Staples Players Rewind: “Working”

Posted on October 13, 2026 | Leave a comment

In the summer of 2017, Staples Players presented “Working.”

It was a different type of musical. But — as usual — the high school troupe crushed it.

Click here or below for directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s show. Thanks to Jim Honeycutt, former media teacher, for producing this highlight reel.

What are those actors up to today?

Jacob Leaf (Mike Dillard, ironworker; Joe Zutty, retired) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.

Remy Laifer (Al Calinda, parking lot attendant; Roberto Nunez, boxboy and migrant worker; Eddie Jaffe, publicist) is a New York-based actor and musician. A graduate of Northwestern University’s theatre program, he has appeared on television in NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” His film work includes “Escape from Myrtle Broadway” and “3 Worlds, 1 Modern Romance.”

Christian Melhuish (Rex Winship, hedgefund manager; Utkarsh Trajillo, caregiver) is a singer, actor and dancer in New York. After graduating from Temple University with a BFA in musical theater, Christian has performed regionally around the country. Credits include Jesus (“Godspell”), Romeo (“Romeo & Juliet”) and Bob Gaudio (“Jersey Boys”). He has also performed Off-Broadway and in cabarets and staged readings.

Mia Kobylinski (Marjorie Levin, worker in cubicle) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.

Sophia Sherman (worker in cubicle) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Chad Celini (fast food worker) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productions. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”

Nick Rossi (fast food worker; “Mason” soloist) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”

Jake Watzman (John Rolfin, newsboy) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.

Georgia Wright (Babe Secoli, supermarket checker) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays,

Lexi Holoubek-Sebok (Candy Cottingham, political fundraiser) transitioned from acting into professional marketing and data analysis, working as a community strategy and intelligence analyst at Burson.

Avery Mendillo (Grace Clements, millworker; Jean Gilbert, cleaning woman) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.

Antonio Antonelli (Anthony Coelho, stone mason) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”

Jackie Rhoads (Terry Mason, flight attendant) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.

Sophia Sherman (Joyce Naruda, interstate trucker) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Payton Spandow (Lucy Long, actress) earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cornell University, and was a member of the sketch comedy group The Skits. She is now a college planning advisor in Rocky Hill.

Samantha Chachra (Theresa Liu, nanny) is a New York-based actress, singer-songwriter and cellist. She earned a BFA in drama from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, after training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios.

Daisy Brackett (Maggie Holmes, cleaning woman) earned a master’s degree in advanced classical acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her credits include short films, independent projects, showcases and reels.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Remembering Ed Bludnicki

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 8 comments

Longtime Westport school administrator Edward Bludnicki died peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 92.

The proud Ansonia native was active in Ansonia High student council and played baseball, graduating in 1951.

A veteran of the Korean conflict, he graduated from the US. Army Guided Missile School, where he trained and served as an electronics specialist. Ed continued his education at Southern Connecticut State University, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general and biological Sciences. He later pursued advanced studies in educational administration at Fairfield University.

Ed Bludnicki

Edward’s career in education began as an adjunct faculty member in the Science Department at Housatonic Community College. He then taught science at Bedford and Coleytown Junior Highs. He introduced a new biology course, and was a highly regarded instructor.

Moving into school administration, Ed served as vice principal and principal at Bedford Junior High. He played an important role as Bedford and Coleytown Junior Highs transitioned into middle schools.

During his tenure Ed introduced a faculty-student committee, a parent ombudsman group, and Saturday School, for additional academic and recreational opportunities.

He strengthened Bedford’s Honor Society, expanded student club activities, and supported the PTA’s cultural arts assemblies.

One of Ed’s most memorable contributions to education came through his lifelong fascination with science and space exploration. Drawing upon connections he made during his Army service, he helped bring NASA personnel and space shuttle astronauts into the Westport school system.

Students communicated with astronauts while the shuttle orbited overhead.

Ed later served as director of Westport Adult Education, overseeing programs that included English as a Second Language and GED courses. He also served as a summer school principal.

He applied for and received a multi-year state of Connecticut grant to establish a regional space camp, continuing his enthusiasm for scientific discovery with young learners.

