Category Archives: technology

Roundup: Post Road Apartments, Parental Pressures, PO Problems …

Posted on August 30, 2025 | 18 comments

The new apartments rising near the Saugatuck River have been called a “Cross Street project.”

But more people see them from Post Road West.

Views vary.

From Cross Street near Riverside Avenue, the 6-story, 68-unit building seems quite large.

The view from Cross Street.

From the Post Road though, it’s not as overwhelming.

The structure is set back from Route 1, and downhill from it. In fact, it appears to be only 3 or 4 stories high.

(Photos/Bill Christiaanse)

Of the 68 one- and two-bedroom units, 22 will be considered “affordable,” under a state formula.

The developer is Lighthouse Living. They have not yet begun to market the apartments.

Artist’s rendering of the completed project. The view is from Post Road West.

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This is not stop-the-presses news, but: Parents are under tremendous pressure.

Work demands, societal expectations, concerns about children’s safety and the influence of social media, caring for their own parents … and that’s just for starters.

“Parenting Pressures: Navigating Challenges and Achieving Balance” may not solve every issue. But the event — September 15, 7 p.m., at the Westport Library — can’t hurt.

And at least you’ll be surrounded by parents just like you.

There’s a panel discussion with mental health experts, followed by small group sessions where attendees can ask questions, share resources and receive support.

“Parenting Pressures” is presented by Positive Directions. Click here for more details.

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As of today, there may be competitive races in only 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.

Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)

District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.

District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.

District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.

District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.

District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.

District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.

District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.

District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Petitioning: Jill Grayson. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.

District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petitioning: Addison Moore.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.

For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.

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The Board of Education meets on September 4 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), following an executive session to discuss security matters.

The agenda includes the superintendent’s report on the start of the school year; student enrollment and staffing reports; student need assessment surveys; approval of an AI student survey, and discussion of the Staples High School roof replacement project.

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This is not a photo of an accident.

It’s a shot of 2 cars that were parked yesterday, in the lot behind Chase Bank off Avery Place.

We’re not sure which driver was there first: the white car, or the gray one.

Whoever thought this was a good idea — and then walked away because, well, who knows why — just claimed a top spot in our Entitled Drivers’ Hall of Fame.

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Two women and a man have been indicted for their roles in a stolen check and bank fraud scheme.

They stole checks from mailboxes, then changed them to be payable to “runners” who cashed them. Most checks were drawn from small business accounts in Connecticut — including Westport.

Even the main Westport post office has been victimized.

Staples High School graduate and current Westport resident Jeff Manchester is head of partnerships and business development at Fin3. The digital assets company offers digital drafts — a secure payment method and process, enabled by recent changes to payment legislation.

Local companies and non-profits like The Boat Locker, Norwalk Symphony and Rosewood Remodeling are using digital drafts. Manchester invites potential customers to click here for more information., (Use this code: 828cx0)

Westport post office warning, last year. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Congratulations to Ben Roland!

The 2019 Staples High School graduate is the youngest licensed architect on the East Coast. Only a few others near his age — 23 — are licensed nationwide.

Ben graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a bachelor’s in  architecture — a 5-year program.

He supplemented his studies with a semester at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art in Copenhagen (the only American student there in 2022), along with coursework in philosophy, and in real estate development and urban studies at Brown University.

He interned every summer after high school — first locally, then in Boston and Washington. ce.

His thesis was a multidisciplinary investigation of coastal residential development  and storm surge resilience — with Westport as a case study.

Ben then returned to William Rawn Associates in Boston, where he had interned. His roles included director of DEI and sustainability.

He set a goal of becoming a licensed architect within a year. He completed the almost 4,000 hours of architecture work needed, so he began studying in the new year.

Bentook all 6 exams within two weeks in June, passing all on the first try — a feat accomplished by only 3%.

So it was — but also was not — “back to the drawing board” for Ben.

Ben Roland

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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

She notes: “Thursday afternoon, at the YMCA near the Saugatuck River canoe  area, I saw this huvenile swan with its parents. It’s the first time I saw a young swan. All summer I saw pairs of swans, but no babies.”

Perhaps we should start calling it the Swanee River …

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … this one was a no-brainer:

(We hope you enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Here at “06880” central, we keep laboring to bring you this hyper-local blog. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support it. Thanks!)

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Posted in Education, Local politics, Real estate, Staples HS, technology

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Scans By Me: Young Entrepreneur’s Picture-Perfect Venture

Posted on August 28, 2025 | 1 comment

Jay Babina is many things.

He’s entrepreneurial. He’s passionate about technology. He’s creative.

And he’s a very quick learner.

At 12 years old in the summer of 2018, the young Westporter wanted to make money. He found a few water bottles in the pantry, and tried to sell them on his driveway for $1. A couple of people “pity bought” them.

His father John said, “If you want to do this, do it right.”

They created an LLC in his name: 88mphEnterprises (a “Back to the Future” reference).

He got a permit to sell snacks at youth soccer games, and loaded up at Costco. “Standastic” accepted credit cards. He wheeled his goods around in a wagon for “mobile delivery.”

