Tag Archives: Startup Westport

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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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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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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Posted in Arts, Obituaries, Police, Saugatuck, Staples HS

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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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Posted in Library, Staples HS, technology

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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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Posted in Education, Library, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Carvana, Poetry, Earthplace …

Posted on September 20, 2024 | 9 comments

Carvana — the Arizona based used car dealer selling entirely online — appears to have gone the way of the Edsel.

After 5 years on Post Road West, diagonally across from Kings Highway Elementary School — at a site previously occupied by (among others) a Volkswagen dealership, and classic car showroom — the large lot is empty.

The interior has been stripped of its fixtures.

(Photos/Adrian Little)

Looks like one more niche for Amazon to fill.

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It takes a while to write a great (or even meh) poem.

Fortunately, it does not take long to put up a poetry box.

On Tuesday, at her installation as Westport’s new poet laureate, Donna Disch announced there would soon be a poetry box at Compo Beach.

Yesterday it was installed at the end of Soundview Drive, near where Hillspoint Road becomes Compo Road South.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

 

 

It comes complete with a poem.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

With its proximity to Fiona’s Disappearing Island, that spot of Compo Beach is now more magical than ever.

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The Woodside Bash — Earthplace’s great under-the-stars fundraiser is well known for its great food, live music and woodsy vibe.

This year’s event (Saturday, October 5, 7 to 10 p.m.) adds something new: contemporary line dancing.

After a filling harvest dinner, Bash-goers will enjoy a special lesson from experts.

All proceeds support Westport’s popular nature center. Earthplace continues its focus on bringing quality, nature-based programming and education to everyone – especially urban youth in Fairfield County and beyond.

Tickets include a harvest dinner, open bar, fire pit with s’mores, and band. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Attendees at last year’s Woodside Bash. This year, they’ll be line dancing.

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StartUp Westport is starting up another season, offering innovative and impactful ideas.

This Tuesday (September 24, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library) features a night of cocktails, networking and information. The focus is on B Corporations, a new business model that allows companies to pursue both profit and purpose.

Hosted by Jen Gorin, founder of Impact Growth Partners, with a roundtable discussion led by Phil White and Heidi Schoeneck of Grounded World — both Westport-based Certified B Corps — the event highlights the importance of impact-driven business practices.

Michael Hermus of Westport-based mental health startup Halespring, Felicia Rubenstein of HAYVN, and Adam Thatcher of Grace Farms Tea & Coffee will share insights into how B Corp certification can enhance employee retention, market positioning and fundraising efforts. 

The event is free, but registration is required; click here.

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Marc Lasry earned his billionaire status as a private equity manager.

He earned an NBA championship ring as co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Now — as women sports are having a moment — the Beachside Avenue resident may buy a controlling stake in a women’s team.

Sportico reports that Lasry is nearing a dal to purchase 60% of the National Women’s Soccer League North Carolina Courage from Steve Malik. The valuation is around $108 million.

Previously, Lasry expressed interest in the Seattle Reign. Sportico says he was also in the running to buy Angel City FC, before Willow Bay and Bob Iger purchased control of the NWSL’s most valuable club ($250 million valuation).

Click here for the full story.

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It’s not yet the holiday season. But it’s never too early for Earth Animal’s “Buy Joy to Gift Joy” project.

From now through December 31, the popular Post Road East store will donate 1 No-Hide Strip to shelter dogs, for every Pumpkin Spice or Holiday Feast No-Hide Chew purchase.

The goal is to donate No-Hide Chews to 80,000 shelter dogs. They’re an alternative to rawhide, offering dogs safe nutritious and enjoyable chew experiences.

Earth Animal

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We’ve posted this before, but it bears repeating.

This reminder comes from Cindy Nigro: “A basket in the lobby of Westport Police headquarters on Jesup Road is filled with lost keys. They’re dropped off by helpful folks all over town.

“I dropped off a set with an electronic fob that was unclaimed at Old Mill Beach for most of the summer.”

As anyone who has replaced them knows, those fobs are expensive! If you’ve lost one, it may be at the police station.

(Photo/Cindy Nigro)

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An appreciative crowd enjoyed the Matsiko World Orphan Choir yesterday. The Jazz Society of Fairfield County presented the concert, at Bedford Middle School.

The Liberian choir performs traditional African songs around the world, to champion the rights of all children to receive a basic education.

Dancing in the aisles, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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There are still 2 days left of summer.

