Category Archives: Unsung Heroes

Unsung Hero #444

Posted on August 19, 2026 | 7 comments

Julie Loparo writes:

One evening last night, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Sara Stockman learned that after many hours, a mastiff was still frantically pacing the large fenced-in yard of a Burnham Hill resident.

We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.

At the house, we saw the kind homeowner trying to coax the mastiff to come near. She immediately responded to Sara, as dogs always do.

The dog came near, but not close enough to slip on a loop lead. We realized that professionals were needed.

We contacted the volunteers at CT Doggone Recovery. They have helped trap several difficult Westport dogs.

Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter had just returned home after an exhausting day searching for 2 dogs around Norwalk. Their shoes were off, and they were making dinner.

But they did not hesitate. They loaded the CT Doggone Recovery truck with supplies, including a big trap.

They arrived, then set up the trap (loaded with chicken and hot dogs) and a camera.

Preparing the trap …

Sara — the human our new friend trusted most — was in charge of the liquid smoke and guiding the dog to the trap. Within a few minutes, she was in. Very tired, thin and tick-covered, she was ready for transport to Westport Animal Control.

… and heading off to heal.

Officers Peter Reid and Joseph Saponare met us at the shelter. We tucked her in for the night.

The next morning WASA volunteers arrived early to check on her, and the other guests. She had her first WASA-funded vet visit that week.

My nominations for 06880’s Heroes of the Week are: WASA volunteer Sara Stockman, CT Doggone Recovery volunteers Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter, and the lovely Westport family – Cindy, Andy and Justin Kaplan — for being so kind and patient, hosting a frightened friend in their back yard and allowing a group of volunteers to crash in at dinner time to secure her safety.

(To donate to CT Doggone Recovery to support their rescue efforts, please  click here. To donate to WASA for vet care needed for our new friend, please click here.)

(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.)

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Unsung Heroes #443

Posted on August 12, 2026 | 3 comments

Stacy Prince had never used Excel.

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
  • Creating flyers
  • Creating and sending videos
  • Signing up for Community Connect and Wheels2U
  • 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.)

 

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Unsung Hero #442

Posted on August 5, 2026 | 4 comments

At 8 a.m. the Sunday before last, Kristin Mott Purcell was already hard at work.

The Soundview Summer Stroll was 2 hours away. In the months before, the Compo Beach resident had already arranged for permits and a police officer; served as a liaison with the Parks & Recreation Department; helped arrange bands and kids’ activities; posted signs, and taken care of dozens of other details that would bring smiles to the faces to a few thousand visitors to her neighborhood.

Now she was setting up tents, marking spots for 20 non-profit organizations, and troubleshooting music and food issues.

In between she found time to water the planters that brighten up (and slow traffic down on) the beach exit road a few yards from her home.

It was all in a morning’s work for the always-smiling, ever-volunteering longtime Compo resident. (Not coincidentally, she represents the area — and all of District 1 — on the Representative Town Meeting.)

Kristin Mott Purcell

The Compo Beach Improvement Association is one of the sponsors of the Soundview Stroll (along with “06880). But in reality, Kristin is the CBIA.

She’s been a stalwart of the 100-year-old organization, keeping it running at a time of diminishing volunteers. She serves as treasurer. She helps organize the end-of-summer party. And then there are those planters …

If a job needs doing, Kristin does it. And if she’s doing it, it’s done the right way. (But always with a smile.)

Kristin Mott Purcell (left), with Deborah Webb and Michelle Cardello, at the festive start of Soundview Drive. They help ensure it always looks good.

Kristin was an early and driving force behind the creation of the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum, adjacent to Earthplace. She helped lead the drive to put holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, when Al DiGuido stepped away after 25 years. She joined other RTM members planting tulips at the Minute Man monument.

Right now, she’s working to get Westport to join the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority.

Kristin Mott Purcell, at an RTM meeting.

All that is in addition to her full-time, “real” job. Kristin founded Amberlake Capital, an outsourced marketing and investor relations partner to emerging and established investment managers.

I’m sure I’m missing a few — probably more than a few — other activities that Kristin is part of.

That’s because she does not go around touting her work. She just does it — quietly, efficiently, effectively.

And always with a smile.

Those Soundview Stroll tents did not put themselves up. Or take themselves down.

It took Kristin Mott Purcell to do it. Which is why she is “06880”‘s Unsung Herof the Week.

And every other one too.

Last Friday, Kristin Mott Purcell’s (center) husband Terry, daughters and friends threw a surprise birthday party for her. The site was (of course) Compo Beach.

(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.)

