Category Archives: Beach

Roundup: AWARE, Moonrise Cartel, Combat Love …

Posted on July 25, 2025 | 3 comments

Are you aware of AWARE?

It’s one of my favorite local non-profits — though I’m not technically allowed as a member. The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education.

Each year the group selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.

One year for example, AWARE partnered with Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes, a Bridgeport transitional home, to support female veterans.

Each month, AWARE volunteers served dinner to homeless female vets there. They assembled diaper bags filled with newborn supplies, for pregnant veterans in need. And they organized a panel discussion in Westport, with female veterans from 4 military branches.

Another year, the partner was Her Time. They help women impacted by incarceration and domestic violence.

AWARE provided monthly dinners in Bridgeport. Members gave presentations on finance, parenting health, low-cost nutrition, special education, writing, mindfulness, family meals and meditation — among many other collaborations.

On Wednesday, members got together at Compo Beach. They’re making plans for the 2025-26 partnership.

And they’re getting ready for a new member coffee. It’s next Thursday (July 31, 11 a.m., location TBD). To learn more about AWARE — including the location of the coffee — email info@awarect.org.

AWARE at Compo Beach.

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Speaking of Compo Beach: Our 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll is on this Sunday — rain or shine.

A few showers should not dampen the fun. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic.

The street will be filled with live music, kids’ activities (face painting, chalking, etc.), a photo booth, food and more. We welcome everyone to walk, stroll, Rollerblade, and enjoy Westport at its best.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is offered free of charge, by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. See you there!

 

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The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held its annual summer get-together last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Members enjoyed conversation and networking; food from A&S, Basso, Calise’s, Rizzuto’s, Spotted Horse, Viva Zapata and Zucca Gastrobar — and a special preview mini-concert by The Moonrise Cartel.

The folk/indie rock/Americana/touch of gospel band played to a full lawn later in the evening.

The Moonrise Cartel, on the Levitt Pavilion terrace. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Packed lawn at the Levitt. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Chamber gatherings always draw a diverse crowd. Last night’s included a number of local politicians. In the early days of the election season, conversations were low-key, genial — and across the aisle.

Kevin Christie (left) and Don O’Day — both running for 1st selectman — with Abby Tolan, Board of Education member seeking another term. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The upcoming 3 shows are all free.

Tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.), it’s Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks: swing, jazz, rock, klezmer, jump blues, and traditional pop.

Tomorrow (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) features singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Hamilton.

Sunday’s headliner (7 p.m.) is Leonardo Suarez-Pas Piazolla 100 Tango — with a free tango lesson at 6:15.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

The Moonrise Cartel. (Photo/Sean Bernand)

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Also last night: The well-received opening of “From Broadway to Hollywood,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.

“Broadway” comes to the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Susan Garment)

The concert — celebrating classic stage and screen scores — continues tonight (Friday, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.). For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-227-4177.

“Broadway” curtain call. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Combat Love” — noted TV journalist Alisyn Camerota’s memoir that is an always frank, often surprising and deeply personal story of her turbulent teenage years, and how they colored the rest of her family life and career path — comes out in paperback on Tuesday.

Since leaving CNN a few months ago, the Westport resident has branched out into Substack writing and podcasting.

But “Combat Love” remains very close to her heart. Click here for more information, and to order.

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Shorefest — Friends of Sherwood Island State Park’s annual fundraiser — is set for Setpember 5 (6 p.m.), at the Pavilion.

Proceeds from the dinner and silent auction help protect the coastal sanctuary, expand wildlife habitat, restore trees, and fund educational outreach. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Shewood Island: Connecticut’s first state park, right here in Westport.

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We’ve featured lots of wildlife (deer, bees, birds, etc.) — and plenty of flowers and foliage in recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.

Today we turn to water. This was the serence scene the other day at Deadman Brook, near the pedestrian bridge between the Levitt Pavilion and Imperial Avenue parking lot:

(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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And finally … Chuck Mangione — described by the New York Times as the musician “whose limpid fluegelhorn ruled the upper reaches of Billboard’s adult contemporary charts in the 1970s and ’80s with a culture-permeating lilt that helped create the genre known as ‘smooth jazz,’ died on Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York. He was 84.

Click here for the full obituary.

(Every day, “06880”‘s Roundup delivers news about people, groups, events, random stuff, and all that jazz. If you enjoy this — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Local politics, Media, Westport Country Playhouse

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Manresa: Smokestack Island’s Stunning Transformation

Posted on July 25, 2025 | 7 comments

The “06880” brand is Westport.

