It’s hard for many people to understand resistance to vaccines.
Why would anyone oppose preventing a preventable disease — for themselves, their child, or the community at large?
Kira Ganga Kieffer understands.
She’s not an anti-vaxxer, or a vaccine skeptic. She went through the Westport schools, from 1st grade through Staples High’s Class of 2004. She graduated from Brown University, then earned a Ph.D at Boston University.
Dr. Kira Ganga Kieffer
Now Dr. Kieffer is back in Westport, married to classmate Aaron Eisman (who begins a medical fellowship in cardiology at Yale next month). She is a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at Fairfield University, after teaching stints at BU, the University of Vermont and Wesleyan University
She studied American history and religion in college. Her honors thesis was an ethnographic study of 2 evangelical churches in Rhode Island. Kieffer sees vaccine hesitancy through the lens of religion.
It’s a nuanced view. She explains it in her new book, “Unvaccinated Under God,” tying debates over vaccine safety and mandatory vaccinations into “existential concerns about justice and morality.”
Kieffer says that vaccine hesitancy can be a religious expression — not the product of scientific misinformation.
She offers her insights at 7 p.m. tonight, in a Westport Library discussion with fellow Staples and Brown graduate, primary care physician Dr. Caroline Andrew.
It’s part of the “Saugatuck Scribes” series, spotlighting Westport authors.
The book’s genesis dates back nearly a decade. Kieffer was studying alternative health in contemporary America, and looking as far back as smallpox. Her advisor — knowing Kieffer’s interest in religion — suggested examining the subject from that angle.
When COVID hit, Kieffer published an article on how a vaccine rollout — still in the future — might be difficult. A religion editor tracked her down, and asked if she could turn it into her book.
The result — “Unvaccinated Under God” — was published this week.
“I want people to think about vaccine hesitancy and refusal not as scientific illiteracy or ignorance, but as innate religiousness,” Kieffer says. “Fear of vaccines can be transformative.”
By not addressing the religious component, she adds, “we’re not moving the needle” among people who distrust the medical establishment. “We need to understand where they’re coming from.”
That means “speaking more of their language, about their fears — without making them feel talked down to.”
There have been 6 vaccine controversies since the 1980s, Kieffer says. They involved issues like mothering; what one puts into one’s body; authority and politics — along with religious freedom.
Readers have been surprised at how “even-handed” her book is, Kieffer says. As vaccination debates are politicized by “both sides,” she hopes that “people in public health, medicine and on the liberal side will change their tone or attitude to people they see as non-compliant, to win their trust back.”
Pins like these may not be the best way to reach vaccine-hesitant people.
Many pediatric practices will not accept patients whose parents refuse full vaccinations, Kieffer notes.
The need to protect other patients is “totally understandable. But it shoves people away, to fringier medical providers who give them more reasons not to get vaccinated.
“The ‘believe in science’ banner of liberals and progressives in the culture wars can be reductive. It pushes people away. ‘Belief’ is a religious term.”
Meanwhile, measles cases are on the rise. The number of children entering kindergarten without measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are rising too.
Vaccines are crucial. But reaching vaccine-hesitant people by understanding their feelings — and addressing their fears and concerns, in a belief-centered, religious realm — is crucial too.
(“06880” often spotlights interesting Westporters, addressing important topics. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Fifty years of Apple history flew by in an hour last night.
David Pogue educated, entertained and intrigued a full house. The writer/TV correspondent/explainer-in-chief returned to the Westport Library — where he often spoke and moderated panels, during his 20 years in town — for an author talk on his new book about the tech behemoth’s first half century.
David Pogue, with a vintage photo of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Accompanied by a whiz-bang slide show, Pogue romped through the highs (2.5 billion people own an Apple device) and lows (in the 1990s, they were 6 weeks away from bankruptcy).
Apple’s market cap is now $4 trillion dollars. They make $1 million every 90 seconds.
Pogue — who for the first 10 years of his career was a Broadway conductor — used the Library’s grand piano to belt out 3 song parodies. One — a “My Way” takeoff called “I Want an iPhone” — was filmed in Westport.
David Pogue at the piano, singing about an iPhone. (Photo/Susan Garment)
He showed it on the big screen. I’m sure it was filmed, edited and projected using Apple products.
