Category Archives: Library

Roundup: Osprey, Politics, Entertainment …

Posted on March 27, 2026 | 4 comments

They’re back!

Well, at least one is.

Right on schedule, an osprey has returned to the perch between Fresh Market and Terrain.

Hopefully, its mate will join soon. Another season of fishing, breeding and hanging out in (and over) Westport awaits.

(Hat tip and photo/Dana Kuyper)

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Speaking of seasonal activities: These days, many Westporters are busy with spring cleaning.

Nine Rotary Club members took time out of their own yards, gardens and garages yesterday to spiff up the Sherwood Island Connector commuter parking lot, and nearby areas.

Led by Peter Helt and Rick Benson, they collected 25 bulging bags of trash.

“This is our town. Please keep it clean!” says Benson.

Rotarians to the rescue!

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Ani DiFranco drew a large crowd last night, to the Westport Library.

The musician, folk-rock legend and cultural icon kicked off 4 days of VersoFest ’26 in a conversation with Westport TV journalist Lindsay Czarniak about her new book, “The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music, and Freedom.”

Tonight’s headliner is another musical legend: Wyclef Jean. Very few tickets remain for his 8 p.m. performance (click here to purchase).

For the full lineup of music, workshops, talks, art exhibits and more, click here. 

Ani DiFranco, at VersoFest. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Downtown traffic may be a little tougher than usual tomorrow.

Two events — the weekly 11 a.m., Ruth Steinkraus Bridge anti-Trump protest, and a “No Kings” 12 noon rally on Jesup Green — could cause delays, along with possible road closures.

Traffic moves slowly when downtown is crowded. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)

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A truck fire on I-95 southbound yesterday evening, just past Exit 17, caused significant delays.

Smoke could be seen as far east as Greens Farms.

(Photo/Michael Diggin)

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MoCA\CT invites all area teenagers to an open “Mic at the Museum Night” (April 30, 6 to 8 p.m.).

Organized by MoCA’s Teen Council, it’s free — and for teens only. Participants can perform in any medium they choose: music (solo or group), comedy, storytelling, rap, dance or whatever. Click here to sign up.

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Speaking of entertainment: Morningside — a local indie-rock band made up of local dads, who just released their debut album of original music — headlines Stage One at FTC next Friday (April 3).

The band — including Westporters Nick Huber, Sean Spillman and Bobby Schlesinger; Westonite Matt Stine, and Ian Walters of Fairfield — opened for John Oates last summer at the Levitt Pavilion. More recently, they played at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Theater.

Canyon — another Westport musician (and mom) — is the opening act at FTC. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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MyTeamTriumph — the great organization that pairs volunteer “angels” with “captain” athletes with disabilities, so that both can compete in running and bike races, and triathlons — hosts a pre-season warm-up short, friendly run and picnic on April 12 (11:30 a.m., Compo Beach).

They invite anyone interested — captain or angel — to check them out.

Upcoming events include the Women’s League of Westport Minute Man Race 5K and 10K (April 26), Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5K (May 14), and Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride (May 17).

Click here to sign up for the April 12 warm-up event. Click here for more information on myTeamTriumph.

MyTeamTriumph, in action.

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A good-sized group of Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members enjoyed their semi-annual lunch this week, at The Clubhouse.

They time this one for the yearly Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce food contest. (This year’s — for the best sandwiches in town — runs through Tuesday, March 31.)

The other lunch takes place during Restaurant Week.

RTM members (plus former moderator Velma Heller, 2nd from right), at The Clubhouse. Owners Tim and Emily Zobl are in back.

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Last year, the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place — Westport’s men’s and women’s shelters — reopened, after extensive renovations.

This year, they’ve added something else new: an American flag. Peter Jennings installed it Wednesday.

The flag now flies proudly outside Homes with Hope’s Jesup Road building — which also houses a food pantry, and meeting space — in the heart of downtown.

(Photo/Helen McAlinden)

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This winter has been tough on local roads.

The Public Works Department is patching potholes as best they can. The entrance road at Burying Hill Beach has a particularly deep one.

