Looking for a way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday?
How about a patriotic picnic at a very appropriate place: VFW Post 366.
They’re joining with American Legion Post 63 for a gala picnic.
It’s next Sunday (June 28, 12 noon to 4 p.m.). There’s (of course) burgers and dogs, music, community spirt — and it’s a chance to support our veterans.
Happy birthday, America! And thanks, VFW and American Legion!
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As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms education, higher education, and the workplace, parents wonder: How should my child use AI? What skills will matter most in the future? How can AI support learning without becoming a shortcut around it?
Some answers may come tomorrow (Monday, 7 p.m., Westport Library). Westport Public Schools host a special parent seminar featuring Casey Cuny, the 2024 California Teacher of the Year.
“Raising AI-Ready Students: Learning, College, and Careers in a Changing World” will explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping how students learn, study, and prepare for their futures, and how parents can help guide them toward thoughtful and responsible use of these powerful tools.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “Whether you are excited about AI, concerned about it, or simply trying to understand it better, this evening will provide practical insights and a framework for helping your child navigate a rapidly changing world with judgment, integrity, and confidence.”
With jUNe Day just around the corner — it’s next Saturday, June 27 — local artists Mark Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs want to be sure Westporters are in the know. They created this GIF:
To recap: For the 61st year in a row, the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the town will host up to 300 UN guests.
They’ll be greeted by flags of many of the 193 UN member countries, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The public is invited to the 10:30 a.m. opening ceremony on Jesup Green. The rest of the day includes the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race; soccer match; tennis and golf at Longshore; nature walk and visit to Earthplace; tour of Wakeman Town Farm, and free access to Compo Beach and Longshore.
To volunteer, contact Andrea Dostal 203-526-3275; Andreasusa@yahoo.com). For more information on the event, call Bill Hass: 203-454-7685.
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The Yankee Doodle Fair was blessed with a third straight day of much-more-than-just-“fair” weather.
The century-old annual rite of very late spring/early summer drew another packed crowd to the Westport Woman’s Club grounds, on Imperial Avenue.
Ava Bierman shares a ride (and fun!) with her dad Bryan …
The 4-day run ends today (1 to 5 p.m.). A special Sensory Hour (noon to 1 p.m.) welcomes people in the neurodiverse and special education communities, with reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere.
PS: The weather will be great again today: mostly sunny, with a high of 81.
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Missed the recent Staples Pops Concert at Levitt Pavilion?
Were you there, and want to hear — and see — every performance again?
The Music Department has just posted a full video of the superb show.
The choral, orchestral and jazz groups — and several small ensembles — are all there. They sound (and look) great.
Click here for the entire evening. And if you only want a few numbers, there’s a link for each.
But we recommend the whole thing.
A night to remember. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: Chris Pierce returned last night with his full band. It was a moving night of folk, blues and Americana songs and stories, celebrating Juneteenth.
The set included songs from his new album, Songs for the Heavy Hearted,” to be released this August. This fall he’ll also perform at FarmAid.
There are 2 shows this weekend: Lucius with Wild & Company tonight (Saturday, 6:30 p.m.), and Dark Star Orchestra tomorrow (Sunday, 5 p.m.).
Also last night: Another large crowd enjoyed great weather at the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The 100-plus-years annual event — a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club — continues at their Imperial Road headquarters today (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.).
A Sensory Hour tomorrow (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.) is reserved for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.
An enthusiastic crowd recently celebrated the opening of “Between Universes,” at the University of Bridgeport’s Peter Schelfhaudt Gallery.
Westport artist Eric Chiang collaborated on the show. The theme is “connecting and integrating the universes we have — one in the outside that we all live in, and the other in the inside that we sometimes sense we have and is particularly our very own.”
A special string quintet piece from the Greater Bridgeport Symphony anchored the opening reception. The exhibit runs through August 31.
The 3rd annual Westport Country Playhouse Golf Tournament teed up at Birchwood Country Club this week.
