For 105 years, that’s the busiest time for the Old Mill market.
The small spot at the foot of Compo Hill has been called many things throughout that century-plus. These days, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
Since taking over operation a year and a half ago, the operator has won the hearts of the beach community, and many other residents around town.
Not 2 neighbors, though.
They object to outdoor tables, a gelato cart, and a wine and beer license.
They’ve filed 3 lawsuits against OMG. If successful, they would overturn decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, deny the sale of beer and wine, and strip away the outdoor tables that have been there for generations.
Now Old Mill Deli’s owner — the Soundview Empowerment Alliance — is fighting back.
With signage inside and out, stickers on coffee cups and pizza boxes, and a social media campaign — all with a QR code, linking to a digital petition — they hope to show that they are responsible neighbors, purveyors of popular foods and drinks, and a place that honors and respects Old Mill’s special beach vibe.
Ian Warburg and Jim Hood of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, outside Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Headlined “Westport Chose, We Won’t Close!” — and calling it “a battle for the soul of the community” — a large poster describes how, 3 years ago, 600 residents donated generously, to save the building from possible demolition.
Now, however, “a small and well-funded group of opponents wants to erase that victory.”
Fighting the lawsuits, SEA says, is “bleeding our non-profit dry.” They say thee are “protecting our values: inclusion, historic preservation, and economic opportunity for all.”
The “costly and time-consuming litigation” also inhibits SEA from investing in the expansion of providing job training for people with disabilities.
SEA says that the lawsuits threaten both pillars of their mission.
Old Mill Grocery & Deli staff.
There are 4 calls to action: signing and sharing the petition, donating to cover legal costs, and contacting Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members.
Meanwhile, the weather is — finally — hot. Customers will clamor for food (including gelato) and drinks. They’ll sit outside, enjoying the scene.
Just as they have since long before SEA, Romanacci, and any of their neighbors came to town.
The Westport environmentalist — who chaired the Westport Community Gardens for over 20 years, and established the Long Lots Preserve — was honored Wednesday by Aspetuck Land Trust.
At their annual meeting, the non-profit preservation organization cited him for his work as “a leading voice in defending and restoring community green spaces … and for rescuing dozens of native shrubs and trees from the bulldozer, now replanted at ALT’s Kupinse Preserve in Easton — ensuring these natives continue to thrive and inspire.”
Make-Modern is a spot to learn and create in a variety of crafts: sewing, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting and more.
Their third location — after Darien and Greenwich — is 180 Post Road East (across Bay Street from Design Within Reach).
Make-Modern will offer summer camps, with different projects and themes “each darn week.” Students will learn to sew, bead, weave, knit, print and more.
The space can be rented for group events too, like birthday parties, bridal showers, book clubs, family reunions and nights with friends.
Make-Modern’s goal is to “inspire creativity, build self-cofidence,” and help people make new friends while creating “amazing” projects.
“Kickoff to Summer: Happy Hour Cooking Class (today, Friday; 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
“Out of the Marvelous: The Poetry of Seamus Heaney” (July 9, 16, 23; 10:30 a.m. to noon).
“At Tour and Happy Hour at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum” (July 11, 4 to 6:30 p.m.).
“AI According to Hollywood” (July 17, 28; August 11, 25; 7 to 8 p.m.).
“All About Bees: Honey Tasting and Honeybee Preparation” (July 26, 2-3:30 p.m.).
“Creating Digital Art With Your iPad” (August 5, 12, 19, 26; 10 a.m.-noon).
“Art Tour at the Bruce Museum” (August 17, 2-3 p.m.).
The Library’s Happy Hour Cooking Class is today (Friday).
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The newest addition to the Westport Country Playhouse summer calendar is Linedy Genao.
Set for August 12 (7 p.m.), “Songs From My Sala” is an “intimate, soulful journey.”
Genao takes the audience from performing in her family’s Dominican Republic living room to starring as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first Latina leading lady to originate a role on Broadway.
Westport has plenty of inane, gratuitous and otherwise useless signs.
For example: “School Bus Stop Ahead.” There’s a school bus stop every 10 yards in Westport, so why single any one out?
