Nolan Francis — a science researcher, violinist, swimmer, honor student and active volunteer in and out of school — has won Staples High’s greatest honor.
He was awarded the Staples Key, at last night’s annual awards ceremony.
Three outstanding students are nominated by faculty, based on superior academic achievement, loyalty to Staples, and contribution to the Staples community Voting is done by members of the senior class.
The other finalists were Gunnar Eklund and Sophie Smith.
Introducing Francis last night, assistant principal Christine Cincotta said, “Nolan’s school counselor describes him as talented, disciplined, and highly personable. His demeanor is calm and jovial, always accompanied by a big smile, and he remains consistently focused on his personal goals. Nolan has served as captain of the boys swim and dive team for 2 years, and advanced to the state finals.
“He was selected to be part of the Link Crew, and is a 4-year member of Staples’ Service League of Boys. He has also served as vice president of the Science National Honor Society, and is the co-founder of our newly reestablished National English Honor Society chapter.
“Through Staples’ research program, Nolan was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar (one of only 300 in the country).
Nolan Francis
“He is also an accomplished violinist who has received recognition at the state level. Outside of school, Nolan has coached Special Olympics swimmers, served as a camp counselor for children with severe medical conditions at Camp Discovery, and researched rare genetic skin conditions at Yale. He even wrote a children’s book to help kids living with these conditions feel seen and connected to a community.
“One of the things I appreciate most about Nolan is the way he brings humor and a level-headed perspective to every conversation. I am grateful that he is a member of our Staples community.
“Nolan will attend Williams College in the fall to study biology (and bring his banana-bread-baking skills to the Berkshires).
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Introducing Eklund, Cincotta said: “Gunnar’s school counselor describes him as kind, considerate, intelligent and genuine. He brings a thoughtful approach to everything he does.
“Gunnar has served as president of the Staples Debate Team, worked with the Staples Service League of Boys board to coordinate volunteer events, and collaborated with last year’s ‘We The People’ Constitution team to represent Connecticut as Top 10 national finalists.
“During his summers Gunnar has worked as a lab intern, a camp counselor at Camp Mahackeno, and a courtroom aide for North Carolina’s 4th Prosecutorial District.
“This past year he has become even more involved in the Westport community by contributing to Dan Woog’s ‘06880’ blog, delivering a Veterans Day speech at Town Hall, and helping 2023 Staples alum Addison Moore become the youngest-ever elected RTM official.
“Regardless of these accomplishments and roles, Gunnar says his time at Staples has been shaped most by the extraordinary people he has met. I would add that Gunnar has also shaped those around him over the past 4 years because he is an extraordinary person himself. He will always greet you with a smile and ask how you are doing. He genuinely cares about those around him, and that thoughtful approach is something I will always remember about him.
“Gunnar will study government and biology at Cornell University this fall.
Gunnar Eklund delivers his Veterans Day speech at Town Hall.
In introducing Smith, Cincotta said: “Sophie’s school counselor says she is a wonderful example of what it means to be a well-rounded person. She is an accomplished student in the classroom, actively involved in our community, and looked up to as a leader, all while finding time to give back to others in need. Sophie demonstrates that Staples is a place where students support one another in an encouraging environment.
“She is co-editor-in-chief of Inklings, one of our largest extracurricular activities. As the social media specialist for Business Leaders of America, she actively recruits new members. Sophie is also a member of the varsity squash team and the co-founder and co-president of Peter’s Heart Club, which provides educational support to underprivileged children in Uganda.
“In each of these spaces, Sophie has learned that success is rarely individual; instead, it is built on collaboration. She consistently goes out of her way to support her staff members and teammates while fostering a positive environment.
“From my own experiences with Sophie, I have seen her genuine care for others, as well as the strength and conviction behind her voice. These qualities will undoubtedly benefit those around her.
“Sophie will attend the University of Virginia this fall to study English and public policy.”
An alert and traffic-conscious “06880” reader emailed us the other day.
He included links to stories about “adaptive traffic signals” — lights that detect real-time traffic conditions and use a fiber-optic network to adjust timing — that have been adopted in Norwalk and Greenwich.
He wondered: Why not in Westport?
Why not indeed?
