Category Archives: Teenagers

Roundup: “Screenagers,” Kawa Ni, Beer Garden …

Posted on September 11, 2024 | 2 comments

As our town (and the rest of the nation) debates the impact of smartphones on kids, the Westport Public Schools take a lead role.

In partnership with Westport Together, the district is hosting Dr. Delaney Ruston. A Fulbright Scholar, physician and filmmaker, she created the 2016 documentary “Screenagers.“

The event — “Parenting Screenagers:  Tips for Success” — is set for Monday, September 23 (7 p.m., Bedford Middle School auditorium). Ruston will share tools that help parents manage screen time issues.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “the community is well aware of my convictions about the negative impact that smartphones and social media have had on our children, from elementary through high school.

“I strongly encourage you to make every effort to attend. I will be there, alongside our families and school community.”

Click here to register. 

Dr. Delaney Ruston

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Huge congratulations to Bill Taibe and Massimo Tullio. Their Kawa Ni restaurant has just earned a Michelin star.

Well, not the Bridge Square restaurant. This one goes to Kawa Ni Denver, the Rocky Mountain outpost of his Japanese and pan-Asian restaurant.

But the Colorado Kawa Ni is — as local diners who have been there know — very similar to the original one here.

Félicitations, Bill and Massimo. And おめでとう! (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

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Speaking of food and drink: It’s called a Beer Garden, but Wakeman Town Farm’s Sunday, October 13 event (noon to 4 p.m.) is fun for the whole family.

The day includes live music by Hitch and the Giddy-Up + Rob Morton, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters, and pumpkin crafts.

Among the lunch options: Pizza by Tony Pizza Napolitano, treats from Food Truck Refinery, and ice cream from Saugatuck Sweets and LANDTECH!

Adults enjoy local beers from Greens Farms Spirits, and spirits by 5th State Distillery.

Tickets are $10 for adults; kids go free. Food, beverage and craft purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit Wakeman Town Farm educational programs. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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As everyone some people only astronomers know, this Saturday is International Observe the Moon Night.

The annual worldwide event encourages observation and appreciation of (duh) the Moon.

Thanks to the Westport Astronomical Society, you can do it in their great observatory (182 Bayberry Lane, 8 p.m.).

If skies are clear, they’ll open the dome and use their telescopes to look at features on the waxing gibbous moon.

The WAS says: “The giant satellite has been Earth’s constant companion for an estimated 4.5 billion years, and viewed by every human that’s ever walked the Earth.

“It’s one of the solar system’s most remarkable objects, and quite likely a major reason that life even exists on our planet. The moon is an incredible body that has fascinated and puzzled our ancestors from the very first time we looked up.

“Don’t know your Mare from a Mons? Can’t tell a Sinus from a Vallis? A Crater from an Oceanus? Saturday is the night to find out. We’ll point out the Apollo landing sites as well as craters, the ‘oceans’ of the Moon, and features like the Straight Wall. See you for some lunacy at 8 p.m.”

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Westport chefs are on the menu at Harvesting Hope.

The benefit for Bridgeport Rescue Mission (September 19, 6 p.m., Aitoro Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) — a night of delicious food tasting and philanthropy.

Among the 8 celebrity chefs cooking for guests: Bill Taibe (owner of Don Memo, The Whelk and Kawa Ni), and Matt Storch of Match Burger Lobster.

Extra course: A special presentation by Michel Nischan. The leader in sustainable food practices and 4-time James Beard Award winner is also a founder of the Westport Farmers Market.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Staples High School Class of 1961 graduate Michael Friedman brought his rock ‘n’ roll photos from 1969 to ’73 — of the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin, The Band and so many others — to yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.

Friedman — a producer and manager in the music business from the ’60s through the ’80s — described the long, strange trip his negatives took, from the heyday of rock to their discovery by his wife in 2017.

They’ve now been published in a book called “Exposed: The Lost Negatives and Untold Stories of Michael Friedman.”

Friedman told the Rotarians about many of the performers he represented, including the Stones, Joplin, Band, Tina Turner, Rita Coolidge and his “hero and inspiration,” Kris Kristofferson.

