Yesterday’s story on Tom Lowrie — Westport’s “Mr. Pickleball,” former YMCA trustee, Y’s Man and Rotarian (and much more) who died Tuesday at 97 — noted that there will be a gathering at 6 p.m. this Friday (July 3, his birthday), at the Compo Beach Lowrie Pickleball Courts.
His daughter Anne says that this is an informal toast. A celebration of Tom’s long life is set for Greens Farms Church on July 31. More details will be available soon.
Tom Lowrie, at his 97th birthday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Attention, sports fans! The Tuesday night Parks & Recreation adult hoops league is in full swing. Eight teams play weekly, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Players include just-graduated Staples High heroes Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan and Mason Tobias, and recent graduates Adam Udell, Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Derek Sale, Justin Honig and Griffin Kass.
This week’s ringer was a Big Name: former NBA star (and Rookie of the Year) Michael Carter-Williams (now a Westport resident), and former overseas pro and current Westport PAL coach Jamill Powell.
Spectators are always welcome. The Staples coaching staff enjoyed the games last week.
Long Lots Elementary School — built in 1953, and renovated 20 years later — is slated for demolition. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
================================================
The String Queens are the newest addition to the free Levitt Pavilion calendar.
The August 16 show features the trio, known for blending classical music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B and popular styles. Click here to reserve free tickets.
Meanwhile, this holiday weekend’s schedule includes:
Friday, July 3 (7:30 p.m.): Clay Street Unit (bluegrass, folk, Americana, country)
Saturday, July 4 (7:30 p.m.): Early Clover (former Coasters’ lead singer; tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more)
Sunday, July 5 (7 p.m.): Back to the Garden 1969: Woodstock Experience (featuring Staples graduate Michelle Pauker)
Speaking of music: Lachat Town Farm’s next “Music in the Meadow” (July 11, 6 p.m.) features singer/guitarist/ songwriter Quinn Sullivan.
He’s appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and with Conan O’Brien. Sullivan has also performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and toured and recorded with Buddy Guy for nearly a decade.
Sharing the stage with B.B. King, Sullivan became one of the few artists ever to play his iconic guitar, “Lucille.”
But the celebration continues July 16 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
Eleish Van Breems Home opens it doors for a free celebration. Nômade will provide the food; Black Bear Wines & Spirits, the beverages. Everyone — the LGBTQ community, friends, allies — and fans of fun (and the furniture store) — is invited. Please RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
=================================================
The Whitney Street improvement project is nearly done.
Resident Molly Alger could not be happier. And not just because the noise and inconvenience will end.
The new curb is a masterpiece,” she reports.
“The old curb, next to the black paved sidewalk, was just a raised bit of asphalt.
“Now they’re constructing a legitimate cement curb — perfectly formed and absolutely beautiful. Of course it will also be much safer!”
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 24 and 30.
A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating under suspension and failure to appear, following a stop on Post Road East.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Distracted driving: 6 citations
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
=============================================
As the weather heats up, residents slow down … and seek shade.
These folks found it yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. It’s a nice “Westport … Naturally” reminder of how good we have it — despite the temperature.
And finally … Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote their smash hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man,” died Monday, after a short illness. He was 74.
(Once again, “06880” proves why it is “where Westport meets the world.” Where else can you find all this stuff? If you appreciate our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
How does he or she react? And what about you, as a parent?
“It’s okay to feel upset,” you could say. “Let’s talk about it.”
Or, “When that tower fell, how did that feel?”
Handling emotions is one of 6 skills that support children’s mental health through everyday play, Brian and Lauren Bernstein note.
Another one is problem-solving. “It won’t work!” your frustrated child says, when things don’t go as planned.
“Hmmm … what else could we try?” you suggest.
Or “What do you think went wrong?”
The Bernsteins are not child psychologists.
But they do know kids.
Brian — a 1984 Staples High School graduate — spent 21 years in the toy industry. He headed up sales for his brother Doug’s Melissa & Doug company, helping grow the department from 14 people (and the firm was called Lights, Camera, Interaction!) to its enormous e-commerce presence.
Lauren knows children too. She’s been a piano teacher for 40 years.
Brian and Lauren Bernstein
Bernstein, and other family members, left Melissa & Doug in 2021. After his non-compete agreement ended, he wanted to get back into the business.
