According to James Gray, who sent the 1937 postcard (above), it may have been located at what is now the Westport Housing Authority’s Hidden Brook and Sasco Creek Village.
Those townhouses replaced what for decades was a trailer park.
Deri’s Tourist Camp looks a lot like Mathewson’s Tourist Cabins:
They may have pre-dated Deri’s. And their location has been described variously as the former trailer park, and just west of that, where the Delamar is now.
We doubt any “06880” readers are alive who actually stayed at Deri’s or Mathewson’s.
But if you remember them at all, click “Comments” below.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker has suspended her campaign for governor.
In a statement this morning, the Republican candidate said:
I entered this race to be the next governor of Connecticut as a true outsider who feels the call to serve the state I love, knowing that this amazing state is in desperate need of a course correction.
However, after very serious thought and deliberation, it has become clear to me that the voters need more time to get to know me, and I need more time to get to know them. That is why today, I am announcing that I am suspending my candidacy for governor.
Jen Tooker
The state of Connecticut has major issues that voters are rightfully begging our leaders to address. Whether it is tackling the affordability crisis, reviving our state’s sluggish economy, or making our state government more accountable, my vision has always been about creating a stronger Connecticut for all who live here.
At a time when politics has us feeling more divided than ever, I stepped up with an agenda that everyone in our state, no matter your political affiliation, can feel included in. But with one party having total control over Hartford for much of the past decade, there has been little incentive for leaders to set aside partisanship and work across the aisle in search of practical long-term solutions.
I ran for Governor to change that, because significant progress for Connecticut will require a leader who is committed to seeking bipartisan cooperation in pursuit of what is in the best interest of the people of this state.
While not always at the forefront of our political discourse – yet just as important to the overall prosperity of our state – is the need to greatly enhance our K-12 education system to prepare each and every one of our students for the jobs and industries of tomorrow.
Students in Connecticut should feel they have boundless opportunities available to them upon graduation to live, work, and thrive here. We can and must do better to ensure that economic prosperity is abundant regardless of the zip code in which you reside. I remain committed to working on real solutions to achieve this goal.
My belief in our state’s potential has only strengthened from this experience. I still possess the heart and desire to serve the people of Connecticut. As I close down this gubernatorial campaign over the next few weeks, adhering to SEEC guidelines, I will be actively exploring other avenues in which my name can remain on the ballot in November of 2026.
Republican State Senator Ryan Fazio of Greenwich is also in the governor’s race. New Britain mayor Erin Steward and Fairfield attorney Peter Lumaj are considering runs.
Democratic Governor Ned Lamont has given strong indications that he will run for a third term.
The multinational retailer of beauty and personal care products — famous for letting customers test products before buying — will move into “Elm & Main” (formerly known as Brooks Corner) downtown.
They’ll open at the end of 2027 or early 2028. A mere 2 years from now.
Not the Westport store. This Sephora is on 5th Avenue in New York.
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It’s (almost) that time of year.
Starting next Wednesday (October 1), dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach.
With a few caveats.
They are prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways.
All dogs must be leashed everywhere, except in the off-leash area of south of the pavilion (which includes South Beach).
You are required by law (and common decency) to pick up your dog’s poop.
The dogs-at-the-beach regulations are in effect through March 31. Violators can be fined $77.
And remember: Dogs are not permitted on town athletic fields or playgrounds at any time. They are welcome — leashed — in surrounding areas.
Happy days are here again! (Photo/Dan Johnson)
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Speaking of dogs: Uh-oh. Looks like we missed National Dogs in Politics Day. It was Tuesday.
The annual event commemorates the September 23, 1952 speech by Richard Nixon. Running for vice president with Dwight Eisenhower, he defended himself in a speech against accusations of campaign finance wrongdoing by mentioning his cocker spaniel, Checkers.
Westport’s “animal muse” Cat Malkin, and her dog Yogi Bear, did not forget the day. They visited a couple of politicians — from both parties — and he released a statement.
Yogi Bear said: “I’m not here for your votes. I’m here to spread love, kindness, and fuzziness wherever I go, especially if there’s a treat involved!
