Roundup: Top Hat Tutors, Tuesdays With Morrie, Top Tier Soccer Stars …

Posted on August 23, 2025 | 2 comments

As students return to school Tuesday — how did that happen?! — Top Hat Tutors is back too.

The long-running, well-respected teen-led organization — featuring tutors from Fairfield County (mainly Staples High) — is looking for new clients (and tutors).

Their large staff covers every major K-12 school subject, plus music, SAT/ACT prep, and more.

Every tutor has taken the classes they tutor in — and passed the class with at least a 90. Last year, they served 160 students.

To register, go to the website and click on the tutor request form. Top Hat will email the parent or guardian when a tutor has been assigned. The rate is $50 for an individual, $75 for 2, $100 for 3. Low-income students qualify for a much reduced cost.

Questions? Email president Jack Leonard and vice president Jay Hari: tophattutors@gmail.com

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 hosts its 62nd straight monthly blood drive on Wednesday (August 27, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. Or call 800-733-2767.

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“Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie” — a play based on the beloved book — kicks off the 2025-26 Westport Country Playhouse season next month.

It’s been called “a moving story, filled with warmth, humor, and heartfelt lessons about living life to the fullest.”

The first of 6 productions, “Tuesday’s with Morrie” runs from September 4 to 6. Broadway legend Len Cariou stars in the show. Click here for show times, tickets and more information.

Len Cariou (Photo/Walter Van Dyck)

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When the 2025 Staples High School freshman soccer team was announced, one name stood out.

Beckham Martino is a strong player on coach Luis Mandojar’s 9th grade squad.

He also bears the names of 2 famous soccer heroes.

David Beckham was one of the superstars of his generation. He earned 115 caps and scored 17 goals for England. He starred with Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris St.- Germain. Today he owns MLS Club Inter Miami — and helped bring Lionel Messi to the league.

Kyle Martino was the Gatorade National Player of the Year at Staples in 1999. He was named MLS Rookie of the Year with the Columbus Crew. He earned 8 caps with the US men’s national team, then embarked on careers as a soccer broadcaster (NBC Sports, ESPN, Turner Sports), and as the inventor of the Goalpher self-rising soccer goal system.

Beckham and Martino were also teammates, when both played for the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.

When an alert Staples soccer fan — okay, it was me — saw the name, I texted Martino. I was the Wreckers’ assistant soccer coach, when he was the best high school player in the country.

Martino then texted Beckham.

Beckham quickly replied:

During its 67-year-history, Staples soccer has become known throughout the country for its success, its legacy, and the accomplishments of its players.

Now, even David Beckham knows of the Wreckers.

Or at least one of them.

Kyle Martino (left) and David Beckham.

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Speaking of sports: Cedar Point Yacht Club is hosting this year’s Atlantic Class National Championships.

Among the competitors: former Westporters Tom Atkinson, Vance Harrison, John Rhodes, Bill Whidden and John Yingling. Click here for a recent “06880” story on their journey back to town, decades after learning to sail at CPYC.

The Atlantics are racing right now. Eileen Lavigne caught this early morning view, from Compo Beach.

(Photo/Eileen Lavigne)

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Speaking still of sports: Lorraine Scaviola Duffy — who began her career as a Staples physical education teacher and gymnastics coach in 1976, and continued through 1985 — will be inducted into the Connecticut Gymnastics Hall of Fame in October.

She has retired from coachng — after the University of Bridgeport and at Pat King’s Gymnastics Academy — but continues to judge meets for the NCAA. (Hat tip: Karen Roehr, Staples Class of 1977)

Lorraine Scaviola, back in the day …

… and keeping a close eye on a vaulter.

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In the waning days of summer, young entrepreneurs are everywhere.

5-year-old Olly set up shop yesterday near his Greens Farms home. He was selling cars, rocks and lemonade. He earned $1, a Bic pen and a high five.

A fine day all around!

(Photo/Robin Hammond)

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22 Maple Avenue North — a house that has fallen into disrepair, most recently in the news when a rear wall collapsed — is due for demolition.

A sign has been placed outside the 1950s-era home, on the corner of Old Road.

(Photo/Jack Krayson)

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Serena Tirado, who taught science at Staples High School fromo 2008 through 2018, before taking time to focus on her battle with cancer, died earlier this month.

A colleague called her “a beautiful person inside and out — a dedicated teacher, a kind friend, and someone who was always willing to lend a hand.”

Cards and remembrances can be sent to the family at 51 Grandview Road, Fairfield, CT 06825.

