Category Archives: Longshore

Friday Flashback #498

The Longshore golf course opened last week. Golfers can practice their swings nearby, a few yards from the water. It’s the only driving range in town.

Back in the day — the 1950s through the ’70s — there were more options.

Two driving ranges were connected to miniature golf parks. Both were on Post Road East. Decades ago, both were replaced by condominiums.

One was near Southport. Today it’s Lansdowne. (An adjacent skating rink was turned long ago into the Westport Tennis Club.)

Interestingly, you can drive golf balls to your heart’s contact — all year long, with indoor simulators — at The Clubhouse, a few yards in the other direction. Quite a coincidence.

The other driving range/mini-golf course (photo below) was operated by the Backiel family. These days, it’s the Regents Park condominiums.

Fore!

(Photo courtesy of Jack Backiel)

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Roundup: Sandwiches, Clams, Cocktails …

With over 1,000 votes cast, the winners of the Great Westport Sandwich Contestare …

Best Chicken Sandwich: Garelick & Herbs

Best Steak Sandwich: Nômade

Best Combo Sandwich: A & S Fine Foods

Best Vegetarian Sandwich: Nômade

Best Club Sandwich: The Clubhouse

Best Pressed Sandwich: The Granola Bar

Best Breakfast Sandwich: The Granola Bar

Best Wrap Sandwich: Kabab & Hummus House

Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich: Rizzuto’s

Best NY Deli Sandwich: Gold’s Delicatessen

Honorable mentions go to Calise’s Market and Outpost Pizza in the Best Chicken category.

The contest was organized by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, with sponsorship from the law firm Bercham Moses.

The winners (clockwise from top left): The Clubhouse, The Granola Bar, Kabab & Hummus House, A & S Fine Foods, Gold’s Delicatessen, Nômade, Rizzuto’s, Garelick & Herbs.

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Earthplace celebrates 2 milestones soon: the 40th anniversary of Harbor Watch, and the 15th anniversary of “Cocktails & Clams.”

The fundraiser is set for June 6 (5 to 7 p.m.), at Copps Island Oysters, Norwalk.

The location is fitting. Proceeds will help modernize the water quality lab at Harbor Watch, Earthplace’s Long Island Sound program. They’ll also provide hands-on training for student interns, and will support ongoing water monitoring.

Guests will enjoy an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, plus a live band and silent auction.

Click here for tickets, and more information. For details on sponsorships, email l.connell@earthplace.org.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

The Westport Senior Center kicks it off on May 1 (1 p.m.), with a special event  featuring Melissa Bernstein.

The co-founder of Melissa & Doug Toys will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about her personal journey through anxiety and depression.

She’ll discuss the tools and insights that helped guide her back into the light, and what she has discovered about finding purpose and meaning along the way.

Melissa is the author of “Lifelines” and “The Heart of Entrepreneurship: Crafting Your Authentic Recipe for Success.” She also curated a collection of stress-relief tools inspired by her own life experiences, available at Lifelines.com.

The event is open to Senior Center members, and anyone 60 or older.

Melissa Bernstein

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Among the agenda items for today’s Board of Selectpersons agenda (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium): acceptance of $20,000 from Sustainable Westport, for the purchase and installation of 2 ADA-compliant water filling stations.

They’ll replace the current fountains at Compo Beach and Winslow Park

A plaque on the Winslow Park water filling station will honor the memory of Sherry Jagerson. The longtime environmental activist died in 2024.

Sherry Jagerson

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The Blight Prevention Board meets tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Zoom).

They’ll continue their discussion of 20 Center Street, and address 3 new properties:

  • 5 Hiawatha Lane
  • 7 Hiawatha Lane
  • 20 Meeker Road.

20 Center Street

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Just in time for the golf season, several dozen new carts were delivered yesterday to Longshore.

They come with GPS, to help golfers determine distance to the pin and course topography.

A less interesting feature: speed control.

New golf carts, at Longshore. (Photo/Ed Simek)

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Plenty of middle school students dream of acting on TV and in movies.

Most have no clue how to get a chance.

On April 2 (2 to 4 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse offers a masterclass on the subject.

Actor Liz Fye will lead students, as they work on scenes, and learn to adjust to notes.

The class is $100, and limited to 12 youngsters in grades 6-8. Click here for more information, and registration. Questions? Email Maggie Meath mmeath@westportplayhouse.org

Liz Fye

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Westport resident Carole Williams died Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 86.

