The photo (taken by yours truly) shows a photo (by Richard Frank) that hangs in the Westport Library stairwell nearest the cafe. It’s part of the Westport Public Art Collections. (Click here to see.)
But there’s another print of the same image. You’ll find it at Gold’s Delicatessen.
It might be in some private collections in town too. It captures the powerful, yet playful, Muhammad Ali perfectly.
Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Les Dinkin, Robert Mitchell, Clark Thiemann, Jilda Manikas and Larry Bartimer all checked in with the Library answer.
Adam Starr, Larry Weisman and Tom Feeley said Gold’s.
Just like Ali: You’re all champs.
In keeping with the winter weather that’s not going away, here is today’s Photo Challenge. I think it’s hard. Your mileage may vary.
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
He was born 30 years after those legendary concerts (and many others).
But the 2016 Weston High School graduate is a huge rock ‘n’ roll fan.
And to paraphrase the Byrds — another great band that played here — he wants to be a rock ‘n’ roll star.
Bradley is well on his way.
Jack Bradley
For the past few years, the guitarist’s band The Thing has drawn attention — and sold out shows across the US and Europe — with their music.
It mixes the Kinks, Grand Funk Railroad, Pink Floyd and garage and psychedelic bands of the 1960s and ’70s, with newer artists like The Black Keys.
This Friday (February 27, 8 p.m.), they kick off the Westport Library’s 5th annual VersoFest.
The actual 4-day music and media extravaganza takes place March 26-29. But The Thing will be on a national tour then. So the Library snagged them for this show. It will be the opening date of that tour.
Before he was a rocker, Bradley was a producer. Not many teenagers were as obsessed as he was with rock. So he created a makeshift studio in his Weston basement, recording and producing rappers.
But during a stint at Millbrook — after Fairfield Country Day School, and before Weston High — he’d met Michael Carter and Zane Acord. They bonded over their love for music their parents loved.
They stayed in touch after Bradley left. They scattered across the country — he went to Berklee College of Music in Boston Zane headed South, and Mike to the Pacific Northwest. When the pandemic hit, they reunited in a big farmhouse in Sharon, Connecticut.
They recruited a drummer, recorded there, then moved to Brooklyn. They won a Battle of the Bands at Our Wicked Lady — the famed (and now closed) music venue there — which kick-started their career.
Jack Bradley and The Thing.
The Thing was invited to South by Southwest. They bought a van, and for the past 2 1/2 years have played over 300 shows.
Thursday’s will be their first in Westport, though.
The route to the Library began in late 2024, when the band played at Fairfield Theater Company.
Bradley met Dick Wingate there. The longtime music industry executive and Westport resident — a key figure in past VersoFests — made the connection for this year.
Bradley is familiar with the event. Gang of Four kicked off their “Long Goodbye” tour at it last year. He was there, and met the band.
The Thing and friends, at Flushing Meadows Park.
Bradley looks forward to their own tour kickoff. He expects a crowd like many of their US shows: teenagers and grandparents. (Their European audiences tend to include “the whole town.”)
He hopes there will be plenty of fans in between. His own parents will be there, for sure. (His mother is very proud that Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon features The Thing often, on his Sirius XM show.)
From last year, Bradley knows what it’s like to hear and play music in a library. He’s not sure his bandmates do.
“If you haven’t been there, you don’t realize how cool” the venue is, he says.
But, he warns: “We’re loud!”
Also cool: the opening act.
Fever Dream is a 5-person group. Staples and Weston High musicians Seamus Brannigan, Griffin Delmhorst, Ari Sklar, Harry Schultz and Ezra Schwartz play covers of their favorite classic/alternative rock and grunge songs, along with originals they’ll release soon.
Fever Dream. Three members (top row) performed in Staples Players’ “Les Misérables” last fall.
Jack Bradley didn’t have a band, when he was in high school.
This Thursday, a large VersoFest crowd will see that once again, it’s The Thing.
MoCA\CT is much more than an art museum and education center.
There’s a strong music component too. The Newtown Turnpike institutions hosts everything from solo performers to the Heida Hermanns International piano and voice competitions.
Art and music are on display in a big way at their next show. “Art, Jazz + the Blues” opens Thursday (February 26, 6 p.m.).
