A new student at Bedford Middle School, already interested in the world around him, he took on the challenging of learning a difficult language.
At Staples High, Zachary fed his passions for history and international relations. He joined the Model UN, Debate, Mock Trial and Junior State clubs. He took Advanced Placement courses: European History with Carol Kaye, US History with Eric Mongirdis, Economics with Drew Coyne.
And he continued to study Mandarin.
His teacher, Chris Fray, also speaks Russian. He learned the language while working on a fishing trawler there.
Zachary Rybchin
During Zachary’s sophomore year, Fray told the class about a US State Department program. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth began in 2006, as a way to encourage teenagers to learn Arabic, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Russian and Turkish — languages critical to our security, The government covers all costs.
Zachary went through the rigorous application for the Russian program. He wrote essays, and sat for interviews. Finally, out of thousands of applicants, he was one of 400 accepted.
But COVID struck that spring. The summer program was scratched.
He applied again in 2021. Again he was accepted. Again, the pandemic forced its cancelation.
The third time was the charm — almost. Because of the invasion of Ukraine, the State Department did not send students to Russia.
Instead, they went to Latvia. The Baltic nation shook off decades of Russian rule in 1991. But many Russian speakers remain.
Zachary lived with two of them. They spoke no English. When he arrived, he spoke no Russian.
Zachary Rybchin with his host mother (and her cat) on his last night in Latvia.
It was not easy. But through intensive daily classes — including work with an individual university partner — Zachary and his 19 fellow participants learned.
They also learned about Latvian history and culture. They explored the beautiful city of Riga, and beyond (including a trip to “secret” Soviet-era bunkers).
It was a great, educational and important 7 weeks — one absolutely worth waiting 3 years for.
Zachary Rybchin (back row, center) and his group in the Latvian Parliament. They met and talked with an MP there.
Now how will he retain the language skills he’s learned?
Zachary is young for his grade. So instead of heading directly to college, he’s taking a gap year in Israel. There are more Russian speakers there than in the US, he notes.
Next year, he’ll begin classes at historic St. Andrews University in Scotland. He’ll continue his Russian studies there.
And then?
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Zachary says. “There are so many career paths. Give me a few years. I’ll let you know.”
A new school year has begun. Middle school students have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.
But shop class is not one of them.
For many years, Westport boys took wood shop, metal shop and mechanical drawing. Girls studied home economics (cooking and sewing).
Classes went coed in the 1970s. Ninth graders moved to Staples High School in 1983; middle schools replaced junior highs, and shop and home ec fell out of favor.
This Saturday Evening Post cover — drawn by Stevan Dohanos — is one reminder of those days.
The Westport artist used local boys — and Bedford Junior High (now Saugatuck Elementary School) — as models.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski addressed a large crowd at the Westport Library yesterday.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event, Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe moderated.
Stefanowski described his youth in New Haven, in a home shared with his grandparents and students from Southern Connecticut State College.
Regarding the 2020 election, the GOP candidate said: It’s over. It was not stolen. It’s time to move forward. If Donald Trump is found guilty of anything, he should pay the consequences.
Connecticut is the 2nd highest taxed state in the nation, he noted, adding that as head of a company he had to chip away at unnecessary costs. Executives earning $30 million to $40 million were upset about losing company cars. Shareholders paid for those perks, Stefanowski said.
Who pays for excesses in state government? Taxpayers, he continued.
On Monday (September 19, 1 p.m. Westport Library), Governor Ned Lamont will speak. The Y’s Men sponsor that event too. (Reporting by Dave Matlow)
Bob Stefanowski at the Westport LIbrary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Conservation Director Alicia Mozian is retiring, effective October 1.
A town employee since 1986, she began her career as a planning aide in the Planning & Zoning Department. Other posts included conservation analyst, zoning inspector and planning assistant. She was appointed Conservation director in 2001.
Mozian says she is “grateful to have served a community that is so engaged and proactive in environmental affairs. Their enthusiasm both challenged and inspired me to do my very best every day to help protect the many natural resources whose care we have been entrusted to protect.
