Author Archives: Dan Woog

Roundup: State Soccer Champs, George Barrett & Brian Keane’s Music, Brian Claar’s Golf …W

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 4 comments

The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.

The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.

Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.

The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.

Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.

The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.

Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)

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And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.

The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.

Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.

They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.

They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.

Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)

George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment) 

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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.

The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.

The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.

“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”

Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.

Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)

Brian Claar

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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.

They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.

“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”

A message on the new scoreboard.

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Sustainable Westport is all about the environment. As part of their work, they advocate for, educate about, and promote recycling.

In all its forms.

This weekend, in conjunction with the Senior Center, they collected medical equipment. It will be passed on to the Wheel It Forward program.

For 2 hours, donors dropped off wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, commodes and more, at the Westport Woman’s Club.

It was used — but still quite usable.

And — in these days of soaring medical expenses — very, very welcome.

A small selection of donated used medical equipment.

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Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.

Now he’s offering 25% off, for “06880” readers.

Email ckcardetailings@gmail.com, or text 203-725-4695 — and just mention “06880.”(Click here for the CK Mobile Car Detailings website. Click here for a story on Christian and his business.)

Christian Rinaldi (right) and Kyle Dulak, making another car shine.

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Speaking of cars: Rowene Weems spotted this car at the Post Road West/Wilton Road intersection — and managed to get a great photo of it.

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

I’m not sure if the owner will take care of Christian Rinaldi’s mobile detailing offer (item above).

But if he does, Christian will make it look even spiffier than this.

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Yesterday — for the second time in a week — we enjoyed a rainbow over Westport, without rain.

Michael Mossman spotted this one,

(Photo/Michael Mossman

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We’ve featured plenty of trees, filled with autumn foliage, as recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.

This one zooms in on just a couple of them. John Maloney’s shot shows that New England leaves are as pretty up close, as they are in a panorama.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):

(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this  hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random

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To The Cast Of “Les Mis”: Felicitations Et Merci!

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 7 comments

Stacey Delmhorst is a Staples High School math teacher.

She is also the proud mother of Griffin Delmhorst. A senior, and vice president of Staples Players, he is double cast as Jean Valjean in the current production of “Les Misérables.”

The show has earned raves from audiences. Even by the sky-high standards of the much-more-than-a-high-school troupe, this one stands out. Over 70 actors and 30 musicians, with costumes, sets and energy that rival professional productions make “Les Mis” a show that will be talked about for years.

Stacey is justifiably proud of her son, and the entire cast and crew. Her words today are well worth reading. And they’re relatable to anyone who has ever watched any child commit fully to any passion — whatever it is, in any field — and find success and satisfaction there, with friends and mentors they will never forget.

There are some nights that remind you why the arts matter; why community, passion and purpose are worth every late rehearsal, every lost weekend, and every frazzled dinner eaten out of a to-go box.

The past 2 nights of “Les Misérables” were those nights.

Sitting in the audience, I found myself doing that impossible parent dance: half bursting with pride, half fighting back tears (okay, I lost that battle — multiple times).

Griffin Delmhorst, in “Les Mis.” 

Griffin and his castmates didn’t just perform “Les Mis”; they lived it.

Every emotion, every harmony, every heartbreaking pause between lines felt earned.

The show is a monster of a challenge emotionally, musically and logistically, yet this group of students made it feel effortless. They gave everything they had, and somehow still managed to make us believe they had more to give.

It’s easy to talk about “Les Mis” as a story about revolution, loss and redemption. But what struck me most was its quiet message about legacy. Watching these students — some seasoned seniors, some brand new freshmen — share the stage, I saw exactly that: a legacy being passed down in real time.

The seniors of Griffin, Will, Cat, Sara, Seamus, Cooper, Graham, Harry, Connor, Leila and Mikey (I know there are more!) deserve their moment in the spotlight.

This was their final fall show, the last time they’ll step into a rehearsal hall as students and not alumni, the last time they’ll experience the magic of a fall opening night knowing this family still belongs fully to them.

Their growth over the years has been extraordinary — and not just as performers, but as leaders, mentors and friends.

You could feel their experience anchoring the show. Their presence on stage had that rare mix of confidence and heart that comes from years of late-night line runs, forgotten props, and those unspoken “we’ve got this” glances shared between castmates.

But let me be clear. This wasn’t just a senior showcase. Instead, it was a full company triumph.