The winning team included (photo below, from left) Westporters Justin Brunwasser and Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson of Fairfield and Stamford’s Hudson Fetzer.
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Back in the 1980s, Mort Sherman was an assistant superintendent of Westport Schools.
He became a superintendent in other districts, including Alexandria, Virginia.
Now retired, he and his daughter Sara have written a book.
But it’s not about education.
Called “Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, One Note at a Time,” Amazon says it “invites readers to reimagine music as a dynamic, interactive force that reshapes how we live, learn, and connect. By blending personal stories-recalling childhood car rides where ‘Ode to Joy’ was joyfully reinvented with animal noises and made-up words-with cutting-edge research and practical insights, the father/daughter writing team … help us understand how to use music intentionally.”
TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Westporter Dr. Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind, recently used Sherman’s book as a springboard for a Psychology Today article called “Body Awareness: Listening for the Resonance.” Click here to read.
Sara Sherman and Dr. Morton Sherman
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a great metaphor for … well, probably many things.
Feel free to interpret this scene at the Library Riverwalk however you wish.
But xince this weekend the Yankee Doodle Fair entertains thousands of kids of all ages (mostly kids) (and their parents) — as it has since 1907 — we figure it’s a good time to give it another ride.
Pam Ehrenburg — Pam Blackburn, as she was known in her Yankee Doodle-going days — unearthed several fascinating old photos. All were taken by her father, famed magazine photographer George Barkentin.
They show the fair on what appears to be Jesup Green — or perhaps the topography of the sponsoring Westport Woman’s Club was different 60-plus yeas ago. (Pam believes the images were taken in 1952.)
Some of the fashions are different. But in many ways, the Yankee Doodle Fair is timeless too.
This looks like Jesup Green — with National Hall (then Fairfield Furniture) in the background, across the river.
A classic merry-go-round.
This is noted writer Parke Cummings. He may have walked over from his home on the corner of South Compo and Bridge Street. He owned a tennis court — still there — that was open to anyone who wanted to play or learn.
Marjorie Teuscher and her son Phil. Her husband — a doctor — owned real estate downtown, including the building that is now Nômade. Phil — all grown up — still lives in Westport. And he still owns that Main Street property.
Pam Blackburn — who sent these photos from her father, George — is shown here with her sister Perii and their mom, Jessica Patton Barkentin.
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For 100 years, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer for Westport kids (and parents).
The event — a fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club’s grants and scholarships — opened last night, on their Imperial Avenue grounds.
“06880” photographer Quinn Fitts was there, from early evening through dark, capturing the sights. Close your eyes, and you can smell the cotton candy and hear the shrieks.
The Yankee Doodle Fair continues today (Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
(All photos/Quinn Fitts)
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The annual rite of early summer (and century-old tradition) comes to the Westport Woman’s Club Imperial Avenue grounds and parking lot tomorrow (Thursday). It kicks off from 6 to 10 p.m.
The 4-day show — a huge fundraiser for the WWC’s many charitable programs and scholarships continues Friday (6 to 10 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) , and end Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
New this year: A Sensory Hour (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.), for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.
Before all the rides and games begin though, a ton of set-up work takes place. Lauri Weiser stopped by yesterday, and caught some of the action (below).
The style advisor — who filled countless other roles — retired last week, after 37 years on the floor of the legendary Post Road store.
On June 20, customers and friends are invited to stop by, and hug and shake the hand of the man who co-CEO emeritus Bill Mitchell calls “the nicest, most loyal and caring” employee of all.
Tom Maleri, who worked with him for 30 years — 13 fewer than the 43 years Bruce spent at Mitchells — adds, “He was unbelievable. He’s dedicated, loyal, always willing to help out.
“He made a lot of friends. And he was the most well-liked person in the entire store — upstairs and downstairs. There were never any conflicts. He always took the high road.”
Bruce was also the “bow tie aficionado.” He taught everyone in the store how to tie one. He was on call too — “24 hours a day” for weddings, special events and “emergencies.”
“He’d go anywhere, any time to tie a bow tie for anyone,” Tom marvels.
