“Young Shoots” may be the most underrated contest name we’ve ever heard.
The annual Westport Farmers’ Market event offers ribbons, prestige — and cash prizes — for images taken there, by young photographers in 3 age groups (5-9 years old, 10-14 and 15-18).
So: They’re young shooters, shooting (among other things) produce with shoots.
Yesterday’s weekly market honored the winners of the 14th annual contest. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are below.
A new prize — the “06880 Honor Award” — was given. Rising 1st grader Ziggy White earned the inaugural honor. “06880” founder and executive editor said his shot — which also won first prize in the 5-9-year-old division — “captured the essence of the Westport Farmers’ Market. It shows its appeal to all ages, along with the wonders, colors and joy” that draw hundreds of people to the Imperial Avenue parking lot every year.
Also cited: Juliana Rosenoer. This is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. One of her photos showed a WFM vendor hefting a pair of cucumbers, like weights.
(Photo/Juliana Roseoer)
Yesterday’s ceremony was overseen by Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall, and contest organizers Anne Burmeister and Miggs Burroughs. Badass Bagels — a regular WFM presence — provided treats.
(“06880” reports regularly on the environment, arts, young people — and, like today, their intersections. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Top Hat Tutors — Staples’ High School highly regarded, student-run, very popular (and cool) tutoring service — is gearing up for a new year.
They’re looking for both new tutors, and families needing them.
Top Hat Tutors are juniors and seniors from around Fairfield County. They provide high-quality, in-home tutoring across a wide range of subjects, including science, math, English, social studies, world language, music and SAT/ACT. Last year, they worked with 150 clients.
All tutors have taken the classes they work with — and passed it with at least a 90.
Top Hat charges $50 per hour for individual students. Group sessions are $25 per hour for each additional student ($75 for 2 students, $100 for 3, etc.).
Derek Yach is a 3-time cancer survivor: melanoma, prostate and, most recently, esophageal. He swims regularly at Compo Beach, in summer and winter.
Mary Money — a breast cancer survivor — is a regular swimmer too. (And a baker, famous for her 6 a.m. Friday muffins.)
With prostate cancer survivor Keith Kirkpatrick (who swims mainly at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach) and fellow Westporter Leila Shields (a regular Compo swimmer, and strong supporter of several community based programs), they’ve formed a tight-knit community.
Next month, they’ll take the plunge in different waters, in a far different way — and for an excellent cause.
On September 10, they’ll swim 28 1/2 miles around Manhattan. That’s right: from Battery Park, up the East River, into the Harlem River, then down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty.
The 8-hour event will raise funds for cancer treatment in underserved Kenyan communities. The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center and other health facilities provide desperately needed chemotherapy ports, to deliver treatments.
“As cancer survivors we know that our diagnosis, treatment and follow-up has been successful due to outstanding care available in Connecticut — mostly at Yale Smilow,” says Derek.
“So much care is often taken for granted. My work takes me with the Catholic Medical Mission Board to Kenya, where a rural cancer center lacks most of the critical diagnostics, treatment and even chemo ports we take for granted.”
The swim is especially timely. given recent deep cuts to global health programs. Click here to contribute.
Derek also urges “06880” readers to “join advocacy efforts to urge greater support for cancer care through government, corporate and nonprofit programs.”
And, he adds, “join us in our early morning swims. It’s the best way to promote your health!”
There’s always something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Tomorrow (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot), winners of the Young Shoots photography contest will be honored at 12:30 p.m.
Photos will be on display throughout the market’s regular hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Michael Veltri’s award-winning Young Shoots photo, 2025.
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The most recent Red Cross blood drive goal was 29 units. They blew past that number, finishing with 44. An impressive 14 donors were there for the first time.
Eight were “Power Red” donations, equating to 16 units. Those are very valuable, often prioritized for trauma, surgical, and cancer patients.
There were 25 Type O donors, especially critical for their universal compatibility.
But the need for blood is constant. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. Most of us will need blood at some in our lives
The next Westport blood drive is Friday, August 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399). .
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments to donate blood or platelets in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT; call 800-733-2767, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
A small mini-plaza opposite Goodwill includes a popular Italian deli (Gaetano’s), 2 Asian restaurants (Shanghai Gourmet and Yama Fuji Sushi), and a nail salon.
Soon, you can buy all your closet and organizing needs there too.