People, organizations, events, businesses, history, photos, entitled drivers — if it happens here, we post about it.

We throw an occasional bone to Weston too. Keith Richards, José Feliciano, Devil’s Den, the Museum & History Center — all are worth covering.

Very occasionally, we’ll mention something about Fairfield (their 8-30g battles) or Norwalk (Stew Leonard’s, Wegmans) — provided there is a clear and important connection to “06880.”

Today is one of those days.

Manresa Island is that piece of land we see from Compo Beach. Its most prominent feature is a power plant.

Manresa Island (smokestack in the distance), can be seen on a clear day from Compo Beach.

In fact, the reason the island has grown from its original 23 acres to its current 144 is because Connecticut Light & Power (now Eversource) filled in the titdal flats with coal ash.

One view of Manresa Island …

The plant — converted from coal to oil (which subsequently spilled, causing significant environmental damage) — was sold to NRG Energy in 1999, and severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It closed the next year.

Manresa Island has a fascinating history.

At one time, it was owned by the Jesuits. The established the Manresa Institute, a retreat for prelates and laymen.

… and another.

For a sight so prominent in our vista, most Westporters know nothing about Manresa Island.

Including the fact that a year ago a non-profit organization acquired the property. They hope to remediate the coal ash and asbesetos, and turn it into a park.

That vision of a wealthy couple, Austin and Allison McChord, began as they kayaked past Manresa. They created a non-profit to carry out their dream.

The transformation would open 1 3/4 miles of Norwalk’s shorefront to the public. The 125-acre park would include trails, a canopy walk, a public beach, play spaces, boat rentals, and a lawn for concerts.

Plans for Manresa Island …

The power plant would be turned into a large space with climbing walls, an indoor water park, food vendors, enviornment educational center, and flexible event space.

Demolition of the 3 7.5-million gallon steel oil tanks that sat empty for over a decade was completed last month. The smokestack will remain.

… including new uses of the turbine building …

Proponents call the project a model for the adaptive reuse of industrial sites and resilient waterfronts globally. It is expected to be fully completed by 2030.

Manresa Island is ecologically important. Undeveloped portons include a coastal forest and intertidal estuaries — some of the last remaining undisturbed marine habitats on the Fairfield County coast.

Wetlands serve as breeding grounds for migratory birds, and are home to 200 or so bird species. Waters around the island are essential habitats for many fish.

… and outdoor educational and recreational areas.

Yet Manresa is not the only Norwalk Island in the news.

ROAN ventures — developers of the Saugatuck Hamlet project — recently bought 4-acre Betts Island and 1.5-acre Calf Pasture Island. Plans for the islands are unclear.

Those for Manresa Island, on the other hand, are very clear.

Even if many Westporters — just a couple of miles across Saugatuck Shores and Long Island Sound, as the gull flies — have absolutely no idea what lies next to the smokestack.

Or what lies ahead.

(To learn more about Manresa Island’s future, click here. Hat tip: Janine Scotti)

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Posted in Beach, Environment

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Pic Of The Day #3018

Posted on July 24, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3018

Harnessing the Compo Beach wind (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roundup: Superintendent’s Contract, Mandy Patinkin’s Show, Soundview’s Stroll …

Posted on July 24, 2025 | 9 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice is getting a raise — and another year on his contract.

The Board of Education voted yesterday to give the town’s highest paid official a 4% increase, from his current $321,661 salary. Another year was also added to his 3-year rolling contract.

The vote was 5-2 in favor. BOE members Robert Harrington and Dorie Hordon voted against the increase. Harrington cited both finances and Scarice’s performance, in areas like renewals of coaches’ contracts, while Hordon focused solely on a raise that is above the national inflation rate.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

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In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.

His November 21 show is sure to do the same.

The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.

Tickets are $175 and $150. They go on sale tomorrow (Friday, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Mandy Patinkin

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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.

It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.

See you there!

Among the activities at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll: chalking the street. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

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Immigrant justice is the topic of a panel discussion July 31 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

The event — sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congegation of Westport — features Professor Cristina Jiménez, author of “Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear Into Pride, Power and Real Change.”

She is also an award-winning community organizer, former executive director of the nationwide immigrant youth organization United We Dream, and the recipient of a MacArthur “genius grant.”

Members of Make the Road CT will share stories, and discuss how to support efforts that push back against anti-immigrant policies. Click here for more information.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between July 16 and 22.

