The other day, “06880” profiled Ali Dorfman. The “College Concierge” offers everything from admissions consultants, essay coaches and test prep companies to college gifts, swag and dorm décor — plus tips and tricks on how to eat healthfully, and the best places to stay while visiting college campuses.
But before college, another rite of passage cries out for a concierge: summer camp.
That niche too is filled. And like Dorfman, the Camp Concierge is based in Westport.
Actually, the concierge is 2 women: Randi Nazem and Bianca Jonas.
Their first venture began 10 years ago, when they lived in New York. OhSpitBaby sold monogrammed baby gifts.
Since then, Randi and Bianca moved to Westport. They rebranded their business as BRGifts2.
And they pivoted to sleepaway camps.
Randi Nazem (left) and Bianca Jonas help parents pack for camp.
They realized no one was providing one-stop shopping for camp items, tips, custom camp clothing and swag, and everything else campers (and their parents) needed.
The camp concierges meet locally with clients — or virtually, if they’re not in the area.
Randi and Bianca take and fulfill orders, and distribute them locally. They also ship nationwide.
Camp swag for a girl …
In April, an overwhelmed first-time camp mom asked if they would pack for her child, headed to Maine. The concierges quickly added that service to their list.
Two packers will travel to clients’ homes in the tri-state area, to pack trunks. They bring their own labels, bubble wrap, tape, and personalized packing cubes. It takes around 4 hours per camper.
A grateful parent said, “I had all the stuff, but nothing was organized. I needed help editing down. Randi and Bianca came all the way from Westport to the city. They took care of everything my 9-year-old will need, for the best summer of her life.”
… and boy.
It may be too late to use Randi and Bianca’s packing service this year. But you can still book the camp concierges.
They are happy to fill candy treat custom boxes for the long bus ride to camp, along with boxes that parents can bring on visiting day.
Who knows what’s next? Hey — maybe they can write a letter a day to your kid from you!
(To learn more, email brgifts2@gmail.com. Their Instagram is @brgifts2.)
(As soon as your kid heads off to camp — with help from the Camp Concierge — you’ll have some free time. You can fill a minute of it by clicking here, to support “06880.” Then you can really smile!)
Staples High School’s Class of 2024 graduated tonight.
The 137th commencement in the school’s history — held for the 3rd year in a row on the football field, and for the 3rd straight year under cool, sunny skies — featured the traditional processional, remarks from the valedictorian and salutatorian, awarding of diplomas to 426 seniors, and recessional.
Principal Stafford Thomas (left) and vice principal James Farnen lead the faculty onto the football field. Farnen is the proud father of Jack, a graduating senior.
New this year: recognition of the 5 students entering the military. They received hearty applause, when introduced by principal Stafford Thomas.
Here’s the first set of photos. More will follow tomorrow.
“06880” interns Talia Varsano (left) and Jolie Gefen are, as usual, all smiles.
Director Lauren Pine (left) leads the Choralaires in “The Road Home.” Senior Rohan Wadhwani delivered a rousing solo.
Board of Education, school district and town officials …
… and Staples faculty.
Valedictorian Leigh Foran.
Salutatorian Andrew Berkowitz.
Gavin Zahler (left) is headed to the Marine Corps. Cade McGrath will join the Navy.
Graduates receive their diplomas …
… and pose proudly.
Congratulations, to the Staples High School Class of 2024! (All photos/Dan Woog)
Every so often, a yacht anchored off Compo Beach draws the attention of normally blasé beachgoers.
In 1966, when Mia Farrow — a Westport resident — was 21 and Frank Sinatra was 50, they spent time on his vessel. Their marriage lasted 2 years.
A few years ago, the 185-foot Rosehearty — previously owned by Rupert Murdoch, but sold to a Staples High School graduate building a home near Saugatuck Shores — drew admiring gazes (and plenty of envy).
Yesterday, it was Gene Chaser’s turn.
Gene Chaser, off Compo Beach. (Photo/Rob Feakins)
It’s 182 feet — just a yard shorter than Rosehearty. And it too has an intriguing back story.
Rob Feakins found a 2022 story on Robb Report. The yacht is owned by Dr. Jonathan Rothberg, a “Connecticut-based DNA sequencing specialist.”
Launched in late 2020, Rothberg converted spaces inside and out into laboratories and hubs for scientific projects.
Four Caterpillar diesel engines with a combined 5,600 horsepower push it to 26 miles per hour.
There’s space to land a helicopter, carry a fleet of tenders and toys, and stow a converted shipping container full of ATVs and motorbikes.