“I have worked hard to balance the rights of the property owner with the need for environmental protection, and I’m proud of my department in achieving this goal. I also want to thank the many volunteers who have supported and continue to support our department’s mission and foster good stewardship practices of not only our wetland and water resources but also the environment in general.”
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker promoted Colin Kelly to replace Mozian.
Jez Benton is a very interesting Westporter. He summited Mount Everest in 2005, and has since had a notable career in leadership development.
This week, he launched a video podcast. Jez interviews 6 CEOs, as they hike a mountain together. It’s called “Route to the Top” (get it?), and was filmed entirely by Jez on his iPhone.
His first guest is Neal Katyal, former Solicitor General of the US. Now a partner in a law firm, he talks about lessons learned while arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court.
Click below for that initial episode. Others will be available on LinkedIn (10 minutes), and Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts (full 45 minutes). (Hat tip: Meghan Bell)
On September 29, nearly 600 people will gather at Mitchells in Westport for the 12th annual Pinkchella.
The event — the first in-person gathering since COVID — is PinkAid’s big fundraiser. The Coachella-themed luncheon includes fashion, food, music and more.
Among the auction items: a stay at the One & Only resort in Montenegro, use of a private jet and courtside seats at a Milwaukee Bucks game with the team owner, a trip to French Polynesia.
The auction goes live September 22. It’s open to all; you don’t have to attend the event to bid. Click here for more information and — on September 22 — to bid.
Breast cancer survivors will walk the runway at a “Celebration of Life” fashion show, as Pink Aid honors their experience, and the people in their lives who helped along the way.
Since 2011, Pink Aid has granted $6.6 million to support programs that provide diagnostic testing, wigs, recovery garments, meals, childcare, transportation to treatment, integrative services, education, survivorship programs and personal expenses for patients undergoing treatment.
They fund programs at hospitals, national non-profits and smaller grassroots organizations. They work to make sure everyone gets proper treatment regardless of financial barriers. They’ve helped breast cancer patients in 30 states; their goal is to “turn 50 states pink.”
For more information on Pinkchella, and tickets, click here.
For the past 12 months, a generous gift from an anonymous donor ensured free admission to MoCA galleries for everyone.
Fees resume October 16. MoCA officials says: “We are committed to keeping our admission fees low, so that the power of art to educate, enrich and build connections between us continues to be accessible to all. As a non-profit organization, we rely on admissions fees to help fund all of our programs.
“If you have financial need for free admission for yourself or for your family, please email us at info@mocawestport.org.”
Meanwhile, MoCA announces their first Open Mic Night (October 20, 5 to 7 p.m.). It’s an outdoor event, where poets, slam poets and musicians come together not as opponents, but as performers sharing their stories, passions and talents.
To perform, click here to register, pay a $5 fee and complete this form by October 17. Each poem or song must be original (multiple poems or songs are allowed within time frame); memorization is not required. Performers must be in high school or older.
There’s no charge for audience members, but advance registration is requested; click here.
Aarti Khosla’s “Give a Little Love” campaign is in full gear.
For the 3rd year in a row, the owner of Le Rouge Chocolates hopes to donate a chocolate heart to every Westport Public Schools employee.
It’s a townwide campaign. For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.
Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each building. This was the scene at Coleytown Middle School:
Speaking of schools: Staples High musicians Delaney McGee (trumpet) and Witt Lindau (drums) have received All-National honors. They were selected by video audition, from the top music students in the country.
In November they will participate in the National Association for Music Education honors orchestra and “modern band” (rock band) respectively.
Jason Capozucca (bassoon) and Ana Jahnel (tenor saxophone) were selected as alternates,
Witt Lindau (Photo courtesy of Staples Wreckers Instagram)
There’s always something to learn at the Senior Center.
The other day it was electric vehicles.
Dawn Henry and Barry Kresch of the EV Club of Connecticut led an informational session on the value and joys of driving an electric vehicle. Five were on display outside.