“As we go into the campaign season, let’s make Westport the kindest (and most treat-filled) town in the land! I invite you to join us, dogs, as we come together to unite the country in love, kindness, and the right to bark.”
Yogi Bear with Republican 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker …
… and Democratic 1st selectman candidate Kevin Christie. (Photos/Cat Malkin)
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A few tickets remain — but probably not for long — for the Westport Country Playhouse’s fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane, on Saturday, October 4.
Broadway talents who have appeared with the star, including host Danny Burstein, will celebrate his career.
They will also salute productions that have been staged at the Playhouse in the 95 seasons since its founding in 1931.
Anne Keefe, former Playhouse co-artistic director, will be feted too. She’ll receive the 2025 Playhouse Leadership Award.
Lane and Keefe are longtime friends — and friends of the WCP.
The 7 p.m. curtain includes a live auction, and a 9 p.m. after-party in the Lucille Lortel White Barn. The pre-show reception is already sold out.
For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-227-4177.
Nathan Lane
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Peter Greenberg — America’s premier travel news journalist, an Emmy Award-winning investigative investigative reporter and producer, who has appeared on every major TV network and in every national publication — brought his insights and experience to the Westport Library last night.
The Y’s Men of Westport-Weston hosted the event, which drew a crowd of hundreds. He was joined in conversation by longtime friend and fellow world traveler Allen Swerdlowe, a Y’s Men member.
Peter Greenberg (left) and Allen Swerdlowe, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Before the talk Robin Tauck hosted a small dinner for Greenberg, at nearby Massi Co restaurant. A 3rd-generation member of the family whose name is synonymous with global travel, she has known Greenberg for decades, and been on industry panels and at conferences with him around the world.
TAP Strength is all about helping people feel more confident and capable in their bodies. A new program supports an important group: neurodivergent teens and young adults.
The next event in their “Effortless Effort” speaker series is October 14 (6 to 7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). at its Post Road East studio. It’s a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Chelsea Elkind and Lauren Rosenblum, founders of Westport-based NeuroMind. They’ve helped TAP design a program that is inclusive, supportive, and grounded in real-world needs.
The 6th annual (and always popular) Artists Collective of Westport trunk show is October 5 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jesup Green lower parking lot by the Westport Library).
More than 30 diverse artists will display their work — in and around their cars. The day includes live music, and food from Gruel Britannia.
Earlier this year, he Westport Community Theater presented “Words from the Front Lines” at Town Hall.
Many Westporters learned about it the show — a multi-media presentation of the correspondences of real people, in real time, affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine — too late to attend.
The Westport-Weston Probate Court is mourning the death of former chief clerk Shirley DeLuca. She died September 13 at Norwalk Hospital, of natural causes. She was 89.
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler says: “Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her as loyal, devoted, bright, hardworking and kind.
“She had unfailing patience for the countless bereaved and vulnerable people who entered Probate Court. Taking a seat by Shirley’s desk, one could pour out one’s heart to Shirley, and she would promptly help solve the problem.
“Generations of local practitioners learned their craft from Shirley, including me. For over 30 years Shirley served our community with love, humility and grace.”
She is survived by her husband Harold and son Glenn. She was predeceased by her son Harold III.
Services are private. Condolences may be sent to Westport- Weston Probate Court, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. All letters will be forwarded to the family.
Shirley DeLuca
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Today’s “06880” feature photo is one of our coolest ever.
And most colorful.
Clarence Hayes captured this bumblebee, sipping goldenrod nectar.
And finally … Olivia Newton-John was born today, 77 years ago. The highest-selling Australian female artist of all time died in 2022, after battling breast cancer.
The Westport Board of Education race — already interesting — just got even more so.
This morning, Robert Harrington joined 7 others. He is a write-in candidate.
The incumbent — elected 4 years ago to the Board — was not endorsed for re-election by the Republican Town Committee in July. Those nods went to incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro.