(Photo/Scott Smith)

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Earlier this week the Y’s Women learned about “the power of the Red Cross,” from 2 women who know it well.

Susan Shansky retired from a career in budget management and communications at MIT. She is now a “blood donor ambassador,” having donated 10 gallons (in small increments) to the Red Cross.

Natalie Sustache is an American Red Cross senior recruiter.

The pair described how they bring talented people, to deliver hope and relief every day.

Susan Shansky and Natalie Sustache. (Photo/Vera DeStefano)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more in our continuing insistence that yes, spring really is just around the corner.

Though tomorrow’s high will only be around 39, temperatures could reach the 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fingers crossed …

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … Chip Taylor, who wrote songs as diverse as the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” and Merrilee Rush’s “Angel of the Morning,” died Monday in New York. He was 86.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Be an angel! Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Our hyper-local blog relies on support from readers like you. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Library, Politics, Sports

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Roundup: Beach Concession, High Honors, Bloodroot, Sneakers …

Posted on March 26, 2026 | 6 comments

And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …

… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.

They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.

The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.

Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.

They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.

“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

The high honors students are listed in the photo below:

Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.

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More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.

Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.

Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.

But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.

Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.

Staples Orphenians

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Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.

Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.

“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”

Click here for the full Connecticut Post story.

Selma Miriam, at Bloodroot. She died last year.

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VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.

Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.

Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.

Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.

Four days of VersoFest music, media and creativity kicks off tonight, with a talk featuring Ani DiFranco. Click here for a schedule and full details of VersoFest ’26. 

Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.

The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.

Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).

Tickets for both groups go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

Dark Star Orchestra 

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Speaking of the Levitt: The sun created a very cool halo over Westport yesterday morning.

Franco Fellah captured this image:

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.

As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.

Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.  

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.

Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Dozens of Westporters started last weekend with plenty of pancakes.

They packed VFW Post 399, for a breakfast hosted by Westport Troop 139, and other Connecticut troops.

It was a fundraiser for the Scouts’ trip to a jamboree in Scotland this summer.

They thank the Staples Gridiron Club, Adam Vengrow and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for “overwhelming support.”

And of course, all the residents who arrived famished, and left well fed.

Dig in!

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The Sea Street Quartet makes their world debut on Sunday — in Westport.

The string foursome present an afternoon of music by Franz Schubert and Joe Hisaiahi at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road (3 p.m.).

Admission is $10, at the door.

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Judith Katz’s caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — “And just like that!” — says it all.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.

But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.

(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Longshore, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Coming Soon: VersoFest, “Newsies,” Easter Egg Hunt, Spring …

Posted on March 23, 2026 | 1 comment

If you’ve seen the Westport Library looking extra-cool these recent nights, there’s a reason.

(Graphic by John Nunziato)

The blue lights are reminders that VersoFest ’26 — the 5th annual music/media/ and much more festival — arrives soon.

There are 4 full days of concerts, panels, art shows and the like. Highlights include a concert by Wyclef Jean, and a talk with Ani DiFranco. Click here for full details.

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Speaking of VersoFest: Yesterday, “06880” explored the back story of the Library’s promotional AI jingles.

A deeper dig into how AI is shaping the music industry is on tap this coming Sunday (March 29, 10:30 a.m., Library).

Executives from Suno, LANDR, Incantio and Chord Music Partners will discuss how AI is shaping the music the industry. A special “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” panel features leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools, and licensing platforms, discussing seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Among the speakers: Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners. Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another local resident — will moderate the session. Click here for more details.

To try it yourself, Suno hosts a hands-on workshop afterward (noon to 4 p.m.). Attendees can experiment with the same tools used to create the AI jingles. Click here to reserve a 30-minute spot.

Sam Hendel

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One of Westport’s biggest and best Easter Egg Hunts is set for this Saturday (March 28, Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).

The event — sponsored colorfully, as always, by WestportMoms — is actually 2 hunts. Ages 2 to 5 start at 10:30 a.m. Ages 6 and up follow at 11:15.