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Unsung Heroes #441

Posted on July 22, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Westport Garden Club nominates Sajjad Gul, and the team at Interstate and Lakeland Lumber, as this week’s Unsung Heroes of the Week. The club says:

Earlier this month the Westport Garden Club held a juried Flower Show at the Westport Library, part of the America 250 celebration.

Because of a communication breakdown, the setup team picked up the wrong pedestals from the Wilton Garden Club.

Pedestal size is critical in a juried flower show, as designers build their arrangements to fit assigned dimensions. With the designers’ set-up window about to begin, club chair Kelle Ruden contacted Interstate Lumber, and explained the situation. Within 30 minutes, Sajjad Gul and the Interstate team had cut 4 boards to the required dimensions.

We picked up the boards and installed them on top of the existing pedestals in time for the start of the designers’ set-up window.

A pedestal, courtesy of Interstate Lumber …

The team at Interstate Lumber not only responded immediately and cut the boards to the correct dimensions, but they also charged us only for the materials — and not for their labor.

The Westport Garden Club is deeply grateful for their generosity, responsiveness, and willingness to help on such short notice. Their quick action truly saved our Flower Show set-up.

… holding up a design by Westport Garden Club member Andrea Cross.

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Unsung Hero #440

Posted on July 15, 2026 | 7 comments

Not many people have the honor of being stopped — on the street, at the post office, in restaurants — by people who say, “Thank you. You saved my life.”

Dr. Bruny Germain does.

Regularly.

Most Westporters have never met him. But for those who have, he is indeed an Unsung Hero.

Dr. Germain retired last month, after 47 years as a psychiatrist. He worked not in private practice, but at the hospital now known as The Shores Mental Health, part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Decades earlier, it was Hall-Brooke Hospital.

Dr. Germain was beloved by colleagues as well as patients. His impact on all was profound.

Dr. Bruny Germain

The Haiti native came to the US in 1975. After residency at the University of Connecticut, he considered moving to Atlanta or Florida. But he started dating a woman from Wallingford. He interviewed with Hall-Brooke’s Elisabeth Solomon and Rosalie Aberman — and stayed in the Land of Steady Habits for the next 5 decades.

Dr. Germain had many roles, including several stints as medical director. But he always treated patients. Direct care was his passion.

The last time he missed work was 33 years ago. He was not sick, he explains; his daughter was, and his wife was working.)

Much has changed in the psychiatric profession. Under managed care, stays are shorter. There is more outpatient treatment.

Mental illness is less stigmatized today than in years past — though it has not disappeared. Dr. Germain wants patients, and their families, to know that mental health is no less important than physical health.

Dr. Germain — a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association — is not calling this step “retirement.” It’s a “sabbatical,” allowing him to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

The Shores’ chief of psychiatry Dr. Tobias Wasser is filled with admiration.

“He’s been here longer than I’ve been alive,” Dr. Wasser says. “I came in as his ‘boss.’ But he was so gracious.

“His longevity is a testament to his commitment to the most ill individuals, struggling to recover from mental health challenges.

“He’s a gracious colleague. He’s onboarded many generations of psychiatrists.”

Dr. Bruny Germain, with Shores colleagues. They were not born when he began practicing at the facility, then called Hall-Brooke.

“He’s also a wonderful teacher. We partner with Quinnipiac’s medical school, and he’s won Teacher of the Year.”

Dr. Germain’s early training was in the classic Freudian model, Dr. Wasser says. But as the field changed, he adapted well.

“He’s very thoughtful. He explains things clearly. He instills hope,” Dr. Wasser adds.

Dr. Germain is also “gregarious, outgoing and fun-loving.” Both doctors are part of the same tennis group, and Dr. Germain has played into his 70s.

Dr. Wasser has seen a number of Dr. Germain’s patients return later. Some request him again. Others simply come back to thank him.

If they haven’t already done so, in a chance meeting on the street, in the post office or at a restaurant.

Congratulations, Dr. Bruny Germain, on your 47 years serving patients, on your “sabbatical” — and as your well-deserved selection as this week’s “06880” Unsung Hero. (Hat tip: Lisa Wexler)

(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.)

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Unsung Heroes #439

Posted on July 8, 2026 | Leave a comment

Before the fireworks fade too far into memory, let’s light up the sky for all those who made Westport’s best party in town possible. Jonathan Alloy offers thanks to: 

The teens and traffic pros who made arriving and departing Compo so smooth. They nailed it.

The team at The Sandbar who were fast and tasty, especially with their outdoor grill. The days of waiting 40 minutes for a burger are over. Now it’s 40 seconds.

The Sandbar added an outdoor grill for the fireworks.

The residents and guests of Westport who were a delight to celebrate with all across the beach.

