It’s ambitious for any high school troupe. It was especially challenging as a summer show, with its very tight time frame.
The next summer, the Players’ directors chose another great, but complex and super-difficult, musical: “Rent.”
As he’s done with every Players mainstage and summer show since 2000, former media teacher Jim Honeycutt took on the nearly equally tough task of distilling it into a highlight reel.
As with so many Players shows, a number of actors went on to careers in entertainment. They include:
Chris McNiff (Mark Cohen) ) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”
Dan Shure(Mark Cohen) plays bass, in Charley Bliss, a successful New York band, with Eva Hendricks(Maureen Johnson). Their current release is “Back There Now.”
Clay Singer (Roger Davis) has extensive theater credits including “Masquerade” (New York), “Fiddler On the Roof” (St. Louis), “Perchik” (Westport), “The Band’s Visit” (North American tour), “Into the Woods” (Pittsfield, Massachusetts), “Next to Normal” (Vero Beach, Florida), “Man of La Mancha” (Westport), “Romeo and Juliet” and “Ragtime” and “The Full Monty” (both Pittsburgh).
Steve Autore (Roger Davis) is a humorist, writer, actor and singer, and produces unique, original original media content. After Elon University he founded an independent dark comedy production group, Nice Hog! Productions. They’re currently in development for 2 animated series, CREEPS and Drop Dead.
David Ressler (Tom Collins) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”
Johnny Shea (Angel Dumont Schunard) is a New York based actor. Credits include “Spring Awaking,” “Deathless” and “Peter Pan,” in theaters ranging from Goodspeed and the Shakepeare in Chicago to the Portland Stage Company.
Charlie Greenwald (Benjamin Coffin III) is an actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”
Audrey Twitchell (Mimi Marques) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”
Michelle Pauker (Mimi Marques) is a singer and actor. She has appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Idaho Shakespeare Festival), “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Great Lakes Theatre Company), and “Into The Woods (Forestburgh Playhouse).
Everyone in Westport cares about — and for — their yard.
But how many care in an eco-friendly way?
Sustainable Westport, Wakeman Town Farm and Wild Ones can help. On June 25 (6:30 p.m.. Wakeman Town Farm), they offer a hands-on evening dedicated to eco-friendly yard care.
This event is part of Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” initiative, aimed at building a more resilient, biodiversity-rich Westport, one backyard at a time.
Attendees will learn how to create a beautiful, thriving outdoor space without synthetic pesticides. That includes natural strategies to deter pests, support for local pollinators, and building healthy soil.
Participants can also pre-order mosquito buckets. They’re safe, very effective and targeted ways to control mosquitoes at the source, without indiscriminate insect death caused by other pesticide treatments.
On June 7 the troop held a Court of Honor. to award the rank of Eagle Scout to Dylan O’Brien, Nathaniel Greely and JC Gura. Each earned at least 21 merit badges, and led a community service project.
This past weekend, Life Scout Finn Martens led his own Eagle service project at VFW Post 399. He coordinated a crew of Scouts to clean up the grounds and repaint the parking lot lines.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (June 18), for a session on “Intro Excel.”
It returns July 16, covering “Intro to AI: Job Seeker Strategies ,” and August 20 (Tips for Resume and Cover Letter).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
More than 1,800 teen artists across the country — including students from Westport’s One River School of Art + Design — are participating in what may be the largest teen art exhibition ever organized in the US.
The exhibition includes 15 One River locations from New York to Oregon.
Students were challenged to create artwork based on the prompt “a place that matters to you.” The result: 1,800 interpretations expressed through painting, drawing, mixed media, animation and digital design.
Eight students will be invited to a special studio experience with Daniel Heidkamp at his Brooklyn studio later this summer.
A public reception for Westport students is set for June 25 (4 to 5:30 p.m.). The show will remain up for 3 weeks.
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Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer/ arranger Alan Broadbent and master bassist Harvie S. Alan headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” show (June 18, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 8
And finally … on this date in 1967, the Monterey International Pop festival began in California. There were many big names, including The Who, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and The Animals.