Screenshot of a video of Bruce Lagerfeldt tying a bow tie — in 15 seconds.
The Westport Public Schools will soon have a new supervisor of health services.
Jill Grego as the district’s new Supervisor of Health Services, effective July 1. She currently serves as supervisor of school health services in West Haven, overseeing health services in 11 schools serving 6,500 students.
She earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Georgetown University, and a BS in business administration and accounting from Fordham University.
Grego replaces Suzanne Levasseur. She retired last year, but stayed on in a consulting role this year. She will help with the transition as well.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market garden donation program is back for a third season. And it’s bigger and “fresher” than ever.
In partnership with Food Rescue US – Fairfield County and Homes with Hope, the endeavor has a new name and identity: Sprout & Share.
Launching tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it builds on the success of the former Grow-a-Row program, which inspired gardeners to turn their backyards into community impact.
The refreshed name reflects the heart of the initiative: encouraging residents to grow a little extra. and share the harvest with neighbors facing food insecurity.
Each Thursday, gardeners can bring freshly harvested fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Sprout & Share collection station at the Farmers Market on Imperial Avenue.
Donations will be delivered by Food Rescue US – Fairfield County volunteers to the Gillespie Center of Homes with Hope, ensuring fresh, locally grown produce reaches people across Fairfield County.
Haley Schulman, market manager, says, “Whether you have one tomato plant or a thriving vegetable garden, everyone can play a role in helping provide fresh, nutritious food to our community.”
The Westport Farmers’ Market Grow a Row program has a new name.
Westport’s bus shelters are a recent important addition to the town.
But when officials approved them, they were clear: No advertisements.
To make them look a little less bus shelter-y, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Artists Collective of Westport are installing artwork in 10 newly built structures.
They’ve just completed the first.
Funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which supported arts groups during COVID.
The Collective solicited submissions from members. Carmela Kaufman’s “Chip and Dale” was chosen to beautify the shelter in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital on Post Road West.
As the photo below shows, it is a very appropriate work.
Christian Benyei, Schulhof Animal Hospital partner (2nd from left) thanks artist Carmela Kaufman. Artists Collective founding member Miggs Burroughs (kneeling), and Arts Advisory Committee and Schulhof team members look on.
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MoCA\CT invites residents to celebrate summer — and Dad — through music, community and creativity.
This Sunday (June 21) is both the 1st day of summer, and Father’s Day. It’s also “Make Music Day” — a global, free celebration, for everyone from rappers to orchestras, on stages and sidewalks around the world.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MoCA\CT presents On the Count of Two (with more than 2 members). It’s outdoors, so bring a blanket or chairs.
On the Count of Two.
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Anyone for tennis?
The Parks & Recreation Department is offering several camps this summer.
There are 7 sessions for ages 6-12, each 4 days long (Monday through Thursday), from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Longshore courts. Players are divided by age and skill level.
There are other camps, for ages 3-5, and grades 1-3, 2-4, and 3-6, at various times (starting at 11 a.m., ending t 5 p.m.) weekdays.
Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the Staples High School boys lacrosse program.
Charlie Clark, Max Hill, Nate Maurillo and Eric Skolnick are 4 of the 17 Connecticut players named All-Americans this spring.
Hill joins Henry Dodge, Charlie Howard, Josh Marcus and Adam Udell as the only players in Wrecker history to earn All America status twice.
And captain Justin Halky earned Academic All America honors. He’s one of 17 seniors in the state cited for his play on the field, his achievements in the classroom, and his impact on his community.
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The Residence at Westport hosts their annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.). The community is invited.
There is no charge; food and drinks are free. There’s live entertainment (hula dancers), along with raffles and a wine pull.
Well-known Westporter Joseph Floto died peacefully on Saturday. He was 55, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
The Washington, D.C. native and lacrosse player earned an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, and an MBA from Fordham University.
Joe owned Floto Imports. He turned his passion for design and quality into a thriving brand. He was seen frequently on QVC.