With her massive, Transformer-like, 13-ton-capacity crane extended, the yacht’s Fjord 42 tender, 28-foot OXpro AL8 landing craft, 20-foot Zodiac RIB and a fleet of jet skis can be hoisted and stowed on the deck.
Gene Chaser is used for family trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean, then north to Maine and Connecticut for the summer. Scientific experiments are conducted along the way.
Not the British — this is Gene Chaser. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Over 100 people headed to Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall yesterday, for a special viewing of Homes with Hope‘s 40th anniversary video.
The documentary — created by former Westporter Livio Sanchez — spotlights the 4-decade history of our town’s homeless shelter, supportive housing and food pantry non-profit.
It is an honest look back at the hurdles its founders faced. It’s also an inspirational tale, one that — as various interviewees emphasize — should be replicated by suburban towns across the country.
Craig and Bryan Gillespie — sons of co-founder Dr. Jim Gillespie — and other family members were at the event. The Gillespie Center men’s shelter is named for him.
Future showings will be announced on “06880.” It’s a must-see look at what remains an important, complicated issue, and an unvarnished history of how our town has dealt with it.
Craig Gillespie (with microphone) and, from left, former Homes with Hope CEO Jeff Wieser, board chair John Walsh, vice president and COO Paris Looney, and president and CEO Helen McAlinden.
For nearly 50 years, quietly — but fiercely — Bloodroot has raised consciousnesses, fought for women’s rights, and served great food on a side street near the water in Bridgeport.
Many Westporters know and love it.
Others have never heard of it.
Now the Washington Post has given it the full-story treatment.
Including plenty of shout-outs to its co-founder, longtime Westport resident Selma Miriam.
At 89 years old, she deserves every accolade.
The story says:
Since 1978, diners have stepped over the threshold to find themselves enveloped by the inclusive yet pro-female culture created by the Bloodroot Collective, a group of feminist and lesbian activists from the Bridgeport community seeking to put women’s issues at the center of the plate….
For Noel Furie, now 79, and Selma Miriam, 89, Bloodroot’s co-owners, the goal was to build a self-sustaining feminist community that would embrace global cuisine and where women, lesbian and straight, could feel supported. The concept appears to have worked as today’s diners eat platters of housemade injera and misir wat beneath hundreds of vintage photographs of women, picked up at yard sales and donated by friends, that line the walls.
The Post notes that “of the 200-plus feminist restaurants, cafes and coffeehouses that opened across the United States during the 1970s and ’80s … just one remains: Bloodroot.”
To read the full story, click here. (Hat tip: Eileen Lavigne Flug)
Bloodroot founders Selma Miriam (left) and Noel Furie, at their restaurant. (Photo/Penny de los Santos for Washington Post)
Sure, it’s the far side of the Stop & Shop parking lot.
But it wasn’t empty — look at the other cars.
If everyone in the lot decided to park like that …
Meanwhile, this guy (or gal, though I’d bet the farm it’s the former) is just lucky 2 other drivers decided not to park very close, in the empty spots on either side.
Every year, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary — created in honor of one of the children murdered at Sandy Hook — holds a Butterfly Party in Newtown.
This year’s was on Saturday. It would have been Catherine’s 18th birthday.
The day included pet adoptions, kids’ crafts and more.
Westporter Tracy Porosoff and her daughter bought a milkweed plant. It will provide food for butterflies in their yard — much needed, as their numbers decline.
Tracy says, “If Westport families could make their garden butterfly-friendly, that would be a wonderful way to honor Catherine’s memory — and help the earth.”
To learn more about Pollinator Pathway, click here.
Milkweed, already planted in Tracy Porosoff’s garden.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and nature lesson — comes from the superb, indefatigable, and very knowledgeable wildlife photographer Johanna Keyser Rossi.
She writes: “I kept hearing chirping from a tree in Grace Salmon Park. I saw what looked like a small bee hive. But then I saw the orioles feeding their chicks.
And finally … in honor of Bloodroot’s 47 years (and its shout-out from the Washington Post):
(Whether you own a yacht, a sailboat, a kayak or a rubber ducky, we’re grateful for your support of “06880.” Whatever level feels comfortable is happily accepted. Please click here — and thank you!)
Ron Rudzin — founder and CEO of Saatva, the luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams — had one sitting at the Sherwood Diner.
Ron Rudzin
He’d already added 18 “viewing rooms” — places where customers can experience Saatva comfort in a relaxed, pressure-free environment before beginning a 365-night home trial — in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.
