Over 2,000 Westporters (and out-of-towners) of all ages (especially kids) filled downtown yesterday afternoon (and evening).
They posed for photos with Santa (and Buddy and his elves) (and in a photo booth), roasted s’mores, petted piglets, caroled with the Orphenians, sent letters to Santa, dropped off toys for the Police drive, got face paint, shopped and enjoyed store giveaways, met neighbors and friends — and did it all in perfect almost-winter weather.
The 5th annual Holiday Stroll was by far the biggest and best yet.
S’mores by Nômade, elves and more. (Photo/John Walker)
Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association and “06880,” it’s our gift to the town. And the town embraced it.
Thanks to all who made it happen — especially the hard-working WDA crew (Maxx Crowley, Beth Meyer, Huong Belpedio, Brian Spurr and others). Thanks to Santa; the fabulous Staples Orphenians, characters and face painters; the retailers and restaurants and non-profits who welcomed all and handed out “stuff” — and everyone who strolled.
Staples Orphenians’ first stop, above Brandy Melville. Other caroling spots: the clock, “Tunnel of Love,” and Bedford Square courtyard. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport sure rocked around the Christmas tree.
And the brand-new, but looks-like-its-been-there-forever, Main Street clock.
At the clock: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, “06880” founder Dan Woog. The WDA donated the clock to the town; the WDA and “06880” co-sponsor the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)
A classic shot. (Photo/John Walker)
Staples Players Scarlett Shope, Claire Kresser, Ellis Maroney and Seamus Brannigan are all in character. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Riverside Realty’s piglets were favorites. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
Senior Cat Betit conducts the Orphenians. The day before, they sang at Radio City Music Hall. . (Photo/Dan Woog)
Orphenians singing at the clock. (Photo/John Walker)
Listening to the Orphenians. (Photo/John Walker)
(Photo/John Walker)
Annette Norton’s Savvy + Grace mailbox was filled with dozens of letters to Santa. The popular downtown store also sponsored the photo booth. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Just in “time” for the Holiday Stroll, the new Main Street clock has been installed, and wired.
The new attraction in front of the Gap is a gift to the town, from the Westport Downtown Association.
Today’s Holiday Stroll is another gift too, from both the WDA and “06880.”
For the 5th year in a row, everyone is invited downtown. From 4 to 7 p.m. today (Saturday), Main Street and environs is the site for caroling by Staples’ Orphenians, photos with Santa, Buddy the Elf, other characters (and a Riverside Realty piglet), face painting, a “letters to Santa” mailbox (Savvy + Grace), s’mores at Nômade, a collection box for the Police Department’s toy drive, and much more.
Over 60 stores, restaurants, vendors and non-profits will offer giveaways, promotions and more. They include:
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing Bartaco: Hot chocolate table Bella Bridesmaids:$25 off per dress Bloom Salon: Holiday treats, and discounted hair tinsel Bridgewater Chocolate: Raffle for $50 gift card, with purchase Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything Candle Caboodle: TBD Chait Gallery/Photography Studio: 20% off all artwork, portraits in studio; $200 for 1-hour session, includes 8×10 print Chocolatieree: Blissfully toasted & gooey S’morestick with every purchase (minimum $20) Clarendon Fine Art: Holiday cheer; live music by Warren Bloom Cold Fusion: Free wrapped chocolates Core Burn Pilates: Discounted group class and private sessions (booked on day of Stroll) Courtgirl: 15-30% off storewide Earthplace:10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday) Eleish Van Breems: Raffles; cider in courtyard Everything But Water:Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup Faherty: Refreshments and cool vibes Fred: Gift with purchase Gabriele’s: Buy $500 worth of gift cards; get $100 extra Gioiella Jewlery: Raffles Hummingbird Healing Center: Light bites, wine, raffle Il Pastaficio: Focaccia di recco, Italian hot chocolate, salame di cioccolata; gift card for 10% off purchases of fresh pasta boxes and sauces Jimmy’s: Christmas-themed stocking fillers Joe’s Pizza: Garlic