Tag Archives: Westport Observatory

Roundup: Montessori Denied, Shell Closes, Candice Holley Resigns, Joe Black Hired …

Posted on June 4, 2026 | 2 comments

Montessori got schooled.

A state Superior Court judge has upheld the Westport Planning & Commission’s denial of a proposal to move into the former Bank of America building next to Starbucks, on Post Road East.

The P&Z decision was based on insufficient parking — 24 spaces, instead of the required 32.4 — and traffic concerns, including cars backed up on the Post Road for the coffee chain’s drive-thru. The school — proposed over a year ago — would have served 124 children, infants through kindergarteners.

Click here for the full story, first reported by CT Insider.

The proposed Montessori School …

… at the former Bank of America site. (Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

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Another vacancy on Post Road East just occurred.

After decades of operation, the Shell gas station on the Post Road at Maple Avenue South has closed.

A sign says the service and repair business has moved to 271 Post Road East — the Quality Towing & Auto Repair location.

No word on whether any place in Westport will pick up the emissions testing slack. (Hat tip: Matt Murray)

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

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Director of Human Resources Candice Holley has resigned, for personal and family reasons.

She said, “I truly appreciated the opportunity to work with town leadership in both administrations, town employees, and the broader Westport community. Westport will always remain close to my heart.”

1st Selectman Kevin Christie said, “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Candice Holley

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When Dave Goldshore stepped down as Staples High School boys basketball coach this spring, his replacement was not far away.

Yesterday, athletic director VJ Sarullo announced that Joe Black will lead the Wreckers next winter.

He began his high school coaching career at Fairfield Warde High School, then joined the Wreckers in 2023. He also works with the Westport PAL program.

At Staples, Black — the varsity defensive strategist — played a key role in helping earn back-to-back FCIAC championships.

He graduated in 2016 with a marketing and management degree from Fairfield University. Black is now is a senior coordinator at Neptune Retailer Solutions. He lives in Fairfield with his wife Marissa (also a Westport PAL basketball coach).

Sarullo says, “While his basketball knowledge, preparation and strategic approach were evident throughout the interview process, what impressed the hiring committee most was his unwavering commitment to serving as a positive role model for student-athletes. Coach Black’s vision for the program is one that represents Staples High School with pride, integrity, and excellence both on and off the court.”

Joe Black

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Every graduation is special.

For 2 Westport twins, last Friday’s Greens Farms Academy commencement was extra special.

Danya and Evie Herman were valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026.

In her address to 97 classmates, Danya reflected on the experiences, friendships and growth that shaped them all. Evie welcomed guests, on behalf of the graduates.

The ceremony featured remarks from actor/director/producer Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural,” “Days of Our Lives”). He spoke about perseverance, pursuing passions, building a life of purpose, embracing challenges, and recognizing that success often comes from resilience and determination.

Danya (left) and Evie Herman

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Speaking of changes: Here’s a visual representation of Westport today:

(Photo/Leigh Gage)

One house (foreground) was torn down yesterday, on Manitou Road.

Behind it, on a neighboring lot, a new home rises.

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Two more tournaments — mahjong and canasta — have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s 3rd annual golf tournament. The event is June 15, at Birchwood Country Club.

The golf event (7:30 a.m.) includes 9 or 18 holes; light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails, on-course drinks and afternoon reception; cart rental; access to the locker room and facilities, driving range, and practice putting green, and contests to win Playhouse season tickets and pro shop credits.

The mahjong and canasta tourneys (9:30 a.m.( includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails and afternoon reception, plus the chance to win Playhouse season tickets and other prizes. Guests can create their own foursome, or come as a pair or solo and be matched with others.

Click here for details. Questions? Email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org.

 

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The tastiest fundraiser of the year — CLASP’s “Taste of Westport” — fed and slaked the thirst of several hundred guests last night.

The 20th annual event — benefiting the non-profit that houses and supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities — had a new venue (the Fairfield County Hunt Club, while the Inn at Longshore is under renovation).

There were a few new restaurants and vendors, and many familiar ones. Thanks to all who donated food and drinks, along with staff, for a very good cause: Anan, Artisan, Barcelona, The Blondinit, Black Bear Wine & Spirits, Bridgewater Chocolates, Blue + Berries, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Boathouse, Eder Bros., Dandelion, Chopin Vodka, Gloria Ferrer, Magic Pie Co., Korbel, Gruel Britannia, Gabriele’s, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Massi Co, Moet & Crandon Champagne, Nômade,  Oggi Gelato, Nordic Fish, Rive Bistro, Tarantino, Rizzuto’s Romanacci Pizza Bar, The Whelk, Woodford Reserve and Yuzu.

