Tag Archives: Max Harper

Roundup: Playground Rebuild Week, Drug Take-Back Day, Tip-A-Cop Night …

Posted on April 23, 2025 | 1 comment

The Compo Beach playground rebuild has begun.

There is still time to volunteer. In fact, more hands are definitely needed.

Good progress has been made. But construction is a bit behind schedule. The target for completion is Saturday.

All kinds of help, of all skill levels, is welcome — for all shifts (8 a.m. to noon, 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 5 to 8 p.m.).

Meals, fruit, water — and a free t-shirt — are all provided.

Click here to volunteer — or just stop by.

PS: The temperature will be in the 70s all week. What better place to be outdoors than Compo Beach?

It takes a village to rebuild the Compo playground. Can you help?

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Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?

This Saturday (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Departmet takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.

Do NOT bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.

Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.

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Speaking of police: This Friday (April 25), Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant will have some special staff members.

From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Westport Police Department officers will welcome diners, take orders and serve meals.

No, Rizzuto’s is not short staffed. And the police are not pocketing the proceeds.

The Tip-A-Cop event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. All tips the officers receive will help provide sports, health and fitness programs to athletes of all abilities.

Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.

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Two long-vacant storefronts at “Elm & Main” — the new name for what decades of Westporters knew as Brooks Corner — will soon be filled.

Everything But Water is moving into the old Birddogs space. The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.

They operate 34 stores. Westport will be their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.

Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store in September. The first will be in Greenwich, starting next month.  The female-founded activewear brand is owned by Levi Strauss.

Fun Fact: Brooks Corner was named not for longtime tenant Brooks Brothers, but for B.V. Brooks. The real estate developer built the shopping center in the early 1960s.

“Elm & Main” — formerly Brooks Corner.

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Speaking of openings: The next location for The Granola Bar is …

… 330 Madison Avenue, in New York City.

Instantly popular from the day in 2013 when it opened in Playhouse Square — still its “flagship” location, with offices nearby — the breakfast/lunch/catering-and-more spot has since expanded to Fairfield, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich, plus Rye, Woodbury (Long Island) and the Upper West Side.

Now comes Midtown — just steps away from Grand Central.

Starbucks, McDonald’s, Subway … look out. You’re goin’ down!

330 Madison Avenue, New York City.

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Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes the usual mix of topics: academic performances, revisions to the school caelndar, board policies regarding employees, and students with disabilities.

The discussion item at the end should be less dry. It’s about Staples Block “S” trophies, and the controversy raised this year when the traditional metal awards were replaced by plaques.

 Block “S” plaque”

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Coming soon at Wakeman Town Farm:

“Wild About Veggies: Tips for Planting a Garden” (May 5, 7 p.m.). Learn about seasonal rotations, and much more. Click here to register.

“Learn to Shuck Oysters with a Local Pro” (June 8, 5 p.m.). Then enjoy the oysters you open (from Copps Island in Norwalk). You’ll also gain an understanding of oyster anatomy, and learn about the history of oyster farming here. $50; BYOB. Click here to register.

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Coming Sunday (April 27) to the Weston History & Culture Center i

Opening Day of “Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge” (1 p.m.). The Saugatuck Reservoir in Weston was home to a small neighborhood called Valley Forge. Now the once-thriving community of mills, forges and farms has vanished from memory and sight. The only reminders are photos.

Author Talk with Heather Pemberton About her debut thriller, “Hidden Below” (3 p.m.) — inspired by the history of Weston’s Valley Forge

Both are free for members, with a suggested donation for non-members.

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For 2 decades, STAR Lighting the Way’s “Walk & Roll” has been a spring highlight. The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR’s programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year’s event is May 4 (Sherwood Island State Park, 10:30 a.m.). The day includes family activities, music, food trucks, games and entertainment.

As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.

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Here’s an early head’s-up, on an event that will sell out soon.

On June 27 (6:30 p.m.,), Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads make their first-ever Westport appearance.