A collaboration with the Westport Public Art Collections combines forceful visual art with pulsating African American musical traditions.
The centerpiece is legendary Westport artist (and folk musician) Eric von Schmidt’s “Giants of the Blues” series. His monumental portraits of blues and jazz artists — hanging most recently in the Staples High School auditorium lobby — will be shown alongside works by Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Robert Rauschenberg, Jack Whitten and others.
The opening reception features live music by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and WPKN host Mark Naftalin — the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s original keyboard player. Click here for reception tickets.
To set the tone, curators Anne Boberski and Ive Covaci have created intriguing playlists inspired by legends like John Lee Hooker, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters and more. Click to listen, on Spotify (Art, Jazz + the Blues) and YouTube (“Giants of the Blues” and “Art, Jazz + the Blues“).
“Blues Piano Players” — one of the 7 works by Eric von Schmidt that make up “Birth of the Blues.”
After a national search, the Pequot Library has a new executive director.
The Southport institution found him right next door, in Westport.
Peter Van Heerden takes the helm on February 26. He has spent much of his professional career in the area.
A 16-year resident, he served as executive director of the Westport Arts Center from 2011 to 2015, then filled the same role at Fairfield University’s Quick Center for nearly 10 years. Since 2024, he has been CEO of Activate: Arts 7 Culture.
In his spare time, Van Heerden has been an assistant coach for Staples’ girls water polo and boys swim teams.
He is married to Renee Plato, CEO of Westport-based MD Solar Sciences. Their 2 sons attend Fairfield University; their daughter is at Coleytown Middle School.
Speaking of libraries: Eiren Caffall — author of “All the Water in the World,” this year’s WestportREADS selection — gave the keynote address for the annual Westport program yesterday.
She was in conversation with Catherine Shen, host of CT Public’s “Where We Live.”
Eiren Caffall (right) and Catherine Shen. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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During Prohibition, Westport had a thriving speakeasy culture.
On March 13 (7:30 p.m.), it’s back.
The Suzuki Music School hosts a Connecticut Guitar Festival fundraiser — the “Speakeasy Jazz Club” — with guest artists Vinny Raniolo and Adrien Chevalier, plus “charity” gambling (craps, roulette, blackjack, and Texas hold ’em).
Tickets are $45; they include music, food and drink, and “gambling to give” chips. Click here to purchase.(Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Dozens of students take German 1, 2 and 3 Honors, 2 and 3A and Advanced Placement, and study through the University of Connecticut Early College Experience.
Twice, Staples teams won the UConn ECE German Quiz Bowl.
What can they do with their language skills?
Staples German teacher Liuba Ulianova reports that on Tuesday, there was a hearing in Hartford about the establishment of an official German Trade Commission in Connecticut.
With 220 German companies in Connecticut — including Deutsche Bank in Greenwich and Boehringer Ingelheim in Ridgefield — and nearly 900 in New England, the initiative could open significant opportunities for our students, particularly for internships and future employment.
Importantly, she notes, students do not need to be fully fluent. Cultural awareness and foundational language skills are highly valued.
Danke schön!
In 2024, Staples students celebrated German Day at the University of Connecticut.
First: Representative Town Meeting members from Districts 1, 4 and 9 will hold a public discussion about the bridge next Tuesday (February 24, 7 p.m.; click here for Zoom link).
The session was organized by District 1 rep Matthew Mandell. He says: “Since the original Project Advisory Committee — a formal group of residents and town staff that worked directly with the state Department of Transportation — essentially disbanded years ago, there has been no venue for organized resident thought. or for discussion and collaboration with the DOT. The goal is to find a mutual path forward and solution that works for the residents, town and state.”
Members from other districts are welcome too. (Districts 1, 4 and 9 are closest to the span. Don’t know which district you’re in? Click here for a map.)
Second: The state DOT has opened a 60-day public comment period about the bridge, including its potential renovation or replacement.
PS: Don’t forget the DOT’s March 19 public hearing (6 p.m., Town Hall).
The session will “provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project, and allow a place to provide feedback concerning the proposed improvements.”
Werner Liepolt’s painting of the Cribari Bridge.
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One glimmer of spring: Registration is open for the Minute Man Race.