Barry Kresch discusses electric vehicles, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
Salon Nash owner Felicia Catale offers a free wash and blow dry — plus discounts on Mary Kay products — on October 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Her salon is at 179 Post Road West, in Nash’s Corner plaza.
It’s still mid-September. But Election Day will be here before you know it.
On November 2 (Westport Library, 7 p.m.), Westport’s League of Woman Voters sponsors a debate with candidates for the state Senate and House of Representatives, and probate judge.
“06880” readers are invited to send questions in advance. The email address is lwvwestport@yahoo.com.
If you’re like me, you probably get 2 or 3 advertising mailers a week, filled with discount coupons. Many are for home improvements — new bathroom (“in a day!”), gutter work, driveway paving and the like.
Also: duct cleaning. One company advertises in all of them. I see this photo everywhere:
I couldn’t figure out what was so weird about it.
Then I realized: He’s doing a pretty poor job of it. I want the guy who cleans my ducts to be watching what he’s doing — not giving me a come-on look.
In the middle of Liz Smith’s demonstration lesson, while applying for a job at Bedford Middle School, the fire alarm went off.
That could be a metaphor for teachers everywhere. They always face unexpected challenges. And they’re always putting out fires.
Smith exemplifies her profession. A longtime and highly regarded BMS 6th grade science instructor, she is at various times an educator, psychiatrist, cheerleader, motivator, entertainer, disciplinarian, story-teller, judge, problem-solver, comedian, and surrogate mother.
And that’s just in one period.
Smith is Westport’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. She downplays the honor — “it could have been anyone I work with at Bedford, or anywhere else in the district” — but it is she who advances to state and national Teacher of the Year competitions.
And it is she who was singled out by her principal, Adam Rosen, at a ceremony before the start of the school year.
He described Smith as “universally beloved,” embodying traits like “creativity, ingenuity, moxie and humor.” When he announced her name, she got a standing ovation.
The Westport Teacher of the Year grew up in Leicestershire, England. After college in Liverpool she worked for Kraft Foods. The reason: “They gave me a car, and paid me a lot of money.”
But Smith left, to train as a chiropractor. Six months before graduating, her husband Ian was transferred to the US.
They arrived here 2 weeks before 9/11, figuring they’d be here 2 years.
They’re still in the US. In fact, Liz and Ian are now American citizens.
Liz Smith, her husband Ian, daughters Amy and Katie (both Staples High School graduates) and Amy’s fiance David. They marry next May.
Her route to the classroom started when her girls attended private school in Greenwich. Smith came in to teach anatomy and physiology.
She loved it so much, she applied to Yale University’s year-long program that prepares men and women for career changes, to teach in the understaffed areas of math and science.
“I certainly could not have gotten into Yale any other way,” Smith jokes.
She was accepted. Then came that interesting sample lesson at Bedford — and the sudden, shoot-all-plans-to-hell fire alarm.
But she was impressive. Then-principal Angie Wormser hired her immediately.
That was in 2006. Sixteen years later, Smith is still at Bedford — and still loving it.
Liz Smith (2nd from left) with her Bedford Middle School team (from left): Bebe Boulais (math), Cassie Carroll (language arts), Jeremy Royster (social studies teacher). Missing: Liz Gonzalez (special education.)
Interestingly, she says, as a child she was terrified of school. She spent weeks in a kind principal’s office, before she was able to face a classroom.
“I don’t think I had the patience to be in a class filled with 11-year-olds until I was 40,” Smith says.
But she adores her students. “They’re just at the age when they can read and write, and they’re excited to learn new things. But their hormones haven’t kicked in — yet,” she notes.
Last week, her classes had just finished their first lab. New to Bedford, and new to the scientific process, they were “so intense and eager. They loved putting on their aprons and safety goggles.”
The 6th grade curriculum includes life science, earth science and physical science. Smith’s goal is to have them want to always learn more science. It’s hands-on, and interactive, with students learning to ask questions and find answers — not the rote memorization Smith had when she was in school.
But there is much more to a modern classroom than identifying rocks in a lab. A random comment sparks a discussion, and that day’s lesson gets interrupted. Today’s tweens go through a lot, and Smith is attuned to her important role in their social and emotional education too.
