Category Archives: Media

Roundup: Pop-ups, Praise, Plaudits …

Posted on April 21, 2026 | 1 comment

Yesterday was Patriots Day. (A celebration of the Battles of Lexington and Concord — not the football team.)

The Westport Garden Club used the occasion to announce a new pop-up floral display and civic initiative, like its popular “Friday Flowers.”

That tradition began in May 2020 as a way to brighten spirits during the pandemic. This will continue this legacy of civic beautification and community dedication, in honor of America’s 250th birthday this year.

A special floral display was installed on Main Street, by the new town clock near The Gap.

The Westport Garden Club display at the town clock …

Other floral pop-ups include:

🌷Memorial Day (May 25): Veterans Green, in front of the Doughboy statue.

🌷Flag Day (June 14): Compo Beach entrance

🌷Independence Day (July 3): Veterans Green, in front of the Doughboy statue.

🌷Constitution Day (September 17): Town Hall steps.

… and a close-up.

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Praise continues to pour in for “Primary Trust,” the Westport Country Playhouse’s current production.

Phil Kann writes: “Alphonso Walker Jr. highlights a cast that makes clear why the script won a Pulitzer. During the play’s 3 or so breaks in the action, I have never heard more vacuum-like silence. I urge people to experience this quietly dazzling show.”

Another aspect that many theater-goers find fascinating is the brilliant scene-changing technique.

Scenic designer Jack Magaw created a slip stage — a large wheeled platform that slides to “slip” scenes into view, allowing for rapid scene changes.

In most shows the entire stage moves to the wings, so another full set can come into view.

This slip stage includes several locations (an office, bank, restaurant and bookstore) that move on an arc. All are visible throughout the entire show. The location that is the focus of a particular scene is lit, while the others exist in the shadows.

“Primary Trust” runs through May 2. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Set design for “Primary Trust.” (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)

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Rising Tide brings creative small business owners together to collaborate and share their diverse perspectives and expertise.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Bella Bridesmaids, 19 Post Road West), they invite creatives, entrepreneurs and small business owners to a free meeting on “AI Tools and Resources.”

Rising Tide promises a “focused, jargon-free discussion on the AI tools that are actually worth your time. Whether you’re a total beginner or a tech enthusiast, come share your experiences and learn from your peers.”

The evening will include best resources; real-world cases by local people; open conversation to share tips, apps, and the ethics of using AI in creative fields; and brainstorming how to integrate tools into workflows.

Click here for more information, and to register. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Congratulations to Inklings!

Staples High School journalists won several Gold Circle awards, in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s 43rd annual contest.

This year, there were over 6,000 entrants. All entries were published during the 2024-25 academic year.

Staples had 4 first place winners:

  • News alternative story form: Avni Krishna ’27 and Camille Blundell ’27, “Stylizing Staples”
  • News sports design: Anna Kercher ’25, “Sophia Fildago Schioppa Soars on National Field Hockey Stage”
  • Digital media personal profile: Nina Bowens ’25, “Gigi’s Dollhouse: How Family Inspired One Woman’s Imagination, Unique Hobby”
  • Feature page design: Alexis Jacobs ’26 and Sophie Smith ’26 (“504 Plans”)

Placing 2nd was Ella Turner ’28, for news headline writing.

In 3rd place for news sports commentary were Lucy Basso ’27 and Sophie Smith ’26 (“Is Aquatics a Must”).

Inklings honorees, clockwise from top left: Starting from the top left, Sophie Smith, Alexis Jacobs, Camille Blundell, Avni Krishna, Ella Turner, Anna Kercher and Nina Bowens. (Collage created by Avni Krishna)

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More Staples news: 3 students are headed to Singapore!

Mehmet Madigan, Josephine Caricato and Elizabeth Stauder will represent the school — and the US — at an international summit hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, in July.

It is an elite event, with only 80 students. This marks the 12th year in which Westport has been invited to send 3 juniors. Requirements include high grades, and interest in world affairs (particularly Asia).

Congratulations, Mehmet, Josephine and Elizabeth!

From left: Josephine Caricato, Elizabeth Stauder, Mehmet Madigan.

