For 100 years, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer for Westport kids (and parents).
The event — a fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club’s grants and scholarships — opened last night, on their Imperial Avenue grounds.
“06880” photographer Quinn Fitts was there, from early evening through dark, capturing the sights. Close your eyes, and you can smell the cotton candy and hear the shrieks.
The Yankee Doodle Fair continues today (Friday, 6 to 10 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 to 10 p.m.) and Sunday (1 to 5 p.m.).
(All photos/Quinn Fitts)
(If it happens in Westport, you’ll read about it — and see photos — on “06880.” But we can’t do it without readers’ support. If you enjoy our work, please make a tax-deductible donation here. Thank you!)
Westport’s youngest children have many chances to be curious and creative, explore activities and grow.
Music, dance, gymnastics, sensory experiences — they’re all there, with experienced instructors, and mommy (or daddy) (or caregiver) close by.
All are important. And all are some of the early learning advantages that youngsters growing up in Westport enjoy.
The newest is Whimsy Works. But the cool space on Post Road East, next to Stop & Shop, is different.
There is no instruction. Children won’t look to adults to validate they did the “right” thing.
Instead, they’re encouraged to figure things out for themselves. To try whatever strikes their fancy.
And to be as messy as they want.
Playing with paint at Whimsy Works.
Owner Catalina Schmidt says, “kids are born explorers. They’re attracted to light, reflection, texture and wonder.”
She wants them to explore all that — on their own.
That means not being told what, how or when to do it.
Schmidt simply provides the space, and the objects. After that, they’re on their own.
The new venture, which opens this month, is a career pivot for the Colombia native.
Owner Catalina Schmidt, at Whmsy Works. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Her background is in product and interior design. But after coming to the US 21 years ago, she worked in hospitality. Many Westporters know her from her most recent gig: general manager of Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse.
Two life events led her to open Whimsy Works: the birth of her daughter G 18 months ago, and her family’s move last year to Westport.
As she watched G engage with the world, Schmidt searched for opportunities for “messy play.” There were none.
Encouraged by her husband, she took a leap of faith. She decided to create her own.
Catalina Schmidt, with her daughter.
Through research, Schmidt discovered the Reggio Emilia approach. Similar to the Montessori philosophy of self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play — but with more freedom — it was exactly what she was looking for.
But Schmidt did not just study it. She headed to the Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi near Bologna, Italy.
There — at a workshop with 300 others from around the world — she learned that children possess “100 languages” of expression. They include movement, art, light, building, sound, play — far more than just words.
Schmidt was particularly intrigued with the “atelier” concept. Often associated with fine artists or craftspeople, it can also be adapted to children.
An atelier can be a place to experiment with paint, clay, wood and other objects, along with light and shadows.
Plenty of stuff — and kid-sized tables — at Whimsy Works.
Looking on the LoopNet commercial real estate site, she quickly found vacant space in the small building just past Goodwill.
Owner Roger Leifer was excited. Schmidt spent the past 2 months building out her vision.
There are 5 areas: clay and Play-Doh; paint; “loose parts”; “nature (think dirt); a nook to work on a project of the week (like “contrast”).
A separate room is dedicated to light, projected on a wall. Children can play with shadows and colors.
Fun with light …
Whimsy Works plans morning sessions for boys and girls ages 1 to 4 (though, Schmidt says, a 6-month-old was recently fully engaged there). She may open up afternoon slots for 5-6-year-olds.
A parent or caregiver must be present (no drop-offs). But the adult’s role is to observe what the child does, and be actively engaged in the process — not “correct” him or her.
Schmidt helps gently guide, rather than instruct. She won’t say, for example, “Draw a circle.” Instead she’ll suggest, “What happens if you make this go around bigger?”
Sessions are 45 minutes. Groups include no more than than 8 children.
Amenities include a bathroom with shower (for accidents and pesky spills, though Schmidt supplies aprons), and a kitchenette with free coffee (for the adults).
… and dirt.
Many of the activities young Westporters enjoy may lead to passions. But lessons — sports, dance, music — can also be gateways to competition.
That’s not what Whimsy Works is about — not by a long shot.
“This is just about creativity, and the excitement of experience and discovery,” Schmidt says. “Every child can find the joy in that.”
(To learn more about Whimsy Works, click here for their website. Follow them on social media @WhimsyWorksAtelier. Their address is 1720 Post Road East.)
(“06880” often spotlights new businesses, and the interesting people behind them. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport Little League president Jeff Brill is the father of Connor Brill — a senior, and a Staples star.
It was a big day for Jeff, and he could not be in 2 places — Westport, and Middletown’s Palmer Field — at once. But on Friday, he wrote this note to the Delorey family.
We historically play all of our Little League championship games on the same Saturday, and present the awards at a single ceremony.
It was not possible this year to schedule all of the games on the same Saturday, due to various conflicts for the kids and coaches with other events. As a result, we are bringing the other 2026 winners and their families to this ceremony.
They are Ryan Acampora (Majors), Wynn Donnerstag (AAA), Colton Galati (AA) and Major Martino (A).
The Delorey family (left), and Perrin Delorey Award winners.
I am pleased to tell you that the Cubs (with number 5 retired for Perrin) beat the Phillies today on the 8th anniversary in a karmic ending and won the game, including for Perrin.