They’ll fill the Westport Library with their fun Caribbean swagger, and bouncy reggae rhythms, for a special dance party.

Salon says: “Talking Dreads play Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie (swaps out) urbanity for roots and sincerity.”

Tickets are $37.50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mystic Bowie

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Max Harper’s family and friends — and many Westporters who did not know the Staples High School senior who died last fall — are admiring a new memorial to him.

The handsome stone is at Compo’s South Beach, near the trees and benches.

It was designed by longtime Westport artist (and Staples graduate) Miggs Burroughts.

On a cold, windy March day, an expert from Enduring Monuments met Miggs and Max’s father Marcus at the rock Marcus had chosen.

The Westchester firm had created stencils from Miggs’ artwork. They blasted as pecial powdery spray into it, then spray painted the recessed areas to make them stand out.

Creating the memorial …

 … and the finished memorial. (Photo/Pam Docters)

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A reader writes: “I went into the AMC (used to be Bowtie) Royale 6 this afternoon. They are open. Who knew?!

“I thought they had closed. They switched owners, and took down the board where they used to post movie titles you could see from Route 1. So for the last 6 months I drove by and thought they were closed. I bet 50% of Westport has no idea they are open.”

I’m in the 50% who knew they were open. In fact, I bet 90% of the town did not think they were closed.

But, as a public service announcement, I’m relaying the “news.”

Hopefully, it’s a lot more interesting than all the announcements you hear before a movie.

At the AMC Royale 6, which — did you know? — is open!

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Seth Schachter sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

For those who are not early risers (or morning beachgoers): It’s an early morning shot of Burying Hill, looking toward Frost Point.

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of the AMC Royale 6 theater (story above):

(You go to the movies every once in a while. But “06880” entertains — and maybe informs and inspires — you several times a day. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Israeli Flag, Opossum Rescue, Compo Beach Art, Memorial & Oysters …

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 3 comments

Just a few days after Passover, the Israeli flag that hung outside Mark Scheck’s house was torn down .

All that remains of the flag.

Mark says 2 new flags will go back up. Along with a security camera.

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Another day, another rescue by Peter Reid.

Julie Loparo sends this latest story, about Westport’s animal control officer:

“At a time when local wildlife are dealing with the effect of habitat destruction due to rampant and unchecked clear cutting of trees and demolition of green space, it is not surprising that our wildlife mothers need to think outside of the box for safe lodging.

“Last week Peter (who wears another hat as intake director for Wildlife in Crisis) received a call from a resident. She calmly said there was an opossum residing in her home.

“Officer Reid responded quickly. He found the opossum — a mother with a full pouch of babies — taking a respite in the home owner’s cat tree.

“Officer Reid safely and humanely moved entire cat tree outside, and placed water and opossum nutrition near it.

“By the next morning, the mother opossum had found a new — hopefully safe — spot for shelter.

“We thank the local resident for not panicking, and instead of calling a ‘pest control’ service, contacting Animal Control Officer Reid. We also thank him too, for once again providing another wildlife rescue.

“Of course, we would be remiss not to thank our friend the opossum, who single-handedly (or single-pawedly) can devour 5,000 ticks a year, while acting as a natural pest controller in our yarda.

“Like mother opossum, we humans have to think outside the box sometimes, to live peacefully and humanely with our wildlife friends.”

Safe opossum. (Photo courtesy of Julie Loparo)

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Two follow-ups to yesterday’s Roundup item on the striking art print recently posted on the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.

Stacy Bass reports that the artist is Julie Headland.

It’s part of the Westporter’s “I’m Fine” project. Julie explains on her website:

“In early 2020 the world was succumbing to a pandemic, and my husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends and neighbors continually checked in and kindly asked: ‘How are you?’

“I was numb, and typically answered: ‘I’m fine.”

“One day as the words left my mouth, I had an epiphany. My world was collapsing, but the brave little girl inside knew she must overcome and survive.