The post-COVID educational landscape revealed “many gaps” in her students’ communication and life skills, Smith says. As a teacher — and a BMS team leader — she has worked hard to address those.
The door to Smith’s classroom welcomes all.
Though “thrilled to bits” to be named Teacher of the Year, Smith says little will change. She’ll keep doing what she does: “getting involved in the important things like motivation, social and emotional learning, working with our staff. Those are the things that make getting to the content of our curriculum possible.”
After 16 years, many little moments stand out. There was, for example, the girl who told Smith before the holidays: “I could only get gifts for 3 teachers.”
“Oh,” Smith said, preparing to accept the present. “You’re so sweet!”
“Well, you weren’t one of them,” the girl replied.
This year, Smith got a different gift: Westport Teacher of the Year.
It’s well deserved. Because ever since 2006, Liz Smith has given her students the gift of her talents, time, energy, passion and love.
(“06880” covers education in Westport — and much more. Please click here to support this blog.)
Tickets are going fast for Earthplace’s party under the stars.
Woodside Bash is set for Saturday, October 1 (7 to 10 p.m.). The night includes enjoy a harvest dinner, an open bar, signature cocktails, live music (Pimpinella returns for the 4th year in a row), and (of course) a mechanical bull.
The next day (Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Earthplace hosts a family-friendly Fall Festival. Among the attractions: apple slingshot, donut on a string, climbing wall, animal encounters, food trucks and more. Tickets can be bought that day, or in advance here.
Eating disorder specialist Erica Adler joins with registered dieticians Alyssa Lavy and Amy Schwarz have created a special group for teenagers who struggle with self-esteem as it relates to body image. It meets weekly, starting September 22 at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, email hellonorthstarwellness@gmail.com, or call 203-246-7615.
There were smiles all around at yesterday’s ribbon-cutting for Bridgewater Chocolates. The new business — Westport’s 3rd chocolate shop — is located in Parker Harding Plaza, near GG & Joe’s.
And why wouldn’t everyone be smiling? As soon as the ribbon was cut, there were samples for all.
The Black Feathers make a rare local appearance October 1 (8 p.m.). They’ll be a Voices Café, at the Unitarian Church.
Both the UK duo and the church share a strong commitment to social justice. A portion of the proceeds of the concert benefit community organizations including anti-racism, identity and equity, and immigration and refugee efforts, plus local programs that serve under-resourced communities.
The handmade sign says: “NO dog poop bags in portable toilet or dumpsters.”
The bottom line adds: “Are you kidding?”
The potty is on a private work site, in a residential neighborhood. It shouldn’t be too much to ask area residents to 1) clean up after your dog, and then 2) dispose of your dog poop at your own home.
But Westporters are pleased with the redesign of the Baldwin parking lot. The Elm Street area has been redesigned, regraded and repaved. It works much better now.
Baldwin parking lot looking northwest, after renovation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
That’s just a taste of what’s to come though, parking-wise. Two bigger projects are in the works. They could significantly alter the way we perceive and use downtown lots — and, perhaps the way we perceive and use downtown itself.
Improvements to Parker Harding Plaza (behind Main Street), the Taylor lot (by Jesup Green and the Library) and the Imperial Avenue lot (Farmers’ Market, Remarkable Theater) have been discussed for decades — probably since Parker Harding was built on landfill in the 1950s.
Aerial view of downtown in 1949, before Parker Harding Plaza was built. The river came up to the backs of stores on the west side of Main Street.
Prior to that, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of stores on the west side of Main Street (and pipes discharged sewage directly into it). The new lot may have added much-needed parking, but it created a sea of asphalt that turned the important and attractive river into a downtown afterthought.
A master plan of downtown improvements in 2015, designed by outside consultants, was complicated. Some ideas were feasible; others were not. The Downtown Plan Improvement Committee got mired in small details; then it got mired in COVID.
Randy Herbertson — the former director of the Westport Downtown Merchants Association — took over last year.