That brings me to my own conflict. The Staples varsity baseball team is playing in the championship game at noon tomorrow in Middletown. It will be the end of the baseball journey for many of these boys, including my son.
It is with a heavy heart that I will be unable attend the ceremony tomorrow at Kowalsky Field (where Perrin’s bench and banner are located) with you, as we honor the 2026 winners of Perrin’s award prior to the A League championship game.
It was very important to me to attend and introduce the awards this year, given that he would have graduated on Monday and the inaugural Staples Tuition Grants fund was launched this year.
Despite my best efforts to re-schedule the Little League championship game to morning or late afternoon tomorrow, and with some optimism hoped the Staples game would be scheduled for the late afternoon or evening slot, I was unsuccessful given other scheduling conflicts.
Desmin Borges, one of our commissioners (and the 2026 Cubs manager coincidentally) will be presenting tomorrow on my behalf.
Perrin Award ceremony.
While Desmin may lack in interaction with Perrin and unfamiliarity with the prior history of the award, he surpasses me in passion, energy and presentation. He will ensure that the winners are duly acknowledged, and welcomed into the pantheon of prior winners in your presence.
I learned that he has a deep understanding of the importance of these awards, and how special the moment is, when we met today to prepare. When the rainbow appeared, Desmin noted, “Perrin is here with us.”
You will hear this passion when he introduces the teams before the national anthem.
Other members of our board will attend as well. I have asked one of them to record the proceedings so I can watch later in the day.
And starting at noon, 2 of Perrin’s former Cub teammates and several of his classmates and friends will take the field to try to bring home the state championship for Staples 2 days before graduation, while another of his friends going back to elementary school calls the game on the radio.
The team will once again try its best, and seek to win one for Perrin. I will have his baseball card in my pocket.
Go Wreckers — and congratulation to the 2026 Cubs and the Perry Delorey winners.
PS: James Delorey and his 2 daughters came to the bus send-off for the baseball team at Staples on Saturday morning. They wore Cubs and Westport baseball jerseys.
PPS: So how did the Wreckers celebrate? They and their families headed over to the Brills’ house.
Icing on the cake: They watched the New York Knicks win a championship of their own.
PPPS: Jeff Brill coached Perrin and Connor Brill, when both were Cubs.
Westport Little League canceled the championship game that year. A memorial service was held.
Now, 8 year later, the Cubs won the AA Little League title — and Perrin’s former teammates won the high school state championship. It is quite a story.
Major Martino (left), one of the 4 Perrin Delorey Award winners.
Susan O’Brien is a licensed clinical social worker. She has a master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work, and over 35 years’ experience supporting children, adolescents and adults across both private practice and public counseling settings. Her expertise extends to school consulting.
Susan leads discussion groups focused on child development and parenting, providing guidance and insight to families navigating the challenges of raising healthy, resilient children. She specializes in sleep, nutrition, anxiety and discipline strategies in young children.
With summer near, she looks at the way children will spend their time — and parents’ expectations for it. Susan writes:
Every June, I start hearing the same worries from parents. They feel like they need to line up camps, classes, sports and activities so their kids have a “good” summer.
I understand that. But in my work, I also see how much some children need a break — not just from school, but from always being on the go.
Susan O’Brien
Of course, camps and organized activities can be wonderful, and many families need them. But when every hour is planned, kids do not always get much time to just be kids.
A little boredom is not a bad thing. It is often when children get creative, figure things out on their own, or learn how to make their own fun.
In Westport, it can be easy to feel like summer has to be packed and productive. But a good summer does not have to be impressive. Sometimes it is a slow morning, a bike ride, time at Compo Beach, or a stop at the library. Those simple moments can do more for a child than we realize, especially when they also give families time to slow down together.
I have seen kids who are exhausted by the end of the school year move right into a summer that feels just as busy. I have also seen how much children respond when life gets a little quieter.
They open up more. They seem less tense. And parents often tell me that the best parts of summer end up being the small, unplanned ones.
That said, a slower summer is not realistic for everyone. Many parents are working, and doing the best they can.
This is just a reminder that children do not need every minute filled. Even a few quieter moments, dinner together, a walk after work, sitting outside at the end of the day, can go a long way.
What kid doesn’t like climbing on the lifeguard stand? (Photo by Ashley Carcara; editing by Melody Stanger)
For many children, what matters most is not the big outing or the perfectly planned day. It is feeling noticed. A real conversation in the car, sitting together at the beach, making dinner, or just putting your phone down for a few minutes can help a child feel connected and valued. Those small moments often stay with them longer than we think.
Years from now, kids usually will not remember every camp, class or activity. They are more likely to remember the feeling of summer at home — lazy mornings, popsicles after the beach, catching fireflies, or having the time to simply hang around with the people they love. That is often what makes a summer feel full in the first place.
A lot of parents want to give their children more unstructured time, but honestly do not always know how. Summer can feel like something that has to be managed, especially when there is pressure to keep kids busy, off screens, and “making the most” of every week.
For many families, unstructured time sounds good in theory but feels uncomfortable in practice, because no one really taught parents how to leave space without feeling like they are falling short.
