Category Archives: Local business

Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …

Posted on June 25, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …

Our first “06880” Instagram Live — a discussion hosted by Dave Briggs and Dan Woog, with a Hamlet developer — drew plenty of interactive questions from viewers. We posted the link later, and thousands clicked on.

Now Dave and Dan are teaming up for a second Instagram Live. We’ll be at Old Mill Grocery & Deli tomorrow (Thursday), talking with representatives from the owner (Soundview Empowerment Alliance) and operator (Romanacci).

Our Instagram Live begins at 3 p.m. Our Instagram is 0688danwoog. See you there!

(Photo/Dave Dellinger)

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Compo and Burying Hill Beaches were closed this morning, due to unaccesptable water quality.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Before the school year fades too far in the rearview mirror, here’s a great story from Saugatuck Elementary.

Students on Bus 2 wanted to show their appreciation for their driver. So they set up a lemonade stand, and raised money for a gift.

They presented it — and told a few heartfelt stories.

Ken starts and ends very day with a smile, they said. He sings “Happy Birthday” to riders. And he knows every youngster by name.

This was Ken’s first year as a First Student bus driver in Westport. We hope he’s here for many, many more!

Ken, with Saugatuck Elementary School students.

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It was not only hot yesterday — it was symmetrically steaming.

Here are 2 views of the heat, 1 minute — and 1 degree — apart.

(Courtesy of Jonathan Alloy)

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Tomorrow marks the opening of MoCA CT’s 2 photography exhibitions.

Tod Papageorge’s “At the Beach” will run alongside “In the Pool,” composed of work by Papageorge’s his graduate students, from June 26 to October 12.

Papageorge is a Connecticut-based artist and teacher. His contributions to American street photography in the 1960s helped shape the genre. His work is held in more than 30 public collections, including the New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.

“At the Beach,” making its East Coast debut, features large black-and-white photoss that Papageorge took on Los Angeles beaches in the 1970s and ’80s.

An opening reception is set for tomorrow (Thursday), from 6-8 p.m.

(Photo/Tod Papageorge)

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Retreat Sweets — the Japanese mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, Asian street food and tea drink spot next to Layla’s Falafel on Post Road East — celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday (June 29, 1-4 p.m.).

They’ll host Korean games like ddakji (folding and flipping paper tiles), and American ones like cornhole. There are plenty of prizes. Plus: free ice cream for everyone!

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The name says it all.

“Stand Up & Learn” — a program that teaches youngsters ages 8 through 16 how to write (and perform) comedic stories and bits — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.

The program runs July 15 to 18 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), finishing with a performance the last day. It emphasizes creative writing, communication, critical thinking, and team- and confidence-building.

“Stand Up & Learn” is created and directed by Kevin Flynn. A former pro soccer player, he transitioned into standup comedy, acting, writing, producing and podcasting.

Click here for details, and more information.  Questions? Email mmeath@westportplayhouse.org.

Kevin Flynn

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Henry Dodge’s 71.3% faceoff win percentage was the best in the nation for a college lacrosse player this year — by a wide margin.

Yet the 2022 Staples High School graduate (and All-American, Connecticut Player of the Year, and state champion), will not be back for his senior year at the University of Vermont.

He’s transferring to the University of Maryland, a longtime national powerhouse.

He brings America East Specialist of the Year, and All-Conference, honors to College Park.

As a Catamount this past year, Dodge averaged just under 12.5 faceoff wins per game. His 8.5 ground balls per game was 4th -best in NCAA Division I. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hart)

Henry Dodge

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Though this week’s weather has been too hot for many Westporters to do much of anything, it inspired former town poet laureate Diane Lowman to create this haiku:

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Bianca Bazante, owner and creative Director of The Artist Loft, celebrates 4 years at her 23 Post Road West location by offering deals for clients – new and old – all summer.

From now through July, she offers Brazilian Blowdry for $199, and Trissola keratin treatment that lasts up to 6 months for $340. Click here for details.

Bianca Bizante

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It’s milkweed season.

The plant — a favorite of monarch butterflies — is flowering at Winslow Park. Charmian Valante took today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo in a meadow there.

