Roundup: LobsterFest Tickets, Back-To-School Donations, Colin Quinn Show …

Posted on August 13, 2025 | 13 comments

The day Westporters have been waiting for (and salivating over) is almost here.

Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale this Friday (August 15), at 10 a.m.

The mega-fundraiser — set for September 20 (3 to 7 p.m.) sells out quickly.

For very good reason. There’s something — lobsters, oysters, steak, beer, wine, soda, gelato, music, kids’ stuff (fire juggler, glitter tattoos, antique fire truck) — for everyone. T

100% of profits from sponsorships, donations and ticket sales go to charitable causes. Last year’s event raised over $325,000.

Click here for tickets. and more information.

And remember: Those lobsters don’t eat themselves.

Tickets are on sale Friday for this fest. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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With the first day of school around the corner (Spoiler alert: It’s much closer than you think!), dozens of Westport children still need help.

The Department of Human Services has launched its annual Back-to-School and After-School Care campaigns, to make sure every child starts the year with the supplies, clothing, and support they need to succeed.

There are several ways to help:

  • Make a monetary gift online or in person to support back-to-school resources and after-school scholarships for elementary -aged children – providing safe, enriching activities for working families.
  • Donate Walmart gift cards to help families purchase backpacks, notebooks, clothing and essentials.
  • Choose an item from Human Services’ Back-to-School Amazon Wishlist.

“Back-to-school isn’t just about pencils and paper—it’s about giving kids the confidence and resources to learn and grow,” says Human Services director Elaine Daignault. “Every donation helps give every child a fair start.”

Mail checks payable to “Westport Human Services”; send to Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880

Drop off gift cards at Human Services at Town Hall weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Give online at www.westportct.gov/donate (WeCare Westport); select “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program.”

For more information, contact Annette D’Augelli: 203-341-1050; adaugelli@westportct.gov.

Every student deserves a backpack, and supplies.

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Colin Quinn is the latest addition to the Westport Country Playhouse fall schedule.

The Brooklyn comedian (MTV, Saturday night Live, Comedy Central, on and off Broadway) brings his New York vibe to the historic stage on October 9 (8 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Colin Quinn

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Blau House & Gardens is more than a gorgeous hidden gem off Bayberry Lane.

It’s also a cherished classical garden space.

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra highlights a series of Sunday concerts. Each blends music, poetry and nature, in a serene woodland setting.

This Sunday (August 17), the Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet fills the gardens with lyrical melodies. Gwyneth Walker will read selected poems before each of 5 parts of her suite “All Nature Sings.”

The final event (August 31) showcases “So Sings the Garden,” a collaboration of poetry reading led by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch, with performances by soprano Maureen McKay, baritone Marcelo Guzzo, pianist Thomas Cuffari, and cellist Gunnar Sahlin.

Each evening includes an optional garden tour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with concerts beginning at 6. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic before the performances. Parking and shuttle service is provided at Coleytown Elementary School.

Tickets are $75 per concert; the garden tour is $25. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Blau Gardens

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The last day this summer for lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Sunday (August 17).

The beach remains open, but swimmers are at their own risk.

Compo Beach lifeguards are on their regular schedule through September 1.

Stickers are required at Westport beaches through September 30.

The scene next week. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)

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Speaking of Westport’s waters: We don’t often think of Sherwood Mill Pond in terms of tides.

But this was the scene yesterday, just after high tide.

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

And t’s not even a full moon — that was 3 days ago.

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Speaking of that sturgeon moon: Here’s what it looked like last night, over Compo Beach:

(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)

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This item directly impacts only 56 people: Westport’s justices of the peace.

But it may be of interest to all “06880” readers. We all need to be vigilant, againt all kinds of scams.

Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton emailed all our JPs:

“We have been alerted by a Westport Justice of the Peace that they were recently targeted in a scam.

“The JP was contacted to perform a wedding ceremony and offered payment in advance. The couple sent a certified check for more than the agreed amount and then asked the JP to wire the overpayment back to them.

“In this instance, the JP recognized that something was suspicious and contacted both the Westport Police Department and our office.

“Please remain vigilant if you are contacted to perform a ceremony. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact our office to confirm whether the couple has obtained a Marriage License here in Westport.”

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Three Westport-based creators are producing “Rise + Step:” the first wellness event ever at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

The event “blends movement, music and mission, bringing together community wellness, local talent,” turning the concert venue venue into a space for “empowerment, connection, and purpose.”