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In November, the Staples boys soccer team won the state championship at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium.

This Sunday, 2 Westport teams will try to do the same.

But these players are old enough to be the Wreckers’ parents.

Last weekend, the Over-40 Westport Storm FC knocked out Danbury United 2-1 — the defending state champs — in the Connecticut State Soccer Association semfinals. They’ll face Vasco da Gama of Bridgeport in the final.

Westport players include Jim Wolf (captain of Staples’ 1999 and 2000 teams, now president of the Westport Soccer Association), Dan Chiazza, Olly Cook, Nick McDonald (whose son William plays at Staples), Robbie Newman, Steve Orloff, John Raus, Russ Pfeffer and Mike Zambon.

Westport Storm Over-40 team.

On an adjacent Wakeman field, the Over-50 Westport FC topped Newington 3-2 in penalty kicks, after regulation and overtime ended 1-1. They’ll play The Russell from Windsor.

That game could be especially meaningful to several players.

Fredy Duque’s son Gabe was a captain of Staples’ state championship squad. His daughter is also a Wrecker player.

Erik Waldman’s son Jaden was a sophomore Wrecker on last fall’s varsity. And Aldo Lopez is the father of a former Staples goalkeeper.

Other Over-50 players from Westport include Damien McClave, Jean-Francois Geschwind, Jeffrey Holl, Kaveh Ghahremani, Mihai Ciustea and Scott Hopper.

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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (April 23), for a session on “Computer Basics.”

It returns May 21, covering “Tips for Resume & Cover Letter,” and June 19 (Intro to Excel).

There are 2 sessions (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.

The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.

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One more follow-up on the return of the Remarkable Bookcycle:

Yesterday, “06880” reported that the iconic lending library was back at its beloved Compo Beach spot.

But, we noted, Larry Roberts — who repaired it — had to throw out some books, due to snow and water damage. The shelves were a bit bare.

Within minutes, Westporters came through.

Barely an hour after that post, John Richers sent a photo of one side — nearly full. The other side is presumably equally robust.

And, John adds, there are “some significant titles.”

Feel free to borrow. But — in contradiction to Hamlet (whose play may even be on the shelf) — feel free to be a lender, too.

Robust titles, in the Remarkable Bookcycle. (Photo/John Richers)

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“JazzFC” presents the wildly popular “Jazz at the Post” series every Thursday. Great musicians play 2 shows at VFW Post 399. The price is low; the talent level very, very high.

But Jazz FC does much more. Among their projects: workshops for youth and aspiring professional musicians, as well as the local underserved community in senior citizen residences and community centers.

They also administer the Micky Golomb Scholarship, awarding up to $10,000 annually to students who concentrate in jazz studies.

To fund those endeavors, they’re sponsoring a “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck” this Thursday (April 23, 6 to 10 p.m.). (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.

Some of the 25+ musicians appearing at the “Jazz Cruise by the Saugatuck.” It takes place on dry land, at VFW Post 399.

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As long as flowers keep blooming — and readers keep sending them — we’ll feature spring foliage in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

This is the scene at Lansdowne condominiums:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … on this date in 1509, Henry VIII ascended to the throne of England, after the death of his father, Henry VII.

(Flowers, the Playhouse, Staples, soccer, jazz — and Herman’s Hermits. That’s how “06880” rolls — 24/7/365. If you enjoy our these Roundups, or anything else, click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Media, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Micah Soloshatz Goes “Beyond The Mic” — Big League

Posted on April 21, 2026 | 4 comments

Writing a book is an impressive achievement.

Writing one of over 300 pages on the story of baseball, through interviews with nearly 2 dozen broadcasters — including Huge Names like Bob Costas, Chip Caray and Suzyn Waldman — is very impressive.

And to do it while just a junior at Weston High School — well, that’s the equivalent of throwing a perfect game and winning the World Series with a walk-off grand slam.

But it’s what Micah Soloshatz has just done.

“Beyond the Mic: Behind the Scenes Stories from America’s Best and Brightest Broadcasters” was published earlier this month.

Micah Soloshatz, and his book.