The Democratic Town Committee endorsed incumbent Abby Tolan and Lauren Karpf, deputy moderator of the Representative Town Meeting. Last month Karpf left the race, to seek re-election to the RTM. The DTC did not to replace her on the ticket.
Two other Democrats — Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris — are running as well. They lack the party’s endorsement, but gathered enough signatures to be on the ballot, on the party’s line.
Board of Ed members serve staggered terms, so only 4 seats will be contested in November. Voters can select 4 candidates.
There are currently 4 Democrats, 2 Republicans and 1 unaffiliated member on the board. Because by law one party can have only a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member BOE, only 2 of the 3 Democrats could be elected. All 4 Republicans, however — or 3, plus Harrington — could get the voters’ nod.
In launching his campaign, Harrington writes:
After four years serving on the Westport Board of Education, I believe our schools deserve leaders who will ask hard questions, not simply go along with decisions. I have worked to be a good board member by showing up, asking questions, and putting students and families first. I would like to ask Westport voters to give me an opportunity to serve another four years.
My pitch is simple: fewer tough questions and less accountability if I’m gone. Easier for the board chair or the superintendent — worse for Westport.
This year I am seeking reelection as an independent. Four years ago, I ran as a Republican alongside my running mate, Dorie Hordon. I never hid my party affiliation or apologized for it — in fact, during that campaign I even printed my own yard signs to make sure “Republican” was included. Voters deserve transparency.
How many signs will carry the word “Republican” during this local election?
A new road sign. (Photo/Robert Harrington)
During the Republican selection process earlier this year, I was asked if I could “tone it down.” I politely declined. My outspokenness on local issues — and towards my local party — may have cost me a party nomination, but I believe it’s exactly what Westport needs on the Board of Education.
I was preparing to step away from the Board. But two events changed my mind:
Superintendent contract and pay increase. The Board voted to extend the superintendent’s contract early, and give him a 4% raise — larger than what our nurses and custodians received. That was a bad look for both the board and the superintendent.
The Staples soccer coach hearings. Earlier this month, a second non-renewal hearing was held. I have no problem with a superintendent changing a coach — that can happen for many reasons. I do have a problem when a false narrative is created, and someone’s character is unfairly trashed. The board wasn’t allowed to see all the evidence or hear many witnesses, and I was surprised to learn the superintendent may have lied under oath about offering a coach his job back.
Robert Harrington (left), at the May Board of Education appeal hearing with attorney Beatrice Franklin, and former Staples High soccer coaches Russell Oost-Lievense and Chris O’Dell.
Over the past four years I’ve made accountability real in several ways:
Pushing back when the Republican slate simply wanted to replace Lee Goldstein as chair and Democrats as the majority, without offering real change.
Questioning and voting against the superintendent’s pay raise.
Demanding that investigations carried out by the administration are more thorough and transparent.
Pushing early and hard on both redistricting and ways to reduce our bus transportation spend — even when there was little to no initial support from the rest of the board.
Excited to be moving ahead with a new Long Lots Elementary School — but also advocating strongly for a New Coleytown, and prioritizing the need to modernize Kings Highway
That’s the kind of board member I’ve tried to be — independent, transparent, and accountable.
Westport should expect more from its Board of Education. It’s wrong to give the superintendent a rubber stamp or to fail to hold him accountable.
To be clear: Westport schools get many things right, and those successes should be celebrated. But a truly strong district and board should also have the confidence to be critical when necessary.
As an independent I am also happy to advocate for people from both parties.
I won’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed when my party chose to support my former running mate, Dorie Hordon, but not me. Admitting this may look weak, but it would be dishonest to say otherwise. I have enjoyed working with Dorie. We didn’t agree on everything, but I respect her enormously and will enthusiastically vote for her again.
Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon at last weekend’s LobsterFest. (Photo/Jodi Harris)
I was sad to see Democrat, Lauren Karpf leave the race for the BOE. I would have strongly supported her. I think the fresh Democrat voices of Jodi Harris and Stephen Shackelford will also bring real change to this board.
Also at LobsterFest (from left): Stephen Shackelford, Robert Harrington, Jodi Harris.
