Category Archives: technology

Roundup: FOIA, Startup Westport, First Responders …

Posted on November 30, 2023 | 5 comments

John McCarthy writes:

“In June, the town and Police Department contracted with a company called RequestFOIA to give a web-based Freedom of Information Act request portal, through which people could submit FOIA requests.

“It is now live and reachable by clicking on “Public Record Request” on the Police Department website. After clicking, you are sent here.

“It doesn’t look like anyone has used it yet. I have not seen any official notice of it going live.

“This could be a great tool for the town, especially if it was expanded to all other departments and commissions.”

To make a public record request through the Westport Police Department website, click on the box at the right of the home page.

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Like any good startup, Startup Westport has made a big mark in a short time.

Since its formation last winter, the citizen-led organization — a public/private partnership to promote Westport as the most attractive place in Connecticut for start-up tech companies — has brought together a diverse group of residents.

They’ve heard speakers, networked, and energetically leveraged the astonishing amount of creativity lurking here in offices, homes and coffee shops.

On Tuesday night, over 100 members partied.

Startup Westport’s first annual holiday gathering, at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn, was a fun, festive — and intellectually fertile — event.

Founders Jay Norris, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin spoke. So did Dan O’Keefe, Connecticut’s first chief innovation officer (who spoke at a previous meeting), and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

But mostly, the evening was a chance to meet and chat with like-minded folks.

And eat, drink, and be tech-merry.

(To learn more about Startup Westport, click here.) 

Scenes from Startup Westport’s first holiday party.

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When Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin was elected to the Board of Finance earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee was charged with recommending a replacement.

14 “outstanding” candidates stepped up, the DTC says. Tonight, members will vote to accept the Nominations Committee’s recommendation of Amy Wistreich. The full P&Z will then vote on that recommendation, at their next meeting.

Wistreich was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, then elected to a full term in 2021. She currently serves as secretary. She has a degree in environmental design, and spent her career working in all areas of construction, including architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance, in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

Amy Wistreich

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 15 and 29.

A man was arrested, following an investigation into a December 2020 larceny at HomeGoods. He then returned stolen merchandise, got store credit, used it to purchase other items, returned those, and got full credit baci.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 13 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to carry driver’s license: 1
  • Improper use of marker plates: 1
  • Learner’s permit violation: 1

The sign probably does not work. But be warned: You can be fined up t9 $500 the first time you pass a standing school bus.

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Speaking of Westport Police:

At first glance, this looks like a major catastrophe. A cop car, ambulance and fire truck — all with flashing lights — right on the holiday-lit William F. Cribari Bridge.

No worries.

It’s a posed shot, showing Westport’s 3 vital first responders, at a site we all love.

Westport Police, the Westport Fire Department and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service wish everyone in town — residents, business, employees, visitors — a happy, healthy holiday.

In other words: One in which their lights are not needed. And instead, we all enjoy the lights on the bridge.

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Yesterday’s story on Lucia Palmieri — the very generous Westporter who is inviting kids and parents to meet the Westport Fire Department’s Santa on December 8 — left out one very important detail: the time.

It’s “after 5 p.m.,” Lucia says.

For details on how to participate — including donations made to the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, and how to drop off the wrapped gift for your child ahead of time (that’s how “Santa” knows what to give) — click here.

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David Bowie will have a big role at VersoFest 2024.

Sure, the English singer/songwriter/musician/actor died in 2016. But Tony Visconti — who was his producer and arranger, along with T. Rex and Thin Lizzy — will offer the keynote address at the Westport Library’s 3rd annual event.

The Saturday, April 6 discussion  of Visconti’s art and career is set for Saturday, April 6 (1 p.m.). The event is free, but requires registration. Click here for tickets.

The 4-day music festival and conference runs from Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 7. It includes panels, workshops and performances. Further details will be announced soon.

Tony Visconti and David Bowie.

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If you’ve been wondering about “The Miyawaki Method: Microforests in the Age of Climate Change”: You’re in luck!

That’s the topic of Aspetuck Land Trust’s next “Lunch & Learn” webinar.

Set for Friday, December 8 (noon to 1:30 p.m.), it features micro-forest creator and environmental advocate Maya Dutta. She’ll discuss this unique method for reforestation, and how micro-forests can build communal and climate resilience.

Click here for more information, and to register.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a very cool image of this week’s Beaver Moon.

Nancy Lally captured it through the trees, in all its bright glory.