Michael Friedman, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Weston resident Hilary Gibson died Saturday, in Weston. She was 66.

After graduating from WC Mepham High School on Long Island in 1975, she earned a BA from Tufts University in 1979, and an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1982.

Hilary worked in financial services as a chief of staff at Marine Midland, Lehman Brothers, CS First Boston and Credit Suisse Private Banking until 1998, when she retired.

She and her husband moved to Atlanta, and focused attention on their son Ted.

Hilary was an avid long distance bike rider, hiker and sailor. She trekked in the Himalayas, sailed in the Caribbean, and skiing in the East and West.

After living in the Netherlands while her husband was with ING, Hilary and the family returned to Westport in 2004. Among other activities, she was head of education at the Westport Historical Society.

Hilary is survived by her husband Weston; son of New York City; cousins RuthAnn Stafford of Boseman, Montana, and Toby Meshberg, of Fairfield, and brother, Zachary Wechsler of Torrance, California.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Thursday, September 12, 1 p.m., Temple Shalom, Norwalk. Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.

Shiva will be observed at the home of William Gibson in Weston tomorrow after the internment, until 8 p.m. For more information, to join a livestream, or to share a condolence message, click here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Hilary’s memory.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. James Harding, and the entire staff at MSK-Westchester.

Hilary Gibson

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Patti Brill calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — taken near her Saugatuck Shores home — “Breakfast.”

We call it an image that looks almost like a painting.

Bon appétit! 

(Photo/Patti Brill)

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And finally … in honor of both International Observe the Moon Night, and Harvesting Hope (stories above):

(You rely on “06880” to tell you what’s going on in Westport. We rely on our readers’ support to keep doing it. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Obituaries, Restaurants, Teenagers

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We’re Hiring! Youth Commission Matches Students, Employers

Posted on September 1, 2024 | Comments Off on We’re Hiring! Youth Commission Matches Students, Employers

As a new school year begins, people are scrambling to fill jobs.

Parents search for tutors, babysitters and yard work. Stores and restaurants replace employees who returned to college.

Local high school students are ready to fill flexible, part-time jobs.

The Westport Youth Commission can help.

Last year, teen member Jake Shufro led the organization’s collaboration with Quad Jobs. The online platform is free for all Westporters with a high school email address. Filling out a profile helps create viable matches.

Now a Staples High School junior, he is heading the project again.

When an employer posts a job, students who live nearby with an interest in that category are notified.

When a student applies for a job, the employer receives both an email and pop-up message. They communicate with students directly via the app, or through the student’s phone or email.

Over 30 employers hired students last year, for jobs ranging from babysitting to bike shops to lacrosse trainer.

To sign up, students should click here, then follow the instructions.

Household employers pay $10 for a one-time post, $50 a year for unlimited posts. Use the code “Free10” for a free first post, and “gowestport” for 50% off unlimited posts.

Businesses pay $100 a year for unlimited posts. Use the code “westportbiz” for 50% off.

Ten percent of profits are donated to charity.

Employers of all kinds can click here to begin, or click here for more detailed instructions. 

Click here for more information, on the town’s Youth Commission page. 

(If there’s news about Westport’s young people, you’ll read it on “06880.” Please click here to support our ongoing work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Teenagers

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When You Grow Up In Westport …

Posted on August 31, 2024 | 7 comments

Rene Greenlee sent along a great photo, from Compo Beach:

But there’s more to the image than serenity.

There’s a poignant back story.

Rene says the photo shows “2 kids who met at Community Nursery School in 2009. They went to Long Lots Elementary, Bedford Middle and Staples High School together.

“They have remained the bestest of friends through all the highs and lows of growing up. Making new friends, being in new friend groups, playing different sports, making different teams in the same sport, girlfriends … they have been there and done that.

“They navigated it all. And here they are at 6:30 a.m., the morning the first friend left for college.”

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Posted in Beach, Education, Teenagers, Westport life

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Teen Teaches Girls The ABCs Of VC

Posted on August 30, 2024 | 2 comments

78% of girls want to be entrepreneurs.

But less than 2% of venture capital funding goes to female-only founded companies.