Before the event, David Pogue chatted with Jay Babina. The teenager runs the very cool Westport Tech Museum, filled with early generation Apple successes and failure. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Seventeen members of Staples High School’s premier jazz ensemble, Staples Jazz 1, earned several standing ovations Friday night, from a standing room only crowd at New York’s Birdland Jazz Club.
The group was the opening act for the Birdland Big Band, at one of the jazz world’s most iconic venues.
The high energy performance, directed by Kevin Mazzarella, featured classics including “Moten Swing” and “Big Swing Face.”
It was a full day of music, for the young musicians. Earlier in the day they participated in an educational clinic led by Birdland Big Band director David DeJesus, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Maria Marmarou. The students received personalized coaching, performance feedback, and professional insights.
“For many jazz musicians, performing at Birdland is a dream,” says Mazzarella. “For our students to have the opportunity not only to perform there, but also to learn from world-class musicians and then share the stage with the Birdland Big Band, was truly extraordinary. What made me proudest was not just the quality of the music, but the way these students supported one another, carried themselves professionally, and embraced every moment of the experience.”
Staples Jazz Ensemble, at Birdland.
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Fresh off the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival, the Westport Downtown Association is gearing up for summer.
The Sidewalk Sale returns June 26-28.
And summer music is back on Church Lane, entertaining diners and strollers. The weekend schedule includes many popular names.
June 5: Owen Daniel
June 6: Moss
June 12: Ethan Walmark
June 13: Dan Tressler
June 19: Owen Daniel
June 20: Eliot Thompson
June 26: Moss
June 27: Vinnie Ferrone
Summer music on Church Lane. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
The Westport Farmers’ Market is many things, to many people.
To chef/owner Brian Lewis of The Cottage, it means a special Farmers’ Market Menu.
Available at dinner Tuesday through Sunday all summer long, the $65 3-course menu highlights ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. It’s a seasonal snapshot of food at its peak, while supporting local agriculture.
The menu evolves, as new ingredients become available. Current offerings include:
Fort Hill Farm kohlrabi salad with pea leaf ricotta, chili vinaigrette, and coffee walnut crumble
Hand-rolled garganelli with Double A Ranch chicken sausage, broccoli rabe, and sunflower seeds
Ox Hollow Farm beef sirloin with fermented gooseberries, mustard greens, burnt alliums, and red wine jus.
The Farmers’ Market Menu coincides with the opening of the Cottage patio, for outdoor dining.
Brian Lewis shops at the Farmers’ Market — and shows off a dish.
For Sustainable Westport, the first Monday of each month is special.
That’s the evening for a casual meet-up. It’s a great chance for people to learn more about sustainability, from getting involved with the organization to making an impact at home.
We’ve posted a couple of times about the Whitney Street road reconstruction and sidewalk renovation project. We’ve noted in particularly the huge boulders involved.
Here’s one more photo. It shows the scale of the work — and the great job being done by the workers.
Drummer Greg Burrows is one of Greg (The Jazz Rabbi) Wall’s favorite musicians.
This Thursday (June 4, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7), Burrows headlines “Jazz at the Post” — the long-running series at VFW Post 399 created by Wall and the Jazz Society of Fairfield County.
Burrows will play the music of noted composer Ed Bonoff, with whom he’s collaborated for decades. He’ll be joined by saxophonists Wall and Frank Basile, trombonist John Fumasoli, pianist David Childs and bassist Rick Zurkowski.
The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble II will play at 7.
And finally … it’s the 3rd of June. Here in Westport, it’s not exactly another sleepy, dusty Delta day.
But … well, you know the rest:
(The 3rd of June — and all other 364 days — are perfect times to show support for “06880.” From here to the Tallahatchie Bridge, it’s where Westport meets the world. Please click here — and thanks!)
David Pogue’s wife Nicki woke him up to describe her dream: He’d written a book about Apple’s first 50 years.
Nah, he said. That anniversary had already come and gone.
But in the morning, he checked. The computer giant’s half-century mark was still 2 years away.
“Just enough time to write a book!” Pogue says.
A 600-page book, befitting the company’s business, technological and social impact on the globe over the past 5 decades.