Hanging out, with 10,000 friends. 

We’ll add a few more:

The entire Parks & Recreation Department, led by director Erik Barbieri. It was all hands on deck — and we hand it to them, for their hard work, energy, enthusiasm, and all-around smiles. The entire beach staff,, lifeguards, maintenance crew — all were on top of everythng.

A special shout-out to everyone who worked all night. By dawn, there was no sign that just a few hours earlier, 10,000 people packed the place.

Our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service departments. There were officers, motorcycles, firefighters, fire trucks, EMTs, ambulances everywhere. Thankfully, they were not called upon. But seeing them on the scene — along with a SWAT team, mutual aid forces aid more — was both impressive and comforting.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Emergency Medical Services crew. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Every other town department that helped. Public Works was involved, and I’m sure others too. You rock!

And of course the couple who made it happen, with their generous sponsorship: Melissa and Doug Bernstein. They helped Westport PAL raise much-needed funds, for programs and scholarships that impact thousands of kids.

(From right): Doug and Melissa Bernstein, with fellow longtime Westporter Miggs Burroughs. (All photos/Dan Woog unless noted)

You are all Unsung Heroes. And if Jonathan or I have missed anyone (or any group), please click “Comments” below.

(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.)

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Unsung Heroes #438

Posted on July 1, 2026 | 1 comment

Karlin Gray writes:

I would like to nominate the Staples High School library team as Unsung Heroes.

They’re heroes not for any one big act (though they are certainly heroes who stand up to book banning), but for their everyday acts creating a space that inspires learning, connection, and creativity for our kids.

Four years ago my son started as a freshman at Staples, and I signed up to volunteer in the library. If you’ve volunteered there, you know how much the librarians and paraprofessionals do for our kids.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our high school library, here are just a few things that I learned about the staff’s responsibilities, beyond managing the organization and circulation of books:

They are gracious hosts. All smiles, librarians Jenn Cirino and Nicole Moeller, and paraprofessionals Chris Harris and Jen Dayton immediately set the vibe as they greet students and assist them with any requests. There is a quiet section in the back for those who want it. They have designed sections for socializing, study groups and computer use too. There are also rooms for classes, and a large Maker station. The library also hosts special events like author visits, and talks with town officials.

Staples librarians Jenn Cirino (left) and Nicole Moeller. Cirino was the Westport Public Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year.

They are tech-savvy. If students need help connecting to WiFi, charging their laptops, printing out their classwork or troubleshooting a broken computer, the library staff is there. Equipment like cameras, video recorders and a 3D printer are available for use. Fun fact: In Staples Players’ production of “Lord of the Flies,” the big conch shell thrown around on stage was printed in the library!

Paraprofessionals Jen Dayton (left) and Chris Harris.

They have our teachers’ backs. The library staff supports Staples’ educators by providing them with necessary resources for their job. This includes space for special class activities, carts of books for their curriculums, equipment for projects, tech training and more. And because teachers are just like us, I often heard them thanking the staff for recommending their last great read.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, librarians encourage students to thank their instructors.

They are creative curators. The book displays at the library rival those of any bookstore’s. Great thought and creativity go into each one, whether for serious subjects like honoring our veterans or fun event tie-ins like March Madness Book Brackets. All aim to catch students’ attention and direct it to the books. And they even sneak reading into bathrooms, by posting snappy little book blurbs inside the stalls.

The Staples Library celebrates March Madness with a “Tournament of Books” bracket (top), and an eye-catching display (below).

They are crafty. Friday Fun Days are when students can de-stress in the library by playing games or doing arts and crafts. I was skeptical, but it turns out that teens really will use their lunch breaks to create a pop-up birthday card, a “May the 4th Be With You” button, or a bouquet of paper flowers — all with the help of the library’s beloved Cricut machine. I was floored by how much the kids love to make and collect the winter gnomes each year (IYKYK). And, in library lore: Once upon a time, one of the sports teams did not receive part of their uniforms in time for a game. The library staff came to the rescue, creating them in the Maker Space!

Staples principal Stafford Thomas, with gnomes he made in the library.

Now that my son has graduated, my time as a volunteer is over. This fall, new students and parent volunteers will enter Staples Library and experience firsthand why we are so lucky to have Jenn, Nicole, Chris and Jen working in our school system. Until then, I hope these unsung heroes have a relaxing summer break (with plenty of time to get lost in a big pile of great books).

Congressman Jim Himes addresses students in the Staples library.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.) 

