Category Archives: Staples HS

Nolan Francis Wins Staples Key

Posted on May 28, 2026 | 3 comments

Nolan Francis — a science researcher, violinist, swimmer, honor student and active volunteer in and out of school — has won Staples High’s greatest honor.

He was awarded the Staples Key, at last night’s annual awards ceremony.

Three outstanding students are nominated by faculty, based on superior academic achievement, loyalty to Staples, and contribution to the Staples community Voting is done by members of the senior class.

The other finalists were Gunnar Eklund and Sophie Smith.

Introducing Francis last night, assistant principal Christine Cincotta said, “Nolan’s school counselor describes him as talented, disciplined, and highly personable. His demeanor is calm and jovial, always accompanied by a big smile, and he remains consistently focused on his personal goals. Nolan has served as captain of the boys swim and dive team for 2 years, and advanced to the state finals.

“He was selected to be part of the Link Crew, and is a 4-year member of Staples’ Service League of Boys. He has also served as vice president of the Science National Honor Society, and is the co-founder of our newly reestablished National English Honor Society chapter.

“Through Staples’ research program, Nolan was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar (one of only 300 in the country).

Nolan Francis

“He is also an accomplished violinist who has received recognition at the state level. Outside of school, Nolan has coached Special Olympics swimmers, served as a camp counselor for children with severe medical conditions at Camp Discovery, and researched rare genetic skin conditions at Yale. He even wrote a children’s book to help kids living with these conditions feel seen and connected to a community.

“One of the things I appreciate most about Nolan is the way he brings humor and a level-headed perspective to every conversation. I am grateful that he is a member of our Staples community.

“Nolan will attend Williams College in the fall to study biology (and bring his banana-bread-baking skills to the Berkshires).

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Introducing Eklund, Cincotta said: “Gunnar’s school counselor describes him as kind, considerate, intelligent and genuine. He brings a thoughtful approach to everything he does.

“Gunnar has served as president of the Staples Debate Team, worked with the Staples Service League of Boys board to coordinate volunteer events, and collaborated with last year’s ‘We The People’ Constitution team to represent Connecticut as Top 10 national finalists.

“During his summers Gunnar has worked as a lab intern, a camp counselor at Camp Mahackeno, and a courtroom aide for North Carolina’s 4th Prosecutorial District.

“This past year he has become even more involved in the Westport community by contributing to Dan Woog’s ‘06880’ blog, delivering a Veterans Day speech at Town Hall, and helping 2023 Staples alum Addison Moore become the youngest-ever elected RTM official.

“Regardless of these accomplishments and roles, Gunnar says his time at Staples has been shaped most by the extraordinary people he has met. I would add that Gunnar has also shaped those around him over the past 4 years because he is an extraordinary person himself. He will always greet you with a smile and ask how you are doing. He genuinely cares about those around him, and that thoughtful approach is something I will always remember about him.

“Gunnar will study government and biology at Cornell University this fall.

Gunnar Eklund delivers his Veterans Day speech at Town Hall.

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 In introducing Smith, Cincotta said: “Sophie’s school counselor says she is a wonderful example of what it means to be a well-rounded person. She is an accomplished student in the classroom, actively involved in our community, and looked up to as a leader, all while finding time to give back to others in need. Sophie demonstrates that Staples is a place where students support one another in an encouraging environment.

“She is co-editor-in-chief of Inklings, one of our largest extracurricular activities. As the social media specialist for Business Leaders of America, she actively recruits new members. Sophie is also a member of the varsity squash team and the co-founder and co-president of Peter’s Heart Club, which provides educational support to underprivileged children in Uganda.

“In each of these spaces, Sophie has learned that success is rarely individual; instead, it is built on collaboration. She consistently goes out of her way to support her staff members and teammates while fostering a positive environment.

“From my own experiences with Sophie, I have seen her genuine care for others, as well as the strength and conviction behind her voice. These qualities will undoubtedly benefit those around her.

“Sophie will attend the University of Virginia this fall to study English and public policy.”

Sophie Smith (Photo courtesy of Inklings)

(“06880” regularly reports on the accomplishments of Westport’s youth. Please click here to support our continued coverage of these remarkable young men and women. Thank you!)

 

 

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Unsung Heroes #433

Posted on May 27, 2026 | 2 comments

The Staples Gridiron Club nominates the Wrecker football team as this week’s Unsung Heroes, for their offseason community service. The club writes:

In early December the Staples football team was eliminated from the state championship playoffs by their rivals, Greenwich High School.

On the field, the season was over. But off it, a new season was just beginning.

Head coach Matty Jacowleff — a Staples 2014 graduate — began installing his most important playbook. He calls it “4 for 40”: the 4 years spent playing football at Staples will benefit the student-athlete for the next 40 years.

Sure, Jacowleff said, they had to get stronger and faster as athletes. But they also had to get stronger in the classroom, and become leaders in the community.

Home games attract 3,000 fans on a Friday night. It was time for the football program to give back to the community that supports them.

Over the winter and into the spring, players were offered weekly service opportunities. Sophomore parent Cher Carroll helped organize the outreach.

The results are as impressive as anything that happens on the field.

Players headed to Maplewood at Southport Senior Living, where they conversed, played bingo, and provided tech support to elderly residents. NBC News New York featured the project on a recent broadcast.

Visiting Maplewood Senior Living.