But perhaps the most stunning performance of all was this:
The Levitt Pavilion gets (deserved) headlines, for its 50-plus nights of entertainment each year. (The Disco Biscuits played 2 shows this past weekend. Coming up: Bonnie Raitt, Wynton Marsalis … and a lot more.)
But very quietly — well, not really; the shows are loud — VFW Post 399 has become one more Westport hot spot.
Matt Zako does a great job booking diverse acts.
Matt at the VFW does a great job of getting diverse acts to entertain, helping to keep this institution vibrant.
Saturday night, Black Dog rocked the house.
They’re (duh) a Led Zeppelin tribute band. And, as Lou Weinberg notes, “if you weren’t there, you can say it’s ‘nobody’s fault but mine.'”
Black Dog at the VFW. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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This may be the first moth we’ve ever featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
It’s a huge one.
Photographer Tracy Porosoff explains, “according to my phone’s AI, it’s a polyphemus moth. The internet says it is common, but hard to see because it’s nocturnal and does not live long.”
And finally … in honor of Black Dog at the VFW Saturday night (item above):
(It’s nobody’s fault but yours if you don’t click here to support this hyper-local blog. But if no one else does, we won’t be here to serve you 24/7/365 any more. Thank you for chipping in.)
Westport celebrated its 6th annual Pride Day today with the largest crowd, the most community organizations — and the best weather — ever.
Jesup Green was awash in rainbows: flags, t-shirts, even dog collars.
Politicians, from Senator Richard Blumenthal to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, spoke. All sent strong messages of inclusivity, joy, and the power of love.
Senator Richard Blumenthal said, “This is what America looks like.”
But the stage really belonged to entertainers. Staples Players, former Player (and Broadway actor) Jamie Martin Mann, a drag queen — and a young dancer — made the day special for the hundreds of LGBTQ attendees, and allies.
Staples Players — many wearing “Players Pride” t-shirts — sang “One Day More,” a rousing song about conflicting hopes, fears and destinies, from “Les Misérables.”
it was a very prideful day indeed.
Vendors, non-partisan groups and religious organizations all had booths at Jesup Green. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
Van Goldberg wowed the crowd with his dance routine.
Political figures from Hartford and Westport were all smiles. The group sang “Happy Birthday” to Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan. Both Board of Education members celebrated birthdays today.
The Saugatuck Church contingent — and Westport Police — were all smiles.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (2nd from left) and the Homes with Hope crew: Katherine Murray, Helen McAlinden, Thomas Samaranayake. (Contributed photo)
Broadway actor Jamie Martin Mann sang, and gave a speech and poem about growing up in Westport. He credited Greens Farms Elementary School music teacher Suzanne Sherman Propp, Bedford Middle School principal Adam Rosen and Staples Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long with creating safe environments, where he could learn to be himself. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Last week’s Photo Challenge was not very challenging.
A full 2 dozen readers quickly — and correctly — identified the blue object in Bruce McFadden’s image as one of the unique dome lights at the Levitt Pavilion. (Click here to see.)
Nice to know that Elaine Marino, Joyce Barnhart, Jan Carpenter, Brian Taylor, Seth Schachter, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Susanne Atkins, Jonathan McClure, Katie Carmody, Diane Silfen, Pete Powell, Richard Hyman, Arthur Hayes, Sal Liccione, Susan Iseman, Lisa Hayes, Amy Schneider, Paul Cahill, Seth Braunstein, Darcy Sledge, Beth Berkowitz, Rachel Sara Halperin, Matt McGrath and Cat Malkin are not just fans of the outdoor theater.
They’re also very observant.
Is today’s Photo Challenge any tougher?
We’ll see.
If you know where in Westport you’d find this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ken Bernhard)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The superintendent of schools has long been the town of Westport’s highest paid employee.
Next year, Thomas Scarice will make 3% more.
Last night, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise his base salary to $344,563. His rolling 3-year contract has been extended every year since he took the Westport Public Schools’ top job in 2020.
