Tag Archives: Startup Westport

Roundup: StartUp Westport & Sports, Staples Music & Carnegie Hall, VersoFest & Patti Smith …

Posted on April 2, 2025 | 18 comments

StartUp Westport — our public/private partnership for tech, innovation and entrepreneurship — has already hosted panels focused on women, minorities and youth.

Up next: sports.

With new technology, revenue streams and ways of connecting with fans, that business changes daily.

Discussing “game-changing” (pun intended?) innovations in data analytics, athletic performance breakthroughs, sponsorships and media — with both startups and industry giants — are NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer. Both are Westport residents.

Moderator Andrew Marchand — sports media columnist for The Athletic — is a 1991 Staples High School graduate.

He says, “This should be a fun and fascinating event. I’m looking forward to hearing where Rick and Rob think sports media and events are headed. There has been so much innovation, especially post the height of the pandemic. They both have been on the cutting edge.”

“Innovation in Sports” is April 30 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library). There will be time for questions and networking. Click here to register.

From left: Rick Cordella, Rob Simmelkjaer, Andrew Marchand.

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How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

If you’re the Staples High School Symphonic Band: Practice. Talent. Dedicated teachers.

And an invitation from the National Concerts Band & Orchestra Fest.

The local musicians left Westport yesterday, at 6:30 a.m. They had a clinic with former Columbia University Wind Ensemble director Jasmine Britt.

At 1:30, the musicians took the sage. They performed “Across the Great Plains,” “One Life Beautiful” and “First Suite in E Flat,” with Staples conductors Caitlin Serpliss and Kevin Mazzarella.

They audience included many parents, principal Stafford Thomas, townwide arts coordinator Steven Zimmerman, and the entire Staples music department staff. (Hat tip: John Nash)

Staples’ Symphonic Band, at Carnegie Hall. Conductor Kevin Mazzarella is at far left. (Photo/Skip Sinclair)

On stage (from left): Archie Kobetitsch, Samuel Zwick-Lavinsky, Grace Sinclair, Madeleine Enos. (Photo/Skip Sinclair)

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, musician Lucas Gomez, Symphonic Band director Kevin Mazzarella. (Photo/Maggie Gomez)

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VersoFest — the Westport Library’s 4th annual 4-day music and media conference and festival — kicks off tomorrow.

The first event is a conversation with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer/National Book Award winner Patti Smith, with former CNN journalist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota.

But there may be a bit of activity before the 7 p.m. start. EndJewHatred and The Lawfare Project — a national civil rights movement — plans a rally outside the Library.

A social media post says, “Why isn’t Patti Smith speaking up for Jewish women? It’s time to rally against (her) selective activism.”

Patti Smith

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For the 3rd year in a row, the Fortunoff family — including Scott and Laurie, and their sons Aaron (Staples High School sophomore) and Brett (Bedford Middle School 8th grader) — will host a cereal drive.

The goal is to fill the shelves of local food pantries, so everyone can start their day with breakfast.

This year, they’ve partnered with the new Cereal4All Club at Staples High.

There are several ways to help:

  • Click and purchase from the Amazon wish list.
  • Come to the drive this weekend (April 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stop & Shop).
  • Venmo @lauriefortunoff; she will purchase cereal.
  • Make a tax deductible donation at www.cereal4all.org.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with plenty of cereal.

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There’s a special guest at CT Against Gun Violence’s annual spring benefit “Be the Hope” luncheon (May 15, 11:30 a.m., The Inn at Longshore).

Sandy Hook youth activist Matthew Holden will speak about his important work. Click here for tickets.

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Mannequin Pussy — the Philadelphia-based band that includes 2005 Staples High School graduate Marisa Dabice — was just featured on “Everybody’s Live,” John Mulaney’s new Netflix panel show.

The host introduced them enthusiastically: “You will hear music such that has never poured through your airwaves. That’s right. There are many milestones in human culture. There’s the invention of the printing press, the Armory Show Of 1913, and tonight we bring you the television debut of Mannequin Pussy. It’s the best. Mannequin Pussy plays loud rock music, and their name is fun to say.”

Click here for a full story. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)

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Today’s intriguingly framed “Westport … Naturally” photo shows an egret hunting for food, at the battom water run-off at Compo Beach Road.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally …

And finally … Marvin Gaye was born on this day in 1939. The multi-talented Motown artist was shot to death by his father one day short of his 45th birthday, on April 1, 1984.

(How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice. How do you help “06880”? Donate, donate, donate. But hey, just do it once. Please click here. Thank you, thank you, thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Hamlet At Saugatuck, Startup Westport, Drugs & Alcohol …

Posted on March 27, 2025 | 2 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets on Monday (March 31, 6 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link).

The public hearing portion includes continued discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck. For the most recent “06880” update on the project, click here.

An artist’s rendering of Railroad Place. The view is looking west, from the corner of Riverside Avenue.

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It’s Westport’s newest tradition.

And one of the best.

On the first Thursday of every month, StartUp Westport sponsors a casual get-together.

The next one is April 3 (6 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399; click here to register).

Call it what you want — meet-and-greet, networking, whatever — it’s an opportunity for our town’s tech entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to get together.

There’s no fee. Everyone is responsible for their own drinks and (if they wish) food.

But if a billion-dollar idea or deal comes out of one of these, maybe the men and women behind it can buy a round at the next one.

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Drugs, alcohol, suicide — those heavy topics, and more, are addressed regularly in Westport.

Positive Directions sends out this schedule of upcoming events:

Free QPR suicide prevention training (Friday, March 28, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West). For the general public, 16+. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol. (April 7, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall). A community discussion, including a panel and breakout discussion groups to kick off Alcohol Awareness Month. Panelists include a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Save a Life Day. (April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall). Positive Directions and Aspetuck Health District provide an overdose awareness event, sigh free Narcan and other supplies to participants. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Drug Take-Back Day (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center). Bring medications, for safe collection and disposal.

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TOPSoccer — a national soccer program for youngsters with disabilities — flourished her for several years.

Now Eric Serotta and his daughter Blake, a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, are relaunching it.

The Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club are collaborating, to offer skill development and physical participation, to children in grades K-8 with physical and/or learning differences.

TOPSoccer will run on 5 Saturdays (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) beginning April 26, at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.

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An incorrect date was given in yesterday’s Roundup for the Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue puppy adoption event at Earth Animal.

The correct day is this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.

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Content Studio — the Saugatuck Avenue event space — hosts several exciting April events.

Mixology Mixer, with Ed Hernandez of Mixxed by Ed (April 10; 6 to 8 p.m.). Ticket includes 2 drinks, supplies, light bites, and a screening of the 1988 film “Cocktail.” “Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or corporate team-building.” Click here for tickets.