“Thus, the I’M FINE Project was born. The little girl in each piece inspires us to take heart and overcome the world.

“In time these playful parodies gave rise to both public and private comments by strangers expressing their own personal struggles. That is when I realized the I’M FINE Project was also a way to amuse and encourage others who were suffering.

“I am deeply aware of the pain and struggle in the world, and I do not wish to make light of suffering. But I have an optimistic aesthetic, which I am keen to convey with as much wit and whimsy as I can muster.”

Meanwhile, evidence that Headland’s work is truly Westport-based comes from a close-up photo, of the larger work.

Matt Murray’s image shows clearly something many viewers may have missed:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Speaking of Compo Beach: A new memorial there honors Max Harper. The Staples High School senior died in September.

Visitors to the stone — located near the cannons, not far from where a memorial service drew hundreds of classmates and friends last fall — have left rocks, flowers, a baseball hat and more, as tributes.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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Speaking still of Compo: There are plenty of less permanent sights on and offshore, too.

You might see a proposal or wedding. A pop-up water polo practice. Rupert Murdoch’s old yacht.

And, this past weekend, a guy shucking oysters for 2 women, at a working bar.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Just another day at the beach …

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Lynda Bluestein’s legendary life has been captured in a documentary.

“Other Side” tells the story of the last months of her life. The longtime Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport member won a landmark legal case allowing her, as an out-of-state resident to take advantage of Vermont’s medical aid in dying law.

The film will be shown at the Westport Library on June 29 (1:30 p.m.). Seating is limited. Click here to register.

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Birchwood Country Club’s Easter brunch drew 160 people. Among them: a number of children, who participated in an Easter egg hunt.

Golfers were happy to cede their tee times for the special event.

Birchwood general manager Danny Jones explains the rules.

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Pam Docters offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Road South, near Longshore, and writes: “While big bursts of color from the cherry trees, dogwoods and forsythias grab all the attention, I love the smaller flowers in all their glory.”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … I had never heard of Mac Gayden before yesterday.

But the musician — who died on Wednesday in Nashville at 83, from complications of Parkinson’s — had an intriguing resume.

He co-wrote “Everlasting Love” — a Top 40 hit in 4 straight decades — and played guitar on Bob Dylan’s “Absolutely Sweet Marie.” Click here for his obituary.

(Please click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. You’ll absolutely have our everlasting love. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Library, Politics, Staples HS

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Painting The Town Yellower Than Ever

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 3 comments

In October of 2019, Debra Kandrak had an idea.

A few years earlier she started a memory garden on her property, in honor of loved ones lost.

Daffodils were among the first to bloom, each spring. The yellow bulbs are beautiful — and a welcome sign that new life everywhere is about to explode.

Debra already had hundreds of the flowers. She knew and loved Willowbrook Cemetery’s display on Main Street too.

Willowbrook Cemetery daffodils (Photo/Alina Damian)

But she wanted to see thousands more, all over town. And fall was the right time to plant them.

She started a campaign, called “Paint the Town Yellow.” With support from “06880,” she asked residents, business owners and town officials to participate.

They did — in spades.

Every spring since, Westport has been awash in daffodils. Seeing them on roadsides, in front of businesses, and nearly everywhere else, we can’t help but smile.

Debra does too. And she thinks of her memory garden.

Last September, when Staples High School senior Max Harper died, Debra suggested that daffodils be planted in his memory.

Half a year later, we see the fruits of their labors. New daffodils are joining older perennials, to the joy of us all.

Near the Longshore golf course 1st tee.

In front of the Parks & Recreation office, also at Longshore.

Grace Salmon Park …

… and nearby, on Compo Road South.

North Avenue, across from Staples. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

One view of Willowbrook Cemetery, off Main Street … (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

… and another. (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Prospect Road, at Greens Farms Road.

Hillspoint Road.

