The Soundview Summer Stroll returns Sunday, July 26.
And this year’s Stroll will be bigger, more kid-friendly, more musical and more festive than ever.
The annual event — a gift to the town from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — is a community-wide celebration.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — is closed to traffic.
The street will be filled with Westporters strolling, Rollerblading, jogging, biking — and meeting friends, eating, listening to music, and watching their kids have a blast.
The musical lineup includes Westport’s own Drew Angus, Weston favorite Owen Daniel, the fabulous Ethan Walmark, and the very popular “doctor” band DNR.
This year Earthplace will run the children’s activities, offering games and other fun, along with the traditional face painting and more.
New this year too: booths for non-profits. The Cub Scouts will have tattoos, stickers and beach games; Sunrise Rotary Club offers prizes for a “guess the ducks” contest; the Westport Woman’s Club provides snacks and kids’ items; Earthplace hosts seed bomb making and a “microscopic mystery.”
More than a dozen other organizations are on hand too, from the YMCA and Mo\CA CT to Sustainable Westport and the Levitt Pavilion.
There will be plenty of food, and some surprises.
Mark your calendar. Spend a few hours on Soundview on Sunday, July 26, See you at the Stroll!
Scott Bryce — the 1975 Staples High School and Staples Players graduate, who went on to a notable acting career (including 3 long stints as Craig Montgomery on “As the World Turns”), and a longtime Weston resident — died yesterday. He was 68.
Last year, he was diagnosed with esphogeal and stomach cancer.
Lucie Arnaz, a longtime friend, former co-star and fellow Weston resident, called him “a wonderful actor, a beautiful man and a terrific husband and father. … I will miss his eyes, his smile, his wit, his brain, his intelligence, his talent, his bravery, his laugh and his hugs.”
Scott was the son of actors Ed and Dorothy Bryce. He is survived by his wife Jodi Stevens and son Jackson. He and Jodi ran an acting studio in Weston.
A full obituary, with service details, will be posted when it is available.
Dylan Robbin is the newest member of the “06880” board of directors.
One seat on the 7-person board is reserved for a member of Inklings, Staples High School’s newspaper and website.
A rising junior, Dylan has immersed himself in many aspects of school life. Passionate about sports and journalism, he is a member of the varsity football team, director of sports media of Inklings News, and a coordinator on the WWPT-FM leadership team.
Outside of school, Dylan enjoys golfing, working out and watching movies. His favorite film is “The Departed.”
Meanwhile, back on land around the corner, there was this classic scene:
(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
Sure, the cars and homes are fancy. But it doesn’t get more Anytown USA than this.
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We don’t yet know who’ll be playing in Sunday’s World Cup final.
But we do know where you can see what’s sure to be a great match: the Westport Library.
And that’s not all. There’s a full, family-friendly soccer afternoon.
At 1:30, Westport soccer personalities including former Staples High School coaches Dan Woog and Chris O’Dell, national champion Paddy Donovan and soccer filmmaker Joe Pierce will tell stories about their lives in the Beautiful Game.
From 1 to 3 p.m., fans can exchange Panini brand stickers.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or only recently caught World Cup fever, this is a chance to spend an afternoon with soccer people — and watch what is sure to be a memorable match surrounded by many others.
And you can’t beat the admission price. It’s free!
(“Westport Meets the World Cup” is supported by the Westport Soccer Association, Mickey Kydes Soccer Enterprises and “06880.”)
(Graphic courtesy of Isabelle Sareen)
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The Val Ramos Flamenco Ensemble danced across the Levitt Pavilion stage last night.
The free show was one of dozens this year, at the open-air theater on the Saugatuck River.
This week’s schedule:
Tuesday, July 14: Connecticut Ballet (7:30 p.m., free)
Wednesday, July 15: Elena Moon Park: Children’s Series (7 p.m., free)
Thursday, July 16: Amani Burnham, blues/rock (7:30 p.m., free)
Friday, July 17: Dogs in a Pile, psychedelic/jazz/funk rock (6 p.m., paid tickets)
Saturday, July 18: Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience (7 p.m., paid tickets)
On Saturday, Eggy returned to the Levitt, for 2 high-energy sets. (Photo/Dick Wingate)
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Westport’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary continued this weekend. The Westport Library hosted “A Small Standard Patriotic Flower Show.” Floral designs, horticulture and education tables — all with a red, white and blue theme — were presented by the Westport Garden Club.
