Tag Archives: Art Ellis

Roundup: Staples Baseball, Longshore, Long Lots …

Posted on June 10, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Staples High School baseball team is 6 innings away from a state championship.

The Wreckers — down 3-1 — battled back to trounce Fairfield Ludlowe 8-3 yesterday, at Waterbury’s Municipal Stadium. They vaulted into their 3rd “LL” (extra large schools) title game in 4 years. Their last state crown came in 2019.

The blue-and-whites will face Trumbull on Saturday, at Middletown’s Palmer Field (time TBD). The Wreckers thrashed them 11-1 earlier this year (the 10-run mercy rule ended that game), so the Eagles will be out for revenge. They topped Fairfield Prep 9-4, in the nightcap of yesterday’s semifinal doubleheader.

Staples is the 11th seed. They’re 18-7, outscoring their opponents 36-7 in the state tourney after falling to New Canaan in the FCIAC (league) quarterfinals.

One other Staples baseball note: Wrecker coach Jack McFarland will be inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame later this month.

But that’s not the only Staples sports news. Today (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Fairfield University), the boys lacrosse team meets New Canaan, in the state tournament semifinals. The Wreckers have beaten the Rams 3 straight times this season.

Go Wreckers! (Hat tip/The Ruden Report)

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Renovation of the Inn at Longshore is nearly done.

Fingers are crossed for an opening of the iconic hotel and event space — and adjacent La Plage restaurant — next month.

Meanwhile, work continues, under a hot sun.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee offers a presentation of the elementary school and Stepping Stones pre-school project tonight (Wednesday, June 10, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

The opening date has been pushed back to January 2028.

Artist’s rendering of the new Long Lots Elementary School. 

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Fresh off the excitement of their StartUp Westport Community Impact Award, Club203 hosted their final event of the 2025-26 season last night, at Ned Dimes Marina.

Dozens of members of the social group for adults with disabilities enjoyed World Cup-themed activities, including soccer and crafts by MoCA\CT — along with dinner from the Super Duper Weenie truck. Westport Rotary Club volunteers added to the fun.

Club203 takes a break for the summer. Season 5 begins in September, with an event at Earthplace. To learn more about Club203, click here.

Club203 arts and crafts on the Ned Dimes Marina deck …

… and hanging out by the food truck. (Photos/Stacie Curran)

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On a related (younger) note: Fathers, mothers, caregivers and interested residents are invited to an evening dedicated to supporting families raising children with special needs.

Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities hosts the event this Friday (6 p.m., Senior Center).

It’s a chance to meet mentors from the Special Fathers Network, hear stories from experienced fathers, connect with others on similar journeys, meet David Hirsch (author and host of the “Dad to Dad” podcast), and receive a free copy of his book “Dads Raising Children with Special Needs.”

Westport’s director of human services Elaine Daignault says, “Whether you are the parent of a newly diagnosed child, a seasoned advocate, or simply someone who cares about creating a more inclusive Westport, this conversation is for you.

“All family members are welcome, and we especially encourage fathers to attend. Together, we can continue building a community where every family feels connected, supported, and empowered.” To RSVP, click here.

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Westport Rotary Club members are an active, creative bunch.

But they learned even more about action and creativity yesterday.

Cliff Sirlin — an entrepreneur, and president and co-founder of StartUp Westport — and colleagues Peter Propp and Dave Altman spoke about their organization, at Rotary’s weekly meeting.

The public/private partnership has grown exponentially, since its start during the pandemic. There are now 3,000 innovators and entrepreneurs, engaged in everything from networking and mentorships to a pitch competition and — most recently — an Innovator of the Year (Marc Lasry) and Community Impact (Club203) evening.

Cliff Sirlin (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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When LGBTQ, allies and friends gather on Jesup Green for this Sunday’s annual

SpPride celebration (June 14, 12 noon), they’ll enjoy live music, food trucks, and plenty of community spirit.

Non-profits, businesses, religious organizations, Staples clubs will all have booths. Even “Free Mom Hugs CT” will be represented.

