Tag Archives: Jaime Bairaktaris

Roundup: Josh Koskoff Makes Time, Police Make Arrests, Sweet P Makes Friends …

Posted on April 17, 2025 | 1 comment

What do Donald Trump, Elon Musk, JD Vance, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ed Sheeran, Adrien Brody, Megan Kelly, Serena Williams, Loren Michaels, Mark Zuckerberg, Joe Rogan, Snoop Dogg — and Josh Koskoff — have in common?

All have just been named to Time Magazine’s list of 2025’s 100 Most Influential People.

If the name “Josh Koskoff” doesn’t ring a bell: Shame on you!

The Staples High School graduate, longtime resident and attorney is the third generation of his family at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

But he does much more than just “practice law.”

Chris Murphy wrote the text for Koskoff’s Time Magazine honor. The Connecticut senator said:

For almost 2 decades, the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act prevented gun manufacturers from being held accountable for their role in the uniquely American epidemic of gun violence. Josh Koskoff, a feisty, public-­interest-minded lawyer in Connecticut, dared to challenge what was believed to be an impenetrable shield—and won.

When Josh agreed to help the families of Sandy Hook victims take on Remington, the company that manufactured and marketed the AR-15-style rifle used to murder 20 children and six adults in Newtown, Conn., he knew it would be an uphill battle. But in 2022, his novel approach won a $73 ­million settlement for the families.

Josh’s arguments — focused on corporate misconduct, not the Second Amendment — have become the model for holding the gun industry to account. In May, he filed lawsuits on behalf of Uvalde, Texas, families against gun manufacturer Daniel Defense, Meta, and Activision for their alleged roles in marketing AR-15-style rifles to a teenager who turned 18 just minutes before purchasing that rifle. No amount of money will bring back loved ones. But Josh gives the families he represents a real chance to seek justice.

That’s some record. And some recognition. Congratulations, Josh! (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Josh Koskoff

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 9 and 16.

An 83-year-old Weston man was charged with driving under the influence, after a report of a vehicle operating erratically. The driver had pulled into Coleytown Elementary School. The driver then drove over a curb and through the grass.

A 22-year-old Hamden man was charged with 4 counts of larceny, and 4 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, after 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen from vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. After posting a $150,000 bond, he was turned over to Torrington Police, who had an active arrest warrant.

Meanwhile, the local crackdown on driving while texting — part of a statewide effort — was quite effective.

Westport Police issued 70 citations for drivers who texted. Interestingly, not one of the 70 was under the age of 20. Teenagers seem to have gotten the (text?) message well.

The most ticketed age group (21 citations) was 30-39. Overall, women received 43 tickets; men got 27.

The breakdown by age:

  • 20-29: 10 citations (women 7, men 3)
  • 30-39: 21 (women 12, men 9)
  • 40-49: 13 (women 9, men 4)
  • 50-59: 15 (women 11, men 4)
  • 60-69: 7 (women 4, men 3)
  • 70-79: 4 (all men)

Other citations include:

Distracted driving (not texting): 9 citations

  • Speeding: 8
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to carry license: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1

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Yankee fans are not the only ones raving about Sweet P Bakery cookies.

The colossal treats — from the company founded by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, which provides training and employment for people with disabilities  — are available at Yankee Stadium concession stands in sections 121 and 211.

On Tuesday, Yankee stars Austin Wells, Jasson Domínguez, and the aptly nicknamed Carlos “Cookie” Carrasco met with the Sweet P team.

Did the treats make it onto the post-game buffet table in the clubhouse? Or did the 3 players keep the stash for themselves?

Click here for a video of the afternoon.

Just another day at the ballpark.

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Speaking of sports: Girls rugby is one of the fastest growing programs in town.

On May 1 (5:30 p.m., Staples High School), girls of all — experienced or not — have a great opportunity to learn more.

Staples rugby will host the Vassar College women’s team. They’ll play an exhibition game, and lead drills.

