Lisabeth Comm — a beloved and innovative educator who impacted thousands of Westport students, and was also a world traveler and arts aficionado — died Friday in Florida, from complications of Alzheimer’s. She was 76 years old.
The Ohio native loved her role as an educator, in all forms.
She was a highly respected English teacher and department chair at Staples High School. Her leadership and vision changed the lives of countless students and colleagues.
Lis Comm
Over her 44-year career in Westport, Lis inspired generations of students with her passion for literature, and her commitment to expanding their horizons through a wide array of English courses.
She was particularly proud of 2 she designed: Mythology and Bible, and Women in Literature.
She was an early advocate of integrating literature from diverse cultures, including Native American, Asian, Black and Latin American — into the traditional English curriculum.
Lis was also instrumental in introducing feminist literary criticism to the Staples English Department.
Lis Comm and her husband, Math Department chair Frank Corbo, promoted reading for pleasure at Staples. The book they chose was, appropriately, “Romeo & Juliet.”
Her love for education extended beyond the classroom. After retirement Lis volunteered as a docent at the Baker Museum in Naples, Florida, where she shared her passion for art and culture with visitors. Her warmth, knowledge and enthusiasm enriched the lives of many.
Lis is survived by her husband Frank Corbo, former head of the Staples math department, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years. Together, they visited all 7 continents, including a final trip a year ago to Norway.
Lis Comm, on one of her many journeys.
Frank calls Lis “the most incredible, beautiful, brilliant partner anyone could have. I’m an extremely lucky man.”
Lis is also survived by her sisters Julie Kireta and Clare Comm, and brother James Comm.
A celebration of Lis’s life will be held in Westport at a time and place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
It’s a decades-long Staples High School tradition: On the first day of school, half of the 12th grade class wears specially designed shirts, proclaiming their status as “Senior Girls.”
They arrive honking, in cars they decorated the night before, drawing nicknames and “Senior Girls” with their graduation year on the windows.
A decorating party took place last night at Compo Beach. It was quite a way to celebrate the last night before becoming … senior girls.
Karlin Gray is not a soccer player. But like Mia Hamm, she grew up as a shy “military brat,” moving every year or two, and found great friends along the way. Coincidentally, she graduated from the same high school as Mia.
Now Karlin — a Westport resident — has written a graphic novel about the soccer star.
“Mia and Friends” follows a group of young women who made history at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.
Aimed at readers ages 7-10, it will be published today. She celebrated by placing copies in 9 “little free libraries”
I celebrated a little early by sneaking copies into 9 “little free libraries” in Fairfield County, including Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, at Compo Beach.
Speaking of books: Next month’s Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club selection is “Small Things Like These,” by Claire Keegan. The group meets on Thursday, September 26 (6 p.m.).
Called “a deeply affecting story of hope, quiet heroism, and empathy,” the novella is on the New York Times‘ recent list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. It was awarded the George Orwell Prize for political fiction, for outstanding works first published in the UK or Ireland that illuminate major social and political themes.
Registration is requested, as space is limited. Call 203-349-5141, or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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Artnletters.com is a new website featuring hand-painted, detailed, colorful custom name and word prints with scenes of animals, fairies and adventure. T
Its giclée prints are great gifts for new parents, young kids, teachers, medical professionals serving kids and, its creators say, “all who are young at ❤️ART.”
The duo behind the venture are 1976 Stapes High School grads Jackie Rogers and Patricia Elliot.
Rogers has illustrated over 150 children’s books, including the bestseller “Our Great Big Backyard” by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager.
Her childhood friend Elliot has practiced employment law for over 40 years. She gives Jackie’s illustrated alphabet art as gifts, and wanted to help share Jackie’s art more broadly.
Elliot handles logistics, while Rogers paints and create in her whimsical style.
A sample of Jackie Rogers’ art.
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Longtime Westport resident Jayne Mauborgne died peaceful August 8 in St. George, Maine, surrounded by the natural beauty she loved. She had celebrated her 90th birthday the previous month, with friends and family.
The Bronx native was an avid traveler, who explored Africa extensively. She also loved animals, and supported numerous animal organizations.
She founded a sales rep organization which she managed into her 80s, covering New England.
Jayne is survived by her daughters Colette Griffin and Danielle Mauborgne; grandson Peter Griffin; son-in-law Michael Printz, and many close friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Ira Barnett, and cherished friend Vivienne Nemmerson.
A memorial celebration will be held on September 22 (1 to 4 p.m., Rive Bistro). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wildlife in Crisis, 44 Indian Valley Rd. Weston, CT 06883.
Jayne Mauborgne
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I’m not sure if I’ve ever included an alpaca in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Whether or not, here’s the South American mammal — a Wakeman Town Farm favorite:
And finally … here in Westport, it’s the first day of school!