Icons of the broadcasting world — many of them Ford C. Frick Award winners (their equivalent of a Cy Young) — shared never-before-told stories with Micah. They offer advice for aspiring baseball broadcasters.

As a new season begins, the book is a perfect companion to watching your favorite team.

So what’s “Beyond the Mic” — or, more appropriately, beyond Micah?

The book began in 2023 with an 8th grade “Launch Class” project at Indian Hill Middle School in Cincinnati, where he lived then. (His family moved from Westport, when he was in 1st grade.)

Students picked a subject they were passionate about, and created a research-based project.

Baseball is Micah’s passion. He lived just 20 minutes from the Reds’ Great American Ball Park. During COVID — when he couldn’t go to games — he became an avid radio listener.

Cincinnati has a rich baseball history. It’s where the professional sport was born (the 1869 Red Stockings were the first “openly salaried” team). So Micah contacted Reds play-by-play voice John Sadak  public address announcer Joe Zerhusen.

Micah Soloshatz with (from left) John Sadak and former Reds star Barry Larkin. In 2021 he joined their TV broadcast team. 

Both were generous with their time. Micah realized this could become bigger than just a school project

With the confidence of a star athlete, he approached Reds’ legend (and Baseball Hall of Fame inductee) Marty Brennaman. Slowly, the book idea took shape.

For the next couple of years — continuing after a move to Weston — Micah pursued the top broadcasters in baseball.

He met Dave Sims — now the Yankees’ play-by-play commentator — when he worked with the Seattle Mariners, at the team’s hotel.

Micah and Dave Sims.

Again like an athlete, the more Micah worked at his craft — in this case, interviewing — the better he got. He honed his questions — different for each subject — and grew more comfortable asking them.

His young age was not a deterrent.

“People were so open and generous with their time,” he reports. “They saw me as someone who wanted to learn about what they do. I hope I lived up to it.”

Micah Soloshatz with Marty Brennaman. The legendary broadcaster called Cincinnati Reds games from 1974 to 2019.

Costas — the 29-time Emmy Award winner with MLB Network and NBC Sports (and the host of 12 Olympic Games) — was the biggest get.

Micah sent him a letter. The broadcaster called back. They spoke via Zoom for well over an hour.

There were in-person moments too. Philadelphia Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker invited Micah to Citizens Bank Park. He toured the media room, and watched on the field as Baker worked the game.

The 21 interviews include those who not yet in the majors, like Nick Curran of the AAA Louisville Bats and Jeff Dooley of the AA Hartford Yard Goats. Micah wanted to share their stories too.

New York Yankees broadcasters John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman.

To prepare for interviews Micah used SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) archives, the Baseball Hall of Fame, ESPN, MLB.com, YouTube — anything he could find.

At the end of each session Micah asked advice, for himself and other aspiring broadcasters.

Many said something like: It doesn’t matter what sport. You may not know anything about boxing or lacrosse. But say yes to every opportunity — and then learn everything there is to know.

The bulk of “Beyond the Mic” is transcriptions of the interviews. But Micah includes a fascinating, in-depth history of baseball broadcasting (it began in 1921, at Pittsburgh’s Forbes Field), along with a glossary and very extensive bibliography.

It’s a home run. Micah’s 8th grade teacher should be very, very proud.

(“Beyond the Mic” is available on Amazon. Click here to purchase.)

(“06880” regularly covers sports, the media, the accomplishments of teenagers — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Media, Sports, Teenagers, Weston

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Karlin Gray Links Kids & Books: Read All About It!

Posted on April 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

This is a thriving tech and entrepreneurial community. Just go to any StartUp Westport evening (or coffee shop at midday).

But we’ve got our share of writers too. A particularly interesting subset is children’s authors.

In the 7 years since I first wrote about that group, they’ve grown even more numerous and active.

Now, a Westport writer has created a way for young readers to find authors who interest them — all over the country.

Karlin Gray is a 20-year resident. She writes fiction and non-fiction picture books (and credits fellow Westporter Victoria Sherrow with helping transform her manuscripts into publications).

Gray’s subjects include tennis star Serena Williams, Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci and giraffologist Dr. Anne Dagg.

