Westport is filled with sharp, creative startup entrepreneurs.
Even so, Dylan Diamond stands out.
The co-founder and CEO of Saturn — the wildly successful calendar app for high school and college students, which raised $44 million in a 2021 funding round, before its acquisition by Snap — was also Tesla’s youngest intern.
In the world.
He created his killer app, and joined the red-hot EV car firm, while still at Staples High School.
He’s still only in his mid-20s.
The Dealroom — an online business site — just posted an interview with the Class of 2017 graduate.
He talks about his career, his coding, his time at the University of Pennsylvania (he did not finish, in order to pursue his business interests) and more. Click here to read the full story. (Hat tip: John Dodig)
Dylan Diamond
WESTPORT MOMS’ FALL FESTIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY FUN
Fine weather is forecast for this Saturday’s WestportMoms’ 6th annual Fall Festival.
The event (October 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center) is one of the town’s family friendliest autumn activities.
There’s a DJ, mini music classes, face painting, a bubble show, ninja wall, sports games, costume contest, Halloween crafts, cookie and pumpkin decorating, food trucks and more.
Kids can also meet Skye and Chase from PAW Patrol, and families will receive a special gift from Melissa & Doug (while available).
Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to purchase.
Family fun, at Westport Moms’ Fall Festival.
KIDS’ HALLOWEEN PARADE TAKES OVER MAIN STREET
Westport’s annual, much anticipated, and fun-but-not-too scary Halloween Parade strolls down Main Street next Wednesday (October 28, 3:30 p.m.). It begins at the Post Road East corner.
The event — specially geared for children 8 and under — is co-sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, Downtown Merchants Association and Westport PAL.
From Main Street, the parade turns right on Avery Place, then left on Myrtle Avenue. Youngsters may trick or treat along the route, and on Veterans Green. Entertainment, refreshments and small gifts will be provided there, at 4 p.m.
There is no parking along the route, from 2 to 4 p.m. Vehicular and pedestrian access to Town Hall will remain available for anyone voting early in the auditorium.
Captain Nemo leads last year’s Halloween Parade. (Photo/Gabriela Hayes)
TODAY’S HALLOWEEN HOUSE
Meanwhile, spooky decorations are on display all over town.
This creative driveway is on Long Lots Road, near High Point.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
MEET JEFF O’LANTERN — JACK’S YOUNGER BROTHER
Speaking of Halloween: Westport author Charlie Greenwald will read from his new children’s book, Jeff O’Lantern. He’ll also sign copies for young trick-or-treaters.
The event is this Sunday (October 25, 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble).
Aimed at kindergartners through 2nd graders it’s a “funny, heartwarming picture book about a shy little pumpkin.” (Jeff O’Lantern — Jack’s younger brother — is not quite as spooky.)
Readers can discover that being shy or gentle is not a weakness. and that kindness can be its own kind of bravery.
Kids will love the pumpkin hero — and learn about confidence and finding their own strengths.
happy 81st birthday, un!
Halloween is not the only holiday this month.
Tomorrow (Friday, October 23, 3:15 p.m., Town Hall), Westport celebrates the founding of the United Nations 81 years ago, on October 24, 1945.
First Selectman Kevin Christie will issue a proclamation, followed by brief statements on critical global issues by members of the Staples High School Model UN Club.
There will be a special message from the UN Secretary- General and a flag raising ceremony too. The public is invited.
From tomorrow through Monday, the flags of many UN member countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.
public dock nears completion
A large barge moved through the open Cribari Bridge yesterday, on its way up the Saugatuck River.
There, work continued on the public dock at Arezzo restaurant.
It’s getting closer to completion, adding one more amenity to downtown.
And one more reason to get moving on that long-delayed dredging project.
Working on the dock, yesterday … (Photo/Ken Warren)
… and this morning’s view. (Photo/Janine Scotti)
focus grOUps focus on stars
Serena Diamond is a Staples High School junior. But the teenagers has already spend many years study astronomy, and working at and with the Westport Astronomical Society.
Now she’s searching the skies — or at least Westport — for ways to involve more young people in the very cool, but way under the radar institution.
Serena is researching how the observatory can better serve local youth and families.
She has organized 2 focus groups for this Saturday (October 24). Students, and at least one parent, are invited to discuss programs, events and experiences. Frequent visitors and first-times are all welcome.
This Saturday’s sessions are 2 to 3 p.m. (grades 3-6), and 4 to 5 p.m. (grades 7-9). Both take place at the Westport Observatory, 182 Bayberry Lane.
Serena Diamond, at the Westport Observatory.
POLICE REPORTS
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 14 and 20.
A 28-year-old Port Chester, New York man was charged with harassment, assault, criminal attempt to commit assault, threatening, reckless endangerment and kidnapping, following a complaint by a victim who had recently ended a relationship with the man. Over several days via telephone and threat, he threatened to kill the victim. The victim eventually agree to meet him, and got into his vehicle. He drove erratically throughout Westport. When the victim attempted to get out, he struck and restrained the victim. He continued to drive throughout the assault, and struck a guardrail while attempting to get on I-95 at Exit 17. At that point the victim fled, but he allegedly began driving at the victim. He was held on a $500,000 bond.
A 26-year-old Plainsboro, New Jersey woman was charged with identity theft and illegal possession of a personal identifying information device, following a report of a fraudulent bank withdrawal. She was released on a $75,000 bond.
A 49-year-old Fairfield man was charged with harassment, for emailing and texting the victim despite being warned to cease all contact. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Failure to renew registration: 3 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle with handheld electronic device: 2
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
- Reckless driving: 1
- Engaging police in pursuit: 1
- Distracted driving: 1
- Following too closely: 1
- Failure to drive right: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Failure to obey stop sign: 1
- Failure to display lights: 1
- Failure to display reflectorized plates: 1
- License/permit violation: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without an endorsement: 1
“westport … naturally,” & song of the day
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, the buck stops at Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
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And finally … the annual downtown Halloween parade is less than a week away.
(The buck may stop at Sherwood Island — but it should also head to “06880.” Our hyper-local blog relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