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Dogs usually love car rides.

They leap in, then stick their heads out the window as the air rushes by.

Not this guy.

In the dog days of August though, he’s our pick for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Keith Moon.

The legendary Who drummer was born in 1946. He died in 1978, from an overdose of a drug intended to treat or prevent symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

He led a short, chaotic life. But he left some great drumming behind.

(Who are you? Hopefully, someone who supports “06880”: your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here if you are one of those. Thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #280

Posted on August 23, 2025 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #280

Watercolors, colorful digital photography, black-and-white pencil-on-pen works: As it does every week, today’s online gallery offers a diverse, creative mix of art, from “06880” readers just like you.

And we do mean you!

No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Alien Beauty” — digital composite (Ken Runkel — Available for sale; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for sale; click here)

“Phataenopsis” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke — Available for sale; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for sale; click here)

“Metro NY — Sea Levels Rising” — Acrylic Dutch pour (Eric Bosch)

“‘Close Encounters’ Sequel?” (Fred Cantor)

“Stone Age Dice” — Photographer Jerry Kuyper found the stone at Compo Beach, then added the dots.

“Don’t Mess With Him!” Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “The Maasai Warrior uses his razor-sharp steel spear to protect the family’s cattle from lions.”

“Not Having a Good Day” (Steve Stein)

“Yippee!” (Lawrence Weisman)

“Harry” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Cybersecurity: An “06880” Guide To Trends And Tips

Posted on August 23, 2025 | 3 comments

Paul Pioselli has lived in Westport for 3 years. He blends a passion for community with expertise in personal cybersecurity.

Paul Pioselli

As the founder of Solace – Truly Personal Cybersecurity — a local concierge cybersecurity firm — he helps residents safeguard their digital lives, financial assets, and privacy.

When not advising clients he’s active in local safety initiatives, charity road races, and technology mentorship groups. Paul writes:

As a Westport resident and founder of Solace – Truly Personal Cybersecurity, I’ve had a front row seat to how quickly digital threats are changing, and how often our own community is targeted.

In recent months, Westport Police have sounded the alarm on a steep rise in scams aimed squarely at residents, particularly older adults. Nearly every day we hear reports of cybercriminals using sophisticated impersonation tactics. They include:

  • Fake toll violation notices
  • Urgent calls claiming a relative has been injured
  • False accusations of money laundering or other financial crimes.

A Westport couple recently called me after receiving a convincing voicemail claiming to be from local police. The message warned that they’d missed a jury summons, and a warrant had been issued. The “officer” even provided a badge number, and directed them to a website payment portal to “clear the warrant” immediately.

Police will never call about a jury duty summons.

Fortunately, they paused long enough to contact Solace before any money changed hands. A brief analysis by our team confirmed it was a scam.

In 2024, Connecticut residents lost an estimated $90 million to fraud, up from $70 million the year before. Nationwide, imposter scams alone caused $789 million in losses. Email remains the top delivery method for online scammers, followed closely by phone calls and texts.

Scam are increasingly harder to spot, but here are several warning signs to help you steer clear:

  • Unexpected calls, texts, or emails demanding immediate payment
  • Payment requests in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  • Caller ID showing a police station or government office you’ve never dealt with
  • Messages designed to spark fear, urgency, or promises of large rewards
  • Website URLs with small but suspicious differences such as a single extra letter
  • Email and text messages with poor grammar or formatting
  • Requests for personal or financial details over the phone or text message.

Best practice: Pause before acting on any unexpected request, no matter how urgent or convincing it may seem. Verify its legitimacy using a trusted, independent source.

Netflix would never start an email “Hi Dear.” They would not say you “may want to” update your payment details. And they would not refer you to a “Help Centre”; it would be spelled “Center.”

While imposter scams dominate the statistics, our team has also helped Westport residents deal with:

  • Viruses and spyware compromising personal devices
  • Email and online account takeovers that damage reputations
  • Identity theft and phishing campaigns stealing sensitive data
  • Phone SIM-swapping attacks to hijack phone numbers and bypass security codes.

This isn’t random. Affluent ZIP codes like ours attract cybercriminals who believe residents have more to lose.

To stay safe:

  • Validate phone calls and text messages. Call the organization directly, using a trusted phone number.
  • Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Incorporate more characters, digits and symbols to your passwords, and turn on multi-factor authentication everywhere.
  • Limit sharing of personal information online. Ensure appropriate privacy settings on social media, and limit posting of personally identifiable information.
  • Educate your household. Make sure everyone is aware of scam red flags.

