Category Archives: Entertainment

Roundup: History Museum Collection, Cribari Bridge, Drugs …

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 10 comments

READER wonders ABOUT WESTPORT MUSEUM DONATION

The Westport Museum for History & Culture’s announcement on Wednesday that they need $750,000 by January raises important questions:

  • How did this happen?
  • What’s next?
  • Why is a historical society — or “museum for history and culture” — important?

Those are big issues. But there are many smaller, more personal ones too.

A longtime resident called “06880” yesterday, in a panic. Back when it was the Westport Historical Society, she had donated several kewpie dolls. (Fun fact: Westport illustrator Rose O’Neill created the characters, in 1909.)

The woman had heard that the Museum will hold a tag sale, to raise money. She was terrified the kewpie dolls — with both historical and emotional value — would be sold for a couple of dollars.

The woman spent all morning calling; no one answered, she said. When she went to the Myrtle Avenue building, she said, it was locked. No one was there.

I assured her the Museum would not be holding a tag sale — at least, not soon.

I said that one idea under consideration is moving their collections and archives to another, less expensive location. Perhaps, I said, Museum officials would contact donors to see if they wanted their items returned.

This woman is not the only one with concerns. Over the years, other Westporters have donated things — military uniforms, furnishings, memorabilia. There have been rumors from time to time that some of them have been “de-accessioned” — sold or discarded.

The woman who called “06880” sounded relieved that her kewpie dolls would not be sold immediately.

If anyone from the Museum for History & Culture can address the status of donated items, now and in the future — including the kewpie dolls — please email 06880blog@gmail.com.

Wheeler House — formerly the Westport Historical Society, now the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

CRIBARI BRIDGE MEETING SET

There has been little action on the Cribari Bridge in Westport.

But in Hartford, work continues.

The state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has scheduled a project update meeting for November 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

It will include an update on the status of responses to comments received previously; progress to date, and an overview of upcoming steps and timelines.

Project manager James Barrows says, “Following publication of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation this past February, we were glad to see such a high level of public engagement, with 833 comments.

“CTDOT is grateful for the strong public engagement and the thoughtful input shared by community members, agencies, and other stakeholders.

“We value stakeholder feedback throughout this project and look forward to sharing updates.”

Click here for more information on the Cribari Bridge project. 

Questions? Contact Barrows: james.barrows@ct.gov, (860) 594-3192, or project engineer Ashley Heredia: Ashley.Heredia@ct.gov, (860) 594-3488. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

cops want your drugs: takeback day is October 24

Got unneeded medications — old, expired and/or unwanted — cluttering your medicine cabinet?

The Westport Police want them.

On Saturday, October 24 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Center for Senior Activities), they’ll take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. They’ll collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs. 

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted.

Don’t forget: A year-round bin located in the lobby of police headquarters allows drugs to be disposed of at any time. You can pick up medication disposal bags there too, to get rid of liquid and pill medications in your regular trash.

Click here for more information.

OVERDOSE AWARENESS, NARCAN TRAINING SET

Speaking of drugs: You’ve heard about fentanyl. What about the new designer drug, cychlorphine?

Do you know how to recognize and overdose? Or how to get — and use — Narcan, to treat it?

Positive Directions is sponsoring a virtual overdose awareness and Narcan training for Westport and Norwalk residents. It’s 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Email positivedirections.org/events for the Zoom link.

PS: Free Narcan kits are available for Westporters and Norwalkers who attend the training. They can be picked up at Positive Directions, across from Whole Foods.

CRASH CLOSES TURKEY HILL NORTH

A 1-car rollover crash closed Turkey Hill Road North for several hours yesterday.

One person was extricated from the vehicle.

A broken utility pole necessitated the road closure.

Westport Fire Department personnel assist at the scene. (Photo courtesy of WFD)

 

$25 TICKETS FOR PLAYHOUSE WORLD PREMIERE

The world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” is near.

And the Westport Country Playhouse is offering special $25 preview tickets.

Shows are Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20-21 (7 p.m.), and Friday, October 23 (8 p.m.). The deadline to order is Sunday. Click here to purchase.

looking ahead: snow and ice removal 🙂 

Do you have a plow? A shovel?

Westport seeks proposals for emergency snow and ice removal.

Bids will be received until 11 a.m. October 29, at the Town Hall finance office (Room 313). To see the RFP, click here

Questions? Email bwatson@westportct.gov.

Sure, it’s still mid-October. But town officials want to be ready.

STAPLES HOMECOMING KICKOFF: NEW TIME

The start time for tonight’s Homecoming football game against Darien at Paul Lane Field has been moved to 5 p.m. Thunderstorms are predicted later in hte evening.

The celebration of all Staples sports captains has been moved to November 13 (Senior Night, vs. Fairfield Ludlowe).

Go Wreckers!

 

KNEADS EXPANDS

Kneads is rising — and we don’t mean their yeast.

