Category Archives: Beach

Roundup: Soundview Stroll, Levitt Lights, Media Mentions …

The Soundview Summer Stroll has an Instagram page: @SoundviewSummerStroll.

In the weeks leading up to the July 27 event, we’ll post information on the great new tradition. All day long, the Compo Beach exit road will be closed to traffic, and open for live music, kids’ activities and games, food, community gathering and fun.

On our Instagram we’ll offer information on the bands that will play, times for the photo booth and face painting, food vendors, and everything else you need to make the day special.

Please follow the page, check out the reel, and add a comment if you’d like. If you’ve got any photos from last year, add them in!

The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to the town, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. See you on July 27, at the Stroll!

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Blau House & Gardens — the magnificent property high on a ridge off Bayberry Lane — is one of Westport’s true hidden gems.

The gardens were developed over 50 years by the late advertising entrepreneur, Barry Blau. The intimate series of interlocking garden rooms, incorporating native plants interspersed with a blend of exotics — surround a mid-century modern house designed by celebrated theatrical designer, Ralph Alswang.

Since 2017, Emily Blau and Robert Cohen — the BH&G stewards — have opened their special garden for events like signings by bestselling authors, children’s book readings, scavenger hunts, garden tours, horticultural classes and more.

Next up: “Music in the Garden.” Two concerts this summer — presented in collaboration with the Norwalk Symphony Orchetra — offer a chance to hear beautiful music, in an unparalleled setting.

The first is August 3, with the Quantum Leap String Quartet. The second is August 17, featuring Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet.

Both days begin with a garden tour, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ($25). The music begins at 6 p.m., through 7:15 ($75). Picnicking in the gardens is encouraged.

Shuttles will run from the parking lot at Coleytown Elementary School. Click here for tickets.

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Saturday’s Levitt Pavilion show — the Disco Biscuits’ 30th anniversary tour stop — included great celestial lighting, for the popular EDM/jam rock band.

For disco biscuits 30th anniversary tour stop!

Click here or below for an intriguing look at the “mother ship.”

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The New York Times gave plenty of coverage in yesterday’s “Vows” section to the marriage of Jackie Hornung and Ben Jacob.

Much of the story involved their dog, Little Bear Lumi. He’s social media famous. In fact, Jackie — who majored in psychology at Tulane University — handles his accounts full time.

The couple met as 11-year-olds at Camp Echo Lake. At 16 — more than a decade ago — they became a couple.

Click here to read the full story. And see more photos of Lumi. (Hat tip: Robin Frank)

Jackie Hornung, Ben Jacob and Lumi. (Photo Brindamour Studios)

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Another newspaper feature, another Westporter: Taking a break from tough topics, this weekend the Wall Street Journal asked: “What Do You Wear Though Your Partner Hates It?”

One answer came from a Westporter:

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After 3.5 miles yesterday, the Y’s Men Sunday walking group was just over half done.

And fully parched.

Fortunately, Lou and Dorothy Rolla were there, with cold lemonade and water.

The men cooled off. They thanked the couple. And then — refreshed — they were off again.

Dorothy Rolla (right), with the Y’s Men. (Photo/Lou Rolla)

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“06880” has recently featured a few very cool, classic cars, parked at Compo’s South Beach.

But that’s not the only spot to spot ’em.

This Can Am drew admiring glances Saturday night, in the Viva Zapata lot.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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On Saturday, Wakeman Town Farm dedicated a garden in honor of ardent environmentalist and civic volunteer Cathy Talmadge.

Representative Town Meeting (RTM) colleague Andrew Colabella was there. He snapped this evocative photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … the wedding story (above) got us thinking about this song. Just swap out Lumi for Boo …

(Happy holiday week! Follow all the fun on “06880.” And if you get a chance to click here to support our work — well, thank you! That’s the spirit!)

Roundup: Eileen Lavigne, Cathy Talmadge, Joe Walsh …

Congratulations to Eileen Lavigne!

Westport’s assistant town attorney married Tim Ritchie on June 14, at Compo Beach.

They met “bravely” on Match, she says, in June 2020 — at the height of the pandemic.

The wedding took place in front of both partners’ immediate families. The officiant was very familiar: Eileen’s daughter Kat.