His activities extended beyond the classroom. Ed was a board member and treasurer of the Westport Rotary Club. He was also treasurer of the Tri-Town Teachers Federal Credit Union, and co-president of the Intermediate School Administrators Association.

A talented model builder, he had a passion for radio-controlled airplanes. Over the years he constructed many aircraft and model rockets. He served as president of the Connecticut State Model Building Society, and participated in model aircraft and rocket competitions throughout the state.

Edward also loved automobiles, particularly his Mazda Miata, which he owned and maintained for nearly 4 decades.

Among his fondest golfing memories was a hole-in-one at Homewood Acres Golf Course.

Edward is survived by his children Edward (Catherine), Laura (Michael) Binkowski, and Karen Pernaselci; grandchildren Michael (Jocelyn) Binkowski, Chelsea (Michael) Sevigny; Emily, Claire. Mitchell and Hannah Bludnicki; Troy, Luke, Kyra and Chloe Pernaselci; great-grandchildren Spencer Binkowski, and Stella and Cameron Sevigny, and many nieces and nephews, including Mary Bludnicki of Trumbull.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine (Niezelski) Bludnicki; brother Benjamin and sister, Jean Gesek.

Family and friends may call on Friday (October 16, 4 to 7 p.m., Wakelee Funeral Home, Ansonia). Funeral services will take place from the Wakelee Funeral Home on Saturday (October 17, 9 a.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Ansonia. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Derby. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.

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Roundup: Cover Your Assets, Sherry Jagerson Honor, Mahjong Tiles …

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 1 comment

Yesterday, “06880” posted a harrowing tale of what can go wrong when someone’s identity is stolen. (Spoiler alert: It was mine.)

Of course, that’s not the only online concern. Fraud prevention is another.

Jeff Schwartz is a longtime Westport resident. He has an engineering degree, and spent his career in software.

Four years ago, a friend lost his life savings. Now, Jeff sounds the alarm about fraud prevention.

He started by warning the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Now he’s reaching out further.

He’s developed an easy-to-use app. CYA (Cover Your Assets) looks at the content of a email. It can check a link or a phone number, and help a user determine whether a message is safe or not. It also restarts your phone, to kick out any bad guys.

He’s testing it now, with the Y’s Men and others.

Jeff is not looking to make money. He just wants to do something for so many people, who are so vulnerable to scams.

To learn more — and become a beta tester — click here.

Screenshot from CYA — Cover Your Assets.

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It’s not every water bottle refill station that has a dedication ceremony.

But it’s not every town that had an environmental advocate like Sherry Jagerson.

This Sunday (1 p.m.), Winslow Park’s new station will be dedicated in the memory of the longtime Westport resident and community leader, who died in 2024.

Sherry helped create the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, and led one of the nation’s early efforts to ban single-use plastic bags. Click here to read about her remarkable life.

The station is part of UnPlastic Westport. The Sustainable Westport initiative reduces single-use plastic by installing water refill stations in parks and public spaces.

Earth Animal joins the event, bringing earth-themed treats and gifts for dogs. Sustainable Westport and the Westport Parks & Recreation Department will also provide reusable water bottles to attendees.

Westporters — human and canine — are invited to Sunday’s celebration.

Sherry Jagerson, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.

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Allium — the small restaurant with the devoted following that closed in May, after 4 1/2 years on Railroad Place — will reopen soon, in a new location.

The new site is Bedford Square. The previous tenant was Gogi Korean Steakhouse. Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.

Allium owner Michelle Greenfield.

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“06880” has reported recently on the local (and national) mahjong craze.

Today, we introduce a small Westport company that could grow big.

Verdant Mahjong is a woman-led business creates and sells a mahjong tile design highlighting New England ecology.

“We loved that mahjong created community, but we also wanted to connect the community to their local environment,” says Merritt Juliano.

The flower tiles feature native plants, which build resilience against flooding and other climate issues. Verdant’s first line, Winter Solstice, highlights native plants that thrive in winter here.

They’re open for presales, with delivery expected in early 2027. For details, click here. Their Instagram is @VerdantMahjong.

Verdant Mahjong’s tiles.

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, here is one more way to make a mark.

