At this year’s Soundview Stroll, Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 asked strollers: “What do you love about Westport?”
If a stroller took a moment to talk with a Cub Scout or Scouter, we asked them to help us discover the places that make Westport special.
We brought them over to a huge map, from the town’s Engineering Department. It includes every road, street, property lot, park, school and geographic feature in town.
Offering 6 different colored markers, we asked people to share: Green for your favorite place to explore nature. Blue for your favorite place to play. Yellow for your favorite place to eat. Purple for a favorite place to walk, bike, or hike. Orange for a place to have fun with your friends. And draw a red heart over “a place that makes you proud of Westport.”
Cub Scouts and strollers at the Soundview Stroll, with their map.
Soundview Strollers of all ages took a moment to orient themselves on the map. In this age of Waze and GPS navigation, we learned that there are many young Westporters who have never looked at a paper map of their town.
Then there were directionally gifted people who thrilled at their fluency with maps, and the chance to help the lost find their way to their favorite places.
Our map came alive with color – dots and red hearts. Runners and bicyclists drew long purple lines for their regular routes. Students drew hearts over their pre-schools and elementary schools, and orange and blue dots over the playgrounds where they play and have fun with their friends.
The Cub Scout map.
Dots for “favorite place” to eat were hungrily drawn for Old Mill Grocery, Bartaco, Casa Me and the Black Duck (one of the most fun spots to find on the map – tracing the Saugatuck River until you’re just under “Interstate 95”).
Longshore, Old Mill Beach (with dots and hearts going all the way out to the sandbar!), Sherwood Island State Park and Burying Hill Beach – Westporters love to get outside.
Intrepid explorers put green dots on the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve and the Children’s Natural Playground at Schine Preserve – a couple of Westport’s hidden gems (great places to explore nature).
On our map, Compo Beach is chaotic with color. Multiple blue dots – favorite place to play – were turned into a smiley face by one clever contributor. Red hearts are all over the place (“A place that makes you proud of Westport”).
The Westport Rotary Club’s lobster — aka Rick Benson — chose Compo Beach as his favorite spot, presumably for LobsterFest. The annual event — a favorite of many residents — takes place Saturday.
Our Soundview Stroll map station was really a bit of intelligence gathering. What lights up people’s faces?
Kids love thinking about the places they play, explore nature, and have fun with their friends. Parents loved seeing the places their kids chose, and how they talked about them. The whole exercise was really about starting a conversation.
Tomorrow (Friday, September 18) is “Scouting Day in Westport.” Cub Scouts Pack 39 invites all boys and girls from kindergarten to 5th grade (along with parents and siblings) to join us at Compo’s South Beach (the far end), starting at 5 p.m.
Meet new friends, make s’mores, enjoy a campfire, hunt for crabs.
And, if we’re lucky take in a well-earned sunset!
We’ll try to answer any questions you have about Scouting in Westport. But we want to hear about what you’ve discovered too.
Cub Scout Pack 39 makes s’mores at Compo, last year.
We’ll have our giant town map and our markers. Let’s share what we love about Westport, and the wider world.
Cub Scouts explore nature, play, eat, walk, bike, hike, and have fun with friends. We hope you’ll join us.
(Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 is celebrating its 75th year of Scouting. We welcome all boys and girls, kindergarten through 5th grade. To learn more, click here.
(“06880” regularly covers youth activities in Westport — and all the places mentioned here. If you share our love for this town — and this blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd has lived here for over 30 years.
A football, basketball and track athlete at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland, and a University of Maryland graduate, he helps oversee so many local amenities: our beaches, Longshore, athletic fields, parks, and much more.
The other day, David came to the Westport Library, for an “06880” podcast chat. Click here or below, for an inside look at some of the most special places and programs in town.
One of the most overlooked (so far) local environmental stories involves erosion and related issues at Westport’s beaches.
The “sandbar” (natural, not food) at Compo Beach, and the continuing disappearance of Burying Hill, are 2 noticeable impacts.
On October 1 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), RACE Coastal Engineering will present their second Comprehensive Beach Resilience Planning Studies forum.
It covers existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements, among others.
The topic has not been on many residents’ minds. It should be.
Very little actual beach remains at Burying Hill. (Photo/Ed Simek)
In related news, the Parks & Recreation Commission’s September 16 meeting (7:30 p.m., Zoom) includes a couple of interesting items:
Parks Master Plan update
New parks maintenance facility.