Last weekend, popular Saugatuck bakery opened a café at 1916 Post Road in Fairfield.

That site will handle all bread production for both Kneadses. The original location will focus exclusively on pastry production.

In the works: a 3rd locale, at 32 Railroad Avenue in Greenwich.

 

 

MOTHERS WITH ADHD: INCORRECT DATE GIVEN

Incorrect information was provided to “06880” about the upcoming “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity” event. The correct date is  November 8 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street).

The morning combines movement, conversation, support, and connection with other women who understand the experience. In addition to coffee and light bites, Beyond Yoga will offer attendees 20% off in-store shopping after the event.

Click here to register, and for more information.

jonathan steinberg: how state government works

This week, retiring State Representative Jonathan Steinberg kicked off his 4-part series on how Connecticut’s state government works.

The sessions continue October 27, November 17 and December 8, at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

It is not a political discussion; it’s about the nuts-and-bolts of Hartford. For information on the series, call 203-341-5099.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

sTELLAR OCCULATIONS ON PLUTO AND TRITON

If you’ve always wondered how to use stellar occultations to monitor the tenuous atmospheres of Pluto and Triton, you’re in luck!

The Westport Astronomical Society hosts Dr. Michael Person of MIT for an in-person lecture (October 20, 8 p.m.). The talk will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom, and posted to the WAS YouTube channel afterward.

COLEYTOWN COMPANY’S “PURE IMAGINATION”

Katie Bloom’s first show as director of Coleytown Company is a “Pure Imagination.”

The 14 numbers in the musical revue include selections from “Willy Wonka,” “Frozen,” “Shrek” and more.

Show dates are November 5 (6 p.m.)  and 6 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

 

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY

We’ve featured a lot of different plants in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But this is our first panicled wood aster. Clarence Hayes spotted, photographed — and identified it.

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Police Drug Takeback Day:

(Speaking of helpers: “06880” relies on the generosity of readers like you. If you value what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Police, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Staples Players Rewind: “Working”

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 1 comment

In the summer of 2017, Staples Players presented “Working.”

It was a different type of musical. But — as usual — the high school troupe crushed it.

Click here or below for directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s show. Thanks to Jim Honeycutt, former media teacher, for producing this highlight reel.

What are those actors up to today?

Jacob Leaf (Mike Dillard, ironworker; Joe Zutty, retired) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.

Remy Laifer (Al Calinda, parking lot attendant; Roberto Nunez, boxboy and migrant worker; Eddie Jaffe, publicist) is a New York-based actor and musician. A graduate of Northwestern University’s theatre program, he has appeared on television in NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” His film work includes “Escape from Myrtle Broadway” and “3 Worlds, 1 Modern Romance.”

Christian Melhuish (Rex Winship, hedgefund manager; Utkarsh Trajillo, caregiver) is a singer, actor and dancer in New York. After graduating from Temple University with a BFA in musical theater, Christian has performed regionally around the country. Credits include Jesus (“Godspell”), Romeo (“Romeo & Juliet”) and Bob Gaudio (“Jersey Boys”). He has also performed Off-Broadway and in cabarets and staged readings.

Mia Kobylinski (Marjorie Levin, worker in cubicle) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.

Sophia Sherman (worker in cubicle) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Chad Celini (fast food worker) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productions. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”

Nick Rossi (fast food worker; “Mason” soloist) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”

Jake Watzman (John Rolfin, newsboy) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.

Georgia Wright (Babe Secoli, supermarket checker) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays,

Lexi Holoubek-Sebok (Candy Cottingham, political fundraiser) transitioned from acting into professional marketing and data analysis, working as a community strategy and intelligence analyst at Burson.

Avery Mendillo (Grace Clements, millworker; Jean Gilbert, cleaning woman) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.

Antonio Antonelli (Anthony Coelho, stone mason) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”

Jackie Rhoads (Terry Mason, flight attendant) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.

Sophia Sherman (Joyce Naruda, interstate trucker) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Payton Spandow (Lucy Long, actress) earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cornell University, and was a member of the sketch comedy group The Skits. She is now a college planning advisor in Rocky Hill.

Samantha Chachra (Theresa Liu, nanny) is a New York-based actress, singer-songwriter and cellist. She earned a BFA in drama from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, after training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios.

Daisy Brackett (Maggie Holmes, cleaning woman) earned a master’s degree in advanced classical acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her credits include short films, independent projects, showcases and reels.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, Staples HS

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“No Kings”: The Song And Video

Posted on October 8, 2026 | 7 comments

Another national No Kings Day is set for October 17.

Events have been announced for Wilton, Stamford, Greenwich and Ridgefield — though nothing so far for Westport.

Yet whether there is a downtown protest or not, Scott Heckman is ready.

The grandfather of 4 3/4 kids — the 5th is due in December — moved here 4 years from Maryland.