Westporters Amanda Meltzer and Kaylee Rutchik have organized an event with Fred and Monarch market. This Thursday (October 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), both will donate 15% of sales to Pink Aid.

The national organization — founded in Westport — offers compassionate support, critical resources and emergency financial assistance to underserved breast cancer patients and their families.

Amanda and Kaylee were both diagnosed in their 30s. They became fast friends, and after receiving support from many friends and strangers, now pay it forward.


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Westport Farmers’ Market recently concluded the first summer of its weekly partnership with the Norwalk Art Space and Art Space Café.

The program continues this fall.

“Fueling Creativity” began with a simple but powerful belief: Every young person deserves access to nourishing food, meaningful education, and a space where their creativity is celebrated.

Each week, the Farmers’ Market purchases and provides fresh, locally sourced ingredients directly from its farmers. Then chef Caitlin McGowan and Café baker and manager Kelly Clement transform them into healthy, delicious meals.

Students gather in an environment built around learning, expression and wellness. They share a meal prepared with real, whole ingredients, while onsite tutors provide academic support and art classes bring their creativity to life.

To learn more about Fueling Creativity or support the Westport Farmers Market’s mission, click here.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Sunrise Rotary Club’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” returns to the newly renovated Inn at Longshore November 5 (6 to 9 p.m.).

The evening — with special wine, great food, and very interesting guests — features 100 sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company.

We noted that it’s a “fundraiser.” But the proceeds do not stay with the Rotarians.

Funds from the wine tasting — along with Sunrise’s Great Duck Race — are donated to charities and local organizations. Last year, Westport Sunrise Rotary donated $150,000 to charities. The goal this year: even more.

For tickets and more information, click here. 

Following the footsteps of historic saxophone duos like Johnny Griffin and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, and Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray, a pair of powerhouse horn players — Andy Farber and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall will push each other to creative heights at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner begins at 6:15).

Also sitting in: pianist Bob Albanese, bassist Jennifer Vincent and drummer Tony Jefferson. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Greg Wall and Andy Farber.

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Most Westporters have probably never heard of Richard Drive.

I hadn’t — and I’ve lived here my entire life.

But the little road, tucked between Jennie Lane and Mayflower Parkway off Compo Road South, is the site of pond, ringed by trees.

Which means that at this time of year, it’s spectacularly beautiful.

Amy Schneider calls this her “favorite photo spot in the fall.” As proof, she sends along today’ “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1903, the Boston Red Sox won the first modern World Series. They won the best of 9 event, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5 games to 3.

(You know what else is sweet? Clicking here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Voonza: Never Leave Your Kid Stranded Again!

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Raul Mihali is a very organized man.

But — like many Westport parents — he finds it hard keeping up with the flood of emails, texts, notifications and more about his children’s activities.

The schools do an admirable job of communicating, he says. But there’s a lot.

“On the bottom of page 6” of one of dozens of emails, he says, “there’s a form to sign so your kid can go on a rollercoaster the next day. If you don’t see it, and don’t sign it, he’s crushed.”

Raul Milani 

That’s a hypothetical. These 2 examples — involving his 12-year-old twins — are true.

Once, Raul forgot to pick up a child at a tennis lesson. A different time, he did not send a lunch for an activity. Another family fed his kid.

“This is just not working,” Raul thought.

So he decided to find a way.

Raul is not some random parent. The Romanian native earned a scholarship to study technology and robotics in the US.

He’s been an entrepreneur ever since. He’s had “some successes, some hard lessons,” he notes. “A lot of learning, not just earning.”

Raul and his family: With Voonza, their lives are much more organized.

Those experiences stood him in good stead when he started Voonza.com. The site does many things to make a parent’s — both parents’ — lives easier. For example:

  • It reads school emails; pulls out dates, forms and deadlines, then puts them on one family calendar both parents can see.
  • If you snap a photo of a flyer, or just say “soccer moved to Thursdays.” Voonza recognizes or records it, and adds it in.
  • Did you schedule 2 pickups at different spots, at nearly the same time? Voonza lets you know it won’t work.
  • It sends reminders about invoices due — tutors, camps, everything else — along with expiration alerts.
  • It even reminds you to “leave now” (a gentle reminder to not leave your child stranded at a tennis lesson).

