Jay Babina is the second youngest guest ever on our “06880” podcast.
He’s also got one of the most intriguing stories. Jay is the founder, curator and driving force behind one of the most unique places in town: the Westport Tech Museum.
Click here or below to learn more about Jay’s passion, and his remarkable creation.
In the spring of 2012, Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long produced “Into the Woods.” Both are longtime fans of Stephen Sondheim, and first staged the show 10 years earlier.
Click here or below for highlights. As always, they’re courtesy of former media teacher Jim Honeycutt, who videotaped all of Roth and Long’s shows.
Many Players have gone on to interesting careers, in and out the arts. Among them:
Will Haskell (Narrator) went on to serve 2 terms as Connecticut state senator — one of the youngest state legislators in the country.
Elle Deran (Rapunzel’s Prince) is a trans and non-binary actor, singer and content creator.
Sofia Ribolla (Cinderella) shifted her focus from theater to to medicine while in college, and is now an optometrist with Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates.
Clay Singer (Jack) has extensive theater credits, including “Masquerade” in New York, “Fiddler On the Roof.””The Band’s Visit” North American tour,
“Next to Normal,” “Man of La Mancha,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “Ragtime,” “The Full Monty — and “Into the Woods” in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Jamie Yarmoff (Cinderella’s Stepmother) is a renewable energy professional amd chapter leader for Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. She founded the WRISE Utah chapter in Salt Lake City.
Cara McNiff(Drusilla) graduated from Elon University with a degree in musical theater. She is still involved in theater. as a regional booking manager.
Sami Schwaeber(Jack’s Mother) is a Brooklyn-based musical comedian, actor and writer recognized for her queer, Jewish and mental health-focused stand-up and sketch work.
Madeline Seidman (Jack’s Mother) is a Brooklyn-based actor, with an MFA from Yalel School of Drama. She can be seen on screen in the TV shows “Elsbeth” and “A League of Their Own.”
Michelle Pauker (The Witch) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse). On Sunday, her band Back to the Garden 1969 performed at the Levitt Pavilion.
August Laska (Wolf) transitioned from acting to behind-the-scenes work in producing and marketing, eventually serving as a marketing coordinator for Disney Theatrical Group. He co-produced “Broadway Gets GLAAD” at Joe’s Pub, and worked as a co-producer on the Off-Broadway and summer Broadway runs of “Broadway Bounty Hunter.” He currently owns The Old Yew plant shop.
Charlie Greenwald (Cinderella’s Prince) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the Academy Award-winning film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” (2018).
Everett Sussman (Cinderella’s Father) is an applied mathematics/computer science graduate of Harvard University. He is now a digital creator. He has acted in regional theater productions, including “Sweeney Todd.”
Charlotte Weber (Repunzel) attended the International Culinary Center. She works professionally as a pastry chef).
Ryder Chasin is a television writer, creative and comedian in Brooklyn.
Nicholas Massoud (Mysterious Man) attended Yale, and performed all over the world with the a cappella groups the Wiffenpoofs and Sprizzwinks.
Joe Badion (Sprites) is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He teaches upper school music at the Town School in New York.
But this was the scene this morning at Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Seth Schachter — who made the early morning discovery — searched AI for information.
It says, “based on the shape and markings in your photo, this appears to be a juvenile smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), which is one of the most common small sharks found in Long Island Sound.”
He notes that it’s a baby; the photo makes it look larger than it is.
Seagulls were picking at it. Seth guesses that high tide will carry it back into the water.
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Wakeman Town Farm is a place of wonder for many youngsters.
And for plenty of others, from nearby communities.
This summer, Wakeman Town Farm welcomed young campers from around the area for a week of discovery, connection and hands-on learning.
With muddy boots, curious minds and big smiles, campers harvested fresh vegetables, met friendly animals, and explored composting, planting and regenerative farming practices.
Through WTF’s Room to Grow initiative, hundreds of students from Hall Neighborhood House, the McGivney Center and Horizons embraced every opportunity to learn, explore, and grow — for free.
The Room to Grow Fund was launched at the 2025 Harvest Fest gala. Generous donors, and the Westport Woman’s Club and Town Fair Tire Foundation, provide added support.