A longtime customer service manager at Pepperidge Farm, she was known for her dedication and care. After retiring she worked for the town of Westport, at the Fire and Building Departments.

She was an avid traveler, and also enjoyed both playing tennis and shopping.

She is survived by her daughter Kim Thibodeau, grandson Michael Thibodeau, sister Phyllis Denke, brother Samuel (Sandy) Anastasia Jr. .

A Requiem Mass will be held at Assumption Church on Friday (April 10, 10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s or the American Cancer Society.

Carole Williams

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Longtime Westporter Dick Alley sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: Schlaet’s Point, at low tide in early spring.

(Photo/Dick Alley)

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And finally … in honor of Earthplace’s “Clams & Cocktails” fundraiser, benefiting Harbor Watch — harborside, at Copps Island Oysters (story above):

(From the environment and entertainment to the Senior Center and beach, if it’s happening in Westport you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on readers’ support; please click here to help. Thank you!) 

Pic Of The Day #3270

The Longshore golf course opens tomorrow. Spring is here! (Photo/Ed Simek)

Unsung Hero #428

Lindsay Kerschner writes:

I would like to nominate Jon Janik — the head pro at the Longshore golf course — for this week’s Unsung Hero Award.

Tee time reservations opened this morning at 6:30. The team migrated to a new booking system yesterday afternoon.

It’s been a challenging transition. But Jon’s patience and persistence have been truly appreciated.

He emailed back and forth with me for several hours yesterday. He did not stop until he was able to get both my husband’s and son’s accounts functioning properly. He worked well past regular hours — until almost 9 p.m., in fact.

Jon Janik

Thank you, Jon, for going above and beyond to help ensure opening weekend runs smoothly, and is filled with happy memories.

PS: Thank you to “068800” too, for highlighting Unsung Heroes. The writeups are a great reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a community that recognizes the selfless efforts of others.

Thanks, Lindsay. In the grand scheme of things, a golf pro who goes the extra mile is a little thing. But, as you note, the little things add up to a big part of what makes Westport special. So thank you too, Jon Janik, for all that you and your staff at the Longshore golf course do, for so many.

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

Roundup: Golf Course Opens, Cops Target Distracted Drivers, Heroes Save Owlet & Dog …

Fore!

The Longshore golf course and driving range open for the season this Friday (April 3).

That’s good news. Even better: There’s a new reservation system, new carts, enhancements to communication, and continued course improvements.

The ForeUp reservation service will provide a more user-friendly interface for booking and managing tee times.

Booking begins tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 a.m.). Tee time booking windows remain 5 days in advance, starting at 6:30 a.m.

Golfers should check their email for a message from ForeUp, with details on setting up an online booking account. That includes a credit card, as no-show fees will be enforced.

Also new: electric lithium-ion Club Car carts. They’re equipped with GPS technology, allowing golfers to have distances available on the course.

A new phone system will be introduced too, to cut down on the general information phone calls going into the pro shop. The website remains the most easily accessible place for info on pricing, tee times, instruction and more.

Westport residents wishing to purchase or renew a golf handpass can do it online or at the Parks & Recreation office in Longshore (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Almost open! (Dave Dellinger)

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The Westport Police Department has joined a statewide distracted driving enforcement campaign, and public awareness initiative.

Both run all month, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Law enforcement agencies across Connecticut will ramp up distracted driving enforcement efforts. The focus is on identifying and citing drivers who text, use electronic handheld devices, or otherwise divert their attention from the road.

In 2023 alone, 5,202 crashes involving distracted driving resulted in 12 fatalities and 78 serious injuries.

Tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Pull over safely if you need to text or make a call.
• Ask a passenger to manage navigation or messages.
• Avoid checking social media while driving.
• Limit interaction with in-vehicle technology. Program
navigation or music before starting your trip.
• Use your phone’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature, or
silence notifications to reduce the temptation to check your device.

Distracted driving? Conditions sure don’t look dangerous.

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Two saves in one week, both worth noting:

Yesterday, Westport Police Officer Bernie Kelley assisted Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid in the rescue of a baby great horned owl at Longshore.

The bird was transported to Wildlife in Crisis for treatment of a small wound. If re-nesting proves feasible, it will be attempted. Residents interested in contributing towards the owlet’s care — or that of many other locally rescued and abandoned wildlife can click here.

Officer Bernie Kelley with owlet. 

Last Thursday, Westport Police Officer Daniel Lovallo responded to a roaming dog near I-95. The rottweiler was transported to Westport Animal Control, and received Westport Animal Shelter Advocates-funded care the next day.

