Category Archives: technology

Roundup: Police Drug Take Back Day, Jay Norris AI Honor, Community Theatre Play …

Posted on April 11, 2026 | 1 comment

Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?

On Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Department takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.

Do not bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.

Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.

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Congratulations to Jay Norris!

The founder and CEO of Westport-based ThoughtPartnr has just been named to MSN’s “Top 10 AI Leaders to Follow” list.

His writeup calls Norris “a serial entrepreneur, author and strategic advisor known for helping leaders scale businesses and influence markets through innovation, technology and high-performance leadership.

“As an AI strategist, he is focused n helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed in the age of artificial intelligence.

Norris chairs the Technology and Innovation Council of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

But he’s well-known locally too.

A co-founder of StartUp Westport, board member of several organizations, and founder of Westport 10, Norris’ ThoughtPartnr firm helped develop our “06880” widget.

Available at the top right of every 06880.org page (and through the far-left bottom at the bottom of our “06880” app), it enables users to do a deep dive into 17 years of our blog’s content. It’s more than a search engine — it’s a way to use AI in a hyper-local way.

Helping small and medium-sized businesses is one of Norris’ passions.

And it’s why MSN celebrates him, as a Top 10 AI leader nationally. Click here for the full writeup.

Jay Norris

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“The Savannah Sipping Society” — Westport Community Theatre’s 4th production of the season — opened last night.

The warm, witty comedy about friendship, second chances and the occasional happy hour continues weekends through April 26.

Co-written by Jamie Wooten (“Designing Women,” “The Golden Girls”), it
stars Dandy Barrett, Heather Delude, Gillian Holt and Ellen Krinick Porto.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.), and Sundays (2 p.m.)., at the WCT in the lower level of Town Hall. A special Thursday show is set for April 16 (7:30 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, or call 203-227-1983. Questions? Email info@westportcommunitytheatre.com.

From left: Gillian Holt, Heather Delude, Dandy Barrett, Ellen Krinick Porto.

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Double the Gershwin fun!

Identical twins, Juilliard graduates and clarinet and saxophone virtuosos Peter and Will Anderson (and Companions) perform American songbook standards by George Gershwin at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

The concert is April 25 (5 p.m.). Tickets are available online, or at the door.

Anderson brothers, and friend. Can you tell which are the twins?

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Speaking of entertainment: Lachat Town Farm — Weston’s multi-purpose entertainment and educational venue — has announced its 2026 Music in the Meadow lineup.

There’s something for everyone.

The season kicks off June 13 with indie rock standouts Morningside — recently named one of Connecticut’s Top 12 Up‑and‑Coming Bands — with a supporting set from Charlotte Roth.

On July 11 they welcome Quinn Sullivan. The Massachusetts guitar star has shared the stage with Buddy Guy and BB King.

August 15 brings Black Rock indie‑folk favorites The Moonrise Cartel. Brian Dolzani opens, featuring the music of Neil Young.

Stella Blue’s Band closes the season September 19, with Grateful Dead tunes.

Every show features food trucks, and a “barn bar.” Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Music at the Meadow.

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Next Friday (April 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), an emergency preparedness drill will take place at Bedford Middle School.

It’s during April recess, when schools are closed. The public may notice emergency vehicles and personnel — but it is only a drill. It is not open to the public.

This drill, in partnership with regional and state agencies, is part of an effort to test preparedness plans and strengthen collaboration among local and regional partners, in response to a public health emergency scenario.

Participating agencies include the Westport Police Department and Fire Departments, Westport Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the state Department of Public Health.

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It never gets old.

Once again, Ken Bernhard, Ted Freedman ad Rick Jaffe are asking Westporters to check their closets, and donate new or slightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls.

Collection boxes are in place at Town Hall and the Senior Center. Donations can be made through the first week of May.

Soles4Souls keeps shoes out of landfills, provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in places of poverty.

Since 2006, the organization has salvaged over nearly 100 million pairs of shoes. They’ve been distributed in 129 countries, and all 50 states.

Westport does its part. Ken, Ted and Rich have collected over 4,000 pairs of shoes, helping people around the world who lack access to proper footwear.

Ken Bernhard and friend, with the Soles4Souls collection box at Town Hall.

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Bees are back!

And even though it looks like this guy is still wearing a winter coat, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more sign that spring is on its way.

Some day.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of the shoe collection drive, through the organization Soles4Souls (item above):

(Hold on! Don’t leave yet! If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other “06880” feature — please click here. Your tax-deductible contribution supports our work. Thank you!)

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Decoding Hate And Bias On Social Media — With A Twist For Teens

Posted on April 10, 2026 | 2 comments

“06880” readers are bright people.

We know that our social media feeds are manipulated by algorithms. The stories, videos, images, ads and clickable links I see are different than yours.