The fitness and wellness experience (September 7, 9 to 11 a.m) features:

  • Flow yoga with Westporter Sarah Sadie Newett
  • The Gold Step with Cori Adams, a Westport music-driven step workout phenomenon
  • Producer Peter Van Heerden, Westport-based arts and culture strategist.

Local sponsors include The Granola Bar, Hemma Kitchen, and Barvida.

Ten percent of proceeds support Homes for the Brave, the Bridgeport-based veterans’ non-profit. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rise and Step!

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From beauty to blight: A reader reports on the state of 22 Maple Avenue North.

For over a decade, the owner stuffed boxes and other hoarded materials inside. Nowo the back walls have rotted, and given way.

Red caution tape currently surrounds the home.

22 Maple Avenue North.

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Westport native Jack Backiel now lives in Maryland.

But thanks to “06880,” he keeps up with all things Westport.

Now, add CNN to the list.

Jack writes, “Stew Leonard Jr. was interviewed on CNN yesterday. He talked about prices, but also mentioned he’d be throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium last night.”

Stew Leonard Jr., on CNN. (Photo/Jack Backiel)

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This morning’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is an evening shot. We showcase John Richers’ hibiscus blooms:

(Photo/John Richers)

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And finally … in honor of next month’s “Rise + Step” wellness event (story above):

(Rise up, click here, and join the crew of “06880” supporters. Remember, this blog does not fall from the sky. It takes work — and we need your help to make it happen. Thank you all!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Local business, Media, Westport Country Playhouse

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The Clubhouse Restaurant: Far More Than Bar Food

Posted on August 13, 2025 | 1 comment

Since opening 6 months ago, The Clubhouse has become a hot destination for big games on big TVs, golf and other sports simulators, high-tech darts, karaoke, parties, corporate events, and the 21+ rooftop.

The restaurant and bar have gotten great reviews too.

The Clubhouse restaurant …

But owners Emily and Tim Zobl want everyone to know: Despite its name, The Clubhouse serves much more than “bar food.”

Sure, the smashburger and wings prepped 3 ways are bestsellers.

But Chef Katie McKeown has refined the dinner menu to feature dishes like New York strip steak, crispy salmon, mussels, caviar-topped crispy rice, a quinoa bowl, fried oysters and Tim’s signature rigatoni.

… with one sampling of dishes …

Other “creative, fun” items include Philly cheese steak dumplings, and wonton tacos.

All sauces and dressings are made from scratch.

The restaurant has been the scene of themed programs, like a bourbon dinner in collaboration with Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

A tequila dinner is set for September.

… and another.

Groups of 20 to 50 people have booked The Clubhouse for birthday parties, corporate gatherings and the like. The Zobls expect an uptick in after-wedding parties, now that the Delamar Westport has opened diagnonally across the street.

Striving to market themselves as more than a sports bar and golf simulator center, The Clubhouse will host events like mahjong parties this fall.

The other day, a mom’s group, with 6 babies, came in for a late lunch. Emily — who has 2 young children — felt right at home.

Westport 10 — our town’s social and networking group for Black men — met recently at The Clubhouse.

Meanwhile, the rooftop’s hours have been extended, to match other Westport outdoor venues. It’s now open until 11 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

The Zobls look forward to cooler autumn weather, with football games on the rooftop TVs, a fire pit, and bourbon and beer from the bar.

“Right when we opened, the Knicks were in the playoffs,” Tim says. “People were four deep at the bar. Now we’re ready for college football.”

And ready too for diners who don’t care about sports, but just want good food.

“We’ve built a great team,” Emily says. “We’ve had a lot of fun. We’ve been embraced by the community. We feel very lucky.”

And, she emphasizes, “keep the feedback coming. That’s how we tweaked our menu.”

(The Clubhouse now accepts reservations on line, through Resy. Click here for the Clubhouse website.)

(“06880” reports often on Westport businesses and restaurants. If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3037

Posted on August 12, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3037

Compo Beach low tide, sandbar “heart” (Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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Roundup: Shonda Rhimes, Optimum Channels, Cleaning Closets …

Posted on August 12, 2025 | 4 comments

Filling in the Blanks does important work. The Norwalk non-profit provides fresh, nutritious meals to more than 10,000 food-insecure children on weekends, in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties.