Around Labor Day, Closet Factory will open a flagship showroom there. The owners — Westporters Dan and Melanie Zuller — already own franchises in Westchester and Fairfield County.
The Westport location will replace the current Darien site. It will occupy half of the former Calico Corners space. The design and fabric store moved to 224 Post Road East in 2021.
Westport Swim Club — the great, fun program for young swimmers of all abilities in grades 1-8 (and a feeder program for the Staples High School swim teams) — has added 3 tryout dates: Sunday, August 23 (9:45 a.m.), Saturday, August 29 (10 a.m.) and Sunday, August 30 (9:45 a.m.). All are at the Staples pool.
There are 5 practices a week — but they are not mandatory. An option of 1 weekly practice is available, for 50% of the regular fee. Westport Swim Club offers 4 seasons a year. Click here to register for a tryout.
Speaking of sports: The old(er) guys did it. Congratulations to Team Schur!
They took last night’s Compo League men’s basketball championship was won by Team Schur 59-48, over the younger team of recent Staples graduates.
Both teams prevailed in their semifinal by double digits to advance to the title game. The top 2 seeds were tied 28-28 at the half.
A not-quite-sold out crowd watched the match, held at the Staples fieldhouse due to lighting issues at the beach courts.
Compo Beach men’s basketball champs. From left: Charlie Stoebe, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Jordan schur, Don Snyder, Baptiste Bataille. Team members not pictured: Zach Gut, Kevin Cline, Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Barton, Steve Goldenberg, Connor Whelan.
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A reader writes: I was at Compo Beach on Sunday after the storm — Schlaet’s Point, where Soundview Drive runs into Hillspoint/Compo Road South — when I saw something large at the water’s edge.
“I found a large, heavy sign. It is a memorial for a dog, Ollie. It must have been placed on Cockenoe Island, and floated away in the storm.
“Whoever made it would probably want to know where it is — and maybe bring it back.
“I dragged it to the top of the beach, and planted it next to the benches at the corner of Compo South and Hillspoint. My guess is it’s still there.”
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We all know that love rocks.
But here’s literal proof.
Kim Mathias painted some rocks at her Saugatuck Church’s women’s retreat. She placed them — gently and lovingly — around the base of her mailbox, for anyone strolling by (and looking down) to enjoy.
Longtime Westport resident Mary Condon died peacefully in her sleep on August 13, in Southport.
Born in Cork City, Ireland in 1944, Mary carried deep pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life. At 14 she emigrated to New York, and lived in the Bronx with her family. After marrying she moved to Westport, where she raised her family.
Mary’s passions reflected both her Irish heritage and her deeply held values. She treasured time spent with friends, loved literature and lifelong learning, and generously supported organizations that were meaningful to her, including the ASPCA, NPR, PBS, Planned Parenthood and the American Cancer Society.
Her daily ritual of drinking Barry’s Tea was a lifelong comfort, and a cherished connection to Ireland.
After surviving breast cancer, she gave back by volunteering for many years at Norwalk Hospital.
Mary is survived by her brother, John O’Donnell; her children Christopher and Claire, and her grandchildren, Ryder and Teagan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, on August 28 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.).
Mary Condon
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Wendy Levy sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and adds, “Backyard garden veggies still going, despite various animal tastings.”
But as she prepares to self-publish a book, she knows she must track expenses and sales, calculate net profit, etc.
Online tutorials jump way too fast, she says. So she turned to one of Westport’s most reliable sources for help: teenagers at the Senior Center.
That’s not a misprint.
Every Thursday afternoon all year long, high school students volunteer at the “Tech Hub.” They offer support for devices, software, and anything else computer-, laptop- and phone-related that older residents have trouble with, or questions about.
One view of the Senior Center’s Tech Hub …
The other day, Stacy met Alan Mello. The rising junior at Staples High School was “a natural,” she says.
He asked about her Excel goals. Then — “very patiently” — he walked her through whatever she needed.
“He explained everything as we created a spreadsheet, giving me every opportunity to ask questions, and without making me feel stupid,” Stacy reports.
She left with a great basic template, enough understanding of how to use it — and Alan’s contact info, in case she needed to follow up.
Alan is one of a few dozen volunteers at the Senior Center Tech Hub (not all are there every week). He volunteers because he saw his own 4 grandparents struggling at times with technology.