The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. Click here to sign up.

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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service president Jaime Bairaktaris spoke to the Westport Rotary Club on Thursday.

He described the work and challenges of the 46-year-old non-profit, and — with EMS associate Fergal Moore — demonstrated CPR.

Jaime Bairaktaris’ slide shows important ways Westporters can help WVEMS. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Circle of Friends is a great group. Young volunteers join children and adults with special needs in an array of social programs and weekly play dates.

On May 4 (Inn at Longshore), the organization celebrates 18 years of friendship and impact. They’ll honor over 150 teen volunteers, and 2 Westport couples —Larissa Kirschner and Michael Chaney, and Elena and Marco Caggiano — for their longtime involvement with the group.

The Caggianos’ son John is also involved.

Governor Lamont and Senator Blumenthal plan to present the awards. For tickets and more information, click here.

From left: Larissa Kirschner and Michael Chaney; Elena and Marco Caggiano.

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The recent “06880” story on myTeam Triumph — the nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities (called “captains”) to participate in endurance events, with the support of men, women and teenagers (“angels”) who run, bike or swim alongside — brought several new captains to last Sunday’s practice.

The first race of the season is April 27. It’s the 46th annual Minute Man 10K, 5K and Kids’ Fun Run, and continues a long relationship between mTT and the sponsoring Westport Young Woman’s League.

There’s still time for captains, angels and non-running my Team Triumph volunteers to take part. Click here to sign up, and for more information.

The first practice run of the season, at Compo Beach.

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Peggy Bud and Tamara Jacobson have more than 60 years of combined experience in education, as educators, administrators and consultants. They wrote 2 books, to connect parents and educators around positive learning scenarios.

Their next project: a collaboration with the Westport Library’s Verso Studios on a new community podcast.

“Ask the Educators” debuted yesterday, with three 15-minute episodes. New episodes will drop every other week.

The podcast is available on the Verso Studios podcast page, through regular podcast distributors such as Apple and Spotify, and the Ask the Educators Substack.

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Is spring finally — fitfully — here?

Today’s “Westport … Naturall” photo — showing buds outside June Rose Whittaker’s window on Jennie Lane, off Compo Road South — seem to suggest “Yes! At last!”

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … in honor of Sweet P Bakery’s “hit” with the Yankees, here is today’s song:

This version is from 1908. After 117 years, it’s time to add “colossal cookies” to the line about “peanuts and Crackerjacks.”

(Every day, the “06880” Roundup is a grand slam. If you enjoy our daily dose of information, events and news you can use, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Library, Local business, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Paul Newman’s Pizza, Cellphone Poll, Susan Fund …

Posted on June 25, 2024 | 8 comments

Last week, Newman’s Own launched a “Pay What You Want” Pizza truck.

All proceeds go to the Newman’s Own Foundation, which gives 100% of its profits to help children facing adversity.

The first stop was New York City. It will travel across the country all summer long, offering several varieties of Newman’s Own pizzas.

Today it’s Westport’s turn.

That’s particularly fitting. The non-profit has been headquartered here since 1982, ever since its founding by our own Paul Newman and his family.

The Pay What You Want Pizza truck will be at Newman’s Own’s office (1 Morningside Drive North, just north of the Post Road) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today (Tuesday). From 3 to 6 p.m., it’s on Main Street (close to the Post Road).

Newman’s Own pizza truck.

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Yesterday, “06880” reported on superintendent of schools Tom Scarice’s proposal to ban smartphones from Westport’s schools.

Today, we’ve got an Instagram poll on it. Click here to vote. (If the link does not work, find us on Instagram: @danwoog06880).

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There was plenty of emotion Sunday afternoon, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The Susan Fund held its 43rd annual reception — and awarded 18 college grants to Fairfield County residents.

All have been diagnosed with cancer.

“They have, in addition to medical bills, the college bills, which are just enormous,” says Jeff Booth, Susan Fund chair.