Westport Downtown Association “town hall” (April 24), for members and those interested in learning more. Wine, beer and light bites, plus information on upcoming town and beautification events. For more information, email beth@contentstudio.com.

Mother’s Day Mini-Portrait Sessions (April 26; sessions available 8 to 5:30 p.m.). For mothers and their children, or children and grandchildren at any age. Click here to book a session.

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Carl Addison Swanson has done it again.

The prolific author, longtime Westporter and Staples High School graduate just published his second book in 2 weeks.

Swanson — a Vietnam veteran — is now focused on vets’ issues.

“Thank You For Your Service” — published last week — is about a Marine who, despite 2 tours in Iraq, was not a US citizen (though here legally), as he awaits his asylum hearing. Click here to order from Amazon.

“A Fart in a Hurricane” — another Hush McCormick novelette — deals with 3 Marines who were fired from their jobs at the Veterans Administration, without due cause. They want their jobs back, and resort to any means — including blackmail. Click here to order from Amazon.

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In April of 1777, British soldiers landed at Compo Beach, and marched to Danbury.

On April 6 of 2025, Westport art historian drives north to the Keeler Tavern Museum. There, at 3 p.m., she’ll discuss “Art, War, and Identity” — an exploration of how the persuasive power of artists during the Revolutionary Era helped sway public opinion, and forge our national identity.

Tickets are $15 ($10 members and students). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Dr. Robin Frank

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Westport Police made one custodial arrest between March 19 and 26.

A 60-year-old New York City man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal ID information device, and identity theft, following the attempted theft of funds from a bank account. He was held on $150,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Speeding: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to yield right of way: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1

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The piano concert with Liang-Fang Chang and Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church set for April 6 has been postponed.

A new date will be announced soon.

Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor

As spring prepares to blossom, these pine cones lie at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Amy Schneider spotted — and smelled — them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … happy 56th birthday to Mariah Carey!

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, and everything else in town. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Local politics, Police, Real estate, Saugatuck, technology

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Roundup: Westport Arts, Staples Basketball, Tooker Campaign …

Posted on March 7, 2025 | 4 comments

Since 2002, the Malloy Lecture in the Arts — sponsored by the late artist Susan Malloy — has brought major creative voices to Westport. Speakers included Arthur Miller, Joyce Carol Oates, Christopher Plummer, Clive Davis and Salman Rushdie sparking thought-provoking and engaging conversations.

Now, through the Malloy Fund for the Arts, The Westport Library has relaunched the series. A new event celebrates Westport’s artistic legacy, while looking toward its future.

A large crowd attended last night’s reimagined concept. Weston actor James Naughton moderated a panel with graphic artist Miggs Burroughs, Staples High School graduate and Broadway director Gina Rattan, artist/singer/actress Lissy Newman, and arts leader Melody James.

Ann Sheffer — the passionate arts advocate, philanthropist and Malloy’s niece, whose family’s contributions have helped shape the cultural fabric of Westport, opened the evening.

From left: Melody James, Lissy Newman, Gina Rattan, Miggs Burroughs, James Naughton last night. Behind them on the Westport Library stage are posters of Westport Country Playhous shows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Also last night: the Staples High School boys basketball season came to an end.

The Wreckers — ranked #4 in the state Division I basketball tournament — fell 67-56 to #5 St. Bernard-Uncasville, in the quarterfinals. The game was played before a large, raucous crowd at Fairfield Warde High.

The loss was bitter. The Saints edged Staples earlier in the regular season, and topped them 2 years ago in the state championship.

But the future is very bright. The blue-and-whites graduate only 2 seniors who saw substantial time: Adam Udell, the MVP of the FCIAC title game who led his squad to their first league championship in 62 years, and Charlie Bowman

All the other retutnrees — and the deep bench — are underclassmen.

Congratulations to coach Dave Goldshore, and his team, on a superb year!

Adam Udell. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Last night was filled with activity. StartUp Westport (the town’s public/private tech entrepreneur/innovator partnership) packed The Clubhouse (the town’s neweset and coolest event space) for their annual networking and social get-together.

Among the energetic crowd (below, from left): Nat Brogadir, Sam Hendel, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn and Dan Bikel.

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As “06880” reported first on Monday, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker is running for governor of Connecticut.

Her campaign just released her first official video. Click below to see:

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The Grand List is out. Got a gripe?

The Board of Assessment Appeals meets Monday (March 10, 7 p.m., Town Hall room 201) to hear from taxpayers who are “aggrieved by the doings of the assessor on the Grand List of October 1, 2024, and the 2023 Supplemental Motor Vehicle list.”

Residents should bring supporting documents to the session.

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After very successful events focused on women, minorities and young entrepreneurs, StartUp Westport is planning its next major event.

This time, it’s “Innovation in Sports.” The event is April 30 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Among the topics: emerging technologies in athlete performance and data analytics; advancements in fan engagement, sponsorships, and media, and how startups and leaders are reshaping the sports business landscape.

Moderator Andrew Marchand is senior sports media columnist at The Athletic (and a 1986 Staples High School graduate). Panelists include NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, and Westporter Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of the New York Roadrunners Club.

Click here to register, and for more information.

In other StartUp Westport news, the mentorship program continues to thrive. This month’s session — “Legal Bootcamp for Startups and Founders” — will be led by Jack Sousa, partner at Wiggin & Dana, on Monday (March 10).

Next month’s Mentorship Circle is on “The Key Steps to Launching a Successful Non-Profit.”

To register and for more information, click here.

StartUp Westport’s special interest groups are very active too. Upcoming:

Investor SIG: Advanced Startup Due Diligence (March 24, 2025, 6 p.m., Serendipity Labs). Connect with other experienced investors; gain advice on how navigating the world of startup due diligence and fundraising.

Women in Tech & Innovation SIG: BRAND YOU: Creating and Managing Your Personal Brand (April 24, 6 p.m., Serendipity Labs). Insights, tools and tips to help build a strong, authentic personal brand. Click here to learn more about Startup Westport’s special interest groups.

Andrew Marchand

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“Pink Chicken” does not sound particularly appetizing.

But that’s the name of a new children’s clothing store — “renowned for its vibrant colors, original prints and family focused designs” — opened yesterday in Sconset Square.

The boutique is Pink Chicken’s ninth US store, joining those in New York, Maryland, North and South Carolina, and California.

A “Flock Party” is set for Saturday (March 8, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The event includes special offers, face painting, florals and sweet treats.

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It’s great that your kids play sports.

It’s not great that they grow out of their equipment. It just hangs around, cluttering your house.

Sustainable Westport can help. They’ve launched a “Play It Forward” program, giving used sports equipment a new life.

They’re kicking off with soccer. Westporters can drop off shoes, shin guards and balls at the Westport Weston YMCA from today (March 7) through March 22.