A young — but entrepreneurial — Jay Babina.

A couple of years later at an estate sale with his father, he saw Healthkit radio meters for $10 each. Jay bought them, then resold them on eBay. He learned a lot about listings — and here is his thriving online store today.

He branched out to Amazon, and just hit the $100,000 mark.

That business funds his Westport Tech Museum.

One of the most fascinating hidden gems in town — and it will stay that way, because it’s not open to the public — the museum is a large attic filled with over 500 computers, video games, calculators, cameras, radios and more.

Jay Babina’s Westport Tech Museum.

From a Commodore Amiga 1000, Osborne 1, Apple IIe and an original Macintosh, to a 1914 Victrola that still plays, 1910 Edison light bulb that still shines, and a 1905 crank telephone that still rings, Jay scoured the world (and eBay) to find rare, important, classic, quirky and historic products.

(Read all about it here. Then click here, for a virtual tour.)

Last spring, Jay’s dad bought a photo scanner, to scan family photos.

You or I would say, “Meh.” Jay thought: Ka-ching!

He ran the numbers, researched the competition, and developed a pricing model.

No matter how the photos were taken, Jay can digitize them.

He tested the concept with family and friends. He quickly realized they wanted more than just photo scanning — for example, transferring CDs to thumb drives.

Some of the types of media Jay accepts for digitizing and transfer.

And it wasn’t only photos. Someone asked about scanning old documents. Jay bought a flatbed scanner, for that service.

Jay Babina, at his workstation.

Jay is now a sophomore at Manhattanville College. He devotes weekends to his new business. He calls it Scans by Me.

Yes, that’s an homage to the Ben E. King classic. Jay is not only creative; he’s also a fan of great music.

(To learn more about Scans By Me, click here; email jay@scansbyme.com, or call 475-444-3040.)

(“06880” often covers businesses in town, the creative endeavors of Westporters — especially young people — and, like today, their intersection. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Local business, technology, Teenagers

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Roundup: Harvest Restaurant, Cribari Bridge, Police News …

Posted on August 20, 2025 | 16 comments

Harvest Wine Bar on Railroad Place closed last week.

But not permanently.

The restaurant will reopen, with new partners joining current ownership.

The menu will be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.

Renovations are underway, with a new look to suit the next venture. The kitchen and liquor license remain intact, for an easy transition. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)

Harvest restaurant

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Speaking of Saugatuck: As the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/renovation/ replacement/etc. project creeps forward — right in time for election season — Westporters may wonder where to find background information.

Just click here.

The link is to a state Department of Transportation slide show. It includes the history of the project; a variety of alternatives; “Concerns & Considerations,” and a timeline.

It may not answer all your questions. But — like the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street — it’s a good starting point.

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Sam Levenson)

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The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.

25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.

They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.

Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.

Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.

In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.

They also receive Stop the Bleed training.

The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 18. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 Thursdays, through November 20.

The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.

Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)

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Speaking of police: The Westport Police Benevolent Association’s “Coffee with a Cop” program is so popular, they’re rolling out a kids’ version.

Called, of course, “Cones with a Cop.”

Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, August 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunny Daes) is a chance for kids (and adults) to enjoy a free ice cream cone, while chatting with police officers.

It’s a perfect way to cool off and connect, in the final days of summer.

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Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.

The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.

As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.

He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.

The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”

Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.

Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The Innovator of the Year event is free, but reservations are required. Click here for complimentary tickets, and more information.

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An alert “06880” reader/avid beach walker (who asked for anonymity) writes:

“We are so fortunate to have new sidewalks in the Compo area that encourage walking, social interactions, and appreciating the beauty of the sound and surroundings.

“That’s why I was surprised to see numerous new signs erected between the ‘blue house’ near Old Mill Grocery, and Schlaet’s Point at the Hillspoint Road/ Soundview Drive corner. They all say ‘No Parking.’

“I don’t think people trying to park on Hillspoint is a major problem. It seems like overkill. And marring the views, especially at the wide open areas, seems unnecessary.

“Even if parking attempts here are a pressing problem, a few signs likely would deter such activity.”

4 of more than a dozen Hillspoint Road signs.

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Tired of watching interminable “Coming Attractions” at the movie theater?

But tired also of streaming films at home?

A unique Wakeman Town Farm online auction item may be answer.

They’re offering a “Movie Night on the Farm,” for 20 of your closest buds.

You pick the night. You pick the flick. You invite your friends. You bring the chairs, blankets and beverages.

WTF sets up the 20-foot screen, runs the movie and provides munchies.

The minimum bid is $700. Bidding is blind, and ends at midnight tonight.

Email info@wakemantownfarm.org. Put “This is my best + final bid for Movie Night” in the subject line.

Then fill in the rest: “I’d like to bid on the online auction item, Movie Night at the Farm. Below is my name, contact info and best and final bid. The opening bid is $700.00. The winner will be notified by August 20.”

Outdoor movie night.

