A few weeks ago, I was unloading garbage bags at the transfer station when I tripped over a car stop cement bar. I fell flat on my face.
Two women (I didn’t get their names but would like to thank them also) asked if I was OK. I was bleeding profusely from my nose and lip, with injuries to my arm and side.
They helped me into my car, and offered to finish putting my garbage in the bin. One of them said she had also tripped over a car stop at the transfer station.
After a while I drove home.
I was about to send a note to our first selectman, to ask that the town review the car stop cement bars, because of those two accidents.
(There were only a few, near the garbage bin. I assume they were there to prevent vehicles, which are required to back into the parking spaces, from striking people walking to the bin.)
The danger.
But before I sent the note, I was back at the transfer station. I saw that all the car stop bars were removed.
An attendant told me that recently another Westport resident tripped over a car stop bar, and EMS was called.
Not knowing who had decided to remove the car stop bars, I asked the first selectman. Kevin Christie responded: “I checked with our Department of Public Works director, Larry Roberts. He and Joe Izzo reviewed the issue, and Joe recommended removing the car stop bars to prevent additional injuries.”
That’s a great decision. Larry Roberts and especially Joe Izzo should be complimented for their research and recommendation to remove the car stop bars.
Done! Great work — and great idea to recommend them, Bob.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
But it’s hard to recall a buzzier beginning than hi’Amba.
Bill Taibe’s new Mediterranean-and-more spot in the former Basso/Matsu Sushi/Fine Arts III theater space on Jesup Road has drawn huge crowds — and great raves.
CTBites took notice too. Click here for their take on Westport’s newest hot spot.
Bill Taibe greets the first-day crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)
board of ed talks special ed
The Board of Education has 2 discussion items on its agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria and Zoom).
They are the recommendation by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice of the firm to conduct a review of special education, and the results of the K-12 school climate survey.
The Board is likely to recommend Four Point Education Partners for the special education review. Six companies submitted proposals to the Board of Education.
A group of parents continues to push the BOE to select a firm that will conduct a comprehensive, independent and transparent review of the entire special education program. Click here for their petition.
P&Z: LIGHTS, OLD MILL GROCERY
Different town board, different agenda: Lights on the Wakeman and PJ Romano athletic fields are back on the docket, for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting next Monday (October 19, 6 p.m., Zoom).
Also planned: a public hearing on text and map amendments, to permit outdoor eating and the sale of alcohol at establishments like Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
To see all background materials: Click here, then scroll down to 70 North Avenue (Wakeman Field), 170 Riverside Avenue (PJ Romano Field) and 222 Hillspoint Road (Old Mill Grocery).
Lights have been proposed for the Wakeman turf field (center).
$10,000 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR NON-PROFITS
Does your organization want $10,000?
The Westport Woman’s Club is once again offer funding of up to 10 grand to non-profits, for a project during 2026-27 that benefits social services, health, safety, arts or education in Westport.
The Ruegg Grant was founded from an endowment by former WWC member Lea Ruegg. Over $200,000 in Ruegg Grants have been awarded by the WWC since 1995.
But Westport’s VFW Post 399 has become Westport’s go-to comedy stopo.
This Friday (doors at 7 p.m., show at 8), “NYC Comedy Night” features favorite Joe Pontillo, and a new cast of comedians: Rich Shultis, Michael Agunbiade and Trish Bradbury Gernert.
Speaking of entertainment: When opera and musical theater professional Wendy Morgan-Hunter moved here with her family from the Bay Area 15 years ago, she was particularly excited to explore our cultural life.
Wendy is the founder and CEO of High Octave Productions. Working with fellow Westporters Tami Benanav (partner and COO) and documentarian Chris Bolan (producer), they find unheard voices in theater, TV and film, and create opportunities for powerful connections with audiences.
The team’s latest project brings Westport to the London stage with “The Radium Girls: A New Musical.” The cast of 16 — including 12 female roles — is a powerful exploration of the young women who worked the line at radium watch dial factories across North America in the 1920s.
