Roundup: Public Works Head, Sidewalk Sale, Ham Radio …

Posted on June 27, 2026 | 4 comments

Westport did not go far to find its new director of public works.

Larry Roberts — Weston’s current director of public works and facility management — takes over from Pete Ratkiewich on July 6. The longtime Westport director is retiring.

And he’s a Westport native.

Roberts has over 3 decades of experience, including municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. In Weston he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.

Previously, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, retiring as deputy chief.

Roberts holds a master of science in fire science/public administration from the University of New Haven, and  a bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. He also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.

Larry Roberts (Photo courtesy of Weston Today)

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The Westport Downtown Association’s annual Sidewalk Sale is this weekend.

Sometimes, it’s hot enough to fry an egg on those sidewalks.

Not this year.

The temperature today and tomorrow will be in the high 70s, with partly cloudy skies.

It’s perfect for shopping at over 70 local retailer and businesses, downtown and a bit beyond (think Playhouse Square).

There are plenty of bargains in store. Or, should we say, out on the sidewalks in front of them.

 

The Sidewalk Sale line yesterday, at Kerri Rosenthal. (Photo/Susan Kowalsky)

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Dan Donovan writes: “06880 was out in force Thursday night in New York City.

“From local philanthropists Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, to local business owners Bill Mitchell and Annette Norton, to Westport soccer illuminati including Andy Udell, Todd Coleman, Jim Wolf, Mike Carey and Zack Gross, and a group of more recent players, to former Staples High principal John Dodig, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, and fellow townies Andrew Colabella and Terry Brannigan, along with Dave Briggs, Amy Saperstein, Joan Gillman — and many others — we were all there to celebrate 06880’s own Dan Woog, as he was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. Of course Dan’s family and a few of his former Staples teammates were there too.

“Dan was honored, along with several other impressive, decorated, driven, articulate and brave sports world figures, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ community.

“Kyle Martino, our most decorated Westport soccer success story — National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team member, now a TV analyst and advocate for soccer in under-served communities — introduced Dan with humor, recalling growing up in Westport and the influence Dan had on him.

“Then Dan got to the podium and knocked it out of the park — or, as we say in soccer, scored a golazo — with his insightful words. It was a great night for Dan, and a great showing for 06880.”

Dan Woog (center, front) with Mike Carey and Zack Gross. Standing (from left): Luke Foreman, Neil Brickley, Jack Foster, Matthew Jordan, Jim Wolf, Emerson Anvari, Vaughan Sealey.

 

Kyle Martino, introducing Dan Woog

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Also this weekend: the Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Field Day.

Local clubs operate as K1WAS. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Here, that’s the Westport Observatory classroom, behind the Aspetuck Health District and yard waste station on Bayberry Lane. 

Everyone is invited to get in on the action — and on the air.

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Westport Farmers’ Market celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday, with some special events.

Shoppers who brought in 10 canvas bags — or all 15 varieties produced so far — received rewards.

From left: Lauren Kreter, Westport Farmers’ Market Lori Cochran-Dougall and Andrea Debello, with their shopping bags.

Also celebrating: River Hollow Farm and Ox Hollow Farm (representatives in the photo below). Both have been part of the WFM since its inception, 2 decades ago.

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In a celebratory ceremony — with a lobster dinner — at the Ned Dimes Marina on Thursday night, Westport Rotary Club outgoing president, Peter Helt (left below) passed the ceremonial gavel to new president Ron Henkoff.

(Photo/Dave Matlow)

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It’s crab for lunch at Saugatuck Shores’ Bermuda Lagoon, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … on this date in 1844,  Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.

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Online Art Gallery #324

Posted on June 27, 2026 | 3 comments

Good morning!

Our last online art gallery before America’s actual 250th birthday — next Saturday is July 4th! — begins with a red-white-and-blue celebration from internationally known 3D pop artist Charles Fazzino.

His original signed and numbered work is available at Westport River Gallery, at Riverside Avenue and Post Road West.

But there’s plenty of other work too, including local scenes by local artists.

All are — as always — welcome. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

 

“250th” (Charles Fazzino — Available for purchase; click here)

 

“My Papa, Franco” (Bill Fellah)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Leslie, and Her Mom Annie on a Portugal Street Corner” (Eric Bosch)

“Old Bikes, New Stories” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Pretty in Pink” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)

“Big Pine Tree at Longshore” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)

“Reflective Chaos” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“A New Galaxy” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Roses Are Red, and Violets Are Violet!” — pen and watercolor crayon (Steve Stein)

Shazam (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“Waiting for a Bus” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Gaetano’s, And The King Of Westport

Posted on June 27, 2026 | 8 comments

Gaetano’s is one of Westport’s favorite delis. Lee Shufro is a fan. He writes:

While you can chase immortality by putting your name on a building, there is no finer honor than to have a sandwich named after you.