“So whatever financial support we can give them is a huge help.”

Some of the Susan Fund recipients honored on Sunday.

Also honored: Ann Lloyd.

The Susan Fund founder and chair emerita was presented with a birthday cake. At 90, she is still actively involved with the non-profit.

The Susan Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her daughter Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 900 students.

To learn more about the Susan Fund, and to donate, click here.

Ann Lloyd. The podium is covered with photos and letters from Susan Fund recipients. 

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“06880” likes to post good news, whenever we can.

Like us, Jaime Bairaktaris knows there are many young people who do good things that go unnoticed. And that their parents never see.

Yesterday, he wrote on social media:

“Did your son and his friend go to Old Mill Grocery & Deli a bit ago?

“As I ordered my lunch, 2 ‘tweenage’ boys walked in. One went to get Peanut M&Ms, but immediately stopped to ask his friend if he had any allergies. The friend said no, so he grabbed his M&Ms.

“They went to the counter, ordered politely, paid with cash, counted their change, then made sure they both put money into the tip jar — stopping each other to make sure that they tipped.

“No phones, no TikTok dances, no skibidi Ohio rizzing. As often as I see negative posts about local kids doing dumb things, I hope the parents of these kids see this and know their sons did a great job of showing everyone in the deli that Westport’s future is just fine.

“Not to mention how well raised they were (to confirm allergies for their friend, and count change?!). In the words of TikTok-era youth: they were very sigma.

“I can only hope they never roll through a stop sign when they get their licenses.”

Good kids hang out here. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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An old favorite — First Folk Sunday — returns next month.

But the venue is different.

The series — afternoons of music in a relaxed, mellow atmosphere — kicks off July 7 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) at its new home: the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Suzanne Sheridan (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tim DeHuff (lead guitar) and Bob Cooper (keyboard) offer a Bob Dylan retrospective.

The season continues with rising folk star singer-songwriter Lisa Bastoni (August 4), a Joni Mitchell tribute with Suzanne Sheridan (September 1), the return of The Flying Fingers Jug Band (October 6(, a Woody Guthrie homage featuring many performers and an audience sing along (November 3), and a special event December 3.

The music cover charge is $15; click here for tickets. An a la carte menu and open bar is available for audience members. For more information, click here or call 203-984-7562.

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The Parks & Recreation Department guest services team at Compo Beach hears just about every story imaginable.

But they keep smiling, and serving.

Here was yesterday’s crew. As always, they welcomed visitors, answered questions, solved problems, and put a happy face on Westport’s happy place.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Meanwhile, a reminder: Westport’s streets don’t clean themselves.

This machine was out yesterday on Bayberry Lane, sweeping up debris.

There’s not a lot of room to walk, jog, bike, skateboard or do anything else.

But thanks to our Public Works Department, it’s a lot less dangerous today than yesterday.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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The first heat wave of the summer has ended. It may be cool enough for Harbor Road residents to venture outside, and sit in these chairs looking out toward Longshore.

It’s an idyllic summer scene. And the reeds make it a great candidate for our  “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … in honor of Paul Newman’s “Pay What You Want” pizza truck, we remember the actor/philanthropist:

(Whether you lived here when Paul Newman did, or you just came yesterday, “06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from all our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Local business, Staples HS

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Roundup: Jaime Bairaktaris, Sherry Jagerson, Saugatuck Church Pride …

Posted on June 17, 2024 | 8 comments

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service’s new president is a familiar face — but also a young one.

Jaime Bairaktaris has already served as a board member and crew chief. When he succeeds Michael Burns on July 1, the 26-year-old will be the youngest Westport EMS president in history.

He began volunteering in 2013 as a Staples High School freshman. He has logged
nearly 3,000 hours since.

Bairaktaris was named Volunteer of the Year in 2016, and Crew Chief of the
Year in 2022.

