The 4th in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” series will feature the biggest name of all.
Governor Ned Lamont speaks at the Westport Library on April 13 (11 a.m.).
The series began earlier this month, with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. It continues this Thursday (April 2, 11 a.m.), with Attorney General William Tong.
Governor Lamont’s session will focus on Connecticut’s fiscal stability and economic outlook, highlighting efforts to maintain affordability through initiatives like tax rebates and energy cost relief. Following his talk, Governor Lamont will join in a conversation with Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell, followed by an audience Q&A.
Last week’s osprey sighting may have been a false alarm.
Carolyn Doan — who has tracked the raptors’ Westport sojourns for years — writes: “The photo that was sent to you could have been a hawk. As far as I know, the osprey haven’t returned yet.
“I hope I’m wrong. It’s possible I keep missing them, but I have engaged the help and eyes of some friends as well. Nobody has seen them yet.
“I talked with the manager at Fresh Market. They are on the lookout also
“The nest itself hasn’t changed. No new sticks or dangling sticks moved. No visible spiffing up has occurred.
“If they haven’t returned, then they are about a week late. Other nests in town have late arrivals also.
I’ll let you know if anything changes or I hear differently.”
Osprey or hawk? Last week, at Fresh Market. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)
This past weekend, the Westport Library turned into a concert venue.
Next month (Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.), it becomes a fashion runway.
In just 6 years, the Westport Downtown Association’s Fashionably Westport show has become one of the hottest spring tickets.
For good reason. In addition to the latest styles from over 20 local fashion and accessories retailers and salons — all modeled by local residents — plus a silent auction, food, music, and high-energy MC Dave Briggs, it’s a fundraiser for a wonderful organization: Homes with Hope. They run the town’s men’s and women’s shelter and food pantry (among many other good works).
This year will be special for Laura. For over 30 years she took care of Jenna Herbst, a fellow Westporter and STAR client.
Jenna died earlier this month. Laura is dedicating this year’s Walk & Stroll to her, and other friends Laura has met at STAR who, like Jenna, rely on the organization for help.
Money raised funds birth-to-8 early intervention therapies, customized job training, placement for transitioning high school students and adults, and scholarships for self-enrichment programs for over 600 people in Fairfield County.
Westporter Sam Hendel — a music industry leader at Chord Music rights platform, and Dundee Partners (a private equity and venture capital firm, focusing on music, media, and technology) — helped draw a large crowd yesterday morning, to “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier.”
The event — the first on the final day of the Westport Library’s VersoFest — examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping how music is created, distributed, licensed and monetized.
Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another Westporter — moderated the fascinating, forward-looking discussion.
Sam Hendel (far right), on the AI-and-music panel. Other participants (from left): Daniel Rowland, Danny Newcomb, Paul Sinclair. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
The 4-day event closed with an interview with Peter Shapiro — who has owned the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and produced numerous music festivals — followed by a screening of the Grateful Dead movie “Dead Ahead,” filmed in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall.
The 2024 Staples graduate — who quarterbacked the Wreckers to the state championship and was named Connecticut Football Player of the Year; earned All-America honors in lacrosse; captained the basketball team and was honored as a statewide Scholar-Athlete — was inducted into the Fairfield County Gridiron Hall of Fame last week.
He was the youngest honoree, among this year’s 13 players and coaches.
In his career, culminating in the state crown (and #1 ranking in Connecticut), Caleb passed for 5,138 yards and 49 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,307 yards and 43 TDs, and holds 7 school passing records.
After playing quarterback at the University of Connecticut his freshman year, Caleb transferred to Boston University this year. He is playing lacrosse, and studying finance.
Caleb Smith, with his family and state championship plaque.
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Who doesn’t like chocolate? And who doesn’t like wine?
Those indulgences are doubly enjoyable together. Which is exactly why Chocolatieree and The Grapevine are collaborating on a “Pairing Table.” It’s where handcrafted ganache bonbons meet thoughtfully curated wines.
There are 2 dates: April 21 and 23 (at Chocalatieree; $115). Three rounds “contrast Old and New World styles,”; each pairing includes a wine category matched with a chocolate, unlocking a flavor that “might bloom, soften, brighten, or surprise you entirely.”
It’s “part tasting, part discovery, part lively conversation, and completely” delicious. Participants leave with a box, to “savor and reminisce later.” Click here to register, and for more information.
Sure, you can always find great artwork at Westport River Gallery.
But now you can also see a pair of the replica ruby slippers — created to exact detail of those worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy, in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” film — at the Riverside Avenue space.
Connecticut-based artist Kyle LaRue constructed each slipper using a vintage size 5 shoe (the actress’ size) from the 1930s. Each features sequins, bugle beads and rhinestone.
The slippers at the gallery are the most authentic pair available. More durable, wearable versions in any size can be made on commission.
Artist Kyle LaRue (left) with Westport River Gallery owner Ken Warren, and Dorothy’s slippers. (Photo/Koleen Kaffan)
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Just in time for hydrangea season, the Greens Farms Garden Club is sponsoring an expert speaker.