On March 24 (4 to 7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church), residents can brose for needed items. It’s not necessary to have donated anything to shop.

Any remaining items will be donated to the Bridgeport Field of Dreams Foundation. For more information, click here.

The program may expand to other sports.


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Online registration begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday (March 11) for 2 of the most popular Parks & Recreation Department summer programs: Camp Compo and RECing Crew.

Registration opens the next day (March 12, 9 a.m.) for all other spring and summer offerings.

Parks & Rec officials urge residents to log in now to their online accounts, to verify family information.

Log in and select “Manage Family Member” (bottom right). Click the first name in the column under “My Family Members” to check key details. Verify date of birth and ensure your child’s grade (as of September 2025) is correct. Click “Save” at the bottom.

Go to the “Contact Information” tab and review/update your contact details. Click “Save” again. Repeat for each family member in your profile.

Address Change? Email us at recreation@westportct.gov with updated information.

Login issue? Don’t create a new profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.

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Speaking of Parks & Rec: It’s that time of year again.

(Photo/Karen Como)

Contractors are busy preparing Compo Beach for the upcoming season.

The sand is looking good. Let’s hope the weather gods are with us, and that there’s no late-winter storm to wreck all that good work.

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests betwen February 26 and March 5.

A 26-year-old Westport man was charged with assault, strangulation, unlawful restraint, threatening and interfering with an emergency call. A complainant reported that over the course of the past few years, they were the victim of mental and physical abuse by their live-in boyfriend. He was released after posting $100,000 bond.

A 57-year-old Fitchburg, Massachusetts man was charged with larceny, payment card theft and identity theft, following an investigation into valuables taken from a locker at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

A 52-year-old Norwalk man was charged with identity theft and criminal attempt at larceny, after an investigation intoto 2 checks stolen from a mailbox in September. He was held on $25,000 bond.

A 40-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with failure to appear. She was pulled over for a motor vehicle violation, and was found to have an active rearrest warrant for an incident that occurred in Newington in 2013.

A 41-year-old Eastchester, New York man was charged with failure to appear, after being pulled over for a motor vehicle violation. He had an active rearrest warrant for an incident that occurred last year in Westport.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to display lights: 1
  • Improper marker lights: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

Turn on those headlights!

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Tammy Barry provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and wonders: “Compo Beach or Jersey Shore?”

It’s Compo, of course. (Cockenoe Island gives it away).

Wednesday — when this image was taken — was blustery. Today should continue windy, with gusts of perhaps 40 miles an hour.

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And finally … in honor of Westport’s newest store, Pink Chicken (story above):

(Seriously, where else but “06880” would you find all this stuff? And in one place?! Crazy. But it’s here — every day — on your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Children, Library, Local business, Police, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, technology

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Roundup: License Plate Readers, Hostage Walk, College Mental Health …

Posted on February 22, 2025 | 14 comments

When the Board of Selectwomen meet Wednesday (February 26, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), they’ll discuss the usual types of items: road closures for events like the Memorial Day parade and road races, sewer connections, etc.

One item is different: approval of a maintenance agreement between the town and the state Department of Transportation “for permission to work within the highway right-of-way to install, maintain and replace automatic license plate readers.”

The town already has one set of license plate readers, at I-95 Exit 17. This agenda item is for another set, at I-95 Exit 18 at the Sherwood Island Connector.

The readers are a response to the rash of car thefts in the area. They give the Westport Police Department a head’s-up if a stolen car is entering town off the highway — or headed out of here, onto it.

The selectwomen’s approval is needed to ensure the state that local officials will maintain the devices.

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Early reviews are in for “Native Gardens” — and they’re raves.

Westport Country Playhouse’s current production — a hilarious yet thought-provoking show about a neighborly dispute that turns into a battle of cultures — gets high marks for its acting, message, and breathtaking set.

The show runs through March 8. Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below for the trailer:

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Tomorrow’s Run4TheirLives walk honors the Bibas family. The 2 boys, ages 4 and 9 months, were killed by Hamas, after being kidnapped from their kibbutz. The fate of their mother is unknown.

As they’ve done for over a year, Westporters will gather at 11 a.m. in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot on Sunday, then walk through town.

They will say the Mourner’s Kaddish, carry orange balloons in memory of the flame-haired brothers, and pray for their mother.

All Westporters of all ages are invited to join. Wear orange sweaters, coats, hats or reflector vests; bring orange balloons or Bibas signs.

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In November, Startup Westport’s “Young Innovators” forum drew an SRO crowd to the Westport Library.

Entrepreneurs and investors from their 30s through 70s were awed by presentations from a quartet of Staples High School alumni — none older than 25 — who have crushed the tech world.

The star of the star-studded panel was Dylan Diamond. The 2017 grad is co-founder and CEO of Saturn. The Gen Z calendar app has raised $68 million, scaled to millions users, reached 18,000 schools, and hit #1 in the App Store  — all after starting out as a high school project.

The event was moderated by Molly O’Shea. The oldest person on stage — she graduated from Staples in 2014 — is no slouch herself. A venture capital investor, Molly founded Sourcery, the VC deal and startup trend newsletter.

Now she’s posted a podcast with Dylan. It opens with a huge shout-out to the Startup Westport event (which she links to, and includes in every Sourcery social post).

Click below for Molly and Dylan’s very insightful — and entertaining — chat.

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There are many ways to prepare students for college. Sometimes overlooked — but crucial — is to focus on mental health.

On Tuesday (February 25, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. James Geisler will discuss mental health challenges on college campuses, and help parents support their children’s transition to higher education. For more information, click here.

Graduation is fun. But preparing for the next step is very important.

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This year’s Westport Woman’s Club gala celebrates women who have made significant contributions to philanthropy and service to the community.

The April 5 event (6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield) will be emceed by Scott Foley. His 30-year career in films and on TV include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scream 3,” and (currently) “Will Trent” and “La Dolce Villa.”

He lives in Westport with his wife, 3 children and many pets.

The evening includes a performance by the R&B, soul and dance band the  Bernadettes, plus a silent and live auction.

Guests will enjoy a vibrant performance by The Bernadettes, an R&B/Soul and Dance band, creating a lively atmosphere as well as an opportunity to bid on wonderful silent and live auction items.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Sponsorships are available for $1,000 (to provide clothing for children in need), $5,000 (a need-based scholarship for a graduating senioro) and $10,000 (225 bags of food to struggling families).

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Kings Highway Elementary School students spent Kindness Week spreading joy — within the building, and the entire district.

Every student helped design and create a “kindness rock” — a KHS tradition.

Fifty of them will be delivered to Westport’s 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and Staples High — along with a video message explaining their significance, and how each school might use them.

That’s “kind” of a great idea!