EMS is one of his many activities. Bairaktaris works full-time as a support staff member at Redding’s John Read Middle School, and recently finished a term on the Westport Representative Town Meeting for District 4. He also founded and publishes The Westport Local Press.

Bairaktaris hopes to add initiatives for current volunteers, while attracting and growing the next generation of EMTs.

Another goal is to strengthen public education, with new classes focused on mental health.

Current president Burns will transition to serve as vice president, continuing his work on the non-profit’s new endowment goals to allow long-term financial sustainability.

Burns’ leadership was crucial to WVEMS’s growth and stability following the pandemic.

For more information on Westport Volunteer EMS and its service to Westport, click here.

Jaime Bairaktaris

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Sherry Jagerson got the sendoff she deserved on Saturday afternoon.

Friends and admirers packed the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport. They smiled and laughed as family members and colleagues told stories about the longtime Westporter’s many accomplishments, as a sailor, sailmaker and women’s sailing instructor; self-taught home renovator and repairperson; environmental activist and Nash Pond steward; human rights advocate; mother, grandmother, and role model to all.

The next day, 2 dozen family members and friends paid the ultimate tribute to the passionate woman, who died earlier this month at 80.

They gathered at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve — whose transformation from the former Allen’s Clam House to an idyllic spot for reflection and kayak launching Jagerson spearheaded over a decade ago — to weed, prune and replant the site.

As they worked, the crew told Jagerson’s story to curious passersby and preserve-goers. They included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, who was there to go kayaking, and volunteered to take a group photo.

Sherry Jagerson’s family and friends, at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Jen Tooker)

“It was a fabulous few hours, giving us one more opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for our amazing mom,” daughter Stacy Fowle says.

Cleaning up Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Stacy Fowle)

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Several dozen people enjoyed the warm sun and broad front lawn, at Saugatuck Congregational Church’s first-ever Pride event yesterday.

There was food, camaraderie, a bouncy house for kids, and more.

Including plenty of rainbows.

Saugatuck Church prepares for Pride. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Compo Shopping Center has the parking lot Westporters love to hate.

The front is narrow, confusing and dangerous. The rear is spacious, but — in part because it has been potholed and poorly maintained — underutilized.

Part of that problem has been solved. New owners Regency Centers recently repaved part of the back lot.

It’s a great improvement. Now, about rest of the place …

Compo Shopping Center repaving. (Photo/Rob Haroun)

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“Who” stopped by for a Father’s Day “Westport … Naturally” portrait yesterday?

This guy!

(Photo/Barry Kresch)

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And finally … on this date in 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, spent the next 17 years building her mausoleum. Today it is called the Taj Mahal.

(Welcome to another week of Roundups: your best source each day for whatever has happened, is happening or will happen in the 06880. Please click here to support our hard work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, religion

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Jaime Bairaktaris: “I Saw Hatred Today”

Posted on September 30, 2020 | 22 comments

Jaime Bairaktaris is a multi-talented, community-minded Westporter. On Monday the 2016 Staples High School graduate, current Sacred Heart University student and 2020 Connecticut Paraeducator of the Year witnessed something disturbing downtown. He writes: 

I’ve heard about hatred in our community. I’ve heard stories from friends, neighbors, social media and news sources. But I had not seen it myself.

This week, I think I saw it. It was ugly and deliberate, in the form of 3 middle school boys with their opinion to display, or partially formed frontal lobes to blame, or a sense of common respect to try to gain.

But there it was, plain as day.

I paused while tutoring another middle schooler. We watched the boys pull up a sign for a national political candidate from Jesup Green. They broke it into pieces, threw it in a trash bin, then took turns spitting on it before walking away, screaming to each other.

Spitting on it!

We were confused. So were the many other kids and adults sharing Jesup Green and Riverwalk tables. My student and I talked about respect, hatred, and why — regardless of opinion — we respect all things, and all people.

A nice day, marred.

We talked about better ways to share our own opinions, and how everyone’s opinion matters in one way or another.