We know we are getting a skewed view of the world — one that reinforces what we already believe, and separates us further from those who believe differently.

We know all that. But — as we scroll, click and scroll again, endlessly and mindlessly — we seldom think about what those seemingly ordinary posts mean to our lives.

We think of social media as a galaxy of free speech.

In reality, it’s a universe of hate speech.

Dr. Matthias Becker has spent years studying those ideas. He just finished a $3 million-plus research grant on antisemitism, and wrote a book about it.

Dr. Matthias Becker

In his new position at New York University as the Address Hate Research Scholar, he is exploring digital hate, implicit communication, and the social impact of AI-driven platforms.

He regularly advises governments and tech companies on ways to mitigate online hatred.

On April 21 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Becker brings his research and insights to Westport.

“Decoding Bias & Hate on Social Media” is the next in a series of Common Ground Initiative programs. CGI hosts positive conversations on how to encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and tackle challenging issues.

Dr. Becker is an engaging, thoughtful speaker. His insights are relevant to anyone on social media — in other words, everyone.

But they’re especially important for young people, who gobble up social media constantly, and may be less cognizant of what they see and why. The hate speech they see online — not always identifiable as such — can have an especially pernicious effect on developing minds.

So as part of the April 21 event, the Common Ground Initiative is sponsoring a “Decode Hate Video Challenge.”

Students throughout Fairfield County are invited to meet with Dr. Becker at 6 p.m. Over pizza, they’ll learn about explicit and cover hate and bias online — from obvious slurs to hidden memes.

At 7, they’ll listen to his talk. Then, they’re challenged to make a 1- to 2-minute video, showing any kind of hate, bias or manipulation online.

It can be related to sports, music, movies, pop culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, misogyny — or anything else. The video should be personal, and include ideas on what people or platforms might do differently.

The deadline is May 15. On May 28 the top 5 videos will be judged by a VIP panel — for cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500.

“Hate doesn’t announce itself,” Dr. Becker says. “Neither does the AI that’s spreading it.

“Most of what circulates online doesn’t look like the crude hatred of decades past. It look like irony, insinuation, strategic ambiguity — ideas traveling in plain sight, just below the threshold of what most people would call extreme.

“The distinction between free speech and hate speech matters enormously here. And it’s precisely this coded, ambiguous nature of modern hate that makes drawing that line so difficult, and so consequential.

“That also makes these expressions extraordinarily hard to detect, for humans and AI systems alike.”

Dr. Becker’s research addresses 3 elements of the problem: “coordinated bad actors who deliberately exploit divisive issues, and manufacture disinformation at scale”; platform algorithms that reward outrage and amplify emotionally charged content, and elements of online communication itself — anonymity, mutual reinforcement, constant exposure to extremity — that “turn ordinary users into unwitting amplifiers of hate.”

An even deeper problem, Dr. Becker says: “Most public debate about AI and hate focuses on what AI produces — offensive outputs, extremist content.

“That’s real. But it’s downstream of a harder issue: what AI absorbs.

“Every major model shows consistent bias toward hateful associations — not because engineers are hateful, but because models were trained on centuries of human text in which those associations are already embedded.

“You can add guardrails. The underlying associations remain.”

(“Decoding Bias & Hate on Social Media” is free. Click here for more information, and to register.)

(“06880” covers upcoming events, technology, cultural trends — and, like today, their intersection. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Coop’s Canteen: A Grand Slam At Little League Fields

Posted on April 9, 2026 | 3 comments

There’s a new Westport Little League MVP in town.

But he does not swing a bat.

Cooper Shapiro is a 4th grader at Long Lots Elementary School.

He’s also the founder of Coop’s Canteen. The pop-up snack stand is quickly becoming a fan favorite among hungry players, parents and siblings.

What started as a simple question —what happened to the snack stand? —turned into a full-fledged business idea.

With the old concession building sitting idle, Cooper saw an opportunity.

He stepped right up to the plate.

This is not, however, your average kid’s lemonade stand. Cooper brought in a very modern business partner: AI.

He used ChatGPT to work through pricing strategy, build a simple inventory tracker, and design an eye-catching logo.

Cooper Shapiro with his sign …

Of course, there’s a Venmo QR code for easy payment.

Yet the setup is more “Leave it to Beaver” than 21st century: a folding table, a lineup of snacks, and a young entrepreneur ready to serve.

The vibe is equal parts baseball, business and community.

You can usually find Coop’s Canteen on Saturdays at the Town Farm fields — somewhere between Kowalsky and White — or at Coleytown Elementary.

(It depends on where his younger brother Asher is playing.)

… and at his table, with his younger brother Asher.

Parents appreciate the convenience. Kids love the independence.

Cooper, meanwhile, is always thinking about his next restock.

What makes Coop’s Canteen special is more than the snacks. It’s the spirit behind it.

