The Architectural Review Board took another look at Spinnaker’s plan for 175 apartments — and one retail space — last night.
In a low-key, collaborative Town Hall session, members discussed the developer’s pre-application for 606 Riverside Avenue. The property is bordered by Charles Street and Railroad Place. It currently includes Minute Man Cleaners, a parking lot, locksmith and a white residential building.
The ARB is not the Planning & Zoning Commission, chair Ward French noted. His board’s job is to consider aesthetics, not regulations.
Representatives from Spinnaker and Beinfield Architecture explained changes from their previous ARB meeting. The top (6th) floor now consists of lofts for apartments on the floor beneath it, rather than more residences. The building’s 2 garage levels have been lowered by 2 feet each. Setbacks are deeper. And the Riverside Avenue façade has been softened, in response to concerns about its look.
Sketch of the view from Riverside Avenue. Steam Coffee Bar is at left. The existing white residential building (behind Steam) would be retained, Spinnaker says, and possibly moved back from its current site on Riverside Avenue.
Discussion centered on how the buildings would appear from not only street level, but when coming off the train and I-95 exit 17, and driving past on the highway itself.
Questions were raised about its similarity to the Corbin District — 7 acres of 116 apartments, plus retail, restaurants, fitness studios and offices off I-95 Exit 11 in Darien.
Beinfield managing partner Seelan Pather referenced 95, noting that architects cannot design buildings that accommodate every view.
Pre-app discussion also included the Charles Street building, next to the current 4-story office building and across from Zucca Gastrobar. Its “factory aesthetic” design — a nod to Saugatuck’s heritage — would include 3 different brick styles, to break up its bulk.
View from the corner of Riverside Avenue (left) and Charles Street (right). The current 21 Charles Street office building is at far right. The higher new apartments would be set back from the street.
Suggestions were made to change part of the façade to clapboard siding from brick, to fit better with nearby structures.
French said, “I think we’re headed in the right direction, given the alternatives. I’m fearful of what Darien might look like here. This has more resonance.”
Before Saugatuck, the ARB looked at plans for 1460 Post Road East. Sprouts — the Phoenix-based “farmers’ market” chain — will move into the space now occupied by BevMax (and previously, Pier 1, Barnes & Noble, and Westport Lanes bowling alley).
The liquor store will move to the lower level. Julian’s will be relocated to the far eastern end of the shopping plaza.
Board members asked for changes to the side of the building facing the Post Road, citing its length and height.
Proposed entrance to Sprouts, facing the large parking lot to the west of 1460 Post Road East. Concerns were raised about the bulk of the façade to the left of this rendering, fronting Post Road East.
And few Westporters know kids and sports better than Jon Deren and Michael Maurillo.
Deren and his wife Sara are raising 3 children here. He’s coached PAL football, Little League baseball and youth basketball. As owner of Camp Manitou, the developer of other camps and programs (including for underserved youths), he’s impacted tens of thousands of children and families. He and Sara also co-founded Experience Camps, a national non-profit that provides programs to boys and girls who have lost a parent or caregiver.
Maurillo and his wife Jen raised 2 boys here. He’s coached youth lacrosse, basketball and flag football, and served on the PAL Lacrosse board. As co-owner and director of Academy Camps, he offers quality instruction and leadership skills to hundreds of young athletes — many of them from Westport — each year.
Both men know how much our town provides its youngsters.
And how much it lacks.
Jon Deren (left) and Michael Maurillo
With space tight, parents haul their kids to Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford — and beyond — for chances to train, or just play sports indoors with friends.
For several years, Deren and Maurillo have tried to create an indoor facility — a “modern Boys & Girls Club” that is a third space, beyond home and school, where kids can be active and have fun.
Finally, they’ve found their spot.
1431 Post Road East is a non-conforming 1.74-acre parcel, with a restaurant (Bar Lupa), greenhouses and consignment shop. Cars back right onto the road; there are ,multiple entrances and exits.
1431 Post Road East today …
Deren and Maurillo hope to convert the lot into a 2-story space with an all-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football (big enough for training, but not full games), and a fitness area with strength and conditioning coaches.
