The “baron’s mansion” — the building at the crest of a hill on Baron’s South, the largely overrun park between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Built in the 1950s for Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff — the perfume executive behind Golden Shadows, for whom his home was named — it is hardly a “mansion.”
And anyone who has been inside, and seen the linoleum flooring and green wallpaper — knows that taste is, um, subjective.
But the building — and his property, bought by the town 30 years ago, still undeveloped — have long been part of Westport’s history, and imagination.
The park — though not his “mansion,” and other buildings — are open to the public, from dawn to dark. If you’ve never hiked the property, it’s worth a visit.
Dave Eason, Morley Boyd, Lisa Hayes, Sal Liccione, Paul Cahill, Matt McGrath, Seth Braunstein, Seth Schachter, Andrew Colabella, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Martha Witte and Dana Kuyper have obviously all been there. They correctly identified last week’s Photo Challenge.
What about this week’s? If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
A recent announcement by the town of work on the Cross Highway bridge over that small stream — which they called “Dead Man’s Brook” — got Robert Mitchell wondering.
He’d known it as “Deadman.” As “06880” has noted previously, it’s named for a long-ago family with that unfortunate surname — not, as one would assume, for one unfortunate deceased individual.
Mitchell wrote town engineer Keith Wilberg. He promptly (and fully) replied: “FEMA publications use Dead Man’s Brook. As I spend a lot of my time in the FEMA regulation world, I tend to use FEMA’s nomenclature.
“However, the US Geological Survey also has a naming convention, based on the Geographic Naming Information Service. They use Deadman Brook.
“I’m not sure if one outranks the other. But again, as I spend a whole lot of my time, as does Planning & Zoning, in FEMA world, I tend to use their naming.”
But that’s not all. Wilberg added: “Thus I use Sasco Creek, and the state Department of Transporation uses Sasco Brook. Same water body; we’re just debating about what to call it.”
Then — on a roll — he said, “Our office has considered seeing if there is interest in changing the name of Pussy Willow Brook back to Compo Creek, which show up on very old maps and in some old texts. Not sure why or when it was changed, but I think the name Compo Creek would be more appropriate, and I am surprised there is not a creek so named.”
Deadman Brook runs from the north end of Westport, through downtown. At the Levitt Pavilion, it empties into the Saugatuck River. The Imperial Avenue footbridge crosses it . (Photo/John Maloney)
Things are blooming at Blau House & Gardens. The mid-century modern home on Bayberry Lane — designed by noted theater and set designer Ralph Alswang — was just added to the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places.
Next weekend, the space sponsors s readings of “Garden of Earthly Delights,” by Connecticut playwright Steven Otfinoski. Inspired by the legendary Naumkeag estate, these performances capture the shared spirit of ambition, artistry and preservation defining both historic properties.
The first — June 6, at Blau House & Gardens — includes an outdoor staged reading, talkback, reception, guided tour, and shuttle to and from Coleytown Elementary School.
The next day (June 7), there’s a more formal reading, with music and visuals, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn.
Josh Malerman brought his “From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience” to the Westport Library.
The immersive horror performance based on his new novel, “Incidents Around the House” combined a radio play, concert and stage production.
Josh Malerman and friends, on the Westport Library stage. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
And — nearly 40 years after winning a wiffleball contest, with the prize of an hour of air time on Staples radio station WWPT — G & and the Bones reunited last night.
With Staples Class of 1988 musicians Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger and Will O’Toole reuniting from as near as Weston and as far as Idaho, the band rocked Little Pub @ Dunville’s. The crowd included old friends, and others who had no idea of the back story.
The “Billy Bash” was a tribute to the friends’ “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
Guitarist Peter Doolittle (left) and singer Jem Sollinger (right), at Little Pub. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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There’s just a week left to see “Art, Jazz + The Blues.” MoCA\CT’s colorful, tuneful show ends June 7.
Just a couple of weeks later, the next exhibit opens. “Looking for History: Rich Shaefer, Ellen Harvey and Michael Borders” is a series of solo presentations that examine how histories — personal, local and national — are pictured, preserved, and contested.
As the US marks our 250th anniversary in 2026, the exhibitions invite visitors into conversations about the narratives and forces that have shaped our nation.
Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” is featured June 25 to August 2, followed by Borders’ “Connecticut Industry” (August 13 through November 15).
MoCA’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank says, “By bringing these artists together, we invite visitors to consider the distance between our founding ideals and our current reality — and how the choices we make today will shape the future of our democracy. MoCA\CT offers a contemplative space where we can safely engage with historical memory, the topics of our time, and one another.”
First we reported on Ryan Smith’s victory in the Vermont City Marathon — his first 26.2-mile race ever.
Yesterday, we followed up with a fan’s Instagram post about it. (Spoiler alert: Ryan’s time qualifies him for the US Olympic team marathon trials.)
Now here’s the story from Ryan himself. He posted it on Substack. It’s a great piece, and you don’t have to be a track geek to love it. Click here to read.
Viva Zapata has been the site of many events, during its 50-plus years in Westport.
Parties, reunions, wedding receptions, post-funeral gatherings … the Mexican restaurant has seen it all.
Except a book launch.
That changes this Thursday (June 4). At 5 p.m., Westport author Annalise Osborne celebrates her new book, “Hold On For Dear Life,” at everyone’s favorite Riverside Avenue spot. The official publication date is tomorrow.
The novel is about idealism, hubris and resilience — and the long, difficult work of finding your way back to why you started.
“In the summer of 2017, Charlie, Jack, and Nik leave MIT believing they can change how the world moves money. Within months, they are exactly the kind of company that gets written about. Within two years, they are nearly destroyed by it.”
Dr. Dale Atkins’ books like “Dear Deer” and “The Turquoise Butterfly” help young readers and their families navigate big emotions, build resilience, and connect more deeply with the world.
Next Sunday (June 7, 2 p.m.), the “Today Show” expert and psychologist comes to the Westport Library, for a conversation with trustee Liza Van Gundy on Atkins’ children’s books,
They’ll explore how storytelling can support children and families through challenges, from managing anxiety and embracing change to fostering empathy and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, June 18 (April 9), for a session on “Intro to Excel” — the popular business spreadsheet.
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.
Yesterday’s gusty winds brought down a North Avenue tree, on the sharp curve between Northridge Road and Charcoal Hill Road.
(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
Johanna Shields reports that it took more than 6 hours — from early afternoon until 7:20 p.m. — for an Eversource truck to arrive.
They then had to wait for the rest of the crew, before replacing the pole and rehanging the wires.
It was a long afternoon and night, for customers on North Avenue and side streets.
Eversource crew member Sylvester waits for his colleagues to arrive. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
Meanwhile, the second straight unseasonably cool weekend saw the Compo Beach entrance crew decked out in warm jackets. No t-shirts or shorts yesterday.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Today will be cloudy, with temperatures in the low 70s. That’s the start of the week too. By Wednesday though, we’ll see highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Former Staples High School soccer star Eloy Rodriguez died May 20. He was 68.
A native of Lima, Peru, he came to the US when he was 6. He quickly made himself at home, with his winning personality.
He earned a master’s degree in finance from Southern Connecticut State University. Eloy worked in management for beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Snapple.
He loved his family, friends, soccer, New York sports teams and a good story.
Eloy is survived by his sister Rocio Casey, brother Poncho, and nieces and nephews Ryann, Susanna, Holly, Jack and Emma.
An afternoon of remembrance and reminiscence is set for VFW Post 399 on June 27 (1 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Dianna Broady offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and says, “I thought that some Westporters would appreciate seeing a bird that a lot of people don’t think of as beautiful. This big tom struts for his ladies in our yard, and sometimes roosts in the big maple over the pond.”
And finally … speaking of Dead Man’s/Deadman Brook (story above):
(From Main Street to Doheny, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or feature stories, photos, music and more — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Caroline Banks is a senior at Staples High School. She is a soprano in the Staples Choralaires ensemble, and an honors music student.
She is also organizing a fundraiser for KEYS Music — Kids Empowered by Your Support — a nonprofit that has provided free music education to Bridgeport students since 2004. Caroline writes:
“06880” has recognized 433 Unsung Heroes.
i propose Sung Heroes #1: the Westport music teachers.