Shocked by those statistics, Danya Herman — an aspiring business founder herself — vowed to do something about it.

She created Future Girl Entrepreneurs, a platform for connecting aspiring young creators with experienced female mentors.

Danya Herman

The centerpiece is a contest for females ages 14-20. They submit business ideas. Ten finalists gain access to training focused on accessing capital, including help creating a pitch deck.

Five winners are chosen from that round. They receive mentorship from female VCs and/or entrepreneurs — and earn the chance to pitch to a panel of female VCs via Zoom.

Future Girl Entrepreneurs is an important concept. It’s executed brilliantly.

What’s even more impressive is that Danya Herman is just 16 years old.

Next week, the Westport resident begins her junior year at Greens Farms Academy. She founded the school’s Entrepreneurs Club. As a member of Westport’s Youth Commission, her current project is a student hackathon at GFA on October 5.

But it is through FGE that she is making her mark globally.

At 12, Danya developed a prototype for her own business: an app for teens interested i decorating their rooms.

But she learned how much it would cost to build. So — like any good entrepreneur — she pivoted.

The budding company founder became someone who would teach other potential business owners how to overcome the barriers so many females face.

Her first challenge was finding mentors willing to help. She researched female entrepreneurs, then contacted them via email and LinkedIn. Many were willing to help — and to introduce her to others

Some of the mentors on the Future Girl Entrepreneurs site.

Mentors include Myra Hart, retired Harvard Business School professor and co-founder of Staples, the office supply store; Maura Connor, founder and CEO of Catalytic Solutions, and Maria Gotsch of the Partnership Fund for NYC.

As for Danya’s global impact: That’s not hyperbole.

This summer, she interned with Fen Ventures. The Santiago, Chile-based firm fosters early-stage startups in Latin America.

Danya attended a VC conference in Patagonia.

Actually, she did more than “attend.” She gave a presentation about the US venture capital ecosystem.

In Spanish.

Danya Herman, giving her Patagonia presentation.

It’s daunting enough for a 16-year-old to present to adults. To do so in a second language is even more impressive.

“I’m so interested in this, I didn’t want to shy away,” Danya says.

Spoken like a true entrepreneur.

Of any age. Or gender.

For a story (in Spanish) on Danya’s presentation, click here.

(“06880” often highlights the remarkable achievements of young Westporters. If you enjoy these stories — or any others on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Categories, Local business, Teenagers

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Project Morry: Changing Lives, One Camper At A Time

Posted on August 29, 2024 | 5 comments

Like many Westport kids, Adam Diamond loved summer camp.

His was Echo Lake. His era was the 1980s.

At the Adirondacks camp owned by Morry and Amy Stein, Diamond had fun, made lifelong friends and learned many life lessons.

The Staples High School Class of 1991 soccer player, wrestler and percussionist went on to become an Echo Lake counselor. He stayed an extra week, after the boys and girls went home.

Inspired by Morry, Diamond volunteered for the program, which served 70 youngsters from New York City.

Adam Diamond

“Morry believed that every kid should have a chance at camp, no matter what their economic circumstance,” he says.

Diamond’s Staples classmates had included a few students from Bridgeport.

But that extra week at Echo Lake “punched me in the nose,” he recalls. “I knew something like that had to be part of my life.”

Diamond earned a degree in economics from Harvard University. He worked in strategic planning and theme park development for Disney. He then spent 15 years with Starwood Hotels (and got an MBA from Harvard too).

Eight years ago he and his wife, Dr. Beth Fishbein, moved back to Westport with their 3-year-old twins. He pivoted careers, and bought a Pizza Hut franchise.

Today Diamond owns 200 Pizza Huts, and 15 Taco Bells, throughout the South.

But he has never forgotten Echo Lake, or his experience with its after-camp program.

Morry Stein

In 1994, Morry died in a plane crash. He was on his way home from an American Camping Foundation conference in Indiana.

Morry chaired the organization, which had already raised over $1 million to send children from under-resourced communities to summer camp.

The next year, friends, colleagues and Echo Lake alumni launched Morry’s Camp, in his memory. It fulfills Morry’s dream: giving under-resourced boys and girls a chance for summer camp.

