta and Jenn Cirino are partnering with Sustainable Westport and ZenWTR for a Compo Beach cleanup on April 30.

This is the first time all the Zero Waste Committees from different Westport schools join together for one effort.

ZenWTR is the first beverage in the world to be certified plastic negative (meaning they remove more plastic from the environment than they produce, by investing in sustainable programs). ZenWTR is sold in the Staples High School cafeteria.

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A new store — Bobbles & Lace — has opened their first Connecticut location in Bedford Square.

Lindsay Rose Rando launched the store 14 years ago in Marblehead, Massachusetts. B&L offers “modern fashion forward designs at affordable prices.” There are other outlets in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.

Rando says she “loves the sense of community” in Westport, and calls her Church Lane location “bright and beautiful.”

Bobbles & Lace is opoen Monday through Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bobbles & Lace, Bedford Square. (Photo courtesy of Inklings News)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Michael Bolton was representing Connecticut, in last night’s premiere of NBC’s “American Song Contest.” The show is a US version of the long-running Eurovision competition.

We missed the trailer — which features our neighbor touting his home state’s charms. It includes a few shots from his Westport home.

Alert reader Ann Marie Holm sent it along:

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A few seats remain for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” gala. The June 1 honoree is television producer/screenwriter/ author Shonda Rhimes — twice named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Shonda Rhimes

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Earlier this month, “06880” reported on Coleytown Middle School students headed to the state Mathcounts competition.

A followup: Vikram Sarkar finished first in Connecticut. He leads the 4-person Connecticut team that will compete in the national event, in Washington. Ayush Rudra finished 9th overall.

Vikram Sarkar

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While driving on Roseville Road the other day, Bob Weingarten spotted this unusual sight on a tree.

He has no idea what it means. But he figures at least one “06880” reader might know.

If you’ve got a clue, click “Comments” below.

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The first day of spring was Sunday.

Right on time, here’s a very vernal photo for our “Westport … Naturally” series:

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … in honor of Frederic Chiu’s choose-your-own “Romeo and Juliet” ending (story above):

 

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Roundup: RTM, Inklings, Pop-Up Thrift Shop …

Posted on March 21, 2022 | 3 comments

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Admit it: You hear “RTM” all the time. And you don’t know a thing about it.

Well, for one thing, it stands for “Representative Town Meeting.” For another, it’s our special local legislative body.

For a third, Westport’s League of Women Voters is sponsoring a series of “Know Your Town” events. And — wouldn’t you know it — the first one is “Know Your RTM.”

Set for this Wednesday (March 23, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum and Zoom), the all-star (and all-RTM) panel includes former moderator Velma Heller, who’ll discuss the body’s history; member Matthew Mandell (today’s RTM), and current moderator Jeff Wieser (why you should run for office).

Click here to register for in-person attendance. Click here for the Zoom link.

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For the first time ever, Inklings — the nearly 100-year-old Staples High School publication — earned a Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown award for Hybrid News. Only 16 other high schools in the country received that honor.

Inklings has won numerous Gold Circle Awards for individual reporter excellence, along with overall Silver Crowns. This is the first Gold Crown since switching to a magazine model — and it came in Inklings’ first year with the format.

“I think the change in layout and design spoke to our strengths,” says co-advisor Mary Elizabeth Fulco. ” I’m so incredibly proud of our hard-working students for achieving this national recognition.” The other advisor is Joe Del Gobbo.

In order to be eligible for a Crown, a newspaper must first achieve a Gold Circle Award for individual reporting. This year’s honorees were Lyah Muktavaram for “Piglet: The Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy Embarks on New Chapter,” and Katie Simons for “Rodrigo’s Debut Album ‘SOUR’ Captures the Essence of Adolescence.”

For more information, and a list of all winners, click here. For Inklings online,, click here.

The cover of Inklings’ February magazine featured indoor track athletes heading to the national meet.

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Fast fashion — mass production of cheap clothing that destroys resources and pollutes the planet — is endemic.

On March 28 (6:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), WTF sponsors a “Sustainability Forum.”

Panelists will discuss the effects of fast fashion on our environment, consumers and workers. Attendees will learn how to identify sustainable businesses, make smarter buying choices, and what it means to be a conscious consumer.

