State Senator Will Haskell Says So-Long At His "Retirement" Party
Wednesday night about 135 guests gathered at the Carriage Barn in New Canaan to say thank you to Staples graduate, Westport's Will Haskell who became one of the youngest elected officials in America with his 2018 surprise victory over a multi-term incumbent. Haskell was elected State Senator from the 26th district which includes includes the towns of Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, and parts of Bethel, Weston, Westport, and New Canaan.
Story and photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Among the many people offering appreciation and accolades from the podium were Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, Senate Majority Leader Will Duff, State Senator Ceci Maher who was elected and Wilton DTC Chair Tom Dubin.
Offering their well wishes via videos were Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Attorney General William Tong.
A good bit of fun was had at the concept of Will's "retirement". Senator Blumenthal commented in his video, "not everyone joins the Senate at 22 and retires at 26."
Tom Dubin, Wilton DTC Chair served as emcee and began the presentation by saying “Tonight was an opportunity for the seven towns Will represented to say "thank you, congratulations, and good luck. Thank you for the extraordinary job he did in Hartford and also for the energy he brought to our party. Congratulations on embarking on his legal education at NYU and also on his recent engagement. And good luck with whatever he sets his sights on next. We know that former Senator Will Haskell is going to do extraordinary things, and we hope that his path takes him back to Connecticut very soon."
Dubin, a long time supporter who was instrumental in the first campaign of the Senator shared comments on Senator Haskell's brief political history and many achievements contained in the recommendation he wrote on behalf of Haskell when he applied to NYU School Of Law. He described his call from Haskell, then in his senior year at Georgetown who he said quickly overcame the challenge of convincing " people that he was not running as a lark or as a vanity project." and that he did so by doing "his homework on current legislative matters, and he had studied the political landscape. And he was eager to listen to people and synthesize disparate and inchoate points of view." He said Will had "an energy that we were not used to, and he captured the imagination of younger voters in ways that we never could. He was fearless in knocking every door he could find, responding to every journalist inquiry and every debate invitation, and engaging with any voter willing to meet him."
Dubin further highlighted Senator Haskell's work on education while in the Senate, writing, "During his first term he sat as Chair of the Senate Committee for Higher Education and Employment Advancement. In that role he championed access for nontraditional students, and negotiated passage of free tuition for students attending community colleges. Similarly, he found aisle-crossing support for tax credits to local businesses that reimburse college debt of their employees."
Story and photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After remarks by Secretary of the State Thomas and Haskell's successor Ceci Maher Will took the podium to thank the many people who made this unlikely journey a reality including his senior year Georgetown roomate After remarks by Secretary of the State Thomas and Haskell's successor Ceci Maher Will took the podium to thank the many people who made this unlikely journey a reality including his senior year Georgetown roommate Jack Lynch who served as Haskell's campaign manager for his first campaign. Haskell later admitted to being overwhelmed by the event and opened his remarks by saying, "First, let me thank the remarkable host committee who worked so hard to make this evening possible. What started as an idea by Tom and Shiva morphed into an event that exceeded my wildest expectations, and I feel totally undeserving of this celebration. That committee included: Stephen Blinder, Carina Drake, Tom Dubin, Christina Fagerstal, Melissa Kane, Angela Liptack, Michelle Mechanic, Liz Milwe, Glori Norwitt, Sam Nestor, Peg O'Donnell, Shiva Sarram, Amy Shapiro, Judy Stone, Vicki Volper, and Gayle Weinstein. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Each of you have been there for me in countless ways along this journey, and I feel truly honored to count you as my friends. You hosted me in your living rooms, knocked doors with me, supported me throughout my first term, then helped win a re-election campaign in the midst of a pandemic. Now, you've given me a new honor -- if I thought being a state senator at 22 was pretty cool, being a retiree at 26 is even better. If only it came with social security, too."
He continued, "I also want to thank my family, who has been patient and supportive during this wild adventure. Katie (his fianceé) wishes she could be here tonight, but she's stuck at work in DC and is sorry to miss all of you. Jack and Kevin, you guys have written every good line that I've ever used, and vetoed a whole lot of bad ones that I came up with. I hope you're enormously stressed about listening to a speech that, for once, I didn't run by you."
