Author Archives: Dan Woog

Roundup: Harold & Bernicestine Bailey, Back To School Parents, BSA Scouts …

Posted on August 29, 2024 | 2 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse’s gala fundraiser, celebrating WCP alumni Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell — featuring their performances of Cy Coleman’s greatest hits, plus a roster of special guests — is a great draw.

But Harold Baily, Jr. and Bernicestine McLeod Bailey’s many friends have another reason to attend.

The couple — longtime Westport residents, and volunteers in a wide array of local activities (including the Playhouse) — will be honored with Leadership Awards.

The event is Saturday, September 14 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Bernicestine McLeod Bailey and Harold Bailey Jr.

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Dr. Nikki Gorman has relaunched her popular Instagram series, Tiktokdoc.

The popular Village Pediatrics doctor partnered with health influencer Dr. Tania Elliott on her most recent — and very timely — post: “4 Things Every Parent Should Know About Back to School.”

What are they? Click below!

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As a new school year begins, it’s a great time to be a Scout.

Or join a troop.

Middle school boys and girls are invited to learn about Scouting’s “family, fun, friends and a lifetime of adventure,” including camping, hiking, biking and backpacking.

Troop 139 (girls) and Troop 39 (boys) typically meet together once a week. There is at least 1 outing per month, and community service projects throughout the year.

The Troops host a welcome campfire at Greens Farms Congregational Church on Tuesday, September (7 p.m.) for 6th-8th graders to learn more.

Questions? Email Troop 139 Scoutmaster Katherine O’Brien: kjobrien72@mac.com.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 enjoy a mountain biking and ziplining weekend at Berkshire East.

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Westport Police made 7 custodial arrests between August 21 and 28 — including one following the motor vehicle accident that closed the Merritt Parkway, and a search for fleeing suspects, near Clinton Avenue on Sunday.

That arrest — of an 18-year-old from Waterbury — began on July 14, with the theft of an unlocked Mercedes Benz from an open garage in Westport. A warrant was issued for that person’s arrest.

On Sunday, the same person was in another stolen vehicle that crashed. He fled the scene, was apprehended, and taken to Norwalk Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. He was charged with evading responsibility, burglary, larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle.

He was released on a $75,000 bond, and is due September 18 in Stamford Superior Court.

A 32-year-old Westport resident was charged with risk of injury to a child and disorderly conduct, after he and a family member were involved in an argument with pushing and shoving, while the other person was holding a child. He could not post a $100,000 bond.

A 36-year-oldl Greenwich man was charged with assault and breach of peace, after an incident at La Plage Restaurant. The complainant reported that the man was intoxicated, and assaulted him for no apparent reason. He then attempted to assault other patrons, and was restrained until police arrived.

A 23-year-old Norwalk man was charged with reckless driving, traveling unreasonably fast, engaging police in pursuit, failure to obey stop sign, failure to display lights and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into a July 25 incident after police attempted to stop a vehicle after a minor motor vehicle violation on Greens Farms Road near Hales Road. The driver refused to stop, and began driving erratically and aggressively attempting to elude police. The officer disengaged, but obtained the license plate. The driver posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 13 court date at Stamford Superior Court.

A 37-year-old Stamford man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, following too closely, failure to obey a stop sign, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and without insurance, following investigation into a January accident with injuries at Greens Farms Road and Hales Couort.

A 59-year-old Queens man was arrested for failure to appear, following a 6 a.m. disturbance Tuesday on Wilton Road. When police arrived, he was found to have an active re-arrest warrant.

A 36-year-old Philadelphia man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into an October report that 2 checks were stolen from the blue USPS box outside the Playhouse Square post office, altered and deposited. He posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 30 date at Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 24 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 15
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Disorderly conduct: 2
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • assault: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Transporting a child 2-5 years old, under 40 pounds without restraints: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

 

Children two to five years old, or weighing less than 40 pounds, must use a child restraint with a 5-point harness. It’s the state law!

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Tracy Porosoff has been having fun with Merlin, an app that identifies birds by their sounds.

But you don’t need high-tech to name this bird — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — which has been hanging out a lot recently, in her yard.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dinah Washington. The 1950s jazz vocalist was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1924. She died just 39 years later, in Detroit.

(You can make a difference in our “06880” day. Please click here, to support our work. [It’s tax-deductible.] Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Project Morry: Changing Lives, One Camper At A Time

Posted on August 29, 2024 | 5 comments

Like many Westport kids, Adam Diamond loved summer camp.