Horticulturist/photographer/New York Botanical Garden instructor Lorraine Ballato — author of “Success With Hydrangeas,” and a blogger with a site dedicated to the plant — will speak on April 7 (11 a.m., Southport Congregational Church). RSVP: cafedame@aol.com.
Lucas Flesch is a junior at Staples — and a talented and passionate artist.
He was was accepted into Pratt Institute’s prestigious Summer Pre-College Intensive program.
His family does not qualify for the school’s financial aid. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help.
It says: “The pre-program would be an incredible next step for Lucas. It would allow him to experience a structured, college-level environment and be surrounded by other students who are just as passionate about art. This experience could be transformative, helping him build confidence and skills for his future. Any support, in any amount, truly helps, and we really appreciate it.”
“Dead/Lucid Self Portrait” — graphite on paper, 2024. Lucas writes: “In this piece, I was thinking about religion. And how we justify with religion and overcome our greatest fear. The unknown. In old literature (Romeo and Juliet, and Catullus 5) the writers play this metaphor of this very short life we live and how we should spend it with loving. Everyone does things in preface to death, either it being memorable for things done in your life or loved by others. This self- portrait talks about how death is a part of everyone living or not. Death might be the one thing that controls your life.”
We get a lot of sunset photos, here at “06880” headquarters.
We can’t run 95% of them.
But this one — over Sherwood Mill Pond — caught our eye, for its color and composition. So it made the cut, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
Nearly every night for the next couple of months, local organizations will host fundraisers. There’s catered food, auctions, and appeals to give generously.
All are worthwhile. The amount of good works, and the number of philanthropic Westporters, is impressive.
The 24-year-old program brings academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color to Westport, where they live together and attend Staples High School. It is one of our town’s shining jewels.
The Dream Event is a chance not only to raise much-needed funds, but to celebrate ABC’s scholars, their families, and the community volunteers who make the program run, as host parents, mentors, tutors, drivers and more.
Like many fundraisers, there will be speeches about the impact the non-profit has made on individual lives.
Some of those remarks will come from Westporters associated with the program.
Some will come from alumni, who every year return from around the country — where they have successful careers, and growing families — to give back a bit of what they’ve gotten.
Scholars and alumni, at an A Better Chance Dream Event.
But the most impactful words will come from current ABC scholars.
Every year, the graduating seniors speak.
Every year, their words move listeners to tears.
They describe — with great insight, and devastating honesty — the road they’ve traveled since leaving their familiar homes and loving families, to arrive in a strange town, surrounded by people who don’t look like them, and attend a high-powered, highly competitive school, where most students already enjoy built-in friend groups and activities.
Their 4 years here are not easy. At the Dream Event, the scholars talk about their challenges, hardships and detours.
But they also acknowledge the many people who have helped them get where they are today. Movingly, they thank their host parents, who have offered a home away from home — and their own parents, who entrusted them to this program, our town, and their host families.
During 4 years as a host family, the Propps formed strong bonds with scholar Manny Ogutu.
Graduation season is a time for congratulations. It’s a time for looking both backward, and ahead.
Some — but not all — Staples seniors take time for self-reflection.
The A Better Chance of Westport seniors always do. Their words are important highlights, of a very important fundraiser.
Two resilient, remarkable Staples Class of 2026 ABC scholars — Souleye Kebe and Vincent Vega — will share the spotlight at this year’s Dream Event. It’s May 7 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) at House on the Hill in Norwalk.
Vincent Vega and Souleye Kebe. (Photo/Pamela Einarsen)
Souleye has made his mark in Westport as a 2-year student representative on Westport’s Board of Education, and this year serves as student government president. He has participated in the national award-level We The People class and competition, ran cross country and track, and has worked with the Democratic Town Committee.
Vincent is a 4-year baseball player, and a captain for his upcoming senior season. Last year, he was named to the All-FCIAC honorable mention team. He has volunteered with Westport Little League, and with Staples culinary instructor chef Cecily Gans, cooking for a variety of events.
Another key member of the A Better Chance community will be honored too. Maggie Gomez — a longtime Staples math teacher — has served as the ABC/Staples liaison for more than a decade.
In addition, for the past 4 years she has opened her home as a host family. Her commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom will be feted, as she receives ABC’s 2nd annual Community Award.
In 2018, Maggie Gomez met ABC scholar Jarod Ferguson in her Staples office.
The evening also includes food from Marcia Selden Catering, plus live and silent auctions.
For a while, I worried that last week’s Photo Challenge would be perhaps the first ever to completely stump every reader.
Then Amy Schneider — followed 2 days later by Dave Eason — struck gold.
Both knew that the image of a bus shelter — incorrectly identified by a couple of readers as located near the Senior Center — is actually on Post Road West. (Click here to see.)
Dave gave a full description: “north side just east of North Kings Highway near #176. For the real Westporters, between the old Steele’s Texaco and The Small Car Company.”