He credited a speech by President Obama which motivated him to run for statewide office at 22 years old. Haskell said, "Six years and one day ago, Barack Obama gave a speech that changed my life. You're all probably sick of hearing me talk about that speech that inspired me to change my post graduate plans, come back home, and start knocking on doors. He said "grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself." I took him up on it and have been quoting him ever since." Obama in fact became aware of Haskell's run for office and in fact endorsed Will in his first campaign.
Haskell also gave credit to Maher, his successor, saying "Leaving this job is made infinitely easier by the fact that Ceci Maher is our new State Senator. She cares so deeply about this district, and she'll be a tireless advocate in Hartford. I first got to know Ceci when she invited me to visit Person to Person, a non profit she ran that offered food, textbooks, clothing, counseling and so much more to 25,000 families in Fairfield County."
Haskell spoke of the work he did which he is especially proud of, and described those achievements: "We couldn't have made community college free, which this year will help over 11,000 students pursue a degree that they otherwise would not have been able to afford. We couldn't have passed the CT Clean Air Act, requiring every school bus and transit bus to be electrified so that riders don't breathe diesel exhaust on their way to work and to school. We couldn't have passed the strongest gun laws in the nation, the most inclusive paid family and medical leave program in the country, the long-anticipated right to vote early and conveniently."
The evening closed by the presentation of several gifts to Haskell, including a copy of his book, "100,000 First Bosses" which was signed by officials including Senator Blumenthal and by many of the event guests, a kind of high school yearbook theme offering their heartfelt thanks and praise. Will was also give a nearly 100 year old map of the State Of Connecticut which showed the extensive rail lines in place at the time, transportation being one of Will's passions. The guests were in agreement that Haskell will do great things after the next step in his life's journey at New York University Law School, an acclaimed institution which accepts less than 25% of applicants.
Story and photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Gymnastics Scores Another Victory
In the meet held on Thursday at the Westport-Weston YMCA, Staples gymnasts once again excelled in the competition against Trumbull High school, St. Joe's of Trumbull and Norwalk High scoring first place in vault, uneven bars and floor exercise.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
SCORING:
Mia G. of Staples finished first in vault, followed by Alyssa S, Norwalk and a 3-way tie for third; Marianna W, St. Joe's, Arianna S., Trumbull and Emma M., also of St. Joe's.
On bars Sarah A. and Sofia A., both of Staples finished first and second, followed by Alyssa S. of Norwalk High.
On floor exercise Staples Sofia A. finished first followed by two Trumbull athletes, Arianna S. and Anna S. finishing second and third respectively. Balance beam saw the only event where Staples didn't prevail for first, which went to Arianna S. of Trumbull. Staples instead tied for second place by Hannah B., and Sofia A., with third place going to St. Joe's Lia M.
Staples competes against Stamford High school and Westhill of Stamford on Thursday, January 19th at home.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. North wind 11 to 14 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. North wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 24. North wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
MTA Announces Special Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Monday, Jan. 16, Metro-North will operate on an expanded Saturday schedule on the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Lines, with extra trains to Manhattan in the morning and outbound from Manhattan in the afternoon.
On the Pascack Valley Line, Metro-North will operate on a normal weekend schedule.
On the Port Jervis Line, Metro-North will operate on a normal weekend schedule with two extra trains to Hoboken, one in the morning and one in the mid-afternoon, and one extra train from Hoboken to Port Jervis in the late afternoon.
Hudson Rail Link shuttle buses will operate on a special holiday schedule to meet Hudson Line trains at Spuyten Duyvil and Riverdale, and the Haverstraw-Ossining and Newburgh-Beacon ferries will operate on a special schedule to meet trains at Ossining and Beacon. Shuttle bus and ferry schedules are posted online at Metro-North Connecting Services (mta.info).
Off-peak fares are in effect on all lines all day. To view train schedules, use the MTA TrainTime app or visit https://new.mta.info/schedules/metro-north-railroad.
Morning Weather Report
Today
A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 48 by 5pm. South wind 9 to 13 mph becoming west in the afternoon.