Now he was looking at Greenwich, for a site to serve all of Connecticut.
But that Saturday morning, having his traditional breakfast in his favorite diner seat, he saw the empty former Citibank building across the Post Road, next to Walgreens.
Rudzin did not sleep on it. He made the decision: Saatva’s newest location will be Westport, where he has lived for nearly 30 years.
It opens this summer.
Saatva’s new Westport location. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)
That’s great news for anyone looking for a great mattress (and accessories); who wants excellent, no-hassle service; who does not want to pay premium prices — and who prefers not to shop totally online, where Saatva’s business began in 2007.
Rudzin’s story began much earlier. At 16 the Queens native got a job with Jennifer Furniture. The company evolved from 1 location, into a 218-store national chain selling convertible sofas and furniture.
Over 20 years Rudzin worked his way up from sales representative to store manager, then vice president of national sales.
When he left in 2007 he was fascinated by internet businesses like Zappos, the online shoe retailer. Focusing on mattresses, he bought some of the most popular ones, paying between $2,200 and $2,500.
Taking them apart, he realized he could sell them direct to consumers for $1,500 less.
And because he knew all about home delivery, he realized he could do a better job of that too.
Amassing a team of industry veterans and bright young people — combining business acumen with tech savviness — he started Saatva.
The word comes from the Sanskrit “sattva,” which means “goodness” or “purity.”
Saatva sells mattresses in every category …
The idea was to counter the pervasive reputation of the mattress industry. The “S” also positioned it right up with leading companies like Sealy, Serta and Simmons.
Rudzin has overseen tremendous growth. The company owns its factories. It works with 150 companies, who deliver products anywhere in the US, 7 to 15 days after an order is placed.
They make mattresses in every category, with an emphasis on sustainability.
In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room on Manhattan’s 3rd Avenue, between 57th and 58th Streets. It’s most likely the lcountry’s argest grossing mattress store per square foot.
But it’s not a traditional one. “We don’t scream ‘50% off!'” Rudzin says.
“I always say, ‘sleep is an activity. You have to prepare for it.’ We don’t rush people.”
… and related products too.
He likens his midtown location — and other viewing rooms — to what Restoration Hardware would be like, if they sold mattresses.
“There’s a lot of energy, when people come to our showroom,” says Rudzin. “Beautiful music, great aroma, 7 or 8 people ready to help.”
That help extends beyond the brick-and-mortar locations, and the online presence.
Very quietly, Saatva supports the communities it is in.
Locally, they’ve provided mattresses to Homes with Hope and A Better Chance of Westport.
In New York, Rudzin sits on the board of Pencil. The non-profit connects business partners and educators, to help mentor students and help them succeed on their paths to college.
During COVID, Saatva produced 75,000 masks a week, and provided them free to first responders around the country.
The supply chain was less of an issue than for many other companies. Saatva owns its own factories, on the East and West Coasts and in the Midwest.
Rudzin is grateful for the success he’s had. Saatva is a $500 million company. It employs 300 men and women directly; 200 more in its factories, and 2,000 truck drivers, deliverers and riggers.
But he never forgets his roots.
“I grew up in Queens,” he says. “Now I see rigs, trucks, mattresses — all from an idea I had years ago.”
Soon, he’ll see it all in the town he has called home for 28 years.
Right across the street from his favorite booth, in his hometown diner.
(“06880” never sleeps. If you enjoy and appreciate our 24/7/365 coverage of Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed a foul pole — the thing with mesh that helps determine with a hit is fair or not. (Click here to see.)
There was really no way to determine which Westport field this was at. Pat Saviano, Matthew Panos, Andrew Colabella and Nathan Greenbaum all guessed, correctly, Compo Beach softball.
This week’s Photo Challenge is both difficult and odd. If you know where in Westport you’d see this half-hidden warning, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Leigh Gage)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Appearing the day after D-Day, it noted that 7 members of that year’s 88-student Class of 1944 had joined the military.
A special surprise at graduation was the appearance — in full uniform — of Airman Sebastian (Sebby) Lauterbach. He arrived in time to march to the stage for the ceremony.
Several months later he became one of 2 members of that class killed in combat.
Robert Gerrity — a Staples grad now living in Oregon — wanted to learn more. He found this online:
Private Sebastian Lauterbach Jr. served with the 78th Infantry Division, 311th Infantry Regiment,
He was killed in action on January 3, 1945. He was 19 years old.
He earned a Purple Heart, among other honors. He is buried or memorialized in the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.
The Lauterbach family is well known in this area. We are honored to remember him today.
