Roundup: Air Quality, Graduation Signs, Leonard Everett Fisher …

Posted on June 21, 2024 | 17 comments

Lynn Flint wrote yesterday: “The ground ozone count for today in Westport is 122 (way high).

“Anything above 70 is considered USG (unhealthy for sensitive groups). Normal is around 10.

“The same high count is forecast for Friday.

“This condition is invisible, not like forest fire smoke. I’ve noticed it the last few days whenever I was outside my eyes started to burn, my vision became blurry, and I started to cough vigorously.”

Be careful out there!

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A reader writes: “Students graduating during the COVID lockdown in 2020 were denied graduation ceremonies, and the accompanying fanfare and celebrations.

“To create alternative markers of these students’ accomplishments, schools produced and distributed lawn signs for each graduate’s family to display.

“Now, 4 years later, I see lawn signs for Staples, Bedford, even Goddard School graduates. Why?

“Can we please stop, for the sake of our landfills? Graduates are able once again to celebrate and be celebrated.

“So let’s end the practice of producing plastic signs that do not get recycled. biodegrade or do anything useful.”

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for this coming Monday (June 24, 3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Only 2 athletic facilities in Westport — Paul Lane Field at Staples High School, and PJ Roman Field behind Saugatuck Elementary — have lights.

That may change.

Now that a 10-year agreement with Staples neighbors has expired — and with more demands on fields than ever, due to the growth of sports like rugby and girls lacrosse — discussions are beginning about lighting more places.

The Planning & Zoning Commission Recreation Subcommittee meets next Thursday (June 27, noon, Zoom; click here for the town website livestream).

The agenda includes:

  • Review of participant feedback on athletic field lighting for properties (seen here).
  • Discussion of temporary vs. permanent lighting, and times of the day.
  • Discussion of the next steps in implementing athletic field lighting.

Paul Lane Field (lower right) is Staples’ only lighted athletic facility. the baseball diamond, and adjacent Albie Loeffler Field and Jinny Park Field are not. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Book the date!

Tickets for Billie Jean King’s appearance at the 25th annual “Booked for the Evening” — the Westport Library’s signature fundraiser  (September 12) — go on sale Monday, July 15, at 10 am.

“Bookmark” this page to order yours.

Billie Jean King

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What’s “low income” in Fairfield County?

A household income of $100,000 for a family of 4.

A study by MarketWatch Guides examined date from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In much of the rest of the country, low income is closer to $50,000 or less, says Claudia Phillips of MarketWatch.

Click here for the full story, in CT Mirror.

Not a lot of money.

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Summer arrived yesterday.

And so — right on cue — did the Good Humor woman.

There are other ice cream trucks around. But for generations of Westporters, this is the only one that counts.

Bonus points if you remember Ray.

(Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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Westport Garden Club members were out in force recently, at Grace Salmon Park.

They’ve been planting, trimming, weeding and overseeing the gardens and new sundial.

It takes a village. The Westport Garden Club makes sure ours always looks gorgeous.


Westport Garden Club members (from left): Joanne Heller, Kelly Frey Pollard, Nathalie Fonteyne, Orna Stern and Joellen Bradford.

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The “dog days” of summer are in August.

But tomorrow o(Saturday, June 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Jesup Green), the Westport Book Shop is hosting “Doggy Days of Summer.”

There’s a reading by Denis O’Neill, dog-themed art, games, and a chance to meet Woofgang & Co.

Excited for the “Doggy Days of Summer.” (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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Speaking of summer: It was the solstice — and a full moon last night.

Dalma Heyn captured the scene, at Old Mill Beach:

(Photo/Dalma Heyn)

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Congratulations to Katie Augustyn. The longtime Westporter is the Sunrise Rotary Club’s new president for 2024-25. She was inducted Wednesday.

Katie Augustyn (center), at her Sunrise Rotary presidency induction. Looking on are the 2023-24 president Liz Wong, and Robert Friend, Rotary district governor.

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Brendan Toller has a new job too.

The former marketing manager of the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — who is also a film director and musician — has been named director of operations and new initiatives at WPKN, Bridgeport’s free-form, listener-supported FM radio station.

At Verso Studios, Toller helped develop the mission, partnerships, and programming and marketing efforts.

Brendan Toller (Photo/Michael Civitello)

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Jianmei “Jamie” Zheng died June 14 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, with her family by her side, after a battle with lymphoma. She was 61.

