The Levitt Pavilion has just signed one of the biggest bands around, for perhaps the biggest concert of the season.
Tedeschi Trucks Band rocks the Levitt on September 14 (7 p.m.). A cocktail party at 5 p.m. is sponsored by Massi Co. (formerly Don Memo) and Walrus Alley. rs D’Oeuvres from the menus of Massi & Co and Walrus Alley
Grammy Award-12-piece rock and soul powerhouse TTB is known for great live performances. NPR called the husband-and-wife team of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.”
Levitt Pavilion members can purchase tickets at 10 a.m. today (Friday). Sales to the general public begin Sunday (August 24, 10 a.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Tedeschi Trucks Band.
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The Delamar Hotel has opened its guest rooms, to great reviews.
Its restaurant — the Dandelion — took a bit longer to prepare. But now the much-anticipated dining spot — with its modern Mediterranean vibe, in a spectacular space — is ready for its reveal.
A grand pre-opening celebration is set for Saturday, September 6 (6 p.m.).
And — thanks to organizer Judy Michaelis of Coldwell Banker — the event is extra-special. All ticket proceeds will benefit Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Dandelion restaurant.
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Twenty-five years ago today, Beth Cody began volunteering for Westport Little League. She was the 4th grade baseball co-commissioner.
In the quarter century since, she has continued as commissioner for many grades — mostly 4th.
But that’s just a warmup. In 2013 she and her son Jack — a Staples High School junior, former Little Leaguer and Staples player, LL coach and member of Kool to be Kind — introduced the Challenger league to Westport.
It offers boys and girls ages 5 to 18 with physical or intellectual challenges a chance to play baseball too.
Thanks in large part to Beth, it’s stronger than oever.
“She absolutely loves it, and the families love her back,” Jack says.
“She offers a very personalized experience to all the players, and is friendly with all the families. She always looks for fun events besides baseballm so the kids can bond.”
But that’s not all either. Beth volunteers as executive secretary, and has taken minutes at board meetings since 2000.
On top of all that, she’s had a paid job as Westport Baseball & Softball registrar for 20 years.
Congratulations Beth, on your 25th anniversary, serving so many boys and girls (many of them now men and women), in so many ways. You’re a grand slam!
Beth Cody, at a Challenger baseball game.
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Speaking of Little League: How about that Fairfield National team?!
Our neighbors have reached the pinnacle of U-12 baseball success. Tomorrow (Saturday, August 23, 3:30 p.m.; televised on ABC), they’ll play for the US Little League championship.
Their opponents are from Nevada — the same team Fairfield came from behind to beat and reach the US championship. Nevada advanced out of the double-elimination loser’s bracket (click here to see).
They’re the first Connecticut team to reach the national finals since — yes — Westport, in 2013.
There is a strong Westport connection on the current Fairfield squad. Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap all have parents who are Staples High School graduates. Tommy D’Amura — who belted a home run in Wednesday’s 7-3 win over a Nevada team — has parents who work in our town’s public schools and Police Department.
If Fairfield wins the American title, they’ll play Sunday against the international division winner, for the world championship.
Which even the MLB winner of the “World” Series does not do.
Go Fairfield! (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Fairfield players — including Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley — celebrate a Little League World Series win.
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Speaking still of sports: The resurrected Compo Men’s Hoops League has been a resounding success this summer. Every Monday, 92 players on 10 teams compete under the lights.
As the Final Four looms (Monday, August 25; semifinals at 7 p.m., finals at 8:15), each squad boasts Westport roots.
Team Schur (Staples High School grads Jordan Schur and Connor Whelan; Travis Test, married to grad Eileen Cooney) faces Team Dymond (SHS alums Aaron and Josh Shapiro).
Team Rivel (SHS grad Sam Jossen, longtime Wesptorter Brian Rivel, Westport native Sean McCurdy, Westport detective James Baker) faces Team Salerno (Oscar Edelman, Greens Farms Academy).
Other notable “old” Westporters in the league include Staples graduates Andrew Bloom and Ben Joseloff, former Wrecker Brett Tessler, and a team of all (relatively recent) alumni: Jared Parnes, Carter Kelsey, Owen Ziegler, Mike Ziegler, Cam Manna, Nick Lukens, Justin Rothenberg, Josh Lapping and Matthew Ambrifi.