Shonda Rhimes does important work too. So it’s fitting that the famed producer, screenwriter, director and author — and Westport resident — will receive the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year award, at their 6th Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, (September 27, Serafresca at the IC, Stamford).

Rhimes has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity, through her Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.

The gala includes “a culinary adventure designed by elite chefs,” specialty cocktails, an auction and dancing. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

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For decades, Westport and Weston Optimum customers have watched government meetings on Channel 79, and Board of Education sessions on Channel 78.

On August 21, that changes.

Channel 79 meetings will move to Channel 1310. The BOE will be seen on Channel 1305.

The switch was first reported by CT Insider. Click here for the full story.

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Registration is open for Wakeman Town Farm’s many great fall kids’ programs.

They include “Little Farmer Parent & Me” (ages 0-3); “Curious Sprouts” (ages 3-5, with caregiver); “Fantastic Farmhands” (ages 6-10); “Green Teen Club” (ages 11-14), and an inclusive neurodiverse farmer program (ages 3-11+).

There are painting and cooking classes too.

Click here, then click on “Youth Programs,” for details and registration. 

“Little Farmers” is one of many Wakeman Town Farm kids’ programs.

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This is prime closet-cleaning time.

And the Westport Woman’s Club hopes that when you do, you donate new or gently used clothes and acccessories, for their annual sale (October 24-26). All proceeds benefit local charities, and families in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the club (44 Imperial Avenue), weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 and 4 p.m

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This is also prime au pair starting time.

Longtime Westporter Nancy Greenspan Wilson is a local coordinator with Interexchange Au Pair USA, a non-profit agency.

Her job is to support young women and men as they live with American host families, help care for children, and share their language, customs, and culture.

She also helps them feel welcomed in our community. One way is through an annual Exchange Day. Local families, businesses and organizations open their doors to au pairs.

This year’s Exchange Day kayaking event (Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Sea Kayak), brings together au pairs, and anyone else who would like to participate. Pizza at Riko’s follows.

To give back to the community, every participant is encouraged to bring a pantry item from this list for Homes With Hope.

RSVP by August 14. Double and single kayaks and paddleboards available at discounted rates. Pizza is also discounted. Email nwilson@lc.interexchange.org, or call 203-286-3495. For information about hosting an au pair, click here.

Au pairs and friends at Sea Kayak.

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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight at 6 p.m. (Town Hall Room 201/201A).

They’ll hear a project update, and review interior and exterior building design elements. Public comment is allowed.

Planning continues tonight for Long Lots Elementary School.

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Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Shannon Moss is a producer on the film “East of Wall.” The film is about a horse trainer wrestling with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch.

It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Audience Award. It premiered in New York at the Tribeca Festival earlier this summer.

“East of Wall” will show at the Avon Theater in Stamford from August 15-21, then nationwide.

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Compo Beach continues to be a mecca for classic cars.

Richard Fogel spotted this beauty on Sunday:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Jazz at the Post’s Summer Series continues to celebrate Connecticut artists, at VFW Post 399.

This Thursday features a quintet led by bassist Will Goble and drummer Ryan Sands, 2 very talented young musicians.

They’re joined by bassist Anthony Carabello, and saxophonists Nathan Edwards and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Doors open at 7 p.m., for dinner. Shows are at 7:30 and 8:45. Music tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here for reservations. 

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Congratulations to the Fairfield Nationals Little League team.

Our friends to the east defeated Smithtown/St. James, New York 12-1. The huge  win sends them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

A key player — Ben Herbst — is the son of 1992 Staples High School graduate David Herbst, the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96), and grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.

Ben Herbst (center) celebrates with his Fairfield teammates.

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We get a lot of “Westport … Naturally” photos of individual animals.

We seldom get one like this, where they’re together.

Ray Broady spotted the Hieronymus Bosch-like scene in his Cross Highway back yard, near North Avenue.

(Photo/Dianna Broady)

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And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), here’s a 1970s song by our own 1966 Staples grads, Rob Carlson and Jon Gailmor. Why their record label failed to make it a #1 song shows all that was wrong with the record industry.

(“06880” is the only place in the world now to hear Carlson & Gailmor — and learn all you need to know about Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

 

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Media, Staples HS

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Hemma Kitchen: Molly Healey’s “Home” Cooking

Posted on August 12, 2025 | 1 comment

If you know Molly Healey, you know she knows good food.

