Category Archives: Sports

Roundup: Daffodils, Outdoor Sculpture, Antisemitism & Allies …

Posted on November 10, 2025 | 15 comments

You know all those daffodils that make Westport look so beautiful every spring?

They didn’t just fall from the sky.

They weren’t even planted randomly.

They’re part of a years-long project. Debra Kandrak — the energetic visionary behind it — says: “Once again fall is upon us. Before the weather gets too cold, we need to plant daffodils all around town for our traditional community-wide event called ‘Paint the Town Yellow!’

“I started this years ago to remember loved ones who have passed on, including our fur babies.

“It has been well received over the years. Residents, businesses and local community groups participate, and for that I say thank you. So let’s keep the tradition going and plant more!”

Daffodils have already been planted in many areas, like traffic islands, the Minute Man Monument, Compo Beach, and (of course) Willowbrook Cemetery.

More can be planted just about anywhere. A great place is the edge of your property, by a road,

This is a great time of year. And there’s only a few months until spring.

Daffodils on Riverside Avenue. (Photo/Debra Kandrak)

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Speaking of how good Westport looks: The outdoor sculptures just keep coming.

“Queen of Hearts” — the newest addition — will be dedicated on Wednesday (3 p.m.), at the Senior Center.

Artist Carole Eisner will share the inspiration behind her work — one of hundreds of sculptures and paintings showcased in parks, museums and gardens throughout the Northeast.

Suzanne Sheridan will sing a song she wrote specially for the occasion.

The Westport Arts Advisory Committee is — as always — behind the outdoor art project, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Center for Senior Activities.

“Queen of Hearts” by Carole Eisner, at the Senior Center.

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Quietly but consistently, the Westport Library’s Common Ground Initiative has been offering programs that enhance positive, respectful and constructive conversations on challenging and/or controversial issues.

Up next this Thursday: a “Community Conversation on Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship” (November 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.).

Project Shema — a training and support organization — will lead a presentation and Q-and-A that provides historical and modern realities of antisemitism, emphasizing its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics.

The evening will provide “an accessible but powerful introduction to the historical and modern realities of antisemitism, with an emphasis on its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics. By creating space for collective reflection and inquiry, the evening aims to foster a shared vocabulary and a common starting point for deeper community dialogue.”

The goal is to promote a better understanding of the effects and impacts of antisemitism, to strengthen allyship for and within the Jewish community, to gain a greater appreciation of different lived experiences, and to increase awareness, promote empathy, and encourage dialogue.

“Allyship” is a key element of the Common Ground event. Everyone is welcome, including Westport residents of all faiths, families, clergy members, and anyone who wants to learn more about antisemitism in an open and welcoming environment.

The event is free. For more information, click here.

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SNAP benefit reductions during the government shutdown have caused long lines at local food pantries.

Quickly, AWARE (Assisting Women through Action, Resources & Education) high school students took action.

AWARE clubs in Fairfield County — including  Staples and Weston — organized a food drive.

They collected kid-friendly snacks, pasta, peanut butter and other pantry staples. Volunteers then gathered for a joint packing event to assemble bags for families served by Homes with Hope.

Residents can continue to support Homes with Hope, and built on the AWARE students’ efforts. Food donations can be dropped off at the Gillespie Center (Jesup Road, behind Barnes & Noble) any time. Click here to donate cash, enabling Homes with Hope to purchase food.

AWARE students, with bags for the Homes with Hope food pantry.

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Congratulations to Dylan Mogelof!

The Staples High School swim and dive team sophomore made waves last week, breaking a 26-year-old diving record at the CIAC Class “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.

She scored 456.50 points on the 1-meter, 11-dive event, surpassing the previous record of 452.75 set in 1999 by Corey Pagnotta. Her performance earned All-LL State and All-America honors.

Teammates Mikaela Snow and Avery Nissenson also qualified for the LL meet.

Mogelof’s record came under new Staples swim and dive coach Grace Slama. Next up for her: This week’s state open championship.

To learn more about Staples’ girls (fall) and boys (winter) swim and dive teams, email head coach Mike Anderson: swimmike@usa.net.

Dylan Mogelof

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Congratulations too to Staples cross country runner Sarah Bogdan. The Wreckers’ first runner since 2016 to qualify for the New England Championship, she ran a great race and finished 6th, at Vermont’s Thetford Academy. Click here, then scroll down for a video.

Sarah Bogdan, at the New England Championships. (Photo courtesy of MySportsResults.com)

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Speaking still of sports: It’s a big week for 2 Staples teams.

Both field hockey and boys soccer compete in the state tournament semifinals tomorrow.

Coach Ian Tapsall’s field hockey girls — seeded #1 in the state “L” tourney — take on #4 Fairfield Ludlowe Tuesday, 4 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School.

Coach Liam Witham’s soccer boys — #4 in the “LL” competition — meet #9 Hall-West Hartford at Newtown on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Good luck to both teams!

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This afternoon at the Fairfield Library (Monday, 4 p.m.), Ukraine Aid International founders and team members offer “Stories of Connection: Connecticut the Donetsk Region, Building Bridges of Hope Together.”

Our state, and the Donetsk oblast in Ukraine, have built powerful partnerships. Behind it is UAI — created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, backed by many local residents.

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Despite the existence of a fence, it can be confusing to know where dogs are allowed on leash, or off leash, at Compo Beach — and where they are not allowed at all.

Fortunately, the Parks & Recreation Department has posted a clear, aerial map showing the 3 different areas:

Unfortunately, it hangs too high for dogs to see it.

But at least they can read the sign.

(Photos/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of Compo: A few yards away, this was the scene on a basketball court:

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

Some people must have time on their hands.

Way too much time.

As anyone who has ever tried to move one of those benches knows: They’re heavy!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a Cooper’s hawk, on Diane Lowman’s deck.

She did not have to snap her photo quickly. The bird sat on the railing — posing — for nearly 30 minutes. “What a treat!” Diane says.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

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And finally … when you saw the name of the sculpture being dedicated at the Senior Center this week (item near the top of this Roundup), you had to know this song was coming:

 (Arts, sports, the beach … it’s your usual mix of Westport stories, in the Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — and who doesn’t? — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Library, religion, Sports, Staples HS

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Nick Quatrano: New Parks Superintendent A “Plant And Soil Nerd”

Posted on October 31, 2025 | 14 comments

When Nick Quatrano was young, he wanted to be a golf course superintendent.

He majored in crop and soil science at Virginia Tech. He graduated, became superintendent of a Ridgefield golf club, and loved it.

After 5 years he was offered a chance to manage his wife’s family’s 30-acre farm in Watertown, so her parents could retire.

When their first child was born, he stepped away from the daily stress of farming. He landed a job as property manager on a private estate in Mt. Kisco, New York, overseeing all turf, gardening and landscaping. That led to a role as superintendent of buildings and grounds at Quinnipiac College.

In May, Quatrano became Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department’s parks superintendent. He’s in charge of hundreds of acres of parks, including Winslow and Baron’s South, along with Compo and other beaches. And Longshore.

So — among many other responsibilities — Quatrano really is a golf course superintendent.

Nick Quatrano, in his Parks & Rec office.

His current job is his “ideal job.”

He took over the position — vacant since the departure of well-regarded Michael West — as the parks’ busy summer season began. He inherited a “tremendous” team — in the Parks & Rec office, and on his maintenance crew — and dove right in.