Eileen Lavigne and Tim Ritchie (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Cathy Talmadge’s family and friends gathered yesterday at Wakeman Town Farm.

A memorial garden was dedicated to WTF’s co-founder, committee member and treasurer. It honored her legacy of preservation, environmentalism and community involvement

Cathy — who was also a longtime Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate — died in January 2023.

It took over 2 years and hundreds of hours for volunteers, interns and farmers to amend the soil, eliminate weeds, and turn a fallowo piece of propety across the street from the Farm into a thriving cut-flower garden.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch, and friends Amy Ancel and Tony McDowell were among the speakers.

Cathy’s daughter Callie said her mother’s “happy place was always in her garden, under the sun, srrounded by the wild beauty she helped nurture.

“She had an incredible eye for plants, and the kind of green thumb that could bring anything back to life.

“She didn’t just garden; she communed with the plants. She was usually covered head to toe in dirt, with the biggest grin on her face.

“And usually, yes, a solid case of posion ivy.”


Cathy Talmadge Memorial Garden. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have done it again.

On Friday, the television journalists recorded a riveting “Sanity” podcast with Joe Walsh.

The former Tea Party co-founder-turned-Democrat (as of last week) spoke candidly about the state of his former Republican Party, his differences with Democrats, and the importance of a “big tent” that covers a variety of views.

Alisyn and Dave both worked at Fox News. Their questions about Joe’s appearances there — including interviews with Alisyn — are particularly fascinating.

Click here or below to view their podcast. It’s a half hour well worth watching.

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A demolition notice has been placed on the porch of 21 Norwalk Avenue, a few steps from Compo Beach.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

The 4-bedroom, 2 1/2-bathroom, 2,155-square foot home was built in 1920.

Well, it was a great 105-year run.

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Did you miss yesterday’s Great Duck Race?

Were you there, and want to see it again? (With the chance this time to pause for the highlights — even though you still have no idea which duck is yours.)

Sunrise Rotary Club member Mark Mathias taped the entire 8 minute-plus race. Click here or below to see.

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There was a lot of music in Westport Friday — and only a few yards apart.

Mystic Bowie brought his high energy “Talking Dreads” show to the Westport Library. Across the way, the Tom Petty Project rocked the Levitt Pavilion.

In the parking lot between the venues, Jerry Kuyper met 2 couples who had agreed to meet at “the concert.”

At that moment, they realized the one pair had tickets for Mystic. The other had them for Tom Petty.

Jerry offered great advice: Meet halfway through, and switch arm bands.

Yeah, that was a first world problem. But maybe Jerry should offer his problem-solving skills to the Middle East.

There were 2 concerts Friday: one outdoors, one inside. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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“06880” readers love Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s. A relative newcomer to Westport, the professional photographer captures the beauty and natural wonder of our town with a discerning and special eye.

Claudia spends most summer on the Greek island of Lemnos, in the Aegean Sea.

On Friday she  had a show there of her underwater photos. Here’s one:

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Looks like a great show. How about another project: “Underwater Westport”?

There’s no telling what she might find.

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Astele — which has sold tables, seating, lighting, accessories and more on Riverside Avenue near Post Road West since 1996 — is closing next week.

Her focus has changed, says owner Natalie Dunagan. She’s selling mostly online now, to the hospitality industry here and abroad.

Her lighting, barstools and other items will now be available at New England Antique Lumber in Mt. Kisco, New York.

Residential (left) and commercial offerings, from Astele.

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On Thursday, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County awarded 2 $5,000 scholarships, to graduating high school seniors who will pursue a career in jazz performance, composition and/or jazz education.

They grants honor longtime saxophonist, educator and supporter of the non-profit’s Thursday night “Jazz at the Post” series.

Liana Nash (Kolbe Cathedral High School) studies music with the KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) program in Bridgeport, which provides free lessons to students whose families cannot afford them. She sings in the KEYS choir, plays cello in its orchestra, and is a vocalist and pianist in its jazz band.

This summer she will intern at KEYS Summer Camp. In the fall she will study music education at Western Connecticut State University.

Maxwell Crook is a saxophonist from Ridgefield. He earned the Outstanding Soloist award at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition, and participated in the Western Connecticut State University Honors Festival.