(Photo/Char Valante)

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And finally … this is National Camping Week. Enjoy!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and, with podcasts and Instagram Live, a multi-platform service, for all things Westport. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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StartUp Westport Helps Start Mental Health Platform

Posted on June 24, 2025 | 4 comments

StartUp Westport started just 2 years ago.

But the public/private partnership for tech, innovation and entrepreneurship has already helped bring several half-formed ideas to fruition.

The latest is Halespring.

Michael Hermus

It’s the brainchild of Michael Hermus. The MIT-trained, 2-time software company founder and former chief technology officer of the US Department of Homeland Security knows his way around systems.

But when a family member struggled with mental health challenges, the family spent years navigating the mental healthcare landscape. They were drowning in a world of disconnected providers, endless forms and communication breakdowns.

“Therapists, psychiatrists, school staff and pediatricians all try to help. But they’re not talking to each other enough,” Hermus says. “And families are often left out of the conversation entirely.”

So he built a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that allows outpatient mental health providers to communicate about their patients. The result is a more collaborative and streamlined approach.

Halespring just launched a consumer platform. It provides patients and caregivers with powerful tools to connect with providers, manage care, and advocate for loved ones.

The mother of a son who receives complex autism support says Halespring offers “visibility into his OT, ABA, psychiatry, talk therapy, school interventions, and pediatrician visits. It saves us time, so my husband and I can focus on his progress.”

Hermus joined StartUp Westport in 2023. He met vice president Peter Propp. He invested in Halespring, and now works on marketing and strategy as an advisory board member.

“Passionate founders are so important for successful startups,” says Propp.  “Passionate founders like Mike who can code an entire platform and improve it when needed are quite rare.”

The platform includes secure messaging, a document hub for sharing forms and assessments, and a clear overview of care teams. Westporter Dr. Frank S. K. Appah Jr., Halespring’s lead clinical advisor, calls it “the missing connective tissue.”

The platform is available at Halespring.com, with both free and premium options.

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Roundup: Fairfield 8-30g, Susan Fund, Love Boat …

Posted on June 23, 2025 | 22 comments

As Westport debates the future of Saugatuck — including either the Hamlet residential/retail/event space/marina complex, or a 500-plus 8-30g housing complex, with 30% affordable units — Fairfield has just okayed a 478-unit development.

The Planning & Zoning Commission vote was 5-2. Commissioners said that under the state’s 8-30 affordable housing regulation, they had little choice to say yes. The development would replace the Circle Hotel on the Post Road, near Black Rock.

Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.

Proposed 478-unit 8-30g housing, at 441 Post Road in Fairfield.

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For 44 years, the Susan Fund has helped Fairfield County students who have been diagnosed with cancer go to college.

The low-key — but highly impactful — non-profit honors Susan Lloyd. The popular, multi-talented Staples High School graduate succumbed to bone cancer while at Colgate University, over 4 decades ago.

At its annual reception yesterday, the Susan Fund awarded 19 college scholarships to Fairfield County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Among the recipients was Westporter Charlie Watson, a rising sophomore at Montclair University.

He was joined by the keynote speaker: 7-time Susan Fund recipient Ryan Caulfield. The Staples High School Class of 2017 graduate drove 7 hours — where he is finishing a doctorate in nurse anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh — for the event. (Click here for last year’s “06880” story on Ryan’s triumph over cancer.)

Ryan Caulfield

In high school, nursing — let alone anesthesiology — was not on Ryan’s radar.

He spent his 17th birthday in the operating room at Yale New Haven. A tumor completely occluded his left lung.

Several more procedures monitored the tumor. Then, in May of his junior year, his chest was cracked open. A 10-hour surgery successfully removed the tumor, and reconstructed his airway.

After a prolonged recovery, he found the Susan Fund while searching for scholarships. He said, “I realized they cared about my story and academic aspirations. Each year I looked forward to our meeting to share what was new in my life, and my plans after graduation.

“Listening to the stories of the speakers, and honoring and remembering Susan, constantly reinforce my resolve to become the best provider I can be. I never knew Susan, but her compassion and bravery is exemplified by this foundation and the opportunities that have been provided to each recipient to pursue their dreams.”

During its 44 years, the Susan Fund has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 900 individuals. This year’s total was a record amount.