“I’d rather watch my grandkids grow up then watch my friends grow old,” he says. (How old is Scott? He turns 65 on October 17 — No Kings Day!)

A corporate bond trader for nearly 4 decades, he’s also a longtime amateur guitar player and songwriter. “I only seem to write when I’m really happy, really sad or really mad,” he notes. “It’s pretty easy to figure out which emotion triggered this one.”

Scott Heckman

Some years ago, to surprise his daughter for their dance at at her wedding, Scott wrote and recorded “Walk Her Down the Aisle.”

The videographer posted the moment online. It quickly went viral.

“It was an incredible experience. But as a songwriter I’ve been a little blocked since then,” Scott says.

Then came No Kings.

“Given the political dissension and division in our country, I had simply had enough. I grew up proudly in the United States of America — not the divided one we seem to have become. I wanted to write something about that.”

He stresses, “I’m not anti-Republican. The song isn’t about telling people how to vote.

“I want us to get back to a country where we can disagree without seeing one another as enemies, and where ‘We the People’ still have the deciding voice. Hence, ‘No Kings.'”

Scott recorded the song in a barn/recording studio in Westtown, New York.

He played it for his friends Clinton Curtis and Geoff Countryman, classically trained musicians who worked with him on “Walk Her Down the Aisle.”

“I brought them a song written on an acoustic guitar, with a very faint pulse but, I believed, an important message. I gave them my vision for what I wanted it to become, and their talent and creativity gave it a throbbing heartbeat,” he says.

The video was created by longtime friend Alan Paley, who owns Hairless Dog Productions.

Scott explained how he envisioned the video. Alan brought that vision to life, through shots of Scott performing, news clips and images of America.

WFUV selected “No Kings” for its daily “New York Slice” feature, and debuted it last month.

Will Scott’s political song go as viral as his wedding one?

Who knows? But if it does, you may read about it somewhere.

So long as we have a free press.

(“No Kings” is available on Spotify, and other streaming platforms.)

(“06880” reports often on politics, entertainment, interesting Westporters — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Kevin Nealon Stands Up For Homes With Hope

Posted on October 5, 2026 | Leave a comment

When Kevin Nealon takes the stage Friday for “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” — the non-profit’s annual fundraiser — the Los Angeles-based comedian will be returning, well, home.

Nealon — the “Saturday Night Live” veteran who also acted in TV series like “Weeds,” and now concentrates on stand-up — grew up in Bridgeport.

He graduated from Trumbull’s St. Joseph High School, and Sacred Heart University. He remembers rowing out to Cockenoe Island in Westport’s wacky Great Race, and performing at the old Treehouse Comedy Club here.

Nealon also quarterbacked Fairfield University’s club football team, while taking night courses.  And he played rugby for the Connecticut Yankees.

He may or may not reference — or make jokes about — those places and times on Friday. The event at Fairfield University’s Quick Center is sold out.

But he’s sure to put on a memorable show.

Kevin Nealon

And it’s absolutely for a great cause. Founded in 1983, Homes With Up provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid re-housing, diversion services, a community kitchen, food pantry, youth development programs and mentoring.

The other day, Nealon chatted with “06880” about his local roots, his career and his life today.

His father spent nearly 4 decades as a Sikorsky engineer. He drew up plans for the family’s home, then built it with 2 off-duty firefighters.

Nealon worked at Dunkin’ Donuts, and Herman’s Sporting Goods in the Trumbull Mall. He was a lifeguard at Seaside Park.

He does not get back to this area much. (He did receive an honorary degree 4 years ago from Sacred Heart. “I make other people call me doctor,” he says.)

So Friday night will be special. It will also be less stressful than a corporate gig he did for Microsoft. Bill Gates was there — and several executives had to vet Nealon’s material beforehand.

The world of comedy has changed since Nealon anchored SNL’s “Weekend Update” with Dana Carvey. Social media has opened up opportunities for anyone — “doctors, lawyers” — to be comedians, and have their acts seen by millions.

But, he notes, “funny is still funny.”

Kevin Nealon will be very funny on Friday. It will be a fun evening at the Quick Center.

And — quite seriously — all the money raised will help relieve homelessness and food insecurity.

That’s nothing to laugh at.

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Roundup: Bridge To Bridge Ride, Peter Duchan’s Variety, Club203’s Halloween …

Posted on October 4, 2026 | Leave a comment

Last year, Walk Bike Westport sponsored a fall “Bridge to Bridge” walk.

Dozens of residents and politicians — hey, it was the height of campaign season — strolled from Jesup Green, over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to Saugatuck.

They passed the Cribari Bridge, and had breakfast at Kneads.

The “Bridge to Bridge” event returns Sunday, October 18 — this time on wheels.

It begins at 3:30 p.m. with a bike safety talk. Then comes a 3-mile ride to Saugatuck, and back. Everyone ages 8 and up is welcome. Helmets are required.