“Developmental pre-school toys are not screens. They’re wholesome,” he notes. “They’re so important at a young age.”
Though wooden toys have become more expensive, he wanted to make them accessible and affordable: $29.99 or less.
But he and Lauren had another reason for starting a new company: a way to honor their late son Jason.
Nicknamed Jasey, he was “an amazing, beautiful child,” Brian says.
“He was a great pianist — he could improvise for hours. He composed music. He taught himself oil painting, and made movies.”
But Jasey struggled with mental health challenges for most of his life. They became more prominent in his teens.
The Bernsteins tried everything: therapists, psychiatrists, programs, medications.
Nothing helped. “He didn’t want to be here anymore.” He lost his battle in 2019, age 25.
Jason Bernstein
Behind the company — called Jasey’s Toy Chest — is a mission: to help families struggling with mental health issues.
The founders partnered with the Kids Mental Health Foundation and the Jed Foundation (serving teens and young adults). The non-profits provide expert guidance and advocacy.
Together, the partners — and Jasey’s Toy Chest — are helping destigmatize mental health. They provide prompts, tips, suggestions, resources and solutions for parents and caregivers to talk about it.
And, Brian Bernstein says, “We’ve kept it simple. This is not a big homework project. Fifteen minutes of play a day can make a difference. It’s all about ‘intentional play.'”
The Bernsteins began shipping their toys in March. Already, they’re on Amazon, and in Awesome Toys. In September, they’ll be featured in 600 Barnes & Noble stores.
(“06880” regularly covers interesting Westporters, local businesses, health and wellness — and, like today, their intersection. If you like these stories, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Jasey’s Toy Chest display, in Awesome Toys’ Westport store.
I would like to nominate the Staples High School library team as Unsung Heroes.
They’re heroes not for any one big act (though they are certainly heroes who stand up to book banning), but for their everyday acts creating a space that inspires learning, connection, and creativity for our kids.
Four years ago my son started as a freshman at Staples, and I signed up to volunteer in the library. If you’ve volunteered there, you know how much the librarians and paraprofessionals do for our kids.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit our high school library, here are just a few things that I learned about the staff’s responsibilities, beyond managing the organization and circulation of books:
They are gracious hosts. All smiles, librarians Jenn Cirino and Nicole Moeller, and paraprofessionals Chris Harris and Jen Dayton immediately set the vibe as they greet students and assist them with any requests. There is a quiet section in the back for those who want it. They have designed sections for socializing, study groups and computer use too. There are also rooms for classes, and a large Maker station. The library also hosts special events like author visits, and talks with town officials.
Staples librarians Jenn Cirino (left) and Nicole Moeller. Cirino was the Westport Public Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year.
They are tech-savvy. If students need help connecting to WiFi, charging their laptops, printing out their classwork or troubleshooting a broken computer, the library staff is there. Equipment like cameras, video recorders and a 3D printer are available for use. Fun fact: In Staples Players’ production of “Lord of the Flies,” the big conch shell thrown around on stage was printed in the library!
Paraprofessionals Jen Dayton (left) and Chris Harris.
They have our teachers’ backs.The library staff supports Staples’ educators by providing them with necessary resources for their job. This includes space for special class activities, carts of books for their curriculums, equipment for projects, tech training and more. And because teachers are just like us, I often heard them thanking the staff for recommending their last great read.
During Teacher Appreciation Week, librarians encourage students to thank their instructors.
They are creative curators. The book displays at the library rival those of any bookstore’s. Great thought and creativity go into each one, whether for serious subjects like honoring our veterans or fun event tie-ins like March Madness Book Brackets. All aim to catch students’ attention and direct it to the books. And they even sneak reading into bathrooms, by posting snappy little book blurbs inside the stalls.
The Staples Library celebrates March Madness with a “Tournament of Books” bracket (top), and an eye-catching display (below).
They are crafty. Friday Fun Days are when students can de-stress in the library by playing games or doing arts and crafts. I was skeptical, but it turns out that teens really will use their lunch breaks to create a pop-up birthday card, a “May the 4th Be With You” button, or a bouquet of paper flowers — all with the help of the library’s beloved Cricut machine. I was floored by how much the kids love to make and collect the winter gnomes each year (IYKYK). And, in library lore: Once upon a time, one of the sports teams did not receive part of their uniforms in time for a game. The library staff came to the rescue, creating them in the Maker Space!