The Wreckers participated in the Hope Blooms team walk, to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s.

At the Hope Blooms walk. Head coach Matty Jacowleff is standing, 3rd from right.

At Operation Hope Fairfield, players donated food items, helped bag lunches for distribution, and unloaded donations at a local post office.

Helping at Operation Hope.

The Wreckers also traveled to the Nourish Bridgeport food pantry, where they unloaded and sorted food donations, and helped clients shop.

Players who had conflicts were encouraged to give back according to their own schedules.

Already in 2026, the student-athletes have worked with 8 organizations, and logged over 250 hours of total community service.

Those numbers are impressive. But the Wreckers also came together to help one of their own. Varsity quarterback coach Nick Chacho told the team that he was battling stage 3 colon cancer.

While maintaining their weekly community service schedule and working hard in the classroom, the team undertook several fundraising efforts.

With the help of ASF Westport, they designed and sold “Team Chacho” t-shirts.  The following week, over 40 players volunteered at a lemonade stand near Compo Beach.

The squad has already raised over $10,000 to help with medical costs for their coach, with minimal adult involvement and supervision.

Raising funds for their coach.

“Coach Matty” has set out to make his student-athletes model citizens, on and off the field. The Wreckers have responded not for recognition or adulation, but to help support the community that supports them each fall.

They are our unsung heroes.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Creative, Hard-Working Teen Entrepreneurs Thrive

Posted on May 27, 2026 | 2 comments

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Westport.

Our town is filled with men and women who have stepped back from corporate America — or whatever career they were in — to start their own businesses here.

But they’re not the only ones.

Teenagers are also taking the entrepreneurial plunge.

We’re not talking about lemonade stands or lawn moving. These young men and women are the real deal.

Here are a few. Read their stories — and be inspired that our future is in very good, creative and hard-working hands.

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We’ve highlighted Christian Rinaldi a couple of times.

Less than one year out of high school, he’s rebranded his thriving, and very professional, mobile car detailing business.

Now called Car Concierge CT, Christian and his staff — a well-trained crew, including Kyle Dulak and Justyn Capellan — offer 4 packages.

There’s interior cleaning, exterior polishing and waxing, and rim work, of course. But they’ve stepped up their premium luxury “concierge” service, highlighting multi-step paint correction, ceramic coating, and much more.

Including the engine. You’ll never see it. But Christian does.

Christian Rinaldi, with cars he’s worked on.

Christian bought a van, and outfitted it with water and a power source, to come to customers all over Fairfield County.

He’s fully licensed, insured, and — as an LLC — has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Their customers trust Car Concierge CT with Lexuses, Audis, BMWs, Porsches, and an Aston Martin Vantage.

Christian recently spent 2 weeks in Atlanta, getting certified by Koch-Chemie, a high-quality German cleaning products firm. He studied chemistry, along with paint reconditioning skills.

This is not a high school start-up. It’s Christian’s full-time business. He’s a perfectionist, putting hours into every aspect of what he calls “my art.”

Taking care of every detail.

He’s honed his people skills too. He communicates easily and efficiently, explaining to customers exactly what they’ll get, and when, and how he’ll do it.

Christian Rinaldi is going places. Including — he hopes — to your driveway.

(For the very professional Car Concierge CT website, click here. For the Instagram @carconciergectllc, click here.) 

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Two summers ago, going into junior year, Staples friends Will Stoutenburg and Ollie Vynerib were looking for jobs.

Ollie was 15 — too young to work officially — and neither wanted to have a boss.

They brainstormed ideas, and settled on starting a window washing business.

Will’s parents warned it would be a waste of time. But the boys went to a hardware store and bought squeegees, mops and dish soap, plus long poles.

They came up with a clever name: WOW (for “Will Ollie Window-washing”).

They watched “a ton” of online videos to learn about their craft, and door-to-door sales.

It was not easy.

“Getting doors slammed in our faces was actually super good for us,” Will reports.

It was intimidating at first. But by the end of the summer, after multiple 14-plus hour days, their business had generated $10,000. Ollie and Will made $4,000 each.

They promised every customer that they’d donate a percentage of profits to Staples Tuition Grants. Proudly, they did.

Ollie Vynerib (left) and Will Stoutenburg, ready to work.

Still, they knew there was room to improve.

Last summer they scaled things up. They spent nearly all the money they’d made on upgraded equipment — enhancing both their product and their efficiency. (They’re also fully insured.)

They hired 15 employees — all Staples students — and got very good at selling door to door. They cleaned over 200 homes (and some businesses), with Ollie and Will doing all the sales and scheduling.

“It was exhausting days and stressful,” Will says. “But it was working, so we stayed disciplined and kept grinding.

“The amount I learned about business from running WOW the last 2 summers is incredible,” he adds.

“From how to sell, managing expenses and customers, mastering window cleaning and employees, I gained a ton of knowledge.

“It was far from easy, dealing with things like equipment issues, mean customers, etc. But it was all worth it.”

Wow!

This summer they’ve again spent money upgrading equipment, and reinvesting in WOW. They’ve added sales employees to their cleaning staff.

And they’re still just in high school. After graduating in June, Will heads to Tulane University. He’ll study — no surprise — business and entrepreneurship.

And Ollie will attend the Marshall School of Business, at the University of Southern California.

(To learn more, text 203-820-0078.)

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Grill cleaning is a task that nearly everyone needs done.