(Photo/Nancy Lally)

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And finally … in honor of VersoFest 2024 — and the keynote address by David Bowie’s former producer and arranger (story above):

(VersoFest — set for next April — will be here before you know it. So will December 31. Give yourself a tax-deductible break before the New Year. Please click here, to support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local politics, Police, technology

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Staples Grads Prepare 911 For Emergencies

Posted on November 17, 2023 | 3 comments

When a mass shooting occurs — whether at a bowling alley and bar like in Lewiston, Maine, or a school like Parkland — local first responders can be overwhelmed with information.

Calls surge into 911. Witnesses post videos and photos. Texts fly back and forth.

But none of it is organized. And not all of it is available to the emergency staff, who need it most.

In 2018, Staples High School graduates and Yale University Dylan Gleicher (Class of 2017) and Neal Soni (’18) — longtime friends, for whom Sandy Hook was all too near and recent — created an app to help. They enlisted another Yale friend, Michael Chime.

Neil Soni and Dylan Gleicher

Prepared allowed school employees to seamlessly share information with each other during shootings and other crises.

The platform launched in 2019, with clients like the New Haven and Passaic (New Jersey) Public Schools.

It was a great, important concept. (It was also not Dylan’s first app. Earlier, he designed Westport’s Positive Youth Development’s’ first website, gratis. He was in 4th grade at the time.)

Dylan and Neal soon realized their app could be used by more than the people inside a school. They expanded Prepared Live, to focus on 911 centers, police and fire departments, and sheriff’s offices.

Data sharing had been an issue for them. Most rely on landline communication, though up to 80% of emergency calls come from cell phones.

Users pay on a sliding scale, based on variables like the number of dispatchers and call volume.

When someone calls 911 in a community that uses Prepared, they get a text that enables them to share or stream additional information, like videos, photos and voice messages.

According to Forbes, Prepared is now used by call centers that cover more than 20% of the US population.

First responders are not the only ones who want to be “Prepared.” On Wednesday, Dylan and Neal’s company closed a $16 million Series A funding round. It was led by Andreessen Horowitz, along with M13 and Google’s Gradient.

Now Prepared is even more prepared for the future.

(“06880” often covers the accomplishments of Staples High School grads — from all classes. If you enjoy these stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Staples HS, technology

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You’ve Got (Way Too Much) Mail!

Posted on November 12, 2023 | 8 comments

The election is over. The mailings stopped. The lawn signs are (mostly) gone.

But Mark Mathias has a gripe.

The longtime Westporter and active civic volunteer writes:

Running for public office is a noble calling. Serving is rarely easy. Neither is becoming elected.

One of the tools candidates use is email marketing. It’s fast, effective and easy.

If your Inbox is anything like mine, you received a lot of emails from candidates.

Yet I didn’t sign up to receive any of them. So how did they obtain my address?

Mark Mathias

I have a system that lets me track emails. I create a unique email address for everyone I give my email address to. Then, whenever I receive an email, I know the source.

For example, I have given specific emails to the town of Westport for beach passes, taxes and the like. I intend these to be used solely for official town purposes.

Through Freedom of Information requests, the town provides these email lists to anyone who requests them. Candidates for public office are frequent requestors of these email lists, but sitting RTM members and any member of the public can and do make requests.

These lists are then uploaded by people to email services like Constant Contact and MailChimp.

However, doing so violates the Terms of Service for these companies, all of which require email addresses to have explicitly opted in. Here’s a snippet from MailChimp:

And here’s how MailChimp defines Spam:

The key word here is “Unsolicited.” I did not request or give permission for these people to send me email.

Constant Contact has similar rules for “permission-based marketing.” I have not given the senders my permission.

Here’s an example from an email I received from candidate from this week’s election:

Yes, I gave my email address to the Town of Westport for “the town” to use. But giving it to the town did not give anyone else permission to use that information.

I got a similar notification from a sitting RTM member recently.

So what can be done?

First, it is my hope thatall users of email systems will honor the Terms of Service of the provider.+

Second, if you start receiving emails from people for whom you didn’t request, do two things:

  • Unsubscribe, and
  • Report the abuse to the email provider.

PS: How do you track who is providing your email address?

If you’re a Gmail user, you can add a “+” after your name, and some text.

For example, if Tesla.com asks for your email address, type in “yourname+tesla.gmail.com.” If you get an email from another company, you’ll know that your email was given, lent, sold to or stolen by someone.