Two years ago she wrote “Mia and Friends: Mia Hamm and the Soccer Sisterhood that That Changed History,” about the heroes of the 1999 Women’s World Cup.

Karlin Gray, with one of her books.Karl

Each time, Gray heard from young readers who related to a book — perhaps for the first time — because it was about a subject they loved.

So — in an effort to promote picture-book biographies that young kids can relate to — Gray has launched True Story Bookshop.

The online resource helps parents and educators find true stories that match youngsters’ interests.

As a children’s author and mom, Gray has read hundreds of narrative nonfiction books for kids.

True Story Bookshop highlights her favorites. All are searchable by interest.

“Do you know kids who love soccer, space or singing?” she asks. “Dogs, drawing or dance? Food or fashion?”

Recommendations for all those subjects — and many more — are available for students from kindergarten through grade 5.

It’s searchable too by theme — for example, Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride, and Contributions of Immigrants.

The goal, Gray says, is to help find “true stories that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and initiate important conversations about culture and society.”

While each book has links to buy from Amazon and Bookshop (where she earns a small affiliate commission), Gray also includes a link to WorldCat, enabling users to find the book at a nearby library.

“Whether you buy or borrow, these books encourage kids to pursue their passions, and help them build their nonfiction literacy skills. Win-win!” Gray says.

(“06880” regularly covers interesting Westporters doing important things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Dara Lamb

Posted on April 13, 2026 | 3 comments

Dara Lamb is a co-founder of the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck.

Last year, the grassroots organization battled the Hamlet development. Now they’ve turned their attention to the Cribari Bridge.

The other day, Dara joined me on the Westport Library stage to chat about their work, the controversy, the neighborhood and more.

Click here or below to learn what the Alliance is doing, how they’re doing, why it’s important — and what’s ahead.

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Posted in Local politics, Media, Saugatuck

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Roundup: PopUp Bagels, Hydration Stations, Fashionably Fun …

Posted on April 13, 2026 | 2 comments

PopUp Bagels — the Westport start-up that popped up during the pandemic, roared into regional and now national prominence, and has clearly outgrown its motto — “Not famous, but known” — is in the headlines again.

Bloomberg reports that Tiger Global has agreed to invest — at a $300 million valuation.

That’s “roughly 5 times what the startup was quoted at as recently as 5 months ago.”

“The buzzy bagel brand races to turn its TikTok-fueled hype into a national presence,” Bloomberg adds.

It describes the brand as developing “a cult-like following around its smaller, fluffier bagels, sold in limited flavors with a minimum order of 3.”

PopUp Bagels plans to open up to 300 locations across the US in the next 4 years.

The 30th store opens Friday in Chicago. Number 31 follows the next week, in Dallas.

Click here for the full Bloomberg story.

PopUp Bagels founder Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Sustainable Westport’s UnPlastic Westport initiative is bearing fruit.

Donations have already funded 2 public water bottle filling stations: one at the Compo Beach basketball courts, the other at Winslow Park. Both will keep tens of thousands of plastic water bottles out of landfill.

Rendering of the water bottle filling station at Winslow Park …

Five more “priority locations” have been identified:

  • Burying Hill Beach
  • Old Mill Beach
  • Grace Salmon Park
  • PJ Romano Field
  • Town Farm Little League fields.

Three “wish list locations” — requiring more logistical planning — are the Wakeman Fields, Longshore and downtown.

The cost and installation of each station ranges from $5,000 for an in-wall unit, to $15,000 for a standalone, ADA-compliant one.

Sustainable Westport seeks individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Click here to contribute, and for more information.

… and the Compo Beach basketball courts.

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“Love + War” — the remarkable documentary about the professional and personal lives of Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur fellowship winner (and 1991 Staples High School graduate Lynsey Addario — has been nominated for 4 Emmy Awards.

The nominations include the biggest category — Best Documentary — along with others for Outstanding Editing, Outstanding Sound, and Outstanding Promotional Announcement.

Addario congrats her team — including National Geographic — and adds, “It took me years to feel comfortable letting a film crew into my life. Even then, it never felt entirely natural as someone who’s usually behind the camera, not in front of it. So thank you to our cameramen.”