Cooper saw a problem. Then he figured out how to fix it.

He smashed this one out of the park.

(Young Westporters are doing remarkable things — and “06880” is your place to discover them. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Sports, technology

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Roundup: Osprey, Cybersecurity, Admin …

Posted on April 3, 2026 | 1 comment

It’s official: Carolyn Doan — Westport’s unofficial osprey spotter — says that the Fresh Market osprey is back.

The actual first raptor of the spring was spotted earlier, by Gray’s Creek. An earlier report of the osprey at the tall perch next to Terrain turned out to be a hawk.

Their mates will no doubt join them soon. We’ll see them building nests, fishing for food, and — hopefully — tending their young.

Carolyn Doan usually has a high-powered lens. This was taken with her iPhone. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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“Your State, Your Business” — the program that brings high-ranking officials to the Westport Library to share their work with business owners and residents — continued Thursday.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong — the third speaker, in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce series — opened with “Law School 101,” which set the stage for the civil legal and constitutional law discussions that followed.

Key topics included the role of the AG here, and differences with other states; high profile issues like personal data and privacy, and cases Tong has filed on behalf of the state and its citizens.

The “Your State, Your Business” series — sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce — wraps up April 13 (11 a.m.). Click here for more information, and to register.

Attorney General William Tong, at the Westport Library. 

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Congratulations to Ignacy Nieweglowski, Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen, Ezra Schwartz and Kevin Cano!

On Sunday, the Staples High School students captured first place in the Lockheed Martin CyberQuest Competition.

And they snagged gold for the second year in a row.

In the annual capture-the-flag competition, students take on a wide range of challenges designed by professional cybersecurity engineers. They include multi-step intrusion scenarios, steganography, reverse engineering, operating system exploitation, packet analysis, web vulnerabilities and social engineering.

The event was held at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford. Facing teams from across the region, the Stapleites worked collaboratively through 3 hours of intense problem-solving.

Following last year’s win, the students grew Staples’ cybersecurity program, and formed a larger team.

In addition to this year’s first-place finish, the B and C teams also placed in the top 5. The B team included Anit Arvind, Tucker Eklund, Srihan Popuri, Maadhav Subramaniam and Jonah Frey, while the C team was Joey Carpenter, Cora Barrett and Nora Ismael-Bakkali.

Up next: the national semifinals. Go Wreckers!

From left: Ignacy Nieweglowski, Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen, Ezra Schwartz, Kevin Cano.

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Speaking of Staples: Congratulations to the 24 band, orchestra and choir programs who participated in the recent Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival at the Hartford Convention Center.

The 3 days included rehearsals led by guest conductors, culminating in a final performance.

Staples All-State Festival musicians included

Band: Justin Jendrock, Gargi Karve, Dylan Taylor, Christian Green (horn in orchestra)

Choir: Veronica Albee, Josie Caricato, James Donoghue, Beckwith Fipp, Catherine Herbert, Abigail Kim, Josephine Lewertoff, Jasmita Mani Lorenzato, Lyla McEntee, Sophia Macris, Christian Michaels, Denver Razza, Helen Root, Ari Sklar, Samantha Skopp

Orchestra: Kirthana Gowthaman, Isabel Jo, Isabella Mariani, Ayush Rudra, Chloe Wong

Staples’ All-State Festival musicians (missing James Donoghue and Josephine Lewertoff).

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“06880” is Westport’s full-service blog, and the Roundup is where you can find nearly every service: upcoming events, achievements, obituaries.

The other day, we helped a Westport firm find a summer intern.

The New England Consulting Group received inquiries from several outstanding applicants. They extended an offer to a Staples graduate.

Now they’ve got another opening. This is for a part-time, experienced administrative assistant. For details, contact Applicants can contact Susan Owen, CFO: seo@necg.net (put “part-time admin at NECG” in the subject line), or call 203-297-9389.

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The other day, Scott Smith enjoyed an annual visit from a pileated woodpecker.

“It likes to dine off the rotting logs I use to frame my backyard compost heap,” Scott says.

“It’s a beautiful bird — and big!”

It’s also today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Scott Smith)

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And finally … on this date in 1865, Union forces captured Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate States of America.

(You can’t raise a Kane back up when he’s in defeat. But you can click here, to support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. Bells will ring, and we will thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Staples HS, technology, Teenagers

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Roundup: Lamont Link, Hero Homage, Ski Stars …

Posted on March 31, 2026 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s announcement of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” event with Governor Ned Lamont (April 13, 11 a.m., Westport Library) did not include the registration link.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required here.

Governor Ned Lamont

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Saturday’s “Hero to Hero” event drew a large, passionate crowd to the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

“Hero” is a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.

Locally, 5 Westport Fire Department members are graduates of the program.

This weekend’s event raised awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raised funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.

