The 11th annual “06880″ party is just a week away.
And if you’re reading this: You’re invited.
Next Thursday (July 17, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)
The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.
Every member of the “06880″ (as in, this website) community is invited.
We welcome frequent commenters and lurkers. Folks who have lived here all their lives, and those who moved here yesterday. People who want the Cribari bridge to stay the same, those who want a new one, and everyone in between. (Don’t worry: We keep the party a politics-free zone.)
The tagline for “06880″ is “Where Westport meets the world.” Next Thursday, that world comes to Compo.
Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.
There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser.
A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.
Compo Beach and Weston’s Bisceglie Pond are closed for swimming, due to elevated baceria levels.
Swimming will remain prohibited until samples come back within acceptable levels. Those will be taken on Monday.
Burying Hill and Old Mill Beaches, as well as Sherwood Island State Park, are all open for swimming. Compo is open for all other activities except swimming.
It’s summer. But “OK To Delay” — the group urging parents to protect middle schoolers from smartphones and social media — is not delaying their efforts.
Next Thursday (July 17, 7:30 p.m., on the sand near the playground), they’ll host “Books on the Beach 203” event, at Compo.
Westport moms, educators and community members will discuss Jonathan Haidt’s “The Anxious Generation.” It examines the role of “phone-based childhoods” in the youth mental health crisis,
The conversation will touch on the challenges modern families face, and how families can work together to overcome them. RSVP: oktodelaywestport@gmail.com.
===============================================
Emmy-winning CNN correspondent Gayle Young is a native Westporter. Her journalism career began as a Westport News writer. She was Connecticut’s finalist for NASA’s Journalist in Space competition.
She’s just published a memoir, “Update: Reporting From an Ancient Land.”
There is plenty about her adventures reporting from the Middle East at the start of the first Gulf War; her work as CNN bureau chief in Cairo and Rome; her award-winning documentaries as a writer and producer for National Geographic Film & Television, and her career as head of multimedia production at the World Bank.
There is also quite a bit about growing up here.
Whether in South Africa for the election of Nelson Mandela, or with Moama Gadhafi and Yassir Arafat, she was always grateful to come home.
She writes too about how helpful Westport officials were in the 1990s, when she was gathering documents to adopt her baby daughter from a Russian orphanage orphanage.
Speaking of journalism: The New York Times real estate section regularly runs “Renters”: stories of regular people, as they seek a rental that suits their needs, lifestyles (and bank accounts).
The most recent piece highlights Patricia Brennecke, a retired teacher who had to move from a great place in Oakland. She found — miraculously, to anyone familiar with Bay Area housing — an equally great spot in Emeryville.
The cross-continental Westport angle? “Imagine my surprise,” says Steve Doig — who emailed it to me — when I realized the story I was reading was about my classmate!”
Both he and Patricia graduated together, in Staples High School’s Class of 1966.
The non-profit — started and nurtured by longtime Westporters Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito, to “deepen community connections through the arts dialogue, ideas and transformation” — was honored with a US Senate certificate of special recognition.
It included information about the couple’s Beechwood Salons in Westport, and their continuing work with arts organizations across Fairfield County.
Senator Richard Blumenthal presented the honor last weekend, at The Hive’s digs.
From left: Senator Richard Blumenthal, Frederic Chiu, Jeanine Esposito. (Screenshot courtesy of News12 Connecticut).
… and writes: “Shucks! Another joy of summer disappearing. Remember the days when, as soon as school let out, we kids rode our bikes down to the grocery to shuck corn.”
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 25 and July 9.
A 57-year-old Bridgeport man was arresed for driving under the influence, failure to drive right and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following a complaint of an intoxicated man in a resident’s yard who refused to leave. He did so before police arrived, but he was stopped on Greens Farms Road near Valley Road.
A 50-year-old New Milford woman was arrested on an active re-arrest warrant, for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 8 citations
Failure to renew registration: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 5
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Improper use of markers: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to grant right of way: 2
Driving under the influence: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Improper entry/exit on a limited access highway: 1
Transporting a child without restraints: 1
Following too closely: 1
Unsafe backing: 2
Failure to drive right: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to return plates: 1
Always look behind when backing up!
=================================================
Robert Horne — a former member of Westport Boards of Finance and Tax Review — died June 28, after a lengthy illness. He was 86.