The Bridge at Saugatuck — one of 30 tasting stations. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Four great volunteers and organizations were honored with Westport Community Service Awards on Tuesday:

  • Jocelyn Baraniaran, Westport Book Sales Ventures presisdent
  • Dave Matlow, Westport documentary photographer
  • Westport Police Athletic League
  • Staples Tuition Grants.

The Rotarians also presented Public Protection Awards to members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments. Deputy fire marshal Dan Mascolo and firefighter Pete Nichio earned a Public Safety Award, for their work building and maintaining the Fire Department’s Peer Support Team.

Rotarians and honorees (from left): Rick Benson, Jim Marpe, Ruairi Powers, Jocelyn Barandiarian, Peter Helt, Leslie Roberts, Bob Wickey, Dave Matlow, Kevin Christie, Craig Mergamo, Maggie Hudson Blau, Pat Carey. (Photo/Rady Johnson)

Westport Rotary Club president Peter Helt and Deputy Police Chief David Wolf, and officers honored with Public Protection Award certificates. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

From right: Rotary president Peter Helt, Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, Dan Mascolo and Pete Nichio with their awards. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Teenagers sometimes space out.

Now that can do it in a good way. The Northeast Occultation Network — a student astronomy research program — is accepting applications for its next research cohort, at the Westport Observatory.

Curious students, from beginners to advanced, will join NEON’s research team to contribute real data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

The program, guided by University of New Haven astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green, covers everything from basic telescope operation to capturing high-precision data from asteroid occultations. Sessions are held from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information and to apply, click here.

NEON students, at work.

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John Bygott is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for June. The local artist is exhibiting a selection of oil paintings of seascapes.

A professional painter for nearly 20 years, his artwork is represented in galleries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Florida.

A reception is set for June 17 (6 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.

John Bygott with his work, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 27 and June 2.

Three Bridgeport women, ages 21, 25 and 26, were charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into alleged shoplifting at the Gap. An eyewitness told an officer they had just observed 3 women run out of Lululemon, carrying multiple items, and described the vehicle they entered. It was observed soon after on the Sherwood Island connector, and stopped. Lululemon clothing with a value of $2,838 was in the vehicle. All 3 posted bonds of $3,000, $7,500 and $7,500.

A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a single vehicle accident at the Hillandale Road/Wakeman Road  intersection. The driver struck a mailbox and fire hydrant, before hitting a tree that snapped and damaged a fence. He was released on a $500 bond.

A 38-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, and violation of probation, after being held at Rikers Island. He ws unable to post a a $159,500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 18 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 6
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Texting while driving: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license more than 60 days: 1
  • Failure to carry registration/insurance card: 1
  • Leaving a motor vehicle without setting brake: 1
  • Driving wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Illegal operation of a motor vehicle on rapid transit road: 1
  • Defective windshield wiper: 1
  • Violation of tinted glass requirements: 1

Failure to set a car brake can lead to a citation.

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Before the full moon becomes too un-full, we’ve got this great “Westport … Naturally” image, from Schlaet’s Point:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … on this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing suffrage to women. The next step: ratification by the states.

(Keep marching … you’ll reach your goal. And oh yeah, click here to keep supporting this hyper-local blog. We’ll reach our goal to keep serving you, 24/7/365. Thank you!)

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Posted in Police, Sports, Staples HS

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That 2032 Asteroid? Serena Diamond Says: “Don’t Worry!”

Posted on February 26, 2025 | 8 comments

As freshmen, many Staples High School students try to find their passion.

Sports, arts, writing, community service … 9th graders give them a shot.

Serena Diamond already knows hers.

For over a year she’s recorded data of asteroid occultations, and sent it to NASA.

An asteroid occultation, as you remember from astronomy class, occurs when an asteroid passes between a star and Earth. Light is temporarily blocked, casting a shadow on our planet. 

Asteroid occultations enable scientists to determine the size, shape and position of an atsteroid far more precisely than with standard astronomical observations.

The data is especially valuable for space missions involving asteroids — and to warn us of any doomsday scenarios.

Serena Diamond and Joel Barlow High School senior Monica Charnoy, observing an asteroid occultation.

Serena became interested in astronomy years ago, at Long Lots Elementary and Bedford Middle Schools.

The summer after 7th grade, she joined an astrophysics program through the Center for Talented Youth.

Back here — with her interest sparked — she searched for more resources.

She found the Westport Astronomical Society. Housed at the Westport Observatory — the former launch site for Nike missiles on Bayberry Lane — it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Westport Observatory, on Bayberry Lane.