His was Echo Lake. His era was the 1980s.

At the Adirondacks camp owned by Morry and Amy Stein, Diamond had fun, made lifelong friends and learned many life lessons.

The Staples High School Class of 1991 soccer player, wrestler and percussionist went on to become an Echo Lake counselor. He stayed an extra week, after the boys and girls went home.

Inspired by Morry, Diamond volunteered for the program, which served 70 youngsters from New York City.

Adam Diamond

“Morry believed that every kid should have a chance at camp, no matter what their economic circumstance,” he says.

Diamond’s Staples classmates had included a few students from Bridgeport.

But that extra week at Echo Lake “punched me in the nose,” he recalls. “I knew something like that had to be part of my life.”

Diamond earned a degree in economics from Harvard University. He worked in strategic planning and theme park development for Disney. He then spent 15 years with Starwood Hotels (and got an MBA from Harvard too).

Eight years ago he and his wife, Dr. Beth Fishbein, moved back to Westport with their 3-year-old twins. He pivoted careers, and bought a Pizza Hut franchise.

Today Diamond owns 200 Pizza Huts, and 15 Taco Bells, throughout the South.

But he has never forgotten Echo Lake, or his experience with its after-camp program.

Morry Stein

In 1994, Morry died in a plane crash. He was on his way home from an American Camping Foundation conference in Indiana.

Morry chaired the organization, which had already raised over $1 million to send children from under-resourced communities to summer camp.

The next year, friends, colleagues and Echo Lake alumni launched Morry’s Camp, in his memory. It fulfills Morry’s dream: giving under-resourced boys and girls a chance for summer camp.

Over nearly 30 years, Morry’s Camp has grown from a rented facility on Long Island, to another rental on the Delaware River. A non-profit group now owns that camp, near Port Jervis, New York.

But that’s only a small part of Project Morry.

Summer camp has grown into a year-round program, focused on academic enrichment and leadership development — and serving each member for a full decade. They come from Bridgeport, Stamford, Port Chester, Elmsford, North Amityville and New York City.

Children begin in 5th grade. They stay with Project Morry through middle school, high school, and their first year of college or work after graduation.

A staff of 20 oversees the 350-plus young people a year. Chief program officer Deb Cederbaum Jones is a Staples graduate.

As middle schoolers, they meet with Project Morry staff members monthly. They work on goal-setting, confidence building, and social and emotional learning.

The staff is in constant contact with parents, teachers and guidance counselors, forming a true support network.

A monthly Project Morry meeting. 

In high school there is a concentration on college and career readiness. There is more of a focus on academics — and on building relationships between all participants. They meet once a month at Rye Country Day School.

And of course they’re all together each summer for several weeks, at camp. In addition to the traditional camp activities, an educational component includes economics, geography, math, science, reading, writing, cooking, digital media and music.

Project Morry offers academic and leadership training.

Project Morry continues after high school graduation. For a year, staff members help the young men and women with a bridge to adulthood, including academic, and social and emotional support.

The program works. 95% of participants graduate from high school on time. 85% enroll in college; 77% of them are the first in their families to do so. The other 15% go to vocational school, work or the military.

Success stories abound. Project Morry alums work on Wall Street, and in healthcare. They teach, found companies, lead non-profits, write plays, create art, win Fulbright Scholarships. One is on Senator Chris Murphy’s staff.

Several are Project Morry staffers themselves. Two serve on its board.

Click here to read profiles of some of these remarkable graduates.

Enjoying camp — one more part of Project Morry.

As Project Morry enters its 4th decade, one goal is to add more participants each year.

Another is to offer even more to them: financial aid, mental health services, support beyond the first year after high school.

Project Morry will continue to invest in its camp facility too.

All that takes money. The operating budget is $3 million.

Like any non-profit, Project Morry continually fundraises. One excellent source is other summer camps. Over 40 run swim-a-thons, carnivals and fun runs each summer, as well as year-round giving days, social media appeals and event sponsorships.

Another is an annual gala. This year’s is set for October 29, at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. Click here for details.

Adam Diamond, at last year’s Project Morry gala.

Area residents contribute to Project Morry. But Diamond hopes they will do more.