Commissioners will also accept a gift to install dugouts at the Greens Farms Elementary School softball field, dedicated to Nat Brogadir.
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Westport firefighters honored 9/11 yesterday, with their annual memorial service at headquarters. This year’s 25th anniversary carried special meaning.
(Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Then came a visit to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Three firefighters climbed aboard a Stairmaster, and completed 110 stories.
That’s the number of floors their New York City colleagues attempted to climb in rescue attempts that awful morning, 25 years ago yesterday.
343 FDNY members lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Westport firefighters, at the YMCA. The TV on the right shows the New York City 9/11 memorial service. (Photo/Christina Scherwin)
Back at headquarters, Westport firefighters were treated to a nice lunch, by Julie and James Whamond.
The meal was accompanied by a note, thanking the WFD for all they do for our town, and for stepping up for Julie’s family 25 years ago. Her husband, Jonathan Uman, was killed in the World Trade Center attack.
Firefighters, with lunch. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Also honoring 9/11: this man, spotted by Debra Carson on the Post Road yesterday.
She doesn’t know more about his mission .But we appreciate his journey, and admire his determination.
(Photo/Debra Carson)
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School is back in session.
Parties are in full swing.
And Compo Beach neighbors are not pleased.
For the past 2 weekends, they report, “hundreds” of students — primarily freshmen — have gathered at night on the beach along the Soundview Drive exit road.
Residents report noise and drinking. Police arrive.
One part of the large scene.
Eventually the party ends. “But the seawall and beach are trashed,” one homeowner says.
This morning, Parks & Recreation Department crews cleaned up the mess.
The Harmonetiks Project is a non-profit fostering recovery and resilient leadership for veterans and first responders.
It brings community wellness and veteran support together, as public classes and treatments help fund free care for veterans. The project teaches practical self-care skills through programs including Harmonetiks Easy Breath, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and more.
Owner Mike Williams is an Army veteran and former combat medic.
Harmonetiks opened a training center at 420 Post Road West last month. A grand opening is set for today (Saturday, 12 noon). The public is invited. Click here for more information.
Harmonetiks Project
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Westporters are enjoying the town’s newest outdoor art.
“Circle of Peace” — a bronze sculpture outside the upper entrance to the Westport Library — is a playful work that invites passersby to stop and smile.
It will be officially dedicated on Monday (September 14, 5 p.m.). The public is invited.
Youngsters enjoying “Circle of Peace.” (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
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Speaking of the Library: An extra-special author talk takes places October 2 (7 p.m.). Ocean Vuong discussed his new bestseller, “The Emperor of Gladness.” Oprah Winfrey picked it for her Book Club.
Born in Saigon and raised in a working-class Hartford household, he set his latest storyin the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut.
The theme is survival. The book tackles the daily weight of caregiving, poverty, addiction, family by choice, and the strange relief that comes when another human being truly notices you when you feel invisible.
Vuong has spoken about Buddhism, the reality of suffering, and how he might have ended up as a monk if writing had not found him first. He’ll be joined on stage by poet, memoirist, and Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke.
Speaking (as before) of art: MoCA\CT celebrated the opening of “Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” with a public reception Thursday night.
On view through November 15, the exhibition includes 8 monumental painted panels by the Connecticut artist. Individually and collectively, the offer a vivid portrait of our state’s history, industries, landscapes and communities.
Great actors are a Westport Country Playhouse tradition.
But what does it take to get stage — there, or anywhere else?
On Sunday, September 20, Andrew Keenan-Bolger — the original Crutchie in “Newsies” on Broadway — offers 2 master classes for students.
“Building Characters from the Inside Out” gives participants a chance to explore character development through monologue work, script analysis and imaginative storytelling.
The middle school class is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The high school session follows, from 2 to 4.
Summer is over. But the Levitt Pavilion keeps rockin’.
A new free show has been added to the calendar. King Stingray brings their unique “Yolŋu surf rock” sound — a blend of ancient Australian indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences — to Westport on September 23 (7:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Avid state park-goer Chris Swan offers this update on work at Sherwood Island:
“Late Thursday afternoon, the contractor finished rough grading a large area on the north side of the newly paved West Beach parking lot.
“I’m guessing they’ll hydro-seed. That will hold this soil from eroding while grass germinates, returning this to an overflow parking lot like what was there pre-project.