No one was more suited to research and write the sprawling story than Pogue.
David Pogue (Photo/Jesse Ditmar)
He spent 13 years as a MacWorld correspondent, and another 13 as a New York Times tech writer.
He produced 2 enormously popular book series on Apple products: “Dummies” and “Missing Manuals.”
Pogue has spent a career exploring and explaining interesting topics: as a “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent (his current gig); a PBS “Nova” star; writing for Scientific American, and more.
(In an earlier life he was a Broadway conductor. You get the idea: Pogue is very curious, and very clever.)
Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 2, 7 p.m., Westport Library) Pogue returns to town, for an author talk.
The Trefz Forum is fitting. During his 2 decades here, he was deeply involved in the community. Among his many activities, he was a frequent Library speaker, panelist and moderator.
David Pogue, in the Westport Library’s “I geek …” campaign. (Photo/Pamela Einarsen)
The other day, Pogue chatted with “06880” about his book: “Apple: The First 50 Years.”
He speaks enthusiastically about many subjects. He’s especially animated about Apple.
Pogue cites their hallmarks — “beauty, elegance and simplicity.” And, he adds, “as a company, their support for equity, inclusion, LGBTQ rights, the environment is insane.”
He bought his first Apple in 1984, as a Yale University senior. College students could purchase the just-released Mac at half price. (“Brilliant marketing,” Pogue notes. “You stick with your first platform the rest of your life.”)
He lifted the computer out of the box, by its handles. He began drawing with MacPaint.
He’s been an Apple fan ever since.
The original Macintosh, with a monitor, floppy drive, keyboard and mouse.
In the early days, it was “David vs. Goliath,” Pogue recalls. Macs struggled, with 2% market share.
But, he adds, though Apple users like him paid more, “we thought we had better taste. The menu was simple. The text looked elegant. We felt very tribal.”
All these years later, that love for the product persists. Readers have posted hundreds of photos of Pogue’s book, next to their beloved desktops and laptops (and smartphones, watches and AirPods).
They wouldn’t do that for a book about Dells, or Androids.
About that book: After Nicki’s dream — and his realization that Apple was only 48 years old — Pogue went to work.
His first job was convincing company executives to grant access to current employees — including CEO Tim Cook, his top team, leading designers, and anyone else.
That wasn’t something they regularly did. Or even seldom.
But they trusted Pogue.
They gave him access not only to their employees, but to their archives in Cupertino, California.
And they agreed to his rule: Apple would have no editorial control over the content.
Evolution of the Apple logo.
He interviewed 150 Apple employees — present and past.
They told him a lot.
He learned about the Apple car. A “gorgeous,” fully electric vehicle, with 4 facing reclining seats, “world class” sound, and windows that acted as screens, it was 10 years — and $10 billion — in the making.
In 2024, the company killed it. It’s a story few know.
“No one would speak about it,” Pogue says. “But I found one guy who spilled the beans.”
Much of what the author found reinforced his belief that Apple’s insistence on excellence was more than corporate shoulder-patting.
During the development of Face ID, for example, they wanted to make sure it worked flawlessly.
On “Makeup Mondays” employees were encouraged to wear wigs, grow and suddenly shave beards, and otherwise attempt to fool prototypes. They tested it at bikers’ rallies and twins’ conferences.
“A home run would have been okay,” Pogue notes. “But they went for a grand slam.”
Why is a book about a tech company important?
“Two and a half billion — billion — people are carrying an Apple device right now,” Pogue says. “That’s 31% of every man, woman and child on earth.”
But they would not be here without “the greatest corporate turnaround in history.” During co-founder Steve Jobs’ 11 years away, Apple suffered a “long, dismal decline.” In 1996 they had 50 different Mac models, and 12 ad agencies.
At one point, 2 Apple attorneys sued each other in trademark court.
Six weeks from bankruptcy, Jobs returned. He pared the models down to 4, the ad agencies to just 1 (the “Think Different” campaign). Within a year, Jobs had righted the ship.
But none of that was foreordained. Jobs never finished college. He had no business training. His Apple III, Lisa and NeXT computers all failed.
Then came a stunning stream of successes: iMac, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iMovie. Pogue tells that story too.