This willingness to choose the best candidates and not just pick the party color represents who I am.
If voters give me the chance to serve again, I will continue to ask the questions that need to be asked, and work to make sure Westport’s schools serve every student and every family in our community.
I would be honored if Westport voters would consider writing in Robert Harrington—whether on a mail-in ballot or on Election Day.
The other day, a woman I did not know made idle chatter as we left the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
“This is such a nice place,” she said. “How long have you been a member?”
“Well,” I said, “I learned to swim back in old pool!”
“There was another pool here?” she asked.
“No,” I explained. “When it was downtown.”
“The Y was downtown?!” she replied, surprised.
“For about 90 years,” I said.
The original YMCA, built in 1923 (now Anthropologie). The beautiful trees — along with the Y — are now gone.
She must be one of the new COVID arrivals, I figured.
Nope. She moved here 3 years before that. She’s been a Westporter for nearly a decade.
How could she not know the YMCA was downtown — and that there was a years-long battle to keep it from moving from the old site to its current spot?
Then, I realized: How would she know?
The controversy — to leave what is now Anthropologie; the rejection of possibilities like Baron’s South; fears about traffic on Wilton Road; demolition of the “newer” Y buildings on Church Lane, and construction of Bedford Square — pre-dated her Westport life.
Construction of Bedford Square, 2015. Patagonia (formerly Westport Bank & Trust, soon to be Compass Realty) is in the rear.
To her, the Y was “always” at Mahackeno. There is no way — other than reading an occasional “06880” reference to it it — that she would know otherwise.
Which got me thinking: What else do those of us who have lived here “a while” take for granted, but which no newcomer would ever know?
The Westport Country Playhouse is one example. New-ish arrivals may hear about it — on this blog, through a flyer in the mail, or osmosis.
But unless they are musical theater buffs, how could they have any clue of the role the Playhouse played in American entertainment history?
The original Westport Country Playhouse, before its 2002 renovation. (Photo courtesy of Bill Stanton)
Its origin in 1931, as one of the first “summer theaters” anywhere? The legendary names — from Henry and Jane Fonda, to Olivia de Havilland and James Earl Jones — who have performed there? The roles Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward played in modernizing it, in the early 2000s?
(And, to be brutally honest: How many 30-somethings know any of those names in the paragraph above — including Newman and Woodward?)
The hundreds of new folks who have flooded into town over the past few years were attracted by amenities like Longshore. Realtors proudly showed off the golf course, tennis courts, pool, Inn and restaurant. They mentioned that it’s town-owned — not private — and open to all.
Did those realtors mention the back story: That the town bought it in 1959 for $1.9 million, to keep it out of the hands of a developer? And that if those leaders had not acted quickly, 180 homes would now be there instead?
The town’s purchase of the failing Longshore Country Club kept it out of the hands of developers.
Speaking of government: I’ve spoken recently with residents who mentioned our “mayor” and “town council.”
Maybe in New Jersey, Florida or Arizona. But here in Westport, our New England heritage includes a “first selectman” (currently, “selectwoman”) and “Representative Town Meeting.”
The RTM can be a mystery — particularly when only the initials are used. What does it do? Who is on it?
Again: How would any newcomer know the answers? Even those motivated by a particular issue — Long Lots School, say, or bike paths — may have only a vague notion of the RTM’s role in our town.
Nor may they know they’re eligible to serve on it. (Though not until 2027 — the deadline to run in this election has passed.)
There is so much more that older/longer Westporters know, but comes as a complete surprise to those who have been here even 6, 8 or 10 years.
Like: Staples High School was originally on Riverside Avenue. (And that before it was Saugatuck Elementary School, the building was also known as Bedford Junior High, and Bedford Middle School. The “new” Staples — opened on North Avenue in 1958 — has its own intriguing, tangled stories of renovations, starting with 9 separate buildings more suited to California than Connecticut.)
Or that the “Bedford” name refers to a fabulously wealthy family, with ties to John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company. And that their generosity can still be felt in many areas around town, including — let’s complete the circle — the YMCA.