He will double major in jazz performance and music production/composition at Loyola University in New Orleans.

In addition to their scholarships, Liana and Maxwell performed with a quartet of renowned musicians at last Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.

Liana Nash and Maxwell Crooks, at Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.

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Sure, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows milkweed at Sherwood Island State Park.

But, photographer Marcia Falk wonders: Can you spot the bee?

(Photo/Marcia Falk)

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And finally … in honor of Claudia Sherwood Servidio’s underwater photo exhibit (story above):

(What a weekend! And it’s only half over. If you’re enjoying it  — and our coverage of it — please click here to support our work. Thank you. Now enjoy the rest of the day.)

Pic Of The Day #2991

Compo Beach flags (Photo/Scott Smith)

Roundup: No Referendum, Open Beaches, Fireworks Tickets …

There will be no referendum on Long Lots Elementary School.

Toni Simonetti had 14 days to collect 2,015 signatures — 10% of all eligible voters in the most recent election. She hoped to slash the proposed $103,190,124 expenditure for a new school to $90 million.

Yesterday was the petition deadline. Only 71 signatures were turned in. The drive was 1,944 signatures short.

Planning will proceed for a new Long Lots, without a referendum.

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Good news!

The most recent bacteria tests for Compo and Burying Hill came back negative yesterday. The beaches have reopened.

Whew!

Everyone back in the water! (Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Tickets are selling well for Wednesday’s fireworks show at Compo Beach — aka Westport’s Best Party of the Year. Only a small number remain.

A few residents have asked about this year’s price increase, the first in several years.

Westport PAL — the longtime co-sponsor, and beneficiary of the fundraiser — explains that costs have risen dramatically for everything: the barge, insurance, and the fireworks themselves.

Melissa and Doug Bernstein generously underwrite part of the costs, as they’ve done for years. Without their help, PAL would net only about $2,000.

Proceeds helps fund PAL programs that serve programs that serve thousands of youngsters each year, plus the Longshore skating rink and college scholarships. Click here to learn more about PAL.

Tickets (cash or check) are available at the Parks & Recreation Commission office at Longshore (near the golf course first tee) during office hours, and any time at the Westport police station on Jesup Road.

Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)

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Our second “06880” Instagram Live yesterday was certainly lively.

Dave Briggs and Dan Woog explored the “Don’t Kill the Old Mill” campaign, in support of Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

And we did it from the communal table, inside the very popular Hillspoint Road spot.

We were joined by several OMG notables, including owner Graziano Ricco of Romanacci’s; Jim Hood and Ian Warburg of the non-profit Soundview Empowerment Alliance, owner of the 106-year-old building, Matthew Mandell of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Tait, an Old Mill neighbor and staunch supporter.

They explained what OMG means to the neighborhood. We took questions from viewers too.

Click here to see the converation. or click below. Too bad you can’t taste the meal we had.

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There is still time to take the Parks & Recreation Department’s master plan survey.

It’s a great opportunity to offer your opinion on the current state, and future needs, of our town’s beaches, parks, athletic fields and more.

Click here to take the survey. It closes next month.

How are things at Compo Beach? And every other Parks & Rec facility in town? Take the master plan survey to weigh in.

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The Levitt Pavilion offers 2 free shows, and 1 other, this weekend.

The Tom Petty Project kicks things off tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.). All free tickets have been claimed, but returned tickets will be redistributed at the box office before the show.

A few tickets are still available, at various prices, for tomorrow’s Disco Biscuits cconcert (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.).

Artemis takes the stage Sunday (7 p.m.), for a free show.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Disco Biscuits

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The “Weston Connections Art Exhibit” at the Weston Public Library opens next month. Over 55 artists will be represented.

A reception, with the artists, is set for July 9 (6 p.m.).

Two drawing/painting classes are scheduled for July: the 12th for adults, the 26th for children. Click here for more details, and to sign up. 

Weston Public Library

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Edwin A. Audley — a former Westport Police captain, and founder of the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — died last month in Winter Haven, Florida. He was 87.

The Westport native graduated from Staples High School in 1955. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1958, then joined the Army Reserves as a senior aircraft mechanic until 1962.

Ed joined the Westport Police Department in 1961. He was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, inspector, then captain in 1990. He retired in 1993.