There are several types of multi-factor authenticataion. Two involve sending a code to your smartphone, or pinging it. 

From our office in Darien, we offer concierge personal cybersecurity services to Westport residents. They include:

  • Emergency cyber response if you’re hacked or scammed
  • Personal cybersecurity consulting to protect accounts and digital footprint
  • In-person and virtual security audits that secure devices and data
  • Digital privacy and data removal to help prevent identity theft and scams.

In today’s digitally connected world, personal cybersecurity is essential. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Remember these red flags and tips.

(“06880” appreciates being able to offer helpful resources to readers, through local businesses. If you appreciate this kind of “06880” service, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #3047

Posted on August 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3047

Classic Compo Beach scene (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Friday Flashback #464

Posted on August 22, 2025 | 11 comments

Last week’s Friday Flashback featured a what’s-old-is-new-again look at the Cribari Bridge.

Specifically: the 1985 campaign to save the then-threatened historic span from the threat of rebuilding, and the tractor trailers that would follow.

The story drew more than 2 dozen comments. Several referenced the temporary bridge that was erected when — a few years later — the bridge was rehabilitated.

(Spoiler alert: The renovation did not alter the structure. The temporary bridge — much praised for its height, and ease of use — was demolished once the project was completed.)

This week, we show you one of the few photos of that temporary bridge. No, it’s not Photoshopped or AI-generated.

Built just north of the permanent bridge, it curved from Bridge Street through the parking lot of what was then the Mansion Clam House (today, it’s the Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant).

Dave Eason — a former co-owner of Mansion — noted in the comments, “It only impacted the extreme southern end of the lot. It actually worked really well.”

Today, that Riverside Avenue terminus has been planted with evergreen trees.

BONUS SHOT: At the lower right of the photo is what was then a high hump on Ketchum Street. During the Gault project that brought (among other things) condos to Saugatuck, the road was lowered.

(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!)

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Compo Is Now Open!

Posted on August 22, 2025 | 10 comments

Re-testing of the water at Compo Beach has come back normal.

The beach is now reopen for swimming.

Just in time for what looks to be a great weekend!

Everyone back in the water!

 

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Roundup: Tedeschi Trucks, Dandelion, Sports …

Posted on August 22, 2025 | 8 comments

The Levitt Pavilion has just signed one of the biggest bands around, for perhaps the biggest concert of the season.

Tedeschi Trucks Band rocks the Levitt on September 14 (7 p.m.). A cocktail party at 5 p.m. is sponsored by Massi Co. (formerly Don Memo) and Walrus Alley. rs D’Oeuvres from the menus of Massi & Co and Walrus Alley

Grammy Award-12-piece rock and soul powerhouse TTB is known for great live performances. NPR called the husband-and-wife team of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation.”

Levitt Pavilion members can purchase tickets at 10 a.m. today (Friday). Sales to the general public begin Sunday (August 24, 10 a.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.


Tedeschi Trucks Band.

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The Delamar Hotel has opened its guest rooms, to great reviews.

Its restaurant — the Dandelion — took a bit longer to prepare. But now the much-anticipated dining spot — with its modern Mediterranean vibe, in a spectacular space — is ready for its reveal.

A grand pre-opening celebration is set for Saturday, September 6 (6 p.m.).

And — thanks to organizer Judy Michaelis of Coldwell Banker — the event is extra-special. All ticket proceeds will benefit Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Dandelion restaurant.

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Twenty-five years ago today, Beth Cody began volunteering for Westport Little League. She was the 4th grade baseball co-commissioner.

In the quarter century since, she has continued as commissioner for many grades — mostly 4th.

But that’s just a warmup. In 2013 she and her son Jack — a Staples High School junior, former Little Leaguer and Staples player, LL coach and member of Kool to be Kind — introduced the Challenger league to Westport.

It offers boys and girls ages 5 to 18 with physical or intellectual challenges a chance to play baseball too.

Thanks in large part to Beth, it’s stronger than oever.

“She absolutely loves it, and the families love her back,” Jack says.

“She offers a very personalized experience to all the players, and is friendly with all the families. She always looks for fun events besides baseballm so the kids can bond.”

But that’s not all either. Beth volunteers as executive secretary, and has taken minutes at board meetings since 2000. 

On top of all that, she’s had a paid job as Westport Baseball & Softball registrar for 20 years.

Congratulations Beth, on your 25th anniversary, serving so many boys and girls (many of them now men and women), in so many ways. You’re a grand slam!