Also, those warning that violators of a certain condition — “One Hour,” “Parking for Patrons of [Insert Name] Only” — will be towed. And not just that, but “Immediately.” When was the last time that happened?
Yet this one — from the medical offices at 162 Kings Highway North — must be at the top of any list of inane Westport signs:
Isn’t any parking slippery “when icy or wet conditions exist”? (Or, simply, “when icy or wet.”)
And why illustrate with an image of a break dancer with jazz hands?
And finally … on this date in 1863, West Virginia was admitted as the 35th state in the union. It separated from Virginia, which had seceded 2 years earlier.
(Whether you’re in Westport or West Virginia,”06880″ is your place for all the news, opinions, photos and more about our town. If you enjoy our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)
Paul Newman would pop in at the Post Road East/Imperial Avenue business. He’d borrow a few bucks, for ice cream a few steps away at Baskin-Robbins.
The Westport Country Playhouse — a few steps in the other direction — was a steady customer. They brought costumes from every show before, during and after runs.
State Cleaners in 2019. It’s now Calico. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)
Herb’s daughter Marilyn worked at State Cleaners on school vacations and holidays. She marked, bagged and ragged many of those costumes.
And dreamed of wearing them onstage.
A talented singer and dancer, Zavidow created and performed from elementary school through Greenwich High. She wrote, directed and acted in many GHS and Summer Youth Festival productions. Her friends signed her yearbook: “See you on Broadway!”
Zavidow began as a theater major at Northwestern University, then graduated with a degree in speech from Emerson College. She headed to San Francisco, for an audition with the American Conservatory Theatre.
But before that tryout, she was cast as the ingenue lead in a new musical, with a new theater company.
The plot thickened.
The company was a cult, using theater to recruit. Under a predatory leader, Zavidow was scooped up for 9 months.
Finally, she found the strength to get out. But the experience was traumatizing, and she left the theatrical world.
Marilyn Zavidow
She received a social work degree in gerontology from Boston University, then became a staff writer for a Massachusetts newspaper.
Zavidow moved on to corporations, writing semiconductor training and building strategic sales proposal teams for 3 global companies.
In 1990, she returned to Westport.
Along with a 60-hour-a-week corporate career, she began doing community theatre. She acted in Westport, New Canaan and Concord, Massachusetts.
Zavidow used her theatrical training to write one-woman shows. “Love Lessons” and “Next” were fundraisers for Bread & Roses, the home for AIDS patients in Georgetown.
She learned a lot from Ted Simons, her first musical director. They did the nursing home circuit and speciality shows. He worked on her CD of original songs, and they co-wrote the score for a children’s musical.
Simons introduced Zavidow to Manhattan voice coach John Mace. She studied with him, while he also worked with Bette Midler, Vanessa Redgrave and Natasha Richardson.
Zavidow advanced to writing and performing cabaret shows. She landed gigs at Tavern on the Green, the Russian Tea Room, Hofstra Stage, and corporate celebrations.
Her Cole Porter show was a successful fundraiser for the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum and Town Players of New Canaan. Along the way she created 3 more CDs, with Broadway and cabaret musical director Don Rebic.
Marilyn Zavidow, on stage.
Putting aside performing during and after a long period of caregiving to loved ones, Zavidow explored ancient spiritual teachings. She became a yoga teacher.
But once again, she felt an urge to create and perform. After doing stand-up workshops with Christine O’Leary at the Ridgefield Playhouse, the idea for “Karma Kabaret” was born.
Zavidow quotes Joseph Campbell: “We must let go of the life we had planned, to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
She did.
“I made my peace that there would be no Tonys, Grammys or Oscars winking at me from my étagère,” she says.
“But the creating never stops. And what you create is an expression of where you’re at in your life’s journey.
“Where I’m at now is using the art of cabaret and Broadway parody to share in an entertaining way the ideas and learnings I’m exploring to answer the big questions: What is this life all about, in this body, in this lifetime, on this earth, in this universe, in this creation of everything?”