“06880” reached out to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. He says:
“Norwalk and Greenwich have implemented adaptive traffic signal technology on signals that they own and operate.
“In Westport, we only have 2 traffic signals that we own and operate: Main Street and Myrtle Avenue, and Main Street and Avery Place. All other signals are under Connecticut Department of Transportation jurisdiction.
“Based on current traffic volumes, those two town-owned signals would not be candidates for this technology at this time.
“The signals that would most likely benefit from this type of technology are along the Route 1 corridor. CTDOT is developing plans to replace traffic signal controllers and install cellular modems at select state-owned traffic signals across several Connecticut towns and cities.
“However, Westport is not included in this initial rollout, as CTDOT is still piloting the technology and evaluating its effectiveness under different state highway conditions before pursuing broader implementation.
“That said, we will continue to advocate for Westport by maintaining strong relationships and ongoing communication with CTDOT.”
Main Street and Myrtle Avenue: 1 of only 2 traffic lights owned and operated by the town.
The commendation cited Emmah for displaying “exceptional situational awareness and keen observation skills (and) swift and decisive action …. (She) acted selflessly and without hesitation. Her calm, courageous response exemplified the highest standards of maritime safety and civic responsibility.”
From left: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Police Chief Dave Farrell, Emmah Tait, and her parents Denise and Chris Tait.
Remarkably, this was not the first commendation given to a Tait family member, for a marine rescue.
In November 1970 Doug Tait — Chris’ older brother, and a Long Lots Junior High School 9th grader — rescued 2 men from a boat that caught fire, 2 miles off shore.
A photo of his ceremony mirrors that of Emmah’s, 56 years later.
From left: 1st Selectman John Kemish, Lieutenant Joseph McAleenan, Doug Tait, Doug’s parents Doug Sr. and Elizabeth Tait.
The Staples High School senior has just been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.
If that’s not familiar — well, it used to be called the Westinghouse Science Talent Search. It’s one of the most prestigious student awards in the nation.
Nolan — who has worked at Yale University’s Choate Lab, researching a rare skin condition called ichthyosis that can lead to fatal heart disease, and raised funds for research with a long-distance swim last summer — is the first Staples student to earn the honor from Staples’ new science research program.
Nolan is one of the top 300 competitors in the Regeneron program. He was selected from 2,612 students — the largest and most competitive pool since the 1960s.
Staples will receive $2,000, for use toward STEM-related activities.
Forty finalists will be announced January 21. Each receives $25,000, and be eligible for a first-place prize of $250,000.
If Nolan wins, he would be Staples’ second honoree. In 2001, Mariangela Lisanti won what was then called the Siemens Westinghouse Science & Technology Competition (then worth $100,000). She also won the Intel Science Talent Search, earning another $100,000 scholarship.
PS: A bit more about Nolan. He is on Staples’ STEM Journal editorial board, and is vice president of the Science National Honors Society. He’s an AP Scholar with Distinction, founded the current iteration of Staples’ National English Honor Society, has volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Catheterization Lab, and was a counselor at Camp Discovery, for children unable to attend mainstream sleepaway camps due to medical conditions.
Nolan also plays violin in the Symphonic Orchestra. He was the first-ever junior captain of the boys swim team. He received the inaugural Junior Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete banquet. And he’s been involved with the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Special Olympics swim program since 2018.
Nolan Francis
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A new year begins, and a new chapter unfolds for Sorelle Gallery.
Reacting to shifting trends in the art world — with clients going online more, for support and purchases — the gallery moves on January 27 from Bedford Square to a smaller, by-appointment space at 25 Sylvan Road South.
Charlie Capalbo — a Fairfield Ludlowe High School graduate and ice hockey player whose battle with 4 separate cancers inspired friends, neighbors, the sports world and countless strangers — died 3 years ago. He was 1 month shy of his 24th birthday.
Charlie’s Westport ties were long and deep. His grandmother is the writer/poet/storyteller Ina Chadwick. Her husband, Richard Epstein (Charlie’s grandfather) is a Westport native; his parents moved here in 1958. Charlie’s mother, Jennifer Wilde Capalbo (Ina’s youngest daughter) is a Staples graduate.