The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer. She says:

“Our community came together in a powerful way — united by purpose, storytelling, and a shared commitment to those who have served our country.

“The fundraiser was a reminder of what’s possible when community, creativity and compassion align. From heartfelt remarks by veterans to the overwhelming generosity in the room, and the passion behind Senator Blumenthal’s speech, the evening reflected the very mission we stand behind: supporting our veterans as they transition from active duty into meaningful roles as first responders, while using storytelling to shine a light on the realities of veteran mental health.

“For those who couldn’t attend, but believe in supporting our veterans and the mission of Hero To Hero as well as independent filmmaking that will hire veterans for on screen and behind the scenes roles, we invite you to donate. Great auction items are still available too. Click here to help. 

Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan (far right) and Deputy Chief Matt Cohen (far left) with (from left): Clayton Janssen (Navy), Cody Ruschmeyer (Army), Liam Chrzanowski (Marines) and Zach Oullette (Marines). Not pictured: Kyle Sanzo (Marines.)

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Everyone who has heard the Bedford Middle School Jazz Band knows they’re special.

Now music educators all over the state know too.

The group performed as a “showcase ensemble” for the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State conference, at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Gregg Winters’ 25 student musicians’ set included “Front Burner,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “The Girl from Ipanema” and “On Broadway,” a mix of swing, Latin and contemporary styles. All students also performed improvised solos.

Bedford Middle School Jazz Band.

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This may be a first, in Staples’ long sports history:

For 3 consecutive years, a Manchester sibling served as captain of the Staples High School ski team.

And … all 3 received the Coaches’ Award at the end of their senior year, for their contributions to the program.

Congratulations, Logan (2024), Max (2025) and Ella (2026)!

PS: Their father, Jeff Manchester, earned plenty of awards too, as a Staples wrestler back in the day.

Three Manchesters: From left: Logan (now  a sophomore at Bentley College), Ella (headed to the University of Colorado) and Max (Bentley freshman).

Staples ski captains (from left): Charlie Feldman, Chase Cammeyer, Ean Frankel, Rian Connolly, Alexis Robinson, Abby Kane, Ella Manchester, Piper Grove. 

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Speaking of teenagers: The Westport Senior Center is looking for high school students to volunteer in their Tech Hub on Thursdays (3 to 4:30 p.m.).

It’s a flexible opportunity. Weekly emails are sent to check availability.

This is a great chance for tech-savvy youngsters to show what they know — and give back to their community. Most probably have experience already, helping their grandparents (and parents).

For more information or to sign up, email Diana Andrews: dandrews@westportct.gov.

Tech help, at the Senior Center.

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The stairs from the Westport Library’s main entrance to the Riverwalk below have been in disrepair for a while.

This week, they get much-needed attention.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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The Riverwalk — stretching from the Taylor parking lot all the way behind the Levitt Pavilion, ending at Deadman Brook — is one of Westport’s hidden jewels.

Soon, we’ll have one more way to access it — again.

Melissa Newman — a longtime Westporter, and Jazz at the Post favorite — kicks off the series’ first-ever Voices of Spring festival, this Thursday (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

She’s joined by a tight band she’s worked with for years: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Many “Westport … Naturally” images are close-ups. Many others are medium-range.

Today’s featured photo is a wide view of Sherwood Mill Pond and environs, in early spring. Tracy Porosoff snapped it, on Compo Hill.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … on this date in 1930, the Motion Picture Production Code began. It imposed strict guidelines on sex, crime, religion and violence in film, until it was replaced in 1968 with 4 ratings: G(eneral), M(ature), R(estricted to under 16, unless accompanied by an adult) and X (no one under 16 admitted).

(There are no restrictions on “06880.” Anyone can read anything we post — and anyone can click here too, to support our work. Thank you for your patronage!)

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Roundup: Staples Basketball, Alternative Device Fair, Cop Of The Year …

Posted on March 22, 2026 | 12 comments

The Staples boys basketball team fell 1 game — and 3 overtimes, and just 7 points — short of a perfect season.

But the Wreckers’ battle last night will be remembered for decades.

In what may be the most dramatic state championship game in Connecticut history, coach Dave Goldshore’s top-seeded squad lost 79-72 to #2 West Haven, in the Division I final at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

It took triple overtime for the Blue Devils to deny the Wreckers their first state crown since 1937.

The contest — which drew a raucous crowd from Westport — had a Hollywood-style string of dramatic moments.

Staples had chances to win — with 3-pointers and foul shots — near the end of regulation, and all 3 overtimes.

Instead, they were left with a runner-up plaque, a 26-1 season (including their second straight FCIAC league championship), and memories of a spectacular season that inspired the school, legions of younger children, and the entire town of Westport.

Congratulations, men. The scoreboard may not show it. But you are true champions.

