Posted onJune 20, 2026|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #323
Lavender, scarlet — and a slice of pizza — highlight this week’s online art gallery.
All are — as always — welcome. 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)
“Mad World” — multi-media 24″ x 18″ (V. Andriotis — Available for purchase; click here)
“Lovely Lavender Lupines” (Bonnie Scott Connolly)
“Scarlet Fracture” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Holly Tashian)
“Time Has Come Today” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Duck and Cluck” — crochet (Rebecca Stein Richards)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Great Blue Heron” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Break Dancer” (Lawrence Weisman)
(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!)
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
How prescient and timely is Westport Community Theatre’s “The Matchmaker,” a comedy about an egotistic wealthy businessman who is outmaneuvered by those over which he assumes superiority?
Written by Thornton Wilder in 1954, “The Matchmaker” inspired the beloved musical “Hello, Dolly!.” Aside from knocking out a few ancillary characters and throwing in a brilliant score, the musical adheres closely to his original script (itself a rewrite of his earlier work, “The Merchant of Yonkers,” 1938).
Set in 1880 Yonkers and New York City, the story follows Dolly Levi, a widowed matchmaker hired by shop owner and curmudgeon Horace Vandergelder to find him a young wife. Instead, she decides to marry him herself (and put his money to good use), then tricks him into thinking it was his idea.
Lucy Babbitt as Dolly Levi.
First, a word about WCT.
Community theater is different from other theaters. It exists purely for the love of theater and for those devoted to creating and sustaining it. There’s no paycheck, and little glory beyond the applause of an audience that adores theater as much as they do.
Sometimes a show is great; sometimes not so much. But for $30 you can support Westport, see a culturally significant show, and become a thread in the fabric of what makes this town exceptional.
As well, you can witness the hidden talents of neighbors such as commercial real estate investor Ari Benmosche as Malachi Stack, who delivers a delicious soliloquy eulogizing the merits of enjoying only one vice at a time.
WCT’s production is crisp and energetic and, though written more than 70 years ago, sounds fresh and modern. In fact, some of Vandergelder’s lines elicited shocked gasps from the audience: “Marriage is a bribe to make a housekeeper think she’s a householder.” It is a testament to a brilliant character, when one who asserts a smattering of offensive quips and we still like him.
Emily Roberson-Dos Santos and Henry Durham.
Standout performances by Lucy Babbit (Dolly Gallagher Levi) and Patrick Spaulding (Horace Vandergelder), along with their deft handling of Wilder’s sharp dialogue, create a briskly paced show despite several lengthy set changes.
Rick Stewart (Joe Scanlon and Joe the Cabman) delights as Vandergelder’s exasperated barber.
The only thing … perhaps our dear Thornton wasn’t subjected to many tantrums in his life, which may explain why he made Ermengarde (Vandergelder’s lovestruck niece) so whiny. The first time was amusing; then, well, not so much.
You’re welcome to disagree.
(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport’s cultural landscape, from community theater and music to a weekly online art gallery. Like many arts groups, we rely on your support. Please click here. Thx!”
Posted onJune 17, 2026|Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Bruce Lagerfeldt Day, Sprout & Share …
If school is out, the Yankee Doodle Fair is in.
The annual rite of early summer (and century-old tradition) comes to the Westport Woman’s Club Imperial Avenue grounds and parking lot tomorrow (Thursday). It kicks off from 6 to 10 p.m.
The 4-day show — a huge fundraiser for the WWC’s many charitable programs and scholarships continues Friday (6 to 10 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m. to 10 p.m.) , and end Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
New this year: A Sensory Hour (Sunday, noon to 1 p.m.), for people in the neurodiverse and special education communities. It’s an opportunity for reduced crowds, lower noise levels and a more comfortable atmosphere, with their families, caregivers and support networks.
Before all the rides and games begin though, a ton of set-up work takes place. Lauri Weiser stopped by yesterday, and caught some of the action (below).
The style advisor — who filled countless other roles — retired last week, after 37 years on the floor of the legendary Post Road store.
On June 20, customers and friends are invited to stop by, and hug and shake the hand of the man who co-CEO emeritus Bill Mitchell calls “the nicest, most loyal and caring” employee of all.
Tom Maleri, who worked with him for 30 years — 13 fewer than the 43 years Bruce spent at Mitchells — adds, “He was unbelievable. He’s dedicated, loyal, always willing to help out.
“He made a lot of friends. And he was the most well-liked person in the entire store — upstairs and downstairs. There were never any conflicts. He always took the high road.”