To learn more about the Susan Fund — including how to apply for a scholarship, and donate — click here.

Susan Fund 2025 awardees.

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Every year, the Levitt Pavilion introduces new acts.

But they never forget old favorites.

One of the most popular shows every year is Frank Mastrone & Friends. The singer/actor (“Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables” and more) always delivers a Broadway-quality show.

A large crowd braved last night’s heat to enjoy this year’s edition. Bravo!

The Levitt crowd, for Frank Mastrone. (Photo/Carleigh Welsh)

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With all that’s going on in the world, this was a welcome sight off Compo Beach yesterday:

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Also at the beach yesterday:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

And not only is the car very cool. But that’s one of the most unique license plates we’ve ever seen too.

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Summer just started. But the Westport Country Playhouse’s interns are already hard at work.

The quartet gain real-world experience in marketing, developing, production and education. They work closely with senior staff, and join in seminars with guest artists and industry leaders.

If you see them at a show: Say hi, and welcome!

From left: Amy Shapiro, Alli Buchanan, Ena Nomoto, Kelsey McFarland.

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First Folk Sunday — the popular Sunday afternoon series — begins its third season at the Saugatuck Rowing Club on July 6, with a popular draw: a tribute to Linda Ronstadt.

For decades, Suzanne Sheridan and her sister Christine Erskine have been singing the star’s songs for themselves. Now they’ll entertain an appreciative audience with them.

First Folk Sunday producer Rozanne Gates says, “You will hear 2 voices who come as close to Linda as you will get.”

They’ll be accompanied by First Folk Sunday favorites Bob Cooper (keyboards) and Tim DeHuff (guitar).

Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu and cocktails at each of the season’s 6 shows. Doors open at noon, for the 12:30 start.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

Suzanne Sheridan

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Everything But Water has moved into the old Birddogs space, at “Elm & Main” (formerly Brooks Corner).

The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.

They operate 34 stores. Westport is their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Jillian Elder — one of our Westport-merch stars — is back.

She says, “Celebrate summer in style with our newest release: ‘Red, White & Westport.’ From cozy hoodies to everyday tees, tanks, mugs and more, this patriotic collection is perfect for showing off your hometown pride.

It’s available now at this link. There’s free shipping across the (red, white and blue) US.

Totes and mugs say “Westport, Connecticut.”

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Most Old Mill Beach scenes show sand and water.

Yesterday morning, colorful flowers and grasses were front and center.

Today, it’s our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … in a salute to that very intriguing sailboat spotted yesterday on the Sound (story above):

(It’s going to be a hot one today. But the coolest thing you can do is support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Real estate, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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“Don’t Kill Old Mill”

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 61 comments

Summer is here.

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.

Sign on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

 

61 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Local politics

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Roundup: Lou Weinberg, LGBTQ Pride, Library Verso U …

Posted on June 20, 2025 | 5 comments

Congratulations to Lou Weinberg!

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.”

Lou Weinberg

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Westport’s LGBTQ+ community — and allies — celebrate Pride on Sunday.

The festival of “love, diversity, community, joy, creativity and connection” runs from noon to 3 p.m., at Jesup Green.

Highlights include music, vendors, food trucks, a chalk drawing competition — and a chance to show your true colors and inclusive spirit.

Happy Pride!

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Tomorrow — the day after the summer solstice — the Westport Astronomical Society celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The June 21 event (12:30 to 7:30 p.m., 182 Bayberry Lane) features:

  • Astrophotography art show, with amazing images by WAS members
  • Silent auction, with “out of this world” (ho ho) items
  • Games and challenges like Space Jeopardy and Black Hole (the WAS twist on cornhole), with prizes
  • Daytime observation of the sun, moon and Venus through solar telescopes
  • Limited edition 50th anniversary WAS swang
  • Ribbon-cutting for the new observatories
  • Live ham radio demonstrations with K1WAS, the on-site amateur radio station
  • Door prizes
  • Food, friends and community connections.

But wait! There’s more.

Speakers include:

  • Clare Burhenne (Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers): Star formation in the local universe
  • Phil Harrington (WAS founder): 50 Years of WAS
  • Shannon Calvert (WAS p)resident: Unveiling a bold new theory of gravity — a world premiere.