He was a fixture in the Memorial Day parade, driving his Jeep packed with children, laughing and waving to the community. His obituary says Joe was “fun-loving, generous, and always creating beautiful memories for others.”
He was particularly proud of his role as a husband and father. He was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines.
Yet of all the roles he held throughout his life, none mattered more to him than being a doting husband to Jeannette and a proud father to Alexandra (16), Andrew (14), and Theodore (11). His greatest happiness came from spending time with his wife and kids, creating a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. Joe was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines, attending countless games to cheer on his children.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeannette; children Alexandra, Andrew and Theodore; father Peter and brother Matthew. He was preceded by his mother Mary Ann.
A visitation is set for tomorrow (Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Roa, Fairfield). A funeral service will be held Friday (June 19, 11 a.m., Assumption Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education trust for Joe’s children. Checks, with “Education Trust for the Floto Children” in the memo line, may be sent to Koether Legal Services, Trustee, 10 Saugatuck Ave, Suite 102, Westport, CT 06880.
Joe Floto
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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a turtle in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
Michelle Vitulich spotted this fellow swimming contentedly in Sherwood Mill Pond.
And finally … in honor of the new art gracing Westport’s bus shelters:
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He’s spent more than half his life — over 50 years — in Westport.
Yesterday, the pioneering financial firm executive was honored.
Allen grew up in Harlem, attended law school, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, then created the first Black-owned Wall Street firm. He has written 3 books, most recently “How I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”
Win Allen
The celebration, at The Bridge at Saugatuck, was organized by Westport 10.
That’s a misnomer. The networking and social group for Black men here now has nearly 70 members.
At least one in attendance yesterday works in financial services. “I’m where I am today because of Win Allen,” he said.
Yesterday’s celebration, at The Bridge. Win Allen is 2nd from right (red jacket). Westport 10 founder Jay Norris is next to him, on the right. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Allen — a longtime Westport Rotary Club member — and his late wife Ruby bought their Burritt’s Landing North home in 1975. Built in 1957, it was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s protégé Roy Binkley. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Happy birthday, Win Allen. And thank you for all you have given to our town, and the world.
For years, the Westport Library has challenged children and adults to read — and sweetened the offer with prizes for minutes spent reading, and number of books read.
Now they’re doing the same for teenagers.
“Plant a Seed, Read: Summer Reading for Teens” runs now through September 6.
For every 60 minutes of reading, participants will receive a digital ticket to enter for a chance to win a basket of gift cards.
300 minutes earns an ice cream from Van Leeuwen. 600 minutes gets a free advance copy of a soon-to-be-published book from the teen librarian.
The Library is also open tomorrow (Sunday, June 7), from 5 to 8 p.m. for a lock-in for high school students only, to study for finals.
Speaking of the Library: If you’re wondering whether AI can help doctors detect cancer earlier — and how to separate genuine AI/cancer care breakthroughs from headlines and hype — head there this Thursday (June 11, 7 p.m.).
Dr. Sanjay Aneja speaks about artificial intelligence’s role in cancer diagnosis treatment today — and tomorrow. For more information, click here.
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We’ve featured a number of spring flowers in our “Westport … Naturally” series. Today it’s a stunningly colorful iris.
And finally … today is the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
The Allied invasion of Normandy was the largest waterborne invasion in history. Nearly 160,000 troops cross the English Channel, with 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers participating. They landed on 5 beaches, and gained a treacherous foothold that helped lead to the eventual conquest of Germany.
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For nearly a century, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer.
Every June as the school year ends, the Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser has thrilled and entertained generations of kids.
Young ones go for the rides, the food, the chance to win (possibly rigged) games.
Teenagers go to strut, to flirt, to see and be seen.
Older folks enjoy the Yankee Doodle Fair too, for its raffles, bake sales, and chance to relive their childhoods with their children (until middle school, when they scoot off with friends).
“06880”‘s rock star photographer, Staples High junior Ryan Allen, was at the Imperial Avenue fairground, capturing the colorful sights.