From left: Joni Andrews, Kara McKenna-Wong, Kelle Ruden, Joanne Heller, Nathalie Fonteyne, Andi Turner, Anne Lester.
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Noted Westport artist Nina Bentley is participating in the current New York Historical’s “Weitzman Shoe Museum” exhibit. It includes a number of pieces from the collection of Stuart Weitzman,
Outgoing State Senator Ceci Maher is the featured guest on July 23 for “This Is Your Life”. The series — a collaboration between the Westport Center for Senior Activities and The Legacy Project USA — is a chance to learn about the lives of friends and neighbors among us, both well known and quiet.
Prior to her 2 terms as state senator, Maher served in both the public and corporate worlds. She also raised 3 children. Her daughter Katherine is CEO and president of National Public Radio.
Rozanne Gates, owner of The Legacy Project USA, is the moderator of “This Is Your Life.” The series at the Senior Center has included Mark Yurkiw, Rabbi Greg Wall, Harold Bailey, Bill Harmer, Miggs Burroughs and Carleigh Welsh.
To attend “This Is Your Life, Senator Ceci Maher,” call 203-341-5099
Longtime Westporter, noted publisher, former Westport Library president and Brown University trustee Joel Davis died peacefully on Saturday, after a short illness. He was 92.
The Chicago native was president of his Highland Park High School Class of 1952. His college years at Brown University made a major impact on his life.
Joel became the youngest trustee of the Brown Corporation at age 34. He served from 1968-73. He was head class agent for the Class of 1956 for 35 years.
Joel kept in touch with dozens of classmates, and knew the names of their partners, children and other important life details. At a classmate’s wedding he met Carol Barnett, his wife of 67 years. They moved to Westport in 1965.
After college Joel and his father Bernie founded Davis Publications. He was president and publisher for 40 years. At its peak they published 60 special interest magazines including Ellery Queen’s Mystery, Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction, Income Opportunities, Sylvia Porter’s Personal Finance, Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, and Analog.
Architectural Designs was launched, with his wife Carol as editor. One of Joel’s three sons, Jonathan, was brought in 20 years later to learn the business and eventually take it over. Jon evolved AD into an e-commerce leading business, selling home plans to builders and individuals.
Joel was proud that last year his grandson, Jared Davis, became the third generation CEO of AD.
Joel’s father co-founded Ziff-Davis Publishing Company in 1928, which meant that Joel and his family have had a key role in publishing for 98 years.
Joel served on the board of the Westport Library for many years, including 2 terms as the president. He was also served a 25-year board member of the Magazine Publishers of America.
Additionally, he was a director for Mutual of New York on 3 different funds. Joel served on the Merritt Parkway Conservancy board, and was a Young Presidents Organization Fairchester Chapter chair.
Joel is survived by his wife Carol; sister Carol Davis Teten; sons Chuck (Jan), Andy (Kate) and Jon (Evelyn); grandchildren Jared (Emily), Jenna (Connor Grealy) and Jack, and two great-grandchildren. One more is on the way.
Joel’s family will host a celebration of his life this fall.
Joel Davis, at his 84th birthday.
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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos are striking, inspiring, or for many other reasons make us think, “Wow! We live in a beautiful and special place!”
This one doesn’t.
Still, it’s part of the daily rhythm of life by the shore.
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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And finally … in honor of Nina Bentley’s artwork, at New York Historical (item above):
(Another week — and more chances for “06880” to give you all the news, features, photos and more that you love. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
It started with a small, soft souvenir soccer ball.
Ed Wooldridge caught one, at a Staples High School game. The next day, standing outside his office, he tossed it to students heading to and from the cafeteria for lunch.
They tossed it back. It was a conversation starter — and a way to build relationships.
Every Staples adult tries to connect with teenagers. For Wooldridge, that was particularly important.
For the past 8 years, he’s been the school’s resource officer. A member of the Westport Police Department, he — and colleagues working at every district school — are there first and foremost to ensure safety.
Every once in a while that means being first on the scene during incidents like swatting, a possible intruder or a student in danger.
Much more often SROs do the quiet, consistent work of getting to know every member of their school community. Young people learn that police officers are there to help, not hassle. They see “their” SROs as friends, not foes.
And occasionally, they confide in an officer about an important matter, helping avert a potentially difficult situation down the road.
Officer Ed Wooldridge
Wooldridge spent 23 years with the Connecticut State Police, before joining the Westport force in 2017. The next year — when the town funded its first SRO position ever — he applied.
After acceptance, he attended a a 6-day SRO training program that covered mental health, school violence and social media related topics.
Westport’s program has expanded to all 8 schools. This fall, Shane Pucci and Dennis Broderick begin their 4th years at Bedford Middle School, and Coleytown Middle/Elementary, respectively.
Other elementary school SROs include Ned Batlin (Greens Farms), Craig Bergamo (Long Lots), and Mark Grasso (Kings Highway and Saugatuck).
Broderick’s days begin with fist bumps, smiles and small talk. It’s his way of being approachable, and earning trust.
During recess, Pucci says, he might spot a youngster sitting alone. The SRO will start shooting baskets with him. Soon, other students join in.
From left: Dennis Broderick, Ed Wooldridge, Shane Pucci. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Wooldridge’s post outside the cafeteria is familiar to all. He seems to know every student by name. He chats with them easily, about their sports, music and other interests. His door is always open, and students frequently pop in.
Of all his police assignments — including K-9 and narcotics — Wooldridge says, “This is the best.”
As an elementary and middle school resource officer, Broderick handles everything from “tying shoes to answering questions about whether someone’s e-bike is legal.”
During 20 years as a Milford police officer, Broderick says, he was never inside a school. Now he looks forward to every interaction.
And they’re not always inside the halls. Earlier this month, working the front gate at Compo Beach during the fireworks, dozens of youngsters — and their parents — greeted him by name.
And the barrier that’s broken between police and students extends beyond Westport. Pucci laughs as he tells about a BMS student who, on vacation in Florida, approached a random officer and asked if he knew the Bedford SRO.
Bedford principal Adam Rosen understands Pucci’s importance. He calls Pucci “an integral member of our school community. While many understandably view the role of an SRO primarily through the lens of emergency preparedness and school safety, Shane’s greatest impact occurs during the ordinary moments of a typical school day. Those daily interactions and relationships build the trust necessary for a safe, healthy, and supportive school environment.
“Shane is a trusted resource for students, staff, parents and administrators. Students seek him out for advice and reassurance. Staff regularly rely on his insight when navigating student concerns, school operations and conflict resolution. Parents know they can turn to him as a thoughtful partner who approaches every situation with empathy, professionalism, and sound judgment.
“Perhaps most importantly, Shane demonstrates that school safety is built through relationships. Students are far more likely to seek help or share concerns when they have established trusting relationships with the adults around them. Shane has earned that trust through his consistency, kindness, and genuine care for our students and families.
Staples principal Stafford Thomas echoes Rosen’s praise. He says, “Officer Ed has become an indispensable member of the Staples High School community. Students, faculty and staff truly view him as a mentor, colleague and trusted member of our school family. His presence extends far beyond school safety; he has become an integral part of the culture that makes Staples a welcoming, supportive, and secure place to learn.
Like many Westport Police officers, Ed Wooldridge joined a Staples team for the annual “Dodge-a-Cop” dodgeball tournament. (Photo/Lily Williams)
“Over the years, Officer Ed has forged meaningful relationships across the entire building. Approachable and compassionate, he takes the time to know students as individuals, earning their trust and serving as an invaluable resource for those who need guidance or a trusted adult to talk to. At the same time, he works seamlessly with administrators, counselors, teachers and our security team, offering sound judgment, professionalism, and a calm presence that strengthens our collective efforts to support students.
“Beyond his operational role, Officer Ed provides something deeply appreciated: peace of mind. His experience, vigilance, and proactive approach contribute significantly to our positive school climate, allowing students and staff alike to focus on teaching and learning with confidence.”
Police Captain Jill Cabana oversees the SRO program. She says: “At its core, the School Security Officer program is about keeping our schools safe. While these officers are trained and prepared to rapidly respond to emergencies and the unthinkable situations no community ever wants to face, their role extends far beyond security.
Captain Jillian Cabana
“Every day, they build meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families, creating trust through positive interactions and a visible presence in our schools. Those relationships are invaluable during times of crisis, but they also help foster a culture where students know the Westport Police Department is approachable, supportive, and here to help.