She calls “Karma Kabaret” “kind of like Robin Williams meets Streisand meets TED Talks meets Einstein meets Buddha meets Broadway meets Zavidow. There’s even a singalong!”
‘Karma Kabaret: The Spiritual Journey and All That Jazz!’ will play to full houses tomorrow (Saturday) and July 19 in the Westport Playhouse Lucille Lortel Barn.
It’s part of their Barnstormer series. She’ll be joined by Chris Coogan on piano and John Mobilio on bass.
At this stage in her life, Zavidow says, “I just want to put some goodness out there in the world. I’m doing that with my yoga teaching at the Westport Y, and in Fairfield and Samford.
“That’s why I wrote ‘KK.’ Maybe what I’m learning on my life journey will help others on theirs.
“When people call the show soul-searching, illuminating, inspiring, thought-provoking, authentic, intelligent, insightful, poignant, witty and fun — their words! — and someone says ‘it touched my heart,’ I know I’m doing that. And that’s my statuette winking at me.”
From behind that great State Cleaners counter in the sky, Herb Zavidow may be winking too.
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Huge congratulations to the Staples High School boys lacrosse team.
That is: the state championship Staples laxmen.
The Wreckers used talent, smarts, power, poise and patience, outlasting Darien 7-6 yesterday in the “LL” (extra large schools) final at Fairfield University.
The #3-ranked Wreckers got the game-winner in the back-and-forth battle from — who else? — University of Michigan commit Adam Udell, with 1:44 to play in the 3rd quarter.
University of North Carolina-bound goalie Josh Marcus kept the#4-rated Blue Wave scoreless — and Staples did not score again — through the final period.
Coach Will Koshansky has created a juggernaut. The seniors graduate with 3 state championshps in their 4 years — and an FCIAC title the one year they were denied the Connecticut crown.
Well done, Wreckers!
From left: Senior captains Tristan Schaefer, Josh Marcus and Adam Udell, with their hardware.
Celebrating the win …
… and posing for the championship picture. (Photos/JC Martin)
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The Westport Country Playhouse’s 95th season will feature 3 plays.
Each — an Oscar Wilde comedy, a 2024 Pulitzer Prize winner and a classic Agatha Christie mystery — will run for 3 weeks.
That’s just the first act. The Playhouse will also offer 3 shorter-run events: a play based on a best-selling memoir, a family holiday show, and a big band celebration of Broadway musicals.
Wilde’s famous “The Importance of Being Earnest” kicks off the mainstage season (October 28-November 15).
“Primary Trust” — an uplifting, gentle and powerful exploration of change, friendship and quiet courage — runs April 14 to May 2.
“The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” by Christie, closes out the 2025-26 year July 14 to August 1.
The add-on productions include Mitch Albom’s “Tuesdays with Morrie” (September 4-6), the Playhouse tradition “A Sherlock Carol” (December 13-21), and “Big Band Broadway” (January 29 to February 1).
Unless they’re the ones playing in a rock band named for the medical shorthand “Do Not Resusciate.”
The (nearly) all-doctor group entertained their many fans — some of them, perhaps, patients whose lives they’ve saved — last night, at the Westport Library.
The benefit for the Library’s programs went off without a hitch.
And finally … in honor of the Staples boys lacrosse team (story above):
(“06880” Roundups are often filled with good news like big wins, information like Playhouse shows, and odd stuff like cones in the road. If you appreciate any of this, please click here to support us!)
Dave Briggs and I teamed up yesterday, for our first-ever Instagram Live chat.
It’s an important one. We chatted with Martin Purcell, one of the ROAN Ventures developers about their Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
We invited questions from viewers, and asked some of our own. They included traffic, employee parking, height and density — and who exactly ROAN Ventures is.
Click here or below to view the Insta Live. NOTE: It took a couple of minutes at the beginning for Martin to join the call. Indulge us as Dave and I fill dead air.
Wednesday’s Parks & Recreation Commission meeting (June 18, 7:30 p.m., Zoom) will, as is customary, hear reports from the Golf, Racquets and Parks Advisory Committees.
But 2 special agenda items will honor longtime local volunteers.