Apple’s impact on the world is profound, and indelible. Take just one product: the smartphone.
“It launched AirBnb, DoorDash, Tindr. It also led to depression, loneliness, a rise in teen suicides.”
Yet with so many products, Apple “established beauty and simplicity as hallmarks,” Pogue says. “Other companies try to emulate them.” Few can.
A sample of Apple products.
They’re a leader in other ways too. With 9,000 parts suppliers around the globe, Apple can — and does — change entire industries.
When it told its power cord manufacturer to stop using a toxic chemical, they complied. “No one ever asked before,” the supplier said.
Now, all power cords — for everyone — are made that way.
So what’s ahead? Other companies — Bell Telephone, General Electric, IBM — once ruled their industry. Nothing lasts forever.
Yet “Apple has an unbelievably long runway of failure before they’re doomed,” Pogue says.
“Two and a half billion people are locked in. It’s expensive and painful to switch to a different platform. In the meantime, Apple has the best engineers in the world.
“And the biggest bank account.”
(For more information on David Pogue’s talk tomorrow at the Westport Library, click here. For more information on his book “Apple: The First 50 Years,” click here.)
(“06880” regularly covers technology, cool people, intriguing ideas, the Library — and, like today, their intersection. If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
A recent announcement by the town of work on the Cross Highway bridge over that small stream — which they called “Dead Man’s Brook” — got Robert Mitchell wondering.
He’d known it as “Deadman.” As “06880” has noted previously, it’s named for a long-ago family with that unfortunate surname — not, as one would assume, for one unfortunate deceased individual.
Mitchell wrote town engineer Keith Wilberg. He promptly (and fully) replied: “FEMA publications use Dead Man’s Brook. As I spend a lot of my time in the FEMA regulation world, I tend to use FEMA’s nomenclature.
“However, the US Geological Survey also has a naming convention, based on the Geographic Naming Information Service. They use Deadman Brook.
“I’m not sure if one outranks the other. But again, as I spend a whole lot of my time, as does Planning & Zoning, in FEMA world, I tend to use their naming.”
But that’s not all. Wilberg added: “Thus I use Sasco Creek, and the state Department of Transporation uses Sasco Brook. Same water body; we’re just debating about what to call it.”
Then — on a roll — he said, “Our office has considered seeing if there is interest in changing the name of Pussy Willow Brook back to Compo Creek, which show up on very old maps and in some old texts. Not sure why or when it was changed, but I think the name Compo Creek would be more appropriate, and I am surprised there is not a creek so named.”
Deadman Brook runs from the north end of Westport, through downtown. At the Levitt Pavilion, it empties into the Saugatuck River. The Imperial Avenue footbridge crosses it . (Photo/John Maloney)
Things are blooming at Blau House & Gardens. The mid-century modern home on Bayberry Lane — designed by noted theater and set designer Ralph Alswang — was just added to the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places.
Next weekend, the space sponsors s readings of “Garden of Earthly Delights,” by Connecticut playwright Steven Otfinoski. Inspired by the legendary Naumkeag estate, these performances capture the shared spirit of ambition, artistry and preservation defining both historic properties.
The first — June 6, at Blau House & Gardens — includes an outdoor staged reading, talkback, reception, guided tour, and shuttle to and from Coleytown Elementary School.
The next day (June 7), there’s a more formal reading, with music and visuals, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn.
Josh Malerman brought his “From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience” to the Westport Library.
The immersive horror performance based on his new novel, “Incidents Around the House” combined a radio play, concert and stage production.
Josh Malerman and friends, on the Westport Library stage. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
And — nearly 40 years after winning a wiffleball contest, with the prize of an hour of air time on Staples radio station WWPT — G & and the Bones reunited last night.
With Staples Class of 1988 musicians Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger and Will O’Toole reuniting from as near as Weston and as far as Idaho, the band rocked Little Pub @ Dunville’s. The crowd included old friends, and others who had no idea of the back story.
The “Billy Bash” was a tribute to the friends’ “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
Guitarist Peter Doolittle (left) and singer Jem Sollinger (right), at Little Pub. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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There’s just a week left to see “Art, Jazz + The Blues.” MoCA\CT’s colorful, tuneful show ends June 7.