The 47th annual Women’s League of Westport event — including a 10K run, 5K4un/walk, and Kids’ Fun Run (1/2K and 1K dash) — is April 26, at Compo Beach. It’s one of the biggest community events of the year.
All proceeds benefit the League’s grants program, supporting non-profits across Fairfield County.
And just in time for Love Your Pet Day (tomorrow!):
Sweet P Bakery and Team Woofgang & Co. — 2 local non-profits that empower adults with disabilities through job training and employment — are partnering on a “People + Pups Colossal Cookie Box.”
The limited-edition includes 6 great Sweet P Colossal Cookies, plus a bag of Woofgang’s Pupper Nutter Dog Treats.
The result: delicious joy for people and pups, while supporting the shared mission of creating meaningful jobs for adults with disabilities.
But wait! There’s more!
$5 from every People + Pups Box sold will be donated to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA), another wonderful Westport non-profit.
Wakeman Town Farm’s special Neurodiverse Farmer program begins next month.
Designed for all abilities, it offers a hands-on, sensory-rich experience that encourages exploration, creativity, and learning in a natural setting.
WTF provides a safe, welcoming environment where youngsters connect with animals, garden, and explore the outdoors at their own pace.
The staff is trained to support neurodiverse learners. Activities accommodate a variety of sensory, social and communication styles, encouraging inclusion and self-confidence for children who enjoy feeding animals, planting seeds or observing nature.
There’s much more happening at Wakeman Town Farm too, of course.
For a full list of activities, for all ages — including spring cooking for homeschool kids, summer camps, a spring floral workshop, a Mediterranean family-style dinner, and lamb “cuddle sessions” — click here.
Every Connecticut town is allotted a limited number of “package store” — aka liquor store — licenses.
The number is determined by a town’s population in the last federal census.
Balducci’s package store was attached to the grocery store. But they’re leaving the space occupied by both. They’re selling their package store license.
A new owner needs to find commercially zoned property in Westport to relocate the license to.
A package store occupies around 3,500 square feet. There are a number of vacant commercial properties of that size along the Post Road and downtown. The license must be relocated in Westport; it cannot be moved to another town.
Interested in buying Balducci’s package store license? Contact attorney Jerry Farrell, Jr., by phone (203-774-5002) or email jerry@ctliquorlaw.com.
Want to buy a liquor store license?
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April is Autism Awareness Month.
So be aware: On April 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), NeuroMind hosts a screening of “Go On” — the award-winning movie by autistic filmmaker, golfer and actor Landon Ashworth.
Afterward, he’ll join NeuroMind co-founders Chelsea Elkind and Lauren Rosenblum for a talkback.
Norwalk-based YL Trapped youth organization — it stands for Young Ladies Taking Responsibility and Portraying Proper Educational Decisions — mentors girls ages 11 to 18.
Participants (referred through school and court systems) build strength, knowledge and self confidence, while forming strong connections within the community.
Founder and CEO Dr. Julia Moore described the program Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. Members were impressed — particularly at the news that 90% of the young women go on to college.
TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Dr. Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind, have been working together, “integrating a holistic approach to a moving mind.”
Now they’ve contributed a chapter — “Enhancing Mind-Body Awareness” — to the new book Leading with Efficacy. In it, they explain their theoretical framework, and offer examples of how it is “efficacious — in fact, effortless — effort.
The other was a 36-year-old man, charged with operating a motor vehicle under suspension, failure to obey a stop sign, and 2 counts of failure to appear. He was arrested when an office conducted stop sign enforcement on Kings Highway North, at Ludlow Road. He was released after posting a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
If it’s dark, put your lights on!
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Speaking of the Westport Police Department: They and the Rowan Center make a great team. They collaborate often.
This week, the Stamford-based sexual assault resource agency presented local officers with an appreciation basket.
All of us in Westport appreciate both institutions!
Representative from the Westport Police and Rowan Center — with an appreciation basket.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming sale of Balducci’s package store license (story above):
(You know what drives us to drink? People who read “06880” every day, yet don’t contribute a dime. Serving up 4-6 stories a day is hard work! Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you all!)
When Staples High School said that the deadline to submit senior baby pictures to the yearbook was the next day, I said to myself, “I have hundreds!”
Then I read the specifications of what and how to submit, and felt lost.