Sometimes it helps to think of unstructured time as leaving breathing room in the day instead of doing nothing at all. Parents can protect a few open hours with no planned activity. Keep simple things available, like art supplies, books, balls, or sidewalk chalk, and resist jumping in too quickly when a child says, “I’m bored.”
Let kids find books — then settle down to read.
A little guidance is fine. But children often do better when adults set the stage, and then step back.
The goal is not to create a perfect free-range summer. It is to make enough room for imagination, rest, and ordinary family life to happen.
We all want to give children what they need. Sometimes that means opportunities and structure.
But sometimes it also means letting them be bored, letting them slow down, and giving them more time with the people who make them feel safe.
That may end up being one of the most important parts of summer.
(Our “Opinion” pages are open to all. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)
The Greens Farms Elementary School 4th grader died in an automobile accident in 2018. He would have joined Philip in graduating from Staples High this month. Philip helped lead an effort to create a scholarship in his cousin’s name.
Perrin’s father, James Delorey, also spoke movingly about Perrin’s life and legacy. James said:
I am so grateful to be here with my wife Dr. Angela Ryan, our 2 beautiful daughters, Perrin’s little sisters, Mireille and Elodie, and our families. Thank you have having us.
To those of you who didn’t know our son, Perrin was a thoughtful young man with a great future ahead of him. Angela and I talk about him all the time, and Mireille and Elodie do too. He truly is present in our family of 5. On our way here, Mireille and Elodie were talking about looking into Perrin’s blue eyes!
Perrin Delorey’s sisters, with a photo of their brother.
You’re all at a huge moment in your lives, and in ours too. We know Perrin should be graduating from Staples right now – or, at least, doing great things in his senior internship.
All of Perrin’s friends are at the end of their high school careers, and many of them are here today, making plans for career, public service, university.
It has both difficult and wonderful to see all of your accomplishments these last eight years – performing in school plays, excelling at athletics, becoming astonishingly good baseball players, hockey players, making the most beautiful music, volunteering in our community and making the life of this community even richer, climbing mountains, becoming Eagle Scouts, becoming adults.
You’re all doing such an amazing job at all of these, and we love to see it happening.
I’m here tonight because Perrin’s classmates, led by his “identical cousin” Philip, have created the Perrin Ryan Delorey Do Your Best Award, a Staples Tuition Grant that – because of the generosity of so many at the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, at the Skate for Perrin at Longshore, at the Perrin Delorey Memorial Cup hockey game, or responding to our outreach, or to our generous coverage in “06880” — the award will be given in perpetuity to help students pursue their dreams of higher education.
Perpetuity is a long time, and we are so grateful for every one at Staples Tuition Grants who made this possible: Joan Gillman, Aiko Nose, Kara and Philip Sullivan, everyone who donated.
James Delorey
I was kindly asked for my thoughts about criteria – what do we want this award to represent. I think Jeff Brill of Westport Little League really got it right with the Perrin Ryan Delorey Sportsmanship Award, presented not to the “best” player, but to the player who works the hardest to improve and help their teammates.
We are so inspired by all the recipients of this award. This occasion makes me think forward about the continued adventures of Perrin’s friends and peers as they enter adulthood.
What will you teach us? Where will you take us? What will you teach others? What kind of families will you build? How many people will you help? Who will you love? What kind of lives will you make?
We had all these questions and great expectations for Perrin. Now have them for his little sisters, and, honest, we have them for all of you!
Perrin Delorey, at Yale Bowl.
We love watching his cousins, classmates and friends grow up. We are so proud of you as you accomplish great things, and we exult in you becoming who you are. We can’t help but wonder what kind of person Perrin would be today, what would he be interested in, and what great new things he would be teaching us.
I have a poster here of our last photo of Perrin as a Cub Scout. It’s the most grown up he looks in any photo, and it’s the one that is easiest to imagine him looking like as a high school senior.
It’s a photo from our annual end-of-year pack picnic at Compo Beach, just a week before he died. Mireille is going to this same picnic in a few days.
The last event of the picnic – of the Scouting year – is the great tug of war. All the photos are amazing. Determined smiles on every Cub Scout. Pure joy on the faces of the parents cheering them on.
Perrin is so handsome in this photo. He just looks so strong and confident. I’ve seen the same looks on your faces as we have watched you grow up these last eight years.
In this Cub Scout tug of war photo, it’s clear, Perrin is playing the game right, doing his best, making a difference for his team, pulling as hard as he can. What a bright future that boy had.
What a bright future you all have.
I am so excited for all of you. Have fun at college, learn something from everyone you meet. Be kind and do your best to make their experience an excellent one, too. You have an amazing future, and you’re going to make a difference in other people’s lives.
So now, and as you go on your amazing adventures, we ask you to do this from time to time: Take a deep breath, say your friend Perrin’s name out loud — “Perrin” — and do your best to help someone else’s dreams come true.
I love you. We love you. Thank you.
(For more information on Staples Tuition Grants — including how to donate to the Perry Ryan Delorey Do Your Best Award, and others — click here.)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Each week, Timothy Schmutte — a Westport resident, clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine — and his wife Elenee Argentinis will address a different mental health issue that impacts Westporters.
This week, they focus on parents, when children need help. Names and details have been modified, to protect privacy. Timothy and Elenee write:
When a child or teenager struggles with mental health issues, their parents also face challenges.