The “sandwich” itself was named for John Montagu, the 12th Earl of Sandwich.  The Reuben (pastrami or corned beef with sauerkraut on rye) was supposedly named after Arnold Reuben, owner of NYC’s Reuben’s Deli.

While Westport has many great sandwich purveyors, my favorite is Gaetano’s, off Post Road opposite Stop & Shop.

What makes it a great deli? In my opinion you not only need the finest ingredients, but also some personality.

As important as the homemade mozzarella and aged salami are, is a high degree of banter. “Hey!” “Yo!” Gaetano’s has it all in spades.

Which brings us to my problem. I have followed a plant-based (aka vegan) diet for over 20 years. It prohibits me from eating meat or cheese — their entire menu.

The Food Network used this photo to illustrate Gaetano’s menu. It was not on Lee Shufro’s plate, however.

When I gaze upon Gaetano’s sandwich board, I see sandwiches a carnivore would love — but not one for vegan/vegetarians.

Over the years I ordered bespoke sandwiches, with various veggies.

Finally, after hundreds of experiments, I had hit upon the optimum non-dairy, non-meat concoction. I took a picture of it, to reference it on my next order.

My visits followed a routine. Whenever I got to the front of the line I was greeted with a hearty “How ya doin’?” I always replied, “The King is good.”

I don’t know what goes on in my head, but that was the routine every time I ordered.

To make it easy, I just showed the picture of my veggie sandwich. Affter a while, I began calling my sandwich “The King of Westport.”

Recently I said, “I think there may be other people who want this type of sandwich.”

They said, “Print it up, and we’ll hang it by the sandwich board.”

I was amazed. As far as I can remember, the menu has never changed.

I ran home, worked all day on my sandwich sign, and proudly hung it up. The King of Westport was born!

Lee Shufro (left), with the King of Westport sign.

So if you are in the mood for something a little healthier or different, head over to Gaetano’s, and order my sandwich.  J

And be sure to tell them the King sent you.

The King of Westport Sandwich

  • Broccoli Rabe
  • Sun-dried peppers
  • Portabella mushroom
  • Grilled artichoke
  • Hot peppers
  • Pesto

(“06880 covers every inch of Westport — including our delis and restaurants. If stories like this are to your taste, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3355

Posted on June 26, 2026 | Leave a comment

Saugatuck River and National Hall (Photo/Lucy Zeko)

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Friday Flashback #509

Posted on June 26, 2026 | 12 comments

All right kids: Sit down. You want to hear something crazy?

Back in the day — the last millennium — we did not have cellphones. 

If we were out somewhere — say, Compo Beach — we could not text our parents: “Pick me up.” 

We would have to use this device (below). It was called a pay phone.

Compo Beach, 1983. (Photo/Arthur Nager)

We would say — politely — “Mom, can you please come pick me up?”

Then we would wait. We had no screens to scroll through, until our mothers — not Uber — arrived.

I think we talked to each other. Or looked at the sky.

Somehow, we managed.

Phone calls cost a dime.

There was nothing more fun than walking by, sticking your hand in the coin return, and finding money.

Then again, that was when people still used cash.

A lot has changed. But look again at the photo.

Except for the long-gone pay phone — and the now-locked doors at the back of the bathhouse — a lot has not changed.

That’s part of the magic of Compo Beach. If you’re growing up here now: Enjoy it.

And maybe one day you’ll tell your grandchildren what it was like to text for a ride.

(NOTE: Click here for photographer Arthur Nager’s website. For archival prints, email artnager@gmail.com.)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Friday

Posted on June 26, 2026 | 3 comments

Staples High School graduate Lawrence “Larry” DiPippo died peacefully on Tuesday. He was 64.

Back we go to the Saugatuck River, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … on this date in 1974, a Universal Product Code was scanned for the first time. The very first product was a package of Wrigley’s chewing gum, at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio.

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Posted in Obituaries

Michelle Pauker Comes Back To The Garden — And The Levitt

Posted on June 26, 2026 | 4 comments

The Levitt Pavilion books over 55 free nights of entertainment each year — and several more paid-ticket shows.

Every performer takes a different road to the riverside amphitheater. Some hear about it through the entertainment grapevine, or friends of friends. Directors Carleigh and Freda Welsh reach out to others.

But it’s hard to top Michelle Pauker’s story, for twists, turns, coincidences — and a local angle.

Michelle Pauker

The 2013 Staples High School graduate and her band, Back to the Garden 1969, have just been signed for July 5. They perform music of Woodstock, and have done it twice before at the Levitt.

This will be Pauker’s first time here with the group. But she knows Woodstock music well.

