After a whirlwind couple of weeks, Nikki Glekas was ready.
Town officials approved the new Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire in mid-May.
But by yesterday, the owner of Westport-based NG Entertainment already had a name (The Sandbar — a play on both the beach, and the roving golf cart that will sell drinks at the Longshore golf course).
She had a logo (gentle waves). She had food, staff, cash registers and freezers. She’d cleaned the Compo space left vacant a few months ago, when previous concessionaire Hook’d got the hook.
She’d installed new lights, and given the interior a fresh, nautical/ Mediterranean look. The staff had Sandbar logowear.
Nikki Glekas, in front of a new design at The Sandbar.
Nikki was ready for beach customers, on the holiday weekend that ushers in summer.
The weather, though, was not ready.
A steady rain and cold temperatures kept everyone away.
Nikki was undaunted. She will be there, as soon as the sun breaks through.
Nikki Glekas has already installed new lights. (Photo courtesy of Instagram)
It will be a breakthrough for beachgoers, too.
Yesterday, Nikki showed The Sandbar to “06880.”
She described the full, fresh menu: sandwiches, quesadillas, single and double smashburgers, crab burgers, chicken tenders, wraps, lobster rolls, pitas, gyros, salads and tacos.
Plus all the usual sides (and some Greek ones), baskets, fresh grab-and-go selections, soft-serve ice cream, and a full line of Coke products. There are gluten-free options too. (Click here for the full menu.)
Customers can order ahead online, via QR code. (Or click here.)
Nikki will introduce catering, with small and large trays and platters. She expects big business for the fireworks.
Old door, new sign … and a fresh vibe. (Photo/Matt Murray)
A side wall will be filled soon with Westport-themed merchandise.
This is not Nikki’s first rodeo. She scaled up quickly thanks in part to her decade of experience running food services at Chelsea Piers. Chefs will come from those locations.
Applications for other positions have poured in. Many came from Staples students. Nikki is impressed by the “professionalism” of their emails.
Staples sophomore Nicholas Glekas (left) and junior Alex Kovics are ready for customers.
Two experienced bartenders will work at Longshore. (The pavilion there opens next week. The roving golf cart is set for a June 10 delivery.)
“Our goal is to be here a long time,” Nikki says.
Pointing to Compo — wet, cold, but filled with possibilities just a few days away — she adds, “This is supposed to be where everyone comes. We want it to be where everyone hangs out, and has fun.”
Whenever customers come, Nikki — and The Sandbar — will be ready.
(The Instagram is @TheSandbar068880. It already has over 400 followers. She hopes users will offer feedback there. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. During peak times, The Sandbar will open earlier and close later.)
(“06880” covers the waterfront — in every way possible. If you enjoy our reporting on all things Compo, Longshore, Burying Hill and Old Mill-related, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
The Architectural Review Board gets its first look at the proposed development of 606 Riverside Avenue — the Minute Man Dry Cleaners property — next Tuesday (May 26, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall, Room 307/309).
Spinnaker Real Estate recently bought the parcel — and a nearby parking lot where boats are now stored — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s rejection of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
Among the computer-generated designs to be considered:
The ARB will also discuss proposed façade modifications, solar panels and lighting at 520 Post Road East — the former nail salon next to Five Guys (and before that, a pancake house). The new proposed use is a Pilates studio.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein won the Democratic Party endorsement for State Representative of the 136th District last night.
She beat Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell, 38 votes to 10. The two Westporters vied to replace Jonathan Steinberg, who is retiring.
The process allows for a primary. Mandell heads to Town Hall today, to pick up petitions.
Goldstein vowed to fight for and represent “this vibrant community we love, and for a Connecticut that remains dynamic, compassionate, and full of opportunity.”
She said she will work to protect and strengthen public schools, invest in infrastructure, preserve the environment, and ensure the state budget reflects the values and pressures facing Connecticut residents and towns.
Goldstein highlighted the increasing importance of fighting for reproductive rights, gun control, and civil liberties, saying, “At a time of federal hostility, we will defend our fundamental rights, safety, and freedoms.”
Lee Goldstein and Matthew Mandell
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A Cross Highway construction project will restrict access to residents only, beginning next month.
The small bridge near Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman athletic fields will be replaced. Cross Highway will be closed between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, after students’ last day of school on June 18.
Local residents can access their roads. But through traffic will not be allowed.
The project will last 6 to 8 weeks. The road is planned to reopen by the end of August, before school starts.
The contractor, FGB Construction, has already put up signs announcing the work. Electronic signs will be placed there too.
Access to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields is available, as always, through Bedford Middle School on North Avenue.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128; kwilberg@westportct.gov.
Cross Highway bridge. (Photo courtesy of Google Street View)
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You never know what kind of art you’ll see at the Westport Library.
And this spring, Artists Collective of Westport members didn’t know what they were creating, either.
48 artists received a printout of a single 12″ x 12″ section of a much larger, 6-foot high by 8-foot high work, and a blank panel. Each reimagined it, in his or her own way, using any medium they chose.