Although most parents find raising a child to be rewarding and enjoyable all or most of the time, parenthood is also tiring and stressful, which can bring on or worsen existing mental health issues.
In fact, being a parent increases the risk of depression and anxiety, as described in a recent Surgeon General report. Parent stress levels are 50% higher than non-parents’ levels.
But it is important to highlight that parents often benefit from individual support when their child faces mental health challenges.
Families are an interconnected system. Speaking with a therapist separately, even when your child is initiating therapy, can be helpful for both you and your child.
When a child has challenges, adults can talk with therapists too.
Not only can you learn how to support your child’s recovery, but you may also have grief to process, frustration to express, and worry to manage privately as your family navigates a difficult time. Directly engaging with a therapist to learn more effective coping skills can help kids recover faster — and help parents feel empowered.
A practical example is Benji, a 10-year-old who had stopped going to school. During COVID, he started developing separation anxiety, which intensified over the years. What started with returning to his parents’ bed to sleep became insisting that his parents be nearby during sports practice, resisting play dates at friends’ homes, and finally refusing to ride the school bus.
By the time Benji’s mother called for help, she was exhausted from round-the-clock care. She was also desperate, as administrators were pushing to transfer Benji to a specialized therapeutic school due to multiple absences.
Benji’s mental health care required his mom to have her own sessions to help her cope with the stress of the situation, and teach her a parent-based approach for Benji’s separation anxiety and school avoidance.
In addition to learning how to manage her own upset, she learned how to respond more supportively to Benji’s anxiety. Working together, we created a structured plan that progressively encouraged Benji to tolerate his anxiety while engaging in previously avoided activities.
One example: going to school for only 30 minutes in the counselor’s office to play games, followed by gradual increases in time spent in the classroom with the counselor, then with a paraprofessional, and finally by himself.
Dr. Timothy Schmutte offers advice for parents, and their children.
Coupled with similar activities at home in which he progressively spent more time outside of his comfort zone, within 4 months Benji was back in his classroom for full days, and enjoying play dates with friends. His parents had their first “date night” in years.
Sometimes parents also need separate therapy sessions to deal with their own challenges. A parent’s anxiety, depression, substance use or other mental health concerns can be triggered or worsened by a child’s challenges.
Diane — a C-suite executive whose son I had treated for OCD in the past — reached out to me for help with her anxiety, insomnia and growing irritability that began after a promotion.
Another client, Juan, consulted me because he was unsure what to tell his young children about his cancer diagnosis.
Kirstin was overwhelmed when her aging father became severely depressed. She worried about being there for him as well as her teenagers.
Parents need to take care of themselves, not only for their own well-being but for their families as well. Sometimes the demands of parenting can be so great we neglect our own care. The best parent is a healthy one.
So it’s common for parents of kids and teens with mental health issues to need support as well. Getting help as a parent can help you build useful skills to apply at home, and support the resilience you need to manage the challenges of parenting.
Tomorrow (Sunday), over 400 Westporters will gather at Saugatuck Elementary School. Decked out in wacky costumes, and filled with energy, they’re there for the 7th annual Day of Champions.
The color-wars-style family fundraiser benefits Experience Camps for Grieving Children. The nonprofit provides free summer camp to children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.
All 20 teams there show up for someone. All honor someone.
Showing up, having fun, at the Day of Champions. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Here are 3 stories, of Westporters lost just in the psat year.
Team Lucky Stars: Honoring Alyson Luck
Alyson Luck was a joyful, kind, smart, loving mom and wife. To many, she was a confidante, fierce friend and inspiration.
Growing up in Westport she studied art history, earned a graduate degree from Bank Street, and spent over a decade working at New York’s Jewish Museum and Guggenheim.
She came back home, back to the little cape house she grew up in and called her dream.
She became the director of the One River School of Art & Design on the Post Road. It’s a place where people of all ages could make art without pretense, surrounded by community.
Alyson Luck and family.
Alyson was the life of the party and lit up any room she was in. You always knew she was around when you heard her amazing laughter. She loved her family, her kids, her friends, her work and her town.
I called her the Mayor of Westport, because she knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Anyone who knew her would tell you the same thing: She made them feel happy. She’d be so proud we are making it possible for other kids to attend Experience Camps. – Michael, Alyson’s husband.
Alyson died last June at home, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 43.
The Day of Champions team formed in her name is made up of the friends and family who loved her, showing up now in the way that matters most.
Alyson and Michael’s two children will attend Experience Camps this summer. It’s a place designed for exactly this kind of loss, where kids who carry grief get to just be kids for a while. The team fundraising in Alyson’s honor is making that possible for them, and so many others like them.
North Star Team: Honoring Nat Brogadir and Slava Leykind
Nat Brogadir was a wonderful husband, dad, brother, son and friend, who filled every room with energy and warmth. He will forever be remembered with a smile on his face, and a beanie on his head.
Beyond his accomplished professional life, he was deeply rooted in his Jewish identity and his community. Friends and family know him as someone who never shied away from standing up for what he believed in, even as he faced a battle with kidney cancer.
