Yesterday was Patriots Day. (A celebration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord — not the football team.)
The Westport Garden Club used the occasion to announce a new pop-up floral display and civic initiative, like its popular “Friday Flowers.”
That tradition began in May 2020 as a way to brighten spirits during the pandemic. This will continue this legacy of civic beautification and community dedication, in honor of America’s 250th birthday this year.
A special floral display was installed on Main Street, by the new town clock near The Gap.
The Westport Garden Club display at the town clock …
Other floral pop-ups include:
🌷Memorial Day (May 25): Veterans Green, in front of the Doughboy statue.
🌷Flag Day (June 14): Compo Beach entrance
🌷Independence Day (July 3): Veterans Green, in front of the Doughboy statue.
🌷Constitution Day (September 17): Town Hall steps.
… and a close-up.
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Praise continues to pour in for “Primary Trust,” the Westport Country Playhouse’s current production.
Phil Kann writes: “Alphonso Walker Jr. highlights a cast that makes clear why the script won a Pulitzer. During the play’s 3 or so breaks in the action, I have never heard more vacuum-like silence. I urge people to experience this quietly dazzling show.”
Another aspect that many theater-goers find fascinating is the brilliant scene-changing technique.
Scenic designer Jack Magaw created a slip stage — a large wheeled platform that slides to “slip” scenes into view, allowing for rapid scene changes.
In most shows the entire stage moves to the wings, so another full set can come into view.
This slip stage includes several locations (an office, bank, restaurant and bookstore) that move on an arc. All are visible throughout the entire show. The location that is the focus of a particular scene is lit, while the others exist in the shadows.
“Primary Trust” runs through May 2. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Set design for “Primary Trust.” (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
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Rising Tide brings creative small business owners together to collaborate and share their diverse perspectives and expertise.
Tomorrow (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Bella Bridesmaids, 19 Post Road West), they invite creatives, entrepreneurs and small business owners to a free meeting on “AI Tools and Resources.”
Rising Tide promises a “focused, jargon-free discussion on the AI tools that are actually worth your time. Whether you’re a total beginner or a tech enthusiast, come share your experiences and learn from your peers.”
The evening will include best resources; real-world cases by local people; open conversation to share tips, apps, and the ethics of using AI in creative fields; and brainstorming how to integrate tools into workflows.
Click here for more information, and to register. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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Congratulations to Inklings!
Staples High School journalists won several Gold Circle awards, in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s 43rd annual contest.
This year, there were over 6,000 entrants. All entries were published during the 2024-25 academic year.
Staples had 3 first place winners:
- News alternative story form: Avni Krishna ’27 and Camille Blundell ’27, “Stylizing Staples”
- News sports design: Anna Kercher ’25, “Sophia Fildago Schioppa Soars on National Field Hockey Stage”
- Digital media personal profile: Nina Bowens ’25, “Gigi’s Dollhouse: How Family Inspired One Woman’s Imagination, Unique Hobby”
Placing 2nd was Ella Turner ’28, for news headline writing.
In 3rd place for news sports commentary were Lucy Basso ’27 and Sophie Smith ’26 (“Is Aquatics a Must”).
The CSPA also awarded 2 certificates of merit:
Feature page design: Alexis Jacobs ’26 and Sophie Smith ’26 (“504 Plans”).
Inklings honorees, clockwise from top left: Starting from the top left, Sophie Smith, Alexis Jacobs, Camille Blundell, Avni Krishna, Ella Turner, Anna Kercher and Nina Bowens. (Collage created by Avni Krishna)
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More Staples news: 3 students are headed to Singapore!
Mehmet Madigan, Josephine Caricato and Elizabeth Stauder will represent the school — and the US — at an international summit hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, in July.
It is an elite event, with only 80 students. This marks the 12th year in which Westport has been invited to send 3 juniors. Requirements include high grades, and interest in world affairs (particularly Asia).