He nailed it, as these great photos show.
To enjoy the sounds and smells though, you have to go yourself. It’s on today (Saturday) from 1 to 10 p.m., and tomorrow (Sunday) from 1 to 5 p.m.
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting unanimously approved a new Long Lots Elementary School.
The long — and long-delayed — project got the final go-ahead, after recent approvals from a variety of other town bodies.
Artist’s rendering of the Long Lots Elementary School courtyard.
Work remains — including putting the $103.2 million contract out to bid.
The only delay would be a townwide referendum, based on the cost. A petition would need to be signed by 10% of registered voters — 1,860 people — by June 27.
But when the vote was over last night, town officials — including selectwomen, RTM and Board of Education members, and the Long Lots School Building Committee — headed the short distance from Town Hall to the Spotted Horse, to celebrate.
(Photo/Andrea Moore)
From left: Don O’Day, Jay Keenan, Tim Wetmore, Joe Renzulli, Kevin Christie, Srikanth Puttagunta, Liz Heyer. All are on the Long Lots School Building Commitee, including ex officio members Christie (Board of Education) and Heyer (Board of Finance). (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
The Staples High School boys lacrosse team shoots for the state championship tomorrow (Saturday).
The Wreckers — seeded #3 in the “LL” (extra large schools) tournament — take on #4 Darien. Faceoff is 12:30 p.m., at Fairfield University.
That’s the same stadium where — 3 days ago — the blue-and-whites scored a spectacular semifinal victory.
Down 9-5 with less than 5 minutes to play, they stunned #2 Ridgefield with 5 straight goals. Tristan Schaefer netted the game winner, with just 2.4 seconds remaining.
Will Fleming had tied it up 9-9, with 33 seconds to go. Adam Udell notched the 2 goals before that.
Coach Will Koshansky’s squad is gunning for their 3rd state title in 4 years. They won it all in 2022 and ’23 — the first Connecticut championships in their history.
Go Wreckers!
Tristan Schaefer (91) celebrates his clutch game-winning goal against Ridgefield. (Photo courtesy of Staples Boys Lacrosse)
Speaking of sports: Last August, Ben Casparius was pulled up from the minor leagues, to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Two months later, he helped pitch them to a World Series championship.
This spring, the 2017 Staples High School graduate secured a roster spot with the team, as a relief pitcher.
Now he’s a starter.
According to MLBTradeRumors.com, “he’s done nothing but produce in the majors …. His 44 innings of work this season have seen him produce a 2.86 ERA with a 1.89 FIP while striking out 26.0% of his opponents and walking just 5.1%. Those numbers are nothing short of brilliant.”
The Yankee Doodle Fair — for a century, Westport’s favorite end-of-school tradition — opened last night.
It continues today and this weekend, at the Westport Woman’s Club and adjacent Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Today (Friday) it’s 6 to 10 p.m. Tomorrow (Saturday) the fair runs from 1 to 10 p.m. It winds up Sunday, from 1 to 5 p.m.
In addition to carnival rides and games, there is plenty of food. And, of course, a raffle. Proceeds from the fair help the Woman’s Club fund many charitable activities and scholarships.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
More photos to come tomorrow, from the very talented Ryan Allen!
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Elle Michel Deran is an actor, the founder of Pussyboy Apparel, one of the nation’s leading trans influencers, and a 2013 Staples High School graduate.
Now — smack in the middle of Pride Month — she and Ezra Deran Michel are featured in a Cosmpolitan project called “Love Transcends.”
In it, the couple — who just moved from Los Angeles to a tiny town in Jalisco, Mexico — talkabout why they left the US, sobriety, “how accountability can be sexy, and why both being trans makes it easier to cope whenever their relationship gets tough.”
The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens tomorrow (Saturday, June 14).
It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features fresh produce, honey, artisanal baked goods, extra virgin olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs and salsas — plus fresh cut flower bouquets and WTF logowear.
Visitors can also walk through the gardens, say hi to the animals, and chat with the farmers.