Then we talked about how we never spit. Not during a pandemic, not on a sign, not at another person. Not ever.

As we talked, a group of middle school girls retrieved the sign from the trash. They placed it back on the lawn.

My student and I talked about how there are helpers everywhere. We talked about why we need to restore the good that is sometimes taken from a community, and how sometimes it is taken by people who may not realize they’re doing it — or may not care.

I wish I could have thanked those girls. Not just for putting back the sign, but for caring. For teaching us a positive lesson. And for reminding us that the majority of kids who hang out downtown do care.

But then the boys returned. They ripped the sign from the ground again, threw it onto Jesup Road, and took turns jumping on it. Then they flung it onto the middle of Jesup Green, before finally leaving.

Those boys did not care.

I wish I could have said something to my student, to everyone around us, to the girls who tried to help — something that could have made the situation better.

But I was at a loss. So I went back to our social studies. The hum of conversation and COVID-era working returned to the green.

I reported the incident to the police, so it’s on record. But I don’t know who those 3 boys are. I only know they don’t care. I don’t know their names, their families, their hobbies, their strengths, who they’ve helped in their lives, or who looks up to them.

I don’t know any good things about them. I only know that they destroyed a sign on Jesup Green.

Is this bigotry? Impulsivity? Stress? Lack of education? Too much media? Am I a snowflake? Or a Karen? Do I care too much? Did I not care enough to stop them? Is this a non-issue? Or is this a real probme.

This is not a case of “kids being kids.” The majority of those I see on their skateboards, scooters or bikes, in the deli or on the green, are energetic, loud, and — most importantly — respectful.

They’re doing what they should be doing: having fun, while learning how to make their own choices.

These boys made their choices. They chose hatred.

So I can’t help but wonder: How do we fix this?

22 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Politics, Teenagers, Westport life

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#WestportConnected: What A Way To Start The Week!

Posted on March 30, 2020 | 9 comments

What began as a little idea — hey, let’s make a video to connect Westporters! — has turned into something big and bold.

And very, very cool.

In just one week, 5 passionate Westporters

  • Honed their concept
  • Put out the word
  • Got submissions, and
  • Created a video that everyone should watch right now. Or at least, within the next few minutes.

The first video — released this morning — shows a wide array of Westporters. Through photos and videos, they provide messages of hope; offers their services as therapists, piano teachers, lawyers, Pilates instructors and Zoom party planners; give thanks to heroes, and talk about pets. There’s even a much-needed dose of humor.

This is the first of several “WestportConnected” videos. I’m sure it will spread like, um, a virus, and many more folks will join in.

Thank you Marcy Sansolo, Darcy Hicks, Lisa Newman, Jaime Bairaktaris and Melissa Kane.

Now click below. Connect. And smile!

Have a message of good energy, love or support? Want to advertise your business’s creative deal? Send along a submission for next week’s video: westportconnected@gmail.com.

9 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, Media, People

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Westport Connected: Send Photos And Videos Now!

Posted on March 25, 2020 | 5 comments

Westporters keep coming up with great ideas to stay connected.

The latest is as simple as its name: WestportConnected.

The goal is to go beyond the usual social media platforms. Organizers Marcy Sansolo, Darcy Hicks, Lisa Newman, Jaime Bairaktaris and Melissa Kane — a who’s who of creative, concerned and well-connected neighbors — invite fellow Westporters to share a message by sending either a photo (of yourself and/or your family and/or pets), or a video (no longer than 10 seconds!).

Want to say hi to everyone? Send a photo! (Photo courtesy of Bob Weingarten)

You can also offer services or support, as a professional or someone willing to help. Just take a photo or video, holding up a poster with what you can do, and your contact info.

Need ideas? Organizers suggest:

  • Messages of love and support to fellow Westporters
  • An activity that you or your family is doing to keep sane
  • Services you can offer for people who can’t leave their homes: lawn work, shopping, outdoor repairs, etc.
  • Support contacts to get help for depression, spousal abuse, addiction, etc. If you are a professional or sponsor who can offer support, let people know how to reach you
  • Share lessons via Zoom or other virtual conferencing appointments: music or art lessons, meditation sessions, workout routines, etc.