The action came after the Board offered similar 3% raises to 4 top district officials.
Chief financial officer Elio Longo will make $281,949. The 3 assistant superintendents are: pupil services Mike Rizzo ($260,205), human resources John Bayers ($251,070), and teaching and planning Anna Mahon ($247,200).
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of schools: The Coleytown Company curtain is closing on the directing career of Ben Frimmer.
After more than 30 years of leading the middle school drama troupe, the program’s founder is stepping off stage.
Frimmer says, “This program has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has been an honor to work with so many talented students and supportive families over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the community we have built together.”
His work as a Broadway and West End producer has grown significantly, he says. With “The Hunger Games: On Stage,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — plus other projects in development — he must “devote more time to this exciting chapter of my career.”
Katie Bloom will take over as Coleytown Company director.
“Katie brings tremendous experience, having spent more than 20 years as a Westport educator while also running her own successful theatre company in Newtown,” Frimmer says.
“She is an outstanding teacher, director and leader, and I know the program will flourish under her guidance. She will also be supported by our experienced Coleytown Company staff, who know the program and its traditions well.”
Frimmer will continue to teach at CMS. And, he says, he will watch “with great excitement as Katie leads the next chapter of this remarkable program.”
As the thermometer soars past 90, severe thunderstorms threaten and air quality deteriorates, Westport preparing for the next 3 days.
These cooling centers will be open:
Senior Center: Friday only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For help or transportation, call 211 or click here.
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The moment Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS, her family leaped to help her. And to raise funds for every other person battling the disease, and their families.
Her son Steve is gearing up for his 3rd 100 Holes to Defeat ALS golf event.
In just 4 years, it’s grown from 2 golfers to 32. This year alone, they’ve raised $650,000 — and, Steve says, “we haven’t even teed it up yet.”
The corporate sponsor outing at The Country Club of New Canaan this Monday is already sold out.
The next day (Tuesday, June 16) Steve plays the “100 holes” at Keney Park in Windsor. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)
That evening Steve’s brother Chuck and ESPN’s (and Westport’s) Dan Orlovsky emcee a gala, with a live auction. They hope to raise $100,000.
There are Westport connections to the events, besides the Haberstrohs and Orlovsky.
Experience Camps –headquartered here — is one of 3 fundraising recipients. “100 Holes” co-founder Cory Sullivan attended a camp — for children who have lost parents — years ago, after his father died from ALS. It was so impactful, he later spent years as a counselor.
Several Westport families are now battling ALS. “We won’t stop fighting until there are cures,” Haberstroh says.
For more info on the events, and to contribute, click here.
For the 47th year, the Point to Point Swim takes place this summer. Save the date: Saturday, July 25.
And — as it has for nearly 5 decades — the Compo Beach event brings together swimmers of all levels. First-time open water participants join seasoned competitors, for a fun and meaningful morning.
Funds raised help children and families access camp, swim lessons, water safety, and youth development programs.
A good crowd turned out yesterday for the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, it’s a true community event.
Live music and lunchtime food stalls complement more than 2 dozen vendors. Fresh produce, breads, herbs, flowers, juices, honey, coffee … it’s all there, and more.
He’s graduating from Weston High School. And the singer/songwriter just released his second single, “Hundreds of Miles.”
The track captures the emotional experience of entering a new chapter of life. It’s available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Produced in collaboration with Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, the song reflects on distance, growth and connection, at a time of life transitions.
While strongly resonating with the Class of 2026 — and called “the graduation song of the year” — “Hundreds of Miles” is relatable to anyone navigating change or separation. The song balances nostalgia with optimism, offering reassurance that meaningful relationships can endure even as people move in different directions.
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On Tuesday — after, no doubt, thinking about it for a while — someone decided it was “time” to take this piece from home to the transfer station.
(Photo/John McKinney)
No word on whether it was recycled, or someone (wisely) decided to reuse it.
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Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed designs are always popular.