The Weston High School and Johnson & Wales graduate worked at Blue Hill, then did “cool, high-capacity catering” in the Bay Area for companies like Facebook and Salesforce.

She was the brains behind Manna Toast and Little Dumpling.

They’re closed. But Molly is still cooking.

Now you can enjoy her home-cooked meals, soups, salads and more — made with love, and without additives — without (literally) lifting more than a finger.

 

Molly Healey

Molly’s latest venture is Hemma Kitchen. Named for a Swedish word suggesting a comfortable feeling of home, it’s a once-a-week meal delivery service. All ordering is done online.

Meals come in compostable containers. It’s a healthful boon for overworked parents, singles who don’t care to cook, and older folks who have done their share of cooking already.

Each delivery can last a week. But Hemma’s food is so delicious, it may be gone before then.

Mediterranean lamb meatballs, and more.

Molly has identified a sweet spot between dining out (fun, time-consuming, expensive) and paying a personal chef to come cook (intrusive, expensive).

Her food is delivered pre-cooked (with re-heating instructions, if needed).

The a la carte menu changes weekly, so diners don’t get bored. (Or kids — their lunches are a big part of her service.) All meals are covered, including breakfast. (Baked goods are a specialty.)

Hemma Kitchen’s kids’ lunches.

The menu goes live at 9 a.m. every Thursday. It stays online through noon on Sunday.

Molly works in a commercial kitchen on Saugatuck Avenue (formerly Cabbages & Kings). Her equipment is new — as fresh as her food.

Deliveries are made (anywhere in Fairfield County) on Tuesday afternoons, between 4 and 6. If you’re not home, Molly suggests leaving a cooler outside.

“People really like the ease of this,” Molly says. “They know the food is not boring. And they can tell it’s all made from scratch.”

“It’s insane how good her food is,” one customer tells “06880.”

Favorite items include chicken tortilla soup, salmon burgers, roasted veggie and turkey burgers, and carrot muffins.

Vegan salad: Gotham greens, carrot “bacon,” marinated beets and chickpeas, quinoa crunch, and coconut ranch.

Looking ahead, Molly will be at the Fairfield International Food Fest on Labor Day weekend, and hopes to sell at Weston’s Lachat Town Farm too.

But you don’t have to go anywhere for a meal (or meals) from Hemma Kitchen.

Just click here. Then count down to Tuesday.

PS: Here’s a special offer for “06880” readers: Use the code HELLOHEMMA for 20% off your first order!

(“06880” reports often on Westport’s diverse culinary scene. If you enjoy this coverage — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3036

Posted on August 11, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3036

Saugatuck River, at the Rowing Club (Photo/Rachel Konstantin)

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“06880” Podcast: Addison Moore

Posted on August 11, 2025 | 4 comments

Addison Moore is the youngest guest we’ve ever had on our “06880” podcast.

He’s also one of the most interesting.

A 2023 Staples High School graduate, and a rising senior at Lafayette College, Addison started one of Fairfield County’s largest youth community service groups.

He is living proof that young people today do care about much more than themselves (and their phones).

Now Addison is taking his activism one step further. He’s planning a run for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — the youngest candidate ever.

The other day, Addison stopped by the Westport Library, to chat about his love for this town, his service to it, and his future here. Click below to hear his well-spoken, passionate insights.

 

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Roundup: RTM Candidates, Sarah Jessica Parker Tickets, Tom Lowrie Dedication …

Posted on August 11, 2025 | 3 comments

As of today, there may be only competitive races in 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.

Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)

District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.

District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitions not yet returned: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.

District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.

District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitions not yet returned: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.

District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.

District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.

District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg. Petition not yet returned: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.

District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.

District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petition not yet returned: Addison Moore.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.

For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, August 12) for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser, with Sara Jessica Parker.

The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be honored September 10.

General admission tickets are $375 each. There is a limit of 2 per transaction. Click here for the ticket link, and more information.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Photo/Jem Mitchell)

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Laura Kaufman appreciates Saturday’s “06880” story on her coworking business, Office Evolution.

And — because she wants readers to check out the space, and meet “rock star” office manager Lindy Steinorth — she invites people to email Lindy (westportct@officeevolution.com), or call her (203-635-8770).

Just mention “06880,” for a free trial. PS: Tell Lindy she rocks!