“The contractor also painted some lines, and a few remaining crosswalks. Likely some odds and ends remain, but it looks like the paving project is finally approaching the finish line.
“We’ll see how long it takes to tear down and then replace the pavilion roof. I’m not holding my breath on that one.”
Sherwood Island State Park (Photo/Chris Swan)
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Our new header — visible on laptop and desktop versions of “06880” — is a great shot of a Saugatuck Rowing Club crew. Thanks to photographer Bruce McFadden.
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Word on the street — Main Street, that is — is that PopUp bagels will move into the space recently vacated by Cold Fusion. An early 2027 opening is planned.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for the business Adam Goldberg began on a whim during COVID.
PopUp Bagels has exploded, with locations nationwide and awards from — it doesn’t get better than this — Brooklyn BagelFest.
We were sorry to see a great gelato place melt away. But when this bagel shop pops up — permanently — it will be the toast of the town.
Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.
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Organizers rolled the dice for Sunday’s “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.
Would people want to participate? Would they actually upload photos? Would there be a good range and variety of images?
They needn’t have worried. 545 photos were submitted, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (Actually, the first one came in at 6:13 a.m. — so that’s an average of about 1 every 2 minutes.)
They showed everything: Westport people, places, pets, kids, activities, sports — you name it. Photographers were out there morning, afternoon, and late at night. Thanks to all who participated.
“A Day in the Life” was a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.” We’ll share the photos soon, in a variety of ways.
Meanwhile, here’s one that wasn’t submitted. But it epitomizes the day.
James Delorey says, “My family and many friends spent much of Sunday at Old Mill Beach.
“We went to the sandbar party at low tide, walking to some of the far out ‘islands,’ making sand castles, exploring the jetty, finding clams and crabs, and devouring pizza from Old Mill Grocery. What a day!
“A recurring conversation was how lucky and grateful we are to live in this beautiful town. Then, just before 5 p.m., people started calling out to alert everyone on the beach: a rainbow!
“In this photo, a dad quickly gathers 3 boys for a quick photo. You never know how long a miracle like that will last!”
Looking for some way to participate in “4 Days of Service” — the town-wide initiative from today through Friday that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of so many after 9/11, through service, compassion and generosity?
Paint the town yellow!
Seven years ago, Debra Kandrak had an idea: Every autumn, Westporters should plant daffodils.
Every spring, they bloom.
And — thanks to Debra, and so many volunteer gardeners — every year our town looks more and more beautiful.
This year, Debra is adding a twist: black-eyed Susans. That will keep the yellow theme going from spring to late fall.
“Like daffodils, once you plant black eyed Susans they continue to grow forever with very little effort,” Debra says. “They’ll be here for decades to come.”
Westporters have planted daffodils everywhere: in front yards, on the sides of streets, traffic islands … you name it. Anywhere you can think of: Paint the town even more yellow!
The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life says: “We’ve been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram’s horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana.
“The Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the sound of the Shofar is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.”
They blow the Shofar this Sunday (September 13, 5 p.m., Riverside Park). The public is invited.
After nearly 4 years, Hummingbird Healing Center is closing.
Lisa Pak — owner of the 2nd floor Main Street “transformation through sound” spot — writes: “As we approach our final days at the Hummingbird Healing Center, I wanted to express how serving this incredible community over the past four years has truly been the privilege and honor of a lifetime.
While this chapter is coming to a close, my healing work as a sound practitioner is gratefully expanding. I will be offering private and corporate sound healing sessions in the area and will keep you all posted.”
They’re open through Sunday (September 13). Lisa hopes to clear out all tables, chairs, shelving, sound healing instruments, meditation cushions, decorations — even plants. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Lisa Pak, with her great river view.
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Hard to believe that the Class of 2006 — the first to graduate from the “new building” — is gearing up for their 20th reunion.
The time-sure-flies event is October 3 (8 to 11 p.m.), at Little Barn. Or, as they remember it, Swanky Frank’s and Woody’s.
And finally … on this date in 1966, “Star Trek” debuted on NBC.
(Space may be the final frontier. But “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Like the starship Enterprise, we take you to unexpected places every day. Please click here to support our journey. Thank you!)
There’s a lot of hoopla whenever a time capsule is buried.
Then time marches on. People forget about it.
The promised unearthing date passes unnoticed, for good reason: Everyone who would remember is dead, has no reason to remember (or can’t remember anything).