Over nearly 30 years, Morry’s Camp has grown from a rented facility on Long Island, to another rental on the Delaware River. A non-profit group now owns that camp, near Port Jervis, New York.

But that’s only a small part of Project Morry.

Summer camp has grown into a year-round program, focused on academic enrichment and leadership development — and serving each member for a full decade. They come from Bridgeport, Stamford, Port Chester, Elmsford, North Amityville and New York City.

Children begin in 5th grade. They stay with Project Morry through middle school, high school, and their first year of college or work after graduation.

A staff of 20 oversees the 350-plus young people a year. Chief program officer Deb Cederbaum Jones is a Staples graduate.

As middle schoolers, they meet with Project Morry staff members monthly. They work on goal-setting, confidence building, and social and emotional learning.

The staff is in constant contact with parents, teachers and guidance counselors, forming a true support network.

A monthly Project Morry meeting. 

In high school there is a concentration on college and career readiness. There is more of a focus on academics — and on building relationships between all participants. They meet once a month at Rye Country Day School.

And of course they’re all together each summer for several weeks, at camp. In addition to the traditional camp activities, an educational component includes economics, geography, math, science, reading, writing, cooking, digital media and music.

Project Morry offers academic and leadership training.

Project Morry continues after high school graduation. For a year, staff members help the young men and women with a bridge to adulthood, including academic, and social and emotional support.

The program works. 95% of participants graduate from high school on time. 85% enroll in college; 77% of them are the first in their families to do so. The other 15% go to vocational school, work or the military.

Success stories abound. Project Morry alums work on Wall Street, and in healthcare. They teach, found companies, lead non-profits, write plays, create art, win Fulbright Scholarships. One is on Senator Chris Murphy’s staff.

Several are Project Morry staffers themselves. Two serve on its board.

Click here to read profiles of some of these remarkable graduates.

Enjoying camp — one more part of Project Morry.

As Project Morry enters its 4th decade, one goal is to add more participants each year.

Another is to offer even more to them: financial aid, mental health services, support beyond the first year after high school.

Project Morry will continue to invest in its camp facility too.

All that takes money. The operating budget is $3 million.

Like any non-profit, Project Morry continually fundraises. One excellent source is other summer camps. Over 40 run swim-a-thons, carnivals and fun runs each summer, as well as year-round giving days, social media appeals and event sponsorships.

Another is an annual gala. This year’s is set for October 29, at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan. Click here for details.

Adam Diamond, at last year’s Project Morry gala.

Area residents contribute to Project Morry. But Diamond hopes they will do more.

25% of the students come from Bridgeport and Stamford. “If we can get Connecticut giving commensurate to New York, we could be at $4 million,” Diamond — now the president of the Project Morry board — says.

“Westport understands that these kids are in our backyard. The more people here learn about this program, the more they’ll support it.” Click on Project Morry.org to help.

Aiding just a few people — 350 a year — “can feel like a pebble in the ocean,” Diamond knows. “But the ripples go on and on.”

Just like the one that started more than 40 years ago, when Adam Diamond first attended Camp Echo Lake. And first met Morry Stein.

To learn more, click here, or email  adamhdiamond@gmail.com.

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Posted in Children, Education, Teenagers

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Back To School!

Posted on August 26, 2024 | 9 comments

This story ran 2 years ago, as the new school year began. Several readers asked to see it again. It’s just as timely — and timeless — today. Have a great year!

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Forget January 1. Pshaw, Rosh Hashanah. Tomorrow — at least for Westport parents and students — is the real start of the new year.

It’s the first day of school.

Whether you’re a kindergartner heading off on your own, a Staples senior already counting the days to graduation, or a mom or dad feeling pride, trepidation and the warp-speed passage of time — or anyone else, who has ever gone to school — this story is for you. 

Summer vacation ends with a thud tomorrow. Each year it’s the same: One day a kid’s free as a cat; the next he’s trapped, chained to the rhythm of the school calendar for 10 long months.