knots Johnny Was: 40% off sale; gift with purchase; free gift wrapping Kerri Rosenthal: 25% off selected items La Source: Enter to win a $500 gift card, with every purchase of $100 or more Lululemon: Hot chocolate from Oggi Gelato; chance to win gift basket and gift card (1 free entry for every $200 spent) Lux Bond & Green: Holiday cheer and treats Massi Co: Hot cider J. McLaughlin: Handbag raffle 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; cookies and Prosecco in the afternoon Naturino Kids Shoes: 25% off single pair Nômade: S’mores Offline by Aerie: 10% off purchase; $25 off $125 if booking an appointment Paper Source: Buy one; get 50% off holiday boxed cards Rhone: Beverages; 15% off first purchase Rowan: Buy 2 non-piercing pairs of earrings; 2nd is 15% off Savvy + Grace:North Pole mailbox for letters to Santa; photo booth Scout & Molly’s: Free gift with $200 purchase Shoe-Inn: Up to 75% off Sorelle Gallery: 20% off original artwork and prints all day; Champagne and holiday treats Southern Tide: $50 off $150 or more Splash of Pink: Gift with purchase over $200 Swarovski: TBD SWTHZ: $10 off 60-minute contrast therapy session, in a private luxury suite Theory: Holiday sip and shop Toy Post: Small gifts for children Vince Westport: 25% off W Hair & Color: Raffle for package of 3 blowouts Walrus Alley: Happy hour, featuring Glüwein West Elm: General promotions West Out East: 15% off all accessories Westport Book Shop: Gift with purchase of children’s picture books Westport Centerpiece: Holiday gifts Westport Country Playhouse: Raffle for prizes; discounts on tickets Zoomin Groomin: 25% off any mobile grooming booked the day of the Stroll.
See you at the Stroll! (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Speaking of the Orphenians: When you hear them later today at the Holiday Stroll, you’ll know how great they are.
Yesterday, thousands of others found out too.
Staples High School’s elite singing group was at Radio City Music Hall.
And not just to watch. They took the stage as a warmup act for the world-famous Rockettes.
But that’s not all.
Right after a group photo in front of the Rockefeller Center tree, they broke into song.
A crowd quickly gathered. They listened, filmed and celebrated the Orphs’ impromptu performance.
Passersby could not believe what they were hearing.
“They sound incredible!” they said. “Their harmonies are amazing!” “They’re doing this without a conductor!” (Choral director Lauren Pine — who led the group in Radio City — stood proudly off to the side.)
Well done, Orphenians! We’re honored you’ll join us in a few hours downtown.
Staples Orphenians and parents, at Rockefeller Center. Director Lauren Pine is in front, 5th from left.
The temperature was cold. But there were warm feelings yesterday on Post Road East.
The Westport Fire Department welcomed Bridgeport Rescue Mission. They picked up 1,887 winter coats. All were donated by community members. Each was inspected, folded, and prepared with care by firefighters and volunteers.
The WFD thanks everyone who made the mission a success. “When our neighbors need help, Westport shows up,” the department says.
Taking a break from loading nearly 2,000 winter coats. Front row, from left: Fire Chief Nick Marsan, Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s John DaCosta, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, BRM’s Laurie Molner, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen, Human Services’ Cynthia Pérez-Hernández. Rear: BRM’s Brian Stern, WFD’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, BRM’s Bennie Davis.
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Westporters already know and love Faith Sargent for her high tea parties, and her Wreathing for the Community (through which donated florals are transformed into wreaths, given away to spread cheer).
She’s got a new project: Faith’s Cottage Kitchen.
Her licensed home-based bakery offers small-batch breads, brownies, marshmallows and seasonal treats.
Faith Sargent (bottom right), and her creations.
Everything is made fresh in Westport. Faith uses simple ingredients — and the same warmth that goes into every gathering and every wreath.
See below for a full list of offerings, and prices. For orders and questions, text or call 603-219-2773.
Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s annual Christmas 9 Lessons and Carols service is set for December 14 (5 p.m.).