Westport has a deep bench of musical talent. Beyond the (at least) 9 Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winners who have lived here, hundreds of Westport students have music in their DNA before it ever appears in their curriculum.
That was not me. Everything I know about music, I learned from Westport Public School music teachers and Dianna Betit, my voice coach.
Caroline Banks (right) and friend Lily Franklin, before this month’s Staples spring concert.
The rhythm of my 13 years of WPS music education will be familiar to many:
Kindergarten–2nd grade: I was shy and intimidated by performing. But music was embedded throughout our school day, so I sang because everyone else did. Each December, we performed at the Long Lots holiday sing-along. My mom still remembers the chorus to “A mi burro.”
3rd grade: Our whole class began the recorder. I enthusiastically practiced at home, which terrified our dog.
4th grade: Signed up for orchestra (violin) and chorus. 7:25 am rehearsals several times per week.
5th–6th grade: Played clarinet. Marched in the Memorial Day parade with Bedford Middle School Band.
7th grade–present: Committed to chorus, and developed my soprano range.
Throughout there were fall, holiday and spring concerts, and 4 Candlelight performances. On June 5, I’ll walk onto the Levitt Pavilion stage to sing with the Choralaires at the Pops concert for the final time before graduation.
Signs honoring all senior music students line the Staples entrance.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about who helped me along the way. My music teachers showed up with real craft, a lot of patience, and the genuine belief that music belongs to every student — not just the ones who were born into it.
So in the spirit of this blog’s Unsung Heroes, I’d like to give some long-overdue recognition to my “Sung Heroes”:
Former teachers Ann Hadden, Betsy Tucker and Luke Rosenberg;
Current Staples High School choral director Lauren Pine
Dianna Betit, who has been a supportive presence in my life for the past 3 years.
Like us, Bridgeport students can get an excellent music education. They have a chorus, and can join a jazz band or orchestra. They have performed at venues like the Bijou Theatre, and events like the Bridgeport Jazz Fest. Last fall, KEYS orchestra students performed on instruments that survived the Holocaust as part of the “Violins of Hope” program.
Staples (right) and Bridgeport concert programs.
What’s different is not the quality of the program — it’s who pays for it, and how many students can access it at all.
The opportunity gap between Westport and Bridgeport is clear by the numbers:
Westport Public Schools employs 28 music teachers for a district of roughly 5,000 students.
Bridgeport Public Schools serves roughly 20,000 students — 4 times the size — with approximately 45 music teacher positions, not all of which were filled this past year. That works out to around 450 students per music teacher.
Bridgeport students receive 19% less per pupil than other Fairfield County students, and 12% less than the CT state average.
KEYS has spent 22 years filling that gap, serving over 6,800 Bridgeport students since 2004, entirely through private donations and grants.
They receive no funding from Bridgeport Public Schools — even though they operate as a pull-out enrichment program in over 20 schools during the school day. In 2024 they delivered 12,753 hours of music instruction, maintained an average 5-year relationship with each of their high school students, and saw 100% of their seniors graduate.
The 41 professional teaching artists on the KEYS faculty are the peers of my teachers in Westport — skilled, dedicated educators who show up every day with the same belief that music belongs to every child.
This spring, I’m raising funds for KEYS as a tribute to my own music teachers — paying it forward in their honor to support their professional colleagues in Bridgeport.
Next fall I’ll head to Wesleyan, where I hope to keep singing. My voice was built in Westport classrooms and in private lessons with a teacher who believed it was worth developing.
The best way I know to thank all of them is to make sure the teachers 8 miles away — doing the same work, with the same commitment — have what they need to keep doing it.
If a Westport music teacher changed your life, consider naming them in the comments below. Hopefully, they will see it and feel appreciated!
And consider honoring them by donating to KEYS. On the donation page, there is a space to donate in honor of another. If you include their email address, your honoree will receive a note.
(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)
Staples conductors at the 2025 Candlelight concert (from left): Carrie Mascaro (orchestra), Caitlin Serpliss and Kevin Mazzarella (band), Jen Brima (orchestra), Lauren Pine (choral). (Photo/Dan Woog)
Do you boat, sail, paddle, row or cruise along the Saugatuck River?
If so, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation wants to hear from you.