But few people want to do it.

Pierce Brown and Ben Zwick are happy to fill the need.

Both graduated from Staples High School last year. They were sports captains (volleyball and ski team, respectively), and participated in the Service League of Boys.

While finishing up their first year at college (Queens University and the University of Vermont, respectively), the business/finance majors looked for holes in the Westport service market that needed filling.

Grill cleaning seemed like a great opportunity.

They offer a full, deep clean and polish — including deep inside, and underneath.

Those are places no one ever sees. But Pierce and Ben make them shine just like the hood.

(To learn more, text Pierce at 203-228-2293 or Ben at 203-818-1833.)

Looking like new!

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But grill cleaning is not Ben’s only job.

Cars are a lifelong obsession. From a very young age he and his father have raced them. And for years, Ben has helped friends and family members source them, for good prices.

He has turned that latter hobby into a business: BZ Auto Advisory. He find cars that are the best fit, negotiates new and used car prices to save thousands of dollars — and monetizes it for himself too.

“Eliminate the stress, inefficiency and risk associated with car buying by working with an unbiased, personal vehicle advisor,” Ben says.

First, Ben helps define the criteria a customer is looking for in a car. Then, he offers specific models to choose from.

Next, he creates spreadsheets from throughout the region, to find the best deals. Then he contacts the seller, and negotiates.

Ben’s pricing analyses show clients a variety of possibilities. 

One recent example: a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. The deal was closed at $6,000 less than market value.

Ben constantly watches the market. His research is very thorough. Clients are thrilled.

He found a Porsche Panamera 4S Turismo. with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $129,000 in 2018, for a client for $56,000. It had only 50,000 miles, and a full Porsche service record.

Ben found a BMW in Boston for $26,900.

Another client says, “BZ helped me find a great 2018 Audi A4, and knew all of the important questions to ask the owner and mechanics. He let me know about expected maintenance and how to identify what cars to walk away from. I was very pleased with his services, and he saved me a bunch of money.”

(To learn more, text Ben at Ben at 203-818-1833. For the Instagram @BZAutoAdvisory, click here.)

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(“06880” often reports on young Westporters, local businesses- and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Guys & Dolls” (2000, 2009)

Posted on May 26, 2026 | 2 comments

“Guys and Dolls” was the first show David Roth directed, after taking over as Staples Players director in 2000.

He staged it again, 9 years later. And once more, in 2023.

Players’ second director, Al Pia, also did “Guys & Dolls” in the 1980s. The award-winning troupe has done it at least 6 times in total, making it perhaps the most-produced show in their 68-year history.

Today, retired media teacher Jim Honeycutt offers the 2000 and ’09 “nutshell” versions. He edited both in almost exactly the same way.

Click here or below for the 2000 show.

Click here or below for the 2009 show.

The cast of both shows were very impressive.

Guys And Dolls 2000

Shira Hofmekler (also known as Shira Gregory) (Adelaide) is best known for her role in the original Broadway cast of the Tony-Award-winning play “Frost/Nixon.” She also appeared in independent films like “Breaking.” She wrote the player “Helen Unbecoming,” a 2025 semifinalist in the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference.

Peter Duchan (Nicely-Nicely) wrote the book of the musical “Dogfight” (based on the 1991 film). He was a 2011-2012 Dramatists Guild Fellow and a 2014 recipient of the Robert Chesley Playwriting Award. Peter co-wrote the screenplay for “Breaking Upwards” (with Staples graduates Daryl Wein and Zoe Lister-Jones), and co-wrote the short “Unlocked” with Wein, an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, Gijon International Film Festival, and many others.

Justin Miller (Benny Southstreet) is a former Staples director of choral activities. He is a choral conductor, composer and arranger, known for his work in the Barbershop Harmony Society and his academic choral teaching. He led the Westminster Chorus and Masters of Harmony to international championships.

Justin Paul (Rusty Charlie) is a composer, lyricist, and half of the acclaimed songwriting duo Pasek and Paul. They wrote the music for “Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.” In 2024, Pasek and Paul achieved EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status after winning an Emmy for their song in “Only Murders in the Building.”

Joanna Gang is a voiceover artist based in New York. She is also a non-profit administrator and fundraiser.

Guys And Dolls 2009

Peter Molesworth (Rusty Chalie) is a writer, actor and filmmaker. Acting credits include “Pear,” “How to Catfish Your Ex” and “Fix.”

Max Stampa-Brown (Nathan Detroit) appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

Eva Hendricks (Miss Adelaide) is a lead singer, and Dan Shure (Nicely-Nicely) plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band. Their current release is “Back There Now.”

Jake Yarmoff (Sky Masterson) is a Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter. His song “City of Love” can be heard on YouTube.

Max Samuels (Sky Masterson) is a New York-based stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

Nora Kennedy is a New York-based stage and screen actor and writer, recognized for her film work (“Prom King” and “Taken”), and her one-woman cabaret shows.

Matthew Van Gessel (Harry the Horse) is an actor, director and writer based in New York.  He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

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Roundup: All Back: Hacky Sack, Duck Race, A Cappella Camp …

Posted on May 24, 2026 | 1 comment

Hacky sack is back!

The 1980s game has taken Staples by storm.

And, some people say, cellphones are the reason.

With the devices banned throughout the school day since November, teachers and students agree there’s been more teenage social interaction in classes, halls, the auditorium — and the main courtyard.