The CHT Parish Choir of choristers, adults and soloists will be accompanied by organ and cello. From the first notes of “Once in royal David’s city,” sung by a lone chorister, to the soaring descants of “O come, all ye faithful” and “Hark! the herald angels sing,” the spirit of Christmas will be everywhere.
Admission is free; donations are gratefully appreciated. A reception follows the service.
With cold weather here, Westport has activated its “severe cold weather protocol.” It’s in effect through noon Tuesday.
Warming centers open to the public include:
Senior Center (Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Westport Library(Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
Westport Museum for History & Culture(Saturday, Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Westport Weston Family YMCA (Weekend, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekdays, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Residents experiencing hardships due to the cold — including those without adequate heat — should call Westport Human Services (203-341-1050; weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). For other times, dial 211.
The Westport Astronomical Society is the space. December 16, 8 p.m. is the time.
The event is a free lecture by Yale physics professor Larry Gladney. The topic is “A Survey for the Ages: the Vera Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space & Time.”
The talk will also be livestreamed, on YouTube and via Zoom.
Professor Larry Gadney
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Westport resident Mildred Bunche died peacefully on November 16. She was 92, and was diagnosed with lung cancer 8 years earlier.
The Alabama native taught biology in Chicago and Connecticut. Her husband Oscar was also a teacher.
They married in 1959, and moved to South San Francisco. Oscar worked for United Airline and IBM.
Mildred studied for degrees in social work and counseling, but those ambitions were put on hold with the arrival of her son Steven in June of 1965.
The family moved to Westport in 1972, when Oscar was transferred to White Plains. She headed the Young Parents Program, a group for unwed teen mothers, and Hall Neighborhood House for troubled girls.
After her divorce in 1975 she returned to teaching. She earned several counseling and hypnotherapy degrees during that era.
In her 50’s Mildred became involved with Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, feeling a sense of community and belonging with the clergy and congregation. She spent her last decades working with the church.
Mildred was also president of the Y’s Women, active in the Senior Center, a patron of the Quick Center for the Arts, and an avid bridge player.
Mildred also had a passion for travel. Her obituary says, “the girl from rural Alabama traveled to places her family could only have imagined, gaining wisdom and insight into cultures that enriched her mind and pursuits.
She is survived by her son Steven. A celebration of her life will be held today (Saturday, 10 a.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church).
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New timber at Burying Hill Beach — stretching far into Long Island Sound — highlights today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.
And finally … in honor of today’s “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll (story above):
(“06880” is proud to co-sponsor today’s Holiday Stroll. We’re also glad we can bring Westport together in many ways. And we’re especially grateful to all who support our work. Thank you)
The clusterf***edness of the layout — the convergence of the entrance and exit (merging with traffic from Compo Acres shopping center); the narrow lanes; the shoppers walking through — is legendary.
The back of the lot is much calmer (though the exit that way, onto Compo Road South, is no prize).
Savvy customers know to park there — away from the chaos — and walk a few extra yards. You can leave via the Wells Fargo exit, then make a U-turn through the Exxon gas station if you need to.
Meanwhile, back there, Compo Acres management have put up a couple of quasi-helpful “Additional Parking” signs. They point to “Route 1 East” and “Route 1 West” — names by which no one ever calls the Post Road. (Click here to see.)
Alfred Herman, Sal Liccione, Clark Thiemann, Seth Schachter, Dave Eason, Peggy O’Halloran, Andrew Colabella, Jonathan McClure and Martha Witte all know where those signs are. Congratulations — and stay safe!
Interestingly, our Trader Joe’s is not the only one with a teeth-gnashing parking lot. It seems to be a chain-wide thing.
In fact, the company’s lots are so notoriously bad, Food & Wine wrote an entire story about it. Click here to read.
We head back indoors for this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Public language is coarser. Dress codes for Broadway shows are looser.
And dogs are having their day.
We see them everywhere: Stores. Supermarkets. Even restaurants.
(And no — they are not all service animals.)
Most are on the small side.
Some are not.
This was the scene yesterday, at Barnes & Noble:
Let’s crowd source this.