Riverside Avenue. (All photos/Debra Kandrak, unless otherwise noted)

(As Debra Kandrak and many others paint the town yellow, please click here to send some green to “06880.” Your donation helps us spring ahead, in our daily coverage of Westport. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Longshore

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Max Harper: Staples Senior’s Spirit Lives, Through Grant And Foundation

Posted on January 31, 2025 | 2 comments

Max Harper’s death last September shook Staples High School, and the rest of the town.

In its aftermath, his many friends and admirers searched for a way to honor the strong-spirited senior. They did not want his bright light to fade.

Max’s father Marcus found great support from the community, and his colleagues at The Trade Desk in New York.

Together, they devised a way to ensure that Max’s legacy lives on for decades.

Max Harper

To support Marcus and his family, and help other students like Max pursue their dreams, Marcus’ co-workers established an endowed scholarship award through Staples Tuition Grants.

The scholarship has an apt name: The Max Harper – Live Life to the Max Award.

Max certainly did that. Every day he found joy, kindness and meaning in life. His friends and family remember his entrepreneurial spirit, big ideas and new ventures.

With over $50,000 already raised from 150 donations, the annual grant of $2,500 to qualifying students will ensure that Max’s influence continues to inspire others to “live life to the max.”

The Staples Tuition Grants Max Harper – Live Life to the Max Award is open to Staples seniors and graduates pursuing higher education (including vocational schools) who have ADD or ADHD, and demonstrate financial need.

Diagnosed at a young age with ADHD, Max and his family faced significant obstacles finding the right resources. Eventually they discovered a program that provided mentoring, coaching and life skills development, while also offering support for parents.

Building on that inspiration, a broader Live Life to the Max Foundation has been established to support students and families navigating ADD/ADHD.

In partnership with the town of Westport, the foundation is launching a pilot program in early spring. It will focus first on high school junior and senior boys. After the pilot, girls will be included.

Inspired by the program the Harper family discovered, the initiative will provide mentoring, life skills coaching and parental support. After the pilot, it will expand to include girls.

The Live Life To The Max Foundation will be guided by a junior board of students with ADD/ADHD, family members and young educators.

Westport’s Department of Human Services will release more information soon. Email director Elaine Daignault (edaignault@westportct.gov) to express interest or get additional details.

Max was known for his manners, always saying “please,” “thank you” and “I appreciate you.” In his honor, Staples Tuition Grants says, “Please consider supporting this scholarship. Thank you for helping Max’s light continue to shine. And we appreciate you for keeping his memory alive.”

(For information about the Staples Tuition Grants scholarship or to make a donation to the Max Harper Live Life to the Max award, click here. For information about Staples Tuition Grants in general, click here.)

Flowers at Compo Beach, after Max Harper’s memorial service. (Photo/Louise Pepin)

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Posted in Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Private Grants, Public Acceptance For Teen, Senior And Disability Programs

Posted on January 8, 2025 | Comments Off on Private Grants, Public Acceptance For Teen, Senior And Disability Programs

Many Board of Selectwomen meetings are mundane.

Agendas include approvals of minutes and contracts, and actions as the Local Traffic and Water Pollution Control Authorities.

This morning was more personal. The selectwomen approved 3 donations. They’ll be directed 3 ways: to teenagers with ADHD, adults with disabilities, and senior citizens.

The largest was $103,000. An anonymous gift honors Max Harper, the Staples High School senior who died last fall.

Max Harper

The Department of Human Services will help town officials create a scholarship program for the “Live Life to the Max” fund, created in his memory.

The goal is to increase access to specialized support for boys ages 15-18 with ADHD/ADD, build self-efficacy skills, add support networks, and explore long-term academic and career paths that build on their strengths.

Scholarship participants will receive hands-on organizational coaching and mentoring, with resources for parents to support their ADHD children.

Boys are 3 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. Challenges include academic struggles with organization and focus, and social issues with trouble reading social cues and emotional regulation. Many youngsters with ADHD also have low self-esteem.