(You never know what you’ll learn from “06880.” To keep randomly great info like this coming, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, technology

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What’s Next For The Arts? TEA Talkers Tell.

Posted on October 28, 2023 | 2 comments

A week from tomorrow, Westporters have a chance to look back in history.

Or forward, to a very uncertain future.

Sunday, November 5 (2 to 5 p.m.) is the day for our “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. It features 4 great properties, all from the 1700s: 6 Old Hill Road, 39 Cross Highway, 190 Cross Highway, and 29 North Avenue. Click here for details.

But this story isn’t about that.

November 5 is also the day for Westport’s  annual TEA Talk (2 p.m., Westport Library).

The acronym stands for Thinkers, Educators and Artists. Sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, and based on the one-letter-off TED Talks, it’s a chance for artists to discuss and demonstrate the role of technology in a variety of artistic disciplines.

This year, a panel of experts will use live and interactive demonstrations to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts education, music and art. The title is: “What’s Next for the Arts?” 

The TEA Talk features a diverse, “A” list of panelists.

Brian Keane in his home studio.

Brian Keane is a 1971 Staples High School graduate, and Emmy- and Grammy-winning composer/musician. He has composed music for hundreds of films and television shows, working with directors like Ken Burns, and produced over 100 albums.

He is leasing thousands of his compositions in a computerized music library to major entertainment companies, utilizing AI for metadata searches.

Steve Zimmerman is the Westport Public Schools K-12 arts coordinator. He faces daily challenges creating curriculum that respects art making, with the abundant available AI resources

Liz Leggett is an artist and arts consultant. She currently advises a tech company experimenting with AI-generated art, design and architecture.

“Robot Painting at an Easel” (Prompt by Eric Griffith; Generated on Midjourney)

“As AI becomes more prevalent in everything we do, there are questions we must answer,” says Shobana Mani, moderator of the panel and WAAC co-chair. “Does AI pose an existential risk to arts makers? And how does AI affect the ‘process’ of making art?”

Panelists will discuss those questions, and many more.

An audience Q-and-Q (and refreshments) will follow the TEA Talk. Admission is free. Click here to register.

(All “06880” stories are certified created by human beings, not AI. To support our people-produced blog, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Library, technology

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Staples’ Pioneering TV Studio Sparked Current Career

Posted on September 23, 2023 | 4 comments

When Mark Lassoff moved to Westport, he had never thought about TV or radio. Upon graduating from Staples High School 4 years later, he’d made a major mark in both. (He also starred on the wrestling team.)

Mark’s journey took him to the University of Texas, work in the Lone Star State, then back to this area.

Mark Lassoff

He founded Framework Tech, a company that helps brands build engaging, broadcast-quality, instructional media. 

Mark also produces online titles to help people learn skills like coding, design, and digital productivity.

Now he’s written a book.

“The Ultimate Guide to Creating Online Learning Video: A Comprehensive Handbook for Instructional Designers” blends professional insights, friendly advice, and light-hearted humor.

Mark gives Westport a nice shout-out in the introduction. He writes:

I took my first video production class in 1988.

My high school had a television studio. I was so excited that I enrolled in Mr. Green’s TV production class the first semester of my freshman year.

It was a different world then.

We recorded on 3/4-inch tapes. We used an analog linear editing machine. We produced graphics on a Chryon machine capable of 8-bit text. The text looked like it was being rendered by an Atari 400 in 1985. We had an Amiga 500
as well, but no one knew how to use it.

Still, we produced real video.

Early on, with my friend Evan Stein, I directed “Extra Help,” a live television
show where teachers provided homework help to students.

We had a full studio crew including camera operators, a floor manager, technical director and audio technician. None of us were older than 16.

From that crew, Emily Reich (now Emily Shem-Tov) would go on to work as a
director of product support operations for Netflix.

Evin Lowe stayed on the production side of things, becoming one of the few female gaffers on commercial television productions. Evin has worked on shows for Netflix and Stars.

As a senior I had the opportunity to work on the crew for “MiggsB on TV,” a local public-access talk show hosted by designer Miggs Burroughs.

“Miggs B on TV”

This was shot in the same professional-level studio as our local “News 12” production. I worked as the audio technician. In addition to getting yelled at by a real television director, I was able to place a microphone on female professional
wrestlers, musicians, and local nutcases.