Along with the egg hunts and pictures with the Easter Bunny, youngsters will enjoy fairy hair, glitter tattoos, face painting, cookie decorating, STEM and sports games, music and more (including 20 “golden eggs” with prizes).

There will also be a food truck, plus donuts from Retreat Sweets.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles were all at the Westport Country Playhouse last night.

Not in person, unfortunately. But their familiar music got fresh interpretations, in an intriguing and very well-received show.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” was an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s

Great music from half a century ago has endured well.

Including — perhaps especially — Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Laurel Canyon musicians, at the Playhouse. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Extra! Extra!

The curtain rises Friday on “Newsies.” Coleytown Company’s fun-for-all ages musical — inspired by the true story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York City — has been in high gear ever since Westport native Adam Kaplan (a member of the Broadway cast) taught a master class to the young CMS actors.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (March 27 and 28), 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (March 28 and 29).

Click here for tickets, and more information. The Company’s Instagram is @coleytown_company.

“Newsies” has a great cast — and set. (Photo/Meg Stewart)

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Spring is creeping ever so slowly into Westport.

Clarence Hayes writes: “It’s been a ritual for me to listen for spring peepers for 40 years — ever since I took my 7-year-old kids to hear them at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, coming up from the city.

“At a swamp there at dusk, it is literally deafening. I take my grandkids there now.

“But we have them in Westport too, in little bits of spring excess water scattered around town.

“This video is from a vernal pond behind my condo next to I-95. You can clearly hear them over the highway noise.”

PS: This week looks to be partly cloudy, partly sunny. The temperature will be in the 40s and 50s — except Thursday, when it could reach the low 60s.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo proves that everyone — everyone! — is sitting around, waiting for spring.

Library Riverewalk. (Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … on this date in 1857,  Elisha Otis’ first elevator was installed, at 488 Broadway in New York.

(“06880” is to local news what Aerosmith is to “elevator music.” If you enjoy our hyper-local blog — and the 4 to 6 stories we post a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

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Hear Here! VersoFest’s Groundbreaking AI Jingles

Posted on March 22, 2026 | 2 comments

In just 5 years, VersoFest has gained a great reputation for its celebration of music, media and creativity.

This year, those 3 elements have reached new, um, records.

Verso Studios — the Library’s media hub — has created a promotional jingle. They’re playing at other Library events, and will be heard at VersoFest too. The 4-day show begins Thursday.

There are 4 versions of the same jingle. Each emulates the styles of major artists in this year’s lineup.

The one inspired by Wyclef Jean has an R&B flavor. The Thing‘s version is inspired by garage rock. Susanna Hoffs‘ is melodic pop rock, while Ani DiFranco’s suggests a folksy vibe.

Wyclef Jean

Lyrics and music were created in Verso Studios by Travis Bell, the studio’s in-house producer. He collaborated with Verso advisory board member Les Dinkin, principal of DinkinEsh Presents, who conceptualized the creative project.

The duo used the studio’s AI-based software to draft and refine a set of lyrics for the festival. Then came music generated through iterative prompts.

Ani DiFranco (Photo/Shervin Lainez)

Bell and Dinkin worked on many preliminary versions, before finalizing the right fit for each artist’s sound.

Click here or below to listen to the jingles.

Listen To The VersoFest’26 Jingles

All jingles were created solely from prompts through AI tools. The artist’s recordings or inputs from their recordings were not utilized in any way.

“We believe this may be the first time that AI music tools have been used to create artist-specific jingles by any performance venue, let alone a public community library,” Bell says.

This is not the first “first” for the Westport Library.

In 2022 “Verso Records: Volume One” became the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced, and released by a public library.

At VersoFest 2025, the Library also set the new world record for loudest library in history.

The third time is one more charm.

(Ani DiFranco is in conversation with Lindsay Czarniak on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Wyclef Jean is in concert Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Thing and Susanna Hoffs appeared earlier. For the full VersoFest lineup, ticket information and more, click here.)