The facility would not be for high-level athletes only, the planners note. Any boy or girl who wants to play, train and improve would be welcome.
The aim is for “camp-like activities,” camp owners Deren and Maurillo say. It is not a place for tournaments with teams, and there are no outdoor activities.
There would be locker rooms, and a lounge where youngsters could socialize, do homework and meet with tutors.
… and aerial views showing the present site (left), and planned facility (right, with building and drop-off outlined in beige).
Though the primary users would be ages 10 to 18, Deren and Maurillo would welcome adults when school is is session. There could be toddler programs too.
Tonight (Monday, July 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a pre-application for the facility. They’ll provide feedback to the applicants on the plan, including parking, a dedicated lane for drop-off and pickup, and landscaping to buffer residential neighbors. (Click here, then scroll down to 1431 Post Road East, for materials provided with the pre-application.)
That’s not the only pre-application the P&Z will hear tonight.
There’s also a preliminary plan for redevelopment of 34 Imperial Avenue, into 2 residential buildings with 9 units. It’s just north of the Westport Woman’s Club, on the west side of the street.
It was constructed around 1890, as a private home. Since 1970, it’s been an office building, with 6 units. The conversion came when town officials created a transition zone, between downtown retail and residences, with offices for doctors, lawyers and small businesses.
34 Imperial Avenue today …
Its location — close to the Library, Levitt Pavilion and downtown — would appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, and others seeking in-town housing. (Click here, then scroll down to 34 Imperial Avenue, for materials provided with the pr-application.)
… and an artist’s rendering of the 9-unit proposal.
It’s been a quiet few months for the new Saugatuck development.
But next Tuesday (July 28, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309), the Architectural Review Board will hear a pre-application, and discuss plans, for 606 Riverside Avenue.
That’s the Minute Man Cleaners/locksmith/parking lot plot, bordered by Charles Street. Spinnaker plans to build 175 apartments there. Eighteen — about 10 percent — would be considered affordable.
The pre-app — with information from Beinfield Architects — note the intention to create a new Transit Oriented Development sub-area. It would “allow the proposed development to proceed, to encourage primarily residential development on larger lots proximate to the Saugatuck Train Station, to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal, and to enhance pedestrian access.”
The TOD area would encourage developments “inspired by New England architecture vernacular (and) encourage the preservation of architectural features of historic buildings.” Click here to see all materials in the pre-application.
Spinnaker did not reply to several requests for comment.
606 Riverside Avenue (yellow outline). It is bordered by Railroad Place (left and bottom), Charles Street (top) and Riverside Avenue (right).
Exterior view, in the pre-application. Taller buildings are behind the one facing Riverside Avenue.
Second exterior view, with taller buildings behind.
Once again, the Planning & Zoning Commission discussed lights for 2 athletic fields last night.
Once again, they sought more information before voting.
Neighbors near Wakeman Field reiterated concerns about noise, light “spillage” from the poles and landscaping.
A proposal by the Parks & Recreation Department for lights at another site — PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School, which has had temporary lights for several years — has drawn far fewer comments.
Parks & Rec officials, led by director Erik Barbieri and superintendent Carm Roda, were asked for further review of the design from Musco Lighting; more details on landscaping, sound mitigation, and oversight by their department of both field usage and noise.
The P&Z will continue its discussion on August 17.
Lights are proposed for the turf field (center left, next to softball diamond) at Wakeman. (Drone photo/David Pogue)
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This year’s “06880” blog party is just 2 days away.
The date is Thursday, July 23 (6 p.m). The site is Compo Beach — the alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).
Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles!), beach chairs and blankets.
Our blog party is a true community gathering – a chance to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!
We extend a special welcome to all our new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash. See you Thursday!
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)
The Westport Country Playhouse production of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is based on one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries.
So it’s no surprise that the Playhouse has placed copies of it in various “Little Free Libraries” in Westport and surrounding towns.
If you know a free library, look for the book. Then peek inside. You may find a voucher for 2 complimentary tickets to the stage adaptation of the classic whodunit.
“Architectural Elegy: A Mourning Ritual for Lost Spaces” is set for Thursday (July 23, 6 p.m.).