Kings Highway’s “kindness rocks.”

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As a 2-year captain of Staples’ boys soccer team, Mike Dobbs earned renown on the field. Like any soccer player (except the goalkeeper), he did plenty of running.

After a start at Athletic Shoe Factory in Westport, he’s spent his professional career in the running shoe industry. And he’s still running — though on roads, not soccer pitches.

Mike will compete in the Boston Marathon in April. It’s a way to compete — and raise money for Dana Farber Cancer Research, in honor of his late mother Sharon (a well-known and dedicated Westport Soccer Association volunteer).

The funds Mike raises will go to the Claudia Adams Barr Program. Click here for more information, and to contribute to his campaign.

Mike Dobbs

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There’s always something going on at MoCA CT. Ahead:

Upcycle Sculpture Workshop (today, Saturday, 1 p.m.): Tour of WestPAC’s :On Fire” and the high school exhibition “Humans & Nature”; then create sculptures with artist Remy Sosa.

Darwin Shen (violin), Michelle Kim (piano): Putting on the Fritz  (Sunday, February 23, 4 p.m.): Recital of rarely performed, newly discovered and reconstructed works by Fritz Kreisler.

Art Adventures! Drop-Ins for Kids (Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.): For children of all abilities: multi-media classes with space to explore new techniques and expression through art.

Community Conversation: Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment (February 27, 6 p.m.): Moderated by curator Ive Covaci; a diverse panel of speakers discuss the intersection of art, sustainability, and community resilience.

Upcoming Art Workshops: Hands-on classes include Ceramic Multi-Bowl Building with Leah Corbett (March 6) and Basket Weaving with Tina Puckett (March 8).

East Coast Contemporary Ballet: Galerie de Danse (March 6 and 7, 7:30 p.m.): Dance  and live music in a gallery setting. .

RSO Quartet: Daylight & Dances (March 8, 7 p.m.): Sring players of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra; works by Haydn, Price, Bartok and Puccini.

Sound Healing Meditations with SoulOSoaring (March 18, 6 p.m.): Healing practitioner Terry Eldh uses crystal alchemy singing bowls, crystal harp and koshi chimes.

Current Exhibition, through March 2: “On Fire”: Over 75 works in a variety of media; explores how artists from the 1930s to today have envisioned and responded to the interrelationships of energy, infrastructure, and the environment. The 4th annual exhibition by Westport Permanent Art Collections, inspired by 8 paintings created by Ralph Boyer in 1934 for the old Staples High School, as part of the Federal Public Works of Art Project. These paintings usually hang in the Westport central fire station.

For more information on MoMA CT, click here.

MoMA’s “On Fire” exhibition.

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This kingfisher bird hangs out by the bridge between the Imperial Avenue parking lot and the Westport Library parking lot.

He seemed to be looking sideways — right at Johanna Keyser Rossi — as she captured him for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1872, the Prohibition Party held their first national convention, in Columbus, Ohio. It took nearly 50 years, but the 19th Amendment went into effect in 1920. Thirteen years later, it was repealed.

(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. We’ll drink to that!)

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Posted in Arts, Library, Police, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, technology

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Roundup: Fashionably Alisyn, Startup Special Interests, Van Leeuwen’s Lines …

Posted on February 7, 2025 | 1 comment

Fashionably Westport just got even more fashionable.

Alisyn Camerota — the award-winning journalist, and former CNN anchor and host — will join fellow TV personality Dave Briggs as co-emcee.

They’ll make this the liveliest “Fashionably” event ever. The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored show (February 28, 7 p.m., Westport Library) — a benefit for Homes with Hope — features the latest styles, from the town’s mot sophisticated and fashion-forward retailers. Models are local friends and celebrities.

Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate silent auctiono items, or become sponsors, email events@westportdowntown.com, or operations@westportdowntown.com.

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Startup Westport — our town’s public/private partnership for tech and entrepreneurial founders and funders — has spawned 2 intriguing special interest groups.

“Women in Tech & Innovation” is led by Tanaz Mody, an experienced venture capitalist and tech startup leader. The group welcomes all women, from experienced pros to those just getting started. Click here for more information.

The “Investor” special interest group is led by Dan Zuller, a VC investor and former entrepreneur. The group is for experienced founders and investors looking to connect, share insights, and engage in high-level discussions on emerging trends, market dynamics and the future of innovation. Click here to sign up for the first event, in March.

Meanwhile, last night’s inaugural first-Thursday-of-the-month social gathering was a smash.

Over 100 people gathered at Nômade for a high-energy night of networking, idea-sharing, drinks and fun.

Enjoying last night’s Startup Westport social event (clockwise from lower left): Jay Norris, Josh Guttman, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Bari Schrager.

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Who opens an ice cream store in February — on a snowy day?

Van Leeuwen.

It was a great move.

Their new Church Lane shop was packed yesterday.

After all, every day is a good day for ice cream.

It didn’t hurt that they offered $1 scoops, and free totes.

Or that kids were home from school.

Because of a snow day.

(Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

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The next step for the proposed Sherwood Mill Pond project walkway project — including discussion of the gate and properties — is Tuesday (February 11, 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The Representative Town Meetingi Planning & Zoning, and Environment, Committees meet jointly to review plans.

Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates (Photo/Judith Katz)

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A reminder: Tomorrow (Saturday, February 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), is the Westport Police Department and Sunrise Rotary Club food drive.

All donations support the Homes with Hope, and Westport Department of Human Services food pantries.

Police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items and cash donations.

Suggested items include breakfast bars, baking goods, BBQ sauce, macaroni & cheese, canned vegetables and fruit, coffee, canned meats, canned stew, noodles, cereals, gluten-free foods, granola and protein bars, grated Parmesan cheese, hamburger and tuna helper, hearty soups, instant mashed potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, oatmeal, cooking oil, pancake mix and syrup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, rice, spices, salad dressing, shelf-stable milk, and snacks. (No glass jars.)

Suggested personal care and household items include body wash, Clorox wipes, deodorant, dish soap, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, razors, shampoo and oothpaste.

To volunteer, or offer a large pickup, call Anna Rycenga at 203-763-9656.

Volunteers, at a previous Sunrise Rotary Club and Westport Police Stop & Shop food drive.

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There are anecdotal stories that more Westporters are commuting back to New York City offices.

And then there’s photographic evidence:

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

This was the scene Wednesday underneath the I-95 bridge, by the Greens Farms train station.

Scenes like this — from folks who don’t have a sticker, or find the parking lot full — have not been seen since before the pandemic.

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Emily Teall’s new “Tulip Bulb” sculpture has added a bit of whimsy to Grace Salmon Park.

The sculptor is one of many folks who have fun with it. Here she is: the artist, and her creation.