The parking lots are one of 5 pillars to the downtown plan, he says. The others ae pedestrian access, maintenance, sustainability and technology upgrades.
Parking now dominates the east bank of the Saugatuck River. Only a sliver of grass and a few benches provides access to anyone wishing to enjoy the view.
But parking may be the most visible. And if it’s improved, it drives the others.
The Parker Harding and Taylor lots are “aged, decrepit and in disrepair,” Herbertson says. “They’re not even optimized for parking and traffic. They don’t take advantage of the river. And they flood.”
The goal is to reclaim river access at both lots. Moving and reconfiguring parking — without losing spaces — could make room for a playground and expanded Riverwalk near Jesup Green, and allow for a more permanent Farmers’ Market and Remarkable Theater off Imperial Avenue. Electric vehicle charging stations would be included too.
(Photo/Chip Stephens)
The hope is for bids to be solicited early next year. Work on Parker Harder would be first, beginning in summer.
The biggest obstacle, Herbertson says, may be funding. The town is considering several capital projects, including Long Lots and Coleytown Elementary Schools, and Longshore.
But, he notes, “the central business district affects everyone in town.” He sees opportunities for private investment in parts of the improvement plan — for example, an improved Riverwalk with native plantings and art installations, or a possible pedestrian bridge from Parker Harding to the west bank of the river.
This screenshot from the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee shows the Parker Harding lot, and its proximity to the Saugatuck River.
As Langan (an engineering and environmental consulting firm) and Connect the Dots (a community engagement firm) work with the DPIC to design the “Reconnecting the Riverfront” master plan, they plan a public charette September 29 (7 p.m., Westport Library). It’s a chance for residents to offer ideas and input.
A survey will be live soon too. Watch “06880” for the link.
(For more information, including early “inspirational ideas,” click here for the Downtown Plan Improvement Committee website.)
(“06880” covers all of Westport, from downtown to the beach and woods. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)
Anne Marie Fox’s children’s pediatrician, Dr. Janet Woodward, retires this week.
The Willows doctor has served the community for 38 years. Anne Marie writes:
My husband Patrick and I feel extremely lucky that Dr. Woodward was recommended to us when we started a family back in 1998.
Dr. Janet Woodward
She is an outstanding doctor: brilliant, kind, patient, and unbelievably committed to her work. She makes her patients feel valued and important, and always goes above and beyond in their care.
She has been an invaluable part of our family over the years. Our girls continue to use her in their 20s. She has been a constant and consistent adult in their lives, always supporting, always available, and always interested.
Fortunately, my kids have never really had any medical emergencies or long-term health issues. I can’t imagine Dr. Woodward’s worth to families that have.
Dr. Woodward graduated from Vassar College, and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York City. She completed her pediatric internship and residency at Yale Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Woodward writes on the Willows website: “When I started as a new pediatrician joining Willows Pediatrics, I was happy for the opportunity to take care of infants, children and adolescents in a vibrant small town not far from where I grew up.
“I will be forever grateful for being welcomed into the local medical community served by Norwalk Hospital, and for being welcomed by families in Westport and surrounding towns.
“I am also grateful for the original Willows partners, who set an amazing example of dedication to the practice, to always learning, and to providing the most up-to-date medical care possible.
Dr. Janet Woodward, with one of her many patients.
“Now 38 years later, it is time for me to move on, and for Willows to bring on a new enthusiastic and wonderful pediatrician. Thank you for the opportunity to help take care of what is most important in our lives, our children, and to feel part of so many of our amazing families. Through ups and downs, sharing joy and heartbreak, what I have learned from you will always stay with me.”
I know that hundreds of Westport families join my family in saying “thank you” to Dr. Woodward for the incredible care of our children over the years. We wish her much enjoyment in her retirement/
Well said, Anne Marie. Dr. Woodward has been a Westport institution, for nearly 40 years. Thanks for all you have given us — and congratulations on your well-deserved honor as our Unsung Hero this week!
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Eamil 06880blog@gmail.com!)
(Like Dr. Woodward, “06880” strives to serve the Westport community. Please click here to donate, and help our mission.)
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