Our look back at Staples Players’ past shows continues today, with the fall 2005 production of “Children of Eden.”
David Roth and Kerry Long directed the 1991 musical. Based on the Book of Genesis, it tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the flood.
Longtime media teacher Jim Honeycutt created these “nutshells,” part of “06880”‘s continuing coverage of Players, yesterday and today.
He notes that some of actors in this show went on to bigger things.
Mia Gentile (Eve) starred on Broadway in “Kinky Boots.” She also made it onto “Good Morning America,” with hilarious Stanley Steemer ads.
Jacob Heimer (Adam) starred on Broadway in “Beautiful.” Adam Kaplan (Japheth) went on to star on Broadway too, in “A Bronx Tale.”
Drew Angus (Ham) is now a successful recording artist.
Yesterday’s announcement of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” event with Governor Ned Lamont (April 13, 11 a.m., Westport Library) did not include the registration link.
Saturday’s “Hero to Hero” event drew a large, passionate crowd to the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“Hero” is a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.
Locally, 5 Westport Fire Department members are graduates of the program.
This weekend’s event raised awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raised funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.
The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer. She says:
“Our community came together in a powerful way — united by purpose, storytelling, and a shared commitment to those who have served our country.
“The fundraiser was a reminder of what’s possible when community, creativity and compassion align. From heartfelt remarks by veterans to the overwhelming generosity in the room, and the passion behind Senator Blumenthal’s speech, the evening reflected the very mission we stand behind: supporting our veterans as they transition from active duty into meaningful roles as first responders, while using storytelling to shine a light on the realities of veteran mental health.
“For those who couldn’t attend, but believe in supporting our veterans and the mission of Hero To Hero as well as independent filmmaking that will hire veterans for on screen and behind the scenes roles, we invite you to donate. Great auction items are still available too. Click here to help.
Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and Deputy Chief Matt Cohen (far left) with (from left): Clayton Janssen (Navy), Cody Ruschmeyer (Army), Liam Chrzanowski (Marines) and Zach Oullette (Marines). Not pictured: Kyle Sanzo (Marines.)
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Everyone who has heard the Bedford Middle School Jazz Band knows they’re special.
Now music educators all over the state know too.
The group performed as a “showcase ensemble” for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State conference, at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Gregg Winters’ 25 student musicians’ set included “Front Burner,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “The Girl from Ipanema” and “On Broadway,” a mix of swing, Latin and contemporary styles. All students also performed improvised solos.
Bedford Middle School Jazz Band.
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This may be a first, in Staples’ long sports history:
For 3 consecutive years, a Manchester sibling served as captain of the Staples High School ski team.
And … all 3 received the Coaches’ Award at the end of their senior year, for their contributions to the program.
Congratulations, Logan (2024), Max (2025) and Ella (2026)!
PS: Their father, Jeff Manchester, earned plenty of awards too, as a Staples wrestler back in the day.
Three Manchesters: From left: Logan (now a sophomore at Bentley College), Ella (headed to the University of Colorado) and Max (Bentley freshman).
Speaking of teenagers: The Westport Senior Center is looking for high school students to volunteer in their Tech Hub on Thursdays (3 to 4:30 p.m.).
It’s a flexible opportunity. Weekly emails are sent to check availability.
This is a great chance for tech-savvy youngsters to show what they know — and give back to their community. Most probably have experience already, helping their grandparents (and parents).
For more information or to sign up, email Diana Andrews: dandrews@westportct.gov.
Tech help, at the Senior Center.
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The stairs from the Westport Library’s main entrance to the Riverwalk below have been in disrepair for a while.
The Riverwalk — stretching from the Taylor parking lot all the way behind the Levitt Pavilion, ending at Deadman Brook — is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.
Soon, we’ll have one more way to access it — again.
Melissa Newman — a longtime Westporter, and Jazz at the Post favorite — kicks off the series’ first-ever Voices of Spring festival, this Thursday (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
And finally … on this date in 1930, the Motion Picture Production Code began. It imposed strict guidelines on sex, crime, religion and violence in film, until it was replaced in 1968 with 4 ratings: G(eneral), M(ature), R(estricted to under 16, unless accompanied by an adult) and X (no one under 16 admitted).