What’s the appropriate etiquette for dogs in public indoor spaces? Does it vary by size, or type of establishment? Why do owners want to bring their dogs everywhere? Why would others object? And who should make the call?
Click “Comments” below. Please use your full, real name — and let us know whether you own a dog, or not.
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Speaking of dogs: Cat Malkin writes, “Yogi Bear enjoyed seeing Santa and eating delicious treats at Earth Animal yesterday. He (Yogi) supported supported their holiday wreath sale — with 100% of the proceeds going to CT Foodshare.
“Yogi wants all pet-loving Westporters know they can bring pet food — and old towels and blankets — to Earth Animal. They’ll make sure it goes to pets in need.
“You can also bring dog and cat food to the Homes with Hope food pantry (Gillespie Center on Jesup Road, behind Barnes & Noble) and the Connecticut Humane Society (now at 863 Danbury Road, Wilton).
“Yogi says, ‘Woof, woof, woof. Happy Holidays to all!'”
Yogi and Santa. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Speaking of Santa: The transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas occurs smoothly.
And everywhere.
This was the scene yesterday, at Compo Beach:
(Photo/Regi Kendig)
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Last month marked the 5th anniversary of Wheels2U service.
From its beginning in 2020 during the early months of the COVID pandemic — serving a handful of riders in a portion of Westport — it has grown to cover the entire town, providing a record 3,069 rides in October alone.
Wheels2U is projected to book over 31,000 rides in the fiscal year ending June 30.
Commuters to and from Westport, seniors and families across Westport rely on it every weekday.
For just $2, the service offers curb-to-curb and curb-to-platform transportation to destinations including the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue Farmers’ Market.
Key features include:
Seamless technology: An app-based booking system allows riders to schedule trips and track vehicles in real time.
Sustainability impact: Transitioned in November to more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles, saving an estimated 4,100 gallons of fuel and reducing 80,000 pouds of CO₂ emissions annually (equivalent to the yearly energy use of 5 homes). A switch to electric vehicles this spring will further reduce emissions
Expanded service hours: Extended morning service to and from the 2 train stations to 10:30 a.m., and evening service to 9:30 pm. Added service Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to downtown locations.
Exceptional rider satisfaction: Maintains a 4.9/5 average ride rating, with 95% of all reviews at 5 stars. The average wait time for a pickup is under 12 minutes.
And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:
(Yogi Bear says, “You don’t need to be smarter than the average bear to help ‘06880.’ You just need to click here, to support the hyper-local blog that every person and dog loves. Arf!”
Evan Sameroff has had a successful career in private equity.
But after more than a dozen years — and since moving to Westport in 2022, and with 2 children, almost 3 and 1, just starting to grow up here — the Harvard MBA graduate is looking for other challenges.
His father and grandfather were small business owners.
Now Sameroff wants to be one too.
Evan Sameroff
This area is fertile, for one to buy. His goal is to find an established company, with 5 to 50 employees, annual profits of at least $750,000, and an owner who does not have a family member interested in taking over (or without a clear succession plan).
It would be a services business, with “good bones, a strong reputation, and low turnover.” He is not looking at a retail store or restaurant.
Sameroff will be a hands-on manager, taking the business he buys to the next level.
Private equity professionals work in short time frames, he notes. This new venture would allow him to “steward a legacy,” while keeping whatever made the company special intact.
His interest began several years ago. But Sameroff did not have the experience to management a team then, or handle supplies or manage a facility. Now, he feels comfortable doing so.
Westport is fertile territory for his quest. Sameroff has met many entrepreneurs here. A growing number of residents are, like he, ready to move on from finance to other pursuits. Others have already done so.
“People here want to help,” he says. “They have substantial business and investing experience, and a deep network across the region.”
Sameroff is in discussions with several prospects. He’s taking it slow, and is interested in hearing from “06880” readers who might know a business that would be a good fit. If interested, email evan@melodeeholdings.com.
It’s great having college kids and recent graduates home for Thanksgiving.
You learn all about their interesting lives. Their current relationships.