Are you a therapist who can meet clients online? Let us know!

There aren’t many rules. Just be positive!

Organizers say, “this is an attempt to recover some of the life we’re missing due to quarantine. It’s a reminder for all of us that no one is alone.”

Of course, “06880” is happy to help. Messages will be made into a video — and it will be posted here on Monday (March 30).

Send your photos and videos to WestportConnected@gmail.com. The deadline is 4 p.m. this Friday (March 27).

Connect now. Then get ready to be uplifted on Monday!

 

5 Comments

Posted in Environment, Media, People

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[OPINION] Kids: Keep Fidgeting!

Posted on March 24, 2019 | 24 comments

Jaime Bairaktaris is a compassionate, caring and cool “06880” reader. He works as a volunteer EMS crew chief, environmental program teacher, public school para-educator, and ice cream scooper.

Jaime is also very observant. Last weekend, he saw something disturbing. He wants to share it with all “06880” readers. I’m honored to pass his message along.

This is for all the parents of fidgety, different, and “normal” kids.

On Saturday morning I began to eavesdrop on the booth behind me at Rye Ridge Deli. Sitting in back of me was a kid (I assumed he’s a middle schooler). Across the table from him was a man (I assumed it was his father). My booth shook slightly as the kid moved around.

“Sit still!” the man said. Each word bounced as he chuckled.

The boy stopped moving. The booth became still.

“Some kids, they can’t sit still. They can’t control themselves,” the man continued.

I could not help but listen.

“One kid gets angry and gets a whole teacher to themself,” the man said. “Imagine there’s 25 kids in a class with one teacher. That’s ‘normal.’ Now imagine every kid gets their own teacher because they can’t control themself.”

I grew angry. I was listening to a child learn about how to look at other kids as abnormal, in a world where no one is “normal.”

“Imagine you want to get a set of textbooks for the whole class, but instead one kid gets their own teacher,” he said curtly.

“Now it’s more expensive for everyone else.”

This child was being taught to look at other kids as “expenses.”

The man plunged on. “We try to make these kids as ‘normal’ as possible now. We used to just keep them home if we knew it wouldn’t work out.”

My coffee grew cold. I could not imagine the harm he had done. He had just taught a child a mindset that many people have fought over 7 decades to change.

I listened as he chewed his words for a second, then spilled out: “But I’m not saying what’s wrong or right. These are big decisions.”

Man at the deli: These are not decisions. These are children. 

My heart hurt for the child who had to listen to this.

My heart hurt for the kids who may now be looked at as expenses — and for the teachers who were equated to text books.

My heart hurt that I chose to eavesdrop and judge this man’s parenting, but did not stand up and stop it.

Parents: Please talk to your kids — at the deli, at home, in the car, before bed — and make sure they know to love all of their friends the same.

Kids: Please never think that you are an expense or a waste. You are the best asset our town will ever be prized with. Please keep fidgeting.

Signed, 

A fidgety, abnormal, 21-year-old

 

24 Comments

Posted in Children

Tagged ,

Finding The UN At Earthplace Camp

Posted on July 27, 2017 | 1 comment

Every jUNe Day, Westport hosts hundreds of guests from around the world.

As you walk along Compo Beach, you hear dozens of languages.

For Jaime Bairaktaris, his “Westport United Nations” moment comes at Earthplace.

The 2016 Staples High School graduate has worked for several seasons as an Earthplace summer counselor. Previously, he was a camper there himself.

Every year, Jaime is impressed at the number of international visiting campers. They come from China, Spain, Germany, Singapore, England and everywhere else. They’re all ages too.

He and the kids climb trees, run through the brook, build stick shelters, have mud fights, swim and canoe down the Saugatuck River.