Of course I had plenty of recent ready-to-download-and-send photos of my daughter’s toddler and teenage years. But I remembered that all of our actual baby pictures from 2008 are stored on CD-ROMs.
Remember these?
So I turned to the younger generation: my children. My puzzled and confused high schooler and middle-schooler) asked, “CD what?!” They could not help.
Having recently moved to a new home within Westport, our old desktop computer was still in a box somewhere.
We all use laptops. None has an external CD drive.
The deadline was near. All I had was a CD, and some physical photos in family albums. The instructions specified “no low resolution pictures of a picture.”
I thought the Westport Library must have a CD drive, where I could upload my picture to send to the yearbook.
I drove over with an hour until deadline, and headed to the computers. All I saw were USB ports.
I walked over to the reference department. Michelle Fleisher listened to my problem, then sprang into action.
Help!
She didn’t know if she could help. But she called to find answers.
Within minutes, a man appeared — with an external CD drive. He said I could sign it out, to take home.
Michelle insisted we try it right there, and connected the device. She walked me through each step.
I am not the most technologically savvy person. But I learned something new.
I want to thank Michelle. She not only answered a simple question; she also offered patience, a friendly attitude, and a willingness to assist, teach and guide me.
She went above and beyond. I submitted my child’s baby photo in the correct format, on time — and was even able to store all my images to an updated digital folder, for future use.
Saved from a CD — and submitted on time.
Thank you, Michelle. The Westport Library is lucky to have you!
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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have a number of sub-groups. They cover many interests, like technology, travel and food.
Plus music.
Last week, the Y’s Men’s Classical Society hosted the Staples Jazz Band, at the Westport Library.
The group, directed by Kevin Mazzarella, “displayed musicianship well beyond their years,” the Y’s Men newsletter says.
The concert was the second of 4 performances. Coming soon: the Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and the Art Greenberg Memorial Olga Vinokur Piano.
But you don’t have to be a Y’s Man to enjoy the Jazz Band. Click here or below to watch and listen. (The concert starts at the 4:30 mark.)
Tommy Greenwald got more than he bargained for, when he watched the Harvard-Yale men’s basketball game on ESPNU.
Cooper Boardman was on the call.
The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University grad has broadcast Boston Red Sox games on the WEEI radio network. He also worked for Fox Sports and Westword One, doing college basketball, softball and lacrosse.
Boardman began his career at Staples. He called a number of sports, and won several John Drury Awards.
Speaking of sports: congratulations to Staples wrestlers.
Seamus Brannigan and Julian Rousseau finished first, at this weekend’s FCIAC (league) championships.
Damian Rousseau and Gavin Donaldson placed second, while Kai Schwartz was fourth.
Up next: the state and open meets. Go Wreckers:
From left: Head coach Jordan Marion, Gavin Donaldson, Damian Rousseau, Seamus Brannigan, Julian Rousseau, Kai Schwartz, Francesco Beccarra, Charlie Goldman, Amelia Guimond, coach Will Switzer. Not pictured: Jessiah Jones, Amere Miller, Grady McHugh, Kia Halper.
Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to Dylan Rosen!
The Coleytown Middle School 8th grader recently placed 3rd in Junior 3 Clone Class. It was his first full season of racing with the Norwalk Karting Association, at Calf Pasture Beach.
Dylan is coached by 66 year-old Hugh Gorman. They began a trackside friendship during repairs, and Hugh began offering tips to improve the kart and Dylan’s driving skills.
“He has a lot of patience to talk through things and share his knowledge.” said the 13-year-old racer.
When the season ended in November, Dylan’s 25-year-old Coyote Kart was beyond repair. He and his dad, Frank, called the company. They offered a steep discount on a 15-year-old frame, which they could transfer their working parts to.
Dylan did all the work on it himself. He plans to compete in regional races, beginning next month — with a goal of qualifying for Daytona kart week.
He is looking for local sponsors, to help with karting expenses. Email rosenfamilyracing@gmail.com for details.
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The Westport Library café is a great place to hang out.
The coffee and food are delicious. The view of the river is spectacular. You’re never rushed, and there’s no music playing (loudly) in the background.
But who looks at the ceiling, as they enjoy their time?
Andrew Colabella, Ed Simek, Beth Berkowitz, Seth Schachter, Wendy Schaefer and Tom Feeley — that’s who.