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Haven’t gotten your LobsterFest tickets yet?

Wait till 2026.

The Rotary Club’s massive fundraiser sold out in just 4 days.

It was the 4th straight quick sellout year.

Meanwhile, if you did snag one of them: See you September 20!

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Live, from Oggi Gelato: It’s “The Candy Bowl”!

Next Thursday (1 p.m.), Westport podcaster Paula Conway hosts her show live, at the Fairfield store. The public is invited.

And on that day only, a new flavor (banana and strawberry gelato) — for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, which honors pets who have passed away  — will be served. 10% of scoops will support PAWS in Norwalk.

Conway is a travel and leisure writer with Forbes.com. Her podcast covers luxury travel, theater, candy and special guests.

Paula Conway

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Mike Borchetta — the 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died in mid-June, at 84. (Click here, then scroll down for his obituary.)

His niece, Laura Lawhon, says there were many great photos at his memorial service in Nashville earlier this month.

Among them was this one:

Mike is on the right. His daughter does not know the name of his friend on the left.

It was taken before he moved from Westport, in 1961. If anyone knows — or thinks they do — click “Comments” below.

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You may not recognize today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured insect.

It’s a cicada — many times its actual size.

Clarence Hayes spotted — and snapped — it off Sylvan Lane.

Who knew a cicada looked like this?

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … on this date in 1858, Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.

(Since we published our first post in 2009, “06880” has certainly evolved. You can help us grow even further: just click here, to make a tax-deductible show of support. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Police, Restaurants, Saugatuck, technology

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Roundup: Nathan Lane, Suzanne Sheridan, Linda Ronstadt …

Posted on August 2, 2025 | 5 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse gala just got even gala-ier.

On October 4, the historic theater honors Tony Award-winning singer/actor/ writer Nathan Lane, for his decades of contributions to American arts.

From his roles in “The Birdcage” and “The Producers,” as the voice of Timon in “The Lion King,” and through TV shows like “Sex and the City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “30 Rock,” Lane is a much-admired star.

The gala — which will also celebrate the contributions of the Playhouse’s legendary Anne Keefe — includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, a raffle and auction, performances, and an after-party.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sponsorships at the $4,000, $6,000 and $10,000 level are available. Call 203-571-1131, or email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org.

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After 31 years as townwide director of information technology, Eileen Zhang left big shoes to fill.

On Monday, Alberto Vargas steps into them.

With more than 20 years’ experience leading digital transformation, modernizing enterprise systems and strengthening cybersecurity in public and private sectors, he is well qualified.

Most recently, Vargas served as director of IT and business relationship manager for ATG Entertainment. He oversaw technology strategy, cloud migrations, cybersecurity enhancements and digital service modernization across 19 North American venues.

Earlier, he spent over 8 years with the New York City Department of Finance. He also held senior roles in the financial sector at Citi.

Alberto Vargas

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The times, they are a-changin’.

New signs will be installed Monday, reflecting revised parking limits downtown.

They’ll go from 3 hours to 2 hours (daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) on these streets:

  • Main Street
  • Elm Street
  • Church Lane
  • Bay Street
  • Jesup Road.

Town-owned parking lots will retain their current 3-hour and all-day options.

Soon to be removed — for on-street parking only.

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Alo opened only this week. (With a line dozens deep, waiting to get inside the Main Street space, formerly occupied by Oka.)

But the activewear brand is wasting no time getting involved in the community.

Tomorrow (August 3, 9:30 a.m.), Sarah Sadie Newett leads a Recovery Wellness Walk. It is “all about slowing down, setting intentions, and finding balance through mindful movement and meditation. It’s a chance to release stress, reconnect with yourself, and be with community.”

Click here to register. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Speaking of openings: LaSource joined Alo (above) and Beyond Yoga, as downtown’s newest stores. All 3 launched this week.

LaSource’s 7 Church Lane location (near Emmy Squared) marks its 3rd boutique in the area. The first 2 are in Darien and New Canaan.

LaSource offers “elevated lingerie, swim, resort, and loungewear for women, thoughtful gifts for the women we adore, complimentary bra fittings with expert guidance, plus seasonal edits, styling appointments and in-store events.”

A grand opening celebration will be announced soon.

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What’s free in Westport this weekend?

The Levitt Pavilion hosts 2 shows.

Low Cut Connie’s piano-driven rock is on tonight (Saturday) at 7:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, Stella Blue’s Band, honoring The Days Between, takes the stage at 7.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Low Cut Connie

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Speaking of the Levitt: Singer/songwriter/guitarist Suzanne Sheridan brings her tribute to Linda Ronstadt to riverside venue on August 12.

The show includes a great band: Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards, Joe Sullivan and Kim Manning.

Sheridan performs as locally as the First Folk Sunday music series, and as internationally as The Bitter End, Gertie’s Folk City, and in Canada and Australia.

Click here for tickets to Sheridan (and Ronstadt’s) free show. 

Suzanne Sheridan

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August exhibitor does not have to go far to see her own work.