Pvt. Sebastian Lauterbach Jr.
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All hail Staples’ newest state champs: the boys rugby team.
The Wreckers trounced rival Greenwich 29-7 yesterday, at Southern Connecticut State University.
The victory was even sweeter because the Cardinals beat Staples earlier this year, in the first match of the season.
Congratulations to coach Jack Corcoran, and his young men. They stand at the top of the state, in one of the toughest sports on the planet.
Wearing state champion shirts, the Staples rugby team poses with their trophy and banner. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)
Meanwhile, the end of the road came for the Staples baseball team in Middletown.
The Wreckers fell 9-1 to Amity-Woodbridge, in the state “LL” (extra large schools) championship game.
It was a tough loss. But the Westporters held their heads high. Ranked 19th in the tourney, they were beaten by the #4 squad.
And it was Staples’ second straight trip to the championship. They made it all the way there last year too. They lost to Fairfield Warde.
Congratulations to coach Jack McFarland and his team, on an outstanding year.
Folks who have long admired the beautiful property on Prospect Road got a chance to wander through its 9 acres, and see it close up. The event was part of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program.
Guests enjoyed the Mediterranean graveled entry garden, 2 orchards, stone-tiered vegetable garden, blueberry and raspberry houses, beehives, sunny perennial garden, shady perennial woodland walk, conifer collection, flowering shrub and grass borders, Japanese-inspired meditation garden and maple collection, 2 pools, containers featuring citrus and cacti, glasshouse, sculpture, amphitheater and perennial/native wildflower meadow.
John and Melissa Ceriale’s vision — brought to life by garden designer Cindy Shumate — looks magical from the street.
Walking through it is an experience of a lifetime.
65 Jesup Road — the handsome “Godillot Carriage House” near Imperial Avenue — is for sale.
Built in 1882, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the one-time Westport Public Schools office (before they moved to Town Hall) was sold to a law office in 1985. It has been used for that purpose for nearly 40 years.
Zoning allows changing part of the building to 1 or more residential units, provided for no more than 25% of the building area. A single market residential unit is permitted as of right. Multiple units would have to comply with the
20% affordable housing requirement. (Hat tip: Cynthia Nigro)
f you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s this afternoon: Sunday, June 9, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
Later this month, Cleveland NPR station WKSU will broadcast and livestream “Lady at the Helm: Lillian Wald and the Nurses’ Emergency Council.”
Why should Westporters care (and listen)?
The famed nurse/humanitarian/author/human rights activist — who campaigned for suffrage, founded the Henry Street Settlement in New York, and helped start the NAACP — lived for many years on Round Pond, off Compo Road South.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a frequent visitor here.
Set in 1918, the WKSU story describes Wald’s struggle to turn New York into a sprawling field hospital, amid the world’s deadliest influenza.
The story also focuses on Black female nurses and their determination to serve, despite being barred from service during World War I.
There is another Westport connection: Funding was provided by the Betty R. Sheffer Foundation, honoring the longtime Westport philanthropist.
The Lillian Wald story airs on June 19, at 9 p.m. Click here for the livestream.
Lillian Wald’s house today.
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There are many great outdoor wedding spots in Westport. Longshore is the obvious one.
Other people get married on a beach, or in back yards.
The Westport Woman’s Club is a wonderful venue too.
Amy Schneider snapped this shot yesterday, as wedding preparations began:
Westport Woman’s Club. (Amy Schneider)
She could not take a similar image next week.
Unless a couple wants to get hitched in the middle of the Yankee Doodle Fair.
And finally … a beautiful song, for beautiful Prospect Gardens (story above):
(As we do every day, “06880” keeps you informed about Westport’s history; environmental, sport and real estate news, upcoming events, and much more. Please click here to support our work.)
Tomorrow, Jolie Gefen graduates from Staples High School.
One of 2 “06880” interns this spring, she helped develop our new “Teens & Tweens” series, giving Westport’s youth a voice on our blog.
Jolie kicks things off today, writing honestly and impactfully about her time in high school. Please share her words with the young people in your life.
According to Google, optimism is “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.”
Jolie Gefen
As a moody high schooler undergoing all kinds of stress and drama, the idea of optimism did not come easily to me. As I anticipate graduating on Monday, I reflect on my past 4 years, and now know much more than I did as a freshman.
I wish I had prioritized keeping an open mind and staying positive.
As most of us know very well, Staples fosters an extremely competitive environment. At times, the constant stress and competition I forced myself to undergo and experience over simple assignments was far too overwhelming.