By the time I was 18, I had produced everything from summer camp videos to local commercials. I had even had the opportunity to work on a couple of local cable news productions.

Fast forward 30 years. I now have my own studio. It’s less than 10 miles from
the high school where I took Mr. Green’s class. The Chyron machine has been
replaced with an Apple Mac and Adobe Photoshop. The expensive studio cameras have been replaced with prosumer video cameras that cost a fraction of what those old studio cameras did. The editing is non-linear, digital, and often
completed in Starbucks, using a laptop.

The world has changed… and it hasn’t.

I still feel a sense of excitement and joy when I see something I created on screen.

Sure, it’s not exactly Avatar, but I’m proud of the videos I produce and grateful I getto do this for a living.

Our little studio in Connecticut produces hundreds of hours of video each year that teach people career-defining skills like coding, graphic design, and digital
productivity.

We produce with a small crew, and without tremendously expensive equipment. Our whole studio cost less than $15,000.

We’re known in the industry for “punching above our weight,” and producing broadcast-level content with a small-scale budget.

Despite small budgets and limited resources, we’ve been successful over the last 12 years and have enrolled over 2.5 million people in our video courses.

The work we do in creating these videos helps people do their jobs, improve their careers, and learn critical skills.

 

The video you produce on workplace safety or chemical storage may not win an
Oscar, but it may save someone’s life.

The video you write on preventing workplace sexual harassment won’t win any Golden Globes, but it might help a new college graduate avoid painful workplace experiences.

This is important work. It’s also joyful work.

I recognize that I am privileged to do this for a living and remain forever in debt to a high school in Connecticut that introduced me to this field.

(“The Ultimate Guide to Creating Online Learning Video” by Mark Lassoff is available on Amazon.)

(“06880” often highlights the work of Staples High School students — current and past. To help us continue our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Looking back, Media, Staples HS, technology

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Roundup: Voters’ Guide, Tech Talk, PBS NewsHour …

Posted on September 15, 2023 | 5 comments

Westport’s League of Women Voters will once again provide a digital-only “Candidates’ Guide” to November’s election.

They have begun seeking responses about local issues. It is expected to be ready in mid-October.

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Tech talk, investment opportunities, entrepreneurial ideas and networking were all important parts of last night’s second Startup Westport meeting, at the Westport Library.

Dan O’Keefe — Connecticut’s chief innovation officer — discussed his work, and the opportunities available in the state. He was a late replacement for Dan Bikel, the Westporter and a key member of the AI community at Meta, who was diagnosed with COVID this week.

Click here for more information about Startup Westport, whose mission is to make Westport an innovation hub.

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Cliff Sirlin, Jay Norris, Connecticut chief innovation officer Dan O’Keefe, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Stefano Pacifico, Peter Propp. All except O’Keefe are Startup Westport team leaders.

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Last night’s “PBS NewsHour” featured an in-depth look at the problems facing regional theaters around the US.

After beginning with Long Wharf — which has abandoned its home for several pop-up venues — the story pivoted “less than an hour south,” to the Westport Country Playhouse.

Incoming artistic director Mark Shanahan discussed the struggles facing regional theaters, while acting managing director Beth Huisking spoke about the future.

Shanahan added: “The theater is all about problems and problem-solving. It always is. What play are we going to do? Who’s going to be in it? Who’s going to light it? Who’s going to do the set? How are we going to tell people it’s out there? Who’s going to pay for it? What time of year are we doing it?

“How are we going to make any of this happen? Why are we ever surprised that there are problems? We just have a new set of problems, and sometimes a growing set of problems, and we have to figure out how to solve them.”

Click here to view the entire segment. (Hat tips: Dick Lowenstein and Dennis Jackson).

Screenshot of Beth Huisking and Mark Shanahan last night.

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The Public Works Department’s fall paving program begins Monday (September 18). It runs through the end of October.

The following roads will be paved, though not in this order:

  • Hiawatha Lane
  • Ferry Lane West
  • Indian Hill Road
  • West End Avenue
  • Davenport Avenue
  • Beachside Avenue
  • Prospect Road
  • Lamplight Lane
  • Iris Lane
  • Blue Ribbon Drive
  • Hazelnut Road
  • Northfield Drive
  • Riverfield Drive (south)
  • Bayberry Lane (north of Easton Road)
  • Gray’s Farm Road

Questions? Call 203-341-1120.