And their job prospects. From finding someone who can open a door to getting a foot in it, then closing the deal, today’s job market is tough.
Kind of a buzz kill around the turkey and trimmings, right?
Despite the strong headwinds, plenty of people can help.
Lisa Cukier and Katie Gervasio want to connect them to those who need it.
Katie Gervasio and Lisa Cukier
The women are well positioned. Cukier — who runs an HR consulting firm, after 20 years in the field — is the mother of 3 Staples High School graduates. One, now 22, is a paralegal. The others are a college junior and freshman.
Gervasio, a former rehabilitation engineer, now tutors at Huntington Learning Center. She too has 3 children: a college graduate, college student, and Staples senior.
In conversations with themselves and other parents, they recognized the need to give young grads, and people still in college, a way to network with seasoned professionals; to talk about strategies and learn skills, in an informal environment.
Colleges do a bit of this, through career centers. Yet there are few opportunities to practice those skills, with successful men and women who may not be looking to hire someone — but are eager to help connect young people with those who are.
Dave, Matt and Brooke Gervasio …
Westport is filled with “smart, caring go-getters who want to help,” Cukier says. Many are her and Gervasio’s friends and peers.
They want to offer advice, and perhaps shadowing opportunities. They are eager to be mentors.
The first event — a Westport Professional Networking Mixer — is December 17, at VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue. The 6:30 p.m. event includes an informational panel, and informal networking.
A broad range of professions is included: business owners, finance, arts, education, healthcare, non-profits and more.
Interested college students and recent graduates should register by email: WPNMixer@gmail.com. The Instagram is @wpnmixer.
Cukier and Gervasio are not stopping after one event. In the works: a Signal app, for continued interactions.
Staples Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables” concludes its 10-show run this afternoon (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; click here for information).
Before the (spectacular) set is struck, however, it’s worth praising Players once again.
Today, kudos go to the tech crew: the young men and women who seldom get the credit they deserve, but without whom there would be no show at all.
These very talented, tremendously hard working, incredibly dedicated students build sets, oversee lighting and sound, create costumes, and do much, much more.
Once the play begins, it’s run entirely by students. They are responsible for keeping things moving smoothly — even when they go awry.
Colin Walker says, “I have the fortunate privilege of being the technical director. I get to be with these students on a daily basis. I see how hard they work. They make invaluable contributions to the success of the show.”
They sure do. Take a bow, “Les Mis” tech crew!
Staples Players tech crew, on set. (Photo/Colin Walker)
Jillian Elder’s Westport Holiday Lights Collection features local landmarks like the Cribari Bridge, Minute Man monument and Compo Beach cannons. Each piece is available on shirts, prints, mugs and totes.
New at the online shop: Westport Is my Happy Place. It’s a tribute to the town’s charm and creative spirit.
Esterina D’Amico, who was born in her parents’ Westport home, and was a lifelong resident, died Thursday, in Norwalk Hospital. She was 95.
Ester spent more than 40 years as an administrative secretary for PerkinElmer in Norwalk. She was a faithful parishioner of Assumption Church. She loved traveling the world, and was an accomplished skier.
She is survived by her brothers Anthony and Peter D’Amico; sister Geraldine Stauss; 17 nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Rudolph and Anthony, and sisters Adeline Coviello, Margaret Incerto, Mary Aldrich and Josephine D’Amico.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday (November 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in Ester’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
(While someone’s been working on the railroad, we’ve been working on “06880.” Our daily Roundup — and everything else — doesn’t fall from the sky! Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Jen Tooker’s 16 years of service to Westport — as 1st selectwoman, 2nd selectwoman, and a member of the Boards of Finance and Education, and Conservation Commission — were celebrated last night, at Romanacci.
Organized by former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, it brought together people from every chapter of Tooker’s public life.
In the room were former Westport Select Board members Jim Marpe, Avi Kaner and Tammy Pincavage, plus many other elected town officials and longtime friends who worked with her, and admired her dedication.