The $103,000 funds will provide scholarships for income-eligible Westport families to receive mentorship, weekly planning meetings, and parent coaching and feedback from an experienced provider who specializes in working with young men.

The selectwomen also accepted a $10,000 Ruegg Grant from the Westport Woman’s Club, for Club203. The previously unfunded organization — a social group for adults with disabilities — is run entirely by volunteers, in partnership with Human Services and Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities.

The grant will allow the quickly growing Club203 to continue offering affordable, inclusive and social-emotional educational opportunities for families  facing disability challenges.

So far, the town has covered insurance liability and administrative support. Local organizations donate event space, and many businesses volunteer their time, and provide food and materials.

As Club203 outgrows smaller venues, the WWC grant will help them keep membership fees low, explore larger venues, and increease frequency.

Another $10,000 grant comes from the Walsh Family Foundation, to the Senior Center. It will enable even more affordable social, recreational and educational programs and services at the very popular Imperial Avenue site.

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Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper

Posted on September 20, 2024 | Comments Off on Tom Scarice: A Tribute To Max Harper

At the start of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Thomas Scarice offered a heartfelt tribute to Max Harper.

Westport’s superintendent of schools did not know the Staples High School senior, who died last week in a dirt bike accident.

But, Scarice said, he realized the impression the young man made in just 2 years. “He was so well known and loved, in a massive high school. From all accounts — students and faculty — he had a magnetic personality. He made a palpable impact” on the lives of many.

Scarice noted several highlights from 2 gatherings at Compo Beach: Max’s father’s words, the morning after the tragedy; the healing words of Staples principal Stafford Thomas, and the tributes from Max’s friends. Even at his age, the superintendent said, “I could not do what those students did.”

Scarice also lauded the “depth, quality and caring” of Staples’ counselors, and assistant principal Pat Micinilio.

Max made “an indelible impact,” Scarice concluded. “We grieve his loss.”

To see Thomas Scarice’s remarks at the Board of Education meeting, click here.

Max Harper 

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Westport Says Goodbye To Max

Posted on September 18, 2024 | 2 comments

On a warm, late-summer day, Max Harper’s family, friends and those who wished they had known him bid farewell.

The 18-year-old Staples High School senior died last week, on his dirt bike not far from his home.

All after-school activities were canceled yesterday, so students could attend the poignant service by the Compo Beach cannons.

Max’s dad spoke, as did Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (Max’s previous school), and several friends.

Near the end, yarn balls were passed out. Everyone held on, connecting the large group.

Then the crowd made their way to the shore, and placed petals on the water.

Greens Farms Academy head Bob Whelan (right) addresses Max’s friends from 2 schools. Staples principal Stafford Thomas stands nearby (jacket, hands clasped).

(All photos/Luca Caniato, Staples High School Class of 2025)

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Pics Of The Day #2709

Posted on September 17, 2024 | 1 comment

Hundreds of friends joined Max Harper’s family to say goodbye to the 18-year-old today, at Compo Beach. He died last week, on his dirt bike. After the memorial, they gathered at the shore, to throw petals on the water. (Photo/Katie Phillis)

(Photo/Louise Pepin)

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Roundup: “Battle Of Sexes” Video, Daffodils, Football …

Posted on September 14, 2024 | 1 comment

For some reason, the YouTube link to the Westport Library’s “Battle of the Sexes” — the subject of this morning’s lead story — did not come through for some readers.

If you could not access it, try below. Let’s hope this works!

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Debra Kandrak is the woman behind the very successful “Paint the Town Yellow” project.

She writes: “On Friday, during my daily walk at Compo Beach, I came upon the memorial service for Max Harper — a young man taken tragically too soon.

“It was a beautiful tribute in his honor, with hundreds of people in attendance.

“So today I ask everyone to plant yellow daffodils in Max’s memory. (You may recall that the theme for ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ is to honor loved ones

“Let’s plant them all over town: around street signs, stop signs, mailbox posts, at the entrance to Staples and in front of the school.