“I’m super-fortunate that they’re healthy,” he sys. “But they didn’t grow up with this. I’m fortunate that I did. This is a way I can help people like them.”
Alan was not entirely familiar with Excel. But he knew how to learn whatever he needed, and how to explain it to Stacy.
… and another.
That learning process is part of what Alan enjoys about working at the Senior Center. He discovers different devices and systems, and how other people use them.
Some want to interact with technology a lot, Alan says, citing a woman who was eager to learn the difference between AI assistants ChatGPT and Claude.
Others see technology as a burden. “That’s okay,” he says. “I’ve learned to be patient, and how to communicate, so they can feel a little more comfortable.”
Senior Center director Wendy Petty calls the students “friendly, patient and encouraging with everyone they help. The program bridges the generation gap, and for the students, it all seems to come naturally. They give our participants reassurance and confidence, helping with tasks that can feel frustrating or overwhelming.”
Among the issues the high schoolers solve:
Navigating website to make appointments and reservations (very important, as more services are now online-only)
Setting up new cell phones; changing settings, understanding notifications, organizing icons
Transferring and downloading photos
Setting up and and navigating social media like Instagram and Facebook, and connecting with family and friends
Setting up Tile trackers for travel
Troubleshooting email accounts
Answering questions about AI, and exploring how to use it
Registering for Senior Center programs, and using MyActiveCenter.
… and a third.
“If students don’t know the answer to a question, they collaborate to figure it out,” Petty says. “And it’s wonderful to watch these generations working together and learning from each other.”
Someone called Tech Hub “the Senior Center’s ‘Genius Bar.'”
Here’s the genius: It’s a lot closer and easier than an Apple Store or Best Buy.
(The Tech Hub at the Westport Center for Senior Activities is open from 1 to 4 p.m. every Thursday, all year long. During the school year, adult volunteers staff the first hour. For more information, call 203-341-5099.)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Jay Babina is the second youngest guest ever on our “06880” podcast.
He’s also got one of the most intriguing stories. Jay is the founder, curator and driving force behind one of the most unique places in town: the Westport Tech Museum.
Click here or below to learn more about Jay’s passion, and his remarkable creation.
And few Westporters know kids and sports better than Jon Deren and Michael Maurillo.
Deren and his wife Sara are raising 3 children here. He’s coached PAL football, Little League baseball and youth basketball. As owner of Camp Manitou, the developer of other camps and programs (including for underserved youths), he’s impacted tens of thousands of children and families. He and Sara also co-founded Experience Camps, a national non-profit that provides programs to boys and girls who have lost a parent or caregiver.
Maurillo and his wife Jen raised 2 boys here. He’s coached youth lacrosse, basketball and flag football, and served on the PAL Lacrosse board. As co-owner and director of Academy Camps, he offers quality instruction and leadership skills to hundreds of young athletes — many of them from Westport — each year.
Both men know how much our town provides its youngsters.
And how much it lacks.
Jon Deren (left) and Michael Maurillo
With space tight, parents haul their kids to Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford — and beyond — for chances to train, or just play sports indoors with friends.
For several years, Deren and Maurillo have tried to create an indoor facility — a “modern Boys & Girls Club” that is a third space, beyond home and school, where kids can be active and have fun.
Finally, they’ve found their spot.
1431 Post Road East is a non-conforming 1.74-acre parcel, with a restaurant (Bar Lupa), greenhouses and consignment shop. Cars back right onto the road; there are ,multiple entrances and exits.
1431 Post Road East today …
Deren and Maurillo hope to convert the lot into a 2-story space with an all-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football (big enough for training, but not full games), and a fitness area with strength and conditioning coaches.
The facility would not be for high-level athletes only, the planners note. Any boy or girl who wants to play, train and improve would be welcome.
The aim is for “camp-like activities,” camp owners Deren and Maurillo say. It is not a place for tournaments with teams, and there are no outdoor activities.
There would be locker rooms, and a lounge where youngsters could socialize, do homework and meet with tutors.
… and aerial views showing the present site (left), and planned facility (right, with building and drop-off outlined in beige).
Though the primary users would be ages 10 to 18, Deren and Maurillo would welcome adults when school is is session. There could be toddler programs too.
Tonight (Monday, July 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a pre-application for the facility. They’ll provide feedback to the applicants on the plan, including parking, a dedicated lane for drop-off and pickup, and landscaping to buffer residential neighbors. (Click here, then scroll down to 1431 Post Road East, for materials provided with the pre-application.)