But squirrels have started gathering acorns for the winter already.

This guy stopped briefly, to pose for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Then it was right back to work. Those nuts don’t store themselves!

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of our town’s new poet laureate, and our first poetry box (story above):

(We’ll spare you a rhyme. But here’s a reason: If you enjoy these daily “06880” Roundups, please consider a tax-free contribution. Just click here. And thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Peter Propp & Cliff Sirlin (Startup Westport)

Posted on August 26, 2024 | 1 comment

In just 2 years, Startup Westport has gone from a concept, to a thriving, well-known and high-achieving entity.

Just like the ideas it hopes to spawn.

Startup Westport is the town’s public/private tech and innovation partnership. Its events, programs and online presence, draw entrepreneurs and investors together.

The other day, Peter Propp and Cliff Sirlin — 2 of the group’s founders — stopped by the Westport Library.

There — on the same stage where several of their presentations have drawn SRO crowds — we chatted about Startup Westport.

What makes Westport a tech and innovation hub? Who makes up that segment of our population, and what exactly are they doing? How is Startup Westport helping, and what’s ahead?

Click below for our wide-ranging discussion. You’ll see why Cliff and Peter — and so many others — are so excited about the future.

(Click here for information about Startup Westport’s next forum on September 24: “Sustainable Success: Start-up and Investor Perspectives on B Corp and Public Benefit Corporations.)

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Roundup: Accident Update, LobsterFest Tickets, Club203 Parties …

Posted on August 10, 2024 | 4 comments

As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.

The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.

The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).

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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.

Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.

So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.

The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.

There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.

Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.

All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.

Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

These 3 say it all:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.

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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).

The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.

Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.

They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.

Click here for free tickets.

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Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.

Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.

For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.

Click here to become a member. Click here for the Club203 website.

Club203’s Thanksgiving party.

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B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.

They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.

Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.

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In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.

The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.

She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.

Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).

His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.

A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.

The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

And guess which putter they’ll use?!

Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.

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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.

That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).

Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.

All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.

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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?

Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.

“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”

The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).

It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events

“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.

On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.

A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August artist is Rachel Waldman.

Her anime-inspired drawings will be on display all month, at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for Tuesday, August 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited.

Rachel Waldman, with her work.

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What do yellow finches and baseball players have in common?

Both love sunflower seeds.

But only the bird gets its photo in “Westport … Naturally” while eating them.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.

Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:

Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.

After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.

(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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StartUp Westport Mentors: Appreciation Through Innovation

Posted on July 1, 2024 | 2 comments

If you’re in any kind of business — and who in Westport isn’t? — you know the value of mentorship.

Young people crave learning how to succeed in the workplace, make connections, build a career.

Older people love to give advice, watch someone grow, pay forward the help they once received.

Unfortunately, few people know how to be a truly effective mentor.

Or, for that matter, how to learn the most as a mentee.

They should follow StartUp Westport‘s lead.

Our town’s public/private partnership — a local ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors and innovators in information technology, biotech, social impact and related fields, who together create and celebrate Westport’s growing tech and innovation community — has created a robust mentorship program.

It matches mentors with mentees. It offers programs — large, small, and 1-on-1 — to encourage collaboration. And — though just a few months old — it’s already delivering tangible results.

The process begins online. A dedicated page on StartUp Westport’s website provides information to potential mentors and mentees about what mentorship is and is not. It offers practical advice, from goal-setting to how to book a Westport Library meeting room.

So far 66 people have registered to be mentors, 55 as mentees. Program director Susan Fenn matched 46 — 23 pairs — in the first cohort. A special effort is made to “bridge the opportunity gap” for historically marginalized groups, says program founder Noah Fenn.

Mentorship program leaders (from left): Noah Fenn, Georgie Garner, Susan Fenn.

Each month, they participate in “Mentorship Circles”: sessions in which 1 or 2 mentors provide targeted skill development for 5-25 mentees.

Peter Boyd recently discussed “the coaching mindset.” Upcoming topics include marketing fundamentals, fundraising, business plans and social media.

Mentors and mentees, at the “Coaching Mindset” meeting.

But the heart of the program is 1-to-1 mentorships.

Mentee Bari Schrager says, “transitioning from a structured corporate environment to launching a retail media network was a major leap for me. “I am beyond grateful to StartUp Westport and my mentor, Kal Amin, for being an anchor of support and an expert guide.