The Saugatuck Congregational Church’s bicentennial time capsule beat the odds. On Saturday — 50 years after interment, and just 2 months past the promised date of July 4, 2026 — it saw the light of day.
Church officials praised “the persistence, skill, heavy equipment, and remarkably good humor” of the AJ Penna & Son company. As the photo below shows, this was not a simple dig.
Even finding the time capsule was tough. The location left behind by the well-meaning folks who buried it was more of a *suggestion* than an actual map.
Penna employees Scott, Sal, Felix, Wilbert, Ed and Jeremy spent more than 5 hours searching for the capsule, then getting it out of the ground.
The AJ Penna heroes.
So what’s inside?
The big reveal takes place at Town Hall on October 10.
Saugatuck Church officials say, “After 50 years underground, we figure it can wait one more month!” (Hat tip: Lisa Tantillo)
For a late summer day in the middle of a holiday weekend, there sure was a lot going on in town yesterday.
From midnight until 11:59 p.m., a couple of hundred residents took photos for the special “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.
They shot everything: family life, sports, home, the beach … you name it.
Homes with Hope used the occasion to gather several dozen volunteers and friends, for a giant shoot.
Rotarians, town and state officials, staff members — all gathered outside the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place men’s and women’s shelters, in the heart of downtown.
The result: a great snapshot of all the men and women who make this town — and this important organization — special.
Honoring Homes with Hope, on “A Day in the Life of Westport” (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography)
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A couple of hours later, dozens of Westporters honored Velma Heller, on her 90th birthday.
They came from all over town, representing all of the longtime Westporter’s many town activities. Velma served on the Representative Town Meeting — and as its moderator — following a 31-year career with the Westport Public Schools, as reading specialist, Greens Farms Elementary School and Continuing Education principal, Bedford Middle School vice principal, and town-wide director of curriculum.
Now in her 10th decade, she remains active in — among other things — the League of Women Voters.
Velma has seen it all. Not much surprises her.
But she was surprised to learn that a tree has been planted, in her name and that of her late husband, fellow civic volunteer Gar Heller. It will grow and grace Grace Salmon Park, just a few steps from Velma’s home off Imperial Avenue.
Happy 90th, Velma, from your friends at “06880” — the blog, and the town!
Velma Heller: 90 years young! (Photo/Priscilla Long)
Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — a townwide initiative to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through volunteerism, generosity, and acts of kindness — begin tomorrow (Tuesday).
There are countless ways to get involved (click here for a full story). One of the most far-reaching is a food drive sponsored by the Representative Town Meeting.
Called “Julie’s Give Where You Live 9/11 Food Drive” — and named after former RTM member Julie Whamond — it benefits Homes with Hope’s food pantry.
Donations can be dropped off in the Town Hall lobby from tomorrow through Friday (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The most-needed items are canned black and pinto beans, pasta sauce, oatmeal, soup, ramen, canned corn and peas, jelly, mac ‘n’ cheese, and personal care items like deodorant, soap and everyday hygiene essentials.
Gift cards from Trader Joe’s, Stop & Shop and Walmart are welcome too.
To donate through Homes with Hope’s Amazon Wish List — with items delivered directly to the food pantry — click here.
File this one under “There Must Be a Back Story, But We Don’t Know What It Is”:
(Photo/Susan Kowalsky)
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The Westport Winners — Westport’s Challenger Little League baseball program for youngsters with disabilities — kicked off their fall season yesterday, in perfect weather.
Loads of players were joined by many buddies. And local baseball legend Kevin Morton delivered Riko’s pizza to the field — all donated!
Westport Book promises an action-packed September.
A new program has just launched: “Saturday Story Time for Kids.” Every week at 11 a.m., families are invited for reading fun.
The “Read a Book a Month Challenge” is for youngsters and adults. Everyone who buys a book at the store each month from now through June is invited to a year-end celebration.
An exhibit and book sale featuring the work of noted artist George Hand Wright is set for September 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
And the Short Story Club meets September 23 (6 p.m.). Commemorating Labor Day, they’ll discuss 3 stories about people and their jobs:
“Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” by Herman Melville
“The Passenger” by Marisa Silver
“Gray Noise” by Charles Swift
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org
And an after-hours music special features guitarist Warren Bloom (September 25, 6 to 8 p.m.).
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CLASP’s annual benefit is always a great time.