(There are no restrictions on “06880.” Anyone can read anything we post — and anyone can click here too, to support our work. Thank you for your patronage!)
A few hours before headlining last night’s VersoFest concert, Wyclef Jean was the special guest at Startup Westport’s first-ever daytime event.
The musician/rapper/composer/producer/entrepreneur/philanthropist spoke with 75 attendees at Saugatuck’s Content Studio about his journey from Haiti to Brooklyn; the teacher who encouraged him (and introduced him to Miles Davis); his father’s life as a pastor; influences ranging from Charlie Daniels to Bach, and Run-DMC to Shakespeare; shooting his “Carnival” video with Bob Dylan, and much more.
He spoke too about his 7 (!) upcoming albums. “These projects are all about discovery,” he said. “My best work is ahead of me.”
Wyclef Jean and Madeline Nelson, at Content Studio. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Jean supports ventures ranging from a Haitian robotics team and No Kid Hungry to Music Will, which brings music education to over a million students.
In lieu of a performance fee last night, the Westport Library made a substantial donation on Jean’s behalf to Music Will.
Jean was joined by Madeline Nelson of Heads Music, Sam Hendel of Chord Music Partners, Jared Heiman of Fandiem and Brooke Rascoff of Riot Games. They discussed the intersection of music, culture, and AI.
His evening show at the Westport Library was jam-packed, eclectic, and quintessentially Wyclef.
One view of the Trefz Forum audience … (Photo copyright Dinkin ESH Fotografix)
… and another … (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
… and the star. (Photos copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
VersoFest continues today and tomorrow, with workshops, panels, and special events. One of this afternoon’s highlights: a talk with Adria Petty, Tom Petty’s daughter.
The Staples High School student earned a national gold medal in the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards — one of the most prestigious recognitions for creative students in the country.
His photograph, “Rising in the Dawn: The Calm Before the Flight,” was selected from more than 335,000 submissions nationwide. It was cited for originality, technical skill and personal vision.
Case will be honored in New York on June 10. Previous Scholastic Art & Writing Awards winners include Andy Warhol, Stephen King and Amanda Gorman.
Friends Roger, Billie Jean, Blackjack and Tubs met up at Compo Beach on Thursday.
(Photo/Nancy Lally)
It was one of their last romps for 6 months. Westport beaches are closed to dogs from April 1 through September 30.
And beginning May 1, beach stickers are required for entrance too.
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Saugatuck Church’s Hoskins Hall was packed this week, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s meeting.
Dr. Anca Micu explained how artificial intelligence can make everyday life easier. A former copywriter turned marketing professor at Fairfield University, she said that the most important AI skill is not coding; it’s communication.
Good “prompt engineering” means giving AI clear context, a specific task, practical constraints, and a preferred format — whether analyzing an ad campaign, planning travel, checking facts or anything else.
Vague prompts (“analyze this campaign”) produce vague answers; detailed prompts (“you are a marketing analyst…identify patterns…present in a professional but accessible tone”) turn AI into a useful partner. (That’s good advice for our “06880” widget too, located at the top right of every blog page.)
Micu warned that AI responses are confident but not always correct, and urged the audience to protect privacy and use their own judgment.
Used well, she argued, AI makes people think more — not less — by forcing them to ask better questions, check sources, and actively curate the machine’s work. (Hat tip: Allan Sieger)
More on the Y’s Men: Want to know more about the war in Iran, fighting across the Middle East, and the threat to global oil shipping routes?
The very active, very involved group hosts Dr. Kenneth M. Pollack — vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute — on Thursday (April 2, 9 a.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
A former CIA analyst and National Security Council official, he is a leading authority on Middle East security and was recently interviewed on “Meet the Press.”
Guests and prospective Y’s Men members are welcome.
A bicyclist was struck by an automobile driver yesterday morning, on Riverside Avenue.
“He’s okay,” Saugatuck resident Robbie Guimond reports. “But boy, did it look bad!”
Be careful out there!
(Photo/Robbie Guimond)
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Westport residents Rikki Zelkowitz Dworkis and Emmy Hollenberg work with many local families, supporting early learning and executive functioning skills.
For 10 weeks beginning April 22 (SproutWell, Darien; $800), their “Ready, Set, K!” play-based kindergarten readiness program focuses on confidence, independence and a smooth transition into kindergarten.