Just a couple of weeks later, the next exhibit opens. “Looking for History: Rich Shaefer, Ellen Harvey and Michael Borders” is a series of solo presentations that examine how histories — personal, local and national — are pictured, preserved, and contested.
As the US marks our 250th anniversary in 2026, the exhibitions invite visitors into conversations about the narratives and forces that have shaped our nation.
Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” is featured June 25 to August 2, followed by Borders’ “Connecticut Industry” (August 13 through November 15).
MoCA’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank says, “By bringing these artists together, we invite visitors to consider the distance between our founding ideals and our current reality — and how the choices we make today will shape the future of our democracy. MoCA\CT offers a contemplative space where we can safely engage with historical memory, the topics of our time, and one another.”
First we reported on Ryan Smith’s victory in the Vermont City Marathon — his first 26.2-mile race ever.
Yesterday, we followed up with a fan’s Instagram post about it. (Spoiler alert: Ryan’s time qualifies him for the US Olympic team marathon trials.)
Now here’s the story from Ryan himself. He posted it on Substack. It’s a great piece, and you don’t have to be a track geek to love it. Click here to read.
Viva Zapata has been the site of many events, during its 50-plus years in Westport.
Parties, reunions, wedding receptions, post-funeral gatherings … the Mexican restaurant has seen it all.
Except a book launch.
That changes this Thursday (June 4). At 5 p.m., Westport author Annalise Osborne celebrates her new book, “Hold On For Dear Life,” at everyone’s favorite Riverside Avenue spot. The official publication date is tomorrow.
The novel is about idealism, hubris and resilience — and the long, difficult work of finding your way back to why you started.
“In the summer of 2017, Charlie, Jack, and Nik leave MIT believing they can change how the world moves money. Within months, they are exactly the kind of company that gets written about. Within two years, they are nearly destroyed by it.”
Dr. Dale Atkins’ books like “Dear Deer” and “The Turquoise Butterfly” help young readers and their families navigate big emotions, build resilience, and connect more deeply with the world.
Next Sunday (June 7, 2 p.m.), the “Today Show” expert and psychologist comes to the Westport Library, for a conversation with trustee Liza Van Gundy on Atkins’ children’s books,
They’ll explore how storytelling can support children and families through challenges, from managing anxiety and embracing change to fostering empathy and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, June 18 (April 9), for a session on “Intro to Excel” — the popular business spreadsheet.
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.
Yesterday’s gusty winds brought down a North Avenue tree, on the sharp curve between Northridge Road and Charcoal Hill Road.
(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
Johanna Shields reports that it took more than 6 hours — from early afternoon until 7:20 p.m. — for an Eversource truck to arrive.
They then had to wait for the rest of the crew, before replacing the pole and rehanging the wires.
It was a long afternoon and night, for customers on North Avenue and side streets.
Eversource crew member Sylvester waits for his colleagues to arrive. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
Meanwhile, the second straight unseasonably cool weekend saw the Compo Beach entrance crew decked out in warm jackets. No t-shirts or shorts yesterday.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Today will be cloudy, with temperatures in the low 70s. That’s the start of the week too. By Wednesday though, we’ll see highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Former Staples High School soccer star Eloy Rodriguez died May 20. He was 68.
A native of Lima, Peru, he came to the US when he was 6. He quickly made himself at home, with his winning personality.
He earned a master’s degree in finance from Southern Connecticut State University. Eloy worked in management for beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Snapple.
He loved his family, friends, soccer, New York sports teams and a good story.
Eloy is survived by his sister Rocio Casey, brother Poncho, and nieces and nephews Ryann, Susanna, Holly, Jack and Emma.
An afternoon of remembrance and reminiscence is set for VFW Post 399 on June 27 (1 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Dianna Broady offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and says, “I thought that some Westporters would appreciate seeing a bird that a lot of people don’t think of as beautiful. This big tom struts for his ladies in our yard, and sometimes roosts in the big maple over the pond.”
And finally … speaking of Dead Man’s/Deadman Brook (story above):
(From Main Street to Doheny, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or feature stories, photos, music and more — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
VersoFest turns the Library into a rockin’, rollin’ concert hall. Across the parking lot the Levitt Pavilion offers dozens of concerts, of all kinds, from spring to fall.
