Category Archives: Media

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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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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Thanks To All Who Donated To “06880”

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 5 comments

A hearty “06880” thank you to all who donated to this year’s “pledge drive.” Your support of our online community is greatly appreciated.

I hate to ask for funds. But the NPR/PBS model is the only way to continue to tell stories about the people, places and past of this town; to bring you news and photos, and to do all the back-end stuff no one ever sees but that takes all of my time, 24/7/365.

Someone congratulated me on 17 years of “06880” — then said, “Sorry I missed your contribution day. I’ll send a check next year.”

Great news! Your money is good any time!

You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account. 

Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.

I’m also on Venmo: @blog06880

You can even scan this QR code:

If you already donated: thanks again.

If you forgot: thanks in advance!

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“06880” Turns 17. Thank You, Readers!

Posted on March 2, 2026 | 11 comments

This week, “06880” turns 17 years old.

Whether you remember that first post or discovered us yesterday, we hope you enjoy our 5 a.m. lead story; the morning Roundup and evening Pic of the Day; features like Unsung Heroes, Friday Flashback, online art gallery and Photo Challenge, plus breaking news and much more, throughout the day.

“06880” is your 24/7/365 hyper-local, full-service blog. We haven’t missed a day since we began, way back in 2009.

Here’s an important question: How much do you pay for this service?

From the beginning, “06880” has followed the NPR model. We rely on your support, at whatever level you feel comfortable. (Click here to skip the rest of this appeal, and contribute directly.)

Some readers pay $50, $100 or $365 a year. A few pay more.

Some contribute $10, $20 or $30 a month.

Several “06880” readers donate through personal foundations. Others give matching grants, through their employers.

The vast majority of readers, though, give nothing.

They read “06880” every day. They love it. But for whatever reason — forgetfulness, not realizing our funding model, the thrill of getting something for nothing — they don’t contribute to Westport’s most popular source of news, events, features, profiles, history, and bad parking jobs.

Reader support allows “06880” to survive and thrive. It pays for internet hosting, computer software and IT help, insurance, freelancers — and the salary of the founder and executive editor, yours truly.

I’m 17. Well, my blog is, anyway. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

“06880” is a labor of love. For 17 years I’ve researched, written, edited, taken and cropped photos, monitored the comments section, and answered your emails.

Along the way I’ve posted over 20,200 stories. I’ve publicized your organizations and fundraisers; helped you through blizzards and hurricanes; written about you and your kids; made you smile, cry, think and act.

With “06880”‘s growth, this is now my full-time, 8- to 10-hour-a-day, 7 days a week job.

So whether you’re a loyal supporter (thank you so much!), an occasional contributor (ditto!), or one who (ahem) prefers to spend all your money elsewhere — thanks for reading this far.

This is our annual fundraising appeal. Now just read a little bit further, to learn how to contribute to your favorite — and several times daily — hyper-local blog.

As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, we offer tax-deductibility to the extent allowed by law. In addition to individual contributions, we can accept corporate matching funds, and foundation grants.

You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account. 

Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.

We’re also on Venmo: @blog06880

You can even scan this QR code:

Whichever method you choose: Thank you!

And tomorrow we go back to our regular programming.

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“06880” Podcast: Christina Scherwin

Posted on February 23, 2026 | 9 comments

Christina Scherwin is the chief operating officer at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

She’s perfect for the role.

A 2-time Olympian in the javelin for her native Denmark, Christina competed in the 2004 and ’08 Olympics. She was a finalist at the 200t World Championships.

In 2002 she was inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Christina has also served on the Danish Olympic Athlete and World Athletics Commissions.

The other day, Christina and I chatted at the Westport Library about her years as a competitive athlete, her work at the Y, and much more. Click here or below, for our wide-ranging conversation.

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Roundup: Winter Olympics, Dominique Johnson, Ben Frimmer …

Posted on February 15, 2026 | 6 comments

Amanda Doyle and her daughter Niamh are probably not the only 2 Westporters at the Winter Olympics in Italy.

Amanda and Niamh Doyle, at the Olympics.

But Amanda is probably the only one who posted a video that went viral.

Her clip from the US-Switzerland women’s ice hockey game — of the entire arena singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” — racked up over a million views and 71,000-plus likes, in just one day.

It looks like a great moment. And Amanda’s comment about the true spirit of the Olympics — uniting “beyond borders, languages and differences” — is pure gold.

PS: The hockey game was especially fun for Niamh. She goes to Coleytown Middle School, and plays for the Shoreline Sharks.

PPS: The US won, 5-0.

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Dominique Johnson is running for re-election.

The 143rd District state representative — serving parts of Westport and Norwalk — and deputy majority leader says she is not taking donations from lobbyists.

Click here for her website.

State Representative Dominique Johnson

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Congratulations, Ben Frimmer!

The veteran theater educator and director, Staples High School graduate, Emergency Medical Service leader and all-around good guy will be honored May 17.

Schoke Jewish Family Service will present him with its Community Service Award.

JFS says, “With more than 30 years of experience across the arts and public safety, he brings a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and service to every role he undertakes.

Frimmer is deputy chief of Weston Volunteer EMS, and a tactical emergency casualty care and EMS Instructor.

He served on the board of Temple Israel, and is on its Security Committee. During the pandemic, he was the congregation’s COVID response point person.

Frimmer was a producer of “John Proctor Is the Villain,” and is on the producing team for “The Hunger Games” in London. He has earned kudos for his work as director of Coleytown Middle School’s Company drama program.

He serves on the board of the Westport Country Playhouse, and co-chairs its Development Committee. He holds master’s degrees in teaching and educational theatre from NYU.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Ben Frimmer

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A reminder: WestportREADS’ keystone conversation is this Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m.)

Eiren Caffall — author of this year’s selection, “All the Water in the World” — chats with Catherine Shen, host of Connecticut Public Radio’s morning talk show and podcast, Where We Live, about Caffall’s thriller about a flooded future, and a family fighting not to be drowned by a changing world. Click here for more information.

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We’ve posted photos of horses at Sherwood Island State Park before, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But the images never get old. Here’s a shot from yesterday:

 

(Pic/Bob Mitchell)

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And finally, in honor of the photo above:

(Hey hey! Time to pony up. If you appreciate “06880” — your hyper-local 24/7/365 blog, bringing you everything you need to know about your town — please click here to support our work. Yee-haw!)

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