Key areas include classroom routines and transitions, emotional regulation and flexibility, attention, listening skills, peer interactions and group learning, and problem-solving. All are integrated into pre-K literacy and skills.
Bob Weingarten writes: “A few days ago, a large branch came down on Center Street.
“A day after, Westport tree warden Ben Sykas surveyed the incident, and said the rest of the tree had to be removed because of decay.
“Two days later, a crow crew came. It took them 2 days to take it down.
“I compliment the town and tree warden for their rapid action in removing a hazard to the neighborhood and people walking by. Quick action like this is great.”
Center Street tree, with branch removed … (Photo/Ben Sykas)
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between March 18 and 26.
A 34-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny, attempt to commit larceny, identify theft, illegal possession of a personal identification information device, and forgery, after a bank customer reported in April 2025 that a $24,000 check to the IRS had been intercepted from the mail. An unknown party attempted to cash it. Two weeks later, a Westport business reported that an $835 check made payable to a vendor had been intercepted from the mail and deposited. After the man was incarcerated at Rikers Island, he was extradited to Westport on the 2 outstanding warrants. He could not post $325,000 bonds.
A 41-year-old Norwalk man was charged with operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and driver’s license, failure to meet minimum insurance requirements and failure to appear, when an officer on patrol was alerted by an in-car license plate reader of the violations. He posted a $35,000 bond.
A 54-year-old Westport man was charged with assault and disorderly conduct, after verbal argument escalated into a physical altercation. The victim sustained an injury to the head.
A 35-year-old Westport man was charged with 2 counts of risk of injury to a child, after he left 2 juveniles unattended for 13 to 20 minutes while in Fairfield.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 10
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 9
Failure to renew registration: 9
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Speeding: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Operating a motor vehicle with unsafe tires: 1
Defective windshield wipers: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turns: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
Don’t drive with defective tires!
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For today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo, look at the top half of the photo — not the bottom.
The sun’s rays are a lot more interesting than this less-than-lovely view of Riverside Avenue, taken from Rich Vogel’s Wright Street office.
And finally … Dash Crofts, half of Seals & Crofts, died of hear failure on Wednesday in Austin, Texas. He was 87.
To be honest, I never got into their music. But they sure sold a lot of records. And in 2022, Rolling Stone listed “Summer Breeze” at #20 in their list of all-time greatest summer songs. Go figure.
Our online gallery artists often roam the world for inspiration.
Today, several of them look only as far as their home town.
Compo Beach, Longshore, the Levitt Pavilion, Staples High School — and a unique lending library — are all featured this week.
You never know what you’ll find, wandering our e-walls. That’s part of the appeal of this weekly feature.
As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome 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. As they have for 6 years, lovers want to know.
“We Read Books” — copper, AZEK and glass. Eric Bosch built and painted this “Free Little Library” for his grandchildren’s neighborhood with the help of his son Greg, along with Amelia and Theo.
“Paper Bird” (Amy Schneider)
“A Fish Tale” — collage 3-D impasto acrylic on a 36 x 36 canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“The Levitt” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase; click here)
“Vanishing into Light” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Reflecting at Longshore” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Morning Magic, Compo Beach” (Tom Kretsch — Available for purchase; click here)
“Folds” — compound photo (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — 5″ x 7″ mixed media note cards (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Pop Art Portrait” (Ella Barborak, age 15 — One River Art student)
“Who Needs a Beautician When My Friends Powder Me Every Day?” (Mike Hibbard)
“After Market” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Brass Passover Seder Plate on Matzah Background” (Steve Stein)
“Presidential Library” (Mark Yurkiw)
(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!)
Speaking of seasonal activities: These days, many Westporters are busy with spring cleaning.
Nine Rotary Club members took time out of their own yards, gardens and garages yesterday to spiff up the Sherwood Island Connector commuter parking lot, and nearby areas.
Led by Peter Helt and Rick Benson, they collected 25 bulging bags of trash.
“This is our town. Please keep it clean!” says Benson.
Ani DiFranco drew a large crowd last night, to the Westport Library.
The musician, folk-rock legend and cultural icon kicked off 4 days of VersoFest ’26 in a conversation with Westport TV journalist Lindsay Czarniak about her new book, “The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music, and Freedom.”