Rachel Hall is Westport Police Department detective by profession, and a photographer by passion. She specializes in both digital and aerial photography, capturing landscapes with a unique perspective that often highlights mood, texture and atmosphere.

The Book Shop is located just a few yards from Police headquarters, on Jesup Road.

A reception is set for August 26 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). RSVP by calling 203-349-5141, or emailing westportbooksaleventures.org.

Rachel Hall, with her work.

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In 1995, a seaplane accident on Block Island killed Stacy Waldman Bass’ father.

Shattered, she wrote as a way to process her grief, while gathering pieces of his life through photographs.

Twenty-five years later, her mother died of pancreatic cancer. During her year-long battle, Bass created a living tribute of images and words, rallying support when her mother needed it most.

Out of those challenges came a memoir. “Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss” keeps her parents’ legacy alive, through text and photography.

A book launch — with a reception and discussion — is set for September 16 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Click here for more information. 

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What makes this a “Westport … Naturally” photo?

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

The gull perched on top, as seen from the Sherwood Island State Park shore!

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And finally … happy National Clown Day!

(It’s no laughing matter: “06880” relies on the support of readers like you. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local business, Police, technology, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: LobsterFest, Lightning, Longshore …

Posted on July 16, 2025 | 9 comments

Save the date! This year’s LobsterFest — the early fall fun-fest (and fundraiser) at Compo Beach — is September 20.

All the food and family-friendly entertainment features of past years return. The Westport Rotary Club promises a few new additions, along with new beverage options.

Right now, the Westport Rotary Club is signing sponsors. It’s a great opportunity to align with one of the town’s most lively and popular events.

It’s all for a great cause. The Rotary Club is celebrating its centennial with a major contribution to the Compo Beach playground renovation.

They awarded $385,000 to the project from last year’s Lobster Fest. Another $285,000 went to 46 local and regional causes — and $100,000 more to support international projects. The largest is outfitting a new dental and vision building in rural Uganda.

To learn more about sponsorships, click here.

PS: Tickets go on sale next month. Be sure to watch “06880” for an announcement — and then pounce. They go fast!

Save the date — September 20 — for the Rotary Club LobsterFest. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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It’s not easy capturing lightning (on camera, of course).

But Meredith Holod was in the right place, at the right time — and a safe distance away — Monday.

Here’s her view during the quick but intense storm, from Compo Beach.

(Photo/Meredith Holod)

But lightning did strike twice, elsewhere in Westport. The Fire Department responded to 2 incidents.

One struck a home on Joanne Circle, igniting a fire on the second floor. Crews swiftly contained the fire before it could spread further. No injuries were reported.

Meanwhile on Bayberry Lane, lightning struck a pet “invisible fence.” The surge caused electrical damage, and posed a risk to the property.

“Summer storms can be dangerous, and things can go wrong quickly,” says Fire Marshal Terry Dunn.

“Electric pet fences are especially vulnerable, because they’re wired underground and usually connected to your home’s electrical system. If lightning strikes nearby it can travel through that wiring, damage your home, and potentially start a fire. It takes just a few seconds to unplug the system when a storm is on the way. It’s a smart precaution.”

The Westport Fire Department urges residents to take precautions during thunderstorms:

  • Unplug electric fences.
  • Use surge protectors for important electronics; unplug non-essential devices.
  • Avoid using wired appliances or electronics during a storm.
  • Stay indoors and away from windows when thunder or lightning is present.

For more safety tips and emergency updates, visit www.westportct.gov/fire.

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Saturn —  the wildly successful calendar app for high school and college students, which began as a Staples High venture when Class of 2017 member Dylan Diamond was a teenager there — has been acquired by Snap.

The new owners — the company behind Snapchat — did not disclose terms of the day. But most of Saturn’s 30 full-time employees will join their new owner.

Engadget, which first reported the news, says: “It’s not clear what exactly Snap has planned for Saturn, but … the calendar app will continue to operate as a standalone service.”

Saturn may help introduce calendar-related features into Snapchat.

Saturn is available at more than 17,000 high schools. And Snap is used by more than half of US teenagers.

Click here for the full Engadget story.

Dylan Diamond

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John McCarthy was the most recent “06880” reader to send a photo of the camera mounted at the Longshore entrance, and wonder why it’s there.

(Photo/John McCarthy)

“Seems a little out of place,” he writes.

Not really. Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri explains: “This is a license plate recognition camera, for cars entering Longshore.

:There have been break-ins in the past, but the cameras in the parking lot couldn’t always catch the plates.

“This helps us know who came in, if there are any other issues in the future. A good recommendation from the Police Department.”

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For years, Staples High School Class of 2024 graduate Ethan Walmark entertained Westporters, with his many musical talents.

But not just us.

Ethan was on the “Today Show.” He helped Yoko Ono flip the switch to light the Empire State Building blue for World Autism Awareness Day. His performance of “Eminence Front” rocked a Who show. He sang the national anthem in front of 25,000 fans at Red Bull Arena.