The UK native earned a degree in chemical engineering from Cambridge, and an MBA from Harvard. He held leadership positions at ICI, Digital Equipment Corporation and Nortel, and was president and CEO of BioCad.
After his public service in Westport, he helped shape the city of Johns Creek, Georgia. Robert enjoyed sailing, water sports and skiing.
He is survived by his wife Ann; sons Mark and Adam; daughter Hannah, and grandchildren Ayden, Addison, Morgan, Paige and Luke.
A celebration of Rober’s life is set for July 26 (2 p.m., Lanier Village Estate chapel, Gainesville, Georgia). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LVE Samaritan Fund.
Robert Horne
=============================================
Beach plums are blooming — beautifully — near Old Mill Beach.
They’re so beautiful, they’re today’s featured “Westport … Naturally” image.
They look good enough to eat, right off the screen!
And finally … on this date in 1553, Lady Jane Grey took the throne of England.
(It’s okay to delay giving your child a smartphone. But delaying support of “06880,” your hyper-local blog? Nah! If you enjoy anything we do, 24/7/365, please donate by clicking here. Thanks!)
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Westport’s fireworks are the best party of the year.
But — like any party — it doesn’t happen without tons of work.
Planning takes months. The day of the event is long, hard and very stressful.
And even when the party is over, the clean-up work continues.
Our annual celebration seems to run like clockwork. This year’s was especially flawless. (A record may have been set: only 2 lost children.)
So how did it happen?
A lot of groups worked a lot of hours. With a lot of collaboration.
Thanks go to:
Parks & Recreation Department. They’re the front lines — and the back room (and everything and everywhere in between). The fireworks are an all-hands-on-deck event, and everyone from director Erik Barbieri (overseeing his first one), deputies Rick Giunta and Carm Roda (definitely not their first rodeos), down to the lifeguards and newest summer employees, pitched in.
From parking assistance and emptying trash all day long, to reuniting those 2 lost kids with their parents, Parks & Rec did it all. Special thanks to the clean-up crews, who went to work the moment the first revelers left after the last firework, leaving behind mammoth piles of chairs, tables, towels, flip-flops, food and other garbage.
By dawn the next morning, it was all gone. A kerfuffle ensued on Westport Front Porch, when a Westporter wondered why the clean-up had been so efficient that when she went back the next day to retrieve her stuff, it was gone. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the idea. No good dead — or pristine beach — goes unpunished.
An early trash pick-up, long before the big crowds arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Police Department. This was Dave Farrell’s first fireworks as chief, and his men and women nailed it. They too were everwhere — in cars, on bicycles, on foot and on the water — with constant smiles, and an eagerness to help. They were assisted by officers from other towns. And, it seems safe to say, they returned the favor on other days, for those colleagues’ pyrotechnics.
Fire Department. You never know what might happen, at an event that draws 10,000 people. But the presence of so many firefighters — with all their equipment — was reassuring to all. They were not called on for anything major, so they had plenty of time to offer little kids up-close look at their gleaming trucks, and toots on the (very) loud sirens.
Emergency Medical Services.Our paid and volunteer staffs were all over the place too. They are sometimes overlooked — particularly on a day that was as incident-free as possible — but we would be nowhere without them (and their ambulances, parked strategically and ready for everything).
First responders, smiling but ready if needed. (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
Westport PAL. They’re the beneficiaries of the parking permits. The money they raise helps fund sports and scholarship programs that impact thousands of youngsters. But PAL volunteers work hard, before and during the fireworks, to earn their donations. Congratulations to PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo, and his crew, for their part in the party.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein.They’ve sold their toy company. But as devoted Westporters, they continue to pay for the show — out of their own, personal pockets. If there’s a better way to show your love for this town, I’d like to hear it.
Thanks to all I’ve mentioned (and I sure hope I haven’t missed anyone).
The 2025 fireworks are now now just a memory. But we would not have that memory — or the smiles on our faces — without you.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein. (Photo/Dan Woog)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
This year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” event features Sarah Jessica Parker.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be celebrated on September 10. Tickets go on sale August 12.
“Booked” — the Library’s major fundraiser — honors someone whose work reflects Library’s purpose: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Last year’s recipient was Billie Jean King. Past guests include Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Mitchell, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu, Itzhak Perlman, Shonda Rhimes, and Laura Linney.