Tonight’s headliner is another musical legend: Wyclef Jean. Very few tickets remain for his 8 p.m. performance (click here to purchase).
Downtown traffic may be a little tougher than usual tomorrow.
Two events — the weekly 11 a.m., Ruth Steinkraus Bridge anti-Trump protest, and a “No Kings” 12 noon rally on Jesup Green — could cause delays, along with possible road closures.
Traffic moves slowly when downtown is crowded. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
MoCA\CT invites all area teenagers to an open “Mic at the Museum Night” (April 30, 6 to 8 p.m.).
Organized by MoCA’s Teen Council, it’s free — and for teens only. Participants can perform in any medium they choose: music (solo or group), comedy, storytelling, rap, dance or whatever. Click here to sign up.
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Speaking of entertainment: Morningside — a local indie-rock band made up of local dads, who just released their debut album of original music — headlines Stage One at FTC next Friday (April 3).
The band — including Westporters Nick Huber, Sean Spillman and Bobby Schlesinger; Westonite Matt Stine, and Ian Walters of Fairfield — opened for John Oates last summer at the Levitt Pavilion. More recently, they played at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Theater.
MyTeamTriumph — the great organization that pairs volunteer “angels” with “captain” athletes with disabilities, so that both can compete in running and bike races, and triathlons — hosts a pre-season warm-up short, friendly run and picnic on April 12 (11:30 a.m., Compo Beach).
They invite anyone interested — captain or angel — to check them out.
Upcoming events include the Women’s League of Westport Minute Man Race 5K and 10K (April 26), Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5K (May 14), and Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride (May 17).
A good-sized group of Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members enjoyed their semi-annual lunch this week, at The Clubhouse.
They time this one for the yearly Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce food contest. (This year’s — for the best sandwiches in town — runs through Tuesday, March 31.)
The other lunch takes place during Restaurant Week.
RTM members (plus former moderator Velma Heller, 2nd from right), at The Clubhouse. Owners Tim and Emily Zobl are in back.
Last year, the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place — Westport’s men’s and women’s shelters — reopened, after extensive renovations.
This year, they’ve added something else new: an American flag. Peter Jennings installed it Wednesday.
The flag now flies proudly outside Homes with Hope’s Jesup Road building — which also houses a food pantry, and meeting space — in the heart of downtown.
(Photo/Helen McAlinden)
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This winter has been tough on local roads.
The Public Works Department is patching potholes as best they can. The entrance road at Burying Hill Beach has a particularly deep one.
Earlier this week the Y’s Women learned about “the power of the Red Cross,” from 2 women who know it well.
Susan Shansky retired from a career in budget management and communications at MIT. She is now a “blood donor ambassador,” having donated 10 gallons (in small increments) to the Red Cross.
Natalie Sustache is an American Red Cross senior recruiter.
The pair described how they bring talented people, to deliver hope and relief every day.
Susan Shansky and Natalie Sustache. (Photo/Vera DeStefano)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more in our continuing insistence that yes, spring really is just around the corner.
Though tomorrow’s high will only be around 39, temperatures could reach the 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fingers crossed …
And finally … Chip Taylor, who wrote songs as diverse as the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” and Merrilee Rush’s “Angel of the Morning,” died Monday in New York. He was 86.
And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …
… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.
They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.
The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.
Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.
They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.
Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.
“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”
The high honors students are listed in the photo below:
Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.
More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.
Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.
Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.
But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.
Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.
Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.
Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.
The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.
“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”
VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.
Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.
Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.
Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.
Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.
The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.
Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).
Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.
As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.
Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.
“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”
The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.
As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.
Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.
But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.
(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
In the spring of 2004, Staples Players brought “City of Angels” to the stage.
Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped the Tony Award-winning musical, with dual story lines — and all of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s shows.
This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions — called “nutshells” –Spri we bring you back to that show about a Hollywood screenwriter, and his detective creation.
A second Westport Republican has announced a run for statewide office.
Planning & Zoning Commission member John Bolton has filed for the attorney general race, Kevin Rennie’s Daily Ructions reports.
He joins Jen Tooker. The former 1st selectwoman is running for comptroller.
Bolton is “unlikely to face any competition for the Republican nomination for the job when it meets in May to select a candidate,” the political news source reports.