The show is set for the Southwark Playhouse in March, at the exact same theater that launched “Operation Mincemeat” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”
Motherhood is not easy. For mothers with ADHD, shifting identity, emotional regulation, executive functioning challenges, and the constant pressure to keep everything moving can make this stage of life especially complicated.
Many women navigate these experiences quietly, feeling unseen or believing they should manage it all better. On November 12 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street) host “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity.”
The morning combines movement, conversation, support, and connection with other women who understand the experience. In addition to coffee and light bites, Beyond Yoga will offer attendees 20% off in-store shopping after the event.
This event is for mothers with a formal ADHD diagnosis, as well as those who identify with ADHD-related experiences and want to better understand themselves during this demanding phase of life.
One of the biggest charity walks — the one to end Alzheimer’s — is at Sherwood Island State Park on October 25 (10:30 a.m.).
In a ceremony that begins at 10, walkers carry flowers of various colors, each representing their personal connection to the disease.
Right now, 80,000 people in Connecticut live with Alzheimer’s. Anyone with a connection to the disease, or another form of dementia — and anyone concerned about their own brain health — is invited to join. For more information and to register, click here.
JOHANNA PAGANI LAUNCHES NEW BOOK
Local author Johanna Pagani launches her new book, “Violent Hill,” at Westport Book Shop October 30 (6 p.m.). The evening includes food and drinks, a reading, Q-and-A, and a signing.
Her thriller is about an asylum with terrifying secrets.
Johanna Pagani
obituary: charlie Mcbride
Westport resident Charles “Charlie” McBride died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on Friday. He was 77.
Charlie lived a full and active life until this June. He walked 10,000 steps a day, spent Memorial Day weekend in Kennebunkport, Maine, and traveled last year to Europe.
Charlie grew up on Wilson Point in Norwalk, where he developed a lifelong love of boating, tennis and being on the water.
He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1967 and Boston College in 1971. He earned an MBA from Iona College in 1982. He was a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant.
Charlie served 6 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, rising to staff sergeant. In 1972 he began a 44-year career at Pitney Bowes, retiring as vice president of investor relations. He also served for many years as board chair of Pitney Bowes Employees Federal Credit Union.
Charlie met his wife of 48 years, Judy, through a bowling team. They married in 1978. He is survived by her; daughter Meredith Frances McBride (Jonathan Hack) of Westpor; his son, Charles McBride II (Hannah Elizabeth) of Needham, Massachusetts; grandchildren Xavier Jonathan Hack-McBride, Quintin, Lily, Owen and Dylan; sisters Theresa (Chris) Levy and Eileen (John) Margherio of Charleston, South Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Mary McBride Konrad, and his beloved black labs Bogart, Char and Digger.
Relatives and friends may call on Friday (October 23, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be held Saturday (October 24, 11 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Fairfield).
And finally … in honor of the VFW’s new role as comedy club central (item above):
(You laugh. You cry. You’re inspired. You’re surprised. You’re disbelieving. You’re an “06880” reader. We deliver all that, every day — but we can’t do it without your help. Please click here. TYVM!)
This morning, the Westport Museum for History & Culture sent out an urgent email.
The Myrtle Avenue institution must raise $750,000 by January “to keep the Museum open and operating in its current form.”
The media alert says, “Despite a significant institutional transformation, national and regional recognition, and years of cost-cutting — including reduced public hours and staff — the Museum has exhausted the resources available to sustain current operations.
“Without significant community support, the Museum’s Board is exploring options including the sale of the historic Bradley Wheeler House, relocation of collections and archives, and transition to a smaller research-focused organization with substantially reduced exhibitions and public programming.”