The freshmen, sophomores and juniors didn’t just support the seniors; they elevated them. Their energy, dedication and sheer love for the craft radiated from the stage.

They’re the heartbeat that will carry Staples Players into the next generation, keeping the standard sky-high and the spirit intact. Watching them step into their roles, both on stage and within the Players community, was a reminder that this legacy is alive, evolving, and in very good hands.

There was something profoundly moving about seeing such a range of students, from those taking their first bow to those taking their last, pour themselves into this story together.

“Les Misérables” asks a lot of anyone who takes it on. It demands vulnerability, resilience, and the ability to hold both despair and hope in the same breath. These kids did just that. and they did it with heart, humor, grace and professionalism well beyond their years.

Every element of this production — from the powerhouse vocals, the precision of pit orchestra director Lauren Pine, the seamless scene transitions (of the amazing tech crew, led by Fin Maddaloni), and the emotional nuance spoke to the kind of artistry that doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens because a group of young people decide, collectively, that they’re going to create something extraordinary. It happens because of directors (David Roth and Kerry Long) and mentors (AnnaMaria Fernandez and Rachel) who believe in them enough to hand them the keys to a show this massive, and trust that they’ll drive it like pros.

And it happens because theater, at its core, is about connection. There was no shortage of that on that stage.

By the final note of “Do You Hear the People Sing,” I was a puddle. Not just because of the story, but because I could see my son and his friends standing on the cusp of something bigger, in the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

(All photos/Kerry Long)

For the seniors, this was their final fall show, their chance to leave everything they’ve learned, loved and lived right there under the lights. And they did it absolutely beautifully.

So yes, I cried (multiple times). But they were the best kind of tears: the kind that come when pride and nostalgia and awe all collide.

Watching Griffin and his fellow Players reminded me that while every show eventually ends, what it leaves behind in the laughter, the memories, the lessons and the legacy never really fades.

Bravo to the entire cast and crew. You didn’t just perform one of the most difficult shows ever written; you transformedêé it into something unforgettable.

The revolution isn’t over, it’s just passing to the next cast.

“Les Misérables” concludes its run with performances this Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21 (7 p.m.), Saturday, November 22 (2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, November 23 (2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information. 

(“06880” regularly covers the arts in Westport, and the accomplishments of young people. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #3133

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Downtown by drone (Photo/Frank Rosen)

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Photo Challenge #568

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 14 comments

The lower part of Jesup Green — by the Taylor parking lot, between the grass and the Saugatuck River — has been a bit of a time warp.

Things exist there that have not been seen, or used, for decades.

Only (very) recently were signs for the Minnybus stop removed. The last diesel bus deposited riders at its central hub 40 years ago.

Nearby, 3 plastic thingamajigs sit. Once upon a time, they were filled with free newspapers — the kind advertising homes for sale, entertainment options, and the like. (Click here to see.)

Those papers are long gone. But the stands still stand, unused and ugly.

They could be called eyesores — except most people look right past them.

Not Elaine Marino, Andrew Colabella, Christy Charise, Morley Boyd, Charlotte Epstein, Cathy Malkin, Amy Schneider, Phil Kann, Sal Liccione, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Ivy Gosseen and Linda Vita Velez, though.

They all knew the answer to last week’s Photo Challenge.

Can you answer this week’s? If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

(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!)

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Roundup: Helping Jamaica, Ukraine, Homes With Hope, Pink Aid …

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Weston reggae musician Mystic Bowie has strong roots in Jamaica. There’s a Mystic Bowie Cultural Center in Accompong Town.

But after Hurricane Melissa, nearly every home and school must be rebuilt. Families are in urgent need of safety, shelter and support.

Bowie is doing what he can to help. And he wants everyone here to join the effort.

On November 29 his Talking Dreads band take the stage at the Fairfield Theater Company’s Warehouse.

Tickets are $100, $50 and $35. All proceeds support the Mystic Bowie Cultural Center’s Jamaica Relief efforts in Accompong Town. Click here to purchase or donate, and for more information.

Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”

Mystic Bowie

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Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.

Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.

Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.

“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.

“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).

“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)

“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”

Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.

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There is need in Westport too.

The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.

Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.

Collections will continue at today’s 2:30 p.m. matinee, and next weekend’s 5 shows. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.

Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.

The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.

In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m., at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium. Click here for the livestream.

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Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.

Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.

The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.

Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.

Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.

Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.

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The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.

They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.

The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.

The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”

In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.

The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.