Tooker was surprised when she walked in, and touched by the outpouring of appreciation. Kaner notes, “there were heartfelt stories, laughter, and genuine gratitude for her steady leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment to Westport and its residents.”
Jen Tookekr (2nd row, 2nd from right, with former 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe), at Romanacci.
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The Westport community has come through — big time.
Yesterday, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen and Lieutenant Rob Lenois — president of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation — joined volunteers with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
Thanks to the generosity of the Westport community, they donated 1,000 turkeys — and sides — to support a 3-day Great ThankGiving Project event.
Well done, Westport Fire Department — and Westport neighbors!
From left: Tatyana Rozetta, Bridgeport Rescue Mission volunteer manager; Westport Deputy Chief Matt Cohen; Laurie Molner, BRM director of development; Lieutenant Rob Lenois, Westport Firefighter Charitable Foundation president.
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But wait! There’s more! On Wednesday, “06880” posted a story on a partnership between A&S Westport Fine Foods and the Conlon Amendola law firm.
They were donating 50 full Thanksgiving dinners — fresh turkeys, hams and sides — to families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport.
They hoped a few readers could provide funds for dessert (pies).
The phones did not stop ringing. Within 24 hours all 50 pies were sponsored, by residents and former Westporters across the country.
Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts, and an anonymous loyal A&S customer, added generous donations, allowing the meals to be increased even more.
The meals were prepared by A&S. They were delivered yesterday, then unloaded and distributed by the school’s National Honor Society students.
The drive was so successful, A&S and Conlon Amendola are planning another for Christmas, also for Capital Prep Harbor School.
Come on, “06880” readers! Email chefalpiz@gmail.com to learn how you can help.
From left: Patricia Pizzirusso (A&S), Jacquelyn Conlon and Bonnie Amendola (Conlon Amendola), Chenelle James and Dr. Joan Miller (Capital Prep Harbor School), with a few of the 50 dinners.
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And now, turning to the next big holiday:
The town’s annual tree lighting is set for the Town Hall lawn on Monday, December 1 (5 p.m.).
The Staples High School Orphenians will sing. The Westport Museum for History & Culture provides hot chocolate.
And — as always — little kids will count down to the big reveal.
Let there be (holiday) light! Here’s a look back at 2024. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport was one of hundreds of participants yesterday, in the first of 2 “Fall of Freedom” days.
The event — “an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation” — involved galleries, museums, comedy clubs, theaters and concert venues across the country, with exhibitions, performances and pubic events.
Locally, the Westport Library hosted a showing of “The Librarians.” The award-winning 2025 documentary shows an unlikely group standing up as “first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment rights.”
With just 2 weeks notice, a full house filled the Trefz Forum, for the screening and a discussion. Panelists included (below from left, in photo): Westport screen and stage writer and Columbia University professor Trey Ellis; director/producer Kim A. Snyder; producer Maria Cuomo Cole; Connecticut state librarian Deborah Schander, and author Oliver Radclyffe.
By now, you must have heard of Staples Players’ stupendous production of “Les Misérables.”
The whole town is talking about it.
With a Players record-setting 10-show run, there are 3 more opportunities: today (Saturday, November 22, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
We’ve hailed the 70-plus actors often. They deserve all their kudos, and more.
But let’s not overlook the spectacular 30-piece pit orchestra, or the dozens of students (and adults) who constructed the jaw-dropping set.
We can’t show the musicians. They’re off stage (though hopefully they’ll get a bow tonight or tomorrow).
Speaking of Staples accomplishments: 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario is one of the most acclaimed photojournalists in the world.
The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner has covered famines, civil wars, maternal mortality and more for National Geographic (among many others).
As part of the “Ask a Nat Geo Expert Anything” series, Addario speaks answered questions about the perils of her work, the personal price she pays, and how to get into photography.
Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate Leo Stagg is listed as “Head Automation” for the production.
We’re not not sure what that means. But it comes right after “Head Carpenter,” and just before “Head and Deck Electrician.” So Leo — who learned his tech chops with Staples Players — is one of the many unheralded crew members, without whom the curtain could not rise. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)
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Bob Weingarten spotted — and sends along — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
He writes: “I just saw these trees changing from summer into winter, at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South. Amazing how uniform the change is.”