(Click here for a full report on the game by The Ruden Report. It is behind a paywall.)

The 2025-26 Staples High School boys basketball team. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

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Want your child to have a cellphone with basic functions — but not the many distractions of a smartphone?

For the second year in a row, OK to Delay Westport is sponsoring an Alternative Device Fair.

The event (April 9, 1:15 to 6 p.m., Westport Library) will include a variety of phone options.

Vendors like Pinwheel, Gabb, Bark and Troomi will demonstrate devices, and answer questions.

Two speaker panels will provide additional information.

The day includes a raffle with items and gift certificates from local businesses, and light bites from The Granola Bar.

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Congratulations to Corporal Shawn Wong Won: Westport Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year.

He joined the force nearly 13 years ago, after reaching the rank of lieutenant in the Norwalk Police Department.

The WPD says, “From the first day Corporal Wong Won walked through the Westport Police doors, he has been an exemplary officer. Every member of the department can attest to the positive achievements, acute knowledge and refined skills he brings to Westport.

“As a corporal and field training officer, Corporal Wong Won brings new officers into the fold while offering steady, solid advice. He has proven to be a model officer for all to look to in both the way he conducts himself within the department and with the public alike. Further, Corporal Wong Won has a wealth of experience to offer his peers and supervisors.

“No task is too great for Corporal Wong Won. There is no task he does not give his complete effort to, while always maintaining a positive attitude. Corporal Wong Won is capable, driven, and most importantly, willing to help his fellow officers whenever the need arises.

“Corporal Wong Won has proven throughout his career that he routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty. His attitude, work ethic, intelligence, physical capabilities, empathy, leadership, and genuine character are the divine qualities of a noteworthy and commendable officer.”

Corporal Shawn Wong Won (center) with (from left) 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Police Chief David Farrell.

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Westport will be one of over 3,000 communities holding a “No Kings” rally next Saturday (March 28, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Jesup Green).

The event includes speakers, music, face painting and more.

Organizer Pamela Clark says, “We anticipate a very large turnout — bigger than ‘No Kings 2’ in October.”

Part of October’s “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted the correct date — Sunday, March 29 — for the soccer clinic for youngsters in kindergarten through 6th grade (10:30 a.m. to noon, Wakeman Field). However, we said “tomorrow,” rather than “next week.”

It’s organized by Bedford Middle School 8th grader Allyson Post. Donations ($25 per player) support the soccer program at Bridgeport’s Columbus School, for grades K-8.

To register through Full Court Peace, click here. Click “Donate,” and note “Soccer Clinic” in the notes. Then click here, so organizers can plan for each age group.

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Lauri Weiser calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo “the first lights of spring,” at the Lansdowne condos.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … on this date in 1963, the Beatles released their debut album, “Please Please Me,” in the UK.

It took another year for Beatlemania to reach the US.

But we’ve never been the same.

(If we please you every day with our “06880” Roundup — and everything else — please please us with a tax-deductible donation. Please click here. Thank you!)

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Hear Here! VersoFest’s Groundbreaking AI Jingles

Posted on March 22, 2026 | 2 comments

In just 5 years, VersoFest has gained a great reputation for its celebration of music, media and creativity.

This year, those 3 elements have reached new, um, records.

Verso Studios — the Library’s media hub — has created a promotional jingle. They’re playing at other Library events, and will be heard at VersoFest too. The 4-day show begins Thursday.

There are 4 versions of the same jingle. Each emulates the styles of major artists in this year’s lineup.

The one inspired by Wyclef Jean has an R&B flavor. The Thing‘s version is inspired by garage rock. Susanna Hoffs‘ is melodic pop rock, while Ani DiFranco’s suggests a folksy vibe.

Wyclef Jean

Lyrics and music were created in Verso Studios by Travis Bell, the studio’s in-house producer. He collaborated with Verso advisory board member Les Dinkin, principal of DinkinEsh Presents, who conceptualized the creative project.

The duo used the studio’s AI-based software to draft and refine a set of lyrics for the festival. Then came music generated through iterative prompts.

Ani DiFranco (Photo/Shervin Lainez)

Bell and Dinkin worked on many preliminary versions, before finalizing the right fit for each artist’s sound.

Click here or below to listen to the jingles.

Listen To The VersoFest’26 Jingles

All jingles were created solely from prompts through AI tools. The artist’s recordings or inputs from their recordings were not utilized in any way.

“We believe this may be the first time that AI music tools have been used to create artist-specific jingles by any performance venue, let alone a public community library,” Bell says.

This is not the first “first” for the Westport Library.

In 2022 “Verso Records: Volume One” became the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced, and released by a public library.

At VersoFest 2025, the Library also set the new world record for loudest library in history.

The third time is one more charm.