She cites their “gorgeous (and subtle!) cinematic eye (and) powerful footage from Ukraine, often shot while under fire.

“It’s been amazing to share this film with so many different people across the world. I hope ‘Love + War’ continues to stand as a testament to a profession that became my calling, while also being clear-eyed about the complexities and sacrifices that come with it.”

Winners will be announced at Lincoln Center on May 28. “Love + War” can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.

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As models get fitted, styled, and practice their runway strut, a few tickets still remain for “Fashionably Westport.”

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening (April 25, 7 p.m., Westport Library) is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with friends-and-neighbors models from all over town, wearing outfits from over 20 local stores.

(Spoiler alert: One of those models is yours truly. Please don’t laugh — but please come to the show!)

The evening includes plenty of food, and a great silent auction. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A full crowd packed the VFW last night, for a very special show.

Corky Laing — the former drummer for Mountain (of “Mississippi Queen” fame) — sat in with Gary Shure’s 10$Grand Band.

From the first chords, the place rocked. Do you know what I mean?

From left: Joe Whelan, Ray Schmidt, Corky Laing, Gary Shure, Ronnie Roberts, Michael Bertholf.

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More ospreys — and not the well-known Fresh Market ones.

This pair nests at the north end of Sherwood Mill Pond.

Are they surveying the scene? Planning dinner? Thinking about starting a family?

Whatever the answer: They look very intent doing it.

(Photo/John Kantor)

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Besides the ospreys, there was another sign of the season yesterday — a (finally) warm and sunny spring Sunday.

Boats and other craft headed to Cockenoe Island, off Compo, by the — well, boatload.

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Westport native and Korean War veteran Donald Switter died on Wednesday. He was 92.

He was studying architecture at the University of Connecticut to study architecture, but while drawing up plans realized his true love was outdoors.

Don pivoted, and started a landscape company. For years, he was one of the town’s top landscapers.

Many residents knew him as the man riding in a Jaguar convertible, with his English setter Mike by his side.

Don is survived by his sister, Phillis Fox of Unicoi, Tennessee; brother James of Winchendon, Massachusetts, and many nieces and nephews.

Don Switter

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It’s been a while since we’ve had deer in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

These 2 look like they need a good meal.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Lucky (for them): Growing season is upon us.

Unlucky (for us): They’ll soon be chomping on our plants.

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And finally … on this date in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah”  had its world premiere in Dublin.

If you’re free for the next 2 1/2 hours — enjoy!

(Hallelujah! “06880” is your 24/7/365, hyper-local go-to blog — “Where Westport meets the world.” We rely on reader support. Please click here to donate. And thank you!)

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Craig Melvin: From 30 Rock To Saugatuck, “Today” Host Talks

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 1 comment

Millions of “Today” show fans know Craig Melvin from TV.

Thousands of Westporters know him as our neighbor.

Last night, a capacity Westport Library crowd got to know him even better.

The co-anchor of the 74-year-old TV institution — heir to a tradition that includes Dave Garroway, Barbara Walters, Tom Brokaw, Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel,  and many more illustrious names — spoke for nearly 90 minutes about his life, his career and, especially, his and his family’s life in our town.

For once, he was not the host.

That task fell to Jim Marpe, former 1st selectman and a member of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston. That also-venerable institution sponsored the event.

Before he took the stage, Craig Melvin (right) and Jim Marpe watch a video of the co-host’s “Today” show career. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Under Marpe’s warm but insightful questioning, Melvin described the route he and his wife, TV journalist Lindsay Czarniak, took to Westport. Searching for a home between New York City and Bristol, Connecticut, where she worked for ESPN, they toured Fairfield County.

Sitting at Mansion Clam House, he thought, “Everyone here is in finance. And white.”

But they rented a place just across the river, on Otter Trail, and fell in love with the town.

As their children grow up here, Melvin has enjoyed participating in their lives: flag football, basketball, gymnastics, dance and more.

He’s also a member of Westport 10. The organization — founded by Jay Norris — brings Black men together, to network and socialize. It’s also a way for their children to meet other Black youngsters in town.