Beaches are a new responsibility for him. “It’s been cool to learn,” he says. “Water adds such an element of challenge. But it’s a tremendous resource. It’s beautiful. And it adds so much value to the town.”

There is plenty of work to be done on land too, of course. “It’s no mystery that deferred maintenance needs to take place,” he notes.

Another area of attention is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. Many of Westport’s facilities lag behind.

The new Compo Beach playground is ADA-compliant. But many other facilities in town are not. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

“It’s of paramount importance to (Parks & Rec director) Erik Barbieri, and the whole department. It’s a big factor in how projects will get designed.”

The town’s athletic fields are an important part of the parks superintendent’s portfolio. Quatrano knows they are over-used, and often poorly irrigated.

He also knows there support in town for artificial turf, at several sites.

Wakeman Field (center left) has synthetic turf. The field to its east (center bottom) is grass. It is rutted, and often closed after even slight rain. (Drone photo/David Pogue)

Quatrano calls himself “a plant and soil nerd. I like taking care of grass. I prefer it, if all the variables are within my control.”

However, he adds, “I see the advantages of synthetic fields. They can be used in all kinds of weather.

“I understand it’s a divisive topic in town. We have to strike a balance, between  managing what we have and best serving everyone’s needs.

“We have to figure out how many synthetic fields we need. If we add more, we can rest our grass fields and get the optimal use out of them.”

The ultimate decision, he says, is “a question for the operations people.”

Quatrano has walked the Baron’s South property several times. He appreciates the work being done near the Senior Center, but because of the challenging topography sees the rest of the 23-acre property as a “passive park.”

“It’s overgrown with invasives,” the parks superintendent says. “We need a balance between naturalized and manicured areas.” He would like to see a “nice woodland garden, with native trees and improved walking trails.”

Baron’s South: 23 acres, a few steps from downtown Westport. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)

Also on Quatrano’s to-do list: collaborating on the master plan, and upgrading the 4 playgrounds under Parks & Rec’s purview.

The parks superintendent hears many opinions — often competing, even contradictory — from other public officials, and many private citizens.

He appreciates feedback, and finds it helpful to field calls and read emails.

“Citizens know these properties best,” Quatrano says. “There are 25,000 pairs of eyes here. I get photos every day of issues people see.” They includes “trash in the river by the Levitt Pavilion, tree branches above a picnic table — you name it, I hear about it.”

He recently heard about the shabby condition of the Kings Highway cemetery, on the Wilton Road corner, from a Westport resident.

Though Parks & Rec has not been directly responsible for its upkeep, Quatrano sent a crew.

“It’s a tricky property. There’s no access for equipment. All the work has to be done by hand,” he says.

The work got done. Brush was removed; it’s safer and more sightly now. He hopes to get a state grant to restore some of the headstone too.

Kings Highway cemetery, after Parks & Rec clean-up. (Photo/Harris Falk)

So — after nearly 6 months on the job — what is Quatrano’s favorite park in town?

“I really like Wadsworth Arboretum,” he says, about the 12 acres of woods and trails adjacent to Earthplace. “It’s peaceful.”

He also enjoys Grace K. Salmon Park, by the Saugatuck River on Imperial Avenue. “You can walk to town, and the Farmers’ Market.

“Plus, it’s quiet. It’s tough to find quiet space in this town.”

(“06880” gives readers the story behind the story — of people, programs, places and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Longshore, Sports

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Unsung Hero #406

Posted on October 29, 2025 | 5 comments

On Saturday, Beth Cody learned from “06880” that the next day, milling would begin on the Post Road.

Sunday was the day that the Westport Little League Challenger baseball team — the program for boys and girls ages 5-18 with physical or intellectual challenges, which Beth founded and still runs — was celebrating its 13th annual Halloween and pizza party.

Delivery normally comes from a pizzeria on the Post Road. Beth wanted to be sure the pizzas were on time, so she searched for a place closer to the field.

Her first stop opens too late on Sundays. So Beth headed to Outpost Pizza, across from Hudson Malone.

She told owner Tom Barlleci about the team, and its party. He said, sorry; they’re closed Sundays.

But when Tom saw the disappointment on Beth’s face, he said he’d come in and make the 10 pizzas.

Tom Barlleci, at Outpost Pizza.

Beth was stunned. He would really come in on his day off?

Yes, he said. He was happy to do it, for kids with special needs.

Enjoying Outpost Pizza — in costume.

“To this angel of a man; thank you!” Beth says.

And, she adds: “Be sure to visit Outpost Pizza. It was delicious, and they have a full menu of options!”

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

The Challenger baseball Halloween and pizza party. (Photos/Beth Cody)

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Posted in Local business, Sports, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: Candidates’ Debates, Staples Honors, Stolen Zombie …

Posted on October 28, 2025 | 2 comments

Still undecided about the local election? Want one more chance to confirm your choices?

Tonight, the 1st selectman and Planning & Zoning Commission candidates face off at the Westport Library (6:30 p.m.), for their final debates.

The League of Women Voters event also includes statements from the 2nd selectwoman candidates.

Co-sponsors are the Y’s Men, Y’s Women, and Westport Rotary and Sunshine Rotary Clubs.

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WWPT-FM — Staples High School’s groundbreaking radio station — always does well in the John Drury Awards, for schools across the country.

But this past weekend, they did really well.

‘PT won the top award: Best High School Radio Station in the nation, for 2024-25.

It’s not the first time. WWPT also won in 2011, 2017 and 2018. Congratulations to advisor Geno Heiter, and the many students — some graduated, many still there — who contributed to the honor.

But wait. There’s more. Much more!

‘PT won 2 other 1st-place trophies: 

  • Best Use of Video (WWPT/Staples Television)” Game Break: Highlights & Hype” Promo (Ryan Allen)
  • Best Newscast: “From Headlines to Harvest” (Jack Jacob, Isabel Alfageme).

There were 7 2nd-place honors too:

Best News Feature Story: “Payment Due” (Max Benke)

Best Public Affairs Program: “Zoning, Policy and Opportunity: A Look at Westport (Charlie Curran, Michael Brennan)

Best DJ: Charlie Curran

Best Station Promo: “The Voice of Now” (Vivian Schmidt, Mia McDonald)

Best PSA: “Do the Work” (Jack Jacob, Isabel Alfageme, Max McAuley)

Best Sports Play-by-Play: Boys Basketball, Staples vs. Fairfield Warde (Weston Hochhauser, Jake Goldshore)

Best Radio Drama: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (Theater 3, Eva Slossberg, and Audio and Radio Class)

Added to that haul were 3 3rd-place awards:

Best Sports Talk Show: “Beyond the Arc 5/21” (Michael Brennan, Mickey Ross, Nathan Bernstein, Finn Rockwell, Sam DiGiovanni, Drew Hill)

Best Sportscast (“From Aces to MVPs: May 27 Sports Rundown” (Mason Tobias)

Best Newscast: “Contracts, Caregivers and Canines” (Charlie Curran)

If you haven’t tuned in: You can find WWPT-FM at 90.3. Make it a pre-set!

Quite a haul, for WWPT-FM. (Photo/Geno Heiter)

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More champions!

The Staples boys soccer team earned their record-with-no-one-else-even-close 28th FCIAC (league) championship last night.

Their gritty 3-2 win over previously undefeated (17-0-0) Greenwich avenged a 4-3 loss to the Cardinals during the regular season.