The public is (of course) invited.

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An interesting new store opens soon in Westport.

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.

Click here to learn more. (Hat tip: Patti Brill)

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Verso University — the Westport Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative — is gearing up for summer.

Offerings cover a wide variety of topics, from art to AI, and honeybees to happy hour cooking. Click here, then scroll down to the “Calendar” for specific program details, including registration.

  • “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.

She was seen most recently on the Playhouse stage in “Native Gardens.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

Linedy Genao

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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?

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Two graceful birds grace today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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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!)

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Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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Marilyn Zavidow: From Behind The Counter, To Behind The Floodlights

Posted on June 20, 2025 | 5 comments

For decades, Herb Zavidow owned State Cleaners.

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.

(“06880” covers local businesses, entertainment — and their intersection. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Lacrosse State Champs, Playhouse ’25-26 Season, Kempson Trunk Show …

Posted on June 15, 2025 | 3 comments

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).

Season ticket packages are now on sale at the box office. Online sales begin June 18. Single tickets are available July 15. To purchase, and for more information on the upcoming season, click here.  

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No one wants to hear “DNR.”

Especially when there are doctors around.

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.

Everyone danced.

And no one had to be resusciated.

DNR, in action.

(Photos/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Robert Stock brings his new menswear collection to Stephen Kempson London.

Stock — co-founder of Robert Graham, and the creative force behind his new menswear line, STOCK, will be on hand for the special trunk show.

This Friday’s event (June 20, 4 to 6 p.m., 5 Post Road West) includes Piloti driving shoes, plus cocktails by Tuck Gin.

The trunk show continues Saturday (June 21, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

A Robert Stock shirt.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos often highlight vegetation. Sometimes they show deer.

Today’s image, from Long Lots Road, shows both. Well, at least it shows what deer can do when they’re hungry.

Which they almost always are.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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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!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Hamlet Instagram Live, Dog Licenses, Mill Pond Preserve …

Posted on June 14, 2025 | 1 comment

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.

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June is dog licensing month. All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed.

Click here to apply online (use a desktop or laptop). Paper applications accompanied by a check payment will still be accepted. Click here for all information, or call (203) 341-1110,

Looks like they’re licensed! (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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Riverside Avenue drivers have already endured delays, due to a construction project near Rive Bistro.

But the entire road was closed for about an hour yesteray morning between Sylvan Road and Treadwell Avenue, after a report of a gas leak.

Even more traffic chaos ensued.

Riverside Avenue, yesterday morning. (Photo/Allan Siegert)

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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).

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Jolantha regrets not being able to join today’s “No Kings” rally on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge (Saturday, 11 a.m.).

However — as shown here — Weston’s favorite pig is there in spirit.

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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
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obey state traffic control signals: 2
  • Driving under the influence: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Unsafe passing: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Improper use of high beams: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration within 10 days: 1

Don’t use your high beams illegally!

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“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.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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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!)

1 Comment

Posted in Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Politics, Sports

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Unsung Hero #386

Posted on June 11, 2025 | 6 comments

Rachel Markus writes:

I was at Fresh Market on a recent Friday evening, I tried unsuccessfully to pay with Apple wallet from my phone. It was not going through.

I had no wallet or credit cards on me, and store would not take the credit card number that was on my phone.

Feeling unsettled, as 10 minutes earlier I had received news a friend passed away, I just wanted to get home with the groceries to my family.

The woman behind me offered to pay. She said I could Venmo it to her.

Alas, my phone had been upgraded the day before. Venmo not yet active.

She said, “That’s OK, you can pay me later.”

Then generously — without asking for my name or contact info —  she paid $60, and said I could Venmo when I got home and set up.

I am grateful for such kindness and trust among strangers, in a difficult moment.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

6 Comments

Posted in Local business, Unsung Heroes

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Education, Politics, Gelato …

Posted on June 7, 2025 | 11 comments

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.

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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.”

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“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.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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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.

(Photo/Liz Kaner)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows 2 “birds” flying low over Long Island Sound yesterday.

Click “Comments” if you can identify both by name.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … happy 85th birthday to Tom Jones!

(What’s new? Well, maybe not new, but another day, another reminder that “06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to support our work.Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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