To learn more and register, click here. To volunteer, click here.

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Congratulations to Peter Duchan!

The 2001 Staples High School graduate has just been named to Variety’s 2026 edition of its annual “10 Broadway Stars to Watch.”

Variety says: “Years ago, Duchan was warned not to expect success as a librettist until he was in his 40s: ‘I’ve always understood this career as something of an endurance test.’

“At 43, he’s making his Broadway debut with ‘Purple Rain,’ the stage version of the classic Prince album and film, about the rise of a tormented young musician known as the Kid. Duchan’s big break comes more than a decade after he emerged on the New York theater scene with 2012’s Off Broadway musical “Dogfight,” based on the 1991 movie starring River Phoenix. [Co-written by former Staples Player and friend Justin Paul.]

“’We’re trying to honor what’s singular about Prince while crafting a fictional character separate from him,’” Duchan says.

“An adept multitasker (and an expert at translating from screen to stage), Duchan is working on another major musical adaptation, ‘Practical Magic,’ based on the 1998 fantasy comedy starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witchy sisters.

“’These are just the two you know about!’ Duchan teases. ‘I spend all day, every day, thinking about musical-theater storytelling. If I haven’t clocked my 10,000 hours yet, I’ve gotta be pretty close.’”

Click here for the full Variety story.

Peter Duchan

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After yesterday’s very active afternoon — including the Slice of Saugatuck, Westoberfest and Earthplace’s Fall Festival — the action continued at night.

The Westport Country Playhouse celebrated 95 years of entertainment with a high-energy gala.

From “Hamilton,” “Shrinking” and “The Wonder Years” to our own Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton, the stars were out in force.

The pre- and post-parties were off the charts too.

Gala performers (from left): Santino Fontana, Kelli O’Hara, James Naughton, Wendie Malick, NaTasha Yvetter Williams, Tamar Greene, Javier Muñoz, Patty McCormack, Dan Lauria. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of last night’s performers: Wendie Malick is having a Westport moment.

The “Shrinking” star — among many other credits — night only joined a star-studded cast last night, at the Playhouse gala.

Tomorrow night, she’s featured in the Script in Hand reading of “Portrait of a Woman in Repose.”

Amid all that, she chatted with Westport journalist Dave Briggs, for an Instagram reel.

“Storytelling is more important than ever,” Wendie says. “It heals our souls.”

For the full conversation — including more on the importance of the Playhouse — click here.

Wendie Malick

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Club203 is calling all ghosts, goblins, witches and superheroes.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities celebrates Halloween with”Boo Bingo” October 14 (6:30 to 8 p.m., Senior Center).
Costumes are encouraged. They’ll provide hats, wigs, masks and more for photos too.

The menu includes We’ll Halloween bites and candy, pumpkin clementines, purple witches’ brew, and cookies made by Avery Horne.

Club 203’s friends from MoCA\CT will help Avery lead a festive bag decorating activity. Master bingo caller Doug Brill will lead the games.

For more information and to register, click here.

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Westport Pride — the town’s non-profit dedicated to creating an affirming, supportive LGBTQ+ community — “proudly” announces a leadership transition.

Liz Falk takes over as president; Kate Grodd is vice president. Brian McGunagle moves into the role of president emeritus.

McGunagle founded Westport Pride in 2020. Under his leadership the organization established the annual Westport Pride celebration, built partnerships with Westport’s public schools, and helped bring the town’s rainbow crosswalk to life.

He is stepping back from day-to-day leadership to focus on his family and new business ventures. He will also take a more active role in his sons’ PTA.

Falk has served on the Westport Pride board as treasurer. She has a background in non-profit and for-profit management and consulting, and has started and run small businesses.

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The Staples boys soccer silent auction is halfway to its fundraising goal. Plenty of items are still available.

Among the highlights: Stowe and Okemo stays, Yankees tickets and memorabilia, performance training sessions, college consulting, wellness packages, and private soccer clinics with varsity players. (Who, by the way, are 9-0-0 so far this season.)

Proceeds help fund coaches, fields, equipment and other resources that keep the program running.

Click here to bid. The auction closes Tuesday, at 6 p.m.

A Staples celebration. They’ll celebrate again if you bid on an auction item. (Photo/Paolo Caniato)

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With October 1 past, we’ve posted a couple of cute photos of dogs back on Compo Beach.

Here’s one more. This one has an important message.

As Spider-Man wisely says: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

(Photo/Rick Carpenter)

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Yesterday’s “Westport … Naturally” photo showed fungus.

Today we turn to lichen (“or some such stuff,” photographer Mark Mathias notes).

He spotted this in the woods behind Saugatuck Congregational Church:

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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And finally … congratulations again to Peter Duchan (story above).