There’s also a spotlight on local sustainable clothing business, including Our Woven Community, The Exchange Project and Shop Tomorrows.

Click here to register.

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Meanwhile, a few yards south of the Town Farm, a group of Staples High School students is doing something about fast fashion too.

The school’s Zero Waste Committee is creating a pop-up thrift store, The EcoBoutique opens April 27 during lunch waves in the courtyard.

Whether you’re a student, parent or just a Westporter interested in the planet, you can help.

The Zero Waste Committee is collecting donations (gently used clothing, handers and bins) from March 28 to April 11, at Staples’ front atrium.

In addition to education the community about the importance of limiting fast fashion, and thrifting, funds from the pop-up thrift store will help the ZWC’s sustainability initiatives: composting, recycling and more.

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Eurovision — the European singing contest that began in the 1950s, and brought fame to bands like ABBA — is coming to the US.

Instead of a variety of countries, our version — “The American Song Contest” — includes acts from all 50 states, plus US territories, possessions and Washington, DC.

The “06880” connection? Connecticut’s representative is Westport’s own Michael Bolton.

“The American Song Contest” starts tonight. Click here for more information, and to vote — hopefully for our neighbor. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Screenshot from the “American Song Contest” website.

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For many years, this tree has captivated — and slightly concerned — Long Lots Road drivers.

It’s part of Westport’s natural beauty — and a great candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Tom Lowrie)

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And finally … we usually say, “Spring can’t come soon enough!” Yesterday it snuck in, a day earlier than normal. Whenever it arrives, we’re more than happy to greet it.

 

 

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Roundup: Downtown Tunnel, Downtown Cleanup, Compo Shoe …

Posted on November 22, 2021 | 4 comments

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In 2014, “Tunnel Vision” — Miggs Burroughs’ clever series of lenticular photos, showing Westporters connecting with each other (and each one changes, depending on your viewing angle) — turned a drab pedestrian walkway between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza into a lively, creative tourist attraction.

“Tunnel Vision,” in the walkway between Main Street and Parker Harding Plaza

Although — 7 years later — plenty of people still don’t know it exists.

Recently, the images were refurbished and reinstalled. A small reception, including a ceremonial re-lighting, is planned soon.

Also in the works: great visibility.

Miggs and Mark Yurkiw are seeking approval to add awnings to the tunnel’s front and back entrances. They’ll be an easy way for shoppers to find the handy cut-through (and enjoy Miggs’ photos).

They’ll also be an easily identifiable shelter for people waiting for a friend or ride, in all kinds of weather.

PS: Check out the new name: “Tunnel of Love and Community (TLC).”

Rendering of the proposed tunnel awning on Main Street.

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Speaking of downtown: Westporters of all ages headed there yesterday, for the first annual Riverwalk clean-up.

Sustainable Westport, Staples High School’s Zero Waste Committee and the Coleytown Elementary School PTA’s Sustainability Committee met behind Starbucks, then fanned out to remove trash from the riverfront, on both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

They spent 3 hours, and filled 25 buckets.

The rest of Westport — and all kinds of wildlife — are grateful.

It takes a village to clean up a village.

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Are you missing a shoe?

This one was spotted yesterday at Compo Beach. The photo comes courtesy of 10-year-old Samantha Perrotta.

(Photo/Samantha Perrotta)

Then — a couple of hours later — I got this, from June Rose Whittaker:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

There must be a story behind this. Though I’m not sure we want to know.

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Looking for a special — and beautiful — holiday gift?

Longtime photographer Tom Kretsch has some ideas.

How about “Touching Maine,” his beautiful book of essays and images of coastal Maine? A 4″ x 4″ acryclic photo block? Or a gift certificate for one of his photos? There are plenty, taken throughout Fairfield County and beyond. Click here to see.

Email tom@peacefulplacesphoto.com for more information.

(Photo/Tom Kretsch)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a beautiful gingko biloba tree. It’s in Ted Horowitz’s back yard on Wilton Road — but now everyone can enjoy it!

(Photo/copyright Ted Horowitz)

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And finally … today marks the 58th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. I’m still not convinced we know the whole truth.

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Environment, Totally random

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