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Events

 

Friday, September 20, 2024  -- MEET AND GREET -- Norwalk Inn, 6:00-8:00 PM
We have reserved a party room at the Norwalk Inn for a casual gathering with a cash bar and finger foods. Spouses, significant others, and special guests are welcome.
 
Saturday, September 21 -- BREAKFAST & TOUR OF STAPLES HS, 9:30-12:30
Staples has changed since our last reunion. Classmate Laddie Lawrence, a coach and teacher at Staples for 55 years, has arranged for a tasty breakfast in the renovated cafeteria, music from a student jazz combo, a tour of the school led by local blog master and town historian Dan Woog, and some dialogue with members of the Staples Class of 2025.
 
Saturday Afternoon -- SELF-SELECTED ACTIVITIES — The Reunion Team is compiling a list of local activities and destinations, including nature walks, museums, renovations to the town library, and Levitt Pavilion, for reunion attendees to pursue on their own.
 

DINNER BANQUET - Norwalk Inn, Banquet Hall 6:00-10:00 PM

After considering a range of alternatives, the Reunion Team selected the Norwalk Inn for Saturday dinner because the food is very good, the price was the best, and the Inn is offering a block of rooms at reduced rates for out-of-towners. The event will include a cash bar, buffet dinner, and some classmate-generated surprises.

Sunday, September 22 – COMPO BEACH PICNIC, South Beach, 11:00 - 11:30


We wrap up Reunion weekend at Compo Beach. Parking passes will be provided. Bring a picnic to share or buy food from the concession. We are hoping for fun in the sun, some music-making, and a commemoration of the classmates we have lost.

 

 

 

Here are two additional events that we have organized for the Reunion weekend, both free of charge. 
 
Friday, September 20, 3:00 to 5:00, at the Norwalk Inn, Deep Dive  
Do you have a passion in your life? Was there an interesting turning point in your career? Did something unexpected fall into your path? Did you take a leap and land somewhere new? Or is there something that has been a driving focus in your life? Tell us your story!
You know we’re all curious and maybe even a little nosy about our lives since Staples ‘64! Don’t be shy! Send Josh Markel a summary of the high points of what you would like to share. (yashamark@gmail.com). Each Deep Dive presentation will be allocated 10 - 12 minutes. The Committee is hoping to fill the program with a diverse array of experiences. 
 
Saturday, September 21, 11:30 - 1:30, Staples H.S., Sharing Stories Roundtable

 

ALERT -- from 2:00 to 5:00 on Saturday, downtown Westport is hosting "WestoberFest", a popular craft beer festival. Traffic and parking will be challenging.

 

This session is more informal than the Deep Dive, and consists of classmates gathering and passing the mic to give a 3 - 5 minute description of an event or experience that you would like your classmates to know about to jump start conversations over the course of the weekend.

 

 

 

Read Dan Woog's Article about the Reunion


https://06880danwoog.com/2024/09/20/if-you-see-a-bunch-of-septuagenarians/

 

Reunion Related Informatioin – Food, Beverages, and Activities

Suggestions for Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

WESTPORT

 

GG&Joe – C
https://www.ggandjoe.com/
165 Main Street, Westport
Downtown Westport acaia and coffee shop, seasonal drinks

 

Studio Café – C, L
https://www.thetailoredhomect.com/studio-cafe
Sconset Square, 15 Myrtle Avenue, Westport
Coffee and juice bar with casual Spanish fare

 

Sherwood Diner – B, L, D
https://www.sherwooddinerct.com/
901 Post Road, East, Westport
Local favorite, American comfort food

 

Romanacci’s – L, D
https://www.romanacci.com/
46 Railroad Place, Westport
Italian eats and treats, craft beers

 

Library Café – C, L
https://westportlibrary.org/services/cafe/
20 Jesup Road, Westport (in the library)
Great views of the Saugatuck River, coffee, pastries, salads, snacks

 

The Porch (at Christie’s) – C, B, L, D
https://www.theporchatchristies.com/
161 Cross Highway, Westport
Happy space, scrumptious baked goods, smoothies, coffee, salads, sandwiches

 

The Granola Bar – C, L
https://www.thegranolabar.com/westport-ct
Playhouse Square, 275 Post Road, East, Westport
All day breakfast, salads, sandwiches

 

The Inn at Longshore, La Plage – L, D
https://www.laplagewestport.com/
At Longshore, 260 Compo Road, South, Westport
Waterfront casual restaurant and oyster bar
Great views of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound

 

The Naan – L, D
https://www.thenaanct.com/
361 Post Road, Westport
Fine Indian dining and bar

 

Rive Bistro – L, D
https://rivebistro.com/
299 Riverside Avenue, Westport
A French bistro on the Saugatuck River, New York Times says “very good”

 

159 Main – B, L, D
https://www.159main.us/
*Note: formerly Oscar’s and Rye Ridge Deli
159 Main Street, Westport
Classic deli, NY style sandwiches

 

Via Sforza – L, D 
https://www.viasforza.com/
243 Post Road, West, Westport
Authentic Italian, brick oven pizza

 