Meanwhile, Wakeman Town Farm is looking for volunteers (ages 16+) to prepare and plant gardens (Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Email info@wakemantownfarm.org.
Among their many tasks, Westport’s League of Women Voters does a great job educating residents about the political process — everything from registering and voting, to why municipal elections are important.
Yesterday, LWV members got educated themselves.
The guest speaker at their annual luncheon was Stephanie Thomas. Connecticut’s secretary of the state spoke in depth — and passionately — about our relatively new early voting process. She provided background, statistics, and strong affirmation for its impact on turnout.
She also stressed the need for continuing voter education.
That’s what the League of Women Voters does constantly. And as Thomas knows, in Westport they do it very, very well.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, at the LWV’s annual meeting at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Much of today’s national politics has been called a dumpster fire. We can argue that all day.
But yesterday, there was a literal dumpster fire on Hales Court.
Quick work by the Westport Fire Department kept it from spsreading to a nearby residence.
There are still a few random spots in town — a bank and store, for example — with signs or floor decals reminding patrons of the need for “social distance.”
That COVID-era phrase is now just a bad memory. If we notice the notices at all, we just ignore them.
But what about these signs, at Fresh Market?
(Photo/Dan Woog)
When was the last time anyone called in a curbside order?
Probably the same time the sidewalk and road in front of the entrance was not under construction.
Julie Loparo of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates writes: “We hope to find not only a possible owner, but to secure donations for a young cat’s emergency care.
“After being struck by a car on Tuesday, on Easton Road, he was taken to the VCA emergency clinic in Norwalk by Westport animal control officer Joe Saponare. He has been treated for shock, abrasions and a fractured pelvis.
“He will be released to the care of a WASA volunteer today. His emergency care to date has cost $2,750. Donations can be made here. For more information, email wasa1@optonline.net, or call (203) 557-0361.
Emergency cat care needed.
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Speaking of animals: Deer are everywhere in Westport.
Including Old Mill Beach.
Robin Tauck spotted this pair yesterday — heading in opposite directions — and sent us this photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Robin Tauck)
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And finally … happy Friday the 13th!
(From sports stars to trans influencers, and Wakeman Town Farm to the League of Women Voters, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Staples High School senior received the school’s highest honor — the Staples Key — at Wednesday’s awards ceremony.
Alexis — a Learning Center and middle school tutor; LinkCrew member for freshmen; member of the National, Science, Math and Chinese Honor Socieites; organizer of the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run; ski team captain and soccer player — also took first place in the state STEM fair for her cancer research.
Alexis will study chemistry and math at Northwestern University.
The other 2 finalists for the Staples Key were Abe Lobsenz and Sam Rossoni.
Over 90 awards were given out. Among the other big ones:
Lily Rimm won the James Bacharach Award Service to the Community Award. It’s been presented for over 35 years by the Westport Youth Commission, in honoro of the founder and president of the Youth Adult Council, and a founder of what is now Homes with Hope.
Principal’s Awards for Outstanding Service went to William Boberski, Nina Bowens, Luca Caniato, Mia Ferrigno, Derek Hafiz, Christina Kavanah, Kensley Laguerre, Annam Olasawere, Molly Oliver, Andrew Rebello, Madeleine Saounatsos, Zelie Saounatsos, Danielle Schwartz and Jackson Tracey.
Staples Awards for Character were given to Kody Goldman and Kylie Kirkham (Class of 2025), Taylor Serotta and Eva Slossberg (Class of ’26), Nicolas Reyna and Vanii Punia (Class of ’27), and Kai Massicott and Azita Vazhayil (Class of ’28).
Alexis Krenzer
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More awards!
On Thursday, the Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Foundation handed grants of $2,500 each to 17 students.
The Scholarship Foundation was founded and principally funded by Dr. Joan Poster and her late husband, Dennis Poster.