She has been named Dottie, and is loved by the Westport Animal Control officers and WASA volunteers. No microchip was located and no owner has claimed her, so she is available for adoption. If interested, call WASA (203-557-0361), or email wasa1@optonline.net.

WASA will help with veterinary care. Residents interested in donating to that cause can click here.

Dottie the rottie.

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The Jazz Society of Fairfield County presents the wildly popular “Jazz at the Post” series. Every Thursday night, they bring musicians — some internationally famous — to VFW Post 399, for 2 great shows. The price is low; the talent level very, very high.

But Jazz FC does much more. Among their projects: outreach and scholarships.

To fund those endeavors, they’re sponsoring a “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck” (April 23, 6 to 10 p.m.). NOTE: It’s at the VFW, not actually on the river.

Over 25 award-winning artists will jam. There’s a silent auction and lavish dinner too. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Congratulations to Harry McLaughlin and Eva Slossberg!

The Staples High School seniors were honored Monday, at the Connecticut Association of Schools’ 31st annual High School Arts Banquet.

Harry McLaughlin (visual arts) and Eva (music and theater) were selected by Staples faculty members for their outstanding achievement, dedication, and impact within their disciplines.

The evening included a keynote address about how the arts shape identity, give voice to personal expression and create lasting impact, and a performance by Rubyfruit, a University of Connecticut a cappella group that promotes women’s empowerment through music.

Harry McLaughlin and Eva Slossberg.

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Congratulations too to Staples seniors Justin Halky, Ford Epstein, Patricio Garcia and Kai Schwartz.

The students in Stacey Delmhorst’s Financial Decision Making course placed 2nd at the Tuesday’s state finals of the National Personal Finance Challenge.

In the nationwide competition, student teams analyze case studies and respond to complex financial scenarios involving budgeting, saving, investing and managing risk.

From left: Ford Epstein, Patricio Garcia, Kai Schwartz, Justin Halky.

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Scott Brodie has lived in New York for decades.

But the 1970 Staples graduate grew up here. He visited his parents regularly; his mother Esther died less than a year ago, at 98.

So Scott was intrigued to read in yesterday’s Roundup that one of the homes the Historic District Commission will discuss on April 9, for a demolition permit, is 48 Burr Farms Road — a few houses down from the one his parents built in the 1950s.

He writes: “The house is one of about a dozen cookie-cutter split levels built by Norman Shapiro, who first developed the northern half of the road in the early 1950s.

“Over the years these have been either heavily modified, or torn down to make room for much larger houses. Indeed, #48 has been for many years pretty much the only one of these original houses in essentially its original state:

48 Burr Farms Road

“Only the few folks with long memories and a historically-trained eye can ‘see’ the bones of the original splits in the other, heavily-modified buildings. For example, here is #43:

43 Burr Farms Road

“The dormers, porch and front-facing gable are all add-ons.  The original garage with flat ‘sun deck’ survives, but was made into living space, with a new garage added at far left.

” expect the Commission will find little or no historical value in #48 — perhaps the last of its kind. Thus, the end of an era.”

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Nearly 100 Westport Rotary Club members and guests gathered Tuesday, to honor Win Allen.

The longtime, 93-year-old Westporter was celebrated for his service to, and leadership of, the organization. Marty Helman, a Rotary International trustee, came from Maine for the event.

The ceremony included a performance by Diego Carniero, a Rotary International Peace Ambassador, and acclaimed Ecuadorean cellist.

Win Allen (2nd from left) with (from left) Marty Helman, Rotary International trustee; Rick Benson of Westport and Billy Roberts of Massachusetts, past district governors.

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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between March 27 and 31.

A 29-year-old Manchester man as charged with larceny, burglary and criminal mischief, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, following an investigation into a September burglary at Westport Auto Repair. Two doors were pried open by suspects, who tried to steal the ATM but ultimately took 2 cash registers. They contained $1,000 in cash; damages were $4,800. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

A 28-year-old Bronx man was charged with larceny, after a complaint from Mike’s Factory Direct. After an online order for $33,136 worth of massage chairs was picked up by a man driving a U-Haul truck in November, the credit card company complained of fraud. The man was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 32-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny, after 17 sets of tire and rim sets, worth over $30,000, were stolen in January from Maserati of Westport. He was released on a $50,000 bond.

A 54-year-old Middlebury man was charged with operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and failure to drive in the proper lane, after his vehicle struck one that was parked and unoccupied on River Lane. He was released on a $100 bond.