“No matter where they’re from, we all realize the nature sanctuary doesn’t have a language,” Jaime says.

Last week was extra special. In his group of 5 youngsters, only 1 — Andres — was from Westport.

Andres’ cousin is from Chile. Sofie lives in New York. Liv and Adam come from Paris.

The world comes to Earthplace. On the right is camp co-director Becky Newman.

Jaime relied on “Spanish for Dummies,” “French for Dummies” and Google Translate. He’d switch in mid-sentence from one language to another, without missing a beat.

But, he says, “these kids, without fail, form a connection. They communicate with each other. They start to play. They figure out how to work together.”

As always, children adapt — often better than their parents. One family signed up for just one day at camp. By the afternoon their child was talking excitedly about tomorrow. The parents quickly enrolled for the whole week.

“Our goal is to get them to a level where they’re comfortable and feel safe, by simply showing them they have nothing to worry about — that we don’t have words in English to describe the things we’ll be doing, so it doesn’t matter anyway,” Jaime explains.

The children quickly surpass that basic level of comfort. They mimic his voice, words and hand motions, especially as he counts down from 3 or tells them to quiet down.

“We use handshakes, fist bumps, pinky swears, hugs and a lot of facial expression when we need to explain something,” Jaime says. There are also plenty of high fives, smiles and Charades.

If things get confusing they laugh, grab his iPhone for Google Translate — then laugh some more at the “universal” emojis.

Once, Jaime pointed to words on his phone to show a young boy that they were going to a pond. His sister yelled at Jaime — in French — that he could not yet read. “Whoops!” Jaime laughs.

The Earthplace camp gang. (Photos/Jaime Bairaktaris)

For the counselor, the interactions between campers are his favorite parts.

“There’s nothing better than watching 6-year-olds sit down, build a perfect Lego house — sharing pieces, adjusting them — and then realize after 10 minutes that they didn’t even know they spoke different languages,” he says.

“Most kids truly have no clue there’s a language barrier. And when they do, they just keep playing.”

Some things need no talking. One child extends a hand to another, as they climb a tree. Together, they run over to show Jaime a frog they’ve caught.

“I think something of major importance happens here,” Jaime notes.

“In a world where screen time and organization is so prevalent, nature still teaches us how to be just human beings before we become students, athletes or artists.”

Earthplace’s “unscheduled” schedule is “whatever we want it to be. And whatever it turns out to be, we’re okay with. It’s a level playing field that binds them together, by making them equals.

“If an adult goes into the woods and sees a dead log, we see a dead log. They see a seesaw, and build one. Instead of watching a video about how tadpoles transform into frogs, they catch them — and see what’s happening.

“They can’t bury their head in their phone or rely on a computer to socialize. It’s all done outside, by themselves, and it works out just fine.”

Jaime loves that the Earthplace camp celebrates getting outside, and going with the flow.

And, he emphasizes, “we don’t even need to speak the same language when we do it. At the end of the day, we’re the same people.”

There are no words to describe how great that is.

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Posted in Children, Environment, Organizations, People

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Pic Of The Day #26

Posted on May 12, 2017 | 1 comment

Kings Highway North (Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Weather

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Sadly, This Einstein Did Not Stick Around Long Enough To Pick Up His “Driver Of The Year” Award

Posted on April 24, 2017 | 7 comments

Alert “06880” reader — and gobsmacked driver — Jaime Bairaktaris spotted this scene today on Weston Road, near the Merritt Parkway Exit 42 ramp.

(You can tell it’s the Merritt, because there’s a fairly large “No Commercial Vehicles” sign.)

(Photo/Jaime Bairaktaris)

Let Jaime tell the story:

The truck tried getting onto the parkway northbound, when people began to cut it off and blowing their horns. He decided to keep trying for Truck Driver of the Year award for a while. Finally he made a U-turn to go back towards town.

Let’s hope right now he is far, far away.

On 95.

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Posted in Totally random, Transportation

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