For years an underutilized space, it now hums with hacky sack (and other) activity.

Players are having a blast. They’re also #5 in the country (unofficially, but still…).

NBC Connecticut took notice. Click here or below for their report. Interviewees include Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, baseball coach Jack McFarland and baseball player Mark Kelly.

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A reminder: The 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival continues today.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Main and Elm Streets, over 160 artists from around the country, will show (and sell) their works, in a dizzying array of styles and mediums.

There’s music, food, kids’ activities and more.

There was a good crowd yesterday, despite the weather. Let’s keep the excitement and fun going today!

Art of a different type: painting a new BMW, on Elm Street. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

PS: Every year, the Westport Downtown Association — sponsors of the Fine Arts Festival — treats their artists to a great dinner, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.

They hand out awards, too. This year, judges Louise Crowley and Lonnie Quinn selected mixed media artist Matt Gabel of West Milford, New Jersey as “best in show.”

You can find him today at booth #14: on Main Street, in front of Savvy + Grace and Nômade.

Artwork by Matt Gabel.

Other winners, and their booth numbers:

  • Mixed media: Tanya Kirouac, #80; Chris Curchin, #83
  • Painting: Maryann Schmidt, #62
  • Photography: Larry Chapman, #31-32
  • Painting: Michael Patterson, #52-53; Ummarid “Tony” Eitharong, #61-62; Kathy Chattoraj, #146; Kathy Maher, #17-18; Darryl George, #151
  • Digital art: Marjolyn van der Hart, #55
  • Sculpture: Lila Turjanski, #10
  • Mixed media painting: David Gordon, #93-94

Check them — and all the other artists — out too!

Best in show: Matt Gabel. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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More than 3 dozen local authors for all ages — toddlers to adults — will meet readers and sign books next Saturday (May 30, 11 a.m. at 2 p.m., Jesup Green).

The 2nd annual “Stories in Bloom” is sponsored by the Westport Book Shop on Jesup Green, directly across from the event.

Genres include fiction, children’s, self-help, poetry, mystery, spirituality, neurodiversity, health, environment and more.

Authors will chat with readers about their creative journeys. Families can enjoy bubbles, face painting, temporary tattoos, a maypole, cornhole, and snacks.

Participating authors are below.

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The 2nd annual Wrecker Fest is near.

The field day is fun — and benefits 2 great causes. Funds will be raised for the Live Life to the Max mentorship program (named in honor of Max Harper, Staples ’25, for boys with ADHD), and Filling in the Blanks (a Norwalk non-profit that provides hungry children with weekend meals).

Student organizer Sienna Schwartz says the half-day event will take place on May 29.  Activities include a magician, petting zoo, kickball, hacky sack, basketball, water balloon games, chalk drawing and more.

Besides fundraising (with each grade competing to raise the most), Wrecker Fest will foster community, promote wellness, and offer a fun chance to build relationships with peers and staff.

Anyone can donate. Click here to do so, and learn more.

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Ralphie is back!

The big yellow duck — a very visible reminder of Westport Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race — was inflated yesterday.

The race is June 27. Click here for raffle tickets, and information.

To see Ralphie, click here or below.

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Also back: A Cappella Central.

The summer camp program helps students in grades 3-12 develop their voices, build confidence and connect with others through music, in a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Experienced and new students are all welcome.

The camp is run by Danielle Merlis — a Staples graduate, performer, film composer and founder of The Cello Camp — and Robert Kwan, an organist, pianist,choir director, piano instructor, and former Staples accompanist.

Lead teacher Sara Hoefer is the choir director at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. She has directed a cappella ensembles at Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde High Schools for nearly 20 years.

Guest master class instructors this summer will include former Staples choral director Luke Rosenberg, Will Mandelbaum, and Gedalia Penner-Robinson.

The camp runs August 17-22, at Southport’s Trinity Episcopal Church. It ends with a final performance for friends and family. For more information and to register, click here.

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Studio Café has a new name.

The hidden gem in Sconset Square is now Tailored Home Café. The change reflects exactly where the breakfast-lunch-and-coffee place is: inside Tailored Home, the handsome furniture and interior design shop.

Everything else is the same — including the great menu with Spanish-Mediterranean dishes, fresh baked goods, espresso drinks, juices, teas, mocktails and more.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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We’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: Bookmark (and check often) Westport’s “Community Events” calendar.

The page — part of the town website — lists an enormous passel of activities. Music, drama, arts, history, duck races … it’s all there, with clickable links for more information for each.

And that doesn’t include the Westport Library, though there’s a helpful link to their calendar, with their own dizzying array of events.

There is at least one interesting thing happening here every day in the foreseeable future.

For some reason, the least popular day is Tuesday. Hey … maybe someone will offer a lecture, workshop, play or concert explaining why.

 

Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe used to say, “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re not trying hard enough.”

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Sure, today’s weather sucks. Especially for a holiday weekend.

But just a couple of days ago, it was spectacular.

That’s when Susan Garment snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, on Pequot Trail.

