A number of Westport residents were surprised yesterday to receive this email, from “Westport Parks & Recreation Department”:
“Hi! You used our online services to purchase a parking emblem. The registration is only in Lisa’s name, and she is not a senior, the fee for this purchase is $60 plus CT sales tax. You may contact us at 203-341-5152 to provide us with your credit card information for the difference or you are more than welcome to stop into the office. We are here Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Look forward to hearing from you!”
There was one little issue: Recipients did not purchase a parking emblem “in Lisa’s name.”
A call to the number brought up a recording, saying it was sent in error, and to disregard the message.
As for Lisa: Well, most people lie about their age to seem younger.
Westport 10 — our town’s social and networking group of Black men, which has grown to far more than 10 members — celebrated their annual Jamaican BBQ on Sunday, with wives and children.
Westport 10 men …
Howard and Olga Roberts hosted the event. The menu included the national dish — ackee and saltfish, along with oxtails, curry goat, rice and peas, cabbage and more.
The annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” comedy show (get it?) has snagged a great headliner.
Tom Papa — star of 6 specials, including a recent Netflix show, and with more than 20 years’ experience as an actor, host and author, in film, TV, radio, podcasts and the live stage — comes to Fairfield University’s Quick Center on October 17.
The fundraiser helps the Westport non-profit continue its 40-year mission of addressing homelessness and food insecurity.
That’s not the only difficult spot in town. (Surprise!)
Sandy Rothenberg sends this photo of Compo Road South, heading north to Post Road East:
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
With only 3 cars able to make the left turn onto the Post Road — but many others backed up waiting to go straight or turn right — drivers sometimes have to wait several cycles just to get into that left lane.
Others — like the one above — often take matters into their own hands.
And the cluster*** that is cars exiting or entering Compo Acres Shopping Center, by the narrow passage by [solidcore]* is a whole other sorry story.
*Don’t get me started on their absurd punctuation.
The Caribbean Jazz Connection headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
Drummer Jim Royle crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles. His band features steel pan player Bryan Garbe. A former student of Royle’s, he grew up in Fairfield.
Other members include bassist John Mobilio, pianist Dave childs, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Jim Royle
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Congratulations to Westport Softball’s CT Wreckers 10U team. They won the Southwest CT Fastpast League Silver Division championship in Southbury, finishing their league season undefeated.
Front row (from left): Megan Acampora, Zoey Klauser, Lila Salotollo, Natalia Hernandez, Addie Lewis, Lane Haberstroh, Juliette Rocco, Blythe Yanover, Amara Stocker, Bella Sable. Coaches (rear): Jeff Yanover, Ried Salotollo, Jason Sable. Not pictured: Ava Konig.
And finally … following up on the erroneous Parks & Rec message yesterday:
(A gentle, mid-summer reminder: “06880” — your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog — relies on the generosity of readers like you. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to donate. Thank you!)
It’s late July. If you’re a youth sports parent, this may be one of those rare times: a weekend without your kid’s “elite” team playing a couple of games, or traveling to a “showcase” tournament.
Maybe your child’s batting, shooting or goalkeeping coach is on his own vacation.
But the clock is ticking. The fall season — for youth and high school sports — starts in a few minutes. The 11 1/2-month cycle begins again.
Much of it is driven by one goal: to catch the eye of college coaches.
Dave Smith has an important perspective on it all.
He and his wife Jeanne have lived in Westport for over 15 years. Their 4 children played multiple sports, including football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and volleyball.
Caleb (Staples High School Class of ’24) is playing lacrosse at Boston University. Nathan, a Staples senior, will play football at Trinity College. Chloe is a Staples sophomore, while Noah looks forward to being a freshman there next fall.
From left: Nathan, Caleb, Dave, Noah, Chloe and Jeanne Smith. Caleb and Nathan starred on Staples’ 2024 state champion football team.
Dave played basketball and ran track at Trinity. He runs a leadership coaching practice. Today — with years of youth sports experience behind him — he offers these insights into college recruiting:
Lots of parents shell out lots of money, while trekking all over the country to help their kids succeed in sports.
“Two in 10 youth sports parents,” the article says, “think their child has the ability to play Division I college sports.”
Playing college sports is a terrific dream, one our family has pursued for all our kids. And we contributed mightily to the youth travel industry along the way.