That’s not the only pre-application the P&Z will hear tonight.
There’s also a preliminary plan for redevelopment of 34 Imperial Avenue, into 2 residential buildings with 9 units. It’s just north of the Westport Woman’s Club, on the west side of the street.
It was constructed around 1890, as a private home. Since 1970, it’s been an office building, with 6 units. The conversion came when town officials created a transition zone, between downtown retail and residences, with offices for doctors, lawyers and small businesses.
34 Imperial Avenue today …
Its location — close to the Library, Levitt Pavilion and downtown — would appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, and others seeking in-town housing. (Click here, then scroll down to 34 Imperial Avenue, for materials provided with the pr-application.)
… and an artist’s rendering of the 9-unit proposal.
When Hayes Bauer’s family moved into a new Westport home 2 years ago, his parents wanted landscape lighting.
Electricians’ quotes were very expensive. So Hayes and his father Ross decided to do it themselves.
They researched online, watched YouTube videos, then started with their front path. It was so rewarding — and looked so good — that they continued with the front and back yards, then added lighting to a stone wall that encircles their property.
Friends were impressed, and asked for the name of their contractor. When Hayes and his father said they did it themselves, those friends asked them to light their yards too.
Upscape was born. The company — with the tagline “Luxury lighting, without the luxury markup” — is earning raves, with their creative, decorative work.
What makes this story even more impressive is that Hayes is not a homeowner, who enlisted his own father to help.
This fall, Hayes will be a Staples High School sophomore.
Hayes Bauer
Not only does he design and install low-voltage landscape lighting all over town — making a house and yard look completely different once the sun goes down.
He’s also the brains behind Upscape. It’s an actual company — a Connecticut LLC, and a registered state home improvement contractor (#0706288, to be exact).
Upscape is fully insured. A licensed electrician handles transformers, and pulls permits. Hayes works alongside him on every job.
This is absolutely Hayes’ company. It’s a year-round commitment, not a summer gig.
(And he is no slacker. Hayes also plays Staples soccer, is a member of Service League of Boys and the Make Our Schools Safe Club, and is on the board of Staples’ DECA, the national business and marketing organization.)
One of Hayes Bauer’s jobs …
The young entrepreneur takes care of everything, from helping a homeowner create a lighting plan to offering quotes, installation and fine-tuning.
“Good landscape lighting shouldn’t shout,” Hayes says. “It should make your home feel warm, layered, and effortless after dark.”
Along the way, Hayes says, he’s learned how to communicate well, and look the part of a teenage business owner.
… and a second …
Customers are quite complimentary.
A Southport homeowner says, “The tree uplighting they installed, especially on our Japanese maple, looks incredible every night. Hayes was professional, fast, and really cares about the details. Couldn’t recommend Upscale more.”
A Westport resident calls it a “great experience. … He provided feedback on what would look best (and) worked quickly to procure the lights and install them. He checked back to ensure they were positioned correctly and that I was happy. Overall a 5-star white glove experience. I couldn’t ask for anything more and the lights look great.”
… and a third.
“When adults trust a 16-year-old with their home, and then write things like that, it means a lot. It’s satisfying to see people so happy,” Hayes says.
(“06880” often highlights local businesses, and impressive Westport teenagers — and, as today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
It’s one thing to get teenagers to Staples High School by 6 a.m. — in the dead of winter, and during summer vacation.
But a few dozen Westport boys do it. They’re fueled by the goal of becoming varsity football players.
It’s another thing entirely to get their teachers to join them at dawn in July — on one of the hottest days of the year.
But that was the scene Tuesday, at Paul Lane Field.
The first-ever “Staples Teachers & Staples Football” workout was a huge hit.
Each player invited 1 or 2 favorite teachers, Twenty — of all ages, and both genders — accepted the challenge.
The morning began with a speed and agility workout. A lift in the weight room followed. Then it was back to the turf, for relay races. Athletes competed alongside the teachers they’d invited.
Waiting for the race start.
Assistant principal Pat Micinilio impressed everyone with his bench press. English instructor Brendan Giolitto quickly emerged as the leader of his team, rallying his players with excitement.
Pat Micinilio spots Cardale Jones. The starting quarterback on Ohio State’s 2014 national championship team is a member of the Staples football coaching staff.