Parker — a noted advocate for literature and libraries — has built a career as both an entertainer and champion of the written word. In 2023 she launched SJP Lit, an imprint focused on underrepresented voices. She is a judge for the Booker Prize, and received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award this year.
She also executive produced “The Librarians,” a film about the fight against book bans which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,” she says.
“Libraries aren’t just buildings with shelves. They are a beacon. They are warm in the winter and cool in summer, and they are sanctuaries of possibility. They are a heartbeat of the neighborhood.”
Parker has won 4 Golden Globe Awards, 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and 2 Emmys. She currently stars as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series “And Just Like That.” Throughout Parker’s work, her advocacy for intellectual freedom and library access has been unwavering.
She served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during the Obama administration, and is vice chair of the board of directors for the New York City Ballet. Click here for more “Booked for the Evening” information.
Six bands will entertain all day long, at our July 27 Soundview Summer Stroll.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Soundview Drive — the Compo Beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. There will be kids’ activities and games, food, a photo booth, face painting, community vibing — and plenty of live music.
Bands and solo artists include Rock Paper Soul, Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Skunk Rockets and Not My Problem.
The entire day is free — courtesy of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Get ready to rock, while strolling (or Rollerblading or biking) all along the car-less beach! (And be sure to follow the Stroll’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundviewsummerstroll.)
==============================================
Speaking of the beach: After a 5-year hiatus, the Compo Summer Basketball League is back!
Its re-launch on Monday marks a major milestone in Westport’s recreation scene.
There are 95 players. Most are fathers from Westport and Weston. One team includes recent Staples graduates, ages 21-23.
Fun fact: One of the teams is coached by New York Knicks legend John Starks.
All 5 games were competitive and well played, with 2 referees and a scorekeeper.
People passing by stopped to watch. Teams hung around afteward, and had drinks
The league continues over the next 7 Mondays. Semifinals and finals are August 25.
Summertime basketball action at Compo Beach. (Photo/Jordan Schur)
=================================================
Yesterday’s thunder ws loud. And the lightning was bright.
It’s extremely difficult to capture a lightning strike. But Meredith Holod did, at Comp Beach:
(Photo/Meredith Holod)
Fortunately, the flash floods we were warned about did not materialize.
But it’s exponentially better to have it that way, than the reverse.
Among Earthplace’s many important projects, one of the most long-running — and popular — is care for its residential animals.
They include Chatty and Cerena, the bald eagles who arrived more than 20 years ago with injuries that made them non-releasable.
Today those raptors — along with dozens of other species — play a vital role in the environmental center’s education and conservation awareness efforts.
Now — during their fundraising drive — they’ve got a golden opportunity. All contributions made through July 31 will be matched, up to $12,000.
That $24,000 could go a huge way toward caring for dozens of animals. They inspire thousands of visitors each year, and many moroe at schools, libraries, festivals and community events.
“They teach lessons of survival, adaptation and resilience,” notes Veronica Swain, director of nature prograsm.
Recent cuts and losses in federal and foundation grand funding have hit Earthplace hard. Every donation will to toward animal feeding, medical care and enrichment activities.
Grace says yes! She checks in at the Longshore courts … and we check her out, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
===============================================
And finally … on this date in 1609, Bohemia was granted freedom of religion, by the Holy Roman Emperor.
(We can’t wait to see you at the Soundview Stroll — a gift from “06880” to the town. To give back though, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
Speaking still of transportation: The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues July 15 (8 p.m., Zoom and YouTube), with Dr. Bob Dempsey, director of flight operations for Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital rocket system. It’s designed for space tourism and scientific payload flights.
His talk is called “What Goes Up Must Come Down: Private Space Flight in the Era of ‘New Space.'”
And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming talk (story above):
(Another Monday, another week of Roundups. If you enjoy learning all about Westport — every morning, 24/7/365 — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Now alert “06880” reader Jamie Walsh has seen his first Candela — all-electric — boat. It was moored yesterday at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Jamie says: “Pretty cool! Those 3 things protruding in the air are the hydrofoils. They lower into the water as the boat accelerates, greatly reducing drag and rocking normally associated with most boats.