Her new collection includes 6 designs that she’s been thinking about for years, and finally brought to life. Inspiration came from Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” statue, and the classic I ❤️ New York logo.
The pieces blend bold, nostalgic pop art with a modern, wearable twist.
Congratulations to Westport’s 4 newest Eagle Scouts.
Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor and Charles Beckwith — members of Troops 39 and 139 — were recognized at a Court of Honor recently, at Green’s Farms Church.
From left: Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor, Charles Beckwith.
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Lior Raz — co-creator and star of Netflix’s hit series “Fauda,” is coming to Westport.
Hosted by Chabad of Westport, the July 21 event is a chance to hear from one of Israel’s most recognized actors and storytellers. He will discuss his service in an elite IDF unit, the creation and global success of “Fauda,” and his perspective on current events in the Middle East.
A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 7:30 p.m. The location will be provided upon registration. Proceeds from the event support Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
The singer/songwriter/ guitarist, with a unique style blending blues, R&B, rock and pop, headlines the Levitt Pavilion’s annual benefit show August 9 (7 p.m.).
The 13-time Grammy winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Rolling Stone selection as one of both the 100 greatest singers and guitarists of all time joins a Who’s Who list of previous gala stars, including Cyndi Lauper, Peter Frampton, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Pat Benatar, Cheryl Crow, Nile Rodgers, Jose Feliciano Michael Bolton, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and many more.
Most recently, Raitt was recognized for her 55-plus-year career as a Kennedy Center Honoree. In 2021 she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).
Bonnie Raitt
Proceeds from the gala support over 50 nights of free concerts, from now through October. This summer’s lineup includes Son Little, Luke Tyler Shelton, Seth Sikes, Chris Pierce, Chaparelle, Joy Clark, King Stingray, Surfing for Daisy, Amelia Day, Jessie Altman, Residual Groove, The String Queens and others.
Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.; free), the West Point Band offers an evening of patriotic music — including marches, Broadway classics, bluegrass and more.
Tickets for Bonnie Raitt go one sale to the public Friday, June 19 (10 a.m.; click here).
Staples Players’ production of “Les Misérables” last fall was magnifique.
Audiences thrilled to the acting, music, staging, sets, costumes … it was all nearly Broadway-worthy.
Yet it was not the first time directors David Roth and Kerry Long produced the iconic show.
In 2008, they debuted “Les Mis” — in the summer.
Retired media instructor Jim Honeycutt — who spent 2 decades videotaping Roth and Long’s shows — marvels, “To this day, I cannot figure out how they could do a show of this extensive musical complexity in a summer!
“Even the sets with rotating barricades were extraordinary for a summer show. How Tyler Paul learned all of this music in a month or two is beyond me.”
Honeycutt has done something quite impressive himself. He has distilled the epic production into just under 30 minutes. Click here or below, to hear — and see — the people sing.
Very, very, very well.
Many cast members have made careers in entertainment. Honeycutt also offers these updates, on some of the performers from the 2008 “Les Mis”:
Tyler Paul (Jean Valjean) retired from acting and moved to the other side of the stage lights. He is now head of human resources at ANC.
David Ressler (Javert) is an actor and singer. He is currently performing in a Bay Area Opera Collaborative production of “Pirates of Penzance.”
Audrey Twitchell (Eponine) has appeared in numerous commercials, print ads and on television. In 2006, she originated the role of Lee Bouvier in the Broadway musical “Grey Gardens.”
Megan Watt (Eponine) is a voice actor and commercial artist based in West Hollywood. She specializes in commercial, animation and audiobook narration.
Brooke Benedetto (Fantine) has acted in many shows, including “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Godspell,” at Muhlenberg College and the Music Theater of Connecticut.
Britt Hennemuth (Thénardier) is a Los Angeles-based actor. He recently joined Universal Pictures as senior vice president of production development and special projects.
Nick Boak (Enjolras) is an entertainment executive, involved with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Warcraft” and “American Hustle.”