The immersive performance art piece — part of Ellen Harvey’s exhibition “The Disappointed Tourist,” in MoCA’s current exhibition exploring lost places — explores the question: “If you could visit one place that no longer exists, where would you go?”
The “meditative gathering” invites participants to remember the places that shaped them through drawing, writing, conversation, and a simple collective ritual.
Led by artist Dannielle Tegeder, guests will create “temporary memorials that acknowledge both personal memory and shared history.” Some attendees may share their story; others may participate quietly. The evening is designed for everyone to reflect and connect.
All materials are provided. Participants are invited to wear black or mourning attire (not required).
Speaking (as we were earlier) of the Playhouse: “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — the autobiographical play written and performed by former professional golfer and Weston resident Chris Fuller — returns to the Lucille Lortel White Barn theater there August 7-8.
Now a 2-person production directed by Mark Graham, it follows one man’s pursuit of a PGA Tour career, while navigating bipolar disorder. Fuller is joined by Broadway actor Beau Allen, portraying the golfer’s “inner voice.”
“Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” explores mental illness, resilience, family, and unexpected paths that lead to hope and healing.
A wine and cheese reception precedes the shows, at 6 p.m. A talkback after the August 7 performance features Dr. Tobias Wasser, chair of psychiatry and beheavioral health for Hartford HealthCare’s Fairfield Region. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Svetlana and the Delancey Five — the New York -based jazz and swing band led by vocalist and bandleader Svetlana Shmulyian, who sold out shows at the Blue Note and Joe’s Pub –headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (July 23, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:45; VFW Post 399).
Melissa Osborne offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo of 4 monarch larvae (caterpillars) eating a milkweed leaf.
(Photo/Melissa Osborne)
“You can see the silhouette of the 4th in the lower left – it’s on the underside of the leaf,” she writes. “They are probably 3 days old.”
Melissa adds: “This isn’t completely ‘natural,’ because I’m raising them in captivity. Last year I noticed that the few tiny larvae I found on my plants never made it to the pupa (chrysalis) or adult stages; they were likely eaten by other bugs in the first days of life. I brought these indoors to hopefully give them a better start.”
Judge Edward Karazin — a native Westporter, highly respected jurist, civic volunteer, Vietnam veteran, former Board of Finance member, and grand marshal of the 2025 Memorial Day parade — died yesterday.
He was the first member of his family to go to college. Eight years after graduating from Staples High School — and shortly after marrying in 1965 — Karazin joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a military assistance command advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans. For 2 decades he did trial work as an attorney, helping clients in civil cases and family law matters.
He became a Superior Court judge in 1990, serving for the next 20 years. In 2010 he became a trial referee.
An employee of Stamford Superior Court calls Judge Karazin “a kind and considerate fellow, who always respected the staff. He always made sure we stopped right at the start of our lunch hour, never going over, unless we said it was okay.”
Judge Edward Karazin
He was an avid supporter of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport. He spoke regularly at schools about his military experience, led the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and was an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades. He was a member of Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans in Bridgeport.
Judge Karazin was a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He chaired a fundraiser for Captain Eugene Pasacreta, creating the Riverside Avenue park that bears his name.
He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.
Memorial Day parade grand marshal Ed Karazin and his wife Rene, in 2025. (Photo/Tom Feeley)
Visitation will take place on Friday, August 21 (4 to 7 p.m., Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian burial is set for Saturday, August 22 (10 a.m., Church of the Assumption), with burial to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
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In 2021, Judge Karazin was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. In her nominating letter, his daughter Deborah Owens wrote:
My father and mother were married on May 8, 1965. The newlyweds expected to spend my father’s 2 years in the Army in Georgia at Fort Gordon, where my father would serve as a civil affairs officer.
The war in Vietnam changed all that. In November of 1965 he was sent to Vietnam for a 1-year tour of duty as a civil affairs officer working the Pacification Program in Quang Tin Province as a MACV advisor.
He served with distinction, and upon discharge he was presented with the Bronze Star. The Vietnamese government also awarded him the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Edward Karazin in Vietnam.