Commissioners will hear a request to install a plaque at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve commemorating Sherry Jagerson. The environmental activist, who died last year at 80, played a key role in creating the small park on Hillspoint Road, following the demolition of Allen’s Clam House.
Sherry Jagerson, at Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (Photo/Monique Bosch)
They will also discuss a request to name the Compo Beach pickleball courts in honor of Tom Lowrie. The 96-year-old stepped down last month as the town’s “pickleball ambassador.” But he is still a strong advocate for the sport he helped popularize here in town.
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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From 5-6 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house.
Before this month’s event they posed for Pride, with shirts that say “Proud to Care for Every Color of the Rainbow!”
Standing (from left): Genna Harrison, Dr. Stephen Grevious, Dr. Neysa McDonald, Dr. Nikki Gorman, Ashley Dushin. Front: Caleigh Porter (holding Dogtor Bill), Magali Sánchez, Taína Mercado, Evelyn Anderson (yellow shirt).
A 29-year-old East Orange, New Jersey man was charged with conspiracy to commit larceny, fugitive from justice and failure to appear, following a 2019 investigation into the passage of fake $100 bills. He was unablel to post $130,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations, between June 4-11:
Texting while driving: 6 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
“06880” reported recently that Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon. He was 73. Here is his full obituary.
At Staples Wheeler captained the track and cross country teams, setting numerous school records.
At Duke University he won numerous Atlantic Coast Conference indoor and outdoor championships, and earned multiple All-American honors.
Wheeler set several Duke individual and relay team records, including the distance medley relay and 4 x mile relay.
In 1974 he became only the 67th athletes in the US to run a sub-4;00 mile.
Wheeler earned a master’s degree in public administration from San Diego State University in 1978, and began a 4-decade career in city and county administration.
He served as county administrator for Clackamas County, Oregon, and city manager for Tualatin and Hood River. He retired in 2018.
Wheeler was married to Nancy Newton, the current city manager of Springfield, Oregon. They shared a deep commitment to public service and civic leadership.
Wheeler was predeceased by his his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Nancy Newton; his mother, Mary L. Reyen; his brother Warren; his children Jeffrey Wheeler (Emily, and grandson Tucker); niece Gwendolyn and nephew Owen Wheeler, and their mother Haynie Wheeler; niece Lauren Wheeler, and her mother Jeannine Wheeler. He is also remembered with respect by his former wife, Pat Wheeler.
Donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Springfield Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 55, Springfield, OR 97477.
Steve Wheeler
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Village Pediatrics — mentioned in an item above — is popular with kids and parents.
And wildlife.
This guy popped up recently on the “Storywalk” — the children’s illustrations that line the walkway on the Saugatuck River, just outside the doctors’ office.
The photo comes from Dr. Nikki Gorman. She founded the practice — and finds time to take “Westport … Naturally” images like this.
And finally … James Lowe is nowhere near as famous as Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, 2 music legends who died this week.
But as the frontman for the Electric Prunes, Lowe — who died last month in California, at 82 — will be remembered by garage band fans for this hit:
(When was the last time you thought of the Electric Prunes? And when was the last time you supported “06880,” your hyper-local blog? To answer the second question, click here. Thanks!)
An attendee at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting, which heard comments from 3 Staples High School soccer players about the non-renewal of the contract of coach Russell Oost-Lievense, writes (and asks for anonymity, out of concern for retribution): “You’re right about how well the boys spoke, and how respectful they were.
“But do you know who was not respectful? Superintendent Scarice.
“This photo (below) is how he responded as the boys spoke … scrolling his iPad.
“It turns out Tom’s correct … there is a device problem at Staples High School. But it’s the adults who are addicted.”
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice (far left), as Staples High School incoming boys soccer captain Dylan Shackelford addressed the Board of Education.
The first 5 items on the agenda for next Wednesday’s Board of Selectwomen meeting (June 11, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) are fairly straightforward.
The final item may cause a bit more discussion. It’s a “request for recommendations for proposed traffic modifications submitted to the Board of Selectwomen acting in its capacity as the Local Traffic Authority,” submitted by the developers of The Hamlet at Saugatuck.