Jim Marpe with “Pops: Learning to be a Son and a Father.” Melvin wrote the memoir about fatherhood, addiction and resiliency. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

There were other serious moments too. Melvin and Czarniak are involved in several cancer-related charities (his brother died of colorectal cancer).

The “Today” anchor grew emotional when describing the recent trauma involving the disappearance of co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother. He described the “family” atmosphere among the show’s cast and crew, and offered insights into the close relationship between himself and Guthrie. (Not long ago, on a trip to Arizona, Melvin visited her mother’s home.)

During the audience Q-and-A, a woman asked for advice on getting into the television industry.

“One thing you can’t learn is genuine intellectual curiosity,” he noted.

A capacity crowd filled the Trefz Forum. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Another woman said that she sees Melvin around town, but doesn’t want to say anything to him.

“That’s rude!” he shot back.

He enjoys speaking with residents, he said — though he appreciates not being approached when he’s with his family.

“Lindsay and I knew what we were getting into” when they went into television, he explained. “Our kids didn’t sign up for this.”

Melvin also gave shout-outs to several Westporters in the audience, including the Rhimes family, Dave Briggs, and Bill Mitchell (“you buy a tie, next thing you know he’s got you doing something for Sacred Heart University”).

“This is not the life I imagined” growing up in South Carolina, Melvin said. One day he’s interviewing Keanu Reeves; the next, Marco Rubio.

But it a life he relishes.

Last night, thanks to Jim Marpe and the Y’s Men, hundreds of Westporters understood why.

Jim Marpe and Craig Melvin, enjoying their conversation. (Photo/Susan Garment)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and we all meet neighbors like Craig Melvin. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Owen Daniel

Posted on March 31, 2026 | Leave a comment

Owen Daniel is the youngest guest we’ve ever welcomed to our “06880” podcast.

The Weston High School senior balances schoolwork* with performing, songwriting and producing music events.

His songwriting draws inspiration from artists like Noah Kahan, Lewis Capaldi and Olivia Rodrigo, blending introspective lyrics with an acoustic sound.

This fall, Owen heads to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before he goes — and the world learns about him — he stopped by the Westport Library, for a wide-ranging chat.

It was a great morning. My only regret is I forgot to ask him to bring his guitar.

Click here or below to hear Owen’s take on his life, his music, and the performing and recording world in general.

*Though as a 2nd semester senior, that’s probably now just an abstract concept.

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Roundup: Dogs, Chickens, Penguins …

Posted on March 25, 2026 | 5 comments

It’s no joke: April 1 is the date dogs are banned from Compo Beach.

Tomorrow — when the thermometer hits 65 — looks like the best day before next Wednesday for Fido’s final romp.

Until October 1.

Hey — that’s only 189 days away!

Enjoy it while you can! (Photo/Nancy Lally)

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What’s going down at the farm?

It’s better to ask: What isn’t?!

Wakeman Town Farm welcomes spring, with a host of activities for all ages. They include:

  • Maple Syrup Boil (this Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free)
  • Farm classes, for all age students
  • Inclusive neurodiverse farmers’ program
  • Kids’ cooking classes (special session for homeschooling)
  • Summer camp
  • Adult workshops: tulips, cooking, chicken-keeping, flowers, needlework.

Click here for details, and registration.

Learn all about backyard chicken-keeping, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of spring: As Westporters venture outside for spring cleaning, they’re finding plenty to do.

Including tidying up this stretch of Old Hill Road.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Looks like quite a winter, in that part of town.

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Here’s some stop-the-presses info: Inklings News — Staples High School’s newspaper — has won a Gold Crown Award. That’s the highest given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

The honor was for hybrid (print and web) news coverage.

This is the third time Inklings News has received this distinction, and the first in consecutive years.

Inklings News is also the only high school organization in New England to receive this recognition for both print and web coverage this year.