It’s one of Westport’s most inclusive events. And — with rainbow flags everywhere — certainly one of the most colorful.

Temple Israel Cantor Julia Cadrain, at last year’s Pride. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Extra-long traffic delays yesterday were caused by a 2-vehicle crash on I-95, at the Exit 17 southbound on-ramp.

An injured driver was taken to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS for observation.

(Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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As the town discusses a fenced-in dog run at Winslow Park, there’s no debate at dogs at the adjacent Westport Country Playhouse.

Their Family Festivities Series hosts “the world’s most-talented 4-legged performers” in “comedy dog spectacular.”

“Mutts Gone Nuts” takes the stage at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 21.

The lineup includes dog trainer Alexandra Côté from “America’s Got Talent,” and dogs that dance, prance, flip and skip.

Also on the bill: Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy, with tricks combining  technical skill and comedy.

Tickets are $40.To purchase and for more information, click here.  Click here or below for a preview.

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Led Zeppelin lives!

Black Dog Band — a great tribute band — rocks VFW Post 399 this Saturday (June 13; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8).

There’s light bar food, and drink specials. Tickets are $20, at the door or online.

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Arthur Dwight Ellis — a longtime Bedford Middle School STEM teacher, whose work in the classroom and with Science Olympiad teams inspired generations of students — died peacefully on June 2 in Westerly, Rhode Island. He was 77.

The Springfield, Massachusetts, native “lived a life guided by curiosity, creativity, and a deep desire to understand the world around him,” his obituary says.

“A lifelong learner, he approached every interest with enthusiasm, thoughtful inquiry, and a commitment to excellence.

His wide range of interests included sailing, model airplanes and teaching. “Whatever captured his attention, he sought not only to master it, but to understand it deeply and to share that understanding with others. He had a gift for seeing connections, interpreting ideas in creative ways, and inspiring those around him to think more broadly and learn more deeply.”

Longtime colleague and friend David Deitch said, “Art gave so much of his life to students for Science Olympiad. He often went well beyond the norm for hours on end after school, and weekend trips around the country.

“‘Selfless’ doesn’t begin to describe this Princeton grad, with a degree in engineering. He was an essential inspiration to lifelong learning and achievement. Art gifted his students, as he seamlessly unlocked the mysteries of engineering and algebra for them, en route to winning competitions.”

Art is survived by his sons, Brian and David (Roseann); granddaughters Evangeline and Victoria; his longtime partner, Louisa Bradford; brothers Dwight and Charles, and nephews Warren and Ryan.

A celebration of Art’s life will be held later this summer.

Art Ellis

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is not just any duck.

According to photographer JD Dworkow, this is a “SaugaDuck.” Rim shot …

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … in honor of Black Dog — the Led Zeppelin tribute band — coming to the VFW on Saturday (item above):

(Hey hey, mama! And papa too … If you enjoy “06880,” please click here to support your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Make me a happy man. Thank you!)

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Science Olympians Confront Virus

Posted on March 28, 2020 | 2 comments

The Staples High School girls and boys basketball teams — both enjoying their best seasons in decades — saw their state tournament hopes suddenly end. No one knows what will happen to spring sports, though that season seems increasingly unlikely.

But Westport athletes were not the only ones whose seasons came to a brutal end, thanks to the coronavirus.

At Bedford Middle School and Staples High, dozens of students were preparing for the state — and hopefully national — Science Olympiad competitions. They, their teachers and advisors had spent hundreds of hours since August researching, designing and studying.

Building on last year’s success — both teams represented Connecticut at the national tourney at Cornell University (for Bedford, the 3rd trip in 5 years) — the squads felt confident.

Last year’s Bedford Science Olympians …

Science Olympians don’t get the publicity or prestige — and certainly not the crowds — of basketball players. But in the highly competitive world of science contests, the Westporters are superstars.

The Bedford program began 9 years ago. Engineering and design teacher Art Ellis is the driving force — the Geno Auriemma of Science Olympiads. He’s assisted by Dr. Daniel Cortright, a BMS science teacher.