Last fall, I had myself scanned — and underwent other tests — at Longevity Powered by DexaFit.
The company — nestled inside Sherpa. the personal fitness and training gym across from Border Grille (not their health food partner) — uses those analyses to help people understand their bodies, and improve fitness.
A Dexa scan is a quick analysis of body composition, detailing muscle mass, bone mass, fat and visceral fat. The report provides insights into a person’s T-score (bone density), ALMI, FFMI, A/G Ratio, and BMC (bone mineral content).
If you don’t know what all that means — neither did I.
But manager Amy Julien explained it all.
The other day, I went back for a follow-up. I had taken some of Amy’s recommendations to, um, heart — and the results showed improvements in areas like muscle gain.
Whew! My improved fitness regime had paid off.
Plus, I did not want to disappoint Amy.
I had not taken up a couple of her other recommendations though, like walking with a weighted vest. She (very) gently tsk-tsked me, and provided a few options.
The good news: I’m in pretty good shape.
On the other hand, I’m not Mr. Olympia.
On the third hand, I don’t want to be. I still have my day job, which keeps me from spending 5 hours a day at the gym.
In the meantime, I’ll keep working out. I’ll follow a few of Amy’s other recommendations. I may (or may not) buy that weighted vest.
And in 6 months, I’ll go back to Longevity to see how I’m doing.
Amy Julien and yours truly. Long may we both live.
Early Clover — the former Coasters’ lead singer, and Apollo Theater favorite –brought his soul/R&B/Motown show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
The youngsters he brought up on stage were born decades after Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole and Otis Redding were alive.
But — with a little encouragement — they got right into those legends’ classic grooves.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
=================================================
Bert Reisman — an accomplished journalist, businessman, and longtime Westporter whose volunteer efforts ranged from the Library to Little League — died June 25, at his Southbury home. He was 96.
The Brooklyn native (and passionate Dodgers fan) graduated from New York University in 1941 with a degree in journalism.
At NYU he met his first wife, Sydelle Silver. They were married for 43 years before her death.
They left New York for Colorado, where he was a reporter for the Durango Hearld. Bert then wrote for the St. Joseph (Missouri) Gazette and Rochester (New York) Times Union. His feature subjects included Willie Mays, Jonas Salk and Robert Oppenheimer.
Bert left journalism in 1959 for corporate communications. He spent 30 years at IBM, where he spearheaded the public relations launch of the IBM 360.
He was also responsible for award-winning campaigns that featured Charlie Chaplin and the M*A*S*H characters.
In his final position, Bert he oversaw IBM’s advertising, media relations and market research. After reaching mandatory retirement age, he spent 6 years as a senior consultant at Burton Marsteller.
During his 35 years in Westport, Bert was active in local politics, served on the Westport Library board of directors, and was a Little League organizer, umpire and manager.
He met his second wife, Louise, when he moved to Stratford. They were married for 16 years, before her death in 2021.
Bert split his time between Connecticut and Carefree, Arizona, where his passion for golf flourished. He enjoyed being part of the Mulligans, a group devoted to golf, community service and laughter.
He is survived by his children Robin of Westport, Jodie (Mark) Naber of Sanibel Island, Florida, and Mike of Westport, and grandchildren Samantha Sydelle of Providence and Charlie Reisman of Los Angeles.
Slava Leykind died Wednesday, from complications after participating in a mountain endurance event earlier in the week. He was 43.
Born in Minsk, USSR, in 1982, he emigrated with his family to Minneapolis in 1988.
In 20024 he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Slava joined General Mills. In 2006 he joined the boutique investment banking firm Sawaya Segalas, and rose one 3 senior partners at what became Sawaya Partners. When it was acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2021, Slava became co-head of US consumer investment banking for the broader firm.
Yet Slava’s role as a husband and father was his greatest achievement, passion and pride. He is survived by his wife Amy Keller Leykind; children Charlotte, Eloise and Jonah Leykind; parents Art and Nelly Leykind; brothers Gene and Max; parents-in-law Bonnie and Alex Keller; in-laws Nina Leykind, Laura and Alan Isenberg, and Rachel Leykind, and nephews and nieces Deia Leykind, Coby Leykind, Jackson Isenberg, Esme Isenberg and Blake Leykind.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 8 at Temple Israel. A private burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a fund in Slava’s name is being established at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Details will follow.
