As Westport debates the future of Saugatuck — including either the Hamlet residential/retail/event space/marina complex, or a 500-plus 8-30g housing complex, with 30% affordable units — Fairfield has just okayed a 478-unit development.
The Planning & Zoning Commission vote was 5-2. Commissioners said that under the state’s 8-30 affordable housing regulation, they had little choice to say yes. The development would replace the Circle Hotel on the Post Road, near Black Rock.
Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.
Proposed 478-unit 8-30g housing, at 441 Post Road in Fairfield.
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For 44 years, the Susan Fund has helped Fairfield County students who have been diagnosed with cancer go to college.
The low-key — but highly impactful — non-profit honors Susan Lloyd. The popular, multi-talented Staples High School graduate succumbed to bone cancer while at Colgate University, over 4 decades ago.
At its annual reception yesterday, the Susan Fund awarded 19 college scholarships to Fairfield County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Among the recipients was Westporter Charlie Watson, a rising sophomore at Montclair University.
He was joined by the keynote speaker: 7-time Susan Fund recipient Ryan Caulfield. The Staples High School Class of 2017 graduate drove 7 hours — where he is finishing a doctorate in nurse anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh — for the event. (Click here for last year’s “06880” story on Ryan’s triumph over cancer.)
Ryan Caulfield
In high school, nursing — let alone anesthesiology — was not on Ryan’s radar.
He spent his 17th birthday in the operating room at Yale New Haven. A tumor completely occluded his left lung.
Several more procedures monitored the tumor. Then, in May of his junior year, his chest was cracked open. A 10-hour surgery successfully removed the tumor, and reconstructed his airway.
After a prolonged recovery, he found the Susan Fund while searching for scholarships. He said, “I realized they cared about my story and academic aspirations. Each year I looked forward to our meeting to share what was new in my life, and my plans after graduation.
“Listening to the stories of the speakers, and honoring and remembering Susan, constantly reinforce my resolve to become the best provider I can be. I never knew Susan, but her compassion and bravery is exemplified by this foundation and the opportunities that have been provided to each recipient to pursue their dreams.”
During its 44 years, the Susan Fund has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 900 individuals. This year’s total was a record amount.
To learn more about the Susan Fund — including how to apply for a scholarship, and donate — click here.
Susan Fund 2025 awardees.
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Every year, the Levitt Pavilion introduces new acts.
But they never forget old favorites.
One of the most popular shows every year is Frank Mastrone & Friends. The singer/actor (“Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables” and more) always delivers a Broadway-quality show.
A large crowd braved last night’s heat to enjoy this year’s edition. Bravo!
The Levitt crowd, for Frank Mastrone. (Photo/Carleigh Welsh)
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With all that’s going on in the world, this was a welcome sight off Compo Beach yesterday:
(Photo/Jim Hood)
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Also at the beach yesterday:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
And not only is the car very cool. But that’s one of the most unique license plates we’ve ever seen too.
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Summer just started. But the Westport Country Playhouse’s interns are already hard at work.
The quartet gain real-world experience in marketing, developing, production and education. They work closely with senior staff, and join in seminars with guest artists and industry leaders.
If you see them at a show: Say hi, and welcome!
From left: Amy Shapiro, Alli Buchanan, Ena Nomoto, Kelsey McFarland.
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First Folk Sunday — the popular Sunday afternoon series — begins its third season at the Saugatuck Rowing Club on July 6, with a popular draw: a tribute to Linda Ronstadt.
For decades, Suzanne Sheridan and her sister Christine Erskine have been singing the star’s songs for themselves. Now they’ll entertain an appreciative audience with them.
First Folk Sunday producer Rozanne Gates says, “You will hear 2 voices who come as close to Linda as you will get.”
They’ll be accompanied by First Folk Sunday favorites Bob Cooper (keyboards) and Tim DeHuff (guitar).
Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu and cocktails at each of the season’s 6 shows. Doors open at noon, for the 12:30 start.
Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Everything But Water has moved into the old Birddogs space, at “Elm & Main” (formerly Brooks Corner).
The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.
They operate 34 stores. Westport is their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Jillian Elder — one of our Westport-merch stars — is back.
She says, “Celebrate summer in style with our newest release: ‘Red, White & Westport.’ From cozy hoodies to everyday tees, tanks, mugs and more, this patriotic collection is perfect for showing off your hometown pride.
It’s available now at this link. There’s free shipping across the (red, white and blue) US.
Totes and mugs say “Westport, Connecticut.”
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Most Old Mill Beach scenes show sand and water.
Yesterday morning, colorful flowers and grasses were front and center.
Today, it’s our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally … in a salute to that very intriguing sailboat spotted yesterday on the Sound (story above):
(It’s going to be a hot one today. But the coolest thing you can do is support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)