Beth Cody, at a Challenger baseball game.

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Speaking of Little League: How about that Fairfield National team?!

Our neighbors have reached the pinnacle of U-12 baseball success. Tomorrow (Saturday, August 23, 3:30 p.m.; televised on ABC), they’ll play for the US Little League championship.

Their opponents are from Nevada — the same team Fairfield came from behind to beat and reach the US championship. Nevada advanced out of the double-elimination loser’s bracket (click here to see).

They’re the first Connecticut team to reach the national finals since — yes — Westport, in 2013.

There is a strong Westport connection on the current Fairfield squad. Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap all have parents who are Staples High School graduates. Tommy D’Amura — who belted a home run in Wednesday’s 7-3 win over a Nevada team — has parents who work in our town’s public schools and Police Department.

If Fairfield wins the American title, they’ll play Sunday against the international division winner, for the world championship.

Which even the MLB winner of the “World” Series does not do.

Go Fairfield! (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Fairfield players — including Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley — celebrate a Little League World Series win.

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Speaking still of sports: The resurrected Compo Men’s Hoops League has been a resounding success this summer. Every Monday, 92 players on 10 teams compete under the lights.

As the Final Four looms (Monday, August 25; semifinals at 7 p.m., finals at 8:15), each squad boasts Westport roots.

Team Schur (Staples High School grads Jordan Schur and Connor Whelan; Travis Test, married to grad Eileen Cooney) faces Team Dymond (SHS alums Aaron and Josh Shapiro).

Team Rivel (SHS grad Sam Jossen, longtime Wesptorter Brian Rivel, Westport native Sean McCurdy, Westport detective James Baker) faces Team Salerno (Oscar Edelman, Greens Farms Academy).

Other notable “old” Westporters in the league include Staples graduates Andrew Bloom and Ben Joseloff, former Wrecker Brett Tessler, and a team of all (relatively recent) alumni: Jared Parnes, Carter Kelsey, Owen Ziegler, Mike Ziegler, Cam Manna, Nick Lukens, Justin Rothenberg, Josh Lapping and Matthew Ambrifi.

Compo summer league action.

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Speaking still of sports: Westport PAL hosts its 63rd annual Chief Sam Luciano Golf Tournament on Monday, September 8 at Longshore Country Club.

The event is a fundraiser for PAL’s academic scholarship program. It helps dozens of local students in need, as they pursue their educational goals.

The full day of golf includes prizes, and a great dinner. Tickets for individuals and foursomes, as well as sponsorships, are available now. Click her for registration, and more information.

Questions? Email Westport PAL president, Corporal Craig Bergamo: cbergamo@westportct.gov.

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Believe it or not, another sports story: The Joggers Club is warming up for another year.

A friendly group of neighbors who enjoy the camaraderie and energy of running, every Saturday at 8 a.m. they host runs along the shore. The meeting place is the Greens Farms train station.

Each run is followed by coffee and bagels. A yearly membership is $50. All new members get a free Lululemon Joggers Club shirt ($78 retail). Click here for details.

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Yesterday’s “Cones with a Cop” — a fun Westport Police Benevolent Association initiative for officers and residents at Sunny Daes — was pretty sweet.

It follows the very successful “Coffee with a Cop” program.

For a younger crowd, of course.

Officer Ned Batlin offers a cone with a cop. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Back at Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s collaboration — the Compo Mural Art Competition — has reached its next stage.

Residents were invited to design a mural to bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Bluestone/Hook’d concession building.

Some great submissions have come in. Now it’s our turn.

Three finalists have been chosen. The community is invited to select the winning design. Click here to see all 3, and vote.

Whose art will go here?

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Speaking of the beach: The Remarkable Bookcycle has been getting a lot of use this summer.

Dozens of beachgoers have picked up summer reading (and loftier volumes) from the free lending library, parked on Soundview Drive by the volleyball courts.

But it’s attracted a lot more takers than givers.

The shelves look bare. So: The next time you’re headed to Compo, throw a few gently used favorites in your bag.

It’s an easy — and “remarkable” — contribution to make to our town.

(Photo/John Richers)

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Speaking still of Compo Beach: Hurricane Erin will not make landfall on the US.

But the sprawling storm is still affecting coastal North America, from the Carolinas to the Maritimes.

This was the scene yesterday, at Compo:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Meanwhile, Compo remains closed to swimming. It will remain closed until the water is re-tested. Results will be available on Tuesday.