Band Central always entertains, with songs from the 1980s and ’90s.
This year, they’re adding a dance floor.
On October 15 (pre-party 6:30 p.m.; main event 7) hosts its fundraiser at Fairfield Theater Company. Ryebird and Saigon Snack Bar return with light bites.
Tickets are just $48 (all fees included). 100% of the proceeds benefit CLASP Homes. The non-profit provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here for tickets, and more information.
As students head off to college, they pack many things: Clothes. Electronics. Favorite items from home.
And: Narcan.
Positive Directions offers a safety kit for students with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips, a lock bag for drugs, info cards and more.
There’s also a 15-20 minute info session on mental health, substance risks and resources at college, including overdose signs and how to administer Narcan.
To celebrate, a proclamation signed by Governor Lamont will be read at 11 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday), at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
It’s all part of the weekly event — with fresh produce, breads, meats, ice cream, pizza, Thai food, dog treats, food trucks, knife sharpening, live music and more — at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every Thursday through November.
Westport Local Press just posted several dozen shots, by noted event photographer JC Martin. Click here for those images — and to see if you’re included.
The Campaign School at Yale University is coming to Westport.
The event — just before Election Day (Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) — is a 1-day training program covering how to prepare to run for office, work on a campaign, or effectively lead on an issue in your community.
The curriculum includes speaking techniques, networking skills, and the components necessary to begin a political career, both personally and professionally.
Questions? Email Info@TCSYale.org, or call 203.734.7385.
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The Westport Rotary Club got a backstage look at the Levitt Pavilion yesterday — without leaving Green’s Farms Church.
Andy Fleischman, president of the Levitt board, spoke at the weekly lunch gathering.
A finance attorney with music industry experience, he got involved with the outdoor venue in 2018, to help improve its relationship with the town. He also was interested in the acts being booked, but did not want to interfere in what was already an impressive summer lineup.
He’s helped bring younger popular acts to the open-air theater. A few years ago, he contributed to the effort to book Wilton’s Goose. They recently sold out 2 nights at Madison Square Garden.
Up-and-coming jam band Eggy, which played at the Levitt this summer, also has developed a national profile.
Andy Fleischman at the Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
A few hundred StartUp Westport members ate, drank, socialized — and of course networked — at the group’s summer get-together last night, at Compo Beach.
StartUp Westport is the town’s public/private partnership for entrepreneurs and innovators. It sponsors general and special interest meetings, mentor programs, a pitch contest — and, like last night, an opportunity for creative, like-minded and very interesting people to hang out together, by the water in beautiful weather.
There was a lot going on here last night. Besides the National Night Out on Jesup Green, StartUp Westport’s summer social (above) and the Y’s Men’s regular hot dog event — both at the beach — there was an indoor activity at the Westport Library.
Author Chris Bohjalian spoke with CT Public’s Catherine Shen about his new novel, “The Amateur.” It’s a suspenseful, emotionally charged story about tragedy, privilege, secrets, and the devastating ripple effects of one split-second mistake.
Chris Bohjalian and Catherine Shen. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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We feature many fascinating creatures in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
But none are more intriguing than owls. Who knows why we have such a soft spot for them?!
Most recently, the business — founded right here in Westport during COVID by Adam Goldberg, as a lark — was the subject of a long, reverential story in New York magazine.
Calling PopUp Bagels “a burgeoning nationwide phenomenon,” the piece notes that no other chain
has blasted off with the velocity of PopUp, which now includes more than 40 shops (and counting), from New York to South Florida to Nashville, with franchise agreements signed for 300 more.
This spring, the business sold a stake to investment firm Tiger Global Management — following earlier money from the growth-equity fund Stripes and a roster of celebrity investors that includes the former NFL star J.J. Watt and the actor Paul Rudd — at a valuation of $300 million.
“My number-one goal,” Goldberg (said) recently, “is to get the best bagel possible everywhere in the world, starting with America.”
The story warns though of the dangers ahead, as PopUp bagels grows far beyond its origins.
Goldberg, who ran a flood mitigation business, came up with the idea during the pandemic, when he baked sourdough in the morning and drank wine in the afternoon.
Before long, the magazine says, “he hired a friend’s son and other teenagers to show up and bake at 4 in the morning — high-schoolers in pajamas or still dressed from the night before, drawn by loud music and a party atmosphere.