As a 12-year-old Coleytown Middle School student, Ethan followed Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Billy Joel and Elton John at the 1st-ever Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Now — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music — Ethan is back in town.

Tonight (Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m.), he performs outside the Spotted Horse — on keyboards, and electric and acoustic guitar.

He won’t sing all of the 3,000 songs in his repertoire. But you’ll recognize many of your favorite Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Motown, John Mayer, Simon & Garfunkel and Four Seasons favorites.

And Ethan will take requests.

Ethan Walmark

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Speaking of entertainment: Country music rocks the VFW this Saturday (July 19, 8 p.m.).

Grady McAuliffe — with his new single “On the Edge” at #4 on the Hot Disc/All Country Radio chart — and his band bring their high-energy, country grit, Southern Soul and rock-infused sound to the Riverside Avenue venue.

The bar features specials sponsored by Bubba’s Whiskey and Spacecat Brewing Company. Click here for tickets ($15 in advance, $20 at the door), and more information.

Grady McAuliffe

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Mitchells held their annual Compo Beach party last night, for company members and their families.

As always, it was first class: lobster and shrimp, Colony Pizza, hot dogs and much more.

Jack and Bill Mitchell — the second generation, after their parents Ed and Norma — were joined by their sons and daughters-in-law, and their kids. The 4th generation is well on its way to making its mark on the Westport store — and those in Greenwich, Long Island, on the West Coast, and now Dallas.

The fifth generation was there too. Their time will come!

Of course — befitting two Westport town jewels (Mitchells and Compo) — the weather was perfect.

Bill Mitchell, at the company picnic. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Michael Chait, via the Saugatuck River:

(Photo/Michael Chait)

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And finally … on this date in 1935, the world’s first parking meter was installed. The site was Oklahoma City.

(Don’t follow leaders … but please support “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Longshore, Police, Restaurants, Staples HS, technology, Weather

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StartUp Westport Helps Start Mental Health Platform

Posted on June 24, 2025 | 4 comments

StartUp Westport started just 2 years ago.

But the public/private partnership for tech, innovation and entrepreneurship has already helped bring several half-formed ideas to fruition.

The latest is Halespring.

Michael Hermus

It’s the brainchild of Michael Hermus. The MIT-trained, 2-time software company founder and former chief technology officer of the US Department of Homeland Security knows his way around systems.

But when a family member struggled with mental health challenges, the family spent years navigating the mental healthcare landscape. They were drowning in a world of disconnected providers, endless forms and communication breakdowns.

“Therapists, psychiatrists, school staff and pediatricians all try to help. But they’re not talking to each other enough,” Hermus says. “And families are often left out of the conversation entirely.”

So he built a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that allows outpatient mental health providers to communicate about their patients. The result is a more collaborative and streamlined approach.

Halespring just launched a consumer platform. It provides patients and caregivers with powerful tools to connect with providers, manage care, and advocate for loved ones.

The mother of a son who receives complex autism support says Halespring offers “visibility into his OT, ABA, psychiatry, talk therapy, school interventions, and pediatrician visits. It saves us time, so my husband and I can focus on his progress.”

Hermus joined StartUp Westport in 2023. He met vice president Peter Propp. He invested in Halespring, and now works on marketing and strategy as an advisory board member.

“Passionate founders are so important for successful startups,” says Propp.  “Passionate founders like Mike who can code an entire platform and improve it when needed are quite rare.”

The platform includes secure messaging, a document hub for sharing forms and assessments, and a clear overview of care teams. Westporter Dr. Frank S. K. Appah Jr., Halespring’s lead clinical advisor, calls it “the missing connective tissue.”

The platform is available at Halespring.com, with both free and premium options.

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Remembering Burt Grad

Posted on June 10, 2025 | 3 comments

Burton Grad — a pioneering figure in the computer software industry — died peacefully at his Westport home on June 3. He was 97.

Burt Grad, 1959.

In 1954, while working for General Electric, Burt was one of the original programmers for the first commercial computer, Univac 1. He helped write the first production and inventory control programs, and his work helped shape the future of business and academic computing.

During the 1960s he contributed to both scientific and application programming at IBM. He was a key member of the Unbundling Task Force in 1969, which led to the ascendancy of software applications.

Burt later served as a development director for various industries. He had initial responsibility for IBM’s influential CICS (Customer Information Control System), which remains in use today.

In 1978 Burt launched a consulting firm, where he continued to shape the software industry through strategic planning and valuation studies for software and services companies. He was a leader in industry organizations, particularly ADAPSO (later ITAA), where he played a vital role from the early 1970s.

In 2000 he co-founded the Software History Center, to preserve the history of the software computing industry he helped build. It later merged with the Computer History Museum.

Until his death, Burt edited articles on the software origins of the CAD/CAM industry for the IEEE Annals of the History of Computing.

Burt Grad, at work.

In addition, in his “late retirement” he spent 10 years as CFO for the life insurance and estate planning firm American Business, reporting to the CEO: his son Alan. (Alan notes that it was not always clear which one was the boss.)