After his return to he civilian world, my father immersed himself in his 2 other passions: the law and his family. He started his career in Westport, serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the State of Connecticut.
Over the next 2 decades he did trial work as an attorney, helping clients in civil cases and family law matters.
In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue undertook major renovations. Improvements included new docks for boats on the river and a new brick addition. My father did much of the legal work pro bono. It included land use work with the town, review of contracts, and preparation and review of many other documents.
The VFW was so appreciative that he was given a lifetime VFW membership! As an aside, I had my “Sweet 16 Party” in the renovated party room.
Ed Karazin in uniform, on Veterans Day.
In 1990 my father was nominated to a state Superior Court judgeship by Governor O’Neill. He accepted with honor, and served in that role until becoming a judge trial referee in 2010.
He has not only served justice traditionally, but has given his time to others in many additional ways. He has spoken on panels about law and justice, served on the Ethics Commission, led the Veterans Day ceremony at the courthouse and even come to my children’s schools to talk about law, military service and honor. He helped my son’s Cub Scout pack achieve a badge by telling them about the branches of the government and the importance of democracy.
As chief administrative judge, my father undertook the daunting task of opening the new courthouse in Stamford. Under his leadership, everything and everyone moved successfully from the old facility to the new one.
My father never tires of working, sharing stories, and engaging with others. Even now at 80, he continues to work as a judge trial referee in Stamford. Last year he was honored by the Fairfield County Bar Association with the Robert J. Callahan Judiciary Award. It recognizes dedication to the highest professional ideals, and long-term conscientious service to the community as a judge.
Ed Karazin
My father was born the son of a home maintenance man who eventually ran his own small business on the Post Road, and a homemaker. He went all through the Westport school system, including Greens Farms Elementary School, Bedford Junior High and Staples.
He was the first in his family to go to college. After earning a BA from Boston College in 1961, he headed straight to law school. He graduated from Fordham University in 1964. He was also commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Army in 1961, which began his military career.
My brothers Edward and Michael and l went through the Westport public school system. We were fortunate to have our dad working locally so he could coach our Little League teams, play lawn darts, take us to BC football games, and host backyard barbeques for his Vietnam veteran buddies.
My father was a dedicated volunteer who helped shape our community. Our garage overflowed with equipment for the town’s baseball teams. His many, many volunteer positions (including Board of Finance), civic engagements, awards and organizational affiliations are important, but the bottom line is that my father was (and still is) busy, and the majority of what he did (and does) is for the good of others: his family, town, state and country.
My father’s community-minded spirit led me into a life of law and volunteerism as well. Both of my brothers are also active members of their communities, and all-around good citizens. After too many Sunday night dinners with “Grandpa” to count, both of my college-aged children are considering future lives of service as well.
Ed Karazin (far right) and his wife Rene (2nd from left), with chlldren and grandchildren.
My father’s favorite game — “What Would the Judge Do?” — helped my children develop critical thinking skills, and showed them there are always many sides to any given issue.
From his days as a young government lawyer and his service in Vietnam to his never-ending devotion to his family and community, my father, Judge Karazin, has served his country, his state, his community, and his society as a whole with honor, integrity and selflessness.
His story is one that would inspire others. It reflects highly upon the State of Connecticut, its public schools, and its people. Judge Karazin would be a wonderful addition to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.
No! Mark Mathias sent this email last week, to residents who are interested in the project:
First, our survey now has 333 respondents. I’m very impressed with this outcome. In addition, 103 people who filled out the survey gave us their email asking to be kept informed.
Second, we are primarily waiting for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting to put on the agenda the request for a text amendment that would allow a dog run (aka “Dogport”) to be built in Winslow Park.
Should the text amendment be granted, that doesn’t mean construction will start. As I read the documents they simply allow it, but don’t state what or where it will look like, who will pay for it, who will maintain it, and more.
Those are separate questions that will have to be addressed if the P&Z approves the application for the text amendment.
One proposal for a fenced-in off-leash area at Winslow Park.
Third, on Monday morning this week, I met at Winslow Park with Emme Dorfman (one of the applicants), Ali Dorfman (Emme’s mother), and Jon Polayes (invited by the Dorfmans) in order to see what options might be available.