The result is “Piece by Piece” — a “vibrant and often surprising mosaic of styles, perspectives, and artistic voices … a playful yet powerful celebration of community, creativity, and collaboration. As the individual pieces come together, the larger image is gradually revealed, reminding viewers that every contribution plays a role in the creation of something greater than itself.”
It’s one of 2 Artists Collective exhibits opening at the Library on June 4 (6 to 8 p.m.). “Piece by Piece” will be unveiled at 7.
“Piece by Piece”
The other exhibit is “American Journeys,” an all-member exhibition inspired by America’s 250th birthday. The title reflects the idea that there is no single American journey, but rather a tapestry of countless personal paths, experiences, struggles and triumphs that together define the American story.
75 Collective members contributed works. All are available for purchase.
Speaking of the Library: A quarter century of “Shrek” came to life last night there.
Roger Schulman — co-writer of the iconic animated fantasy comedy — spoke with Sacred Hart University professor of communication, media and the arts Todd Barnes.
Schulmanl discussed his journey from journalism to Hollywood — and took the audience behind the Shrek scenes.
Roger Schulman (right), Professor Todd Barnes, and the Shrek franchise. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Speaking of entertainment: As the Westport Pops Concert nears — it’s June 5 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion) — the Staples Music Parents Associates announces a partnership with Romanacci’s.
Meals are available by pre-order only (click here). A portion of the meal price supports Staples Music. The deadline is May 29.
There are no food trucks in the Levitt Pavilion parking lot. However, the Oggi gelato cart will be on site.
The lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO lawn chair). Pre-show groups begin performing at 6. The main show starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets are free, though a suggested donation of $15 per ticket helps offset production costs. Donations in lieu of tickets can be made at the same (new) Stpales Music website — click here.
Compo Beach got a “C” grade, while Burying Hill Beach and Sherwood Island both earned “B”s, in Save the Sound’s analysis of water samples during the 2025 swimming season.
55 of 72 public and private Long Island Sound beaches in Connecticut (76%) received an A or B.
Last summer, water quality samples at Compo Beach failed 9% of the time. The rates for Burying Hill and Sherwood Island were 7 and 3%, respectively.
Burying Hill Beach closure last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
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Mark Shapiro is buying a stake in another pro team.
This time it’s in the NFL.
The Westporter will join with his sports and entertainment industry partner Ari Emanuel in a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The deal is expected to close this month. The current ownership group includes Michael Dell and Tom Brady.
Shapiro’s NFL ties run deep. In 2005 he acquired Monday Night Football while running programming and production at ESPN. He later created the NFL Honors.
Shapiro also led Endeavor Group Holdings’ acquisition of On Location, the NFL’s exclusive hospitality provider. Shapiro is also a minority owner of MLS soccer team Los Angeles FC.
Emanuel and Shapiro are longtime business partners. Shapiro is now president and COO of TKO (comprising UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG), president and managing partner of WME Group, principal investor and board member of MARI (owner of the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Frieze and TodayTix), and is involved with WME Basketball.
Mark Shapiro — StartUp Westport’s 2025 Innovator of the Year — was interviewed at the Westport Library by Sara Eisen of CNBC.
The Bedford Middle School 6th grader placed first — and won $600 — in the World of 8 Billion International Student Video Contest. The event, sponsored by Population Connection, drew thousands of entries from teens in 63 countries around the world.
Her 60-second video, “Hanging by a Thread,”tackles environmental challenges created by fast fashion, and proposes the use of biodegradable fabrics in clothing production as a key to a more sustainable future.
This year’s contest challenged students to explore how population growth intersects with three critical global issues: wetlands, energy and economics.
Contest officials said, “Katherine Rose’s entry stood out for its smart analysis of fast fashion as well as its colorful animation.”
For a town in which Democrats outnumber Republicans more than 2 to 1, the GOP here punches above its weight on a statewide basis.
Meeting this weekend at Mohegan Sun, Republicans nominated 2 Westporters for Connecticut office.
Former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker is the choice for comptroller. Current Planning & Zoning Commissioner John Bolton got the nod for attorney general.
Both face uphill battles against incumbents Sean Scanlon and William Tong, respectively. In Connecticut, Democrats outnumber Republicans 792,800 to 490,000. (The largest group, however, is unaffiliated/other: 970,000.)
There was one other Westport connection at the GOP convention. In the governor’s contest, State Senator Ryan Fazio got 92% of the vote against fellow Greenwich resident Betsy McCaughey. She fell far short of the 15% needed to force a primary.
McCaughey is a Newsmax host, and former New York lieutenant governor. The 77-year-old grew up in Westport, and attended public schools here — including Staples High — through 10th grade.
The rest of the Republican underticket is not far from Westport, either. Peter Lumaj of Fairfield was nominated for secretary of the state, while Fred Wilms of Norwalk won the nod for treasurer.
In addition, the GOP endorsed Dr. Michael Goldstein of Greenwich to run against Congressman Jim Himes, in the 4th District that includes Westport. Dan Miressi of Wilton won enough votes to qualify for a primary.
Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the 7th annual Day of Champions.
Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.
In just a few years, the Day of Champions has become one of Westport’s favorite traditions.