A large crowd at Fairfield Warde saw the Wreckers prevail, with goals from Adrian Rodriguez (2) and Brendan Allen; excellent defense by Spencer Girling (Most Valuable Player of the match), Dylan Shackelford, Gabe Hellman, Adrian Carpi and Drew Hill; stellar saves by goalkeeper Jack D’Amore, and great chemistry and spirit from all.

Staples — now 17-2-0 — moves on to the state tournament. It begins Friday (2 p.m., Wakeman Field).

Click here for video highlights, courtesy of CT Insider.

The formal photo …

… and the prize. (Photos/John Walker)

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Speaking of congratulations for Staples athletes: Shout-out to Oliver Samuel!

The Staples senior not only won the class “LL” (extra large schools) state cross country championship on Saturday — he did it by a whopping 17 seconds.

Samuel’s time at Manchester’s Wickham Park was 16:12.1. It was a stunning triumph, as he finished 13th in the FCIAC championship just a few days earlier.

Teammates Harrison Sydor (9th), Luke Cooper (11th), Maxwell Benke (28th) and Samuel Burmeister (34th) were the Wreckers’ other top finishers.

Staples captured second place overall, behind Greenwich.

Click here or below, for an interesting interview with Samuel.

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Sunday’s Roundup provided links to many resources to help local residents who rely on SNAP nutritional benefits during the government shutdown.

State Senator Ceci Maher sends along another. This has details on more services — including unemployment benefits, help with utility bills, mental health resources, etc. — available to all Connecticut residents.

Click here for the “211 Connecticut” website. 

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Speaking of the shutdown: The New York Post recently featured a furloughed IRS lawyer who now operates a hot dog cart. (“Frankly, it’s his dream job,” the Post chuckles.)

The attorney-turned-street vendor is Isaac Stein. He graduated from Staples High School in 2012, after serving as Inklings web editor, and playing basketball.

His “Shysters” cart sells candy and cola, in addition to dogs.

Stein told the Post that running a business like this has been a dream since he was 12, and worked at a basketball concession stand. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Julia McNamee)

Isaac Stein, and his hot dog cart. (Photo courtesy of Reuters)

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Lots of stuff gets stolen in Westport: cars from driveways. Checks from mailboxes. Benches from front lawns.

But this recent theft seems particularly eerie. Yesterday, Leah Bottner wrote on Facebook: “Somebody stole a few of my Halloween decorations last night from my stone wall on Easton Road. The little skeleton who sits on our wall, and our zombie!

“If anyone happens to know anything about this, please return our friends, no questions asked. You can just put them back or leave them anywhere at our house, no cameras or trouble.

“We just really want them back, especially our zombie. He’s a member of the family.”

Have you seen this Zombie? (Photo/Leah Bottner)

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Curbside leaf collection begins next Monday (November 3).

All leaves must be placed in biodegradable paper bags safely near the curb of a town street by December 1 to guarantee pick-up. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be picked up, as plastic contaminates the composting process.

Residents living on private streets must place their leaves behind the curb of an intersecting town roadway.

There is no need to call and schedule a pick-up. Crews will complete pick-ups as schedules allow.

For further information, contact the Department of Public Works (203-341-1120), or click here.

Coming soon, to a street near you.

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Speaking of organic waste: What will you do after Halloween, with your suddenly obsolete pumpkin?

For the 6th year in a row, the Westport Farmers’ Market and nonprofit Action Waste Solutions is sponsoring a Great Pumpkin Toss.

Bring your leftover pumpkin(s) to the Market (November 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s a fun, family-friendly way to fight food waste and support sustainability, by diverting pumpkins from landfill.

Instead, unwanted pumpkins become rich compost, for soils and gardens.

Participants can “toss” their pumpkin into the compost bin at the Farmers’ Market.

All pumpkins and gourds in their natural state are accepted. Squishy and/or rotted ones are fine. NOTE: Decorated or painted pumpkins cannot be composted.

Last year, 1.4 tons of pumpkin waste were diverted from the landfill through the Great Pumpkin Toss. The goal this year: Beat that record!

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And speaking of organic waste:

Sunday’s story on the ages of Westport houses — which also included information about our upcoming “Historic Homes of 06880” tour — neglected to include a link for tickets to this Sunday’s event (November 2, 1 to 4 p.m.).

There are 4 great homes: 221 and 249 Greens Farms Road, plus 155 Long Lots Road and 209 Wilton Road. You’ll get a chance to walk through these historic houses — 2 of whom belonged to the famed Bedford family — and see how they’ve been updated for today, while still retaining yesterday’s beauty and charm.

Click here for tickets, and more information. See you on Sunday!

249 Greens Farms Road: 1 of 4 on our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.

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Also Sunday: Walk to End Alzheimer’s drew a large crowd to Sherwood Island — the first time the annual event was held at the state park.

Staples High School’s cheerleading team added even more energy to the high-powered day.

(Photo/Bruce McFadden)

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Clarendon Fine Art welcomes art lovers — and kids — this fall.

On Wednesday (October 29, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), the Main Street gallery hosts young trick-or-treaters, as part of the Westport Downtown Association’s Halloween event.

On November 13 (5:30 p.m.), a talk on art heists — “brushes” with the law (ho ho) explores some of the most daring thefts (and forgeries) in history.

All are welcome to both events.

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A Westport Fire Department promotion ceremony (November 6, 3:30 p.m., fire headquarters) celebrates 5 members:

  • Lieutenant Sean Kelly, who has already been sworn in and is serving in his new role
  • Lieutenant Benjamin Racho to deputy fire marshal
  • Lieutenant Daniel Mascolo to deputy fire marshal
  • Firefighter Paul Spennato to lieutenant
  • Firefighter Daniel Korin to lieutenant/

The public is invited.

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Music by Bach, Brahms and modern masters fills the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston this Sunday (November 2, 3 p.m.).

The Fairfield County Symphony Society concert includes a free will offering,  shared by the Symphony and UMC-WW.

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Most Westporters have a favorite tree.

One of the most popular: the white birch draping across Long Lots Road, near Wakenor.

JD Dworkow captures its majesty, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … today’s song of the day was inspired by the story above about the Halloween zombie, stolen from an Easton Road stone wall.

Pretty appropriate band and song title, right?

(There’s a lot going on these days. You read about it all on “06880.” But the news doesn’t fall from the sky. It takes work! Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you.)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics, Media, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Downtown Clock, SNAP Aid, Jim Abbott …

Posted on October 26, 2025 | 2 comments

Grand Central Terminal’s enormous clock is a central meeting place.

So is the clock in New Canaan’s downtown.

Soon, Westport will have its own clock. And its own easy-to-meet-up spot.

The handsome new addition — at the corner of Main and Elm Streets, where one-way Main Street becomes 2-way near Gap — is a gift from the Westport Downtown Association. The flower bed currently at the site will be enhanced too.

Two views of the new clock.

The WDA will pay for the purchase, installation, insurance, maintenance and repairs.

The clock will be “a beautiful addition to Westport,” WDA president Maxx Crowley says. Black with gold trim, and 2 sided — saying “Town of Westport” and “1835,” the year of our founding — it fits in with the lampposts currently downtown, and is designed in the same style as the Grand Central clock.

One more land-use approval, and another easement, are still required. Crowley expects the clock to be ready for dedication at the DMA/”06880″ Holiday Stroll (save the date: Saturday, December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.).

Site of the new clock.