Greens Farms Elementary School

Some youngsters love this time of year; they’re eager to greet old friends, and meet new ones. Or they can’t wait for the smell of newly waxed floors, the security of assigned seats, the praise they know will be lavished on them day after day.

Others abhor it. The thought of entering a strange building filled with strange faces, or trying to be part of a group of peers who won’t accept them, or sitting for hours at a time, doing work they can’t stand, is excruciating — even physically sickening.

Around this time each year, I think about the entire school experience. I wonder which kindergartner will hate school for the rest of the year because his teacher makes a face the morning he throws up in front of everyone, and which will love school because an aide congratulates her the afternoon she almost puts on her coat all by herself.

Which 1st grader will invent any excuse not to go to gym because he can’t throw a ball, and which will get through the school day only because he knows gym is coming soon?

Saugatuck Elementary School

Which 4th grader will walk meekly into class each morning with just one ambition — to get through the day without anyone noticing how ugly, or stupid, or poorly dressed she is — and which will look back on 4th grade as a turning point in her life because a guidance counselor took the time to talk to her, to show her how to comb her hair better, to make her feel good about herself?

Which 5th grader will have a teacher who does nothing when she catches him cheating on a test — too much effort to raise such a touchy issue — and which will have a teacher who scares him so much when he’s caught that he vows to never cheat in school again?

Which 6th grader will enter middle school intent on making a name for himself as the best fighter in his class, and which with the aim of never getting a grade lower than an A?  Which 6th grader’s ambition will change, and which will remain the same?

Bedford Middle School

Which 9th grader will temper his fledgling interest in current events with the feeling “it’s not cool; no one else in class cares,” and which will visit the New York Times website every day because her class is working on “this really neat project”?

Which 10th grader will hate English because all she does is read stupid books assigned by the stupid teacher from some stupid list, and which will go to Barnes & Noble on his own for the first time because his teacher suggests there are more books by the same author he might enjoy?

Which 12th grader will have the brains to apply to 3 Ivy League schools, but lack the common courtesy to thank a teacher who wrote glowing recommendation to all of them? And which will slip a note in a teacher’s box the morning of graduation that says, “Thanks.  I’m really glad I had you this year”?

Staples High School

It’s easy to wrap our school years in nostalgic gauze, or try to stuff the bad memories down our mental garbage disposals.

We also tend not to think in concrete terms about what goes on inside school walls every day. Learning, we assume, happens. Kids read, write, use laptops, draw, eat and see their friends.

We seldom realize how much of an impact this institution we call “school” has on our kids.

Or how much it has had on us.

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Young Photographers Click With Farmers’ Market

Posted on August 23, 2024 | 4 comments

The Farmers’ Market is one of Westport’s many jewels.

Every Thursday, it pulses with activities. Shoppers from all over town and beyond stock up on produce, herbs, bread, meat, honey, cheese, pet food and more.

They buy pizza and Mexican food for lunch, Thai takeout for dinner. They listen to musicians, learn about non-profits, meet old friends and make new ones.

The Farmers’ Market is a very cool place.

(Photo/Lisa Lewin)

But it is not especially pretty. It’s in a parking lot. The ground is pavement. You don’t go there for the scenery.

Still, there beauty all around. You just have to look for it.

Most adults are too busy to do that.

Leave it to the young.

For 8 years, the Farmers’ Market has sponsored a photography contest.

“Young Shoots” (get it?!) encourages youth to show off their creative eyes — and win cash prizes (along with an art class and a year’s membership at MoCA CT).

The contest is sponsored by the WFM, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.

On Wednesday, in a low-key, fun ceremony at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — another Farmers’ Market partner — winners were announced in 3 categories.

Young Shoots photographers, at Wednesday’s event. (Photo/Lisa Lewin)

“Kids have a unique perspective,” WFM director Lori Cochran says, speaking both in general terms and about the Market specifically.

Because of their size, wonder and openness to new ideas, “they see beauty in unexpected places. They see totally different moods and lights” than adults.

Their framed photos were displayed on tables, for all to see. Every entrant could take home their own.