Burt spent much of his childhood in Washington. He helped in the family dry cleaning business, until he went off to college at age 16.

Burt graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he met and married Pauline Mennen Sonenshine. They raised 5 children in Tarrytown, New York.

For 25 years Burt was a vocal and involved member of the community.  He was integral in building affordable housing, and advocating for civil rights.

In 2001 Burt married Carol Anne Ances, at an outdoor ceremony in the Berkshires.  They enjoyed the next 25 years in Westport, along with summers in the Berkshires and winters on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Burt Grad

In addition to storied career in the software industry, Burt had many wide-ranging hobbies. Tennis was foremost. He was an avid baseball fan, and completed the New York Times crossword puzzle daily.

He loved reading detective novels, modern world history, and political biographies. He followed domestic and international news closely, and held strong opinions about almost everything.

Burt is survived by his wife Carol Anne Ances; children Carol (Michael) Abedon, Andrew (Janet Singer) Grad, Alan (Ellen) Grad, Bryan (Debra) Grad and Elissa (Narayan Kaimal) Grad, and nearly 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Burt’s memory may be made to the Computer History Museum, 1401 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043.

(In 2022, “06880” profiled Burt Grad. Click here to read that story, including his insights into computers then, today, and in the future.)

 

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Roundup: StartUp Pitch Competition, Fulbright Scholar, Westport Community Theatre …

Posted on June 1, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: StartUp Pitch Competition, Fulbright Scholar, Westport Community Theatre …

Less than 2 weeks remain to enter StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.

The event — for innovators and entrepreneurs, not baseball players or musicians — offers early-stage startups a chance to win a non-dilutive, 5-figure cash prize

It’s also a great way to plug into our town’s vibrant network of mentors, business leaders and passionate supporters.

Eligibility is simple: pre-institutional funding, a scalable business model, and a founder with Connecticut roots or strong state ties.

Applications are now open (click here for details). The deadline is 11 p.m. June 12.

In September, 4 finalists will be chosen to pitch “live shark tank-style” (though with more encouragement and, perhaps, less drama).

Winners will be announced November 20, at the Westport Library.

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Congratulations to Wes DeOreo!

The 2021 Staples High School graduate (and former lacrosse player) has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for 2025-26.

The program offers 400 positions in over 135 countries. Awardees teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects.

DeOreo — who just graduated from Bates College with a double major in politics and German — will teach in Germany.

At Bates he served as an AESOP leader, rugby club president, athletics student assistant, and fitness attendant.

He is no stranger to Germany. DeOreo has studied transatlantic history at the University of Freiburg; and taught English and coached club lacrosse in Freiburg.

He looks forward to joinng community sports teams, and reconnect with German friends and family. After his Fulbright, DeOreo will pursue a career in public service. (Hat tip: Linda Smith)

Wes DeOreo (Photo/Phyllis Graber Jensen for Bates College)

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The curtain rises Friday on the Westport Community Theatre’s new show, “The Gods of Comedy.”

The show — about a young classics professor who calls on Greek gods for help after a priceless manuscript goes missing — is full of “chaos, confusion, and divine mischief.”

The cast includes Jacqueline Carlsen, Henry Durham, Bob Filipowitch, Carin Freidag, Martha Hegley, Paula Lacy, Marcy Sansolo, David Victor and Virgil Watson.

“The Gods of Comedy” plays weekends through June 22, in the lower level of Town Hall. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays. There is one Thursday show: June 12, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available here.

Marcy Sansolo and Bob Filipowich, on stage.

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No one wants to hear “DNR.”

Unless they playing.

Doctors know the initials stand for “Do Not Resuscitate.”

Music lovers know it stands for one of Fairfield County’s favorite rock bands.

And — surprise! — nearly all the musicians are physicians.

On Saturday, June 14 (7 p.m.), they take their show to the Westport Library. It’s a fundraiser, for the Library’s great community programming.

Get your tickets ($40) here. There is also a cash bar.

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Speaking of Library music: Dan Bikel filled the bill last night.

By day a computer scientist and AI leader at Meta, he’s also a very talented singer, songwriter and composer. (With great genes: He’s the son of Theodore Bikel, the folk singer who played Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” over 2,000 times._

Dan entertained the Trefz Forum crowd with  original songs on piano and guitar. He also performed the second movement of his Piano Concerto No. 1, showing his classical side.

Dan Bikel (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Jim Naughton has shared his enormous acting talent, and the celebrity that comes with it, to advocate — and raise millions of dollars — for many excellent causes.

He has been active in areas ranging from animal welfare to the death with dignity movement. in Fairfield County and beyond.

He has been a special friend of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County, including hosting every ACE Awards ceremony.

This year, the tables are turned. The longtime Weston resident (and Tony Award winner) will be honored with the Citizen Impact Award, for his contributions to arts and culture here.

The event is June 17 (5:30 p.m., Norwalk Art Space, 455 West Avenue). Tickets and more information are available here.