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Westport’s Human Services Department, in partnership with Homes with Hope and the Westport Housing Authority, is monitoring the federal government shutdown, and its potential impact on residents who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Human Services officials say, “We understand this may cause concern for families and individuals managing limited resources. You are not alone. Westport’s strong network of community partners is here to help ensure no one goes without food or essential support.”

Officials note:

  • SNAP benefits already loaded onto EBT cards remain available through October 31.
  • If the shutdown continues, November benefits will not be issued, and balances may be inaccessible until federal operations resume.
  • The Connecticut Department of Social Services will share updates at ct.gov/dss. Follow DSS on Facebookand Twitter.
  • End Hunger CT provides advocacy and support: endhungerct.org EHC SNAP Hotline: 866 – 974- SNAP

Local food resources include:

Homes with Hope – Gillespie Center: (45 Jesup Road;  203-226-1661; www.hwhct.org.  Community kitchen: Lunch (12 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m.) daily.
Food Pantry: Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 1:30 to 4 p.m.; Thursday, 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Westport Women’s Club Food Pantry: Access through Westport Human Services, 203-341-1050; humansrv@westportct.gov

Westport Center for Senior Activities: www.westportcsa.org; Daily weekday lunch, and home-delivered meals; contact Paulina Przybysz, 203-341-5097.

Westport Public Schools Free & Reduced Lunch:  click here to apply; Also available: Filling in the Blanks meal program; click here.

Person-to-Person Mobile Food Pantry: Monthly distribution in Westport; www.p2pHelps.org.

Connecticut Foodshare: www.ctfoodshare.org

Need help right now? Call 211 for 24/7 food, housing and social service support statewide.

For support or questions, contact Westport Department of Human Services; 203-341-1050; humansrv@westportct.gov.

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Jim Abbott — the pitcher who, though born without a right hand, rose to Major League Baseball stardom (and threw a no-hitter) — wowed the full crowd Friday night, at the Westport Library.

A screening of the ESPN documentary “Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” — produced by Westporter Jeremy Schaap — was followed by a conversation with journalist Schaap, ESPN senior producer Mike Farrell, and Westport’s own Dave Briggs.

From left: Dave Briggs, Jim Abbott, Mike Farrell, Jeremy Schaap.

They talked about life, overcoming adversity, and baseball. It was an emotional experience for all.

Abbott answered every question. And afterward he signed every autograph, and posed for every selfie.

Jim Abbott, with a young fan. (Photo/Susan Garment)

Missed it — or want to see it again? Click here or below, for the Library’s video.

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Speaking of sports: Two Staples teams play for FCIAC (league) championships this week.

The 2nd-ranked boys soccer team faces #1 Greenwich tomorrow (Monday, 6 p.m., Fairfield Warde High). The Cardinals are one of only 2 teams to defeat the Wreckers this year.

Celebrating after the 1-0 semifinal victory over Stamford. (Photo/Gavin Whitaker)

The top-seeded and undefeated (18-0) field hockey team meets #2 Darien on Thursday (5 p.m., Greenwich High). Staples topped Fairfield Ludlowe 4-1 yesterday, earning a chance to defend their FCIAC crown. The Wreckers and Blue Wave have won the last 8 league titles, and one of them will take it again.

The 2025 Staples field hockey team.

Staples’ girls soccer team camethisclose to making it 3 FCIAC finalists. They fell in penalty kicks (5-4) to Greenwich, after regulation time and overtime ended 2-2 on Friday at Fairfield Ludlowe.

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For decades, UN Day in Westport was a chance to celebrate our town’s long ties to the United Nations.

These days, our country’s relationship with the world body — whose headquarters are just an hour away — is controversial, and fraught.

Still, as always, the flags of dozens of member nations flew this weekend on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

Steinkraus Cohen — a longtime Westporter — dedicated her life to service and hospitality. Through jUNe Day and other events, she brought tens of thousands of international visitors to Westport. In 1965, she established the tradition of flying flags from the bridge that now bears her name. This year marks its 60th anniversary.

(Photo/Alison Wachstein)

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Through the first 6 days of early voting, 5.03% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 585 of 7,953 eligible voters (7.36%)
  • Republicans: 137 of 3,338 eligible voters (4.10%)
  • Unaffiliated: 230 of 7,581 eligible voters (3.03%)

Early voting continues today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

The early voting schedule this coming week, also at Town Hall:

Monday, October 27              10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30            8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Deadheads: Listen up!

The next “Supper & Soul” concert features the Spadtastics.

“Connecticut’s premier tribute act” comes to the Westport Library November 8 (7 p.m.). They’ll play 2 full sets, recreating a show from the 1970s.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Supper & Soul series usually incudes a pre-show dinner, and post-concert drinks.

Due to the length of this event, there is no dinner. But attendees can enjoy a “Dead-inspired” drink before or after the music, at Basso, Massi Co, Spotted Horse or Walrus Alley.

(Beer, wine, spiked seltzer and water will be available at the Library.) Click here for tickets ($30).

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Speaking of the Chamber of Commerce: Their annual Halloween window painting contest took place yesterday.

Young artists were busy all over town. Winners will be announced this week.

Hard at work — and looking spooky.

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The Weston History & Culture Center’s new interactive exhibit — “Weston at Work” — explores the town’s agriculture, manufacturing and textile past.

Kids can card wool, weave on a loom, and use a rope and pulley to raise a hay bale. Immigrants, people of African descent, women and children who helped put Weston to work are included in the show.

The WH&CC also offers a guided tour of Coley House, to see life in the 1940s. There are 3 exhibits in the Visitors center too: “Twelve Stories of Weston History,” “Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge” (now underneath the Saugatuck Reservoir), and “May I Have This Dance?” (ragtime music).

For hours, ticket information and more details. click here.

Raising a hay bale, at the Weston History & Culture Center.

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MoCA CT has received a $5,000 grant from the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center. Funds will support the museum’s teen council and youth educational programs.

Pictured left to right below: MoCA’s Maggie Farrell, Peter Saverine, Pamela Hovland and  Janice Egan; Drew Friedman Community Arts Center board member Miggs Burroughs, and MoCA;s Sue Donato.

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Former Westporter J. Gilbert Plantinga died peacefully at his New Paltz, New York home last week, after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He was 73.

Known in Westport by his given name John, he taught himself guitar at 13. That passion shaped the rest of his life.

In 1969, while still in high school, he hitchhiked to Woodstock. According to family lore, he spent the night before the festival camping out with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters.

After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport with a B.A. in music, he later pursued a master’s degree (ABD) at New York University.

A jazz guitarist and composer, Gilbert taught both privately and at NYU.

In midlife, he turned his creative energy toward photography and fine-art printing. Through his New Paltz business, Uptown Light Photo Graphics, Gilbert became a trusted collaborator to photographers across the Hudson Valley and beyond. His own work appeared in numerous exhibitions.

His obituary says, “A member of Mensa, Gilbert was as brilliant and curious as he was stubborn and prickly. Although he wrestled with addiction for much of his life, in his later years he found strength and purpose through service — both as a deacon at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, New York, and through helping others find their way to sobriety.”

Gilbert is survived by his children, Kate Plantinga Mulzet (Joe) and Ben Plantinga; ex-wife and best friend MaryJo Martin; sister Prill Boyle (Michael), and nephews Gabriel Bach and Everett Boyle. He was predeceased by his former wife Slade Ingram Plantinga.