Voonza shows you your week at a glance …

Voonza looks further ahead than you might. It notices your kid’s birthday is 6 weeks away. It asks about your plans, then can generate a few party ideas at nearby venues — including costs, and how many youngsters could attend.

Ask Voonza a question — “What does Theo need for school this week?” “What activities are we paying for this month?” “Is there a swim class nearby for a 7-year-old” — and it will answer.

There’s very little typing (“no one has time anymore,” Raul notes). It scrapes information from your phone, email and other accounts, and responds to voice prompts.

… and daily reminders too.

Ovviously, Voonza utilizes AI. So did Raul, as he created the site. “It made the development really fast,” he notes. “This wouldn’t have happened without it.”

He rolled out the site this spring. Users provide feedback. Raul is quick to respond. Someone asked whether it can manage pet care.

Now it does.

The first 3 months are free. Then it’s $9.99 a month. Users can cancel any time.

But who knows what happens then to their kids?

(To learn more about Voonza, click here. Questions? Email rmihali137@gmail.com.) 

(And what about the name? Raul wanted one that did not sound like another calendar app, and whose .com was not taken. Plus, it sounds like “zooming out the door,” which describes every school morning.) 

(“06880” often highlights Westporters doing interesting things — and always tries to make life easier for everyone. If you enjoy our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, technology, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3463

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 6 comments

Yesterday’s Compo Beach sunrise (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Searching For Scott Taylor

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 4 comments

Owen Taylor writes:

“I am looking for anyone who knew my uncle Scott Taylor (1951-1993). I’d love to know more about his life.

“He was the oldest of 3 boys in Westport, on Oak Ridge Park. Scott was in Staples Players, and graduated with the class of 1969 before studying acting at the Boston University College of Fine Arts. He had a boyfriend there named John Smith.

Scott Taylor, in the 1969 Staples yearbook.

“Scott moved back to Westport in his early 20s. He acted and wrote for theatre in Boston, New York, California and Pennsylvania.

 

“I was just 12 when he died in 1993 of complications due to AIDS. I have sweet memories of visiting my softspoken uncle who gave my sister and me nice gifts at Christmas, and showed us his sketchbooks and his poster-sized collages made from National Geographics that he’d sell on the street.

“He was my only reference for a real life gay person (besides the very limited representation on TV in the early ’90s).

“When Scott died I received his childhood comic book collection. I decorated my bedroom with his collages, wooden masks, a beautiful woven bedspread, and his potted dragon tree. I was surrounded by his ephemera for years.

“I came out of the closet at 19. I often wonder what it would be like if my uncle had lived to be a part of my life.

Scott Taylor

“Ten years later, I found more of Scott’s boxes in my dad’s garage. Most were water damaged and headed for the dump, but I discovered a typewritten poem he made at age 23 in 1974.

“I set the poem to music, and recorded it for my family to listen to. While I work as a seed farmer and farm educator at Truelove Seeds in Philadelphia, I also make music on the side in a band called My Gay Banjo, and on my own.

“It felt wonderful to honor him by making a collage of his art and mine, and collaborating across time, space, life, and afterlife. Click here to listen to the song, called “I Don’t Like To.” 

Please help my sister, my family and me learn more about my uncle, if you knew him. You can contact me at owenstaylor@gmail.com.

Scott Taylor, with Owen and his sister.

PS. Some branches of my family tree go back generations in Westport, including the Edmond Curtis Smiths (4 generations) on my mom’s side, and Michael and Rose (Laurella) Vigilante and their daughters Ann and Rita on my dad’s side.

My great-grandfather Michael Vigilante was a sheriff in Westport, involved in real estate, and served as president of the St. Anthony Society for Italians. His wife Rose was on the women’s Republican committee, and cooked for years for the Westport Playhouse (long before my mom’s family ran the Players Tavern).

I’m interested in these stories as well, if anyone has anything to share.

(“06880” is honored to bring Westport’s diverse community together — wherever our readers are. If you appreciate what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Massimo Tullio

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Massimo Tullio has spent more than 25 years in hospitality.