(Prince’s video has nearly 300 million views. We can’t match that at “06880.” Then again, we are a hyper-local blog. We’re here for you. If you enjoy our niche work, please click here to support it. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Busy Saturday, Popup Sea Bags, Trunk Show …

Posted on October 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

Rain postponed the Slice of Saugatuck from last week to today.

It rained briefly yesterday too. But that did not step a crew of Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) — and their moms — from helping set up for this afternoon’s Slice.

The 14th annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event takes place from 2 to 5 p.m., all around Saugatuck. Click here for full details.

SLOBs and moms set up for the Slice of Saugatuck.

The Slice is not the only big event today.

Also on tap:

  • Westoberfest, sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association (1 to 5 p.m., Elm Street); click here for details.
  • Fall Festival (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Earthplace); click here for details. 
  • KMS Team and Origin Point open house (12 to 4 p.m., former Patagonia store downtown)
  • PopShop Market (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture)
  • Westport Country Playhouse Gala (5:30 p.m.); click here for details.

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Sea Bags — a new holiday pop-up shop — opened yesterday in Bedford Square.

Sea Bags creates totes, handbags and accessories from reclaimed sailcloth, giving sails a new life after their time on the water.

The Westport shop will be open for 3 months, carrying gifts including skincare, home accessories, and apparel. To learn more,  click here.

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The Artists Collective of Westport’s annual trunk show is much more than, well, art sold from actual car trunks.

There’s music and food (and easels, panels and tables too).

The next one is tomorrow (Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at the Westport Library’s lower parking lot.

Bring a large vehicle, to haul away your purchases.

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Westport resident Scott Foley joins Harrison Ford, Jason Segel and Jessica Williams for season 4 of Apple TV’s “Shrinking.

He’ll play a therapy patient, in the show about a grieving therapist who tells his clients exactly what he thinks.

Foley is a busy man. According to Deadline, he’ll also appear in a regular role on the Hulu pilot “Young Americans,” playing Judd Burchfield, president of the US.

And he’ll return too as Sean Kelly, in the second season of ABC’s “Scrubs” revival.

Click here for the full Deadline story. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Scott Foley (Photo courtesy of Deadline)

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The first absentee ballot of this election season was given to Ken Stamm.

He reports,  “There was no line in Room 105. But they did have a tray of outgoing ones, which by law had to wait until Friday to be mailed out.”

For the first time, Ken notes, there is no need to be out of town, or sick, to receive an absentee ballot.

The envelope looks a bit different, he says. But the drop box behind Town Hall is there, as always.

2026 ballot materials. (Photo/Ken Stamm)

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Scott Froschauer — a noted artist, sculptor and 1988 Staples High School graduate, whose “colorful public artworks turned familiar street signs into messages of kindness, optimism and reflection,” died Wednesday, according to WeHo Times. He was 57, and friends said he died peacefully in his sleep.

Scott was well known for works that use street signs to convey more useful instructions (like “Breathe” and “All We Have is Now”).

Scott Froschauer, with one of his signs in West Hollywood. (Photo courtesy of WeHo Times)

Ann Sheffer — the 1966 Staples graduate active in the arts scene both here and in Southern California — commissioned one of Scott’s signs for the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. Placed downtown, it celebrated Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow’s “Welcome to Art Town” newspaper column.

Scott Froschauer’s Westport sign.

Click here to read the full WeHo Times story. (Hat tip: Kristen McGrath)

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After the rains of the past few weeks, it’s natural there’s been an explosion of fungus.

So, today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows a typical example.

Amy Schneider found it in her yard. It felt squishy– “like a balloon.” Google identified it as pisolithus arhizus.

We admit its natural. But it’s still kind of gross.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … there’s a lot going on in Westport today (story above). Cue the action!

(Of course, “06880” is always where the action is. And the stories, news, comments, photos — you name it, it’s here. If you enjoy all the action, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Friday Flashback #522

Posted on October 2, 2026 | 4 comments

Fred Cantor spent much of his life in Westport. The Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate writes: 

For music fans, the summer of 1969 is etched in history thanks to Woodstock.

But roughly 5 weeks before that legendary event, local music buffs were treated to the 2-day Westport Pop Festival.

Festival proceeds, per The (Norwalk) Hour, went to the “Westport-Weston Youth Project which, at the moment, is a youth center and coffee house … headed by Brian Keane, Guy Rabut, Mike Joseph and Bubba Barton.”  The quartet had just finished their sophomore year at Staples.

The event was sponsored by the Westport Youth Adult Council (forerunner of the current Westport Youth Commission). It was just one of a variety of their entertainment offerings, starting in the late 1960s

The YAC staged a series of summer concerts at Staples featuring prominent acts like the Byrds, Delaney & Bonnie, Tim Hardin, Sha Na Na and Peter Frampton.

Screenshot

It scheduled other events in town too for the benefit of Westport teens, such as a 1971 summer screening of classic comedies  from W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers and Buster Keaton.