Isabel and Vincent B, L
https://www.bakeryfairfieldct.com/
1903 Post Road, Fairfield
French bakery in Southport (close to the Westport border)

 

 

NORWALK

 

Osteria Romano - L, D
https://www.osteriaromana.com/Osteria-Romana-Norwalk/
250 Westport Avenue, Norwalk
Traditional recipes from Rome

 

Romanacci’s - L, D
https://romanacci.com/norwalk/
250 Westport Avenue, Norwalk
Italian eats and treats, craft beers

 

Alma Bistro - L, D
https://www.almalatinbistro.com/
83 Wall Street, Norwalk (walkable from The Norwalk Inn)
Authetic Latin quisine with a modern twist

 

Match - D
https://matchsono.com/
98 Washington Street, South Norwalk
“Seasonal” new American food, craft cocktails

 

Valencia Luncheria – L, D 
https://www.valencialuncheria.com/
164 Main Street, Norwalk
Expect the unexpected, different cooking styles, visually appealing

 

Brasitas – L, D
https://www.brasitas.com/
430 Main Avenue, Norwalk
Nuevo Latino cuisine

 

Donovans – L, D
https://www.donovanssono.com/
138 Washington Street, South Norwalk
The oldest known pub in Norwalk

 

SoNo Seaport Seafood – L, D
http://www.sonoseaportseafood.com/
100 Water Street, Norwalk
New England style seafood

 

1920 Bar and Bistro - L, D
https://www.1920barandbistro.com/
2 Wilton Avenue, Norwalk
Contemporary American dining
Note: If you mention that you are part of our reunion, the owner said he would add a special treat for you.

 

 

 

 

Attractions

 

 

WESTPORT

 

Westport Country Playhouse
https://www.westportplayhouse.org/
25 Powers Court, Westport
Our own historic theater

 

Westport Public Library
https://westportlibrary.org/
20 Jesup Road, Westport
One of the most active and innovative libraries in the nation

 

Wakeman Town Farm
https://www.wakemantownfarm.org/
134 Cross Highway, Westport
A community farm with heart and soul

 

Westport Museum for History and Culture
https://westporthistory.org/
25 Avery Place, Westport
@ time of reunion: Exhibit – “Playful Pastimes 1890-1901”

 

Riverwalk behind the Levitt Pavillion
https://www.levittpavilion.com/
Behind Westport Library, access through library upper parking lot
Walking path on the Saugatuck River, adjacent to the Levitt Pavilion

 

Sherwood Island State Park
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Sherwood-Island-State-Park
Sherwood Island Connector, Westport
A public recreation area, great for walking paths

 

 

NORWALK

 

Stew Leonard’s
https://www.stewleonards.com/ 
100 Westport Avenue, Norwalk
The World’s Largest Dairy Store
Walk through for great tasting samples

 

Sono 1420
https://sono1420.com/
19 Day Street, South Norwalk
Award-winning maritime craft distillery

 

Maritime Aquarium
https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/
10 North Water Street, Norwalk
Mission to preserve and protect Long Island Sound and the ocean
Live water creatures and great local maritime exhibits

 

Spacecat Brewing Company
https://spacecatbrewing.com/
51 Chestnut Street, Norwalk
Imagination, community, sustainability
Local craft beers

 

South Norwalk Historic District (SONO)
https://www.visitsono.com/
68-139 Washington Street
2-24 S. Main Street
A variety of classy restaurants, shops and clubs

 

 

COVID RECOMMENDATIONS

 

This is from Charlie Christianson, your Staples classmate, Reunion treasurer, and practicing physician. 

 

As our reunion approaches the country is facing another increase in Covid cases. We are all at higher risk due to our age, and many of us have other risk factors, so please be kind to yourself and your classmates.

 

There is a new Covid vaccine just out, which is more effective against the current strains. You can get it now before you travel to the reunion. 

 

Masking: wear a mask if you are concerned about getting a respiratory infection, especially if you are in crowded spaces with poor ventilation, or if you have symptoms (with a negative Covid test—if positive, isolate). A KN-95 mask offers the best combination of effectiveness and comfort.

 

Lots of people seem to be getting infected through air travel. The time in the terminal is the greatest risk. I recommend masking in the terminal, especially at a crowded gate, until the plane is in the air 10-15 minutes. It appears air filtration and circulation on planes is pretty good, and you can remove your mask, especially on longer flights. Be sure to put it back on when you deplane. 

 

Consider testing for Covid the day before you arrive at the reunion, especially if you have Covid symptoms (fever, cough, loss of smell) or exposure. Even if you don’t you will be reducing the risk to your classmates by testing. 

 

General: Cover your mouth and nose (with your arm) when coughing or sneezing; clean your hands frequently; and try to spend as much time as possible outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces, and as little as possible in crowded poorly ventilated indoor spaces. 

 

We are looking forward to seeing you in September –

 

Your 60th HS Reunion Team: Melody, Lidy, Eric M., Nancy W., Sylvia, Charlie C., Sandy G., Tom D., Jim M., Pete S., Laddie, Josh M., Deb, Connie,  Sandi C., Anne L., Mike H., Claudia, Andrea, Barbara, Bill A., Bill M., Gary