Top Hat Tutors — Staples’ High School highly regarded, student-run, very popular (and cool) tutoring service — is gearing up for a new year.
They’re looking for both new tutors, and families needing them.
Top Hat Tutors are juniors and seniors from around Fairfield County. They provide high-quality, in-home tutoring across a wide range of subjects, including science, math, English, social studies, world language, music and SAT/ACT. Last year, they worked with 150 clients.
All tutors have taken the classes they work with — and passed it with at least a 90.
Top Hat charges $50 per hour for individual students. Group sessions are $25 per hour for each additional student ($75 for 2 students, $100 for 3, etc.).
To request a tutor, click here. To apply to become a tutor, click here.
Questions? Email tophattutors@gmail.com.
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Derek Yach is a 3-time cancer survivor: melanoma, prostate and, most recently, esophageal. He swims regularly at Compo Beach, in summer and winter.
Mary Money — a breast cancer survivor — is a regular swimmer too. (And a baker, famous for her 6 a.m. Friday muffins.)
With prostate cancer survivor Keith Kirkpatrick (who swims mainly at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach) and fellow Westporter Leila Shields (a regular Compo swimmer, and strong supporter of several community based programs), they’ve formed a tight-knit community.
Next month, they’ll take the plunge in different waters, in a far different way — and for an excellent cause.
On September 10, they’ll swim 28 1/2 miles around Manhattan. That’s right: from Battery Park, up the East River, into the Harlem River, then down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty.
The 8-hour event will raise funds for cancer treatment in underserved Kenyan communities. The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center and other health facilities provide desperately needed chemotherapy ports, to deliver treatments.
“As cancer survivors we know that our diagnosis, treatment and follow-up has been successful due to outstanding care available in Connecticut — mostly at Yale Smilow,” says Derek.
“So much care is often taken for granted. My work takes me with the Catholic Medical Mission Board to Kenya, where a rural cancer center lacks most of the critical diagnostics, treatment and even chemo ports we take for granted.”
The swim is especially timely. given recent deep cuts to global health programs. Click here to contribute.
Derek also urges “06880” readers to “join advocacy efforts to urge greater support for cancer care through government, corporate and nonprofit programs.”
And, he adds, “join us in our early morning swims. It’s the best way to promote your health!”
Compo Beach early morning swimmers.
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There’s always something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Tomorrow (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot), winners of the Young Shoots photography contest will be honored at 12:30 p.m.
Photos will be on display throughout the market’s regular hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Michael Veltri’s award-winning Young Shoots photo, 2025.
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The most recent Red Cross blood drive goal was 29 units. They blew past that number, finishing with 44. An impressive 14 donors were there for the first time.
Eight were “Power Red” donations, equating to 16 units. Those are very valuable, often prioritized for trauma, surgical, and cancer patients.
There were 25 Type O donors, especially critical for their universal compatibility.
But the need for blood is constant. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. Most of us will need blood at some in our lives
The next Westport blood drive is Friday, August 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399). .
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments to donate blood or platelets in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT; call 800-733-2767, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
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A small mini-plaza opposite Goodwill includes a popular Italian deli (Gaetano’s), 2 Asian restaurants (Shanghai Gourmet and Yama Fuji Sushi), and a nail salon.
Soon, you can buy all your closet and organizing needs there too.
Around Labor Day, Closet Factory will open a flagship showroom there. The owners — Westporters Dan and Melanie Zuller — already own franchises in Westchester and Fairfield County.
The Westport location will replace the current Darien site. It will occupy half of the former Calico Corners space. The design and fabric store moved to 224 Post Road East in 2021.
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Westport Swim Club — the great, fun program for young swimmers of all abilities in grades 1-8 (and a feeder program for the Staples High School swim teams) — has added 3 tryout dates: Sunday, August 23 (9:45 a.m.), Saturday, August 29 (10 a.m.) and Sunday, August 30 (9:45 a.m.). All are at the Staples pool.
There are 5 practices a week — but they are not mandatory. An option of 1 weekly practice is available, for 50% of the regular fee. Westport Swim Club offers 4 seasons a year. Click here to register for a tryout.
Westport Swim Club fun.
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Speaking of sports: The old(er) guys did it. Congratulations to Team Schur!
They took last night’s Compo League men’s basketball championship was won by Team Schur 59-48, over the younger team of recent Staples graduates.
Both teams prevailed in their semifinal by double digits to advance to the title game. The top 2 seeds were tied 28-28 at the half.
A not-quite-sold out crowd watched the match, held at the Staples fieldhouse due to lighting issues at the beach courts.
Compo Beach men’s basketball champs. From left: Charlie Stoebe, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Jordan schur, Don Snyder, Baptiste Bataille. Team members not pictured: Zach Gut, Kevin Cline, Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Barton, Steve Goldenberg, Connor Whelan.
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A reader writes: I was at Compo Beach on Sunday after the storm — Schlaet’s Point, where Soundview Drive runs into Hillspoint/Compo Road South — when I saw something large at the water’s edge.
“I found a large, heavy sign. It is a memorial for a dog, Ollie. It must have been placed on Cockenoe Island, and floated away in the storm.
“Whoever made it would probably want to know where it is — and maybe bring it back.
“I dragged it to the top of the beach, and planted it next to the benches at the corner of Compo South and Hillspoint. My guess is it’s still there.”
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We all know that love rocks.
But here’s literal proof.
Kim Mathias painted some rocks at her Saugatuck Church’s women’s retreat. She placed them — gently and lovingly — around the base of her mailbox, for anyone strolling by (and looking down) to enjoy.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Longtime Westport resident Mary Condon died peacefully in her sleep on August 13, in Southport.
Born in Cork City, Ireland in 1944, Mary carried deep pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life. At 14 she emigrated to New York, and lived in the Bronx with her family. After marrying she moved to Westport, where she raised her family.
Mary’s passions reflected both her Irish heritage and her deeply held values. She treasured time spent with friends, loved literature and lifelong learning, and generously supported organizations that were meaningful to her, including the ASPCA, NPR, PBS, Planned Parenthood and the American Cancer Society.
Her daily ritual of drinking Barry’s Tea was a lifelong comfort, and a cherished connection to Ireland.
After surviving breast cancer, she gave back by volunteering for many years at Norwalk Hospital.
Mary is survived by her brother, John O’Donnell; her children Christopher and Claire, and her grandchildren, Ryder and Teagan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, on August 28 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.).
Mary Condon
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Wendy Levy sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and adds, “Backyard garden veggies still going, despite various animal tastings.”
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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Frank Beard — ZZ Top’s drummer who, ironically, was the only band member without a beard — died Monday. He was 77. Click here for a full obituary.
(“06880” covers Westport 24/7/365 — and from A to ZZ. If you enjoy even half of what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