A 69-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, after an early morning argument between 2 friends in a home about the quality of food being served turned physical. He was held on a $5,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
  • Texting while driving: 8
  • Failure to renew registration: 8
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Tinted window glass violation: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

Tinted windows must follow state laws.

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Yogi Bear stars in today’s “Westport .. Naturally” photo.

His friend Cat Malkin said yesterday: “When I broke the news that we couldn’t walk on the beach today he replied, “Is this some kind of April Fool’s joke?’”

“Sadly, for us it’s not. Until October.”

Yogi Bear (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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And finally … on this date in 1968, “2001: A Space Odyssey” premiered at the Uptown Theater in Washington.

(“06880” has been your window on Westport almost since 2001. We launched in 2009. Whether you’ve enjoyed us all along, or just found us yesterday: thanks. And please click here to support us!)

Roundup: Pizza Lyfe, 92 Beachside Avenue, Tony Hwang …

First, Pizza Lyfe established itself as one of Westport’s favorite (among many) pizzerias.

Then they expanded across Long Lots Road, opening Lyfe Café for breakfast, lunch and coffee.

Now comes a third Lyfe.

They’re taking over the Greenology/Jack’s Coffee space next door — the latest in a series of coffee shops there. Soon, it will open as Sweet Lyfe.

As first reported by WestportMoms, the new spot will feature high-protein Greek frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream, small-batch gelato, smoothies, açaí bowls, imported candy and more.

Plus, “a chocolate and pistachio fountain.”

As Frank Sinatra sort of sang, “That’s Lyfe!”

Sweet Lyfe will move in soon next to (left side, not shown) Pizza Lyfe.

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The Historic District Committee meets April 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).

On the agenda: a demolition permit for 92 Beachside Avenue.

Because the home is over 50 years — in fact, the 7,700-square foot Tudor with 8 bedrooms and 8 1/2 bathrooms, once owned by Lucie Bedford (of Westport’s leading philanthropic family) and her husband, Briggs Cunningham (a race car driver and America’s Cup winner), set on 3.55 acres with 200 feet of Long Island Sound waterfront, is exactly 100 years old — the HDC can delay demolition for 180 days.

It cannot, however, prevent it.

The front of 92 Beachside Avenue …

… and a view from the Sound.

The Historic District Commission will also discuss demolition permits for:

  • 2 Izzo Lane
  • 48 Burr Farms Road
  • 41 Sniffen Road
  • 51 Whitney Street (detached garage only)
  • 20 Bermuda Road
  • 4 Woods Grove Road
  • 103 Sturges Highway
  • 4 Ridge Drive.

On the agenda too: rescinding adoption of the motion to oppose issuance of a demotion permit for 11 Dogwood Lane.

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Tony Hwang — the state senator from Fairfield who, before redistricting, represented parts of Westport and Weston — will not run for a 7th term.

The Republican announced his decision Monday. Including earlier service in the House of Representatives, he said that after nearly 18 years it is time to “ begin the next chapter of my life.”

Hwang — who was born in Taiwan, graduated from Cornell University and became the first Asian American in the Connecticut Senate — will return to the real estate profession.

He also hopes to work with nonprofits and academic institutions to encourage civic engagement.

Hwang said, “My goal is to help future generations understand that community must always come before political labels — and that effective governance requires collaboration, empathy, courage and respect.”

State Senator Tony Hwang (right), with Westport RTM moderator Jeff Wieser. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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Has an osprey returned to Westport?

The verdict is out on the  Fresh Market nest. (It may be a hawk.)

But Ed Simek sends along this shot from Gray’s Creek, next to the Longshore exit road.

(Photo/Ed Simek) 

It sure looks like an osprey to him — and us.

But we’ll leave it to our experts: “06880” readers.

Is it an osprey? A different raptor? Click “Comments” below.

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Speaking of animals: As the temperature reached the mid-70s yesterday, dogs romped on Compo Beach.

They won’t be back for 6 months.

March 31 is the final day dogs are allowed on town beaches, until October 1.

The ones who were there made the most of the almost-summer day.

And boy, there were a lot of them.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Speaking of nature: Earthplace hosts several intriguing adult events soon.

  • Craft & Sip: Create Botanical Stationery (April 9, 6 p.m.; $35 members, $45 non-members)
  • Mindfulness: Forest Bathing (April 16, 10-11 a.m.; $25)
  • Mindfulness: Sound Bath (April 29, 6 to 7 p.m.; $45)
  • Toast to the Trees (family) (April 25, 4 p.m.)
  • Cocktails &  Clams (June 6, 5 to 7 p.m.).