Her parents, Mark and Morgaine Pauker, love those songs. They shared it with their children from the time they were young. (Of course, they were born more than 2 decades after that memorable weekend.)

So it wasn’t surprising when Michelle wanted a Woodstock-themed party for a “milestone” birthday celebration last year.

She asked her dad to help find musicians who perform that era’s music: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Santana, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, The Band, and many more,

That was harder than it sounds.

“It turns out it’s not easy finding a band that can play the variety of music that was performed at Woodstock — let alone play it well,” Mark says.

After several weeks, and pretty much out of options, he remembered a Woodstock tribute group he and Morgaine had seen at the Levitt, years earlier.

But he had no idea who they were.

An internet search revealed the band’s name — Back to the Garden 1969 — and their previous Levitt shows, in 2016 and ’17.

Their website indicated that most of their shows now are multi-media theater events — though they still played a few smaller venues.

Mark called the leader, Gary Adamson, and asked if they were available for a private party.

The stars were aligned. They played on Michelle’s birthday.

“The day was magical,” Mark says. “The band was amazing, and everyone had a great time.”

Six months later, Gary called Mark. Their lead female singer was leaving to pursue a solo career. Did he think Michelle would be interested in joining the band?

Mark gave Gary her contact information. The rest, he says, is history. (Though not as historic as Woodstock.)

Michelle has performed with the group throughout the Northeast, from Annapolis, Maryland to — yes — Woodstock, New York.

Michelle Pauker (left), with the band.

Mark says, “I love the confluence of events, and the timing of it all. We first discovered the band because they played at the Levitt. They performed at Michelle’s party on her birthday last year.

“Now, exactly one year later, she’ll be their lead singer at the Levitt Pavilion — on her birthday!”

In Joni Mitchell’s song “Woodstock,” she came upon a child of God, and asked him where he was going.

He said he was “going down to Yasgur’s farm — gonna join in a rock ‘n’ roll band.”

Decades after Woodstock, Michelle Pauker joined a rock ‘n’ roll band too.

On July 5, she’s going down to the Levitt Pavilion.

She’ll set her soul free — back to the garden.

(Free tickets to the July 5 Back to the Garden 1969 concert are available starting at 10 a.m. today. Click here to reserve, and for more information.) 

The crowd at the Levitt Pavilion will not be this large. But it may be close.

(“06880” covers Westport’s entertainment scene regularly. If you like fun, hometown stories like this — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS

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Pic Of The Day #3354

Posted on June 25, 2026 | 2 comments

Grace Salmon Park (Photo/Jason Pike)

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Roundup: Wynton Marsalis, Kawa Ni …

Posted on June 25, 2026 | 4 comments

The big Levitt Pavilion event this weekend is Wynton Marsalis.

The world famous trumpeter brings his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the riverside amphitheater on Sunday (June 28), for 2 sets at 7 p.m. They’re preceded by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra at 6.

That’s a paid ticket event, of course. But there are 3 free shows, starting tonight:

  • Today (Thursday, 7 p.m.): Tutti & the Fruity Band (Children’s Series)
  • Friday (7:30 p.m.): Chaparelle (singer/songwriter duo)
  • Saturday (7 p.m.): Circles Around the Sun (Los Angeles-based instrumental rock).

Click here for more information, and tickets.

Wynton Marsalis

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Did you know Kawa Ni has a rooftop garden?

And if you did, did you know you could hang out there and paint?

Well, it does. And this Sunday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.), it’s open for a “Paint + Sip” event.

Artist Lauren Smith will lead guests, as they create, sip and enjoy lite bites, overlooking the Saugatuck River.

For $56, you get painting supplies, an 8″x10″ canvas, and Kawa Ni fare. Wine, sake and cocktails are available for purchase. Click here to register. (Hat tip: Sall Liccione)

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Westport Policy charged a 39-year-old Stratord woman with 3 counts of larceny, following a series of thefts from Ulta. The total amount of merchandise was nearly $8,000.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Driving unreasonably fast: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1

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Alvin (Al) Gregory Hegeman died unexpectedly at home on June 13. He was 83, and a Westport resident since 1988.

He was a longtime board member of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, and served as treasurer during construction of the Nature Center.

Al spent his early childhood in the Philippines and Japan, where his father was a US Army intelligence officer. That experience instilled in him a love of travel, and an appreciation of diverse cultures.

He played football at Williams College, majored in economics, and was one of the first members of the Williams Rugby Football Club.

He served in Malawi. in the Peace Corps, where he married Hope Oliker, a girl from his hometown who was working as a report for the Malawi Times. He loved the country and his colleagues, and returned to visit frequently.

After earning an MBA at Harvard Business School, he returned to Africa with First National City Bank. As it evolved into Citicorp, he held senior positions in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Thailand and Liberia. .