Recently, my oldest Caleb and I were on an “06880” panel discussing the challenges of navigating youth sports. The notoriously opaque process of college recruiting can be even more bewildering. Having stumbled through recruiting with 3 of ours, my perspectives may be helpful for parents mapping out your child’s journey.
Staples High School sports signing day ceremony, 2024. College sports is a goal for many young athletes (and their parents). But the road is far from smooth. (Photo/Lynda Kommel-Browne)
√ With the NCAA athlete settlement in June, universities opting in (to avoid future litigation) will have roster limits (no more walk-ons), and pay athletes a portion of the school’s revenues. NCAA football and basketball will become the equivalent of baseball’s minor leagues. To play at these Power Conference schools, D1 recruits typically attend specialized private/prep schools, and oftentimes “re-class” (repeat a grade) to have a chance.
√ For smaller D1 schools who don’t opt in (like the Ivy and Patriot Leagues), competition for recruitment is fierce. Even at this level, if you don’t fit the D1 football or basketball measurables for size and speed, you’re unlikely to be considered, regardless of your high school career success or performance at showcases and camps.
√ Some college sports – such as swimming, rowing (erg stats) and track – recruit solely on times.
√ Lacrosse (boys and girls) remains the most viable college recruitment path for Fairfield County public school athletes. The Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) is one of the top high school lax leagues in the country. Size does not matter as much as speed and athleticism, making lacrosse viable for many more athletes. As a result of Title IX, the path is easier for girls (125 D1 lax programs) than boys (73 D1 lax programs).
√ Rugby is an up-and-coming sport, with a blossoming youth league and a nationally ranked program at Staples. Size is less of a factor in rugby recruiting than in football.
√ College coaches still value multi-sport high school athletes. They demonstrate a variety of skills, and can adapt to play multiple positions — providing teams with the flexibility needed in today’s college game.
Playing more than one sport is appealing to college coaches. Athletes learn how to deal with a variety of pressure situations, and learn from various coaching styles — while avoiding burnout and overuse injuries. (Photo/Mark Conrad for Ruden Report)
√ D1 recruiting for most sports is heaviest after one’s junior season. Communication with college coaches is conducted through the high school coach. D1 lacrosse recruiting (boys and girls) is heaviest after their sophomore season, and is conducted through their summer club team coach.
√ College coaches prefer not to communicate through parents. In fact, pushy parents are seen as a negative, and can hinder prospects. In my view, college recruiting firms are not worth the money.
√ Lastly, D3 sports are grossly underrated. The quality of competition is tremendous, much better than when I played. Most D3 schools participate in both conference tournaments and national D3 championships. D3 may be an ideal target for public school athletes, especially those who are undersized by D1 standards.
Playing a sport in college is a fantastic experience, and an awesome goal for any athlete. But I try to remember what Tony Boselli, a National Footbal League Hall of Fame lineman and All-American at the University of Southern California told an audience of all-staters: His fondest memories across his entire football career were those high school Friday nights, running onto the field representing his classmates and his town.
Yes, work for the future. But be sure to enjoy the present!
Some Staples High School lacrosse players will continue in college. All will always remember their state championship. (Photo/JC Martin)
Many Westporters have enjoyed the Broadway hit “John Proctor is the Villain.”
The show — about rural Georgia high school students studying “The Crucible” during the #MeToo movement — is being adapted for film. Tina Fey and Marc Platt are producing — Britt Hennemuth will oversee the project.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate — and proud Staples Players alum — is Universal Studios’ senior vice president for production development and special projects.
But that’s not the only SHS connection. The epigraph for the show’s published script features lyrics from a Charly Bliss song. Band members (and fellow Players alumni) Eva Hendricks and Dan Shure overlapped with Hennemuth’s Staples years. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
Britt Hennemuth
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We all know there is no such thing as a free lunch.
In Weston, you can’t buy one either.
The Lunch Box — the town center’s only restaurant — closed Saturday.
It had been a fixture there for 48 years. Current owners Josh and Jessica Tolk bought it in 2014, and expanded the menu.
The Lunch Box (Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor)
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Speaking of Weston: The Financial Times just posted an informative — and only slightly frightening — story headlined “What Happens Once We Spot the Asteroid That Will Hit Earth?”
Buried deep in the details about asteroid 2024 YR4 (spoiler alert: It’s not gonna smash into us) is this nugget:
On a December morning in 1807, eyewitnesses in the town of Weston, Connecticut, saw an explosion in the sky. Rocky fragments littered the woods about town, but the idea that the Weston meteorite, as it was later called (a meteorite is a space rock that has descended through the atmosphere) originated from space, as some scientists at the time were claiming, was ridiculed.