PS: Don’t worry. By Wednesday, the temperature will be back in the 80s.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in honor of Danielle Merlis’ upcoming a cappella camp: It doesn’t get better than this:

(Hallelujah! You’ve found “06880.” You enjoy this blog, where Westport meets the world. Now we hope you’ll show a bit of love. Please click here, to support our 24/7/365 work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Spinnaker Saugatuck Plans, State Representative Race, Cross Highway Bridge Project …

Posted on May 20, 2026 | 9 comments

The Architectural Review Board gets its first look at the proposed development of 606 Riverside Avenue — the Minute Man Dry Cleaners property — next Tuesday (May 26, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Room 307/309).

Spinnaker Real Estate recently bought the parcel — and a nearby parking lot where boats are now stored — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s rejection of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

Among the computer-generated designs to be considered:

The ARB will also discuss proposed façade modifications, solar panels and lighting at 520 Post Road East — the former nail salon next to Five Guys (and before that, a pancake house). The new proposed use is a Pilates studio.

Click here to view the meeting materials for both projects. 

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Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein won the Democratic Party endorsement for State Representative of the 136th District last night.

She beat Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell, 38 votes to 10. The two Westporters vied to replace Jonathan Steinberg, who is retiring.

The process allows for a primary. Mandell heads to Town Hall today, to pick up petitions.

Goldstein vowed to fight for and represent “this vibrant community we love, and for a Connecticut that remains dynamic, compassionate, and full of opportunity.”

She said she will work to protect and strengthen public schools, invest in infrastructure, preserve the environment, and ensure the state budget reflects the values and pressures facing Connecticut residents and towns.

Goldstein highlighted the increasing importance of fighting for reproductive rights, gun control, and civil liberties, saying, “At a time of federal hostility, we will defend our fundamental rights, safety, and freedoms.”

Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell

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A Cross Highway construction project will restrict access to residents only, beginning next month.

The small bridge near Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman athletic fields will be replaced. Cross Highway will be closed between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, after students’ last day of school on June 18.

Local residents can access their roads. But through traffic will not be allowed.

The project will last 6 to 8 weeks. The road is planned to reopen by the end of August, before school starts.

The contractor, FGB Construction, has already put up signs announcing the work. Electronic signs will be placed there too.

Access to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields is available, as always, through Bedford Middle School on North Avenue.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128; kwilberg@westportct.gov.

Cross Highway bridge. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)

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You never know what kind of art you’ll see at the Westport Library.

And this spring, Artists Collective of Westport members didn’t know what they were creating, either.

48 artists received a printout of a single 12″ x 12″ section of a much larger, 6-foot high by 8-foot high work, and a blank panel. Each reimagined it, in his or her own way, using any medium they chose.

The result is “Piece by Piece” — a “vibrant and often surprising mosaic of styles, perspectives, and artistic voices … a playful yet powerful celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. As the individual pieces come together, the larger image is gradually revealed, reminding viewers that every contribution plays a role in the creation of something greater than itself.”

It’s one of 2 Artists Collective exhibits opening at the Library on June 4 (6 to 8 p.m.). “Piece by Piece” will be unveiled at 7.

“Piece by Piece”

The other exhibit is “American Journeys,” an all-member exhibition inspired by  America’s 250th birthday. The title reflects the idea that there is no single American journey, but rather a tapestry of countless personal paths, experiences, struggles and triumphs that together define the American story.

75 Collective members contributed works. All are available for purchase.

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Speaking of the Library: A quarter century of “Shrek” came to life last night there.

Roger Schulman — co-writer of the iconic animated fantasy comedy — spoke with Sacred Hart University professor of communication, media and the arts Todd Barnes.

Schulmanl discussed his journey from journalism to Hollywood — and took the audience behind the Shrek scenes.

Roger Schulman (right), Professor Todd Barnes, and the Shrek franchise. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of entertainment: As the Westport Pops Concert nears — it’s June 5 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion) — the Staples Music Parents Associates announces a partnership with Romanacci’s.

Meals are available by pre-order only (click here). A portion of the meal price supports Staples Music. The deadline is May 29.

There are no food trucks in the Levitt Pavilion parking lot. However, the Oggi gelato cart will be on site.

The lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO lawn chair). Pre-show groups begin performing at 6. The main show starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $15 per ticket helps offset production costs. Donations in lieu of tickets can be made at the same (new) Stpales Music website — click here.

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Compo Beach got a “C” grade, while Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island both earned “B”s, in Save the Sound’s analysis of water samples during the 2025 swimming season.

55 of 72 public and private Long Island Sound beaches in Connecticut (76%) received an A or B.

Last summer, water quality samples at Compo Beach failed 9% of the time. The rates for Burying Hill and Sherwood Island were 7 and 3%, respectively.

Click here for the full interactive report.

Burying Hill Beach closure last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

 

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Mark Shapiro is buying a stake in another pro team.

This time it’s in the NFL.

The Westporter will join with his sports and entertainment industry partner Ari Emanuel in a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal is expected to close this month. The current ownership group includes Michael Dell and Tom Brady.

Shapiro’s NFL ties run deep. In 2005 he acquired Monday Night Football while running programming and production at ESPN. He later created the NFL Honors.

Shapiro also led Endeavor Group Holdings’ acquisition of On Location, the NFL’s exclusive hospitality provider. Shapiro is also a minority owner of MLS soccer team Los Angeles FC.

Emanuel and Shapiro are longtime business partners. Shapiro is now president and COO of TKO (comprising UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG), president and managing partner of WME Group, principal investor and board member of MARI (owner of the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze and TodayTix), and is involved with WME Basketball.