And to ensure that the vegan/feminist/iconic Bridgeport restaurant — co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — the very popular Bloodroot Giant Tag Sale returns this week.
On Friday and Saturday (March 27-28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 85 Ferris Street, Bridgeport), tons of Bloodroot “stuff” will be on sale.
For example: vintage and antique tables, chairs, bookcases, and other furniture; vintage pine farmhouse style bins, cubbies and bookshelves; high quality looms and spinning wheels; patio furniture, outdoor tables and outdoor chairs; stone and concrete benches; vintage and mid-century lamps; farmhouse-style pendant lighting and ceiling lamps.
Plus books and paper ephemera with LGBTQ, feminist and vegetarian themes; original signed art (prints, sculptures, photos and posters); antique and vintage china, glassware and tableware; tools and office supplies; pots, pans, cooking supplies and restaurant equipment; household items, clothing, shoes, fabrics — “pretty much everything under the sun.”
The Bloodroot tag sale crew (from left): Lauren, Noel, Sarah, Stephanie and Marina.
There are plenty of grandparents — with grandchildren — in Westport.
On Saturday, May 2 (1 to 3 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA), they’ll have a chance to play together — without screens.
The pilot program, called Grand Play Day, brings together grandparents and their grandkids (ages 5-12). Using simple tools (question cards, paper-and-pencil table games and other easy activities), they’ll laugh and share stories.
Grand Play Day is built on “Connections Thru Play,” created by Playocracy founder Lynn Campanella in partnership with the National Institute for Play — where Joe Miller, a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston, serves as a volunteer executive.
The event will be facilitated by Campanella and Miller, include academic input from professors of Childhood Development and Aging, and serve as a potential model for other community groups.
MoCA\CT is seeking ideas for Ellen Harvey’s upcoming exhibit, “The Disappointed Tourist.”
Is there a place you wish you could revisit — a landmark, neighborhood or gathering spot that has disappeared?
Harvey has asked that question around the world, transforming hundreds of public memories into a haunting series of paintings that reimagine sites erased by time, tides or bulldozers.
From June 25 through August 2, she brings her project to MoCA\CT.
Nominations close April 25. Harvey will select 4 sites to immortalize in paint.
Click here to submit an idea, or explore existing works and stories from around the world,
Ellen Harvey in front of a portion of “The Disappointed Tourist.”
“Primary Trust” — the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play about change, friendship quiet courage and mai tais — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.
Trumpeter/composer/arranger Michael Mossman has apprenticed with Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie and Art Blakey. He’s performed and recorded with Tito Puente and many other greats.
Pianist Zaccai Curtis is an acclaimed recording artist and producer. The Curtis Brothers Band, which he leads with his brother Luques, was earned a 2025 Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album.
They — and bassist Edward Perez, drummer David Alvarez, percussionist Marlon Sobol and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — take over VFW Post 399 this Thursday (March 26, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.), for this week’s “Jazz at the Post.”
And finally … on this date in 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated what are now called the Brandenburg Concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt.
(You may not have time to listen to nearly 2 hours of the Concertos. But hopefully you’ve got 30 seconds to click here, to help support the “06880” blog that brings you great music — and much more!)
This week in 2020 — a few days into the realization that the COVID-19 pandemic was real — I put out a call for artwork. The idea was that “in these perilous times,” “06880” readers could create — and share — artwork.
“Westport really is an arts community,” I wrote.
It doesn’t matter how old (or young) you are. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never picked up a brush, crayon or camera in your life. You don’t have to be an experienced painter, sketcher or collagist. You can work together, or with your family or anyone else you’re self-isolating with
All you need is an idea and a way to express it. Serenity, love, calm, separation, friends, solitude, fear, hope — whatever you’re thinking or feeling, get to work!
Artwork flooded in. It was broad, beautiful and imaginative. The very next day, I posted our very first online gallery. (It was first called “0*6*Art*Art*0.” at Stacie Curran’s suggestion. Click here to see that inaugural post.)
In the early days, I tried to limit the Saturday feature to work specifically created during the crisis, or that showed powerfully some of the effects those days had on everyone.
Soon, I broadened it to art with any theme (or none).
We’ve been going strong ever since. Today, we kick off the 7th year of our online art gallery.
As always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome 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. As they have for 6 years, lovers want to know.