The award honors the work of last year’s (2024–’25) Inklings News web and paper staffs, including:

  • Editors-in-chief: Nina Bowens, Lily Hultgren
  • Creative cirectors: Alex Gaines, Olivia Signorile
  • Paper managing editors: Katherine Phelps, Mia Bomback, Angelina Matra
  • Associate paper managing editors: Cici Petrosinelli, Lily Rimm, Anna Kercher, Demi Sasson
  • Web managing editors: Rachel Olefson, Samantha Sandrew
  • Social Media Managers: Audrey Curtis, Poppy Harrington

Congratulations to all — including Inklings News advisors Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco.

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Over 30 years ago, a concerned group of parents with learning disadvantaged children created a group called Our Vision. Their goal was to provide a rich, meaningful life for them, in a society that offered few programs to help.

Today, Our Vision members participate in summer, fall and winter Special Olympics games. Weekly training in track and field, swimming, bowling and bocce has resulted in many medals.

There are outings to community theater, pizza parties and dinner shows. Every Saturday, members take a bus to the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for sports and gym activities, swim training, social games, and arts and crafts projects.

Our Vision also participates in the Special Olympics fundraiser. This year’s event is April 11 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield). Anyone can participate (or, more warmly, cheer).

Donations can be made online here, or by check to “SOCT/Penguin Plunge,” 4 Cross Highway, Westport, CT 06880. Write “Our Vision/Peter Bradeen” on the memo line.

Peter Bradeen (right) and Penguin Plunge friends.

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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW benefits luncheon.

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On Saturday, the Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) will help stock Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry.

They’ll be at Big Y from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most needed items include pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, mac ‘n’ cheese, canned foods (tuna, chicken, salmon), and laundry detergent.

Can’t make it Saturday? Click here for the Amazon wish list. Goods are shipped directly to Homes with Hope.

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The Planning & Zoning Department warns that there are fake “invoices” coming from a false P&Z address.

They say: “Scammers are impersonating town officials regarding zoning and public hearing fees.

“The Town of Westport will never request payments via calls, texts, emails or apps (Venmo/Zelle/CashApp). Do not share personal info or send payment.

“Verify with P&Z (203-341-1030); report scams to the Westport Police non- emergency line (203-341-6000).”

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Frank Murgalo — who wrote the great memoir “My Mid-Life Crisis at 82” — should pack ’em in at his next author talk.

The venue is tailor-made: the Senior Center.

It’s April 7 (2:45 p.m.). Reservations are required: 203-341-5099.

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Cat Malkin thought the message at this gas station was rich.

“Seems more like the Taking Pump,” she says.

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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You may not be ready for the Penguin Plunge (story above).

But these guys — neither humans nor penguins — took to the water this week, for an early spring swim.

Along the way, they ended up as our “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … 2 musical giants share a birthday.

Aretha Franklin was born on this date in 1942. She died in 2018.

Elton John was born in 1947. He’s still going strong.

(Speaking of spring cleaning: As you’re plowing through your to-do list, please don’t forget to click here, to help support “06880.” Our hyper-local blog depends on our readers. Thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Alex Giannini

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 1 comment

Alex Giannini is a very busy man.

As director of programs and events for the Westport Library, he’s neck-deep in preparations for this year’s Verso Fest.

But last week he walked downstairs, sat on the Forum stage, and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the 5th annual music/media/and more festival.

Alex described not only what’s happening, but how. Who chooses the musicians and panelists? How is each day’s schedule balanced? Who is the target audience, how are they reached, and what are their reactions?

Alex’s interview offers a very cool look at a very cool event. Click here or below to see.

PS: Want to learn more about VersoFest ’26, with Wyclef Jean, Ani DiFranco and a lot more? Click here!

 

 

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Media

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Staples Players Rewind: “Merrily We Roll Along”

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 1 comment

Stephen Sondheim is a David Roth favorite.

So it was natural for the Staples Players director to choose “Merrily We Roll Along” as the spring 2003 production.

Former media teacher Jim Honeycutt taped it — and all of Roth’s shows.

This week, in our chronological look back at highlights of past productions, we bring you that memorable “Merrily.” Click here or below to see.

PS: This year’s spring show — “Urinetown” — debuts Thursday (March 12, 7 p.m.). It runs Friday and Saturday (March 13 and 14) at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday (March 14 and 15) at 2 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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