They’re the 6 alert readers who quickly identified the Library café ceiling as the image in last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Congratulations — you really know what’s up down at the library.
Now, do you — and everyone else — know where to find this week’s Photo Challenge? If you do, click ”’Comments” below.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Amanda Doyle and her daughter Niamh are probably not the only 2 Westporters at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Amanda and Niamh Doyle, at the Olympics.
But Amanda is probably the only one who posted a video that went viral.
Her clip from the US-Switzerland women’s ice hockey game — of the entire arena singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” — racked up over a million views and 71,000-plus likes, in just one day.
It looks like a great moment. And Amanda’s comment about the true spirit of the Olympics — uniting “beyond borders, languages and differences” — is pure gold.
PS: The hockey game was especially fun for Niamh. She goes to Coleytown Middle School, and plays for the Shoreline Sharks.
PPS: The US won, 5-0.
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Dominique Johnson is running for re-election.
The 143rd District state representative — serving parts of Westport and Norwalk — and deputy majority leader says she is not taking donations from lobbyists.
The veteran theater educator and director, Staples High School graduate, Emergency Medical Service leader and all-around good guy will be honored May 17.
Schoke Jewish Family Service will present him with its Community Service Award.
JFS says, “With more than 30 years of experience across the arts and public safety, he brings a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service to every role he undertakes.
Frimmer is deputy chief of Weston Volunteer EMS, and a tactical emergency casualty care and EMS Instructor.
He served on the board of Temple Israel, and is on its Security Committee. During the pandemic, he was the congregation’s COVID response point person.
Frimmer was a producer of “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and is on the producing team for “The Hunger Games” in London. He has earned kudos for his work as director of Coleytown Middle School’s Company drama program.
He serves on the board of the Westport Country Playhouse, and co-chairs its Development Committee. He holds master’s degrees in teaching and educational theatre from NYU.
A reminder: WestportREADS’ keystone conversation is this Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m.)
Eiren Caffall — author of this year’s selection, “All the Water in the World” — chats with Catherine Shen, host of Connecticut Public Radio’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live, about Caffall’s thriller about a flooded future, and a family fighting not to be drowned by a changing world. Click here for more information.
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We’ve posted photos of horses at Sherwood Island State Park before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But the images never get old. Here’s a shot from yesterday:
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An overflow crowd filled Assumption Church yesterday, to say goodbye to Pete Romano. He was a lifelong parishioner of the church around the corner from his Saugatuck roots.
The Staples High School graduate, generous philanthropist, and avid volunteer with organizations ranging from Westport PAL and Al’s Angels to Festival Italiano and Wakeman Town Farm was remembered for his willingness to help everyone, his strong friendships, and his ability to own any room he walked into.
Saugatuck and Westport were common themes at the service. Pete’s LandTech civil engineering firm is located just down the street from Assumption.
If you don’t — but would like to, in 2027 — check out “Sips & Sparks.”
The speed dating event is set for Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m., The Clubhouse). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.
It’s advertised for singles in their 30s and 40s. But, organizers say, “if you’re slightly outside this range but feel you’d connect well with this group, you’re welcome to join.”
Another social event is geared to the LGBTQ (and allies!)
Westport Pride hosts their second Happy Hour of the year on March 5 (6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club).
Organizers say, “We believe Pride isn’t just a month — it’s a year-round movement rooted in visibility, connection and care.” Click here for more information.
Volunteers will score submitted manuscripts. The best-reviewed books advance to a panel of judges, who will select the winner.
Click here for more information. (Westport residents only, please!)
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Speaking of the Library: Memoirist/essayist/critic Claire Dederer is the lastest addition to VersoFest.
She takes the Westport Library Saturday stage Saturday, March 28 (1 p.m.), chatting with journalist Hilarie M. Sheets.
Dederer’s most recent book — “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma” — examines what happens when good art (writing, painting, film) is made by bad people.
Click here for information on Dederer’s talk. Click here for full details on VersoFest 2026, including appearances by Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, Susanna Hoffs, The Thing and more.
Speaking of music: Jazz pianist (and Westport native) Jeff Franzel has toured with legends like Les Brown and The Hues Corporation, and accompanied Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mel Tormé. He’s a Grammy-nominated star.