There were nearly 4 dozen very intriguing photos. And the winners — judged by a panel of local artists — are:

1st place, ages 5-9: Michael Cuffaro, “Mikey Goes Macro — Mushrooms”

2nd place, ages 5-9: Koa DeCastro, “Strawberries”

1st place, ages 10-14: Isabella Mariani, “Golden Fantasia”

2nd place, ages 10-14: Juliet Newshel, “Rainbow Carrots”

1st place, ages 15-18: Quinn Fitts, “Tomatoes and Blueberries”

2nd place, Rachel Pontoriero, “Hidden Gem”

Click here to see all the entries.

Harry Willis received a special award, for taking all his photos with “an actual camera” (not a smartphone).

The judges — led by Miggs Burroughs and Anne Burmeister — include Ann Greenberg, Julie Dzafic and Samantha Yanks.

(“06880” covers Westport organizations, environmental issues, and youth achievements. We really enjoy when they all intersect, like today. Please click here to support our ongoing work. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Old School Music, Kids’ Fun, Mystery Plane …

Posted on August 19, 2024 | 14 comments

When it comes to musical performances, the Westport Library consistently sets the bar (ho ho) high.

Yesterday afternoon, they exceeded even their own stellar standards.

Roger Kaufman’s “Speaking of Music” series focused on the 5 M’s — Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals, Motown and Miami — that influenced so much musical history.

The mesmerized, hand-clapping (and occasionally dancing) crowd was wowed by the vocal talents of Dennis Collins (Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway), backed by Sharon Collins, Billy Genuario, Stephanie Harrison and T’Zelle Wilson.

Also on stage: the Old School All-Stars band (Bob Cooper, Tim DeHuff, Dave Edwards and Tyger MacNeal), and the Saugatuck Horns (Bob Carlson, Fred Scerbo, and former Rolling Stones sideman Crispin Cioe).

Special guest — author, bassist and musicologist Brian Torff — provided important back stories to the 5 historic towns.

We often say our Library rocks. Yesterday, it showed its soul.

The Old School All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Who says kids today can’t make their own fun?

These 2 took advantage of yesterday’s torrential rain. They taped themselves (well, someone else did) into garbage bags, then rolled down the hill at Staples High School’s Loeffler Field.

Looks even better than Fortnite!

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Also making their own fun: Westport’s Wiffle ball team.

Last week, “06880” featured Grant Theisinger. The rising Staples freshman and friends have created a competitive league, which plays on a full field in Grant’s back yard.

It’s a great concept, executed brilliantly by the boys.

This past weekend, they went on a road trip. Three players — Grant, Kyle Marcucio and  Finn Edwards — represented Westport at the Major League Wiffle Ball Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank.

Competing in the 13-15 age division — with 29 teams from 7 states — “High Heat
won both pool play games Saturday against teams from New York City and Pennsylvania, gaining the #6 seed.

They won their first playoff game yesterday in exciting fashion 11-10, but then lost to the eventual tournament champs.

Most importantly, the boys had a blast. They also met Kyle Schultz, the founder of MLW.

Congratulations, guys. You’ll get ’em next year!

From left: Kyle Marcucio, Finn Edwards, Kyle Schultz, Grant Theisinger. (Photo/Marc Theisinger)

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Jeff Laska writes:

“I hope your readers can help solve a mystery.

“I live on Quentin Road down by the beach. I have the good fortune of being able to work from home many days of the week. Often, I work on my laptop on my back deck.

“Ever day since we moved into this house in 2021 (at least from May through October, when the weather cooperates), a small airplane flies over Compo Beach making loop after loop, at least 10-15 times a day. It’s crazy!

“It happens so often, and I’ve gotten to know the sound of the engine so well, that I’m able to tell if it’s a different plane just by the sound, even when off in the distance!

“I’ve tried to figure out where it comes from, whether it’s a tour guide or a flight training school, if it’s from Sikorsky or Danbury, etc., but to no avail!

“Any info? Any knowledge?”

I sure don’t know (though I’d sure like to figure out the deal with the helicopter that often flies over my condo at 10:30 many nights.)

If you can solve Jeff’s Compo Beach small plane mystery, click “Comments” below.