The young athlete’s memory lives on. Next Wednesday (January 14, 5:15 p.m., Sacred Heart University), the Staples-Norwalk-Brien McMahon coop hockey team plays the Fairfield Ludlowe-Warde coop squad.
Fairfield has organized it as “Charlie Capalbo Night,” raising awareness of the National Marrow Donor Program, and raising funds for research.
Fairfield’s head coach is a pediatric leukemia survivor. Parents of current players supported Charlie, when he first got sick. Several years later, they continue to step up, as a community and friends.
Charlie Capalbo (Photo/Dave Gunn)
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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport is gearing up for an exciting year.
Since 1963, the organization has brought together new arrivals and longtime residents for social events.
On the calendar this month: Couples’ Night Out; a sound bath experience at Hummingbird Healing Center, and book and cooking groups. Click here for more information.
And finally … on this date in 1788, Connecticut became the 5th state to ratify the US constitution.
But that’s not why we are officially “The Constitution State.” That refers to the Fundamental Orders, adopted by the Connecticut Colony in 1639. It is considered by some to be the first written constitution in Western history.
So let’s hear it for us, with our official state song:
(“06880” is where Westport — and Connecticut — meet the world. If you enjoy our hyper-local coverage, connecting our town to our state and beyond, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Working this summer at a Yale University lab, researching a rare and potentially fatal skin condition called ichthyosis (EDD), he was inspired to raise awareness — and funds — for the disease, through the swim.
Yesterday, he did.
And he did it very well.
He finished first in his age group. Labmate Devin Seli, a medical student affected by EDD, who trains with a triathlon group at Compo Beach — placed first too, in his age group. Another teammate finished second, while a fourth was third in the half-mile swim.
Congratulations, Nolan! Note: They’ve raised nearly $2,000 so far. The fundraising link is still open. Click here to contribute.
Nolan Francis (left) and fellow swimmers/Yale labmates, at Lake Quassapaug.
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Speaking of fundraising: Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 5 (3 p.m., Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a pizza truck, beer and wine, dessert, and special Rach’s Hope swag.
Need more incentive? In celebration of his 84th birthday, Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg completed his pledge to walk 1,000 miles for Rach’s Hope.
He’ll be there. He invites everyone to “walk the extra mile” with him — or come cheer others on.
Many Staples High School students have interesting summer gigs.
Take Nolan Francis. The rising senior worked at Yale University’s Choate Lab, researching a rare skin condition called ichthyosis, or epidermal differentiation disorder (EDD). It can lead to fatal heart disease, or a significant decline in quality of life.
Recent cuts to the National Institutes of Health have “pushed the possibility of a cure from the near future to a far-fetched aspiration,” Nolan says.
A labmate, 2nd-year medical student Devin Seli, is affected by EDD. Twice a week, he swims with a triathlon group at Compo Beach.
So Nolan, Devin and a few others from the lab decided to raise awareness — and funds.
All donations will go to the Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types, which bridges the financial gap for people with the disorder. FIRST has also awarded millions of dollars in research grants to laboratories.
PS: Here’s a bit more about Nolan, a definite rising star. His work in Staples’ Scientific Research Program earned him 4th place at the state High School Science Symposium. He also received the International Society for In Vitro Biology award at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair.
He is on Staples’ STEM Journal editorial board, and is the incoming vice president of the Sciene National Honors Society. He’s also an AP Scholar with Distinction, and founded the current iteration of Staples’ National English Honor Society.
He has volunteered at Norwalk Hospital’s Catheterization Lab, and was a counselor at Camp Discovery, for children unable to attend mainstream sleepaway camps due to medical conditions.
He plays violin in the Symphonic Orchestra. He was the first-ever junior to be captain of Staples’ boys swim team. He received the inaugural Junior Leadership Award at the Scholar-Athlete banquet. And he’s been involved with the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Special Olympics swim program since 2018.
For well over a quarter of that time — 14 years — Hal Shupack served on the board of the non-profit, dedicating to ending homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
On Friday, the Gillespie Center’s courtyard was named for the longtime Weston resident. A former 1st Selectman, he died in 2020, at 84.
Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden said that from her first days “he took me under his wing, showed me around Weston, and taught me everything I know about the town. His knowledge, kindness, and deep-rooted commitment to the community were inspiring, and contagious.