Mark Shapiro — StartUp Westport’s 2025 Innovator of the Year — was interviewed at the Westport Library by Sara Eisen of CNBC.

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Yesterday’s brief early evening rainstorm produced a nice rainbow. This was the view over downtown, from near Bartaco.

(Photo/Jennifer Renz)

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Congratulations to Katherine Rose Li!

The Bedford Middle School 6th grader placed first — and won $600 — in the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest. The event, sponsored by Population Connection, drew thousands of entries from teens in 63 countries around the world.

Her 60-second video, “Hanging by a Thread,” tackles environmental challenges created by fast fashion, and proposes the use of biodegradable fabrics in clothing production as a key to a more sustainable future.

This year’s contest challenged students to explore how population growth intersects with three critical global issues: wetlands, energy and economics.

Contest officials said, “Katherine Rose’s entry stood out for its smart analysis of fast fashion as well as its colorful animation.”

Katherine Rose Li

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Venus and a thumbnail moon lined up perfectly Monday night.

And Lou Weinberg was there to capture this shot:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Here at “06880,” we’re not supposed to play favorites.

But we gotta say: Every time we feature a barred owl in our “Westport … Naturally” series — like today’s, on Marion Road — we smile.

There are plenty of very cute, really intriguing looking creatures.

But these guys have to be in any Top 10.

(Photo/Elliot Weiler)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s space shot (above):

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and Venus, and beyond. But we can’t do this without reader support. Please click here to help us bring the universe back home. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying”

Posted on May 19, 2026 | 3 comments

Every Staples Players show is special.

But the fall 2008 production was especially special.

For “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” directors David Roth and Kerry Long made an inspired cast choice.

Principal John Dodig delivered a tour de force — and, to some audience members, unexpected — performance, near the end of the musical.

Many did not know that the popular educator had experience in community theater. Watch his “Brotherhood of Man” number here, or below — taped and edited by former media teacher Jim Honeycutt — to see.

Dodig retired a decade ago. But some fellow cast members — all decades younger — have gone on to remarkable careers, in the entertainment world. For example:

Max Stampa-Brown appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after studying acting at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He now works as a mixologist at Borochito in NYC.

Eva Hendricks is a lead singer, and Dan Shure plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band. Their current release is “Back There Now.”

David Ressler is an actor and singer currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”

Chris McNiff is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York. Notable credits include Phil Davis in “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” Don Lockwood in “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Claude in “Hair.”

Brittany (Uomoleale) Baron is an actress, best known for her role as Justine Biagi in the TV series “GLOW,” and for voicing Tifa Lockhart in the “Final Fantasy VII Remake” franchise, for which she received an award for Best Supporting Performance.

Zoe Apoian is a model, an actress and dancer. She starred in the 2015 movie “Karina Jones: Lazy.”

Matthew Van Gessel is an actor, director and writer based in New York.  He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”

Max Samuels is a New York-based stage and screen actor known for his roles in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” He also appeared in “George Kaplan,” “Angry Young Man,” “The Winter’s Tale” and “The Brothers Karamazov.”

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

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Staples Science Students Rock Their Research

Posted on May 18, 2026 | 2 comments

Nolan Francis is one of just 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars in the country. (Never heard of it? It used to be called the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It’s one of the most prestigious high school honors in any field.)

Nolan Francis

That’s very cool. But Nolan is just one of many Staples High students to receive recognition this year.

He and his classmates have received a host of honors this year, in many science-related areas. For example:

Science Research Course

  • 16 of 21 students (76%) were recognized at one or more science fairs this year. 
  • Staples students submitted work to 7 different science fairs or competitions

High School Science & Humanities Symposium at UConn Health 

80 Staples students applied to present their research. 16 were selected to give an oral presentation.

  • Nolan Francis earned special merit for his oral competition

Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair

  • Sofia DiLeo took 3rd place in the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science and Engineering Awards, and won the University of Connecticut-Early College Experience Award
  • Leah Dombrow won first honors (top 20% in life science) for her Life Sciences project, and placed in the top 20% in the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science
  • Nolan Francis placed in the top 20% in the Jackson Laboratory Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Awards
  • Jay Hari won first honors (top 20% in life science) for his Life Sciences project
  • Ezra Schwartz won first honors (top 20% in life science) for his project in Life Sciences, and the JA Augustine and Glista Special Award
  • Sienna Schwartz placed in the top 20% for the Petit Family Foundation Women in Science

Staples students, at the NCC Science Fair.

CT-STEM: virtual science fair 

Four students competed in completed projects, while 17 students competed in the proposal category.

  • Nathaniel Armstrong, proposal, physical science, 3rd place
  • Serena Diamond, completed project, physical science category, 2nd place
  • Altay Erucar-Mathews, proposal, environmental category, 4th place
  • Noa Katz, proposal, behavior category, 1st place
  • Ishan Pasham, proposal, physical science, tied for 1st place
  • William Kwong, proposal, environmental category, 1st place
  • Jessica Willis, proposal, physical science, tied for 1st place

NCC Science Fair: live science fair 

  • Nathaniel Armstrong won 2nd place overall
  • Leah Dombrow received honorable mention (top 10%)
  • Aanya Shrivastava received honorable mention (top 10%)

13th International Young Researchers’ Conference 2026

2 students were selected to orally present their research at a Virtual Conference:

  • Hayley Epstein 
  • Elise Yan

Southern Connecticut State University Research Day

  • 5 second year dual-enrolled SCSU students (Nolan Francis, Jay Hari, William Kwong, Ezra Schwartz, Elise Yan) presented their research alongside undergraduates. Nolan won first place in the Honors College at the SCSU Undergraduate Student Research and Creativity Conference.