A 30-year-old Queens man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, plus conspiracy to commit those crimes, following an investigation into a 2023 burglary of a Westport home. The stolen items — including jewelry and designer handbags — were worth more than $50,000. The suspect ws held in a New York correctional facility, and extradited here. He was unable to post a $30,000 bond.

A 56-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a domestic disturbance in a school parking lot.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonbly fast: 6 citations
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Larceny: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Stay in your lane! Don’t pass unless it’s allowed!

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Longtime Westport resisdent Dr. Charles Huebner died in his sleep on December 29. He was 89 years old.

He was interred with full military honors at the Assumption Cemetery in Greens Farms last month.

Charlie was an active member of St. Luke Church — chairing the Finance and Parish Council for many years — along with the Patterson Club and Minuteman Yacht Club.

He was born in Hungary, and spent his early years in Budapest. Impacted by excesses of national socialism during World War II and the imminent Russian invasion, the family fled to Austria, before settling in Detroit.

Charlie earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (first in his class) from the University of Detroit. He was commissioned as an Air Force officer, then earned a master’s in aero/astronautics engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

He completed his military service at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, then joined NASA’s Apollo space program as a project engineer, while also earning a doctorate from American University.

In 1968 Charlie and his family moved to Westport, when he transitioned to the corporate world. He held senior executive positions with General Electric, AMF and US Industries.

In 1990, after the fall of the Iron Curtain, Charlie led the Hungarian American Enterprise Fund, established by Congress to help open Hungary to private investments.

He moved to Budapest, where he spearheaded efforts to reform the country’s economic structure. Charlie was elected president of the American Chamber of Commerce there, and was a leading member of the Hungarian-American business community.

Charlie was a devout Catholic, and a Knight of Magisterial Grace in the Order of Malta. He was chosen by the Order to serve as a deputy ambassador to Hungary, a position that carried full diplomatic status.

Charlie met and married Suzan Lawlor in college. They raised 4 children in Westport: Chuck (Lucy), Christine Rohan (Paul), Diane Dillon (Peter) and Andrea Kalkstein (Bart). They survive him, along with 11 grandchildren.

After Suzan’s death in 1984, Charlie married Zsuzsa Korab and had a fifth child, Alexandra Doane (Bobby).  He was predeceased by his brother.

Services were held earlier this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Jesuits.

Charlie Huebner

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Our “Westport … Naturally” features has gotten a ton of egret submissions lately.

Here — from the Saugatuck River, by the Westport Library Riverwalk – is- one of the best:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … there are so many Mandy Patinkin songs we could choose (story above).

Here are 3:

(“06880” is your hyper-local source, for Westport news, events, history, photo, and much more. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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233 Hillspoint Road: The Follow-Up

Posted on July 24, 2025 | 13 comments

James Pendry owns 233 Hillspoint Road — the “blue house” that has been back in the news lately. He writes:

There have been several newspaper articles written about a notice of auction for the property at 233 Hillspoint Road.

Some have been full of inaccuracies and snarky, with 2-year-old photos. The “06880” post was respectful and straightforward, but also had a couple of key mistakes.

The house has a mortgage which can be foreclosed upon if the terms of the mortgage are not being followed. Such a foreclosure is a judicial process, with all its safeguards and principles of due process.

233 Hillspoint Road: The view from the street …

What has been threatened here (and buried in the very small print on the last page), on the other hand, is an Article 9 UCC foreclosure of the LLC interest — a rarely used tactic which is explicitly non-judicial, and therefore a theoretically easier and faster way to take possession of a property, albeit indirectly and full of its own vulnerabilities.

The announced auction will never take place, and should never have been noticed.

The attorneys are talking. The mortgage (only 35% of the property’s appraised value) will be repaid in full by the end of the month, in all likelihood.

The notice became public when the auctioneer disingenuously inquired about the cost of running the notice for budgetary reasons. Disingenuous in that the property owner has to pay for notice in any event, and the price could have been easily ascertained by describing the number of lines that would run.

Given the property’s unfortunate and somewhat notorious history, the publisher considered the announcement “news,” and published.

… and the beach.

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Posted in Beach, Real estate

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Unsung Hero #392

Posted on July 23, 2025 | 25 comments

If you’re a native Westporter, you probably know Rick Giunta.

If you’re a newcomer, you may not recognize the name.

But anyone who has ever enjoyed Compo Beach or Longshore — or any other town recreational facility — has done so thanks, in large part and over many years, to Giunta.

Rick Giunta

The Westport Parks & Recreation deputy director retires next week, after 18 years with the department.