(“06880” is your place for all VersoFest news — and everything else going on in town. If you appreciate our coverage of “Where Westport meets the world,” please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Craig Melvin, Railroad Parking, Cyber Threats …

Posted on March 20, 2026 | 1 comment

Among the many details offered at last night’s Cribari Bridge public meeting, this one passed without further comment: The state Department of Transportation has identified 10 properties and 1 dock as potentially affected by the project.

This morning, Bridge Street resident Werner Liepolt wrote to John McAvoy, Federal Highway Administration division administrator in Hartford: “No map, list of properties, or description of the nature of these potential impacts (temporary or permanent) was provided at the meeting nor, to my knowledge, at previous stage of the project.

“Without this information, it is not possible for affected property owners or the public to meaningfully evaluate or comment on the project’s impacts, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act.”

Liepolt asks CTDOT and the FHWA to provide identification of all properties under consideration for right-of-way acquisition or easement; mapping showing the extent and type of potential impacts, and clarification of whether impacts are temporary (construction) or permanent.

He also requests that the comment period — now set to run through April 17 — be extended, so that the public and affected property owners have “a meaningful opportunity to respond.”

CTDOT has not indicated which 10 properties, and which dock, might be affected — including possible condemnation and eminent domain taking — by the Cribari Bridge project. (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Craig Melvin — co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, and our Westport neighbor — should draw a big crowd to the Westport Library on April 8.

He’ll be interviewed by Jim Marpe. The former 1st selectman is a member of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston — sponsors of the event.

Craig will share stories from his career at the NBC News desk, including his transition into his current role.

The event is free, but registration is required (click here).

Craig Melvin, in January 2025.

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On April 6, all daily parking in Lot 1 — the large one opposite Riko’s Pizza — will revert back to permit-only parking.

The state Department of Transportation has returned Lot 8 (off Saugatuck Avenue, between I-95 and Exit 17) to the town for railroad parking, following several years as a staging area for the 95 bridge replacement project.

That restores approximately 140 daily parking spots.

During COVID and for some time afterward, permit-only lots were underutilized. The WPD adjusted parking allocations by adding daily spaces to Lots 1 and 3 to help offset the loss of Lot 8, and better utilize the lots closest to the station.

Now that commuting levels have returned to near pre-COVID patterns on most weekdays, they’ve readjusted again.

The website will be updated, and signage posted to alert commuters. A new parking map is also being developed, and will be available on the website soon.

Saugatuck train station parking map. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Cyber threats are everywhere.

On April 8 (VFW Post 399; cocktails for purchase 5:45; program 7 p.m.), 3 experts offer advice on keeping safe in the digital age.

Panelists include Westport Police Department Detective James Baker; Connecticut State Police Detective Mathew Hogan, and former Secret Service agent Brian McCabe.

The free event is sponsored by the Westport Republican Town Committee.

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Read to Grow — the great non-profit that ensures children begin life surrounded by books — once again hosts its annual statewide fundraiser in Westport.

“A Night for the Books” is set for May 7 (6 p.m.). The venue is appropriate: the Westport Library.

The evening will highlight the power of books, community, and connection, while raising money for programs that provide books and literacy resources to families across Connecticut.

Dave Briggs — former CNN, Fox, NBC, Turner Sports and Yahoo Finance journalist, and a Westport resident — will emcee.

Twelve Artists Collective of Westport members are creating book-inspired centerpieces, for the auction. Zucca Gastrobar caters the farm-to-table food; Alina’s Bakery adds treats. A giving tree – with gift cards donated by local stores and restaurants — will be part of the “mystery pull.”

Before the event (3 to 5 p.m.), families can pick up free children’s books, at the Read to Grow bookmobile.

The organization’s programs include Books for Babies, which gives newborns in Connecticut hospitals their first book; Books for Kids, through which families request free books delivered directly to their homes, and the statewide bookmobile.

Early bird tickets are available through April 3; click here to purchase, and for sponsorship information. To learn more about Read to Grow, click here.

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In what has become an annual tradition, the Westport PAL 8th grade boys and girls basketball players took the court at Madison Square Garden this week, before the Knicks game.