Tonight
Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind chill values between 20 and 25. North wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. North wind 13 to 15 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wind chill values between 15 and 20. North wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Staples Orphenians Fundraise for Hawaii Trip with Star-Studded Concert at Westport Library
Press ReleaseThe Staples Music Department invites music lovers and music supporters to the Aloha Cabaret, an amazing evening of entertainment on Sunday, January 22nd at 6:30pm, at Westport Library. The 42 member renowned Staples High School Orphenians choral ensemble plan to travel to Hawaii this summer for the International Luau of Song Choral Festival and are raising funds to ensure that all Orphenians, including those with financial constraints, can make the trip.
The musical evening will be hosted by musician and CBS Sunday morning correspondent, David Pogue, and will include a special guest appearance and performance by Tony Award Winner & Grammy Award nominated stage and screen icon, Kelli O’Hara, and of course performances by Staples High School's own nationally recognized Orphenians!
“This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these student musicians,” said Orphenians director Luke Rosenberg who has led two other musical tours over the past eleven years of his tenure with the group.
“We want to make this unique musical, educational and cultural experience possible for every member of the ensemble,” said Rosenberg. “This evening of music aims to raise funds to help cover expenses for those who cannot afford all or some of the associated costs of the trip.”
The night will also feature Hawaiian themed lite bites as well as a silent auction featuring experiences, goodies and many exotic trips!
The Aloha Cabaret will take place at 6:30pm Sunday, January 22 at The Westport Library. Tickets are $150 per person for General Admission (6:30pm) and $225 per person for VIP (6:00pm early entry, mingle with guest performers, and choice seating). Tickets will not be sold at the door.
For more information or questions, please contact Staples Music Parent Association
For Tickets Click Here: CABARET TICKETS
If you cannot attend, but would still like to offer support, please donate here: DONATE
Morning Weather Report
Today
A slight chance of drizzle or light rain before 7am, then a chance of light rain between 7am and 10am, then rain after 10am. High near 51. Southeast wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Rain, with thunderstorms also possible after 1am. Temperature rising to around 52 by 1am. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Tomorrow
A 30 percent chance of rain before 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 51 by 9am, then falling to around 46 during the remainder of the day. South wind 8 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 8 to 11 mph.
Westport Property Transfers: December 12-16th; Highest Sale on Sprucewood Lane at $5.5 Million
Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $49,535.00.
Total Sales: $20,363,000.00.
Highest Transfer Price: 4 Sprucewood Lane: $5,530,000.
Lowest Transfer Price: 11 Guyer Road: $760,000.
Transfers:
4 Sprucewood Lane: $5,530,000
37 Bermuda Road: $4,100,000
6 Meadowbrook Lane: $3,100,000
14 Marion Road: $2,365,000
23 Ellery Lane: $1,699,000
80 Terra Nova Circle: $1,475,000
41 Crescent Road: $549,500
41 Crescent Road: $54,950
41 Crescent Road: $180,550
11 Guyer Road: $760,000
38 Strathmore Lane (Norwalk Taxes): $549,000
Vincent J Sarullo III Appointed New Staples High School Athletic Director
Press ReleaseThe Westport Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vincent J “VJ” Sarullo as the next Athletic Director at Staples High School. His selection for this role came after a rigorous search process involving multiple rounds of interviews. A critical part of the process was an interview with a committee composed of representatives from the coaching staff, teaching staff, school and central office administration, and board of education, all of whom supported his candidacy for this vital role at Staples High School.
Mr. Sarullo brings a wealth of experience as an athletic director to Westport, having served in the role for 17 years. He is currently the Athletic Director at Jonathan Law High School in Milford, Connecticut. Prior to leading this respected program, Mr. Sarullo successfully served as the Athletic Director for both Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Connecticut, and Notre Dame of Fairfield High School in Fairfield, Connecticut. Throughout these experiences he has garnered respect across Connecticut as an educator who cares deeply about the well-being of student athletes, their positive experiences both in competition and the classroom, and their roles as leaders in the community.