(Ani DiFranco is in conversation with Lindsay Czarniak on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Wyclef Jean is in concert Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. The Thing and Susanna Hoffs appeared earlier. For the full VersoFest lineup, ticket information and more, click here.)

(“06880” is your place for all VersoFest news — and everything else going on in town. If you appreciate our coverage of “Where Westport meets the world,” please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Craig Melvin, Railroad Parking, Cyber Threats …

Posted on March 20, 2026 | 1 comment

Among the many details offered at last night’s Cribari Bridge public meeting, this one passed without further comment: The state Department of Transportation has identified 10 properties and 1 dock as potentially affected by the project.

This morning, Bridge Street resident Werner Liepolt wrote to John McAvoy, Federal Highway Administration division administrator in Hartford: “No map, list of properties, or description of the nature of these potential impacts (temporary or permanent) was provided at the meeting nor, to my knowledge, at previous stage of the project.

“Without this information, it is not possible for affected property owners or the public to meaningfully evaluate or comment on the project’s impacts, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Section 106 review process under the National Historic Preservation Act.”

Liepolt asks CTDOT and the FHWA to provide identification of all properties under consideration for right-of-way acquisition or easement; mapping showing the extent and type of potential impacts, and clarification of whether impacts are temporary (construction) or permanent.

He also requests that the comment period — now set to run through April 17 — be extended, so that the public and affected property owners have “a meaningful opportunity to respond.”

CTDOT has not indicated which 10 properties, and which dock, might be affected — including possible condemnation and eminent domain taking — by the Cribari Bridge project. (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Craig Melvin — co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, and our Westport neighbor — should draw a big crowd to the Westport Library on April 8.

He’ll be interviewed by Jim Marpe. The former 1st selectman is a member of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston — sponsors of the event.

Craig will share stories from his career at the NBC News desk, including his transition into his current role.

The event is free, but registration is required (click here).

Craig Melvin, in January 2025.

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On April 6, all daily parking in Lot 1 — the large one opposite Riko’s Pizza — will revert back to permit-only parking.

The state Department of Transportation has returned Lot 8 (off Saugatuck Avenue, between I-95 and Exit 17) to the town for railroad parking, following several years as a staging area for the 95 bridge replacement project.

That restores approximately 140 daily parking spots.

During COVID and for some time afterward, permit-only lots were underutilized. The WPD adjusted parking allocations by adding daily spaces to Lots 1 and 3 to help offset the loss of Lot 8, and better utilize the lots closest to the station.

Now that commuting levels have returned to near pre-COVID patterns on most weekdays, they’ve readjusted again.

The website will be updated, and signage posted to alert commuters. A new parking map is also being developed, and will be available on the website soon.

Saugatuck train station parking map. Click on or hover over to enlarge.

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Cyber threats are everywhere.

On April 8 (VFW Post 399; cocktails for purchase 5:45; program 7 p.m.), 3 experts offer advice on keeping safe in the digital age.

Panelists include Westport Police Department Detective James Baker; Connecticut State Police Detective Mathew Hogan, and former Secret Service agent Brian McCabe.

The free event is sponsored by the Westport Republican Town Committee.

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Read to Grow — the great non-profit that ensures children begin life surrounded by books — once again hosts its annual statewide fundraiser in Westport.

“A Night for the Books” is set for May 7 (6 p.m.). The venue is appropriate: the Westport Library.

The evening will highlight the power of books, community, and connection, while raising money for programs that provide books and literacy resources to families across Connecticut.

Dave Briggs — former CNN, Fox, NBC, Turner Sports and Yahoo Finance journalist, and a Westport resident — will emcee.

Twelve Artists Collective of Westport members are creating book-inspired centerpieces, for the auction. Zucca Gastrobar caters the farm-to-table food; Alina’s Bakery adds treats. A giving tree – with gift cards donated by local stores and restaurants — will be part of the “mystery pull.”

Before the event (3 to 5 p.m.), families can pick up free children’s books, at the Read to Grow bookmobile.

The organization’s programs include Books for Babies, which gives newborns in Connecticut hospitals their first book; Books for Kids, through which families request free books delivered directly to their homes, and the statewide bookmobile.

Early bird tickets are available through April 3; click here to purchase, and for sponsorship information. To learn more about Read to Grow, click here.

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In what has become an annual tradition, the Westport PAL 8th grade boys and girls basketball players took the court at Madison Square Garden this week, before the Knicks game.

For the past few years, the NBA (through its Jr. Nicks program) team has offered PAL a great experience. Young players attend the pre-game shootaround, scrimmage on the Garden floor, then watch the game.

Thanks, Jr. Knicks — and Westport resident and former Staples player Brett Tessler — for making it happen.

Westport PAL players, at Madison Square Garden.

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Want to laugh on April 1 — without being a fool?

VFW Post 399 is hosting a free comedy night, with local comedians.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Open mic sign-ups begin at 7.