(Photo/Mary Schwartzman)

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Bonnie Bradley — the descendant of a famed Westport family, and who retained a lifelong love for this town — died Wednesday in Brentwood, Tennessee. She was 86, and lived in Roxbury, Connecticut.

Born in Bridgeport Ina Trivers Bradley and J. Kenneth Bradley, she grew up in Westport. Bonnie attended the Bolton School and Smith College.

She raised her children in Westport, and was deeply involved in the community. In 1999 she moved to Roxbury, where she continued her lifelong passion for service.

Bonnie was president of the Junior League of Greater Fairfield County, a board member of the Roxbury Senior Center and Friends of the Library, and a docent at the Glebe House in Woodbury.

She was predeceased by her sister, Deborah Donnelly. She is survived by her brother James Bradley; her children Brad Colby of Boca Raton, Florida, Stuart Weise of Brentwood, Tennesse, and Wendy Bradley of Woodstock Valley, Connecticut, and her granddaughter, Ainslie Bradley Tschamler.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday February 13 (10 a.m., Roxbury Congregational Church; click here for the livestream, and to leave online condolences). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Friends of the Roxbury Library.

Bonnie Bradley
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Sand, snow and Sound combine to form today’s intriguing “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally …Gene Barge died Sunday in Chicago. He was 98.

The New York Times calls him “one of the last surviving saxophonists of the golden age of R&B, whose career ran the gamut of 20th-century Black popular music.” Click here for a full obituary.

Among the hits he played on:

(You don’t really need to rescue “06880.” But tax-deductible contributions sure help keep this hyper-local blog alive. Just click here. And thank you!)

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Roundup: Old Mill Parking, Orphenians, Old Guards …

Posted on December 19, 2024 | 14 comments

A few commenters on recent “06880” stories about the Sherwood Mill pond tidal gates — and whether the town’s $5.58 million expenditure should compel the removal of the locked gates to Compo Cove, just beyond the project — have stated that Cove residents (and those from nearby Old Mill Beach) benefit from use of the parking lot, taking away space from residents with beach stickers.

An Old Mill resident sets the record straight.

“The 4 passes we are allocated have a price. We pay the Parks & Recreation Department $330 a year (summer season May 1 to September 30) for Old Mill.

“Two are assigned to a specific license plate at $115 each, plus $100 for the 2 guest passes.

“No spaces are reserved at the Old Mill lot. We can only hope there is a space to park if we go out for groceries on a summer weekend afternoon.

“A person needs a Westport Beach Pass, or one for Old Mill/Compo Cove. The reason is so police can identify the Old Mill/Cove resident cars.

“With the theft and illegal shellfishing, parking enforcement is part of the WPD’s efforts to identify clammers/oyster/crabbers’ vehicles (it is shocking how mch is stolen almost every spring, summer and fall nights).

“We have no option. My wife and I do not have a driveway, garage or yard to park in. We must use the lot at Old Mill.

“PS: I also pay $30 for a pass so I can drive into Compo (senior price).

“And don’t forget: We are assessed at a higher tax rate for being near Long Island Sound. Nothing is for free.”

Old Mill parking lot in April, 2019. It’s empty, because the lot had been closed for restriping.

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This is a busy season for everyone.

But (except for Santa), no one may be busier than the Staples Orphenians.

The elite high school a cappella group sings anywhere, and everywhere. On Tuesday they entertained the Westport Rotary Club at their annual concert.

Director Lauren Pine brought 36 students to the luncheon meeting, at Green’s Farms Church.

Highlights included “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from the “Nutcracker Suite,” a rousing “Jingle Bells,” and their Condlelight Concert signature “Hallelujah Chorus.”

The schedule does not let up after New Year’s. In 2025, the Oprhenians head to Spain.

As the Rotarians know well, their audiences overseas will be in for a treat.

Orphenians with director Lauren Pine (front), at the Rotary Club meeting in Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Many homes are decorated extravagantly/beautifully/brilliantly for the holidays.

Karen Como spotted this one — with a special security touch — on Sylvan Road North.

(Photo/Karen Como)

Want to show off your home? Or a favorite one where someone else pays the electric bill?

Email 06880blog@gmail.com. And be sure to include the location!

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There is almost nothing good anything can say about the Compo Acres (Trader Joe’s) Shopping Center parking lot.

Especially the exit onto the Post Road.

Except this.

A new sign advertises the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number: 988. It operates 24/7, via phone, text or chat.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

If it saves just one life of someone leaving that lot, it’s worth it.

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“Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — Weston native Chris Fuller’s one-man “hilarious and heartfelt story of a pro golfer’s bipolar journey to wellness” returns to the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn on January 3 and 4.

The 7:30 p.m. show is preceded by a wine and cheese party (6:30), compliments of Kindred Spirits.

The show is presented by the International Mental Health Foundation, with sponsorship from the Golf Performance Center.

Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more infromation.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between December 11 and 18.

A 64-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny, after walking out of Stop & Shop with several items he did not pay for.

A 56-year-old Westport woman was arrested for disorderly conduct, after a allegedly striking the victim during an argument.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to carry driver’s license: 2
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

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The Westport Library inaugurated its new art gallery offerings last night, with an intriguing conversation.

The Sheffer Gallery now features Claudia Mengel’s “Alchemy of Light.”Her paintings were inspired by the mysticism at the heart of alchemy’s expression in the Middle Ages.

After an opening reception, she chatted about her work with Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs.

Claudia Mengel, Miggs Burroughs, and her work. (Photo copyright by Ted Horowitz)

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We ran a couple of Roundup photos yesterday of Tuesday’s Startup Westport holiday party, at Content Studio. Here’s one more:

From left: Andrew Colabella, Jay Norris, Lisa Krupenye, Lisa Penney-Keusch, Kelly Genova.

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Flowers at the top of Burying Hill Beach change by the season.

I’m not sure who puts them there. But they are always colorful, always meaningful — and always welcome.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows a holiday arrangement.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … the item about Orphenians (above) got us thinking about one of the numbers they performed. Theirs was a cappella. Here’s another version:

(We’re in the final countdown to Christmas: less than a week away. If you’ve thought of making a holiday gift to “06880,” just click here for your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Orphenians’ Caroling Crawl, Startup Westport’s Party, Dick Fincher’s Memorial …

Posted on December 18, 2024 | 2 comments

“Caroling Crawl” — a Saugatuck tradition — continues this Saturday (December 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.).

Staples High School’s elite a cappella group the Orphenians will entertain diners at several restaurants, in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.

They’ll start at the Saugatuck Rowing Club’s Boathouse, then make their rounds at other restaurants around Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and the rest of the neighborhood, ending at the Little Pub at Dunville’s.

Add that to the list of specials on Saturday’s menu!

Staples Orphenians’ Caroling Crawl.