He grew up in New Canaan, in a family with southern Italian roots. After working with wineries, and making Norwalk’s Fat Cat Pie Company a destination, he helped open The Whelk in 2012. Connecticut Magazine named it the Best New Restaurant, and it earned many other honors. He also helped open Kawa Ni nearby.

In early 2025 Massimo took over The Whelk completely, and turned the fomrer Don Memo downtown into Massi Co.

It was no whim. He spent the spring training in Italy, learning all about Neapolitan pizza. It’s been one of Westport’s hottest restaurants for the past year.

The other day, Massimo walked a few yards over to the Westport Library. We chatted about all things food-related. Click here or below, for our mouth-watering conversation.

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Roundup: Historic Homes Tour, Homes With Hope, Wine & Beer …

Posted on October 12, 2026 | Leave a comment

Tickets are going fast for the 4th annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

The Sunday, November 1 event — produced in collaboration with the great KMS Team at Compass crew — is our biggest yet.

There are 5 homes — one more than usual — and we’ve added an extra hour (12 to 4 p.m.).

This year’s homes are spectacular. Each is historic, and retains its original look and feel; all have been adapted thoughtfully and beautifully, for today’s lifestyle.

They include:

  • The 100-year-old stone residence, with renovated gardens, ponds and fountains, at 50 Sylvan Road North (former home of actor Frank Gorshin, The Riddler on “Batman”)
  • “9 Hearths” (actually 11), owned by former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nearby, at 56 Sylvan Road North
  • 50 Turkey Hill North, the much-admired former inn and tavern across from St. Luke Church, owned for over a century by the Burr and Banks families
  • 311 Greens Farms Road, one of the oldest homes in Westport; featuring original flooring and beams, with a complementary addition
  • 217 Compo Road South, an 1855 Victorian farmhouse and carriage house that epitomize thoughtful renovation, with history at the forefront.

To order tickets, click here. For more information on each home, click here.

50 Sylvan Road South

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Kevin Nealon headlined Friday night’s Stand Up for Homes with Hope benefit.

Another highlight: a video, shown before the comedian took the stage.

Livio Sanchez captured every aspect of the non-profit’s great work addressing homelessness, food insecurity and more.

It’s well worth watching. Click here or below to see.

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One of the town’s tastiest and most fun fundraisers is set for next month.

Sunrise Rotary’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” returns to the newly renovated Inn at Longshore November 5 (6 to 9 p.m.).

The evening — with special wine, great food, and very interesting guests — features 100 sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company. Distributors are on hand too, to describe the back story of each.

Guests also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a creative charcuterie and carving station, all complementing the many wines. Knipschildt will also provide samples of their  handmade chocolate.

All wines and chocolate can be ordered in time for the holidays. For tickets and more information, click here. 

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Speaking of spirits: Wakeman Town Farm’s annual Beer Garden is on tap (ho ho) next Sunday (October 18, noon to 4 p.m.).

And — because it’s a family-friendly event — everyone is invited.

Highlights include live music, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters and seasonal crafts.

There are tons of lunch options and goodies for purchase, including Pizza by Tony Napolitano, the Food Truck Refinery and baked treats.

Greens Farms Spirit Shop is providing the suds, from nearly a dozen local breweries.

Tickets are $15 for adults; kids go free. Food, beverage and craft purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit WTF educational programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A host of Boldface Names were on hand Friday at the Natural History Museum in London, for the 5th annual awards ceremony and benefit for the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

The New York Times says, “The Albies, as the black-tie gala is known, focus on ‘brave individuals and groups from around the globe who, at great personal risk, have devoted their lives to fighting for justice.'”

Among the honorees: Lynsey Addario. The 1991 Staples High School graduate is a Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur Fellow-winning photojournalist and author.

“The need for pointing out people who are justice warriors just never seems to subside,” George Clooney — whose father was a journalist — said.
“We’re under a huge amount of pressure,” Christiane Amanpour added. “There’s a whole scope of dangers.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

Lynsey Addario (2nd from left) with George Clooney and other honorees, in London. (Photo courtesy of New York Times)

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Speaking of notable Westporters: At the end of Dennis House’s interview with Governor Ned Lamont, the WTNH host asked, “Who plays Ryan Fazio in your debate prep?”