Ed founded the WVEMS in 1979. He became an Emergency Medical Technician instructor in 1987.

In Florida, Ed was president of the Winter Haven Rose Society.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; brother Harry Audley (Pat), daughters Kimberly, Susan Palmer (Mark) and Victoria; 4 grandchildren, 5 great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 12 (Assumption Church, 10 a.m.).

Click here to leave online condolences. Donations can be made to the Edwin Audley Scholarship Fund, c/o Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, 50 Jesup Rd. Westport, CT 06880.

Ed Audley

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Former Westporter Priscilla Boyle died last Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.

She graduated from Lesley College, then taught kindergarten in Watertown, Massachusetts for 9 years before marrying Charles Boyle in 1958. They moved to Westport in 1963, and raised 3 children here.

Priscilla was involved with tennis, the Weston Field Club and bridge.

She was an active member of Assumption Church for over 6 decades. She shared her faith through Eucharistic Ministry, prayer groups, book clubs and as a catechism teacher, with a special dedication to preparing children for their First Communion.

Later, Priscilla became a welcoming presence at the Westport YMCA as a receptionist.

Priscilla was predeceased by her husband and her siblings Mary Alice Connolly, James W. Scanlan, Anne T. “Nancy” Batal and Francis V. Scanlan. al.

She is survived by her children Charles “Chip,” Susan Improta (Paul), and Elizabeth Boyle; grandsons Kenneth and Philip Improta, sister-in-law Alice Scanlan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at Assumption Church on July 15 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations in Priscilla’s memory may be made to Smile Train.

Priscilla Boyle

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June is ending the way it began: with plenty of colors.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” yellow-and-green scene is from Whitney Street.

But it could be many other places in town too.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … Mick Ralphs — the Mott the Hoople and Bad Company guitarist/ songwriter — died. He was 81, and had bedridden after suffering a stroke in 2016. Click here for a full obituary.

(You’re in good company if you support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribute. Please click here. And thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2990

Enjoying the new Compo Beach playground (Photo/Larry Silver)

Roundup: Lowrie Courts, Sidewalk Sale, Camp Compo …

Hmmm…what’s a good 97th birthday gift for a longtime Westporter?

How about having the Compo Beach pickleball courts named in your honor?!

That very appropriate idea is edging closer to reality.

Last week, the Parks & Recreation Commission unanimously approved the idea of honoring Tom Lowrie. The man who has done more than anyone else to promote the sport in Westport stepped down as the town’s “Pickleball Ambassador” in April.

Yesterday, the Board of Selectwomen gave the resolution their unanimous okay too.

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Parks & Recreation Committee considers the idea — co-sponsored by Andrew Colabella and Chris Tait — tonight (6 p.m., Zoom).

If they approve it — and it would require a stunning kind of stupid not to — the item moves on to the full RTM, this coming Tuesday (July 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

That would be well deserved.

And perfect timing.

Tom Lowrie turns 97 years young on July 3 — the very next day.

(Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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Westport’s Sidewalk Sale. has something for everyone.

Including retailers who don’t have a sidewalk downtown.

The popular Westport Downtown Association event — set for tomorrow (Friday) through Sunday on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square — also features booths for men’s and women’s apparel stores that are located outside the area.

There are other vendors too. Like Huntington Learning Center, which offers a chance to win a free academic evalatuion.

And Salon Nash. Owner Felicia Catale will provide haircuts for men and women ($35). Children’s cuts are just $20.

Click here for a list of dozens of downtown participating stores, and their promotions — along with other vendors and retailers.

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A reminder: Dave Briggs and Dan Woog host another Instagram Live today (3 p.m., Thursday).

We’ll be at Old Mill Grocery & Deli, talking with representatives from the owner (Soundview Empowerment Alliance) and operator (Romanacci).

Our Instagram is 0688danwoog. See you on social media!

(Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Sure, it was hot hot HOT yesterday.

And — ugh! — Compo Beach was closed to swimming, due to high bacteria counts.

But the dozens of kids at Camp Compo still got wet.

The Westport Fire Department rode to the rescue. They opened a hydrant, and the campers splashed quickly and happily through the spray.

In fact, they’ll probably remember that “swim” long after they’ve forgotten all their other dips in the Sound.