Or, in 2026 terms: diagonally across from Schulhof Animal Hospital.
Will this week’s Photo Challenge prove easier?
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Steve Stein)
(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!)
Congolese drums had never been heard in the Westport Library before yesterday — or perhaps in any other library, anywhere.
But there they were at 10 a.m., kicking off a jam-packed VersoFest Saturday with a dance and drum workshop.
Cumbe Dance, at the Westport Library. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Also yesterday: actress Gina Gershon discussed her new memoir, “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs,” with journalist/rock memoirist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota.
Gina Gerson, with Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Last night ended with musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets).
He read from his new poetry book “Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer,” was interviewed by author Douglas Rushkoff, and finished with a set of acoustic songs.
David J (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The 5th annual music, media and more event concludes today (Sunday), with a panel on AI and the music industry (10:30 a.m.), a conversation with Capitol Theater owner and festival producer Dean Budnick (12 p.m.), a Suno workshop (12 p.m.), and a screening of “Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead” (2 p.m.).
Speaking of the Library: It’s a storied Westport institution.
So is Staples Players.
On Monday, April 6 (6:30 p.m.) they’ll collaborate for the first time ever, on a staged (and free!) reading.
David Roth’s Theatre 3 Advanced class presents “Almost, Maine.” The whimsical, funny and poignant show takes place as northern lights hover about a remote town. Residents fall in and out of love, in unexpected and hilarious ways.
And — because neither Players nor the Library ever does things halfway — playwright John Cariani will come to the reading, and lead a talkback afterward.
As promised, the new apartments being built at 85 Post Road West — between Kings Highway Elementary School and Riverside Avenue — include “affordable housing” based on state guidelines.
Applications are being accepted for the 22 1- and 2-bedroom units. The maximum rental prices are $2,100 and $2,511 respectively.
Applicants will be contacted first come, first served, and given the opportunity to submit supporting documentation and go through the verification process.
Click here for the submission form. Questions? Call 475-999-2445.
Early stages of construction last year, on Post Road West.
Speaking of new construction: As Coastal Luxury Homes prepares to convert 455 Post Road East — the former Connecticut Humane Society — to 25 apartments and 5 townhouses, they’re paying homage to the former tenants.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Michael Szeto.
After installing a birdfeeder this past week, his first visitor was a Cooper’s hawk. It frequently visits back yards, to prey on small birds drawn to feeders.
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
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And finally … on this date in 1871, Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria.
Which brings to mind 2 songs by British bands, each of which mentions one of them.
(A day in our life includes a reminder that “06880” relies on the generosity of our readers. If you appreciate these daily Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Though he grew up in Southern California, this town gave him “a comfort level like a favorite sweater,” he says. He was “smitten by Westport from my first day.” And he still calls this “my adopted home town.”
In his 6 years here — when not freelancing in New York as a graphic designer — David took many photos in Westport and Weston.
Along the way, he met “some really wonderful people.” Photographer Alan Fontaine became a close friend, and convinced him to start his own portrait studio. In 1995, he did. He quickly got plenty of work, thanks to his signature black and white style.
At 81 years old — and a cancer survivor — he wants to share some of his photos with “the lovely people of Westport who welcomed me, and nurtured our friendships so unconditionally.”
Here are a few of those images. Though 3 decades old, they are timeless.
Well … except for the first two.
Remarkable Book Shop, Main Stree
Allen’s Clam House, Hillspoint Road
Sherwood Mill Pond
Compo Beach boardwalk
Compo Beach pavilion
Compo Beach in fog
Longshore cemetery
Saugatuck Rowing Club
Saugatuck River, downtown (All photos/David Ohman)
A couple of hundred protestors massed and chanted on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge this morning.
It’s been a Saturday ritual for months. Today’s crowd was larger than usual. As always, passing drivers honked often, in solidarity.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
An hour later, 1,500 people gathered at Jesup Green. Westport was one of more than 3,000 communities nationwide, participating in the third “No Kings” rally. Previous protests were held in June and October.
As before, the Westport Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services, ensured safety and order. They received a rousing hand.
A small part of the large crowd.
Music ranged from Bob Marley’s “Stand Up For Your Rights” to “America the Beautiful.”
Speakers included Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas noted, “Every right — human, civil, women’s, LGBTQ, disability — came about because of people just like us. It is not partisan to believe in the rule of law, in the Constitution, in ‘we the people.'”
She then led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing, “with liberty and justice for all.”
1st Selectman Kevin Christie was at a funeral, but sent a message that “our democracy matters.”
(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
102-year-old Virginia Auster was an avid rally-goer. A longtime Westporter, she now lives in Norwalk.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what America and democracy look like.”
Inklings paper editor Nate Gerber interviews Representative Jim Himes. In his speech, the congressman said, “The realm of the mad king is as insidious as ever. He has his courtiers, his sycophants, his lickspittles. But we are the stewards of the ideals that made this country great.” (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Governor Ned Lamont (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
First responders are ready. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
Meanwhile, back on the bridge … (Photo/Susan Garment)
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