Jim Naughton, hosting another event — the Staples High School Pops Concert. He took a turn on the triangle too. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the Westport Pops Concert: It’s this Friday (June 6, 7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

If you’ve been before, you know it’s a kick-off-the-summer highlight, featuring a couple of hundred talented teenage musician, under the stars. Free tickets are available here.

But note: If you’ve been before, you may have had dinner from food trucks in the Library parking lot.

There are no food trucks this year. So eat before you go — or better yet, bring a picnic. The lawn opens at 6 p.m.

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Speaking of theater: Sure, the Westport Country Playhouse’s gala — celebrating 95 years of history and entertainment — is more than 4 months away.

But save the date: October 4.

And get ready to celebrate the evening’s honoree: Anne Keefe.

A cornerstone of the WCP since 1973, she has been involved in nearly every facet of the famed stage.

Key achievements include a pivotal role in the 1999 campaign to renovate and preserve the Playhouse, and her leadership as associate artistic director and co-artistic director (alongside Joanne Woodward).

For over 35 years. she’s supported the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp Gala. She has been honored with an award for lifetime achievement in stage management, selection to the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame’s 10 Women of Distinction, the Westport Arts Award for Theatre, and the Connecticut Critics Circle’s Tom Killan Award.

Keefe has taught at the Yale School of Drama, and served on the boards of the Playhouse and Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.

Tickets and more information will be available soon.

Anne Keefe

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Sure, the bar is high for entitled parking.

But this shot — from yesterday’s dance recital at Bedford Middle School — clears that bar.

Note the arrogance of simply parking in the middle of the lot, forcing drivers in 2 directions to creep around.

Stopping right across the white line is a bonus.

The coup de grâce, of course, is that the driver is facing the wrong way. Impressive!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo also includes a caution.

The American oystercatchers are back nesting at Compo’s South Beach, near the cannons.

As always, the fragile birds hope we humans don’t get too close.

The Audubon Alliance has laid out a protected nesting area. Please honor it!

American oystercatchers, seen with a zoom lens (Hat tip and photo/Jeffrey Mayer)

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And finally … happy June 1!

(The days keep getting longer. Which means you have even more daylight to support “06880.” Please click here to make a contribution to this hyper local blog. Thank you!

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Roundup: Sherwood Island, Aspetuck Land Trust, Sourcery …

Posted on May 26, 2025 | 2 comments

Friends of Sherwood Island plan a great “Trails Day Weekend” for early June.

And you don’t have to be a member to join the fun.

Kayak Paddle: Survey Terrapins and Birds in the Marsh (June 7, 8:30 a.m., end of East Beach parking lot). Count diamondback terrapins (with a guide), and document birds using iNaturalist.

Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddlecraft, life vest and whistle/horn (required by state boating regulations), and kayak cart if you have one. Optional: waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. Free; registration requested.

Butterfly Walk (June 7, 12 noon, Nature Center). Join Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies.

Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone, to learn to report your findings on iNaturalist. Children are welcome. Free; registration requested.

A Walk Through Historical & Archaeological Time (June 8, 1 p.m., Nature Center).

A family-friendly, educational walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail, led by archaeologists. Start at the Ice Age, when Long Island Sound was formed. Examine traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from Native Americans in 1000 BC to onion farmers of the 1940s. Artifacts, maps, old photos and recent recoveries bring the island’s past inhabitants to life. Free; registration requested.

Beach to Beach Walk (June 8, 3 p.m., Nature Center). Discover habitats, inhabitants and special features, including the 9/11 Memorial, model airport, wetlands and pine forest. Free; registration requested.

Shewood Island State Park: 232 acres of prime real estate, right here in Westport.

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More environmental news: Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones present a “Lunch & Learn” webinar, “Creating Beautifully Designed Food Forests for Migrating Birds” (May 30, noon to 1 p.m.).

Eva Monheim discusses edible forest gardens — intentionally created, self-sustaining ecosystems that provide food and other resources for humans and wildlife — and proper plant selection.

Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones members can register for free; $10 for non-members.


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Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer.

And — right on cue — today marked the first unfriendly and unethical “saving” of a Compo Beach picnic table.

At 8 a.m.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

A reminder — more gentle than it deserves: Those notices on the top of each table that “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” are not there for decorative purposes only.

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Despite losing 3-0 to St. Joseph in the FCIAC tournament quarterfinals this weekend, the Staples baseball team are champions.

They showed up en masse to support, and buddy with, the Westport Challenger baseball team.

It was a great event for all. Now it’s on to the state tournament. Go Wreckers!

Staples baseball coach Jack McFarland (2nd from left), his team and the Challenger athletes.

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Last week’s Westport Library spring book sale was one of its biggest indoor sales ever.

But it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers, book donors and patrons who participated.

Westport Book Sale Ventures says is grateful “for the scores of dedicated volunteers who commit their time, energy and enthusiasm to processing the tens of thousands of books and other media our community generously donates each year, and to the scores more volunteers who help set up and operate our 4-day sales.”