Thanks to the WFD (and Parks & Recreation Department) for this simple — and simply fun — solution.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Earthplace’s July programming includes plenty of fun, educational and just plain cool activities, for kids, adults and entire families. They include:

  • Weekend Hike: Sunday Morning Ramble (July 13, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
  • Pick Your Own Bouquet (July 13, 1-2 p.m.; July 27, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.)
  • Brooks ‘n’ Bugs (July 15, 1-2:30 p.m.)
  • Kids Night Out: Nature Detecctive (July 25, 6-9 p.m.)
  • Nature Theater: Vernal Pool Party (July 26, August 3, 1-3 p.m.)
  • Foraging & Cooking with Wild Food (July 19, 10 a.m.)
  • Summertime Foraging (July 27, 1-2:30 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and registration.

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TAP Strength has launched a new program, with a special niche.

Designed specifically for teens and young adults who are neurodivergent, it focuses on building strength, improving posture and boosting confidence — all in a fun, supportive and inclusive environment.

Led by Certified Personal Trainers who hold Autism Exercise Specialist credentials through the American College of Sports Medicine, the program’s expert coaching and personalized support help each participant move better, feel stronger, and thrive — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Highlights include:

  • Body Awareness Assessments
  • Functional Fitness and Breathwork
  • Posture and Movement Education
  • Mindfulness and Confidence Strategies
  • 1-on-1 or Small Group Sessions

Parent Stacie Curran says, “My son Dylan has been training at TAP for years. His body awareness, posture and confidence have all improved tremendously. He absolutely loves the TAP trainers. It’s a consistently fun, positive environment where he feels seen and supported.”

The first session is free. To learn more or schedule an assessment, email info@tapstrength.com or click here.

Working out and having fun at TAP Strength.

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If you access “06880” on a desktop or laptop, you may have noticed our new header (photo at the top of the page).

It was taken by Gregg Jacobs, as he went fishing recently. If you are on a mobile device, here’s what you’re missing:

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Southern Fried brings their “hot and crispy classic rock, blues and R&B” to the Weston History & Culture Center this Sunday (5:30 p.m.).

The outdoor show is part of their Music at the Barn summer series. Bring a lawn chair, BYOB and picnic (no food truck). Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for others; children 12 and under free.

Other Music at the Barn concerts are July 27, August 3 and September 7 (1 p.m.).

The Weston History & Culture Center also offers interactive tours of historic Coley House, and information about the forgotten village of Valley Forge, the Weston Meteorite, and the history of ragtime dance. Click here for more information.

Enjoying Music at the Barn. 

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The Westport Woman’s Club is looking for a very organized person to serve as office manager. Qualifications include strong experience in Microsoft Office and proficiency with QuickBooks Online or similar accounting skills; the ability to multitask, and good people skills to interact with members and the public.

Hoursare weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Send resumes to wwc@westportwomansclub.org.

A great place to work.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between June 18 and 25.

A 35-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny, after a complaint was made about construction work that had not been completed, despite being paid $20,500.

A 45-year-old Southbury man was charged with reckless driving. At 6:40 a.m. on May 27, an off-duty officer wintessed a driver passing vehicles in no passing zones, and at stop sign. Once at work, he identified the operator, who agreed to come to the Westport police station to be issued a misdemeanor summons. He failed to appear, and a warrant was issued.

A 38-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order, following a domestic violence investigation.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Disorderly conduct: 2 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Burglary: 1
  • Larceny: 1
  • Interfering with an emergency call: 1
  • Transporting a chld without restraints: 1
  • Assault on an elderly victim: 1
  • Face protection/motorcycle: 1
  • Operating a motorcycle without insurance: 1
  • Operating a motorcycle without endorsement: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1.

 

Put your kid in a car seat. Or get a ticket.

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Longtime Westport resident Agnes Davis died on June 17 in Florida — what would have been her late husband Bob’s 97th birthday. She was 102.

After graduating from high school in Pennsylvania at 16, she went to business school, then returned to Republic Steel as a proud, ahead-of-her-time career woman.

Her brother’s roommate, Bob, proposed to her on their first date. Though 6 years older, she accepted. They moved to Westport in 1965, where they raised 5 children.