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Bob Weingarten writes: “Years ago the Post Office changed all the outdoor mailboxes in Westport to provide only a small slot, big enough for envelopes, replacing a box with a door mechanism.

“Yesterday I posted a letter in the mailbox between UPS and Westport Hardware, at 606 Post Road East. There was some resistance, so I pushed it in. I felt the bottom of the slot entry. It was sticky, like some sort of adhesive was on the bottom rim. Perhaps someone placed adhesive in the slot to catcher letters, so they could retrieve them later.

“I asked at the UPS store about that. They said they informed the Post Office about the issue last week, but nothing was done about it. I called the phone number on the box to report it, but a recording said the phone was not in service.

“I wante to warn people to check the slot on outdoor boxes before placing letters in it. If it is sticky, do not use it.”

Mailbox outside the UPS Store. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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As Westport River Gallery on 1 Riverside Avenue celebrates its 20th anniversary in Westport, they feature a new collection by Dominique Dorie, from the Provence region of France. Click here for details.

“Fragrant French Lavender” (Dominique Dorie)

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What better way to end the week than by this very cool “Westport … Naturally” photo of Connecticut’s official state insect, a praying mantis:

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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And finally … on this day in 1969, before taking the stage with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young at California’s Big Sur Folk Festival, Stephen Stills got in a fistfight with a heckler railing them for their profligate lifestyle.

The festival was raising funds for Joan Baez’ Institute for ghe Study of Nonviolence.

NOTE: The official video for this song was created by Westporter Jeff Scher.

(Be a good role model for your children. Teach them to help support “06880.” Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Local politics, Media, technology, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” App: Meet The Geniuses On The Back End

Posted on September 15, 2023 | 2 comments

Our new “06880” app is earning raves from the hundreds of readers who already downloaded it. (Missed that story? Click here!)

The app — for both iOS and Android users — was created by 2 young geniuses. Georgetown University sophomore Matthew Jordan and his Staples High School senior brother Joshua took a very vague concept, and soon developed a very usable, clever and handsome product.

They understood exactly what “06880” is, what our virtual community is about, and what our readers want. They made it all happen, with creativity, grace and good humor.

The “06880” splash screen is a perfect representation of the blog. The up-to-date record of stories and comments is very cool. The screen appears for 2 seconds — as the app loads

I’ve worked with other developers, on different projects. They often tell me what they want, not what I want. They are all about bells and whistles. They want to show off how much they know, how cool they are.

Matthew and Joshua were the easiest collaborators I’ve worked with. They actually listened to everything I said. They understood every facet of “06880” — its mission, its style, its readers, its look, its quirks — and were able to tweak it, app-style.

They explained all their ideas in plain, easy-to-understand English. They were clear and up-front too about the challenges they faced.

Then they overcame every one of them. Their problem-solving skills are masterful. They were patient and persistent (and at the same time, quick). If one path did not work, they pivoted to another. They did not force solutions; they found new ones.

If you were in a war, you’d want them as generals.

Joshua and Matthew Jordan.

And here’s the best part: Matthew and Joshua were a ton of fun to hang with. They’re teenagers. They have senses of humor. They are dope.

Like most developers, they toil in the background. But they deserve a feature story of their own.

Matthew was an excellent varsity soccer player at Staples. He volunteered with Kids in Crisis, developing a messaging app for young people thinking about suicide. (Moffly Media gave him a “Light a Fire” award for his work.)

At Georgetown, the math and computer science major started the Hoya Developers Club. He is involved with Hoyalytics (analyzing data). Now he’s creating a dating app with a twist: It offers only 3-5 matches a week, and includes partnerships with restaurants (for those awkward first dates).

Joshua, meanwhile, has been ranked #1 in the US — and #3 internationally — among the tens of millions of players of the strategy video game Clash of Clans.

He is currently developing his own multi-player game: a “geometry-type puzzle-solving battle royale.” There can be no better creator.

Joshua’s interest in programming began at Coleytown Middle School, and really took off at Staples.

He too has worked on a Kids in Crisis project. “When you realize your software can save lives, that’s pretty important,” he says.

The brothers work well together. “I help the genius,” Matt — who has a keen eye for graphic design — says modestly. “I do the stuff that users see. I get the instant gratification.”

“06880” is not the only very satisfied client. For example, Georgetown’s Psaros Center for Financial Markets & Policy has also benefited from Joshua’s coding skills, Matthew’s front-end talents, and both Jordans’ ease of collaboration.