Office Evolution manager Lindy Steinorth (left) and Westport owner Laura Kaufman.

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Calling all pickleball players. And fans of Tom Lowrie. And everyone else who wants to celebrate.

On August 23 (3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.

The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).

Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.

Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.

(Poster created by Andrew Colabella)

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Speaking of the beach: Our past 2 Roundups have featured very cool photos of the full sturgeon moon, as seen from Compo Beach.

Today, there’s an equally intriguing one — without the moon.

This was a group of teenagers, gathered by the cannons last night.

(Photo/Laurie Nelson Austin)

Who says kids never look up from their phones?

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When couples book a wedding at The Inn at Longshore — one of the most gorgeous outdoor venues in the state — they pray (for months) for good weather.

Alex and Stanley had great weather yesterday.

Today — at least, judging by this photo — they headed off, in a very traditional way.

And with another day of spectacular sunshine.

(Photo/John Richers)

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Attention, all New York Yankee — and dog — fans!

Aaron Judge, and furry Gus and Penny, are teaming up with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates and Earth Animal, to help homeless dogs in around Connecticut.

Each “Judge” dog toy is $29.99. All proceeds to go to WASA.

This year alone, the non-profit has covered almost $11,000 worth of emergency care for animals abandoned in Westport. Additional funds have been spent elsewhere in the state.

Gus and Penny, with Aaron Judge toys.

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The Wood Brothers brought their progressive Americana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night, as the 51st season of great outdoor entertainment continued.

The Wood Brothers. (Photo/Susan Garment)

This week’s shows are all free:

  • Tuesday, August 12: Suzanne Sheridan & Friends, “Mostly Ronstadt” (7 p.m.).
  • Wednesday, August 13: Miss Tutti & the Fruity Band, Children’s Series (7 p.m.).
  • Thursday, August 14: Reprise, Phish tribute band (6:30 p.m.).
  • Friday, August 15: Karina Rykman, jam rock/indie pop (7:30 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and free tickets.

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The public is invited to a swearing-in ceremony (August 22, 3 p.m., Fire Department headquarters) for 5 new firefighters.

Help us welcome Drew Haig, Joseph McKay, Stephen Marsan, William O’Rourke and Patricia Quinn to Westport!

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The trees are all gone. Construction has begun.

And every day, the sand pile at the new state Department of Transportation facility behind Walgreens grows.

This is the lastest view, taken just off Hillandale Road. Without foliage, everyone can “enjoy” it.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Former Westport teacher Lois Green died peacefully at her North Carolina home on May 18. She was 95.

The Adelphi University (BA) and Fairfield University (MA) graduate and her family were longtime residents of Westport, apart from a stay in Sydney, Australia between 1970 and 1977.

Lois taught special education and reading in the Westport Public Schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school.

She served as a Westport Education Association representative, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters.

After retirement she continued her advocacy as a court appointed guardian ad litem, representing foster children with special education needs in the courts and school systems. Lois supported many human rights, social justice and environmental causes.

Lois had a passion for learning as well as teaching. She was an inaugural member of a philosophy class at the University of North Carolina that brought college-age students and older community members together to share perspectives. She attended classes until a few weeks before her final illness.

She and her late husband Paul were world travelers, by car, ship, foot and plane.

Lois is survived by her children Julie Altschuler (Scott), Mark (Michele Karel), and Jonathan (Christiane Auston); grandchildren Rena Behar (David Gabriel), David Behar, Michael Green (Andrea Hinojosa Nieto), Lizzie Green, Sarah Green and Owen Auston-Babcock, nephews, and her lifelong dearest friend, Arlene Wang.

Lois Green

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In these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, there’s nothing more soothing than today’s Saugatuck River “Westport … Naturally” scene.

(Photo/Loretta Hallock)

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And finally … in honor of the Aaron Judge dog toy promotion (story above):

(We won’t judge you if you don’t support “06880.” But on the other hand: If you’re reading this, and enjoying us, and learning about our town, why don’t you? Please click here — and thank you!)

 

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Dr. Anna Mahon: New Assistant Superintendent Combines Educational, Olympic Experiences

Posted on August 11, 2025 | 2 comments

Anna Mahon was a Division I athlete at the University of Vermont. She threw the hammer 160 feet in practice.

If her coach was watching though, she dropped to 140 feet.

In meets, she managed only 120.