Parks & Rec — and the entire town — will miss his broad knowledge, great expertise, and strong love for his work and his community.

Giunta is that once common, now all too rare breed: a local boy who stayed true to his roots.

A Staples High School graduate (and, like so many of his era, a former Arrow restaurant employee), he worked as a compensation analyst for Champion International, and a manager/director at Pitney Bowes, before joining Parks & Rec as a customer service manager in 2007.

He’d already served his home town, as a special police officer in the Marine Division starting in 1982. He continued through 2015.

Giunta was a volunteer football coach for Westport PAL. He stayed long after his twin sons left the program, spending more than 20 years as a treasurer and trustee.

Rick Giunta and his sons: then, and more recently.

He was also a longtime volunteer with Festival Italiano.

After director Jen Fava resigned last year, Giunta was “the glue of the department,” says operations manager Carmen Roda.

“He’s been our face to the public. He oversees customer service — like beach emblem sales, and boat and kayak renewals and storage — and the budget too.”

Giunta is “a good mentor and colleague,” Roda says. “I’ll miss our morning talks, when we get ready for the day. He fosters leadership and engagement. He’s made a mark on the people who worked for and with him, and on the entire town.

“Retirement is great for him. But Westport is losing a very important resource.

Rick Giunta (right) and Carmen Roda, at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“Rick loves giving back, and helping the community,” Roda continues. “He’s ‘Mr. Westport.’ He knows the history of places and people. He’s seen the past and the present, and knows all the trends.”

Giunta “doesn’t like the spotlight,” Roda notes. “He’s the type of guy who always puts the town and its people in front of his own needs.”

Erik Barbieri took over as Parks & Rec director just 5 months ago. But he was impressed with Giunta as early as the interview process.

“The first time I met him I saw his professionalism, and his desire to help smooth the transition. I’ve really valued his experience, with budgets and operations.

“I hate to see him leave. But I’m super excited to see him enjoy retirement.”

Giunta — who owns the house he grew up in, off South Compo Road — looks forward to spending time on his boat, with his wife Karen, his sons and grandchildren.

Rick and Karen Giunta.

His legacy will live on. Giunta’s son Michael transitioned from a summer Parks & Rec job to his full-time role, as waterfront senior foreman. (His brother Christopher is a physical therapist in Trumbull.)

Even though he’s retiring, Westport native Rick Giunta is not going anywhere.

“He told me he’s only a phone call — and less than a mile — away,” Barbieri says.

“I really appreciate that.”

Westport appreciates Rick Giunta. Well-deserved congratulations on retirement — and as this week’s Unsung Hero.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Pic Of The Day #3016

Posted on July 22, 2025 | 7 comments

Sherwood Mill Pond morning (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

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Roundup: Run For RTM, Eat At Gruel Britannia, Clean Up Trash …

Posted on July 22, 2025 | 4 comments

Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office, starting today.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.

The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body. Four representatives are elected from each of 9 voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.

RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests over $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.

For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Yesterday marked a jolly good opening for Gruel Britannia.

The new Cross Highway restaurant — an outpost of the very popular Southport spot, taking over the vacant Porch @ Christie’s — was packed from the moment the doors opened.

Neighbors, other Westporters from further away, Fairfield fans, construction workers, delivery people — all were impressed with the menu, the interior, and owner Karen Hubrich’s welcoming vibe.

Click here for last week’s preview story, and menus.

Gruel Britannia: ready to serve. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today marks the beginning of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force drive.

They’re collecting household items for clients at their 2 safe houses. Supplies are part of “move-in baskets,” which help recipients transition into apartments.

Items needed include

  • Laundry detergent
  • Laundry baskets
  • Plastic reusable plates
  • Plastic reusable utensils
  • Dish soap
  • Sponges
  • Dish towels
  • Hand towels and washcloths
  • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
  • Tin foil
  • Plastic wrap
  • Parchment paper
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Brooms and mops
  • Dustpans
  • Paper napkins
  • Hand soap

Donations can be dropped off in the lobby at the Westport Police station, through July 29.

For more information on the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, click here. For 24-hour assistance with domestic violence, call 888-884-2900, or click here.

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As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.

It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.

See you there!

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An “06880” reader whose home abuts the Longshore golf course writes: “During the 4 years we have lived here, we have found empty beer cans, candy wrappers and the like on our rear property.

“On Sunday, one of my granddaughters discovered 2 empty Coors cans.

“Of course, there’s a teaching lesson for them: Respect other people’s property, don’t litter, etc.