“Let’s make this a community event. Email me (debra.kandrak@raveis.com) where you are going to plant, so I can post photos next spring for his family to see how much this community cares.

“I would like to see an explosion of yellow daffodils all around town in the spring, in honor of Max. This will be a beautiful tribute, and may give his family some peace.”

These daffodils line Debra Kandrak’s driveway.

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A large crowd packed Paul Lane Field last night, for the opening game of Staples’ football season.

(Photo/Luca Caniato)

The state champion Wreckers picked up right where they left off last fall, hammering non-league Hamden 48-7. Junior quarterback Nick Weil threw 5 touchdown passes.

Many attendees — including those not yet in Staples — wore “Play for Max” buttons.

(Photo/Bianca Jonas)

The buttons — honoring senior Max Harper, who died Wednesday in a dirt bike accident — were made Friday in the Staples library, by students.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

On Thursday and Friday, therapy dogs were available at Staples, to help students cope with the tragedy.

The dogs have been welcome fixtures at Staples at other times of stress. As shown below, they are always happy to help.

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The Westport Sunrise Rotary Club welcomed back a popular speaker — Representative Jim Himes — yesterday.

The meeting was open to the public, and a large number of non-members headed to Green’s Farms Church to hear the 4th District congressman.

Congressman Jim Himes, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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The Matsiko World Orphan Choir — 24  gifted and spirited teenagers — wind up their 2024 American tour, singing and dancing to songs from their native Africa — with a free concert on September 19 (Bedford Middle School, 7:30 p.m.).

It’s a gift to Westport from an anonymous benefactor, intended to expand the audience’s musical and cultural horizons.

Matsiko means “hope” in Ugandan. The Choir performs to help thousands of children attain a brighter future. Proceeds from the tour and merchandise sales support the organization’s worldwide educational programs for orphans.

The Matsiko World Orphan Choir has performed at the White House, US Capitol, Disneyland, Mount Rushmore and the Rose Bowl.

After Westport they head to Yale University, then Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

Matsiko World Orphan Choir.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 7 (Fire Engine Pizza Company, 768 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation sponsors an important event.

There’s fun, food, and valuable information, to support awareness and celebrate survivors.

Casting for Awareness — a non-profit that provides free fly-fishing wellness retreats for women with breast cancer — will receive up to 20% of the total sales at the restaurant that day.

Fire Engine Pizza Company is a great place. And there’s no better cause.

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Finally. At last!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for.

A gaping Westport need will soon be filled.

Not a moment too soon … a nail salon will open in town!

(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)

I’m sure customers will flock there.

But where will they go on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday …?

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Personally, I think it’s too early for Halloween decorations.

Or even pumpkin spice latte.

But Costco thinks this is a fine time to roll out their Christmas goods.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

On second thought: Why not?

There are only 102 days left before Santa arrives.

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Well-known former Westporter Stephen Kaye died September 2. He was 86.

The Boston-area native, who graduated from Harvard Business School and MIT, and was a 1st lieutenant in the US Army Quartermaster Corps. lived in Westport for over 50 years. His family says he was known as “funny, smart, kind, caring, quirky and unique. Steve lived his life with energy and positivity. A passionate sailor, his boat ‘Forever Young’ expressed his outlook and vigor. Steve was an avid skier of groomed blue runs, a black belt in martial arts, always made new friends at the gym and was a ping-pong player with an overpowering serve.”

After working for Procter & Gamble, Gillette and other advertising, packaging and consulting firms, he founded Steve Kaye New Products in 1977. He built it into a successful firm, working with Fortune 500 as well as entrepreneurial companies.

He helped create Huggies diapers, the “Got Milk” campaign, chocolate-covered Oreos and other products of the 1980s and ’90s.

For the past 11 years Steve was an adjunct professor of marketing and sales at Sacred Heart University and Housatonic Community College.