Slava Leykind
================================================
It was hard not to have fun this weekend.
And that goes not just for guys and gals. Gulls, too.
Wendy Levy spotted this pair at Burying Hill Beach. They swooped past, posing just long enough for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(“06880” relies on support from readers like you. Whether it’s $500, $50 — or 50 cents — your donation is important. Please click here, then follow the prompts. Thank you!)
Family members and friends gathered yesterday at his Greens Farms home, to celebrate the longtime resident and civic volunteer.
Rotarians, pickleball players, town officials and others offered best wishes, traded stories, and said “thank you” to one of Westport’s most admired citizens.
Johanna Keyser Rossi “spotted” at least 10 nymphs the other day, walking along the railing on top of the Riverwalk bridge.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Soon, she says, they will be everywhere.
=================================================
This week — just in time for the holiday’s heavy pedestrian and bike traffic — the new solar-powered crossing signals went live, on Compo Road South near Longshore and Compo Parkway.
Let’s hope it helps people crossing the street. And helps drivers slow down!
Speaking of the fireworks: We can’t say it often, or strongly, enough — but our Parks & Recreation Department staff rocks.
After working tirelessly to make our celebration a success — from parking, to picking up garbage throughout the long day — members of the maintenance crew did not take a break.
The moment the last flare faded, and folks began leaving Compo, the guest services and maintenance crews swung into action.
By 5 a.m., the beach was pristine. You’d never that 10,000 people had picnicked, partied, drank and danced just 7 hours earlier.
It’s an astonishing, herculean job — and they do it every year.
Thanks to all who helped, to their supervisors, and to Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri.
Now it’s up to the rest of us to keep Compo looking good, and trash-free.
Just after dawn, the day after the fireworks. Photo/Andrew Colabella
The Democratic Town Committee meets July 15 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to officially nominate their candidates for town boards and commissons, in November’s election.
The session is open to the public. However, only DTC members can vote.
============================================
Sure, it’s in Norwalk.
But Westporters have been getting flyers announcing the opening of the new Wegmans.
The 92,000-square foot store opens July 23 at 675 Connecticut Avenue, near Richards Avenue.
Shoppers who know the grocery-and-more chain from outlets in 8 Northeastern states rave about it.
Westporters will surely check it out. Will they shop there regularly?
And if the do, will Wegmans eat Stew Leonard’s — our own, smaller local icon — lunch?
Yesterday evening’s brief — but strong — winds downed at least one tree, and with it utility wires.
It was, appropriately, on Timber Lane.
(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
=================================================
Interested in collecting art — but clueless about where to start? Experienced, but eager to know more?
MoCA CT is presenting a series of panel discussions on the topic. They’re designed for a broad audience, from complete newcomers to seasoned collectors.
The next session — “Building and Managing Your Collection” — is July 10 (5:30 p.m.). Click here to register.
The Westport Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest has begun.
Photgraphers ages 5-18 can take shots every Thursday (like today!), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenuue parking lot. The deadline is August 8.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners receive cash prizes.
Here’s one of the first entries. It’s from Fielden Brelsford, in the 5-9-year-old category.
Fielden sets a high standard. Let’s see what you’ve got!
Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo has named Liam Witham as the 5th permanent head coach in Staples boys soccer 67-year history.
He succeeds Russell Oost-Lievense, whose contract was not renewed by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
The London native played competitively for 15 years before transitioning to coaching, while pursuing his degree in sports fitness and coaching. He holds multiple respected soccer coaching certifications.
Following his playing career, he coached at the premier club FC Westchester and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. He also founded a private training organization.
Sarullo says, “Staples High School is proud to welcome Coach Witham to the Wrecker family. Throughout the interview process, Coach Witham distinguished himself with his genuine passion for working with student-athletes, his commitment to their growth both on and off the field and his clear vision for the future of our program. His leadership will build both immediate progress and sustained success. I look forward to working with Coach Witham in the years ahead.”
Liam Witham
===============================================
There was a lot going on at Compo Beach yesterday.
Visitors might be forgiven if they didn’t notice how nice the entrance looked.
But it didn’t just happen. Westport Garden Club volunteers were hard at work, making sure that fireworks-goers — and everyone who follows this holiday weekend — is greeted grandly.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