Discussions included having only a small dog area, moving the fenced area to the southeast corner of Winslow Park where Compo Road and the Post Road meet, and more.
Fourth, many people have expressed health concerns about Dogport. I reached out to respected local veterinarian Dr. Irwin Lebish, and asked his thoughts on the initiative. He said:
I don’t have any specific objections to a fenced-in dog run area in Winslow Park. My main concern would be the transmission of intestinal parasites through contamination of the surface. Ordinary grass would be a problem because if stools are not picked up, and even if they are, parasite eggs and larvae could leach into the surface and be transmitted.
The best surface in terms of cleanliness and maintenance would be pet grade artificial turf. However, to cover an area you describe would be very expensive.
The next best surface would be decomposed granite/washed stone. How much more aggressive behavior would occur in a fenced-in area is difficult to determine. A lot depends on the density of the dog population inside the area.
Fifth, we discussed the issues of how to pay for the creation of the fenced-in area, maintenance and upkeep, as well as other logistical matters that would require various town agencies (mainly the Parks & Recreation Department) involvement, and funding, not only initially but on an annual basis.
Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)
One question that I am frequently asked is whether a fenced-in off-leash area would ultimately lead to having the rest of Winslow Park be made on-leash. People have told me stories of towns around Westport where they have seen this occur, but I have no firsthand knowledge of this. If anyone receiving this has reliable information about this, please send it to me (winslowdogport@gmail.com).
In summary, I continue having enjoyable and informative conversations with people in Winslow Park as I walk Loki there daily. Please feel free to say hello, and give your perspectives on this matter.
I will continue to work with Emme and her supporters to help craft a plan that will have a positive impact on Westport.
I am also monitoring the agendas for both Parks & Recreation and Planning & Zoning to see what agenda items appear on their agendas so that anyone who is interested in conveying their opinions to the relevant officials can do so at the appropriate time, whether in advance of their meetings or by joining their meetings (many of which are held over Zoom).
I welcome conversations and insights from you and hope you will help inform me of your suggestions and opinions: winslowdogport@gmail.com.
On Sunday, the Westport Library is “where Westport meets the World Cup.”
After 102 matches, there’s one left: European champion Spain vs. South American champ Argentina.
It will be a game for the ages. And all ages — from those watching their first World Cup, to those who remember Pele, Beckenbauer (and Maradona) — are invited to share the excitement on Sunday.
The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.
From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.
At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen. The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.
Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).
Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you Sunday at the Library — where Westport meets the World Cup.
Speaking of politics: Both the Democratic and Republic Town Committees have issued statements about the decision by the registrars of voters to consolidate polling places — and the quick reversal, to return to traditional Representative Town Meeting (RTM) sites.
The RTC says: The Republican Party commends Registrar of Voters Maria Signore and Deborah Greenberg, her Democratic counterpart, along with their dedicated staff and deputies, for their tireless efforts in ensuring smooth, secure and equitable elections in our town. These public servants consistently go above and beyond — working long hours, managing complex logistics, and adapting to expanded voting options like early in-person voting an no-excuse absentee ballots — to protect every voter’s rights and deliver reliable results. Their professionalism and commitment deserve our deep appreciation and gratitude.
We support the registrars’ proposal to consolidate polling for the August 11 primary to a single, central location at Bedford Middle School. This move was thoughtfully designed to enhance voter experience by offering better security, ample parking and lighting, easier navigation for all districts, shorter lines, and more efficient staffing, particularly important given the lower turnout typical of primaries and the growing preference for early and absentee voting.
While we respect the final decision to maintain the traditional polling locations for this election, we believe the consolidation concept reflects sound planning for future elections. Centralized operations can reduce burdens on poll workers, improve resource allocation, and provide a more consistent, high-quality experience for Westporters.
We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Registrars of Votes, town officials and stakeholders to support secure, efficient and accessible elections that reflect the best of our town’s civic spirit. We encourage all registered Republicans, Democrats, Unaffiliated and independent votes to take advantage of the multiple option available, and exercise their fundamental right to vote.