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Speaking of Christmas in Saugatuck: Startup Westport — the public/private partnershp for tech entrepreneurs and innovators — chose a perfect location for their holiday party.

Nearly 150 people gathered at Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio/meeting/media location — to celebrate the season.

Startup Westport events are always high-energy, with plenty of creative men and women sharing ideas and networking.

Throw in food, drinks, and a DJ, and it was one of the organization’s best events in their very busy 2 years.

Some of the many attendees enjoying yesterday’s Startup Westport holidy party, at Content Studio.

Startup Westport co-founder Jay Norris and his wife Crystal. They celebrated both the party, and her birthday.

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A memorial service for Dick Fincher — the Tree Board chair, Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member, and church vestryman, who died October 31 at 86 — will be held Saturday, December 28, at 11;30 a.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

A reception will follow. The public is invited to attend.

Dick Fincher

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16 teams of Staples High School students and Westport Police officers hurled balls at each other Monday, in the annual Westport Youth Commission dodgeball tournament.

The event — held in the Staples fieldhouse — has 2 important rules. Each team must include 1 cop. And no aiming at heads.

Otherwise, is a night for ducking, diving, and of course dodging.

Staples’ Teen Awareness Group co-sponsored the tourney. Entry fees help fund their projects.

The Dodge-a-Cop champs! From left: James Penny, Anthony Armentano, Charles Clark, Casey Bag, Nicholas Weil, Officer Mike Davis. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Over the summer, herbicide was applied to the Jesup Road median, near Westport Pride’s rainbow crosswalk.

The strip between Westport Book Shop and Jesup Green started to look a bit ratty.

Two local businesses rode to the rescue.

SCA Crowley donated a cleanup crew, and mulched the site.

Then Tuliptree Site Design of Norwalk reseeded the pollinator pathway.

Next spring, the colors of the blooms will rival that of the crosswalk nearby.

Mike Mushak of Tuliptree Site Design tends to the Jesup Road median.

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The New Orleans Museum of Art’s current exhibit “Show & Tell: A Brief History of Photography and Text,” explores t marriage of photos and words.

It includes a work by Larry Silver, the Westport-based, internationlly known photographer.

His image of the Grand Central Terminal waiting room was taken in 1952.

(Photo/copyright Larry Silver)

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Margery Fisher — a longtime Coleytown Middle School librarian, children’s book author and the wife of noted illustrated Leonard Everett Fisher — died peacefully at home on Friday. She was 94.

After majoring in mathematics and earning Phi Beta Kappa honors at Mount Holyoke College, Margery was recruited by IBM to teach at their school in New York City.

She soon became a system service representative, one of the very few women in the IBM business machine program and pioneering computer path.

While at IBM she met and married her husband of 71 years. She and Leonard  moved to New Haven. IBM transferred Margery to its office there. For the next several years she serviced IBM’s growing business machine products, from industrial computers installed in hardware stores and grocery stores to the United States Navy’s first atomic submarine, the USS Nautilus.

Margery left IBM prior to the birth of their children. After moving to Westport she earned a master’s degree in library science at Southern Connecticut State University.

She served as Coleytown Middle School’s librarian for 25 years, retiring in 1995.

Margery was the author of 2 children’s books, for which her husband provided the illustrations: “But Not Our Daddy” and “One and One.”

Margery continued her interest in children’s literature after retiring. She joined the Bank Street College Book Committee, creating, editing and publishing world-wide yearly lists of the best in North American children’s literature.

Margery and Leonard lived in Westport for more than 68 years. They traveled the world together from England (33 times) to the Panama Canal, Italy, Russia, Egypt, China, Hawaii, Normandy and Maine.

Margery is survived by her children Julie Fisher (Robert Aldoroty), Susan Fisher Plotner, and James Fisher (Pamela Viglielmo); grandchildren Lauren, Michael, Samuel, Jordan, Gregory and Danielle, and her sister Betty Meskin Pincus.

Donations in Margery and Leonard’s name can be made to the “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Margery Fisher

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Longtime Westport arts community member and philanthropist Gary Cosgrave died peacefully on Monday. He was 82.

A graduate of Mamaroneck (New York) High School, Gary did not go to college because he suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia. Nevertheless, he achieved remarkable business success.

After the passing of his father, Paul, Gary took over the family business, PROGroup, and as chair and CEO turned it into a conglomerate of 5 businesses: Pro Hardware. Garden Master and Farm Mart, as well an advertising agency and distribution business.

For over 25 years Gary was an active member of Vistage, a worldwide business advisor group.  After selling his business in 2011, Gary continued to mentor business executives and entrepreneurs, and was on the board of Soluxe Inc., parent company of Solomon Community Solar LLC.

Gary served for many years on the boards of the Westport Country Playhouse and MoCA CT.  In 2012 he was honored by the Westport Art Center for his success as chair in stabilizing the group’s finances and developing a new strategic vision.

He was a major donor to the Southport School, an independent day school for cerebrodiverse children dealing with challenges like dyslexia, and to Seeds for Peace and Operation Smile.

An accomplished sailor and scuba diver, Gary threw himself into underwater photography. He built an impressive portfolio of stunning images that he published as books, sold and displayed widely.  He co-authored a book, “Stop, Think and Dream: Be the Difference That Makes a Difference (Teens for Planet Earth),” empowering New York City teenagers.

Gary survived by his fiancé Dina Upton of Westport; son Terry Cosgrave of Colorado Springs, and grandchildren Michaela Patry, Lily Cosgrave, Isabell and Ella Rosenberg.  He was preceded in death by his wife Ruby, daughter Tracey, and brothers Jack and Victor.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at his family plot at Lakeview Cemetery in New Canaan on February 8 (10:30 a.m.), followed by a celebration of his life at Rive Bistro (11:30 a.m.).

Memorial donations may be made in Gary’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Gary Cosgrave

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Claudia Sherwood Servidio — one of our very talented “Westport … Naturally” contributors — finds beauty everywhere.

She shot this image yesterday, at rainy Sherwood Island State Park:

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And finally … Robert Moses — the urban planner responsible for the construction of hundreds of highways, bridges, tunnels, playgrounds, beaches — and a World’s Fair — in and around New York, sometimes for better and sometimes for worse, was born on this day in 1888. He died in 1981.

(Holy Moses! If you appreciate “06880”‘s daily coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Young Staples Grads Spark Startup Forum

Posted on November 26, 2024 | 5 comments

The Westport Library was packed last night with entrepreneurs (current and future), tech types, and friends and fans of our town’s best and brightest recent Staples High School graduates.

Startup Westport’s “Young Innovators” forum featured 4 alums — none over 25 years old — and an only slightly older venture capitalist.