Once upon a time, newcomers would learn all this, and more — The town of Westport bought Cockenoe Island in the 1960s to prevent it from becoming a nuclear power plant! — through stories in the local newspaper.
Westport owns Cockenoe Island. The town bought it when a utility company planned to build a nuclear power plant there. Pro tip: It’s pronounced “Kuh-KEE-nee.”
Westport had a newspaper?
Not one — several. The Town Crier. Fairpress. The Minuteman. The Westport News.
There’s even a print edition, which seems to be sold nowhere in town, but may be available for home delivery if you are persistent enough with their hard-to-reach customer service people.
Which reminds me: Most new residents do not know — how could they? — that “06880” began in 2009, as an outgrowth of my long-running Westport News “Woog’s World” column.
Or that I began writing for the paper when I was a Staples student, way back in the day.
Just a few years after I learned to swim, at the downtown YMCA.
The original YMCA Brophy pool. It was used for Staples swim meets, before the high school pool opened in 1981.
(Another fun fact: “06880” is a non-profit, supported by donations from readers like you. If you enjoy your new — or old — town’s hyper-local blog, please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
Posted onSeptember 25, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
Just when you think you’ve heard everything: read on.
Braces — for decades, one of the most embarrassing parts of many adolescents’ lives — are now cool.
In fact, a New York Times headline announced last Sunday: “Metal Has Never Been Cooler.”
The head-spinning turn of events has a Westport connection. The story began:
Like many middle schoolers across the country, Madison Aballi carefully crafted her look for the first day of 7th grade.
To see old friends and meet new teachers, she walked into her school in Westport, Conn., with a new light pink North Face backpack, complete with a Labubu keychain. She carried a new-to-her iPhone 15 Pro (formerly her mother’s).
And she revealed the biggest fashion flex of 12-year-olds across the country: a brand-new set of metal braces.
Nearly half the class, she estimated, also debuted new metal. “It’s sort of like how lots of people wear Adidas Sambas or Brandy Melville,” she said. “It’s kind of another accessory at this point.”
Teens and tweens have come to embrace braces — and not just any braces: They’re coveting the old-school metal variety of yesteryear.
The piece includes another local name:
Dr. Emily Driesman, Madison’s orthodontist in Westport, has outfitted her office with LED “on” and “off” signs for posting opportunities. Braces have become “a bit of a status symbol,” she said.
Dr. Driesman has also grown accustomed to patients documenting the entire experience. “I’ve had kids Snapchatting from the chair getting their braces on and sending it off to a whole ton of kids,” she said.
12-year-old Madison Aballi, and orthodontist Dr. Emily Driesman’s LED sign. (Photo/Pamela Zaremba for the New York Times)
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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites everyone to a tag sale this Saturday (September 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
In addition to clothing, home décor, garden items, shoes, books, glassware, bakeware and more, the day includes a grilled lunch and bake sale.
Early bird shopping (9 to 10 a.m.) is available for $10. All proceeds support the church’s mission and community ministries.
All are welcome to the United Methodist Church — and the tag sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport Sunrise Rotary welcomes a special guest on Friday, October 3.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell will talk about his work, and the state’s finances. The public is invited to attend, at Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m. The meeting starts at 7:30, with Russell speaking at about 8 a.m. RSVP: info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.
Raised in New Haven, Russell is the first in his family to graduate college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut.
As treasurer Russell administers Connecticut’s pension funds (over $62 billion in assets), oversees the state’s debt and cash management, collects and returns unclaimed property, and manages the Connecticut Higher Education Trust.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate Donny Macaluso’s day job is running his business: Don’s TEL (Trees, Excavation, Landscaping).
But on October 12, he’ll run the Chicago Marathon.
As he so often does, Donny will be helping others.
He’s fundraising for Salute Inc. They provide essentials like rent, utilities, food and car payments to current military members and injured veterans, during times of financial stress. Click here to support Donny — and Salute.(Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Donny Macaluso
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The weather has turned iffy.