List of Projects 

Nate Armstrong: The Effect of Surface Texture on the Aerodynamic Drag of 3D-Printed Rocket Nose Cones

Lily Bottner: The Effect of Increased Temperature and Salinity on H. Exemplaris to Evaluate Tolerance Limits and Understand the Impact of Multiple Simultaneous Climate Changes

Serena Diamond: A Direct Comparison of Vision Transformers (ViT) and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for Exoplanet Transit Classification

Sofia DiLeo: Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin in Improving Motor Neuron Health in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Leah Dombrow: The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Epigallocatechin Gallate on Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in Caenorhabditis elegans to Treat Parkinson’s Disease

Hayley Epstein: Evaluating Caffeine and the Antioxidant Chlorogenic Acid (components of coffee) on Depression in a Drosophila Model

Altay Eruçar-Matthews: Reducing Algal Growth of Chlorella Vulgaris by Chemically Inhibiting the Absorption of Nutrients with Humic Acid

Alex Fetner: Effects of Probiotics Pediococcus acidilactici and Bifidobacterium longum on the Fat Accumulation in Caenorhabditis elegans with Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Nolan Francis: Vitamin D3 Supplementation Ameliorates Muscle Degeneration through Calcium Regulation in a C. elegans Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Jay Hari: Discovering Novel Targets for the FMN Riboswitch to Test the Utility of Computational RNA-folding Methods to Address Multidrug Antibiotic Resistance

Noa Katz: Intergenerational Effects of Isolation on Hsp70 Expression in Drosophila Melanogaster to Understand the Epigenetic Mechanisms of Stress Response

William Kwong: The activation of SKN-1 via the RNAi knockdown of wdr-23 to reduce oxidative stress from microplastics in Caenorhabditis elegans

Ana Losic: Evaluating the Neurobiological Effects Of Stevia in an Amyloid-β Based Drosophila model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Vani Punia: Evaluating Toxicity of Natural and Synthetic Dyes in Caenorhabditis elegans: Identifying Safer Options for Consumables

Ezra Schwartz: Using a novel Bidirectional Neural Network for advanced early detection of Black Cutworms on Bush Beans

Sienna Schwartz: Can Your Diet Protect Against Microplastics? Discovering the Impact of Probiotic E. coli Strains on Microplastic-Induced Toxicity in C. elegans

Aanya Shrivastava: Effect of Batch Emulsion Speed on Hydrogel Microparticle Size to Improve Bovine Serum Albumin Release Kinetics in a Simulated Bloodstream and Support Blood Supply Solutions

Jessica Willis: Classifying Cataclysmic Variable Candidates Through a Multi-Time Scale Analysis of AAVSO Photometric Light Curves

Elise Yan: Enhancing Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) stability by inserting it in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs) in C. elegans to determine its Potential Role in Breast Cancer Treatment

List of Proposals

Sierra Denkin: Effect of Combined Intermittent Fasting and Curcumin Treatment on Colon Cancer in Drosophila Melanogaster

Ishan Pasham: Effect of innovative design using additive manufacturing on discreet body armor to improve EMS safety and cost efficiency 

(“06880” regularly covers the accomplishments of Westport students. We rely on reader support to help. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Sauraj Singh: Westport’s Teenage Financial Whiz

Posted on May 18, 2026 | 11 comments

Sauraj Singh is passionate about investing.

He wants his peers — and everyone else — to be as excited as he is.

Sauraj Singh

But when the Staples High School senior went looking for a financial literacy platform that could educate and inspire potential investors, he found them lacking.

So he created his own.

InvestiSight focuses on financial education at the fundamental level. It is beginner friendly.

But it transitions into advanced territory too. There is an enormous wealth (ho ho) of information to be found.

InvestiSight features 3 key elements

  • Comprehensive Learning Hub: 6 modules with lessons pertaining to financial knowledge, from basic compounding to discounted cash flow modeling.
  • Interactive Trading Simulator: parallels the US stock market in real time. It includes data storage for cross-device tracking, and has an AI portfolio health auditor that provides feedback on diversification and risk management. (For example: “too much reliance on one sector.”)
  • SEC Filings Search Tool: Pulls raw 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and DEF 14A datea from the EDGAR database, encouraging users to research primary sources.

Oh, yeah: It’s free to users.

Screenshot from the Trading Simulator page.

InvestiSight — which already has several thousand users, in over 30 countries — would be quite an accomplishment for anyone.

For a 12th grader, it is extraordinary.

But it’s just one of Sauraj’s projects. He’s also co-president of Staples’ AI Club, vice president of the Sikorsky Stem Challenge, and a team leader for the school’s Investment & Trading Society.

He began building InvesiSight last summer. “Financial literacy is a skill that goes a long way,” he explains. “Financial knowledge plays a huge role in the trajectory of life.”

Though Staples offers a Financial Literacy course, Sauraj wanted to reach more peers — and anyone else who might not know where or how to start in the stock market.

The site — clear, clean, professional, deep and broad — does not look like it was designed by a teenager. Then again, Sauraj’s knowledge of stocks and investing is far beyond that of most high school students.