Bruce was also the “bow tie aficionado.” He taught everyone in the store how to tie one. He was on call too — “24 hours a day” for weddings, special events and “emergencies.”
“He’d go anywhere, any time to tie a bow tie for anyone,” Tom marvels.
Screenshot of a video of Bruce Lagerfeldt tying a bow tie — in 15 seconds.
The Westport Public Schools will soon have a new supervisor of health services.
Jill Grego as the district’s new Supervisor of Health Services, effective July 1. She currently serves as supervisor of school health services in West Haven, overseeing health services in 11 schools serving 6,500 students.
She earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Georgetown University, and a BS in business administration and accounting from Fordham University.
Grego replaces Suzanne Levasseur. She retired last year, but stayed on in a consulting role this year. She will help with the transition as well.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market garden donation program is back for a third season. And it’s bigger and “fresher” than ever.
In partnership with Food Rescue US – Fairfield County and Homes with Hope, the endeavor has a new name and identity: Sprout & Share.
Launching tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), it builds on the success of the former Grow-a-Row program, which inspired gardeners to turn their backyards into community impact.
The refreshed name reflects the heart of the initiative: encouraging residents to grow a little extra. and share the harvest with neighbors facing food insecurity.
Each Thursday, gardeners can bring freshly harvested fruits, vegetables and herbs to the Sprout & Share collection station at the Farmers Market on Imperial Avenue.
Donations will be delivered by Food Rescue US – Fairfield County volunteers to the Gillespie Center of Homes with Hope, ensuring fresh, locally grown produce reaches people across Fairfield County.
Haley Schulman, market manager, says, “Whether you have one tomato plant or a thriving vegetable garden, everyone can play a role in helping provide fresh, nutritious food to our community.”
The Westport Farmers’ Market Grow a Row program has a new name.
Westport’s bus shelters are a recent important addition to the town.
But when officials approved them, they were clear: No advertisements.
To make them look a little less bus shelter-y, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Artists Collective of Westport are installing artwork in 10 newly built structures.
They’ve just completed the first.
Funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act, which supported arts groups during COVID.
The Collective solicited submissions from members. Carmela Kaufman’s “Chip and Dale” was chosen to beautify the shelter in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital on Post Road West.
As the photo below shows, it is a very appropriate work.
Christian Benyei, Schulhof Animal Hospital partner (2nd from left) thanks artist Carmela Kaufman. Artists Collective founding member Miggs Burroughs (kneeling), and Arts Advisory Committee and Schulhof team members look on.
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MoCA\CT invites residents to celebrate summer — and Dad — through music, community and creativity.
This Sunday (June 21) is both the 1st day of summer, and Father’s Day. It’s also “Make Music Day” — a global, free celebration, for everyone from rappers to orchestras, on stages and sidewalks around the world.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. MoCA\CT presents On the Count of Two (with more than 2 members). It’s outdoors, so bring a blanket or chairs.
On the Count of Two.
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Anyone for tennis?
The Parks & Recreation Department is offering several camps this summer.
There are 7 sessions for ages 6-12, each 4 days long (Monday through Thursday), from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Longshore courts. Players are divided by age and skill level.
There are other camps, for ages 3-5, and grades 1-3, 2-4, and 3-6, at various times (starting at 11 a.m., ending t 5 p.m.) weekdays.
Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the Staples High School boys lacrosse program.
Charlie Clark, Max Hill, Nate Maurillo and Eric Skolnick are 4 of the 17 Connecticut players named All-Americans this spring.
Hill joins Henry Dodge, Charlie Howard, Josh Marcus and Adam Udell as the only players in Wrecker history to earn All America status twice.
And captain Justin Halky earned Academic All America honors. He’s one of 17 seniors in the state cited for his play on the field, his achievements in the classroom, and his impact on his community.
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The Residence at Westport hosts their annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser tomorrow (Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m.). The community is invited.
There is no charge; food and drinks are free. There’s live entertainment (hula dancers), along with raffles and a wine pull.
Well-known Westporter Joseph Floto died peacefully on Saturday. He was 55, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
The Washington, D.C. native and lacrosse player earned an undergraduate degree from Colorado State University, and an MBA from Fordham University.
Joe owned Floto Imports. He turned his passion for design and quality into a thriving brand. He was seen frequently on QVC.
He was a fixture in the Memorial Day parade, driving his Jeep packed with children, laughing and waving to the community. His obituary says Joe was “fun-loving, generous, and always creating beautiful memories for others.”