Jeff’s new trio has performed at clubs like The Bitter End. On February 28 (2 p.m.), they’ll be live — and free — at the Pequot Library.
Also appearing: Eva Slossberg, the Staples High School senior who has who has just been accepted into the Clive Davis School at NYU Tisch. Click here for more information.
Jeff Franzel
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It’s a longtime Westport question: How dressed up should I get for a fundraiser?
Here’s one you don’t have to worry about.
Rach’s Hope PJ Gala returns for a 7th year on March 28 (7 p.m., Fairfield Theater Company).
As the many attendees at the popular event have learned: It’s all about pajama chic.
Rach’s Hope hich honors Rachel Doran, a Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior who died after developing a rare reaction to common medications. A Staples Players costume designer, she had already founded a pajama company. (That’s the PJ connection!)
The evening includes live music by Michael Cantor of Frog Salon and Fairfield’s favorite band Ellis Island, great appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering, an open bar, and live and silent auction experiences.
Funds raised support families with children facing extended ICU stays.
This pajama-chic evening blends cocktails, music, and meaning to raise critical funds for families with children facing extended ICU stays — a lasting legacy, created lovingly Rachel’s family and friends. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rachel Doran
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Temperatures are slowly rising.
But the effects of the recent 2-week freeze remain.
This boat — at a private dock on Harbor Road, in Saugatuck Shores — did not make it. All that can be seen now is the flying bridge.
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
The good news: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s today, the high 30s tomorrow. Nighttime lows will be just below freezing.
Break out the sunscreen!
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“06880” gives a V-Day shout-out to the Learning Community Day School.
The pre-school staff began yesterday’s professional development day by creating valentines for folks at Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, and the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli thrives in the spring, summer and early fall. Its location across from one beach, and on the way to another, draws a throng of folks — families, kids, walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and many others.
Winter is tougher. And OMG — the Romanaccis, who operate it, and the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, which owns the property — are battling lawsuits, from a couple of neighbors who object to the gelato card and liquor license.
This week, the deli hosted a couple of events. They welcomed neighbors and friends for light bites, to keep OMG front of mind, and hear ideas on how to make this community (beach and beyond) gem even better.
So, “06880” readers: Don’t forget Old Mill Grocery & Deli. They’ve got a great big table to eat at, and a great, varied menu for takeout.
Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs begins March 10 (9 a.m.; Camp Compo and RECing Crew only) and March 11 (9 a.m.; all others). Click here to see all activities.
To update your profile, select “Manage Family Member.” Be sure each child’s grade is correct (as of September 2025).
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
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The Westport Library is a town gem. The only 5-star library in the state offers an astonishing array of events, programs, services — even a state-of-the-art recording studio.
But it doesn’t just happen. A board of trustees provides guidance and oversight.
As upcoming vacancies loom, they’re looking for qualified, eager candidates.
Responsibilities include governance and fiduciary duties, strategic oversight, collaboration with leadership, financial stewardship and support, and more.
Candidates must be Westport residents. Fundraising experience and strong community connections are key. Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.
Trustee appointments are for 4 years, this year beginning July 1. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to spresutto@westportlibrary.org by March 20.
Speaking of the Library: The “Career Coach” returns February 19 and March 19. There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment.
Executive director Amee Borys and staff members gave the 1st selectman a tour of the nature center, and explained the work of each department.
Christie got a good look at the preschool classrooms, the Animal Hall (including renovation of the birds of prey area), Eco Lab, and Harbor Watch lab.
From left: Earthplace preschool director Amanda Ciardi, Harbor Watch director Nikki Spiller, nature education and conservation director Veronica Swain, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, executive director Amee Borys.
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For more than 72 years, STAR Lighting the Way has provided critical services and support to people of all ages impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
For many years too, their annual Speaker’s Luncheon has welcomed great guests, and provided inspiration to attendees, including Mia Farrow, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Norah O’Donnell and Brandi Chastain.
This year’s event is April 9. The “star” is Stacy Waldman Bass. A native Westporter, her work celebrates beauty, connection, and shared humanity.
Her new book, “Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss,” is a powerful reflection on family, grief and healing. told through evocative images and heartfelt words.
The afternoon includes a gourmet lunch, curated shopping boutique, special guest experiences, and a Q&A.
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