It’s one of several Wakeman Town Farm initiatives that connect young people from neighboring communities with nature, fresh food, and the lifelong benefits of land stewardship.
Fun at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Westport resident Carl Wistreich is the son of Holocaust survivors from Poland and Germany. Pursuing a career in business and law, he achieved the financial security his grandparents had in their respective countries, before making the lifesaving decision to leave it all (including close relatives) behind.
Finally, in his 50s, Wistreich had time to read family memoirs describing miraculous stories of survival. He realized the stories his parents rarely spoke about needed to be shared.
The result — My Lethal Obsession, a novel about ruin, resilience and rebirth, of one family and the Jewish people as a whole — will be published September 1. The next day — September 2 (7 p.m), Wistreich launches his book at the Westport Library, in a conversation with Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman. An audience Q-and-A and book signing will follow. Click here for more information.
Each year they offer free music lessons, summer camps and instruments, to 600 youngsters in 21 schools.
A front lawn party this Sunday (August 2, 4 to 6 p.m., 53 Compo Beach Road) will introduce guests to the organization, including volunteer, donation and support opportunities.
Park at Compo Beach. Bring a lawn chair if you’d like. Learn more about KEYS –and enjoy their very “empowered” jazz group, who will perform live. For more information, email KanikaTaylor@hotmail.com.
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter/composer/arranger Michael Mossman has done it all.
After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, he took center stage as music director for Blue Note Records’ “boy band”, Out of the Blue. Mossman went on to be a key performer in Latin jazz, working with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and others.
He returns this Thursday for “Jazz at the Post” (July 30, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:45; VFW Post 399).
He’ll play with pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Alex Ayala, percussionist Carly Moldonado, drummer Vince Cherico and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The Newton, Massachusetts native trained as a secretary at Katherine Gibbs in Boston. She married Paul in 1052. The family moved to Westport in 1966.
Jean loved Compo Beach, and raising her children here. She was a parishioner and volunteer at St. Luke Church for over 60 years, working with the Friendly Visitor Program, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sacred Heart St. Anthony’s School, and St. Luke Women’s Guild. She also cared for the altar linens.
Jean was predeceased by her husband and siblings Peg Davis, Dick McLellan, Ruth Vlass (Gordon) and Tom McLellan. She is survived by her children Dr, Karen Edwards (Lawrence), Joseph (Kan), Paula Bruns (Robert), Nancy Schiavone (Norman Schulman) and Barbara Pinkerton (Steven); grandchildren Katherine Bernard (Scott), Benjamin Bruns (Christina) Timothy Bruns (Eleni) Emily Schulman (David Stone), Peter Schulman, Molly Edwards, Alison Pinkerton, Michael Pinkerton, and great-grandchildren Alice Bernard, Elijah Bruns, Noah Bruns, Lucia Bruns and Anais Stone; sisters-in-law Sally McLellan and Betty McLellan; brother-in-law Gene Davis, and many nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will take place at Harding Funeral Home this Thursday (July 30, 9:30 to 10;30 a.m.). A funeral mass for Paul and Jean will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Church.
Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Matthew 25 Fund at St. Luke Church, which provides food and assistance to individuals and families in need.
These 2 chicks — the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — look as happy as if they were just hatched in, say, a tree or bush somewhere.
Hey — none of us has any control over where we’re born.
Every day in Westport is special. Every day is unique.
But when each is over, we move on to the next.
September 6 will be a day we’ll never forget.
On that Sunday, every Westporter is invited to help create a one-of-a-kind portrait of the town. We’ll do it by taking a photograph that captures one real moment from our day.
Whether it’s a sunrise at Compo Beach, breakfast with family, volunteering at a community event, opening a business downtown, walking the dog, cheering from the sidelines or enjoying a quiet moment at home, every image will become part of a collective portrait of Westport.
“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”
As part of Westport’s America 250 celebration, the project will document the town in its everyday rhythms, creating a lasting record of who we are as a community in this semiquincentennial year.
Inspired by the classic Life magazine photo essays documenting “A Day in the Life of America,” the project invites residents of every age to photograph one moment on Sunday, September 6, then submit it online with a brief caption describing what the image means to them.