Dylan Diamond (CEO of Saturn Technologies), Max Hammer and Josh Karol (CEO and CTO, respectively, of CrowdVolt), and Whop CTO Jack Sharkey chatted with Molly O’Shea about the challenges, perils and joys of starting — then running — a multimillion-dollar business while still in college.

Or making the decision to drop out, to do so.

Panelists (from left) Max Hammer, Jack Sharkey, Josh Karol and Dylan Diamond, with moderator Molly O’Shea. (Photo/Kara Curtis)

The money they’ve raised is mind-boggling. So is the creativity they’ve shown, the detours they’ve taken, and the humility with which they talk about their work (which, in all 5 cases, is also their passion).

All gave enormous credit to Staples’ computer science program, which offered the tools to code, create and collaborate.

Diamond noted that then-principal John Dodig and instructor Dave Scrofani provided important backing, when certain administrators wanted to shut down his iStaples app.

(It gave students easy access to schedules, classmates and grades. Now, as Saturn, it’s used by students in 22,000 schools nationwide. Coming soon: colleges.)

Their career paths have already taken them to big companies like Tesla. But the panelists prefer entrepreneurship.

“Shoot for the moon,” Sharkey said. “If you miss, you can always get a job.”

“The opportunity cost in high school and college is so low,” said former University of Pennsylvania student Diamond, adding that young people have great insight into “how to build things.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (far left) read a proclamation honoring Staples’ computer science program. From left: former principal John Dodig, instructors Dave Scrofani and Joanne Klouda, department chair John DeLuca. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The 4 learned the financial side of entrepreneurship along the way (including the importance of giving equity to new hires, at the start).

The young entrepreneurs all echoed Diamond’s advice: “Hire people smarter than you. Don’t pretend you know everything. It’s okay to say ‘I don’t know.'”

“Don’t get too attached to resumes,” Kozol added.

It has not always been easy. During COVID, when schools were closed, Diamond’s user base quickly dropped to “zero.”

But he and his classmates quickly learned the importance of pivoting.

Now Diamond is on his way to making Saturn “the world’s most fun personal calendar.” Google and Microsoft will never know what hit them.

(“06880” often highlights the success of Staples graduates, of all ages and types. If you enjoy this coverage on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Startup Westport Salutes Young Tech Innovators

Posted on November 19, 2024 | 4 comments

At 15, Dylan Diamond built an app. Now, his Staples High School classmates had an easy way to view their schedules and grades.

Most people would have stopped there.

Diamond rolled it out nationally. It’s evolved into Saturn — a must-have calendar and time management app for high school and college students.

Customizable and shareable, it includes classes, clubs, sports practice and games, concert and show rehearsals, and more.

Dylan Diamond

As CEO of Saturn Technologies, Diamond oversees 100-plus employees, at its New York headquarters.

Long before he earned a dual degree in computer science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, Diamond’s Staples Class of 2017 teachers and classmates knew he’d go far.

Diamond is just one of a remarkable crop of recent SHS grads who are creating companies, raising tens of millions of dollars in funding, and redefining entire industries.

Max Hammer graduated a year before Diamond. He too went to Penn, where he majored in international relations and affairs.

Today, Hammer and classmate Josh Karol — a fellow 2016 Staples grad, who earned a degree in compueter science and mathematics at Emory University — are CEO and CTO, respectively, of CrowdVolt.

Max Hammer and Josh Karol.

Their start-up solves a problem bedeviling their generation: how to exchange rave and EDM tickets, without the hassle of buying them of Facebook Marketplace or Reddit, or paying high fees on other sites.

How serious are they? Hammer and Karol are backed by Y Combinator — the most prominent start-up accelerator in the world.

Jack Sharkey is even younger than those three. The University of Texas computer science and business grad — now CTO of Whop — is a 2018 Staples alum.

His platform connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators.

Jack Sharkey

Whop secured $17 million in a Series A funding round. Investors — including Insight Partners, the Chainsmokers fund and Peter Thiel — valued the startup at $100 million. With a million customers and 3,000 sellers, Whop has facilitated $100 million in transactions.

Like Diamond, Hammer and Karol, Sharkey got his start in Staples’ computer science program. He created an app offering schedules, sites and other info on all 27 sports played at any of Connecticut’s 183 high schools — including varsity, JV and freshman.)

Next Monday, November 25 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), they’ll all pay it forward.

The 4 creative, hard-working entrepreneurial superstars will be featured at Startup Westport’s Young Innovators Forum.

Molly O’Shea

The Staples connection continues with the moderator. Molly O’Shea

A 2014 Staples grad who earned a BA in design and entrepreneurship at New York University, she’s a venture capital investor, and founder of Sourcery, the VC deal and startup trend newsletter.

Previous Startup Westport forums focused on women and minorities.

Now, Westport’s public-private tech and innovation partnership shines a spotlight on a new group of entrepreneurs. All are younger than 26.

Next week’s Young Innovators Forum is open to all ages.

“We are excited to welcome Staples High School students, their parents, alumni and all other Westporters for an evening celebrating the success of these extraordinary, home-grown innovators — and to hear how they journeyed from classrooms here to the pinnacle of innovation,” says Startup Westport co-founder and president Cliff Sirlin.

The panelists will discuss the challenges they’ve faced, the creative solutions they’ve pioneered, and how Westport and Staples shaped their journeys.

Hammer looks forward to inspiring others, and building connections — just as he did, a few years ago here.

Diamond adds, “The mentorship I received, and the encouragement to build products that served the community, were hugely motivating. I’m thrilled to return, to share my experiences.”

O’Shea — who is coming from California to moderate the evening — notes, “Each of these companies has achieved incredible milestones and legitimacy.

“This is not just a typical panel. They’ve collectively raised from top-tier Silicon Valley firms, hit significant growth, and reached product market fit.”

And, looking back at her alma mater, O’Shea says, “I’m excited to support Staples’ growing role in tech.”

(The Young Innovators Forum is free, but registration is required. Click here for details.)

(“06880” often highlights the success of Staples graduates, of all ages and types. If you enjoy this coverage on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Long Lots Plans, Political Lawn Sign, Staples Players’ “Elf” …

Posted on October 11, 2024 | 39 comments

This week, the Long Lots School Building Committee provided updates to the Boards of Finance and Education.

In the weeks ahead, they plan to meet with Long Lots neighbors. The LLSBC will
“listen to all questions, suggestions and concerns from the neighbors and discuss the current school design. We will restate that water management, both during and after the project, is a key priority for the LLSBC and the town. We will acknowledge that the project will be disruptive for the neighbors and affirm that we will do our best to mitigate the disruption and listen to the neighbors throughout the process.

The LLSBC will also meet with the Long Lots PTA, to “discuss the project and listen to parents’ questions, suggestions and concerns about the design of the new school including parent and bus drop offs, project timing, safety, and efforts to minimize disruption for all parties during construction.