Congratulations, Mehmet, Josephine and Elizabeth!
From left: Josephine Caricato, Elizabeth Stauder, Mehmet Madigan.
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In November, the Staples boys soccer team won the state championship at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium.
This Sunday, 2 Westport teams will try to do the same.
But these players are old enough to be the Wreckers’ parents.
Last weekend, the Over-40 Westport Storm FC knocked out Danbury United 2-1 — the defending state champs — in the Connecticut State Soccer Association semfinals. They’ll face Vasco da Gama of Bridgeport in the final.
Westport players include Jim Wolf (captain of Staples’ 1999 and 2000 teams, now president of the Westport Soccer Association), Dan Chiazza, Olly Cook, Nick McDonald (whose son William plays at Staples), Robbie Newman, Steve Orloff, John Raus, Russ Pfeffer and Mike Zambon.
Westport Storm Over-40 team.
On an adjacent Wakeman field, the Over-50 Westport FC topped Newington 3-2 in penalty kicks, after regulation and overtime ended 1-1. They’ll play The Russell from Windsor.
Westport FC beat Newington 3-2 in penalties after drawing 1-1 after regulation and will meet The Russell from [Windsor]
That game could be especially meaningful to several players.
Fredy Duque’s son Gabe was a captain of Staples’ state championship squad. His daughter is also a Wrecker player.
Erik Waldman’s son Jaden was a sophomore Wrecker on last fall’s varsity. And Aldo Lopez is the father of a former Staples goalkeeper.
Other Over-50 players from Westport include Damien McClave, Jean-Francois Geschwind, Jeffrey Holl, Kaveh Ghahremani, Mihai Ciustea and Scott Hopper.
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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (April 23), for a session on “Computer Basics.”
It returns May 21, covering “Tips for Resume & Cover Letter,” and June 19 (Intro to Excel).
There are 2 sessions (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
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One more follow-up on the return of the Remarkable Bookcycle:
Yesterday, “06880” reported that the iconic lending library was back at its beloved Compo Beach spot.
But, we noted, Larry Roberts — who repaired it — had to throw out some books, due to snow and water damage. The shelves were a bit bare.
Within minutes, Westporters came through.
Barely an hour after that post, John Richers sent a photo of one side — nearly full. The other side is presumably equally robust.
And, John adds, there are “some significant titles.”
Feel free to borrow. But — in contradiction to Hamlet (whose play may even be on the shelf) — feel free to be a lender, too.
Robust titles, in the Remarkable Bookcycle. (Photo/John Richers)
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“JazzFC” presents the wildly popular “Jazz at the Post” series every Thursday. Great musicians play 2 shows at VFW Post 399. The price is low; the talent level very, very high.
But Jazz FC does much more. Among their projects: workshops for youth and aspiring professional musicians, as well as the local underserved community in senior citizen residences and community centers.
They also administer the Micky Golomb Scholarship, awarding up to $10,000 annually to students who concentrate in jazz studies.
To fund those endeavors, they’re sponsoring a “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck” this Thursday (April 23, 6 to 10 p.m.). (It’s at the VFW, not actually on the river.)
Over 25 award-winning artists will jam. There’s a silent auction and lavish dinner too. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Some of the 25+ musicians appearing at the “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck.” It takes place on dry land, at VFW Post 399.
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As long as flowers keep blooming — and readers keep sending them — we’ll feature spring foliage in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
This is the scene at Lansdowne condominiums:
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
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And finally … on this date in 1509, Henry VIII ascended to the throne of England, after the death of his father, Henry VII.
(Flowers, the Playhouse, Staples, soccer, jazz — and Herman’s Hermits. That’s how “06880” rolls — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our these Roundups, or anything else, click here to support us. Thanks!)
Yes, we saw that the Little Library was back and it made us so happy. We both give and take books from it. It has allowed us to read some books that we wouldn’t ordinarily read. Thanks for taking care of it for all of us.