The next day (June 12, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) the Representative Town Meeting has 2 other big items.
One is a request from the Long Lots School Building Committee to approve $101,920,000 for construction of the new elementary school.
The other is to approve an application by the town — approved already by the Conservation Commission and Flood & Erosion Control Board — to construct that school, along with “parking lot, athletic fields, playgrounds, and associated site and utility work.”
“06880” is overseen by a dedicated board of directors.
Because we are strong supporters of Staples High School’s award-winning news magazine and website — and we want to encourage the next generation of journalists — one of the board’s 7 seats is reserved for an Inklings staff member.
Rising senior Will Enquist will fill that seat in the coming school year.
As a managing editor, he oversees one of the 2 staffs responsible for producing the school’s monthly newsmagazine. He also writes on subjects including sports, politics and international affairs.
Beyond journalism, Will has a strong passion for social studies. He was a member of Staples’ 2025 “We the People” team that placed 8th nationally. He interned for State Senator Ceci Maher’s 2024 reelection campaign, and earned recognition at the 2024 Connecticut History Day competition for a collaborative research project on the Yalta Conference.
Will is also involved with the Westport Youth Commission. In his free time he enjoys reading historical nonfiction, weightlifting and watching Mets baseball.
Welcome aboard, Will!
Will Enquist
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There is one less gelato store in Westport.
La Fenice — which opened a little less than 4 years ago — has closed its doors.
Fortunately, Cold Fusion is still serving just a short ways away, across Main Street.
The Westport Country Playhouse keeps adding to its already great summer schedule.
They just announced 3 new shows:
Script in Hand Jr.: “Charlotte’s Web” (June 29, 4 p.m.). This staged reading in the Barn — a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and the power of words — is tailored to kids and families. Middle and high school students will bring the barnyard to life through their voices and imagination. Tickets $20; click here to purchase, and for more information.
“Broadway Scores at the Playhouse: From Broadway to Hollywood, a Concert Celebration of the Great Musicals of Stage and Screen” (July 24, 25, 26 at 8 p.m.; July 26 at 3 p.m.).Songs — and stories behind the musicals that made the leap from the stage to movies. Among them: “Singin’ in the Rain,” “West Side Story, “The King and I,”” Chicago,” “The Color Purple,” Wicked and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.
“Ana Gasteyer” (August 8, 8 p.m.). The “Saturday Night Live” veteran brings her wit and vocals to the Playhouse stage. She’ll perform jazz standards, Broadway classics and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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The annual Special Olympics Torch Run passed through Westport yesterday.
Liz Kaner was at Whole Foods, when she saw the “beautiful and moving” relay. With a police escort, they’re on their way to New Haven.
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Music played. People danced. The event space and rooftop buzzed with excitement.
There was a lot of looking ahead — and a bit of looking back — as Staples High School’s soon-to-be graduates gathered for a special party.
The evening was created by seniors Gavin Gravelle, Jasmine Schiffman and Stella St. Andre. As part of their internship, they decided to plan something that did not feel like a typical school event.
Students enjoyed golf simulators, private karaoke rooms, and plenty of food and drinks. As they celebrated, they reflected on their time at Staples — and the future ahead.
“I’m so excited to try something new and go to a new place,” Abbie Pleiter said.
She is heading further than any classmate: to the University of Western Australia.
Heading to colleges far and near (from left): Abbie Pleiter (University of Western Australia), Sadie Vincini (University of Connecticut), Eliza Walmark (Penn State) and Brady Dennett (Fairfield U).
Others traveling less far also look forward to what college offers.
“I can’t wait for this new chapter at Syracuse,” Nathaniel Phillips said.
For some, the excitement comes with a little anxiety. Ava Coyle — off to McGill University — said, “I’m so hyped for the new experience. But I’m a little worried about living in a different country than my whole family. It’ll be a great start to a new chapter, though.”
Two Avas: Chun (Elon) and Coyle (McGill).
Others are excited about getting back to what they love.
The University of Vermont “is a huge ski school. I love to ski, so I’m excited to hit the slopes,” Ben Zwick said.