Before her junior year, Anna addressed her performance anxiety with the help of a sports psychologist.

She went on to compete in the 2004 Olympics, in Athens.

Two decades later, that athletic background — and her understanding of how human beings act, learn and grow —  stands Dr. Mahon in good stead.

Dr. Anna Mahon

The former psychology and English major — and Olympian — is Westport’s new assistant superintendent of schools for teaching and learning. She replaces Dr. Anthony Buono, who retired.

Mahon is a versatile athlete. In addition to track (hurdles, long jump, shot put), she was a 4-year swimmer at Stamford High. At UVM, a coach saw her potential as a hammer thrower.

But what she calls “significant performance anxiety” dogged her — and not just on the field. “I was not a good test taker. I got nervous with assessments,” she says.

She sought out noted sports psychologist Dr. Alan Goldberg. Her confidence — and distances — surged. She missed qualifying for the 1996 Olympics (where women’s hammer throw was an exhibition sport) by one spot.

She then followed several family members into teaching, and earned a master’s in education at Boston University.

She was hired as a Darien High School English teacher. But she missed competing, so she also trained for up to 25 hours a week with the Southern Connecticut State University coach.

She continued to work on the mental aspect of her sport. As she grew as a teacher, she used her own personal growth to help students through their own stresses.

Mahon and her husband Sean — a former high jumper on SCSU’s national championship team — bought a home in Orange.

The commute was tough. He was beginning his caeer as a physical education and health teacher at Amity Regional High, just 4 miles away (he is now the department chair), so she began teaching there too.

John Brady — a former administrator in Westport — took over as suprintendent for Amity Regional School District #5.

“He also brought the Westport concept of the 3 A’s — academics, arts and athletics — to the district,” Mahon notes. “He had a very strong vision of excellence.”

His support of her travel for her sport ws important as well, she says. From 2004 to 2012 she coached men’s and women’s throwers at Yale University. Her athletes set national and school records.

Mahon was named associate principal in 2010, and principal in 2015. Another superintendent during that time was former Westport administrator Chip Dumais.

Mahon — who had earned a doctorate — had no intention of leaving Amity. But an assistant superintendent position opened up in Brookfield. The opportunity to work in a variety of areas — curriculum, human resources, special education and more — was appealing.

Which brings her to her next exciting professional challenge: Westport.

“Anthony (Buono) left this office in tip-top shape,” Mahon says. “The curriculum documents are all online. I’m here to support that work.”

And take it to the next level. She looks forward to working on Westport’s AI initiative.

Westport is “a state and national leader” in examing the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning, she says. Six groups are working on various elements, under superintendent Thomas Scarice’s direction.

“We’re examining everything, from vision and ethics to the impact on students and teachers,” Mahon adds.

She is excited too by the work CJ Shamas, Ashley Moran and others are doing in the area of growth mindset for continuous development. Their work can be scaled out to the entire district.

“My experience at the highest level of competitive sports has instilled in me a profound understanding of discipline, resilience and perseverance,” she says.

Those qualities “are eseental for fostering a growth mindset within our school community.”

Mahon believes that those and many other past experiences align with the Westport Public Schools’ “clear vision of good leadership.”

Since she began on July 1, she has met with principals, program leaders and coordinators. She’s met elementary school families too, as they check in at libraries for summer reading.

“It’s nice to start in July. But now I’m ready for school to start,” Mahon says.

Dr. Anna Mahon, in her Town Hall office. Her daughter’s swim posters are on the wall. (Photo/Dan Woog)

It will be an active fall. But Mahon has always been on the go.

Last year, her family went to Paris for the Olympics They were in the Stade de France — the same venue where in 2003 she placed 7th at the World Championship. (She finished in the mid-20s, out of 50, at the Olympics the following year.)

Mahon no longer competes. But she’s an avid spectator for her daughter Grace, a University of New Hampshire swimmer, and football-playing son Lance. After a post-grad year at Choate Rosemary Hall, he’ll play at the State University of New York-Stony Brook.

They (and their 2 dogs) enjoy getting away to their second home in Vermont, for skiing and snowmobiling.

From those sports to her younger years, as a swimmer and hammer thrower, Dr. Anna Mahon has been an individual sport athlete.

But a colleague who has worked with her since July 1 uses a team sport analogy to describe her impact on the Westport Public Schools.

He calls her “a grand slam.”

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Owenoke, from Compo (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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