The Democratic Town Committee says:
The officers of the Westport Democratic Town Committee would like to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for our Registrar of Voters, Deborah Greenberg, and the tremendous work she does in collaboration with Westport Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and her Republican counterpart, Maria Signiore. Deb works seamlessly with her office and the many members of the public whom she assists and greets daily. She is profoundly respected by Westport’s poll workers, and deeply valued by the DTC Officers and fellow members.
Deb has worked tirelessly through the implementation of new procedures like early voting and no-excuse absentee ballots without a hiccup, and we celebrated her for taking on these changes. Recently, a proposal for a new change was not received well by all members of the public and was subsequently overturned. DTC leadership finds it essential to note that any change proposed by our registrar was done with nothing but the best intentions for our community and respect for democracy.
Serving as a registrar of voters is an incredibly difficult public service role involving a heavy workload that should not be overlooked. Deb — we see you. We see how hard you work for our town and our party. We are blessed to have you as our registrar, and we are proud to have you as a member of the DTC family.
“06880”‘s intrepid osprey watcher writes: “Unfortunately, I think the nest has been abandoned. Since last week, I haven’t seen them.
“Up and down the east coast, osprey are struggling with a shortage of menhaden (bunker fish) due to over-fishing. Parents can’t feed their chicks, and many nests are failing.
“I’m not sure what happened with this nest. It felt a bit off from the beginning. The pair arrived late, and then weren’t seen that often around the nest as they usually are.
“It’s possible it is a different pair altogether. The nest sits quiet at the moment. I’m checking it daily, hoping for some activity.
Speaking of the environment: Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued over Westport yesterday, producing this eerie scene at Compo Beach …
(Photo/Cat Malkin)
… and this equally grotty sunset, over downtown …
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
… along with this one, over Longshore:
(Photo/Phil Schaefer)
The haze and acrid smoke are expected to persist today.
The (only) good news: If the smoke thickens, temperatures may not climb as high as expected (mid-80s today). The reason: Smoke could filter out some of the sun’s rays,
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Speaking of the beach: This is the scene at the Old Mill guardhouse:
(Photo/Karen Como)
We’re not sure what’s going on here.
Is this lost footwear, waiting to be claimed?
If so, we understand forgetting both shoes. But only one …?!
Or perhaps this is just a bit of artwork, greeting beach-goers. Who, hopefully, will leave with everyting they brought.
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Another mystery, this one on Turkey Hill Road South:
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
We understand the frustration of residents with speeders, and the urge to plea for safety with a homemade sign.
But why Audrey? Why now?
If you know the back story — or want to guess — click “Comments” below.
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MoCA\CT’s 2026-27 concert series promises an exciting combination: international artists in the contemporary art galleries.
Among the featured performers in the coming year, ranging from jazz and R&B to classical and cross-genre music: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Charlap, Morgan James and Time for Three.
(So long as you’re staying safe indoors … why not spend a few seconds clicking here? You’ll be supporting your hyper-local blog — ensuring we’ll keep reporting news, events, and (of course) weather.
Discussion of lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields continues at Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (July 20, 6 p.m., Zoom).
The clock re-set after Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri resubmitted the application, after questions and comments during previous P&Z meetings.
The registrars of voters begin memory card and tabulator testing on Tuesday (July 21, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).
The public is welcome to observe, through the testing is complete.
Meanwhile, there’s an “enrollment session” on Friday, July 24 (5 to 7 p.m., Town Hall, Room 107) to register voters before the August 11 primary elections.
Voters can also enroll any time at the registrar of voters’ office any time during normal business hours.
A tabulator (foreground) at the Westport Library polling place. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Singer-songwriter MT Jones brings his soulful vibe to the Levitt Pavilion this Sunday (7 p.m.; free).
Before his appearance, he chatted with Weston Today’s Jaclyn Jeffrey. They spoke about his hit album “Joy,” his journey from young musician to session player, then on to a solo career writing original songs, his creative process, and the legendary robust Liverpool music scene.
The curtain rose last night on legendary detective Hercule Poirot, as he investigates “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” The show runs through August 1, at Westport Country Playhouse.
A free Symposium is set for this Sunday (July 19), following the 3 p.m. performance.