She was born in China. After she and Ping Zhou married in 1986, Jamie earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

They and their 2 children eventually settled in Westport, where they lived for the past 18 years.

Jamie was a lifelong enthusiast of music and the arts. As a girls she performed traditional Chinese dance onstage, and later developed a love for classical music and opera. She followed that passion through world travel. Locally, she enjoyed MoCA CT, the Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Community Theatre, the Music Theatre of Connecticut and Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

Jamie practiced yoga, and was a founding member of a book club. She also found great happiness at Sherwood Island State Park, and relished in her daughter’s accomplishments.

In addition to her beloved husband Ping of 38 years, Jamie is survived by her daughters Connie (Scott) and Katie, and brothers Jianquan and Jianbin.

A memorial service is set for June 29 (11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport). 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jamie’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jamie Zheng

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While Westporters sweltered, these swans enjoyed cool Lees Pond.

Amy Swanson spotted them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Swanson)

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And finally … On this date in 1978, the original production of “Evita,” based on the life of Eva Perón, opened in London.

(Don’t cry for “06880.” But please: Help support us, with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Saugatuck Church, Westport Museum Honor Juneteenth

Posted on June 21, 2024 | 6 comments

During the Civil War, over 80% of eligible Black men in Connecticut enlisted in 2 “Colored” infantry units.

On Wednesday — Juneteenth, honoring the final end of slavery in the US, when emancipation finally came for 250,000 people in Texas — the Saugatuck Congregational Church and Westport Museum for History & Culture honored those Black Connecticut soldiers.

There was a Westport connection. Their commander, Lt. Louis McDonough, is buried at the church’s Evergreen Cemetery.

McDonough and his men in the 29th Regiment were part of efforts to enforce the freedom of enslaved people in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. That event led to the enactment of the national holiday, nearly 160 years later.

The men from Westport who were part of the 29th were Samuel Benson, Thomas Benson, James Burns, John Frye, Thomas Gregory, Frank Jackson, Joseph H. Jackson, William H. Jackson, William H. Johnson (1st), William H. Johnson (2nd), John Thompson, Charles C. Williams and Charles Yan Tross.

All were privates, except Lt. McDonough and musician Frank Jackson.

The Evergreen Cemetery memorial was unveiled by local veteran Sgt. First Class Buyile Rani, Connecticut Army National Guard (Retired). His participation was organized by Westport’s VFW Post 399/American Legion Post 63.

 

A young boy (front) added a light touch to Wednesday’s ceremony honoring Westport’s Black Civil War soldiers, at Evergreen Cemetery. From left: Sgt. 1st Class Buyile Rani; Saugatuck Church pastor Kari Nicewander;  Dr. Vera Rhimes, Saugatuck Church council member; Westport Museum director Ramin Ganeshram; VFW quartermaster Lt. Cmdr. Phil Delgado. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

left-to-right IDs – SGT 1st Class Buyile Rani CT Army National Guard (Retired), Saugatuck Congregational Church Pastor Kari Nicewander, Vera P. Rhimes, Westport Museum Executive Director Ramin Ganeshram, LCDR Phil Delgado U.S. Navy (Retired)

VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado, Lt. Commander, US Navy (Retired) said, “The veteran community is honored to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices of the 29th Infantry on Juneteenth. Dedicating a plaque serves as a reminder of the progress made in pursuit of justice and equality for all.”

Saugatuck Church Pastor Kari Nicewander offered a prayer. Saugatuck Church was a meeting place when the town of Westport was incorporated in 1835. The church is partnering with the Westport Museum to shine a light on local history, like Westport’s connection to Juneteenth.

The Museum also sponsored Black history walking tours, and screened the film “The 29th Connecticut Regiment and the Fight for Freedom.” Click below to see the video.

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Pics Of The Day #2620

Posted on June 20, 2024 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2620

Daytime clouds over Schlaet’s Point … (Photo/Karen Como)

… and evening, from Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2620

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Roundup: Duck Race, Trout Brook, Cut Trees …

Posted on June 20, 2024 | 7 comments

The Great Duck Race is almost here.

The Westport Sunshine Rotary Club’s annual day of family fun begins at Jesup Green at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29.

The Family Fun Fair includes activities like Nerdy Derby, pin making, face painting, bubble machines, duck pond giveaway and more (plus food trucks!).

The duck race event starts at 1 p.m. Thousands of plastic ducks are dropped from a giant front loader, down a 160-foot long sluice course on Jesup Green.