A celebration of life will be held on November 22 (11 a.m.) at the Reformed Church of New Paltz.

Gilbert Plantinga

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You never know what you’ll see at Sherwood Island State Park.

Yesterday morning, it was 2 riders on horseback.

Dixie O’Brien captured the moment, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Dixie O’Brien)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s Sherwood Island riders (photo above):

(What time is it? Time to donate to “06880.” Thanks in advance for clicking here, and helping do what we do — 24/7/365. You rock!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local politics, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Thanksgiving Pies, PopUp Bagels, Balducci’s …

Posted on October 24, 2025 | 3 comments

Here’s the first Thanksgiving item of the year.

It won’t be the last.

Wakeman Town Farm’s annual Pie Sale begins next month. Proceeds support Earth Animal’s Mitten Project, aiding CT Food Share.

Orders can be placed for fresh-baked 9-inch Oronoque Farms pies: apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb, and pumpkin (the latter is unbaked and frozen). Pies are $25 each.

Orders can include “a la mode,” with pints of Madagascar vanilla or bourbon brown sugar ice cream from Lindsay’s Handmade Ice Cream. Pints are $10 each.

Click here to order, and for more information.

Order today!

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Speaking of food: PopUp Bagels is going bicoastal.

The innovative baker — born as a lark in Westport during COVID — has already expanded to 4 Connecticut, 8 New York and 3 Massachusetts locations, plus 1 each in Tampa and Charlotte.

Next up: San Diego.

Specifically, La Jolla.

PopUp’s tagline is “Not famous, but known.” They may soon have to change it to “Not everywhere, but close.”

“06880” reader Elliot Weiler spotted this sight, on a recent visit to La Jolla. “06880”‘s tagline is right: “Where Westport meets the world.”

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Speaking still of food: Atlantic Retail is advertising a “rare big box opportunity on Route 1 in Westport, CT.”

The subject line in an email to realtors describes the 1385 Post Road property as “NEW Listing: Former Balducci Space Available.”

Photos show the store, with its 12,233 square feet on the ground floor, and more on the second and lower levels.

But Balducci’s is not “former.”

Nor, according to a manager who answered the phone, are they closing. “I’d be one of the first to know,” he says.

“06880” has learned that Balducci’s has a 10-year lease.

Stay tuned.

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The Staples High School boys soccer team lost only 2 matches, this season.

Last night at Fairfield Warde, they avenged one. Brendan Allen’s goal, and air-tight defense, helped the Wreckers beat Stamford 1-0, in the FCIAC (league) semifinal.

That vaults them into Monday’s final. They’ll face Greenwich: the only other squad to edge them this year. Kickoff is 6 p.m. October 27, at Fairfield Warde.

Staples is shooting for its 28th FCIAC title — by far the most in the league. But it would be their first since 2010, which was capped a string of 3 straight. They made the finals the next year too, but fell to Trumbull.

The Staples girls soccer team, meanwhile, has a semifinal of their own. They face Greenwich tonight (Friday) at Fairfield Ludlowe. Game time is 5 p.m.

Staples boys soccer celebrates their win. (Photo/John Walker)

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Through the first 4 days of early voting, 3.6 % of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 413 of 7,952 eligible voters (5.19%)
  • Republicans: 91 of 3,338 eligible voters (2.73%)
  • Unaffiliated: 175 of 7,582 eligible voters (2.31%)

Early voting continues this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.

The early voting schedule next week, also at Town Hall:

Monday, October 27              10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28              8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29        10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30            8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31                 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1           10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2             10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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A new documentary about World War II journalist Sigrid Schultz — a longtime Westport resident, is nearing completion.

“Eyes on Evil” chronicles Schultz’s remarkable career covering the rise and fall of Nazi Germany — from the liberated exuberance of Weimar Berlin to Hitler’s ascent and the devastating aftermath.

It includes the years during the war when Schultz returned to the US and settled in Westport, after being injured in a British bombing raid on Berlin. She launched a nationwide lecture tour to warn Americans about the growing threat of Hitler’s regime.

In 1945 she was among a small group of reporters to cover the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp.

The film is directed by Vanessa Johnston, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and former Reuters producer based in Washington. She made several trips to Westport, including an interview with historian John Suggs.

Johnston will launch a fundraising campaign next month. To register for updates, click here.

Sigrid Schultz …

… and Vanessa Johnston and John Suggs, at the plaque honoring Sigrid Schultz off Elm Street. Schultz lived near there.

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Today’s great Halloween lawn decoration comes from Bradley Street:

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

That’s in the Compo Beach neighborhood. So you know there will be plenty of kids (and parents) passing by, a week from today.

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Speaking of Halloween: Tomorrow (Saturday, 2 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts its Pinkalicious Party.

After Victoria Kann reads from her best-selling “Pinkalicious” book, youngsters are invited to join a costume parade around the Library, and trick or treat for Pinkalicious treats on Jesup Green. Click here to register.

Pinkalicious, at the Library.

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Westporters know Frank Murgalo as “Santa Claus” at our annual Holiday Stroll (Shhhh … don’t tell the kids!)

He’s also a Marine Corps veteran, who donates time and energy to many excellent causes.

Now — at 82 — he’s written a memoir.

“My Mid-Life Crisis at 82: A Life of Mischief, Mayhem and Making It Work…” chronicles his wild, adventurous life. He navigated diverse careers, pulled off international hoaxes, and discovered that “success lies in the outrageous ride rather than the finish line.”

Murgalo has been an auditor, fishmonger, actor and stand-up comedian. He writes about stopping Super Bowl XVII, being tackled by the FBI, and outwitting the State Department. Beneath the humor is an inspiring message of resilience, risk and laughter.

Click here to order, and for more information.

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A Revolution is coming to Voices Café.

On November 1 (8 p.m.), the “activist duo” Emma’s Revolution brings their music to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport,

Known for “fearless, truth-telling lyrics and melodies you cannot resist singing,” their performances span folk to jazz, and funk to rock. Emma’s Revolution has been described as “beauty, power and ferocity all mixed together with love and hope.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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“The A Chronicles 10-Minute Play Festival” — “bold, funny and fearless short dramas” by 9 playwrights, selected from over 350 submissions — runs for 2 performances on November 2 (2 and 7 p.m., at MoCA CT).

The A Chronicles stages live theatrical events around reproductive rights —”amplifying voices, disrupting narratives to fuel real conversations.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Theatre Artists Workshop’s 42n annual Fall Festival of New Works — 9 original short plays — includes performances by Westporters including Melody James, Susan Jacobson and Linde Gibb.

Dates are November 1 (7:30 p.m.) and November 2 (2 p.m.), at Powerhouse Theatre Performing Arts Center in New Canaan.

Theatre Artists Workshop was founded in Westport in 1983. For more information, click here. For tickets, click here.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Willowbrook Cemetery.

Photographer Elenee Argent says, “follow the yellow brick road. The paved path is covered in yellowed pine needles.”

(Photo/Elenee Argent)

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And finally … of course, based on the photo above:

(You don’t need a wizard to know that “06880” relies on reader support. And that if you enjoy your hyper-local blog — which we know you do! — you can click here to contibute. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, Library, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Election, Trash, Hoops …

Posted on October 23, 2025 | 1 comment

A small crowd gathered at Toquet Hall last night, for the League of Women Voters’ “Meet the Board of Education Candidates” night.