Among the many accomplishments Mr. Sarullo has achieved through his career is his role as the current President of the Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors. Recognizing his talents as a leader, his peers across the state selected him to serve in this position. It’s an honor he doesn’t take lightly, and his dedication and commitment to this critical organization will serve as a tremendous asset to Staples High School and Westport as a whole. Additionally, his achievements in leading and managing facility upgrades, developing robust professional growth opportunities for coaches, and his unwavering commitment to student voice serve as models throughout the athletic community.
Mr. Sarullo holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. Additionally, he earned a Masters Degree in Holistic Thinking from the Graduate Institute in Bethany, Connecticut. Mr. Sarullo advanced his training as a leader by earning a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Administrators who have worked directly with Mr. Sarullo gave universal praise for his honesty, integrity, and empathy as a leader. One shared, “He communicates with all stakeholders to ensure that student-athletes are leaders and role models in our school community.” Another shared, “An extremely competent, diligent, and responsive administrator, V.J. is passionately supportive of his students, coaching staff and community.” These qualities are a perfect match for the Athletic Director position at Staples High School. Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Thomas Scarice, noted, “I am very enthusiastic about V.J joining our team. This was a very comprehensive and rigorous process. Yet, V.J. rose above the field of candidates due to his lengthy successful track record, and his exemplary leadership experiences that prioritizes communication, and student success, not only on the field of play, but also in the classroom and community.”
Westport Book Shop Celebrates Second Anniversary
Press ReleaseThe Westport Book Shop’s Second Anniversary is coming up at the end of this month, and everyone is invited to celebrate with us! Plans include a celebration in honor of our volunteers, and a “Show Some Love” social media video contest, detailed below.
The Westport Book Shop is downtown Westport’s only non-profit used book store, offering previously read and greatly appreciated books, hard to find out-of-print and antiquarian books, vintage vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and audio books. It is operated by the independent non-profit Westport Book Sale Ventures, the mission of which is to raise funds for the Westport Library, while providing competitive employment and job training for adults with disabilities.
Since opening the Book Shop on January 28, 2021, the Book Sale and the Book Shop have provided over 3,500 hours of paid employment for a dozen employees with differing abilities, and have donated over $75,000 to the Westport Library.
None of this would be possible without an army of dedicated volunteers who generously give of their time and talents to the Book Sale and the Book Shop all year ‘round. On Saturday, January 28th we will be holding a Volunteer Appreciation Celebration at the Westport Library from 10:30am to Noon. Come celebrate our Volunteers with us! Please RSVP to volunteers@westportbooksales.org (or call 203-952-0070) and let us know if you plan to join us so that we can estimate a headcount for planning purposes.
In addition, in honor of its anniversary, the Westport Book Shop is sponsoring a “Show Some Love” video contest. Entrants are asked to film a short family-friendly video at the Westport Book Shop that shows their love for the Book Shop, and then post the video to their own TikTok and /or Instagram accounts, and tag three friends plus tag the Book Shop’s accounts. Every entrant will get to choose one free vinyl record, CD or book from the Shop, valued at $6 or less, and one lucky entrant also will win a $50 Westport Book Shop gift certificate. The winner will be announced at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. A second $50 Book Shop gift certificate will be awarded to the entrant whose video receives the most “likes” on the Book Sale’s social media accounts. Copies of the full Show Your Love Contest Rules and entry forms are available at the Book Shop, and on the Book Sale’s website at www.westportbooksaleventures.org/our-events
The Westport Book Shop also will be sponsoring children’s story readings at the Book Shop all anniversary weekend, Saturday January 28 and Sunday January 29. “We are so very grateful for all the volunteers who sort, evaluate and price the tens of thousands of book donations that we receive throughout the year, and work at our book sales, and help keep the Book Shop running. We are equally grateful to our community who support the Book Sale and the Book Shop. We embrace being a community space!” said Westport Book Sale Ventures President Jocelyn Barandiaran. The Westport Book Shop is located at 23 Jesup Road, right across Jesup Green from the Westport Library. It is open Sundays and Mondays from Noon to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (On Saturday, January 28th the Book Shop will delay opening until Noon, so that everyone at the Shop can enjoy the festivities at the Library that morning.)