He was particularly proud of his role as a husband and father. He was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines.
Yet of all the roles he held throughout his life, none mattered more to him than being a doting husband to Jeannette and a proud father to Alexandra (16), Andrew (14), and Theodore (11). His greatest happiness came from spending time with his wife and kids, creating a life filled with adventure, laughter, and love. Joe was a constant fixture on the sports sidelines, attending countless games to cheer on his children.
Joe is survived by his wife, Jeannette; children Alexandra, Andrew and Theodore; father Peter and brother Matthew. He was preceded by his mother Mary Ann.
A visitation is set for tomorrow (Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Roa, Fairfield). A funeral service will be held Friday (June 19, 11 a.m., Assumption Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education trust for Joe’s children. Checks, with “Education Trust for the Floto Children” in the memo line, may be sent to Koether Legal Services, Trustee, 10 Saugatuck Ave, Suite 102, Westport, CT 06880.
Joe Floto
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It’s been a while since we’ve featured a turtle in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
Michelle Vitulich spotted this fellow swimming contentedly in Sherwood Mill Pond.
And finally … in honor of the new art gracing Westport’s bus shelters:
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you appreciate this regular feature — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, Bruce Lagerfeldt Day, Sprout & Share …
Everyone in Westport cares about — and for — their yard.
But how many care in an eco-friendly way?
Sustainable Westport, Wakeman Town Farm and Wild Ones can help. On June 25 (6:30 p.m.. Wakeman Town Farm), they offer a hands-on evening dedicated to eco-friendly yard care.
This event is part of Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” initiative, aimed at building a more resilient, biodiversity-rich Westport, one backyard at a time.
Attendees will learn how to create a beautiful, thriving outdoor space without synthetic pesticides. That includes natural strategies to deter pests, support for local pollinators, and building healthy soil.
Participants can also pre-order mosquito buckets. They’re safe, very effective and targeted ways to control mosquitoes at the source, without indiscriminate insect death caused by other pesticide treatments.
On June 7 the troop held a Court of Honor. to award the rank of Eagle Scout to Dylan O’Brien, Nathaniel Greely and JC Gura. Each earned at least 21 merit badges, and led a community service project.
This past weekend, Life Scout Finn Martens led his own Eagle service project at VFW Post 399. He coordinated a crew of Scouts to clean up the grounds and repaint the parking lot lines.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (June 18), for a session on “Intro Excel.”
It returns July 16, covering “Intro to AI: Job Seeker Strategies ,” and August 20 (Tips for Resume and Cover Letter).
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.
More than 1,800 teen artists across the country — including students from Westport’s One River School of Art + Design — are participating in what may be the largest teen art exhibition ever organized in the US.
The exhibition includes 15 One River locations from New York to Oregon.
Students were challenged to create artwork based on the prompt “a place that matters to you.” The result: 1,800 interpretations expressed through painting, drawing, mixed media, animation and digital design.
Eight students will be invited to a special studio experience with Daniel Heidkamp at his Brooklyn studio later this summer.
A public reception for Westport students is set for June 25 (4 to 5:30 p.m.). The show will remain up for 3 weeks.
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Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer/ arranger Alan Broadbent and master bassist Harvie S. Alan headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” show (June 18, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 8
And finally … on this date in 1967, the Monterey International Pop festival began in California. There were many big names, including The Who, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and The Animals.
But perhaps the most stunning performance of all was this:
Posted onJune 13, 2026|Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #322
Duane Cohen leads off today, with an untitled — but very familiar — scene.
Well, it will be familiar to anyone who lived here in the 1950s and early ’60s, anyway.
It’s followed by 2 even more recognizable scenes. Then we’ve got our usual very eclectic mix of subjects and styles.
All are — as always — welcome. 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)
“Longshore Country Club on a Foggy Morning” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke; Available for purchase; click here)
“Compo This Morning” (Marina Drasnin)
“Central Park” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
“Bursting with Joy” (Lucy Johnson)
“Into the Woods” — acrylic pouring (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Distorted Daisy” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Chico’s” — found paper collage (Amy Schneider)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Patterned Fruit” — still life (Emilia Francis, age 7 — One River Art student)
“The Quite Overtaking” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Please No College Textbooks” — children’s little library; thanks to Mo Willems (Eric Bosch)
“Supe” (Martin Ripchick; Available for purchase; click here)
“I Love You!” — watercolor crayon (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)
(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!)