Now back in college, Matthew is developing a curriculum to tech Python coding. He’s diving even deeper into data science and analysis.

Joshua is plowing through his senior year at Staples.

While hundreds of “06880” readers appreciate their clever, creative work, several times a day.

Now they know who to thank.

(To learn more about their work, contact Matthew Jordan: mdj82@georgetown.edu; 203-258-0115. Or Joshua Jordan: joshua.hqy@gmail.com 203-666-6543.)

(“06880” has made our new blog free to users. It’s our gift to you. Of course, reader support is always welcome. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

Thanks to Matthew and Joshua Jordan, the “06880” app includes a different photo from the “Pic of the Pic” books each day, and a daily, randomized list of local restaurants — with clickable links for menus and their websites.

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Posted in Media, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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Dan Alix: Virgin Galactic Pilot Flies High

Posted on September 8, 2023 | 3 comments

Virgin Galactic is the world’s first publicly traded space tourism company.

For $450,000, you can experience the thrill (and weightlessness) of a suborbital flight. Or at least, join a list of about 800 others who are waiting to blast off too.

But if you’re Dan Alix, you can actually take the controls

And get paid for it.

The 2001 Staples High School graduate is a test pilot for the company. He flies the mothership, which carries the spaceship and launches it from the air.

Eventually, he hopes to pilot the spaceship itself.

Dan Alix with the VSS Unity. The mothership is 60 feet long, with a wingspan of 43 feet. 

Dan’s path to the sky got a boost at Staples from physics instructor Dave Scrofani.

(Dan — who played soccer, hockey and volleyball — was a physics classmate of Mariangela Lisanti. The first person ever to win both the Intel Science Talent Search and Siemens competitions, she is now a theoretical physicist and professor at Princeton University.)

Dan did his undergraduate work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Air Force ROTC helped pay for college; in return, he spent 13 years on active duty. He is still a reservist.

A test pilot in places like Italy and South Korea, Dan flew F-16s and F-35s. He was deployed to both Afghanistan and Libya.

At Edwards Air Force Base — where Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier — Dan worked on airplane design. The mix of engineering and adventure was perfect for him.

After leaving active duty in 2018, Dan took a similar job testing new planes in the private sector. He joined Virgin Galactic last February.

Both the mothership and spaceship are designed with plenty of pilot input, he says. Because so many space pilots are ex-military, the cockpits and operations are similar.

Space tourism is one arm of the Virgin Galactic flights. Currently, there is one flight a month. The goal is for many more — perhaps one a day.

There is also a “very robust” research component to the flights. With private companies, universities and the government all interested in a variety of projects, that has the potential to be even more profitable than space tourism.

Zero gravity is familiar territory to Dan, from fighter jets. But he looks forward to the view of earth from space.

Every passenger — including, most recently, a mother and daughter from Antigua and Barbuda who won a contest to fly (for free) into space — has the same “universal, gigantic” experience, Dan says: “Wow!”

Pilots and paying customers alike prepare “psychologically, emotionally an spiritually” for space flight, Dan says. But there apparently is nothing like actually being there.

“We’ve all seen photos of the curvature of the earth,” he adds. “But we haven’t taken them ourselves.”

Virgin Galactic’s last 2 flights were led by first-time space pilots.

“To take a test pilot — so disciplined — and see their reaction was so telling,” Dan says. “It takes a lot to get us excited. But this was much more emotional than I expected.”

Dan says it is “cool and exciting for me to be able to bring that kind of joy to people.

“The military is so important. But it’s nice to take those skills, and use them on a different kind of mission. And the more people that can have that experience, the better.”

(“06880” often chronicles the intriguing careers of Staples High graduates. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Staples HS, technology

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Roundup: Elliott Landon Funeral, School Security Officers, Generative AI …

Posted on September 2, 2023 | 10 comments

The funeral for Dr. Elliott Landon — Westport’s superintendent of schools for 17 years, from 1999 to 2016 — will be held Monday (September 4, 10 a.m., Temple Israel). He died Thursday night, at 82.

Yesterday, assistant superintendent of schools John Bayers sent this message to staff:

“Elliott led the district through a very transformative period. From a facilities perspective he oversaw the reopening of Greens Farms Elementary School, the opening of the current Bedford Middle School, and the renovations of Staples High School. Those projects themselves could have pulled a superintendent’s focus away from the primary responsibility of overseeing the educational program of a district, but Elliott never wavered from keeping the focus on having excellent schools for students, staff and families.