“Gentlemen, I would rather believe that two Yankee professors would lie,” Thomas Jefferson said, “than believe that stones fall from heaven.”
I could have said this was Asteroid 2024 YR4, and you wouldn’t have known it’s not. It’s just a random one, drawn by a random artist. (Courtesy of European Space Agency)
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The public is invited to tomorrow’s promotion ceremony for 3 Westport Police officers. The event is set for 9:30 a.m., at police headquarters on Jesup Road.
The 3 are Detective Sean Doyle, Sergeant James Baker III, and Lieutenant Howard E. Simpson III.
Lesliie and Andrew Ward’s hometown business continues to work like a charm.
The couple’s 3 sons played football and basketball for Westport youth and Staples High School teams. Each then competed in college.
Every season Leslie and Andrew made bracelets showcasing their uniform numbers or initials, customized for their sport and team colors.
For good luck, they did not take them off all season long.
Some of Bleacher Family’s bracelets, customized by sport, uniform number and school colors.
Family members, friends and fans noticed their bracelets, and asked for ones for their own kids’ teams.
As word spread, the Wards launched a small family-run online business, so people in Westport (and beyond) could order their own personalized/customized bracelets.
To honor a family member who died, the Wards donate a portion of each year’s profits to the American Cancer Society and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Click here to see a great selection of bracelets, plus ordering information. Supporting a local business — and cancer research — is a win/win.
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Next up for the Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series: Ramblin’ Dan & The Freewheelin’ Band.
The high-energy, interactive kids’ concert is set for August 2 (4 p.m.). The show — the album release party for Ramblin’ Dan’s new album — will include a 5-piece band, large props and costumes.
The artist reimagines children’s favorite nursery rhymes to entertain adults just as much as kids, through rock ‘n’ roll, reggae, New Orleans swing, funk, hip hop, jazz, gospel, folk and bluegrass.
Ramblin’ Dan has performed thousands of concerts and parties, and taught well over 10,000 early childhood music classes.
Tracy Porosoff sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and writes: “The goldfinch likes the seeds, even though we may think the flower is past its prime.”
And finally … Ozzy Osbourne, the heavy metal and reality TV pioneer, died yesterday. He was 76.
He had suffered from Parkinson’s disease, which the New York Times said was exacerbated by “exacerbated by his chronic drug abuse.” Click here for the full obituary.
(Black Sabbath, the Police [Westport, that is], killer asteroids — just another day at “06880.” If you enjoy our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Stevan Dohanos drew a remarkable 123 covers for the Saturday Evening Post.
Living in Westport, he drew inspiration from many local scenes.
And he used many Westport residents as models.
Millions of Americans enjoyed this Saturday Evening Post cover on July 20, 1946 — almost 79 years ago, to the day. It was almost certainly inspired by — and drawn in — Westport:
Though a few of the boys wear uniforms, they are not Westport Little Leaguers. The organization did not begin here until 1954.
Do you recognize the house? It looks like it could be on Riverside Avenue, Imperial Avenue, Compo Road South — or many other places in town.
And — a longer stretch — does anyone know any of the kids?
If you’ve got any insights into the back story of this work called “Star Pitcher,” click “Comments” below.
Play ball!
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Hillandale Road residents were stunned earlier this year, when the state Department of Transportation clear-cut large swaths of land on the Sherwood Island Connector, in preparation for a new maintenance facility behind Walgreens.
More work will be done, this time on West Parish Road. But now, town operations director Thomas Kiely has given neighbors some warning.
He writes: “As part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative, the DOT will be removing trees along a portion of the roadway over the coming weeks. The work will take place from the corner of Post Road East, to the area across from 7 West Parish Road.
“In place of the removed trees, the DOT will construct a 10-foot land berm. This will be landscaped with new vegetation, to enhance the visual appeal of the area and create a natural buffer for nearby properties.
“Additionally, the project will eliminate the old salt shed and adjacent facility entrance on West Parish Road, further improving privacy and separation for adjacent homes.
“We understand that changes to the neighborhood landscape may raise questions, and we want to ensure residents are aware. Please be assured that the work is being planned with consideration for safety, improved visibility, and long-term aesthetics.