“The crew would knock out over a thousand bagels on a Saturday, sold from Goldberg’s kitchen window by the dozen with two cream cheeses.”
A concerned reader emailed “06880.” The osprey nest at Fresh Market was empty, he thought.
We contacted Carolyn Doan, Westport’s osprey expert. She headed to the parking lot, and reports:
“There was a lot of activity today! Both raptors were in the nest, relaxing in the sun. A few moments later they were visited by a third osprey, vying for the attention of the female. It was quickly chased away by the male after 2 low flying swoops.
“The couple then engaged in mating attempts, and relaxed some more in the sun. Mother Nature never disappoints.”
A special free tennis festival — with everything from lessons, contests and a book signing — is set for tomorrow at Longshore (Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m.).
The afternoon includes instruction for adults and youngsters; fast-serve and hitting prizes, adult and junior point play (sign up: 203-520-9815), and a raffle.
Former professional player Sophie Amiach — who was a commentator at the recent Roland-Garros French Open — will present her new book “Tennis Smart & Simple: For Players and Coaches of All Levels and Ages.”
That accomplishment by Lawrence — who is better known for his more-than-legendary 58-year career as Staples High School’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track coach — was the hook for a story in the Hartford Courant. It was reposted by Yahoo Sports (click here to read).
“I like doing it,” Lawrence — now 80 years old — says, about the road race series that has attracted everyone from a Boston Marathon winner to 88-year-old Westporter Norma Minkowitz, the world record holder in the mile (9:56) in her 85-89-year-old age group.
“I love the sport. I think it’s a good way for me to contribute. I like being around it. For the most part, it keeps me young – although I’m losing that battle.” (Hat tip: Richard Fogel)
Laddie Lawrence in 2019, when the Board of Education voted unanimously to name the Staples track in his honor. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Speaking still of sports: Wednesday’s Roundup gave an incorrect date for the upcoming polo exhibition at the Fairfield County Hunt Club
The correct date is Saturday, July 25. Gates open at 11 a.m.
In addition to matches, there are vendors, food and drinks. For more information, email HuntClubPolo@gmail.com.
The Script in Hand play-reading series is one Westport Country Playhouse’s most popular offerings. Men and women regularly pack the historic theater, for inexpensive but compelling evenings of intriguing works.
Now there’s a junior version.
A staged reading of “Peter Pan” — the timeless tale of imagination, bravery, and the wonder of never growing up — is set for the Lucille Lortel White Barn on Saturday, July 18 (2 p.m.).
The cast include young actors from local middle and high schools: Alice DiMenna, Audrey Cook, Jayden Santos, Bridget Brennan, Cathy O’Toole, Colin Chudd, Gemma Wiener, Jack Fibiger, Jasper Leven, Joey Vazquez, Lua Gaspar, Maël Chevrier and Ryan Duffy.
Amy Schneider spotted a small group doing some of research yesterday, at Compo’s South Beach.
She learned they were from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, taking measurements and readings of sport fish and seaweed. They do it 3 times a year, from Greenwich to Stonington.
DEEP biologists, on Compo’s South Beach.
The scientists showed Amy a variety of fish like windowpane flounder, which they scooped up from shore in big nets.
They taught her how to determine the sex of a horseshoe crab (hint: check their legs), and showed her pipefish, hermit crabs and a tiny pufferfish (DEEP’s first on this trip). It was too tiny to photograph, but the biologist let her see it puffer when he reduced the water in his hand.
Amy says, “I had no idea about the variety of marine life we encounter when we dip our toes in the water. I’m grateful they allowed me to ask questions and take photos.”
Speaking of water: A main break yesterday on Bermuda Road was more than just an inconvenience (low water pressure; no or discolored water) to neighbors on Saugatuck Shores.
Sheri Gordon reports: “Aquarion said around 6 p.m. that it would take another 6-8 hours to restore service.
“It’s a big deal if you live here, because it’s really the only way in or out. We can in a pinch take Marsh Road, but it’s not supposed to be a through road. It is not paved, and floods regularly.”
Bermuda Road water main break. (Photo/Sheri Gordon)
And finally …Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer who had a #1 hit with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” died Wednesday in Portugal. She was 75, and had undergone emergency intestinal surgery. Click here for a full obituary.
(From bagels and crépes, to polo ponies and flounder, “06880” covers all of Westport. And we do it 24/7/365. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If it’s (almost) the beginning of July, it’s time for … taxes.