As Westport prepares for the holiday season, merchants urge: “Please shop local! Choose us over the internet!”
it’s not the first time they’ve made that request.
Nearly 80 years ago — in 1947 — illustrator Howard Munce drew this map of Main Street and State Street (Post Road) retailers.
It was headlined: “Shop Westport First.”
It’s hard to see all the stores. I’m not sure if any of them are still here.
But you get the idea. They’ll last a lot longer if we give them our business.
(Image courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Creativity, passion, entrepreneurship, risk — and $25,000 — were on the line last night.
A full house packed the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum, for StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.
Two healthcare companies, a tax platform for college athletes, a healthy and environmentally conscious mushroom-based snack, and a new marketplace for wheels were the 5 ideas pitched by eager teams of young hopefuls, in a “Shark Tank”-like scenario.
The 4 judges — all experienced entrepreneurs — headed off stage, to deliberate.
The audience used a QR code, for their own (non-binding) vote. The wheels marketplace — WheelPrice — edged out a device that personalizes and simplifies breast cancer detection, 34% to 31%.
The judges stepped back on stage. They agreed: WheelPrice won the $20,000 non-dilutive first prize.
But all the entrepreneurs were winners. The other 4 split the remaining $5,000.
Energy was high, in the half hour before the formal pitches began. The 5 finalists each had a table.
They’d been culled from 77 applicants, and semi-finalists. For months they’d honed their ideas, and been mentored by StartUp Westport volunteers.
Criteria included a pre-institutional funding round; an existing corporation in an evaluable category; a Connecticut-based founder or strong state association, and a scalable business model.
Each hopeful had 6 minutes to pitch judges Kira Vanderwert, Kal Amin, Matt Gorin and Cliff Sirlin — all experienced venture investors — and 6 minutes to answer probing questions about the problem being addressed, market size, revenue model, competitive advantage and more.
A team from the University of Connecticut pitched ChromaShield. The wearable patch and monitoring platform reduces complications of skin damage from chemotherapy, like radiation dermatitis and foot ulcers.
ChromaShield
Nexa Tax, created by a former University of Bridgeport athlete, is an app that helps college athletes manage the tax aspects of their “name, image and likeness” earnings. As the number of those students grows, their tax burdens will too. But, the founder says, too few of those athletes know how to handle them.
Nexa Tax
Mirabelle — “breast health, in your hands” — is a device by which women can detect and monitor themselves for breast cancer. It’s also a tool for healthcare providers in underserved areas. The founders, with Cornell University roots, added humor to the serious nature of their company (they call beta testers “the titty committee”).
Mirabelle
WheelPrice addressed a problem unknown to many in audience: how to manage the marketplace for car wheels. Like sneakers and watches, it’s a niche filled with fanatics. But right now, the UConn founder says, there are 620,000 wheels listed online “chaotically.” His platform “reinvents the wheel … marketplace.”
WheelPrice
NeuroPuffs were created by Yale University graduate students. The product — mushrooms and upcycled food waste, dried using a special process, coated in real powdered cheese, and packed in compostable bags — provides “guilt-free snacking.” They’re “good for the brain, kind to the planet.”
NeuroPuffs
The decision was tough, the judges said. All the ideas were “impressive, inspiring, and solving real problems.”
But WheelPrice had the best business model. It seemed the most scalable. Its pitch was most impressive.
WheelPrice founders (5th and 6th from left), with StartUp Westport Pitch director Peter Propp (4th from left), and other entrepreneurs, plus StartUp Westport co-founder Cliff Sirlin (2nd from right) and Coastal Bridge partner Bill Loftus (far right). (All photos/Dan Woog)
Still: Keep your eye out for the other 4 startups too.
The crowd of 400 included many fellow entrepreneurs — and investors.
The wheels in their heads were turning, as each founder gave their pitch.
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Energy was high, in the half hour before the formal pitches began. The 5 finalists each had a table.