They’ve posted a survey, as part of the Saugatuck River Waterway Study. The goal is to support planning efforts for infrastructure improvements, including the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.
Questions relate to a variety of river users, and planned activities within the next 20 years. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
Questions? Contact Erica Blonde: 857-208-8985, or eblonde@hntb.com.
Saugatuck River railroad bridge. (Photo/Doug Steinberg)
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Molly Alger writes: “When you read about the streets in town being repaired, you have an image of the old surface being torn up and a new surface put down over it.
‘On some streets the work is considerably more extensive — and grueling and challenging for town crews. Whitney Street is being widened, and the sidewalk widened and replaced (much needed). I am astonished to walk by the work every day.
“Huge boulders are being removed, broken up, and/or installed as walls along the road. Truly amazing efforts are being expended on this project.
“The men are rightly proud of their efforts and this project. They are upbeat, polite and attentive every day — and beyond any definition of ‘hard-working.’
“As a Whitney Street resident, ‘thank you’ is grossly insufficient acknowledgment of this grueling work.”
Working hard, on Whitney Street. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Based on the photo below, I called it “Flora Aesthetics & Spa.” I noted that I could find nothing about it online, beyond a similarly named “Flora Aesthetics & Wellness” in Ventura, California.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Reader Aini Rockwell pointed out that the business is actually “Elora,” not “Flora.”
Bingo!
Unfortunately, a quick Google search for that name was equally fruitless. This time I found 2 “Elora” aesthetics businesses.
One is in Cyprus. The other is in Qatar.
If anyone knows anything about this new Westport venture, click “Comments” below.
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Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public twice a year. The next date is tomorrow (Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The event is a partnership with the National Garden Conservancy.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner will there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members will explain how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance last night, at New York’s Birdland Club.
The Y’s Men and guests got a sneak preview yesterday.
Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of gardens: Volunteers from 2 clubs — Westport and Greens Farms — lent their green thumbs yesterday to Susie’s House.
The gardeners ensured that everything looks stunning for today’s AWARE event, a fundraiser for Homes with Hope’s Compo Road North supportive housing for young women.
Garden work, at Susie’s House. (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
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Summer is here!
A full moon and warm weather brought the grill and picnic crowd to Compo’s South Beach last night.
“John and Jen,” the musical co-written by Staples High School graduate and longtime Westporter Tom Greenwald over 30 years ago, is running now through June 7 at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
And finally … the DOT’s survey (story above) got us thinking about how many ways we roll on the river.
(“06880” is proud to be your hyper-local blog. We’re proud to bring you news, features, photos and much more, 24/7/365. And we’d be extra proud if you click here, to support our work. Thank you!)
A couple of familiar scenes — the Cribari Bridge, the view from the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry — share space with the usual mix of still life, abstract and other art, in this week’s online gallery.
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Rachel Konstantin)
“Cherry on Top” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)
“Daisy from Porto, Portugal” (Eric Bosch)
“We the People” (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Not Sure of the Address! Just Tell Uber the Brown House” (Steve Stein)
“Leopard” (Melia Charalambous — age 11, One River Art student)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“A Sure Sign of Spring” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Leaving It All Behind” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.
The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.
The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.
Now they’ve released architectural plans.
Level 2 (ground level)
Level 3
Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)
Level 6
Parking garage – level 1A
Parking garage – level 1
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.
The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.
The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …
,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …
… as well as the cafeteria.
They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.
The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
Over the past week, I have had many thoughtful and in-depth conversations with my team, friends and family following the Democratic Town Committee caucus.
After careful consideration, I have chosen not to petition for a primary, and will therefore suspend my campaign for State Representative. I wish Lee Goldstein well moving forward.
I am deeply grateful to the volunteers, supporters, well-wishers and donors who placed their trust in me and my candidacy. Your encouragement, dedication and belief in what we hoped to achieve together is something I will always cherish.
This was not an easy decision, and it is certainly not one that comes naturally to me. However, it is the right decision for me personally and for the overall health and well-being of my family.
My commitment to Westport remains as strong as ever. I will continue to be a steadfast advocate for our community and look forward to channeling my energy, experience, and passion into new opportunities to serve and strengthen the town we all care so deeply about.
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