Staples principal Stafford Thomas, with gnomes he made in the library.
Now that my son has graduated, my time as a volunteer is over. This fall, new students and parent volunteers will enter Staples Library and experience firsthand why we are so lucky to have Jenn, Nicole, Chris and Jen working in our school system. Until then, I hope these unsung heroes have a relaxing summer break (with plenty of time to get lost in a big pile of great books).
Congressman Jim Himes addresses students in the Staples library.
Tom Lowrie — Westport’s “Mr. Pickleball,” an avid member of both the Sunrise Rotary Club and Y’s Men, and a longtime Westporter who during several decades here touched many friends, neighbors and strangers’ lives — died yesterday. He would have been 98 on Friday.
The former architect was passionate about many things — especially pickleball. He was a driving force behind construction of the Compo Beach courts, and introduced countless residents to the game.
Tom Lowrie posed for the Westport Library’s “I geek…” campaign with — of course — pickleball gear. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
It was his second time. He went skydiving for his 9oth birthday too.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella was one of many residents honoring Tom at his 97th birthday last summer. Andrew offers these thoughts:
Every town is fortunate to have a few people whose impact extends far beyond titles or accomplishments. Westport had one of those people in Tom Lowrie.
Tom’s passing marks the loss of not just a respected resident, but a man whose quiet leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to community left an enduring mark on our town.
A graduate of Princeton University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Tom enjoyed a distinguished career as an architect after serving our nation in the US Navy.
Lt. JG (Ret.) Tom Lowrie (center), with VFW Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado and fellow Westport resident Bob Terrerno look at a photo of Lowrie’s radar aviation squad.
Yet those achievements tell only part of his story. Those who knew Tom understood that his greatest passion was never personal recognition — it was building community.
For decades, Tom quietly gave his time to Westport through volunteerism, civic engagement, and organizations such as the Westport Sunrise Rotary. He approached every conversation with kindness, humility and optimism. Whether discussing town issues or welcoming someone new to the community, Tom always made people feel heard.
Tom Lowrie, promoting the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race.
In recent years, Tom became synonymous with one of Westport’s fastest-growing recreational activities: pickleball. Long before the sport became a national phenomenon, Tom recognized its unique ability to bring people together across generations. He championed new courts, encouraged beginners, mentored players, and helped transform a small group of enthusiasts into a thriving Westport pickleball community.
His advocacy was never loud or divisive. It was thoughtful, respectful, and persistent. Tom believed that recreation strengthens communities, friendships matter, and public spaces should serve everyone. Those values helped shape Westport’s recreational landscape for years to come.
Tom’s handmade and hand-delivered manila envelopes with his drawings, full of detail and description, were not only thoughtful, but of immense care and deep belief to improve and enhance Westport for all.
It was fitting that the town of Westport honored Tom during his lifetime by naming the Compo Beach pickleball area the Lowrie Courts.
Tom Lowrie at the pickleball courts dedication, with Andrew Colabella and his daughter Anne Lowrie.
It was more than a dedication ceremony. It was our community expressing gratitude to a man who had devoted years to making those courts, and the relationships formed on them, possible.
But Tom’s true legacy is not found on a plaque.
It lives in every new player welcomed onto a court, every friendship formed over a game, every volunteer inspired to give back without seeking recognition, and every reminder that leadership can be accomplished with grace instead of ego.
Tom Lowrie showed us that one person, armed with kindness, perseverance and a genuine love for community, can leave a town better than they found it.
Westport is richer because Tom Lowrie called it home.
In 2012, Tom Lowrie was runner-up in the Longshore Men’s Golf Association tournament.
May we honor his memory not only by remembering what he accomplished, but by striving to live with the same generosity, humility and unwavering commitment to others that defined his remarkable life.
Family, friends, neighbors, and all whose lives were touched by Tom are invited to celebrate his remarkable life on what would have been his 08th birthday — this Friday, July 3 — at 6 p.m., at the Lowrie Courts at Compo Beach.
Please bring a beach chair and your own refreshments as we gather to share stories, memories, laughter and gratitude for a man who gave so much to Westport.
It is a fitting place to honor Tom — surrounded by the community and the courts that stand as a lasting testament to his vision, dedication, and love for bringing people together.
Tom’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of Westporters.