The 8 BOE hopefuls answered questions ranging from the life experiences that define them, and their motivation to run, to how the Westport school would be different 4 years from now, if they’re elected.

The event was co-sponsored by “06880.”

From left: Jodi Harris, Stephen Shackelford, Robert Harrington, Michelle Hopson, moderator Dan Woog, Kaitlin Zucaro, Dorie Hordon, Andy Frankel, Abby Tolan. (Photo/Joan Gillman)

A similar “Meet the Candidates” conversation is set for tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m., Senior Center), with the Planning & Zoning Commission candidates.

There are 2 debates next week:

  • Candidates Debates: Board of Education (with statements by Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Assessment Appeals and Board of Finance candidates): October 27, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
  • Candidates Debate: 1st Selectman and Planning & Zoning Commission: October 28, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport. 

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Speaking of the election: If you missed Tuesday’s “Seat at the Selectman’s Table” — the one-of-its-kind event at which the 3 1st selectman candidates shared both a meal, and honest, heartfelt insights about their lives, passions, dreams and vulnerabilities — you’re in luck.

The event — sponsored by the Library’s Common Ground Initiative, in conjunction with “06880” — has been posted on the Library’s website.

Click here or below, for a fascinating look beyond policies, into the personalities of the trio who hope to lead Westport for the next 4 years.

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Speaking still of the election: Here is an update on the Voter CheckList website, which allows users to access early voting records in real time.

Residents who wish to use it must contact the Registrar of Voters’ office, to get a login and password. Email dgreenberg@westportct.gov or msignore@westportct.gov.

The site shows that through yesterday — the first 3 days of early voting — 2.86% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 322 of 7,954 eligible voters (4.05%)
  • Republicans: 76 of 3,338 eligible voters (2.28%)
  • Unaffiliated: 144 of 7,582 eligible voters (1.90%)

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Last Sunday’s season-opening group-focused town cleanup was a resounding success.

Assumption Youth Group and St. Francis Youth Group, in collaboration with SCA-Crowley, spearheaded the effort.

The teenagers and parents focused on the Greens Farms corridor along I-95, from Hillspoint Road to Compo Road South.

They measured the amount of waste collected with a digital scale. The result: 135 pounds.

Organizers Andrew Colabella and Michele Harding will announce the next trash pick-up soon.

Trash pick-up, near Greens Farms Road.

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The 3rd annual “Hoops for Heart” event — held last weekend at the Westport Weston Family YMCA — was special.

It raised nearly $79,000 for research into single ventricle (half a heart) syndrome.

Community support was outstanding. There were 12 teams, with nearly all the players from Westport. Over 150 people attended.

Extra special: Staples High School captains Sam Clachko and Dhilan Lowman played.

Sure, their team won.

But their presence there — as role models for young boys and girls — and their “big hearts” (for those born with half a heart) made a great day even better. (Hat tip: Britt Melsheimer)

Sam Clachko (third from left), Dhilan Lowman and friends.

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Want to start a native meadow at home?

Next Tuesday (October 28, noon to 1 p.m.), Westport landscape designer Jay Petrow leads a free webinar, on that topic.

The event is sponsored by Sustainable Westport, which warns: “Planting native meadows can be addictive. Side effects may include unplanned trips to native plant sales, many hours wandering outside looking at bees and butterflies, and spending your winter months planning to buy more plants.”

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Speaking of the environment: Town officials joined the Sierra Club at Earthplace earlier this week.

They toured the facility, and spoke about environmental concerns.

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Wreathing for Community — the great volunteer group — is making, then donating, 50 wreaths for the apartments of Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter.

All materials have been donated by Westporters.

1st and 2nd Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, with their wreaths.

Interested in donating materials or getting involved? Email FaithASargent@gmail.com.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 15 and 21.

A 54-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, following a  shoplifting incident of goods valued at $510.56.

Two New Haven women, ages 45 and 29, were charged with larceny, following a shoplifting incident of goods valued at $607.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Driving while texting: 3 citations

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to display lights: 1
  • Permit violation: 1

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Adam Bovilsky, executive director of the Norwalk Housing Authority, outlined the challenges his 110 staffers face, in Tuesday’s presentation to the Westport Rotary Club.

He noted the importance of annual Rotary grants, which come from events like the LobsterFest.

Adam Bovilsky (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Library Verso advisory board member Sam Hendel spoke last week on “Capital, Creativity & the Future of Music Rights: at the Mondo Music Industry & Technology Conference in Brooklyn. He is the founder and managing partner of Chord Music, among other music ventures.

Other Mondo speakers included Henry Rollins and Nabil Ayers, a speaker at the Library’s VersoFest in April. Ayers also participated in the Library’s StoryFest last weekend.

Two other Verso advisory board members, Dick Wingate and Les Dinkin, also attended Mondo. Wingate spoke at the first conference, in 2015.

Sam Hendel with Paul Sipio, Apollo managing director.  

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Greens Farms Academy students did not have far to go to study the environment this week. They explored New Creek, just west of campus.

And Seth Schachter did not have far to go to photograph them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of all those who helped last weekend’s “Hoops for Heart” event (story above):

(Have a heart! Here at “06880,” we work our butts off for you. Show us some love! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Ryan Reynolds & Staples Players, Jim Abbott & Library …

Posted on October 22, 2025 | 5 comments

You never know who’s going to wander in to a Staples Players rehearsal.

Yesterday it was Ryan Reynolds.

The “Deadpool” and “Welcome to Wrexham” star surprised the cast and crew of “Les Misérables” at the end of Monday night’s rehearsal.

He spent an hour talking about his career, and the industry.

Ryan Reynolds, with Staples Players cast and crew. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Then he made this video (click here or below). Welcome to Westport!

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There’s always something special at the Westport Library.

This Friday (October 24, 7 p.m.), it’s baseball.

ESPN Films screens the E60 documentary, “Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott,” about the life and career of the legendary pitcher.

And Abbott himself will be there.

Produced by Westporter Jeremy Schaap, it tells the story of the man who was born without a right hand yet rose to Major League Baseball stardom. Most impressively, he threw a no-hitter with the New York Yankees.

After the film, Abbott will be on our stage and in conversation with Schaap, ESPN senior feature producer Mike Farrell, and Westporter Dave Briggs. They’ll talk about life, overcoming adversity, and baseball.

The event is free.

And priceless.

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Yesterday’s Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce selectpersons debate at the Westport Library drew over 150 people.

If you missed it — or want to learn more than the “06880” report — you’re in luck.

Click here or below for the full video.

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Speaking of the election: Through the first 2 days of early voting, 423 votes have been cast in-person and absentee. That’s 2.22% of all eligible voters.

The breakdown:

  • Democrats: 251 of 7,955 eligible voters (3.16%)
  • Republicans: 57 of 3,338 eligible voters (1.71%)
  • Unaffiliated: 114 of 7,580 eligible voters (1.50%).

To subscribe to the Voter Checklist website, click here.

NOTE: Click here for early voting information.

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“What do you want Westport to be known for?”

That’s the question Sustainable Westport asked of residents. Their responses — sharing hopes, values and ideas for a Westport that leads in sustainability, resilience and community engagement — are part of a new video.

From protecting natural spaces to electing officials who invest in and prioritize sustainability, the video highlights the town’s natural beauty, and captures a vision of  not just a greener Westport, but a trailblazing leader in sustainability.

Click here to view the video.