Hanging out outside the Youth Adult Council office on Post Road East. Seated (from left): Walt Amey, Brian Keane. Standing: YAC staff member John Clarendon, Mike Joseph, Guy Rabut. Other building tenants included the Alcoholism Guidance Center and Westport Draft Counseling.

But it was a series of hyperlocal music happenings featuring area performers in more intimate settings — spearheaded by 4 friends from Staples’ class of 1971 — that really helped elevate awareness of what the YAC could bring to Westport.

Brian, Guy, Mike and Bubba (whose real name is David, and who played drums in local bands with Brian) organized, with the help of several other classmates, the “Coffee House” music series.

It operated out of the Saugatuck Congregational Church basement, then relocated to the lower level at Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall).

It ran 2 nights a week during the summer, and Friday nights during part of the school year.

The cover fee started at 50 cents (roughly $4.25 today). It was later raised to 75 cents (still a bargain for live music).

Mike, who had honed his tech skills working on lighting and sound at Staples entertainment events, was in charge of the same type of setup for the Coffee House gigs.

Guy, whose father Paul Rabut was a well-known illustrator and art collector (and who designed several US postage stamps), followed in his dad’s footsteps by creating a number of the posters for the YAC events.

A Guy Rabut Coffee House poster. (All visuals courtesy of Brian Keane)

Brian, long before his Grammy- and Emmy-winning work as a professional musician/composer/producer, took the lead in curating the Coffee House music lineup.

As Mike said a while back, “It was great for us Class of ‘71 kids to be involved in something so creative as juniors and seniors in HS …. Westport was well ahead of everyone else in engaging its youth.”

Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Staples Players Rewind: “The Music Man”

Posted on September 29, 2026 | 2 comments

Big, bold, brassy — and filled with talented, energetic actors — “The Music Man” marched onto the Staples High School stage in the fall of 2016.

Ten years later, former media teacher Jim Honeycutt has turned directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s musical production into a highlight reel.

Click here or below, to tootle along with this classic show.

What have some of those stars gone on to do, over the past decade?

Jacob Leaf (Professor Harold Hill) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.

Sophia Sherman (Mrs. Paroo) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Brooke Wrubel (Mrs. Paroo) is a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University specializing in Early Christian, Byzantine and Western Medieval Art, with a focus on the development of pilgrimage shrines across Italy, Greece and the Holy Land. She holds a BA in art history and Italian studies from Bowdoin College, and an MA in the history of art from the University of Pennsylvania.

Antonio Antonelli (Mayor Shinn) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”

Zoe Samuels (Eulalie Shinn, Pick-A-Little Lady Shirley Mason) is an associate strategy director at Edelman. She graduated with a degree in theater and Chinese from Middlebury College.

Colin McKechnie (Tommy Djilas) is part of the premiere of Dance With Us with DGDC. He graduated from Ithaca College g with a BFA in acting, and a minor in dance. A stage and screen actor, he is playing Tony in the film adaption of Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need.”

Mikayla Czizik (Zaneeta Shin) is a New York-based actor, singer and dancer. She graduated with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and the Atlantic Acting School.  She played Ash in her UK and Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut.

Avery Mendillo (Pick-A-Little Lady Ethel Toffelmeier) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.

Jackie Rhoads (Pick-A-Little Lady Sadie Hawthorne) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.

Sydney Carlson (Pick-A-Little Lady Avis Grub) is an actress, model and internet personality known for her work in “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,” and as co-founder of the phone-case brand Wildflower Cases.

Cooper Gusick (Winthrop Paroo) gained early attention for his viral cover of “Waving Through a Window” from “Dear Evan Hansen,” at 8 years old. He appeared in local modeling and performance features as a child.

Ari Frimmer (Winthrop Paroo) is a Connecticut-based actor known for local regional and school productions.

Nick Rossi (Clayton Squires) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”

Cameron Mann (Edwin Squires) delivered a powerful, breakout performance as Ryan Ross in “Mare of Easttown,” playing a central role alongside Kate Winslet, and a pivotal role in the star-studded dark comedy “Eddington.”

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Hacker Alert! Plus EMS, Arts Collective, Pink Cadillac

Posted on September 22, 2026 | 1 comment

This Roundup was posted in error yesterday. It is reposted here today.

“06880” apologizes for the error. This email hack has completely screwed up our workflow. We might be a little wonky for a few days, as we spend hours battling to get our life back from financial institutions, merchants and more.

A reminder: Please use 06880blog@gmail.com as our only email. Thank you!

There are many ways Westporters can volunteer to help our community.

One of the best is through Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

It’s a big commitment. With a big payoff: helping people at a stressful time, and actually saving lives.

The next Emergency Medical Technician course begins October 5. It provides students with topics ranging from basic bandaging to childbirth and multi-system trauma care. The course runs through January.

No prior experience is necessary. For more information and to register for the EMT class, click here.