And many adults.

As for monetization: Sauraj says the platform is primarily intended to remain free. However, he’s exploring the potential to implement a premium, educational tier called InvestiSight Pro.

It would lie behind a cheap, subscription-based paywall with an AI model that analyzes portfolio holdings, and summarizes daily financial news pertaining to various sectors of interest for serious investors.

Sauraj’s project is — like the markets themselves — dynamic, and constantly changing. His most recent module addition, for example, covers real world skills like W-2/W-4 tax onboarding, credit scores and budgeting.

Also new: a Macro Stress Tester within the trading simulator. It lets users test their portfolios against major historical bull and bear markets, like the 2008 financial crisis.

As for college: That can wait.

Sauraj will take a gap year. He’ll complete a marketing internship at LifeCare Concierge, and hopes to secure an apprenticeship under a former Wall Street portfolio manager to deepen his market analysis skills.

Sauraj will I’ll also work part time, to establish financial independence.

But that’s not all. He will take independent coursework grounded in data science and AI, volunteer locally, and travel later in the year.

Of course, Sauraj will continue to hone his platform — and educate his peers, and anyone else hoping to become financially literate.

To test drive InvestiSight, and learn more, click here.

(“06880” often highlights the accomplishments of Westport’s young people, in a wide range of activities. If you enjoy stories like these — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Leaf Blowers, Beach Water Testing, Dog Fest …

Posted on May 15, 2026 | 7 comments

It’s that time again.

Effective today (May 15), the use of hand-held and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited. The ban is effective through October 15.

Conservation Department director Colin Kelly says, “Let’s keep up the efforts to follow this ordinance. Let us know by email or letter if a property is using a prohibited blower. We will follow up by reviewing each complaint and sending educational materials to those who are not adhering to the ordinance.”

Contact the Conservation Office by email at leafblowercomplaints@westportct.gov, or write Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, click here.

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This is also the time of year for beach water testing.

But long closures — like those seen last year — may be a thing of the past.

Aspetuck Health District and the town of Westport will begin Monday, with enhanced testing and reporting protocols.

The Health District will collect samples every Monday morning from Compo and Burying Hill Beaches. They will go to the Department of Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill for analysis.

If bacteria levels are high, the water will be closed for swimming and other water activities. The water will be immediately resampled, and sent to the City of Stamford Laboratory for analysis.

This decreases turnaround time. and enable officials to lift closures faster than in previous years.

“Safety is our top priority. says Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango.

“Beach water is sampled weekly during the season to monitor harmful bacteria or the potential presence of pathogens. These tests help us decide when to close waters for swimming and other water activities, to reduce the risk of illnesses like gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, or ear infection.”

Elevated bacterial levels in water bodies can occur during excessive heat or rainfall.

Burying Hill Beach, last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Hundreds of dogs — and even more humans — will enjoy this Sunday’s Dog Festival at Winslow Park.

It’s fun for everyone. But note: Parking is not available at the Westport Country Playhouse. That lot is reserved for attendees of a youth ballet performance, and patrons of Gabriele’s Steakhouse.

Businesses west of the Mobil station on Post Road East will open their parking lots for festival attendees. Saugatuck Congregational Church is available beginning at noon,, after services.

Parking locations will be marked with signs along Post Road.

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The Democratic Women of Westport have planned morning of service at Wakeman Town Farm tomorrow (May 16, 10 a.m. to noon).

They’ll work with Farmer Frank and master gardener Paul Rossi to plant tubers, and learn about their care and keeping.

All — of every political affiliation — are welcome. Click here to sign up.

Meanwhile, WTF has put together a list of items to support their work — everything from plant labels and markers to garden seeders. Click here to order via Amazon. 

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Congratulations, Sophie Rossman!

The 2021 Staples High School and NYU Tisch Drama graduate is making her Off-Broadway debut in “Dad Don’t Read This.” The show, at the St. Luke’s Theatre, has been extended to May 29.

The coming-of-age story centers on 4 teenage girls navigating friendship, identity, and the confusing transition into adulthood. Set during a series of suburban sleepovers, it’s both humorous and emotionally honest. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Sophie Rossman, in “Dad Don’t Read This.”

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Speaking of debuts: Sara Robbin is a former attorney. She spent over a decade as a writing professor at Fordham Law School before finding her niche assisting students with college essays.

Now the Westporter adds “screenwriter” to her resume. “Pinky Swear” premiered Monday at the Angelika Theater, as part of the Big Apple Film Festival.

It offers a window into the complex emotions fame causes for children. The film was inspired by Sara’s acting experiences with her daughter Chloe, a Bedford Middle School student, who is part of the cast.

The role of a “crazy stage mom” is played by Westport native Ashley Schoff Iglehart, a former child actor. Her daughter Harper, a 10th grade Staples Player, assisted on set.

The cast and crew, including Chloe Robbin (3rd from left), Ashley Schoff Iglehart (in black, behind her), and Sarah Robbin (blue).

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You never know what will pop up on our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

This may be our first crane … and one of our must beautiful creatures ever.

[UPDATE] It’s an egret, not a crane. I need to stop relying on what photographers tell me! And we sure have featured egrets before!

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … our item above about the gas-powered leaf blower ban got us thinking about:

(Please click here to support this hyper-local blog. It’s a gas!)

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