For questions and more information, email meganharvist@gmail.com.

IYKNY.

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Speaking of entertainment: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.

The legendary drummer for Mountain has played — and hung out — here before

Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.

Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.

He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.

Tickets are just $20. The show will sell out soon. Click here to purchase.

Corky Laing

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Up next at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport: “Birthday Club.”

The play — about 5 friends who reunite to celebrate a milestone birthday, and confront changes in marriage, career, health and identity, while examining what has sustained their friendships over decades — will be presented March 27 and 28 (7 p.m.) and March 29 (2 p.m.).

The story “gives space to regret, loyalty and second chances, revealing the warmth and resilience that shape enduring friendships.”

The production is presented by UU Players. Tickets are $25 at the door; students with ID are free. All proceeds support UU Westport.

“Birthday Club” cast.

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At last summer’s Pequot Library book sale, teenager Morgan Kofron bought an antique family Bible.

Soon after, it was learned that the Bible had belonged to the Adairs — Black and Indigenous (Shinnecock) landowning family who played a significant role in the economic and cultural history in both Westport and Fairfield.

The Adair family papers are preserved at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. The Bible will now be added to those materials.

Adair family Bible.

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It’s been a while since we featured Man’s Best Friend as a “Westport … Naturally” item. Our bad.

So let’s hear it for Fergie!

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … Vera Lynn was born on this day, in 1917. The English singer — whose performances lifted all of Great Britain during World War II — died in 2020, at 103.

(They just don’t make ’em like Vera Lynn anymore. Fortunately, “06880” remembers her. But we also do a lot more than that. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Social Media Is Not Healthy For …

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 4 comments

It was the most iconic anti-war image of the Vietnam era: A flower, set against a yellow background, with the words — suggesting a child’s handwriting — “War is not healthy for children and other living things.”

Designed in 1965 by activist/artist/mother Lorraine Schneider, it became the logo for an organization called Another Mother for Peace.

It was incorporated into posters, flyers, newsletters, datebooks, buttons, cards and jewelry, and became an internationally recognized plea for peace.

More than half a century later, it’s back.

Westporter Cathy Utz and Fairfield resident Grayson Craddock have resurrected, redesigned and redeployed it, to fight another war: the one against social media.

Cathy Utz

A 1979 graduate of Staples High School, Utz was too young to participate in anti-Vietnam marches or rallies.

But she knew the poster well. It hung for years in the home of Estelle Margolis, the mother of a family friend and a longtime Westport peace advocate.

Today, Utz is a therapist. Her 3 sons are adults. But in her work she sees the negative impacts of social media on young people, and their families.

Craddock’s children are 15, 13 and 7. He too knows the pressures and problems caused by social media.

Craddock — a graphic designer — works with Utz’s husband, Tom Greenwald, in Broadway advertising.

Grayson Craddock

He was unfamiliar with the “War is not healthy …” design. But when Utz came to him with the idea of recreating it for the modern era, he understood the need.

And what was needed.

He had to transfer the feel of the poster, without infringing on creative rights. And it had to feel as if a young person made it.

Craddock worked with paper. He spent a day cutting out pieces, and arranging them with a glue stick. Then he took photos.

When Craddock showed his work to friends, they understood immediately. Even more tellingly, they noticed it evoked child’s play, like crafts, which have fallen out of favor lately.

Because of the pull of social media.

In the 1960s, Schneider’s art raised money for Another Mother for Peace.

Utz and Craddock — who donated all his time and talent — searched for a modern-day non-profit that could benefit from this one.

They found the Organization for Social Media Safety. Called “the first consumer protection organization exclusively focused on social media, they help protect against social media dangers like cyberbullying, sextortion, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse and trafficking.

They work with schools, youth groups and corporations, and have developed both a K-12 curriculum and free program for parents.

Craddock also designed a website: SocialMediaIsNotHealthy.com. Through it, he and Utz offer merchandise with the updated design, including posters, mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, bumper stickers, decals — and smartphone cases.

“We are well aware of the irony that our message has to go out via social media,” Utz says.

“Social media by itself is not bad. But we have to be aware of its bad effects.”

The website, she and Craddock hope, will “remind us to be more mindful, and dial our use back.”

(“06880” encourages limited social media use. But before you shut off your device today, please click here to contribute to “06880.” Our blog IS healthy, for children and other living things. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Cribari Petitions, Felice Opens, Wheels2U Savings …

Posted on March 1, 2026 | 1 comment

As the state Department of Transportation meeting about the Cribari Bridge nears (March 19, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), 2 complementary petitions are circulating.

One — newly launched — calls for preservation of the 143-year-old span as a functional and picturesque community landmark. It emphasizes the bridge’s historic and visual importance to Westport, and urges that it be maintained as close to its present character as possible.