But it was beautiful earlier this week. William Weiss snapped this photo at Burying Hill, which he calls “Last Day at the Beach.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between September 17 and 23.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to obey a stop sign, following an investigation into a July complaint of a victim of identity theft.
A 21-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following the report at 3:46 a.m. ofo a vehicle stopped at the Post Road East/Sherwood Island connector traffic light that did not move for multiple cycles, then rolled into a utility pole on the shoulder of the road.
A 32-year-old Stratford man was charged with breach of peace, after a verbal and physical disturbance between 2 people near the Saugatuck train station.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper turns: 1
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This is a legit “Westport .. Naturally” photo. No Photoshop or other funny business.
But speaking of funny — doesn’t this passionfruit of Wendy Levy’s deck look just like a jester?!
And finally … as noted above, metal braces are suddenly cool. So today we salute the metal — heavy metal, that is.
(Pardon us for being a bit paranoid. But why do people read “06880” every day, without supporting us? Is it something we said? To avoid being a freeloader, please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
In 2022, Elisa Gabriele heard about The Gig Center. She’d always sung; the opportunity to join an adult band seemed intriguing.
It took her a year to summon the nerve to email the Post Road East business, which in addition to forming groups also offered lessons and instrument rentals.
Summoning the courage, Elisa took voice with Steve Sasloe. She joined a Tuesday night classic rock band, and a weekend country-ish one.
Today, she owns the place.
Literally.
This summer Gabriele — a Westporter since 2005 — bought The Gig Center. Renamed The Music Collective, it’s keeping alive the chance for kids and adults to play and sing with bands.
And it keeps the laid-back vibe that attracts musicians — experienced and aspiring — of all ages.
Gabriele had no experience running a business. A Vanderbilt University business school graduate who worked in marketing for L’Oréal, she had stepped away to raise her daughters.
She was very involved with their PTAs, and ran the Westport Softball program. But when her oldest headed off to college, Gabriele had a bit of time for herself.
The Gig Center looked intriguing. Still, taking the step from voice lessons to the stage was daunting.
Once she began singing though, Gabriele realized: “People like me!”
She was hooked.
Elise Gabriele with her Tuesday night band. From left: Rick Solazzo, Chris Cass, Seamus Monschein, Barry Urich, Steve Sasloe.
Fronting a band “is nothing like the other parts of my life,” she notes. “I’m not doing laundry or cooking. This is completely for me.”
That appeals to many adult performers. Some are retired. Others have young kids. One is a massage therapist. All are looking for a creative outlet.
So when the Gig Center’s owners were ready to move on, Gabriele was determined not to let it close.
Ready to rock.
She knew nothing about taking over a business. But she found a lawyer, Doug LoMonte at Berchem Moses. He recommended a CPA.
She ran the numbers. They worked. She was on her way.
Gabriele changed the name to The Music Collective, to better reflect that there’s more there than just playing, like instrumentrentals and repairs.
Sasloe — who had created The Gig Center out of the Westport Music Center, a longtime hub for lessons, rentals and repairs, musical books and accessories — and fellow instructors Chris Cass, Josh Auchterlonie, Mike Gurge, Glenn Mariconda and Drew Willmott are still there.
Steve Sasloe (left) and Josh Auchterlonie.
July was a good time to take over. Summer is the slow season. She spruced up the space — the former Kidville store, opposite the new Delamar Westport hotel — and eased into ownership.
An open house earlier this month introduced The Music Collective to youngsters ages 6 to 18 (and their parents).
Gabriele looks forward to reinvigorating the youth program — and perhaps offering something for the under-6 crowd too.
Steve Sasloe teaches piano.
The Music Collective is similar to School of Rock, but with a different model.
“They’re all about performance,” Gabriele explains. “We offer lessons, and you don’t have to be in a band. But if you are in one, you decide here what the music will be. It’s a very social experience.”
With lessons on everything from piano, guitar and drums to brass, banjo and voice — and no experience needed, “just desire” — The Music Collective rocks.
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gain: How would any newcomer know the answers? Even those motivated by a particular issue — Long Lots School, say, or bike paths — may have only a vague notion of the RTM’s role in our town.
