This is not the first time the UPS Store across from Fresh Market has been our Unsung Heroes.
But — as every Westporter who has ever had to send a package, print a flyer, shred documents or use a notary knows — their customer service is above and beyond, every time.
So they deserve another shout-out this week. Jennifer Oprysko Kellogg writes:
The other day, I dropped off a large box I had clumsily taped up in my car. When I returned home, I realized my garage clicker was missing from the sun visor.
After searching everywhere, it occurred to me that it might have fallen into the box while I was packing it.
I went back to UPS. Without hesitation, JJ jumped into action.
He sifted through a room full of packages to locate mine. A few minutes later, he poked his head out to say he couldn’t find it — only to emerge smiling, with the box in hand and a playful “just kidding.” My garage opener had been right where I figured, inside the box.
Laughter and applause filled the store.
This wasn’t the first time JJ offered such kindness. It seems to come to him naturally. Thank you, JJ — you truly set the standard.
So does the entire crew at the UPS Store, from owner Don Curtis on down. They’re our Unsung Heroes — today, and every day.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
When wildfires fires displaced thousands of Angelenos, WestportMoms swung into action.
Melissa Post and Megan Rutstein — the indefatigable overseers of our town’s mothers-and-more resource — put out the call for donations. Clothes, shoes, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, onesies, cribs, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding — whatever anyone needs to rebuild their lives, Westporters were asked to give.
Fortunately, Melissa and Megan picked the perfect partner for dropoff and shipping.
The UPS Store at 606 Post Road East (opposite Fresh Market, next to Cava and Westport Hardware) never hesitated.
Don, the owner, said, Sure! We’d be happy to collect what people drop off. We’ll send it off. And if people need boxes, we’ll help them pack it.
Don, Nelson and WestportMoms, at the UPS Store.
They expected to send 4 pallets west.
In one day — just 24 hours — Westporters donated enough goods for 8 pallets.
That was double what was expected.
Don said Fine! We’ll cover the extra thousands of dollars. No problem.
Just like that, thousands of pounds of donations were on their way to the YMCA in Van Nuys, to be distributed to men, women and children who had lost everything.
There are plenty of Unsung Heroes in this story.
The hundreds of Westporters who donated so much. WestportMoms, who came up with the idea and, almost instantly, made it happen.
And Don, Nelson, and everyone else at the UPS Store. They went far beyond the final mile, ensuring that relatives, friends and strangers 3,000 miles away can have a little bit of their tremendous burdens eased.
That was not the only local effort to aid fire victims.
Corri Neckritz — owner of Groove, on Post Road West — organized her own effort. With donations from her store, and customers, 2 enormous trucks (one donated, one paid for by Corri) headed west last week.
She and her customers share our Unsung Heroes honors too.
Corri Neckritz (far right), her husband Seth (left), and the crew that helped haul Groove’s donations to California.
Long Lots Elementary School 2nd grader Austin Resnick wanted to help fire victims too.
With the help of his parents, Jen and Zach Resnick, they had an idea: a Hoops Challenge basketball fundraiser last Friday, after early dismissal before the holiday weekend.
They rallied Austin’s Recreation basketball team, the Golden State Warriors. It was last minute, but word spread.
Two other 2nd grade Rec teams joined in: the Portland Trail Blazers and New York Knicks.
The boys asked for pledges from family and friends. In return, they’d complete challenges including 1-minute layup and dribbling drills, plus trick shots.
The Resnicks thank PAL Basketball president Jordan Schur, and Staples High School basketball coaches Dave Goldshore and Chris Pickens, for their help.
Sixteen players attended — and raised $11,653.
All of the funds go to Baby2Baby, a non-profit providing emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who lost everything in the LA fires.
sCongratulations to the boys, for making a difference!
2nd grader basketball heroes, at their fundraiser.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The good news: This week’s donation drive to help victims of the Los Angeles fires is a huge success.
The bad news: It was so successful, it had to end early.
WestportMoms — the multi-platform community resource guide — reports:
In just one day, our incredible community — supported by the amazing UPS 606 Post Road team — came together to collect and fill eight pallets of donations to help those in LA.
That’s double our original goal of four.
A huge shoutout to Don, the generous owner of the UPS store, who stepped up and covered thousands of dollars in shipping costs for the additional pallets. We couldn’t have done this without his support and the kindness of everyone involved.
WestportMoms screenshot.
Unfortunately, due to limited funds, we have no choice but to pause collections for now. We know this will upset those who planned to drop off today (Thursday).
But we are completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the outpouring of generosity.
If you’d still like to help, consider making a monetary donation to cover further shipping costs. Or click here to contact us to explore other ways to send your donations.
Thank you all for stepping up in such an extraordinary way. This initiative has already made such an impact. Together, we’re bringing light and hope to those who need it most.
Westport, you’ve done it again. Your compassion and generosity are unmatched. 💚
In the wake of the tragic — and continuing — Los Angeles fires, WestportMoms.com wanted to send help across the country.
But Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — the women behind the multi-platform service — needed money, a way to transport the items to where they’re needed most and a place to donate.
Don — the beloved owner of the UPS store across from Fresh Market — quickly stepped up. He arranged to have 4 large pallets shipped out this coming weekend.
Items can be dropped off tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday only, at the UPS store across from Fresh Market.
Donors should box their items, and label the contents clearly. Alternatively, bring bags of goods to the UPS store, buy a box, and the amazing team there will help you pack it.
Items most needed include: clothes for all ages and genders, toiletries, makeup, diapers, formula, baby onesies, cribs, baby accessories, school supplies, sports equipment, bags, books, bedding, and similar goods.
Thanks to UPS, and WestportMoms, for their quick, efficient work on this crucial project.
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Congratulations to Craig Melvin!
The longtime NBC personality debuted yesterday as co-anchor of “The Today Show.”
America knows him as a journalist, interviewer, and deliverer of morning news and information.
We know him for all that too. But he’s also our neighbor, friend, a sports coach, restaurant owner, and all-around good guy.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s next Emergency Medical Technician course begins February 11.
WVEMS also offers 3 orientation sessions for certified EMT.
The hands-on EMT course teaches life-saving skills, from basic bandaging to major trauma care.
Interest in emergency medicine has surged since the pandemic. WVEMS enhanced its programs to streamline volunteer integration and training.
Volunteers with or without prior experience are welcome
In March, WVEMS will offer an Emergency Medical Responder course for students ages 14-15 with a passion to help others. It introduces foundational life-saving skills, creating a pathway to future EMT certification. Participants will take ambulance shifts alongside our crews.
For more information or to register for these programs, click here.
But their Sweet P Bakery treats are available online, for local pickuip.
Orders placed by 2 p.m. Wednesdays can be picked up Fridays in Westport between 1 and 3 p.m. (location provided with order).
Blueberry muffins, scones, crumb cakes, Rice Krispie treats, colossal cookies — Sweet P’s got ’em all.
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Colin Konstanty thrilled a sold-out audience last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s first Script in Hand reading of 2025.
The 2022 Staples High School graduate joined the cast of “How the World Began.” The provocative play probes the conflict between divine creation and evolution, and its effect on a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.
Konstanty — now a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts — has appeared off-Broadway, and on Disney+.
Colin Konstanty (left) and Bill Phillips, in “How the World Began.” (Photo/Dave Matlow)
It’s also the name of an initiative that inspires people to commit to supporting each other through small acts that have big impacts. Put simply: “‘being there’ is as simple as a hand on a shoulder.”
It’s as simple as reaching out, checking in and making contact.
Next Monday (January 20, 1 p.m., Milford Ice Pavilion), Staples High School’s Stormac co-op boys hockey team will play Milford in a “Shoulder Check Game.”
The goal is to raise awareness of mental health issues.
PS: Monday’s MLK Day game is also a “Battle fo the Barn.” Both Stormac and Milford call the Ice Pavilion home. The winner earns a trophy.
PPS: Youth hockey players who wear their youth jersey will get in free. And younbg learn-to-play skaters will compete in a mini-game between the first and second periods.
Speaking of sports: Staples rugby alumni have gone on to play at colleges across America: Brown, West Point, Navy, St. Bonaventure, Clemson, Colorado, UC-Berkeley, and more.
Rugby players at other schools have had similar success.
Last year, 130 players attended the Staples Rugby College Showcase.
This year’s 5th annual event is February 15 (noon to 4 p.m., Paul Lane Field). The goal is to expose over 200 young athletes to the 70-plus college coaches who will attend.
The Showcase is open to players from all over the Northeast.
The cost is $75 per player. To register, click here. Questions? Email info@staplesrugby.com.
Singer Giacomo — “an entertainer for all ages and styles” — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by pianist Joe McWilliams, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.
Carey Weber, executive director of the Fairfield University Art Museum, treated the Y’s Women to a preview of upcoming exhibitions recently.
They range from beautiful paintings of totalism and the black and white photography narratives of Truda Feinstein, to contemporary artistss responses to climate change.
Weber — also president of the Connecticut Art Trail — noted that a $35 passport offers admission to 34 museums and historical sites in Connecticut.
And finally … Sam Moore, who as half of Sam & Dave recorded classic and Grammy-winning hits — died Friday in Florida, of complications following surgery. He was 89.
Despite their chart-topping successes, and dynamic live performances, Sam and Dave Prater were never particularly close.
In fact, after performing together on New Year’s Eve in 1981, they never spoke again. Click here for a full obituary.
(Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” I thank you!)
Joe Agostino, an enthusiastic participant in the STAR program for people with disabilities, is a budding DJ. Tonight (Saturday, March 21. 6:30 to 7 p.m.) he’s hosting a Facebook Live Virtual Dance Party, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day. Go to Facebook; search for @djjoegetdown — then get down!