Each duck has a number, matching a $20 raffle ticket. The first 10 ducks across the finish line win money for their ticket holders. First place gets $5,000, second place $1,000, while the next 8 earn $500 awards.

All the fun is for a great cause. Sunrise Rotary donates the proceeds to local and international charities.

Tickets can be purchased online at westportsunriserotary.org, or from any Westport Sunrise Rotarian at any time — uncluding the morning of the event.

A few of the thousands of racing ducks. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Paul Newman’s family was front and center last week, when Aspetuck Land Trust celebrated the 25th acquisition of Trout Brook Valley, at the Pequot Library.

Purchasing the 730 acre preserve in Easton for $11.3 million — and saving it in perpetuity — was an enormous effort, involving hundreds of people.

But, ALT says, during the long saga “there was no moment more pivotal than when 3 (Newman) daughters, Lissy, Clea, and Nell, discovered that the beautiful property they knew so well was going to become a luxury home development with an 18-hole golf course.”

Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward jumped into action. They donated $500,000 towards the purchase, then starred in a benefit performance of “Love Letters” at the Westport Country Playhouse, raising another $175,000.

“There is no doubt that when the Newmans showed that they cared, people followed,” the Land Trust said.

Lissy Newman accepted the award, on behalf of her family.

Lissy Newman, at the Aspetuck Land Trust event.

The ALT event also included the Native Landscape of the Year Award, to Ann and Charles Stebbins.

Among many other activities, the longtime native landscapers have dedicated themselves to a 36-acre site in Westport.

“It took years to eradicate all of the invasives and plant natives,” Aspetuck Land Trust says, “but this property is now the beautiful CT Audubon’s Smith Richardson Preserve, open to the public attracting and supporting a wide array of wildlife. Their dedication is an inspiration to home and landowners everywhere who want to build back the ecosystem upon which all species rely.”

Charles and Ann Stebbins

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Speaking of the environment: The foliage on Riverside Avenue is a little less dense today.

At least 3 large trees were taken down at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. Here’s the new view:

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Renovations have begun on 2 Homes with Hope facilities.

Both the Gillespie Center/Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters downtown, and Project Return/Susie’s Place for young women on Compo Road North will undergo significant alterations and upgrades.

Gillespie Center.

They will open in January.

Project Return.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between June 12 and 19.

A 59-year-old Stamford man was charged with driving under the influence, failure to drive right and illegal possession of a controlled substance, following a report of a hit-and-run accident at 1:30 a.m. on June 14 at 515 Post Road East.

The driver stopped on Compo Road North, when his vehicle became disabled. He was unable to provide police with any information on how the crash occurred.

A 44-year-old Westport man was arrested for assault and strangulation, folliwng a domestic violence incident at 6:45 a.m. on June 15.

A 64-year-old Stamford man was arrested for failure appear, after a motor vehicle stop revealed he had an active re-arrest warrant.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission signals: 4
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1

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Anne Leskow was one of 3 winners in our recent “Cool Cohl Katz Contest.”

She correctly identified the former Westporter who started their career as a stockbroker, before moving on to fame in other areas: Martha Stewart. Her name was pulled randomly, out of all 47 correct answers.

Yesterday she got her prize: a haircut and makeup application, from Cohl.

Lookin’ good!

 

Anne Leskow, before (left) and after her session with Cohl Katz.

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Former Westporters Peter Garcia and Gloria Garcia died this year in Broomfield, Colorado, within months of each other.

Peter, 80, passed away peacefully on January 18, from complications of pneumonia.

Born in San Francisco, he grew up in the US, Vietnam, Cambodia, Peru and other countries.

His loving wife of 45 years, Gloria, also died peacefully on May 29, following a head injury and a long struggle with dementia.

She was born in the Canary Islands. She lived in Spain, Panama, Germany, Venezuela, Guatemala and the US (mostly in Westport, as well as Atlanta and Colorado).

Before meeting Peter, Gloria was married to Bernd Planton. He died in 1977, leaving children Klaus and Christian.

Peter and Gloria are survived by their four children (all graduates of Staples High School) and 7 grandchildren: Klaus, son Sebastian and daughter Marissa; Christian (Marit) and daughter Isabella; Jen Garcia Allen (Jefferson Allen) and daughters Flynn and Liv, and David (Ashley), daughter Arianna and son Jaxon.