25% of the students come from Bridgeport and Stamford. “If we can get Connecticut giving commensurate to New York, we could be at $4 million,” Diamond — now the president of the Project Morry board — says.

“Westport understands that these kids are in our backyard. The more people here learn about this program, the more they’ll support it.” Click on Project Morry.org to help.

Aiding just a few people — 350 a year — “can feel like a pebble in the ocean,” Diamond knows. “But the ripples go on and on.”

Just like the one that started more than 40 years ago, when Adam Diamond first attended Camp Echo Lake. And first met Morry Stein.

To learn more, click here, or email  adamhdiamond@gmail.com.

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Posted in Children, Education, Teenagers

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Pics Of The Day #2689

Posted on August 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2689

Compo’s South Beach …

… and a sunset, not far away. (Photos/JD Dworkow)

 

Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2689

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Unsung Hero #348

Posted on August 28, 2024 | 21 comments

What business owner tells a customer not to buy from him — that there’s a cheaper option elsewhere?

Dave Kernstock, thankfully.

The other day, the cord on the blinds in my office broke.

From somewhere deep in my brain, I remembered that Stanton Miles repairs window treatments.

I called. Dave came quickly. Just as quickly, he said that because I had a certain type of old cord, he could not fix it.

One option was to buy new blinds. But that would be expensive.

Instead, he said, he thought he could find someone who could help, at a much cheaper price.

Then, before leaving, Dave showed me exactly how to unscrew the blinds, and told me exactly how to pack them to ship via UPS.

Half an hour later, Dave called.

He had gone back to the store, gone online, and found a store that could help me — nowhere near a “valued customer.”

It turns out, that guy could not help either.

So I’m buying new blinds from Dave, at Stanton Miles. He’s already been back, to measure.

And to explain my options.

My new favorite blinds story. PS: They sell vacuum cleaners too.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Michael Rapaport; Elf; Ballots …

Posted on August 28, 2024 | 3 comments

Michael Rapaport is well known across the country, as an actor, advocate and comedian.

Westporters know him as our neighbor.

On September 15, we won’t have to travel far to hear him speak. He won’t have too far to go either.

That night, Rapaport headlines a United Jewish Federation event at Stamford’s Rippowam Middle School.

He’ll speak candidly — and humorously — about his Jewish heritage, and how it’s shaped his life and career. A Q-and-A will follow.

Tickets are $75 through September 3, then $100. Sponsorships (including cocktails, light bites and a meet-and-greet) are $500 per couple. Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Email dianesloyer@ujf.org.

Michael Rapaport

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Anyone can use any of the Westport Library’s many (VERY many!) resources.

And anyone can attend any of the Library’s “Anyone Can Use…” classes. They provide basic instruction, in a wide range of areas, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

No one has to pay. They’re free! But … registration is required.

Upcoming classes include

Anyone Can Use: Candid Foundation Directory (September 4): Unlock the potential of your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts by learning how to use the Foundation Directory, a powerful tool with more than 265,000 grant-maker profiles. You’ll also learn how to enhance your organization’s visibility through the GuideStar platform. Click here to register.

Anyone Can: Save Money on Streaming with Your Westport Library Card (September 18): With your card, you can install Hoopla, Freegal and Kanopy, and their many movies, TV shows and music. Click here to register.

Anyone Can Use: Social Media for Marketing (October 2): Join a hands-on workshop exploring the nuances of Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok, along with cutting-edge creator tools like Canva, CapCut and ChatGPT, to elevate your brand’s online presence and storytelling capabilities. Click here to register.

 Anyone Can Use: Nexis Uni (October 16, 11 am-12 pm): Nexis Uni is a trove of information spanning centuries and continents, offering everything from Supreme Court rulings to contemporary corporate insights. Click here to register.

Questions? Email us: Ref@WestportLibrary.org.

Library card unlocks wonders

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Calling all elves.

Or at least, any male actor age 10 to 14. He should be a strong singer, have some dance or movement skills — and an unchanged voice,

Staples Players’ fall production is “Elf: The Musical” (based on the beloved holiday film).

They’ve got an eager cast of high school students. But they need a “Michael Hobbs”: the young man who befriends Buddy the Elf.

Click here for important audition details. The deadline is this Friday (August 30).

Additional questions? Email co-director Kerry Long: shsplayers@westportps.org.

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A follow-up to Monday’s kittens-trapped-in-a-storm-drain story:

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates rescued one of them yesterday evening. Two more were found in a trap at 10:30 p.m.