The organizers add a shoutout to volunteers from M&T Bank, Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary, the Y’s Men, Staples High School’s SLOBs and SLOGs, and the National Charity League.

Proceeds from the book sales support the non-profit’s dual missions: to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with disabilities, while raising funds for the Westport Library.

Since opening the Westport Book Shop on Road, Westport Book Sale Ventures has provided over 10,500 hours of employment and job training for more than a dozen adults with differing abilities, at the store and in their eBay online sales operation. They’ve contributed over $200,000 to the Westport Library too.


Library Book Sale collage.

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Sourcery — a VC deal and startup trend newsletter and podcast — is a must-read-and-listen in the industry.

Founder Molly O’Shea is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She’s always on the lookout for interesting interviews.

No suprise: From time to time, they’re fellow alums.

The most recent is Whop CTO Jack Sharkey. The 2018 SHS grad’s platform connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators.

With a million customers and 3,000 sellers, Whop has facilitated $100 million in transactions.

Molly and Jack gave nice shoutouts at the start and end to Westport, and their alma mater. You can click the Sourcery link here, or click on the video below.

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Saturday’s Roundup noted the compelling presentation by Dmitry Kamensky on Friday. The Ukrainian law professor met a small group at Larry and Mary-Lou Weisman’s house, where he described the dire situation in his war-torn nation.

But Professor Kamensky also talked about the strength and will of his countrymen.

And he must have been bolstered by the show of support from the Westporters, whom he met through his work on constitutional law with Larry Weisman and Ken Bernhard.

Not to mention, the beautiful bouquet — in Ukrainian colors — arranged by Mary-Lou Weisman.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights the first sighting of baby swans on Lee’s Pond this year.

Kevin Gasvoda was there, as Mom and Dad took their 7 new ones out for a swim.

(Photo/Kevin Gasvoda)

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And finally … for all who gave their lives, so that we could be here today: We honor and salute you.

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Board Of Ed: Staples Smartphone Ban Moves Forward; Coach’s Discussion Continues; Padlock Problem Solved

Posted on May 16, 2025 | 7 comments

There will be a bell-to-bell ban on smartphones next year at Staples High School.

There is no determination yet on when it will begin. It may or may not include seniors. It probably won’t involve Yondr bags.

All those elements — and many more — will be worked out, by an “implementation committee” of administrators, staff, students and parents.

They may be ready by opening day next fall. They may take longer.

What’s most important, said superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice at last night’s Board of Education meeting, is to get it right.

He has championed a “deliberative process” since first introducing the idea of a ban, and waited to see how Wilton High’s process (initiated this year) worked.

Board members — including the two non-voting students, Calum Madigan Souleye Kebe — agreed on the broad outlines of a ban.

Robert Harrington, who disagrees with Scarice on many issues, praised the superintendent for changing Harrington’s mind

“I work in technology,” Harrington said, “and it’s counterintuitive to me to take technology away.

“But I’ve been swayed by (Scarice’s) vision for the culture at Staples. I hope we move with speed to implement it. I don’t think it’s right to ban phones for seniors, and Yondr bags seem to treat students like children. But I favor the superintendent’s recommendation.”

Voices were far louder earlier in the evening, during discussion of the Board of Education’s vote on Monday to affirm Scarice’s non-renewal of boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense’s contract.

Board of Education members, and their mediator, at Monday’s appeal hearing. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Members Dorie Hordon and Jill Dillon began by explaining their votes, based on their narrow charge to determine whether the superintendent’s decision had been “arbitrary and capricious.”

Hordon called coaching “a privilege, not a right. I understand many people are disappointed. This was a difficult and painful situation. Anyone can reach out to me. I am happy to explain my decision in more detail.”

Olson said, “We followed the policy with the evidence that was presented to us, and the testimony we heard under oath. It was a hard and painful decision, and not made lightly.”

Harrington stressed the importance of all documents and emails — including those that had not been admitted as evidence — being provided to the board. He reiterated his call for the resignation of athletic director VJ Sarullo.

Several members of the public spoke. Steve Shackelford questioned why Sarullo reported a “physical assault” to the Department of Children and Family Services, while testifying under oath that there had not been one.

He added, “This is not going away. This is not a soccer issue. It’s an issue of how all of our coaches and teachers are treated by the administration.

Joan Gillman asked why 8 witnesses — including herself — had not been allowed to testify. “Decisions were made on incomplete evidence. You took away the coach’s right to defend himself,” she told the board. “What were you afraid of?”

There was one surprise during the public comments. Eoghan Scully, whose High Point Road property abuts Staples’ Jinny Parker Field, complained about the sudden locking of a gate through which many students walk to Staples and Bedford Middle School.

Scarice apologized for not answering earlier. He said that, after conversations with the Westport Public School’s risk management personnel, the gates would be locked during the school day.

They will be open, however, at all other times: before and after school, and on weekends.

Jinny Parker Field will be padlocked only during school hours. (Photo/Dave Briggs)

(If you follow school news — or anything else — on “06880,” please click here to support our work. Thanks for helping us do what we do!)

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