This is not the plane Jeff Laska often hears from his deck. In fact, it’s probably been “Photoshopped” in (or whatever technology was used over 100 years ago). If it was a real plane, at least some of the (very formally dressed) beachgoers would be looking up.

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In its 8 years, the Cello Camp has become an established part of Westport’s musical summer.

Nearly 3 dozen campers — mainly cellists, with a few bass players — spend a week learning new repertoire, and warming up their fingers for the school year ahead. Danielle Merlis and Lucas DeValdivia — Staples graduates, who played together since Long Lots Elementary School — lead the sessions.

The camp culminates in a free concert. The public is invited this Saturday (August 24, 5 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

The program ranges from Bizet, Dvorák and Vivaldi to “The Greatest Showman,” “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and “Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter.”

Happy (cello) campers.

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Thanks to William Weiss for our new header: a wide-angle view of the Saugatuck River, and its west and Levitt Pavilion banks.

For those who don’t receive “06880” with a link to our home page (and for those who do, actually), here it is:

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Last week, the Staples football team did the “Murph” workout.

It was a fundraiser for both the Catch A Lift Fund, and the football program. Retired Army sergeant Jason Smith — who lost both legs, and suffered extensive damage to his right hand, when he stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, then recovered to win 8 medals at the Invictus Games — addressed the players and spectators. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)

Staples football staff, Gridiron Club members, town and police officials and Catch a Lift representatives, with the “Murph” participants. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Every day, our “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights some aspect of nature, somewhere in town.

Usually it’s an animal. Occasionally it’s a flower, bush or tree.

But weather is also part of Westport’s nature. Today’s Compo Beach image is one more example of the power — and surprising beauty — of Mother Nature.

(Photo/Rashmi Vyas)

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And finally … one more salute to Grant Theisinger, and Westport’s Wiffle Ball wonders:

(Weather or not you had a great weekend, “06880” is here to chronicle it. We serve Westport in many ways. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Jonny Costello: Maccabi Champ, On And Off The Field

Posted on August 18, 2024 | 3 comments

The Olympics got worldwide attention this summer.

But another big sporting event drew thousands of athletes too.

The Maccabi Youth games, in London, are called “the Jewish Olympics.” Participants are Jewish athletes from around the world.

Among them: Jonny Costello. The Staples High School rising senior — about to begin his 3rd varsity season for the Wreckers — was among the 18 players representing the US in Under-18 age group competition.

Jonny Costello (#24), as a junior playing for Staples. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)

 He did more than just “represent.” Jonny was the team’s leading scorer, and was chosen as captain for the 3rd place match against Germany. He came through big time with 2 goals and an assist, helping the US win the bronze.

The Americans — with players from across the country — faced teams from the UK, France, Argentina and Germany.

Though they met for the first time at the airport, they meshed quickly and played excellent soccer.

Jonny Costello, at the Maccabi Games.

There’s more to Jonny’s story than soccer, though.

He has stuttered since he was 5. It hindered him socially when he was younger, in New York City.

Before his family moved to Westport just before 4th grade, he worried his new classmates might think he was “weird.”

But he blasted a home run on his first day at Coleytown Elementary School. That was all he needed, to make his mark —  and make friends.

In 2019, as his bar mitzvah loomed — a time when a 13-year-old must speak publicly, and confidently — Jonny did his project about his stutter.

He created a “crash course” video, using quick illustrations to explain concepts. (His vocal cords shut when he speaks. He has no trouble putting thoughts together. They just don’t always come out as quickly as he’d like.)

In the video, he talked about his own life (including a worker at Subway, who asks what’s wrong when he’s trying to order).

He offered strategies for family members, teachers, friends and strangers: Be patient. Don’t finish sentences for someone. Be kind.

The video was shown at his bar mitzvah. The synagogue erupted in cheers.

Jonny’s parents, Sean and Lauren, emailed it to the guests. It was uploaded to YouTube.

Almost immediately, the video went viral.

Speech therapists in Sweden and Portugal asked for translations. A girl watched it 4 times, then asked her teacher to show it to the class. An 18-year-old who had lived his life “in the shadows” said that Jonathan’s video perfectly articulated his life.