“I will continue to work with the DOT and advocate on behalf of the Westport community. Please know that the plantings will be towards the end of the project after final grading is complete, to avoid damage.” (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
The DOT maintenance facility, as seen from West Parish Road.
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Westport Library’s Verso Studios have hosted Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winners.
Now they’ve got an honor of their own.
Actually, 4. “Crew Call” — the Verson program that gives community members the chance to be trained in live, hands-on video production — recently earned 3 silver and 1 bronze Telly Awards.
Created in 1979 to honor local, regional and cable television commercials, with non-broadcast video and television programming soon, Tellys have evolved with the rise of digital video to include branded content, documentary, social media, immersive and more.
The contest draws more than 13,000 entries annually, from 6 continents and all 50 states.
Crew Call began as a 6-week training course, led by Emmy-winning Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey. Community members are trained to record and edit programming and events produced on the Library stage, and occasionally on location.
Verso Studios video producer David Bibbey (far right), assistant producer Fred Lavins (center, 3rd from left), and Crew Call members, before a recent program.
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Speaking of entertainment: Perhaps the Westport Country Playhouse tempted fate last night by screening the film “Singin’ in the Rain,”
Rain pelted down, and there was a power blip at the 7 p.m. showtime. But the tech crew got it up and running, just a few minutes late.
The Playhouse’s celebration of timeless films continues with “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (August 6, 6 p.m.), “The Sting” (August 18, 7 p.m.), and Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”(October 10, 7 p.m.).
A combination of heat, poor air quality and the potential for flash floods this week prompted Governor Lamont to activate Connecticut’s “extreme hot weather protocol.”
It begins at noon today, and runs through at least 8 p.m. Friday.
Westport has activated its cooling centers and will monitor conditions closely, says Fire Chief and emergency management director Nick Marsan.
Need help or transportation? Call 211, or visit www.211ct.org.
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Hearts in Harmony is a foundation created by Mark and Kira Greenfield. The mission is to find better treatments (and a cure) for Long QT Syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that affects their daughter Shea.
But the non-profit’s impact extends far beyond researchers and patients.
Last week, Hearts in Harmony partnered with Coastal Bridge Advisors, to offer CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training to residents.
Over 6o people — many of them parents with young children — learned from EMS professionals, at Coastal Bridge’s Wilton Road headquarters. The event included special infant and toddler training.
Make-Modern’s grand opening is tomorrow (Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m.).
The open house at their 180 Post Road East location includes free crafting stations for adults and kids, plus giveaways.
Make-Modern is a crafting and sewing studio “for people with a passion for design, and a deep respect for the art of making … rhe opposite of (a) glitter-and-glue setup. Every class, workshop, party and camp is built around thoughtful curriculums, age-appropriate skill building, and elevated materials sourced from around the world.”
An alert — and grossed-out — “06880” reader writes:
“I was returning an item at Lululemon today, and experienced a poorly mannered dog owner.
“Three cashiers were handling customers. I was in the middle. The lady to my left had a cocker spaniel on a leash. I just had a pedicure, and tried to avoid him stepping on my toes. The owner saw that, and pulled him to her front.
“It was busy and noisy. When the dog owner left I smelled something foul, and looked down to see several pools of vomit.
“Another woman almost stepped into it before I called for her to stop. I told the manager. It took 3 young women to clean the floor. They put up a cone so no one would fall.
“There was no way the owner didn’t realize her dog threw up. I say that as a dog owner myself. While accidents can occur, to not report it was negligent.”
For sure. And that brings up a fairly new trend: Dog owners who bring their pets everywhere.
I’ve seen them in stores, supermarkets and restaurants. What’s up with that?
I understand owners’ desires to bring their dogs with them. But do they really belong everywhere?
Am I being overly sensitive? I want to hear all sides of this. Click “Comments” below.
Sure, you take your pooch paddleboarding. But into a store? (Photo/Matt Murray)
Every Thursday, Jazz at the Post welcomes noted musicians from around the globe.
But there are plenty of homegrown talents too.
At the top of any list is Chris Coogan. The Weston native is a mucha-admired composer, performer, teacher, choir director and producer, rooted in both jazz and gospel.
He headlines this week’s shows (July 17, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; VFW Post 399; music charge $20; $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by John Mobilio, his bassist for decades. Also sitting in: drummer Scott Latzky, who has worked with Tito Puente, Lionel Hampton and Bob Dorough. Click here for tickets, and more information.