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StartUp Westport’s First Thursday networking events have become one of the hottest (free) tickets in town.

The next one — sponsored by the public/private partnership for entrepreneurs and innovators — is November 6 (6 to 8 p.m., Nômade restaurant). Click here to reserve a spot.

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The final event at the Inn at Longshore’s ballroom is tomorrow (Thursday).

The long-awaited renovation project begins next week.

But first — this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). everything that was in The Inn is on sale.

The giant tag sale includes most items from the rooms, along with some furniture from the first floor. That includes bedroom suites, lounge sets, TVs, mini-fridges, outdoor furniture, sofas, love seats, mirrors, art, lamps, shades, curtains and more.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to CLASP Homes.

Meanwhile, the Inn at Longshore is booking weddings for fall of 2026, and winter 2027. In late November they’ll open the books for spring and summer 2027 weddings.

Contents of an Inn at Longshore room.

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“The Importance of Being Earnest” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on October 28.

A number of special events are scheduled throughout its 3-week run. They include:

Taste of Tuesday (October 28, 6 p.m.): A reception pairing food from Gruel Brittania and wine. Exclusive for “Taste of Tuesday” season ticket holders.

Together at the Table (October 29, 5:30 p.m.): For $15 per person, your family or group can enjoy a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. performance. Must attend as a family group with student-age children or school group. Call 203-227-4177 to make your reservation.

 Pride Night (October 30, 6 p.m.): A pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar and appetizers from Aux Délices. Use code EARNESTPRIDE online to receive $40 tickets, or call the box office at 203-227-4177.

Opening Night Post-Show Reception (November 1): Celebrate with the cast, crew and creative team.

Sunday Symposium (after the November 2nd 3 p.m. performance): No ticket necessary.

Backstage Pass (after the November 5th 2 p.m. performance): No ticket necessary.

Open Caption (November 9, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can enjoy the performance while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors’ dialogue.

Thursday Talkback (after the November 13th 7 p.m. performance):Q&A with cast members. No ticket necessary.

Click here for more details “Earnest,” and all programs. 

Seats will be filled for “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

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The US national soccer team cruised into the knockout stage at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco yesterday, with a 5-2 win over China. It was the Americans’ second group win in 2 games.

Staples senior Natalie Chudowsky came on as a substitute in the 64th minute. She played the final 26 minutes.

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The Glass House has selected the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport to host this Saturday’s American Modern Opera Company concert (October 25, 4 p.m.).

Pianist Matthew Aucoin and tenor Paul Appleby will perform works by John Adams, Aucoin, Benjamin Britten, and Franz Schubert.

It’s presented by The Glass House, which offers a series of talks, performances and other live events. Click here for more information.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation sanctuary. (Photo/David Vita)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a bunch of turkeys.

Where were they? Turkey Hill, of course.

You can’t make this stuff up.

(Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

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And finally … on this day in 1934, FBI agents shot and killed notorious bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd.

(Pretty Boy Floyd robbed banks. All we want is for our loyal readers to go to their piggy banks, and send loose change — or a few bills — to “06880,” to support our work. Thank you so much!) 

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Longshore, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Saugatuck Rowing: 25 Years, And Growing

Posted on October 22, 2025 | 7 comments

In 1996, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss discovered rowing. The twins were 15 years old, tall, and searching for a sport.

Their father Howard found a small club half an hour from their Greenwich, home. Coach James Mangan liked the boys’ size and athletic potential. They were captivated by his stories about rowing.

The twins took 11 strokes, with a big wooden sweep oar. It seemed fun, but daunting.

A few weeks later on TV, the twins watched rowers compete at the Atlanta Olympics. They realized where the sport could lead.

Those first years, they rowed on the Saugatuck River. Their boathouse was a dilapidated wooden building, without electricity or running water. Their locker room was a gas station across the street.

The original boathouse, on Riverside Avenue. It was moved to that site from the train station.

Rowing changed the Winklevoss brothers’ lives. They gained strength and confidence. They won major races, then rowed at Harvard University and the 2008 Olympics.

The Winklevoss twins.

Their Westport rowing club grew too. In 2000 the ramshackle building was on the market. The boys’ father, Howard Winklevoss, bought it. He built a new state-of-the-art boathouse, to grow the sport for young people.

A 15,000-square foot building – with world-class fitness equipment, and room for an ever-growing number of boats – replaced the original facility.

Saugatuck Rowing Club today. The Boathouse restaurant, on the top floor, offers sweeping views of the Saugatuck River.

Talented coaches built junior and adult programs. Beginning in 2013, the Saugatuck Rowing Club has won at least 1 junior national regatta each year. Its boys and girls teams compete at the famed Henley in England, before 500,000 spectators. SRC regularly ranks in the top 3 programs in the country.

Looking sharp, at the Henley Regatta.

As SRC celebrates its 25th anniversary, it is a model for similar clubs across the country.

It now serves 150 adults a year, and over 250 juniors. More than 150 are competitive youth rowers; they practice 6 times a week, for about 20 hours. A

Another 110-plus are in beginner and intermediate groups, training 2 or 3 times weekly. Last summer, over 130 youngsters took the club’s “Learn to Row” class.

Every year, a new generation of rowers follows Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss – and others like Staples High School graduate Oliver Bub, who raced in the 2024 Olympics in the men’s pair. They work just as hard, learning the same life lessons, and enjoying the same supportive camaraderie.

“Rowing is a sport like no other,” Howard Winklevoss says. “The oxygen that’s pumped to the brain a few hours a day, six days a week, has a very positive effect.” Those effects are both physical and mental.

Rowing is a demanding sport — physically and mentally.

The discipline of rowing, including early morning and after-school workouts, and the demands of working seamlessly together as a team, spill into the classroom. The roster of colleges that SRC alumni attend — some to continue rowing, others not – includes every top school in the nation.

Howard Winklevoss has become an evangelist for rowing nationwide. “If there is water nearby, kids can be on it,” he says. “It’s the best gift you can give them.”

Girls varsity 8, in 2018.

One key to a successful program is its coaches. Six are full-time at Saugatuck Rowing Club. They train adults in the mornings, in between youths’ before-school and afternoon session. They are passionate about their sport, and role models for all. “We hire the best coaches, then get out of their way,” Howard Winklevoss says.

Dave Grossman

Head coach Dave Grossman is an SRC alumnus. After rowing at Hobart College, he returned to the club in 2011. He took over the boys program in 2018, and was named rowing director three years later.

“Discipline, trust, teammates – everything Saugatuck gave me, I wanted to make sure others had it,” he says. He enjoys watching middle schoolers gain strength, confidence. and social and leadership skills – then pass them on to younger rowers.

Though SRC strives to be as successful as possible, “that’s just a byproduct of making sure our rowers are good people who give back to their community and society,” Grossman says.

Of course, “that helps when they get in a boat. The more confident they are, the better they feel about themselves, the tighter the group becomes. And the faster they’ll go.” The club’s motto is “All of us, or none of us.”

Some teenagers come to rowing from other sports after burnout or injuries, Grossman says. Others have little or no sports background.

Adults, meanwhile, range from those who rowed in college 20 or 30 years earlier, to those in their 50s, 60s, even 70s looking to be active after a sedentary life. A common refrain is, “We saw you on the river, and wanted to be there too.”

Adult boat, on the Saugatuck River.

As someone who benefited from a scholarship while at SRC, Grossman is thankful that the club offers aid to those who need it.

Saugatuck Rowing Club’s trophy case is filled with cups and plaques. Coaches and members are proud of those accomplishments.

But they are equally proud of success stories like Westporter Paul Green, who picked up the sport in his 70s to stave off the effects of Parkinson’s disease. He rowed for nearly two decades, before his death at 94.

Paul Green

Carol Randel rowed at SRC for over 20 years too. She continued after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – and continued to win races.

Carol Randel

Henry Basham, meanwhile, has a long career ahead of him. Now a senior at Greens Farms Academy, he began rowing in 8th grade.

Rowing attracts “people like me, who want to do something but are not good at team sports. And someone who likes to work hard, and enjoys being part of a community.” Within a month, he had found his passion, and supportive friends.

Finishing 3rd in the nation in the U-16 8 boat as a freshman was “like summiting Everest,” he recalls. “All of us had been driven to get better. We were all new to the sport, but we made a big jump every day.”

Just as important as the medals are the lessons he’s learned. “You can’t row by yourself. You always have to work with others,” Henry says. “You feed off everyone else. You trust them. And seeing the difference from the start of the season to the end is insane.”

He plans to row in college. “I need it to function,” he notes. “Rowing is like a rock for me. If I’m in a bad mood, I know at 3:30 I can see my friends at practice. Just knowing I’ll be there gets me through the day.”

Fellow Greens Farms Academy senior Clementine Kirt was invited to row by an eighth grade friend. Almost immediately, she felt inspired by “so many strong women.” She quickly advanced. In the spring of freshman year, she won a national U-17 regatta with a 4 boat.

Saugatuck Rowing Club has had “an amazing impact,” Clementine says. “I don’t know what my life would be without it. I’m so grateful for what James Mangan, Howard Winklevoss and all the others have brought to life.” Like others in the club, she says, “You not only leave a better athlete, but a better person.”

It’s not easy. “Practices are rough. Results aren’t handed to you. They come through consistent discipline and grit.”

Those intense workouts create unshakable bonds. Calling her teammates “family” is not hyperbole. Waking up at 4:40 a.m., practicing until 6:30, then returning after school for another three hours – after which she is in her room, doing homework — means she sees those girls more than her actual family.

Through training and races in all kinds of weather, dry land workouts, and conversations, laughs and many car rides in between, she is grateful for Saugatuck Rowing Club.

The rewards are worth all the sacrifices.

This spring, Saugatuck will graduate 26 seniors. Yet Clementine is confident about the future. “We’re already writing the next chapter. Younger girls always learn from older ones. Knowledge gets passed down. We know we are capable of anything we set our minds to.”

As the Saugatuck Rowing Club enters its second quarter century, Dave Grossman looks back, and ahead.

“Every year at our final banquet, the captains speak. I’m always impressed at how much they’ve learned, and how meaningful the club has been to them,” the rowing director says.

“We’ll just try to continue what we’re doing, and improve the good model we have. And we’ll keep providing opportunities, on the water and off, to everyone.”

(“06880” covers all of Westport — including the waterfront. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Sephora & Brooks Brothers, Raechel & Studio 111, ALS & Cancer Walks …

Posted on October 20, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Sephora & Brooks Brothers, Raechel & Studio 111, ALS & Cancer Walks …

Early voting starts today, at Town Hall. Click here for days and times.

NOTE: Registration for new voters is now only in person, at Town Hall.

Democracy in action. (Photo/Jo Shields)

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Although Sephora will replace Brooks Brothers at the “Elm & Main” shopping plaza downtown, the men’s clothiers is not leaving Westport.

The move will not come until late 2027 or early 2028, when Brooks Brothers’ lease expires. That gives them plenty of time to find a new location.

And, they assure customers, it will be somewhere in Westport.

FUN FACT: “Elm & Main” is the new (not very popular) name for what used to be called Brooks Corner, on Main Street at (duh) Elm.

But the name did not come from the store. It was developed — decades earlier — by the Brooks family. The commercial real estate company also owned the Westport News, whose offices took up much of the building.

(Photo/Sutton Bulkeley for Inklings)

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Over the last 2 weekends — one rainy, one gorgeous — Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members volunteered for annual tulip planting.

This year, member Andrew Colabella donated 1,500 bulbs, to jump start fundraising for the Sons of the American Legion.

The multi-colored tulips come directly from the Netherlands.

This year they were planted along the entrance to Compo Beach, and at Grace Salmon Park (suggested by RTMer Nancy Kail).

That makes over 5,000 total tulip bulbs, thanks to the RTM.

Colabella thanks Colorblends in Bridgeport for their amazing inventory, Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department maintanance division for grass seed, SCA-Crowley for topsoil, and Sons of the American Legion treasurer Mark Shornick for handling funds.

The SAL is still accepting donations. Cash or checks can be dropped off or mailed to: VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.


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After graduating from Staples High School in 2010, Raechel Alaimo worked at the Black Duck for 10 years.

She worked at a boutique salon too in Stamford, to put herself through hairdressing school.

She worked at a variety of salons, received advanced training, an spent the past couple of years at Effi’s Salon in Saugatuck.

Now she’s opened her own salon, Studio 111, as part of the Sola Salons suite at 495 Post Road East (between Autostrada and the former Humane Society).

She offers hair coloring, cutting, styling and keratin treatments. She will soon add Bellami extensions

Raechel and her clients appreciate that Sola Salons includes more than just hairstyling. The building includes professionals specializing in Botox, waxing, skin care, makeup, barbering, event styling and more.

“It’s a one-stop shop for a slew of services in a private environment, eliminating the chaos that can come with the standard salon atmosphere,” Raechel says.

Click here for her website. Click here for her booking link. Her Instagram is @raechelynn.

Raechel Alaimo, at Studio 111.

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The weather was great for walking this weekend.

Hundreds of Westporters (and others) turned out Saturday for the Walk ALS event, at Sherwood Island.

Fifty teams, with over 800 walkers, took to the state park paths. The total raised was over $180,000.

ALS Walk at Sherwood Island.

Yesterday, it was the Making Strides against breast cancer walk.

It was another success — thanks to the passion of participants (and the weather!).

(Photo/Karen Como)

On hand: a large and enthusiastic Westport Woman’s Club contingent:

(Photo/Audrey Rabinowitz)

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The New York Giants season is in full swing. Cam Skattebo is having a great season — especially last week.

But on May 24, the running back will have time to head to Westport.

He headlines a special youth football camp, sponsored by the Staples High School football program.

Boys and girls ages 6 to 16 can register for the 4-hour event. Registration details will be available soon.

Cam Skattebo

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Former Staples High administrative assistant Lynette “Lyn” Birkmaier died Friday. She was 95, and lived in Trumbull.

The Illinois native spent 40 years in the school’s front office, including time as the principal’s assistant. She is survived by her son Gary (Lisa Laplante), grandson Karl Birkmaier, sister, Joyce and brother Paul.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Faith Food Pantry in Newtown. Click here to send online condolences.

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Let’s start the “Westport … Naturally” week with this fall classic, from Terra Nova Circle.

The way the weather changes this time of year, Westport may look much different by the weekend.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … on this date in 1977, a plane carrying Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Mississippi. Six people, including 3 band members, were killed.

(You don’t have to gimme 3 steps. But could you give “06880” a tax-deductible contribution, for what we give you: news, events, photos, history — and music — 24/7/365? Please click here. Thank you!)

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