Nat was just 40 years old when he died. He was devoted to his wife Jenny, whom he met at sleepaway camp when they were both 12 years old, and an adoring father to his daughters, Hadley and Kira, the lights of his life.
Nat Brogadir and family.
Nat coached their soccer teams, skied alongside them, and sat proudly in the audience at every dance recital. Friends called him “Camp Nat” because he always led groups of kids and adults in fun activities in the backyard. Day of Champions was one of his favorite events each year.
Nat loved the people in his life fiercely. He had a rare gift for forming deep connections with everyone he met, because of his genuine warmth. As a result, after Nat died his community did not look away.
They showed up. A grassroots campaign — the Beanie Project — was launched in his memory. 1,500 beanies were sold to honor his spirit, give back to a cause important to him, and connect those who were missing him.
We feel Nat’s absence every moment of every day, and the hole left in our family can never truly be filled. But the incredible love and support from our community has carried us through the hardest days and reminded us that we are surrounded by people who continue to honor Nat’s spirit with kindness, laughter, and connection. — Jenny, Nat’s wife
The Day of Champions team honoring Nat is filled with friends who have become family — “framily,” as they like to say. They will show up in red and navy for his favorite football team, the New England Patriots.
Honoring Slava Leykind
Slava Leykind appreciated life fully, and lived it with remarkable grace. To his wife and 3 kids, “superhuman father” is an understatement.
Born in Minsk in 1982, Slava emigrated to Minneapolis with his family as a child. He attended the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and built a career in investment banking, becoming co-head of US consumer investment banking at Canaccord Genuity.
While his family and friends were impressed by his professional accomplishments, what they loved most was his calm demeanor, quick wit, devotion, and the way he showed up for the people in his life.
Slava died in July 2025 at 43, following a Mount Everest-themed endurance event in Jackson Hole.
At his funeral, his oldest daughter Charlotte sang. His friends recalled his playful energy, and the depth of his loyalty. His wife and soulmate for 2 decades, Amy, told stories of his devotion to their children: how he brought love and a sense of calm to the wonderful chaos of a full house.
A close friend put it simply: Relationships aren’t measured in years, but in depth. By that measure, Slava Leykind left a very large life behind.
Slava was and always will be the North Star to our family. Given the central place family held in his heart, he would be especially moved to know that we are helping children whose families have experienced profound loss attend Experience Camps. — Amy, Slava’s wife
The team honoring Slava at the Day of Champions carries that spirit forward, showing up the way he always did: wholeheartedly for the people they love.
What Showing Up Looks Like
Grief has a way of making people feel invisible. The casseroles stop coming. The phone calls taper off. People don’t know what to say, so they say nothing. They mean to reach out, and they don’t.
The friends and families behind all of the Day of Champions teams chose differently. They chose to stay close, to keep saying the names. Saying someone’s name out loud is one of the most powerful things you can do for the people who loved them.
It is how we keep them present. It is how we make clear that just because someone is gone does not mean they are forgotten. They are remembered. They are celebrated. They live on in the people who carry them forward.
Showing up, at the Day of Champions.
Tomorrow, those friends will show up in t-shirts on a field in Westport. They will run relay races and cheer, because that is how you tell someone: We have not forgotten. You are not alone. Your children matter to us.
That is what Experience Camps is built on, too. Founded on the belief that grieving children deserve joy and connection and the chance to be understood, the organization now runs camps across the country. There is one in Kent, Connecticut, opened in part because of fundraising done here in Westport.
How You Can Be Part of It
Tell us about the person who died in your life: Share their name and a favorite memory about them in the comments section.
Spread the word: Childhood grief is more common than many realize. In the United States, 1 in 11 children will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18. If you know a family that could benefit from Experience Camps, share their website and social media with them.
Donate: The Day of Champions goal is to raise $175,000 for Experience Camps. All 20 teams have fundraising pages, to learn more about who and what they’re honoring. Click here to make a donation that can make life-changing support possible for kids right here in our community.
In just a couple of months since its debut, our “06880” AI widget has fielded a few thousands queries.
But many readers are not getting nearly as much out of it as they can.
They use it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “Staples,” “Cribari Bridge,” “library” or “[insert your name here]” are not the best way to interact with our widget.
To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:
“What do Staples students think about the cellphone ban?”
“What is the most recent plan for the Cribari Bridge?”
“What big events are upcoming at the Westport Library?”
“What does ‘06880’ say about [insert your name here]?”
Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”
Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.
We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.
But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.
Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get.
And the smarter our AI widget will become too.
The “06880” AI widget can be found on the top right of any page on the desktop and laptop platforms.
It’s on the far left (star icon) at the bottom of the “06880” app.
The mother of all tag sales takes places tomorrow (Saturday).
Over 40 homeowners have signed up for the Nolan Team at Compass’ town-wide event. –
The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though individual homes might have different times.
Click here for a map, with all locations. Each site it clickable, so you can see what they offer.
Plan your route — and happy shopping!
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The Westport Library is a special place for everyone, no matter your age.
On the weekend of May 8-9 though, it becomes extra special, for a special age group: young kids.
The children’s staff has planned several events. They include:
Stuffed Animal Slumber Party (May 8, 4 p.m.): Bring a stuffed friend to the Library for fun and crafts — then leave your stuffie at the Library overnight, for a special toys-only sleepover.