One of Westport’s favorite restaurants will soon become a different favorite spot.
On August 16, Don Memo will serve its last meal. In early September, it reopens as Massi Co.
Named after owner Massimo Tullio, and backed by the Don Memo oand Whelk team, the new restaurant in the iconic stone building (Westport’s original Town Hall) will feature a “deeply personal Italian-American” concept
It will include Neapolitan brick oven pizzas, house-made pastas and craft cocktails. Chef Zach Hinman is in charge of the kitchen. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Massimo Tullio (Photo courtesy of The Connecticut Edit)
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For as long as the Merritt Parkway has existed — nearly 90 years — Westport has had 2 exits: 41 and 42.
Soon, they’ll be gone.
In their place will be Exits 20 and 21.
The new numbers conform to federal standards, which mandate that exits show the approximate mileage from a starting point. With the Merritt, that’s the New York border.
New signs will be installed on the parkway beginning July 28. There will also be signs noting the “old exit” numbers. They’ll be in place for at least 2 years.
Other state highways have already been renumbered. The “Connecticut Turnpike” (I-95) will follow, either next year or in 2027.
So say goodbye to the Exit 42 cluster****. Soon, it will be the mess at Exit 21.
And Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department wants to make sure no one misses out on any action. For example:
Beach volleyball:Middle and high schoolers, all levels. Led by Brendan Giolitto, Staples High School coach.
Youth tennis (including peewees): All levels; fundamentals, technique and match play.
Swim lessons: Beginners and advanced; Stroke development, water safety and confidence.
Football skills and drills: Non-contact; focusing on speed, agility and position-specific drills. Led by LST Pro staff.
Baseball: Hitting, fielding, base running and teamwork; led by LST, in partnership with Westport Little League.
Tot N’ Play Camp: A week of sports, crafts, beach time and class camp, for pre-schoolers. Flexible scheduling, with a focus on friendship, teamwork and adventure.
Skyhaws Volleyball: Fundamentals like passing, setting, hitting and serving, in a fun, beginner-friendly environment.
Next Generation Skateboarding: From beginners to advanced: skate and shred safely and confidently.
The Grit Ninja: Obstacle courses challenge youngsters physically and mentally; build strength, agility and grit in an exciting, supportive setting.
Squirt & Parent ‘n’ Me programs: Introduce little ones to soccer, t-ball, lacrosse, track and field and more, with a helping hand. Build confidence and coordination in a playful, comforting environment.
Outdoor Fitness with Andrew Berman: An invigorating bodyweight workout class at Compo Beach. Focus on strength, balance and mobility, in a beautiful setting.
Jay Schadler is a noted journalist, photographer and artist.
For more than 3 decades he traveled the world as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.
His new gig: podcaster, with Verso Studios at the Westport Library. Through intimate interviews, he tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.
Many names are familiar. The 5 episodes in Season 1 include living a life with no memory, with Doug and Patti Brill; the grief of loss and the gift of love with Jenny and Anthony Capalbo; a new heart and a new life with Gerardo Lambert; turning tragedy into legacy with Jim Kudzo, and exploring talent and opportunity with Andrew Wilk.
In Westport, Paul Newman’s home overlooked the Aspetuck River. His New York apartment has a view of Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. (Photo/Evan Joseph Studios, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal)
Hitch & the Giddyup are heading to Weston. Yee haw!
The country/bluegrass/soulful American band plays at “Music at the Barn” — the Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer series — on July 27 (5:30 p.m.).
Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members; children under 12; click here or purchase there. Bring a lawn chair, food and drinks (no food truck!).
Francesca “Franny” Cenatiempo died at home, surrounded by her family. She was 33, and hahd battled cancer.
Francesca was born on July 4th, 1992 to Carmine and Sandra. At age 7 she was enrolled in Saint Catherine Academy; then as an adult, at Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs.
She loved school and her program, and was celebrated, cared for and loved by the staff. She was surrounded by friends who reciprocated her unique love. At Saint Catherine Francesca met her longtime caregiver, Sonia Vielot, who became an integral part of her family.
Her obituary says, “Francesca had a gift for deeply touching the lives of everyone she met. She greeted people with open arms, accompanied by the biggest hug and an unforgettable smile. Her laughter echoed everywhere she went, as she saw the beauty and joy in every person and part of this world. She was a pasta lover, a Disney fanatic, and had an eye for all the cute boys. She enjoyed music, dancing, and splashing around at the beach.”