“Hal lived his values every day, whether through his leadership as first selectman, his tireless work on countless boards and committees, or his long-standing dedication to Homes with Hope. His warmth, his wit, and his deep care for people made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.”
Several dozen guests — including members of Shupack’s family — attended the ceremony.
Since opening last month, Gruel Brittania has become one of Westport’s favorite restaurants.
The Cross Highway parking lot is often full. Occasionally, customers park on nearby Vineyard Lane.
Yesterday, this driver did not want to walk the extra 50 steps. He (or she) planted his (or her) car smack in the middle of the exit:
(Photo/Andrew Bangser)
To be clear: That white vehicle is blocking the exit (and a couple of cars on the right).
That empty space next to it? That’s a legit parking space.
I’m sure the Brits have a better word than we do for “entitled jerk.”
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Speaking of confusion: Signs have been placed on downtown streets, indicating new parking rules.
On-street limits have been lowered from 3 hours to 2. (They remain 3 hours in downtown parking lots.)
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
There’s just one problem: The sign says enforcement begins at 7 a.m. Notices from the town — and the Board of Selectwomen vote — is for 8 a.m.
“06880” reached out to town officials for clarification. We have not yet heard back.
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Tickets are on sale now Westoberfest.
The 8th annual festival — sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association — rolls into town October 4 (noon to 6 p.m.).
On tap: family activities, craft beers, live music, vendors, food, contests — and a few surprises.
Organized in collaboration with The Grapevine and Castle Wine & Spirits, everyone with access to the beer tasting tent receives a free tasting glass and koozie.
There are several ticket options including with or without admission to the beer tasting tent. Seniors and children 4-12 years old get special rates; children under 4 are free. Click here for details, and to purchase.
For the past 24 years, Westporter Ellen Bowen has joined her brother David Paine’s non profit, 911Day, to honor the victims, heroes and first responders of that tragedy.
It’s a day of remembrance — and service.
What began as a small project — painting a teachers’ lounge in a school in lower Manhattan — has grown to an initiative in 21 cities.
30,000 volunteers pack over 9 million meals– in one day — for food banks and pantries.
This year for the first time, the Meal Pack program comes to Connecticut.
Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena and 9/11 Day seek volunteer teams (6 members and more) from companies and businesses, to 2 spend 2 hours packing meals.
Ellen says, “This is an inspiring and rewarding way to spend a couple of hours giving back — just like we all tried to do on that tragic day 24 years ago.”
Paul Scheulefe is a Boston-area native. He lives there now.
But he spent 25 years in Weston. He commuted to New York; after retiring, he taught English at Brunswick Academy and Fairfield Country Day School. he also coached lacrosse, and founded the Weston Lacrosse Club.
He honed his writing skills at the Westport Writers’ Workshop. He’s just published his first novel, “Damaged Goods.” Set during the financial crisis of 2008, it’s about a high-powered Wall Street trader’s existential crisis after learning he is the custodian of his estranged late sister’s frozen eggs.
Of special interest to “06880” readers (who Scheufele hopes will become “Damaged Goods” readers: The story is set in Westport.
Feedback to his “family drama” book — part of the Ann Patchett/Jodi Picoult genre — has been excellent, he says. Click here to buy.
James Lovell — the commander of the Apollo 13 spacecraft whose return to Earth following a massive explosion as it neared the moon in 1970 captivated the world (and, later, movie audiences in “Apollo 13”) — died Thursday. He was 97.
Richard Wiese — a longtime Weston resident, and president of The Explorers Club — knew Lovell.
He says, “Although Jim stopped traveling to space decades ago, he continued to be an inspiration to people young and old by encouraging their interest in science, and leading by his own example – one must be bold to turn the impossible into reality.
“Captain Lovell’s life and legacy are in keeping with the highest traditions of The Explorers Club. For those of us who knew him, Jim was a humble, down-to-earth friend. Legends aren’t only made in space — sometimes, they’re made in the way they treat people here on Earth.”
James Lovell (left) and Richard Wiese, Explorers Club president.
And finally … in honor of the gorgeous sturgeon moon (photo above):
(A beautiful moon, a beautiful weekend day, a beautiful “06880” online community … we are blessed. Enjoy the first two. And if you enjoy this blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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