Return Saturday morning to pick up your friend. Enjoy a special story time together, and discover what adventures they had at the Library.
For kindergarten and up. Registration required; click here.
Library Insiders(May 9, 10:30 a.m.): Meet the children’s staff members. Get an inside look at upcoming programs for babies, toddlers and young children. Experience activities, story time moments and learning at home ideas. Designed especially for families with young children. RSVP by May 4: rpowell@westportlibrary.org.
Train Room grand opening(May 9, noon, Higgins Room): The train room is back! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome, to read, relax, unwind, and “blow off steam” with the train set. Drop-ins welcome.
Reading to Rover (May 9, 4:30 p.m.) Read aloud to a therapy dog. Both early and practiced readers are welcome.
Jonathan Greenfield — a photojournalist, film director, tea importer, athlete, world traveler, environmentalist and devoted husband and father, whose battle with ALS helped and inspired countless people here and around the world — died 5 years ago at his Westport home, surrounded by family and close friends. He was just 50 years old.
He left behind quite a legacy. Breathe4ALS — a charity that he and his wife Iris created — funds research, medical equipment, and essential services for families facing the devastating disease. His children Zach, Skye and Josie have joined in too.
Their work is inspired by approaches like breathwork and cold exposure popularized by Wim Hof.
On Saturday, May 16 (3 p.m., 10 Pine Tree Drive), Skye has organized a community meditation and ice bath event. Instructor Michael Christoforo will help guests focus on mindfulness, resilience, and coming together meaningfully.
No prior experience is needed. Participants can join the guided meditation, ice bath or both, all fully supported and optional based on comfort level.
The donation of $250 per person also includes a photo book of Jonathan’s life.
To register, and for questions, email skyengreenfield@icloud.com. If you can’t attend but want to support Breathe4ALS, click here.
When the Historic District Commission meets May 12 (7 p.m., Zoom), they’ll consider demolition permits for these properties, all at least 50 years old:
Speaking of the Playhouse: In 2020, longtime benefactor Paul Newman’s daughter Melissa and graphic artist Miggs Burroughs — both longtime Westporters — repurposed a 1960s-era photo of the actor, urging “Young Citizens for Johnson” (as in, LBJ) to register and vote.
Westport’s One River School of Art + Design is gearing up for another season of immersive, hands-on summer camps.
Programs spark creativity, while helping students build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their artistic voice.
Offerings include Art Explorers, and Storybook Art (grades K-2); How to Draw a Dragon, Pour Painting, and Plushie Pals (grades 3-5), and Character Design, Fashion Design, Cosplay, digital art and portfolio development (grades 6-12).
Morning and afternoon sessions are available. For more information and registration, click here.
Speaking of One River: Staples High School’s Advanced Placement Art & Design students will showcase their work in a special exhibition there, later this month.
The show’s works reflect a wide range of ideas, materials, and personal expression.
During the year-long class students explore a central idea, question or theme.
Featured artists include Cole Cummings, Alexandra Emmert, Dylan Endich, Eliza Greenspan, Piper Grove, Matthew Jahn, Chloe Jordan, Aurelia Laitmon, Isabella Larson, Emersyn Miller, Sydney Minervini, Sally Nathan, Olivia Schiavone, Benjamin Serfaty, Jessie Zhang, Charlotte Booth, Dexter Chadwick, Jonathan Deitch, Natalia Garment, Kaya Halper, Nina Katz, Ava Kindt, Risa Mass, Harry McLaughlin and Penn Videler.
An opening reception is set for next Friday (May 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
Chromatic work, by Matthew Jahn.
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Terrain celebrates the season tomorrow (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with a special “Dig Into Spring” event. It includes:
Kids seed potting, a native plant tour and free potting in the nursery
Make a Mother’s Day card
Bring your garden tool, scissors or knives for sharpening
And finally … David Allan Coe — the country singer whose outlandish exploits, prison tales and obscenity-laden performances earned him notoriety as perhaps the most transgressive exponent of the outlaw country movement of the 1970s and ’80s,” according to the New York Times, died Wednesday. He was 86.
(Unlike David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, we love our “06880” job. But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Thanks for clicking here, and helping us keep working here some more!)
STAR’s annual Walk & Roll is a great community event. Hundreds of people gather for an energetic celebration, to raise funds for the non-profit that for nearly 75 years has supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s 21st annual Walk & Roll (Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon) has a new — and very appropriate — location: STAR’s center (182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk).
Some people walk. Others roll in chairs. Some cheer. All have a great time.
Click here to find a team, create your own, and/or donate.
And note: The team leader in donations so far is Laura Blair. The long-time, well-known Westporter — who is always near the top of the board — is raising funds this year in honor Jenna Herbst. Laura worked with Jenna — a STAR client and Westport native — for many years, before her death this winter.
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Earth Day was Wednesday.
But we can — and should — celebrate sustainability every day.
A great chance comes Sunday, May 3 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lachat Town Farm, Weston).
Ecofest features student performers, food, kids’ activities, eco-demos, and more.
Plus: For every 25 bottles or cans you bring, you get 1 entry in a chance to win $250.
Ecofest is sponsored by Lachat Town Farm, the town of Weston, Sustainable Weston, and the Weston Public School Green Teams.