Francesca is survived by her loving parents, Carmine and Sandra Calise Cenatiempo; siblings CJ and Charlotte Cenatiempo; grandparents Michael Calise, Sally Palmer and Barbara Mehle; aunts and uncles Filippo and Pina Cenatiempo, Leonardo Cenatiempo, Alfredo and Rosa Cenatiempo, Stefano Cenatiempo, Giulio and Gabby Cenatiempo, Catherine and Don Lawson, Maria and Jon O’Herron, Bettina and Michael Colleen, and Frank and Robin Calise, and many cousins.
A celebration of her life is set for tomorrow (July 12, 11 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Weston). Donations may be made in her name to Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs. Condolences for the family may be left online.
Francesca Cenatiempo
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Frances Mande — a Westporter for nearly 70 years — died Wednesday. She was 103.
Born in Russia in 1922, she came to Brooklyn with her family when she was 7. She and her husband Irving met when she was 17, and married when she was 19.
Fran and Irv moved to Westport in 1956. They raised 3 children in the house where she lived until passing. The couple traveled the world together, until Irv’s death in 2006.
Fran loved attending shows at the Westport Country Playhouse, and taking her children and grandchildren to Compo Beach and Mario’s restaurant. She was a regular at the Senior Center, Westport Library and Levitt Pavilion.
She also enjoyed the Westport Road Runners program. Her photo was in the Westport News after finishing a 10-mile race, in her 70s.
After “06880” wished her a happy birthday last month, she was lifted up by emails from readers.
A funeral is set for Sunday (July 13, 10 a.m., Temple Israel of Westport). Shiva will be held at her home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Westport Library or Westport Senior Center.
Like any good mother, this one fed her little one:
Johanna Keyser Rossi — who took today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image near Fresh Market — reports, “She fed him for a long time. So I assume there is only one baby osprey.”
And finally … in honor of the new Merritt Parkway numbering system: This is the closest I could get.
(Whether you live in the 06880, 25 miles away, or 2,500, if you’re reading this, you’re part of our great online community. Thank you — and thanks too for clicking here, to support our work!)
This year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” event features Sarah Jessica Parker.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be celebrated on September 10. Tickets go on sale August 12.
“Booked” — the Library’s major fundraiser — honors someone whose work reflects Library’s purpose: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Last year’s recipient was Billie Jean King. Past guests include Tom Brokaw, E.L. Doctorow, Calvin Trillin, Wendy Wasserstein, Pete Hamill, Martin Scorsese, Arthur Mitchell, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Halberstam, Oscar Hijuelos, Adam Gopnik, Will Shortz, Patti Smith, Barry Levinson, Jon Meacham, Nile Rodgers, Lynsey Addario, Ron Chernow, Alan Alda, Justin Paul, Frederic Chiu, Itzhak Perlman, Shonda Rhimes, and Laura Linney.
Parker — a noted advocate for literature and libraries — has built a career as both an entertainer and champion of the written word. In 2023 she launched SJP Lit, an imprint focused on underrepresented voices. She is a judge for the Booker Prize, and received the PEN/Audible Literary Service Award this year.
She also executive produced “The Librarians,” a film about the fight against book bans which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“To censor a book is to limit imagination, curiosity, connection, empathy and inspiration,” she says.
“Libraries aren’t just buildings with shelves. They are a beacon. They are warm in the winter and cool in summer, and they are sanctuaries of possibility. They are a heartbeat of the neighborhood.”
Parker has won 4 Golden Globe Awards, 3 Screen Actors Guild Awards, and 2 Emmys. She currently stars as Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO series “And Just Like That.” Throughout Parker’s work, her advocacy for intellectual freedom and library access has been unwavering.
She served on the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities during the Obama administration, and is vice chair of the board of directors for the New York City Ballet. Click here for more “Booked for the Evening” information.
Six bands will entertain all day long, at our July 27 Soundview Summer Stroll.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Soundview Drive — the Compo Beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. There will be kids’ activities and games, food, a photo booth, face painting, community vibing — and plenty of live music.
Bands and solo artists include Rock Paper Soul, Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Skunk Rockets and Not My Problem.
The entire day is free — courtesy of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Get ready to rock, while strolling (or Rollerblading or biking) all along the car-less beach! (And be sure to follow the Stroll’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundviewsummerstroll.)