After first not providing a name, Lamont singled out Will Haskell as offering “youthful energy” while playing the Republican state senator from Greenwich, who hopes to unseat the 2-term incumbent.

House mistakenly identified Haskell as being from Greenwich. As Westporters know, he is the 2014 Staples High School graduate who served 2 terms as a very young state senator (2019-2023).

After writing a book about his experience, Haskell headed to law school. He has now graduated. He remains active in politics — much to Governor Lamont’s debate prep delight. (Hat tip: Neil Brickley)

Governor Ned Lamont and Dennis House, discussing Will Haskell.

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With Halloween near, Westporters are getting in the ghostly spirit.

This house on Bradley Street is a particularly creative example. If you’d like to show off your home — or a neighbor’s, or stranger’s — email 06880blog@gmail. com.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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After 20 years, Stitch Haven is moving.

The business — originally Knitting Central, then Westport Yarns, now since 2025 under Beth Berkowitz’s ownership — will relocate from 582 Post Road East, to 420 Post Road West. It’s just 2 miles away, across from Whole Foods.

It’s a popular spot, with knowledgeable staff and loyal customers who love to crochet and knit.

Movin day is October 19. Beth says she’ll be up and running October 21. A grand opening is set for October 30. Click here for information on classes, and more.

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A reader writes: “I’m not normally one of ‘those people,’ but I guess for this one I will be.

“This lost dog was found on September 7. Yet the lost dog posters are still everywhere on Post Road near Stop & Shop. Almost every other pole has a sign taped to it — the bus stop too.

“I’m really happy she was found. But come on: Clean up after yourself!”

That’s a great reminder — and not just for lost dogs.

Hey, Westport: If you put up a flyer, poster — or (especially) a yard sign on a traffic island or sidewalk advertising an upcoming tag sale, sports tryout or other event– take it down as soon as it’s over. (NOTE: Election Day is November 3!)

And if your sign is advertising a business: Take it down now. It’s illegal.

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Let’s start the week off with this colorful “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Beach:

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!

(Whether you celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Columbus Day — or both, or neither — we hope you’ll click here to honor “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. We rely on readers’ support. Thanks!)

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Westport Citizens Stage Modern Day “T Party”

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 18 comments

In 1773, American colonists disguised as Mohawk and Narragansett Indians dumped 340 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. They were rejecting the right of the British Parliament to tax them without representation.

Over 250 years later — this morning, on Indigenous Peoples Day — a group of Westporters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

Gathering on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

Disguised as patriots, the Statue of Liberty and more, they dumped a large “T” into the Saugatuck River. They were rejecting the actions of President Trump.

Dumping the “T.”

Trump was one “T” in this modern day “T Party.” The small group carried placards with a long list of other “T”s that, they said, epitomized today’s abrogation of America’s hard-won system of constitutional checks and balances: tariffs, tyranny, terror, torture, turmoil, threats, taunts, tirades, terminations and more.

(All photos/Dan Woog)

It was a low-key event — far less dramatic than the patriots’ Tea Party. It will not lead to a Revolutionary War.

But, participants said, they hoped it would lead to a spotlight on today’s politics.

And on the importance of voting in the coming election our forefathers fought so hard to ensure.

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From “You’ve Got Mail!” To “You Got Hacked!”: An Optimum Odyssey

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 8 comments

I’ve been a Cablevision customer since the early 1980s, when they rolled out that new-fangled “cable TV” contraption.

A decade later they demonstrated another technological marvel — a cable modem, connecting to the internet — at Klein’s department store. I signed up on the spot, one of the first dozen or so here in Westport.

Whenever I had to call what is now Optimum support — not a lot, but more than I should have — I would tell the representative, “Look at my account. I’ve been a customer since before you were born.”

Invariably, he or she would remark — in a difficult-to-understand accent, over a bad connection (not the best look for a phone company) — “Thank you for being a loyal customer.” That’s the script, and they were sticking to it.

In August I posted an Opinion piece by Sam Disraelly: “Beware! Your Optonline Address May Not Be Safe!”