“Open Your Eyes” (Elise Mergenthaler — age 16, One River Art student)
“Mr. Silhouette Snowflake” — mixed media, pastels on paper (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
Photographer Mike Hbbard says: “Beings, far beyond our galaxy, visit Earth regularly to study its life forms. They speculate that the creatures there, calling themselves humans, may go extinct through their own doing — unless they learn that kindness for each other is their only path to survival as a species.”
“Diane Heading Off to Work” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)
“STOP” — acrylic on original metal sign (Jerry Kuyper)
“Congress” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Orange Art” — a clementine and watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Child Support” (Lawrence Weisman)
“June and Friend” (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (John Maloney)
(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!)
With temperatures in the 20s this morning, few people were thinking about the beach.
Except for non-residents hoping to buy one of the 450 beach stickers available to anyone living outside of Westport and Weston.
They went on sale at 9 a.m. today. By 7:15, a small crowd had already formed outside the Parks & Recreation Department office at Longshore.
(Photo/Carm Roda)
Sales to Westport and Weston residents — with no limit — begin tomorrow (Thursday), at 9 a.m. Click here for fees.
If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.
If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.
Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.
The Board of Finance’s next “office hours” — open times at which residents can chat with a member about questions or concerns — are tomorrow (Thursday).
There are 2 sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — at the Westport Library’s Room 213.
Last month’s office hours drew a diverse crowd — including 2 Staples High School students, doing a civics project.
“We had very productive conversations,” says BOF member Allyson Stollenwerck.
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Also tomorrow: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas continues the “Your State, Your Business” speaker series.
She’ll speak at the Westport Library (Thursday, 11 a.m.). Thomas will describe her wide-ranging job, followed by a discussion and Q-and-A.
The 3-part series — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — kicked off with state comptroller Sean Scanlon. It concludes April 2, with Attorney General William Tong.
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas
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A reader writes: “I attended Coleytown Elementary School during the 1976 bicentennial year. We buried time capsules there, but I don’t know exactly where (I recall a ceremony by a flagpole in front of the school).
“I’m guessing they’re still buried. I reached out to the school, and am waiting to hear back.
“It would be interesting to see these time capsules opened and shared, if at all feasible.”
So, “06880” has 2 thoughts:
Does anyone remember the Coleytown El time capsules — specifically, where they were buried?
How about any other time capsules in town?
The 250th anniversary of our nation seems like a good time to unearth them.
If you have any ideas, now is the “time” to share them. Please click “Comments” below.
Coleytown Elementary School. Is there a time capsule there?
The Staples High School girls basketball fell 5 points short of the state championship game last night.
The #3-seeded Wreckers fell 67-62 to #10 Bristol Central, at Bethel High.
Staples finishes 23-4. Two of those losses were to Greenwich, including the FCIAC championship.
Staples coach Tommy Sparks told The Ruden Report, “We’re obviously proud of the fight. We were down a few times in the game where it looked like it could have been over, but the girls continued to execute, the girls continued to defend. It was a pleasure just to watch the resilience and the growth from these girls throughout the season. Obviously, it was a special season for us.” Click here for the full Ruden Report story (paywall).
On Monday, the Wrecker boys basketball team advanced to their final. Ranked first in Division I, they’ll seek their first state crown since 1937 this Saturday, 8:30 p.m. at Mohegan Sun, against #2 West Haven.
Staples 2026 girls basketball team.
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MoCA\CT’s celebration of “Art, Jazz + the Blues” — the title of their current exhibition — continues with a “community conversation” March 26 (5:30 p.m.).
Exhibit co-curator Ive Covaci leads a panel of noted musicians, artists, educators and scholars in an exploration of how jazz and blues continue to inspire creativity across art forms — and within our own community.
Panelists include: Brian Torff (bassist, composer and Fairfield University music professor; Dr. Richard Epstein (vice president, Jazz Society of Fairfield County and longtime WPKN host); Kevin Mazzarella (Staples High School band director and trumpeter), and Caitlin von Schmidt (musician, graphic designer, and daughter of artist Eric von Schmidt, whose works are the foundation of the “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibition.
Three generations of Westport Pardons — former Fordham University Gaelic Society president Ed, son Chris and grandson Conor — enjoyed yesterday’s parade in New York.