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The Artists Collective of Westport’s annual trunk show is much more than, well, art sold from actual car trunks.

There’s music and food (and easels, panels and tables too).

The next one is Sunday, October 4 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), at the Westport Library’s lower parking lot.

Bring a large vehicle, to haul away your purchases.

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Westport has a Minuteman Yacht Club. A Cedar Point Yacht Club. A Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club.

But no “Compo Yacht Club.”

That didn’t stop Merlin Classics — the Greens Farms company that creates original designs with a retro and vintage feel, customized by city and state — from designing one.

The website calls it “Westport’s ‘finest institution since 1920,’ founded the very week the taps ran dry and dedicated ever since to seamanship, navigation and the six o’clock gun.

“The club burgee flies a martini where lesser clubs fly a star, and in 100 years no member has ever been observed actually sailing — although many tell tall tales. This is the ship’s store: everything below carries the flag, everyone who wears it holds the rank of Commodore, and dues are one olive. Every piece is printed to order in the USA, and profits support hunger relief.”

The design can be purchased on t-shirts, caps, shot glasses, coffee mugs and more. Click here to see. 

And though the Compo Yacht Club does not really exist, Merlin does. And they’re absolutely donating some of the proceeds to local hunger relief organizations.

Ahoy, mates!

Some of the Merlin merchandise.

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There’s a new speech pathology service for teenagers and adults in town.

Melissa Katz recently launched Beyond Words Language & Cognition. She specializes in helping adults with communication, language (aphasia), cognitive, voice and swallowing difficulties related to neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain tumor, concussion and more.

She also provides care partner support and educational lectures regarding healthy aging and cognitive wellness.

Before moving to Connecticut, Katz worked as a Senior Speech-Language Pathologist at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital in Philadelphia on the stroke and brain injury unit. She co-initiated the music therapy program and led the Cancer Care Committee.

“After moving to Connecticut, I realized that it can be challenging for adults and families to navigate life when returning home from a hospital or rehab after having a neurological illness. Many people who are ‘higher functioning’ may not even go to the hospital and aren’t set up with any resources.” she says. “I wanted to create a practice where therapy is personalized and focused on helping people communicate and function more confidently in everyday life.”

For more information, click here or email melissa@beyondwordslc.com.

Melissa Katz

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Huw Jones — new executive director of the 87-year-old Norwalk Symphony — spoke to the Sunrise Rotary Club on Friday.

He offered historical highlights, like the 1966 Itzhak Perlman performance of Tchaikovsky.

They’ll showcase the same work Festival in their season opener  October 24 (7:30 p.m,, Norwalk Concert Hall). They will perform his “Pathétique{ Symphony, his virtuosic “Violin Concerto” with Sirena Huang as soloist, and 3 songs by Nicolas Flagello. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sunrise Rotarian Katie Augustyn and Jim Ezzes, with Huw Jones.

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Miller Motorcars continues its support of breast cancer awareness this Thursday (September 24).

They’ll host the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and the Men Wear Pink Campaign, at Maserati of Westport (5:30 to 8 p.m.).

The evening includes music from Old Exit 19, raffles, and more.

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A former Westporter, who returns occasionally, has noticed that some things never change here.

Literraly.

He writes: “In Green’s Farms, if you drive down Westway Road about 150 feet before the bridge over Sasco Creek crossing into Fairfield, a sign reads ‘Construction Ahead, Road Use Restricted, State Liability Limited.'”

“There is no actual construction, but the sign has been there forever. Google Maps can trace it back about a decade and a half.

“But I place the installation of the sign decades earlier. I think it’s been there since about 1989 or so.

“I was in grade school at the time. and the sign prompted me to ask my parents what ‘liability’ means.

“Maybe your readers remember the actual construction project it was put up for. It could be the bridge over Sasco Creek. Perhaps it can be designated an official landmark due to longevity.”

Long-lived sign.

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Trumpeter Andy Gravish is a Jazz at the Post favorite.  His decades of experience reach back to the big bands of Buddy Rich and the Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

He and 5 frequent collaborators — pianist David Morgan, bassist Yuriy Galkin, drummer Erik Halvorson and saxophonist Greg Wall — join him this Thursday at the VFW (shows 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 6:45). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Michael Szeto sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo of a juvenile cooper hawk with its prey, on a bench in his backyard.

“Cooper hawks are agile hunters, frequently found in yards with bird feeders,” he says.

“Unfortunately, this bench is located next to my feeder. So regrettably, I have to assume that is where the prey met its demise.”

(Photo/Michael Szeto)

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And finally …. this is not a pink Maserati (story above). But it’s close:

(Another day, another Roundup … and another gentle reminder that this hyper-local blog relies on reader support. If you appreciate what we do, please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Compo Parties, August Laska. Brian Keane …

Posted on September 21, 2026 | 7 comments

Last week, “06880” reported on a new trend: massive parties at Compo Beach, outside the homes along Soundview Drive. Revelers appear to be primarily freshmen. That was the second in as many weekends.