Noel Furie and Selma Miriam: through the years.

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Speaking of food places: Gofer has closed.

The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.

The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.

Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.

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Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.

There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.

Completion is expected by Memorial Day.

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Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.

They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.

Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.

Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.

To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.

Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.

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The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.

“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.

The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”

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This is a long fall.

And we’re loving every day of it.

Today’s leaves-are-still-hanging-on “Westport Naturally” comes from Timber Lane.

But it could be many other places around town.

We are very lucky indeed.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):

(Here’s “06880”‘s dream: That everyone who enjoys our hyper-local blog — and has the means to — chips in by clicking here to support our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)

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Posted in Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Running The Marathon, In A Positive Direction

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Robin Moyer Chung reports on culture, and more, for “06880.” She writes:

On the morning of December 7, 1967, Westporter Marie Fitzsimmons woke up and, after years of hard drinking, made the decision to never drink again.

Four years later, her brother died of alcoholism.

Back then people were largely dismissive of alcoholics. Fitzsimmons says, “People felt weakness was a sin, a moral issue.” Those who drank excessively were an embarrassment to friends and family, so the affliction was ignored.

She took immediate action — 12 years before Betty Ford opened her own clinic.

For 10 years, without compensation or help, she raised funds, counseled individuals, and managed its administration.

Over 50 years later, Fitzsimmons’ organization — now Positive Directions — continues to offer professional therapy and substance abuse counseling to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay.

As a non-profit, the organization relies on individuals, businesses and others for support. This year, they found an intriguing way to do that.

Positive Directions was selected to be a charity partner of the New York Marathon. 

Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi all ran the marathon for their first time. Using it as a fundraiser, they collected over $19,000 for Positive Directions.

From left: Brian McGarvey, Cam Gaylord, Gianna Affi.

By raising awareness of mental health, PD normalizes and de-stigmatizes the need to receive services that save lives, both physically and emotionally.

By training and running for a marathon, Brian, Cam and Gianna did a lot for their own physical and emotional health too. To learn more about Positive Directions — including programs and services offered, and how to donate — click here. 

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Pic Of The Day #3132

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 2 comments

Westport, from Southport Beach (Photo/Melissa Makris)

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Remembering Patsie Bonardi

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 11 comments

Patricia (Patsie) Bonardi — a longtime and much-loved Westport teacher — died peacefully, surrounded by her family on November 4. She was 94.

A longtime resident of Westport and Bethlehem, New Hampsire, “she left a legacy as a dedicated, inspiring educator and civic activist,” her obituary says.

The Littleton, New Hampshire native graduated from Keene State Teachers College in 1953, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Her obituary says, “she was infamous in college for her activism and her involvement in numerous student organizations. She was included in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities in 1953.”

Patsie earned her master’s from the University of Bridgeport in 1985.

She taught in elementary schools in Nashua and Littleton, New Hampshire immediately following graduation.

Patsie Bonardi

In Westport, where she taught 2nd grade for 39 years, she was recognized for her outstanding and creative teaching skills.

In 1989, the town recognized her with a Most Committed Citizen Award. In 1995 she was nominated by her former students, and was featured in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.”

After her retirement and return to Bethlehem in 1996, she worked as a real estate broker. She was also very active in local organizations, including the Bethlehem Public Library which she served as a trustee. She was instrumental in realizing the dream of a new library.

She also served on the boards of WREN and the North Country Home Health Agency.

“She was often seen, and heard, at Bethlehem Select Board meetings where she was a vigilant citizen advocate,” her obituary says.

Her only sibling, Bevalie Bouchard, predeceased her in 2019. Her longtime companion, Paul Babbet, predeceased her in 1997.She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held May 30, 2026 (1 p.m.,Mulburn Inn, Bethlehem, New Hampshire).

Donations in Patsie Bonardi’s memory may be made to the Bethlehem Public Library, PO Box 250, Bethlehem NH 03574 and the Colonial Theatre, PO Box 204, Bethlehem, NH 03574.

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Patsie’s death drew many tributes on social media.

Mariana Lynn Castelli called her “an extraordinary teacher. I struggled with dyslexia (unknown in those days) and due to her patient, diligent, faithful efforts I learned to read and write.

“To me, Chuck Boisseau, Peter Mogren and many others, no doubt, Patsie Bonardi became a lifelong point of light.

“Several years ago we and our spouses gathered for brunch in New Hampshire in the town near where Peter and Patsie both lived.