“From beta tests to investor strategies, Kal’s friendship and insight has been invaluable in helping me navigate these new waters.”

Mentor Kal Amin (left), with mentee Bari Schrager.

Ben Haber is in the entertainment field. Mentor Dan Zuller — an expert in crypto and startups — educated himself fully about his mentee’s  business.

“He’s given thoughtful notes and critiques throughout the process — a time-consuming endeavor that has been incredibly valuable,” Haber says.

“The mentorship program is a fantastic experience, very well planned out and executed.”

Mentee Kamrock Tovar calls his mentorship with Ted Parker “life-changing” and “transformative.”

Ted Parker — owner of Vibrant Health, who spoke at StartUp Westport’s forum on opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs — brought Tovar to a meeting at their headquarters, about rebranding and label re-designs. He was encouraged to offer advice, and his insights were taken seriously.

Mentor and mentee have discussed topics far beyond business and nutritional supplements, Tovar says. He has learned how Parker balances many responsibilities.

Ted Parker (left) on Kam Tovar’s podcast.

Equally impactful, though, is Parker’s “openness to learn from me. This journey has left me excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.’

Parker was a guest on Tovar’s podcast at the University of Bridgeport.

“After spending only a few days with Kam, I began to wonder: Who’s the mentee, and who’s the mentor?” Parker says.

(To learn more about StartUp Westport’s mentorship program, click here.)

(Every entrepreneur and tech innovator needs support. So does every hyper-local blog. Please click here to help this one. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mike Birbiglia, Community Gardens Access …

Posted on June 5, 2024 | 8 comments

There was a lot to choose from last night in Westport.

Mike Birbiglia was at the Playhouse. Sustainable Westport sponsored a talk on making our town more walkable and bikeable.

Doris Kearns Goodwin captivated a sold-out crowd at the Westport Library. In an easy but wide-ranging, deep and educational conversation with former NBC anchor Brian Williams, she offered insights into the American presidency, her husband Richard’s role in our history, and her own place in all of it.

The event celebrated a new partnership between the Library and the Remarkable Theater. Details will be announced soon.

At a private reception afterward at Remarkable Theater founder Doug Tirola’s house — hosted by his wife Kristen — their son Cooper and friends Ben Seidman, Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl joined Williams in reading from the historic speech Richard Goodwin wrote for President Lyndon Johnson, introducing civil rights legislation in 1965 after “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.

Then everyone sang a song by Kearns Goodwin’s favorite group, the Platters: “The Great Pretender.”

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Brian Williams and Staples High School graduates Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl, singing together. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Also last night, 150 tech and entrepreneurial types gathered on the La Plage patio at Longshore, for Startup Westport‘s summer social.

There was high energy at that event (and all the others). The public/private Startup Westport partnership brings together many of the town’s most creative innovators.

If I missed something else, my apologies. There was just too much going on.

And it was all good.

Startup Westport founders and officials, at La Plage. (Photo/Noah Fenn)

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Also last night: the monthly Representative Town Meeting session.

Members voted 29-4 against a petition to reject a new Board of Selectwomen regulation, which prohibits access to the Westport Community Gardens near Long Lots Elementary School from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. during school days.

The RTM also voted 30-2 against modifying the hours of access.

The regulation — passed last month by the selectwomen — is effective immediately.

Westport Community Gardens (Photo/Franco Fellah)

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It took 10 innings. But Rhys Jamali’s single, driving in Luke Oakley, gave the Staples High School baseball team a thrilling 4-2 state tournament semifinal win over archrival Fairfield Warde yesterday, in Waterbury.

The victory vaults the Wreckers into the Connecticut “LL” (extra large schools) championship game. They’ll shoot for their 3rd title since 2017 on Friday or Saturday (to be determined), at Middletown’s Palmer Field.

#19-seed Staples’ foe in that game is #4 Amity. The Wreckers fell to the Woodbridge school 6-2, earlier in the season.

Revenge will be on coach Jack McFarland’s team’s mind, as it was yesterday. Warde (ranked #2 in LL this year, and the 2-time defending state champion) ended Staples’ title hopes 2-1 last year in the final — also in 10 innings.

Andrew Oppenheimer pitched 9 strong innings yesterday. Mason Tobias got the win in relief, pitching out of a 10th-inning jam.

Staples High School baseball

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There’s another Staples team vying for a state championship too: boys rugby.