Craig Melvin’s 12-year-old son got up early — very early — and left Westport, to join his dad on the “Today” show. (Spoiler alert: It was Take Your Kids to Work Day.)
But Delano did not just sit in the wings.
He got his own star turn.
And we do mean “turn.”
Click here, or watch below. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
A large crowd gathered Wednesday at the Saugatuck Rowing Club, for the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s “Giving Children a Voice” event.
Chris Mattei — a trial attorney and longtime advocate for the state’s most vulnerable youth — gave the keynote address.
In just the last year, CCA:
Provided 942 children and youth with legal consultation and representation
Advocated for 421 children to address educational barriers; 99% stayed in school or graduated
Provided 157 families with help to prevent utility shut-offs, access safe housing and ensure other basic supports
Helped 64 children access medical or behavioral health care
Represented 94 children involved in immigration proceedings, through a statewide team of pro bono lawyers.
Speakers described some of the work done with children — as young as 5 — swept up by immigration officials, separated from families, and (until CCA intervened) without access to legal help.
“This Is Your Life” — the person-to-person interview program at the Westport Senior Center — offers 2 intriguing upcoming events.
Former “60 Minutes” writer/producer Tom Anderson visits on May 7. State Senator Ceci Maher follows on June 4. Both are from 2 to 3 p.m. Rozanne Gates moderates.
Since 2023, the Senior Center and Legacy Project USA have collaborated on “This Is Your Life.” The series gives residents a chance to learn about the lives of friends and neighbors. Click here for previous interviews
The public is invited to both events. To register, call 203-341-5099.
State Senator Ceci Maher.
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Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between April 15 and 21.
A 30-year-old Stamford man was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle, after officers using a license plate reader at 4 a.m. noticed a BMW X4 that had been stolen a day earlier from a residence in New Jersey. Officers used a stop stick tire deflation device on the Sherwood Island Connector, but the driver drove southbound on I-95. When the vehicle became disabled near Exit 6, 3 individuals fled. A Westport officer located a suspect nearby. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 75-year-old Newtown woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and identity theft, following a 2021 complaint by the conservator of a Westport estate alleging impropriety in the handling of assets. The woman – a former business associate of the man — had held power of attorney. An extensive investigation revealed she had authorized expenditures, and credit and identity usages, exceeding $300,000, made in her and her family’s self-interests. She was held on a $300,000 bond.
A 33-year-old Westport woman was charged with assault, threatenin and disorderly conduct, after a verbal argument escalated to an attempted stabbing with a kitchen knife. The victim sustained minor injuries. The assailant was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond.
A 50-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with failure to appear, after a license plate reader detected a canceled plate that did not match the vehicle. The driver could not produce valid registration or insurance. Computer checks showed he was the subject of an active court warrant for failure to appear, in New Haven. He was released on a $2,500 bond.
A 26-year-old New York City man was charged with failure to appear, after being incarcerated at the Bergen (New Jersey) County Jail on a different charge. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
A 54-year-old New York City man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, after being incarcerated at Rikers Island for a different charge. He was held on a $30,000 bond.
Meanwhile, the month-long statewide crackdown on texting while driving continues. Westport Police issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 48 citations
Distracted driving: 6
Failure to renew registration: 5
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to display license plates: 1
Failure to appear: 1
We keep saying it: Don’t text and drive! It’s illegal even when stopped at a light or stop sign.
And finally … Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the family singing group, though overshadowed by siblings Donny and Marie — died Monday in Salt Lake City. He was 76, and suffered from multiple sclerosis. He was 76.
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom) will begin with the consideration of a pre-application that’s been discussed for a while.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella will initiate discussion of a fenced dog area at Winslow Park. It would be located near the end of the asphalt walkway, in the area where construction equipment was staged a couple of years ago.
There would be one section for small dogs, another for large ones.
A pre-app is an informal, preliminary review process for a proposed project. It’s a way to present a conceptual plan and receive early feedback, before formally filing a special permit or site plan application.
There are currently on- and off-leash sections of Winslow Park — but no special fenced-in area. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Speaking of the great outdoors: Yesterday was Earth Day.
As she has done for over 20 years, longtime Westporter and environmental advocate Rindy Higgins cleaned up garbage at Canal Beach (after a full day of substitute teaching at Coleytown Middle School).
She reports: “Finding mostly paper scraps, tar chunks, an odd large jar full of dirt topped with a lid like a terrarium, and some plastic bits and bobs, I’m glad to announce there is much less this year than in the past!”
Next year, let’s put Rindy out of a job. (Clean-up, that is — not teaching.)
An update on an ongoing accessory dwelling unit (ADA) case:
In January, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an ADU at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)
James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.
With a suit pending in Superior Court (set to be heard in August), alleging that the Zoning Board of Appeals erroneously approved the permit, Johnson and Jaffe requested an injunction to prevent construction. A judge will rule on that motion on April 29.
This week, however, work began on the new structure.
Construction begins at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Meanwhile, the P&Z has already revised regulations for ADUs in small lots. They removed a 350-foot exemption on lots of 1.5 acres and less. The lot in question (above) is .11 acre.
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“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.
Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — kicks off with an opening reception today (Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.). The exhibit continues Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.
Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.
This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.
Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is all about health for all — especially youth.
So it’s a no-brainer for them to invite everyone to Healthy Kids Day (April 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Part of a national Y program, Healthy Kids Day highlights the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, mental resilience, and developing lifelong healthy habits.
The event includes mini-classes, food trucks with healthy options, a bounce house, water safety demonstrations, and community vendors and partners.
“Art, Jazz + the Blues” — MoCA\CT’s current exhibition — is open through June 7. It’s visually expansive, and the music it evokes is equally broad and inspiring.
But that’s far from the only reason to visit the Newtown Turnpike gallery.
A host of activities complements, draws upon and adds to the exhibit. For example:
East Coast Contemporary Ballet Salon Series (tonight, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.).
Teen Open Mic Night (April 30, 6 p.m.)
Inside Art & Jazz with WPKN’s Richard Epstein and Jim Motavalli (May 2, 6 p.m.)
Intuitive Painting: Analyzing Your Creative Flow with Melissa Benedek (May 3, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
1 Degree of Separation: Jazz in Connecticut — A Conversation with Yale School of Music’s Tom Duffy & Wayne Escoffery (May 7, 6 p.m.)
Mother’s Day at MoCA\CT (May 10, 12 to 5 p.m.)
Sound Bath Meditation with Hummingbird Healing Arts’ Lisa Pak (May 12, June 30, July 14, 6 to 7 p.m.)
Westport Writers’ Workshop at MoCA\CT (May 14, 6 p.m.)
Camp MoCA Open House (May 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.)
Karisa Chiu, Violin, and Frederic Chiu, Piano (May 16, 7 p.m.)
Lewis Black is an upcoming Westport Country Playhouse attraction.
Well, he won’t be on stage. But the comedian has written a lively, insightful comedy — “One Slight Hitch” — that is the next Script in Hand reading.
It’s set for Monday, May 4 (7 p.m.).
His inspiration was a wedding invitation from a woman he had dated years earlier.
“That really blew my mind,” Black says. “I thought, ‘What if I did go?’ That was the beginning of the idea: What would happen if someone from the past suddenly showed up on a day that’s supposed to be completely planned out?”
“Everyone loves Lewis Black for his razor-sharp stand-up, his incredibly funny books, and his unforgettable appearances on ‘The Daily Showm’” says Mark Shanahan, Script in Hand series curator and Playhouse artistic director.
“But he’s also a remarkably funny playwright, and ‘One Slight Hitch’ proves it.”
The face “feels both wildly entertaining and all too familiar to anyone who’s ever navigated family, love, or the chaos of a wedding day.”
Born 16 weeks prematurely, doctors said he would be blind, and never walk.
He proved them very, very wrong.
Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
At Staples High he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
But that was just the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College, and pursued a master’s through the University of Vermont. in physical activity and wellness science.
The other day, Daniel provided this update:
“I believe that in our digitally connected world, we might be missing out on human support and contact.
“I saw the challenges my fellow neurodiverse individuals and I face in that digital world. My solution is developing a local neurodiverse mentoring community.
“Because resources are commonly developed and brought about from a neurotypical perspective, while well-intentioned they unfortunately often fail to support individual goals of people they are meant to serve.
“I offer personalized coaching for teen and young adult neurodivergents. Across several levels of functioning. my support from an empathetic perspective helps people achieve their goals and navigate their lives, from daily routines and indepedence to fitness and school.
“My background as a neurodiverse individual, and my professional experience as a paraeducator and fitness coach allow me to help. But my most important credential is my lived experience.”
For more information, email danielimaya@gmail.com; call 203-644-6877, or click here.
Daniel Maya
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Pop Shop Market offers a special pre-Mother’s Day event, with local vendors showcasing fashion, accessories, home goods and more.
It’s May 2 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Other gift ideas include graduations and teacher appreciation.
David Aasen — a 1974 Staples graduate whose interest in foreign affairs led him to a long career as a field manager, policy analyst and representative of international organizations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe — died of natural causes on April 7, in Dubai. He was 69.
A resident of Mombasa, Kenya, David had expertise in governance,
democratization, and relations between non-governmental organizations and the
media. He worked to make the world better and safer, in places many would have thought too broken to fix.
David worked for the United Nations, US State Department, Organization of African Unity, and Organization of American States.
Previously, he served as a long-time program officer for Amnesty International USA. Field assignments included reporting on civil conflict in Sudan, coordinating electoral assistance in Haiti and relief aid in Somalia, monitoring elections in the Republics of the Congo and Angola, and overseeing refugee repatriation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
David spoke French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.
After Staples High School, David earned a BA in international affairs from George Washington University. He also received certificates in mass media from Stanford University, and international peacekeeping from the Inter-American Defense College.
He was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Lawrence Aasen. He is
survived by his sister Susan Aasen (David), of Rockland, Maine.
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The Longshore golf course is up and running … and ready to shine, as the featured photo in today’s “Westport … Naturally” daily series.
And finally … Dave Mason, who had success both with Traffic and as a solo artist, died Sunday. He was 79.
Mason — inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Traffic — headlined more than once at the Levitt Pavilion. His most recent appearance there was a 2017 fundraiser.
In his long career, he played with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie and Cass Elliott.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
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