Max Stampa-Brown (Grantaire) appeared in “The Third Man,” “FREUD” and “The Garret East,” after the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
Chris McNiff (Feuilly) is an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer based in New York City. He has appeared in “White Christmas,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and “Hair.”
Matthew Van Gessel(Lesgles) is an actor, director and writer. He played Isaac Goodenow in the “The Sudbury Devil,” appeared in the film “Bookworm,” was featured as an actor in the project RedDrop, and was cast as Father Rand in “The Vampires of New Orleans.”
Charlie Greenwald is actor, voiceover artist, comedian, copywriter and children’s book author. He has appeared in the film “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and the TV special “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.”
Vinny Amaru (Joly) continued his interest in stage at Tufts, singing in the a cappella group Beelzebubs. He is now a global investment strategist at JP Morgan Asset and Wealth Management.
Matt Greenberg (Prouvair) is a tenure track assistant professor of theatre and dance at the University of Wyoming.
One of the hot topics this summer will be synthetic turf fields.
Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Zoom), 2 Representative Town Meeting committees — Environment, and Health & Human Services — meet jointly, to discuss the topic.
It is the first of at least one or two similar meetings.
Members will not present or vote on an ordinance. The focus tonight will be on artificial turf, but they will also hear from someone with success working with grass fields.
Speaking of sports: The FCIAC (league) champion Staples High School boys lacrosse team is aiming now at a state championship. That double has not been accomplished since Darien did it in 2017. It’s never been done by the Wreckers.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) they take on New Canaan, in the “LL” semifinals. The game begins at 5 p.m., at Fairfield University.
Staples’ opponent is Darien — a team they’ve beaten 3 times already this year, including a nail-biting 10-9 FCIAC championship win.
The Wreckers are ranked 5th in the state tournament. In an odd twist — thanks to power rankings and records — the Rams are 1st.
The Staples game is the first of the double-headed. The 7:30 pits Darien against Fairfield Prep. So no matter who wins either contest, an all-Fairfield County final is assured.
Staples celebrates their FCIAC title. (Photo/Greg Raymond)
From 1947 until fairly recently, the Pepperidge Farm property on the Westport/Norwalk line was a magical place.
Some of America’s best loved treats were made there. And if you drove by at the right time, the smell of fresh-baked bread was intoxicating.
These days, the scene is quite different.
One of the most beautifully maintained and recognizable landscapes in the area has fallen into a state of neglect.
It has not been maintened for months. Trash, debris, weeds and overgrown grass and plants have taken over the lot. A king mattress and box spring sat in the parking lot for months.
Neighbors are concerned about ticks, and rodents burrowing in the tall grass.
One view of the old Pepperidge Farms property …
The Campbell’s Company (formerly Campbell Soup Company) owned the property for over 60 years, after acquiring Pepperidge Farm in 1961.
Last year they sold the property to a New York developer, TVG Partners, through an entity called 595 Westport LLC, for approximately $11 million. The developer has proposed redeveloping the site, while retaining some office space.
Westport Auction leased the front of the property in January 2026. The back of the property remains vacant.
Meanwhile, instead of closing eyes to luxuriate in the aroma of just-baked bread, folks close their eyes to avoid an unsightly mess.
Last night’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading of “A Tailor Near Me” featured the popular actor Jimmy Smits.
How popular?
Playhouse and “06880” photographer Dave Matlow reports that after shooting the play’s rehearsal yesterday afternoon, he met twin sisters on the WCP steps.
Sharon Lowe and Norma Leyden are a few days away from their 74th birthday. For years, they have traveled throughout the US — including California, Chicago, Washington and Broadway — to watch Smits perform.
Sharon Lowe (left) and Norma Leyden. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
They live in the Boston area, and were vacationing on Nantucket. That’s where they first met Smits, 20 years ago.
They drove to Westport yesterday, to watch their favorite actor in the script reading. They were there after the show too, waiting for him to leave.
From the reviews we’ve heard, the sisters — and everyone else in the audience — got their money’s worth.