Steve is survived by his life partner of over 30 years, Linda Arenson of Westport; son Bruce (Misael Rodriguez) of Milford; daughter Joan Garbow (Ralph) of Ridgefield; son Peter Kaye (Andrea Mazur) of Chevy Chase, Maryland; grandchildren Ben and Julia Garbow and Sally and Margot Kaye; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Kenny Wexler of Brookline, Massachusetts, and cousins Stanley and Enid Shulman of Brookline.

Donations in Steve’s honor can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable St., Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Steve Kaye

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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Dave Kingsley died September 4, from complications of lymphoma.

He and his wife Kathy settled in Newtown in 1986, where they raised 2 daughters.

Dave’s love for fishing, boating and sailing where cultivate during his youth on Long Island Sound. He particularly enjoyed bone-fishing in the Bahamas.

Dave played basketball, baseball and softball into adulthood. He found great joy in watching his daughters play sports, coaching several of their youth basketball teams.

He was a voracious reader, full of knowledge gained through his life as a builder, designer, contractor and business owner. He designed, built and remodeled homes and businesses in Connecticut and New York, including his own home.

One of his proudest achievements was the renovation of an old building on the Fairfield Hills campus, transforming a staff dining room and library at the former psychiatric hospital into a brewery.

Dave is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Emma of Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Caroline of Sausalito, California; sisters Karen of Wallingford,  Patricia of San Diego, Mary Ann of Severna Park, Maryland, plus nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life is set for tomorrow (Sunday, September 15, 3 p.m., at his brewery), followed by a funeral Monday (September 16, 10:30 a.m., Saint Rose of Lima Church, Newtown).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newtown Youth & Family Services.

Dave Kingsley

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature introduces its first-ever black crown night heron.

Ta da!

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … in honor of Costco’s very early marketing campaign (story above):

 (Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Thank you!)

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Grappling With A Community Loss

Posted on September 13, 2024 | 3 comments

Westport has been lucky.

It had been a while since we lost a young person.

Accidents, cancer, suicide — those are the tragedies that, from time to time, touch every town.

Over the years, we’ve had our share.

Yet teenagers have gotten the message about drinking and driving. Medicine has made great strides. All of us are much more aware of mental health.

Still, no place is immune to everything. No teen is invincible.

Nor is any town.

Max Harper

As Westport mourns the death of Max Harper — the 18-year-old Staples High School senior killed Wednesday afternoon on a dirt bike on Old Hill Road, not far from his home — we search for words of comfort.

Parents and teachers want to help Max’s friends and fellow students make sense of what they’re going through. For many, this is their first experience with death.

Adults want to assure each other that our kids will be okay. Of course, we’re trying reassure ourselves of the same thing.

The counseling that Staples provides is important.

So is the physical presence of each of us.

Yesterday, as school was delayed 2 hours for staff to prepare, a group of students organized a gathering at Compo Beach.

“In terms of grievance, it is crucial that you spend time with loved ones,” the teens told each other by text, and on social media.

“Regardless of your relation to Max, we encourage everyone to join the community and face this difficult time in unity.”

Those are impressive, empathic words from teenagers. It’s clear they have been raised lovingly and well.

At 9 a.m., hundreds of students gathered.

Several people — including Max’s father, Max’s and family friends, Staples’ school resource officer and the assistant principal for the Class of 2025 — spoke.

But mostly, it was a time for quiet reflection. Boys and girls took flowers, and placed them gently in the water. A student led a prayer, for those who wanted to join.

(Photos/Luca Caniato)

Westport is lucky to have avoided a teenage tragedy for so long. We are lucky to have school personnel and other adults to support our kids, as they support each other.

At times like these, words are difficult to find. They often sound hollow, or trite.

But actions are important.

Staples students have shown one way to act.

Tom Scarice offers another.

In his message to parents Wednesday night, the superintendent of schools said: “As you say goodnight to your children and loved ones, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.”

Then, give them a hug — from yourself, and from the community.

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