“Christie at 100…Still Going Strong” will discuss why her mysteries continue to sell 4 million copies a year. Guest speakers include author and co-founder of the Connecticut Chapter of Sisters in Crime Elise Hart Kipness, and mystery writer and CrimeConn festival founder Chris Knopf.
Kelle Ruden — leader of The Usual Suspects, a long-running mystery book discussion group at rhe Westport Library — will moderate.
Anthony Cochrane as Hercule Poirot in “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” (Photo/Mark Smith)
Speaking of theater: There are 2 Westport connections to “Rosie,” the “riveting” new musical with a one-night-only presentation at Greenwich House Theater (August 4, 7 p.m.).
The music and lyrics for the show — about the girl in the bandana behind the iconic World War II poster, as she reconciles her feminism with the diverse and complex world — were written by 2013 Staples High School graduate Jake Landau.
Fellow Staples alum Lauren Weinberger is the developmental producer.
A century-old Westport institution (the Westport Weston Family YMCA) and one not yet 2 months old (The Sandbar concession stand at Compo Beach) join forces July 27.
Owner Nikki Glekas is supporting the Y’s 47th annual Point to Point Charity Swim, by providing breakfast for participants after the event.
Thanks, Nikki — and thanks to the Y, for once again raising funds to give back to the community.
Nikki Glekas, at The Sandbar.
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Speaking of the beach: Westport’s lifeguards held an Olympic-style competition yesterday morning, before work.
The yearly event — organized by lifeguard head Danilo Sierra — is a highlight of the summer. There are not many other events that can get young people up early on a Saturday morning.
Waiting for the results. Then it was off to work: another day keeping Compo Beach safe for all. (Photo/Karen Como)
For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.
On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.
Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.
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Stephanie Retcho writes: “For many months, we have had a sign from a builder in front of our house. More recently, another was put up. They are for houses on properties near ours.
“Both are in the right of way — the strip of land that is publicly owned by roadways.
“That goes against town ordinances. It’s an eyesore, and the regulations regarding signs are intended to keep the town looking beautiful.
“I naively thought the signs would eventually come down. But I finally complaimed out to the Planning & Zoning Department.
“Within the same day of my first email, both signs were gone.
“Huge thanks to Hannah, Mike and everyone at P&Z who made that happen. It’s not lost on me that everyone is busy. It happened faster than I ever imagined, and anyone driving by our house is the better for them being gone. (One sign in particular kept breaking. and looked quite derelict).
“For anyone with the same issue: contact P&Z. The ordinances are clear regarding signage, and clearly this team is on it.
“If you take the sign down yourself, you could be fined for theft or vandalism. In the immortal words of Ren & Stimpy: ‘happy happy, joy joy.'”
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Speaking of houses: America’s 250th birthday is in the rear view mirror.
But red, white and blue still decorates homes all around town.
Here’s the very visible view, on Compo Beach Road:
(Photo/John Maloney)
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It was quite a term for the Supreme Court.
On July 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), New York Times reporter Ann Marimow will explore the impact of recent decisions (via livestream), with (live) CT Mirror host John Dankosky.
And finally … this is the birthday of Van Cliburn. The pianist earned international acclaim in 1958, at just 23 years old. He died in 2013, age 78.
(A lot always goes on at the beach, as today’s Roundup shows. Before you head over though, please take a quick minute to click here, and support your hyper-local blog. Thanks — see you there!)
This afternoon, Westport’s registrars of voters released this statement:
In response to the press release issued on July 8, and after carefully considering the feedback and concerns expressed by members of the Westport community, the registrars of voters and town clerk have decided to return to the original polling places.
We appreciate the public’s engagement throughout this process. If you have any questions regarding this change, please contact the Registrars of Voters office at 203-341-1115 for additional information or clarification.
To be clear: The original polling places are the schools and Westport Library, used for decades according to Representative Town Meeting (RTM) districts. They’ll be open for the August 11 primary, and November 3 general election. The July 8 press release said that all polling places would be consolidated into one: Bedford Middle School.
Voters will once again return to familiar polling places, like the Westport Library …
… and PTAs will continue to run fundraising bake sales. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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