This year — with Coleytown students attending Bedford — the middle school teams merged. CMS engineering and design teacher Keenan Grace brought his students on board, with great success.

… and the Coleytown squad.

Science Olympiads consist of 23 events. Each team — usually 15 students — competes in all 23. (This year’s BMS squad included about 75 youngsters. Including various invitational meets, 50 or so got actual competitive experience.)

The events range from building a structure, vehicle or flying object, to tests in areas like geology, meteorology and anatomy, to hybrid, chemistry lab-style activities.

There are activities too like “Crime Busters,” for forensic analysis.

Then there is “Disease Detectives.”

Developed long before COVID-19 spread across the globe, this Science Olympiad event asks students to examine — and solve — disease outbreaks.

At the national high school tournament, the CDC gives an award to the winner of this event — plus an expense-paid trip to its headquarters in Washington, DC.

Many of the middle school Disease Detectives questions have revolved around food-borne illnesses. They’re fairly straightforward to analyze, Cortright says.

From left: Middle school teachers and Science Olympiad coaches Dan Cortright, Kat Nicholas and Art Ellis.

Not long ago, he and Ellis talked about possible tournament questions. They guessed there would be some about pathogens like COVID-19. They started preparing their team for them.

But before they could solve the problem — or at least, address it — the state and national tournaments were canceled.

The Westport Public Schools have moved to distance learning. Activities like Science Olympiad are on hold.

But if anyone can figure out how to adapt to our new reality — and (who knows?) come up with a way to solve or even prevent future disease outbreaks — it’s these young superstars.

In related Science Olympiad news, 4 members of Staples’ team were also involved in the M3Mathworks Math Modeling Challenge.

Formerly called Moody’s Math Challenge, it’s certainly challenging. Teams of 5 students represent their schools, using math to solve a real world problem.

They meet outside of school, download the problem, then work together continuously for 14 hours. The winning solution earns a large cash prize for the school.

Staples’ team — including those 4 Special Olympians — worked together on the problem before social distancing began.

This year’s involved electric trucks. Specifically, contestants had to make intelligent decisions about the necessary charging infrastructure is complex, and weigh economic and environmental implications for communities surrounding trucking corridors is essential. Over 750 teams competed.

The Staples Mathworks Challenge team, hard at work.

Click here to see the Staples team’s video — 14 hours compressed into 3 minutes — on Facebook. Click here for more information on the M3Mathworks Math Modeling Challenge.

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Posted in Education, Environment, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

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BMS Science Olympians Strike Gold

Posted on May 3, 2018 | 5 comments

When I hear “science competition,” I think of nerdy kids next to poster boards, explaining styrofoam experiments to nerdy judges.

When Bedford Middle School students hear it, they think of Science Olympiad. Which is pretty similar to the actual Olympic Games.

Instead of swimming, boxing, biathlon (and curling!) though, there are events like anatomy and physiology, hovercraft and towers.

Body tape and energy bars are replaced by duct tape and battery chargers.

But — just like the Summer and Winter Games — events are timed. Adrenaline runs high. There are big prizes for the winners.

Last month, BMS placed 1st and 3rd at the state competition in Farmington. The gold winners now represent Connecticut at the 34th annual Science Olympiad national tournament. It’s May 18-19, at Colorado State University.

Hail to the champions: Bedford Middle School’s Science Olympiad stars.

That’s no small achievement. 15,000 schools participate across the country. Teams of up to 15 students compete in 23 events, covering science, technology, engineering and math.

Some require constructing a project ahead of time. Others involve on-the-spot skill-solving. Like athletes, “SciOly” teams train for hours each week.

Fortunately, Bedford is led by a coach who is John Wooden, Geno Auriemma and Pep Guardiola rolled into one.

During the day, Art Ellis — the first student at Princeton University to seek a combination degree in engineering and public school education — teaches design and engineering.

Teacher/coach Art Ellis in action.

After school, his classroom transforms into the Science Olympiad workshop. Middle schoolers build, study, perform lab trials, make mistakes and hone their performances.