Peter was a graduate of Oakland University. He spent his entire career with Xerox, retiring as a marketing and customer service executive.

Peter loved politics, travel, bridge, and reading the New York Times cover to cover.

Gloria attended college in Panama City. She worked for Procter & Gamble and Xerox in South America, before devoting her life to caring for her family.

Gloria enjoyed reading, the arts, painting, bridge, tennis and gardening.

Peter and Gloria lived in Westport for over 35 years. Both participated in New Neighbors and Graduates. Peter was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Gloria was a member of both the Spanish Group and International Group of Westport.

Donations in the couple’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s of America and Tobacco Free Kids. Their interment will be private, on July 5 in Willowbrook Cemetery.

Gloria and Peter Garcia

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Lou Weinberg describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image: “This baby chickadee is waiting for mom and dad to bring back more food before it fledges.

“They bring an estimated 6,000 to 9,000 baby caterpillars to raise a successful brood.

“The Long Lots Preserve, with its green open space and hundreds of newly planted trees, shrubs and wildflowers provides the habitat to produce this much-needed starter food.”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Willie Mays — “the spirited center fielder whose brilliance at the plate, in the field and on the basepaths for the Giants led many to call him the greatest all-around player in baseball history,” and the oldest living Baseball Hall of Fame member, died on Tuesday in Palo Alto. He was 93.

Click here for a full obituary on the legendary, beloved athlete and pioneer.

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, history and more. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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“Teens & Tweens”: Carry Me Comfort Promotes Community

Posted on June 20, 2024 | 7 comments

“Teens & Tweens” provides an “06880” voice for Westport youth. Today, rising juniors Taylor Serotta and Emma Asiel write about a Staples High School club that works with children in foster care.

During the pandemic, my sister Blake and I (Taylor) were participating in a Zoom benefit for a California-based charity when we learned something heartbreaking: Many children in foster care carry their belongings in garbage bags while transitioning between homes.

This was a stark reminder of how different our lives were, inspiring us to make a meaningful impact. 

Despite our search, we were unable to find an organization that specifically donated duffle bags to foster children in the area, leading us to start Carry Me Comfort in 2021. 

We began by reaching out to 2 foster care agencies in New York City, The Foundling and JCCA, and formed partnerships with them. We coordinated with these agencies to identify specific needs of the children.

We then gathered donations of duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals — items that would provide a sense of dignity, security and comfort. 

Taylor Serotta and her mom Erica drop off more than 50 bags, at The Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk. 

At first we were unsure of the impact we would be able to make, but we soon realized that our small gestures meant the world to both the children and the administrators at the foster care agencies. Seeing the joy and relief on their faces when we walked in with loads of boxes was incredibly moving. 

Moments like this reaffirmed why Taylor and Blake started Carry Me Comfort. It wasn’t just about the tangible items; it was about offering a sense of love and support in times when these children needed it the most.

To expand involvement in our organization to a larger community, we started the Carry Me Comfort Club at Staples High School. Despite the many clubs Staples offers, there weren’t any dedicated to foster care. We knew that our small family of 4 could only make so much of an impact as we searched for new fundraising ideas, shaping the desire to collaborate with our peers. 

As we introduced the club and our email list grew, we found that this issue resonated with many students who were passionate about working with us.

Carry Me Comfort members discuss fundraising ideas.

During our first club meeting, we presented stories and images showcasing our progress so far. We observed looks of empathy and determination on the students’ faces as they shared ideas for new fundraising events. Witnessing this immediate enthusiasm and commitment, we became certain that together, we could make a much larger impact. 

From there, we created various leadership positions to encourage engagement. Providing this incentive, along with our monthly meetings, made joining the club both doable and rewarding.

Although it is often difficult to maintain involvement in clubs and organize meetings during sports seasons, we adapted and persevered. We offered simple ways for members to suggest ideas, and put those plans into action.

Making holiday cards to send with duffle bags, blankets and stuffed animals.

Through individual donations as well as a raffle fundraiser, we have raised $3,000 this year so far, bringing our total to over $15,000. We also partnered with the Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk to provide duffle bags, expanding our organization to support local agencies. 

The impact of Carry Me Comfort has been empowering, both for the children we serve and for us personally. Witnessing the difference our efforts have made in their lives – from providing a more comfortable night’s rest to enabling them to travel with ease – has been deeply rewarding, instilling a sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

While it is difficult to imagine the everyday struggles of children in foster care, being able to assist them in seemingly minor ways has helped us to understand what profound impact small acts of service — providing blankets, stuffed animals, a place to store their belongings —  can have. 