A pickleball cake for Tom Lowrie’s 90th birthday …
… and skydiving for his 95th, with Peter Donovan and Bob Mitchell.
Tomorrow — 2 days ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.
It also has a major impact on traffic.
The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.
Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.
Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.
Westport Police emphasize that parking restrictions in the Compo Beach area will be strictly enforce. No parking is allowed on Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed, and towed to Longshore parking lot F.
The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.
Speaking of the fireworks: If you’re headed there via Hillspoint Road, you’ll see one less historic home.
The “Captain Allen” home fell to the wrecking ball this week. Named for the founder of the old Allen’s Clam House, it stood on Sherwood Mill Pond near Burnham Hill for over a century.
Speaking of old homes: Bob Weingarten launches his new book “Westport, Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts, 1639–2025” with a special reception July 7 (6 p.m., Westport Book Shop). It’s a deep dive into Westport’s past — with a particular emphasis on homes, and the Greens Farms neighborhood.
The event is co-sponsored by MoCA\CT, in conjunction with their new exhibition, “Looking for History.”
The evening includes wine, light bites, a book signing, and Westport memories. Guests can purchase the book before it becomes available to the public the next day. RSVPs are required; click here.
Speaking of book launches: The Westport Library is the setting for “Ransom,” The latest Gabriel Allon thriller gets the star treatment July 14 (6:30 p.m.).
Silva will be joined in conversation by his wife, CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel — proving, the Library says, “he’s nearly as fearless as his iconic protagonist.”
And finally … speaking of Motown coming to the Westport Country Playhouse (above) — and the weather:
(As Westport swelters — and gets ready to celebrate America’s big birthday — “06880” is here with you. That’s how we roll. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The beach will be jammed. Folks will deck themselves out in red-white-and-blue. Get ready for cookouts, picnics and flags galore.
“06880” wants to show the world what a Westport July 4th 2nd celebration looks like. Please send photos — of your kids, your decorations, your dog — to 06880blog@gmail.com. The deadline is 10 p.m. tomorrow.
* NOTE: Please stay away from actual photos of fireworks. They pretty much all look the same.
Cat Malkin is both a longtime Westport resident and a lifelong animal lover.
For over 30 years she has given them a “voice,” as an animal communicator. She is also an animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor.
As America gets set to celebrate Independence Day — with plenty of fireworks, of course — she worries about pyrotechnics’ effects on animals. Cat writes:
Many pets struggle over the 4th of July holiday. And more pets go missing now than at any other time of year.
My own Yogi Bear is not a fan of fireworks. It’s heartbreaking to watch him suffer over the long holiday.
Yogi Bear is not a fireworks fan. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
America’s 250th birthday fireworks have already started. They will get louder and more frequent throughout the weekend.
That’s bad news for pets who are sensitive to sound, and for the people who love them.
Animals have much sharper hearing than humans. Sudden loud noises like fireworks can trigger their fight-or-flight response, causing them to run for their lives and hide from the scary noises.
This can happen even if your animal hasn’t reacted to fireworks before. Their fear can come on suddenly.
It’s like someone turned the volume way up on a scary movie they don’t understand.
The worst part is that they might not hear your voice or respond to your usual calming techniques.
That’s why some pets end up chewing through crates, slipping out doors, jumping fences, or even breaking windows in their desperate attempt to escape the noise.
Here are some tips to create a safe, secure environment for your animal family during the 4th of July holiday:
Microchip and ID Checkup:
Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip are current.
Take a picture with your pet for easier identification at animal shelters should they go missing.
For an extra layer of security, consider attaching an AirTag or other GPS tracking device on their collar for real-time tracking.
Make sure your animal is wearing their ID.
Communication is Key: Let your animal family know what is in store for them, and reassure them that you will keep them safe. Talking with your pet during an animal communication session can reduce their fear and anxieties, and help you create a calming strategy together.
Create a Safe Haven: Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure room, with windows closed and shades drawn during fireworks displays. To reduce anxiety further, use a thundershirt, play calming music, or give your pet a rescue remedy for added comfort.
Project Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Meditating or sharing Reiki can help both of you stay grounded and present as fireworks explode.
Vet Talk Now: If your pet has noise phobias or you have any concerns, discuss your options with your vet today.
Don’t wait until the fireworks frenzy begins to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure everyone has a safe and, hopefully, enjoyable 4th of July.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Microchip and ID Checkup: