The fireworks are always Westport’s hottest show of the year.
Yesterday, that was literally — not just figuratively — true.
But 100 degree temperatures didn’t stop over 10,000 folks from having a bang-up time.
The annual affair — sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, coordinated by the Parks & Recreation Department, with help from Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and a fundraiser for Westport PAL — was a chance to eat, drink, strut, stroll, socialize, swim, sparkle, twirl sparklers, and celebrate our country’s birth with family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
Hey: We only turn 250 once.
Bam!
Andrew Colabella and Samantha. (Photo/Susan Garment)
A tiny section of the huge crowd.
Most folks set up their tent and chairs, then leave until late afternoon. Not this crew. They’re there all day — and love it.
A hectic day — but the lifeguards keep smiling.
The Parks & Rec Department outfitted employees in special shirts.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is everywhere, on his busiest day of the year.
The barge! (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
The red-white-and-blue theme extends to the US soccer team. Go get ’em, Christian Pulisic!
Police Department motorcycle crew, heading to Compo. (Photo/Connor Kilbourn)
Celebrating America, with (of course) guacamole. (Photo/Cathy Walker)
Popsicles for $1, on Compo Road South at Vani Court. Venmo accepted! (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Emergency Medical Service members. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 10 weeks old, perhaps the youngest fireworks-goer.
Stars, stripes and shovels. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Showing the flag offshore (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Classic kids’ shot. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Compo Road South at Gault Avenue, 7 pm. That’s 2 miles away from Compo Beach. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Even the tent is red white and blue.
Nothing better than hanging with friends.
Westport PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo.
Some beach parties are indoors. But the patriotism is the same.
From right: fireworks sponsors Doug and Melissa Bernstein; Miggs Burroughs, who designed the Westport 250 logo.
Officers Ned Batlin and David Perez — 2 of the many keeping the beach safe. (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
(Photo/Jay Babina)
Sporting a limited edition Westport Fireworks T-shirt by Pip Party Co. and Honey Pie Children’s Boutique. (Photo/Jennifer Shields)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Eric Bosch)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
The money shot — from the water. (Photo/Linda Mezzullo)
Yesterday’s story on Tom Lowrie — Westport’s “Mr. Pickleball,” former YMCA trustee, Y’s Man and Rotarian (and much more) who died Tuesday at 97 — noted that there will be a gathering at 6 p.m. this Friday (July 3, his birthday), at the Compo Beach Lowrie Pickleball Courts.
His daughter Anne says that this is an informal toast. A celebration of Tom’s long life is set for Greens Farms Church on July 31. More details will be available soon.
Tom Lowrie, at his 97th birthday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Attention, sports fans! The Tuesday night Parks & Recreation adult hoops league is in full swing. Eight teams play weekly, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Players include just-graduated Staples High heroes Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan and Mason Tobias, and recent graduates Adam Udell, Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Derek Sale, Justin Honig and Griffin Kass.
This week’s ringer was a Big Name: former NBA star (and Rookie of the Year) Michael Carter-Williams (now a Westport resident), and former overseas pro and current Westport PAL coach Jamill Powell.
Spectators are always welcome. The Staples coaching staff enjoyed the games last week.
Long Lots Elementary School — built in 1953, and renovated 20 years later — is slated for demolition. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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The String Queens are the newest addition to the free Levitt Pavilion calendar.
The August 16 show features the trio, known for blending classical music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B and popular styles. Click here to reserve free tickets.
Meanwhile, this holiday weekend’s schedule includes:
Friday, July 3 (7:30 p.m.): Clay Street Unit (bluegrass, folk, Americana, country)
Saturday, July 4 (7:30 p.m.): Early Clover (former Coasters’ lead singer; tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more)
Sunday, July 5 (7 p.m.): Back to the Garden 1969: Woodstock Experience (featuring Staples graduate Michelle Pauker)
Speaking of music: Lachat Town Farm’s next “Music in the Meadow” (July 11, 6 p.m.) features singer/guitarist/ songwriter Quinn Sullivan.
He’s appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and with Conan O’Brien. Sullivan has also performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and toured and recorded with Buddy Guy for nearly a decade.
Sharing the stage with B.B. King, Sullivan became one of the few artists ever to play his iconic guitar, “Lucille.”
But the celebration continues July 16 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
Eleish Van Breems Home opens it doors for a free celebration. Nômade will provide the food; Black Bear Wines & Spirits, the beverages. Everyone — the LGBTQ community, friends, allies — and fans of fun (and the furniture store) — is invited. Please RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
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The Whitney Street improvement project is nearly done.
Resident Molly Alger could not be happier. And not just because the noise and inconvenience will end.
The new curb is a masterpiece,” she reports.
“The old curb, next to the black paved sidewalk, was just a raised bit of asphalt.
“Now they’re constructing a legitimate cement curb — perfectly formed and absolutely beautiful. Of course it will also be much safer!”
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 24 and 30.
A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating under suspension and failure to appear, following a stop on Post Road East.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Distracted driving: 6 citations
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
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As the weather heats up, residents slow down … and seek shade.
These folks found it yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. It’s a nice “Westport … Naturally” reminder of how good we have it — despite the temperature.
And finally … Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote their smash hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man,” died Monday, after a short illness. He was 74.
(Once again, “06880” proves why it is “where Westport meets the world.” Where else can you find all this stuff? If you appreciate our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Tomorrow — 2 days ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.
It also has a major impact on traffic.
The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.
Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.
Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.
Westport Police emphasize that parking restrictions in the Compo Beach area will be strictly enforce. No parking is allowed on Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed, and towed to Longshore parking lot F.
The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.
Speaking of the fireworks: If you’re headed there via Hillspoint Road, you’ll see one less historic home.
The “Captain Allen” home fell to the wrecking ball this week. Named for the founder of the old Allen’s Clam House, it stood on Sherwood Mill Pond near Burnham Hill for over a century.
Speaking of old homes: Bob Weingarten launches his new book “Westport, Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts, 1639–2025” with a special reception July 7 (6 p.m., Westport Book Shop). It’s a deep dive into Westport’s past — with a particular emphasis on homes, and the Greens Farms neighborhood.
The event is co-sponsored by MoCA\CT, in conjunction with their new exhibition, “Looking for History.”
The evening includes wine, light bites, a book signing, and Westport memories. Guests can purchase the book before it becomes available to the public the next day. RSVPs are required; click here.
Speaking of book launches: The Westport Library is the setting for “Ransom,” The latest Gabriel Allon thriller gets the star treatment July 14 (6:30 p.m.).
Silva will be joined in conversation by his wife, CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel — proving, the Library says, “he’s nearly as fearless as his iconic protagonist.”
And finally … speaking of Motown coming to the Westport Country Playhouse (above) — and the weather:
(As Westport swelters — and gets ready to celebrate America’s big birthday — “06880” is here with you. That’s how we roll. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The big Levitt Pavilion event this weekend is Wynton Marsalis.
The world famous trumpeter brings his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to the riverside amphitheater on Sunday (June 28), for 2 sets at 7 p.m. They’re preceded by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Youth Orchestra at 6.
That’s a paid ticket event, of course. But there are 3 free shows, starting tonight:
Today (Thursday, 7 p.m.): Tutti & the Fruity Band (Children’s Series)
And if you did, did you know you could hang out there and paint?
Well, it does. And this Sunday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m.), it’s open for a “Paint + Sip” event.
Artist Lauren Smith will lead guests, as they create, sip and enjoy lite bites, overlooking the Saugatuck River.
For $56, you get painting supplies, an 8″x10″ canvas, and Kawa Ni fare. Wine, sake and cocktails are available for purchase. Click here to register.(Hat tip: Sall Liccione)
Westport Policy charged a 39-year-old Stratord woman with 3 counts of larceny, following a series of thefts from Ulta. The total amount of merchandise was nearly $8,000.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Driving unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Alvin (Al) Gregory Hegeman died unexpectedly at home on June 13. He was 83, and a Westport resident since 1988.
He was a longtime board member of the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, and served as treasurer during construction of the Nature Center.
Al spent his early childhood in the Philippines and Japan, where his father was a US Army intelligence officer. That experience instilled in him a love of travel, and an appreciation of diverse cultures.
He played football at Williams College, majored in economics, and was one of the first members of the Williams Rugby Football Club.
He served in Malawi. in the Peace Corps, where he married Hope Oliker, a girl from his hometown who was working as a report for the Malawi Times. He loved the country and his colleagues, and returned to visit frequently.
After earning an MBA at Harvard Business School, he returned to Africa with First National City Bank. As it evolved into Citicorp, he held senior positions in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Thailand and Liberia. .
He returned to the US with Citibank in 1980, Al retired as the Corporate Asset Funding CEO in 2002, but soon went back to work as a founding partner and chief investment officer of Paramax, an investment firm.
Al played rugby in the US and overseas, He was a Chicago Cubs season ticket holder when Wrigley Field hosted its first night game. He sat through countless Bears games in sub-zero temperatures, snd rarely missed a Williams Homecoming game.
Al loved historical biographies. He was a member of the Y’s Men, the Old Asia Hands, the World Affairs Forum of Stamford and the Westport League of Women Voters.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hope; daughters, Hilary (Scott Castle) Hageman, Heather (Bill) Urbaitis and Shanti (Kyde Sharp) Hageman; grandchildren Jocelyn and Charlotte Wulf, Greg Wyatt and Xander Rubidge, James, Floyd and John (Jack) Sharp; aunt Betty Shaver Voorhees, brothers-in-law, Mike (Ginny) and Dave (Lynn) Oliker, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and his rescue dog Ebbie. He was predeceased by his younger brother James Voorhees Hageman.
The family is planning a farewell party for Al at the end of the summer, and his ashes will be placed in the Shire River in Malawi sometime next year. Donations may be made to Malawi Children’s Village or to Ascent Soccer.
And finally … happy National Lightning Safety Awareness Week!
(From the Levitt Pavilion to Kawa Ni’s roof, Westport has it all. And “06880” tells you all about it — 24/7/365. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help us spread the word. Thank you!)
Their owners may not have loved the somewhat grotty water fountain — serving canines and humans — that stood for years near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
It’s gone. And everyone is lapping up its replacement.
Yesterday, a new one was installed.
There are 2 bowls for people, one for dogs, and a spigot to fill water bottles. They all rest on a concrete pad — so goodbye to muddy paws.
The new fountain is a welcome gift from Sustainable Westport. A plaque says it honors Sherry Jagerson — “a champion for the environment.”
Teaching an old dog new tricks. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
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Congratulations to the Westport Library!
On Tuesday, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County presented director Bill Harmer with the Mark Award. It’s given annually to groups and individuals who create and support the arts.
The Library was honored for VersoFest. For 5 years, the event has entertained the state with 4 days of immersive music, multimedia, panels, workshops and more. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. With him on the screen is David J of Bauhaus, a keynote speaker and performer at this spring’s VersoFest.
Speaking of the Library: The Board of Finance holds office hours there today (10 a.m.).
Residents can stop in, and ask a member town finance-related questions.
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Kerri Kenney-Silver — the actress (now appearing in Netflix’s “Four Seasons”), comedian, writer, singer, musician, and 1988 Staples High School graduate — was a recent guest on Seth Meyers and his brother’s “Family Trips” podcast.
Speaking of performing: Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internships are among the most prestigious in the theater world.
Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at the historic stage (long before the program was named for the longtime Playhouse friend, and former artistic director). Joining him that year: future director Frank Perry, and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary.
This year, 4 theater career aspirants will enhance their skills and gain experience working with Playhouse senior staff this month and next. They were selected from 79 applicants.
The 2026 group includes Nick Bates, production intern, arts administration major at Wagner College; Rebecca Brown, marketing intern, advertising and public relations major at Marist University; Leah Fosbrook, development intern, theatre administration major at Ithaca College; and Julia Orr, artistic/education intern, theatre directing and public advocacy double major at Belmont University.
In addition to work in their departments, interns attend seminars with guest speakers. They receive a stipend and nearby housing.
From left: Rebecca Brown, Leah Fosbrook, Julia Orr, Nick Bates. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
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Comedy Night returns to VFW Post 399 tomorrow (Friday; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8).
The lineup of 4 comedians includes David Beckles, Jr., Autumn Harvest, Dan Altano, and regular residency comic Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako hosts.
Once the kids are gone, construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School can move ahead full throttle.
But — at the northernmost edge of the property — work has already begun.
Here’s what the old lower soccer fields looked like on Monday:
(Photo/Michael Chait)
This is the new site for the school’s geothermal system.
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The Westport Rotary Club got a “healthy” bit of info at Tuesday’s meeting.
Dawn Myles, vice president for community health of Northwell Health described her organization: the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast. With 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians, Northwell cares for more than 3 million people annually in the New York area.
Dawn Myles at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 10 and 16.
A 37-year-old Danbury man was charged with harassment and threatening, following a complaint by the owner of a cleaning service. After firing an employee for stealing from a client’s home, the victim received calls and texts from someone presumed to be the former employee’s husband. Among other statements, he threatened to kill the victim’s daughter if his demands were not met. He was released on a $51,000 bond.
A 37-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and defective stop lamp, after an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the Post Road. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
School zone violation: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Distracted driving: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 1
Unreadable license plates: 1
Ten drivers were charged last week with school zone violations.
In other Westport Police news, a promotion ceremony will be held today (Thursday, 10 a.m., Police headquarters) for 3 officers.
Detective Scott Alberti has been with the Westport force since 2018. A Sacred Heart University business management graduate, he spent many years working in the private sector, where he also became an emergency medical technician. He has been recognized in Westport for superior performance, particularly in the area of mental health emergencies.
Sergeant Rachel Hall joined the Westport Police Department in 2016, from Ridgefield. She is a University of Connecticut graduate, with a degree in allied health science (pre-medicine). She has served Westport in the motorcycle and drone units, the Marine Division, school security, and as a dive rescuer.
Sergeant Casey Mezerewski has many relatives who served on the Westport force, include fallen officer William Frawley, his great-grandfather. Sgt. Mezerewski has been with the Westport Police since 2008. He is a Tae Kwon Do back belt, and has worked with the dive team, Marine Division and Honor Guard. He received a Life Saving Award in 2014.
From left: Det. Scott Aliberti, Sgt. Rachel Hall, Sgt. Casey Mezerewski
And finally … the item that mentioned Stephen Sondheim’s long-ago internship at the Westport Country Playhouse (above) got us thinking about his music.
We also thought about the Playhouse — and remembered that when Judy Collins gave a memorable performance there last year, she sang this signature song:
(Send in the clowns. And send in the checks. Or online donations. “06880” relies on readers to support our work. If you appreciate us — or want to honor Sondheim or anyone else — click here. Thanks!)
It’s been 50 years since Martha Moxley was murdered.
The crime transfixed the nation. The 15-year-old was bludgeoned and stabbed with a golf club the night before Halloween in her back yard, in Greenwich’s Belle Haven section.
She was last seen alive with Thomas and Michael Skakel — nephews of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. They were the prime suspects.
Michael — who was 15 at the time of the murder — was convicted 27 years later, and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. He was granted a new trial 11 years later, on the grounds of inadequate counsel, and released.
In 2020 — 45 years to the day after the crime — the state of Connecticut announced he would not be retried. Too many witnesses had died.
Many people believed — long before Michael Skakel’s first trial — that he was guilty. So did Andrew Goldman.
Andrew Goldman
But a few years ago, when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked the Westporter — a writer for the Wall Street Journal, New York Times Magazine, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Wired and more — to ghostwrite a book about his cousins’ involvement in the case, he agreed to meet some of those involved.
Michael Skakel was eager. He let Goldman pore through the entire case file: 50 boxes of police reports, evidence and more.
Eventually, Goldman came to doubt that Michael was the killer.
RFK Jr. — then an environmental lawyer, several years away from becoming President Trump’s Health & Human Services secretary — believed, on word from a tipster, that the murderers were 2 teenagers from New York. One was sexually obsessed with Martha.
Robert F. Kenney Jr.’s name is on the book. But Andrew Goldman was the ghostwriter.
But his involvement with the case did not end there.
By that time, Goldman believed Michael Skakel was miles away when Moxley was clubbed to death. And he wanted to counteract 2 influential books — Dominick Dunne’s fictional-but-close-resemblance 1993 “A Season in Purgatory,” and Mark Fuhrman’s 1998 “Murder in Greenwich” — that convinced many of Skakel’s guilt.
The result — after extensive research and numerous interviews, including Michael and Thomas Skakel — was a 12-part NBC News Studios podcast. It premiered late last year.
“Dead Certain: The Martha Moxley Murder” spent several weeks as Apple’s #1 podcast series.
“I spent the better part of a decade immersed in the case,” Goldman says. “It was a story people thought they knew, but didn’t.
“I documented how and why the state of Connecticut tried and convicted a man with virtually no evidence against him. The whole case was built on a foundation of lies. In my 30 years in journalism, no case has ever gripped me like this story.”
It still grips him. Certain elements were not included in the podcast, at NBC’s insistence. Since it aired, more tips have come in.
Martha Moxley
So at 7 p.m. on June 24, Goldman presents a special show at the Westport Library.
The “live podcast” event will include accompaniment by 2 New York musicians, and a song by Jack Donahue — a former assistant to Dunne, who has a unique connection to the case.
The evening includes a panel discussion with friends of Martha Moxley, and people who worked on the case.
“It will be quite unlike anything Westport has ever seen,” Goldman promises.
The potential audience is vast: people who have long been fascinated by the Martha Moxley story; those who listened to the podcast, but want more, and “true crime” aficionados.
And people who (like me) remember the case when it first happened, have not thought about it in years, but are now — with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the headlines, and a Westport author who worked with him convinced of the truth — ready for a deep, deep dive.
(For more information on the June 24 multimedia Westport Library event, click here.)
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, and our wide-ranging stories about people, news, trends and more, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Michael Skakel, in a screenshot from Andrew Goldman’s podcast.
For over 300 years — long before Westport was incorporated as a town — Green’s Farms Church has been a community anchor.
Beyond its importance as a religious congregations, the church has opened its doors to all. These days it hosts numerous groups, a preschool, and much more.
This Sunday (June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Green’s Farms Church is throwing a block party. Neighbors, families all around town, local organizations,and mission partners will gather for food, music, games and connection.
The party includes live music, barbecue, an ice cream truck, inflatables, crafts, sport court games, photo booth, sidewalk chalk art, and activities for all ages.
Organizations and partners from across the region will also participate, offering opportunities to learn more about good works happening throughout Westport and beyond.
Sponsored in part by organizations that regularly gather at Green’s Farms Church — including Westport Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Homes with Hope and Scout Troop 39 — the event will celebrate community.
Everyone is warmly invited. For more information, click here or follow on social media: @greensfarmschurch.
Green’s Farms Congregational Church
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The date and time for Staples High School’s baseball state championship game is set.
The Wreckers face Trumbull on Saturday at noon. The site is Middletown’s Palmer Field. Click here for tickets.
Unfortunately, the boys lacrosse team will not join them in a state championship game. Staples fell to New Canaan yesterday in heartbreaking fashion — 9-8, in sudden-death overtime — in their “LL” semi, at Fairfield University.
It’s a tall order to beat the same team 4 times in one season. The Wreckers had topped the Rams 3 times this spring — including a thrilling sudden-death win in the FCIAC final.
Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky’s squad, on another stellar year.
Speaking of sports: The World Cup kicks off this afternoon. Mexico hosts South Africa, at 3 p.m.
Tomorrow (Friday), the US plays its first match, against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Kickoff is 9 p.m. EDT.
Sure, you can watch them — and many of the other 102 games — at home.
But it will be a lot more fun at The Clubhouse.
The sports bar/restaurant/event space/and more across the Post Road from the Delamar has Westport’s largest TV wall. They’ve added 2 new screens, so every seat now has a view.
They also offer reservations for reservations for smaller rooms. There’s also the roof deck, to watch outdoors.
Click on their website, or follow their Instagram (@theclubhouswestport) for news of watch parties for the biggest games — with DJs and other special attractions. For reservations, click here.
They begin with a recognition of retirees: Horacio Ballesteros, Christina Brooks, Maureen Cadden, Carmela Cerulo, Lisa Doran, Joanne Fasciolo, Gina Forberg, Karen Frawley, Dana Gilland, Ellen Hardy, Cheryl Hersh, Patricia Hines, Kaye Johnson, Jessica Olson, Helena Paiva, Anne Parise, Elaine Perlman, Liz Shaffer and Miguel Valentin.
They’ll also recognize their 2 student representatives — Anwara Olasewere and Souleye Kebe — and PTA co-presidents Lori Freemon, Allison O’Dell, Jennifer Sydor, Alaina Skiber, Sonam Tejpal, Catherine Young,Cheryl Morabito, Christina Royce, Alexis Eisenberg, Lindsay Brachle, Rebekah Wornow, Indy Pereira, Meghan O’Brien, Lindsay Blass, Wendy McConaghy, Gina Christie, Robin Lewis, Stefanie Shackelford and Aileen Brill.
They’ll discuss the recent screen time audit report, and will discuss and act on the employment contract of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Before “Hello, Dolly!,” there was “The Matchmaker.”
Tomorrow (Friday, June 12) the curtain rises on Westport Community Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Matchmaker” comedy. Matchmaker.
The original source for “Dolly!” is filled with romance, mischief, mistaken identities and classic characters. Decades later, it’s as fresh, funny and heartwarming as ever. his beloved American classic remains as fresh, funny, and heartwarming today as when it first delighted audiences decades ago.
The cast includes Lucy Babbitt, Ari Benmosche, TJ Chila, Rayne Darken, Henry Durham, Betsy Grover, Martha Hegley, Emily Roberson, Patrick Spaulding, Rick Stewart, Erin Wallace and Jordan Weisblatt. The director is Mark Frattaroli.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. on June 14, 21 and 28. The Westport Community Theatre is in the lower level of Town Hall. For tickets, call 203-226-1983 or click here.
Patrick Spaulding and Lucy Babbitt in “The Matchmaker.”
Some people help Homes with Hope with cash donations. Others contribute food for the pantry, or cook and serve meals at the Gillespie Center.
The Lang family gave a car, to Susie’s House.
The vehicle will provide reliable transportation for the young women at the Compo Road North residence.
That’s “one less barrier on the road to independence,” says Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “This gift will make a real and lasting difference in their lives.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between June 39 and 9.
An 81-year-old Westport woman was charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, after a neighbor reported that 3-5 feet had been cut from the tops of 19 green giant arborvitae trees on his yard. The trees could no longer grow taller. He estimated the loss due to damage at $20,000. A review of surveillance video and a neighborhood canvas identified the suspect. She refused to speak to the officer investigating the incident, and ignored multiple requests to respond to police headquarters. Bond was set at $20,000. She was released on a written promise to appear, by order of the state bail commissioner’s office.
A 32-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after an investigation into fraudulent returns processed by a Shoe-Inn employee. The total amount was estimated to be $98,405.65. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Concord, New Hampshire woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Walgreens. She is alleged to have taken more than $297 worth of protein shakes. She was unable to post a $50,000 bond.
A 24-year-old Hamden man was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, theft of a marker plate, improper use of a marker plate and failure to appear, after a license plate reader alert of a stolen license plate. He was released on a $35,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Texting while driving: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signs: 3
Disorderly conduct: 2
Following too closely: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Illegal operation of a motor vehicle: 1
School zone violation — 2nd offense: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of marker: 1
Unauthorized insurer: 1
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Longtime Westport resident Richard “Bud” Farquhar died peacefully earlier this year in Milton, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 93.
He grew up in Redlands, California, in a prominent orange-growing family with a history of military service. Bud was an accomplished horse rider, hard-working student, and farm hand. He met beautiful Barbara Jean Penacho while in Redlands High School. They were married for 60 years.
Bud joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served in Japan with his brother Phil, flying missions in search of submarines. After discharge Bud earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
He worked for the Sperry & Hutchinson Company, spending 33 years with Green Stamps. The family moved several times for promotions. They settled in Westport in 1976, where he lived until 2024.
His last role at S&H was national director, sales and marketing, handling over 500 truck stop customers. In 1993 Bud joined Newport Communications as publisher of Truckstop Plaza Magazine.
In 1997 Bud owned and operated Stars & Stripes, LLC which produced annual truck beauty show competitions.
He loved outdoor work, from landscaping at home to firing up the snow blower.
Bud is survived by his son Richard Farquhar Jr. (Shelli) of Marietta, Georgia; daughters Amy Jackson of Milton, Georgia (Peter) and Lori (Milford); grandchildren Nathan, Duncan and Ian Farquhar, and Austin, Rhea and Sage Jackson/
A graveside celebration of life with military honors and internment of ashes will be held tomorrow (June 12, 11 a.m., Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, California), where Bud will be laid to rest next to his wife Barbara Jean Farquhar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Bud Farquhar
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Wasp nests are things of beauty.
And a bit scary.
Susan Garment spotted this one — a first of the season — underneath a mailbox on Eno Lane. It (complete with wasp) fits right in with our “Westport … Naturally” series — showcasing every variety of life in town.
As many of you know, Bedford Middle School received a threatening phone call at approximately 10:31 a.m., prompting an immediate lockdown of the school. Based on information provided by the Westport Police Department shortly thereafter, the district was informed that the call appeared to be part of a series of suspected swatting incidents reported across Connecticut today, including reported incidents in Killingly and Greenwich.
While early information suggested this was likely a hoax, Westport Public Schools and the Westport Police Department followed all established safety protocols, and responded as though the threat was real until proven otherwise.
A lockdown was immediately initiated at Bedford Middle School, and because Bedford and Staples High School share a campus, Staples High School was placed into a shelter-in-place as an added precaution.
Throughout the morning, we provided updates to the community as information became available:
10:31 a.m. – Threatening call received at Bedford Middle School; lockdown initiated.
10:57 a.m. – Initial communication (#1) sent to families informing the community of the Bedford lockdown and Staples shelter-in-place.
11:24 a.m. – Staples High School shelter-in-place lifted.
11:40 a.m. – Community update (#2) distributed regarding the lifting of the Staples shelter-in-place.
11:58 a.m. – Bedford Middle School lockdown lifted after law enforcement cleared the interior of the building.
12:09 p.m. – Community update (#3) distributed announcing the lifting of the Bedford lockdown.
Once the interior of the building was cleared, Bedford transitioned from a “lockdown” to “secure the school” status, while first responders completed their work outside the building.