“During Elliott’s time in Westport the words ‘Lighthouse District’ were often used to describe the strength of its schools. While Elliott had high expectations for the academic performance of students, he was always working with everyone to think about innovative ways for our schools to help students prepare for their lives after high school. He knew complacency and a focus on lofty district rankings would not serve our students, our families, our staff, and the community well. He was a true champion of meeting the individual needs of every child.

“There is no doubt stories about his incredible impact on the schools will be shared by many in the coming days, and I encourage those of you who did not have the chance to meet or work with him to listen intently as you will appreciate how his legacy is having a lasting effect on the district today. His impact is not just on our schools, but on the community as well.

“Shortly before his retirement Elliott met with the Westport News to reflect on his career. What is striking in that article (linked here) was Elliott’s realization that he had basically hired everyone in the district at that point. That is an amazing accomplishment. For those of us who were hired during Elliott’s tenure, it is also humbling.

“Please join me in keeping Elliott, his wife Joyce, their children Gillian and Judd and their spouses, their grandchildren, and their extended family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

In 2015, students Liam Abourezk, BK Browne and Jack Sila showed Dr. Elliott Landon how they used QR codes on their smartphones, as part of a Staples High project involving art, writing and history.

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On Wednesday, 3 Representative Town Meeting committees voted unanimously to recommend approval of a School Security Officers program, proposed by the Westport Police, First Selectwoman and Superintendent of Schools.

Three officers would be assigned to 2 school campuses each: Coleytown Middle and Elementary; Kings Highway/Saugatuck, and Long Lots/Greens Farms. Staples High and Bedford Middle School already have an officer on patrol.

The SSOs would work primarily outside, including assisting with traffic and deterring potential threats. They would enter schools only for emergencies.

The full RTM will act upon the request at its next meeting: Tuesday, September 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

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StartUp Westport — the organization dedicated to harnessing our town’s tech and entrepreneurial talent, and making it an innovation hub — starts up the fall with a meeting September 14 (6:30 p.m., meet and greet cocktails; 7 p.m. program; Westport Library).

Westporter Dan Bikel — a key member of the AI community at Meta — will speak on “Generative AI: NLP, Machine Learning and Large Language Models.”

The event is free, but pre-registration is mandatory. Click here to claim a spot.

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Sherwood Island State Park — the site of Connecticut’s official 9/11 memorial — is once again the site of the state ceremony honoring the lives of residents killed in the terrorist attack.

The event is set for Thursday, September 7 (5:30 p.m.). Family members of will participate, and the names of the 161 victims with ties to Connecticut will be read aloud. Governor Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz will participate.

The Sherwood Island memorial is located on a peninsula. The memorial is engraved with the names of people with ties to Connecticut who died on 9/11.

On a clear day the Manhattan skyline is visible across Long Island Sound. Immediately following the attacks, people gathered there to observe the devastation in Lower Manhattan.

In the following days, the area was used by the Connecticut National Guard as a staging area for relief efforts.

The 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island State Park.

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PopUp Bagels’ tagline is “Not famous, but known.”

They may soon be shopping for a new one.

People Magazine just gave the Westport-based bakers a “Top Delicious Destination” designation.

Popup Bagels has already taken our town and county by storm. Next, they conquered the Big Apple.

Now, will it play in Peoria?

As anyone who has tried to get a good bagel outside of this area hopes: God willing.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Rev. Willie Salmond will be the guest preacher at tomorrow’s Saugatuck Congregational Church 10 a.m. worship — and that all Westporters are invited to share memories of longtime pastor Rev. Ted Hoskins.

That will be Rev. Salmond’s 2nd service of the day. At 8:30 a.m. tomorrow, he leads the summer’s final early morning service, at Compo Beach.

Sunday morning beach service at Compo. (Photo/Karen Como)

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Speaking of Compo Beach:

This has been the Summer of Tents, on the sand.

Some people love the shade and breeze they provide, along with ease of putting up and taking down.

Others think they’re too big and intrusive. And too many.

But — in the waning days of the season — here is a new trend: tents that sprawl far beyond their footprint.

Yea or nay? Click “Comments” below.

(Photo/John Cravenho)

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In 2015, the Westport Weston Family YMCA received a large and unexpected gift from the estate of Ruth Bedford.