Social studies teacher Nell Ann Lynch was the star of the football gauntlet. (No surprise: She was an NCAA Division I volleyball player).
Nell Ann Lynch, in action.
Physical education teacher Jeb Boyrer’s team captured the overall title by winning the Tic-Tac-Toe 40-yard relay.
But the highlight may have been PE instructor Jen Telford. She completed the entire workout while carrying her 1-year-old son in a baby carrier, while 2-year-old son Braeden stole the show, enthusiastically joining every activity. (A future Staples Wrecker, perhaps?)
Future Wrecker?
The morning ended with breakfast. Players and teachers talked, laughed, and continued to build relationships outside the classroom.
The special session was the brainchild of head coach Matty Jacowleff.
All winter long, during 6 a.m. lifting sessions, phys. ed. teacher Jeff Doornweerd worked out too. He is not a football coach, but he became part of the group — offering pointers, spotting players and forming friendships.
As Jacowleff — a special education teacher — walked through the Staples halls, he noticed players gravitating toward Doornweerd. Jacowleff sought an opportunity for other teachers and athletes to build similar connections.
Tuesday’s special workout was born.
“It was incredibly meaningful to see so many teachers drive back to school at 6 a.m. during their summer vacation simply to work out alongside our players,” Jacowleff says.
It was also “a powerful reminder of the care, commitment and pride our teachers have in the Staples community.”
But, Jacowleff adds, “I believe it was equally impactful for our teachers. They had the opportunity to experience our players in an environment they truly love, and to witness firsthand the culture, standards, accountability and brotherhood that define Staples football.
Special education teacher Lauren Manosh spots her son.
“It was a special morning that reminded all of us that the Staples community extends far beyond the walls of a classroom or the lines on a football field.
“I hope they walked away with a deeper understanding of why this program means so much to our players. I also hope that they weren’t too upset when they had to do up-downs for jumping offsides.”
Post-workout group photo.
Getting ready for the season. (Photos/Oliver Lynch and Danielle McGrath)
It started with a small, soft souvenir soccer ball.
Ed Wooldridge caught one, at a Staples High School game. The next day, standing outside his office, he tossed it to students heading to and from the cafeteria for lunch.
They tossed it back. It was a conversation starter — and a way to build relationships.
Every Staples adult tries to connect with teenagers. For Wooldridge, that was particularly important.
For the past 8 years, he’s been the school’s resource officer. A member of the Westport Police Department, he — and colleagues working at every district school — are there first and foremost to ensure safety.
Every once in a while that means being first on the scene during incidents like swatting, a possible intruder or a student in danger.
Much more often SROs do the quiet, consistent work of getting to know every member of their school community. Young people learn that police officers are there to help, not hassle. They see “their” SROs as friends, not foes.
And occasionally, they confide in an officer about an important matter, helping avert a potentially difficult situation down the road.
Officer Ed Wooldridge
Wooldridge spent 23 years with the Connecticut State Police, before joining the Westport force in 2017. The next year — when the town funded its first SRO position ever — he applied.
After acceptance, he attended a a 6-day SRO training program that covered mental health, school violence and social media related topics.
Westport’s program has expanded to all 8 schools. This fall, Shane Pucci and Dennis Broderick begin their 4th years at Bedford Middle School, and Coleytown Middle/Elementary, respectively.
Other elementary school SROs include Ned Batlin (Greens Farms), Craig Bergamo (Long Lots), and Mark Grasso (Kings Highway and Saugatuck).
Broderick’s days begin with fist bumps, smiles and small talk. It’s his way of being approachable, and earning trust.
During recess, Pucci says, he might spot a youngster sitting alone. The SRO will start shooting baskets with him. Soon, other students join in.
From left: Dennis Broderick, Ed Wooldridge, Shane Pucci. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Wooldridge’s post outside the cafeteria is familiar to all. He seems to know every student by name. He chats with them easily, about their sports, music and other interests. His door is always open, and students frequently pop in.
Of all his police assignments — including K-9 and narcotics — Wooldridge says, “This is the best.”
As an elementary and middle school resource officer, Broderick handles everything from “tying shoes to answering questions about whether someone’s e-bike is legal.”
During 20 years as a Milford police officer, Broderick says, he was never inside a school. Now he looks forward to every interaction.
