Last November, a packed Westport Library crowd watched as 5 startups — 2 healthcare companies, a tax platform for college athletes, an environmentally conscious mushroom-based snack, and a new marketplace for wheels — competed for $25,000 total in non-dilutive funding, in a “Shark Tank”-like scenario.
The WheelPrice marketplace won $20,000. The other 4 split the remaining $5,000.
The $20,000 winner: WheelPrice.
This year, the Pitch Competition returns. The total prize is now $30,000. The winner gets $25,000. The finale is November 19.
StartUp Westport seeks early-stage startups, with bold ideas and a clear solution to real market problems. Criteria include:
● Pre-institutional funding round
● Existing corporation in an evaluable category
● Connecticut-based founder or strong state association
● Scalable business model
● No “sin” products (smoke/vape, alcohol, etc.)
Key dates include:
● June 12: Applications close at midnight
● September 22, 23, 24: Mandatory participant bootcamp
● November 19: Live pitch finale @Westport Library
“We had high expectations last year. But we were still astonished by the quality and quantity of applications by Connecticut’s most innovative entrepreneurs,” says Peter Propp, StartUp Westport vice president and Pitch co-chair.
“It was great to work with all of our participants and finalists.”
Co-chair Shobana Mani adds, “In 2025 we attracted great, diverse startups from all over the state. Each company had their own challenges and experiences, and it was exciting to see them help each other succeed. It was awesome to see WheelPrice get their big check at the finals!”
Westport is filled with hidden gems. Haskins Preserve, the pedestrian path on Compo Cove, the miracle auto repair workers at Vautrin and J&J, any dish at Jeera Thai … not everyone knows about those jewels. But everyone should.
Yet perhaps the coolest — and most secret — of all is inaccessible to nearly everyone.
There — in the attic of a private home — Jay Babina runs the Westport Tech Museum.
Because it’s in his parents’ house (Jay is finishing up his first year at Manhattanville College), it’s not open to the public.
But one of the great perks about publishing “06880” is the chance to go where almost no one else can.
I’ve posted twice about Jay’s Westport Tech Museum (click here and here).
I’ve described his astonishing collection of over 500 computers, video games, calculators, cameras, radios and more.
Just a portion of the Westport Tech Museum. (Photo/Jay Babina)
From a Commodore Amiga 1000, Osborne 1, Apple IIe and original Macintosh, to a 1910 Edison light bulb that still shines, and a 1905 crank telephone that still rings, Jay has scoured the world (and eBay) to find rare, important, classic, quirky and historic products.
The other day, I paid my third visit to what may be the most astonishing private museum in America.
Jay — who haunts the internet with the tenacity and instincts of Kojak, Columbo and Jessica Fletcher combined — proudly showed off a host of new acquisitions.
He began with the most beautiful object in his collection: a hand-painted horn from an early Thomas Edison phonograph.
That was impressive enough. But then Jay picked up a wax cylinder — the precursor to “records.”
I was astonished.
But I was even more gobsmacked seconds later, when Jay placed the cylinder on the phonograph — and played it.
Music recorded well over a century ago filled the attic. I could have ended the tour right then, and been thrilled.
But Jay had much more to show.
Decades after the phonograph — as LP records were being replaced by 45s (kids: ask your grandparents) — the transistor revolutionized radio.
Of course, Jay had a transistor radio.
Of course, it was one of the first ever produced.
Of course, he also had a very early transistor. That’s how Jay rolls.
Transistor radio (right); transistor in a plastic cube (left).
Soon, we got into the “modern” era. (Still: Kids, ask your parents.)
Jay recently added the first commercial beeper pager (a 1964 Motorola Pageboy) to his collection.
The first two-way messaging pager was the 1995 Motorola Tango. But — because Jay does not do things half-heartedly — he has it in a pre-release version, when it was called SkyTel. He searched for 5 years, and finally found it on eBay.
Who remembers answering machines? A better question: Who remembers the very first ones — with little tape reels inside?
Jay does. (Even though he was not born for another 3-plus decades.)
His museum now includes the first consumer residential answering machine: the 1971 Phone-Mate 400.
It was complicated. Callers had to be instructed what to do.
It still works. Unfortunately, Jay’s Tech Museum lacks one thing: a landline to plug it into.
The first answering machine included separate tape reels for the outgoing message, and incoming calls.
Then came an early cellphone with camera …
… and one of the first VHS recorders …
… plus another item Jay searched for for years: a Sony Walkman. This 1980 model was the first in the US; it came a year after the device took Japan by storm.
Jay showed me — and explained, in historical detail — an HP35 (the world’s first scientific pocket calculator, the “slide rule killer” that some feared would lead to the decline of math skills across America); a Rocket e-book reader, which retailed for $499 and debuted 9 years before the Kindle, and a PalmPilot, with a whopping 128K of memory.
Of course, Jay also found an original box.
There are plenty of original iPhones floating around.
But who has an original bag (rear in photo below), issued by Apple only to customers ordering on the very first launch date (June 29, 2007)?
Jay Babina, of course.
Every item has a back story. And Jay tells them all well.
Of the Commodore home computer, he describes the company’s price war with Texas Instruments.
Commodore slashed the price from $525 to $49. They lost $300 million in one quarter, and went bankrupt in 1994.
Jay has a Commodore (below) and a TI99. Both have dial-up modems. Both still work.
Jay is fascinated by failure.
In 1995, Nintendo’s Virtual Boy — a 32-bit tabletop console, marketed as the first to display stereoscopic 3D graphics — caused headaches and eye strain. It was a spectacular flop.
His Westport Tech Museum celebrates it all: failures and successes. Innovation and improvement. Products that look silly, and those that are beautiful.
Which brings us to one of the newest items on display in Jay’s attic: David Pogue’s just-published sweeping and mammoth (608 pages) book, “Apple: The First 50 Years.”
(All photos/Dan Woog, unless otherwise noted)
Like Jay, he is obsessed with both the broad arc of technological history, and the countless unique, often overlooked stories that contribute to it.
Pogue spent 2 decades in Westport.
Somehow, he never found his way up to Jay’s attic.
Now — as a regular contributor to “CBS Sunday Morning” — would be a great time for him to check it out.
But if he does, both he and Jay may never come down.
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.
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.
“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.).
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.
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.
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.
And finally … in honor of the shoe collection drive, through the organization Soles4Souls (item above):
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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.”
(“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!)
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.
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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)
“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.
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.
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).
“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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
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).
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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