The superintendent of schools has long been the town of Westport’s highest paid employee.
Next year, Thomas Scarice will make 3% more.
Last night, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise his base salary to $344,563. His rolling 3-year contract has been extended every year since he took the Westport Public Schools’ top job in 2020.
The action came after the Board offered similar 3% raises to 4 top district officials.
Chief financial officer Elio Longo will make $281,949. The 3 assistant superintendents are: pupil services Mike Rizzo ($260,205), human resources John Bayers ($251,070), and teaching and planning Anna Mahon ($247,200).
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of schools: The Coleytown Company curtain is closing on the directing career of Ben Frimmer.
After more than 30 years of leading the middle school drama troupe, the program’s founder is stepping off stage.
Frimmer says, “This program has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has been an honor to work with so many talented students and supportive families over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the community we have built together.”
His work as a Broadway and West End producer has grown significantly, he says. With “The Hunger Games: On Stage,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — plus other projects in development — he must “devote more time to this exciting chapter of my career.”
Katie Bloom will take over as Coleytown Company director.
“Katie brings tremendous experience, having spent more than 20 years as a Westport educator while also running her own successful theatre company in Newtown,” Frimmer says.
“She is an outstanding teacher, director and leader, and I know the program will flourish under her guidance. She will also be supported by our experienced Coleytown Company staff, who know the program and its traditions well.”
Frimmer will continue to teach at CMS. And, he says, he will watch “with great excitement as Katie leads the next chapter of this remarkable program.”
As the thermometer soars past 90, severe thunderstorms threaten and air quality deteriorates, Westport preparing for the next 3 days.
These cooling centers will be open:
Senior Center: Friday only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For help or transportation, call 211 or click here.
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The moment Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS, her family leaped to help her. And to raise funds for every other person battling the disease, and their families.
Her son Steve is gearing up for his 3rd 100 Holes to Defeat ALS golf event.
In just 4 years, it’s grown from 2 golfers to 32. This year alone, they’ve raised $650,000 — and, Steve says, “we haven’t even teed it up yet.”
The corporate sponsor outing at The Country Club of New Canaan this Monday is already sold out.
The next day (Tuesday, June 16) Steve plays the “100 holes” at Keney Park in Windsor. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)
That evening Steve’s brother Chuck and ESPN’s (and Westport’s) Dan Orlovsky emcee a gala, with a live auction. They hope to raise $100,000.
There are Westport connections to the events, besides the Haberstrohs and Orlovsky.
Experience Camps –headquartered here — is one of 3 fundraising recipients. “100 Holes” co-founder Cory Sullivan attended a camp — for children who have lost parents — years ago, after his father died from ALS. It was so impactful, he later spent years as a counselor.
Several Westport families are now battling ALS. “We won’t stop fighting until there are cures,” Haberstroh says.
For more info on the events, and to contribute, click here.
For the 47th year, the Point to Point Swim takes place this summer. Save the date: Saturday, July 25.
And — as it has for nearly 5 decades — the Compo Beach event brings together swimmers of all levels. First-time open water participants join seasoned competitors, for a fun and meaningful morning.
Funds raised help children and families access camp, swim lessons, water safety, and youth development programs.
A good crowd turned out yesterday for the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, it’s a true community event.
Live music and lunchtime food stalls complement more than 2 dozen vendors. Fresh produce, breads, herbs, flowers, juices, honey, coffee … it’s all there, and more.
He’s graduating from Weston High School. And the singer/songwriter just released his second single, “Hundreds of Miles.”
The track captures the emotional experience of entering a new chapter of life. It’s available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Produced in collaboration with Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, the song reflects on distance, growth and connection, at a time of life transitions.
While strongly resonating with the Class of 2026 — and called “the graduation song of the year” — “Hundreds of Miles” is relatable to anyone navigating change or separation. The song balances nostalgia with optimism, offering reassurance that meaningful relationships can endure even as people move in different directions.
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On Tuesday — after, no doubt, thinking about it for a while — someone decided it was “time” to take this piece from home to the transfer station.
(Photo/John McKinney)
No word on whether it was recycled, or someone (wisely) decided to reuse it.
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Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed designs are always popular.
Her new collection includes 6 designs that she’s been thinking about for years, and finally brought to life. Inspiration came from Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” statue, and the classic I ❤️ New York logo.
The pieces blend bold, nostalgic pop art with a modern, wearable twist.
Congratulations to Westport’s 4 newest Eagle Scouts.
Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor and Charles Beckwith — members of Troops 39 and 139 — were recognized at a Court of Honor recently, at Green’s Farms Church.
From left: Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor, Charles Beckwith.
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Lior Raz — co-creator and star of Netflix’s hit series “Fauda,” is coming to Westport.
Hosted by Chabad of Westport, the July 21 event is a chance to hear from one of Israel’s most recognized actors and storytellers. He will discuss his service in an elite IDF unit, the creation and global success of “Fauda,” and his perspective on current events in the Middle East.
A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 7:30 p.m. The location will be provided upon registration. Proceeds from the event support Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
Staples Players’ production of “Les Misérables” last fall was magnifique.
Audiences thrilled to the acting, music, staging, sets, costumes … it was all nearly Broadway-worthy.
Yet it was not the first time directors David Roth and Kerry Long produced the iconic show.
In 2008, they debuted “Les Mis” — in the summer.
Retired media instructor Jim Honeycutt — who spent 2 decades videotaping Roth and Long’s shows — marvels, “To this day, I cannot figure out how they could do a show of this extensive musical complexity in a summer!
“Even the sets with rotating barricades were extraordinary for a summer show. How Tyler Paul learned all of this music in a month or two is beyond me.”
Honeycutt has done something quite impressive himself. He has distilled the epic production into just under 30 minutes. Click here or below, to hear — and see — the people sing.
Very, very, very well.
Many cast members have made careers in entertainment. Honeycutt also offers these updates, on some of the performers from the 2008 “Les Mis”:
Tyler Paul (Jean Valjean) retired from acting and moved to the other side of the stage lights. He is now head of human resources at ANC.
David Ressler (Javert) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”
Audrey Twitchell (Eponine) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”
Megan Watt (Eponine) is a voice actor and commercial artist based in West Hollywood. She specializes in commercial, animation and audiobook narration.
Brooke Benedetto (Fantine) has acted in many shows, including “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Godspell,” at Muhlenberg College and the Music Theater of Connecticut.
Britt Hennemuth (Thénardier) is a Los Angeles-based actor. He recently joined Universal Pictures as senior vice president of production development and special projects.
Nick Boak (Enjolras) is an entertainment executive, involved with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Warcraft” and “American Hustle.”
Max Stampa-Brown (Grantaire) appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Chris McNiff (Feuilly) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”
Matthew Van Gessel(Lesgles) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
Charlie Greenwald is actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”
Vinny Amaru (Joly) continued his interest in stage at Tufts, singing in the a cappella group Beelzebubs. He is now a global investment strategist at JP Morgan Asset and Wealth Management.
Matt Greenberg (Prouvair) is a tenure track assistant professor of theatre and dance at the University of Wyoming.
Posted onJune 8, 2026|Comments Off on Roundup: Scholar-Athletes, Staples & Challenger Baseball, Ann Patchett …
Forty seniors were honored yesterday, at Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one person, who also excels in the classroom. In a unique format at the ceremony, each answers one question about his or academic, athletic or extracurricular life. Individually, each is special. Taken together, they paint a robust picture of several dozen remarkable teenagers.
The scholar-athletes for the fall season are: Sofia Gomez (cheer), Harrison Sydor (boys cross country), Sarah Bogdan (girls cross country), Catherine Cirasuolo (field hockey), Justin Halky (football), Gus Palmer (boys golf), Gabe Hellmann (boy soccer), Isabelle Wasserman (girls soccer), Isabella Wasserman (girls swim & dive), Naalie Sipsma (girls volleyball), Brady Nahmias (boys water polo).
The winter scholar-athletes are: Oliver Vynerib (boys basketball), Emma Asiel (girls basketball), Katelynn Mitchell (cheer), Nathaniel Armstrong (fencing), Mia Cochran (gymnastics), Uzi Greenman (boys ice hockey), Jade Reejhsinghani (girls ice hockey), Rahan Sekhar (boys indoor track & field), Taylor Black (girls indoor track & Field), Chase Cammeyer (boys skiing), Alexis Robinson (girls skiing), Aiden Hill (boys squash), Olivia Cohn (girls squash), Nolan Franics (boys swim & dive). Kai Schwartz (wrestling).
