Dogs love Winslow Park.
Their owners may not have loved the somewhat grotty water fountain — serving canines and humans — that stood for years near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
It’s gone. And everyone is lapping up its replacement.
Yesterday, a new one was installed.
There are 2 bowls for people, one for dogs, and a spigot to fill water bottles. They all rest on a concrete pad — so goodbye to muddy paws.
The new fountain is a welcome gift from Sustainable Westport. A plaque says it honors Sherry Jagerson — “a champion for the environment.”
Teaching an old dog new tricks. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
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Congratulations to the Westport Library!
On Tuesday, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County presented director Bill Harmer with the Mark Award. It’s given annually to groups and individuals who create and support the arts.
The Library was honored for VersoFest. For 5 years, the event has entertained the state with 4 days of immersive music, multimedia, panels, workshops and more. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. With him on the screen is David J of Bauhaus, a keynote speaker and performer at this spring’s VersoFest.
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Speaking of the Library: The Board of Finance holds office hours there today (10 a.m.).
Residents can stop in, and ask a member town finance-related questions.
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Kerri Kenney-Silver — the actress (now appearing in Netflix’s “Four Seasons”), comedian, writer, singer, musician, and 1988 Staples High School graduate — was a recent guest on Seth Meyers and his brother’s “Family Trips” podcast.
Kerri talked about life — including working at the Red Barn and another restaurant. Click here to hear the entire episode. (Hat tip: Jenaé Weinbrenner)
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Speaking of performing: Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internships are among the most prestigious in the theater world.
Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at the historic stage (long before the program was named for the longtime Playhouse friend, and former artistic director). Joining him that year: future director Frank Perry, and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary.
This year, 4 theater career aspirants will enhance their skills and gain experience working with Playhouse senior staff this month and next. They were selected from 79 applicants.
The 2026 group includes Nick Bates, production intern, arts administration major at Wagner College; Rebecca Brown, marketing intern, advertising and public relations major at Marist University; Leah Fosbrook, development intern, theatre administration major at Ithaca College; and Julia Orr, artistic/education intern, theatre directing and public advocacy double major at Belmont University.
In addition to work in their departments, interns attend seminars with guest speakers. They receive a stipend and nearby housing.
From left: Rebecca Brown, Leah Fosbrook, Julia Orr, Nick Bates. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
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Comedy Night returns to VFW Post 399 tomorrow (Friday; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8).
The lineup of 4 comedians includes David Beckles, Jr., Autumn Harvest, Dan Altano, and regular residency comic Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako hosts.
Tickets are $20 (including 1 drink); click here to purchase.
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Today is the last day of school.
Once the kids are gone, construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School can move ahead full throttle.
But — at the northernmost edge of the property — work has already begun.
Here’s what the old lower soccer fields looked like on Monday:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
This is the new site for the school’s geothermal system.
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The Westport Rotary Club got a “healthy” bit of info at Tuesday’s meeting.
Dawn Myles, vice president for community health of Northwell Health described her organization: the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast. With 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians, Northwell cares for more than 3 million people annually in the New York area.
Dawn Myles at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 10 and 16.
A 37-year-old Danbury man was charged with harassment and threatening, following a complaint by the owner of a cleaning service. After firing an employee for stealing from a client’s home, the victim received calls and texts from someone presumed to be the former employee’s husband. Among other statements, he threatened to kill the victim’s daughter if his demands were not met. He was released on a $51,000 bond.
A 37-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and defective stop lamp, after an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the Post Road. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- School zone violation: 9 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
- Distracted driving: 4
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
- Failure to obey stop sign: 2
- School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
- Speeding: 1
- Texting while driving: 1
- Failure to grant right of way: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 1
- Unreadable license plates: 1
Ten drivers were charged last week with school zone violations.
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In other Westport Police news, a promotion ceremony will be held today (Thursday, 10 a.m., Police headquarters) for 3 officers.
Detective Scott Alberti has been with the Westport force since 2018. A Sacred Heart University business management graduate, he spent many years working in the private sector, where he also became an emergency medical technician. He has been recognized in Westport for superior performance, particularly in the area of mental health emergencies.
Sergeant Rachel Hall joined the Westport Police Department in 2016, from Ridgefield. She is a University of Connecticut graduate, with a degree in allied health science (pre-medicine). She has served Westport in the motorcycle and drone units, the Marine Division, school security, and as a dive rescuer.
Sergeant Casey Mezerewski has many relatives who served on the Westport force, include fallen officer William Frawley, his great-grandfather. Sgt. Mezerewski has been with the Westport Police since 2008. He is a Tae Kwon Do back belt, and has worked with the dive team, Marine Division and Honor Guard. He received a Life Saving Award in 2014.
From left: Det. Scott Aliberti, Sgt. Rachel Hall, Sgt. Casey Mezerewski
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Ospreys are known for making nests atop tall structures: trees, telephone poles and the like.
This one must be the highest in Westport — perhaps Fairfield County.
It’s on the top of the 200-foot transmission tower at the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.
It’s quite a spot. And quite a good image, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
(Photo/Ray Broady)
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And finally … the item that mentioned Stephen Sondheim’s long-ago internship at the Westport Country Playhouse (above) got us thinking about his music.
We also thought about the Playhouse — and remembered that when Judy Collins gave a memorable performance there last year, she sang this signature song:
(Send in the clowns. And send in the checks. Or online donations. “06880” relies on readers to support our work. If you appreciate us — or want to honor Sondheim or anyone else — click here. Thanks!)
Thanks to Sustainable Westport for the new fountain (& the one at Compo)!