The Observatory has become Serena’s home away from home. Odds are high that in its half century of existence, it’s never been home to a freshman girl who observes asteroid occultations.

Serena’s data is analyzed far beyond Westport. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses it for a variety of purposes, including assessing risks from potentially hazardous asteroids.

Serena has been inspired by several WAS members, including board members Dan Wright and Dr. Kevin Green, who spearheads the asteroid occultations project.

She started by learning how to open the dome and run the telescope.

Soon, she and a group of fellow young astronomers — including Staples sophomore Jessica Willis — gathered at 3 a.m., to catch the exact moment an asteroid cast its shadow.

Last month Serena joined Green, offering a presentation at the Observatory.

Serena Diamond’s presentation, at the Westport Astronomical Society.

The room was filled with adults — people who have been excited by astronomy far longer than the 14 years Serena has been alive.

Her co-presenters included a Joel Barlow High School senior, and a recent University of Connecticut graduate.

Serena lectured as if she were a Nobel Prize-winning professor. Clearly and confidently, she shared her insights. Audience members learned a lot.

Want to learn too? Click below, for  Serena’s lecture (and Green’s, and others’). She begins at the 22:40 mark.

Programs like that — and the opportunity to continue working with high-powered, like-minded astronomers of all ages — fuels Serena’s passion.

She looks forward to raising awareness about asteroid occultations, encouraging other young people to join her at the Westport Observatory, and keeping the planet safe from a random strike.

Serena thinka a lot about asteroids. The average person does not.

But most of us have heard about 2024 YR4 — the asteroid that has a teeny tiny (but nonetheless more than 0%) chance of striking Earth on December 22, 2032.

I could ask NASA, or ChatGPT, about the odds.

But I’d much rather go to a Westport source.

So I asked Serena Diamond.

“Thankfully, very low,” she said.

Whew!

(NOTE: Serena is not just an astronomer. In her spare time she is on the Staples math team, coaches the Bedford Middle School math team, serves as a 9th grade class officer, and sings in the Wreckeapellas. Whew indeed!)

(Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” And — today — where we meet asteroids, in outer space. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 galactic coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

An illustration shows asteroid 2024 YR4 narrowly missing Earth and the moon. (Robert Lea, created with Canva, for Space.com.)

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Roundup: Rye Ridge Changes, Henry Wynne Runs, Compo Cars Crash …

Posted on June 23, 2024 | 27 comments

For decades, Oscar’s was a fixture on Main Street.

When Lee Papageorge died in 2016, Westporters mourned the loss of a friend — and a great deli owner.

A year later, there was excitement when Rye Ridge Deli opened in that space.

Now, it’s changed hands.

Rye Ridge’s Westport location was sold to new owners in February. They have operated since, with a 4-month agreement to use the Rye Ridge name.

That’s ended. The new name is 159 Main.

Rye Ridge’s 2 other locations — in Stamford and Rye Brook, New York — remain open under that name.

(Photo/Steven Goldstein)

We hope the new owners will keep the mural on the back wall. Dating back to the 1980s, it shows a group of Oscar’s regulars — and Lee Papageorge.

A Rye Ridge waiter looks at Lee Papageorge, longtime Oscar’s owner. The mural was restored by Rye Ridge Deli. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Henry Wynne continues to run toward the Olympics.

The 2013 Staples High School, 2017 University of Virginia graduate, and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records, finished third in the semi-final heat of the 1500 meters at the Olympic trials yesterday, at the University of Oregon. He ran a season-best 3:34.40.

That qualifies him for tomorrow’s (Monday) finals (8:47 p.m. EDT; NBC and Peacock) — and a spot on the US track team that will compete at the Olympics next month in Paris.

Also yesterday, another Westport athlete fell just short of her Olympic goals.

Annam Olasewere competed in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle trials in Indianapolis, and reached the semifinal of the former.

She’s got a fantastic future. A rising senior at Staples, who competes year-round for Chelsea Piers Athletic Club, she’s already committed to Stanford University for the 2025-26 school year.

Next stop: the 2028 Olympics, just down the California coast, in Los Angeles.

Annam Olasewere

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Compo Beach residents are used to drivers speeding down Bradley Street, and blowing past the stop sign at Danbury Avenue.

But they were stunned today as a car driven by a teenage boy, with another teen as his passenger, raced along Compo Road South, roared onto Bradley without stopping, then passed several vehicles in the other lane on its way to the beach.

Without stopping at Danbury Avenue, it turned left onto Compo Beach Road, slammed against a car driving past, drove off and continued into the beach.