Spring scholar-athletes are: Connor Brill (baseball), Riley Sklar (girls golf), Aidan Lapatine (boys lacrosse), Sadie Lowe (girls lacrosse), Gray McGuinness (boys outdoor track & field), Lila Boroujerdi (girls outdoor track & field), Michael Wang (boys rugby), Mia Chatterjee (girls rugby), Zach Gillman (sailing), Olivia Schwartz (softball), Robert Jacob (boys tennis), Devyn Peffer (girls tennis), Gabriel Schorer (boys volleyball), Olivia Kuliga (girls water polo).
Also honored were Oliver Samuel (Thomas DeHuff Award), Taylor Block (Jinny Parker Award) and Dylan Lehrer (Junior Leadership Award).
Taylor Block also earned the $10,000 Laddie Lawrence Scholarship, while Gabe Duque received the $10,000 Coleman Brothers and $2,000 Loeffler Scholarships.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo cited Bill Mitchell, the longtime Westporter and co-owner of Mitchells Stores, for his role in inaugurating the Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago.
Bill Mitchell (left), who helped create Staples’ Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago, is honored by athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Staples baseball team are winners — in many ways.
On Saturday they thrashed Norwalk 13-2, in the state tournament quarterfinal. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe tomorrow (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Municipal Field, Waterbury) in the “LL” (extra large schools) semifinal.
Yesterday — less than 24 hours after their big win, and just a few hours after the senior prom — the entire Wrecker squad headed to Meyer Field.
They buddied up with the Westport Winners — the Little League program for youngsters with disabilities. They enjoyed baseball, a barbecue — and a chance to hang out with some of their youngest, and most rabid, fans.
Play ball! Staples Wreckers, and Staples Winners. (Photo/Beth Cody)
With primary elections near, and the general election just a few months away, the Westport League of Women Voters offers a program on our town’s electoral process.
On June 10 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Senior Center), registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Marie Signore provide the inside story on how they prepare for and run the process; results of the last election, including an election audit and recount results; how early voting is working, and the August primaries and fall elections.
Attendees can also learn what’s required to set up the polls, the training needed — and how to volunteer.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Over 250 customers in the Juniper Road area lost power last night around 9:30 p.m., due to downed tree limbs.
Power was restored in the early morning hours. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Westport Pride invites the Westport community — LGBTQ, allies and friends — to its annual Pride celebration this Sunday (June 14, 12 noon, Jesup Green).
The family-friendly event includes live music, food trucks, local artisan vendors and information booths. Let your colors shine!
Rainbow colors are encouraged, but not required. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut closed out its “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibit Saturday night, in appropriate fashion.
A packed house enjoyed a jubilant performance by Grammy Award-winning bassist and bandleader Endea Owens + The Cookout.
Owens — famous for his “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” work — brought warmth and artistry to the stage, alongside with special guest powerhouse Brianna Thomas, and a jazzy backing band, The Cookout.
Endea Owens and The Cookout, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Roger Young)
Even without spectacular weather and a stunning venue, last night’s Pops Concert would have been a home run.
But superb talent, off-the-charts energy and the clear love of teenage musicians and their teachers for each other made the event — a beloved tradition, and a gift of the Staples High School music department to the town — a grand slam.
A jam-packed Levitt Pavilion crowd was thrilled by small ensembles, the Symphonic Band & Orchestra, Jazz 1, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians and the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra.
It was hard to tell who enjoyed the evening more: the students, conductors, or the large audience.
As emcee James Naughton said at the end: “What a way to start the summer!”
From left: Levitt Pavilion executive producer Carleigh Welsh, Staples principal Stafford Thomas, orchestra director Jeri Brima, choral director Lauren Pine, townwide arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman.
2-time Tony Award winner James Naughton served as emcee.
Owen Naughton — James’ grandson — on keyboard, with the Jazz 1 group.
We’ve got 2 works that show familiar Westport scenes. Two focusing on wooden structures. Two with “Waiting” in the title. Two watercolors; 2 acrylics; 2 collages. And (well, it was close) 3 artists showing their works here for the first time.
All are — as always — welcome. 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.
“The Aqua Entry” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Big Changes in Society Affect the Window Glass We See Through” (Eric Bosch)
“Victory” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Lady in Waiting” — watercolor (Lucy Johnson)
“Spiderman” — screen print canvas with acrylic paint, 32″ x 32″, #35 of 35, also signed by Stan Lee (Steve Kaufman — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — acrylic and pastels, 36″ x 36″ (Melissa Benedek)
“African Mixup” — digital collage (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — collaged landscape (Amelia Kessler — age 9, One River Art student)
“Waiting” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“The Fog Comes on Little Cat Feet” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” (Lawrence Weisman)
(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!)
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