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Speaking of the beach: After a 5-year hiatus, the Compo Summer Basketball League is back!
Its re-launch on Monday marks a major milestone in Westport’s recreation scene.
There are 95 players. Most are fathers from Westport and Weston. One team includes recent Staples graduates, ages 21-23.
Fun fact: One of the teams is coached by New York Knicks legend John Starks.
All 5 games were competitive and well played, with 2 referees and a scorekeeper.
People passing by stopped to watch. Teams hung around afteward, and had drinks
The league continues over the next 7 Mondays. Semifinals and finals are August 25.
Summertime basketball action at Compo Beach. (Photo/Jordan Schur)
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Yesterday’s thunder ws loud. And the lightning was bright.
It’s extremely difficult to capture a lightning strike. But Meredith Holod did, at Comp Beach:
(Photo/Meredith Holod)
Fortunately, the flash floods we were warned about did not materialize.
But it’s exponentially better to have it that way, than the reverse.
Among Earthplace’s many important projects, one of the most long-running — and popular — is care for its residential animals.
They include Chatty and Cerena, the bald eagles who arrived more than 20 years ago with injuries that made them non-releasable.
Today those raptors — along with dozens of other species — play a vital role in the environmental center’s education and conservation awareness efforts.
Now — during their fundraising drive — they’ve got a golden opportunity. All contributions made through July 31 will be matched, up to $12,000.
That $24,000 could go a huge way toward caring for dozens of animals. They inspire thousands of visitors each year, and many moroe at schools, libraries, festivals and community events.
“They teach lessons of survival, adaptation and resilience,” notes Veronica Swain, director of nature prograsm.
Recent cuts and losses in federal and foundation grand funding have hit Earthplace hard. Every donation will to toward animal feeding, medical care and enrichment activities.
Grace says yes! She checks in at the Longshore courts … and we check her out, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
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And finally … on this date in 1609, Bohemia was granted freedom of religion, by the Holy Roman Emperor.
(We can’t wait to see you at the Soundview Stroll — a gift from “06880” to the town. To give back though, we rely on readers like you. Please click here to support our efforts. Thank you!)
Now alert “06880” reader Jamie Walsh has seen his first Candela — all-electric — boat. It was moored yesterday at Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina.
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Jamie says: “Pretty cool! Those 3 things protruding in the air are the hydrofoils. They lower into the water as the boat accelerates, greatly reducing drag and rocking normally associated with most boats.
Last fall, I had myself scanned — and underwent other tests — at Longevity Powered by DexaFit.
The company — nestled inside Sherpa. the personal fitness and training gym across from Border Grille (not their health food partner) — uses those analyses to help people understand their bodies, and improve fitness.
A Dexa scan is a quick analysis of body composition, detailing muscle mass, bone mass, fat and visceral fat. The report provides insights into a person’s T-score (bone density), ALMI, FFMI, A/G Ratio, and BMC (bone mineral content).
If you don’t know what all that means — neither did I.
But manager Amy Julien explained it all.
The other day, I went back for a follow-up. I had taken some of Amy’s recommendations to, um, heart — and the results showed improvements in areas like muscle gain.
Whew! My improved fitness regime had paid off.
Plus, I did not want to disappoint Amy.
I had not taken up a couple of her other recommendations though, like walking with a weighted vest. She (very) gently tsk-tsked me, and provided a few options.
The good news: I’m in pretty good shape.
On the other hand, I’m not Mr. Olympia.
On the third hand, I don’t want to be. I still have my day job, which keeps me from spending 5 hours a day at the gym.
In the meantime, I’ll keep working out. I’ll follow a few of Amy’s other recommendations. I may (or may not) buy that weighted vest.
And in 6 months, I’ll go back to Longevity to see how I’m doing.
Amy Julien and yours truly. Long may we both live.
Early Clover — the former Coasters’ lead singer, and Apollo Theater favorite –brought his soul/R&B/Motown show to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
The youngsters he brought up on stage were born decades after Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole and Otis Redding were alive.
But — with a little encouragement — they got right into those legends’ classic grooves.
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Bert Reisman — an accomplished journalist, businessman, and longtime Westporter whose volunteer efforts ranged from the Library to Little League — died June 25, at his Southbury home. He was 96.
The Brooklyn native (and passionate Dodgers fan) graduated from New York University in 1941 with a degree in journalism.