Burying Hill Beach is open, but no lifeguards are on duty. Old Mill is open too — and there are never lifeguards there.

(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)

Meanwhile, with no swimmers to look out for, these lifeguards found a way to pass the time yesterday.

(Screenshot courtesy of Amy Schneider)

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Similar to the photo above, today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows yesterday’s cool, gray weather.

It grounded even the gulls.

(Photo/Andrew Franco)

Today will be more August-like: Sunny, with a high of 83. The weekend looks good too.

Tuesday is the first day of school, in Westport. Which brings up the annual question: What happened to summer?!

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And finally … in honor of the opening of the new Delamar Westport restaurant (story above):

(If you thought this Roundup was heavy on sports … don’t worry. There’s another one tomorrow — and every day after. And if you appreciate any of them, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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[OPINION]: “Replacement” Cribari Bridge Is Best Alternative

Posted on August 22, 2025 | 20 comments

Last week’s Friday’s Flashback — a look at the 1985 effort to save the Bridge Street (now Cribari) Bridge from a state Department of Transportation plan to replace it with a larger span, allowing tractor trailer traffic — drew over 2 dozen comments.

Many hoped for a similar response today. Forty years later, the future of the Cribari Bridge is still in doubt.

Larry Weisman is not sure that’s the right reaction.

The longtime attorney and town observer writes:

I think that the enthusiasm for saving the Cribari Bridge — which reached its peak in 1985 — is outdated.

It should be replaced by an effort to improve the safety and efficiency of the bridge, preventing its use by oversized vehicles, and preserving what some value as its aesthetic properties.

That is exactly what the state – which owns the bridge – is trying to do.

Below is a chart that outlines 6 carefully considered alternatives, as well as DOT’s preference among them.

As can be seen, the options in the two righthand columns headed “Replacement”, (one with “Alignment” — the preferred alternative  — and the other without), check all the boxes for the thoughtful criteria in the left-hand column.

Click on, hover over or pinch to expand.

If the bridge is replaced in accordance with the preferred alternative, the results would include:

  • Increased horizontal and vertical clearance, with electrical equipment located above 100 year flood elevation
  • Safe bicycle and ADA compliant pedestrian passage
  • Safe guardrails and roadway barriers
  • Increased clearance when closed, reducing frequency of openings
  • Compliance with historic criteria
  • Right and left turn lanes at the Saugatuck end of the bridge.

It seems to me that ConnDOT has done a conscientious job of establishing reasonable and realistic criteria; assessing available alternatives, and the need for structural and operational improvements, and has listened to and taken into account public concerns expressed in earlier forums.

This is not to say that there are not traffic issues on the roads leading to and from the bridge.

But those problems must be addressed separately, and apart from any decision about the bridge itself. The bridge is not the only problem.

The town controls all of the roads that affect bridge traffic, except for Compo Road South (Route 136). The town is in a position to prevent or limit truck traffic on Imperial Avenue and Greens Farms Road. Along with height and weight warnings and alarms, that would go a long way toward effectively addressing the concern about 18-wheelers.

We only have 3 ways to drive across the river. It is imperative that each of them operates safely and efficiently for cars, bicycles and pedestrians.

I believe that the “preferred alternative” shown below in the second column from the right is the best solution. It should be widely supported — even though it would be difficult to synthesize on a t-shirt.

(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To make a tax-deductible contribution, clikc here. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Local politics, Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Pic Of The Day #3046

Posted on August 21, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3046

Working the water at Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Eric Bosch)

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Roundup: Block “S”, F. Scott And Zelda Fitzgerald, Connecticut’s Waste …

Posted on August 21, 2025 | 8 comments

The Block “S” is back.

For 60 years the handsome metal award, on a sturdy wooden base, was the highest honor given to any Staples High School athlete. Two were given at the end of every season, by each varsity team.

Last year, athletic director VJ Sarullo abruptly replaced the award with an inexpensive plaque — without even room for the honoree’s name.

After a community uproar — including heartfelt comments by past recipients, several of whom said it was the only sports award they cared about or kept — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice directed Sarullo to find a solution.

Several current and former Westporters offered to find a manufacturer, and/or fund it themselves.

Yesterday, Sarullo emailed the families of last year’s winners:

We are pleased to announce the return of the Block S Award, a longstanding tradition that recognizes and celebrates members from each athletic team for their dedication and meaningful contributions to the athletic program.  This award has long held significance in acknowledging student-athletes who represent the spirit and commitment of our Staples High School Athletics Family.