In it, the Westport cybersecurity expert warned that because Optonline had 3 known security flaws — including no 2- or multi-factor authentication — every user was at risk.

Sam noted: “An email address isn’t just an address. It’s the recovery point for your bank, your medical portal, your retirement accounts, your kids’ school logins — nearly everything password-protected online gets reset through email. If someone controls your inbox undetected, they control the keys to reset almost anything else you own.”

He advised: “Set up another email address. I recommend buying a domain. Use it to host your own email on a trusted service, so you can control your own digital identity.  If you need to use a free account, there are other providers like Gmail, Outlook, or a similar provider.”

Sam Disraelly

I edited Sam’s piece. I published it.

If only I’d acted on it.

I thought my long relationship with Optimum — filled with many minor hassles, but no major ones — made me immune.

Hubris, thy name is Dan.

Three Mondays ago, I could not log in to my email.

That’s happened before. I usually perform some variation of internet voodoo to get in.

This time: nothing.

I called tech support. The offshore representative with the bad connection advised changing my password.

I did. I got in. Some — but not all — of my email was there.

A few minutes later, I went to check it again. This time, I was again logged out.

I’ll spare you the 3 hours of back and forth with “tech support,” much of which consisted of variations of “change your password.”

I kept changing it. The intruder who had gotten into my account kept changing it back.

Suddenly I began getting strange notifications, from financial institutions and merchants I had relationships with, and those I did not.

Why was I getting messages from institutions I did not do business with?

When I called them to dispute changes to my account — or to deny I’d ever set up an account — they asked me for my email. I gave it to them.

Then they asked for my phone number and address.

Nope, they said. That’s not you.

The intruder was using my email — and his own (probably fake) identification. Everyone I spoke with thought I was the hacker.

Panicked, I did the only thing I could think of.

I called Sam Disraelly.

He talked me off the ledge. He explained exactly what had happened — and how he could fix it. He’s done this before; he knew all their tricks, and he had plenty of his own.

He communicated clearly. He did not make me feel like the idiot I was.

And — this is key — Sam is ex-military. He loves going after bad guys.

He took over my computer, remotely. Then he went to work.

Again, I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say, it was — exactly as Sam predicted — a 2-phase game: first cat-and-mouse, then whack-a-mole.

It took 8 to 10 hours a day, for several days, for me to convince customer service representatives — with hard-to-understand accents, on bad connections, unwilling to deviate from their scripts — that (to use one PayPal example), no, I did not just order hundreds of dollars of Instacart items in Phoenix.

Look at the IP address! Have I ever used Instacart? Have I ever done anything in Arizona?

“Well, sir, it is on your account …”

Throughout the ordeal, Sam Disraelly was there for me. He was a godsend. (One of the passwords I changed — before Sam got me to use a password manager, another thing I had stupidly never considered before — was “SamIsGod.”)

It’s been 3 weeks.

I’m 98% back to where I should have been before this whole cluster****. I haven’t had an odd notification in several days. (Knock wood — the intruder is probably still in my Optonline account, because they don’t seem to be able to kick him out.)

I started using 2 Gmail accounts I’d always had, but seldom checked. I’d always found Gmail confusing; now I’m a convert. An added bonus: Their spam filter is vastly better than Optimum’s. (Note my 2 email addresses: danwoog@gmail.com, and 06880blog@gmail.com.)

I’m using my password manager too.

And though 2- or multi-factor authentication — the “authorization code” sent to your phone or email — is a pain, it’s worth the hassle.

If Optimum had only sent me a notification asking if I’d requested a password change 3 weeks ago, all that could have been avoided.

For the entire time I was a customer, they did not offer that option — despite knowing how important it is.

Then Sam Disraelly wrote his Opinion piece for “06880.” And I got my identity stolen.

As of October 6, Optimum now offers multi-factor authentication.

Woo hoo.

(NOTE: You can contact Sam Disraelly directly here. To see an “06880” podcast featuring Sam, click here. Another superb tech wizard, who I’ve used often, is Jamie Berger Katz: 203-984-3834; jbkatz@gmail.com. Put both in your Contacts today!)

(Thankfully, we did not lose any “06880” funds to the intruder. But we still look forward to readers’ support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, click here. Thank you!)

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