At NYU he met his first wife, Sydelle Silver. They were married for 43 years before her death.
They left New York for Colorado, where he was a reporter for the Durango Hearld. Bert then wrote for the St. Joseph (Missouri) Gazette and Rochester (New York) Times Union. His feature subjects included Willie Mays, Jonas Salk and Robert Oppenheimer.
Bert left journalism in 1959 for corporate communications. He spent 30 years at IBM, where he spearheaded the public relations launch of the IBM 360.
He was also responsible for award-winning campaigns that featured Charlie Chaplin and the M*A*S*H characters.
In his final position, Bert he oversaw IBM’s advertising, media relations and market research. After reaching mandatory retirement age, he spent 6 years as a senior consultant at Burton Marsteller.
During his 35 years in Westport, Bert was active in local politics, served on the Westport Library board of directors, and was a Little League organizer, umpire and manager.
He met his second wife, Louise, when he moved to Stratford. They were married for 16 years, before her death in 2021.
Bert split his time between Connecticut and Carefree, Arizona, where his passion for golf flourished. He enjoyed being part of the Mulligans, a group devoted to golf, community service and laughter.
He is survived by his children Robin of Westport, Jodie (Mark) Naber of Sanibel Island, Florida, and Mike of Westport, and grandchildren Samantha Sydelle of Providence and Charlie Reisman of Los Angeles.
Slava Leykind died Wednesday, from complications after participating in a mountain endurance event earlier in the week. He was 43.
Born in Minsk, USSR, in 1982, he emigrated with his family to Minneapolis in 1988.
In 20024 he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Slava joined General Mills. In 2006 he joined the boutique investment banking firm Sawaya Segalas, and rose one 3 senior partners at what became Sawaya Partners. When it was acquired by Canaccord Genuity in 2021, Slava became co-head of US consumer investment banking for the broader firm.
Yet Slava’s role as a husband and father was his greatest achievement, passion and pride. He is survived by his wife Amy Keller Leykind; children Charlotte, Eloise and Jonah Leykind; parents Art and Nelly Leykind; brothers Gene and Max; parents-in-law Bonnie and Alex Keller; in-laws Nina Leykind, Laura and Alan Isenberg, and Rachel Leykind, and nephews and nieces Deia Leykind, Coby Leykind, Jackson Isenberg, Esme Isenberg and Blake Leykind.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 8 at Temple Israel. A private burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a fund in Slava’s name is being established at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Details will follow.
Slava Leykind
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It was hard not to have fun this weekend.
And that goes not just for guys and gals. Gulls, too.
Wendy Levy spotted this pair at Burying Hill Beach. They swooped past, posing just long enough for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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Posted onJuly 3, 2025|Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2997
Westport’s 10u all star team earned a 5-4 walkoff win againt Trumbull in the Little League district tournament last night. Then they celebrated together at the Compo Beach fireworks. (Photo/Rick Lane)
One other cool look at the colorful show … (Photo/Joanne Precouri)
… plus the view from Old Mill. (Photo/Sue Pfister)
The Westport Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest has begun.
Photgraphers ages 5-18 can take shots every Thursday (like today!), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenuue parking lot. The deadline is August 8.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners receive cash prizes.
Here’s one of the first entries. It’s from Fielden Brelsford, in the 5-9-year-old category.
Fielden sets a high standard. Let’s see what you’ve got!
Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo has named Liam Witham as the 5th permanent head coach in Staples boys soccer 67-year history.
He succeeds Russell Oost-Lievense, whose contract was not renewed by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
The London native played competitively for 15 years before transitioning to coaching, while pursuing his degree in sports fitness and coaching. He holds multiple respected soccer coaching certifications.
Following his playing career, he coached at the premier club FC Westchester and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. He also founded a private training organization.
Sarullo says, “Staples High School is proud to welcome Coach Witham to the Wrecker family. Throughout the interview process, Coach Witham distinguished himself with his genuine passion for working with student-athletes, his commitment to their growth both on and off the field and his clear vision for the future of our program. His leadership will build both immediate progress and sustained success. I look forward to working with Coach Witham in the years ahead.”
Liam Witham
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There was a lot going on at Compo Beach yesterday.
Visitors might be forgiven if they didn’t notice how nice the entrance looked.
But it didn’t just happen. Westport Garden Club volunteers were hard at work, making sure that fireworks-goers — and everyone who follows this holiday weekend — is greeted grandly.
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