The granddaughter of Y founder Edward T. Bedford, she had died the previous year, at 99. The board of trustees established the Ruth Bedford Social Responsibility Fund. Its endowment supports grants to organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities in Fairfield County.

The fund is now accepting preliminary applications for the 2023-24 grant cycle. The deadline is September 9.

Last year, the Bedford Fund awarded $300,000 to 31 Fairfield County organizations. Their programs support equitable education programs for students.

Click here for more information. Click here for the grant application. Questions? Contact director of development Kate Guthrie: kguthrie@westporty.org; 203-226-8981.

Some recipients of the Westport Weston Family YMCA Ruth Bedford Social Responsibility Fund.

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Last spring, the Westport Library partnered with New York’s Song Arts Academy, for an 8-week songwriting workshop for middle and high school students.

This fall, adults get their chance.

The 2-hour songwriting program runs 8 Mondays (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.), beginning September 18. The course is once again taught by former Westporter Billy Seidman, an experienced songwriter and the author of “The Elements of Song Craft.”

Participants learn the techniques and mechanics of great song-writing, including critiques of famous tunes. During the final 2 weeks, participants record a song in the Library’s Verso Studio.

Previous songwriting experience is not necessary. For more information, email songartsacademy.com. To register, click here.

Billy Seidman

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Marisa Zer grows flowers for florists, shops and private customers.

Today she shares a scene at her dahlia patch — “bees lining up at the flower bar” — for our “Westport … Naturally” features.

(Photo/Marisa Zer)

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And finally … A tribute to Jimmy Buffett will come tomorrow. Meanwhile, in honor of Billy Seidman’s songwriting class at the Westport Library (story above):

 (I write the stories. You may or may not write the songs. But please write a check to support our “06880” work. Click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Police, religion, technology, YMCA

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“06880” Mobile Users, Rejoice: New App Is Here!

Posted on September 1, 2023 | 20 comments

If you’re reading this story on a smartphone, you know our “06880” interface sucks.

The font size is too small. You have to tap on the headline to get to a readable version (a trick some users don’t know). Some of the features from the laptop/ desktop version are missing.

By the end of this story, all that will change dramatically.

Today, “06880” announces a new app. Designed specifically for smartphones, with many great features, it will make your mobile experience much easier, more enjoyable, and just plain cool.

The “06880” app — available in both iPhone and Android versions — was created by 2 young geniuses. Georgetown University sophomore Matthew Jordan and his Staples High School senior brother Joshua took a very vague concept, and soon developed a very usable, clever and handsome product.

They understood exactly what “06880” is, what our virtual community is about, and what our readers want. They made it all happen, with creativity, grace and good humor. A feature story on these very sharp and fun teenagers is coming soon.

Meanwhile, here’s what you’ll find when you download the app (just search, of course, for “06880”).

A splash screen (below) …

… makes way for the most recent stories (below). Tap one to read it.

Tap on any photo to enlarge it. At the end of a story you can easily comment, reply to a previous comment, or share the story, in a variety of ways.

There are 5 buttons on the bottom (see photo above). The one on the left is the least important; it brings up information about me.

The balloon-like map icon next to it means “Westport.” There’s a photo gallery from our “Pic of the Picks” book that changes every day, along with details about all the restaurants that support “06880.”

The restaurant list is randomized; it too changes daily. Clicking on any restaurant brings up more information, plus its menu and social media.

The middle icon is the “home” button. It brings you back to the “Stories” page.

The headphones are for podcasts. One click takes users to dozens of “06880” podcasts — a partnership with the Westport Library.

The dollar sign on the far right is a “donate” button. Contributing to “06880” has never been easier 🙂

At the top left of the app is a magnifying glass. Click on to search the entire “06880” archives. (Stories with the keyword in the title appear first; then come stories where the keyword is only in the text.)

A “bookmark” icon on the right allows you to save any story for future reference.

Clicking the “gear” icon at the far right gives the option to have notifications sent directly to your phone. You can choose “immediately” (whenever a new post is published), once every morning (10:30 a.m.) or once every night (9:10 p.m.). It’s possible to enable both morning and nightly recaps.

There you have it: our new app. Just search for “06880” in either the iPhone or Android stores.

Now, thanks to Matthew and Joshua Jordan, you will never squint again.

PS: Don’t want the app? Prefer to continue receiving email notifications about new posts? No problem! That’s not changing. The app is just one more way now to access “06880.”

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Posted in Media, technology

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