Matlow reports the comedy was completely sold out. It was written by Michael Tucker, best known as an “L.A. Law” actor. He was part of the reading last night, joined by 2 others from that TV show: Smits and Tucker’s wife, Jill Eikenberry.
This was the last Script in Hand production of the spring. The series resumes September 14.
Curtain call (from left): Jimmy Smits, Michael Tucker, Jill Eikenberry. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Two of Westport’s most interesting people are on stage tonight, at the Westport Library.
Journalist Dave Briggs chats with former Navy SEAL commander and White House fellow Mike Hayes. They’ll explore how to navigate life’s transitions with purpose. The starting point is “Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose,” Hayes’ practical, inspiring guide to building a more meaningful life.
Also today (Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.): The Exchange Project presents a “Swap Day: Summer Edition.” The host is Abby Jaramillo.
The Exchange Project “redefines luxury resale through thoughtful curation, conscious consumption, and timeless style. (They) extend the life of exceptional clothing by editing the best pieces already in circulation—creating a refined, sustainable marketplace where style never comes at the planet’s expense.”
Fresh pieces are updated hourly, including new arrivals from Balenciaga, Zara, Alo, Frame, L’Agence and more. Click here for tickets; address given upon purchase.
The closure from June 18 through August of Cross Highway near the entrance to Wakeman Town Farm — for replacement of the Deadman Brook bridge — has already been announced.
But it will also be closed this Thursday and Friday (June 11 and 12) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for gas line and utility work. Cross Highway will be open, however, from Bayberry Lane to Wakeman Farm Drive.
To accommodate graduation ceremonies, the road and bridge will be open on June 15 and 16 for events at Staples High School and Bedford Middle School.
Longtime Westport resident Linda Volckmann died peacefully on June 6, surrounded by her family. She was 88.
A native of Yakima, Washington, she earned a bachelor’s in economics and a master’s in teaching, both from Stanford University.
She married Carl Volckmann in 1965. His career with IBM took the family throughout the Northeast. They settled in Westport in 1974.
Here Linda developed a love of sailing alongside her Navy husband, formed lifelong friendships, and devoted countless hours to supporting her children’s athletic, music and academic pursuits.
She attended many swim meets, tennis matches and horseback riding competitions. Later, she was on the sidelines for soccer, lacrosse games and wrestling competitions.
Linda loved to travel, and enjoyed adventures throughout Asia and Africa.
When their children were grown, Linda and Carl found a second home in Stuart, Florida, where many friends from graduate school had settled. For nearly 2 decades they enjoyed life as “snowbirds.”
After selling their Westport home of 43 years, they divided their time between Park City, Utah, and Florida.
Linda is survived by her husband, Carl; daughter Karin Goodman (Nick) and their children Kendall, Hayden and Camden; her aughter Tina Perala (Matthew) and their children Kai and Teo; her son Eric and his children Evelyn and Emmett.
Linda is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Lynne Terril, and their children Christopher and Laura; sister, Lila Nielsen and her children Gretchen and Vicki, and nieces Kristen Doerrer, Eryn Cusic and Micheal Cusic .
Her family says, “Linda will be remembered for her intelligence, generosity, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued and loved.
A memorial service will take place at the end of the year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Green’s Farms Congregational Church, CT, Mariner Sands Chapel Benevolence Fund, or Make-A-Wish of Seattle (Alaska & Washington chapter).
Linda Volckmann
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Great light makes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — showing Sherwood Mill Pond — extra special.
And finally … speaking of the Pepperidge Farm property (story above), this seems like an apt song:
(Whether you remember Pepperidge Farm or not, “06880” is your hyper-local blog — a place to remember history, or learn about it. If you enjoy either activity, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Forty seniors were honored yesterday, at Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one person, who also excels in the classroom. In a unique format at the ceremony, each answers one question about his or academic, athletic or extracurricular life. Individually, each is special. Taken together, they paint a robust picture of several dozen remarkable teenagers.