The car that was hit …

The young driver was apprehended quickly. No one seemed injured.

But if anyone had been walking or biking on Bradley or Compo Beach Road, it could have been much, much worse.

Be careful out there — everyone!

… and the vehicle that hit it. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the beach, here’s a new trend: Cars parking on the Hillspoint Road bridge over I-95.

Of the 6 cars in this photo, 4 are from out of state.

At first, it seems odd.

But apparently it’s the new way to avoid paying the daily out-of-town rate at Compo.

Signs warn that vehicles parked on Hillspoint between Schlaet’s Point and Old Mill, and at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, must have beach stickers.

There are no such signs this far north.

So folks park on the bridge, and hoof it to the beach.

On the one hand, it’s great that Compo is so attractive to out-of-towners.

And they should probably be applauded for creativity.

On the other hand …

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And speaking of dangerous behaviors (see above), Rob Jackson writes:

“I live in Saugatuck Shores, and drive to and from downtown on Route 136.

“With the onset of warmer weather, the electric scooter parade begins. There are some adults, but the majority are young teenagers.

“There is no bike lane, so these kids ride in the narrow strip between the traffic and the grass. It’s terrifying to see these young people, sans helmets, at times with headphones or earbuds, speeding along at 15-20 mph with cars, trucks, etc. blowing past a foot or two away. (The 35 mph speed limit seems to be only a suggestion)

“No helmets is downright lunacy. But the small diameter tires on these scooters (as opposed to a much larger bicycle tire) are an invitation for the first small rock to send the riding flying, possibly into a passing vehicle.

“I invite any parent to come watch their child navigate this roadway on their electric scooter. This isn’t Compo Beach or Saugatuck Island. It is a disaster in the making.”

Fun … until it isn’t.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA marked its 100th annual meeting last week with a number of awards.

Honorees included Diane Dubovy Benke (Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year0; Robin Tauck (Legacy & Impact Award), and Kate Murray and Andrew Berkowitz (Youths of he Year).

Employee Recognition Awards went to James Leask, maintenance technician (Above & Beyond); Victoria Walters, lifeguard and swim instructor (Commitment to Mission); Alejandro Flores, maintenance technician (Relationship Champion), and Tina Turechek, digital marking manager (Rookie of the Year).

Robin Tauck (right) with Westport Y CEO Anjali McCormick.

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The Westport Library will be buzzing this afternoon.

The Hive — Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito’s new community-building project — brings an intriguing music-making event to the Trefz Forum stage (today, Sunday, 2 p.m.).

It’s called a “LID Session.” The acronym stands for “Lay It Down.”

Chiu — a world-renowned pianist, who lived for many years in Westport — has always been fascinated by the way pianos connects people of diverse ages, backgrounds and experiences.

He has invited local people to take a chance, and “Lay It Down” for an audience of fellow community members. The 6 who will perform range in age from 12 to 94.

“The playing doesn’t have to be perfect, and the audience doesn’t need to know how to play,” Chiu says.

“The shared experience creates connection for everyone.

Chiu will kick things by playing a short piece. Six guest pianists then take their turn on the Library’s special Yamaha Disklavier, which captures the performance for posterity.

To close, Chiu will lead a community conversation. (For more information, click here.)

Frederic Chiu, at the Westport Library.

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A good crowd headed to the Westport Observatory yesterday, for the start of ARRL Field Day.

The Westport Astronomical Society hosted the local meeting of a nationwide ham radio event.

Attendees young and old heard from ham operators, and got on the air themselves.

ARRL Field Day continues today (Sunday) through 8 p.m. at the observatory on 182 Bayberry Lane. For more information, click here.

Coleytown Middle School student Dylan Rosen learns about ham radio yesterday from Larry Reed (AB1JC), at the Westport Observatory. Dylan contacted a ham operator in Iowa — and the hams in Westport stopped to applaud. PS: Check out Dylan’s shirt!

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Sure, “Westport … Naturally” featured a turtle the other day.

But this shot — taken yesterday morning, at the Longshore stone wall on Compo Road South — is stop-the-presses-worthy.

Quite an interesting looking character. Worth waiting for, even if he does take his time walking the golf course.

(Photo/Peter Armstrong)

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And finally … on this date in 1713, French residents of Acadia were given one year to declare allegiance to Britain or leave Nova Scotia.

They did not pledge their allegiance. The result: a vibrant Cajun culture in Louisiana.

(“06880” wants everyone to be safe. That way we can all enjoy our town — and this hyper-local blog. And if you get a chance, please consider supporting us too. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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