For the past few years, the NBA (through its Jr. Nicks program) team has offered PAL a great experience. Young players attend the pre-game shootaround, scrimmage on the Garden floor, then watch the game.

Thanks, Jr. Knicks — and Westport resident and former Staples player Brett Tessler — for making it happen.

Westport PAL players, at Madison Square Garden.

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Want to laugh on April 1 — without being a fool?

VFW Post 399 is hosting a free comedy night, with local comedians.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Open mic sign-ups begin at 7.

For questions and more information, email meganharvist@gmail.com.

IYKNY.

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Speaking of entertainment: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.

The legendary drummer for Mountain has played — and hung out — here before

Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.

Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.

He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.

Tickets are just $20. The show will sell out soon. Click here to purchase.

Corky Laing

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Up next at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport: “Birthday Club.”

The play — about 5 friends who reunite to celebrate a milestone birthday, and confront changes in marriage, career, health and identity, while examining what has sustained their friendships over decades — will be presented March 27 and 28 (7 p.m.) and March 29 (2 p.m.).

The story “gives space to regret, loyalty and second chances, revealing the warmth and resilience that shape enduring friendships.”

The production is presented by UU Players. Tickets are $25 at the door; students with ID are free. All proceeds support UU Westport.

“Birthday Club” cast.

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At last summer’s Pequot Library book sale, teenager Morgan Kofron bought an antique family Bible.

Soon after, it was learned that the Bible had belonged to the Adairs — Black and Indigenous (Shinnecock) landowning family who played a significant role in the economic and cultural history in both Westport and Fairfield.

The Adair family papers are preserved at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. The Bible will now be added to those materials.

Adair family Bible.

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It’s been a while since we featured Man’s Best Friend as a “Westport … Naturally” item. Our bad.

So let’s hear it for Fergie!

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … Vera Lynn was born on this day, in 1917. The English singer — whose performances lifted all of Great Britain during World War II — died in 2020, at 103.

(They just don’t make ’em like Vera Lynn anymore. Fortunately, “06880” remembers her. But we also do a lot more than that. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #3256

Posted on March 19, 2026 | 2 comments

Westport Library (Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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Pic Of The Day #3255

Posted on March 18, 2026 | 1 comment

Entrance to original library, Post Road East (Photo/John Maloney)

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“06880” Podcast: Alex Giannini

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 1 comment

Alex Giannini is a very busy man.

As director of programs and events for the Westport Library, he’s neck-deep in preparations for this year’s Verso Fest.

But last week he walked downstairs, sat on the Forum stage, and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the 5th annual music/media/and more festival.

Alex described not only what’s happening, but how. Who chooses the musicians and panelists? How is each day’s schedule balanced? Who is the target audience, how are they reached, and what are their reactions?

Alex’s interview offers a very cool look at a very cool event. Click here or below to see.

PS: Want to learn more about VersoFest ’26, with Wyclef Jean, Ani DiFranco and a lot more? Click here!

 

 

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Roundup: Gas, Tarshis, Hoops …

Posted on March 16, 2026 | 2 comments

With gas prices rising rapidly, Richard Fogel wonders: Where are the best prices in Westport?

If you’ve got a favorite spot, click “Comments” below.

And if you’ve got a place to avoid, that’s helpful too.

Just kidding! This was Cumberland Farms in April of 2020 — a couple of weeks after the pandemic began.

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Lauren Tarshis — the Staples High School graduate, and author of the wildly popular “I Survived” series — spoke to a capacity Westport Library crowd yesterday. She signed books too.

Youngsters also competed for prizes, playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.

The event was a benefit for the Westport Book Shop.

Lauren Tarshis, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Congratulations to Caroline Lau!

The St. Luke’s School graduate — the first Westport PAL travel basketball player to receive a 4-year Division I basketball scholarship, and the first Westporter to be selected by ESPN as a Top 100 high school basketball player in the country –finished her Big 10 career at Northwestern University on Senior Day against Purdue.