The scholar-athletes for the fall season are: Sofia Gomez (cheer), Harrison Sydor (boys cross country), Sarah Bogdan (girls cross country), Catherine Cirasuolo (field hockey), Justin Halky (football), Gus Palmer (boys golf), Gabe Hellmann (boy soccer), Isabelle Wasserman (girls soccer), Isabella Wasserman (girls swim & dive), Naalie Sipsma (girls volleyball), Brady Nahmias (boys water polo).
The winter scholar-athletes are: Oliver Vynerib (boys basketball), Emma Asiel (girls basketball), Katelynn Mitchell (cheer), Nathaniel Armstrong (fencing), Mia Cochran (gymnastics), Uzi Greenman (boys ice hockey), Jade Reejhsinghani (girls ice hockey), Rahan Sekhar (boys indoor track & field), Taylor Black (girls indoor track & Field), Chase Cammeyer (boys skiing), Alexis Robinson (girls skiing), Aiden Hill (boys squash), Olivia Cohn (girls squash), Nolan Franics (boys swim & dive). Kai Schwartz (wrestling).
Spring scholar-athletes are: Connor Brill (baseball), Riley Sklar (girls golf), Aidan Lapatine (boys lacrosse), Sadie Lowe (girls lacrosse), Gray McGuinness (boys outdoor track & field), Lila Boroujerdi (girls outdoor track & field), Michael Wang (boys rugby), Mia Chatterjee (girls rugby), Zach Gillman (sailing), Olivia Schwartz (softball), Robert Jacob (boys tennis), Devyn Peffer (girls tennis), Gabriel Schorer (boys volleyball), Olivia Kuliga (girls water polo).
Also honored were Oliver Samuel (Thomas DeHuff Award), Taylor Block (Jinny Parker Award) and Dylan Lehrer (Junior Leadership Award).
Taylor Block also earned the $10,000 Laddie Lawrence Scholarship, while Gabe Duque received the $10,000 Coleman Brothers and $2,000 Loeffler Scholarships.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo cited Bill Mitchell, the longtime Westporter and co-owner of Mitchells Stores, for his role in inaugurating the Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago.
Bill Mitchell (left), who helped create Staples’ Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago, is honored by athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Staples baseball team are winners — in many ways.
On Saturday they thrashed Norwalk 13-2, in the state tournament quarterfinal. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe tomorrow (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Municipal Field, Waterbury) in the “LL” (extra large schools) semifinal.
Yesterday — less than 24 hours after their big win, and just a few hours after the senior prom — the entire Wrecker squad headed to Meyer Field.
They buddied up with the Westport Winners — the Little League program for youngsters with disabilities. They enjoyed baseball, a barbecue — and a chance to hang out with some of their youngest, and most rabid, fans.
Play ball! Staples Wreckers, and Staples Winners. (Photo/Beth Cody)
With primary elections near, and the general election just a few months away, the Westport League of Women Voters offers a program on our town’s electoral process.
On June 10 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Senior Center), registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Marie Signore provide the inside story on how they prepare for and run the process; results of the last election, including an election audit and recount results; how early voting is working, and the August primaries and fall elections.
Attendees can also learn what’s required to set up the polls, the training needed — and how to volunteer.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Over 250 customers in the Juniper Road area lost power last night around 9:30 p.m., due to downed tree limbs.
Power was restored in the early morning hours. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Westport Pride invites the Westport community — LGBTQ, allies and friends — to its annual Pride celebration this Sunday (June 14, 12 noon, Jesup Green).
The family-friendly event includes live music, food trucks, local artisan vendors and information booths. Let your colors shine!
Rainbow colors are encouraged, but not required. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut closed out its “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibit Saturday night, in appropriate fashion.
A packed house enjoyed a jubilant performance by Grammy Award-winning bassist and bandleader Endea Owens + The Cookout.
Owens — famous for his “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” work — brought warmth and artistry to the stage, alongside with special guest powerhouse Brianna Thomas, and a jazzy backing band, The Cookout.
Endea Owens and The Cookout, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Roger Young)
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