We’re filled with a sense of hope and determination to continue growing Carry Me Comfort’s impact. Even in the face of challenges, our actions matter. We are ready to make a difference – one duffle bag, one blanket and one act of kindness at a time.

(Click here for the Carry Me Comfort website. To learn more about donations or getting involved, email info@carrymecomfort.org.)

(“Teens & Tweens” is an open forum for Westport students. You can write about anything: good or bad, happy or sad, your passions and dreams, your thoughts about your life and community. You can use your name, or be anonymous. You can also submit artwork, videos or other media. If interested, email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

Screenshot

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Pics Of The Day #2619

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 1 comment

Scenes from Saugatuck Shores: Canal Road …

… off of Cross Way …

… and looking toward Longshore from Bluff Point, near Cedar Point Yacht Club (Photos/Pam Docters)

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Unsung Hero #339

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 10 comments

Caroline Sherman is a Renaissance woman.

As a member of Staples High School’s Class of 1983 — where she starred on the swimming, basketball and softball teams, played in the orchestra and sang in the choir — the native Westporter spent her senior spring interning for Congressman Sam Gejdenson in Washington.

At Colgate University she swam, played rugby and ice hockey, and served as editor of the student newspaper. 

Caroline Sherman

While getting her MBA at Northwestern’s Kellogg School, she started a singing group (and invented a game called “Zoomball”).

She’s an avid collector of friends, and a builder of, what she likes to call “captured communities.”

So her latest accomplishment may not surprise you. Caroline has written and produced “Empire the Musical.”

Opening off-Broadway on July 11 (previews start July 1), it celebrates the construction of the Empire State Building from different perspectives, including the Mohawk “skywalkers.” Click here for more information.

Before this theatrical foray, Caroline had careers in mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs, and product management at Richardson-Vicks and Procter & Gamble.

She assisted a Sports Illustrated photographer at the 1984 Olympics, taught skiing at Steamboat, and wrote for a sitcom in Los Angeles (while simultaneously earning her helicopter pilot’s license.

Caroline has biked across the US with her 2 brothers, ridden the 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge to raise money for cancer more than 10 times, is a certified Scuba Diver, and has written and produced 3 short films featured in festivals.

Caroline Sherman (left) after a 2,000-mile bike ride, with friend and “Empire” co-producer Lynne Walder.


Her partner in the “Empire” project is Bob Hull. They have written lyrics and music together for over 25 years. 

Caroline credits her Westport education — including teachers like Pat Beasley at Bedford Elementary School, and George Weigle, John Hanulik and Gerry Kuroghlian at Staples — as well as professors at Colgate and Kellogg, and (especially) her parents Ruth and Larry Sherman, for nurturing her wide-ranging interests and unstoppable drive.

Caroline Sherman (standing, rear) at a recent Westport Country Playhouse reading with her writing partner Bob Hull, sister Suzanne Sherman Propp, longtime friend Camille Addario and mother Ruth Sherman.

Her sister, the also spectacularly talented and accomplished Suzanne Sherman Propp, told “06880” about Caroline’s many careers, and latest venture.

“Hers is an inspiring story about a person who knows we’re only on this earth for a short time, and it’s our responsibility to squeeze every bit of juice out of this potentially fruitful life,” Suzanne says.

Hear, hear! Congratulations to Caroline Sherman, our “06880” Unsung Hero of the Week.

(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: OKA, Young Shoots, Safe Guns …

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 9 comments

For decades, Klein’s Department Store was a fixture at 44 Main Street.

Banana Republic lasted a couple of decades.

OKA didn’t even make their 2nd anniversary.

The British furniture and home accessories retailer moved in right before Christmas in 2022. It was their 3rd US store. And, they proudly proclaimed, “our flagship.”

Now they’re gone.

“Greenoaks42” posted on Reddit yesterday:

They charged me of +$700USD months ago for a lamp they never sent. Now they filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy.

Their website is gone. Phones disconnected. But they have the audacity to continue posting on social media.

They told me to wait for their bankruptcy rep to contact me about a refund “in due course.” Good riddance to unethical companies. I’m glad they’re gone from Westport.

Their website is non-functioning too.