“However, the real lesson is: Golfers and other Longshore attendees are disrespectful to their neighbors.

“My husband and I are shocked that we live in aqqa community that has no respect for our property. We thought when we moved here Westport was a kind,caring and respectful community. We sadly are finding that that is not the case.

“Everyone should treat their neighbors’ property in the same manner they would like others to treat their property.”

The back of a Longshore-area resident’s property.

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The Westport Police Department says: Connecticut is updating its e-bike laws.

Effective October 1, e-bikes without pedals, and with batteries over 750 watts, will now be classified as motor-driven cycles. A driver’s license will be required to operate them.

E-bikes over 3,500 watts are expected to need registration and insurance — similar to motorcycles.

Class 1–3 e-bikes are not affected. They still will noto require a license.

Police say tell parents: “As you shop for e-bikes, keep these changes in mind –especially for younger riders. If a bike performs like a motorcycle, it may not be the right fit for a child just yet.”

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Speaking of transportation: Spaces in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot closest to the Merritt Parkway are narrower than in other rows.

There are “Compact Cars Only” signs. But not a lot. They’re easy to miss.

What’s not easy to miss is when you have to squeeze into a spot. And come within millimeters of scraping the car next to you. Like this driver:

I’m pretty certain the green car was already there.

Getting in was the easy part. Getting out will be much harder.

It’s always amazed me that people will do anything they can, to park as close to the Y as possible.

So they can then go inside, and work out.

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Westport is home to all kinds of summer camps. Cello, art, computer, SAT prep — you name, there’s something for you.

Including water polo.

Northeast Elite offers an August 4-9 camp for middle and high school students. Experienced and new players are all welcome. It’s non-competitive and focused on fundamentals, with both land and water activities.

It’s the 6th year for this special opportunity — and it certainly is unique. The site is Schlaet’s Point, right off Compo Beach. Click here for more information.

Coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, at the Northeast Elite water polo camp.

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Speaking of water sports: Congratulations to Zadie Schatz!

The young Westport swimmer — a rising 8th grader at Pierrepont School — earned 1 gold and 3 silver medals, 4 junior national times (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, 400 IM), and a few national swimming news mentions at the recent Novato Sectionals in California.

Her 100 breaststroke time is 0.7 seconds away from last year’s Olympic trial cut —  very unusual for a 13-year-old, particularly a dual sport athlete (she also plays water polo).

Sectional meets are open age, so she raced against adults and college athletes too.

Congratuations too to Zadie’s Stamford Sailfish teammate and fellow Westporters, Connor Cheung

The 15-year old, who will be a Staples High School sophomore this fall, placed 51st, 97th and 105th in, respectively, the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free.

Zadie Schatz

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Like all reunion classes, they can’t believe it’s been xx years.

But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 45th reunion next month.

They’ll meet Friday, August 15 at the VFW. They’ll spend Saturday afternoon and evening at Compo Beach, with dinner from the Szabo Seafood truck.

As always, they’ll raise money for their beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, and the Susan Fund that for over 50 years has provided more than $2 million in scholarships, to Fairfield County residents with cancer. Funds will come from a raffle of art, by Class of ’80 artists.

For more information on the reunion, and to register, click here. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.

Susan Lloyd

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When vocalist/actor/writer Abena Koomson-Davis sat in with her husband at Jazz at the Post, she brought the VFW house down.

This Thursday, the 3-time Tony winner — who has performed with Stevie Wonder and recorded with Natalie Merchant — headlines her own shows (July 24, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20; $15 veterans and students).

Koomson-Davis will be joined by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Matt Dworszyk, drummer Jonathan Barber and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for reservations.

PS: Even if you’re not a jazz fan, check out the performance below. Spectacular!

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Also this Thursday (July 24): The Fairfield County Dance Festival returns to Westport (6:30 p.m., MoCA CT). The free, outdoor performance features the Amy Marshall Dance Company and New England Ballet Theater.

All are welcome — from longtime dance enthusiasts to families looking for a fun summer evening outside.

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. For more information, click here.

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There’s a word for “fear of spiders” (arachnophobia).

But even the most arachnophobic “06880” reader must marvel at spiders’ creation.

Pam Kesselman spotted (and snaped) today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo — on her deck.

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … “who” knew this was coming?

