Westport kids do know much about history.
After qualifying at the regional competition in early March, students from Staples High School, and Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools competed Saturday in the State History Day Contest at Central Connecticut State University.
Three projects entered by Staples sophomores placed first or second in their categories. They advance to the national contest at the University of Maryland next month.
Zara Saliba, Uma Choudhury and Caroline Banks won in the Senior Group Exhibits category with their project, “A Turning Point in Culture: The Immoral Origin and the Immortal Legacy of HeLa Cells.”
Julien McMahon placed first in the Senior Individual Website group for his entry, “The Shot that Echoed Across the World: The Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.”
Sienna Wearsch and Chloe Jordan took second in the Senior Group Performance category for “Beyond the Boundaries of the Human and Feminist World.”
Bedford’s Junior Group Documentary first-place winners were Lev Pitterbarg, Oliver Sunderji and Zayn Headman for their work, “Harlem’s Golden Age: Revolution and Rebirth.”
And Coleytown’s Alex Sheefel snagged a gold (Junior Individual Exhibit) for “Nunca Mas: Grandmothers of Change.”
Congratulations to all — and good luck at Nationals!
From left: Zara Saliba, Uma Choudhury and Caroline Banks, state History Day winners.
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Speaking of education: There are plenty of possibilities after high school that do not involve a 4-year college.
Next Tuesday (May 14, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), the Staples Counseling Department sponsors “Finding Your Path: Exploring Post-High School Options.” It is open to all students and families — not just those at Staples.
This evening includes a short panel presentation on the military, community college, vocational school and other programs. Attendees can then meet and talk with the panelists, and graduates of those programs.
The military is an important post-high school option.
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Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together this Saturday (May 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., William Raveis Real Estate, 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check, credit card of Venmo).
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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Next Monday (May 13, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is a red letter day: the Westport Woman’s Club’s first blood drive.
Donors must register ahead of time. Click here, then click “Westport Woman’s Club.”
Need an extra incentive? They offer fresh-baked cookies!
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When Diana Sussman’s children graduated from Staples High School, she became a writer.
Her first middle-grade novel, “The Neighbors’ Secret,” will be published May 21.
It’s about a girl, her neighbors whom she thinks are Russian spies, her best friend and a boy she likes. It’s a mystery tale about kids and espionage.
Diana did extensive research on spies and the FBI — and her experiences as an attorney representing clients who were potential witnesses in FBI investigations.
Click here to order, and for more information.
Diana Sussman, and her young adult novel.
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Every Thursday is special at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: It’s “Jazz at the Post,” with an all-star selection of great musicians.
But this Thursday (May 9) is extra special. That’s JazzFC’s annual “Blow-Out Bash” fundraiser. Over 20 stellar performers are already confirmed — and donating their talents. The show runs from 7 to 11 p.m.
Paul Bollenback, Michael Mossman, Melissa Newman, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, Janice Friedman head the long list. Bridgeport’s Keys Music Jazz Ensemble opens the concert.
All proceeds benefit JazzFC’s educational clinics for students from Westport to Bridgeport, the JazzFC Scholarship Fund, outreach concerts to seniors and other underserved groups, and weekly concerts in Westport.
Click here for a $100 ticket; dinner is included.
Interested in music only, for $65? Email your name, number of tickets requested, and cell phone number to JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Kerri Rosenthal holds a special pre-Mother’s Day event this Thursday (May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
They’ll host the Wild Iris Flower truck, for attendees to build their own floral bouquets.
There’s a pop-up too from Encirckled Jewelry, showcasing pieces designed by Westporter Kate Freeman.
Indoors, there’s a special gift with any purchase.
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Westport leads the state in Tesla registrations.
Not per capita — the actual number.
Here’s one reason why. A homeowner near downtown has 4 cars. Three are Teslas (including one new Cybertruck).
Even the license plates pay homage to the brand.
One says “LUVMYY” (Love my Model Y). Another reads “CYBERTRX” (though it has not yet been transferred to the actual truck).
For good measure, there’s a SpaceX insignia on the sedan.
This guy is a true Elon Musk fan.
Teslas galore.
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Ann Matlow died yesterday at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital in New York, with her husband David by her side. The cause was complications associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. She was 77.
She was born in New York City. As an infant her parents moved to California. She lived most of the time in Stockton.
A graduate of Occidental College and Fordham Law School, Ann enjoyed a 30-year career as a corporate and immigration attorney, retiring in 2006 as partner in the Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy global immigration firm.
Her years at Occidental greatly influenced her life. For her 35 years as secretary of the Class of 1968, she was recognized in 2023 by the 50-year Club as the outstanding alumna for her long service to the institution.
Living in both Westport and Manhattan, she was active in social and community organizations. She enjoyed the arts and international travel, including studies each summer for the past 15 years at Cambridge University.
Ann is survived by David , her husband of 34 years; her brother John La Rue (Dianne) of Watsonville, California; half-brothers Robert La Rue (Teri) of Linden, California and Knox La Rue, Jr. of Stockton; cousins Frank Bailey and Suzanne Henderson of Fresno; step-daughter Laura Wong-Pan (Ray) of Gardiner, New York; step-son Jeff Matlow (Catherine) of Los Angeles, and granddaughters Emily and Samantha Wong-Pan of Gardiner, and Adelaide Griffin-Matlow of Los Angeles.
A celebration of her life will be announced by the family in the future.
Ann Matlow
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Burton Orland, died unexpectedly at his Westport home on Sunday. He was 87.
The Bronx native graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, and earned a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from Columbia University.
For 17 years he was the director of pharmacy and strategic planning at the Fallon Clinic in Worcester. He then served in executive roles in managed care organizations including New York Life, Harvard Pilgrim and United Healthcare. He was a pioneer in the managed care pharmacy industry, and nationally recognized for his contributions.
Burt was an avid fan of professional sports, particularly the New York Rangers. He loved theatrical and musical performances, and was a World War II history buff. He was a Mason and lifetime member of Level Lodge in Worcester, as well as a member of the Shriners.
His family says, “He was known by all for his kind, caring, selfless personality and especially for his infectious humor. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. His favorite childhood memories were days spent at Camp Powhatan in Otisville, Maine where he won Camper of the Year.’ More than all his professional accomplishments, he valued and cherished his family who adored him beyond words.”
Burt is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carole; children Wendy (Bill Trotta) of Paxton, Massachusetts; Michael of Studio City, California; David (Sandy) of Manhasset Hills, New York; Stefani and Mark Silverstein of Westport, and Max of Westport, and grandchildren Allie and Andrew Trotta, Sabrina Malchodi, Tanya Striffler, Jared and Jason Orland, and Cyrus and Chloe Silverstein.
Funeral services will be held today (Tuesday, May 7, 1 p.m., Temple Israel; click here for the livestream). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the home of Stefani and Mark Silverstein (166 Cross Highway) today and Wednesday (5:30 p.m.); Thursday, May 9 (6:30 p.m.); Friday, May 10 (1 to 5 p.m.), and Saturday, May 11 (6:30 p.m.)
To share a condolence message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to Carline Smith and Dr. Warren Steinberg for their kind and compassionate care.
Burt Orland
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Today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Compo Hill:
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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And finally … on this date in 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony premiered in Vienna. Click here for a fascinating story on the great composer, this work, and his deafness.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. But we can’t do it without readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Erasmus H.S. Is in Brooklyn. I know because I attended school there.