After a dinner break, he opens the room again. Students focus on different events.

On weekends he’s either at BMS, or in Glastonbury coaching his flyers for the SciOly “Wright Stuff” event.

Many of this year’s Olympians worked during school breaks — including last summer vacation. They’ve been inspired by Mr. Ellis, who teaches them exactly how competitions work.

Once the students understand how good their opponents are — and they’re very, very good — they’re hooked on beating them.

But there’s no trash talk or foul play. Bedford wins with grace. They congratulated the runners-up profusely. After all, Mr. Ellis reminded them, if the other team wasn’t their rivals, they’d likely be their good friends.

After winning a gold medal, two Bedford Middle School Science Olympians show their joy.

Mr. Ellis also coaches the Staples High School Science Olympiad team. Formed last year, they’ve already snagged a pair of 3rd-place finishes. Coleytown Middle School competed at the state meet this year too, and earned an individual medal.

There’s only one thing Mr. Ellis can’t do: create money out of thin air. The cost of sending 25 students and 5 advisers to Colorado is $35,000. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to Bedford Middle School, 88 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880 (put “Science Olympiad” in the memo line).

Congratulations to BMS Science Olympians Jackson Benner, Julia Berg, Tavan Bhatia, Aalok Bhattacharya, Kristina Chaney, Rhea Choudhury, Joshua Deitch, Tatiana Dragun, Hannah Even, Amy Ginzburg, Tanvi Gorre, Sharmila Green, Anja Gubitz, Finnbar Kiely, Lucy Livingstone, Emma Losonczy, Annabelle Luo, Colin Morgeson, Alexander Pirkl, Jeffrey Pogue, Ishan Prasad, Naomi Rosen, Zachary Rybchin, Samira Saad, Kaitlyn Seo, Tegh Singh, Clara Smith, Mallika Subramanian, Maxwell Tanksley, Whitman Teplica and Jy Xu, plus Mr. Elllis’ fellow coaches Kathryn Nicholas and Dr. Daniel Cortright.

Good luck going for another gold. And have fun along the way!

(Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)

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Posted in Children, Education, People, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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Bedford Middle Schoolers Head To Olympics

Posted on April 28, 2015 | 3 comments

In just their 2nd year of existence, Bedford Middle School’s Science Olympiad team won the state championship.

There’s no telling how far they’ll go now.

Well, actually there is. They’re headed to University of Nebraska, for the national tournament next month.

The 21 middle schoolers compete in a grueling “academic track meet.” They are judged in 23 events, covering topics like earth science, epidemiology, ecology, topography, chemistry, anatomy, entomology, forensics, physics, geology, environmental science, robotics, and mechanical/engineering construction.

The youngsters designed a wooden glider launched by rubber bands, as well as a robot that can pick up small objects and move them around. They’ve also studied a crime scene (including chromatography, fingerprints and soil patterns), then written an essay about who did what (and how).

The Bedford Middle School Science Olympiad team. (Photo/Casey Donahue)

The Bedford Middle School Science Olympiad team. (Photo/Casey Donahue)

The Science Olympiad program was introduced at Bedford by principal Adam Rosen — a former participant himself.

Teachers Art Ellis and Rebecca Kaplan run it as a club. Students put hundreds of hours into preparation — after school nearly every day, and some Saturdays too.

They’ve accomplished a lot. But they can’t do everything alone.

Now — as they prepare for their trip to the nationals — they’re trying to raise $30,000, to cover airfare, buses, accommodations, meals and supplies for the Olympians and chaperones. A GoFundMe webpage has started them on their way.

Team members include Mark Ballesteros, Ethan Chin, Genevieve Domenico, Tyler Edwards, Chet Ellis, Tommy Fabian, Anna Hill, Angela Ji, Vignesh Kareddy, Zach Katz, Charlie Kleeger, Augustin Liu, Maria Maisonet, Aniruddha Murali, Nishika Navrange, Swami Parimal, Sirnia Prasad, Jory Teltser, Alex Tsang and Derek Ye.

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