The third week offered no reprieve.

A reader writes: “There was a mob scene of freshmen. I’m told by one of the town employees, who is trying to keep them under control along with a few cops, that there are 4 or 5 different schools having these insane parties at Compo. They are on people’s property, running around, leaving trash and drinking.

“It’s absolutely awful. Probably 300 kids.

“This is the third time, and probably the worst I have seen it this season.

“It’s a real problem. I couldn’t even walk the beach for over an hour.

“One Staples junior football player told me he tries to help out with the situation because the kids know him.

“The last time, I met a resident who was outside of her house not knowing what to do. She said all her windows were closed, and the noise was very disturbing.

“I’m all for kids having a good time, but this is out of control.”

Freshman party, 2 weekends ago.

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As a Staples Players actors, August Laska starred in a variety of shows, like “Guys and Dolls,” “Little. Shop of Horrors,” “West Side Story” and “A Chorus Line.”

He’s played many “roles” since then.

After graduating in 2013, August majored in film and media at Middlebury College.

While many classmates joined the “Middlebury to Goldman Sachs pipeline,” he headed to Los Angeles. He worked for Snapchat and loved the West Coast, but realized technology was not for him.

In 2018 August joined the marketing team at Disney Theatrical Productions.

Which all led to …opening a plant store.

August founded The Old Yew Plant Shop in the West Village in 2021. He now owns a second store too, on the Upper West Side.

August has earned renown for his ability to understand customers’ needs, educated them about both design (what plant goes where), and diagnostics (what happens when pests invade, or plants die).

Yesterday, the New York Times Real Estate section featured a long piece on August, and his magic touch with customers.

All those communication skills are certainly paying off. Particularly from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: John Dodig)

August Laska, at his Old Yew Plant Shop. (Photo/Ngoc Minh Ngo for New York Times)

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Ric Burns’ 2 new episodes of his sprawling, highly regard “New York” documentary film — the first in 23 years — air tonight and tomorrow on PBS (9 p.m.).

A 10-volume soundtrack was just released for streaming.

And there’s a great Westport connection.

Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Brian Keane composed that soundtrack.

But that’s not all. Brian spoke yesterday at the IFC Center in New York, at a tribute to Jane Goodall.

Brian scored the original chimps movie that helped put Goodall on the map in the 1980s, and also scored Ruby Yang’s film “Vanishing Song” about a gibbon in Malaysia. Goodall was collaborating on that documentary when she died.

Brian Keane (center) with Ric Burns (right) and Burns’ son Simon, at Keane’s studio. A newborn when “New York” came out in 1999, Simon is now assisting on his father’s 2 new episodes. A 10-volume complete soundtrack set of Keane’s score — one for each episode — is streaming on all platforms. 

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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon (Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW veterans’ benefits luncheon.

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In 2024, Lisa Bastoni sold out First Folk Sunday.

The Westport-native artist returns soon. She’ll do it again.

Rozanne Gates and Suzanne Sheridan, creators of First Folk Sunday, saw Bastoni perform in Northampton, Massachusetts — where she now lives — in 2023.

Impressed with her songwriting prowess, musicianship and connection to the audience, they invited her to Westport. Neither knew her roots.

Lisa told Rozanne, “I was just a kid, but I was at the anti-war rally you organized in 2001 on Jesup Green when Suzanne sang. I thought she was wonderful.”

On October 4 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), Lisa and Suzanne will sing together

Lisa wrote “There Are No Kings in America,” which has been sung nationally at many No Kings rallies. Suzanne Sheridan sang it in March, on Jesup Green.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Doors open at noon; an a la carte menu and open bar are available. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

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StartUp Westport continues to expand its programming.

The town’s public/private partnership to serve entrepreneurs and innovators continued its “Founder Stories” series last week, at Content Studio in Saugatuck.

Amy Hochhauser and Rhodie Lorenz spoke with Julie Roehm about JoyRide. They went behind the scenes, offering insights into what it takes to build, grow and evolve a business — including unforeseen challenges like COVID.

Founded in Westport in 2010, JoyRide pioneered the local boutique fitness movement, expanding into a beloved regional brand across multiple studios in Connecticut and Texas. While the business ultimately closed its doors, its multi-year trajectory offers a master class in scaling, community building, making tough decisions, and navigating complex market shifts.

For more information on StartUp Westport, click here.

Amy Hochhauser, Rhodie Lorenz and Julie Roehm, at last week’s Startup Westport event.

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Tomorrow is the first day of fall.

And — right on time — our “Westport … Naturally” series presents this Wilton Road beauty:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of all who celebrate Yom Kippur:

(Another Monday … and another Roundup, to start it off. If you appreciate all the ways you can learn about Westport on this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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