And they’re not always inside the halls. Earlier this month, working the front gate at Compo Beach during the fireworks, dozens of youngsters — and their parents — greeted him by name.
And the barrier that’s broken between police and students extends beyond Westport. Pucci laughs as he tells about a BMS student who, on vacation in Florida, approached a random officer and asked if he knew the Bedford SRO.
Bedford principal Adam Rosen understands Pucci’s importance. He calls Pucci “an integral member of our school community. While many understandably view the role of an SRO primarily through the lens of emergency preparedness and school safety, Shane’s greatest impact occurs during the ordinary moments of a typical school day. Those daily interactions and relationships build the trust necessary for a safe, healthy, and supportive school environment.
“Shane is a trusted resource for students, staff, parents and administrators. Students seek him out for advice and reassurance. Staff regularly rely on his insight when navigating student concerns, school operations and conflict resolution. Parents know they can turn to him as a thoughtful partner who approaches every situation with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
“Perhaps most importantly, Shane demonstrates that school safety is built through relationships. Students are far more likely to seek help or share concerns when they have established trusting relationships with the adults around them. Shane has earned that trust through his consistency, kindness, and genuine care for our students and families.
Staples principal Stafford Thomas echoes Rosen’s praise. He says, “Officer Ed has become an indispensable member of the Staples High School community. Students, faculty and staff truly view him as a mentor, colleague and trusted member of our school family. His presence extends far beyond school safety; he has become an integral part of the culture that makes Staples a welcoming, supportive, and secure place to learn.
Like many Westport Police officers, Ed Wooldridge joined a Staples team for the annual “Dodge-a-Cop” dodgeball tournament. (Photo/Lily Williams)
“Over the years, Officer Ed has forged meaningful relationships across the entire building. Approachable and compassionate, he takes the time to know students as individuals, earning their trust and serving as an invaluable resource for those who need guidance or a trusted adult to talk to. At the same time, he works seamlessly with administrators, counselors, teachers and our security team, offering sound judgment, professionalism, and a calm presence that strengthens our collective efforts to support students.
“Beyond his operational role, Officer Ed provides something deeply appreciated: peace of mind. His experience, vigilance, and proactive approach contribute significantly to our positive school climate, allowing students and staff alike to focus on teaching and learning with confidence.”
Police Captain Jill Cabana oversees the SRO program. She says: “At its core, the School Security Officer program is about keeping our schools safe. While these officers are trained and prepared to rapidly respond to emergencies and the unthinkable situations no community ever wants to face, their role extends far beyond security.
Captain Jillian Cabana
“Every day, they build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, creating trust through positive interactions and a visible presence in our schools. Those relationships are invaluable during times of crisis, but they also help foster a culture where students know the Westport Police Department is approachable, supportive, and here to help.
“The SRO program is an investment in both safety and community, strengthening the connection between our schools and the department. Our officers have really woven themselves into the fabric of their schools and have taken ownership of their assignments.
“If you’ve ever seen the amount of fist bumps and high fives these officers get from current and past students at community events like the fireworks, the Yankee Doodle Fair and Halloween parade, you’ll know it’s working.”
Those words are important. But for Westport’s School Resource Officers, the real thanks come not from their peers, but from students.
Signing a yearbook, getting home-made cards or cookies — or just playing catch in the hallway with a squishy soccer ball — those are the moments Westport’s SROs never forget.
And, they hope, that Westport’s students never do either.
Staples Players’ fall 2013 production of “A Chorus Line” was a singular sensation.
David Roth and Kerry Long directed 2 casts. Jim Honeycutt — the former video teacher who filmed and created this highlight reel — notes where each begins. Click here or below to see this remarkable, superbly choreographed production.
Here’s a 2026 update on several cast members:
Michelle Pauker (Diana) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.
Clay Singer (Al) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).
Cara McNiff(Sheila) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.
Sylvie Lexow (Lizzie – Zach’s Assistant) is a senior marketing operations and program manager.
Will Haskell(Mark) served in the Connecticut State Senate from 2019 to 2023. He then attended law school.
Joe Badion (Paul) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
Caroline Didelot (Judy) appeared in “Kinky Boots” at Baldwin Wallace University, “42nd Street” at New London Barn Playhouse, and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for Prime Video.
Julia Mandelbaum (Lois) has performed in a number of shows since leaving Staples.