Collectively, the photographs will become a real-time portrait of Westport, preserving both extraordinary moments and ordinary ones that define daily life.
Miggs Burroughs, a founding member of the Artists Collective, says, “Every individual photograph tells a story. Together, hundreds — perhaps thousands — of photographs become something entirely different: a portrait of Westport itself. The finished mosaic will reveal not only the beauty of our town, but the connections that make us a community.”
Early September will still be warm enough for a sunrise swim … (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
LWV secretary James Delorey notes, “Westport has always been a community that shows up. Whether it’s volunteering, voting, supporting neighbors or celebrating together, people here take part. ‘A Day in the Life of Westport’ is another opportunity for everyone to help tell the story of this remarkable town.”
League member Andrea Moore adds, “Westport’s story is written by our whole community. ‘A Day in the Life’ invites everyone to share a special moment or a favorite scene from their day. Each photograph captures a part of who we are today, and creates a record that future generations will be able to look back on.”
Participants are encouraged to photograph every aspect of community life, including all generations, neighborhoods, occupations, traditions, celebrations, acts of service, family life, recreation, arts, faith, work, and the countless moments that make Westport unique.
,,, and photographers can also capture random kids having moments of fun. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Organizers hope the final collection reflects the full diversity of the community, and the many different ways people experience the same day.
Photos must be taken on Sunday, September 6, and submitted by midnight that evening at dayinthelife2026.artcall.org. The submission website will accept photographs only on the day of the event.
Each participant may submit up to 3 shots, each accompanied by a brief caption describing the moment.
Submitted photographs will become part of an online community archive and digital image library (and featured on “06880”).
Organizers also plan to create a large photographic mosaic incorporating every submission, with selected images potentially featured in a public exhibition, commemorative book, and other America 250 legacy projects celebrating Westport’s history and community spirit.
(“06880” is proud to partner with Westport organizations on this project — and to be your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thanks for all you do for us!)
Last week’s feature on torn-down older homes — and the new ones that replace them — highlighted North Bulkley Avenue.
This week, Dave Matlow — the series curator, and a pre-demolition archivist between 2004 and 2020 — takes us up and down Old Road.
That’s the equally historic (and “old,” for sure) street that intersects Bulkley North halfway down. Old Road begins on Maple Avenue North.
A reminder: “Then & Now” highlights homes of yesterday and today. Our neighbors live in houses old and new. Some built those new structures; others are the second (or beyond) owners.
If you comment, please be kind. Taste is subjective. Wherever we live, everyone has loves their home.
For several years, Compo Beach lifeguards have enjoyed — and entertained beachgoers by playing — spikeball, during breaks.
This year, Parks & Recreation Department officials ended the practice, due to safety and other concerns.
The guards hope to have the game back. A petition on Change.org says:
My fellow lifeguards and I at Compo Beach are passionate about our roles, ensuring the safety and well-being of all beachgoers. However, just like any other team, we thrive and perform at our best when we are engaged and physically active. Spikeball is integral to our job; it’s not merely a game, but a tool for team building, collaboration, and healthy competition in our dynamic working environment.
In today’s digital age, where technology dominates our lives, encouraging outdoor activities is more crucial than ever. Spikeball provides us with the necessary physical activity to not only stay alert and fit but to also foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It helps keep us moving and invigorated, ensuring that we are always ready and present to perform our duties effectively, rather than being distracted by our phones or other devices.
Implementing spikeball as part of our leisure time during breaks is a simple yet impactful initiative. Not only does it promote physical health and engagement, but it also reinforces the crucial aspects of teamwork and communication essential in our roles as lifeguards.
It’s time to enrich the working environment at Compo Beach by paving the way for activities that support both physical health and mental well-being. Let’s make spikeball a staple at our beach, enhancing our ability to protect and serve the community with vigor and joy.
Please sign this petition to allow spikeball for Compo Beach lifeguards and promote a healthy, active, and collaborative working atmosphere.
Speaking of the beach: We’ve posted 2 sets of photos of yesterday’s Soundview Stroll already (click here, and also here).
But the 3,000 happy visitors yesterday were not the only folks enjoying the spectacular weather, at one of our town’s crown jewels.