He returned to the US with Citibank in 1980, Al retired as the Corporate Asset Funding CEO in 2002, but soon went back to work as a founding partner and chief investment officer of Paramax, an investment firm.

Al played rugby in the US and overseas, He was a Chicago Cubs season ticket holder when Wrigley Field hosted its first night game. He sat through countless Bears games in sub-zero temperatures, snd rarely missed a Williams Homecoming game.

Al loved historical biographies. He was a member of the Y’s Men, the Old Asia Hands, the World Affairs Forum of Stamford and the Westport League of Women Voters.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hope; daughters, Hilary (Scott Castle) Hageman, Heather (Bill) Urbaitis and Shanti (Kyde Sharp) Hageman; grandchildren Jocelyn and Charlotte Wulf,  Greg Wyatt and Xander Rubidge, James, Floyd and John (Jack) Sharp; aunt Betty Shaver Voorhees, brothers-in-law, Mike (Ginny) and Dave (Lynn) Oliker, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and his rescue dog Ebbie. He was predeceased by his younger brother James Voorhees Hageman.

The family is planning a farewell party for Al at the end of the summer, and his ashes will be placed in the Shire River in Malawi sometime next year. Donations may be made to Malawi Children’s Village or to Ascent Soccer.

Al Hageman

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We don’t often feature indoor shots for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But this one brings the outdoor inside. It works well.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … happy National Lightning Safety Awareness Week!

(From the Levitt Pavilion to Kawa Ni’s roof, Westport has it all. And “06880” tells you all about it — 24/7/365. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help us spread the word. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Obituaries, Police, Restaurants

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Campaign School Teaches Coykendall: Personal Politics Cross Party Lines

Posted on June 25, 2026 | 4 comments

Representative Town Meeting member Gail Coykendall is the most recent graduate of The Campaign School at Yale University.

For 30 years the nonpartisan, issue-neutral training program has worked to train people — primarily women — to run for office and manage political campaigns.

The Campaign School has a strong Westport influence. Pat Hendrickson was a co-founder and former president. Among its graduates: former 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Dominique Johnson, former State Senator Toni Boucher, Board of Finance members Allyson Stollenwerck and Elaine Whitney, and Democratic Town Committee chair Michelle Mechanic. Nationally known alumni include Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Rosa De Lauro, and former Representative Gabby Giffords. 

Today, Coykendall reflects on the lessons — and importance — of her recent week at The Campaign School.

I was honored to be one of 75 women and 2 men selected to attend the Campaign School at Yale last week. The experience was eye‑opening, challenging and energizing.

Early on, students were asked to answer a simple but profound question: Why are you a proud Republican or Democrat?

That question gave me pause. I told the program’s director I wasn’t sure where I fit.

On the RTM we serve as a non‑partisan body focused on collaboration, not party labels. I also wasn’t sure how my background in nursing fit.

What I learned is that the very skills I used every day in nursing —communication, teamwork, problem‑solving — are exactly what our state and national politics desperately need.

As the director reminded me, democracy only thrives when people can discuss, debate and negotiate. That message shaped my biggest takeaway: Change starts with us, and our personal politics often cross party lines. There is much we all agree on.

One person at a time, we can counter the rise of single‑party voting and encourage a more balanced, cooperative approach to governing that focuses on the needs of constituents.

The New York Times once described the course as “sadistically intensive.” That description is well earned.

We dove into leadership, campaign strategy, budgeting, fundraising, media, and the growing importance of campaign security.

Each evening we worked late into the night on group case studies, culminating in a mock‑campaign presentation judged by Betsey Ankney (former campaign manager for Nikki Haley) and Allida Black (special advisor to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton).

My commitment remains focused on Westport’s needs: responsible fiscal management, strong schools, and thoughtful development. We must balance state housing mandates with the realities of our local infrastructure.

My top concern is the strain on our roads, particularly as large developments move forward. Many residents are unaware of the 157 new units coming to Hiawatha Lane — and the significant traffic impact this will bring near the Saugatuck train station.

These pressures stem from state legislation, which can be out of step with the needs and resources of individual towns. New proposed legislation continues to push for increased density, even in our cherished downtown.

Many residents feel this isn’t what they signed up for. I share that concern. This is why it’s essential that Westport has a strong, informed voice in Hartford.

While I’ve been encouraged to run for higher office now, I plan to wait. My priority is to ensure more Westporters understand what is happening at the state level, and how it affects our daily lives.

We all have a role to play in urging legislators to consider traffic, transit and infrastructure before adding more cars to already overburdened roads.

Together, we can protect the character of Westport while we advocate for smarter, more balanced policies.

(Click here for a News 12 story on The Campaign School.)

(“06880” covers local politics — and the people who represent us. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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