Most Westporters received their new real estate, personal property and motor vehicle taxes, plus any sanitary sewer use and assessment charges, yesterday. They’ll be available online too, beginning tomorrow (Wednesday).
First quarter payments are due July 1. Fortunately, we’ve got until August 3 to pay them, without penalty. Late fees are 1.5% per month.
Payments may be made by credit card, debit card, or direct withdrawal from a checking account on-line at www.westportct.gov. The tax collector’s PO box has been closed, but checks made payable to “Town of Westport” can be mailed to Tax Collector, Room 109, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Payment can also be made in person (Town Hall Room 109), 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
Speaking of the beginning of July: Westport’s annual fireworks display is Thursday (July 2).
Just a few tickets remain for the town’s biggest and best bash of the year.
The pyrotechnics begin just after 9 p.m., at Compo Beach. But hours earlier, residents begin partying — eating, playing, strolling, meeting friends and strangers. They keep going all night long.
The event is sponsored by longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department.
This year they promise new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
You need a ticket to park at the beach. Thanks to the Bernsteins, every purchase includes a “FlowArt Guided Art Pad” — custom-designed for Westport.
Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships serving thousands of youngsters. The few remaining tickets are available at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (24 hours a day) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Speaking of the fireworks … Seen on social media, and posted without comment:
“Looking for someone to set up a group of beach chairs early in the morning this Thursday July 2nd at Compo. Please DM me if you are interested or have a college kid home for the summer who would be! Thank you.”
As a heat wave settles in, the Westport Farmers’ Market will open this Thursday an hour earlier than usual (9 a.m.), and close promptly an hour earlier too (1 p.m.). Vendors who can set up by 9 will do so. Some may arrive later.
Shoppers are encouraged to arrive early, in the cooler morning hours.
The heat wave will send droves of Westporters onto (hopefully cooler) Long Island Sound.
Here’s an important reminder from Michelle Larson. She went boating yesterday, and writes: “We picked up at least a dozen Mylar balloons between Compo and Peck’s Ledge. Most are Father’s Day, Graduation Day and a few red and blue stars.
“Might be a good reminder on tying tight and disposing of properly. Or better yet: Just don’t buy balloons!”
Reagan Larson, age 9, with her bounty of balloons.
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As The Inn at Longshore and La Plage restaurant get set to reopen (soon!), they’re looking to fill positions, of all kinds.
A job fair will be held on-site today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday), from noon to 6 p.m.
Questions? Email mryan@innatlongshore.com.
Putting the finishing touches on The Inn at Longshore.
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“Bernstein’s Wall” — Westport filmmaker Doug Tirola and producer Susan Bedusa’s documentary about Leonard Bernstein — earned rave reviews at the Tribeca Film Festival, then at its theatrical premieres in New York and Los Angeles.
Now — finally — it will be screened locally.
The one-night-only event is July 9 (7 p.m., SHU Community Theatre, Fairfield).
Extra special highlight: Tirola and Bernstein’s daughter Jamie will take part in a post-show talkback, moderated by longtime film critic (and Westporter) Susan Granger.
“Bernstein’s Wall” traces the composer/conductor’s lifelong struggle to create social change and bring people together through his work.
While towering over the worlds of classical music, Broadway, television and culture, he advocated for progressive political change. He lent his name to numerous causes and groups, at great personal risk.
The film captures the sweeping arc of Bernstein’s life, sharing his private thoughts about America, politics, race, family, media, sex and religion. Click here to purchase tickets.(Hat tips: Fred Cantor and Caroline Owens)
Nina Bentley — the very creative, always whimsical Westport artist — is featured all month in a Senior Center art show. The title is “I Do, Or Maybe Not.”
Thirty pieces of art — some including her trademark typewriter — are on display during operating hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The other day, Michael Chait snapped this intriguing view of the downtown Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
No, the town has not put the iconic span up for sponsorship.
That’s just a (very long) truck crossing the bridge.
Although, come to think of it, maybe a corporate sponsor for that other bridge over the Saugatuck River could fund its renovation, without surrendering to the state …
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There is always something special to see at Sherwood Mill Pond.
Judith Katz captured extra-special light the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
And finally … David Clayton-Thomas, “a homeless Toronto runaway who learned guitar in prison and went on to become the lead singer of the gritty, blues-inspired band Blood, Sweat & Tears,” died Wednesday in Toronto. He was 84.
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