(Another school year begins. As always, “06880” will be here to report on it. And, of course, everything else going on in town. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The first day of a new school year is always exciting, fresh and fun.
The building sparkles. People greet friends they haven’t seen in months. Anticipation is high; anything is possible.
That’s as true for staff members as it is for kids.
Nearly 1,000 teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and Board of Education members filled the Staples High School auditorium yesterday, for the district’s opening convocation.
Director Lauren Pine leads the Staples choir in the national anthem. Some singers have been in the Westport Public Schools since kindergarten.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice gave his fifth welcome. The Staples choir sang the national anthem; cheerleaders cheered the educators. Performance coach Sebastian Little pumped up the crowd.
And everyone honored Westport’s Teacher of the Year: Staples media specialist Jen Cirino.
In his opening remarks, Scarice reminded the audience of his first convocation. Just a few months into the pandemic, he had stood alone in the auditorium, speaking via Zoom to educators about to begin an excruciatingly difficult year.
Out of that tough time has come a renewed emphasis on “humanity,” the superintendent said. The district has redoubled its focus on social and emotional learning, and its recognition of the impact every staff member has on every student.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Scarice emphasized his point by telling the stories of 2 June graduates, who went all the way through the Westport system. One was a multi-talented girl, now at Harvard; the other was the son of a single mother who, despite many challenges, was the kind of young man whom every teacher wanted in class.
Scarice also singled out every employee — including secretaries, nurses, mental health professionals and central office staff — who impact every child.
After an introduction of 49 new staff members, assistant superintendent John Bayers announced the finalists for Teacher of the Year: Michele Anderson (music, Bedford Middle School), Nicole Comerford (health, Staples), Colleen Cooney (music, Saugatuck Elementary), Victoria Davis (special education, Greens Farms Elementary), Joseph Del Gobbo (English, Staples), Kelly Falcone (academic support, Staples), and Joanne Klouda (physics, Staples).
The winner — Cirino — is multi-talented, highly respected, and a hometown girl. A 5th generation Westporter, she went through the entire school system, and won a state championship on the Staples basketball team. Her children now attend Coleytown Elementary School.
Teacher of the Year Jen Cirino. Behind her is Staples assistant principal Jim Farnen; to the right is Board of Education member Kevin Christie.
Cirino makes the high school library an accessible, welcoming, enriching and exciting space for hundreds of students at a time.
The library was her haven as a youngster, Cirino said. Her goal is to make the Staples library “a powerful place for everyone, so they can accomplish all that they want.”
Through her “Friday Fun Days,” she involves students in activities ranging from breast cancer awareness keychains, Juneteenth bracelets and Pride buttons, to mini-golf, Legos and bird feeders.
Her reach extends far beyond its walls though, through her work on environmental and sustainable issues, her advocacy for student rights, and her collaboration with teenagers and teachers throughout the building.
The final speaker, Sebastian Little, has worked with the Westport Public Schools for several years, as well as high level athletes and leading business professionals.
Sebastian Little (All photos/Dan Woog)
A former football player at Yale, he tied the recent Olympics in with the work of educators.
“Own your greatness,” he encouraged the Westport staff.
The convocation was an energetic kickoff to the coming school year.
Now: Let the games begin.
(“06880” regularly covers education in Westport, from pre-K to high school and beyond. If you enjoy our stories, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In just 2 years, Startup Westport has gone from a concept, to a thriving, well-known and high-achieving entity.
Just like the ideas it hopes to spawn.
Startup Westport is the town’s public/private tech and innovation partnership. Its events, programs and online presence, draw entrepreneurs and investors together.
The other day, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin — 2 of the group’s founders — stopped by the Westport Library.
There — on the same stage where several of their presentations have drawn SRO crowds — we chatted about Startup Westport.
What makes Westport a tech and innovation hub? Who makes up that segment of our population, and what exactly are they doing? How is Startup Westport helping, and what’s ahead?
Click below for our wide-ranging discussion. You’ll see why Cliff and Peter — and so many others — are so excited about the future.
(Click here for information about Startup Westport’s next forum on September 24: “Sustainable Success: Start-up and Investor Perspectives on B Corp and Public Benefit Corporations.)
A Westport woman faced a scary situation yesterday morning.
Working out at a fitness center in Southport, a heavy metal bar slammed down on the back of her head as she changed weights.
It felt like a bat smashed into her. She fell to the ground in pain.
But no one stopped to help. Not anyone exercising nearby; not one trainer.
She stumbled downstairs, only to be told at the front desk: “Sorry, the ice machine is broken. And there’s no first aid kit.” They offered her a seat, if she wanted.
One kind woman took a can from the drink cooler, and put it on her head.