The petition says, “It’s essential that we keep the bridge a functional and picturesque icon, retaining its place not only in our community but also in our hearts. Click here to see.

An earlier petition focuses on a clear outcome: preserving the bridge itself.

It calls for full federal oversight and procedural transparency in the planning process. It asks that all required public engagement, regulatory review and historic preservation standards be fully and openly applied before decisions are finalized.

Specifically, it seeks confirmation that cumulative and long-term impacts — including effects on National Register structures and the Bridge Street Historic District — are thoroughly evaluated under applicable federal preservation guidelines. Click here to see. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)

The Cribari Bridge is the oldest one of its swing type in the country. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Westport’s newest restaurant opens tomorrow.

And — judging by a sneak preview yesterday — it will be one more jewel in the town’s culinary crown.

Felice takes over the 2nd-floor Main Street space occupied most recently by Mexicue. (Before that, it was Onion Alley and Bobby Q’s.)

In just a couple of months, they’ve done a complete makeover. The large, space has been made warm and inviting, with both Tuscany and contemporary décor. A large bar separates 2 rooms, with tables and banquettes.

Westport is Felice’s newest location, following very popular locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island and Florida. Diners yesterday who love the Upper East Side restaurant say this one follows its worthy lead.

Felice will be open 7 days a week, for lunch (weekdays, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.), dinner (Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m.) and brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Click here for more information. 

Ela Benedetti and Nina welcome guests to Felice. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A sampling of dishes.

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Wheels2U’s “Spring Savings” promotion makes the daily commute more affordable than ever. 

From today through April 30, riders can purchase a 10-trip bundle for the cost of 9 rides — just $18. That makes a single trip only $1.80. 

That’s a $13.80 savings per week over the daily cost of parking at the train station — over $55 a month. And it comes with door-to-platform service.

Non-commuters can use the savings on trips to the Senior Center, Jesup Green or the Library. Once downloaded, the rides never expire.

Open or download the Wheels2U app. Select “Ride Pass” from the menu; then select “Westport 10 Ride Pass.”

Wheels2U (Photo/Rick Jaffe)

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As graduation season approaches, singer-songwriter Owen Daniel has announced a graduation performance contest.

The winner of the contest — celebrating his new single, “Hundreds of Miles” — will get a live acoustic performance of the song at a graduation ceremony.

Daniel is an upcoming graduate himself. He is a senior at Weston High School.

“Hundreds of Miles” reflects on moving away from home, navigating emotional distance, and entering a new chapter of life. Its themes resonate too with anyone experiencing change or growth.

Students, parents and school administrators can enter by clicking here. The deadline is March 31.

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Tether —  the largest stablecoin company in the world — is investing $200 million into Whop.

That gives the platform — which connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators, and whose co-founder and chief technology officer is 2018 Staples High School graduate Jack Sharkey — a valuation of $1.6 billion.

Sharkey says the partnership “marks a major step in building the world’s largest internet market. Tether is committed to enabling everyone in the world to participate in the new internet economy. The way humans work and create value is changing fast. The world needs both an open internet market giving people a platform to conduct business, as well as a transparent payments network.

“There is enormous opportunity when you combine Tether’s global scale and wallet technology with Whop’s community of next generation entrepreneurs.

“In partnership with Tether, we will be scaling infrastructure in real-time for new business models as they emerge across the globe.”

Earlier investors include Bain Capital Ventures, The Motley Fool Ventures and Peter Thiel.

“They believed in us when Whop was just a sneaker bot rental marketplace,” Sharkey adds.

“My co-founders and I met as teenagers on the internet selling software. We first launched Whop as a way to sell our software to people in Facebook and Discord forums.

“Prior to Whop, the place we found customers was different from the place we collected payments, different from the place we talked to customers, and there wasn’t a central place to “do business” on the internet.”

Jack Sharkey (right) gets his entrepreneurial drive from his father Scott (left) — the founder of Westport-based Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, and Every Home Should Have a Challah.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted the death of Neil Sedaka — a 20-year Westport resident, beginning in the late 1970s.

When he headlined a Levitt Pavilion benefit concert in 1982, Miggs Burroughs interviewed him.

Miggs remembers him as “a very sweet and gentle man,” and sends this photo of them together:

Miggs Burroughs and Neil Sedaka

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“Spring is here! The doves are back,” Bobbi Essagof says.

Then she proves it, with this “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)

Did she speak too soon?

Today’s forecast is for snow during this morning, transitioning to snow showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the mid-30s.

Temperatures for the coming week will bein the 40s — and possibly 54 on Friday.

Fingers crossed …

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And finally … one more tribute to our former neighbor, the late Neil Sedaka:

(February is already over — we’re 1/6 of the way through 2026. If you forgot your New Year’s resolution to help support “06880”: No problem! Just click here. And thank you!)

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