“06880” could not contact anyone at OKA for information. Instead, we’ll offer this look back at their opening in Westport, less than 2 short years ago:

(Hat tip: Jonathan Alloy)

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Calling all student photographers!

The Westport Farmers’ Market’s Young Shoots Photography Contest, for students ages 5 to 18, begins Thursday.

The 8th annual event runs through August 3. Children and teenagers can demonstrate their love for local food — and their creative photo talents — to win cash prizes in 3 age categories, plus a chance to attend an art class at MoCA CT.

All photos must be taken at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s an amazing place, filled with food, plants, food trucks, entertainers, the farmers themselves, shoppers — everything a young photographer could hope to shoot.

Local artists will judge. Age groups are 5-9, 10-14 and 15-18. An exhibit at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center will showcase the winners.

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

Click here for rules, registration and more information.

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Calling all runners!

Fleet Feet will once again sponsor the Westport Summer Series Races.

The weekly events — now in their 62nd year — are held Saturday mornings, at various locations. The first race (June 29) is 2.3 miles. They get longer each week. The final is 10 miles, on Labor Day weekend.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Speaking of sports: Steve Haberstroh teed off at 5 a.m. yesterday, at Great River Golf Club in Milford.

The former member of Staples’ 1997 state champion golf team played 100 holes — an astonishing 5 1/2 rounds — to raise awareness and funds for ALS research.

He was honoring his mother, Patty Haberstroh, Westport’s beloved Human Services Department social worker who died of the disease last year.

Dan Orlovsky — a Westport resident, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback — played a few holes too. Today he’s in the Travelers ProAm. Not too shabby!

The ALS event included a reception, and live and silent auctions.

 Patty Habestroh

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The town may soon put the “play” in playground.

On June 24 (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will review a request to expand 2 existing play areas at Coleytown Elementary School.

It includes a 665 square foot expansion of the existing southern area with a new carousel, and a 1,050 square foot expansion of the western area with a swing.

Funds will come from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Coleytown Elementary School, with existing play areas. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Congressman Jim Himes is a regular guest at Westport Rotary Club meetings.

Yesterday, he spoke mostly about the domestic environment. He said the main issue in the US today is the impact of social media, and the anger and rage between Americans with opposing views.

Himes said, “I don’t want my grandkids living as if we’re a third world country, where people are always fighting or verbally attacking one another.”  In the long term, he said, we “risk losing our self-confidence.”

He is deeply skeptical about how Americans seek their news sources. “With 500 channels anyone can tailor their own instincts about what news sources they select….If you elect someone bombastic, for instance, that’s the kind of government you’re really asking for.”

As for the Supreme Court, Himes favors 18-year term limits for justices.

Rep. Jim Himes (left) and Rotarian/RTM moderator Jeff Wieser, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Five years ago this month, Governor Lamont signed Ethan’s Law. It requires gun owners to safely and securely store their firearms — is named for a Guilford teenager killed by an unsecured weapon.

Staples High School students Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily mark the anniversary by bringing it to Westport’s attention.

In a letter last week to parents, signed by Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice and Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Aidan Lapatine and Logan Noorily — co-presidents of Staples Students Demand Action — highlighted the safe-gun legislation. awareness about local and national gun storage laws.

The students’ next steps include sharing the message with nearby towns.

“Members of SDA are committed to preventing gun violence,” Aidan says.

“Our safe storage campaign aims to educate parents and students on the risks associated with unsecured firearms. Over 75% of firearms used in youth suicide attempts and unintentional injuries originate from the residences of the victim, a relative or friend.”

Logan adds, “As students deeply concerned about school safety, we believe that impactful change can begin on a local level. Promoting safe storage is simply common sense.”

In addition, the Staples SDA is distributing gun locks, and engaging in grassroots lobbying to encourage lawmakers to support legislation to expand secure storage or child-access prevention laws beyond the 26 states that currently have laws or practices in place. Social studies teacher Cathy Schager is the club advisor.

For more information on firearm safety, click here.

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This flag flies outside Riverside Barber Shop, where Treadwell/Riverside/ Saugatuck Avenue intersection.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

It’s clever.

And also probably very illegal.

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The Saugatuck Rowing Club junior rowing program had a very successful showing at the recent USRowing Youth Nationals regatta in Sarasota, Florida.

SRC sent a club record 96 athletes to the event. Eight boats made the final. 