Need a delivery of food? Medications? Toilet paper (the holy grail)?
Cup of Sugar can help. Its mission is simple: make deliveries for those who need them.
It’s simple — just click here, then click “Request a Delivery.” I’m not sure who is behind this, but for many people it could be a literal life saver.
She la la in Playhouse Square is closed. But the popular store placed a box by the front door. They’re collecting N95 masks, face shields, wipes and sanitizers for health professionals and first responders. If you’ve got some to spare — give generously!
With shipments coming in to Compo Farm this week and next, “06880” reader Peter Huggins says, “It would be great if people order flowers for delivery both to help a local business survive, and make their homes a little happier in these troubling times.”
Stacey Henske is helping ease isolation, loneliness, fear and anxiety among seniors. Kids, teenagers, adults — anyone — can write poetry, letters, short stories, essays, cards, illustrations or anything else that can be slipped under a door.
They can be dropped in a bin by the front door at 10 Poplar Plains Road, off Wilton Road. If you can’t leave the house, email staceyhenske@gmail.com; she’ll arrange for pickup. PS: Please don’t lick any envelopes!
Logan Goodman is a Bedford Middle School 8th grader with a great business customizing sneakers. Some designs are her own; others are based on famous artists’ works.
With time on her hands, she’s eager for work. Check out her Instagram (@lacedbylogan), then DM her for details.
The UPS store at 606 Post Road East next to Dunkin Donuts is considered an “essential business.” It remains open, offering printing, scanning, faxing and notary. For anyone working from home, those services can be truly essential.
Starbucks may or may not be an “essential business.” But dozens of Westporters believe it is.
They’ve voted with their feet — well, their tires. This was the scene on the Post Road at 10:45 this morning.
Gotta have that quad long shot grande in a venti cup half calf double cupped no sleeve salted caramel mocha latte with 2 pumps of vanilla substitute 2 pumps of white chocolate mocha for mocha and substitute 2 pumps of hazelnut for toffee nut half whole milk and half breve with no whipped cream extra hot extra foam extra caramel drizzle extra salt add a scoop of vanilla bean powder with light ice — well stirred!
(Photo/John McKinney)
Not long ago, Westporter James Mapes created a 2-disk toolkit, all about helping users manage stress.
In these stressful times, he’s giving away the download to the first 20 healthcare workers who email him (jjm195@aol.com). Include your affiliation, please. For more info, click here.
Remember all those stories you’ve heard about the bands that played at Staples High School: the Doors, Cream, Sly & the Family Stone, Animals, Rascals and Yardbirds?
Remember the 2017 documentary produced by Staples grad Fred Cantor, and directed by another alum, Casey Denton? Remember how mad you were that you missed its showings in Westport?
Now — thanks to Cantor and Denton, and their desire to bring a bit of rock joy into socially isolated America — you can relive (or learn about) those amazing days.
They’ve made it available — free — on YouTube. Just click below.
And even if you’re quarantined in your room, start dancing.
Running out of things to do? Board games are great — and right around the corner.
Looking for educational toys for your schooling-in-place child? They’re right around the corner too.
Amazing Toys in Compo Shopping Center offers curbside service. So does Age of Reason on Post Road West — and they deliver (within reason). Just call ahead!
Hank May’s Tire & Auto Centers offer curbside drop-off and pick up. Call ahead to be checked in by phone. Cars can also be dropped off before or after hours. Leave keys and information in the night drop box; they’ll call back.
This has absolutely nothing to with the coronavirus, other than raising everyone’s spirits when we need it most.
Alert “06880” reader Lynn Wilson reports that the ospreys are back at Fresh Market!
Two months ago, “06880” praised the UPS Store next to Dunkin Donuts for its above-and-beyond customer service.
Now comes another service of note: It also functions as notary publics.
Like most people, I seldom need something notarized. Most recently, it was an insurance claim. I did what I always do: I asked everyone, “Do you know a notary public?” No one did.
Google finally turned up a treasure trove: UPS stores nationwide offer notarization.
Once again, Don next to Dunkin went way out of his way to help.
Don, the very efficient, helpful and friendly manager of the Westport UPS Store near Dunkin' Donuts.
FedEx still delivers to — but no longer picks up at — the UPS Store next to Dunkin’ Donuts.
That confounds workers and patrons alike. “We turn away FedEx business every day,” says Don, the manager. But it didn’t stop him from going above and beyond this morning, helping me ship a package.
It had to be FedEx, because the recipient had supplied me with a pre-paid mailing label. Don took a UPS bag, folded it inside out, tucked my shipment into it, sealed it, applied the label, then gave me directions to the nearest FedEx drop box.
He got nothing for his time and effort, beyond the satisfaction of doing a good deed, and my heartfelt thanks.
Plus a nice — and completely unexpected — plug for the 606 Post Road East UPS Store on “06880.”
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