And for the younger set: Kids Night Out (April 10, 6 to 9 p.m.; $50 members; $60 non-members).

Click here for details on all programs, and registration.

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Aaron and Brett Fortunoff of Staples High School’s Cereal 4 All Club offer “a great big thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s drive a success.” The Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) was a huge help.

They collected 1,600 boxes of cereal, and raised over $3,000. They’ve already begun distributing cereal to local food pantries.

Contributions are still welcome. Venmo @lauriefortunoff (she will purchase cereal), or make a tax-deductible donation at cereal4all.org.

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with donated cereal (and friend).

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He was right outside her kitchen window.

But Ann Cole says she would not have seen this owl, had he not rotated his head.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the beauty of nature’s camouflage.

It’s everywhere. We just have to look.

Very, very carefully.

(Photo/Ann Cole)

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And finally … to all those who forgot that today was April 1, when they clicked on our lead story this morning:

(You never know what you’ll find on “06880.” If you enjoy our wide variety of stories, photos, features and other stuff, please click here to support our work. Even if  — ESPECIALLY if — we got you today!)

David Ohman’s Westport

David Ohman lived in Westport from 1992 to 1998.

Though he grew up in Southern California, this town gave him “a comfort level like a favorite sweater,” he says. He was “smitten by Westport from my first day.” And he still calls this “my adopted home town.”

In his 6 years here — when not freelancing in New York as a graphic designer — David took many photos in Westport and Weston.

Along the way, he met “some really wonderful people.” Photographer Alan Fontaine became a close friend, and convinced him to start his own portrait studio. In 1995, he did. He quickly got plenty of work, thanks to his signature black and white style.

At 81 years old — and a cancer survivor — he wants to share some of his photos with “the lovely people of Westport who welcomed me, and nurtured our friendships so unconditionally.”

Here are a few of those images. Though 3 decades old, they are timeless.

Well … except for the first two.

Remarkable Book Shop, Main Stree

Allen’s Clam House, Hillspoint Road

Sherwood Mill Pond

Compo Beach boardwalk

Compo Beach pavilion

Compo Beach in fog 

Longshore cemetery

Saugatuck Rowing Club

Saugatuck River, downtown (All photos/David Ohman)

Roundup: Beach Concession, High Honors, Bloodroot, Sneakers …

And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …

… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.

They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.

The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.

Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.

They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.

“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

The high honors students are listed in the photo below:

Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.

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More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.

Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.

Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.

But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.

Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.

Staples Orphenians

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Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.

Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.

“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”

Click here for the full Connecticut Post story.

Selma Miriam, at Bloodroot. She died last year.

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VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.

Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.

Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.

Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.

Four days of VersoFest music, media and creativity kicks off tonight, with a talk featuring Ani DiFranco. Click here for a schedule and full details of VersoFest ’26. 

Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.

The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.

Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).

Tickets for both groups go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

Dark Star Orchestra 

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Speaking of the Levitt: The sun created a very cool halo over Westport yesterday morning.

Franco Fellah captured this image:

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.

As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.

Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.  

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.

Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Dozens of Westporters started last weekend with plenty of pancakes.

They packed VFW Post 399, for a breakfast hosted by Westport Troop 139, and other Connecticut troops.

It was a fundraiser for the Scouts’ trip to a jamboree in Scotland this summer.

They thank the Staples Gridiron Club, Adam Vengrow and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for “overwhelming support.”

And of course, all the residents who arrived famished, and left well fed.

Dig in!

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The Sea Street Quartet makes their world debut on Sunday — in Westport.

The string foursome present an afternoon of music by Franz Schubert and Joe Hisaiahi at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road (3 p.m.).

Admission is $10, at the door.

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Judith Katz’s caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — “And just like that!” — says it all.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.

But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.

(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

Pic Of The Day #3259

Longshore golf course gazebo (Photo/John Maloney)

Here Comes The Sun

Maybe not today, or the rest of the week.

But soon.

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter …

Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.

We’ve had a classic New England winter.

Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.

Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.

It arrives Friday, meteorologically.

It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.

The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.

Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.

So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?

The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.

There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.

We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.

Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.

Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.

Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.

That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.

There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.

Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.

But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.

We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).

We soon may be.

I feel that ice is slowly melting …

We’re all ready to head outdoors.

Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.

A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).

At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.

Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.

Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.

Spring returns soon to Westport.

All is not right with our town, or the world.

But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.

Here comes the sun … it’s all right.

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