It even reached the most famous stutterer in the world: Joe Biden.

Soon, Jonny met the former vice president.

Fast forward to London, where Jonny assumed a leadership role on the Maccabi squad.

The event’s media team was impressed. They made their own video, highlighting Jonny’s accomplishments on and off the pitch.

There’s an old saying: “Actions speak louder than words.”

In Jonny Costello’s case, it should be: “His actions speak as clearly as his words.”

(In 2019, “06880” reported on Jonny’s bar mitzvah video. Click here for that story.”)

(“06880” reports often on the achievements of Westport’s young people. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Grant Theisinger And Friends Wiff For The Win

Posted on August 13, 2024 | 12 comments

The youth-industrial sports complex roars on, sucking up everything in its path.

Do any kids know how to create their own fun these days?

Grant Theisinger does.

Grant Theisinger

In 2 weeks, he’ll be a Staples High School freshman. He’s also a Wiffle ball fanatic. His friends love the game too.

Two summers ago Grant, and Harlan and Hayes Bauer, decided to develop a league, with organized teams.

That was fun. But they wanted more.

Last year, they took it to the next level. Grant saved up money from holidays and birthdays. He bought bases, a pitching mound and home plate turf.

2023 players. 

They followed Major League Wiffleball regulations for length and width of the field.

The boys made foul posts out of PVC pipes. Grant’s mom Kristy painted lines. She and his dad Marc installed a chain link fence in their yard — a major upgrade from the previous plastic fence.

Grant and the Bauers enlisted 5 other captains. Each drafted a team. Captains were responsible for finding subs whenever players had conflicts.

Nagly’s Nuggets. Their name and shirts were inspired by one boy’s grandmother.

Their 3-page document of rules includes being respectful to each other, keeping the grounds clean, and more.

Some teams made jerseys. Some wore eye black. Some brought family members, dressed up as mascots. 

Games are played in blazing sun, chilly temperatures, and during rain. 

Some of the 2024 players.

Over the past 2 seasons, they’ve played more than 200 games. There was a home run derby, All-American game, playoffs and World Series.

Grant kept track of stats. Trophies were awarded at the World Series, in a formal ceremony.

“High Heat” brings the heat. From left: Justin, Grant, Nolan, Dylan.

Parental involvement was minimal. Marc and Kristy welcomed all the boys each game, whether they were there to play or watch.

The yard was filled with 20 to 40 youngsters each time. They ate hot dogs and hamburgers, and snacks sent by players’ parents.

Signage posted around the Cavalry Road neighborhood on game days encouraged spectators to come, grab some food and watch the action.

It’s not a game without burgers and dogs.

It was (almost) like the big leagues. Madison Furniture Barn sponsored the boys, and sent banners to hang on the fence.

Anderson Septic Service provided bats and balls. Owner Brian Anderson played a few innings, and learned pitches from Grant.

Official sign, courtesy of Anderson Septic.

At the end of the season the parents donated two 8-foot benches for the sidelines. from Westport Woodworks.

“Official” benches

But make no mistake: This was the kids’ league.

There was no parent coaching. The boys learned as the league evolved. They made changes when they had to.

Opening day: the national anthem.

Always, they kept their eye on the prize: Having fun.

And of course, winning the World Series.

2024 champs: Cameron, Finn (on phone), Ian, Dean and Grady.

Independence, camaraderie, decision-making, managing their own schedules — and all without any adult telling them what they “should” do: It sounds like Grant Theisinger are already champions.

EXTRA INNINGS: This weekend, Grant takes his love for the game to another level. He’ll represent Westport at the MLW Long Island Wiffs Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank. Best of luck in the 13-15 age division to Grant, Finn, Dean and Kyle!

FUN FACT: According to Wikipedia, the ball most commonly used in Wiffle ball was invented by David Mullany at his home in Fairfield in 1953, when he designed one that curved easily for his 12-year-old son. The game was named when his son and friends called a strikeout as a “whiff.”

(“06880” celebrates Westport’s youth whenever we can. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

2023 champs (from left):  Brody, Mateo, Henry, Patrick, Gabe, Kyle. (All photos/Kristy Theisinger)

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