The Wreckers trounced Trumbull 55-17 earlier this week. That sets up their title match: Saturday (June 8) vs. longtime rival Greenwich, at Southern Connecticut State University. The time has not yet been determined.

Staples High School boys rugby team.

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Young patients love reading books in the Village Pediatrics waiting room.

Then they go outside on the “Story Walk,” and read more.

The newest addition will also interest their parents (and grandparents). “The Pronoun Book” explains gender-neutral pronouns to men and women people who may not have grown up with them.

The display  was installed recently by Village Pediatrics’ Staples High School senior interns, Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis.

This is the medical practice’s 12th year of participation in the internship program. It’s a way to introduce graduating seniors to the world of pediatrics and child development.

Village’s founder Dr. Nikki Gorman enjoys seeing her former interns around town. And, she proudly notes, her first — Emily Harris — is becoming a pediatrician herself. She trained at one of the premier programs, Boston Children’s Hospital.

Village Pediatrics interns Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis with “The Pronoun Book” on the Story Walk.

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Speaking of kids: On Monday night, the Westport PAL 7th grade lacrosse teams faced off, at the Staples field.

Boys vs. girls.

They followed girls’ rules: no checking, shallower pockets on their sticks, no helmets or pads).

The girls won, 5-1.

Westport PAL 7th grade lacrosse action. (Hat tip and photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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Speaking of youth sports: Twice a day, Maxx Crowley walks his dog at PJ Romano Field.

Sunrises and sunsets are always different. But one thing seldom changes: There is trash everywhere.

This was the scene Monday night:

That’s bad. But — compared with what I sometimes see at Wakeman Fields — PJ is almost pristine.

Come on, coaches. Parents. And especially, young athletes.

You can do better than this.

A lot better.

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Marcy Sansolo — the one-woman wunderkind behind the “What Up Westport” Facebook group — is at it again.

She and Lisa Marriott are spearheading a drive to collect new underwear for Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter (this Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s a small item, but something every shelter needs.

Any type of new underwear for women and children is great. The shelter requests boxer briefs for men.

Can’t make it Saturday? Lisa will pick items up, or accept them at her Town Hall office. You can also send them to her via Amazon. For details, email lsmarriott@gmail.com.

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I received a very angry email yesterday.

The sender wrote: “You just narrowly missed hitting me and my dog while driving what I assume is a blue BMW, going up Thomas from Imperial. License plate ‘06880.’

“It was so close and so egregious that the car in the oncoming lane swerved onto the grass side, got out of his car, and motioned that you were CRAZY.

“Blog aside, be a better community resident and stop speeding. You clearly were!”

As regular readers know, “06880” is a longtime advocate for safer streets. You can imagine my surprise at this email, because:

  • I don’t drive a blue BMW.
  • I was not on Thomas Road.
  • My license plate is not “06880.”

When I protested, the emailer replied that he had been told by 2 witnesses that I was the driver — presumably, because of the license plate.

I am happy to take the blame for anything I get or do wrong on this blog.

But please don’t come after me for a car I don’t drive, or a license plate I don’t own.

Not my license plate — or my windshield.

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Quick: What kind of business is Squeeze?

A juice bar? Retailer of stress balls? Dating app?

Nope. It’s a “massage service destination.”

The newest location opens June 28, in the Fresh Market shopping center.

Promotional materials say, “Squeeze was created to disrupt an outdated industry by providing consumers an accessible, stress-free, and personalized massage experience….

“(In) a prime location surrounded by fitness studios, shops and food & drink offerings, the opening of Squeeze provides a one-stop-shop for health and wellness needs. The 1,838 square-foot shop boasts a modern yet sophisticated design, which features six treatment rooms. The ambiance at Squeeze is carefully crafted to foster a relaxing setting, promoting comfort, and enhancing the overall well-being of its guests.

“With its personalized app-based approach, each massage is tailored to the customer’s liking including pressure, music, lighting and the ability to tap a ‘ready button’ letting the therapist know to return in-room to begin the massage. Guests are also able to set preferences around what body areas to focus on, pressure, oil or lotion and more.”

Squeeze also offers deep tissue, heat therapy, percussion therapy and aromatherapy.”

For more information, click here. For the local Instagram, click here.

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The sign on this new bird feeder at the Senior Center is tongue-in-cheek.

I think.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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I won’t even try to write a comment for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

It’s picture perfect.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Westport welcomes Squeeze, our newest business (story above):

(Can we squeeze a nickel or two out of you? “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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