(From the RTM and Gruel Britannia to e-bikes and water polo, “06880”‘s Roundup has it all. That’s the way we roll. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Local politics, Longshore, Police, Staples HS, Transportation, YMCA

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Pic Of The Day #3015

Posted on July 21, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3015

Long Island Sound scene (Photo/Jim Hood)

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Roundup: Eddington, Lloyd Allen, La Source …

Posted on July 21, 2025 | 6 comments

“Eddington” — Ari Aster’s film about political and social turmoil during the pandemic — opened Friday.

There’s a familiar face (besides Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone) on the screen: Staples High Class of 2024 graduate Cameron Mann.

He debuted with Staples Players long before entering high school — as an elementary student. He continued through his senior year, stopping only that spring when he filmed “Eddington” in New Mexico.

Cam — who previously starred in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown” — is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Cameron Mann, in “Eddington.”

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The Sunday morning church service at Compo Beach is always special.

Yesterday’s worship was extra special.

Pivot Ministries — the Bridgeport organization that addrseses — drug and alcohol addiction as a spiritual problem — was the guest of this week’s hosts, Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Pivot members offered uplifting testimony — and music — to the early morning gathering.

Pivot Ministries, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Lisa Tantillo)

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Lloyd Allen workshopped songs from his timely new musical “Screen Time” yesterday, at the Westport Library.

Dick Wingate was there — and was very impressed.

“I’ve known Lloyd for 40 years going, back to when he was a fashion designer and made a music video of his song that showcased his latest line,” Dick says.

“It was so catchy that I released it on Epic Records. It became a minor MTV hit.  He is truly a renaissance man.”

But we already know that.

To learn more about “Screen Time” — or many other things — stop in at Lloyd’s day job. He owns the Double L Market (get it?) near Calise’s, on Post Road East.

Scene from “Screen Time” (Photo/Dick Wingate)

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La Source — whose stores in Darien and New Canaan offer “a curated collection of best-in-class delicates, sleepwear, swimwear, and gifts for the women we love” — is expanding to Westport.

Their Bedford Square shop opens soon, across Church Lane from Pink Sumo. Click here for the La Source website. 

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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As I started my walk at Compo’s South Beach yesterday, I passed a Jeep with its motor running.

More than 20 minutes — coming back, the other direction — it was still there.

An hour later, I got a text from a reader. She sent a photo of a car that had idled for at least 10 minutes outside Cold Fusion, while the driver’s family was inside.

Not cool!

Except that these drivers are quite cool (as in “comfortable”). They’re sitting in their cars, chatting on their phones, while the A/C is on.

But wait!

Although a Connecticut law prohibits idling for more than 3 minutes, there are exceptions.

One is when traffic prevents movement. Another is when the temperature is below 20 degrees.

A third is — wait for it — “when using heating, cooling or other auxiliary equipment.”

Who knew?

Still — though it may be legal, it’s not environmentally wise.

Yesterday was beautiful.

Maybe the Compo guy could have made his phone call on a bench that was 3 steps away.

Maybe the gelato guy could have joined his family for ice cream.

And maybe the word can get out that among the synonyms for “idle” are “lazy,” “indolent” and “slothful.”

From 2017.

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Speaking of Compo: We’ve had 2 straight days with rainbows over Long Island Sound. Here’s yesterday’s:

(Photo/Meredith Holod)

Gorgeous!

I just have one question: Aren’t rainbows supposed to follow rain?

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The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion lineup: Mihali.

The Vermont-based singer/songwriter/guitarist/co-founder of Twiddle continues to evolve. His third record, “Before The Dream” features big names in the reggae, rock and pop worlds, including Little Stranger, Tropidelic, Lily Fangz, G. Love, Brett Dennen, Andy Frasco, Seven Suns, Satsang and Moon Taxi.

Mihail will appear with specail guest Soule Monde, and Mr. Mota, on September 6. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Mihali

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Speaking of the Levitt: Our new header (on the “06880” home page) was taken last night, at the sold-out Sweet Remains concert. (Bonus feature: an impromptu appearance by Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, the wife of Sweet Remain Greg Naughton. They live in Westport.)

Jim Honeycutt – retired Staples High School media teacher, well known for his many Players and Music Department video projects there — snapped the shot.

If you’re not seeing the image on our website, here it is:

(Photo/Jim Honeycutt)

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Isn’t nature wonderful?

And colorful?

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature image comes from the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot, near Winslow Park.

Wow!

(Photo/Edward Paul)

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And finally … Happy 77th birthday, Cat Stevens (Yusuf). There are so many songs to pay him tribute. Here are 3. What’s your pick? Click “Comments” below.

(Another week begins … and, as always,”06880″ is here to bring you news, features, events, photos and much more, all with a hyper-local twist. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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