With family and friends (and PAL basketball founder and past president Howie Friedman) in attendance, Caroline was the game’s high scorer (19 points) and assists leader (13).

Most impressively, her 8.4 assists per game led all D-I players this season.

During her college career Caroline played against Caitlin Clark, Jacy Sheldon, Serah Williams, Lauren Betts, KiKi Rice, and Jazzy Davidson.

Caroline Lau (2nd from left) with her parents Steve and Genevieve, and brother Charlie.

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Cold temperatures and wind kept crowds down at Compo Beach this weekend.

They did not bother these birds, however. They live for this stuff. Wendy Levy snapped a shot, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … We missed honoring the Ides of March yesterday.

So here, a day late:

(You can celebrate the Ides of March, St. Patrick’s Day — or any other occasion — while celebrating “06880” too. Just click here, to make a tax-deductible donation to your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)

 

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, Overdose Education, Entertainment Options …

Posted on March 14, 2026 | 3 comments

Congratulations to the Staples High School boys and girls basketball teams!

Both pulled away in the second half from solid opponents in last night’s state tournament quarterfinals, before raucous crowds in a home doubleheader.

Both now move on to the state semis — a first in school history.

Staples’ boys  — ranked #1 in Division I — downed #8 New London 56-35. That vaults coach Dave Goldshore’s squad into a matchup against #5 Notre Dame Prep-Fairfield.

The girls of coach Tommy Sparks — seeded 3rd in Division II — topped South Windsor 42-35.

The neutral sites and times of the semifinals will be announced soon. Up next: #10 Bristol Central.

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If you want to learn more about overdoses — and who doesn’t? — check out “CT Save a Life Day.”

The April 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) is organized through the Westport Prevention Coalition.

You’ll get liquor stickers and lock bags to prevent access to abusable substances, parent handbooks, and brief training to recognize and respond to an overdose (with a free Narcan kit). Click here to RSVP. 

Narcan nasal spray.

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Speaking of Positive Directions: They’ve partnered with Westport Together, to sponsor a “Night Out” for high school students who live in Westport, or attend school here.

The March 27 event (7 to 9 p.m., Westport Weston Family YMCA) includes an open gym (basketball, volleyball and more), games, pizza from Riko’s, dessert from Stew Leonard’s, door prizes (including Starbucks gift cards, Stew’s ice cream, golf simulator time, and a Modern Dermatology facial), and music.

The cost is just $5. Click here to register.

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Speaking of the YMCA: Professional ballroom dancer Karina Smirnoff (“Dancing With the Stars”) offers a special ballroom master class on Tuesday (March 17, 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.).

Open to all ages and experience levels, it includes a performance, Q-and-A and photo opportunity. The cost is $40 for Y members, $50 for non-members.

Click here for more information, and to register. To learn more about the Y’s ballroom program, click here. 

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New restaurants are opening at a fast clip downtown.

But one just left: Gogi.

The Korean barbecue spot — located in an out-of-the-way spot, inside Bedford Square behind Emmy Squared — is not completely closed.

They’ve relocated to Shelton.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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The United Methodist Church is located on Rabbit Hill. The previous owner was Robert Lawson — author/illustrator of the beloved children’s series.

So it’s the perfect site for an Easter egg hunt on March 28 (2 p.m.). All kids are welcome. Click here to register.

There’s a suggested donation of non-perishable food, for local pantries.

Easter egg hunt, at the United Methodist Church.

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Speaking of kids: 2 new family-friendly shows come this spring to the Westport Country Playhouse.

“Click Clack Moo” — based on the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, aimed at pre-K through 4th graders — is set for 2 shows May 16 (1 and 4 p.m.).

“Pete the Cat” follows on June 7. It’s recommended for pre-K through grade 3.

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Speaking of entertainment: Westport and Weston will have a strong presence at next weekend’s 6th annual Norwalk Film Festival.

Board member (and Staples High graduate) Jennifer Bangser notes some of the connections:

Friday, March 20: The opening night Sundance-premiered film “Little Richard: I Am Everything” takes a deep dive into the life and career of the charismatic, complicated musician. Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker/novelist/playwright/essayist/producer/professor Trey Ellis will be in conversation after the film with director/producer Lisa Cortes. Email info@norwalkfilmfestival.org for ticket information.