WASA has set traps, monitors them every hour, and is fostering the kittens. They’ve gotten great help from the Westport Fire Department, which moves the heavy grates.

WASA is still working to save the remaining 2 kittens, and their mama.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Many companies are aware of the importance of cybersecurity.

Many non-profits are not.

But the threat of disruption to services, damage to the people they serve, and the erosion of public trust is as real to organizations as they are to corporations.

A special “Cybersecurity for Non-Profits” meeting is set for the Westport Woman’s Club on October 9 (breakfast networking 7:30 a.m., program 8:30 a.m.).

Bill Siegel — co-founder and CEO of Coveware, a cyber incident response firm — will speak.

Click here to register.

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For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.

The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.

Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.

The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). The golf event is sold out, but tickets are still available for the after-golf event (4:30 to 7:30 p.m.).

You’ll be inspired by Catch A Lift Fund veterans, as they describe their triumphs over significant obstacles, on their journey to healthier futures.

Click here for details. Questions? Email   jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.

Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.

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Recent elections have shined a light on the importance of administering fair and transparent elections.

Some states play games with the democratic process.

Connecticut is not one of those.

Even in light-voting elections — like the August 13 primaries — state officials watch closely, to ensure fairness.

This month, our Secretary of the State — Norwalk’s own Stephanie Thomas — randomly chose 39 precincts to audit results.

Westport’s District 136-1 is number 39. All ballots cast in the Republican primary will be hand counted, to ensure that tabulators did the job accurately. 

Fortunately, that’s not too labor intensive. Only 30 or so votes were cast. 

If a district in our town is randomly chosen in November … well, that will take quite a bit longer.

Waiting for voters. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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We don’t know whether this guy overstayed the 60-minute limit, got nailed for parking beyond the sign, or both.

But the message is clear: No matter what kind of car you drive, you can’t escape The Law.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Jazz at the Post continues into fall with a full slate of Thursday shows.

This week’s headliner (August 29, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.) is pianist Janice Friedman.

She has played with the Jazz Rabbi — saxophonist Greg Wall — since the late 1980s.

Joining them at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are bassist Leon “Boots” Maleson and drummer Tim Horner.

The music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.

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Former Y’s Women president Arlene Bloom died Monday. She was 91.

The Massachusetts native earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Boston University, and embarked on a career in education.

After 20 years in the classroom, she focused on teaching teachers how to accommodate differences among students in the classroom, without making anyone feel as if they did not belong.

She and her husband Herb lived in Massachusetts and Illinois, before setting in Westport. In every new place, Arlene made connections, started bridge groups, enhanced speaker series, and attended plays.

Her family calls her “a devoted and passionate friend,” who spent hours on the phone listening to and helping others. She had “2 abiding characteristics: the love of friends and family connections, and the importance of urging young people to aspire, reach high and know they can create worlds of betterment and impact.”

In addition to her leadership with Westport’s Y’s Women, Arlene was president of her Illinois chapter of the League of Women Voters, and an avid bridge player.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Sarah (Jamie Raskin), son Kenneth (Abby Meiselman), and grandchildren Hannah (Hank Kronick), Tabitha (Ryan Vogel),  Phoebe and Lily. She was predeceased by her husband Herbert and grandson Thomas Bloom Raskin.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Arlene’s memory can be made to the Tommy Raskin Memorial Fund for People and Animals,

Arlene Bloom

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Some of our “Westport … Naturally” photos show big, cool images — like yesterday’s alpaca).

Some are much smaller. And sometimes they are not cool.

(Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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And finally … today is the 61st anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s momentous “I Have a Dream” speech, at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom.

How far have we come? And how far do we still have to go?

(From Michael Rapaport to “Elf” auditions: If it happens here, or involves Westporters, “06880” will let you know. Please let us know you appreciate our work. Just click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Diane Benke’s Swedish Swimrun: Not For Slackers

Posted on August 28, 2024 | 9 comments

On September 2, Diane Benke will run 11 miles on a rocky trail, from one end of a Swedish island to another.

But that’s not the half of it.

Or even 1/46th.

The cross-island run is just one element in the day-long Ötillö Swimrun World Championship.

The endurance sport combines open-water swimming and trail running. Two competitors — tethered together — swim from one island to the next. They clamber ashore, untie themselves, run across that isle, then jump in the water to do it again.