From left: Joseph Sabin, Reese Aliberti, Jaden Aliberti, Meghan Velky, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Sara Sabin, Samantha Sabin, Gabrielle Hayes, Lily Rimm. Not pictured: Zachary Benson, Grace Biagiotti, Olivia Biagiotti, Jacqueline Kelley, April Nowinski, Edward Nowinski, Brandon Smith, Connor Woods, Ava Wooldridge. (Photo: Harry Rimm)
The dream of Staples Players actors is to be on Broadway.
Jamie Mann is.
Just a few days after graduating from the University of Michigan, the 2021 Staples High School alum has a featured role — and some very funny moments — in the new hit “Stranger Things.”
The other day, 26 current Players (and aspiring Great White Way stars) headed to New York. Jamie, they and directors David Roth and Kerry Long had dinner before the show.
After the curtain, Jamie posed for photos and autographs.
Jamie Mann (front row, 2nd from left) with Staples Players. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The dedades-old tradition returns next weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.). The site is (of course) the Westport Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue)
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food trucks and baked goods, raffles — you name it. Sand art is back too.
The “Take a Chance” tent makes a comeback, with prizes donated by local merchants and restaurants. Winners do not have to be present at the drawings.
A pay-one-price, unlimited ride wristband option is available.
Proceeds help benefit a variety of local charities, provide scholarships to Staples students, and support the Woman’s Club’s 50-year-old food closet.
This year, the organization awarded $124,200 in grants and scholarships.
Yankee Doodle comes to town!
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“Egrets” — the new 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch — will be dedicated tomorrow (May 31, 4 p.m., Canal Park, Canal Street at Kings Highway North).
It’s the latest in a series of local outdoor art, courtesy of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and our Parks & Recreation Department.
Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak, and refreshments will be served.
A Parks & Rec employee lays grass, so “Egrets” is in its element.
Former Westporter Rev. Dr. Peter Haile died May 16. He was 100.
He moved into The Saugatuck on Bridge Street when he was 80 to be closer to his daughter, Rebecca Swanson. He created, wrote and published a very popular newsletter for residents, “The Saugatalk.”
He was born at a school run by the London Missionary Society for the education of Black South Africans, where his father was principal for 40 years. The school, which refused to compromise its mission, was closed by the apartheid government in 1962. It reopened in 1995.
At 10, Peter was sent to live with an aunt in London, until the Blitz forced him, and many other children, to evacuate. At his new school he excelled in academics and competed in rugby, field hockey and cross country.
He spent 3 years in the Royal Navy. Discharged in South Africa, he was reunited with his parents for the first time in 12 years.
Peter earned his teaching certificate at Oxford, where he ran cross country with Roger Bannister. On a mission year in the US he met and married Jane Hollingsworth. They moved to Boston, where Peter ministered to college students.
In 1961 he began a 29-year stint at the Stony Brook School on Long Island, as an English teacher, chaplain and assistant headmaster. After retiring, he spent 10 years as assistant pastor at the Three Village Church in Setauket, New York.
Peter was was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son John (Susan), daughter Rebecca Swanson (David); grandchildren CMDR David Haile (Michelle), Andrew Haile (René), Sarah Haile, Dr. David Swanson III (Katharine), and Peter Swanson (Marissa);,and great-grandchildren Nora, James, Christopher, Brandon, Alethea and Naomi.
And finally … Rick Derringer, who hit Number 1 as a 17-year-old guitarist with “Hang On Sloopy,” had a smash several years later as a solo artist with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” then became a producer with artists ranging from Peter Frampton, Barbra Streisand and Kiss to Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Weird Al Yankovic — died Monday in Florida. He was 77.
(Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town. But you’re in Westport — or you’ve got some connection to it. If you enjoy this “06880” community, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.
They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.
Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Johnson)
It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.
And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.
Jolly good!
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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.
As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.
As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.
Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)
Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.
And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.
Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.
Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.
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Westport has Winslow Park.
Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.
Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.
Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.
It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.
Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.
Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.
Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.
This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).
The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.
Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.
She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.
“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role. I am a person whom people think they know. This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.
“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”
Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.
The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.
He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”
And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):
(From the UK to the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you Westport-oriented news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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