And we’re sure Conor’s teacher will “pardon” him for taking an afternoon off to salute his heritage!
Staples High School Class of 1994 graduate Lisa Bastoni was featured at First Folk Sunday in 2024. She returns October 4.
In the meantime, she’s written “There Are No Kings in America.” Suzanne Sheridan — founder of First Folk Sunday — will perform Lisa’s song at the “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green (March 28). Suzanne Sheridan at the NO KINGS Rally at Jesup Green on Saturday March 28.
PS: Creativity runs in Lisa’s family. She’s the granddaughter of noted Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel.
Faherty honors World Down Syndrome Day this Saturday (March 21) with a special Sweet P Bakery pop-up event.
From noon to 2 p.m. at the Main Street store, Sweet P founder Andrea Pecoriello and baker Charlie Biondo will serve some of their favorite goods, for purchase.
The bakery’s mission is to provide training and employment for adults with disabilities.
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Westporters know Frank Murgalo as “Santa Claus” at our annual Holiday Stroll (Shhhh … don’t tell the kids!)
He’s also a Marine Corps veteran, who donates time and energy to many excellent causes.
Now — at 82 — he’s written a memoir.
“My Mid-Life Crisis at 82: A Life of Mischief, Mayhem and Making It Work…” chronicles his wild, adventurous life. He’s been an auditor, fishmonger, actor and stand-up comedian. He writes about stopping Super Bowl XVII, being tackled by the FBI, and outwitting the State Department — all with an inspiring message of resilience, risk and laughter.
On April 7 (2:45 p.m.), Frank gives a book talk at the Senior Center. It’s free, but register for a seat: 203-341-5099.
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On Sunday business owners, building managers and tenants of Riverside Corners Westport gathered at Arezzo Ristorante to honor the life of Alon Panovka.
The longtime building owner and supporter of the arts died recently.
Although Alon lived in Atlanta, he spent significant time in the area. In addition to the property at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue, he owned the former post office building on Post Road East, which he redeveloped.
Known by many tenants for his thoughtful stewardship and quiet generosity, Alon also helped launch The Norwalk Art Space, which offers free art and music education to underserved youth.
Alon Panovka gathering, at Arezzo. (Hat tip and photo/Ken Warren)
Longtime Westport resident Dominick Boccanfuso died Saturday. He was 86.
The New York native moved here with his family in 1949. A proud Merchant Marine officer, Dominick was licensed to pilot vessels up to 100 gross tons. He had a lifelong passion for boating and fishing, and shared that love with family and friends.
An entrepreneur from a young age, Dominick began his career at 18, opening his first gas station with his brothers, Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo.
Their drive extended beyond business, ultimately leading them to build one of the fastest race cars in its class. Dominick led this effort, designing and rebuilding the car’s power plant each week to ensure it consistently ran down the track with fresh power — a testament to his ambition and mechanical skill.
In 1970 Dominick and his brothers founded Boccanfuso Bros., which quickly became a staple in the Westport community. It reflected their honesty, fairness, dedication, work ethic and strong family values.
Dominick was deeply committed to giving back. For over a decade, he sponsored Westport boys and girls Little League baseball teams. He served as a volunteer firefighter from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and was a dedicated usher at Assumption Church during holidays. He and his nephew Giuseppe also supported the Swim Across the Sound cancer benefit by escorting participants on their boat.
Beginning in 1982, Dominick spent winters in Hallandale, Florida, with his mother Anna, participating in fundraising efforts at St. Matthew’s Church. He continued this tradition until 2006, following her passing.
He is survived by Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso III, Zhanna Boccanfuso, Giuseppe A. Boccanfuso IV, Victoria I. Boccanfuso, and Valerie I. Boccanfuso; his sister Sophia Freitag; nieces Mary, Anna, Angel, Ann Marie, Jo-Anne, Roselyn, Annie, Pamela Jo, Anna Maria, and their spouses; nephews Giuseppe D. and Crescienzo J., Billy and Joseph Oboy, Vincent and Joseph DiMeglio, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Giuseppe Jr. and Crescienzo, and sisters Carmela B. Oboy and Mary DiMeglio.
Visitation will be held this Friday (March 20, 4-8 p.m. Harding Funeral Home). Funeral services will take place Saturday (March 21, 9 a.m., Assumption Church), followed by interment at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
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