From A (Andre Albanese, University of Richmond) to Z (Ben Zwick, University of Vermont).
The Clubhouse night was not just about having fun. It was also a time to think about pursuing new (and current) interests.
“I’m going to college for songwriting,” said Vivian Shamie. “I can’t wait to collaborate with new people, and work on myself as an artist.”
Jasmine Schiffman, one of the organizers, reflected on the hard work she put into this event.
“It’s so rewarding to see something I put so much effort into turn out so great, by giving everyone this experience,” she said.
Jasmine Schiffman, one of the senior intern organizers.
Nathaniel Phillips shows his Syracuse pride.
Next up for Kaela Cohen and Nash Teran: Southern Methodist and UConn, respectively.
4 friends: Brooke Saporta (Cornell), Isla Goldberg (University of Colorado), Sophie Stackiewicz (Florida State) and Dylan Lebowitz (Syracuse).
Molly Dubson will attend McGill. Oliver Galin heads to Syracuse.
Kody Goldman is off to Penn State. Shreyas Gorre is Michigan-bound.
Sam Rossoni (University of Pennsylvania), Luca Caniato and Katie Hannon (both University of Colorado), with some of their classmates’ schools. (All photos/Katherine Phelps)
Now the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee wants to hear yours.
A 30-question survey is live. It covers respondents’ use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.
Several questions have the opportunity to expand on answers.
The aim of the survey is to vet the recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by DPIC to the Board of Selectwomen next month.
Some of the parking survey questions cover a parking meter app.
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It’s not easy to pass a bill in Hartford.
But for months, Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein plugged away.
The Staples High School juniors — founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter — pushed for a law to authorize the purchase of emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.
Yesterday, their efforts were rewarded. The state House of Representatives voted unanimously — 145 to 0 — to pass the legislation.
Passed earlier by the Senate, it now goes to Governor Lamont for his signature.
Congratulations to Zander, Elijah, the entire Staples MOSS club, and our own Senator Ceci Maher, its sponsor.
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits — another Make Our Schools Safe project.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its dizzying round of meetings, on a series of controversial projects, next Monday (June 9, remote).
This time, it’s the Long Lots Elementary School project. Commissioners will consider a new 8-24 request from the town, and a new special permit/site plan.
Last night’s bash honored the 2025 women: Mary Dobson, Arvia Few, Sharon Finkel, Bridget Flynn, Ashley Freeman, Kira Greenfield, Joanna Manfro, Liz McKay, Rachel Mila, Tara Welch, Ambar Zaatar and Becca Zipkin.
Congratulations to all. Women of Westport rock!
A few men joined the Women of Westport, at the Westport Lifestyle party. “06880” founder Dan Woog and Monique Hodges enjoyed one of the Vespas on display. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
Rich Dean and Nas Dean are known for their great work, training people of all ages at Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness on Post Road East across from the Saugatuck Church.
Now they’re known as philanthropists, too. The pair just donated $6,000 to Westport PAL’s scholarship fund.
Thank you both!
Nasir and Rich Dean.
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What does 50 Cent have to do with Westport?
About $1 million.
According to The Source — a hip hop site — the rapper/actor/producer/ entrepreneur recently won a legal victory. He can now seize the Main Street home belong to Mitchell Green, a former executive with 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits Champagne and cognac company.
Green reportedly owes the firm more than $7 million, following an alleged kickback scheme. Read more details here.(Hat tip: John McCarthy)
50 Cent may soon own a Westport home.
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Speaking of entertainment: Steely Dan comes to Weston on Sunday.
Well, at least Logical Pretzel — a cover band — does.
They’ll kick off the 10th season of the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” series (June 8, 5:30 p.m.).
The 2nd annual Pickleball To Slam Alzheimer’s event is set for June 20 (6 to 8 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, Norwalk).
All proceeds from $100 tickets go toward the October 26 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Sherwood Island State Park.
The pickleball event is hosted by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz, Dina Upton and Lori Snow. Mary Sue’s mother died from the disease in 2012. Dina’s partner, Gary Cosgrave, passed away from it this year.