For a decade or so, the Levitt was the site of an annual Labor Day Blues, Views & BBQ Festival.
Before that though, Westport hosted another Blues Festival.
It ran for only 2 years: 1993 and ’94. But it some great local talent.
The Slo Leak band, for example, starred Charlie Karp (the guitar phenom who left Staples High School at 16 to play with Buddy Miles and a couple of years later, Jimi Hendrix); Harvey Brooks (the Westport bassist who played on Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” and the Doors’ “Touch Me,” and with Miles Davis and many others), and Danny Kortchmar (another Westport resident and session musician with Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, David Crosby, Carole King, David Cassidy, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Steve Perry, Carly Simon and more).
The event was produced by Mark Naftalin, the Westporter inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his keyboard work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Eric von Schmidt — a musician muse for Bob Dylan, and a noted artist too — created the t-shirts and poster.
Naftalin’s wife Ellen helped him. She remembers the logo included Westport’s iconic Minute Man — but “with a guitar instead of a gun in his arms.”
She adds, “When Eric first drew it he had a tightly rolled joint in the Minute Man’s mouth. But I was worried that the powers that be in Westport would object, so I asked him to make it look more like a cigarette.
“Eric snipped off the rolled end. Now it looks more like a joint than it did in the first place.”
(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!)
They’ve partnered with Westport PAL, sponsors of the July 2 event. The Swag Lab is donating wristbands. Parents can write emergency contact information on them, then fasten them around their children’s wrists.
They’ll be available free at the Westport Police station and Parks & Recreation Department office, where fireworks tickets can be purchased beginning June 1 and June 3, respectively. You can contact email stacey@theswaglab.com for them too.
Levkoff will eave some at the lifeguard station too, the afternoon and evening of the big event.
Meanwhile, watch “06880” for more fireworks news!
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Today is World Hunger Day.
It’s a global event. But it hits home, right here in Westport.
Every single week. Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry serves over 300 households facing food insecurity.
That’s not an abstraction. Those are neighbors in need.
But the work can’t happen without help.
Many Westporters donate food, and help stock shelves. But on World Hunger Day you can help right now, right here.
Homes with Hope’s Amazon Wishlist allows you to browse what’s needed most. Just click here, and pick your items. Your donation ships right to the Gillespie Center.
Homes with Hope, Westport Rotary Club and Westport Police members unpack food, at the Gillespie Center. You can send supplies directly there, through Homes with Hope’s Amazons Wishlist.
The 2026-27 Westport Country Playhouse season features 6 shows — and 2 are world premieres.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan introduced the plays yesterday, before an enthusiastic Sheffer Barn crown.
Speaking passionately about the importance of live theater, as the historic Playhouse enters its 96th year, he praised the variety of the upcoming offerings. In a “dour world,” he said, all 6 productions will be “filled with possibilities, and lift people up.”
Three will be 3 weeks in length; the others will be shorter runs. They are:
“Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” (world premiere; October 20-November 7)
“A Sherlock Carol” (written and directed by Shanahan, returning for a 4th season: December 12-20)
“Murder For Two” (musical comedy mystery; March 4-7)
“The Pancake Club” (world premiere; a Script in Hand selection, now staged by popular demand; April 20-May 8)
“The Goldsmith” (another Script in Hand selection; May 19-22)
Mark Shanahan introduces the 2026-27 season. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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“Unvaccinated Under God” is the title of a compelling book just published by Dr. Kira Ganga Kieffer.
It’s also the focus of a special Westport Library discussion on June 4 (7 p.m.).
The event — part of the “Saugatuck Scribes” series spotlighting Westport authors — features aconversation with primary care physician Dr. Caroline Andrew.
Both graduated from Staples High School and Brown University.
Vaccine hesitancy in America is not new. In her book, Kieffer ties debates over vaccine safety and mandatory vaccinations with “existential concerns about justice and morality.” She says that vaccine hesitancy here is a religious expression — not the product of scientific misinformation.
Kieffer is a scholar of American religions, history, culture and politics. She is a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at Fairfield University, after teaching at Boston University, the University of Vermont and Wesleyan University. The Brown University graduate now lives in Westport with her husband and daughter.