He offered the “original Block S trophy design” to last year’s honorees. Click here for the order form. (Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)

Block “S” award.

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“The Great Gatsby” (100 years old) has been around even longer than the Westport Country Playhouse (94).

The 2 institutions come together on September 27 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse hosts “The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music.” The evening offers a look at the lives behind one of the most enduring works of American literature — with readings by acclaimed performers Stephanie Zimbalist and Alec Baldwin. The original live score is by Forrest Gray.

At the heart of the show are letters between F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Their words reveal the love and conflict that fueled some of the 20th century’s most iconic writing. (The couple spent a spirited and memorable summer here, in 1920.)

Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Woodward Internship program at The Westport Country Playhouse. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, in front of their Compo Road South home.

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Connecticut faces a waste crisis. With the closure of key waste-to-energy facilities and no landfill capacity, the state increasingly relies on exporting trash — an unsustainable and costly practice.

On September 8 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority director Jennifer Heaton-Jones explores the state of waste management in Connecticut, including where our trash goes, the environmental and economic impacts of our current system, and why urgent action is needed.

A key focus will be on the importance of “Recycling Right” — understanding what belongs in the recycling bin, what doesn’t, and how contamination undermines the entire recycling process. Attendees will learn how small changes in behavior can lead to big improvements in recycling efficiency and environmental outcomes.

For registration and more information, click here.

What a waste!

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Carl and Jo Ann Miller’s moving sale — with proceeds benefit VFW Post 399 and “06880” — is set for this Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pleasant Valley Lane off North Avenue, opposite the Bedford Middle School entrance).

There are many gems left — including one great outdoor sculpture by Kelley Spearen.

And how about this offer: Buy an item, get a free masterpiece painting by Jo Ann Miller.

Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your generosity!

Kelley Spearen sculpture, at the moving sale.

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The Longshore Women’s Golf Association celebrated their 65th anniversary this week with their annual member/guest tournament.

The day of friendship and competition also raised funds, awareness and food for Filling in the Blanks. The Norwalk non-profit provides weekend meals for underserved Fairfield County children.

The LWGA — open to golfers from Westport and surrounding communities — plays 18-hole competitions every Tuesday, from April through October.

Winners of the memberr/guest, with a gross score of 60, are below (left to right) Leela Benaderet, Anne Palmer, Stina Sternberg and Tracey Narang. Joining them are Longshore head professional Jon Janik and Heidi Nolte, LWGA tournament chair.

(Photo/Sue Roberts)

Net team winners, with a score of 53, were Cindy Scope, Rickie Haas, Jerre Skeats and Jill Hanau.

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A few tickets remain for Shorefest — the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park evening of great food (from Westfair Fish & Chips), entertainment (John Lamb), and a silent auction with very cool local items.

The event is September 5 (6 to 9 p.m. at Sherwood Island — of course).

All proceeds fund the intern program, tree plantings, dune restoration and  Nature Center. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Online orders begin soon  for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.

Members have access on Tuesday (August 26). Non-members can order on September 2. Pickup is October 3-5, at Haskins Preserve in Westport.

Offerings include perennials, shrubs, grasses and trees. Click here for the full list.

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Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between August 13 and 19.

A 23-year-old Greenwich man was charged with interfering with an officer, assault of a public safety worker, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, and breach of peace, following a disturbance at Cedar Point Yacht Club. The man — allegedly intoxicated — initially ran from officers. He then disobeyed verbal commands, and physically resisted efforts to detain him, while trying to harm the officers. He posted $75,000 bond.

A 65-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful restrain, follwoing a domestic disturbance. He allegedly pushed and attempted to restrain the victim.

A 24-year-old Yonkers, New York woman was charged with larceny, after a report of shoplifting at Lululemon. She was found to have multiple bags designed to defeat security measures, and $1,122 worth of stolen merchandise.

A 51-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation, after officers responding to a disturbance at a Westport home found he was the subject of an active arrest warrant. He could not post $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 9 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 8
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

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Scott Smith provides today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, and an explanation:

:One of my favorite local walks is along Burying Hill Beach, at low tide.

“So imagine my surprise when I rounded Frost Point and came across a beach awash with fresh green apples. Must’ve been a whole bushel’s worth.

“Who knows how they got there — aside from the tide, current and wind. And gravity, of course.

“Some were a bit bruised, but I picked one up to sample. It was delicious, if a tad salty. Go figure.”

(Photo/Scott Smith)

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And finally (of course):

(God didn’t make little green apples … and he’s not donating to “06880” either. But you can! Please click here, to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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