For those unfamiliar with these terms:
A Lockdown is used when there is a potential threat to safety. Students and staff immediately move into secured rooms, doors are locked, and students and staff are expected to remain silent until first responders or administrators provide direction.
Secure the School status is used when there is no identified threat inside the building, but access to and from the building remains restricted while law enforcement continues to investigate or address activity outside the school. Teaching and learning activities may continue during this status.
I arrived at Bedford Middle School just before 11:00 a.m. I remained with the building administration and emergency response team for the duration of the incident.
After the lockdown was lifted, I walked throughout all 9 instructional pods. Along with the Bedford administrative team, I had the opportunity to observe classrooms, speak with staff, and interact with students across the building.
Students demonstrated resilience, maturity and cooperation throughout an extraordinarily stressful situation. Teachers and staff provided exactly what students needed: calm, reassurance, consistency and care.
Our mental health support team was available throughout the day to support students, recognizing that some were understandably affected by the events of the morning. These resources will remain available tomorrow and in the days ahead for any student who may need additional assistance processing today’s events. We encourage students and families to reach out if support would be helpful.
In accordance with our guidance to faculty, many classrooms shifted their focus toward community-building conversations, reflection, and relationship-building activities. The professionalism and compassion displayed by our staff helped restore a sense of normalcy and security for students.
At 3:30, Bedford faculty and administration met to conduct an initial debrief of the day’s events. In the coming days, Westport Public Schools and the Westport Police Department will conduct a more comprehensive after-action review to evaluate our response, identify lessons learned, and continue strengthening our emergency preparedness efforts.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Westport Police Department for their leadership and professionalism throughout the incident. We are also deeply appreciative of the support provided by emergency responders from Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford, the State Police and our many regional partners who assisted today.
Most importantly, I want to thank our students, faculty, staff and families. While today’s events were unsettling, our school community responded with patience, trust, and cooperation. The effectiveness of any safety response depends upon people working together, and today that partnership was evident throughout our community.
The investigation into the source of the call remains active and is being handled by the Westport Police Department.
While we hope never to experience an incident such as this, today demonstrated the strength of our emergency procedures, the professionalism of our staff, the partnership of our law enforcement agencies.
UPDATE: A similar swatting incident was reported early this afternoon at Greens Farms Academy. The campus has been evacuated, though classes have already finished for the academic year.
A “swatting” incident disrupted Bedford Middle — and nearby Staples High School — this morning.
“Swatting” is a malicious hoax emergency call about a violent crime or explosive device. The fake report sends multiple first responders to a location. Sometimes it is an ill-advised prank; others times it is a diversionary tactic, diverting law enforcement from another crime.
The BMS call was received at 10:32 a.m. The caller said that explosive devices had been placed inside the school, and armed individuals were inside.
There were multiple swatting reports this morning, all across Connecticut.
The school was locked down. Parents were asked to not go there, so first responders could act efficiently and quickly.
Westport Police and the Westport Public Schools responded with all necessary precautions, to investigate and secure BMS. They were assisted by officers and canine units from Fairfield, Norwalk and the Connecticut State Police. The Stamford Police Department’s Bomb Squad conducted sweeps and searches of the premises.
Bedford Middle School. The Staples football field can be seen at the top right. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
A “shelter in place” order was issued for Staples, just down the hill from Bedford, out of an abundance of caution. Classes continued, but entering and exiting the building was prohibited.
The lockdown at Bedford was lifted at 11:57 a.m., after a thorough investigation of the building.
A modified schedule was adopted for the rest of the day
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice said, “While instruction may continue as appropriate, faculty are encouraged to prioritize activities that help students feel safe, connected and regulated.
“Community-building conversations, opportunities for reflection, stress-management strategies, relationship-building activities, and any activities that create space for students to process the day are encouraged.
“I want to thank our first responders team, led by the Westport Police Department, in addition to the support provided by police and emergency responders from Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford and the State Police, for their actions in helping us resolve ”
He promised a more comprehensive report later today.
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