All the usual activities — swimming, playing on and lying in the sand, barbecuing, basketball, biking, playground-going, and so much more — was happening too.
It was both a special Sunday — and just another wonderful weekend day in Westport.
Just another day at the beach. (Photo/Awesnap.com)
Also at the VFW: The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon (Thursday, July 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
VFW benefits luncheon.
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Lachat Farms’ next monthly Farmers’ Market is Friday (July 31, 4 to 8 p.m.).
New vendors among the 21 include Lovely Chocolate, Robin Ann Jewelry, Stitchtrove and Tafika Arts. They join food trucks, tents, music — and Tony Pizza.
There’s’ also a collection of new and gently used children’s books. For more information, click here.
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Save the date — September 27 — for the 39th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge.
Sponsored by the Fairfield company founded by Westporters, the event benefits local charities including Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, Pivot Ministries and more.
It includes at 5K run, fitness walk and kids’ fun run, plus music, food, touch-a-truck, a t-shirt and race bag, and more.
The event is at Wakeman Boys & Girls Club in Southport. For more information, click here.
And few Westporters know kids and sports better than Jon Deren and Michael Maurillo.
Deren and his wife Sara are raising 3 children here. He’s coached PAL football, Little League baseball and youth basketball. As owner of Camp Manitou, the developer of other camps and programs (including for underserved youths), he’s impacted tens of thousands of children and families. He and Sara also co-founded Experience Camps, a national non-profit that provides programs to boys and girls who have lost a parent or caregiver.
Maurillo and his wife Jen raised 2 boys here. He’s coached youth lacrosse, basketball and flag football, and served on the PAL Lacrosse board. As co-owner and director of Academy Camps, he offers quality instruction and leadership skills to hundreds of young athletes — many of them from Westport — each year.
Both men know how much our town provides its youngsters.
And how much it lacks.
Jon Deren (left) and Michael Maurillo
With space tight, parents haul their kids to Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford — and beyond — for chances to train, or just play sports indoors with friends.
For several years, Deren and Maurillo have tried to create an indoor facility — a “modern Boys & Girls Club” that is a third space, beyond home and school, where kids can be active and have fun.
Finally, they’ve found their spot.
1431 Post Road East is a non-conforming 1.74-acre parcel, with a restaurant (Bar Lupa), greenhouses and consignment shop. Cars back right onto the road; there are ,multiple entrances and exits.
1431 Post Road East today …
Deren and Maurillo hope to convert the lot into a 2-story space with an all-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football (big enough for training, but not full games), and a fitness area with strength and conditioning coaches.
The facility would not be for high-level athletes only, the planners note. Any boy or girl who wants to play, train and improve would be welcome.
The aim is for “camp-like activities,” camp owners Deren and Maurillo say. It is not a place for tournaments with teams, and there are no outdoor activities.
There would be locker rooms, and a lounge where youngsters could socialize, do homework and meet with tutors.
… and aerial views showing the present site (left), and planned facility (right, with building and drop-off outlined in beige).
Though the primary users would be ages 10 to 18, Deren and Maurillo would welcome adults when school is is session. There could be toddler programs too.
Tonight (Monday, July 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a pre-application for the facility. They’ll provide feedback to the applicants on the plan, including parking, a dedicated lane for drop-off and pickup, and landscaping to buffer residential neighbors. (Click here, then scroll down to 1431 Post Road East, for materials provided with the pre-application.)
That’s not the only pre-application the P&Z will hear tonight.
There’s also a preliminary plan for redevelopment of 34 Imperial Avenue, into 2 residential buildings with 9 units. It’s just north of the Westport Woman’s Club, on the west side of the street.
It was constructed around 1890, as a private home. Since 1970, it’s been an office building, with 6 units. The conversion came when town officials created a transition zone, between downtown retail and residences, with offices for doctors, lawyers and small businesses.
34 Imperial Avenue today …
Its location — close to the Library, Levitt Pavilion and downtown — would appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, and others seeking in-town housing. (Click here, then scroll down to 34 Imperial Avenue, for materials provided with the pr-application.)
… and an artist’s rendering of the 9-unit proposal.
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