Agnes was active in the Newcomers Club, Westport Garden Club, Westport Woman’s Club, and a gourmet group. She volunteered with the Saugatuck Elementary School PTA and as a Cub Scout den mother, and played Mrs. Claus to Bob’s Santa Claus at Perkin Elmer.

Agnes started a 15-year volunteer stint at Norwalk Hospital at age 75. Channel 12 honored her as a Hometown Hero, for her dedication.

Agnes worked at Nancy Strong’s Slimnastics and Hastings Real Estate before moving to Beijing in 1983 at age 61, after Bob accepted a job at Perkin Elmer’s China office. She embraced the Chinese society, culture and people, and traveled alone multiple times across China for work. Her thousands of photographs recorded everyday Chinese life and children.

In 1985 Agnes and Bob returned from China, then moved to Uberlingen, Germany in 1989. They traveled extensively in Europe. She self-published a book about her China experience. Years later, Agnes found a copy at the Westport Library Book Sale.

Back in Westport, she entertained over 600 visitors from 46 countries.

Agnes and Bob bought a home in The Villages, Florida in 2011, and moved their fulltime. He died in 2021.

Agnes is survived by her children Ed (Linda) of Hollister, California, Nancy Shwartz of Danbury, Mary Lou of The Villages, John (Ellen) of Raleigh, and Rick (Beth) of Newtown; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; her sisters Delores Allick of Palm Springs, California and Eileen Novak of California, Pennsylvania. Agnes was predeceased by her sister, Lenora Zanolli, brother- law George Paler, and son-in-law, Jeff Shwartz.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Norwalk Hospital or the Westport Woman’s Club. A celebration of Agnes and Bob’s lives will be held at the Westport Country Playhouse in late August.

(To read an “06880” story about the Davis family’s time in Westport, click here.)

Agnes Davis

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Westport’s beaches were closed to swimming earlier this week.

Perhaps that’s why — in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo — these guys have decided to stay on shore, between Old Mill and Compo.

(Photo/Scott Sidell)

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And finally … another former teen idol has died. Bobby Sherman was 81. Click here for a full obituary.

(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news, events and competely random stuff. If you enjoy this daily feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support us. Thanks!)

No Swimming? Blame It On …

Yesterday’s closure of Compo and Burying Hill Beaches — to swimmers, not everyone else — took Westporters by surprise.

It was the hottest day of the year. But there was no rain — the usual reason for Parks & Recreation Department action.

The culprit was impossible to see: bacteria.

Burying Hill Beach, yesterday. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

And the verdict came as a result of something else few bathers ever notice: weekly testing.

Every Monday, the Aspetuck Health District takes samples from Compo and Burying Hill. (But not Old Mill. It’s adjacent to Sherwood Island; as a state park, they do their own sampling.)

A courier drives the samples from Fairfield to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in Hartford.

It takes a day to analyze them. The results are available late afternoon on Tuesday.

If a sample shows enterococci levels of 104 per 100 milliliters, Aspetuck Health District notifies Parks & Rec.

Enterococci (not actual size). Blame these guys for beach closures.

Affected beaches are then closed to swimming, until they’re re-tested. The courier for the samples is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. So if the second test of the week comes back positive on Thursday, the closure remains in effect until the next test result — late the following Tuesday.

There are many reasons for the presence of harmful bacteria, including rain, marine life or sewage.

The reason does not matter, though. Too much enterococci means “no swimming.”

Westport closes its beaches for another reason, without testing. Any time there is 1.5 inches of rain or more, the potential exists for sewage backup or runoff. Beaches are closed, as a precaution, for 24 hours.

Though swimming may be prohibited, staff remains at beaches, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. There are plenty of other activities — especially at Compo.

So how often does a high bacteria count lead to closures?

Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango — who provided all this information — confesses, “I don’t know. One summer can be perfect, phenomenal. Another year, not.

“I don’t control the climate.”

(You learn something new every day from “06880,” right? If you appreciate our hyper-local focus and 24/7/365 efforts, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2989

This was not taken with a filter. Blue is the color of the LED lights on photographer Jamie Walsh’s boat. He uses it for night fishing because it minimizes the loss of night vision, attracts fewer bugs on muggy nights, and creates a visible outline of the vessel while anchored or drifting. 

Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …

Our first “06880” Instagram Live — a discussion hosted by Dave Briggs and Dan Woog, with a Hamlet developer — drew plenty of interactive questions from viewers. We posted the link later, and thousands clicked on.

Now Dave and Dan are teaming up for a second Instagram Live. We’ll be at Old Mill Grocery & Deli tomorrow (Thursday), talking with representatives from the owner (Soundview Empowerment Alliance) and operator (Romanacci).

Our Instagram Live begins at 3 p.m. Our Instagram is 0688danwoog. See you there!

(Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Compo and Burying Hill Beaches were closed this morning, due to unaccesptable water quality.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Before the school year fades too far in the rearview mirror, here’s a great story from Saugatuck Elementary.

Students on Bus 2 wanted to show their appreciation for their driver. So they set up a lemonade stand, and raised money for a gift.

They presented it — and told a few heartfelt stories.

Ken starts and ends very day with a smile, they said. He sings “Happy Birthday” to riders. And he knows every youngster by name.

This was Ken’s first year as a First Student bus driver in Westport. We hope he’s here for many, many more!

Ken, with Saugatuck Elementary School students.

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It was not only hot yesterday — it was symmetrically steaming.

Here are 2 views of the heat, 1 minute — and 1 degree — apart.

(Courtesy of Jonathan Alloy)

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Tomorrow marks the opening of MoCA CT’s 2 photography exhibitions.

Tod Papageorge’s “At the Beach” will run alongside “In the Pool,” composed of work by Papageorge’s his graduate students, from June 26 to October 12.

Papageorge is a Connecticut-based artist and teacher. His contributions to American street photography in the 1960s helped shape the genre. His work is held in more than 30 public collections, including the New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.

“At the Beach,” making its East Coast debut, features large black-and-white photoss that Papageorge took on Los Angeles beaches in the 1970s and ’80s.

An opening reception is set for tomorrow (Thursday), from 6-8 p.m.

(Photo/Tod Papageorge)

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Retreat Sweets — the Japanese mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, Asian street food and tea drink spot next to Layla’s Falafel on Post Road East — celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday (June 29, 1-4 p.m.).

They’ll host Korean games like ddakji (folding and flipping paper tiles), and American ones like cornhole. There are plenty of prizes. Plus: free ice cream for everyone!

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The name says it all.

“Stand Up & Learn” — a program that teaches youngsters ages 8 through 16 how to write (and perform) comedic stories and bits — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.

The program runs July 15 to 18 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), finishing with a performance the last day. It emphasizes creative writing, communication, critical thinking, and team- and confidence-building.

“Stand Up & Learn” is created and directed by Kevin Flynn. A former pro soccer player, he transitioned into standup comedy, acting, writing, producing and podcasting.

Click here for details, and more information.  Questions? Email mmeath@westportplayhouse.org.

Kevin Flynn

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Henry Dodge’s 71.3% faceoff win percentage was the best in the nation for a college lacrosse player this year — by a wide margin.

Yet the 2022 Staples High School graduate (and All-American, Connecticut Player of the Year, and state champion), will not be back for his senior year at the University of Vermont.

He’s transferring to the University of Maryland, a longtime national powerhouse.

He brings America East Specialist of the Year, and All-Conference, honors to College Park.

As a Catamount this past year, Dodge averaged just under 12.5 faceoff wins per game. His 8.5 ground balls per game was 4th -best in NCAA Division I. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hart)

Henry Dodge

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Though this week’s weather has been too hot for many Westporters to do much of anything, it inspired former town poet laureate Diane Lowman to create this haiku:

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Bianca Bazante, owner and creative Director of The Artist Loft, celebrates 4 years at her 23 Post Road West location by offering deals for clients – new and old – all summer.

From now through July, she offers Brazilian Blowdry for $199, and Trissola keratin treatment that lasts up to 6 months for $340. Click here for details.

Bianca Bizante

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It’s milkweed season.

The plant — a favorite of monarch butterflies — is flowering at Winslow Park. Charmian Valante took today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo in a meadow there.

(Photo/Char Valante)

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And finally … this is National Camping Week. Enjoy!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and, with podcasts and Instagram Live, a multi-platform service, for all things Westport. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #2988

Just another day at the beach (Photo/Lisa Gustafson)