Saturday, March 21: Staples graduate Cynthia Gibb’s short film “Straight Laced” will be shown during the Connecticut Shorts Block (12 to 2 p.m.). It’s the story of a conscientious honors student who buckles under academic pressure in her town of overachievers and overearnest parents.

In the 2 to 4 p.m. Narrative Shorts Block, “Sit with Me While I Die” stars award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston. He plays a priest who must reconcile his lifelong dogmatic views on suffering with real-life pain.

The Norwalk Film Festival includes many more films, plus workshops and an audience-voted awards ceremony.

More information plus individual tickets, day passes, weekend passes and student discounts are available at www.norwalkfilmfestival.org. Questions? Email Jennifer.Bangser@gmail.com.

James Naughton in “Sit With Me While I Die.”

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Chris Delorier writes: “Help, before someone gets seriously hurt!

“I live on High Point Road. At least once a week a near accident occurs from people blowing through the stop sign down the hill on Long Lots Road.

“There are many new drivers every year, many kids walking to school or on bikes. My fear is nothing will be done until it’s too late.

“Half, I bet, are innocent mistakes. It’s a tough sign to see. On Cross Highway at Bayberry Lane they put in flashing solar stop signs. At a minimum that should be done at Long Lots and High Point.

“Let’s not wait for a life to be taken. This seems like a no-brainer.”

Drivers coming down the Long Lots Road hill often ignore the stop sign (right) at High Point Road.

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Congratulations to Staples’ 8 Students of the Month: seniors Isabel Jo and Henry Wood, juniors Samantha Armentano and Catalina Zapata, juniors Olivia Flinn and Nickolas Glekas, and freshmen Maya Luo and Sophia Muriel.

The honor recognizes “students who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the community: the type of creative, thoughtful, conscientious students that keep the high school together, enabling it to grow and thrive.”

Recipients are nominated by teachers, in recognition of hard work, friendliness to staff and students, and positive contributions inside and outside the classroom.

Students of the Month (from left): Catalina Zapata, Samantha Armentano, Olivia Flinn, Isabel Jo, Maya Luo, Sophia Muriel, Henry Wood.

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Journalist/author/former “Good Morning America” host Joan Lunden spoke about her new memoir — “Joan: Life Beyond the Script” — on Thursday, at the Westport Library.

With sports reporter and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak, Lunden talked about life transitions, and the importance of embracing change.

Joan Lunden and Lindsay Czarniak on the Westport Library stage; “Good Morning America” stage is behind. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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The Sally was a Fairfield County merchant sloop that was converted into a Revolutionary War vessel.

It played an important role in espionage, raids against the British, and privateering in Long Island Sound during the The Sally – and was involved in Nathan Hale’s ill-fated spy mission.

On April 11 (2 p.m., Weston History & Culture Center), historian Edward Eckert discusses The Sally. The event is free, but registration is required. Click here. 

At 3:15 p.m the same day, Laura Clark Murray speaks on for “Genetic Genealogy in Action: From Researching Patriots to Solving Cold Cases.”

It too is free, but registration is required. Click here.

Merchant ship, back in the day.

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State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan hopes to add Westport to her list of constituents.

She has joined the race to succeed Ceci Maher, for the 26th State Senate seat.

Dathan now chairs the Government Oversight Committee, and sits on both the Appropriations and Human Services Committees. Beyond her legislative work, she has been a CPA and CFO for start-ups.

The 26th district includes Westport, Weston, and all or part of 6 other towns. Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor is also running for the seat.

State Representative Lucy Dathan

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is a reflective shot of Sherwood Mill Pond.

Much more wildlife will return soon, to the tranquil 84-acre tidal pond and estuary.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … Happy Pi Day!

(The music will never die. And — thanks to continued reader support — let’s hope “06880” won’t either. To help keep us alive, please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you all!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Politics, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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