The women’s U17 4+ A boat, including Westporters Luka Kuokalas, Annie Bowman, Ashlyn Frey and Olivia Saw won gold. This was the 4th national title in a row for that race.

The men’s U17 8+ boat, with Westporter’s Elena Nasar, Daniel Arava, Jack Mello, Liam Wiegand and Alex Proctor (Westport), placed third, just one second behind historic rival RowAmerica Rye.

Next up for Saugatuck Rowing Club: the Henley Royal Regatta in London next month.

Women’s U17 4+ A boat (from left): left to right: Luka Kuokalas, Olivia Saw, Ashlyn Frey, Annie Bowman, Mackenzie Fosdick. All but Mackenzie are from Westport.

Men’s U-17 8+ boat (from left): Coach Alex Vogt, Samuel Turok, Alex Proctor, Liam Wiegand, Jack Mello, Elena Nasar, Henry Basham, Gavin Remley, Will Firmender, Daniel Arava.

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Nature can be a dog-eat-dog world.

Or bird-eat-blueberry, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of Juneteenth:

(Whether you’ve been here long enough to remember Klein’s, or arrived after OKA opened, “06880” is your place for hyper-local news. And everyone can click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Graham Zemel: Teenager Hacks For Greater Good

Posted on June 19, 2024 | 3 comments

All throughout high school, Graham Zemel chased bugs.

It’s a passion project. And it pays.

Graham — who graduated from Staples last week — estimates he’s earned somewhere between “a tank of gas, and four years of college.”

Graham is not chasing beetles, mosquitoes or cicadas.

He’s after bugs in computer code. They can cost companies big bucks, if the bad guys — “black hat hackers” — find them.

Graham is a good guy: a “white hat hacker.” He’s part of a group that gets paid bounties by those companies, before the black hats hit.

Payments range from $50 to $2 million.

Graham Zemel: White hat hacker.

But Graham is not just a member of the white hat hacker community.

He’s a leader in it.

Though still a couple of months away from freshman year at the University of Colorado, Graham is the real deal.

He took all 8 computer science courses at Staples (plus discrete math, his favorite, studying subjects like cryptography and fractals).

But he’s also self-taught. Starting during COVID — when, to battle boredom, he built his own computer — Graham explored the internet. He learned how to code, on his own.

Then — still in his mid-teens — he put his mathematical mind and creative skills to work.

The more Graham learned about ethical hacking, the more he wanted to share. On his website — where he calls himself “a full-stack developer, cybersecurity programmer, and IT enthusiast” — he links to The Gray Area.

He began the site by providing educational resources to beginning programmers and cybersecurity enthusiasts.

But it evolved to much more. Over 30 writers have contributed more than 250 posts. More than 2 million readers have learned about topics like “How I Hacked the Dutch Government” and “The Akira Ransomware Saga.”

Meanwhile, GrahamZemel.com is the place to find projects like Game Bank (where users play online games with friends, or alone); a variety of hacking tools, and links to resources like the book he wrote about ethical hacking (“A Beginner’s Guide to Bug Bounty Hunting” is on Amazon).

It’s hard to believe, looking at his vast web presence, that until a few days ago, Graham was still a high school student.

He made his mark there too. He founded the Crypto Club, and was president of both the Cybersecurity Club and Coding Club.

In his spare time he developed the PowerSchool GPA Calculator. The Chrome extension helps students navigate their grades efficiently. Nearly every student at Staples uses it. So do thousands of others, across the country.

Clearly, Graham could be a black hat hacker if he wanted. There’s money to be made extorting companies after discovering their vulnerabilities.

Yet, he says, “it gives me a high to find vulnerabilities, and report them.” Plus, he adds, “I don’t want to go to jail.”

He has discovered 7 “high-quality” vulnerabilities, and hundreds more lower-level ones.

Graham Zemel, at work.

Bug hunting requires “divergent thinking,” Graham says. He sifts through code, runs a variety of tests, and sometimes spends hours searching for a particular bug.

He’s a very motivated young man. He’s accomplished a lot on his own.

But Graham has plenty of praise for his Staples education. Teachers like Dave Scrofani, Nick Morgan, John Wetzel and Maxim Kolb do a “fantastic” job, he says.

He tips his (white) hat to them.

(“06880” often highlights the accomplishments of Staples students — and everyone else in town. If you enjoy reading stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Pic Of The Day #2618

Posted on June 18, 2024 | 3 comments

Bluewater Hill private beach, Hillspoint Road (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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