Getting ready to compete …
The event raised over $275,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings. That’s a (great) record!
Before the zany games began, a 13-year-old Fairfield girl who lost her father spoke movingly about the friends she made at Experience Camps, the joy she found there, and the important role it plays in helping her deal with grief.
… wearing all kinds of costumes …
Josh Shapiro was honored as a “Red, White & Blue Champion,” for his role in securing a 6-figure grant for Experience Camps.
So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?
Experience Camps, for sure.
… and gathering for a group photo. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Screenshot from Ring video. He drove a silver Prius, with no front license plate.
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A few tickets remain for tomorrow’s (Tuesday, 7 p.m.) evening of music with Audra McDonald, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
This is an encore performance for the Emmy, Grammy and 6-time Tony Award winner. The singer/actor — a National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — last appeared here in February of 2024.
After months of meh (and much worse) weekend weather, this one was glorious.
With the temperature well into the 80s, with bountiful sunshine, Compo Beach was packed.
And though it was a Sunday — and work and school beckoned — folks lingered long into the evening.
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Is this the start of 4 months of perfect weekends?
Hey … a boy can dream.
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As childhood friends, Westporter Allison Monson and Amanda Schwartz, a Westchester-based have good vibes.
Which is why the pair — Allison, who moved here in 2020, and Amanda, a Westchester-based psychologist — have named their new venture Good Vibez.
Amanda has long dreamed of creating a positive, engaging space where girls can build lifelong wellness skills in a fun and supportive environment. Together, Good Vibez Teen Wellness Retreats can make that vision a reality.
Designed for girls ages 11–15, they focus on helping teens build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat experience is led by a team of professionals, and includes activities like yoga, mindfulness and meditation practices, cooking lessons, creative and artistic projects, group discussions, and opportunities for reflection and connection.
Allison Monson and Amanda Schwartz share Good Vibez.
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At Staples, Class of 1988 friends Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger, George Llorens and Will O’Toole won a Fairfield County wiffleball tournament.
The prize was one hour of air time on WWPT-FM — the high school station.
They formed a band. Hey, why not?!
After a few practices in classmate Steve Swann’s basement, G & the Bones were born.
Unsurprisingly, none went on to music careers. Scattered now throughout New England, they do things like run a restaurant, and a summer camp.
But on May 30 (8:30 p.m.), they’ll reunite at Little Pub @ Dunville’s.
The “Billy Bash” is a tribute to their friend and “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
The public is invited. It’s the reunion no one may have been waiting for — but it should be a great one.
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Lucky Brand went bankrupt in 2020. They closed their Main Street store then. (It became La Fenice. The gelato shop is also no longer in business.)
But Lucky Brand iscoming back. A sign on the vacant Express Edit space — next to Gap — promises it is “coming soon.” (The exact date, we hear, is June 19.)
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Let’s hope the brand has more luck the second time.
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Internationally renowned pianist (and former longtime Westporter) Frederic Chiu and his niece, rising star violinist Karisa Chiu, transformed MoCA\CT’s galleries into into a compelling performance space on Saturday night.
Karisa recently debuted at Carnegie Hall. She paired beautifully with her uncle’s thoughtful, colorful interpretations.
They played selections from Fauré, Prokofiev and Bright Sheng, in an intimate, family way.
Veronica Roda — the wife of longtime Westport Parks & Recreation official Carmen Roda — died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on May 13. She was 59 years old. on May (59) of Norwalk peacefully entered into Heaven on May 13, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.
The Queens native moved at 9 to Norwalk, where she lived the rest of her life. Veronica studied dance from age 2 to 18, specializing in tap, jazz and ballet. She was a gymnast at her alma mater, Norwalk High School.
Her family says, “Veronica’s greatest joy was being a mom and raising her children, Samantha and Matthew. She adored and loved them deeply.”
She met Carmen in 2011. For the next decade they built a fast-paced, joy-filled life of travel and memories — from California and Aruba to live shows like “Dancing with the Stars.”
Veronica began working as an executive recruiter. She then built a successful career in the cosmetics and beauty industry with Lancôme, Origins, Estée Lauder and L’Oréal Fragrances.
A career highlight was launching Origins at Bergdorf Goodman in New York in 1990, and meeting Estée Lauder.
She later worked as an account executive for Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s. In 2013 she transitioned to wellness, serving as manager at several Kaia Yoga studios in Fairfield County.
Veronica is survived by her husband Carmen Roda, daughter Samantha Schwartz, son Matthew Schwartz, brother Victor Casazza, and father John Lindquest.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church on the Green, Norwalk on Wednesday (May 20, 2 p.m.).
But it can be played outside too — think Washington Square Park.
Or Soundview Drive.
Giant pieces on Jim Hood’s lawn captivate passersby. (Click here to see.)
Matt Murray, Pat Saviano, Karen Como, Beth Berkowitz, Cat Malkin and Andrew Colabella were quick to note the location, as last week’s Photo Challenge.
We’re not sure if anyone ever moves those pieces, in an actual game.
But they’re quite something to see, mate.
Today’s Photo Challenge honors Arbor Day (a few weeks late).
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
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