Compo summer league action.
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Speaking still of sports: Westport PAL hosts its 63rd annual Chief Sam Luciano Golf Tournament on Monday, September 8 at Longshore Country Club.
The event is a fundraiser for PAL’s academic scholarship program. It helps dozens of local students in need, as they pursue their educational goals.
The full day of golf includes prizes, and a great dinner. Tickets for individuals and foursomes, as well as sponsorships, are available now. Click her for registration, and more information.
Questions? Email Westport PAL president, Corporal Craig Bergamo: cbergamo@westportct.gov.
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Believe it or not, another sports story: The Joggers Club is warming up for another year.
A friendly group of neighbors who enjoy the camaraderie and energy of running, every Saturday at 8 a.m. they host runs along the shore. The meeting place is the Greens Farms train station.
Each run is followed by coffee and bagels. A yearly membership is $50. All new members get a free Lululemon Joggers Club shirt ($78 retail). Click here for details.
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Yesterday’s “Cones with a Cop” — a fun Westport Police Benevolent Association initiative for officers and residents at Sunny Daes — was pretty sweet.
It follows the very successful “Coffee with a Cop” program.
For a younger crowd, of course.
Officer Ned Batlin offers a cone with a cop. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Back at Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s collaboration — the Compo Mural Art Competition — has reached its next stage.
Residents were invited to design a mural to bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Bluestone/Hook’d concession building.
Some great submissions have come in. Now it’s our turn.
Three finalists have been chosen. The community is invited to select the winning design. Click here to see all 3, and vote.
Whose art will go here?
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Speaking of the beach: The Remarkable Bookcycle has been getting a lot of use this summer.
Dozens of beachgoers have picked up summer reading (and loftier volumes) from the free lending library, parked on Soundview Drive by the volleyball courts.
But it’s attracted a lot more takers than givers.
The shelves look bare. So: The next time you’re headed to Compo, throw a few gently used favorites in your bag.
It’s an easy — and “remarkable” — contribution to make to our town.
(Photo/John Richers)
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Speaking still of Compo Beach: Hurricane Erin will not make landfall on the US.
But the sprawling storm is still affecting coastal North America, from the Carolinas to the Maritimes.
This was the scene yesterday, at Compo:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Meanwhile, Compo remains closed to swimming. It will remain closed until the water is re-tested. Results will be available on Tuesday.
Burying Hill Beach is open, but no lifeguards are on duty. Old Mill is open too — and there are never lifeguards there.
(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
Meanwhile, with no swimmers to look out for, these lifeguards found a way to pass the time yesterday.
(Screenshot courtesy of Amy Schneider)
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Similar to the photo above, today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows yesterday’s cool, gray weather.
It grounded even the gulls.
(Photo/Andrew Franco)
Today will be more August-like: Sunny, with a high of 83. The weekend looks good too.
Tuesday is the first day of school, in Westport. Which brings up the annual question: What happened to summer?!
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And finally … in honor of the opening of the new Delamar Westport restaurant (story above):
(If you thought this Roundup was heavy on sports … don’t worry. There’s another one tomorrow — and every day after. And if you appreciate any of them, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
That hole-digging-lifeguard photo is in dire need of a caption competition.
How about one that involves a long timer Westporter “Luke, What’s your dirt doing in my hole?”.
Many thanks to Dan and my son Jack for acknowledging these last 25 years. Great article, as usual!
Westport Baseball can neither confirm nor deny the rumor that if you congratulate Beth for her 25 years of service that she will give you a free ice cream cone. 😜
My wife became the GOAT years ago and continues to hold the title!
The Challenger program has been an immense joy for my family and all of Westport, CT! My brother and I still volunteer when we’re in town and we’re so grateful for what Beth and Jack have delivered to the baseball community in our town!
Dandelion we are excited to see.
It looks like ESH the popular, highly touted Mediterranean/middle eastern restaurant in Fairfield. We have enjoyed ESH immensely.
Was it the same designer ?
Wonderful concept they followed.
Look forward to trying it.
As a member of The Levitt Pavillion, I was able to secure pre-sale tix to Tedeschi Trucks today (general public goes on sale Sunday).! So excited. This is a huge act for the Levitt. What’s next, Wilco?!