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Unsung Hero #437

Posted on June 24, 2026 | 8 comments

Longtime Westport resident (and Westport Weston Family YMCA member) Pat Carey has a favorite Y instructor. She — and others in her class, including Steve and Rosemary Halstead, Jeff and Nancy Oberman, Tomoko Meth, Katherine Ross, Pam Einarsen, Carol Maloney, Jo Shields and Dionne Pia — write: 

What began 3 years ago as a new fitness class at the Y has become something far more meaningful for the seniors who attend it.

Senior Strong was created to help older adults maintain their conditioning, build strength, and improve balance and flexibility.

Its greatest value, however, extends well beyond physical fitness. There isn’t one of us who doesn’t have a replaced (or at least aching or quirky) knee, hip or shoulder.

Senior Strong class. Instructor Judy Samuels is in the front row, wearing blue and holding flowers.

But we overlook our “frailties” because the class has importantly given us a place to gather, laugh, and support one another.

Even as we have faced illnesses, injuries and losses, a deep sense of community has taken root. Friendships have formed.

We care for one another. A simple message when someone is absent — “Missed you today—everything okay?”—reflects the genuine connection this class has created.

The main reason for the program’s success is its leader, Judy Samuels. Her natural warmth, sense of humor and welcoming presence motivates even the most hesitant members, and makes them feel comfortable and included.

Judy Samuels

Through her classic rock music, varied routines and well-paced classes, she has created more than an exercise program. She has cultivated a space where we feel encouraged, capable and connected.

We may be seniors. B thanks to Judy we pump iron, squat, lunge and march — and we are strong!

For all that she brings to us, and the environment she has created for us, we are proud to nominate Judy as an unsung hero.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.)   

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Unsung Hero #436

Posted on June 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Bob Weingarten writes:

During the severe winds of Saturday morning, May 30, I had just started to drive. Within 500 feet I heard a large crash, which stopped my car on Hillandale Road. Looking out y windshield, I saw nothing but green.

A large part of a tree had fallen on my hood, just missing the windshield.

The tree and car …

I got out of the car and called the police. That’s when Skip Fazio stopped his car and came up to me.

He asked how I was, and suggested we try to remove the fallen tree limbs from the car. He said if the town did this, it would take probably hours.

Within 15 minutes, most of the debris was eliminated.

Skip then told me that his daughter-in-law and her baby were in his car. He would drive them home, 5 minutes away.

After 10 minutes, Skip was back. He waited with me until the police came.  Both Skip and the officer thought I could drive the car, since nothing appeared to be underneath the wheels.

,,, and Skip Fazio. (Photos/Bob Weingarten)

Although Skip lived just a few minutes away, and has been there for 20 years, we had never met.

His act of kindness and assistance was amazing, and greatly appreciated.

I consider myself very lucky. The large tree limb fell only on the hood; it missed the windshield and myself.

And Skip Fazio just happened to be driving behind me and offered considerable help in clearing the tree limb from the car, when there was a chance that another part of the same tree could fall.

Thanks, Skip. for being such a very good and helpful neighbor!

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.)   

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Unsung Hero #435

Posted on June 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Stacey Henske is a longtime Westporter, and a Homes with Hope food pantry volunteer. She writes:

Many young people do community service because it is required. Then there are those who truly embrace what it means to help others.

That is Parker Resnick.

In April, the Bedford Middle School 7th grader organized a basketball clinic at Staples High School for 30 boys in 3rd through 5th grade.

Staples assistant coach Chris Pickens, along with varsity basketball players Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan, James Moneyhon, Declan Mayr, Declan Jandora, Ryan Marcus and Arron Schorr came too, to help make the event special for the young attendees.

They got coaching and encouragement. They had a ton of fun. There is something powerful about older athletes taking time to give back to younger kids who look up to them. Parker understood that.

Coach Chris Pickens (center left), with Staples basketball players and young athletes. 

But the clinic was about much more than basketball.

The event raised $3,300 for the Homes With Hope food pantry. It was part of his bar mitzvah project. (The ceremony was last Saturday — congratulations!)

What makes Parker’s story especially inspiring is that he did not simply raise money and move on.

He personally made 4 shopping trips to purchase nonperishable food items. Then he went to the pantry, organized shelves and stocked food.

Parker Resnick, helping at the food pantry.

Community service is not always glamorous. Sometimes it is carrying boxes, organizing cans, and quietly doing work when nobody is watching. Parker understood that helping people means showing up in every part of the process.

In a world where young people often hear negative headlines, Parker reminds all of us how great the next generation can be when they lead with kindness, effort and compassion.

Sports can bring people together. Service can change lives. Parker found a way to do both.

Congratulations to Parker Resnick, this week’s Unsung Hero!

(To donate to the Homes with Hope food pantry via their Amazon Wish List — with items delivered directly to the pantry — click here.)

(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.)

 

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