“The SRO program is an investment in both safety and community, strengthening the connection between our schools and the department. Our officers have really woven themselves into the fabric of their schools and have taken ownership of their assignments.
“If you’ve ever seen the amount of fist bumps and high fives these officers get from current and past students at community events like the fireworks, the Yankee Doodle Fair and Halloween parade, you’ll know it’s working.”
Those words are important. But for Westport’s School Resource Officers, the real thanks come not from their peers, but from students.
Signing a yearbook, getting home-made cards or cookies — or just playing catch in the hallway with a squishy soccer ball — those are the moments Westport’s SROs never forget.
And, they hope, that Westport’s students never do either.
Many Westporters know and love the Riverwalk. That’s the path that begins at the Saugatuck River by the Library, and circles around behind the Levitt Pavilion back toward the pedestrian bridge near the Imperial Avenue parking lot.
Many others have no idea the spot — with wonderful views of the River and Deadman Brook — is there.
Yet even those who know (and walk) it may not realize that the section beginning at the Levitt Pavilion steps is named for Jeff Shoup.
He’s a 1972 Staples High School graduate, who died way too young.
A plaque honoring him was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Everyone who answered — Carol Christiaanse, Seth Schachter, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Mark Soboslai, Sal Liccione, Amy Schneider, Dan Ashley, Joelle Malec and Jonathan McClure — knew exactly where it was.
When you get a chance, the rest of you should walk it too.
In the meantime, here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see it, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Johanna Shields)
(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!)
A century-old Westport institution (the Westport Weston Family YMCA) and one not yet 2 months old (The Sandbar concession stand at Compo Beach) join forces July 27.
Owner Nikki Glekas is supporting the Y’s 47th annual Point to Point Charity Swim, by providing breakfast for participants after the event.
Thanks, Nikki — and thanks to the Y, for once again raising funds to give back to the community.
Nikki Glekas, at The Sandbar.
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Speaking of the beach: Westport’s lifeguards held an Olympic-style competition yesterday morning, before work.
The yearly event — organized by lifeguard head Danilo Sierra — is a highlight of the summer. There are not many other events that can get young people up early on a Saturday morning.
Waiting for the results. Then it was off to work: another day keeping Compo Beach safe for all. (Photo/Karen Como)
For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.
On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.
Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.
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Stephanie Retcho writes: “For many months, we have had a sign from a builder in front of our house. More recently, another was put up. They are for houses on properties near ours.
“Both are in the right of way — the strip of land that is publicly owned by roadways.
“That goes against town ordinances. It’s an eyesore, and the regulations regarding signs are intended to keep the town looking beautiful.
“I naively thought the signs would eventually come down. But I finally complaimed out to the Planning & Zoning Department.
“Within the same day of my first email, both signs were gone.
“Huge thanks to Hannah, Mike and everyone at P&Z who made that happen. It’s not lost on me that everyone is busy. It happened faster than I ever imagined, and anyone driving by our house is the better for them being gone. (One sign in particular kept breaking. and looked quite derelict).
“For anyone with the same issue: contact P&Z. The ordinances are clear regarding signage, and clearly this team is on it.
“If you take the sign down yourself, you could be fined for theft or vandalism. In the immortal words of Ren & Stimpy: ‘happy happy, joy joy.'”
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Speaking of houses: America’s 250th birthday is in the rear view mirror.
But red, white and blue still decorates homes all around town.
Here’s the very visible view, on Compo Beach Road:
(Photo/John Maloney)
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It was quite a term for the Supreme Court.
On July 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), New York Times reporter Ann Marimow will explore the impact of recent decisions (via livestream), with (live) CT Mirror host John Dankosky.
And finally … this is the birthday of Van Cliburn. The pianist earned international acclaim in 1958, at just 23 years old. He died in 2013, age 78.
(A lot always goes on at the beach, as today’s Roundup shows. Before you head over though, please take a quick minute to click here, and support your hyper-local blog. Thanks — see you there!)
Ben Freeman and Tristan Zeman grew up together on Saugatuck Shores.
The close friends and neighbors shared a passion for competitive sailing, violin and skiing.
Ben was a 2011 Staples High School graduate, and sailing team co-captain. Tristan graduated from Milton Academy 2 years later.