The Ötillö event in the Stockholm archipelago involves 46 transitions: water to land, and vice versa. She’ll race across 24 islands in all.

I’m exhausted just writing about it.

Swimming in the Ötillö swim run …

For Diane — a Westport mom of 2 teenage boys — it will be a walk in the park.

Well, maybe not quite. But Diane is not plunging into this unprepared.

The Short Hills, New Jersey native swam in high school. She got into marathons and triathlons as “an outlet, and something social” while building her career in marketing and consulting.

Her coach introduced her to a Marine he’d served with, Blake Benke. They had a mutual interest in endurance sport: He was an Ironman competitor.

They married, moved to Danbury for his job, then 15 years ago came to Westport.

The Benkes discovered this is “an amazing, active community for athletes.” They run, swim and bike with friends.

And, Diane notes, “Westport has its own triathlon, point-to-point open water swim, and summer running series.”

… then transitioning to an island …

Diane loved the open water swimming portion of triathlons. But though she wold emerge from the water in the lead, she was soon passed by bikers.

When a triathlon friend told her about swimrun, she thought, “Perfect! No bikes!”

She did her first swimrun in Boston Harbor before COVID. She was intrigued that — in contrast to triathlon, with its “hardcore competitors and fancy bikes” — this was “more about the environment, being in nature, with lots of camaraderie.”

Though fast-growing, swimrun is still in its infancy, Diane says. The community is “tight and friendly, from all over the country. We get a lot of joy from this.”

As a wife and mother with many responsibilities, leading a fast-paced life swimrun is “uniquely mine,” Diane says.

The physical demands are great. But so is the mental aspect. She must focus hard, on ever-changing tides, currents, weather, shipping lanes, “things you can’t control” — and of course the grueling, quick transitions from water to land, then back again.

… and trail running.

Competitors must carry everything they need. In Maine, she lost a water flash when she forgot to zip up her wet suit.

Earlier this month, to prepare for the Swedish swimrun, Diane headed to Casco Bay, Maine. She felt good.

But, she notes, that event was only half the distance of the upcoming one. In Sweden she’ll swim 5.6 miles, and run 38 miles.

They’ll start around 6 a.m. Cut-off points are at 9 and 11:15 a.m. If a competitor has not reached that spot, they cannot continue. Everyone must finish by sunset; if they don’t, their swimrun ends then.

After tearing a hamstring in March, Diane has been training more than 15 hours a week, all summer. She runs all over Westport and Fairfield — often wearing a wet suit — and swims and runs from Compo Beach to Sherwood Island, then back.

She trains with Pete Roper, a Fairfield resident who is also going to Otillo.

But he’s not Diane’s partner. She’ll run and swim with Chrissy Halioris, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Diane Benke (right) with her partner Chrissy Halioris, at the Casco Bay Swimrun earlier this month. (Photos courtesy of Ötillö USA)

“She does mostly lake swimming. She doesn’t have cold water and ocean experience,” Diane says. “But she’s a very strong runner.”

The women met for the first time at a swimrun this past November, in Austin, Texas. Since then they’ve developed a friendship — and a high level of trust.

Diane will bring 3 different wet suits to Sweden. The Baltic Sea can be cold, and she has no idea what the weather will be like the day of the event.

She’ll be buoyed by her husband Blake.

Blake Benke

He’s no slouch in the endurance sports world himself. Click here to read an “06880” story about his 2013 adventure: a 153-mile (that’s right) Spartathlon race in Greece, tracing the epic journey of Pheidippides from Athens to Sparta.

Benke — with 2 young kids, and a full-time job on Wall Street — finished in 28 hours, 29 minutes and 34 seconds. He was the top US finisher (13th overall).

This time, he’ll be in a support role. He’s recovering from hip resurfacing in June.

Their 2 sons — Max, a sophomore who runs cross country at Staples, and Alex, a Hopkins 8th grader — will stay home, for school.

“I think they like what I do. It keeps me from bugging them about other things,” Diane says.

“They’re used to what Blake and I do. It seems pretty normal in our household.”

So normal, in fact, that sometimes on a training run, Diane will see Max with his Staples track teammates.

She has prepared well for next month’s 24-island, 13-hour swim-and-run in the Swedish archipelago.

But she is realistic.

“My goal is to not die, and finish happy,” she says.