The woman who was hurt wondered described the incident on social media, and wondered: Should she let it go, or pursue it with management?
Over 70 people replied. They offered smart suggestions — document everything; consult an attorney; ask for security camera footage; cancel your membership — as well as the most immediate advice: Go to a hospital! Get yourself checked out! You probably have a concussion.
Most impressive: 2 people offered to drive her to the hospital.
She replied that her husband was on top of things. But what a great thing to hear: that 2 complete strangers were willing to drop everything, and help.
That’s the upside of what could have been a very bad outcome.
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Gregg Jacobs reports:
“The boardwalk/bridge over the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond started sagging a few days ago.
“As a result, Mill Pond was drained so the town could inspect the pilings. Several of them have rotted and are completely gone.
“Town employees inspecting it said it will need to be closed in the near future so they can install temporary supports, until the town finds the money to install new pilings and supports.”
Rotted pilings (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)
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Here’s a sight you don’t see every day:
(Photo/Stephen O’Shea)
Stephen O’Shea spotted this dolphin about 50 yards from the Compo Beach Hillspoint Road jetty, around 5:45 p.m. Saturday night.
Did anyone else see this cool-looking visitor?
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Here’s another animal story.
On Saturday, Westport animal control officer Peter Reid received a call from a resident about a mother cat and several kittens trapped in a storm drain at the entrance to a Post Road business.
He called the local cat rescue group to no avail.
Next was Westport Animal Shelter Advocates. Two volunteers found the mother and at least 3 kittens looking up at us from the bottom of the storm drain.
The heavy grate covering the drain prompted WASA to contact Police/Fire dispatch for assistance. Firefighter Eric La Riviere (a cat owner) and Chris Carroll of Engine Company #5 arrived quickly and removed the grate.
But the cats scurried further back into the drain pipe, which empties into a 12-foot well filled with water.
Peter Reid entered the storm drain. He could not see the feline family.
From left: Peter Reid, Eric La Riviere, Chris Carroll.
WASA is not a cat rescue organization. They do not have a variety of cat trap sizes, and this area is not large enough for a standard cat have-a-heart trap. The grate also presents an issue.
They wondered if a temporary cover or coned area could work.
After the grate was replaced, and the Fire Department and Animal Control left, the kittens came out to eat the canned food placed below by WASA.
Yesterday, WASA volunteers returned to the site. Jennifer Petrosinelli helped coordinate Fire Department help lifting and replacing the grates.
Traps were set, but none of the 5 kittens went in. WASA will try again this week, joined by cat-catching professionals from Animals in Distress in Wilton.
The rain is concerning because the kittens are too small to climb out of the drain but too big to be carried out by the mother cat. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)
Cat, underneath grate.
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Tom Chapin comes to Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church on Sunday, September 22 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The singer/songwriter/storyteller headlines a “Family Fun Day.” Also on the bill: a bounce house, ice cream truck and face painting.
And … it’s all free!
Homes with Hope is a co-sponsor of the event.
Tom Chapin
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Whether you’re involved in youth sports as an athlete, coach or parent, or you’re just setting off fireworks (see photo below): clean up after yourselves!
The collage is from Wakeman Field. But it could be any facility in Westport.
(Photos/Richard Fogel)
Trash cans are there for a reason.
And if they’re not nearby, pick up what you brought, and dispose of it at home.
I mean, come on. Respect your town, and everyone else.
This is as basic as it gets.
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Bob Weingarten writes: “On Sunday morning I found that a large tree limb had fallen, and considered how to remove it.
“But a short time later I saw a deer eating its leaves. I hoped that deer would eat it all, but it was too large.”
He calls the photo: “Nature taking care of nature.”
I call it: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … happy 76th birthday to Valerie Simpson.
Our former Cross Highway neighbor was known — with her husband Nick Ashford — as both a stellar songwriter team, and a hit performing duo.
(From dolphins and deer to one of our favorite duos, “06880” covers all of Westport — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
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!
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.
At approximately 1:50 p.m. today (Sunday), Connecticut State Police contacted the Westport Police Department about an accident on the Merritt Parkway, near the Clinton Avenue overpass.
Three people fled from one of the cars involved. The vehicle they fled was stolen from another jurisdiction.
Westport and Norwalk police officers joined state troopers, flooding the area searching for the suspects.
One suspects was quickly apprehended, and turned over to State Police. That person suffered injuries related to the car accident, and was taken to Norwalk Hospital.
Westport’s K-9 and drone units assisted in the search for the other 2 parties, but they were not located.
It is believed that the 2 people still outstanding are no longer in the area. If anyone sees suspicious activity, call the police immediately: 911 or 203-341-6000.
State Police will release information about the suspect arrested, and the charges made.
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