Their paths diverged as adults — Ben settled in Denver, Tristan in Brooklyn — but they stayed close, standing up in each other’s weddings in Costa Rica and the Cotswolds.
Now in their 30s, the two look for challenges that feed their curiosity and keep them connected. That search led Tristan to the Race to Alaska (R2AK). Its blunt tagline — “No Engines, No Support, 750 cold water miles to Ketchikan, Alaska” — immediately hooked him. He pitched it to Ben, and they locked in on their next adventure.
Building the team was easy . Tristan’s father Vlad, an active CPYC sailor, and his younger brother Sebastien, an accomplished outdoorsman, both signed on eagerly.
Ben’s brother-in-law Stew Williams, originally from Black Rock, brought offshore racing experience from Newport-to-Bermuda campaigns. He too jumped at the chance to join.
Finding a boat proved far harder. An East Coast team chasing a West Coast race faced serious logistical hurdles.
The break came when Seattle-based owners of an Olson 30 monohull named Wildfire, a boat with two prior R2AK finishes, offered her for charter on an R2AK forum. Sebastien moved fast, beating out other interested teams to secure her for the 2026 race.
R2AK is known for its quirky, irreverent culture. The team leaned into it, naming themselves “Pas Si Vite” (“not so fast”) — a nod to the Zemans’ Montreal connections.
Upper left: Stew Williams; lower left, Vlad Zeman; then, from left, Ben Freeman, Sebastien Zeman, Tristan Zeman.
Over Easter, the crew flew to Seattle for 3 days of trials in and around Puget Sound, testing the boat and absorbing early lessons.
From there, race planning intensified: navigation, forecasting and risk management became top priorities. The tides, currents and open-water conditions of the Pacific Northwest far exceeded anything the team had sailed before. They spent time going through scenarios, building decision-making frameworks they could rely on under fatigue and pressure.
The race began June 14. Stage 1 was a 50-mile crossing of the notoriously unpredictable Juan de Fuca Strait, from Port Townsend, Washington to Victoria, British Columbia. It’s a proving ground designed to weed out teams unprepared for what followed.
Pas se Vite, at sea.
Pas Si Vite’s preparation paid off. They were among 65 teams that advanced.
The 2-day layover in Victoria was spent fine-tuning the boat and diving deeper into the weather outlook, while also forging bonds within the close-knit R2AK community.
At noon on June 17, Stage 2 began with a Le Mans-style start. Crews sprinted down the docks, pushed off, and paddled, rowed or pedaled out of the harbor before raising sail.
Pas Si Vite’s twin pedal drives gave them an early edge as they turned toward open water.
What followed was 7 days of relentless variability: dead calms, gales over 35 knots, treacherous tidal currents and whirlpools and dark nights that demanded constant, high-stakes decisions.
Not every call was exactly right. But the team’s guiding philosophy — persevere and “fail forward” — helped them make steady, safe progress.
They made it through 2 mandatory checkpoints very fatigued, but in good form.
In action: Tristan Zeman …
The race was ultimately won by a high-speed trimaran that finished more than a day ahead of the monohull fleet. Its crew collected the $10,000 top prize (famously nailed to a piece of driftwood).
Behind them, the real drama played out among the monohulls. Pas Si Vite fought for 2nd place (the prize: a set of steak knives). The Connecticut crew briefly held the top spot on the monohull leaderboard before a late, unexpected wind shift slowed their final approach.
After nearly 7 days of continuous sailing and navigating, Pas Si Vite pedaled into Ketchikan in light winds. They finishing 3rd overall, 2nd among the 34 monohulls that started — a remarkable result for a first-time R2AK team.
They were greeted warmly by friends, family, locals and fellow competitors. They stayed for a while in Ketchikan, celebrating alongside other crews arriving to ring the finish bell.
… and on shore.
Beyond the race itself, Pas Si Vite has used the event to raise money for SoundWaters Young Mariners Program. The Stamford-based summer program for students entering grades 6–9 blends sailing, science and creative arts to build self-confidence and community. (Click here for more information, and to donate.)
What’s next for Ben, Tristan, Vlad, Sebastien and Stew remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: It won’t be long before they chase their next challenge.
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And the barrier that’s broken between police and students extends beyond Westport. Pucci laughs as he tells about a BMS student who, on vacation in Florida, approached a random officer and asked if he knew the Bedford SRO.