Six years ago, under new leadership, the Westport Historical Society was renamed and rebranded as the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
The move was controversial, and unleashed a torrent of criticism that had bubbled under the surface. Complaints included the dismissal by email of a longtime employee; elimination of “period rooms”; the sale or destruction of donated pieces and costumes; the closing of the gift shop (it reopened later, with a different focus); the pushing aside of a large number of board members, volunteers and large donors; the removal of the Sheffer Gallery name, and the introduction of fees to access archives and files. (Click here for a January 2020 story on the controversy.Click here for a previous story.)
The Museum for History & Culture pivoted to more of a regional focus. Greater emphasis was placed on the stories of overlooked local history and marginalized groups, with exhibits and other programming. It looked for new sources of funding, and reached out to new and younger residents for support.
In this morning’s alert, officials say, “The Museum has preserved and restored its unique 1846 seven-sided Cobblestone Barn, renovated its grounds, modernized collections and archival management, expanded educational programming, and provided internships and training opportunities to hundreds of young people.
Joanne Woodward, at the octagonal barn. She and her husband Paul Newman were longtime supporters of the Westport Historical Society.
“At a time when the teaching and interpretation of American history are increasingly contested, Museum leaders say independent institutions committed to primary sources, scholarship and telling the whole story are more important than ever.”
Executive director Ramin Ganeshram adds, “We have taken this institution as far as determination, ingenuity and austerity can take it. Now Westport has to decide whether it wants to keep it.”
(NOTE: The “media alert” was forwarded to “06880” by a reader. Despite repeated requests, the Museum for History & Culture has not included this blog on its media distribution list.)
Jack Thompson is a senior at Greens Farms Academy, and co-chairs the Westport Youth Commission. He helped produce last year’s 1st selectman candidate debate at Toquet Hall, and looked forward to a similar role with this year’s election. Jack writes:
I joined the Westport Youth Commission because student engagement in local government is rare, and being part of this organization would let me be heard.
I put that to the test last year, when I helped organize a first selectman forum as a lead-up to the election. It was a great learning experience, and opened a lot of eyes on how students can be engaged in the political process.
Jack Thompson (left) and Jake Shufro, at last year’s Westport Youth Commission 1st selectman candidates’ debate.
This year, a candidate running for the 136th state House of Representatives approached the WYC about holding a similar forum.
We did some research, and learned that the League of Women Voters has been unable to hold candidate events due to their “empty chair” policy. Due to their nonpartisan position (us too!), they can’t hold events with only one candidate.
We felt that both the town and candidates were losing out, as these events provide important, symbiotic context: We as citizens learn our candidates’ positions, and they learn what’s important to us.
With that in mind, we wanted to see what we could do. We started planning a candidate event for October 29. We invited both Democrat Lee Goldstein and Republican Douglas Ouellette, with the stipulation that both needed to agree for us to host the event.
Screenshot from Ballotpedia, a site that offers “unbiased information to educate and inform American voters.”
We only heard from Lee Goldstein, who responded “yes,” so, in accordance with LWV policy, we canceled the event. This was extremely unfortunate, as it would have provided all of Westport’s citizens and youth an opportunity to hear from the candidates running to represent them in Hartford.
So what do we do now? As a group, we debated next steps and decided not to be deterred.
We are exploring an event after the election that would be sponsored by the LWV, and moderated by Dan Woog and students.
There are two reasons we arrived at this decision: We want to raise student political engagement and awareness, and it provides an opportunity for our new state representatives to hear from us, about what’s important and how we want to be represented.
It will also give students a chance to share their stance on issues we care about, like AI, social media and local transportation.
We plan to make it technology-interactive, with a live polling system so representatives can see how Westport citizens feel about key issues.
My fellow WYC members and I are excited to plan this event, and look forward to sharing more details after the election.
(“Students Speak” is a forum for all students, who live in or attend school in Westport and Weston. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.net. To support this hyper-local blog, click here. Thank you!)
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Meanwhile, the Leagues of Women Voters of Lower Fairfield County are sponsoring a debate with the 3 candidates for Congress from Connecticut’s 4th District: Democratic Jim Himes, Republican Michael Goldstein and independent Benjamin Wesley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
(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.)
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