Seen on Facebook yesterday, in the Marketplace section under the “Casket & Casket Trailer” tab:
The description says: “Selling a couple caskets that were used in haunted houses. Casket trailer has some dents and rot and the inside is stripped – $300 Blue casket is in great condition overall on the outside but has some scratches and the inside is stripped – $600 Pick up in Westport, CT.”
There’s always a back story. If you know this one, click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
We’ve showcased lots of interesting animals in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But we’re hard pressed to find any as intriguing as barred owls.
This one posed willingly for Lee Bollert. In fact, she says, it stared right at her — through a window — for 10 minutes.
(Photo/Lee Bollert)
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And finally … in honor of the items currently for sale on Facebook, from right here in Westport (story above):
(From downtown parking to caskets, and barred owls to 50 Cent: If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Marina Drasnin was a Holiday on Ice figure skater.
She married, got divorced and remarried. Eight years ago, her second husband passed away.
Marina Drasnin
All along, she enjoyed a career as a photographer and artist. She worked for Larry David, arranging flowers and creating other art projects for his events. She developed books of photos, for private clients.
Marina had a beautiful home, with a garden she loved, in Pacific Palisades, California.
Life was great — until this past January, when wildfires raged. Then came torrential rains, and mudslides.
Marina’s home suffered extensive smoke damage. Most of her neighbors’ were destroyed.
After living with her friend Randy Gardner — the figure skating star — in Manhattan Beach for 2 weeks, and 2 more weeks with other friends in Ventura, she decided to take up friends’ suggestions to move east.
A Southern California native, she’d gotten to know — and love — this part of the country as a Tufts University student.
Her son went to Sarah Lawrence College, and now lives in Brooklyn. Marina’s best friend lived in Westport, and is now in Weston.
Moving was a daunting decision. She navigated a tight real estate market, from 3,000 miles away.
Suddenly, something came on the market: a 900-square foot cottage on Richmondville Avenue.
The wooden floors were new. It was clean and fresh. In back was a beautiful garden.
Marina’s Richmondville garden.
She put in an application, sight unseen. Then she googled the name of the realtor: Mar Jennings.
Amazingly, Marina learned, he’d been a figure skater.
They chatted, and found several friends in common. Mar has been “an angel,” Marina says.
And that was just the start of her love affair with her new home town.
Marina (and her 2 cats) arrived on May 1. Since then, life has been wonderful.
Marina has enjoyed photographing scenes like this.
Outgoing by nature, Marina met many new people. They’ve quickly become friends.
The staff at the Parks & Recreation office were extremely helpful. A girl working at the Longshore tennis courts introduced her to a woman, who invited her into a doubles game. The other women were equally warm.
The woman’s Greens Farms home was surrounded by lilacs and dogwoods. “I’m in heaven here, with them all around,” Marina says.
Marina is enchanted by scenes like this.
The garden in her new home — and shops like Terrain — enthrall Marina. She looks forward to checking out Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Shop, which she’s heard so much about.
“I almost got in a car accident today, looking at all the peonies and rhododendrons.” (She’s already driving like a Westporter, it seems.)
She went to the Memorial Day parade. She’s been invited to a clambake.
Memorial Day photo collage, by Marina Drasnin.
And Jenny Bentley — half of the 2Jens organizing business — is helping Marina unpack and get settled. (They met through a mutual friend, who works for Westporter Shonda Rhimes.)
“I love all these old houses and country roads,” she says.
“People in L.A. seee my Instagram and say, ‘You’re in love with Westport.’ I am. I feel safe here. I can go places by myself. I’m so happy.
“I’m happy with my neighbors. I’m happy to see people walk by. I just saw an old-fashioned ice cream truck!'”
After we chatted, Marina was off to the Westport Book Shop. She loves it too — and hopes one day to have a show there.
Compo Beach lifeguard chair (Marina Drasnin)
Soon, Mar Jennings — the realtor who helped her find the cottage she loves — will be taking her to dinner.
They’ll have a lot to talk about, from their ice skating past to the home town they now share.
Mar Jennings and Marina Drasnin.
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