Caroline Rossi(now McCluskey) (Judy Turner) is working in public relations and marketing. She lives in New York City with her husband.
Artificial intelligence has ushered in a new world. And several Staples students are taking full advantage of it.
They’re using AI to turn innovative ideas into reality … using AI itself. Here are stories of 2 intriguing startups.
Noah Tomasovic is a rising junior. He’s runs track , plays rugby, is a member of Service League of Boys, started a club that monitors water safety, competes nationally with Future Business Leaders of America, and is working this summer at a commercial real estate firm.
Noah is also the founder of Pilotier. The company installs custom AI systems into local Fairfield County businesses. They handle many details a small business owner has no time or talent for, like building a website, organizing and responding to emails, and scheduling. It’s all done through a dashboard he devised.
Some of those tools already exist, of course. But, Noah says, configuring email through, say, Google Cloud can be difficult. His system allows a user to click one button to connect.
Pilotier integrates many functions into one.
One local client, the owner of Alma Mexican Foods, had trouble reaching decision-makers at large outlets like Big Y and Stop & Shop. Noah built a system that personalizes emails, and ensures they reach the right executive.
His agent also reads all emails that come in. It summarizes them, suggests follow-up actions — then handles them.
Pilotier also handles lead follow-ups for every inquiry and quote, so “nothing falls through the cracks”; social media content, drafted in the client’s voice on a pre-determined (yet flexible) schedule, and invoicing.
Every morning, there is a “briefing,” with to-do lists and suggestions.
Noah Tomasovic offers a free AI audit for businesses.
“The whole goal of AI is to automate tasks, and help you scale up,” he notes.
“A lot of businesses don’t know too much about AI — or they’re intimidated by it. They don’t know how to use it, but they’re worried about being surpassed by it.”
Noah charges a set-up fee, and a monthly retainer.
It’s all explained in a comprehensive, clear website. Built by Noah — with, of course, help from AI.
In the financial world, 4 students have spent a year building a tool for wealth management firms.
Right now, they say, advisors spend hours reading Department of Labor filings and data to find companies whose plans are not performing well, then write custom outreach by hand.
The quartet — Mikael Nagy, Ignacy Nieweglowski, Pranav Tamilselvan and Lucas Nilsson, all rising seniors and juniors interested in computer science and finance — make the prospecting process faster. They use AI to scan public data and create full pitches, score plans automatically, and help advisors land more clients.
Their company, Polamin (the name combines their Polish, American and Indian backgrounds), analyzes hundreds of thousands of retirement plan filings to help advisors find underperforming plans, then generates data-backed proposals.
They say all 146,000-plus plan sponsor in the country is profiled and searchable. More than 152,000 plans are scored, 0 to 100, against size, industry and regional benchmarks, using 3 “proprietary layers”: advisory, core and risk.
AI does all the (very) heavy lifting.
The 4 friends talked for a while about starting a company. They considered analyzing crypto, but realized it was complicated and scam-filled.
From left: Mikael Nagy, Pranav Tamilselvan, Ignacy Nieweglowski.
Speaking with a local wealth management analyst, they learned he spent an enormous amount of tedious time prospecting, looking for poorly performing plans, then reaching out to convert clients.
“We didn’t realize how massive the retirement plan industry is,” Ignacy says.
The proposals Polamin creates are tailored to a prospect’s experiences and interests. They use a variety of voices and styles: conservative, modern or data-heavy.
Screenshot from the Polamin website.
They were accepted to present at last month’s Yale Innovation Summit. “There were a lot of adults — really, really smart people,” Mikael reports.
They did not win. But they picked up a ton of tips, and networked well.
Since its March launch, the founders have added new features. It’s being tested by a Westport client now. Other interested users can test it for free, too.
Mikael, Ignacy, Pranav and Lucas are decades away from retirement. They haven’t even been to college, or landed their first full-time jobs.
But thanks to their start-up, retirement may become more affordable for countless older men and women they’ll never meet.
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Senior Center director Wendy Petty calls the students “friendly, patient and encouraging with everyone they help. The program bridges the generation gap, and for the students, it all seems to come naturally. They give our participants reassurance and confidence, helping with tasks that can feel frustrating or overwhelming.”
And the barrier that’s broken between police and students extends beyond Westport. Pucci laughs as he tells about a BMS student who, on vacation in Florida, approached a random officer and asked if he knew the Bedford SRO.