Sure, the Levitt Pavilion (Tedeschi Trucks, Cyndi Lauper) and Westport Library (Wyclef Jean, The Wallflowers)) rock the music world.
And the Westport Country Playhouse regularly showcases stars like Audra McDonald and Judy Collins.
But don’t overlook the VFW. Post 399 — on the river, at the Riverside/Saugatuck Avenue split — hosts some legendary names too. (Most recently: Corky Laing, former Mountain drummer.)
On June 27 (6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 music), it’s Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin.
The Paul Butterfield Band keyboardist — and longtime Westport resident — joins Connecticut Blues Hall of Famer Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, and bassist Paul Opalach, drummer Nick Longo and singer Washboard Slim, in a must-see show.
Tickets are $20 (cash only), at the door.
Mark Naftalin (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 13 and 26.
A 19-year-old Trumbull man was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, interfering with an officer, improper passing, failure to drive right and failure to display plates, following a May 19 incident. The motorcyclist cut in front of an officer on Post Road East, past a vehicle in a no-passing area, then cut between traffic when signaled to stop. The officer provided a description; a Westport detective observed the biker at Sasco Beach in Fairfield. He attempted to flee, but dropped the motorcycle in the sand. He was released on a $6,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 16 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 13
Failure to obey stop sign: 9
Failure to renew registration: 7
Texting while driving: 6
Distracted driving: 2
School zone violation: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
Improper passing: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper turn: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Speeding: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
It’s not a good idea to cut in front of a police officer.
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Every dog has its days.
And these (at least 6) had theirs — a “Westport … Naturally” day — recently, in Greens Farms.
And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Gladys Knight, and 81st to John Fogerty!
(Another day, another Roundup, another chance to learn all about Westport — what to do, how to help. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Lonnie Quinn is the lead weather anchor on WCBS-TV in New York. He appears on the “CBS Evening News,” among other gigs. He was an actor on “All My Children” and “Santa Barbara.”
Lonnie is also a Westport resident, seen most recently on the same Westport Library stage where I interviewed him for our “06880” podcast.
It was a spirited half hour, for sure. Lonnie’s energy is off the charts.
So is his expertise.
I learned a lot — about weather, his life and career, and much more.
For the first time in years, the Y’s Men did not win the Memorial Day float competition.
There’s a good reason: The parade was canceled, due to weather.
Like many organizations, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston spent weeks preparing their float.
Unlike many, they filmed the process.
So, disappointed parade-goers: Take heart. Just click here or below, to see what you missed.
And — this being the Y’s Men — the video is as intriguing as the float itself.
Credit goes to photographer Ted Horowitz; videographer Rick Godin, who created the finished product very quickly; John Brandt and Dick alt.
The voiceover was done by noted actor and Weston resident James Naughton. He’ll be honored Thursday at the Y’s Men’s annual meeting (Compo Beach pavilion, 9 a.m.).
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Summer is (almost) here.
Time for warm weather! Outdoors! Ticks!
No sweat. The Westport Library has you covered.
On June 10 (7 p.m.; free), Andrew Wilk’s Medical Series continues with “Ticks, Mosquitoes and Sunburn, Oh My! The Hazards of Summer.”
Longtime local internist Dr. Robert Altbaum will discuss how to prevent and treat mosquito bites, bee stings and sunburns. If time allows, heat-related illness will also be reviewed.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Zane Saul will focus on tick-borne illness like Lyme disease, as well as babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
Lyme disease tick.
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Clarence B. Jones — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advisor and speechwriter, who helped plan the March on Washington and drafted part of the famed “I Have a Dream” speech — died Friday in California. He was 95.
Jones inspired Westporters 2 years ago, when he was the keynote speaker for the town’s Martin Luther King Day celebration. Click here or below, for that memorable speech. Click here for a full obituary.
And finally … on this date in 1864, Montana was organized as a US territory.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world … including Montana. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
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“I want people to think about vaccine hesitancy and refusal not as scientific illiteracy or ignorance, but as innate religiousness,” Kieffer says. “Fear of vaccines can be transformative.”
Why is a book about a tech company important?