In a meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission, they provide an update on the project.

The LLSBC and design team will also meet with the members of the Westport Community Gardens. They will “listen to questions and seek input and suggestions about the construction of the new relocated Community Garden. The new garden is currently forecast to be ready, along with the new athletic fields and parking lots, the year following completion of the new school building.

“Currently the first planting season in the new relocated garden would be in the spring of 2028. We’ll reaffirm that this growing season (2024) will be the last for the current garden as mobilization and construction is forecast to begin in the spring of 2025.”

They will “also highlight that the First Selectwoman met with the Garden Steering Committee in late August and offered to work with the gardeners to move them to the Baron’s South property adjacent to the Senior Center. This move would allow the new gardens to open significantly sooner than the spring of 2028, which was the main impetus for the LLSBC to suggest this in our initial recommendation in October of 2023. The discussions between the First Selectwoman and the Garden Steering Committee regarding a move to Baron’s South are outside the scope of the LLSBC and the construction of the new Long Lots school.”

Plans are moving ahead for construction of the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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With less than a month to go before the presidential election, political signs are popping up all around town.

Some are for Harris/Walz. Others tout Trump/Vance.

They’re not generally noteworthy. But one on Saugatuck Shores caught our eye.

It wasn’t the message. It was the messenger.

The sign belongs to Betty Lou Cummings.

The 90-year-old and still very active volunteer is well known in town. In nearly 50 years here she founded the long-running Apple Festival, organized fundraisers like the Riverwalk and Westport Library River of Names, advocated for the Senior Center advocate, and served on the Representative Town Meeting.

She is also a former 2nd Selectwoman.

A Republican 2nd Selectwoman.

Betty Lou Cummings. Back in the day, she was a Michigan State cheerleader.

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Tickets to Staples Players’ “Elf: The Musical” go on sale tomorrow (Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase.

Performances for the family-friendly show are November 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7 p.m., and November 16, 17, 23 at 2 p.m.

“Elf” tells the story of a suspiciously oversized elf named Buddy who has been raised by Santa in the North Pole. Overhearing the news that he’s actually a human, he embarks on a journey to New York City in a quest to find his father, who, he soon discovers, is on the naughty list.

Buddy’s own half-brother also doesn’t believe in Santa. Buddy decides to change the outlook of his new family and bring the true meaning of Christmas back into New York City. Along the way he discovers friendship, romance, and his true identity.

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A rare sighting on the Saugatuck River yesterday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 stirred excitement: the arrival of dredging equipment.

The last previous work there was 20 years ago.

Dredging operations are expected to begin today.

(Photo/Phil Delgado)

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Twenty current and former members of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting celebrated Restaurant Week yesterday, with lunch at The Boathouse.

The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event — actually 2 weeks — ends Sunday. Click here for a list of participating restaurants, with links to their menus.

RTM members lunch locally, at The Boathouse.

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Ken Feinberg — who as special master of the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund was responsible for the disbursement of over $7 billion dollars — is the special guest at next Thursday’s “Common Ground Conversation” at the Westport Library.

At “Civil Discourse to Resolve Complex Disputes,” the October event (7 p.m.)
Feinberg will share his experience and expertise in bringing people together to analyze, understand, and resolve complex disputes. Steve Parrish will moderate the discussion.

The Common Ground initiative will also be livestreamed. Click here for the link.

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Speaking of the Library: How much we know about our environment and how we interact with it is the theme of their newest Verso Studios podcast, “Real World.”

A collaboration with Marisa Manley, the goal is “to explore, celebrate, and help listeners understand and possibly improve the built and created environment which surrounds us,” she says.

“We examine what the world is made of, how it came to be this way, and how it functions — in sometimes surprising ways.”

Episodes focus on everything from high-rise buildings and street signs to leggings and rocking chairs. Manley explores how they were designed, how they can be improved, and how they benefit all of us.

The podcast debuted Wednesday with 3 episodes, each 15 minutes long. An additional episode drops every other week.

It’s available on the Verso Studios podcast page, and through podcast distributors like Apple and Spotify.

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Two of our town’s most exciting groups of people — StartUp Westport, and creative Staples High School graduates — join forces on November 25 (Westport Library, 6:30 p.m.).

The public/private partnership for our tech and innovation community hosts the first Young Innovators Forum. It’s a celebration of the groundbreaking innovations developed by remarkable alums.

Staples’ computer science program has nurtured a generation of young entrepreneurs. Visionary founders — all under the age of 26 — have launched transformative technologies and startups that are reshaping industries and attracting significant investment.

They’ll speak about challenges they’ve faced, solutions they’ve found, funding and investment, and the future of innovation in Westport.

Panelists — all from Staples — include Dylan Diamond, co-founder and CEO, Saturn Technologies; Max Hammer, co-Ffounder and CEO, CrowdVolt; Josh Karol, co-founder and CTO, CrowdVolt, and Jack Sharkey, co-founder and CTO, Whop

Staples alum Molly O’Shea — a venture capital investor and founder of Sourcey, will moderate.

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On Monday, “06880” reported that Pure Salon has closed.

Despite a “Retail Space For Lease” sign in the window, the Taylor Place shop remains open.

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Staples boys soccer fans were excited yesterday by the Wreckers’ 7-0 defeat of St. Joseph, at Wakeman Field.

But no one was more thrilled than several dozen boys and girls from Luis Marin Elementary School. The Bridgeport youngsters — participants in the Lighthouse program — have been mentored this year by members of the Staples team.

Among the project leaders: senior Alex Kuster. He also donated 1,200 childhood books to the program.

They took a special bus trip to Westport yesterday, to cheer on their idols. They were greeted before the game. At halftime, they participated in a penalty kick contest.

And afterward, they celebrated with the teenagers who this fall have become their friends.

Staples players and Luis Marin students, after the game. (Photo/Mike Beebe)

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Speaking of sports: This weekend, the Staples rugby team starts its fall touch program. It runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Sundays through November 24, at Staples’ Loeffler Field, for 8th-12th graders — and parents. No experience is necessary.

An open house is set for October 20, to answer parents’ questions.

Staples High School rugby team.

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In the interest of safety and efficiency — and to accommodate commuters and school traffic — the milling and paving project of Long Lots Road will be conducted outside regularly established days and hours.

Work will be done on two Saturdays — tomorrow and October 19 — and this Monday, the Columbus Day holiday.

Work will begin at 7 a.m., and end at 3 p.m.

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Daisies in the morning Compo Beach light are the focus of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … today, in honor of National Coming Out Day for the LGBTQ+ community:

(Happy Coming Out Day! To celebrate, please click here and make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” We could not publish this hyper-local blog without reader support.)

 

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