“Look. I’m over 50. I’m 5-foot-nothing. I’m just treating this as an epic adventure.”

It sure is.

Good luck, Diane Benke. We’ll be following your Ötillö swimrun avidly.

From the comfort of our homes.

(To learn more about the Ötillö swimrun, click here.)

(Where else but “06880” would you learn about remarkable Westpoters like these? Please click here to support our work — and keep stories like this one coming. Thank you!) 

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Pics Of The Day #2688

Posted on August 27, 2024 | 3 comments

Cribari Bridge sunrise … (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

… and a rare view, without traffic (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Remembering Lis Comm

Posted on August 27, 2024 | 14 comments

Lisabeth Comm — a beloved and innovative educator who impacted thousands of Westport students, and was also a world traveler and arts aficionado — died Friday in Florida, from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was 76 years old.

The Ohio native loved her role as an educator, in all forms.

She was a highly respected English teacher and department chair at Staples High School. Her leadership and vision changed the lives of countless students and colleagues.

Lis Comm

Over her 44-year career in Westport, Lis inspired generations of students with her passion for literature, and her commitment to expanding their horizons through a wide array of English courses.

She was particularly proud of 2 she designed: Mythology and Bible, and Women in Literature.

She was an early advocate of integrating literature from diverse cultures, including Native American, Asian, Black and Latin American — into the traditional English curriculum.

Lis was also instrumental in introducing feminist literary criticism to the Staples English Department.

Lis Comm and her husband, Math Department chair Frank Corbo, promoted reading for pleasure at Staples. The book they chose was, appropriately, “Romeo & Juliet.”

Her love for education extended beyond the classroom. After retirement Lis volunteered as a docent at the Baker Museum in Naples, Florida, where she shared her passion for art and culture with visitors. Her warmth, knowledge and enthusiasm enriched the lives of many.

Lis is survived by her husband Frank Corbo, former head of the Staples math department, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years. Together, they visited all 7 continents, including a final trip a year ago to Norway.

Lis Comm, on one of her many journeys.

Frank calls Lis “the most incredible, beautiful, brilliant partner anyone could have. I’m an extremely lucky man.”

Lis is also survived by her sisters Julie Kireta and Clare Comm, and brother James Comm.

A celebration of Lis’s life will be held in Westport at a time and place to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Lis Comm

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Posted in Education, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Roundup: Senior Girls, Elementary Kids, Books …

Posted on August 27, 2024 | 2 comments

It’s a decades-long Staples High School tradition: On the first day of school, half of the 12th grade class wears specially designed shirts, proclaiming their status as “Senior Girls.”

They arrive honking, in cars they decorated the night before, drawing nicknames and “Senior Girls” with their graduation year on the windows.

A decorating party took place last night at Compo Beach. It was quite a way to celebrate the last night before becoming … senior girls.

(Photo/Lisa Newman)

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Another tradition, nearly as long: the first-day-of-school photo of elementary school youngsters on Caccamo at Juniper Road.

Pam Long has been taking that photo for years. Here’s the 2024 edition:

(Photo/Pam Long)

Have a great year, kids!

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Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.

Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.

“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published today. She celebrated by placing copies in 9 “little free libraries”

I celebrated a little early by sneaking copies into 9 “little free libraries” in Fairfield County, including Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, at Compo Beach.

It’s probably gone by now.

Click here for more information.

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Speaking of books: Next month’s Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club selection is “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan. The group meets on Thursday, September 26 (6 p.m.).

Called “a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy,” the novella is on the New York Times‘ recent list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was awarded the George Orwell Prize for political fiction, for outstanding works first published in the UK or Ireland that illuminate major social and political themes.

Registration is requested, as space is limited. Call 203-349-5141, or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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Artnletters.com is a new website featuring hand-painted, detailed, colorful custom name and word prints with scenes of animals, fairies and adventure. T

Its giclée prints are great gifts for new parents, young kids, teachers, medical professionals serving kids and, its creators say, “all who are young at ❤️ART.”

The duo behind the venture are 1976 Stapes High School grads Jackie Rogers and Patricia Elliot.

Rogers has illustrated over 150 children’s books, including the bestseller “Our Great Big Backyard” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.

Her childhood friend Elliot has practiced employment law for over 40 years. She gives Jackie’s illustrated alphabet art as gifts, and wanted to help share Jackie’s art more broadly.

Elliot handles logistics, while Rogers paints and create in her whimsical style.