I also often kept a closed mind about taking classes outside of my comfort zone or in subjects I had yet to partake in. I deeply regret that, but I have also learned from it.
High school is a time to learn what kinds of things interest a person, and I feel I neglected to do so. It’s imperative to take advantage of the many avenues Staples offers us and to ignore anyone suggesting that the classes you take have to align with what you may pursue in college, as it is simply not true.
When it came to the topic of college, my situation also was very close-minded and pessimistic. All my life I have had one dream school. This school was pretty much do or die for me, and I made myself feel that my worth and value as a person and student relied on getting accepted by this college.
I constantly doubted my ability of success, and became frantic over each imperfect grade as it could have hurt my chances of acceptance.
I implore future seniors about to embark on this long journey to stay optimistic throughout the process, and maintain faith in yourself. You will end up where you need to be, and at the end of the day, a college does not define you.
One of the biggest regrets I have to this day is how narrow-minded I was regarding friends. Until senior year, I had failed to reach out to new people or be open to becoming friends with some people because of preconceived notions in my head. Right before senior year, however, I joined a big group of amazing girls and found my best friends.
Jolie Gefen and friends.
Although it’s impossible to know it will work out until you’re on the other side of things, I really wish I had just kept an open mind to everyone around me. The people I am closest to today are people I hadn’t even ever talked to a year ago. Things really do have a way of working out, and I believe I am living proof.
I know it’s all easier said than done, but I truly hope anyone reading this who may feel the same as I did when it came to classes, college or friends hears me when I say that keeping an open, positive mind is key. When things are tough, try your hardest to find the silver linings and stay optimistic.
When things are great, savor every moment.
I have learned that high school is truly what you make of it.
(“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.)
June brings many events: graduations. Weddings. Father’s Day. Flag Day.
In Westport, it’s also dog licensing month. Licenses covering July 1 through June 30, 2025 can be obtained online, starting immediately. All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed.
Fees are $8 for neutered males and spayed females, $19 for others. Additional fees apply for online applications. There is a $1 penalty per month for renewal licenses issued after June 30. A $75 infraction will be issued for any non-licensed dog, and for any dog not wearing a current dog tag attached to a collar around its neck or body.
Click here, then scroll down to learn how to apply online.
For paper applications, mail or the drop box at the rear of Town Hall are preferred. Dog licenses can be processed in the Town Clerk’s office for those needing in-person assistance. Click here for the application.
Questions about dog licenses? Call 203-341-1110, or visit click here, then scroll down.
“I only date dogs that are licensed,” she says. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
The Westport Farmers’ Market attracts large crowds every Thursday.
This week, the crowd included Jim Himes.
Our US congressman met shoppers, local farmers and vendors. He asked plenty of questions, and also learned about the WFM’s community programs.
Congressman Jim Himes meets Rebecca Batchie, co-owner of Fort Hill Farm in New Milford.
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Mia Bomback is the newest addition to the “06880” board of directors.
One of the 7 seats on the non-profit’s board is reserved for a Staples High School Inklings members. Mia — a rising senior — will be paper managing editor for the 2024-25 school year. She replaces Caitlin Jacob on the board.
Mia has lived in Westport for over 10 years. A passionate student and aspiring journalist, she has already been part of the School of the New York Times, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Yale Daily News summer journalism programs.
She has also worked as an intern for the Westport Journal, and contributed to “06880.”
Outside of journalism, Mia holds leadership roles in Staples’ French Club (which she co-founded), and Model UN, and volunteers at the Westport Book Shop.
She is also involved in the town-led civil discourse initiative Common Ground, and is very active in her religious community.
In her free time Mia listens to music, plays golf, and spends time with friends at family at Compo Beach.
For more information on the “06880” board of directors, click here.
Mia Bomback
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A few tickets remain for tonight’s big Levitt Pavilion show: Keb’ Mo’, with Phillip-Michael Scales (Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.).
With 5 Grammys and 14 Blues Foundation Awards in a career of nearly 50 years, Keb’ Mo’ is one of America’s most accomplished contemporary roots artists.
Scales’ “dive bar soul” blends indie rock with passionate blues.
There is no outside food or drink. But the Blind Rhino food truck and bar by Rizzuto’s will be open. Children 6 and under are free in the bring-your-own-chair section. Click here for tickets, and more infromation.
And finally … Frank Lloyd Wright was born on this day, in 1867. The ground-breaking architect died in 1959, age 91.
(If today’s “06880” Roundup saved you from a fine for not having a dog license, please click here to support our work. You can also click if we didn’t help, but you like us anyway. Thank you!)
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