“It was an extraordinary reunion. At my request Patsie read the opening paragraph to ‘The Box Car Children,’ a book she’d read to us decades before.

“I’d brought along my ancient copy, which she personalized with a message to me. I consider it a treasure.”

Katie Abelow Ruoff added, “Miss Bonardi remains my favorite teacher to this day. Among the many wonderful things she did in her classroom was recognize our birthdays by drawing a birthday cake on the blackboard and letting us tell her how we wanted it ‘frosted.’ Miss Bonardi would draw elaborate iced cakes in the colors we requested.”

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In 2021, “06880” saluted Patsie Bonardi. We wrote:

It took a while for this news to make it here. But it was worth waiting for.

After a long and legendary teaching career in Westport, beloved elementary school icon Patsie Bonardi returned to her hometown of Bethlehem, New Hampshire.

For her 90th birthday in June, the town gathered along Main Street. They celebrated her with a surprise “reverse parade.” Residents gathered outside the theater, post office and library, holding signs and cheering as she rode by in her convertible — with a police and fire truck escort.

Patsie Bonardi, during her parade. (Photo/Angel Larcom)

Elementary school students held handmade signs.

Bonardi was a longtime supporter of the Colonial Theater, and served as a library trustee and Home Health Care Board member. As part of her birthday celebration, residents raised $1,300 in her name for the theater.

(Hat tips: John and Carol Waxman)

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Posted in Education, Obituaries

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Staples Soccer: Before The State Finals

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 7 comments

The Staples boys soccer team battles for their 13th state championship tomorrow.

Kickoff Sunday is 3:30 p.m. at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium, against archrival Greenwich. Click here for the livestream.

The Wreckers reached the “LL” (extra large schools) final with a 3-1 victory Tuesday night, over Hall-West Hartford at Newtown High.

John Walker is a freshman player, in the Staples program. He’s also a very talented photographer. The 9th grader was on the sidelines Tuesday, capturing everything from warmups to a sportsmanlike gesture at the end. Enjoy his photo gallery!

Goalkeeper Jack D’Amoreo warms up …

… and joins his teammates in the pre-game circle.

Adriano Carpi gets ready.

Brendan Allen outraces a defender …

… and (center) celebrates his goal.

Defender Gabe Hellmann moves upfield.

Reserves watch intently.

Adrian Rodriguez, in a rare moment without the ball.

After the final whistle, Ford Epstein consoles a Hall player. (All photos/John Walker)

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Roundup: Hook’d, Blu Olive, Melissa & Doug …

Posted on November 15, 2025 | 25 comments

The Board of Finance voted unanimously yesterday to recommend a $275,000 payment to Hook’d.

That would enable the Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire to leave their 10-year contract early — possibly this summer.

Details have not been finalized between Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri and the company. Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) must give its approval too to the agreement.

“06880” will keep you posted.

The door may close soon on Hook’d’s time in Westport. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of food: When Harvest Wine Bar closed in August, the Railroad Place place promised it would reopen, with new partners joining the ownership. The menu would be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.

The new restaurant will be called Blu Olive. A Facebook post promises “beautifully plated dishes of fresh ingredients, meticulously curated wines, and sparkling ambience.”

NOTE: Blu Olive is no relation to Blu Parrot, the similarly oddly spelled, short-lived (2012-13) restaurant/bar/music venue that occupied what was once the longer-lived Arrow and Jasmine restaurants — and is now Riko’s Pizza — around the corner on Charles Street.

Coming soon: Blu Olive. The shutters may need to be replaced.

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Speaking of Saugatuck: The annual Cribari Bridge lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.).

But before the official flip of the switch, strands had to be replaced — and bulbs tested.

It took just 4 hours yesterday. Huge thanks to AJ Penna & Son Construction, Westport PAL and president Craig Bergamo, and the lights’ sponsors. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Volunteers, after testing the Cribari Bridge lights. From left: David Floyd, Robert Caporale, Kevin Ancker, Craig Bergamo, Andrew Colabella, Andrea Moore.

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It’s not Cooperstown.

But being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is a great honor. Congratulations to 2 new members: Melissa and Doug Bernstein.

The brains behind Melissa & Doug — the legendary business, founded in Westport — join honorees like Walt Disney, Sesame Street’s Joan Ganz Cooney, and leaders of companies like Mattel, Toys “R” Us, Milton Bradley and Hasbro.

Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, says, “Melissa and Doug built a legacy of timeless, beautifully crafted wooden toys that have sparked imagination and discovery for decades.”

They’ll be honored February 13. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.

Melissa and Doug Bernstein.

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Mar Jennings — the lifestyle guru/realtor/figure skating champion — posted this teaser on Instagram:

“The Minuteman statue isn’t just iconic — it’s part of our hometown heartbeat. A symbol of courage, readiness, and civic pride, he’s stood watch over Westport for generations. And now, I’m bringing him back into focus… because something extraordinary is about to happen.

“In the coming days, I’ll be sharing an announcement that’s close to my heart—one that uplifts our community, honors our legacy, and inspires the next generation to rise with purpose.

“For now, let the Minuteman stand tall in our minds. Good news is coming. And it’s coming home to Westport.”

That’s certainly intriguing.

But what’s even more compelling is the video that accompanied the announcement. Thanks to AI, it shows our Minute Man in a way we’ve never seen before. Click here. to watch.

Trust us: It’s worth the 3 seconds.

Screenshot from Mar Jennings’ Minute Man video.

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Cat Malkin writes: “I know people are suffering with food insecurities. But their pets struggle too, because pets are important family members.

“When food runs out families may have to make heartbreaking choices, like surrendering their pets, who have been their comfort and emotional lifeline.

“Many pet parents will literally go hungry to keep their pets fed. Pet food is often the last thing families ask for, because they feel ashamed or guilty. A small donation of pet food can prevent a family from being torn apart.

“Homes with Hope is collecting canned dog and cat food, as well as dry food in bags weighing 25 pounds or less (larger bags are difficult for families to manage). Drop-offs can be made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”

Yogi Bear says “thank you!” (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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Speaking of Homes with Hope: Salon Dada celebrated its 5th anniversary by raising funds for Westport’s non-profit, dedicated to eliminating homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.

For Salon Dada, this was not a one-shot deal. They offer free hair styles, color and treatments to any Homes with Hope clients.

“Amazing and generous people!” praises HwH CEO Helen McAlinden.

Salon Dada owners Benjamin Lagasse and Steven Gemignani, with Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden.

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Westport’s first — and only — Board of Selectwomen held their final meeting of their 4-year terms Wednesday.

Second selectwoman snapped this selfie:

From left: Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin — Westport’s 2nd, 1st and 3rd selectwomen, respectively.

Thank you all for your service!

The new Select Board — 1st selectman Kevin Christie, 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day — will be sworn in Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

All other elected officials — including boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — will take the oath of office too.

The public is invited.

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For over 50 years, Positive Directions has offered professional therapy and substance abuse prevention services to everyone who needs it. They accept all insurances, and never turn away a client for inability to pay.

Every day, the staff helps people facing adversity. Their new interim executive director knows something about that.

Jessica Branson grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1996. Her father John is an Episcopal priest. Her mother Judyth is a therapist. She learned early the importance of listening, nurturing and empowering others.

Several years ago, Jess contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The neurological nerve disease paralyzed her for over 10 months. (Click here for an in-depth “06880” story on Jess’s battle with the disease.)

After a year in a wheelchair, and much longer in physical therapy and rehab, she has regained her mobility and independence. Now she has even deeper empathy for people battling mental and physical health challenges.

And she is ready to help change their lives, in positive directions. (To learn more about the organizations, click here. Hat tip: Robin Moyer Chung)

Jessica Branson

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The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decked out for Christmas.

Christmas during World War II, that is.

Tours of the historic home — decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, when the last 3 generations of the Coley family lived there — offer an intriguing look back.

After holiday treats made from wartime ration recipes in the visitors’ center, guests follow a tour guide — dressed in period costume — to the Coley House.

They’ll view authentic decorations; listen to original radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, and learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations here.

Tours are set for December 19 (6 and 7:30 p.m.) and December 20 (4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m.). Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Reservations are required. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

State-of-the-art radio, in the 1940s Coley House.

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It’s interesting that this truck takes up 4 spaces, in the Trader Joe’s parking lot:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

What’s even more interesting is that the driver could find 4 empty, contiguous spaces there at all.

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Bedford Middle School has a long driveway. Nearby are athletic fields, and Wakeman Town Farm.

But there are plenty of woods, too. Dayle Brownstein took this autumn image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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And finally …  in honor of Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame (story above):

(From the Minute Man monument in motion to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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