A sample of Jackie Rogers’ art.

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Longtime Westport resident Jayne Mauborgne died peaceful August 8 in St. George, Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty she loved. She had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous month, with friends and family.

The Bronx native was an avid traveler, who explored Africa extensively. She also loved animals, and supported numerous animal organizations.

She founded a sales rep organization which she managed into her 80s, covering New England.

Jayne is survived by her daughters Colette Griffin and Danielle Mauborgne; grandson Peter Griffin; son-in-law Michael Printz, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barnett, and cherished friend Vivienne Nemmerson.

A memorial celebration will be held on September 22 (1 to 4 p.m., Rive Bistro). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wildlife in Crisis, 44 Indian Valley Rd. Weston, CT 06883.

Jayne Mauborgne

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I’m not sure if I’ve ever included an alpaca in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Whether or not, here’s the South American mammal — a Wakeman Town Farm favorite:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … here in Westport, it’s the first day of school!

(Another school year begins. As always, “06880” will be here to report on it. And, of course, everything else going on in town. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Lively Convocation Kicks Off New School Year

Posted on August 27, 2024 | 4 comments

The first day of a new school year is always exciting, fresh and fun.

The building sparkles. People greet friends they haven’t seen in months. Anticipation is high; anything is possible.

That’s as true for staff members as it is for kids.

Nearly 1,000 teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and Board of Education members filled the Staples High School auditorium yesterday, for the district’s opening convocation.

Director Lauren Pine leads the Staples choir in the national anthem. Some singers have been in the Westport Public Schools since kindergarten.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice gave his fifth welcome. The Staples choir sang the national anthem; cheerleaders cheered the educators. Performance coach Sebastian Little pumped up the crowd.

And everyone honored Westport’s Teacher of the Year: Staples media specialist Jen Cirino.

In his opening remarks, Scarice reminded the audience of his first convocation. Just a few months into the pandemic, he had stood alone in the auditorium, speaking via Zoom to educators about to begin an excruciatingly difficult year.

Out of that tough time has come a renewed emphasis on “humanity,” the superintendent said. The district has redoubled its focus on social and emotional learning, and its recognition of the impact every staff member has on every student.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Scarice emphasized his point by telling the stories of 2 June graduates, who went all the way through the Westport system. One was a multi-talented girl, now at Harvard; the other was the son of a single mother who, despite many challenges, was the kind of young man whom every teacher wanted in class.

Scarice also singled out every employee — including secretaries, nurses, mental health professionals and central office staff — who impact every child.

After an introduction of 49 new staff members, assistant superintendent John Bayers announced the finalists for Teacher of the Year: Michele Anderson (music, Bedford Middle School), Nicole Comerford (health, Staples), Colleen Cooney (music, Saugatuck Elementary), Victoria Davis (special education, Greens Farms Elementary), Joseph Del Gobbo (English, Staples), Kelly Falcone (academic support, Staples), and Joanne Klouda (physics, Staples).

The winner — Cirino — is multi-talented, highly respected, and a hometown girl. A 5th generation Westporter, she went through the entire school system, and won a state championship on the Staples basketball team. Her children now attend Coleytown Elementary School.

Teacher of the Year Jen Cirino. Behind her is Staples assistant principal Jim Farnen; to the right is Board of Education member Kevin Christie.

Cirino makes the high school library an accessible, welcoming, enriching and exciting space for hundreds of students at a time.

The library was her haven as a youngster, Cirino said. Her goal is to make the Staples library “a powerful place for everyone, so they can accomplish all that they want.”

Through her “Friday Fun Days,” she involves students in activities ranging from breast cancer awareness keychains, Juneteenth bracelets and Pride buttons, to mini-golf, Legos and bird feeders.

Her reach extends far beyond its walls though, through her work on environmental and sustainable issues, her advocacy for student rights, and her collaboration with teenagers and teachers throughout the building.

The final speaker, Sebastian Little, has worked with the Westport Public Schools for several years, as well as high level athletes and leading business professionals.

Sebastian Little (All photos/Dan Woog)

A former football player at Yale, he tied the recent Olympics in with the work of educators.

“Own your greatness,” he encouraged the Westport staff.

The convocation was an energetic kickoff to the coming school year.

Now: Let the games begin.

(“06880” regularly covers education in Westport, from pre-K to high school and beyond. If you enjoy our stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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